Chen Fang had accompanied Zhù Ying back to the capital, and he and Jin Liang and the others were waiting outside the Imperial City. If circumstances allowed, Zhù Ying intended to create an opportunity for them to have an imperial audience.

Zhù Ying emerged from the Imperial City alone, and since the Emperor had shown no indication of wishing to see the others, Chen Fang couldn’t help speculating about the state of His Majesty’s health.

Before he had come to any conclusions, Zhù Ying was already standing in front of them. She said, “Things aren’t too complicated for now. The rest we’ll work through with them gradually. You’ve all been away from home for quite some time — go home first, and we’ll deal with anything that needs dealing with later.”

Chen Fang asked, “And you, sir?”

“I’m going to call on Minister Wang. Make your own arrangements.” Zhù Ying said, though Lin Feng was an exception: “You, go to Minister Liu’s residence on my behalf and convey my regards.”

Lin Feng pointed at his own nose and said, “M — me, me, me, me — Adoptive — Adoptive Father, when are you going to come rescue me?”

Zhù Ying said, “I’m going to call on a sick person. Tell Minister Liu that after coming from a sick person’s house, going elsewhere doesn’t feel right — I won’t be coming over today. And what do you mean, ‘rescue you’? Haven’t you gotten used to Minister Liu’s household by now?”

“This is different! Before it was a little bit of instruction every day. Now the old gentleman has two whole years’ worth of things saved up!” Lin Feng had already made up his mind — if things looked bad, he’d run first and leave it to his adoptive father to deal with the aftermath.

Chen Fang let his gaze slide sideways toward Jin Liang, who was visibly wanting to say something but couldn’t quite bring himself to, with an air of anxious perplexity. He gave a light cough and said, “Uncle, you’ve worked hard for so long. When you’ve finished your business, please do go home and rest early. My father knows you’ve come back and is surely eager to see you.”

Zhù Ying said, “All right.”

Chen Fang dragged Lin Feng off. There were already quite a few onlookers gathered at the Imperial City gates. Zhù Ying’s return this time had been very abrupt — nothing like the Leng Marquis’s arrival. Jin Liang was eager to ask something, but seeing that there were quite a few observers, he lowered his voice and said, “I still need to go back to the residence — you…”

Zhù Ying said, “Take these back first. I’m returning to face discharge from duty, so these ceremonial trappings won’t be needed anymore. At the residence, convey my greetings to Minister Zheng on my behalf. When I finish calling on the sick, I’ll go to the residence to make my condolence visit. Qingjun, give my thanks to those men on my behalf.”

When Zhù Ying expressed thanks, it generally came in the form of something tangible. Zhù Qingjun understood: red envelopes needed to be prepared for these men.

Jin Liang said, “First — first you should go to his residence? The Minister is in mourning at home, and if you go elsewhere first, it won’t look good.”

Zhù Ying said, “Go to a house of mourning before calling on the ill? Won’t I get thrown out the door?”

“Ah… well…”

Zhù Ying said, “We have many more things to do today, so stop standing around. Let’s be quick.” With that, she led her own people and headed straight toward Wang Yunhe’s residence.

Wang Yunhe’s home was not far from the Imperial City, nor far from Zhù Ying’s new house. Having no time to stop and take possession of the residence the Emperor had bestowed on her, she turned a corner and went directly to the Wang family’s gate to present her calling card.

Wang Yunhe was ill in bed, yet there were many people outside the gate waiting to call on the sick. The gatehouse was filled with people who looked like scholars, and quite a crowd of curious capital residents were craning their necks to see at his gate.

At the gate, someone was also arguing with a member of the Wang household: “We only want to inquire after the Minister’s health.”

The Wang family’s head steward said, “The Minister is resting and recuperating.”

He refused to let them in, yet these scholars genuinely did care about Wang Yunhe and the household people couldn’t very well be harsh with them. After a few exchanges back and forth, someone came out from inside — a middle-aged man who was also somewhat portly. Zhù Ying recognized him as Wang Yunhe’s son Wang Shuliang, who had been transferred to the capital.

