Chapter 14: Low in Rank, Yet Weighty in Power

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Shi Shouxin returned home from the Mengjin Ferry on the afternoon of the following day.

He had assumed that, since he had only been away for a day, nothing could possibly have happened. Yet the moment he arrived, Li Wan said anxiously, “A man named Lu An came to the house today, claiming he had come to reclaim his newlywed wife, Xu Ying.”

Naturally, she knew exactly what had happened, so she had ordered the household servants to throw Lu An out of the compound. Her manner had been exceptionally overbearing.

They had already written the divorce letter. How could he still refuse to let the matter rest?

Li Wan possessed a simple, earnest sense of justice.

Shi Shouxin was secretly on guard. Clearly, this matter would not be settled so easily.

In the eyes of outsiders, he had played the part of a good man. But in Lu An’s eyes, he was nothing more than a lecher!

Unfortunately, even if he was in the right, this sort of affair could never be explained clearly. Shi Shouxin had no choice but to consider himself unlucky.

“My lord, should we inform Madam Yang’s elder sister? Xu is her maidservant now, after all.”

Li Wan pulled Shi Shouxin into the bedchamber and asked in a hushed voice.

“There’s something strange about this. Perhaps Lu An was incited by Lu Xun.”

Shi Shouxin pondered for a moment, frowning slightly. If Lu An truly possessed any courage, he would never have written the divorce letter without even showing his face. Something else must have happened afterward.

Early the next morning, a carriage stopped outside the entrance to Shi Shouxin’s farmstead. Xu Ying, dressed in a maidservant’s clothing, approached with graceful steps and was led directly into the courtyard by Little Hound.

“Lord Shi, Madam requests your presence.”

Xu Ying bowed to him, pretending not to know him.

“Which madam?”

Shi Shouxin was completely bewildered. He had assumed Xu Ying knew that her former husband, Lu An, had come to Luoyang to seek her out. Yet from her expression, it seemed that the young woman before him was still unaware of the matter.

“Why, Madam Yang’s elder sister, naturally. Of course, she is merely conveying a message on someone else’s behalf. Please go to Lord Yang’s residence. You will understand once you arrive.”

Xu Ying spoke slowly, looking Shi Shouxin up and down. The longer she looked, the more her heart itched.

What a magnificent man. She was nearly drooling with longing, yet she could not have him!

Shi Shouxin instructed Li Wan, “I’ll be back soon. The autumn air is growing cool, so let’s have hotpot tonight. Make the preparations.”

With that, he followed Xu Ying into the carriage.

He had thought Xu Ying had come alone. But as soon as he climbed aboard, he discovered Yang Huiyu sitting upright inside with her eyes closed, apparently resting. A faint smile curved her lips.

“Madam Yu, how did you…”

Shi Shouxin hesitated.

Yang Huiyu was not some idle widow confined to the household. She was more like a politician—or, rather, the representative of the Yang family line descended from Yang Hu. Whenever Yang Hu found it inconvenient to appear in person, Yang Huiyu handled matters in his place.

Whenever Yang Huiyu personally intervened, it was almost never for a private affair. Something serious must have happened today.

“Someone in Hedong Commandery reported that you had abducted a respectable woman. The person who filed the accusation was then thrown out of the commandery office by Wang Jun, the governor of Hedong.

“Afterward, they came to Luoyang to make an official complaint. The written accusation is here.”

Yang Huiyu drew a sheet of paper from her sleeve and handed it to Shi Shouxin.

It read, in essence:

“When the Minor Treasurer’s official Shi Shouxin traveled to Hedong on government business, he lodged at the home of Lu Xun. Instead of showing gratitude for the Lu family’s hospitality, he seduced Xu, the wife of Lu Xun’s younger brother, causing her husband, Lu An, to divorce her. Shi Shouxin subsequently took this woman home as a concubine.

“Shi Shouxin, though an official of the court, is immoral and depraved. I respectfully request that the imperial government strip him of his office and punish him according to law.”

Since the accusation had already been placed in Shi Shouxin’s hands, there was no need for further explanation. It was practically a matter of, “Who dares to accuse this official in his own court?”

“Strictly speaking, this matter need never have escalated. It was caused by the greed of certain people who could never be satisfied.”

Yang Huiyu sighed, her expression caught somewhere between amusement and exasperation.

