The poem will not be translated but quoted directly:
The emperor said that simple talents are needed, and the wise are in positions of power. When the style of writing evolves, the principles of ritual and music become more profound. The talented individuals of Yun Ge are welcomed at the gates of hospitality. The gracious banquet exceeded expectations, and the emperor's grace truly transcended all expectations. The affair between Xi Menqing and Li Guijie has come to a close. Then, someone inquired about the news from Lin Qianhu's residence in Huaiqing. Lin Qianhu gave the promotion report to the messenger and also rewarded five taels of silver, asking the messenger to deliver it to the two magistrates of the Criminal Department by nightfall. Judge Xia opened it in the hall and read. He first read the report of the Jinwuwei inspector together with Xi Menqing. The report essentially states: The Ministry of War reported that, according to the decree, strict inspections and assessments are being conducted to encourage progress and demonstrate the emperor's wisdom: firstly, regarding the old case of Zhu, the inspector of Jinwuwei, the Grand Marshal and the Grand Guardians, inspections of the Forbidden Guard officers are required. In addition to the reports from the officials in the court, other officials involved in the arrests in the two prisons, the thousand households of the internal and external Criminal Departments, the pacification officials, etc., all need to be individually assessed, fairly and justly evaluated, to distinguish the capable from the incompetent, and then report to the court. The Ministry of War will decide on promotions, demotions, etc., based on the reported situation. Imperial Decree: The Ministry of War acknowledges this and will comply. The report mentioned that, regarding the old case of Grand Marshal Zhu, as per usual practice, this official has diligently conducted a fair assessment, all statements are accurate and impartial, sufficient to inspire confidence and garner support. There is nothing more to be said. However, rewards and punishments will await the court's decision, and will be executed according to established protocols at that time.
The report also mentioned that the Chief Qianhu of Shandong, Xia Yanling, is highly qualified, exceptionally talented, and has extensive experience. During his time as a local official, he maintained good public security in his jurisdiction. Now managing the prisons, he has made significant political contributions and should be rewarded with a promotion and selected for the honor guard. The Deputy Qianhu, Ximen Qing, is competent, diligent, well-respected, and comes from a well-off family. However, during his tenure, he has not been corrupt, is diligent in national affairs, has an impressive record, does not accept bribes, and enforces the law fairly, earning the support of the people. He should be promoted to a formal position overseeing the prisons. The Chief Qianhu of Huaiqing, Lin Chengxun, is young and promising, has a military background, inherits his family's legacy, has extraordinary ambitions, and handles prison matters in an orderly manner; he should be rewarded with a promotion. The Deputy Qianhu, Xie, is now older, and while his previous work was acceptable, he has grown weak and ineffective in managing prison affairs, and he should be dismissed.
Ximen Qing was pleased to see that he would be promoted to Chief Qianhu, managing the prisons. Xia Tixing, upon seeing his promotion to command the honor guard, remained silent for quite a while, and his expression shifted.
Then they opened the report sent by the Ministry of Works, which stated: The Ministry of Works reports that the divine convoy has safely arrived in the capital, with harmony between heaven and humanity. We sincerely request the Emperor's grace to ease the people's suffering and generously bestow his blessings.