He turned toward those outside and bowed: “Many thanks for your concern for my father. However, the imperial physician has prescribed quiet recuperation, and I hope everyone will understand. I will convey all your regards to my father.”

The scholars were unwilling to leave. One of the middle-aged men among them said, “Even at home we’re worried and can’t settle our minds to anything. Elder Brother, you go ahead and attend to your father — we’ll simply sit here and feel reassured.”

Neither side could persuade the other, and then Zhù Ying stepped forward. All eyes shifted to her. The Wang household’s people recognized her, and Wang Shuliang lifted the hem of his robe and walked over to meet her with measured steps.

So as not to put the Wang household in a difficult position, Zhù Ying dismounted first. Reaching the outer gate, she said: “Please trouble yourself to announce me — Zhù Ying, returning from the northern territories to court. She has had her audience with His Majesty, and has come from Chief Minister Dou’s offices in the Hall of Governance, and requests to see Minister Wang.”

Wang Shuliang felt the knot in his chest loosen — Zhù Ying’s words were perfectly measured. He immediately said, “Please come in.”

The scholars at the gate looked at Zhù Ying with appraising eyes — they knew who she was.

Wang Shuliang walked beside Zhù Ying as they entered. Passing by the assembled scholars, Wang Shuliang said in a voice neither too loud nor too soft: “My father needs to rest quietly and will likely not be able to speak at length. I hope you will understand, Madam Zhù.”

Zhù Ying smoothly asked a question or two about his condition, and those with perked-up ears strained to listen, but Zhù Ying and Wang Shuliang had already walked beyond earshot.

Once they passed through a gate, Wang Shuliang’s concern became far more evident on his face. He said to Zhù Ying, “Things are not good. These past two years he has grown increasingly worn. I only hate myself for not having inherited even a fraction of his talent, and can only feel anxious and helpless. Please bear in mind my feelings as a son, and when you go in, don’t say anything too distressing.”

“What brings you to say this?”

Wang Shuliang said, “Some of the people who are worried about my father are worried only for their own sake. My father…”

Zhù Ying said, “I understand.”

Wang Yunhe was lying in bed. Along the eaves outside the room stood a row of small medicine braziers, and a medicinal fragrance hung over everything. Wang Shuliang went into the room first, then quickly came back out: “Please come in.”

Zhù Ying entered the inner chamber. The light inside was not very bright. Wang Yunhe was half propped against the head of the bed, fleshy and looking as though he might topple at any moment.

Zhù Ying greeted him first. Wang Yunhe smiled with a thread of contentment: “You’re back.”

“It would have been nice if you could have given me a few more days.”

Wang Yunhe gently patted the stool beside the bed. Zhù Ying sat down beside him. Wang Yunhe looked at her and said, “It’s good — that in a moment of crisis, His Majesty still thought of you.”

Zhù Ying said, “You think too highly of me.”

Wang Yunhe shook his head: “This is as it should be.”

Zhù Ying saw that Wang Shuliang was watching at the side, his eyes fixed on Wang Yunhe and herself, clearly signaling that he didn’t want her to say much. She said to Wang Yunhe: “Let me speak; you listen. If anything seems wrong, you can say so then.”

She gave a brief account of conditions in the north, including settling people on reclaimed land in place, recruiting new troops locally, and so on. Wang Yunhe said, “All of this I already know. You have handled it well — I can set my mind at rest.”

Zhù Ying was momentarily at a loss for words.

Wang Yunhe gave a weak smile and said to her, “A lifetime of bustle, and yet it was no match for what you have built, step by step, in the north. Still, I do have some thoughts regarding Yangzhou. Bring me my working notes and drafts.”

Wang Shuliang fetched the notes. Wang Yunhe said to Zhù Ying, “These are for you.”

Zhù Ying received them with both hands. Wang Shuliang was making repeated urgent gestures with his eyes, and Zhù Ying said: “Rest at ease and recover. I’ll go back and study these carefully, and if anything is unclear I’ll come and ask you about it.”

Wang Shuliang’s brow eased. But the outer steward came again to report that Xian Jing had come to call on the sick. Wang Shuliang’s expression instantly soured. He said to Wang Yunhe, “I’ll go and receive him.”

