Chapter 19#
Employment: Boss Zong Receives Resume and Issues Offer…#
When You Zong arrived at the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince was seated on a lounging chair, flipping through a memorial. The little tiger sprawled on a cushion nearby, its head resting against its master’s leg. The pomegranate tree by the wall blazed red, like a thick, sun-shielding umbrella.
You Zong stepped forward to pay his respects and reported the day’s events.
“He Ying wants this Pei San?” The Crown Prince looked up at You Zong, who wore a hesitant expression. “You could have simply refused, but instead you came to ask for my opinion—that means you’re leaning toward it. Explain your reasoning.”
“Pei San is skilled in painting, and he’s particularly meticulous and perceptive. He would be useful at the yamen. Besides,” You Zong looked a little embarrassed, “when I left, he insisted on seeing me out of the residence, said a lot of nice things, and even forced a basket of zongzi on me, repeatedly calling me the best person in the world.”
“He said that today because he needed something from you. Tomorrow, when he needs something from someone else, that high praise will change hands.” The Crown Prince mercilessly exposed Pei Xiting’s sweet talk.
“I understand.” You Zong gave a sheepish smile. “Whether to take him or not is entirely Your Highness’s decision.”
“Do you know why he wants to enter the Crane-Catching Bureau?” The Crown Prince set down the memorial and casually gripped the armrest of the lounging chair. “Apart from wanting to leave home, the Bureau itself can serve as a refuge for him. Once he enters the Crane-Catching Bureau, regardless of rank or where he lives, those who have designs on him will think twice. It will at least help him protect himself—an advantage that other yamens can’t provide.”
“So he’s quite clever, using the den of wolves that is the Crane-Catching Bureau to guard against those shady birds and beasts with unknown intentions.” You Zong said.
“Clever, and also cunning.” The Crown Prince patted the little tiger’s head, signaling it to move its noble body aside, then rose from the lounging chair and walked out.
You Zong turned to follow, only to be shoved aside by the little tiger’s rump. He didn’t mind and reached out to pet it.
“He admitted he had long realized those were two women, but he didn’t tell you outright. He either knew or guessed the strangeness about Wang San earlier.” The Crown Prince said in a flat tone. “When you went to him today for help, it played right into his hands. He pretended to be ignorant while guiding the conversation every step of the way.”
You Zong suddenly understood. “No wonder I felt something was off, but I really couldn’t see what was wrong with him.” He chuckled. “I underestimated his scheming.”
“He pretended not to know before because he didn’t want to get involved in trouble or stand out. Showing off his strengths to you today was his way of getting into the Crane-Catching Bureau to achieve his goal. He knows his current situation isn’t safe.” The Crown Prince said.
You Zong hesitated and asked, “Then…?”
The little tiger lifted its front paws onto the beauty bench and joined its master in watching the fish. The Crown Prince looked down and noticed the long-life thread on the tiger’s paw.
“A little bird wants to leave its cage—it’s even kicked the bars loose. Let it fly, then. We’ll see if the branch of the Crane-Catching Bureau can hold it.” The Crown Prince withdrew his gaze, picked up the small bowl from under the eaves, and scattered fish food into the pond. The fish swarmed in and surged away, none of them lingering to eat too much.
Satisfied, he pulled back his gaze and turned to You Zong. “But the Crane-Catching Bureau is no ordinary yamen. If he proves restless, when it’s time to deal with him, He Ying, you can’t let your heart soften again.”
You Zong cupped his hands and bowed his head. “I know the limits.”
Unexpectedly, the offer came down so quickly. The next afternoon, Pei Xiting held the appointment document in his hands, in quite a good mood.
Although the position of clerk didn’t even rank as a ninth-grade office, it still carried the banner of “Crane-Catching Bureau.” So when he went to see Madam Wang earlier, she had even been unusually mild, mixing warnings with instructions and declarations… in short, telling him to do his work well, establish a foothold, strive for promotion and a raise as soon as possible, and not bring shame to the Pei family.
Snap.
Closing the document, Pei Xiting placed it into his prepared painting case and said to the handsome bodyguard sprawled on the low couch reading a miscellaneous book: “Meet me outside the residence in two-quarters of an hour. We’re going to look at houses.”
