Chapter 178: The Angry Military Defense Circuit Intendant Ji

"Little sister, is something on your mind?"

In the past, at the department magistrate's residence, Young Lady Ji's favorite pastime was clinging to the young madam, playing the flute and zither for amusement, or discussing poetry and verse. Their duets of zither and flute were considered a marvel of the household. But today, the young madam clearly sensed that Ji Junjiao was distracted; her flute playing had entirely lost its usual charm.

The young madam, perceptive and intelligent, noticed at once. Her hand paused on the zither strings, and she looked across at Young Lady Ji.

"Sister Wanyun, I'm a little bored."

Young Lady Ji pouted her lips and set down her jade flute.

"Ah, when you were accompanying Lord Wang, you were all laughter and smiles. Now, keeping your sister Wanyun company, you find it dull and wearisome."

The young madam laughed lightly, her jade-like hands resuming their play on the zither. The notes rang out like pearls and jade scattering onto a jade platter.

Yesterday, when Young Lady Ji returned to the department magistrate's residence and saw the young madam, she cried out, "After running around all day, I'm utterly exhausted." Yet the young madam observed that although her expression was weary, she was in high spirits. Since rising this morning, Young Lady Ji had been quite restless, as if she wanted to do something but could not settle.

Hearing the young madam's teasing, Young Lady Ji stamped her foot in protest. "Sister Wanyun, what are you saying?"

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she pursed her small mouth in irritation.

The young madam glanced at Young Lady Ji and shook her head with a sigh. Even when angry, this close friend of hers possessed a stirring beauty; though she herself was a woman, the sight still moved her heart. Her allure was unconscious — sometimes a single startling glimpse naturally carried a soul-stirring, captivating charm. The young madam sometimes wondered whether this friend of hers was born to be the ruin of men. Yet for a woman to be excessively alluring might not be a good thing.

Seeing Young Lady Ji angry, the young madam merely cast her a smiling glance, then lowered her head and continued playing the zither.

At that moment, the two were in a small pavilion in the rear garden of the department magistrate's residence. Beside them, a gnarled banyan tree spread its emerald green, and the pond water was crystalline and clear, flowing in an endless trickle. With the tinkling of the zither notes added, the scene was exquisitely beautiful. Seeing that the young madam was ignoring her, Young Lady Ji instead took the initiative to speak. "Sister Wanyun, what do you think... of that Wang Dou?"

The young madam feigned ignorance. "What do you mean, what do I think?"

Young Lady Ji said, "...I mean, what do you think of his looks?"

Without waiting for the young madam to reply, Young Lady Ji muttered to herself, "I keep thinking his looks are a bit lacking."

At times, Young Lady Ji felt that Wang Dou was very talented, and his bold, heroic bearing won her admiration. Yet she also felt Wang Dou's features were somewhat coarse, and his manner rather crude, which she inwardly disliked. And looking at the people around Wang Dou — there were hardly any she found pleasing to the eye. Especially those like Han Zhong and Gao Shiyin, whose looks could stop a child's night crying and make one shake one's head at the sight.

The young madam laughed lightly. "As for Lord Caoshou's appearance, he truly cannot be counted as handsome and refined. But a talented man and a beautiful woman — as long as the man has ability, isn't that enough?"

She cast a sidelong glance at Young Lady Ji. "Speaking of handsome refinement, I hear that Young Master Wu Lue of Yanqing Subprefecture is an outstandingly beautiful man. Who knows how many young ladies of good families have secretly given him their hearts."

Young Lady Ji gave a snort. "What use is a pretty face? Those young lordlings — every one of them is very pretty."

The young madam abruptly stood up, her cheeks flying red. She stared at Young Lady Ji in shock. "Little sister, where did you learn such coarse language?"

Young Lady Ji, realizing she had misspoken, was also mortified. Her eyes wandered, not daring to look at the young madam. She simply continued, "Bookworms are utterly useless. They only know how to study dead texts but lack the strength to truss a chicken. I, Ji Junjiao, would not spare such a man a single glance! What I admire is a true man accomplished in both letters and martial arts. But why can I not find such a man?"

The young madam looked at Young Lady Ji for a long while, then sat back down and laughed despite herself. "In this world, where is there a person perfect in every way? Little sister, your maiden thoughts are too tangled."

Suddenly, she adopted a serious expression. "Sister Junjiao, we are close sisters. Your elder sister has something to say, though I am not sure if I should."

