One speaks according to the position one holds.

At this time, Pei Shaohuai was still merely a humble pupil scholar — holding no academic title, no official post, with no relatives serving in the military — and if he continued with elaborate and sweeping talk in great torrents, it would instead create an unfavorable impression. He might even arouse suspicion as to where he had obtained such insights.

Pei Shaohuai understood his own standing and knew how to calibrate his measure. He touched only on two points — the fundamental basis of military provisions in agricultural production, and the losses incurred in transporting those provisions over long distances — and used as examples the equal-field system and the rent-service-cloth taxation system of the flourishing Tang dynasty, as well as the granary and canal transport systems of the Song dynasty, laying out his argument that one should draw on the good measures of past dynasties in governing both troops and people.

He did not rashly put forward views from any more recent perspective.

He then concluded, “The foregoing is the extent of this student’s shallow understanding — I humbly beg the Superintendent and the Prefectural Governor to correct and instruct me.”

Although Pei Shaohuai had answered with considerable restraint, his insights had left Prefectural Governor Zhang quite satisfied. After all, Pei Shaohuai was only a young gentleman of eleven or twelve — one could hardly expect him to open his mouth and speak nothing but grand principles for governing the realm and strategies for ordering society.

Prefectural Governor Zhang further asked, “Where did what you just said come from?”

“This young student would not dare take credit.” Pei Shaohuai clasped his hands and bowed with modest courtesy. “The Old Book of Tang says that ‘taking history as a mirror, one may know the rise and fall of dynasties.’ Everything this student has said was drawn from the Tang Code and Commentaries and the History of the Song Dynasty.”

Prefectural Governor Zhang nodded repeatedly, but without offering comment. Instead, he turned to Superintendent Zhao and asked, “What does the Superintendent think?”

Since Prefectural Governor Zhang had personally called on him, naturally the young man had already passed his own assessment before he would ask the Superintendent to comment.

“Well said.” Superintendent Zhao replied. “He cites the flourishing Tang and great Song as examples — well-reasoned and well-founded. His speech shows the first glimmers of both literary and strategic acumen, carrying something of the Governor’s own quality in his younger years.”

The first part — “first glimmers of literary and strategic acumen” — was the assessment of Pei Shaohuai; the latter part was worthy of deeper thought and reflection.

From the sound of it, Superintendent Zhao and Prefectural Governor Zhang appeared to have been acquainted in their youth, with quite a cordial relationship. The two men were not very far apart in age — quite possibly they had passed the imperial examination in the same year, though after entering officialdom, one had taken the civil path while the other had taken the military.

And to say that something of Prefectural Governor Zhang could be seen in Pei Shaohuai — in this era when the relationship between a mentor-examiner and his candidate was regarded as a line of direct descent, such an evaluation was tantamount to binding Pei Shaohuai and Prefectural Governor Zhang together.

Superintendent Zhao further said, “If he persists with dedication and works diligently in his studies, and achieves something in the imperial examinations, the path before him in the years to come may be somewhat broader than that of others.”

Prefectural Governor Zhang then added, following Superintendent Zhao’s words, “You must keep the Superintendent’s guidance firmly in mind — do not grow complacent or allow your studies to slacken.”

“This student thanks the Superintendent and the Governor for their guidance, and will hold it firmly in mind always.” Pei Shaohuai’s emotions were somewhat complex, though he did not let it show. He was pleased because he had earned the appreciation of both the Superintendent and the Governor, which meant that as long as he performed at his normal level in the prefectural examination, he was unlikely to encounter obstacles — and it would also be of some benefit to his future career. Moreover, the people of the capital had long passed around the reputation of Prefectural Governor Zhang as a man of stern integrity and fearless fortitude, which suited Pei Shaohuai’s temperament very well.

There was also a faint unease — he had never anticipated receiving such recognition, and he worried about whether he could sustain the attention it would draw, since keeping a low profile and biding his time had always been his original intention.

Below, the assembled scholars looked on with undisguised envy.

After the examination of learning was concluded, the prefecture academy held a small informal banquet. The two great officials raised a cup together with the pupil scholars, drank a round, and then took their leave first.

Taking advantage of the moment before the other pupil scholars could crowd over to exchange words and make introductions, Pei Shaohuai pulled Jin Ge’er and Xu Yancheng along and quickly left the prefecture academy. As chance would have it, they ran into the two brothers from the Shangshu Mansion — Pei Shaoyu and Pei Shaowen — right at the gate.

