Chapter 47: The Gentleman

The Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month was snowy, but by the sixteenth, the weather had cleared remarkably. Under the clear sky, everything covered in a layer of snow seemed especially poetic and picturesque.

No longer in her prison garb, Zhu Ying stood in front of the prison with a small bundle, struggling to control her expression, which was a mix of a smile and tears she couldn't shed.

A young jailer escorted her out, nudging her arm from behind, "What’s the matter? Overjoyed to be released? Hurry home! From now on, stay away from those nobles to avoid being captured again! If you end up in another prison, you won't find anyone as kind as me and the old uncle to take care of you!"

Zhu Ying wiped her face, regaining composure, and holding her bundle, asked, "Was the head jailer punished?"

The jailer responded, "Wish him well, will you?" sounding somewhat dejected, "The official noted it down for now. He’s on probation for his misconduct. If he fails, he’ll be punished along with me!"

"Then it's not a big deal," said Zhu Ying.

The jailer shook his head, "No, it's not like that. With other officials, it often means they're lifted high only to be let down gently, but with this one, it's hard to say."

"Really?"

The jailer said, "Of course! Do you know about the case of swapping death row inmates that came out of the Ministry of Justice?"

"Wasn't that case resolved? Zhong Qincha closed it."

The jailer scoffed, "In that case, the masterminds were several clerks. Guess what? Their deeds made us all 'enjoy the show' while they profited and indulged for days. We, suffering daily in the prison, young and already ailing, barely sipping their leftover soup, get punished no less than they did! Finally, when the case was said to be closed, should we not recover the previous losses? And now, here comes this official."

He was really holding a grudge, just having urged Zhu Ying to go home quickly, now he was rambling to her outside, addicted to his own talk, "Forget it, I'll escort you home, to prevent you from being captured again on the way! Even if someone takes you, I can still inform your parents."

Zhu Ying thanked him.

Along the way, the jailer shared many insider details, like "Not much to gain but more beatings than others". It was an insight into why, despite past issues in the Ministry of Justice that should have led to reforms, the prison remained somewhat chaotic. It all boiled down to making up for previous losses.

Zhu Ying intended to go to Jin Liang's house, and the jailer escorted him there.

Upon reaching Jin Liang's door and knocking, Lai Fu asked, "Who is it?" and upon opening the door, hesitated to recognize Zhu Ying, "You are?"

The jailer cursed, "How do you not recognize your young master? Dog..."

Zhu Ying stepped on his foot and said to Lai Fu, "It's me, Zhu San."

"Oh! How did you get out?!!!" Lai Fu didn't even bother closing the door and dashed inside, shouting, "Madam! Madam! Master Zhu, Madam Zhang! San Lang is back! He's been released!"

Even Jin Liang's son, Jin Biao, came out to see Zhu Ying. Handing the bundle to Lai Fu, Zhu Ying first thanked Lady Jin, who exclaimed, "Oh, it's good you're out! Come in quickly and talk to your parents! Hey, girl, heat up some soup! Find new clothes for San Lang to change into!"

Zhu Ying said, "Let's hold on that for a moment, could you light a brazier for me instead?"

Zhang Xianjun, holding her daughter's hand and crying, quickly agreed, "Yes, yes! Jump over the brazier to ward off evil spirits!"

Zhu Ying clarified, "That's not what I meant, but... well, it might be good to dispel some bad luck after all."

Lady Jin then gave a red envelope to the jailer, who accepted it with a smile, "I've gotten quite familiar with San Lang, I shouldn't really take your money, but since it's for a good cause, I'll accept this lucky money!"

Lady Jin responded, "You should take it; I won't be hosting you under these circumstances."

The jailer mentioned, "I've got other matters to attend to. You all enjoy your time together, and maybe stay inside for the next few days!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the jailer, who left happily with the money, Lady Jin and the others crowded around Zhu Ying, bombarding her with questions.

