Chapter 165

Chapter 160: Rumors

Gao Zhongxiong was startled back a few steps by Han Jin, bumping into the railing behind him.

Han Jin, who couldn't even tolerate a mosquito bite on the battlefield, couldn't endure the squalor of a prison. His current state was a violation of his heart. Seeing Gao Zhongxiong's expression, he couldn't help but wail, "You thief! You're the one who brought me to this miserable state!"

Gao Zhongxiong dared not respond and pressed himself against the railing, attempting to leave.

Fuelled by anger, Han Jin cursed fiercely, "You betrayed your loyalty to serve the traitor Shen! You shameless, three-faced servant! Gao Zhongxiong, you're a wandering spirit, a stray ghost! Don't go, come back, you—"

Gao Zhongxiong stumbled out of the prison gate, leaving behind the haunting echoes that clung to his heels. A chilly breeze swept over him, turning his back into an icy cold expanse. Intellectuals cherished their reputations; who didn't aspire to be remembered as a pure and virtuous figure in history? The label "servant of three families" had nearly crushed Gao Zhongxiong's spirit. His heart overflowed with countless injustices that found no outlet, eventually transforming into a churning nausea that forced him to retch against the wall.

Gao Zhongxiong expelled everything he had consumed that day, until bile rose in his throat. Sliding down the wall, he sat on the ground, gazing at the vast, indifferent sky, and memories of his hometown in Yu Zhou flooded his mind. He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, but tears continued to stream down his face, so he resorted to wiping them with his sleeve. Eventually, he wrapped his arms around himself, curling up in the corner, and wept quietly, his sobs muffled.

Who willingly bows for a mere five bushels of rice?

Gao Zhongxiong did not wish to, but without it, he would die. For a chance at survival, he was willing to abandon even his pride. If someone had told him five years ago that he would one day grovel before clerks and enforcers, he would have chosen death. Yet now, not only had he done so, but he was also willing to learn flattery for meager gains.

After an indeterminate time, Gao Zhongxiong pulled himself together, picked himself up, and walked along the wall outside. As he passed the government office, he sensed whispers about him all around. But he seemed oblivious, just as Yao Wenyu had said – the past was but a fleeting dream, and he had awoken from it.

"I am Gao Zhongxiong, known informally as Divine Might," Gao Zhongxiong announced as he stepped into the office, bowing respectfully. "I have been recommended by the associate magistrate to serve as a scribe. Henceforth, I shall be responsible for drafting all official proclamations and notices for this office."

* * *

As the end of August swiftly arrived, Kong Ling and Yu Xiaozai, who had journeyed to Huai Prefecture, returned. Negotiations in Huai Prefecture had proceeded smoothly; however, what struck them was the subtly altered demeanor of the garrison at Luoxia Pass on their way back. The guards there were significantly more genial than when they had first passed through.

"The garrison commander of Sunset Pass," Yu Xiaozai remarked, "has been inquiring about our Magistrate, asking repeatedly about his marital status."

"Could it be that you were arranging a marriage for the acting district magistrate?" Zhou Gui recalled Xiao Chiye and hurriedly asked, "So how did you reply?"

"I initially intended to reply that there is someone in my family," Yu Xiaozai explained, his tone tinged with regret. "But Cheng Feng advised against it, so I simply answered that I haven't taken a wife yet."

While the two of them were perplexed, Kong Ling had a clear understanding in his heart. He had heard that the Princess Consort of Libei had visited Chizhou and, upon her return, deliberately observed the attitude of Luoxia Pass. He was well aware of the reason behind the change, which could only be attributed to a message from Libei, though he was unsure whether it was the Prince or the Crown Prince who wished to learn about Shen Zechuan through them.

Kong Ling picked up his tea and said, "Since the Vice Governor has never taken a spouse, it's best to clarify this matter to avoid any misinterpretations or misunderstandings."

As Zhou Gui was about to discuss with Kong Ling about the previous examination of the clerks, Qiao Tianya lifted the curtain and entered. They rose to greet him, greeting in unison, "Deputy Magistrate."

