Chapter 77: Good Relations

While Zhu Ying was browsing through documents, a clerk came in to boil water for tea and busied himself with various tasks.

Coincidentally, this clerk was also surnamed Huang. Zhu Ying said, "Old Huang, don't bother; just for me, I can manage with the kettle on the stove. It's rare to have so few people; you should take a break too."

Old Huang was called so due to his age; he was in his fifties, slightly older than Zhu Da, making Zhu Ying, who had lived a life of hardship, uncomfortable being served by someone of his age.

Old Huang cheerfully replied, "It's exactly because there are few of us and not much work that this counts as a break."

The duty shifts, especially during the New Year period, were not crowded. Zhu Ying had never experienced such a sparse daytime population in the Ministry of Justice. The supervising officer, herself, a couple of clerks including Old Huang, and a few jailers from the ministry's prison were present.

Zhu Ying suggested, "There's soup with lamb legs and meat in there; take it to the kitchen to warm up. We'll have that for lunch. The packet contains buns; warm those up too."

Old Huang complied, remarking, "The provisions brought by Magistrate Zhu are really comprehensive."

Zhu Ying replied, "Ah, it was all prepared by them."

Old Huang added, "Having family think of you is good. Just warming these two items is enough, we have a meal portion for lunch and even a New Year's Eve dinner portion." This provided additional information.

Zhu Ying cheerfully said, "Then, making a little extra won't hurt."

Agreeing, Old Huang took the pottery jar containing the lamb legs and the buns to the kitchen.

The Ministry of Justice quieted down again.

The ministry was one of the offices with a higher number of staff on duty because of the prison. Other offices might only have one or two people. Despite the festive decorations and the hustle and bustle of the Imperial Guard and eunuchs bustling for the New Year in the Imperial City, each department within the city remained tranquil with little activity.

Zhu Ying didn't mind the solitude; the quiet was preferable, allowing her to examine more documents. After receiving keys from the Left Chief Secretary, she could roam freely within the ministry. After reviewing some case files and feeling confident about the details, she stood up, stretched, kicked her legs, and flexed her arms, feeling completely relaxed.

After stretching a bit, Zhu Ying, unfazed by the cold, left the warmth of the charcoal-heated room to check on the prison. With fewer jailers on duty today, each greeted her with, "Magistrate Zhu, hard work pays off, congratulations on your promotion and fortune."

Zhu Ying responded, "Shared joy, shared joy."

The jailers, enduring harder work than the officials and receiving fewer bribes, had more frequent duties. A past incident that led to the resignation, demotion, or reassignment of several officials in the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Punishment was said to involve "clerk trickery," resulting in the execution of numerous clerks. Since then, the jailers have been cautious in their conduct.

During Zhu Ying's inspection, the jailers eagerly reported, "Everything's under control, no illnesses or deaths, and it's all clean. It was cramped initially, but after a group was either executed or exiled, space opened up, improving conditions. All prisoners are accounted for, with no substitutions."

Zhu Ying visited another cell, recognizing faces of those she had arrested or judged, confirming their identities. She also checked on other prisoners. Gong Jie and his wife were still there; Gong Jie looked much older, while his wife seemed to be bolstered by a strong will, holding her chin up with defiance in every movement.

Indeed, a remarkable couple.

After completing her inspection, Zhu Ying inquired about the jailers' New Year's meals.

"Thanks for your concern. We'll have our share, and we'll bring some extra from home, making sure not to skimp on the prisoners' meals."

Zhu Ying, half amused, asked, "Do you think I'm that stingy?" She noticed the food they brought, including some buns and a bit of meat, but not much.

She advised, "No drinking while on duty."

The jailers hastily assured, "Not at all, not at all, who would dare bring it in? Even if it happens elsewhere, we wouldn't dare to do so here."

In this quiet, less busy atmosphere, where the entire imperial city felt empty, Zhu Ying truly understood why Zheng Xi didn't stay to celebrate with everyone after distributing the promotion documents—there's a barrier between high-ranking officials and low-ranking ones, and between officials and clerks, that few can comfortably cross.

Zhu Ying sighed and pulled out some money, saying, "It's tough for everyone. I don't come here without reason, so just relax. Endure for these few days, don't drink. Use this to buy some drinks and have a good time once you're home."

The jailers genuinely smiled, "Thank you, Magistrate Zhu."

