Chapter Summaries

Zhao Ruxi insisted she would marry Xiao Lingyan as planned despite his unconscious state, reassuring Noble Consort Cen and her family. After two days of daily visits and efforts to find a physician, Xiao Lingyan woke up.

• Noble Consort Cen tested Zhao Ruxi by asking whether she would still marry Xiao Lingyan, and Zhao Ruxi firmly said she would proceed with the wedding.
• Noble Consort Cen told Zhao Ruxi that the wedding preparations would continue, and Zhao Ruxi returned to the Earl of Suiping's Residence.
• Zhao Ruxi told the old madam and Lady Zhu that she would go through with the marriage, while they worried about her future and suspected Xiao Lingheng had poisoned Xiao Lingyan.
• Zhao Ruxi visited Xiao Lingyan each day as the palace sought physicians and screened candidates.
• Xiao Lingyan woke up before the physician screening was complete.

Xiao Lingyan woke from his unconscious state but could not speak or move, while Zhao Ruxi and Noble Consort Cen cared for him. The Cen Family then debated which woman should marry him as a secondary consort, with Cen Hanchang leaving their arguments unresolved.

• Zhao Ruxi noticed Xiao Lingyan waking and called Imperial Physician Wen, who confirmed that he had regained consciousness.
• Zhao Ruxi found that Xiao Lingyan could barely squeeze her hand and could not speak or move, while Imperial Physician Wen assured Noble Consort Cen that he might recover gradually.
• Noble Consort Cen had Xiao Lingyan fed goat's milk and sent word of his recovery to the Cen Family.
• Cen Hanchang gathered the Cen Family branches to discuss choosing a secondary consort for Xiao Lingyan before his wedding.
• The Cen relatives argued over which candidate could best manage Zhao Zhiwei, while Cen Hanchang listened in silence.

The Cen Family chose Cen Twelfth Lady to become Xiao Lingyan’s secondary consort, and Noble Consort Cen agreed to discuss the arrangement with the emperor and her son. Before she could do so, a rebel army surrounded the palace, and Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan realized Xiao Lingheng had been spared because he commanded troops.

• Cen Peixuan sent word that Cen Twelfth Lady should become Xiao Lingyan’s secondary consort, and the Cen Family agreed.
• The Cen Family informed Noble Consort Cen that Twelfth Miss should enter Xiao Lingyan’s household on the same day as Zhao Zhiwei.
• Noble Consort Cen protested that the family had made the decision without consulting her, then said she would discuss it with the emperor and Xiao Lingyan after his health improved.
• The imperial physicians told Noble Consort Cen that Xiao Lingyan’s condition had stopped improving.
• A palace eunuch reported that rebels had surrounded the palace and that Xiao Lingheng had escaped prison.
• Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan understood that Xiao Lingheng had been spared because he commanded troops.

As the Prince of Ming’s rebellion unfolded, Noble Consort Cen and Zhao Ruxi protected the recovering Xiao Lingyan and prepared for danger in the palace. Noble Consort Cen tested the loyalty of those around her and tried to send Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan into hiding, while Zhao Ruxi insisted on staying.

• Zhao Ruxi continued feeding Xiao Lingyan his medicine and had helped ensure the imperial physicians treated him cautiously.
• Noble Consort Cen ordered a eunuch to check on the emperor’s safety and offered the imperial physicians and palace servants the choice to leave and hide.
• Several physicians and servants left, while Noble Consort Cen summoned more eunuchs and palace maids to guard the room.
• Noble Consort Cen offered to escort Zhao Ruxi out of the palace, but Zhao Ruxi refused to leave her and Xiao Lingyan.
• Xiao Lingyan finished his medicine and fell asleep, and Noble Consort Cen privately told Zhao Ruxi she would have them change clothes and hide.

Noble Consort Cen disguised Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan and hid them in a secret chamber while the rebels threatened the palace. After Xiao Lingyan revealed that he could speak, he told Zhao Ruxi that Xiao Lingheng’s rebellion was part of the emperor’s plan to capture his remaining followers.

