Xian Jing had gone through one period of mourning leave already. Since the death of her husband, Xian Old Lady had lived with even more spirit and vitality and remained, to this day, in excellent health.

Previously, when Zhù Ying’s standing had not been sufficient, her interactions with Xian Jing were not very frequent; she tended to call more often on Wang Yunhe, Liu Songnian, Zheng Xi, and others. Xian Old Lady had held birthday celebrations every year, but Xian Jing had never sent a calling card to Zhù Ying, and in the years when Zhang Xiangu was still in the capital, Zhù Ying’s household had not had the standing to show up uninvited at the Xian household.

This year, Xian Old Lady was celebrating a major milestone birthday, and the Zhù household had risen in prominence — this was a birthday to which Zhù Ying was obliged to come and pay her respects. It was a pity she had never taken a wife; there was no female family member to go into the inner quarters of the Xian household and cultivate connections. She could only send birthday gifts first, then go in person on the actual day.

The celebration lasted three days, and Zhù Ying arrived on the principal day. Looking around, she saw that Wang Yunhe had not come in person, though his household had sent gifts and the Wang womenfolk had attended. Zhù Ying also spotted Yue Huan, Yu Qingtuan, and others here. From the look of Yu Qingtuan’s manner, he was quite familiar with the Xian household.

Zhù Ying first congratulated Xian Jing, who smiled and said: “The greatest joy in life is to have one’s parents in good health! Come — everyone here is someone you know.”

Beyond his own circle of disciples and teachers, Xian Jing introduced to her a great number of officials from the Crown Prince’s Household Administration. The Administration was still not at full complement — roughly seven or eight tenths staffed — and by all appearances most of these people had come today; all except those who remained on duty. When Zheng Xi had served as the Executive, he had never taken such care to introduce each and every person to Zhù Ying.

Zhù Ying noted each individual, matching names to faces, and formed a mental assessment of each one. The Council of State had spent considerable effort assembling this group — there were promising young talents and also seasoned elders. People like Zheng Marquis had not come in person; only the womenfolk of his household had come to offer congratulations and share in the birthday wine.

Xian Jing made a special point of introducing one person to Zhù Ying: “This is Vice Minister Mu of the Ministry of Personnel — you must see each other at court regularly?”

Zhù Ying smiled: “Indeed — it is a pity we have had no chance for a deeper conversation.”

Mu Chengzhou was quite courteous toward Zhù Ying, saying: “I too have been hoping to deepen my acquaintance with the Court of Judicial Review — only the opportunity has never arisen.”

Xian Jing said: “All encounters are by fate.”

Zhù Ying said: “So it is here that this fate is being formed.”

Xian Jing laughed: “Is that not so!”

After a round of mutual compliments, it was time for the assembled guests to proceed together to bow in congratulations to the Old Lady.

The male guests and outside visitors, straggling and slow-moving, would not make a good showing crowding around the Old Lady. Everyone waited until they had a critical mass and then went together to bow. The Old Lady also rose to return the courtesy, saying: “You have all been so gracious.”

The female family members and guests were all behind the screen curtain, pointing and whispering — that one is from your household, that one from mine, who is that young man? That one official looks so impressive! Accompanied by the sounds of music, it was all quite charming.

After the bows of congratulation were complete, the Old Lady told Xian Jing: “Take good care of your guests.”

Xian Jing complied and invited the guests to the front to take their seats for the banquet.

Mu Chengzhou smiled at Xian Jing: “The Executive’s prestige is outstanding today — His Majesty and His Highness both sent their regards, and look at all these illustrious guests assembled here.”

Xian Jing responded modestly: “While delighted on my mother’s behalf, I am also privately awestruck.”

Yue Huan said: “We must raise a cup to the Old Lady!”

Zhù Ying picked up her cup, and a serving boy slipped up beside her, saying quietly: “The Executive’s instructions — the Court of Judicial Review Chief Justice drinks honey water.” And poured her a cup of honey water. No one else noticed what she was drinking.

Zhù Ying said with a smile: “He is thoughtful — if I were to mistakenly drink wine, this banquet of his would not be able to continue; I would certainly make a scene.”

