Chapter 60: Sweet Words, a Dagger in the Heart
People are strange. When they don't want something, they just leave it there. But once they develop the desire to possess it and can't get it, they will feel so anxious and unable to sleep that they will have to find a way to hide it under their body and press it down until they fall asleep, so that they can feel at peace.
This was exactly how Yanru felt about the account book at Qixian Pawnshop. For the first year or so since the pawnshop opened, the book had been held in Mianzong's hands, spread out on the desk in the storeroom, and placed next to the abacus on the counter. Yanru would barely glance at it as she passed by. Whenever Mianzong summoned her to the yamen to file taxes, she either ignored him or excused herself by saying she was ill and couldn't work, leaving the work entirely to Xue Jia. Now, with the book in Wang Xianyi's hands, Yanru, unable to see or touch it, buckled down and began racking her brains for a way to return the book to its rightful owner.
Meeting is always a coincidence, and soon, a great opportunity comes before us.
On this day, at noon, Yanru was still lying on her bed, dreaming of the Duke of Zhou. Xue Jia had finished his breakfast and hurriedly pulled his wife out of the bed, saying, "You Yanru, don't sleep anymore. Get up. We have a distinguished guest."
Yanru was dissatisfied and turned over: "Who cares? No matter how expensive it is, go and serve it yourself. I still need to sleep."
Xue Jia slapped Yanru on the buttocks and shook her body: "I told you to get up! Did you hear me? My adoptive father is coming, and he brought two adults with him, and he specifically asked to see you."
The words "adopted father" were like the bell of the Zhou Emperor, and "calling her to see him" was like the drum of battle. The two words gently struck Yanru's ears, and her delicate body trembled. She quickly jumped up, calling for Shanjuan to help her wash, change clothes, and put on her makeup. The entire Xue Mansion revered Master Shi, and Master Shi's specific request to see her was an honor comparable to entering the palace to see the emperor.
Since they were meeting at home, her clothes couldn't be too flashy, as that would make her look ostentatious and unfashionable; the style couldn't be too formal, as that would make her look distant from her adoptive father; and the colors couldn't be too dark, as that would make her look old and not like a well-behaved junior. She quietly searched the corner for a long time, flipping through the booklet Liu Xiang had drawn up, which gave her instructions on how to dress. She dawdled for a long time until Mr. Shi had already arrived at Daiyuan and was sitting in Zhufang Courtyard drinking a few cups of tea. Yanru finally arrived.
The Zhufang Courtyard had been cleared of its inhabitants. Of the vast courtyard, only Xue Jia and Long'er stood guard at the entrance corridor, awaiting orders. In the main hall, Master Shi's trusted servants, transformed into stone lions, stood guard at the closed doorway, allowing only Yanru to enter. Such lavish hospitality made it hard not to feel proud. With her shoulders straightened, she swaggered through the flower garden. Standing in front of the wing room, she heard fragments of conversation drifting from within: "They're just two newborn calves," "You're worrying too much," and "Don't let your guard down."
After informing and getting permission, the confidant pushed the door open and Yanru walked in. The main house of Zhufangyuan was built facing south, which was originally a house with excellent lighting and feng shui. However, at that moment, only two windows were half-opened, making it cool and dim, which made people feel cold and timid. Yanru felt a little scared. She lifted the bead curtain and walked around the screen. Mr. Shi and two people dressed in official attire, whom she had never met before, were sitting around the tea table. On the table were writing brushes, inkstones, paper, and a small incense burner. There was no incense, only red charcoal and some white ashes burning in the incense burner. Yanru bowed and said, "You, your daughter, greets your adoptive father."
The three people present were pleasant and cheerful, a stark contrast to the atmosphere inside, making the atmosphere even more eerie. Towards Yanru, Master Shi kindly introduced, "This is the new bride of the Xue family, a native of Jinling. This girl is quite famous, having studied painting under the great painter Ji Mingxiu. She's even known as the Goddess of Painting." He then solemnly introduced each of them to Yanru, "Come, this is Zhang, the Minister of Revenue; this is Zuo Xuan, the Minister of Personnel. His surname is Fang. You can follow my daughter and call him Uncle Fang. They all love Ji Mingxiu's masterpieces, and they wanted to see you, the Goddess of Painting, so I brought you here to talk to you about painting."
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare." The two big men smiled at her kindly, and Yanru was overjoyed. "I've met Minister Zhang and Mr. Fang. Hey, is Minister Zhang in the Ministry of Revenue? My good friend is also in the Ministry of Revenue, her surname is Zheng."
Minister Zhang asked, "Oh? But Zheng Sirui?"
