Chapter 51: Demeanor

With the Prime Minister himself arriving, Wang Yunhe and the others must greet him. Jin Liang stands to straighten his collar, Madam Jin adjusts her hair with her fingers and checks her appearance in a small mirror pulled from her embroidered pouch at her waist.

Zhu Da and Zhang Xian’gu are even more flustered, looking at each other, unsure of how to act. The Prime Minister, the highest official in the land, how should one meet him?

Wang Yunhe catches a glimpse of Zhu Ying's composed demeanor and nods silently to himself, then glances at Chen Meng only to see his gloomy face, shaking his head slightly. He steps down from the hall first, descending the stairs to welcome the guest.

Prime Minister Chen arrives quickly, Zhu Ying stands behind Jin Liang and Chen Meng, peering through the gap between them, only to see a servant bowing in front leading the way, followed by a remarkably distinguished man walking at a leisurely pace.

Prime Minister Chen looks to be in his forties, but judging by Chen Meng’s age, he should be in his fifties or nearing sixty, though he doesn’t quite look the part.

Zhu Ying, having mostly seen rural farmers and city vendors, good or bad, all weathered by hardship, notes city dwellers, especially the wealthy, always appear younger than their countryside counterparts. If she applies the same age estimation as she would for a villager to his appearance, adding an extra ten or twenty years, that would make sense.

What truly catches Zhu Ying's attention, however, are the attendants following Prime Minister Chen. He has quite a few attendants, around seven or eight, among whom one is bound, with two others escorting him. Zhu Ying's gaze sweeps over the bound man from head to toe, finally resting on his feet.

The man walks with a slight limp, his left foot seems to have been recently injured rather than a long-standing disability. Someone unaccustomed to their body’s changes would not walk as smoothly as someone who has been disabled for a long time. Notably, Zhu Ying believes the man’s stride, the way he exerts force, and the size of his shoes match those left behind at Jin Liang’s house. Although the shoes have been changed and are not the ones that left the imprint, they likely belong to him.

This Prime Minister Chen, truly formidable! Zhu Ying thinks.

After Wang Yunhe and Prime Minister Chen have exchanged greetings, Zhu Ying and the others also pay their respects. Zhu Da and Zhang Xian’gu, unsure of how to address him, clumsily follow suit with "Your Excellency," which Prime Minister Chen does not seem to mind.

Chancellor Chen said to Wang Yunhe, "You're still so diligent in your official duties."

Wang Yunhe replied, "The Prime Minister jests. Receiving the emperor's stipend, it's our duty to serve. However, your son is involved in the case and there is physical evidence, I'm afraid we cannot simply let him go."

Chancellor Chen, in good spirits, said, "I knew you would say that, so I've brought the criminal back with me! To my shame, he has some connections to me, being a servant in my household involved in theft."

A servant from the Chancellor's household brought forward a man, bound tightly and with a limp.

Upon their entry, Wang Yunhe had already noticed them and, seeing Chancellor Chen bring in the accused, invited, "Let's talk inside. Please!"

Even though he had changed into casual attire, he didn't switch back when returning to the hall. He first offered Chancellor Chen a seat, while Jin Liang and others didn't dare to sit, and Chen Meng stood with hands down. Zhang Xianjun stood next to her daughter, unconsciously gripping her sleeve tightly, sensing the gravity of the situation. The thought of what a simple round trip, a lady like Madame Feng could do to them, and now the Chancellor...

She dared not think further.

Chancellor Chen glanced at the chairs in the hall and amiably said, "I am here for the case, but I am not the presiding official. Let's follow the rules of the Jingzhao Mansion."

Chen Meng remained standing, Jin Liang and his wife cautiously took half a seat, and the Zhu family stood still. Chancellor Chen looked at Zhu Ying, nodded at her, and asked, "You must be Zhu Ying?"

Zhu Ying stepped forward and bowed, "Yes."

Chancellor Chen said, "I've heard about you for a long time but only meet you today. Had we met earlier, you should have called me 'Uncle', but now that opportunity is lost."

Zhu Ying replied, "Meetings between people rely on fate, how we get along depends on each individual. The title 'Uncle' is a matter of fate; today has its own."

Prime Minister Chen smiled, a handsome man whose age did not diminish the warmth of his smile. "You are a good child. It's their loss for not seeing it," he said.

Chen Meng held his breath, glancing at his father cautiously. Was his father so well-informed about his aunt's affairs?

