Book 1: Chapter 49
<strong>A Moon Round In The Starry Skies For The 15th </strong>
At the morning suns first rising, the newnterns were already hanging.
Just as morning came, the children from some families rushed to hang up their own familiesnterns. Once hung up, it was typically for 3 days. As long as there was a bit of money to spare within the household, they wouldnt allow for thenterns to be easily extinguished.
The people with better craftsmanship would make thenterns themselves, constructing them into different sorts of shapes and then gluing colored paper on the outside andmp oil or candles inside. At night, hanging them under the eaves or carrying them in hand made them appear like a river of stars entering the water, following the flow.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan both changed into new outfits for today, getting up early to work together with the household. The two of them had already plunked down 100 silver taels</a> for today, wishing to forge an irond rear.
Xiaohong, have the clothes that the clothier was asked to make been sent over? Spread out in front of Wang Juan was arge sheet of paper. On it, a roughyout of the two residences of Zhang and Wang was illustrated. Wang Juan held a slender ink brush in her hand, asking as she dabbed it next to an option. On there, the two characters for clothing were written.
Xiaohong, Shiliu, and Yingtao, the three of them had already handed any trivial matters over to other people to do and they were all standing in front of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan.
Six-tenths has been sent over. Theres still four-tenths that need 2 more hours before they can be sent over. All of the servants and peasants of the two manors of Zhang and Wang total 763 people altogether. 763 sets of clothing and shoes have been tailor-made to measure without missing a single person.
Xiaohong had already be ustomed to Little Misters rules as she stepped forward in response. When taking the size measurements, the two families of Zhang and Wangs identities as the vige chiefs<sup>[1]</sup> were used though they hadnt mentioned that it was in order to make clothes and shoes for the people of the manor. These things were typically made by the families themselves and having them made to order from without was rare.
Good. In a short while, go and pressure them again. Yingtao, has antern and a roasted chicken for every family been prepared yet? Wang Juan used the ink brush to make a check mark after the two characters for clothing before she asked Yingtao.
Yingtao also stepped forward: The two manors have a total of 234 households. 234nterns and roasted chickens have all been prepared and can be given out at any time. Also, the 3 days worth of candles that can be supplied to every household for theirnterns has already been prepared.
Wang Juan made another check mark after the written item ofnterns: Shiliu, how long until the meat-filled dumpling balls<sup>[2]</sup> are done being wrapped?
In reply to Little Miss, every person will have 10rge meat-filled dumpling balls. Before, we were still 400 short. Now, theyre almost done. The 3 strings of 1,000 burst firecrackers for every household have all been ced in the storeroom.
Shiliu also stepped forward in reply, her face bright red with excitement at the thought of Little Mister and Little Misss ns for today.
Wang Juan also checked off this item. A manservant, Huzi, was still remaining in the room. Not waiting for Wang Juan to ask, Huzi started speaking on his own.
The two manors have already dug out the pits, guaranteeing that the torches that are nted on top wont fall down and cause a fire. Altogether, its 790 pits and 790 torches. Every person from our two manors will each have one. The grease that has been prepared will ensure that they wont be extinguished for this one night.
Good, everyone should go and prepare. In the afternoon during the rooster hour (5~7PM),<sup>[3]</sup> hand all of the items out. Stick the torches in and light them up once it gets dark.
Wang Juan said a sentence in instruction and the four people left in quick session. The two of them, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, were the only ones remaining in the room. They were still waitingwaiting for Xu Si to return. The 100 silver taels</a> that had been spent couldnt all have been used just on the clothes, food, and other things. There was another portion that had been ced with Xu Si here.
I heard that the personing down from above this time doesnt have such a good rtionship with the prefectural Depot Advisory Official Zhou Kong or rather, Zhou Xihus uncle. What if he deliberately makes troublehave you thought of a way to deal with it?
Wang Juan put the brush away to ask while facing Zhang Xiaobao, who was next to her and also holding a brush to write things down on his own there.
Zhang Xiaobao was a bit dissatisfied with his characters aspared to Wang Juan, they werecking by a lot. But who let Wang Juan practice this since she was little? Other than the things that had to typically be learned in the ssroom, the other things like dance, brush calligraphy, musical instruments, and other misceneous kind of things had to all be learned too, ~ne. This was the gap between the poor and rich.
