The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 116
by Little PandaI’m Sorry, I Broke My Promise
When the Prefect of the Capital Prefecture saw that Qu Jinian had also stepped forward, he stooped slightly, glanced up at Qu Jinian, then drew back the step he had taken. With a smile on his face, he gestured for Qu Jinian to go first.
Qu Jinian smiled at the gesture, holding his jade tablet1 as he bowed in salute. “Your Majesty, this humble servant, Qu Jinian, has a memorial to present.”
The Emperor glanced at the officials below him, his gaze shifting to Qu Jinian and then to his own dragon desk. “Speak, Minister Qu.”
“Cavalry Commandant2 General Xiao Tong discussed with this humble servant a few days ago whether it would be possible to temporarily switch personnel for the post in Shoulin. This humble servant thought—”
“Hm?” Before Qu Jinian could finish, the Emperor’s expression had already soured.
Sensing the Emperor’s displeasure, Qu Jinian hurriedly explained, “It is like this, Your Majesty. General Xiao has been in Shoulin for several years, and his children have reached the age of marriage. He wishes to remain in the capital until his children’s affairs are settled, after which he will return to Shoulin.”
Hearing this, and considering it was Qu Jinian asking, the Emperor lowered his eyes for a moment. “And what is your opinion, Minister Qu?”
“This humble servant has a daughter and understands the depth of General Xiao’s love for his children. This humble servant believes his request should be granted.”
“Oh? Then has a replacement been chosen?” the Emperor asked probingly, feigning indifference.
Qu Jinian lowered his head in thought for a moment before looking up again. “This humble servant has no suitable candidate. I must ask Your Majesty to decide this matter.”
Upon hearing this, the Emperor, who had been sitting in a somewhat lax posture, straightened up. He looked at Qu Jinian, then glanced at a trusted confidant in the hall—a Senior Second Rank military official, the Upper Protector of the Army,3 Kang Yugong. He tested the waters uncertainly, “How about we send… the Upper Protector of the Army, Our dear Minister Kang?”
Qu Jinian turned to look at the military general Kang Yugong beside him. “Lord Kang turned the tide and quelled a rebellion in the early Baoguang era. This humble servant believes that sending Lord Kang would be a case of using great talent for a small task,4 would it not?”
“Marquis Qu overpraises me. This subordinate official eats the sovereign’s stipend and must naturally share His Majesty’s burdens.5 This subordinate official has no great talent. If His Majesty says this subordinate official is suitable, then this subordinate official would not shrink from ten thousand deaths.”6
Hearing this, Qu Jinian smiled. “Lord Kang is too modest.”
“Ahem. Qu Jinian, what is the meaning of this? You asked Us to recommend a candidate, and We did. Now you say it’s a waste of talent. What, do you have someone suitable in mind?”
Hearing the anger in the Emperor’s voice, Qu Jinian quickly knelt. “Your Majesty, quell your anger. This humble servant has no candidate.”
“Then it is settled. Kang Yugong will replace Xiao Tong in Shoulin.” The Emperor had just spoken, and before Qu Jinian could reply, he added, “Xiao Tong is too sentimental and has failed Our expectations. He need not go back in the future.”
“Your Majesty.” Qu Jinian seemed to want to object.
“Enough. This matter is settled. There is no need for further discussion.” The Emperor cut Qu Jinian off.
Without any cost, the Emperor had replaced Xiao Tong, who had stayed in Shoulin for years without bringing back any useful intelligence. He had also cornered Qu Jinian, leaving him temporarily unable to rebut. The Emperor was in an extremely fine mood, and the ministers could clearly see a smile on his face.
After a moment, the Emperor felt his smile was a bit too conspicuous. He cleared his throat lightly. “Does Minister Qu have anything else to report?”
Qu Jinian looked up, a frustrated expression on his face. “Replying to Your Majesty, this humble servant has nothing more to report.”