Imperial Decree: The divine procession has arrived safely in the capital and has been stationed at Genyue. I am greatly pleased. You have worked hard and fulfilled my will. The common people along the route have suffered, so order the local officials to investigate the circumstances thoroughly, exempting the common people from half of this year's land tax. The damaged dams and sluices are to be repaired immediately by officials from the Ministry of Works and the Censorate. After completion, dispatch the eunuch Meng Changling to conduct a sacrificial rite. Cai Jing, Li Bangyan, Wang Wei, Zheng Juzhong, and Gao Qiu have assisted me greatly. Cai Jing shall be promoted to Grand Preceptor, Li Bangyan to Prince Tutor, Wang Wei to Grand Tutor, and Zheng Juzhong and Gao Qiu to Grand Guardian. Each shall receive fifty taels of silver and four sets of ceremonial gifts. Cai Jing will also have another son appointed as Supervisor of the Palace. The National Teacher Lin Lingsu has helped promote the national prestige, welcomed the divine procession, and launched a northern campaign against the enemy. He is appointed as Count of Loyalty and Filial Piety, with an annual stipend of one thousand shi, a dragon robe, a palanquin to carry him into the palace, and the title of Jade True Master. He is also bestowed the titles of True Person of Profound Virtue and Mystery, Golden Gate Feather Guest, and Master of Profound Mystery. Zhu Jin and Huang Jingchen have overseen the divine procession diligently. Zhu Jin is promoted to Grand Tutor and Prince Tutor, while Huang Jingchen is appointed as Grand Commandant of the Palace Front and Commander of the Imperial Fleet, with each having a son appointed as Captain of the Golden Armored Guard. Eunuchs Li Yan, Meng Changling, Jia Xiang, He Yi, and Lan Congyi are appointed as five close attendants at Yanfu Palace, each receiving a ceremonial python robe and jade belt. They will also have a brother or nephew appointed as Deputy Captain of a Thousand Households to continue their duties. Minister of Rites Zhang Bangchang, Left Assistant Minister and Academician Cai You, Right Assistant Minister Bai Shizhong, Minister of War Yu Shen, and Minister of Works Lin Shu are all elevated to the rank of Grand Guardian of the Prince. Each shall receive forty taels of silver and two sets of ceremonial gifts made of colored satin. Zhang Gesheng, the Censor of Zhejiang and Jiangsu, is promoted to Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Works. Hou Meng, the Censor of Shandong, is promoted to Chief Minister of the Taichang Bureau. Censors of Zhejiang and Shandong, Yin Daliang and Song Qiaonian, as well as Yushi Langzhong An Chen and Wu Xun, are all promoted by one rank and each rewarded with twenty taels of silver. Captains Wei Chengxun, Xu Xiang, Yang Tingpei, Si Fengyi, Zhao Youlan, Fu Tianze, Ximen Qing, and Tian Jiugao, who welcomed the divine procession, are all promoted by one rank. Eunuchs Song Tui and others, as well as camp generals such as Wang You, are all rewarded with ten taels of silver. Officials such as Xue Xianzhong are each rewarded with five taels of silver. Corporal Chang Yu and his peers are rewarded with two pieces of silk each. All relevant departments are hereby notified.
After Xia Ti-xing and Ximen Qing finished watching the performance, they each went home. In the afternoon, Wang Sanguan's wife came to deliver an invitation, inviting Ximen Qing to their house for a banquet on the eleventh day to express their gratitude. Ximen Qing was very happy, thinking that marrying Wang Sanguan's daughter was just around the corner. However, on the evening of the tenth day, a messenger from the capital's Ministry of Justice arrived with a notice: "Notify all provincial criminal officials to hurry to the capital to pay their respects before the Winter Solstice; do not delay, violators will be punished." After Ximen Qing finished reading, he went to the yamen the next day to see Xia Ti-xing, and the two of them went home to pack their bags, prepare gifts, and get ready to set off. Ximen Qing asked Dai'an to inform Wang Sanguan's wife that he couldn't make it to the banquet today, as he had to go to the capital to pay respects. Wang Sanguan's wife returned to inform him, and he replied, "Since the old uncle has things to take care of, we'll give him a proper invitation when he gets back." Ximen Qing asked Ben Si to tag along, gave him five taels of silver as travel expenses, left Chunhong to look after the house, and brought Dai'an and Wang Jing. He also asked Zhou Shoubei for four constables, four horses, and prepared a sedan chair, horses, and a team to carry it. Xia Ti-xing left with Xia Shou. In total, there were over twenty people from both families. They left Qinghe County on the twelfth day, traveling day and night through the short winter days. When they arrived at Huaiqing Prefecture, Lin Qianhu had already gone to the capital. On the way, they used the sedan chair when it was cold and rode horses when it warmed up. They entered the capital in the morning and left the city in the evening, making their way in a dusty rush.
