When he had previously served as an official in Luoyang, his father was the top authority there. Later, when he served at the imperial court, both his father-in-law and his own father were chancellors. Almost everyone felt obliged to show him some deference on account of these connections.
Now, having just arrived at his new post, he had already issued a gag order, forbidding the servants from casually revealing his identity.
While having a powerful background was certainly advantageous, the flip side was that it made it difficult for him to be truly tempered through experience. He wanted to see just how far he could get relying on his own abilities.
Before his departure, his mother had given him two thousand strings of cash for expenses. This sum was truly excessive, but he couldn't refuse it. Just the annual salary for the advisor accompanying him was one hundred strings; over three years, that alone would be three hundred strings, not even including the monthly wages for the servants.
However, once he started receiving his official salary, he could use his own money.
Chen Tong brought over a cup of tea: "Master, your tea is here."
Chen Tong was the son of Steward Chen and had grown up with Brother Ning since childhood. Theirs was not an ordinary master-servant relationship. Brother Ning smiled and said, "Don't fuss over me. Take a moment to properly appreciate the scenery on the river. It's truly 'half the river emerald, half the river red' right now."
Those who served the young master were almost all literate. Besides, this was a poem by Bai Juyi, beloved by young and old alike.
"Master, how can you still be in the mood to admire the scenery? I've heard that case is extremely thorny," Chen Tong said.
Brother Ning shook his head: "Regarding the case, I have my own plans. It requires unraveling thread by thread and also needs people's cooperation. But we still have over ten days before reaching Xiangzhou. What's the rush?"
Chen Tong said, "Master, you truly have a broad mind."
"It's not that my mind is broad; it's that I've already been through the anxious phase." He had gathered a lot of information about the case and discussed it with his advisor. The specifics still required an on-site investigation.
However, having just arrived in Xiangzhou, the case would have to wait. The government office was flooded, so they had to find another place to stay. Brother Ning thought his mother had indeed been far-sighted; it was always wise to have ample funds prepared. For now, he had no choice but to spend several hundred strings to buy a residence.
After settling in, without even time to rest, Brother Ning threw himself into the case. It was a homicide case within a household's inner quarters, yet it implicated two high-ranking officials. Naturally, many people approached him to plead for leniency, hoping he would turn a blind eye. Brother Ning naturally refused. During his investigation, he was nearly killed, and his residence was even set on fire once.
The more this happened, the more determined Brother Ning became to see it through.
This case took a year and a half to investigate and prosecute. The evidence he gathered was conclusive. He made a copy and sent it to the capital, submitted another copy to the judicial commissioner of the Jingxi Circuit, and even impeached all the officials who had tried to intercede on behalf of the accused.
Even if it meant being stripped of his official hat, he wasn't afraid. Being able to accomplish this while in office would fulfill a long-held wish.
Fortunately, the one who currently held overwhelming power at court was his father. Official documents regarding the case were issued swiftly, and he even received commendation. Brother Ning actually felt somewhat ashamed. On one hand, he sometimes felt his father lacked political conviction and was too slick, yet it was precisely this father who had become his towering, sheltering tree.
Because of this incident, he gained considerable reputation during his tenure. Another year and a half later, he returned to the capital to report on his work. This time, the Emperor personally appointed him as the prefect of Daming Prefecture, serving as the liaison official. At this time, he was only twenty-seven years old.
His mother looked at him with satisfaction: "This is good, this is good. Your father is going to Bingzhou. Now, with the title of Grand Academician of the Zizhengdian Hall, he is also going as a Pacification Commissioner to oversee military affairs. I was just thinking of sending Ding-ge'er to Daming Prefecture. Now, it's perfect that you are going to take up office there."
Brother Ning was puzzled: "Mother, is there something happening in Daming Prefecture?"
"Your brother-in-law's father has passed away. Your brother-in-law is now in mourning and the family is about to divide the estate. You know your brother-in-law is the youngest in his family. I'm always worried the division might be unfair," his mother said.
Brother Ning smiled: "Don't worry, Mother. Your son will certainly keep an eye on things."
He thought to himself that this explained why, since his return these past few days, he had seen his parents arranging a marriage for his younger brother, Ding-ge'er. Originally, his parents weren't in any particular hurry, but now that his father was going to Bingzhou, it was better to have the wedding settled while his father was still here.
When everyone had been in the capital together, Brother Ning hadn't felt it so keenly, but now he could truly appreciate the sense of fulfillment of having the whole family together.
