Chapter 19: Revenge Waits for No Night
Chapter 19: Revenge Waits for No Night
“Yesterday, I walked in with my hands in my pockets, not knowing what an opponent was,” Xu Jingchang said with a chuckle. “Facing the six ministries’ top officials, surrounded by so many, I defeated them all. That was truly a grand display of power, surpassing the Three Heroes battling Lü Bu, even outshining Zhao Zilong at Changban Slope.”
Wu Shan had heard this tale three times already. “Minister Tongzheng, you may have shown great might, but His Majesty has decreed selecting literary advisors from the Hanlin Academy for counsel. Our Tongzheng Office gained nothing from this and instead offended many government departments. How are we supposed to get by in the days ahead?”
Xu Jingchang’s face darkened instantly. “Can you stop with the discouraging words? Didn’t all this trouble come from Jian Yi, Xia Yuanji, and that vermin Ru Ying? Especially that Chen Ying—scum of the earth. He insisted on reinstating the Prime Minister, thinking he could use the founding emperor to topple me. Does he not realize the emperor has changed? Does His Majesty truly want to reinstate the Prime Minister? How utterly foolish.”
After venting his anger, Xu Jingchang said, “Enough. This court affair doesn’t concern me anymore. I’ve been at the Tongzheng Office for some time now; since we’re colleagues, we should have a meal together. Have you ever been to the Qinhuai River? Experienced the scenery there?”
Wu Shan’s face flushed. “Sir, you mean to take me to Qinhuai River?”
“Exactly. Listen to some tunes, enjoy good food, take a boat ride—wouldn’t that be delightful?”
Wu Shan grew even more embarrassed. “Just listen to tunes and boat around? Isn’t there something else?”
Xu Jingchang replied with a dry tone, “At home, my elder brother’s word was law—very strict. If you know of any fun things, share them with me.”
Only then did Wu Shan realize this gentleman was still a novice.
“To be honest, my wife at home is also quite strict. I’ve only been out twice with colleagues, always sneaking around to avoid the secret police. But I must say, on the painted boats, with fragrant breezes and melodious zithers, the talented women of Yangzhou are truly unrivaled.”
Xu Jingchang frowned in frustration. “I asked about food and sights, why do you only talk about beauties? Such triviality!”
Wu Shan sighed, “Sir, to be honest, I didn’t have time to see much else. Perhaps if you took me a few more times, I’d know better.”
Xu Jingchang relented, “Fine. Prepare the carriage. Today, we’ll venture into the dragon’s den and tiger’s lair, meet some demons and spirits.”
Wu Shan chuckled, “Sir, you mean female demons and enchantresses, right?”
“Enough nonsense. Get going.”
Wu Shan agreed and left immediately. When the sun was leaning west, the two boarded a carriage and departed the Tongzheng Office, heading toward the Qinhuai River.
Xu Jingchang was curious along the way, looking out at the bustling streets. The Jingnan rebellion had just ended, and for the city to have recovered to this extent was impressive.
“Old Wu, how are the people at Qinhuai these days?”
Wu Shan secretly thought the question was rather mundane. “They’ve been investigating traitors, demoting many daughters of noble families into entertainers or lower professions. If I’m not mistaken, it’s much livelier than before.”
Xu Jingchang felt a flicker of excitement. After all, he was adapting to local customs, not falling into depravity.
For a noble scion in the capital, having some romantic exploits was expected; otherwise, people might suspect him of ulterior motives.
“You pretend to be a scholar, but who are you fooling? Do you want to be like Wang Mang?”
Come to think of it, Wang Mang’s aunt was also an empress, in a similar predicament.
With this in mind, Xu Jingchang felt even more justified. Even for the Xu family’s sake, he should frequent Qinhuai to stimulate local demand.
As they drew near, Xu Jingchang suddenly noticed something. “Old Wu, this isn’t the carriage I usually ride in, is it?”
Wu Shan hurriedly explained, “This is my carriage. Your carriage has the Tongzheng Office emblem. It wouldn’t be appropriate to use it here.”
“That can’t be right. My carriage should be better, but this one didn’t jolt me at all on the way here. Mine would bounce me all over the place going to the palace. Old Wu, tell me honestly—did you keep the best for yourself?”
