“Heir.”

The candlelight flickered, and Xin Yi abruptly looked up. Only then did he realize that dusk had fallen, and he was the only one still seated in the hall, with Xiaosu holding a candle a few steps away.

As the candlelight swayed, only a few thin pages remained of the report beneath his fingers. Xin Yi understood why Xiaosu was waiting there, so he closed the report and handed it over. He had already committed most of the contents of the report to memory, and the last few pages were merely verbose instructions, with no need to read them again.

Xiaosu took the report and tucked it into his sleeve. He said to Xin Yi, “It’s late, Heir. Please be careful on your way back.”

Xin Yi remained still, slowly writing a word or two on a piece of paper.

Thank you.

“This humble subordinate is merely acting on orders,” Xiaosu said with a slight smile. “An umbrella has been prepared in the veranda. Please, Heir.”

Xin Yi leaned forward in a bow, but Xiaosu subtly turned to the side, not accepting it. Xin Yi did not insist, put down his brush, stood up, and left. After he departed, Xiaosu burned the paper with the words “Thank you” on it over the candle, turning it into a handful of ash. With a gentle blow, nothing was left.

Xin Yi stepped out of the hall and stood in the veranda. From there, looking past the long pavilion opposite, the Imperial Palace came into view. It was already dark, and palace lanterns hung from the palace eaves, swaying in the light snow. In Xin Yi’s eyes, they resembled wide-staring eyes, peering down from above, using the night to spy on their surroundings. His straightened back felt somewhat stiff, his face devoid of a smile, replaced instead by a cold indifference.

It was as if he was looking down at the vast Imperial Palace, or perhaps coldly scrutinizing himself, who was trying to get to the bottom of things.

Xin Yi let out a heavy breath of cold air and stepped down the stairs.

February gradually passed, and as early March began, Zhang Taiyan recommended Hou Ke from the Hanlin Academy to be a Director in the Imperial Secretariat. He Anchang, citing illness, requested to resign from his position as Vice Minister of the Grand Council, but the Emperor did not approve. In April, the Crown Prince initiated a memorial requesting the implementation of the “Northern Commerce Decree,” intending to designate Beiyang as a commercial hub for Great Yuan to deliver goods. Although it preserved the Prince of Yan’s title, it actually reduced the Shangjin area, one of the Beiyang Three Jins, and returned it to the imperial court, effectively ceding land. Bai Jiu’s faction tried to dissuade this, citing Beiyang’s importance as a border region. However, Chagatai of Great Yuan had recently formed a marriage alliance with a Great Lan princess and frequently offered excellent horses, cattle, and sheep as tribute, showing ample respect as a son-in-law of Great Lan, which rekindled the Emperor’s sense of might. In early May, the Northern Commerce Decree was implemented.

The Beiyang Three Jins thus became the Beiyang Two Jins, losing the Shangjin trade area near Great Yuan, and became sandwiched on the periphery between Shangjin and the imperial court, no longer possessing the majestic might of Beiyang’s lion’s roar from yesteryear.

On the day the Northern Commerce Decree was implemented, the Crown Prince encountered Xin Yi in the palace. He slowed his steps and looked at Xin Yi kindly.

“You child,” the Crown Prince gently chided, “You’ve lost quite a bit of weight again.”

Xin Yi still held the books bestowed by the Emperor. His eyes curved slightly as he stopped and bowed to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince approached, glanced at the cover of the book in his hand, and chuckled, “A document for the Northern Commerce Decree?” This decree was proposed by me. If you have questions, it’s most appropriate to seek me out. There’s no need to read this book.” Seeing Xin Yi’s humble smile and undiminished profound look in his eyes, he added, “In just a few months, I see you in a new light.”

Xin Yi showed a bashful expression.

The Crown Prince took his hand and walked a few steps, saying, “Beiyang is your home, so I must speak to you about this decree. The imperial court considered this for the sake of the country and its people. If it weren’t for the extensive benefits, how could Imperial Father bear to give up Shangjin? Do you understand?”

Xin Yi nodded, looking like he humbly accepted the instruction.

The Crown Prince then smiled again, raising his hand to have a palace attendant bring some candy, which he handed to Xin Yi, saying affectionately, “There are many rules in the palace, and food is strictly monitored. This candy is privately given by Imperial Uncle; take it and eat it.” He then chuckled, “If His Majesty doesn’t ask, don’t mention it. Lest he blame me again for indulging your childishness.”

Xin Yi remained respectful and compliant, maintaining his posture even after the Crown Prince had walked far away. A young eunuch secretly praised him, thinking that Heir Yi, though mute, had truly excellent temperament and upbringing, always fulfilling all etiquette before moving.

Xin Yi exited the palace gate, opened the packet of candy in his hand, and popped one into his mouth. Meng Chen, standing nearby, exclaimed, “Heir, you’re really eating it just like that?”

Xin Yi smiled, crunched the candy in his mouth, and then softly said, “Eat. Why not eat?”