After speaking with his mother, he went to the study to find his father. His father stood behind the desk, hands clasped behind his back, imposing like a mountain peak. Brother Ning instantly felt that in the years his father had served as chancellor, his aura had become formidable.
"Father," he promptly bowed in greeting.
His father smiled: "You are about to take up your post in Daming Prefecture. This is very good. I originally thought of having you return to the capital for an appointment, but considering you've always been a determined child, I let the Ministry of Personnel make the arrangements. I didn't expect you to be so outstanding. This is very good."
Brother Ning hurriedly offered a few modest words, then couldn't help but look at his father, Jiang Xian, and ask: "Father, once you go this time, roughly how many years will it be?"
Mentioning this, Jiang Xian, who just moments ago had seemed completely assured, actually showed a trace of sadness: "I don't know. If it were anywhere else, I would certainly go with your mother. But serving as a military advisor... that's not possible."
Although Brother Ning, now that his son was older and the distance was shorter, planned to take his wife to his new post, those years he had been away alone hadn't been too bad. How could his father be so heartbroken now?
He could only comfort him: "It probably won't be too long. You and Mother will certainly be reunited."
"All my life, I have strived tirelessly for fame and official advancement. But the thought of leaving your mother makes me not even want this official post anymore. However, the border situation is urgent now, and your mother insists I prioritize state affairs. I..." Jiang Xian choked up here.
Brother Ning felt somewhat at a loss in the face of such overwhelming emotion. Although he knew very well that ever since he could remember, his father had only ever had his mother, how had his father become so inseparable from her at this age?
He could only advise: "Father, a true man should make his career a priority. Once you pacify the border unrest, you and Mother will have many more days together ahead."
After he finished speaking, his father just waved his hand, gesturing for him to leave, probably unwilling to let him see him lose composure.
This left Brother Ning feeling rather helpless, so he went to seek his mother's help. His mother just smiled and said, "I'll go to the study and check on your father."
He didn't know what his mother said to his father, but his father seemed much more reinvigorated afterwards.
Unfortunately, Brother Ning had to hurry to Daming Prefecture to assume his post. He couldn't attend his younger brother's wedding or see his father off. He could only entrust his brother: "After I leave, you must take good care of Mother."
Ding-ge'er had grown much more steady in recent years. He patted his chest and said, "Brother, don't worry. When we were young, you and sister always monopolized Mother. Now it's my turn to get closer to her."
This speech made Brother Ning laugh too. In his impression, his younger brother was always the little child trailing after their mother. Now he was a responsible man too.
The relationship between the two brothers was much better than that of the previous generation.
This time, Brother Ning also brought his wife and children along. The couple, reunited after a long separation, truly found that absence made the heart grow fonder. Whether in the residence or on the boat, they could hardly bear to be apart.
Lu Qionghua laughed and said, "Look at you, all greedy eyes and a full belly. You should settle down a bit now."
"You, a flower that hasn't been nourished by dew for three years, how could I bear it?" Brother Ning embraced his wife affectionately.
After the couple arrived in Daming Prefecture, Lu Qionghua had already inquired about Jin Niang's past experiences there. They first rented a house, then personally paid a visit to the Wei family.
This was Brother Ning's first meeting with his sister and brother-in-law in several years. His sister appeared much more capable than before, and even the delicate air his brother-in-law once had was completely gone. He thought to himself that he probably wouldn't need to worry too much when the time came.
Sister Jun was, of course, very happy to see her brother and quickly asked, "I haven't even asked how our parents are doing?"
"Father and mother are both well. They are currently arranging a marriage for Brother Ding. Since Father is being assigned to Bingzhou, things were quite rushed when I left. But don't worry, the match was one they had their eyes on for a long time. Mother just said it wouldn't be lively enough with none of us there." Mentioning this, Brother Ning felt a pang of guilt.
Hearing him speak of it, Sister Jun was also taken aback. "The last time I saw Brother Ding was three years ago. To think that child is getting married now! No, I must send someone with a congratulatory gift."
After a few more casual words, and after Brother Ning met his niece and nephew and gave them presents, they finally sat down to discuss serious matters.
"Now that your maternal uncle has passed, brother-in-law, please accept my condolences for your loss," Brother Ning said.