• Noble Consort Cen persuaded Zhao Ruxi to protect Xiao Lingyan and helped disguise them as a palace maid and eunuch.
• Noble Consort Cen opened a hidden chamber in Xiao Lingyan’s bedroom and stocked it with food, water, and medicine.
• Noble Consort Cen told Zhao Ruxi to escape with Xiao Lingyan if she did not return within ten days, then left them inside the chamber.
• Zhao Ruxi searched the chamber for another exit while Xiao Lingyan lay unconscious, then heard him tell her not to keep searching.
• Xiao Lingyan revealed he had been able to speak since the second day after waking and said the emperor was waiting to trap Xiao Lingheng and his followers.

Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan waited out the rebellion in a hidden chamber while discussing why he was pretending to be ill and his plans to delay speaking. The rebellion was swiftly crushed, and Noble Consort Cen came to tell Zhao Ruxi that life could return to normal.

• Xiao Lingyan explained that the secret chamber had been built before Great Jin and that Noble Consort Cen had arranged for it to be included in his residence.
• Zhao Ruxi urged Xiao Lingyan to sleep, and he fell into a deep sleep after learning she was safe.
• Zhao Ruxi learned from the system that Xiao Lingheng's rebel forces had been defeated and that he had been killed while fleeing.
• Zhao Ruxi heard that Consort Jin had hanged herself in the cold palace and that the imperial guards were clearing the battlefield.
• Noble Consort Cen opened the chamber and told Zhao Ruxi that the rebellion had been dealt with and there was no need to panic.

After the rebellion was put down, Zhao Ruxi returned safely to the Earl of Suiping's Residence and learned that her senior brothers were safe. As the court purged the Prince of Ming's followers and Xiao Lingyan slowly recovered, Zhao Ruyu accepted that Zhao Ruxi had changed Great Jin's political future and chose to keep her own family clear of court struggles.

• Noble Consort Cen kept Zhao Ruxi in the palace until the roads were safe, then sent her home, where the old madam and Lady Zhu tearfully welcomed her.
• Zhao Ruxi asked Xiang Ming to reassure Mister Kumu and check on her senior brothers; Xiang Ming reported that Lord Wu and Lord Gong were safe.
• Noble Consort Cen recognized Zhao Ruxi's political value and devotion to Xiao Lingyan, so she told Zhao Ruxi to stay away from the palace while the capital was purged.
• The Consort of Prince of Jingping asked about Zhao Ruxi after Zhao Ruyu's request, and the Prince of Jingping urged his wife not to offend her.
• Zhao Ruyu learned that Xiao Lingyan was recovering and concluded that Zhao Ruxi had transformed Great Jin's political future, so she resolved to stay out of court affairs.
• After the court settled down, Zhao Ruxi resumed visiting Xiao Lingyan in the palace and practicing calligraphy and painting at home.

Noble Consort Cen accepted that Xiao Ge would weaken the Cen Family and asked only that he spare their lives. After Xiao Ge demoted and transferred Cen officials, Cen Hanchang sought Xiao Lingpu’s help, but Xiao Lingpu urged him to accept the family’s losses and preserve what remained.

• Xiao Ge asked Noble Consort Cen whether she would allow a Cen daughter to become Xiao Lingyan’s secondary consort, and she refused, saying she would not force Xiao Lingyan or wrong Zhiwei.
• Xiao Ge asked whether Noble Consort Cen would plead for the Cen Family if he weakened its power, and she asked only that he spare their lives.
• Xiao Ge told Noble Consort Cen he would spare the Cen Family but could offer little else.
• The next day, Xiao Ge issued an edict transferring or demoting Cen Hanchang and other powerful members of the Cen Family.
• Madam Cen went to seek an audience with Noble Consort Cen, while Cen Hanchang went to Xiao Lingpu and asked him to plead with the emperor.
• Xiao Lingpu told Cen Hanchang to accept the losses and withdraw from the struggle so the Cen Family might survive.