It was said that after the Crown Prince parted with Xin Yi and went to his study, he saw Bai Jiu. The Prince of Pingding and the Emperor were sitting knee to knee, playing chess.

The Crown Prince bowed and smiled, “Your son is ashamed; every time I see Imperial Father playing chess with the Prince of Pingding, I can’t help but feel a longing to join.”

The Emperor had passed the cold month, and with the weather warming, his mood seemed to have improved considerably. Hearing this, he smiled and pointed at the Crown Prince, saying to Bai Jiu, “Look, he’s getting envious.”

Bai Jiu paused his finger, looked at the Crown Prince with narrowed eyes, and smiled, “This subject is a terrible chess player. With the Crown Prince here, you can just happen to relieve my predicament.”

The Emperor laughed heartily, “Your chess skills, you haven’t won in all these years. Today, you have nothing to do. Crown Prince, come and play a few games for him.”

“Your Majesty has forgotten again,” Bai Jiu chuckled, picking up a chess piece. “The Crown Prince has been so busy with the Northern Commerce Decree lately that he hasn’t been seen anywhere. How could he have nothing to do?”

The Emperor slightly contained his smile and asked the Crown Prince, “Do you really have matters to attend to?”

The Crown Prince smiled, “They are all trivial matters.”

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction, “State affairs are paramount.” Speaking of the Northern Commerce Decree, he recalled the matter of ceding land in Beiyang. The Emperor asked Bai Jiu, “Has Xin Yi said anything to you?”

Bai Jiu couldn’t help but laugh, “How could the Heir speak? I observe that he has shown no unusual expression recently. I presume someone has explained the gravity of the situation to him.” He then turned to the Crown Prince, “Presumably, the Crown Prince took the trouble to instruct him.”

“State affairs are paramount,” the Crown Prince met his gaze. “Xin Yi is a good child.”

“You’re quite quick,” the Emperor turned his gaze, smiling a half-smile. “Earlier than I expected. Xin Yi has been before me for half a year already. His nature is respectful, compliant, and gentle; he too would prioritize state affairs in this matter.”

“Who can foresee things further than Your Majesty?” Bai Jiu said, “Your Majesty, it’s your turn.”

Only then did the Emperor return his gaze. He and Bai Jiu sat cross-legged at the table, leaving the Crown Prince standing below. Kang Fu stood still discreetly, motionless, unsure if the Emperor had forgotten to grant a seat, or if everyone had forgotten to remind him.

Later that evening, Xin Yi returned to the manor.

Xin Yi was playing with Chichi. Chichi had grown quite a bit now, but was too fat, the kind that would just roll over when teased. As he was playing, a pair of arms reached out from behind and directly picked him up by the waist.

Bai Jiu bit his fingertip and said, “That scoundrel Crown Prince.”

Xin Yi remembered the moment the Crown Prince held his hand earlier today and knew what was bothering Bai Jiu now.

“It’s natural for him to find me when implementing the Northern Commerce Decree,” Xin Yi narrowed his eyes from the bite, only smiling, “He even gave me candy.”

“He sure knows how to pick people,” Bai Jiu said coolly. “Throw it away.”

Xin Yi let out a sound of surprise, “I ate it...”

Bai Jiu bit him again, and Xin Yi laughed. Chichi, at their feet, looked up blankly, confused, and no one paid attention to him rolling around.

“Within a few days, His Majesty will issue a decree.”

“Ceding land for a title,” Xin Yi said. “His Majesty is fond of this move. Presumably, to reprimand the Crown Prince, he wasn’t too close to him today. To placate me, he will certainly make a big deal out of honorary titles. I’m only curious, why did the Crown Prince suddenly want to open the northern border trade?”

“Because Chagatai is about to ascend the throne,” Bai Jiu said lazily. “He and the Crown Prince have quite a friendship. A good friend is about to ascend the throne, so the northern border trade counts as a congratulatory gift.”

“A grand gesture,” Xin Yi pondered. “But Chagatai is no dog; a single Shangjin trade route might not be enough to satisfy him.”

“Even Great Lan might not be able to satisfy him. Arslang’s days of riding horses are numbered. Chagatai will not let the lion die of old age under his control.”

Xin Yi was silent for a moment, then said, “Will there definitely be a war?”

Bai Jiu chuckled, “Does he intend to continue kneeling and offering tribute?”

No.

What Great Yuan could not tolerate was groveling. They were ambitious, with a strong army and sturdy horses, having fought for everything since the years of hunting eagles. Kneeling before Great Lan was already a humiliation for Great Yuan. Chagatai, if he wished to surpass the prestige of previous generations, would have to wash away this stain with blood.

Xin Yi remembered something, “Who is Hou Ke? Master also holds him in high regard.”

“Zhang Taiyan’s new student,” Bai Jiu paused. “A Little Phoenix Chick.”

“Lord He’s illness came suddenly,” Xin Yi frowned. “Is Lord Zhang so eager to promote another junior?”