Having already inquired about Zhu's family situation, Wang Yunhe wasn't surprised and took the opportunity to ask Prime Minister Chen, "May I know what instructions you have, Your Excellency?"

"Let them explain," Prime Minister Chen commanded.

A long-robed, bearded man from the Chen mansion, who appeared to be a steward, stepped forward and said, "Returning to Jingzhao, it was through tracing the theft in our mansion that we found them."

Zhu Ying listened intently. The steward explained that items in the mansion were kept in storerooms and rarely moved, and objects like tally tokens were only brought out for verification when needed, otherwise kept by individuals. Given the mansion's extensive holdings, it was impossible to constantly monitor everything, so some items might go missing for years without detection, especially those of lesser importance that no one would miss.

Zhu Ying nodded in understanding. For example, Zhang Xian’gu didn’t own a single gold hairpin and would treasure one if she had it, inspecting it multiple times a day. Yu Miaomiao kept her few gold hairpins securely locked away. For someone like Zheng Xi, aside from a few favorites, other valuable items were carelessly handled.

"Before the lunar new year, during the storeroom inventory, we discovered several items missing and investigated the attendants on duty. That's when we caught this thief!"

Two servants pushed the bound man forward.

"When we found him, he was changing clothes, and his foot was injured. Under interrogation, he revealed his deeds. Speak for yourself!" the steward demanded.

The man, head bowed, confessed, "That day, I saw a few items in the storeroom that nobody bothered with and got greedy. Knowing that people wouldn’t pay much attention to the items in the storeroom, I took some. When I saw a large delivery arriving, I inquired and learned it was for the eldest son..."

Entrusted by Shen Ying, Chen Meng visited Jin's house, and Zhu Ying returned the gifts he brought back to the Chen mansion exactly as they were. The items were actually provided by Shen Ying, unknown to Zhu Ying; she only knew Chen Meng brought them, so she had Jin Liang return them to the mansion, thereby revealing what Chen Meng had done.

"I thought, surely the items the eldest son was sending out must be valuable, so I got greedy and asked the cart drivers which household they were from. Following the address they gave, I intended to make a small fortune but couldn’t find the place. Out of frustration, I set a fire. It was purely for the money!"

Prime Minister Chen stated, "I've brought the person. As for the judgment, I have no objections. I will, however, take my son with me."

"He's lying!" Zhu Ying thought to herself. Who searches for valuables in a firewood shed?! Normally, valuables are kept in or near the main house. Had he gone to the main house with a knife, Jin Da Niang would have been finished.

Yet, Zhu Ying glanced again at the man's lame foot. She thought: "The person is indeed him! I’m not mistaken, and those footprints definitely weren't Chen Meng's; there were no footprints of Chen Meng around."

Wang Yunhe said, "Your Excellency, I understand all you've said. However, there are other evidences from the victims that need to be verified. Wouldn't it be better if your son returns home with a clear name?"

Prime Minister Chen smiled, "You mean, even if this one is a thief, my son might not be cleared of suspicion, right?"

"I dare not. It's also for the eldest son's sake, to prevent future gossip. And to spare you from accusations of failing to discipline your son," Wang Yunhe responded.

Prime Minister Chen bitterly smiled, "Speaking of failing to discipline, I find myself at a loss for words. I've already been accused of that before. Well, I'd like to see for myself."

…………

They all stood up, and Zhu Ying kept making gestures to Wang Yunhe.

Finally noticing her, Wang Yunhe beckoned, "Young man, come here and lead the way for me."

Zhu Ying hurried over, hearing Wang Yunhe ask, "You're staying at the Jin residence?"

"Yes."

"Were your parents beaten on orders from the eldest son’s aunt?"

"Yes."

Wang Yunhe said no more, and Chancellor Chen, having heard, smiled bitterly, "Women's affairs are always unreliable!"

Wang Yunhe agreed, "Indeed. With this, even if there's 'animosity', wherever they reside, there will be thieves setting fires, rumors on the streets, and based on this alone, this lady, Shen Ying, and the young master could be accused of 'acting out of personal vendetta'. Any future incident involving the child will bring this back up. Prime Minister, you need not heed the words of fools, but the multitude of voices can be corrosive."

Chancellor Chen sighed, "Yes, you mean well, I understand. Child, come here, let me have a look at you."

Following the instructions, Zhu Ying approached, and Prime Minister Chen inquired about her readings and current activities, which she shared openly. When asked about her mentor, Zhu Ying admitted to having none, explaining her knowledge came from eavesdropping and self-study.

