Chapter 45: All That Differs from the Ordinary is Monstrous

Before Ye Chang could say anything, He Zhizhang, who was beside him, became anxious. “Why not? If we proceed this way, everything will remain under the jurisdiction of the Capital Prefecture. Eleven’s proposal—the recipe for this… this cement—has been presented. As for this football game, I’ve seen it before; it’s little different from polo or cuju, and certainly not some foreign frivolity to disgrace our nation. Why shouldn’t it be allowed?”

Zhang Xu spoke up as well. “Exactly. If the court permits polo and cuju, why can’t the Capital Prefecture make an exception for football?”

Ye Chang alone kept his composure, remaining silent though his brow furrowed.

Han Chaozong spoke with solemn righteousness, though his expression held a trace of a smile. “I speak out of concern for the nation’s need to cherish its talents. Eleven is gifted with both intellect and ability—how could he descend to the level of street ruffians, spending his days cockfighting and horse-racing, or worse, treat amusements as a path to advancement? Honorable He, Master Zhang, you are both esteemed men of our Tang. Since you think so highly of Eleven, you should put the nation’s interest first and help preserve his talents. He is young and impetuous; you mustn’t let him go astray.”

Everyone present was utterly taken aback.

No one had expected Han Chaozong to refuse Ye Chang on these grounds! All for the sake of cherishing the nation’s talent, he was telling Ye Chang to forget about these football games and focus on his studies—become a sage and serve the country. As for those street rogues, let them amuse themselves as they please, far from here!

Moreover, Han Chaozong’s words blocked any further entreaties from He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu: “I act for the nation, for Eleven’s own good. As old friends to him, you should support me—otherwise, you are unfaithful to the state and disloyal to a friend!”

Yan Zhenqing’s brow twisted into knots. This situation was utterly unexpected. He felt helpless and turned to look at Ye Chang, hoping he might have a solution. But before Ye Chang could say anything, Han Chaozong swept his sleeve and declared, “It has been a pleasure to meet Eleven today, but I think you ought to devote yourself to study. I shall take my leave for now—Master He, Eleven, your patriotic hearts shall not be let down. Tomorrow, I’ll send someone to learn this… formula from you.”

With that, he bowed and departed, truly sweeping his sleeves and leaving not a trace behind!

And his final words made it clear—he still intended to take the benefit for himself!

Such dominance!

That was Ye Chang’s first thought. He’d dealt with Yuan Gonglu, and was on good terms with He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu, so he’d always thought the Tang officials were nothing extraordinary. But only now, encountering Han Chaozong—renowned in history for his ability to discern and recommend talent—did he witness the true “spirit” of an ancient official.

Everything I do is for your own good. Even when I take what is yours, I do so to fulfill your patriotic ambitions!

This was entirely outside Ye Chang’s calculations, leaving him at a loss. When he recovered from his daze and realized Han Chaozong was even more shameless than a rogue, Han was already nowhere to be seen.

He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu, meanwhile, had a strange green glint in their eyes.

“One word awakens a dreamer,” He Zhizhang said to Zhang Xu.

“Indeed, indeed. All say Han is a master judge of men, and it’s true. Though you are famed for the same, Master He, you do not quite match him,” agreed Zhang Xu.

“We have both been mistaken,” He Zhizhang added.

Their exchange left Yan Zhenqing bewildered, but Ye Chang’s face changed. He quickly stepped forward and bowed. “Master He, Master Zhang, it grows late. I shall take my leave…”

“No need,” He Zhizhang replied gently. “Eleven, your intellect is profound—you should devote yourself to the classics and one day serve the country. Stay here with me and study. Though I am old and feeble, I can still guide you in the classics.”

“Indeed, I would be glad to have you here as well,” Zhang Xu echoed.

“Wait, you two…”

“As for the matter of restoring your brother’s name, there is no rush. With your talents, it is only a matter of time before you attain official rank. Then you may petition the court and secure a posthumous honor for your brother, to comfort his spirit.”

“Master He’s concern is correct. Your brother’s affair is a private matter; entering officialdom is for the nation. Private concerns must not impede public duty.”

