Chapter 701: Lady of the Flower Stamen's Spring

In the Yongxun Palace of the Chengtian Liangzhou Prefecture, the western capital, I, Sage Zhang, had just gotten settled when the report brought by Junior Supervisor Dong made my head throb with anger.

After he left Liangzhou, the first Defender of the Western Capital, Zhang Huaiqing, had started making a mess of things.

This old uncle of Zhang Zhao's, who had no respect for his age, had been a carefree young wastrel in his youth.

Once Zhang Zhao left, all his old boyhood companions below had become overnight nouveaux riches, and with the trade routes open, Liangzhou prospered beyond measure. With power, money, and leisure, how could they not throw themselves into eating, drinking, and merrymaking?

Only now did Zhang Zhao learn that these Liangzhou bumpkins under his command had produced tens of thousands of doggerel poems, and what left him speechless was that they had the gall to pool their money to publish them.

The movable-type printing that I, Sage Zhang, had forced the Academy of Works to develop did not first print his "Unified Code of the Great Zhou," but their doggerel verses.

This gave Liangzhou's literary culture an exceedingly strange cast: where others wrote of climbing cold mountains by slanting stone paths, they wrote of bullfrogs bellowing in Daming Lake.

These uneven, mixed-quality doggerel poems lent Liangzhou — indeed all of Hexi — a most peculiar temperament.

It was as strange as a pig butcher passing the highest imperial examination, then taking his cleaver into the throne hall and gravely discussing with the Emperor whether pork kidneys should be flash-fried with pickled peppers or sliced thin for hot pot.

What was more, they were utterly oblivious. A few days earlier on the road, Zhang Huaiqing had even come to Zhang Zhao to claim credit, genuinely believing he had made a great contribution to Liangzhou's cultural flourishing.

Well, it was not entirely without contribution. Under their impetus, what had only arisen in the Ming and Qing periods would likely soon see a great boom.

Because with the cultural level of men like Zhang Huaiqing, appreciating poetry and prose was mere posturing — but listening to storytelling? That they truly loved.

Beyond that, under their influence, all manner of unorthodox and outrageous things kept cropping up in Liangzhou's Chengtian Prefecture.

On one trip back to the city, Sage Zhang saw no fewer than twenty or thirty "clothing demons" in bizarre dress, plus drunkards feigning madness while cosplaying Li Taibai, and idle street gallants who challenged passersby to duels for want of anything better to do — too many to count.

Zhang Huaiqing's ninth son, Zhang Chengjian, even set out three enormous wine bowls before his gate. Every day he filled the three bowls to the brim with the high-proof liquor brewed by the method he had gotten from Zhang Zhao, and in front of the gate he piled up two earthen mounds, planted a great banner, and inscribed it: "Three Bowls and the Hill Cannot Be Passed."

Any challenger who paid one string of cash could try to drink the three bowls and then, within the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, walk across a wooden pole laid between the two mounds without falling.

If he got drunk, he lost the string of cash and had to pay another string to buy the wine.

If he did not get drunk, he immediately became an honored guest of the Zhang household and henceforth counted as someone of note in Liangzhou.

All the other strange sights were more than even Zhang Zhao could take in.

This was no longer his Chengtian Liangzhou Prefecture, the western capital — it was a preposterous, unrestrained super amusement park.

Later, when Pei Yuan took up the post of Grand Defender with unified military, political, and financial authority over all Hexi and Longyou, he brought these people to heel so they dared not carry on their antics in public — but they did not restrain themselves much; they simply changed tactics.

Pei Yuan could crack down on them, but he could hardly use the law to govern the womenfolk of each household.

So with the indulgence of their families, the female ruffian population of Liangzhou Prefecture skyrocketed, until people near and far felt their heads swell several sizes at the mere mention of Liangzhou girls.

And now, kneeling before Zhang Zhao, were two female ruffians! Their nerve was truly enormous! They had actually dared to abduct in broad daylight the Chief Commander of the Guards of the Qian-Yue Kingdom's envoy mission.

Damn it. Zhang Zhao was quite happy to see the daughters of Hexi proving women were no lesser than men, because in their bellies lay his hope for the future Xia lords and Yi subjects.

A son raised by a mother who could ride a fierce horse and draw a strong bow would surely be a man of adventurous spirit.

But what he saw now was not women proving themselves the equal of men — it was one lawless female ruffian after another.

Sage Zhang truly had not expected that upon arriving in Liangzhou, the first thing he would have to do was clean up this gang of female ruffians.

"Where is this Shen Huzi now?" Zhang Zhao asked Murong Yingniang with a frown.

This little girl had been a daredevil ringleader ten years ago; the very sight of her made me, Sage Zhang, involuntarily feel a pain in my jaw.

