Chapter 54: The New Official

Chapter 54: The New Official

After her outing, Zhu Ying planned to stay home as much as possible. She hadn't yet gone through the stack of documents from Zheng Xi, nor had she read the "Zuo Zhuan" given by Wang Yunhe. She felt even more anxious now than before the exam.

The exam was merely about filling out a paper, but what she was about to face was real life, a stark contrast to a mere exam sheet! Failing an exam meant losing face at worst, and she could always retake it or follow Zheng Xi's advice to study the classics. But failing in the officialdom could lead to serious consequences!

As she previously told Jin Liang, it's not just about the prestige; there's indeed something to fear.

The very next day, she got up early.

Zhang Xianjin and Zhu Da were up even earlier than her. Zhu Da, roused by Zhang Xianjin to fetch water, was heard boasting to the neighbors, "Our child has passed the examination and will soon become an official! If you ever need anything, just let us know!"

Zhang Xianjin had already cooked a large pot of porridge and was cutting pickles, also boiling extra eggs for Zhu Ying and Zhu Da. Seeing Zhu Ying awake, she cheerfully said, "Come quick, your dad's back with the water, it's fresh! Wash up and come eat," wiping her hands on her apron. Her face beamed with happiness, and the silver hairpin at her temple shimmered in the morning sunlight.

Zhu Ying responded, "Okay!"

Breakfast was served in the main room, and Zhang Xianjin joyfully said, "We're finally settled. Now that the youngest is an official, we don't have to worry about being bothered by others! Eat well and live well!"

Zhu Ying peeled an egg and placed it in her bowl, to which Zhang Xianjin said, "You eat it."

Zhu Ying replied, "What's the big deal about cooking one extra? We're not lacking anymore!"

Despite Zhang Xianjin's protests, Zhu Ying used her chopsticks to split the egg in half, "That's settled then, half for each. Next time I'll cook two and throw both into the neighbor's pigpen!"

Zhang Xianjin scolded with affection, "You mule-headed girl!" and grudgingly ate her half.

After eating, she brightened up again, asking, "When will you start your duty at the office?"

Zhu Ying answered, "I have to wait for the official decree, learn some etiquette and taboos, and get my official uniform ready before reporting in. It'll be a few more days. This gives me the chance to clarify some matters and prevent them from duping me."

Zhu Da agreed, "Exactly! Newcomers are always somewhat bullied; you can't be careless."

"Yes, Zheng Da Ren has already given me some pointers."

Zhang Xianjin added, "You have to say, Zheng Da Ren is quite righteous."

The couple murmured to each other, sharing wisdom gained not from officialdom but from their experiences with charlatans. Zhu Ying didn't argue but quietly listened, occasionally picking at some pickles to accompany her meal.

She had always been quiet, accustomed early on to her parents' constant chatter—especially her mother's, who only fell silent when asleep. Now, it was evident that her mother, Zhang Xianjin, could also offer tender, mundane life advice without resorting to scolding. Having endured scolding, Zhu Ying found these moments perfectly bearable and was in high spirits as she listened and ate.

Listening to Zhang Xianjin's plans to pick up some discarded wood for a chicken coop and broken bamboo for a chicken cage, intending to buy some chicks so leftover food wouldn't go to waste, and mentioning buying some coarse pottery jars for pickling, Zhu Ying suggested, "Let's also get some rice and flour. Sister Jin provided some, but I eat a lot. I'd like to have some pan-fried buns tomorrow."

Zhang Xianjin hurriedly replied, "What? Isn't there enough? We have plenty! I'll go buy some more later!"

Zhu Ying laughed, "No rush, I'll go out with you today to buy those jars and more…"

"How can that be?! Don't you have to review your studies?"

Zhu Ying planned, "Let's do this: I'll get the wood and bamboo, Dad can build the chicken coop at leisure. Mom and I will buy more things. Now that we can eat better, we'll all have eggs to eat soon! And some meat. And, yes, we can even afford new clothes now. Let's also sell those goods from back home; we'll have some spare cash. I think my salary should be enough to live on, maybe even save some. Let's just live peacefully."

