Chapter 18

Daring Beyond the Heavens

Less than ten days before snow would begin to fall over the capital of the Shuilong Kingdom, an express cargo ship arriving directly from Nihe arranged for the unloading of a precious wooden chest filled to the brim with books, ready to be transported to the Yanyu Archives.

Typically, this costly weekly shipment contained only a single medium-sized wooden chest. However, today, an even smaller yet more exquisite chest accompanied it. Inside, there was a letter explicitly describing the astonishing content it carried, affirming the extraordinary quality of the six-book collection. "Master Yanyi has maintained his exceptional work as always... The twelve volumes sent this time remain impeccable in quality, just as before. I am beginning to feel envious of Old Wen." A chief clerk from the main branch of Yanyu reported the findings of their inspection to the head of the establishment.

"I heard that this time, six of the books were authored by Yanyi as well. Have you opened the chest yet?"

"Not yet, master. The accompanying letter specifies that Master Huikang should personally open and review them. We would not dare to act beyond our place."

"Is that so... In that case, bring those books in. As for the inspected ones, deliver them to our clients without delay."

"Understood, master." The middle-aged servant stepped out of the room. Shortly after, a finely carved wooden chest was carried inside and presented to the master. Chan Huikang admitted to himself that he was eager to read the work of the enigmatic scholar who had generated immense profits for his archive. The letter from the branch manager in Nihe only heightened his curiosity.

As the chest was unlatched, layers of premium silk wraps were carefully untied. Before long, the six-book collection—wrapped in azure silk covers and bound with intricate silver threads—was revealed. They were beautifully crafted books. Would Ling Wen truly spare such luxurious resources just for their covers? If so, then the content within must be... Chan Huikang's breath and thoughts halted the moment he saw the five-character inscription beside the book titles. A cascade of questions flooded his mind. Who was Yanyi?

Why had they chosen to write a governance codex?

Why did they dare to be so audacious—audacious enough to use the names of the most renowned scholars across the four kingdoms? And beyond that...they even dared to use the name of a great scholar who was still alive, Jin Guang... Every stroke forming that name sent a chill down Huikang’s spine. A hundred, a thousand, endless possibilities about the future raced through his mind. The booming command of the master of the archive echoed through the halls, announcing that he would not receive visitors today—no matter who they were. He then locked his study door tightly, signaling to his trusted servant that he would spend the entire day reviewing the newly arrived books from Nihe. That day... Chan Huikang refused even tea and lunch. By the time the evening sky shifted hues, he realized he had only managed to comprehend two of the volumes. His heart pounded. His fingers remained pressed against the soft white bamboo paper. In his eyes, this paper was not of exceptional quality—not even close to matching the content it bore.

This codex bore a structure akin to a critique of existing doctrines, yet it was not so aggressive as to render past knowledge obsolete. Instead, its gentle wording guided the reader toward agreement, compelling deep contemplation of what was proper and what was not, while simultaneously offering suggestions for improvement.

This remarkable content was accompanied by examples and thought-provoking questions. Some questions came with answers at the back of the book, while others were left open-ended, inviting readers to reflect on them independently. After an entire day of reading, Huikang, parched and hungry, still felt unwilling to pause. These books were far too valuable. His urge to complete his assessment swiftly only grew stronger. However, Yanyi had not made it easy for the young evaluator. Because of the names of the great scholars cited, he had no choice but to distribute these volumes to multiple academies. Most importantly... These books must be reviewed by one particular individual who was still alive and had been referenced within. That was the first challenge he had to overcome. A thought suddenly struck him—he had an old friend who might be of help. Perhaps it was time to drop by for a meal. " A'Lang! Are you outside?"

"Yes, Master. How may I serve you…?"

"Prepare the carriage. I am going out for dinner."

"Shall I reserve an inn in advance, Master?"

"No… Head straight to the Qin Wang’s manor." The trusted servant responded with a slight shock, while his master hurriedly gathered the important books and grabbed the jade token given by a friend, tucking it into his robe. After ensuring the personal jade hanging from his waist was in place, Huikang adjusted his attire slightly, picked up an additional outer robe, and then stepped out. The thoughts of the esteemed master of the renowned archive were filled with imaginings of how thrilled his peer of the same generation would be upon seeing this collection of books and how much he would enjoy it.

Even though there was a chance the books might be seized, Huikang had already prepared a strategy to handle the situation. As such, Qin Wang would become one of the people assisting him in the review, which would significantly lighten his burden. Moreover, the Wang would serve as a great shield when the head of the archive sought scholarly opinions on these writings. At the very least, it would keep his head securely on his shoulders.

