Chapter 410: The United Front

"Greetings, Ruan Xiansheng."

In Linjiang Tower at Puzikou Town on the opposite bank from Nanjing, the dashing Wu Changshi respectfully saluted Ruan Dacheng, then exchanged courtesies with Pang Yu, his manners impeccably thorough.

Pang Yu said to Wu Changshi with a beaming smile, "I originally came to the Southern Capital to collect armor and weapons. Hearing that Laizhi Xiansheng was passing through the Capital to enter official service, and finding myself right here at Puzikou, I was delighted and prepared a modest gift to offer my congratulations, and also to thank you, sir, for the trouble you took earlier in the Suzhou-Songjiang region regarding the silver bank's affairs."

Wu Changshi laughed heartily and did not decline, accepting both men's gift lists and inviting them to take their seats at the table.

Meeting Wu Changshi was the final matter of this trip to Nanjing. His original plan had been to see Zhang Pu, but Zhang Pu was far away in Suzhou, which was also where Zhang Guowei had his command post — too inconvenient for Pang Yu to visit. As it happened, Wu Changshi was passing through Nanjing on his way to the Capital to take up his post, so the three of them had deliberately crossed the river to Puzikou, precisely to avoid the Restoration Society scholars in the city of Nanjing.

Wu Changshi said to Pang Yu with warm attentiveness, "It is fortunate, General, that you did not go to Taicang. Tianru Xiansheng was not at home — you would have made the trip in vain."

He then turned to Ruan Dacheng. "I was merely on my way to the Capital and stopped by to visit Ruan Xiansheng along the route. Meeting General Pang here in the Southern Capital by chance shows that unseen forces truly do work according to Heavenly Will."

Ruan Dacheng nodded with a slight smile. "Congratulations, Laizhi."

Pang Yu had met Wu Changshi several times and now understood the man fairly well. He did not beat around the bush, asking directly, "Wu Xiansheng passed the exams seven years ago yet only now, this year, has decided to enter official service. Is it because you are certain the situation at court has changed?"

"For years, treacherous men have dominated the court. Many of our society friends had the will but lacked the power. Turmoil in the court inevitably makes the affairs of the times difficult. Protracted warfare makes military men hard to control…" Wu Changshi stopped at this point; clearly, the words he had been speaking were so familiar they slipped out by habit, and only after he spoke did he recall that Pang Yu was also a military man. But Wu Changshi's expression did not change. Calmly, he continued, "If all military men were as loyal to the state as General Pang, how could things have come to this? The Eastern Affairs have dragged on for over twenty years, the Roving Bandits for more than ten. When war never ceases, funds are impossible to meet. One New Stipend follows another, and harsh levies grow worse by the day. The common people, trapped in bitter hardship, die in the ditches. All under Heaven desperately yearn for a return to Taiping. Originally, once Wen Tiren was gone, the court situation should have been completely renewed. Yet judging by the Grand Secretaries newly admitted to the cabinet, things remain largely the same. Tianru Xiansheng is deeply troubled by this, but as a man out of office, trying to relieve the people's plight from within such a murky court situation is truly difficult beyond measure. I originally still had no wish to enter official service, but Xiansheng's lofty righteousness — for the country and for the people — moved me to the depths of my being. Only then did I resolve to enter the court."

His voice was deep and forceful. Paired with Wu Changshi's imposing bearing, the speech rang with righteous conviction. Pang Yu's face was full of admiration. "Xiansheng's original heart is noble. No matter how murky the court situation, you can emerge from the mire unstained. Since the situation is so dire, does Tianru Xiansheng also intend to return to office?"

At the words "return to office," Ruan Dacheng's body shifted involuntarily. Wu Changshi was silent for a moment, then said, "Does the General think Tianru Xiansheng can return to office?"

