Zhù Ying planned to meet with Prefect Lu. Ever since she had placed Gu Tong in his care, she had not yet met this particular official in person. If she could also check on Gu Tong along the way, so much the better.

She was in no great hurry on the return journey. After dispatching her documents to the capital from the relay station, she asked the station to send word to Prefect Lu, inquiring whether he was at the prefectural office or out inspecting the spring plowing, and whether a meeting might be convenient. She was willing to go to him herself — her main purpose was to deliver a letter for Marquis Zheng.

From this point, the relay station could forward messages to Prefect Lu quite quickly. Zhù Ying lodged at the station for five days. On the sixth day, close to midday, she was watching Lin Feng and Jin Yu wrestle when she heard the sound of horses neighing and people talking outside — it seemed another party had arrived to stay. She paid it no mind; this was a large station with no shortage of travelers passing through.

Before long, however, a relay attendant came running over: “My lord, Prefect Lu has arrived.” He presented Prefect Lu’s calling card as he spoke.

Prefect Lu was at that moment settling in at the relay station. Upon receiving Zhù Ying’s letter, he had understood it was his turn to make the trip. He was a careful man by nature. Thinking of Gu Tong, he had dispatched someone overnight to summon him to the prefectural office, so that they could travel together.

When Gu Tong heard that Zhù Ying was passing through, there was no reason in the world for him to refuse. The two set off for the relay station together.

Gu Tong patiently went to his own room first, tossed down his luggage, washed his face, tidied his hair before the mirror, straightened his robes, and then came out to wait for Prefect Lu so they could walk over together — he did not presume to go ahead of him.

On Prefect Lu’s side, the calling card had been delivered. He did not rush over either, and then Zhù Ying came to him.

Zhù Ying told the wrestling students to stop. It was nearly midday and they would be eating soon: “If I do not come back for a while, you all go ahead and eat without me.”

With Lin Feng and the others acknowledging her instruction, Zhù Ying went to find Prefect Lu.

Prefect Lu had just changed into a fresh robe. Hearing that Zhù Ying had arrived, he walked down to the steps to receive her. Both were proper officials — what “proper” meant here was that they were dressed somewhat better than the people around them, so one could tell at a glance who was the host and who the guest. Prefect Lu knew Zhù Ying was young. When he saw a fresh-faced official walking toward him escorted by several attendants, he did not think for a moment that he had the wrong person.

Zhù Ying looked at Prefect Lu. He was an ordinary sort of prefect, ordinary in the most fitting sense. His age was perfectly normal. Officials of the same rank might be young or old, but one who had risen to the position of prefect — barring exceptional circumstances — was generally above forty. Being over fifty and holding a prefectship was not even considered old. Prefect Lu was exactly this ordinary case. He was over fifty this year, had already served several years in this prefectship, and had previously governed another prefecture — this was his second posting.

Gu Tong came running out. He glanced over toward Prefect Lu, and Zhù Ying confirmed his identity. She stepped forward first and cupped her hands in greeting: “Prefect Lu.”

Prefect Lu said in surprise: “So it really is you! I took one look at that bearing and guessed it must be Zì Zhang — but then you are so young, I did not dare be certain.” He cupped his hands in return.

The two confirmed each other’s identities. Gu Tong stepped forward at the right moment and bowed deeply to pay his respects to his teacher. Zhù Ying had spotted him long ago. He had grown somewhat thinner and a little darker from the sun, and his face was all smiles. Zhù Ying said: “Good. You look well.”

Prefect Lu said: “A fine teacher produces a fine student. Zì Zhang, you are sharp and capable — your student is no lesser for it.”

“You flatter him too much. He is new to the post, and I was still worried he might be too heavy-handed or too light-handed, without a proper sense of proportion,” Zhù Ying said.

“Not at all. I find him very good,” Prefect Lu made a welcoming gesture. “I only just arrived — the room is a little untidy, please forgive me.”

But once inside, the room was not untidy in the least — the luggage had all been put away properly. Prefect Lu and Zhù Ying sat opposite each other, host and guest. He also gestured to Gu Tong, who suppressed his excitement and took a seat.

