Chapter 104: Earnest Farewells and Lingering Worries

Wang Wei had been busy attending various social engagements for several days during the Third Day of the Third Lunar Month festival, and he had set his departure date for the eighth day of the month. As it happened, Du Shiyi also found himself swamped with unavoidable invitations for the following few days, so the two agreed to set off together when the time came. However, after attending five banquets—both midday and evening—over the course of three days, Du Shiyi returned to the Cui residence in the middle of the afternoon, smelling of wine and feeling lightheaded and exhausted. To his surprise, he found Du Shisanniang waiting anxiously at the gate.

"Brother!"

Du Shisanniang hurried forward, helping Tian Mo support Du Shiyi’s arm. She signaled for the servant to withdraw before whispering, "Brother, Lady Yue from Anguo Temple sent Master Mingguang to bring you a message. She said... she said..."

Seeing Du Shiyi suddenly stiffen and stop in his tracks, she steeled herself and blurted out the hardest part: "The Emperor has summoned the Great Master Gongsun to the Linde Hall of the Daming Palace in Chang'an to perform her sword dance!"

The Linde Hall of the Daming Palace... it was one of the largest halls in the entire palace complex, traditionally used for imperial banquets and hosting foreign envoys; its grandeur and vastness went without saying. For a woman like Lady Gongsun, who had devoted her life to sword dancing and had even vowed before others never to marry, there could be no greater stage! Yet, after this performance, would that peerless woman, who moved with such unparalleled grace, still have the strength to walk out of the deep palace?

After taking a deep breath, Du Shiyi asked in a low voice, "Is that the only message Lady Yue sent? What did you tell them?"

"That was all she sent. I replied, asking that she take care on her journey." Du Shisanniang glanced at her brother with some unease. Seeing him nod with a faint smile, she felt a wave of relief and added, "Master Mingguang also asked me to tell you that the young novice you met previously left Luoyang safely for the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song a few days ago. He also asked me to pass this to you, saying it was a gift from the little monk."

Du Shiyi took the item from her. It was a string of ebony prayer beads, smooth to the touch and deep in luster—clearly an old object of some years. Realizing it was likely something the young monk Luo Ying had used himself, he was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but smile, casually slipping them onto his left wrist. This unusual gesture drew a surprised question from Du Shisanniang.

"Brother, didn't you always say you didn't believe in Buddhism?"

"That was in the past." Du Shiyi shrugged with a laugh. After kicking off his shoes and dragging his heavy feet into the room, he flopped onto the daybed. He sat in a daze for a moment before saying, "Have you forgotten? It was only after our parents appeared in my dreams and the Lord of the Underworld sent his blessing that I miraculously regained my life. Buddhism speaks of reincarnation; one cannot ignore it, though one shouldn't believe it entirely either. Shisanniang, these past years you have either been left alone in a thatched hut or living in other people's homes. In the future, I will ensure you live a comfortable life and find you the best of husbands!"

Du Shisanniang felt every word of the first part was reasonable, but at the mention of the last part, her cheeks flushed slightly. She retorted with a playful, half-teasing look, "Brother, you should worry about yourself first! When I came over today, the Ninth Young Lady was dressed as Cui Shiyilang again, asking others about you. Looking at her, it doesn't seem like she’s doing it just for the sake of the Fifth Young Lady. Perhaps..."

"Stop, stop!" Du Shiyi looked at the mischievous Du Shisanniang and couldn't help but sigh. "How the world has changed; to think even you have learned to tease your own brother. Alas, it seems girls are hard to keep—how else would you be able to guess what that Ninth Young Lady is thinking?"

Du Shisanniang’s face, already slightly flushed, turned bright red. She shouted indignantly, but as Du Shiyi burst into laughter, she turned away in a huff. A moment later, a gentle voice came from behind: "In any case, there is no need for you to worry about such things. We set off on the eighth. No matter how capable she is, while it is easy to leave her home, it is impossible for her to leave Luoyang and catch up with us. As for whether the Cui family has such intentions, there is no need to worry prematurely! However..."

