Chapter 150

Chapter 145: Beggar

Several days later, the garrison troops from Cizhou escorted the grain wagons to Chazhou. Fei Sheng returned to his residence and reported the details of Chazhou to Shen Zechuan, along with a record of market prices in Huai and Fan Provinces. Moreover, he had even thoroughly investigated Lei Changming and Lei Jingzhe's backgrounds.

Lei Changming hailed from Tea State and had a well-known background in the escort business. Fei Sheng had conducted thorough inquiries across Tea State, and with the information provided by Juexi Shop, it was revealed that during the Yongyi era, Lei Changming had engaged in the despicable trade of selling flesh. Back then, the courtesan houses in Chu State's Dun and Duan Provinces flourished, with renowned courtesans like Shen Zechuan's mother, Baicha, among them. Lei Changming traveled to Light State, deceiving and luring innocent women to be sold as courtesans in Dun and Duan. However, when Shen Wei ordered the closure of brothels along the Teastone River, resulting in a significant decline in business for Duan Province, Lei Changming, lacking connections at the Duan border checkpoints, was forced to seek alternative means of livelihood.

By this point in his life, Lei Changming wished to return to his old ways. Thus, he took advantage of Zhu's connections to network with officials in the Central Ministry. It was through these interactions that he discovered how much these men feared the annual field inspections by the Board of Censors after the spring season. Censors held the power to impeach, and an official's reputation would certainly suffer if they were implicated. This could greatly impact their promotions and transfers, so they dared not easily indulge in brothels.

Lei Changming had conceived a scheme. In Fan Prefecture, he established the "Celestial Script Hall," which ostensibly functioned as a literary salon and teahouse. However, beneath this veneer, it served as a covert establishment where virtuous women, procured through various means, were housed as clandestine courtesans to bribe officials from all walks of officialdom. Yet this sordid enterprise was not destined for longevity, ultimately being brought down by none other than Shen Wei.

Fei Sheng made a special note beside this entry.

Shen Wei had informants scattered throughout the provinces, and since he married Bai Cha, he had fiercely suppressed the brothel business in every region. Lei Changming's famous book hall had barely been in operation for a year before Shen Wei swiftly and decisively crushed it. Kidnapping and selling registered civilians was a crime punishable by law, so to avoid punishment, Lei Changming instructed his subordinates to take the blame. He then hurried to Dunzhou and bribed Shen Wei with a large sum of gold and silver to extricate himself from the situation.

After this incident, Lei Changming resumed his idle lifestyle. His wife and children had passed away early, but at that time, he had not taken concubines. He had long harbored a predilection for raising young boys, though his methods were ruthless, and none had survived. At the end of Yongyi, Lei Changming, in need of income, took on a protection job for the Yan family in Hezhou, winning their favor. From then on, his career truly soared.

The record made no mention of jade earrings or ear ornaments. Shen Zechuan closed the ledger and pondered for a moment before saying, "That's odd. Only the wealthy or noble can afford to wear such earrings. Even if Lei Changming dared to abduct citizens from Zhongbo, he wouldn't dare to touch the offspring of the Eight Cities' prominent families in Qidu."

"Your Highness has guessed correctly. I've also investigated this matter, but without evidence, it's not appropriate to write it down directly. I'll have to report it to you in person," Fei Sheng said as he stood by the table, glancing back at Li Xiong in the courtyard. "I had a chat with this fellow as well and made an educated guess. During the Yongyi era, Lei Changming rescued Yan Heru, the young master of the Yan family in Hezhou, who wore ear ornaments. The child was said to be beautiful, like a delicate porcelain doll, and was much favored by the Yan family. Lei Changming brought the young Yan master back with him... Well, as Your Highness knows, he's a beast, and he actually developed feelings for the young Yan master."

Shen Zechuan clicked his folding fan closed.

Fei Sheng continued, "But he didn't dare. Right then, the Shao family from the Ministry of War was imprisoned, and all their male descendants were to be executed. To preserve their bloodline, the elderly Matriarch of the Shao family disguised her only remaining direct grandson as a girl. This Shao family's direct descendant was sent into exile in Zhongbo and ended up in Lei Changming's hands."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Tianya, who had been holding his book tightly, suddenly sat up. He said, "The Shao family? The one from the Ministry of War during Yongyi? Deputy Minister Shao Chengbi!"

Fei Sheng clapped his hands and replied, "Ah, that's the one. You know them?"

Qiao Tianya stood up abruptly. After a momentary pause, he said, "Of course I do... Master, I've mentioned before that I'm the son of the Qiao family from the Ministry of War. Shao Chengbi was a close friend of my father's. Not only that, Shao Chengbi was promoted by the Grand Tutor himself. However, he wasn't skilled at socializing, so they didn't often keep in touch. Later on, he married the elder sister of the current Minister of War, Chen Zhen, which is why he survived the purge during the Eastern Palace investigation and wasn't completely eradicated by the Empress Dowager."

