Without Luo Sheng and Shen Ying present, the overall efficiency of the entire Court of Foreign Affairs improved considerably. Even the most lenient of superiors, when present, cannot match the productivity of their absence. Zhù Ying was a superior herself and naturally no exception to this rule, yet having her around did carry its advantages — when trouble arose, she was genuinely capable of weathering the storm. If one simply had to have a superior present, everyone would sooner choose her.

Zhù Ying always managed to assign the most suitable person to the most suitable task, whether it was attending memorial rites or any other matter — everything proceeded in good order.

At the communal meal, she also refrained from dining alongside her subordinates and subjecting them to the awkwardness of having to flatter her through their food. Her dining companion was Qi Tai, a man whom others regarded as utterly oblivious — lacking heart, conscience, and any sense of reading a room. In Zhù Ying’s presence, however, he could eat in perfect ease.

Qi Tai’s ease stemmed from a blind trust in Zhù Ying. Ever since he had been introduced to her, she had risen steadily through the ranks, and he had followed her south and then north without ever suffering for it. He offered only a perfunctory word of concern: “Nothing went wrong at court today, I hope?”

Zhù Ying did not mention Zhao Su’s affairs to him, nor did she ask whether he missed his daughter. Instead she said: “Things are fine. By the way — have you ever thought about getting a promotion?”

Qi Tai answered without hesitation: “Is the Vice Director getting one?”

Zhù Ying shook her head. Qi Tai said: “Then I’ll stay just as I am. Send me out to deal with other people and I’d be in trouble within three days.”

Three days was an exaggeration, but within three months he would surely have been squeezed out entirely.

Zhù Ying said: “Then let’s leave it at that for now.”

She had been thinking that if Zhao Su could not be transferred back, Qi Tai — as a proper official of the Court of Foreign Affairs — could serve as a fallback candidate and be pushed up to fill Wang Cheng’s position. Since Qi Tai had no such inclination, and Wang Cheng’s duties involved considerable detail work and a great deal of dealing with people, it was indeed a difficult post to fill.

Qi Tai picked his chopsticks back up. “Alright then!”

After the meal, Qi Tai returned to his own quarters to sort through miscellaneous affairs. The two vice ministers Wang and Ruan each finished drafting their respective self-assessments — documents so gloriously flattering that even their own mothers would not have believed a word.

Both men regarded this matter as confidential. In the world of officialdom, promotions were best kept secret until the dust had fully settled — one never knew who might be watching from the shadows. So long as nothing was finalized, others retained an opportunity to undermine you. Some bore competitive grudges, others bore outright enmity, and some simply could not abide seeing others prosper.

Such was the variety of human nature — all manner of characters existed.

So both Wang and Ruan fixed their eyes on Zhù Ying’s door. When Qi Tai emerged without anyone else going in, both men tucked their respective drafts into their sleeves and began mentally rehearsing what they would say to Zhù Ying as they walked. Each was composing his opening gambit.

Bang — they ran straight into each other in the corridor outside Zhù Ying’s door. Neither could now retreat, and both pressed forward together, exchanging rather awkward courtesies on the threshold.

Zhù Ying, seeing this from inside, said: “What is it? Come in, both of you.”

The two men entered, each inwardly calculating: What is he here for? Can it be — ? Should I invent some other pretext and come back when the Vice Director is alone?

Zhù Ying read both expressions in an instant and already knew. She smiled: “We’re all family here. Since you’ve both come, there’s no need for embarrassment. I had actually intended to invite you both at the same time. There are things that need to be said openly between us before proper arrangements can be made.”

The two men exchanged a glance. Vice Minister Wang said: “The Vice Director means — ?”

Zhù Ying said: “The matter at court. So many officials have been demoted — replacements will certainly follow, and once this wave of promotions is complete, the vacated posts will also need to be filled. The Court of Foreign Affairs cannot fall behind, and you two are the most qualified candidates. You should both already know this in your hearts. But whether it comes to pass depends on how we handle it — and you must work together.”

She deliberately recapped what she had said before, briefly, to ease their discomfort.

Wang and Ruan exchanged another glance, then spoke together: “We await the Vice Director’s instructions.”

