To speak of Pei Jue, one must trace back another generation.

It turned out that Pei Shaohuai’s great-grandfather had two sons — the elder, Pei Pu, and the younger, Pei Jue — both born of the same mother, both legitimate heirs. Yet there was only one title of Jingchuan Earl to be had.

After the great-grandfather passed, Pei Pu inherited the title and became the master of the Earl’s residence.

Pei Jue had no choice but to apply himself diligently to his studies, burning his bridges behind him, carving out a future for himself by his own efforts. Once the mourning period ended, Pei Jue sat for the spring imperial examinations and earned the rank of tribute scholar, then participated in the palace examination, placing tenth — just barely securing a spot in the second tier of graduates. That same year, the Emperor issued a decree granting him an official post as the magistrate of Wenjiang County in Chengdu Prefecture, a position of the seventh rank.

Wenjiang County lay far from the capital, a great distance over mountains and roads, and there was no telling when he might return. After the brothers deliberated, they agreed that “separating into distinct households” was the wisest course — their fields and properties were converted into portable valuables, divided equally between them.

When the time came, Pei Jue took his wife and children and departed for Wenjiang County to take up his post.

Because of the great distance between the two places — months of travel each way — over the following twenty-odd years, the two families maintained some contact, though not much. Mostly it was letters exchanging news of safety and health.

After arriving in Wenjiang County, Pei Jue did not grow idle. He was disciplined and devoted to his duties, upright and incorruptible, and he achieved many notable accomplishments, earning himself a fine reputation. He steadily rose until he became the prefect of Chengdu Prefecture, a position of the fourth rank.

Ten years ago, Chengdu Prefecture suffered a great flood. Pei Jue rendered distinguished service in managing the floodwaters, and the Emperor summoned him back to the capital. From that point on, his official career soared without interruption. He was first appointed as the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, a third-rank position — and during his tenure there, he gained the Emperor’s trust and was taken into his inner circle. He was then transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, where he now served as its Minister.

He was, without question, a man of great favor in the Emperor’s presence.

With such a father, and with such a disciplined family tradition, how could wayward sons emerge? Pei Jue had also fathered two fine sons — his elder, Pei Bingsheng, and his younger, Pei Bingming. One had graduated as a second-tier jinshi, the other as a third-tier. Having earned their degrees and with a father of such influence to support them, their futures undoubtedly appeared bright and promising.

And so, in the capital these days, when people spoke of the Pei family, the first name that came to mind was that of the Ministry of Personnel’s Minister Pei — a household boasting three men of distinction — rather than the hereditary noble house, the Jingchuan Earl’s residence.

Younger officials might not even know that these two households had, several decades ago, been one and the same family.

……

Pei Shaohuai reflected quietly: the elder brother had inherited the earldom while the younger was forced to leave his homeland far behind. To expect the younger to harbor no resentment whatsoever, to accept his lot without complaint — that would be asking too much of human nature. Add to that over twenty years spent apart, year after year without seeing one another, and with the family’s elders now departed, whatever brotherly affection remained had likely been worn away slowly, like stone ground down by water.

And so, when Pei Jue returned to his ancestral home and took up an official post in the capital, for the Jingchuan Earl’s residence to hope to rekindle that bond of brotherhood — how could that be easy?

The estrangement had long since taken root.

Such matters could not simply be judged as one party being right and the other wrong. At least from Pei Shaohuai’s perspective, this granduncle of his, and the story of his rise through the ranks — that was something worthy of study and reflection.

Only those who burn their bridges yet plan carefully ahead will be positioned to seize opportunity when it arises.

……

As Pei Shaohuai looked on, the guests inside the residence had already taken their seats. The Old Madam urged gently: “Old man, why not carry Huai Ge’er inside first? Leave someone here to keep watch — we don’t want people saying we’ve been neglectful hosts.”

Pei Bingyuan also said: “Father, please go in. I’ll wait here.”

“Wait half a quarter-hour more.” The old man’s eyes were somewhat clouded, and he spoke quietly: “After all, we are brothers of one blood. They would not go so far as to deny us even the slightest face — surely at least one person will come.”

The Old Madam sighed helplessly, murmuring: “Even if they do come, what good does it serve? It would only add a moment of brightness to the occasion.”

Just as she spoke, several carriages appeared in the distance, drawing slowly closer.

The carriages came to a stop. The curtain of the lead carriage was drawn aside, and an elderly woman descended slowly, accompanied by a boy of about ten years of age.