Zhang Xianjin agreed, "Alright!"

Zhu Da pondered, "Then I'll go visit Xu Lao Dao. Haven't seen him in a while."

Zhu Ying smiled, "Sure."

Zhang Xianjin scolded, "You're causing trouble again! First go to the market and sell the things we brought from home!"

Zhu Da argued, "He lives in a Taoist temple, selling goods there is the same. Hey, this isn’t about performing séances, right?"

Zhu Ying suggested, "Just consign them to the temple, accept whatever money comes, or if it doesn't sell, it's fine. Consider it a charitable act for our Gan Niang in the temple."

Mentioning Yu Miaomiao made Zhang Xianjin less cheerful, she sighed, "She just can't see the light. Even now, if she were with us, we're not heartless. Her life wouldn't be bad."

Zhu Da said tersely, "Eat your food and quit your yapping! Let's finish eating and go shopping!"

The family went about their tasks as Zhu Ying had planned. She and Zhang Xianjin bought a lot, even hiring a cart to bring back several coarse jars, a load of vegetables, a big jar of salt, and firewood, rice, and flour. They also brought home some household items. Seeing all the supplies, Zhu Da remarked, "Well now, we've got everything we need!" He then started working on the chicken coop, his craftsmanship might be rough, but living in the countryside taught him to be handy with tools.

Zhang Xianjin couldn't stop talking: "She bought a hundred eggs! A hundred! She paid for them before I could even stop her, just handed over the money! My money!"

Zhu Da and Zhu Ying didn't engage with her comment, exchanging glances and continuing with their tasks.

Zhu Ying sold the cart that had brought their possessions from their hometown and found buyers for almost everything they had brought, leaving a few items with price tags for Zhu Da to sell casually in front of the Taoist temple. The empty shed where the cart had been was now ready to be converted into a chicken coop.

After fussing about the hundred eggs, Zhang Xianjin moved on to nagging about Zhu Ying also buying vegetables, meat, and even fish, noting, "We still had half a fish left from the day before yesterday, we could add some tofu and make another dish." She then went on to salt the pickles, intending to add extra salt for longer preservation, ensuring they would last until winter.

Zhu Ying thought to herself: In a few days, once the pickles are ready, it'll give Mother something to do, preventing her from resorting to becoming a spirit medium in the capital, which was not only ineffective but could lead to accusations of witchcraft—a serious offense.

She handed Zhu Da a jar of wine from the cart, "Here! Some fresh brew from the capital, drink it sparingly!"

Zhu Da responded, "As if I needed reminding. But you should work on your tolerance too. Though, considering Grandpa and I both handle our liquor well, perhaps you'll inherit the trait..."

Interrupting her pickling, Zhang Xianjin brandished a kitchen knife, "If you're going to be reckless, don't drag her into it! Zhu Ying, find some heavy stones to weigh down the pickling jars. I'll deal with this old fool!"

After spending another day organizing their small rented home, Zhu Ying began to focus on her studies. With enough lamp oil from Sister Jin, calligraphy practice sheets from Zheng Xi, and Zhang Xianjin allowing her extra wicks, she could study into the night.

Life continued much as it had while she prepared for exams at Jin Liang's house, with Zhu Da and Zhang Xianjin not fully grasping the significance of their daughter's new official status. Zhu Da would boast, only to be scolded by Zhang Xianjin, "She hasn't even started her duties. Don't cause trouble for her; wait until it's all settled before you start bragging!"

After two days, Chen Meng sent someone over with a complete set of essentials for her, ranging from book bags and pen cases to lunch boxes, all necessary for working in the Imperial City. Chen Meng also included a note advising her on the poor quality of cafeteria meals and recommending she bring her own food. He mentioned these items were provided at someone's request, ending the note with an expression of sentiment.

Zhu Ying organized her belongings according to the items sent by Chen Meng and realized she lacked a set of bedding, as officials had to take turns being on night duty in the Imperial City, including at the Dali Temple.

