“Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang is quite the oddity here in the palace.”
The newly arrived clerk looked eager to learn. “Oh? How so?”
The registrar opened his mouth, then sighed. “In any case, unless you have something important to discuss with her, you’d best avoid dealing with her too much.”
“Is it because she’s a woman?”
The registrar’s expression grew complicated. “…Don’t even get me started on that.”
With that, he poked his head out the door.
As luck would have it, the very person they were talking about—Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang Yan—had just arrived at the start of working hours. She calmly took her seat, had a sip of tea, then leisurely began dealing with yesterday’s documents without so much as lifting her eyes.
People of this era placed great importance on appearances. Anyone young enough to work in the palace could have been called a handsome man in his youth, yet in the presence of Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang, even they seemed to fall short in bearing.
Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang was young and accomplished, with a slender, delicate appearance. She was only a little over fifteen years old, yet she possessed an unflappable composure and an almost otherworldly air.
By all rights, Jiang Yan could have been considered a prodigiously talented young genius. But there was no rhyme or reason to the way she conducted herself, and the people of the Bureau of Astrology had suffered enough because of it that they often forgot just how young she actually was.
Then there was her gift for prophecy.
Rumors claimed that she had already ascended to the ranks of the immortals, that she was the reincarnation of a celestial being, and that she had been able to speak from the moment she was born, uttering nothing but secrets of Heaven.
The newcomer knew nothing of this and grew even more curious.
“Does no one in court object to a woman serving as Grand Astrologer’s Assistant?”
The registrar instantly looked as though he were suffering from severe constipation, as if there were something he desperately wanted to say but couldn’t.
He shook his head. “The former Grand Astrologer, Li, was originally unhappy about it. After His Majesty rejected his memorial, he secretly spread rumors throughout the palace… The very next day, the Grand Astrologer took leave. They say he woke in the night screaming, then stumbled out while clinging to the walls, both legs trembling and his face deathly pale. Ahem. Apparently, he claimed he’d been kicked by a donkey in his dream. So there are also people who say Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang knows some sort of immortal magic.”
He paused, then added, “There’s another rumor that Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang is the reincarnation of a Bodhisattva and is both male and female.”
“This…”
The newcomer secretly glanced at Jiang Yan.
Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang looked completely detached from worldly affairs. She certainly seemed unlike an ordinary person of this world.
But still…
Someone stopped Jiang Yan and quietly said something to her. The newcomer grew curious and strained his ears to listen.
Jiang Yan listened carefully. Then, with an utterly calm expression, she said, “Heh. What the hell does that have to do with me?”
With that, she turned and walked away.
The newcomer was utterly stunned.
“H-H-How can she behave like that?!”
The registrar, who had long since grown accustomed to it, calmly took another sip of tea.
“Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang may have a strange temper, but she truly has ability. During those years of famine, if not for Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang observing the celestial phenomena and receiving heavenly oracles, the locust plague and epidemic wouldn’t have been brought under control so smoothly.”
She was a meritorious official beyond reproach, and no one could question her abilities.
Besides, she and the King of Qin had known each other since His Majesty was held hostage in Zhao. Jiang Yan was unquestionably one of the King of Qin’s trusted confidants.
The registrar stroked his chin and continued, “However, the position of Grand Astrologer may not be hers.”
“Why is that? If, as you say, Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang has His Majesty’s protection, now that His Majesty has taken personal control of the government, shouldn’t her position rise accordingly?”
The registrar’s expression became unfathomable.
“Because His Majesty is furious and intends to demote her. Apparently, it’s because Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang has a problem with her personal conduct.”
The newcomer looked enlightened.
The two leaned closer together. The registrar opened his mouth, then glanced outside before clamping it shut.
“There are ears on the other side of the wall. I’d better keep this matter buried in my stomach. I’m doing this for your own good.”
The newcomer: “…”
He, too, developed the same constipated expression.
What on earth had happened?
