My wife, Wei Gui, was 1.9 meters tall and fought against the Tang dynasty for the throne.

A carriage stopped in front of Li Ju’s residence, with attendants carrying several boxes containing fine silk, writing brushes, ink, and tea.

A man dressed in a purple official robe stepped down from the carriage. He had a thin face, three long strands of beard, and a composed and dignified demeanor.

Zheng Jibo, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

Li Ju received him in the main hall, cupping his hands and saying, "Your presence at my humble abode, Lord Zheng, is an honor."

Zheng Jibo returned the greeting and said with a smile, "I have long admired the young talent of Vice Director Li. I hope you will forgive my unauthorized visit today."

The two sat down as host and guest, and a maid served tea.

Zheng Jibo picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly said, "My daughter Guanyin once read Shaojian Luoshui's poem and praised it highly. She said that the poem was insightful and had integrity, and could not be written by an ordinary young man."

Li Ju's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained impassive: "Madam Zheng, you flatter me. That poem was merely a young man's momentary sentiment, not worth mentioning."

"Ah, Li Shaojian is too modest." Zheng Jibo put down his teacup. "I have also read it. 'A golden fortress is impregnable in itself, yet ants burrow into it'—these two lines can only be uttered by those with foresight."

Li Ju cupped his hands in apology: "Lord Zheng is too kind."

Zheng Jibo smiled, then changed the subject: "Li Shaojian is now a rising star in the court, the Marquis of Wu'an County. I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

"Please speak, Lord Zheng."

"Young people who achieve success easily attract jealousy. Although Li Shaojian is favored by the Emperor and has the Wei family as his support, the court is rife with undercurrents, and we must be wary." Zheng Jibo looked at him with deep eyes. "I have been in the court for many years and have some connections. If Li Shaojian needs anything, I am willing to do my best."

Li Ju knew perfectly well that the Zheng family was trying to align themselves with them.

He rose, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am deeply grateful for Lord Zheng's kindness. If I ever need anything in the future, I will certainly visit you to seek your guidance."

Zheng Jibo nodded in satisfaction, chatted for a few more minutes, and then got up to take his leave.

Li Ju saw him off at the door, watching Zheng Jibo's carriage drive away, his brows furrowing slightly.

The Zheng family. Zheng Guanyin.

A woman who could understand his poetry rejected Li Min's marriage proposal, but now she is taking the initiative to get closer to him.

This person is not simple.

He turned and went back to his residence, secretly making a mental note of it.

When the imperial decree of reward was issued, Du Chen was checking accounts in his duty room.

He glanced at the document, expressionlessly tucked it into his sleeve, and continued calculating with his head down.

Wang Yu burst in from outside, snatched the document, glanced at it, and his eyes widened: "Officer of the Boat and Oars? Commandant of the Grain Transport? What rank is this?"

"Rank eight." Du Chen said without looking up.

"From the eighth rank!" Wang Yu jumped up. "I couldn't even make it to the ninth rank, and now I'm suddenly at the eighth?"

"You think it's too low?" Du Chen glanced at him. "Then give it to Zhang Yi."

"Who thinks it's too low?" Wang Yu tucked the document into his robes, chuckling. "I'm happy! An eighth-rank official, a government official! From now on, I'm an official!"

Zhang Yi came in from outside, holding a document in his hand. He chuckled and scratched his head, saying, "Captain Wang, I've been promoted. I'm now the Assistant Director of the River Embankment Bureau and concurrently the Captain of the Imperial Guards of the Junior Supervisor."

Wang Yu leaned closer for a look, then curled his lip: "Eighth rank. Same as me."

"That's different," Zhang Yi said seriously. "You're in charge of the boats, I'm in charge of the people."

"What happened to the ship's manager?"

"Nothing much," Zhang Yi chuckled. "It's just that the boat won't move, but the people will."

Wang Yu glared at him: "What do you mean? Are you saying I can't control people?"

"I didn't say that." Zhang Yi took a step back. "You said it yourself."

