No one in the prefectural offices paid the slightest attention to Magistrate Guan’s feelings — just as previously, no one had paid much attention to Magistrate Zhù’s emotions. Prefecture was above county; from below to above, the lower had never had much recourse against the upper. Who would have thought Zhù Ying could be promoted to prefect on the spot? Such a situation was exceedingly rare. The prefectural staff, including the recently departed Prefect Qiu of Yiyang Prefecture, had not anticipated this outcome at all; they were too busy with their own worries to spare a thought for Magistrate Guan.

Wasn’t being promoted from county registrar to county magistrate a good thing?

Magistrate Guan’s gut was twisted into a hundred and eighty knots. Registrar Mo, Gu Tong, Xiao Wu, and other acquaintances came over to congratulate him. Gu Tong quietly pulled him aside to spare him the embarrassment of standing frozen in the middle of the courtyard. Registrar Mo teased: “Too happy to speak?”

Magistrate Guan very much wanted to give him a small jab — to remind him that Fulu County would need a county magistrate, and a registrar shouldn’t celebrate too early — and he opened his mouth.

But then the young official who had been reading out the appointments said: “This official’s duties are all accomplished — I will take my leave.”

Zhù Ying said: “But this is too hasty.”

“I’ve already been detained for several days — I must still make my report.” Southern Prefecture was truly a miasma-ridden place. He had come in spring last time to summon Zhù Ying, and the weather had been warm, less damp than the north. Now it was hot and humid, and he had no desire to linger.

Magistrate Guan pushed his own matters aside and joined the others in echoing Zhù Ying’s response, accompanying her to see this official off. Then, cradling a somewhat subdued heart, he returned to the prefectural offices to hear Zhù Ying address them.

The way they lined up was telling: the prefectural staff stood on one side by rank, while the county officials formed a separate group on the other. “The prefecture” and “the counties below” formed two distinct clusters. Zhù Ying took it all in.

The prefectural staff were deeply uneasy. They did not know Zhù Ying personally very well, but they knew the results of the purge of Sicheng County’s staff in exhaustive detail. To call it “decisive and ruthless” would be no exaggeration. The thought of a person of that caliber coming to serve as prefect filled everyone with dread. They thought: who knows how we’re going to get into trouble.

And sure enough — during the handover those first two days, the revenue and granary clerks along with over a dozen staff had been removed immediately. And then Zhù Ying had replaced them with her own people.

The remaining staff feared the new prefect might take a dislike to someone else next and do something further.

They were not entirely unprepared. From the time the appointment was issued to the time Zhù Ying arrived, there had been a gap of several days. Under the already-departed Prefect Qiu’s leadership, during that period they had done some things. At that time Prefect Qiu himself did not yet know he was going to Yiyang Prefecture, so his preparations had mainly been about settling his own accounts — covering up the major surface issues, while the rest could be patched up gradually with him still at Southern Prefecture in a deputy capacity. Now that Prefect Qiu was gone, whatever remained was theirs to bear.

Back in the prefectural offices, the rear quarters were not yet fully cleared and moved out. Zhù Ying was already seated in the front hall summoning everyone for an address.

She had formed her plan on the road. She also knew that after the handover there would certainly still be some lingering holes, and the prefectural offices would certainly have some inherited problems. But now was different from before — governing a prefecture could not be done the way one governed a county. Establish the broad framework first; the rest could only be adjusted gradually.

The granary and revenue offices — the money purse — needed to be in her own hands first.

She said: “The rest of you — carry on as usual. There is no need for alarm.”

Everyone murmured in assent. Zhù Ying said: “None of us are strangers to one another. I won’t go through the courtesies. From today forward, let us work well together. Gu Tong.”

Gu Tong stepped forward: “Present.” Then he produced a sheet of paper and began reading aloud.

“No solicitation of bribes. No trafficking in lawsuits. No unauthorized levying of corvée. No…”

Thirteen “forbidden” items in all. Nothing was said about what would happen after — but thinking of the fate of the former granary and revenue clerks, the officials and clerks felt their scalps go cold. Inwardly frightened and furious, they silently cursed her as a “living demon king.”

Gu Tong finished reading and rolled up the paper, then stepped back behind Zhù Ying.

Zhù Ying said: “Qi Tai.”

