“Congratulations to Xiao Jinshi for being appointed as an Assistant County Magistrate of the Lower Eighth Rank, assigned to Jinjiang County in Rong Prefecture of Jiannan Province!”
Upon hearing the Ministry of Personnel’s assignment order, Xiao Jingduo had not yet reacted when Qiuju and the others burst into cheers. “Congratulations, Master! A position of the Eighth Rank!”
Qiuju and the others only focused on the rank. After all, most scholars who passed the imperial exams, whether as jinshi or mingjing degree holders, began their careers at the Ninth Rank. The fact that Xiao Jingduo was starting directly at the Eighth Rank was undoubtedly a great honor.
But Xiao Jingduo saw things differently. Understanding the intricacies of officialdom, he found this appointment peculiar. “An Assistant County Magistrate in Jiannan Province?”
Qiuju, her eyes sparkling, said, “Master, isn’t the Eighth Rank higher than the Ninth? Isn’t that a good thing?”
To be honest, it might not necessarily be.
Xiao Jingduo’s original plan was far more modest. After passing the Ministry’s selection exam, he hoped for an appointment as a Proofreader in the Imperial Archives. Though the position held little real power, its location in the Imperial City and its dignified nature made it an ideal starting point for scholars. Following standard procedures, one could later be transferred to a more substantial post. Proofreader roles were highly coveted and often secured through connections, so while he desired it, Xiao Jingduo didn’t place too much hope in getting it. Realistically, he expected to begin as a County Officer in the capital region.
During this era, appointments followed strict protocols. Unless one was a prince, a high-ranking official’s descendant, or had other exceptional circumstances, all appointees—whether by inheritance or examination—started at the Ninth Rank. For example, Proofreaders were ranked Regular or Lower Ninth, depending on their specific department. County Officers, slightly less prestigious, were Lower Ninth Rank. While their rank and prospects were inferior to Proofreaders, they were still reasonable starting points. However, Xiao Jingduo’s appointment letter granted him a position as Assistant County Magistrate of the Lower Eighth Rank.
He hadn’t expected his first official post to be so unusual, especially when he learned his assignment was in Jiannan Province’s Rong Prefecture.
This was a region known for its mixed ethnic populations, frequent unrest, and fierce, unruly customs that resisted governance.
So, while the Eighth Rank was prestigious, the position required him to leave the capital and travel far to Jiannan. Moreover, Jinjiang County, his place of assignment, sounded like a challenging jurisdiction to manage.
Noticing Xiao Jingduo’s prolonged silence, Qiuju grew anxious. “Master, why aren’t you saying anything? Is this post… not good?”
“It’s not bad,” Xiao Jingduo finally said. “Being promoted beyond the usual rank is already a great honor.” However, he refrained from sharing the second half of his thoughts: that great challenges often accompanied such opportunities.
Hearing his reassurance, Qiuju brightened again. “I knew it! Master could never go wrong. It’s just a shame that you can’t stay in Chang’an and must leave again. Oh, right—where exactly is Jiannan Province?”
Xiao Jingduo shot her an annoyed glance. ‘You’re so slow to catch on’.
Unwilling to engage further, Xiao Jingduo turned and went back inside to look up information on Rong Prefecture and Jinjiang County. A short while later, a loud, surprised exclamation reached his ears through the window: “Ah! It’s so far away!”
The assignment order sparked heated discussions not only within Qingze Courtyard but also among other members of the Dingyong Marquisate.
When the Old Madam heard the news from a maidservant, she didn’t understand what an Assistant County Magistrate did or what it meant for Xiao Jingduo to be appointed to an Eighth Rank position right away. She only cared about one thing: “Why is the position outside the capital? Why not in Chang’an?”
Even the Old Madam knew that a capital post was better than one in the provinces. Though the Xiao family’s ancestral home wasn’t in Chang’an, they had lived there for so long that the Old Madam already considered herself a native of the capital and instinctively looked down on provincial appointments.
Xiao Su, who was sitting with the Old Madam, echoed her sentiment. “Jiannan is indeed quite far away.”