Zhù Ying also rose and walked out alongside him. The two met Xian Jing on the way. Zhù Ying looked at his face — it, too, carried an air of some agitation. Xian Jing saw Zhù Ying, startled slightly, then gave a nod and squeezed out a smile: “Zichang is back — congratulations. I heard that what you did in the north…”

Wang Shuliang had heard them speak among themselves of Zhù Ying, and he knew that behind her back they considered her methods in the north broadly consistent with their own faction’s approach, yet she was clearly not acting on behalf of their faction either. Yu Qingyuan suspected that Zhù Ying intended to establish her own independent power base.

Xian Jing, however, felt that establishing an independent base was perfectly fine — better than being Zheng Xi’s hired enforcer. He had also told Yu Qingyuan and the rest to be courteous toward Zhù Ying, and not to push her back toward Zheng Xi’s side.

If they went too far, Zhù Ying, who already had ties to Zheng Xi, would put her head down and plunge straight into Zheng Xi’s camp without a second glance — wouldn’t that just be creating trouble for their own side?

But Wang Shuliang was truly sick of hearing any more factional wrangling. He said, “Is there anything urgent? My father has just taken his medicine and is resting. If there is nothing pressing, please don’t wake him — these past days he has had no proper rest, and he’s only just been able to sleep a little.”

Xian Jing said, “I finished at the office and stopped by on the way home. If he’s managing to sleep, then let’s not disturb the old teacher’s rest.”

Wang Shuliang said, “If only he could truly rest quietly! Anyone who could persuade him to retire would be my greatest benefactor!”

A look of difficulty crossed Xian Jing’s face: “Retire at this moment? All of the old teacher’s life’s work would come to nothing.”

Wang Shuliang said, “I only want my father to spend his remaining years in peace.” Fathers must die sooner or later, and mourning must be observed sooner or later — but he wanted his father not to die worn out and in vain!

Zhù Ying said, “You must not both lose your tempers — you are each acting for the Minister’s sake.”

Wang Shuliang’s expression was unhappy, but out of courtesy he did not contradict her; Xian Jing too stepped back half a pace, giving the appearance of concession: “When have I not also cared for the old teacher?”

Wang Shuliang gave a nod.

Compared to Xian Jing, Zhù Ying was more of an outsider, and it was not appropriate to continue quarreling with Xian Jing in her presence. Since Wang Yunhe had fallen ill again, the two men had already argued once, and said everything there was to say. Xian Jing no longer disturbed the old man, and Wang Shuliang had no cause to flare up again immediately.

Xian Jing looked melancholy at this fellow student of his — Wang Shuliang had less talent than his father, but his filial devotion was genuine. He didn’t want others wearing out the old teacher. But when a bow is drawn, the arrow cannot return. Others were not going to stand back and allow the old teacher to rest and recover before returning to deliver a counterattack. Shuliang was still too naive.

Wang Shuliang felt inexplicably irritated. He had known Xian Jing for several decades. This person genuinely had the feeling of a student’s devotion and reverence for a teacher — and also, in all probability, a disposition to use his father as a banner to fly in factional struggles. An idle Wang Yunhe was of no use; what was needed was a “Chief Minister Wang.”

And yet, one of his father’s own people was less considerate than an outsider like Zhù Ying. At least Zhù Ying’s every gesture showed consideration — she kept Wang Yunhe from speaking much and from taking positions, without displaying either dominance or weakness, and certainly without provocation or a declaration of war. She had not aggravated the old man, and it was evident his father’s spirits had lifted a little.

Wang Shuliang raised a hand, made a “please” gesture, and escorted Zhù Ying to the outer gate.

——

Zhù Ying tucked the notes away securely and headed straight back to her own residence. Zhao Su hadn’t returned yet, and Qi the young mistress had been keeping the household running with perfect order.

Zhù Ying said, “You’ve worked hard. Qingjun, find Zhao Su’s letters from home in a while.”

Qi the young mistress said with a smile, “They’re all back now — no one is in a rush to read his long-winded letters. The hot water is ready, and there’s food on the stove. Please go and change.”

