By now the hour was late, yet Zheng Xi dared not delay. Judging by the Emperor’s manner, if he had even suggested “I’ll start tomorrow morning,” that imperial maternal uncle of his would likely have laid into him with his own hands right then and there.
Having accepted the Emperor’s commission, he went about requesting resources and conditions the same way Zhù Ying talked to him: “Your Majesty, relying solely on the staff of the Court of Judicial Review, interrogations may be sufficient, but making arrests would be rather inadequate. Might we do as before and mobilize a division of the Imperial Guards along with the Capital Prefecture to assist?”
That was how the Gong case had been handled from the outset. In a matter of this scale, the first order of business was to seal the main suspect’s residence and make arrests. After that came a preliminary round of interrogations, followed immediately by a thorough search and seizure. One or two households, three or five — those were still manageable, but any more than that would overwhelm the Court of Judicial Review. At that point, secondary issues like concealment of assets aside, if any of the suspects took their own lives, sent their families away, or destroyed evidence, it would create considerable difficulties for the eventual prosecution of the case.
The very start had to be swift — had to race against time. Catching them off guard with a sudden sweep was essential.
Ideally, the Capital Prefecture, the Imperial Guards, and the Court of Judicial Review would combine their forces, first gather sufficient manpower, and then move simultaneously — securing the key suspects and crucial evidence before proceeding to handle the rest methodically. This was a matter of state and no longer suited to relying again on Lord Zheng’s household guards or the Prince of Gaoyangcommandery’s escort troops.
The Emperor found his arrangements reasonably sound and said: “Granted! You shall be the lead officer.”
Zheng Xi then requested a written authorization. The Emperor drafted a note, muttering curses as he wrote: “The Gong case was already entrusted to you long ago. Following the evidence trail to pursue the case further — and you still have to go through all this formality!”
Zheng Xi said: “These are the nation’s senior officials, charged with guarding the capital and the palace. It would be improper to mobilize them simply because I am investigating a case. That precedent must not be set.”
The Emperor cursed him a few more times for lacking decisiveness and so forth, but wrote the note with great care all the same. Zheng Xi received it and withdrew.
Though he was the imperially appointed lead officer, Zheng Xi remained very cautious — he was not overbearing or arrogant, neither impetuous nor presumptuous. He returned to the Court of Judicial Review and first dispatched men to summon Wang Yunhe and the commanding general who was on night duty with the Imperial Guards to come and meet. General Ye was on overnight duty in the palace; Wang Yunhe would take somewhat longer to arrive.
While waiting for the two of them, Zheng Xi asked Zhù Ying: “Sealing residences, conducting searches and seizures — do you know how it’s done?”
Zhù Ying said: “I’ve heard something of the general principle, but I’ve never actually done it.”
Zheng Xi said: “Do you know what to do?”
Zhù Ying said: “First seal the gates. Ignore everything else. Go straight in through the centre, and secure the key suspects first. Then seal the study and the accounts room. Search the bedroom and the study. Seize the evidence. Post guards at the residence gates — allow entry but no exit. Await further orders.”
Zheng Xi said: “You must also separate the male and female household members and keep them in two different places. They must not be allowed to pass information to the outside.”
Zhù Ying went over the basics of conducting a search and seizure with Zheng Xi. By then General Ye and Wang Yunhe had arrived.
It was deep into the night. Wang Yunhe had been pulled out of bed, which had put the old man in quite a state. Zheng Xi showed them the Emperor’s handwritten note, and both men were taken aback: “Can it truly be?” Then very quickly, anger took hold. General Ye cursed: “Treasonous sons and criminal subjects! His Majesty has treated them generously, and yet they presume to plot against the foundation of the state!” Wang Yunhe also said with a cold face: “Such contempt for ruler and father alike!”
Both men issued several more condemnations, after which General Ye said to Zheng Xi: “The Gong case was already under your direction from the beginning, and now you are the one who uncovered all of this — of course you should be the one to take charge. Just say the word — what is to be done?”