As a married daughter who had returned to her maternal family after a divorce, Xiao Su’s position in the marquisate was undeniably awkward. She spent most of her time with the Old Madam, as the Old Madam was her main source of support in the household.
Previously, under Cheng Huizhen’s persuasion, Xiao Su had entertained the idea of arranging a marriage between her daughter and Xiao Jingduo. But after hearing the advice of her personal maids, she reconsidered. Cheng Huizhen was still young, and it seemed rash to stake everything on such an uncertain bet. Waiting a few more years wouldn’t hurt.
Especially now, upon hearing Xiao Jingduo’s appointment, Xiao Su felt relieved. Thankfully, she hadn’t rushed into arranging the engagement. Jiannan was a remote, mountainous region, and Jinjiang County sounded like an out-of-the-way, obscure place. She couldn’t bear the thought of her daughter following Xiao Jingduo to such a desolate backwater. It was fortunate that nothing had been settled yet, leaving her free to observe for a few more years.
At that moment, the Second Madam entered with her daughter to pay respects to the Old Madam. Hearing the discussion about Xiao Jingduo, she interjected, “I’ve seen others in the capital assigned to respectable positions like Proofreader or Corrector. Why is it that our eldest young master has been sent to an outer province—Jiannan, of all places?”
The Third Madam chimed in with a mocking tone, “Oh my, Second Sister-in-law, you’re remarkably well-informed! You even know that new officials typically start as Proofreaders or Correctors.”
Her words were dripping with sarcasm. The Second Branch’s Xiao Jinghu was growing up, but aside from causing trouble, he seemed incapable of anything else. The Second Branch was growing desperate and had set their sights on securing the family’s yinbi privilege—a hereditary appointment available to one family member.
The Dingyong Marquisate had only one such slot, technically belonging to Xiao Ying (The Marquis). Since Xiao Jingduo had secured his position through his own merits, he didn’t need it. This left the remaining contenders as the eldest legitimate second son, Xiao Jingye, and the Second Branch’s Xiao Jinghu.
Previously, with Wu Junru still in the picture, the Second Madam hadn’t dared to harbor any hopes. But now that Wu Junru had been severely reprimanded by her mother-in-law and was clearly falling out of favor, the Second Madam saw an opportunity and began plotting again.
This is why the Second Madam paid so much attention to these official positions, perhaps even more than her son did. The Third Madam couldn’t help but feel envious, but knowing that the Old Madam was completely biased toward the Second Branch, she realized her own son stood no chance. As a result, she seized every opportunity to make snide remarks at the Second Madam.
The Second Madam ignored her sister-in-law and instead said to the Old Madam, “Mother, don’t worry. Although the eldest young master has been sent to an outer province, with a few years of experience out there, he can still return to the capital.”
The Old Madam sighed. “Ah, I say, Duo’er is just too stubborn. For something as important as choosing an official post, how could he remain so rigid and refuse to bow his head? If he had softened up to his elder brother earlier and let him pull some strings, how could he have been sent out to a provincial post?”
“That’s true. After all, provincial officials can never match the prestige of those in the capital,” the Second Madam added.
The Third Madam scoffed. “Even if the position of Assistant County Magistrate in Jinjiang County isn’t ideal, it’s something he earned through his own merit. And yet Second Sister-in-law still dares to complain. You’ve got quite the nerve.”
This jab hit a sore spot for the Second Madam. She had worried herself sick over Xiao Jinghu, and now the Third Madam had the audacity to make snide remarks right in front of her. The Second Madam’s temper flared instantly. “What do you mean by that, Third Sister-in-law?”
As the women’s squabble erupted once again, Xiao Ying, who had been frequently mentioned by the ladies, had a very different perspective.
“You’re saying he was assigned as Assistant County Magistrate in Jinjiang County? And it’s an Eighth Lower Rank position?”
“Yes, Marquis, that’s what I heard,” replied the servant.
“Eighth Rank, is it…” Xiao Ying couldn’t help but stand and pace the room.
