Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west – the Ming court’s winds were changing. Due to Yuan Dynasty eunuchs’ abuse of power, colluding with imperial concubines and selling offices to harm the nation, during the early Ming’s first two dynasties – Hongwu’s thirty-one years plus Jianwen’s four years, totaling thirty-five years – eunuchs received no important positions. Even minor palace servants privately learning to read faced capital punishment.
Chan Master Dao Yan was a core figure in the Jingnan Campaign’s brain trust, achieving great merit, so receiving Emperor Yongle’s bestowed name “Yao Guangxiao” wasn’t surprising. But Emperor Yongle granting Ma Sanbao the name Zheng He signaled eunuch influence beginning to rise. Why did Emperor Yongle do this?
Mu Chun looked at the beaming Eunuch Sanbao, thinking our family of three lives in Kunming seclusion – whatever happens with officials and eunuchs doesn’t concern us. He immediately corrected himself: “Please enter our humble home, Eunuch Sanbao.”
He didn’t invite Ji Gang. But Ji Gang was thick-skinned, following into the courtyard and asking A’Lei, who stared at him dazedly: “Little miss, where’s your sister?”
A’Lei had no resistance to Ji Gang’s beauty and spoke honestly: “My father is ill, my sister went to see him.”
Ji Gang sighed regretfully: “If Master Hu is unwell, you should have said earlier. I brought Imperial Physician Tan and Medicine Officer Ru on this Yunnan trip – their medical skills have become increasingly superb. They went to Beijing and cured the Empress’s illness, allowing Her Majesty to endure the journey’s hardships and reach the capital. The palace just held the empress investiture ceremony delayed two years.”
Historical progress isn’t determined solely by a few great figures, but jointly pushed by countless small people. With Empress Xu newly recovered from serious illness, the Ming palace had a mistress. The Crown Prince’s family naturally moved to the capital, settling in the Eastern Palace. With palace and external situations somewhat stabilized, Emperor Yongle finally had time to send people to fetch his grandson.
Little Ji was leaving.
A’Lei felt uncomfortable, even Ji Gang’s beauty unable to console her distress. While adults drank tea and chatted in the classroom, the two children returned to their bedrooms. Servants helped Little Ji pack luggage. A’Lei, being his neighbor, heard clanging sounds of moving boxes and packing from the adjacent room. Irritably climbing onto bed, she buried her head under blankets like an ostrich – out of hearing, out of mind.
After some unknown time, someone lifted the blanket. A’Lei’s head was steamed red as a cooked crab from the heat, her face wet – whether from sweat or tears unclear.
A’Lei used the blanket to wipe her face, saying huffily: “Why didn’t you knock?”
Little Ji said: “I knocked many times and called your name. You never responded. I was worried, so I came in.”
A’Lei felt stifled inside, pointing at the door: “Get out. I’m tired and want to sleep.”
Little Ji said: “But I’m leaving today. They said the schedule is tight and we must depart early.”
A’Lei said: “You come and go as you please – what’s it to me? If you want to leave, then leave.”
Finishing, A’Lei simply covered her whole body with the blanket, wrapping herself like a silkworm cocoon, refusing to look at him.
Fearing A’Lei would overheat into illness, Little Ji had to leave dejectedly, thinking: My coming and going aren’t my own decisions – why take anger out on me? A’Lei sister is so unreasonable.
Little Ji’s belongings filled an entire cart. Ji Gang and Eunuch Sanbao prepared to depart with Little Ji, but he said: “We can’t leave now – I must wait for godmother’s return to bid farewell. This parting means unknown when we’ll meet again. Godmother has cared for me excellently these two years – I cannot leave without saying goodbye.”
Little Ji used Hu Shanwei to delay time, hoping A’Lei would calm down and come see him off.
Ji Gang said: “But His Majesty and Empress anxiously await seeing Your Highness. The schedule is truly tight. Later perhaps—”
“I said I’m waiting for godmother’s return.” Little Ji interrupted Ji Gang, sitting motionless in his chair.
Since becoming Imperial Guard Commander, Ji Gang had never encountered anyone so arrogant before him, daring to interrupt his words mid-sentence.
Well, this imperial grandson was interesting. Still wet behind the ears, yet his aura somewhat resembled Emperor Gaozhu.
Ji Gang, worthy of his years serving before the throne, hurriedly said: “This minister will immediately fetch Palace Supervisor Hu.”
How could Mu Chun let that old fox Ji Gang fetch his wife? “How could we trouble our guest? Lord Ji has come from far away – please rest first. I’ll fetch my wife home.”
Hu Rong was old. After persistent spring rains, he contracted typhoid fever. Since typhoid was contagious and children had weak resistance, they couldn’t let the two children near. So Mu Chun took the children hunting in mountains, rarely entering the city’s crowded places, fearing the children would catch illness.
Hu Rong convalesced at a suburban villa. On fine days, Hu Shanwei helped her father to a courtyard reclining chair, covering his knees with a blanket for sunbathing.
