All Under Heaven

If only Susu were here.

As the Prince of Yu with a fierce Emperor as a father, the prince looked cowardly and useless, however, in reality he treated the people around him with much kindness. Having spent the last few years at the Prince of Yu Manor, Zhao Su knew that the Prince was soft-spoken and also had a kind heart. Having entrusted Zhu Yijun’s education to him, meant wholeheartedly putting his trust in him, the Prince never interfered or commented. In fact, there was one time that Consort Li thought that Zhu Yijun only having one teacher seemed to be a bit lacking and wanted to add another but was dissuaded by the Prince of Yu. His reasoning was: Two different teachers meant two different temperaments, teaching styles, and therefore naturally there would be a difference between teaching which would make the princely heir confused about which course to follow. So wouldn’t it be better to follow just one, plus the princely heir liked his teacher. It was evident that although the Prince of Yu was not particularly reliable on the day to day basis, on certain issues, it was obvious that he could also be very clear-headed.

This time, hearing that Zhao Su was heading home to visit his family, the Prince of Yu bestowed quite a large number of gifts that he wanted Zhao Su to take home to offer to his mother, Lady Chen. He also gave Zhao Su a jade token. The jade token had the words ‘persevere and offer respect’ engraved upon it, as well as the Prince of Yu’s personal seal and the three characters, Zhu Zaiji1.

At this moment, this jade token was being pulled out of Zhao Su’s silk waistband2 and then slowly taken out and put in front of Zhao Jin’s eyes.

Zhao Jin stared blankly unable to react, Zhao Xiyi who was standing nearby had been an official in the Capital so he was the first to react, he expressed his surprise: “Is this, his Highness, the Prince of Yu’s jade token?”

Zhao Su nodded and stretched out his hand to give it to him.

Zhao Xiyi shook his hand, not daring to accept it and immediately picked up his robes to knelt down to pay his respects. 

 

Even though this jade token had been bestowed upon Zhao Su, it was the property of the Prince of Yu so Zhao Xiyi was not kowtowing to Zhao Su but to the Prince of Yu.

As soon as he dropped to his knees, the other people were stunned and didn’t even try to find out why and naturally also dropped to their knees to kowtow in respect.

Zhao Su bent down to first help the Clan Leader and Zhao Xiyi up from the ground: “Zongbo, Bo-fu3, please get up.”

Zhao Jin’s face was going from green to white, he didn’t know what he was feeling, but he could feel all his blood rushing up to his head that he almost lost his balance.

At this moment, He Zizhong who was watching him, coldly asked: “How come you don’t kowtow when the others are all kneeling?”

Zhao Jin shot him a fierce glance, but instead found himself terrified by the other’s imposing aura, moving his gaze elsewhere to see everyone else paying their respects to the Prince of Yu whilst he had become the crane in the flock of chicken4.

He gritted his teeth and then slowly knelt down.

And just like that the ancestral worship ceremony closed in this fashion, with Zhao Jin’s crushing defeat.

But it seemed that Zhao Jin was the only one who was taking things to heart, Zhao Su did not express any trace of arrogance. His attitude towards the elders of the clan was still incredibly modest and courteous, gaining the approval of the others.

Even if there were things in the past that they were not particularly happy about, everyone chose to forget this, Zhao Su who was rising like a supernova in the imperial court was now the future hope of the Zhao clan. As for Zhao Jin, even if he had just achieved juren, he was far from what Zhao Su had achieved back then bringing back the first place of the provincial exam.

The ceremony was complete, everyone was leaving, Zhao Su was thinking about leaving too, but was called over by Zhao Xiyi.

“Bo-fu, is something the matter?”

“Not really, it’s just that I haven’t seen you for so long. Many years ago, when I had been transferred from the Capital to Gansu province, I dropped by here on my way there. At that time I saw you, I remember you were about four or five years old, you hid behind the pillar and sneakily glimpsed at me, but didn’t dare to say anything. Who would have thought that in a blink of an eye so much time has already passed.” Zhao Xiyi sighed unbearably.

Since the other was being kind, Zhao Su naturally couldn’t not give him some face5, he smiled and said: “Bo-fu has made a righteous name for himself in the outside world. Even Yuan Weng has also spoken highly of you. I will use Bo-fu as an example. If Bo-fu doesn’t find me to be overstepping, I would like to come over to see you and pay my respects in a few days?”