The women in the inner court might not understand, but Xiao Ying certainly did. A promotion beyond the usual rank—this was no trivial matter.
Official appointments were incredibly strict and rigid, progressing along a predefined path. Especially in the early stages, each position had a fixed trajectory for promotion. According to the unspoken rules of the bureaucracy, a newcomer’s first position was always of the Ninth Rank. Those with good backgrounds and who had passed the imperial examinations might start as Proofreaders in the Secretariat Department. Those slightly less fortunate would serve as Correctors, and those below that would begin as County Constables. Rarely would anyone break through the Ninth Rank threshold, let alone start as an Eighth Rank Assistant County Magistrate.
Typically, a new official would spend several years honing their skills as a County Constable before being promoted to Assistant County Magistrate.
Some colleagues had previously hinted at pulling strings for his eldest son, but Xiao Ying had merely smiled and given no response. His silence was, in fact, his answer—he fully expected Xiao Jingduo to endure some hardships under the pressures of others.
What Xiao Ying hadn’t anticipated was that, without any intervention on his part, Xiao Jingduo could still secure an Eighth Rank post. In the convoluted bureaucracy, where every move affected the entire system, Xiao Ying couldn’t believe that someone had dared to promote Xiao Jingduo from Ninth to Eighth Rank without outside influence.
“Who could it be?” Xiao Ying murmured softly, barely audible.
Others looked down on provincial officials, striving only for positions in the capital, but Xiao Ying’s vision wasn’t so narrow. Provincial officials had their own advantages. Being far from the emperor’s direct oversight meant fewer constraints from superiors, making it easier to achieve tangible results. Once they returned to the capital with accomplishments, their path upward would be much smoother. It was true that Rongzhou was remote and the position was challenging, but in the bureaucracy, challenges were never the problem—what was truly concerning was not having the opportunity to face them in the first place.
Xiao Ying sighed. It seemed the situation was slipping out of his control.
…
The Ministry of Personnel’s assignment orders had been issued, and Xiao Jingduo would soon set off for Jiannan to take up his post as the second-ranking official of a small county on the southwestern border. Based on the hierarchy, the County Magistrate was the highest-ranking official in Jinjiang County, followed by the Assistant Magistrate (Xiao Jingduo’s position), and then the Registrar and County Constable. The County Magistrate would be his direct superior. To avoid making a poor impression on his superior, Xiao Jingduo began preparing for his journey shortly after receiving the order.
Jiannan was located in a remote region, and traveling into Sichuan (the region where Jiannan province is located) was particularly arduous, so everything had to be kept simple. Many of Xiao Jingduo’s servants and maids would have to stay behind.
Ever since the maids of Qingze Courtyard learned where Jiannan was, Xiao Jingduo had enjoyed a rare period of peace. Even Haitang, who was usually as lively as a butterfly, had fallen silent and was avoiding him as much as possible. Xiao Jingduo took this opportunity to streamline his retinue. Using the pretext of traveling light, he left behind all the spies sent by other courtyards. Only trusted individuals would accompany him to Jiannan.
Xiao Lin led the outer courtyard, while in the inner courtyard, Xiao Jingduo only trusted Qiuju. However, having just Qiuju on the road wouldn’t be enough. After some consideration, Xiao Jingduo chose Xiqi to join them. Over the years, he had observed that Haitang’s loyalties lay with the Old Madam, and the other four maids—Qin, Qi, Shu, and Hua—all had their own agendas. Among them, Xiqi was the most sensible and sharp-witted. Xiao Jingduo was willing to give capable individuals a chance.
Once the accompanying personnel were finalized, preparations for the journey began in earnest. From Xiao Jingduo to Xiao Lin to Qiuju, everyone was busy. During this time, Xiao Jingduo received several invitations to banquets, but he declined them all. Unlike his peers who were staying in the capital, Xiao Jingduo’s post was in a distant province. The journey would take considerable time, and he was eager to begin his duties as soon as possible, leaving no time for socializing.