……——

Zhang Xianjun incessantly asked, "Were you treated alright? How did you get out?"

Zhu Da interjected, "She just got back, let her jump over the brazier and have a drink of water before you bombard her with questions. You always talk too much!"

Lady Jin hurried to arrange for an extra charcoal brazier to be placed at the doorway and for hot water to be prepared so Zhu Ying could have a bath and wash her hair, to get rid of the... it's better left unsaid.

Zhu Ying didn't request the brazier for its traditional purpose, as she didn't believe in it, but appreciated their good intentions and went along with it.

After humorously jumping over the brazier amidst her family's mix of serious and uncertain rituals, she explained, "I was released because the Jingzhao Prefecture jail caught fire, attracting the attention of Prefect Wang Yunhe. He questioned the prisoners, learned of my wrongful imprisonment, and after understanding the situation, he ordered my release.

"Let's not take the brazier away just yet. Please, stop clinging to me for now. I'm covered in fleas and lice, impossible to get rid of completely. Let's burn these dirty clothes in the brazier. I'll take a bath and comb my hair before we continue talking, so I don't spread lice to you."

Zhang Xianjun agreed, "Alright, alright!"

Lady Jin thought to herself that the influence of Marquis Zheng's household hadn't been leveraged fully, a thought quickly passing as she ushered Jin Biao away, "Don't create a mess here." She then went to arrange for hot water.

Zhang Xianjun, eager to embrace her daughter and cry, was stopped by Zhu Ying. The family of three was staying in a three-room annex in the Jin household's front yard, with just enough space and a bed for Zhang Xianjun and Zhu Da. Zhu Ying found the room's setup slightly better than their rented home, with thick curtains and a warm charcoal brazier still lit in January.

The room was filled with belongings, some of which Zhu Ying recognized as her own from before her imprisonment, including her scant collection of books, papers, and pens neatly arranged on a table.

Sighing softly, Zhu Ying removed her hat and outer robe.

Zhang Xianjun took her daughter's dirty clothes without regret over burning them, lighting a fire in the large brazier while telling Zhu Da, "The child's grown up and needs to bathe; give her some privacy."

Zhu Da closed the door, and Zhu Ying mentioned, "This fur coat was arranged by my godmother, worn only briefly..."

Zhang Xianjun responded, "She was a good person. Don't mourn the loss of belongings. You've grown taller; the clothes wouldn't fit anymore anyway. There's another piece in the bundle if you miss her, keep that one."

At around forty, both Zhu Da and Zhang Xianjun weren't at an age where injuries healed quickly, Zhu Ying noticed Zhu Da limping and Zhang Xianjun bearing scratches on her hands and face.

Zhu Ying's gaze fell.

Soon, the hot water arrived, and a large bathing tub was brought in. Lady Jin suggested, "Let Lai Fu assist."

Zhang Xianjun objected, "I'll do it!"

Lady Jin empathized with the maternal instinct, "Alright then, Lai Fu, fetch more hot water!" She also brought her own bathing items, "Don't mind using these; it's hard to buy new ones right now with many shops closed for the New Year."

Zhang Xianjun was deeply grateful, "Oh, why would we mind? Thank you so much."

Lady Jin promptly left, not wishing to intrude on a "young man's" bath.

Inside, as Zhu Ying stripped, Zhang Xianjun burned each piece of clothing, chanting, "May evil retreat!" Zhu Ying sank into the tub, the slightly hot water enveloping her, turning her skin red and feeling immensely comforting.

After burning the clothes, Zhang Xianjun fetched a smaller tub to wash Zhu Ying's hair, exclaiming, "What knots are these? They're clumps!" While wetting her hair, she praised Lady Jin, "Is this soap made from soapberries? It even smells nice, better than what your godmother used... Ah, your godmother is gone now..."