Xu Ying hurried to explain on her behalf. “Lu Xun went to the Grand General’s residence just now, only to be thrown straight back out. He did not even get to see the Grand General. According to Madam Yu, your adoptive father, Shi Bao, Madam Yu herself, her younger brother Lord Yang, and your father-in-law all advised the Grand General that Lu Xun is immoral, sordid, and contemptible, and should not be appointed as an aide in the Grand General’s residence. This accusation, however, should have nothing to do with Lu Xun.”

Hearing these details, Shi Shouxin immediately pieced together the chain of events.

The brothers Lu Xun and Lu An must have fallen out over Xu Ying afterward, tearing apart whatever brotherly bond remained between them.

One had come to Luoyang to seek office, while the other had gone to Hedong to file a complaint. Lu Xun was a thief himself—how could he possibly have the nerve to appeal to the authorities? A brief investigation would expose all his own misdeeds.

Still, after so many people had spoken ill of him behind his back, even if Sima Zhao had truly wished to find a position for Lu Xun, he would probably have had no choice but to change his mind. In particular, the advice of Shi Shouxin’s father-in-law, Li Yin, carried considerable weight. As Censor-in-Chief, impeaching officials was precisely his responsibility.

Since Xu Ying was now at Yang Huiyu’s side, Lu An’s petition had become a joke. The fact that he had not been beaten out of the relevant offices in Luoyang was already remarkably lenient.

“Take us to the Grand General’s residence,” Xu Ying instructed the driver.

Wasn’t she taking him to Yang Hu’s home?

Shi Shouxin froze in confusion, only to hear Yang Huiyu say calmly, “You really are forgetful when it comes to people of consequence. Have you already forgotten what just happened?”

She delivered the remark in a pointed, sarcastic tone, then fell silent, leaving Shi Shouxin utterly baffled.

Before long, the carriage entered Luoyang and proceeded into the Grand General’s residence.

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Yang Huiyu knew the place well. She led Shi Shouxin into Sima Zhao’s study, where the ambitious Grand General was bent over his desk, attending to official business.

“Grand General, I have brought him here. Do you wish to question them face-to-face?”

“That would be fine.”

Sima Zhao nodded slightly, set down the brush in his hand, and placed it on the brush rest. He regarded Shi Shouxin with an amused expression.

Then he noticed that Yang Huiyu did not look particularly pleased. In fact, she seemed extremely angry. Sima Zhao immediately grew tense and hurriedly laughed.

“I was only joking just now. Since my elder sister-in-law has spoken, the matter must be beyond doubt. There is no need to discuss it further.”

“Grand General, the truth of this matter was established long ago.

“This woman is now my maidservant. The claim that I took her as a concubine is pure slander.

“Lu An is ignorant, Lu Xun is base and depraved, and for Xu to remain in such a household would be no different from throwing herself into a pit of fire. I ask that you investigate the matter clearly.

“Now that Lu An has actually dared to file a complaint, I believe he should be punished under the law for making a false accusation, with his sentence increased accordingly and himself exiled to the frontier.”

Yang Huiyu made her recommendation in a rigid, matter-of-fact tone, showing not the slightest courtesy.

The Lu brothers had truly rammed themselves into an iron wall this time. Since Xu Ying had become Yang Huiyu’s maidservant—and Yang Huiyu was the second wife of Sima Shi—how could she possibly allow anyone to take Xu Ying away? That would be no different from publicly slapping her in the face.

“This can be discussed at greater length. Rest assured, elder sister-in-law—I have already had Lu An arrested and imprisoned.”

Sima Zhao waved a hand lightly, his expression somewhat awkward. He harbored certain feelings for this beautiful sister-in-law. Like a boy facing the girl he secretly admired, he always felt a little guilty and self-conscious around her.

“Shi Shouxin, I summoned you today for a matter that has nothing whatsoever to do with Xu.”

After speaking, Sima Zhao gave an order to the servant outside the door. Soon, a young woman entered. Her features resembled Sima Zhao’s to a considerable degree.

“I heard that yesterday you saved my brother-in-law, Du Yu, near the Mengjin Ferry. He is to marry my younger sister in a few days. You leapt into the river to save him. That was truly…”

Sima Zhao was deeply moved. He thought Shi Shouxin was rather foolish, but he could not say so outright. Instead, he cast a meaningful glance at his sister, the Lady Sima.

“My thanks, benefactor.”

Sima Zhao’s younger sister bowed to Shi Shouxin with great respect.

“Think nothing of it. I merely happened to be there. It was only a small effort.”

Shi Shouxin waved his hand, clearly unconcerned.

