Chapter 218 – Hooked

Ding Ruyu returned home, noticing the quiet surroundings. He then saw his son running out and scolded him, asking, “Why aren’t you studying? What are you doing here? Where’s your mother? Why isn’t she cooking?”

His son was somewhat aggrieved. “Mother heard that you were scolded by the provincial examiner today. She said you’re upset and will drink and beat her when you get home, so she went back to Uncle’s house.”

Ding Ruyu was at a loss for words, seeing his son staring at the yellow wine he had just casually picked up. He lashed out in anger, “Go to your mother! Tell her that when I pass the imperial exams, I’ll divorce her! Tell her not to come back unless she has the ability!”

His son snorted. “Father, Auntie said waiting for you to pass the imperial exams is like waiting for a bull to give birth. She told Mother to go work. She said there’s money to be made working in the textile factory, which is better than serving a white-eyed wolf and getting beaten at home. I’m hungry. What are we eating tonight? Mother said you’ve been fired from the academy and there’s no money this month. She can’t do anything, so she told me to eat with you.”

Ding Ruyu was stuck, only able to rage, “I won’t argue with women! Go find your mother! Tell her that if she really goes to work in public at the textile factory, I’ll divorce her!”

His son ran off.

Ding Ruyu was seething with anger, wondering who had been gossiping about him to his wife’s older brother. They were all jealous of him, but it was hateful how he, with his vast knowledge, had experienced misfortune and stagnation for years, allowing these mediocre people to mock him. When he passed the imperial exams in the future, he would see how they would fawn over him!

He sat down at the table, counting the remaining copper coins. He wanted to call his son to buy some braised meat to go with his alcohol, but his son had already run off, likely going to his uncle’s house for food. He didn’t need to worry about this debt collector anymore, but then he heard the door outside open. It turned out that several local scholar-bachelors had heard that he had been called by the provincial examiner today and didn’t know what had happened. They came over with some wine and meat in hand to visit him.

He knew in his heart that some were coming to gawk after hearing that he had been dismissed and reprimanded, while others wanted to find out if he had received any exclusive information from the provincial examiner, or perhaps they were just coming for the free food and drinks. However, everyone was like this in the world. Even if he considered himself like Qu Yuan or Su Qin, he could only endure the few pounds of pig’s head meat they brought and sit down to entertain them.

The scholar-bachelors settled down, filling their cups with wine. After drinking a cup, they started chatting and asked about his experience at the provincial examiner’s office today.

He couldn’t help but rage, “The provincial examiner criticized my immoral behavior and ingratitude. He told me to be careful with my words and actions, otherwise my future career would be jeopardized! What do you think this is? I was puzzled when I was dismissed from Weixian Academy for no apparent reason. Now even the provincial examiner is criticizing me. Thinking about it, it must be Lord Linhai!”

Everyone: “…”

One of them laughed. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Old Ding, but is this Lord Linhai the son of the Marquis of Guo, a man of great wealth? Who would notice a small fry like you? It’s more likely that you offended some scholar-bachelor who is slandering you.”

Another, younger one asked, “Ingratitude? That’s an odd choice of words. Has Old Ding forgotten someone’s kindness?”

Ding Ruyu raged, “It’s precisely this phrase that confirms it’s Lord Linhai! Even the provincial examiner said that I should be careful with my words and actions. Thinking about it, the only thing I’ve discussed recently is the matter of Zhuang Zizhan at the bookshop. Everyone is talking about that matter! Why am I the only one being targeted? When I asked why I was expelled from Weixian Academy, they evaded the question and said I offended a nobleman. This order came directly from above.”

“The books of Weixian Academy have always been supplied by the Marquis of Guo’s residence, printed with the name of Chufeng Hall. Xiayun Workshop now specializes in selling books from Chufeng Hall. Doesn’t it all fit together? Lord Linhai has too much power, thinking that providing a few textbooks to Weixian Academy gives him some influence. He is oppressing the upright scholars and the literati of the empire. The scholarly community should denounce him! I won’t let this matter rest!”

Ding Ruyu spoke passionately, raising the wine cup in front of him to drink.

Another scholar-bachelor who was close to him and often discussed matters with him was now fired up and asked, “Brother Ding, are you going to die for the sake of justice?”