Yuan Fang said, “Okay!”
Pei Xiting went out to the Suxiang Studio.
Bu Suxian was sitting by the couch embroidering a handkerchief. Hearing that the Third Young Master had arrived, she immediately put down her needlework and got up to greet him. By the time she reached the door, the curtain was lifted, revealing Pei Xiting’s figure.
Crimson robe, hair tied with a thin ribbon. His eyes, which resembled hers in shape and color, were cool, but softened slightly when he saw her.
Pei Xiting called out “Mother” and entered the room, the curtain falling behind him. Bu Suxian stared blankly at the person who was now a head taller than her. “…This is the first time I’ve seen you wear red.”
Pei Xiting knew that “Pei Xiting” had always been reserved by nature, disliking or rather fearing standing out. Even in attire, he had always pursued simplicity, as if trying to disguise himself as transparent from the inside out, so as not to attract attention and cause trouble, or do something wrong that would bring shame to the Pei family.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
“It’s beautiful, very beautiful!” Bu Suxian nodded repeatedly, then invited Pei Xiting to sit by the table. “Would you like something to eat?”
“No, I’m fine.” Pei Xiting said, “I’m here today to tell you that I’ll be working at a yamen from now on. I’ll often be out of the residence.”
Bu Suxian was pleasantly surprised. “How did you suddenly end up at a yamen? Which yamen?”
Pei Xiting said, “The Crane-Catching Bureau.”
Bu Suxian’s smile vanished instantly, her face turning pale. In a panic, she grabbed Pei Xiting’s hand. Pei Xiting instinctively tried to pull away, but couldn’t.
“Why there?” Bu Suxian asked tensely, not noticing his reaction. “Who sent you there?”
“I chose to go myself.” Pei Xiting said, meeting Bu Suxian’s bewildered gaze. “Even though it’s just a clerk’s position, it’s still a proper job. No swords, no guns, no danger.”
Bu Suxian was deeply worried. “But I’ve heard that the Crane-Catching Bureau is full of vicious brutes. How can you stay with them? What if they bully you?”
Feeling the trembling in her hand, Pei Xiting paused, then comforted her. “The Crane-Catching Bureau is the Crown Prince’s sharp blade for purging the court and supporting the Eastern Palace. It’s hardly a pile of cotton. But I have no rebellious heart or seditious intent—what is there to fear?”
For a fleeting moment, Bu Suxian seemed to see the young master of the house in his younger days. Back then, their love was still deep. Under the dim candlelight, she had lain on his lap, staring at the man discussing court affairs with her, staring at their clasped hands, mistakenly believing that this drifting duckweed had finally reached its shore.
But it was only a moment’s distraction. After all, her child had traits utterly different from his father. For instance, when he spoke of such matters, there was no trace of reverence or awe—just ordinary nonchalance, unlike the cautious master who weighed every word even in his own bedroom, and unlike his former self, who was always afraid of saying something wrong.
But had Xiting changed, or had she never truly known him?
Bu Suxian’s lips moved, and after a long silence, she whispered, “…Son.”
Pei Xiting felt uncomfortable. “…Mm.”
Bu Suxian gazed at him, full of worry. “You dislike conflict and are the most gentle and peaceful person. With a temperament like yours, even in an ordinary yamen, you’d be prone to bullying. How… how can I be at ease?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve met Assistant Commander You twice. Although he has a fierce reputation, he’s usually polite and cordial, not the type to mistreat subordinates. And since he’s held his position firmly, he must be a capable administrator—otherwise, why would the Crown Prince trust him?” Pei Xiting said. “Besides, the Crane-Catching Bureau is the Eastern Palace’s trusted agency, and the Crown Prince is the future ruler of Daye. It’s a promising place to work, isn’t it?”
“Career prospects are not as important as your safety!” Bu Suxian tightened her grip on Pei Xiting’s hand, then suddenly realized something and lowered her eyes weakly. “Though what I think doesn’t matter. I’m not your mother.”
“‘Pei Xiting’ was born of you—that’s a fact that no rules or systems can erase. You are ‘Pei Xiting’s’ mother.” Pei Xiting said. “The Crane-Catching Bureau is where I want to go. Isn’t that more comfortable than walking the path Madam laid out for me?”