He was practically dying of curiosity. Just tell him already!
There wasn’t a single person in the entire Bureau of Astrology who knew how to speak!
The registrar narrowed his eyes and said nothing more.
Naturally, he didn’t think it proper for a woman to enter government service. But the Bureau of Astrology held little real power and had never enjoyed much status. In the past, they had always been the ones getting pushed around.
Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang had absolutely no concept of rank or hierarchy. She treated everyone alike, as though they were nothing more than cabbages and radishes.
Officials from other bureaus often sent over documents that had nothing to do with the Bureau of Astrology, and Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang was the only one who could refuse them without hesitation.
Whenever trouble came, she really did step up.
Having someone like her in the Bureau of Astrology was a good thing. Since everyone’s interests were involved, they simply turned a blind eye and let things pass. In fact, they hoped Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang would remain in her position for as long as possible.
After all, as a woman, becoming Grand Astrologer’s Assistant was about as far as her official career could go.
If one of Lu Buwei’s people were promoted to Grand Astrologer, who knew how many ways they would find to make life difficult for them?
Inside the Audience Hall, the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.
Zhao Gao lowered his head and carefully made his way across the hall. Memorials were piled high on the desk. The King of Qin’s expression was dark, his head propped against one hand, as though he had a headache.
The surroundings were silent.
Zhao Gao bent down, set down a cup of the finest sweet dew, and slowly withdrew.
The King of Qin called him back.
“Come here.”
Zhao Gao approached cautiously.
He knew the matter had not passed. At present, the only thing capable of giving His Majesty such a headache was Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang.
“What do you think of Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang?”
It was not a question that could be answered carelessly.
Zhao Gao carefully gauged the Emperor’s intentions.
In the past, no matter how disrespectful Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang was, His Majesty would certainly have protected her position in the Bureau of Astrology.
But today was different.
Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang had committed a grave offense.
That matter…
That matter truly was…
Zhao Gao answered cautiously, “Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang has rendered great service, is young and accomplished, and is utterly loyal to Your Majesty.”
Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
The sight of that smile sent a chill down Zhao Gao’s spine.
He immediately changed his answer.
“But for a woman to enter government service is ultimately unbecoming.”
The moment he saw His Majesty’s expression, Zhao Gao’s heart sank.
Oh no.
Sure enough, Ying Zheng’s face darkened.
“Her position as Grand Astrologer’s Assistant was personally promised by Me. Do you object to My decision?”
Before he could finish, Zhao Gao dropped to his knees with a thud.
Ying Zheng waved a hand.
Zhao Gao bowed in thanks and withdrew.
Ying Zheng slowly closed his eyes.
The position of Grand Astrologer had been vacant for two years. The people who followed him had all been given important positions. Jiang Yan possessed extraordinary talent, and for the time being, there was no one who could replace her. She was indeed the best candidate for the position.
The Bureau of Astrology held no great authority, but the position of Grand Astrologer was not something just anyone could fill.
The other Grand Astrologer’s Assistant was one of Lu Buwei’s men.
Before that incident, Jiang Yan’s promotion to Grand Astrologer had been virtually certain.
His gaze swept over the memorials on the desk before he tossed the offending one aside again.
Jiang Yan was only fifteen this year.
Because she was young, Ying Zheng had forgiven her countless times.
But this matter was truly shocking.
The more he thought about it, the more unforgivable it seemed.
Had Jiang Yan not possessed a prophetic gift without equal in the world, and had Lu Buwei not still been in court, with the position of Grand Astrologer occasionally capable of playing a crucial role, he could have had Jiang Yan beheaded on the spot and her head displayed publicly.
Ying Zheng had countless reasons to demote her.
Again and again, he had endured her.
He felt that his temper had been thoroughly tempered by Jiang Yan.
After pondering for a moment, he said, “Summon Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang.”
Jiang Yan arrived at a leisurely pace.
