The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 150
by Little PandaGeneral, You Cannot See Only the Inch of Gain Before Your Eyes
Once the Command Tent was empty of outsiders, Lin Xizhao emerged from behind a screen. Watching Qu Sheng organize the items on her desk, she asked, “The resettlement of refugees1 after a war is the court’s responsibility. From what I overheard of the generals’ reports just now, all the measures concerned refugee settlement. Have you not reported this to the court?”
Hearing this, Qu Sheng turned slightly and looked up at Lin Xizhao with a smile. “The people are the foundation of the state. These refugees are a product of this war, so it falls to us to settle them.”
Lin Xizhao gazed at Qu Sheng, a flicker of doubt in her eyes. She had never heard of a military campaign whose primary mission was to resettle refugees. Furthermore, from the reports she had overheard, it seemed Qu Sheng had no intention of clashing with the rebel army.
Lin Xizhao fell silent for a moment before continuing, “Resettling refugees requires a vast amount of supplies and silver. Where did you get the money?” Military expenditures were already a huge drain; adding the refugees would create a staggering expense.
At Lin Xizhao’s question, Qu Sheng’s gaze fell. After a short pause, her lips tightened for an instant. “I corresponded with Second Uncle and mobilized supplies from Shoulin. Zhu Ming’an’s father, Zhu Baibing, had his trade caravans sell them to King Chao, Marquis Jinxiang, and the others at several times the normal price.”
Qu Sheng had not misappropriated the court’s resources. Though she could have borne the crime, she feared it would cause unrest in the army. The troops from Shoulin were one thing, but she worried that if the soldiers from other fiefdoms and prefectures found out, they might think their own rations and pay had been skimmed, which could lead to a mutiny.
Besides, she had another motive for selling provisions to the rebels.
And that was to let them survive for a long time.
Only if they existed could her long-term plan be realized.
For a moment, Lin Xizhao could not fathom Qu Sheng’s intentions. Seeing that Qu Sheng was unwilling to say more, she could only nod and ask no further.
Half a month later, the main army moved, chasing the rebel forces north.
As the rebels migrated, their ranks continued to swell, and their consumption of money and grain increased by the day.
Another month later, late one night, two visitors arrived at the military camp.
Lin Xizhao, dressed in straight-falling silk nightclothes2, stood on a tiger skin3 before the bed, helping Qu Sheng get dressed.
Qu Sheng looked down at Lin Xizhao’s lowered eyes, at the focused way she was dressing her. She couldn’t resist leaning in to find those soft lips and steal a kiss.
Lin Xizhao felt a touch of helpless indulgence. She wanted to let her be, but she couldn’t let her get too spoiled. People from Shoulin were here, and this couldn’t be delayed.
When Qu Sheng’s kiss paused for a moment, Lin Xizhao gave her a gentle push. “Don’t delay official business.”
Hearing Lin Xizhao’s reminder, Qu Sheng’s lips curved up slightly. “Yes, Wife.”
Seeing her acting so obediently, Lin Xizhao couldn’t help but smile. “Go on, quickly.”
Qu Sheng nodded, then bent to lift Lin Xizhao back onto the bed. She kissed her between the brows and said reluctantly, “My wife should go back to sleep. I might be back late, so don’t wait up for me.”
Lin Xizhao blinked softly and murmured, “Mm.”
Qu Sheng arrived at the Command Tent and immediately spotted two familiar figures. The visitors were none other than Zhu Baibing’s daughter, Zhu Ming’an, and her own cousin, Jin Mingyi.
The moment Jin Mingyi saw Qu Sheng enter, she hurried over and clapped her on the shoulder. “Look at you, all plump and glowing. Married life suits you.”
Qu Sheng, who hadn’t yet recovered from the surprise of seeing them, heard Jin Mingyi mention Lin Xizhao and couldn’t help clearing her throat.
What kind of talk was that? There were outsiders in the tent.
Zhu Ming’an tugged on Jin Mingyi’s sleeve and shook her head.
Qu Sheng had known people were coming from Shoulin, but she never expected it would be these two.
“General,” Zhu Ming’an said, offering a salute.
Qu Sheng dipped her head in return. Seeing this, Jin Mingyi glanced between them, closed her mouth, and declared with an air of boredom, “Hurry up and say what you need to say. I’m about to die of exhaustion.”
Hearing that they had business to discuss, Qu Sheng glanced at the assistant commanders in the tent. The two officers understood, gave a cupped-fist salute, and departed.