Yan Ru tried to get close to him, spilling the beans about the past completely, "Yes, she used to study with me at the Qiushui Academy in Jinling. Our teacher was Lu Tianwen, who was in the Hanlin Academy before he retired."
Mr. Shi was curious: "Jinling? According to the laws of our dynasty regarding female officials, women can only take the imperial examinations and hold office in their registered places. How did she end up in the capital?"
Minister Fang said, "I have seen her enrollment records. She studied at the Qiushui Academy in Jinling for a year or so, and later transferred to the Guanyan Academy in the capital."
Yanru interrupted: "Yes, yes, yes, she later transferred to Guanyan Academy, and I also went to Guanyan Academy. It is the best women's academy in the world. We both studied at Guanyan Academy and are all female disciples of Guanyan Academy!"
Mr. Shi said, "Guanyan Academy? That's a very difficult academy to get into. Who is her father?"
Yanru said, "She is of humble origin. Her ancestors were not poor. They only had a scholar like her father, who spent all his money on studying. So she envied me because I came from a family of scholars—oh, my maternal grandfather's family had a member of the Privy Council."
"Ah, so she rarely mentions her family," Minister Zhang laughed. "I saw that she was intelligent, well-spoken, and a foreigner who could study at Guanyan Academy. I always thought she was the daughter of a prominent family in Jinling."
Didn't you come here to see and talk about paintings? Yanru was puzzled and asked, "My two lords, why are you talking about her?"
Minister Zhang said, "Well, since you're not an outsider, I'll be frank with you. Zheng Sirui has been diligent and conscientious since taking office. As her superior, I cannot treat her poorly. I'm thinking of writing a petition to His Majesty, urging her to be promoted."
Yanru was flattered: "Really? Is this something you can say? Is this something you can tell me?"
Mr. Shi smiled and said, "Why not? You're her best friend. Minister Zhang couldn't tell her directly, so why not tell you? Look, Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Personnel is here. Minister Fang is in charge of the appointment, dismissal, examination, promotion, honors, and transfers of civil servants."
Minister Fang said, "I do have such plans, and I am not lying to you."
Mr. Shi said, "You two are gentlemen. Once a gentleman takes action, it is impossible to catch him. Why would you deceive a mere woman like you?"
Yanru was overjoyed: "That's great! Ruirui can get a promotion. I'm here to thank both of you on her behalf."
"Why should I thank you? Recommending capable subordinates is my duty." Minister Zhang waved his hand, as if applauding my official dispatches. Suddenly, he changed the subject, "It's just that Si Rui keeps to herself in the yamen. When she does speak, it's only with one or two female officials. Beyond her duties, I know very little about her. I don't know how to write a recommendation letter or how to commend her character to His Majesty."
Master Shi said, "How difficult is that? Mr. Zheng's classmate and close friend is right before our eyes."
Yanru said hurriedly, "Yes, yes. I know everything about Si Rui. If you want to know anything, just ask me."
Minister Zhang laughed, "It's said that she studied very hard during her studies, and all the teachers who taught her liked her."
Yanru said, "Yes, especially Master Lu from our Qiushui Academy. He treated her very, very well. Her family was very poor, and she couldn't afford medical treatment even when she had a high fever. The tuition at Qiushui Academy was very high, so it was logical that she couldn't study there. But Master Lu waived all her expenses and asked her to help in the kitchen to pay off her debts—oh, she studied because Master Lu saw her in the market, looked at her handwriting, and asked her to come to the academy."
Minister Fang said, "As expected of Lu Hanlin, you have a keen eye for talent."
Minister Zhang remained silent and asked, "Then why did she come from Jinling to the capital?"
During the conversation, Yanru had already let down her guard. As if the three people in front of her were really her "adopted uncles", she was chatting among relatives and elders, and recalled carefully: "Hmm... I'm not sure about that. One night, the teacher called her to the study, and the next day she went down the mountain. After that, she hurriedly packed up and left after paying her respects. It was not until a year later when I went to study in the capital that I learned she was at Guanyan Academy."
"Ah, so..." Shi, Fang, and Zhang all sighed in unison. After pondering for a moment, Minister Fang said, "My niece's family also studied at Guanyan Academy. I heard that Zheng Sirui's grades were only average before, but she eventually passed the imperial examination and became a court lady."
Yanru said, "That's right. Zheng Sirui studies like crazy. She said her biggest ambition in life is to become a court lady. To become a court lady, she would pay any price, even if she doesn't get married, as long as she can stay in office."
Minister Fang and Minister Zhang were silent, lost in thought. Only Master Shi applauded, saying, "Women are truly as capable as men. What a spirit! Now, Sister You, go back to your room and have lunch. I've brought a basket of quails for Dalang and asked the kitchen to fry them for lunch. You'll have to have two extra."