Families with no money also had genius children. Every time one appeared, there would be a great deal of news coverage, as if these children were the most formidable. But the result was that in the proportion of the poption that upied the leading positions in society, it was still those people who had grown up being trained in all areas of expertise since they had been little who ounted for the greatest amount.
After slightly reflecting upon this for a bit, Zhang Xiaobao also put down the brush to rub his wrist and give a reassuring smile to Wang Juan.
Its better to have conflict. The peopleing down have to go back. Therell be a deadline. If the rtionship is good, theyll help cover it up. If the rtionship is so-so, thats when itll the most difficult. That way, theyll deal with the affair impartially. If the rtionship is not good, thats easy.
That Works Advisory Official<sup>[4]</sup> will verify the auspicious favor on the one hand and on the other hand, make a bit of trouble for the Depot Advisor''s nephew. Then, let him go find some. It wont even do if he didnt make troublewell force him to put all his focus on suppressing Zhou Xihu and the county magistrate and ce a whole bunch of troublesome little ws in front of him.
Just this? Nothing else? Then, what if hes finding fault on the one hand but are seized by a whim on the other hand and want to go up to the manor? What to do then? Wang Juan kept thinking that this was a bit unsafe. This did not seem to befit the conduct of this International Criminal Swindler, Zhang Xiaobao.
She herself was responsible for the logistics on the 15th while assigned to Zhang Xiaobao was dealing with the peopleing. When did he ever only have the one idea?
Didnt finish speaking, ~ne, Im thinking of the details.
Oh, thats more like it. I was saying, if you really only used a single idea with no guarantee, then it wouldnt be you, Zhang Xiaobao. Wang Juan was reassured now.
Zhang Xiaobaos hand tapped his leg a few times: Song Jing-gong still has things to do over there. ording to the intel, our prefectures Merit Advisory Official Chen Yong, Chen Jinian<sup>[5]</sup> likes posing as a lover of culture.<sup>[6]</sup> Sanshui Countys county seat there has three big restaurants. If you walk further north, theres even the Luo River. That river isnt part of our county as its part of the territory for Luochuan County.<sup>[7]</sup>
A one-way walk typically needs half a days time. Lets think of the poems of this era and write them down to send over to Song Jing-gong. Then, lets take out some of the amusing things this side doesnt have and some new recipes. Have Song Jing-gong tightly pin Chen Yong down at the three restaurants and the Luo River there; make him reluctant to leave the red-light district.<sup>[8]</sup>
Youre too wicked. Tell me, how many people did you corrupt back then? Upon hearing this, Wang Juan understood. It was a simple yet practical measure. After thinking of how many high officials who had gotten swindled but still helped to cover it up afterwards back then, she understood why.
A fly does not bite an uncracked egg. Besides these, well also have to spend more money again here and let some citizens bar the way to cry for justice.<sup>[9]</sup> This requires Magistrate Cheng to cooperate for a bit. Itll all be matters as trivial as chicken feathers and garlic skin. Let Chen Yong enjoy the experience of being able to make judgements for the people.
After enjoying this experience, lets have the people give him amendation like a silk banner.<sup>[10]</sup> Invite him to a farming household to eat a farmers meal and experience being close to the people. If these are not enough, then well make him sick. I cant believe hed have the energy toe and care about us here then.
Zhang Xiaobao spoke leisurely as Wang Juan listened to Zhang Xiaobao while staring at him. Wicked, a belly full of wicked water. But he was wicked good. To have such a wicked person to live with from now on would be very rxing.
Little Mister, Little Miss, this little one has returned. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan both had finished discussing how theyd manipte people when Xu Si hurriedly ran in from outside. Usually, he couldnt casually enter this courtyard house. Todays circumstances were special.
Its good youve returned. Has everything been taken care of? Today, everything here were being managed by Wang Juan, so Wang Juan was the one to speak.
Its done. This little one has already found people to do the lion dance.<sup>[11]</sup> 50 people will being this time. Theyll be dancing by that area by the bridge. Itll be a lively night. This little one has even prepared some goods. Theyre all goods that can typically be of use. And there are several kinds of snacks. By that time, theyll be set out at that ce by the bridge.
This little one has been thinking. Tonight, these goods wont earn profits. Itll be fine to just cover the costs. I didnt discuss this point with Little Miss and Little Mister. So if its not fine, then this little one will raise the prices.
