TGPSAC – Chapter 40

The first time Lin Buwei saw Chi Wan, he felt she had changed.

It wasn’t that he had never seen her before. In the past, her eyes would dart around shiftily, making her seem like no good person. She lacked any of the dignified air of someone from a noble house, looking more like a petty thief.

She possessed such fine features, yet her temperament ruined them.

Seeing Chi Wan again now, her entire bearing had undergone a heaven-and-earth change. The person was the same, but the shift in her aura was simply too great.

While not as noble as the Grand Princess, she was neither servile nor overbearing. Her every move was graceful and poised. She seemed less like she came from a noble house and more like she hailed from a family of scholar-officials—gentle, refined, and clearly the focus of her family’s cultivation.

The House of the Marquis of Huai’an could not have produced such a person. Who knew where the Fuma had learned her skills? It seemed there was someone else behind her. But then, the Fuma had kept up the act for so many years.

It made sense. The House of the Marquis of Huai’an had wanted to raise the Fuma to be useless. If she were truly clever and wanted to grow up safely and completely break away from them, then acting as they wished was the best course of action.

The Fuma was fond of gambling and wine, yet she had never caused any major trouble. The only major event was her successful marriage to the princess. If someone were to say the Fuma was a good-for-nothing, he would be the first to disbelieve it.

Unfortunately, many people couldn’t see this and thought the Fuma was incompetent.

In his mind, Lin Buwei had molded Chi Wan into a clever person who had endured and disguised herself, with everything she did in the past being a means to escape the House of the Marquis of Huai’an.

Hadn’t it already been confirmed outside that Chi Wan was Chi Mingwen’s daughter, and that it was all a conspiracy by Chi Mingwu for the sake of the title?

Some were already saying that the Fuma had long known about her mother’s fate and had endured for years to avenge her. Once she had evidence against Chi Mingwu, she presented it before the throne.

In truth, she had still shown consideration for their shared surname, Chi, and had not been more ruthless. Had she been, the Chi family’s title would not have been preserved.

Now, the Chi family’s title still existed, though it had been demoted. It wasn’t completely stripped, which could be considered doing right by their ancestors.

At first, many people said nothing to her face but cursed her behind her back. Some were even preparing to band together to impeach her. But after some of the inside story spread, Chi Wan’s reputation underwent a dramatic transformation.

Especially after she made Vice Grand Secretary Yuan faint from anger at the palace gates, pacified the scholars, and successfully persuaded them to leave, with every sentence of hers resonating powerfully. In the eyes of many students and common folk, the Fuma was upright and incorruptible, loyal to the monarch and devoted to the country, and concerned for the people. She had become a good minister who upheld her integrity, a good official who pleaded for the common folk.

With such a reputation, anyone who dared to impeach the Fuma would be branded a treacherous minister.

It had to be said, the Fuma had played this hand beautifully. Lin Buwei was a merchant, but he dealt with officials daily. How could he not understand the winding ways of the imperial court?

The rumors outside had originated from the imperial palace, which meant they could no longer be considered mere rumors. The Emperor had approved and confirmed them; he was backing the Fuma.

The Fuma had secured a powerful backer. Who would dare to cause her trouble now? The only question was whether the Fuma would cause trouble for others.

Lin Buwei’s heart skipped a beat. Seeing Chi Wan approach with a smile, he stood up from a distance to welcome her.

As Chi Wan drew near, he hurried forward to greet her. “This subject, Lin Buwei, pays his respects to the Fuma.”

“There is no need for such ceremony.”

Chi Wan sat in the seat of honor. She knew the man before her was the head of the Lin family. An imperial merchant was also an official, though without a substantive post. He held an honorary title, and his rank was not high—Lin Buwei was likely fifth-rank.

An imperial merchant who worked directly for the Emperor’s private treasury, the Shaofu, was essentially part of a state-owned enterprise.

In fact, each province also had its official merchants, as the Shaofu had branches everywhere. Those people worked for the provincial-level Shaofu. The Lin family worked directly for the Emperor, which showed just how large their business was.

“Physician Lin, what brings you to see me today? Please speak freely.”

Lin Buwei’s honorary title was Fengxun Daifu, so addressing him as such was not improper.

Lin Buwei quickly replied, “I dare not. It is enough for the Fuma to call this subject by his name.”