Zhù Ying held up one finger: “First — we still have a little time. They will fill the higher vacancies before turning to those below.”

Both men nodded.

She held up a second finger: “Second — there are quite a few vacancies opening up, and clever people abound. Before long others will surely set their sights on these posts. You two are both Court of Foreign Affairs men. If you end up competing for the same position, the real harm won’t be the spectacle of colleagues fighting each other — it will be the damage you do to your own prospects. Better to conserve your strength and present a united front.”

Both said: “Understood.”

Zhù Ying held up a third finger: “Therefore, we must minimize unnecessary expenditure of effort, take no roundabout routes, and drive a single straight road through.”

The two men looked at each other, rose, and said: “One word from the Vice Director and the fog has lifted! We beg further guidance.”

Zhù Ying pressed both palms downward, gesturing them to sit, and then said: “You are both sons of distinguished families, steeped in your households’ learning — the finer points hardly need spelling out from me. It is only because you are both men of this Court that I wished to say a few extra words, to spare us all future regret. There are more than enough posts to go around. Coordinate, discuss, come to an arrangement. The Court of Foreign Affairs will lend its weight behind you both. Once we have cleared the path ahead, you go home and each make your case — and both come away with what you wanted. Would that not be a fine thing?”

Over the years she had come to understand the great aristocratic families rather better. Simply put — one’s own sons are always dearer than one’s nephews. One could hardly count on a powerful clan kinsman to exert himself on behalf of every distant relative.

Though both men had backing, the gap between that and having every wish granted was still considerable. They certainly did not have the capital to constantly turn up at their prominent kinsmen’s doors making demands. Neither could they presume that those same kinsmen would drop everything else and fight solely on their behalf.

The best approach was to arrive with things already largely settled among themselves — projecting an air of having come prepared, of being men worth cultivating. The success rate would be far higher that way. Wang and Ruan were rivals in this same batch of candidates; better to communicate privately beforehand about what each wanted, rather than forging enmity over the same post and dragging each other down.

Wang and Ruan were again tempted to stand. They did know a good deal about the mechanics of officialdom, and running into each other here had genuinely caused a moment of awkwardness. But what Zhù Ying had laid out — thinking for the two of them in ways they had not thought for themselves — was something new. Aristocratic families had long histories and no shortage of behind-the-scenes dealings, yet men of their standing could hardly lay these things out openly. And so each, in his heart, had only been thinking of himself.

Now Zhù Ying had stepped forward and assembled them into a common arrangement.

Both set aside their discomfort. Vice Minister Ruan said: “We beg the Vice Director’s guidance — if an opportunity does arise, which direction might serve us better?”

Zhù Ying said: “It depends on the individual.”

Her advice to them was: “You are already at the sixth rank. Moving up to a different court robe is the most pressing matter right now. Whatever you need from us, the Court of Foreign Affairs will provide its support. Since you are men of this Court, related positions will be more convenient.”

Beyond that, each man’s family connections pointed toward wherever he would find the smoothest footing.

Finally, Zhù Ying added: “After a promotion there will be banquets to host for friends and colleagues. If funds are tight at the moment, you may advance a sum now from the public office account. I will stand guarantor — no interest, just repay it once the congratulatory gifts come in.”

Both men felt a warmth surge in their hearts. This was not merely “you’ll need money for a party after your promotion” — it was clearly “I’m lending you money to work the connections, and you repay me when it’s done.”

The last trace of discomfort dissolved entirely.

Both men rose and bowed deeply.

Zhù Ying said: “After the day’s session ends, I will be reporting today’s matters to Vice Minister Luo. I will mention you both as well. Mutual assistance, no internal fighting — conduct yourselves well.”

She rose, took each man by one arm, and guided them up, then joined their hands together: “We are all of the same house. Even after you leave this Court, look out for one another.”

Both were moved and gave their word.

As they were about to take their leave, both men suddenly remembered: the self-flattering essays they had written were still undelivered. Each reached into his sleeve and presented his draft with both hands to Zhù Ying, who said: “Good.”