Fei Sheng nodded and said, "That's right. But Shao Chengbi didn't align himself with either the Hua or Pan factions. In order to get rid of him, Hua Siqian used his power at the end of the Yongyi era to frame Shao Chengbi as a participant in the Eastern Palace rebellion, leading to the seizure of the Shao family's assets."

Shen Zechuan understood now. Lei Changming, unable to touch Yan Heru, had chosen the Shao family's direct descendant as a substitute.

Fei Sheng went on, "Although the Shao family's direct descendant was older than Yan Heru, he was only nine years old at the time. He was also doted on as the cherished grandson back in the Shao family. The Shao family's elderly Matriarch begged all her acquaintances before she died to save him from Qudu. Little did she expect that once he reached Zhongbo, he would fall victim to Lei Changming's abuse. Lei Changming was brutal—firstly, because he liked to drink before carrying out his tasks, so he had no sense of proportion. Secondly, he wanted to eliminate any possible future threats. Once someone was dead, they could just be buried and forgotten. It was Cai Yu who uncovered this information. I suspect that the falling out between Lei Changming and the Yan family was also related to this incident."

This was Fei Sheng's first assignment in front of Shen Zechuan, so he had to do it well. He then reported the details about Luo Mu from Tea Province. As Shen Zechuan listened, he glanced at Qiao Tianya.

Qiao Tianya's mind was elsewhere.

Upon Fei Sheng's departure, he seized the opportunity during his shift change to strike up a brief conversation with Qiao Tianya.

"Do not ask me," Fei Sheng scrubbed his hands together, ensuring cleanliness between his fingers. "All I know about the Shao family's legitimate grandson comes from rumors I heard from the Tea State bandits. As you're aware, he was less significant than Yan Heru. Back then, who would have cared about his life or death? Chances were, he perished in Lei Changming's hands; even if he didn't..." Fei Sheng let out a sigh filled with mixed emotions, "life wouldn't have been worth living."

Qiao Tianya affected nonchalance, saying, "Did I ask you? I had no intention of doing so."

Fei Sheng looked at him with disdain and, using his finger, measured the distance between them. He said, "You know very well that when you come this close, it's mostly to ask about something. It's been years since that matter passed. If you can't get over it, just pretend he's still alive."

"There's no such thing as 'acting as if,'" Qiao Tianya descended a few steps, raised his arm to rest it behind his head, and squinted slightly into the sunlight with an indifferent air. "Dead is dead, and it's even cooler lying beneath the ground."

* * *

In but a few more days, the end of July would arrive, with grain carts departing from Ci Prefecture and silver wagons returning in their wake. With autumn looming on the horizon, Zhou Gui was concerned that Huai Prefecture's grain might be preemptively purchased by other regions now that they had the means. Thus, he conferred with his councilors on the urgency of swiftly settling this transaction concerning Huai Prefecture.

In the study, Shen Zechuan gathered for discussion. After listening, he inquired with grace, "What is Mr. Cheng Feng's opinion on this matter?"

For a moment, Kong Ling hesitated before saying, "As I also mentioned to the esteemed official last night, setting out for Huai Prefecture at this juncture is far too hasty; I do not concur with such a course of action."

Zhou Gui sat below Shen Zechuan and nodded, saying, "Last night, as we discussed the details, Cheng Feng did indeed express such thoughts. However, Your Eminence, there are regions in Jue Xi that have suffered disasters this year, and Governor Jiang Qingshan has been reassigned. The areas lacking grain will inevitably have to purchase it from other prefectures. Huai Prefecture is close to the capital city of Qù, and autumn harvest is imminent. I fear that Jue Xi may conclude their business transactions before we do."

Zhou Gui's concern was not unfounded. The granaries emptied in Chizhou were reserved for emergencies, and they currently held onto their silver with an uncertain heart.

In recent days, Shen Zechuan had also been calculating the itinerary for his journey to Huai Prefecture; however, his hesitation was not solely due to this matter. There was also the issue of the imperial edict dispatching Jiang Qingshan from Qu Capital City yet to be issued. Whether this person were to return to Jue West or be reassigned elsewhere, it would inevitably have some degree of impact on the grain trade in Ci Prefecture. Should Jiang Qingshan indeed be transferred to Huai Prefecture, the business negotiations currently underway with Huai Prefecture were highly likely to fall through.

Shen Zechuan was beset with difficulty, admitting, "Both Sir and the esteemed official's concerns hold merit, for I too have been pondering over affairs in Huai Prefecture these past few days. According to our initial plan, expediting matters would naturally be most desirable. However, upon closer scrutiny, evading the watchful eyes of the Capital is also an issue that cannot be overlooked."

Kong Ling interjected, "Moreover, our silver carriages will have to pass through Libei. We'll need to discuss this matter with the Crown Prince. But I don't think he'll object, considering we'll compensate Libei's Iron Riders with grain for using their roads. They'd be amenable to that. My only concern is how we'll cross Luoxia Pass. It remains under direct jurisdiction of Qudu, and they're neither short of food nor silver. Libei might have some leverage with them, but what about Cizhou?"