Zhu Ying jokingly scolded, "Now you're playing tricks! With the money in hand, I'm 'Magistrate Zhu,' but when you're stern, it's 'Lord Zhu.'"

The jailers, now unafraid, responded, "Isn't it about reading the room? You're close to us, so we get it. But with those who put on airs, we can't just make a fool of ourselves."

Indeed, they were somewhat afraid of Zhu Ying, who, despite being the youngest and least experienced in the Ministry of Justice, rose the fastest and was the most meticulous. A colleague of hers, also a law examination graduate, benefited from the mass promotion to fill four vacant assessor positions, advancing to that role. At 15, soon to be 16, without a powerful father, just Zheng Xi behind her, isn't that intimidating?

What's even more formidable is her tenacity in work. When reviewing, she goes through dozens of cases in a day without missing a detail. In conducting arrests or sealing properties, she's decisive, and when it comes to confiscating properties, she's meticulous in her accounting. Thanks to her unblinking scrutiny, a significant number of properties were confiscated, enriching Dali Temple and benefiting even the guards with a share of the proceeds.

While some call Zhu Ying naive or simple-minded, the prison guards see her more clearly than most. They witness her handling cases up close. Such a person who doesn't trouble them, yet rewards them with money, naturally feels more approachable. Who wouldn't want to be acquainted with someone like that?

Having inspected the entirety of Dali Temple, ensuring doors and windows were secure and only occupied rooms kept warm with charcoal braziers, Zhu Ying felt reassured to return to her duty room to ponder purchasing some marginal lands. Additionally, she considered building connections with a few herbal shops and nunneries, knowing Flower Sister’s skills would take years to develop.

She worried about attracting attention from Shen and Feng if the clinic's reputation grew too much. She realized she also needed to maintain a good relationship with Chen Da Gongzi.

As she was deep in thought, Lao Huang came in to announce that the noon meal of mutton soup and pancakes was ready.

Zhu Ying wanted to invite them to join her, recalling the guards' friendly demeanor but remained uncertain. She suggested, “Why don’t you and Lao Guan join me here? It’s warmer.”

Lao Huang hesitated but was persuaded by Zhu Ying's insistence that there was no warmer place available.

After a moment of further hesitation, Lao Huang agreed.

Soon after, Lao Huang and Lao Guan, who had just been busy in the kitchen, arrived together. Zhu Ying checked, “Did you put out the kitchen fire? We don’t want any accidents on our watch.”

Lao Guan assured her, “All fires are out, don’t worry. We use the best charcoal and wood here. If you need to cook anything later this afternoon, starting the fire then will be fine.”

Lao Huang and he first set up Zhu Ying's meal—a now sixth-grade official's meal, noticeably an upgrade from before. They then brought over the big pot of mutton soup Zhu Ying had brought, served her a bowl, and cut some mutton slices for her plate. Only after attending to her did they go to set up their own table to eat their meals.

Zhu Ying noticed their meals were even more modest than what she had as an evaluator, including some pork ears they brought themselves. She shared her mutton, pancakes, and soup with them. Lao Huang said, "Hey, this is more than enough for us."

Zhu Ying laughed, "Do you expect me to take these leftovers back tomorrow? Let's finish them today. As long as we're not assigned any tasks tonight, we can celebrate the New Year just fine. I've brought enough food."

With no objections from Lao Huang and Lao Guan, they both served themselves soup and meat.

After the meal, they cleaned up and washed dishes, while Zhu Ying browsed through some books. Wang Yunhe had recommended some books for her to buy, and she was self-studying, taking notes on any questions she had. Lao Huang, after tidying up, added some charcoal for her and suggested she might want to mingle with others during her break.

"Oh?"

Rubbing his hands, Lao Huang apologized for his rambling due to his age.

The stark contrast between the liveliness of the imperial city with its ongoing music and firecrackers after noon and the serene atmosphere within the palace walls made Lao Huang more talkative, yearning for a bit more human warmth.

As a seasoned clerk who had spent many New Years in Dali Temple, he suggested that familiarizing oneself with other departments on duty could be beneficial. Building friendships might not happen over a single New Year's meal, but it could be a start.

Zhu Ying asked if they would be open to interaction.

