Grand Astrologer Lu’s nerves were wound taut as a bowstring until he felt the tension go out of Zhù Ying’s arm—only then did he release his grip. Looking at Zhù Ying’s face again, it had returned to perfect calm.

Grand Astrologer Lu had his doubts. Zhù Ying seemed on good terms with both Duke Zheng and Chancellor Wang. He could not determine whether, just now, she had been about to help Zheng Xi deliver the killing blow or to rally in defense of Wang Yunhe. Either course would have been a bad idea.

Looking at Zhù Ying’s manner now, she seemed to be at ease with Yu Quan having taken the stage—as though she leaned toward the Wang camp? And next? Grand Astrologer Lu hesitated over whether to have a brief word with Zhù Ying—one final word; if she listened, fine, if not, he would let it go. Their friendship was worth one such conversation.

Zhù Ying was also aware that she had been impulsive just now. She had already been restraining herself for some time; it had not occurred to her that Zheng Xi would come out personally. While watching Yu Quan hold forth, she was simultaneously thinking over what she needed to do next—not at all as fixated as Grand Astrologer Lu feared.

Her approach had always been flexible.

Yu Quan had come up through orthodox scholarly study; his command of the classics and histories surpassed most men, and his logic was crisp and clear. He had pressed through with sheer force and managed to deflect the matter of “failure of virtue” entirely. What failure of virtue? There was none. It did not exist. Nor could anyone push back and insist that the Emperor had in fact failed in his virtue.

Everyone knew he was speaking on Wang Yunhe’s behalf, but no one could find grounds to openly object. At most, they would spread more rumors about Wang Yunhe behind closed doors.

The Emperor said listlessly, “What you say seems to have some logic to it—my luck simply seems too poor.”

Yu Quan said, “As the saying goes, trials shape one’s strength—ease destroys it. Your Majesty’s great achievements have only just begun.”

With the Emperor positioned in between them, Yu Quan appeared to be speaking on the Emperor’s behalf, and the others instantly lost all standing to argue with him. They could only watch helplessly as Yu Quan turned the argument back around. Quite a few people marked him mentally; Yu Quan himself did not particularly care.

It was not until the Emperor said, “Enough—dismiss the court,” that the ministers began walking out in clusters of three and five, talking animatedly.

Xian Jing and the others made no effort to conceal themselves as they gathered around Wang Yunhe. Zheng Xi straightened up and turned to face outward, and his associates—Zheng Yi, Leng Yun, and others—came to gather around him. Prince Wei, the Crown Prince, and the others went toward the rear to seek audience with the Emperor—those were family, after all.

Zheng Xi looked further into the crowd and saw Grand Astrologer Lu drawing Zhù Ying aside for a conversation.

Besides that, there were also some people who had not quite grasped the situation and were grinning along with the spectators. Among them was one great fool who gave Zheng Xi an increasing headache the longer he looked at him. This man was called Chai Lingyuan—none other than Princess Ande’s grandson. The Princess had passed away, and her son had no imperial favor of “substituting days for months” in mourning—he had to properly serve out the full mourning period. But the grandson’s mourning term was shorter, and he had already been permitted to come out. Prince Wei had interceded with the Emperor on behalf of his own kin, and the Emperor too wished to look after “his own people.” In the very year this fellow returned, he was draped in red robes—a boon that many court officials could not attain in a lifetime had fallen into his lap at twenty-odd years of age. When Zheng Xi himself had served as Minister of Justice at twenty-seven, he had worn purple—but he had been capable. Chai Lingyuan, on the other hand…

Zheng Xi sighed. He could ignore the Princess’s grandson in the abstract, but he could not ignore his own cousin once removed—Chai Lingyuan’s own mother was Zheng Xi’s first cousin.

Tonight he would have to summon that wretch for a dressing-down!

Zheng Xi said to Zheng Yi, “Bring him tonight!”

Zheng Yi also looked that way. Chai Lingyuan was his nephew too. Zheng Yi said with some vexation, “Can we not simply leave him be?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. We may not need him for anything, but we cannot let him make a mess of things—he needs to keep his foolishness in check. Never mind him; think of his parents!”

“He does not resemble me in the least!” Zheng Yi complained.

Zheng Xi thought to himself: he resembles your older brother.

