FYM - 14

The nine heavens open the palace gates, and myriad nations bow before the imperial crown. Chang’an, the western capital, is unparalleled in its splendor. The East and West Markets are bustling with pedestrians. Bie Xiao Lou, known as the “First Tower of Chang’an,” is a place where one can ride horses under blooming flowers or enjoy wine amidst snow—a true earthly paradise. The private rooms upstairs are serene, with Hu girls serving wine. However, today’s distinguished guest preferred solitude, so there was no music or dance—just two men seated by the window.

“Has Uncle mentioned any candidates for the position at the Zhi Fang Department?” Fang Yun Chong casually poured tea for Fang Xian Ting, who sat opposite him, while asking, “The year-end is approaching; if there are to be transfers, they should be finalized before the New Year.”

Under the Ministry of War, there are four departments: Bing Bu (Department of Military Affairs), Zhi Fang (Department of Maps and Defense), Jia Bu (Department of Cavalry and Vehicles), and Ku Bu (Department of Armory). Fang Yun Chong is currently the Lang Zhong of the Bing Bu Department, while his father, Fang Lian, holds the rank of Minister of War, a third-rank official. Previously, Xue Tao, the Deputy Director of the Zhi Fang Department, was demoted for repeatedly delaying updates to maps of Long You Dao. Now, this vacancy is being eyed closely by both the Fang and Zhong factions.

“For internal matters of the Ministry of War, we still prioritize Uncle’s opinion. Father does not wish to interfere too much,” Fang Xian Ting stopped his brother from pouring tea for him, taking the teacup himself, speaking in a calm tone. “Does Brother have anyone in mind?”

Today, he wore informal attire—a black brocade robe, a jade belt around his waist, and a silver crown binding his hair. He exuded both nobility and martial prowess.

“There indeed isn’t anyone particularly suitable...”

Fang Yun Chong sighed.

“Fang Rui from the collateral branch could handle it, but considering that Xue Tao belongs to the Zhong faction, replacing him immediately with someone from our clan would surely invite gossip in court...”

Indeed.

Currently, the Zhong family is at the height of its power, with the Emperor showing great favor to Consort Zhong and the Second Prince. If this transfer order is improperly drafted, it will likely incur the Emperor’s reprimand and bring trouble to the Eastern Palace.

“The Lou brothers could also join the Ministry of War,” Fang Yun Chong continued. “However, recently, the Turks have shown frequent signs of unrest, and the northern borders are not peaceful. Their family will likely send their eldest son, Lou Feng, to serve under the Jie Du Shi of Shuo Fang Dao. As for the younger son, Lou Wei, he is still young, and participating in this year’s military examination might still be somewhat challenging...”

There are many military officials in the court, but after the winter military selection, all ranks have been determined and assigned. Although there are capable individuals among commoner-born military officers, lacking familial backing, being placed in the Zhi Fang Department would inevitably expose them to factional disputes, making long-term tenure difficult. Among the prominent military families, the Fangs and the Lous stand out. However, the former needs to avoid suspicion, and the latter lacks an appropriately aged heir, presenting a bit of a dilemma.

“What about the Jiang family?” Fang Yun Chong asked again. “How about Jiang Chao? He passed the military examination several years ago and should now hold the rank of Senior Sixth Rank Zhong Fu Guo Yi Du Wei.”

The Jiang family is related to Fang Xian Ting through marriage. Jiang Chao is his cousin. Before Fang Xian Ting could respond, Fang Yun Chong slapped his forehead, saying, “I’m being foolish. The Fang and Jiang families are intermarried, so they are practically like our own nephews...”

Fang Xian Ting nodded, still contemplating the political landscape in court. The Zhong family hails from Long You, yet Xue Tao, aligned with them, failed to update the maps of Long You Dao for six consecutive years—was this merely a coincidence? The Zhi Fang Department oversees national maps, garrisons, and beacon towers. If information lags, then...

A shadow flickered in his eyes, and he felt an ominous premonition. Deep in thought, he heard his elder brother exclaim, “Isn’t that Zi Qiu downstairs?”

Song Ming Zhen, the second son of the Song family?

Fang Xian Ting turned to look out the window and saw the Song family carriage beneath Bie Xiao Lou. Song Ming Zhen was riding beside the carriage, talking to someone inside through the window.

“What about the Song family?” Fang Yun Chong’s eyes lit up. “They are part of the pure faction and have always kept their distance from the Zhong family. Zi Qiu is close to you and devoted to martial pursuits. If he passes the military examination next year, wouldn’t it be perfect for him to join the Zhi Fang Department?”

Fang Xian Ting raised an eyebrow and noticed two young ladies disembarking from the carriage below. One should be Zi Qiu’s younger sister, Song Shu Qing, and the other was Song Shu Yan, whom he had met at the Song residence a few days earlier.

After a brief hesitation, he summoned Lin Ze, the guard stationed outside the private room, and said, “Please invite Mr. Song to come upstairs for a chat.”

In fact, Song Ming Zhen only intended to take his fourth sister to the West Market to buy some trinkets today. Unexpectedly, just as they were leaving, they ran into his younger sister, Song Shu Qing. Upon hearing that her brother was taking someone else out, she became extremely jealous, complaining, “So it seems that Fourth Sister is the one truly born from the same womb as you, while I am an outsider?”

Her complaints were like flying daggers, piercing Song Ming Zhen relentlessly. He laughed, “What kind of jealousy is this? I’ll take you along.”

Only then did she brighten up, affectionately pulling her fourth sister’s hand onto the carriage. At the West Market, she shopped more enthusiastically than the main participants, buying a variety of items—hairpins, silk fabrics, and even gold and silverware from the Western Regions. Some purchases were under the name of their late mother, Wu Shi. In short, she emptied her brother’s purse completely, leaving only a few coins jingling in his pocket.