Once they were gone, Zhu Ming’an began to speak slowly. “My father… has taken ill. He is bedridden. He ordered me to come… and liaise with you, General.”
Qu Sheng’s expression flickered, but she did not press Zhu Ming’an for details. Even if Zhu Baibing were sick, it was unlikely he would send his daughter in person. Their dealings were almost always conducted through dedicated messengers.
And sure enough, a moment later, Zhu Ming’an delivered another piece of news. “Near the capital… someone is deliberately… introducing a plague4 into the city… to stop the rebels… from advancing north.”
A plague could be a minor or major affair. A small outbreak might be confined to a single family, a single house, or a single village, which could then be sealed off. But if it happened within a city, the consequences would be severe.
Qu Sheng had used such a method before in Haichao Kingdom, but it had not been fatal. Yet near the capital, people were already starting to die, and the plague was spreading to the surrounding areas.
Qu Sheng had heard about the initial outbreak, but at the time, she had dismissed it as a minor pestilence. Now that Zhu Ming’an brought news that someone was intentionally spreading it, a suspicion began to form in her mind.
Only Zhu Baibing knew of her true plans. Now, it seemed, Zhu Ming’an did as well.
“What do you need me to do?” Qu Sheng asked.
Zhu Ming’an must have come in person for other reasons.
“Father… and… Second Uncle Qu discussed it. They want Liu Daifu… to go and treat the febrile disease5.”
Qu Sheng frowned. “Are there no other doctors who can treat it?”
Zhu Ming’an shook her head. If it were treatable, it would not be spreading like this. She had come knowing that an ordinary person would never convince Qu Sheng to let him go.
Qu Yu’s condition had only just stabilized, and she worried he could have a relapse at any moment.
“Let me think on it,” Qu Sheng said, not giving a direct answer.
“General… every day of delay… means more common people… will suffer,” Zhu Ming’an said, her face grave as she tried to persuade her again.
Qu Sheng looked up at Zhu Ming’an. She understood the reasoning, but she could not be at ease about Qu Yu.
“As for… Fourth Young Master Qu, I’ve asked. There shouldn’t be a major issue.” Not a major issue didn’t mean there would be no issue at all.
When Zhu Ming’an received news of her father’s illness, she and Jin Mingyi had rushed to Shoulin without stopping. Fortunately, her father was only suffering from exhaustion and a flare-up of an old ailment.
She was the only daughter in the family. Zhu Baibing did not dare entrust the matter to anyone else, so he had Second Uncle Qu Jixian communicate with Qu Jinian to have his daughter return.
Zhu Baibing knew the Qu family was intentionally helping Zhu Ming’an hide her whereabouts from him, so he had always been content to let her be.
“I will give you an answer tomorrow.” Qu Sheng was torn. She did not want to gamble with Qu Yu’s life. In their generation of the Qu family, aside from the missing Qu Ting, there were only her and Qu Yu left.
Seeing Zhu Ming’an about to speak again, Qu Sheng raised a hand. “Say no more. You will have your answer tomorrow. Assistant Commander Liu, take them to rest.”
Zhu Ming’an had no choice but to swallow her words. “Very well.”
Qu Sheng watched them leave the tent, then immediately dispatched men to investigate the situation near the capital. She sent them with a prepared memorial6; if the reports were true, the scout was to proceed directly to the capital and have the Emperor issue an edict to mobilize imperial physicians and conscript civilian doctors.
After giving her orders, Qu Sheng returned to her tent, only to find Lin Xizhao gone. Qu Sheng asked the guard on duty and learned that Lin Xizhao had dressed and gone to see Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi.
Qu Sheng’s eyes narrowed for a second, and she hurried after her.
Qu Sheng stopped outside Jin Mingyi’s tent. Hearing Jin Mingyi’s voice inside, a veritable torrent of words now that she was with Lin Xizhao, with none of the exhaustion she’d shown earlier, Qu Sheng coughed lightly and lifted the tent flap to enter.
A gentle smile had been playing on Lin Xizhao’s lips, and it widened when she saw Qu Sheng come in.
Jin Mingyi still had her hand linked with Lin Xizhao’s arm. Her own smile faded slightly at Qu Sheng’s entrance. “What are you doing here? Have you thought it through and come to give your answer?”
At her question, Zhu Ming’an looked toward Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng, however, feigned a cough. “Not yet. I’ve come to take my wife back to rest.”
“I heard just now that my cousin and Ming’an had arrived, so I thought I’d come see if they needed anything,” Lin Xizhao said, her eyes curving into crescents.