Murong Yingniang hung her head very low, none of yesterday's swagger left, when she had commanded her flock of women and ridden out to seize a man.

"He's being held at Ninth Grand-Uncle's residence."

The "Ninth Grand-Uncle" Murong Yingniang spoke of was Zhang Huaiqing's ninth son, Zhang Chengjian. Zhang Zhao sucked in a breath of cold air. "I suppose by now he's drunk himself unconscious?"

Murong Yingniang nodded, then suddenly burst out giggling. "That southern barbarian wanted to show off. I told him to drink just one bowl, but he said he was born with a bottomless capacity. In the end he didn't even finish the second bowl — thud, he pitched headfirst onto the ground and passed out cold, and raised a huge bump on his forehead. Hee hee!"

"And you still have the nerve to giggle!" Zhang Zhao couldn't help but rap Murong Yingniang sharply on the head with his knuckles. The crisp crack of the blow brought tears to her eyes.

"You can know a man's face but not his heart. You saw this Shen Huzi once and took a fancy to him? What if he's a beast in human form?"

Zhang Zhao was still somewhat exasperated at her failure to make good. In this age, how could a woman dare to resort to outright abduction?

To say something that shouldn't be said: if a man abducted someone, at worst he would face legal punishment and pay some compensation.

But for a woman to abduct a man in public like this — if things truly didn't work out with Shen Huzi, she could forget about ever marrying into a respectable family. This was gambling with her own future out of spite!

But upon hearing this, Murong Yingniang raised her head, glanced at Zhang Zhao, and said quietly:

"Who can help it, when the men of this world are all crooked melons and split dates, with no more heroes of both pen and sword like the Sage and my eldest brother? This Shen Huzi is the only one who looks halfway decent."

What the hell! Zhang Zhao's heart quivered. How did this involve me?

He hastily changed the subject, and just then noticed Li Wan'er beside him, fidgeting and squirming on the ground because her knees hurt from kneeling.

Looking at this Li Wan'er — who, counting from Cao Yuanxin, should be his grandniece, but counting from Li Shengtian was his niece — Zhang Zhao felt his anger surge, and he promptly gave her a knuckle-rapping too.

Clutching the top of her head, Li Wan'er squealed from the heavy blow, tears welling in her eyes, and immediately let out a plaintive cry.

"Who told that southern barbarian to show us no respect? If we didn't tie him up, wouldn't it look like we lacked the nerve?"

"Another one with no brains!" Li Wan'er's words made me, Sage Zhang, twitch with rage. He deeply suspected that if this went on, letting them raise the next generation of the Great Zhou —

Men like Murong Xinzhang would certainly be hopeless, and who knew how many more fools, simpletons, and stubborn mules like Wang Tongxin and Dunzhu they would turn out.

This would not do! He had to find a way to teach these lawless female ruffians a lesson and talk some sense into them.

His mind was working, but his hands did not slow. Zhang Zhao took up a switch of chaste-tree and lightly tapped Li Wan'er twice on the head.

"Get out of here, and read the Admonitions for Women three hundred times until you know it by heart. If you can't recite it, don't even think of leaving the house."

At this, Li Wan'er's head swelled a size. She was no lover of books either, and was just about to protest when Zhang Zhao tapped her head again.

"If you dare say another word, do you believe I will marry you off right now to Zhangzhou in the Eastern Circuit of Jiangnan? It so happens that Liu Congxiao has sent men to ask for a marriage alliance."

Only then did Li Wan'er dare not say more. Zhangzhou was a full five thousand li or more from Liangzhou; if she went, she would never return in this lifetime.

A girl of her family background feared exactly this kind of marriage. Frightened like a startled hamster, she shot upright, raised both hands in surrender, and begged frantically: "I won't! I won't! Wan'er won't dare anymore!"

Zhang Zhao gave a cold snort, then looked at Murong Yingniang and said: "Go and have a proper, amiable talk with Shen Huzi yourself, and see whether he truly suits your heart.

If he does, I will have Zhang Chengjian go and persuade him. But if Shen Huzi would rather die than consent, I will not indulge you either."

The two female ruffians went off in tears, but Zhang Zhao was not the least bit worried that Shen Huzi would refuse.

Because he had some recollection of the name. In history, when the Later Zhou attacked the Southern Tang, from the standpoint of never considering the realm's unification, the Qian family helping the Later Zhou beat the Southern Tang was sheer foolishness.

At the time, among all the pillars of the Qian-Yue Kingdom, Shen Huzi alone stood firmly opposed. He blocked Qian Hongchu's carriage and cried out: "Jiangnan is the kingdom's protective screen. If the Great King tears down his own screen, with what shall he defend the altars of state?"

In the end he offended Qian Hongchu, and was therefore disliked by him and dismissed from office.

