Who was monitoring him? It wasn’t Wang Gui, nor was it Liang Shi.

Raising carrier pigeons in this era was not easy. It required extremely professional training, starting from squabs, with goals progressing from simple to complex, near to far, and day to night. Any force capable of possessing carrier pigeons needed to be tightly organized and command vast human, material, and financial resources. This was far beyond what Wang Gui or Liang Shi could achieve.

Was Bailong monitoring him? Impossible, because this surveillance had begun years ago, long before Bailong even knew who he was.

That left only two possibilities: either his uncle, who held a high position in the Jing Dynasty, or his biological mother, whose whereabouts were unknown.

As for the person who controlled the Taotie last night…

Chen Ji stood inside, watching Xiaoman bustling about outside. She had just placed the kettle on the stove and was now using the interval while the water heated to sweep the dust and fallen leaves in the courtyard into a pile.

Chen Ji asked in a low voice, “Wuyun, do you think she’s an official agent?”

Wuyun meowed, “Doesn’t seem like it… Would you believe she’s an official agent, or would you believe I’m an immortal?”

“True,” Chen Ji murmured to himself, “Would a dignified official agent willingly do menial tasks? … Let’s test it. We’ll find out then.”

The sound of the kettle spewing steam came from the right side-room. Xiaoman put down her broom, scurried back to the room like the wind, and brought out a basin of warm water. “Young Master, it’s time to wash up! I’ll tie your hair neatly for you later. We’re going to attend the Zhang Residence’s promotion banquet at noon!”

As she spoke, Xiaoman swayed out of the side-room, carrying the basin. Chen Ji stepped forward, “Let me take that. This basin is quite heavy.”

Xiaoman hastily replied, “No, no need!”

Chen Ji, ignoring her words, simply took the basin himself. As they held it in a standoff, and with the water about to spill, Xiaoman had no choice but to let go.

Just as Xiaoman released her grip, Chen Ji also let go.

The basin fell between them, but Chen Ji didn’t look at it; instead, he watched Xiaoman.

Time seemed to slow. The basin slowly plummeted to the ground. Xiaoman’s eyes widened little by little. She tried to reach out and catch it again, but she was a step too late.

With a clang, the basin hit the ground, and hot water splashed out from its edges, soaking Xiaoman’s cloth shoes.

“Ah!” Xiaoman exclaimed, jumping to the side.

Chen Ji quickly said, “My apologies, my apologies, it’s my fault.”

Xiaoman also quickly said, “How is it your fault? It’s my fault.”

Chen Ji: “Hm?”

Xiaoman lamented, “It’s my fault for not having four arms.”

Chen Ji: “…”

He pondered to himself, *Could it be that the official agent who controlled the Taotie truly isn’t Xiaoman?*

Xiaoman looked down at her wet shoes, grumbling plaintively, “Please stop making things harder. Let the servants do what servants are supposed to do. Why do you always rush to do the work?”

Chen Ji looked at Xiaoman and apologized, “I’m sorry, it’s just… don’t you wish you had less work to do?”

Xiaoman paused slightly, then whispered, “You wouldn’t understand. For those of us sold to brokers since childhood, the first thing we’re taught is to be useful. Only if we’re useful will a master buy us and we won’t be beaten by the brokers; only if we’re useful will we be liked in the master’s household and not be resold to others.”

Chen Ji was silent. “Usefulness” seemed to be Xiaoman’s philosophy for survival, learned from a young age.

He asked, “Do you have any other shoes to change into?”

Xiaoman said casually, “Of course I do.”

Chen Ji thought for a moment and added, “Then I’ll take you to the Zhang Residence today for a good meal, as an apology.”

Xiaoman’s lips curved into a smile, but she mumbled, “I’m not *that* greedy, actually…”

Chen Ji said, “I heard there won’t just be seafood; they’ve also specially invited a chef from Yingxian Tower.”

“Really?” Xiaoman’s eyes lit up, then she added, slightly worried, “Young Master, will Madam allow you to attend the Zhang Residence’s banquet? By custom, as a concubine’s son, you shouldn’t attend the main banquet.”