…..

Meanwhile, the root of this brewing commotion continued to live blissfully in Nihe City, entirely unaware of the trouble they were causing for high-ranking figures across the land. The daily task of transcribing characters persisted. Once the goal of twenty thousand characters per day was met, Lijin would set the task aside and proceed with writing her own manuscripts.

The mistress in the shadows of the Wei manor had already amassed over two hundred taels of gold. Upon realizing that the small chest could no longer contain the wealth and that keeping it would only invite future complications, Ning-ning was instructed to deposit the money at a reputable depository. Although this deposit system lacked interest accrual like a modern bank, it was far safer than keeping the money on hand. In the event they were forced to flee in desperation, the five of them would not suffer hardship. Carrying a single stamped jade token along with a small ledger that recorded all deposits and withdrawals would allow them to access their funds in any city with a branch of the depository.

"After deducting expenses, the remaining balance is two hundred thirty-five taels of gold, Madam." Ning-ning reported to her mistress upon returning, presenting a small jade tablet with a loop hole that could be strung into a pendant. The compact ledger, about the size of a palm, displayed clear records of deposits and dates—not inscribed with a brush, but imprinted as if by a form of stamping. Additionally, a red seal bore the name of the Nihe branch of the depository. A seal system so intricate, yet no printing presses? Or were there?...

Why, then, did the profession of transcribers still exist? This question arose in Lijin's mind as she examined the small ledger. She found it somewhat insecure. If someone were to steal both of these items, all the money would become theirs irretrievably. Recognizing that this essential yet risk-laden object posed an even greater danger, Lijin felt a flicker of irritation.

Yet, as she was merely a woman with limited authority, she would have to address this issue at a more suitable time. For now, a major life obstacle was en route to Nihe City. Wei Yongjian was scheduled to return to his manor in ten days…

She had countless plans, but she had yet to decide on the best course of action.

Every path led to a final clash with the Wei family, though each carried distinct consequences. The feigned death strategy was far too perilous—especially for her children and Ning-ning. A child, once deprived of their mother, became akin to a father’s property. And considering that this father spent his time working and taking new wives, Lijin could not afford to choose this path.

Thus, the first step would be to feign recovery, for there was something crucial—her father’s family inheritance—locked away in a sealed chest that no one had been able to open. She had no idea what lay inside, but under the laws of the Shuilong Kingdom, those items were rightfully hers... In truth, this law was mutually recognized across all four kingdoms. Having transcribed countless books, she now had knowledge of the land to wield as a weapon. Her intellect was a form of power. How could she possibly remain meek and obedient, shrinking into the mold of the so-called ideal woman of the era?

From time to time, a sinister smile flickered across Lijin’s face, sending chills down the spine of her trusted maid, who came in periodically to refill her tea. However, the maid was also eager—anticipating the events that would unfold once Master Wei returned home. "Ning-ning, tomorrow you are to go out and inquire with Shopkeeper Ling Wen regarding property sales in Nihe City. I need some additional information."

"A house, Madam?" The maid's excitement grew. Her mistress had amassed a considerable fortune over the past two months. At last, those gold taels would be put to proper use.

"There must be real estate brokers selling houses or buildings in the city. Choose one that has a properly enclosed fence—not in the city center, but not too far either. Pick a district where soldiers patrol frequently. Prioritize safety above all else."

"Understood, Madam. However... Madam, are you planning to divorce Master Wei soon?" She was slightly worried, as snow would likely begin to fall in the coming days. The air was already cold enough that each breath turned into a white mist. She feared it would not be suitable to take the three young children out of the Wei manor, subjecting them to hardship.

"I do not think it will happen that quickly. We still have too many unfinished matters with this household. At the very least, I must reclaim my parents’ dowry before I leave. And I believe those two vipers will not sit idly by while I take back those vast assets." Ning-ning quickly followed her mistress’s train of thought. The wealth of the Gu family had all fallen into the hands of her mistress alone. Although it was not the entirety of what Master Gu once possessed, when Madam Lijin had married out, her parents—who loved their only daughter dearly—had given her everything they could.

Master Gu was a wise man. Though he ultimately lost in the grand scheme and paid with his life, the treasure chests belonging to Madam Lijin had been securely protected, as if he had foreseen that the Wei manor would not be a good place for his daughter and future grandchildren.

Though Lijin lacked past memories, her belongings—no matter what—must remain in her hands.

The Gu family name would be restored… Her children would not have to bear the disgrace of carrying the surname ‘Wei.’

Heaven and earth be witness—she would use every ability she possessed to carve out a bright future.