Chapter 70: Volume Three: Shunxiang Fort Garrison Commander, Chapter Seventy: Former Superior

Volume Three: Shunxiang Fort Garrison Commander, Chapter Seventy: Former Superior

The thirteenth day of the tenth month, eighth year of the Chongzhen reign.

The weather had already turned cold. The deadly north wind outside the hall blew without pause, but inside, several glowing-red stoves burned, making it incomparably warm.

Xie Yike came in brimming with excitement and called out, "Brother-in-law, someone's come to visit again. Looking at the name card, it's a Squad Officer from Huiyao Fort called Zhong Dayong or something. He says he's an old acquaintance of yours. Shall I call him in?"

As he spoke, he grinned and tossed the mace of silver in his hand.

This fellow used to bounce and skip when he walked. Perhaps because too many people have learned that Wang Dou is his brother-in-law and flattered him, lately he's taken to swaggering about, just like a crab.

"Zhong Dayong?"

Wang Dou smiled faintly. He was indeed an old acquaintance — his former superior, to whom he used to kowtow and salute every day. Now that he himself had been promoted to Garrison Commander, the man was eagerly rushing over to curry favor. To be honest, Wang Dou felt rather pleased by this situation. After all, he was a man of the world, not a sage, and it was hard to avoid the vanity of an ordinary person.

On the day of his wedding, Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng had come, accompanied by his personal general Yang Dongmin, bringing the waist token, documents, seal, and other items for Wang Dou's appointment as Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort. Because Wang Dou was newly married, Xu Zucheng had generously granted him a seven-day wedding leave.

But how could Wang Dou have had any leisure these past few days? People coming to offer congratulations and curry favor came in an endless stream. Even relatives he normally had nothing to do with came calling one after another. There were especially many officers from the various forts — some wanting to build connections, some hoping to advance their posts, some eyeing vacancies, some wanting to keep their current positions. The visitors calling on him each day never stopped.

Yesterday, Company Commander Chang Zhengwei of Huiyao Fort had come to pay his respects to Wang Dou and presented a generous gift, precisely hoping to keep his current post and see if he might advance further. Today, Squad Officer Zhong Dayong had come as well.

On the wedding day, Zhong Dayong had actually come too, but that day Wang Dou was busy with the marriage, and with Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng arriving, how could he spare any attention for him? The two of them had exchanged fewer than three sentences in total. Zhong Dayong's coming again today was surely to use their old acquaintance to solemnly build a connection.

Wang Dou said, "This Zhong Dayong was my old superior back when I was at Jingbian Outpost. He truly counts as an old acquaintance. Call him in!"

Xie Yike answered, "Right away!"

And went out brimming with excitement.

Wang Dou had heard Xie Yike boast that he was a renowned hunter far and wide in Sunjiagou of the Western Hills. This time, with his sister marrying and coming to Jingbian Fort, he hoped to stay in the fort and earn a living. But Wang Dou had not yet decided on an arrangement for Xie Yike, so for now he let him help out in the residence, doing something akin to a servant running errands.

Soon, Zhong Dayong's shrill laughter could be heard from afar: "Aiya ya ya, aiya ya ya, this residence is truly magnificent, worthy of the Garrison Commander's mansion. The style is simply different!"

Then Zhong Dayong and his wife, Madam Wang, could be seen walking in, all smiles. Both had faces blue-tinged and lips purple from the cold wind. Madam Wang, in particular, was carrying a huge gift box in her hands. Upon entering the hall, a wave of warmth greeted them, and both unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

Before Wang Dou could move, Zhong Dayong, quick of hand and sharp of eye, had already rushed forward a step, knelt, and kowtowed to Wang Dou, saying repeatedly, "Your humble subordinate, Squad Officer Zhong Dayong of Huiyao Fort, offers congratulations to my lord. Congratulations to my lord on your glorious promotion to Garrison Commander, and congratulations on your new marriage and your family's well-being!"

His movements were exceedingly smooth and graceful, without the slightest discomfort. He had very naturally switched his role. Seeing his wife, Madam Wang, still standing there dumbly, staring blankly at her husband, Zhong Dayong shot her an angry glare.

Madam Wang came to her senses and also hurriedly curtsied, stepping forward to pay her respects to Wang Dou.

Wang Dou was still dressed in an ordinary winter leather jacket, but his power and status made it impossible for anyone to slight him. He smiled and came over, personally helping Zhong Dayong up, saying, "We were all colleagues from the same outpost in the old days. Why perform such a grand ceremony? Get up."

He also made a gesture of helping Madam Wang up from a distance.

