Ding Youwei gazed steadily at Chen Caozhi. The contours of the boy's brow faintly recalled his elder brother Chen Qingzhi, and his handsome face still held a trace of boyishness. Yet his calm, unfathomable eyes and unhurried, measured voice made it hard to believe he was only fifteen. At the same time, they gave her an overwhelming sense that whatever he said he would do, he would surely accomplish.
"Caozhi, you-"
The boy's words and bearing shook Ding Youwei considerably. Only after a long while did she regain her composure and break into a smile. "Of course I want to return to Chen Family Cove. I have to look after Zongzhi and Run'er, and attend to my mother-in-law"-Chen Caozhi's mother-"too."
Ding Youwei paused, then continued softly, "I support your wish to gain entry into the gentry, but you must not rush this. First, you must study under a renowned teacher and advance your learning. You must also befriend members of the gentry and make your name known throughout the villages, provinces, and commanderies. Then you must ask someone of exceptional literary talent to write biographies of your elder brother, your father, your grandfather, and your great-great-grandfather. Family background is an important criterion in the Nine-Rank Official Selection System, and that is divided into the family register and the family record. The Yingchuan Chen Clan has an illustrious family register, which is a great advantage, but its family record is undistinguished: for three generations, its members held no prominent offices and enjoyed little renown. It is exceedingly difficult for such a family to rise from commoner status into the gentry. So you must have someone write biographies of three generations of the Chen family, skirting the weightier matters and dwelling on the lighter ones. Mention little of official rank and record only their refined pursuits in leisure. These accounts must be refreshingly distinctive, free of vulgarity, and dazzling in literary merit, spreading the fame of all three generations of the Qiantang Chen Clan. Only once your family has gained an unsullied reputation will you have a chance, with the help of some high-ranking gentry dignitary who appreciates you, to bring the Qiantang Chen Clan into the ranks of the gentry. Every step will be difficult, but I believe you can do it, little brother."
Delight rose to Chen Caozhi's brows. He did not know much about certain details of the Nine-Rank Official Selection System or its established conventions. His sister-in-law's advice made him feel as though a broad vista had suddenly opened before him, and he was now more certain of what to do next. His sister-in-law truly was an exceptionally intelligent woman. He immediately lowered his eyes and bowed. "Thank you, Sister-in-law. I will certainly do my utmost."
Ding Youwei saw that even Chen Caozhi's simple, downcast bow seemed alive with grace, and thought, Little brother's prospects are boundless. He will surely go far beyond Qingzhi. I should do everything I can to help him. She said, "I have heard that Xu Zao, a professor at the state school in Wu Commandery, is widely learned and well informed, diligent in conduct and devoted to study. Though he comes from humble stock, he progressed from Confucian learning into metaphysical studies and is especially versed in the Analects and Zhuangzi. After winning Xie An's praise, he became renowned throughout Jiangzuo. Many sons of the gentry from the counties of Wu Commandery study under him; even the sons and nephews of Lu Na, the governor of Wu Commandery, have entered Master Xu's school. Master Xu would not look down on people as the great gentry houses do. With your keen understanding, little brother, he will surely accept you as a disciple. Once you return and inform Agu, you can shoulder your book satchel and travel to Wu Commandery to study. You are sure to accomplish something."
Chen Caozhi nodded. Though his knowledge and experience were broad, he knew he could not thoroughly master Laozi, Zhuangzi, and the Book of Changes by groping his own way through independent study. He needed guidance from a renowned teacher. Finding a teacher and making friends were important steps toward revitalizing the Qiantang Chen Clan, but-
Chen Caozhi said, "Mother is growing old, and her health is nowhere near what it used to be. How could I leave with an easy mind to study alone in Wu Commandery?"
At these words, a mist instantly veiled Ding Youwei's clear eyes, and her voice grew mournful. "It is all my fault. I left two little children behind and burdened Agu-" Her emotions surged. After a long moment with her brows drawn, she declared resolutely, "I must ask Uncle once more to let me return to Chen Family Cove. If he will not let me go, I would rather die!"
Chen Caozhi hastily said, "Sister-in-law, you must never choose to shatter like jade. Before I came, Mother warned me not to clash with the Ding Clan. It would harm our Qiantang Chen Clan. You know that."
Ding Youwei nodded dejectedly. It was not that she had never resisted over these past three years, but her uncle had issued a ruthless warning: if she insisted on having her own way and damaged the family's reputation, the Chen Clan could forget about maintaining a foothold in Qiantang. Given the Ding Clan's power, this was no empty threat. Thus, she could only remain confined in this lonely residence and courtyard.
Chen Caozhi comforted her. "Do not be sad, Sister-in-law. You know I have grown up now. I will arrange things properly at home, and I will certainly go to Wu Commandery, either at the end of this year or the beginning of next. Then, two years after that, I will bring you home without fail, and our family will be reunited."
Ding Youwei wanted to smile and wanted to weep. Afraid of embarrassing herself by losing her composure before her young brother-in-law, she said, "Wait a moment, Caozhi." She hurriedly rose to return to her room and wash her face, only to see A Xiu rushing upstairs, her face full of alarm. "A Xiu, what has you so flustered?" she asked.
