Chapter Ninety-Nine: Upon the Three Lives Stone (Part One)

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The Censorate convened every five days, and at last, Lai Juncheng could no longer hold back. He confronted the idle and aimless Censor Quan Ce.

“Censor Quan, it is said that memorials not only serve as the ears and eyes of the court but also the voice of the people. One must respect their position and perform their duties diligently.” Before their colleagues, Lai Juncheng openly named and criticized him.

Quan Ce responded with measured calm, showing no sign of fear. “Under the Empress’s rule, with peaceful seas and rivers, rites, music, poetry, and books flourish. I have submitted two memorials urging the court to commend the moral customs and reward those who practice filial piety and righteousness. How can it be said that I neglect my duties?”

“Hmph, humph,” Lai Juncheng raised his thick eyebrows and pointed sharply like a blade. “The Empress cares deeply about the grand talent selection examinations. These imperial exams are of utmost importance to the court. If there is any fraud or favoritism, would it not besmirch the Empress’s reputation? As an attendant censor, how can you close your eyes and ears to this?”

“Fraud in the imperial exams? I have heard no such rumors. Pray, Deputy Chief, enlighten me,” Quan Ce said, feigning surprise.

“Hmm, you are still young and may occasionally be negligent,” Lai Juncheng stroked his long beard. “The imperial exams draw candidates from three sources: provincial scholars, students of the National Academy, and talented individuals recommended by court officials. Now I hear that the Spring Office may be acting improperly, and perhaps the Summer Office is involved as well. It is your duty, Censor Quan, to investigate and report early.”

Upon hearing this, Quan Ce first smiled derisively but soon felt a pang of unease. Li Ruochu had boosted the grand examination’s reputation by proclaiming the scholars’ loyalty to the Empress, thus opening the door wide for court officials to recommend candidates, even allowing regional inspectors and governors to nominate talent without scrutiny. The Summer Office saw an opportunity and eagerly joined in, secretly mobilizing military commands and the Sixteen Guards to select those of good character and ability for the Spring Office.

Lai Juncheng was far from ignorant of the scheme, and his mention of it now was clearly ill-intentioned.

“You, Deputy Chief, are sharp and discerning; I am far less so.” Quan Ce gritted his teeth, unwilling to be the one to step onto this landmine. “Your advice is noted. I would obey immediately if not for a relapse of my old injury affecting my heart and brain, leaving my limbs unsteady. I must request a leave of absence for a month or so to recover. Once better, I will immediately investigate any wrongdoing and ensure all offenders are brought to justice.”

As Quan Ce spoke passionately, his fingers trembled uncontrollably, revealing the severity of his condition.

Lai Juncheng’s lips twitched but he was not disappointed. Quan Ce was cunning as a ghost and not easily taken down by petty tricks. His true target lay elsewhere. “No matter, Censor Quan, rest well. All colleagues have weighty cases to handle. Deputy Chief Xu, what do you propose?”

“I will take it on,” Xu Yougong responded readily. Usually suppressed by Lai Juncheng and lacking authority, he was pleased to have a case. He first delivered a grand statement: “Though the imperial exams are important, we must not impose harsh penalties in anger. Fairness, impartiality, and benevolence are the principles of justice.”

“Leave it to Deputy Chief Xu. I have no objection,” Lai Juncheng said patiently, waving his hand as he excused himself.

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Quan Ce frowned slightly and glanced at Yan Baili beside him, who remained expressionless. Fu Youyi, however, reacted by respectfully saluting Xu Yougong with a sincere smile—whether congratulating him on the new responsibility or admiring his judicial ideals, either way, his intentions were impure.

There were no good men in Hongdong County, including Quan Ce himself. Men like Xu Yougong had no place in the Censorate.

Leaving the office, Quan Ce invited Hou Sizhi at Lijing Gate, and together they went to Wu Youxu’s residence. It was lively there; Wu Youji came often, and Quan Ce’s new friend Ge Hui was a regular visitor.