The old woman was somewhat thin, her complexion slightly dark, and she appeared considerably older than the Old Madam of the Pei household. As she helped others step down from the carriage, she spoke cheerfully: “Elder Brother-in-law, Elder Sister-in-law, on such a joyous occasion as this, I am the one who caused the delay — arriving late like this, I ought to be punished, I really should.” She was none other than the wife of Minister Pei, Lady Wang — the Second Old Madam.

The boy stepped forward and bowed in greeting: “My respects to Great-grandfather and Great-grandmother. Congratulations to Great-uncle on the birth of his precious son.” He was Minister Pei’s second grandson, Pei Shaoyu — by generation, Pei Shaohuai’s cousin.

The remaining carriages brought a number of female relatives.

Though there were more than ten of them altogether, among the male members, there was only that one boy of ten — Pei Shaoyu.

After paying his respects, Pei Shaoyu’s eyes darted about, looking here and there, until his gaze finally settled on Ying Jie’er. He could not help but exclaim admiringly: “Great-uncle’s family has actually produced such a beautiful little sister.”

No one around noticed what he said, as everyone was caught up in pleasantries — only the sharp-eared Pei Shaohuai caught his words.

“It’s good you came, it’s good you came.” The Old Master scanned the arrivals, searching for his younger brother, and asked: “And Second Brother? …Ah, ah, of course — palace affairs must be pressing… duty comes first, duty comes first.”

“He had every intention of coming — he was already about to board the carriage — when he was summoned into the palace… And so, having kept the family waiting, and then in the end not being able to come at all, it truly was improper.” The Second Old Madam explained.

A convenient excuse, nothing more.

“And Bingsheng and Bingming — the two brothers — where are they?” The Old Master asked again.

The Second Old Madam maintained her smile throughout and explained: “The two of them have only recently taken up their posts, and they are both quite occupied.” Another excuse.

The Old Master patted Pei Shaoyu’s head beside him and said admiringly: “How quickly time passes — Shaoyu has grown this tall already… And Shaoye? Why don’t I see Shaoye coming to visit?”

Pei Shaoye was Minister Pei’s eldest grandson.

A middle-aged woman stepped forward — this was Pei Bingsheng’s wife, Lady Yuan. She smiled pleasantly and explained: “In reply to Great-uncle — that rascal has turned himself into something like a sheltered young maiden these days, staying in his study day in and day out, not setting foot outside even for a moment. No matter who calls for him, he refuses to come out. He has set his mind entirely on his studies, preparing for the autumn examinations next year.”

Lady Yuan then came before Lin Shi, took her hands, and said admiringly: “This must be the young sister-in-law — truly graceful and distinguished, what an elegant hairstyle, what a refined and tasteful gown.”

She then pinched Huai Ge’er’s cheek and said: “Huai Ge’er’s fine and upright little face looks exactly like his mother’s.”

Upon hearing these words, Lin Shi’s expression darkened somewhat, yet she could not allow it to show before so many people. She could only use the pretense of ushering everyone into the residence to mask her feelings.

The expressions of the Old Madam and Pei Bingyuan were equally unflattering.

Minister Pei’s household now had grandchildren already preparing for the autumn examinations. Yet Pei Bingyuan, the eldest uncle by seniority, was still only a xiucai.

……

……

After the midday banquet, many of the guests had already taken their leave. The women of Minister Pei’s household also departed in due course.

Lin Shi carried Huai Ge’er back to her chambers, settled him onto the sitting couch, and could no longer suppress her emotions. She leaned against the side of the bed and wept softly.

Pei Bingyuan saw this, and followed closely inside.

This reserved and restrained man also had his moments of tenderness. He sat beside Lin Shi and drew his wife into his arms, letting her rest her head upon his shoulder and cry. He spoke softly to comfort her: “On such a joyous day as our Huai Ge’er’s birthday celebration, why has my wife gone and cried in secret? Come now, wipe away your tears — don’t let Huai Ge’er see and feel sad along with you.”

Lin Shi, seeing that her husband could be so thoughtful and attentive, felt much better in her heart. As she dabbed away the teardrops with her handkerchief, she reproached herself: “It’s all my fault — it’s because of me that outsiders spoke in such veiled and pointed ways, humiliating Yuan’er and Huai Ge’er and looking down upon the Earl’s residence.”

“I thought it was something of real consequence, but what does any of that have to do with you?” Pei Bingyuan comforted Lin Shi and said: “Ice three feet thick does not form in a single day. We and that household have long since grown apart. These are entanglements from the older generation — do not lay the blame upon yourself.”