Zhù Ying was seated near Leng Yun. Hearing this, Leng Yun leaned his head over and said: “Hey — if one day you do make a scene, I will definitely stand you a cup; shall we make a scene together?”

Zhù Ying said: “You have too many vulnerabilities — I am afraid I would target you first.”

Leng Yun clicked his tongue dismissively, then commented on Mu Chengzhou: “What an arrogant young upstart.” Then pointed at Shi Xi and said Mu Chengzhou was not even as good as Shi Xi.

One cup of honey water down, a commotion suddenly arose outside. The Xian household’s doorman came running: “My lord! His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess have arrived!”

“A hum” — talk erupted; everyone rose, accompanying Xian Jing to receive the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince had come with Luo Yi — the one tall, the one small; the one older, the one younger — they passed before everyone. The Crown Prince returned half a bow and said: “Today we are all here to congratulate the Old Lady — let us not lose sight of who is the guest of honor! Executive, please introduce my wife and me to the Old Lady first. When we return, I will share a full cup with everyone.”

Everyone assented. Zhù Ying looked at the Crown Prince and thought he seemed more measured and inward than before. Her gaze met the Crown Prince’s; she lowered her head first in greeting, and he gave a nod in return. Looking next at Luo Yi, she appeared to have grown slightly taller, but was still a slender and somewhat slight young girl — there was likely nothing in the palace that would let her grow more robust. Both were in informal attire and looked almost like the children of a wealthy household, except that Luo Yi’s hairstyle had already been changed.

Xian Jing invited the Crown Prince and his wife to the inner quarters. Mu Chengzhou said with a smile: “The Executive’s connections run deep! Even if my own household were holding a birthday celebration, the Crown Prince might not come!”

Everyone could only follow along with flattery, saying things like how the Crown Prince showed esteem for worthy talent, and some said that were it the old Mu Lady’s birthday, the Crown Prince would certainly pay his respects too. A few lower-ranking officials in the back rows grumbled privately to themselves: You truly cannot help but admire these senior gentlemen — such smoothly rounded words; if it were me saying this, one wrong move and either the Executive’s household or the Empress’s family would come out looking diminished.

Leng Yun could not help himself again, leaning over to Zhù Ying: “Hey — the Crown Prince’s little wife… tsk tsk!”

Zhù Ying said: “You only know what warmth or cold you feel when you drink the water yourself.”

Leng Yun said: “That is true — being Crown Princess, she has no cause for complaint; the Crown Prince even less so.”

The two clinked cups. Leng Yun asked: “Your side is more or less settled as well?”

“What do you mean?”

“If — and I mean only if — the Court of State Ceremonial runs into a bit of trouble, you absolutely must help.”

“At the Xian Executive’s banquet, you make this kind of request?”

“Taking advantage of his banquet to enlist your help — is that not all right?”

“All right.”

Leng Yun went on murmuring to himself: “Sheng Ying is just a decorative figure — Li Yan-qing can get things done, just a little slower, and a little less capable than you. Though there is still Zhao Su.”

“He is also just finding his footing.”

“I think he is doing fine.” Leng Yun had a reasonably good impression of Zhao Su, and said a few more complimentary things.

Zhù Ying said to him: “This year, pay attention to the Hu envoys — when the Hu envoy came last time, the delegation struck me as formidable.”

“Oh my — if you say formidable, then formidable it is.” In private conversation, this was not polite flattery.

Before the two of them had exchanged more than a few words, Zhù Ying had only just finished eating the belly of a fish when the Crown Prince came out.

Xian Jing and the Crown Prince exchanged courtesies before seating themselves at the head of the table. Luo Yi remained in the inner quarters. The Crown Prince said with a smile: “I must apologize — back when I was at the Zhao Wang residence, perhaps because I was young, going out to banquets was quite carefree for everyone. Now that I am a few years older, going out again seems to cause people inconvenience.”

Xian Jing quickly said: “This residence is honored beyond measure by your presence — how could there be any inconvenience?”

