Since arriving in the capital Liu Kun had been at Zhù Ying’s side the whole time, and the two had grown increasingly attuned to each other. Zhù Ying had the list in hand; Liu Kun began preparing to draft the memorial — the Chief Minister’s open chancellery still did not have its full complement of staff. Furthermore, whether or not Zhù Ying would personally take the field, a confrontation with the Western Barbarians was a certainty, and personnel assignments would follow; all of this was by default understood to be under Zhù Ying’s direction, and she would inevitably need to produce a fairly detailed set of guidelines.
Zhù Ying began with: “First, let us report to His Majesty.”
“Oh?”
Zhù Ying said, “I have only just entered the capital; I do not yet have deep trust with His Majesty. In all matters, though I have my own views, I should first let him know of them and wait for him to ask, then speak. I cannot simply arrange everything without consulting him. Even if his asking is perhaps only a matter of form, form must be observed.”
Liu Kun said with feeling, “Once one enters the capital, spiderwebs wrap around you on every side.”
Zhù Ying said, “Write.”
“Yes~” Liu Kun drew out the syllable; of all the young women Zhù Ying had ever seen, she looked the most softly sweet, her voice also soft and sweet, her speech not fast. Without intending to, she spoke as if coaxing someone, drawing a fond smile from the listener.
Zhù Ying smiled slightly, bent her head, and went carefully through the list; then she pulled over a sheet of paper and wrote out a list of names, and finally called Zhù Qingxue over: “Inquire briefly about these people.”
Then she instructed Jiang Zhen, Zhao Ji, and a group of students she had brought from Annan: “Come, copy out some visiting cards from this list. When the copies are done, Ah-Tong, Qingxue, and Ah-Ji — you several, bring those young people along and deliver them to each household in turn; get a sense of the capital’s great families.”
Liu Kun raised her head: “Chief Minister, there must be some who are serving in other localities?”
Zhù Ying said, “Correct — first see those in the capital, and gather a first batch to put to work. Those in other localities, write to them; send those letters out shortly and assemble a second batch.”
Zhù Ying herself wrote several visiting cards by hand, and judging the timing so that they would arrive at roughly the same moment, she was done. The young ones went off to run their errands; Zhù Ying herself took her memorial into the palace, while sending Liu Kun to the Chen household to deliver the card she had written personally, to arrange another meeting with Chen Meng.
The whole of Zhù Ying’s residence moved swiftly into action.
——
When Zhù Ying entered the palace, the young emperor was pacing in the hall; his close attendant eunuchs wore anxious expressions, their gaze following him around. In a little while one said, “Your Majesty, please rest awhile.”
The emperor coughed twice and felt his heart beating a little too fast; he muttered something and found a nearby seat, accepting a cup of warm honey water at the right temperature. He drank two sips, but was still somewhat agitated. Xian Jing had died — though the old man had not been particularly likable, a Chief Minister dying in post was not a good omen; hard to say what rumors the Prince of Qi’s side would manufacture out of this. The concerns of a ruler were difficult to speak of to others.
Then Zhù Ying arrived; the emperor said, “Show her in.”
When Zhù Ying entered, the emperor once again exerted himself to project the image of an enlightened sovereign. He quickly forestalled her from paying her respects: “The Chief Minister is past seventy; let us dispense with these formalities from now on.”
Zhù Ying smiled and said, “We can speak of that when I can no longer move.”
The emperor also smiled: “The Chief Minister must be busy with many matters of late — coming now, there must be something to report.”
Zhù Ying said, “Indeed, I have something to request Your Majesty’s direction on.”
“Oh?”
Zhù Ying laid before the emperor the matter of bringing certain people into her service; the emperor said, “But this was already discussed, was it not? The Chief Minister’s decision is sufficient.”
Zhù Ying said, “How could I act without authorization? Only with Your Majesty’s assent may I proceed. And as this also involves the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of War, His Majesty cannot be entirely uninformed of the details, even though the specifics will be handled by those below. He must at least know where to inquire and whom to ask. There are also a few other matters; before I devote myself wholly to the Western Barbarians, I will lay everything out for Your Majesty to decide. You summoned me back — I will not make you regret it.”