Wang Yunhe said: “All officials, staff, and constables of the Capital Prefecture are at your disposal.”
Zheng Xi quickly said: “I would not presume.”
General Ye said: “At this hour of the night, if we don’t act now, are we supposed to wait until they’re all assembled at morning court tomorrow and arrest them one by one in front of His Majesty?!”
Zheng Xi said: “In that case, I respectfully request that some manpower be allocated to me. I have their sworn oath in hand — it is here. The major conspirators number four households in total, with ten minor ones. Several of these individuals were already sent into exile earlier in connection with the Gong case, and at present seven households remain. We will deal with them tonight.”
For those of higher rank, Zheng Xi knew their whereabouts himself. For those of lower rank, Wang Yunhe turned out to know them quite well — he named several individuals and said: “These ones I know — they live in such and such a ward.” General Ye then asked how many men were needed.
The distribution was quickly settled. Ten households, ten teams. All three offices would contribute manpower. Wang Yunhe would designate constables of the Capital Prefecture familiar with the routes to guide the way to each location. The Imperial Guards, having the greatest numbers, would bear the main load of sealing and searching. The Court of Judicial Review would station officers with each team, since the court’s officials best knew which suspects to arrest and which items of evidence to seize. Once arrested, officials were to be held in the Court of Judicial Review’s prison; other connected parties were to be held in the Capital Prefecture’s prison; female household members, servants, and bondservants were to be confined to their own residences to await judgment.
With the assignments made, the manpower was assembled. Court of Judicial Review personnel were the most convenient to muster. Zhù Ying had the good fortune of being designated as escort officer for one of the teams, paired with a night-duty Imperial Guard officer named Bao, and given a team along with a patrol captain from the Capital Prefecture and several constables. Looking around, Su Kuang and the others each had their assignments too.
Zheng Xi valued Zhù Ying, and the person he assigned to her team was fairly prominent — a general of some standing, one with prior ties to Lord Zheng, someone Zheng Xi had to address as “Respected Uncle” when they met.
The Court of Judicial Review officers who had received their assignments all rubbed their hands in anticipation. But General Ye said: “Splitting it up like this is too complicated! Why not do it as we did last year — oh, you wouldn’t know about that — last year we divided the locations among the three offices……”
Zheng Xi said quietly: “This year is different from last year. His Majesty is truly angered this time. The seizures must be swift and precise!” Last year’s case had been an old matter, events from twenty years prior; the Emperor had been securely in the winning position, and when going back to settle those old accounts, he could still be a touch lenient. Now, with people plotting against him to his face about what would happen after his death, his fury was no small thing.
Wang Yunhe spoke with great gravity: “When you go, do not harass the women. Do not disturb the neighbours. Do not set fires. Do not pillage.” He issued four prohibitions in succession, and the words sent a chill through the hearts of those about to be dispatched.
Zheng Xi added: “Precisely so. Although these are the residences of convicted officials, until sentence is formally pronounced, their family members must still be treated with proper courtesy!”
Wang Yunhe continued: “You are going to arrest suspects, seize evidence, and inventory assets. You must not be moved by the sight of wealth and valuables and let it distract you from the task at hand!”
General Ye lost patience and said: “Get going! We’ll wait here!”
Zheng Xi also asked Wang Yunhe if he had anything more to say. Wang Yunhe replied: “The Court of Judicial Review is in charge.”
Zheng Xi gave the order: “Move quickly — go!”
He then invited Wang Yunhe and the others to sit and await news in the Court of Judicial Review’s main hall. General Ye grew even more impatient: “How long is this going to take?”
Zheng Xi offered wearily: “If Respected Uncle is tired, I still have my bedding here — I’ve been living here these past few days.” General Ye said crossly: “I am a member of the palace guard — do you think I have nowhere to sleep?!”
Wang Yunhe looked at him and said unhurriedly: “Another storm is about to descend on the court. I wonder which men His Majesty will appoint to fill all these vacancies.”