“Last time, my son, Lin Zhiyi, mentioned that he wished to work for the Fuma. Upon hearing this, I immediately gave him my support. I did not expect the Fuma’s undertaking to be so grand. This subject was too narrow-minded.”

He didn’t explicitly say Chi Wan was doing business, but he expressed his support and ended with an apology.

What a character, this Lin Buwei, Chi Wan thought with a smile. “Physician Lin, there is no need to be so guarded. You may speak plainly. In business, we speak of business. Let us just discuss this as a normal business deal.”

Lin Buwei was taken aback. The officials he dealt with all looked down on merchants. They spoke in winding, roundabout ways, afraid that the stench of copper coins would reduce them to the level of merchants. They wanted money but didn’t want to talk about it; they were utterly hypocritical.

“Since the Fuma has said so, this one will not be coy. I heard from Lin Zhiyi that the Fuma has a medicinal materials business. Our Lin family would also like to invest. As the Fuma proposed, ten thousand taels of silver for a one percent stake.”

“Not so fast.” Chi Wan waved her hand and took a sip of tea.

Lin Buwei grew anxious. Could it be that the Fuma no longer wanted to cooperate with the Lin family?

Then how would the Lin family resolve its crisis? If they didn’t align with the Princess’s Residence, were they to turn to the insatiably greedy Prince Ying or Prince Zhongshan, or that Prince Bao’an with whom they had no connection?

“Fuma…”

Before he could finish, Chi Wan handed him a piece of paper on which a rough business plan was written.

Lin Buwei was puzzled. He took the paper, intending to give it a cursory glance, but after just two lines, he was captivated. His hands began to tremble slightly. He knew what the contents of this paper signified.

“Fuma, these suppression patchs, cooling pills, beauty pills, face masks, and so on… are they truly as effective as written here?”

Chi Wan didn’t say much, offering only one sentence: “Her Highness is using them.”

“In that case… in that case.” Lin Buwei stood up excitedly and paced a few steps. “Fuma, based on this list alone, I calculate that the income will be well over ten million taels.”

“Fuma, for this matter, the Lin family is willing to offer one million taels of silver. We will still only take a one percent stake.”

“Don’t be hasty.” Chi Wan interrupted him. “I have another plan here. Once we have signed and sealed the agreement, you may take another look.”

Seeing Lin Buwei eager to state his position, she stopped him and continued, “I do not want a million taels from your Lin family. I only want you to set aside a space in each of your shops to sell these items. Furthermore, a workshop must be established in each region, and the workers hired are to be retired veterans. The Princess’s Residence will have someone liaise with your Lin family on this matter.”

“Also, I need someone who can manage this business. My meaning is, your Lin family will provide a person to be responsible for operations and management, and the Princess’s Residence will provide someone to assist.”

Lin Buwei was surprised. “Someone from the Princess’s Residence will assist.” He had assumed they would be there to supervise, or at the very least, manage the accounts. He never thought it would be mere assistance.

Chi Wan’s lips curved. “What, does your Lin family dare to embezzle Her Highness’s money? No matter how much you embezzle, Her Highness can take it all back.”

After the sweet date, came the big stick.

Her meaning was clear: go ahead and embezzle. In the end, with a single word from the princess, your Lin family could be exterminated and its assets confiscated. The money you embezzled would still belong to the Grand Princess.

Lin Buwei fell silent. This was precisely what he feared. Even if the Lin family didn’t embezzle, there was no guarantee the Grand Princess wouldn’t discard them after they had served their purpose.

Chi Wan made a gesture of invitation, motioning for him to drink his tea. “As long as the Lin family does its job well, the position of Registrar in Qingyuan County is vacant. I think Zhiyi would be suitable.”

“Zhiyi?” Lin Buwei’s eyes widened. “But he has no academic degree.”

“If the Lin family is amenable, how about the rank of tong jinshi?” (Literally “Associate Jinshi”)

Great Zhou had a rule: those with special talents or who had made contributions to the court but lacked an academic degree could be granted the status of tong jinshi.

Though they hadn’t participated in the imperial examinations and couldn’t compare to proper jinshi graduates, they could still become officials.

Nowadays, the Emperor often bestowed the status of tong jinshi upon the children of his favored ministers, provided the child had no hope of passing the examinations.

