Chapter 32: Zhu Ying

Yu Miaomiao was disheartened, and Hua Jie was terrified, yet both women found themselves without a better solution, their eyes turning to Zhu San for guidance.

Zhu San had no way to ensure safety for both of them. The many solutions she could think of were only applicable to her; as someone with nothing to lose, she could act freely. However, the mother and daughter-in-law had things they were unwilling to give up, yet those things were not enough to ensure their safety.

Yu Miaomiao said, "Let it be. I've always prided myself on being strong, but now it's all turned into a joke."

Zhu San replied, "Don’t say that. My mother always said, 'To live another day is to have hope.' If you give up hope now, there's no future."

Yu Miaomiao shook her head, "You're young, you don't understand. I survived after losing my husband, raising a child on my own; my son died, but thankfully I had you two to get through it. I thought it was all due to my own strength, what I deserved for my fidelity, believing that fate always left a door open for me. Only today I realized, fate wasn’t leaving doors open for me, it was closing them. Luck runs out eventually; dying before it runs out means a lifetime of satisfaction, but if it runs out while you’re still alive, it’s disgrace."

Zhu San said, "Today, I spoke with the Vice Envoy, and he agreed to meet you regarding Elder Sister’s matter. He and his nephew don’t seem unreasonable. Give it a try. We’ve lived together by fate, and I mentioned the day before yesterday I’m bound for the capital. If you don’t mind, let’s go together, and I’ll take care of you in your old age. I just can't guarantee it will be as good as before."

Yu Miaomiao managed a weak smile, "Was my past that good? Go attend to your important matters. I won’t leave; I'm just worried about my home, about Dalang’s grave. Away from home, one is lowly..."

Hua Jie hesitated even more, "Mother! San Lang is also going to the capital; let's go and return together. If you don't go, I... I won’t go either..."

Yu Miaomiao told her, "Go and find your parents, your own flesh and blood. How could you not want to? If I stopped you, could I still face being called 'mother' by you? Listen to me, I'm leaving home, but you're returning to yours; our situations are different."

A voice from outside asked, "Has madam rested yet?" It was Chen Meng sending his servant over to watch the door.

Zhu San said, "Then I’ll be going back. I have to see Zheng Qincha at the yamen tomorrow. Godmother, if you have any requests for the envoy, don't hesitate to tell me, and I'll try to convey them."

Yu Miaomiao chuckled, "You, child! Do you think the envoy can be asked for favors so easily? He won't just do something because you ask; he acts on his own will. Whatever he decides to do, he'll find a reason for it. Go rest, and do well in your duties tomorrow. If you remember any kindness from me, entrust Mr. Huang to care for our family graves. As for me, I do not wish to be buried with my late husband; it wouldn't be fitting. Just find a spot where I can overlook my son's grave."

Zhu San, sensing something was amiss in her tone, said, "There’s always a way when we get to the mountain. I never imagined I’d get this far when I was in Zhu Village."

Yu Miaomiao responded, "Alright. I promise you, now go."

Unable to persuade further, Zhu San left, telling Hua Jie, "Elder sister, please take extra care of godmother tonight. I'm also going to the capital, and we have time to plan."

Hua Jie felt slightly reassured, "Okay."

As Zhu San left, she also spoke to the Chen family's servant leading the way, recognizing him from her night visit to the Chen mansion. He courteously replied, "Young master, you're too kind. This is just part of our duties, as we also patrol the mansion at night."

Returning to her room, Zhu San found the dinner prepared by Madame Zhang ready, with the chicken soup reheated. Zhu Shenhan had already finished half a chicken and was lying down, now able to sleep on his side. The couple was pleased about Hua Jie finding her kin, as it spared them from having to explain Zhu San's true gender and saved them the trouble of securing Hua Jie a proper future. They were comforted by the thought of knowing a dignitary in the capital.

Seeing Zhu San return, Madame Zhang served the hot soup again, asking, "How did it go?"

"Elder sister wants to meet her relatives."

"Ah, that’s good. And your godmother? She must be struggling, right?" Madame Zhang, being more attentive, felt some sympathy for Yu Miaomiao. Unlike her, who at least had a child, Yu Miaomiao was left with nothing.