Wealthy officials had a set of bedding both at home and in the city, while others had to shuttle theirs back and forth. Zhu Ying decided to prepare a separate set for herself.

Soon, her official appointment arrived—Zhu Ying, who had disguised herself as a boy from a family of spirit mediums, was formally appointed as a judge at the Dali Temple.

As a judge at the Dali Temple, she was granted the rank of eighth grade, dressed in deep cyan.

Zhu Ying had to arrange for her own official garments.

Fortunately, shops in the capital specialized in this trade were abundant. With Jin Da Niang's guidance and having paid for everything, including bargaining done by Jin Da Niang, Zhu Ying was fully equipped. Grateful for the gold ingot Zhu Ying had given her, Jin Da Niang also gifted her a set of clothes, ensuring Zhu Ying had ample attire for changes.

While waiting for her clothes, Zhu Ying memorized the Dali Temple roster and her "classmates" list provided by Zheng Xi, took the time to learn etiquette, and began reading the "Zuo Zhuan."

Reading the text, she found amusement: "Isn't this exactly what Chen Da Gongzi did? Impressive! No wonder everyone says reading is crucial; books truly have the power to enlighten."

Zhu Da and Zhang Xianjin were thrilled their daughter had become an official. While one laundered her clothes, the other admired them on the rack, insisting Zhu Ying try them on for a look.

Being an eighth-grade official might seem minor, akin to a sesame official in the grand scheme of things, yet it represented a dream position for many. Even esteemed individuals like Yu Ping and Mr. Huang would have to pay their respects, marking a remarkably high starting point for someone of Zhu Ying's background.

Zhu Ying didn’t dampen their spirits; she was quite content with her official rank. If she had started as a minor official, she might have begun as a ninth-grade prison warden. From ninth to eighth grade was several levels apart!

Zhu Da calculated for a moment and said, "You're about five ranks behind Jin Liang, right?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Multiply by two, so ten ranks," because each rank is divided into primary and secondary levels, each with upper and lower divisions.

Zhu Da said, "Doesn't matter! What's important is that you've become an official!"

…………

Being an official wasn’t easy!

On the official day of her induction, Zhu Ying dressed in her official uniform and rose early, arriving at the Imperial City as instructed.

She learned that the northern part of the capital, heavily guarded, housed the Imperial City, with central government offices in the front half and the palace behind.

Zhu Ying checked in at the entrance of the Imperial City, verifying her identification, then proceeded to report to the Dali Temple. At this time, Zheng Xi was attending the emperor. However, Zheng Xi's servants, including Lu Chao and Gan Ze, waited outside the Imperial City for her. They circled Zhu Ying, commenting on her appearance and youth, but reminded her of her serious role as an imperial appointee.

These two were old acquaintances of Zhu Ying and trusted men of Zheng Xi. Seeing them warmly interact with Zhu Ying, other officials took notice, recognizing her significance.

After a brief conversation, they urged Zhu Ying to head to the Dali Temple, whispering advice to seek Zheng Xi’s help if faced with any bullying, hinting at dealing with the "old slicks."

Zhu Ying thought to herself that Zheng Xi was probably expecting her to lead the charge and replied, "Got it, I’m heading in now."

According to the stack of documents about the Dali Temple given to her by Zheng Xi, this government office, unlike the county yamen that deals with taxation and corporal punishment, specializes in criminal justice. It sounds less complicated than the county yamen's responsibilities, as it doesn't even collect taxes. In fact, its scope of duty is extensive, summarized in two sentences: "Major cases involving ordinary people, and cases involving high-profile figures."

It both reviews and presides over trials.

It meticulously examines cases involving crimes punishable by imprisonment or more severe penalties sent by various officials, including dismissals, demotions, and official appointments for those ranked ninth grade or above, and exile or death sentences for commoners.

The once high and mighty "great men" were now in her hands?

Zhu Ying felt a small thrill at the thought.

With a modest excitement, she took her waist badge and headed to the Dali Temple as instructed, only to be met with a cold reality.