Lin Buwei knew his son’s capabilities. The most he could hope for in this lifetime was to pass the county-level exam. How could he possibly pass the metropolitan exam? To be granted the rank of tong jinshi, though not as good as a true jinshi, was already a tremendous blessing for the Lin family.

He immediately knelt. “The entire Lin family kowtows in gratitude for the Grand Princess’s great benevolence, and kowtows in gratitude for the Fuma’s great benevolence.”

“I already said, there is no need for ceremony.” Seeing Lin Buwei, a man so much older than her, kneeling before her made Chi Wan feel uncomfortable all over.

But she couldn’t act too out of character, so she simply said coolly, “It’s just that I had intended for Lin Zhiyi to manage the business. With you, his father, advising from behind, there would be no mistakes. But if he is to become a registrar, then who will manage this business?”

“This…”

Lin Buwei was also in a difficult position. Whether his son could be granted the rank of tong jinshi depended on whether the Lin family could manage this business well. But if his son managed the business, how could he become an official? For the Lin family, producing an official was more valuable than a business worth millions of taels.

Seeing his dilemma, Chi Wan lowered her eyes to hide the smile within them and feigned difficulty. “Is Zhiyi the only legitimate son in the Lin family?”

“Yes,” Lin Buwei said with difficulty. “This one has several from concubines.”

Chi Wan waved her hand. “From concubines… A Qian Yuan would be out of the question. It would be inconvenient if Her Highness needs to speak with them in the future. And I don’t like men.”

Seeing her tone soften, Lin Buwei knew that a daughter from a concubine might be acceptable. He quickly said, “This one has a daughter from a concubine at home, a Kun Ze.”

“She must be at least sixteen.”

Hearing this, Lin Buwei hesitated for a long time before finally thinking of someone. “This one has a third daughter from a concubine, but…”

“The third young lady, what is her name?”

“Lin Qianduo.”

Chi Wan was inwardly delighted but remained outwardly composed. “That is a fine name. But what?”

“It’s nothing. I will bring her to see the Fuma in a couple of days.”

Lin Buwei assumed that Chi Wan’s request was a sign that she wanted to do something behind the Grand Princess’s back. He didn’t dare help her deceive the Grand Princess, but he also didn’t dare disobey. He could only push the person forward for now and see what happened.

Little did Chi Wan know that Lin Buwei thought she was planning to have an affair. He had originally been hesitant to push forward this unfilial third daughter, but upon hearing that she was to be part of an affair, he made up his mind. At worst, if the matter came to light later and the Grand Princess became angry, he would just have his third daughter hanged to appease Her Highness’s wrath.

In reality, in Chi Wan’s plans, once Lin Qianduo was firmly established, the Lin family’s thunderclap of a downfall would arrive. However, she would help protect Lin Zhiyi.

“Mm, let’s leave it at that, then.”

Chi Wan rose to leave, but Lin Buwei had one more question. “Fuma, may I ask how much silver the Lin family should offer for this one percent stake?”

At this, Chi Wan smiled. “What do you think?”

“This one believes that ten thousand taels is too little, and a million taels might displease Her Highness. How about one hundred thousand taels?”

Just as he said, one hundred thousand taels was neither too much nor too little. It was just right.

One hundred thousand taels for disaster relief, one hundred thousand taels for business. Chi Wan sighed inwardly, then gave her assent.

Chen Yuan brought in a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone. The two of them pressed their fingerprints on the document, and the matter was settled.

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Chi Wan returned to Yongning Courtyard, preparing to tell Yu Jiuzhou about her conversation.

But to her surprise, the first thing Yu Jiuzhou said upon seeing her was, “What kind of person is the Lin family’s third daughter?”

“Ah?” Chi Wan was bewildered.

Chun Gui looked at her angrily. “Fuma, you are doing business for Her Highness. How can you mix public affairs with private desires? May I ask what your intentions are in wanting to see the Lin family’s third daughter?”

Uh oh… They thought she had taken a fancy to the Lin family’s third daughter and had made such a request for that reason.

No Qian Yuan, no men, only women—the way she had phrased it was indeed far too obvious.

Chi Wan pressed her forehead. No wonder Lin Buwei had looked at her that way. She immediately explained, “The Lin family’s third daughter’s full name is Lin Qianduo. Her alias is Hua Qianduo.”