……

Having given her word, she would act on it. She reviewed both drafts and formed a clear picture. When the day’s session ended she went directly to the residence of Yongping Princess, under the open pretext of coming to report the day’s work.

Yongping Princess and Luo Sheng received her together. Luo Sheng was unable to move about freely, and both he and the Princess sat composed and still.

Since Luo Sheng had said that Zhù Ying had “rescued” him, Yongping Princess, once she had recovered her composure, regarded Zhù Ying quite favorably. Zhù Ying inquired after Luo Sheng’s health; he replied: “I still need to rest and recuperate. I have nothing pressing at the moment, so I won’t be overexerting myself.”

Zhù Ying smiled and asked: “Have you sent word to His Majesty that you are well?”

Yongping Princess gave a soft “Ah.”

“Today at morning court, His Majesty summoned us all…” Zhù Ying recounted the day’s proceedings at court to Luo Sheng. Her memory was excellent, and her account was more comprehensive than what others passing on secondhand reports could have offered.

Luo Sheng said: “The official gazette today carried nothing about it — I was anxious to find out.” He currently knew only that the Chief Justice of the Court of Judicial Review had suffered a grave misfortune.

Zhù Ying said: “Today’s events will appear in tomorrow’s gazette.”

Luo Sheng was not foolish: “The gazette never covers things in this much detail.”

Zhù Ying smiled: “Right, there are also some matters within the Court of Foreign Affairs.”

Luo Sheng said: “Handle them as you see fit.”

Zhù Ying produced two sheets of paper: “You are still the head of this Court — I merely manage affairs as a temporary measure. Everything is written here. Please review it at your leisure, and if there is anything improper, do let me know. I will go in and make corrections first thing tomorrow morning.”

Luo Sheng glanced over it and gave an amused laugh: “Is there ever anything improper in the way you handle things? I won’t meddle needlessly. Hmm? What is the matter with these two — Wang and Ruan?”

Zhù Ying said: “Both have rendered meritorious service and endured hardship since joining the Court of Foreign Affairs. His Majesty is directing us to fill vacancies, and I thought — just in case — they have not followed you through these years in vain. If a few people can walk out of our Court of Foreign Affairs into better posts, it reflects well on all of us. Former students and subordinates, after all! There will always be some warmth of old ties — a degree of natural closeness whenever paths cross again.”

Yongping Princess asked: “Are they reliable men?”

Zhù Ying nodded: “Both are sons of distinguished families. They understand propriety and handle affairs capably. Regarding their matters — please do not speak of them to others. There are only so many posts, and no shortage of people eyeing them.”

In the past, Yongping Princess and Luo Sheng would not have paid much attention to such things. If someone came to petition them, they might help if circumstances permitted; if no one asked and it was convenient anyway, they would not obstruct it. But things had changed since their daughter’s marriage. Since then, both had found themselves instinctively paying attention to things they had previously overlooked.

Both expressed that they would remember this matter.

Zhù Ying then consulted Luo Sheng on other points, and Luo Sheng repeatedly stated: “Your arrangement is excellent.”

Zhù Ying said: “Then I will not disturb your rest any further. I will stop by the Shen household afterward to inform him of what’s happening and consult him on the Ceremonial Affairs Bureau’s matters. Barring anything unexpected, I will come again to your residence after the day’s session ends tomorrow — and continue doing so until you are recovered and back at your post.”

Luo Sheng said: “Much obliged, much obliged.”

Zhù Ying said her farewells to both of them — addressing Yongping Princess in particular — and left the Princess’s residence.

Leaving the Princess’s residence, she then truly did go to the Shen household.

Shen Ying’s face had been injured and he was not receiving outside visitors. Yet consumed by anxiety over court affairs, he had been pacing around his home for half the day. When he heard that Zhù Ying had come, he was somewhat taken aback: “Her? Show her in.”

Zhù Ying and he had always maintained something of a policy of mutual avoidance — she had never called at his door before. This sudden visit left Shen Ying rather uneasy.

Shen Ying still lived in the same place he had taken when he first arrived in the capital. Zhù Ying entered through the main gate, walked all the way to the main hall, and sat in the seat of the principal guest, shaking her head ever so slightly. This place — she was inside it now, and as an honored guest at that.