Wei Seventh Lang replied, "The old master had been ill for a long time. Passing this way spares him further suffering. It's just that my mother is elderly and couldn't withstand the shock. Thankfully, she has recovered somewhat these past few days."
Brother Ning promptly expressed his regret: "I wasn't aware Aunt was unwell. Let me go pay my respects first."
As he spoke, Wei Seventh Lang stopped him. Seeing his brother-in-law seemed to have some unspoken difficulty, Brother Ning didn't insist on visiting.
Meanwhile, Lu Qionghua and Sister Jun, who had been close back in Bianjing, shared similar interests and were now chatting endlessly about domestic matters.
Brother Ning, finding it inappropriate to bring up Wei family affairs, shifted the topic to his own situation upon taking up his post in Daming Prefecture: "I was originally just a vice-prefect. Suddenly being promoted to Daming Prefecture... being a prefect isn't just about investigating cases. I'm quite anxious about it."
Wei Seventh Lang thought to himself, here it comes again. He quickly said, "I heard all about the cases you handled in Xiangzhou Prefecture. Your reputation soared! A mere vice-prefect impeaching two senior officials. With your ability, what is there to worry about? Besides, others I don't know, but you can rest assured in Daming Prefecture. Our Wei family has been established here for many years; we will definitely assist you."
"Then I thank you in advance," Brother Ning said with a smile.
Actually, he wanted to speak with his sister privately, but here in the Wei household, with the strict separation between men and women, it wasn't appropriate to say much.
He could only listen to Lu Qionghua's account after they returned. Lu Qionghua said, "How could Sister discuss such things with me? But I saw she seemed confident and assured, so she should be fine. It's just that brother-in-law had finally started making progress in Wu County, was transferred to Lin'an as a judge, and now, who would have thought, he must observe the mourning period for three years."
"There's nothing to be done about that. Not just brother-in-law, even my own grandfather is advanced in years now. A slight misstep, and our family would also be in mourning." Brother Ning thought that if he and his father were in official positions when the time came, they could look after his brother-in-law a bit. This was a bond of friendship from many years ago.
Thinking of this, he sighed. He had always felt he didn't remember much about Daming Prefecture, but now, being back, many things came back to him. Back then, they lived across from Cousin Dou's family. Now Cousin Dou was in Bianjing, often visiting with his mother.
Fortunately, the division of the Wei family property was finally on the agenda. The Wei family was dividing the assets but not the household itself. Lu Qionghua couldn't help asking, "So, apart from the eldest son receiving a slightly larger portion, the remaining wealth is divided equally among all the sons?"
Brother Ning shook his head: "I'm not clear on that either. When the time comes, we'll just act as witnesses. But I think, given Madam Wei's usual treatment of brother-in-law, the division should be fair."
It was worth noting that Wei Seventh Lang was currently the only one among the younger generation of the Wei family who had already attained the jinshi degree. The others were either still preparing for the exams or were not suited for official life and were resting at home.
Lu Qionghua, being naturally close to Sister Jun, naturally hoped she would get her wish.
Of course, when the division took place, Brother Ning specifically served as a witness. Perhaps because of his presence, the division for his sister and brother-in-law went very smoothly. After dividing the property, everyone even gathered for a meal together.
The situation in Daming Prefecture was far more complex than in Xiangzhou Prefecture. It was not only a crucial military stronghold but also had a port, with intricate and complicated relationships.
Brother Ning now felt that being an official was truly an art, not a simple matter. He used to think certain officials were negligent in their posts and had felt intense anger. Now, he was beginning to feel that sometimes inaction was better than action.
Some policies, the more they were changed, the more likely problems arose. It was better to properly implement the existing ones first.
As the chief official of a prefecture, although young, he needed to be steady and composed.
"Husband, why aren't you resting yet?"
Seeing Lu Qionghua enter with a tray, Brother Ning hurriedly said, "You shouldn't have to come so late at night. I was just sitting here thinking about some matters."
Lu Qionghua sighed. "You, staying up late every day, do you really think your body is made of iron? Today, while you were out, a letter came from Mother. She said Aunt (wife of Eldest Uncle) has had a stroke. Now Sister-in-law is managing the household, and the kitchen staff and such have all been replaced. Also, I heard your Second Aunt has passed away, but since their branch was expelled from the family, we don't need to trouble ourselves with that."
"These are matters of other households. What about Brother Ding? How is he? And how is his wife?" Brother Ning was more concerned about this.