This was a golden opportunity, and Yanru had to seize it. While Master Shi was in a good mood, she hurriedly said, "Foster Father, I have something to ask of you. I wonder if you can agree to it?"
Mr. Shi asked, "You have helped the two adults today. If you have any merit, please tell me."
Yanru said, "Foster father, when the master betrothed me to my family, he said that the pawnshop would be mine from now on and I would be the one to manage it. But the account books for Qixian Academy are now with my mother-in-law, and she doesn't want me to take them, which is really a dilemma. Foster father, could you please intercede with my mother-in-law on my behalf and return the account books to their rightful owner?"
"The account book?" Mr. Shi pondered for a moment, then said decisively, "Alright, it's just a small matter. I'll write a letter tomorrow and persuade your mother-in-law to let the child take on the responsibility of worrying about things he can handle, so as not to burden herself."
"Foster father, what you said is absolutely right!" Yanru's eyes and eyebrows were full of pride. She bowed and said, "Thank you for your love, foster father. Well, I won't delay the three elders' conversation. Foster father, Uncle Fang, Uncle Zhang, I will leave first. If there is anything, you three can call me at any time."
Shi, Fang and Zhang smiled and watched Yanru leave the house and walk away. Minister Fang picked up his pen and scribbled a few big words: Lu Tianwen, Lu Zhiling, Guanyan Academy.
Mr. Shi's expression changed from kind to gentle. He looked at the words written on the white paper with a cold and serious expression: "What do you two think of what the woman said just now?"
Minister Fang said, "Lu Zhiling is backed by the Lu family, who are very powerful in the imperial court. This Zheng Sirui is different. She comes from a poor family, a commoner, and has risen from the bottom. She has no foundation to speak of. Feel free to target her."
Master Shi said cautiously, "But she is Lu Tianwen's favorite disciple. When His Majesty was still the Crown Prince, he called her Master. Although he has retired, he still has a say in His Majesty's affairs."
"Beloved disciple? What if she's more than just a beloved disciple?" Minister Zhang straightened his back and looked around playfully. "The 'Si' in Zheng Sirui is the 'Si' in Baosi. You two haven't seen Zheng Sirui's appearance. She's as beautiful as a fairy. If she were born in our family, and sent to the palace to be a concubine, she would surely guarantee us a life of wealth and freedom."
Master Shi understood Minister Zhang's look and the hint he was giving, and smiled, "Now, the story Youshi just told becomes quite interesting. A beautiful girl from a poor family, dreaming of becoming an important official at court since she was little. Later, she met a talented man who had retired and returned to his hometown on the street. For her sake, he made an exception and offered her free money, allowing her to study and practice calligraphy at his own academy, where they could eat and live together. Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"It's more than that," Minister Fang said. "Maybe Minister Du doesn't know this, but your colleague, Minister Lu Zhiling, is actually having a serious affair with this Zheng Sirui. I sent people to Jinling to inquire about this. Zheng Sirui used to be in a relationship with Lu Zhiling at Qiushui Academy. They met secretly all day, admiring the moon and reciting poems in the academy garden: 'The orioles sing on the river bank, the graceful lady, the gentleman seeks her.' The only thing more beautiful than a talented scholar and a beautiful woman is a talented scholar meeting a beautiful woman who is well-read and well-read."
Minister Du exclaimed, "Oh my! Back in the yamen, she wouldn't even say a word to a man. I thought she was incredibly aloof. I never thought she'd be so capable in Nanjing. Youshi said she went to her teacher's academy, then disappeared inexplicably, and then went to the capital—remarkable! I guess she has some tricks up her sleeve."
"There's one more thing." Minister Fang picked up his pen and wrote the word "imperial examination." "Her grades weren't among the best in Guanyan Academy, so how did she manage to pass and become one of the twelve female officials? I wonder how profound her writing could be?"
Minister Fang said, "It seems that the 'Si' in 'Zheng Sirui' isn't just the 'Si' in 'Bao Si'. The 'Zheng' in 'Zheng Sirui' could also be the 'Zheng Sheng Luan Ya' in 'Zheng Sirui'. The 'Rui' in 'Zheng Sirui' could even be the 'Rui' in 'Fu Hua Lang Rui'."
"Indeed." Minister Du nodded and jokingly said, "So, he's just a nobody who found clues about the tax bills. He didn't find any other issues, and it didn't involve the boss. Why should Master Shi be afraid? It's just a matter of ruining a woman, not much effort, let alone ruining an extremely beautiful woman. Pick out a few words, light a spark, add some fuel to the fire. Regardless of whether they are true or false, the rumors will naturally burn her to ashes."
