On the first day of the New Year, all major prefectures, subprefectures, and counties across the nation held three days of festive markets.
In the capital, after the grand court assembly on New Year's Day and before the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth, the Emperor and Prince Ping made three imperial processions. During these occasions, carriage traffic and pedestrian movement in the city were restricted. On the night of the Lantern Festival, the Great Within erected a wooden structure facing Rui De Tower and opened the Imperial Street to allow capital residents to gather and celebrate. Extraordinary performances, singing, dancing, and various entertainments dazzled the eyes, while festive music echoed for miles, filling the entire city with unparalleled joy.
Though Qing Province couldn't match the capital's splendor, the magistrate's office was adorned with festive decorations throughout the first month. The sounds of music and dancing, along with the jubilant atmosphere, were no less vibrant than in the capital's Great Within.
The area south of Shangqiu Gate in the city was filled with shops and mansions of wealthy merchants, too numerous to count. Dozens of streets were lined with decorated stalls, displaying rare and exquisite items seldom seen on ordinary days. Additionally, there were hair ornaments, pearls, jade accessories, clothing, flowers for women, and collars, boots, shoes, and various curios for men—everything one could desire. The city's residents knew these grand displays were preparations by major shops for the upcoming cross-border trade, aiming to attract merchants from beyond the Northern Frontier.
The Yan family's new shop in Qing Province was located deep within Hunan Street.
Those in the city's merchant circles knew the Yan family operated substantial businesses in Chongzhou Prefecture. Their decision to open a shop in Qing Province was driven by the clear benefits of the impending trade with the Northern Frontier. Otherwise, the family head wouldn't have invested heavily in transporting extremely valuable decorative stones and rare artifacts from their Chongzhou shops to Qing Province, nor would he have sent the eldest daughter, Yan Fuzhi, to personally manage the new shop.
On the morning of the Lantern Festival, the fifteenth, the Yan residence was unusually quiet. A rare warm winter sun shone overhead, causing the thin ice on the backyard steps to begin melting.
In the dimly lit inner chamber, a woman lay sound asleep on the bed. Within the red gauze curtains, her dark hair cascaded around her neck, and her slender figure was outlined beneath the thin silk covers.
Faint, contentious noises drifted from the front courtyard. She frowned slightly but didn't wake, merely turning over before sinking back into sleep.
Soon after, the door was urgently knocked upon, and a maid called out loudly from outside, "Miss, Miss! Officials from the magistrate's office have come and insist on taking away the boxwood triple-root colored carving from the shop!"
Yan Fuzhi finally awoke.
Opening her eyes, she gazed at the gold-embroidered colorful gauze canopy above, furrowing her brows in thought for a moment before processing the maid's words.
She abruptly sat up and spat out, "Hurry up and bring me my clothes!"
The maid pushed the door open, stumbling in as she piled the waist wrap, ruqun, shawls, and velvet cloak by the bedside. While fetching a warm towel, she muttered under her breath, "That colored carving is the master's treasured possession. He specifically had you bring it all the way to Qing Province to serve as the shop's centerpiece. Who would have thought the Qingzhou officials would be so despicable..."
Yan Fuzhi dressed swiftly and efficiently, scolding as she stepped out of bed, "Those are government officials—how dare you gossip about them behind their backs?" She walked to the dressing table, picked up two jade peony hair ornaments, and fastened them to her earlobes. After a glance in the bronze mirror, she ignored the warm towel the maid offered and swept out of the room like a gust of wind.
As it was the day of the Lantern Festival, most people in the city had risen late. At this hour, very few were visiting the shops near Shangqiu Gate. As she crossed the central courtyard of the residence, the clamor from the front shop grew increasingly audible, starkly conspicuous amid the quiet of the neighboring buildings.The servant guarding the back door of the shop hurriedly rose to draw the bolt upon seeing her. "Young Mistress, you've come just in time! Please go take a look at those yamen officers—they're making an outrageous scene!"
Yan Fuzhi entered the shop with a stern expression, immediately spotting three to five men from the prefectural yamen seated in the hall. Each wore a displeased look, while the Yan family shop assistants stood by with visible anger. The boxwood tri-fold colored carving was being held in the arms of one yamen officer.
"Young Mistress!" The shop assistant exclaimed as if seeing a savior, his eyes reddening.
Yan Fuzhi nodded at him, adjusted her velvet cloak, and stepped forward with a smile toward the officers. "The Yan family has only recently arrived in Qing Province. If we've inadvertently violated any local customs, we hope you gentlemen will be understanding."