Lu Qionghua couldn't help but laugh after her husband finished speaking. "You... even if your mother had any opinions about your sister-in-law, she wouldn't specifically write to tell us about it."
Broner Ning smiled wryly. "That's true."
Half a year after arriving in Daming Prefecture, Brother Ning began vigorously reclaiming wasteland and re-surveying concealed land. Having once studied at the prefectural school, he deeply detested the poor living conditions there, so he used extra government funds to support the scholars.
Naturally, he also expelled all those who had gotten in through convoluted connections and those with poor academic attitudes.
These myriad tasks were complex, but Brother Ning never stopped. At most, he would steal a moment of leisure to visit his sister and brother-in-law, but they were in mourning, so he didn't want to disturb them too much.
Another year and a half later, brother-in-law Wei Seventh Lang prepared to resume his official post, so of course they had to go to Bianjing to await an appointment.
His sister said to him, "We'll return to Bianjing a step ahead of you. You still have one more year before you must return. We'll see each other again then."
This time, his sister and her family planned to stay at the Wei residence upon returning. After all, Jiao Jiao and Shi Ge'er were older now, and it wasn't suitable to keep living with her natal family.
However, although Shi Ge'er had been taught by his sister since childhood, in the years since returning here, he had become deeply doted on by Madam Wei, spoiled terribly. Who knew if he would turn out well in the future?
It's hard for a child to learn good ways, but turning bad can happen in an instant.
Of course, Brother Ning wasn't bad, it's just that he was starting to develop some rather spoiled habits typical of a wealthy young master.
Brother Ning considered whether to write to their mother about it, but thinking of her character, he decided against it. A saying their mother often repeated was, "The master leads you to the door; your own practice gets you across the threshold."
She felt she had already guided her elder sister onto the right path, even helping her husband achieve the jinshi degree. As for matters concerning the grandchildren, she wouldn't interfere—after all, children and grandchildren have their own fortunes.
Their mother had a very strong sense of boundaries.
However, as her younger brother, he still felt he should offer a gentle reminder.
His elder sister just laughed and said, "Don't worry. Wait until we're back in Bianjing; I'll know how to straighten him out. Ah, it's hard for those from wealthy families to endure hardship."
In the end, Brother Ning had to agree.
After his sister and brother-in-law left, his wife became pregnant. Brother Ning doted on Lu Qionghua, wishing he could hold her in the palm of his hand. However, he was also very busy with his duties and often couldn't tend to household matters.
Fortunately, Lu Qionghua was only outwardly delicate; she was highly capable at managing the household and social engagements, so he didn't need to worry.
By the time his wife gave birth to a daughter, he only had a few months left in his term of office. Just a few days before he was due to return to the capital to report on his tenure, he received a letter: his grandfather had passed away, and the entire family would have to observe the mourning period.
But it was precisely because of this mandatory mourning period that the whole family was able to gather together.
When they returned to Jinliang Bridge, they saw their father, mother, and Brother Ding getting down from a carriage. Their reunion was filled with warm greetings. Their father's temples were tinged with frost; he looked much more worn out these days. It was understandable—he was getting on in years, and years of constant travel would take their toll.
Their mother, on the other hand, had skin that looked even better than before. It was said she rarely did needlework anymore. Her complexion was fair with a rosy glow, even better than that of the younger generation.
"Father, your son is unfilial for returning so late. You and Mother should rest first. I will go and help with the arrangements," said Brother Ning.
A look of relief crossed his father's face. "In my youth, riding horses and swimming were nothing to me. Now, after rushing back for the funeral, I feel completely drained. It's good to have you and your brother here."
Brother Ding was already past his capping ceremony and looked more robust than before. He was smiling at his elder brother.
The two brothers first escorted their parents inside. Their parents were clearly exhausted and went to rest, while the brothers had tea and talked in the pavilion.
"How have you been? Seeing you just now, you've truly become a man," Brother Ning said thoughtfully, looking at his younger brother.
Brother Ding smiled. "I'm still studying at the Imperial Academy. Mother opened a large hostel along the Bianjing waterfront and usually entrusts its management to me. Other than that, nothing much. I wrote to you about the rest—I have a son now."
In their childhood, it was Brother Ning who followed their parents on their official postings. Brother Ding was born in Bianjing. Now that Brother Ning had gone out to serve as an official, it was Brother Ding who had been staying with their parents.