General Ye stopped arguing and fell into deep thought. Zheng Xi ordered a late-night meal and tea to be served. The three men ate as they waited, waiting for news from the searches and arrests.
……
Now, as for Zhù Ying — she rode with a few junior clerks of the Court of Judicial Review, together with Officer Bao and a patrol captain named Li from the Capital Prefecture. Zhang Xiangu’s “big brother” had not ended up on the same team as Zhù Ying. Zhù Ying rode on horseback while the clerks could only keep pace with the Imperial Guard soldiers at a jog, carrying the Court of Judicial Review’s seals and other materials on their backs.
Zhù Ying had a general sense of where this particular general’s household was located. Although the capital was full of powerful and aristocratic families, this man was counted among the notable ones — though Zhù Ying had never been to his home before. Patrol Captain Li knew the capital’s layout intimately, and with him riding at the front to guide the way, they reached the gate quickly.
Officer Bao, carrying a trace of anger, barked: “Move!”
He had the largest contingent, and his Imperial Guards had taken on the bulk of the task. Seeing how angry he was, Zhù Ying initially assumed it was because he had been roused from sleep in the middle of the night and couldn’t rest. She tried to smooth things over: “The sooner we finish, the sooner we can stand down. Should we split into two groups and cover the back gate as well?”
Officer Bao looked at her, raised his hand, and said: “Split! Go!”
The soldiers moved into action.
Patrol Captain Li found Zhù Ying somewhat familiar-looking but still couldn’t quite place her. He nevertheless edged over and said in a low voice: “My lord……”
“Hmm?”
Patrol Captain Li spoke in an even more deferential tone: “Although this is not an officially sentenced traitor’s home being stripped — nonetheless……”
As a general rule, conducting a search and seizure was a lucrative assignment! Even though this wasn’t the formal post-sentence confiscation, the household was clearly finished — it was only a matter of time before the full seizure came! The only question was who would be conducting it then; the Court of Judicial Review would certainly be involved, but the Imperial Guards might not necessarily be, and even if they were, Officer Bao might not still be assigned. Yet now, while not technically a full seizure, it amounted to much the same — and originally it was an excellent opportunity to take a little extra for oneself on the side!
But then Wang Yunhe had said those words, and Officer Bao no longer dared make a move. No wonder he was resentful.
A junior clerk of the Court of Judicial Review also seized the moment to step forward: “If we don’t let them take a little something good, they might sabotage our work. And besides…… Lord Zheng has put in so much effort on this case — we can’t very well leave the old man to drink cold water either.”
Both of them were staring imploringly at Zhù Ying, and on the other side, Officer Bao also cast a glance her way. Zhù Ying silently cursed her superior Zheng Xi in her heart, then met his gaze. Officer Bao climbed down from his horse with a cold expression, strode through the gate, and shouted: “Seal that gate! Not one person allowed to slip away!” Inside, shouts, curses, and cries had already broken out.
This household was different from others. The master was a military general, and his household servants had more than a little martial training — they nearly came to blows with the Imperial Guards. Zhù Ying took advantage of the commotion to stride over to Officer Bao’s side and said: “This isn’t going to work.”
Officer Bao was a man of over thirty, more than twice Zhù Ying’s age, and he didn’t think very highly of her. He said: “Don’t worry, the brothers know what they’re doing!” He also shouted orders that no one was to harass the women, and no one was to privately pocket any silver.
Yet both he and Zhù Ying knew well that even when affixing the official seals, it was extremely difficult to detect anyone privately slipping out a few items from the household. And even if they themselves took nothing, people would still try to slip them money in exchange for information. Officer Bao himself had no strong desire to put a stop to it, and even if Zhù Ying wanted to, she didn’t have enough manpower to keep watch over so many people.
The Court of Judicial Review and Capital Prefecture personnel stared at her expectantly. Zhù Ying snapped: “Look at you! Go — get those seals affixed!”