Qi Tai stepped out stiffly and, in a flat even voice, announced: “Beginning next month, prefectural officials will receive supplementary grain and cash in addition to their stipend. Clerks will receive supplementary grain and cash in addition to their grain salary.” His official speech was good — tense, but clear. Zhù Ying, from the start, added a ten-percent wage supplement for the prefectural staff.

The officials and clerks’ hearts lifted.

Once the two rounds were done, Zhù Ying said: “From today, each of you will discharge your duties without slackening! If any person commits graft, fails the court, or oppresses the people, I will absolutely not spare them!”

The officials and clerks murmured agreement. Among the crowd of craning necks, Magistrate Guan and Registrar Mo stood out as notably composed — they were simply used to this already!

The Clerk of Merit stepped forward and asked: “What other instructions does the master have? So we can be prepared.”

Zhù Ying said: “Post notices — let the people rest. The prefectural officials will come with me to Fulu County.” She brought the Clerk of Merit and others along, leaving some experienced staff to mind the offices, planning to set out for Fulu County in three days’ time — passing through Sicheng County on the way. The prefectural party traveling with her would be eight officials, over a dozen clerks, and some runners.

Both Registrar Mo and Magistrate Guan were very anxious, wishing they could run back right now and begin preparations. The Clerk of Merit thought: just right — I’ll follow to Fulu County myself and pick up more about her preferences. It would be easier to deal with the superior that way.

Any subordinate’s greatest fear is not knowing the superior’s intentions. No amount of preparation is too much.

Zhù Ying said: “All right, that’s it for now. Director, please lead the way — let’s go take a look at the prefectural academy.”

The Clerk of Merit wanted to say: didn’t you just say there was nothing else? Why is there also a prefectural academy now?

The Academic Director was a bit flustered. Zhù Ying had personally brought students from Fulu County to sit the selection examinations here two years before, and had sent him a gift. The Academic Director said: “Yes.”

Gu Tong followed behind Zhù Ying toward the prefectural academy. Xiao Wu wanted to follow, but his cousin Ding Gui tugged at his sleeve: “Brother — don’t you need to go handle your own work?” Xiao Wu froze, and felt a pang of loss. He had grown used to hovering around Zhù Ying, and suddenly being kept from following gave him a sense of unease.

The Clerk of Merit and others also wanted to follow. Zhù Ying smiled and didn’t refuse. Today she had no particular plans for the academy — she simply wanted to express her regard for it. She told Hou Wu: “You bring people to the back and fetch the books I brought.”

With the books carried to the prefectural academy, the Academic Director hastily assembled the students. The prefectural academy had forty students, all studying the classical texts and history. There was also a medical academic doctor with a few students. Zhù Ying thought: Huajie will have work to do.

The books she had brought were all classical texts and histories; the medical texts she had found along the way had long since been given to Huajie.

The academy students already knew who the new prefect was. Those who liked such things had been surrounding the two former Fulu County classmates with questions. Zhao Zhen was very energized and had been telling his classmates for days: “Our Lord Zhù is a person who excels in everything! Her learning is excellent, her case judgments are clear, her appearance is outstanding! She cares for the widowed, the widowless, the orphaned, and the lonely; she promotes agriculture…” Zhen Qi was not one for talk, but had to admit: “She plans well for her students.” Among their former county school classmates, Zhao Su had gone to the capital, Gu Tong had become an official, and others had already made their mark in the Sicheng County case. Zhen Qi was momentarily unsure how to feel.

The prefectural academy was more respectable than Fulu County’s school — a larger area, better school buildings. The students here were the best of the four counties, coming from all of them, with the most from Nanping County where the prefectural offices were located.

Zhù Ying did not linger in the academy. She told the staff to display the books brought from the capital: “Fine words and ingratiating looks are rarely accompanied by virtue! I make no empty promises. These are the new texts of the Directorate of Education in the classics and history — apply yourselves diligently. Don’t waste your time.”

The students thought: Zhao Zhen was right after all. Blast that Zhao Zhen — he wouldn’t even let us copy out a passage of Minister Wang’s essays. And Zhen Qi has a strange temperament, impossible to approach.

A bolder student spoke up: “My lord! Might you share Minister Wang’s essays with us?”

Zhù Ying said: “Pass your monthly examination with a passing grade, and I’ll lecture you on them.”

The students erupted in cheers.

Zhù Ying pressed her hands down and they gradually quieted. She encouraged them a few more words and let them disperse. She then toured the rest of the academy, going to see where the medical doctor and students worked — a smaller area. Zhù Ying looked everything over and said: “Not bad.”

