This spring brought contrasting weather to the north and south. While the south experienced continuous rain for months, the north faced a prolonged drought under bright sunshine, with no rain in sight.
Jin Yi was tasked with leading his men to dig wells and build canals to provide water for the parched lands, and he returned to the Jin Mansion every ten days or so. The flowers and plants in Fangmanting didn’t grow as well as in previous years, despite Fu Ming’s careful tending. It seemed that human efforts to water the plants could not match the life-giving power of natural rainfall.
The flowers hardly had a chance to bloom before they fell to the ground, ending up in the dirt, as spring turned into summer.
Fu Ming had little time to lament the fleeting season. He received a letter from the south, informing him that his wet nurse had fallen ill in the spring. Her condition had not improved despite seeing numerous local doctors and was worsening.
Fu Ming thought of his semi-master Fang Shu and went to the Charity Bureau to ask him to travel south and attend to his wet nurse.
However, Fang Shu was not at the Charity Bureau, as Sun Zangyong explained. Fang Shu had already traveled south, but his destination was known. Fu Ming immediately wrote a letter at the bureau and had it delivered to Fang Shu with urgency.
Returning to the mansion with a heavy heart, Fu Ming was intercepted by a young boy on the way. “Young master, Master Yan requests your presence.”
“Master Yan? Yan Le?”
“That’s right. Please come with me,” the boy replied, showing a token—an ornament Yan Le always carried, a gift from Fu Ming when Yan Le decided to leave the Charity Bureau years ago.
Fu Ming followed the boy through winding alleys to a small courtyard, where Yan Le awaited.
After exchanging pleasantries, Fu Ming learned that Yan Le had gotten close to the crown prince. Unsure whether to feel happy or worried for him, Fu Ming could only say, “Be careful, the most important thing is to take care of yourself.”
“I know, Ming ge. You don’t need to worry about me,” Yan Le replied, his expression serious. “Actually, I came to talk to you about something important.”
“What is it? Is there anything I can help with?”
Yan Le shook his head. “It’s not that I need your help; it’s related to your husband.”
“My husband? What do you mean?”
“You and I both know the emperor is aging, and though the crown prince has been established, the third prince’s influence cannot be underestimated. The situation has become so tense that the two princes are at each other’s throats. Your husband has surely sided with the third prince, right?”
“While I don’t pry into his affairs, it’s clear that the third prince values him, and he is willing to serve the prince. I can confirm that. Occasionally, when we’re drinking, he might mention how well they get along and how happy he is about it,” Fu Ming said. “A Le, did you hear something from the crown prince? Something related to him?”
Yan Le nodded. “I’ve indeed heard some things. Though the crown prince isn’t as involved in court politics as the third prince and lacks his iron fist, he is still the crown prince, and his followers won’t let him remain passive. Things have reached a point where the crown prince has to take action. Last year, General Jin made great military contributions and was promoted. The Jin family also formed an alliance with the wealthy Tao family and drew the more neutral Zhou family closer. To say they are at their peak is not an exaggeration. This prominence has made them a target for the crown prince’s faction.”
Fu Ming couldn’t help but feel worried. “You’re absolutely right, but there’s nothing we can do to change the situation now.”
Yan Le continued, “A few days ago, while I was performing at a banquet for the crown prince, I overheard some things outside the door. They seem to be planning something soon. But as a performer, I couldn’t gather more concrete information. I’m here today to give you a heads-up so you can be prepared.”
Fu Ming nodded. “I understand. It’s not easy for you to come and tell me this. A Le, thank you.”
Yan Le smiled. “After all these years, how could I not come? No matter what, I hope you stay safe and well.”
Fu Ming replied, “Yes, I’ll inform my husband. You, too, take care, especially in such a dangerous place. I hope you can come out of this unscathed.”
After discussing the matter, they didn’t linger. Fu Ming left first, and after a few moments, Yan Le exited through another door.
When Fu Ming returned home, he hid Yan Le’s identity and relayed the important news to Jin Yi. Jin Yi replied, “I have a good understanding of the situation. I’ll discuss this with the third prince and be more vigilant. Don’t worry.”
Despite Jin Yi’s reassurances, Fu Ming couldn’t fully relax. Coupled with the lack of news from the south, the dual worries weighed heavily on him, often keeping him up at night.
After more than twenty days, Fu Ming finally received a letter from Jiangnan. Fang Shu had arrived and adjusted the prescription for his wet nurse, who was beginning to recover. Another half-month passed, and another letter arrived, saying she was nearly recovered. Meanwhile, the court remained quiet, and although Fu Ming wasn’t completely at ease, he gradually relaxed, sleeping better and regaining his appetite. Jin Yi seized the opportunity to have the cook prepare a variety of nourishing dishes, helping Fu Ming regain the weight he had lost over the past month.
As summer deepened and the heat intensified, people became lethargic. Fish stayed motionless under lotus leaves, and birds perched quietly in the shade. Fu Ming read by the pond under the willow tree, but when the afternoon sun angled in, even the dense willow branches couldn’t provide enough shade, so he returned indoors. There, he had Wanlan grind ink while he casually wrote a few lines:
“In the steamy heat, tea smoke fails to cool,
Lingering in the mouth, reluctant to depart.
