Chapter 896: Xu Cheng

Pan Hong then told Xu Cheng of the matter, saying: "Although I do not agree with Lord Xu's remarks on the southern relocation, I do not feel he should pay a price for that proposal. Since it was a court discussion, naturally any opinion could be raised; whether to use it or how to use it should be up to Your Majesty."

Yu Qian nodded.

Pan Hong, watching Yu Qian's expression, saw that his face was calm, and continued: "Besides, the situation was indeed critical at the time. Quite a few officials chimed in with Lord Xu, among them no lack of high officials of Third rank and above. Your Majesty could treat them all with leniency — why single out Lord Xu alone?"

Yu Qian spoke one sentence on the Emperor's behalf: "His Majesty felt that Xu Cheng lacked loyal and courageous resolve. In a moment of crisis, one erroneous proposal, with many chiming in, could well bring catastrophe. At the time, it was I who proposed beheading the ministers who advocated southern relocation."

Pan Hong felt a little awkward upon hearing this.

Yu Qian's expression, however, remained as usual, and he said: "Still, at the time it was meant as a deterrent. Times have changed. Xu Cheng and the others no longer pose any obstacle to the court; one can well be more magnanimous."

Pan Hong hurriedly assented, and added: "If Xu Cheng were a man of no ability, I would not bring him up. But recently, in conversation with him, I found he has considerable insight into flood control. It is truly a waste for Your Majesty to leave him idle in the Hanlin Academy."

Yu Qian also knew that Xu Cheng had great talent in water conservancy, and had twice pleaded for him, but the new Emperor disliked him each time, and he could not force the Emperor.

He meant to be a good minister, not a powerful one — not one who must make the Emperor act according to his own ideas.

Yu Qian also caught the drift of Pan Hong's meaning.

Pan Hong had developed a fondness for talent, felt Xu Cheng was rare, and so wished to plead on his behalf.

But Pan Hong could not get a word in with the new Emperor, so he meant to go find Pan Yun to plead.

Yu Qian lowered his eyes; he did not want Pan Hong to go find Pan Yun.

Once such things began, he feared the brakes could not be applied later.

But… would blocking it even work? If it could not be stopped, better to use this matter as a test.

After a brief thought, Yu Qian smiled and said: "Nowadays, the only one who can plead for Xu Cheng before Your Majesty is the National Preceptor alone. Perhaps my lord Pan might try seeking out the National Preceptor."

Pan Hong instantly sobered up, smiled at Yu Qian, and headed home in thought.

Xu Cheng was of benefit to the state — should one recommend talent without avoiding personal ties, or hold one's tongue for Pan Yun's sake?

Pan Hong's face was full of inner struggle.

Pan Yue, returning from the Imperial Academy, heard his father out and said at once: "You should still go find little sister."

Pan Hong's eyes went wide: "Why? Haven't you always been advising me, telling me not to go find Yun'er?"

"I held you back because neither family matters nor those people's affairs were worth little sister spending her energy on. But this matter is worth it. Since you feel Xu Cheng is a usable talent, let little sister make the decision."

Pan Yue said: "Still, I don't think little sister will necessarily want to employ him. That Xu Cheng's talent is indeed not poor, but his character is too poor — too calculating, not an upright man."

Pan Hong, displeased: "How many times have you even met the man? Where do you get that his character is poor? Proposing the southern relocation did lack some strategic sense and courage, but at the time…"

"It's not only that," Pan Yue said: "Father, before little sister became National Preceptor, Xu Cheng served in court alongside you. Did you ever see him?"

Pan Hong fell silent.

Pan Yue said: "You never even saw him. Yet the moment little sister became National Preceptor, he came to fawn on and flatter you. How is that any different from those people blocking the front door with gifts? It's just that he was more persistent, more thick-skinned, and had better judgment, that's all."

Pan Hong: "…Then why are you still telling me to go find Yun'er?"

Pan Yue smiled and said: "Father, if little sister can be National Preceptor, she must have her own judgment. You're not trying to force her to get her way — just put Xu Cheng in front of her."

Pan Yue likewise hoped Pan Hong would form the right habit.

Pan Yun and the Pan family could not be severed from one another. Their present coolness was only meant to show the world and the court officials their stance.

