Several days later, the Hanlin Academy selection concluded. With the Hanlin Academy’s announcement of the Probationary Academician appointments and the Ministry of Personnel’s announcement of the Observer appointments, the assignments of more than three hundred newly named jinshi were settled.

This year, twelve Probationary Academicians were selected — half the number from three years prior. Thirty-eight Observer positions were filled, mostly by jinshi of the second rank.

The remainder were dispatched to posts outside the capital.

Chen Xingchen had not been selected as a Probationary Academician, but he had been selected as an Observer in the Ministry of War and would remain in the capital. He was reasonably satisfied with the outcome.

Pei Shaohuai reflected that the Jinchang Marquis, with his capabilities and connections, could certainly have arranged matters if he had wished his grandson to become a Probationary Academician and enter the Hanlin Academy. The Marquis had not reached in or interfered — and that was because sustaining a reputation for integrity and distinction over the long term was the only sound strategy for a family’s enduring prosperity.

At the Pei Earl’s residence.

Upon returning after viewing the announcement boards, Chen Xingchen and Pei Shaohuai sat down to talk.

Pei Shaohuai could still recall the atmosphere at the academy selection — the faces of the candidates had been drawn with tension, and the man beside him had gripped his brush so tightly that what he wrote fell noticeably short of his usual standard. Pei Shaohuai said with feeling: “I had not imagined that a single academy selection would unsettle people more than the palace examination itself.”

“Naturally,” Chen Xingchen agreed, having just come through it himself and understanding the feeling most vividly. He explained: “Those who move one step ahead will advance step by step from that point; those who fall one step behind will need ten times the effort and a measure of fortune even to break out of the circle they find themselves in… With such a thought weighing on the mind, who could set it aside and write in peace?”

The palace examination determined rankings and the basis of one’s official background; the academy selection and the initial appointment determined the general shape of one’s future career.

The observation was somewhat simplified, but it was not wrong —

The Zhuangyuan, second and third place finishers entered the Hanlin Academy already carrying the potential to become future prime ministers. Even those Probationary Academicians who managed to remain in the Hanlin Academy after their probationary period were already three years behind the top three.

Observers assigned to the Six Ministries would spend six months in their observation role, after which the court would grant them a substantive sixth-grade senior clerk position. Though they entered substantive roles earlier, and their rank was nominally half a grade above a Hanlin Editor, their subsequent advancement was arduous and bore no comparison with the prospects of the top three or the Probationary Academicians.

The most difficult lot fell to those dispatched outside the capital, sent across every corner of Da Qing to begin as county magistrates. Without the fortune of being summoned back to the capital, they could only climb the ladder one rung at a time. Across more than two thousand counties and several hundred prefectures in Da Qing, near and far, prosperous and poor — advancing to the position of fourth-rank Prefectural Magistrate was no easy matter.

Some had been recalled to the capital — that much was true — but it required both ability and the ability to seize one’s moment.

Chen Xingchen asked: “Did you notice that Xie Yingsheng’s name appeared on neither the Probationary Academician list nor the Observer list?”

Pei Shaohuai nodded.

By any measure, someone ranked eighth in the second rank ought not to fail to secure even an Observer position.

On the other hand, another Hexi scholar, ranked twenty-second in the second rank, had been selected as a Probationary Academician.

“The Hexi faction has grown into a distinct clique at court, and the officials have begun to voice considerable displeasure. At the Banquet of Imperial Grace, he dared to make that display of resentment, to step forward and provoke and challenge — today’s result is a consequence of his own making,” Chen Xingchen analyzed.

But Pei Shaohuai said: “What he did that evening was his choice — though perhaps not entirely his own intention.”

Had he succeeded and made a scene, he would have earned the Hexi faction’s continued backing, with more resources directed toward him. Had he failed, the Hexi faction would simply find someone else to put forward in his place — since the difference between eighth and twenty-second was negligible in the eyes of the senior officials.

In the end, it was Xie Yingsheng’s own decision.

Pei Shaohuai shifted to a lighter subject, smiled, and asked his fourth elder brother-in-law: “How has my sister been lately?”

“It should be any day now, the belly is ready to go…” Before the words were fully out, Chen Xingchen slapped his own knee with a start and called out: “A good thing you mentioned it — I almost forgot the most important thing.”

“What is it?”

“Last night at the third watch, your sister woke up and said she suddenly wanted to eat the date cake from the Eight Li Shop in the south of the city, and she couldn’t sleep until she had some. I promised her I’d go and get it myself today, and barely managed to get her to go back to sleep… I cannot delay any longer — I need to go and buy that date cake right away.” Chen Xingchen was already standing and gathering himself to leave as he spoke, murmuring to himself: “I got so caught up looking at the boards, how could I have forgotten that?”

Pei Shaohuai was puzzled and asked out of mild curiosity: “Why not have someone sent to buy it early in the morning, so your sister could have eaten it sooner?” Chen Xingchen had gone to view the boards first, then come to the Earl’s residence, and by now it was nearly time for the midday meal.

Chen Xingchen laughed a little and, with something of a teasing look toward Pei Shaohuai, said: “This is nothing like studying. Once you’re married, you’ll understand soon enough.”