Zhu Ying rested her neck on the edge of the bathing tub, extending her head outside while Zhang Xianjun washed her hair three times before the water ran clear. Only when applying the scented shampoo from Lady Jin did white foam finally appear. Zhang Xianjun remarked, "Ah, we almost used it all up. We'll have to buy a new one to replace it."

Zhu Ying simply hummed in agreement.

Zhang Xianjun then used a comb to clean Zhu Ying's hair, shaking the lice into the brazier where they crackled as they burned, "Soak well, I'll scrub you down in a bit."

After combing her hair, Zhang Xianjun also washed her face using Lady Jin's fragrant lotion.

Zhu Ying scrubbed her own face and body, then Zhang Xianjun said, "Turn around, let me scrub your back."

The water was changed mid-way, and Zhu Da personally brought in the fresh water. Zhu Ying wrapped herself in a large bath towel.

Back in the tub, Zhu Ying mentioned, "You didn’t see Sister Hua, right?"

Zhang Xianjun, who had been ceaselessly busy and talking, finally broke down in tears, "I know it's not about Sister Hua, it must have been her family causing trouble!" Sobbing, she said, "We're used to being beaten and scolded, aren’t we? I was just scared you wouldn’t come out..."

Zhu Ying opened her eyes and assured, "It won't happen again."

Zhang Xianjun sighed, "Maybe we should give up this official business. Any soil can bury a man, right? Let's leave this capital. Elsewhere, it's just a few officials, but here, you never know what kind of devil you'll run into, sob sob."

Zhu Ying declared, "The hard part's over; I'm not leaving!"

"What?"

She explained, "Why should I suffer in vain? As a commoner, I'd face oppression anywhere. I refuse to leave! Things will improve."

"Ah," sighed Zhang Xianmu, fraught with worry, unsure what else to suggest, "Let me comb your hair again."

…………

Refreshed and dressed in clean clothes, with her hair still damp, Zhu Ying went to thank Lady Jin.

Lady Jin remarked, "What's there to thank for? You just call our man 'big brother' and me 'sister-in-law'... Oh my, how have you become so thin?"

Zhu Ying had never lived a comfortable life; naturally slim, she was fortunate not to end up stunted. Despite her best efforts in prison, she remained half-starved, growing even thinner. In jail, with her disheveled hair and grimy clothes, Lady Jin, not being very close, saw her plight as merely pitiable.

Now, freshly bathed, her pale skin, bright eyes, and delicately sharp features stood out starkly against her thin frame, making her appear tall and frail in her blue silk robe, as fragile as bamboo in strong wind. She seemed more striking than before, adding an indescribable charm, even more appealing than many men Lady Jin typically encountered, resembling the refined young masters of wealthy families.

This clean appearance was something Lady Jin, of her standing, found acceptable.

Lady Jin felt a pang of pity, as if pricked by a needle.

While scolding, "Heartless scoundrel, how could they torment a good person into this state?!" Lady Jin busied herself offering tea and snacks, asking, "What would you like to eat? What do you want to do? Right! I've arranged your accommodation for tonight, how about the room opposite? The bedding is all new and I'm getting it aired out! Ah, you missed the Lantern Festival yesterday, such a pity. I've got many lanterns here; I'll light them up for you tonight so you can make up for the festival. Let's have a good time."

Zhu Ying responded, "Whatever sister-in-law says is fine by me."

Lady Jin playfully retorted, "Always saying nice things to please others."

"It's the truth."

"Pfft! Come on, sit down and eat."

Zhu Ying ate slowly while Lady Jin served her dishes. Zhang Xianjun continued to dry her hair, using a small hand stove. Zhu Da inquired, "Did they say anything inside?"

Zhang Xianjun scolded, "Do you have eyes? She's eating well; why bring up those things to upset her?"

Zhu Da hobbled over to the threshold to sit, playing marbles with Jin Biao at the doorway. Zhu Ying said, "It's alright, I'm out now, no need to hold back. It was General Zhou..."