The academic directors led her to a large reception room — swept immaculately clean, tables and chairs not a speck of dust — but peeling paint and worn surfaces everywhere!

Then to the dormitories — also freshly swept and cleaned, but the beds thoroughly aged.

The directors had all heard that Zhù Ying spent quite freely on the county school.

Zhù Ying took it all in without saying a word. The directors watched expectantly. Zhù Ying said: “Not bad, not bad.”

The directors were a bit dumbfounded. One said: “The roof was leaking some time back — we asked the prefecture to allocate some funds and craftsmen to repair it. Prefect Qiu never approved it.”

Zhù Ying looked up at the ceiling and said: “Mm — understood. When we get back, tell the convict labor camp to find a few craftsmen.”

Wait — is that all?

The director couldn’t quite believe it. Zhù Ying had already moved on with her group.

She was newly arrived, surrounded by a large entourage, and had no way to personally go out and look around on her own. She checked the few key places and the Clerk of Merit observed carefully: she went to the prefectural academy, the foundling home, the market, the jail, and also took a turn around the outside of Nanping County’s offices. Counting in the warehouses and case archives she had reviewed during the handover — perhaps these were the things the new prefect cared about?

Zhù Ying returned to the prefectural offices and had everyone disperse. She then went to the rear quarters.

The rear quarters were busy.

Prefect Qiu had been living here during his acting tenure; the space was roomy, and holding court, handling affairs here was convenient too. Once Prefect Qiu left, he had taken away a great many things that had been purchased during his stay. The prefectural offices at this point, while considerably better than the county offices when she had first arrived in Fulu County, still had a few pieces of furniture that gave a reasonable impression; overall, however, there was a shortage of beds and chairs.

For these past few days, while the rear quarters were being organized, the Zhù family had still been staying at the relay station.

Coming into the rear, Zhang Xiangu was already listing complaints: “It’s all been swept clean — but still things are missing! Look at these bed boards — they’re no use whatsoever. If those few of them sleep on them, won’t they collapse?”

The prefectural offices were considerably larger than the county offices: three main rows of buildings and three wings, plus a rear garden. The front was the administrative wing; the rear two rows and two wings were living quarters. This time not only did the Zhù family have plenty of room, but Qi Tai and his daughter with one attendant girl, Gu Tong with his own manservant, and Xiao Wu all had their own separate quarters.

Ding Gui and the other three shared a small courtyard with Hou Wu, and found it quite convenient.

Zhang Xiangu said: “And Xiao Jiang — she and the others have followed such a long road here; she doesn’t know this area, and where would she find lodgings on short notice? I’ve decided — she stays here too. Look how much is missing — how much will all of this need?”

Zhù Ying said: “I know — I’ll go to Fulu County and bring back the luggage; and order some bamboo furniture as well.”

Gu Tong came in wanting to help set things up, and wanting to check on Zhù Ying’s room. One look, and he came back out: “Teacher, the furniture here really does need adding. It’s all bits and pieces, nothing matches. I’ll bring some things from home too. Let’s also go and look at the furniture shops. Bamboo alone won’t do.”

Zhù Ying said: “What’s wrong with bamboo? It’s quick to make and easy to come by. Fill the rooms first and then we’ll see. If there’s something you find comfortable, bring it for yourself. You’re the one with money — I’m not managing yours.”

Gu Tong quickly said: “Then I’ll be just like the teacher!”

Zhù Ying said: “Fine — go and get the fellows-townsmen guild hall people to come.”

She had previously set up a new rotating duty schedule for the Fulu County fellows-townsmen guild hall in the prefectural city. This year it was Gu Tong’s uncle on duty rotation. Gu Tong answered and ran off.

Zhù Ying said to Huajie and Xiao Jiang: “You two keep an eye on things. Every room must have furniture. Everyone must have a bed, a cabinet, a table, and chairs. Count up what’s needed, take measurements, and give the list to them to go and order outside. We’re new here; the fellows-townsmen guild hall has been in the prefectural city a long time — they know the area.”

Xiao Jiang, surprised as she was, agreed. She thought: so it seems I’ve stumbled into living here by accident? The way things look, they won’t be throwing me out. Will I go on working as a coroner? And what about Cuixiang back in Sicheng County — can she manage on her own? And Fulu County — what will happen without a female coroner there?