In all honesty, Jiang Yan had a face that could fool people at a glance. Her back was straight and never stooped, and she naturally carried an almost immortal-like bearing.
People who practiced metaphysics tended to rely heavily on appearances. They all cultivated that ethereal, otherworldly air. The former Grand Astrologer, for instance, had even grown a long white beard in pursuit of the image of someone who drifted above the mundane world, aloof and detached.
Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang had excellent natural advantages.
As long as she didn’t speak, merely standing there was enough to make people believe half of what she said.
The ruler and his subject looked at each other.
Jiang Yan remained completely composed.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Ying Zheng spoke with a solemn expression.
“What do you have to say for yourself?”
Jiang Yan looked puzzled.
“Aren’t you the one who summoned me?”
No wonder Zhao Gao’s smile had been so stiff.
So Ying Zheng was having one of his episodes again.
Ying Zheng’s brow twitched violently. He rose and slammed his hand onto the desk.
“You truly don’t know what you’ve done wrong?”
Jiang Yan remained expressionless.
“Speak normally. I can’t understand you.”
Ying Zheng ground his teeth.
“Have I indulged you too much in the past? You don’t even have the slightest sense of remorse! If your past merits had not offset your offense, your head would already be hanging from the city gate for three days!”
Jiang Yan’s expression turned strange.
“Oh, that?”
“But if you beheaded me and displayed my head publicly, even more people would know about it.”
Never underestimate the ancient people’s ability to gossip.
She had only heard about it today, and the rumor had already spread all the way to the Bureau of Astrology.
Ying Zheng’s expression darkened further.
“Jiang Yan! Do you think I dare not kill you?”
Jiang Yan touched the copper coin hidden in her sleeve and promptly admitted fault.
“Oh. You’re Ying Zheng. You can kill whoever you want.”
Ying Zheng suddenly calmed down.
He and Jiang Yan were simply talking past each other.
Jiang Yan had lacked proper guidance from her elders since childhood and had no idea what rules were.
As for different people, Ying Zheng had different ways of using them.
He had originally admired Jiang Yan’s character very much. Especially back when the court had been filled with Lu Buwei’s people, watching his opponents suffer setback after setback had been immensely satisfying.
But he had forgotten one thing.
Jiang Yan was just as unreserved with him.
When it came to meeting force with force, no one was harder to budge than Jiang Yan.
Enough. Enough.
He had known Jiang Yan’s temperament from the beginning.
She was young and ignorant of worldly ways. There would be plenty of time to straighten her out later.
Ying Zheng studied Jiang Yan’s face, considering the best way to teach her.
Jiang Yan, meanwhile, had already drifted off into her own thoughts.
Then she suddenly spoke.
“It’s time. If there’s nothing else, I’m getting off work.”
Ying Zheng’s temper began to rise again.
“Zhao Gao! Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang has spoken recklessly and insolently. Order her confined to her residence for five days. Draft the edict immediately!”
Jiang Yan readily agreed.
Zhao Gao escorted Jiang Yan out.
He greatly admired her courage, but he worked beside the King of Qin every day. He truly didn’t possess the courage to behave as she did.
His words therefore carried a hint of persuasion.
“Grand Astrologer’s Assistant, just apologize to His Majesty and this matter will pass. Why be so stubborn?”
In his view, this offense would have been a capital crime for anyone else.
Yet Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang had been causing trouble for so many days, and His Majesty clearly intended to protect her. He merely needed someone to give him a way down.
Zhao Gao knew Jiang Yan had never understood how to give someone an easy way out, so he offered her a small hint.
Jiang Yan said, “Oh.”
She genuinely didn’t think it was a big deal.
Ying Zheng looked good, so she had simply engaged in a little artistic creation.
She hadn’t even done anything yet.
Besides, she had deliberately blurred his face. Everything beneath Ying Zheng’s clothes had been completely fabricated by her.
If they could still recognize him…
Then all she could say was that her drawing skills were truly extraordinary.