Urgent thoughts flutter the green curtains, rushed hearts pound against the purple reins.
One day, they arrived in Beijing and passed through Wanshou Gate. Ximen Qing wanted to go directly to Xiangguo Temple, but Xia Tixing insisted on visiting his relative, Cui Zhongshu, first. With no other choice, Ximen Qing sent someone ahead with a visiting card. Fortunately, Cui Zhongshu was home and came out to greet them in person. After some small talk in the living room and a conversation with Xia Tixing, they finished their tea. Cui Zhongshu asked Ximen Qing for his name. "My name is Ximen Qing," Ximen Qing replied, "What is your honorable surname?" Cui Zhongshu said, "I’m just an ordinary person; my name is Cui Shouyu, and my courtesy name is Xunzhai." He then added, "My relative, Lord Longxi, has always taken good care of me, and we have worked together pleasantly." Ximen Qing quickly said, "I’m honored; I’ve always admired you, and I truly appreciate your hospitality today." Xia Tixing chimed in, "Governor, you’re being too polite! We are all acquaintances here, no need for such formality." Cui Zhongshu smiled and said, "What Mr. Ximen said is true; these are just the customs." After chatting for a while longer, they began to pack their luggage. As night fell, Cui Zhongshu told his servants to prepare a meal of fruits and snacks, not needing to go into detail. That night, they spent the night at Cui Zhongshu’s place.
The next day, the two men each prepared gifts and visiting cards, bringing their families to pay respects at the residence of Grand Master Cai. That day, the Grand Master was still in the cabinet and had not come out; the gates were crowded with officials and common people, creating a bottleneck. Ximen Qing and Xia Ti Xing gave the gatekeeper some silver and handed over their visiting cards. Steward Zhai came out to greet them and took them to a side courtyard in the manor. Xia Ti Xing went in first to see the Grand Master, and then Ximen Qing also entered to pay his respects; after exchanging pleasantries, they sat down to talk. Xia Ti Xing first presented his gift list: two bolts of cloud crane gold satin, two bolts of colored satin, and additionally gave Steward Zhai ten taels of silver. Ximen Qing's gift list included a large red velvet brocade robe, a dark-colored patterned bullfighting robe with a collar, two bolts of Beijing satin, and privately gave Steward Zhai a bolt of black-green cloud velvet and thirty taels of silver. Steward Zhai instructed his servants, "Please take all the gentlemen's gifts inside and log them." However, he only accepted Ximen Qing's cloud velvet and did not take a single tael of Xia Ti Xing's ten taels, saying, "How can we continue our interactions like this?" Saying this, he instructed his servants to set the meal, "Today he is placing a plaque at the newly built Shangqing Baolu Palace in Genyue, and he has to preside over the sacrificial ceremony, which is expected to end in the afternoon. After returning home, you will also need to go to the Zheng royal family for a drink. I'm afraid Lord Longxi and the others won't be able to wait, which could delay your important business. When he has time, I will help you report back." Ximen Qing said, "Thank you for your trouble." Steward Zhai asked, "Where are you staying?" Ximen Qing mentioned the place arranged for him by Xia Longxi. Before long, the meal was served, a feast of mountain and sea delicacies, truly sumptuous. After each person had three cups of wine, they were about to take their leave. Steward Zhai urged them to stay and poured them another cup. Ximen Qing asked, "Could you tell me when we might have an audience with the Emperor?" Steward Zhai said, "You are not the same as Lord Xia; he is a high-ranking official in the capital and does not fall under this rule. You will be going with He Yongshou, the nephew of the newly appointed Deputy Qianhu He Dajian. He is responsible for the trial of punishments, and you are responsible for their execution, so you are considered colleagues. He will first express his gratitude, and when you have an audience with the Emperor and finish your business, you'll receive the decree together. If you have any questions, you can ask him." Xia Ti Xing did not speak. Ximen Qing said, "May I ask, do I have to wait until after the Winter Solstice to have an audience?" Steward Zhai replied, "You don't have to wait until the Winter Solstice. On that day, all officials across the country will pay their respects, and there will be a celebration banquet. How can you wait? It would be better to go to Honglu Temple today to register, and