Young Lady Ji said, "Sister Wanyun, between us sisters, what cannot be said? Speak."

The young madam looked at Young Lady Ji. "Your elder sister is very worried about you. I heard that yesterday you spent the entire day alone with Lord Caoshou. You must realize that Lord Caoshou already has a wife, and your own status is that of an unmarried maiden... Little sister, for the sake of your reputation, your elder sister urges you not to associate with Lord Wang any further..."

In Huailai City, within the residence of the Military Defense Circuit.

Military Defense Circuit Intendant of Huailong, Lord Ji Shiwei, sat in the main hall without uttering a word. Today, he seemed to be in a foul mood, rebuking people at every turn. His personal attendants and servants were all deeply terrified, none daring to even breathe loudly. If there was nothing pressing, everyone tried their utmost to avoid going to the hall and courting the Military Defense Intendant's ill temper.

Lord Ji was sitting in glum silence when he suddenly heard a hubbub. He saw his wife emerge from the inner hall, directing a troop of maids and servants carrying large and small bundles, surging out in a grand procession. Lord Ji asked her, "Madam, what are you doing?"

His wife said, puzzled, "My lord, have I not told you? A month ago, I arranged with Madam Wu of Yanqing Subprefecture to go together to the Jade Emperor Temple in Yanqing Subprefecture city to offer prayers and make vows. Reckoning the days, the time is near; I should be departing."

She added, "Speaking of which, our Ji family and the Wu family are soon to be in-laws. It is just the right time to visit Yanqing Subprefecture. In-laws, in-laws — only by visiting often do you become close, is that not so?"

At this, she laughed. Lord Ji had three sons and five daughters. Several of his sons and daughters were already married and established in their own households; only his youngest daughter, Ji Junjiao, remained unwed. This had long been a knot in the hearts of Ji Shiwei and his wife. Some time ago, Department Magistrate Wu Zhi of Yanqing Subprefecture had sent someone to Ji Shiwei to propose marriage on behalf of his son, Wu Lue. Ji Shiwei and his wife considered this match very suitable and were inclined to accept.

Speaking of that Department Magistrate Wu Zhi of Yanqing Subprefecture, he was a Metropolitan Graduate by origin. Wu Zhi usually governed his household with great strictness. His son, Wu Lue, twenty this year, was also brimming with talent, having passed the Licentiate examination at seventeen. Reckoning that the Provincial Examination was approaching, if Wu Lue also passed to become a Provincial Graduate, then both father and son of the Wu family would be Provincial Graduates — a matter people would delight in discussing. To betroth their daughter to such a family, Ji Shiwei and his wife were both very willing.

Unexpectedly, Ji Shiwei said with a cold face, "There is no need to go."

His wife said in astonishment, "My lord, why is that?"

Ji Shiwei suddenly bellowed, "Why? That Wu Zhi has already sent someone..."

He glanced to the left and right and said, "All of you, withdraw."

The crowd of maids and servants in the hall hurriedly scattered like birds and beasts.

Once the hall was empty, Ji Shiwei continued, "That Wu Zhi has already sent someone to say that his son is dull-witted and cannot aspire to match our Ji family, and has decided to cancel this marriage arrangement."

His wife cried out, "Has Wu Zhi gone senile? How could this be?"

Ji Shiwei sighed, "This old man was also baffled, so I questioned the person who came from the Wu residence. He told me privately that Department Magistrate Wu declared that Jiao'er is deficient in virtue and not a good match for a wife. The Wu family rules are extremely strict; how could they allow such a daughter-in-law through their gates? So they decided to cancel this marriage arrangement."

As he spoke, his anger grew. "This old man is, after all, a Circuit Intendant of the Military Defense, yet I have been rejected in marriage by a subordinate. If word spreads, my colleagues will mock me. Where will this old man's face be?"

Lord Ji roared in fury, even pointing at his own face. His features, originally quite handsome and refined, were now contorted with rage. A supreme humiliation! In all his years in government, Ji Shiwei had never suffered such an insult.

His wife stared blankly. "Utter nonsense, utter nonsense! Jiao'er is the most well-behaved; how could she be deficient in virtue?"

She ground her teeth and said, "That old scoundrel Wu Zhi dares to speak of our Jiao'er in this way. My lord, he does not hold you in his eyes at all."