Xu Si had been horribly busy for these two days. The market fair originally was going to be done by him after the 15th was over but he was doing it on the night of the 15th as Wang Juan and Zhang Xiaobao had only had him find people to perform the lion dance.
Upon hearing these words of initiative from Xu Si, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were not only happy, they even smiled. Xu Si saw two children with pure smiles. While he thought it cute, he was a bit afraid at the same timeafraid that he had made a mistake.
Good, Zhang Xiaobao said a word.
Good, Wang Juan also echoed him in saying one word.
Xu Si didnt know what he should do. There was something a bit off with both their expressions and the words they spoke, ~ne.
Xu Si, dont worry. It really is good. Since the matter of the market fair has been handed over to you, then however you want to do it, we wont interfere at all. In a while, you can go to Xiaobao and my storeroom to select things worth around 20 silver taels</a> to give out as well. There are also several kinds of snacks in the courtyard house that cant be found out there. Go to the kitchens to get them and find people to make them. I want this years 15th to be etched in everyones memory.
Wang Juan and Zhang Xiaobao were really too satisfied with this Xu Si. Xu Sis grasp of business opportunities and consumer psychology was really a rare talent. As long as business was done at cost for several days, this market fair would naturally grow. Give him some more guidanceter on and in the future, hed be of great use.
Having just received praise and been granted authority, Xu Si left full of gratitude. The fatigue from being so busy for these few days seemed to disappear at the blink of an eye. He, Xu Si, also had today. He could also do great things. Back then, he had also sought out the Ge Manors master family, wishing to speak his inner thoughts and suggest some ideas. But the result was he had been thrown out. From then on, hed lost heart and just stuck to honestly farming thends.
But to think, ~ah, I, Xu Si, finally have found a good master family. This is trust. To hear people say it, there was that really formidable person back thenforgot what it was called. They would not suspect people who were used and not use people who were suspect.<sup>[12]</sup> Unh, he must do well with the market fair. Let the people of the Ge Family see that I, Xu Si, am no longer that Sigou (Four Dogs).
As Xu Si thought this, he clenched his fists tightly. After having just left this courtyard house of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juans, he stopped and turned around to kneel down while facing the house where Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were located before kowtowing 3 consecutive times. Only then did he stand up, leaving inrge strides with his chest up and head high.
Old man, look at that good grandson and granddaughter-inw of ours, how is their skill at leadership? Near Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juans courtyard house within another courtyard house diagonally across, Old Madam smilingly asked the Old Master who had also been watching Xu Sis actions as he left.
The Old Master nodded his head slightly: Unh, this one generation of my Zhang Family has seeded. This daughter-inw Qiao-er is good as shes controlled this household so there arent any mistakes and even given birth to such a good grandson for us. From now on, well just enjoy the quietforts.<hr><ol><li>
The exact Chinese used is Cun Zheng (), which literally means vige just(ice) alluding to the positions typical duty of managing petty disputes between the vigers. This is worthy of mention because vige chief or vige head</a> is usually referred to as Cun Zhang () in Chinese and searching for Cun Zheng () online will bring up Muramasa as the Kanji reading for these two Chinese characters are identical to the name of the famed Japanese swordsmith</a>. The vige chief was usually not a formal position given any official authority by the government back then, though there might be some informal version of elections since the position was usually filled by someone the vigers considered worthy or venerable enough to act as the leader and spokesman for the vige. In many cases where the vige was established by a n or house, the vige chief would also be the n chief or house leader. In this case, because the manors also double as viges, the head of the manors are also the vige chiefs.</li><li>
Rou xian tang yuan (</a>) literally trantes to meal filling soup round. Ive tranted tangyuan</a> as dumpling balls as they are essentially dumplings made out of glutinous rice</a> flour that are formed into balls. They can be made to have no filling, hence why it is specified in the text that they have meat fillings. This food actually has different names ording to the region of China and tangyuan is actually the Southern Chinese name for them. The use of the name itself is likely anachronistic for the Tang dynasty</a> though since the legend for why they are called tangyuan is rted to Yuan Shikai</a>, a warlord from thete Qing dynasty</a>. However, this is a food item traditionally eaten on the 15th of the first month of the Lunar New Year</a> and for other festivals as well. You can see more pictures on Baidu</a> (recipes in Chinese are provided but dont ask me to trante them because there are a lot!).</li><li>
