Chapter 105

Chapter 105

Wang Ying should have visited Deputy Prefect Wang long ago—it was a great kindness to have someone bring them such a long way. However, showing up empty-handed was out of the question.

A light gift might seem disrespectful, while an expensive one was beyond his current budget—a truly vexing dilemma.

He decided to leave a note in the test field that evening, asking Chen Qingyan for help.

After dinner, Wang Ying went to the test field as usual to write, tend the vegetables, and check for any new notes.

Not long after he entered, Chen Qingyan also arrived. "A Ying!"

"Oh, that new outfit looks great! Have you arrived in Yangzhou?"

Chen Qingyan ran over and hugged him. "We just got here this morning. My teacher’s younger brother treated us to dinner tonight—we just got back."

Wang Ying sniffed at his breath. "Why didn’t you try Yangzhou’s wine?"

Chen Qingyan bent down and kissed the tip of his nose. "With elders around, how could I dare drink?"

Wang Ying pulled him down to sit. "Tell me, what’s Yangzhou like?"

"During the day, it looks similar to other prefectures. We entered the city by carriage and didn’t explore much, but overall, it seems more bustling than the north. However, at night, it’s completely different."

Places like Jizhou and Laizhou have curfews—usually after 9 p.m., people aren’t allowed on the streets. If caught by patrolling soldiers, they could be thrown in jail.

Yangzhou, however, has no curfew. Even at midnight, people can still be seen on the streets, let alone the taverns and pleasure houses, which are all lit up till daybreak.

Wang Ying listened with great longing. In his previous life, he remembered many ancient poems about Yangzhou, such as Li Bai’s: "My friend has left the west where the Yellow Crane towers, for Yangzhou in spring with its flowers and willows." Though it wasn’t March, autumn in Yangzhou seemed to have its own distinct charm.

"I really wish I could go with you to see it."

"There will be a chance. When Yuanbao (nickname, likely meaning "gold ingot") is a bit older and we have some free time, we’ll come to Yangzhou together. I’ll take you to Wangyue Tower to watch the song and dance performances on the Huai River."

"That’d be great! I’ll make sure to enjoy it fully then!"

Chen Qingyan then asked about matters in Jizhou Prefecture. "I saw your note saying you’ve leased a store to sell fresh vegetables. How are the preparations going?"

"Ah, right! I almost forgot. The shop is ready, and we plan to open the day after tomorrow. I’m thinking of visiting Deputy Prefect Wang tomorrow—first, to thank him for sending someone to bring us here, and second, to build rapport. We’re new in town and don’t know anyone. If anything happens, having Magistrate Wang’s backing should help."

Chen Qingyan agreed, "That’s a good idea."

"But I’m not sure what gift to bring. If it’s too modest, he might think we lack tact. If it’s too expensive, I don’t have that much silver on hand. It’s really troubling..."

Chen Qingyan grew concerned. "Is money tight at home?"

"Daily expenses are manageable. Qing Yun even gave me her jade—if there’s an emergency, we can pawn it. We have enough money."

"That’s good. Don’t worry about the gift. Wait here—I’ll be right back." Chen Qingyan left the test field and rummaged through his trunk. After a while, he pulled out a calligraphy scroll.

This scroll was given to him by Old Liang—it was written by the famous Jizhou calligrapher Qian Muzhou.

Liang Boqing was close friends with Qian Muzhou and received many of his works as gifts. Since Qian’s passing, the value of his calligraphy has skyrocketed. It’s said that a single foot of his work sells for three hundred guan (monetary unit), and even then, it’s rarely available.

This piece, "Ode to Jizhou," is one of his famous works. It would make a perfectly presentable gift.

Soon, Chen Qingyan returned to the test field with the scroll. "This scroll was given to me by my teacher and is already mounted and framed. Take it with you tomorrow and go directly. Do you know where Deputy Prefect Wang’s house is?"

Wang Ying nodded. "Yes, I’ve already asked around."

"If anything happens, let me know. I have a few friends in Jizhou who might be able to help."

"Alright. Be careful in Yangzhou too. We received the letter you sent last time. Has Songdi grown taller?"