When he looked for Zhù Ying again, he saw Grand Astrologer Lu make a gesture of invitation, and then Zhù Ying exchanged a few words with Shi Jixing. Shi Jixing nodded, and Zhù Ying walked off together with Grand Astrologer Lu.

Zhù Ying and Grand Astrologer Lu arrived at the Court of Imperial Sacrifices. This place had been forbidden ground for Zhù Ying for a long time; now she was able to walk in openly. After tea was served, Grand Astrologer Lu dismissed his attendants, and Zhù Ying spoke first: “Thank you for what you did just now.”

Grand Astrologer Lu asked without ceremony: “What were you about to do?”

Zhù Ying smiled a little sheepishly. “I was rash. Ever since I took office, I have had some friction only with that man named Duan, and that was purely incidental. Twenty years of smooth sailing—and today’s scene was a bit unsightly. It is still better for all to be pleasant and harmonious.”

Grand Astrologer Lu said, “How could a situation like this be pleasant and harmonious? Duke Zheng, General Leng, and those men—their foundations are what they are. That they have shown this much restraint until now is already remarkable. Furthermore, the ruler would likely not tolerate hearing such things. Yu Quan’s coming out was sufficient—that is his teacher’s school of thought. But you? Chancellor Zheng is your patron and benefactor. Chancellor Wang has an established reputation—no one wants to confront him directly, which is precisely why they dare only to spread rumors. If you had spoken up, you would have been pointing at one or the other—and neither would have been a good look.”

Zhù Ying said with a melancholy expression, “Chancellor Wang has a fine reputation, and the real work he has done cannot be erased by empty words. Those who are triumphant now—when others clear their heads after a time, Chancellor Zheng’s own reputation will not fare well either. It would end up a loss for both sides. And yet I cannot bear to see either of these two men come out too badly. I am pressed from both directions and do not know which way to turn.”

Grand Astrologer Lu said, “Do not think about having it both ways—it is impossible. Make your plans sooner rather than later.”

Zhù Ying said, “And you?”

Grand Astrologer Lu said, “Me?” He shook his head. “I do not know.”

Zhù Ying said, “If even you do not know, I am all the more at a loss. What a headache—I fear I will not sleep well tonight.”

Grand Astrologer Lu said, “I keep my distance; you are close to the center. The sooner you think it through, the sooner you will be free of it. I thought you clear-headed enough that this extra step would be worth it. If you have different intentions, there will not be another time from me.”

“You speak too harshly—I still need to consult you regularly.”

Zhù Ying said humbly as she rose to take her leave.

……

Back at the Court of Judicial Review, there was already a vague sense in the air that something was afoot. Zhao Zhen and Qi Tai watched Zhù Ying with looks full of concern.

Shi Jixing had by then finished arranging the day’s affairs: “As usual.”

Zhù Ying likewise stopped making any fuss. She went back to her room and continued thinking. She found it very hard to imagine what Wang Yunhe could do in the face of such a situation other than to simply endure it.

On the other side, Xian Jing was grinding his teeth with fury: “What a petty man! What a vicious act!”

Wang Yunhe said, “Your proper duties are in the Instructor’s Office.”

Xian Jing said, “His Highness has gone to seek audience with His Majesty; I have come to consult the Teacher—there is nothing improper in that.”

Wang Yunhe’s expression was unchanged. “This was entirely within my expectations.”

Xian Jing said, “His Highness had no such intention.”

Wang Yunhe smiled. “I know.”

Yu Quan also said, “It is nothing but a petty man’s slander. The pure clear themselves. The Son of Heaven and his father are both endowed with heavenly perspicacity—they will not be deceived by such people.”

Xian Jing said again, “To carry out reform, petty men will always obstruct and slander gentlemen.”

Yu Quan said, “We are not without people helping us, either. Suppressing land consolidation makes enemies, but no few officials have used that as a point of merit in their records. The examination system existed before—now it is simply being formalized. The biggest recent matter is the move on the military system; with the northern barbarians growing restless again, when the day comes for real blades and real spears, the truth will speak for itself!”

Xian Jing said, “Exactly. As long as we hold on for these two years, compare results, and produce achievements the Emperor can be satisfied with, we can vindicate ourselves before him. What of holding power? Even if it comes time to step down, it must be after producing some results—an honorable retirement on one’s own merits, a glorious homecoming, not being squeezed out by others! Whether you retire or not, Teacher, it must be with dignity. You cannot go out in such a miserable fashion!”