Three Days Earlier
Ying Zheng glanced at the sky outside the window.
Then, all of a sudden, he stopped writing.
He called for Zhao Gao.
“Go to Jiang’s residence.”
As usual, Zhao Gao prepared the carriage to leave the palace.
There weren’t many people living in Jiang’s residence. His Majesty occasionally moved his memorials there to deal with them.
At first, Zhao Gao had entertained a few suspicions.
But once they arrived at the Jiang residence, he understood.
Jiang Yan was simply too good to herself.
Every piece of furniture and every implement in the residence had been designed from her own drawings. Although they looked strange, they were exceptionally convenient to use.
The layout of the residence was comfortable and flowed naturally.
Even the meals prepared by her cook were countless times better than the food in the palace.
The servants of the Jiang residence all wore happy expressions.
Forget His Majesty—even Zhao Gao himself wished he could simply move into the Jiang residence.
No wonder people said Grand Astrologer’s Assistant Jiang was the reincarnation of an immortal.
These strange things must surely be creations of the immortals.
Naturally, when Ying Zheng saw something good, he wanted to reproduce it exactly.
He even wanted to hire Jiang Yan’s cook to work in the palace.
Jiang Yan had agreed to everything else.
Only on this matter had she dared to talk back to him.
Ying Zheng was naturally displeased.
But seeing how thin Jiang Yan was and how extremely picky she was about food, he magnanimously left the cook to her.
Jiang Yan clearly earned a substantial salary, yet compared with the greasy-looking officials around her, she always appeared remarkably fresh and clean.
It was simply because she was so extraordinarily particular about food that she wouldn’t even touch the dishes served at palace banquets.
Ying Zheng had once asked her about it.
Jiang Yan had merely said, “It tastes like crap.”
He had sneered.
“A well-fed man knows nothing of a starving man’s hunger.”
Jiang Yan had remained expressionless.
“Wow. You actually know something about the people’s livelihood.”
Ying Zheng couldn’t be bothered to argue with her.
From then on, he would occasionally travel to the Jiang residence.
It had practically become a second Audience Hall.
The people of the Jiang residence had been terrified at first.
Eventually, they got used to it.
Most of the time, Jiang Yan couldn’t even be bothered to come out and see him.
As long as Ying Zheng had Zhao Gao to attend to him and didn’t die in her residence, that was good enough.
Ying Zheng normally didn’t touch the bamboo slips in the study.
In his eyes, they were nothing more than children’s reading materials. Jiang Yan’s artistic creations had merely been given the appearance of bamboo slips and placed on the shelves.
As it turned out, whenever people became lazy, trouble followed.
Ying Zheng diligently reviewed several memorials.
When Zhao Gao reported that Jiang Yan was still taking her afternoon nap, he inexplicably felt somewhat displeased.
His gaze fell upon the bookshelves.
“Bring me a few of those.”
He was rather curious about what Jiang Yan usually read.
She lived more comfortably than even the King of Qin himself, spending every day in her residence looking listless and lazy.
Zhao Gao selected several books that seemed unlikely to cause trouble and presented them to the King of Qin.
Ying Zheng opened one at random.
To his surprise, it was written in Jiang Yan’s handwriting.
His interest was piqued.
The contents were merely accounts of the customs and local conditions of various states, along with some strange-looking symbols she had drawn.
But Jiang Yan’s writing was entertaining, incorporating some of the rumors and gossip circulating among the common people.
He muttered an irritated curse at whatever he was reading, then curiously opened the second book.
The second book was also filled with trivial matters from among the people.
When he reached the end, however, he found a length of raw silk tucked inside.
It was not very long and had been bound tightly.
Ying Zheng’s movements stopped.
He knew at once that whatever was written inside must be extraordinary.
With a secretive curiosity, he opened it.
His expression changed slightly.
Then his face turned livid.
He slammed it shut.
Ying Zheng was furious.
“Jiang Yan! Tell her to get her ass over here!”