She asked: “Master, as for Fulu County’s female coroner — am I still…”

“You want to go back?”

“I — I want to train a successor for Fulu County. And I don’t know whether the prefectural offices will still want to use me.” She asked the last question very tentatively.

Zhù Ying said: “Of course. With you and Xiao Ya here, Fulu County really can’t be left empty. And the prefectural city also lacks literate people, you know.”

Southern Prefecture was a remote place after all — female court attendants existed, but the ability to read was still a luxury!

Xiao Jiang said: “Understood — I’ll start preparing.”

Zhang Xiangu said: “Oh, don’t worry about that right now — first figure out how much furniture you have in the county, so we can hire a cart to bring it all at once.”

Over on the other side, Gu Tong had brought his uncle along. Gu Tong’s uncle was enormously excited and called out loudly: “This person pays respects to the Prefect!”

Zhù Ying said: “Your color is good.”

“All thanks to the master!”

Zhù Ying said: “Never mind the pleasantries. Since Gu Tong will be staying with me here now, you uncle and nephew will be able to see each other more often this year.”

“Yes, yes,” Gu Tong’s uncle said, “Master, you’ve just arrived, and there’s so much to be done — I haven’t dared come over these past few days while watching from outside. I don’t know what the master might wish to say?”

Zhù Ying said: “A few things — first, what has been happening in the prefectural city recently; second, you know the area well, and there will be some matters I’ll need to entrust to you.”

“Not at all, not at all — just give your instructions. As for new things in the prefectural city — they released a lot of people from jail before you came!”

“Oh?”

Gu Tong said quietly: “Probably another round of personal favoritism — or small officials and clerks who arrested people to vent their feelings, then used the first available excuse.”

His uncle gave him a small look, then said to Zhù Ying: “They were all checking up on what you like! Having heard you settle unjust cases and care for the people, they spent these past few days showering the people with the care they hadn’t shown in years!”

“That’s an exaggeration — they weren’t actually that harsh before.” The information had come through the fellows-townsmen guild hall anyway.

“Compared to you, they were far worse!” Gu Tong’s uncle continued.

Gu Tong grew increasingly angry as he listened, thinking: they’re using the tricks they’d try on ordinary officials on our teacher!

Zhù Ying also asked about the people’s situation. Gu Tong’s uncle said: “Fine, fine — they also arrested some local ruffians and troublemakers. The streets are much better! And some of the wealthy families came to ask this person questions — and this person said!” He puffed out his chest: “Look at me — as long as you abide by the law and handle things properly, life just gets better and better!” His words were sincere — though the gentry all feared officials who wouldn’t accept gifts, because refusing gifts made things more equal, which meant they wouldn’t get preferential treatment. Still, Zhù Ying had managed the balance well, and while there was always the regret of “if only she’d accept more of my gifts and treat me better than everyone else,” life truly was more worthwhile than before.

Zhù Ying smiled: “That’s right.”

The two talked a while longer. Zhù Ying, having previously had the fellows-townsmen guild hall collect information, mainly asked about the situation of the past few months. When they finished, she had Gu Tong’s uncle stay for a meal; once the meal was done, she entrusted the furniture ordering to him. Bamboo furniture was made fast — by the time she got back from Fulu County it would be ready. Her own luggage had only been sorted; most of it was still packed. Sealed with stamps, no thief would dare steal it from the prefectural offices.

Gu Tong’s uncle took the list, found the shops, and Gu Tong felt his uncle’s taste was far too much the prosperous commoner’s and personally went and negotiated with the craftsmen before he was satisfied.

He returned to the prefectural offices to find that Zhù Ying was again absent — she had invited Nanping’s Colonel Mei for a meal.

She did not drink wine, but brought out wines from the capital to offer Colonel Mei. This time she was not asking any favors — just greeting an old acquaintance, letting him know she had arrived and just taken over. She would settle things in hand, and then come to discuss cooperation with Colonel Mei properly.

Colonel Mei found her somewhat more agreeable than the ordinary civil official and was reasonably courteous toward her. The two agreed to meet again after she had dealt with what was at hand.

Zhù Ying then summoned Nanping County’s magistrate for a final word, reminding him to mind the store. Nanping County’s offices and Southern Prefecture’s offices stood on the same cross-street — the prefectural offices in the center, the county offices to the east. The prefectural city was also the county seat. That kind of county magistrate was the most difficult — second only to the magistrates of Chang’an and Wanning, and to Magistrate Miao beside the governor’s office.