Prefect Lu first asked after the hardships of Zhù Ying’s journey. She expressed her apologies for the intrusion, then produced Marquis Zheng’s letter and presented it to him. Prefect Lu thanked her and set the letter aside without opening it, asking first after the Marquis’s health. Zhù Ying said: “The old Marquis remains vigorous, though of late he prefers spending time with old friends and grandchildren.”

So all matters of business had been handed over to his son? Prefect Lu understood. He then asked: “Does Zì Zhang know what has happened with Chancellor Zhong?”

Zhù Ying said: “I do not know either. When I departed, he was still perfectly well. I read the official gazette at a relay station a few days ago and was equally startled.”

Prefect Lu sighed: “Chancellor Zhong — I met him before, when he was still serving as Minister of Justice. When I saw him two years ago he still seemed in good spirits. I had thought I would see him again this year.”

“Bearing the weight of ten thousand affairs day after day — it takes a toll on one’s spirit.”

Prefect Lu glanced at Zhù Ying. She gave a small nod. He said: “No more of that! We are so far from the capital — there is no use in fretting. Each of us tending to our own duties is the proper way.”

Zhù Ying agreed. Prefect Lu expressed his thanks to her in person, saying she had been of great help in the matter of sowing winter wheat.

Zhù Ying said: “When I have had things to ask of you, you have also helped me generously. And there is the backing of the household behind it all — there is no need for you to be so courteous. Oh, and I have brought some gifts as well.”

She had brought gifts of her own for the meeting with Prefect Lu, and Marquis Zheng had also entrusted her with a sash belt for him. There followed a round of courteous exchanges. Prefect Lu said: “The braised bamboo shoots from this area are wonderfully fresh. You have passed through here several times, but you may not have tasted the truly authentic version. I brought my own cook with me — the spring shoots are just coming up now. Let me host a banquet here; Zì Zhang, please do not refuse.”

Zhù Ying laughed: “For good food, I will certainly not leave.”

Prefect Lu’s private cook prepared the local dishes far better than the relay station’s kitchen. Zhù Ying had made this journey north and south several times now and had passed this station on multiple occasions, but none of those times had the bamboo shoots tasted as good as today’s. Alongside the shoots were ham, fresh fish, and other dishes, and at this season there were also tender fresh vegetables.

Host and guest were thoroughly satisfied. Prefect Lu praised Gu Tong warmly: “He is young, yet he handles matters with the steadiness of a veteran. To be frank with you, when I saw a newly-appointed young man arrive, I was worried his heart might be full of burning coals — too much fire, and one risks scorching people. But he has been able to keep his composure, and that is no small thing.”

Gu Tong said: “You praise me too generously, my lord. I have only managed to pick up the merest fraction from following my teacher.”

Prefect Lu said: “To have picked up the essence — that is the point! Your teacher has taught you with great care. A teacher like that is very hard to come by. Some teachers have good intentions, but their own abilities fall short. No matter how much they care for their students, it does no good. They still cannot produce capable students.”

Zhù Ying said: “The way you put it, I am ready to blush!”

“Ha ha ha ha!”

The atmosphere at the table was excellent. Zhù Ying did not drink wine — Prefect Lu had learned this in advance by asking Gu Tong — and this was a genuine regret for him. Many things that are difficult to discuss in ordinary settings become easy to settle at a banquet table, mainly because people drink enough! A person who does not drink is difficult to warm up to.

Prefect Lu worked hard to use Gu Tong as a topic of conversation, and Zhù Ying caught on. She said that Prefect Lu had helped her a great deal as well, including in the matter of the guild hall. At the mention of the guild hall, Prefect Lu’s interest perked up. He said: “I have seen that the Wuzhou guild hall carries an excellent grade of crystallized sugar. They say it is unique to Wuzhou — is that true?”

“Crystallized sugar can be found anywhere, though Wuzhou does produce it with particular ease. Would you like some?”

Prefect Lu said: “How much can one person eat on his own? The price of sugar from Wuzhou is certainly pleasing. Having a little more available would be welcome.”

Zhù Ying said: “We are building a new workshop. It grows more each year. But sugar depends on sugarcane.”

Prefect Lu said: “I can grow some here too.”

The two then spoke at length about sugarcane. Some of what came up Prefect Lu had already asked Gu Tong about; other things were new even to Gu Tong — he had already been away from Wuzhou for a while and was not clear on the latest developments.

