Chapter Summaries

Wang Rong explained why he believed Wang Yang’s scholarship and character surpassed other scholars, while Wei Zhun revealed the irregularities in Wang Yang’s household registration. Wang Rong destroyed the evidence and told Wei Zhun that Wang Yang’s conduct, not his records, was what truly revealed him.

• Wei Zhun questioned Wang Rong’s high praise of Wang Yang, citing Du Wenqian’s accusation that Wang Yang flaunted his learning.
• Wei Zhun gave Wang Rong a copied household record and described how he had obtained it through Zhang Su.
• Wang Rong showed Wei Zhun Chu Zhen’s report that Wang Yang appeared in the provincial register but not in any county register, and had no commandery authorization for his residence registration.
• Wei Zhun suggested using the irregularities to pressure Wang Yang into serving their purposes, but Wang Rong burned the report and copied record.
• Wang Rong explained that genealogies and household records could not reveal Wang Yang’s inner character, and praised his courage, generosity, and way of sharing benefits.

Wang Rong explained to Wei Zhun that the Son of Heaven was quietly testing and supporting Wang Yang while preparing him for great responsibility, and that his choice between the Eastern Palace and His Highness could shape the nation’s future. Wei Zhun was left reeling, while Wang Rong warned that Wang Yang choosing wrongly would be a profound loss.

• Wei Zhun urged Wang Rong to protect and promote Wang Yang, but Wang Rong said Wang Yang should choose his own path without excessive interference.
• Wang Rong revealed that the Son of Heaven was watching Wang Yang and had positioned Du Qianguang, Liu Tan, Wang Yi, and Hu Xiezhi to test and support him.
• Wang Rong explained that the Son of Heaven withheld open favor to protect Wang Yang from jealousy and let his reputation grow through proven achievements.
• Wang Rong predicted that Wang Yang could become chief minister before twenty-five and rise to the Three Platforms by twenty-eight.
• Wang Rong said Wang Yang’s choice between the Eastern Palace and His Highness mattered because the Son of Heaven could not decide which political path would best serve the nation.
• When Wei Zhun asked what would happen if Wang Yang chose wrongly, Wang Rong said it would be a great pity.

Wang Yang celebrated the security of his new identity and honorary title while preparing for his eventual move to Jiankang. After settling Little Ba’s affairs and hiring a former palace maid, Wang Yang and Xie Xinghan shared a playful, flirtatious moment.

• Wang Yang received authentic-seeming Langya Wang genealogy records and household registration through Baoyue, and learned he had been granted the honorary title of Marquis of Guanzhong.
• Wang Yang and Liu Cheng established the Ten Thousand Mountains Trading House and planned a freight network across Jingzhou, while Liu Cheng left for Jiankang with Lema and three other barbarian women.
• Wang Yang resolved to spend the New Year in Jiangling before attending the Academy of State Sons in Jiankang, despite his reluctance to leave Jingzhou and his concerns about money.
• The Imperial Court approved twenty-two million cash for Wang Yang, who gave it all to Little Ba as support after Little Ba lost his imperial-clan status and was sent back to the capital.
• Little Ba gave money to Kong Changyu’s family and dismissed the Prince of Badong’s staff; a former maid from the Prince’s Residence asked to join Wang Yang’s household, and he hired her.
• At a lamb hot pot meal, Xie Xinghan questioned Wang Yang about the maid he had saved, and Wang Yang teased her by calling her the prettiest maid he had seen.

Wang Yang faced a visiting gentleman, Xie Xuan, who tested him with questions about scholarship, self-knowledge, poetry, and an insulting letter. After Wang Yang answered each challenge with wit, Xie Xuan left after revealing that his younger sister was the fourth Xie sibling, leaving Wang Yang’s smile frozen.

