Chapter Four: Encountering You Again

The forty-seventh year of the Wanli reign, the twenty-ninth day of the fourth month. Clear weather.

In the morning, Li Jinzhong arrived with Li Chaoqin. After the formal greetings, Li Chaoqin presented a memorial. Zhu Xiaoqi opened it and read carefully; the opening was written in ornate, parallel prose—he could only half comprehend it, but could tell it was mostly flattery. The following section, however, was arranged as he had instructed: three elder craftsmen, each leading a group of nine. The rewards section was somewhat interesting. The first group to produce a flintlock musket would be awarded five taels of silver; each increase of ten paces in range would earn one tael, a ten percent increase in hit rate, one more reload within a quarter hour, or a reduction of one part in the mechanism, each would merit five qian of silver. With such paltry rewards, only a fool would work hard—ten men might share one or five qian after several months. How much could each get?

“Inspector Li, I have two points to make. First, when selecting teams, choose clever and quick-witted young men, not merely diligent but dull ones. Let the old craftsmen be team leaders. Second, the rewards are far too small. The first group to make a flintlock musket gets fifty taels; all other improvements, ten taels each. Reconsider the reward scheme for cannon improvements, model it after the muskets, and submit another memorial. As for you, if you produce a usable flintlock musket within three months, I’ll give you a hundred taels; for each day ahead of schedule, one extra tael. Note: it must be a truly usable musket, superior to the matchlock, not just a musket with an ignition device. If after three months you still haven’t succeeded, I’ll have to seek someone more capable.”

Li Chaoqin nodded repeatedly, vowing to complete the task within three months as required by His Highness. With great confidence, he returned to the Armory to oversee the work.

After breakfast, Lady Li—a rare visitor—came to see Zhu Xiaoqi. She was a woman of fine features and gentle beauty, about twenty-five or twenty-six. She first asked Madame Ke, “Has His Highness still been having nightmares at night?”

“By your leave, Lady, Heaven be praised, His Highness has not had a nightmare for six days.”

“That’s good! Alas, time is fleeting; my elder sister passed too young, and I must serve the Crown Prince, with little time to care for him. You’ve worked hard.”

“To care for His Highness is my duty, not deserving of thanks. I have served him for more than ten years, and my only wish is that he stays safe and well. I never dare to slack off.”

She then asked after Zhu Xiaoqi’s recent days. Hearing that Li Jinzhong always accompanied him, she said, “Li Jinzhong has always been with my sister, and his loyalty is beyond question. He is clever and capable—a fine companion. Let him stay by your side from now on. Li Jinzhong, you must watch over His Highness carefully. If he so much as loses a hair, I will hold you accountable.”

Li Jinzhong knelt in gratitude. “If I am to serve His Highness, I would sooner lose my own life than let him come to any harm. Please rest assured, my lady.”

As they spoke, a delicate little figure appeared at the doorway—a girl of about seven or eight, hair in twin buns, her large eyes blinking shyly at Zhu Xiaoqi. She murmured, “Brother, do you not care for Titi anymore?”

This was Lady Li’s daughter, Zhu Huiti, who usually got along well with Zhu Youjiao, often playing together. But this was Zhu Xiaoqi’s first time seeing her. At first glance, she completely won him over, for she looked just like his late sister, Zhu Zouqin. The same timid, gentle manner—though his own sister’s frailty had always been an act, usually followed by “Brother, don’t you like Qinqin anymore?” and then, “Brother, I want ice cream. If you don’t buy it, I’ll tell eldest brother you bullied me.” Or, “Brother, carry me to buy ice cream!” She would instantly transform into a little witch, tormenting him until he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, yet he loved her immensely.

Pulled from his reverie, Zhu Xiaoqi smiled, walked over, and took her by the hand. “How could brother not care for Titi! I’ve just been busy these days and haven’t had time to play with you. Today, brother will take Titi out to play—how about it?”

The little girl’s bright eyes grew brighter. “Really? Brother will take Titi outside?” She put special emphasis on the word “outside,” then turned to look at her mother. Lady Li smiled, “It’s good for you to take Titi out to play. She’s been cooped up in the palace too long. But Titi, you must behave outside. If you don’t, you won’t be allowed to go out with your brother again.” Titi nodded vigorously, her face beaming.

