The Old Madam nodded, “That’s right. Since we’ve visited and they haven’t outright refused us, we must maintain that connection. Your father originally wanted to use the Duke of Founding to connect with the Marquis of Guangping, who is the Empress’s brother. If the path through the imperial court isn’t working, approaching through the inner palace might not be a bad alternative. But now it seems we must proceed slowly – after all, if we succeed, the Palace Guard Command will know immediately. Your father is now the Prefecture Governor of Youzhou, seeing them frequently. If we formally become enemies with those above, there will be endless trouble in the future.”

Qingyuan agreed, but was more concerned about Qinghe’s prospects, “Now that our entire family has moved to Youzhou, Big Sister’s marriage arrangements will inevitably face some obstacles. Does the father still need to rely on the Duke of Founding to connect with the Marquis of Guangping? Other matters aside, I’m just worried the Duke’s household will think we’re being discourteous, which won’t benefit Big Sister.”

The Old Madam dismissed this concern, “Since the two families are to be joined in marriage, they can’t just watch their in-laws decline. Right now your father still holds the title of Military Commissioner – when he truly only has the title of Prefecture Governor left, how will their Li family save face?”

This time Qingyuan had nothing to say, finally seeing clearly that in their eyes, daughters of concubines were all tools to be used. Not just herself, but even Qinghe, whom they had watched grow up, was being calculated to rely on the Duke of Founding’s family as soon as her marriage was arranged, seemingly unconcerned that the Duke’s family might break off the engagement. The Old Madam was truly like an Empress Dowager ruling behind a screen – major interests couldn’t be shaken, while the marriages of children born to concubines were trivial matters that could be dispensed with. Qingyuan could already imagine Qinghe’s tear-reddened eyes, and couldn’t help but lower her head and sigh softly.

The Old Madam seemed to notice this and changed her tone, saying helplessly, “If we can avoid troubling others, naturally it’s better not to trouble them. When the family is going through difficulties, we still need to keep it hidden from others – who want to expose it to their in-laws? Your Big Sister will be living in their household after marriage. Your children don’t understand how important it is for your natal family to have a strong foundation. Look at the Imperial Consorts in the palace – though they appear noble and precious, they privately compete, comparing who receives more favor and whose natal family is more prosperous. His Majesty’s favor often extends to their natal families. People often say love extends to the crow for the sake of its nest, but who is the ‘nest’ here? It’s all mutually reinforcing – how can one say clearly?”

Qingyuan was skilled at going along with things, making a show of accepting the lesson, and repeatedly nodding in agreement.

The Old Madam looked at her again, her words carrying hints of guidance, and smiled, “Though these Imperial Consorts in the palace live the most privileged lives, in my opinion, it’s still not as good as finding a man without family burdens. Like the Commandant Shen’s wife – who in Youzhou doesn’t envy her!”

Qingyuan smiled slowly, “Why? Because she married a rising new noble?”

The Old Madam said not exactly while pushing open the carved window of the carriage to look outside. Night had fallen heavily, and lights flickered in countless homes. In the neighborhoods, common folk were coming out after dinner to enjoy the cool air, wearing loose clothing and waving banana leaf fans as they walked swaying along the streets.

The Old Madam sat properly, waiting for the cool breeze to flow in steadily, and said in a measured voice, “The Shen family head was caught up in the Crown Prince succession case years ago and was executed in the marketplace. The family matriarch died of illness soon after. The Shen brothers lost both parents in one year – it could be called a devastating disaster then. Everyone thought the Shen family would decline like this, but who knew that ten years later the Shen family would rise again? The Shen Run brothers suddenly became prominent figures. For young ladies waiting to be married, isn’t such a family without in-laws the best choice? A large family is lively, but in daily life, there are many worries – which in-laws don’t set rules for their daughters-in-law? So you see, the Commandant’s wife has it made – she only needs to serve her husband, and the elder brother-in-law doesn’t concern her. The other day when the Administrative Commissioner’s wife came to see me, she mentioned this matter too – whoever can marry Commander Shen must have burned premium incense in their previous life.”