Both Prime Minister Chen and Wang Yunhe sighed at her response. Stomping his foot, Prime Minister Chen exclaimed, "Shen Ying is truly a blind and useless man! Blind in sight and heart!"

"Yes."

After a moment of sighing, he said to Wang Yunhe, "Let's go."

Mounting their horses, Zhu Ying hurried to Wang Yunhe’s side, advising him not to be stubborn with the Prime Minister, insisting he surely understood the situation. She clarified, "It wasn’t Chen Meng. I recognize his footprints. Not only were the footprints I found not his, but none on the ground belonged to him, only to that servant. If there were other culprits, they weren’t Chen Meng but someone else. My defense of him isn’t based merely on his kind words towards me..."

She spoke rapidly, prompting Wang Yunhe to comfortingly pat her shoulder, affirming, "Of course, I know."

Assertive yet not foolish, he wouldn’t have accused the Prime Minister of "acting out of personal vengeance."

Zhu Ying stressed the importance of evidence, offering the little she had, implicating no one else.

"I understand."

Wang Yunhe, after remounting his horse, personally visited Jin’s back door. Upon Jin Liang opening the door, Zhu Ying shared her findings. Wang Yunhe inspected just as thoroughly as Jin Liang, even climbing a ladder to examine handprints on a wall. Prime Minister Chen, intrigued, paced with his hands behind his back, inspecting the woodshed, the ground, and the street outside. Without climbing the ladder, he turned to Zhu Ying, asking, "Did you discover all these?"

"Yes."

Prime Minister Chen sighed again, remarking, "Youth has boundless prospects; one should not merely focus on clerical tasks but also engage in serious study."

Wang Yunhe, atop the ladder, concurred, "I say the same."

Descending, he dusted off his hands, directed Chen Meng to walk a few steps, verified the shoe prints didn't match, and promptly released Chen Meng.

Prime Minister Chen to Wang Yunhe: "With the truth revealed, I'll take my son home for discipline. This criminal, I leave to you." To Jin Lian, "This house, having caught fire and burgled, suffers damage and ill fortune. Housekeeper."

The housekeeper approached Jin Lian, "The Prime Minister suggests exchanging this for a new house, not smaller, newer, and better located."

The exchange involved a two-entry house from the Prime Minister's estate, similar in size and layout to many in the city but better located. This house, closer to the north and near Marquis Zheng's residence, valued at hundreds more. They'd gift Jin Lian gold jewelry upon moving.

Overwhelmed by the Prime Minister's generosity, Jin Lian hesitated, "The thief is caught; it's just a firewood shed. A repair would suffice. Why such extravagance?"

"Just accept it," said the Prime Minister.

Zhu Ying and her parents, thrilled, speculated: Might they receive housing too? Their rented place, though modest compared to Jin's, was a legitimate three-room house with a yard. Owning a house in the capital was a dream.

"I have a house. It's fine as it is; I'll move soon," Zhu Ying declared.

"We agreed to live together!" Jin Lian insisted.

Jin Lian's wife, dazed by sudden fortune yet fond of Zhu Ying, joined in, "Yes, let's live together. Surely, no more troubles? Rent costs money!"

"I have my own house..."

"You'll be safe wherever you live," assured the Prime Minister.

Zhu Ying paused, then smiled, "Alright."

Seeing Zhu Ying's parents' disappointed looks, the Prime Minister internally chuckled, "Live wherever you wish, but," turning to Wang Yunhe, "I quite like this youngster. Come."

The housekeeper produced two gleaming gold ingots. Zhu Ying, unfamiliar with gold due to scarce encounters, listened as Jin Lian's wife whispered, "Each is worth fifty or sixty strings of cash; together, they're worth a hundred."

Zhu Ying insisted, "There's no need! Just give me a few weeks to study in peace, and I can support my family on my own!"

"Take it," Prime Minister Chen said teasingly, "Study hard and it's yours. If not, you'll have to return it."

Looking into his eyes, Zhu Ying thought Prime Minister Chen's gaze was clear and somewhat cool.

Wang Yunhe encouraged, "Accept it. It represents the expectations your elders have for you."

Zhu Ying bowed deeply to Prime Minister Chen, stating, "Alright, I'll keep it. I won't give you a chance to take it back."

Prime Minister Chen finally laughed out loud, "Good!" He left the housekeeper to finalize the case and deal with Jin Lian, then returned home with his son.