Shen Ying emerged quickly, bowing from a distance: “Zizhang.”

Zhù Ying rose slowly: “Lord Shen.”

Shen Ying invited her to sit, then asked tentatively: “Curfew is almost upon us. Zizhang, this is — ?”

Zhù Ying said: “Lord Shen is unwell, yet he cannot remain unaware of what is happening in the Court of Foreign Affairs. The others may not be able to explain things clearly, so I have come to tell you myself.”

She gave a brief account of the Court’s affairs, but omitted any mention of Wang and Ruan. Their matter had not yet been made public, and so she kept it out of the conversation.

She added: “Lord Shen is more familiar with the Ceremonial Affairs Bureau’s business than I am. If there is anything to be arranged, simply tell me and I will see to it. If there is a matter requiring formal memorials or reminders, I can convey them on your behalf. If you have a memorial to write right now, I can sit here and wait for you to finish.”

Shen Ying thought to himself: If I have a memorial, can I not submit it myself? Must it pass through your hands?

He hesitated a moment, then said: “There is nothing pressing at the moment.”

Zhù Ying smiled, rose: “Very well then. By the way — today’s court proceedings will be in tomorrow’s gazette, and Lord Shen will see them there. If there are related matters these next few days, I will come again; if there are none, I will not trouble you further. Curfew is nearly upon us — I shall take my leave.”

Her mind was made up: after this, she would not come again to keep Shen Ying informed.

When she returned home, the young ones had all come back as well. Xiang Le followed behind holding a gift register: “Vice Director, the Princess’s residence sent over some gifts.”

Zhù Ying asked: “Yongping?”

“Yes.”

Yongping Princess had also included a note, clearly written in Shi Yin’s hand, presenting the gifts as thanks to Zhù Ying for rescuing Luo Sheng. What a princess sent could not be anything ordinary. The most precious item was a complete set of crystal cups and goblets — over a dozen pieces packed into a specially made case, each fitted into a groove shaped precisely to the vessel it held. Even the case itself could be called a fine piece.

Zhù Ying accepted everything without ceremony, wrote a note of reply, and left it for the household to deliver to the Princess’s residence the following day.

……——

The next day, Zhù Ying arrived at the Imperial Palace early as usual. Outside the city gate she was informed that those like her — whose principal superior was on sick leave — were required to substitute for their superior and stand in attendance before the Emperor.

Zhù Ying took up her court tablet and went to attend the morning audience.

The court session was excruciating. The hall was utterly silent, and the occasional cough that broke the stillness sounded painfully cautious. In speech everyone was restrained, yet in small gestures, expressions, and glances they grew bolder — eyes darting in every direction.

Zhù Ying kept her gaze fixed forward, nose on her nose, mind on her heart, standing quietly in her place. At court, nothing was said about filling the vacant positions. This was to be expected — with so many high-ranking vacancies opening at once, there would naturally be a round of bargaining first.

What was raised that day were matters within the capital itself. Zheng Xi brought formal charges against three of the imperial princes at court, accusing them of riding roughshod through the streets and allowing their servants to injure people.

When this incident had occurred, Zhù Ying had been within the imperial precincts and had no knowledge of what was happening in the city itself. People of her standing, if inattentive, would have had no way of learning of it — no contact, no channel.

Prince Lu inwardly cursed his luck. This involved him again. Suppressing his anger, he reluctantly apologized once more and promised he would be more careful in future. In his heart he was even more aggrieved — his fief income had already been reduced, and his mood was thoroughly sour. Back in his manor he vented his frustration by striking his servants, and he would not have been especially careful on the roads; running someone down was entirely plausible.

The Emperor rebuked the princes in a few words, and then, though he had wanted to scold Zheng Xi as well, he restrained himself.

Then came the various departments reporting their business. The officials were prudent — no one wanted to stand out at a moment like this. The Emperor began calling on them by name. Having been through enough of these sessions, each official had learned the art of saying nothing that mattered: either offering self-criticisms, pledging to instruct all their subordinates to mind their tongues and conduct, or seizing the moment to point out that their deputy had been dismissed in the brawl and requesting a replacement be assigned quickly to share the workload.