Noble Consort Cen persuaded Madam Cen to rein in the Cen Family’s ambitions and warn Cen Peixuan to get along with Zhao Zhiwei. As the court settled down and Zhao Ruxi prepared for her wedding, Xiao Lingyan surprised everyone by speaking.

• Noble Consort Cen warned Madam Cen that pushing a Cen Family girl on Xiao Lingyan as a secondary consort could anger Mister Kumu and Minister Wu and endanger the family.
• Madam Cen agreed to speak with her husband and Cen Peixuan, then went to the Prince of An's Residence to counsel her daughter.
• Madam Cen warned Cen Peixuan to stop provoking Zhao Zhiwei and to get along with her, and Cen Peixuan reluctantly agreed.
• Zhao Ruxi ignored the Cen Family’s troubles and spent her days visiting Xiao Lingyan, practicing calligraphy and painting, and inspecting her dowry and wedding dress.
• As the imperial court returned to calm, Xiao Lingyan surprised everyone by speaking.

Xiao Lingyan persuaded Xiao Ge to hold his wedding at the Prince of Qi's Residence rather than keep him in the palace, citing his uncertain recovery and the risk of poisoning. After Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan married, she prepared to enjoy a hotpot while Xiao Lingyan summoned the senior maidservant sent by Noble Consort Cen.

• Xiao Lingyan convinced Xiao Ge to let the wedding proceed at the Prince of Qi's Residence and agreed to remain outside the palace.
• The Ministry of Rites prepared the residence, and Zhao Ruxi and Xiao Lingyan completed their wedding rites and returned there.
• Zhao Ruxi teased Xiao Lingyan in the bridal chamber and ordered Qingfeng to prepare a spicy beef-tallow hotpot.
• Qingfeng reminded Zhao Ruxi that Noble Consort Cen's senior maidservant was still waiting, so Zhao Ruxi told Xiao Lingyan about her.
• Xiao Lingyan called for the senior maidservant, while Zhao Ruxi went next door to eat her hotpot.

Auntie Yu visited Xiao Lingyan on Noble Consort Cen’s behalf and learned that he could not consummate the marriage while recovering. Xiao Lingyan insisted Zhao Ruxi live in another courtyard because male attendants and physicians regularly entered his rooms, leaving her to visit him each day.

• Zhao Ruxi tended to Xiao Lingyan as Auntie Yu arrived to check on his health.
• Xiao Lingyan reassured Auntie Yu that Noble Consort Cen need not keep sending her to watch over him.
• Auntie Yu asked whether Zhao Ruxi would stay in Xiao Lingyan’s room, and Xiao Lingyan clarified that he was incapable of intercourse while ill.
• Xiao Lingyan told Zhao Ruxi to choose another courtyard because his care required frequent visits from male attendants and physicians.
• Zhao Ruxi agreed to live elsewhere and visit Xiao Lingyan daily, while Auntie Yu promised to tell Noble Consort Cen it had been his decision.

Xiao Lingyan insisted on remaining paralyzed despite Zhao Ruxi’s concern, while secretly hoping to protect her from the dangers and pressure of childbirth. Zhao Ruxi settled into the Prince of Qi’s Residence and returned to her family home, where Qi Xuan mocked her marriage.

• Xiao Lingyan told Zhao Ruxi he wished he could recover but said he would stick to his plan, and Zhao Ruxi urged him to put his health first.
• Xiao Lingyan secretly considered Zhao Ruxi’s youth and the risks she would face from childbirth, and chose to remain paralyzed rather than expose her to pressure to bear an heir.
• Noble Consort Cen decided not to send Auntie Yu to live at the Prince of Qi’s Residence, and Zhao Ruxi moved into a courtyard near the main one.
• Xiao Lingyan could not accompany Zhao Ruxi on her customary return visit, so Auntie Yu went with her to the Earl of Suiping’s Residence.
• Xiao Ge sent Princess Xiangyang and Lu Shanchu to the south, while Qi Xuan mocked Zhao Ruxi for marrying a paralyzed prince.