"With fewer people around, everyone's eager to chat. Normally, you'd need an excuse to strike up a conversation, but today provides the perfect reason. You rely on yourself, Zhu Ying, and it must be tiring."

Lao Huang hesitated to speak openly about Zheng Daren, acknowledging him as a good man. However, he believed having more friends could only be beneficial. He advised Zhu Ying, who seemed too focused on serving one superior, to diversify her connections to avoid being left adrift should things change.

In a low voice, Lao Huang added, "It's not just about skills; friends matter too."

That was as much as he could say.

Zhu Ying enthusiastically agreed, "Alright, that sounds great!"

She had brought plenty of food and asked Lao Guan and Lao Huang to save some dishes they liked for themselves, planning to share the rest. She also arranged to send ten pig's trotters and half a pig's head to the jailers.

Lao Huang and Lao Guan modestly chose not to pick from the main dishes, content with the pig's trotters, pig's head, and mutton soup.

By mid-afternoon, Lao Huang suggested inviting others before someone else does, noting the competitive nature of hospitality.

Among those on duty, some were marginalized or being "protected" by superiors to work off colleagues' resentment. Zhu Ying's invitations were initially met with reluctance, but ultimately accepted.

Despite Dali Temple's importance, Zhu Ying, having passed the Ming Law exams, was still seen as less prestigious compared to those from more traditional scholarly paths. The gathering she managed to assemble was unusual for her background.

It was the holiday quiet that allowed Zhu Ying, with Lao Huang and Lao Guan's help, to gather such a group. Initially aiming to celebrate with fellow clerks for mutual support, Lao Huang expanded the gathering significantly.

Attendees included officials from various departments, both hereditary and exam-passed, young and old, including those who rose from clerical ranks. With the exception of high-ranking officials like the prime minister and the Hanlin Academy, they had managed to invite a broad spectrum from the central bureaucracy. The military officials kept their distance, but Zhu Ying sent a whole pig's head to Captain Li, who reciprocated with chickens to enhance the feast. Dali Temple's New Year's Eve was exceptionally lively.

Although the guests were mostly of similar rank to Zhu Ying, they represented the backbone of the imperial bureaucracy. Zhu Ying greeted each one with due respect, impressing them with her youth, appearance, and manners. Remarkably, she had prepared an entire banquet, making the event memorable for all.

Zhu Ying said, "I can't prepare wine while on duty; please understand. I'm spending the festival alone in the palace, so I ask for your patience."

Everyone praised, "Magistrate Zhu is considerate."

They unanimously chose Mr. Tian Pi, a staff member from the Ministry of Personnel, for the seat of honor due to his seniority. Despite his reluctance, they insisted he take the seat. Tian Pi protested, "Magistrate Zhu is the host, how could you do this?"

Zhu Ying cheerfully replied, "I'm the one on duty; it's your seat." She sensed an underlying principle—regardless of actual age, it seemed that a position in the Ministry of Personnel might naturally lead one to this honor.

Everyone, ranked by age and except Zhu Ying who was positioned as the 'host' at the lower end, sat down, replacing wine with tea, leading to praises of Zhu Ying's promising future, "Such a young and capable Zhu Ying has limitless prospects."

Zhu Ying responded, "Just being able to gather here today makes us luckier than most."

With fireworks set off both inside and outside the imperial city, the cold didn't bother them. They moved the table under the eaves, onto the high platform, to watch the fireworks display, enjoying the New Year's Eve dinner with colleagues from various departments. For once, their usual scheming was set aside for genuine camaraderie.

Old Huang, not seeking credit, and Old Guan tidied up the dining area. Zhu Ying said, "We've had our share, you've all been busy all day, take my portion of the meal and share it among yourselves."

The colleagues replied, "No need to worry about us, we'll manage on our own. Just keep someone tending the fire under the stove to reheat it if needed. The rest of you, go ahead and eat. We don't need our portions, you've worked hard too, go ahead and eat it."

Another experienced colleague brought extra dishes they had on duty, making for a rich meal. Although there was no alcohol, they made do with games. Zhu Ying, less versed in cultured games, lost more often. However, in games like finger-guessing, riddles, or dice, where patterns could be followed, she won more.

The colleagues didn't carry much money and abstained from drinking, leaving Zhu Ying full of tea instead.

At midnight, a sudden burst of noise announced the arrival of the New Year!