The Emperor nodded and deliberately ignored Qu Jinian, searching among the ministers for the Prefect of the Capital Prefecture who had been about to report something around the same time as Qu Jinian. “Minister Shen, did you have something to report just now?”
The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture took small steps out from the ranks of officials and knelt. “Replying to Your Majesty, this humble servant does indeed have a matter to report.”
“Speak.” The Emperor glanced at Qu Jinian, who was in the process of rising to his feet.
Qu Jinian stood and returned to his position at the front of the ranks. The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture glanced at him, noting his seemingly clueless expression, and addressed the Emperor, “Your Majesty, the matter this humble servant wishes to report also concerns General Xiao.”
“Oh? What is it?” The Emperor grew cautious.
The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture blinked for a moment, then raised his head. “Last night, at the end of xushi,7 this humble servant received a report from General Xiao’s steward, stating that Xiao Tong and his wife had died in their residence.”
The hall instantly erupted in an uproar.
“What? Xiao Tong is dead?” The Emperor was first shocked, but in the next moment, he realized that with Xiao Tong dead, Qu Jinian could no longer have him sent back to Shoulin to replace his chosen candidate. He was secretly delighted, but as the ruler of the nation, with a court official having died, he put on a solemn expression. “How did he die?”
The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture glanced left and right. Seeing this, the Emperor said, “Report truthfully. There is no need to be hesitant.”
The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture lowered his head. “Replying to Your Majesty, General Xiao and his wife were killed by their adoptive daughter.”
As the Prefect’s words fell, the previous clamor grew even louder.
The Chief Eunuch took a step forward and shouted, “Silence!”
“This humble servant has conducted a preliminary investigation into the cause. The original intention was to report to Your Majesty after a more detailed inquiry, but as General Xiao was charged with an imperial mission, this subordinate official dared not delay.”
“The cause?” The Emperor seemed curious as well as to why Xiao Tong’s adoptive daughter would kill him.
“According to the existing clues and the suspect’s confession, General Xiao drugged her and was about to commit an indecent act against her. His adoptive daughter was forced into a corner and was driven to kill.”
“What?” The Emperor’s brows furrowed upon hearing this. Such an act, so contrary to human decency, was actually committed by a minister he had placed his trust in.
“It is indeed so. This humble servant also questioned the servants of the residence. General Xiao had a history of buying young girls for his debauchery. When his adoptive daughter was young, he made several advances, but they were thwarted by his domineering wife. This time, upon returning to the capital to report on his duties, he used the pretense of sending her sobering-up soup late at night to drug her with Soft Tendon Powder.”
The Emperor’s frown deepened. “You just said his wife was also killed. What happened there?”
“It seems Madam Xiao Chen was on guard last night. She knew of General Xiao’s improper intentions toward his adoptive daughter. Wishing to catch them… wishing to stop them, she was killed along with him by the adoptive daughter, who had momentarily lost her mind.” The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture couldn’t bring himself to say the words ‘catch them in the act.’ After he finished speaking, he recalled what General Zhao and Xiao Tong’s own sister had said to him at the government office: ‘No matter what, please, Lord Shen, save her life.’ The Prefect lowered his gaze and added, “This humble servant also learned that while at the residence, Madam Xiao Chen would either beat or curse her adoptive daughter, verbally abusing her. Her body is covered in scars. Her situation is quite pitiful.”
The Emperor’s state of mind was now completely different from before Qu Jinian had suggested replacing the personnel in Shoulin. Xiao Tong was dead. It was impossible for Qu Jinian to get him sent back. If it weren’t for Qu Jinian’s earlier words, he would have furiously issued a decree to execute Xiao Bingying, to kill one to warn a hundred.8
Now, hearing the cause, the Emperor mulled it over for a few moments. “Xiao Tong was a courtier of our Tiansheng, but his actions are despicable. An official who breaks the law deserves a heavier punishment, but as he is dead, the matter will not be pursued further. As for his adoptive daughter’s crime of murder… handle it according to the law.”
