Chapter 105: First Encounter with Qin Hui

Just as Zhu Hao’s mind was seized by the sudden impulse to eliminate Qin Hui outright, he recalled the words his father, Zhu Changluo, once told him: “Youjian, the ministers in court are not divided into good or bad; the difference lies only in whether you can control them. Each type of minister represents a different interest group, and only by understanding these groups can you govern them effectively.”

Zhu Changluo’s earnest counsel still seemed to echo in Zhu Hao’s ears. Clenching his fist silently, he murmured, “Father, you are right. There are no good or bad ministers, only those who can be controlled. Your words have always been engraved on my heart, never forgotten. Father, watch from the heavens; I will make you witness the flourishing of the great Ming dynasty!”

As these thoughts stirred within him, Zhu Hao gradually emerged from his reverie. Seeing Wei Xiaobao standing nervously by his side, he spoke, “Xiaobao, I grow weary. You may take your rest for now. Tomorrow, accompany me to meet this Qin Shun.”

Wei Xiaobao’s face betrayed surprise. How could a simple invitation warrant his lord’s personal visit? Yet he understood well what questions to ask and what to hold back. Without a word, he respectfully bowed to Zhu Hao and said, “Your servant obeys. I take my leave.” With that, he carefully withdrew from the room.

After Wei Xiaobao left, Zhu Hao lay down to rest, his mind filled with thoughts of tomorrow’s meeting with Qin Hui. Gradually, he fell asleep.

At dawn the next day, Zhu Hao rose early from his warm bed and began his morning routine. Once ready, he set out with Wei Xiaobao toward the palace gates. There, he spotted Hua Rong supervising the guards on duty. Remembering that he had not seen Hua Rong since his loyalty had been fully secured, Zhu Hao called him over.

Hua Rong hurried to his side, kneeling on one knee and saluting, “Your servant Hua Rong pays respects to Prince Xinyang! Does Your Highness have any orders for me?”

Zhu Hao smiled and nodded. “Hua Rong, rise and speak. I have no special tasks for you today, but I recall that last month you asked for leave. At that time, I was distracted by my elder brother’s accession and told you to wait until the end of the month. Since then, you have not approached me. I was busy and forgot about it. Seeing you now reminds me. Your leave is approved; you may hand over duties to Xie Gang and attend to your family affairs.”

In truth, Zhu Hao did not intend to grant Hua Rong leave. Instead, he sought to test whether Hua Rong’s previous request was related to his loyalty, and to prevent Hua Rong from feeling neglected by his absence.

Hua Rong quickly replied, “Your concern honors me, Your Highness. My family matters are settled; there is no need for leave. I wish to remain by your side and serve you faithfully!” With that, he knelt once more and saluted.

Zhu Hao nodded. “Very well. In a few days, I will ask my elder brother to transfer Xie Gang to the Five Armies Headquarters, so you may formally take command of the Imperial Guards. You must serve sincerely and not betray my trust.”

Still kneeling, Hua Rong was moved and clasped his fists, saluting once more. “Thank you for your confidence, Your Highness. I shall devote myself entirely and not disappoint you.”

Zhu Hao smiled and helped Hua Rong to his feet. “Enough. I have affairs to attend outside the palace. You should return to your post.”

“Your servant takes his leave.” Hua Rong withdrew solemnly to the palace gate. Meanwhile, Zhu Hao and Wei Xiaobao strode out toward the Yuèlái Inn.

Zhu Hao was unfamiliar with the city and did not know exactly where the Yuèlái Inn was located. Fortunately, it was a relatively large establishment in the capital. After some inquiries by Wei Xiaobao, they quickly found it.

Upon entering, a cheerful waiter greeted them, “Honored guest, please come in! Sir, will you dine here or stay overnight?”

Zhu Hao smiled, “Neither. I have come to find someone. Is there a man named Qin Shun here?”

The waiter quickly responded, “You seek Qin the scholar? Are you here to request a calligraphic work? Please wait; I will inform him immediately.”

Zhu Hao was puzzled. “Request calligraphy? What calligraphy?” Before he could ask, the waiter dashed upstairs. Zhu Hao and Wei Xiaobao followed closely, noticing the waiter enter the first room on the right.

At the door, Zhu Hao overheard a voice inside, “Request calligraphy? What calligraphy? A noble visitor today—no unauthorized guests allowed! Send them away!”

Frowning slightly at Qin Hui’s temper, Zhu Hao was about to open the door and see what kind of person he was when the waiter emerged, looking embarrassed. He bowed to Zhu Hao, “Sir, Qin the scholar is in a bad mood today and cannot write. Please come another day.”

Zhu Hao only furrowed his brow and said nothing. Wei Xiaobao, however, was displeased. Snorting, he scolded the waiter, “Are you blind? Do you not see who our… sir is?”

Wei Xiaobao had almost said “our lord,” but a sharp glare from Zhu Hao stopped him, and he swallowed the word back.

The waiter, accustomed to the complexities of the capital and skilled as an inn servant, recognized Zhu Hao’s noble bearing despite the plain clothes and minimal escort. Though unaware of Zhu Hao’s true identity, he knew this was no ordinary man. Trembling, he explained, “Sir, please don’t blame me. I did relay your message, but Qin the scholar refused to see anyone. I had no choice.”

Wei Xiaobao, hearing this, did not press the waiter further, but scowled at Zhu Hao. “Master, this fellow is ungrateful. You’ve come in person, yet he slams the door in our faces. Such an unworthy man—perhaps it’s better we avoid him altogether.”

Zhu Hao felt a flicker of anger but was determined to meet Qin Hui. Snorting, he said, “He refuses to see me? I—er, sir—must see him today!” Almost revealing his identity, he caught himself just in time. Otherwise, word of a prince’s visit would have spread like wildfire in the inn.

With that, Zhu Hao pushed past the hesitant waiter and flung open the door. His voice was cold. “Qin Shun, such arrogance! I—er, sir—have come personally, and you won’t see me?”

The waiter, realizing Zhu Hao’s intent, quickly followed, apologizing to the man inside, “Qin the scholar, I tried to stop them, but these two insisted on forcing their way in. I could not hold them back.”

The man inside was none other than Qin Hui, disguised as Qin Shun. Zhu Hao scrutinized him: a man in his twenties, dressed in a blue-gray robe, fair-skinned, with clear eyes and a humble smile. Zhu Hao thought, “This is the treacherous Qin Hui? He does not look like a villain at all—more like a loyal subject.”

As Zhu Hao studied him, Qin Hui also observed Zhu Hao but did not respond to the earlier rebuke. Instead, he waved the waiter away, saying, “Brother, I understand. You may leave now. I will take care of this.”

The waiter bowed and left, closing the door behind him. Immediately, Qin Hui knelt respectfully before Zhu Hao. “Your humble servant Qin Shun pays respects to Prince Xinyang! I beg your pardon for my lack of hospitality.”

Zhu Hao’s anger vanished, replaced by surprise. “You recognize me? Have we met before? I do not recall meeting you. If not, how do you know my identity?” His use of “prince” had inadvertently revealed his status, but Zhu Hao had never intended to conceal it during this visit. The disguise was merely for convenience.