Chapter 525: Father and Son, Elder and Younger Brother

Chapter 525: Father and Son, Brother and Brother

It was not a half-day off from the time Liu Tu had anticipated.

On the final day of the sixth month in the twelfth year of Jiaqi, Liu Dian appeared at the Liu family manor on Taiping Street, located just outside the old imperial palace.

As the bronze pointer inside the elevator slid to the numeral 'Eight,' the vermilion lacquer doors, inlaid with golden studs, parted to the left and right.

Covered in the dust of the road, Liu Dian stepped out with heavy strides, only to be met by the sudden, striking sight of a beautiful landscape scroll.

There were rolling hills and meadows, a clear river with canopied boats, and stone bridges spanning the banks; rice plants, thick with grain, bowed their heads in the fields, while nameless wildflowers bloomed along the crisscrossing paths, and ancient, towering trees rose from the four cardinal directions to touch the sky, propping up this entire world that had been moved inside the building.

At the absolute center of this world sat a simple, austere courtyard of three successive gates, built of blue brick and gray tile.

Looking out, every blade of grass and tree before him was a common sight anywhere in the outside world, yet placed within this single floor of a building, it became a luxury unimaginable to ordinary people.

A thunderbolt from a clear sky—this was the true style and heritage that a first-class clan within the old empire’s 'Two Capitals and Thirteen Provinces' ought to possess.

Yet at this moment, in Liu Dian’s eyes, the mountains, rivers, grass, and trees before him were all coated in a sticky, bloody hue; man-eating beasts peeked from the woods, bloodthirsty demons whetted their blades upon the mountain peaks, and malice-filled gazes hid in every corner, coveting his very flesh and bone.

"Young Master, you have returned?!"

"Get lost."

In a foul mood, Liu Dian kicked aside the kneeling servant who had come to welcome him, hurrying forward.

By the time he stepped into that courtyard, his feet were caked in mud, his shoes and socks thoroughly soaked.

'The autumn blade dissects the winter to reveal the ink-dark bone; the spring brush dips into summer to dot the literary mind.'

Liu Dian stared intently at the couplet hanging outside the study, slowly drawing a deep breath until he felt the irritability in his heart suppressed, before raising his hand to knock gently on the door of his father Liu Jinxun’s study.

"Come in."

A calm voice drifted out.

Having received permission, Liu Dian stamped his feet where he stood, shaking off the flecks of mud from his shoes, before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

Inside the room, three walls were lined to the ceiling with solid wood bookshelves, every tier stacked high with various thread-bound ancient texts; even the floor was piled with thick, heavy volumes in utter disarray, leaving the entering Liu Dian barely any room to place his feet.

His father, Liu Jinxun, lay upon a reclining chair surrounded by this sea of books, his face turned upward as he stared at the beams of the ceiling, seemingly lost in deep thought.

Liu Dian stood stiffly, his heels pressed against the threshold, and said softly, "Father, I am back."

"It is good that you are back."

After this dry, simple exchange, father and son fell into silence almost simultaneously.

"Sit down."

Liu Jinxun raised his right hand and pointed toward a 'book stool' formed by a stack of volumes beside his chair. Upon hearing this, Liu Dian hastily gathered the front of his robe, cautiously lifting his foot to step over the obstacles before him, but by some stroke of ill fortune, a drop of muddy water slipped from the sole of his shoe at that exact moment, quietly striking a book cover.

It should have been an insignificant trifle, yet the expression on Liu Dian’s face instantly froze, his body halted mid-stride, unable to advance or retreat.

"It seems a journey to the outside world has still failed to rid you of this impetuousness. If every step you took were steady and slow, how could you be dragged through the mud? Forget it, you are excusable this time. Come over."

Liu Dian pursed his lips, not daring to answer, and sat down beside Liu Jinxun with extreme caution.

"Tell your father, what does the Wa Region look like now?"

Liu Jinxun asked softly, his eyes still fixed on the ceiling.

"The new policies are flourishing, and the people live and work in peace—"

The words slipped out of Liu Dian's mouth, but he had barely uttered two sentences before his father cut him off.

"It is rare for us, father and son, to have a moment alone. I wish to hear your true thoughts."

"Yes."

Liu Dian composed himself, then spoke slowly, "After the chaos in Edo Castle, the Brocade Guards of the Wa Region no longer exist as an organized force. Those among them willing to change allegiance have either been incorporated into the local garrisons or reassigned back to the base areas of the various clans. All military power is now held in the hands of the Pacification Commissioner's Yamens in each city. To secure a proper retreat for his comrades, Su Ce, the Wa Region Brocade Guard Thousand-Commander, certainly exhausted every scheme. If even one of the Sequence Three masters from the Buddhist and Daoist sects who were lured into the Wa Region that day had escaped, I believe not a single Wa Region Brocade Guard would have survived this time."

Liu Jinxun nodded noncommittally. "Continue."