It was during this period that Xiao Jingduo learned that all 22 candidates who passed the imperial examination had passed the Ministry of Personnel’s review. While there were mixed feelings about the assignments, everyone had secured a position. Roughly half were appointed as Proofreaders or Correctors in the Secretariat, while the other half became County Constables in areas surrounding Chang’an. Most of them were stationed either in the capital or nearby suburbs. Only two exceptions were sent to remote regions.
Xiao Jingduo was one of them. The other was Bai Jiayi.
Bai Jiayi even sought him out to complain. “Why was I sent to the desolate northwest? It’s so barren there! I don’t want to go!”
That day, Xiao Jingduo went to the East Market to purchase supplies for the journey and took the opportunity to sit with Bai Jiayi. Hearing Bai’s complaints, Xiao Jingduo responded calmly, “Then do you dare not go?”
“I don’t dare,” Bai Jiayi said dejectedly, his head drooping. “Sigh, just thinking about it makes me sad. By the way, where were you assigned?”
Xiao Jingduo paused before answering, “Jiannan Province, Rogn Prefecture, Jinjiang County.”
Bai Jiayi stared at him for a long time before suddenly bursting into laughter. “Hahaha, I thought my situation was bad, but yours is even worse! Let me think… Rong Prefecture, huh? I remember that place isn’t exactly peaceful.”
“Same to you. The place you’re assigned to is on the northwest border. Beyond it lies the Turks, and to the west are the Longyou horse pastures, areas long plagued by conflict and frequent raids from nomadic tribes. Are you really any better off than I am?”
After exchanging these barbed remarks, the two finally settled down to talk properly.
After a brief silence, Bai Jiayi suddenly grew serious. He lifted his wine cup and said, “I’m heading to the northwest, and you’ll soon be on your way to Shu. From now on, one of us will be in the north and the other in the south. Who knows when we’ll meet again? Xiao Jingduo, take care.”
Xiao Jingduo raised his own cup. “Take care.”
After downing the wine in one go, Bai Jiayi leaned over, winking mischievously. “Since we’re about to leave Chang’an, this money-squandering paradise, why not make the most of our remaining time? Let me take you to some fun places.”
“No need. Keep it for yourself.” Xiao Jingduo knew Bai Jiayi couldn’t stay serious for more than a moment. Since he had other plans and no time to waste on Bai Jiayi’s nonsense, Xiao Jingduo drank the farewell wine and prepared to leave.
“You’re leaving so soon? I’ve even invited Third Young Master Xia. Won’t you wait for him?”
“Third Young Master Xia? Is that the Third Young Master Xia who solved the Jiangzhou case—Xia Zhiheng?”
“Yes, that’s him.”
Xiao Jingduo paused, suddenly intrigued. “How do you know him?”
“The Bai family and the Xia family are somewhat related,” Bai Jiayi replied vaguely.
Xiao Jingduo nodded and didn’t press further, though he already had an answer in mind.
The Xia family was the family of the Crown Princess. Years ago, while they were at the Imperial Academy, Bai Jiayi had casually mentioned that his family’s matriarch had pulled some strings to secure his admission. Now it seemed likely that those strings led to the Crown Princess.
No wonder the two of them had been placed in the same dormitory. Whether it was a coincidence or arranged by the head of the academy, Xiao Jingduo couldn’t say.
Even so, he didn’t have time to stay any longer. He needed to set out by mid-June or, at the latest, late June. There was no room for leisurely chats with Bai Jiayi. Resolute, he declined Bai Jiayi’s attempts to make him stay, left the restaurant, and headed to the East Market to prepare his travel supplies.
As Xiao Jingduo stepped out, he felt something and turned back. Bai Jiayi, noticing his gaze, waved at him through the half-open window with a smile.
They had once been the closest of classmates, living under the same roof for three years. Now, Xiao Jingduo was heading to Jiannan, while Bai Jiayi would soon depart for the northwest. One was bound south, the other north, their paths diverging. Both were busy during this transitional period, leaving little chance for another meeting. Who knew when they would see each other again after today’s farewell?
