Chapter 5: Shocking! His Highness the Prince Actually…
Shocking! Xu Buling, the Prince of Su, single-handedly cracks down on a massive salt smuggling operation!
Men are silent, women weep! What has become of Chang’an City? Cases that should be handled by the Ministry of Justice now require the intervention of a prince!
Screams heard from brothels in the dead of night! It turns out Prince Xu was eradicating evil!
…
The next morning, overwhelming praise echoed from the theaters and taverns of Daye District.
News of the previous night’s murder had spread like wildfire. With the subtle guidance of certain individuals, the focus had shifted to the corrupt Imperial Guard captain and Prince Xu’s righteous intervention, effectively downplaying the significance of the salt smuggling operation. It was a masterstroke of public relations.
Xu Buling woke up to the guards’ report, his face filled with bewilderment.
Yesterday, he was still an obscure figure, contemplating how to act arrogantly when questioned by the instructors at the Imperial Academy.
Now, he had woken up to find himself hailed as a righteous judge, a modern-day Bao Zheng, known for his impartiality and unwavering pursuit of justice.
As the son of a prince whose father’s achievements threatened the Emperor’s authority, he had come to the capital to uphold justice. Was this implying that the Emperor was blind and needed Prince Su to handle matters under his very nose?
Even if he were to intervene, he should do so openly. What was the meaning of secretly instructing the Wolf Guards to investigate? Was he afraid that his direct involvement would arouse the Emperor’s suspicion, so he deliberately chose to operate behind the scenes, seeking no fame or recognition, only to restore order and justice to the people of Chang’an?
To possess such wisdom and foresight at the tender age of eighteen, it was truly…
Truly a recipe for disaster!
Xu Buling felt a surge of anger. He strode out of his residence and bumped into Old Xiao, who had just returned. He questioned him sternly:
“Old Xiao, were you bribed or seduced by a beautiful woman? What kind of nonsense is this?”
Old Xiao, with his servant’s cap tilted at a jaunty angle, leaned on his cane and replied helplessly:
“Young Master, this is truly not my fault. I sent people out last night to spread the news, but before the storytellers could even finalize their scripts, the rumors had already started circulating in the theaters and taverns. Such swift action can only mean that the authorities are behind this. There’s no way to stop it.”
Xu Buling rubbed his forehead and pondered for a moment:
“Forget it. Let’s ignore it. As long as I don’t acknowledge it, they can’t solidify my reputation as a righteous hero. Who is behind this flattery?”
Old Xiao thought for a moment, then said with a sigh:
“It’s probably the Gongsun father and son. To repay kindness with virtue, despite the previous conflict, their gesture is truly touching.”
Xu Buling was stunned, then gritted his teeth:
“I’m truly touched!”
Public opinion had already been formed. He couldn’t go around explaining that he wasn’t upholding justice, but rather abusing his power. Even a fool wouldn’t do that. He could only ignore the situation for now and head to the Imperial Academy.
Old Xiao followed behind and said:
“By the way, Madam Lu has heard the news and wants to see you.”
Madam Lu summoning him could only mean one thing: she wanted to know why his attempt at acting like a spoiled rich youth had resulted in him being hailed as a righteous judge.
The information about the smuggled salt had indeed been leaked by Old Xiao to bribe Zhu Manzhi. Madam Lu had forbidden Xu Buling from acting on his own, so this visit would undoubtedly result in a lengthy lecture.
Xu Buling thought for a moment, then said:
“Explain to Aunt Lu that I was truly drunk last night and didn’t know what I was doing. The monthly exams are approaching, and my studies are demanding. I’ll visit her in a few days.”
Old Xiao acknowledged the order and left.
…
Dong—
Dong—
The deep resonating sound of the bell spread as the morning sun illuminated the eastern sky. The majestic city of Chang’an, with its towering buildings and bustling streets, unfolded like a painting in the cold winter air.
Xu Buling dismounted his horse in front of the Imperial Academy’s dismounting stone and walked towards the main gate.
He passed through corridors and courtyards, the air filled with the rhythmic chanting of students reciting their lessons.
