Chapter 009: Forcing the Duck onto the Rack

The distant mountains, rivers, green trees, and lush grass, along with the winding road that stretches into the distance, are all shrouded in a faint golden hue. Long ago, this place was a vast expanse of fertile fields. However, due to natural disasters and human misfortunes, the population has gradually dwindled, and many fields have fallen into disrepair. Transforming a piece of wasteland into arable land is not an easy task, but allowing it to revert to wasteland is quite simple

It must be said that the Jinyiwei is indeed a remarkable organization. Not only is it well-organized, but it also boasts a high level of efficiency and a large number of professionals. Whether it is undercover infiltration or intelligence gathering, they have many talented individuals. Zhang Shisan prepared thoroughly and meticulously for him to impersonate Yang Wenxuan, which was no less impressive than the initial arrangements made by the police for Xia Xun to go undercover.

My public identity is merely that of a companion by Yang Xu's side, which means there are many occasions when I cannot be present. You may encounter various individuals and situations at any time, and I cannot provide you with timely advice; you will have to adapt on the spot. By the way, do you remember I mentioned that Yang Xu might have women? The women I refer to are certainly not those from the streets, but rather his affairs and infidelities. They have an intimate relationship with Yang Wenxuan, and their understanding of his body is likely... If you were to encounter them, it would be difficult to say whether you might give yourself away.

After Yang Xu passed the examination for the scholar's degree, he devoted himself entirely to managing the family business and had lost interest in academic pursuits. Most of the people he associated with were business partners, or else they were young men indulging in pleasures and extravagance. Opportunities for him to showcase his literary talents were few and far between. If he did encounter such situations, he could only brush them off. If one is unwilling to compose poetry or engage in literary recitation, others cannot force them to do so, and there is no need to embarrass oneself by reciting a few lines of poetry.

Defects are indeed present, for instance, Yang Xu is a scholar, and no matter what, Xia Xun cannot match his ability to compose poetry and prose. Even if he does not pretend to be oblivious, he cannot possess the cultural depth of Yang Xu. The notion that memorizing three hundred Tang poems and a hundred couplets can allow one to pose as a talented scholar in front of true literati, earning their reverence, is nothing but a fantasy.

This is not yet over. If the parties involved are an unmarried man and an unmarried woman, the presiding official must require both parties to marry. If one party refuses, that individual will be prohibited from remarrying for life; this is a common practice. You possess academic credentials, wealth, and are also young and handsome, making you the ideal suitor in the eyes of many women. However, if a woman believes you have shifted your affections to another, she may resolutely decide to act, risking her reputation and dignity. What do you think the outcome will be?

Xia Xun was fully focused on maneuvering the steed, while Zhang Shisan rode alongside and suddenly asked, "What is the name of the Crown Prince of Qi?"

In the evening, the sky is filled with colorful clouds

Zhang Shisan said: "In a few days, it will be the birthday of King Qi. As a subordinate of King Qi, you must attend the birthday celebration. You need to return and familiarize yourself with the situation. If you cannot even get past the family and friends of Yang Xu, how can you possibly gain entry to the gates of nobility?"

Xia Xun exclaimed in surprise, "So fast?"

He took a deep breath, gazing at the faint twilight in the distance, and murmured: "Whether it is a mule or a horse, it should be taken out for a walk..."

Xia Xun was even more confused and asked in bewilderment, "What does this have to do with whether one holds an official position or whether one is married?"

Zhang Shisan said: "Of course it matters. A married woman, whether she has seen through your identity or believes you have fallen in love with someone else and harbors resentment, generally does not dare to make it public. However, if it is an unmarried woman, once she thinks you have changed your heart, she might boldly make it known. Hehe... Since you are neither an official nor married, trouble will come knocking at your door."

A cold sweat quietly slid down Xia Xun's temple: "I ... ... only want his identity and wealth, as for his woman ... ... that is unnecessary ... ... "

The Crown Prince and the princes, upon reaching the age of ten, are granted titles. The legitimate eldest son is established as the Crown Prince, receiving a golden register and a golden seal. The other princes are conferred as regional kings, receiving a silver register and a silver treasure. The Crown Prince's attire and ceremonial regalia are equivalent to that of a first-rank official, while the regional kings' attire and ceremonial regalia are equivalent to that of a second-rank official. The residence of the Crown Prince has three guards, totaling 9,900 men, whose military records are under the Ministry of War and are directly commanded by the prince, not subject to local jurisdiction. All regulations concerning the prince are only subordinate to those of the emperor. Public officials and nobles below the rank of prince must kneel and prostrate themselves when paying respects to the prince.

If an official engages in adultery, not only will they face severe punishment from the court, but even if they are killed by someone taking the law into their own hands, the authorities will not intervene; their death will be in vain. The court demands strict punishment to serve as a warning to others. However, if an ordinary citizen commits this crime, the punishment is much more lenient, usually consisting of a beating and a sentence of two years of labor, which can be compensated with money.

