Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 70 : Temple Reopening

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As it was with haste that Zhao Zui Temple received the imperial edict, Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan were both not wearing their official robes. Everyone gathered in the courtyard and kneeled. The eunuch who had come to deliver the edict looked unfamiliar. Not daring to put on airs, he quickly started to read out the imperial edict when he saw the person it was intended for emerge.

The eunuch finished reading the imperial edict and bowed slightly, saying to Xiao Chiye, “Viceroy, please rise quickly!”  

Xiao Chiye received the imperial edict, and Chen Yang immediately called for someone to brew and serve tea.

“Zhao Zui Temple is pervaded with the stench of illness all over,” Xiao Chiye said, “so I won’t invite gonggong inside for a seat today.” 

“The Viceroy has been hard at work attending to official duties and has gone without rest for days. It’s the Viceroy who should be the one invited to take a seat first.” The eunuch merrily took a few sips of the tea, then furrowed his brows and sighed, “How is this tea fit for distinguished men? Viceroy, now that His Majesty is awake, then according to the Secretariat Elder, His Excellency the Judge and you may take a rest.” 

“There are still people under the awning who are still down with the disease. I’m on official duty, no? I wouldn’t dare to be careless.” Xiao Chiye put on a relaxed expression as he acquainted himself with eunuch over a few exchanges of pleasantries. Both of them stood in the courtyard, drinking tea as they chatted and laughed. Xiao Chiye asked, “Did His Majesty regain consciousness today?” 
The eunuch, named Fuman, replied, “That’s right. He just woke up this morning. All the niangniang in the palace are weeping tears of joy. Her Majesty personally instructed the Imperial Academy of Medicine to take good care of him.” 

Everything mentioned in this imperial edict was merely formalities. They simply commended the Imperial Army, Imperial Bodyguards, and the Ministry of Revenue Secretary for their quick actions and timely defenses this time round. But details of their rewards were only briefly mentioned in passing. 

Fuman had only just assumed office, and he usually served in the Grand Secretariat compound. The Grand Secretariat officials held eunuchs in contempt, and Hai Liangyi, in particular, loathed eunuchs. So whenever Fuman was on duty before, he could not look at Hai Liangyi right in the face; he had to retreat to the side and kneel down to reply. Whatever Hai Liangyi asked him, he would answer the same. He did not dare to jest and clown around, much less grin or beam. Now, he had not only received a cup of hot tea here; he also saw how Viceroy Xiao was a man who was naturally carefree and not bothered about trifles. Thus, he gradually relaxed as they conversed, intending to do Xiao Chiye a favor and use this chance to cotton up to the latter. 

“This humble slave has been going around the Grand Secretariat these days to serve the Secretariat Elder tea, and so this humble slave has more or less come to hear some rumors about the Viceroy.” Fuman shifted two steps over and said in a hushed tone. 

Without a change in expression, Xiao Chiye lifted his hand to motion for the others to back off. With his arm around Fuman’s shoulders, he said, “Then you’re the new favorite close to the Secretariat Elder. I myself have to watch the sky for the weather before I act and make wild guesses as to which impending storm is brewing. Perhaps gonggong can give me a pointer or two?”

Fuman hurriedly said, “I would not presume to be worthy of giving pointers. For the sake of the sovereign and people, the Viceroy carries out his official duties with conscience; the Secretariat Elder knows this too. The Grand Secretariat has also deliberated for a few days over the conferment of award this time. It’s nothing bad. All the Viceroy has to do is to wait for it!”