The entire field headquarters was in high spirits.

The more affairs Zhù Ying managed and the greater her authority, the better things were for everyone who followed her. From top to bottom, they were all preparing to celebrate — the kitchen added extra dishes, and everyone tidied their appearance. Those with quick minds had already begun preparing gifts.

Zhù Ying had spent half the day drafting the memorial, and by the time she emerged, they had already laid out the banquet.

The guest of honor this year was naturally Yu Qingyuan. He was several ranks below Zhù Ying, yet he was also an “Imperial Envoy,” and so he was seated to her left and right alongside Governor Wang. Governor Wang raised his cup in congratulation, and Zhù Ying smiled and nodded.

Governor Wang watched her, noting that she never displayed great joy or great sorrow, and inwardly marveled: how many people spend their entire lives unable to cultivate such composure?

He let his gaze sweep downward and saw southerners and northerners, men and women seated in alternating arrangement — strangely, there was a peculiar harmony to it.

After this great battle, the court would surely gain yet another newly powerful figure.

Governor Wang glanced again at Chen Fang, then at Gu Tong. In a few more years, these people would become the backbone of things, and Zhù Ying’s sphere of influence would be very nearly complete. Though it still seemed rushed, as long as Zhù Ying did not die young, those bound to her by a kindness as deep as father and son would follow her like an arm directing its fingers.

While he was musing, Yu Qingyuan offered Zhù Ying his congratulations once more.

Zhù Ying said, “I merely meddled in affairs — I never imagined His Majesty would entrust me with yet another heavy responsibility. It is truly humbling.”

Yu Qingyuan said, “The court is in dire need of someone just like you.”

Everyone offered another round of flattery. Yu Qingyuan also noticed Su Zhe, Zhù Qingjun, and Xiang An among those present. Of these, Zhù Qingjun and Xiang An held no official posts, yet Yu Qingyuan raised no objection.

When the banquet dispersed, Zhù Ying went to Yu Qingyuan’s guest room. He had already changed into informal clothes and, upon seeing her, quickly offered her a seat. Once she sat down, she produced the memorial and handed it to him.

Yu Qingyuan glanced at the cover, where the ink was still relatively fresh, and said, “You drafted it so quickly — you truly are sharp and capable!” He solemnly put the memorial away.

Zhù Ying said, “I have only done what I can.”

Yu Qingyuan again expressed his appreciation for her efforts, then remarked, “At the banquet, I noticed there were women present — from their bearing, it appears they hold functional responsibilities? Is it still the same arrangement as in Wuzhou?”

Zhù Ying said, “Yes — having them take charge and lend a hand with women’s affairs.”

Yu Qingyuan asked with a grave expression, “Has the conscription in the north already come to the point of mobilizing women? Has this war consumed so much…?”

Zhù Ying waved her hand. “It has not yet reached the point of exhaustion. If you spend more time governing at the local level, you will understand — what is called conscription and drafting of men-folk in reality has always included the mobilization of women as well. Using local women in the north is far better than drafting men from distant places to come here. Setting everything else aside, the losses incurred from traveling such a distance alone are more than can be borne.”

Yu Qingyuan nodded and sighed, “It would be good if this war could be concluded cleanly. In your view, how does the front line stand? And what is the state of the imperial army at present?”

Both were of scholarly backgrounds, and they had swept boldly through affairs of state in their youth — though after taking a few hard lessons, they had each drawn their conclusions.

But Zhù Ying had no intention of revealing the full picture to Yu Qingyuan. Could Yu Qingyuan make decisions? No, he could not. So what was the point of wasting words with him? Everything that needed to be said had already been said to Wang Yunhe.

Zhù Ying said, “After Marquis Zheng’s reorganization, things are much improved.”

Yu Qingyuan muttered under his breath, “The Chief Minister spoke long ago of reforming the military system — they dragged their feet and obstructed, which is why it has come to this state of affairs, and why you have had to travel a thousand li to be here. Had the reform been carried out earlier, and the Loyal Martial Army given more time to drill and train, things would never have come to this. After several battles, someone will surely use the opportunity to settle old scores.”

Zhù Ying smiled. “For now, the proper business is to drive the northern tribesmen back.”

Yu Qingyuan muttered a few more times, complaining about the past conduct of these generals — speaking truthfully, such as about Leng Pinghui, whose performance in the last battle had been as foolish as could be imagined. And about how much grain and pay they had secretly embezzled behind the scenes.

