Zhù Ying couldn’t hold back — she looked up at the Emperor.

Everyone around her did the same.

There was proper protocol for court sessions, and rules for imperial audience. With the Emperor sitting high above, those below were not to lift their faces toward him but to keep their gaze slightly downward, to show they dared not meet the imperial countenance directly.

The Emperor suddenly found all these faces turning toward him and felt his own surprise. Was this request so unreasonable? The Emperor thought it over carefully. He was the Emperor; his son was fourteen years old. Granting a title and establishing a household was entirely reasonable! The boy was fourteen now — half-grown. How could he keep him penned up in the palace indefinitely? He had to go out and see the world. And since the household was being established, a full complement of staff was needed. This was also a fine opportunity to elevate some useful new talent. Over the past month, many of these court ministers had refused to cooperate on so many things. If national affairs required careful handling and they pushed back, fine — but how could they make life difficult for the Emperor even over minor things?

With this move, I’ll find some new people and let you all know: the Emperor is not someone that ministers can push around as they please.

The Emperor said, “What? My son — does he not deserve a title and a household?”

Liu Songnian had already submitted his retirement memorial and had long since made up his mind to leave as soon as possible. But when he heard this, he couldn’t help replying, “Of course he does — only now is not the time.”

The Crown Prince exhaled softly in relief. Liu Songnian was a capable man — in the month or so of experience since the new Emperor’s accession, when the chancellors opposed the Emperor’s wishes, the Emperor usually couldn’t make it happen.

The Emperor frowned. “What is wrong with the timing?”

Shi Kun stepped forward and produced a memorial: “Your Majesty — the Crown Prince has already been established, but the Crown Prince’s Chamberlain’s Office has never been set up. How can a younger prince establish his own household and office before the Crown Prince? This subject requests that Your Majesty first establish the East Palace Office, and then discuss the rest.”

Wang Yunhe stepped forward. “This subject concurs.”

Liu Songnian also said, “This subject concurs.”

No prior coordination was needed — everyone faced the Emperor. “This subject concurs.”

The Crown Prince bit down hard on his molars to suppress a laugh, then quickly lowered his head.

There was typically a conventional order to what needed to be done at a dynastic transition — sooner or later, certain things simply had to happen. The Grand Secretariat, though busy, had not forgotten there was a Crown Prince. Even if the Emperor had not raised the matter, the Grand Secretariat had already been preparing these past two days to petition the Emperor to establish the East Palace’s structure.

The Emperor’s opening remarks had derailed the matter. Shi Kun, as the most senior figure in the Grand Secretariat, naturally stepped forward to push back on the Emperor and at the same time produced the prepared proposal. All those in attendance at court, though they came from different factions and had different interests, were on this point remarkably united — not one person opposed the Grand Secretariat; they all stood against the Emperor alongside it.

Just like years past, when they had worn down the late emperor until he agreed to establish a Crown Prince.

The Emperor glanced at the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince lowered his head, hands at his sides, expression invisible.

The Emperor sat in silence. The chancellors led the way, and a host of ministers also stood silently. The Crown Prince himself stood quietly.

After a long moment, the Emperor said, “This is a matter of great importance and must be deliberated carefully. Who would be suitable as tutor and companion to the Crown Prince? Who would be suitable as Chamberlain?”

The court ministers, sensing they had won what they needed, were content to let the matter rest — they responded and each returned to their positions.

There was no point continuing this session. The Emperor immediately announced the dismissal of court, keeping the chancellors behind for further consultation.

The East Palace’s structure did indeed need to be established. The number of officials the Crown Prince required was very considerable. Before moving palaces, the Emperor had reassigned many of the former East Palace officials — even some Imperial Guard officers — to other posts. The officials of the original Chamberlain’s Office had been appointed by the late emperor. Elevating these servants alongside the new Emperor’s ascension would face little resistance at court.

The positions would then be vacant.

What now needed to be assembled from scratch was not just the Chamberlain’s Office, but also the Crown Prince’s Three Tutors and Three Junior Tutors, Companions, and the whole apparatus of a small court.

Once the East Palace’s staff was filled, the matter of the second son could be discussed.