"I told the Vice Envoy that he needs to meet godmother, not to neglect everything."

Madame Zhang said, "That should do it. San Lang, listen to me, what you've done for her is enough! Don't get too involved; it's not good for either of you to be too entangled. What kind of people are they, and what are we? Don't talk about nobles in the capital; we're not even up to the standards of Lady Yu’s household. We've got enough lawsuits of our own."

Zhu San, after a sip of chicken soup, said, "I won't risk my life for her."

Madame Zhang awkwardly replied, "Ah."

After thinking, Zhu San told Madame Zhang, "There’s affection, so I'll help as much as I can. Don't worry; I won't put myself in danger."

Madame Zhang sighed, "Well, her luck does seem rather poor."

Zhu San ate her meal in silence, then stood up to clean the dishes. Madame Zhang said, "Leave them there, I'll take care of it. You've had enough worries for the day, go rest."

"It's quicker with two people." After washing the dishes, with Madame Zhang lingering in the outer room, Zhu San asked, "Mother, is there something you want to talk about?"

Madame Zhang replied, "Not really, just feeling a bit uneasy. I'll sit here with you for a while."

Zhu San mentioned, "Zheng Qincha wants to see me tomorrow and told me to pack my bags, we're leaving the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, you and father pack up, and when I come back, I'll buy a mule cart. We'll follow their caravan with our belongings."

"Ah! Ah, so we're leaving so soon..."

"Yes."

"And... what about the Lady and Hua Jie?"

"Elder sister will probably go with her uncle. They have better living conditions there, and Hua Jie doesn't want to be separated from the Lady, so she should go with her."

"Oh, that makes sense. If that gentleman has a conscience, he should also take care of your godmother for the rest of her life."

"Let's sleep now."

"Oh."

…………

The next morning, Zhu San hurriedly ate breakfast and went to the yamen. The Chen family's servants were still there, politely addressing her as "young master." Zhu San thanked them for their hard work and inquired about their breakfast. The servants smiled and said they would eat after the next shift arrived.

Zhu San nodded, "Thank you for your efforts."

Without any means of transportation, she walked to the yamen. The atmosphere inside was lively and welcoming as the guards greeted her warmly.

Shen Ying was no longer residing at the yamen, having concluded the official business. He no longer mentioned avoiding any appearance of impropriety and had stayed at the Chen mansion the night before, to be closer to his niece. Only two servants remained at the yamen to guard and pack luggage. Now, only Zheng Xi and his entourage were in the mansion, who regarded Zhu San as one of their own.

Just yesterday, Shen Ying made arrangements for his niece and the trip to the capital, while Zheng Xi issued an order forbidding his followers from discussing Zhu San and Hua Jie's situation. Jin Liang cleverly spread a "rumor" suggesting Zhu San chose to work with Zheng Xi.

Privately, there were various speculations, but publicly, everyone warmly welcomed the new addition as if she were seeking refuge with a respected leader.

Zhu San first met with Zheng Xi, unexpectedly finding Mr. Huang there too. They nodded to each other in greeting.

Zheng Xi, in a good mood, casually said, "Sit."

Zhu San didn't sit down immediately, prompting Zheng Xi to say, "Sit down, what's with all the fuss? If we start talking about proprieties, you wouldn't understand! Weren't you quite bold in front of me yesterday?"

Zhu San quickly took a seat and asked, "You summoned me for...?"

Zheng Xi teased with a smile, "You’re quite forward! Ready for the day after tomorrow?"

Zhu San responded, "Yes, just tell me when and where to meet, here or outside the city. You'll definitely see me there."

"We’ll see," said Zheng Xi.

Following his gaze, Zhu San saw a blank document on the table, a household registration paper, which she recognized. Zheng Xi said, "You're currently unregistered. Now, it's time to make it official."

"Alright," Zhu San agreed.

"Don’t you have a proper name? Just 'Zhu San' seems too casual. Think of one," Zheng Xi suggested.

Zhu San replied, "I can’t think of one on the spot." She hadn't considered having a formal name. Many in Zhu Village didn’t have one either, known only by order of birth, nicknames, or local names. Despite hearing the phrase "names must be correct," her focus wasn’t on her name.