Nothing of real substance was said.

The Emperor grew increasingly irate and issued a rebuke: “Before, when I asked you, you all said everything was fine — you deceived me with talk of peace and prosperity! Serene and tranquil — right up until officials were brawling at court! And you still want me to ‘govern by doing nothing’?”

This forced people to actually say something.

The assembled officials’ composure cracked. The Emperor’s tongue had skewered their carefully prepared remarks. Every word they offered earned them a round of scolding.

At last, it was Zhù Ying’s turn.

Zhù Ying said: “The Chief of the Court of Foreign Affairs, Luo Sheng, and Deputy Chief Shen Ying are both at home on sick leave. Vice Ministers Wang and Ruan, along with the staff below them, have all faithfully attended to their duties. Yesterday no matters of significance arose, and though the two senior officials were absent, official business was managed without disruption. After the session yesterday, I reported a summary of affairs to Luo Sheng and informed Shen Ying as well. Should either have objections, there will certainly be feedback, and no errors will arise from the absence. This will continue to be the practice until Luo Sheng returns from leave.”

She named no particular matters, yet she was not scolded. The Emperor even gave a slight nod: “Very well. Keep up the effort — do not slacken.”

Somewhere in the crowd, an official by the name of Duan Lin was so exasperated he let out an involuntary hiccup.

After court was dismissed, Zhù Ying returned to the Court of Foreign Affairs and carried on as the day before. Vice Ministers Wang and Ruan did not seek her out that day — both were occupied with their respective tasks.

Right through to the end of the day, nothing untoward occurred. After the session, Zhù Ying paid another visit to Yongping Princess’s residence, exchanged a few words, and then produced a roster: “I will speak plainly before the Vice Director: it is a time of many affairs just now. I would like to fill some of the Court of Foreign Affairs’ vacancies so that we have more hands for the work and do not suffer any slip-ups that give others a pretext to cause trouble. These are all minor officials and clerks — the people who handle the day-to-day work.”

Luo Sheng looked through the roster. Some names he recognized, some he did not; those he did recognize seemed competent enough. He said: “Approved.” Zhù Ying asked him to sign it: “Once the Ministry of Personnel has a free moment, I will go and attend to it.”

“Indeed — the Ministry of Personnel must be terribly busy right now.”

Zhù Ying took Luo Sheng’s signature, left Yongping Princess’s residence, and went directly home without stopping at Shen Ying’s.

When she had changed her clothes and was about to eat, a group of young ones were chattering away animatedly.

Zhù Ying asked: “What is it?”

Zhù Lian said: “Teacher, those — at court…”

His information tended to be fairly current. Su Zhe was no less so, chiming in: “Officials really fought inside the palace? Why would they do such a thing? Isn’t that… isn’t that something only rough, uncouth people do?”

Xiang An and Xiang Le were also nodding on the side. Xiang An said: “Princes and sons of nobility — refined and distinguished — how could they behave like common ruffians? They have servants and attendants in abundance, and armed guards too… this is…”

Xiang Le said with great earnestness: “Abnormal behavior signals trouble. Could it be some kind of omen?”

Zhù Ying asked in return: “Why did you assume they were rational, noble, and elegantly mannered in the first place? Hmm?”

“Well…”

“Because of rank and status? Character has nothing to do with status — status is simply status itself, at most connected to wealth and power. Powerful people, being constantly flattered, are even more likely to become arrogant, and even more capable of being ignorant, cruel, and cold-hearted without the slightest awareness of it. You’ve been in the capital for some time now. Stand on any busy street and look — are there so few silk-clad, brocade-wrapped bags of wine and rice? If an ugly man’s father dies and he inherits a title and stands in court, does he cease to be an ugly man? If a blockhead’s father holds the third rank and the son is given a post by hereditary privilege, does he cease to be a blockhead? If a petty schemer flatters his way up, sells out his friends, and secures office, does he cease to be contemptible?”

Su Zhe said: “But there are also many capable people at court.”

“Indeed — and without those few capable people, the silken rubbish crowding the avenues would simply be replaced by another batch. Another batch of rubbish with capable patrons willing to shelter them. Eat your dinner. It’s been some days since I’ve given you all a lesson on your own — tonight, let’s have one.”