He laughed again and said: “What she wants may not be a few pieces of date cake. Now that the academy selection is settled, she has every right to give me a little trouble.”

“Off I go.” Chen Xingchen took his leave with a light step.

Pei Shaohuai only then realized that perhaps he needed to set aside some quiet time and study the subject of romance.

Who would have thought — he had lived the equivalent of nearly forty years across two lifetimes, and still did not know the first thing about courtship?

In the Imperial Study, several ministers were gathered: Grand Secretary Lou, Minister of Personnel Pei Jue, and Minister of War Zhang Lingyi.

Zhang Lingyi had spread the construction blueprints for the large vessel on the imperial desk and was describing it with animated enthusiasm, going into careful detail about this thousand-liao warship nearing completion. He said: “Your Majesty, the thousand-liao ship built at the Taicang Shipyard has a draft no less than that of the black-tailed large vessels made at the Yingtian Shipyard. Pei Zhizhou has sent word that it will be completed no later than the end of this month.”

The Taicang Shipyard fell under the Ministry of War, and the ships it built were classified as warships. Da Qing had a substantial number of warships, but large thousand-liao vessels were not particularly numerous, and shipyards capable of building thousand-liao ships were fewer still.

Zhang Lingyi reported on the matter with full diligence and care.

He continued: “Your Majesty, Taicang Prefecture can build large vessels and is guarded by the Zhenhai Guard. With Pei Zhizhou and Commander Zhu working together, the pirates who were suppressed last year have nothing to reignite. The Jiangnan region can rest in peace.”

The Emperor’s face showed pleasure, and he held up the construction blueprints and nodded repeatedly, expressing his approval.

The Emperor passed the blueprints to Grand Secretary Lou and Minister Pei Jue, and asked: “Grand Secretary Lou, Minister Pei — what do you both make of this vessel?”

It concerned naval defense and the welfare of the people — how could either of them respond in any other way? They had no choice but to nod along and call it very good — excellent in every regard.

Minister Zhang seized on the moment and said with practiced modesty: “Your Majesty, whether the thousand-liao vessel from Taicang truly merits its reputation can only be confirmed once it has been brought to the capital for a thorough inspection.” He then proposed: “Your Majesty, this minister has a thought — the Ministry of War might send someone south to temporarily take over Pei Zhizhou’s duties, allowing Pei Zhizhou to sail north to the capital by the southern winds of the fifth month, where the court can carry out a thorough inspection. Should there be any shortcomings, the craftsmen can be instructed to make timely improvements.”

It was a way of claiming credit while leaving room for ambiguity — elegant in its design.

The Emperor gave a long, considered “Hmm,” then said: “I find Minister Zhang’s idea a good one. Convey our imperial will: ask Pei Zhizhou to make the journey to the capital.” He was eager to see the new ship with his own eyes.

“This minister receives the order.”

At this moment, Eunuch Xiao came in to report: “Your Majesty — Minister Xu awaits outside the Study and requests an audience.”

The Imperial Study happened to be lively with company, so the Emperor said: “Admit him.”

Minister Xu entered carrying a special scroll case, performed the required court ritual, and then reported: “Your Majesty, with the metropolitan and palace examinations now concluded, I respectfully request that Your Majesty bestow a calligraphic inscription to be carved into the Zhuangyuan’s commemorative plaque, to honor and celebrate the court’s embrace of talented scholars from all under heaven.”

“Granted,” the Emperor replied.

Minister Xu carried the scroll case forward and unrolled it on the imperial desk. Eunuch Xiao stood at the side to attend to the ink and brush.

The Emperor had just finished writing the first character of the word “Zhuangyuan” when Minister Xu leaned slightly forward — he seemed to want to say something but held back. The Emperor noticed, and said: “Minister Xu, please speak freely.”

“This minister has been remiss — I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.” Minister Xu knelt and said: “The new Zhuangyuan has achieved a triple first place honor.”

The plaque ought therefore to read “Triple First Place” rather than merely “Zhuangyuan.”

At these words, the Emperor paused, then asked with pleased surprise: “The Pei boy has achieved a triple first?”

“In reply to Your Majesty — he has indeed achieved a triple first.”

The Emperor’s pause had come simply because triple first place honors were so rare — and an unwitting imperial bestowal of that honor was rarer still. Since the founding of Da Qing, counting Pei Shaohuai, there had been only three individuals who achieved a triple first. The first was in the early years of the dynasty — an intentional selection. The second, during his own reign — also something of a deliberate honor. But this time, when the Emperor selected Pei Shaohuai as Zhuangyuan, he had simply not noticed that he had also been first in the provincial examination.

A new scroll was brought out, and the Emperor took up his brush and wrote the four characters “Triple First Place Honor” with sweeping, powerful strokes.

“This subject congratulates Your Majesty on receiving a man of rare talent.” The four ministers offered their felicitations in unison.

Two pieces of good news in one day — the Emperor’s eyes had been lit with pleasure throughout. He spoke of his own accord: “Since he is a man of talent, I would like to bestow upon the Pei boy an additional substantive position, as a mark of distinction.” A substantive court position in addition to his Hanlin Compiler appointment — two titles at once.