The Old Madam had said so much in roundabout ways, simply to give her a hint, either to pay attention to Shen Run or not to miss such a good opportunity if it arose. Qingyuan found it amusing in her heart. Though the Shen family had suffered hardships, Shen Run had still achieved the rank of Junior Second Grade, and capital officials were naturally more prestigious than provincial ones – strictly speaking, her father’s position as Military Commissioner was still below his. Earlier when Li Congxin and his mother spoke of marrying her, the Old Madam and Madam Hu had gritted their teeth saying she was reaching too high, yet now they dared to aspire to a Commander of the Palace Guard Command.

Qingyuan smiled and said, “Grandmother, I think Second Sister would be a good match for the Commander. Second Sister is the First Madam’s legitimate daughter – if she were to marry the Commander, it wouldn’t disgrace his family.”

But the Old Madam fell silent, and after a while said, “With Qingru’s quick temper, how could she match a military official!”

Indeed, though Shen Run held a high position and power, his reputation wasn’t good. In Youzhou especially, he was known for using his authority to accumulate wealth – who didn’t curse him behind his back while fearing him? Such a person couldn’t be very refined in his treatment of women either. Qingru was the First Madam’s precious daughter, had never suffered hardships, and didn’t know how to be diplomatic. If she somehow offended him and was beaten or even killed, with Shen Run’s power, could the Xie family seek revenge?

So thinking it through, only she was the most suitable candidate – able to endure grievances, not daring to make a sound even when bullied. If they did make this marriage connection, her father would gain support, and if things didn’t go well in the Shen family, at worst they could pretend they didn’t have this daughter – the Xie family wouldn’t suffer any loss.

Qingyuan just listened and smiled slightly. Soon the carriage arrived at the Xie residence gate, where her father and the whole family were waiting inside. Seeing them return, everyone came forward to greet them.

“How did things go?” Xie Shu looked at the Old Madam, then at Qingyuan. “Did Fourth Girl see Commandant Shen?”

The Old Madam’s expression was faint, “We saw the true Buddha – everything that needed to be done was done. That side neither agreed nor disagreed. Tomorrow you’ll need to visit Shen Run personally. Whether it’s a memorial or petition, don’t mention anything – just send him an invitation card, inviting him to a banquet at our residence. If he comes, there’s hope for the matter; if he doesn’t come, we’ll give up on this approach and think of other ways.”

Everyone felt uncertain after hearing this – without a clear result, everything remained ambiguous, really making people anxious.

Qingru snorted with laughter, “I thought with Fourth Sister taking charge, if not complete success, there would at least be seventy or eighty percent certainty. Who knew it would be all thunder and no rain – just a wasted trip.”

Hearing her words and looking at Qingyuan, who was still smiling despite the mockery, Qinghe felt stifled. Her marriage had been delayed due to moving from Hengtang, and she had been holding in her frustration, so she added, “Second Sister is so eloquent, why didn’t you take her today? Perhaps Commander Shen would have solved our family’s troubles tomorrow just for Second Sister’s sake – you never know!” Concubine Lian kept tugging at her sleeve.

Qingru was someone who couldn’t tolerate even a grain of sand in her eye – she could mock others but couldn’t stand others speaking against her. She immediately responded with a sarcastic tone, “Big Sister is unhappy, why take it out on me? It’s not my fault the Duke of Founding’s family hasn’t set a date.”

As the sisters exposed each other’s shortcomings back and forth, Xie Shu finally shouted, “What time is this – how can you still have the mind to quarrel?”

Both sisters were startled. Qingyuan shook her head at Qinghe, while Qingru was pulled back by Madam Hu.

Xie Shu collected himself, looking up at the crescent moon in the sky, “It’s too late today, otherwise we could have made a trip… Who knows if the Shen brothers will still be in Youzhou tomorrow – it all depends on luck!”

