Chapter 6: The Moon Is Beautiful Tonight

Chapter 6: The Moonlight Tonight Is Truly Beautiful

"Appointing me as the Director of Communications will prevent deception and keep the emperor from being misled? Somehow, that doesn’t sound reliable to me. What if I end up being deceived?"

Xu Jingchang retorted to Yao Guangxiao.

The venerable monk was momentarily taken aback and couldn’t help but ask, "Why would you think that way?"

"Then how should I think?"

Yao Guangxiao pondered before replying, "Young Lord, the position of Director of Communications was established by the founding emperor and ranks among the Nine Ministers, wielding great authority. It oversees the transmission of memorials and reports—only those deeply trusted by the Son of Heaven can hold such a post. I have heard of your scholarly talents and witnessed your sharp wit and quick thinking. That is why I intended to have you serve as Director of Communications, assisting His Majesty, bringing honor to your family and revitalizing your lineage. This is a coveted position that others can only dream of. Why would you worry that you can’t handle it?"

He continued, "Youthful ambition naturally drives one to achieve something. Even if at first your efforts fall short, as long as you engage your mind and work diligently, before long you will master it with ease. Just like His Majesty—when he was first made a prince, he was bewildered and inexperienced. But after a few years, he learned how to govern as a prince. After the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, several major battles beyond the borders were led by His Majesty himself. Young Lord, you should trust in yourself. A mere Director of Communications is nothing for you; in due time, you will surely become a renowned statesman, a great general and prime minister, your name immortalized in history."

Xu Jingchang suddenly smiled in response to the monk’s encouragement and said calmly, "Master Yao, wasn’t it you who persuaded His Majesty in much the same way back then?"

Yao Guangxiao’s face darkened as he replied sternly, "Don’t speak nonsense. His Majesty was forced into war by treacherous ministers plotting against him. If I were to tell him what you just said, I’d risk his wrath!"

Xu Jingchang quickly cupped his hands in respect, "Thank you for your mercy, Master. But I truly have no desire to be Director of Communications. How about this—let me ask you a few questions. If you can clear my doubts, I will agree immediately. What do you say?"

Yao Guangxiao furrowed his brow slightly and lowered his voice, "Ask away. I shall do my best to enlighten you."

Xu Jingchang began, "Master, as a minister, one must achieve something. From the perspective of a monk, you assisted the Prince of Yan with strategy and helped him succeed in the Jingnan campaign... Surely you are the greatest figure of all time. Throughout history, no able minister could rival you. Am I right?"

Yao Guangxiao shook his head, "That is not quite right. In terms of achievements, Jiang Ziya, who revitalized the Zhou dynasty for eight centuries; Zhang Liang, who prospered the Han for four hundred years; and Zhuge Liang, a peerless figure through the ages—all surpass me by a thousandfold."

This left Xu Jingchang speechless. Mentioning those three alone was an extravagant boast.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he continued, "Master, I want to ask—after all your achievements and fame, what are your plans next? Will you devote yourself entirely to assisting His Majesty until death? Or will you, like Zhang Liang and Fan Li, retire after accomplishing your goals?"

Yao Guangxiao smiled, "I am ultimately a man beyond worldly affairs. I am older now and have no grand ambitions. I merely wish to live quietly in a temple, reading books, playing chess, and enjoying my remaining years."

Xu Jingchang nodded, "I understand. Thank you for clearing that up."

This time Yao Guangxiao hesitated, confused, "Young Lord, what have you understood?"

Xu Jingchang said nothing but rose and moved to the window... suddenly pushing it open.

Yao Guangxiao had arrived at dusk, and after their conversation, twilight had deepened outside with a waxing crescent moon rising.

Xu Jingchang looked out earnestly and said, "Master, look—how beautiful the moonlight is tonight!"

Yao Guangxiao was momentarily stunned. "What game are you playing with me?"

Xu Jingchang smiled subtly, "Master, you said you only want to read, play chess, and enjoy a peaceful life. With my current status, I can read, play chess, fish, appreciate the moon, listen to songs along the Qinhuai River, and try street delicacies... After all your hardships over decades, you’re not much different from my present state."

He spoke sincerely, "I have reflected deeply and realized I can never reach even one ten-thousandth of your accomplishments. So why waste time? It would be better to learn from you early, enjoy my years quietly, and live happily. Isn’t that so?"

Yao Guangxiao was completely lost for words. He had met many, even fooled Zhu Di before, but never someone so young and so sharp and unorthodox.

"Once you have seen the vast ocean, mere rivers won’t satisfy you. If you never explore, refusing to strive, and want to enjoy an easy life at such a young age, that’s no ambition at all!"

