Chapter 667: Fortune and Misfortune Stretch North and South

In the capital, beyond the eastern city walls on the official road, the sun shone brightly, with green trees lining both sides and lush grass like a carpet.

Jia Cong's carriage followed behind the Zhen family's carriage, traveling less than half a li before stopping.

Ahead, beside the road, lay an open patch of ground where three carriages stood in line, accompanied by five or six agile guards patrolling on horseback.

Standing before the central carriage was a slender young girl; Jia Cong recognized her as Bei'er, Zhen Zhen Fangqing's maid.

Bei'er saw Jia Cong step down from his carriage, smiled, and waved to him, stepping forward to say, "Cong Sanye Cong, our mistress is waiting for you inside."

Jia Cong followed Bei'er to the carriage, gently lifting the curtain, and saw Zhen Zhen Fangqing seated inside, gazing at him with a warm smile.

Inside, the carriage was clean and elegant: two small couches flanked the sides, each piled with silk pillows and thin quilts, and at the foot of each couch stood a carved red-lacquered wooden chest.

On one couch's pillow lay a cloth doll, looking plump and endearing; on the other, several books and two scrolls.

Along both walls were embedded ceramic vases holding unnamed wildflowers, their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance adding a rustic charm.

Jia Cong could guess this carriage was Zhen Zhen Fangqing and Bei'er's living quarters.

Between the two couches stood a walnut table, with two rush mats placed beside it.

On the table were several delicate dishes and dried fruits, a wine flask, and two gilded porcelain cups.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing smiled and said, "Originally, upon returning to Jin Ling, according to noble custom, I should have visited your household to bid farewell to Grandmother Jia and take leave of your sisters."

"But my cousin is entangled in the old case of illegal firearm production, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard is now searching and investigating the Zhen household—we are already under suspicion, and Yu Zhang is the original proponent of firearms."

"I thought any movement now might stir gossip, so I chose to avoid unnecessary trouble—and thus I must be impolite. I hope Yu Zhang won't take offense."

Jia Cong said, "You needn't worry, Miss Zhen. With so much happening now, your haste to return south must be for urgent matters—there's no need to be overly bound by etiquette."

"When I left home, my second sister and the other sisters prepared some everyday useful items for you as a farewell gift."

Zhen Zhen Fangqing laughed, "Then I thank you in advance. Please convey my greetings to Sister Seeing Yingchun and the others when you return."

"Sometimes I truly envy your sisters. The Jia family, a dukedom, has ancestors who were all outstanding heroes, with merits in expanding territory and aiding the state."

"Now the Jia family has worthy successors—like you, who uphold the household—and your sisters are protected and cared for by a brother like you, sheltered from wind and rain."

"They live the quiet, stable life of a daughter, a rare blessing that makes one long for it with joy."

"As for the prosperity of the younger generation, the Zhen family falls far short of the Jia family; among my generation, many have grown lax."

"The eldest branch produced two remarkable sisters, both married into high houses with noble status, but as daughters, they are far from their homeland."

"Originally, our eldest branch's heir, Zhen Shiwen, was gifted, but his impulsive, ambitious nature led him into the illegal firearm case—and he vanished under mysterious circumstances."

"My fourth cousin, Bao Yu, is indeed handsome, but since childhood he has been doted on by Grandmother Jia; he prefers staying within the inner quarters and despises official career and worldly affairs."

As Zhen Zhen Fangqing mentioned Zhen Bao Yu, Jia Cong couldn't help thinking of Jia Baoyu, and a strange feeling stirred within him—they were truly kindred spirits…

Zhen Zhen Fangqing noticed Jia Cong's odd expression, as if sensing his thoughts, and smiled, "I've heard your Bao Yu behaves the same way—it's quite amusing."

…

Zhen Zhen Fangqing continued, "While the eldest branch has many descendants, our second branch has only me as a daughter."

"But my father never held rigid views on gender—he had high hopes for me from childhood, and at age five, I was sent to the palace for upbringing…"

Hearing Zhen Zhen Fangqing speak of her father, Jia Cong recalled how Xu Xu Qiniang had investigated Zhen Zheng Yingquan's background during his time in Jin Ling.

