Chapter Twenty-One: The Carriage Ride

  On March 28 of the forty-fourth year of Kangxi, the imperial carriage arrived in Jiangning. Prior to this, the guards at the Jiangning Weaving and Dyeing Office had already been taken over by the Imperial Guard battalion that had arrived earlier.

  The Cao family was filled with joy, the old lady and Li Shi, Zhao Jia Shi were all dressed according to their ranks, waiting to pay respects to the several princesses who had arrived in the imperial entourage.

  Cao Gong did not attend school and wore ceremonial attire according to his noble rank, waiting in the eastern wing of the front courtyard with the eldest sons of official families from Jiangning City to pay their respects to the Emperor. According to precedent, on the first day of the imperial visit, apart from officials within the city welcoming the Emperor, the eldest sons over ten years old of each official and noble family also had to pay their respects. In the following days, the Emperor would then summon officials of various ranks according to schedule.

  Each family's young master was dressed in new attire, standing according to their father's noble rank and official position, divided into literary and martial arts. In fact, if one were to say so, Cao Yun should be at the forefront of the sons of civil officials, for not only did Cao Yin have a baronial title of the second rank, but he himself was also a first-rank light chariot captain of the third rank. However, Cao Yun conducted himself in a low-key manner and disliked getting entangled in many affairs. Standing at the forefront meant having to respond to the emperor's inquiries and face the sideways glances of others, all of which were things he did not wish for. Therefore, according to Cao Yin's fifth-rank official position, he stood behind the young masters of the Prefectural Governor's household and the Jiangnan Salt Transport Commissioner's household, with Cao Song and several other sons of lower-ranking officials following behind him.

  On the other side, the young master of the Wu family was an eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth with a slightly dark complexion. He wore a brand new formal attire and had two fist-sized jade pendants hanging from his waist. In the past few years, Cao Yun had followed Cao Yin out to socialize several times during festivals, but this was the first time he saw this young man. Thinking of the newly arrived Jiangning General Wan Jihua, it seemed that this was indeed the young master of his household. The majestic and proud demeanor really had some resemblance to a young general's son. However, his personality carried a hint of arrogance, looking down on others with disdain, and occasionally casting glances at the crowd with a few hints of contempt.

  Cao Song was both excited and nervous as he ran to Cao Kun's side and spoke in a low voice. Cao Kun, seeing that he was still very childish and not at all composed, worried that he would make a mistake in front of the emperor and told him to follow the instructions of his elders: when the time came, he must not lift his head, move carelessly or speak out of turn. Although it was also Cao Kun's first time following everyone to pay their respects, because he had already seen the imperial carriage two years ago, he felt calm at heart.

  Wan Jiaha's son didn't know the two Cao brothers, but seeing Cao Song's free and easy behavior, as if he were at home, not like other young masters who were so restrained, and calling out "older brother" this and "older brother" that, he knew they were from the Cao family. He cast a glance and let out a cold snort.

  After seeing the officials, it was the turn of these official sons to pay their respects. The main hall of the Weaving Bureau's Lu Zhengyuan Mansion had been expanded from its original seven rooms into a palace, serving as the emperor's temporary palace during his several southern tours. Kangxi received the civil and military officials of Jiangning in the main hall, and accepted the greetings of local official sons in the side hall.

  Under the leadership of an inner attendant, Cao Guang and others quietly entered the side hall with their heads bowed, took up their positions as before in the main hall, then knelt down at the eunuch's "Pay respects to His Majesty" voice, saying in unison: "Pay respects to His Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!" Then came the three kneels and nine knocks grand ceremony.

  Kangxi's stern face was tinged with a hint of warmth as he said, "Get up!"

  The crowd responded in unison, and Kangxi saw that the person standing at the forefront of the east side looked familiar. After taking a closer look, he finally recognized him as Yongqing, the son of Wangjiha. Yongqing's mother was a member of the imperial clan and a princess from the Prince Kang Mansion, making her Kangxi's niece. Seeing that he was wearing a archer's thumb ring, Kangxi asked with a smile: "How is your horsemanship and archery? How many stones can you draw?"

  "In response to Master Wan's words, I can manage two and a half dan, but three dan is a bit of a strain!" Yongqing replied, kneeling according to the rules.

