Chapter Twenty-Two: The Distance Between Light and Darkness

Xu You stood in stunned silence for a long time before reluctantly bringing forth the image of his elder cousin from his memory. From childhood to adulthood, every recollection involving her was nothing short of torment—a hellish ordeal. There had been endless pranks, mischief without regard for time or place, all manner of shameless insults, relentless scolding, and a pervasive spiritual pollution that left no escape. It would be no exaggeration to say that if Xu You could forget just one person in his life, he would choose her without a moment’s hesitation.

Her name was Xu Shunhua, daughter of Xu Hao, his second uncle. Three years ago, she married as a consort to An Xiulin, the sixth son of the Emperor of Chu, the Prince of Yidu.

During her years awaiting marriage, she had a particularly dazzling nickname: “The Premier Lady of Jiangzuo.”

“Seventh Young Master, Seventh Young Master?” He Ru called several times before Xu You snapped out of his reverie. “Ah? What?”

He Ru, whose intuition surely surpassed that of most, immediately caught something from Xu You’s expression. His face grew serious. “Could it be that your relationship with the Princess of Yidu is not very good?”

Xu You could only smile bitterly. He had inherited all the memories and emotions of his former self, including the fear and distant respect for Xu Shunhua. Yet that fear no longer affected him as it once had—at most, it merely left him dazed whenever he recalled their past.

“It’s not quite like that. My cousin spent more time with me than all my other siblings combined. As for our relationship, well... it’s complicated, difficult to explain in a few words.”

This was the truth. Xu Shunhua had little interest in other peers within the family, but whenever she encountered Xu You, her gaze never left him. She would not rest until she had exhausted all her energy tormenting him, relishing every humiliating moment he suffered. In a sense, theirs was the closest relationship among all the Xu siblings.

“That’s settled then!” He Ru said in a low voice. “Among the legitimate male descendants of the Xu clan, only you remain. There are still three or five legitimate daughters, but the others have either been cast out by their husbands, wandering lost, or, after divorce, have been reduced to servitude. Only the Princess of Yidu retains her position. She is a critical link, and one day may be of great use.”

Hearing of the unfortunate fate of those family women, Xu You’s heart remained unmoved, as cold as iron. In an era when implication was rampant, the losers in the struggle for power always paid dearly. Such was the rule of the game; he had no power to change or prevent it. All he could do was strive to survive—and someday, return the pain, piece by piece, with interest.

Looking at He Ru, Xu You asked, “The Prince of Yidu has always lacked favor, confined to Yidu with a mere three thousand households—least among the princes. He holds only the title of county prince, without any civil or military offices. The world mocks that his influence is less than that of the six-year-old Prince of Shanyang, An Xuyuan. Even with my cousin as a connection, what use is it?”

He Ru’s dark face grew amused. “You’re right, the Prince of Yidu is indeed weak and unloved. But you’ve been out of touch lately, so you likely don’t know: following the Yixing unrest, the Princess of Xu wrote a memorial to An Zidao to redress the Xu clan’s injustice, fiercely criticizing the Crown Prince and Shen Muzhi with venomous words. The Crown Prince was so enraged he smashed a jade token in the Red Crow Hall before the emperor and ministers. An Zidao then issued a decree, personally sending the Left Guard to confine the Prince of Yidu to his estate, forbidding anyone or anything to leave, with supplies brought from outside. The Princess was reprimanded, all rewards rescinded, and ordered to stay indoors and reflect. In other words, the Prince of Yidu is now even less free than you.”

After his bloody night, Xu You had been unconscious, then rushed to Jinling and Qiantang upon waking, knowing nothing of outside events. Hearing He Ru’s words, he finally realized what astonishing thing Xu Shunhua had done.

What courage and fierceness! With her family falsely accused and exterminated, women and children gone, the world silent and cowering, only she—a woman married into another household—dared to write a memorial, curse the Crown Prince, and sing her grief, risking her life. Such valor would shame many men.