The Emperor asked the Crown Prince to go see the Empress, while he himself continued his sparring match with the chancellors. He wanted to retain Liu Songnian. Liu Songnian did not appear to have any desire to consolidate power. The Emperor recalled that Liu Songnian had said just last year he intended to leave once the new reign era began — and now he was indeed requesting retirement. This improved the Emperor’s impression of him considerably.

The Emperor first reassured Liu Songnian, saying, “The country is in a critical moment of need — how can you bear to abandon me now?” He withheld Liu Songnian’s memorial.

Liu Songnian said, “This subject has done everything he could. Staying on would only mean causing trouble.”

The Emperor persisted in withholding it, his entreaties particularly sincere.

Shi Kun was eager to get the East Palace’s foundation stabilized first. Seeing that this exchange between ruler and minister would require several more rounds of mutual courtesy before being settled, and that there was no way they could resolve the retirement question today, he had no patience for watching them perform and cut in, “Let us first discuss the East Palace.”

The Emperor wanted Liu Songnian to concurrently hold the title of Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor. Liu Songnian said, “This subject has only mastered minor arts, unsuitable for instructing the Crown Prince. A steady and virtuous senior official would be better.”

After much discussion, Liu Songnian proposed that Grand General Ruan be given the honorary title of Grand Protector. Shi Kun received the title of Grand Tutor. Shi Kun in turn proposed that the Zheng Marquis be given the title of Grand Master. Cold Marquis would serve as Junior Protector. Of the six positions, four were first assigned — as was the court’s usual practice, not all posts would be filled at once.

Wang Yunhe proposed that Yue Huan serve as Crown Prince’s Companion. The position was somewhat nominal but kept the holder close to the Crown Prince — it required someone of upright character. The rank was high, but clear executive power was absent.

Shi Kun proposed that Xian Jing be made Chamberlain.

The Emperor said, “Him?”

Liu Songnian said, “Xian Jing earned his position through the imperial examination, and is well-versed in the Six Arts and the classics. He first served at the local level and understands the people’s hardships; he then held posts in the Ministry of Finance and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, giving him knowledge of national economy and popular welfare. This subject considers him suitable.”

The Emperor knew who Xian Jing was — his reputation had always been acceptable, and the late emperor had praised him as capable and astute. He had entered through the orthodox path, had rich experience, and was in the prime of life and vigor.

After weighing all this, the Emperor said, “Approved.”

Other positions were still lacking — it was not something that could be resolved in a single discussion. The Emperor said, “Draft a list and deliberate slowly.”

The chancellors also understood this could not all be settled at once — they all received their orders.

The Emperor raised the old matter again: the title for his second son.

Wang Yunhe said, “Princes must establish households — which requires both a residence and staff, all at great expense.”

The Emperor said, “Isn’t there the Prince of Lu’s old estate?”

Wang Yunhe said, “True — but the Prince of Lu’s estate had certain violations of regulations that would need to be demolished and reconstructed before it could be used. Please allow us to wait until the East Palace is fully staffed before discussing this further.”

The Emperor had no choice but to agree.

Liu Songnian’s memorial was not approved — the Emperor had withheld it.

——

The three returned to the Grand Secretariat. Shi Kun said, “You only just entered the Secretariat — how can you already be leaving?”

Liu Songnian said, “It wasn’t as if I wanted to come.”

Shi Kun was somewhat anxious. If Liu Songnian left, he couldn’t leave right away either — that would leave only Wang Yunhe in the Grand Secretariat. Speaking out of uncharitable suspicion, Wang Yunhe might easily accumulate too much power. For the public good, one person managing both the Emperor above and national affairs below would be far too busy — prone to oversights and fatigue.

Liu Songnian hadn’t changed a bit. “I simply cannot do things like this.”

Shi Kun pleaded, “Stay a while longer, stay a while longer.” Like a grievance-laden ghost looking for a substitute victim.

Liu Songnian didn’t bother responding. He had watched Shi Kun’s recent conduct closely — if Shi Kun could leave, why couldn’t he?