"Yes, he’s already up to my ears and has lost some weight. When we return, Mother will surely be worried about him."

Wang Ying couldn’t help but laugh. "Mother isn’t worried. She told me to tell you to make sure Songdi focuses on his studies and not to slack off. If he doesn’t listen, give him a good spanking."

Chen Qingyan also laughed. "Alright, I’ll remember. It’s getting late—you should head back and rest."

*

The next morning, Wang Ying brought the gift and two servants to the Wang residence.

He had already found out beforehand that it was a day off, so Magistrate Wang should be home.

Deputy Prefect Wang’s house was on Zhengtong Street, which Wang Ying nicknamed "Civil Servants’ Lane."

As the ancients said: "North is esteemed, south is humble," so Zhengtong Street was located in the northernmost part of the city.

Walking along this street, one could immediately feel the difference from the other streets. The road was cleaner, lined with neatly planted trees—almost comparable to modern landscaping.

After walking for about two quarters of an hour, they arrived outside the Wang residence. Ma Qianzi stepped forward and knocked on the door. Shortly after, a side door opened, and the gatekeeper asked, "Who are you looking for?"

"Hello, young man. Our master is here to visit Magistrate Wang, specifically to thank him for his help."

"Do you have a calling card?"

Ma Qianzi turned to ask Wang Ying.

They didn’t have one. Wang Ying quickly stepped forward. "I am Liang Boqing’s nephew. Could you please inform Magistrate Wang? He should know."

"The Magistrate is occupied with official matters. Without a calling card, please come back another time."

Just as the gatekeeper was about to close the door, Wang Ying urgently said, "Wait a moment! I really do know Magistrate Wang!"

*Bang!* The side door closed. Wang Ying knocked a few times but got no response. Frustrated, he stamped his foot and prepared to leave.

Fortunately, the commotion caught the attention of the steward inside the compound. He came over and asked, "What’s all the noise outside?"

"A young man came to visit, but he didn’t have a calling card, so I sent him away."

The steward thought for a moment. "Did he have an out-of-town accent?"

"Yes."

The steward quickly told the gatekeeper to open the door. "Sir, please wait!"

Hearing this, Wang Ying immediately turned and hurried back.

"Are you all from Longquan County?"

"Yes, that’s right. I am Liang Boqing’s nephew. Magistrate Wang kindly sent someone to bring us to the prefecture."

Steward Wang Qi nodded. "Then follow me inside."

Wang Ying followed him and was led to the reception hall.

"Please have a seat and enjoy some tea. The master is still occupied with official matters and will be here shortly."

"Thank you." Wang Ying sat down nervously, not daring to glance around. Ma Qianzi and Tian Ju stood behind him, hardly daring to breathe.

After waiting about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Deputy Prefect Wang finally showed up. He was around the same age as Old Liang, with a square face and a short mustache above his lips, dressed in a dark blue scholar's robe.

Wang Ying quickly stood up and bowed deeply, "This humble junior pays his respects to Magistrate Wang."

"Please, rise. You must be the Wang Ying mentioned in Liang Boqing’s letter, correct?"

Wang Ying was momentarily stunned, surprised that Old Liang had written about him in the letter, and quickly nodded, "Yes, this junior’s surname is Wang, given name Ying."

"I’ve been tied up with official business lately and haven’t had the time to visit you all."

"We wouldn’t dare trouble you. It should have been me, your junior, who came to pay respects earlier."

Deputy Prefect Wang waved his hand, signaling him to sit down. "Even if you had come earlier, you might not have caught me. These days, the flood crisis has left me without a moment’s rest."

The floods in Jizhou were severe. The Prefect of Jizhou had been demoted, and though Deputy Prefect Wang wasn’t demoted, any chance of promotion was gone for the next three years.

He also had to assist the newly appointed Prefect with relief work, which kept him swamped and left him with hardly any time to sleep. His beard had even turned noticeably whiter. Wang Ying’s visit happened to come at just the right time.

"I heard from the servants that you’ve already moved out of the courier station. Have you found a place to settle down now?"

"We’ve already rented a place and plan to start a small business in the prefecture city to make a living."

