Chapter 74: The Arts of Etiquette, Classics, Arithmetic, and Skills—Five Talents Required Behind the Boudoir

Regarding his uncle Du Fu, Du Shiyi had little impression. In his memory, Du Fu had begun seeking official posts in his youth, rarely staying at home. After finally attaining an appointment, he brought his family with him to his post, and scarcely ever returned to Fanchuan.

Fanchuan was a gathering place for gentry clans, but none were more prominent than the Wei and Du families. In his branch, his great-grandfather Du Junshi had served as an official under the Sui dynasty and, after the founding of the Tang, was posthumously honored as Governor of Huai Prefecture. His great-grandfather Du Zhengqian served as the Sima of Qingzhou, while his grandfather Du Yuan’an only reached the rank of Assistant Magistrate of Jingyang. His own father died young; his paternal uncle Du Fu, with the tireless effort and support of several elders in the clan, managed to secure a minor hereditary post as an attendant in the imperial ancestral temple. Now, at thirty-six or thirty-seven, he remained a mere county bailiff—his difficult career need not be elaborated. Among his close relatives within the fifth degree of kinship, the highest office any had reached was only the seventh rank. In short, this branch of the Du family had long since declined. Were it not for the other Du branches in Fanchuan, supporting each other, he would never have become known among the great families while still young.

Now, as he rode on horseback and remembered these family matters, so often neglected both by his former and current self, it was not because Princess Yuzhen had suddenly mentioned Du Fu. After all, Du Fu was but a lowly ninth-rank county bailiff; even ordinary court officials might not warrant the princess’s notice. Yet after asking that one question, she had smiled and remarked that, by a twist of fate, Du Fu had found favor with his superiors and would soon be transferred to Youzhou in Hebei. Clearly, Princess Yuzhen had known his name for no more than a few days and could hardly be acting out of any special regard. This promotion and transfer had nothing to do with him.

Moreover, Xiping County in Xianzhou lay in Henan, while Youzhou was at the border of Hebei, adjoining the Xi and Khitan tribes—a posting that, even with promotion, meant both risk and opportunity.

By the time he returned from Princess Yuzhen’s villa to his inn at Quanshan Ward in Luoyang, the sun was already setting. Dismounting, he recalled that Lu Hong, Lu Wangzhi, and Pei Ning had departed at dawn and by now were likely in Yanshi. Du Shisanniang would be moving to the Cui family tomorrow, which must make her uneasy; mentioning Du Fu would only cause her further worry, so he composed himself and put on a cheerful expression. Just then, a shadow darted nimbly from the gate.

“So it takes you this long to attend a banquet? I nearly fell asleep waiting!”

Hearing Cui Jianxuan say this while stretching and yawning, Du Shiyi regarded him thoughtfully before replying with a smile, “There were many guests today, with drinking games and music, so it ended late.”

“I figured as much. After seeing off Lu Shi, Senior Brother, and Third Brother, I came over and waited forever. Shisanniang is listless and gloomy—it’s killing me! Hey, don’t just stand in the doorway—let’s talk inside.” Urging Du Shiyi into the courtyard, Cui Jianxuan kept chattering, “Come, tell me, who was at the noble host’s today? Did anyone make things difficult for you, being a newcomer? You know, those so-called talents often like to bully the unfamiliar… Hey, are you mute? Why aren’t you saying anything?”

Listening to his endless prattle, Du Shiyi remained silent until they entered the room. When Cui Jianxuan, now somewhat annoyed, pressed him, he finally replied without turning his head, “You’ve outdone yourself, Ninth Lady, your disguise is so lifelike that even my Shisanniang was likely deceived.”

At these words, “Cui Jianxuan” behind him froze, then burst out, flustered, “Impossible! I rehearsed my brother’s manners over and over—I’m sure I didn’t slip up. How did you see through me?”

“First, though you mimic Cui Eleven’s voice well, you’re a bit shorter than him; walking in high boots makes your gait odd.” Turning around, Du Shiyi saw Cui Ninth Lady’s sudden realization and subsequent vexation, so he smiled, “Of course, I’d recognized you before you slipped up. This time, though you didn’t use perfume or powder, and though it’s the chilly early spring and you wore a sable collar to hide the one flaw, Cui Eleven rarely wears that. And, please, Ninth Lady, don’t forget the most important fact: Cui Eleven and I have been roommates and classmates for over half a year—it’s not so easy to fool me!”

“All right, Ninth Lady, since your little play failed, it’s time to give it up.”

At this languid yet graceful voice, Du Shiyi saw a figure emerge from Shisanniang’s room. She wore a red gauze blouse and a turmeric skirt, with a Sichuan brocade half-sleeve and scarf gleaming in the sunset’s colors. A silver butterfly hairpin trembled delicately with her steps, highlighting her flawless, lightly powdered beauty. Who could it be but Cui Fifth Lady? Facing her, Du Shiyi found himself no longer at ease as with the mischievous Ninth Lady; his expression darkened slightly as he stepped forward. “So you are here as well, Fifth Lady.”

“If my brother came back bearing such words, how could I not come in person to apologize?” Cui Fifth Lady smiled, the flower ornament between her brows dazzling, “Nineteenth Young Master Du, do you truly intend to speak with my sister and me separated by walls and doors?”