Liu Songnian sat out the rest of the session at the Grand Secretariat until the end of the working day, then left without a moment’s delay and went home.

His residence was one that the late emperor had wanted to upgrade when he became chancellor — he had declined, and he still lived in his old place. Without surprise, he received another batch of visiting cards, and people were sitting waiting for him at the gatehouse as well. Opportunities to reshuffle and return to the table didn’t come often, and many people didn’t want to miss this chance.

Liu Songnian saw three people a day — not one more. Today’s three had not one among them that satisfied him. What so-called brilliant talent! Not worth a thing!

Liu Songnian cursed under his breath and prepared to have dinner.

The meal was being set out when the gatekeeper reported — Zhù Ying had arrived.

Zhù Ying was not counted among the “three people.” Liu Songnian said, “What does she want here? Set out seats.”

Zhù Ying hadn’t come alone — she was in fact three people.

Liu Songnian narrowed his eyes and watched a line of figures come through the door. Behind Zhù Ying were two figures, one tall and one short. Zhù Ying herself wasn’t quite sure how it would go. She had today brought Su Zhe and Lin Feng to call, leaving Zhù Qingjun and Zhù Lian at home.

Liu Songnian gave a slight nod. The household manager silently withdrew and had two more table settings added.

Zhù Ying did not sit down immediately. She bowed formally to Liu Songnian. Liu Songnian narrowed his eyes again. “What are you up to this time?”

Zhù Ying smiled. “Why do you say that the same way Chancellor Wang does?”

“Then reflect on what you’ve done.”

Liu Songnian looked at the young man and woman but said nothing about them.

Zhù Ying said, “Come — pay your respects to Chancellor Liu.”

Su Zhe and Lin Feng stepped forward properly and bowed to Liu Songnian, calling him “Teacher.”

Liu Songnian raised an eyebrow at Zhù Ying. Zhù Ying said, “At home, we call him Teacher — here in public we should say Chancellor.”

Liu Songnian said, “Take your seats.”

Hosts and guests settled in, ate for a while, and then Zhù Ying spoke. “Do you think these two children are suitable?”

Liu Songnian said, “Oh — you carried them all the way up from Wuzhou. What did you want me to say?”

Zhù Ying introduced Su Zhe and Lin Feng’s backgrounds and said, “Your household office is open now, isn’t it? You can take on staff. These two — let them fill up numbers at your side. Just fill numbers, nothing more — no need to manage anything else. While you haven’t yet retired, they can get an official origin.”

Liu Songnian didn’t immediately decline. He looked at Su Zhe again. Su Zhe was a girl — placing her as an official in a chancellor’s household?

Zhù Ying was also not entirely certain Liu Songnian would agree.

Su Zhe and Lin Feng were the ones she felt moderately confident about; Zhù Lian and Zhù Qingjun were not yet feasible — because of their “origins.” She could find justifications for Su Zhe and Lin Feng: the court’s policy of extending goodwill to border peoples, and the influence that came with placing the children of tribal leaders in the capital. Su Zhe was already the confirmed heir to her mother — having such an heir serve at the imperial capital was an approach dynasties had used quite skillfully. Zhù Qingjun and Zhù Lian were different — both were of ordinary background and would have to compete on real merit against others’ pedigrees. Zhù Qingjun was also a girl. Even for Zhù Lian, there was still not enough accumulated standing to enter officialdom through official channels. Adding them would only throw obstacles in Su Zhe’s path.

Zhù Ying wanted there to be a female official with a proper, legitimate status in this empire’s capital — even if only in a chancellor’s household, the precedent needed to exist. Su Zhe’s meaning differed from that of Martial Sister and Cui Jiacheng in the Court of Judicial Review. Those two were not necessary — with one word, their positions could be dissolved, and even the position of female deputy director could be abolished without much resistance. If one cited rites and customs, having female constables was sufficient. Strictly speaking, Martial Sister and Cui were “special cases” — “extras” beyond the norm. Su Zhe was different. She was embedded within the “border governance” system — the court had to treat her with the same standing as other tribal leaders. Even with a female body, the court was obligated to.

Su Zhe’s status in the court was higher than Lin Feng’s.

