Recaps

Zhao Ruxi asked Kang Shilin to prevent Xiao Ge from appointing her to the Hanlin Academy, while Xiao Lingyan told Noble Consort Cen that he wanted to marry Zhao Zhiwei. He asked his mother to persuade Xiao Ge to approve Zhao Zhiwei’s request for a post outside the capital, leaving Noble Consort Cen to raise the matter during the emperor’s visit that night.

• Zhao Ruxi asked Kang Shilin to speak to Xiao Ge and dissuade him from placing her in the Hanlin Academy.
• Zhao Ruxi told Qingfeng that Xiao Lingyan should not interfere because Kang Shilin was the proper person to appeal to Xiao Ge.
• Xiao Lingyan privately told Noble Consort Cen that he wanted to marry Zhao Zhiwei and explained that he wanted to keep their match secret until they were married.
• Xiao Lingyan asked Noble Consort Cen to persuade Xiao Ge to grant Zhao Zhiwei a posting outside the capital, warning that her work near him could endanger her.
• Noble Consort Cen agreed to raise the request when Xiao Ge spent the night in her palace.

Zhao Ruxi reconsidered how Kang Shilin should request an appointment outside the capital, and Xiao Ge approved her wish before Kang could ask. The chapter left Kang discussing Anzhou Province as a possible posting, close enough for him to visit Zhao.

• Xiao Lingyan sent Zhao Ruxi a message through one of Prince Qi’s subordinates, and she returned to the Kang Residence to advise Kang Shilin to consult Eunuch Xie before approaching Xiao Ge.
• Kang Shilin asked a palace eunuch to sound out Eunuch Xie, who indicated that Kang could safely make the request the next day.
• Kang Shilin went to the palace, where Xiao Ge said he had already agreed to grant Zhao Zhiwei an appointment outside the capital.
• Xiao Ge explained that he admired Zhao Zhiwei’s talent and did not want to damage her reputation by keeping her near him in the palace.
• Kang Shilin said Zhao had first wanted Jiangnan but proposed Anzhou Province instead, since Zhao could not serve in Gusu while the Earl of Suiping was there.

Xiao Ge promised Kang Shilin that Zhao Zhiwei would receive a suitable official posting, while Zhao Ruxi revealed how she had developed her distinctive calligraphy. At the examination compound, Zhao Ruxi discovered her essay had been framed above the other papers, and learned that people defended its placement by citing the emperor’s words.

• Xiao Ge promised Kang Shilin he would have Wu Huaisi seek a suitable posting for Zhao Zhiwei.
• Kang Shilin asked Zhao Ruxi how she had developed her calligraphy, and she credited the County Princess of Qingyang’s advice and her own practice.
• Zhao Ruxi wrote a poem for Kang Shilin, who praised her calligraphy and ordered it mounted.
• Kang Shilin urged Zhao Ruxi to look at the examination compound entrance, then teased her about finding a husband if she could not get an appointment.
• Zhao Ruxi went to the examination compound and saw her paper displayed in a glass frame above the others.
• Ma Wushi told Zhao Ruxi that people praised her essay and calligraphy, and that someone had defended her honor by repeating Xiao Ge’s words.

At a family banquet celebrating Zhao Ruxi placing first in the palace examination, Zhao Rurui pressed Lady Zhu to help her find a husband among the new jinshi, while Zhao Ruxi made clear she had no intention of choosing one that way. When Lady Zhu questioned Zhao Ruxi about her own marriage, Zhao Ruxi promised to bring home a son-in-law next year and slipped away.

• Zhao Rurui told Lady Zhu that families were already competing to recruit new jinshi as sons-in-law and asked her to help find a match.
• Zhao Ruxi argued that sensible candidates would avoid being snatched and that the men left unmarried were more promising.
• Zhao Rurui asked whether Zhao Ruxi planned to choose a husband among the new jinshi, and Zhao Ruxi said she would not.
• Lady Zhu asked Zhao Ruxi about the men who had sent calling cards and pressed her to explain her marriage plans.
• Zhao Ruxi promised to bring Lady Zhu a son-in-law next year, then hurried away before her mother could question her further.
• Matron Zhou reassured Lady Zhu that Zhao Ruxi could choose a suitable husband for herself.