Ji Shiwei raged, "This old man sent people to investigate, and all of Yanqing Subprefecture city is already abuzz with rumor, saying that our Jiao'er was carrying on improperly with that Caoshou Wang Dou in Baoan Subprefecture city, behaving in a frivolous and wanton manner. Tell me, is Jiao'er not in Baoan Subprefecture city right now? With such reports spreading, how could they be false?"

His wife shrieked, "Jiao'er would never do such a thing! Someone must be maliciously slandering her, ruining Jiao'er's reputation. My lord, there is a scheme here! Think carefully: within this Xuanfu Garrison, who would wish to harm you?"

She mused, "Could it be that old scoundrel Wu Zhi has his eye on your position?"

Ji Shiwei finally quieted down. He said listlessly, "I have already sent men to Baoan Subprefecture. Once Jiao'er returns, a single question will make everything clear."

"Military Defense Intendant, Assistant Regional Commander Mao Bin of the Eastern Route has come to call. He says he wishes to discuss with Your Excellency the matter of the candidate for Garrison Commander of Yongning City."

A household servant quietly entered and reported to Ji Shiwei.

"Mao Bin?"

Ji Shiwei gave a snort. A few days ago, the Yongning Garrison Commander of the Eastern Route, Wu Yunsong, had suddenly fallen ill and died. Regarding the candidate for the new Yongning Garrison Commander, Ji Shiwei had already drawn up a list of several names. However, Assistant Regional Commander Mao Bin of the Eastern Route also had a candidate: he was vigorously recommending that Caoshou Officer Wang Dou of Baoan Subprefecture be made the new Garrison Commander of Yongning City.

As it happened, Mao Bin currently held the post of Eastern Route Branch Defense Assistant Regional Commander of the Xuanfu Garrison, with the concurrent rank of Vice Guard Regional Commander of the Wanquan Regional Military Commission — an official rank of junior second grade. Ji Shiwei currently held the official rank of Right Assistant Administration Commissioner of the Shandong Provincial Administration Commission, still concurrently filling the post of Huailong Military Defense Circuit Intendant of the Xuanfu Garrison — an official rank of junior third grade.

Ji Shiwei and Mao Bin, in the Eastern Route, one managed military affairs and the other managed civil administration. In theory, they were of equal standing. However, in the Great Ming, civil officials were honored and military officers debased. In practice, all matters in the Eastern Route were unilaterally directed by Ji Shiwei. Still, to promote a spirit of civil-military harmony, Ji Shiwei had to at least outwardly show that he valued the candidate Mao Bin recommended.

As for the Wang Dou whom Mao Bin recommended, the former Lord Ji had actually appreciated him quite a bit. Brave, fierce, and daring in battle, and quite capable in both civil and military governance — he had been doing spectacular work in Baoan Subprefecture city. Whenever Lord Ji heard reports, he could not help but sigh with admiration. If all the Great Ming's officers were as diligent as Wang Dou, why worry that the realm could not be pacified? It was only a pity that Wang Dou's seniority was somewhat shallow. His promotion last year to Caoshou Officer of Baoan Subprefecture city had already been a stretch; now to be further promoted to Garrison Commander of an entire city — difficult, very difficult.

At present, Wang Dou was merely a Vice Guard Commander of junior third grade rank, and had not held the post of Caoshou Officer for long. To want to fill the post of a city's Garrison Commander — the title was improper and the reasoning unconvincing. It was feared that the various officers of the Eastern Route would not be convinced in their hearts, unless Wang Dou were already a Guard Commander of a guard battalion, or an Assistant Regional Military Commissioner of a Regional Military Commission — then there would be hope.

However, Mao Bin also had a point. The Great Ming was now in a perilous situation; for useful talent, exceptions should be made and rules broken. Why be so concerned about whether a person's seniority was deep or shallow? That Wang Dou had talent — in a short time, he had brought Baoan Subprefecture city into perfect order. Such an extraordinary talent should all the more serve the Great Ming and be transferred to a more important post.

His words stirred Ji Shiwei somewhat. He valued Wang Dou more and more. If he broke convention to promote and entrust him with greater responsibility, then surely Wang Dou, rising high and advancing from Integrity Officer to Garrison Commander of a city, would feel even more gratitude toward him, and he would fully win the heart of this valiant general.

Of course, all that was in the past. Now, the mere sight of Wang Dou's name infuriated Lord Ji.