Jin Lian's wife murmured, "Everyone says Prime Minister Chen is a generous man, and it's true."

Zhu Ying had an epiphany: She realized that when Prime Minister Chen chose to be personable, he was entirely in the mold of "Zheng Xi flavor" – thoughtful, amiable, and generous.

Wang Yunhe concluded, "Let's go back to the office to close the case."

Zhu Ying sighed in relief. Wang Yunhe, finding her reaction amusing, commented, "You, just focus on your studies!"

"Alas."

Back at the Jingzhao Prefecture, Wang Yunhe first interrogated the criminal, asking only, "How did you end up at Prime Minister Chen's residence?"

The servant replied, "I was the lady's maid, accompanying her when she married into the Chen family."

Wang Yunhe then closed the case, deciding on punishment for theft and arson: flogging followed by exile.

As Jin Lian and others prepared to leave, Wang Yunhe said, "You all may return first; the young one, stay behind."

Zhu Ying, puzzled yet trusting, responded, "Yes."

In his study, Wang Yunhe gestured towards his bookshelves and inquired, "Looking at these, don't you feel the urge to read?"

Zhu Ying declared, "I've already chosen my path; I aim to pass the Ming Law examination."

Sighing, Wang Yunhe fully grasped Zhu Ying's background and circumstances: a child from a family so poor they contemplated becoming live-in sons-in-law, scorned to the point of broken engagements, with unreliable parents, no fixed assets, yet clever. Having arrived in the capital with Zheng Xi, staying at Jin Lian's home, and with Zheng Xi taking a position at the Dali Temple, her pursuit of the Ming Law examination made sense to him.

Approaching the bookshelf, he picked up a heavy set of books and handed them to Zhu Ying, saying, "Take these. After the examination, read them through."

Zhu Ying looked down to see it was a set of the "Spring and Autumn Annals," to which Wang Yunhe advised, "Among the three commentaries of the Spring and Autumn Annals, one should read the Zuo Commentary."

"Yes."

Wang Yunhe also selected a set of the Four Treasures of the Study for her, ordering additional paper and ink to be packed into a bundle for Zhu Ying to take back with her.

That day, Zhu Ying stayed at the Jin residence again. Both the Zhu and Jin families, having been frightened yet also benefited, nullified any previous grievances. Madam Jin especially regretted her earlier reluctance to continue sheltering Zhu Ying and insisted on her staying.

Zhu Ying mentioned, "I've already paid the rent for my place; it would be a waste."

Jin Lian suggested, "Either get the rent back or sublet it to someone else. You need to focus on your studies for the exam."

Zhu Ying responded, "You're about to move, and the new place is already being prepared for you. You'll need to move soon, so let's move together."

Madam Jin earnestly pleaded, "Focus on your studies here while we move. Once the new place is ready, just bring your people and a book over. You won't have to lift a finger. After staying with us for so long, let me at least complete this act of merit."

Zhu Ying said, "Sister-in-law, your act of merit is already complete. I cannot burden you further."

The situation was harmonious, with one side reluctant to cause inconvenience and the other eager to assist.

Finally, Jin Lian, tired of the back-and-forth, declared, "Why argue? Just do as I say! Zhu Lang, you say help in times of urgency, not poverty. You're not in poverty now, but studying needs peace of mind, which is an 'urgency'. With your brother and sister-in-law injured, who will take care of things? That's settled then!"

And so, it was decided.

…………——

While the Jin residence was harmonious, the Chen mansion was tense.

Chen Meng followed his father, Prime Minister Chen, home silently, trailing him all the way to the study. A servant helped the Prime Minister out of his coat and hat and into his casual wear. Standing with arms akimbo and without a glance at his son, the Prime Minister dropped, "Thinking of repeating your old tricks?"

Chen Meng felt as if struck by a heavy blow, suddenly raising his head: "What are you talking about, Father? I don't understand?"

"Someone who truly doesn't understand wouldn't say what you just did."

After changing, the Prime Minister sat behind his desk. A servant brought tea, which he sipped before saying, "Call the lady here."

Chen Meng, puzzled by his father's words, heard the Prime Minister say, "Your mother worries about you; you should properly thank her."

Him? Chen Meng was nearly bursting with anger, convinced that this framing was orchestrated by his stepmother. No sooner had his aunt become enemies with the Zhu family than a fire was set where the Zhu family was staying, framing him with evidence, all traced back to his stepmother's personal attendant!