The Imperial Academy was where the children of the royal family, princes, noble families, and high-ranking officials received their education. Their backgrounds were intertwined and complex, and Xu Buling preferred to keep his distance, maintaining a solitary existence.
The students at the Imperial Academy had naturally heard about the incident in Daye District. As Xu Buling approached, many of them looked at him with admiration and greeted him politely:
“Prince Xu is truly a worthy son of a military family. He taught those arrogant Imperial Guards a lesson…”
“Upright and just, upholding the law. He is a role model for us all…”
“Indeed, indeed…”
There were six princes studying at the Imperial Academy, and the rest all had the surname Song. Addressing Xu Buling as “Prince Xu” instead of “Your Highness” highlighted his unique status as the only son of Prince Su.
Xu Buling wanted to offer an explanation, but he felt it would be unbecoming of his status. He simply ignored them and entered the Wenqu Courtyard, a designated study area.
Although the students at the Imperial Academy were considered equals, Xu Buling wouldn’t be studying alongside those from humble backgrounds. The Wenqu Courtyard was reserved for princes and the children of noble families. It wasn’t crowded, but it occupied a surprisingly large area.
According to the schedule, it was time for morning readings.
Inside the spacious and well-lit study hall, bamboo curtains hung on all sides. Twenty small desks were arranged neatly, occupied by a dozen or so elegantly dressed young men and women of noble birth. Most of them were dozing off, and only a few young ladies were diligently reading their books.
The instructor wasn’t a seasoned scholar, but rather Song Yufu, the daughter of the Grand Tutor.
Grand Tutor Song Baiqing was a rigid and traditional scholar, advanced in age. He disliked Xu Buling and his ilk, rarely teaching in person and often sending his daughter as a substitute. No one paid attention anyway.
As Xu Buling entered the study hall, he noticed a young nobleman sitting upright, holding a book of Confucian classics, but his eyes were sneakily ogling Song Yufu’s figure with a lascivious gaze.
Song Yufu was around sixteen or seventeen years old, with a graceful demeanor and long flowing hair. She was considered a beauty.
Normally, the young men present wouldn’t dare to stare so openly, but in the boredom of the study hall, the only thing worth looking at was the beautiful instructor diligently reciting poetry and prose. It was a classic case of mischievous students ogling their female teacher.
Xu Buling, still agitated by the morning’s events, narrowed his eyes upon witnessing this scene.
As the saying goes, “It’s never too late to mend the fold.”
If he didn’t seize this opportunity to cause some trouble, he wouldn’t be able to face Madam Lu when she inevitably arrived.
After a moment of contemplation, Xu Buling walked towards the front of the study hall and punched the leering young man without warning…
…
“Ah—”
In the early winter of the tenth year of the Zhaohong era, a scream echoed through the study halls of the Imperial Academy.
Inside the Wenqu Courtyard, Song Yufu held a ruler, hopping anxiously as she tried to stop Xu Buling’s violence:
“Stop it! Stop hitting him!”
In the center of the study hall, Xiao Ting, the nephew of the Empress Dowager and the legitimate son of the prestigious Xiao family of Huainan, lay on the ground, clutching his head and wailing in pain and confusion:
“Ah— Xu Buling, why are you hitting me?! What did I do to you?! Ah—…”
His cries continued.
Xu Buling crouched down, pulled Xiao Ting’s arm away, and rained punches on his face with a ferocious expression.
Song Yufu was furious, her body trembling as she held the ruler but dared not strike. She tried to pull Xu Buling away, but a young lady stopped her, whispering:
“Don’t go near him. Prince Xu might be drunk. He might hit you too.”
Song Yufu hesitated, her eyes filled with anxiety. She ran out of the study hall to call for help.
Xiao Ting’s face was bruised and swollen from the beating, his eyes filled with indignation:
“I am the legitimate son of the Xiao family! Ah—
The nephew of the Empress Dowager! Ah—…”
He received a punch for every word, the rhythm perfectly maintained.