The Court of Judicial Review people were resigned enough to accept this. The Capital Prefecture people were the only ones who could truly call it a stroke of bad luck.
Zhù Ying ordered the Court of Judicial Review staff to follow along and apply the official seals.
Officer Bao held back his temper, his manner dreadful, yet he had no choice but to get to work. He thought to himself: if this weren’t an imperially designated treason case, I swear I’d……
He hadn’t finished stewing over that when General Ren strode out from within. He was wearing only a cloak in the early winter chill, shuffling along in loose shoes, and he came to a stop in front of the assembled men. Pointing a finger straight at Officer Bao’s face, he bellowed: “You little beast — you’ve come here to run wild at your grandfather’s house?!”
Officer Bao shot back: “You old traitor! Your treachery is exposed, and you still dare curse me?!”
Zhù Ying studied General Ren — half-white hair and beard, a powerful build, a voice like a great bell. One glare at Officer Bao had the man’s second sentence coming out in a somewhat smaller voice. General Ren’s gaze swept over to Zhù Ying. Zhù Ying also tensed for a moment, involuntarily feeling something that might be described as “eyes like lightning.” In her heart, though, she thought: still a notch below Lord Zheng.
She wasn’t quite so nervous after that.
She stepped forward: “On orders!”
“Whose orders? Lord Zheng the Marquis?”
Zhù Ying followed his gaze — oh, there was a golden blade at her own waist. It hadn’t occurred to her that the thing would be recognized.
She said: “The sworn oath you made with Gong the Traitor is already in His Majesty’s hands. Please — let us both maintain our dignity. Your residence — we will seal it and not disturb it. Your family members will remain in the household. Please.”
The moment General Ren heard “sworn oath,” his colour changed. Officer Bao, who was most certainly someone who “knew what he was doing,” immediately gave the command: “Seize him! Don’t let him take his own life!”
The small confrontation with General Ren seemed to have channelled Officer Bao’s frustrated energy, and when he got to work afterward, his movements were very efficient. He sealed the treasury, arrested the suspects, and even took General Ren’s sons and grandsons who were at home. Zhù Ying stood with him monitoring proceedings, and he barely acknowledged her. Zhù Ying had her own agenda — she went through and seized correspondence, account records, and the like. As for the ledgers, she could still not decipher them, but she took them all the same.
When things had reached a satisfactory point, Zhù Ying said: “Officer Bao, come with me.”
“Hmm?”
Zhù Ying gestured politely, and Officer Bao had no choice but to follow, sulkily. She led him to the main bedchamber, and they searched it slowly and carefully. She opened a small box — inside were several gold and silver ingots. Zhù Ying said: “We’ve been at this until this late — a late-night snack is well deserved. The Emperor doesn’t let his soldiers go hungry.” She picked up one of the smaller gold ingots, used it to scratch away some of the identifying mark on the surface, and put it back, closing the box. She handed it to Officer Bao.
Officer Bao said in astonishment: “How did you know this was in here?”
Zhù Ying didn’t answer him. She only said: “Lord Zheng is only newly in charge of the Court of Judicial Review, and with a case as significant as Gong’s, being careful is never wrong. In a household like this, everything has identifying marks and can be traced — if someone were to discover it, that would be awkward. Gold and silver are good — have them cut up and recast, and the traces are gone. Just make sure they’re not entered on the books.”
Officer Bao said: “You’re quite something, young fellow!” He immediately caught himself: “No offence, no offence.”
Zhù Ying said: “I’ve been awake for two days. I’m not in the mood for niceties either. This case is being watched closely from the top — there’s no room for carelessness. I’d ask that you have the brothers surrender what they’ve privately pocketed. If anything among what they’ve taken happens to be a distinctive item, and someone recognizes it later — then no one will be in a good position.”
Officer Bao pointed at the box: “And these?”