Rain poured outside, and as Shen Zechuan made his way from the residence, even with an umbrella, he couldn't entirely avoid getting soaked. Yao Wenyu, on the other hand, was bundled up tightly when he was pushed in, though his slender frame made him seem insubstantial even seated in the sedan chair. Finally, Gao Zhongxiong followed, dressed simply, clutching a thick book that had dampened half of his shoulder.

"Gentlemen, please be seated," Shen Zechuan said as he sat down and wiped the water droplets from his hands with a handkerchief. "Mr. Cheng Feng and Mr. You Jing have truly worked hard on this journey. For the next few days, there's no need to rush into your duties. Take some time to rest."

Kong Ling and Yu Xiaozai expressed their gratitude in turn.

"General Shen Wei, please sit as well. There's no need to be formal," Shen Zechuan gestured to Gao Zhongxiong while addressing Kong Ling. "This is General Shen Wei, who has recently joined my service and specializes in writing and documentation. He is currently gaining experience at the office, and he will still rely on Mr. Cheng Feng's guidance for many matters."

Kong Ling repeatedly said that he was unworthy and looked at Gao Zhongxiong. Today, Gao Zhongxiong had simply tied his hair up in a simple bun, as he spent most of his days running around the office, prioritizing practicality over the scholarly appearance he once had.

Gao Zhongxiong put down his notebook and bowed to Kong Ling, saying, "I have long admired the great reputation of Mr. Cheng Feng."

Kong Ling rose to take his leave.

When everyone had taken their seats, Shen Zechuan said, "Both Huai and Ch tea states have been dealt with smoothly. This year, everyone can enjoy a peaceful New Year. The land surveyors have already been dispatched, and to ensure accuracy, we'll conduct two more inspections. Though the work won't be finished until the end of the year, we'll manage to complete it in time. Now that the registration is done and Qiuzhou's autumn harvest has been stored, we should discuss the allocation of lands once the snow falls."

Yao Wenyu seized the moment to speak, "In the past, Qidu collected taxes and labor in kind, with grains being inspected and converted into value after being gathered in the granaries. The costs of transportation were also included, which might not have been entirely accurate. Since we're in Cizhou now, we've eliminated the need for grain transportation, but there will be additional expenses for maintaining the granaries. It would be most suitable to collect taxes in silver instead."

"Trading in grains cannot last forever," Kong Ling pointed out. "Once Chazhou's reforms are complete this year, they can cultivate new fields by next spring. After enduring the hardship, they'll have a bountiful harvest and no longer require our grain supplies."

"But what about the other four states?" Yu Xiaozai, less familiar with the details of Zhongbo, asked. "I don't think the Wing King can sustain it for long either. Fan and Deng states are so destitute that people are resorting to cannibalism, yet he's still lavishly rewarding officials with meaningless titles. If we don't do business with Chazhou, we could consider trading with them."

The others laughed.

Shen Zechuan commented, "You can really tell Yu Jieguo comes from the Board of Censors."

Seeing that Yu Xiaozai was confused, Kong Ling explained, "When you see such behavior, you immediately think of impeaching them. But have you forgotten that if they're so poor they resort to eating each other, where would they get the money to buy grain from us?"

"Human trafficking is rampant in Fan Prefecture, and slave brokers run amok. If we let them buy grain, who knows, they might even offer their own children as barter. These people are truly wicked!" Zhou Gui couldn't help but despise the matter when it was brought up.

"We must crack down on this, but the root of the problem lies in Luo Mountain. As for the Wing King, he can't die anyway," Yao Wenyu relaxed slightly, a smile tugging at his lips. "He's now our shield in the south. Without him, we'll have to face Qi Zhuyin directly."

"As we speak of Qi Zhuyin," Yu Xiaozai rolled up his sleeves slightly, "I'm reminded of Qi Shiyu. I've heard some news. When Miss Hua San married into the Qi family, during the wedding ceremony, the old general was so delighted by the bride's beauty that he actually collapsed."

Zhou Gui was taken aback. "Collapsed?"

Yu Xiaozai continued, "He had a stroke!"