The Prime Minister continued, "She has been managing your finances and teaching you life's morals. Shouldn't you thank her?"

When Lady Chen arrived, she too wore a grim expression. The Prime Minister kindly said, "You've worked hard these years, both attending to your illness and the children appreciate it."

Chen Meng was confused, but under his father's gaze, he obediently kowtowed to his stepmother. Lady Chen remained silent until the Prime Minister prompted, "My lady?"

Lady Chen took a deep breath and said, "Chen Duo! You were promoted by my father!"

The Prime Minister responded, "How could I forget such a favor? Eldest son, you must thank your mother."

Both Chen Meng and Lady Chen, frightened into silence, acted like marionettes - one bowing and the other pretending to help him up, saying, "Rise." Then, both figuratively looked to the Prime Minister, waiting for his next command like puppets.

He then suggested, "Madam Chen, please rest. If you're ill, you must seek proper treatment."

Madam Chen, assisted away by two sturdy maids, revealed to Chen Meng that neither were his stepmother’s usual confidantes.

Chen Meng, feeling uneasy and observing the study room’s door close, softly called out, "Father?" It was then he realized how little he knew of his father, despite years of contemplation on his family and the intricate relations within.

Prime Minister Chen remained silent, his gaze serene, which only intensified Chen Meng’s anxiety.

His breathing grew rapid until he finally exclaimed, "Father! Please, if you have any advice for your son, speak it directly!"

Prime Minister Chen’s silence persisted until Chen Meng, drenched in sweat and kneeling, prompted him to speak: "Already at your limit? Weren't you bold? Weren’t you cunning? Hmm? Meddling in family affairs with the power of state laws?!!!"

Chen Meng protested, "It was my brother who first sought to harm me!"

"Indeed, similar to your mother’s claim that you sought to harm her son first," he noted.

Gasping, Chen Meng looked up at his father, "You knew she framed me! Do you believe I am innocent?!"

Prime Minister Chen, furiously, retorted, "Foolish! Innocent, you say? 'Innocence' would laugh itself to death at the notion!"

Mixed with distress and a hint of joy, Chen Meng discerned that despite his father’s suspicion of him trying to manipulate the situation against his stepmother, he also recognized her initial fault and had personally verified the truth. Though angry, Prime Minister Chen still held belief in his son.

Crawling to his father's feet, he clung to Chancellor Chen's legs, sobbing uncontrollably, "Father, father, father, I am suffering! It's so hard for me!"

Chancellor Chen patted his head, "What's troubling you? Have you brought me a tough problem?"

"I had no other choice, you wouldn't intervene, and they are out to harm me. Father, even ants struggle to live, yet I have a stepmother, a stepmother! It's worse than having none!" Chen Meng poured out his grievances from when he was seven, "I don't know whom to rely on; I'm all alone, surrounded only by servants, no kin. It's hard for me!"

Chancellor Chen sighed, "Stand up."

Wiping away his tears, Chen Meng looked up at his father with moist eyes, "Father."

But Chancellor Chen did not return his gaze kindly; instead, he said sternly, "The law of the land must not enter the household!"

"I don't understand," Chen Meng whimpered, "I was about to lose my life, thought you had abandoned me, I was terrified. To survive, I had no choice but to make a big fuss..."

"Survive? Why do you think I sent you away? That was to give you a way out! In a large family, if united, not to speak of forever, three to five generations of wealth and nobility, even ten generations of continuity, raising a child of merit could extend it for more generations without issue. But if there's infighting..." Chancellor Chen scoffed, "You implicated the government in killing your brother; your mother could use the law against you! Your maternal family, despising poverty and coveting wealth without foresight, discarded a gem to feud with kin. And you? Clinging to your worthless uncle, running errands for him! If something happens to Zhu Ying, who else but you would they catch?"

Chen Meng muttered, "It's not that serious, is it?"

Chancellor Chen sneered, "That dagger wasn't just for framing; that servant wandered with the knife for days. Only because Zhu Ying stayed indoors, did they resort to arson. Otherwise, Zhu Ying could have been killed in the street with that knife gifted by you! What then?"

"Fortunately, he was studying and didn't go out."

Chancellor Chen concluded, "Indeed, studying is beneficial. Continue with your studies."

Chen Meng slightly cheered up and said, "Father, did you give him gold because he stayed indoors to study? You've given too much to Jin Liang and Zhu Ying this time."