Zhang Shisan said with pleasure: "Xia Xun, your memory is excellent; your answer is flawless."

The young man Mu Ai was already somewhat abnormal in his complete disregard for female beauty. However, every time he revealed his body while bathing, his eyes, which had become particularly bright, would always linger over himself. Especially when applying the "body wash," he seemed particularly interested, very focused, and patient. It was unclear whether he had some sort of unhealthy obsession or if it was due to the psychological distortions from being tortured in the Jinyiwei prison since his youth, imagining his body as that of a torture subject. In any case, every time Zhang Shisan's soft hands touched him, he felt extremely uncomfortable.

The second son, Prince of Le'an County Zhu Xianzhi, and the fourth son, Prince of Pingyuan County Zhu Xianhe

Xia Xun then turned around and clasped his fists, saying: "This is all due to the good teachings of the esteemed one"

Zhang Shisan said: "Of course it is related. Do not be misled by the imposing demeanor of officials, as if they can act with impunity. In reality, the character and morality of those in office are of utmost importance to the court. Although many officials may possess poor character, they still attain high positions, but that is done in secrecy. Once these disgraceful matters are brought to light, it becomes unacceptable.

The letter was replied to by Mr. An, but the content was penned by Miss Xiu'er from Qingluo Courtyard. As for the pile of bottles and jars that came with the letter, they were grudgingly and painfully gifted by Mr. An. From that day on, Xia Xun, like a woman who loves cleanliness and beauty, meticulously cared for her skin every day, regardless of the weather.

Zhang Shisan cleaned his hands, dried them with a towel, returned to the table, picked up a cup of tea, and gently stirred the tea leaves on the surface of the water with the lid, earnestly instructing: "Everything I have told you must be remembered, but you must understand that what I have shared is only what I know about Yang Xu. The people Yang Xu interacts with and the things he knows are not limited to this.

Xia Xun replied immediately: "Zhu Xianting."

Xia Xun seemed oblivious, continuing to ride forward. Zhang Shisan laughed heartily and said, "Yang Wenxuan, you passed the test!"

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As one of the ancient Nine Provinces, Qingzhou has been the political, economic, military, cultural, and trade center of Shandong since the Han Dynasty. It was not until a few years ago that Emperor Zhu ordered the relocation of the Shandong Provincial Administration and the Capital Command to Jinan, thereby establishing Jinan's supreme status in Shandong.

Zhang Shisan rode alongside him and said loudly: "Yes, that's right. When holding the reins with both hands, the length of the reins must always be kept equal. Keep your chest out and your back straight, grip the reins tightly in your palms, relax the action of hitting the waves a bit more, and your body should move with the horse's rise and fall. Your feet should naturally perform the actions of standing and sitting. Good, now increase the speed a bit more"

How old are the heirs and sons when they receive their titles? How many guards and horses are there in the royal residence? What are the ceremonial protocols when paying respects to the King of Qi?

However, the population migrating to Shandong is increasing, and the Ming Dynasty is gradually thriving. Although the area they are riding through is still a wasteland, it is believed that in two years, the flourishing wild grass will transform into neatly arranged crops.

Xia Xun said: "If I really encounter such a woman, I can find some excuses to no longer associate with her, wouldn't that be the case?"

What about the second and fourth children

Xia Xun and Zhang Shisan, each wearing a sun hat and riding a chestnut horse, occasionally walked slowly across the wilderness and at times galloped swiftly with their whips. Although it cannot be said that they possessed any remarkable skills at this point, their horsemanship was already quite commendable.

Upon entering the city gate, the market became bustling with activity. Shops lined both sides of the street, and the sounds of vendors calling out their wares filled the air. The wide street, paved with smooth bluestone slabs, echoed with the clattering of wheels as they rolled over it. Four guards split into two groups: two moved ahead to clear the way, while the other two followed behind the carriage. The driver from the Yang family carriage was familiar with the route to the young master's residence, and without needing to be instructed, he urged the horse-drawn carriage towards the Yang residence.

When he goes to bed, he also has to apply slices of tender cucumber to his face. Throughout the day, this meticulous and intricate routine is indeed more elaborate than that of a young lady who has nothing to do but focus on beauty. The most uncomfortable part is when he applies the bath lotion made from yellow wine and egg whites; he is unable to reach his own back and can only rely on Zhang Shisan to assist him.

However, Qingzhou still has a Bureau of Revenue and a Commandery Division, and its historical status accumulated over more than a thousand years cannot be weakened in just a few years. Moreover, there is a princely king here. Currently, there are two princely kings in Shandong: one is the tenth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, who is titled King of Lu and has his fief in Yanzhou Prefecture; the other is the seventh son of the emperor, King of Qi, who has his fief in Qingzhou Prefecture

However, the effects of these skincare methods are evident; Xia Xun's complexion is becoming fairer day by day. Of course, this is only in comparison to his former self. The change in skin tone, coupled with his increasingly seamless demeanor and behavior, makes it difficult for even someone as discerning as Zhang Shisan to find any faults.