Pang Yu sized Wu Changshi up and said, "Restoration Society has produced no small number of Presented Scholar — in the fourth year of Chongzhen alone, there were seventy-one. Yet to this day, none has become a Grand Secretary. The Emperor deliberately suppresses those with factional ties. Wen Tiren was dismissed merely on suspicion of forming cliques. Tianru Xiansheng is the head of Restoration Society. If he enters the court, only the rank of Grand Secretary would match his standing. If the Emperor's will remains unchanged, his return to office may take time."

"Tianru Xiansheng shares this concern," Wu Changshi said in a low voice. "The Emperor deliberately refrains from selecting Cabinet Ministers from among the Donglin and Restoration Society, so that petty men advance one after another by posing as Lone Ministers. The strife at court arises from this. When court affairs go awry, the whole realm suffers. Wu Xiansheng believes we need no longer be constrained by factional distinctions. We should seek a reliable person — one who has the credentials of a Lone Minister, yet is on harmonious terms with Donglin and Restoration Society. Only then can court affairs be made workable, no longer delayed by factional strife."

Pang Yu quickly turned the matter over in his mind. Wu Changshi's visit to Nanjing this time was definitely not just a stop along the way. And that Lone Minister would not merely be on harmonious terms with Donglin and Restoration Society. Since Wu Changshi was revealing this plan to him and Ruan Dacheng, this united front included the Eunuch Faction — primarily Feng Quan. It was clear that after several years of ups and downs, Zhang Pu had completely changed his way of operating.

Pang Yu observed Ruan Dacheng. The big-bearded man's face was flushed; he was clearly somewhat stirred. If this united front could be achieved, his own hopes of returning to office would greatly increase.

Judging by the way Qian Qianyi had brought down Wen Tiren this time, the Eunuchs were a pivotal force in court politics. Feng Quan's long-established connections within the inner palace were indispensable. That Qian Qianyi could get Feng Quan's help was due to Ruan Dacheng acting as the intermediary link. That was why Qian Qianyi now treated Ruan Dacheng with such courtesy.

Pang Yu's role was to add the luster of frontier capability to this united front. After all, troops were needed everywhere in the realm, and the Emperor was an impatient man. If military affairs went badly, a person installed with great effort could be dismissed in the blink of an eye — all that effort wasted. Having a strong army of one's own, capable of delivering a victory at a critical moment, could protect many people.

This united front had both open and covert aspects. The open side was Donglin and Restoration Society; the covert side was Pang Yu and the Eunuch Faction. But these parties were not entirely without misgivings toward one another. Zhang Pu must have previously expressed his intent to cooperate to Qian Qianyi, most likely through Ruan Dacheng. That was why, when they last went to see Qian Qianyi, this Donglin leader had clearly stated his refusal. Wu Changshi would certainly go see him again on this visit; more political bargaining chips would need to be brought out.

Wu Changshi was undoubtedly the person responsible for liaising among them. His main objectives this time were to meet again with Qian Qianyi, then head north to meet with Feng Quan, then deliberate with Zhang Pu via correspondence, and then negotiate with all parties to clarify each side's interests — he was the most pivotal figure in this matter. But first, he needed to find a suitable candidate. This person would not be easy to find: he must have political seniority, the qualifications to enter the cabinet, the identity of a Lone Minister, and, moreover, be acceptable to all three sides — Donglin, Restoration Society, and the Eunuch Faction. In any case, Pang Yu could not think of anyone. Perhaps it would be easier to find one in the Capital; after all, Pang Yu did not know many Capital Officials. Perhaps that was precisely why Wu Changshi was entering the Capital to take up a post.

Joining this united front would undoubtedly be extremely advantageous for Pang Yu. If this front took shape, it would be the most powerful political force in the Capital. Not only would the silver bank receive its support, but from then on, having backing at court would make operating in the provinces far more convenient. And he would not need to personally manage the complex relationships involved.

At this thought, Pang Yu cupped his hands toward Wu Changshi. "Tianru Xiansheng exhausts his heart and mind for the common people. Though I am a military man, I cannot stand by with folded arms in such a great matter concerning the country and the people. If this reliable person eventually enters the court, I will certainly lend my full support wherever troops are needed."

