This New Year had ultimately not gone well. Thinking about it, this was the second time in a row that something had happened on New Year’s Eve. She feared she might develop a lifelong dread of celebrating the New Year.
She wept uncontrollably. Sha Tong was also anxious, holding an umbrella as he said, “Please don’t be like this. Sooner or later, something like this was bound to happen. Try to look at the bigger picture! Listen to this servant’s advice—it’s cold outside, let’s go inside. The Twelfth Master should be finishing his meal by now. Once the banquet at Changchun Garden concludes, he’ll return immediately. This servant has sent someone to wait at the main palace gate. Once he receives the news, he’ll certainly come here straight away. When he arrives, we’ll have someone to rely on.”
Ding Yi remained dazed, her heart scratching painfully within her chest. The northwestern wind cut against her face like knife blades, but she didn’t feel the pain. After standing for a long time, her mind numbed from the cold, she turned and asked, “Has the Seventh Master also entered the garden?”
Sha Tong affirmed, “Yes. Even though that master is unreliable, he’s still the Grand Emperor’s son and must show filial duty before the old master.”
“Then who can I ask for help?” She paced anxiously in circles. “I should find Yi Mian. Isn’t he in the Ministry of Justice? Since the Imperial Guard Office will transfer the case to the Ministry of Justice, he should have received news by now.” Having made up her mind, she ordered the household staff, “Bring me a horse.”
Dai Qin looked hesitantly at Sha Tong, who quickly said, “During this festive season, you must remain calm. If you go seeking people, do you know their true intentions? In officialdom, people say one thing to your face and another behind your back. Even if you go, you’ll only be brushed off. It’s better to wait patiently for the master to return! If you leave now and the master returns to find you gone and then goes looking for you, we’ll all be running in circles in the middle of the night. My good Fu Jin, I know you’re anxious about your uncle being taken away, but your anxiety won’t bring him back. We need to make careful plans. The man was taken by the Commander of the Nine Gates, whose son is Captain Lou of the Leopard Tail Banner Imperial Guards. Captain Lou is close with our Princess Gurun, who is close with the Twelfth Master… there’s certainly a personal connection there. They won’t do anything to your uncle, please rest assured.”
That’s what he said, but how could she feel at ease? Her father had been killed in prison by others. If they employed the same old tactics, Ru Jian would be finished. He was her only remaining relative—if anything happened to him, she would fail her deceased parents and brothers.
“Then I’ll wait here for the Twelfth Master to return.” She waved her hand. “All of you go inside. Let me be alone for a while.”
Everyone knew about her stubborn temperament. They reluctantly dispersed, though they didn’t go far, continuing to watch over her from nearby.
The snow had lessened, but the wind grew stronger, causing the lanterns at the gate to sway wildly. She stared fixedly at the entrance to the alley. He still hadn’t returned, and every moment was unbearably difficult. Earlier, she’d heard Commander Lou say he was acting on orders. With his first-rank official position, the orders he followed must have been the Emperor’s. If the Ministry of Justice treated each case separately and Ru Jian couldn’t appeal by striking the drum, he would be arrested as a fugitive and punished according to the law. There would be many interpretations of such a situation.
A round of New Year’s firecrackers had ended, and the four corners of the city gradually quieted down. The air was filled with the smell of sulfur, occasionally interrupted by one or two isolated sounds—not like fierce competition, but more like distant, sparse accompaniment.
She vaguely heard the sound of hoofbeats, and her frozen mind instantly came alive. Watching eagerly, the sound drew closer, and in the dim lamplight, she saw someone hurrying towards her, the red plush on his official hat like a flame in the darkness. She covered her mouth and cried, seeing him made all her fear and grievances impossible to hide. He dismounted and embraced her as she sobbed, “Ru Jian has been arrested. Please quickly find a way to get him released!”