Mr. Huang cautiously suggested, "How about asking the lord to bestow a name?"

Zhu San was indifferent. Zheng Xi pondered for a moment, touching his chin and then his coronet, his eyes catching the bright vermilion tassel. He chuckled, "Your surname is Zhu, let's name you Zhu Ying. We don't know your father's name, but we'll fill it in before we leave."

"It's not Zhu, it's Zhu," Zhu San corrected.

"What?" Zheng Xi asked.

"From a family of outsiders, huh? If they weren’t of a local surname, they’d get bullied, so they changed it." Yet, the result? They got bullied all the same.

Mr. Huang inquired about which character it was, then asked, "And your father’s name?"

"He didn’t have one," Zhu San explained. "Those without names were just called by their order of birth; he was an only child."

Knowing Mr. Huang understood made Zhu San realize this wouldn’t be difficult. Yu Ping had told her that sometimes these matters weren’t easy even for the officials to handle, but for the clerks, it was their job and thus simpler. The saying "local officials are less effective than those presently in charge" came from this reality.

Zheng Xi protested, "Nonsense! How can you be so casual about your father’s name? Shouldn't you ask around?"

Zhu San replied, "If he had a name, I would have known. He barely knew two hundred characters; even if he wanted to, he couldn’t have chosen a name for himself."

"I see you know quite a bit!" remarked Zheng Xi.

Zhu San recounted, "I eavesdropped on lessons at the base of a wall. The teacher was hired by the Lady and the fourth grandfather for his grandsons, who wouldn’t let me listen and chased me away, forbidding the teacher from teaching me. It was Elder Sister and her deceased husband who said, 'Whether one sheep or two, they’re herded the same.' So, I listened from outside the window. They had paid, and it didn’t cost extra for the teacher to teach me more. It was only after the Lady nodded that I was allowed to listen. And only after she sought a son-in-law, did I agree."

A thought flashed through Zheng Xi’s mind as he asked, "What books have you read?"

"A bit of the classics taught in private school. They hadn’t covered much history before Dalang died, and I couldn’t continue listening."

"Never mind then. What about your mother’s name? Didn’t your maternal grandfather name her?"

Zhu San spread her hands, "I didn’t know I had a maternal grandfather."

Madame Zhang was even more remarkable; recognizing up to fifty characters was considered a win for her. Thus, Zhu Shenhan’s claim to have inherited several tattered "heavenly books" from his ancestors, which he couldn’t fully read, meant his tricks were all guesswork. This was also why, after the lawsuit’s news arrived, Zhu San and Madame Zhang, although panicked, knew Zhu Shenhan hadn’t committed serious crimes—he simply wasn’t capable—fueling their hope of getting him released.

Zheng Xi inquired, "What book? Since you've learned to read, you must recognize it, right?"

Zhu San replied, "The Imperial Almanac."

"This family is something else!" thought Zheng Xi. He then instructed Mr. Huang, "Write it down."

Mr. Huang had no choice but to write down "Zhu Dalang and Madame Zhang," and Zhu San officially became "Zhu Ying."

The rest was left to Mr. Huang, who mentioned, "The household registration Yu Ping handled before is now redundant. Shall I go cancel it?"

Zheng Xi nodded, giving him the go-ahead.

As Mr. Huang left, Zhu San stood up, prompting Zheng Xi to say, "Sit down. You’re not one to play coy, so stop it. Just as we’re about to discuss you, you stand up, without even looking proper. That’s the first thing we need to address today—you need to learn appropriate manners, as I observed your etiquette at the Chen mansion was lacking."

"Alright."

"The second matter, you already know, we've just settled it. I keep my promises. Even for a clerk position, you need a registered birthplace, and for official positions, three generations must be documented. Since you're no longer interested in the marriage contract, we'll discard that document to avoid future conflicts with Shen Wu."

"Alright."

"Third, to work, you need to learn other things, like who's who in the Dali Temple. Let Jin Liang and Lu Chao explain these to you on the way. Learn what you should know and master what you should learn before starting your duties. If you can’t learn, there's no need to meet me; just take your parents and go back home now that you have your registration."

"Alright."

"I’ve ordered no further mention of your family’s past, and once you're in the capital, you're not to speak of it either. Forget Zhu's family and Zhu San; from now on, there's only Zhu Ying."

