Volume One, Chapter Sixteen: The Condolences
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“Qin Yi, immediately dispatch trustworthy men from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to scout along the route from Yingtian Prefecture to Qingtian County. Any suspicious person encountered must be dealt with on the spot!”
“Remember, the Crown Prince is accompanying this journey; under no circumstances must my elder brother be put in danger.”
As Zhu Huang arrived at the Qin Prince’s mansion, he promptly ordered for Qin Yi to be summoned.
“Understood, my lord. I shall proceed at once. Should I also have Qin Er bring some personal guards to accompany you and His Highness the Crown Prince?”
“The Crown Prince’s palace guards will also have their contingent; it shouldn’t be too troublesome. Still, just in case, send word to Qin Er to bring a squad ready for any emergency,” Zhu Huang said thoughtfully with a solemn tone.
“Go ahead. Once the troops are dispatched, return and stay by my side.”
“Yes, my lord.”
...
At the city gate of Yingtian Prefecture:
“My dear elder brother, are you only bringing these few dozen palace guards? You are the Crown Prince, aren’t you? Aren’t you worried something might happen?”
Seeing that Zhu Biao had brought such a small escort, Zhu Huang was dumbfounded and couldn’t help but complain.
‘Good grief, I, Prince Qin, have become a bodyguard.’
“Don’t say that, and don’t say you didn’t bring any Embroidered Uniform Guards or your own men. It’s enough. We’re here to pay respects, not to fight or tour,” the Crown Prince shot a glance at someone.
“Very well then, elder brother, let’s go.”
...
After two days of continuous travel, they finally arrived at Qingtian.
No dangers were encountered, though the Embroidered Uniform Guards had cleared out quite a number of bandits.
The magistrate of Qingtian County and his officials greeted the visitors with bowed heads: “Your humble servant Wen Hanyuan, magistrate of Qingtian County, along with the officials, respectfully welcome His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Qin Prince.”
“Hmm, please rise. Thank you all for waiting. Has lodging been arranged?” Zhu Biao immediately dismounted and helped the magistrate up, speaking kindly.
“Thank you, Your Highness. Lodging is prepared at the former residence of a landlord whose property was confiscated during a raid. It’s suitable for Your Highnesses and your retinue.”
“Good, that will do. Second brother, we shall stay here for the night. Tomorrow, after freshening up, we will accompany the teacher on his final journey.”
“Elder brother, I will follow your lead.”
“Hmm, lead the way. Leave one person here; the rest may go about their duties. There’s no need to accompany me.”
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“Your humble servant obeys.”
...
The next day, after the Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Zhu Huang had washed and prepared themselves, they went to the teacher’s residence.
“I, Liu Lian, pay respects to His Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Qin Prince,” said Liu Lian, son of Liu Bowen, dressed in mourning clothes, hastening out to greet them upon receiving the news.
“The Emperor has issued an edict,” the Qin Prince announced loudly, producing the imperial decree posthumously bestowing honors on Liu Bowen.
A wave of awe swept the crowd as nearly everyone knelt down.
“Liu Bowen, Earl of Sincerity, who served me faithfully in the 20th year of Zhizheng, has been posthumously honored as Grand Preceptor, with the posthumous title Wencheng. By imperial decree.”
“Your humble servant Liu Lian thanks His Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long may he reign!”
“All right, rise. The two of us have come to see the teacher off on his final journey, in gratitude for his many years of guidance,” Zhu Huang said gently as he helped Liu Lian up.
“Brother Lian, you never let me miss out on any fun before. Here, there’s no big distinction between Crown Prince and Qin Prince—just like old times,” Zhu Huang said, his heavy heart buoyed by the familiar presence of his childhood companion.
“You’re still the same as ever. Let’s go, Your Highness the Crown Prince,” Liu Lian smiled and shook his head at Zhu Huang’s disregard for formalities, which Zhu Huang didn’t mind.
Zhu Biao stepped into the mourning hall. Dim light filtered through the half-open lattice windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor. Flickering white candles and drifting white silk intertwined, weaving an atmosphere steeped in sorrow. The air was faintly scented with sandalwood incense and heavy with mournful remembrance, every breath whispering their reluctant farewell to the teacher.
The Crown Prince’s footsteps slowed unconsciously as he entered this tranquil space. His gaze fell upon the solemn coffin in the center, and an indescribable grief welled up within him.
Each step seemed to tread on shards of memory, echoing softly.
Before him appeared the kind, gentle face of his mentor Liu Bowen, accompanied by images of tireless teaching and patient guidance in the study over the years.
Tears slid silently down his resolute face, falling upon the cold stone floor and vanishing soundlessly.
‘Teacher, I, Zhu Biao, Crown Prince of Ming, shall not fail your hopes. I will take the welfare of the people as my own duty and become a sage ruler!’
He burned incense with both hands, bowed deeply, and vowed silently in his heart.
The seed of a sage king was born at this very moment.
“Teacher, I, Zhu Huang, was a mischievous and unruly child who only wished to live carefreely. I am fortunate you never gave up on me, teaching me knowledge and strategy.
Now, I am honored to command the Embroidered Uniform Guard. One day, I will help the Ming eradicate all evil. I hope you watch over my people and the Ming from heaven!”
All eyes watched as Zhu Huang, a mere prince, suddenly knelt before Liu Bowen’s coffin.
“Your Highness! Your Highness! My father is unworthy of such honor. Please rise at once!” Liu Lian and the family members panicked, rushing to help the prince stand.
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“Ridiculous! Though I am the Qin Prince, I am also a student of the teacher. What harm is there in a student paying respects to his master?
Moreover, this is also an apology from His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress. It is the Zhu family who owes the teacher. Enough said.”
With that, Zhu Huang pushed away those trying to assist him and knelt before his revered mentor, performing a series of deep bows.
“Teacher, may you journey well,” Zhu Huang suddenly declared loudly, bidding farewell to his former master.
Those attending the mourning were shocked. From ancient times, it was exceedingly rare for a prince to kneel before a subject to see them off.
At this moment, Liu Bowen’s family was moved to tears by Zhu Huang’s actions.
‘Father, your life was worth it. Did you see? The Ming Qin Prince bowed his head to bid you farewell,’ Liu Lian murmured with deep emotion.
...
“Your Highnesses, forgive my humble self still in mourning, I cannot accompany you further,” Liu Lian said, following them out of the courtyard, bowing apologetically.
“It’s all right, Brother Lian. We’ve known each other too long to be so formal. Don’t be so stiff,” Zhu Huang said, taking the reins of his horse and smiling at his childhood companion.
Liu Lian smiled wryly and shook his head, too tired to argue with this carefree prince.
“All right, if you encounter any trouble, remember to seek the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Nothing more to say. We are leaving.”
With that, Zhu Biao and Zhu Huang mounted their horses, followed closely by the palace guards. The sound of hooves echoed in the quiet air, carrying solemnity and reluctance.
Zhu Biao glanced back at Liu Bowen’s residence, a mixture of resolve and sorrow flickering in his eyes. He tightened the reins, and his horse’s forelegs lifted lightly, leading the way into the gentle breeze.
Zhu Huang followed close behind, a roguish smile on his face but eyes betraying a deep longing for his master.
The two rode side by side like bolts of lightning cutting through the mist, galloping swiftly toward the distant horizon.
Along the way, the dense foliage and the calls of birds seemed to bless these two princes embarking on their new journey.