At that moment, he suddenly sensed someone watching him. Turning his head slightly, he discovered that it was Yang Huiyu. She wore a faint smile and gave him a gentle nod, her eyes filled with a meaning he could not quite decipher. There was admiration in them, but perhaps something more as well.

It was clearly a gesture of goodwill, yet he had no idea where that goodwill came from.

Feeling somewhat guilty, Shi Shouxin withdrew his gaze and stopped meeting the graceful widow’s eyes.

This woman really was quite beautiful.

“The wedding is still being prepared, and it is inconvenient for you to receive guests. Go back and rest,” Yang Huiyu reminded the Lady Sima softly.

Sima Zhao’s sister promptly took her leave. The study was now occupied only by Shi Shouxin, Sima Zhao, and Yang Huiyu.

“I have long heard that your conduct is exemplary. The campaign against Shu is imminent, and everyone in court and country knows it. There is no need to conceal matters from you.

“Under the Colonel Director of the Capital Command’s administration, there is an office known as the Director of Judicial Affairs. Would you be willing to take up the post?

“After receiving the official seal, you will travel to Guanzhong to enforce military law and investigate violations within the army.

“If you are willing to accept the appointment, you will depart tomorrow.”

Sima Zhao spoke with complete seriousness. The reason he had summoned Shi Shouxin was to bestow an official position upon him.

It was a minor post with considerable authority, and its duties consisted largely of offending people.

This was Sima Zhao’s reward to Shi Shouxin for risking his life to save Du Yu from the river, as well as repayment of the favor he owed him.

In the current age, there were no rigid standards for selecting talent. If someone said you were capable, then capable you were; even an incapable man could be declared capable.

In the space of a single day, Shi Shouxin had gone from an insignificant nobody to a man of “exemplary virtue.” Truly, officialdom had two mouths, and no one could ever win an argument against an official.

“Your subordinate thanks the Grand General for this promotion. I shall depart for Guanzhong at once.”

Shi Shouxin bowed to Sima Zhao, accepted the order without the slightest hesitation, and turned to leave the study.

“Elder sister-in-law, what do you think? Will this arrangement do?”

After Shi Shouxin had gone, Sima Zhao turned to Yang Huiyu.

“As for your sister’s affairs, do you, as her elder brother, truly have no idea what is in her heart?

“A favor is owed and must be repaid. As for what happened in the past, should it not be considered over?

“Li is married to Shi Shouxin. The two of them are deeply affectionate, and they already have a child. What more is there to quibble over?”

Yang Huiyu scolded Sima Zhao directly, without the slightest attempt to soften her words.

How could Sima Zhao possibly argue with her? He hurriedly apologized. Whatever sordid incident Sima Yan had once been involved in was insignificant by comparison now. Besides, it had been proven that Li Wan had not chosen the wrong man. She had indeed selected a fine husband whom everyone praised.

By contrast, Shi Shouxin’s rescue of Du Yu the previous day had taken place before the eyes of the entire city. He had risked his life to pull several people from the water. If Sima Zhao had offered no recognition at all, he simply could not have justified it.

Precisely because Yang Huiyu’s rebuke was reasonable, Sima Zhao did not dare answer back. Naturally, he could not mention the other reason. He could hardly say that he was flattering his sister-in-law because he wanted to sleep with her.

“Not appointing one of our own men as military inspector is to avoid giving others grounds for criticism.

“Shi Shouxin is a man of virtue and is qualified for the post. Would a man without virtue risk his life by diving into the water to rescue strangers?”

Yang Huiyu continued persuading Sima Zhao.

“Indeed, elder sister-in-law, you are right. It is only that I had originally intended to appoint Shuzi to the position.”

Sima Zhao nodded, sounding somewhat regretful. How could an opportunity to gain prestige have been handed over to an outsider?

“Shuzi fears Zhong Hui and refuses to go to Guanzhong. If you pressure him, he will resign immediately and return home. This is not something that can be forced.”

Yang Huiyu sighed, equally helpless. Naturally, she stood on Yang Hu’s side. She simply disliked the fact that Sima Zhao had appointed Zhong Hui to command the campaign.

Sima Zhao immediately fell silent. He and his sister-in-law Yang Huiyu got along very well, but the subject of Zhong Hui leading the expedition was forbidden between them. The moment it arose, the conversation came to a dead end. Too many people had already come before Sima Zhao to say that Zhong Hui should not command troops, and he was thoroughly tired of hearing it.

Yang Huiyu bowed, turned, and left.

Sima Zhao could not help sighing. He secretly calculated that if Yang Hu could not go, then Yang Xiu would have to go in his place.