From the tenor of Prefect Lu’s remarks, Zhù Ying gathered that he too wished his region had access to more affordable granulated sugar. He was also direct and forthright in asking: “In Zì Zhang’s estimation, is this territory of mine suitable for growing sugarcane? My population is not small — rest assured, I have no intention of competing with your region. I will sell within my own prefecture first.”

They were all seasoned veterans of officialdom. Everyone knew that a single mouth could only eat so much, and that money in one’s pocket was finite — spending it on one thing meant not spending it on another. Prefect Lu’s meaning was that the output of Wuzhou sugar could not yet supply all these places; he would simply set up sugar workshops within his own prefecture to serve local demand, without encroaching on outside markets. In the short term he would not be able to displace Wuzhou sugar anyway.

Zhù Ying, however, knew that Prefect Lu’s territory lay somewhat further north than Wuzhou. Shipping goods northward from there would save considerably on transport costs compared to Wuzhou, and so he would obviously find it far easier to open markets in the north.

Zhù Ying said: “I trust Prefect Lu personally. But your successors in this post…”

No one can guarantee what kind of person will follow them. Prefect Lu found this a rather difficult point to answer and could only say, with some shamelessness: “It is also for the benefit of the people…” He rubbed his hands together as he spoke. If the common people had access to affordable sugar, he would benefit too — through various taxes, for instance, and through operating an official sugar workshop. This sort of thing was the mutually understood arrangement of “benefiting the people, and advancing oneself at the same time.”

Zhù Ying judged the moment was right, and following the thread of his words said: “What you say is true — the whole point is that more people should be able to afford good things. Wuzhou’s fields must also grow grain; they cannot all be turned over to sugarcane. Good farmland is already scarce, and output cannot be raised overnight. So why should we hold on and prevent others from doing the same?”

Prefect Lu said: “Zì Zhang has the manner of a virtuous official.”

“You flatter me. How about this — if you are willing, we can have people come from the guild hall to set up a sugar workshop. Recruit apprentices from your territory, pay your taxes and levies as required, and you give those a favorable look. How does that sound?”

Prefect Lu raised an open palm: “Then it is settled?”

Zhù Ying slapped her palm against his: “A word is a bond.”

Prefect Lu happily drained a cup of wine. Setting his cup down, he heard Zhù Ying say: “Although it is not one’s place to meddle in the affairs of another’s jurisdiction, and speaking out of turn on matters outside one’s own territory courts trouble — we are both working for the welfare of the people. Prefect Lu’s affairs are my affairs.”

“And Zì Zhang’s affairs are mine!”

Zhù Ying said: “I do happen to have a favor to ask.”

Prefect Lu’s heart gave a small jolt. He thought: here it comes.

Zhù Ying pointed to Gu Tong and said: “Prefect Lu knows his hometown — Fulu County, where I served as county magistrate.”

“Yes, a fine place. The Fulu mandarin oranges are delicious! Oh, do not worry — I have absolutely no intention of claiming those too.”

“Ha ha.” Zhù Ying laughed so that her shoulders shook twice. “I am not talking about the oranges. I am talking about Fulu County itself. After I was transferred away, the county now lacks a magistrate.”

“Ah, your territory is even more remote — not many people are willing to go there.”

Zhù Ying said: “Which is precisely why I am consulting you. Does your territory have a suitable candidate? I gain a county magistrate; you settle someone you have been wanting to place. He must be capable — someone at roughly this one’s level will do,” she gestured at Gu Tong.

Gu Tong had been pointed at twice in a row. Each time he was pointed at, he had to set down his chopsticks, so he simply stopped reaching for food altogether and picked up the wine pot to refill Prefect Lu’s cup, waiting to be pointed at a third time. As he poured, he said: “My lord, please take pity on the people of Fulu. That place has barely begun to have a few good years. The county magistrate there before our teacher — none of us ever laid eyes on him. He was away from the county all year round, supposedly convalescing in the prefectural city…”

Prefect Lu said: “All right, all right. Let me think it over.”

He was, in truth, thoroughly delighted.

What prefect does not have a few people he would like to place somewhere? All of them are forever lamenting that there are not enough posts to go around and that their own people cannot be accommodated. For Zhù Ying to offer a position like this, Prefect Lu was delighted to the very depths of his heart.