The Pan family had no intention of clinging to Pan Yun for gain; and Pan Yun had no intention of propping up the Pan family — of arranging all the family's sons and nephews into court posts like Wang Zhen did.

They wished to convey to the world and to court officials that they would participate in state affairs fairly and impartially.

And now, Xu Cheng was the stone they tossed out to restore normal dealings with Pan Yun.

Pan Hong followed Pan Yue's advice and went to the Qintian Observatory to request an audience with Pan Yun.

Since Seeing Miao Zhen and the others had left the capital, Pan Yun had more time each day to cultivate.

She was scratched awake from her trance by Pan Xiao Hei, learned that Pan Hong was waiting outside, immediately rose, and went out with a delighted face to bring him in.

Pan Hong, waiting outside, was somewhat uneasy — mainly because there were so many prying gazes within the Qintian Observatory, giving him an urge to flee.

He was shifting his feet lightly, just about to turn and leave outright, when Pan Yun came out smiling and called: "Lord Pan—"

Pan Hong: …

Lord Pan came back to himself, cupped his hands and bowed: "This official greets the National Preceptor."

Pan Yun, ignoring those prying gazes, smiled and stepped aside: "Please come in, Lord Pan."

Pan Hong followed Pan Yun into a room in the rear hall. The moment they entered, Pan Yun went *snap* — shut the door, turned around, and flashed Pan Hong a sweet smile: "Father—"

Pan Hong: "How come it's not 'Lord Pan' anymore?"

"That's for in front of people. There's no one here, and I've set up a barrier," Pan Yun said with a grin, pulling Pan Hong to sit on a cattail hassock, and sighed: "It can't be helped. Being National Preceptor is like being Emperor — neither lets you be at ease."

Pan Hong tensed up and said in a low voice: "Is that something you can say carelessly?"

Pan Yun drew a finger across her lips and smiled: "I'll definitely keep my mouth shut from now on, and never speak carelessly again."

Pan Hong sighed: "Why on earth did you have to become National Preceptor? You were so carefree before. I never asked you to return to secular life, marry, and bear children — as long as you were happy, that was enough. But you… sigh~~"

Pan Yun said: "Having taken this step, your daughter does not regret it. Fortunately, Father and my brothers understand me. When I didn't see you, you didn't come, and I knew you understood."

Pan Hong said with a stiff face: "I was still hurt."

Pan Yun, hearing this, said at once: "Then Father still doesn't understand and trust me enough. Father, I'm going to be hurt."

Pan Hong: …

He could not out-talk her.

Pan Hong discovered, to his sorrow, that of his three children, apart from the second, he could not out-talk a single one.

Father and daughter chatted and laughed over family matters for a while, before Pan Hong brought up the purpose of his visit.

Pan Yun, still smiling: "Father, you cherish Xu Cheng's talent so much?"

Pan Hong: "He has great talent."

Pan Yun smiled and nodded: "I understand."

She only said she understood, but did not say whether she agreed.

Pan Hong did not press further. Father and daughter shared a meal together before he left.

Pan Hong's entering the palace to find Pan Yun was no secret; not only did Xu Cheng learn of it quickly and wait to see Pan Yun's reaction, the court ministers were all watching as well.

But one day, two days, three days — Pan Yun kept her doors closed for cultivation, showing not the slightest intention of seeking out the Emperor.

It was only when the Emperor came to Pan Yun for a session of psychological healing and casually asked a question that Pan Yun finally brought up Xu Cheng.

Zhu Qiyu: "I had assumed the National Preceptor would seek Me out at the first opportunity to plead for Xu Cheng."

Pan Yun smiled and said: "Your Majesty, this poor Daoist has told you before — I can answer Your Majesty's questions and resolve your doubts, but I will not take the initiative to involve myself in court affairs. I have things I myself find interesting."

Zhu Qiyu asked at once: "What does the National Preceptor find interesting?"

"Astronomy, geography, mathematics, mechanical arts, medicine, and charity," Pan Yun said. "These are all the things I find interesting. Beyond these, unless Your Majesty asks me, I will not speak further."

Zhu Qiyu fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then asked: "Then does Daoist Pan feel that I should employ Xu Cheng? Not only has my lord your father spoken of Xu Cheng to Me many times, but Lord Yu as well."

Pan Yun said: "Your Majesty's not employing Xu Cheng — is it because you feel Xu Cheng is a petty person?" (End of this chapter)