Zhù Ying was reasonably courteous toward Nanping’s Magistrate Guo: “I know you are a capable person. I hope we can work with one heart. Old Guo — as long as you put your heart into the public business, I will absolutely not let your efforts go unrewarded.”

At Zhù Ying’s age, anyone seventh rank or above, excluding hereditary appointments, was mostly older than her. She called everyone “old friend” in some form. Nanping County’s Magistrate Guo, hearing this near-blunt promise, hastened to say: “How would I dare not give my full effort!”

Zhù Ying dared to promise; he believed her because there was no other choice.

If I don’t work honestly, I might not get killed by her? Magistrate Guo thought. Better to work honestly — there might even be a promotion!

Zhù Ying smiled: “I still have business in Fulu County — we’ll talk in more detail when I return.”

“This official will wait respectfully for the master’s return.”

Zhù Ying had gotten the prefectural city roughly in order, things on all sides temporarily settled, and then she set off with the whole household.

The first stop was Sicheng County. The people of Sicheng County, hearing she had come again, gathered in crowds to watch, idle or not. Those who had received her help came to see her, saying to one another: “Good people get their reward!” “Now that she’s our prefect, even better!”

At Sicheng County, Zhù Ying retrieved some sealed case archives and stored goods and formally handed them over to Magistrate Guan.

Magistrate Guan’s heart was surging. Having accepted that he would not get Fulu County, he was already imagining the prestige of personally governing a county.

Zhù Ying said: “Your abilities are enough to manage this county — just don’t carry on the way you did when you were acting for Fulu County.”

Magistrate Guan quickly said: “I would not dare.”

Zhù Ying said: “The water management plans, the winter wheat planting — these must not be neglected! If you slack off or try to shirk, you don’t need the court to come after you — I’ll deal with you first.”

Magistrate Guan said: “This official will absolutely bear the master’s instruction in mind and will not let down the master’s generosity in promoting me!” Both he and Registrar Mo understood perfectly: at their ages, to still be able to move up, their superior clearly had to be a powerful advocate.

Zhù Ying patted his shoulder: “Good work.”

Magistrate Guan said: “This official also has some luggage in Fulu County — may I accompany the master to retrieve it?”

Zhù Ying said: “Of course.”

Returning to Fulu County, the most important business was not retrieving luggage but two things: first, to officially announce Su Mingluan’s mandate, help her establish her authority, and settle her firmly in her position; second, to get Fulu County’s affairs properly arranged.

The moment she entered Fulu County, the people and gentry began crying and laughing in welcome.

Gu Tong had not received a substantive post. Gu Weng was still a little uneasy inside; the moment he saw Zhù Ying, the unease was gone, and tears streamed down his old face: “Master! How could you just leave us? My heart — I’m happy for you, and sad for myself!”

Zhù Ying said: “What is there to be sad about?”

“You won’t be here with us anymore!” someone from behind shouted the answer.

Zhù Ying said: “I’m still in Southern Prefecture! And I’ll still come by to check in. Come — let’s go home and talk at leisure.” She told the column behind her not to trample the rice paddies.

Ding Gui bit his finger and said to Xiao Liu: “So the stories are all true.”

Xiao Liu said: “For my part, I’ve never seen it once before.”

Hou Wu gave each of them a slap on the back of the neck: “Stand properly! Don’t embarrass the master. The master’s moments like these — she worked and suffered for them herself. You all need to follow the master and work hard.”

“Yes, yes.” The young ones assented in a chorus. They secretly made faces at each other, then resumed their dignified bearing.

They had not been part of Fulu County’s past; though moved, they couldn’t share in Hou Wu’s feelings. All four were people of the capital, and in Southern Prefecture they felt only that the mountains were green and the water clear but everything was terribly poor; only the official yamen had a certain grandeur by virtue of its regulations, still incomparable to the palace halls and towers of the capital. They had watched Zhù Ying spinning like a top for days without drinking, watching performances, or keeping company with women — they genuinely felt the hardship.

This road from the prefectural city to Fulu County had let them taste a little of something different.

Arriving at the county offices, things were just as she had left them. The runners who had come back from the capital, now home, did not look jubilant — together with the officials and clerks who had stayed behind, they wept and laughed together.

