Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
These are the words of a wise man, long since lost to history, etched into the arches and gates of the Imperial Academy in Tiansheng. As the preeminent place of learning, rooting out ignorance and fortifying wisdom is the ultimate goal. In doing so, the academy produces only the most promising students for the imperial court.
As the new year of class looms on the horizon, several thousand excited faces gather in the academy’s newest courtyard. The stillness in the air amplifies the murmurs of their hushed whispers into a cacophonous droning that’d annoy Zhou Xiaoming on any other day. However, these bright-eyed hopefuls are present because of his years-long effort to expand the academy, so he chooses to revel in the sea of voices rather than let it get under his skin.
Xiaoming spent the last few years lobbying for funding to expand the academy, and thanks to his hard work, and that of his supporters, his project culminated in this resounding success. All of the students that gather today are in attendance because of the recently completed expansions, including this courtyard they now fill. Three thousand students, all promising individuals from across the Great Xi’an, stand in neat, ordered rank-and-file, just like an army. This is Xioaming’s legacy; an army of scholars and civil servants.
Xiaoming settles into his place on the small, elevated plaza between the gates of the academy and the new student body, and waits patiently for the ceremony to begin. Soon enough, a gentle breeze rolls through and disperses some of the summer humidity, and a mousy attendant steps to the fore to address the masses.
“Welcome, honored students, and congratulations on your successful admission. We, the instructors and staff of the Imperial Academy, are proud to have you in attendance today,” he pauses momentarily, gesturing to Xiaoming with a flourish and a reverent bow of his head. “To begin the ceremony, our headmaster, Zhou Xiaoming, will address you.”
Xiaoming approaches with slow, measured strides and a smile brimming with pride. As soon as the attendant shuffles off to the side, Xiaoming replaces him at the front. He begins with a courteous bow of his own while the crowd settles from a murmur to eager silence. Thousands of hopeful eyes gaze up at him, teeming with expectations he hopes to fulfill. A simple gesture activates the engraved silver slip he holds and its mystical power carries his voice far and wide.
“Welcome, sons and daughters of our great empire. You alone, from among countless applicants, proved your worth, and now take your first steps on this momentous journey of wisdom and knowledge.
“Others toil in the fields, labor in workshops, or take up arms to defend the people from threats beyond our borders, but you…” Xiaoming sweeps his arms across the crowd in a grand, inclusive gesture. “You defend them from within. We, learned servants of the empire, are its lifeblood — and there is no greater honor than civil service!”
A well-practiced chorus erupts from the crowd: “Glory to the Emperor! May he live for a thousand years!”
As soon as the students fall quiet, Xiaoming continues his speech. He talks at length about their potential futures as ministers, advisors, and officials. He explains that they will wield pens and paper in the battlefield of courtly politics, and how their success is the emperor’s success. He likens them to the great men and women of history, and how each had proven invaluable, from the lowliest scribe, to the greatest of heroes. Their worth lies in their future deeds and contributions, and everything begins here, at the academy.
With the conclusion of his speech, Xiaoming brings his hands together, fist in palm, and bows again. “From this day forth, you are my students. I shall look after your wellbeing and do my utmost to ensure your success. The rest is in your hands — and in your minds.”
Xiaoming moves back so that another speaker can take his place and rejoins the rest of the staff towards the rear. However, not long after he returns to rest in the shade, an attendant approaches and whispers to him.
“Someone has requested your presence inside the gate.”
“Did you get their name?”
“I am sorry, sir, but they said you’d know if I told you that it is an old friend.”
Xiaoming thanks them, excuses himself, and then quietly slips through the gate and into the academy proper.
“Zhou Xiaoming!”
He twitches, caught unaware, as the speaker steps from the shadows to his left. Xiaoming turns and politely bows to his oldest friend. “Minister Xin, I am pleased that you could attend.”
“That is quite the crowd out there. His excellency will be pleased when he hears that his investment bore fruit.”