"Blame me, blame me." Mr. Shi smiled and shook his head. "You blame me, but you're worrying about nothing. Minister Du is right. In this world, more people are on our side."
Minister Du said, "Lu Zhiling, I've always disliked him. He's just a brat, barely out of his element, and yet he's been able to squeeze into the Ministry of Revenue through his brother-in-law's connections. And he wants to be on equal footing with me?"
"Even if I can't bring down Lu Zhiling, I'll definitely make Zheng Sirui suffer. These nosy, self-righteous people are indeed Lu Tianwen's students. Lu Tianwen, fifteen years ago, you looked down on me and disdained to accept me as your student. Now, I want to see what fate awaits your chosen, your beloved student." Minister Fang sneered, crumpling up the paper with three or four names on it and tossing it into the small stove. The red charcoal ignited a flame, the heat quickly devouring the words. In a moment, the once pure white was reduced to ash.
The web of conspiracy had been woven, yet those caught in it remained completely unaware. Yanru, brimming with pride, ate the delicious fried quail on her plate, reminiscing about the lively conversation she had just had with her adoptive father, Fang Shibo, and Du Shibo. She couldn't help but admire her own skill in coaxing the elders into a good mood, getting the account book back, and even putting in a good word for Zheng Sirui in front of her boss.
Alas! Zheng Sirui really owes her too much. When Zheng Sirui gets promoted, she will definitely go to the Zheng Mansion and ask Zheng Sirui to buy her some nice thank-you gifts.
Yanru crossed her legs, eagerly anticipating the day Zheng Sirui would arrive, laden with gifts. She'd been looked down upon by Xue Jia for so long, and now she could show off in front of him. How impressive!
After waiting for half a month, Yanru did not receive the account book, nor did she wait for Zheng Sirui, who was promoted to a higher position. Instead, she waited for another good friend, Wen Yue.
Wen Yue had married three months earlier. She wore her hair in a bun and women's clothes, but her temperament remained the same. Like a frightened little rabbit, she rushed into Dai Garden and grabbed Yanru's hand, saying, "Yanru, it's over, it's over! Senior Sister Zheng, Senior Sister Zheng has been locked up in the Ministry of Justice!"
Yanru's throat felt numb and itchy: "You're lying to me, aren't you?"
Wen Yue said, "How could I lie to you? My father-in-law is from the Ministry of Justice. He told me personally that there were rumors about my Senior Sister Zheng from Guanyan Academy that she was behaving improperly and having an affair with her superior, Minister Lu. They also said that she had been in Jinling before, and that she had gotten into Qiushui Academy due to an unclear relationship with her mentor. She spent a night in the teacher's study, and the next day she was able to go to the capital to study."
"Impossible." Yanru said firmly, "Don't I know her? She hates men, especially older men—no, it's just a rumor at best. How did she end up in jail?"
"It's just a matter of behavior, so we just need to investigate it thoroughly. But for some reason, during the investigation, it was inexplicably reported that Senior Sister Zheng might be involved in cheating in the imperial examination. There was cheating in Senior Sister Zheng's exam, and in addition, the Lu family has been very popular in the court in recent years. Senior Sister Zheng and the uncle and nephew of the Lu family have... a feud... So it is suspected that the Lu family secretly leaked the questions to Senior Sister Zheng. Now Senior Sister Zheng and Minister Lu are detained and interrogated by the Ministry of Justice." After Wen Yue finished speaking, he urged Yanru to pack her clothes and follow him into the city to see people.
If fraud is found out, the crime will result in exile to a remote frontier.
Yanru felt as if she were stepping on cotton, her ears ringing and her eyes dizzy. She didn't know how to dress or go out. The carriage sped along, and she thought all the way. It was hard not to think of half a month ago, in order to get the account book back, Yanru acted cute in front of Mr. Shi and told the outsider about Zheng Sirui's past.
Could it be that Zheng Sirui's experience was really related to him? But they also said that they were asking about it because they wanted Zheng Sirui to get a promotion?
Before he could think about what was going on, he looked up and saw the carriage stop in front of the Ministry of Justice's prison. Wen Yue paid some small change and led Yanru inside. The prison, divided by thick stone slabs, was dark and damp, with a musty smell that only came with a long absence of clear skies. From time to time, two or three cockroaches would scurry out.
The two noble ladies' embroidered shoes tread on the stone slabs, one step at a time, one step at a time, until they reached a stone chamber at the end, where they saw Zheng Sirui. She had been taken away from the Ministry of Revenue, her official uniform and belt stripped off, leaving her in only her inner garments. Her hair was loose, a few strands draping over her shoulders.
It was extremely embarrassing and miserable.
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