After leaving the city, Zhao Hanzhang said to Zhao Erlang and Beigong Tuanyuan, “You two wanted to spar, didn’t you? Go ahead then.”
As soon as Zhao Erlang heard this, he immediately turned back to grab his spear, tossing one to Beigong Tuanyuan. “Let’s go!”
Beigong Tuanyuan saluted Zhao Hanzhang from atop her horse before spurring her mount to chase after Zhao Erlang.
Seeing the two playfully racing ahead to the very front, Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t help but smile. She glanced back at Zhao Cai.
Zhao Cai immediately led a squad of personal guards to follow them.
The two chased each other to the banks of the Luo River, where there was an open area. By the roadside stood a simple food stall that offered free hot water and sold steamed buns and noodles. It consisted of just a few poles supporting thatched grass above, merely providing shelter from the rain.
To the side and rear of the food stall was a large open space. Zhao Erlang was very familiar with this place. Gripping his spear, he rode ahead to the riverbank, reined in his horse, and turned to face the approaching Beigong Tuanyuan.
“We’ll fight here!”
Beigong Tuanyuan surveyed the area and found it spacious and open. The Luo River was beside them, and following it downstream was more wasteland. She immediately agreed, “Good!”
Her spear lifted slightly as she stared intently at him. “My spear techniques were passed down from my father. I heard from him that you couldn’t last ten moves against him.”
Zhao Erlang replied, “That was in the past. I’m stronger now, and my skills have improved.”
“Then let me test you on behalf of my father.”
Zhao Erlang’s eyes also gleamed with excitement. When Beigong Tuanyuan charged at him, he kicked his horse’s belly and instead of retreating, advanced. They clashed in an instant, passing each other, then skillfully turned their horses around…
The people who had been sitting at the food stall all stood up and rushed down to watch. “Good spear technique! These are mounted combat skills. With such abilities, they should serve the country in the military. Why are they fighting here?”
“This isn’t fighting, it’s sparring.”
“Someone’s coming…”
Zhao Cai and his men caught up. To prevent harm to the common people, they formed a line separating the crowd, though they didn’t drive them away, allowing them to watch from the side.
Zhao Erlang and Beigong Tuanyuan fought evenly matched. Zhao Hanzhang and the others also arrived, stopping to watch from a more spacious area on the other side.
The Empress Dowager and Lady Beigong stood together on tiptoes, watching. Seeing the spears repeatedly thrust toward the children, narrowly avoiding them each time, they couldn’t help but cry out in alarm.
Xie Xiangrong and the Xie father and mother stood a few steps behind, but they could still see clearly. Watching Beigong Tuanyuan on horseback, swift as a shooting star, open and lively, a flash of envy passed through her eyes.
She glanced again at Zhao Erlang across from her, his eyes bright and shining, and Xie Xiangrong knew in her heart that this marriage proposal would not succeed.
She withdrew her gaze and turned her head to look at the Emperor, a strange light flashing in her eyes.
Zhao Hanzhang was very sensitive to people’s gazes. Almost the third second that Xie Xiangrong’s eyes fell on her, she turned to look at her.
Their eyes met, and Zhao Hanzhang smiled warmly, looking at her with gentle and inclusive eyes.
Xie Xiangrong’s heart felt both bitter and sweet. These conflicting emotions made her heart ache, and tears involuntarily welled up in her eyes.
She made up her mind at once.
Zhao Hanzhang only looked at Xie Xiangrong briefly before continuing to watch the two by the river.
This time, neither Beigong Tuanyuan nor Zhao Erlang was willing to stop easily. They were determined to decide a winner.
After all, Zhao Erlang had more experience in battlefield combat than Beigong Tuanyuan. In the next charge, he thrust his spear faster than her, stabbing toward her right shoulder with a whoosh, piercing into her clothes and pulling hard. He then swung back and slashed diagonally. Beigong Tuanyuan couldn’t block the first move, and when she tried to counter with mutual destruction on the second, she was a step too slow. The spear stopped just in front of her neck.
