Chapter 76: Smooth Sailing

Zhu Ying had mentally mapped the route to Jinluo Temple countless times, but her actual visits could be counted on one hand.

Close to the New Year, Jinluo Temple saw a rare increase in worshippers, far less popular than the city's famous temples like Bao'en Temple, built by the emperor for the Empress Dowager. However, compared to its usual quietness, it was a significant improvement.

Zhu Ying dropped a string of coins into the merit box, the crisp sound catching the attention of a young monk who chanted a blessing. An older monk noted the donation, while an elderly monk continued to strike a wooden fish. Hua Jie, living in the temple as a tenant, was also helping out, managing offerings and candles.

After making her donation, Hua Jie offered Zhu Ying some incense. Zhu Ying paid a few more coins, bowed respectfully, and placed the incense in the burner. Hua Jie suggested, "Maybe you should leave a name."

Zhu Ying whispered, "What, do you also keep accounts for the Buddha here?"

Hua Jie scolded playfully, "Being mischievous again."

Zhu Ying, jesting still, went to record a donation under the name Yu Miaomiao. Hua Jie couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness upon hearing this. Zhu Ying mentioned, "Seems like I've been here before?"

Hua Jie replied, "You said you walked into the wrong door last time and even asked why it wasn't a nunnery. Wondering if it had changed management?"

Zhu Ying chuckled, "My bad, my bad." She then dropped a few more coins into the merit box. The monks tolerated him a bit for the sake of the donation. He wasn't the rudest they've encountered, but his willingness to donate suggested a certain piety.

Zhu Ying looked around and noted, "Today seems busier than my last visit. Did about, um... ten... one, two, three... thirteen more people come in? Three groups?"

Hua Jie was delighted, "How did you know?"

Zhu Ying smiled again, adding, "Monk, you're quite the speaker."

"Dare not. I'm not much for talk; came to the capital solely to delve into Buddhism."

"Any scriptures I could borrow? My mother's been into worshipping Buddhas lately but doesn't know much, just worships indiscriminately. Nothing too profound, it's not for me to chant, and she can't read well. Could you pick some out for me?"

"We do have some," Hua Jie glanced at the elder monk for permission.

The elder monk paused his woodfish, "If the official wishes to see, we have plenty." He then arranged for a young monk to mind the stall and invited Zhu Ying to view them. Zhu Ying declined, "No need, you're busy today. The abbot should focus on important matters; having him accompany me is enough."

The elder monk hesitated but finally nodded, "Then, we'll trouble Novice Wukong."

Hua Jie bowed slightly and led Zhu Ying to her quarters.

…………——

Upon entering her quarters, Hua Jie busied herself, urging Zhu Ying, "Sit on the bed; it's too cold for that bare chair." She then hustled about boiling water, making tea, and bringing Zhu Ying some snacks.

Zhu Ying sat on the edge of the bed, swinging her legs, and said with a smile, "No need to fuss. Come sit; let's chat."

Hua Jie said, "You must be thirsty from all the talking!"

Zhu Ying noted how tidy and clean Hua Jie's room was, sparsely furnished yet the bedding was thick and appeared new. There was also a small brazier, and all necessities for daily life were present, including a table, chairs, some scriptures, a wooden fish, prayer beads, and writing materials. Additionally, there was a lamp and a water jar.

She asked, "Is this the only room you're living in now?"

Lighting the lamp and lowering the door curtain, Hua Jie replied, "Yes, it's just me. A smaller space is easier to manage. It might look tiny, but once the door is shut and the window latched, it's quite cozy. You might laugh, but I can even sleep in a bit now. The monks here don't wake as early as I did at home. How about you?"

Zhu Ying said, "I'm on leave, so I decided to stroll around. I didn't tell them."

Hua Jie expressed sympathy, "That must be tough for you."

"It's nothing," Zhu Ying dismissed.

"You're already hard-pressed with duties at the office and home affairs, and now you've taken on looking after me as well."

Zhu Ying replied, "What's the big deal? Aren't you my sister?"

Both laughed together, and Hua Jie took out a small bundle from the cupboard, handing it to Zhu Ying with a "Here."

"What is this?"

Hua Jie said, "I was idle and didn’t need to follow the rules or manage household affairs, so I kept up with my sewing. You’re growing, so I made it a bit larger for you, try them on to see if they fit."

Zhu Ying found a set of shoes and socks and a waist protector Hua Jie had sewn, saying, "During those days, you might feel back and leg pain or headaches and stomachaches. Wearing this might offer some protection and comfort."