Qi Tai was leaning on his walking stick, and his grandson had appeared from behind him, peeking out curiously at Zhù Ying. Qi the young mistress prompted her son: “Call out to grandfather.”

Qi Tai said, “It’s good to be back, it’s good to be back.”

Zhù Ying fished a wooden carved cicada out of her bag and offered it to the child to play with — the delicate wings could still move. The child, who had no shortage of toys, was nonetheless taken with this one. He gave a bow: “Grandfather.” Then glanced at his mother, saw her nod, and reached out both hands to accept it.

Zhù Ying said, “Go play.” Then she told Qi the young mistress that she wouldn’t be eating yet — she had to go to the Zheng residence first to make a condolence call.

Qi the young mistress said, “Their mourning tent was taken down long ago. If you’re going to offer condolences, I’ll prepare four gifts right away. By the time you’ve changed your clothes, it will be ready.”

Zhù Ying went to her room and changed into plain white clothing. When she came out, Qi the young mistress had the gifts already prepared.

Li the matron was holding a small tray with dishes, soup, and food arranged on it, and said: “You’ve just arrived — have a bite, drink some hot soup before you go.”

Zhù Ying asked, “Is there more? Bring some for the others as well.”

“There is.”

Zhù Ying picked up a bowl of rice, scooped in a few side dishes, rapidly shoveled it into her mouth, drew in half a bowl of soup in one breath, and very quickly got a meal down. On the other side, Hu the elder sister and the others also ate about six-tenths of their fill.

Zhù Ying said, “Wipe your mouths clean. Let’s go.”

The party set off for the Zheng residence.

——

The current master of the Zheng residence was Zheng Xi.

Zhù Ying arrived at the gate and found the entire residence quiet and solemn. Unlike the Wang residence, which was crowded with visitors who could not get inside, Zheng Xi was in mourning and had closed his doors to guests, allowing no one to crowd in and make a spectacle. Currently only Jin Liang, having settled the ceremonial trappings, was there along with a few servants exchanging conversation by the gate.

When he saw Zhù Ying, the Zheng family’s head steward smiled and said, “My Lord has come! When Jin the senior came just now, we all said you wouldn’t fail to appear.”

Zhù Ying said, “Of course I would come. How has the Minister been of late?”

“He says he can finally read in peace.”

After a few words, Zhù Ying was led into Zheng Xi’s study, where Zheng Chuan and Jin Liang were already present. Jin Liang’s gaze held unmistakable concern as it settled on her, and Zheng Chuan, as always, called out: “Third Elder Brother.”

Zhù Ying first paid her condolences to Zheng Xi, then said: “The Marquis died in the field, and at the time the situation was urgent and everything difficult — I was unable to personally escort him home, and also missed the great occasion of his burial. Please allow me to offer a stick of incense.”

Zheng Xi said, “Come with me.”

Zhù Ying followed him to what had been Marquis Zheng’s study. Jin Liang and Zheng Chuan and the others followed behind the two of them.

The study had been rearranged. Some of the old objects had been sent to accompany the deceased in burial; the room now held a memorial tablet for the Marquis.

Zhù Ying washed her hands and offered incense. Then she said, “I did not look after him well enough.”

Zheng Xi said with a quiet melancholy, “You already did more than enough.”

Zhù Ying said, “Please do not grieve too deeply. His Majesty has just recovered from a serious illness, Chief Minister Dou is worn with anxiety, and Minister Wang is also ill. You must take care of yourself — the court cannot do without you.”

Zheng Xi said, “I’m old!” He looked Zhù Ying over — she had always been lean and wiry, and she was still brimming with energy.

Zhù Ying said, “Come now, is this even a start?” Zheng Xi didn’t look especially old; his refined appearance had gained an added quality of depth that comes with years, and he remained as striking as ever on the outside.

Zheng Xi said, “I can’t compare with the young — what you did in the north, I could never have managed.”

Zhù Ying said, “It was all incidental matters. I don’t know anything about military affairs and would only have been in the way. The actual fighting was done by the others.”