Beigong Tuanyuan lifted her chin and looked down at the spear pointed at her neck. “You win.”
Only then did Zhao Erlang withdraw his spear and say proudly, “How about that? I’m not worse than you, am I? That move just now was also taught to me by General Beigong.”
The Empress Dowager, who had been watching, couldn’t help but grip Lady Beigong’s hand tightly when Zhao Erlang struck Beigong Tuanyuan. With her sharp eyes, she now saw that Beigong Tuanyuan’s clothes were stained with blood. She cried out in alarm and, supported by Qinggu and Lady Beigong, rushed down.
She charged in front of Zhao Erlang’s horse and angrily shouted, “You brat, get down here!”
Zhao Erlang looked confused as he dismounted. “Mother, what’s wrong?”
The Empress Dowager grabbed his ear and twisted it half a circle, angrily saying, “You actually struck for real! Blades and spears have no eyes—don’t you understand the concept of stopping at the right moment? Look what you did to Lady Beigong!”
Zhao Erlang protested his innocence, “I already stopped at the right moment! The first spear should have pierced her right neck, and the second should have pierced straight into her neck. I already redirected them.”
Beigong Tuanyuan also explained on his behalf, “Responding to the Empress Dowager, the Prince of Qin has already shown courtesy. If this were on the battlefield, I would have long since lost.”
Zhao Erlang nodded repeatedly.
Seeing him so obtuse, the Empress Dowager applied more pressure with her hand and inwardly raged: Fortunately Sanniang became emperor, otherwise how would he ever find a match? Who would want to marry such a blockhead?
Zhao Hanzhang also thought he was a blockhead, but she didn’t join in the beating nor did she intervene. Instead, she looked toward the uneasy Xie family of three.
Lai Qing, being perceptive, immediately stepped forward to bring the three before Zhao Hanzhang.
Actually, when he saw the Prince of Qin and Beigong Tuanyuan fighting evenly matched, Father Xie had already abandoned his hopes.
After seeing the Empress Dowager care so much for Beigong Tuanyuan, Mother Xie’s heart also grew cold. Their family had no power or influence and could only rely on Xie Shi. What did Xie Xiangrong have to compete with Beigong Tuanyuan?
After exchanging pleasantries with Father Xie, Zhao Hanzhang got straight to the point. “I heard from Xie Shi that Xie Xiangrong possesses considerable literary talent. The court is currently in great need of capable people, so I wish to invite Lady Xie to serve as an official.”
Before Xie Xiangrong could speak, Father Xie refused on her behalf, saying that Xie Shi had exaggerated, and that her talent and virtue were not yet sufficient for public service.
Mother Xie nodded repeatedly beside him, interjecting, “Her father has studied for many years and is far more capable than she is.”
Zhao Hanzhang said, “I would like to hear Lady Xie’s own thoughts.”
If it had been before, Xie Xiangrong would certainly have chosen a gentler approach and wouldn’t have defied her parents’ wishes so publicly. But Beigong Tuanyuan’s free-spirited and carefree manner seemed to ignite the spark that had been harbored in her heart, no longer suppressed.
She looked up at Zhao Hanzhang, then respectfully cupped her hands in salute. “This subject is willing to serve Your Majesty.”
Zhao Hanzhang felt pleased, her eyes carrying a smile as she said, “Tomorrow you may report to the Imperial Academy.”
Father Xie and Mother Xie were stunned and hurried to refuse. Zhao Hanzhang’s gaze swept over them, and they suddenly felt a chill throughout their bodies, as if a great mountain pressed upon their shoulders, unable to move, naturally not daring to refuse further.
Xie Xiangrong lowered her eyes. She knew this trouble was hers to resolve, and she could resolve it—it would just damage her reputation somewhat. But compared to freedom, the lost reputation was truly insignificant.