Zhù Ying listened calmly throughout, occasionally offering only, “It is fortunate that the officers have been changed.”

What Yu Qingyuan resented most deeply was the attacks on Wang Yunhe. “One can only feel pity for the Chief Minister…”

Zhù Ying asked, “What has happened to Chief Minister Wang?”

Yu Qingyuan shook his head and said in a low voice, “The Chief Minister suddenly changed his approach — he said that rather than remain locked in a struggle with them, it would be better to do good work in one place at a time. He is now focused on administering Yangzhou.”

Zhù Ying was momentarily taken aback, then said, “He is willing to humble himself. Unexpected — yet also, upon reflection, entirely in keeping with who he is.”

“A Chief Minister, personally overseeing the affairs of a single prefecture. We who watch feel a heaviness in our hearts, hating only our own inadequacy.” As he said this, he fixed his gaze steadily upon Zhù Ying.

Yu Qingyuan and Xian Jing and others had spoken of Zhù Ying many times, wishing they could draw her to their side. That she was capable was undeniably true, and in ordinary times she was quite warm and protective toward Wang Yunhe; her conduct was also reasonably upright. Yet she had never been willing to stand clearly and unambiguously on Wang Yunhe’s side.

Though they understood that Zheng Xi had been the one who had promoted and mentored Zhù Ying, in the struggle between noble gentlemen and petty men, how could one not take a clear stand?

Zhù Ying still did not take the opening he offered. Even if it were Wang Yunhe himself standing before her saying these words, she would not simply nod and agree.

She said slowly, “When wolves and jackals bar the road and prey upon the people to satisfy their greed, those of us who share our calling must strive diligently.”

Yu Qingyuan felt a surge of enthusiasm and said, “Precisely! I wonder what you intend to do next? The world being what it is, I fear a lone hand cannot make a sound — better to unite two or three kindred souls, to serve the Son of Heaven above and bring peace to the common people below.”

Zhù Ying said, “I never received a proper classical education, and so I am no good at talking about principles, and no good at writing essays either. I simply act according to my own conscience.”

Yu Qingyuan said, “Quite right. Alas, these days there is no shortage of people with conscience.”

Zhù Ying nodded.

Yu Qingyuan then turned to the subject of Xian Jing: “He currently serves as Chamberlain of the Crown Prince’s Household and is deeply trusted by the Eastern Palace. In days to come…”

Zhù Ying raised her hand and covered her own ears.

Yu Qingyuan’s heart jolted. He steadied himself, and then suddenly tears fell from his eyes. “The Chief Minister’s hair — it has gone entirely white! He sleeps less than three hours each night! Is what he seeks to accomplish only for himself? If this realm is not set right, it will truly descend into an age of total decay.”

Zhù Ying lowered her hand and asked calmly, “Why are you telling me all of this? What is it that you want me to do?”

“Even if you will not help us, please — do not obstruct us. We are determined to follow the Chief Minister, no matter what!”

Zhù Ying said, “When have I ever obstructed any of you?”

Yu Qingyuan could barely hold back his sobs and said, “We ask only that you show clemency toward sincere and upright gentlemen.”

Zhù Ying said, “I deal only with those who break the law. Among all the people in this realm — pull back the rooftop and measure them with a ruler — there is not a single perfect person. I do not intend to demand that every person be a saint. As long as you do not go too far, I can tolerate it.”

Yu Qingyuan understood that getting Zhù Ying to make an explicit declaration of allegiance was impossible. But as long as she did not actively move against them, that was already a great relief.

He bowed deeply in gratitude. “On behalf of the common people of this realm, I thank you, my lord.”

Zhù Ying said, “Between myself and the common people, no intermediary is needed.”

Yu Qingyuan, tears still on his face, looked up in a daze. “You…?”

Zhù Ying said, “If people like you spent less time invoking the common people with your lips and more time doing actual practical work, Chief Minister Wang would not be so exhausted. If from the first time you and I met, you had applied yourself to studying practical administration, he too could have been spared some of the burden.”

Yu Qingyuan said, “At the time I did intend to — but circumstances intervened, and somehow I never got around to it. Now, today, how am I supposed to walk away from everything?”

Zhù Ying shook her head. “I have said all I have to say.”

With that, without another glance at the memorial, she gave a small nod and walked out.

