Chapter 896
Xu Cheng
Pan Hong then told him about Xu Cheng's matter, saying, "Although I do not agree with Lord Xu's proposal to move south, I do not think he should pay a price for it. Since it is a court discussion, any opinion can be raised. Whether to use it and how to use it is up to His Majesty."
Yu Qian nodded.
Pan Hong glanced at Yu Qian's face and, seeing that he looked calm, continued, "Besides, the situation was indeed critical at the time, and many officials sided with Lord Xu, including some high-ranking officials of the third rank or above. His Majesty treated them all leniently, so why was Lord Xu the only exception?"
Yu Qian said to the emperor, "Your Majesty felt that Xu Cheng lacked loyalty and courage. In a critical situation, a wrong suggestion could easily lead to disaster if many people agreed with it. It was I who suggested executing the minister who was to be moved south."
Pan Hong felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this.
Yu Qian, however, remained calm and said, "However, it was for deterrence at the time. Times have changed. Xu Cheng and the others are no longer a threat to the court, so we can be more lenient with them."
Pan Hong quickly agreed, adding, "If Xu Cheng were an incompetent person, I wouldn't have mentioned him. But recently, I had a conversation with him and discovered that he has considerable insight into water management. It's a real pity that His Majesty has wasted his talent in the Hanlin Academy."
Yu Qian knew that Xu Cheng was very talented in water conservancy projects, so he pleaded for him twice, but the new emperor was not pleased, and he could not force the emperor.
He wanted to be a good minister, not a powerful one, and he insisted that the emperor do things according to his wishes.
Yu Qian also understood what Pan Hong meant.
Pan Hong was moved by Xu Cheng's talent and felt that he was a rare talent, so he wanted to speak on his behalf.
Pan Hong had no say in front of the new emperor, so he wanted to go to Pan Yun to plead for him.
Yu Qian lowered his eyes, not wanting Pan Hong to go to Pan Yun.
Once this starts, it's hard to stop.
But... would stopping them be of any use?
If we can't stop them, we might as well use this incident to test the waters.
After a moment's thought, Yu Qian smiled and said, "Nowadays, the only one who can plead for Xu Cheng before His Majesty is the Imperial Preceptor. Perhaps Lord Pan could try asking the Imperial Preceptor."
Pan Hong instantly snapped out of his daze, smiled at Yu Qian, and pondered as he headed home.
Xu Cheng was of good interest to the country. Was it a case of recommending worthy people without hesitation, or was it to keep quiet for Pan Yun's sake?
Pan Hong looked conflicted.
When Pan Yue returned from the Imperial Academy and heard what his father had said, he immediately said, "You should go find your younger sister."
Pan Hong's eyes widened: "Why? Didn't you keep telling me not to go to Yun'er?"
“I stopped you because neither family matters nor those people’s affairs are worth my time and energy, but this matter is worth it. Since you think Xu Cheng is a useful talent, then I will make the decision.”
Pan Yue said, "However, I don't think my younger sister will like to use him. Xu Cheng is indeed talented, but his character is too bad. He is too scheming and not an honest person."
Pan Hong said unhappily, "You've only met him a few times, how can you say he's a bad person? Proposing the southward relocation was indeed a lack of strategy and courage, but at the time..."
“Not only because of this,” Pan Yue said, “Father, before my younger sister became the Imperial Preceptor, Xu Cheng served in the same court as you. Did you ever see him?”
Pan Hong remained silent.
Pan Yue said, “You’ve never even met him, but as soon as my sister became the Imperial Advisor, he came to flatter and fawn over you. What’s the difference between him and those people who block your door with gifts? He’s just more persistent, more shameless, and has better judgment.”
Pan Hong: "...Then why did you still ask me to go find Yun'er?"
Pan Yue smiled and said, "Father, my little sister is capable of being the Imperial Advisor, so she must have her own judgment. You don't need to force her to achieve her wish. Just push Xu Cheng in front of her."
Pan Yue also hoped that Pan Hong would develop the right habits.
Pan Yun and the Pan family are inextricably linked; their current coldness is merely a gesture to the world and the court officials.
