Those Years In Quest Of Honour Mine Chapter 2

Zhong Wan sneezed.

"It's autumn now. Master Zhong must have caught a cold."

Inside the hall, the local magistrate was courteous and polite. "Master Zhong works hard both inside and outside the house every day. You should take good care of yourself. Your shouldn't neglect your health. If people only eat whole grains, how can they not get sick? I still remember when Master Zhong first came to Qian'an, you were not satisfied with our water and soil so you were ill for a full year. Now that the autumnal equinox has passed, cold dew is coming ... "

The magistrate gave a lengthy speech on the way to preserve one's health.

Zhong Wan could not help but be distracted and his mind wandered. But you can't see it on his face, he is still very kind, nodding along to the magistrate's talk. After a full half-hour of incense, Zhong Wan finally recognized what the magistrate was trying to say.

"Although this lower official have been outside the country for a long time, I'm not allowed to enter Beijing. But I've heard about the Prince's elegant demeanor. I admire it very much in my heart that I forward to entering Beijing one day. If I can also pay a visit, I won't be disappointed."

The county magistrate smiled carefully and went on, "I heard that, the Lord Zhizhou carried Master Zhong's token at that time and was able to pay a visit to Prince Yu……”

Zhong Wan was lost in thought again.

When he first came to Southern Xinjiang, the life inside the palace was tough.

Anyone with a discerning eye knows that the Emperor only sent Prince Ning's three children to this barren land to fend for themselves. The officials of the fief did not even care to visit. Their poisonous, scheming hearts only wanted to curry favor with those in Beijing who are expecting these children to die.

First, Zhong Wan had to return Prince Ning's title that was supposed to be for the little master, Xuan Rui. This had slightly dispelled the emperor's suspicions, but it was only for a little while. Though Southern Xinjiang is already barren, if they can't get a foothold here, he's afraid that they might not be able to even ask for food.

Zhong Wan cannot let the people in the house starve to death. This situation is unacceptable.

When they were young, Zhong Wan was Xuan Rui's reading companion. They were taught by the greatest tutors alongside other sons of nobles. Back then, he barely befriended their classmate, the little Prince Yu.

So he made up his own story.

First, he said that he and Yu grew up together. He went on to say that Yu Zheng had "friendly feelings" for him. Later on, Zhong Wan's face grew thicker and thicker that he simply said that Yu Zheng was deeply affectionate with him. Over the years, even though they were not able get what they want, he had found ways to acquire what is needed.

Yu Zheng was not yet old at the time and had no real power, but his father was the only king with a different surname in the Dynasty. His mother is the country's Princess An Guo Zhang. His status is so impressive that others will naturally be afraid of him.

When Zhong Wan was implicated in Prince Ning's case, he fell into slavery and was bought by Prince Yu. He was able to live in Yu Mansion for half a year.

The purpose of making up all these things is to compile information on witnesses and physical evidence.

After some time, they frightened a group of countrymen in Southern Xinjiang. After getting Southern Xinjiang to finally stand on itself with a firm footing, Zhong Wan invited Xuan Rui to be the Commendary Prince. Six months later, the first annual reward from the imperial city arrived late. It was the 6th of February. It was Zhong Wan's seventeenth birthday.

Zhong Wan had a safe birthday so he was slightly relieved but he began to worry. After handing over the annual rewards, these officials will return to Beijing. Will the topic about him and Yu Zheng's "amorous feelings" be brought back as well?

During that time, Prince Ning's Yu Mansion had just suffered setbacks. A lot of people had thrown stones at them as they fell down the well. To this day, it is often said that Xuan Rui wants to eat the entire Yu Mansion whole. On the other hand, you can't go wrong with Zhong Wan's conscience. But he's been worried that Yu Zheng would be furious once he heard the stories Zhong Wan made up. He might go directly to the Emperor to ask for an imperial order to immediately flatten Qian'an Palace.

But two years have passed since then. There were already countless rumors about the two of them in Central Beijing, yet it seems there's no movement from Yu Zheng so far.

During this period, there was also a certain bold Lord Zhizhou. During his visit to Beijing, he brought a fan from Zhong Wan, which is said to be once owned by Prince Yu. He then went on to knock on Yu Mansion's gate.

While Zhizhou's front foot entered Beijing, Zhong Wan's back foot was already taking care of his funeral.

Unexpectedly, a few months later, a red-faced Zhizhou came back.

Zhizhou brought many gifts and thanked Zhong Wan profusely. Zhong Wan was greatly frightened and hesitantly asked: ".....he's alright with it?"

Yu Zheng, I beg for forgiveness.

Zhizhou complimented Yu Zheng's existence and generosity with enthusiastic exaggeration.

Zhong Wan asked cautiously again: "What about the lord's request?"

Zhizhou was unable to contain his joy: “Of course it's alright! He took the token, and then... ahem, the old affair between the two of you is still naturally very smooth."

