On this day, while Pei You’an had just survived an assassination attempt on his journey to the capital, thousands of miles away in Quanzhou, the Zhen family was also destined for an extraordinary day.
Over the past year, many places between Yunnan and the capital have been affected by war. Large tracts of farmland lay abandoned, and people fled in droves. Although Quanzhou still maintained its former appearance, it wasn’t completely unaffected. Wars required money, so the court naturally turned its attention to prosperous regions like Quanzhou. The government had forcibly increased donations and taxes three times within a year. After layers of skimming from above, the final burden was distributed to every household—large households contributing more, but smaller ones not escaping either. There were constant complaints from the people, and tax officials lamented their difficult position. Initially, the common people had taken a spectator’s attitude, eagerly discussing whether the Emperor or the Third Prince would win. Later, they simply hoped the war would end quickly, regardless of who won, so they could return to their peaceful lives—that was what truly mattered.
In the afternoon, Zhang Da heard the doorkeeper shouting while rushing in to report that officials had arrived. Thinking they had come to collect more contributions, as had happened countless times over the past year, he cursed inwardly and frowned, scolding: “They can come without all that racket, you’ll disturb the Old Madam.” Unexpectedly, the doorkeeper replied: “It’s the Provincial Governor, His Excellency Gao, who has come personally! He says he brings an Imperial Edict!”
Zhang Da froze. “What did you say? The Governor? An Imperial Edict?”
The doorkeeper nodded rapidly: “He says he comes with the Emperor’s decree and demands everyone come out to receive it!”
A Provincial Governor oversaw an entire province and was usually far above ordinary citizens. Though Zhang Da frequently visited government offices, he was limited to the Quanzhou Prefecture offices. When had he ever seen a top provincial official like the Governor? Hearing that such a dignitary had personally come to their home today, he was greatly astonished.
Recently, rumors had been circulating in Quanzhou that the Third Prince was about to capture the capital. Zhang Da was about to ask which emperor was being referred to, but his thoughts shifted. He grabbed the doorkeeper’s arm: “Did they say what this is about?”
The doorkeeper shook his head. Zhang Da immediately sent someone to inform the Old Madam and the others, adjusted his clothing, and rushed out to greet the visitors. At the entrance, he saw a line of about ten official sedan chairs, with a large square one in the middle. Prefecture officials stood nearby, and yamen runners carried ceremonial items, creating an impressive display that attracted many onlookers. Uncertain whether this meant good or bad fortune, he suppressed his anxiety, hurried out, and knelt on the steps, saying: “I didn’t know Governor Gao and the other officials were coming. Please forgive my failure to welcome you properly—I deserve a thousand deaths!”
The curtain of the official sedan chair was lifted, revealing the face of Fujian Provincial Governor Gao Huaiyuan, who smiled broadly and said: “Rise. I come by Imperial command. Your family has received great fortune!”
…
Old Madam Hu and Zhen Yaoting quickly came out and respectfully led Governor Gao and his entourage into the main hall.
Governor Gao announced: “Prince Shun’an betrayed righteousness and violated proper order, but has now been defeated. Our new Emperor has ascended the throne, bringing renewal to all under heaven. Special proclamations have been issued throughout the land to comfort the people’s hearts. I have ordered all prefectures under my jurisdiction to post the edict at the four city gates. Here, I have another Imperial decree for the Zhen family. Listen.”
The Old Madam hurriedly led all family members to kneel as Governor Gao read the decree with proper intonation. In essence, it stated that the Zhen family had been a respected local clan for generations, building roads and bridges, providing disaster relief, and establishing granaries—all good deeds that had reached the Emperor’s ears. To encourage virtue and punish evil, the court specially awarded the Zhen family an honorary plaque and a sum of official silver. Additionally, it summoned the Zhen family’s daughter to immediately proceed to the capital for an imperial audience. Other rewards would follow later.
After Governor Gao finished reading, the Zhen family was astonished, then overjoyed. Old Madam Hu regained her composure, kowtowed in gratitude, but felt both joy and anxiety, uncertain of what this meant.
Since Pei You’an’s departure over a year ago, the Old Madam had been constantly monitoring news from outside. Days earlier, she had finally heard that the Prince of Yunzhong was about to enter the capital, which relieved her. She had been counting the days, waiting for the Pei family’s eldest son to come to propose marriage while worrying that once he gained wealth and power, he might renege on his earlier promise. Unexpectedly, before the Pei family sent anyone to propose, this Imperial decree arrived first.
Despite a lifetime of shrewdness, Old Madam Hu couldn’t discern the true meaning behind this decree from the new Emperor. She vaguely understood that some nobleman in the new court must have taken an interest in her granddaughter. As for who this nobleman might be and how he came to know of her granddaughter, she was completely mystified.