Wu Shan felt wronged. “Sir, your carriage is definitely the best in the Tongzheng Office. I even added two layers of wolf fur for you. We’re almost there anyway; let’s enjoy the scenery. A carriage is no big deal.”
“No,” Xu Jingchang snapped. “With my status, I should have a good carriage. What kind of impression does it give if I don’t? Like the Xu family is poor? I must get to the bottom of this.”
He jumped down from the carriage, and Wu Shan followed. “Sir, please don’t be stubborn. It’s almost dark. Time is precious; wasting it like this is costly.”
Xu Jingchang ignored him, circling the carriage twice. Then he examined the cobblestone beneath their feet—neatly laid blue stones. Looking ahead and behind, it was the same all along.
“Old Wu, why is the road to Qinhuai better than the main street in front of the palace?”
Wu Shan shook his head. “No way. The entire Ying Tian City is overseen by the Ministry of Works. The best materials are used around the palace.”
Xu Jingchang frowned. “Old Wu, let’s find a nearby tavern, get a seat, and watch the street.”
Wu Shan’s eyes nearly popped out. “Sir, we’re already at the Qinhuai riverside, and you want to sit at a teahouse instead of going inside? What’s the meaning of this? Afraid your elders will scold you?”
“You’re talking nonsense. Who in the Xu family dares to control me?” Xu Jingchang said impatiently. “Do as I say. No more chatter.”
They found a three-story teahouse by the street and picked a window seat. They ordered a pot of sparrow’s tongue tea.
“Gentlemen, this tea is exquisite, picked early by Miss Huang herself. Each leaf has been held under her tongue, hence the name Sparrow’s Tongue. One tael silver per tael of tea, not a fraction less.”
Wu Shan wanted to cry—he didn’t want tea kissed by Miss Huang; he wanted to meet her in person.
Xu Jingchang ignored him, staring intently through the window at the street.
“Look, isn’t that the carriage from the Ministry of War?”
Wu Shan leaned forward for a look and nodded. “Yes, Ministry of War. No other department has such magnificent horses. They’re bold, using their own carriages openly. I should learn from them.”
Xu Jingchang rolled his eyes and kept watching. Within less than half an hour, twenty or thirty carriages and sedan chairs passed by. Though no one wore official robes, they all carried an official bearing.
Their attendants strutted arrogantly, looking down on others.
Wu Shan leaned in, identifying them one by one. Having been in the capital for years, he could recognize most.
“Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Rites, Censorate, Ministry of Works, Hanlin Academy, Imperial Academy!”
Xu Jingchang slammed the table in anger. “The court sessions aren’t this well organized. No wonder the road to Qinhuai is better than the main street. Now I see the problem.”
Wu Shan looked puzzled. “Sir, I don’t understand.”
“You blockhead! Court meets only three times a week, but this road is traveled daily. If it were bumpy and they got thrown off, that would be an unforgivable offense.”
Wu Shan was stunned. “How did I not know this?”
Xu Jingchang looked at him. “Are you a graduate with a jinshi degree?”
“No.”
“Is your family wealthy?”
“No.”
“Do you have any power?”
“Before you came, the Tongzheng Office wasn’t so prestigious. I’m just a minor official.”
“That explains it. They don’t include you in their circle!” Xu Jingchang snorted.
Wu Shan finally understood and gritted his teeth. “They’re all snobs. But since I follow you, I’ll have my turn too. Let’s hurry before the officials get here and take all the good spots.”
Xu Jingchang glanced sideways at the busy street and snorted. “Did you forget my motto?”
Wu Shan replied instinctively, “When poor, harbor resentment; when powerful, retaliate. Sir, what do you plan to do?”
“Nothing yet. If they dare to file complaints, I’ll tear apart their cozy little nests!”
Clenching his teeth, Xu Jingchang lost all interest in music. He rushed back to his residence, summoned Xu Yi, and instructed him to investigate.
Another day passed, and Xu Jingchang had two slabs of paving stone in hand.
“Young master, you guessed right—the stones on the Qinhuai road are indeed superior.”
Xu Jingchang nodded. “Good. Wrap these two stones up. Later, I’ll place them under the memorial at the Tongzheng Office and send them to His Majesty.”
(End of chapter)