Chapter 182 - Quail

The merchants were confined in the courtyard for two days without food or tea, but what was most unbearable was the lack of restrooms and chamber pots. They were all bursting with the need to relieve themselves and tried to climb the walls to escape. However, Fei Sheng was prepared, having arranged for someone to guard the wall. Buckets of cold water were poured down on them, causing an uproar within the yard.

"Damn it! Are you insane?! You scared the piss out of us!"

Fei Sheng, whose buttocks had grown sore from sitting, stood up and walked a few steps, saying, "Well, the stench will be your own problem."

The merchants held their pants, trembling anxiously with their legs. The man who had previously taken the lead pleaded through a crack in the door, suppressing his anger, "Sir, everyone has urgent needs! Aren't you forcing a confession out of us?!"

Fei Sheng responded with an "Ah," moving closer to the door and saying, "Nonsense! I haven't laid a finger on any of you!"

The man, with his legs crossed and bent over, repeatedly said, "Yes, yes, but we still need to use the restroom!"

Fei Sheng replied with a fake smile, "I've made it clear. If you want to leave, write down the name of the supply official first."

These merchants were not locals and would return to their hometowns after conducting their business. They dared not offend local officials. Refusing to write down the names, they were met with Fei Sheng blocking the exit. Eventually, with no other option, they had to bear the shame and relieve themselves in the courtyard. At first, it was manageable, but later, the intolerable stench permeated the yard, causing everyone to cover their noses. After two days, they confessed everything.

Fei Sheng, pleased with himself, presented the list to Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan sought this list to investigate if there were any White Scorpions among the local officials, as the large-scale transportation of goods to the east would leave traces.

* * *

Yan Heru, worn out from the wait, sat cross-legged, adopting an obedient posture as if awaiting interrogation. After a while, seeing that Shen Zechuan remained silent, he said, "Are you going to question me, Lord?"

Shen Zechuan placed the list before Yan Heru and said, "These names should be familiar to you, right?"

"As a merchant, I have no dealings with the government," Yan Heru said, tilting his head to finish reading the list. "They're just some drinking and dining companions."

"You wish to engage in trade, and Huzhou is the most convenient location for that. Yet, you've established a small marketplace in Dunzhou, attracting merchants from all corners," Shen Zechuan woke up refreshed after a good night's sleep, and he was not annoyed by the indirect approach. "Your intentions seem significant."

Yan Heru blinked and said, "No matter how cunning I am, it's just petty tricks in the business world. You, Lord, are the one with true foresight. Let's not even mention the Huaizhi tea, which makes my eyes turn red just thinking about it. Now that Dunzhou is under your rule, I'm willing to join your side and be your brother willingly, just to make a living."

"Before we become sworn brothers, let's get something straight," Shen Zechuan said. "These local officials embezzle government goods, hand them over to merchants to transport here, and then you sell them to the Bashan tribes, exchanging them for silver. You're quite the righteous man, profiting from the nation's wealth with your group."

"You're quite sharp," Yan Heru admitted, folding his hands behind his back. "Yes, that's exactly what happens. The Yan family made our fortune through tea, but to survive under the Xi family, we've spent a fortune greasing palms at the local level. Yet, it's never enough. These rats control the copper and iron mines, and their positions are so lucrative that anyone would be tempted by the prospect of easily extracting thousands of taels of silver. So, I decided to collaborate with them in this trade."

Yan Heru spoke without any trace of fear. He had engaged in businesses that could have cost him his head if exposed, yet he continued and did so proficiently.

"But I'm not the one supplying copper and iron to A'muer," Yan Heru revealed, flashing his small fangs in a smile at Shen Zechuan. "Lord, you summoned me today because you discovered that these are mere small shipments, insufficient to equip the Scorpion troops."

Shen Zechuan remained silent, not responding.

"Every account that passes through my hands is meticulously recorded. Lord Governor, having investigated thus far, you must have realized the truth in my words." Yan Heru, weary from sitting cross-legged, shifted his body slightly. "It was Xi Hongxuan who first ventured to Zhongbo for grain trade."

