Chapter 157 - Zhong Xiong

The next day, Lu Yizhi left Cizhou. Shen Zechuan instructed Fei Sheng to accompany him with the Jin Yiwei and ordered Fei Sheng to send Lu Yizhi to Qidong. The unfinished official matters from the previous day needed to be addressed again. The study's windows were open as everyone took their seats once more.

"Here are the new documents from last night. Please take a look, Deputy Magistrate," Zhou Gui presented the papers on the table. "Initially, we separated the registered citizens from the unregistered migrants and increased the penalties. However, in our detailed discussion with Yuan Zhuo this morning, he suggested merging them back together instead of separate management."

"Post the notices and the registration issue will be resolved," Yao Wenyu coughed. "Separate management wouldn't be appropriate now; it could lead to dissatisfaction among newly registered citizens, and the authorities would have difficulty distinguishing between old and new records."

Shen Zechuan read through the documents, nodding. "If someone tries to exploit the situation, it could become a problem. Since the matter is settled, the only issue remaining before the end of the year is measuring the land. The current land register for Cizhou dates back to the Yongyi era; it's too outdated."

"Cizhou has expanded its cultivated lands for three consecutive years. The actual acreage has significantly increased, so it should have been remeasured last year. However, due to insufficient manpower and pressure from Lei Changming, it was delayed until now," Zhou Gui calculated the time. "This needs to be completed before the end of the year. Otherwise, with the snow, errors are likely to occur."

Although Cizhou had many clerks and law enforcement officers now, capable subordinates were scarce. The advisors generally reviewed official business but didn't handle document transcription or field measurements. Shen Zechuan was also short of staff.

"After the separation, we'll select candidates locally. Whether they're from Cizhou or Dancheng, if they can read, we'll record them for future use." Shen Zechuan looked around at his advisors. "If anyone has a past record and doesn't disclose it, we won't be able to find out. Therefore, the screening must be meticulous. This is also a kind of business, and some may try to manipulate it for personal gain. But I trust that all of you gentlemen have high integrity and can distinguish between deceitful and virtuous individuals. You won't stir up trouble in this matter."

With such clear instructions, no one was left in the dark. The advisors who had been smoking leisurely stood up, some looking embarrassed and refraining from further jesting.

* * *

Scholars were honored guests in Zhou Gui's residence, with the privilege to enter and exit the mansion. They were mostly supported by Zhou Gui, earning their extra income through two means: calligraphy, paintings, and writing scripts, or attending banquets hosted by local gentry and elders, hoping for a reward from the host. But now, with refugees flooding into Cizhou, they were responsible for registering the newcomers and ajudicating disputes, which inevitably led to backdoor dealings and bribes.

Gao Zhongxiong was one of the unfortunate ones.

Gao Zhongxiong's story was a tale of misfortune. He had been selected from Chuzhou to attend the Imperial Academy, claiming to be a fellow townsman of Qi Huilian. With some talent, he had once been a prominent figure among the students in the capital, even penning articles to compete with Yao Wenyu. A year ago, when Xi Hongxuan instigated turmoil at the academy, Gao Zhongxiong was among those kneeling in the front row, fiercely denouncing Pan Rugui and Ji Lei as "traitors." As a result, he was arrested by the Imperial Guards and thrown into prison, destroying his future. In a fit of anger, he pledged allegiance to Han Jin, becoming one of his advisors – it was his suggestion that led to Han Jin being sent to the military, where he remains trapped in Cizhou's jail, scraping at the walls, awaiting rescue from Han Cheng.

After Han Jin's capture, Gao Zhongxiong dared not return to Qidu, fearing retribution from Han Cheng. He sought refuge through his uncle in Dancheng, becoming an advisor to Pan Yi. Initially, Pan Yi had intended to give him important responsibilities, but Gao Zhongxiong's suggestions proved impractical, leading Pan Yi to gradually neglect him. In Pan Yi's household, he suffered humiliation from the servants and was eventually forced to return to his uncle's home. Tragically, his uncle died from alcoholism, leaving Gao Zhongxiong penniless and unwanted. His aunt-in-law, seeing him as useless, found an excuse to send him back to Chuzhou.

Feeling ashamed to face his hometown, Gao Zhongxiong planned to support himself by selling calligraphy and paintings, acquiring a small plot of land to live off like a hermit content with poverty. However, after saving enough money to buy the land and barely tending to it, it was seized by a bully from the Fei family's manor. When he complained to the authorities, he was beaten up that same night and his house was stolen. Penniless and homeless, he couldn't afford to return to Chuzhou, so out of desperation, he joined the flood of refugees fleeing Dancheng, hoping for a chance in Cizhou.

"Gao Zhongxiong," he stood respectfully outside, calling out to the officer named Xu as people emerged, "have there been any updates on the matter at the office?"

Once a celebrated figure in Qidu, he now found himself in a position of inferiority, attempting to curry favor while maintaining his dignity. Standing there, he appeared awkward and out of place.

The officer Xu waved his truncheon, pushing Gao Zhongxiong aside. Only when he was out of sight of the office did he grumble, "What are you doing here?"

Gao Zhongxiong, humiliated, held his sleeves and managed a strained smile. "I happened to pass by a wine shop earlier and thought to bring you a drink to quench your thirst, sir." Offering the wine with both hands, he waited for the officer's expression to soften before continuing, "I've been in Cizhou for a few days now. About what I mentioned last time –"

"That matter? That matter?" Xu, now tipsy, wiped his mouth and denied all knowledge. "Which matter?"