Zhù Ying said: “Old Mo — I have something to discuss. Those who came with me to the capital — three days’ leave each.”

Registrar Mo frantically said: “Master, what are you saying? Whatever you say goes.”

Zhù Ying said: “We also need to do a proper handover — I’m handing this family estate over to you. How well you manage it, and what you hand to the next person, is entirely up to you.”

Registrar Mo’s heart was pounding, his face red, sweat beading on his forehead. He managed only a quick: “Yes.” The clever remark he had prepared in advance could not be squeezed out. After a long pause, one sentence he had worked on before finally came: “I will give every ounce of my heart and leave nothing undone.”

What Zhù Ying had left for Fulu County was the richest foundation in the county’s history. Not just well-stocked granaries — but a nearly doubled grain output, an intact water management system, reasonably convenient transportation, fairly obedient gentry, and people who trusted the local government. Even the “tribal people” were the most amicable in history.

Fulu County at this point was still “miasma-ridden territory,” but the people were very satisfied.

Registrar Mo was also extremely satisfied. At this moment Magistrate Guan was no longer anxious for himself, and as a bystander had the leisure to remind Registrar Mo: “Don’t be so quick to grab the seal — listen for the master’s guidance.”

Registrar Mo asked Zhù Ying to stay at the county offices; Zhù Ying did not refuse, and personally walked to the front row of people to stand before Zhao Feng and his wife, telling Zhao Feng: “The Elder is doing very well.” She also publicly told everyone about Zhao Su’s having sent back his notes — ordinary people didn’t quite understand this, but knew “that Zhao boy — the odd one who never liked to talk to people — turns out he still thinks of his hometown, wants to pass back what he’s learned,” and praised Zhao Su a few words: “He used to seem strange and unsociable — but his heart is good.” The county school staff had quite different feelings; the Academic Director very much wanted to get his hands on the notes immediately, but didn’t dare press for them just now.

Zhù Ying then said to Zhao Niangzi: “Little Sister’s mandate has come through — I want to go personally to the stronghold and tell her the news. Let’s go together — we can also tell Elder Brother about it, so he can be at peace.”

Zhao Niangzi sniffled, clutching Zhù Ying’s hand: “Little Brother! Little Brother!”

Zhù Ying then announced this to everyone watching: “From now on, next door is Asu County. The former Su Mingluan — the late chieftain’s daughter — who studied here in the county town, is now the court-mandated Magistrate of Asu County, full sixth rank!”

Those who heard were stunned. After a round of whispering and murmuring, they said: “A woman?” “A woman to be head of the family — are they losing their minds?” “Doesn’t this turn everything upside down?” “Well, maybe…” “She can do it or not — it doesn’t concern us.” “Hasn’t she been running things for the past two years anyway?” “Whether a county magistrate can do a good job or not has nothing to do with us.”

After some discussion, no one actually cursed at Zhù Ying.

Zhù Ying smiled and waved to everyone: “Each of you go back to your business! Life must go on! I’m only going to Southern Prefecture. Don’t weep and wail. My family still needs to go back.” Over on the other side, Zhang Xiangu, Zhù’s father, Huajie, and even Hou Wu were all surrounded by people — each of them had their own acquaintances, and the women had already started wiping their tears. Zhù’s father was still holding himself together.

Zhù Ying walked into the county offices first, inviting Zhao Niangzi’s family in as well. The rest of the family gradually followed. Zhang Xiangu and the others went to the rear quarters to pack. Zhù Ying was still speaking in the front.

Zhao Niangzi was enormously happy. She had married down the mountain more than thirty years ago — at the time she had not imagined things would come to this.

She held Zhù Ying’s hand and said: “Back then, we nearly had to accept loose administration. Who could have known the fire would come! We have today’s fortune — and it all comes down to people! I truly don’t know — why? Why?!”

The words struck a note of grief.

Zhù Ying knew the reason but could not say it: for the sake of merit. A great victory over the tribal people, with the heads of the slain counted by tens of thousands and tens of thousands of mountain dwellers brought down to settle below, would have made for far more impressive and substantial merit than her way — bringing them in under loose administration with no fanfare.

Zhù Ying said: “Big Sister should get ready — let’s go up the mountain together.”

