Though Zhao Erlang was tall and burly, his mental maturity developed slowly. At this time, he still didn’t want to marry. He counted on his fingers, listing marriage’s drawbacks to Xie Shi. “Every day I must drill troops, listen to books, practice martial arts – these alone take three double-hours. I must also handle military affairs – another two double-hours. Every other day I must patrol once. If I marry, I’ll have to be like you, Teacher – return home before sunset every day, hold children, watch children, teach children. Otherwise my wife will fight with me like your wife does with you. I don’t want that.”

Before Xie Shi could speak, Zhao Erlang added, “Most importantly, after taking a wife, I’ll also have to spend money buying her food, clothing, and jewelry. I don’t earn enough for myself!”

Xie Shi’s heart seized. He couldn’t help slapping Zhao Erlang’s head. “Blockhead! If your money isn’t enough, haven’t you thought it’s because you don’t earn enough and spend without restraint?”

“Do you think your wife will marry you empty-handed? With your current status, the wife you marry will not only bring a large dowry – she herself will be extremely capable.” Xie Shi said, “Just eating your salary naturally isn’t enough. But if you hand over your allocated stipend fields and tax revenue to someone who knows how to manage them, the minimum return should triple. Do you know how much thirty percent of your stipend fields and tax revenue is?”

Zhao Erlang shook his head.

“I’ll forgive you for not being able to calculate it,” Xie Shi said. “I calculated it for you – approximately nine hundred thousand cash.”

Zhao Erlang’s eyes lit up instantly.

Xie Shi said, “But you can’t manage things, don’t even know how to manage stewards. Not only is your income chaotic, your spending is also chaotic. So though you shouldn’t be this poor, you still can’t even afford to buy local gifts.”

Zhao Erlang fell into thought.

Xie Shi instructed again, “Return and ask His Majesty to grant you a marriage – have her find you a clever wife.”

He paused before adding, “I will also petition His Majesty.”

Xie Shi no longer thought about separating from Zhao Erlang.

With Zhao Erlang’s character and talents, he was destined to guard borders for the Hua Kingdom and be a fierce general.

Following Zhao Erlang, though nominally a deputy, he could manage a region’s civil administration – not much different from a regional viceroy. Hadn’t he just been enfeoffed as an Earl this time?

If he continued working hard, being enfeoffed as a marquis in the future, or even elevated to Duke or National Duke, was possible.

Zhao Erlang’s military achievements would necessarily include his share.

Currently, the realm still had much territory to recover. The Emperor was young – expanding territory was inevitable. Given their sibling affection, the Emperor would surely employ Zhao Erlang.

Following him, one day he could accumulate achievements.

So Xie Shi voluntarily bound himself tightly to Zhao Erlang.

Since treating him as a true student, he as teacher naturally needed to worry about him.

As soon as Zhao Erlang left, Xie Shi began carefully composing a letter to the Emperor, mentioning Zhao Erlang’s marriage.

Wang Fuzhi brought in sweet dumplings. “These are leftovers from the Lantern Festival. Let’s finish them today.”

Xie Shi silently accepted the leftover dumplings and ate.

Wang Fuzhi tidied the desk. Her hand paused as her eyes accidentally swept over the letter. “Erlang is to have a marriage proposal?”

Xie Shi nodded. “He’s already a Commandery Prince. His rear household needs someone to manage it.”

What he mentioned to Zhao Erlang was only the financial benefits of marriage. But actually, the greatest benefit after marriage was political.

Due to Zhao Erlang’s issues, he was almost isolated politically, relying entirely on Zhao Hanzhang and Xie Shi to support a domain for him.

Zhao Hanzhang treated him as her right and left hand. Plus with Xie Shi at his side fighting for resources, no one in court dared shortchange Zhao Erlang.

Otherwise, just regarding military provisions and grain supplies alone, if the court cut them off as they once did to Chang’an, having the army be self-sufficient – not only would this great army fall into dire straits, Chang’an’s common people would also again fall into military disaster.

When the former Prince of Nanyang was still alive, to support troops he frequently allowed soldiers to plunder common people. Even after Fu Zhi took over, he had to find ways to collect grain and provisions from among the people, exhausting himself mentally and physically until he fell gravely ill and died prematurely.

Now Zhao Hanzhang was Emperor and certainly didn’t have so much energy to look after this side. As time passed, those officials in court might not remain as cautious as initially. So Zhao Erlang needed to maintain this political capital and relationships himself.

He lacked this ability. Rashly attempting it would cause more harm than good and might fall into traps. So he needed a wife – a wise wife.

She could not only manage the rear household for him but also maintain good relationships with the Emperor, the Zhao family, and court ministers on his behalf.

Of course, Xie Shi was also in this position – also an assistant.

Wang Fuzhi said, “Does my husband have a candidate in mind?”

Xie Shi said, “His Majesty will naturally select for Erlang.”

“Then you have no one. In that case…” Wang Fuzhi paused before saying, “What does my husband think of Fifth Younger Sister?”