"Ah... ah..."

Hua Jie smiled, patting Zhu Ying's head, "You're getting better and better!"

Zhu Ying asked, "What about you? Do you have any plans? Last time I was in a rush and we couldn’t discuss thoroughly. Now that I’m free, shall we plan together? Even if you don’t want to tell me, at least let me know how to contact you."

Hua Jie responded, "Me? I’ll have to wait until spring. I’m not as agile as you; I haven’t done much heavy work since I was young, so I'd rather wait for better weather to move. Besides, after what you said last time about the... mourning in that household... Ah, it’s still too soon. I’d rather wait a bit longer, let them forget about me more thoroughly—they’re probably forgetting already."

Zhu Ying whispered, "You…"

Hua Jie said, "I’m not that troubled. Zhu, you’ve been with your parents since birth, you haven’t been through what I have. You don’t understand, even among parents and children, if there’s no close relationship or frequent interaction, the bond isn’t as profound as described in books, not so 'innate'."

When you told me, I cried too. After crying, I thought about how, if not for meeting you and godmother two years ago, my mother and I might not have ended well. My life has been a gift since meeting you. Looking back, the year that family faced disaster, without Granny Wang and others, I would have died early. They've mourned what should have been mourned long ago, what more do I have to fuss about?

Better to look forward! Think about what to eat tomorrow, think about what to do when spring comes.

Zhu Ying asked, "Have you thought it through? I feel staying here still isn't the best. Although Jinluo Temple is cleaner than some, it's only a temporary refuge, not a place for long-term residence."

Hua Jie replied, "I've thought about it too. Despite the temple's small congregation, there are still plenty of minor schemes. Who inherits the temple property? Who's tampering with the accounts? Where does the money for tomorrow's rice come from? Even monks, who aim for purity, need to eat. They may fast, but their disciples still need to live. This monastic life isn't any less complicated than that of ordinary families. What's this about 'escaping into the void'? The void is still a place! Once you step through its threshold, you're entangled with household affairs, which is quite meaningless."

Zhu Ying laughed, "You've seen through it."

Hua Jie got up to brew tea and placed some dry food slowly to toast by the small charcoal brazier, commenting, "The property of Jinluo Temple in Beijing isn't big but also not small. When times get tough, I fear it might be mortgaged! Considering everything, it's already quite peaceful here. Their quibbling aside, there's no vile conduct, which is more than can be said for larger establishments...probably just like those noble houses. Alas! Temple doors are also painted vermillion."

Zhu Ying inquired, "So, do you plan to make this a true place of tranquility, or what?"

Hua Jie seriously stated, "I'm still pondering. First, there's my household registration, and second, my livelihood."

"Leave it to me."

"You can't always worry about me. Using this ordination certificate for now is okay. If they think I'm dead, I might as well return to being a nun after a while. Then, I can find another nunnery to join."

"Oh?"

Hua Jie explained, "Though the temple doesn't see many visitors, there are neighbors around and some who come here to make vows. From what I've observed these past few months, many come to pray for children or marital connections, and some for their family's well-being. For themselves, many women seek help for illnesses. I want to try practicing medicine, focusing on gynecology. It's better than them feeling embarrassed to see male doctors or being prevented by their families from seeing one."

Zhu Ying's eyes brightened, and after a moment of thought, she added, "You'll face hardships. Just because you do something the world needs, doesn't mean the world will be grateful."

Her comment had a basis. Male doctors already don't hold a very high status, and female doctors? Their standing is almost like those who practice folk religion, akin to charlatans. Female physicians? They exist but are rare. Many who enter this profession also double as shamans or midwives. For instance, Zhang Xian Gu, who spends years performing rituals and mixing talisman ashes with water for people to drink. The water is always cold. Whether the patient recovers or not, it's deemed fate.

In this way, it's all still good. When women fall ill, wealthy families can manage, but the slightly poorer ones just endure with their fate.

Under such circumstances, the situation of female physicians can be imagined. The world often has a derogatory term "showing one's face in public" for women who achieve something in their careers.

Although there are many women working outside, doing small businesses, or being matchmakers can earn money, and their families also support them, there's not much good said about them. Moreover, female physicians usually don't earn much, and it's not easy to find a master willing to teach a female student. Even after becoming proficient, they don't earn as much as male physicians, and people prefer to find male physicians.

Hua Jie wants to become a nun, and practicing gynecology also requires some midwifery work, covering both a nun and a matchmaker.

