Chapter 37: The Young Lady
At the end of the month, the Censorate finalized its plans and dispatched dozens of censors to the various prefectures. They were to patrol on behalf of Her Majesty, investigate long-standing local malpractices, and clear up miscarriages of justice across the land, all within a one-year time limit. Fang Jian was assigned to Qinzhou.
Fang Jian knew this was Her Majesty's way of acknowledging her previous good work, wanting her to take down all of Qinzhou with bold strokes. This suited her intentions perfectly. She owed Song Wan and the others a favor and wanted to return it by offering her support. Moreover, if she succeeded in this task, she would win the Emperor's trust, and her future path would be clear. She was a little impatient. She had been watching Gao Yunqu's back for too long and couldn't wait to stand by her side.
The Capital City slowly receded behind her. She called out to Xiuzhu, who was driving the carriage, then whipped her horse and galloped away. The cool wind rushed against her chest, calming her fervent and eager heart.
Arriving in Qinzhou again was different. The last time she had merely passed through; this time she was here for a long stay, holding the lifeline of all the prefecture's officials in her hands. Prefect Chen Yangzheng's attitude was considerably better. The Qinzhou Assistant Prefect led a group to welcome her outside the city walls. Once she entered Qinzhou, Prefect Chen himself came out of his government office to greet her, as if their previous disagreement had never happened.
"Lord Prefect, you are too kind. I am but a humble official of the junior sixth rank; how could I trouble a high official of the third rank like yourself to welcome me?" Fang Jian said, cupping her hands in a salute.
"Censor Fang, do not worry about it. You are, after all, patrolling on behalf of Her Majesty. It is only right for our prefecture to be enthusiastic. Please, settle into the government office first. Tonight, we will hold a banquet to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey." Prefect Chen gave her plenty of face, his attitude seeming even more gentle and amiable.
"Oh? Then I shall be troubling you, my lord. Is that appropriate?" Fang Jian feigned refusal.
Chen Yangzheng took the hint and continued, "It is not a formal occasion. Censor Fang may be at ease. We will also bring our sons and nephews to attend, so they can witness the grace of a Triple First and share in the good fortune."
"In that case, it would be rude to refuse. But, it won't be like last time, where this humble official had to be carried out lying down, will it?" Fang Jian joked.
"Of course not. It is an elegant gathering, an elegant gathering." Seeing that she was reasonably friendly and didn't seem to hold a grudge from last time, Chen Yangzheng relaxed inwardly and smiled amicably.
"Good. Then this humble official will take her leave. Please, Lord Prefect, there is no need to see me out." Fang Jian once again cupped her hands in salute.
After Fang Jian had left, the Vice Prefect sidled up to Chen Yangzheng and asked in a low voice, "My lord, what do you make of this Censor Fang?"
Chen Yangzheng's smile vanished, and he said with some disdain, "What is there to make of her? A youth who has suddenly attained high office. Just flatter her. Her Majesty is currently acting willfully. It is best for you and I to steer clear. This Censor Fang's opinion is crucial; we must keep her happy."
"Yes, this subordinate understands."
The Qinzhou government office had a dedicated temporary office, which had already been cleaned and prepared. Xiuzhu helped arrange her personal belongings while Fang Jian took a short rest. By evening, everything was in order. Fang Jian took a bath, washing away the dust of her journey, and said to Xiuzhu, "Xiuzhu, pick out a presentable set of everyday clothes for me. I'm attending a banquet this evening."
"Young Lady, what style would you like to wear today?" Xiuzhu asked.
"A dress. Something bright and beautiful. And put my hair up in a more noble-looking style. I want to look good," Fang Jian replied.
"Shouldn't you wear something more dignified for a banquet?" Xiuzhu was somewhat puzzled. Fang Jian's daily attire followed Gao Yunqu's style—mostly simple and sober round-collared robes or deep-hemmed garments. Her dresses were usually delicate and elegant; it was rare to see her in a bright and noble style.
Fang Jian smiled enigmatically. "No. The more beautiful a young lady I appear to be, the better."
Xiuzhu did not grasp her deeper meaning, but that didn't stop her from finding several outfits that met the requirements and coordinating them. "How are these?"
Fang Jian looked them over one by one. When her eyes fell on a particular item, she asked Xiuzhu with a hint of confusion, "When did I get this sky-blue thousand-pleat skirt? I don't seem to have seen it before."
Xiuzhu thought for a moment and said, "Lord Gao sent it. You rarely wear dresses, so you haven't worn it yet."
"Lord Gao…" Fang Jian rolled Gao Yunqu's name on her tongue, a warmth spreading through her heart. After a moment's thought, she said, "Then I'll wear this one."
At dusk, a servant led Fang Jian to the banquet. She wore the thousand-pleat skirt with a tube top and a moon-white outer jacket. The sky-blue color was stately, and the hem was adorned with scattered gold and floral fragments, making her appear wealthy and dignified, yet not without elegance. Paired with various hairpins, pendants, and exquisite makeup, she looked every bit the daughter of a great house. Fang Jian looked at her reflection in the mirror and felt satisfied as well. The clothes Gao Yunqu had chosen for her were indeed very suitable, making her appear even more beautiful.
