The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 73
Xie Shao did not respond. He walked past him and stepped over the threshold first.
Minzhang hurried after him. Only then did he notice that his master still seemed to be wearing the same clothes from last night, unchanged. There was also something off about his demeanor, much quieter.
He did not know how his master had come to terms with things, but he could guess it was likely Third Young Madam who had persuaded him.
After arriving in the Eastern Capital, life had grown increasingly difficult. They had nearly been left without even a place to stay, let alone a carriage. The two of them walked out of the alley and hailed a carriage by the street, heading for the Ministry of War.
Ordinarily, an appointment document would first be reviewed by officials, then approved by the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, before being reported to the Chancellor Office. After verification by the supervising officials there, if no objections arose, it would be submitted by the eunuchs to the emperor.
Once the emperor gave his consent, the appointment would take effect immediately.
But Xie Shao’s appointment had been reversed in the process. It was personally granted by the emperor. All he needed to do was carry the document himself and have it stamped with the official seal of the Ministry of War to complete the formalities.
When the carriage arrived at the Ministry of War, Minzhang reported his master’s name to the guards. “Xie Shao, Third Young Master of the Xie family, has come bearing an appointment document. Please inform the Minister of War.”
Among the officials of the Six Ministries, nearly half had followed Yuan Ming’an in supporting the Crown Prince.
The Minister of War was no exception.
Since the Crown Prince’s deposition, no one had slept well these past two days. No one knew what direction things would take next. After all, the Crown Prince was the emperor’s only son, though he had been deposed, he could just as easily be reinstated.
Afraid of switching sides too early and being branded a fence-sitter, they worried that if the Crown Prince regained power, there would be no place left for them to stand.
Yet unease lingered. The emperor had first driven the Crown Prince out of the Eastern Capital, then kept Jing Wang behind, and afterward deposed the Crown Prince entirely. This series of moves suggested the emperor was truly enraged.
Throughout history, it was not unheard of for an adopted son to inherit the throne. It was not impossible that the emperor might truly pass the position to his adopted son.
The imperial will was unfathomable. Until matters were settled, those below could only try their best to avoid taking sides and offending no one.
At such a critical moment, the sudden news that the Third Young Master Xie had come to request the appointment seal made the Minister of War’s expression change. Was this not the same as putting a noose around his own neck?
With the Crown Prince deposed, the Xie family had become the root of the disaster. The Crown Prince and the Empress likely already hated them to the bone.
And regardless of whether the Xie family had truly rebelled, the fact that they had turned their blade toward their own liege meant their future path was all but severed. Jing Wang would certainly never employ them again.
No matter where this Third Young Master Xie had obtained his appointment document, he absolutely could not involve himself. “Tell him I am not here.”
“Yes.” The subordinate had only taken a few steps before the Minister of War called him back. In the end, he chose to leave himself a way out. “Tell him this, my Ministry of War merely carries out orders. If the Chancellor Office has completed its review and raised no objections, then the Ministry of War will naturally affix the seal.” He added, “Be courteous. Send him away properly.”
Xie Shao waited outside for the time it took for two sticks of incense before receiving this reply.
At a single listen, it was clear they were brushing him off.
Minzhang’s brows furrowed, about to flare up, but Xie Shao stopped him. His expression remained calm, as if he had expected nothing else. He said to the messenger, “I hope the Minister will keep his word.”
He turned and boarded the carriage again, heading for the Chancellor Office to seek an audience directly with the Right Chancellor, Yuan Ming’an.
Yuan Ming’an had just returned from the palace after soothing the Empress. Exhausted, he sat on a cushioned couch, propping his head and resting with his eyes closed, when a subordinate came in to report, “Chancellor Yuan, the Third Young Master of the Xie family, Xie Shao, has arrived.”
Yuan Ming’an’s eyes snapped open at once.
The subordinate continued, “Third Young Master Xie says he has an appointment document and seeks your authorization.”
Yuan Ming’an slowly straightened, one brow lifting slightly as his eyes narrowed. A shadowed glint flickered in their depths, and a faintly mocking smile, as if anticipating a show, appeared on his face. “Let him in.”
A moment later, the attendant returned, followed by a young nobleman. Bathed in a slant of morning light spilling through the doorway, his figure passed through the large screen painted with a soaring eagle and stepped into the inner hall.
After a sleepless night, a trace of fatigue lingered between Xie Shao’s brows, yet his eyes remained clear and composed, revealing not the slightest hint of weariness.
As for his face, anyone who laid eyes on it had never been disappointed.
Bright as the moon, refined and noble.
Yuan Ming’an lifted his eyelids and cast a casual glance his way, but when his gaze fell upon that face, it paused for the briefest moment.
