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Xu Mu felt somewhat reassured upon hearing this, but he still did not understand Fang Yitong's reasons for saving him. Seeing that Xu Mu might overthink the situation if he did not clarify, Fang Yitong decided to explain.
“At that time, I sensed that you were no ordinary person; your character is beyond what most can compare. However, given your talents, it will not be easy for you to stay in the capital. Since we are both on the same path, you have the ability to strategize while I have the courage to act. If we join forces, what do we have to fear from the Su Family? Or anyone else for that matter?”
Only then did Xu Mu realize that Fang Yitong was not exactly a good person. What he said was true; he would come up with plans while Fang Yitong would take action. If something went wrong, Fang Yitong would not involve him unless absolutely necessary.
This was indeed an opportunity for a turnaround. With money and power in hand, dealing with the Su Family would be a piece of cake for him to avenge today’s humiliation. Currently, with the Su Family turning against him and him being isolated and helpless, he needed a strong backing to rise again. Compared to the Su Family, Fang Yitong was a different story.
Although Fang Yitong’s family was engaged in business, he had connections in official circles. With his talents, passing the imperial examination would not be a problem at all. With the support of the the Fang Family, what did he have to worry about regarding his future? As they say, commoners do not fight with the rich, and the rich do not contend with officials; when the time comes, how could the Su Family still stand in his way?
With these thoughts in mind, Xu Mu agreed.
“Truly, heaven has not abandoned me, Xu Mu. In the future, I will be like branches connected with Brother Fang; when I achieve success and fame, I will certainly not forget Brother Fang’s kindness in saving me today.”
Fang Yitong waved his hand dismissively. “Oh, there’s no need for such formalities between us. However, given that things are quite tense right now, it would be wise to avoid unnecessary attention. If you don’t mind, I have a house in the southern outskirts of the city where you can stay for a while.”
“Once I discuss this with my elders and settle matters here, we can talk further,” Xu Mu replied with a nod as he headed toward the outskirts without bringing Xiao Nan along. Xiao Nan had always been by his side and was considered his confidant.
If Xiao Nan were to disappear, it would surely raise suspicions. Moreover, this was also an opportunity for him to observe whether Fang Yitong's words were genuine. If he truly wished to cooperate with him, that would be ideal; if something felt off, he could easily extricate himself.
…
Meanwhile, after calming his parents at home, Su Che went to Dan Yao Hall since Zhen's Residence had been burned down and would take time to repair. Going elsewhere would attract unwanted attention; Dan Yao Hall was the safest place. In the evening, as they conversed in a pavilion, Mu Junze asked,
“Why let him go? Wouldn’t it be better to eliminate him right away?”
Su Che shook his head. Years ago, a Taoist passed by his home and mentioned that Xu Mu was destined for wealth and success throughout his life. Even if faced with great calamity, he would have noble people assisting him and turning misfortune into fortune.
However, there was one fatal flaw in his destiny; this calamity would only arise when he reached the peak of his fortune.
Mu Junze appeared somewhat puzzled upon hearing this.
"The words of that man may not be true. He is treacherous and cunning, harming others for his own benefit. Letting him go is akin to releasing a tiger back into the mountains; it would be better to deal with him directly," Su Che remarked. Initially, he did not believe the Daoist's words, but the Daoist had told him that in the first half of his life, he would enjoy wealth and honor, living peacefully and smoothly. However, around the age of adulthood, he would face a calamity intertwined with Xu Mu's misfortunes, and one of them would surely be harmed. Yet, pitying his troubled fate, there would be a turning point, after which the Daoist intended to take him as a disciple.
At that time, he was still young and had a great fondness for Xu Mu, so he did not take these words to heart and rejected the Daoist. Upon hearing this, the Daoist lamented and left the Su Family without taking a single coin.
When they sought him again, he had vanished without a trace. However, Mu Junze was unaware that Su Che had lived another life; everything the Daoist said came to pass. Su Che only told Mu Junze, "What the Daoist said is indeed true; some things align perfectly. In these few days, if he truly has good fortune, someone will come to save him even if it costs his life. It would be better to wait a few more days."
"However, he has many friends in high places, so we will need A Je's assistance here. The outcome will depend on that day," Su Che added.
Mu Junze nodded. He had always been skeptical of ghosts and gods, but since Su Che had concerns, as long as it wasn't due to lingering feelings for Xu Mu, he wasn't worried about anything else. He didn't believe in such things; with him around, how could Xu Mu possibly face any trouble? No matter what happened, with him backing up, no one could harm Zi Qi in the slightest.
As they chatted, Su Che suddenly asked, "I just remembered something. Does your name 'Junze' have any particular meaning?"
Mu Junze replied that when the Former Emperor was in power, he was a prince whose clothing and sustenance were all granted by the grace of the ruler. His mother had given him this name so that he would never forget the emperor's kindness.
After saying this, he turned to Su Che and asked about his name. Su Che rested his chin on one hand and smiled as he explained, "I'm similar to you. My father and mother wanted me to become a successful person—'望' means to hope for something; '子' refers to a child who has aspirations; '期' means expectations leading to achievements. They didn't want me to become someone without ambition. As for '澈,' it was chosen by my father with the hope that I would be clear like water—harmless and sincere towards others."
Originally, he was supposed to be named Su Qing, but his father thought it sounded too much like a girl's name and chose 'Che' instead.
The two continued chatting until late into the night before reluctantly bidding each other farewell. Mu Junze turned back three times to look at Su Che.
Finally running back, he solemnly said to Su Che, "Zi Qi, I will wait for you. When you achieve success in your studies, I will marry you."
Su Che smiled but did not respond; those words were somewhat reminiscent of what Xu Mu had once said.
In Great Yu, same-sex marriage was not uncommon nor forbidden; even among officials and nobles, male companions were kept. However, many people held biases against it. It wasn't that he didn't trust Mu Junze; rather, if he were from an ordinary family, perhaps it would just be a fleeting excitement that neighbors would gossip about for a while before forgetting.
But Mu Junze was a prince; as a merchant's son, it was fine for him—but not for Mu Junze. As a prince with remarkable military achievements and popular support among the people—he was also a brother of the current ruler.
If he truly married himself, every time there was war or achievements made in battle—and even when commoners spoke of the royal family—people would likely remember this.
He feared it would become a stain on his life; yet how could he not know? Still, he was willing.
He was willing, but he could not calmly let him bear these burdens. Su Che found himself in a dilemma.
After sending Mu Junze away, Xiao Tao noticed that Su Che seemed troubled and couldn't help but ask, "What is troubling you, my lord?"
Su Che sighed and replied, "I once thought that as long as I held on tightly, I would not miss out like before. But now I realize that the cost of holding on is so great. If I had known this earlier, perhaps missing out would have been the better choice."
Xiao Tao did not understand Su Che's meaning and continued, "If it is something you truly wish to hold onto, then it cannot be missed. If it can be missed, why bother to hold on? Things in hand should not be easily let go. Even if it is an object, one must consider whether it is willing to be relinquished."
"To decide for both parties based solely on one's own thoughts is the greatest folly and shows disrespect to the other side. Although I do not know whether you speak of a person or an object, if it were me, I would never agree to such a thing."
"The future can be discussed in the future. We have not yet finished what lies ahead; why worry about what is to come?"
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