Left alone, Yu Qingyuan wiped his face and hurriedly picked up Zhù Ying’s memorial to look it over. Clear in structure and reasoning — any reader would have to say it was excellent work. A memorial of this caliber being submitted would surely satisfy both His Majesty and the Council of State. Looking at its style, it even carried something of Wang Yunhe’s character.

In temperament they seemed so compatible — how could it be that they could never truly come together? Could it be that Zhù Ying wanted to act independently, to demonstrate her own ability? That would be…

Yu Qingyuan pounded the table in frustration.

And yet — the memorial still had to be carefully preserved and delivered exactly as it was.

Zhù Ying paid no mind to what Yu Qingyuan thought. She treated him exactly as she always had, hosted him well, and sent him off in the proper manner.

Returning to the field headquarters, she dispatched people to keep watch over the grain transport and land-clearing operations, and from time to time wrapped herself in a plain blue robe and went out personally to have a look.

One day, having just returned from outside, she heard Zhù Wen say, “My lord, Young Master Gu has arrived.”

Zhù Ying nodded, thinking to herself: it is the time of spring plowing — what has brought him here? Has he encountered difficulties with the spring plowing and come to ask me for draft animals? Or has there been some friction with the imperial army, and he has come to ask me to mediate?

She stepped inside. Gu Tong was waiting in the main hall. At the sudden sight of her in that plain blue robe, he felt momentarily disoriented — the teacher still looks rather young!

Zhù Ying said, “What are you staring at?”

Gu Tong quickly said, “Teacher, there is this matter. I am not quite sure how to begin — one day, I was out in the fields when someone came looking for me…”

At the time, Gu Tong was mediating an argument between two elderly farmers. They were family members of old soldiers who had traveled here with great difficulty to be near their sons, and upon seeing there was land available — even if it needed to be cleared — with animals and tools provided for borrowing, they had not been particular. At first they had been endlessly grateful and wanted to set up a longevity tablet in his honor, but within a few days they had fallen into a dispute. The climate of their home region was different from the north, and they disagreed over when to begin planting.

The old soldiers’ home region was the heartland of the Central Plains, precisely the area for which the imperial calendar had been calibrated — of course it would fit there. The north was cold; the dates were off and would have to be pushed back. The old farmers insisted on following the imperial calendar according to their old habits, while Gu Tong held firm that based on northern experience, the schedule needed to be adjusted.

The argument was at its most intense when a yamen runner came to find Gu Tong: “My lord, visitors have arrived at the yamen, carrying two carrying-poles of gifts.”

Gu Tong assumed it was some fellow townsman coming to thank him, perhaps with half a basket of grain and dried vegetables, or a pair of chickens and ducks tied up and brought along.

When he arrived and looked, the two carrying-poles were filled with gold and silver valuables. At the front stood a young man who looked like a scholar — dressed in a silk robe, a leather belt around his waist — who addressed him with great courtesy: “I pay my respects to Uncle.”

He then presented a visiting card. The visitor said his surname was Jing, that he was from Nanping County, and that his father was named Jing Gang, who was, like the Gu family, a native of Wuzhou. Jing Gang had been serving as an official away from home for many years; upon hearing that his fellow townsman Gu Tong was in the north, he had specially sent his son to pay his respects.

Gu Tong knew who Jing Gang was. The Jing family had once been dealt with by Zhù Ying and had since become well-behaved. But Gu Tong had no deep personal connection with Jing Gang — what had brought him here?

He accepted the visiting card and read it — indeed, it was the Jing Gang he knew — and the card was accompanied by a list of gifts. Gu Tong said, “You have come such a long way; there was no need to be so generous.”

Jing Peng then produced a letter with both hands extended: “My father’s intentions are all written inside.”

Gu Tong gestured for Jing Peng to be seated, and while opening the letter, exchanged a few pleasantries about the journey.

Jing Peng said, “My father’s current posting is not far from the north, so the journey was fairly smooth.”

Gu Tong scanned the first two pages and understood the situation. Jing Gang was asking him to act as an intermediary to petition Zhù Ying on his behalf, hoping to serve under her.

Gu Tong calculated Jing Gang’s age and recalled the titles listed on his card, and guessed that Jing Gang had grown tired of being passed over and was now seeking a path forward.

Gu Tong set the card aside, refolded the letter, asked where Jing Peng was staying, arranged accommodation for him, and then offered him a welcome banquet. Over cups of wine, uncle and nephew — who had never met before — exchanged pleasantries, and Gu Tong learned all about Jing Gang’s situation.

