binnovel Chapter 1104 Different Arrangements for a Night Visit to Xun Yu
Chapter 1104 Different Arrangements for a Night Visit to Xun Yu
When the news spread throughout the Prince's mansion, candlelight shone late into the night in each courtyard, reflecting different thoughts and feelings.
Dong Bai was packing her belongings. Ever since she learned she was to accompany them, she hadn't slept a wink—all these years Ma Yue had been fostered in Jiangdong, and she, as the nominal mistress, always felt indebted, often staring blankly at the empty side courtyard at night. "This time, I must bring the child back no matter what," she said to her personal maid, her tone resolute and unwavering. "And the orphans of those fallen soldiers, they must all be brought into the manor for upbringing. We can't let them suffer outside." At this moment, she felt an even heavier burden on her shoulders—the title of mistress of Xiliang was never just an empty name; it was a real responsibility to protect this large family.
Zhang Fubao, in the west courtyard, chattered excitedly like a little bird, pestering her sister Zhang Qiying: "Sister, look, isn't my dress pretty? I heard there are vast lotus fields in Jiangdong, can we take a boat there?" Zhang Qiying smiled and straightened her skirt, but a hint of seriousness lingered in her eyes: "Silly girl, this trip isn't for leisure." She leaned closer and lowered her voice, "You must make time to meet the Celestial Masters along the way. Our doctrine says 'to save the world and bring peace to the people.' As a holy maiden, you must let the people know that the King's benevolent rule aligns with our doctrine, so that more people will believe in the King." The elation on Zhang Fubao's face slowly faded, and she nodded vigorously: "I understand, sister, don't worry, I won't cause the King any trouble."
In Zhen Mi's courtyard, a huge map of trade routes was spread out. She sat at the table, carefully marking the shops and post stations along the way, with a letter written by her father beside her. Upon learning that she would be accompanying him, she immediately sent a messenger by fast horse to the Zhen family, thoroughly understanding the layout of trade routes in the Central Plains and Jiangdong. "These shops are not only the foundation of the Zhen family, but they can also be used by the King in the future," she said softly to herself, pointing her finger to the location of Xuzhou. "Cao Ang has just occupied Xuzhou. The Zhen family's grain shops there can be used to probe the situation. If they can indeed prepare provisions for the army, it will be a fulfillment of the King's trust." She was always prudent in her actions. Moreover, her family had been moved from Jizhou to Chang'an by Ma Chao. Their Zhen family prospered because of their dependence on Xiliang. If Xiliang fell, given the hatred the Yuan family held for them, the Yuan family would surely crush their Zhen family to pieces.
The most surprised was Gongsun Rou. When the guard came to deliver the message, she was practicing archery in the courtyard. Upon hearing it, she was so stunned that she let go of the arrow, which clattered to the ground. Although Ma Chao had treated her gently these past few days, he had never overstepped his bounds. She had always thought of herself as an insignificant figure in the royal palace. "Really... you're taking me?" she pressed the guard. After receiving an affirmative answer, her cheeks flushed instantly, and she turned to rummage through her chests and drawers for the most suitable clothes. Her personal guard smiled and said, "Miss, have you forgotten? I heard a few days ago that once we return safely from this trip and things settle down, the King intends to bestow titles upon the various princesses..." Gongsun Rou paused, her heart pounding like a deer's, filled with both shyness and joy—so, he did have feelings for her.
After the travel list was finalized, Zhang Qiying, Cai Wenji, and Lu Wan were not able to accompany the group, each for their own reasons, which Ma Chao had already considered.
Cai Wenji stayed because her adopted son, Ma Guan, whom she had raised single-handedly, couldn't bear to leave. Ma Guan was originally an orphan of the Wei family. Years ago, Ma Chao, remembering Cai Wenji's kindness, adopted the child and entrusted him to her care. Over the years, Cai Wenji had poured almost all her heart and soul into Ma Guan, teaching him to read and write, and guiding him in martial arts. Their bond as mother and son had grown incredibly strong. Ma Guan was still young and at a crucial age, dependent on his elders, so Cai Wenji naturally didn't want to leave easily. Ma Chao understood her feelings and didn't insist—with her in the household to care for him, Ma Guan could grow up peacefully, which was the best outcome.