The Pan family had no intention of profiting from Pan Yun's support; and Pan Yun had no intention of supporting the Pan family, like Wang Zhen, by arranging for his nephews and nieces to enter the imperial court.
They wanted to convey to the people and court officials that they would participate in government affairs fairly and justly.
Now, Xu Cheng is the stone they threw out to restore normal relations with Pan Yun.
Following Pan Yue's advice, Pan Hong went to the Imperial Observatory to request an audience with Pan Yun.
Since Miaozhen and the others left the capital, Pan Yun had more time to cultivate every day. She was woken from her meditation by Pan Xiaohei's tickling and, knowing that Pan Hong was waiting outside, she immediately got up and went out to welcome him in with a happy expression.
Pan Hong and the others outside were somewhat uneasy, mainly because there were many eyes watching them from inside the Imperial Observatory, which made him feel an urge to escape.
He moved lightly, intending to simply turn and leave, when Pan Yun came out smiling and called out, "Lord Pan—"
Pan Hong: ...
Lord Pan snapped out of his reverie, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "This humble official greets the Imperial Preceptor."
Ignoring the prying eyes, Pan Yun smiled and stepped aside, saying, "Please come in, Lord Pan."
Pan Hong followed Pan Yun into a room in the back hall. As soon as they entered, Pan Yun slammed the door shut, turned around, and gave Pan Hong a sweet smile: "Father—"
Pan Hong: "Why isn't it Lord Pan anymore?"
“That was in front of people. There’s no one here, and I even set up a barrier,” Pan Jun said with a grin, pulling Pan Hong to sit on the prayer mat. “There’s nothing we can do about it. Being the Imperial Preceptor is just like being the Emperor; neither can be comfortable.”
Pan Hong tensed up and whispered, "How can you just say things like that?"
Pan Yun put her finger to her lips and laughed, "I will definitely keep my mouth shut from now on and never talk nonsense again."
Pan Hong sighed, "Why did you have to become the Imperial Advisor? You were so carefree before. I didn't even ask you to return to secular life and become my own son; I just wanted you to be happy. But you... sigh..."
Pan Yun said, "Now that I have taken this step, I have no regrets. Fortunately, my father and brothers understand me. If I don't see you, you won't come. I know you understand."
Pan Hong said with a straight face, "I am still sad."
Upon hearing this, Pan Yun immediately said, "Then Father still doesn't understand and trust me enough. Father, I'm going to be heartbroken."
Pan Hong: ...
He couldn't argue with her.
Pan Hong sadly discovered that he couldn't argue with any of his three children, except for his second son.
The father and daughter chatted and laughed for a while before Pan Hong finally revealed the purpose of his visit.
Pan Yun smiled and said, "Father, do you cherish Xu Cheng's talent so much?"
Pan Hong: "He is very talented."
Pan Yun smiled and nodded: "I understand."
They only said they understood, but didn't say whether they agreed or not.
Pan Hong didn't press the matter, and the father and daughter had a meal together before leaving.
It was no secret that Pan Hong went to the palace to see Pan Yun. Not only did Xu Cheng find out quickly, but the court officials were also watching closely, waiting for Pan Yun's reaction.
But for one day, two days, three days, Pan Yun remained secluded, cultivating his skills, showing no intention of seeking out the emperor.
It was only when the emperor came to Pan Yun for psychological treatment that Pan Yun casually asked about Xu Cheng, and that's when Pan Yun mentioned him.
Zhu Qiyu: "I thought the Imperial Advisor would come to me immediately to plead for Xu Cheng."
Pan Jun smiled and said, "Your Majesty, as I have said before, I can answer your questions, but I will not actively participate in court affairs. I have my own interests."
Zhu Qiyu immediately asked, "What is the Imperial Preceptor interested in?"
“Astronomy, geography, arithmetic, crafts, medicine, and charity,” Pan Jun said. “These are all things that interest me. Apart from these, I will not speak unless Your Majesty asks me.”
Zhu Qiyu paused for a moment upon hearing this, then asked, "Does Master Pan think I should use Xu Cheng? Not only your father, but Lord Yu has also mentioned Xu Cheng to me many times."
Pan Yun asked, "Does His Majesty not use Xu Cheng because he thinks Xu Cheng is a villain?" (End of Chapter)