Zhù Ying gave a quiet laugh: “The treasury is already sealed. This is a private stash. Even if the household is formally seized later, they wouldn’t be able to take it anyway. You take the gold and silver — melt it down and spend it, and no one can trace it. Jewellery and valuables are different. Even sitting in the same room as gold and silver, items made by imperial workshops, or given as tribute — one of them might still be a piece of evidence. If so, am I supposed to find it, or not find it? Even if I don’t look, will no one else?”
Officer Bao studied the young official’s smooth, youthful face, then thought of the way General Ren had glanced at that golden blade. He thought to himself: this young man must have some genuine background after all.
This wasn’t truly a full confiscation assignment — the pickings weren’t especially large — but Zhù Ying led him to a few more “small stashes.” Between the Court of Judicial Review clerks and the Capital Prefecture constables, everyone received a share of “late-night money,” and everyone went away reasonably satisfied.
Officer Bao had to manage his own men, and this he handled efficiently. He gathered them together and ordered them to jump fifty times on the spot. A shower of small valuables hit the ground. Officer Bao berated them loudly as he commanded someone to bring a large tray to collect everything, and then ordered them to hand it all over — with a pointed undertone: “Since when have I ever let you brothers go without? You’re making me lose face?! Hand it all over!”
Before dawn had come, Zhù Ying’s team had finished and stood down.
Because they had been sent after General Ren, who had the highest standing, was the wealthiest, and also lived closest to the imperial city, and because she and Officer Bao had moved quickly, they were the first to return. Morning court had not yet begun when she made her report to Zheng Xi and the others: “The suspect has been apprehended and is waiting below. Correspondence and various documents have been seized. General Ren’s residence has had official seals applied. The female household members are temporarily confined in the residence, and watches have been arranged. Provisions of rice, flour, and vegetables will be sent in every two or three days to prevent anyone from starving.”
Zheng Xi was very satisfied. General Ye was also very satisfied — he had already received Officer Bao’s quiet signal: there had been gains, nothing extravagant, but not negligible either.
Wang Yunhe was also fairly satisfied, for all the account books were here, and Zhù Ying was also someone who couldn’t read accounts — if there were any problems, they would certainly be detectable.
Then the teams sent out dispatched one after another returned. General Ye took his men and left; Wang Yunhe also took his men to go and count the prisoners. The Court of Judicial Review grew busy.
……
Zheng Xi had to attend morning court, and left after issuing a few instructions: “Keep the suspects separated so they cannot corroborate each other’s stories. All seized items must be catalogued and registered. Each person makes their own register for what they took from each location — all of you remain here for now.” And with that, he hurried off to court.
The moment he left, everyone left behind immediately sagged into their chairs. Anyone who had been running around all night in a state of high tension would be exhausted enough. Zhù Ying had been at it for several days and nights running, and she was starting to reach her limit. She drank a cup of tea and let out a great yawn.
And yet everyone was also very happy. After a case this large, there was merit to be had! Moreover, with the Gong case now essentially reaching its conclusion, once the big case was closed, that old object of irritation sitting in the prison cell could finally be sent on his way — no need for him to go on sitting there making everyone uncomfortable. And on top of that, the newly arrested lot meant another modest additional income.
Then, following each person’s assigned territory, they worked straight through until Zheng Xi returned from morning court before they finally managed to get a rough framework sorted out.
Zhù Ying was overseeing General Ren’s household. Though it was her first time undertaking this kind of work, she glanced over at how others were handling theirs and followed their example. She also sent someone to arrange food.
Hu Lian rubbed his stomach and said: “Little Zhù is really conscientious — I haven’t even had breakfast yet!”
Everyone had been out forcing open doors and sealing households through the night, had been at it until now, and all were exhausted, worn out, and hungry. Hu Lian called out: “Hey — get someone to bring some food!” Every office had its own provisions, and the Court of Judicial Review was no exception. Whether the provisions were good or poor depended on each office’s own ability to generate income. The Court of Judicial Review was not poor — only, it generally didn’t provide officials with breakfast, only lunch. Most of those eating breakfast here were prisoners and the officials currently on duty.