Pei Bingyuan let out a sigh, then added: “I had long advised Father that we should each live our own lives and leave it at that. But as Father has grown older, he has increasingly looked back on the past and wished to recover some fragment of the brotherhood he once shared — that is understandable enough… Since Father feels this way, we younger ones simply need to fulfill his wish and endure it.”

Pei Shaohuai understood this reasoning perfectly well, and yet he still found that Lady Yuan’s sarcastic insinuations had been truly disagreeable.

The contrast between the Jingchuan Earl and the Minister of Personnel served once again as a reminder to Pei Shaohuai — if he wished to live with dignity, to have a future, to restore the family’s standing, he must venture forth and fight on the path of the imperial examinations, giving it everything he had.

And his little brother — they must remain close and harmonious. Otherwise it would go the way of the Jingchuan Earl and Minister Pei, and that would not do at all.

……

“Wipe away your tears, and take Huai’er out. There are still many things to prepare for the first-birthday ceremony in a little while.” Pei Bingyuan said.

“Mm, mm.”

……

……

In the main hall, a thick red carpet had been spread across the floor, upon which an array of small objects was arranged in concentric circles, each carrying its own symbolic meaning. In the innermost circle were placed books, brush and ink, a seal, and a ruyi scepter. Moving outward were items such as a ruler, scissors, a small wooden sword, and a stalk of green onion. In the outermost ring, farthest away, were things like gold ingots, an abacus, steamed buns, and a steelyard.

The Old Master and Old Madam’s intentions were unmistakable — they wanted their eldest grandson to reach for something connected to scholarship and officialdom.

Huai Ge’er was placed at the center of the carpet. The family gathered around him in a circle, smiling warmly, all waiting to see what he would choose, each offering playful guesses about what he might reach for.

His father said brightly: “This little rascal loves books — he’s already carried off quite a few from my study. Father, Mother, I predict Huai Ge’er will go for the book.”

Lin Shi chimed in from the side: “All those books are hidden away in his little chest. He flips through them every day — at such a young age, he acts as though he can actually read them.”

The Old Madam said: “Huai Ge’er’s forehead is so smooth and bright — he is surely destined to be an official. I predict Huai Ge’er will take the seal.”

The Old Master smiled along cheerfully: “Huai Ge’er is clever — whatever he chooses will be a good sign.”

Sitting at the center of the carpet, Pei Shaohuai was startled — his forehead smooth and bright? Alarmed, he quickly raised his little hand and felt his forehead, thinking to himself: My dear grandmother, surely you cannot be claiming I look like an official-to-be by calling me a little bald-head.

Pei Shaohuai thought for a moment, then crawled forward and, in perfectly appropriate fashion, picked up the book and the writing brush.

This choice, though entirely within everyone’s expectations, brought great delight to those around him. Every face wore an expression of deep satisfaction.

Nanny Zhou seized the moment to offer her congratulations to the Old Madam: “Young Master Huai has chosen the book and the writing brush — our Earl’s residence is going to produce a Zhuangyuan Lang!”

The Old Madam was overjoyed, and with a wave of her hand, she declared: “Pass the word — everyone is to be rewarded with half a month’s wages.”

And so the first-birthday ceremony came at last to its conclusion.

……

Yet within the Earl’s residence, there was another young grandson — Pei Shaojin, born only seven days after Pei Shaohuai.

On the morning of that same day, when the family paid their respects, the Old Madam asked Concubine Shen her thoughts.

Concubine Shen replied: “This servant understands that the Old Matriarch cherishes her grandsons and keeps them always in her thoughts. However, just a few days ago, the relatives and friends had the occasion to see Jin Ge’er as well. Why trouble everyone to make another trip? As this servant sees it, on that day, we could simply share a joyful meal here in the residence with the family, take Jin Ge’er to pay respects at the ancestral hall, and that would be perfectly fine — no need to go to any further trouble and expense.”

The Old Madam praised Concubine Shen for her sense of propriety and said: “Then let it be done as you suggest.”

She then produced a small gold lock and fastened it around Jin Ge’er’s neck: “I had two made — identical to the one his elder brother wears.”

“This servant thanks the Old Matriarch for the gift.”

Concubine Shen was a clever woman. She understood that when the Old Madam asked her opinion, it did not mean she genuinely intended to hold a grand first-birthday celebration for Jin Ge’er. Had that been her true intention, preparations would already have been made — why would she first consult her? And so Concubine Shen naturally and willingly acceded to the Old Madam’s implied wishes.