Thinking that Lady Gongsun was likely departing around the same time, Du Shiyi felt a strong urge to visit Anguo Temple once more to see that extraordinary woman whose sword dance moved the world. Yet, quite apart from whether she was even still at the temple, now that news of the Emperor’s summons had spread, all eyes would be on her. Why should he bring her more trouble? As for himself, he still lacked the power to do much.

Although Lady Yue had only sent a private message, such a major event could not be kept secret from the influential families of the Eastern Capital. For Lady Gongsun, who had previously only been famous among the common folk, this was an honor rarely seen in history, yet many sighed in private. In particular, Cui Jiuniang, remembering the sincerity Lady Gongsun had shown when teaching her sword techniques, felt indignant on her behalf. Thus, when she learned that Du Shiyi had received a message from the temple but showed no reaction at all, she looked upon him with even greater contempt.

Du Shiyi had been so anxious for his mentor Lu Hong that he had even stooped to beg for help, yet he had clearly shared a bond with Lady Gongsun when he helped her out of a predicament a few days ago. Now that she was summoned to the palace, he stood by and did nothing—how could such a man be relied upon? If her sister had truly taken a fancy to such a person, she must surely realize the truth now and be able to sleep soundly.

That night, Cui Zhenzhen slept soundly, while Cui Hong accompanied her mother. Because of her frail health, the Lady of Zhao, Madame Li, found it difficult to maintain the strict mourning rites in the thatched hut, yet she could not persuade Cui Ezhi, who was also weak, to stop his vigil. She could only pour out her grievances to her daughter. When she spoke of her worries, she wept, clutching her eldest daughter's hand.

"Wuniang, tell me, is your father being too hard on himself? If your grandmother were watching from above, she would surely ache to see him mourning so excessively! She always doted on him the most, her youngest son. Though he brought her the title of Grand Madame of Qi through his own merits, he was unable to fulfill his filial duties by her side for many years. She waited so long for a reunion, and who would have thought..." Madame Li choked on her sobs. After a long while, calmed by Wuniang’s soothing words, she whispered, "By the way, Zhenzhen mentioned that when Du Shilang returns to Chang'an, we might let..."

By the day of departure, Du Shiyi, who had intended to head straight for Changxia Gate Street to meet up with Wang Wei and his brother, received an unexpected piece of news—the Cui family had dumped a problem on him!

To be precise, it was not one problem, but two. The chubby Cui Twenty-fifth, known as Little Fatty Cui, acted entirely uncooperative the moment he saw him, while Cui Seventeenth hid shyly behind her brother’s rotund form. The situation left Du Shiyi feeling deeply depressed. However, since the Lady of Zhao had personally entrusted him with taking them to the capital to be met by their maternal relatives, the Wang family, he had no choice but to agree. As he left the residence, the triumphant smile on the face of Cui Jiuniang, who was supporting Madame Li, made him suspect this was a trap set by the little girl. As for Cui Ezhi, still in mourning and unwell, he did not see him again, only sending a message wishing him a smooth journey and success in the imperial examinations.

Cui Wuniang joined Cui Jianxuan in seeing him to the gates of the Cui estate. Her maid brought forward a bundle: "Du Shilang, the provincial examinations in the capital run from the seventh to the ninth month, while the进士 (Jinshi) examinations are usually between the first and second months—one in the heat of late summer, the other in the bitter cold. Inside are a silk robe and a light fur coat. The robe is breathable and protects against the heat, while the fur is warm without being bulky. There is also a special ointment for frostbite, and pills for heatstroke. As for examination tools, you can have them custom-made when you reach Chang'an. As for gloves, even thin ones hinder writing; your calligraphy is excellent, and it would be a pity if it became stiff. Remember not to use them..."

These words were like a clear spring flowing into his ears. Even Du Shiyi, who had been somewhat guarded against this Fifth Young Lady of the Cui family, could not help but be moved. He bowed deeply in thanks once she finished her instructions. However, after she finished, Cui Wuniang suddenly dismissed her maids and shifted her tone: "Furthermore, about that son of General Wang whom you mentioned to Shiyilang..."

At these words, Cui Jianxuan turned ashen, never imagining that the matter he had secretly investigated was known to his sister. Even Du Shiyi could not help but cast a sideways glance at the troublesome Cui Jianxuan.