This Bao Er Ye Zhen was a natural merchant genius who foresaw early on the court's intention to expand maritime policy in the southeast.

To secure the Zhen family's future business, he identified Du Heng, then in a declining official career, and used Zhen family wealth and connections through the Northern Quiet Prince's household.

He elevated Du Heng from a Battalion Commander in the guard to a Thousand-Household Commander of the Jin Ling Water Surveillance Office, greatly aiding the Zhen family's maritime trade.

Thanks to Zhen Zheng Yingquan's covert support, Du Heng's career soared uncontrollably, rising all the way to Second Rank Commander of Jin Ling.

Zhen Zheng Yingquan and Du Heng, merchant and official, supported each other, and within less than a decade, the Zhen family became one of the few great wealthy clans in the south.

Whether in foresight or intellect and boldness, this Bao Er Ye Zhen was an extraordinary man.

Though young, Zhen Zhen Fangqing had already shown, during Jia Cong's time in Jin Ling, strategic acumen reminiscent of her father.

Now, at this moment of parting, Zhen Zhen Fangqing's smile was bright and serene, her expression calm—even as she mentioned her family's hidden dangers and fortunes, she spoke only of everyday matters.

Moreover, though the Zhen family's involvement in illegal firearms began with Zhen Zhen Shiwen, the current investigation was orchestrated by Emperor Emperor Jia Zhao to intimidate traitors and manipulate events to his advantage.

Even if Jia Cong and Zhen Zhen Fangqing were both exceptionally intelligent, to believe they could alter imperial will by their own strength was the naive fantasy of the ignorant.

Yet while many things cannot change the grand tide, one may still find ways to avoid its sharp edge.

When Jia Cong thought of the Zhen family's missing fleet and Zhen Zhen Fangqing's immediate return to Jin Ling after her mourning ended, he could guess the reason.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's reluctance to speak of it may well be because she didn't want him drawn into it…

The sorrow and heaviness Jia Cong had felt at the impending separation seemed to slowly ease.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing spoke of household matters with lively interest, and her words stirred Jia Cong's own memories—he shared some childhood anecdotes.

In this small carriage, both were scions of noble houses, yet now they shared an unspoken understanding: no talk of family fortune or misfortune, no mention of power struggles.

What should have been a moment of parting sorrow became unexpectedly warm and joyful, immersed in these intimate, tender tales of family life, and both found themselves lost in it.

…

The wine on the table, poured and exchanged amid laughter, had been mostly consumed.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's cheeks flushed red; she smiled and said, "Yu Zhang, do you know the origin of my name, Zhen Fangqing?"

Jia Cong noticed their conversation had grown increasingly casual and delightful, the atmosphere of farewell long gone.

He smiled, "I'd be honored to hear."

Zhen Zhen Fangqing said, "Our main Zhen residence faces north-south, with a winding waterside pavilion fed by a canal from the city."

"Our second branch's courtyard was built beside it; the pavilion's banks are lined with willows—said to have been planted for seventy or eighty years."

"My father once aspired to the imperial examinations, passing the scholar exam before turning twenty, but for reasons unknown, he changed his path and turned to commerce."

"He often told me how, in his youth, he would read beneath the willow shade of the old pavilion; every mid-spring, when the trees were green and willow fluff drifted fragrantly, the scenery was delightful."

"That was the happiest, carefree time of his life, one he never forgot—and so he named me Zhen Fangqing."

Zhen Zhen Fangqing smiled gently, glancing out the window, noticing the daylight fading; their conversation had flowed so freely, the wine gone, time slipping away unnoticed.

Her earlier cheerfulness suddenly dimmed.

Her voice grew quieter. "Yu Zhang, when we were in Jin Ling, though we often met, we rarely spoke as we have today."

"I truly wish we could often be like this—but now, returning to Jin Ling, we are separated by a thousand li."