"If it's not wasteful and has its value, why not spend the money? If money can solve the problem, there's no need to be stingy! Show generosity, avoid making unnecessary enemies! With these two, you don't need to be overly close, nor should you harbor resentment. What's there to hold grudges for? Will they drag you in as a suspect if they get into trouble?"

Chen Meng laughed, "No, I actually think Zhu Ying is quite alright. Even my uncle has some regrets, he asked me to make amends. I..."

"Shen Ying, that waste! You're overly intimate with him! If you're to act like your uncle, don't call yourself my son!"

"Father, father, what about him? When my maternal grandfather was wrongfully accused and committed suicide, my mother begged you, but you didn’t intervene. My uncle was exiled and then returned, sustaining our family till now. Even if just for my mother's sake..."

Chancellor Chen coldly said, "Are you blaming me now?"

Chen Meng knelt again, saying, "I wouldn't dare. I just don't understand why you didn't support my grandfather back then?"

"It was a struggle for the throne! Who could he rely on? Your grandfather took his own life. As the person involved, he couldn't even clear up whether he was falsely accused of supporting a rebel prince. How could others clarify for him? Your uncle even more so!"

The struggle for the throne made Chen Meng shudder, "Yes. I understand now. If it weren't for father's petition last year, grandfather's case wouldn't have been reopened so quickly, and my uncle wouldn't have been able to return so soon. And then sending my uncle to fetch me..."

Hearing him mention his uncle three times, Prime Minister Chen sipped his tea and asked affectionately, "What's your surname?"

"I'm a Chen!"

"I thought you were a Shen, considering how much you think of him. Maybe we should adopt you out to him tomorrow."

Chen Meng collapsed to the floor, "I wouldn't dare! That's not what I meant! I understand now! Family matters should be resolved within the family."

Prime Minister Chen somberly said, "In this capital, lift the roof of any household, compare each clause of the law, and in families above the fifth rank, only children under seven would be exempt from punishment. If everyone invokes state law for family matters, then there are no more families. If you don't understand this, you're no better than your brother. Better leave early, choose whose family you wish to ruin by becoming their son. I don't need such a family-destroying son. They say your brother is a mess, a ruin to our family. Between you two, you're the real ruin."

Terrified, Chen Meng repeatedly bowed deeply, "Father, I understand now, I was wrong! Everything I have comes from my family; without it, I am nothing. My mother thought only of the Shen family, forgetting she was a Chen daughter-in-law, my mother. Without understanding how to maintain what she built, it's bound to fall apart one day."

"Go now. From tomorrow, have your wife learn household management."

"Yes," Chen Meng trembled as he rose, cautiously asking, "About Zhu Ying, should I meet with him a few more times to show that all is forgiven? And also conclude matters with my uncle."

Seeing him scared and somewhat disoriented, Prime Minister Chen softened slightly, "Why 'appear to'? Think about it, do you have any real grudge? How did this enmity begin?"

"No, none," said Chen Meng.

Prime Minister Chen looked at his son helplessly as Chen Meng laughed foolishly, "Right, no grudge."

"Regarding your uncle, after all, he's an elder. It's just a visit."

"Yes. I understand now. I won't orbit around him anymore." Suddenly, it clicked for Chen Meng; right, he had no grudge with Zhu Ying. Even without mentioning the Shen or Feng families, they got along quite well. As a son of the Chen family, Zhu Ying's status might be lower, but he wasn't unpleasant; in fact, quite the opposite. Having more friends is never a bad thing.

"That goes for my uncle too, I'm a Chen, not a Shen!"

"Sure, relatives should help each other when they can, but I'm not his attendant!"

Prime Minister Chen said, "Finally, you've come to your senses."

…………——

Zhu Ying was unaware of the drama unfolding within the Chen household, but judging from the behavior of Wang Yunhe and Prime Minister Chen, she knew she was safe.

After a restful night's sleep, she got up early to continue her studies. She set aside the books given by Wang Yunhe for now, considering anything not on the exam to be of no immediate use. She'd revisit them after the exams.

The arson case had cost her precious time, which she now needed to make up for! Meanwhile, Zhu Da and Zhang Xianfu were assisting the Jin family with moving plans. They first accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Jin to inspect the new house, which was indeed new and built with better materials than their current home, featuring a well and a large tree in the courtyard.

Mrs. Jin was very pleased, "It will be nice and cool in the summer. With a well, we can chill fruits and eat them! I hope it's a sweet water well; that would be even better."