After Xi Hongxuan's demise, the entirety of the Xi family's establishments fell into the hands of Shen Zechuan. He had Ge Qingqing stationed in JueXi without any change, with the sole purpose of keeping a close watch on Xi Dan. He was intimately familiar with the current account books of the Xi clan, aware that since the fourth year of XianDe, the grain trade in ZhongBo had been handled by Xi Hongxuan; however, come the fifth year of XianDe, it transformed into a direct resale to the Yan family. Despite leafing through the entire ledger of the Xi clan, Shen Zechuan found no trace of Xi Hongxuan engaging in copper and iron transactions with the various border tribes of Bashu.

"Whether it was before the military defeat case or after, there has only been one place where goods could be trafficked with Ahmu'er: Zhongbo," Yan Heru stated. "Since the fourth year of Xiande, Zhongbo has lost its defenses, yet Ahmu'er did not launch another assault. Do you now have clarity in your mind as to why, Your Excellency?"

For the purpose of conducting secretive transactions.

In the fourth year of Xiande, no viceroys appointed by Qudu to Zhongbo had managed to stay in their position for long; they changed frequently. Initially, Shen Zechuan attributed this to the severe bandit problem, but upon arriving in Zhongbo, he soon realized it wasn't the case – at least not at the start of the fourth year of Xiande, when Lei Jingzhe didn't possess such formidable power. Later, he realized that after Hai Liangyi became the prime minister, the most well-prepared move he made was to transfer Jiang Qingshan to Qudu, pending further assignment, with the intention of sending him down to Zhongbo to alter the situation there.

"I genuinely want to team up with the Lord Governor," Yan Heru said. "Why don't we work together?"

"Last year, Hezhou was still transporting grain to Qudu," Shen Zechuan replied nonchalantly, looking at Yan Heru. "You have both wealth and food supplies. Why don't you throw your support behind Xue Xiuzhuo? He's allied with Jiang Qingshan in Juexi, so he has no reason to ignore you."

Yan Heru's smile faded as he said, "I would like to join forces with Xue Xiuzhuo, but he only wants my head."

Shen Zechuan responded, "Xue Xiuzhuo is auditing your accounts?"

"Not only is he auditing my accounts, but he's also investigating the Xi family's," Yan Heru explained. "This man is ruthless and intolerant of any wrongdoings; he's particularly unforgiving."

Yan Heru least desired to deal with someone like Xue Xiuzhuo. The reason was straightforward – he was afraid of him. Back in the Xiande era when Xue Xiuzhuo held the position of Minister of Revenue, Yan Heru had attempted to bribe him. But it proved futile; not only did it fail, but Yan Heru almost got his business exposed by Xue Xiuzhuo.

Yan Heru's approach to forging alliances was quite simple: they would engage in nefarious activities together, holding each other's secrets as leverage.

Shen Zechuan didn't continue the conversation along Yan Heru's line.

Seeing this, Yan Heru quickly leaned forward and asked, "Is the matter settled then? Let's draw up an agreement. We can discuss how to divide and conduct the Huaizhi tea and Libei trade. I'm even willing to supply grain to Libei."

"Business can be discussed," Shen Zechuan lifted the tea lid. "As long as you provide the Northern Iron Cavalry with adequate winter clothing before October, it will be settled." He continued, "Come next spring, Hezhou must assume responsibility for supplying the granaries of both Tea and Dun states."

"Can you establish yourself as a king next spring? You cannot. Then the grain of my Hezhou will still be subject to the requisition of Qidu, destined to be used as military provisions for Qi Dong," Yan Heru's thoughts raced like clattering abacuses. "Qi Zhuyin is the Commander-in-Chief of the five counties of Qi Dong, neighboring Hezhou. I lack the troops to resist. Should the military provisions not arrive on time, she'll target me first. If that happens, it would be one thing, but if it implicates Lord Fu, then Cizhou will also fall into turmoil."