Ding Ruyu almost choked on a mouthful of wine, barely swallowing it down. He glared at the scholar-bachelor, “Who is that Lord Linhai? I’m just a poor scholar. Who would care if I died? It’s only useful if someone like Zhuang, the top scholar, dies for the sake of justice…”

The scholar-bachelor’s eyes shone with passion as he exclaimed, “Not necessarily! The current emperor does not prohibit free speech. If you’re willing to sacrifice yourself, we can carry a coffin to the entrance of the school and the Imperial Academy, rallying all the scholars to write memorials to the emperor on your behalf. You will surely be remembered in history!”

For a moment, all the scholar-bachelors were stirred up. “Indeed, what a great opportunity! This is the perfect chance to bring down Lord Linhai. Please, Mr. Ding, sacrifice yourself! We will certainly risk our lives for your sake, fighting for righteousness and leaving our names in history!”

Ding Ruyu looked at these former friends, fellow townspeople, and classmates, each with piercing gazes. Some were filled with mockery, some with anticipation, and some with the hunger of wolves on a mountain. He shivered slightly, suddenly stood up, overturned the table, and pointed at them, cursing, “You sons of bitches! You think by inciting me to die, you can ride on my corpse to gain fame and benefits? A meal and some wine to make me send myself to my death? Dream on!”

“I’m the one who will die, not you. If you want to die for the sake of justice, you go die! Don’t touch me!”

They hadn’t expected his sudden outburst and could only awkwardly rise. Some of them made sour remarks, “Huh, you always criticized Zhuang, the top scholar, for not dying for the sake of justice. Turns out, you’re no better.”

“Perhaps you still want to beg Lord Linhai for a living. It’s true that they say you’re ungrateful. From Lord Linhai’s perspective, teaching at the academy he funds and cursing him at the bookshop of his estate…isn’t that eating from the bowl and cursing the mother when you put it down?”

“Haha, what a pity to miss such a rare opportunity. As they say, life is difficult, but death is even harder…”

Everyone dispersed, and Ding Ruyu stood there, looking at the scattered wine and meat on the ground. He shivered, suddenly remembering that his wife and son were not around. If he died mysteriously tonight, and someone carried his coffin to the government…

He didn’t bother cleaning up and hastily gathered some things before rushing to his wife’s brother’s house. Even if he knew he would face ridicule and possibly a beating there, it was better than dying under mysterious circumstances!

==

Xu Chun, however, was unaware that Xie Yi was taking revenge for him. After two busy days, he met Sheng Changtian and Helan Baozhi, who had rushed over from Jinhaiwei.

Sheng Changtian was full of shame. After receiving the news sent by Xu Chun’s messenger, he indeed met with Helan Baozhi and compared the accounts of both sides, finding discrepancies year by year.

Sheng Changtian whispered, “We were indeed exploited. Because the guards escorting Miss Helan’s goods were sent by General Helan, I only heard from my subordinates that there were discrepancies during inspection, but since they weren’t crucial military equipment like cannons, but mostly daily necessities, although I felt the quantity was off, I assumed General Helan’s guards took some for themselves and didn’t investigate further. I just had someone record the difference in quantity privately.”

Xu Chun stomped his foot. “You’re being foolish! Who is General Helan? And who is Miss Helan? If they wanted to take something, wouldn’t they say so beforehand? Even if they didn’t tell you, they would at least inform me. How could they secretly intercept it?”

Sheng Changtian looked embarrassed. “In the past, when doing business with officials, we kept two sets of accounts during transactions. There would never be any traces left on the cargo list… I followed the usual practice, assuming General Helan did the same… I thought it was something both sides tacitly agreed upon. It’s all my fault.”

Xu Chun: “…” He knew that although his cousin had entered the military, he still had the habit of dealing with officials. Of course, it wasn’t wrong, as this was indeed how the world operated. If it were someone else… they might not have been so bold as to openly intercept goods like this. General Helan Jingjiang was a military officer, so naturally, he wouldn’t leave evidence on the cargo list.

Moreover… he glanced at the radiant Helan Baozhi standing beside him. After several years, she had spent a long time at sea, and her features had become more relaxed, no longer carrying the gloom and resentment of the past. Just standing there, she radiated brilliance, a beauty impossible to ignore.

Cousin Changtian had always harbored feelings for her, and the discrepancy in goods wasn’t significant, so naturally, he wouldn’t press Helan Baozhi on whether she had intercepted any goods. This allowed the cunning ones to exploit the situation.

Helan Baozhi also said, “We were careless on our side as well; I bear responsibility. Actually, Third Master Sheng once mentioned that if there were suitable goods, I should directly transfer them to General Helan instead of going through the marquis. At the time, I laughed and said it was good to give the marquis a favor. I didn’t realize it was Third Master Sheng’s subtle hint. It turns out that over these three years, sporadically at first, starting with insignificant goods, the numbers grew larger and larger, and now they even dared to intercept the latest guns!”