“Yuan Weng mentioned me?” Zhao Xiyi was stunned, his official position was not considered to be particularly high-ranking, he had been in officialdom for many years but had always remained in the fifth-rank6, this was also due to the fact that he did not like to curry favours with others, which was something he regretted after so many years. He’d never have thought that Zhao Su, who was able to create blue from green7, had already been able to surpass his entire career8.

Yuan Weng was an honorific way of referring to a Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, Zhao Su was naturally referring to Xu Jie.

It didn’t really matter whether it was true or false, these kinds of words naturally brought great joy to the other person, and because Zhao Su was addressing him as bo-fu, he was naturally acknowledging their family connection, and keeping things cordial.

Previously, when he had heard about how Lady Wu had bullied mother and son, he was a little worried that Zhao Su might come back and break ties with the clan after having achieved great success in the outside world. But now he could see that he had been worried for nothing. Zhao Su was mature and earnest, and didn’t seem to resemble his short-lived father at all? Zhao Xiyi thought to himself that when he was younger, he was not as calm and steady as Zhao Su.

“If you are willing to come, naturally I am very happy. From now on, the Zhao family will count on you.”

“Bo-fu is too courteous.” Zhao Su laughed lightly.

Zhao Su helped him as the two of them slowly walked forward. He Zizhong walked behind them reining in the horses, whilst Zhao Xiyi’s servants and Zhao Ji followed in the back.

“Shaoyong, since you call me Bo-fu, there are a few things that I’d like to impart to you. As the prince has bestowed on you much trust and importance, you must use your whole heart to teach the little princely heir well. The waters run deep in the Capital, you must take great caution no matter what you do.” Zhao Xiyi warned earnestly, giving out his most heartfelt opinion.

“Yes.”

“What happened with your family back then, I have also heard about it. It’s just a shame that I was so far away and had no way to intervene, otherwise a situation like today would not have arisen. Zhao Jin is headstrong and unruly, all because he has been spoiled rotten by his mother, you mustn’t bother reacting to him.”

“Bo-fu exaggerates.”

Zhao Xiyi sighed: “I know you say this but you must still feel some resentment, and I cannot blame you for that. What they did was wrong, but, Bo-fu would like to remind you of something, no matter how much you dislike them, she is still your stepmother9, in the eyes of the law, she has every right.”

Zhao Su originally wanted to object, but then he realised that Zhao Xiyi was not saying these things for the sake of defending his stepmother, so he continued to listen attentively.

“The higher up an official climbs, the more one must cherish one’s feathers10. Meaning that one must be strict with oneself. Because three men talking can make a tiger11, public opinion is powerful enough to melt metal12. Once one’s reputation is damaged, one’s official career will also be affected.” Zhao Xiyi added finally: “Gossip is a fearful thing!”

Zhao Su was silent, what Zhao Xiyi warned wasn’t something that he had not considered before, it was just that he was waiting for an opportunity to completely resolve this issue. But now looking at it, if he was to sort it out earlier, it was also a good thing, and then he could focus completely on his career in the Capital, eliminating the worry that one day another conflict may arise at home.

“Bo-fu’s words will be taken into account by this nephew, thank you bo-fu for your guidance.” His footsteps paused and he knelt down before Zhao Xiyi and gave him a kowtow of respect.

There were two reasons for this, first of all, he had never probably paid his respects to this bo-fu so this could be counted as the first time and secondly, he was actually sincerely grateful for his guidance.

Zhao Xiyi’s face revealed his gratification and he helped Zhao Su up: “Xianzhi13, please, quickly get up!”

The two of them looked at each other with a smile.

Zhao Xiyi sighed secretly: What he had just said didn’t seem to have been a complete waste. This nephew was incredibly intelligent and his way of thinking was completely unlike a youth of his age. But no matter what, Zhao Su was the son of his younger brother, so he was his direct nephew, even if he was concubine-born, he was still much stronger and had more prospects than Zhao Jin and even his own sons at home. He may even become the pillar to the Zhao clan, in this respect, it was reasonable as his Bo-fu, he should take time to instruct him well.

Looking at this way, Zhao Xiyi saw Zhao Su in an even amiable manner: “I think I am free on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, why don’t you come over then and stay for dinner as well.”

Zhao Su accepted with a smile.

Zhao Su went off with the others to go home, the old servant, Dai Zhong seemed to have been waiting at the entrance for a long while, when he finally caught sight of Zhao Su, he cried profusely.

“Shaoye, you’re finally home!” Dai Zhong was so emotional that the corners of his eyes were red, he trembled as he knelt down, Zhao Su quickly helped him up.

