"Sir, this Eunuch An is putting on far too grand an air. Hundreds of us are waiting for him alone. It's truly insolent! With so many of us, are we to fear a single eunuch?"
At the front of the large convoy, the one speaking with visible indignation was a direct subordinate of Minister Cui, named Fu Lin.
Minister Cui's expression was also unpleasant. He glanced at his subordinate, his thoughts unreadable, but said, "Eunuch An is currently a favorite of His Majesty since the new year. On this mission, I am to work alongside him, so naturally, we cannot be too particular. We shall wait a while longer."
Fu Lin flattered, "Your Excellency's magnanimity puts your subordinate to shame. It's just that we from the Ministry of Justice are on official business, yet we have to bring along an imperial attendant who knows nothing. Isn't that just adding trouble for us!"
Minister Cui gave Fu Lin a thoughtful look, his tone meaningful. "Since His Majesty has entrusted a squad of imperial guards to him, that in itself speaks of his capability."
Fu Lin was about to say more when he was interrupted by a subordinate coming to report.
"Reporting, Sir. Eunuch An has arrived with his family. He is currently at the rear arranging the carriage for his wife and will join you shortly."
Family? Wife!
Minister Cui furrowed his brows, but before he could speak, Fu Lin beside him burst out angrily, "What family does a eunuch have to bring? This mission is of great importance. None of us officials, not even our Minister Cui, His Majesty's personally appointed Imperial Commissioner, have brought family. What right does he have! This... this is utterly preposterous!"
Minister Cui's face was dark, and he remained silent, lost in thought.
Seeing Minister Cui like this, Fu Lin, filled with indignation, opened his mouth to speak again.
Just then, a sharp, piercing voice rang out.
"Aiyo, I am late. Please forgive me, Minister Cui." An Sheng walked over with a beaming smile.
Minister Cui's name was Cui Daogu, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, holding a third-rank title.
Cui Daogu's tone was gentle. "Not at all, Eunuch An. You are not late. It is just the right time to depart."
The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, both wearing smiles. To an onlooker seeing them smiling at each other, one might think they were the closest of friends.
Once An Sheng returned to his carriage, his expression darkened. A Mei was inside the carriage, looking around curiously. Seeing her husband return, she had a bellyful of things she wanted to tell him. But noticing An Sheng's gloomy, unhappy look, she asked cautiously, "Husband, what's wrong? Is something troubling you?"
An Sheng glanced at A Mei and, not bothering to hide it, gave a cold laugh. "This assignment of mine has gotten in quite a few people's way. I am well aware. Few of these men truly look upon me with respect. Hah! But what does it matter if they look down on me? They still have to bear with me!"
A Mei listened, understanding only partly, but she listened attentively nonetheless.
Looking down at A Mei's obedient demeanor, An Sheng's mood improved considerably. The corners of his thin lips lifted slightly as he instructed, "We have over ten days of travel ahead, the journey is pressing. On usual days, don't wander about aimlessly. The maid following the carriage is one I assigned specifically to serve you. If you need anything, just order her."
Mentioning the accompanying maid, A Mei quickly sat up straight, her tone excited. "Husband, A Mei doesn't need serving. A Mei is here to serve you."
An Sheng was both angered and amused by A Mei's lack of ambition. "So it seems not a single word I said to you before has stuck in your head."
A Mei was taken aback, her face flushing slightly. "No... no... A Mei remembers everything husband said to A Mei."
An Sheng raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying a hint of severity. "You and I, we are likely the subject of others' gossip and ridicule. Are you aware of this?"
A Mei's heart sank, feeling an inexplicable sadness, not just for herself but more so for her husband. She said plaintively, "A Mei just wants to live a good life with husband. How does that bother others? Husband, let's not care about other people, alright?"
Looking at A Mei's pitiful, wronged appearance, An Sheng's eyes flickered slightly. He snorted coldly, his voice stern. "If I truly cared about others' opinions, I would have dashed my brains out against a palace wall eight hundred years ago. What I am telling you is this: no matter who mocks you or looks down on you, you must live better than them, make them fear you! Now, as my wife, it is only natural that you have someone to serve you, someone to order about. On this trip, I may not compare to the Imperial Commissioner, but no one dares to slight me either. So, you must not lose face for me. Do you understand now?"
How could A Mei comprehend all these intricacies? She shook her head honestly, then stammered, "Hus... husband, A Mei... understands."
An Sheng was left speechless. Looking at A Mei who seemed to grasp it only vaguely, he felt utterly exasperated.
Ever since he could remember, An Sheng had witnessed too much scheming and deception. To survive, he learned to observe people's expressions and protect himself. Feeling powerless, his heart had long been twisted by power and profit.
He couldn't understand it. Ever since marrying this girl, his temperament had become increasingly unlike his own.
Finally, An Sheng sighed. "Forget it."
"As long as I am here, no one would dare provoke you."
Hearing the hint of helplessness and indulgence in his sharp tone, A Mei knew her husband was always harsh in speech but soft at heart. A sweet warmth spread through her. An Sheng's carriage was spacious, leaving some distance between them. A Mei carefully shifted closer to An Sheng's side.
An Sheng glared, his tone unfriendly. "Who told you to get so close to me!"
A Mei was already accustomed to her husband's fluctuating hot-and-cold attitude. She wasn't afraid. Instead, she tilted her head and leaned directly against An Sheng's arm. "Husband is good to A Mei. A Mei knows that in her heart. A Mei likes husband the most."
The unique fragrance and warmth of a soft, delicate woman reached An Sheng's senses. His breath caught inexplicably, and his heart seemed to skip a beat. His face turned slightly pale. "Call you foolish, and you truly prove me wrong. Where did you learn such coquettish tricks!"
Though his words were stern, he did not push A Mei away.
A Mei asked plaintively, "Husband, what are coquettish tricks?"
An Sheng snorted. "You are not to act like this with anyone else but me!"
A Mei stated as a matter of course, "Others aren't A Mei's husband. A Mei would never!"
"Good that you know!" An Sheng's mood suddenly improved greatly. He stopped bothering with A Mei and casually picked up the dossier on the tax collection to read.
A Mei blinked, staring at the dossier, and couldn't help asking, "Husband, what's written on it?"
An Sheng said coldly, "Don't ask about things you shouldn't!"
"Oh."
"The road is dull. Starting tomorrow, I will teach you to read characters."
A Mei was overjoyed. "Thank you, husband!"