The emperor said, “I understand — I need only listen for your good news. The Western Barbarians?”
Zhù Ying said, “If all goes smoothly, in half a month we can move. That is already rather rushed — if the pace is pushed any harder, it may backfire.”
The emperor laughed self-deprecatingly: “We have waited through all these days already — what is another half month? You go ahead with a free hand.”
Zhù Ying assented, then inquired after the emperor’s health and his relationship with the two palace women. The emperor’s complexion unconsciously turned sour: “Well enough.”
Zhù Ying said gently, “In the matter of great principle and public morality, the two palace women are your elders — not only yours, but the elders of all your brothers.”
The emperor glanced at her; Zhù Ying returned his glance, then took her leave.
Coming out of the great hall, she went straight to Chen Meng’s home.
Chen Meng was slumped sideways again; Zhù Ying did not stand on ceremony and, accompanied by Chen Meng’s wife, went directly to the bedroom to see him. Chen Meng cracked a grin: “You are here? I am done for! Ah — it is a good thing you are back in the capital; I am afraid my whole household will need to be entrusted to you in the end.”
Chen Meng’s wife said, “That mouth of yours — always talking morbidly.”
Zhù Ying said, “Sister-in-law need not reproach him — what he says now is proof that his mind is still clear, which is a good thing. Were he howling that he does not want to die and insisting he will live another hundred years, that would be the time for real concern.”
That made Chen Meng laugh out loud: “Quite right, quite right. Well — what is it?”
Zhù Ying said, “I may need to make a trip to the western borderlands…” Chen Meng’s wife involuntarily let out an “ah,” and Chen Meng also straightened up a little on the bed.
Zhù Ying continued, “I will not be personally leading charges, but I need to train up the young people, and along the way teach them a few other things. This capital — before I go, I need to make some arrangements here; I cannot let people stab me in the back.”
“I… can still keep an eye on the rear for you.”
“I would not dare to tire you out too much — may I borrow your eldest son? How does that suit?”
“You say.”
Zhù Ying said, “The Court of State Ceremonial — when he was placed there, it was partly because I was in Annan, was it not? Now that both the north and the west have business with the Court of State Ceremonial, does it make a difference whether one is connected to it or not… he already knows the Court of State Ceremonial very well; there is nothing more for him to learn there. Move him to the Ministry of Finance — how does that sound? The Court of State Ceremonial goes to Zheng Shen; he is the emperor’s uncle by marriage and is rather well suited to it. That way Yao Chenying will have nothing to complain about. Later when your eldest enters the Council of State, he will be spared another round of accumulating qualifications.”
“Is there any precedent for three successive generations of Chief Ministers?”
“Even if there is not, an opportunity to go a step further is still an opportunity.” Zhù Ying left the matter without a firm conclusion. Three successive generations of Chief Ministers was indeed a rarity.
Chen Meng said, “Very well.”
“And further — may I borrow a few of your people? I am establishing my chancellery and am short of staff; since everyone has young people around, won’t you spare me a few?”
Chen Meng was amused: “Placing them with you — I am willing. Who exactly?”
In Zhù Ying’s plans, she needed both people who would actually do the work and people who would serve as window dressing — and also people who would serve as, in essence, insurance. Grandsons of the Chen, Shi, and Wang families, along with Liu Kun’s brothers — she had left spots for them. She had also saved spots for Yao Chenying’s younger son and Yue Miaojun’s grandson. The other purposes could wait; the purpose of maintaining a communication line with the capital would do for now.
Moreover, keeping these people in hand meant the capital could never be slow in supplying her military resources. And these young men would benefit from entering office, establishing their credentials and recording a merit in their career history.
Chen Meng said, “It could only be you.”
Zhù Ying said, “You all could have thought of it; you simply lacked someone to act as the go-between.”