Yu Quan said, “My thoughts exactly!” They also had another thought—this undertaking was one they intended to continue, so it was essential that Wang Yunhe set a strong precedent!

Wang Yunhe said, “Worrying about rumors—is there still real work to be done or not? Go and do what you ought to do.”

Yu Quan was undaunted: “Yes!”

He and Xian Jing strode off together, and then each separately gathered with their own friends and associates, putting their heads together and whispering, brewing a counterattack.

……

The atmosphere in court grew increasingly tense. After the end of work, Zhù Ying first sent Su Zhe to report to Liu Songnian’s residence, then paid a visit to the Chen household.

Chen Meng saw her arrive again and was quite surprised. “What brings you back?”

Zhù Ying said, “Then I will leave?”

“Don’t! Come, sit!” He also had Chen Fang serve tea.

Zhù Ying slowly recounted what had happened at court. Chen Meng slapped his knee and said, “Oh no—this cannot end well now. Best that you stay out of it.”

Zhù Ying said, “I am afraid that will not be possible. Chancellor Zheng has invited me to his residence for a conversation.”

Chen Meng said, “I said he was a formidable one—sure enough, he will not let you go. What a difficult situation. You…?”

Zhù Ying said, “I have come to tell you—I still have to go and deal with him. Worst comes to worst, I simply stop being an official.”

“Don’t say such nonsense! To resign is already to take a stance! It is better to offend a gentleman than to offend a petty man! Chancellor Wang will not do anything to you—but Zheng the Seventh is someone who will strike hard! How truly vexing! Why must he press people so?”

Zhù Ying said, “I am telling you—do not act rashly. I will go and see what he has to say first.”

“All right.”

When Zhù Ying arrived at the Zheng residence, it was already somewhat late. Several familiar faces were seated in the hall; Zheng Xi had not yet come out. Wen Yue and the others had heard about today’s events and were discussing them. Wen Yue said, “Why does Chancellor Wang put himself through this?”

They too had no desire to go up against Wang Yunhe directly—Grand Astrologer Lu had put it very accurately: whoever took on Wang Yunhe would suffer for it.

Shao Shuxin said, “He wants to play the gentleman, but unfortunately there are small-minded men around him too. Is there not that case of someone being hounded to death? And in the end it came to nothing. Which shows that even his subordinates are of all kinds.”

As they spoke, they deliberately avoided directing their words at Zhù Ying—they did not solicit her opinion.

Voices grew louder outside, and then Zheng Xi was heard saying, “In short, that is the situation. Behave yourself! I will bring you to meet some people—when you encounter them in the future, do not speak without thinking. Be respectful.”

Zheng Xi entered, and everyone rose. Behind him came Zheng Yi and a young man—Chai Lingyuan.

Chai Lingyuan was a dozen-odd years younger than even Zhù Ying—the youngest—and far younger than Zheng Yi, Wen Yue, and the others. He was like one silly rabbit among a den of foxes. And he found these “old men” boring besides.

He was introduced all around and gave Zhù Ying a second glance—this one looked the youngest.

Zheng Xi said, “All right. You go home now, and do not go wandering about. Your father is still in mourning—do not cause trouble on his behalf, or I will come and deal with you personally.”

Chai Lingyuan shuddered and said obediently, “Yes.”

Zheng Xi said, “Today’s business in court—go home and tell your father, let him know not to worry.”

Chai Lingyuan assented again, and Zheng Xi gave him a warm smile and said gently, “Go home. Take care on the road.”

Chai Lingyuan got a pleasant expression in return; his earlier dread immediately dissolved, and he turned back around to add one more line: “Uncle, do not be anxious—they will not manage to pull it off!”

Zheng Yi said, “You think you know something? Scram!”

Chai Lingyuan was not the least bit afraid of him. “Of course I know.”

“What do you know?” Zheng Yi herded him out.

“Ah—if only another disaster would come!” Chai Lingyuan clicked his tongue and said. “No more blizzards—how about an earthquake? Kill a few more people, and see how they explain their way out of calling it winter!”

Zhù Ying looked at this pampered young wastrel.

