Who was monitoring him? It wasn't Wang Gui, nor was it Madam Liang.
Raising and breeding carrier Pigeons in this era was not easy. Extremely professional training had to begin when they were mere fledglings. The training goals progressed from simple to complex, from near to far, and from day to night.
A faction capable of possessing carrier Pigeons needed strict organization, along with massive amounts of manpower, material resources, and financial power. It was absolutely not something Wang Gui and Madam Liang could pull off.
Was it Bai Long monitoring him? Impossible. This sort of monitoring had started several years ago, and at that time, Bai Long had absolutely no idea who he was.
Then there were only two possibilities. One was his uncle who held a high position in the Jing Dynasty, and the other was his biological mother whose whereabouts remained unknown.
As for the person who commanded the Taotie last night...
Standing in his room, Chen Ji watched Xiaoman bustling about outside. She had only just placed the water kettle onto the stove when, taking advantage of the time it took to boil water, she swept the dust and fallen leaves in the courtyard into a pile.
Chen Ji asked in a low voice, "Wu Yun, do you think she seems like a Practitioner?"
Wu Yun meowed. "She doesn't... Would you rather believe she's a Practitioner, or believe that I'm an Immortal?"
"That's true as well," Chen Ji muttered to himself. "Would a dignified Practitioner willingly do tasks for serving others... Let's test her. We'll know once we test her."
The sound of the kettle spewing steam came from the right-side room. Setting down the broom in her hands, Xiaoman ran back into the side room like a gust of wind, bringing out a basin of warm water. "Young Master, it's time to wash up! Afterwards, I'll properly comb and bind your hair nicely. We're going to attend the Zhang Estate's promotion banquet at noon!"
While speaking, holding the water basin, Xiaoman swayed unsteadily as she walked out of the side room. Chen Ji went out to meet her. "Let me do it. This water basin is quite heavy."
Xiaoman hurriedly said, "No need, no need!"
Regardless of what she said, Chen Ji went ahead and took hold of the water basin. Both of them stubbornly held on, refusing to let go. Seeing that the water was about to spill out, Xiaoman was forced to let go.
Right at the exact moment Xiaoman released her grip, Chen Ji also released his grip.
The water basin dropped from between the two of them. Yet Chen Ji didn't look at the water basin; instead, he looked at Xiaoman.
Time seemed to slow down. The water basin plummeted toward the ground little by little. Xiaoman's eyes widened inch by inch as she wanted to reach out and catch the water basin again, but she was one step too late.
With a clang, the water basin crashed to the ground. Hot water splashed out from the rim of the basin, soaking Xiaoman's cloth shoes.
"Ah!" Xiaoman let out a cry of alarm, jumping aside.
Chen Ji hurriedly said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's my fault."
Xiaoman also hurriedly responded, "How could it be your fault? It's my fault."
Chen Ji: "Mhm?"
Xiaoman said faintly and resentfully, "Blame me for not growing four arms."
Chen Ji: "..."
He pondered in his heart, 'Could it be that the Practitioner who commanded the Taotie truly isn't Xiaoman?'
Looking down at her soaked shoes, Xiaoman complained aggrievedly like a poor little thing, "Just don't add to the trouble. Tasks meant for servants should be done by servants! Why are you always scrambling to do the work?"
Looking at Xiaoman, Chen Ji said apologetically, "I'm sorry, ah. It's just... don't you want to do a little less work?"
Xiaoman froze slightly, saying in a low voice, "You don't understand. For those of us sold to human traffickers since childhood, the very first thing we were taught is that we must be useful. Only by being useful will an employer buy us away so we won't be beaten by the human trafficker. Only by being useful will we be liked in the employer's home, and avoid being sold again to others."
Chen Ji fell silent. Being 'useful' seemed to be the survival philosophy Xiaoman had learned since childhood.
He asked, "Do you have other shoes you can change into?"
Xiaoman said casually, "Of course I do!"
Thinking for a moment, Chen Ji said again, "Then I'll bring you to the Zhang Estate today to eat a good meal, letting it count as an apology."
The corners of Xiaoman's mouth curled up, though she mumbled, "I'm actually not that gluttonous..."
Chen Ji said, "I heard they not only have sea-caught goods, but they also specially invited the head chef from the Yingxian Restaurant."
"Really?" Xiaoman's eyes lit up, but then she asked with slight worry, "Young Master, will Madam forbid you from attending the Zhang Estate's banquet? According to the rules, you are a Concubine's Son and shouldn't attend the main banquet."
Chen Ji smiled. "Rest assured, she won't."
...
...
Thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, thirty-first year of Jianing. Noon.
Emerald Cloud Lane was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers. The ground was entirely covered in red scraps of paper from setting off firecrackers, looking exceptionally bright and eye-catching.
Pages from the Chen Estate and the Zhang Estate stood at their respective doorways carrying baskets, handing out sugar-preserved sour plums to children and distributing 'lucky money' to passing men, women, old, and young.
The 'lucky money' consisting of copper coins wrapped in red paper was handed out. The commoners stuffed the copper coins into their robes and tossed the red paper away casually. Red paper fluttered throughout the entire street, beaming with a festive and joyous atmosphere.
When noon arrived, the pages of various households arrived carrying congratulatory gifts.
In front of the Zhang Estate's main doors, a page stood firmly in place. Whenever someone brought a congratulatory gift, he would pick up the gift list and call out the names loudly at the door: "Master Wang Changgu of the Huizhou Merchant Guild gifts six pairs of South Sea luminous pearls, one pair of red coral, and one jade Ruyi scepter..."
"Master Qiao Dezhong of the Shanxi Merchant Guild gifts twenty silver winter melons, and one golden Maitreya Buddha statue..."
Hearing the names being called out, the expressions of the people lining up in the queue to present their gifts all changed one after another.
Some stewards turned and left, muttering softly as they walked: "This Zhang Zhuo's eating style is truly far too ugly and blatant! Which official dares to accept gifts this brazenly in broad daylight?"
A young worker beside a steward asked curiously, "Shopkeeper, are we not giving our gift anymore?"
The steward cursed his bad luck. "How could we not give it?! I'm returning to the warehouse to prepare a completely new gift! It's said this Lord Zhang possesses an exceptional memory, never forgetting what he has seen. Being laughed at by peers is a minor matter. But if we are remembered and targeted by this Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, I'm afraid we'll be given tight shoes to wear every single day in the future!"
"He's from the Ministry of Personnel; he doesn't have jurisdiction over us..."
"You don't know shit!"
Right at this moment...
In front of the Zhang Estate's side doors, there were pages guiding officials who came to present congratulatory gifts through the doors in a low-profile manner. The main doors were opened for merchants, while the side doors were opened for officials. Naturally, officials presenting gifts couldn't be quite as high-profile.
Yet, inside the small side courtyard, Zhang Xia sat upright and proper behind a table covered with a red silk cloth. In front of the red table, a young official stepped forward, respectfully presenting the gift list.
He carefully sized up Zhang Xia, truly never expecting that a little female child was actually the one calling the shots in the Zhang Estate's rear residence.
Zhang Xia ignored his gaze. Holding a writing brush, she took the gift list and briefly glanced it over, then looked up at the young official in front of her. "Which official position are you seeking?"
The official hurriedly said humbly, "This humble official heard there is a vacancy for the County Deputy Magistrate of Weishi County in Yuzhou. This lower official wishes to fill that vacancy."
Sweeping her gaze over him, Zhang Xia said nonchalantly, "Then this congratulatory gift of yours is not enough."
In the bitter cold of winter, fine cold sweat broke out on the official's forehead. "This lower official will supplement it with another gift in a few days."
Zhang Xia gave an "Mhm". Picking up her writing brush, she wrote seven characters on the gift list: "Weishi County Deputy Magistrate pending appointment." Then, she tossed the gift list aside. "No need to go inside to eat. Go back and prepare the gift."
The young official agreed repeatedly, backing out of the Zhang Estate's side doors backwards.
Such blatant selling of Official Positions and trading of noble titles with clearly marked prices was a rare sight even looking across the Ning Dynasty's thousand years of rise and fall.
However, with Zhang Zhuo now appointed as the Vice Minister of the Left in the Ministry of Personnel, the leading officials within the various Ministries had always revered the Left over the Right. The Vice Minister of the Left managed internal affairs, while the Vice Minister of the Right managed external affairs. He practically did have the power to decide the position of a County Deputy Magistrate.
Moreover, after Liu Gun committed suicide, the position of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was temporarily held by Grand Secretary Xu concurrently. Coupled with Zhang Zhuo marrying Grand Secretary Xu's niece, there was no guarantee this Minister position wouldn't also belong to Zhang Zhuo in the future!
...
...
Compared to the liveliness of the Zhang Estate, the Chen Estate appeared somewhat deserted.
The congratulatory gifts entering the Chen Estate were greeted by Madam Liang and quietly carried into the rear courtyard in a low-profile manner. They were stored alongside the gift lists, to be counted after today had passed.