Xu Jingchang laughed, "Perhaps. But the waters outside are so deep, I fear I might drown. After all, my father has just passed, and my uncle is imprisoned. Master, please have mercy on me and let me live a few peaceful days."

He grinned, "How about this? Let me be your disciple. You want to play chess and read? I’ll serve you. Then we can have fun together in Yingtian—eating, drinking, wandering. We can watch the stars and study the earth, contemplating the universe. That’s far more interesting than the petty intrigues of court, isn’t it?"

Yao Guangxiao fell silent, pondering. Xu Jingchang thought he was swayed and casually brought over a chess set. "Master Yao, this is made from golden nanmu wood, supposedly a gift from the founding emperor to my grandfather. A fine piece. If you like, I’ll give it to you."

Yao Guangxiao could only laugh bitterly. What would he want with such a thing?

"Young Lord, I bear you no ill will. I recommended you as Director of Communications precisely because, among all the ministers, you are the most suitable. The Six Ministries and Nine Ministers require extensive knowledge and experience, but the Director of Communications position does not. I did not recommend you for Minister of the Six Ministries or Left Censor-in-Chief. Why doubt me?"

Xu Jingchang smiled faintly, not bothering to reply. The old monk was full of schemes; if he wasn’t careful, he might be betrayed without even realizing it.

"Master, don’t waste your breath. I will go meet the Empress and tell her I am too young and immature. Ask her to arrange for me to study at the Imperial Academy for a few years. That will do."

"No!"

Yao Guangxiao grew urgent. "Young Lord, at this point, I must open my heart. I told you I want to protect Fang Xiaoru. Do you know why?"

Xu Jingchang was startled. Indeed, Yao Guangxiao was no narrow-minded man. He would not think merely saving Fang Xiaoru preserved the seed of scholars. There must be a deeper scheme.

"Young Lord, you have asked me many questions, so I will ask you one in return. How do you think His Majesty’s generals compare to the Huai West nobles of old?"

Without hesitation, Xu Jingchang shook his head.

They were not on the same level.

Among the Huai West nobles were Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, Feng Sheng, Fu Youde, and Lan Yu—any one of them a great general capable of commanding independently. Even in five thousand years of history, they stand out as exceptional talents.

What about Zhu Di’s generals—Zhang Yu, Qiu Fu, Zhu Neng? Could they fight?

No. Qiu Fu was already the vanguard. Could he really lead? No, he lacked the ability.

If not for Geng Bingwen being restrained, that one veteran alone could have crushed the entire Yan army.

And Geng Bingwen wasn’t even among the top of the Huai West nobles.

"Master, at the end of the Yuan dynasty’s chaos, the stars of military talent gathered. The Huai West generals under the founding emperor were among the best in history. Before the Jingnan campaign, Qiu Fu and Zhu Neng were mere commanders of a thousand households in the Prince of Yan’s residence. Despite some talents, they were still lacking."

Xu Jingchang spoke fairly.

Yao Guangxiao nodded, "Indeed. His Majesty is ambitious and determined to achieve great things. Relying on second-rate talents alone, he would never fulfill his aspirations."

Xu Jingchang frowned slightly. He seemed to understand now why Zhu Di had to lead the Mongol campaign personally—there was no capable general to rely on, forcing him to take command himself. This was Zhu Di’s sorrow.

But what did this have to do with Fang Xiaoru’s fate or his own appointment as Director of Communications?

In any case, the Ming dynasty was not going to fall anytime soon. He still wanted to fish!

"Young Lord, although most founding heroes have perished, their old subordinates remain, including many fine generals who simply lack patronage to rise. I had hoped that by protecting Fang Xiaoru, I could safeguard a group of civil officials. If Fang Xiaoru were not condemned, generals like Sheng Yong and Ping An would also be spared. His Majesty’s grand cause depends on these talents. But some things I cannot say openly."

Xu Jingchang took another deep breath. "Master, if you won’t tell His Majesty, what use is telling me?"

"It is of great use! Your father, Marquis Wuyang, died in the Jingnan campaign. If you inherit his title, you will be both a founding hero and a Jingnan hero. Your words saved Duke Wei, Xu Huizu. Once he enters the court, more innocent civil and military officials will be protected from persecution. You will preserve the heirs of founding heroes and restrain the arrogance of the Jingnan newcomers. The position of Director of Communications balances internal and external affairs, harmonizes yin and yang, balances civil and military, and controls the court situation... With your unique status, you will handle it with ease, like a tiger with wings!"

Xu Jingchang’s eyes widened in surprise. "Master, I... I have such great use?"

Yao Guangxiao nodded, "Indeed. I have not deceived you."

"Then I still won’t do it. I can’t bear the burden," Xu Jingchang said bluntly. "I’d rather enjoy the moonlight tonight."

(End of chapter)