"Pah!" interrupted Zhang Xianjun, "What general? What battles has he won?"

Lady Jin added, "Not just any battle, he hasn't even been to the battlefield. Ah, Zheng Qilang wrote back, asking to settle the matter, but Wang Jingzhao is tough, doesn't listen to pleas. Who knew he would release you on his own."

Zhu Ying explained, "I wasn't arrested for committing a crime; it was his release of me. It was General Zhou's friend, the son of Shangshu Shi, previously Jingzhao's son..."

"Oh my!" Lady Jin realized, turning to Zhang Xianjun, "These good-for-nothings! Relying on their father's status to bully others. Those lower officials and clerks are eager to flatter them, committing these heartless acts. I say they deserve a beating from Wang Jingzhao!"

Zhang Xianjun also exclaimed, "A fair judge needs to deal with them!"

Zhu Ying didn't join in their conversation, thinking to herself, were Chen Meng and Chen Wei really the good guys? If it wasn't for their own interests, would they bother to help people like us?

But she didn't voice these thoughts, not wanting to dampen their spirits.

After she finished eating and her hair was nearly dry, Zhang Xianjun styled her hair and secured it with a hairpin. Lady Jin said, "Wait a moment, I'll have them prepare a dose of medicine for you to take first."

Zhu Ying replied, "I'm not sick, though."

"I know, it's just a herbal soup to clear heat, expel toxins, and calm the spirit! Who knows what filth you've encountered, drinking a couple of doses will be good for your body."

After being coaxed into drinking a bowl of the herbal concoction, Lady Jin and Zhang Xianjun allowed Zhu Ying to rest. Zhang Xianjun sat by the bed, patting her through the blanket, humming the lullabies she used to hear as a child, while Lady Jin watched quietly until Zhu Ying fell into a steady sleep. They quietly left the room, checking the charcoal brazier before closing the door.

………………

Zhu Ying woke up the next morning of the 17th of the first lunar month, missing the lanterns Lady Jin wanted to show her.

Stepping out in slippers, the household was just beginning their day. Across, Zhang Xianjun and Zhu Da were already up, sweeping the yard. Seeing her, Zhang Xianjun dropped her broom and rushed over, "Why not sleep a bit longer? Did hunger wake you? I'll give Lady Jin some money to prepare some more good food for you."

Zhu Ying inquired, "Still working?"

"She didn't ask us to, but your father and I can't sit still without feeling uneasy, and we dare not go out. Without doing something, we'd go mad!"

Zhu Ying touched her face, and Zhang Xianjun said, "That Shen is really contemptuous, a swollen-eyed bastard who only knows how to fawn over those above him!"

Zhu Ying chuckled lightly, "Everything will get better. Let's wash our hands, have a meal, and later, I'll talk to Sister Jin about going out to the street..."

"Go out?!" Zhang Xianjun exclaimed, "You're not going anywhere until Master Zheng returns!"

Zhu Ying replied, "I owe a favor to Prefect Wang, and I need to repay it. Don't worry, with Prefect Wang here, others wouldn't dare to do anything."

Zhang Xianjun was anxious, pulling on her daughter to prevent her from wandering off. After finishing her household chores, Lady Jin came over and asked, "What's happening here?"

"Look at her, Sister-in-law, she's barely been back for two days, and she's planning to go out again."

Lady Jin said, "Ah, if young people can't sit still, why not help me with something? How does that sound?"

Zhu Ying inquired, "What do you need help with?"

Lady Jin answered, "Let's have our meal first. Eat up, then we'll talk. Even the Emperor doesn't send his soldiers out hungry."

Zhu Da and Zhu Ying ate together, while Lady Jin, Zhang Xianjun, and Jin Biao shared another table. The meal was the same for everyone, but Zhu Ying, who was growing and had suffered in jail, slowed down after stuffing herself with four meat buns and two bowls of porridge. Zhu Da cracked a boiled egg, peeling it as he said, "I think your mother is right, you shouldn't go out."

