CH 17

The emperor also felt a headache when he saw Ming Yu’s letter. Old Fourteen*, this shameful son started the letter by complaining about hardships and being poor right away. Fortunately, he had filled the gap from his private storehouse a lot. How long has it been? He even wrote another letter saying he had almost become cold and hungry now? This is simply preposterous! 

(Old Fourteen: term of endearment, and it’s fourteen because Ming Yu is the fourteenth prince)

In the letter, Old Fourteen sincerely said that he did not want to add to the burden on his Royal Father, and even said that he wanted to earn money to support himself. If it was placed on an ordinary father, his foolish son being capable of not burdening the family and even thinking of earning money, one was afraid that even if he fell asleep, he would laugh and wake up.  

However, now that Old Fourteen acted willfully and made a scene like this, it is obvious that he wants to infuriate his father. Looking at the method of how he wants to make money, unexpectedly, it was to do business in other small countries in the Western Regions. How could this matter be what a grand and majestic Great Yan Kingdom’s prince should do? 

The emperor blew his beard in anger. After a while, he calmed down, but then he started to worry again. Old Fourteen is now in the desolate and war-torn land, how can it be compared to the south. Ai! This son of his, he’s a bit stupid, but he is honest. He has just arrived in a new place. Everything needs to be started from scratch. It is normal to spend a lot of money. If the majestic prince became poor and could not keep up with his food and clothing expenses, isn’t that like slapping one’s own face? 

The Emperor secretly wondered whether or not he should help this son of his and send a few gold and silver rewards or something along this line? However, everyone in the palace was watching him attentively as the emperor. If he deliberately sent gold and silver rewards for no reason, he’s afraid that no one will accept this wholeheartedly. And it’s not like he only has this one son, if other people in the harem make noisy complaints, then he may not be free from worry then.

When he was pondering on what to do, at this time, crown prince Ming Ye came over. Why did the crown prince come over at this time? The Emperor was baffled. He immediately let the person inside. Just in time, he could lend a hand and come up with ideas for this matter. 

After Ming Ye saluted, he explained his purpose in coming here, “Reporting to Royal Father, fourteenth little brother wrote a letter to Erchen, saying that there is something to ask of Erchen. After Erchen read the letter, I couldn’t make up my mind. Therefore, requesting Royal Father to make a decision instead.” 

(Erchen: speaking from royal sons or princes to their Emperor Father or the Emperor)

After finishing speaking, he offered up Ming Yu’s letter with both hands, and the head eunuch presented the letter to the Emperor.

Hearing what Ming Ye said, the Emperor was also curious about what Old Fourteen wrote in the letter to the crown prince. He took it and took a look. He couldn’t help but feel both happy and funny. This Old Fourteen complained about hardships in a letter to himself, but in a letter to the crown prince, he said that he wanted to form a partnership with the crown prince to do business.  How to make money, and how to share profits. He hasn’t done it yet, but it seems like the money has already been in his pocket.

There were great changes across the Emperor’s whole face. He, this Royal Father, was inferior to his crown prince elder brother. Wasn’t the difference in treatment quite huge here? He couldn’t help but feel unfair about this, “Old Fourteen, this shameful thing, he simply acted willfull and made a scene!”

Ming Ye secretly took a peek at the Emperor’s expression, he didn’t have a real angry appearance at all. He persuaded: “Royal Father, fourteenth little brother is away from the capital for the first time, and it is normal for him to be unable to make ends meet in such a remote place. Him having this kind of idea, it could be assumed that he doesn’t want to trouble Royal Father to worry.” 

The Emperor originally was complaining, but after hearing this, the original melancholy turned into distress. Ai! The grown-up son just doesn’t listen. Originally, he planned to not listen to any persuasion and requested to go to the hardship territory, so it was already settled, and now he regretted it? But it is useless to regret it now! The Emperor’s mouth is gold and his word is jade, no matter how willful it is, it is impossible to change anything.   

“Royal Father, Royal Mother, passed away early. Fourteenth little brother has been put into a lot of trouble and became foolish from childhood. He hasn’t even seen Royal Mother’s face. If Royal Mother was still here…” Ming Ye’s voice was somewhat choked with sobs. Erchen is older than Fourteenth little brother by a few years, and had been in Royal Mother’s care, so, I’m more fortunate than my fourteenth little brother…” Ming Ye was truly touched by the situation. Whenever he thought of Royal Mother passing on early, he felt his heart being broken. If Royal Mother was still alive, how could they, be in this current situation?