• Wang Yang welcomed officials involved in the Ten Thousand Mountains freight route when Xie Xuan barged into the gathering and presented him with a rare continuation of the Grand Historian.
• Wang Yang identified the book and explained why only seven of Feng Shang’s chapters remained, impressing Xie Xuan enough to offer it as a gift in exchange for answers to three questions.
• Wang Yang answered Xie Xuan’s question about his strengths by saying his talents depended on the situation, then defended his response with a saying of Confucius.
• Wang Yang turned Xie Xuan’s challenge to name a price for his poetry into a poem about April’s skies, winning the room’s applause.
• Xie Xuan presented a scroll bearing the words “You idiot,” and Wang Yang defused the insult by asking why the sender had signed without writing the letter’s contents.
• After Wang Yang declined to meet his sister, Xie Xuan revealed that his surname was Xie and that his sister was the fourth in the family, leaving Wang Yang stunned.

After Xie Xuan took Little Xie away, Wang Yang’s story shifted to Zhang Fu, a dismissed petty clerk struggling to find work in Jiangling. Wang Yang offered Zhang Fu a position as his gate attendant, and Zhang Fu prepared to accompany him and his family to Jiankang.

• Xie Xuan took Little Xie and the Xie Family’s four guards away, while Wang Yang dismissed the idea that he would regret refusing her.
• Zhang Fu, formerly a petty clerk who had served Liu Yin, remained unemployed and read at home while his family urged him to find work.
• Old Dong argued that Zhang Fu should work at Spirit Creek, but Zhang Fu’s wife and mother-in-law opposed the idea.
• Old Dong returned with neighbors to announce that Young Master Wang wanted Zhang Fu as a gate attendant.
• Black Han offered Zhang Fu eight hundred coins a month, clothing, removal from the clerk register, and a place accompanying Wang Yang to Jiankang; Zhang Fu accepted and bowed in thanks.

Wang Yang and his companions sailed from Jingzhou to Thunder Pool and explored Great Thunder Bank, where Wang Yang explained its history and military importance. Their sightseeing was interrupted by county officials seeking their Transit Passes and closing the road for an honored guest, Sixth Gentleman Xiao.

• Wang Yang persuaded Le Pang and Yu Yuling to visit Great Thunder Bank, and the party raised its sails to cross Thunder Pool.
• Wang Yang moored the boats at Xinye County and led Chen Qing Shan, Little A-Wu, Le Xiaopang, and Yu Yuling to tour Great Thunder Bank.
• Wang Yang explained Thunder Pool's history and strategic importance while Le Xiaopang asked how he would defend it with five thousand men.
• Xinye County constables demanded to inspect the party's Transit Passes, but Wang Yang had Ma Yong and the guards push them aside.
• The County Commandant blocked the road to Great Thunder's mouth and told Le Xiaopang it was closed for Sixth Gentleman Xiao.

Le Xiaopang and his companions were stopped by the County Commandant, who sought to inspect Chen Qing Shan’s Transit Pass while searching for Night Butterfly, a fugitive accused of abducting a child. Wang Yang refused the inspection, and after Chen explained Night Butterfly’s reputation, the group continued their outing, planning to visit Lesser Thunder Mouth and Zhou Yu Temple.

• Le Xiaopang backed away from visiting Sixth Gentleman Xiao after learning he was the son of the Danyang Yin.
• The County Commandant demanded to inspect Chen Qing Shan’s Transit Pass, and Wang Yang led the group away when he heard the search was for Night Butterfly, who was accused of abducting a child.
• Chen Qing Shan explained that Night Butterfly was a famous, elusive swordswoman who had fought Zhou Fengshu and was rumored to capture criminals.
• Chen Qing Shan considered retrieving her long spear, but Wang Yang sent Zhang Fu on an errand and persuaded her not to carry a heavy weapon openly through town.
• Wang Yang cheered the group up by proposing they visit Lesser Thunder Mouth and Zhou Yu Temple before finding a restaurant.

At Zhou Yu Temple, Wang Yang turned Xiao Hong’s insult into a joke, but Xiao Hong then used a wanted-criminal accusation to target Chen Qing Shan. Xiao Hong ordered his expert Zheng Boqin to seize her.