Zheng Yi laughed and cursed, “Off with you—disasters are not so easy to come by!”

Chai Lingyuan went, and Zheng Xi officially opened the meeting.

Everyone already knew what had happened at court. Zheng Xi said briefly, “Everyone speak their mind. What is your read on this?”

Jiang Zhi hesitated and said, “By rights, a bit of rectification is due. Only, let us hope it is not too drastic.”

Shao Shuxin said, “King Chu loved slender waists—once the example is set and it runs unchecked, it is impossible for it not to swing to the extreme opposite. Too far in one direction is excess; too far in the other direction is excess. Better not to move at all than to move. Chancellor Wang is old—he can no longer rein in the horse once it is running. He would do better to simply stop.”

Wen Yue asked, “So what is to be done?”

Zheng Yi said, “Is it not just those few people? Better to privately dispatch someone to ferret out what they have been doing behind closed doors…”

Zhù Ying cleared her throat and said, “Yu Quan was right about one thing—this is a winter.”

Zheng Xi asked, “What do you mean?”

“This winter is not easy to get through. Preparations should be made sooner rather than later.”

Zheng Yi said, “What is so difficult about it?”

Zhù Ying asked Zheng Xi, “Are there any new developments from the north? The barbarians did not suffer any serious blow to their bones in the last great battle, did they? Winter and spring are when the barbarians have the hardest time of it—it would be strange if they did not ride south to forage. Best not to have our own house in disarray while bandits are already knocking at the outer gate.”

She had some merchants who traded with the northern barbarians. From the intelligence they picked up, the northern chieftain was indeed somewhat stronger than the Emperor on this side; he was willing to use talented men and his methods were more forceful.

Though their alliances could also splinter rather easily—once a powerful chieftain died, the tribal confederation might gradually break apart. But the initial “absorption” of other groups was comparatively easy for them too.

Zheng Xi said, “You really are too soft-hearted.”

Zhù Ying shook her head and said, “General Leng and his men will have their chance on the battlefield. The northern barbarians will not retreat at a single word from His Majesty—it will take genuine combat with real blades.”

Zheng Xi smiled and said nothing.

Zheng Yi said, “Fine—you are soft-hearted and unwilling to go against them. I have no such qualms. I will keep watch on them.”

Zheng Xi said, “Everyone go ahead.”

He kept Zhù Ying behind at the end.

With everyone else gone and only the two of them remaining, Zheng Xi looked at this “young person.” When he had first encountered Zhù Ying, he could never have predicted that she would reach this station. And yet of all those he had elevated and promoted, Zhù Ying had risen the highest and proven the most capable—Zheng Xi sighed and said, “In the old days, I should not have taken the easy path and kept sending you to the Capital Prefecture to deal with him.”

Zhù Ying smiled. “You know my background—if things had gone according to Chancellor Wang’s vision, I would never have had the opportunity to stand in court alongside you. In all likelihood, I might have tricked a few dim-witted wealthy men, scraped together a bit of money for my family to live more comfortably. If I had gone down the wrong path, you might still have seen me—swindling people out of lamp oil money in the name of divine intercession, or perhaps even conning myself a minor official’s post, only to have some righteous gentleman have me beheaded as a fraudulent sorcerer!”

Zheng Xi burst out laughing!

“What a rascal! What a rascal!”

Zhù Ying said, “That is the honest truth—everyone is watching me! And people have asked me directly. What can I say? All I can say is that I am loyal to His Majesty! What else is there to say? Say anything else and I am dragging the other person into the same well with me!”

Zheng Xi said, “It has never come to that.”

“Ever since things started heating up, I have been exhausted from worrying. I have asked many people—and all of them say: suppressing land consolidation is fine, just do not look into my hidden fields.”

“That is uncharitable!”

Zhù Ying said, “It is uncharitable—but is it not true?”

“It is.”

Zhù Ying said, “Shall I say something more honest?”

“Mm?”

“Chancellor Wang can fall, can even die—but he will not retreat in humiliation.”

“Then things are truly difficult!”

Zhù Ying said, “Then that is for you to think about. You two—I cannot bear to watch you fall into conflict with each other. I only want to remind you of one thing: the rumors of these days have already planted a seed in His Majesty’s heart, alerting him to guard against his own ministers. You are a Chancellor.”