In the Dali Temple, she was nearly at the bottom of the hierarchy among the officials, above only two clerks and four prison wardens. She was the lowest-ranking official, with eleven peers at her level, making a total of twelve "shrimps." One of her contemporaries, who had also passed the exam in the Ming Law discipline, was even appointed as a clerk, a ninth-grade position, lower than hers.

The new clerk, Bao, twice Zhu Ying's age, greeted her, "Zhu Shi Xiong, do you know what our tasks are?"

Zhu Ying, equally unaware, replied, "I do not know either. We must wait for instructions from our superiors."

She thought to wait for Zheng Xi, the head of the Dali Temple, to assign her tasks. Whatever Zheng Xi said, she would do. However, as Zheng Xi was still with the emperor, she could only wait. When Zheng Xi finally appeared, he merely asked, "All of you are new here? What are your names? What were your grades in the exam?"

Zhu Ying achieved the top grade, correctly answering all the questions. Clerk Bao also received the top grade, albeit slightly behind Zhu Ying due to minor discrepancies in his writing, which was still considered good.

Zheng Xi did not show any special favor towards Zhu Ying. Turning to the two people seated below him, he asked, "Any instructions, Er Lang?"

Zhu Ying observed that this "Er Lang," likely one of the deputy heads of the Dali Temple named Leng Yun, seemed about the same age as Zheng Xi. Leng Yun replied indifferently, "If you have no instructions, what could I possibly order? Let them start and we'll see how they do."

Zheng Xi then asked another Deputy Minister, Pei Qing, "Zi Cheng, do you have any instructions?"

Pei Qing, around thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old with a neatly trimmed beard, appeared to be someone not easily provoked. Zhu Ying glanced at the two deputy ministers and could tell that their mood was not very good at the moment; Leng Yun seemed somewhat bored, while Pei Qing appeared somewhat dissatisfied with her. It definitely couldn't be personal; it must be Zheng Xi's doing.

Indeed! Pei Qing asked Zhu Ying, "Are you the top scorer in the first grade?"

"Yes."

Pei Qing scrutinized her and suddenly questioned, "How would you judge those who slightly abduct or sell people into slavery?"

Zhu Ying replied, "Execution by hanging. For those who turn them into soldiers, exile for three thousand li. For making them wives, concubines, or descendants, imprisonment for three years. Those who cause injury or death in the process are judged by the same laws as robbers."

Pei Qing then tested her on several more points, such as the meaning of "Xuan Xiang Qi Wu."

Zhu Ying wondered: Did Zheng Xi offend him? Why test me with these intermediate statutes?

People who memorize texts know that the beginning and the end are the easiest to remember, while the middle is most easily forgotten. Pei Qing's choice to test her on these indicates a possible bias against her. Zhu Ying reasoned that she hadn't wronged Pei Qing in any way; it must be because she was there to support Zheng Xi.

She didn't look at Zheng Xi, as it wouldn't help at this moment. He was just standing aside, watching, using Pei Qing to test her.

However, Zhu Ying answered all of Pei Qing's questions correctly. Pei Qing, although somewhat displeased, managed to suppress his dissatisfaction, thinking to himself: Not bad.

Then he asked a question meant to unsettle Zhu Ying, "Why is your handwriting so ugly?"

Pei Qing's dissatisfaction with Zhu Ying mostly stemmed from her handwriting. He had seen her Ming Law examination paper!

Zhu Ying was the top scorer in the Ming Law subject, but her top position was controversial due to her poor handwriting.

He saw Zhu Ying's examination paper. Although the answers were correct, the handwriting made him skeptical—such poor penmanship, could his scholarship really be that good? And yet, he was specifically requested by Zheng Xi.

Traditionally, scholars start practicing calligraphy from the moment they begin memorizing texts. Many even develop a mastery akin to that of calligraphy masters before they even become officials. Zhu Ying's handwriting wasn't indecipherable but resembled that of a beginner, albeit with a decent structure. It clearly showed a lack of practice, something one couldn't hide.

"How long did you actually attend school?"

"And you managed to answer the entire paper correctly?!"