The commotion attracted attention, and footsteps approached from outside the study hall. Song Yufu rushed in, her face flushed with anxiety, and said in a hushed tone:
“Your Highness, Prince Xu is drunk and beating someone! Please stop him before he seriously injures Young Master Xiao…”
Behind Song Yufu stood a scholar in a Confucian robe, appearing to be in his late thirties, with a gentle and refined demeanor. He followed at a leisurely pace.
The young men and women of noble birth in the study hall straightened their clothes and adopted a respectful posture:
“We greet Your Highness, Prince Yan.”
Xu Buling’s expression softened slightly, and he returned the scholarly greeting.
Prince Yan, Song Yu, was the Emperor’s younger brother. He had been teaching at the Imperial Academy and refraining from political affairs, earning him a reputation as a virtuous and righteous man. He was often praised as a “true gentleman of our time.” As he entered the study hall, he saw Xiao Ting sitting on the ground with a bruised and swollen face, a look of helplessness in his eyes.
Xiao Ting was the nephew of the Empress Dowager, who was considered Prince Yan’s stepmother. In terms of kinship, Xiao Ting even addressed the current Emperor as “cousin.”
“Buling, Xiao Ting, why are you fighting in the study hall?”
Hearing Prince Yan’s question, Xiao Ting scrambled to his feet and pointed at his face:
“Your Highness, it wasn’t a fight. He attacked me! I refrained from retaliating out of respect for him as a junior.”
Prince Yan frowned slightly and turned to Xu Buling:
“Buling, why did you hit Xiao Ting?”
Xu Buling wanted to say, “A gentleman doesn’t deceive in secret,” but remembering Aunt Lu’s teachings, he changed his answer:
“I was drunk. Who is he anyway?”
His expression was arrogant and defiant, his tone haughty, perfectly embodying the demeanor of a spoiled prince. However, his refined appearance and lack of genuine malice made him appear more aloof and handsome, attracting the attention of several young ladies of noble birth.
Xiao Ting was furious, rubbing his bruised face:
“I am Xiao Ting, the nephew of the Empress Dowager, the brother-in-law of Madam Lu, your uncle!”
Xu Buling raised an eyebrow and looked him up and down:
“Oh, really?” He took a swig from his wine gourd.
“…”
Xiao Ting was speechless, pointing at Xu Buling but unable to utter a word.
Prince Yan shook his head gently and looked at Xu Buling, adopting a paternal tone:
“Buling, do you know the meaning of the character ‘Buling’ in your name?”
Xu Buling replied softly:
“To act with righteousness, even without orders,” Xu Buling replied promptly, reciting the well-worn phrase. “And to defy unjust orders, even at the cost of one’s own position.”
Prince Yan nodded. “Indeed. I will not inquire about the reason for your… outburst. As long as your conscience is clear… And I must say, I was impressed by your actions last night. You intervened to right a wrong, upholding justice without hesitation. You embodied the very meaning of your name. Continue to act with such integrity, Buling.”
Xu Buling frowned:
“I was drunk last night. I have no idea how those rumors started.”
Prince Yan’s eyes were filled with admiration:
“To be so humble and unassuming at such a young age, this is the mark of a true gentleman. Excellent.”
Xu Buling was speechless, spreading his hands in frustration.
Prince Yan was known for his fairness and impartiality. He didn’t continue praising Xu Buling excessively and instead said:
“Your character is commendable, but your actions still warrant punishment. Fighting in the Imperial Academy is a violation of the rules. You will be confined to the Bell and Drum Tower for seven days and copy the ‘Xue Ji’* ten times.”
Xu Buling sighed in relief. Spending seven days confined within the Imperial Academy was preferable to being subjected to Madam Lu’s relentless nagging. He left the study hall without hesitation.
Xiao Ting, who had been beaten for no apparent reason, was furious, his face contorted with anger. Seeing the other young men and women in the study hall snickering, he snorted:
“Just you wait…” He then flung his sleeves and stormed out of the Imperial Academy…
****
‘Xue Ji’*: Part of a Confucian text, Liji 禮記 (Book of Rites)
***
Song Yufu:
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