Zheng Xi said, “He…”

Zhù Ying said, “A wise ruler does not concern himself with such rumors. But one who does care will care all the more—and he will not restrict his attention to only one person.”

Zheng Xi gave a serious nod. “What you say is correct.”

Zhù Ying said, “It was you who set me on this path. I do not want to see you with any blind spots. If he can be used against Chancellor Wang today, I fear that someday, he will be used against you as well.”

Zheng Xi nodded again.

Zhù Ying said, “That is all I have to say. Embarrassing as it is to admit—when it came to suppressing land consolidation, when I was serving in the localities, I did it more ruthlessly than any of them.”

Zheng Xi let out a laugh. “I know this is hard for you.”

“Not so very hard, either. I can only speak the truth—what I could say, I have said. As for what I will do—you will see in time.”

Zheng Xi looked at her seriously. Zhù Ying met his gaze without flinching. Zheng Xi nodded: “I will not make things too difficult for you.”

“So there is still a small bit of leeway—that is all right, then.”

Zheng Xi smiled. “It must have been hard for you. Go home and rest well—it is not yet time for you to make your move.”

Zhù Ying gave him a deep bow and slowly withdrew.

As she turned away, the warmth gradually left her eyes.

……

Back at her residence, Zhù Ying summoned Zhù Qingjun: “Starting today, keep an eye on Chai Lingyuan—the one from Princess Ande’s family.”

“Yes.”

“Dress warmly when you go out—the weather is cold.”

“Yes!” Zhù Qingjun answered with a smile.

Zhù Ying lowered her head and said nothing.

This winter was exceptionally cold. The New Year came and went, and the first month of the following year was not much warmer. It was Zhù Ying’s thirty-sixth birthday, and as in previous years, she did not hold a large celebration. But Wen Yue, Zheng Yi, and Zheng Chuan came together with great festivity.

Zheng Lin also came with her husband and son to celebrate Zhù Ying’s birthday: “This particular age is a milestone that counts—it should be properly observed and marked.”

They prepared many gifts for her. Knowing her household had no female musicians, they brought their own dancing and singing troupes with them.

This year there were again some southern officials who came to celebrate Zhù Ying’s birthday. They had never seen anything like this before, and they marveled all over again.

When the music ended and the guests dispersed, Su Zhe rubbed her face—stiff from all the smiling—and asked Zhù Ying, “Grandfather, are you unhappy?”

“Not at all,” Zhù Ying said. “It was lively and festive—what is not to like?”

But Su Zhe knew that the court was in a chaotic uproar. After Wang Yunhe was slandered, the scholarly writing brushes had not stopped moving. Liu Songnian had not spoken up, but there were some sharp-tongued wits who began composing jokes about the aristocratic and meritorious families.

Perhaps inspired by “why not eat meat if there is no grain,” they began fabricating stories about the young wastrels of noble houses—how they had never read military treatises yet bore the title of general, or how they could not count how many soldiers they had under their command.

Both sides began digging up each other’s scandals: stories of impoverished scholars who, once they rose to prominence, abandoned their first wives, ran alongside stories of excess and debauchery in the great families. These matters were mostly handled by the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review’s cells were half occupied by prisoners handed over from the Censorate.

By the fourth month, Zhù Qingjun had uncovered some of Chai Lingyuan’s misdeeds—having his servants commit assaults and such things were commonplace enough. There was also a rumor that during Princess Ande’s mourning period, he had forced himself on a serving girl left behind by the Princess.

Zhù Ying said, “Send it to Xian Jing—anonymously.”

“Yes.”

Over Wang Yunhe’s way, Yu Quan’s father-in-law was being targeted by Zheng Yi. Yu Quan countered by besieging a different position to relieve the direct pressure, and submitted an impeachment against Chai Lingyuan. Both sides suffered some losses. Zhù Ying herself was also impeached for “colluding with” Zheng Xi. She deftly reaffirmed her personal loyalty to the Emperor, let the person who impeached her off without punishment, and then turned around and arrested two officials who had seized the opportunity to line their own pockets—and these two belonged to Wang Yunhe’s faction, because not all of his subordinates were gentlemen.

The two sides were locked in fierce battle at court when an event brought both sides to a halt—the northern barbarians struck at the border!

Just as Zhù Ying had worried it would happen, Kunlei Atu had finally come!