Hong Ce had imagined that Hong Zan might kidnap them as siblings, or perhaps commit murder to silence them, but he hadn’t anticipated that Hong Zan would do the opposite, getting Ru Jian firmly in his grasp first. After receiving the news, he made inquiries and discovered that Hong Zan had personally reported to the Emperor about Ru Jian’s escape. For the Emperor, arresting someone or questioning their crimes had no direct bearing on his interests. He only cared about combating corruption and regulating court affairs. As for the power struggles among his subordinates, whoever won or lost was a matter of fate. This meant that Ru Jian’s arrest had the Emperor’s approval, making a rescue impossible for the time being.
“Don’t worry, we’ll discuss this matter inside.” He felt her hand, which was cold as ice, then turned and rebuked, “Where has everyone gone? How could you let the Fu Jin stand outside?”
Sha Tong explained with a pained expression, “We tried to persuade her, but the Fu Jin was so anxious that she insisted on waiting for your return…”
He ignored him, removed his greatcoat to wrap her up, and carried her sideways into the main chamber.
Ding Yi sat on the edge of the kang bed, weeping uncontrollably. Though she had weathered many storms and thought herself strong enough, now she could do nothing but shed tears. The only one who could save Ru Jian was the Twelfth Master. She moved forward a bit, shaking him urgently, “The Commander of the Nine Gates said he would transfer the person to the Ministry of Justice, which you help manage. Please think of some strategy for me.”
Her frightened appearance pained his heart, and he quickly comforted her: “I’ve already sent someone to relay a message to the Ministry of Justice. Don’t cry, you’ll damage your eyes. The Imperial Guard Office came to arrest him, so they must have received verbal orders from above, otherwise, no one could mobilize them. This time it’s a major event with many eyes watching, so no one dares to act rashly. I think that with Ru Jian’s arrest, your father’s case will certainly be reopened. Then, the two cases will be combined into one, and sooner or later it will fall into my hands.”
Hearing this, she became even more agitated, “So you’re saying the person currently investigating him isn’t you?”
He frowned, “The Ministry of Justice is the main investigator, with Prince Zhuang overseeing.”
Ding Yi was shocked, “Why Prince Zhuang? The Ministry of Justice and the Censorate are supposed to be under your supervision.”
She was unfamiliar with the ways of officialdom. Each official had their responsibilities. Although supervision placed him above both departments, it only allowed him to urge cases forward. The Ministry of Justice had its procedures—the Minister and Vice Ministers would review cases, and then submit them to him for approval. Unless specifically assigned, like in the Wen Lu case, he didn’t have the right to personally preside over trials.
“Hong Zan holds considerable power. When the Emperor first ascended the throne, he took command of the Grand Secretariat. Since he reported this case to the Emperor, naturally he would take charge of it.”
In that case, weren’t they just waiting for disaster? She leaned against the kang table, silently weeping, “It’s my fault. I always disagreed with him going to the Ministry of Justice to strike the drum. If he had gone when we first returned to Beijing, the case would be in your hands by now, and we wouldn’t need to worry about him falling victim to plots.”
She couldn’t bear the thought of Ru Jian suffering fifty strokes of the bamboo. She had planned to wait until Ji Lan Tai confessed before letting him come forward, but who knew that this delay would give Hong Zan an opportunity? He could only continue to console her, “All right, my dear, I won’t stand idly by. Tomorrow at dawn, I’ll go out to make inquiries. I don’t care about saving face anymore—as long as Ru Jian accuses Hong Zan, I’ll gather the case to myself. You can rest assured.”
She looked at him tearfully, her eyes red and swollen from crying, “Really? You’ll do your utmost to help Ru Jian and ensure he doesn’t get hurt, right?”
He wiped her tears and nodded, “Yes. You only have one brother left, and I only have this one brother-in-law. My heart feels the same as yours. Since you’ve married me, you should be happy every day. Seeing you like this, how can I feel good? Your sibling bond is indeed deep, but you must also take care of yourself. I expect that resolving the case quickly won’t be easy—we’re in for a protracted struggle.”