tomorrow morning you can express your gratitude. Once the official business is completed in the hall, you can receive the decree." Ximen Qing expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your guidance; I really appreciate it!" As they were leaving, Steward Zhai pulled Ximen Qing aside and said quietly, "In-law, I wrote to you before, saying that matters should be handled cautiously and should not be known to colleagues. How did you tell Lord Xia about this? He actually asked Master Lin to write a letter, pressuring Grand Minister Zhu to intercede with the Emperor, allowing you to voluntarily give up the record book and continue to serve as the commander in your position for three years; Grand Minister He is also in the inner court, and through the Emperor's favored Concubine Liu, he conveyed the decree, allowing the Emperor to personally speak with you and Grand Minister Zhu, wanting his nephew He Yongshou to manage punishments in Shandong. Both sides have their connections blocked, putting the Emperor in a difficult position! If I hadn't stood up for you in front of the Emperor and turned down Master Lin, you would have been in a serious bind!" Ximen Qing was startled and quickly apologized, "Thank you for your kindness! I truly did not tell anyone; how did he find out?" Steward Zhai said, "The ancients said that if things are not kept confidential, they will go wrong. Be more cautious in your actions in the future."
No Simplified Chinese text has been provided for translation. Please provide the text for translation, and I'm here to help! Looking forward to your text!
After bidding farewell to Xia Tingxiang with a thousand thanks, Ximen Qing stepped out. Upon arriving at Cui Zhongshu's house, he had Ben Si register his name at the Honglu Temple. The next day, he and Xia Tingxiang went to court together, dressed smartly. They were just coming out of the Wumen Gate after expressing their thanks, and as they walked to the Xique Gate, they saw a man in blue approaching and asking, "Excuse me, is Judge Ximen from Shandong here?" Ben Si asked who the person was, and he introduced himself as Eunuch He, the supervisor of the Imperial Craft Bureau, here to speak to Ximen Qing. Before he finished speaking, a eunuch in a red robe, wearing a three-peaked hat and pink-soled black boots, shouted loudly from the Imperial Street, "Judge Ximen, please!" Ximen Qing then parted ways with Xia Tingxiang and was pulled by the eunuch to a nearby room. After exchanging greetings and bows, Ximen Qing was very busy. The eunuch said, "Sir, you may not know me. I am Eunuch He Yi from the Imperial Craft Bureau, currently serving as an attendant to Consort Ma in the Fourth Palace of Yanning. Yesterday, the internal construction was completed, and the Emperor promoted my nephew He Yongshou to the rank of Deputy Commander of the Jinwu Guard. He is now serving in your judicial office and is your colleague." Ximen Qing quickly responded, "So it's Eunuch He, I didn't know, I have offended you in many ways!" He bowed and said, "This is a forbidden place, I wouldn’t dare to make a big fuss, I will definitely visit you another day." After some small talk, Eunuch He had tea brought in, and after the tea was finished, he opened a food box filled with various foods and set out bowls and chopsticks. Eunuch He said, "No need for small cups, I know you went to court early in the morning, it's cold, use a large bowl. There's nothing fancy, don't be picky, have a bowl of brain tonic first." Ximen Qing said, "I can’t accept that." Eunuch He filled a large bowl for him and said, "Thank you for your reward, I respectfully obey. I have to visit my superior later, if I end up blushing from drinking, it's not very appropriate." Eunuch He said, "What's the harm in warming up with two bowls!" He then said, "My nephew is still young and isn’t familiar with the law, I hope you can guide him more for my sake." Ximen Qing said, "I dare not, Eunuch He is too modest. Although your nephew is young, as long as he maintains a proper attitude, he will naturally improve." Eunuch He said, "You are right, as the saying goes, you learn as long as you live, there are countless things in the world, even Confucius only knew the basics, there are inevitably things that he didn't understand, please advise more." Ximen Qing said, "Of course." Then he asked, "Where does Eunuch He live? I will visit another day." Eunuch He said, "My house is at Shuangshimatai in Wenhua Alley, east of Tianhan Bridge." He then asked, "Where are you currently staying? I will visit." Ximen Qing said, "I’m currently staying at Cui Zhongshu's place."