But Zheng Xi knew that what Zhù Ying had done in the north over these two years was nowhere near as simple as “incidental matters.” In two years’ time, the influence of people from the south had grown substantially. Using two years, she had built up three people to the rank of crimson-robed officials, and those from the south who had been doing reasonably well in their careers had also gravitated toward her, quietly forming another faction of power.

It could not yet compare to the forces formed by great noble families through generations of intermarriage, but it was sufficient for someone of Zhù Ying’s unremarkable origins to work with. The last person to make such a striking impression had been the late Chen Luan. And Chen Luan’s origins had been vastly, vastly superior to Zhù Ying’s.

“Incidental matters are not simple either! An entire nation is built from precisely these incidental matters, accumulated one upon another.”

Jin Liang saw that there seemed to be no rift between the two of them, and couldn’t help but break into a grin. He had been worried before — worried because Zhù Ying had left the palace to call on Wang Yunhe first, that she had grown distant from Zheng Xi. And worried that Zheng Xi would suspect something because she hadn’t come to see him first.

Now, it all looked just fine!

Zheng Xi saw Jin Liang’s expression and knew exactly what he was thinking. He said, “You can put your mind at ease now, can’t you?”

Jin Liang gave an awkward laugh. Zheng Xi said to Zhù Ying, “From the moment he stepped through this gate, he’s been skulking around like someone guilty of theft, afraid you were going to grow distant from me.”

Zhù Ying looked at Jin Liang; Jin Liang’s face had gone a little red. Zhù Ying shook her head with a smile: “Where in the world did that strange idea come from?”

Jin Liang said, “So all my worry was for nothing, then?”

Zhù Ying gave a shrug.

Zheng Xi had Gan Ze escort Jin Liang out of the residence: “Let it stop here. Go back and have a good rest, pour yourself a pot of warm wine, and get some proper sleep. No more overthinking.”

Jin Liang agreed and left, relieved.

Zhù Ying watched him go and said, “Jin Liang has always had a good heart. In the north, where everything was unfamiliar to us, it was because of him that I could feel at ease.”

The mention of the north prompted Zheng Xi to ask, “What did Minister Wang say?”

“Not much. He was ill and I didn’t want to trouble him further — we said a few words and I took my leave. He seemed quite serious. No wonder Chief Minister Dou is so worked up.”

Zheng Xi asked her carefully: “Looking at Minister Wang’s condition — would it be appropriate for him to retire?”

Zhù Ying said, “I think it would be quite appropriate. I only fear that some people won’t be willing.”

Zheng Xi gave a contemptuous smile: “Xian Jing and that lot? Without Minister Wang, they are nothing. Wang Yunhe at least has some genuine convictions behind him — Xian Jing might claim one third of that. The rest are no better than pigs and dogs.”

“Your temper is running a bit high.”

Zheng Xi said, “When Yu Qingyuan entered office, his family had some modest wealth — his father held a hundred hectares of farmland to his name, and he married a woman from the Zhong family and paid a considerable bride price. Take a guess — how much does he have left by now?”

“On the books, around a hundred and fifty hectares, plus Madam Zhong’s dowry of fifty hectares of farmland. Off the books, not in the registry, another two hundred hectares. Some of that came from clients seeking his favor, but his family has also purchased some fresh.” Zhù Ying said slowly.

Zheng Chuan looked at Zhù Ying with some surprise, not having expected that she had looked into Yu Qingyuan.

Zheng Xi laughed so hard he slapped the table: “Don’t tell old Wang — if he knew, I’m afraid he’d be furious enough to die! Xian Jing won’t be too angry, though — he still needs those people. What cause does he have to consider the welfare of the common people? All of it is just private calculation for their own clique, dressed up in an air of lofty integrity! They slave away suppressing the consolidation of land — but whose consolidation are they suppressing, actually? And who are they making room for? Old Wang! A true gentleman! He earns respect, yet there’s no one who can truly walk the same road as him.”