Moving up from rank six to rank five was exceedingly difficult. Even for a presented scholar, without a patron it was nearly impossible — most people simply waited it out. Though he himself had not yet reached the fifth rank, his teacher had changed his position from county magistrate to a kind of assistant prefect — one without a prefect above him — a role that clearly signaled to any observer that a fifth-rank position was on the horizon. All of it was thanks to his teacher.

Anyone with half a brain who had any connection to this would naturally consider that path.

Jing Gang was an intelligent man — that much Gu Tong knew.

Still, he was not certain of Zhù Ying’s thinking. She had always preferred to use younger people, training them from the beginning. The advantage of this was obvious — young people had not yet picked up certain peculiar habits, making it easier to shape them.

Gu Tong thought it over briefly and decided in the end to speak on Jing Gang’s behalf.

“So that is why you came?” Zhù Ying asked.

Gu Tong was a little apprehensive, yet he pressed on with his explanation: “Jing Gang is no mediocre talent either. And now that you have been additionally appointed as Farmland Commissioner, you are in need of capable people. As things stand in the court right now, the Wang and Zheng factions have only declared a truce because of the war — it does not mean their conflict has ended. If you were to transfer someone from the court, that person could very well belong to one faction or the other. The moment they arrive, they could misuse their public position for factional purposes, turning legitimate business into a vehicle for partisan struggle — and that would harm your affairs.”

His voice grew smaller as he spoke. He stole a glance at Zhù Ying, saw that she did not appear angry, and raised his voice a little to continue: “Chief Minister Wang is an upright gentleman, but even he has some bad apples among his followers! As for Chief Minister Zheng’s side — let’s not even start there. They treat you well, but that doesn’t mean they don’t scheme against others. Better to bring in someone who answers to you. I won’t make any greater claims, but using someone from the Jing family is better than using a complete stranger.”

Zhù Ying said, “You have said everything there is to say — what is left for me to add?”

Gu Tong grinned, looking as guileless as he had ten years ago. “Does that mean you agree?”

Zhù Ying said, “Is it that easy? Does it not require negotiation with the Ministry of Personnel?”

Gu Tong said cautiously, “In the north… there are vacancies, after all…”

Zhù Ying had been periodically sending officials off in a prison cart, so vacancies did genuinely exist. Officials from both the Wang and Zheng factions had been on much better behavior; over the past several months, the ones she had arrested had simply been officials committing crimes for their own personal benefit.

Zhù Ying said, “Give me his visiting card.”

Gu Tong immediately pulled it from his sleeve: “Right here. And there is also a letter.”

Zhù Ying took it and looked it over, then asked, “Where is Jing Peng?”

“Arranged at the post station — I will go fetch him right now.”

Jing Peng was taller than Jing Gang, and resembled his father in only three parts; the greater resemblance was to his mother. He smiled when meeting people, and upon seeing Zhù Ying he bowed low to the ground.

Zhù Ying helped him up and said, “You bear some resemblance to your father.”

Jing Peng said, “This junior is still far below my father — I will endeavor to work harder.”

Zhù Ying asked about Jing Gang’s health and such matters, and Jing Peng reported all was well. Zhù Ying then asked, “How is your fifth uncle?”

Jing Peng said, “He has returned home to attend to Grandfather.”

Zhù Ying said, “Only if he can settle his heart will your family be at peace.”

Jing Peng could only smile politely. When Fifth Uncle Jing had first come to their household, he was the sort of person who could cause trouble simply by moving about — his parents had exhausted themselves on account of this younger brother. But in the end, he had improved considerably.

Jing Peng presented the gift list with both hands and said, “My father and mother often think of you with gratitude, my lord. If not for you in those years, many matters in the family would never have been sorted out. Had things been left to run their course unchecked, it would certainly have become a great disaster. Upon hearing that you had come to the north, my father wished he could come in person to pay his respects. He specially sent this junior to come on his behalf — these small gifts are a trifling token of esteem.”

Zhù Ying signaled to Zhù Wen nearby to accept them, then said, “Your father is far from home — how is his situation?”

Jing Peng stole a glance at Gu Tong, then said quickly, “My father says that in those years he learned much from watching how you conducted affairs. If he could serve under your command and receive your guidance, that would be the fulfillment of his lifelong wish.”

Zhù Ying said, “The Court of Judicial Review has no ready position to place him in, and how much longer can I remain in the north anyway?”

“Even a brief time would be worthwhile.”