But luck seemed better than imagined. Early the next morning, when someone was sent to the Commander’s residence to inquire, they learned that Shen Run wasn’t returning to the capital that day. Without another word, Xie Shu mounted his horse and rode straight to the Commander’s residence.

Being a Second-Grade official, after all, the Shen family had to show some courtesy. The doorkeeper led Xie Shu into the flower hall, serving tea while saying, “Please wait a moment, Military Commissioner. The Commander will be here shortly.”

Xie Shu sat down, feeling restless even while drinking tea. After waiting for about a quarter hour, he finally saw a figure appear in the corridor diagonally opposite. He hurriedly stood up and walked to the door to welcome him. This was his first time meeting the commander of the Palace Guard Command. He had heard that Shen Run was talented in appearance, but hadn’t expected the real person to be even more refined and elegant than rumored. The Palace Guard Command was responsible for the Emperor’s security during imperial processions – in terms of prestige, no civil or military official in court could match them. Such glory and splendor, combined with such celestial looks, made it understandable why he would be difficult to deal with – after all, the more superior one is, the more likely they are to have a superior attitude and manner.

But as people of officialdom, even if arrogant, they wouldn’t lose their courtesy. Shen Run raised his hands in greeting from afar, “I didn’t know the Military Commissioner was visiting – my apologies for not welcoming you from afar.”

Xie Shu said it was no matter, but couldn’t help feeling uncertain in his heart. Given his current situation, when others called him Military Commissioner, he felt somewhat unworthy. Fighting on battlefields for twenty or thirty years, spending more than half his official career in military camps, who would have thought he’d fall to the point of having to bow his head to a younger generation? The ups and downs of official life truly showed how fortunes could reverse completely over thirty years.

“Commander is a busy man. Though we serve in the same court, only today do we finally meet,” he smiled, trying hard to maintain his dignity, hoping his words and actions wouldn’t appear too desperate.

Shen Run naturally knew he wouldn’t come without reason. The Xie family was an established noble clan – think how glorious the Military Commissioner of Jiannan Circuit had been then, with his nose in the air, but now he came humbly seeking connections. Wasn’t it ironic when you thought about it?

Shen Run wore a smile as he gracefully stepped before him, “There’s truly an enormous amount of official business. Though I knew the Military Commissioner had entered Youzhou, I couldn’t find time to pay my respects. Please forgive me.” As he spoke, he led the way into the flower hall, “Please, Military Commissioner.”

Both being cultured people, they were very polite on the surface, exchanging courtesies before entering the flower hall to sit.

Following the Old Madam’s suggestion, Xie Shu didn’t state his true purpose. For matters of asking for help, it was best discussed over dinner. At present, empty talk without either entertaining wine or opening gifts of silver, merely trying to get close as colleagues and old acquaintances, was just a waste of breath.

So he went through the courtesies of saying his household was holding a banquet and wished to have the honor of the Commander and Commandant’s presence. Looking at Shen Run, who wore an expression of regret, he sighed, “How can this be? It’s not that I’m unwilling to attend the Military Commissioner’s banquet, but I truly can’t get away from my duties. Tomorrow I must return to the capital. In a few days, foreign envoys will visit, the Empress’s celebration is next month, and the review of the imperial guards is imminent… Let’s wait until next time – next time, I shall host a banquet and invite the Military Commissioner to my humble residence.”

This was a polite refusal. Xie Shu understood – it seemed this path wouldn’t be easy. However, speaking of finding another way, since all matters before the Emperor had to go through the Palace Guard Command, going in circles would only lead back to them with even greater embarrassment – better to persist to the end. Perhaps he had offended them somewhere before; finding out today, even if they intended to push him deeper into trouble, at least he wouldn’t feel wrong.

“Since you’re returning to the capital tomorrow, rather than choosing another day, why not today? Would the Commander and Commandant be available to grace my residence tonight?” Xie Shu asked with a smile. “My ancestors moved from Youzhou to Hengtang, and over these years old acquaintances have grown distant. To be honest with the Commander, when troubles arise there’s no one to help. In earlier years, I had some friendship with your noble father – this invitation is merely to reminisce about old times, nothing else. Please don’t decline, Commander.”