But when she walked into the banquet hall, the officials present all froze. They were also in everyday clothes, a room full of brocade robes and fine attire. But the entire banquet was filled with men; there was not a single young lady. If Fang Jian had worn a cap and robe, they could have pretended nothing was amiss. But with Fang Jian in a dress and hairpins, so dazzling, it was impossible to ignore her gender.
"What is it? Did you not say to be at ease? Is it improper for me to wear these clothes?" Fang Jian asked, feigning ignorance.
Chen Yangzheng let out a chuckle and smoothed things over. "Of course not. Censor Fang has a natural grace that puts the rest of us to shame. Please."
Fang Jian followed his lead, modestly taking her seat. She cupped her hands and said, "I was abrupt last time and offended you, Lord Prefect. I hope you will not hold it against me. This assignment is not urgent for a day or two. I hope to interact more with all of you, and I ask for your kind consideration."
Chen Yangzheng appeared more at ease. "Censor Fang is too kind. Let us begin the banquet."
After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the banquet grew more enthusiastic. Chen Yangzheng called his eldest son over and introduced him to Fang Jian. "This is my son, Shouyi. He passed the Provincial Examination last year. If Censor Fang has leisure in the future, I ask that you offer my humble son some guidance."
Chen Shouyi was older than Fang Jian and had the appearance of an honest and upright gentleman. At his father's words, he bowed to Fang Jian.
Fang Jian glanced at him and replied, "Of course, of course."
The Vice Prefect, Assistant Prefect, Commandant, and other subordinate officials also brought their sons and nephews forward to pay their respects. Fang Jian offered them all warm encouragement. After a while, she turned to Chen Yangzheng and said, "Why have all you lords only brought your sons?"
The hall fell silent for a moment. Chen Yangzheng laughed and said, "My young daughter is not very accomplished and only knows how to play. I feared she might offend the Censor."
"Yes, yes, the young ladies are a bit spoiled. We feared the Censor would be displeased, so we did not bring them," the Vice Prefect chimed in.
"Look at what you are all saying. I am a young lady myself, how could I be displeased? Or is it that among the thirteen prominent families of Qinzhou, there is not a single promising young lady?" Fang Jian set down her wine cup, her words carrying a subtle weight.
"This…" Beads of sweat formed on the Vice Prefect's forehead.
"Look at me, what a joke I'm making," Fang Jian's voice was still gentle, but her words held an undeniable authority. "My home of Xilin in Hezhou doesn't have many great families, yet it produced a Gao Yunqu, Grand Tutor Gao, and myself. Qinzhou is far richer in resources and heritage; how could it not produce talented people? You lords must be too modest. Next time, next time bring the promising young ladies of your families as well, and let me witness the grace of Qinzhou's young ladies."
Chen Yangzheng raised his wine cup, taking over the conversation. "Good, good, then we shall do as Censor Fang says. There is plenty of time ahead. Censor, please."
After the banquet, Chen Yangzheng returned home, reeking of alcohol, with Chen Shouyi supporting him. It was not yet late, and his wife and two daughters were waiting for him. Chen Yangzheng sat down in the main seat, took a sip of the sobering tea his wife handed him, and let out a long sigh.
His eldest daughter, Chen Qingshang, quietly gave her younger sister, Chen Qingzheng, a look. The younger girl stood up, walked over to her father, and began to lightly massage his shoulders, asking with curiosity, "Father, why do you sigh? She is just a junior sixth-rank Censor. Her rank is low, what can she do?"
"Third Lady, you do not understand. Censors are speaking officials. Their rank may be low, but their power is great. This imperial inspection tour is in preparation for the grand evaluation in two years' time. A single sentence from this Censor Fang after she returns to the capital could decide where your father is posted in the future. We cannot afford to offend her," Chen Yangzheng said, rubbing his brow.
"Father, that little Censor is just a young lady. What could she possibly know?" Chen Shouyi was still resentful. He had to bow to her, a woman younger than him, which made him lose face. "Her asking about the young ladies of Qinzhou was probably just because she felt uncomfortable in a hall full of men."
Chen Qingshang's ears twitched slightly. She asked, "Brother, what about the young ladies of Qinzhou?"
Chen Shouyi recounted what had happened at the banquet, scoffing, "What kind of desolate place is Xilin in Hezhou? They have no manners at all. If it weren't for the incompetence of the men, how could those women have gained their current advantages?"
Chen Qingshang lowered her head to sip her tea, hiding the mockery in her eyes.
Chen Yangzheng scolded his eldest son, "Fool! Do not underestimate them. We cannot yet gauge the depth of this Censor Fang, but that Grand Tutor Gao is not someone to be trifled with. If not for the memorial she submitted, your father would not have to be making plans now. Who would want to leave their home?"
"Truly hateful," Chen Shouyi agreed.
"Enough. Let's talk about the present. This Censor Fang has thrown a difficult problem at us. If we don't have an outstanding young lady, our Qinzhou will be outshone by that Hezhou."
Chen Qingshang laughed brightly, rising to her feet. "Father, do not worry. It's not that Qinzhou has no outstanding young ladies; they are just a bit more reserved. The next time we hold a poetry society meeting, we will send her an invitation. Let her witness the literary fame of Qinzhou's young ladies."
"Good. Second Lady is right. I will leave this matter to you. Eldest Son, study hard these next few days. Later, I will ask Censor Fang to give you some pointers. The scholarship of a Triple First is nothing to scoff at."
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