Chapter 123: The Capital
The capital, situated at the feet of the Son of Heaven, was the heart of the empire. With seven outer gates and nine inner gates, it was vast and populous, a place of wealth and splendor. Even before Fu Tingyun and her companions could see the city walls, they were already immersed in the bustling atmosphere of the capital. Along the road, they encountered elderly men carrying shoulder poles, frivolous young nobles laughing and frolicking with gaudily dressed courtesans, weary merchant caravans with shouting men and neighing horses, and haughty officials barking orders—all moving in an endless stream.
Zheng Sanniang couldn't help but sigh in admiration, "No wonder Chen Er from our village always puffed up with pride whenever he mentioned having been to the capital. Just seeing how spirited everyone is here—I’ve traveled quite a few places with the young lady, but I’ve never seen anything like this."
Yu Wei nearly laughed at her words, but the thought of the deceased Zhe Liu made her swallow her mirth. A Sen, however, who was used to bantering with Zheng Sanniang, chimed in, "Ninth Master said he wants to buy a house in the capital. Doesn’t that mean we can come and stay here often in the future?"
"How could that be?" Zheng Sanniang chuckled. "It takes three or four months just to get to the capital. A round trip would eat up most of the year—what could we even do with the little time left?" She turned to Fu Tingyun, who was sitting quietly with a faint smile, watching them talk. "Don’t you think so, young lady?"
Fu Tingyun smiled but didn’t answer, instead turning her gaze out the carriage window.
The post road leading to the capital was two or three zhang wide, lined with willow trees whose long, tender branches drooped with fresh green along the roadside. Most travelers had already shed their winter clothes for lighter jackets, and the scene was filled with the warmth of spring.
She couldn’t help but sigh softly.
They had left Zhangye in mid-August, spent the New Year in Baoding Prefecture, and only resumed their journey after the Yuanxiao Festival. Now, in early February, the roads were crowded with people out enjoying the fine weather and the season’s greenery.
How was Zhao Ling doing?
While still in Baoding, she had sent him a letter. He had said that once spring arrived and he had settled his affairs, he would set out for the capital. Had he left yet?
Her original plan had been simple: see her mother, reassure her of her safety, and ask her mother—out of gratitude for Zhao Ling saving her—to persuade her father to consent to their marriage.
But after hearing Yu Wei’s words, she had begun to doubt.
If even her maids, Yi Tong and Yu Wei, could uncover certain things with careful effort, why had her family ultimately chosen to declare her "dead"? What was really going on?
The thought that her father had even returned home once over the matter, yet the situation had still spiraled out of control, filled her with unease. The closer they got to the capital, the more tense she became, the less she spoke, and the more chaotic her thoughts grew.
If only Zhao Ling were here with her!
No matter what happened, having him by her side would give her courage.
With that thought, she called out to Zheng San, who was accompanying the carriage, "How much farther to the capital?"
Zheng San, having escorted goods here twice before, naturally served as their guide compared to the others, who had never been.
"Less than twenty li left," Zheng San replied cheerfully. "We’ll definitely reach Fucheng Gate by noon."At the Tongzhou post station, Master Lu had already negotiated on behalf of Fu Tingyun with Guard Jian. It was agreed that once they entered the city, Guard Jian and his men would simply help them find an inn to settle in. As for minor matters like finding a house or visiting relatives, they wouldn’t trouble the stewards of the Duke of Fu's household. They only requested that Guard Jian facilitate introductions when they later went to pay respects at the Duke's residence, and once the house was purchased, they’d ask the Duke's stewards to notify the Shuntian Prefecture to expedite the sealing of the property transfer documents.
Throughout the journey, neither Master Lu nor Zheng San had shown any fawning behavior toward Marquis Yingchuan’s guards, but they had subtly and diligently sought to build rapport. They got along quite well with Guard Jian and the others. Though these guards didn’t hold Fu Tingyun’s party in high regard, they had developed a favorable impression. Hearing Master Lu’s proposal, they naturally offered a few polite remarks. Later, seeing how methodically Master Lu had arranged everything for their entry into the capital, and considering that if Fu Tingyun’s group were to enter the Duke’s residence, they likely wouldn’t even meet a respectable steward—let alone stay there—they thought it better for them to find separate accommodations. Thus, they stopped persuading them otherwise, simply offering assurances like “come find me if you need anything,” and the matter was settled.
Fu Tingyun nodded and leaned back against the large bolster pillow. Noticing they were all still dressed in heavy winter clothes, she instructed Zheng Sanniang, “We’re newcomers here, and people often judge by appearances first. Zheng San needs to deliver gifts of gratitude to the Duke’s residence, and I’ll be visiting relatives. Once we reach the inn, have Zheng San accompany you to look around for a good tailor shop. Pick out some better-quality fabric for everyone’s clothes…” As she spoke, her gaze inadvertently fell upon Yu Wei, catching sight of her despondent expression. Fu Tingyun’s words faltered slightly.
Being able to reunite with Yu Wei and unravel some of the mysteries in her heart felt like a blessing from heaven to Fu Tingyun. But Yu Wei clearly didn’t share the same sentiment.
These past days, no matter what Fu Tingyun said, Yu Wei always displayed deep remorse and penitence, attributing past mistakes entirely to herself.
Emotional wounds require emotional remedies.
Since she constantly felt guilty toward her, perhaps giving her more tasks would keep her from overthinking. There would be time later to gradually guide her out of it.
Fu Tingyun sighed softly and added, “Yu Wei, you should go with Zheng Sanniang too. Help her make decisions when the time comes.”