Zhang Qiying's decision to remain was crucial to the foundation of the Celestial Masters sect. While not as lively and agile as her younger sister Zhang Fubao, she possessed a greater degree of composure and strategic thinking. Since Fazheng and Zhang Ren took over Hanzhong, the center of gravity of the Celestial Masters sect had quietly shifted to Chang'an. Among Zhang Lu's children, none could match Zhang Qiying's ability to organize religious affairs and spread doctrine. Even while residing in the royal palace, she maintained contact with followers across the land through secret correspondence, clarifying the sect's affairs, allocating resources, and firmly establishing the Celestial Masters sect's influence in Guanzhong. In contrast, Zhang Lu's two sons, Zhang Fu and Zhang Gui, were of mediocre talent and unfit for the role. Having her remain served two purposes: first, she could care for the family, especially the health of Ma's parents, and oversee the studies of her adopted sons; second, she could continue to manage the core affairs of the Celestial Masters sect, ensuring the stability of the followers, which was vital for the stability of Xiliang.
As for Lu Wan, Ma Chao had also wanted to invite her to accompany him, but she declined. Over the years, Lu Wan's personality had become increasingly detached, and she devoted more of her attention to her family. Her mother's health was deteriorating and she needed someone to take care of her; although her younger brother Lu Yu had grown up, he still needed guidance like an older brother. Lu Wan had long been the "eldest sister like a mother" in the household, shouldering the responsibility of the livelihood of the entire Lu family and the affairs of the clan. When Ma Chao asked about this, Lu Wan simply shook her head gently: "I am preoccupied with many matters at home, and I dare not be distracted. Brother Chao will have Sister Dong Bai and others to accompany you, so you won't be bored on the journey." Seeing that her mind was made up, Ma Chao said no more—he knew that Lu Wan, though seemingly weak, was actually resilient, and with her guarding the Lu family, there was peace and security.
In this way, Zhang Qiying and Cai Wenji stayed at the Prince's residence, both to protect their families and to manage their respective affairs; Lu Wan stayed at the Lu residence, fulfilling her filial duties. Although they did not travel together, they each provided stability for Ma Chao from the rear in their respective positions.
The army was about to set off, and Ma Chao couldn't resist going to Xun Yu's residence.
The night was as dark as ink, spilling across the streets and alleys of Chang'an. The gates of the Xun residence were tightly shut, a thin layer of dust covering the door knockers. There wasn't even a servant on duty, giving it a desolate feel that was completely out of place with the bustling surroundings.
Ma Chao reined in his horse, gazing at the tightly closed vermilion gate, his brows furrowing slightly. He remembered his first meeting with Xun Yu; the man possessed an air of elegance, and when discussing people's livelihoods and government affairs, his eyes shone brighter than the stars. Later, when he invited Xun Yu to Xiliang, Xun Yu governed Xiliang with remarkable efficiency. Even after Xun Yu returned to Chang'an to serve Emperor Liu Bian, and after various unforeseen events that left him stranded in Chang'an, and then the influx of 300,000 elderly, weak, women, and children from the Black Mountain Army into Guanzhong, he was forced into this predicament, yet he managed to handle it all with remarkable efficiency—dividing resettlement areas, allocating grain and supplies, and even personally leading the dredging of ditches and the construction of shelters. His hands, accustomed to holding pen and ink, developed thick calluses.
At that time, the area in front of Xun Yu's residence was always crowded with the families of the Black Mountain people seeking help. Xun Yu never shirked his responsibilities and would personally mediate no matter how late it was. It wasn't until later, when the refugees gradually settled down and had their own fields and livelihoods, that the area in front of Xun Yu's residence slowly quieted down, as if everything had returned to the desolation of Xun Yu's residence after Emperor Liu Bian's death and Ma Chao's occupation of Chang'an.