Xie Shi was somewhat confused. “Which Fifth Younger Sister?”

Wang Fuzhi gave him a reproachful look. “What other Fifth Younger Sister could there be? Naturally it’s the Fifth Younger Sister from home – your third cousin-uncle’s Fifth Younger Sister.”

Xie Shi shuddered, then his eyes brightened slightly. After a moment, he still shook his head. “No good. Our Xie family women aren’t suitable.”

Wang Fuzhi didn’t understand. “How are they unsuitable?”

“Erlang already has me as Xie family support – there’s no need for another.” Their teacher-student relationship was already sufficiently close. It would be better to give this position to other families to pull in more support for Erlang.

Wang Fuzhi looked up at him. “Does my husband want Erlang to pursue the imperial throne?”

Xie Shi was startled and dropped his chopsticks, covering her mouth while lowering his voice. “Don’t speak nonsense! How could I have such thoughts?”

Who knew if that Yuan Li fellow had planted spies in his mansion – he mustn’t misunderstand!

Wang Fuzhi pulled his hand away. “If you have no such intention, why pull in so many forces for Erlang?”

“Naturally to protect and escort Erlang, ensuring future battles have no worries regarding provisions, reserves, and support.”

Wang Fuzhi said, “His Majesty is Erlang’s greatest backing. So he only needs a wise wife of high moral character. The more forces pulled in, the more complicated the situation becomes. Naturally, with you as teacher to block many matters for him – but with Erlang’s temperament, do you think he can manage his household?”

Xie Shi: …

Wang Fuzhi said, “If he can’t manage the rear household, can you step over him to manage his wife? Zichen, the distant cannot interfere with the intimate.”

Xie Shi fell silent and began seriously considering that Fifth Younger Sister. But his face showed anxiety. “Fifth Younger Sister… isn’t quite right. Are there other suitable unmarried young ladies in the clan? Nieces would also work.”

Wang Fuzhi smiled enigmatically. “There are, but I feel in terms of cleverness and character, none can surpass Fifth Younger Sister.”

Xie Shi thought of something and asked, “Why didn’t Fifth Younger Sister take the recruitment examination? With her abilities, passing and entering office shouldn’t be difficult.”

Wang Fuzhi’s smile faded slightly as she sighed. “Aunt wouldn’t permit it. She’s taken two more concubines for Third Cousin-Uncle and is currently arranging Fifth Younger Sister’s marriage.”

Xie Shi was surprised. “Fifth Younger Sister just listened and obeyed?”

Wang Fuzhi said, “Fifth Younger Sister has a gentle nature and doesn’t care about such things.”

“Her nature is gentle… Fine, whatever you say.” Xie Shi burned the letter on his desk and carefully began writing a new letter to Zhao Hanzhang.

“Wait – does Fifth Younger Sister know about the marriage recommendation?”

Wang Fuzhi said, “She doesn’t know. I saw your letter and thought of her by chance. I feel no one is more suitable for Erlang than Fifth Younger Sister.”

Xie Shi said, “…I thank you on Erlang’s behalf.”

Wang Fuzhi smiled faintly and said gently, “No need to thank me.”

Xie Shi then wrote a letter to Fifth Younger Sister in Yangxia.

That’s right – discussing such an important matter as marriage, he didn’t write to his third cousin-uncle or third aunt, but directly to his unmarried cousin.

But Wang Fuzhi saw no problem with this. After Xie Shi finished writing, she even picked up her brush and added two paragraphs at the end.

Only then did they send the letter.

The letter naturally couldn’t travel as fast as Zhao Erlang. As soon as he left Chang’an, he was like an unbridled wild horse, leading his twenty personal guards in a mad dash toward Luoyang.

Since Zhao Hanzhang’s ascension, the country was basically stable. Zhao Erlang no longer liked traveling with too many people. If not for needing to bring local gifts, he wouldn’t even want to bring twenty personal guards.

Soon he led ten personal guards ahead at a gallop, while the other ten fell behind escorting the cart. They followed for a while but couldn’t catch up and could only give up, their hearts aching. General, why did you abandon us again?

Zhao Erlang galloped all the way. It didn’t even take two days – just a day and a half and he reached Luoyang.

He instinctively first ran back to the Zhao residence.

The Zhao residence’s gatekeeper was stunned. Seeing Zhao Erlang standing with legs apart while shouting inside, “Mother, Mother—”

The gatekeeper immediately reacted and hurried forward. “Erlang, the Empress Dowager isn’t at home – she’s in the palace.”

Zhao Erlang froze. “Empress Dowager? Right, my mother is the Empress Dowager now.”

He turned and left, leaping onto his horse and calling out, “Let’s go – we’re entering the palace!”

The guards responded. Zhao Cai behind him reminded, “Master, we can’t gallop horses in the city – we must go slower.”

Though Zhao Erlang’s heart yearned to return, he still obeyed the law and quietly agreed.

Though he reduced his horse’s speed, he still quickly reached the Imperial City.

The Imperial Guards watching the Imperial City gates recognized him and were also happy, but still confiscated his sword and blade before letting him enter.