Hua Jie said, "Life is long; I want to give it a try. You always help others; seeing people's difficulties, I also want to learn from you, to lend a hand. Then, every day, I can say I lived for a reason. Not like being locked in a big mansion, living and dying all the same, whether you have a name or not, bearing an identity, it doesn't matter if you are that person or not, you don't feel like a living person, more like a... monster animated by a spell."

"I'm not that kind-hearted," Zhu Ying muttered, "I learned it from you."

She said, "Alright! I got it!"

Hua Jie laughed, "What do you know again?"

Zhu Ying said, "There are two difficulties: finding a proper master is slightly hard, and how can a physician not know about medicinal herbs? But I do have a way. As for medical books, I’ll find some for you! I’ll bring them after the New Year! Um, if there’s anything else you want to know, I’ll help you inquire. And about medicinal herbs, I’ll think more about it..."

Being a coroner entails a rough understanding of medicine, enough for a start! Great, I was planning to visit Yang the coroner for New Year’s; I’ll ask him for some introductory medical books.

Hua Jie laughed, "No need to bother so much; if you walk two alleys from here, there’s a small herbal shop. The shopkeeper’s mother used to pray at Jinluo Temple, and I’ve talked with her a few times about Buddhism. She was a capable person when young; with her husband sick, she single-handedly supported the family until her son grew up and took over the business. She still has influence; she agreed to let me learn about medicinal properties and some medical knowledge in her shop come spring. Once I get the basics, I’ll find a nunnery to join."

Zhu Ying laughed, "I’m afraid the monks here won’t let you go."

Jinluo Temple was impoverished; Hua Jie's rent allowed the temple to have a stable income, ensuring two vegetarian meals a day instead of relying on alms, where they could be well-fed if lucky, or go hungry if not.

Hua Jie said, "That's not a problem."

Zhu Ying put down a small package, saying, "I now have a salary, so don't skimp on yourself."

Hua Jie responded, "This..."

Zhu Ying looked at her with a smile, and Hua Jie, smiling back, happily accepted, "Alright." They then continued to chat while enjoying tea and dry food.

Hua Jie advised, "Don't think I'm meddling, but working as an official in the capital, you should consider an exit strategy. I often think if I had planned an exit route upon arriving in the capital, I wouldn't have wasted so much time when leaving the household."

Zhu Ying replied, "I've thought about that too, planning to acquire some land outside the capital first."

Hua Jie, with her experience as a steward's wife, thought more meticulously than Zhu Ying, "Choose a safe location; that's even more important than the quality of the land. As outsiders, your family of three is protected by your official position, which makes everything easier. When your career is flourishing, you can afford to buy good land, shops, and houses. But for an exit strategy, it's better to purchase less coveted lands to avoid drawing attention. The nobility in the capital owns much of the good land, and ordinary people rarely get a chance at it."

Zhu Ying, having always been poor, had never really owned even half an acre of land and hadn't considered these matters. In Zhu Jia Village, even poor land was valuable, and her family had never managed to cultivate even that. Recalling the house and land deeds she'd seen during raids, they all seemed quite valuable.

She earnestly sought Hua Jie's advice on managing property and households. Hua Jie said, "It's all about the details, not difficult. It's best to get some hands-on experience, then you'll understand. I'll share what I can think of now. Don't rush, focus on your official duties without getting distracted. And don't worry too much about me; don't let it divert your attention, alright?"

Zhu Ying mentioned, "I'm currently handling a major case at the Ministry of Justice. Once it's concluded next year, things will lighten up. Think about it, how many rebellions can an emperor face? With this reign, we've already seen two; that should be enough. Speaking of which, Gong Jie's days are numbered."

Hua Jie felt moved but didn't express it, only saying, "I've occasionally heard them say how kind-hearted you are, having released many people. That's truly commendable."

Zhu Ying modestly replied, "It didn't take much effort! What power does a minor official of the eighth rank have? But when an opportunity arises, why misuse it to mistreat people? Why add to the suffering of those already enslaved or indentured? I feel like disciplining the wicked servants of large households, but I don't want to bother making life harder for those struggling to make a living."

Hua Jie complimented, "It's because you have a good heart."

Zhu Ying chuckled, "Heh heh."

Hua Jie watched her swinging her feet playfully and thought to herself, "Still a child at heart."