Chun Gui frowned. “The Fuma even knows her name and alias.”

Well, this was not going to be easy to explain.

She could only hope that Yu Jiuzhou had heard the name before.

Lin Qianduo, Hua Qianduo. Yu Jiuzhou did indeed recall who that was.

Chi Wan had just started her business, and she had already thought of Lin Qianduo.

In the book, Lin Qianduo was from the Lin family. Because she was born to a concubine, she was not valued. Her cruel legitimate mother wanted to sell her to a forty- or fifty-year-old official to be his second wife. Lin Qianduo, seeing no other way out, took a risk and fled under a false identity.

Later, the Lin family met with disaster. Their status as imperial merchants was revoked, their property was confiscated, and the Qian Yuan in the family over the age of fifteen were exiled. The rest were left homeless on the streets. After this ordeal, some of the Lin family members died, some fled, and few remained.

Unexpectedly, Lin Qianduo’s business ventures outside flourished, and she later became the wealthiest person in Jiangnan. It was only then that it was revealed her escape had been arranged by Prince Bao’an. To repay him, she used her entire fortune to help him ascend the throne.

After Prince Bao’an became emperor, Lin Qianduo was made an imperial concubine. Unfortunately, the newly crowned emperor, recalling his past, felt compelled to retaliate against everyone who had ever slighted him. As for Lin Qianduo, he could not admit that he had risen to power using a Kun Ze’s money. He gave her the cold shoulder and applied pressure, which led to her tragic end.

Of course, the novel didn’t frame it that way. It came up with a very nice excuse for the male protagonist, Prince Bao’an, though that part of the story was heavily criticized at the time.

Chi Wan had only persevered through the book to see what happened to Yu Jiuzhou. She couldn’t understand why someone so hypocritical could be the male lead.

Lin Qianduo had built an empire from scratch, only for it to benefit that scoundrel in the end. Now that she was in this world, Chi Wan certainly couldn’t watch such a formidable woman be trapped in the inner palace and meet a tragic end. It was also a perfect opportunity for them to do business together. Approaching Lin Qianduo, who was confined to the women’s quarters, would likely be difficult. Lin Zhiyi was a key link, and it was his appearance that had suddenly reminded her of this matter.

If she didn’t grant Lin Zhiyi a degree and make him an official, the Lin family would never let Lin Qianduo out to cooperate with her.

Moreover, Chi Wan understood Lin Zhiyi’s character. Though he was a bit of a profligate son of a rich family, his heart was in the right place. In the novel, the first thing Lin Qianduo did after becoming a high-ranking concubine was to have someone find him from a thousand li away. This was because while everyone else in the Lin family had bullied her, this elder brother had been kind to her.

In short, Lin Zhiyi came from a merchant family and was no stranger to the duties of a registrar. If he showed ability in the future, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to enter the Ministry of Revenue.

Chi Wan hadn’t randomly assigned an official post; she had discussed this with Yu Jiuzhou beforehand.

It was just the matter of Lin Qianduo that she hadn’t explained in detail.

Hearing Chun Gui’s accusation, she could only say softly, “Your Highness, this subject truly had no such intentions.”

“Mm.” Yu Jiuzhou looked at her steadily, surprised that she knew so much about the people around Prince Bao’an.

In the previous life, Prince Bao’an had accomplished many things using the money Lin Qianduo earned from her businesses. Recruiting soldiers and buying horses required money; implementing national policies required money.

For a dignified emperor to need his concubine’s money to win over ministers, and then to discard her after she had served her purpose—the thought alone was despicable.

Regardless, Lin Qianduo’s money had indeed saved Prince Bao’an a lot of trouble and allowed him to do many things.

If they could win Lin Qianduo over… Yu Jiuzhou’s lips curved into a smile.

Realizing she had misunderstood Chi Wan, she took a sip of hot tea. “Since I have entrusted this matter to you, you shall have full authority.”

“No, Your Highness, this subject is truly not interested in the Third Miss Lin.” Chi Wan did not want to be mistaken for a lecher.

“And what if you were?” Yu Jiuzhou looked at her coolly.

Uh… indeed, what could she do about it?