• Wang Yang, Yu Yuling, and Le Xiaopang visited Zhou Yu Temple and discussed Zhou Yu’s legacy.
• Xiao Hong arrived with County Magistrate Mo and mocked Wang Yang, Yu Yuling, and Le Xiaopang as Chu bumpkins.
• Wang Yang answered Xiao Hong’s teasing with jokes about their supposed fated connection, earning the approval of Le Xiaopang and Yu Yuling.
• Xiao Hong claimed Chen Qing Shan might be the wanted criminal Night Butterfly and demanded to inspect her transit pass.
• Wang Yang called Xiao Hong Red Dragonfly, provoking laughter before Xiao Hong ordered Zheng Boqin to seize Chen Qing Shan.

Wang Yang’s party clashed with Xiao Hong at Zhou Yu Temple, where Xiao warned them that the waters at Great Thunder Mouth ran deep. After encouraging Le Xiaopang and Yu Yuling to press on, Wang Yang learned that Xiao Hong’s wealth, local influence, and powerful family made him a formidable opponent.

• Zheng Boqin attacked Chen Qing Shan, but Xiao Hong called off the melee after Zheng concluded she was not Night Butterfly.
• Wang Yang startled Xiao Hong with a sudden feint and then opened a folding fan, turning the threat of another fight into a joke.
• Xiao Hong warned Wang Yang to be careful at Great Thunder Mouth and departed, while Le Xiaopang and Yu Yuling felt discouraged by the gap in their social standing.
• Wang Yang restored the youths’ spirits and led the party toward Heavenly Harmony Tower, where Zhang Fu met them with information.
• Zhang Fu reported that Xiao Hong owned a major smelting yard, lent money at ruthless rates, and controlled a growing group of businesses and dependents.
• Zhang Fu revealed that Xiao Hong’s father and brothers held powerful positions, leaving Le Xiaopang intimidated even as he vowed to eat more bowls of rice.

After Zhang Fu reported that Young Duke Shen planned to welcome his young aunt, Le Xiaopang excitedly identified the woman as one of the Three Beauties of the Imperial Capital and recounted her family history. The group learned that Shen Tanliang had once held a commandery dukedom and that Lady Shen had nearly married the Prince of Jin'an, while Le Xiaopang remained absorbed in his admiration of her.

• Zhang Fu told Wang Yang that a member of the Langya Wang clan was staying nearby and that Young Duke Shen planned a Spring Splendor Banquet to welcome his young aunt.
• Le Xiaopang seized Zhang Fu's wrist and excitedly concluded that the young duke was Shen Tanliang and his aunt was one of the Three Beauties of the Imperial Capital.
• Le Xiaopang described Lady Shen's father, Shen Changzhi, her frail health, and how Shen Wenji had taken her into his household.
• Le Xiaopang explained that Shen Tanliang had inherited the previous dynasty's Duke of Guangxing Commandery title, though the new dynasty had abolished his fief.
• Le Xiaopang revealed that the Prince of Jin'an had sought to marry Lady Shen, but her heart ailment had prevented the match.
• Wang Yang and Yu Yuling teased Le Xiaopang about his repeated praise of Lady Shen and his criticism of the Elder Princess of Pengcheng.

Le Xiaopang struggled to write a letter to Lady Shen until Wang Yang dictated a humorous message that earned the three men an audience. During their screened meeting, Wang Yang noticed mirrors arranged around the hall, while Lady Shen secretly watched his searching gaze in a mirror of her own.

• Le Xiaopang insisted on writing to Lady Shen, and Wang Yang agreed to dictate after Yu Yuling's formal draft failed to satisfy him.
• Wang Yang dictated a joking letter about a miser who refused to entertain guests, and Le Xiaopang sent it with the men's calling cards to the Shen residence.
• The three men learned that Young Duke Shen had gone boating, but Lady Shen invited them into the residence soon after receiving their cards.
• Lady Shen greeted them from behind several screens, explaining that illness kept her from appearing in person.
• As Le Xiaopang spoke with Lady Shen, Wang Yang noticed mirrors positioned around the hall and searched for their reflections.
• Lady Shen watched Wang Yang through a small mirror and turned it facedown when his eyes fixed on its concealed position.

Lady Shen invited Wang Yang, Le Xiaopang, and Yu Yuling to the Spring Splendor Banquet, and the three agreed to pay the fee and compete in cuju. Wang Yang assembled and trained a six-man team, then took charge of its strategy as they prepared to win a place at the feast.

