History of Women in the Wei Dynasty

Chapter 247 Xi Jiao's Thoughts

What an interesting cycle of reincarnation! In her past life, her gaze was always drawn to the boy. In this life, she has come to her senses and is no longer in love with him, but the boy's gaze has begun to secretly admire her.

Xi Jiao knew this kind of love was wrong, but she still couldn't help but seize the opportunity to gaze at her and try to start a conversation. "Are you looking for Yuan Mao?"

"Yes. Does Fellow Disciple Xi know where he went?"

"He went to find a food stall so that he wouldn't be unable to find one by noon."

Yuan Mao had the foresight to know that by noon, the food stalls were already packed with people, especially those near the various martial arts arenas. Only by using his status as a junior attendant was Yuan Mao able to secure the seats he had reserved.

Yuan Langxi chirped, "I'm hungry, I'm hungry," and fought with Yuan Jingrong for a stool. The two girls bickered and made up several times in just one morning, and now they are ignoring each other again.

The place was small and the weather was hot. Everywhere smelled of mutton, roasted fish, and sweat. However, the Xianbei people were used to it. Laughter and loud voices rose and fell, attracting merchants and travelers passing through the north of the city to stop and inquire. When they learned that the Tiger Army was selecting women, most of them did not believe it.

However, some people asked, "Is it too late to sign up now? Some of the women in our caravan are skilled in martial arts."

The local from Luoyang replied, "No. Any female warrior who signs up must have a guarantor from a family of meritorious officials, and the guarantor must have a noble title and an official position."

"Huh? That's way too harsh!"

“This isn’t called harsh, it’s called strict. Think about it, the Tiger Legion’s mission is to protect the capital, a vital area. Being brave and fierce isn’t enough; their experience and background must be impeccable.”

"That's true, the capital is still the best."

Several Confucian scholars approached and bowed to Wei Yao: "Lecturer Wei, we have heard you lecture on the Book of Poetry at Yijingli and Wenya Academy. We would like to ask if you would be interested in joining the Hongchi Poetry Society?"

Wei Yao rose to return the greeting, politely declining: "I am busy with official business and regret that I cannot spare the time. However, I believe that the Hongchi Poetry Society will soon flourish in Luoyang, and I also hope that you all will soon achieve your literary aspirations."

Erzhu Rong's mouth was stuffed full of mutton, so much so that his nostrils were distorted, yet he still managed to praise, "Senior Sister's words are so pleasant to hear. If it were me, I would just tell them one word... Get lost!"

"Haha." Xi Yi was amused.

Erzhu Rong swallowed his food and explained to his fellow disciples who were unaware of the situation: "The Hongchi Poetry Society isn't sincerely inviting Senior Sister Yao at all. They have a young lady named Li in their society. I don't know if she's self-aggrandizing or just being flattered, but anyway, the people in the society often spread rumors and boast that young lady Li's poetry is better than Senior Sister Yao's. Senior Sister Yao won't fall for it. If she really went to the poetry society, she would have walked into a trap!"

Yuan Langxi: "So insidious? But those people just now seemed quite honest and sincere."

Liu Zhenzhu: "You can't judge a book by its cover. Wasn't that the case with Hu Wuwu from the poetry club? I remember now, didn't her family come to Luoyang a long time ago? Wei Yao, you'd better keep an eye on them. Be extra careful of those kinds of scoundrels."

Wei Yao lied without batting an eye: "I've been inquiring, and I even asked my fellow disciple Mao to help me inquire, but I haven't heard anything about the Hu family. Right, my fellow disciple Mao?"

Yuan Mao's morning gloom vanished, and he was overjoyed. What is a lover? It's someone you trust and who lies with you!

He immediately agreed: "Yes. That vicious Miss Hu is lucky. If I find out where her family moved to, I'll definitely get my revenge for what happened at the Cuju Garden!"

Liu Zhenzhu was right; you really can't judge a book by its cover.