The Crown Prince said: “I also took the occasion of the Old Lady’s birthday celebration to come, and can go afterwards to call on Princess Anren. The old lady lives alone in her widowhood — young relatives cannot help but feel concern. It was not intentional to cause any inconvenience to everyone.”

The final line carried a light and playful tone, drawing knowing smiles from the listeners.

Zhù Ying said to Leng Yun: “The Crown Prince has — found his footing.”

Leng Yun said with surprise: “Found his footing? He was always like this.”

“Was he?” Zhù Ying was genuinely surprised, because the impression the Crown Prince had made on her previously had not been like this.

Leng Yun said: “Though, come to think of it, since that earlier business — when Seventh Boy took the punishment for that particular person — there had been no more occasions of the Crown Prince going outside the palace. So perhaps it is natural that now he can get out again, being young after all! Yes — one should go out while one is young; once one grows up, one will no longer be allowed out!”

Zhù Ying thought to herself: You have also found your footing.

The two of them were whispering together when the Grand Court Sacrifice Ritual Director, Luo Tai-chang, also leaned over and asked: “His Highness and the host are seated above, and you two are here whispering — what are you murmuring about?”

Leng Yun, having drawn somewhat closer to Luo Tai-chang since the matter of scolding Bian Xing, found the two of them on passable terms on the surface afterward. Luo Tai-chang did not know the Crown Prince well, but thinking of Leng Yun’s background, he had edged closer. All three of them huddled together; Zhù Ying said: “I was saying the Crown Prince seemed more composed than before — I think it was that when he was first made Crown Prince, he had not yet adjusted; now that he has, this is how he appears.”

Luo Tai-chang said: “That is a fortunate thing indeed.”

The Crown Prince chatted with several officials for a while, then came down the table with his cup to drink with several of them. Leng Yun, Zhù Ying, and Luo Tai-chang among them accounted for a third of the Nine Ministers — he could not possibly overlook them. The Crown Prince said: “I borrow the Old Lady’s cup of birthday wine.”

Leng Yun said with a laugh: “Whatever wine it is — if you want to drink, let’s drink.”

Zhù Ying said to Luo Tai-chang: “Shall the two of us accompany him for a cup as well?”

Luo Tai-chang said with a smile: “Of course!”

The Crown Prince said: “Having already intruded upon the Old Lady’s birthday wine, I have now also intruded upon your refined pleasures.”

Zhù Ying said: “For my part, I have never been capable of refinement! Your Highness is welcome to intrude as much as you like — the Court of State Ceremonial and I rather enjoy making scenes.”

Leng Yun said in an aggrieved tone: “Do not drag me into this! I am such a proper and dignified person.”

Laughter broke out all around.

The guests being numerous, the Crown Prince could not drink with every single person. In the end, he offered a general toast to the entire company, sat with Xian Jing for a short while longer, and then said he had to go and see Princess Anren — it would soon be getting late if he did not leave now. He sent someone to the inner quarters to fetch Luo Yi, and the two of them went off together to Princess Anren’s residence.

This left a whole houseful of guests buzzing with talk. Zhù Ying saw Mu Chengzhou still going on about how impressive Xian Jing’s connections were, and thought to herself: The Crown Prince had the measure of the room; apparently, you do not.

Zhù Ying picked up a piece of fruit from the table and, with a flick, knocked Yue Qingtuan’s hat askew with a sharp snap. Yue Qingtuan looked all around, and Zhù Ying beckoned to him. He hurried over, and Zhù Ying said: “Find a way to make him stop talking! Enough is enough — this is a birthday celebration!”

Yue Qingtuan said: “He will hardly listen to me.”

Zhù Ying said: “There you go — find something for people to do!”

“Even food can’t stop his mouth,” Leng Yun taunted.

Zhù Ying said to Yue Qingtuan: “This household is the student of Chief Minister Wang — a birthday celebration here ought to have a measure of scholarly decorum, should it not? You go — get everyone to compose birthday poems! That’s the thing to do!”

Luo Tai-chang said with surprise: “Are you also accomplished in this? I had not heard as much before!”