“And the Xian faction…”
Zhù Ying shook her head: “They denounced me.” She had no interest in earning the credit of being magnanimous. There were those worth drawing over, and those worth striking down.
Chen Meng coughed once; Zhù Ying said, “I am petty-minded.”
Chen Meng said, “The Shi family.”
“And there are also Wang, Zheng, and others — I will be calling on them to discuss things; I will go and ask for a few talented young people from them. I’ll go now.”
Zhù Ying did not only go to these households; she also planned to call on the Ye, Ruan, and others one by one. The first stop, however, was the Zheng household — she wanted to see Yue Miaojun.
——
Within the Zheng household, Yue Miaojun held the highest rank; Zhù Ying was a Chief Minister, but visiting a former Chief Minister’s widow was a matter of walking straight in, without any awkwardness. Even Liu Kun and Zhù Tong, who attended Zhù Ying, were women; there was not even a need for the Zheng household’s managers or young men to accompany them.
Yue Miaojun was seated by the fishpond watching the fish — a spot where Lord Zheng had sat, where Zheng Xi had sat, and which was now hers. Seeing Zhù Ying, she rose with a hand on her attendant’s arm: “Zǐzhāng.”
Liu Kun and Zhù Tong both said, “Madam.”
Yue Miaojun invited Zhù Ying to sit down and smiled: “A busy person — you must have something in mind.”
Zhù Ying came straight to the point: “What are your views on current affairs?”
“Me? Oh — I would not know where to begin, if you ask me.”
Zhù Ying asked again, “You know Lord Zheng’s people well. I need people right now, and this is not the moment for modesty.”
Yue Miaojun said, “I am not being modest — I genuinely do not know what you mean. What can reach me must certainly reach your ears; how can you need to ask me?”
“Then — would you want to serve in the court yourself?”
Yue Miaojun half rose from her seat, then sat back down, with a somewhat wistful smile: “I fear that is impossible. Seeing how Twenty-Third Niang and the others have made something of themselves brings me joy as well. As for me…”
Zhù Ying leaned in and spoke close to her ear: “Your mind is as sharp as anyone’s. You lack experience — then start paying attention from today; there will surely come a time when it is needed. The Eastern Palace has not yet been settled; I intend to first establish a Crown Prince, and choose one whose mother is capable. The Crown Prince’s mother will be the Empress. Would you be willing to serve as tutor and adviser to the new Empress?
The emperor does not look like he will be long-lived. For the sake of the country, I must choose a suitable person to take over, so the country does not fall into chaos. I am not inclined to concern myself with the inner palace. If you have reservations about coming to the outer court due to family entanglements and the obligations of children and grandchildren, then begin in the inner palace. What do you say?”
Yue Miaojun sat as still as a wooden idol.
Zhù Ying leaned back: “The teacher of kings is mighty in power like the eagle in its prime.”
She waited quietly; Yue Miaojun did not stay as a wooden idol for long. She too sat up straight and looked at Zhù Ying seriously: “That idea of yours is a little out of the ordinary.”
Zhù Ying said, “When have I ever stayed inside the lines?”
Yue Miaojun pressed her lips tight.
Zhù Ying said, “In any case, it is only a preparation. The best outcome is that he lives a long and healthy life; after a few more days there will be plenty of people to call on, and all of us can rest easy. Think of it as simply giving yourself something more to do, so you are not sitting idle at home with nothing to occupy you.
Otherwise, we can prevent yet another period of turmoil — that alone would be a great merit. You read — you know that it is not a good thing for the realm if he should die young. I am short of time and have many more matters to attend to; you must give me an answer quickly so I can make the arrangements ahead. I do not place much trust in anyone else in your family.”
Yue Miaojun could not help herself: “Agreed.”
Zhù Ying said, “Then tell me — which one looks promising? Children — they say you can see what they will be at eighty from how they are at three, but in truth it is very hard to say what they will finally become. Adults are different — one can already see their character. You are often in the palace; which one?”
Yue Miaojun leaned in and softly said a name.