A clever man like this, though he is only nineteen now, probably figured things out in his mind long ago — even if he was somewhat alarmed when he was first taken captive, from the moment he insisted on showing off by drinking strong liquor at Zhang Chengjian's gate and putting on that simple, foolish look, he had likely already seen through it all.

The Murong family of Guazhou and the Cao family of Shazhou were once the two great pillars of the Guiyi Army. The Cao family now mostly cultivate letters and hold a region in defense, while the Murong family has produced famous generals one after another.

Setting aside Murong Yingniang's relation to Zhang Zhao, her cousin Murong Xinzhang alone is the Li Weigong, the Li Yinggong, of Zhang Zhou's court. Among her other uncles and brothers, there are several dozen more who serve as generals.

He, Shen Huzi, a mere subject of the Qian Yue, could marry into the top noble house of a great dynasty — and take a legitimate young lady of the house as his wife at that. It is a good fortune that could not be earned in several lifetimes, so how could he possibly refuse?

He has probably already written a family letter and sent it back to his old home by relay riders covering eight hundred li.

At this thought, Zhang Zhao waved his hand and summoned the Brocade Guard Commandant on duty today.

"We suspect that Shen Huzi has surely sent out a family letter. If there is one, intercept it directly and bring it to Us first."

If Shen Huzi is willing, then naturally the letter should be helped on its way to Hangzhou as quickly as possible.

If its contents show unwillingness, then Zhang Zhao would have to send someone to persuade him — in no way could Murong Yingniang's reputation be allowed to suffer.

Thinking of all this, I, Sage Zhang, let out a long sigh. In this world, is there any sage like this old man, who is so attentive to every detail for his subjects?

Lady Huarui watched Zhang Zhao from behind the curtain. When Meng Chang was in Shu, he too would bestow favors on those below him, but it always carried a lofty, condescending air of charity.

This Sage Shaoming was different. When he dispensed kindness, not only was there not the slightest trace of condescension, it could even warm a person's heart from within.

Between the two men, on this point alone, one could speak of the difference between mud and clouds.

Before long, three men came together to beg forgiveness before Zhang Zhao: Murong Xinchun, Captain of the Left Battalion Personal Guard of the Hanshan Capital Guard; Chen Huo'er, Squad Leader of the Golden Spear Squad of the Right Battalion; and Qu Yanqing, Commander of the Wind-Fire Raider Camp of the Left Yulin Guard.

Among that gang of "female ruffians," besides Murong Xinchun's eldest sister Murong Yingniang and Zhang Zhao's own niece Li Wan'er, the ones who stirred up the most trouble were also Chen Huo'er's youngest sister and Qu Qilang's youngest sister-in-law.

Of them, Murong Xinchun, knowing how wholeheartedly Zhang Zhao had exerted himself for his eldest sister, was moved beyond words. The other two, Zhang Zhao did not really reproach.

What these rose-clad knights had done was not, in itself, too excessive. Besides, those who can discipline themselves and also keep their families well in line have been few from ancient times to the present — there was no need to be overly harsh over such a small matter.

Seeing that Zhang Zhao was not particularly angry, the few of them all set their minds at ease. Zhang Zhao also took the opportunity of the three coming together to chat with them at length, which moved all three deeply.

Lady Fei still sat upright behind the curtain, her little head nodding slightly.

Of these three, Murong Xinchun was Zhang Zhao's replacement for Murong Xinzhang at his side, after Murong Xinzhang had begun to command independently.

Compared to his elder brother Murong Xinzhang, Murong Xinchun's martial skill was only slightly inferior; he simply lacked Murong Xinzhang's ability to lead troops, but that made him perfect to keep at one's side as a personal guard officer.

Chen Huo'er was one of the original One Hundred and Eight Generals. The Golden Spear Squad was the heavy-armored elite of the Hanshan Capital Guard's infantry, used specifically for desperate charges when a battle could not be broken open — a role of immense importance.

Qu Yanqing, Qu Qilang, was the younger brother of Qu Wulang, who had died outside the walls of Suyab and was known as Little Luocheng. Master of bow, horse, and spear, he was the replacement after Murong Xinzhang could no longer lead the Left Yulin Guard, and was extremely important to Zhang Zhao.

Watching Zhang Zhao use this opportunity to once again draw closer to those around him, Lady Fei felt deeply shaken.

For the first time, she discovered that when it came to gathering people's hearts, the emperor before her was a man whom Meng Chang — whom she had once thought a good emperor — could never catch up to even at full gallop.

Under such a sage sovereign and enlightened lord, could I, Lady Fei, not also leave my name in the annals of history? The future Lady Huarui seemed to have found her direction of striving.

The three had just left when Lady Fei took the initiative to draw near and said in a sweet, coquettish voice: "Sage, your servant has a way to share Your Majesty's burdens."