The court finalized appointments for the newly successful jinshi, approving Zhao Zhiwei’s request to serve outside the capital as deputy magistrate of Nanyang Prefecture. Xiao Ge then proposed appointing Wu Zong prefect of Linjiang Prefecture, and Zhang Changshen supported the move.

• Xiao Ge had the ministers review the proposed appointments for the newly successful jinshi.
• Qi Xugu questioned why top scorer Zhao Zhiwei was assigned an outside post instead of entering the Hanlin Academy, then accepted the emperor’s decision after understanding her request and the reasons behind it.
• The ministers raised only a few appointments for associate jinshi, and Xiao Ge approved the proposals.
• The finalized list appointed Zhao Zhiwei deputy magistrate of Nanyang Prefecture in Anzhou Province at Subordinate Sixth Rank.
• Xiao Ge asked Zhang Changshen to remain and proposed appointing Wu Zong prefect of Linjiang Prefecture; Zhang Changshen agreed.

Zhang Changshen and Wu Huaisi discussed Wu Zong’s outside posting and the careful choice of his successor, while the capital quietly accepted Zhao Ruxi’s appointment as a prefect. Zhao Ruxi planned to leave in five days with Lady Zhu and her grandmother, but Lady Zhu asked whether Kang Shilin had agreed to accompany her.

• Xiao Ge asked Zhang Changshen and Wu Huaisi to suggest a replacement for Wu Zong, and Zhang Changshen invited Wu Huaisi to recommend a suitable local official.
• Zhang Changshen explained that Wu Zong’s successor should be chosen carefully so the post would remain available when Wu Zong returned.
• The capital’s officials and princes tacitly accepted Zhao Ruxi’s appointment because they wanted her kept away from the palace and capital.
• Zhao Ruxi told Lady Zhu they needed to leave in five days to reach Gusu, settle her grandmother, and arrive at her post on time.
• Zhao Ruxi said she would postpone a banquet for her master and senior brothers and planned to give them paintings and calligraphy instead.
• Lady Zhu asked Zhao Ruxi whether Kang Shilin had agreed to accompany her to her post.

Zhao Ruxi told Lady Zhu that Wu Zong would serve as her superior at her new post, prompting her mother to wonder whether they were romantically involved. Zhao Ruxi denied it and said she planned to help Xiao Ruotong and Wu Zong become a couple, while Lady Zhu remained worried about her daughter's marriage and discussed Zhao Rurui's poor prospects.

• Zhao Ruxi told Lady Zhu that her master and senior brothers had arranged for Wu Zong to become her immediate superior at her new post.
• Lady Zhu privately asked whether Zhao Ruxi and her third senior brother were romantically involved, but Zhao Ruxi denied it and explained that Xiao Ruotong liked Wu Zong.
• Zhao Ruxi said Wu Zong had refused her attempt to match him with Xiao Ruotong, and Lady Zhu agreed that the pair seemed well suited.
• Lady Zhu worried that Zhao Ruxi's career as an official could hurt her marriage prospects, while Zhao Ruxi insisted she would find someone when the time came.
• Lady Zhu told Zhao Ruxi that Zhao Rurui had few suitable marriage prospects and kept the Earl of Suiping's Residence and Zhao Zhiwei out of the matchmaking effort.

Zhao Ruxi and Lady Zhu discussed Zhao Jingli’s difficult marriage prospects, and Zhao Ruxi rejected Xu Xue as a match because she would struggle in the second branch. Zhao Ruxi considered He Yuqi instead and tested whether Lady Zhu would accept a daughter-in-law who worked outside the home.

• Zhao Ruxi dismissed Zhao Rurui’s marriage troubles and told Lady Zhu to leave the capital with her.
• Lady Zhu explained why Zhao Jingli’s family position, limited means, and household complications made finding him a wife difficult.
• Lady Zhu suggested Xu Xue, but Zhao Ruxi argued that Xu Xue was too gentle and inexperienced to manage the second branch.
• Zhao Ruxi considered He Yuqi, whose character, family background, and work at the newspaper seemed suitable for Zhao Jingli.
• Zhao Ruxi proposed asking Madam Cui about capable women at the newspaper and watched Lady Zhu’s reaction to see whether she would accept a working daughter-in-law.