But as these words finished, the smile slowly faded from Shen Run’s face. He lowered his head to sip his tea, his eyes downcast as he made a sound of acknowledgment, “Did the Military Commissioner truly have a friendship with my father?”

Xie Shu was taken aback, vaguely sensing that the Palace Guard Command’s repeated blocking of his memorials might have its roots here.

Speaking of friendship, they had been in the same examination year – how could there have been no interaction at all? Earlier, before he went to serve as Prefecture Governor of Jiannan Circuit, he had held a position in the capital, and during that time he had associated with Shen Zhibai, appearing as close as brothers. Later, after he was transferred to Bashu, he gradually lost contact with the capital, and when Shen Zhibai was caught up in the Crown Prince succession incident, he only heard about it and sighed – in the end, he couldn’t help at all.

Now with Shen Run’s pressing words, he had to think carefully, “Your father and I truly had a good friendship then, but unfortunately when I was transferred to Bashu in the third year of Tianzhao, I grew distant from affairs in the capital.”

The bamboo curtain hanging before the flower hall tapped against the supporting pillars, and the daylight filtering through fell on a pot of cloud bamboo beneath the dripping eaves. The flower hall grew quiet, a vast silence that made one feel suffocated. After a long while, Shen Run gave a short, light laugh, “Actually, my brother and I had some connection with the Military Commissioner, but perhaps due to your heavy military duties then, you didn’t notice us.”

Xie Shu hesitated, “When was this? I have no recollection.”

Shen Run smiled, “Back then after our father was found guilty, we brothers were punished by being sent to serve in the military. For two years, we were at Jianmen Pass under your command.”

A buzzing sound filled Xie Shu’s head – he had completely forgotten before, but with this reminder, he recalled there had been such a matter. The Shen brothers had found ways through others to send messages to him, hoping to gain his care and promotion. At that time, he was busy and also thought that such a disgraced family would have little chance of rising again, so he hadn’t bothered to get involved. Who knew the wheel of fortune would turn, and when he fell into difficulty, it would be exactly in Shen Run’s hands. It seemed the saying “don’t look down on poor youth” was indeed completely true.

But though this was understood in their hearts, how could he admit it? Xie Shu said in surprise, “There was such a thing? Then why didn’t you come find me? Given my friendship with your father, I would have helped you regardless, at least to let you suffer less hardship!”

All high officials have two faces – one for the powerful, and one for commoners. So many years had passed, and the previous lack of loyalty could be covered up by playing dumb. Shen Run knew these people’s nature well; there was no need to dwell on whether they had been completely heartless.

He gave a faint smile, “At that time, our status was awkward – attaching ourselves to you would only have caused you trouble. I thought we’d never have a chance to get acquainted, but your daughter’s visit last night truly caught me by surprise. Actually, why did the Military Commissioner need to go in such a roundabout way? Wouldn’t it have been easier to come to me directly?”

Xie Shu caught the mockery in his words – the current situation was just like back then, except now he was the one seeking favors.

Shen Run stood up and slowly paced a few steps at the center of the room, “The Military Commissioner may not know yet, but His Majesty intends to send Fu Chunshan to lead troops to attack Shibaocheng. Once this political command is issued, I fear the Military Commissioner’s position will not be secure.”

He maintained a slight smile, appearing completely gentle, but his eyes glinted coldly. Xie Shu stared at him speechlessly, understanding clearly in his heart that once someone could replace him in the campaign, sparing no effort to let His Majesty regain face from the previous loss, then Fu Chunshan would be promoted while he would face dismissal and investigation.

Seeing Xie Shu’s face turn from green to white and back again, sufficiently frightened, Shen Run smiled and said, “Today the weather is fine – a good day for a banquet. Since the Military Commissioner sincerely invited me, how could I not recognize the honor? The Military Commissioner should go ahead and prepare. When the time is right, I will bring my brothers to impose upon your hospitality.”