Although Wei Jie is sowhat older, he is too young, so in non-specific situations, Fu Tinghan does not wish to call him uncle out of respect; he calls him master.
Wei Jie doesn’t mind, and upon entering the study, he notices that its arrangent is different from others, surprisingly having no mats, only tall chairs and high tables, like in the northern style.
Fu Tinghan notices him pausing at the sight of the furniture, and he gestures sideways, saying, "Over here to talk."
Only then does Wei Jie see, to the left across a screen, a raised wooden floor decked with mats and low tables.
But there isn’t even a tea bowl on it, so he knows it’s not usually occupied.
Wei Jie smiles slightly, not rushing to sit, and asks, "It’s deep into the night, isn’t Mr. Fu going to sleep?"
"I can’t sleep, so I got up to calculate so things, waiting for sleepiness to co."
Wei Jie then sits down on the mat, sighing, "I can’t sleep either."
Fu Tinghan sits across from him and asks Fu An to fetch a kettle of hot water, "Is it because you’re not accustod to the change in surroundings?"
Wei Jie shakes his head, "In these past two years, I’ve been wandering frequently, changing residences often, how could I maintain such proud habits? It’s just that tonight’s deep conversation with Governor Zhao left my mood surging, and thus I can’t fall asleep."
Wei Jie looks up at Fu Tinghan, curiously and sincerely asking, "Is Mr. Fu also following Governor Zhao?"
Fu Tinghan nods, frankly admitting, "Yes, I follow her."
Wei Jie smiles, without any surprise that others might express upon hearing such a confird answer; he rely nods, saying, "A scholar dies for the one who understands him, Governor Zhao indeed is worthy to follow, but this world’s people always love to determine things based on previous impressions. After Lady Lv, the n in this land are quite wary of won participating in politics, but in my view, Emperor Gao and Lady Lv shared the realm."
Fu Tinghan also nods, "Husband and wife are one entity, joint property of a marriage, they could rightfully be said to share it. But since it is all-encompassing, it’s a bit more complex; rather than sharing the realm, it’s more accurate to say their powers are equal and so are their responsibilities."
Wei Jie’s eyes brighten, nodding repeatedly, "Exactly, does Mr. Fu think that in the future you and Lord Zhao could ever beco disparate like Emperor Gao and Lady Lv?"
Fu Tinghan: "Differences in opinion will surely occur, but to say becoming disparate is too far."
"Then when opinions differ, whose will is followed?"
Fu Tinghan lowers his gaze, contemplating for a mont, then says, "If I can’t convince her, then I’ll follow her."
Wei Jie is taken aback, asking, "Even when she also can’t convince you, you’d still follow her?"
Fu Tinghan nods.
Wei Jie is puzzled, "I thought Mr. Fu would say to consult the ministers, and follow whoever has more supporters."
Fu Tinghan says, "Wouldn’t that lead to chaos then?"
He continues, "Division between two people should be kept between them; involving a third may not resolve the conflict, but instead escalate it. Moreover, involving all ministers—more participants, more diverse thoughts, things would beco uncontrollable."
Indeed, the current chaos in the world is, to so extent, due to too many in power in the court, varied thoughts leading to endless disputes, isn’t it?
Wei Jie looks at him and asks, "Why would Mr. Fu be willing to take a step back?"
Fu Tinghan thinks for a mont and answers, "Because I trust her, her intelligence, her tactics, her character will surpass mine."
Fu Tinghan has self-awareness; he is quite specialized, and his opinions may not always be the most suitable for the mont.
Internally, Wei Jie sighs, feeling more confidence in Zhao Hanzhang. If the emperor and Gou Xi could trust each other like this, work together, why worry about the world not being stable?
Fu An brings over the kettle, Fu Tinghan takes it and personally pours Wei Jie a cup of hot water, "It’s late, not good to drink tea or alcohol; if thirsty have so plain boiled water."
Returning to his senses, Wei Jie looks down at the steaming cup, saying, "Governor Zhao has the ambition to pacify the realm."
Fu Tinghan pauses with the kettle in hand, then smiles at him, "Who among those who have suffered in this chaotic world doesn’t wish for peace?"
Wei Jie shakes his head, "Her ambition is more than just a wish."
He continues, "But to pacify the realm is no easy matter, especially as she is a woman. Tonight, I heard her speak of wanting to focus on civil governance these past two years, encouraging the people in agriculture, hoarding food and money to deal with natural disasters, but I think her plans go beyond rely dealing with these disasters."
"If indeed according to what the high-ranking person she ntioned said, next year north of Yu State will suffer a locust plague due to drought, affecting several states, then the Xiongnu will certainly send troops southward, both to quell public grievances and to seize provisions for sustaining soldiers and civilians."
User Comments
0 comments from readers