Xiao Jingduo sighed silently in his heart and strode away.
Once in the officialdom, many things were beyond their control. Meetings and partings became commonplace. But no matter what, they had to keep moving forward.
Chang’an was divided into East and West Markets, with street-side shops strictly prohibited elsewhere. All merchants were required to gather in these two markets under the unified jurisdiction of the imperial court. Ordinary citizens often visited the markets for their daily needs, hence the term “buying things” (买东西, literally “buying East and West”). Merchants from all over Chang’an and even the entire empire converged here, making the East and West Markets bustling hubs. The East Market, located in the eastern part of the city, was surrounded by aristocratic mansions and featured higher-quality goods and shops. In contrast, the West Market, situated in the mixed and chaotic western area, was famed for its endless exotic caravans and rare treasures, boasting the slogan “you can buy anything under the heavens.”
For convenience, Xiao Jingduo chose the East Market, which was more expensive but less crowded and safer.
Xiao Jingduo and his attendants, including Xiao Lin, were busy preparing supplies, with medicine being an essential item. Standing in a pharmacy, Xiao Jingduo carefully selected herbs.
The design of Chang’an, seemingly crafted by someone with an obsession for order, divided residential areas into neatly squared grids surrounded by walls, referred to as “wards.” For instance, the Tongshan Ward where the Dingyong Marquis Estate was located. Similarly, the East and West Markets were meticulously segmented, with each area dedicated to specific trades—medicine here, jewelry there, and so on.
The street Xiao Jingduo was on was entirely devoted to medicinal trade, and the pharmacy he was in happened to be at a corner. Turning one more corner would lead to the section selling jade goods.
Perhaps it was because the East Market was quiet that day, or perhaps his hearing was exceptionally sharp, but as Xiao Jingduo stood in the shop selecting herbs, he faintly heard a familiar voice.
Almost instinctively, he turned around and saw a silhouette at the corner of the previous street. Though the figure was backlit, Xiao Jingduo immediately recognized her. “Your Highness?”
Hearing someone call her, Rong Ke turned her head. When she saw who it was, she smiled. “It’s you.”
“The East Market is crowded and full of prying eyes. What is Your Highness doing here?” In Xiao Jingduo’s view, even though Rong Ke was surrounded by a group of maids and attendants, her presence radiated the word “unsafe.”
Rong Ke, however, uncharacteristically sighed. “It’s a long story. I was accompanying my mother out for some fresh air today, but as soon as we arrived at the East Market, that little rascal disappeared. Rong Lang, stop right there! You still dare to run!”
Rong Lang, rarely allowed out of the Eastern Palace, was curiously looking around, completely ignoring the maidservants’ advice. Enthusiastically touching this and peeking at that, he wandered farther and farther away without realizing the trouble he was causing.
The Crown Princess and Rong Ke quickly noticed his absence. Although they knew Rong Lang was surrounded by guards and wouldn’t be in any real danger, the Crown Princess had only this one son. Discovering he was missing nearly scared the soul out of her. Rong Ke, furious, could only lead the search for her little brother.
Rong Lang eventually realized he had gone too far and began to feel afraid. He hurriedly retraced his steps. When he reached this street, he spotted his older sister standing at the corner, seemingly talking to someone. Not wanting to face her wrath, he decided to sneak past her quietly.
Unfortunately, he had barely taken two steps before Rong Ke noticed him. A shiver ran down Rong Lang’s spine, and instinctively, he wanted to run. But before he could, Rong Ke’s icy voice came from behind him: “Try taking another step.”
Rong Lang wanted to say he wasn’t afraid of his sister’s threats—he was a man, after all. But for some reason, his legs wouldn’t move. Finally, he shuffled toward Rong Ke, hesitantly tugging at her sleeve. “Big Sister…”
Rong Ke was so upset she kept a cold face and ignored him. Seeing this, Rong Lang’s lips trembled as if he were about to cry. “Big Sister, don’t be mad.”
“Go away.”