Zhù Ying said, “Minister Wang must already know — otherwise he would not have gone to manage Yangzhou himself, and then worn himself out doing it. If you want to get things done, you need people and power in your hands, so you must first form a faction and contend for power. But in all that contending, Minister Wang still remembers his original purpose, while the others have eyes only for power and intrigue. Grand principles have become their fig leaf. Their own belts are still loose, yet they’re reaching out to pull away other people’s clothing.

I will maintain my final measure of respect for Minister Wang. That respect will absolutely not be extended to his disciples. Xian Jing…”

“He has the Crown Prince’s favor.”

“The Crown Prince doesn’t truly favor anyone,” Zhù Ying said. “In the imperial family there is no private sentiment — no one likes being a puppet.”

Zheng Xi said, “You’ve seen through all of this. Then you must also know that even the most sentimental of people will still employ new talent. The Eastern Palace thinks very highly of you.”

Zhù Ying said, “I would not dare to think so.”

“It does no harm to give it a little thought.”

“Oh?”

Zheng Xi said, “His Majesty has also been ill. Prince Qi has grown up as well — he’s become a father. Did you know?”

“It appears that during these two years I was away, a great many things happened in the capital. But the Crown Prince and Prince Qi are both still young, and His Majesty is not particularly old — haven’t things reached that point yet?”

Zheng Xi said, “Even so, preparations must begin.” He himself had to observe mourning, and though he had placed a few of his own people near the Eastern Palace, they hadn’t won the Crown Prince’s eye — not like Xian Jing, who had the advantage of proximity.

The Crown Prince had not followed Xian Jing’s every word, which showed the Crown Prince did have a mind of his own — but one still couldn’t be fully at ease allowing Xian Jing to keep influencing the Crown Prince like this.

How thoroughly tiresome!

The Wang faction were no good; the Zheng faction had even more lawlessness. Members of the Wang faction at least kept up appearances. The Zheng faction had people like that little wretch Chai Lingyuan, who had broken the law without even knowing what he’d done wrong — and had broken it openly.

Xian Jing didn’t need to frame anyone — he only needed to lay a few things out before the Crown Prince…

Zhù Ying said, “Aren’t we only loyal to His Majesty?”

“The Crown Prince also wants some ‘people of his own’ — don’t drift too far from him.” Zheng Xi said.

“I’m only afraid that having had little connection with the Crown Prince before, making overtures without cause would look like a snake given legs — overdone and awkward.”

Zheng Xi said, “Now that you’ve returned, we can make our plans more deliberately. It’s a pity you’re still too young — otherwise…”

Zhù Ying looked at him steadily. Zheng Xi broke into a sudden smile: “Prince Qi will help bring you closer to the Eastern Palace.”

“Oh?”

Zheng Xi said, “The north has just settled when the western borders have begun to stir. Prince Wei has a mind to submit proposals and personally visit the frontier. At the time, Minister Wang had not yet fallen ill and managed to stop him. Prince Wei then recommended Prince Qi go instead, and His Majesty issued an edict inquiring about conditions on the western frontier.”

His cousin, stationed near that region, had very reliable intelligence.

“As for the late Emperor’s sons…” Zhù Ying said.

Zheng Xi said, “These coming days, His Majesty will certainly raise this matter.”

“Good. I understand.”

Zheng Xi pointed at Zheng Chuan and said, “He is still too green. Some of the others are either skilled in only one area, or the timing has been against them — none can be relied upon with full confidence. For matters outside, do look after things.”

“I shall wait for your return to the Hall of Governance.”

“Restrain your wings and await the moment — let the winds and clouds move first, then act afterward,” Zheng Xi said. “Knowing this, I can rest easy. If it hadn’t been for the Thirteenth and the others making such a fuss with Xian Jing lately, His Majesty wouldn’t have listened to Prince Wei again.”

Zhù Ying said, “I respectfully receive your instruction.”

Zheng Xi also kept Zhù Ying for dinner. He was observing mourning and did not drink wine. Zhù Ying hadn’t eaten properly at her own home either, so she ate a second dinner here. Over the meal they spoke no more of court affairs; Zheng Xi only told Zhù Ying, “If something urgent comes up in the capital and you can’t reach me, find the Thirteenth and ask him.”

“Understood.”