Chapter 14 A House Granted by the Emperor

No one had expected the sudden summons to be an examination conducted by the emperor himself, rather than an accusation or a rebuke.

Dalang continued calmly.

“His Majesty questioned me on the meaning of the classics, the advantages and dangers of the present situation, and policies for governing and caring for the people.

“I answered truthfully, drawing on what I’ve learned. I did not dare lie, or rely in any way on our family’s influence.

“I spoke only from a scholar’s conscience and my understanding of an official’s duties.

“His Majesty was very pleased.

“He said that though I was young, I knew how to conduct myself, that I understood things clearly, had a sound education, and could see beyond the immediate concerns.

“He also praised me for not seeking the protection of a military family or coveting hereditary honors, and for willingly severing that attachment so that I could stand at court as an independent civil official.”

Every word startled those listening.

Other people feared losing the family’s power, feared losing the foundation of their prospects.

Dalang alone had asked to give it up, seeking a clear position and an honorable path into office.

That resolve had addressed the ruler’s greatest concern—and won his greatest approval.

Dalang lifted his head, his voice firm.

“His Majesty was so pleased that he issued an edict granting me a separate residence in the capital.”

For a moment, the room was utterly silent.

My mother-in-law nodded again and again, astonished and delighted.

“Good!

“Very good!

“A reward from the throne—Heaven has truly blessed Dalang!”

An imperially granted residence made the separation lawful and beyond question.

There would be no need to bargain further with the marquis and his heir, or worry about clan rules or obstruction from Guo Yinuo.

One word from the emperor outweighed ten thousand from anyone else.

By granting Dalang a residence himself, the emperor had publicly recognized his right to establish an independent branch and household.

From now on, he would enter court as a new civil official, with his own home and a separate household registration.

He would no longer be the legitimate son waiting to inherit the Zhenbei marquisate.

The most dangerous link between civil and military power had been cut. The emperor’s deepest suspicion had eased.

Beside us, Guo Yinuo could no longer keep her gentle smile.

Her fingers tightened secretly around her sleeve.

For years, she had made her plans.

She had wanted Dalang and me to remain in Nanshan, far from the capital.

She had wanted him to remain the legitimate eldest son, burdened by suspicion until his prospects collapsed, so that her own sons could inherit everything in peace.

Yet in half a day, the whole situation had turned.

The legitimate eldest son had won the emperor’s regard.

If her sons hoped to inherit the household, from now on they would have to rely all the more on their own abilities.

My husband stood motionless, his face heavy.

Looking at his tall eldest son, now praised by the emperor, he showed guilt and shock, along with feelings I could not name.

From beneath the veranda, I watched my boy, overwhelmed.

So many years of hard study in Nanshan.

And on his very first day back, he had won the emperor’s approval.

From now on, his brush would be his sword, his learning the foundation of his life.

He would have a household of his own.

His future was bright and open.

* * *

At the words “a residence granted by the emperor,” the hall had grown so quiet one could have heard a pin drop.

Guo Yinuo’s smile froze.

Her fingers gripped her sleeve.

Shock and resentment nearly spilled from her eyes, but she still had to congratulate him.

She bowed slightly and forced a little pleasure into her voice.

“Congratulations on winning His Majesty’s favor and achieving so much at such a young age.

“This is a great blessing.”

The words were congratulatory. Her tone was stiff.

I gave her a mild glance and said nothing.

Turning her prayer beads, my mother-in-law spoke with quiet decision.

“If His Majesty has granted the residence himself, it is an imperial command.

“Dalang’s separate household has been settled by the throne.

“From today, his branch is formally independent of the ancestral household.”

She looked at my husband.

“You are his father.

“Your eldest son is establishing his own home. You should know what you ought to do.”

He lowered his eyes.

After a long silence, he sighed.

“I understand.

“I’ll have people prepare everything tomorrow.

“All the furnishings and servants for Dalang’s residence will be provided from our household’s accounts.

“We cannot let the house His Majesty has granted stand empty and bare.”

At last, Guo Yinuo’s smile gave way.

She parted her lips, instinctively trying to intervene.

“My lord, the household’s accounts have been rather tight these past few years…”

A single look from the old lady stopped her.

“Tight?”

Her voice was not loud, but every word carried weight.

“This family has a hundred years of wealth behind it. Can it not even afford to furnish its eldest son’s new home respectably?

“Or have matters reached the point where even I must ask Lady Guo before spending a little silver?”

The room fell silent.

Guo Yinuo paled and bowed quickly.

“I would never presume.

“I spoke out of turn.

“Everything will be as you and the heir decide, Madam.”

Her words conceded defeat. The hand holding her handkerchief still trembled.

I watched it all from where I stood.

I felt no satisfaction.

Only sadness.

Sadness for women.

“Mother.”