“Me?” Yu Wei stared at Fu Tingyun in astonishment.
She had originally been Fu Tingyun’s maid, so it was only natural for Fu Tingyun to order her around. But during this journey, Fu Tingyun had arranged doctors and medicine for her, and Zheng Sanniang had also treated her with courtesy. She felt uncertain and uneasy. Hearing Fu Tingyun’s words, she was overjoyed.
Was Fu Tingyun willing to use her again? Did this mean she had forgiven her mistakes?
Yu Wei’s face immediately brightened with delight. “I’ll go with Sanniang! I’ll go! I know what kind of clothes to pick…”
Zheng Sanniang couldn’t help but laugh at Yu Wei’s excitement. “No rush, no rush. Let’s settle into the inn first.”
Yu Wei flushed with embarrassment.
Watching this, Fu Tingyun’s lips curled slightly.
The atmosphere in the carriage grew lighter.
A Sen asked Fu Tingyun, “Miss, where are we staying?”
Master Lu had set off ahead of them today precisely to arrange their lodging at an inn before they arrived in the capital."I'm not entirely sure either," Fu Tingyun said with a smile. "But the Duke's residence is located on Xianmen Street, not far from Fucheng Gate. We might find an inn nearby so it’ll be easier to ask the Duke’s stewards for help if needed."
"Can I go take a look at the Duke’s residence?" A Sen blinked his round, bright eyes. "I’ve never seen a Duke’s mansion before!"
"Of course!" Fu Tingyun believed that broadening one’s horizons through observation and learning would cultivate a more open mind. "There are plenty of rare sights in the capital. Once we’re settled, I’ll have Zheng San take us out to explore."
"Great!" A Sen cheered, patting Linchun’s head. Seeing this, Linchun imitated him, reaching up to pat A Sen’s head in return.
Everyone burst into laughter.
The carriage arrived at Fucheng Gate.
Fu Tingyun felt the carriage slow down. The guards, including Jian, who had been bold and assertive earlier, now seemed cautious and careful.
Master Lu was waiting for them at Fucheng Gate. Spotting their carriage, he hurried over with a smile. "I’ve booked rooms at the Gaosheng Inn on Xianmen Street and arranged a few tables for lunch. After we eat, Guard Jian can return to the Duke’s residence to report—there’s no rush."
After a moment’s thought, Guard Jian agreed with a smile.
Suddenly, loud shouts echoed from a distance.
They turned to look.
A large entourage escorting two lavishly decorated carriages galloped toward them, forcing pedestrians to scramble out of the way.
Guard Jian’s expression changed. "Quick, make way! That’s the carriage of Commander Liu Hu of the Tengji Guard’s Left Division."
The driver, also one of Marquis Yingchuan’s men, had already steered their carriage to the roadside before Guard Jian even finished speaking. The guards reined in their horses and halted. By the time Guard Jian’s words trailed off, Commander Liu Hu’s carriage had already sped past them.
Master Lu gaped. "Who is this Commander Liu?"
Guard Jian gave a bitter smile and lowered his voice. "He’s the adopted son of the Chief Eunuch Hong Du."
An adopted son of a eunuch, forcing the Duke’s guards to yield?
Master Lu was speechless.
Guard Jian, unwilling to elaborate, forced a smile. "Where is this Gaosheng Inn you mentioned? It’s past noon, and after traveling all morning, we’re all starving..."
Master Lu, having once been a shopkeeper, was adept at reading the room. He immediately took the hint and dropped the subject. "Right this way, Guard Jian... It’s in an alley not far from the Duke’s residence. The inn is small, but clean, and the owner is an excellent cook..." As he spoke, he led them from Fucheng Gate Street onto Xianmen Street.
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The inn was indeed small, as Master Lu had said—just three courtyards—but it was tidy and well-kept. The door of Fu Tingyun’s room opened to a grapevine trellis, though it was still too early in the season for shoots. Only withered vines clung to the bamboo frame.
Standing by the window, Fu Tingyun mulled over Master Lu’s words.
"When do you plan to visit your relatives? I’ll prepare some gifts."
"Let’s get our clothes and accessories sorted first," she had replied. "I’ll let you know in advance when we’re ready to go."
Master Lu had hurried off to entertain Guard Jian in the front hall, leaving her lost in thought.Having arrived in the capital, with her mother still ill, she ought to visit her mother first and foremost. So why was she hesitating?
Fu Tingyun took a deep breath.
That evening, she had Yu Wei stay on night duty and asked her, "Can you find out what time my father leaves for the yamen?"
There were some matters she couldn’t easily entrust to Zheng San or Master Lu.
Fu Tingyun instinctively wanted to avoid her father.
Yu Wei didn’t hesitate: "Miss, find me some coarse clothing. I see many street vendors selling snacks—I can disguise myself as one and gather information!"
Fu Tingyun nodded. In front of Zheng San and the others, she merely said she was sending Yu Wei out to buy some personal items and gave her twenty taels of silver. Yu Wei left early and returned late each day, while Master Lu and Zheng San procured gifts to express gratitude at the Duke’s residence and sought a broker to look at houses.
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For the readers' convenience, let me explain the ranks within the Tengji Guard. The highest position is the Commander-in-Chief, followed by the Left, Right, Front, Rear, and Central Guards. Each of these five guards is led by a commander. Though the titles differ by just one character, the former outranks the latter.
O(∩_∩)O~
PS: Yan Jiu has released a new book, Heavenly Official . I only noticed it today—interested readers might want to check it out.
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(End of Chapter)
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