It was clear that the robe he wore had been washed several times and was no longer new, yet draped over his broad shoulders and narrow waist, it only accentuated an almost otherworldly grace and bearing.
One had to admit, some people were born to stand above others. No matter how down-and-out their circumstances, they still appeared radiant.
He recognized the man, of course, but the proper airs had to be maintained. Yuan Ming’an feigned puzzlement and asked, “And you are?”
The attendant quickly said, “Reporting to you, Lord. This is the Third Young Master of the Xie family.”
Xie Shao followed proper etiquette and bowed. “Minister Yuan.”
Only then did Yuan Ming’an put on a look of sudden realization and smile. “Eight years have passed since we last met. I still remember Young Master Xie’s former bearing as if it were yesterday. Seeing you now, you seem even more dashing than before.”
“You flatter me, Minister Yuan.”
Yuan Ming’an did not invite him to sit. Remaining on the cushioned couch, he took a sip of tea and continued chatting, “And how is your father? Since we parted eight years ago, I have not seen him again. I hear that in these past years, he has lived like a carefree recluse in Fengcheng, a life more blissful than that of an immortal. Even His Majesty has felt some envy.”
“My father is but a common villager. How could he compare to Your Excellency’s authority in high office? His Majesty is the Son of Heaven of Great Feng, bearing the concerns of the realm. How could he envy one with no great ambition?”
His rebuttal, leaving no room for criticism, carried the same sharp edge he had shown in his youth, unwilling to fall beneath others.
And it was precisely that bearing that made him particularly detestable. Yuan Ming’an glanced at him, and the old frustration of how this man had once overshadowed his own son at every turn rose again within him.
Setting down his teacup, he stood. “Since Young Master Xie has come to see me, I will naturally extend proper hospitality.” He instructed the attendants, “Prepare a banquet for Young Master Xie. See that he is not neglected.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Minister Yuan, but I have come today on official business and should not impose,” Xie Shao said with a respectful bow, before stating his purpose. “I have obtained an appointment document from Wangye. It lacks only an official seal. I ask that Minister Yuan grant authorization.”
Yuan Ming’an smiled. “It is merely a seal. What is there to be anxious about? Young Master Xie, go rest for now. I will see that everything is arranged for you…”
With that, Yuan Ming’an turned to leave.
But Xie Shao did not move. “If Minister Yuan is occupied with official duties, then I shall not trouble you further. Since I have already come, I will take my leave.”
To have obtained this appointment document without going through the Chancellor must have meant it was granted with the emperor’s approval.
It was likely a small favor from Jing Wang to secure Xie Shao’s loyalty. After all, in the days to come, Jing Wang would still need to rely on Xie Daolin’s influence at court to pave the way ahead.
As for himself, because of the Crown Prince’s affair, he had already struck a nerve with the emperor. He had yet to extricate himself. If such a trivial matter were to be brought before the emperor again, it would only give the emperor precisely the leverage he needed to find a pretext to punish him.
Xie Shao turned, already about to step over the threshold, when Yuan Ming’an spoke behind him, “Since Young Master Xie is in such a hurry, then let us attend to the official matter first.”
He stepped forward a few paces, coming to Xie Shao’s side, and said slowly, “Only, the Eastern Capital is not like Fengcheng. There are more people here, and more rules as well. You will have to trouble yourself to make the rounds personally at each office.”
Obtaining an appointment document could be simple or exceedingly complicated.
If one insisted on doing things strictly by procedure, one’s ancestry would be investigated for generations, and even one’s physical condition examined. Only if no defects were found would one pass. To go through the entire process would take at least half a day, if not more.
Since he had come today, Xie Shao had already prepared himself. Turning to the attendant, he said, “Please lead the way.”
Yuan Ming’an turned his head, watching the departing figure step down the path, then suddenly called out, “After so many years, I trust Third Young Master is no longer afraid of dogs?”
Back then, he remembered well that Chancellor Xie had personally come to break down the locked door and helped him out. Xie Shao could not even stand steady, weeping like pear blossoms in the rain.
A brash young brat could only be so arrogant. After a few years of idle dissipation, returning to the Eastern Capital, could he really turn the world upside down?
Ahead, Xie Shao’s steps halted. He slowly stopped and turned back, his gaze icy, a trace of disdain seeping into his eyes, just as he had once looked at Yuan Ming’an. His expression carried both contempt and pride. “Minister Yuan does not understand that beasts are not what one should fear. What is truly frightening is when a human heart is worse than a beast’s.”
With that, he did not spare Yuan Ming’an another glance. He turned and let the attendant continue leading the way.
