Chapter 24: Pact to Part
Xu Zun was full of enthusiasm for work today, preparing to make his mark at the Court of Judicial Review from this day forward. He even prepared to work overtime to set an example for the officials there. But the result was not only no overtime, but he even left early instead.
After coming out of the imperial palace, Xu Zun went straight home. Startled, he had no thoughts of work.
Compared to an outsider like Zhang Fei, Xu Zun understood better what “Deceiving the Emperor” meant!
Right now, he felt like killing Zhang Fei.
“Dad, why are you back?”
Xu Zhiqian, who had been relatively well-behaved lately, was trimming bonsai in the front yard, acting like a refined young lady. She was extremely surprised to find her usually hardworking father returning home early.
Seeing Xu Zhiqian, the suppressed anger that Xu Zun had been holding back burst forth. He rushed over, pointing at Xu Zhiqian and said, “It’s all because of you, you mischievous girl. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been so frightened today.”
Xu Zhiqian was dumbfounded by the scolding, stunned for a while before realizing what was happening. She felt very wronged and said, “I haven’t done anything lately that would upset you.”
“Nothing?”
Xu Zun huffed and glared, “Yesterday, when Zhang San asked me for help, why did you interrupt? Getting him a license would not have been illegal, that’s what all pen-in-cap do! You’re meddling in matters that don’t concern you, really.” As he spoke, his teeth were clenched in anger!
Xu Zhiqian wasn’t a gentle young lady. Her temperament was just like her father’s. She immediately argued, “Though it may not be illegal, it would entail you using your position to benefit Zhang San. That would damage your reputation.”
Xu Zun snorted, “So today, His Majesty used his position to grant Zhang San a license and took the opportunity to question me.”
The more Xu Zhiqian listened, the more confused she became, “Dad, what are you talking about? Why would His Majesty personally issue a license to Zhang San?”
Xu Zun covered his forehead, let out a long sigh, and with lingering fear, said, “That little rascal is truly ruthless! Today, he went to the Kaifeng Prefectural Office to turn himself in, admitting to committing the crime of Deceiving the Emperor.”
“What?”
Xu Zhiqian was shocked.
Xu Zun glanced at his daughter and said, “Didn’t expect that, did you!”
With that, he briefly recounted the sequence of events to Xu Zhiqian.
After listening, Xu Zhiqian was dumbfounded.
Good Lord!
Could things be manipulated like this?
Was it worth it for a mere license?
If she had known this would happen, she wouldn’t have dissuaded Xu Zun.
Give that license to Zhang San right away!
This was truly terrifying.
“Dad, this person does things his own way, has a stubborn and unruly personality, and his intentions are not upright. If we continue to keep him in our house, he’ll surely cause trouble sooner or later!” Xu Zhiqian said.
Xu Zun furrowed his brows, pondering in silence.
It had to be said that this incident had truly frightened him. Who would use “Deceiving the Emperor” so lightly? However, he admired Zhang Fei’s talents greatly and still hoped to have Zhang Fei assist him in perfecting the laws. He also believed that he had an obligation to take care of Zhang Fei, since he was the one who brought him to the capital. His emotions started to become conflicted.
Suddenly, a burst of singing came from behind.
“Reflections are real, but the person is fake, here’s nothing worth persisting with; You’re not you, and I was not me, a hundred years ago.”[1]
Joyful vibes filled the singing.
But the father and daughter were utterly incensed by it.
Turning around, they saw Zhang Fei swaying his head, singing a little tune as he entered.
“You little scoundrel, you’ve finally returned!” Xu Zun immediately roared in anger.
The singing stopped.
Seeing the father and daughter in the courtyard, Zhang Fei hurriedly approached. Without waiting for Xu Zun to start scolding, he proactively bowed to Xu Zun and said, “Regarding today’s matter, if I have caused trouble for you, I deeply apologize.”
Xu Zun, his emotions stirred, said, “Are you out of your mind? For the sake of a license, you’re willing to gamble with your life?”
Zhang Fei looked embarrassed and said, “Though my life might not be worth much, it’s still worth more than a piece of paper. But it wasn’t exactly a gamble.”
“Was it not a gamble?” Xu Zun pointed at Zhang Fei, “Do you think the crime of Deceiving the Emperor is something to joke about?”
Zhang Fei spoke earnestly, “Although I haven’t read many books, I do understand the severity of Deceiving the Emperor. But I also believe that no one would tear down an entire house just to catch a mouse. The situation appears serious, but it’s actually very safe.”