After a nap, Hu Rong woke to find his daughter still beside him: “Don’t always accompany this old man. Mu Chun and the children need you too.”
Hu Shanwei’s nose and mouth were covered with several layers of white vinegar-soaked masks, reportedly protective: “Father needn’t worry. They have long days ahead with plenty of time.”
Father’s condition wasn’t good. He coughed from dawn till daylight this morning, the handkerchief showing blood traces. Only while sunbathing did his breathing steady and he slept briefly.
Hu Rong was sixty-two – considered elderly in this era. Dying at this age would be a “happy funeral.” Hu Rong’s life reached fulfillment in old age with difficult reconciliation with his daughter. In the setting sun of his twilight years, Hu Shanwei felt every moment of companionship was precious.
Hu Rong slowly shook his head: “Don’t think like that. Children are like bamboo shoots in mountain forests – they grow faster than you imagine. Today just showing tiny tips, after one heavy rain they shoot up joint by joint, unknowingly growing taller than you. Parents actually don’t spend much time with children – treasure their growing years. Though she depends on you now, from birth the distance between you only increases. When children grow up with troubles, they won’t patiently tell you.”
Hu Rong spoke from experience. When his first wife died early and father and daughter depended on each other, those bookshop years were peaceful and warm. The fiancé he carefully selected for her was upright, mighty and handsome. He thought father and daughter would live happily and peacefully, but who knew…
Hu Shanwei knew father referred to herself: “When children grow up, they naturally have their own thoughts, sometimes difficult to align with parents. Not just with parents – even ourselves, today versus tomorrow, five years versus five years later, or ten, twenty years – our own thoughts change. Everyone lives in the present – let her decide for herself. Each person ultimately can only be responsible for their own life. Mu Chun and I now only want to give her a perfect childhood, a healthy body, confidence and wisdom. Future matters depend on her own choices.”
Hearing this, Hu Rong nodded repeatedly: “Xiang’er looks like me but has your character – you’re both strong-willed. Not that being strong-willed is bad, just that this world can’t tolerate overly strong women. With your temperament, only son-in-law suits your disposition – ordinary people couldn’t live with you. Son-in-law is unique in this world. You’re fortunate to meet him and hold him firmly. Xiang’er may not have your luck finding such a good man.”
Hu Rong had grown accustomed to calling her Xiang’er, while the Chun-Wei couple habitually called her A’Lei – each generation used their own names.
Hearing this, Hu Shanwei laughed: “Father, people live one lifetime yet worry about two generations. Mu Chun’s eternal child character – only I can tolerate him. Ordinary women would long be angry to death. A’Lei is only seven, yet you worry about her marriage at seventeen. Rest assured, Mu Chun’s and my accumulated foundation is enough for her to choose her own life. Whatever she wants, we’ll fulfill.”
Having suffered from forcing his daughter to marry and causing father-daughter estrangement, spending twenty years making amends, seeing Hu Shanwei’s open-mindedness, Hu Rong felt relieved:
“That’s good. Just, what you say now you may not do later. Parents always want to give children what they think is best, believing children lack experience and don’t consider things as thoroughly. Actually, children may not like it. If you and A’Lei face similar problems in future, remember today’s promise before father – don’t go back on your word.”
“I won’t renege.” Hu Shanwei joked: “Should I write a document for A’Lei to keep?”
Hu Rong weakly waved from his reclining chair: “Unnecessary. I trust you.”
Having talked too much, Hu Rong was tired. Having slept poorly last night, he drowsily fell asleep.
Just then Mu Chun arrived. Hu Shanwei wouldn’t let him enter, having him wait outside while she removed her mask, washed her hands with vinegar, changed into clean clothes and came out.
Mu Chun hurried over: “People came from the capital.”
Though inevitable, Hu Shanwei’s heart still sank: “Leaving today?”
Mu Chun nodded: “After Empress and Eastern Palace moved to the capital’s rear palace, Little Ji as eldest grandson must return early. Little Ji insisted on personally bidding you farewell.”
Hu Shanwei rode home hastily. Ji Gang and Eunuch Sanbao surrounded Little Ji in welcome. Little Ji solemnly bowed to his godfather and godmother before reluctantly boarding the carriage with constant backward glances.
Sigh, A’Lei sister still didn’t come see me off – definitely still angry. Little Ji was reluctant. At this moment of parting, the orchid boat urged departure – no more reasons to delay. He could only board and go toward his destined fate.
Eunuch Sanbao gave Hu Shanwei a scroll: “This is Chan Master Dao Yan’s recent new work for Palace Supervisor Hu. The schedule is truly tight with no time for reminiscing – perhaps we’ll meet again when fated.”
Hu Shanwei treasured it, thanking him: “Eunuch Sanbao is thoughtful.”
Ji Gang smiled and squeezed over: “I’m very busy. Your family is far in Kunming – surely no chance to meet again. Today’s meeting should be eternal farewell. Kunming is a good place. You’re fortunate – choosing one city to grow old in, meeting one person for white hair – you’ve achieved both. You must have accumulated much merit in your previous life.”