When they arrived, Wu Youxu and Ge Hui were examining a newly fired piece of porcelain. Wu Youxu explained a few points, but Ge Hui shook his head. Then followed a series of breathing exercises and tonal adjustments, filled with professional terminology.

Wu Youxu was unfazed, listening attentively without interruption. When Ge Hui finished, they resumed discussing improvements.

“Uncle, Brother Ge, thank you both,” Quan Ce said, embarrassed. He had thought making a musical instrument would be straightforward but was surprised that after half a month, they had not yet produced a finished item. Luckily, these two were a craftsman devoted to his art and a lover of musical instruments, both endowed with patience and perseverance.

“Nonsense, young master’s ideas are brilliant—an honor for us to assist... Censor Hou, what brings you here?” Wu Youxu, not considering Quan Ce an outsider, did not look up but mumbled until suddenly noticing Hou Sizhi, startled.

“Minister, don’t be alarmed. Sizhi is here on private business, not official,” Hou Sizhi smiled wryly. “The one truly deserving of thanks is me. This object was made by Brother Quan for my sake...” He then candidly revealed his troubled marriage.

“I see. To forge a marriage is a great kindness,” Wu Youxu nodded slightly. Out of respect for Quan Ce, he did not mind Hou Sizhi’s notorious reputation but made clear to Ge Hui, “This man is a court attendant censor and colleague of young master, overseeing the prison at Lijing Gate. The instrument he commissioned is to aid his marriage proposal. Brother Ge, please consider carefully.”

Ge Hui stood and bowed calmly. “An instrument made for marriage is indeed a noble cause. What has this to do with Censor Hou’s status?”

Hou Sizhi blushed deeply, bowing repeatedly. “Thank you both, thank you both.”

Seeing them at ease, Quan Ce sighed with relief and shamelessly stepped forward. “Uncle, Brother Ge, I must also apologize. Please don’t take offense.”

“You should rest, young master. Don’t hinder us here,” Wu Youxu dismissed him. Actually, once the instrument was made, Hou Sizhi could use it without their knowledge, and Quan Ce’s openness was commendable.

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Ge Hui smiled gently and patted Quan Ce’s shoulder with the air of a senior. Having known him for a while, he understood Quan Ce was not one to cling to titles, and their friendship was sincere and congenial. “Young master, this place is unclean. Go to the study and write out the score. Minister Wu’s technique is exquisite; in two days it will be finished. The score must not be delayed lest we miss Censor Hou’s auspicious occasion.”

Quan Ce rubbed his nose, thinking they had forgotten who the originator was. He muttered a few words in his mind but obediently went to Wu Youxu’s outer study, where several music experts awaited, all gathered by Wu Youji, who was well acquainted with the entertainment world.

“Thank you all for waiting. I know little of music theory, only melodies. Please help transcribe them,” Quan Ce greeted. Having done such tasks many times, he felt no shame.

“You flatter us. The prince consort has already explained. Please hum the tunes; we will do our best to understand. Once the score is complete, we will forget everything else,” said the elder at the forefront.

Quan Ce nodded. “This piece is called ‘On the Stone of Three Lives.’ It expresses heartfelt emotions, a melody engraved deeply, for lifetimes to come...”

Hou Sizhi stood outside the door, watching Quan Ce close his eyes and hum with great focus. Thinking of his earlier uneasy explanation to Wu Youxu and Ge Hui, he felt embarrassed. Should they despise him, today’s matters would have no future. His turbulent career had reached a nadir.

Fortunately, he had met Quan Ce and, better still, had become his friend.

Suddenly, he recalled a winter day over a year ago when Quan Ce had foiled a trap set by the Plum Blossom Guard to save his father’s life. As he went to send off Li Zhen, King of Yue, he praised Quan Ce’s name—‘Ce,’ fittingly meaning ‘wisdom and stratagem.’

How had Quan Ce replied?

A vivid image appeared before him: a spirited figure astride a fine horse, radiant and confident, saying, “Your name is also very good.”

Sizhi, is that so?