Zhù Ying said, “Good.”
Yue Miaojun let out a gentle sigh: “In truth, sometimes a mother cannot even be sure. Take Consort Yan — I met her once, afterward. She said: ‘I was so careful — from the time he was little, I taught him to be cautious; outside his own quarters, not a sip of water or a single grain of rice that others offered. How could he have done what he did?’
She had done her best to teach the child; that the child turned out as he did was also beyond anyone’s expectation.”
“Her petty cleverness is not worth discussing. I trust you will not teach only those things.”
Yue Miaojun nodded.
Zhù Ying said, “The Second Son — he is out of mourning, and his rank ought to be raised. I will move him to the Court of State Ceremonial; with both the west and north now involved, the Court of State Ceremonial is not idle, and he can get some real experience.”
“And Chen family’s eldest son?”
“He has other arrangements.”
“And Yao?”
“I have already written to him.”
Yue Miaojun said, “Then I have nothing more to say.”
Zhù Ying rose: “Then I shall take my leave.”
Yue Miaojun said, “You are so far superior to me!”
Zhù Ying said, “You flatter me — I am no more than a person who jumps at shadows and flails about. When I first arrived in the capital I only thought about making sure my own family had food and warm clothes. Later — I cannot say how it happened — I ended up deciding so many strange and assorted cases, seeing so much of the world’s ways, and here I am as I am now; sometimes I find myself puzzled by it too.”
“However it happened — it was for the better!” Yue Miaojun said.
Zhù Ying smiled, “I must be going.”
Yue Miaojun rose to see her out, then could not help taking Liu Kun’s hand: “You must keep on with it! For a woman to serve as an official is very rare; the opportunity is too precious to squander.”
Zhù Ying said, “Oh — and I will try to see whether women can be admitted to the civil examinations as well — the court kind, not the palace decoration kind.”
Yue Miaojun’s mouth fell slightly open; she no longer looked quite like a composed grand matriarch. Zhù Ying smiled: “Off I go.”
Yue Miaojun walked her all the way to the gate, then to the street corner. Zhù Ying said, “No need to walk further — we are on horseback; we will be quick.”
Yue Miaojun stood still and said, “Yes — on horseback, quick. Prepare the carriage; I am going into the palace.”
——
Liu Kun followed Zhù Ying, swinging into the saddle; once on the road she found a moment to say, “I will keep on with it.”
Zhù Ying looked at her oddly: “Of course you will — I have so many writings that need drafting, and the more that are written, the more widely they can circulate. Otherwise, all that beautiful literary talent will rot away inside you unused — what a waste.” She pointed her riding crop at Liu Kun: “Let it be passed down through the ages.”
Liu Kun felt a surge of noble purpose rise within her — and it lasted until they reached the gate of the Shi residence, where she reined in her thoughts. She murmured, “What a pity — Twelfth Niang’s verses and writings are mostly lyrical and beautiful works; she did not write much on policy or history. If what she said in daily life had been written down, how wonderful that would have been.”
But Zhù Ying had caught it: “When you have leisure, transcribe it for me.”
“Yes.”
Shi Jixing had once been Zhù Ying’s subordinate; he came out to receive her personally and led the way, inviting her to take the seat of honor; he asked, “Why have you come yourself?”
Zhù Ying said, “This was a visit that needed to be made. I like to be clear about things; promises made are kept. I have come to ask you for a treasure — may I offer him a post in the chancellery?” She set the official rank before Shi Jixing. The Shi family was also a great clan, and not every grandson could immediately secure a prestigious posting.
Shi Jixing said, “Many thanks. These past few days busy with the Court of Judicial Review’s old files, I almost forgot that he had also grown up.”
Zhù Ying said, “Right now I am short of capable young people. Your household members — it is not good for them to all be standing in line waiting their turn, is it? If we open up the civil examinations, following your late father Wang Shuliang’s plan — those who can pass through their own ability may do so. Those whose strengths do not lie in study may have a hereditary posting. How does that sound?”