Qu Sheng nodded. “I’ve already had people prepare things for them. If they lack anything, they need only ask.”
After she spoke, a brief silence fell over the tent. Jin Mingyi pouted. “Go on, take your wife back. Look at that sour face of yours.”
Qu Sheng glanced up at Jin Mingyi. Jin Mingyi was straightforward to a fault, and there was nothing she could do about it. She could only pretend she hadn’t heard the last part and reached out to take Lin Xizhao’s hand.
Lin Xizhao smilingly let their hands join. She turned to Jin Mingyi and Zhu Ming’an. “Then we won’t disturb your rest.”
“Alright,” Jin Mingyi replied cheerfully.
Zhu Ming’an gave a small nod.
As the two left hand-in-hand, Jin Mingyi flopped directly onto the campaign cot. Zhu Ming’an glanced at her, then went to pour her a cup of tea.
“Here.”
Jin Mingyi’s eyes fluttered open. She opened her mouth but didn’t move her body.
Seeing this, Zhu Ming’an could only place the cup on a small table nearby, help Jin Mingyi sit up, and bring the water to her lips.
The relationship between them was still undefined, yet it seemed something was different. At least, from Zhu Ming’an’s perspective, Jin Mingyi’s attitude toward her had changed.
From her initial casual dismissiveness, she had started offering explanations and would, from time to time, ask after her well-being.
Back in their tent, Lin Xizhao saw that something was weighing on Qu Sheng’s mind. “Did they come to ask you to make a decision?”
Qu Sheng nodded and explained the whole situation. Lin Xizhao keenly caught the part about Qu Sheng forcing the rebels to move north.
As for sending Liu Daifu to the capital to treat the plague, she could not make that decision for her. Selfishly, she didn’t want Liu Daifu to leave Qu Yu’s side for even a single step. Besides, Liu Daifu wasn’t necessarily a miracle doctor who could cure any ailment.
But if the plague spread, it would endanger countless more common people. And if the rebels continued their northward march and their army of hundreds of thousands became infected, the consequences would be unimaginable.
“I’ve already sent people to investigate. We’ll know the full picture soon.”
The next morning, before Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng had even risen, Jin Mingyi arrived, pulling Zhu Ming’an along with her. “It’s more fun to eat together,” she announced as they walked.
It had been a long time since Jin Mingyi had eaten with Lin Xizhao. Watching a beauty eat was a pleasure for the eyes.
Just as they were about to enter the tent, they were stopped by a pretty young woman who looked even younger than Jin Mingyi.
Jin Mingyi stopped and scrutinized her for a long moment before smiling. “Well now, why is such a lovely girl guarding the door? My cousin certainly has her share of good fortune with the ladies.”
Kou Huan looked up, sizing up Jin Mingyi. “Are you the young miss cousin?”
Jin Mingyi raised an eyebrow. She’d just called Qu Sheng her cousin, so naturally, she was Qu Sheng’s cousin.
“I am Kou Huan. I served you before,” Kou Huan explained hurriedly.
Jin Mingyi’s mind churned, and she seemed to recall a certain young girl who had been following her and Qu Sheng back in Shoulin.
Once she remembered, she became much more cordial.
Zhu Ming’an stood patiently to the side, listening without rushing Jin Mingyi. But the person inside the tent, hearing the conversation outside, lifted the flap with a very cold expression.
Jin Mingyi saw Qu Sheng’s long face and glanced at her. Though she stopped talking, she showed not a trace of fear. Kou Huan, on the other hand, immediately lowered her head upon seeing Qu Sheng’s displeasure.
“Come inside to talk.” Chattering away in front of the commanding general’s tent—what a disgrace.
She didn’t mind being woken up, but Lin Xizhao had been woken up too, and she doted on her wife.
By now, Lin Xizhao was already dressed in her outer robes, and Qu Sheng had done her hair. Lately, whenever Qu Sheng was not busy, she would style Lin Xizhao’s hair every morning. She had even found the time to carve a peony hairpin for her to wear.
Though it lacked the refinement of a master artisan’s work, Lin Xizhao absolutely loved it.
After they all entered, Kou Huan had someone bring in the prepared meal.
Kou Huan hadn’t left all this time. Qu Sheng had agreed to Lin Xizhao’s request to let her leave after a while, but no matter what was said, the girl refused to go.
Qu Sheng had wanted to have her forcibly removed from the camp, but Lin Xizhao wouldn’t allow it. For the past several days, the young woman had been perfectly behaved, neither acting inappropriately toward Qu Sheng nor giving her sour looks.