"Now, over a million young, able-bodied Wa laborers have been dismantled and sent to the major provinces of the imperial mainland. In five years at most, these people will either die or be crippled in various factories and workshops, and those who survive in the end will no longer acknowledge their identity as Wa. With this core strength missing, the backbone of the Wa has been largely extracted. The remaining young sprouts have all been planted into the fields of the Confucian Temple; once grown, they will be the rice of the Confucian Sequence, bearing the grain of the Confucian faith."

Liu Dian said calmly, "As for those elders who refused to submit to governance and sought to fight to the death, they have obtained the benevolence they sought. However, I did not allow them to be buried in the earth for peace; instead, a single fire reduced them to ashes. In this way, I am spared the eyesore of gravestones, and their descendants are spared the trouble of sacrifices—everyone gets what they need. It shouldn't be long, once we complete these three steps, before the term 'Wa' can only be found in historical records."

Liu Jinxun tapped his fingertips against the armrest of the rocking chair and asked, "If I remember correctly, these measures were first proposed by that young man named Yang Baize, correct? He is a student of Pei Xingjian?"

"Yes, Father," Liu Dian answered honestly.

"He is indeed cast from the exact same mold as his teacher; ruthless enough in his execution, but lacking in grandeur, unfortunately."

Liu Jinxun evaluated, "Though these measures of his yield quick results, within these ten years, who knows how many Wa will join the rebels and oppose the imperial court because of this. If the character and style of this master and disciple had not happened to be exactly what the Grand Secretary required this time, I fear this Yang Baize would not even have had the qualification to enter the Wa Region."

Liu Jinxun smiled faintly. "Poor Pei Xingjian, that stubborn donkey, might not have realized it yet, and is likely still gloating in his Chongqing Prefectural Yamen."

"You mean to say, all of this was within the Grand Secretary's calculations?" Liu Dian asked in surprise.

"The pinnacle of 'Mathematics' among the Six Arts has already surpassed the imagination of ordinary men."

Had it been in the past, given Liu Dian's understanding of his father, Liu Jinxun would never have commented further on Zhang Fengyue.

But today, Liu Jinxun seemed to be in a good mood, breaking his usual rule to add an extra word: "If you have the opportunity to work for that old gentleman in the future, Dian'er, do not overestimate your own strength by considering whether his orders are comprehensive. Instead, focus your mind on how to execute things in a way that matches his intent. The ancients said that even the wisest elders will have a lapse in a thousand calculations, but our party leader is no longer just a wise man; he is a sage who has already stepped half a foot into divinity."

"I understand."

Liu Dian crouched upon the 'book stool,' his head hanging low to conceal the unnatural look in his eyes.

Liu Jinxun did not know that the current Liu Dian was acting behind his back, doing what he would consider an act of overestimating his own strength.

"It seems you have gained some harvest from this trip to the Wa Region, and it was not in vain that your father sent you there for tempering."

"Your son dares not fail his father's painstaking efforts."

Liu Dian, who was answering with his head lowered, suddenly felt a gentle pat on his shoulder. Shocked, he instantly raised his head.

Liu Jinxun lowered his gaze, his deep eyes staring straight into Liu Dian's. "Ji Zhi has been dead for three days. Why have you only returned now?"

"The matter occurred suddenly, and I could not detach myself from the official business of the Wa Region for a time, so I was delayed for a few days."

"You were worried that the killer was not an outsider, but one of our own, weren't you?"

"So Father has guessed it all," Liu Dian muttered.

Hearing this, he let out a bitter laugh. "In truth, when I learned of my maternal uncle's death, my first reaction was not anger, but fear."

"Fear is normal. When your father was at your age, I too felt fear. I feared that the elders of the clan would dislike my taking power, and I feared that my brothers and sisters would resent my rise. A concealed arrow shot from within is far more terrifying than an open spear thrust from without."

Liu Jinxun smiled faintly. "This time, you only delayed for three days before daring to return, because you feel you have investigated the ins and outs of the matter thoroughly, correct?"

"Thoroughly. Uncle's death is an external peril, not an internal affliction," Liu Dian replied in a deep voice.

"Whatever the truth may be, you have your own judgment. There is no need to tell me; just act according to your own heart."

Liu Jinxun looked at him with an affectionate expression, saying softly, "Your father will only remind you of one phrase: when facing extreme difficulties, one must unleash their courage."

Hearing this sudden, inexplicable phrase, Liu Dian froze, momentarily failing to grasp its meaning.

Yet before he could pluck up the courage to ask, he saw Liu Jinxun wave his hand with a hint of weariness.

"Very well, you may go down."

Liu Dian dared not speak further and respectfully withdrew.

Liu Jinxun sat wearily in his chair, picking up a thread-bound ancient text from his side to read. Yet after turning only a few pages, he closed the book with a lack of interest, laughing self-mockingly, "It seems the children have all grown up, and none are willing to tell the truth to this old man anymore."