"Each family's fate is uncertain, and future meetings may be rare—let alone sitting close, talking as we do now."

"These past days, I've often wondered: if your father had not passed away, how would things be between us now?"

"I don't know how you would feel, or what you would think—but I know I would be very pleased."

As Zhen Zhen Fangqing spoke these final words, her voice trembled slightly; even though she was intelligent, decisive, and bold, revealing such truth stirred her heart deeply.

Jia Cong was startled by her words, turning to look at her—her cheeks flushed, the cup empty, the flask dry; she seemed overcome by wine, yet perhaps not…

"I know you are capable, a person of strength—anyone like you resists having their life decided by others."

"The Dowager Princess cherished me and wished, before her passing, to secure a good match for me—to find the Zhen family an ally."

"But no one ever asked whether you would consent. Our time has been so short, so little opportunity to speak freely."

"I often think: when I was at court attending the Dowager Princess, and you and I were both in the capital, you were then a pearl hidden in dust, overlooked and ignored."

"If only I had known you then—how wonderful it would have been. Our temperaments and aspirations are alike; we would have had much to say, become close."

"But the world changes, people differ, fates vary, and destiny is not always kind—love runs deep, yet fate is shallow; do not question heaven."

Jia Cong listened to her low, lingering words, filled with longing and regret, tinged with unspoken yearning, and his heart trembled slightly.

Her words seemed not meant for him at all—but rather, a quiet self-questioning, spoken to herself…

Jia Cong, stunned by her sudden confession, felt his emotions surge.

Suddenly, his hand felt soft and smooth—Zhen Zhen Fangqing had gently taken his hand, and without thinking, he curled his fingers around it, holding tightly, unwilling to let go.

Her voice whispered beside him: "Yu Zhang, people say, 'A lifetime together may feel like strangers; a single meeting may feel like old friends.' I wonder which we are."

"Now we are separated north and south, life is hard, families change—though we may never meet again, it is not anyone's fault, merely fate's decree."

"But wherever you are, remember to think of me sometimes…"

…On the southern road, the red sun slowly sank; the early summer path, with its withered and flourishing grass, glowed crimson in the light.

Jia Cong stood beside his carriage, gazing at the four carriages in line, slowly receding into the horizon until they vanished.

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's face was flushed pink; her left hand gently rubbed her right palm, her bright eyes shimmering more beautifully than ever.

On her delicate, white-as-jade hand were clear finger marks, standing out sharply against her tender skin.

She traced the marks, unable to suppress a sweet smile—surely he had gripped too tightly, leaving even the imprint of his fingers…

Though the marks were only on her hand, they seemed etched into her heart—perhaps never to fade.

Bei'er noticed her mistress's flushed face and strange expression.

Curiously, she asked, "Mistress, what intimate things did you and Cong Sanye Cong talk about? You stayed in the carriage so long."

Zhen Zhen Fangqing's cheeks grew even redder, yet she didn't scold the maid for her prattle.

She smiled and said, "We spoke many things we never said before. Even if we meet again rarely, we will remember them—and that gives us more to cherish…"

!

…

After seeing Zhen Zhen Fangqing off, Jia Cong returned home as night fell.

Seeing Yingchun, Lin Daiyu, Seeing Tan Chun, and the other sisters heard the news and felt slightly puzzled—he had spent nearly half the day merely seeing her off.

But they recalled his past betrothal to Zhen Zhen Fangqing; though the match had collapsed, their connection remained.

Everyone could see that the outstanding Miss Zhen had given Jia Cong considerable attention.

Now, with their parting imminent, they had so much to say—and it took half a day.

The sisters, witnessing this, whispered among themselves, wondering: they had thought Miss Zhen was the only one interested, but now it seemed it wasn't one-sided.

As the eldest sister, Seeing Yingchun had always paid more attention to her brother's marital prospects than others.

She thought: though Miss Zhen was admirable, she was ultimately not destined to be her brother's wife.

Now separated by thousands of li, neither could move easily unless faced with an urgent matter; even the warmest feelings would grow cold.