The usually calm Zhong Wan, who has been trained even before he reached adulthood, barely maintained his manners that day. Courteously, he was able to send out the overjoyed Zhizhou.

……

"Xiaguan didn't dare to think. But when he left, he said it will be less than half a year. Xiaguan really missed it, so I thought, isn't it ... "

Zhong Wan's thoughts came back to the present and gave a polite smile at the chattering magistrate.

He knows in his heart that he's just doing this for a favor.

Zhong Wan felt the jade around his waist. This was the last thing he got from Yu Zheng. Zhong Wan wanted to keep it, but he remembered that when he came to Southern Xinjiang earlier this year, this magistrate had been kind to Xuan Rui. Zhong Wan was grateful.

Zhong Wan, who was the most unwilling to owe others, took the jade off his waist and smiled. "This is what Prince Yu always wore... He'll knew it what it is at a glance ..."

The magistrate was overjoyed and hurriedly held the jade with both hands before gleefully leaving. Zhong Wan got up as he followed the magistrate out.

"Make it quick."

……

They'll be hitting the road today. Qian'an Palace is a mess. Servants are rushing in and out carrying luggage. The old housekeeper in the palace gave the magistrate a distant look and ignored him. Standing in the courtyard, he looked up at the sun. He thought the crowd was moving too slowly and could not help urging them. "Hurry up! Put in the Lady's car first, go to the backyard and prepare it!"

The housekeeper was about to go to the back of the house. As soon as he turned back, he saw Zhong Wan approach and greeted him. The old housekeeper was not happy and said, "What do you want?"

"Nothing, I was just sending off someone just now. As for his Highness, please wait for him. Let me handle one or two."  Zhong Wan smiled and conveniently took a heavy box of books from the maid beside him, tied the box to the car and saying, "Don't worry, they're not packed yet."

The maid which was blessed by Zhong Wan with such good fortune, ran into the house with a blushing face.

Zhong Wan is handsome in appearance, tall, and a has a good temperament. He's very kind to everyone. In his twenties, he has not yet taken a wife. Many maids in the house has a crush on him.

The old housekeeper Yan Pingshan frowned, "You don't have to do this. Go inside and wait."

Zhong Wan fastened the bookcase and patted it, "But I'll just be waiting for boredom."

Yan Pingshan was silent for a moment, then dropped his voice, "Over the years, the Emperor had never thought of inviting our Prince during the annual Longevity Festival. Why invite them suddenly this year?"

Zhong Wan smiled calmly, "There's nothing to worry about."

Yan Pingshan is worried, "Last night, the lights in the Prince's house were not extinguished. He just turned 17 last month. At such a young age..."

"The Emperor asked the Prince to go to Beijing, didn't he?" After waiting for a page go far, Zhong Wan whispered, "The Emperor must be restless. If he wants to see these children, then we let him see them. Once he does, he will feel relieved. Naturally, he will let us return here and then we can rest."

Yan Pingsan wants to say more but Zhong Wan's voice was even quieter, "Xuan Rui took the title of Commendary Prince and became an adult soon after. Is it still impossible to avoid the Emperor at this point?"

Yan Pingshan frowned, "But what is his plan with seeing Master Yu and Miss Congxin then? They're still so small."

Master Yu is Xuan Yu, while the miss Yan Pingshan was talking about, is Xuan Congxin. Prince Ning's twins.

Zhong Wan said after a moment "You said so yourself, they're too young. There's nothing to be afraid of. How can the Emperor still find trouble with the two small children? Besides that, they still have me."

Yan Pingshan stopped talking and ended up saying nothing. With Zhong Wan, there's really nothing to worry about.

Xuan Yu was only ten years old and he was not aware of the situation. When he heard that they'll be going out, he was very happy, and couldn't help looking around and hurrying up his brother.

Xuan Rui smiled bitterly, and carried his brother on the carriage.

"Your Highness" Zhong Wan stood beside the carriage, guiding Xuan Rui as he went in and whispered quietly, "Don't think too much." Xuan Rui's brow was filled with worries. He looked back at Zhong Wan and relaxed his heart a little then entered the carriage with a nod.

Two months later, the group arrive on the outskirts of Beijing.

It will take another half a day to enter the city proper, so everyone in Qian'an House rested a bit. Zhong Wan, who was jolted for two months and was in pain all over, was resting in a carriage to take a nap. Suddenly, the carriage sank with additional weight, so Zhong Wan tiredly lifted his eyes, "Uncle Yan? What's wrong?"

Zhong Wan sat up, before he could lift the car curtain, a person got in.

Zhong Wan was overjoyed: "Lin Si!"

Lin Si's skill was very good. He got into the carriage quietly without disturbing the others. He knelt down to Zhong Wan, who pulled him up. "Is everything ready?"

Lin Si nodded and took a piece of paper from his arm pocket.

Zhong Wan took it with a smile:

"My deed of sale is still alive..... So it was still at Yu Mansion. It's much better to have this. If someone comes to the city later to check out my identity as a slave, they'll surely be embarrassed."