"In truth, Old Master, you know very well in your heart that what the Liu clan faces this time is not just external peril, but also internal affliction."

A deep, resonant voice emerged from the corner of the study, spoken by a man standing tall with a well-defined face, his black hair loosely cascading over his shoulders.

"Whether it be internal strife or external threats, they will come in due time. Let this fire burn a little hotter—only a fierce blaze can forge true gold."

The man furrowed his brow and asked, "But might not the flames grow too large, spiraling out of control?"

"Such is the nature of fire devouring mountains. When the spring winds arrive next year, the grass and trees will grow even more lush, while the green peaks remain unmoved."

Liu Jin Xun’s words shifted suddenly. "Yet these green mountains can only hold one pair of hatchlings. Now is the time to let them show their claws, to establish dominance."

"Is this not to create another green mountain for the Young Lord, then?"

"The Donglin Party may have its old and new factions, but its leadership cannot be divided."

Liu Jin Xun spoke with unwavering certainty, "The Great Ming Empire can only have one Liu faction in Jiangning."

"Then it seems you favor the Young Lord all the more, urging him to take risks despite all caution. Your words are not balanced, are they?"

The man before Liu Jin Xun was less formal than Liu Dian, smiling warmly.

"Zhu Jin, when did your group—those six Lao—become so fond of chattering?"

"Brother, tearing down walls and seizing imperial power. I’d only heard of such things before, but now I’ve witnessed them firsthand—naturally, I’m curious."

Liu Jin Xun furrowed his brows, displeased by the man’s flippant remarks.

"Never mind, it was improper of me to pry."

Zhu Jin chuckled, "Old master, your visit—was it to settle matters with Li Jun, that lone guardian of the Black Guard? If so, I’ll give you a discount, for I’ve also settled a score with him."

"This business here has nothing to do with him. Whether to make him a mere appendage is your choice."

Liu Jin Xun shook his head. "I need to know why those remnants of the Tianhe sect have appeared in Jiangning at this moment. Did the schemer Shen Li act on his own, or did an elder from the sect’s guard finally break restraint, seeking to ascend the stage by leveraging our Liu family as a stepping stone?"

"Shen Li?"

Zhu Jin stroked his chin, murmuring to himself, "This name feels familiar. Among those I sold to the Sangyin Temple for breeding, wasn’t there someone with this name?"

As Liu Dian stepped onto the pavilion-lined carriage, he encountered someone he least expected.

"Younger brother?"

Liu Tu approached with a bright smile, embracing him warmly, his eyes scanning Dian’s face. "When did you return? Why no word beforehand?"

"Brother."

Dian smiled too, cutting off Tu’s words.

"In the Wa region, I was merely a mere head of a chicken. Far from your status as the tail of a phoenix in Jiangning."

Tu’s smile remained unchanged. "You little rascal, I feared news of Uncle’s death would leave you undone. Seeing you still able to joke with your elder brother, I’m relieved."

"Undone? Not at all. But the killer must be found. I hope you’ll help me."

"Of course. Whoever dares disturb the imperial altar—regardless of who they are—we Liu clan will not spare them."

Dian nodded gratefully. "Your words ease my heart."

"Family is family. No need for such formality."

Tu leaned in. "Your father grows old now, and his temper may grow erratic. If he scolds you, do not take it to heart. Whatever happens, tell us. Oh, and here."

"What is this?"

Dian examined the palm-sized black box in his hand.

"This is the scene of Uncle’s death, with figures from the Ministry of Rites also present."

"Your meaning, brother?"

Dian stroked the projection device in his palm, whispering, "Uncle’s death involved the Ministry of Rites?"

"I don’t know. I can only hand you the evidence gathered. Whether it’s true or not, that’s for you to decide."

Tu fell silent for a moment, then said, "Still, without wind, there can be no storm. And now the facts lie before us. Though the Ministry of Rites has grown close to the Confucianists in recent years, we both know their true master isn’t our Liu family."

Dian paused, bowing his hand. "I understand. Thank you, brother, for your kindness."

"Rest first. Your urgent matter isn’t avenging the dead, but to sleep. Once refreshed, you can calm the living."

Tu turned toward the pavilion’s exit, then halted.

"Ah, yes."

He glanced back at Dian, who looked up from the pavilion.

Their eyes met—calm, unruffled, no trace of the fervor from their earlier whispered words.

"Brother, you once resented me, but I tell you this: facing outsiders, we must first push them away, then settle matters within. What do you think?"

Dian smiled. "In this, brother and I agree."

When Dian’s figure was obscured by the closing carriage doors, Tu finally stepped into the radiant mountains and rivers beyond.

He wandered leisurely along the path, pausing one day to sit on a rice field’s embankment, unshod and barefoot, stepping into the water as he smiled and closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he stood before the golden hall beneath a snowstorm.

"Master Liu, the facts are before you—what more can you say?"

Tu regarded Liu Xianzhou, who sat across from him, his words sharp as the wind-slicing blades outside the window.