Chen Ji smiled, “Don’t worry, she won’t.”

The thirteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, in the thirty-first year of Jianing, at noon.

Cuiyun Lane was festooned with lanterns and streamers, and the ground was covered with scattered red paper fragments from firecrackers, strikingly bright and eye-catching.

The servants from the Chen and Zhang residences stood at their gates with baskets, handing out candied plums to children and “lucky money” to passersby of all ages.

As the “lucky money”—copper coins wrapped in red paper—was distributed, people tucked the coins into their pockets and casually discarded the red paper, leaving the entire street vibrant with fluttering red and a festive atmosphere.

By noon, servants from various households arrived, carrying congratulatory gifts.

In front of the Zhang Residence’s main gate, a servant stood ready. When someone brought a gift, he would pick up the gift list and announce the names: “Master Wang Changgu of the Huizhou Merchant Guild presents six pairs of South Sea pearls, a pair of red corals, and one jade Ruyi scepter…”

“Master Qiao Dezhong of the Jinzhong Merchant Guild presents twenty silver winter melons and one golden Maitreya Buddha statue…”

The expressions of those in line, waiting to present their gifts, immediately changed upon hearing the announcements.

A manager turned and walked away, muttering softly as he went, “Zhang Zhuo’s manner of taking gifts is truly too unsightly. Which official dares to accept bribes so openly?”

A young apprentice beside the manager asked curiously, “Shopkeeper, aren’t we giving our gift?”

The manager grumbled, “How can we not? I’m going back to the storeroom to prepare a new gift! It’s said that this Lord Zhang has an eidetic memory. Being laughed at by peers is a minor matter, but if the Vice Minister of Personnel sets his mind on you, you’ll likely be harassed daily from now on!”

“He’s from the Ministry of Personnel, he can’t control us…”

“You don’t know a thing!”

At that moment.

At the side gate of the Zhang Residence, servants discreetly led officials bringing congratulatory gifts inside: the main gate was for merchants, while the side gate was for officials, as officials naturally could not present gifts so ostentatiously.

In a small side courtyard, Zhang Xia was seen sitting behind a table draped with red silk. In front of the red table, a young official stepped forward and respectfully presented a gift list.

He cautiously observed Zhang Xia, but was surprised to find that a young girl was in charge of the Zhang Residence’s inner quarters.

Zhang Xia ignored his gaze, took the gift list with a brush in hand, briefly glanced at it, then looked up at the young official before her: “What position are you seeking?”

The official hastily and humbly replied, “Your subordinate heard that there’s a vacancy for the Magistrate’s Assistant in Weishi County, Yuzhou Prefecture. I wish to fill that vacancy.”

Zhang Xia cast a fleeting glance at him and said lightly, “Then your congratulatory gift isn’t enough.”

In the severe winter cold, beads of cold sweat appeared on the official’s forehead. “Your subordinate will make up the difference in a few days.”

Zhang Xia hummed in acknowledgment, picked up her brush, and wrote “Weishi County Magistrate’s Assistant, pending appointment” on the gift list, then tossed it aside. “No need to go in for the meal. Go back and prepare your gift.”

The young official repeatedly assented, backing out of the Zhang Residence’s side gate.

Such open selling of official positions and titles, with clearly marked prices, was rare even throughout the thousand-year history of the Ning Dynasty’s rise and fall.

However, Zhang Zhuo was now to be appointed Vice Minister of Personnel. Officials in the ministries traditionally honored the left as superior, with the Left Vice Minister managing internal affairs and the Right Vice Minister external affairs. He truly had the power to determine the position of a county magistrate’s assistant.

Furthermore, after Liu Gun’s suicide, the position of Minister of Personnel was temporarily held by Grand Secretary Xu. Zhang Zhuo had also married Grand Secretary Xu’s niece, so it was quite possible that the position of Minister would eventually fall to Zhang Zhuo.

Compared to the bustling Zhang Residence, the Chen Residence seemed somewhat quieter.

The congratulatory gifts arriving at the Chen Residence were discreetly ushered into the backyard by Liang Shi, recorded with the gift list, and would be tallied after the day was over.