Because he was taking the little one out, Zhu Xiaoqi brought not only Li Jinzhong but also two palace maids, Chuntao and Chunmei, and two young eunuchs, Xiao Li and Xiao Deng. The group of seven left the palace, heading again to Qipan Street. Their first order of business was to sweep through the street snacks: sesame brittle, dried apricots, fried cakes, dough rings, sugared buns… The little girl wanted to try everything, showing a true foodie’s potential despite her small frame. Zhu Xiaoqi, worried she might overeat, only let her have one of each. If she especially liked something, he would buy more to take home. Even so, she tasted twenty or thirty kinds.

At last, she patted her slightly rounded little belly in satisfaction. “That was delicious! Brother, can we come eat here every day?” She immediately realized her mistake, lowered her head, and said, “It’s my fault. Brother has important things to do—Titi was wrong.” Her pitiful look made Zhu Xiaoqi’s heart ache. He quickly said, “We can’t eat this much every day—Madam would scold you, and it’s not healthy. But every time I come out, I’ll bring you your favorites, all right?”

Overjoyed, she replied, “But if you do that every time, it’ll trouble you, brother! Maybe you shouldn’t.” She glanced up at him, half-hopeful, half-guilty. Amused, Zhu Xiaoqi patted his chest and promised it was no trouble at all; whenever he was out and had time, he’d be sure to bring her favorite treats. The little girl broke into a wide smile. “I knew brother liked Titi best—brother is always the best to Titi.”

Once sated, she remembered she wanted a sachet, so the group, arms full of packages, headed to a sachet shop. As soon as they entered, fate played its hand—the girl who had lost her sachet last time was there with her maid, picking threads. Zhu Xiaoqi silently groaned, quickly lowering his gaze as if searching for ants on the floor. The little girl, however, went straight up to the young lady, exclaiming, “Sister, you’re so pretty! And your sachet is so pretty too!” The young lady was comparing threads against her sachet—the very one embroidered with the character “Yan,” which she had dropped in front of Zhu Xiaoqi before.

She glanced at Zhu Huiti, inwardly praising her beauty—a lovely porcelain doll. “You’re the truly pretty one, little sister. My sachet was damaged, so I’m trying to make a new one.” Her eyes swept past Li Jinzhong, recognizing him at once, and then fell upon Zhu Xiaoqi, who was all but trying to disappear into the floor. Seeing the culprit, her expression did not change, but her gaze did—a cold hum escaped her lips, making Zhu Xiaoqi shiver inwardly.

Left without a choice, Zhu Xiaoqi straightened up and bowed deeply to the young lady. “The other day I was too rash; today I offer my sincere apologies. I hope you will forgive me.” The words were much the same as what he’d said to her brother before, but a young man bowing and apologizing directly to a young lady was no common thing. She was taken aback by his courtesy, and quickly returned the gesture. “One who does not know is not at fault; I, Baozhu, was overly harsh. Please, there’s no need for such a grand apology.” The little girl, puzzled, asked, “Sister, why are you and my brother bowing to each other?” This brought a blush to Baozhu’s cheeks. She hastily bowed again, abandoned her thread selection, and, with her maid, hurried out as if fleeing.

The little girl’s questioning gaze made Zhu Xiaoqi uneasy, so he quickly concocted an excuse. Her attention soon shifted to the sachets, and after some deliberation, she found one to her liking. With the new sachet hanging at her side, they all left the shop.

Not far from the door, they encountered Baozhu again—but she was not waiting for them. A scholar, hair in a soft kerchief, waist belted, in a scholar’s robe, was blocking her path. He declared, “Miss, your beauty is unmatched. Allow me to recite a poem as a token of my admiration. Listen well.” Her maid rushed forward, waving her hands: “No, no, you scoundrel! Stay away from my lady!” The scholar shoved the maid aside; she stumbled and nearly fell.

Zhu Xiaoqi couldn’t help but exclaim inwardly, “Truly, there’s nothing new under the sun—what a perfect chance to earn some reputation points!” He stepped forward, kicked at the scholar’s leg, and cried out righteously, “Scoundrel! How dare you harass a respectable woman in broad daylight? Where is the law?”

He was no Li Jinzhong; though he managed to kick the scholar’s leg, he hurt his own foot in the process. The scholar staggered but did not fall, then retaliated with a kick of his own. Zhu Xiaoqi cried “Not good!”—his attempt at heroics was about to backfire. But the scholar’s foot encountered another—a well-placed kick from Li Jinzhong.

