"Yes, Father. I'll write it now," Xie Zhenqing said respectfully.
Someone immediately brought brush and ink. Xie Zhenqing personally fetched some clean water, poured a little onto the inkstone, and slowly ground the ink stick against it.
As the ink grew richer, his essence, energy, and spirit were replenished as well. Xie Zhenqing picked up the soft-haired brush, touched it to the ink, and loaded it fully. Without pausing to think, he wrote a letter that flowed like drifting clouds and running water.
"My son truly is extraordinary." The Marquis of Pacifying the South took the letter and read it, thoroughly satisfied. He blew on the ink, waited for it to dry, then had the envoy from the Crown Grandson's Residence invited in. "Here is my reply. Please deliver it to His Highness the Imperial Grandson."
The envoy assented, and the Marquis of Pacifying the South gave another order. "Someone bring ten taels of gold for his travel expenses."
Such things were commonplace. Although ten taels of gold was rather generous, this was the Earl's Residence. The envoy did not decline. He accepted the gold, took his leave, and departed.
Only after the envoy had left did the Marquis of Pacifying the South say to his son, "Qing'er, our family earned its title through military achievements. Unfortunately, your constitution is too weak for you to become a general."
Xie Zhenqing lowered his head.
The Marquis of Pacifying the South continued, "With your health as it is, all I wish is for you to live out your life in peace. But for families like ours, without influence, we remain a fat morsel in other people's eyes."
"Among the strong, there is always someone stronger. Our family holds power and rank, but there are others who hold even more."
"I've always worried