The King of Qi was knowledgeable in military affairs and well-versed in martial strategies, previously priding himself on being a military figure. His temperament was fierce and arrogant, and he enjoyed attracting heroes from the rivers and lakes as well as eccentric individuals from various schools of thought

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Although the area for application is limited to the back, being gently caressed by a large man like this, while having to be completely undressed, makes Xia Xun feel quite uncomfortable, especially with Zhang Shisan... Xia Xun always feels that he is very interested in well-built muscles. Manager Wang's daughter is a delicate and lovely village girl, lively and charming, with a well-developed figure. Every time she comes to the quarry, she becomes the focus of attention for the men. The young girl seems to have a bit of interest in the master’s companion, always calling out for Shisan. However, Zhang Shisan, with a smile that does not reach his eyes, is too lazy to even glance at her.

Xia Xunqi said: "What does this have to do with being married or unmarried?"

Every day before dawn, he must rise. The first thing he does after getting up is to take a bath with great ceremony, using milky white rice washing water. By noon, he must wash again, this time with a bucket of light green tea. The evening is even more troublesome; he first mixes yellow wine with egg whites to create a bathing solution, carefully applying it all over his body. He then remains in the room, completely unclothed, for at least an hour before rinsing off with green tea water.

At this moment, Xia Xun had entered the city. The return journey was not the same as the outward one; the side panels and curtains of the carriage had been removed, leaving only the sunshade on top. Xia Xun sat upright inside the carriage, wearing a cap and robe. As the carriage moved, the breeze flowed in from all sides, reminiscent of the demeanor of scholars and officials during the Spring and Autumn period when they ventured out.

Since I am here, I must live well. This opportunity is a gift from heaven, and no matter what, I must seize it. No one shall take it away from me!

Xia Xun spoke eloquently and with composure

Xia Xun's gaze suddenly fell upon Zhang Shisan

The Yang family has arrived

Zhang Shisan smiled and shook his head again: "Whether the *illustrated* book is good or not is not for me to decide, but rather depends on whether you can deceive the entire Qingzhou and make people believe that you are Yang Wenxuan. Tomorrow, we must hurry back."

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In the past, Xia Xun occasionally entered the city, at that time he could only walk close to the roadside, his eyes solely searching for kind-hearted individuals who might spare a few coins for a bowl of rice. Many people looked at him with expressions filled with disdain. Now, however, he rides in a high carriage drawn by fine horses, adorned in luxurious garments, seated with dignity, surrounded by attendants. Passersby hurriedly step aside, their gazes towards him filled with reverence and envy, which leaves him quite moved.

Zhang Shisan pondered for a moment and shook his head, saying: "I tell you this in hopes that you will be prepared, so that when the time comes, you will not be caught off guard and have your identity exposed. I think you should seek a new love; this way, you will have an excuse to abandon the old one. However, the specific circumstances must be assessed as they arise. If the woman is married, then it is acceptable, but if she is unmarried, one cannot generalize. You may have to engage in some pretense to manage the situation.

What kind of person is King Qi

Qingzhou Ancient City, to the west adjoins Mount Tai, to the east overlooks the vast ocean, to the south faces the verdant Three Mountains, with the city appearing like a painted screen, and to the north, two rivers flow around, embracing the city like a crescent moon. Famous mountains and rivers are scattered throughout the four corners, and cultural relics and historical sites are found everywhere.

What later generations often discuss with great enthusiasm is the overwhelming power and arrogance of the Jinyiwei, yet few pay attention to the fact that there were some Jinyiwei spies who, under orders, spent decades in foreign lands, enduring dangers and hardships with unwavering perseverance and making countless sacrifices. Very few recognize that throughout the Ming Dynasty, they risked their lives to infiltrate the northern grasslands, Korea, Japan, and Annam, demonstrating exceptional performance in gathering intelligence on foreign tribes, which contributed significantly to the court's decision-making. This sharp dagger, if used in the right place, could indeed achieve great results.

The cultural cultivation of a literati permeates every aspect of their life, whether it is writing a letter, reciting a few lines of a drinking game, or appreciating a piece of calligraphy or painting. Each of these activities requires a considerable depth of cultural literacy and the ability to improvise on the spot. This is not a cultural exchange governed by fixed rules; it cannot be managed simply by memorizing a few poems or couplets. If one lacks fame, it may not matter, but if one dares to use a well-known saying or clever response to gain recognition, it will only lead to quicker exposure of their inadequacies. It requires the ability to improvise, as there are no established norms for cultural exchange; it is certainly not something that can be handled merely by memorizing a few verses or couplets. If one lacks fame, it may not matter, but if one dares to use a well-known saying or clever response to gain recognition, it will only lead to quicker exposure of their inadequacies.