Ive tranted you shi (</a>) as the rooster hour since thats the Earthly Branch</a> associated with the Rooster</a> from the Chinese Zodiac</a>. As a reminder, the Chinese divided the days into 12 2-hour segments representing the 12 Earthly Branches that was then assigned to an animal from the Chinese Zodiac. The rooster rules over the time span from 5:00~7:00PM.</li><li>
The trantion I used si kong can jun () will make sense if youbine the trantions for si kong (</a>) meaning Minister of Public Works with can jun (</a>), which means staff or advisory official. Thus, since these are titles for prefectural officials, it bes Works Advisory Official (to be part of a matching set with the Depot Advisory Official and Merit Advisory Official I have already tranted). That or this could be a typo since si gong can jun () or Merit Advisory Official is close in pinyin to si kong can jun ().</li><li>
Chen Yong () is the surname of Chen, meaning old, with the given name of Yong, meaning eternity. His style name is Chen Jinian () with ji nian () meaning sessive year, which could refer to his familys hope that he will live long (matching with the meaning of his given name). When making introductions in ancient China and the style name is mentioned, it often is added after the given name. This would be simr to making introductions in the West that include the nickname such as Jillian Smith, Jill Smith. If the style name is given as part of a self-introduction, there is an implied invitation that the listener can use the style name, which grants a degree of familiarity. In this case, Xiaobao is just being thorough, giving the impression that he is simply recalling the intel that had been collected.</li><li>
Fu yong feng ya (</a>) can mean following the trends of elegance and essentially refers to the behavior of those members of the schr-gentry and literati who liked throwing parties to discuss poetry, paintings, and other topics. However, they could be drunken affairs with just as much debauchery since they sometimes took ce in brothels or involved courtesans and dancing girls, only dressed up elegantly. So depending on the context, this idiom could be praise or criticism of such activity.</li><li>
I havent been able to find information to verify the geography of Luochuan Xian () although there is a Luochuan County</a> that uses different characters () with the same pronunciation.</li><li>
The Chinese Xiaobao used here were poetic euphemisms for the red-light district, which probably adds a sardonic tone to it all: feng yue chang suo, yan hua zhi di (, ). It literally trantes to ces of the wind and moon,nd of the smoke flowers (or fireworks). This makes more sense when you realize that the wind and moon or windy moon (fengyue/</a>) refers to matters of love, specifically seductive love, so its normally used to describe the love found in brothels, which is like the wind or moon, ephemeral and untouchable. Thend of the smoke flowers or fireworks was already addressed in a previous footnote back in Chapter 26.</li><li>
There is a certain legal tradition in ancient China of an exception to the normal appeal process, poprized in many historical dramas, where those who are wronged can seek justice by barring the way of a traveling official to petition them to redress their grievances. So han yuan (), which literally means cry injustice, describes this action. Some dynasties will legite punishments for those who bar the way of officials, which can also be seen as a fair price to be paid for their insubordination by not pursuing the regr legal process since the local officials authority could be great. In this case, because of their modern day influences, Xiaobao and Juan-Juan are using this tradition that is normally used as a desperate recourse as a dying tactic like in aedy. Some amusing wordy that I have seen used in Chinese dramas before is an official who sees a rabbit with a crown and immediately knows someone has been wrong and an injustice has been done because it is a visual depiction of the character for injustice or yuan ().</li><li>
A jinqi (</a>) or silk banner can either be given to the victor of a race or to a person to show they did something worthy of respect. Itd be the equivalent of giving someone a trophy or award for phnthropy.</li><li>
The lion dance</a> is a traditional Chinese dance where the dancers mimic lions while in a stylized lion costume. It usually requires at least 2 people to do a lion dance, one for the head and the other for the tail. It is usually performed at special events and asions like weddings, business openings, or anything else that needs to be celebrated in a lively way. People who have seen some of Jet Li</a>s Once Upon a Time in China film</a> series will likely remember a pivotal scene in one of the films where a martial arts fight broke out involving a lion dance.</li><li>This is an 8 character long saying whose first 4 characters are normally quoted as an idiom to in an abbreviated reference to the full sentence. I tranted yong ren bu yi, yi ren bu yong (</a>, ) as literally as possible to try to convey the inherent rhyme found within the sentenceposition, which is symmetrical but both ends are the opposite in meaning. This is also the advice given to leaders regarding how to treat their followers and subordinates, which was key in imperial China where trust between the Emperor and his officials could be fraught with tension. </li></ol>