Zhong Dayong, overwhelmed by the favor, hurriedly stood up.

Just as Garrison Commander Xu Zhongjun had once made a gesture of qi gong toward Wang Dou, Madam Wang also rose in response to the gesture.

Zhong Dayong, his face wreathed in smiles, presented a gift list, laughing, "For the Garrison Commander's great joy, a small token of your humble subordinate's regard. I hope my lord will accept this trifling, humble show of filial respect!"

Wang Dou took the gift list and glanced at it. The various gifts inside probably amounted to over ten taels. He casually handed the list to Xie Yike beside him and said, "Your coming is enough. Why buy such expensive gifts? Old Zhong, you're always too meticulous."

Wang Dou's form of address for Zhong Dayong also shifted very naturally, yet given the status and occasion, it was perfectly appropriate.

Hearing Wang Dou's words, Zhong Dayong's face blossomed into a smile, looking even more greasy and shiny. He nodded and bowed, saying, "It's only right, only right. That the Garrison Commander does not disdain my humble regard is this humble one's honor, an honor."

Seeing his once stern and harsh superior nodding and bowing before him, Wang Dou felt a particular sense of accomplishment in his heart. He smiled and said to Xie Yike, "Yike, go call your sister out!"

Xie Yike answered loudly, and very soon, Xie Xiuniang emerged from the inner hall. She wore a bright red bijia, her hair coiled in a large bun and adorned with hairpins. Perhaps due to the bliss of newlyweds, her face had a rosy flush, as if a layer of rouge had been applied, adding a touch of comeliness to her features. Combined with her status and attire, this getup exuded an air of grace. The rustic air of a village girl from the old days had largely disappeared.

Upon seeing Xie Xiuniang, Zhong Dayong and Madam Wang both hurried forward to pay their respects, addressing her as "Madam."

Madam Wang even clicked her tongue and said, "Look at Madam's attire, so noble. Truly worthy of the Garrison Commander's wife — so dignified!"

In the Great Ming, there were actually conditions for being addressed as "Madam." The wife of a scholar-official could only be called Madam once she reached thirty. But now, Ming ritual protocol was in chaos, and the wives of any officials were all called Madam. Xie Xiuniang was now respectfully addressed as Madam by everyone inside and outside the fort.

This Madam Wang had met Xie Xiuniang a few times before. Seeing the village woman of the past transformed in the blink of an eye into an official's wife with such graceful bearing — an ugly duckling turned into a white swan — she was inwardly astonished and envious. Looking at the other's style, then looking at herself, she could not help feeling ashamed of her own shabbiness.

Madam Wang had already made up her mind: from now on, she must properly cultivate this route through the wife. This was the solemn task her husband had entrusted to her.

In her spare time these days, Xie Xiuniang had been inquiring about and studying the etiquette and manners of those official wives, not daring to make the slightest misstep. Her husband had now become a Garrison Commander; the dignity and bearing before others could not be neglected in the least, lest she lose face for Wang Dou and make others laugh.

At this moment, her small face was meticulously composed, her gaze fixed straight ahead. She solemnly curtsied to Zhong Dayong and Madam Wang. Both hurriedly returned the courtesy, repeatedly saying they dared not accept such formality.

Wang Dou said gently, "Madam, please entertain Madam Zhong."

Xie Xiuniang answered, curtsied with a wanfu to Wang Dou, and took Madam Wang inside.

Wang Dou watched the two of them go in with a smile. As for Xie Xiuniang, she had now formally become his wife. Wang Dou planned in the future to have her manage some matters of aiding refugees and comforting women and children inside and outside the fort, to better win the hearts of all sides. This was also a common practice among politicians of later ages, and very effective.

The two women went inside. Wang Dou invited Zhong Dayong to take a seat and had a servant serve tea. Zhong Dayong merely sat cautiously on the edge of the seat.

Looking at Wang Dou, Zhong Dayong was inwardly filled with emotion. Last year, when Wang Dou was promoted to Platoon Leader, Zhong Dayong had already marveled at the strength of Wang Dou's official fortune — in just a few short years, he had covered a path that others struggled and fought over for more than a decade. Now, even more unthinkably, the man had risen high to become Garrison Commander, becoming his direct superior in the blink of an eye. Looking across the whole of Shunxiang Fort, who else had such good fortune?

Zhong Dayong could only sigh that this fellow Wang Dou was blessed by lucky stars and had a smooth official career. But he buried this psychological gap deep in his heart. The most important thing now was to build a good relationship with this new superior. From what Zhong Dayong knew of Wang Dou, this brother was still very mindful of old ties. He himself had a past connection with Wang Dou. This was a tremendous advantage.