Minister Xin’s hawkish features curl up in a pleasant, yet proud smile. Though he is the minister of the imperial clan, and is counted among the highest officials in the empire, their relationship predates either of their careers. As Xiaoming’s closest friend and confidant, he is free to take pride in his accomplishments. Afterall, his actions and influence in the court were instrumental in ensuring Xiaoming received the necessary permissions and funding in the first place.
Xiaming gestures down the cobbled path. “Walk with me?”
“Of course. It would be better to speak elsewhere, and I would not turn down some of that wonderful tea that your wife brews.”
Xiaoming grins knowingly. “She will be delighted to have you.”
“Many in the court feared you would fail to turn such a meager investment into such extensive expansions. I hear that you added space for three thousand new students — is that correct?”
“The new wing is capable of housing around six thousand in relative comfort, and provides lecture halls, libraries, and workshops to accommodate their lessons, but the first new class is only three thousand or so,” Xiaoming explains while hiding his increasingly arrogant smirk behind the sleeve of his robe. “I understand their doubts. They cannot fathom someone operating as expected without embezzling funds. Too many of these fattened officials easily forget that we aren’t all so corrupt.”
“Hah!” Minister Xin unleashes a bout of amused laughter. “Three thousand more students, with what, sixty thousand or so already in attendance? Even the finest generals wish for numbers such as these — this is truly an achievement befitting the so-called little sovereign.”
Xiaoming clicks his tongue at the epithet he’s acquired in recent years. It feels too grand, and carries even grander ambitions. Such things are too lofty for a humble man like him. However, tongues wag and rumors spread, and as the headmaster of the imperial academy, he has to admit that he wields profound influence over the future officials. The academy itself is one of the most extensive properties in the city, so it only makes sense that they’d spread such drivel given the chance.
“I rule over nothing, and I command no one except myself. That is no secret.”
“I am aware,” Minister Xin replies in a wry tone. “You do love to feign humility, but you are as ambitious as any other in the court. Fortunately for you, your aims are not as foolish — or treacherous, as those harbored by others.”
Xiaoming releases an indignant huff.
“You have more influence than you believe, old friend. It is not just the officials, but you are a mentor to two of the emperor’s cherished sons. Were he more suspicious of your intentions, or others more concerned with your plans, then you might find yourself up to your ears in enemies.”
Xiaoming teases him with another bow. “I shall take solace in your protection from the conspiracy-oriented minds who may seek to undermine me.”
Minister Xin straightens up and strokes his graying beard. “I will continue to do what I can, but I must also keep my eye on you. Power has a way of corrupting even the staunchest hearts, and if I find you slipping a little too comfortably into your new title…”
“That will never happen.”
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They walk in silence for the few remaining moments before arriving at the entryway to Xiaoming’s home. Once they pass the gate to his personal estate, Minister Xin continues in a hushed voice. “Speaking of which… how is our little secret?”
Xiaoming hangs his head and sighs. “She’s not so little anymore, I’m afraid. With every passing day she grows more willful and headstrong, and I worry I can only keep her contained for so long.”
“I know you are aware of the risk that her discovery poses to the both of us.”
“That goes without saying. Worry not! I have planned for any trouble that she may cause. Staying one step ahead of her is part of my job as her father — but she is getting craftier by the day.”
“The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Perhaps you’ve taught her too well?” Minister Xin teases. “However, we both knew it would be a matter of time, and I am thankful that I have lived a long life. The consequences of our past misdeeds do not bear as much weight as they once did.”
“Rest assured, old friend, I have our best interests at heart, “Xiaming replies, keeping his tone sincere and soothing. “She can be a handful, but she is still young. You remember how we were at that age, right?”
“Of course, but if you asked me back then if I’d have amounted to much, I’d have laughed myself out of breath. Who would have believed I could become an imperial minister?”
