Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 82 : Debt Collection

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The Xi residence was located in an inner street of Qudu, slightly to the south. In comparison to the Pan’s and Fei’s residences, its total land area was significantly smaller. It was also near Prince Qin’s Manor during the reign of Emperor Guangcheng. The Xi had special permission, but the first few clan heads had much foresight and did not dare build their mansion beyond what was permitted in the regulations. The interior architectural style of the residence was more the style of Juexi, while the building structures such as pavilions and terraces were all average and common. 

Xi Hongxuan was on tenterhooks the entire journey back, but once he heard the sounds of horse hooves come to a stop, he knew he was home. Not daring to be careless, he bunched up the hem of his robe, which had been soaked until it was wrinkled, and hurried off the carriage, where he saw Shen Zechuan standing before him sizing up the Xi’s Residence. 

“It’s an old mansion.” Xi Hongxuan’s tone was light and relaxed as he tried to keep up with his normal behavior. “Even though we keep saying all these years that we want to renovate it, we never had the time. Come over in a few days when the weather gets warmer to take a look at the blueprint too.” 
  
Yet, Shen Zechuan turned his gaze towards the house next door. Those green glazed tiles at that end were obviously standard specifications of a prince’s residence. But the lush trees covering the vermilion walls only made it look eerie. 

Xi Hongxuan followed his gaze over and said, “That’s the Prince Qin’s Manor. Prince Qin suffered from tuberculosis and passed away from his illness a year before the former emperor’s ascension to the throne. This residence then fell into disuse. It’ll probably be bestowed upon someone as a reward in the future.” 

“It looks even more imposing than Prince Chu’s Manor.” Shen Zechuan did not shift his gaze away. 

“Of course.” Xi Hongxuan raised his thumb. “The current emperor was not a child favored by Emperor Guangcheng. At that time, the Crown Prince, Prince Qin, and the former emperor were the most outstanding ones among the imperial heirs. A pity the Crown Prince committed suicide at Zhao Zui Temple, Prince Qin passed away of illness in his residence, and the former emperor lingered on his deathbed…” He suddenly smiled. “Otherwise, how could the current emperor have had the chance to sit on the throne? Prince Qin was also quite the pitiable one. He initially had a close father-and-son relationship with Emperor Guangcheng during Emperor Guangcheng’s last few years, and Emperor Guangcheng often came here. But someone in the manor under him used his influence to commit violence and beat a few villagers to death. Consequently, a lawsuit was lodged against him, and Emperor Guangcheng punished him by putting him under house arrest in this residence. It was during that time Prince Qin contracted tuberculosis. Emperor Guangcheng even made a special trip down for a visit. No one knew what they talked about, but they eventually parted on bad terms, and from then on, Prince Qin fell out of favor. That punishment to self-reflect behind closed doors dragged on and on, keeping him locked up until his death.” 

Shen Zechuan tucked this piece of information away in his mind, but he had no wish to discuss it with Xi Hongxuan. When Xi Hongxuan saw that he had no interest in continuing the topic, he raised his hand to wave away the servants who were swarming over to them. He said, “Although this residence of mine is not as big as the residences of princes and aristocrats, there’s still some way to travel. Lanzhou, my body is extremely weak, and I stink to high heavens. It’ll be faster if we take a ride in the small sedan.”

The servants from the Xi’s residence rushed to prepare the sedans. Xi Dan was originally the household steward, but he did not dare to show himself now, and it was instead Xi Hongxuan’s eldest sister-in-law who came out to greet and welcome them.