“…… En, I’m back!”

Seeing him reminded him of his teacher, Dai Gongwang. Zhao Su had so much to say to him but all those words were stuck in his throat, and only thought that he was only feeling quite choked up.

“It’s good that you’re back, it’s so good, poor old master…… otherwise we could have spent the lunar new year together……” Dai Zhong’s tears began to fall, and then he smiled and said “Look at me, saying these kinds of things during the Lunar New Year! Fu-ren is waiting for you inside, quick let’s go inside!……. Urm… and this is?”

He looked and noticed that behind him was someone who did not look like a servant, He Zizhong.

Zhao Su smiled and said: “This is my friend, He-xiong, let’s go and see my mother together?”

He Zizhong nodded: “I don’t have a mother, so it’d be great to see her.”

He said this with a completely blank expression.

What did it mean that he didn’t have a mother so it’d be great to see her? Unless he meant after seeing her, she’d become his mother?

When Lady Chen saw Zhao Su, she was naturally overjoyed, so overjoyed that she was almost unable to speak, she could also hug him and hold him with her eyes filled with tears.

In this world, she was the only person who would treat him with true intentions, without needing anything in return and to never complain about what she had suffered, this was what was called being a mother.

“Mother.” Zhao Su calmed himself down, lifted up the hem of his robes and then knelt down to kowtow. “Your son, I was unfilial, I have not returned home in three years!”

“Get up, get up! What are you doing!” Lady Chen wiped away her tears and then took him into her arms. “It’s good that you’re back now, you have been working hard for the country, for the Emperor, mother understands this. I can see that you’ve got thinner!”

Zhao Su blushed with embarrassment: “That’s because I have got taller.”

Lady Chen: “I guess those robes and shoes that I made for you no over the last few years must not fit anymore.”

Zhao Su pointed at He Zizhong beside him and introduced: “This is a friend that I met on my way back, he saved me, he has nowhere to go, so I asked him to come with me.”

He Zizhong said with a very straight and severe face: “Hello da-niang.”

Lady Chen first had a smile on her face and nodded and then suddenly with surprise she asked: “He saved you? Did you get into trouble?”

Zhao Su knew that he shouldn’t have said that and quickly changed the subject: “Mother, I haven’t eaten yet, I’m so hungry.”

As if to demonstrate his point, He Zizhong’s stomach began to growl.

Everyone laughed and Lady Chen quickly smiled and said: “Quick, take a seat, everything has already been prepared.”

Although Lady Chen was the matriarch of the household, the Zhao family was small, and didn’t have that many rules and customs. He Zizhong was a junior, and Dai Zhong had long been considered one of the family, including Zhao Ji as well, all seven of them sat around the dinner table. There were another two people, one was Lady Chen’s personal maidservant, and the other helped with the chores, they had all bought into the family as servants, without a home to go to aside from the Zhao family. The others had all been given time off to go home for the Lunar New Year and wouldn’t come back until the fifteenth of the month.

The sound of firecrackers could be heard from far away, sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet of the night. The entire house had been covered with Spring Couplet Papers and red lanterns, steeped in joy making everyone feel warm inside.

Lady Chen listened to Zhao Su explain what he had been through over the last few years whilst putting up the food with her chopsticks and putting it into everyone’s bowls.

Zhao Su was naturally talking about some interesting stories about the imperial court or anecdotes about the bustling Capital. He Zizhong unexpectedly was listening to him with much seriousness and focus, and could even pick out the funny parts of the story and laugh with everyone else.

Although he was inarticulate, he was not dumb. Li Zi-De only treated him with smiles and respect because he was useful to the former, it was nothing like these people in front of him who were truly warm-hearted, this was something that he could feel for himself.

The warm meal, Zhao Su’s smile, Lady Chen’s voice persuading him to eat more, and even the coughing of the old servant Dai made him feel more attached. He Zizhong couldn’t actually pinpoint the feeling that he had in this moment, but he just thought that in his heart and his head and even his entire body, there was a warmth that was surging through it, just like when he was practising his martial arts.

The hand that was holding the chopsticks to pick up the food stopped in its place, He Zizhong thought without making any expression on his face: Wouldn’t it be great if everyday was like this.

It’s customary to stay up all night on Lunar New Year’s Eve, so obviously no one went off to rest early like they usually would. After finishing dinner, He Zizhong and Zhao Ji went out to play, Zhao Su went and took a light walk around the courtyard with his mother, after half a shichen, he heard Zhao Ji’s voice coming from the entrance, as if he was telling He Zizhong to do something.