From the different standings of the three grandchildren of the Shangshu Mansion, one could also glimpse something of the Shangshu Mansion’s methods. The eldest grandson, Pei Shaoye, was in the same cohort as Xu Zhan and had already passed the provincial examination — he was the primary candidate being cultivated by the Shangshu Mansion. The second grandson, Pei Shaoyu, was over twenty and had still not attained the title of Cultivated Talent; his prospects in the examination path were limited, so he had simply been groomed into a smooth operator who could navigate all manner of social situations and manage the Shangshu Mansion’s relationships. The youngest grandson, Pei Shaowen, was fifteen and was the reserve candidate, still focused primarily on his studies — since he rarely went out, it was not known what sort of temperament he had.

“Little cousin, what a fine showing you made today — you won a real bit of face for the Earl’s Mansion.” Pei Shaoyu said with a grinning and jovial manner. “After this, who would dare say that the Earl’s Mansion cannot produce a scholar for three generations? No doubt the title of Cultivated Talent in next year’s prefectural examination is well within little cousin’s reach — allow your elder brother to offer his congratulations in advance.”

Pei Shaowen was a man of few words, seeming somewhat solitary. He fixed his gaze straight on Pei Shaohuai, barely concealing the hostility in his eyes — not hostility of a kind that wished to do harm, but one difficult to put into words. Mixed into it was also some excitement.

Being stared at so fixedly by Pei Shaowen made Pei Shaohuai quite uncomfortable.

“Elder Cousin flatters me.” Pei Shaohuai also smiled with a return jest. “Granduncle is of examination background himself and is, by origin, a collateral branch of the Earl’s Mansion — how can there be any saying that ‘the Earl’s Mansion cannot produce a scholar for three generations’? Those who spread such talk are truly malicious at heart.”

He then added, “I also extend my wishes for Elder Cousin to place well in the next sitting of the prefectural examination.” He deliberately gave added weight to the words “next sitting.”

Pei Shaohuai was not one who took pleasure in verbal sparring, but with the Shangshu Mansion having long since torn any pretense of courtesy, there was truly no need to be polite.

“Thank you, little cousin — I wish little cousin every success in the examinations.”

With the annual evaluation behind them, the three young students returned to their study room. In the room next to theirs, a small low desk had been added, bringing with it a new “little junior classmate” — little Yan Gui was a little over five years old and had begun doing his lessons under Tutor Duan as well.

In the daily routine, the tutor would first teach the three elder students to write essays, assign their coursework, and then go over to give little Yan Gui his elementary lessons. Little Yan Gui, having grown up with the influence of his father, elder brothers, and young uncle all around him, had a great natural affinity for books and writing. When learning his characters he was quiet and well-behaved, and even when the tutor was not there to supervise him, he could sit calmly on his own, practicing each stroke with care.

Perhaps a talent for learning was also something carried in the bloodline. Both the Pei family and the Xu family had produced scholars, and little Yan Gui came from both the Xu and Pei lines. Tutor Duan remarked that little Yan Gui showed considerable scholarly aptitude — he was quick at learning and recognizing characters, and was a rare and promising talent.

The Xu family had gained another gifted child.

The Xu family was very pleased.

The most pleased of all was Xu Yancheng. As the sole son of the eldest branch, he had no full brothers or sisters of his own, but he had always been fond of Yan Gui and Xu Xing’er. Upon learning that his younger brother had considerable aptitude, he seized every free moment to help the tutor with little Yan Gui’s coursework.

Xu Yancheng said, “I can finally say I have a helper at last. Shaohuai and Shaojin are a pair of brothers — Yancheng and Yangui are a pair of brothers too, hey…”

Tutor Duan, who had been stern-faced a moment before, was drawn into a smile by Xu Yancheng, and said, “Yan Gui is only so young — and you’re already recruiting him into your party?”

“Brothers in study, father and son in battle, as they say.”

Blossoms of apricot flowers tossed in the shadow of a brisk spring breeze, pink petals drifting down in a flurry like snow.

The intoxicating breath of spring — “all night in a small tower I listened to the spring rain; in the deep lane at dawn, the apricot blossoms will be cried for sale” — such was the mood that Lu Fangweng had captured so faithfully.

On the twenty-eighth day of the third month, the examination hall released the results of this year’s spring metropolitan examination. Because it arrived alongside the apricot blossoms, it was also called the “Apricot List.” Xu Zhan’s essays had reached full maturity, and the previous year he had traveled to various places to gain practical experience of the world, sharpening both his phrasing and his insights on governance to a keen and incisive edge. He placed third on the Apricot List without difficulty.

Third on the metropolitan examination — this meant that in the Palace Examination in the fourth month, Xu Zhan had a very strong chance of placing in the top ten, with a second-grade presented scholar as a guaranteed baseline.