With the new household registration, the head of the household is Zhu Shenhan, now Zhu Dalang, making Zhu Ying his son. The identity of "Zhu San" could be annulled, erasing all relations tied to "Zhu San" from the records. Zhu Ying's past is spotless, a son of a rural villager Zhu Dalang, discovered during a population census by the government. The Zhu family of three has no relation to the outsider charlatan of Zhu Village.

Zheng Xi wanted someone reliable to work for him; he didn't want the person to be compromised by old accusations halfway through the job.

Zhu Ying replied, "Yes."

"Alright, go back and prepare," Zheng Xi informed Zhu Ying of the departure time, asking her family to wait outside the city. Since naming Zhu Ying, Zheng Xi hadn't mentioned Zhu Dalang and Madame Zhang again, recognizing that these parents couldn't provide a home for their child.

…………——

Relieved, Zhu Ying returned to her place where Zhu Dalang was basking in the sun at the doorway, and Madame Zhang was sitting at the door sewing shoe soles. Upon her return, both asked, "How did it go?"

Zhu Ying whispered about the household registration. Madame Zhang expressed relief, "That's great!" She appreciated Zheng Xi's efforts in resolving even this issue, easing concerns about Hua Jie's marriage exposure. As for what to do next, she had no plan but to take things one step at a time.

Hearing he also had a registration and a new name, Zhu Dalang asked about taxes.

Zhu Ying assured, "Everything is arranged. Dad just needs to follow us to the capital. Don't do or say anything unnecessary, especially about where we're from. Digging up the past could land us back in trouble."

Zhu Dalang hastily agreed, "I'm not foolish! Let's leave it at that!" Wondering, if there's no tax, rent, or service required, what difference does having a registration make?

Madame Zhang glanced next door, noting, "The Lady hasn't returned yet."

"There won't be any issues," Zhu Ying reassured. Yu Miaomiao was sensible enough not to provoke Shen Ying. Shen Ying and Chen Meng seemed astute and decent enough, with Hua Jie's presence ensuring some level of consideration from both sides.

Indeed, Yu Miaomiao returned shortly after, her face marked by a peculiar calm. Zhu Ying greeted her, "Godmother. How did it go?"

"Come, let's all talk in my room," Yu Miaomiao suggested.

In Yu Miaomiao’s room, she took the main seat with Zhu Ying and Hua Jie on either side, Madame Zhang opposite her, and Zhu Dalang standing with a cane.

Yu Miaomiao announced, "I won't be joining you to the capital."

Hua Jie exclaimed in shock, "Mother?"

Zhu Ying looked at Yu Miaomiao, who nodded in confirmation, "I've spoken with the official. I've made up my mind. What would I do in the capital? The affairs of the Zhu family are being handled by Mr. Huang, whom you all trust, right? As long as the matters back home are settled, wouldn't I be more comfortable staying there? In the capital, one of you returns home, the other settles down, but I would just be living off others. I can't live that kind of life."

Madame Zhang thought for a moment and agreed, "Indeed, at home, you are still the Lady, a person with roots, unlike us."

Hua Jie, weeping softly, felt guilty, "Then I won't go. I'll stay with mother. I can't leave her here alone."

Yu Miaomiao insisted, "Your birth mother is alone in the capital. Your siblings have passed away, and your father has long been deceased. Shouldn't you return to offer incense, bow, and acknowledge your ancestry? I'm not worried about staying here. The Zhu surname hasn't died out; I'll just adopt another honest child, still of the same lineage. In the past, they refused my requests, but now they have no choice! I'll choose a newborn to bring over, raising them is all the same."

Zhu Dalang remarked, "Truly the Lady."

Yu Miaomiao, holding Hua Jie and Zhu Ying's hands, reassured, "Now, you can be at ease, right? Support each other in the capital."

"Of course!" Zhu Dalang agreed.

Hua Jie nodded, and Zhu Ying noted, "Someone's here."

Upon opening the door, it was Mr. Huang, returning from the mansion with the documents for Zhu Ying. The family went back inside, and Mr. Huang handed over the documents. Madame Zhang invited, "You must be tired, come in for some tea. Would you like some fruit?"