This was exactly what Wu Changshi needed to hear. A look of gratification appeared on his face. Beside him, Ruan Dacheng was also somewhat stirred.

Pang Yu, however, continued, "Laizhi Xiansheng spares no effort for the peace of all under Heaven. Though I admire this, I am unable to help, and cannot help feeling ashamed. Allow me to make a small amends. When Xiansheng is traveling and working on this matter in the Capital, there will inevitably be times when you need funds for requests and arrangements. The Capital branch of the Great River Silver Bank will open shortly. I have deposited twenty thousand taels for you, sir, to draw upon at your discretion. Consider it my own small contribution of effort for the common people of the realm."

Wu Changshi and Ruan Dacheng both showed astonished expressions. Even in the official circles of the Capital, twenty thousand taels was no small sum, yet Pang Yu could produce it just like that.

Beyond wanting to invest in this united front, Pang Yu actually thought even more highly of Wu Changshi as an individual. If this plan had been proposed by him, it showed that this man could both bide his time and possessed great political ability. Moreover, Pang Yu himself was a military officer — there was absolutely no competition between them on any official career path, leaving vast room for future cooperation.

Wu Changshi respectfully cupped his hands toward Pang Yu. "On behalf of the common people of the realm, Wu thanks the General for your lofty righteousness. From here, the mountains are high and the waters long, but Wu will most certainly keep the General informed by regular correspondence. You in the military and I in the civil service will join our efforts to set the court aright at an early date and deliver the myriad people of the realm from their hanging torment."

……

At Taoye Ferry in Nanjing, Pang Yu walked slowly through the verdant greenery. Pang Ding followed closely at his side, and five or six paces behind were several guards.

Along the path, flowering trees stood at irregular intervals. To the right were mostly the dwellings of local commoners; their courtyard gates were often adorned with bamboo screens. Even the smallest patches of open ground were planted with flowering trees. Above the courtyard walls, bamboo tips swayed gently; seen from outside, it all appeared rather exquisite.

Ahead, half-hidden among the green trees, a flagstone path led straight to Mei Lou. But Pang Yu did not go that way. He walked directly forward into an alley and stopped before the first door on the left inside.

The outer wall of the small courtyard was built of grey bricks. Fine moss could be seen in the gaps between the bricks. Bamboo tips peeked over the top of the wall. The door planks had seen some years; the grain had darkened in color, but the brass rings on them had been newly replaced. After knocking a few times with the brass rings, Zhou Yueru's voice came from within.

"Who is it?"

Pang Yu said from outside the door, "I am returning to Anqing today. I came to ask if you have anything you'd like brought along on the way."

The door creaked open, and Zhou Yueru appeared in the doorway. She looked at Pang Yu and said, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. There is nothing to bring."

Without waiting for her invitation, Pang Yu walked straight inside. Zhou Yueru stepped aside and watched him enter the courtyard. Pang Ding stood at the doorway and signaled the guards behind him not to follow in.

The courtyard was not large. Apart from two main rooms, there was only one room in the eastern wing. Though small, the house was exquisite. The foundation was raised a section on stone blocks, and under the eaves there was also a covered walkway made of stone blocks. In front of the main rooms, two peach trees had been planted; their branches and leaves were still fairly lush, but no fruit could be seen. In the corner by the wall grew a clump of mottled bamboo.

"Have all the peaches been picked and eaten?"

Zhou Yueru said with a slight smile, "The peaches over-ripened. Even if you don't pick them, they fall off on their own."

Pang Yu knew she was teasing him for not understanding the farming seasons. Naturally, he did not take offense. He spotted a bamboo chair in the courtyard, but just as he was about to sit, he realized there were no other chairs, so he could only remain standing for the moment.

Zhou Yueru moved the bamboo chair over. "My lord is returning to Anqing today. Instead of packing your traveling gear, how do you have the time to come to my humble home and look at this shabby little courtyard?"