Before, she feared that if Father Xie and Mother Xie spread word of her unfilial conduct, her future would be completely ruined. But now the Emperor had already given her a way out, so she was no longer so afraid or worried.
Only then did Zhao Hanzhang go down to check on Beigong Tuanyuan.
As soon as the Emperor left, Father Xie and Mother Xie pulled Xie Xiangrong aside to scold her. “When Her Majesty wanted to grant you an official position, why didn’t you refuse? You’re a woman and should prioritize chastity and quietness…”
Before Xie Xiangrong could object, a bystander who had been watching couldn’t help but interject, “Sister-in-law, that’s not right to say. Does being an official mean one cannot be chaste and quiet? Her Majesty is the Emperor herself.”
Mother Xie said, “How can she be compared to Her Majesty? Her Majesty is like a deity. She’s just a girl who’s roughly read a few books, not worth two of her father’s fingers. Even if someone should become an official, it should be her father…”
“I don’t like hearing that. Nothing in this world can escape Her Majesty’s notice. Since Her Majesty didn’t appoint her father, it means her father’s abilities for office don’t match hers.”
“Exactly, exactly.”
The common people present were all devoted followers of Zhao Hanzhang and didn’t think her decisions could be wrong.
This was a post road built later, mainly leading to the water-powered mill by the Luo River.
The people of Luoyang and the surrounding areas mostly chose to come here to hull grain and grind flour because it was not only labor-saving but also inexpensive.
Those living nearby would come carrying loads on shoulder poles or pushing carts, family by family. Those living farther away would usually grind for an entire village at once, or several households together. They would borrow an ox cart, load their families’ grain onto it with proper markings, and send two people to do the grinding and hulling.
Next time, two different people would go, rotating like this. It was both labor-saving and time-efficient.
So everyone on this road traveled to and from the water mill.
They were also the people who saw Zhao Hanzhang and Fu Tinghan most often.
Everyone knew that not far from the water mill was a heavily guarded workshop where Imperial Consort Fu resided, and the Emperor frequently came to visit.
They didn’t recognize Zhao Erlang or Beigong Tuanyuan, but as soon as Zhao Hanzhang arrived, they recognized her. Excited, they obediently stayed to the side but couldn’t help pricking up their ears to listen to her speak.
Hearing Xie Xiangrong being personally granted an official position by the Emperor, they were extremely excited and envious.
Yet this couple still wanted to refuse!
Envious, jealous, and resentful, a woman carrying a load squeezed forward and said sourly, “Sister-in-law is so fortunate! Do you have several other children at home, so you don’t value this daughter? If so, why not give her to me? If I had such a daughter bringing such glory to the ancestors, I could laugh in my dreams.”
The surrounding people burst into laughter, teasing, “You’re really dreaming! How could anyone give away such a good daughter? This is an official position personally granted by Her Majesty. She’ll surely have an unlimited future. Who would refuse? I think they’re just saying that.”
Xie Xiangrong also looked at Father Xie and Mother Xie, asking, “Are Father and Mother just saying that?”
Father Xie said worriedly, “We still have to return to Yangxia. How can you serve as an official in Luoyang?”
Mother Xie remembered and quickly agreed, “Yes, your parents can’t bear to part with you. Besides, you’re not young anymore. It’s time to discuss marriage and start a family.”
The surrounding people now understood—this couple really wasn’t just talking casually. They truly planned to refuse their child’s entry into office.
Shocked, they all tried to persuade, “Old brother, please convince sister-in-law! In this day and age, starting a family is important, but establishing a career is also important. Why not let your daughter first enter office, then arrange marriage? Many female officials in the court are also single.”
“Not just female officials are single—male officials are single too! Isn’t this perfect? Why rush to arrange marriage now?”
“Yes, Her Majesty is also married yet still manages such a vast country. Your daughter can marry without it affecting her service.”
