The two rode their horses forward in silence. Zhenzhen recalled Wei Qingxun's earlier words and suddenly had an epiphany: "It was you who instructed Wei Qingxun to submit the petition to purchase the official land."
Zhao Ai did not deny it, saying, "If you were to step forward and buy so much official land, it would inevitably attract attention, and more people would become interested in your family background and past. If, in the future, the Emperor orders the Censorate to thoroughly investigate the misconduct of Li and Ding, you would likely be summoned to testify, putting you at great risk. I would never allow such a thing to happen. As for Wei Qingxun, with her vast family fortune, no one would question how much she buys. Having her act on your behalf is the most suitable arrangement. This way, your goal is achieved, and you remain detached from the matter."
"How did you persuade Wei Qingxun to cooperate with you?" Zhenzhen asked.
"I simply reminded her that Li and Ding are, at most, local officials serving a single term, while I, as a prince, will hold my position for a lifetime. Offending me is far more serious than offending them," Zhao Ai said calmly. "She is a shrewd merchant and naturally understands how to assess the situation, seeking advantage and avoiding harm."
Zhenzhen pondered for a moment before asking, "What about my tax receipts? Can you make use of them?"
Zhao Ai replied, "You have already done well by letting me know the names of those exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous levies. Over the past few months, I have frequently inspected various areas of Ningguo Prefecture and have come to know many farmers and merchants. Now that I am aware of these tax names, it is not difficult to privately inquire with them and ask them to testify. It may not be necessary to present your receipts directly before the Emperor."
Zhenzhen sighed, "You have handled all these matters yourself, making me feel utterly useless."
"How can you say that? You have given me these ideas and helped me greatly," Zhao Ai said. Behind Zhenzhen, where her gaze could not reach, a faint smile appeared on his face. "It seems that ever since we met, we have been able to work together on many serious matters, protecting and supporting each other... That is quite good."
Zhenzhen carefully reflected and realized that whether it was solving the fake venison issue, resolving the refugee crisis, or exposing the scheme to amass wealth through imperial banquets, they had indeed unknowingly collaborated on many serious matters. However... "My considerations are never thorough enough. I often cause trouble, and you are always the one cleaning up after me," she said to Zhao Ai with emotion.
"But those matters—if you hadn't taken action, I might not have thought to do them. So, you see, we complement each other perfectly," Zhao Ai said. Suddenly, he reined in his horse and turned in a different direction. "Come, let me show you a place."
He led Zhenzhen northward, traversing mountains and rivers for a long time. As the sun set in the west, they arrived at the edge of a lake. On a hill, they halted their horses, and Zhao Ai pointed to the dilapidated, overgrown polder fields below: "These polder fields are called Huimin Polder. Their construction began during the Three Kingdoms period. The polder embankments protect farmland from floods and droughts, but they have fallen into disrepair over the years. A few years ago, they were struck by a flood, which washed them away, causing the farmland to be submerged, the fields to become barren, the tenant farmers to scatter, and the people to suffer."
From the remnants of the embankments, Zhenzhen could see that this place originally consisted of large and small square polder fields, connected to form a vast, city-sized square. However, the embankments were now scattered, and the farmland in between was either overgrown with withered grass or submerged in stagnant water. Reflecting the blood-red sunset, the scene appeared even more desolate."The polder fields you see now are mostly small, privately built ones by landowners and farmers. But to withstand floods, the government must step in to construct large embankments that enclose these small private polders. Each official polder spans dozens of square miles, with embankments several zhang wide and over one zhang high, further reinforced by planting mulberry and willow trees on top. Only then can they be solid and unyielding, unafraid of raging floods," Zhao Ai said.
Zhenzhen nodded. "Ningguo Prefecture has many swamps and riverbanks. Building extensive polders can aid farming, benefiting both the state and the people. But Li Tang and Ding Xiyao are eager to showcase their achievements to the court, seeking quick success and instant gains. They have no intention of building polders, instead imposing excessive taxes and levies to present surplus tribute. That’s why you want to reclaim the authority of the prefectural administrator from them."
The prefectural administrator, like the prefect, served as the governor of a prefecture. However, when a high-ranking official concurrently held a lower-ranking position, it was termed "administrator", while officials of the same rank serving in the role were called "prefect". As a prince, Zhao Ai had condescended to serve as the governor of Ningguo Prefecture, hence his title was "Administrator of Ningguo Prefecture."