Pang Yu did not sit. "I heard that today happens to be your ten-day rest day. I suddenly thought of some more matters regarding the banknotes and silver coins, so I came to give a few words of advice."

"It was no coincidence — I took my rest day specifically for today. Whatever my lord has to say, please instruct me."

Pang Yu smiled. "Well, after thinking it over, I believe the Big Silver Coin should be set at one tael. After all, the common people are accustomed to that. There's no need to copy the Spaniards' eight mace and two candareens exactly. Also, pay attention to the production speed of the banknotes. They need to be rolled out along the river in the short term — the output cannot be small."

"Once my lord has set the weight of the Big Silver Coin, the other Small Coins are easy to set. We'll make them at five mace and one mace, so there's no need to keep changing back and forth. As for the banknotes, the workshop has already been informed. The first batch will be issued up to two million taels — that comes to fewer than a hundred thousand notes across the various denominations. The workshop will have no trouble making them."

"That's good. These two matters are of the utmost importance to the Anqing Battalion. I must trouble Zhou Guniang to take extra care." After speaking, Pang Yu looked around the courtyard. "This place is indeed quieter than the docks. Only, with you living here alone, I wonder if the neighborhood is safe."

"The people nearby mostly make their living along the Qinhuai River. They are somewhat wealthier than elsewhere, and it has always been safe."

Pang Yu walked a full circle. He did not sit in the only bamboo chair, but instead sat directly on the stone blocks under the eaves. "It's safe for now because the silver bank previously only took deposits and didn't touch money-making businesses like official loans, each going its own way from the other silver banks in the city. And the docks haven't been run the way they are in Yangzhou. The Boat Dock Masters in Nanjing are far more powerful than those in Yangzhou. Conflicts will be unavoidable in the future. You are in charge of the most critical banknotes — your safety cannot be taken lightly. I will have Liu Ruogu make arrangements."

Zhou Yueru did not sit down beside him, merely watching him. "Even if Nanjing is not entirely safe, it's only petty thieves and pilferers. It is my lord's return journey that will inevitably be a mountain of blades and a sea of blood once more. Please, take care of yourself. Do not let your mind be distracted worrying about such trifling matters of mine."

Pang Yu did not commit one way or the other. He swept his gaze over the small courtyard once more and only then noticed that in the corner by the wall, a flower bed had been built, planted with flowers and plants — it had a touch of a petit-bourgeois air.

"I plan to pull out the people currently following you and set up a Ticket and Coin Office within the silver bank, responsible for manufacturing banknotes and currency. It will be under my direct command. Would you be willing to continue managing this Ticket and Coin Office, or…"

"I am willing to manage the Ticket and Coin Office."

Having spoken, Zhou Yueru quietly looked at the ground. The courtyard fell silent for a moment. Pang Yu looked up at the green bamboo by the corner of the wall. He smiled, then rose and said, "With Zhou Guniang in charge, I can be more at ease. I'll be going now."

Zhou Yueru immediately responded, "I wish my lord and his lady a safe return journey."

Pang Yu waved a hand at her and, with his attendants, walked straight out of the small alley. From Taoye Ferry to Huaiqing Bridge was not far. Pang Yu did not walk quickly. Pang Ding stayed beside him without speaking, knowing this was not the time for talk.

Suddenly, Pang Yu's voice rang out. "When we get back this time, you will also join the daily drills under my command."

Pang Ding was taken aback. "Is the young master really going to fight the Tartars?"

"We probably won't get to fight the Tartars this time. By the time we reach the Capital, they'll have long since left the passes. But eventually, we will have to fight them. As for the Roving Bandits, Fang Kongzhao has another plan. After the various Government Troops units leave for rally to the king, the Anqing Battalion will leave only a thousand men at Mianyang Port. We will secretly dispatch another force, concealed near Jingmen under the name of a naval unit. The moment Zhang Xianzhong shows signs of rebellion, we will strike him with a thunderbolt." Pang Yu spoke as he walked. "This plan is more reliable than Yu Yinggui's, but its biggest flaw is the lack of cavalry. I'm afraid I may not be able to take all the cavalry with me; some will have to be left in Huguang. But this plan still has many details to refine. That is to say, we must fight the Tartars and also fight the Western Camp. On the Anqing side, we still need to prepare to clear out the Yinghuo Mountain Area. Once we take the Yinghuo Mountain Area, we can control the territory of three provinces from there. Fang Kongzhao has helped us make a very fine move."