Zhao Erlang rode his horse with his men straight to the palace gates.

Today’s Imperial Guards on duty also recognized him and were equally happy, but still blocked him and called an Imperial Guard to immediately report.

While blocking him, they explained to Zhao Erlang, “General, you returned suddenly. External officials entering the palace must report in advance.”

Zhao Erlang was unhappy. “My sister and mother are both in the palace. This imperial palace is my home. Do I need to report to you to return home?”

The Imperial Guard broke out in cold sweat, hurriedly explaining, “It’s not reporting to this lowly official, but reporting to His Majesty.”

Zhao Erlang snorted. Though very angry, he didn’t lose his temper. He just stood there making threats. “I’ll wait one quarter-hour for you. If you still don’t let me in, I’ll fight my way in!”

The Imperial Guard who went to report naturally didn’t dare delay and ran toward the great hall at full speed.

Lai Qing saw him gasping for breath and was somewhat displeased, saying quietly, “Why such panic? Running is forbidden in the palace. Don’t you value your life?”

This regulation was nonsense. Did they not run when urgent military reports arrived?

So this regulation had great flexibility. The Imperial Guard wasn’t afraid of being punished for this. He said quietly, “Prince Qin is at the palace gates requesting an audience.”

He reminded, “Eunuch, Prince Qin is very angry about being stopped at the palace gates.”

Lai Qing’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected Zhao Erlang to return so quickly. The Emperor had planned to send someone to the city gates tomorrow to meet him.

Lai Qing hurried into the hall.

But at this time, Zhao Hanzhang was discussing matters with ministers and had just reached the crucial part. Everyone’s faces were very serious. Lai Qing didn’t quite dare step forward.

Ting He, who was grinding fresh ink for Zhao Hanzhang at the side, looked up at him. Lai Qing understood and carefully approached to whisper in her ear.

Ting He turned and picked up the teapot to pour tea for Zhao Hanzhang, saying quietly, “Your Majesty, Erlang has returned and been stopped at the palace gates.”

Zhao Hanzhang was slightly stunned, then greatly pleased. “You go receive him.”

Ting He smiled and agreed, then withdrew.

Lai Qing silently gritted his teeth, extremely jealous.

But he didn’t dare – neither to interrupt Zhao Hanzhang’s discussion nor to receive the possibly furious Prince Qin.

As soon as Ting He left the great hall, she brought people along, lifted her skirts, and quickly descended the stairs before running toward the palace gates.

Before she even arrived, she heard Zhao Erlang’s angry scolding voice. Ting He ran over gasping for breath and called out to stop Zhao Erlang, who was about to throw punches. “Erlang!”

Seeing Ting He, Zhao Erlang immediately withdrew his fist and stood properly, causing Zhao Cai and the others holding him back to nearly fall backward.

Zhao Erlang became obedient but still expressed his grievance. “Sister Ting He, they won’t let me go home to see Sister and Mother!”

Ting He hurried forward, waved at the Imperial Guards, and pulled Zhao Erlang along. “They’re also following rules. You have no token so naturally can’t freely enter and exit. His Majesty thought you’d arrive tomorrow and was planning to meet you at the city gates.”

Zhao Erlang felt wronged. “I missed Sister and Mother, so I made the horses run a bit faster. But isn’t this my home? Why do I need others’ permission to go home?”

Ting He smiled. “This isn’t your home. This is where the court conducts business. Your home enters through a different palace gate. His Majesty arranged your palace in Deqing Hall – enter through the West Palace Gate and it’s not far.”

Zhao Erlang suddenly understood. “I went to the wrong gate.”

“Exactly. This is Taiji Hall’s main palace gate. What place is Taiji Hall? It’s where civil and military officials attend court and His Majesty handles state affairs – like a yamen. How could it be a home?” Ting He slapped a token into his hand. “But it’s fine. From now on with this, you can also freely enter and exit the main palace gate.”

Only then did Zhao Erlang become happy. He dangled the palace token before the Imperial Guards’ eyes. Seeing them step aside, he snorted and swaggered in.

Ting He breathed a sigh of relief, nodded to the Imperial Guards, and hurried to lead Zhao Erlang to Taiji Hall.

When Zhao Erlang ascended Taiji Hall, his face showed surprise. “This place used to be broken and shabby – now it’s all repaired?”

He remembered when he came here before to scavenge things, the roof was broken and things inside were all smashed on the ground.

Ting He smiled. “After His Majesty’s ascension, most court audiences and government business occur here, so naturally it needed proper repair.”

Zhao Hanzhang had already suspended the meeting. As soon as Ting He led Zhao Erlang in, she had just stopped speaking. When the siblings saw each other, both were somewhat excited.

Zhao Erlang ran forward. “Sister!”

Zhao Ming watched as he ran past them straight to the dragon desk, his eye twitching involuntarily.

Zhao Hanzhang was also excited. She rose and compared their heights, then vigorously patted his shoulder. “Good lad, you’ve grown taller again!”

—