“He Anchang himself claimed illness and insisted on staying confined indoors.” Though there had been some improvement, his standing in the Emperor’s heart was not what it used to be. “For Zhang Taiyan to promote another junior at such a time indicates that He Anchang did something extraordinary, something so severe that even Zhang Taiyan, who saw him as his successor, could not tolerate it,” Bai Jiu’s tone was calm. “This Hou Ke, aside from his inferior family background, is reportedly able to contend with He Anchang in all other aspects.”

“I’ve never heard of him,” Xin Yi stroked his chin. “I thought I had been in the capital for a long time.”

“This person didn’t stand out in his actions before, so it’s understandable that you wouldn’t know. Zhang Taiyan initially only wanted this person to be He Anchang’s right-hand man in the future, but now he has no choice but to push him forward as a replacement.”

“What happened to Lord He?”

Bai Jiu smiled, “Only he himself knows that.”

With the implementation of the Northern Commerce Decree, the Qiu Family of Shangjin complied with the Crown Prince, opening the trade route to Great Yuan, making the already prosperous Shangjin trade even more fervent. Ji Baiyue repeatedly submitted memorials, all without response. However, within two months, Xiajin turned hostile first.

Xiajin, backed by Lijin, directly faced Dezhou, and originally subsisted on the Beiyang trade route established under the Prince of Yan’s Manor. Now, Shangjin not only cut off the path but also blocked traffic on the lower route. Many of the Beiyang Army soldiers were from Xiajin, and they were ready to fight Shangjin to clear things up if there was any disagreement. However, the Qiu Family of Shangjin, considering themselves a prominent family of Beiyang, suffered a setback from the Beiyang Army allocated by the imperial court, and turned to the Crown Prince to complain. The Crown Prince originally intended to settle the dispute by having the Qiu Family open a few lower routes, but the Qiu Family was unwilling, and although ordered to open the routes, they secretly caused trouble. Xiajin could not let the matter rest, believing the imperial court treated them as beggars, and insisted on demanding an explanation.

The two sides clashed at Lijin Pass, and if Ji Baiyue had not maintained order quickly, the situation would likely have escalated further.

This matter could not be concealed; the Emperor immediately knew what was going on. He first questioned the Crown Prince.

“Your son was remiss; I beg Imperial Father to punish me,” the Crown Prince knelt in the hall, admitting his mistake very quickly. He only said, “The Northern Commerce Decree was intended for the greater good. Your son originally sent people to Beiyang Three Jins to explain repeatedly, and at that time, Wu Yu, the official in charge of Xiajin, repeatedly guaranteed that there would be no problems, so your son slightly relaxed vigilance and implemented the decree.”

“Issuing and implementing decrees is fundamentally for the people. For the sake of one Northern Commerce Decree, you dared to give Shangjin such audacity?” The Emperor slammed down a memorial. “The Qiu Family has eighty thousand Beiyang Army soldiers, yet they can’t even control one Xiajin! Did all the military funds Qiu Mingyao received over these years go to feed dogs?!”

“Your Majesty, quell your anger!” An Imperial Secretariat Councilor stepped forward first and said, “The Crown Prince’s hard work and efforts for the Northern Commerce Decree are clearly visible, and furthermore, it was Xiajin who went back on their word first. This subject believes that they should be immediately punished severely!”

“This subject believes that is inappropriate,” the Minister of the Imperial Stables stepped forward again. “Xiajin is merely striving for a living. If Qiu Mingyao had not been so tyrannical, how could this matter have arisen? Qiu Mingyao should be punished!”

These statements clearly showed factional lines; everyone clearly stood for either Xiajin or Shangjin. The Emperor remained silent with a serious face above, and another person stepped out of the ranks below.

“This subject has a proposal.”

Xin Yi looked fixedly and saw it was none other than Hou Ke, the Little Phoenix Chick who had recently been gradually replacing He Anchang. This man was calm and unhurried, clearly confident.

“Minister Hou, speak freely.”

“If we set aside the Northern Commerce Decree as the catalyst, this matter is an internal affair of Beiyang,” Hou Ke smiled. “Although Shangjin has now returned to the imperial court, it was after all under the jurisdiction of the Prince of Yan’s Manor for many years. Such internal affairs of Beiyang should naturally be handed to the person who understands Beiyang best to resolve. Whether it is to hold Shangjin accountable or punish Xiajin, in this subject’s opinion, none is as good as the Heir personally going.”

Let Xin Yi go? Wouldn’t that be letting the tiger return to the mountain!

The Crown Prince smiled slowly and said, “Lord Hou, having recently joined the imperial court, may not know that although the Heir is humble, he truly cannot get involved in such dangerous matters. I mean no offense, but simply put, he cannot speak; how can he wield authority?”

“No matter, no matter.” Hou Ke’s gaze turned to Xin Yi, who was behind Zuo Kai, and said, “An Heir is an Heir. This is the royal dignity bestowed by His Majesty. Who can defy imperial majesty?”

A moment of silence fell in the imperial court. The Emperor cast his gaze upon Xin Yi, pondering for a long time.

To release him or not to release him—that was a dilemma.