Chapter 261

Others worried about not having enough money, but Wang Xiujin was troubled by not being able to spend his wealth. He had hoped that founding the illustrated books would allow him to invest some funds; yet, the Fourth Prince, feeling guilty, accepted only five hundred taels in silver notes from Wang Xiujin but granted him fifty percent of the profits. No matter how much Wang Xiujin explained that he cared nothing for empty fame, the Fourth Prince remained resolute. Wang Xiujin was nearly driven to tears by frustration—the Fourth Prince’s talent for dispensing money had not changed in the slightest.

Helpless, Wang Xiujin decided to wait for the return of the sea vessels to inquire about the situation; if possible, he would join a voyage and spend his silver abroad. In truth, such a decision was hardly realistic—even if everyone agreed, he lacked the courage to go. Perhaps it was because he had already faced death once; he cherished his life dearly. Though serving the emperor in the capital was fraught with the dangers of ‘serving the monarch as one would a tiger,’ as long as he didn't commit a capital crime that would condemn his entire family, he still had hope of preserving his life. But venturing onto the open sea, where fate would be left to the heavens, was a kind of life he dared not attempt. He must admit, unless pushed to the very brink, he was a coward at heart.

Because of the illustrated books, Wang Xiujin became even busier, yet he still insisted on picking up and dropping off Yachang every day. He never asked Yachang what he learned from his grandfather; he trusted his father to teach Yachang well. Leaving the painting workshop, Wang Xiujin headed straight for the Censorate, bringing along two newly produced illustrated books—one based on an introductory text, and another with stories teaching moral principles suitable for young children. He had carefully reviewed both, ensuring their values were sound before bringing them out.

Now, the illustrated book of ‘Nezha’s Havoc in the Sea’ was supplied to all major bookstores, priced rather high yet hotly sought after. In the capital, as long as one wasn't lazy or stubbornly clinging to pride at one's own expense, life could be very good. Especially those working at the major workshops; every household had spare money, making the purchase of an illustrated book no hardship. Buying or not buying depended only on one's outlook.

After picking up Yachang, he handed him the illustrated books as soon as they boarded the carriage. “No reading on the carriage; wait until we’re home to enjoy them.” Yachang obediently cradled the books. “Little father, is my father coming home today?”

Recently, Li Minshan had been busy with military exercises and hadn’t returned for several days. To be precise, everyone from old to young in the Li family who served in the barracks had been absent for days. Wang Xiujin didn’t know which family’s forces were pitted against the Li army; he only heard that the outskirts assigned for the exercises often echoed with tremendous noise. The Fourth Prince had only mentioned it in passing, and since Wang Xiujin didn’t pursue the topic, the prince said no more. “I’m not sure about that; most likely, he won’t be back today.”

Yachang pouted. “I have not seen father for days—I miss him much.”

Wang Xiujin couldn’t help but laugh. He noticed that since Yachang began his studies with his father, his speech had become more formal and roundabout—strange to the ear, but amusing nonetheless. Thinking of Li Minshan, Wang Xiujin felt a similar longing and wondered whether the exercises might bring any danger.

At that moment, Li Minshan was leading his troops in a surprise attack, striving for an unexpected victory. After rigorous, almost torturous training, his men had become the elite force Wang Xiujin often spoke of. The two had once debated the meaning of ‘elite’—Li Minshan believed it symbolized gold and jewels, while Wang Xiujin insisted it referred to the best in their field. Looking back on their argument, it was rather amusing. He wondered how things were at home with the child and little father present; surely nothing could go wrong. In the capital, few dared to touch Wang Xiujin—his worries were mostly unfounded.

“Liu Qing, take a squad westward. Guangyuan, take yours east. Arrive at the designated location within an hour and flank the enemy from both sides.” Once Li Minshan had assigned the tasks, the two squads launched their attacks, while he led the remaining forces in a frontal assault. The battle was about to begin; victory was essential.

From the start, the exercises had the emperor’s attention, with constant reports sent to him. Civil officials were up in arms, submitting all kinds of memorials—accusing the exercises of wasting financial resources or claiming that militarism harmed the state’s dignity. The emperor, however, remained calm, declaring that all necessary funds would come from the imperial treasury. As for the latter, he stated that exercises were the best way to test Great Liang’s military preparedness; if enemies invaded, recruiting soldiers at that time would truly harm the nation’s dignity. Ministers who submitted complaints were ordered home to reflect; only when their thoughts aligned with the emperor’s would they return to office, otherwise they were to stay at home.