She understood everything he said. This kind of case couldn’t be rushed. They could only wait and take it one step at a time.
The night passed uneasily. They lay down fully clothed until the fifth watch. When daylight began to appear, he got up to wash, hurriedly gave a few instructions, and went out.
It was the first day of the New Year. Many government offices were closed, and she didn’t know if the case would be heard today. Ding Yi sat at home as if on pins and needles. Now she couldn’t easily go out in public. In the past, she could have made inquiries everywhere, but now she could only wait for his news.
Stretching her neck in anticipation, what arrived was not a scout but Hai Lan.
She entered and curtseyed, but before she could speak, she was already wiping away tears, apparently having received the news. Ding Yi quickly helped her to sit on the kang bed. Seeing her suddenly made Ding Yi feel very guilty towards her. Ru Jian owed her so much and hadn’t yet had the chance to make it up to her, yet now she was burdened with worry alongside them. She helped Hai Lan wipe her tears and forced herself to appear spirited as she asked, “Sister-in-law, why have you come?”
Hai Lan said tearfully, “This morning, someone came to pay New Year greetings, coincidentally someone who works at the Imperial Guard Office. They mentioned arresting someone in Wine and Vinegar Bureau Alley on New Year’s Eve, and I knew something was wrong. Later, I sent servants to investigate, and it was indeed him, so I hurried over. Coming empty-handed on the first day of the New Year, it’s truly…” She got down from the kang bed and curtseyed again, “Let me wish the Fu Jin a happy New Year!”
Ding Yi quickly supported her, “This is unnecessary. Not only have I not yet left home after marriage, but even if I had, I would still be your younger sister-in-law. According to family etiquette, there’s no reason for a sister-in-law to pay respects to a younger sister-in-law. Please sit down; it’s easier to talk sitting.”
Hai Lan responded with an “Ai” and forced a smile, “Aren’t I just like you right now? One foot inside the door, one foot outside. Calling you sister-in-law, I feel unworthy.”
A maid brought tea and refreshments. Ding Yi offered them to her, “You and my third brother are engaged, which makes you my rightful sister-in-law. How could you be unworthy? And please don’t call me Fu Jin. Only the servants playfully use that title. If you follow them, I’ll be truly embarrassed. You can call me Ding Yi or Little Jujube. We’re family; don’t stand on ceremony.”
Hai Lan responded obediently, then asked with a choked voice, “Where is Ru Jian now? I heard he’s not at the Imperial Guard Office. Has he been sent to the Ministry of Justice prison?”
Ding Yi nodded affirmatively, “Yes. Don’t worry, our master has gone to make inquiries. As long as he can reach him, Third Brother won’t be in any danger.”
Hai Lan gradually stopped crying, her expression becoming calmer. She said softly, “The Twelfth Master is a prince, such a noble person with important court duties. As long as he intervenes, I’m at ease. I just feel anxious—in that place, they always start with harsh treatment to break one’s spirit. He has experienced so many hardships abroad, yet upon returning, he still can’t escape this ordeal. How can one’s heart be at peace? You and the prince have reached the stage of discussing marriage, so please remind him about this matter. I’m helpless, just a woman with no means to appeal. This morning, I told my father everything, including my relationship with Ru Jian. At this point, there’s no use hiding anymore. More people interceding means more hope.”
Her determination earned Ding Yi’s admiration, “True feelings are seen in times of crisis. Sister-in-law’s devotion to my Third Brother, I thank you on his behalf. What is Lord Suo’s view on this?”
Hai Lan looked a bit embarrassed, “He inevitably scolded me severely and wanted to lock me up, forbidding me from getting involved in this matter. I brazenly said I was already his person. My father has only one daughter, so he had no choice but to accept it. He’s now out seeking connections, saying that once we find out where he’s being held, we can exert our efforts.”