“Old brother, the world has become peaceful. Why do you still bind your daughter from going out? Be more open-minded and look further ahead. A daughter is also a child—you can’t let such petty prejudices about gender delay the child!”
Everyone tried to persuade them.
Father Xie and Mother Xie couldn’t get a word in edgewise, nor could they speak any words of defense. Their faces flushed bright red.
They hadn’t expected Luoyang to be even more radical than Yangxia. Did everyone here actually approve of women entering office?
Wouldn’t this bring shame to the family?
Finally, Father Xie stamped his foot. “Even if she serves as an official, it’s just to earn a few strings of salary. The family doesn’t lack that little money. We can support our child—we don’t want her to suffer this hardship.”
Xie Xiangrong immediately said, “Father, serving as an official is not a hardship, nor is it only for those few strings of salary. It’s for the people, for the country, for one’s own life aspirations.”
“When Her Majesty established schools, she said she would let all children throughout the realm attend school, regardless of gender. After entering school, they would learn to read, count, and learn how to conduct themselves, so that in the future they could live their lives well. Those capable of self-cultivation should strive to manage their families well; those capable of managing families should strive to benefit the people and govern the country. This is the fundamental purpose of studying.” Xie Xiangrong continued, “Your daughter was fortunate to be born to you and able to live without worry about food and clothing, and to learn so many skills. I believe I have completed more than half of self-cultivation. What comes next is managing the family and benefiting the people.”
She bowed gracefully. “Father, Mother, please allow your daughter to show filial piety to you as well—to earn money through my own abilities to honor you, rather than taking money from your hands to honor you.”
The bystanders were filled with envy, praising, “Brother, you have a good daughter!”
Even the woman who had been carrying the load was no longer sarcastic. She pulled at Mother Xie and said, “Sister-in-law, if you could raise such a good daughter, you must also be good. I must have misunderstood you earlier.”
Father Xie and Mother Xie, praised by everyone until they felt light as air, actually began to think their daughter’s entry into office wasn’t so bad after all.
Beigong Tuanyuan had already bandaged her shoulder. She had merely been grazed by the spear, which broke the skin. There had been that brief moment of profuse bleeding, but it had already stopped.
Once she applied medicine and was careful, she wouldn’t even have a scar.
They picked up their spears and came over. Naturally, they had seen what was happening in that corner. Hearing Xie Xiangrong’s words, Beigong Tuanyuan couldn’t help saying to Zhao Erlang, “I like this lady.”
Zhao Erlang said proudly, “This is my teacher’s aunt.”
Beigong Tuanyuan’s eyes shone brightly. “I also like what she said. It’s the first time I’ve heard such words.”
Zhao Erlang was even more proud. “That’s what my elder sister said.”
Seeing them getting along so well, the Empress Dowager quietly breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to Lady Beigong and said, “What a rollercoaster! I was so scared just now.”
Lady Beigong smiled. “The Empress Dowager need not worry. Injuries during sparring are common. When Tuanyuan is at home, her father often tests her, and she’s frequently injured. The Prince of Qin’s spear strike was actually quite light compared to what she usually receives.”
So Lady Beigong truly didn’t take it to heart.
In earlier years when she took her daughter herding, to teach her how to drive away wolves and escape when encountering them, she had her practice frequently on horseback. Falling off the horse was a regular occurrence.
She wasn’t afraid of Beigong Tuanyuan getting injured in sparring. She only feared that after marriage, she would live uncomfortably and unhappily.
Children of the grasslands were accustomed to freedom and ease. They greatly feared being confined to a small corner of the world. Now was the best era—women could become officials. Her Tuanyuan had the ability and the ambition. Why should she be confined to the inner chambers because of marriage?
The Prince of Qin could accept women continuing to serve in the military after marriage. This was truly ideal.
Lady Beigong was very satisfied with this marriage proposal.
—