The Emperor looked at the four men before him and asked Minister Xu: “Minister Xu — what position would you recommend?”

Minister Xu glanced in passing at Pei Jue beside him, and with a pleasant smile replied: “In reply to Your Majesty — this minister has a family connection by marriage to the Jingchuan Earl’s residence, and I must therefore recuse myself.”

“Minister Pei — you manage the Ministry of Personnel. What is your view?”

Pei Jue saw that he had walked straight into the trap Xu Zhannian had set, and could only say: “This minister shares a common clan with Zhuangyuan Pei, and must also recuse myself.”

The Emperor turned to Zhang Lingyi.

Zhang Lingyi laughed pleasantly and said: “Your Majesty, I will not decline.” He thought briefly, then said: “Zhuangyuan Pei once traveled south with his father. Whether it concerned water management or shipbuilding, he was involved and knowledgeable — he has demonstrated real talent in practical affairs. I also understand that Zhuangyuan Pei showed bold frankness in the palace examination, speaking plainly to the throne — he is a man of upright character… Weighing both qualities, I believe there is one position at the seventh rank, lower grade, that suits Zhuangyuan Pei very well.”

A lower-grade seventh-rank position was appropriate — any higher would be difficult to justify before the hundred officials.

Zhang Lingyi continued: “Your Majesty might bestow upon Zhuangyuan Pei the position of Supervising Secretary of the Works Bureau.”

Minister Xu bowed his head and allowed himself a quiet smile. Zhang Lingyi was indeed a seasoned hand — speaking of giving a small seventh-rank lower-grade position, and then in the same breath proposing the Supervising Secretary, whose official power far exceeded its rank.

This “small” position belonged to the Six Supervising Secretaries directly under the Emperor. Its duties included speaking on the basis of information received, conducting surveillance over the Six Ministries, and censuring officials throughout the court. Even the inner cabinet had to give way to the Supervising Secretaries in certain circumstances. It was one of the most prized positions in the ranks of the censorate and remonstrance officials.

The holder needed broad and deep scholarship, and regularly served as an examination official in provincial examinations and as an Associate Reader in metropolitan examinations.

It all seemed somewhat far-fetched, perhaps — yet on reflection, whether in scholarship, in the courage to speak frankly before the throne, or in practical knowledge of engineering and construction, Pei Shaohuai met every qualification precisely.

The Supervising Secretary of the Works Bureau did not fall under the Ministry of Works — it was specifically charged with overseeing and remonstrating the Ministry of Works.

“Very well,” the Emperor approved. “Let it be proclaimed: the new Zhuangyuan is to receive a commemorative plaque reading ‘Triple First Place Honor,’ and is additionally granted the position of Supervising Secretary of the Works Bureau.”

When the four ministers emerged from the Imperial Study, Grand Secretary Lou’s face was a dark and stony gray — not only because the Emperor had bestowed the position on Pei Shaohuai, but because the Emperor had not asked for his opinion at all. Had he spoken up on his own initiative, he would have diminished his own dignity as Grand Secretary — it would have looked like a man of the highest office squabbling with a newly appointed junior official.

Ministers Xu and Zhang walked side by side, as serene as a spring day.

“I hear the young man is about to be married?”

“Yes — only waiting for my father-in-law to make his way back from the south. Thanks to Minister Zhang’s proposal today, the wedding can be moved up.”

“I should be the one thanking both father and son — quietly building a shipyard of this scale without saying a word.”

“A surprise?”

“Not at all.”

The plaque reading “Triple First Place Honor” was still being carved in haste, while throughout the capital, someone had let slip the story of the poetry exchange at the Banquet of Imperial Grace, and it was now spreading rapidly, becoming a source of cheerful amusement everywhere. Pei Shaohuai took it for the entertainment it was and paid it no particular mind.

That day, a servant boy from the Yang family arrived at the Jingchuan Earl’s residence and came in with a handcart carrying several cassia trees. Once inside, he reported to Pei Shaohuai: “Young Master Pei — these were sent by our young mistress. She says she would like them planted in Young Master Pei’s courtyard.”

Pei Shaohuai did not quite understand the meaning behind it, but he made no effort to stop them, and had Chang Fan guide the boy to a suitable spot where they were carefully planted.

He thought of the words his fourth elder brother-in-law had said — “what she wants is not really a few pieces of date cake.” Then the trees Yang Shiyue wanted planted were surely not simply a matter of a few trees either.

Pei Shaohuai turned it over in his mind, at a complete loss.

Until he thought of the poem he had written at the Banquet of Imperial Grace — the line “tonight I come home having captured the full moon,” and the line “only then will Chang’e herself tend the cassia for you.” In an instant, the warmth rushed up his neck to the tips of his ears.

The poem had been written without any deliberate design on his part — yet it did carry rather a pointed meaning. He had perhaps been a little too direct without meaning to be.

Looking at the newly planted cassia trees, it was as if he could hear Yang Shiyue right there before him, laughing and teasing him — the cassia has been planted for you. When do you plan to act?

He truly was a blockhead who only moved when pushed.