The Emperor did not arbitrarily order Xiao Bingying’s execution. But since she had killed a court official, she could not be pardoned, lest others follow her example. Thus, he let the Prefect decide according to the law; he would no longer concern himself with whether she lived or died.
In a way, Xiao Bingying had done him a favor.
“If Our dear ministers have nothing else to report, let us conclude for today.” The Emperor frowned, but his gaze shifted to the newly appointed Kang Yugong, who was bound for Shoulin.
The court officials dispersed, but Kang Yugong remained behind.
Qu Jinian returned to his residence and told Qu Sheng what had happened. After some thought, Qu Sheng decided to take Cheng Xi to visit Xiao Bingying first.
Qu Jinian changed out of his court robes and took Qu Sheng and Cheng Xi to the Prefectural Prison.
Xiao Bingying’s case had not been handed over to the Court of Judicial Review,9 which made things somewhat easier to handle.
The three of them went to the Prefectural Prison. The Prefect had long heard that Qu Sheng was good friends with her, so a visit was not surprising. However, if Qu Jinian hadn’t brought them today, he would not have been so accommodating.
“Marquis Qu, Miss Qu, this way please.” The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture led Qu Jinian and the others into the prison.
“This Miss Xiao’s life is truly pitiful. There are still some details of this case that have not been clarified. After the interrogation is complete, this subordinate official will pass judgment according to the laws of our dynasty,” the Prefect said as they walked.
“This is where Miss Xiao is being held.” The Prefect raised his hand, and a nearby jailer produced the keys. He took them but did not immediately open the cell door. He issued a reminder: “Miss Xiao has practiced martial arts. Is Marquis Qu certain he wants to go in?”
Qu Jinian nodded. “It’s no matter.”
By now, Xiao Bingying had already heard the voices. When she saw Qu Jinian, she slowly stood up. When she then saw the two people beside him, her expression grew emotional.
The cell door was opened. The Prefect stood to one side, watching. Qu Jinian glanced at him, and the Prefect immediately understood. He said to the jailers beside him, “You lot, go check the other areas. Don’t let any prisoners escape.”
The Prefect of the Capital Prefecture was a clever man. Seeing Qu Jinian come to visit Xiao Bingying right after morning court, he connected it to Qu Jinian’s statement in court about Xiao Tong wanting to stay in the capital for his children. It was all a bit too coincidental.
Xiao Tong was dead. Regardless of whether he had actually said those words, there was no one to refute it. For Qu Jinian to go to such lengths, General Zhao must have pleaded with him as a relative by marriage.
The Prefect saw the three of them enter the cell. Xiao Bingying walked forward and bowed respectfully to Qu Jinian. Seeing that none of them looked at her with any hint of caution, he did not linger.
He had heard that this adoptive daughter of the Xiao Residence was extremely close with the young lady of the Zhao Residence, and was also very good friends with this legitimate daughter of the Qu family.
“Bingying’s crime is unforgivable. Thank you, Uncle Qu, for bringing Sheng-meimei and Cheng Xi to visit.” Xiao Bingying had already resigned herself to death.
To be so calm in such a situation—Qu Jinian sized her up and said with a hint of regret, “His Majesty is already aware of your situation, but he has not interfered. Lord Shen has also spoken up for you. At worst, it should only be exile or being made a government slave.”10 He would not let her die, no matter what; he would continue to pull strings for her.
Xiao Bingying seemed not to believe it. She looked at Qu Jinian, her gaze slowly shifting to Cheng Xi, who was looking at her with a heartbroken expression.
Cheng Xi was dressed rather warmly today, with even her neck wrapped. Xiao Bingying’s gaze moved down, landing on Cheng Xi’s neck.
Last night, Xiao Tong had nearly strangled Cheng Xi to death. She had almost lost Cheng Xi.