The change began when Cao Ang went on a mission to Chang'an. During that time, Xun Yu's eyes rekindled with hope, and he would occasionally ask people to inquire about news from Xuchang, always mentioning "the Emperor" and "the Han Dynasty" in his conversations. He probably hoped to return to Xuchang and do something practical by the Emperor's side. But who could have predicted that the situation would change so quickly—Cao Cao lost Xuchang, and the Emperor fell into the hands of Lü Bu.
Lü Bu and Cao Cao were ultimately different. Although Cao Cao held the emperor hostage, he still managed to maintain a semblance of propriety; Lü Bu, however, was a complete warrior, with only power in his eyes. How could he possibly care about a puppet emperor? Xun Yu's hopes probably began to cool down around that time.
Since then, he has completely secluded himself at home. When Ma Chao returned from his northern expedition, Ma Teng invited him to welcome him, but he claimed illness and did not attend; when the army returned in triumph, he sent an invitation, but it was ignored. Including tonight, this is the fourth time he has been summoned, and the door has remained closed to him.
"Your Majesty, perhaps... I should go knock on the door again?" Dian Wei asked in a low voice from behind.
Ma Chao shook his head, dismounted, and walked forward personally, raising his hand to gently knock on the door knocker. The "thump, thump, thump" sound was particularly clear in the quiet night, but there was no response for a long time.
He stood at the foot of the steps, gazing at the two characters "Xun Residence" on the lintel, his voice calm yet earnest: "Mr. Wenruo, I know you have something on your mind. The state of the Han Dynasty is beyond our control, but the world has not yet reached a point of despair."
"Now, the military-agricultural colonies are being implemented in Xiliang, and the people are gradually regaining their livelihoods; in Luoyang, Zhang Liao has already led his troops eastward, and the old capital will soon be recovered. If you, sir, were willing to step forward, with your talent and learning, how many displaced people could you help find homes? How much land could you help to regain its vitality?"
"Our political views may differ, but we are probably of the same mind on the matter of 'pacifying the people.'" Ma Chao paused, his voice becoming heavier. "In this chaotic world, burying ourselves in old books and talking about loyalty and righteousness won't save the people. If you truly care about the Han Dynasty and the people, why don't you go out and take a look? Look at the new seedlings in Guanzhong, look at the smiling faces of the Black Mountain youths—aren't these more real than the empty fame confined in that cage in Xuchang?"
Inside the gate, Xun Yu, supported by the old gatekeeper, stood quietly behind the door, holding his breath as he listened to the words outside. Ma Chao's voice was not loud, but every word was clear, carrying a sincerity Xun Yu had never heard before—this general, now the King of Liang, was actually knocking on his door late at night to talk to him about these matters of public life and state affairs, about the new seedlings and smiling faces in Guanzhong.
His heart felt as if it had been struck by something, a slight ache rising within him. He wasn't heartless; how could he remain unmoved? He vividly remembered the hardships endured by the Black Mountain Army during their resettlement; and though he kept to himself, he frequently heard of the current peace and stability in Guanzhong. The words "pacify the people" spoken by Ma Chao were precisely what he had sought throughout his life.
But... what about the Han Dynasty?
The dragon flag fluttering atop Xuchang, the emperor held in Lü Bu's grasp, the already shattered empire... Xun Yu's lifelong pursuit was to "support the Han dynasty," not to assist any warlord in achieving hegemony.
The footsteps outside the door stopped; Ma Chao seemed to be waiting. Xun Yu closed his eyes briefly, then finally spoke softly, his voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor through the door: "Your Majesty, it is late. Please return."
He paused, a bitter feeling rising in his throat, and said in a low voice, "With the Han Dynasty like this, I... have no heart to concern myself with anything else."
After saying this, he seemed to have exhausted all his strength, staggering back a step. The old doorman quickly helped him up. Silence returned to the room, with only the candlelight flickering gently in the wind, illuminating his pale face.
Silence fell outside the door. Ma Chao remained silent for a long time, then a surge of anger welled up inside him. "Dian Wei, break down the door!" Ma Chao's voice was filled with suppressed rage as he slammed his hand heavily on the doorframe, making the door vibrate loudly.