Pang Ding laughed. "Young master, are you the Vice General of Anqing or the Governor of Three Provinces? How is it that everywhere depends on you?"

"Fighting the Tartars goes beyond the Governor of Three Provinces — Northern Zhili gets governed in too." Pang Yu sighed. "No matter how well the river trade does, if you lose your life on the battlefield, everything becomes empty words. Before coming to Nanjing, all units had already begun intensified drilling. Now, with a great battle imminent, I must lead by example even more. And you should stop thinking of yourself as just an attendant. Staying by my side, you'll inevitably have to go into battle. Every extra bit of training is an extra bit of capital to save your life. At the battle of Susong, we routed the Roving Bandits' strongest camps. The troops have grown somewhat complacent lately — they need another reminder."

"If the young master says train, then I'll train."

"Sooner or later you'll have to stand on your own. Without some seniority in the army, no one will listen when you speak."

Pang Ding could only acknowledge again. He chatted idly with Pang Yu a while longer, watching the young master's mood seemingly return to normal. By now the two of them had walked back to Huaiqing Bridge. Outside the Silver Bank a long row of horse carts waited, and beside the carts stood a number of people — quite a few of them women and children.

Pang Yu stopped and asked, "Is this group also returning to Anqing?"

"The family dependents of the Silver Bank account clerks recruited from Yangzhou and Suzhou. All being sent back to Anqing."

Pang Yu spotted a familiar figure in the distance. "Why is Liu Shensi here too?"

"Liu Shensi's family dependents are also being sent back to Anqing."

"That woman from Hezhou?"

"That very woman from Hezhou, and the son she bore him."

Pang Yu nodded. These people were essentially hostages. At present, whether in the Silver Bank or the trading houses, it was largely the same for anyone whose position required handling large sums of money. Liu Shensi went without saying — he was the chief editor of the Times. Although the other people at the newspaper office belonged to Pang Yu, none of them really understood newspapers. What ultimately got published still came down to Liu Shensi's say-so. The position was extremely critical. And after the Hezhou Massacre, Liu Shensi had no other kin or friends. He had to wait until he finally had a son to complete the hostage requirement.

Pang Ding came closer and asked in a low voice, "Anqing is supporting quite a few of this sort now. When family dependents are sent over, we can't treat them shabbily, yet we also worry about Roving Bandits in the areas along the mountains, so we can only find places for them to live inside the Prefectural City. Last year the Central Army bought housing for officers of Centurion rank and above. People in the workshops and the Silver Bank are also buying their own places. House prices inside the Prefectural City have already risen fifty percent; outside the city they've risen thirty percent. Soon, no fewer than twenty branch offices of the Silver Bank will open along the river. Each branch office will have at least seven or eight account clerks, plus a Shopkeeper and a deputy Shopkeeper. And there are plenty of people in the gambling houses in the four cities of Wuchang, Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou too. If this buying continues, house prices in Huaining Prefectural City will double."

"If these people don't need to report for work, there's no need to settle them in the Prefectural City." Pang Yu thought for a moment. "Pick either Wangjiang or Zongyang… Zongyang it is, then. That place has only one main road coming in from Tongcheng. It has eleven boats of the Water Army, two Companies of Marine Corps troops, and the Academy students of the Dark Sentinel Division. More secure than the other locations."

Pang Ding said quietly, "Zongyang is suitable. Speaking of which, inside this Dark Whistle Division Academy, there are actually people being held too. Has the young master forgotten?"

"What people?"