Zhu Ying didn't protest, finishing another bun with some pickles before wiping her mouth, "Okay. I'll see what Sister-in-law needs first."

"And don't chat too much with women whose husbands aren't home," Zhu Da added knowingly, "That's what old bachelors do. What will you say when her man comes back?"

"Alright."

After the meal, the household servants cleared the dishes, and Lady Jin gestured to Zhu Ying, "Our house receives the imperial bulletin too. Could you read it for me? See what's new, are they coming back soon?"

Jin Liang, who had been attending to Zheng Xi recently, making people almost forget he himself was a sixth-rank military official, a legitimate imperial officer, also had access to the imperial bulletin. Now, with him away, the bulletins were left at home. Lady Jin, not being literate enough to read smoothly, asked Zhu Ying to read it for her.

Lady Jin wasn't sure if Zhu Ying had received education, but her instinct told her this young person must possess some knowledge.

Zhu Ying read to her, finding no news about Zheng Xi or Jin Liang, but there was a small note – Zhou You had been dismissed from his post, meaning his actual position was removed, leaving him an idle... official, though he still retained the rank earned by his late father. Zhou You, from a newcomer in the officialdom, was suddenly reverted back to the status of a dandy.

Lady Jin cursed, "Serves him right!" and explained to Zhu Ying. Zhang Xianjun and Zhu Da, unfamiliar with the intricacies of official ranks and positions, merely understood in terms of hierarchy. Having military backgrounds, Lady Jin and her husband were far more knowledgeable and clarified these concepts for them.

Zhang Xianjun and Zhu Da were somewhat pleased.

However, there was no mention of the young Master Shi, likely because he had not yet entered official service and thus did not warrant a mention in the imperial bulletin. His father's high standing and the emperor's reluctance to openly criticize him in the bulletin protected him.

After reading the bulletin, Lady Jin considered sending a message to Jin Liang through someone at the Marquis of Zheng's residence but was wary of letting Zhu Ying go out. Zhu Ying reassured her, "Sister-in-law, I'll stay in today and just read."

Zhang Xianjun and Zhu Da watched their daughter as Lady Jin left, assured. True to her word, Zhu Ying started reading, focusing on the legal texts Zheng Xi had given her, marking relevant sections with slips of paper as bookmarks before beginning to write.

Her calligraphy was poor due to lack of practice and resources. Despite this, she wrote extensively, breaking only for lunch, during which she heartily consumed three pork trotters.

She continued writing in the afternoon.

Lady Jin, seeing her diligence, praised her to Zhang Xianjun, "Such a good child, I wish my Ah Biao could be as trouble-free as San Lang."

Previously, Zhang Xianjun would have modestly demurred; now, she simply wished for her daughter's safety.

The two women shared their concerns for their children, with Zhang Xianjun worrying about the Shen family's integrity and contemplating how to annul the marriage engagement for Zhu Ying's sake, unaware of her actual endeavors.

Unbeknownst to them, Zhu Ying was engrossed in her task.

After two days of focused writing and research, on the fourth day, a visitor from the Marquis of Zheng's residence brought news that uplifted everyone – Zheng Xi and his entourage were nearing return, only about a hundred miles away from the capital. Lady Jin joyfully announced, "They're coming back soon! Once Qi Lang returns, we won't have to worry about anything! You can safely return home."

Both Zhang Xianjun and Zhu Da were elated at the news.

Zhu Ying declared, "Then I have some things to attend to."

The three of them objected, "What are you planning to do?" "Can't it wait until they return?"

Zhu Ying explained, "Once Marquis Zheng returns, I'll need to assist him. I won't have time for personal matters. I must take care of private affairs now, so as not to delay his official business."

Zhang Xianjun inquired, "What matters?"

