Chapter 62: Speaking with Facts

"Come, come, Brother Wang. Passing by my Dong Family Manor, you must come in and sit. Today we two brothers shall drink a few hearty cups — we won't return until we're drunk."

Wang Dou, bringing Han Chao, Zhong Diaoyang, and the others, was returning with Zhang Gui's party from Shunxiang Fort. When they passed Dong Family Manor, Zhang Gui loudly hailed Wang Dou.

Both Zhang Gui and Wang Dou looked somewhat grim. The trip to Shunxiang Fort had left neither of them in good spirits.

Defense Commander Lord Xu had passed away from illness. Officials great and small from Shunxiang Fort all went to the mourning hall to pay their respects, and Wang Dou and Zhang Gui were no exception. One could see that Xu Zhongjun had wide social connections — not only from the department city, but even many officials from the guard city came. Baoan Department City Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng also came in person and even shed tears before the mourning hall, making the Xu family, young and old, weep all the more.

Unexpectedly, Fu Mingqi, the Director of the Confucian School of Baoan Department, also came, bringing a pair of elegiac couplets written in his own hand, and even composed a mourning poem before the hall, which greatly earned the envy of the military men present.

Although the formal appointment had not yet been issued, Du Zhen was already acting as Defense Commander of Shunxiang Fort. During this time, he had been managing all affairs great and small at Shun Fort, and even the funeral arrangements for Xu Zhongjun were handled solely by him. On this point, Du Zhen indeed did well — everything was managed in perfect order, which made Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng nod repeatedly in approval and greatly praise Du Zhen's ability.

In Xu Zucheng's view, Xu Zhongjun had always been his trusted confidant, and Du Zhen had been personally promoted by Xu Zhongjun, so he naturally counted as someone of his own faction. Du Zhen had always been respectful and courteous to him, and the customary monetary gifts at festivals and year's end were never lacking. With Shunxiang Fort under Du Zhen's control, indirectly, it was also under his own control. In his mind, Du Zhen was already the undisputed choice to succeed as commander of Shunxiang Fort.

At Shunxiang Fort, Xu Zucheng saw Wang Dou, who had come to pay his respects. He greatly appreciated this young man and offered him considerable encouragement and praise on the spot. At the time, Du Zhen was also following beside Xu Zucheng and lavishly praised Wang Dou in front of Xu Zucheng as well. However, behind people's backs, the dark, insidious glances he cast at Wang Dou — though Wang Dou kept his face calm, inwardly he was secretly on guard.

When Zhang Gui saw Xu Zucheng, he naturally tried his utmost to curry favor with the Garrison Commander. But it was plainly evident that although Garrison Commander Lord Xu was also genial toward him, he was far from as close as he was to Du Zhen. Presumably, the position of Defense Commander would certainly not fall to him, Zhang Gui.

Moreover, Du Zhen's deliberate, veiled slights toward Zhang Gui, and the arrogant, swaggering manner he displayed before him, also filled Zhang Gui's heart with seething resentment.

Xu Zucheng, Fu Mingqi, and the others returned that very day. Wang Dou, Zhang Gui, and the other officers of Shunxiang Fort remained in the fort for several more days.

Those few days, Wang Dou could be said to have had an unbearably miserable time at Shunxiang Fort. Not to mention Du Zhen scowling at him every day, even Du Zhen's personal followers and subordinates, such as Du Gong, Xiao Daxin, and Wu Shan, every time they saw Wang Dou, they were always sarcastic and mocking, full of veiled barbs. And the fort chiefs of Zhou Village, Hu Village, and Chafang Fort — Jia Duonan, Lu Xianyang, Zhang Shutang, and the others — when they saw Wang Dou, they also wore expressions of gloating schadenfreude, making snide remarks from time to time.

Though Wang Dou remained composed before others, inside, his heart was already blazing with fury.

As for Du Zhen's several personal followers, like Du Gong and Wu Shan, and those subordinates like Jia Duonan, Lu Xianyang, and Zhang Shutang, their intense malice toward him he could understand — after all, he had conflicts of interest with them. But that Xiao Daxin, the Squad Officer of Dong Family Manor, also gave him cold words and sneers, which Wang Dou found rather strange.

It seemed that ever since the bandit suppression at Siqingliang late last year, this Xiao Daxin had been cold toward him, always speaking with veiled sarcasm. Thinking back, he couldn't recall having offended him in any way. Perhaps he simply disliked him on sight, or perhaps it was jealousy. When one person develops ill will toward another, it is the most reasonless thing of all.

During those days at Shunxiang Fort, Wang Dou's several attendants were also repeatedly provoked. Han Chao and Zhong Diaoyang could still maintain restraint, but Gao Shiyin and Han Zhong were wild with rage. Only by Wang Dou shouting them down did they stop. To prevent trouble, Wang Dou first sent Han Zhong and Gao Shiyin back to Jingbian Fort.