” My fourteenth little brother is in a difficult situation now. As an older brother, Erchen should help. Erchen’s farm shop also has a little income. It would be better to convert some money and send it over.” Ming Ye said cautiously.

The Emperor also thought of Empress Yuan. He felt extremely melancholy in his heart. He waved his hand, “You, the crown prince, are too cautious, unlike Old Fourteen who dared to rush and dared to dash. Alright, when will your farm shop be able to fill the gap? “

Ming Ye’s face turned red. He has always been cautious and timid and had already gotten used to it. How could he learn from his fourteenth little brother’s temperament of whimpering without any fear like that? Maybe because fourteenth little brother had a unique bold and fearless temperament, maybe it was such a unique fourteenth brother that made Royal Father be fond of him from the bottom of his heart? After all, in the imperial palace, there is only mutual deception, everyone had to wear a mask to live their life. But, fourteenth little brother who stood out from the masses had always been real, making people envious of him. 

“You brothers have always had a deep relationship, helping each other out a bit is good. And it’s not like Old Fourteen’s method of earning money is not feasible, he will find a way to do it anyway since he wants to do it. Instead of obstructing him, it is better to follow his wishes.” The Emperor understood Ming Yu’s temperament, he won’t give up until he achieved his goal. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have allowed him to go to Liangzhou, a bitter cold place. With his words, he had already agreed to let the crown prince help Lao Fourteen, which means he agreed with Ming Yu’s plan.

The Emperor’s meaning, Ming Ye understood thoroughly, “Erchen sincerely obeys Emperor Father’s instruction. Erchen has the goods that fourteenth little brother needs at hand, so I will arrange for someone to send it to fourteenth little brother. However, fourteenth little brother’s words about sharing the benefits, Erchen won’t take them and will hand it all over to Royal Father. Treat it as filial piety from us.” He said what he had long thought of when he was on the way here. 

These words made the Emperor finally feel happy. He said with a smile: “How could Zhen seek your things? It’s already good that you are able to have this kind of heart. How about this, Zhen’s personal storehouse also has a portion of silk fabric and porcelain that I have no use for, you can lump it together and send it over. You two brothers’ business’s gain or loss of profit in the future, Zhen won’t be concerned with anymore.” Now without a trace, no one will be able to say anything old fourteen’s gaps like this.

(Zhen: I, but speaking from the Emperor position, no other people can use this term besides the Emperor)

Old Fourteen raised this business method proposal, who knew if it was him just momentarily foolishly deciding. It was unknown how it will turn out, but even if he throws himself into a terrible mess, he, as the Royal Father, can only help him take some responsibility in his place. As for the ancestral rules, can he still be unclear? There was no explicit document, therefore, since Old Fourteen loves to act willfully and make a scene, then just let him be. 

Ming Ye was overjoyed, he bowed in salute and said, “Thank you, Royal Father!”

Although the Emperor said that he would not participate in anything, Ming Ye had already made up his mind. It’s fine if the business was not successful. If he could continue to do it in the future and make a profit, he would still have to take this share and give it to Royal Father to show filial respect in fourteen little brother’s stead anyways.  

Fourteenth little brother was not by Royal Father’s side, and right now Royal Father still thinks of him, but the monarch’s heart is hard to fathom. No one can guarantee how this kind of holy grace and grand affection will change in the future. Thunder, rain, and dew are all the monarch’s graces, he can see and understand it clearly. That’s why he has to be careful to not make even the smallest of mistakes. Since fourteenth little brother couldn’t think of this, then he, the older brother, should think more rationally for him.

This matter had passed through the Emperor’s mouth, and it was considered to have entered the bright, public road. In this way, others would not dare to say anything sour now.

At this time, Ming Ye didn’t know how far-sighted his decision was until the future came when Ming Yu’s caravan became bigger and bigger. Even the Emperor would covet their profits in envy, let alone other people. However, with the Emperor’s reputation and name, it is impossible for others to intervene even if they are green with envy.

