Thus Xie Daoyun began her career at the Military Command. By custom, Huan Wen summoned newly appointed clerks individually for private conversations, both to show his regard and to learn about their abilities, knowledge, and aspirations. Xie Daoyun was no exception. On the evening of her second day there, Huan Wen sent someone to summon Clerk Zhu to the General’s Residence for a long talk-
Before coming from Jiankang to Gushu, Xie Daoyun had devised many ways to handle all sorts of awkward situations, but she had never anticipated this one. Whatever else might be said, she was a woman, and entering the General’s Residence at night to meet Huan Wen alone inevitably made her uneasy. She immediately excused herself on the grounds that, newly arrived at the Military Command, she had not adjusted to the local climate and was feeling unwell; she would pay her respects to Duke Huan another day-
When Huan Wen received his attendant's report, he stroked his beard and smiled, thinking, A woman beyond any doubt! Very well, I shall not put the talented Lady Xie in a difficult position. If I mean to entrust Chen Caozhi with important duties and maintain good relations with the Chen Commandery Xie Clan, I must take care to preserve Xie Daoyun's appearance as a man.
Huan Wen did not consider the presence of a female adviser at his Military Command a violation of ritual or regulations. Those who accomplished great things did not fuss over trifles. Since he dared declare, "If a true man cannot leave a fragrant name for a thousand generations, then let him leave a stench for ten thousand years," why would he balk at such things? What occupied his thoughts was how to make skillful use of the relationship between Chen and Xie to