Pei Qing was highly skeptical.

Zheng Xi's demeanor only deepened Pei Qing's suspicions. He had every reason to suspect that the examination was leaked, and Zhu Ying, a greenhorn, had memorized the answers without truly understanding the law. Moreover, at fourteen? Was he joking?

At fourteen, scoring top marks? That would make her a prodigy. Why wouldn't a prodigy be nurtured for the higher exams like Ming Jing or Jinshi instead of sitting for the Ming Law examination?

"You nobles and privileged youths are utterly lawless!"

However, lacking evidence and with Zheng Xi appearing unconcerned, Pei Qing's opinion of Zheng Xi also dropped.

No, Pei Qing was in the Dali Temple to clean up the mess and uphold integrity, not like Zheng Xi, who was content with just doing enough to accumulate experience. Pei Qing held himself to a higher standard!

Since Zhu Ying answered all the statutes correctly, Pei Qing realized his initial judgment might have been flawed, thus raising the issue of handwriting.

Zhu Ying was previously indifferent about her handwriting, but with Zheng Xi, Wang Yunhe, and now Pei Qing urging her to practice, she could only admit, "I haven't practiced enough."

Pei Qing got irritated again. This youngster really knew how to be vexing! When asked why her handwriting was poor, she simply said she hadn't practiced enough—wasn't that obvious? If she had practiced well, would it still be bad?

Pei Qing commanded, "Practice well!"

Zhu Ying replied, "Yes."

Pei Qing choked mid-laugh, erupting into a fit of coughing. Leng Yun, amused, remarked, "At least they're obedient, haha. Someone, show these two around, let them learn which way the door swings!"

An official in green robes stepped forward, offering, "I'll guide them."

Leng Yun added, "Go on, let them get acquainted with the premises before introducing them to their peers. Maybe they can help with some tasks."

With a bow, the green-robed official led them away.

Left alone, Leng Yun burst into laughter, turning to Zheng Xi, "Qi Lang, your judgement's not bad! Brother Zi Cheng, we've gained a promising young talent. Despite her youth, her legal knowledge is impressive. We're short-staffed, and she arrives just in time, haha!"

Pei Qing, still stern, countered, "There are still case files to be reviewed and prisoners awaiting trial. Laughing won't help; better to focus on those documents."

Leng Yun, laughing again, conceded, "Alright, alright, you're the diligent one. I'm off!" With a cheerful bow to Zheng Xi, he made his exit, bursting into laughter once more upon stepping outside, leaning on a pillar to watch the trio navigate the Dali Temple, chuckling, "Things are about to get lively."

…………——

Zhu Ying and the other newcomer were shown around by one of the six Dali Temple Chengs, an official of considerable rank and age. He encouraged them, noting the opportunities due to vacancies.

Zhu Ying internally scoffed, attributing the vacancies to a recent culling of officials, a rare opportunity that was surely eyed by many, including herself as Zheng Xi's insertion.

She remained keenly attentive alongside Bao Lu Shi, feigning humility and excitement.

Led by Cheng Zhang through the temple's prisons, including the women's section, and briefed on various prohibitions, they were advised against wandering towards the northern palace. Both Zhu Ying and Bao Lu Shi acknowledged, earning Zhang Cheng's satisfaction.

Zhu Ying was then placed among the assessors.

The Dali Temple assessors, ideally numbering twelve, were now ten, including Zhu Ying. The group was led by the most senior Zuo Assessor. The vacancies resulted from a purge during a major case, not yet fully replenished. Of the ten, two were dispatched elsewhere, leaving eight including Zhu Ying.

Zhu Ying had resolved to excel, capitalizing on the current staff shortage and Zheng Xi's need for achievements.

Meeting Pei Qing and Leng Yun, Zhu Ying realized Dali Temple was fraught with factions, with these two Sub Prefects seemingly independent of Zheng Xi's influence.

Unexpectedly, upon entering the assessors' room, the eldest assessor greeted Zhu Ying first, exclaiming, "The youth are indeed formidable!" prompting everyone to commend her examination scores. They inquired about her hometown, finding no one from the same place, and discussed her current residence, ultimately chatting about whether she bought or rented her home.