And when Ming Yu’s wings became more and more prosperous, and he establishes a firm foothold in Liangzhou, no one would dare to even do anything. Also, because of Ming Yu’s strong backing, he will be able to steadily seat himself as the crown prince, no one among his good deal of brothers will be able to shake his position.

Xu Wen in any case finally understood most of his doubts. It was almost noon at that time. Qingping urged several times to send in the meal, but they were all blocked by the two people who were talking. She waited with great difficulty for the two of them to finish talking. With this kind of tough attitude, what else could Ming Yu say? He can just talk again after eating.

Ming Yu had no choice, so he had to let someone send in the meal, then he invited Xu Wen to eat with him. Xu Wen wanted to reject, but thinking of discussing things later at the meeting, he readily accepted. Over these past few days, Duan Wang has not been arrogant or whatsoever, and Xu Wen was also relaxed and comfortable. The two people got along well with each other like teachers, like friends, and brought out the best in each other.

The two hurriedly finished the meal, then discussed some details once again. This matter could not be accomplished overnight. Because Ming Yu’s plan was unheard of by Xu Wen, Ming Yu had to spend more time explaining it to him.

Before long, he heard someone come to report that General Ji You asked to see him.

Ji You? Ming Yu was taken aback, didn’t General Ji go back to the Red Robe Army? Immediately he came to a realization. It may be related to the matter that was given to General Ji last time. It must have been settled. He hurriedly ordered for the person to come in.

Ji You took Cao Jian into the room to pay a formal visit to Duan Wang together. Ji You stayed with Wangye for some time. In front of Ming Yu, he was not as cautious as Cao Jian, who had just arrived. After a few polite words, he took out a paper from General Xie to transfer the order. Mentioned on the document was the dispatch of Ji You and Cao Jian to Duan Wang’s guard camp for training.

“It’s only three months?” Ming Yu read the transfer order and was a bit dissatisfied. What can a three-month training do to make the lowly people learn something? The time is really too short. He originally thought that they could be temporarily transferred for about a year. 

Ji You has black lines on his head. Three months is not short, right? If the time period was any longer, he definitely wouldn’t want to come.

“Your Highness, if there are any orders, don’t hesitate to instruct us, we will do our best.” Ji You cupped his hands and said.

Ming Yu nodded. He also heard some rumors about General Xie. He heard that this man’s nature was quite independent and icily arrogant, and he would never create false pretenses or put up and act. He had also experienced it before, remembering General Xie pulling a long face and leaving directly in front of him. Ming Yu twitched his mouth.  He originally made this request with the attitude of giving it a try. If he agrees, then it is granted that he gave him some face. In any case, after three months, he can just shamelessly borrow someone again.  

He stood up and said with a smile: “I have to trouble General Ji and General Cao now. Our training base has already been built. Carefully setting an auspicious date does not beat seizing an opportunity. It would be better if we go and observe the situation first then we can decide what to do next.” 

He and Xu Wen had almost finished the discussion already. And it was still early at this time. Anyways, his heart had always been thinking about the training base, it just so happens that they can go and take a look together. 

Xu Wen was also full of curiosity when he heard this. He heard Ming Yu say that the commoners could be trained to become soldiers in two to three months, and he somewhat didn’t believe it. Thus, he wanted to see what the training base Ming Yu said was like?

How could Ming Yu not know, so he didn’t intend to leave Xu Wen out. Ji You and Cao Jian naturally complied with him. Therefore, Ming Yu ordered people to prepare for a trip without ostentation and set off immediately.

The training base was ten miles outside Liangcheng, next to a village called Baicun.

These days, the commoners of Baicun had been discussing enthusiastically a strange matter. Every day when the sky hasn’t turned bright yet, there would be a team of people running around the road in front of the village when the chicken cries, and when they come back, the sky was already slightly bright.

(Chicken cries: usually indicated early hours that farmers or people in villages rise to prepare their work of the day, usually common in Asia region, I also hear it every day here too xD)

In the beginning, the commoners didn’t know what was going on, and all the curious villagers, the old and the young came out to watch the excitement. Later, every day, regardless of weather conditions, there was nothing strange about it anymore. They only knew that whenever this group of people bypassed the village, it will be time to start a new day of work now. (use this troop exercise time instead of chicken cries now xD)

Later they also learned that this troop seemed to be the guards of a prince from the imperial court, and a military camp was set up on the back of a small hill, a distance away from their village.