Zhù Ying said: “Many thanks. That place — Fulu County — I see it as different from other places. I have always wished it would grow better and better.”

“That was your first posting away from the capital, was it not? You put in a great deal of effort and endured no small hardship. It is the same for all of us — when I was young I also went through that. At the time I thought, if only I could get a transfer out! But once I truly left, whenever that name was mentioned, something in the heart shifted.”

“Yes. It is a pity that the people I trust in the capital are unwilling to come. Will the person you have in mind resent Fulu for being too remote? A melon that is twisted off by force is never sweet.”

“My territory is different from the capital. It is not an impossibly great distance from the capital to my prefecture here — some people will grit their teeth and make the journey if they think it through. Having already come this far to my territory, would they really balk at one more stretch of road to yours? As long as one has stepped onto the path of fame and fortune, one knows just how precious it is to rise even one rank. For the sake of one rank, I believe they would be willing.” Prefect Lu said, not without a hint of probing.

Zhù Ying said: “Would that be what one calls gradual progression?”

“Hmm — ‘entering into beauty by degrees,'” Prefect Lu offered.

Zhù Ying received the instruction with delight, praising Prefect Lu for his way with words and saying she herself had more learning than ink — she simply could not have thought of phrasing so apt and wished she had read more books.

Prefect Lu said: “At your age you are already this capable — your writing precise and pointed, your words piercing to the heart of things. If you were also brilliantly eloquent, there would be no place left for us old bones!”

Gu Tong interjected: “If you two keep being modest, the rest of us will have nowhere to put ourselves. Please leave a little face for those below you.”

Zhù Ying said: “All right — back to business. What sort of person does Prefect Lu have in mind? If we settle it here, we can file the paperwork with the Ministry of Personnel, and within a few days the person can report to my territory to take up the post. What do you think?”

Prefect Lu said: “Excellent!”

Prefect Lu had several people in hand whom he had been preparing to place. Weighing Zhù Ying’s words, he selected two from among them — both northerners, both officials he had discovered to be competent during his tenure, currently serving in the prefectural office without having become confidants. Neither had any particularly brilliant quality, but they were honest and hardworking, and they did not go around stirring up trouble or sowing discord.

Prefect Lu sent someone back to summon the two men with a message to bring a box with them. He said: “I will have them come over for you to look at. Whichever one you choose is the one.”

“Good.”

The meal was by then nearly finished. Zhù Ying still wanted to thank Prefect Lu, though Prefect Lu knew he was on balance the one who owed more goodwill. He did his utmost to show his friendliness. They exchanged calling cards and agreed to keep in regular correspondence. The two prefectures were not far apart — coordination between the two territories could resolve many matters.

Prefect Lu wanted to read Marquis Zheng’s letter. Zhù Ying wanted to speak privately with Gu Tong. Prefect Lu gave a yawn, and Zhù Ying smoothly used the opening: “We have already intruded upon you for quite some time. Prefect Lu has just arrived after a long journey by boat and carriage — I will not disturb your midday rest any longer.”

Prefect Lu said: “I am getting old. Gu Tong, see your teacher off on my behalf.”

——

Gu Tong had been waiting for exactly those words. He walked Zhù Ying back with all the decorum of a proper escort.

The moment they reached Zhù Ying’s quarters, Gu Tong dropped to his knees and gave two solid kowtows. Zhù Ying said: “What is this for?”

“Seeing you again — I am overcome.”

“Get up. Sit down and let us talk properly. Hey, where is A’Yin? Bring us something real to eat and drink.”

Gu Tong laughed: “I knew it would be comfortable here.”

Prefect Lu’s food had been very good, but a banquet like that is not actually for eating. Gu Tong lacked the skill and had not managed to steal enough bites during the pauses in conversation. Zhù Ying, on the other hand, did have that knack — but it was a skill for when she was playing the accompanying guest. Once she was herself the principal guest, conducting business took precedence. The best she could claim was that she had been spared the wine. She had barely eaten a few mouthfuls, just enough to sample the novelties here and there.

What a pity, given such a fine spread.

Zhù Yin soon brought out a large tray. “Here — I said we had a few growing half-grown boys who might be hungry.”

Gu Tong asked curiously: “And who is this?”

Zhù Ying said: “I will tell you in a moment — eat first.”