Over the next two days, Lin Daiyu, unsure whether she was overthinking, noticed her third brother seemed somewhat downcast.

Though a faint pang of envy stirred in her, she said nothing to prompt it, instead often finding topics to cheer him and distract his thoughts.

…

Leaving aside family matters of children and affection, as the ten-day holiday for newly minted Rank Jinshi drew to a close, the major bureaus of Shendu City each welcomed new faces and fresh energy.

The Ministry of Personnel had already sorted and assigned the observation duties for the three hundred newly passed Rank Jinshi.

Over these days, newly passed Rank Jinshi joyfully received notices from the Ministry of Personnel, specifying the bureaus where they would serve their observation terms.

Among their peers, social exchanges multiplied; they discussed one another's prospects, joked about their future paths, and toasted each other's imminent entry into officialdom.

Yet some unexpected developments arose…

As the most renowned and highest-ranked Rank Jinshi of this cohort, Jia Cong naturally drew the attention of many fellow Rank Jinshi.

Among them, the shrewd ones knew Jia Cong not only excelled in literary talent but was also the foremost advocate of firearms in Great Zhou, earning the Emperor's favor through his extraordinary skill in firearms.

If they could be assigned to observe in the Firearms Bureau of the Ministry of Works, with this fellow Rank Jinshi as their superior, their official careers might advance twice as fast.

Not to mention rumors circulating in the capital that His Majesty placed great reliance on the Firearms Bureau, often visiting the workshops in person—perhaps even placing them within His Imperial View…

Anyone who passed the Rank Jinshi examination was no ordinary mind; there were certainly no few among the new Rank Jinshi who held such thoughts.

Thus, in recent days, the Ministry of Personnel received numerous petitions from new Rank Jinshi volunteering to serve their observation term in the Firearms Bureau of the Ministry of Works, pledging loyalty to Great Zhou's firearms industry.

Since petitions for observation assignments were never uncommon, and government offices always needed capable personnel, it was naturally a mutual selection process.

The Ministry of Personnel, as per routine, forwarded the matter to Jia Cong for his decision on which Rank Jinshi to select.

Upon learning of this, Jia Cong did not hesitate at all—he rejected the request outright, citing sufficient staffing in the Firearms Bureau and no need for additional observers.

The Ministry of Personnel naturally paid it no mind; it was merely routine procedure. But many new Rank Jinshi with such aspirations could not help but feel deeply disappointed.

Jia Cong's firm refusal stemmed from the unusual situation now facing the Firearms Bureau.

Though few outsiders knew, the firearms workshop was currently developing a new type of firearm, far more powerful than the improved Lu Mi musket.

Yet His Majesty Emperor Jia Zhao had personally visited the workshop; vast quantities of construction materials arrived continuously, and the surrounding area was heavily guarded by elite imperial troops.

These matters could not be concealed; the firearms workshop had once again become the focal point of court and public attention.

His Majesty Emperor Jia Zhao was especially attentive to the development of breech-loading firearms; to prevent future threats and deter further covetousness, he had intensified investigations into old cases from Jin Ling as a warning to others.

Moreover, Jia Cong would never be so naive as to believe that newly passed Rank Jinshi, though noble and refined, were all upright and free of hidden desires.

How many different motives lay behind those who voluntarily petitioned the Ministry of Personnel—no one could say for certain…

Under such turbulent and hidden currents, bringing in new personnel or new affairs to the Firearms Bureau would carry unpredictable risks; better to avoid trouble than invite it.

…

Other Rank Jinshi spoke eagerly of their observation assignments, filled with anticipation.

Only the top three of the first rank felt none of the ordinary Rank Jinshi's excitement.

For they had already been assigned their posts after the imperial proclamation ceremony—to serve in the Hanlin Academy, the very place every scholar aspired to.

For the zhuangyuan Zhang Zhang Wenxu and the tanhua Chen Chen Qirui, the Hanlin Academy was the pinnacle of their scholarly pursuits, the glorious beginning of their official careers, filling them with boundless pride.