When he saw the two of them, Zhao Su was taken aback. He Zizhong and Zhao Ji were both hugging big bundles labelled “Radish blossom”, “Large leaved orchid” and “Winter snow blossoms”.

“Why did you buy so much fireworks?”

Zhao Ji grinned: “We bought it with Zizhong’s salary.”

Zhao Su looked at the fireworks and subconsciously wanted to massage his forehead: “I guess you’ve pretty much spent all of your money?”

He Zizhong nodded.

Zhao Su was speechless: “If you wanted to join in the fun, buying one or two would have been enough. You two have bought so many, how are you going to use them all?”

He Zizhong replied with brevity: “En, I’m happy.”

That pair of jet-black eyes did not conceal their delight, he liked this kind of ambiance and these kinds of people.

With so many fireworks, they’d be lighting them until their hands snapped off……. Zhao Su had a head full of black lines, he waved his hand: “As long as you’re happy!”

He said this out loud, but the corners of his mouth had turned up slightly into a smile.

Zhao Ji ignited one, and a beautiful multicoloured blossom filled the night sky, the little bursts of light streaked before their eyes, leaving a trace of joy on everyone’s face.

The Capital, Prince of Yu Manor.

Zhu Yijun was a bit depressed.

Last year, at this time, he would have been with Zhao Su. Zhao Su would definitely have taken him out to play, eating some good food, releasing fireworks and firecrackers, looking at coloured lanterns, or watching a street performer perform, and then they’d go back to the manor together and spend a sleepless night, it was so much fun.

Now, he was all alone.

To say that was not actually true, his father and his two mothers were present, and he’d still have reunion dinner with them, kowtow and make his salutations, and this year there was even the addition of a younger brother.

But Zhu Yijun was lying on his stomach on top of the stone table in his courtgard, watching the fireworks blossom in the night sky, dazzling yet waning, it was unable to boost his morale.

He was thinking about seeing his mother and father just now, his mother was holding his younger brother, Zhu Yiliu who was wrapped up tightly in the brocade satin blanket, he was not even one year old yet but he already looked as if he was being spoilt rotten and heavily doted on. However, when the gazes fell on him, all that was left were weak smiles.

Zhu Yijun was still only seven years old, he couldn’t possibly fathom what Consort Li had on her mind.

In Consort Li’s mind, Zhu Yijun was the princely heir of the Prince of Yu and therefore, his heir, not only this, he might even be the heir to the throne one day, so naturally she was much more severe and demanding of her son. She would in no way let him slack off, everything that he did, every move he made had to be perfect, A mother is distinguished by her son, this was not only for her own benefit but also for her son’s benefit.

But her baby, Zhu Yiliu was different compared with his older brother, he would not have this kind of great responsibility, so naturally he received much more doting love from his parents.

In reality, Consort Li’s way of thinking was the same as every single mother in this world who had two sons. The mothers were just doing what they thought was right, but neglected to take in account the son’s feelings.

If only Susu were here.

Zhu Yijun thought whilst sulking, his face revealing his loneliness.

Feng Bao could see this and went over to him, he bent over at the waist and said quietly: “Princely heir, why don’t we go out for a walk?”

On any normal day, Zhu Yijun would have been delighted at the mention of this.

But at this moment, he just shook his head.

Feng Bao asked again: “Should this servant ask the others to bring some fireworks over.”

Zhu Yijun thought about it and then nodded.

After a short moment, the fireworks had arrived. The young maids and eunuchs wandered around the courtyard setting up the fireworks in various places, vast and varied colours began to blossom everywhere. With more people laughing and talking, Zhu Yijun’s mood seemed to have improved a little. Watching everyone having fun, he decided he’d also like to set off some fireworks himself.

As soon as it was lit, he made an “ah” noise, then threw down the rest of the fireworks in his hand, turned around and walked away.

Feng Bao didn’t understand what was happening and quickly ran after him: “Princely heir, slow down!”

Zhu Yijun ran back to his room, and took out a sheet of paper from the cupboard, he picked up the brush pen and dipped it in the ink and then leaned on the table to write something.

Feng Bao leaned in closer to take a look, he was writing the character ‘Su’.

“Princely heir, what is this?”

After he finished writing the character, Zhu Yijun put down the brush pen, beaming with smiles he said: “I almost forgot, everyday I have to write down the character ‘Su’, I want to see how many I can write before he comes back. This way I will know how many days he’s been gone.”