Mr. Huang declined, "No, thank you. I must hurry back. Can't delay! I'll go with Madame Yu together. If I'm quick, I might even see the Zhu family off!"

Zhu Ying, realizing this was related to Zhu Village, didn't stop him. Inside Yu Miaomiao’s room, Hua Jie, with tears in her eyes, helped pack, "Mother, I didn't say I wouldn't come back."

Yu Miaomiao advised, "It's best if you don't come back. What is this place? Haven't you seen enough in these two months? Rely on your relatives. Listen! They are your blood, not like that old coffin of Zhu Si! There you're a daughter; here, a daughter-in-law. I see you the same, but does the village? If you're well in the capital and often think of me, our time together won't have been in vain. Zhu Ying is conscientious; don't trouble him too much. Treat him well, and he'll do the same for you."

"Mother."

Yu Miaomiao had little luggage this time, just a bedding roll and a small bundle. Madame Zhang, unable to bear it, gritted her teeth and offered some silver coins, "You might need this at home."

Yu Miaomiao refused, "I'll have money at home. You'll need it more on the road. Don't be too frugal with them. Once you're in the capital, you'll encounter plenty of opportunists. Keep the money safe, listen to me."

Zhu Ying silently watched her board Mr. Huang's carriage. Yu Miaomiao patted his shoulder, advising, "No need for farewells. Live well."

Hua Jie ran after the carriage, calling out, "Mother! Take me with you!" but was gently stopped by the Chen mansion's servants.

Unable to break through the servants' barrier, Hua Jie cried, "Mother, when will we see each other again?"

Madame Zhang comforted her as they returned to their room, "She's going home. The Lady is capable, and with your uncle's instructions to Mr. Huang, she'll be fine."

Zhu Ying mentioned, "With Mr. Huang's help, we owe him a favor." She speculated that Mr. Huang's involvement might mean a tough reckoning for Zhu Village, though not all in the village were to blame. With Yu Miaomiao involved, seeking to preserve her husband's family lineage, she'd likely intercede selectively to save some.

Such matters were not discussed with Madame Zhang and the others.

The four of them went back to their rooms to pack, aside from bedding, gradually packing everything else. The Chen mansion sent someone to collect Hua Jie and mentioned preparing luggage and transportation for the Zhu family. Like Zhu Ying, both Madame Zhang and Zhu Dalang declined the Chen family's offer, citing it would appear unkind, making their young master seem indifferent.

Zhu Ying explained she had already made preparations, including payment. "Help those in urgent need, not the indolent," she dismissed the servant.

The servant relayed her words back, leading Chen Meng to comment, "The kid's quite proud."

Shen Ying instructed, "Keep an eye on him on the road."

Chen Meng agreed, expressing uncertainty about the status of Mr. Huang's task.

Shen Ying advised, "Since you say he can handle it, let him proceed. After returning to the capital, we can send someone to inquire. If it's not resolved, we'll send more people. We can't let those villains have the last laugh!"

Chen Meng confirmed, "Old Huang is capable of handling tasks."

…………—

It turns out, last night, the uncle-nephew duo sought Mr. Huang's help intending to retaliate against Zhu Village. With Chen Meng being well-acquainted with the local area, and upon his uncle's desire to discipline Zhu Village, he recommended Mr. Huang as reliable. Shen Ying thus consulted Mr. Huang, who, already tasked by Yu Miaomiao, had devised a strategy. Now, addressing two requests at once was a great deal for him.

Mr. Huang confidently proposed, "What's so difficult? The material brought into the city yesterday? Whether it's recovering taxes or enlisting for service, wasn't there also canal repair recently? It won't kill them! Official channels work too. This isn’t new to me; after identifying several victims for lawsuits, internal conflicts within the clan are particularly harsh. I'll handle this first thing tomorrow after the city gates open. Before you return to the capital, it will be settled."

Chen Meng also inquired about Zhu Ying's matters from Mr. Huang.

The next morning, Zheng Xi summoned Mr. Huang again, who told Zhu Ying that his old registration was canceled, handling both tasks in one trip. Effectively serving Yu Miaomiao, Shen Ying, and Zhu Ying, Mr. Huang would be immensely wealthy if this were a trade.