No text provided.
After exchanging addresses, Ximen Qing finished his drink and took his leave. Old Master He escorted him to the door, bowing and saying, "Please take care with the words spoken earlier, sir. He is still waiting for your recommendation to receive his appointment." Ximen Qing replied, "Old Master He, there is no need to worry, I understand." He then left the palace, went to the Ministry of War, and met Xia Tingxiong. They both paid their respects to the officials of the Ministry of War. When they met General Zhu and submitted their resumes and appointment letters, they also paid their respects to the officials of the Department of Experience and the local office. It was already late. Xia Tingxiong changed into the uniform of a commander, submitted another document to General Zhu, skipped the bowing ceremony, and planned to report to the southern office for his new position later. Just as he left the office, Ximen Qing was still waiting and didn't dare to leave with him, so he asked Xia Tingxiong to go ahead and ride his horse. Xia Tingxiong refused and insisted on walking together. Ximen Qing hastily called him "Tang Zun," but Xia Tingxiong said, "Si Quan, we used to be colleagues, why address me like this?" Ximen Qing replied, "The hierarchy is established; it's only natural, you are too modest." He then asked, "Tang Zun, after your promotion, are you not returning to Shandong? When are you moving?" Xia Tingxiong replied, "I do plan to move, but there is no one looking after the house over there. For now, I am temporarily staying with relatives and will send for my family after the New Year. I hope you will look out for me. If anyone is interested in buying the house, please help me arrange it; I will be grateful." Ximen Qing said, "Of course. How much is the house worth?" Xia Tingxiong replied, "My house was originally priced at 1,300 taels, but later I added another floor, costing 200 taels. I'm willing to sell it for the original price."
The two returned to the Cui residence, and Wang Jing stepped forward to report: "The newly promoted Old Master He has come to visit; he dismounted and went straight into the hall. I haven't returned to the department yet. Old Master He said he also visited Old Master Xia and Old Master Cui, leaving behind visiting cards. At noon, two bolts of golden satin were sent as a gift." Wanhong handed the visiting cards to Ximen Qing to see, which read: "Respectfully yours, He Yongshou." After Ximen Qing finished reading, he quickly instructed Wang Jing to pack up two bolts of multicolored Nanjing lion patching and wrote a return gift on a visiting card. After finishing their meal, they hurried to return the visit to the He residence. When they arrived at the He family hall, Commander He hurried out to greet them, dressed in a black gauze hat and black boots, looking less than twenty years old, fair-skinned with red lips and white teeth, humble yet polite. The two exchanged pleasantries in the hall, and Ximen Qing had Dian'an bring the return gift, bowing and saying, "I am grateful for your visit just now, and for the generous gift. I was unable to greet you, and I apologize. I was also grateful for the wine you bestowed upon me this morning in the guardroom." Commander He quickly returned the greeting, saying, "I hold a humble position and am fortunate to be your colleague, and I hope to learn from you in the future. It is truly a great honor. I did not have the chance to meet you during my visit, and I am grateful for your presence, which truly brightens the occasion." He had his servant accept the gifts, then brought over chairs for Ximen Qing to sit, and had the servant serve tea. While drinking tea, they exchanged names, with Ximen Qing saying, "My name is Si Quan." Commander He said, "My name is Tian Quan." He then asked, "Has the Commander met with the Minister of War today?" Ximen Qing said, "After leaving the palace, I was honored with wine by the Minister, visited the Ministry of War, went to the yamen to meet my superiors, handed over my appointment letter, and met with officials from relevant departments. After that, I wanted to visit the Commander, but I did not expect you to visit me instead." Commander He asked, "Did the Commander attend court with Lord Xia today?" Ximen Qing said, "Xia Longxi has been promoted to Commander, and today we went to court together to express our gratitude. However, he had other documents to submit at the yamen." After speaking, Commander He said, "Should we first visit our superiors or first receive our appointment letters?" Ximen Qing said, "In my opinion, we should first visit the Wei family, then attend court to be recommended, and then go to the yamen to receive our appointment letters." Commander He said, "In that case, let's prepare our gifts in the morning before we visit." They agreed on the gifts they would prepare, with Commander He bringing two python robes and a jade belt, and Ximen Qing bringing a bolt of bright red qilin golden satin, a bolt of green velvet python robe, a gold-inlaid jade hairpin, and four jars of Jinhua wine. The next morning, they gathered at General Zhu's gate. After finalizing their plans over two rounds of tea, Ximen Qing took his leave and returned home without mentioning it to Xia Yanling. The night went by peacefully and without incident.