Zhao Niangzi said: “Then let’s wait two days before setting out! I’ll send word ahead — let Little Sister prepare properly! We need a big celebration! After Elder Brother went to heaven, and with all the trouble that A-Hun stirred up…”

Zhù Ying said: “Good. With some advance word, Little Sister won’t be left waiting anxiously.”

“We all trust Little Brother completely!” Zhao Niangzi said without hesitation.

Zhù Ying said: “Good timing — I’ll stay here a few more days too. Alas, after this I won’t be able to come as often. Tonight I’ll treat everyone to dinner at the Breeze Pavilion.” The crowd in the prefectural city would have plenty of friction to deal with yet.

At the Breeze Pavilion, Zhù Ying did not merely invite the county officials, gentry, and staff — she also included Xiang An and Xiang Le’s mother and eldest brother.

She was very satisfied with the two siblings, and now that she was at Southern Prefecture, she wasn’t sure whether their family would still support them continuing to follow her. Xiang Le was fine — he was a man. For Xiang An, a young woman, it would be perfectly normal if the family had reservations. Yet she genuinely wanted to keep some young women working for her.

At dinner she said nothing, just chatting with everyone.

The next day, she changed into plain clothes and went with Xiao Huang, Xiang An, and Xiang Le to the Xiang family home. The whole family was in; Xiang Le knocked, and Zhù Ying walked in.

The family had at first assumed it was just the siblings bringing a friend home. Looking closer and seeing it was Zhù Ying, they hurried to pay their respects. Zhù Ying helped Xiang’s mother up: “No need for such ceremony. I came to thank you. The two of them have been very good — they’ve helped me enormously.”

Xiang’s mother’s face went red, then pale: “Master, you say this — you put us to shame. They haven’t done anything wrong, have they?”

Zhù Ying said: “They’ve been excellent. I can hardly do without them. But now that I’m no longer in the county, if they follow me away, it’ll be quiet for you here.”

Xiang’s mother said: “No worry about that — there’s everyone else at home!”

Xiang An scolded: “The way you say it makes it sound like we’re extra around here.”

“Will you be quiet!” Xiang’s mother scolded back, then said: “Master, she’s always been like this — please bear with her. Ah — a young woman on her own — is it suitable?”

Xiang An quickly said: “Mother! What are you saying? I’m perfectly fine! Master, don’t believe that — it’s very suitable! Even the capital has female officials!”

The eldest Xiang brother probed: “Master, your meaning is — you’d still want them?”

Zhù Ying had been worried they wouldn’t allow Xiang An to go. The Xiang mother and eldest son had been worried Zhù Ying wouldn’t be willing to keep Xiang An. Though putting a young woman in the yamen didn’t sound the best, if she were a proper female clerk with an official post, for a merchant family it might not be a bad thing?

The two sides went back and forth for a few exchanges. Zhù Ying saw things clearly: “Then let them come along with me. If I go elsewhere later — we’ll discuss it then.”

Where else could she go? The Xiang family mother and son thought — it certainly wouldn’t be somewhere bad — and immediately agreed.

Xiang’s mother wanted to start packing the siblings’ things. The eldest Xiang brother thought it over and decided to send one servant each with his younger brother and sister. After their father’s death, the family had come back together in warmth and affection.

The Xiang siblings were following Zhù Ying, which meant their clerkship in Fulu County would transfer to Southern Prefecture. Registrar Mo had absolutely no objection to having two more vacancies to fill on his own. The Xiang family was equally pleased that their children were moving up. Both sides were satisfied.

Only Tong Li and Tong Bo felt somewhat downcast. They were people Zhù Ying had personally cultivated in Fulu County, and now she was leaving them behind. It wasn’t that they had to work in the county offices — their families were all here. The difference between Registrar Mo and Zhù Ying was plain for all to see. This left them low for several days, until Xiao Wu reminded them: “Seeing you like this in front of Registrar Mo is no good. Just work well, and if you feel wronged, don’t you have legs and a mouth?” Only then did the two of them rouse their spirits.

On the third day, Shu the Elder himself came down the mountain to escort Zhù Ying.

Compared to when she had first seen him, his hair had gone more white; his attitude toward Zhù Ying was more respectful and courteous. As soon as they met, he dropped to his knees: “On the chieftain’s orders — come to escort the master.”

Zhù Ying helped him up: “No need for such ceremony — there may be good news for you too!”

Beside him, Zhao Niangzi also said: “From now on, we’ll have to call Little Sister ‘My Lord’! She’s a county magistrate now!”