“I only just finished memorizing the rhyme scheme — I cannot write a decent poem to save my life!” Zhù Ying said. “Enough talk — if this gets started, I will need to bolt. Oh no — I cannot bolt. Hmm, quick, write one for me before you go!”

She grabbed Yue Qingtuan, had this unfortunate soul ghostwrite a poem for her, and then he was also pressed by Leng Yun for one more. Fortunately Luo Tai-chang did not require one. After Yue Qingtuan had delivered two poems by proxy, he feigned being drunk and declared: “Today I celebrate the Old Lady’s birthday, and I have a poem! I invite everyone’s appraisal!”

This cut off Mu Chengzhou mid-sentence.

……—

With Xian Old Lady’s birthday celebrated, the weather grew cooler by degrees.

Autumn passed quickly. Zhù Ying had not deliberately bought land in the outskirts of the capital; relying solely on what Xiang An and the others had cultivated for her, she was now beginning to bring in a fair amount of rent.

As new grain was stored in the granaries, the regional governors also began arriving in the capital one after another.

The gates of the capital’s power and noble households grew ever busier. At this time, Zhù Ying made a point of going to the Chief Ministers’ residences as little as possible. She visited Liu Songnian’s and Chen Meng’s households somewhat more frequently, and occasionally called on Shi Kun’s household.

Liu Songnian and Chen Meng were straightforward enough, but Shi Kun remarked: “In previous years I never saw you coming to my door this often — and now when everyone else is busy with their proper affairs, you still remember this worn-out old man.”

Zhù Ying said: “I won’t lie — I have nowhere to go. They told me that now I am not what I was before, and staying home all the time without making appearances is not right. I thought to myself — where can I go? And so here I am.”

Shi Kun broke into loud laughter: “You have nowhere to go? Whenever you wished, you could go even to the palace?”

“I am in the palace every single day — I look forward to days off.”

“You slippery thing.”

Zhù Ying frequently shared amusing stories with Shi Kun. Shi Kun said: “Oh my — your Chief Minister Wang is likely about to make a major move; truly one feels for him. Just do your best to advise him. I have long admired the late Chief Minister Chen — now there was a formidable figure! He could step back when it was time to step back. Look at me — I served as Chief Minister for twenty years, and looking back on it, I am frightened of myself! Too long — not good.”

Zhù Ying said: “Well, he is not mine to control. If he listened to everything, he would not be who he is.”

Shi Kun said: “Quite right.”

He then pointed at the trees in the courtyard and said: “Look — it is time. The old leaves have fallen; only when the warm spring comes and new leaves grow is that the natural order of things.”

Zhù Ying said: “He is a pine and cypress.”

“Hmm — a pine and cypress with feet, who ran off first.”

The old man and the young woman talked nonsense for a good long while before Zhù Ying took her leave.

Returning home, she found that Zhang and Fan, two officials from the Court of State Ceremonial, were waiting at the house. Zhù Ying was somewhat puzzled and asked: “What matter has arisen at the Court of State Ceremonial?”

Zhang and Fan exchanged a glance and said: “Regarding affairs of the Guest Registry Office — we wished to consult you.”

Zhù Ying found this odd. If the Guest Registry Office had matters it could not deal with, Zhao Su would be the one coming over, or Li Yan-qing would certainly not hesitate to come in person. What business would require these two to come?

In the end, she listened and found it was a matter of precedence in the protocol rankings. But the foreign envoys had not yet come in great numbers — what was there to rank? One would have to wait until things were more or less settled, or until a genuine difficulty arose.

Zhù Ying said nothing and just looked at them. At last, Fan could not hold himself back and asked quietly: “My lord — the governors are arriving in the capital, and the tribute students have come again this year — so what about the ones from before? What is to be done about them?”

Zhù Ying said: “What brought this question on?”

Tribute students too piled up year after year; they either rotated through the examinations, or even those who passed had to wait their turn for official appointments. The capital was full of scholars, tribute students, and others seeking study, mentors, and reputation.

Fan said quietly: “A few days ago we ran into Zou Jinxian.”