If he encountered trouble, it would directly impact the Ayun case. Whether it was Emperor Zhao Xu or Wang Anshi, they wouldn’t allow any further complications to the case. They were sure to protect Zhang Fei.
In fact, Xu Zun had already thought this through on his way back. However, Zhang Fei’s calm demeanor now made him feel that his self-esteem had been slightly wounded. He couldn’t help but question himself – was he inferior to a young lad?
But then again, this wasn’t Zhang Fei’s first time playing such a political game. He was a seasoned player. If he didn’t have this level of audacity, he wouldn’t have won that lawsuit. The difference was that in previous instances, he had no choice; he couldn’t confront things head-on, so he resorted to unconventional methods and Xu Zun could also anticipate some of that. But this time, Zhang Fei was the one who had taken the initiative, which was what surprised and angered him.
“A mouse?” Xu Zhiqian hummed lightly, “You do have a good understanding of yourself.”
Zhang Fei smiled, “Thank you for the praise, Lady Xu.”
Was I really praising him?
Xu Zhiqian gave Zhang Fei a slightly annoyed look.
Xu Zun cleared his throat and interrupted Xu Zhiqian. He turned to Zhang Fei and said, “Remember one thing, I was the one who brought you to Bianjing, and I was the one who recommended you to take on that lawsuit. Anything you do will be linked to me. Therefore, I hope such incidents do not happen again. Moreover, whenever the imperial court is involved, you should consult with me first. Don’t take actions on your own. If it’s reasonable and justifiable, I will definitely support you.”
Zhang Fei solemnly responded, “Yes, I understand.”
Xu Zun nodded and said, “Alright, you may go back to your room.”
Zhang Fei gave a respectful bow and headed toward his quarters.
Observing that Xu Zun still wasn’t willing to ask Zhang Fei to move out, Xu Zhiqian felt dissatisfied. Suddenly, her eyes flickered, and she said, “Dad, I’m also going to my room.”
Xu Zun waved his hand, “Go ahead.”
As Xu Zhiqian turned the corner of a corridor and left Xu Zun’s line of sight, she immediately made her way toward Zhang Fei’s living area.
After a short while, she heard that peculiar singing again.
“Sadness is real but the tears are an act, there’s no such karma. There will be no more you, there will be no more me, a hundred years later.”
Listening to the cheerful singing, Xu Zhiqian’s eyebrows lightly furrowed. She thought to herself that he didn’t have even the slightest intention of repentance.
Catching up, she called out, “Zhang San.”
Zhang Fei turned around, surprised, “Lady Xu.”
Approaching Zhang Fei, Xu Zhiqian hesitated for a moment and then said, “There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
Zhang Fei chuckled, “Lady Xu, you probably want me out of the Xu manor.”
Xu Zhiqian was taken aback, “How did you know?”
Zhang Fei chuckled again, “Apart from that, there isn’t much else for us to discuss.”
“That’s true!” Xu Zhiqian nodded in agreement.
Zhang Fei nodded, “To be honest with Lady Xu, I do not want to rely on someone else for my livelihood either. The reason I was so eager to obtain the license was so that I can secure a living as soon as possible and move out of the Xu residence.”
Xu Zhiqian said, “And now you’ve obtained the license.”
Zhang Fei replied, “Next, I need to gather information about the litigation industry so that I can find a means of livelihood. However, I’m new to Bianjing and not familiar with anything here, not even the roads. If Lady Xu could help, I believe it would be much more effective.”
Xu Zhiqian couldn’t believe it, “You want me to help you?”
A wave of frustration surged within her. Can’t you sense my hostility?
Zhang Fei tilted his head slightly and said, “You could also think of it as helping me leave here sooner.”
Without hesitation, Xu Zhiqian said, “I’ll take you tomorrow.”
Zhang Fei smiled, “Thank you.”
In truth, Zhang Fei also didn’t want to continue staying in the Xu residence. Although he would have to continue relying on Xu Zun, it didn’t mean he had to live in the same house as him, especially with a young lady who didn’t like him.
He wasn’t just looking for a job; he wanted to start his own venture. Even though he had obtained the license, he needed to understand the market conditions, regulations, rent costs, and so on.
This process would take time, and Zhang Fei was concerned that Xu Zhiqian might think he was deliberately delaying and refusing to leave. So, he decided to take her along with him.