Zhù Ying said: “Let’s set out.”

The weather was hot. Zhang Xiangu and Zhù’s father were not suited to going to a remote place; both stayed behind at the county offices to pack. Zhù Ying brought the Southern Prefecture officials, guided up the mountain by Shu the Elder and Zhao Niangzi.

Along the way they stayed at a small stronghold, where the food and drink were plentiful, hosted personally by the Elder Nephew. He greeted her when they met: “Adoptive Father.”

The Elder Nephew looked somewhat more subdued, but Zhù Ying could see his face had not grown bitter. She let out a breath of relief: “Good. How is the family?”

“All well — everyone has settled. The Liji family heard the funeral horns and tried to come and cause trouble again not long ago — we drove them back!”

Zhù Ying raised an eyebrow: “The Liji, you say. Let’s discuss it when we get home.”

The next day, the group arrived at the stronghold. The Southern Prefecture officials had never before seen such a mountain stronghold — unlike what they had imagined it to be, it was not simple or crude. The walls were quite high and solid, the gates sturdy. The entire stronghold was almost as large as a county seat; they couldn’t help but be astonished. Zhù Ying said: “If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I wouldn’t have petitioned for them to have their own county either.”

Su Mingluan personally came to the stronghold gate to greet them, her face full of joy. She bowed first: “Adoptive Father. Congratulations on your promotion.”

Zhù Ying said: “Have you been waiting anxiously?”

“When I was anxious I thought — it’s Adoptive Father handling this — and suddenly I wasn’t anxious anymore.”

Zhù Ying said: “The imperial edict is here!”

Su Mingluan said: “Please.”

The two walked side by side, the Asu close relatives and Southern Prefecture officials behind them, then the common clanspeople. The procession slowly arrived at the large open square before the Asu family’s main hall, which had been freshly cleaned. Su Mingluan knew the customs from the lowlands and had not set up a plank with a person bound to it to serve as a blood-offering. Instead, a proper incense table had been set.

Zhù Ying stood behind the table. Su Mingluan knelt before it. Zhù Ying read the imperial edict aloud. She read a sentence; Su Mingluan’s attendant readers translated it; then it was passed on sentence by sentence in the Qixia tongue.

When the reading was done, Zhù Ying handed the edict to Su Mingluan. Su Mingluan bowed again. Zhù Ying then said in the Qixia language to the clanspeople gathered: “From now on, all of you are people of Asu County — neighboring Fulu County to the east, living in harmony. You are no lesser than anyone else.”

Then it was Su Mingluan’s order to begin the celebration.

All those present went into the Asu family’s main hall. Zhù Ying and Su Mingluan sat in the seats of honor above the fire pit. Beside them were Lady Asu and the Elder Nephew and others. Zhù Ying said to Lady Asu: “Sister-in-law, I have finally managed to accomplish one thing.” Lady Asu said: “It was something her father longed for with all his heart — we must thank you deeply.”

Zhù Ying said: “I also wish I could say this to Elder Brother. And by the way — Zhao Su entrusted me to bring some things.” She passed along what Zhao Su had sent. Lady Asu took the items, opened them, and said: “He is a good child.”

The Southern Prefecture officials found it all novel and couldn’t quite believe what they were seeing. They had encountered some tribal people before — mostly “tribal servants,” with a few headmen or minor leaders through some trading. None of it had resembled the relaxed atmosphere in this stronghold. Thinking back over what they had seen along the road, they clicked their tongues in wonder.

Zhù Ying said to Su Mingluan: “You’re a county magistrate now — you can’t have just yourself running an entire county, can you? Don’t you need two helpers? Think it over — how to set up a set of assistant officials? Use a county as the model.”

“Adoptive Father?”

“Mm — your brothers need to be arranged. And your various helpers also need to be given some formal standing! How to set it up — you decide. Once you’ve worked it out, you can submit a memorial. I’ll co-sign with you. Not too many, not too few — use a county as the standard. And this is a good opportunity: take all your strongholds, population, affairs under your charge and sort them out with some order. That way managing things going forward is easier. And when you hand it to the next generation, you’ll be passing on something clear.”

Su Mingluan said: “I’ve come to feel that the ways of the lowlands can govern a larger number of people.”

“Then let’s do it this way. I’ll stay one more day and then head back down to Southern Prefecture. Think it over and come find me.”

“Good.”