Hu Shanwei felt something off about Ji Gang’s words. Mu Chun detested Ji Gang staring at his wife, so he stepped forward and pushed Ji Gang away: “Enough, enough. We wish Lord Ji flourishing official fortune. You take your path to success, we tend our two acres of chrysanthemum fields – we’re unrelated.”
Ji Gang didn’t persist, mounting his horse to follow the group. Hu Shanwei noticed someone missing and asked Mu Chun: “Where’s A’Lei?”
This shouldn’t be – A’Lei was clearly a loyal child. When Little Ji observed mourning, she gave up meat cakes and self-taught Monkey King performances. Five years of playmates – how could A’Lei not see Little Ji off?
Mu Chun said: “Said she was tired and went for an afternoon nap. When I tried calling her, she lost her temper, glaring coldly exactly like you.”
Hearing this, Hu Shanwei couldn’t help glaring at him.
Mu Chun immediately corrected: “Exactly like me.”
Just then, barking sounds arose. Little Black ran over, followed by A’Lei riding a Sichuan pony, whipping her mount while chasing the advancing procession.
In the carriage, Little Ji heard barking and urgently ordered a stop. Little Flower beside him also responded to his companion’s calls, poking his dog head from the carriage window and howling.
A’Lei sat on horseback, head and face sweating – all from wrapping herself like a silkworm in blankets. She pointed her whip at the carriage: “Little Black, jump up!”
Little Black obeyed his little master’s command, leaping up to be caught in Little Ji’s arms: “A’Lei sister, you—”
A’Lei said: “Little Black and Little Flower are from the same litter, drinking from one bowl, sleeping in one nest, chasing rabbits in mountains together, growing up together. Now you’re going back, we shouldn’t separate them – let them accompany you home together.”
Little Ji knew A’Lei spoke of Little Black and Little Flower falsely – actually referring to herself and him.
A’Lei had always been this character. When they alternately ate vegetarian food, to her it was the good thing of everyone eating meat every other day.
Now he and A’Lei were separating, each dog with their own master, yet she’d rather give up her personally trained Little Black, wanting both Little Black and Little Flower to accompany him back to that strange home, so at least one pair wouldn’t be separated.
At this moment, even strong Little Ji’s eyes misted: “If Little Black and Little Flower both follow me, what about you?”
A’Lei pointed at the Chun-Wei couple: “I still have sister and brother-in-law. I already have much – Little Black and Little Flower are for you.”
A’Lei wasn’t pretending strength – she truly had confidence. Without Little Ji, without Little Black, she felt she could manage because sister and brother-in-law remained with her. But Little Ji was different. From his nearly desperate studying and harsh self-imposed standards, A’Lei dimly felt Brother Ji returning to his own home might live even more exhaustingly than now.
So, after calming down in warm blankets, A’Lei awakened from parting anxiety and chased the carriage with Little Black.
Little Ji forced back the mist in his eyes: “I’ll raise them well. You, godfather and godmother must be well – I’ll be well in the capital too.”
“Mm.” A’Lei nodded heavily: “We must all be well.”
The escort procession transformed from a long dragon to antlike dots below the mountain until disappearing. Hu Shanwei and Mu Chun flanked their daughter’s shoulders. A’Lei was first silent, then burst into tears in Mu Chun’s arms.
Traveling dustily, after boarding official ships and rushing day and night to Nanjing, Little Ji was first led by Eunuch Sanbao to Qianqing Palace to meet his grandfather Emperor Yongle.
Palace etiquette personally taught by Hu Shanwei – all complex protocols were impeccable. Though raised in remote countryside, he naturally possessed imperial bearing.
Emperor Yongle couldn’t put down his beloved grandson, first measuring with his hand at knee level: “When Mu Chun carried you away, you were only this tall, just learning to speak.”
Then measuring at chest level: “Now you’re this big.”
Feeling calluses on Little Ji’s hands, especially his ring finger, he knew his grandson had worked hard at riding and archery. Godfather Mu Chun taught well. Emperor Yongle said: “When the realm is settled, I’ll personally lead northern expeditions – you’ll accompany me then. At your age, I was already following Emperor Gaozhu pacifying Jiangnan.”
He added: “Go see the Empress at Kunning Palace. Crown Prince and Crown Princess have waited there long for you. Tonight I’ll go to Kunning Palace – the whole family will dine together.”
Little Ji was led by female officials to Kunning Palace. Entering the main hall without time to bow, he was swept into Empress Xu’s embrace: “My dear grandson, you’ve finally returned.”
Crown Prince and Crown Princess on both sides also wept continuously. Little Ji didn’t actually want to cry, but with everyone crying, how could he not? He inherited his grandfather Emperor Yongle’s superb acting skills – crying on command with genuine tears.
Little Ji secretly observed his family. Never mind Empress Xu and Crown Princess – seeing his big, chubby Crown Prince father, he immediately felt kinship. His A’Lei sister had been just as plump and fair two years ago.