The Trick to Teasing a Noble Family's Son - Chapter 30

Xie Tong provided Xie Zichen with information that night.

“The person named Lin Xia is from a humble background and is a doctor. It is said that he is an old acquaintance of Wei Shizi from the border and had once helped him. He came to the capital to look for his family, was spotted by Wei Shizi, and was brought back to his residence.”

“Someone Wei Lan brought back?”

Xie Zichen paused in his book organizing, then said, “I understand. You may leave.”

Wang Ning, who had been listening with a smile, sipped his wine and grinned. “Zichen, what are you planning to do with this Lin Xia?”

“What can I do?” Xie Zichen didn’t even look up. “A graceful lady is a gentleman’s desire. With Wei Hua’s beauty, it’s not unusual for more people to pursue her.”

“But this person helped Wei Shizi and can come and go out with Miss Wei. It seems Wei Shizi favours this person…”

Hearing this, Xie Zichen’s hand paused as he turned the pages. Recalling Lin Xia’s appearance from earlier that day, she seemed rather lively despite her worried expression, unlike the usually reserved sons of noble families.

Wang Ning, noticing Xie Zichen’s hesitation, asked, “Zichen?”

“It’s nothing.”

Xie Zichen came to his senses and changed the topic. “When do you plan to enter the Imperial Academy?”

The matter of entering the palace was something Wang Ning couldn’t catch up with. As for which member of the Wang family would enter the palace, Xie Zichen wasn’t sure, but Wang Xi would undoubtedly be there.

“The Imperial Academy?” Wang Ning shook his head with a smile. “I don’t plan to enter the Imperial Academy.”

Xie Zichen looked up at him. His friend seemed a bit embarrassed. “I plan to go to Yunzhou.”

“Yunzhou?”

For shu sons like them, Yunzhou, a place of war and chaos, was indeed a place to quickly make a name for oneself. There, only strength mattered, not background. It was a place to fight for success or die trying. Like Wei Lan, the Changxin Marquis Manor was on the brink of collapse. If she had stayed in the capital to endure hardship, she might only now have the chance to enter the Imperial Academy, and she wouldn’t be chosen as a prince’s companion. After staying in the Imperial Academy for at least two years and passing the Three Classics, she could then enter the court. By that time, the Marquis of Changxin would be dead. A newly appointed official with an empty title would be no match for her powerful uncles.

That was the Changxin Marquis house in Wei Lan’s past life, had she not gone to the border. But she did, earning great merit young, gaining the emperor’s favour, ensuring her companion role. Companions were future royal confidants, protected by the imperial clan, with private troops. Even if the Marquis died suddenly, she’d have a fighting chance. Now, as a companion, she wasn’t just earning a court pass but waiting for wings to grow full. In two years, her uncles might not match her.

These thoughts flashed through Xie Zichen’s mind. He asked calmly, “Why the sudden urgency?”

Wang Ning smiled bitterly and turned his head. “My mother’s health is poor, and I want her to live a good life as soon as possible. I hadn’t thought about it before, but now seeing Wei Shizi, I realize this is also a path.”

Listening to Wang Ning, Xie Zichen nodded. “Then go. I’ll take care of your mother. Come back safely.”

“Zichen…” Wang Ning was stunned, never expecting his cold-hearted friend to be so considerate. Xie Zichen didn’t say much more. He turned and went into his inner room, finding a token and a silver note from a secret compartment and handing them to Wang Ning.

“When you see shops with this token’s emblem in Yunzhou, use the token if you need help. Say you’re my friend. You’ll need the money too. If it’s not enough, write to me.”

Wang Ning said nothing, his eyes turning red. After a long while, he finally composed himself, stood up, and bowed deeply. “Zichen, I’ll never forget today’s kindness. If you aim for court one day, I’ll be your left and right arms, going through fire and water, no hesitation.”

“Good.” Xie Zichen nodded. “I’ll hold you to that.”

His bluntness stunned Wang Ning, who then laughed. “Zichen’s always straightforward.”

“Why be hypocritical?” Xie Zichen raised an eyebrow. “If you ever face trouble, as your brother, I’ll go through fire and water for you too.”

After chatting for half the night, they finally went to sleep. The next day at noon, an imperial edict arrived at the Xie residence, summoning Xie Zichen to enter the palace as a companion. This was expected and did not surprise anyone. When Xie Zichen sent the eunuch away, he had Xie Tong slip him some silver and then asked, “Do you know who else will be entering the palace this time?”

“There are eleven sons of noble families,” the eunuch said, as if prepared. He took out a paper from his sleeve and respectfully handed it to Xie Zichen. “It’s all listed here.”

Xie Tong took the paper, and the eunuch pocketed the silver with praise. “Fourth Young Master Xie, you’ll surely soar to the clouds in the palace. Don’t forget this old servant then.”

“Rest assured,” Xie Zichen nodded. “If I rise to power, I’ll remember your help today.”

The eunuch smiled and nodded, bid farewell, and Xie Zichen quickly glanced at the list before heading back to his room.

Meanwhile, Wei Lan also had a list. Glancing at it, she couldn’t help but smile.

The people on the list were divided into two groups: six for the Crown Prince and five for the Third Prince.

Wei Lan recognized a few on the Crown Prince’s side: Wang Xi, Xie Zichen, and Lin Che, along with General Huan Song’s son, Huan Heng.