“Yes.”

After dinner, the young ones gathered in the study. Zhù Ying said: “Tonight we study the Zuo Zhuan. Take out your paper and brushes. ‘In the tenth year of spring, the Qi army invaded us…'”

Zhù Qingjun heard the words “those who eat meat are shortsighted” and burst out laughing.

Zhù Ying did not rebuke her; she paused and laughed as well: “Quite so? Remember those four words. You all eat meat now too — don’t let yourselves grow foolish. But this passage has more than those four words. After the Battle of Changshao, Cao Gui had become ‘one who eats meat’ himself — so does that make him shortsighted too?”

“Of course not!” said Lin Feng. “I think one cannot generalize — there are nobles and titled offspring who apply themselves more diligently than those from humble origins!”

Zhù Qingjun said: “Still, those from humble origins work harder.”

Zhù Ying said: “It is a matter of knowledge. Some people know that effort yields good results. Others know that even if they try their hardest, their chances may be only one in ten thousand. They are all ordinary human beings — of course there will be a difference.”

She worked through the full passage and assigned them a piece of homework — not from the text itself but from another source: the poem “Singing of History” by Zuo Si. She asked them each to write a response after reading it.

……

In the days that followed, Zhù Ying continued attending morning court as usual.

Three days later, after court was dismissed, General Ruan happened to bump into her as if by accident. He paused and offered an apology. Zhù Ying stopped as well, and the two exchanged courtesies. Within a few sentences General Ruan mentioned Vice Minister Ruan, and Zhù Ying understood that things had been settled with the Ruan family.

Passing by the Censorate, she noted that the current Censor-in-Chief also bore the surname Wang.

The three parties understood each other without needing to say a word. Back at the Court of Foreign Affairs, Zhù Ying received an invitation from Minister Yao at the Ministry of Personnel — a request to meet and discuss transfer matters, soliciting her opinion.

Zhù Ying retrieved the performance evaluations she had prepared for Wang and Ruan, along with the documents bearing Luo Sheng’s signature, and Zhao Su’s personal file, and packed them all into a case to take to the Ministry of Personnel to see Yao Zhen.

Yao Zhen had set aside a specific block of time to meet with Zhù Ying.

Zhù Ying and Yao Zhen had no prior personal connection, but Zhù Ying had always been attentive to maintaining a good relationship with the Ministry of Personnel. This foundation had been laid in the days when the late Chen Luan concurrently managed the Ministry, and she had not allowed the connection to lapse after Yao Zhen became Minister. Upon returning to the capital she had been even more deliberate about it. So today, when Yao Zhen saw her, he smiled first: “I appreciate you making the trip yourself, Zizhang.”

“Not at all — I actually have a matter of my own to request guidance on as well. Perfectly convenient.”

“Oh? What matter?”

“Let us handle your matter first, Minister.”

Yao Zhen then asked about Wang and Ruan. Both parties understood this was a formality — if it had already reached the stage of asking Zhù Ying, the preliminary steps were essentially done. She accordingly outlined both men’s situations, submitted their performance records, and provided materials polished enough for Yao Zhen to present to the Emperor without difficulty.

Yao Zhen smiled: “As expected of you.”

Zhù Ying said: “Shall we now speak of my matter?”

“Please.”

Zhù Ying produced the documents bearing Luo Sheng’s signature. Yao Zhen reviewed them and said: “Quite a few appointments.”

Zhù Ying said: “And even so, we’re still short by several. Right now… who knows what else may need to be done. I fear that when the moment comes we won’t have enough hands to respond adequately, which would be a failure of imperial trust. New people take time to get up to speed — we need to prepare in advance and train them up.”

Yao Zhen said: “Understood. Have them issue the documents and file for the record.”

Zhù Ying’s first priority this time was filling the clerk positions — those could accommodate people she trusted. The second was elevating a few clerks to official rank. Of the three being proposed for officialdom, one was a veteran of the Court of Foreign Affairs who had served there for thirty years — diligent, experienced, and familiar with every pathway. Zhù Ying had put his name forward. The second was a clerk approaching forty, possessed of excellent handwriting and polished official correspondence — highly capable. The third was Little Huang, a way to take care of one of her own.