“Not I,” Xiaoming answers sarcastically while opening the door to his home. “But our futures are shrouded in mysteries. Only the great dragon can see through the uncertainties and divine where we truly belong.”
Minister Xin pauses after he enters and fixes Xiaoming with a serious expression. “Will you take her to Nangao?”
“Perhaps... She is the right age.”
“Then it may be wise,” Minister Xin lets out a long sigh as he sits down. “If there is danger ahead, then she can undoubtedly help you avoid it.”
“There are risks, though.”
“Life is full of risks, but the youth are fortunate. Each day that passes brings a new ache or pain, and some days… well, I wish I could just go back to sleep.”
“Good morning, my lady!” Xiang Jinyi chirps as she all-but-barges into my chambers. “It is time to wake up.”
I groan into the soft bedding and lazily wave a hand in my maid’s general direction. It is a vain, and frankly, pathetic, attempt to dismiss her. Lying on my stomach makes it difficult to do, and I just appear to be struggling instead of giving orders. Try as I might, I can’t argue with Jingyi, it is well past any reasonable hour to start my day, but the summer heat made the night insufferable and I barely slept a wink. As such, I fully intend to protest with every fiber of my being!
“Your breakfast is being prepared, and I brought some water and a clean towel,” Jingyi announces. I turn my head just as she puts the bowl down, and grimace as she approaches me with a stern expression. “You shouldn’t just discard your clothes so haphazardly, my lady.”
Jingyi’s tone is professional and courteous, yet she makes it clear to me that I am being scolded without overstepping her bounds. “I need more than breakfast to get me out of bed.”
She hovers over me with her hands on her hips and shakes her head. “At least get dressed. You are so indecent! Imagine if someone else had come in instead of me?”
I groan in protest. “No one else is allowed to come in…”
“What if some vagabond climbed the walls, scaled the building, and crept into your room in the middle of the night? You’d be so embarrassed!”
I roll my eyes while Jingyi starts digging through my wardrobe. “Don’t be absurd...”
I begrudgingly rouse myself, struggle onto my knees, and stretch languidly, like a cat looking for attention. I squint my eyes since the bright, midday sun threatens to blind me and makes it clear just how late I slept in. “What time is it?”
“Late!” Jingyi’s reply is sharp enough to snap me out of my sleepy stupor, and vague enough that I learn nothing. “Master Li will be here before you’ve had time to finish your breakfast, so you had best hurry up or he will be very upset.”
Jingyi holds up a short jacket and skirt, but shakes her head and exchanges it for another, but her periodic glares in my direction get her point across. I flop backwards, sprawling out on the bed, and then roll off and onto the floor. As I start to tumble towards the floor, I twist and plant my feet to stop myself from falling completely, and then gracelessly wobble until I am upright in front of the nearby mirror.
I grin triumphantly and dunk the wash towel so I can clean myself up. “Master Li is never in much of a hurry. He is old, after all.”
“You shouldn’t disrespect your elders, especially one of your masters!”
I stretch again, one arm rising above my head and yawn while wiping cool water across myself. I place the damp towel on my neck and slowly drag it along my collarbone, reveling in the refreshing sensation. I spent most of the night sweating profusely, and as far as I can tell, it has only gotten hotter.
“I don’t really feel like lessons today, anyway,” I mumble while leaning forward a bit to check my teeth in the mirror. “Do you think he’d believe I am feeling ill?”
“He’d just call for a physician and then your deceitful ways would be revealed.”
I sigh in frustration. “Well, hopefully he has something fun planned for today. Anything other than martial arts, I think. This heat would be brutal. Music, maybe? I have to say that my guqin skills have improved under his tutelage. I can finally play The Moon Over High Mountain without errors!”
Jingyi moves up behind me as I set the towel aside. To make things easier for Jingyi, I raise my arms and let my maid secure the white, plum blossom-embroidered undergarment over my chest and belly. Though the halter-top garment is meant to secure my breasts, and even reduce their already-humble presence further, Jingyi pulls it suspiciously tight.