Her father had even come to see Lin Xizhao, explaining that his daughter greatly admired Qu Sheng and convincing her to let Kou Huan stay. After that, Lin Xizhao had stopped Qu Sheng from insisting she leave.
The moment Jin Mingyi entered the tent and saw Lin Xizhao, she became very affectionate. Though Qu Sheng minded, she couldn’t show it and could only maintain her stern expression.
Zhu Ming’an simply stood aside and watched, offering no comment.
Jin Mingyi swayed Lin Xizhao’s arms, admiring her hairstyle. “Good jiejie, you have to teach me how to do this style too.”
Lin Xizhao smiled. “Sheng’er did this for me. We’ll have Sheng’er do one for you later.”
Hearing that Lin Xizhao wanted her to do Jin Mingyi’s hair, Qu Sheng’s brow furrowed immediately.
“Hey, hold on. I know you don’t want to, but jiejie has given an order. Do you dare disobey?” Jin Mingyi said, using Lin Xizhao as her shield.
Qu Sheng was exasperated. She truly didn’t want to. She lowered her head. Lin Xizhao quickly sensed Qu Sheng’s extreme reluctance and said, “After we eat, I’ll do it for you.”
She was also very good at styling hair, though not quite at Qu Sheng’s level of tailoring it to a person’s face.
Jin Mingyi, also worried Qu Sheng might deliberately make a mess of it, smiled and nodded. “Alright, then I’ll have to trouble jiejie.” With that, she made a face at Qu Sheng.
Lin Xizhao just smiled and shook her head, gesturing for everyone to sit and eat.
During the meal, Jin Mingyi, knowing Zhu Ming’an had come with a mission, asked while stuffing her face, “Have you made up your mind?”
Qu Sheng, who had just accepted a piece of food Lin Xizhao had placed in her bowl, looked up at Jin Mingyi. She continued chewing, her gaze falling for a few moments before she answered, “I have. I cannot let Liu Daifu leave my Fourth Brother’s side.”
Lin Xizhao seemed completely unsurprised by Qu Sheng’s answer. Qu Sheng cared most about her family.
“Sheng’er has already sent people to the plague zone. If the situation is as reported, a memorial will be sent to the capital, asking His Majesty to issue an edict mobilizing imperial physicians to go,” Lin Xizhao explained on Qu Sheng’s behalf.
Jin Mingyi glanced at Zhu Ming’an beside her. Zhu Ming’an, holding her bowl and chopsticks, paused. “Someone has already… asked His Majesty… to send people. But with little effect. Some of the imperial physicians… have also been infected.”
She realized she hadn’t explained clearly enough last night. “General… you cannot see only… the inch of gain before your eyes7.”
Zhu Ming’an was saying Qu Sheng’s vision was too narrow. Liu Daifu’s medical skills were truly rare. They had already asked him if he could treat it, and he had replied that he would need to see the symptoms and test medicines to know for sure. He hadn’t made any promises, but everyone seemed to believe he could do it.
Being called out so directly by Zhu Ming’an left a bitter taste in Qu Sheng’s mouth. She knew full well what would happen if the plague was not controlled, yet she was still being so stubborn.
After the morning meal, Qu Sheng sat alone in the tent, deep in self-reflection. Lin Xizhao returned from Jin Mingyi’s tent and, seeing her sitting there silently, walked over and cupped her face.
Qu Sheng looked up at Lin Xizhao, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. “Wife, did I do something wrong?”
Hearing Qu Sheng’s conflicted words, Lin Xizhao’s expression was gentle. “You did nothing wrong.” What fault was there in looking out for one’s family?
She could feel the conflict and pain in Qu Sheng’s heart.
Tiansheng had plenty of talented people… it was just that…
Lin Xizhao was not made of stone. When she first heard about the matter, she had felt conflicted too. “You could let Fourth Brother make the decision himself. And ask Liu Daifu if there is a way to ensure nothing goes wrong while he is away.”
At her words, Qu Sheng looked up, her brow twitching. She let go of Lin Xizhao. “I’ll write to Liu Daifu at once.”
If Qu Yu’s health could be guaranteed, then having Liu Daifu go treat the febrile disease was a feasible plan. But if not, she would absolutely not permit it.
Just as Qu Sheng picked up her brush, a retainer announced from outside.
“Young Miss, Fourth Young Master has arrived.”
Hearing the retainer say Qu Yu had arrived, Qu Sheng’s eyes went blank for a moment. “What did you just say?” she asked in disbelief.