Whether Qi Shiyu's stroke was real or staged, the incident indicated that he would not be sharing a bed with Hua Xiangyi. The Empress Dowager had gained an alliance with Qidong through marriage, but she could not delve any further. As Hua Xiangyi had no offspring, Qi Zhuyin's position as general would remain unchallenged. With her as the legal mother, she had ample reasons to suppress her other brothers.

"Man's plans are no match for Heaven's," Zhou Gui mused. "Thankfully, Qi Zhuyin isn't a son."

They chatted amiably about other matters, with Kong Ling and Yu Xiaozai having only returned today. Shen Zechuan couldn't in earnestness keep them engaged in conversation throughout the night. Around the hour of the Ox, they took their leave.

Zhou Gui personally accompanied Kong Ling back to his quarters, succinctly recounting the events of the investigation along the way. He concluded, "By eliminating that corrupt official, we've brought tranquility to the bureaucracy. Yet lately, there have been rumors circulating that the Associate Magistrate came to Cizhou to intimidate me. Just listen to such talk – alas, I haven't had an appetite or slept well these past few days, fearing that these words might reach the Associate Magistrate's ears and create misunderstandings between us."

Kong Ling held the umbrella aloft and said, "I have long cautioned you that the appellation 'Zhou Fu' is best dispensed with. Had this matter fallen into the hands of one given to suspicion, our trust would have been lost in the eyes of the Tongzhi long ago."

"But I," Zhou Gui exclaimed anxiously, "don't know what to change it to!"

"It doesn't matter what you change; the crucial aspect is your attitude," Kong Ling tilted his parasol, allowing Zhou Gui to raise the lantern higher as he spoke. "Ci State has already gained momentum; we can't afford any ambiguity in this matter. You may not have such intentions, but rumors can turn into truth with enough repetition. Thus, it's best to clarify your position early on and make it clear to others that Ci State now has a new master."

As they ascended the steps, their attendants followed at a respectful distance. Kong Ling turned back before entering the corridor, gesturing for them to lag behind slightly, not to come too close.

"Addressing him as a governor is not appropriate; neither is calling him a viceroy," Zhou Gui said, catching up to him. "Think of something for me, and I'll take care of it first thing in the morning."

"All those titles belong to the administration of Qudu," Kong Ling replied, unable to come up with an idea immediately. He paused, holding his head in frustration. "Shen Wei was the Prince of Jianxing but had his title and rank stripped away. We can't associate that lineage with the position of assistant magistrate anymore."

Standing together in the chilly night, the wind rustled their sleeves, causing both of them to shiver uniformly. Kong Ling, exhausted and cold, urged, "Go think about it on your own."

* * *

Two days later, Zhou Gui submitted a document requesting the title "Tongzhi" to be changed to "Fujun." His original intention was to address Shen as "Jun," but since it connected with Shen Wei's name, he revised it to mean the ruler of a prefecture. This "Fu" was flexible, allowing for future territorial expansions and adjustments. It marked the first time that Zizhou officially recognized Shen Zechuan as the superior, with Zhou Gui willingly stepping down from his original position to become a subordinate within Shen Zechuan's domain.

Upon hearing this, Fanzhou's Prince Yi panicked and issued several proclamations denouncing Zhou Gui for betraying the righteous cause. Now that Zizhou had Gao Zhongxiong, skilled in rhetoric, black could easily be painted white. He criticized Prince Yi for his lack of compassion, neglecting the suffering of the people in Fanzhou while indulging in extravagant luxuries. At the same time, he composed ballads for the four states east of Zhongbo, exaggerating Shen Zechuan's tale of delivering provisions over a thousand miles only to be gravely injured. By the time these rumors reached Xiao Fangxu, they had escalated to "severely wounded" and "nearly losing an arm."

Xiao Fangxu was startled and, in the middle of the night, pulled the diligent Xiao Chiye out of bed, asking, "His arm is broken?"

Xiao Chiye, who had just fallen asleep after running errands for half a month, was dragged awake by his father and still groggy. Xiao Fangxu shook him and repeated his question.

Annoyed by the shaking, Xiao Chiye croaked, "Whose arm is broken?"

Xiao Fangxu exclaimed, "Shen Zechuan!"