“Urk… isn’t that a bit much?”
Jingyi scowls at me by way of the mirror and tugs it even tighter, causing me to squeak out a strained whimper. “I don’t know what you mean, my lady.”
I consider chastising her, but after sixteen years together, I know that Jingyi is just teasing me and having a bit of fun. Anyone else might have been in trouble, but there is something about Jingyi that makes her difficult to scold. Her bright smiles and endless cheer can warm even the coldest heart, and I am already too soft-hearted for my own good.
Jingyi leaves me with my lower undergarments, which I slip on and tie in place, comfortably, this time. She returns a moment later with my skirts while I am busy adjusting my top to ensure proper blood flow. We start with a simple pink underskirt and then add a gauze-thin, pink-and-white silk outer skirt that continues the flowery motif. These are secured with a wide silk belt and a series of smaller ribbons for decoration. The last garment Jingyi adds to my outfit is the upper robe. The long jacket matches the skirt in both theme and material, and is wonderfully light and breezy to offset the summer heat.
“Speaking of martial arts…”
Jingyi nods and whispers in my ear. “Our plans are progressing.”
I smile and sit on a short stool so that Jingyi can style my hair. She keeps it fairly simple by having all of my longer hair twisted into two braids. The fringe hairs around my cheeks and ears are pulled back a bit and then pinned into place with two petite gold clips. According to the current styles of high society in the capital, it is vogue to wear my hair in a bun, but I like to set my own trends. I can get away with a few fashion faux pas since only a handful of people see me, and the old man, Master Li, is hardly a fashion aficionado considering his over-reliance on drab gray robes.
“The escort agency has agreed to our request, so we will have guards while we are out,” Jingyi continues. “We won’t have to rely on your father’s men, meaning we will be harder to identify.”
“That is good news. I thought we’d have more trouble getting outside protection.”
“It turns out there’s plenty of martial arts groups willing to provide escorts to wealthy young ladies, so it wasn’t that difficult in the end, even for someone incompetent like me. I’m not sure we got a good deal for it, though. It seemed expensive.”
I roll my eyes at her disparaging self admonishment. “That’s okay, my allowances should cover it.”
My weariness is dispelled by the good news. My father has never given me permission to leave the family estate, and has refused to elaborate about his reasons, much to my frustration. So, despite my wishes, I’ve never set foot outside, and everytime I ask, my parents are gentle with their refusal, but very adamant about it. They’ve never budged even once, so I’ve stayed cooped up inside like a bird in a cage. But all birds yearn for freedom, and I am no different!
The last month entailed planning and arranging pieces so that I can sneak out in a few days to watch a big martial arts tournament at a nearby venue. I desperately wish to go and watch, but truthfully, I’d prefer to participate in it. Alas, that’d be a bit too obvious, so spectating will have to be good enough for me.
Fortunately, aside from my servants, Master Li, and a handful of others, no one knows what I look like, let alone who I am. It is hard for me to say whether or not anyone else even knows I exist, so as far as I know, going out without a disguise might not be a problem. Jingyi insisted, though, and I relented. It certainly won’t hurt to exercise a little caution.
‘Disguised or not, Zhou Ran will not be stopped!’ I ball my fists and cheer at my good fortunes.
Once Jingyi finishes with my hair, I get up and give myself a quick once-over for approval. I am a mass of pink silks and flowery patterns, and Jingyi’s efforts maximize my natural, heaven-granted cuteness. “I suppose I shouldn’t waste any more time. Fetch a light breakfast for me and bring it to the lesson hall. I’ll have to eat and learn at the same time, even if Master Li disapproves of me doing so.”
“Of course, my lady,” Jingyi chirps and scurries towards the door to open it for me. “Master Li does have a thing for time management, doesn’t he?”
I smirk as I exit my quarters. “He sure does, that silly old man.”