The Old Madam Duchess of Wei decided that Qi Xuan would marry her fiancé on the originally planned date after her continued misbehavior and the decline of his family made the match an easier way to distance her from the capital. At the Earl of Suiping’s Residence, Zhao Ruxi reassured her family about the Prince of Qi’s household and considered whether to resume official service while he was ill.

• The Old Madam Duchess of Wei punished Qi Xuan for speaking carelessly, then decided she would marry her fiancé as planned despite his family’s political misfortunes.
• Lady Zhu arrived while Zhao Ruxi was speaking with the old madam and asked about her married life at the Prince of Qi’s Residence.
• Zhao Ruxi explained that the Prince of Qi had sent his wet nurse to live comfortably in her hometown and that few servants remained in their residence.
• Zhao Yuanxun asked whether Zhao Ruxi could return to public service, and she said the Prince of Qi would support either choice.
• Zhao Ruxi said she was unsure about serving as an official while the Prince of Qi was in poor health, since her absence could invite gossip.

Zhao Ruxi reassured her family and Kang Shilin that she was content despite Xiao Lingyan’s condition, and described her plan to serve nominally at the Ministry of Works while improving farming tools from home. She explained that her earlier agricultural and waterworks projects needed time to show their full results.

• Zhao Ruxi told Zhao Yuanxun, the old madam, and Lady Zhu that she planned to take a nominal post at the Ministry of Works and work on farming tools at home.
• Lady Zhu privately asked Zhao Ruxi whether Xiao Lingyan could consummate the marriage, and Zhao Ruxi confirmed that he could not and that they did not share a room.
• Zhao Ruxi returned to the Prince of Qi's Residence, and ten days later she saw Zhao Yuanxun and his party off before inviting Kang Shilin to visit.
• Kang Shilin visited Xiao Lingyan and then met Zhao Ruxi, who reassured him that she was content and intended to keep working as an official from home.
• Zhao Ruxi told Kang Shilin that her improved farming tools and Nanyang waterworks would need time before their benefits became fully apparent.

Zhao Ruxi explained that she wanted the court to invite her back into office after her farming innovations proved their value, and Kang Shilin agreed to help. They discussed her senior brothers’ fortunes, including Gong Cheng’s promotion to minister of works and Wu Zong’s news that Xiao Ruotong was pregnant.

• Zhao Ruxi told Kang Shilin she would wait for her farming tools and irrigation works to impress the court before accepting an official post, and asked him to guide the emperor’s response.
• Kang Shilin told Zhao Ruxi that Gong Cheng had become minister of works after the emperor approved his appointment that morning.
• Kang Shilin suggested that Gong Cheng could recommend Zhao Ruxi for a Ministry of Works position if the emperor expected her to serve the court.
• Zhao Ruxi explained that she wanted to return to office to serve as a role model for women, not simply for her own benefit.
• Kang Shilin told Zhao Ruxi that Wu Zong had written to say Xiao Ruotong was pregnant, and Zhao Ruxi celebrated the news.

Zhao Ruxi’s farming tools spread among farmers and greatly increased the land reclaimed for cultivation. Xiao Ge learned of their impact and saw them as a way to improve the people’s lives and expand food production.

• Kang Shilin asked Zhao Ruxi about her wine, and she sent someone to Nanyang to check on it after learning it was made but still needed more time to age.
• As spring plowing began, farmers who had tried Zhao Ruxi’s tools spread the word, and the tools gradually replaced older ones in fields across the country.
• Xiao Ge asked Qi Xugu about spring plowing, and Qi Xugu credited the tools with easing the shortage of draft oxen.
• Duan Chen found the Ministry of Revenue’s memorial, which reported that winter land reclamation had reached 2.5 times the area of previous years.
• Xiao Ge praised Zhao Ruxi’s tools and said they brought him closer to his hope that everyone in Great Jin could eat white flour and rice.