Everyone stood up, watching the fireworks fill the sky, and exchanged New Year greetings. Old Guan and others warmed up the mutton soup, bringing warmth to the officials who felt the chill from sitting outside, all commending the thoughtfulness.

After finishing the warm soup, everyone started to leave. Zhu Ying saw the guests off and helped Old Huang with the table cleanup. Old Guan said, "No need for you, Zhu Ying, to lift a finger; we've got this."

Old Huang chuckled, "We had our share too; that big pot couldn’t be finished by us alone."

After cleaning and packing away the dishes, Zhu Ying pulled out two prepared red envelopes, saying, "Thank you for your hard work this year," which they accepted with a smile. Zhu Ying also gave a few red envelopes to the prison guards. Not in a hurry to buy a house in the city or to purchase fertile lands, her disposable income grew, allowing her to be more generous.

The jailers congratulated her, commenting on her generosity.

Zhu Ying joked, "Next year, if I'm not on duty this day, you'll miss out."

The jailers all laughed.

………………

Zhu Ying didn't find this New Year's Eve lacking at all. She was woken up early the next day by the hustle and bustle—distinguished officials and nobles were heading to the palace for New Year greetings. She had to quietly get up and leave, aiming to joyfully celebrate the New Year at home.

After sharing breakfast with Old Huang and Old Guan, she completed the handover with the colleague who had just been promoted to investigator and was on duty for the first day of the year. Old Huang carried her empty food containers to the palace gate for her, remarking, "Ah, the New Year has arrived!"

Zhu Ying responded, "Yes, it's the New Year! Time for some fresh starts."

It was difficult to hire a carriage at this time, and with the streets bustling with people out celebrating or visiting for the New Year, Zhu Ying and Old Huang took a discreet route along the wall. Despite the shops being closed, there were plenty of stalls selling various items. Taking her food container, she told Old Huang, "You go home and celebrate the New Year too; I'll walk back on my own."

With a good memory for the city's layout, Zhu Ying navigated through less crowded alleys to quickly make her way home, much faster than taking the main roads.

Zhu Da and Zhang Xian Gu had prepared a feast in anticipation of her return, with Zhang Xian Gu even securing a jar of fine wine for the occasion.

They greeted her eagerly, "Finally, you're back! Must be starving! Come!" Regrettably, she couldn't drink any wine.

Zhu Da asked, "Shouldn't you go and offer New Year's greetings to your superiors?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Him? He's busy paying his respects to the Emperor right now; we won't get a turn."

As Zhang Xian Gu set the table for the feast, there was a knock at the door—some colleagues had sent over New Year's greeting cards. Zhang Xian Gu wondered, "What should we do?" To which Zhu Ying retorted, "You've inquired about everything else, didn't you look into how to celebrate the New Year?"

Zhu Ying mentioned, "I've arranged everything with Brother Jin. My greeting cards will be delivered by his family's servants. Whether it's to the Marquis's residence or similar households, sending one or two cards, it's all the same effort for them."

Zhang Xian Gu regretted not preparing in advance and vowed, "Next year, we must be ready! We'll even hire a servant to deliver the cards."

Zhu Ying questioned, "Look at our house. Do we have space for another living soul?"

Absolutely not! Interacting at the office is one thing, but having a servant running around at home? What if he uncovers something? That would be troublesome.

Even Zhu Da, who had initially considered hiring a servant, became wary.

Zhang Xian Gu wondered, "What will we do next year? We can't always rely on the Jin family's servants, can we?"

Zhu Ying replied, "I can deliver them myself."

Zhu Da objected, saying it wasn't suitable for an official. Zhu Ying explained, "That's what the junior officials in the capital do. The one Dad just saw, I've recently met him. He's the youngest in his family, about the same rank as me. Actually, he's a hereditary official; his father is a fourth-rank official with plenty of servants at home. Except for those like him, it's pretty much the same for everyone else."

Zhu Da then relented.

Zhang Xian Gu said, "Come on, let's eat and drink! Oh dear, it's a pity you can't drink outside all year round. I'll keep you company with a drink."

The family of three drank and dined together. Zhu Ying discussed not buying fertile land but rather lean land. Zhang Xian Gu slapped her thigh in agreement, "That's the spirit!" She also lamented, "Why is there always someone out there looking to take advantage?"