Zhu Ying responded, "I need to thank the innkeeper and haven't followed up with the mediator, who gave us a discount. I also need to buy some things. Do we still have money?" She listed a few tasks, concluding, "And I owe Prefect Wang a gesture of gratitude. Whether I'll meet him is uncertain, but paying respects is only right."

Lady Jin suggested, "Have Lai Fu accompany you. It might be difficult to enter the Prefectural yamen."

Zhu Ying readily agreed, "Okay!"

…………——

Zhu Ying, intent on seeing Wang Yunhe, knew she could find a way. With Wang Yunhe's promotion and his family moving in, she guessed the timing and ambushed near the yamen's back door, catching the Wang family in the act of moving.

At the yamen's front, people congratulated Wang Yunhe on his new home, but the back door, bustling with servants and laborers, was easier to navigate.

Observing Wang Yunhe's household goods as decent but not lavish, especially compared to Yu Liangan's luxurious items from the opposite cell, Zhu Ying noted the steward dismissing a merchant: "Away with you! Bringing bribes here! Do you wish to doom our master?"

Knowing her approach, she told the steward, "I've come to repay a great kindness received from the Prefect." She briefly showed a thick stack of papers.

As the steward reached to take them, she withdrew them into her sleeve.

The steward warned, "Don't try to entice me."

Zhu Ying turned to leave, prompting the steward to call out, "Young master, wait!"

He was indeed intrigued.

Soon after, the steward invited Zhu Ying into the back office. Zhu Ying instructed Lai Fu to keep watch from a distance; if she didn't emerge by nightfall, he was to seek Lady Jin's help before she entered the premises.

Inside a room in the back office, Wang Yunhe was already waiting.

Wang Yunhe remarked, "You look familiar to me."

As Zhu Ying knelt and presented her writings, the steward took them and handed them to Wang Yunhe. Flipping through, Wang commented, "You have some grievance to... What?!"

Zhu Ying's submissions detailed various cases, starting with the scholarly man in her cell who boasted about his legal manipulations for business gain. Though somewhat exaggerated, each account was grounded in truth, verified through her discreet inquiries among fellow inmates and cross-referenced with the law, outlining the lawyer's aid in absolving the guilty.

There were over a dozen cases, followed by records of fellow inmates' accounts, sorting those she believed were wronged from those rightfully accused.

Zhu Ying stated, "Just a few days ago, you released me from the Prefectural Jail. Grateful for your kindness, I wished to assist you. As you've been favored by His Majesty to serve as Prefect, I presumed you'd also want to repay the Emperor's grace. By handing these documents to you, I fulfill my obligation of gratitude and hopefully aid in your service. If you find them unhelpful, there's no need to inform me; I'll assume they served a purpose."

Wang Yunhe noted the poor handwriting but appreciated the clear organization, recognizing that a logical and coherent presentation of events, a skill many lack, indicated a keen mind, unlike those who distort or forget key details.

Reflecting on the documents and Zhu Ying, he finally recognized her, exclaiming, "It's you!"

After bowing deeply, Zhu Ying rose, expressing her fulfilled duty and wishing him continued integrity as an official.

Wang Yunhe inquired, "Do you understand law? Have you studied formally?"

Zhu Ying shook her head, "I haven't studied in earnest, just glanced through some legal texts."

Wang Yunhe, stowing away the stack of documents, sternly advised, "You should dedicate yourself to reading the classics, not delve into these legal articles! What you've written is logical, yet it strays far from the teachings of the sages. Young person, don't take the wrong path! You should study the classics and history, not get lost in legal minutiae and disrupt your sense of morality. You have the ability to discern right from wrong and recognize justice, don't let that innate goodness be wasted!"

Zhu Ying chuckled, spreading her hands, "I can't afford it."

Wang Yunhe found this odd, as Zhu Ying's appearance didn't suggest extreme poverty, and her family seemed at least comfortably off. He frowned even more, "Nonsense!"

