Chapter Five: Departure and Return

“Precisely because the late emperor and Your Majesty have treated you with sincerity, shouldn’t you guard the realm of the Great Ming for them, protect the sixty million people under Ming rule, isn’t that so?” Chen Kan’s somewhat impassioned retort caused Fang Xiaoru to pause in surprise.

Clearly, he had not anticipated such an appeal from Chen Kan.

Just as he was about to respond with a rebuttal, Chen Kan suddenly intensified his tone: “Teacher, the late emperor and His Majesty are gone, but the people of the Great Ming remain.”

At these words, Fang Xiaoru’s previously composed expression suddenly changed.

He stifled his words, pointing at Chen Kan with difficulty: “You… you…”

After a moment, as if his backbone had been pulled out, he collapsed weakly onto the ground.

Then, in a low voice, he mourned, “Your Majesty, this old servant has failed you, Your Majesty…”

“Hm?”

Chen Kan was taken aback. What was going on? Moments ago, he was fine.

To cry just like that—it’s hard to deal with!

But having seen many things, Chen Kan quickly realized that Fang Xiaoru’s psychological defenses were on the verge of collapse.

If not now, then when?

Chen Kan raised his voice and shouted, “Teacher, you know the Prince of Yan’s violent temper and stubbornness, but you also know that his power is immense; it is inevitable he will take control of Yingtian.”

“Yes, if you turn to the Prince of Yan, you betray the late emperor and His Majesty, but the Prince’s power is unstoppable, and you understand his nature.

If the Great Ming falls into ruin under him, you will not only have betrayed the late emperor and His Majesty but also millions of the common people.

If the Great Ming is doomed, what use is it to uphold ethics and propriety?”

Chen Kan’s words were like a sudden blow to Fang Xiaoru.

Suddenly rising, Fang Xiaoru grabbed Chen Kan’s collar and pressed him against the wall.

Wiping away his tears, he shouted angrily, “Nonsense, you’re talking nonsense! The Great Ming will not perish, the Great Ming will not perish!”

Chen Kan could not comprehend Fang Xiaoru’s sudden change of heart, but he knew his words had an effect.

As the saying goes, it’s best to press the advantage while it lasts.

Chen Kan stared into Fang Xiaoru’s wild, bloodshot eyes like a beast.

In a stern voice, he said, “Teacher, you often taught me that the purpose of studying is to establish a heart for heaven and earth, to set a destiny for life, to carry on the teachings of former sages, and to bring peace to all future generations.

But when His Majesty ascended the throne, there were corrupt scholars like Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng who disrupted the court and clouded the emperor’s judgment, followed by incompetents like Li Jinglong who misled the nation and squandered the army.

Because of this, His Majesty missed his chance, allowing the Prince of Yan to succeed.

Now, the world is changing hands; if you do not stay to protect the people with your useful presence and instead seek death, does that not go against the teachings you have given me?”

“Enough! I told you to stop talking!”

Chen Kan continued to press on Fang Xiaoru’s sensitive nerves until the older man’s grip tightened painfully.

Chen Kan found it difficult to breathe.

But how could one give up halfway?

Besides, Chen Kan felt that success was near.

“Just hold on a little longer,” he kept telling himself.

He softened his voice: “Teacher, please wake up. If you die, then so be it—you can still earn a reputation for loyalty and righteousness.

But the people of the realm will fall into suffering.

Do you think the people of the Great Ming can endure many more upheavals?

I beg you, put aside personal pride and shame, and bear the burden for the sake of the people.

Help guard against the Prince of Yan, watch over him for the late emperor and His Majesty; don’t let him run amok. Can you do this?”

Fang Xiaoru’s demeanor changed again, and he pleaded softly, “Enough, I beg you, stop talking.”

Chen Kan seemed not to hear, only looking earnestly into his eyes: “Please, consider this a student’s plea for the people of the realm—can you?”

Fang Xiaoru broke down: “Please, stop…”

“Huff… huff…”

Chen Kan suddenly felt relief as Fang Xiaoru collapsed again.

“Whew…”

Chen Kan gasped for air.

Despite the pain in his chest from Fang Xiaoru’s forceful grip, he hurriedly knelt to check on him.

Once certain Fang Xiaoru had merely fainted from acute distress, Chen Kan relaxed.

“Squeak—”

The prison door opened once more, and to Chen Kan’s surprise, Zhu Gaoxu returned.

He stood at the doorway, clapping his hands lightly, a smile at the corner of his mouth, speaking words that Chen Kan could not tell if they were praise or mockery.

Unlike before, none of Zhu Gaoxu’s guards were present.

Only a tall monk in black robes accompanied him.

This monk was half a head taller than Zhu Gaoxu himself.

In the Great Ming, there was only one monk who dressed like this.

The greatest contributor to Zhu Di’s successful usurpation—the monk Daoyan, Yao Guangxiao.

Chen Kan ignored Zhu Gaoxu and instead studied the imposing monk with extraordinary presence.

The more Chen Kan looked, the more unsettled he felt—Yao Guangxiao, though merely in monastic garb, exuded an aura that subtly surpassed the fully armed Zhu Gaoxu.

Historical records described Yao Guangxiao as having a triangular face like a sick tiger, an unusual appearance.

Chen Kan had thought this an exaggeration; now, it seemed perfectly realistic, perhaps even understated.

Noticing Chen Kan’s gaze, Yao Guangxiao smiled kindly and nodded slightly.

That single glance made Chen Kan feel as if he were being stared down by some primeval beast.

His hair stood on end, goosebumps immediately covering his skin.

“To have provoked such fury in a scholar of your caliber, honestly, Chen Kan, you have earned my newfound respect,” Zhu Gaoxu spoke again.

Reluctantly, Chen Kan stood and cupped his hands toward Zhu Gaoxu: “Your humble servant Chen Kan greets His Highness the Prince of Gaoyang, and also… this venerable master. May I inquire the purpose of Your Highness’s return?”

“I am the monk Daoyan.”

Before Zhu Gaoxu could speak, Daoyan strode alone into the cell.

After introducing himself, he smiled at Chen Kan: “Heh heh, Chen patron, your unique insights on the Prince’s heavenly mandate to restore order are quite remarkable.”

“Uh… Master Daoyan, you flatter me. May I ask the purpose of your visit?” Chen Kan’s mouth twitched inwardly, thinking, Unique my foot—I just want to keep my head.

A prince and a future black-clad chancellor, yet still so interested in gossip—how undignified.

Yao Guangxiao was unaware of Chen Kan’s thoughts.

Seeing Chen Kan’s composed demeanor, he found the young man rather intriguing.

He smiled: “Heh heh, I have just arrived in Yingtian and heard that an old friend was imprisoned. I came to pay my respects, but it seems there is no need for many words now.”

“Oh, I see. Heh heh.”

Chen Kan gave a dry chuckle.

Facing such a cunning figure, the pressure in his heart was immense, and he found no words to speak.

After all, Daoyan was no gentleman to be outwitted like Fang Xiaoru.

He dared not play tricks before Daoyan.

So, he had no choice but to cast a pleading look toward Zhu Gaoxu.