After all, Xu Zhiqian wanted him gone as soon as possible. Both sides had perfectly aligned interests, making this cooperation a natural fit! Having someone familiar with the city guide him would certainly save time and effort.
A win-win situation.
The next day.
In front of the Xu residence.
Zhang Fei looked up at Xu Zhiqian, who was sitting on a horse. She was dressed today in a purple outfit with black trims and narrow sleeves, her face partially covered by a white veil, displaying an impressive and heroic demeanor.
Lowering his head, he looked at the cute little donkey in front of him. Suddenly, he rested his arm on the donkey’s back and looked up at Xu Zhiqian, “Lady Xu, did you know that to a man’s eyes, women should not ride horses but donkeys.”
Xu Zhiqian glanced at him and asked, “Why?”
Zhang Fei gestured with his hands and explained, “Because donkeys’ have wider backs.”
Xu Zhiqian sneered, “My father told me that you’re eloquent, that even Academician Sima was defeated by you. I thought you would say something profound that would make me willingly give you my horse. But now that I see it, it’s nothing special!”
With that, she gently squeezed her long legs and moved forward.
Very steady!
Her maidservant Qingmei and an attendant followed closely behind.
Hmph, I’ve noticed your long legs a long time ago—there’s no need to show off. Besides, I don’t want to ride your horse. Driving a Ferrari in the crowded city is foolish. Doesn’t this cute little donkey smell good? If you don’t listen to handsome guys now, you’ll regret it after marriage.”
Zhang Fei couldn’t help but roll his eyes and mounted the adorable little donkey, following along.
Relatively speaking, the Northern Song Dynasty inherited some aspects of the Tang Dynasty’s system. Although the social norms were not as open as the Tang era, they were still relatively liberal. On the streets, many women were seen riding horses or donkeys, and boats were gliding through the river with faint laughter of women.
At the roadside stalls, many women rolled up their sleeves, revealing fair arms as they greeted customers.
After about half an hour, Xu Zhiqian led Zhang Fei to the east gate of Xiang-guo Temple.[2]
The place was bustling with people, so crowded that Xu Zhiqian had to dismount. Zhang Fei quickly dismounted from his donkey as well. After all, he had only learned how to ride while on his way to the capital from Dengzhou. His technique wasn’t very polished yet.
If he accidentally bumped into someone, oh boy, a lawsuit would be imminent.
Suddenly, the sound of laughter and the melodies of a lute drifted from the east. Zhang Fei followed the sounds and his spirits lifted as he noticed a multi-storied building near the alley. Near the top of the building, he faintly saw several women displaying playful gestures. Some were even sitting by the windows, chatting and laughing with men.
“Is this the Song Dynasty’s version of ‘touchy singing’?[3] Hm, right outside the temple gates, at that! Monks of Song Dynasty are really fortunate! No wonder the only Song Dynasty monk I know of is the Flower Monk!'”[4]
Zhang Fei couldn’t help but feel an impulse to become a monk. Suddenly, he saw Xu Zhiqian heading toward that street corner. He was taken aback and quickly caught up, asking, “Where are you planning to go?”
Xu Zhiqian tilted her head towards the street corner and said, “The bookstores[5] are concentrated on that street.”
Do you think I’m blind? That’s clearly the red-light entertainment district! Even if I turn to ashes, I’d still recognize it! This is a man’s instinct! Zhang Fei expressed doubt, “Those are bookstores?”
“The bookstores are further in.” Xu Zhiqian said and continued walking ahead.
What’s going on? A temple plus bookstores plus brothels? Could there really be such a bizarre combination? She couldn’t be bringing me here because she finds me handsome and wishes to sell me off as a sugar boy, right? Zhang Fei felt a bit nervous. After hesitating for a moment, he mustered up the courage and followed her.
Well, that could potentially be a means of making a living!
[1] Zhang Fei is singing a song by Faye Wong, Hundred Years of Solitude.
[2] This is a famous temple that still stands in Kaifeng today.
[3] This is a reference to the practice of having “companions” for guests in certain seedy karaoke establishments in east Asia.
[4] The Flower Monk is a character in the Water Margin novel, a character who does not do a good job keeping to his Buddhist vows.
[5] The bookstores referred to here are where legal services are provided. The word scriptorium was used previously, but it seems to be quite a mouthful so I think I will use the word bookstore instead.