“Big Sister, hug.”
Rong Lang opened his arms and threw himself onto her legs. Caught off guard, Rong Ke stumbled but immediately tried to push him away. However, Rong Lang had been spoiled since birth and was a master at acting cute. Clinging to her legs, he refused to let go no matter what.
Rong Lang was the Crown Prince’s only legitimate son, barely four years old, and practically the treasure of the entire court. Watching Rong Ke unapologetically shove her brother’s head, Xiao Jingduo couldn’t help but feel nervous. Unable to stand it any longer, he gently said, “Your Highness, the young master is only four. It’s natural for him to be playful at this age. Please don’t hold it against him.”
“Hmph, he’s already four. I wasn’t like this when I was his age.”
No, when you were four, you were precocious but even more headstrong. Of course, Xiao Jingduo wouldn’t dare voice such thoughts in front of Rong Ke.
Rong Lang’s antics were relentless, leaving Rong Ke completely exasperated. Finally, she sighed and said irritably, “Fine, someone else is here. Stand properly.”
“Oh.” Children are always quick to adapt. Rong Lang immediately released her legs and stood obediently.
Xiao Jingduo chuckled lightly. “The young master is truly bright.”
Rong Ke snorted, ignoring her mischievous little brother, and instead turned her attention to Xiao Jingduo. “You’re buying medicine. Are you about to take up your post soon?”
“Yes, I am heading to Jiannan to assume my post. That place is plagued with miasma, so I must prepare in advance,” Xiao Jingduo replied.
“I know,” Rong Ke said with a nod. “Fortunately, you have medical skills, so the miasma shouldn’t pose much of an issue. However, the situation in Rong Prefecture is complicated, and the locals are fiercely independent. It’s wise to prepare as thoroughly as possible.”
Xiao Jingduo sighed inwardly. So, he was being sent to Jian’nan while Bai Jiayi was heading to the northwest? He understood that this was the Crown Prince’s test for them. Still, the fact that the Crown Prince was willing to provide them an opportunity for such a trial was already a good sign. Thinking of the arduous journey ahead, Xiao Jingduo fell silent for a moment before saying, “Your Highness, I don’t know when I’ll return from this journey. Please take care of yourself.”
Rong Ke smiled faintly. “You as well. Take care.”
With that, Rong Ke left with Rong Lang to reunite with the Crown Princess. Xiao Jingduo stood where he was, watching the siblings’ figures grow smaller in the distance, feeling a wave of emotion.
The dignified and rational Crown Prince, the gentle and warm Crown Princess, the extraordinarily intelligent princess, and the bright and lively heir of the Eastern Palace—all of them seemed to perfectly embody the idealized image of a royal family, almost unreal in their perfection. When the Crown Prince ascended the throne, this family would likely become a model for the empire, admired by all.
This was the last time Xiao Jingduo would see Rong Ke before leaving the capital. At that moment, she was still the beloved princess, proud and carefree, shining like a radiant star.
In his heart, Xiao Jingduo silently bid her farewell. “Take care.” By the time he returned, Rong Ke would likely already be married. Though their fates would part here, Xiao Jingduo still hoped she would live a life of peace and joy, forever shining as brightly as a jewel.
On a cool morning after the rain, Xiao Jingduo departed Chang’an with his official documents and a small retinue of attendants. When he reached the foot of Mount Zhongnan, he pulled his horse to a stop and gazed at Qingyuan Temple, shrouded in mist.
“Master Mingjue, all the honored teachers of Qingyuan Temple, this farewell may be forever. Farewell.”
After bowing to Qingyuan Temple in his heart, Xiao Jingduo resolutely turned away, spurred his horse forward, and galloped ahead. Behind him, the city of Chang’an gradually disappeared into the distance.
The road to Rong Prefecture was as arduous as expected. It took Xiao Jingduo and his entourage two full months to reach the region.
However, what he didn’t anticipate was that the first “gift” awaiting him in Jinjiang County was the death of his immediate superior.
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Happy new years, hope you reach all your goals for 2025
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