Shi Jixing thought this arrangement was also to his advantage, and said, “If that is done, the number of redundant officials will increase. I hear you also plan to employ women? The official positions will be even less sufficient. I am afraid…”
Zhù Ying smiled: “How do we know without trying? That Liu Kun of mine — you have seen her handwriting. Does she suit?”
Anyone who had been too precious for even Liu Songnian to spare — Shi Jixing was left at a loss for words.
Zhù Ying said, “Only take the best, or impose a quota. We cannot have the court perpetually stuffed with people doing nothing and waiting with their mouths open to be fed. People must do the work; without people doing the work, what is there to eat? Right — if you cannot think it through just yet, we won’t discuss that now; let us first deal with what is in front of us, shall we?”
At this point Shi Jixing was in his element: “Good. You truly intend to strike at the Xian faction?”
Zhù Ying made an expression of exaggerated alarm: “Do you want to wipe out every last one of the useless ones?”
Shi Jixing raised a hand in surrender: “The Xian faction also has some capable people — as you know, in that kind of situation, if you were not aligned with Xian, you were with Zheng; or if you had offended the Zheng side, you had no choice but to attach yourself to Xian, otherwise you could not get on. “
Zhù Ying said, “We are Chief Ministers, not specialists in exterminating nine degrees of a family’s relations. Where the Zheng side has things that turn your stomach, deal with them as you go — I’ll serve as the advocate.”
Shi Jixing said, “Agreed.”
“Move quickly. Once you start here, I can begin filling positions. Shall we gather with old Wang for a meeting? Settle the list together?”
“That will work! I’ll have Jun Ya go invite him!”
Shi Jun Ya was precisely the grandson on Zhù Ying’s list to be put to work in the chancellery; Shi Jixing called for him on the spot. The boy was about eighteen or nineteen, fair and slender, somewhat slight. His dress was not as fastidious as Wang Yunzhi’s, but he was visibly a scion of a prominent family.
He first bowed to his grandfather, then to “Chief Minister Zhù.”
Shi Jixing said, “Well? Will he disgrace you?”
Zhù Ying smiled and said, “Excellent.”
Shi Jixing sent his grandson to the Wang household; Shi Jun Ya said, “Chief Minister Wang should be on night duty at the palace at this hour, should he not?”
Shi and Zhù had both nearly forgotten this; Zhù Ying said, “Splendid!”
Shi Jixing said, “It seems I am truly muddleheaded from overwork.”
The two of them immediately entered the palace together to find Wang Shuliang and discuss the list. Wang Shuliang said, “Xian… one mistake, then one mistake after another; he was always the one at the front taking the blows. It is also my failing — as a son, I was for a time unable to carry on my father’s legacy; his own student lacked even the courage to reach a compromise with the Zheng faction…”
Shi Jixing said, “Things are what they are. What do you say?”
Wang Shuliang said, “Agreed.”
Zhù Ying said, “One more thing.”
Wang Shuliang and Shi Jixing felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension — they were afraid she might produce yet another surprising scheme.
What Zhù Ying said, however, was a straightforward matter: “Let us establish a Crown Prince — to make it plain to the Prince of Qi that this realm has nothing left in it for him.”
Shi Jixing said, “That is indeed the thing to do. At the time, the Prince of Qi fled and the court was thrown into confusion…”
“Raised on the blood and fat of the people, and still not capable of outcompeting others. Even this much he could not manage; still expecting people to cut off another mouthful of flesh and blood from the populace and place it at his lips — is he some kind of sacred ancestor? Oh, very well, off he went to seek justice from the barbarians — the dog ate his brain! Good — let us put it more graciously: insufficient virtue for the station he held must invite calamity. His fortune was too great for him to bear — did he not bring it on himself? Now the realm is in such a turmoil, and people still weep for him? Better to weep for the people, to weep for yourselves. We are all getting on in years — do we deserve this? All because of him!” Zhù Ying said.
Wang Shuliang said, “We were too beset by reservations.”