The court needed to gradually grow accustomed to having women receive official positions in the outer court. Su Zhe obtaining a formal, legitimate post — not an “extra” arrangement, not an inner court title, not an inner or outer consort title, not a separately created “female official” category, but a woman within the outer court’s official structure — this mattered greatly.

The justification she could offer based on “border appeasement” — Liu Songnian could certainly come up with the same reasoning. He was only slightly hesitant. His household office was open, his staff not yet assembled, and there were plenty of vacancies.

He looked once more at Su Zhe and Lin Feng.

Su Zhe rose and came to kneel before Liu Songnian. “Student is your devoted admirer from afar. To receive even one or two words of your guidance is what the people of Wuzhou have always dreamed of.” She kowtowed three full times.

Lin Feng, taking his cue, immediately followed suit. “And me too. We both learned our characters from the literacy song.”

Most literate people in Wuzhou had, by that connection, learned under the literacy song Liu Songnian had composed — making them his “private disciples” in some loose sense. That was the meaning of Su Zhe’s self-designation.

Zhù Ying had not dressed Su Zhe in men’s clothing. The girl was in her own feminine attire — entirely unlike the young women of the capital. Her character was one thing — this girl had a distinct air of fearlessness. Then there was her style of dress: Su Zhe was in her teens, yet her hairstyle wasn’t the increasingly elaborate imitations of adult women favored by her age-group peers. Her garments had been altered at several points from the current fashion — trimmer, more suited to movement.

Liu Songnian shot Zhù Ying a fierce glare, then looked at the pair of young man and woman, his gaze becoming markedly gentler. “Get up. Eat your dinner properly.”

The two kowtowed once more and scrambled up to return to their seats and continue eating.

Liu Songnian let out a sharp laugh. “Like teacher, like students — they take after you.” To be able to eat with an appetite at a time like this — it did look a bit like Zhù Ying.

Zhù Ying returned a smile. The matter of the Chamberlain’s Office was under discussion, so Liu Songnian wouldn’t submit a second petition for retirement for now — he would likely not truly retire until the East Palace structure was assembled. This was precisely the right moment to make use of Liu Songnian’s authority.

Liu Songnian said, “You’re still this concerned with Wuzhou! You put four people from Jiyuan Prefecture background into your Court of Judicial Review — don’t think I don’t know!”

Jiyuan Prefecture had been within the old Wuzhou territory, and could be said to fall within a “greater Wuzhou” scope.

Zhù Ying said, “Those are graduates of the old Wuzhou official schools. Other places produce more students of the classics; their people prefer Spring-and-Autumn precedent adjudication and the half-learned types who know a little of everything but nothing deeply. People who truly study the law are still few. My knowledge of the classics leaves something to be desired, but I’m more conversant with the law. From the time I arrived in Fulu County, I leaned toward the examination in law. Over twenty years now, there are a handful of people worth using. Still better than those worthless sorts who know nothing but frequenting brothels and eating well.”

These four were from the earlier group of official school graduates who had gone out to the provinces as county deputies and the like — after gaining local experience and accumulating some seniority, they were now being brought back to the capital for evaluator positions, which suited their rank.

A pity that the transfer orders had gone out and it would take time to arrive. By the time they reached the Court of Judicial Review to report, the Prince of Lu case would already be closed — they would miss out on any credit from handling the case.

Liu Songnian clicked his tongue twice. “Too deliberate — they’ll be drawn to you as well.”

Zhù Ying said, “I opened up a stretch of wasteland and finally got it to grow crops. Letting it lie fallow now would be such a waste. The court at this moment probably can’t spare the effort to look after Wuzhou. If I don’t tend to it, who in this court would spare a thought for Wuzhou? Better to be drawn to me than to abusive and corrupt officials — that doesn’t make sense, does it?”

The moment he thought of the current state of the court and then of the Emperor, Liu Songnian’s face creased up. “Eat your dinner.”

The three of them had a meal at Liu Songnian’s expense, and Zhù Ying took the two back home.

As they said their farewells, Zhù Ying said, “Then I’ll go have their official attire made.”