"Those who are still useful, but cannot be allowed to be known by others." Pang Ding lowered his voice further. "Chen Ten Prefectures's Advisor and the letter courier. The Roving Bandits who witnessed the killing of the Long Family at Puzikou. The Roving Bandits who witnessed the killing of the Long Family at Susong. The captured wife and children of the Chief Steward. All locked up in several residential compounds behind the Academy."

Pang Yu thought it over and said, "Only now that you mention it do I recall. The Dark Sentinel Division submitted a confidential report. I read it and then forgot. These people are all critical — they absolutely must not escape. Since you've brought it up, when we get back, have Yuan Zheng assign extra personnel. They must be kept under strict Watch and Control."

……

At the Dark Whistle Division Academy in Zongyang Town, Tongcheng, even the blazing midday sun seemed unable to penetrate the layer upon layer of high walls within.

One of the buildings was especially grand. Its courtyard contained a broad open space, specially outfitted with a rockery and a fish pond, surrounded by planted flowering trees. There were side courtyards on both flanks. From a room in the right-side courtyard, wisps of cooking smoke rose steadily.

Her forehead beaded with Sweat, Mo Qiyun's face was flushed. She cupped her hands together and hurried from the side courtyard into the main courtyard, entering the corridor of the eastern wing. Both sides of the corridor were lined with doors. She walked to the second door and knocked.

Qiu Mingcui pulled open the door. Mo Qiyun darted inside and, hands emerging from her sleeves in Excitement, said, "Two bowls of bird's nest soup!"

Qiu Mingcui hastily took them. "Keep your voice down. Don't let anyone hear."

"So what if they hear? I'm the one who taught them how to make it. Can't a teacher even eat a little?"

"It's still an advantage of being good-looking." Qiu Mingcui said, a bit vexed. "The ugly bunch of us aren't assigned to cooking. We just go help in the main kitchen. They only teach us how to make tofu, Steamed Cakes, and such. No one said anything about learning to make bird's nest."

"Who says you're ugly? You won't even go help in the main kitchen — you always go do other people's chores for them. Everyone praises you."

Qiu Mingcui glanced at Mo Qiyun, then said, "In this Women's Academy of ours, we eat, live, and study all inside this compound. I just want a chance to go out and walk around."

Just then, a fuzzy little thing darted to their feet. Mo Qiyun pulled out a Leather pouch. "Shou'er, come quick. I've brought you something good."

The little cat gave a few pert hops. The moment the pouch was set on the ground, it went over and began wolfing the food down.

Qiu Mingcui pointed at the cat. "It made another mess. The room stinks. I hope it's not all this fish belly that's upset its stomach."

Mo Qiyun went over and stroked the little cat's back fur affectionately. "Eating it is what makes you pretty, isn't it, Shou'er."

Qiu Mingcui chuckled, then walked over to the window on her own, ready to eat her bird's nest soup. Suddenly she crouched down and Turned Around to face Mo Qiyun. "De Ten Prefectures is here."

Mo Qiyun half-crouched her way to the window, exposing only her eyes to look outside. De Ten Prefectures was in the courtyard, standing at the neck of a Wooden Man training dummy, inspecting it.

"Isn't class still a while off?" Mo Qiyun couldn't help slapping her forehead. "Oh no. De Ten Prefectures is checking whether anyone's been practicing the Small Knife. I forgot last night."

"I remembered for you."

"Next time I'll bring you two extra tasty duck webs." Mo Qiyun stuck out her tongue. "Tell me, De Ten Prefectures is so old — why doesn't he stay home and look after grandchildren, instead of coming here to teach us all this fighting and killing stuff? These past few days he's been teaching the Small Knife Course exclusively, always aiming for the vital points. Even just listening, I get scared. I don't want to train."

Qiu Mingcui lifted the bowl and took a sip. "Maybe he has no grandchildren to look after. I heard from the people in the main kitchen that De Ten Prefectures came here alone. No one's ever mentioned him having sons or daughters or anything. Not even a wife. But he's truly formidable. Even those grunts and Household Retainers can't match him. No idea what he did before."