The man holding the carving stood up, scrutinized her, and forced a smile. "The Yan family's business is renowned throughout Chao'an—how could you possibly violate customs? It's just that we brothers wished to purchase this boxwood colored carving today, but your assistant stubbornly refuses to sell it!"
The shop assistant urgently tried to speak but was silenced by her gesture, leaving him standing resentfully nearby with lowered head.
She chuckled lightly. "This piece was originally my father's treasure, reluctantly parted with to serve as our shop's centerpiece here in Qing Province. However, since you officers appreciate it so much, we'd be honored to let you purchase it."
The man's face immediately brightened with delight. He beckoned to his companions and turned to leave.
Yan Fuzhi frowned and called out, "Officer, you haven't paid yet."
The man turned back with a haughty expression. "We've never heard of paying for purchases made for the yamen in Qing Province!"
"Oh?" Yan Fuzhi raised an eyebrow, glancing at her assistant as she finally understood the earlier commotion. "I've never heard of such a custom in Qingzhou City."
The man retorted, "Do you know who this carving is for? We're purchasing it by order of Assistant Prefect Wang, to be presented to the newly appointed Prefect Lord Shen! We've searched everywhere, and only your Yan family's boxwood tri-fold carving meets the standard. If Lord Shen appreciates this piece, it would be a tremendous honor for your family!"
Yan Fuzhi's delicate brows arched slightly. She stood pondering for a moment, her expression unchanged as she maintained her smile. "Very well. If it can bring pleasure to the Prefect, I wouldn't dare withhold even ten such carvings. However, the Yan family has never kept accounts without payment since beginning our business. If you officers haven't brought silver with you, would you be willing to write an IOU? This would allow me to explain to my father that the carving was given to the esteemed officials of Qingzhou's prefectural yamen."
The man considered this and nodded. "What's difficult about writing an IOU?" He then asked the assistant for paper and brush to write it.
She stood by with crossed arms, her expression unreadable, her voice soft: "Might I ask whether this carving should be recorded under Assistant Prefect Wang's name, or under Prefect Shen's name?"
The man paused his writing, turned to consult with his companions, then responded: "If Lord Shen takes a liking to this carving, it might soon be presented to His Majesty or the Crown Prince in the capital—that would bring great prestige to your Yan family! Let it be recorded under Lord Shen's name then."Yan Fuzhi nodded, waited for the man to finish writing, then took the document and handed it to the shop assistant for safekeeping. With a beaming smile, she respectfully escorted the men out of the shop's main entrance.
Once they were far enough away, her cheerful expression abruptly collapsed. Turning back, she glared coldly at the servants and shop assistants, issuing a stern order: "If anyone from the Prefectural Office comes to the shop these days, stop them in the front courtyard and have someone fetch me immediately!"
The shop assistant acknowledged with a pained expression, quickly stepping forward to follow behind her.
Striding toward the rear courtyard, she sneered as she walked, "Just a minor Prefect of Qing Province, probably still wet behind the ears—does he really think the Yan family is easy to bully?"
On the night of the fifteenth of the first lunar month, the city was ablaze with lanterns bright as daylight. The crowds were joyous, laughter and chatter boiling over, while the flower hall in the rear courtyard of the Prefectural Office was packed with guests. Under the brilliant glow of lamps and candles, the clinking of cups and continuous conversation filled the air.
Inside a room in the rear courtyard, Shen Zhishu was changing his clothes. He removed and retied the silver Fish Pouch at his waist, adjusted his sideburns before the mirror, and turned to leave.
A man in his twenties entered from outside, waiting to one side as he reported, "Young Master, all the civil and military officials you sent urgent invitations to three days ago have arrived tonight."
Shen Zhishu smiled. "Good." He stepped out but turned back to the man, saying, "Hu Yuelin, when we get to the front later, don't call me 'Young Master' anymore."
Hu Yuelin curled his lip, about to say something, but meeting Shen Zhishu's stern gaze, he merely nodded and said, "As you command, Young Master."
Shen Zhishu strode briskly toward the flower hall, aware that Hu Yuelin was still accustomed to the old form of address from the Shen residence and chose not to reprimand him further. Instead, he asked, "How is the investigation I tasked you with going?"
Hu Yuelin lowered his voice. "Young Master, your earlier suspicions were indeed correct. The men sent to the main camp reported that all officers in the Qing Province camp obey Wang Qi, the Vice Prefect. Upon detailed investigation, we learned that the monthly silver sent from the capital to the northern Military Strongholds was originally decreed by the Emperor out of compassion for the soldiers guarding the harsh border. Yet Wang Qi actually claims it was his repeated memorials to the capital that secured this extra monthly pay for the troops—thus, those officers unaware of capital affairs are all indebted to him!"