In addition, Pei Shaoye placed twenty-third on the Apricot List, and Li Shuisheng placed two hundred and ninety-eighth — just barely making the list by the skin of his teeth at the very end.

While everyone else was in a flurry of preparations for the Palace Examination, Tutor Duan and Master Xu had Xu Zhan settle down and relax instead. Master Xu said, “The cabinet academicians who grade the Palace Examination papers place greater weight on insight and perspective. In these coming days, simply relax and review what you have witnessed and experienced during your travels — if your essays say something of real substance, you will be secure.”

On the fifteenth of the fourth month, the Palace Examination concluded. Three days later, the Proclamation Ceremony was held before the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Master Xu, in his capacity as Chief of the Court of State Ceremonial, presided over the ceremony.

“By imperial edict, the realm’s finest scholars are assembled, and the First Tier is awarded the title of Metropolitan Scholar…”

“First Tier, First Place: Fan Zhen of Suzhou Prefecture.”

“First Tier, Second Place: Xu Zhan of Shuntian Prefecture.”

“First Tier, Third Place: Li Yihuai of Chengdu Prefecture.”

All three of the top three were proclaimed three times through successive palace gates, until they reached beyond the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where all three hundred-odd newly admitted presented scholars could hear.

“The three top-tier Metropolitan Scholars will exit through the central gate to parade through the city!”

After Xu Zhan had completed his city parade and paid his respects at the National Academy, he returned home still full of energy and high spirits. He told the family about an amusing incident: he should originally have ranked third and received the title of Exploring Flower, but the Emperor, learning that Xu Zhan was already married with children, noted instead that the second-place Li Yihuai was twenty-five and still unwed — and so with a stroke of his brush, the Emperor switched the two men’s rankings, making Li Yihuai the Exploring Flower instead.

Li Yihuai, the moment he walked out of the National Academy’s gate after paying his respects, was whisked away by people from Minister Chen of the Ministry of Rites’ household.

Since Xu Zhan was a first-tier presented scholar, he was without question appointed to remain in the capital — going directly into the Hanlin Academy. In the fifth month, an imperial edict was issued: Xu Zhan was appointed as a seventh-rank compiler at the Hanlin Academy, and both the Xu and Pei households were overjoyed.

With Xu Zhan’s high placement, the Xu family naturally held a celebration.

That day, the two brothers Pei Shaohuai and Pei Shaojin went out into the streets together, intending to find a fine and suitable gift to congratulate their brother-in-law. Knowing that their brother-in-law was fond of tea in his daily life, they first came to a tea shop, intending to look for a Yixing teapot and some first-flush spring tea.

There were not many people in the shop, and the shopkeeper was also a perceptive man who first let the two young gentlemen browse at their own pace.

Pei Shaohuai spotted a small teapot with both excellent texture and color, found it very much to his liking, and picked it up to examine it from all angles for quite a while — he had already made up his mind to buy it.

Just then, a fair-complexioned young man arrived at Pei Shaohuai’s side — dressed in a silk straight-collar robe, holding a round-headed folding fan, with a handsome and noble-looking appearance — and said, “What an eye the young gentleman has, to single out this Yixing purple clay teapot at first glance. Look at this craftsmanship — a genuine official kiln piece. If you wait too long, it may be gone.”

With that, he took the small teapot graciously from Pei Shaohuai’s hands and pointed out several fine details to the two brothers, speaking with evident authority and clarity.

The other customers in the shop joined in with amiable remarks: “Though young Master Yin the Fifth usually likes to freeload off people, he has a real talent for appraising tea wares and antiques — there’s some genuine skill there. If the young gentleman intends to buy, following his advice won’t lead you wrong.”

Young Master Yin the Fifth, hearing the others’ words, paid no great heed to the jibe about freeloading, and returned the small teapot to Pei Shaohuai.

Hearing the shopkeeper mention that Pei Shaohuai was also thinking of buying some tea leaves, young Master Yin the Fifth took a snow-white tea cup from the shopkeeper’s counter, lifted the lid, and held it beneath Pei Shaohuai’s nose with a gentle wave of his hand, saying, “Young gentleman, this is a Longjing tea made from tender buds grown in the spring breeze — its fragrance is clean and extraordinary. Whether you’re giving it to someone older or younger, it’s the right choice, you can’t go wrong.”

Faced with this excessively enthusiastic fair-complexioned young man, Pei Shaohuai simply took him for a shill privately hired by the shopkeeper and paid him no great mind.

However, the two items young Master Yin the Fifth had recommended happened to be exactly what Pei Shaohuai had already had his eye on, and the prices were appropriate — about in line with his budget — so Pei Shaohuai bought them.