They also invited Zhang Xianfu to inspect the side rooms, proposing everyone move in together until Zhu Ying secured a governmental position, after which they could move back to their own home. "By then, I won't be involved anymore. You won't have to worry about him being arbitrarily imprisoned."

Zhang Xianfu was delighted, "If the third child really becomes an official, I'll get a house too! It doesn't have to be like yours; just like the one we rented would be fine! Mrs. Jin, you haven't seen my place, have you? It's not as nice as yours, but I cleaned it myself, everything is neat and tidy."

After inspecting the house, the group had a clear idea of how to arrange things. They handled the formalities with the steward from the Chen household, exchanged the property deeds, and moved to the new house. Meanwhile, the Chen family was not in a rush to reclaim the old property - they hardly cared for such a small courtyard.

They moved their belongings to the back house first, coming and going through the back door. Zhu Ying stayed in the front courtyard to study, hastily eating lunch before returning to her recitations and calligraphy practice.

In the afternoon, while Zhu Ying was practicing her calligraphy, the household cook informed her, "Third Young Master, there's someone here to see you. They've sent a card!"

Zhu Ying said, "Let me see it."

It was a card from Chen Meng!

Zhu Ying was surprised, "What does he want? Please, let him in."

After washing her hands and straightening her clothes, she went out to greet Chen Meng. She was somewhat surprised upon seeing him, "You look much better, Young Master."

Chen Meng offered a reserved smile, "Zhu Ying, I'm here on my own behalf this time. You can't get mad at me again."

Zhu Ying replied, "Not at all. Please, come in."

She led him to her side room. Chen Meng looked around the room without any sign of disapproval, seemingly adopting a bit of Prime Minister Chen's demeanor, "Did I interrupt your studies?"

"It's fine."

Chen Meng said, "You're studying legal codes? Why not read classics and history instead?"

Zhu Ying smiled, "I'm different from you."

Chen Meng continued, "What difference does it make? After this lawsuit, you've seen, I didn't end up any better. That thief was a servant brought along by my stepmother. That..."

Zhu Ying interjected, "I already know."

"Do you really know?"

Zhu Ying smiled, "The stepmother, eh. And the Second Young Master also..."

Chen Meng looked distressed and said, "Ah, you know, it's good that you do. Saves me having to pretend. Here, take this. This isn't from my uncle; it's from me. You've suffered because of the disputes in my family, and so has Jin Liang. You must feel uneasy, right? And it's hurt your relationships. It's all because of the grudges within my family."

Zhu Ying didn't refuse, "Alright, since you put it that way, I'll accept. You don't need to give so much; I've already received quite a bit."

Chen Meng didn't insist on her taking everything, allowing her to accept some stationery and a few rolls of new silk, as well as some food boxes, adding, "Perfect for warming Jin Da's new home."

Chen Meng added, "I won't disturb you further. Once you're appointed to an official position, I'll take you around the capital."

Zhu Ying laughed, "Really? What's the status of the Young Master? Me..."

Chen Meng responded, "I think you're capable, especially in investigative work, which not everyone can do. You can make it."

"Alas, it was all a mess."

Chen Meng hesitated before asking, "Guangqun, have you really not seen her? It's not her fault."

Zhu Ying paused, then said, "I know, it's just fate playing tricks. Seeing her now wouldn't do her any favors. Madame Feng can't stand any dissent. I just hope she finds a good family."

Chen Meng suggested, "If you meet, I can help facilitate. It's better to clear the air, so you can focus on your studies and she can be at peace at home. Cutting the Gordian knot benefits both paths forward, doesn't it? We don’t have to let them know."

Zhu Ying agreed, "That sounds good."

"Everyone's busy with the move here, they won’t notice you. I’ll quietly inform her and ask her to come."

"No need to keep it from everyone here. My parents also wish to see Big Sister, to tell her she’s not to blame."

"Alright, it's settled then."

Zhu Ying added, "Young Master, there’s something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"The lady of your house, her actions were so crude, so foolishly transparent. Why?"

"Haven't you seen why? Why does she need to be clever? Why scheme meticulously? Success or failure, my father covers for her. Why does she need to be smart? Without my father, there’s her own father, her brothers. If it weren’t for my father’s decisive action, just bringing this to trial would have caused scandal! She achieved her aim; why would she need to plan any further?"

Zhu Ying responded, "I understand."

"Let's go, Guangqun. I've brought her over for you."

…………

True to his word, Chen Meng arranged for his wife to invite Sister Hua out for a temple visit the next day, which Madame Feng naturally permitted.