• Lady Shen invited Wang Yang, Le Xiaopang, and Yu Yuling to the Spring Splendor Banquet and offered to cover their fees, but Le Xiaopang refused her offer and the three agreed to attend.
• Lady Shen helped Le Xiaopang recruit Ding Dafu, Xiu Lingyou, and Ji Jiaofu to complete their six-man cuju team.
• Wang Yang and his teammates devoted the next few days to intensive cuju practice, with Le Xiaopang focusing on shooting, Xiu Lingyou on winning the ball, and Wang Yang on speed and agility.
• Wang Yang became the team's captain and assigned positions and tactics, placing himself between midfield and defense to organize play and cover gaps.
• The six teammates joined hands and shouted together as they prepared for the competition.

Wang Yang’s team dominated the Spring Splendor Banquet’s cuju rounds and advanced to the final against Xiao Hong’s team. Before the match began, Xiao Hong addressed Ji Jiaofu as “Bizi,” leaving him frozen.

• Wang Yang instructed Le Xiaopang, Yu Yuling, Xiu Lingyou, Ji Jiaofu, and Ding Dafu on how to play as a steady team.
• Xiao Hong taunted Wang Yang and Chen Qing Shan, then left after a dog startled Wang Yang.
• Young Duke Shen told Wang Yang that the woman with the dog was his Langya Wang clanswoman, the Prince of Badong’s fiancée.
• Wang Yang’s team defeated its opponents through the cuju rounds and reached the final against Xiao Hong.
• Xiao Hong warned Wang Yang he could make him lose before the match, then addressed Ji Jiaofu as “Bizi,” and Ji Jiaofu froze.

Xiao Hong forced Ji Jiaofu to withdraw from Wang Yang’s Cuju team, but Young Duke Shen stepped in as his replacement. After falling behind, Wang Yang reorganized the team, and Le Xiaopang scored their first point.

• Xiao Hong pressured Ji Jiaofu to leave the match, and Ji Jiaofu apologized to Wang Yang and the others before withdrawing.
• Wang Yang accepted Ji Jiaofu’s explanation, while Xiao Hong taunted the team for being a player short.
• Young Duke Shen volunteered to play, and Xiao Hong challenged whether the host was allowed to take the field.
• Xiao Hong’s team scored three goals as Young Duke Shen’s unfamiliarity with the formation disrupted Wang Yang’s team.
• Wang Yang rallied the team and urged Young Duke Shen to hold his position and pass the ball.
• Wang Yang set up Le Xiaopang to score, restoring the team’s rhythm as the spectators cheered.

Wang Yang’s team won the Cuju match after Xiao Hong stormed off in protest, and Wang Yang arrived at the Spring Splendor Banquet’s peach grove. There, Lady Shen recognized his role in writing Le Xiaopang’s letter and began explaining how she had guessed.

• Xiao Hong grew increasingly rough during the match, and Le Xiaopang clashed with him after Xiao Hong shoved him aside.
• Shen Tanliang warned that anyone who played dirty would be removed; Xiao Hong accused him of favoritism, kicked the ball away, and left.
• Ju Zheng declared Wang Yang’s team the winners, and the crowd cheered as Xiao Hong watched from afar.
• Wang Yang’s team followed servants to the peach grove, where the Cuju players and pitch-pot winners gathered for the banquet.
• Wang Yang drew position five beside Xiu Lingyou and a quiet young woman who greeted him before revealing she was Lady Shen.
• Lady Shen teased Wang Yang about the letter he had dictated for Le Xiaopang, then said only someone like him would have dictated it.

Wang Yang and the other guests entered Shen Tanliang’s peach grove for a treasure hunt, competing for a prized Gold-Inlaid Saber. The hunt ended with Le Xiaopang and Lady Shen missing, and a search uncovered Lady Shen’s hairpin beside signs of a struggle.