During those days at Shunxiang Fort, both Wang Dou and Zhang Gui had swallowed bellyfuls of anger. Coupled with the uncertainty of their futures, it would be strange if their moods could be good.

Now, hearing Zhang Gui's words, Wang Dou was also feeling stifled inside. He did not decline, and so followed Zhang Gui and the others into Dong Family Manor.

A pot of mutton, a few small dishes to go with the wine, a jug of unfiltered liquor — Wang Dou and Zhang Gui sat at the table drinking together. As for Han Chao, Zhong Diaoyang, and the others, they were at another table with Zhang Gui's retainer squad leader Zhang Tanggong, drinking wine and eating meat.

The meat was good meat, the wine was strong liquor. Zhang Gui bellowed, "Drink! Today we two brothers won't return until we're drunk."

Wang Dou also needed strong liquor to quench the fire in his heart. He too shouted, "Drink we shall! Today we'll drink until we're utterly drunk!"

The two men drank wine by the large bowlful, and in the blink of an eye had downed several jugs.

The more Zhang Gui drank, the redder his face became, and both his eyes were shot with blood. Wang Dou, the more he drank, the sharper his eyes became, only his face was dreadfully pale.

Abruptly, Zhang Gui slammed his wine bowl onto the table with a loud crash, splashing a large puddle of wine from the bowl. The noise made Han Chao and the others at the neighboring table look over. Zhang Tanggong waved his hand, and they all resumed drinking and eating.

Zhang Gui's face was crimson, and the short whiskers on his cheeks seemed to bristle, every one of them. His eyes red, he cursed loudly: "Du Zhen — what kind of thing is he? A petty scoundrel!"

He shouted loudly: "Ungrateful wretch! A base cur! Without Lord Xu, would he have what he has today?"

"Lord Xu promoted him. Look at how he treated Lord Xu in the past. Now, the moment the lord is dead, he can't wait to start seizing the lands and property of the Xu family's widow and orphans!"

Wang Dou was startled to hear this. This was the first time he had heard such news. If true, Du Zhen had gone far too far.

Zhang Gui sneered: "In the past, when he was a Company Commander, holding a post as a squad officer, he was like a dog in front of others, and even respectful and deferential before me. Now that he's risen up, he puts on airs and starts throwing his weight around."

This seemed to involve old grudges between Zhang Gui and Du Zhen. Wang Dou only listened quietly.

The more Zhang Gui spoke, the angrier he became. He shouted loudly: "How unjust Heaven is! In seniority, I am older than him, Du Zhen. In ability, I am no worse than him. On what grounds can he, Du Zhen, serve as Defense Commander, and I cannot?"

He yelled: "I dare not say how well I would govern Shunxiang Fort if I became Defense Commander, but at least I would not be as narrow-minded and petty-hearted as that Du Zhen!"

Zhang Gui said: "A man like Brother Wang — if I became Defense Commander, I would certainly put you in an important position. Needless to say, the post of Squad Officer of Dong Family Manor would be yours, and the position of Fort Chief of Jingbian Fort would likewise be held concurrently by you, brother. Nowadays, there are few capable men. With Dong Family Manor handed to you, brother, I would be at ease!"

Wang Dou said quietly: "I support you, elder brother!"

From Zhang Gui's words, one could also see the different mindsets of each man. After learning of Wang Dou's strength, Zhang Gui's first reaction was to redouble his efforts to win him over, while Du Zhen's was to suppress and weaken him.

Zhang Gui's eyes were red, and the fumes of alcohol surged from his mouth. He said in a low voice: "Brother, let me reveal another piece of news to you. You must be prepared."

Wang Dou said: "What news?"

Zhang Gui said in a low voice: "I have received definite word. After some days, once that Du Zhen formally takes office, his first order of business will be to transfer you away from Jingbian Fort and have that new brother-in-law of his, Wu Shan, serve as Fort Chief of Jingbian Fort."

Wang Dou was greatly shocked. Over on the other side, Han Chao and the others heard this and also immediately stood up.

Wang Dou quickly calmed himself. He gestured for Han Chao and the others to stay calm and said flatly: "Is what Elder Brother Zhang says true?"

Zhang Gui, seeing how quickly Wang Dou calmed down, inwardly admired him. He gave a cold laugh and said: "That Du Zhen thinks Shunxiang Fort is an iron barrel, impenetrable. Little does he know I have my own people there too. Brother, you need not doubt it — this news is absolutely true. You must prepare yourself mentally."

According to what Zhang Gui said, in the past, everyone had shunned the post of Fort Administration Officer at the various forts as if it were plague. But now that Jingbian Fort had developed, with a large population and much land, everyone coveted it. Taking the post of Fort Administration Officer at Jingbian Fort not only meant plenty of grease for the palm, but Du Zhen's faction could also severely strike at Wang Dou's power — it could be said to kill two birds with one stone.

Moreover, that Wu Shan originally had a grudge against Wang Dou. Having him serve as Fort Administration Officer of Jingbian Fort would bring an extra thrill of revenge, would it not?