Everyone hurriedly ate breakfast, and then Zheng Xi arrived.
Together with Pei Qing and Leng Yun, all were in a state of excitement. Leng Yun couldn’t keep in his words and said with a grin: “This is great! We’ve finally got a chance to turn things around! The Gong case was inherited from what came before — but now, this is something different! This one counts as something newly discovered by us!”
A trace of a smile also crossed Pei Qing’s face: “Indeed.”
Zheng Xi said: “I know everyone has been working hard. For successfully handling this case, I shall petition for merit on behalf of you all!”
All those at the Court of Judicial Review let out a cheer. Zhù Ying’s eyes lit up with brightness! She wanted a promotion! A promotion meant a larger official salary, and a larger salary meant faster savings toward buying a house of her own! It also meant the family could live more comfortably — she could replace all of her parents’ old clothes! Food at home could be better too. She could give them pure meat fillings instead of mixed ones with vegetables added in.
Also, she hadn’t been to visit Huajie in some time. The money Huajie had brought out with her hadn’t been fully spent, but if she wanted to do anything more, there would still be costs. Zhù Ying also wanted to give her a little more support.
And then there was Jin Liang’s household — Jin Liang’s wife was a warm-hearted woman; she needed to show her appreciation.
And there were the various social obligations too — she couldn’t pretend to be dead.
Zheng Xi looked left and right at Pei Qing and Leng Yun: “Well then — shall we begin?”
Leng Yun, by virtue of being better acquainted with him, said: “Looking at you, I can see you’re utterly exhausted too. The suspects were also brought in overnight. Why not rest a bit first, and resume questioning in the afternoon? In a treason case like this, with the sworn oath already secured, the finer details no longer matter.”
Zheng Xi said aloud: “How could we shirk the labours that come with serving the Emperor?” — but in his heart, he had already decided in Leng Yun’s favour, and followed up: “However, the suspects are both despicable and cunning. Without full preparation, they will endure the punishment stoically and argue their way through. Everyone go and prepare. We will begin questioning after midday.”
“Preparation” meant reviewing the case materials and examining the evidence — and there was plenty of room to idle in that.
Everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.
Zheng Xi said: “Once the case is concluded, I’ll give you all time off.”
Another round of cheers erupted from below.
Leng Yun added: “Then I suppose I’ll go and look at the case files as well.” Pei Qing also received a portion. The materials from General Ren’s household that Zhù Ying had brought back were left untouched by both — clearly set aside for Zheng Xi.
Zheng Xi accepted this without ceremony, and the three of them went to separate rooms. Zheng Xi did not look at the evidence first — instead he summoned Zhù Ying for a private talk: “How did it go?”
Zhù Ying laid out everything from the night before in full. Zheng Xi laughed and cursed her: “Only you would be so clever!” He understood it completely. For instance, when his father Lord Zheng went on a campaign, campaigns yielded substantial gains from the outset — not just military provisions and pay irregularities, but also spoils of war. These were all “conventional practices” and “accepted customs.” And Zhù Ying, who knew nothing of any of this, had handled it all quite aptly. A search and seizure had its own “conventional practices” too.
Zheng Xi said with a certain satisfaction: “He’ll still have to show appreciation to old Ye as well. What did you take for yourself?”
“As appreciation for you?”
“Pfft!”
Zhù Ying gave a small smile and pinched out a small piece of gold — weighing a full five liang when hefted: “I shared some late-night money with them, and took my share alongside them. But the others all have their superiors to show appreciation to, while I had no one to give to. I only kept this.”
Zheng Xi shook his head with a laugh: “I don’t want you giving me such small, petty things — but this is fine. You didn’t embarrass me.”
The two chatted for a while, and then Zheng Xi said: “You rest for a bit now — there’s plenty more work ahead!”
Zhù Ying asked: “Can I go home tonight? I haven’t been back in several days. I’m afraid my mother will get worried and think someone’s thrown me in prison.”