Once outside, after paying respects at the temple, Chen Meng's servant distracted Madame Feng's servants to rest and have tea. Pretending to take a break in a meditation room, Sister Hua instead slipped away with the help of Chen Damei, leaving the temple to head to the Jin residence.

By then, the Zhu family had just finished their lunch.

Upon seeing them, Sister Hua burst into tears first, "Foster mother, you've suffered. I'm sorry for what happened to you!"

Zhang Xianju said, "I know you're good-hearted. This situation isn't your fault!"

Chen Damei also shed a few tears, advising, "Take your time to talk, no need to cry right now."

Zhu Ying signaled to Jin Damei, who then invited Chen Damei for tea. Hesitant at first, Zhu Ying opened the door and propped it with a chair as a gesture that it wouldn't be closed. Chen Damei smiled and followed Jin Damei.

Sister Hua threw herself into Zhang Xianju's arms, "Foster mother, I'm a sinner! My mother died, you were beaten, and only then did I find out Guangqun was jailed again!"

After comforting her, Zhu Da added, "It's not your fault. What could you decide? Don't worry about it. Just find a good family to marry into. Your birth mother wouldn't settle for less for you."

Sister Hua shook her head, "That household is no place to stay! A kind heart doesn't always lead to good deeds."

Zhu Da, not quite adept at conversing with women in such situations, excused himself seeing the three women together, "You ladies take your time, I'll step out for a bit."

Left behind, the three women, Sister Hua and Zhang Xianju, embraced and wept together, mourning the definitive end of the marriage arrangement and saying their goodbyes.

Sister Hua said, "Seeing you all well puts my mind at ease," and pulled out a bundle of gold and silver to give to Zhang Xianju.

Zhang Xianju insisted, "Keep it for yourself, girl. We're family, we look out for each other."

Sister Hua shook her head, "Gold and silver mean both everything and nothing in that household. I used to think those of higher status, who spoke of principles different from ours, were always right, and we were wrong. They talked about adhering to norms, and even if we couldn't match up, even if it meant suffering, we had to try, to be 'proper' and 'superior'. But these days, the more I think about it, the more I feel something's off, yet I can't pinpoint the mistake."

Zhang Xianju felt deeply saddened: If only she could have been my daughter-in-law! But not wanting to linger on that thought, she hurried them, "You should talk. Lingering here isn't good for Sister Hua's reputation."

Zhu Ying mentioned, "I've always said, using me as a shield doesn't bother me. You deserve a good man, not necessarily me. After your mother passed, you've felt empty, and now this. I want to tell you, 'Forget about others, focus on yourself.'"

"Guangqun..."

Zhu Ying continued, "The Zhu family drained your foster mother of her spirit and crushed her heart. I don't want you to waste yourself for a Zhu either. It shouldn't be like this!"

Sister Hua sighed softly, "I've always known. The way you look at me has always been different from how Da Lang looks at me. I thought when you grew older, you'd understand more about the world. Now, it seems you've always seen me as a sister, not a wife. You're kind-hearted, but your heart burns for something else."

"Sister, you'll always be my sister! What I can't give you, I can help with anything else."

Sister Hua said mournfully, "It's only been a few months, but it feels like lifetimes have passed. It was my mother's decision, I know, and it was like forcing you. You bear no resentment, and that's more than enough for me. We're all good people, and this is how things are now. Who knows about the future? I understand your intentions."

Choking back tears, Zhu Ying said, "Sister, there's something I must tell you. Please remember this."

"Go ahead."

"The Prime Minister, your uncle, your mother, and many others in the future might be harsh on me but kind to you. Even their harshness is more reasonable than the irrationality of Zhu Jiazhuang's elders, right?"

"That's true. But..."

Zhu Ying concluded, "Their manners are more refined. When I say 'refined manners,' I mean they're better than those with 'crude manners,' not that they've stopped 'eating' altogether. Remember, as long as there's 'eating,' whether it looks good or bad, it's the same."

Sister Hua said through tears, "I know. It's time for me to leave. Keep this bag of gold and silver as a token of our acquaintance. Let's help each other out. If I need help in the future, I'll come to you, okay?"

"Alright," Zhu Ying indicated for Zhang Xianju to accept the gold and silver, then went to draw the curtain aside.

As the coins clattered to the ground from Zhang Xianju's grasp, Sister Hua pointed at a bloodstain on the hem of Zhu Ying's robe and asked, "Guangqun, what's this...?"