• Shen Tanliang explained the treasure hunt rules and offered his ancestor’s Gold-Inlaid Saber as the prize.
• The participants entered the peach grove in order, following individual clues while three incense sticks burned.
• Most participants emerged with assorted objects, but Wang Yang hid his find in his sleeve, and Xiu Lingyou proudly displayed a silver comb.
• After the twelfth drumbeat, Le Xiaopang and Lady Shen had not come out, and attendants could not find them in the grove.
• Shen Tanliang, Wang Yang, and the others searched the grove and found broken shrubs, drag marks, and Lady Shen’s jade pear-blossom hairpin.

After Shen Tanliang and Wang Yang traced clues from Lady Shen and Le Pang’s abduction to Xiao Hong’s residence, they clashed with his guards. County Magistrate Mo arrived as both sides demanded action, and Xiao Hong pressed him to arrest the search party for trespassing without proof.

• Wang Yang identified coal dust near the abduction site and learned that Xiao Hong’s ironworks lay nearby.
• Shen Tanliang and Wang Yang led a combined party along wheel ruts to a guarded residence east of the ironworks.
• Shen Tanliang ordered his men to force their way into the residence, where Zheng Boqin drove back several fighters and Xiao Hong appeared.
• County Magistrate Mo arrived with bailiffs as Shen Tanliang accused Xiao Hong of abducting Lady Shen and Le Pang, while Xiao Hong denied it.
• Xiao Hong challenged Shen Tanliang’s evidence and ordered County Magistrate Mo to arrest the search party for trespassing and injuring his men.

Wang Yang helped Shen Tanliang bring garrison troops to search Xiao Hong’s residence for the abducted Lady Shen and Le Pang. The search found four nine-year-old girls instead, and Wang Yang spotted a troubling pattern in their sale contracts.

• Wang Yang and Yu Yuling warned County Magistrate Mo that he risked punishment if he ignored the kidnappings and targeted them instead.
• Shen Tanliang summoned Du Senghu and the Great Thunder Garrison, whose soldiers surrounded Xiao Hong’s residence.
• Xiao Hong blocked the search, but Wang Yang whispered something that frightened him into allowing the soldiers inside.
• The search failed to find Lady Shen or Le Pang but uncovered four children locked away in the residence.
• Xiao Hong produced sale contracts for the children, and Wang Yang examined them despite Xiao Hong’s reluctance.
• Wang Yang noticed that all four children were girls and exactly nine years old.

Wang Yang outmaneuvered Xiao Hong and took four young servants, then helped Shen Tanliang’s group search for Lady Shen and Le Xiaopang. After the pair were found safe, Lady Shen concluded that Wang Yang had seen through her disguise.

• Wang Yang talked Xiao Hong into yielding the four children and publicly thanked him for the servants.
• Shen Tanliang, Du Senghu, and the others left Xiao Hong’s residence safely, and Wang Yang suggested Lady Shen and Le Xiaopang might have returned on their own.
• Shen Tanliang split the group to search while asking Wang Yang what he had said to make Xiao Hong back down, but Wang Yang declined to explain.
• A Shen Family servant reported that Lady Shen and Le Xiaopang had been found safe after wandering out of the peach grove and falling into abandoned quarry pits.
• Shen Tanliang recounted Wang Yang’s words to Lady Shen, who concluded that he knew her secret and called him a sly rogue.

Wang Yang discovered that the four girls Xiao Hong had bought were all born on the fifth day of the fifth month, like A-Wu, and suspected their shared birth details were part of a larger scheme. Elsewhere, Chen Qing Shan confronted Night Butterfly in an alley but let her escape after their duel.

• Wang Yang questioned the four girls about how they had been sold and suspected their families’ debts and misfortunes had been deliberately arranged.
• Wang Yang’s test revealed that the girls were hiding their birth dates, and A-Wu later learned they had all been born on the fifth day of the fifth month.
• Wang Yang learned that A-Wu’s official age was a year older than her actual age because records listed only her birth year, then recognized that the five girls shared the same birth date, month, and year.
• Chen Qing Shan pursued a masked woman through the alleys, dodged her pebble attack, and identified her as Night Butterfly during their fight.
• Night Butterfly escaped after the watch drum sounded, and Chen Qing Shan chose not to pursue her without her spear.