Zheng Xi said with a composed expression: “Who would dare be so discourteous to you again?”
“One can never be sure — I also need to get some clean clothes to change into. Everything is wrinkled. They’ll have something to talk about again if they see me like this.”
Zheng Xi said: “Go home, report that you’re safe, have a rest, and return before the palace gates are locked for the night. These next two days we need to press ahead and give His Majesty a clear account. We can deal with the rest carefully afterward.”
Zhù Ying quickly agreed: “Yes!”
“Find Gan Ze. Have him escort you home.”
“Yes!”
……
Zhù Ying left the palace gate. Gan Ze and Lu Chao were both waiting anxiously outside and asked: “How did it go?”
Zhù Ying said: “There’s hope — good things are coming. But Elder Brother Gan needs to escort me home first.”
Lu Chao said: “You two go on. I’ll keep watch here.”
Gan Ze arranged for a carriage and brought Zhù Ying back to her home. Zhù Ying said: “Don’t go yet — I need to head back.”
At home, Zhang Xiangu and Zhù Da had naturally begun to speculate: “Surely something hasn’t happened?”
It was only when she walked in that Zhang Xiangu grabbed her hand and gave her several firm pats all over: “You still know the way back? Where have you been?”
Zhù Da said from one side: “Word has been going around outside that several households were raided — you……”
“I was the one who raided them.”
The two of them had a commoner’s fear of officials and government; they stood stunned for a good while before it occurred to them that “our daughter has already become an official — she can throw other people in prison; we don’t need to fear others throwing us in.” Both their faces broke into smiles.
Zhang Xiangu again invited Gan Ze inside for tea and refreshments. Zhù Ying said: “Mother, don’t fuss — I need to go back. The case isn’t finished yet. Pack a few clothes for me. It’s gotten even colder — the bedding is a little thin. Bring me another quilt.”
“All right, all right! Good, good! Well then……” Zhang Xiangu glanced at Gan Ze and said: “Gan Dalang, please sit inside for a bit. I’ll go and pack things up. Old man, keep Gan Dalang company! San’er — come, let’s have a little discussion, I want to pack some food for you to take……”
Zhù Ying said as she followed Zhang Xiangu inside: “They have food there, I won’t go hungry — what I need is clothes.”
Zhang Xiangu was a little flustered, folding things into a bundle while speaking: “I’ve been counting the days for you, and your thing will be coming soon. I’ve been terribly anxious these past few days — afraid something would leak out and people would notice. I’ll pack you two extra menstrual cloths — change them carefully and constantly. I’ll pack plenty of paper too…… you really have to be sharp on your own!”
Zhù Ying gave a small smile: “Don’t worry.”
She took out that gold ingot and gave it to her: “Here — household expenses. Make yourself and father each two new padded winter garments, no more wearing the old ones. Get two more new, thick quilts too……”
Zhang Xiangu wasn’t listening to instructions on how to spend it — she only pressed the gold and asked: “Where did this come from?”
Zhù Ying said: “Earned from work. Refusing to take it would have been awkward.”
Zhang Xiangu said: “I’ll hold onto it. Just a few days ago we renewed the rental — second year now, and they wouldn’t give any more discount, so another large sum went out. This still needs to last until New Year!”
“We’ll have more at New Year.”
Zhang Xiangu said impatiently: “I know, I know — go on, get going.” She quickly finished bundling up the things. It was enormously large, and Zhù Ying hauling it looked like an ant dragging a bread crumb.
Gan Ze saw it and was taken aback: “Are you moving house? Don’t touch it — I’ll carry it! You, that frame of yours……”
Zhù Ying got on the carriage and left. Zhang Xiangu stood staring blankly at the gold ingot in her hand. After a long moment, she let out a sigh, then suddenly squeezed the gold tight and stood up: “Old man! Go quickly and buy some good sandalwood incense — make an offering to the Bodhisattva!”
—