Xu Chun changed expression. “They really dared to intercept them? Didn’t you say they only bought three at high prices? Foreigners refused to sell them abroad.”

Sheng Changtian said, “There were indeed only three, and they were delivered as promised. I assumed that they knew something so conspicuous would attract attention. As previously discussed, we left one in the warehouse. Yesterday’s inventory confirmed it was still there. One was at the Wanguang Academy, where the teacher disassembled it for the students to see. It’s also still there. The other one was at the artillery factory, where the masters were leading apprentices in attempting to replicate it. I received news the day before yesterday that it accidentally exploded, setting the entire room on fire. It’s gone, fortunately without injuring anyone.”

Xu Chun sneered. “I offered half a million at a high price, and they were blinded by greed, taking such a huge risk. I imagine the various goods that leaked out before were due to similar losses. Tell me, if the high-priced procurement was by the Jurchens, what would happen?”

Sheng Changtian stuttered, “It’s my negligence. In the past, when doing business, they said clear water holds no fish, so I left some leeway for the managers and clerks, allowing for a certain amount of loss. Coming to the military… fearing that the soldiers would think I was too harsh, I didn’t thoroughly investigate the reported losses during long-distance transportation of goods. Although the goods weren’t large, a box or two, mostly daily items unrelated to military supplies, I thought it was inevitable and didn’t pursue it further.”

Helan Baozhi smiled. “I heard that General Sheng was very busy training the troops and treated his subordinates kindly, inevitably overlooking this aspect. But these weapons and ammunition cannot be taken lightly. Every bullet, every gun, must be accounted for. This Maxim machine gun is the bane of cavalry. If we can replicate it, we will no longer fear the Jurchens and the northern barbarians! Knowing its value, I paid a high price to bring it back. I didn’t give a single one to my brother, all to Lord Linhai, hoping that we could also produce it. What worries would we have in the northern border then?”

Sheng Changtian blushed to the ears and stammered, bowing to Helan Baozhi. “It’s all my fault for not maintaining strict discipline in the army, wasting the heartfelt effort Miss Helan brought from afar.”

Helan Baozhi returned the courtesy with a dip of her skirt. “General Sheng is kind-hearted, naturally giving my brother and me some leeway. Unfortunately, the bandits took advantage of the opportunity, not the general’s fault. In the future, I hope the general will trust Baozhi more and ask questions straightforwardly. My brother and I are open and honest, with nothing to be ashamed of under heaven.”

Sheng Changtian bowed deeply, then also bowed to Xu Chun. “This matter lies with me. I will thoroughly investigate the case, and the responsibility lies solely with me. I plan to submit a memorial to the Ministry of War to confess my guilt.”

Xu Chun said, “I’m the commander of Jinhaiwei, so the blame is mine. The emperor is already aware of this matter. He only said that in a large tree, there are withered branches. Since it was discovered early, it’s only a loss of goods, not touching the weapons. It’s important to quickly manage the situation.”

“But this matter must be handled swiftly, severely, and promptly, to avoid leaks that could invite attacks from political rivals.” He thought of Zhuang Zizhan and sighed. “Now, I, the marquis, am a huge target. Everyone wants to step on me to advance… Even the idea of dying for the sake of justice almost came up. Why has it come to this?”

Back then, driven by a surge of enthusiasm, he embarked on this path, with his ninth brother lifting him up and protecting him along the way. He never realized that what he was doing was such a monumental task, one that would make the entire aristocratic family and scholarly community stare in awe… at first, he only wanted to make his ninth brother happy and earn money for him.

Helan Baozhi couldn’t help laughing. Her smile was breathtakingly beautiful. Seeing Sheng Changtian staring at her blankly, she couldn’t resist smiling at him again. Although this incident was a misunderstanding, it showed Sheng Changtian’s warm-heartedness and genuine kindness towards her brother and her.

She laughed at Sheng Changtian. “Since the marquis has given instructions, why don’t we discuss it further? The delivery should be within the next few days. Following the trail, I suspect my side isn’t clean either. Greed moves the hearts of men. Perhaps they assumed that Lord Linhai wanted to keep some of the cargo list and accepted dirty money, so they were vague about it. I haven’t thoroughly interrogated them yet, fearing I’d scare the snakes. Once everything is figured out, we’ll strike swiftly and catch them all at once. Only then can we root out the problem.”