Chi Wan gave a dry laugh. “This subject was just explaining to Your Highness. I want Lin Qianduo to manage the business purely for business reasons, with no selfish motives.”

Seeing her anxious to explain, Yu Jiuzhou finally refrained from speaking harshly.

“I know.”

Chi Wan felt relieved. As long as Yu Jiuzhou didn’t misunderstand her, that was all that mattered.

Then, Yu Jiuzhou added, “You are my Fuma. For the duration that you are the Fuma, you are not to do anything out of line.”

“What is ‘out of line’?” Chi Wan was confused.

After a moment, she said, “Your Highness, rest assured. This subject will not be greedy or seize things. I will certainly serve Your Highness well. As long as in the future…”

At this point, she suddenly realized she had misspoken and fell silent.

But Yu Jiuzhou caught the slip in her words. “In the future, what?”

Chi Wan hesitated. “…as long as Your Highness agrees to one request from this subject. Rest assured, Your Highness, this subject will not ask you to do anything heinous or against your conscience.”

Once Yu Jiuzhou succeeded, she could leave. Letting her go shouldn’t count as anything heinous, right?

Yu Jiuzhou gave her a deep look. “We will speak of it later.”

Chi Wan wanted to say more, but Yu Jiuzhou continued, “Do you know of Lin Qianduo’s situation in the Lin family?”

“I know a little. I heard that Lin Buwei wants to marry her off to a forty- or fifty-year-old official as a second wife. I imagine she is not valued at home and may even be in a difficult position.”

An old official? That did fit.

Yu Jiuzhou rose and walked outside, standing under the corridor with her hands behind her back. “Then arrange a residence for her.”

“Hm?” Was she supposed to keep Lin Qianduo as a mistress outside? Chi Wan was shocked.

“Let the Lin family think she is your person. Her situation will improve. If you do not touch her, she will serve you with sincerity.”

Why would she touch Lin Qianduo?

Chi Wan said helplessly, “Your Highness, won’t rumors spread that this subject is keeping a mistress?”

“Whether you are or not, I will know, you will know, and Lin Qianduo will know. That is enough. You must be her backer.”

That was true. Given Lin Qianduo’s status and her position in the Lin family, without Chi Wan’s backing, many things would be difficult for her to do, and she wouldn’t be able to act freely.

But what troubled Chi Wan was that she would be taking the blame for no reason.

“What if His Majesty finds out?” Keeping a mistress behind the Emperor’s daughter’s back… that was like an old man hanging himself—truly tired of living.

Yu Jiuzhou walked into the courtyard. The snow outside had stopped. She stood there, looking up at the sky.

“Think for yourself.”

Chi Wan pondered for a moment. “Is Your Highness looking for an excuse to refuse this subject in front of His Majesty? But if there’s no progress between us, His Majesty’s side…”

Wouldn’t the pie she was drawing for the Emperor be useless? Would the Emperor still favor and trust them so much?

“Continue.”

Chi Wan looked at Yu Jiuzhou’s back, like a magnificent flower standing tall on a snowy peak, captivating all who saw it.

She had no choice but to continue, “Your Highness, if His Majesty learns this subject is keeping a mistress, he will only think this subject is lecherous. He will see it as a flaw and, as a result, will place even more importance on this subject.”

“Correct.” Yu Jiuzhou affirmed her words. “I will not use this as an excuse to refuse you before His Majesty, but you must give His Majesty some leverage. The matter of a Fuma keeping a mistress can be big or small; it all depends on the Emperor’s whim.”

“Furthermore, I trust you will not do anything to Lin Qianduo. If you wish to turn the act into reality, you must wait until you are no longer the Fuma.”

Chi Wan was exasperated. “Your Highness, I haven’t even met Lin Qianduo. What is there to talk about, turning an act into reality?”

“Then let me rephrase. You are my Fuma. As long as you are, for even a day, I will not permit you to do anything out of line.”

After saying this, Yu Jiuzhou gave an order to Chun Gui at her side. “Prepare the carriage. Tonight, I am going to the Qifeng River. Have the Music Academy send people to accompany me.”

The Qifeng River? For a pleasure cruise? And the Music Academy? Was Her Highness going to find female entertainers?

While Chi Wan was still stunned by Yu Jiuzhou’s imperious command, Chun Gui nudged her. “Fuma, Her Highness means that she is going boating tonight. You can follow her openly and make a scene.”