Though reluctant to part, Hua Jie stood up, picked up the bundle, and said, "It's getting late; don't get caught out after curfew. It wouldn't look good for an official to be detained. Don't forget this, and you came for the scriptures, right? I'll put one in the bundle for you."

After everything was packed, Zhu Ying left reluctantly. There were many things she couldn't discuss with her parents or colleagues, as they wouldn't understand her perspective. Only with Hua Jie could she share a bit of her thoughts. Holding the bundle, Zhu Ying sighed, "How about we meet again during the Lantern Festival? I told Chen Gongzi that if I found you, you'd be considered my sister. But we'll keep it from Shen Daren for now; it's not time to tell them yet."

Hua Jie replied, "Let's not tell them yet. I'll start learning some medicine, and you take care of your lands. Once we're both ready, we'll have our exit strategy."

"Agreed."

…………

Leaving the Jin Luo Temple, Zhu Ying checked out the herbal shop Hua Jie had mentioned. The shop was closing, and a talkative clerk said, "Young official, here to buy medicine? You'll have to hurry; it's almost curfew!"

Zhu Ying replied, "I won't make it today, no rush. I was thinking of getting something for digestion."

The clerk chuckled, "A wealthy young official like yourself must have indulged over New Year's. Our shop has excellent hawthorn pills."

Zhu Ying said, "I'll come back tomorrow. Will you be open?"

The clerk advised, "You'll need to come early; we'll be conducting the Kitchen God worship tomorrow."

The New Year requires not just Kitchen God worship but also ancestral veneration. This was of utmost importance to others, but for Zhu Ying, it was optional. She agreed noncommittally and headed home with her bundle, to find her family also busy with preparations.

Zhang Xian Gu had prepared two large plates of candied fruit and other offerings. She was also enjoying some candied fruit herself. Seeing Zhu Ying return, she asked, "Where have you been? What's that you're carrying?"

"Scriptures."

Hearing it was just books, Zhu Da and Zhang Xian Gu lost interest. Zhang Xian Gu then said, "Your father wants to discuss something with you."

Zhu Ying placed her bundle in the room and came out asking, "What's up?"

Zhang Xian Gu gave her a piece of candied melon, sweet, making Zhu Ying's eyes curve into smiles. Zhu Da coughed and said, "We should also perform ancestor worship."

Zhu Ying nodded: "Mhm."

Zhu Da rubbed his hands and said, "Let's figure out how to do it, then?"

"Huh?" Zhu Ying hadn't considered this question before.

"I asked how other families in the capital do it, and also asked Old Xu."

Zhang Xian Gu, after finishing a piece of candied melon, scolded, "You still can't forget him, huh?"

"Stop nagging!" Zhu Da said, "They all say that as an official, you need to offer the ancestral tablets. But for our ancestors, their names... um... haven't been passed down. Lao San, what do you think we should do?"

What ancestors did the Zhu family have? Their situation had led to a complete "collapse of rituals." Even though they were shamans, their ancestral worship was quite sloppy. Past stove worships were nothing more than pasting a drawing of the Kitchen God outside the stove and bowing. As Zhu Da said, not even a name had been passed down, let alone ancestral tablets. They could only find one grave.

In the past, Zhu Da would burn some paper at the street corner and place things like chicken feet and heads on a broken table at home, then eat the steamed buns laid out for the ancestors himself. But now that Zhu Ying had become an official, Zhu Da felt the need to "organize" a formal ceremony to inform the ancestors that the Zhu family had finally made something of themselves!

Zhu Ying thought carefully; her grandfather had a formal name, supposedly given by her great-grandfather, who was literate enough to master over a thousand characters and could perform some of their family's "hereditary" shaman tricks, such as selecting grave sites, reciting scriptures for the dead, or performing feats like climbing a blade at temple fairs.

But her grandfather was even less capable than her father, Zhu Da, and couldn't write his own name, leading to its eventual loss. The great-grandfather's name was even less likely to have been remembered.

With a candied melon in her mouth, Zhu Ying said, "Alright, then I'll just give them names."

Zhu Da exclaimed, "Nonsense!"

Zhu Ying argued, "How is it nonsense? For ancestors of unsuccessful descendants, the days pass as usual, but for those with successful offspring, the ancestors get to celebrate through their descendants' achievements. Now, they're celebrating through me. With the many books I have, let's just draw lots. If they're truly present in spirit, wherever the book stops as I flip through it, I'll throw a die on that page, and wherever it lands, that's it."

Zhu Da, embodying the shaman's nature, agreed, "Okay."

Zhang Xian Gu also laughed, "Not bad."