After making a bit of small talk, Wang Ying brought out the gift he had prepared in advance. "Our family arrived in haste and had nothing worth giving as a gift. This calligraphy piece was given to my husband by Old Liang. Now, I’m passing it along to you, Deputy Prefect, as a token of gratitude for sending someone to bring us to the prefecture city."

"There’s no need for such thanks. It was just nothing much."

"To you, it may be nothing much, but to us common folk, it’s an enormous kindness. Please, do not disdain this humble gift."

Only then did Deputy Prefect Wang ask the butler to accept it. He opened the box, unrolled the scroll, and was surprised. He quickly stood up and stepped closer for a careful look. "This… this is Qian Muzhou’s calligraphy? Liang Boqing actually had such a treasure!"

Seeing his expression, Wang Ying knew he had chosen the right gift. "I am but a commoner with no appreciation for art. Presenting it to you ensures this masterpiece won’t go unappreciated."

If Deputy Prefect Wang’s words had been mostly polite before, after receiving this calligraphy, his tone became much more sincere. "I heard your hometown was severely affected by the disaster, with fields and houses washed away?"

Wang Ying nodded. "Nearly eighty or ninety percent of the town’s households were wiped out. Our family was fortunate because we were staying at a villa to escape the summer heat and managed to flee to a nearby mountain, avoiding the worst. Still, our home was destroyed by the flood and is no longer habitable."

"Alas, nature can be cruel. Now, settle down peacefully in the prefecture city. If you encounter any difficulties, don’t hesitate to come to me. Liang Boqing and I are old friends of many years. His family is like my own—please, make yourself at home."

"Thank you, Deputy Prefect!" Wang Ying knelt and kowtowed again. This was exactly the assurance he had been hoping for.

"Just call me Uncle. Later, I’ll have Wang Qi give you a pass. Next time you have business, just present the pass, and you’ll be allowed in."

"Thank you, sir."

Although Deputy Prefect Wang told him to address him as Uncle, Wang Ying didn’t dare actually do so. Not only was there a big gap in their status, but he wasn’t Liang Boqing’s biological nephew—his husband was merely Old Liang’s student, so there was still a degree of separation.

Still, this visit paid off. Not only did he make a connection with the Deputy Prefect, but he also obtained a pass, making future visits much easier.

After a short while, Deputy Prefect Wang had to return to his duties, and Wang Ying promptly stood up to say his goodbyes.

Butler Wang Qi saw the three of them to the gate. Wang Ying suddenly spoke up, "Magistrate Wang is busy with official matters, and I wouldn’t dream of bothering him with an invitation. But tomorrow, my vegetable shop is opening. I wonder if it might be convenient for you to stop by and take a look? After all, I’m just a young man, and with my husband and uncle not in the prefecture city, I’ve got no one to back me up…"

Wang Qi hadn’t expected the invitation. "I’ll need to check with the master."

Wang Ying quickly added, "If you’re unavailable, it’s perfectly alright. Thanks again for all your help today—without it, I wouldn’t even have gotten through the door."

Wang Qi gave a slight nod, his impression of Wang Ying improving. Though he was a young man from the countryside, he spoke and acted with such tact that it was impossible to dislike him.

"Then I’ll take my leave now."

Wang Qi asked, "Where is the shop located?"

"On Zhengyang Street, across from Yang’s Trading Company. It’s called Wang’s Vegetable Shop."

"Alright, if I have time, I’ll stop by."

Wang Ying thanked him over and over before leaving the Wang residence. Once outside, a gust of wind made him realize the back of his robe was drenched in sweat.

A sixth-rank Deputy Prefect was equivalent to a provincial-level official in later times. Indeed, having been an ordinary commoner in his past life, even after transmigrating, he still felt incredibly nervous speaking to such high-ranking officials.

It didn’t matter if Deputy Prefect Wang couldn’t make it to the opening tomorrow—as long as the butler showed up, that would be enough. Those who were perceptive would easily understand the connection.

Moreover, Wang Ying had intentionally named the vegetable shop using his own surname, partly to ride on Deputy Prefect Wang’s coattails. To those who didn’t know better, it might even seem like he was truly the Deputy Prefect’s nephew.