The two swept through the food like a wind clearing leaves, and only once they were full did they begin to talk. Gu Tong spoke first of his own experience: “If it had been up to me alone, I would have charged straight in and got to work. But I have seen how you do things, so I held myself back! When I first arrived, I kept quiet and just watched — what sort of people were they, what sort of quality did they have…”

Zhù Ying listened with a smile and said: “Once you can find out what is actually going on, you are more than halfway to solving any problem. Only by knowing the true situation can you find the right path.”

“Yes!” Gu Tong went on to describe some of his experiences at the county, then asked Zhù Ying for advice.

Zhù Ying said: “You are a deputy county magistrate now — the position of county magistrate will not remain vacant for long. You must think about that! A superior can take many forms. If you get one who dislikes anyone outshining him, you will need to handle him with care.”

“Yes.”

Once those matters were covered, Gu Tong offered his assessment of the two candidates Prefect Lu had in mind: “They are decent enough, just not outstanding. When told to do something, they do it. Neither is particularly young. Both are officials attached to the prefectural office. One is the granary supervisor; the other is the military affairs supervisor. Hmm… compared to our two from before — perhaps slightly better?”

Zhù Ying had a rough sense of them now. She also called the members of her traveling party to come and meet Gu Tong. Among them were some he knew and some he did not. Those he recognized — such as Zhù Lian and Su Zhe — greeted him warmly. Gu Tong had also prepared a few small gifts: “Prefect Lu summoned me in such a rush that I had no time to bring much — take these and enjoy them.”

Those he did not know — Zhù Yin and her companions — had come down from the mountain after Gu Tong had already departed for his post. Seeing them, Gu Tong was even more pleased and said: “Teacher finally has attendants worthy of her station. Before this, the escort was far too small!”

Zhù Yin said: “We have twenty people! And more at the residence.”

Gu Tong was even more pleased: “Better still! I entrust the teacher’s safety to all of you — you must be attentive!”

Zhù Yin said: “Of course!”

Zhù Ying then produced a gift for Gu Tong: “These are the latest styles from the capital — do not go without things for yourself.” Gu Tong accepted it without ceremony, then asked about Zhang Xiangu and the others, and mid-question smacked himself on the forehead: “But you have not even returned yet — how would you know? Oh! I was so happy I muddled everything!”

Zhù Ying said: “Exactly — I do not know how they are either.”

——

Having been reminded of them by Gu Tong, Zhù Ying felt the faintest pang of homesickness. Three more days passed. During those three days, Zhù Ying and Prefect Lu met several times, speaking of things witnessed along the road and of people they both knew. Prefect Lu was acquainted not only with Jin Liang and Tang Shan, but also with Wen Yue — he and Wen Yue’s father were old acquaintances, and he said repeatedly what a pity it was that the father had died so young.

Over this period the two also discussed the death of Zhong Yi once. Zhù Ying’s view was: “Whoever is appointed to fill the chancellorship will certainly be someone the Emperor trusts.” Prefect Lu held the same opinion.

After spending three days at the relay station, the two men Prefect Lu had summoned finally arrived. Each carried a small wooden box about one foot long, and both came to the station in good-natured ignorance, thinking they were executing some remarkably important secret mission.

Upon arriving, they found Prefect Lu happening to be “receiving a guest.” The guest was very young, currently discussing with Prefect Lu some matters of planning — taxes and levies and such. Prefect Lu casually introduced them: “This is Qi Ming; this is Wu Cheng.” Qi Ming was the household supervisor; Wu Cheng was the military affairs supervisor.

He then told the two men that this was the Prefect of Wuzhou — a place that had lately begun to yield considerable profit! And the prefect was so remarkably young! The two were somewhat startled. For they were of similar age to Zhù Ying and had thought themselves fairly successful men.

Zhù Ying engaged them pleasantly in casual conversation, in a manner that seemed utterly unplanned. At this moment the two were still wearing their good-natured surprise — officials from a distant prefecture would be the very last thing on their minds; even if they were beaten to death, neither would have guessed that Zhù Ying intended to take one of them on as a superior. Prefect Lu looked on from the side, quietly amused.

Before long, Zhù Ying had made her choice, and then she said no more. Qi Ming — just as Hang Qin at the Imperial Academy had been — was wholly unaware that he had already been caught under a falling windfall.

