Chapter Nineteen: A Shift in Identity

As the two reached the street corner, Bai Yu suddenly asked, "Within the imperial court, has the struggle between the Commander and his rivals become quite intense?"

Shi Jingli was taken aback. "How do you know that? You have such insight?"

Bai Yu answered with logical composure, "Seeing how tolerant the Commander was toward me today, I could guess as much. If the situation were not dire and the Commander not in desperate need of capable people, how could he tolerate my insolence?"

Shi Jingli was even more surprised. He truly had not expected Bai Yu to possess such keen observation and sensitivity to the political climate. In Shi Jingli’s previous estimation, Bai Yu was merely a man who relied on innate talent—a purely technical expert in literature with a bit of a screw loose in his head.

After some thought, Shi Jingli replied, "Now that you are considered one of us, some things can be said. Over the past few years, due to a series of events—such as the Commander’s role in the death of General Qiu Luan, and the Yan family’s part in the demise of Minister Li Mo—the Commander and the Yan family have become bitter enemies. The struggle has indeed intensified. A vital issue here is who can better secure the Emperor’s favor, for that is whose position remains secure. The 'Green-Ink Odes' (Qingci) that please the Emperor are among the most important resources for the Commander, which is why your importance has been elevated to such a high level."

At this point, Bai Yu had essentially mapped out the cause and effect. In short, he had performed too well—so well that Commander Lu Bing did not want to let him go and wished to exert forced control over him. He realized that in politics, the most demanding skill is knowing exactly when to pull back. If he had been more restrained earlier and positioned himself as an ordinary talent, perhaps today's predicament would not have occurred.

Thinking of this, Bai Yu sighed, "It seems taking the imperial examinations is just a gamble now."

Shi Jingli, who had also climbed the ranks as a civil official, empathized with Bai Yu and offered some weary comfort: "Although you can still take the exams, you probably shouldn't count on the Commander’s help. So, leave it to fate and see how your luck holds. Furthermore, keep an open mind; even if you aren't selected through the exams, there are still opportunities for success by following the Commander. Gradually build up your credentials and merits, and in a few years, you might earn an official position and bring honor to your ancestors."

Bai Yu could not explain that in a few years, Lu Bing might only have ten months left before his downfall. For now, there was no other way but to take things one step at a time. As they parted, Bai Yu reminded him again, "Placing me at the Meridian Gate—even I don't know what kind of trouble I might stir up. If you have the chance, please advise the Commander."

In a place like the Meridian Gate, where state affairs are handled and historical figures frequently pass through, an AI armed with endless information would be terrifyingly powerful. If he were to let it run wild, the chaos would be immense. But Shi Jingli took it as a joke and paid no mind, only cautioning, "I will expedite the paperwork to transfer your Bai family status to that of an Attendant Officer. In two days, go to the General Headquarters to collect your waist medallion, saber, and uniform, and then you may report for duty at the Meridian Gate."

Bai Yu stopped him once more to ask, "Could you offer some guidance? My family is short on money lately. Are there any ways for someone like me to make a living?"

Shi Jingli answered without hesitation, pointing out a clear path, "The Commander has vast wealth. Find a chance to kowtow to him a few times, and you'll have silver in no time."

Bai Yu rolled his eyes. "Isn't there a way to make money standing up?"

Shi Jingli pondered for a moment and replied, "At the Meridian Gate, you will be surrounded by dignitaries of higher status than yourself; I doubt you'll have opportunities for bribery. Thinking about it, you can only use your literary skills. Aside from unsuitable trades like teaching or copying scriptures, there is only selling paintings, essays, or poetry. However, you lack fame, so clients might not be willing to buy your work, and even if they do, the price won't be good."

With an AI in his hand, Bai Yu feared no lack of content, only a lack of market. He asked earnestly, "Who are the potential clients?"

Shi Jingli patiently instructed, "For instance, in the alleys of the Jiaofangsi, there are many beauties who cultivate the persona of 'talented women.' They need a large volume of original poetry all year round to adorn themselves and raise their value. Thus, these elegant courtesans are the main force buying poetry in the capital. However, most of them are supported by established scholars and may not look favorably upon the works of an unknown."

Bai Yu thought thoughtfully, "Once I collect my medallion and saber and formally become an Attendant Officer, I will try to market my poetry. It should be faster than other trades, and it could also bring me fame—truly a gain of both profit and reputation."

Shi Jingli: "..."

*I gave you the status of a Jinyiwei Attendant Officer, and you want to use it to aggressively hawk poetry in the alleys? I can't believe you came up with that!*

"Be careful! Those famous courtesans have backers!" Shi Jingli warned.

Bai Yu laughed, "My backer is the Commander. How many people are more powerful than him?"

Shi Jingli felt exhausted and, not wanting to speak further, bowed and departed.

Bai Yu returned home to find his neighbors gathered under the large elm tree, whispering. No doubt they were busy gossiping about him, especially since he had been taken away like a prisoner earlier. Bai Yu didn't care to explain. Once inside, he didn't tell his father the full details, only vaguely mentioning that he had met a benefactor at the General Headquarters who had helped him change his post from a laborer at the Elephant Training Institute to patrolling the Imperial Street.

What worried Bai Yu most was who would look after his father. He had hoped for Liu Cunyi, but since the incident, that man had vanished into thin air. The capital was too vast; he had no idea where to start looking. After much deliberation, Bai Yu decided to be firm: he would take the remaining rice in the house and ask Old Man Li’s family to help look after his father. They would just have to survive these next few days somehow.

Two days later, Bai Yu hurried to the Jinyiwei General Headquarters to collect his full set of gear. Although he had longed for the imperial examinations, he found himself filled with anticipation for the role of an Attendant Officer. After all, the exams were a distant dream with slow results, while being an officer was life right in front of him. Who wouldn't want to improve their life as soon as possible?

Shi Jingli personally handed him a waist medallion and a saber, along with a red-tasseled felt hat and a set of blue robes—the "uniform." As for the legendary flying-fish robe, that was certainly out of reach; Bai Yu didn't qualify. Donning the gear, Bai Yu stood a little straighter. He now held a certain social standing. In a later age, an Attendant Officer would be called an ideological policeman!

Shi Jingli patted him on the shoulder and instructed, "Stop letting your mind wander and go report to the Meridian Gate! I’ve already sent word ahead; you can use your medallion to enter and exit the Imperial City."