An assessor with a white beard, Wang, remarked, "That area, for that rental price, you've snagged quite the bargain!" Having joined last year, he was older but less senior than the eldest assessor.

The conversation then turned to the culinary delights of the capital.

Zhu Ying was puzzled by their banter: What are these old timers up to? Don't they have work to do?

Fortunately, having been a con artist, Zhu Ying had the patience to listen. After Yu Assessor detailed the preparation of carp and dried shrimp, Liu Assessor wondered aloud about the day's official meal. The other seven joined in, discussing various recipes.

One commented, "What else can we have? In Dali Temple, it's neither here nor there: one meat dish, one vegetable, one soup. It's better than the austere 'clear water' government offices but can't compare to the lavish meals of richer departments."

Another added, "Even one meat and one vegetable can have varied combinations!"

Among the capital officials, many lead modest lives, so meals are significant. They all stressed the importance of daily life within the office to Zhu Ying, hardly fitting the image of a department "cleansed and poised for new achievements."

Zhu Ying mentally matched the names from the Dali Temple roster Zheng Xi provided with the faces around her. According to their backgrounds, four were Dali Temple veterans spared in the last purge, including the eldest assessor, while the others were transfers. It seemed the old guard's influence persisted among the newcomers.

After listening to their meal discussions, the official mealtime arrived. Zhu Ying, accustomed to fasting, brought nothing on her first day. When everyone gathered and the dishes were served, she couldn't help but smile at the fare, "Isn't this quite nice?"

For her, a meal with meat, vegetables, soup, and a big bowl of rice was more than satisfactory!

She enjoyed her meal so much that her more finicky colleagues began to wonder if she was eating the same food as them.

After the meal, there was a rest period, during which she asked her colleagues, "What should I be doing?"

Assessor Wang responded, "You should ask Elder Left."

Elder Left said, "There's no rush. You're new here, and although you ranked first in the exams, there's a difference between passing exams and handling cases. We won't assign you any tasks just yet. First, take a look at the case files to learn how your predecessors adjudicated cases. Old Wang, take her to see our archives."

The archives at Dali Temple differed from those at the Ministry of Revenue, which stores the empire's household registrations and updates them every twenty years, discarding the old ones. Here, significant and important cases were kept indefinitely, with records stretching from the founding of the dynasty to the present, encompassing decades of major cases!

Assessor Wang led Zhu Ying to the storage room for case files, saying, "Here they are! Once you've thoroughly understood these, you'll grasp how to adjudicate cases. Then, when you're assigned tasks, you'll handle them with ease."

Zhu Ying thought to herself: They must be joking! Not to mention, that's almost eighty years' worth of cases, right? With at least one major case per prefecture each year, that could total thousands of cases. Am I supposed to review them all?! I'd like to see their heads in a toilet, believe it or not.

However, she humbly replied, "Alright, I'll start looking through them."

Assessor Wang introduced her to Old Fang, the clerk responsible for the archives, saying, "If you need to review anything, find him. Just register first and check out when you return the files."

Zhu Ying noted this and, following his advice, borrowed some case files to start reviewing at her desk.

Her desk was situated decently due to the two unoccupied spots out of twelve, allowing her to choose a position with passable ventilation and lighting. Dali Temple also provided paper, pens, and candles. Zhu Ying concentrated, flipping through one case file after another.

Occasionally, the assessors would say, "I'm going to review that case" or "I'm off to question a prisoner," coming and going. Zhu Ying would stand up and ask, "Do you need me to do anything?"

They always replied, "It's okay, you're new here, you don't know anything yet, just focus on the case files!"

As evening approached, the Left Assessor stretched and asked, "Hey, who's on duty tonight?"

Assessor Wang answered, "It's not our turn!"

The Left Assessor said, "Good! Zhu, since you've just arrived, you won't be scheduled for night duty this round. You'll start taking night shifts next month."