Concubine Shen understood clearly that even if she fought for it, it was not something she could obtain. Lin Shi, the First Madam, was of merchant birth, yet she at least had her own family behind her, and her family had a business of its own. But she herself — a maidservant who had been sold to the Ning family and accompanied her mistress as part of the wedding trousseau — received no real affection from her husband. She did not even have the most basic of footholds. Why put herself through the trouble of fighting?

Were she to fight and fail, she would only bring herself needless grief.

Raising her son and daughter well — that was what mattered most.

On the day of Pei Shaojin’s first-birthday ceremony, he also performed admirably during the object-grasping ritual, going straight for the seal and refusing to let go, even holding it up to show everyone present.

All in all, the two young boys of the Earl’s residence — one quick-witted, the other focused and tenacious — each possessed their own admirable qualities.

……

……

In the early spring of the first and second months, the seasons rolled on into the third and fourth months. By the fifth month, the vegetation was lush and verdant, and the days were growing gradually warmer.

It was nearly time for Pei Ruolian’s coming-of-age ceremony.

When Pei Shaohuai thought of this elder sister of his, his first impression was — mature beyond her years, sensitive by nature.

Perhaps it was because her birth mother had passed away early, and her father paid little attention to the affairs of the inner household. A girl with such a sensitive heart had gradually grown into this kind of disposition.

She could easily have found a pretext to stop visiting Lin Shi’s courtyard to pay her morning respects, yet she came every few days without fail. She was also very affectionate toward Huai Ge’er when she saw him, and when she had the time, she would bring Ying Jie’er along and teach her some simple needlework.

No one could find a single fault with her.

Pei Ruolian was already well-versed in reading, writing, and keeping accounts and doing sums. Ever since she had learned the previous year that she was to be married into the Xu family — a household of scholars — she had applied herself with even greater diligence. She had practiced her small regular-script calligraphy until it had developed a genuine elegance and rhythm.

Even little Pei Shaohuai could not help but offer her a few words of sincere praise.

……

One day, with the whole family present, the Old Madam suddenly said to Lin Shi: “You have been part of the Pei household for some years now — it is time for you to learn how to manage the affairs of the residence.”

Lin Shi was somewhat taken aback by this unexpected favor. For the past several years, it was not that she had been unwilling to assist in managing the Earl’s residence — it was that the Old Madam had kept the entire household firmly in her own hands, never giving her so much as a sliver of opportunity.

She replied: “I will follow whatever Mother instructs.”

“Good that you’re willing to learn.” The Old Madam said.

After a brief pause, the Old Madam then revealed her true purpose, saying: “On the ninth day of next month, Lian Jie’er’s coming-of-age ceremony is to take place. You shall use this as practice — all the arrangements are to be managed by you… Just go ahead and prepare boldly. I will be watching over things from behind.”

The coming-of-age ceremony of the Earl’s residence’s eldest legitimate granddaughter was no small matter. And yet the Old Madam was using it as a training exercise for Lin Shi — anyone could hear that there was a deeper meaning behind this.

Pei Shaohuai, sitting to one side, was also turning things over in his mind —

In early spring, the Jingchuan Earl’s residence had spent lavishly on the eldest legitimate grandson’s first-birthday ceremony, hosting many noble and aristocratic households from across the capital at considerable expense. Over the following months, the several taverns and wine shops under the Earl’s residence’s ownership had seen poor business, and the costs of the first-birthday celebration had yet to be recouped.

Where then would the silver come from to hold a grand coming-of-age ceremony?

In asking Lin Shi to take charge of the arrangements, the Old Madam was doing nothing more than asking Lin Shi to provide the money. As for how much she spent and what kind of ceremony she put on, that would depend entirely on how Lin Shi chose to fulfill her role as stepmother.

The Old Madam watched Lin Shi, waiting for her answer.

Lin Shi did not deliberate for long. She accepted the task and said: “Your daughter-in-law will do her utmost to manage the arrangements — I only ask that Mother offer guidance along the way.” If she gave nothing, how could she expect to gain anything — that was her thinking.

The Old Madam nodded in satisfaction.

……

Lin Shi carried Huai Ge’er back to Zhaolu Courtyard, and had barely sat down for a cup of tea to gather her thoughts when Nanny Shen followed closely behind, shut the door, and began urging her in an anxious, lowered voice: “First Madam, what were you thinking, accepting such an assignment? If so much as half a thing goes wrong at the ceremony, won’t people talk about you, the stepmother, and find fault?”

This was a thankless task, all effort and no reward.