Qu Jinian gave Xiao Bingying a few words of instruction, explaining the situation outside. Then, noticing Cheng Xi’s gaze, he said, “Your Uncle and Sheng’er will wait outside. You two can take your time to talk.”
Qu Jinian didn’t quite understand the nature of their relationship, but he had heard from Qu Sheng that in the Haichao Kingdom, Xiao Bingying had nearly died saving Cheng Xi. And she had killed Xiao Tong to protect Cheng Xi as well.
Xiao Bingying did not offer any empty, superficial words of thanks. She looked at Qu Jinian, tears welling in her eyes, and gave him another deep bow, kneeling and prostrating herself on the ground.
“Get up, quickly. This Uncle knows you’re a good child. This is all I can do for you for now.” Qu Jinian still admired Xiao Bingying very much.
To have earned Qu Sheng’s favor for all these years, her character couldn’t be bad. As for killing Xiao Tong, although it was excessive, for Xiao Bingying at that moment, there had been no other choice.
Qu Jinian helped Xiao Bingying up and left the cell with Qu Sheng. Xiao Bingying watched until their figures disappeared before turning to look at Cheng Xi.
“Bingying…” Cheng Xi hadn’t said a word since she entered. Now that there was no third person present, she could no longer suppress her emotions.
Xiao Bingying looked up at her, at the tears in Cheng Xi’s eyes. She felt as if a thousand sharp needles were piercing her heart.
Even if she could get out of here alive, it was impossible between her and Cheng Xi. She would no longer be a free person. How could she let Cheng Xi remain attached to her?
“I’m sorry, I broke my promise.” Xiao Bingying suppressed the urge to comfort Cheng Xi, only saying she was sorry.
I promised I would always be good to you from now on, but I can’t be with you anymore.
Cheng Xi was the person she loved, and the person who had seen her at her most wretched.
Even if she could get out safely, she felt she was no longer worthy of someone as good as Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi’s tears broke free at that moment, two streams sliding down her cheeks. She didn’t care about any of that. She only cared about Xiao Bingying.
Xiao Bingying looked at the tears in Cheng Xi’s eyes. In that instant, her own eyes stung, and the next moment, Cheng Xi ran into her arms.
Cheng Xi’s tear-streaked face rested on Xiao Bingying’s shoulder, her arms wrapped tightly around Xiao Bingying’s waist.
Xiao Bingying couldn’t control her emotions, and tears slowly welled in her own eyes.
“We promised we would be together forever. There’s no such thing as a broken promise.” Cheng Xi would not be separated from her. Even if Xiao Bingying were exiled or made a government slave, she would not give up on her.
Cheng Xi’s aggrieved words echoed in Xiao Bingying’s ear, but she never raised her hands to hug her back.
Cheng Xi held her for a while, then sensed Xiao Bingying’s mood. She pulled back a little, looked at her evasive gaze, and raised her hands to cup her face, forcing Xiao Bingying’s tear-filled eyes to look at her. “Whether you live or die, you are my person.”
Cheng Xi had never known what despair was. Even when she was sent as a tribute to the Tiansheng dynasty, even when she was treated unfairly, she never gave up hope.
Xiao Bingying looked at Cheng Xi’s determined gaze and was, for a moment, infected by it. She hadn’t reached the end of her rope yet.11 She still had so many people who cared for her, who were helping her…
“Xi’er…” Xiao Bingying looked at Cheng Xi, finally unable to resist pulling her into an embrace again. With Cheng Xi, no matter what kind of resolve she mustered, it would ultimately be utterly routed.12
The two held each other tightly. After a moment, Xiao Bingying remembered the injury on Cheng Xi’s neck. “Let me see how it is.”
They separated slightly, and Xiao Bingying moved to lift the thin veil wrapped around Cheng Xi’s neck.