Zhu Ying suggested, "Why not also give names to our maternal grandparents? Since we are worshipping anyway, let's include them too."

Zhu Da remarked, "They have their own descendants."

Zhu Ying was astonished, "What? Do I have uncles and cousins? Where are they?"

Zhang Xian Gu replied irritably, "You don't! I'll just burn some paper for my own parents, alright?"

Zhu Ying declared, "I'll go grab some books!"

Upon her return, the family of shamans indeed followed Zhu Ying's lead, assigning names to both sets of ancestors. Although Zhu Da muttered about them being "not of our surname," he reluctantly agreed, reflecting on his only heir being a daughter and thus not adamantly opposing. He suggested, "We need to find a carpenter for the ancestral tablets quickly!"

Zhang Xian Gu was pleased, "I know where to get them cheap! They even offer discounts for bulk orders!"

Zhu Da, wanting to show off, said, "Just bring the blank ones. Let Zhu Ying write on them herself. It'll also show our ancestors how accomplished she has become!"

Zhang Xian Gu agreed, "Good!"

Zhu Ying said, "Alright, then tomorrow mom, you go order the tablets. Get a few extra in case of mistakes. I need to go out too, to prepare some things. Dad, how's Taoist Xu doing?"

"Hanging by a thread. Can't tell if he'll die tonight or live another twenty years."

Zhu Ying replied, "Okay then, send him a new set of winter clothes, some food, buy some coal. We'll come back to worship the Kitchen God and our ancestors, then prepare for the New Year. I'm on duty New Year's Eve, but I'll be back on the first day to celebrate and make New Year's visits."

The next day, Zhu Ying really did go to the herbal shop to get hawthorn pills. The talkative assistant, seeing her, said, "The young official really came! Welcome! Master, I wasn’t lying, was I?"

Zhu Ying stated, "Don’t be quick to take credit. I need clean and genuine pills. I'll have to inspect your ingredients and cleanliness, the quality of your water, and whether your pharmacists are tidy. If it's good, I’ll buy a lot."

The assistant asked, "How much will you buy?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Start with twenty pounds."

Astonished by the large order, the assistant thought, "Such a big purchase for digestion! People usually buy a couple of pounds for the New Year." Considering Zhu Ying's appearance, he confidently decided to fleece a wealthy naive customer, bowing and saying, "Right this way!"

After inspecting the herbal shop thoroughly, including a cursory check of an idle old doctor and the assistants, Zhu Ying had them weigh out twenty pounds of hawthorn pills, packed in half-pound bags, totaling forty bags. She paid and took them home.

Back home, she completed writing on the blank ancestral tablets Zhang Xian Gu had bought, without making any errors. Zhang Xian Gu lamented, "Oh, we wasted money buying extras." Zhu Ying then wrote the names of Yu Miao Miao and her son Zhu Da Lang on a blank tablet. Zhang Xian Gu agreed, "Yes, that's right."

Zhu Da wondered, "Do they enjoy other families’ incense smoke?"

Zhu Ying suggested, "Might as well, let's set up a separate table for them."

Zhu Da added, "Then we'll burn some paper offerings for them at the street corner later."

Zhang Xian Gu hesitated, then thought: It's right not to include Hua Jie, people should have something to look forward to. The mother-in-law cares for her daughter-in-law and wouldn't let her go hungry; burning offerings for the mother-in-law is essentially for her too.

They were unaware that Zhu Ying did this specifically to offer sacrifices on behalf of Hua Jie, seeing her current situation as inconvenient.

They placed their family's ancestral tablets in the main room's west chamber, and the other two tablets were separately placed on another wall. This room, with three walls, dedicated one to the Buddhas, one to the ancestors, and one to "relatives," thus was always filled with the scent of incense.

…………

After worshiping their ancestors, the Zhu family busied themselves with New Year preparations. In the past, scrapping together the household's resources for a couple of liters of rice, some flour, a few eggs, a chicken, or several pounds of meat was considered a feast.

Last year was somewhat better, but then Zhu Ying ended up in jail. This year, Zhang Xian Gu and Zhu Da happily hired a donkey, which carried two baskets, one on each side, to procure New Year goods. They bought chicken, fish, meat, eggs, and had already cooked a leg of lamb, along with buying oil, sugar, tea, and liquor. Despite her usual frugality, Zhang Xian Gu desired a lively and prosperous New Year to dispel the misfortune of previous years.