The Fourth Prince had mentioned this to Wang Xiujin, who, after pondering, devised a story illustrating the greater from the lesser—a tale using family to reflect society. He went to the painting workshop to share these stories with the editors. He couldn’t hope to change the minds of the current generation of ministers, but the next must be educated rightly—not merely for personal advancement, but to understand their purpose in office. Of course, the stories couldn’t be explicit, so he used familial allegory. After telling his tales, Wang Xiujin sent a servant to the Censorate with a message: he would enter the palace, leaving Yachang at the Wang residence and collecting him after his palace visit.

Upon returning home to change into official robes and take his token, he hurried to the palace gates. The guards immediately reported his arrival, and soon, Wang Xiujin was admitted to see the emperor. For others, entry would not be so smooth; but for Wang Xiujin, there was never any delay—he was always received.

Upon seeing the emperor, Wang Xiujin spoke directly, without preamble. The emperor listened in silence for a long time. Wang Xiujin’s idea was sound—faced with a succession of ministers who showed no improvement, the emperor was frustrated and wished to act, though he hadn’t considered reforming the way officials were educated. Wang Xiujin’s words struck home: cultivating talent was the foundation of the state.

A unified curriculum, propagating correct ideas, allowing children to know history thoroughly—children must not believe that officialdom is their sole path, nor should the nation select officials who serve only their own interests, not the country or the people. As for how the curriculum should be compiled or what ideas promoted, Wang Xiujin had no concrete suggestions—he could only sketch the framework; it would take true experts to fill it in.

Having drawn the framework, Wang Xiujin did not linger in the palace, but hurried to fetch his son. The emperor stood in silence at the window, once again grateful that in the past, he had not acted too harshly toward Lord Wang—merely stripped him of his office and confiscated his property. Stepping out of the imperial study, he stood beneath an old tree in the courtyard, gazing at the sky. For Great Liang and the imperial family, having Wang Xiujin’s assistance was true fortune.

At the Wang residence, Wang Xiujin did not immediately leave with his son, but sent word that he and Yachang would dine there before returning home. Wang Xiujin needed to explain his visit to the palace to his father. Likely, the emperor would summon some civil officials tomorrow to discuss the matter, and his father would surely be among them. After Wang Xiujin finished recounting his palace visit, Lord Wang regarded his son in silence for a long time.

“Father, did I do something wrong?” Wang Xiujin felt his temperament was becoming increasingly impulsive; he ought to have consulted his father before going to the palace.

“No, you did very well.” Lord Wang shook his head slightly. He felt inferior to his son’s vision—Wang Xiujin truly wished to do more for Great Liang, not just small things, but in many ways, while Lord Wang himself was confined within narrow limits. He admitted he was far less than his son.

Wang Xiujin breathed a sigh of relief. “I should have discussed it with you first, but I felt uneasy and acted on impulse…”

“I am not as farsighted as you, Xiujin.” Lord Wang saw no shame in admitting his shortcomings to his son. “Leave the rest to me.” He knew exactly his son's strengths—Wang Xiujin was adept at outlining the big picture, then handing the details to others, as with the workshops built for the military. This time, Lord Wang was glad to fill in his son's framework.

Wang Xiujin was about to say more when the steward’s voice sounded from outside, “Master, the palace has sent an attendant; you are requested to enter the palace at once.”

Lord Wang rose and patted his son’s shoulder. Wang Xiujin shook his head—the emperor was even more impatient than he expected. He saw his father off and, after dining with his mother and Yachang, left without waiting for his father to return. Who could say how long the emperor would discuss matters with his father? From past experience, such talks could last all night.

Returning home, Wang Xiujin found his younger brother waiting outside the courtyard. Upon seeing him, his brother stepped forward and greeted him. “Brother Xiujin, regarding what you asked me before—I’ve made up my mind.”

It took Wang Xiujin a moment to recall what he had asked his brother; thankfully, he avoided blurting out, “What did I ask?” “Go on, what kind of spouse do you want?”

“I wish to marry a husband,” Li Nianyi answered with utmost seriousness.

“A husband?” Wang Xiujin raised an eyebrow.

Li Nianyi nodded firmly. “I’ve thought it over carefully. Once you’re less busy, I’ll enlist as an ordinary soldier in the army and will often be away from home. I don't want to return to the manor and hear idle gossip; I want someone whose conversation matches mine. In the army, all I’ll have to talk about is military matters, and a woman likely wouldn’t care to listen.”

Wang Xiujin nodded. Although Li Nianyi’s idea struck him as a bit odd, it made some sense. Throughout history, the spouse of a soldier must endure loneliness and be capable of handling everything. Men manage better, but women often feel overwhelmed—especially when ill or facing difficulties and needing their partner, only to find him absent. And above all, there is constant worry for the other's safety.

“I’ve got it. I’ll discuss it with little father,” Wang Xiujin agreed. “Aside from wanting a husband, do you have any requirements regarding temperament or other qualities?”

“Someone steady.”

Author’s note: I’ve been spacing out, searching for inspiration, and found nothing at all...