“Fourth Young Master and the Fourth Young Mistress have arrived,” the retainer said, looking up at Qu Sheng’s stunned expression. He added, “Xiao Xiaojie and Liu Daifu have also come.”
Qu Sheng was even more incredulous. “Where are they?” she asked urgently.
“They have not yet arrived. They are currently at the Ten-Li Pavilion. Our people are escorting them here.”
Qu Sheng glanced back at Lin Xizhao behind her. No words were needed. Qu Sheng had horses prepared, and the two of them rode out to welcome Qu Yu and his family.
They had not seen each other in over half a year. Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng rode hard for the Ten-Li Pavilion8.
The Qu family’s large carriage, protected by guards and soldiers, was making its way toward them.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng reined in their horses, waiting for a moment. When the carriage drew closer, they both dismounted.
The carriage procession saw Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao and immediately stopped. Someone went to inform those inside.
Zhao Jiayu was the first to emerge from the carriage, the sword Qu Sheng had given her still hanging at her waist. She immediately started looking for Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng, and when she spotted them standing not far away holding their horses, she waved excitedly, her face breaking into a joyful smile as she greeted them.
Smiles appeared on Lin Xizhao’s and Qu Sheng’s faces as well. They exchanged a look and walked over, hand in hand.
“I’ve missed you to death! You’re all gone, have you forgotten all about me?”
Hearing Zhao Jiayu’s complaint, Lin Xizhao laughed. “Of course not. Haven’t we been writing to you?”
“The words in those letters are so dry. I can’t touch them or see them. You just don’t miss me,” Zhao Jiayu said, putting on a pouting act.
Lin Xizhao smiled at her aggrieved expression. “Is Fourth Brother well?”
“Oh, him? He’s fine. He can’t run, but he can walk a few steps slowly with some help,” Zhao Jiayu said, looking back at their carriage. At that moment, Qu Yu poked his head out.
The instant Zhao Jiayu saw Qu Yu, a smile like that of a young girl in the first bloom of love appeared on her face.
Lin Xizhao and Qu Sheng followed her gaze. Qu Sheng said to Lin Xizhao, “Let’s go see Fourth Brother.”
Lin Xizhao nodded, and Zhao Jiayu went with them back to the carriage.
“The wind is strong out here, so I won’t bring Zhimu out,” Zhao Jiayu said, as the little head of the baby in Qu Yu’s arms became visible.
Qu Sheng nodded and glanced over their entourage. “Let’s head back to camp first.”
Though this wasn’t the front line, there were still troops stationed here, and she worried someone might be spying on them.
The group headed back. Once inside the camp, Zhao Jiayu handed her daughter to the accompanying wet nurse9, then went with Qu Sheng to help Qu Yu down.
They did not go to the Command Tent, but directly to Qu Sheng and Lin Xizhao’s personal tent.
“I heard about the plague near the capital. Second Uncle told me they wanted to send Liu Daifu, and I was worried you wouldn’t agree, so I brought him along myself,” Qu Yu said, looking over at Liu Daifu, who was stroking his beard.
The Qu family all understood Qu Sheng; she would certainly have refused. Qu Jixian, their second uncle, knew it too, which was why he told Qu Yu, letting him make the decision himself.
“If I’m closer to Liu Daifu, he can treat me promptly. Now you don’t have to worry,” Qu Yu said. After his great illness, he had become much more mild-mannered.
Lin Xizhao was holding Zhao Jiayu’s daughter, cooing at her. She glanced over at Qu Sheng.
Qu Sheng nodded, a mix of emotions churning within her.
“So you’ll stay here with me?” Qu Sheng asked. This place was farther from the capital, but not impossibly so.
“You have a war to fight here. I’m just an invalid; I’d only slow you down. I’d rather go to the capital. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Eldest Uncle and the others.”
Hearing Qu Yu say he was going to the capital, Qu Sheng’s heart skipped a beat.
“And Third Sister-in-law, too. It’s been so long since she’s written back. I wonder if she’s so busy thinking about Third Brother that she’s forgotten us,” Zhao Jiayu joked.
She and Qian Shuangying were close and had corresponded regularly, but the letters had suddenly stopped one day. She had asked Lin Xizhao about it, and Lin Xizhao had said that Third Sister-in-law was well, just busy learning a new embroidery style.
Zhao Jiayu was simple-hearted and hadn’t suspected anything. She continued to write from time to time, but she never received another letter in Qian Shuangying’s own hand.
