Chapter Eleven: Lady Pei Educates Her Son

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Madam Pei felt a lingering heaviness in her heart. Yet seeing her son Pei Min boast ever more brilliantly—matters that were still worlds away, he conjured up as if they were just within reach—she could not help but smile. Especially when he spoke of being ennobled or becoming a prime minister, as casually as if it were as simple as eating or drinking. She chided him, “Don’t fool your mother. There’s no such easy path in this world. But… you’re not wrong. To live between heaven and earth, one’s own talent is what matters most. Otherwise, even with the Pei family’s help, entering officialdom would only make you a mediocre or corrupt official. You’re grown now. You can decide your own affairs. Since you’ve resolved to travel to the capital for the exam, I won’t stop you. When do you plan to set out?”

“No rush!” Pei Min replied with a smile. “I’ve earned the Grand Commander’s favor and received a fine steed—capable of covering hundreds of miles a day. Though the journey to Chang’an is long, it will only take me a dozen days or so. I can afford to stay at home a while longer, keep you company, and leave a bit later without any issue.”

Madam Pei asked in surprise, “The Grand Commander? Is it Commander Xue Na?” She had once spent some time at the Youzhou army camp and had heard a little about Xue Na.

Pei Min, supporting his mother as they walked home, briefly recounted how he had helped Xue Na apprehend Li Wuyi, omitting the dangerous parts so as not to worry her. As he spoke, he took out from his saddlebag the gold and silver Xue Na had gifted him. “These are the Grand Commander’s rewards.”

Madam Pei’s face blossomed into a smile as she gazed at the heap of gold and silver coins. She snatched them up, saying, “I’ll keep these for your wedding. Don’t waste them.”

Pei Min could only smile wryly, “They’re heavy enough—just put them aside.”

Madam Pei ignored him, carefully counting the coins. Then, ticking her fingers, she began to calculate aloud. After a while, her joy overflowed. “With these, plus what I’ve saved over the years, we can buy a proper house in Jicheng. After refurbishing and furnishing it, there’ll still be some left over. For the betrothal gifts, it’s a little short, but that’s no matter. I’ve been working closely with the Youzhou army lately and taken on good work. It won’t be long before we have enough.”

Moved by his mother’s meticulous planning, Pei Min urged, “Mother, don’t worry so much about the details—your health comes first. Keep the money for buying supplements. As for the house and the betrothal gifts, let me handle it.”

Madam Pei dismissed his advice. “You know nothing. Only those who manage a household know the cost of rice and firewood. There’ll be plenty of expenses ahead. Even if you pass the imperial exam and become an official, you’ll start as a minor one, with little salary. If I don’t plan ahead, how can we manage?”

Pei Min led her to sit down. “Please, rest easy. The Grand Commander values me highly. He’s already promised, regardless of whether I pass as top scholar or not, I’ll serve under him. He won’t treat me poorly. As for petty positions, I assure you, he wouldn’t give me anything so insignificant.”

Madam Pei sat in stunned silence for a long while. She never imagined that in just three months, such unexpected changes would occur. Pressing her hands together, she murmured, “My son has met his benefactor at last. No wonder the officers at Youzhou camp treat me so respectfully. Heaven bless us, heaven bless us…” She paused, then her face grew solemn. “The happiest thing in my life was marrying your father; the greatest regret was also marrying him. The Grand Commander’s favor is your fortune, and your future career will surely be smoother than most. But let me remind you: I ask nothing else, but you must remember to live with an open heart and a clear conscience. No matter your station—whether great or small—never forget: you are your father’s son. Your father achieved nothing in his life, but he was a man of integrity, upright to the very end, never shaming the name of a true man. If you ever do anything that stains your father’s honor, I will never forgive you—it will be as if I never had a son.”

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Pei Min knelt solemnly and bowed deeply. “I will never forget your lesson today, Mother.”

“Enough, get up!” Madam Pei wiped her tears, smiling through reddened eyes. “You’ve achieved first place in the local exam—it’s cause for celebration. Go to the county and buy offerings. Let’s bring this good news to your father together.”

Pei Min nodded in assent.

After honoring his father’s memory, Pei Min spent fifteen days at home, serving tea and water, fulfilling his duty as a son. Knowing his mother was reluctant to spend, he used his remaining money to buy all kinds of health supplements for her. Though she scolded him for his extravagance, she ate them dutifully.

After fifteen days, under countless instructions and reminders, Pei Min bade farewell to his mother and left home once more—not for Jicheng, just a few dozen miles away, but for distant Chang’an, thousands of miles beyond.

Though Pei Min was reluctant to leave, his heart brimmed with longing for Chang’an—the world’s most prosperous city, the center of all under heaven… the dream destination for anyone from later generations.

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Chang’an!

At this very moment, the residence of He Zhizhang was ablaze with light.

Recently, He Zhizhang had been promoted from Grand Ritual Scholar to Deputy Director of Merit Evaluation. With the imperial exam approaching, his sudden promotion sparked much speculation. However, Deputy Director was not exclusive to him, and the true official overseeing the imperial exam, the Chief Examiner, remained in office, so it did not cause a stir.

Yesterday, though, the new emperor publicly denounced Chief Examiner Wang Jie for corruption and moral decay, stripped him of his post, and banished him to Lingnan, leaving the position vacant. According to tradition, the Chief Examiner was chosen from among the Deputy Directors of the Ministry of Personnel. Of the current holders, He Zhizhang was the most distinguished in both talent and reputation.

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Though the court had yet to officially appoint He Zhizhang to preside over the spring imperial examination, all discerning eyes could see the outcome was already certain.

The warmth and coldness of official circles was instantly revealed!

He Zhizhang, once an insignificant Grand Ritual Scholar handling ceremonial duties, was barely noticed except during major rituals. With a change in status, his value soared; visitors and well-wishers flocked to his door. Especially the candidates who had already arrived in the capital, all seeking every means to meet him.

Such scenes would be impossible in later Song dynasty, when the imperial exam system grew more rigorous. For now, the court not only failed to prohibit these connections, but even saw them as natural.

To win the chief examiner’s favor was the first step toward success.

He Zhizhang felt joy at his promotion, but soon was beset by endless social obligations, wishing he could hang a “No Visitors” sign and avoid everyone.

Exhausted, he returned home to rest, only to have a servant approach with a letter. “This is from Youzhou, sir—a letter from your cousin, Lord Xu.”

He Zhizhang reached for the letter, not yet having time to read it, when the gatekeeper hurried in to announce, “Sir, Princess Taiping has sent an invitation!”