Du Chen put down his pen and said calmly, "Are you done arguing? If you are, go to the Junior Supervisor's residence. He said he's treating us tonight."

Wang Yu and Zhang Yi exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Go!"

Night, at Li Ju's residence.

A table was set out in the main hall, with four cold dishes and four hot dishes, along with a pot of warm wine. Li Ju changed into casual clothes, sat in the main seat, and watched his three trusted confidants sit down at the table.

Wang Yu was the first to raise his glass: "Junior Supervisor, I'd like to toast you. If it weren't for you, I, Wang Yu, would have been nothing more than a dockworker for the rest of my life."

Li Ju raised his glass and clinked it against his: "If you weren't cut out for this, I wouldn't be able to make you successful."

Zhang Yi raised his cup in response: "Junior Supervisor, I, Zhang Yi, am a rough man and not good at sweet talk. You saved my life, and it will remain yours from now on."

Li Ju clinked glasses with him: "Your life is your own, live it well."

Du Chen raised his glass last, saying nothing, but looking at Li Ju with a calm gaze.

Li Ju clinked glasses with him, and the two drank it all in one gulp.

Wang Yu put down his cup and suddenly exclaimed, "Junior Supervisor, just a year ago we were competing with others for work at the docks, and now you are Junior Supervisor and County Magistrate, I am Assistant Director of the Naval Affairs Bureau, Du Shoucheng is Registrar, and even Zhang Yi has become an official. This change is too fast."

Du Chen said calmly, "Fast? I only feel it's slow."

Wang Yu glared at him: "When will you ever say something nice?"

Du Chen thought for a moment and said, "Your collar isn't crooked today."

Wang Yu looked down at his collar—it was definitely not crooked. He paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "Du Shoucheng, you finally know how to speak like a human being."

Zhang Yi, munching on a chicken leg, mumbled, "Old Wang, stop arguing with Registrar Du. You know he's bad with words."

Du Chen glanced at Zhang Yi: "I'm not good with words, but I can't make mistakes in the accounts. Your riverbank camp received thirty extra shi of grain last month, and I haven't even asked you about it yet."

Zhang Yi nearly choked: "Aren't the brothers hungry...?"

"It's okay to be hungry, but the bill needs to be balanced." Du Chen picked up his wine glass. "I'll balance it for you."

Zhang Yi quickly raised his glass: "Registration Officer Du, I toast you!"

Wang Yu looked at the two of them, shook his head, and said to Li Ju, "Junior Supervisor, look, these two have become accomplices now."

Li Ju's lips curved slightly, but he remained silent.

After several rounds of drinks, Wang Yu suddenly asked seriously, "Junior Supervisor, what's your opinion on the Zheng family?"

Li Ju put down his wine glass: "You mean Zheng Jibo?"

"Yes," Wang Yu lowered his voice, "He came to visit in person today, bringing generous gifts. He also mentioned that his daughter had read your poems. Isn't that just him trying to curry favor?"

Du Chen said, "Zheng Jibo is the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a high-ranking official of the third rank, with great power and influence. His initiative to visit is not to curry favor, but to place a bet."

Zhang Yi scratched his head: "What bet?"

Du Chen glanced at him: "Bet on the Junior Supervisor; he'll rise even higher in the future."

Li Ju leaned back in his chair and remained silent for a moment.

"The Zheng family is a prominent clan in Shandong with deep roots. Zheng Jibo is a very shrewd man." He paused. "He's trying to curry favor, so I'll accept it. But not too close, not too distant. I need to strike the right balance."

Wang Yu nodded: "Understood."

Zhang Yi was still gnawing on a chicken leg when he mumbled, "Anyway, I'll do whatever the junior supervisor says. Whoever the junior supervisor tells me to beat, I'll beat."

Du Chen said calmly, "All you know is how to fight."

"What else?" Zhang Yi glared. "You want me to settle accounts? Do you think I can do that?"

Wang Yu laughed heartily.

Laughter echoed through the night sky, carrying far and wide.

Three days later, the betrothal ceremony will take place.

The Wei residence was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and the main hall was newly furnished.