The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 89 Settling In (Bonus Chapter)

Honestly, she was extremely satisfied, even somewhat flattered.

What she feared most on the journey was that once she and her son arrived in the capital, they would be all alone and have no means of making a living.

Rice, oil, salt, clothes for all four seasons, rent, medicine, and even the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for my son's studies—all of these cost money.

Although my son is very talented, he is very stubborn and has not been very lucky. He has encountered many setbacks over the years and has lived a very miserable life.

She had been worried that the meager savings in her luggage wouldn't be enough to buy anything, but to her surprise, everything was taken care of.

The comfortable courtyard and well-stocked living quarters eased her anxiety.

It wasn't that she coveted these things, but rather that she thought, since they were so thoughtful and meticulous, they couldn't possibly be playing with her and her son.

Xu's mother didn't speak, but her expression didn't hide anything from others. Lü Jin smiled and said to Xu Wei, "Since we're here, let's make the best of it. Why are you being so formal, brother?"

Since His Highness has gone to great lengths to send someone to invite you, he must have something to entrust to you. Just do your best when the time comes.

Xu Wei remained silent for a long time, then looked at the bamboo in the corner before slowly nodding.

His life was full of misfortunes. He suffered the pain of separation from his family from a young age, and lived as a dependent in his youth, enduring all kinds of cold treatment.

After reaching adulthood, he had no land or house, and was all alone and helpless. In desperation, he had no choice but to marry into a family and barely managed to have a few years of peace. However, his fortune was short-lived, and his wife died early, leaving him alone again.

He repeatedly failed the imperial examinations and had no hope for an official career, so he had to set up a private school to make a living. He finally found his birth mother and took her in to support her, but life was still poor and difficult.

The neighbors around him often mocked and gossiped, and his mother was often secretly saddened, always feeling that she was a burden to him.

Because of his impoverished life and drifting background, and because he did not want his mother to suffer poverty with him any longer, he decided to go to the capital after a little thought when the King of Jing sent an envoy to invite him.

But he didn't really have any expectations. His mother didn't know, but he knew that Prince Jing was young and might have just heard from someone that he was good at poetry, calligraphy and painting, and summoned him to the capital on a whim.

However, his cynical nature often displeased the wealthy and powerful. He had already secretly decided that if he was not valued, he would simply stay in the capital and make a living by selling his writings and paintings, and he would take good care of his elderly mother.

But now, seeing all this, it is clear that it was done with great care. Although this courtyard is not a magnificent mansion, the houses are well-organized and the daily necessities are complete, showing thoughtfulness and completeness everywhere.

On the contrary, it made them, a poor mother and son, feel more at ease and secure.

Xu Wei felt a slight relief from his frustration, let out a long breath, bowed to Lü Jin, and said in a deep voice, "In that case, it would be impolite of me to refuse. Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, and thank you for your trouble, Brother Lü."

Seeing this, Lü Jin secretly breathed a sigh of relief. This was the first time he had handled this matter for His Highness, and he naturally hoped to do it perfectly. Now he could finally relax.

"Good! Good!" Lü Jin responded repeatedly, quickly stepping aside to let them in, his smile earnest. "Madam, Brother Wen, please come into the courtyard to rest. Then come inside and see if there's anything you're missing. Just tell me, and I'll send someone to get everything you need right away."

Seeing that her son had agreed, Xu's mother smiled, thinking that her son finally had a future.

Xu Wei helped his mother into the courtyard and into the house. He looked around carefully and found that she lacked nothing.

So he thanked Lü Jin repeatedly, without showing any disrespect because of his young age.

Lu Jin beckoned, and two servants and two maids came over to bow to the Xu family mother and son.

"These four are all honest and reliable servants in my household. They are quick and efficient. They can stay here for now to serve the old lady's daily needs. I will send someone else in a few days."

Before he could finish speaking, Xu Wei raised his hand to interrupt him. He pointed to his faded blue scholar's robe and said in a slightly stiff tone, "Brother Lü, I'll shamelessly accept the house and the firewood and provisions."

But Xu has no merit or fame, and already feels guilty living in such a courtyard. Having more servants would be unbearable. Please take him back.”

"Brother Wen, even if you don't need it, Madam—"

"No need for further explanation!"

Lu Jin's smile froze for a moment. According to his information, although Xu Wei's family had fallen on hard times, his father had served as the Assistant Prefect of Kuizhou Prefecture when he was alive. It was still an official family, so it was impossible for him not to be used to being served by servants.

That's really a weirdo!

But His Highness personally instructed that everything be arranged carefully. If we can't even keep two servants, how will we explain ourselves when we get back?

Just as he was pondering how to persuade her indirectly, Xu's mother came out of the kitchen and said, "Young Master Lü, we've taken the courtyard, so we don't need anyone else. This old woman is still quite capable and can handle the kitchen matters herself."

The old lady walked over to Xu Wei and patted him lightly, then apologized to Lü Jin: "He's always been this stubborn since he was little, but he has a good heart. Young Master Lü, please don't take it to heart. We are truly ashamed to accept your kind intentions."

Lu Jin's complexion improved considerably, so he stopped insisting and nodded, saying, "In that case, I won't force Brother Wen. Madam, please don't stand on ceremony with me; this is all His Highness's will."

Madam Xu didn't know which direction the palace was in, so she could only bow to the east and then say to Lü Jin, "I really don't know how to thank His Highness Prince Jing."

Seeing his mother like this, Xu Wei also lowered his head: "I will do my best."

Upon seeing this, Lü Jin knew that his mission was accomplished.

After everyone left, the mother and son were still somewhat incredulous. They went to the main room and sat down. Xu Wei subconsciously reached for the teapot, wanting to pour water for his mother.

But when he reached out, he realized it should be empty and he had to go get firewood and fetch water. But when he picked up the teapot, he found it was heavy inside. When he opened the lid, he saw that the West Lake Longjing tea was still warm.

The house was fine, the rice was plentiful, the firewood was dry, and the tea was hot. Xu Wei felt a pang of sadness at first, followed by warmth.

He looked up, his voice slightly choked, and said to his mother, "Mother, there's hot tea."

He wasn't lacking a cup of tea; he lacked respect. Upon hearing this, Xu's mother reached out and took the teapot, checked the temperature, and her eyes lit up for a moment before she turned her head away and dabbed her eyes with her sleeve.

He gently put down the teapot, walked to the door, and stood silently for a moment gazing at the clump of bamboo in the corner of the courtyard.

The bamboo was planted sparsely, which suited his temperament perfectly. He turned to his mother and said, "Mother, I will try to control my temper from now on."

"That's good, my son. I'm not asking you to suffer, but it's truly commendable that a prince would treat us mother and son with such courtesy. With your talents, you should have a place to put them to use. As the saying goes, 'If you learn both literature and martial arts, you can serve the emperor.'"

I've heard some things about the court along the way. It seems that Prince Jing isn't the eldest son, so you're a bit hesitant.

But think about it, your eldest brother was the eldest son, and he still squandered the Xu family fortune. Individual family businesses are a small matter; the affairs of the world are far more important. There needs to be a capable person to be emperor, so that we common people can have a way to survive.