Zhao Ruxi sought a suitable wife for Zhao Jingli and, on Madam Cui’s recommendation, visited the He family to meet He Yuqi. Watching her family defer to Zhao Ruxi’s achievements, He Yuqi realized she could earn respect through her own abilities and resolved to pursue independence and success.

• Lady Zhu told Zhao Ruxi that Zhao Jingli had agreed to let her choose his wife, so Zhao Ruxi wrote to Madam Cui for a recommendation.
• Madam Cui recommended He Yuqi, whose father had confined her at home and was seeking a marriage for her, and Zhao Ruxi arranged to visit the He family.
• Master He welcomed Zhao Ruxi with formal deference, while He Yuqi’s father and eldest brother treated her with conspicuous respect.
• He Yuqi recognized that Zhao Ruxi’s achievements had earned her family’s respect and resolved to improve herself and pursue a self-reliant life.

Zhao Ruxi visited He Yuqi and proposed a match between her and Zhao Jingli, candidly explaining the complications in his family. He Yuqi considered the match acceptable because Zhao Jingli would let her work, while her brother warned her to weigh the burdens carefully.

• Zhao Ruxi impressed Master He and his son with her knowledge, then asked to speak privately with He Yuqi.
• Zhao Ruxi asked about He Yuqi's arranged matches and proposed her cousin Zhao Jingli.
• Zhao Ruxi explained Zhao Jingli's family circumstances and urged He Yuqi to consider the match without agreeing for her sake.
• He Yuqi told her parents and brother about the proposal after Zhao Ruxi left.
• He Yuqi said the match seemed acceptable, but He Zhi warned her that managing the complicated household could interfere with her work.

The He Family investigated Zhao Jingli and considered whether He Yuqi should marry him. After confirming Zhao Ruxi's account and hearing He Yuqi's wishes, Master He accepted the match in principle and arranged for the families to meet Zhao Jingli the next day.

• Master He agreed with He Yuqi that the family should investigate the Zhao Family's second branch and meet Zhao Jingli before deciding.
• He Yuqi explained that she could accept the match despite its complications if Zhao Jingli was reasonable and supported her working.
• Master He judged Zhao Jingli a strong prospect and said he would accept the match if the servants' reports confirmed Zhao Ruxi's account.
• He Yuqi asked to meet Zhao Jingli, and Master He told her to ask Zhao Ruxi to arrange it.
• The servants returned with reports confirming Zhao Ruxi had told the truth, and Master He decided the family would visit Zhao Ruxi the next afternoon.
• He Yuqi sent a calling card to Zhao Ruxi to arrange the visit.

Zhao Ruxi arranged for the He family to visit so Zhao Jingli and He Yuqi could meet, and both families approved of the prospective match. The chapter left Zhao Jingli and He Yuqi getting acquainted in the garden while Zhao Jingli reflected on the kind of wife he hoped to have.

• Zhao Ruxi told Lady Zhu that the He family planned to visit, and Zhao Jingli agreed to receive them.
• Zhao Yuanliang and Zhao Jingli waited at the residence before the He family arrived, and Zhao Jingli and He Yuqi were pleased with each other at first sight.
• Lady Zhu found He Yuqi capable and agreeable, then arranged for her and Zhao Jingli to stroll together in the garden.
• Zhao Ruxi drew He Zhi into a scholarly conversation so Zhao Jingli and He Yuqi could talk privately.
• Zhao Jingli reflected that Zhao Ruxi’s self-reliance had shaped his preference for a capable, thoughtful wife rather than one like Zhao Rurui or Zhao Ruyu.

Zhao Jingli and He Yuqi grew closer during their marriage meeting, and he promised never to take a concubine. After the He family left, Lady Zhu told Zhao Yuanliang to prepare generous betrothal gifts for his eldest son.