In any event, the Yang family had to send someone to participate in the campaign against Shu.

The Wei family, the Pei family, the Xue family, the Du family, and all the others as well—none could be absent. Sima Zhao intended to send the sons of all these great clans into the main force of the campaign against Shu. If he succeeded, victory would be assured.

Meanwhile, after leaving Sima Zhao’s study, Shi Shouxin was led out of the Grand General’s residence by Xu Ying, who had been waiting outside. The young woman, divorced because of Lu Xun’s poisonous scheme, was visibly in much better spirits than she had been several days earlier.

Curious, Shi Shouxin asked, “Lu An came to my home yesterday to look for you, then left in a fury. Did you know about that?”

“I did not know before. Now I do.”

Xu Ying’s tone was indifferent, as though she were speaking of a stranger. Yet not long ago, Lu An had been her newlywed husband.

This marriage had proved as thin as paper. Once pierced, it had revealed only a reality dripping with blood.

Shi Shouxin did not know how to judge the matter. Since it concerned other people, he could only remain silent.

At any rate, he had managed his own marriage well. He had no reason to interfere in anyone else’s affairs, and whether they turned out well or badly was none of his concern. As long as he and Li Wan were happy together, everything was fine.

“My relationship with Lu An has been severed beyond repair. Benefactor, you need not mention him again. If Lu An slanders you, I am willing to prove my innocence with my life.”

Xu Ying spoke with absolute conviction.

“Don’t even think of doing that. It took great effort to save your life. If you were to die because of this, it would be a terrible waste.”

Shi Shouxin hurriedly tried to dissuade her from doing anything foolish.

Xu Ying gave a melancholy sigh and did not respond. Then, as though she had suddenly remembered something, she let out a soft laugh.

“Madam admires you greatly. In private, she has spoken to Lord Yang in your favor many times.”

Yang Huiyu had spoken well of him?

Shi Shouxin found this inexplicable. He could only give an awkward laugh.

“Madam Yu is a fine woman. If she should ever encounter difficulties and need my assistance, I will naturally do everything in my power to help her.”

“Heh. That may not necessarily be so.”

Xu Ying made the strange remark without offering any explanation. The two of them proceeded one after the other out of the Grand General’s residence.

When they boarded the carriage, Yang Huiyu was still sitting upright inside with her eyes closed, resting. Only after Shi Shouxin and Xu Ying had entered did she instruct the driver to head north. They were not going to Yang Hu’s residence, however.

They were going to a small courtyard beside Li Wan’s family home.

“Shuzi’s circle of acquaintances grows wider by the day, and it is no longer convenient for me, a widow, to continue living with him. I obtained this small courtyard from the Grand General. From now on, I shall live here alone.”

Yang Huiyu explained the matter to Shi Shouxin.

Shi Shouxin nodded. He understood the circumstances faced by widows very well.

A widow—especially a beautiful, childless widow like Yang Huiyu—

If she lived in her family home or her late husband’s ancestral residence, she would essentially become prey for the lustful men in the surrounding area. The inner compounds of great households were full of disorderly affairs, and the saying that a widow’s gate invited gossip was certainly no empty rumor.

If she lived with her own younger brother, things might remain peaceful so long as he had no wife. But once a sister-in-law entered the household, conflicts would inevitably arise.

And if the younger brother’s friends frequently visited, would some of them not entertain improper thoughts upon seeing a beautiful widowed sister?

Who could say? Even if nothing happened, rumors alone would damage her reputation.

Thus, Yang Huiyu’s decision to move out and live in a small courtyard not far from the Grand General’s residence was both normal and prudent.

It was safe, convenient, and peaceful.

Shi Shouxin secretly reflected that Yang Huiyu was truly a cautious and wise woman. No wonder she had survived in the Sima family for so many years and remained firmly established despite having no children.

The three of them entered the courtyard. Only two maidservants lived there, responsible for sweeping the grounds and preparing the meals. Both were middle-aged women, plain and practical, entirely unlike the beautiful maidservants in Shi Chong’s household.

Once they entered the study, Yang Huiyu raised a hand slightly. Xu Ying immediately understood and withdrew from the room, taking up a position outside the door to stand guard.

After they had taken their seats, Yang Huiyu wasted no time and asked directly, “Do you know why I recommended you for the position of Director of Judicial Affairs? The office carries a salary of only one hundred bushels, yet it is low in rank and great in authority.”

Yang Huiyu had posed a question that invited considerable reflection.

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