The Old Madam suppressed her doubts, thanked Governor Gao, and Fugning confusion, inquired why the decree specifically requested her granddaughter to enter the capital.
With the transition between the old and new dynasties, as a local official, Governor Gao was particularly sensitive at this time. He detected the implications behind this decree, which was why he had personally traveled to the Zhen family in Quanzhou to deliver it. Hearing the Old Madam’s question, he dropped his official tone and smiled: “Madam, please don’t stand on ceremony. In my presence, there’s no need for excessive formalities. In my opinion, with the new dynasty comes new energy. The Emperor must have heard of your family’s virtuous reputation and thus granted this exceptional honor. Your family is about to produce a noble person. I hope that in the future, Madam might provide me with some guidance and support.”
The Old Madam responded vaguely, and Governor Gao continued: “The Imperial Edict is very clear—it requires your family’s daughter to immediately enter the capital. This matter cannot be delayed. I am about to go to the capital to pay respects to the Emperor. Once your family is ready, I can escort you along the way and will ensure your complete safety. Madam, please rest assured.”
The Old Madam expressed profuse thanks and, after seeing the visitors off, immediately summoned Madam Meng and Jiafú to explain everything.
Madam Meng was completely bewildered, discussing with the Old Madam and hoping that Pei You’an had sought this favor from the Emperor. Jiafú remained silent beside them, but inwardly, an intuition grew.
It couldn’t possibly be Pei You’an.
Even if he wanted to marry her, given his character, he would never orchestrate something so grand and ostentatious.
It must be related to Xiao Yintang.
As she had known, the Prince of Yunzhong had finally become Emperor, and Xiao Yintang was now second only to him, above all others. Though over a year had passed, he still refused to let her go.
This was proof.
Previously, whenever Jiafú thought of Xiao Yintang, she felt fear and disgust from the depths of her heart. But now, perhaps from numbness or indifference, even faced with such devastating news, she surprisingly didn’t find it terrifying. She simply sat quietly, listening to her grandmother and mother’s deliberations. Naturally, they decided she would accompany the Governor to the capital, awaiting further news.
What else could they do?
The person who issued this order was the newly enthroned Emperor.
The following day, with countless admonitions from the Old Madam, Jiafú, accompanied by her mother Madam Meng and Zhang Da, followed Governor Gao Huaiyuan on the journey to the capital.
As Quanzhou faded behind her once more, Jiafú knew that the peaceful life she had “stolen” over the past year would now drift away, never to return.
By this day, one year and twenty-three days had passed since Pei You’an’s last departure.
…
Governor Gao, eager to reach the capital before the Emperor’s coronation ceremony, rushed as if his rear were on fire. They finally arrived on this evening, three days before the coronation. After changing into his official robes and without even catching his breath, unable to wait until the next day, he immediately went to the Ministry of Rites to report on the Zhen family matter. Meanwhile, Jiafú and her mother went to their home.
Before their previous departure from the capital after the failed marriage negotiation, the Zhen family had left an elderly couple to look after their house. Over the past year, the old couple had maintained the house well. When the Prince of Yunzhong captured the capital, during those chaotic days, they had kept the doors tightly shut, suffering no losses. Afterward, they still didn’t dare open the doors until recently, when people everywhere were saying a new Emperor had taken the throne. Except for the night curfew, the capital was still bustling during the day, appearing much the same as before. They had finally relaxed, not expecting the owners to arrive today. Happily welcoming them in and making arrangements, night soon fell.
Early the next morning, people arrived from the palace. Leading them was a young-faced eunuch whom Jiafú recognized as Cui Yinshui, the adopted son of the Chief Eunuch Li Yuangui. He was quite capable, skilled at discerning the thoughts of those above him, and somewhat opportunistic, but utterly loyal to Li Yuangui and Xiao Lie. In her previous life, during the years of Xiao Lie’s reign, he had once been extremely prominent in the palace. However, later, when Xiao Lie died suddenly from an acute illness before reaching fifty, and Li Yuangui followed his master in death, Emperor Xiao Yintang seemed to harbor intense hatred for this eunuch and soon found a pretext to have him beaten to death.
The current Cui Yinshui, having just entered the imperial palace with his adoptive father, had a bright future ahead. How could he know his eventual fate? Now, with a smiling face, he ordered the junior eunuchs who accompanied him to bring forward rewards, then read an Imperial Edict to the kneeling Madam Meng and Jiafú. It stated how exemplary the Zhen family’s daughter was, possessing the spirit of the ancient virtuous women Ban Ji and Xie Ting. When the Crown Prince was formally invested, she would be established as his secondary consort. After some further encouragement, it concluded by instructing her to remain in the capital temporarily, awaiting subsequent formal investiture.