Although hosting today's banquet was originally for the sake of receiving gifts, the Chen Family cared about 'face' and was unwilling to be tainted by such a heavy stench of copper.
Madam Liang stood in the main hall. She faintly heard the voices calling out the names of congratulatory gifts coming from Emerald Cloud Lane, then looked down and flipped through her own family's gift list, feeling they were visibly far more shabby.
In truth, every single congratulatory gift presented to the Chen Estate was something ordinary commoners couldn't earn even in several lifetimes. But humans feared comparison the most. Regardless of how much one obtained for oneself, as long as it was worse than others, one would feel dissatisfied.
The maid Dongzhi stood to the side. Looking at Madam Liang's expression, she said in a low voice, "The Zhang Family is far too shameless, actually accepting bribes in broad daylight. An official coming from a humble family truly possesses shallow vision after all."
Hearing the voices calling out names from the gift lists outside the estate, Madam Liang said casually, "For Lord Zhang to accept money for so many years without anything happening to him, it can be considered his own ability and capability."
Dongzhi muttered under her breath, "What capability, it's merely because he has Grand Secretary Xu protecting him!"
Madam Liang said solemnly, "Do not be insolent. Lord Zhang is now a leading official of the Ministry of Personnel. We must be respectful."
As they spoke, a page, bowing his body, quietly came to the front of the hall and said in a low voice, "Reporting to Madam..."
Madam Liang's expression turned displeased. "Straighten your body! When did the servants of my Chen Estate develop this sneaky and suspicious habit?!"
Straightening his body, the page hurriedly said, "Madam, the Steward... Wang Gui is at the side door, saying he has an urgent matter to report."
Madam Liang pondered for a moment. "Master told him to properly reflect at home. Coming back running when he has nothing to do, what for? I will not go meet him. Tell him to write down whatever matter he has and pass it inside."
The page voiced his compliance, turning and leaving.
Not long after, the page returned, respectfully handing over a thin slip of paper.
Madam Liang unfolded the slip of paper. Written upon it was a short passage of tiny characters: "This lowly one has an old acquaintance serving in the Thousand-Year Army. Yesterday, this lowly one heard a piece of secret information concerning Chen Ji from his mouth. It can cause him to lose favor in front of Master. Madam only needs to bring Chen Ji to attend the banquet at the Zhang Estate today."
Expressionless, Madam Liang put away the slip of paper and handed it to Dongzhi. "Keep all these slips of paper properly one by one, do not lose them."
At this time, Chen Liqin walked out from the inner rooms wearing a purplish-red robe with a standing collar and large lapel. Wearing Black Official Boots on his feet and a Corrugated Black Gauze Hat on his head, he exuded an exceptionally compelling noble aura.
Madam Liang praised him, "When Master usually visits the river embankments, you don't worry about your appearance. Now that you've properly dressed up, you already possess the demeanor of a leading official! I expect that in a few more years, you will definitely be able to enter a Ministry and assume the title of Minister."
Chen Liqin smiled and said, "Madam absolutely must not speak such words in front of outsiders! It would only invite their ridicule, saying I, Chen Liqin, am an official obsessed with power and rank. Now, as the Junior Supervisor of the Household in the Supervisorate of Instruction, I simply need to do my utmost to assist the Crown Prince properly."
Madam Liang smoothed out his collar for him. "Master is a towering figure in my heart; even those leading officials cannot compare to you. With you assisting the Crown Prince, when the day the Crown Prince ascends the throne arrives, you will definitely obtain what you wish and fully exhibit your grand ambitions! Didn't the Family Head arrange this assignment for you precisely to pave the way for you?"
Chen Liqin was all smiles. "Yet it is quite strange. Previously, the promotions arranged for me by our Family were repeatedly obstructed, and the Directorate of Ceremonial also made things difficult in every possible manner. But now, for some unknown reason, the palace suddenly agreed for me to take up this assignment. Perhaps it's because my merits in managing the river have fallen into His Majesty's eyes."
Madam Liang beamed with joy. "For Master to now catch His Majesty's eye is adding joy to joy!"
Chen Liqin asked, "What were you all chatting about just now?"
Madam Liang's eyes darted slightly. "This concubine was just about to dispatch Dongzhi to summon Wenzong and Chen Ji. I plan to bring them along to attend the banquet, as it would be good to let Chen Ji know that Master holds him in your heart."