Shen Zhishu listened with pursed lips, his face growing darker. At the end, he halted abruptly, standing rooted for a long moment before resuming his walk. He remarked indifferently, "Qing Province is a remote area, and the officials of Chaoan North Circuit have always been arrogant, but who would have thought the administration here is so lawless? Wang Qi's audacity is as vast as the sky—daring to claim the Emperor's heartfelt efforts as his own merit?"
Hu Yuelin's expression was also grim as he pressed, "Shall I draft a memorial tonight for you to review and send to the capital first thing tomorrow, directly to the Crown Prince's desk? What do you think, Young Master?"
"Relying solely on the officers' one-sided accounts," Shen Zhishu frowned deeply, "even if we submit a memorial impeaching Wang Qi this time, we can't topple him in one blow. Moreover, he has the backing of those senior Eastern Court officials in the capital—he might even counterattack and bite me... This matter cannot be rushed; we must plan carefully."
Hu Yuelin was quite unwilling but could not refute, only muttering sullenly, "Young Master, you consider it thoroughly... Should we inform the Master about this first?"Shen Zhishu's expression instantly darkened. He snorted coldly and fell silent, striding swiftly up the steps into the flower hall.
As the beaded curtain was lifted, the fire basin's flames hissed softly. The hall's vibrant display of wine and delicacies dazzled the eye. All the civil and military officials present set down their wine cups and rose to greet him upon his entry, chorusing "Lord Shen" along his path.
Though every attendee outranked him in seniority, none dared slight this "noble scion" who had attained the position of prefect at such a young age—especially when considering his nearly incomparable family background, which made them all the more eager to curry favor.
Even Wang Qi, the Qing Province deputy administrative officer who held equal rank but was a full decade older, rose respectfully to greet him, smiling as he said, "Lord Shen invited us to this banquet, yet emerges so late himself.""
Shen Zhishu beamed, returning bows to each official in turn before finally reaching Wang Qi's table. Flipping his robes, he seated himself beside Wang Qi and laughed, "An urgent matter detained me just now. Keeping Lord Wang and all esteemed officials waiting fills Yanzhi with profound regret."
Wang Qi hurriedly responded, "You honor us too much. This feast Lord Shen has prepared—with its exquisite colors, aromas, and flavors—will surely make us forget our homes in delight. Not even the finest establishments in Qing Province could match Lord Shen's thoughtful arrangements tonight."
All present echoed their agreement.
Shen Zhishu smilingly toasted the assembly, declaring, "Yanzhi's posting to Qing Province comes by Imperial Decree and the Crown Prince's trust. I only hope all esteemed officials will join forces with Yanzhi to share the burdens of His Majesty and the court. Should Yanzhi err in future endeavors, I beg you not to withhold your guidance."
Wang Qi concealed his cup with an official sleeve and drained it. The others followed suit, raising their cups with chuckles, "Lord Shen speaks too modestly."
Wang Qi discarded his cup and glanced around. Giving a subtle signal to his attendant, who scurried from the hall, he turned back to Shen Zhishu, "Lord Shen's words truly resonate with me. That you, as the Crown Prince's close confidant, would willingly serve in this remote prefecture commands my deepest admiration."
Shen Zhishu maintained his smile, "Yanzhi possesses but hollow scholarship. To shoulder such responsibility so soon after entering official service fills me with trepidation. I must rely on Lord Wang's daily guidance in military and civil affairs."
As they spoke, the attendant returned bearing a large black-lacquered wooden box, presenting it to Wang Qi.
All eyes turned toward them.
Wang Qi tilted his chin, and the attendant opened the box, holding it before Shen Zhishu.
Though Shen Zhishu's lips remained upturned, the warmth vanished from his eyes. Within the box lay an exquisite triple-rooted boxwood polychrome carving—a rare treasure even in the capital.
Wang Qi announced, "All know Lord Shen as a scholar of refined tastes. Having journeyed afar to assume Qing Province's prefectship, you must dearly miss the capital's delights. This humble carving represents our modest congratulatory gift for your appointment. We hope Lord Shen will not disdain it."
Shen Zhishu pondered briefly, then swept his gaze across the officials' faces before bursting into hearty laughter, "My thanks, Lord Wang. Yanzhi happens to adore such curios." He stepped forward to accept the box, but his expression shifted subtly when passing it to Hu Yuelin, though he said nothing more.
Observing this, Wang Qi smiled faintly and gestured for the seated officials to resume their positions. The banquet continued amid conversation and laughter.Shen Zhishu sat down and murmured softly, "This gift from Lord Wang is truly precious. I wonder how much silver was spent to acquire it. How can Yan Zhi accept this..."