In her heart, Madam Meng had long accepted Pei You’an as her son-in-law and only wished to marry her daughter to him. Throughout the journey, though worried, she still harbored hope that the Emperor intended to give her daughter to Pei You’an. Unexpectedly, early this morning she heard this news and froze in place, motionless.
Cui Yinshui, thinking she was stunned with joy, smiled and said: “Madam Meng, why don’t you lead your daughter in accepting the edict and expressing gratitude? Your family will soon produce a noble person—congratulations!”
Madam Meng couldn’t speak and looked at her daughter, but Jiafú said: “Thank you, Eunuch Cui. May I trouble you to convey a message? This commoner knows she is unworthy and crude—how dare she tarnish the imperial family? I implore His Majesty to rescind this decree.”
Cui Yinshui was stunned, hardly believing his ears: “This is an immense honor. You refuse?”
Jiafú replied: “Eunuch Cui, it’s not that I refuse, but that I dare not accept such bounty without merit, especially such a tremendous honor. I boldly request that you inform me—what virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such favor from His Majesty?”
Cui Yinshui eyed her closely.
Why the new Emperor would issue such an edict amid his busy schedule was something Cui Yinshui naturally understood. He supposed the Crown Prince had taken a fancy to this Zhen family daughter and had sought favor from the new Emperor. Before coming, he had been curious about what kind of beauty she might be. Upon seeing her, indeed, with her elegant eyebrows and beautiful features, every aspect picturesque and beyond description, his conviction grew stronger. But such things were inappropriate to discuss openly. From this Zhen girl’s tone, she seemed unwilling—though whether genuinely disinterested or merely pretending modesty, he couldn’t tell. He frowned: “Miss Zhen, do you realize what you’re saying? If you don’t accept, you’re defying an Imperial Edict. Think carefully!”
Madam Meng’s heart pounded wildly. Just as she was about to stop Jiafú, she saw her daughter kowtow: “How would I dare defy an Imperial Edict? As I said, I only know myself to be coarse and unworthy, utterly undeserving of such imperial favor. Therefore, I implore His Majesty to rescind his command.”
Cui Yinshui was perplexed. After some thought, he said: “Very well. This is the first time I’ve encountered such a situation. Since you insist, I’ll go back and convey your message, but as for your fate…”
He had intended to say “as for your fate,” but swallowed the words, not even drinking the tea before turning and leading his people out.
As soon as the eunuchs left, Madam Meng immediately took Jiafú inside, closed the door, and said: “Afu, don’t be afraid! When the eldest son came last time, he gave your grandmother a jade pendant, saying it was left to him by his father before death, and gave it to your grandmother as a token. Before we left, your grandmother gave me the pendant, saying if it became necessary, I should find an opportunity to return it to the eldest son. Though we don’t know where he is now, with this token, I’ll go find Old Madam Pei and ask her to intervene. Perhaps she can prevent this.”
Madam Meng was agitated and was about to leave when Jiafú stopped her, shaking her head: “Mother, back then, the eldest son only gave verbal promises. So much time has passed—who knows if he has changed his mind? Don’t involve the Pei family in this matter; we shouldn’t drag them down. I’m not afraid. I’ve said what needs to be said; let’s see what happens. I merely refuse to marry his son—surely he won’t take my head for that?”
Madam Meng looked at her daughter, saw her calm demeanor, and was stunned. She spent the night tossing and turning sleeplessly.
The next day, people came from the palace again. This time, besides Cui Yinshui who had come the previous day, there was also a middle-aged eunuch with a kind face. Madam Meng heard he was the Chief Eunuch serving the Emperor, surnamed Li. She hastily paid her respects respectfully. Seeing his rather gentle attitude, apparently not coming to make trouble, she finally calmed down somewhat.
Li Yuangui asked Madam Meng to call Jiafú, dismissed everyone else leaving only her, examined her for a moment, and then said: “My adopted son has told me everything about your situation. Fearing you don’t understand protocol, I didn’t report this to His Majesty yet and came to ask you personally. What’s going on with you? Such audacity! This kind of good fortune—how many people seek it but cannot obtain it! Yet you dare to defy it?” His tone was neither light nor heavy, his pleasure or displeasure indiscernible.
Jiafú knew this Chief Eunuch who served Xiao Lie was righteous in temperament, not a malicious person. She composed herself and said: “Thank you for your consideration, Eunuch Li. I am deeply grateful. The Emperor’s edict didn’t explain why such tremendous favor was bestowed, so I’ve been pondering and recalling an incident. Once, the Imperial Brocade Guards came to Quanzhou, sealed the city, and arrested people everywhere. A nobleman entered our home, and eventually, I was taken in his carriage, helping him leave the city. The situation was extremely dangerous; I still vividly remember it to this day. I dare to guess that perhaps that nobleman was the current Crown Prince.”
Li Yuangui remained silent.