• Zhao Jingli told He Yuqi that he would never take a concubine, and she accepted his promise.
• He Zhi challenged Zhao Jingli to prove his sincerity, and Zhao Jingli asked him and Zhao Ruxi to witness his commitment.
• Zhao Ruxi agreed to be a witness and teased Zhao Jingli and He Yuqi, easing He Yuqi's unease.
• After the He family departed, Zhao Yuanliang told Lady Zhu that Master He had been very pleased with Zhao Jingli.
• Lady Zhu instructed Zhao Yuanliang to prepare generous betrothal gifts himself rather than leave the task to Zhao Jingli.

The He Family considered Zhao Jingli’s marriage to He Yuqi and decided to proceed with the match after hearing Master He’s assessment of Zhao Yuanliang and the Zhao household. Zhao Ruxi then prepared invitations for a banquet thanking her mentors and supporters before meeting her master and senior brothers to learn about serving as a local official.

• Lady Zhu pressed Zhao Yuanliang to arrange Zhao Jingli’s betrothal properly, and Zhao Yuanliang promised to prepare a gift list for her approval.
• Lady Zhu advised Zhao Jingli to secure his fair share of the family property, and he silently resolved to treat her and Zhao Ruxi well for life.
• Master He praised Zhao Yuanliang’s clearheaded approach to family matters, and the He Family agreed to settle He Yuqi’s match with Zhao Jingli.
• Master He sent He Zhi to inspect the Zhao household and deliver a letter to the Earl of Suiping’s Residence if all seemed well.
• Zhao Ruxi planned a thank-you banquet and wrote invitations before going to meet Wu Huaisi and her senior brothers.

Zhao Ruxi discussed the challenges of her Nanyang Prefecture appointment with Kang Shilin and her senior brothers, then visited supporters and teachers to give them calligraphy. Gan Lun told her that Qin Zhe had withdrawn after seeing her palace examination paper, leaving Zhao Ruxi feeling guilty and eager to leave the capital.

• Zhao Ruxi gave Kang Shilin her invitation, painting, and calligraphy, then discussed her future duties in Nanyang Prefecture with him, Wu Huaisi, and Gong Cheng.
• Wu Huaisi and Gong Cheng warned Zhao Ruxi that taking a lucrative salt or grain post could upset her colleagues, but said her connections would discourage them from bullying her.
• Zhao Ruxi assured Kang Shilin and her senior brothers that she would establish herself without relying on their protection.
• Zhao Ruxi visited Grand Princess Shangde, Madam Cui, several teachers, and Gan Lun, giving them calligraphy as gifts.
• Gan Lun told Zhao Ruxi that Qin Zhe had studied her palace examination paper for two days and then shut himself away, making Zhao Ruxi feel guilty and more eager to leave the capital.

Zhao Ruxi learned how to audit accounts from Gan Lun before returning to the capital. Zhao Ruyu met Fu Yunlang after receiving his letter and confronted him about his engagement, but his declaration of affection prompted her to change her approach.

• Zhao Ruxi asked Gan Lun to teach her how to audit accounts, and he agreed to give her lessons at Beining Women's Academy.
• Zhao Ruxi studied Gan Lun's accounting methods and practiced with his account books, impressing him with her ability.
• Gan Lun resolved to visit Zhao Zhiwei when she took up her post and teach her the accounting knowledge he had not yet shared.
• Zhao Ruyu received Fu Yunlang's letter asking her to meet, then disguised her appearance with makeup and went to the teahouse.
• Zhao Ruyu told Fu Yunlang to stop contacting her because he was engaged, but he insisted that she was the only one in his heart.
• Zhao Ruyu changed her cold expression to one of sorrow as Fu Yunlang professed his affection.

Zhao Ruyu rejected Fu Yunlang’s attempt to reclaim her, then agreed to become his concubine after he swore he would treat her well. She set conditions for entering his household quietly, and Fu Yunlang eagerly accepted.

• Zhao Ruyu tried to leave, but Fushu blocked Fu Yunlang when he moved to stop her.
• Fu Yunlang blamed his mother for his betrothal and asked Zhao Ruyu to become his concubine, claiming she was the only one he loved.
• Zhao Ruyu reflected on how her changed circumstances and Fu Yunlang’s selfishness had shattered her hopes of marrying him as his principal wife.
• Fu Yunlang swore an oath to treat Zhao Ruyu well, and she agreed to become his concubine.
• Zhao Ruyu required Fu Yunlang to bring her to his residence in a small sedan chair at night without a public fuss, and he agreed.

