Because there were still people of Emperor Yongtai nearby, Qian Jiaoniang did not explain further to Qian Meiniang and only declined gently. But Qian Meiniang thought she was merely concerned about the Zheng family, and grew anxious. She kept assuring her that Second Brother Zheng had agreed, that they would take along Brother Ping, and that the two elders would remain in Yuzhou for now.
Qian Jiaoniang was still firm and sent Qian Meiniang home. Then she turned to tell Xing Muzheng of this matter.
After a moment of thought, Xing Muzheng said, “Elder Sister and Brother-in-law have always treated Chou’er as their own son. If they were with him, it would be best. But Elder Sister still has a young son to raise. The city of Yongan is treacherous—if danger arises, they may not be able to escape. Still, if Elder Sister stays in Yuzhou while Brother-in-law goes with Chou’er, you and I can rest easy.”
Though some members of the Xing clan were also going, from every perspective Zheng the carpenter was the best candidate. Pingchun, who liked to tinker with mechanisms, got along very well with his handy uncle. Their families were close, too. If Second Brother Zheng accompanied him, Pingchun would surely be much safer.
Qian Jiaoniang nodded, but then sighed. “Do you think I haven’t thought the same? But we’re not sending Brother-in-law off to seek glory. Though he’s worked in the Ministry of War these years, he’s never experienced such filth. I fear that in Yongan he might meet with danger—how could I explain that to Elder Sister? But Elder Sister, pitying Chou’er for going alone, insists on following. Today I barely managed to send her back, but I expect she’ll come again tomorrow.” Her elder sister was just that stubborn.
Xing Muzheng said, “I’ll go speak with Brother-in-law.”
Qian Jiaoniang nodded, “Then persuade Brother-in-law to put this thought to rest. These years haven’t been easy for them either—let them live their days in peace.”
That very night, Xing Muzheng went quietly to the Zheng household, and in Second Brother Zheng’s workshop, explained the matter from beginning to end. Second Brother Zheng was not overly shocked. Instead, he let out a sigh and said, “So it truly is so!”
Unlike Qian Meiniang, he often stayed at the military camp. Even though he was devoted to his work and hadn’t paid heed to much gossip, still, some comrades had tried to probe him about inside matters because of his connections. No matter how dull he was, he understood that the men sent by His Majesty were not here with good intent.
“Brother-in-law has heard some idle talk?”
“It’s the comrades in the camp who worry for you,” Second Brother Zheng said. “Looking at it this way, Brother-in-law, your sickness is feigned—I can rest assured now.”
Xing Muzheng clasped his fists, “I troubled Brother-in-law with worry.”
Second Brother Zheng said, “So long as you’re unharmed, all is well! But hearing this, I feel even more that I should accompany Chun-ge’er to Yongan. You and Third Sister cannot move about freely now, and though Chun-ge’er is clever, he is still but a half-grown child. I may not have much ability, but if I can look after him a little, it will be of use. Only… Meiniang—she had better not go.” He feared for his wife’s safety.
Xing Muzheng said, “That Brother-in-law has this heart is enough. Jiaoniang and I are already grateful. But this journey to Yongan is dangerous. You have a beloved wife and young son—best not to take such risks.”
Second Brother Zheng grew anxious, “Brother-in-law, what are you saying? Am I the sort of man who clings to life out of fear of death? Our two families are closest kin. Chun-ge’er is Meiniang’s and my own nephew. Now that he is in difficulty, with his parents unable to accompany him, as his uncle, how could I not do all I can to help?”
Xing Muzheng had always admired Second Brother Zheng’s loyal and honest character, knowing his words were not false sentiment. He hesitated no more, bowed deeply, and said, “Then I must thank Brother-in-law in advance.”
Startled, Second Brother Zheng quickly returned the bow.
“As for Elder Sister…”
Second Brother Zheng patted his chest, “Don’t worry—leave that to me!”
What he meant by “leave it to me” was that he would explain everything to Qian Meiniang. She, holding little Ping-ge’er, stared in shock for a long while before realizing why Qian Jiaoniang had been so determined to stop her from going.