Jiafú knelt before him: “Eunuch Li, I’ve heard in Quanzhou that when His Majesty was eliminating traitors, his great army, wherever it passed, didn’t harm the common people even by a hair, loving them like his own children. Everyone praised him, and I deeply admire him. As I told Eunuch Cui yesterday, I know myself to be unworthy and dare not tarnish the imperial family. If His Majesty has bestowed such favor on my family because of that incident, I ask Eunuch Li: could you convey my request that His Majesty grant a different form of grace?”
After speaking, Jiafú touched her forehead to the ground and remained kneeling.
Li Yuangui observed Jiafú, gradually showing a trace of surprise in his eyes. After pondering for a moment, he said: “Very well. Initially, I thought you were speaking thoughtlessly, which is why I came to see for myself. Seeing that you understand, I’ll convey your message when I return. As for whether it succeeds or not, that depends on His Majesty’s wishes.”
…
Upon returning to the palace, Li Yuangui found Xiao Lie still busy. By evening, during a brief rest, the Emperor finally remembered and asked: “Have you looked at that Zhen family girl for me? Though the Zhen family once protected Yintang, if she’s to be established as a secondary consort, her qualities should be somewhat acceptable.”
Li Yuangui replied: “Your Majesty, the Zhen family daughter’s qualities are fine, but there is one matter I’m unsure whether to report.”
Xiao Lie, flipping through memorials in his hand, said: “Speak.”
Li Yuangui said: “This slave met with that girl and heard her words, which I will repeat for Your Majesty.” He then recounted Jiafú’s words without omitting a single detail.
Xiao Lie, who had been browsing through memorials, gradually stopped, his face showing slight displeasure. He snorted: “So, she’s not pleased with my arrangement?”
Li Yuangui said: “This slave doesn’t know, which is why I’ve brought all her words to Your Majesty. Your Majesty is wise and will handle it appropriately. She’s just a merchant’s daughter—how much insight could she have?”
Xiao Lie pondered for a moment, then said lightly: “Fine. If she’s unwilling, yet still tries to flatter me, I shouldn’t force her. Tomorrow, go again, bestow some additional items, and send her back.”
Li Yuangui smiled: “Your Majesty is wise. I understand.”
“Your Majesty!”
A woman’s voice suddenly came from the entrance of the hall. Li Yuangui looked up to see the Princess Consort of Zhou in magnificent palace attire, approaching gracefully with a palace maid behind her carrying food. He smiled and went to greet her, calling her “Princess Consort.”
The Princess Consort of Zhou came to Xiao Lie’s side and glanced at Li Yuangui. He hurriedly withdrew. The palace maid set down the bowls and cups and also left with a lowered head.
With no one else present, the Princess Consort of Zhou spoke softly: “Your Majesty, you didn’t return to your bedchamber last night. I heard from Yintang that you were reviewing memorials until dawn. I was worried and came to see you. Please rest for a while and have something to eat, all right?” As she spoke, she stood behind him, gently massaging his shoulders.
Xiao Lie smiled: “Thank you for your concern. With the new dynasty just established, there are inevitably more matters to attend to. After this busy period passes, I will have more time. You should return to the bedchamber first. Later, once I finish reviewing today’s memorials, I’ll return.”
The Princess Consort of Zhou slowly exhaled, withdrew her hands, and smiled: “Then I’ll return first. Your Majesty, please don’t overexert yourself.”
Xiao Lie nodded with a smile, watching her gradually leave. As he lowered his head, the Princess Consort suddenly stopped, turned around, and said: “Your Majesty, I wasn’t intentionally eavesdropping, but I happened to arrive at the hall entrance and unintentionally heard a few sentences. That Zhen family daughter is truly ungrateful, relying on having once helped Yintang leave the city, she now doesn’t respect Your Majesty at all! Why does Your Majesty still indulge her?”
Xiao Lie looked up, glanced at her, and said calmly: “What do you suggest then?”
The Princess Consort replied: “She is defying an Imperial Edict! There’s no need to establish her as my son’s secondary consort anymore. If she won’t do it, many others would love to. Send her to the Imperial Laundry, and after a few days, let’s see if she still dares to be so audacious and disrespectful.”
Xiao Lie frowned slightly: “Enough. She’s a commoner girl who doesn’t understand protocol. Why bother with her? Let this matter rest. You may go now.”
“Your Majesty!”
As the Princess Consort was about to speak again, Li Yuangui hurriedly entered, bowing and saying: “Your Majesty, the Old Madam from the Duke Weiguo’s household—the Pei family—has arrived requesting an audience with Your Majesty.”
Xiao Lie was startled and asked: “Where is the Old Madam now?”
“Still waiting at the entrance of Huayang Palace.”
Xiao Lie immediately put down his brush and stood up: “Quickly, bring her in!”