Xu You, however, was not surprised. Xu Shunhua’s character was so formidable that he had grown accustomed to her audacity. “By your account, the Prince of Yidu has suffered enough. What value could he possibly hold, to warrant such attention?”

“Everyone has their value, if only you know how to use them,” He Ru replied. “I’ve investigated the Prince of Yidu closely. He is physically unimpressive, lacking talent in both civil and martial pursuits, and his temperament is timid, which is why An Zidao dislikes him. But he is kind-hearted, treats his subordinates with grace, his friends with sincerity, and is generous even to slaves, guards, and the people of his fief. He enjoys great reputation in Yidu, gathering a circle of devoted followers. Such a man, when the world is calm, is like a fish in still water—not much of a stir. But when the situation changes, as now, An Zidao’s punishment is partly protective. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be just confinement and reprimand. If we seize on this fact, and guide him carefully in the future, the Prince of Yidu may regain favor and rise. With your sister and brother-in-law as connections, you will always be closer than outsiders. When the time comes, he could be a great help to you. Of course, this is for later; I have plans, but it is too soon to speak. When the time is right, I will report to you.”

Reflecting on the wisdom of Zhuge Liang’s secret strategies, Xu You thought perhaps all clever men shared this penchant for mystery. He did not press further, but sat with an air of calm authority befitting his station. “He Ru, are you sure you’ve made your decision?”

He Ru replied quietly, “Do you think I am still hesitating? These years since my return to Jiangdong, this is the first time I have spoken to someone without reserve—nothing hidden.”

Xu You fell silent again. “Do you have anything you wish to ask me?”

He Ru’s gaze was piercing. “May I ask, what is your ambition?”

Xu You seemed momentarily lost, as if transported back to the pavilion outside Jinling, listening to the elegant words of Yuan Qingqi through the thick silk curtain.

“You ask too broadly—I hardly know how to answer.”

He Ru smiled. “Perhaps I should ask differently—after you settle in Qiantang, what do you intend to do?”

“Make money, become a wealthy gentleman. I’m used to comfort, can't bear hardship.”

“And after you’ve gained wealth?”

“Perhaps I’ll try writing poetry, composing essays, and earn some reputation in the literary heart of the Three Wu regions.”

“And with reputation, then what?”

Xu You’s eyes focused. “A true man cannot go a day without power. Once I have fame and wealth, I will strive to grasp sufficient authority.”

He Ru’s eyes now shone with excitement, his body leaning forward. “What sort of authority is sufficient?”

Xu You spoke with calm ease, as if discussing a trivial matter. “Enough to kill the Crown Prince, destroy the Shen clan, avenge the Xu clan.”

He smiled faintly. “But let it be said: these words are for your ears alone. Once outside, I won’t admit to them.”

“Hahaha!” He Ru laughed, rising abruptly and kneeling with a thud. “Having heard your ambition, I am willing to follow you, serve with all my strength!”

Xu You sat quietly for a long time, finally sighing. “If you truly have nowhere else to go, and don’t mind Qiantang being a small place, we can be friends. Once I buy an estate, you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish. As for the rest, I can promise nothing now—just take things step by step. Perhaps in a few months, you’ll find me an ordinary, mediocre man and leave on your own.”

He Ru was unconcerned and said coolly, “Time will reveal the heart—I am certain I will not disappoint you.”

The two spoke in confidence for another half hour, the details of which would remain secret for a long time, known only to Zuo Wen, who attended them, and to no one else.

Unnoticed, an hour had passed. The door opened, Xu You stepped out, standing beneath the eaves, gazing at the ancient locust tree in the courtyard. “In your opinion, what is the most urgent matter now?”

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the roof corners, bathing Xu You in golden light. He Ru stood a few steps behind, completely shrouded in shadow. “It is as I said when I first came to visit you: if you wish to establish yourself in Qiantang, the most important thing is to help the Zhan clan through their current crisis.”

Xu You murmured, “The Zhan clan of Qiantang? Zhan Ting?”

“No, the one we must help is Lady Zhan Wenjun.”