He had originally intended to ask about his brother's studies, but he didn't mention it now, instead inquiring about family matters and the funeral arrangements at the old ancestral home.
Speaking of the funeral, Brother Ding gave a cold laugh. "They just threw their hands up—where would they get the money? Grandfather had no savings. Even if he did, Mrs. Zheng would have taken them for her own upkeep long ago. So, we ended up paying for the funeral."
"Expected. With Eldest Uncle gone and the main branch in that state, it would ultimately fall to us to pay," said Brother Ning, who, having served as an official, had seen much of the world.
Brother Ding held up a finger. "About this much."
Brother Ning blinked. "Five thousand strings of cash?"
Brother Ding nodded.
"It wasn't easy for Father and Mother to build up this family fortune over the years, yet spending it is like flowing water. I remember Mother saved for many years for elder sister's dowry," Brother Ning said. Then, thinking of his own official salary from his posting, he told Brother Ding, "I brought back five hundred strings. I'll give them to Father and Mother later."
Before Brother Ding could say anything, he saw his elder brother stride purposefully towards their parents' room. He opened his mouth but said nothing. He estimated the family's wealth these past few years was around two hundred thousand strings of cash. While complaining about being poor was one thing, the family really wasn't short of that amount nowadays.
Brother Ning handed the money over to the common family funds. That night, he and Lu Qionghua went to the old ancestral home to keep vigil. The couple spoke quietly in the mourning hall.
"I met Brother Ding's wife today. She's elegant in appearance, dignified and steady in temperament, yet not rigid. They live in the small side courtyard. I heard from the servants that she pays her morning and evening respects daily—she puts me to shame," Lu Qionghua said, feeling a sense of rivalry.
As sisters-in-law, it was easy for people to compare them.
Brother Ning understood Lu Qionghua's feelings well. If they were at home, he could hold her as usual and whisper sweet nothings, but here in the mourning hall, he could only console her: "Aren't we back now? Mother doted on you so much before. She won't forget you just because someone new has arrived."
"Mmm," Lu Qionghua nodded.
When her husband was in Xiangzhou, her mother-in-law would send her all sorts of delicious foods and fun things, and even personally made her a jacket...
Seeing his wife relax, he added, "I'll have someone take you to a guest room to rest for a while. I'll keep watch here. Otherwise, if you stay here the whole time and catch a chill, how will you compete with your sister-in-law for Mother's favor?"
"You're awful," Lu Qionghua chided playfully, but knowing his good intentions, she went to rest.
The funeral rites lasted the full forty-nine days before the burial, conducted with great solemnity and grandeur.
After the funeral, everyone was utterly exhausted. Their mother ordered everyone to dispense with formalities and rest properly in their own rooms. They obediently rested for three full days before gathering at the main house. Brother Ding and his wife had just arrived as well, and everyone was at their mother's place.
"Wait a moment, everyone. Today I have all your favorite dishes," their mother said with a smile.
Soon the table was laden with food. Adults and children gathered happily. Mother served Father a bowl of pumpkin and lily congee, focusing on taking care of Father during the meal. Father was clearly pleased, though also a little embarrassed.
Mother didn't seem to mind and said, "Your father has had a hard time these years alone in Bingzhou, often forgetting to eat and sleep, all to shelter our entire family."
Everyone knew this, but Mother made a point of saying it aloud, never taking it for granted that just because they were family, others owed them money or influence.
Brother Ning had often pondered how his mother, starting as an embroiderer, had secured her position as a chancellor's wife so steadily, rarely appearing insecure or anxious, completely unafraid of her husband's affections changing. Somehow, he now understood.
Because she had always advanced a step further at every stage. As Father's official rank rose, the people Mother associated with became more elevated. Back then, the Wei family was immensely powerful, and Mother established a clan alliance with them; Father even relied on Mother's connections for promotion. Later, Mother always planned for the entire family's advancement, transforming them from a modestly well-off household to the prosperous family they were today. Business, wealth, even her children—all were firmly in her grasp.
So, while men had a visible path of promotion, women had their own subtle path to elevate themselves.
He didn't know why he was thinking about all this.
Perhaps it was a case of putting himself in others' shoes—his father still held a prominent official position now, so in the future, the burden of the family would fall upon his own shoulders. Sunlight streamed in through the lattice window. Looking at his lively, bustling family, Brother Ning felt a sudden warmth in his eyes. He vowed to himself that he would definitely take good care of his own family in the days to come.