His Majesty was already aware that the Fuma made pastries for Her Highness. If she now chased her wife to the Qifeng River, His Majesty would surely be pleased.

But for Her Highness to go boating on the Qifeng River, and to summon singers and dancers… on the day court resumed, someone would likely impeach her. Her Highness was sullying her own name.

When that happened, His Majesty and those scholars would probably feel even more sympathy for the Fuma.

Chi Wan understood that Yu Jiuzhou was putting on a show, but she was still reeling from the shock of thinking Yu Jiuzhou might be looking for female entertainers. She clutched her chest. “Her Highness probably wouldn’t, right?”

Chun Gui looked at her, baffled. “Wouldn’t what?”

Could she say she had misunderstood and thought Her Highness wanted to find female entertainers? Yu Jiuzhou would surely have her beaten for that.

Seeing her silence, Chun Gui added, “Didn’t the Fuma say before that you wanted to go on a night outing with Her Highness? Her Highness’s status is too noble for a regular night market, but a boat trip is fine. Otherwise, it would cause a disturbance. Her Highness is rewarding the Fuma.”

Chi Wan felt a jolt in her head, followed by a surge of happiness. Did this mean her status with Yu Jiuzhou had risen a little more?

Besides pleasure boats, the Qifeng River also had sightseeing boats. The night market was on both banks, and you could see everything from a boat.

And, Yu Jiuzhou had agreed to a date with her! Oh, right, she had to act like she was chasing after her.

“Her Highness is a good person,” she sighed. To help her report back to the Emperor, not only did she help spread the story about the pastries, but now she was even cooperating with her in this act.

Chun Gui: “…Fuma, I have nothing to say.”

Chi Wan: “?”

Seeing Chun Gui about to leave, she quickly asked, “Chun Gui, just now Her Highness said I wasn’t to do anything out of line. Was Her Highness dissatisfied with my answer?”

Otherwise, Yu Jiuzhou wouldn’t have just ignored her reply.

Chun Gui sighed. “Her Highness means that as long as you are the Fuma, you must remain as pure as jade for her.”

Chi Wan’s eyes widened, and she began to cough violently.

Chun Gui quickly asked, “Fuma, are you all right?”

“I’m fine, just choked a little.”

Chun Gui shook her head. It was a good thing she was here, and that Xia Qu wasn’t. If the Fuma had asked Xia Qu, who knew what kind of trouble would have erupted.

Chi Wan had always known that Yu Jiuzhou’s words carried deep meanings, but she never expected the meaning could be this deep.

What could she possibly do? She was seeking out Lin Qianduo purely for business.

Still, did Yu Jiuzhou mean she couldn’t be with anyone? Whatever. It wasn’t like she had anyone she liked anyway. Remaining chaste was no big deal.

With her status as the Fuma, if she were to do anything, it could only be with Yu Jiuzhou.

Of course, if she said that out loud, Yu Jiuzhou would definitely have her beaten.

Meanwhile, Yu Jiuzhou, who had overheard the conversation between the two behind her, felt her ears burn completely red. The way it was said made it sound as if she were incredibly possessive of Chi Wan.

It was merely because of Chi Wan’s status as the Fuma. She was her Fuma. Even if she did nothing with her, she would not permit the other party to do anything outside their marriage.

As long as Chi Wan was the Fuma, she had to remain faithful to her. She herself would not do anything out of line either.

Chi Wan was her person. If one day they absolutely had to have a child, then Chi Wan had to be clean.

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Footnotes:

1. Shaofu (少府): A high-level central government agency in imperial China, often translated as the “Imperial Steward” or “Superintendent of the Imperial Household.” It was responsible for managing the Emperor’s private treasury, crafts, manufacturing, and various domestic affairs. Officials working for the Shaofu, like Lin Buwei, often held significant economic influence as they managed state monopolies and imperial commerce.
2. Fengxun Daifu (奉訓大夫): An honorary title (散官, sanguan) in the Ming and Qing dynasties, typically awarded to civil officials of the fifth rank. It was a prestige title that indicated rank and status but usually did not come with specific administrative duties or powers. Imperial merchants like Lin Buwei were often granted such titles to elevate their social standing while engaging in commerce on behalf of the throne.

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