The two of them played off one another, giving Ye Chang no chance to interrupt. Sensing things had gone awry, Ye Chang tried to slip away, but Yan Zhenqing seized him by the arm, and He Zhizhang promptly ordered, “Shut the doors, have He Cai attend to Eleven, and do not let him leave.”

Ye Chang was dumbfounded. Yan Zhenqing nodded vigorously, while He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu stroked their beards and chuckled.

At that moment, Ye Chang realized he had overplayed his hand!

His display of financial acumen and practical ability had utterly astonished the gathering, especially his plan for getting the wealthy of Chang’an to fund road paving. He Zhizhang, Han Chaozong, and the others now viewed him with new respect.

Although the fierce factional struggles of later years had yet to develop, there were still distinct camps at court—Li Linfu and Li Shizhi among them. Outwardly, He Zhizhang had not broken with Li Linfu, but both sides knew they could never truly cooperate. Li Linfu, though unlearned, was skilled in political maneuvering and adept at currying imperial favor. The emperor’s extravagance meant that financial management, and providing ample funds for his lavish lifestyle, had become a key battleground between factions.

Thus, for Han Chaozong, the sudden appearance in Chang’an of a young financial genius like Ye Chang was no small matter!

With this realization, He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu immediately recognized that Ye Chang must not be allowed to mingle long with the rabble—doing so would harm his reputation, and if he did not enter office through the official examinations, he might become like Li Linfu, gaining office by flattery and opportunism—or worse, catch Li Linfu’s eye and become his ally!

“Eleven, devote yourself to your studies here for now. There’s no urgency about your brother’s affairs. I can arrange for his coffin to be sent back to Xiuwu,” He Zhizhang said.

“Indeed, indeed.”

Ye Chang shot Zhang Xu a fierce glare. You are a historic figure, your fame arguably even greater than He Zhizhang’s—must you always agree so readily?

“My nature is carefree, and I have always preferred seeking the Way and alchemical studies—official life is not my goal,” Ye Chang protested sincerely. “Han does not know me, so he says such things, but you two do—why put me in a difficult position?”

“With your talents, it would be a loss for the Tang not to see you in office,” He Zhizhang replied gravely, stroking his beard. “Seeking the Way can wait until you are as old as I. Han was right—we, as your friends, have a duty to set you on the proper path.”

This truly was a headache. To He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu, the examination route to office was the only proper path. Their intentions were good, but what could Ye Chang do? It seemed his only recourse was to stall for time.

“You are both right… but a man stands by his word. I promised Xiao Wulang I would organize the match in three days. Let me see this through, then I will stay at your residence and devote myself to study. What do you say?”

“Impossible. We know Han’s ways best. If he did not know you, there might have been a chance, but now that he does, and knows you sought him for this matter, not only will the match be out of the question, but even Xiao Wulang and the others may be implicated—dragged to the Capital Prefecture to be punished.”

Now Ye Chang truly had no options. Even to protect Xiao Wulang and the others, he had no choice but to stay and study at He’s residence.

He Zhizhang then ordered servants to fetch Ye Chang’s belongings from Qinglong Temple, where he’d been staying, and to give the monks some money to look after Ye Shu’s remains. Ye Chang realized now he had overplayed his role and brought about the opposite result.

Unless he broke with everyone, there was no way he could truly leave He’s residence. And even if he did, without He Zhizhang’s support, he would have no hope of achieving his aims.

“Brother Yan, I must trouble you with something,” Ye Chang said, realizing Xiao Bailang would have no way of getting into He Zhizhang’s home to see him, so he would have to rely on Yan Zhenqing as an intermediary. “I was meant to visit Manager Qin on some business, but now that I am detained here, may I trouble you to invite him to visit me one evening?”

Yan Zhenqing could guess Ye Chang had some plan. He stared at Ye Chang for a long time, and Ye Chang bowed deeply. With a sigh, Yan said, “He and Zhang are doing this for your own good, Eleven. With your talent, you are destined for high office—do not neglect your studies.”

“I am not ungrateful. Thank you, Brother Yan,” Ye Chang replied, bowing again.

Besides Qin Qingshou, Ye Chang also received a visit the next day from Lu Qi. Though still a youth, Lu Qi had some difficulty gaining entry to He’s residence, but with an official summons from Li Sha, he was granted access. As soon as he saw Ye Chang, a wide grin spread across his indigo-stained face. “Ye Chang, aren’t you supposed to be clever? I heard you even presented Han with a secret cement recipe. Yet not only did you fail to get your way, you’ve ended up confined here!”