Mo Qiyun nodded, then shook her head. "I've never seen any grunts or Household Retainers. I don't know who's formidable. Have you ever seen grunts or Household Retainers?"

The hand Qiu Mingcui held her bowl with paused briefly. "Back in my old home, I once saw an official pass by our front gate. The men around him — weren't they exactly grunts and Household Retainers."

Mo Qiyun gave an "oh." Her eyes gazed outside. De Ten Prefectures's silver hair flickered now and then under the blazing sun. "Old and all alone, yet still having to toil like this. De Ten Prefectures has it hard too."

She paused a moment, then Turned Around, picked up her own bowl of bird's nest soup, and headed out the door. Qiu Mingcui rushed to the doorway and called out in a low voice, "Don't go. He won't take it."

Mo Qiyun reached the courtyard. De Ten Prefectures had already moved on to inspect the third Wooden Man. She walked up behind him, hesitated, and said, "De Ten Prefectures."

De Ye slowly Turned Around. Upon seeing Mo Qiyun, his expression was gentle. Mo Qiyun felt a bit guilty. She looked down, saw the bowl in her hands, and only then remembered. She hastily raised it with both hands. "This is bird's nest soup made in the small kitchen. I set aside an extra bowl especially for De Ten Prefectures."

De Ye's gaze carefully studied the bowl. He did not immediately take it.

Mo Qiyun was slightly embarrassed. She had no choice but to raise both hands again. "My mother always said that imparting an art is like being a parent. Master, your teaching is arduous. This is a student's filial offering to you. De Ten Prefectures, please just think of me as a daughter."

De Ye's wooden gaze stirred faintly. Mo Qiyun was about to speak again when she felt a tickle on her leg. She quickly looked down and saw that Shou'er had come out at some point and was rubbing against her leg.

Military Regulation forbade keeping animals, unless they were registered in the books. The Academy was not strict about it, but Mo Qiyun was still always very careful not to let Shou'er out, lest someone report her. Now De Ten Prefectures had actually seen it. She couldn't help Regretting that she had forgotten to close the door when she came out earlier.

But De Ten Prefectures said nothing more about it. Instead, he reached out and took the bowl. With her hands freed, Mo Qiyun hastily scooped up the little cat.

De Ye took a slow, savoring sip and gave a slight nod of approval. His aged face carried a trace of kindness the whole time.

He looked at the cat and asked gently, "Where did this cat come from?"

Stroking the calico cat in her arms, Mo Qiyun said timidly in a low voice, "I found it by the dog Cave. I don't know where it came from. Seeing how pitiful it was, this slave took it in and raised it."

The calico cat lazily stretched its neck and rubbed its head against Mo Qiyun's arm. Mo Qiyun pouted. "You see De Laoshi and don't even know to call him Teacher-Grandfather. You need a spanking."

The calico cat stared lazily at Mo Qiyun's face and meowed twice.

De Ye narrowed his eyes. "You must be very fond of cats?"

"Answering De Laoshi, I raised one when I was little. When I got a bit older, my mother said that if by chance it scratched my face and ruined my looks, I wouldn't be allowed to keep it anymore. I've owed one in my heart ever since. A while ago, after Sister Jiang Shou left, I was so grateful it kept me company. That's why I gave it the name Shou'er." After she finished, Mo Qiyun gazed at the calico cat in her arms with pure affection.

De Ye smiled, a rare occurrence. "This old man likes cats too. When I had one, I couldn't bear to part with it for a single moment."

Mo Qiyun pursed her lips in a smile. "This student is the same. It's already clingy enough. If I leave it in the room during class, it shreds the bedding. It gives me such a headache."

"Seeing how dearly you love it, then bring it to the classroom."

"Really?" Mo Qiyun was overjoyed. "Thank you, De Ten Prefectures. Only — won't it delay Master's teaching?"

"It won't delay anything. Ring the bell for class." Old De finished speaking, Turned Around, and headed toward the classroom.