Liu Songnian pointed at Su Zhe and asked, “This one’s official uniform — how do you plan to have it made?”

Zhù Ying said, “We discussed it before — the female deputy director position at the Court of Judicial Review. At the time it was considered too much trouble to argue about. Now’s a fine chance to use it as a model.”

Liu Songnian said, “I understand.”

……

Su Zhe and Lin Feng were both a little excited. On the way home, Su Zhe kept smiling with tightly pressed lips. Lin Feng chattered away nonstop: “A’Yi, what will I be doing?” “A’Yi, will I be writing lots of documents like Zhao-jia A’Ge?” “A’Yi, can I attend court as well?”

“A’Yi…”

“Quiet.” Zhù Ying said.

Lin Feng stayed quiet for a while. Once back home, he couldn’t hold it any longer. “A’Yi…”

“Get out.”

Lin Feng left.

Zhù Ying said to Su Zhe, “Write a letter home to your A’Ma and let her know.”

“Yes.”

Zhù Ying put her hands behind her back. She had maneuvered Liu Songnian, and Liu Songnian knew it — yet he had tolerated it.

It was… somewhat embarrassing, actually.

She paced back to the study and pulled out a sheet of paper, then began writing from memory. The names of several local officials, all connected to the Prince of Lu treason case, along with the locations of their posts.

Then she wrote a second sheet — the names of those she had recommended for their current posts. Four people had been transferred to the Court of Judicial Review; their previous positions were now empty. When the moment was right, those could be filled as well.

A couple more days, she thought. First, she needed to get Su Zhe’s matter nailed down solidly.

Now that Liu Songnian had agreed to Zhù Ying’s request, progress came the very next day. He wrote a memorial, adding two people to his household office staff — no one could stop him.

Liu Songnian’s memorial went up, and the Emperor approved it without reading it carefully. But at the Secretariat of the Gate, it was blocked by a Reviewing Censor who recalled that Su Zhe was not only from the Yi ethnic group — she was also a woman. That was against all convention.

Su Zhe had been confirmed as Su Mingluan’s heir through an official decree from the court, processed by the Court of Reception and other offices — so the Reviewing Censor had a recollection of her.

The Emperor summoned Liu Songnian and asked about it. Liu Songnian used the argument of “governed territories under their own customs” to explain it to the Emperor: “The court at present wishes to see the border regions remain stable and uncomplicated.” Su Zhe’s family had served as leaders for generations. As her own people didn’t mind, the court should not create problems.

The second time, it passed.

Zhù Ying didn’t bother handling the official procedures for Su Zhe and Lin Feng herself. She called the two to the study. “You’ll first come with me to Liu Chancellor’s household to pay your respects, and then do as the Chancellor arranges.”

She took care of their clothing and other necessities, measured them for new attire, and prepared the required items. Once everything was gathered, she deposited it all at Liu Songnian’s household and left without a backward glance.

Lin Feng said to Su Zhe, “Are — are we just going to be left on our own now?”

Su Zhe said, “He never managed my uncle like that either!”

She was referring to Zhao Su, who was still deposited at the Court of Reception handling affairs for Luo Sheng, and who came home on every rest day to pour out his grievances. Lin Feng said quietly, “I remember Zhao-jia A’Ge used to be very brooding. How is he so chatty now?”

They were both fluent in the Yi language — better than any local dialect, and not easily understood. They spoke their gossip openly.

Su Zhe said, “Then I’ll tell him to come and be fierce with you tomorrow!”

“No! I’m your uncle too — you can’t treat me like this!”

“Hmph!”

The two now had another place to spend their time in the capital. They went to Liu Songnian’s residence at the appointed hours. In the mornings they could arrive later — Liu Songnian had to attend court. In the afternoons, they moved about under Liu Songnian’s watch. Liu Songnian didn’t involve himself in many day-to-day matters; most of what they did was read books and run errands.

Sometimes Liu Songnian would also ask them about Wuzhou. Su Zhe was sharper and knew what she shouldn’t say. Lin Feng was carefree but knew little of any secrets. Each evening, Su Zhe would return home and recount everything she and Liu Songnian had discussed that day to Zhù Ying; Lin Feng could also give a rough recap.