A Xiu was about to answer when she saw Chen Caozhi behind her and shut her mouth. She hurried over to Ding Youwei and murmured something in a lowered voice.
Chen Caozhi stepped out of the study and saw Ding Youwei's beautifully contoured profile. That visible half of her face suddenly turned deathly pale, as though all the blood in her body had been drained away at once. Her slender, frail body began to sway. A Xiu quickly supported her, saying repeatedly, "My lady, do not distress yourself, do not distress yourself-"
Chen Caozhi asked urgently, "Sister-in-law, what has happened?"
Ding Youwei did not answer, only shook her head. She kept her back to Chen Caozhi so he could not see her face, but her slightly raised shoulders shook with one sob after another.
Chen Caozhi then asked A Xiu. Looking frightened and flustered, A Xiu glanced at Ding Youwei and dared not speak.
Just then, Zongzhi and Run'er came upstairs with Xiao Chan and Qingzhi. Run'er said brightly, "Ugly Uncle, Mother, Brother and I haven't done our reading and writing today." At Chen Family Cove, studying with Chen Caozhi in the study every day had become a habit for the two little ones.
Chen Caozhi went to meet them and told Xiao Chan to take the brother and sister downstairs to play a little longer. Run'er was most unwilling and pouted. Eight-year-old Zongzhi was more perceptive. Seeing that his mother kept her back turned, he knew something had happened and silently took his little sister's hand and led her downstairs.
Chen Caozhi walked up behind Ding Youwei and looked at her narrow waist, so slender it could almost be encircled by a single hand. His sister-in-law was truly thin. What on earth had happened to distress her so?
"Sister-in-law, Zongzhi and Run'er are both very clever. They have already sensed something is wrong. They will worry-"
Ding Youwei turned around, her face covered in tears. Her voice choked, she managed only, "Little brother-" before finding herself at a loss for how to begin.
Chen Caozhi had A Xiu help Ding Youwei back into the study. Sitting across the desk from her, he said, "I do not know what difficulty you have encountered, Sister-in-law. Perhaps I lack the ability to resolve it for you, but I can help think of ways and offer some ideas. Sister-in-law, there is no road under heaven that has no way out. There is always some solution to be found-if you can, why not tell me exactly what has happened?" As he spoke, Chen Caozhi recalled getting lost in the mountains in his previous life. He had wandered for five full days and nights before escaping danger.
Chen Caozhi's composed manner and measured voice were powerfully infectious. Looking at the boy before her, whose mature mind belied his age, Ding Youwei found it strange that she had actually calmed down. She was still somewhat ashamed, for discussing such things with her young brother-in-law was embarrassing, yet she could not avoid telling him. Lowering her eyes and lashes, she said, "Uncle wants to force me to remarry. The man is from the Qiantang Chu Clan. His wife died before the New Year, and he wants me as his second wife. He has already arrived at the estate and is talking with Uncle. I hear he has even invited an honored guest to act as matchmaker."
There were eight gentry surnames in Qiantang. Quan, Zhu, Gu, and Fan were the upper four, while Du, Dai, Ding, and Chu were the lower four. This widower surnamed Chu belonged to the Qiantang Chu Clan, making his family a fitting match for the Ding Clan. Ding Youwei's marriage to Chen Qingzhi had originally been arranged by her father. Now her father was dead, and her uncle, who had succeeded him as head of the Ding Clan, keenly felt the shame of a marriage alliance with the Chen Clan of Humble Origins. He blamed his elder brother for having grown muddleheaded in his old age and was eager to erase the adverse effects on the family. Previously, no son of the gentry had sought Ding Youwei's hand. Now that this man surnamed Chu had appeared, it was precisely what he wanted, and he was certain to agree. Ding Youwei's situation was therefore dire.
Chen Caozhi's expression did not change. After thinking quietly for a while, he asked, "What do you intend to do, Sister-in-law?"
Ding Youwei froze for a moment, then suddenly understood. Casting him a sidelong glance of embarrassed annoyance, she said, "Caozhi, do you not understand my heart? Your brother and I shared a deep and devoted love. I wish I could follow him beneath the earth. And I have a darling son and daughter. How could I possibly think of remarrying?"
Chen Caozhi possessed a soul from a thousand years in the future and held no prejudice against divorce or remarriage. Yet looking at his young, beautiful sister-in-law, he could not help feeling jealous on behalf of his deceased elder brother and was not very willing to see her marry someone else. Moreover, when women remarried in this era, they could seldom give much care to the children of their former husbands, something Chen Caozhi did not wish to see. Hearing his sister-in-law's words now, his respect for her deepened. "Whenever Mother speaks of you, she is full of tenderness and concern," he said. "She says you are the best sister-in-law, and Zongzhi and Run'er cannot do without you either-do not worry, Sister-in-law. There will be a way."
Ding Youwei sighed. "I am determined not to marry, and Uncle cannot wrest that resolve from me. But I fear he will vent his anger on the Qiantang Chen Clan. That is what worries me most."
Chen Caozhi's fine brows drew together slightly. He pressed his lips together in deep thought.
Ding Youwei said nothing either, simply watching him quietly. She seemed quite certain that Chen Caozhi could devise a countermeasure. That was precisely the feeling her young brother-in-law now gave her.
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