Chapter 94

"During the New Year's Eve, people invite monks and Taoist priests to read scriptures, and prepare wine and fruits to send off the gods."

— Tang Dynasty, Anonymous, "The Capital's Annual Records: Kitchen Lamp"

... On New Year's Eve, the last night of the lunar year, a time when people gather to pray for blessings, it should be a time of rest. In the Zhao residence, there was a festive atmosphere. However, Zhao Junchen still hid in his study, as if the New Year's Eve atmosphere had nothing to do with him, and he was solely focused on handling various public and private affairs.

In his previous life, Zhao Junchen was a lazy person, always taking things as they came. But after coming to this world, the environment changed, his status changed, and he changed as well.

Accustomed to scheming and various busy tasks, if Zhao Junchen suddenly had free time, he would not only feel uncomfortable but also feel uneasy in his heart.

Indeed, whenever Zhao Junchen had free time, a deep-seated unease would arise in his heart, as if he had overlooked something important or as if some plan had suddenly slipped out of his control. Only by continuing to handle public and private affairs and by continuing to scheme could he feel a sense of security in knowing the situation.

However, Zhao Junchen believed that it was not just him; Zhou Shangjing, Shen Changmao, Huang Yourong, and perhaps even Emperor Deqing and Crown Prince Zhu Heyu, were probably the same.

Being at a high position, one can see far and enjoy a unique view, but it is also lonely. The ground beneath is a steep cliff, and a fall means certain death. The fear and the sense of walking on thin ice are not something outsiders can understand.

Perhaps, this is what is meant by "gains and losses."

Zhao Junchen is now like this. The Zhao residence is filled with noise and festivity, but Zhao Junchen did not stop it, nor did he want to participate. Besides not being used to such a relaxed and carefree atmosphere, he also felt a sense of alienation and confusion.

New Year's Eve is a day for family reunions, but Zhao Junchen could not find his "family." The significance of New Year's Eve made Zhao Junchen feel even more lonely.

"Perhaps, I should find a confidant in the residence, someone to share my heart with, to share some of the pressure, and to be able to take off my mask in front of her. Otherwise, this place is just the 'Zhao residence,' how can it be called a 'home'? Unfortunately, the hardest thing to find in this world is a confidant, especially for me."

Perhaps sensing his loneliness, Zhao Junchen put down the inner treasury ledger and looked thoughtful.

Just as Zhao Junchen was deep in thought, Fang Ru's voice came from outside the study: "Master, it's time for the New Year's Eve dinner."

Zhao Junchen tidied up the ledger on the desk and responded, "I know."

After tidying up, he opened the door and saw Fang Ru standing outside the study with a smile. She was wearing a red wide-sleeved robe and a red silk skirt, her long hair styled in a falling horse bun, lightly made up, and charmingly lovely.

Since drinking the poisoned wine, Fang Ru had been ill for a while but had finally recovered. As the New Year approached, Zhao Junchen saw that the preparations in the Zhao residence were somewhat chaotic. He was busy with official duties and had no time, and Xu Qingyan, who lacked the ability and always followed Zhao Junchen, was not up to the task. So, Zhao Junchen handed over the management of the Zhao residence to Fang Ru again.

Fang Ru did an excellent job. After taking over, the affairs of the Zhao residence quickly became well-organized again.

Seeing Zhao Junchen appear, Fang Ru smiled charmingly and said again, "Master, it's time for the New Year's Eve dinner."

Zhao Junchen smiled and nodded, and together with Fang Ru, they walked towards the main hall of the Zhao residence.

On the way, couplets, blessings, New Year paintings, and red lanterns were everywhere, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard faintly, creating a festive New Year's Eve atmosphere. Chatting and laughing with Fang Ru, Zhao Junchen's loneliness gradually dissipated.

Speaking of Fang Ru's character, she did have the qualities of a confidant. However, after she confessed her feelings, the barrier between her and Zhao Junchen seemed to have increased. Zhao Junchen knew that Fang Ru had devoted all her thoughts to him, but he also knew that Fang Ru loved the Zhao Junchen who had saved her from her suffering, not the Zhao Junchen of today. This was why Zhao Junchen had not yet shared a room with her.

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Fang Ru just smiled without saying anything.

Along the way, the festive decorations and the sound of firecrackers created a New Year's Eve atmosphere. Chatting and laughing with Fang Ru, Zhao Junchen's loneliness gradually dissipated.

Speaking of Fang Ru's character, she did have the qualities of a confidant. However, after she confessed her feelings, the barrier between her and Zhao Junchen seemed to have increased. Zhao Junchen knew that Fang Ru had devoted all her thoughts to him, but he also knew that Fang Ru loved the Zhao Junchen who had saved her from her suffering, not the Zhao Junchen of today. This was why Zhao Junchen had not yet shared a room with her.

Chatting and laughing, the two arrived at the main hall of the Zhao residence. Inside, a round table was set with various dishes, and Xu Qingyan, Liu Zimin, and Liu Rui were waiting there. At that moment, Liu Zimin was trying to please Xu Qingyan, who was listening half-heartedly. As for Liu Rui, she was as gentle and quiet as always, sitting there and waiting for Zhao Junchen to appear.

Seeing Zhao Junchen appear, Xu Qingyan quickly stood up to greet him, while Liu Zimin hesitated and did not follow.

Clearly, Xu Qingyan had important matters to report to Zhao Junchen, and it would be presumptuous to join in at this moment.

Coming to Zhao Junchen's side, Xu Qingyan whispered, "Young Master, I have delivered your gift to the Zhou residence."

Zhao Junchen, leading the two of them towards the main hall, smiled and asked, "What was the Zhou residence's response?"

Xu Qingyan's eyes flashed with confusion as he said, "That old man Zhou Shangjing didn't say anything. He just asked me to tell you that he transplanted three white poplar trees in his backyard a few days ago. They have deep roots and lush branches, tall and straight, perfect for cooling off in the summer. He invites you to visit when you have free time."

Zhao Junchen shook his head and laughed, saying, "What a sly old fox."

It turned out that a few days ago, Zhou Shangjing had given Zhao Junchen a copy of "The Records of the Grand Historian, Volume 92: The Biography of Marquis of Huaiyin," using Han Xin's fate to warn Zhao Junchen and to sow discord between Zhao Junchen and Emperor Deqing. In return, Zhao Junchen took advantage of the New Year to send Zhou Shangjing a gift, "The Collected Works of Zhang Juzheng," to remind him of the fate of the Ming dynasty's powerful minister Zhang Juzheng, who was nearly whipped posthumously and whose family suffered, as a way to turn the tables on him.

The three poplar trees mentioned by Zhou Shangjing, of course, referred to the "Three Yangs" of the Ming dynasty, implying that although his power was no less than Zhang Juzheng's, his actions were modeled after the Three Yangs. Although he was also a powerful minister, he would not suffer the same tragic fate as Zhang Juzheng.

However, Xu Qingyan, who was always uneducated, did not understand these riddles and their implications. Seeing Zhao Junchen laugh and call Zhou Shangjing a sly old fox, he nodded in agreement.

"Let's take it slowly. That old fox is just trying to gain the upper hand. With the southern tour approaching, I don't believe he won't be anxious."

Muttering to himself, Zhao Junchen walked towards the Liu siblings.