Although the banquet today was indeed held to receive gifts, the Chen family was concerned about their reputation and did not wish to appear overly greedy.

Liang Shi stood in the main hall. She vaguely heard the announcements of congratulatory gifts from Cuiyun Lane and then looked down at her own family’s gift list, which was noticeably much humbler.

In truth, every gift presented to the Chen Residence was something ordinary people couldn’t earn in several lifetimes, but people fear comparison. No matter how much one receives, if it’s less than what others have, it brings dissatisfaction.

The maid Dongzhi stood nearby, observing Liang Shi’s expression, and whispered, “The Zhang family is truly shameless, accepting bribes in broad daylight. Officials from humble backgrounds truly have no sense of decorum.”

Liang Shi listened to the gift announcements outside the residence and said indifferently, “That Lord Zhang has been taking money for so many years without incident; that’s a skill in itself.”

Dongzhi muttered, “What skill? Isn’t it just because Grand Secretary Xu protects him?”

Liang Shi said gravely, “Don’t be rude. Lord Zhang is now a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel; we should show him more respect.”

As she spoke, a servant came quietly to the hall, bowing, and whispered, “Reporting to Madam…”

Liang Shi’s expression turned displeased. “Stand up straight! When did servants of my Chen Residence develop such sneaking habits?”

The servant straightened up and hastily said, “Madam, the steward… Wang Gui is at the side gate and says he has an important matter to report.”

Liang Shi pondered for a moment: “Master told him to reflect properly at home. What is he doing running back here for no reason? I won’t see him. Tell him to write down anything important and send it in.”

The servant acknowledged and turned to leave.

Not long after, the servant returned, respectfully handing her a note.

Liang Shi unfolded the note, which contained small writing: “My old acquaintance serves in the Prince’s Army. Yesterday, I learned a secret from him concerning Chen Ji that could cause him to lose favor with Master. Madam only needs to bring Chen Ji to the Zhang Residence banquet today.”

Liang Shi calmly folded the note and handed it to Dongzhi: “Carefully put away all these notes, don’t lose any of them.”

At this moment, Chen Liqin emerged from the room, dressed in a crimson-purple robe with a stand-up collar and a wide lapel. He wore black boots and a corrugated black gauze cap, exuding an air of imposing nobility.

Liang Shi praised, “Master usually doesn’t pay much attention to his appearance when he goes to the river embankment, but now that he’s properly dressed up, he already looks like a high-ranking official. I’m sure in a few more years, he’ll enter a ministry and serve as a minister.”

Chen Liqin said with a smile, “Madam, you absolutely must not say such things in front of outsiders. It would only invite ridicule and make them say that I, Chen Liqin, am obsessed with official positions. As the Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Academy of Learning now, it’s enough to diligently assist the Crown Prince.”

Liang Shi straightened his collar. “Master, in my heart, you are a towering figure, incomparable even to those high-ranking officials. With you assisting the Crown Prince, when he ascends the throne, you will surely achieve your desires and realize your ambitions. Didn’t the head of the family arrange this assignment for you precisely to pave the way?”

Chen Liqin beamed, “It is strange indeed. Previously, the family’s attempts to arrange my promotion were repeatedly obstructed, and the Directorate of Ceremonial also made things difficult in every way. Now, for some unknown reason, the palace suddenly agreed to my taking this assignment. Perhaps my success in river management caught His Majesty’s eye.”

Liang Shi beamed, “Master, now that you’ve caught His Majesty’s eye, it’s joy upon joy!”

Chen Liqin asked, “What were you two just talking about?”

Liang Shi’s eyes subtly shifted. “I was just about to send Dongzhi to call Wenzong and Chen Ji. I plan to take them to the banquet together, so Chen Ji knows that Master cares about him.”

Chen Liqin said with relief, “I was worried you and Chen Ji would have a strained relationship as mother and son, but now that I see you’ve reconciled and even recite Buddhist scriptures together, I’m truly relieved. However, today’s occasion is not suitable for bringing Chen Ji. Our Ning Dynasty’s long-standing rule is that concubines and their sons cannot attend formal banquets. It would be fine if he had earned academic credentials, but as he hasn’t, bringing him to the banquet might make outsiders think our Chen family doesn’t understand etiquette.”