But for Jia Cong, it held no such strong feeling—it was merely another place to report for duty…

Only when the three first reported to the Hanlin Academy did they discover that this revered sanctuary of scholars held many strange things unknown before.

In the past, the top three of each imperial examination were always the center of attention at most events, radiant and dazzling beyond question.

But once inside the Hanlin Academy, the status they enjoyed outside no longer held sway.

For every cohort's top three from the spring palace examination were invariably assigned to the Hanlin Academy for training.

Thus, in this noble and refined place, the zhuangyuan and bangyan, once hailed as celestial literary stars, became as common as fish crossing a river—worth no more than common goods…

In the Hanlin Academy, where literary elites gathered, there was no rule that the zhuangyuan, bangyan, or tanhua deserved special respect or stood above others.

Here, newly passed Rank Jinshi were the least conspicuous; it was common for a seventh-rank Hanlin examiner to command a sixth-rank zhuangyuan around like a servant, and no one found it strange.

Thus, at the very start of their service, the dazzling laurels of zhuangyuan Zhang Zhang Wenxu and tanhua Chen Chen Qirui faded, and they quickly blended into the crowd.

Though this brought them some disappointment, it was normal in the Hanlin Academy; they could only strive to adapt.

As Zhang Zhang Wenxu and Chen Chen Qirui, under the guidance of a seventh-rank Hanlin examiner, began the most basic, tedious, and simple tasks of Hanlin documentation, they were so busy they barely had time to rest.

But Jia Cong, as the bangyan, faced an entirely different situation.

On his first day reporting to the Hanlin Academy, no ill-mannered examiner dared shout at him.

He was quickly ushered into his own official quarters, where Hanlin Academician Ge Ge Hongzheng, amid his busy schedule, summoned the key officials of the Hanlin Academy to personally introduce them to him.

Ge Ge Hongzheng's high regard for Jia Cong had deep roots.

When Jia Cong took the provincial examination, he wrote a policy essay on the decline of scholarly virtue; his words on the scholar's moral purpose had since become an unshakable truth for scholars seeking to establish their purpose.

At the time, Ge Ge Hongzheng had read this provincial examination essay and greatly admired it, recognizing Jia Cong's exceptional talent, and had submitted a memorial recommending Jia Cong be appointed seventh-rank Hanlin archivist.

But His Majesty Emperor Jia Zhao, then cautious, had rejected Ge Ge Hongzheng's petition; otherwise, the Hanlin Academy would have already had a teenage Provincial Graduate Wu serving as a Hanlin official—how astonishing that would have been.

Now, Jia Cong had truly earned his place in the Hanlin Academy; filled with scholarly integrity, Ge Ge Hongzheng felt his earlier judgment had been wise, and he held Jia Cong in even greater esteem.

None of the Hanlin officials who came to pay their respects dared show the slightest disrespect toward this fifteen-year-old Hanlin Academician.

Not only because Jia Cong was a fifth-rank Hanlin Academician, their legitimate superior.

But because the title of Hanlin Academician was merely one of Jia Cong's many identities.

All Hanlin officials knew full well the true depth and prestige of this young superior—and thus treated him with the utmost reverence.

Jia Cong appeared daily in the Hanlin Academy only to handle nominal official duties, then went to the firearms workshop on the city's outskirts to oversee affairs.

This was tacitly permitted by His Majesty Emperor Jia Zhao; Ge Ge Hongzheng naturally turned a blind eye.

Thus, Jia Cong spent little time in the Hanlin Academy—but even so, he often encountered his two fellow Rank Jinshi.

Every time Zhang Zhang Wenxu and Chen Chen Qirui met Jia Cong, they bowed respectfully according to official protocol and addressed him as "Your Excellency."

Chen Chen Qirui accepted this with ease, even taking quiet pride in having a fellow Rank Jinshi as a deputy official in the Hanlin Academy.

Zhang Zhang Wenxu, though his manners were extremely respectful, could not hide a flicker of embarrassment—and whether a thousand horses galloped through his mind, only he knew… (End of Chapter)