Zhu Ying wandered around, observing the pedestrians on the streets and visiting the estates that had been confiscated as well as those about to be. On the 28th, Jin Liang specially came over with a servant, saying, "Duty lasts a whole day, you have to be there early tomorrow. I'll come again in the morning to escort you; this is for your brother and sister-in-law to eat at home, I'll bring your meals hot tomorrow."

Zhang Xian Gu warmly welcomed him and acknowledged his hard work, while Jin Liang responded, "Don't mention it, Auntie, we're all family here."

Zhu Ying concurred, "Exactly!"

Zhang Xian Gu chided, "What kind of way is that to speak, child?"

Jin Liang laughed heartily: "No matter what rank of official you become, you're still just a kid!"

Zhu Ying rolled her eyes: "Here, for New Year's money."

Jin Liang teased: "You gotta bow first to get it, come on, bow!"

The two bickered playfully, with Zhang Xian Gu smiling behind her hand.

On the 29th, early in the morning, Zhang Xian Gu got up and prepared a pot of lamb leg soup for Zhu Ying, along with some pancakes. Jin Liang arrived early with a servant, carrying two large food containers and two bundles.

Zhu Ying protested: "I'm just going on duty for one day and one night! Do you think I'm staying at the Dali Temple for several days?"

Jin Liang joked: "Aren't you the silly one! Happy to be on duty during New Year's Eve, while others dread it! Bringing extra food to share makes for a good time, doesn’t it? And it earns you good rapport. You're usually so shrewd; how come you're clueless now? Just one day and one night? That's three meals plus snacks. Haven't you had the standard duty meals before? Aren’t these much better?"

"This is pork knuckle prepared by your sister-in-law, twenty of them! That’s from two pig heads, all sliced up! This box contains a full meal for New Year’s Eve dinner. Invite the kitchen to warm it up and share with everyone. This is roasted lamb leg, top-notch. Just warm it by the fire, sprinkle some fine salt, tastes just like freshly roasted! Remember, by the side of the fire, don’t foolishly roast it directly over the flames, or it’ll all turn to charcoal..."

Zhu Ying was stunned: "All this fuss just for a day’s duty?"

"Hurry up now!"

Jin Liang brought a cart, packed everything and Zhu Ying onto it, and personally delivered her to the palace gate. The duty officer that day was Captain Li, who was well-acquainted with Zhu Ying. Seeing all the preparations Jin Liang made, he told Zhu Ying, "I'll come looking for you tonight!"

Zhu Ying responded: "Alright."

Jin Liang added: "Brother, this young sibling of mine is a bit naive and too honest. Please, take good care of him."

"Rest assured!"

Captain Li didn't randomly acknowledge brothers. He didn't know Jin Liang but sensed the military aura about him. Upon inquiry, it turned out to be true. After exchanging formal greetings, Captain Li instructed his men to deliver Zhu Ying's items to the Dali Temple. Jin Liang made another round outside, inquiring from the imperial guards: "Is General Zhou You on duty today?"

The response he got was: "Someone like him, how could he be scheduled for duty on such a day? He needs to be all dressed up and present at the dual palaces for the New Year's greetings."

Reassured, Jin Liang left.

Zhu Ying's shift was taken over from the Deputy Registrar, who, apart from the aged Judge Wang, were the ones promoted by Zheng Xi to work on the most familial days.

As they handed over, the Deputy Registrar sniffed the air: "That smells delicious! Zhu, this... hahaha, your mother really spoils you."

Zhu Ying flipped a couple of warm pancakes, wrapped a big slice of lamb for him: "Why don't you eat before you leave? It's so cold, going home on an empty stomach would be uncomfortable."

The Deputy Registrar didn’t decline, sat down to have breakfast, sipping tea, and remarked: "Let’s sign off. There’s not much going on, just unusually quiet. If you've got nothing else to do, keep the brazier well-stoked, don’t skimp on the coal."

After signing off, Zhu Ying sat, drank tea with him, and saw him off after he finished eating. The Deputy Registrar reminded her: "Don’t forget my family's wine!"

Zhu Ying handed him two hawthorn candies: "I won’t forget."

Chewing the hawthorn candies, the Deputy Registrar left.

Zhu Ying first organized her bedding and arranged her food and necessities, then started reviewing case files — she needed to look into the detailed case of the Guanglu Dafu Yan family, as promised to Old Ma. She also checked if among the confiscated properties were any pharmacies or religious temples.

Although she couldn't understand the accounts, she could still read descriptions like "how many shops there were."