"A position at the office, that's all," Gao Zhongxiong didn't bother wiping the spittle from his face. "I implore you, dear sir, to convey my regards to the scholars and mention that I was once a student in Qudu, having received guidance from the Censorate of..."

"Oh, this is easy!" the officer Xu approached. "Prepare three taels of silver, and I'll purchase some tobacco for the scholars on your behalf. Then you'll be set!"

Gao Zhongxiong was momentarily stunned, his face a mix of sorrow and joy. "It's all for you, sir. I have no more money left."

Officer Xu's expression changed instantly. The old man continued, "How can one accomplish anything without silver? Are these scholars living on air? They value hard currency as well! If not for my sympathy and willingness to mediate on your behalf, how could these few taels possibly suffice? Huh? Sufficient, indeed?"

Gao Zhongxiong promptly pulled on Officer Xu's arm. "I've already given seven taels. There must be some news..."

"You want a shortcut but refuse to part with your silver," the officer Xu tossed the wine gourd into Gao Zhongxiong's arms and spat at him contemptuously, saying, "Even to relieve oneself requires untying one's belt!"

Gao Zhongxiong's money had been swindled by Officer Xu, leaving him now mingling with vagrants, filthy as a beggar. Seeing Xu's smug expression and recalling the humiliation he'd endured in Dan City, his blood boiled, and he rashly slapped Officer Xu, shouting, "If the matter isn't resolved, you must return my money!"

Officer Xu never expected Gao Zhongxiong to retaliate. Pointing at Gao's nose, he exclaimed, "Hey, you! A scoundrel like you dares to hit someone!"

The two engaged in a brawl. Officer Xu swung his water and fire club at Gao's waist, knocking him to the ground and pummeling him relentlessly. Gao, a scholar weakened by days of hunger, winced from the pain in his back, unsure which bone had been struck. Rolling on the ground, he clutched his head, crying uncontrollably, and yelled, "Are you even human? You stole my money—can you still call yourself a person?!"

A crowd gathered around them, and fearing investigation from the authorities, Officer Xu refrained from escalating the situation. He threw down the club, straddled Gao, pinched his face, and stuffed a sweat rag into his mouth to silence him. Gao struggled and cried out, but Officer Xu fiercely slapped him, causing his ears to ring, his vision to blur, and blood to trickle from the corners of his mouth.

"Enforcing the law!" Sheriff Xu shouted to the surroundings. "This mongrel is a thief from Dan City who fell into my hands last time. He dares to seek revenge today!"

Gao Zhongxiong let out a muffled groan as Sheriff Xu dragged him by the collar towards the courthouse. His cheek scraped against the ground, leaving a trail of blood. He stretched out his hand, pleading for help from those around him.

Sheriff Xu kicked Gao Zhongxiong's chest and abdomen a few more times. As a seasoned officer, he was skilled in apprehending suspects. Dealing with an unarmed scholar like Gao was effortless. All he needed to do today was drag Gao inside, silence him, and press theft charges. Once locked up, Gao would suffer even more with a nod from the friendly jailor. Whether he survived until August would depend on Sheriff Xu's mood!

While this commotion was going on, Zhou Gui was accompanying Shen Zechuan back from the fields in the outskirts of the city. Their carriage was stuck in traffic, and they initially thought it was another incident involving vagrants.

Shen Zechuan remained silent. Zhou Gui quickly descended from his own carriage, lifted his robe, and pushed through the crowd, asking, "What's happening? Why is there a ruckus at the courthouse entrance?"

Sheriff Xu promptly replied, "Your Excellency, we caught a thief! He refuses to comply and is even attacking people!"

Zhou Gui had been worried about the city's security issues lately. Hearing this, he frowned and said, "That's not how you handle cases. Beating someone in public is unacceptable! This is wrong!" Glancing at Gao Zhongxiong, he initially intended to scold him sternly and lecture him on propriety and justice. However, considering that Shen Zechuan's carriage was still blocked and couldn't afford any delay, he said, "Quickly take him inside, clean him up, and conduct a proper interrogation."

Upon hearing this, Gao Zhongxiong struggled desperately, gagging on the sweat towel in his mouth.

Yao Wenyu was discussing the recent investigation into the clerks with Shen Zechuan. The carriage had been stationary for quite some time. Qiao Tianya returned, lifting the carriage curtain, and informed Shen Zechuan, "Master, the commotion is still ongoing. Let's take a detour."

Shen Zechuan raised the fan to lift the curtain further and asked, "What's happening?"

"A thief, they claim, caught red-handed by the bailiffs," Qiao Tianya made a slight gesture to move aside. "I noticed no calluses on his hands; he seems to be a scholar."

Yao Wenyu was not particularly fond of crowded places these days but still followed their gaze. The crowd ahead was dense, blocking any view.

"Let's change our route," Shen Zechuan lifted the carriage curtain. "We'll head straight to the Zhou residence. There are still people waiting in the study, and we need to discuss the trading matters before sunset."

Qiao Tianya instructed the coachman to turn the carriage around. As they were turning, a heart-wrenching cry suddenly echoed from ahead: "You're forcing me to my death! You're pushing me to it! What kind of a government office is this? Heaven, must you let Gao Zhongxiong fall so low?"

Yao Wenyu swiftly lifted the curtain and said to Qiao Tianya, "Stop the carriage. That man is Gao Zhongxiong, whom Cen Yu once guided in his writings." Turning to Shen Zechuan, he continued, "It was he who led three thousand students from the Imperial Academy to denounce Pan Rugui in the pouring rain that night. Deputy Governor, this man can be of use!"