He had clearly come to gloat!

Ye Chang rolled his eyes. He now had a good sense of Lu Qi’s psychological state. Because of his birthmark, he had been taunted all his life, unloved by his family, even by his famously urbane father, who likely doubted he was truly his own son.

Clearly, these experiences had twisted the poor boy’s mind, making him hostile to anyone who disrespected him. At heart, he was just a neglected child. But over time, this warped psychology had taken root and eventually turned him into a real monster.

So Ye Chang greeted him without hesitation. “Hello, future fiend.”

“Fiend? What does that mean?” Lu Qi asked.

“Ordinary people are ordinary; those who differ from ordinary folk have changed in character—hence, a fiend,” Ye Chang replied.

“So that’s it. I am indeed a great fiend!” Lu Qi cheerfully accepted the sarcasm. “Well then, Eleven, do you have any more clever schemes?”

“You and I are enemies, not friends. Even if I had a plan, I wouldn’t share it with you,” Ye Chang sneered. “Just wait and see—I’ll find a way. You just show up for the match!”

“I can’t wait! Hahaha!”

Lu Qi laughed in delight. There were only the two of them present, but suddenly footsteps sounded outside, and Lu Qi’s laughter abruptly ceased. Yan Zhenqing strode in, giving Lu Qi a glance. Lu Qi smiled and bowed politely. “I was having a lively conversation with Master Ye and forgot myself for a moment, Brother Yan. Please forgive me.”

“Is that so?” Yan Zhenqing grunted.

“Of course, of course.”

Yan Zhenqing scrutinized Lu Qi. Lu Qi’s grandfather had once been chancellor, and his father was now an official, yet Lu Qi’s dress was exceedingly plain—not only did he not wear silk, he didn’t even wear the now-fashionable white cotton, but only simple hemp, and clearly old at that.

This made Yan Zhenqing momentarily forget Lu Qi’s odd complexion and recall his grandfather—who, though lacking great political achievements, was renowned for his integrity.

“At least he carries his grandfather’s virtue… Not likely to be a mere wastrel,” Yan thought. He saluted and said, “I must teach a lesson now. If Young Master Lu wishes to listen, he is welcome to stay.”

Though He Zhizhang and Zhang Xu were at leisure, they could not tutor Ye Chang all day. At present, Yan Zhenqing had no other duties, so the task fell to him. Lu Qi, however, had no interest in such studies; his greatest yearning was to gain recognition and fame. He smiled, excused himself, and left.

After all, his purpose was served—he had come to show Ye Chang that while Ye might have used a simple gambling game to trouble him for an afternoon, he could use the Capital Prefecture to trouble Ye for a lifetime!

After Lu Qi departed, Ye Chang looked at Yan Zhenqing and recalled that, in history, it was Lu Qi who had caused Yan’s death. He could not help but say, “Lu Qi is narrow-minded and jealous of the talented. Brother Yan, you must beware of him in the future.”

Yan Zhenqing was surprised. “He is barely older than ten and younger than you. Even if his nature is not upright, what harm could he do?”

“Just be cautious.”

“But if you know he is a scoundrel, why befriend him?” Yan’s question left Ye Chang silent.

Indeed, knowing Lu Qi would become one of the Tang’s most notorious traitors, even feared by the great restorer Guo Ziyi, one ought to shun him. Yet, not only did Ye Chang not avoid him, but after learning who he was, he had deliberately involved Xiao Bailang in a money game to embarrass him.

You, who are known as one of history’s greatest villains, who ruined so many—can you be undone by a nameless rogue in a mere game?

At the time, Ye Chang had found dark amusement in outwitting Lu Qi, and even now, he considered their battle of wits a great pleasure.

So when Lu Qi came to visit, Ye Chang had not only welcomed him but made a show of being troubled by his taunts, playing along with the farce.

“Because… I am not like you, Brother Yan,” Ye Chang finally replied, after a long pause. “You are a true gentleman—one who can be deceived by virtue. I… I am…”

What kind of person am I?

For a moment, Ye Chang was at a loss.