They passed through several moon-gate doorways before the attendant stopped outside another office and called inside, “Is the Supervising Secretary present?”
Back when Xie Shao’s elder brother, Xie Heng, had received his court appointment, the Eldest Madam had flaunted it everywhere. Minzhang remembered clearly that it had been a Supervising Secretary of the Chancellor who handled it.
He had thought they might run into a familiar face.
After a moment, a man emerged from within. He appeared to be middle-aged, his face unfamiliar, certainly not Xie Heng, the Xie family’s eldest son.
Seeing that the visitor was a close attendant of Chancellor Yuan, the Supervising Secretary asked, “What instructions does Lord Yuan have?”
The attendant glanced at Xie Shao standing below the steps, then stepped closer and quietly explained, “This is the Third Young Master of the Xie family. Chancellor Yuan has instructed that he be properly received.”
Most appointment documents at court were decided in advance. The Chancellor’s review was often little more than a formality. Some people merely had to send word in, and they would be approved.
For the Chancellor to specially send someone with instructions today, how could the Supervising Secretary not understand?
His gaze turned toward Xie Shao as he called out, “Young Master Xie, my apologies. Please wait a moment. I have not yet finished the matter at hand and truly cannot step away.”
Xie Shao smiled, unhurried. “Please attend to your work first.”
Once the attendant had delivered them, his task was done. He turned back to report, leaving Xie Shao and Minzhang standing outside the door, waiting in vain.
Time passed bit by bit. People came and went at the doorway, some with heads lowered, others chatting and laughing among themselves, yet all of them deliberately avoided the two of them, their gazes never once falling in their direction.
Minzhang had only begun following Xie Shao in Fengcheng and knew nothing of his former days in the Eastern Capital. Only now did he realize just how many twists and subtle methods there were in officialdom for making things difficult for someone.
These people were clearly putting obstacles in his master’s path.
He turned and glanced at the water clock in the courtyard, and nearly half an hour had already passed. If they kept waiting like this, they might not even see that the Supervising Secretary would free up before sunset.
Unable to hold back any longer, he said to Xie Shao, “Master, your appointment was personally granted by His Majesty. Why should you endure such treatment from people like this? Just go straight to take up your post at the Three Imperial Guard Bureaus. Who would dare stop you?”
“If I cannot even obtain a single seal, how am I to establish myself in the military in the future? Would I not become a laughingstock?”
Seeing that enough time had passed, Xie Shao stepped forward to the door. Ignoring the attendant’s attempts to stop him, he strode straight into the room and stood before the Supervising Secretary from earlier. “Have you finished your work?”
The official had not expected him to barge in so suddenly. Flustered, he quickly spread open the documents on his desk, putting on a troubled expression. “Not yet, I’m afraid. Young Master Xie may have to wait a little longer…”
Xie Shao looked at him, the last trace of courtesy gone from his face. “All matters handled by the Chancellor Office are recorded and filed. Five years ago, due to delays on your end, a memorial failed to be submitted in time, which delayed an important affair. His Majesty then issued a clear decree, clearly stipulating that no reviewing secretary may allow documents to pile up for longer than the time it takes two incense sticks to burn. I have already waited outside for half an hour, granting you more than enough leeway. Since you claim to be occupied, then how much longer must I wait? Kindly give me a precise time.”
The official’s expression shifted. He had not expected that someone who had just returned from Fengcheng would know the inner workings of the Chancellor Office so thoroughly.
He could make him wait, but he could not name a time carelessly.
Since Chancellor Yuan had sent him here, the intent was clearly to create obstacles in secret, not to openly tear relations apart.
Knowing when to stop, he relented. “Since Young Master Xie is in a hurry, I will attend to your matter first.”
Xie Shao said nothing more. From within his sleeve, he took out the appointment document and placed it before him.
The Supervising Secretary took the document. The moment he saw the paper and the handwriting, he knew exactly where it had come from. His heart leaped into his throat, and cold sweat broke out all over him. How could he dare delay any further? Without asking a single question, he hurriedly flipped through the case registers and added the record in front of Xie Shao’s very eyes. He was just about to hand over the wooden token signifying approval when a voice suddenly came from the doorway.
“Oh? Is that Third Young Master Xie?”
Xie Shao turned his head and looked at the man entering through the door. From the exaggerated features of that face, he vaguely recognized him.
Yuan Run, the eldest son of the Yuan family.
In their childhood, when Chancellor Xie and Yuan Ming’an had balanced each other in the court, it was inevitable that they would be compared, over power, over literary talent, and even over their wives and children.
Unfortunately, the eldest son of the Yuan family had never done Yuan Ming’an proud.
In matters of both civil and martial arts, whenever he came up against Xie Shao, he was utterly crushed, never winning a single time. From that had grown a deeper resentment, and jealousy had taken root.