Qi Xugu reported to Xiao Ge that Zhao Ruxi had built an ingenious irrigation network in Nanyang that could protect harvests and residents from ordinary floods and droughts. He revealed that the project cost the government nothing and earned it money through a deal with Grand Princess Shangde, leaving Xiao Ge eager to hear how it worked.

• Qi Xugu presented Xiao Ge with a memorial describing Zhao Ruxi’s irrigation works in Nanyang.
• Qi Xugu explained that the linked lakes, waterways, dams, and waterwheels could store and regulate water, protecting Nanyang from floods and droughts.
• Xiao Ge praised Zhao Ruxi’s ingenuity and devotion, while regretting that she could no longer serve as an official.
• Qi Xugu told Xiao Ge that Zhao Ruxi’s irrigation project had cost the government nothing and had brought in a large sum.
• Qi Xugu explained that Grand Princess Shangde paid to build dams in return for five years of free use, after which she would pay an annual fee.

Emperor Xiao Ge considered bringing Zhao Ruxi into the Ministry of Revenue and sought advice on how to overcome court gossip about her serving as an official. After deciding to make the request through formal visits, he asked his ministers for their opinions, and Zhang Changshen supported the proposal.

• Qi Xugu asked Xiao Ge to appoint Zhao Ruxi to the Ministry of Revenue, where she could oversee accounts and guide staff.
• Xiao Ge summoned Grand Princess Shangde and discussed expanding textile mills to fund waterworks, then asked her about Zhao Ruxi returning to official service.
• Grand Princess Shangde advised Xiao Ge to have officials make three formal requests so Zhao Ruxi could accept without inviting gossip.
• The next day, Xiao Ge asked the Grand Secretaries what they thought of appointing Zhao Ruxi, and Zhang Changshen was the first to approve.

Xiao Ge’s ministers unanimously approved Zhao Ruxi’s return to office, though he sent Eunuch Xie to ask whether she wanted the post. At the Prince of Qi’s Residence, Xu Xue told Zhao Ruxi that she and Zhao Jing'an planned to marry, and Zhao Ruxi congratulated them.

• Zhang Changshen led the ministers in unanimously agreeing to Zhao Ruxi taking office again.
• Wu Huaisi suggested asking whether Zhao Ruxi wished to accept the post, and Xiao Ge sent Eunuch Xie to the Prince of Qi's Residence to ask her.
• Xu Xue told Zhao Ruxi that Zhao Jing'an had confessed his feelings and would propose after finishing the county examination.
• Xu Xue explained that she and Zhao Jing'an grew close while she helped him learn to write storybooks, which he published to support himself.
• Zhao Ruxi congratulated Xu Xue and Zhao Jing'an on their relationship.

Xu Xue asked Zhao Ruxi whether marrying Zhao Jing'an was a good choice, and Zhao Ruxi reassured her that the match suited them. After Xu Xue left, Zhao Ruxi refused the emperor’s offer of a Ministry of Revenue post, prompting Gong Cheng and Qi Xugu to debate inviting her to an honorary post in the Ministry of Works instead.

• Xu Xue told Zhao Ruxi that Zhao Jing'an had agreed not to take concubines, and Zhao Ruxi assured her the marriage was a good match.
• Xu Xue explained that she had rejected a juren partly because she feared he wanted to use her connection to Zhao Ruxi.
• Eunuch Xie told Zhao Ruxi that the emperor and Qi Xugu had invited her to serve in the Ministry of Revenue, but she declined, saying the Prince of Qi was ill.
• Eunuch Xie reported Zhao Ruxi’s refusal to Xiao Ge, while Gong Cheng argued that she should instead receive an honorary post in the Ministry of Works.
• Qi Xugu objected to Gong Cheng’s proposal and insisted Zhao Ruxi should choose which ministry she wished to join.