“You... “

Song Ming Zhen was quite distressed. He had planned to take his fourth sister out to buy her something nice since she had grown up without using fine things. Unexpectedly, his younger sister turned the outing into chaos, leaving only a meager amount that couldn’t sustain further shopping. Song Shu Qing showed no remorse and, while inserting a jade hairpin into her fourth sister’s hair, said, “Mine is yours, and no one should disdain either of us. What do you, a man, know? Sisters share everything, which makes sense.”

This wasn’t exactly sound reasoning. Beside them, Zhui’er couldn’t help but secretly frown. Only Song Shu Yan appeared natural, with a faint smile. She responded, “Exactly, it’s because Second Brother doesn’t understand.”

Hearing this, Song Shu Qing smiled even more happily, directing the servants to load their purchases onto the carriage. Then, pondering where to have lunch, she glanced at Bie Xiao Lou and turned to Song Shu Yan, saying, “Fourth Sister hasn’t been there yet, right? It’s currently the best tower in Chang’an, famous for its camel hoof soup. Oh, and their crystal dragon-phoenix cake is also worth trying.”

Her bustling demeanor seemed very cheerful. Song Shu Yan, unwilling to disappoint her, boarded the carriage with her siblings and went along. Amidst the bustling crowd, they alighted from the carriage, and a man in short attire with a sword at his waist approached Song Ming Zhen, bowing and saying, “Master Song, our Young Master invites you upstairs for a chat.”

“Young Master”...

Song Shu Yan’s eyes flickered slightly, wondering if he referred to the Duke of Jin’s heir. She saw her second brother’s eyes light up as he responded, “Is Third Brother also here? Today must be a rare day off.”

He seemed delighted, and after speaking, he turned to his two sisters, smiling, “Come with me upstairs and say hello to Third Brother.”

Song Shu Yan hadn’t expected to see Fang Xian Ting again so soon.

The Song family had been acquainted with the Duke of Jin’s household for several years, but she had never encountered him during her previous visits to Chang’an. This year, for some reason, they had already met three times. His elder brother was also present, personally waiting at the entrance for them to ascend the tower. When they met, her second brother seemed very pleased, calling out loudly, “Third Brother.” The other party also smiled and nodded, the small mole near the outer corner of his right eye appearing especially noble.

“Young Master, Eldest Master.”

She and her second sister greeted the two Fang brothers.

The building was bustling with people, many of whom were influential figures in Chang’an. Seeing the Fang family members, they naturally wanted to approach and network. However, Fang Xian Ting seemed uninterested in socializing and told Song Ming Zhen, “Let’s talk inside, where it’s more comfortable.”

Song Ming Zhen replied with a “Good,” and they subsequently entered the private room. Inside, a brocade screen had been set up specifically for the ladies to sit separately from the men. Song Shu Yan and her second sister sat on one side of the screen, separated from the men.

“Does Third Brother not need to enter the palace today?” Song Ming Zhen’s voice came from the other side. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen you out and about.”

“He must rest sometime,” the elder Fang brother interjected with a laugh. “Dizhou is remote and has experienced unrest. He stayed in Hebei Dao for two months. His Highness shouldn’t be so unfeeling.”

The second brother laughed in agreement, and the sound of clinking cups followed, indicating the men were pouring wine.

At this moment, there was a knock at the door. A servant brought in delicacies and placed them on the ladies’ side. Song Shu Yan exchanged a glance with her second sister, then heard the elder Fang brother’s voice from the other side, saying, “We don’t know what the two young ladies prefer. If anything doesn’t suit your taste, we can have it replaced.”

Nothing could be more considerate.

As the elder sister, Song Shu Qing should respond. She said, “...Thank you, Eldest Master and Young Master, for your thoughtfulness.”

Her cheeks flushed as she spoke. This reminded Song Shu Yan of her taunts towards her third sister a few days ago at home. She couldn’t help but feel a bit reflective—good things are coveted by everyone; it’s just a matter of finding the opportunity to compete for them.

The two sisters didn’t speak further, quietly enjoying their lunch. On the other side, the men’s conversation grew lively, quickly turning to the upcoming spring military examination.

“Zi Qiu should be taking the exam this year, right?” the elder Fang brother asked warmly. “Riding and shooting, archery, spear fighting on horseback, and strategy—are there any areas you’re not proficient in?”

At this mention, Song Ming Zhen showed some distress. Being a young man not yet twenty, constantly urged by elders who valued literary achievements, he harbored some pent-up frustration and desired recognition. However, three years ago, he stumbled at the spear fighting stage. Reflecting on it now, he still lacked confidence.

“The rest is fine,” he coughed, feigning composure. “It’s just the spear fighting...”

The elder Fang brother clapped and laughed, teasing, “If I remember correctly, weren’t you thrown off a palace horse? Lou Feng mentioned it multiple times, saying your horsemanship still needs work...”

Song Ming Zhen was irritated but, with his sisters present, refrained from showing weakness, retorting, “How good is he himself? He’s just older by a few years—besides, if his horsemanship were excellent, he should be able to control Third Brother’s Zhuo Ying. What’s the point of talking otherwise?”

Zhuo Ying?

Wasn’t that the horse she saw on that snowy night?

Song Shu Yan thought silently, picking up a piece of sweet cake with her jade chopsticks. Soon, she heard the Young Master speak, “If Zi Qiu passes next year, I can request to keep you in Chang’an without being posted elsewhere. Perhaps you could join the Ministry of War. Would you be willing?”