“You — and Chen the Elder too — you have all been shackled by yourselves. Your fathers: one could not say they were men who overreached, nor could one say they lacked moral principle; but confronted with such a situation, they would have stood forward decisively. You have been too burdened by your forebears’ distinguished reputations; you dare not make a single misstep. Your family education has been altogether too excellent — you have somehow managed not to turn into bullying libertines; you have actually learned to keep yourselves in check. On you, the air of the great family son is rather strong.
You are none of you stupid; you know what needs to be done; you simply do not act.
I am different — I am a ruffian. In this matter, I will take the lead and say it.
Well?”
Shi and Wang looked at each other, rose to their feet and bowed to her together: “We are ashamed. Your wish is our command.”
Wang Shuliang said, “You are too modest — if I were assessing officials, I would have to note ‘insufficiently bold in taking on responsibilities.’ It was our error.”
Zhù Ying said, “Let us skip the courtesies — each of us has had our own difficulties. You, not careful enough, would have been seized on for your mistakes; and the Late Emperor was of that particular temperament too. Say no more of things that serve no purpose now. The present situation?”
“Agreed.”
Zhù Ying said, “Still better to first discuss it with His Majesty, and then present the memorial, so a single submission wins immediate approval. Otherwise, if there is bickering and back-and-forth, not only does it waste time, it becomes a laughingstock.”
So the three of them sought an audience with the emperor. Of course they could not tell him they feared he would die young. From the standpoint of the immediate situation, the reasoning was sound enough. The emperor’s eyes at this moment were fixed on the Prince of Qi, and without too much trouble the proposal was carried. The three then also took the opportunity to memorialize a number of personnel adjustments; Zheng Shen was the emperor’s uncle by marriage, Chen Fang was a trustworthy minister — the emperor raised no objection. Shi Jixing then also presented several cases; the emperor, though young, had grown up in the capital, and upon hearing a few names said, “Xian… the body is barely cold — would that not seem…”
He was also worried about acquiring a name for harshness and ingratitude.
Zhù Ying said, “These individuals have broken the law; what has that to do with Xian Jing? Your Majesty must not allow idle rumors to cast an unfair shadow on the late Chief Minister. The bad ones are these men — on the one hand committing crimes and living it up, and on the other hand lecturing the emperor to observe every pure and austere principle. The saintly ruler they demand is too perfect to be human; when a person stops being human, a ruler becomes a chess piece — a temple idol. When have immortals and gods been seen speaking day after day? Those who chatter on are monks, are Taoist priests, are fortune-telling charlatans. People need to know how to be flexible.”
These words the emperor enjoyed hearing.
With the Chief Ministers of the capital aligned and united, those below them moved at a startling pace. The relevant offices began preparing for the Crown Prince’s investiture; the matter of establishing an Empress, however, was held in abeyance for the time being. The emperor still harbored misgivings about Empress Dowager Mu and had not gotten around to establishing an Empress. The ministers universally wanted a Crown Prince; the matter of the Empress was therefore set aside.
At this point Zhù Ying was busy with the chancellery and with matters pertaining to the Western Barbarians and had no leisure to press the issue. She at last sent out her invitations and held a reception for the officials at the residence.
The first to be received were her old subordinates. In the old days they had all been young and vigorous; now they were all greying at the temples, and among them some had died early. Those whose husbands or sons had not come, Zhù Ying had their wives and mothers invited instead. With guests from both these groups, the gathering was mixed — men and women together — and reunions inevitably brought sighs and reminiscences.
Zhù Ying said, “We meet again. Over these years I have seen some of you having a hard time, and some thriving. I will spare you the sentimental speeches — I just want to tell you: I am back.”
Naturally the company had nothing but welcoming words.
Zhù Ying said, “The opportunity at hand, you all know of it; I intend to personally go to the western borderlands.”
Jin Biao jumped up first: “I am willing to serve you.”
Zhù Ying said, “No rush; some among you I also have use for. And some of you have injuries that no longer permit you to take the field — I will not leave you behind. What I am asking to borrow is the capable young ones of your households. What do you say? Do you trust me?”