Zhù Ying said, “Your parents have raised you very well. I understand his intentions. You may stay here for now — rest for a few days, walk around and see the area — and then return.”

Jing Peng quickly said, “The journey here has already shown me a great deal. This junior now finally understands why both grandfather and father have always spoken of you with such deep admiration.”

Zhù Ying nodded.

Gu Tong, seeing this, led Jing Peng back out. Once the two of them had left the field headquarters, Jing Peng asked, “Uncle, what do you think my lord’s intentions are?”

Gu Tong said, “You are so clever — why ask me? I only want to know one thing: can your father truly settle down and do the work?”

Jing Peng said, “Uncle, what brings you to say that? My father has been diligent and dutiful his entire life, conscientious in the performance of his responsibilities.”

Gu Tong said, “Then that is good. Rest here today — I will go ask my teacher and give you an answer.”

“Many thanks, Uncle.”

Gu Tong watched him leave, then turned back to see Zhù Ying.

Zhù Ying said, “Have you no proper work to do?”

Gu Tong said, “I am going, I am going! And — about that matter?”

Zhù Ying said, “I will transfer him here.”

“Wonderful!”

Zhù Ying made her decision quickly. The next day, when Jing Peng came with Gu Tong to take his leave, he received Zhù Ying’s definitive reply: “Go back and tell your father — I understand his intentions. Tell him to wait for good news. The affairs in his hands must be wrapped up neatly. He cannot come dragging loose ends behind him.”

Jing Peng responded promptly, “Yes!”

Gu Tong specially saw him to the door. Jing Peng said with great respect, “Please stay, Uncle. I hope we will meet again before long.”

Gu Tong said, “Then I shall wait for your father to arrive.”

Jing Peng bid him farewell with great joy. Xiang An then led people hurrying out after him: “Young master, please wait — my lord has prepared some travel funds for you.”

Zhù Ying had only made the offhand mention; it was Xiang An who had actually made the arrangements. Jing Peng thought to himself: no wonder Father always said this lord was a considerate person.

He noticed that Xiang An’s features did not look like those of a local, but rather had something of the quality of his own home region. He addressed Xiang An politely: “Are you also from the south, miss?”

Xiang An said, “We were all brought here from Wuzhou by my lord.”

Jing Peng bowed courteously to her and smiled, “My father will certainly be very happy to see someone from his home region.”

The two of them exchanged a few more words at the entrance, drawing glances from passersby. Gu Tong pulled the two of them to the side: “You are blocking people’s way.”

And so Jing Peng accepted the items and took his leave, while Xiang An turned back to go inside — she still had things to attend to.

Gu Tong also turned around — and then jumped back sharply: “What are you doing?!”

Zhuo Jue had materialized behind him like a ghost; when Gu Tong turned, he almost collided straight into him.

Zhuo Jue looked in the direction Jing Peng had gone and asked quietly, “My lord, I heard there was a visitor from the south — was that just now? He looks unfamiliar.”

Gu Tong said, “There are so many people from the south — how many of them would you recognize? Still, his father is a capable man. Don’t look down on others just because you have been following our teacher. His father, Jing Gang, is a presented scholar who passed the examinations out of Nanping County.”

Zhuo Jue said quietly, “And yet he has come to this — still stuck here after all this time.”

Gu Tong felt a wave of feeling as well. He asked how Zhuo Jue had been lately, and Zhuo Jue said, “Every time I observe my lord at work, I gain much.”

Gu Tong said, “Exactly right! Teacher always says — even if you want to play clever tricks, your actual practical skills must be solid first.”

Zhuo Jue agreed wholeheartedly.

The two of them were talking when a rider came galloping over at full speed. Gu Tong frowned: “Are you trying to get someone killed? Riding like that inside the city!”

As the horse drew near, his expression darkened even further — the rider was wearing a military uniform. Such a frantic pace meant there was almost certainly urgent military intelligence.

Gu Tong and Zhuo Jue exchanged a look, then hurried into the field headquarters, hoping to catch wind of what had happened.

The two of them stood in the doorway and heard the soldier saying: “…unexpectedly, the northern tribesmen raided the supply route… the young lady Zhù… covering the retreat… disappeared…”

Was he speaking of Zhù Qingjun? Gu Tong’s heart gave a jolt. Then he heard Zhù Ying’s voice from inside: “Has actual fighting broken out?”

“Not— not yet. It’s— it’s not clear.”