Wang Qi remained smiling, "It was given to me by someone else, no silver was spent. As long as Lord Shen is pleased."
Hu Yuelin stood behind them, discreetly lowering his gaze to examine the colored carving. Finally, he spotted a small "Yan" character in the inner corner of the box.
Outside the hall, the night sky was clear with a bright moon and sparse stars. Snow-laden branches shimmered like silver, casting a serene glow across the ground.
·
The next day dawned clear. The sun had just peeked over the horizon when a servant hurried through the corridors of the government office's rear courtyard, heading straight to Shen Zhishu's door to knock.
"Your Excellency..."
Shen Zhishu was still in bed. Hearing the voice, he lifted the bed curtain and responded hoarsely, "What is it?"
The servant timidly replied, "There's a woman outside the government office, beating the drum and refusing to leave. She says she's here to collect a debt from Your Excellency..."
Shen Zhishu lazily rose, rubbing his throbbing temples from the previous night's drinking. He sat still for a long moment before having attendants enter to help him dress and wash.
The customs in Qing Province differed from the capital, and northern regions had many unrestrained and audacious individuals. Since taking office, he had encountered numerous troublesome commoners. Thus, hearing about a woman coming to collect a debt didn't concern him much—he assumed it was just another excuse from some woman seeking to present a petition.
When he reached the front hall of the government office, he saw a woman in fox fur and an emerald-green dress sitting calmly on a stool, her sleeves tucked neatly. Her bright, star-like eyes followed him as he entered.
Hu Yuelin stood to the side, holding a thin piece of paper, his expression slightly awkward.
As Shen Zhishu approached, she rose and gave a shallow bow. "This commoner, Yan Fuzhi, pays her respects to His Excellency Shen Zhishu, the Prefect."
She emphasized the words "Prefect" with a hint of sarcasm.
Shen Zhishu halted, finally getting a clear view of her face. He was momentarily stunned, recalling that she was the woman he had seen that day at the Bofeng Tower of the Yan family in Chongzhou Prefecture—
Yan Fuzhi narrowed her eyes, tilting her sharp chin slightly upward as a smirk played on her lips. "Your Excellency Shen, it's been a while."
Back at the women's academy, she had secretly observed him and knew his identity. Thus, she showed no panic now, while he still appeared dazed and slow to react, remaining silent for a long while.
Hu Yuelin slowly approached, leaning close to his ear to whisper, "Eldest Young Master, this is the eldest daughter of the Yan family from Chongzhou Prefecture..."
Shen Zhishu abruptly raised an eyebrow, and his gaze toward her instantly shifted.
Yan Fuzhi.
No wonder she had been so bold and unrestrained that day at Bofeng Tower—it was her family's restaurant. Who would she dare not offend?
He had only heard snippets about the Yan family's reputation in the merchant circles of Chaoan North Circuit since arriving in Qing Province. Though his knowledge was limited, he understood that the Yan family had recently opened a new shop south of Shangqiu Gate in Qing Province specifically for border trade. The shop was filled with countless rare curios, decorative stones, and colored carvings, quickly drawing the attention of everyone in Qingzhou City. Local merchants regarded them as a formidable competitor.
As this realization dawned on him, his expression cooled. He smiled and said, "I was unaware that day that you were the Eldest Miss of the Yan family. My apologies for any offense. But may I ask what debt I owe the Yan family that warrants your personal visit to the government office to collect?"
Yan Fuzhi's eyes flickered toward the thin paper in Hu Yuelin's hand.Hu Yuelin had already presented the document, his voice so low only the two of them could hear: "It must have been done by those people from the prefectural office."
Shen Zhishu swiftly scanned it, frowned slightly, and understood in an instant. Yet he asked her, "These people were not acting under my orders. If the Yan family is seeking repayment, you may have come to the wrong person."
Yan Fuzhi sneered, "Yesterday, they claimed that the colored sculpture was commissioned by Lord Wang Qi, purchased to be presented to Lord Shen. And if Lord Shen was pleased, he would surely order it sent to the capital, to be presented before the Emperor and the Crown Prince for their appreciation. If I don’t seek repayment from Lord Shen, then from whom should I seek it?"
Shen Zhishu’s expression had been somber, but upon hearing her words, it suddenly brightened. He took half a step forward and asked in a low voice, "Who did you say gave the order just now?"
"Magistrate Wang Qi, Lord Wang," she raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Shen Zhishu stared intently for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "Excellent." He turned to Hu Yuelin and said, "Go fetch the colored sculpture and return it to Miss Yan."