Xu Chun said, “Not only that, but we must also thoroughly investigate other smuggling cases, profiteering from public resources, and extortion of merchants! After this case is resolved, immediately issue an order throughout the thirteen camps of Jinhaiwei. If anyone engages in these illegal activities, if they turn themselves in and hand over the proceeds, they may receive leniency and partial forgiveness. If they remain stubborn, severe punishment will be meted out!”

Sheng Changtian and Helan Baozhi agreed.

Xu Chun had just finished strategizing with Sheng Changtian when Xia Chao came to report. There was a message from Dianzhan Alley. The antique shop sent word that the goods could be delivered tonight, but they required cash, not banknotes. Payment would be exchanged for inspection of the goods. They had to see the cash and verify it before showing the goods.

Xu Chun sneered at Sheng Changtian. “This arrived on the same day as yours. I suppose they’re afraid of unforeseen complications, wanting to deliver the Maxim machine gun as soon as possible. They can’t wait, wanting the money safely in their pockets!”

Sheng Changtian said, “This is dangerous. Let me take people to handle it. You don’t have to personally risk yourself.”

However, Xu Chun thought for a moment and couldn’t help laughing. He told Sheng Changtian, “No need. Prepare your troops. I have a plan—I’ve invited Second Cousin over. Have dinner with him first.”

Sheng Changtian was confused but knew that his cousin’s authority was growing daily, not to be defied. So, he agreed.

He then told Helan Baozhi, “My mother rarely gets to see you. Please stay for dinner at the residence.”

Helan Baozhi smiled. “No need for the marquis to remind me. I have some business matters to discuss with Madam anyway.”

Xu Chun walked out and found Ding Hai to send a message to the palace. “Go and report to His Majesty. Tell him that the fish in Dianzhan Alley has taken the bait. I’m going to check it out tonight. All the troops are ready, armed, ensuring safety. I have Changtian accompanying me, so Ninth Brother doesn’t have to worry.”

Ding Hai: “…”

He looked at Xu Chun. “Why not let me arrange for someone to disguise as the marquis? Why must the marquis risk himself?” Letting me report this to the emperor isn’t asking for trouble, is it? Ding Hai was in a bind. Over the years, he fully understood that the person in front of him listened to no one’s advice except for Wu Yinggong and Minister Shen Mengzhen. He was completely obedient only to the emperor. But if reporting this matter to the emperor required the emperor’s persuasion, it would indicate their failure and incompetence.

Moreover, when the emperor’s face darkened, who could withstand it! Not even Eunuch Su dared to say anything when the emperor was angry. How could they, who were not skilled in speaking, handle it!

Xu Chun: “…”. He said, “Just go. Tell the emperor that the other party requires verification of the silver before showing the goods. The goods are definitely not in the store. If I don’t go myself, it might scare them away. It’s fine. They’re blinded by profit, focusing solely on the silver. Nothing will happen.”

Ding Hai had no choice but to first mobilize all the hidden guards of the Tiger Guards stationed at the marquis’s residence, then carefully instructed Chunxi once again before entering the palace to report.

Xie Yi was still discussing matters with the inner cabinet’s Ouyang Shen in Wende Hall. Seeing Su Hua holding the jade cat ornament obtained the other day, he knew something was up. He dismissed Ouyang Shen with a few words and asked Su Hua, “What’s the matter?”

Su Hua said, “Ding Hai came to report an urgent matter.”

Xie Yi summoned him in and listened to Ding Hai’s report. Indeed, he was somewhat displeased. “Why not choose someone with a similar physique to dress up as Xu Chun? Why must he personally risk himself? Guns have no eyes. What if something goes wrong, and they act recklessly, destroying everything? How can that be good? Even that weak scholar Zhuang Zizhan could escape from danger with fire bombs. Nowadays, it’s not like before. What status does he hold? Are you also going to be foolish with him?”

Ding Hai knew that the emperor would indeed be unhappy, but he still stubbornly repeated Xu Chun’s reasons. He added, “I can see that the marquis is furious about this matter and will surely want to uncover the truth personally. General Sheng Changtian is also in the capital and has many soldiers at his disposal. I’ve already gathered all the hidden guards of the Tiger Guards in the capital. I’ll ensure the marquis’s safety.”

Xie Yi also knew that Xu Chun had a stubborn streak. Preventing him from going wouldn’t be difficult—a simple imperial decree to keep him in the palace would suffice. But this would harm the bond between them. No one else could persuade Xu Chun except for him.

After some thought, he said, “Choose someone first. I’ll think of a solution.”