Huan Heng was an old acquaintance. His father, Huan Song, was Wei Shao’s superior. At the frontier, Huan Heng was Wei Lan’s direct superior. He was a striking young man, like a small leopard, he was wild and dangerous, different from the refined noble sons of the capital. They fought side by side in every border battle, including her famed assassination of an enemy general, where she struck and he led the vanguard.”

She had thought Huan Heng would stay at the frontier for a few more years to fully grasp his father’s military power. She hadn’t expected him to be summoned to the palace, nor that he would be willing to come.

Thinking of seeing an old friend, Wei Lan couldn’t help but feel a bit happy.

The other two were Lu Chen, son of the Right Vice-Minister of the Secretariat, and Ji Shao, son of the Censor-in-Chief Ji Ren.

This lineup—literati, military, and censors—was a strong hand.

The Third Prince’s side seemed less impressive at first glance, but on closer inspection, these were all outstanding individuals from reputable families.

The Third Prince’s group seemed less prestigious but, on closer look, was filled with talented individuals: Wei Lan, known from the border; Wang Yuan, third Wang son; Zhang Sheng, son of the Minister of War; Ruan Kangcheng, son of the Left Vice-Minister of the Secretariat; and Sun Ming, son of the Vice-Censor-in-Chief.

Wei Lan dusted off the paper and couldn’t help but look forward to entering the palace.

That night, all the young men packed their belongings and entered the palace. Except for the Crown Prince and the princes who had their residences, everyone else stayed in the same courtyard, with two people per room, assigned by drawing lots.

After entering the palace, Wei Lan wandered the courtyard, somewhat curious about her roommate. But when she opened the door, she couldn’t help but laugh. Xie Zichen was sitting in the room, and Xie Tong was making the bed. Hearing her enter, Xie Zichen looked up, and their eyes met. Wei Lan could see Xie Zichen’s whole body visibly tense.

Wei Lan couldn’t help but smile, folded her fan, and greeted, “Fourth Young Master Xie, we meet again.”

Xie Zichen stood up and returned the greeting.

Wei Lan entered the room, and Ran Mo quickly and efficiently placed her things in the cabinet before making the bed.

The room had two beds, one on each side. Xie Tong was busy with the bed and seemed irritated when Ran Mo approached, waving him off, “We’re busy here. Why are you crowding?”

Ran Mo threw the bedding on the bed and sneered, “I like crowding. So what?”

Xie Tong: “…”

Xie Zichen said nothing. He felt it wasn’t his place to speak at this moment.

As the two servants busied themselves with the beds, Wei Lan sat next to Xie Zichen, turning a teacup in her hand. “Do you know the companions, Zichen?”

“Except for Young Master Huan, most are sons of the capital’s nobility, so we’ve met,” Xie Zichen thought for a moment and said, “The Crown Prince’s side has more gentlemen, while the Third Prince’s side has more capable people. Especially Zhang Sheng, he is devious in heart and has many tricks.”

“Hmm…” Wei Lan pondered. “Why do I feel you’re indirectly scolding me?”

“Just being honest.” With Wei Lan there, Xie Zichen couldn’t focus on his book and closed it, placing it on the shelf.

Wei Lan watched his figure, thinking a beauty was never tiring to behold.

At that moment, a commotion erupted outside, followed by sounds of a fight from the next room. Then, a hoarse voice called out, “Which room is Wei Lan in?”

Xie Zichen’s book-placing paused, and Wei Lan smiled as she stood up. A black-clad youth appeared at the door.

Unlike the flowing robes of the capital, he wore a fitted combat outfit, his hair tied back neatly with a headband, a short sword at his waist, looking tall and lean.

Wei Lan was tall for her age, but he was slightly taller.

He seemed to have some Hu ancestry, with thick eyebrows, big eyes, a high nose bridge, and a beautiful wheat-coloured skin tone, carrying the wildness of the frontier like a leopard, both beautiful and dangerous. His sharp beauty was like an unsheathed sword.

He quietly stared at Wei Lan, who stood with hands clasped in her sleeves, smiling at him.

An invisible understanding seemed to exclude others.

“Wei Lan,” he said hoarsely, his voice rough from puberty, “You left without saying goodbye.”

“Since we’d meet again,” Wei Lan smiled, “Why say goodbye?”

He said nothing, but after a moment, he stepped forward and pulled Wei Lan into a hug, seriously saying, “So I came.”

“To say goodbye?” Xie Zichen’s voice cut through coldly. The embracing pair turned to him, standing calmly with a book, saying, “Excuse me, you’re blocking the door.”

Hearing this, Huan Heng’s expression changed. “You’re Wei Lan’s roommate?”

Xie Zichen nodded. Huan Heng immediately released Wei Lan, drew his sword, and said seriously, “I want to switch rooms with you. The winner stays!”

Seeing Huan Heng’s veiled anger, Xie Zichen expressionlessly walked past his sword.

“Talk to Eunuch Zhang. If he agrees, we’ll switch.”

With that, Xie Zichen left.

Huan Heng scoffed behind him, “Coward.”

Xie Zichen stopped, slowly turned, his gem-like eyes fixed on Huan Heng, and said seriously, “I don’t want to fight you, not because I’m afraid. I’m just worried that if I beat you up, your father won’t recognize you.”

Wei Lan, who had been fanning herself and watching the show, was slightly stunned, then couldn’t help but smile.

She thought, Xie Zichen is indeed interesting.