Having listened to the man’s enthusiastic “pitch and introduction” after all, and out of courtesy, while the shopkeeper was still wrapping up the items, Pei Shaohuai clasped his hands in a bow and said, “I thank Young Master Yin for his detailed explanations — you have broadened our knowledge.”

“Master Yin this, Master Yin that — you flatter me. Young Master Pei need only call me Yin the Fifth.” Young Master Yin the Fifth returned the bow, then added, “The two young masters carry the air of scholars through and through — you can tell at a glance you are the kind born to wear the official’s black cap. To be allowed to chat with you for a few words is my good fortune.”

He also said, “My home is just up ahead in Huining Lane. If the two young masters ever need a guide in your daily outings, just come find me — there’s not a spot in this city I don’t know.”

Pei Shaohuai had a steady and composed temperament and was not swept off his feet by the stream of flattering “young masters.” He did not pursue the matter further and took Jin Ge’er away from the shop.

He had thought that would be the end of it. But unexpectedly, a few days later, when Pei Shaohuai went out with Jin Ge’er and Xu Yancheng, intending to find a restaurant and eat something good as a bit of leisure and enjoyment, this young Master Yin the Fifth came toward them from a distance once again.

“The young masters want to eat something good? I happen to know just the place — at the Yuanxiang Restaurant, the lotus flowers in the main courtyard are in full and beautiful bloom right now, and the songs being performed are all graceful lyrics, with the pipa ringing out like jade breaking. It’s just the place for scholars to relax and enjoy — why not let me take the young masters there for a look?”

Pei Shaohuai was usually occupied with his studies, moving only between the Pei and Xu households, and rarely went out — yet he had now run into young Master Yin the Fifth twice in a row, each time with this man stepping forward to offer his eager services. Was there anything so coincidental in the world? Pei Shaohuai could not help but become wary.

Pei Shaohuai said curtly, “We have other matters to attend to,” and walked away with Jin Ge’er and Yancheng, paying no further heed to this Yin the Fifth with his hidden intentions.

He then heard Xu Yancheng say, “The day before yesterday when I went out, I ran into him too.”

Returning to the Earl’s Mansion, Pei Shaohuai called Chang Fan over and said, “Chang Fan, go outside and ask around — find out what sort of person this young Master Yin the Fifth is, who he has been dealing with, and how his household makes a living. Get all of it clearly investigated.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Chang Fan handled the household purchasing as a side responsibility in addition to attending on Pei Shaohuai, and so had acquaintances among people of all walks of life. The next day he reported back to Pei Shaohuai: “To report to the Young Master — it has all been looked into.”

It turned out that young Master Yin the Fifth was a “hanger-on,” also known as a “retainer companion.” He had originally been a scholar from a comfortable family who, after passing the Cultivated Talent examination, had gone to loiter among various entertainment establishments and picked up a whole catalogue of disreputable tricks — and in doing so had completely forgotten his scholarly skills. Eventually he had simply abandoned all pretense, settled fully into the role, and became a hanger-on in the capital — his dedicated occupation being to fawn upon the young gentlemen of wealthy households, taking them out for pleasure and amusement while cadging meals and collecting tip money as a bonus.

Yin the Fifth had been in the business a long time and had read some books besides; he was glib and well-spoken, clever at banter and buffoonery — naturally he was in his element in this line of work, and lived somewhat more comfortably than he had before.

After listening to Chang Fan’s report, Pei Shaohuai had already figured out seven or eight parts of the picture in his mind.

Hanger-ons specifically targeted the sons of wealthy families — especially those naive young masters who had little experience of the world — since that was how money came fastest. Though the Jingchuan Earl’s Mansion carried the name of a noble household, it was not a lavish one; the same was true of the Xu family. Of all the households young Master Yin the Fifth might have chosen to approach, why had he singled out these two? One could not help but think deeply about this.

There was naturally some other advantage to be gained.

On the day the Xu family held its small celebration for Xu Zhan’s high placement, the entire Pei family went over. Situ Yang also made a special trip back from the training grounds, bringing Lan Jie’er and their daughter to congratulate his brother-in-law together.

Situ Yang had brought two generous gifts, both quite lavish. He said, “This pair of ox-blood coral bead strings was sent by my father to bring over; this piece of Khotan jade is from my wife and me — Brother-in-law, I’m a rough sort and don’t know what scholars like, so I hope you won’t take it amiss.”

“Brother-in-law is too formal — I like them very much. Please, come in.” Xu Zhan smiled and said with gracious modesty.