The next morning, bright and early, we went to He Qianhu's house. He Qianhu prepared a lavish spread of food and drink, filling the whole table; even the servants enjoyed a hearty meal. After that, we all headed over to Zhu Taowei's house. The He family and I brought gifts. At that time, Zhu Taowei had just been elevated to Grand Guardian, and the Emperor was away in Nantan for a sacrificial ceremony and hadn’t returned yet. Zhu Taowei's front yard was packed with visitors. After Ximen Qing and I got off our horses, we sat at a nearby house for a bit and asked someone to find out when Zhu Taowei would be back. We waited around until noon, and suddenly someone rode up on horseback and shouted, "The master has returned after the sacrifice and entered the South Xun Gate!" Then they swung the gates open. After a while, someone else rode back with news: "The master has crossed Tianhan Bridge!" Soon after, we saw officials on horseback waving flags and shouting. After what felt like ages, we finally spotted Zhu Taowei's sedan chair in the distance. He looked absolutely imposing, wearing a black gauze hat and a scarlet velvet robe, with a Jing Mountain white jade hanging from his waist, along with the insignia of Grand Guardian and a golden key. When the sedan chair reached the entrance, everyone lined up, calling for everyone to be quiet and step aside, and it fell completely silent. The officials who came to pay their respects knelt in a thick line on the street. After what felt like forever, the Grand Guardian's sedan chair finally approached, and the attendants on either side shouted, "Get up and serve!" Those people all responded together, their voices booming.
I only heard the sound of drums echoing from the east; it was the six hall officials from the General's Mansion. Because General Zhu was promoted to Grand Master of Splendor and Grand Guardian, and his son was granted the title of a thousand households, they all prepared generous gifts to celebrate and even invited a band to perform. As soon as the General got off the sedan chair, the music stopped. The officials were all ready to go in to pay their respects. Suddenly, someone shouted, and a small official in a green robe ran over with two red invitation cards, handing them to the gatekeeper, saying, "Minister Zhang and Academician Cai from the Ministry of Rites are here to visit." The news was promptly relayed inside. After a while, the sedan chair arrived at the gate, and Minister Zhang Bangchang and Assistant Minister Cai You, both wearing red ceremonial robes—one with a rhinoceros belt and the other with a gold belt—went in to pay their respects, enjoyed tea before departing, and then left. Next, Minister of Personnel Wang Zudao and Assistant Ministers Han Lu and Yin Jing also paid their respects. General Zhu invited them all for tea and saw them off. Duke of Xiguo, Grand Preceptor Zheng Juzhong, and Marquis Wang Jinqing also came to visit, with only Zheng Juzhong arriving in a sedan chair while the other two rode horses. After seeing them off, the six hall officials of the General's Mansion finally arrived: the first was Inspector Sun Rong, the second was Liang Yinglong, the third was Tong Tianyin, the nephew of the Inspector General of the Imperial Pastures, the fourth was Inspector Huang Jingchen, the fifth was Inspector Dou Jian, and the sixth was Inspector Chen Zongshan. They were all dressed in bright red official robes, wearing sable hats, with Sun Rong, the Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince, donning a jade belt, while the others wore gold belts. They dismounted and entered, each presenting gifts of gold and silver. Before long, the music resumed inside as the generals donned their golden hairpins and, together with General Zhu, raised their cups in celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere on the steps. The feast was sumptuous and the atmosphere extraordinary! This scene revealed the wealth and status of General Zhu.
