Yu Mingyue's expression changed drastically upon hearing the word "Yangzhou." How could it be Yangzhou?
The Sage, observing Yu Mingyue's reaction, asked, "Not satisfied?"
"This subject dares not. This subject fears being too young and incapable of handling such a heavy responsibility." Yu Mingyue's mind was in a whirl, a nagging feeling that this was no mere coincidence.
The Sage, pleased with Yu Mingyue's humble demeanor, stated, "Young people need more experience. Since Di Yiming recommended you, I shall grant his request."
"This subject thanks the Sage." Yu Mingyue bowed her head in reverence once more.
Emerging from the Taiji Hall, Yu Mingyue still felt dazed, unsure of the Sage's true intentions.
Logically, both her master and she should be happy about their promotions, yet she couldn't muster any joy. She had a premonition that something significant was about to happen in Yangzhou.
Instead of returning to her residence, Yu Mingyue instructed Li Fu to drive her to Di Yiming's mansion. Di Yiming was about to retire for the night when the old butler, seeing it was Yu Mingyue, allowed her entry.
"My lord, Assistant Minister Yu is here. This old servant observes she seems quite anxious," the old butler reported.
Di Yiming grunted, throwing on an outer robe. "When is she ever not anxious? She has the most matters to attend to in the Dali Temple."
The old butler smiled but said nothing. His master might complain verbally, but in reality, he was quite protective of this passionate disciple. Anyone else would have been scolded out long ago.
Di Yiming emerged with a stern expression. "What urgent matter cannot wait until tomorrow at the yamen?"
Yu Mingyue knew it was late and inappropriate, but she couldn't wait until tomorrow. "Master, the Sage said you are to have me succeed you. Are you going to serve as the Prefect of Yangzhou?"
Di Yiming tugged at his clothes and shot her an exasperated look. "Is that all?"
"Master, can you take me to Yangzhou?" She had a feeling that something was amiss in Yangzhou.
Di Yiming flatly shook his head. "I've already brought Song Yumíng, and I still have Uncle Yang to support. My salary isn't enough to afford maids."
"Master, you're bringing Brother Song too..." Yu Mingyue was interrupted by Di Yiming. "Enough. Stop with these useless pleas. The Dali Temple needs to retain some trusted individuals. Otherwise, if I return one day, I won't have a single ally."
Yu Mingyue knew Di Yiming had made up his mind; her cajoling and pleading would be futile.
"Master, what exactly is happening in Yangzhou?" Yu Mingyue decided to ask directly.
"What could be happening? Are you unhappy that your master is getting promoted?" Di Yiming flicked his sleeve, ushering her out. "The Sage's decree will arrive in the next couple of days. It's late, so hurry along."
Yu Mingyue grew even more certain that something was wrong in Yangzhou. Suddenly, she recalled an uprising from a storybook.
In the storybook, the Qinghe Rebellion was merely the beginning, with foreign tribes taking advantage of the chaos to invade. Could her master's assignment to Yangzhou be related to the southeast, and was that naval battle inevitable?
Yu Mingyue's heart pounded. She stopped before turning back, realizing that if her master hadn't told her, it was likely a matter of state secrets. He already knew.
The reason he hadn't allowed her to investigate the Cao Bang last time was probably to avoid alerting them. If her master hadn't spoken for her before the Sage in the capital and taken responsibility, her trip to Yangzhou might have been a one-way journey.
After all, compared to matters of national importance, a mere Assistant Minister was insignificant.
Fortunately, the Qinghe Rebellion was contained in time, allowing the Cui family to preserve some of their strength and preventing widespread public unrest, giving the court time to prepare. Had war broken out then, the entire Jiangnan East Circuit would have been thrown into chaos.
Senior Brother Song hailed from a military family. If not for family constraints, he would undoubtedly be a fifth-rank general. Her master bringing him along this time was also an opportunity for him to achieve merit. Compared to the Dali Temple, Senior Brother Song was indeed more suited for the military.
This battle was one that Great Wei could only win, not lose. Otherwise, the various border tribes might take the opportunity to stir up trouble.
...
The autumn wind rose, the autumn air grew thick, maple leaves turned red, and chrysanthemums bloomed. Di Yiming and Song Yumíng were heading south to their new posts.
Many people came to see them off. After all, Di Yiming's promotion this time was significant; upon his return to the capital, he would at least be a third-rank official.
Such was the way of officialdom; once you rise steadily, everyone around you becomes your friend.
Song Yumíng had few send-offs. He was a son born to a concubine, and it was only through Di Yiming that he secured this military position.
"Senior Brother Song, you must perform well this time. When you return to the capital, you should be as sought-after as Master," Yu Mingyue teased.
She and Song Yumíng had nearly caused trouble in Yangzhou. Di Yiming had claimed they were his disciples, and that as a master, he would bear the responsibility for his disciples' mistakes, thus smoothing things over for them.
Upon hearing this, they sincerely respected Di Yiming as their master and performed the ritual of discipleship, offering incense before an ancestral tablet, with Minister of Dali Temple, Lord Zhang, as witness.
"Mountains vanish into the flat plains, rivers flow into the vast wilderness. A mirror flies in the moonlight, clouds give birth to a sea of towers. Still I pity the waters of my homeland, sending off a boat for ten thousand miles. May Master and Senior Brother have a smooth journey and ascend to high positions." Yu Mingyue cupped her hands in a respectful bow.
"Work hard, and don't always cause trouble for your master," Di Yiming said, patting her shoulder.
"Rest assured, Master."
"If you encounter difficulties, seek out Qin Yanjing," Di Yiming whispered.
Her temper was truly stubborn. Taking such a disciple was indeed unfortunate. But then again, what was done was done; one couldn't return a disciple. At least she was a lady from a Duke's mansion, which wasn't a disgrace.
Yu Mingyue raised an eyebrow. Her master had a connection with Lord Qin, and he had kept it well hidden.
Yu Mingyue watched the ship sail away from the shore, a sense of inexplicable melancholy washing over her. It felt as though she had been saying goodbyes for the past few years.
Those close to her left one by one. Some she would never see again, others drifted further away. She thought she had grown accustomed to it, yet each farewell still brought her sadness.
Everyone had their own path to tread, but one day, they would all converge. And by then, Great Wei would surely be the greatest Great Wei.