Murderous intent flashed through Wang Dou's heart. Jingbian Fort was his blood, sweat, and tears — it was his final bottom line. Anyone who wanted to lay a hand on Jingbian Fort would have to pay with their life.

He toyed with the wine bowl for a long time, and finally said: "Many thanks, elder brother, for telling me this news."

After leaving the Company Commander's official hall of Dong Family Manor, Han Chao and Zhong Diaoyang anxiously wanted to say something. Wang Dou waved his hand and said: "Let us return first, then talk."

He said to Han Chao: "Brother Han, take some men to Shunxiang Fort and investigate thoroughly whether this news is true."

Han Chao solemnly agreed.

A few days later, rumors kept drifting in. Du Zhen, the acting Defense Commander of Shunxiang Fort, had let it be known that Wang Dou, the Fort Administration Officer of Jingbian Fort, was a man of outstanding talent, and that he intended to promote and reassign him to an important post — he could be transferred to Huiyao Fort as Squad Officer, while the current Squad Officer of Huiyao Fort, Wang Youjin, would be assigned elsewhere.

The military households within Jingbian Fort also heard some of these rumors and whispers. Everyone was panicked. They had just begun to live good days under Wang Dou's leadership. If Wang Dou were transferred away, what would they do? Who knew what the new superior officer would be like?

Inside the fort, people's hearts were anxious and unsettled. These days, outside the Squad Leader's official hall, it was always full of fort military households coming to inquire about news. Wang Dou could only reassure the military households great and small of the fort, saying that rumors were not to be believed, that as Fort Chief of Jingbian Fort, he would forever be their Fort Chief.

Wang Dou told them to simply live and farm in peace within the fort, and had Qi Tianliang lead everyone to continue the autumn sowing without interruption.

On the eighteenth day of the eighth month, Han Zhong and Gao Shiyin also came rushing over in haste, asking Wang Dou whether the news coming from Shunxiang Fort was true.

Wang Dou, seeing that Han Chao had already returned from Shunxiang Fort, summoned several trusted confidants to discuss matters.

In Wang Dou's study, Han Zhong, Qi Tianliang, Yang Tong, Gao Shiyin, and Zhong Diaoyang all sat upright in their seats, listening to Han Chao, seated at the head, report what he had learned from his investigation at Shunxiang Fort.

These few people in the study were Wang Dou's absolute confidants at Jingbian Fort. As for Zhong Rong, he was a scholar, and some matters were not convenient for him to hear. And there were also Wang Tianxue, Li Maosen, and others in the fort — they did not yet belong to this core circle of Wang Dou's.

Han Chao said: "I went to Shun Fort for a few days. According to the intelligence I gathered, what Lord Zhang Gui said is indeed true. I once heard, in a tea house, that Wu Shan boasting to his subordinates, saying that before long he would be transferred to Jingbian Fort to serve as Fort Chief, and that when the time came, everyone would transfer together, and they would all eat well and drink richly. I also heard that Wu Shan boast smugly, saying that since the lord had offended him in the past, this was now retribution and punishment, and that he could not wait to see the look on the lord's face on the day of the transfer..."

A thunderous crash rang out — Han Zhong had kicked the chair in front of him flying; it smashed against the wall and instantly shattered into pieces.

He bellowed furiously, “What the hell is that Wu Shan? He offered his own sister to Du Zhen as a concubine, and that’s how he became Du the brat’s personal attendant. Is he even fit to be the village head of Jingbian Fort? That coward — I wanted to beat him up back then. Who does he think he is? We worked our fingers to the bone, and now he dares to come and steal the fruit?”

Yang Tong and Qi Tianliang also cried out to Wang Dou, “My lord, Jingbian Fort is our blood and sweat — every brick, every tile, every acre of land, we built it all through bitter toil. If we’re transferred away, we’ll have nothing left. My lord, please think of something quickly.”

Zhong Diaoyang sat in silence, only watching Wang Dou at the head seat. Beside him, Gao Shiyin, uncharacteristically, said nothing; his expression was ferocious, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Wang Dou sat calmly. The men below clamored for a long while, but in the end they all fell quiet, simply fixing their eyes on Wang Dou to see what he would do. In Jingbian Fort, Wang Dou had always been their backbone, and they only hoped he would come up with a plan.

Wang Dou said flatly, “It’s not that there’s no way.”

Holding a porcelain cup in his hand, he rose to his feet as if nothing were the matter.

He paced back and forth a few steps in the study, then suddenly gave a cold laugh. “That Du Zhen thinks I, Wang Dou, am someone he can knead and mold at will.”

A sharp crack — Wang Dou had crushed the porcelain cup in his hand with sheer force. The pressure was so violent that several shards bit deep into his flesh, and fresh blood flowed out.

Wang Dou looked down at his hand for a moment, then raised his head, his gaze now dark and icy cold. “I will prove to him with facts — that he is wrong!”