Lin Si is a mute so he's unable to speak. He just smiled slightly and gestured to Zhong Wan to assure him

Lin Si was Zhong Wan's childhood companion back in Zhong Mansion.  After Prince Ning's incident, he was sold to Prince Yu together with Zhong Wan. Later, Zhong Wan went to Southern Xinjiang with Prince Ning's children, and Lin Si stayed behind and secretly took care of things in Beijing on behalf of Zhong Wan.

Sign language was too slow. Lin Si took out his pen and paper and wrote down what he was about to tell Zhong Wan. Zhong Wan meanwhile, opened the stove and lit the fire.

The carriage was wobbly and it was very quiet inside. Only the creaking of the carriage and the occasional crackling of charcoal could be heard. An hour later, Zhong Wan breathed a sigh of relief. "It's just what I thought"

Lin Si's Sign Language: Everything is well planned, don't worry.

Zhong Wan nodded and hesitated for a moment. "Then who......?"

Lin Si looked at Zhong Wan quietly as he waited patiently.

Zhong Wan laughed at himself and whispered, "So it was Prince Yu"

Lin Si only looked at Zhong Wan and waited him to go on.

Zhong Wan lamented that Lin Si can neither speak nor look at people. It takes a whip to move, so he had to take the initiative to ask, "Prince Yu... how is he?"

Lin Si's Sign Language: Good

The two were relatively speechless, and were quiet for half a tea.

Lin Si bless his soul, finally understood. He did sign language: The master wants to know how he was doing?

Zhong Wan said uneasily, "At this point...the public believes that he was my lover and I'm about to enter Beijing. I care about him in a way so I'd like to know an update on him, Is it okay?"

Lin Si thought about it, picked up the pen and paper again, and wrote. Zhong Wan watched slowly.

"He's one year younger than me." Zhong Wan put a page of paper into the handstove and whispered, "Already twenty-three this year, why isnt he married yet?"

"It's not because....he was affected by the ‘amorous affair' he had with me, is it?”

Lin Si shook his head: No.

Lin Si started writing again: Three years ago, when Prince Yu reached adulthood, the Emperor and  Princess An Guo Zhang found many famous noble daughters for the prince. But the prince rejected all of them and said he didn't like them.

What else does he want? "

Lin Si wrote down the names of the candidates.

Zhong Wan frowned. "He didn't like any of them? What else does he want?"

Lin Si continued to write: Prince Yu said he wanted Princess Hui Yang.

Princess Huiyang, the fourth princess.

Zhong Wan choked, "Hui Yang is just nine years old ... is he crazy?"

Lin Si shook his head: No, he's fine.

Zhong Wan lost his smile: "The Emperor is so fond of him, did really agree?"

Lin Si wrote: No, the emperor was furious and nearly attacked the Prince that time.

Zhong Wan's heart move and whispered: "When I was young, I accompanied Xuan Rui to study in the palace and heard a secret..."

Lin Si nodded: It has been said that Prince Yu is actually...

"Shh ..."

Zhong Wan shook his head.

Lin Si paused and went on to write: The emperor was so angry that he almost took away the Prince's title. The princess had to enter the palace that night to persuade him.

Lin Si wrote: Prince Yu is favored, so naturally, it's not gonna happen. The Emperor was only cold for two months then went back favoring the prince like before and the Prince's marriage was delayed.

Zhong Wan smiled, "The Emperor is afraid of his own prince."

Zhong Wan frowned again: "Although Prince Yu is not very good-tempered, he's not alone, is he? He knew full well that the marriage would not work out, so why should he deliberately provoke the emperor?"

Lindsay shook her head.

Zhong Wan did not understand: "What do you mean with shaking your head?"

Instead of writing further, Lin Si looked up at Zhong Wan carefully and used sign language: I didn't hear the details, but in recent years, Prince Yu's temperament has changed greatly. You mustn't see him unless it's necessary.

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情深意重 (qíng shēn yì zhòng) means deep affection and friendship. From the classic novel "A Dream of Red Mansions"

落井下石 (luòjǐngxiàshí) - idiom, meaning to hit a person who is down

半盏茶 (Half a cup of tea) - I have to look into Baidu's Zhidao to understand what this is, since I wasnt sure if I translated it right. Thankfully, I found this beautiful gem: 

Units used to calculate time: 
There are 12 months in a year, 
five weeks in a month, 
six days in a week, 
twelve hours in a day, 
four minutes in an hour, 
three teas in an hour, 
two pillars of incense in a tea, 
five points in a column,
six fingers in one point, 
ten moments in a finger. 
A moment is a second. 

So half a cup of tea = 5 minutes.

Tha translation is this part is actually "nominal lover", nominal means to exist in name only, so I changed the phrasing for better understanding

Monique: So guys, basically, Zhong Wan made up a non existent affair between him and Yu She to acquire favor and survive. And now they're about to meet in Beijing.

Chapter end