Lu and Zhù exchanged a glance. Prefect Lu said: “You have both worked hard. Go and rest.”

The two took their leave. Prefect Lu asked Zhù Ying: “Which one?”

“Qi Ming.”

“Excellent — then it shall be him! Why did you choose him?”

Zhù Ying said: “He has a better grasp of the people’s livelihood.”

“That is true. Then it is settled?”

“Settled.”

After the two conferred, Zhù Ying sent word to Deputy Director Xia on her end to first confirm Qi Ming as county magistrate. Prefect Lu also filed paperwork with the Ministry of Personnel to request a replacement for Qi Ming’s vacancy. Once the documents were sent, Prefect Lu returned to his room and used the key he carried to open the small box — it was completely empty inside. He smiled, left the box open, and did not bother to lock it.

With this matter concluded, Zhù Ying set off again immediately — already somewhat behind her originally planned schedule.

She did not take Qi Ming along on the road. He would need to wait until he received his appointment from the Ministry of Personnel and completed the proper handover before reporting to his new post.

The closer the boat drew to home, the more excited the young ones on board became. Jin Yu had already planned to show off to his brother when he got back — not only had he seen the Emperor, he had eaten a meal in the palace! Su Zhe, for her part, was thinking of the many things she wanted to say to her mother, and — oh right — the books as well.

She was wondering whether she ought to go to the academy. Going to the academy would let her meet new classmates, but then only Lang Rui would be left at the residence. Not boarding seemed odd; boarding meant…

Su Zhe felt a small twinge of uncertainty.

The scenery grew more and more familiar. Those on the boat began tidying their bags and taking stock of the little gifts they had brought for family and friends. Zhù Ying also gave the order to take inventory of her own things — the gifts from the Zheng household were numerous, and there were also items she had purchased herself.

They still needed to make one more transfer at a relay station, switching from water to land. At that time, Deputy Administrator Zhang was overseeing the prefectural office, and had thoughtfully dispatched people to wait at the station. Leading them was Su Feihu, with Administrative Commissioner Wang following behind. The moment Su Feihu saw her, he called out: “Godfather.” Su Zhe came over and addressed him as “Uncle.”

Zhù Ying did as she always had — she left Ding Gui and Xiao Huang behind with people to load the carts and follow at a slower pace, while she set off ahead with a smaller group to return to Wuzhou city.

Along the road, the spring plowing was drawing to a close. Those who worked fast had already finished planting. Zhù Ying looked at the state of the fields and could tell that Deputy Administrator Zhang and the others had managed things well. She said to Administrative Commissioner Wang who had come to receive her: “Everything is flourishing and full of vitality!”

Administrative Commissioner Wang said: “Indeed.”

He paid careful attention to who was accompanying Zhù Ying, noted that Xiao Wu was indeed not among them, and thought to himself: after all, he was someone who had followed the lord from early on — and so managed to secure a respectable posting. County deputy, though it may be, it is close to the capital!

Su Feihu presented quite a different picture — his formal speech had grown considerably more fluent. Zhù Ying asked him: “Are you getting on all right here?”

Su Feihu said: “Every few days I go out hunting. It is fine.”

“You have not trampled any crops, I hope?”

“Of course not — those are for eating.”

Zhù Ying laughed: “Good — exactly right.”

Within two days, Zhù Ying was back at the prefectural office. Along the way, the number of people on the roads had visibly increased. Administrative Commissioner Wang said quietly: “More men and women have arrived to work.”

Zhù Ying turned back to Zhao Zhen and the others: “Your work has found you again!”

Huajie and the others, having received the news, were all waiting to receive her in the front courtyard. Deputy Administrator Zhang said: “We have been longing for your return.” There was a touch of courtesy in his use of the word “longing.” For Huajie, however, it was genuine longing.

Longing for Zhù Ying to return safely.

She too was an official of Wuzhou and was aware of the personnel changes — Xiao Wu’s transfer had come as no surprise. The death of Zhong Yi was something that ordinary people felt nothing about, but officials could not help feeling uneasy. She had also been afraid that Zhù Ying might have been in the capital when all this happened.

Now all was well — she was back.

Huajie held back the impulse to act. She waited until Zhù Ying had arranged things at the prefectural office and announced she would host a dinner that evening for everyone, before following Zhù Ying back to the inner residence.