Zhu Da, slightly tipsy, exclaimed, "Who would've thought we'd be drinking and feasting on New Year's!"

Zhu Ying remarked, "In the past, temple fairs also had banquets."

The nun Zhang said, "What kind of banquet was that? It's nothing compared to what our family has now!" By chance, a wealthy patron at the temple fair had arranged a table with four dishes: chicken, fish, meat, and eggs. This year, the Zhu family's feast is such that even the ordinary wealthy in the county couldn't enjoy.

Midway through the meal, when neighbors came to offer New Year greetings, they quickly set down their chopsticks to go out and return the gesture. Upon their return, they continued their meal.

On the second day of the New Year, Zhu Ying had to go out. She hired a carriage for Zhang the nun, filled with gifts, to visit and offer New Year greetings. Given her current status, most of her colleagues were not wealthy and did not care for grand displays. She introduced her parents to her colleagues, shared New Year drinks, and hosted drinks herself. Despite being unrefined, Zhang the nun and Zhu Da were shamans adept at uttering auspicious phrases, fitting well with the season.

However, by the sixth day, Zhu Ying had to make time to visit Zheng Xi with her colleagues. It wasn't for a lack of wanting to visit earlier, but Zheng Xi's esteemed relatives had occupied the earlier days with visits from uncles, kin, and in-laws. To gather with peers of the same rank and for subordinates to see him on the sixth day was considered fortunate.

After offering New Year greetings and gifts, Zheng Xi said, "Why bother with these for New Year? I'm happy as long as you're all doing well."

Everyone praised him as a great superior, and Zheng Xi added, "This year, I still need everyone to work together."

Everyone loudly agreed.

Zheng Xi also hosted a meal, where everyone enjoyed another feast at the Zheng residence, merely exchanging pleasantries. Wang Sizhi mentioned, "Did you hear? I was drinking with Yang Liu yesterday, and he mentioned a minor issue with the imperial guards, but it was swiftly handled..."

Everyone inquired what happened, and Wang Sizhi explained, "While drinking, we encountered Minister Shi."

The Left Registrar commented, "Oh, then it's nothing to worry about."

"Hmm, it's hard to say. None of you on duty were involved, right?"

"That's impossible! It's none of my concern," thought Zhu Ying.

The group indulged in such minor gossip, careful not to cause any trouble at the Zheng residence. After finishing their meal and thanking Zheng Xi, they all departed.

Unlike the others, Zhu Ying was again invited by Jin Liang to the Zheng residence on the seventh day for another feast, this time with those closer to the Zheng family, known as "students and old officials." They were well-acquainted with the servants of Marquis Zheng, who, except for not dining together, showed no aloofness when joking around.

Jin Liang and Tang Shan joked with Zhu Ying, saying, "Considering you're the youngest, shouldn't you kowtow to us?" Men tend to have three desires when drinking: to drink more, to have others call them father, and to make others kowtow. Another tendency, not easily ranked, is to engage in risqué jokes. While the New Year drinks at the marquis's residence demanded some decorum, preventing risqué jokes, no one dared to ply Zhu Ying with drinks or claim to be his father, leading Jin Liang to resort to the third jest.

Zhu Ying really pushed away her cup and stood up, prompting loud jeers from the crowd. Gan Ze and others held her back, daring to address Jin Liang directly, "Brother Jin, let's not take this too seriously. We're all officials here; it's inappropriate, truly inappropriate!" Jin and Tang were merely seizing a verbal advantage, but seeing her stand up sobered them up with a start! After all, Gan Ze and his peers were servants from noble households, knowledgeable and right in their advice. Even if the Prime Minister demanded public kneeling from an official, it would still be deemed rash. What rank does Jin Liang hold? If Zhu Ying really kowtowed publicly, she would also risk being accused of flattery and losing her official dignity.

Zhu Ying said, "If anyone dares to force my head down, I'll have no choice but to leap up and smash their dog head. As for you all..."

She held out her palm upwards, "Give me enough New Year's money first, then I'll kowtow!"

Jin Liang laughed and scolded, "You're too clever by half!"

The noise reached the ears of those above, and Marquis Zheng sent someone to inquire about the commotion. Gan Ze and the others all responded with a smile, "Brother Jin and Zhu Sanlang were just joking."

Marquis Zheng then summoned the two and asked, "What joke?"