Xie Shao’s gaze rested on his face for a moment, utterly unruffled, then calmly withdrew as he turned back to wait for the secretary.
His disregard made Yuan Run’s expression stiffen, but he did not give up. Stepping forward, he drew closer and spoke again, sleeves gathered. “What’s the matter, Third Young Master? After one trip to Fengcheng, don’t you even remember an old acquaintance?”
Only then did Xie Shao reply. “I wish I could forget. But Young Master Yuan’s reputation, after a certain hunt eight years ago, has resounded throughout the Eastern Capital. Who hasn’t heard of it?”
Indeed. Eight years ago, when Yuan Run had encountered a tiger during a hunt, he had wet himself on the spot. Xie Shao had dragged him out, and everyone had seen the stain of a different color on his trousers.
The corner of Yuan Run’s mouth twitched, wishing he could skin him alive and tear him to pieces.
But he was no longer eleven or twelve years old. He could not simply lash out at the slightest provocation. His gaze suddenly shifted to the appointment document on the desk, and he said in a low voice, “Since Third Young Master has come to seek authorization for his appointment, the Supervising Secretary must not neglect his duty. All who enter official ranks must be physically sound. Who knows whether Third Young Master has acquired any defects during these years away? Shouldn’t you send someone to examine him thoroughly?”
Before seeing the document, the official might have dared to follow his words. Now, sweat poured down his back, caught between both sides, and unable to act.
Even Chancellor Yuan had not dared to escalate matters openly, how could a mere Supervising Secretary stick his neck out?
Seeing the man shrinking in on himself like a coward, Yuan Run grew furious and let out a cold laugh. “What? Could it be that Third Young Master possesses some special privilege?”
As he spoke, he reached out to grab the appointment document from the desk.
Before his hand could touch it, his wrist was suddenly seized. Before he could react, there came a sharp crack, and his joint had been dislocated.
A piercing pain shot through him. Before he could even cry out, Xie Shao had pinned him down onto the wooden desk in front of him. Xie Shao loomed above, his features sharp, that familiar trace of mockery from years ago on his face. “Eight years, and still just as useless.”
A pig-like squeal rang out in the room. Xie Shao picked up the appointment document and the wooden token from the desk and walked toward the door without looking back.
Just as he stepped down the stairs, he saw someone ahead.
The man held several thick registers in his arms, half his face obscured. At first glance, Xie Shao did not recognize him. Only as he passed by and noticed the man standing frozen in place did he turn his head slightly.
Back then, in order to curry favor with the Crown Prince, the Xie family’s eldest branch had done everything they could to send their eldest son to the Eastern Capital. Now that trouble had arisen, and the Crown Prince had been deposed because of the Xie family, Xie Heng’s situation had naturally suffered as well.
The official robe he wore was different from those inside the room. He was clearly no longer a Supervising Secretary.
From his current appearance, he looked more like a servant anyone could order about.
Xie Heng had likely never expected to run into Xie Shao here. Before coming to the Eastern Capital, the farewell banquet the Xie family held for him had been so grand. Both of them remembered it clearly.
Back then, he himself had been radiant, admired wherever he went. As he departed, he had even boasted before Xie Shao about how he would rise to prominence in the Eastern Capital.
And now, he was being seen in his most wretched state.
Xie Heng’s back stiffened. After meeting Xie Shao’s gaze for a moment, the light in his eyes dimmed. He suddenly lowered his head, said nothing, and carried his books up the steps.
Seeing him like this, Xie Shao did not greet him either. He turned and left the Chancellor Office with Minzhang, heading to the Ministry of War to have the seal affixed.
—
The moment Xie Shao left in the morning, Wen Shuse got up.
She had not slept well the night before. Once those words had been spoken, she knew exactly what would happen to their relationship. Perhaps a return to the estrangement of the beginning, or something even worse.
Though she did not regret it, her heart could not settle.
As the sky gradually darkened and night fell, he still had not returned. She grew restless. “Aunt, do you think he might not come back?”
“Rest assured, Miss. If your husband does not come back, where else could he go?”
Wen Shuse said nothing more. Just as unease gripped her, she suddenly heard movement outside. Her heart thudded twice, and she sprang up from the armchair in an instant.
Aunt Qing went out first to take a look. Moments later, she returned, smiling. “The young master is back.”
Wen Shuse quickly stepped over the threshold and stood along the corridor he would pass through, waiting as the man approached from the far end. When he drew near, she called out as she always did, “Husband.”
The night was deep, and she could not make out his expression clearly. She could only vaguely see him nod once. He did not respond, nor did he slow his steps.