With that, everyone cheerfully dispersed to head home for dinner, leaving Zhu Ying behind, watching their jubilant departure: What's going on here?

…………

On her first day returning from duty, Zhu Da and Zhang Xian'gu were eagerly waiting for her, one at the door and the other at the alley entrance, eagerly anticipating her return. From down the alley, Zhang Xian'gu asked, "How was it? What did you do today?"

Zhu Ying, reflecting on her day's experiences and finding them amusing, replied, "Everything's fine, let's go home."

Dinner that day featured new dishes. Zhang Xian'gu, while serving Zhu Ying, repeatedly inquired, "How was it? How was it?"

Zhu Ying said, "I've just arrived, haven't really done anything yet, but the food there is decent."

Zhang Xian'gu said, "That's good!"

The two charlatans didn't know what the royal court offices were like, but they did their best to give advice. Then Zhu Da suddenly asked, "Since you're new, didn't they have a drink with you to welcome you?"

Zhang Xian'gu was shocked, "You mustn't talk nonsense!"

Zhu Ying shook her head, "No, there wasn't any drinking party."

Both of them were relieved to hear this.

After dinner, Zhu Ying continued to read and practice writing by lamplight until late into the night before going to sleep.

The next day, she went to Dali Temple early again and spent another day reviewing case files, but she gradually began to find them interesting. It must be said, the variety of cases were much more intriguing and peculiar than the stories told by street storytellers. Comparing the judgements of predecessors with the laws she had memorized, she gained new insights, especially on why laws remained unchanged while decrees were periodically adjusted to complement them—the pace of legal changes couldn't keep up with human cunning.

Throughout the day, while her colleagues were busily coming and going, every time she offered to help, the Left Assessor and others would say, "No rush."

Zhu Ying had no choice but to continue reviewing case files.

Seeing her busy, the Left Assessor got up, approached the senior clerk Lao Fang, and asked, "What has the new girl Zhu been looking at?"

Lao Fang replied, "Some old files."

"From which year? What kind of cases?"

"All kinds, from the era of the Great Ancestor to this year, randomly selected. I saw her throw three dice, decide on a shelf based on the roll, throw again to choose a section, and then throw once more to pick out a specific volume..."

The Left Assessor snickered, "Still just a kid after all. Let me see what she's been looking at in those ledgers."

Lao Fang, also a veteran at the ministry, showed him the registration ledger, asking, "This newcomer has quite the background, doesn't she? The one older than her doesn't have as high a rank."

"Hmm, Deputy Minister Pei is currently upset with our Minister Zheng over this matter."

Lao Fang chuckled, "Both of them want to achieve something significant, yet they're not on the same side. Tsk, those above vie for fame and profit, always dragging us into their grind—Aren't you giving the newcomer a welcoming drink?"

"What welcome? We can't even tell if she's any good yet! Just leave it be. Everyone's money is money, isn't it? And they talk about being frugal. We don't have money."

Although one is an official and the other a clerk, both are old-timers at the Dali Temple and can speak freely. After chatting for a while, the Left Assessor skimmed through the registered ledgers, found no issues, and casually put it aside.

Thus, Zhu Ying returned home peacefully, enjoyed the late-night snack prepared by Zhang Xian'gu, and after eating, slept soundly, heading off to the imperial city the next day as if nothing had happened.

A few days passed uneventfully until the day before the rest day when the Left Assessor said to Zhu Ying, "Prepare your bedding, you'll be on night duty at the end of this half-month." Wang Assessor added, "It wasn't supposed to be so soon, but two others are going out on assignments these next few days. Because of the past incidents being dug up, many cases have to be reviewed again, and now we have to run errands that weren't originally our responsibility."

Zhu Ying replied, "Okay."

Her first ten days on the job passed unremarkably—no heavy duties, no troublesome superiors, no ostracizing colleagues, no petty clerks intentionally causing trouble. She even had clerks at the Dali Temple carry books and pour hot water for her.

Zhu Ying's days were unvaried, with only slight progress in her calligraphy to show for it.