Cheng Xi lifted the veil herself. The bruises there were shockingly purple, making Xiao Bingying’s heart tremble. At this moment, she did not regret killing Xiao Tong one bit.
“It’s fine now. Miss Sheng had someone bring me medicine last night,” Cheng Xi said, taking the veil from Xiao Bingying’s hand and re-wrapping it around her neck.
Seeing the heartache in Xiao Bingying’s eyes, Cheng Xi forced a reassuring, seemingly normal smile. “You have to be well. We’ll figure something out after you get out.” It was all thanks to Qu Sheng this time. If Qu Sheng hadn’t had Qu Jinian bring up the matter of replacing Xiao Tong in the great hall of the court first, Xiao Bingying would likely have already been executed.
Xiao Bingying nodded. Looking at Cheng Xi’s still clean and beautiful face, she pursed her lips and averted her gaze slightly.
She shouldn’t be having thoughts of kissing Cheng Xi at a time like this.
Cheng Xi saw Xiao Bingying’s evasive expression, which was different from the cold front she had put up earlier. She raised her arm, wrapped it around Xiao Bingying’s neck, and gently pulled down, bringing Xiao Bingying’s lips before her own.
Their soft lips touched lightly. Xiao Bingying’s eyes widened slightly.
This was a prison cell, and Xiao Bingying was still a prisoner. Cheng Xi only gave her a chaste kiss before letting go.
“Take this. For emergencies.” Cheng Xi took a small box from her sleeve and placed it in Xiao Bingying’s hand.
Xiao Bingying looked down and opened it. Her eyes froze for a second, but she quickly understood Cheng Xi’s meaning.
Cheng Xi did not linger in the prison cell. Qu Jinian and Qu Sheng had already gone to trouble to bring her here; she couldn’t be insensible.
After Qu Sheng and the others returned to the residence, Zhao Jiayu came over, yawning, on a sudden whim.13 She wanted to drag them to the Xiao Residence to find Xiao Bingying.
At this point, Zhao Jiayu was completely unaware of what had happened at the Xiao Residence, and no one dared to tell her.
“How could you bear to be separated from my Xizhao-meimei?” Zhao Jiayu sat in Qu Sheng’s room, deliberately teasing her.
Qu Sheng glanced up at her but didn’t reply. Lin Xizhao had told her last night that Lin Jianhai already knew about them. Although he hadn’t made things difficult for Lin Xizhao, he had confined her to the residence.
She couldn’t go over during the day. She would have to wait until night to tell her what had happened today.
For now, Xiao Bingying’s matter was more or less resolved. They just had to wait for the final verdict. If she was made a government slave, the Qu family would step in and purchase her. The matter of her household registration14 could be dealt with slowly after that.
As for Lin Jianhai, Qu Sheng had been mulling something over. Perhaps this matter could be her bargaining chip in negotiations with him.
Zhao Jiayu pestered Qu Sheng for a while, but Qu Sheng was unwilling to take her to the Xiao Residence. She had wanted to go by herself, but Qu Yu had Cheng Xi check her pulse, who said that she was not suited for bumpy carriage rides recently and that she should prioritize the child in her belly.
Thus, Zhao Jiayu could only give up and return to her courtyard.
Qu Sheng sat in her room, planning her negotiations with Lin Jianhai. Lin Jianhai was a man impervious to both hard and soft tactics,15 but he cared immensely about his reputation. Using that as a starting point wouldn’t be a bad beginning.
After thinking for a while, Qu Sheng went to see Cheng Xi.
“You’re saying someone was killed in prison without a trace, with no physical trauma and no poison involved, is that right?”
“Yes.” Qu Sheng nodded.
Cheng Xi pondered Qu Sheng’s words, and her heart seemed to grow tense.
Qu Sheng saw that Cheng Xi’s expression was off and instantly understood what she was thinking. “I’ve already arranged for people to watch over Bingying-jiejie. Nothing will happen.”