Hu Yuelin’s expression was also peculiar, but he said nothing and turned back toward the inner residence.
Yan Fuzhi found it strange, unsure of what he was thinking. She had not expected him to return the item so readily—quite different from the officials she had dealt with before in Chongzhou Prefecture.
Shen Zhishu walked to the side, lifted his robe, and sat down. He then gestured to her, "Please have a seat, Miss Yan."
She lowered her gaze, thought for a moment, and walked over to sit on the stool beside him. "Lord Shen is quite straightforward. However, we businesspeople have always emphasized both principal and interest. Although the item is to be returned to me, I still intend to claim the interest. Otherwise, wouldn’t the Yan family’s shop have suffered this grievance for nothing?"
"Easily done," Shen Zhishu replied with a smile, his tone even more forthright. "As long as Miss Yan agrees to one thing, I am willing to pay any amount of interest."
Yan Fuzhi found it curious. "What is it?"
Just then, Hu Yuelin emerged from inside carrying a wooden box, which he placed on the table beside her.
Shen Zhishu glanced at Hu Yuelin, then looked at Yan Fuzhi, leaning closer and lowering his voice. "Would Miss Yan be willing to write a statement, claiming that Magistrate Wang Qi of Qing Province, under the pretext of the Emperor’s desire to appreciate floral stone sculptures, has been extensively plundering and extorting from the people in Qing Province?"
Yan Fuzhi was taken aback, not expecting such a request. For a moment, she was at a loss.
A smile curled at the corner of Shen Zhishu’s lips as he added, "These are all factual matters, not something for Miss Yan to fabricate..."
She frowned. "But those words were only heard from the yamen officials. How can I be sure they truly represent Lord Wang’s intentions?"
Shen Zhishu’s eyes turned sharp as he slowly said, "If Miss Yan is willing to write this statement, I will not require you to claim interest. Instead, I will ensure that the Yan family’s shops in Qing Province are exempt from all taxes payable to the government in future trade markets. What does Miss Yan think?"
Yan Fuzhi lowered her gaze in thought, remaining silent, yet clearly swayed by his proposal.
If future trade market taxes could be exempted entirely, it would be no small sum... Moreover, with Shen Zhishu’s official backing, the Yan family’s prestige among Qing Province’s merchant circles would become even more formidable.
Shen Zhishu waited for her, then spoke unhurriedly, "I recall that the Yan family also has someone serving as an official in the capital. Miss Yan’s cousin, Yan Qiaofeng, has been in the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs for many years without promotion. Coincidentally, I am close friends with Sun Shuoran, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs..."Yan Fuzhi looked up and interrupted him with a smile, "Lord Shen, there's no need to say more. Tomorrow I shall send someone to deliver the petition to you."
Shen Zhishu smiled.
She then rose leisurely, cradling the wooden box containing the colored carvings in her arms. "I trust Lord Shen will keep his word and give due consideration to the Yan family when drafting the mutual market regulations in the coming days."
Shen Zhishu also stood and accompanied her to the door, instructing the yamen runner waiting outside, "Escort Miss Yan back to her residence."
Yan Fuzhi smiled as she glanced at him, speaking softly, "Lord Shen truly has remarkable methods. I never realized back then that you were such a cunning character."
At first, she had only seen his outwardly charming demeanor—who could have guessed he possessed such shrewdness?
Shen Zhishu merely smiled, watching her turn and walk ahead, replying equally softly, "Miss Yan, I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean."
Outside, the brilliant winter sun bathed the rare clear blue sky, warming hearts with its glow.
He turned and swiftly strode back inside, addressing Hu Yuelin, "Draft the memorial today—impeach Wang Qi on three major charges. Dispatch it by fast horse tomorrow, straight to the Crown Prince's desk!"
Hu Yuelin nodded, following him toward the inner courtyard. "We were just worried there was no clear case against Wang Qi in the young master's hands, and now his subordinates happen to commit such an act... This time, if the young master presents this matter together with the previous incident of monthly pay at Qing Province military camp in the memorial, impeaching Wang Qi fiercely—accusing him of repeatedly exploiting the Emperor's name to deceive the people and claiming credit for the Emperor's compassion toward soldiers—even if the latter lacks solid evidence, it will surely provoke the Emperor's wrath. With the Crown Prince subtly reinforcing the case at court, those senior ministers who might want to protect Wang Qi will find it impossible to save him."
Shen Zhishu walked with light steps, his temples slightly disheveled, bright eyes gleaming. As Yan Fuzhi's meaningful final smile flashed through his mind, his lips curved upward. He murmured under his breath, "Heaven must be aiding me."
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