Given Shen Zechuan's relationship with Xiao Chiye, one could genuinely argue that Shen Zechuan had some grounds for a connection with Sunset Pass. But this reliance hinged on Xiao Fangxu and Xiao Jiming acknowledging Shen Zechuan; otherwise, sorry, but the Second Young Master didn't currently wield that kind of influence.

Kong Ling brought up the matter as a subtle way of expressing that their relationship with Northern Li was not close enough to overlook the cost of borrowing their route. In the future, if they were to request military assistance, it wouldn't be so straightforward. Initially, they all assumed Xiao Chiye would return to succeed his father and elder brother, building on their achievements. But now, it seemed Xiao Chiye was a step below even the main commanders on the battlefield. It's not that the baggage general was unimportant, but in terms of prestige and authority, he could not compare.

They discussed in the study until dusk, yet still failed to reach a conclusion.

When Shen Zechuan returned home, he found Ding Tao and Li Xiong waiting at the entrance.

Ding Tao hadn't gone back to Northern Li, and he wasn't on duty either. He spent his days practicing boxing with Li Xiong by Ji Gang's side. After their morning workout, with nothing to do in the afternoon, the two of them ran wild around the city. July had been one big adventure for Ding Tao. He was no longer sad, having even forgotten about Chen Yang and Gu Jin. Without anyone supervising his sugar intake, he developed a toothache, which eventually earned him a scolding from Qiao Tianya.

"Sir, there were many beggars in the city today," Ding Tao said, following Shen Zechuan. "They're all skinny and pale from hunger, claiming they came from Dan City. Sir Yu went out early this morning to buy a bag of steamed buns, and they fought over them."

Shen Zechuan paused in his step, noticing the still-bright daylight, and said to Qiao Tianya, "Let's go take a look."

Cizhou had just begun reorganizing its records. If any refugees arrived, they were required to report their names and origins at the provincial government office to prevent bandits from infiltrating the city. Shen Zechuan had specifically come to check on this because Ding Tao had mentioned Dan City.

When they arrived, Yu Xiaozai was distributing steamed buns. Fei Sheng and Qiao Tianya offered their help, to which Yu Xiaozai expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

"Please don't trouble yourself," Shen Zechuan said warmly. "Lead them to the government office, where they'll be provided with food. There's no need for you to spend your money on this."

Yu Xiaozai had walked all the way to Cizhou and didn't have much money on him. Having lost his official position, he also refused Zhou Gui's offer to become his advisor. He now lived in Shen Zechuan's residence, relying on his support. Despite this, he was frugal, usually earning a little by evaluating calligraphy and paintings. Over time, he had managed to save a few taels of silver, which he had now spent on steamed buns.

Yu Xiaozai explained, "The government office has a limited supply, and it's only enough for so many people each day. The latecomers are mostly the elderly, weak, sick, and widowed. It's pitiful to see them go hungry. Money is but an external possession, after all."

Shen Zechuan observed the large number of refugees and grew suspicious. Dan City was one of the eight cities of Qudu, and it hadn't experienced any disasters this year. It had even supplied resources to Han Jin's eight regiments, who had feasted upon passing through. So why were there suddenly so many refugees?

As Qiao Tianya handed out buns, chaos erupted behind them.

Shen Zechuan turned his gaze and saw a group of ruffians causing trouble, attempting to snatch someone's donkey. Seeing that Shen Zechuan remained expressionless, Fei Sheng immediately gathered the remaining buns and waved at the Imperial Guards to intervene, shouting, "What's going on here? Why are you making such a commotion?"

One of the ruffians, having witnessed the Imperial Guards in action before, stumbled as he was pulled away, hurriedly pleading, "Sir, we're not causing trouble! These folks first said they were selling their donkey. I've already given them the money, but now they won't let me have it. Isn't that a scam?!"

Upon hearing this, Fei Sheng turned his head and shouted at the group below, "Do you have any idea who's in charge here in7 Ci State? Hurry up and give that donkey back!"

The disheveled men reluctantly handed over the rope, shoving it into Fei Sheng's hand. The donkey let out cries as its leg was pulled, while a hand, trapped behind them, slapped the ground aimlessly, muttering indistinctly, "That's my donkey..."

Fei Sheng had sharp ears, but he didn't want to get involved in unnecessary trouble, so he pretended not to hear. The hand, trampled by the ruffians, curled into a fist and pounded the ground. Suddenly, someone tugged at the man from behind, making the hand vanish swiftly.

Handing the donkey over, Fei Sheng noticed a slight weight on his shoe. Looking down, he saw a filthy, gray kitten. Bending down, he picked it up and called out, "Peach, here's a little plaything for—"

Before Fei Sheng could finish his sentence, the hand reappeared, revealing only its fingertips, now caked with blood and dirt.

"My...my cat!"

The man prostrated himself, rubbing his forehead against the ground. Seeing Fei Sheng turn towards them, the ruffians hastily dragged the man's ankle to hide him behind them.

Fei Sheng noticed that the man had difficulty with his legs, possibly broken.