“…I’ve been meaning to ask: has someone been bullying you?” Bu Suxian’s eyes were red as she fixed her gaze on Pei Xiting.
Pei Xiting naturally wouldn’t tell her about those things. He selectively confessed, “Actually, I wanted an excuse to move out. The residence is stifling, and it’s a hassle if I want to go out for a walk at night.”
Bu Suxian said in surprise, “But didn’t you used to like staying in your courtyard best?”
“People change.” Pei Xiting said.
Yes, people change. Bu Suxian was silent for a moment, then asked, “Are you afraid?”
“No. I will strive for the life I want. Mother,” Pei Xiting, somewhat unpracticed, took Bu Suxian’s hand in return. There wasn’t much warmth, but his tone was sincere and earnest. “If you ever want to leave this deep mansion, tell me.”
“Leave?” Bu Suxian murmured. “Can I leave?”
“If you want to, I’ll find a way.” Pei Xiting said. “I’m going out to look at a house shortly. I’ll report to the yamen tomorrow. If you need anything, send Steward Chang to find me.”
“Alright, alright.” Bu Suxian stood up with Pei Xiting, then suddenly said, “Wait.”
She took a small pouch from her dressing table and placed it in Pei Xiting’s hand. “Houses in the capital are exorbitantly expensive to rent or buy. You can’t get by without money. This is my monthly allowance saved over the past few years—over sixty taels. Take it. I have no use for money in the residence. Don’t hold back.”
“Really, I don’t need it. I have money.”
“Take it.”
“Truly, I don’t need it.”
“Take it.”
After three or four rounds of pushing back and forth, Pei Xiting sighed inwardly. He firmly stuffed the pouch back into Bu Suxian’s hand and held her restless hand, saying quickly, “Keep it for yourself. Buy whatever you like. Don’t think about saving it for me. I can earn more than you.”
Bu Suxian couldn’t help but laugh. “Then I’m old now. When I was young, many people would spend a fortune just to see me.”
A wistful look crossed her face. Pei Xiting comforted her, “You could still win the whole audience’s applause even now.”
Bu Suxian smiled. “At my age, showing up in public and putting on airs—people would laugh.”
“Dancing properly is not putting on airs. The dance instructor at the palace music and dance troupe is exactly your age, and she dances every day.” Pei Xiting gently shook Bu Suxian’s hand. “Don’t sell yourself short, Mother. This courtyard may confine you, but you can’t confine yourself, worrying every day—you’ll get depressed.”
Bu Suxian’s heartstrings stirred. Tears fell, and after a long pause, she said, “…Mm, I’ll listen to you.”
“Don’t listen to me. Listen to yourself.” Pei Xiting pulled out a handkerchief and clumsily wiped away Bu Suxian’s tears. Perhaps such a tender scene made him uneasy, and when he withdrew his hand, the handkerchief was crumpled. “I’m leaving now.”
Bu Suxian nodded and saw Pei Xiting out of the courtyard, saying softly, “Take good care of yourself. Don’t be stubborn.”
Pei Xiting nodded and turned to leave.
Bu Suxian watched his retreating figure, twisted her handkerchief in thought, then turned back into the room and quickly wrote a letter. After finishing, she tore it up, calmed herself, and carefully rewrote it before calling for Steward Chang.
“Chang Ma, please do me a favor.” Bu Suxian pressed the letter and the pouch of silver into Steward Chang’s hand. “Go to the small palace gate. Use the money to ask the gatekeeper to find Aunt Leng at the dance troupe, then give her this letter.”
Steward Chang held the heavy pouch hesitantly. “But this is your life savings.”
“People inside the palace aren’t so easy to reach. Someone has to pass the message first. I’m not someone of status, so I can’t use my name to trouble the palace attendants to pass a message—I have to spend some money.” Bu Suxian said. “Xiting going to the yamen surprised me, and I’m pleased, but I’m truly uneasy. If I could ask Aunt Leng to put in a word with Commander You, to give Xiting a little leeway, that would be a great advantage for us.”
Steward Chang nodded. “The mistress has put much thought into this. I’ll go at once.”