Zhao Ruyu agreed to become Fu Yunlang’s concubine after his wedding, insisting that he bring her away within two months and keep their arrangement secret. Back at the Zhao residence, she endured Zhao Rurui’s insults and reassured Fushu that she would take care of her.

• Zhao Ruyu told Fu Yunlang she would be married off soon and demanded that he take her as a concubine within two months.
• Fu Yunlang agreed, and Zhao Ruyu told him to hide their arrangement and send for her a month after his wedding to Miss Cen.
• Fushu worried that Zhao Ruyu was giving up the chance to marry well, but Zhao Ruyu insisted she had her own plans.
• Zhao Rurui mocked Zhao Ruyu for dressing up to attract men, and Zhao Ruyu ignored her and returned to her courtyard.
• Fushu asked why Zhao Ruyu did not report Zhao Rurui’s bullying, and Zhao Ruyu explained that it would only make things worse.
• Zhao Ruyu promised Fushu that she would ensure she had a good life.

Zhao Ruxi appointed Shi Chao to oversee her capital properties while she was away, and told him to ease inspections so disloyal managers would reveal themselves. She then hosted banquets to thank the male elders and teachers who had supported her, with a gathering for female guests planned for the following evening.

• Zhao Ruxi asked Zhou Chun to recommend someone to manage her capital properties, and he suggested Shao Zhengping and Shi Chao.
• Zhao Ruxi chose Shi Chao as steward, promoted his deputy to head the safe shop, and instructed Shi Chao not to intensify audits or inspections so disloyal people might expose themselves.
• Shi Chao accepted his appointment and pledged to oversee Zhao Ruxi's properties while she was away.
• Zhao Ruxi hosted a banquet at Taibai Tower for Kang Shilin, her senior brothers, teachers, clan elders, and other male supporters, offering each table a toast of thanks.
• Zhao Ruxi planned a home banquet for Grand Princess Shangde, Madam Cui, female teachers, noblewomen, clan elders, and others close to or helpful to her household.

Before Zhao Ruxi left for Nanyang, Xiao Lingyan gave her a detailed report on local officials and offered to arrange guards, while she urged him to take care of his health. The chapter left them preparing to part, with Zhao Ruxi carrying his warnings and concern about the illness that had killed his original self.

• At the banquets, the old madam and Lady Zhu declined farewell feasts, and Grand Princess Shangde promised to welcome them when they returned.
• On the night before Zhao Ruxi's departure, Xiao Lingyan gave her records on Nanyang's officials and warned her about Cai Yaozong and clerk Chen Kang.
• Xiao Lingyan offered to send Zhao Ruxi two expert guards, and she agreed that she needed more protection for her posting.
• Zhao Ruxi thanked Xiao Lingyan for supporting her and told him to report any illness immediately, reminding him that the original owner had died of illness.

Zhao Ruxi left the capital for Gusu Prefecture with her family and Xiao Lingyan’s guards, then reunited with Zhao Yuanxun at their new residence. As Lord Zhang arrived to pay his respects to the old madam, Zhao Ruxi noticed that her father seemed more assertive with his superior than before.

• Xiao Lingyan promised Zhao Ruxi he would take care of his health and contact her if he became unwell, and they agreed they would marry and never part once the situation settled.
• Zhao Ruxi departed the capital with the old madam, Lady Zhu, servants, and three guards introduced as manor slaves from Little Peach Manor.
• After five days of travel, Zhao Ruxi’s party reached Gusu City, where Zhao Yuanxun welcomed the old madam and reassured her about the journey.
• The old madam questioned the price of the Zhao Residence, and Zhao Ruxi explained that Wu Zong had helped her buy the property for ten thousand taels of silver.
• A servant reported that Lord Zhang had sent a calling card, and Zhao Yuanxun agreed to receive him after the old madam and Lady Zhu urged him not to slight his superior.