The contrast between this pair of brothers-in-law was quite striking indeed — one a gentle and refined scholarly gentleman, the other a physically imposing, somewhat rakish scion of a military family.

The moment Pei Shaohuai saw Situ the Second, he immediately drew him away to the small pavilion in the rear garden, saying he had something to tell him.

“How is it that in these past few months you’ve grown so much taller again — don’t forget what I told you last time about the matter of scholars.” Situ the Second said.

Pei Shaohuai, however, had no time for banter with Situ the Second. With a serious expression he said, “Jin Ge’er and I have been running into Yin the Fifth repeatedly these past few days.”

At this, Situ the Second immediately wiped away the grin from his face. His expression sharpened and he seemed to think it over, asking, “You weren’t taken in by him, were you? That fellow never stirs unless there’s something to be gained — his tricks for talking people over are quite the polished set.”

Hearing Situ the Second say this, Pei Shaohuai knew he had come to the right person. He said, “If I had been taken in by him, would I be here bringing him up with you?”

Situ the Second looked sheepish, laughed at himself, and said with self-mockery, “Fair enough — little Huai, you are indeed a good deal sharper than me. You wouldn’t be fooled as easily as I was.”

In the first few years after Situ the Second had just been brought back from his hometown to the General’s Mansion, he had been young, his disposition immature, and he had a fondness for amusement — compounded by a difficult time at the General’s Mansion — and he had quickly been reeled in by the hanger-ons.

Thereafter he had drifted between the great restaurants, eating, drinking, and playing day after day without a care for self-improvement, and that was how his bad reputation had come about.

Now he had married and matured considerably, thought through many things, and so when Situ the Second heard the name of Yin the Fifth, he immediately became wary — afraid that young Huai would end up like himself, led astray by those hanger-ons with ill intentions.

Pei Shaohuai continued, “Given the Pei family’s means, and the fact that Jin Ge’er and I rarely appear in restaurants, we are not yet worth his notice — it would not be enough to make him actively seek us out and stick to us like a plaster.” He made his meaning clear.

“That’s also true — your family really isn’t as wealthy as ours…” Situ the Second quipped, but then turned serious again and said, “I understand what you mean — you suspect there’s someone behind the scenes deliberately directing him.”

Situ the Second was not foolish.

“Can you find out who it is?”

Situ the Second smiled and said, “Those hanger-ons are the sort who only recognize silver — as long as the silver is enough, there’s nothing they won’t say. It just has to be done according to their rules, without going to them directly and openly.”

He added, “You just focus on your reading in peace and prepare properly for whatever examination is coming next month. I’ll look into this matter for you.”

“Then I thank my brother-in-law in advance.”

“Not at all — come, come, let’s go in and drink.”

“I don’t drink wine…”

“Not drinking wine is fine too — I’ll drink one cup of wine, and you drink three cups of tea. That’s not taking advantage of you, is it?”

“…”

After the Xu family’s celebration ended, Situ Yang and Lan Jie’er returned to the General’s Mansion. In their bedchamber, Situ Yang told his wife about the matter of Yin the Fifth.

Lan Jie’er’s brow furrowed and she asked, “Who could be so vicious?” She knew full well how much effort it had taken for the Earl’s Mansion to get back on its feet these past few years.

“We’ll know in a few days.”

Situ the Second then asked, “These past few months — has that awful woman been making you stand on ceremony or giving you a hard time?”

“She hasn’t given me trouble.” Lan Jie’er replied, then revealed a helpless expression and said, “It’s just that every day she eyes my belly, or finds some new way to tell me that she wants to bring in concubines for you, to carry on the line for the General’s Mansion.”

As she spoke, Lan Jie’er grew somewhat annoyed and said, “You don’t come home even once a month — how can that be blamed on me? If you want to take concubines too, you can take ten and I won’t stop you.”

“Listen to what you’re saying — one of you is more than I can even dote on properly. Where would I find the heart to fuss over anyone else?” Situ the Second crowded toward Lan Jie’er and shamelessly began to coax her — this tall and imposing man was utterly docile in front of Lan Jie’er — and he added, “Youyou, am I not back right now? This time I’ll stay for many days…”

And then his hands became restless.

Lan Jie’er pushed him aside and asked, “Have you memorized your military treatise?”

“Didn’t I recite it for you to listen to last time I came back?”

“Did you show your essay to your brother-in-law today?”

“Oh — I was so busy talking with little Huai, I went and forgot about that…”

Lan Jie’er tapped Situ the Second on the head and said, “Why don’t you forget your ears while you’re at it?”

Situ the Second, however, paid this no mind, grinning shamelessly, and in one breath blew out the candle flame.