"Yes, but it’s quite difficult. Although the position of prefectural administrator isn’t high-ranking, imperial princes in our dynasty have always held only nominal titles without real authority. That’s why Li and Ding are emboldened, openly sidelining me." At this point, Zhao Ai gave a slight, bitter smile. "Father appointed me as the administrator of Ningguo Prefecture with the intention of sending me away from the capital, distancing me from the position of crown prince. He likely never intended to grant me real authority as the administrator, which is why he appointed a chief administrator on one side and a military commander on the other, ostensibly as advisors and assistants but actually acting on my behalf in all matters. Now, persuading The Emperor to grant me real authority is quite challenging."
"Don’t worry, haven’t we collected plenty of evidence of their crimes?" Zhenzhen turned to comfort him. "Submit a memorial to The Emperor, reporting these matters. The Emperor is wise and, if he sympathizes with your concern for the people, will surely grant your request."
Zhao Ai smiled at her. "I’m preparing to draft the memorial. Would you help me with the wording?"
"My literary skills are truly limited, so I’m not good with phrasing, but I can help think of reasons," Zhenzhen replied.
Zhao Ai chuckled and urged his horse forward again, taking Zhenzhen to an inn on the outskirts of a nearby town. The innkeeper, clearly familiar with him, greeted them with a bow, repeatedly addressing him as "Administrator Zhao," and invited him and Zhenzhen inside to take a seat.
The inn had three floors: the ground floor served as a dining hall, while the second and third floors were guest rooms. The innkeeper brought wine and dishes, inviting Zhao Ai and Zhenzhen to dine, and chatted with them. Zhenzhen learned that his surname was Gong. His family had originally been tenant farmers nearby, but after their polder fields were flooded, they could no longer farm. His parents died in poverty, and his brothers left to seek work elsewhere. Gong himself was frail and unable to travel far. He had originally gone to the prefectural seat to seek a position as a yamen runner but was unsuccessful due to his age and poor health. Fortunately, he met Zhao Ai. After speaking with him, Zhao Ai thought he had some business acumen and, knowing of a property for rent in the area, lent him money to rent the place and open this inn.
Innkeeper Gong was deeply grateful to Zhao Ai and praised him repeatedly to Zhenzhen, extolling not only his character and virtue but also his appearance and talents, almost as if he were trying to play matchmaker. He looked at Zhenzhen warmly, enthusiastically recommending Zhao Ai, which made her feel quite awkward. Zhao Ai, however, remained composed, smiling faintly as he asked about the recent business. Gong replied, "Thanks to the administrator’s blessing, you found me this well-located property. Many people traveling to and from Ningguo Prefecture from the east, west, and north pass through here, so we have plenty of guests stopping for meals or lodging. I estimate that in another year or two, I’ll be able to repay the administrator’s money and even offer interest."After dinner, Zhenzhen noticed that the sky had completely darkened and hurriedly asked Zhao Ai to escort her home. Before Zhao Ai could respond, Shopkeeper Gong interjected, "It's so late; traveling at night isn't safe. Though my establishment is humble, we do have a few clean guest rooms. On the third floor, there's a fine large suite available tonight, perfect for the young lady to stay in."
Zhenzhen was unwilling to stay and insisted on returning home. However, glancing at the ink-black night outside, she felt a twinge of unease. Seeing this, Zhao Ai said to her, "Mountain and wilderness paths aren’t like city roads. If you stray into swamps or ponds at night, it could be life-threatening. Why not stay here for a few hours? Once the sun rises, I’ll take you back."
Zhenzhen hesitated. Zhao Ai smiled slightly and added, "Didn’t you say you’d help me refine the memorial’s content? Why not finish it tonight? Besides, the room on the third floor offers a view of the sunrise. When the sun rises, its golden rays spread across the boundless fields—a breathtakingly magnificent sight. We can discuss until then and witness it together."
Considering the safety concerns of traveling at night and feeling a touch of longing for the scene Zhao Ai described, Zhenzhen pondered for a while and finally agreed to stay. However, she insisted they only discuss the memorial, keep the lights on all night, and not lie down to sleep.
Zhao Ai readily agreed. Shopkeeper Gong then led them upstairs. Zhao Ai walked straight to the spacious suite, which indeed appeared elegant and clean, fully furnished. Beyond the curtains, there was a writing desk with chairs, and all necessary writing tools were provided.
Shopkeeper Gong brought tea and sufficient lamps and candles, then bowed and excused himself, closing the door behind him as he left. Zhenzhen immediately went over and opened it. Seeing no one else on the third floor, Zhao Ai didn’t mind and, with a smile, took out paper and brush, beginning to contemplate the memorial.