Zhu Ying insisted, "It's true. Who doesn't know the value of education? But I need to support my family. Everything I know was overheard."

Wang Yunhe asked, "What books have you read?"

Pleased with his impression of her, Zhu Ying responded. When tested on passages from the Analects, Mencius, and a couple of poems, she recited them correctly. Asked for interpretations, she relayed her previous tutors' explanations, which Wang Yunhe dismissed as nonsensical, questioning, "Who taught you, some village schoolmaster?!"

After explaining the texts himself, he asked, "Do you understand now?"

Zhu Ying found his explanations far superior to her tutors', and though she disagreed on some points, she repeated his interpretations. Astonished, Wang Yunhe exclaimed, "If money is the issue, I'll support your studies! You must not neglect your education!"

Zhu Ying confessed, "Sir, it's not just education; my family lacks even the means for daily sustenance."

Wang Yunhe asked, "How long would that take?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Based on the profound studies you mentioned, I would need at least a decade. I have to support my family and can't rely solely on you. Moreover, I already have commitments I cannot break."

Wang Yunhe inquired, "Who is it? What commitments? I'll speak to them!"

Zhu Ying, reluctant to elaborate, simply shook her head, "Perhaps we'll meet again in the future, and then you'll understand."

Wang Yunhe, regretfully, suggested, "Forget the imperial examination for advanced scholars; why not try for the Mingjing exam? It's easier and still allows you to serve the country. The path might be tougher, but it's honorable. The essence of learning is to cultivate oneself, not the specific exam you take. As long as you're dedicated to learning and aspire to emulate the sages, you will achieve something."

"But that still requires three to five years at least. I can't afford that time, nor do I have such an opportunity."

Still not giving up, Wang Yunhe proposed, "Since you understand law, why not consider the Mingfa (legal) exam? A true gentleman is versatile and does not limit himself."

"Mingfa exam?" Although Zhu Ying knew of the imperial and Mingjing exams, she was unfamiliar with this one, sparking her interest in learning again.

Wang Yunhe was surprised, "Having studied, how do you not know of the Mingfa exam?" He then explained about other subjects like the Ming'suan (mathematics) exam, the hierarchy of schools, and the Gongshi (tribute scholar) exams.

After explaining, he took a deep breath and asked, "Understand now?"

Zhu Ying paraphrased his explanation, prompting him to dismiss further discussion with a wave, "I know you've got it. You... should pursue education! Only through learning can you truly understand principles."

"What if I'm not eligible for education? They ask for a record of three generations in my family, and I only know of two in mine."

Wang Yunhe was taken aback and said, "As long as you're not descended from serfs or criminals, there's always a chance! Even if so, one should cultivate oneself to be closer to a gentleman."

Zhu Ying earnestly kowtowed three times to him, saying, "You are a good person."

"You!"

Zhu Ying got up and left. Lai Fu had been waiting for her at the back door for a while and approached her, asking, "Zhu Lang, what happened?"

Zhu Ying whispered, "Some matters from the prison need to be resolved."

Seeing her not in high spirits, Lai Fu dared not speak much along the way. He followed her as she went to pack some pastries, first met with the innkeeper, greeted someone she was keen on seeing, inquired about any cheap haunted houses for sale, and then returned to the Jin residence.

Jin Da Niangzi had fresh news, "They're coming back tomorrow! Finally, the wait is over!"

Zhang Xian Gu and Zhu Da felt reassured with their backing returning and joined in the happiness.

Zhu Ying smiled along, had dinner, and went back to her room to lie in bed, taking a while to fall asleep.

She had met with a magistrate, a prefect, two imperial inspectors, two vice envoys, the son of a prime minister, and now a metropolitan prefect. Of these eight officials, only one told her: Your aptitude is for studying the right path; you should not waste it. If you have difficulties, I can offer you some assistance.

Of the eight officials, she had finally met one true gentleman.

Zhu Ying pulled the covers over her head and gradually fell asleep.