  Kangxi nodded: "Good, you don't lose the spirit of the Eight Banners' sons, your father taught you well!"

  Yong Qing bowed his head again, stood up, and retreated back to his original position, which was considered the end of this round of questioning.

  Kangxi looked at the west side and saw that Cao Kun was not in the first place, he slightly hesitated, and asked the young man in the first place: "What is your name, whose son are you?"

  The youth with a hint of bookish air stepped forward and replied, "In response to Your Excellency's question, my name is Ma Jun, and my father is the Magistrate of Jiangning."

  Kangxi heard that the young man claimed to be a student and knew that he had an official title. He asked him a few questions about this autumn's imperial examination.

  When Ma Jun returned to the row, Kangxi looked at Cao Kun and saw that his little head was hung low, as obedient as possible. Thinking of the fifteen A Ge in the palace who was about the same age as him, he wanted to tease him into speaking, so he turned his face and said: "Where is Cao Kun's son Cao Kun?"

  Cao Kun heard Kangxi finish his conversation with the two, and thought it was almost over. Unexpectedly, there were still twists and turns. Although he felt a bit surprised in his heart, his face didn't show anything. He responded loudly, knelt down, and replied: "Your humble servant Cao Kun pays respects to Your Majesty, may you live forever!" In his heart, he grumbled endlessly about the absurd system. Although the Cao family wasn't Manchu, they had to follow Manchu customs because they were under the banner, referring to themselves as slaves. Fortunately, he was prepared in advance and knew today would involve kneeling, so he had Hui Xin make two soft cloth pads and tie them to his knees. Kneeling repeatedly didn't feel uncomfortable at all.

  Kangxi saw that Cao Yu was calm and composed in the face of events, his tone neither arrogant nor servile, and although he was not very old, he had a youthful air of stability. Kangxi couldn't help but feel happy for Cao Yin. The saying "one who survives great difficulties will surely have good fortune later" is probably true.

  "I ask you, are you still like before, shooting 500 arrows every day?"

  Cao Fang replied: "As for Master Wan's words, starting from last month, I have been practicing archery every three days, shooting 500 arrows each time!"

  Kangxi nodded: "It seems that there is a small success. I don't know how much of your father's true transmission you have obtained. What about your homework? Which book are you studying?"

  "In response to Master Wan's words, I was just studying the Spring and Autumn Annals." After finishing speaking, Cao Yun felt a sense of surprise in his heart. The old master above wasn't going to chat idly, was he? This wasn't about making him a scapegoat, was it? He swept his gaze sideways with the corner of his eye, and indeed harvested a bundle of envious and jealous glances."

  "How many emperors are recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals? How many years did they span?" Kangxi continued to ask.

  At this point, there is no problem at all, and anyone who has read the "Spring and Autumn Annals" knows the answer. If you ask something else, he can't answer it, just a ignorant child. If he can't answer this question, he's an idiot. So Cao Guang had to force himself to reply: "In response to Your Majesty, the 'Spring and Autumn Annals' records twelve emperors, spanning 242 years."

  "Hmm, not bad, it seems that you've put in effort. Don't be proud of yourself yet, you still need to continue!" Kangxi praised.

  Cao Guang had a faint feeling that something was off, the Emperor's behavior seemed a bit deliberate, and he didn't know if it counted as indirectly showing favor to the Cao family, for others to see.

  Kangxi then exhorted all the officials' sons a few words, and that was the end of the audience. He rose from his seat and left. The crowd knelt down to see off the imperial carriage, and then followed the same procedure as when they came in, led by the palace attendants, and the crowd exited the side hall one after another.

  After returning to the front yard, everyone had finished their errands and could return to their respective homes. Cao Yun felt hungry and tired, having eaten an early breakfast and delayed lunch. He bid farewell to several young masters beside him and wanted to return to his own courtyard.

  "Brother Cao, wait a moment!" Ning Chun spoke up just as Cao Yun was about to turn around and leave. Ning Chun was the son of the Deputy Director of the Jiangnan Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, fourteen or fifteen years old, slightly chubby, with a perpetual smile on his face for everyone.