After the scholars had walked away, they revealed their sarcastic expressions: "I knew she would find an excuse to refuse, and sure enough! Teaching a bunch of female servants in the palace academy, she still has the audacity to add money to her own pocket, and she even says she's 'busy with official business,' humph." "She must have heard the rumors about 'Wei Yao from the south of the city and Li Yin from the east of the city,' and she's afraid of running into her junior sister at the Hongchi Poetry Society, afraid of being humiliated by being asked to write poems in public!"

"No, no, no, from now on we should say 'Li Yin of the East City and Wei Yao of the South City.' In terms of background, Junior Sister Li is a noblewoman, and in terms of poetry, Junior Sister Li was taught by our teacher. Wei Yao's teacher is not worthy to carry our teacher's shoes!"

"Alas, I lament the injustice done to my junior sister. When will the imperial court summon her to the palace to give lectures?"

"It will be soon! When the voices of the people grow louder, they will definitely reach the palace."

"Really? Did the Master tell you?"

"Does the Master need to spell this out? My guess is right."

Let's get back to Wei Yao's side.

Guo Yun asked, "I've always been curious, how many people are on duty in the palace? Wei Yao, do you and Yuan Zhongsan often meet, or do you never see each other at all?"

Wei Yaoxian said, "I can't see him. I work at the Xi official residence. Every time I enter or leave the palace, I can only walk along the Yongxiang Lane and pass through the Qianqiu Palace Gate. I can't go anywhere else or go through any other palace gate."

Listening quietly, Xi Jiaoxin offered her blessings: May you never see each other again.

Yuan Mao: "Heh, Miss Guo, just call me Yuan Mao. You are Wei Yao's fellow disciples, so you are my fellow disciples too."

He then explained: “There are many Imperial Guards on duty in the front hall. Similarly, when I am on duty in the Zhaigong Palace, I can only move within the Zhaigong Palace area. Even if I go to other palaces in the front hall, I need to be dispatched by my superiors.”

Yuan Jingrong and Xi Jiao sat next to each other. They had known each other since childhood, so there was no need for them to hold back when asking questions. She asked softly, "Is Yuan Mao younger than you? You two are friends. He's gone to work in the palace. What about you? Have you made any plans?"

“People’s paths are different, and I still need to study for two more years.” Xi Jiao also arrived in Luoyang and only after listening to her father talk about the intricacies of officialdom and reading countless official documents did she realize that her previous understanding was very superficial.

If you want to enter officialdom, you must come to Luoyang as soon as possible!

In Luoyang, the sons of powerful and wealthy families, except for those with great merit, all had to report to the Ministry of Personnel and wait in line for good starting positions. Those from the distant old capital Pingcheng and border towns, however, were even delayed in receiving official documents about who would become the Minister of Personnel; how could they possibly be included in the Ministry's list?
With frequent southern campaigns and no war in the north, the young men of the border towns lost the opportunity to make military achievements. The difficult situation of entering officialdom would not improve, but would only get worse!
Xi Jiao advised Yuan Jingrong: "You should reconsider and stay in Luoyang. This year there is the Mulan Camp, and next year or the year after, the camp may be expanded. You and Yuan Langxi both like to practice martial arts, so you can try to find a way to become military officers."

Yuan Jingrong sighed. She wanted to, too, but her family had already arranged a marriage for her. Her husband's family was from Wuchuan Town, and she couldn't even stay in Pingcheng, let alone Luoyang. "I will try to persuade Yuan Langxi."

Xi Jiao grunted an "um," then suddenly became furious! Because the moment his gaze turned to Wei Yao, he saw something he didn't want to see.

When Yuan Mao cut up the roasted mutton and gave it to Wei Yao, the two quickly exchanged glances.

What is Gou Yuanmao trying to do? Doesn't he know he's almost of marriageable age? Doesn't he know that the younger and more successful he is, the more likely Yuan Biejia will betroth his adopted son to a suitable noblewoman?

A meal can be enjoyable for some, but leave others feeling sour and resentful.

Wei Yao took consecutive days off to spend the night with Guo Yun and the others in the north of the city, so they could continue watching the martial arts competition the next day. In the afternoon, they changed their viewing locations to two different places: one was the wrestling arena, and the other was the archery range.

Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, evening arrived.