Clearly, he had already thought through what to write. After briefly discussing it with Zhenzhen, he started writing fluently, as if divinely inspired. He first detailed the oppressive taxation and lawless acts of Li and Ding, then directly addressed the issue of redundant officials: "Your subject was appointed as the Prefectural Judge, yet now the Chief Administrator and the Military Administrator are solely entrusted with authority, placing your subject in a position of uselessness. Moreover, with three judges appointed in one prefecture, I fear it will only lead to disputes among officials and people, causing unnecessary disturbance." He also suggested that The Emperor clearly assign him oversight of the two officials, granting him final decision-making power in Ningguo Prefecture: "The Chief Administrator and Military Administrator should handle finances, grain, and legal documents, submitting drafts for your subject to review and decide upon. This would ensure harmony between superiors and subordinates and make governance more efficient."
After finishing, he showed it to Zhenzhen, who also approved of the content. He then said, "Once Wei Qingxun delivers the official land contracts, the memorial and the evidence I’ve collected can be presented together to The Emperor. I hope The Emperor will heed my advice. After dismissing Li and Ding, even if new Chief and Military Administrators are appointed, they should follow my lead."
Putting away the memorial, Zhao Ai suggested Zhenzhen rest briefly in the inner room. Zhenzhen shook her head repeatedly, unwilling to lie down no matter what. Zhao Ai didn’t press further and instead kept her company with casual conversation. After a long while, Zhenzhen could no longer stay awake and dozed off with her head on the table. In her drowsy sleep, she suddenly heard Zhao Ai say, "It’s almost dawn." Zhenzhen immediately opened her eyes and looked out the window.
The sky was indeed growing brighter, but for some reason, there was no sign of the red sun emerging on the horizon beyond the fields.
"Where’s the sun?" Zhenzhen asked in confusion.
"Perhaps it’s hidden by clouds," Zhao Ai said, placing two chairs by the window. "Let’s wait here. We should see it soon."
Zhenzhen walked to the window and sat down. Zhao Ai also took a seat in the other chair, sitting beside her as they gazed into the distance, quietly awaiting the sunrise.The blue hues of the sky gradually faded, and daylight began to fill the space outside the window. Yet the sunrise Zhenzhen had eagerly anticipated never appeared. Sensing something amiss, she turned to Zhao Ai with a stern expression and asked, "The sky is already bright. Where is the sunrise you promised?"
"Oh, I must have remembered it wrong," Zhao Ai replied, meeting her gaze up close. He casually reached out to brush away a speck of fluff that the breeze had carried to her brow, adding nonchalantly, "This room faces west."
In her eagerness to return home as soon as possible, Zhenzhen reluctantly shared a horse with him once more, allowing him to escort her back. However, upon reaching the village entrance, she insisted on dismounting and hurriedly walked toward her home on foot. Zhao Ai also dismounted, leading his horse as he followed closely behind her, ensuring her safe passage.
Soon, villagers caught sight of them. As Zhao Ai had visited the area multiple times for inspections, some recognized him and called out, "Isn’t that Judge Zhao?"
The village quickly grew lively as passersby gathered to greet Zhao Ai with bows and salutations. Those who had been indoors opened their doors and windows, eagerly calling out "Judge Zhao" or "Prince of Wei." With a smile, Zhao Ai continued walking alongside Zhenzhen, occasionally nodding in acknowledgment of the villagers’ enthusiastic greetings.
Noticing that he was accompanying Zhenzhen, someone straightforwardly asked, "Judge Zhao, are you heading to Lady Song’s home?"
Zhenzhen inwardly groaned, but Zhao Ai maintained his smile and calmly replied, "I happened to meet Lady Song on the road and am simply escorting her home."
Everyone found this "chance encounter" rather dubious, yet they all wore knowing smiles, as if they understood perfectly. They warmly urged, "Then please stay a while at Lady Song’s home, Judge Zhao. Don’t rush off!"
These words made Zhenzhen feel as though thorns were pricking her back. Finally reaching the gate of her home, she immediately ordered Zhao Ai to stop. With a smile, he asked, "After escorting you all this way, won’t you invite me in for a visit?"
Zhenzhen replied coldly, "Your actions will ruin my reputation."
"Since it seems you have no intention of marrying anyway, whether your reputation is slightly better or worse shouldn’t matter much. And if your reputation is ever to be tarnished, I’d prefer it to be by me," Zhao Ai said with a smile, seemingly regaining the joy and confidence he had when they first met.
Before turning to leave, his smile faded, and he spoke to her earnestly, "From now on, no one should dare to set their sights on you."
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