How to spend the long summer days?
Wang Wei’s poems, Su Dongpo’s words.
Weary eyes stray from the book to the clear pond,
Forgetting momentarily that I am not a fish.
Suddenly, the floating clouds disperse into wisps.
The swallows before the hall, old acquaintances.”
The next day, Renlan visited Fangmanting and saw the new poem on the desk. She smiled and said, “It’s been a while since you’ve had such leisure.”
Fu Ming returned her smile. “Indeed, I’ve been too worried recently. Yesterday, I did nothing and enjoyed a day of idleness. What brings you here today?”
“Actually, I came across something while reading and didn’t quite understand it. I wanted to ask for your guidance.”
“What have you been reading lately? What’s the question?”
Renlan blushed slightly. “It’s not that I’ve been reading anything specific, but since they are a merchant family, and I wasn’t born into such a background, I know very little about it. So, I’ve been reading some relevant texts. Yesterday, I read Sima Qian’s ‘Records of the Grand Historian: The Biographies of the Wealthy,’ and there were a few parts I didn’t quite understand. I wanted you to help clarify them.”
Fu Ming knew that besides maintaining her connections with old friends, Renlan had also been introduced to the wives of several prominent merchants in the capital. Hearing her mention this, he smiled and said, “You’re very thoughtful. Tell me your questions, and we can discuss them.”
They were deeply engrossed in their conversation when a maid hurriedly entered the courtyard. Before she was even visible, she shouted anxiously, “Young master, young master, something has happened! Our master has been arrested, and soldiers are surrounding the mansion!”
Renlan dropped her book, her face turning pale. Fu Ming managed to keep his grip on his teacup, but his hand trembled violently. He struggled to maintain his composure, pausing briefly before saying, “I understand.”
Jin Yi’s arrest and the sudden military encirclement of the Jin Mansion came without warning. Many in the capital were left in shock, unsure of what to do, not daring to approach the Jin Mansion or inquire openly, fearing they might invite trouble upon themselves.
At first, Fu Ming was terrified and anxious, but as the only able-bodied adult male left in the mansion, he had to stabilize himself and then reassure the rest of the family.
The old lady, despite her age and life experience, was still deeply frightened. Fu Ming softly explained the events of recent days, omitting some details to make it seem less severe. He mentioned that Jin Yi and the third prince were prepared and that the situation should be manageable. The old lady’s anxiety eased slightly, and her tears gradually receded.
Fu Ming gave the same explanation to Renlan and asked her to comfort Xinyue and the maids and servants who served Jin Yi. As for Zhaoyan, who was still young, Fu Ming offered a lighter explanation to calm him down and brought him to Fangmanting to stay temporarily, preventing him from becoming frightened or overhearing rumors.
Thus, despite the sudden crisis, the Jin Mansion remained calm and orderly, much to the surprise and admiration of the soldiers guarding the premises. They couldn’t help but silently marvel at the composure and order, a testament to the mansion’s noble heritage.
While the mansion seemed stable, Fu Ming was secretly anxious. He tried to gather information from the commander of the soldiers at the gate but was coldly rebuffed and “invited” back inside, realizing there would be no cooperation from the guards.
As the sun set, the summer sky blazed with vibrant colors, reflecting Fu Ming’s deepening anxiety.
As dusk fell and the birds returned to their nests, Jin Yi did not return home. Fu Ming knew neither the specific charges nor Jin Yi’s current situation or what the future held.
While Fu Ming felt the passage of time acutely, Wanlan reported, “Young master, a woodcutter delivering firewood requests an audience.”
Though the mansion was surrounded and the household barred from leaving, deliveries of essentials like firewood, food, and medicine were still permitted, indicating that the situation hadn’t reached its worst. Sensing a slight reprieve, Fu Ming allowed the woodcutter to be brought in.
The woodcutter indeed came with a message. After greeting Fu Ming, he promptly relayed, “Young master, I come on behalf of Master Zhou. Master Zhou has learned the reason for the master’s arrest. It is said that the master has been accused of harboring treasonous intentions.”
“Treasonous intentions?” Fu Ming’s heart sank further.
“The accusation is that the master sheltered the family of a rebel. The rebel’s family has been found, and several low-ranking officers who accompanied the master on the southern campaign have testified that the woman and her unborn child were indeed brought back to the capital and settled by the master.”
A rebel’s family? A woman and child? Fu Ming suddenly realized the situation. Jin Yi must not have known the truth back then, but this unintentional act of kindness had become evidence used against him. As for the woman and child, given their status, they were unlikely to survive.
The woodcutter, noticing Fu Ming’s change in expression, quickly added, “Master Zhou also asked me to tell you that although the master has been arrested, the charges have not been confirmed. The emperor has only ordered a temporary detention and a thorough investigation. The master is loyal and righteous, with nothing to hide. The emperor will surely grant him justice. The Zhou family will not stand idly by and will ensure the master receives the necessary support. Please, take care of yourself and the household, and await the master’s safe return.”
Hearing this, Fu Ming’s anxiety lessened slightly. He nodded and said, “I understand. Please convey my gratitude to Master Zhou. I will remember this kindness.”
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