Rising Phoenix

But who he reminded her of, she couldn’t say.

The young boy stood, a hand press flat against his desk. He glared around at the gaping students as if ready to shout down anyone who disagreed. Beside him, a large eyed, similar aged youth pulled on his sleeve, murmuring quietly: “Stop, stop. Sit down. Sit.”

The boy waved away the other youth’s hand impatiently; the hall was silent. The boys were brothers, and the gentle and shy youth was the older brother Lin Ji. The arrogant boy everyone was staring at was Lin Shao. The pair were considered somewhat special students, and though they didn’t eat or wear anything that differentiated them, all their servants walked with the gaits of expert Kung Fu practitioners, but even without them they were distinguished by their demeanor and bearing. They held themselves differently than ordinary scions from some official family.

Every student was a talent, so normally they all kept their distance.

Of course, this matter was not something Feng Zhiwei had learned yet.

The grey haired Tutor Hu looked the brothers over and shook his head helplessly.

Lin Shao cocked an imperious eyebrow and his blade-like glare sharpened. “The battle for power can’t be limited by ordinary means!”

The students were shocked by Lin Shao’s boldness, and they all exchanged silent glances.

Feng Zhiwei couldn’t resist a small twitch of her eyebrows, and just as she was considering speaking she felt a sudden air of danger. She had firmly resolved to keep silent when Tutor Hu suddenly asked, “Wei Zhi, what do you think?”

Every eye turned towards her, and Feng Zhiwei couldn’t help look up in surprise. The old man smiled amiably, but his gaze didn’t match his grandfatherly demeanor.

In that brief second when they met each other’s gaze, both of them felt the same bestial recognition of a kindred crafty spirit.

Feng Zhiwei stood up respectfully and calmly replied: “This student does not know.”

Lin Shao snorted derisively, and the students began murmuring together with mocking expressions, but Feng Zhiwei remained composed.

“This old man does not like idiots.” Tutor Hu spoke slowly. “If a person does not have an opinion, they do not need appear before me again.”

…

Did I offend you?

Feng Zhiwei looked the old man over with an innocent expression; she had no idea how she’d managed to attract this teacher’s attention and why he wouldn’t let her go.

After a moment she sighed. “Yes, this student thinks that Fourth Prince chose the wrong present. The horse will not make the Emperor happy, and there is no need to interfere.”

The class burst into an uproar, and Lin Shao’s face twisted in disdain. He wanted to jump over and argue, but Lin Ji quickly grabbed him and held him down.

“Oh?” Tutor Hu smiled meaningfully. All his students were too familiar with his little smile, and all of them were already lamenting Feng Zhiwei. With her silly nonsense, she would probably be banned from the seminar.

“Gallant Black Horses are only bred in Da Yue, and even in Day Yue this horse is incredibly rare, often kept only for the imperial family. There’s next to no chance that the Gallant Horse would be offered among the Articles of Tribute.” Feng Zhiwei answered, her eyes bright. “During the last years of Emperor Li, Da Cheng Dynasty suffered from many internal wars, and Da Yue became restless and used the opportunity to start trouble. They refused orders from the Da Cheng Imperial Family, and even sent troops for border skirmishes and scouting missions. The relationship between the two countries was very intense.”

“And the Fourth Prince. Well… as you said, Tutor Hu, he was sent to the border to put down the rebellion.”

Feng Zhiwei bowed carefully and sat down.

While the hall was still filled with the puzzled faces of a few students who had no idea what she was talking about, there were a few enlightened nods as some of her classmates understood her argument. Lin Shao, on the other hand, called out loudly: “And what’s the point of all your talk? Outrageous!” Lin Ji pulled him down again and turned to examine Feng Zhiwei again with a surprised and thoughtful expression.

Feng Zhiwei looked downward, her heart calm – she never bothered to argue with idiots.

She had already laid everything out so clearly. Da Yue and Da Cheng were enemies and the border was sealed, and obviously trade had ceased. Emperor Li was bound to wonder where the horse had come from? How did it get past the border? Following a very natural train of inquiry, the Emperor would begin asking questions about the connection between his Fourth Son guarding the border and the rare Black Gallant Horse belonging to the Da Yue Imperials. Wasn’t the situation already terrifying?

Truly, there was no need for action. All she would have done was casually mention some related manner and If the Emperor didn’t understand that the Fourth Prince and his army was colluding with the Da Yue Imperials than she would never call herself Feng.

It didn’t even matter if the Fourth Prince could justify his acquisition. So far from the Imperial Court, he was already under scrutiny and suspicion.

Tutor Hu examined her silently, his eyes deep and profound.

“Then what do you think of what your fellow classmates just suggested?”

This old geezer still wouldn’t let her go…

Feng Zhiwei sighed, and replied with a heart full of hidden bitterness. “Finding a better present is a brutish method, and tampering the horse is not easy. If the other princes find out, they can use that against you. And as for killing the horse, even if you could manage this, as soon as Emperor Li discovers this you will be sanctioned with “Withholding the truth from the Emperor” and “Cursing the Emperor.” These two charges are far more serious than “Presenting an Unsuitable Present.” Whether or not Emperor Li appreciates the gift is moot, it is still an Emperor’s birthday present. A destroyed present is an ominous sign for any Emperor; no ruler will be lenient against this offense.”

“Somethings should be done, and somethings should not be done.” She finished calmly. “In this case, the best action is to hold your peace.”

“Very good.” Tutor Hu words filled the silent hall. Tutor Hu was a shrewd and profound man who rarely showed expressions and hardly ever gave praise. Feng Zhiwei still knew nothing about the man and had no reaction, but her classmates understood; thoughts were already racing through their mind.

Lin Shao frowned and fixed his eyes on Feng Zhiwei’s casual posture and looked at her closely; “Tenth Brother… how come I feel like I recognize this person…”

Lin Ji immediately covered his brother’s mouth and sighed at his foolishness. He leaned over to whisper in his brother’s ear and Lin Shao nearly burst upright but Lin Ji pulled him down again.

Twitching his mouth underneath his brother’s hand, Lin Shao glared at Feng Zhiwei with his large, bright gem-eyes, cursing silently: another despicable person!

As for Lin Ji, he was still carefully examining Feng Zhiwei, his gaze containing something strange.

Outside the window, the drooping osiers waved gently with the breeze, standing lonely, with not a man in sight.

An hour later, in a quiet room sequestered away in the backyard of Qing Ming Academy, the fragrant smell of seeping tea leaves lingered and floated through a half rolled bamboo curtain, a figure with untied hair standing by the door.

He couldn’t help darting excited glances at the Yard gate while he skulked, listening carefully. He kept murmuring nervously: “Are you sure all seven of the golden flowers were sent to market today?”