The scholar howled in pain, collapsed, and grabbed his leg, wailing, “Ah! My leg is broken!” Li Jinzhong had struck hard in his haste to protect his master, but not hard enough to truly break a leg, so he was unconcerned, merely standing guard before Zhu Xiaoqi. The scholar’s two attendants, seeing their master humiliated, rushed forward. Xiao Li and Xiao Deng intercepted them, and a scuffle ensued. Baozhu approached Zhu Xiaoqi, curtsied gracefully, and said, “Thank you, sir, for your assistance. Baozhu is deeply grateful.” Zhu Xiaoqi, affecting the air of a genteel young man, returned the gesture: “I cannot abide such lecherous rogues. To help in such a situation is only right.” The maid glanced at him sideways, thinking, “As if you’re not a rogue yourself.” But since he had indeed helped, she also gave her thanks.

Seeing that the two eunuchs could not handle the attendants, Li Jinzhong stepped forward and, with a kick each, sent them rolling away, before returning to Zhu Xiaoqi’s side. The scholar, his pain forgotten, began to shout, “How dare you kick me! Do you know who my grandfather is?” Zhu Xiaoqi merely sneered—when it came to grandfathers, he doubted anyone could outdo his own.

At that moment, a young man in a long gown arrived. Seeing Zhu Xiaoqi with his sister, he flew into a rage. “You again! I won’t let you off today!” He lunged with a punch, but Li Jinzhong caught it, pushed forward, and forced the man back three steps before he regained his footing.

Baozhu hurried over, pulled her brother’s sleeve, and whispered an explanation. He realized that this time, Zhu Xiaoqi was innocent. Bowing to Li Jinzhong, he said, “I am Zhang Cheng. I was too hasty—please forgive my rudeness. Thank you for taking care of my sister.” Li Jinzhong quickly returned the courtesy. Zhu Xiaoqi, having regained some face, said with satisfaction, “It was nothing, just a small effort. This is what we ought to do.” Since his sister had said Zhu Xiaoqi had helped them first, Zhang Cheng, though he still felt uneasy about the boy, could only offer his thanks again. Baozhu, hearing his slightly awkward words, could not help but smile radiantly. Zhu Xiaoqi was so dazzled by that springlike smile that he nearly stared. “She smiled—she smiled! This girl is truly beautiful.”

Just then came an obviously forced cough, followed by Zhu Huiti’s mischievous voice, “Brother, be careful your eyes don’t fall out.” Zhu Xiaoqi coughed as well, glaring at the little rascal. At that moment, the scholar on the ground found his voice, “My grandfather is the Duke of Dingguo! You dare strike me—you’ll see what happens!” Zhu Xiaoqi replied sternly, “Princes and commoners are equal before the law. So what if you’re the Duke’s grandson?” The scholar sneered, “What use are your words? Just wait—you’ll soon learn your lesson.” Li Jinzhong smiled faintly, “Next time, I’ll have to ask Xu Xi how he disciplines his grandson, letting him behave so disgracefully in public.” The scholar was dumbstruck—anyone who dared call his grandfather by name in public was not to be trifled with. Glancing at Xiao Li and Xiao Deng’s stances, the scholar decided his leg wasn’t so painful after all, and slunk away with his followers, not daring another word.

Zhu Xiaoqi bowed to Zhang Cheng, “My name is Zhu Xiaoqi, from Shuntian Prefecture. I’ve long been a recluse at home, but recently have ventured out with my servants to see the world.” He subtly offered an explanation for his previous blunder. The little girl looked at her brother, eyes twinkling, but said nothing. Zhang Cheng had no choice—since apologies had been made, and his sister helped twice, though this young man was a bit frivolous, he was still young. He thanked them once more and left with his sister.

Once they were gone, the little girl pouted, “Brother, you’re lying. Your name isn’t Zhu Xiaoqi.”

“It’s not a lie. Some people know my real name—saying it out loud isn’t ideal. So I chose a new name; it’s more convenient when we’re out.”

“Then I want a new name too, so it’s easier when we’re out.” She seized the opportunity without hesitation.

Zhu Xiaoqi thought for a moment, then smiled. “Very well, you’ll be Zhu Zouqin.” Giving his late sister’s name to this sister might seem strange, but he liked it—he loved this sister as he had loved the other.

“Great! From now on, I’ll be Zhu Zouqin. Brother has his flute, I have my zither—everyone will know we’re family by our names!” Thrilled with her new name, she couldn’t wait to show it off, so after browsing a little longer, they all headed back home.