Liang Shi linked her arm through Chen Liqin’s, hesitatingly asking, “Master, are you really not taking him? What if he thinks I, as his mother, am narrow-minded?”

Chen Liqin patted the back of her hand, “It’s not a big deal. Chen Ji has known these rules since he was young, and he’s lived with them for years. He won’t overthink it.”

Liang Shi had a plan in mind. She then gently smiled and said, “Master, you are too concerned with rules. Although Chen Ji doesn’t have academic credentials, this isn’t the capital. Without the Liu family, you and Lord Zhang are the heavens of Luocheng. What harm is there in bringing a concubine’s son?”

Chen Liqin hesitated.

Liang Shi then continued to persuade him, “I looked at the Zhang Residence’s invitation. Half of the guests attending the banquet today are merchants. Our Chen family has been high-ranking officials for generations; why should we adhere to rules with those who reek of money? You may observe the rules, but they certainly won’t. Besides, Chen Ji has only just returned. If you ignore him now, who knows what he might think? This is precisely the time to mend your father-son relationship; you absolutely must not neglect him any longer.”

Chen Liqin let out a long breath. “Madam, to have such magnanimity truly pleases your husband. What more could a man ask for than a wife like you?”

He then instructed Guyu, the servant accompanying him, “Go, call Wenzong and Chen Ji together.”

An incense stick’s time later, Chen Wenzong and Chen Ji arrived together, followed by a gleeful Xiaoman.

Chen Wenzong bowed with cupped hands, “Father, Mother, did you call Chen Ji and me because it’s time to attend the banquet?”

Liang Shi said with a smile, “It’s time. We’d be a bit rude if we don’t go now.”

Her gaze passed over the two men and fell upon Xiaoman behind Chen Ji. “Today’s is a formal banquet, so there’s no need to bring maids. At that time, Cuiyun Lane will have an open-air feast for the neighbors. Xiaoman, you’re a gluttonous girl, so today I’m specially allowing you to eat at Cuiyun Lane’s open-air feast with the other first-class maids and servants.”

Xiaoman’s face immediately fell. “Oh, as Madam wishes.”

The open-air feast outside the Zhang Residence was for the neighbors, serving as a gesture of shared joy with the common people. Inside the Zhang Residence, there were special banquets reserved for the servants of distinguished guests, as these servants also held a certain status and naturally wouldn’t sit with common peddlers and porters.

The dishes inside and outside the residence were vastly different. Xiaoman had originally thought she could sneak in for a good meal, but now it looked like that wouldn’t be possible.

However, Chen Ji spoke up with a laugh, “Madam, you don’t need to worry about Xiaoman. She has an invitation from the Zhang Residence and can come with me.”

Xiaoman paused slightly, and even Liang Shi was a bit surprised. “The Zhang Residence specifically invited Xiaoman?”

“Not exactly,” Chen Ji said, pulling out an invitation from his robe. “It’s for my servant and me. Xiaoman’s name is even written on it.”

Liang Shi took it, and chuckled, “Normally, invitations only require the master’s name. Chen Ji, you must be exceptionally close with the Zhang Residence if Miss Zhang Er specifically added Xiaoman’s name for you.”

Perplexed, Xiaoman stood on her tiptoes to look at the invitation.

She saw that while the invitation should have originally only borne Chen Ji’s name, someone had additionally written Xiaoman’s name beside it.

An invitation specifically extended to a servant was unique in the entire Ning Dynasty.

Xiaoman glanced at Chen Ji’s profile and suddenly said, “Young Master, I won’t go to the banquet. Can I keep this invitation?”

Chen Ji was puzzled. “Why won’t you go to the banquet anymore?”

Xiaoman whispered, “Because when we attend the banquet, the Zhang family will take the invitation back…”

Chen Ji chuckled, “It’s fine, I’ll tell them to let you keep the invitation.”

Xiaoman’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Really.”

Seeing that the matter was settled, Chen Liqin waved his hand. “No more idle talk. Let’s go.”