Finally Zhù Ying added: “Two people have been transferred away from under me — surely I should receive two replacements?”

Yao Zhen asked: “What kind of people are you looking for?”

Zhù Ying said: “It’s not really for me to dictate, but at least give me one who’s a good fit. The other is entirely at your discretion, Minister — whoever you assign, I will accept and find a proper place for.”

Yao Zhen raised an eyebrow and glanced toward the bottom of the case. Zhù Ying smiled and slid Zhao Su’s personal file across: “I do genuinely want one particular person — Zhao Su.”

Yao Zhen had no impression of Zhao Su, but upon seeing the registered place of origin he smiled: “Fulu County!”

“He’s one I know well — speaks beautiful Standard Mandarin, and passed the examination into the Imperial Academy on his own merits. Once he arrives, may I bring him to meet you?”

Yao Zhen said: “That would be fine. As for the other — you keep an eye out too. Give me a name.”

“Then I’ll look into it and come to you with a request tomorrow?”

Yao Zhen said: “Very well.”

With the arrangements settled, Yao Zhen suddenly let out a sigh: “It seems the Ministry of Personnel’s vacancies also need to be properly filled — these past few days I have been… ah.”

“You bear weighty responsibilities and enjoy His Majesty’s trust. If even you are sighing, the rest of us would not know how to carry ourselves.”

Yao Zhen said: “You flatter yourself too little with those words! In my view, His Majesty is very fond of you — unlike the rest of us, who are always ill at ease in the imperial presence.”

“The Minister’s loyalty is wholehearted — His Majesty harbors no dissatisfaction.”

“Is that so? My heart is still unsettled. Zizhang — is there anything you might teach me?”

Zhù Ying said with some difficulty: “When I am before His Majesty, I am terribly nervous myself. You ask me, and I would need to ask others in turn. How could I presume to instruct anyone?”

Yao Zhen raised an eyebrow and looked at her. Zhù Ying gave a helpless smile: “From the moment I enter the hall, I treat His Majesty exactly as I always have. I do not exchange meaningful glances with anyone, and I do not signal to anyone in secret. I suppose this is a kind of ‘integrity even in private,’ in its own way.”

Yao Zhen slowly nodded.

Being a very busy man, Yao Zhen could only spare Zhù Ying a limited amount of time. She noticed the shadows of visitors outside his door and said: “Oh — another matter has arrived. Minister, I shall take my leave. I will come again tomorrow?”

Yao Zhen said: “Very well.”

……——

The next day, Zhù Ying submitted a name to Yao Zhen. Yao Zhen asked: “And who is this person?”

Zhù Ying said: “A name Vice Director Luo provided.”

Yao Zhen said: “Wait for word then. I will transfer Wang out first, then bring Zhao in, then transfer Ruan out, and give you this last one at the end — how does that sound?”

Zhù Ying said: “Many thanks!”

Zhao Su would still need some time before arriving in the capital, but Vice Minister Wang left first. He was transferred to the Ministry of Rites, as he had wished, and changed into the crimson robe. Vice Minister Wang’s tasks, Zhù Ying had him hand off temporarily to Qi Tai.

Vice Minister Ruan grew visibly anxious, and his words grew more frequent. Zhù Ying said nothing to him about it, and instead asked him to put all his current affairs in proper order and archive them. Only then did Ruan settle somewhat.

On the very day Shen Ying returned from his sick leave, Zhù Ying opened the official gazette and saw a piece of news — an old acquaintance of hers, Shao Shuxin, was coming back to the capital!

Shao Shuxin had entered government service before her, and in the early years had also held a higher rank. After a period posted to a regional posting to accumulate experience, he had been recalled. Back in the capital he had now managed to obtain a sixth-rank post — and was actually below Zhù Ying in rank now. He was not in his old position at the Ministry of Finance but had been assigned to the Ministry of Works as a department director. Given his experience and background, even this crimson-robed appointment owed something to Zheng Xi’s influence.

Someone else to talk to had returned.