  "Brother Ning, no need to be polite, just call me by my name!" Cao Yun said with a smile. This little fatty was originally an acquaintance of his, and had followed Cao Yin to the Ning family as a guest before. No wonder people say that the Salt and Iron Bureau is full of corrupt officials, this Ning family is one of the richest families in Jiangning City. Ning Chun is a spoiled brat among spoiled brats, indulging in food, drink, whoring, and gambling, without any restraint. However, he has a kind nature, and with his wealth, he doesn't do anything to bully or cheat others, so he doesn't have a bad reputation.

  "I knew I'd be meeting all of you gentlemen today, so I've booked a room at Ruyi Tavern. Let's go have some drinks! If anyone says no, I won't let them get away with it!" Ning Chun said with a swagger.

  Ru Yi Fang, one of the most famous painting boats on the Qinhuai River, Cao Yun couldn't help but feel a little moved. These days, he didn't need to go to school and had some free time.

  The sons of the military generals have mostly dispersed, with only Yongqing remaining in place, hugging his chest and staring at Cao Guang's side. On the side of the civil officials' sons, only a few people are left, including Cao brothers, Ma Jun, and Ning Chun.

  Ma Jun said with a hint of embarrassment: "Ning Shixiong, please forgive me, but my master is still waiting for me to return to the manor to do my homework, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep you company!"

  Ning Chun said with feigned anger: "No, no, not going would be a slap in the face to my brothers. Send the young ones back to tell them that if Mr. dares to make a fuss, I'll fire him and ask someone else to find a better one for you, brother!"

  Ma Jun was originally shy and timid. Seeing Ning Chun's words had reached this point, he knew he couldn't make excuses, so he could only agree, instructing his servant to return to the mansion and report back.

  There were only five people left on the scene, Ning Chun looked at Cao Song, who was slightly younger, and looked at Cao Ge with some difficulty. Cao Ge saw his expression and knew that there must be something in the Ruyi painting boat that was not suitable for children, so he said to Cao Song in a low voice: "The old lady is still waiting for me to eat, second brother will help me go back and report, just say I'm accompanying a few gentlemen outside to eat!"

  Cao Song was used to listening to Cao Gun's words and responded with a foolish voice, without asking why he didn't take himself along.

  Ning Chun hadn't planned to invite Yong Qing, but he was right next to a few people, and how could he bear to lose face by saying no? He could only laugh and say: "Brother is willing to give me face, it's really, really too kind of you!"

  Yong Qing glanced at Ning Chun and turned his head to look at Cao Kun: "I'll give you face, I want to have an archery competition with you!"

  Although he called himself "nucai" in front of Kangxi, Cao Kun had not yet developed the consciousness of being a "nucai". Seeing that this young man was so arrogant, he felt very annoyed and said to Ning Chun: "I'm hungry, Brother Ning, the guest has been treated well, shouldn't we set off now?"

  Yong Qing saw Cao Gong ignoring him and angrily said: "You're talking to me, aren't you? How did this slave Cao Yun teach the little slaves? Do they understand any rules at all? They're really lowly servants!"

  Yong Qing's voice grew louder and attracted the attention of passersby.

  Cao Gong's gaze gradually turned cold, if it were just him, he wouldn't have bothered to argue with this impudent young man; however, since it involved Cao Yin and was in front of everyone, how could he tolerate it anymore.

  "The Cao family is a bondservant, from top to bottom they are all big slaves and little slaves, but they are the emperor's slaves. I wonder who this person in front of us is, which master from the Zhengbai Banner?" Cao Yun looked at Yongqing and said slowly.

  Yongqing's face turned pale, and he finally reacted to his own mistake. Among the Eight Banners, Zhengbai Banner, Zhenghuang Banner, and Xianghuang Banner were the top three banners, directly controlled by the Emperor. Yongqing was resentful that Cao Hu, the son of a fifth-rank official, received the Emperor's inquiry and praise, and the Cao family was also from a humble background, but he didn't expect to make a mistake and offend the taboo.

  Ning Chun saw that the two men looked unhappy, so he pushed one of them with one hand and said with a smile: "The sky is big, the earth is big, but eating is the biggest. As brothers who have been mixing in Jiangning City for a long time, we often meet each other. What's all this nonsense? Let's talk about it over drinks!"