Other than the Xiao family, no one wanted to harm Xiao Bingying. And with Xiao Yaocai’s abilities, he was incapable of doing so.
Cheng Xi’s expression did indeed relax. After a moment, she said, “In the situation you described, have you considered that the person might have been swapped out?”
Qu Sheng thought back to that time and quickly dismissed Cheng Xi’s idea. She shook her head. “There were people from my Qu family in the prison at the time. It would have been impossible to take the person out.”
Cheng Xi didn’t know who Qu Sheng was talking about, but she tried her best to think through the possibilities.
At breakfast, Qu Sheng took the initiative to go to the Main Dining Hall to eat with Jin Yunfei and the others. Without Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng ate by herself. Zhao Jiayu sat beside her, eating and deliberately asking in a low, smiling voice, “Do you want me to feed you?”
Qu Sheng looked up at her, then lowered her head and continued to eat. Zhao Jiayu had fed her when they were children, but she was always careless about whether the food was too hot or too cold, not nearly as attentive as Lin Xizhao.
“Why didn’t Zhao’er come over today? Did she go back to her residence?” Aunt Jin asked with a smile, noticing Qu Sheng’s foul mood.
Qu Sheng’s hand paused for a second. Her gaze shifted horizontally, then quickly lifted to look at Aunt Jin.
Seeing Qu Sheng look up at her, Aunt Jin smiled. “See, Sheng’er, you can eat by yourself just fine. Don’t trouble that Zhao’er anymore in the future.”
“None of your business,” Zhao Jiayu muttered under her breath, completely unrestrained.
This Aunt Jin had been incredibly meddlesome since she arrived. She even whispered to her mother-in-law, saying her temper was too volatile and she shouldn’t be allowed to raise the child after it was born.
Whether she raised her own child or not was her family’s business. What the fuck did it have to do with her?
After Zhao Jiayu spoke, the Jin family matriarch shot her a look. The others pretended not to notice and continued eating, while Qu Yu lightly kicked Zhao Jiayu under the table.
Zhao Jiayu was blunt and outspoken, but she had to consider Jin Yunfei’s dignity.
“I’m not eating,” Zhao Jiayu said quietly.
A wave of anger came over her. She slowly stood up, her belly prominent, and said respectfully to the elders, “Jiayu’s body is truly disobedient today. I feel like throwing up whenever I see certain things. Forgive Jiayu’s rudeness, I will go back and rest first.”
In her days at the Qu Marquis Residence, Qu Ting’s wife had taught Zhao Jiayu a great deal. Sometimes, you really couldn’t just act on your own whims. But today, she had truly lost her appetite.
Qu Yu quickly stood up to support her, but Zhao Jiayu shrugged his arm off, angry at him.
Seeing that Zhao Jiayu gave Qu Yu no face at all, the Jin matriarch laughed. “See, women just have to be disciplined. Otherwise, they’ll be spoiled rotten and become lawless.”
Hearing her words, Jin Yunfei’s movements slowed as she ate. The Jin father and son now pretended not to notice, continuing to eat, while everyone else at the table silently mulled things over.
Zhao Jiayu was now visibly furious. She was about to erupt, but just as she turned, she heard Qu Sheng ask, “Aunt, are you planning to pay a visit to the Lin Prime Minister Residence today?”
Qu Sheng had heard from the servants in her courtyard that the Jin matriarch had prepared some gifts. Qu Sheng guessed she was probably going to the Lin Residence.
“Yes, I am. I’ve been here for so long and haven’t had a chance to visit Zhao’er’s residence to pay my respects to her father. Zhao’er’s mother and I regretted not having met sooner.16 It’s such a pity her fragrance vanished and her jade shattered17 at such a young age. Since I finally have some free time today, I’ll go after breakfast to pay my respects and offer some incense.”
Qu Sheng let out a derisive snort. “I heard that back then, Aunt and Aunt Lin had an oral marriage agreement, but later you broke it off for no reason and even avoided Aunt Lin. Is there such a matter?”