Aware of Shen Zechuan's calculative nature, he inquired, "So, what is your intention?"

Yan Heru's eyes brightened as he said, "Very well then, let it be thus: come the following spring, the grain supply for the tea and Dun prefectures shall be jointly shouldered by Hezhou and Ci Prefecture, with my share taking up the lion's share. Fair enough, wouldn't you say? As for the deficit in military provisions destined for Qidong, I'll personally journey westward via the waterways to purchase them from Baima Prefecture, where I have an old acquaintance. However, the silver required to clear the checkpoints is considerable; I must devise a way to make up for it this winter. How about Lord Prefect exempting the tariffs on goods carried by the licensed merchants under my Yan Family Pawnshop, allowing them to exchange their accumulated wares at the Li Bei Mutual Market? Back in the Yanyi Port, we have rough tea that would fetch a good price once sold."

Having had his fill of tea, Shen Zechuan rose promptly and made his departure without a word.

"Eh," Yan Heru swayed along with Shen Zechuan and said, "Not even this? Lord, you're being a bit petty! Even if you're shearing me, you should at least let me have my fill first."

Shen Zechuan stepped out of the door, and Xiao Chiye was just entering through the arched gate.

Yan Heru, resorting to sheer obstinacy, threw himself on the ground and pleaded, "Oh no, Brother Shen! You're like my own flesh and blood! Let's discuss this further!"

Shen Zechuan turned back, his gaze sharp as he said, "The rampant banditry in Cha, Dun, Fan, and Deng Prefectures is all thanks to your doing. Since the fifth year of Xian De, the Yan family has amassed oceans of silver in Zhongbo alone. The fact that I haven't forced their shops to close down is already showing you some face. Come next spring, should anyone starve to death in Cha and Dun Prefectures, it will be on your head."

Yan Heru trembled, shrinking his neck like a quail. Lying on the ground, he caught a glimpse of Xiao Chiye’s boots through the curtain Fei Sheng had lifted. An idea struck him, and he cried out, "I have another treasure!"

Xiao Chiye tapped his umbrella against the steps and asked, "What treasures? Let your Second Young Master have a look."

Yan Heru immediately put on a smile and sweetly said, "What Second Young Master? It's Lord Second! Does Lord Second like pearls and jade in Qujiu? I happened to acquire a few good pieces in the fall. They say a fine sword is for a hero, and pearls are for Lord Second. I've been meaning to present them to Lord Second as a tribute!"

Xiao Chiye had been thinking of making a few more earrings for Shen Zechuan. Hearing this, he became genuinely interested and told Fei Sheng to continue holding up the curtains. "What kind of goods?"

Yan Heru knew that Xiao Chiye and Shen Zechuan had a close relationship; Shen Zechuan had referred to him as his "husband" at Fuxian Peak. He couldn't persuade Shen Zechuan, but he could win Xiao Chiye over. He said, "Once I'm out, I'll send someone to deliver them to your residence for your enjoyment."

Xiao Chiye was in a good mood. "You know how to behave."

Yan Heru nodded fervently, saying, "Second Master has been here with Lord for several days to attend to business, and I haven't properly entertained him. I feel incredibly guilty."

Xiao Chiye stood on the steps, and Yan Heru secretly clicked his tongue, thinking that Xiao Er was too tall; his broad shoulders seemed wide enough to roll on.

"What did you just call Lord?" Xiao Chiye asked.

Yan Heru replied, "Brother Shen."

"Cast him out," Xiao Chiye's tone turned icy. "Soak him in a pool to sober him up. He's even forgotten his parents and siblings."

Fei Sheng bent down and lifted Yan Heru up, striding out with him.

Yan Heru had no idea that Xiao Chiye was displeased again. He kicked his legs and hastily pleaded, "I remember! Don't throw me away, Second Master." The wind outside was chilly, so Yan Heru continued, "I still have something to tell you, Your Excellency—"

Fei Sheng had already submerged him underwater.