Reflecting relief, Chen Liqin said, "I was previously worried that you and Chen Ji were at odds, but seeing you happily reconciled as before, even able to recite Buddhist scriptures together, my heart is finally at ease. However, today's occasion is not suitable to bring Chen Ji along. Since ancient times, the Ning Dynasty's rule has been that concubines and Concubine's Sons cannot be seated at such banquets. If he possessed Official Honors, it would be fine, but he still hasn't obtained any. Bringing him to the banquet would likely make outsiders feel that our Chen Family does not understand Propriety and rules."
Holding onto Chen Liqin's arm, Madam Liang said hesitantly, "Is Master truly not bringing him? What if he thinks I, as his mother, am narrow-minded?"
Chen Liqin patted the back of her hand. "It's a minor matter. Chen Ji has understood these rules since childhood; he has lived precisely like this for so many years. He won't think too much into it."
Already having a plan in her heart, Madam Liang turned and smiled tenderly. "Master is too considerate of the rules! Although Chen Ji doesn't have Official Honors, this is not the Capital City. With the Liu Family gone, you and Lord Zhang are the sky of Luo City. What harm is there in bringing a Concubine's Son?"
Chen Liqin hesitated.
Madam Liang then consoled him: "I looked at the Zhang Estate's invitation. Half of the people coming to attend the banquet today are merchants. Our Chen Family has generations of high officials; what need is there to speak of rules with those people reeking of copper? You speak of rules, but they certainly don't! Furthermore, Chen Ji has only just returned. Giving him the cold shoulder now, who knows what he might think. Right now is precisely the time to mend the father-son relationship between you and him; you absolutely must not be cold to him anymore."
Letting out a long sigh of relief, Chen Liqin said, "For Madam to possess such a broad-minded and forgiving heart fills her husband with relief. To have a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
He instructed his Page, Guyu: "Go, summon Wenzong and Chen Ji together."
The time it takes an incense stick to burn later...
Chen Wenzong and Chen Ji arrived together in tandem, with an elated Xiaoman following behind.
Cupping his hands in a greeting, Chen Wenzong asked, "Father, Mother, summoning Chen Ji and I, is it time to attend the banquet?"
Smiling, Madam Liang said, "The time has arrived. If we don't go now, it will be somewhat lacking in etiquette."
Her gaze swept past the two of them and landed on Xiaoman behind Chen Ji. "Today we are attending the main banquet, so there's no need to bring maids along. Later, continuous banquets will be held in Emerald Cloud Lane to entertain the neighbors. Xiaoman is a gluttonous girl. Today, you are specially permitted to eat at the continuous banquet in Emerald Cloud Lane with the other first-class maids and pages."
Xiaoman's face immediately fell. "Oh. Everything shall be arranged by Madam."
The continuous banquet outside the Zhang Estate was prepared for the neighbors, which could be considered a gimmick to celebrate with the commoners. Within the Zhang Estate, there was a designated banquet specifically for the subordinates and servants of the honorable guests. After all, the servants of honorable guests possessed a certain status and naturally didn't need to sit with peddlers and menial laborers.
The dishes inside the estate and outside the estate were as different as heaven and earth. Xiaoman originally thought she could enter the doors to mooch a good meal; seeing the situation now, it was impossible to mooch it.
However, Chen Ji was heard speaking up with a laugh: "Madam need not worry about Xiaoman. She possesses the Zhang Estate's invitation and can go with me."
Xiaoman froze slightly, and even Madam Liang was somewhat surprised. "The Zhang Estate specially gave Xiaoman an invitation?"
"That isn't so," Chen Ji pulled out the invitation from inside his robes. "It is for both me as master and my servant. It even has Xiaoman's name written on it."
Taking a look, Madam Liang involuntarily laughed. "Usually, invitations only need the master's name. Chen Ji, your friendship with the Zhang Estate is truly deep. The Second Miss of the Zhang Family actually specially added Xiaoman's name for you."
Feeling bewildered, Xiaoman stood on her tiptoes to look at the invitation.
Yet she saw that the invitation, which originally should have only featured Chen Ji's name, had Xiaoman's name additionally inscribed by someone at the side.
An invitation specially inviting a servant—looking across the entire Ning Dynasty, this might be the only instance.
Looking at Chen Ji's side profile, Xiaoman suddenly said, "Young Master, I won't go to the banquet. Could you keep this invitation for me?"
Chen Ji was confused. "Why aren't you going to the banquet?"
Xiaoman said softly, "Because when attending the banquet, the Zhang Family will take the invitation back..."
Laughing cheerfully, Chen Ji said, "It's fine, I'll say a word to them and leave the invitation for you."
Xiaoman's eyes lit up. "Really?!"
"Really."
Seeing the situation had reached this point, Chen Liqin waved his hand. "No more idle chatting. Let's go."
(End of this chapter)