Having received their responses, Zhù Ying then said, “Good — tomorrow let them come here and I will personally select them. The harsh words first: my temper is not good; rewards and punishments are both heavy; I do not keep idle people.”
“Yes!”
Zhù Ying began her selection of personnel; in addition to the tribal soldiers she had brought, she drew five thousand from the Imperial Guards, then secured plenary authority over western borderland affairs, and finally saw to the allocation of military provisions.
Simultaneously, the court stirred into motion. The same people as before, and yet the speed of getting things done had become astonishingly swift.
Chen Fang, Zheng Shen, and the others took up their posts first; other officials received their assignments in turn. Zhù Ying saw that some of her old subordinates’ sons had inadequate armor and horses, and had these provided for them.
Half a month sped by. The investiture ceremony for the Crown Prince was also ready; though somewhat rushed, everything that should be present was present. Wang Shuliang and Shi Jixing both deferred; Zhù Ying stepped forward without hesitation to serve as the principal envoy at the Crown Prince’s investiture. She had little interest in this white-faced little child, but still smiled at him to prevent him from bursting into tears during the great ceremony.
The investiture of the Crown Prince was proclaimed throughout the realm.
After the great ceremony, the emperor and the Council of State had the adult male members of the Shen and Yan families put to death, with the remaining members sent into exile, formally severing all relations with the Prince of Qi. At the same time, the Court of Judicial Review unearthed several old cases, and a group of officials was dismissed from their posts; new people moved up promptly to fill the vacancies, and the conduct of affairs was refreshed.
Only then had the time finally come to pack for the western borderlands.
Zhù Tong exclaimed in wonder, “These preparations were more troublesome and more demanding than the actual doing of the thing.”
“The doing is the simplest part. You put your hoe in the ground and dig; whether you dug or not, whether you put any strength into it, is visible at a glance. But all of this — too light or too heavy, and it does not show until afterward; and by the time it shows, it is too late to remedy. Remedying takes great effort; not remedying means disaster.”
Zhù Ying said this and left Zhù Tong and Zhao Ji to slowly digest it.
Zhao Ji had been the cleverest among his contemporaries — which owed much to having a father like Zhao Su who had long been in the official world. But he had grown up in Annan, an environment far simpler and clearer than the capital. This had truly opened his eyes!
——
The day Zhù Ying set out was an auspicious one; she first went to the palace to take her leave, and the emperor, owing to his health, escorted her only to the palace gate. For the rest of the way, Wang Shuliang, Shi Jixing, and the others saw her to the city’s edge; the group made mutual pledges that they would certainly bring the situation back from the brink.
Zhù Ying’s journey was very smooth. After all, this was the central plains!
The roads were wider than Annan’s; the Imperial Guards were at least trained, and military commands were understood. It was only the sons of the old subordinates who were still unfamiliar. Zhù Ying did not lose her temper; she walked and trained them as she went, just as she had done before when heading toward the Western Barbarians.
To rush headlong too fast, arriving at the front lines unprepared, is not reinforcement — it is committing to be slaughtered. Along the way she encountered local officials who were inadequate, and also tidied up a few of those.
In between leading troops and attending to governance, she also found time to publicly berate the barbarians.
The occasion arose because the Prince of Qi, over there, had also heard of Zhù Ying’s return and inevitably sought to make something of her being a woman — a standard practice. Xian Jing’s faction had made a habit of denouncing her in the same terms. The barbarian side: the prime minister was Kun Da Chi’s son, and the one who had taken the title of Khan was the son of the former prince.
They received this denunciation.
Since Zhù Ying was now somewhat closer, news traveled faster, and she had Liu Kun draft the message: “Write this — yes, the very woman who knocked their father’s brains out — I am back. Brace yourselves for the beating you are going to get. Oh — be a little tactful; do not drive them completely mad. Yao Chenying’s side cannot handle that. The foul language can wait until we have a free hand, when we reinforce the north, and denounce them then.”