Zhang Shun visited the Zhao Family with his nephew, Zhang Zhaode, and tried to learn where Zhao Ruxi had been appointed. When she revealed her post was not on the list Zhang Shun had given Zhao Yuanxun, she firmly defended the emperor’s authority over appointments and left Zhang Shun impressed by her political instincts.

• Zhang Shun brought Zhang Zhaode to the Zhao residence, prompting the old madam to warn that Zhao Ruxi would not offer private study guidance that could harm her reputation.
• Zhang Shun asked whether Zhao Ruxi had stayed at the Hanlin Academy, and she said she had requested an appointment outside the capital.
• Zhao Ruxi told Zhang Shun and Zhao Yuanxun that she would serve as assistant prefect of Nanyang Prefecture in Linjiang Prefecture, Anzhou Province.
• Zhao Yuanxun revealed that Zhang Shun had given him a list of officials who could look after Zhao Ruxi, then worried that her appointment was not among the listed places.
• Zhao Ruxi explained that appointments belonged to the emperor, and Zhang Shun quickly clarified that his list had only been intended to comfort Zhao Yuanxun.
• Zhang Shun recognized Zhao Ruxi’s political skill and judged his nephew to be far beneath her.

Zhao Ruxi left Gusu with Lady Zhu and arrived in Nanyang, where she discovered her mother had bought her a much larger residence than she wanted. After settling in, she summoned Zhou Chun to hear the results of his independent inquiries about the region.

• Zhao Yuanxun returned to the office, while Zhao Ruxi decided against learning from him or dealing with Zhang Shun and instead explored the area with Ma Sheng.
• Zhao Ruxi asked to leave Gusu early, and after five days there, she and Lady Zhu set out for Nanyang.
• Zhou Chun and Madam Sun met Zhao Ruxi's party at Nanyang's city gate and guided the carriages into the city.
• Zhao Ruxi learned that Lady Zhu had bought her a four-courtyard residence to accommodate family and guests.
• After settling in, Zhao Ruxi summoned Zhou Chun and asked what he had learned about Nanyang.

Zhao Ruxi assessed Cai Yaozong’s growing influence and learned that Chen Kang’s family had few prospects beyond serving as clerks. She considered using Chen Kang’s concern for his grandsons to weaken Cai Yaozong’s control of Nanyang’s salt and grain affairs.

• Zhou Chun told Zhao Ruxi that Lord Liu was yielding to Cai Yaozong, who was expected to succeed him and was profiting from salt and grain for the crown prince.
• Zhao Ruxi asked about Cai Yaozong’s weaknesses and Chen Kang’s family, and Zhou Chun admitted he had found little beyond surface details.
• Zhou Chun reported that Chen Kang’s son was a revenue office clerk and that Chen Kang had three grandsons, the eldest sixteen and the youngest seven.
• Zhao Ruxi explained that Chen Kang’s descendants were barred from the examinations and might lose their standing once he could no longer protect them.
• Zhao Ruxi reasoned that training Chen Kang’s grandsons in practical skills could appeal to his concern for their futures and potentially draw him away from Cai Yaozong.

Zhao Ruxi advised Zhou Chun to assess Chen Kang’s loyalty before offering to educate his descendants, then reviewed the rice noodle shops she had established to gather and spread information. After several days observing Nanyang, she reported for duty as an assistant prefect and met Prefect Liu, Cai Yaozong, and Li Li.

• Zhao Ruxi explained to Zhou Chun that Chen Kang’s family needed descendants with useful official skills, and warned him to determine Chen Kang’s allegiance to Cai Yaozong before approaching him.
• Zhou Chun reported that the rice noodle shops were thriving, while Zhao Ruxi reflected that the absent system would have made gathering information easier.
• Zhao Ruxi spent several days exploring Nanyang in men’s official robes before reporting to the yamen with Zhou Chun.
• The gate runner recognized Zhao Ruxi as the new assistant prefect and brought her to Prefect Liu, who welcomed her.
• Zhao Ruxi greeted Assistant Prefect Cai Yaozong and Assistant Prefect Li Li, noting that Cai’s pleasant appearance concealed the threat described in Xiao Lingyan’s information.