From their first meeting at the Cui residence in Yongfeng Lane, to subsequent encounters at the South Market’s elegant studio and the Huji tavern in Jishan Ward, to today—Du Shiyi had met these two sisters only three times, yet each time had been full of surprises. Now, seeing Shisanniang standing by the door, biting her lip with an imploring look, he could only nod reassuringly before reluctantly moving aside to let them enter.

Within the plainly furnished guest room, Cui Fifth Lady seated herself with easy grace, as if in her own home, while the cross-dressed Ninth Lady stood beside her, pouting.

He got straight to the point. “What advice have you two honored ladies come to offer today?”

“As I just said, since my brother returned and told me you were upset over recent events, I felt I must come in person. As for Ninth Lady, she’d slipped out earlier, intending to go to Princess Yuzhen’s villa, but I intercepted her on the way.” Here, Cui Fifth Lady glanced at her sister, who guiltily turned away. With a soft laugh, she continued, “Last time, I spoke with Shisanniang without your permission, which was thoughtless of me. So I apologize to you now, Nineteenth Young Master. In the future, should anything similar arise, I’ll consult you first.”

Seeing her truly bow her head, Du Shiyi saw no point in dwelling on a settled matter. He replied coolly, “I know you meant well, Fifth Lady. As her brother, I simply don’t wish to see my sister caught in the middle. If I’ve been discourteous, I beg your pardon.”

“No, the fault is entirely mine—even Grandmother has scolded me.” As the outer curtain stirred and Zhuying brought in some cooling drink, Cui Fifth Lady exchanged a few polite words, knowing Shisanniang was worried about discord. When Zhuying had quietly withdrawn, she said to Ninth Lady, “Go keep watch outside.”

“Why must I? Lüchan and Yunqiao are already out there!”

Ninth Lady bristled, but at her sister’s stern look—having revered her since childhood—she dared not protest further. With a resentful glance at Du Shiyi, she stormed out, the curtain’s heavy fall betraying her displeasure. Cui Fifth Lady, unconcerned, waited for the curtain to settle before setting down her cup.

“Though Grandmother is not yet fully recovered, she and our parents have agreed that Eleventh Brother will return with you to Mount Song. Some preparations are still needed, so please remain in Luoyang a few more days. If you fear too many social calls, you and Shisanniang might move to our house tomorrow.”

Noting Du Shiyi’s slight reaction but lack of surprise, she spoke frankly, “Eleventh Brother stayed in the capital because Grandmother was gravely ill, but now her spirits are restored, his studies must take precedence. Moreover, Master Lu’s reputation is renowned; having now witnessed his integrity, our whole family is in awe. As Grandmother said, a good teacher and friends are rare treasures in life. For Eleventh Brother to have both is a blessing to cherish. As for leaving Shisanniang behind…”

She paused, then continued with a smile, “Nineteenth Young Master, because you have only one sister, we wish to keep her with us. In the mountains, your studies leave you little time to care for her. As a woman, she must learn certain things to stand in this world. First, propriety—without learning etiquette, she would make mistakes in society or even at court. Second, writing—though her hand is neat, it lacks polish; a fine script is essential. Third, the classics—though many current officials are upstarts, true noble families, even if temporarily fallen, will rise again if the mother is well-versed and can teach her children. Fourth, mathematics—one must know one’s accounts to avoid being deceived by servants. Fifth, skills—music is fashionable now; you may be skilled at the pipa, but your sister only knows the basics from childhood. She should not be thought less capable than her brother. Just as you guide Eleventh Brother in his studies, I will do my utmost to teach your sister what she will need.”

These words deeply moved Du Shiyi, who had harbored some reluctance. After a moment’s thoughtful silence, he rose and bowed deeply to Cui Fifth Lady.

“The six branches of the Cui family live together with upright traditions, known throughout the Eastern Capital. Fifth Lady, since you are so discerning, I entrust Shisanniang to your care. As for Eleventh Brother, rest assured—whether as Master Lu’s student or disciple, we value teaching all equally. Eleventh Brother is open and generous, well-liked in the hall. He and I have studied history and the classics together, entered the school together, and are even closer for it. We will continue to look after each other as before.”

“In that case, I have no more worries.” Cui Fifth Lady rose with a smile, but suddenly recalled how mischievous Ninth Lady had secretly checked the brocade box Cui Jianxuan had received from Du Shiyi. The gold within was worth at least two hundred strings, far more than any interest earned. This proved that, though Du Shiyi had once borrowed money, he had never regarded Cui Jianxuan as a mere source of wealth, but was honest and trustworthy—a friend to rely on in both prosperity and adversity.

At the door, she paused and, without looking back, said, “After Eleventh Brother returned to the capital, he had someone inquire about a certain General Pei Min from the Youzhou army. Not wishing to distract him, I delayed the matter. General Pei serves under the Youzhou commander, renowned for his swordsmanship. Years ago, he followed Sun Quan in a campaign against the Xi; had it not been for his valor, even more troops would have been lost in that defeat. He should now be stationed with the Beiping Army west of Dingzhou, where there has been peace in recent years. Since your uncle is soon to be posted there, if you need information, you might ask him. Additionally…”

Cui Fifth Lady suddenly turned and took two steps back, looking at Du Shiyi. “I hear you and Liu Family’s Sixth Son have had a falling out? The Liu clan of Guanzhong is a distinguished family. Liu Ximing’s grandfather was the late Vice Minister Liu Fan, his father is Prefect of Muzhou Liu Qiwu, and his aunt is Liu Jieyu in the palace. He is narrow-minded—if you meet him again, be wary of any underhanded tricks.”