Cui Wuniang acted as if she hadn't noticed their expressions and lowered her voice: "Regarding General Wang, others may not be familiar with him, but when my father followed the Emperor to quell the rebellion of the commoner Wei, they worked together, and he knows him best. He wavered once, but during the subsequent rebellion of Princess Taiping, he performed great meritorious service, which is why the Emperor trusts him so. In recent years, as he has managed the pastures and gardens, he has been fair and strict, and the Emperor considers him capable. Even Prime Minister Song, who can admonish the Emperor to leave the Duke of Chu, Jiang Jiao, in a minor post, has not a word of criticism for General Wang. This shows that even a Prime Minister of his stature must acknowledge this capability."

Du Shiyi, living in the wilderness, had far less insight into these court developments than Cui Wuniang, despite his connections to the Cui family. While this was not the first time Cui Jianxuan had heard his sister speak of such things, he couldn't help but think: *If only my sister were a man, how great would that be?*

Cui Wuniang paused for a moment before continuing as if nothing were amiss: "However, that fairness and strictness is toward outsiders; toward his own people, it is hard to achieve. General Wang’s first wife, Lady Guo, was titled Lady of Guo. However, the Emperor doted on him and bestowed upon him a second wife from the imperial clan, Lady Li, who was also titled a Lady. With two mistresses in one household, Wang Shouzhen, the eldest son of the first wife, Lady Guo, was initially highly regarded by the General. But the later wife gave birth to two sons, gaining much favor. Although Lady Guo is virtuous and broad-minded, frictions are inevitable. Since Lady Gongsun is now heading to Chang'an under imperial edict, there is no need to worry about him making any moves for now. As for the General’s old friends and subordinates, many are arrogant. He is protective of his own, so most court officials turn a blind eye to the transgressions of his men... Additionally, the Cui residence in Pingkang Ward is sitting empty. If you wish to stay there, you may; if you find it inconvenient, do not force yourself, as Fanchuan and Duqu are also quite tranquil..."

Cui Jianxuan waited until Cui Wuniang had finished and left before grabbing Du Shiyi’s sleeve and pulling him aside. "My sister has never even been this attentive to me! To think she gave you so many instructions! Du Shilang, I didn't prepare as many good things for you as she did, but look at that horse. It’s a gift; train it well. In Chang'an, during the examination season, everyone parades about with fine clothes and spirited horses. If your horse isn't good, no one will pay you any mind when you go to deliver your portfolio to the mansions of the high officials! I picked out the saddle and bridle myself; I guarantee they are top-tier!"

"Rest assured, I will remember this favor." Du Shiyi was still pondering Cui Wuniang’s advice. Coming back to his senses, he smiled and nodded. "I’ll send Wu Jiu to Wangwu Mountain to recruit a few more skilled ink-makers. You should pick a few reliable people from your side to assist him. While the secrets of the ink kiln won't stay hidden forever, the longer we keep them, the better. Once we make a name for ourselves in Chang'an, you can slowly release the stock I left you. If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask the Fifth Young Lady."

"Need you say more?" Cui Jianxuan hummed, but at the thought of the dozen or so calligraphy works by Zhang Xu that Du Shiyi had left for him, he felt a sense of excitement. "Don't worry, I'll get it done beautifully. After all, we have the 'Madman' Zhang's wild cursive script to anchor us! You take care on the road, and don't go falling off your horse!"

Knowing that Cui Jianxuan could not leave the city, Du Shiyi found his curse-like parting concern both funny and touching. After passing through the Wutou gate and slowly riding south along Changxia Gate Street, he couldn't help but look once more at the lush trees and wide streets. His mind was in a trance. After coming to Luoyang twice, he was finally returning to Chang'an—a place he remembered vividly, yet was visiting for the first time.

As they neared the Changxia Gate, the road ahead seemed congested. After a servant from the Cui family asked for instructions, he rode ahead to scout the way and returned shortly.

"It is the Great Master Gongsun departing for Chang'an today. People are crowding the streets to catch a glimpse of her, causing a blockage!"