Holding the rank of a first-class official, positioned among the three platforms. In the grand court, the ambiance of the governor's residence is thick. The tiger talisman and jade seal create a chilling presence at the entrance; the ceremonial elephant boards and silver zheng create a festive atmosphere. All day long, the visits consist mainly of young nobles; year after year, the gatherings are filled with the relatives of marquises. There, there's no understanding of harmony or moderation, only the art of flattery and ingratiation. Indeed, discussions can escalate into conflict, and boasts can truly astonish the seas and mountains. With a false decree, eight ministers bow in submission, and clever words make the emperor of the nine heavens nod in agreement. Selecting flowers and stones, disasters befall both Jiangnan and Huaibei; presenting boxwood, the national treasury and the people's wealth are both depleted. It is precisely: the most powerful under the imperial carriage, unrivaled in wealth and status.
After a few rounds of drinks and a song set, the six Grand Commanders rose to take their leave, with Grand Commander Zhu personally seeing them out. Upon returning to the main hall, the music ceased, and the steward reported that other officials had come to pay their respects. Grand Commander Zhu had a table brought in and sat down in the hall, instructing that the family members of those noble officials be allowed in first to offer their gifts. After sending them away, it was finally the turn of the officials from the local garrison, the two wings of the Southern and Northern Guards, the five offices, the seven bureaus of inspection, the critique, observation, patrol, stewardship, direct driving, custody, command, and the officials of the thousands of households, who all submitted their memorials. Then orders were issued for the criminal judges from the thirteen provinces to enter in succession. These included the two Huai, two Zhejiang, Shandong, Shanxi, Eastern and Western Liaoning, Hedong, Hebei, Fujian, Guangnan, and Sichuan. He and I were in the fifth group, carrying gifts inside. The steward took the list of gifts and placed it on the writing desk, while we stood at the steps waiting to be called. I looked up to see the main hall ahead, where a bright red plaque hung above, inscribed with the four large golden characters "Zhi Jin Wu Tang" written in the emperor Huizong's own hand, very eye-catching.
After a while, our names were called; we responded and walked up the steps to the eaves, bowed in worship, performed the ritual of four bows and one kneel, and awaited instructions. General Zhu said, "These two thousand households' representatives, why did they let your eunuchs bring gifts again?" He ordered to accept the gifts and then instructed, "Exercise caution in your local official duties; I will take care of this. After the court meeting, come to the yamen to receive your appointment documents." We both agreed in unison. The people around shouted, "Get up!" We came out from the corner gate on the left. Just as we left the main gate, we saw Ben Si and the others carrying loads coming out, about to leave, when suddenly someone rode a horse with a red letter flying over, saying, "Prince Wang and Minister Gao have arrived." We hid at the entrance of a nearby house and watched. After a while, we heard shouting from the army and saw the Duke of Longxi, Wang Ye, commander of the Eighty Thousand Imperial Guards, and the Commander of the Shenji Imperial Forest Army, General Gao Qiu, both dressed in red official robes, wearing jade belts and arriving in sedan chairs. The officials who had come to pay their respects rushed out, and we couldn't see them anymore. We walked to a quiet place, called for our horses to be brought over, and we both rode back.
Powerful villains bring disaster to the country; establishing a nation requires vigilance against treachery. The punishment for traitors is hardly worth mentioning, yet the two sovereigns remain far removed from the common troubles.