Zhu Ying replied, "It's just a child's New Year joke, not meant for adults to hear."

Marquis Zheng wasn't angry and said, "What's the point in telling jokes? Come, let's shoot arrows!"

Many households have taboos against using needles, scissors, and the like during New Year, but arrow shooting was a special feature of the New Year's entertainment at Marquis Zheng's residence, adding a competitive twist. Marquis Zheng asked, "You lad, can you handle it?"

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "I can't say I can't."

Marquis Zheng declared, "Good, you bet against him. If you lose, it's on me; if you win, it's yours!"

Zhu Ying glanced at Zheng Xi, who said, "If you can do it, then do it; if not, don't boast."

After a moment's thought, Zhu Ying said, "With someone to back me up, I've got to succeed."

They set up the target, and each shot five arrows. Zhu Ying was slightly behind, but Marquis Zheng commented, "Not bad at all!" Jin Liang's daily routine involved this very activity, while Zhu Ying's was more about raiding homes and apprehending people. This skill, besides natural talent, ultimately requires practice. Marquis Zheng added, "Don't let this skill go to waste!"

Zhu Ying replied, "Yes."

Jin Liang said, "My lord, he can shoot with both hands."

Marquis Zheng, delighted, exclaimed, "Really? Come, show me!"

Zhu Ying truly could, and his accuracy was nearly identical with both hands. After emptying a bag of arrows, the onlookers erupted in applause. Marquis Zheng's veterans, mostly military men, viewed her as a "mere child" with newfound admiration. Consequently, Zheng Xi was also regarded with increased esteem.

Marquis Zheng said to the princess, "This young man is impressive! Even if he doesn't follow Qi Lang, he could make a name for himself in the military!" The princess, married to him for many years and knowledgeable about military affairs, recognized the skill in shooting with both hands as talented and said, "A capable person can excel at anything. Don't push the child to change his path; I think he's doing quite well as is."

Tang Shan, feeling the itch to try as well, stepped forward with a fist salute, saying, "My lord, I'd like a turn."

Marquis Zheng, chuckling, said to Zhu Ying, "What do you think? What can he do?"

Zhu Ying said, "I don't know. Once Brother Tang shows us, I'll know."

Jin Liang retorted, "That's as good as saying nothing!"

Tang Shan was ready, specializing in rapid-fire archery. Zhu Ying's mouth fell open slightly, and Jin Liang said, "What do you think? There's always someone better!"

After Tang Shan finished a round and prepared for the next, Zhu Ying paid close attention to his fingers. Typically using three arrows, the skill seemed to rely on hand technique but actually required coordination with the arms and even the whole body, along with a steady mind. Jin Liang whispered, "Are you mesmerized?"

Zhu Ying proposed, "In a few days, I'll come to your place. Your house is larger, and I could use that target."

"Don't be mischievous! Didn't the lady say? Your priority is to serve as an official in the Ministry of Justice, to follow Qi Lang. For us, it's about spending time together; I'm happy we can play together. But practicing this is pointless. You practice less than I do but are still so accurate; I'm impressed, okay?"

Zhu Ying smiled, "It's the New Year; can I come over to your place to play?"

After some laughter and teasing, Marquis Zheng still showed his fondness for Zhu Ying. Last time he had given her a bow and arrows, and this time, for the New Year, he handed her a handful of gold coins minted in the palace. Weighing them, they could be exchanged for several tens of guan of copper coins. Truly... the rich!

The princess was also quite wealthy, giving her some beautifully minted small gold and silver ingots, enough to fill a small pouch. Weighing it, there were about twenty taels, which Zhu Ying calculated could be exchanged for nearly a hundred guan of copper coins.

Zhu Ying thus returned home loaded with gifts, thinking: If their family can give away money like this, how much must they have? Then she remembered her role in assisting Zheng Xi's raid, and it all made sense.

After the feast, Zheng Xi asked Zhu Ying to stay.

Zhu Ying guessed he might ask about the soldiers caught drinking, but Zheng Xi began with, "Now that the New Year has passed, you've grown another year older."

Zhu Ying paused briefly, "Yes, sixteen now."

Zheng Xi sized her up, slowly saying, "You've grown a bit, even taller."

"Ah."

"From the moment I met you, you've always been calculating. I didn't want to say much, but there are things that must be said. Have you kept up with your studies?"