Eh! Zhang Zhao was taken aback. This was the first time Lady Fei had spoken to him in such a sweet, intimate tone, and her eyes held a flickering excitement.

"Go on, let Us hear it," Zhang Zhao said with a nod. Historically, after this Lady Fei arrived in the Eastern Capital, she quickly began to exert influence over court affairs under Zhao Da's favor — even Zhao Er regarded her as a threat.

Later, although it is not certain that she was truly killed by Zhao Er's own hand, her death was certainly not unconnected to him.

A woman who could make my Brother Zhao Er somewhat wary must have some skill after all.

Seeing that Zhang Zhao was willing to listen seriously to her opinion, Lady Fei's eyes narrowed with delight, and she spoke slowly.

"Your servant observes that Yingniang, Wan'er, and the other girls are not bad by nature. They were merely born into houses of meritorious officials, accustomed to seeing the domineering ways of their fathers and brothers. And because the Sage, not wishing them to become whispering, gossiping women of the inner chambers, encouraged them to be no less than men.

Yet this land of Hexi has always had a fierce folk character, full of bold and vigorous spirit.

With such encouragement, and having read little, with no prospects to look forward to, they naturally wished to amuse themselves as they pleased before marriage — and that is how they became what they are now."

As Lady Fei spoke, she watched Zhang Zhao's eyes. Especially when she mentioned the fierce folk character of Hexi, she was particularly afraid Zhang Zhao would grow angry. Meng Chang had been like that — whoever spoke of his shortcomings would mostly incur his displeasure.

But Zhang Zhao showed not the slightest displeasure, and Lady Fei set her heart at ease.

Zhang Zhao, hearing her speak thus, also found it quite reasonable. Indeed, growing up among a crowd of rough men, and with too little reading besides, they would naturally end up as they were now.

"Go on — you still haven't told Us your method!" Zhang Zhao was still pondering when he saw Lady Fei fall silent, and immediately urged her on.

Seeing that Zhang Zhao truly valued her words, Lady Fei's heart was at once filled to the brim with a sense of accomplishment. Raising her voice, she said: "Your servant's family in Shu was also a house of poetry and propriety. As a child, I read the Admonitions for Women composed by Ban Jieyu, and my heart was drawn to it."

As she spoke, an enchanted look appeared on Lady Fei's face. "Your servant is in truth surnamed Xu. I had two paternal aunts who were consorts of the Guangxiao Emperor of the Former Shu, known as the Elder Xu and the Younger Xu.

After the Wang clan fell, my family had no choice but to change our surname to Fei, taking our grandmother's family name. Fortunately, when the Meng clan later pacified Shu, my father and brothers were once again employed because of their considerable literary talent, and the family was spared the danger of utter ruin.

From this, your servant came to understand that all manner of glory and favor is but passing smoke before the eyes; only the knowledge between heaven and earth can endure.

Therefore I too once applied myself to bitter study, became versed in the poetry and the classics, and gained a rough knowledge of the hundred schools.

Now I wish to emulate Ban Jieyu of the Former Han in composing admonitions for women, and through poetry, letters, and womanly virtue to befriend the daughters of meritorious officials, so that while they possess bold and heroic spirit, they may also acquire culture and, further, understand virtue."

No wonder later books record a dispute over whether the Lady Huarui belonged to the Former Shu or the Later Shu — so they were aunt and niece.

Historically, Meng Chang probably also made Lady Fei his Lady Huarui for this reason. And with that, the mystery of the Xu and Fei surnames is also solved.

"Haha!" Zhang Zhao wrapped his arm around Lady Fei's slender waist and laughed aloud several times. "You have great ambition indeed. Ban Jieyu was a rare woman of the ages — emulating her will not be easy."

"I dare not compare myself to the worthies of old; I only wish to put the learning in my breast to some use." Lady Fei clung to Zhang Zhao's neck, her eyes gleaming.

Zhang Zhao took the opportunity to spin her around twice, and then a plan formed in his mind. Perhaps this should not be limited to the daughters of meritorious officials, but should extend to the sisters and daughters of most of the personal army and the imperial guard warriors.

Just treat it as his own Healthy Mothers initiative!

It would not work elsewhere, but in Hexi and Longyou the foundation existed.

Later, after Zhao Rongniang gave birth, she could also come to Hexi and Longyou. Let her and Lady Fei work together — one educating in culture, the other helping through medicine.

Once these mothers were made healthy, they could bear for me, Sage Zhang, the next twenty years of Xia lords over Yi subjects — raising boys strong and bold enough for the task.

And not only boys. If a certain number of sturdy women could accompany the Xia lords over the Yi subjects, the effect would surely be even better.

(End of Chapter)

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