On the rest day, Zhu Ying got up early, had breakfast, and went to Zheng's residence. Someone at the door recognized her and greeted with a smile, "Master Zhu has arrived?"

Zhu Ying responded, "Yes. Is Minister Zheng in?"

"Yes, he is."

Zhu Ying waited a bit before seeing Zheng Xi in the study, who, as ever, appeared composed and remarked, "Not bad, you found my door without Jin Liang leading you."

Zhu Ying replied, "When we first met, it wasn't him who led me to you either, but later on, as we got along, we came together."

Zheng Xi joked, "Sharp-tongued as always! How's your handiwork? Improved your calligraphy?"

"It's only been a few days," Zhu Ying said, "It's slightly better than before, visible to the eye. Speaking of which, what's with Deputy Minister Pei? He looked at me as if I stole two pounds of oil from him! Surely it wasn't me; could it be..."

Zheng Xi scolded, "You little rascal! With your sloppy handwriting, how could he like you?"

"Then he shouldn't be looking for people in the Dali Temple. He should go to the Hanlin Academy, where not only do they write well, but some can also paint."

"Nonsense! Whose scholar's handwriting is poor? On the contrary, if someone can write well, it indicates they've put in effort and have some cultivation. Your exam answers resembled those of someone who's studied for ten years, but your writing looked like you've only learned for ten months. No wonder he's suspicious, even thinking I gave you a shortcut."

"So you just watched?"

"Didn't you handle it quite well?"

Zhu Ying seriously said, "I thought you were eager to have someone capable to help turn things around, yet these past few months, you've been surprisingly patient. Do you really think the current state of the Dali Temple suits you?"

"Speak your mind."

"The whole Dali Temple doesn't seem very effective," Zhu Ying observed, "I don't understand why you haven't taken action yet."

Zheng Xi shook his head, "This isn't a fight where once it's over, you can ignore the mess. I have to clean up after any turmoil here, with the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers all watching. If I exert too much force within the Dali Temple, winning would be as good as losing—I'm the chief official."

"What about subduing one as an example?"

"Impressive, you've come to understand even this?"

Zhu Ying inquired, "Why don't you do that?"

Zheng Xi replied, "Don't understand? Just watch and learn. Overthrowing? Tell me, what have you been doing this ten-day period?"

"I've been reading dozens of little stories every day! All sorts—incest, murder, robbery... Uh... I've roughly figured out how the old Dali Temple judges handled cases. Quite interesting!"

Zheng Xi smiled and asked, "Is that so?"

"According to the list you gave, the old members retained in the Dali Temple include four judges, one registrar, two directors, one chief justice, and four deputies. The rest, including the chief and deputy chiefs, came later. I've looked into the cases judged by those who were retained and compared them to the sentences of similar cases in previous years."

"Oh?"

"The last major issue was the substitution of death row prisoners. The Dali Temple was involved but didn’t uncover it, though the greater responsibility was on Zhong Qin when he was in charge of the Ministry of Punishments. Many were replaced in the Dali Temple for legal violations. Those not caught might not necessarily be honest; some slack off, doing just enough to avoid breaking the law."

Zheng Xi praised, "Not bad. Those willing to go the extra mile and look deeper are indeed diligent. The Zhang Cheng who showed you around has been promoted from director to his current position in recent months."

Zhu Ying said, "That applies to me too, right? If I do well, I'll get promoted as well?"

Zheng Xi remarked, "You've just arrived and already thinking about promotions?"

"I dared to take the exam without much schooling!" Zhu Ying retorted, not backing down.

Zheng Xi, liking her spirit, said, "Alright, I'll be straightforward. If you can do the work of one person, I can dismiss one incompetent. Do the work of two, and I can get rid of both. Gradually, we'll replace them with those who are honest and hardworking."

Zhu Ying was pleased, "I like the sound of that. So, I'll start getting tasks tomorrow?"

Zheng Xi advised, "No rush. That's the plan. Keep observing their actions for at least a month, get a feel for the Dali Temple's atmosphere. Work? There's plenty!"

Zhu Ying confirmed, "So, in twenty days then? Alright!"