"Still studying. I've finished 'Zuo Zhuan.'"

"'The Analects'—have you read it?"

"I memorized it while eavesdropping at the private school."

"Do you understand its meaning?"

"I roughly grasp it."

"Can you still recite 'Chapter 16 of the Ji Family'?"

"Yes, I can."

"What's the next line after 'The gentleman has three cautions'?"

Zhu Ying thought to herself, why ask this? Yet she replied, "In youth, when the blood is yet unsettled, one must guard against lust; in adulthood, when the blood becomes strong, one must guard against strife; in old age, when the blood wanes, one must guard against greed."

Zheng Xi nodded, "I've been told you still frequent the nunnery, which isn't good." Indeed, such behavior wasn't shocking. What's so strange about a young person visiting a nunnery? Yet, someone mentioned it to Zheng Xi. As he valued Zhu Ying more, he became increasingly concerned about her not entering the imperial examinations and wished to prevent her from making missteps in her career.

Lust is a major pitfall!

He said, "If you have a paramour, better to bring her out than to leave her in the nunnery. It shows a lack of responsibility! What kind of place do you think a nunnery is? Aside from a few larger, cleaner ones, the smaller ones are practically brothels! Yet, you recklessly visit each one. The higher your rank, the more you're watched by the imperial censors! Being reported for misconduct is not pleasant to hear; it's vulgar and worse than corruption. I'm just saying, and you better not engage in corruption either!"

Zhu Ying sighed, "So, we can't get past this, huh? What brothels? There are not only those who sell themselves but also those who traffic humans. Not just nunneries, but temples and Taoist temples too, harboring robbers and murderers. Although Wang Jingzhao has been rectifying public order, we can't be unaware of these things. For major cases, doesn't he still have to report to the Ministry of Justice for review? I bet the red gold lotus crown under the Arhat statue in the left hall of Bao'en Temple near the eastern wall has a dubious origin."

After speaking, she rolled her eyes, "You really don't understand! When there's a case, just arrest and beat people. Either beat out the truth or beat them to death. Such sloppy work!"

Zheng Xi laughed, "You rascal, spouting nonsense! Who doesn't investigate cases based on 'five hearings'? What lotus crown? Don't mention it again! Just quietly take note." He genuinely started to like Zhu Ying more for her willingness to learn earnestly, her preparedness in handling matters, her intelligence, and her continual efforts to refine her skills.

Zhu Ying asked, "Can we not bring up the nunnery again then? It would be bad if I start associating you with nuns every time I see you. I've been diligently performing my duties without any mistakes, surely causing those gossips much distress, right?"

She was earnestly fighting for her right to roam freely!

In this world, everyone has their path. High officials and nobles usually don't deal directly with riff-raff, mostly delegating tasks to their servants. If the servants encounter difficulties, they'd claim authority and seek help from petty officials and people like Zhang Bantou, or an acquaintance, to connect with underworld figures like Old Ma.

Zhu Ying felt she couldn't act like these high officials; lacking subordinates to command, she had to make her own efforts. The best strategy was personal reconnaissance and maintaining contacts with coroners, team leaders, and gang leaders.

Zheng Xi said, "Understood! You need to be more cautious in the future."

"Ah. Of course."

After a moment, she seized the opportunity to make a suggestion, "Since you're talking seriously during the New Year, I have something to say too."

"What is it?"

"Next time we confiscate property, if we come across hired laborers, let's just pay them and let them go. I've been visiting around these days and hearing people talk about being kind-hearted and merciful, it's been making my skin crawl!"

"Isn't it good to be spoken well of?"

Zhu Ying shook her head, "When people praise you as a good person, it's because they think you're easy to talk to and they might come to you for favors in the future. You're formidable, you can handle it, so you be the good person, okay? It's just a word away, and others can only say that our Ministry of Justice is fair and principled. Not like them, with their unsightly greed."

Zheng Xi said, "Agreed."

"Then, when we go back, I'll remind you. Don't forget!" She thought it through; handling a case herself might lead to disputes with colleagues. It would be much more convenient if Zheng Xi could issue the orders uniformly. This way, the young girl related to Old Ma's plea could also return home smoothly, without the colleagues knowing someone had interfered.

Zhu Ying was pleased to have resolved another concern, now only one thing filled her mind: how to chat with Sister Hua during the Lantern Festival.