Ding Yi felt very uncomfortable, stammering, “During this festive season, to cause Lord Suo much trouble…”
“You and the prince are also burdened—one worrying constantly, the other running around… I think once we get past this hurdle, things should improve. I just reunited with him and don’t want any more complications. I hope we can have some peaceful days together and grow old side by side. When I saw him that day, thinking about all those years of suffering outside, yet he wasn’t broken—he’s been through so much. I truly feel for him from the bottom of my heart. Today when I heard he was in trouble, I was completely flustered. Although he told me early on that he wanted to clear his father’s name, I never imagined that he would be so suddenly arrested.”
Ding Yi lowered her head and sighed, “I hadn’t anticipated it either, that they would strike at this time. The Twelfth Master wasn’t around then, and I just watched helplessly as he was taken away, feeling unspeakably distressed. At this point, Sister-in-law, don’t cry. Calm yourself. If there’s any news, the prince will send word to us.”
Hai Lan nodded, and the two women sat foolishly waiting for news. Before long, Sha Tong rushed in from outside, bowing as he reported, “Fu Jin, the master is now at the Ministry of Justice great hall. They are about to open court to question the Young Master’s crimes. The master asks you to be at ease. He will be observing and will certainly argue logically, not allowing them to harm your brother. The master instructs you to eat on time and not to go hungry. If you’re just waiting, he won’t send news back.”
Ding Yi looked awkwardly at Hai Lan, “This man is…”
Hai Lan smiled, “The prince truly cares for you, which is a good thing.”
Ding Yi turned and said, “Tong Zi, keep a close watch for me. Whether it’s good news or bad news, don’t hide anything from me.”
Sha Tong answered affirmatively and rushed out.
Another long wait followed. It was nearly the hour of You when Hong Ce returned. There was no gloom on his face as he entered. Ding Yi and Hai Lan exchanged glances, their hearts settling, figuring that for now there was no major problem.
He looked up and said, “Oh, this must be the Third Sister-in-law?”
Hai Lan quickly curtseyed and paid her respects, “Prince, happy New Year. You’ve taken much trouble.”
He responded cordially, “We’re family; there’s no need for such formality. Third Sister-in-law, please sit. Ding Yi, you sit too. The Ministry of Justice has adjourned the court. I went to the palace, and tomorrow they’ll hear Ji Lan Tai’s case. Third Brother underwent questioning today, but witness testimony and physical evidence weren’t used. The son of a second-rank official who became a fugitive would be an imperial guard—from childhood, he studied in the Upper Study alongside imperial princes, and later trained at the archery grounds. He mingled too closely with the various princes and would be recognized instantly. The court was about to pass judgment—desertion is a capital offense, and they almost made a decision. Hong Zan was very eager; he advocated execution while I advocated leniency. Fortunately, the Thirteenth Master stepped in to mediate, taking the case to the palace for the Emperor’s decision, so it was a narrow escape. The person is now back in the Ministry of Justice prison. I’ve passed down orders for strict supervision and have also deployed additional men both inside and outside. His life is certainly not in danger.”
The two women listened with bated breath, then finally let out long sighs of relief. As long as he could live, suffering some hardship wasn’t a big deal. Seeing that it was getting late, Hai Lan rose to take her leave. The servants brought dinner, and at the table, Hong Ce appeared preoccupied. Ding Yi cautiously asked, “What’s wrong? Is something not going well?”
He frowned, clenching his teeth, “Ji Lan Tai’s lips are sealed tight. Even now, he refuses to implicate Hong Zan. Today I had all his family members detained to put pressure on him, to let him know that even if Hong Zan spares his entire family, I won’t let him off easily. Right now, to deal with such a person, we must use underhanded tactics, but whether it will work or not… we’ll see tomorrow!”
After hearing this, her expression darkened. She put down her chopsticks, having lost her appetite completely.