One day, Lin Feng slunk into the study with a wretched expression on his face, looking as though he were about to cry. “A’Yi, I may have caused trouble.”

Zhù Ying raised an eyebrow. She had known from the moment she placed these two before Liu Songnian that Liu Songnian might draw out something. But the problem wasn’t serious.

Lin Feng said, “I — I mentioned the Suoning family… I hadn’t meant to bring them up, but I was — was talking about their sacrificial ceremony and just mentioned offhandedly that this family was already gone.” Liu Songnian had been asking about customs, and Lin Feng had given the Suoning family as an example of a household that had once cruelly captured members of his own family.

Su Zhe said, “I — I smoothed things over a little. I said it was because our family and the Talang family had been bullied first and only struck back.”

They had drawn blades against the Suoning family, carved them up, and divided the spoils — none of which matched the court’s portrayal of the “peaceful” unification of the five clans.

Zhù Ying said, “Now you know to watch what you say?”

Lin Feng looked as though catastrophe were imminent. “A’Yi — you handle the Chancellor — I’ll take responsibility for this! I made the mistake, I’ll own it!”

Zhù Ying let him suffer through to the point of tears, then finally said, “This matter — I’ll explain it. As for you two…”

Su Zhe immediately said, “Watch what we say!”

……

The next morning, the two rose earlier than usual and were stationed at the courtyard gate, waiting for Zhù Ying to come out. When she appeared, Lin Feng fawningly sidled up to her. “A’Yi…”

Zhù Ying said, “Chancellor Liu is relatively easygoing. With others, there won’t be as much luck.”

Lin Feng hunched his neck down. “Understood.”

He wanted to ask how Zhù Ying planned to explain things, imagining it would be quite difficult, but didn’t dare ask. He grabbed the job of holding the horse, seeing her to the street corner.

Zhù Ying said, “All right — go back and get ready. You have to report in too.”

“Yes…”

Explain what, exactly!

She had already told Wang Yunhe long ago — what she intended to manage was not limited to Wuzhou alone. If they hadn’t transferred her back, her plan was to keep pushing forward until she could reach the borders of the Western Barbarians, achieving the goal of strategic containment.

So — absorbing the Suoning family, what was wrong with that?

That was proof she had been working diligently, never slacking!

Yes, the method of provoking and annexing them was a bit risky — it could have turned into a small-scale war.

“Just keep taking risks!” Liu Songnian had said the same thing when he scolded her.

After the morning court session, Liu Songnian summoned her to the Grand Secretariat and dressed her down privately. “Think through your exit strategy before doing something like this next time!”

Zhù Ying said, “I calculated the risk — it was acceptable.”

“Acceptable my foot!” Liu Songnian said. “The very fact that it was risky says you were gambling. How come you didn’t dare report it to the court? That tells you something — doesn’t it?”

Zhù Ying said, “I had been thinking about it — once more places had been brought in, I could bury it all together in one report and it would be covered.”

Liu Songnian jabbed her on the forehead with his finger. “When you’re gambling, you have to be able to contain the damage yourself. Go home and warn Lin Feng and the others — no loose lips.”

“Understood.”

“Warnings are useless anyway.” Liu Songnian muttered. Smart people tended to be confident — Zhù Ying was also a smart person. Liu Songnian didn’t genuinely believe one word would keep her well-behaved. He added a threat: “Before you act, think — do you imagine you’re the only clever person in the world?”

“Understood.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t.”

Liu Songnian said, “Get out.”

Zhù Ying got out.

Coming out of the Grand Secretariat and heading back toward the Court of Judicial Review, she encountered Qiao San huddled in a corner of a side alley. Seeing her come, Qiao San stepped out. “My lord.”

Zhù Ying stopped. Seeing his anxious expression, she asked, “Is someone at the Court of Reception making things difficult for you?”

“No — not at all. Deputy Director Zhao has been looking out for me. Deputy Director Zhao sent me here to wait for my lord, and to pass on a message — just now, the news: old Director Luo the Prince Consort has passed away.”

Well, now! The position of Head of the Court of Reception had just opened up.