“You—you child, what nonsense are you spouting? There’s no such thing.”
“Hmph. Whether I’m spouting nonsense, Uncle and Biaoge should know, right?” Qu Sheng said, looking at the Jin father and son, who were still pretending to eat.
Of course, Jin Yunyou and Jin Mingjun remembered. It had all been decided back then. After a few family visits, they would begin discussing the marriage once Lin Xizhao came of age. But not long after, a letter came from Marquis Feng, whose lands bordered Lingyi, proposing a marriage alliance and promising a generous dowry.
The Jin family was in considerable financial trouble at the time. Hearing of a dowry that could fill their coffers, they immediately cast aside the matter of the alliance with the Lin family and ignored Liang shi’s letters.
Qu Sheng’s question made the Jin father and son feel so guilty they stopped eating. They glanced at Qu Sheng and didn’t dare to look up again.
“At that time, Marquis Yongshen was interested in a marriage alliance with the Lin family. Because of her oral agreement with you, Aunt Lin refused him. As a result, she offended Marquis Yongshen, who then arranged for her murder. By that logic, Aunt Lin’s death was because of you, the Jin family,” Qu Sheng said, connecting the events. If the marriage alliance had been made public at the time, Marquis Yongshen wouldn’t have thought Liang shi was deliberately deceiving and fobbing him off, causing him to lose face and leading him to plot her murder in a fit of rage.
“How dare you have the gall to say you’re going to her home to pay your respects?” Qu Sheng said with a cold smile.
The author has something to say:
Zhao Jiayu: “Pah!”
Qu Sheng: “Pah!”
Lin Xizhao: “…”
It seems everyone is looking forward to the career/business plot. The story is already moving in that direction. Although it’s very slow, this kind of plot really requires many elements to come together. You can’t just start a rebellion on a whim.
The story is already laying the groundwork for the characters and opportunities that will be needed later on.
Footnotes
- A jade tablet, or ‘hu’, was a flat scepter held by officials during formal imperial audiences as a symbol of their rank and for taking notes.
- Qiduwei, a mid-to-high level military rank in charge of cavalry units.
- Shanghujun, a high-ranking military title, one of the top commanders of the imperial guards.
- An idiom, ‘da cai xiao yong’, meaning to waste a person’s skills on a trivial job.
- A classic expression of an official’s loyalty, ‘shi jun zhi lu, wei jun fen you’. It means that in return for being supported by the state, an official must be devoted to serving the ruler.
- An idiom, ‘wan si bu ci’, expressing extreme loyalty and a willingness to face any danger for a cause or person.
- The period of the day from 7 PM to 9 PM in the traditional Chinese timekeeping system.
- An idiom, ‘sha yi jing bai’, meaning to make an example of someone to deter others from committing similar offenses.
- The Dali Si, the highest central judicial body in imperial China, responsible for reviewing difficult and important cases.
- Guannu, a person, often a family member of a convicted official, who was forced into servitude for the state as punishment.
- An idiom, ‘shan qiong shui jin’, literally ‘mountains have ended, rivers have run dry’. It means to be in a desperate situation with no way out.
- An idiom, ‘kui bu cheng jun’, literally ‘to be routed and unable to form an army’. It means to be completely defeated or to collapse.
- An idiom, ‘xin xue lai chao’, literally ‘blood rushing to the heart’. It means to act on a sudden impulse.
- Huji, the official record of a person’s identity, family, and legal status. Changing one’s status from a government slave back to a commoner would require altering this official record.
- An idiom, ‘ruan ying bu chi’, meaning to be stubborn and unyielding to both persuasion and threats.
- An idiom, ‘xiang jian hen wan’, expressing a feeling of immediate and strong rapport with a new acquaintance.
- A poetic and tragic idiom, ‘xiao xiang yu yun’, used to describe the death of a beautiful woman.
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