“He is still in the capital?” Zhù Ying asked.

“Yes.”

“He sent you here to ask?”

Zhang quickly said: “Not at all — we happened to run into him at the students’ lodge a few days ago, and we had a few drinks together. He has a tendency to worry over things — seeing how dejected Zou Jinxian looked, we just…”

Fan said quietly: “Zou Jinxian lamented that all his fellow students had become officials while he remained a commoner with no official rank, unable to face going home to his parents.”

Zhù Ying asked: “Did you give him guarantees of some kind?”

Fan quickly said: “No no no — certainly not, nothing of the sort.”

Zhù Ying said: “You felt sorry for your fellow student? What do you want him to accomplish? What aspirations does he have?”

The two had nothing to say, and Zhù Ying asked: “What exceptional qualities does he possess?”

The two were even more at a loss for a reply. The capital had so many capable people — Zou Jinxian truly did not stand out. But then, there were also plenty of ignorant, pampered young men in the capital, and it did not seem right that they were entitled to official posts.

Both hastily acknowledged their error: “It is just that he…”

Zhù Ying shook her head and asked: “You have only the one fellow student, the one hometown connection, that you can bring yourself to vouch for? Have you fixed your sight on only him?”

Zhù Ying said: “The way you appraise people — it will not take you far.”

The two were instantly dripping with sweat.

Zhù Ying said: “Spend your energy thinking about how to do your own jobs well. Is the Court of State Ceremonial so idle it is growing moldy? Are you here to do the Ministry of Personnel’s work for them?”

Unable even to catch their breath, the two immediately knelt. Zhù Ying said: “All right — go back.”

Zhang and Fan stumbled out of the Zhù household and walked back to the dormitory, castigating themselves the whole way: “We should never have opened our mouths.”

Fan said: “My lord arranged futures for so many of our fellow students — why has Zou Jinxian been left out? Everyone was a nobody without a name to their name.”

Zhang said: “Let’s stop talking about this. Maybe we should go and consult Zhao Su?”

“Which Zhao?”

“Big Zhao.”

Big Zhao was Zhao Su. The two of them prepared a gift and went to Zhao Su’s house.

Zhao Su had only just changed his clothes at home. His wife Qi Xiao-niangzi had finally become pregnant, and whenever he could slip away early, he would. Zhang and Fan had truly disturbed this couple’s private time together.

Zhao Su had no choice but to come out and see the two of them. He looked at the gift with further puzzlement — it was not a holiday, so what was this for?

“What is all this?”

Zhang said: “We have come to consult you on a matter, Brother.”

The three went to the study, and Zhang and Fan laid out the matter. Zhao Su listened carefully and then asked with genuine seriousness: “Do you owe Zou Jinxian a large debt at high interest?”

“Where did that come from? Of course not!”

Zhao Su said: “Is my adoptive father under any obligation to secure an official post for Zou Jinxian?”

“Of course not — but we are all from Wuzhou…”

Zhao Su found this amusing: “Exactly — you are all from Wuzhou, and my adoptive father owes him nothing! I have not seen my adoptive father acknowledging a creditor’s claim just because someone was a benefactor, and then handing out duties!”

Zhang and Fan suddenly understood. Their faces went pale, and Zhao Su said: “Even if you are selling something, you have to tell the buyer what it is good for. What is irreplaceable about him?”

Zhang and Fan left Zhao Su’s house in a daze, one foot deep and one foot shallow, went back to the dormitory, and could not sleep well all night. The next day at roll call, they were making one error after another.

Zhao Su could not stand watching it any longer and called the two of them over for another round of scolding: “Have you not thrown off these foolish notions yet? You owe Zou nothing!”

Zhang said in misery: “I am afraid of angering my lord.”

Zhao Su was half laughing and half wanting to cry: “What good is just being afraid? Repentance has to show in how you behave — just fearing it in your heart and saying it with your mouth means nothing. You have to show it in your actions! If the two of you do not distinguish yourselves in how you carry out your duties, how is anyone to trust you?”

Only then did the two of them gradually come to their senses, and they no longer dared to raise anything of the sort again.