Qu Sheng’s eyelids drooped. She thought of her Fourth Uncle Qu Jian’s death, of the missing Qu Ting, and of Qian Shuangying, who had nearly gone mad and refused to return, searching for Qu Ting on the frontier.
“What’s wrong?” Qu Yu asked with a smile, noticing the fleeting look of grief on Qu Sheng’s face.
Qu Sheng shook her head. “It’s nothing.”
Qu Yu smiled. “I know you’re worried about your Fourth Brother. But isn’t your Fourth Brother sitting right here in front of you, perfectly fine? Don’t worry, I’m tough.”
He had made his peace with life and death long ago. It was only his lingering attachment to his family, his wife, and his daughter that made him feel every extra day he lived was a gift, and he was trying his best to keep on living.
Qu Sheng nodded, forcing a smile. Her voice was heavy. “Mm.”
At that moment, little Zhimu in Lin Xizhao’s arms began to gurgle, her chubby little hand reaching for Qu Sheng’s shoulder.
Qu Sheng turned to look, and an unconscious smile quickly bloomed on her lips.
The little girl’s eyes resembled Qu Sheng’s. Holding the soft bundle, Lin Xizhao watched her reach for Qu Sheng and smiled as well, holding the child out for Qu Sheng to take.
The little one seemed very fond of her paternal aunt10, stretching out her arms and bouncing her little legs on Lin Xizhao’s lap, wanting Qu Sheng to hold her.
Qu Sheng took the child, holding her with extreme care. Zhao Jiayu laughed from the side. “Look at our little Sheng’er, she can’t even move! Hahaha.”
Holding the baby, Qu Sheng’s body was indeed a bit stiff. Zhao Jiayu’s teasing brought a flash of embarrassment to her face, but she did not hand the child back.
She held the baby and glanced at Qu Yu, who was watching her intently, feeling a little self-conscious.
Soon, an evening banquet was prepared in the tent. The group of young people, joined by Jin Mingyi and the others, gathered without much formality. Liu Daifu, even less bound by convention, drank a fair amount.
Zhao Jiayu, confident that Lin Xizhao was looking after her child, began a drinking contest with Jin Mingyi. Their personalities were somewhat similar—both were carefree and uninhibited.
After the banquet, everyone returned to their own tents. Lin Xizhao kept the baby with them. Seeing the worry on Qu Sheng’s face now that they were alone, she said softly, “If you’re truly worried, I can go back with them.”
If Qu Yu returned to the capital, he would inevitably learn of Qu Jian’s death and Qu Ting’s disappearance. His health had just stabilized, and Qu Sheng feared the blow would cause a relapse.
“Wife…” Qu Sheng’s face showed her reluctance. She didn’t want Lin Xizhao to leave her.
The next morning, Qu Sheng had planned to tell Zhao Jiayu everything first. But an urgent report arrived, throwing everyone’s plans into chaos.
The plague had already spread into the Capital City. At King Wenze’s Residence, many people had contracted the illness. Neither Lin Xirui nor Lin Xikuan had attended court.
Footnotes
- Liúmín (流民) refers to people displaced from their homes by war, famine, or disaster, who become refugees or wanderers.
- Qǐnyī (寝衣) are sleeping robes, typically made of silk for the upper classes. They would have been loose and comfortable.
- Hǔpí (虎皮) is a tiger pelt, often used as a rug or a decorative covering for a chair in the homes of high-ranking officials or warriors to signify power and prestige.
- Wēnyì (瘟疫) is a general term for a plague or a highly infectious epidemic disease.
- Wēnbìng (温病) is a term from Traditional Chinese Medicine for a category of acute febrile diseases, often caused by external pathogens. In this context, it's the medical term for the plague.
- A zhézi (折子) was a memorial folded in a concertina style, submitted by officials to the emperor. It was a primary means of official communication with the throne.
- Literally 'a square inch of benefit before your eyes' (yǎnqián fāngcùn lìyì). 'Fāngcùn' refers to a very small area and metaphorically to the heart or mind, implying a narrow, short-sighted perspective focused only on immediate, personal concerns.
- A 'Ten-Li Pavilion' (shí lǐ tíng). Pavilions like this were common roadside structures in ancient China, often placed at set distances (a 'lǐ' is roughly 500 metres) from a city gate to serve as rest stops or places for farewells.
- A nǎiniáng (奶娘) is a wet nurse, a common position in wealthy households responsible for nursing and caring for an infant.
- Gūgu (姑姑) is the Chinese term for a paternal aunt (father's sister).
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