* * *

Five days later, Shen Zechuan set off for Cizhou, while Tan Taihu stayed behind in Dunzhou. The letter arrived just in time at the border province, entering the military camp.

Qi Zhuyin emerged from the military tent, observing Qi Wei dismounting his horse. He inquired, "From whom do we have a message?"

Qi Wei presented the letter and announced, "It's from Zhong Bo, sealed with a personal stamp."

"It would seem that Shen Zechuan is faring quite well in Zhongbo," Qi Zhuyin remarked as she opened the letter, "to have managed to deliver it here alive."

Though Qi Wei hadn't examined the letter himself, he was aware of its contents. As Qi Zhuyin read it, he commented, "The Chizhou Defense Army has been established for less than half a year, yet they managed to defeat the Biansha Cavalry in Dunzhou. Their strength should not be underestimated."

"This is thanks to Xiao Er," Qi Zhuyin returned the letter to Qi Wei, gazing at the gloomy sky. "The longer the Northern King keeps him in the background, the more fiercely he'll strive to take the forefront when his time comes."

Qi Wei remarked, "After the New Year, the imperial court at Qù Capital will no doubt be urging Your Excellency to lead a northern campaign against the Fanzhou Wing Prince."

Qi Zhuyin didn't respond immediately. Instead, she whistled at the soldiers behind her, who handed her the cloak. As she put it on, she changed the subject: "How is my father doing?"

Qi Wei followed Qi Zhuyin and reported, "As you instructed, five attendants have been prepared to take turns serving you. None of the concubines in the estate are allowed near you. The concubines are displeased and have been causing disturbances at Lady's quarters every day."

Qi Zhuyin was about to mount his horse but paused upon hearing this, asking, "Did Hua San not punish them?"

Qi Wei scratched his head and said, "She was brought up to resemble a princess, so our ways don't apply here. She speaks softly and gently with her concubines, so very tenderly."

"Well, she must be quite the gentle one," Qi Zhuyin said, wincing at the thought of the women in the backyard. "Father had a stroke, and they're acting like he's on his deathbed. They're constantly fighting over inheritance, even eyeing his golden toilet."

"I think they're afraid of you," Qi Wei replied.

Frustrated, Qi Zhuyin asked, "Am I not feeding them?"

Qi Wei sheepishly answered, "You've been checking their expenditure records and deducting their makeup allowance."

Qi Zhuyin was speechless. It was a mess. Over the years, to make up for the insufficient military salaries in Qidong, she had depleted her personal savings. The other four counties could rely on military farms to alleviate pressure, and during peaceful years, their granaries were well-stocked. But not so for the border county. Lu Guangbai had exhausted his family fortune there, and Qi Zhuyin had done the same with her dowry. Half a year ago, the border county's military provisions were rotten, and Qi Zhuyin borrowed from merchants to cover it. She could have saved to pay back the loan, but right after that, the grand wedding for Hua Xiangyi and Qi Shiyu drained the family coffers dry.

The monthly expenses of these concubines were astronomical, with thousands of taels spent just on cosmetics. When Qi Zhuyin deducted that money, it was like poking a hornet's nest. The concubines cried bitterly in the backyard, threatening to report to Qi Shiyu.

Understanding Qi Zhuyin's predicament, Qi Wei suggested, "Why don't you discuss it with Lady? Her dowry..."

Qi Zhuyin shot a sharp glance, and Qi Wei realized his mistake, immediately kneeling down.

Not looking at Qi Wei again, Qi Zhuyin got on her horse and said, "Send Hong Ying back, and say it's my order. If anyone in the mansion dares to rough up Hua San, tell Hong Ying to take no prisoners and bring them straight to me. She married far away to Qidong, not to fill my financial gaps nor to become a punching bag for the concubines. Her name precedes Qi Shiyu's, making her the First Lady of Qidong that I rode eight hundred miles to welcome. Bullying her is bullying my father, and indirectly bullying me. For the sake of respect, don't entertain any ideas about that young lady, do you understand?"