In truth, Wang Dou could understand Zhong Dayong's inner world. These days, others had been buzzing with discussion about his sudden promotion to Garrison Commander, saying all sorts of things. Behind each person's words was more a mentality of jealousy, while on the surface they had to put on a show of warmth.

Wang Dou merely dismissed it with a smile. When circumstances and status changed, everyone had to adapt quickly. Those who could not adapt could only be eliminated. The official arena was notoriously cruel.

The stove in the hall had an iron rack set up, on which a steaming teapot was heating. Xie Yike bustled about to the side, constantly refilling their hot tea.

The atmosphere in the hall was harmonious. As Wang Dou and Zhong Dayong drank tea, they reminisced about the days at the outpost in the past. Both were deeply moved, especially when they spoke of the deaths of Ma Zhong and his wife, which made them sigh with sorrow.

Both consciously avoided mentioning the unpleasant matters of those years, speaking only of amusing incidents at the outpost.

This manner of conversation was also what Zhong Dayong wished to see, as it made him feel a closeness with Wang Dou.

During the conversation, Zhong Dayong did not make any requests of Wang Dou. A seasoned old hand like him certainly knew that was a major taboo in officialdom. As long as he built a good relationship with Wang Dou, if there were any good opportunities for promotion and wealth, would Wang Dou forget him?

After drinking tea for a while longer, Wang Dou glanced at the sky. Zhong Dayong tactfully stood up, cupped his hands with a face full of smiles, and said, "The Garrison Commander is busy with official duties. This humble one will not disturb you further. I take my leave now, take my leave!"

Wang Dou said, "Old Zhong, you can still come by the residence often to visit!"

Zhong Dayong nodded and bowed, saying, "Certainly, certainly!"

Seeing Wang Dou about to stand up, he hurriedly said, "My lord, please don't trouble yourself to see me out, please don't trouble yourself!"

Zhong Dayong exited the residence. Not long after, his wife, Madam Wang, was also escorted out.

Seeing Zhong Dayong, Madam Wang asked anxiously, "Dayong, how did things go?"

Do not be fooled by Zhong Dayong's nodding and bowing before Wang Dou just now. In front of his wife, he was very much the imposing figure.

He stiffened his face, gave a cough, and said, “Needless to say, given the friendship I, Zhong Dayong, have long shared with the Defense Commander, His Lordship will surely treat me with warm affection and cordial words!”

Madam Wang pressed her palms together and said, “Thank Heaven and thank Earth — it seems your post as Squad Adjutant is secure, and who knows, you might even be promoted a step higher, hee hee!”

Zhong Dayong snorted and said, “That goes without saying!”

He recalled how, back when he served as Squad Adjutant at Huiyao Fort, the Squad Commander Chang Zhengwei had constantly squeezed him out. Yet after Wang Dou was promoted, once Zhong Dayong had deliberately or inadvertently hinted at his friendship with the newly appointed Defense Commander — and especially made it clear that he and the Defense Commander were brothers who had fought together in days past — the attitude of Squad Commander Chang Zhengwei of Huiyao Fort changed at once, becoming far more courteous and cordial toward him.

But how could Zhong Dayong be content with just that? He also eyed the Squad Commander’s position with burning envy.

Seeing Zhong Dayong standing there with proud self-assurance, displaying a rare manly bearing, Madam Wang could not help but gaze at him with misty, alluring eyes. She said in a coquettish voice, “Dayong…”

Madam Wang still possessed a measure of charm. Seeing his wife like this, Zhong Dayong could not help feeling stirred, but he glanced around, gave a cough, and said, “What are you doing? In public you must mind your decorum and bearing. Look at Madam Wang — her poise is simply on another level!”

Madam Wang snorted and said, “She is an official’s wife — how can I compare with her!”

As the two were talking, suddenly several riders arrived before them and dismounted right beside them. At their head was a stoutly built officer wearing the uniform of a Company Commander, followed by several attendants, all carrying large gift boxes in their hands.

Zhong Dayong was taken aback. This Company Commander was none other than Xu Lu, the trusted personal commander of the former Defense Commander of Shunxiang Fort — and his rank was a full step above Zhong Dayong’s own.

Zhong Dayong hurriedly saluted and said, “So it is Lord Xu — this humble one was remiss just now!”

Madam Wang also hastily smoothed her robes and curtsied in salute.

Xu Lu merely grunted in reply, his manner haughty. His mind was not on the two of them; he simply led his attendants straight into the Wang residence.

Upon meeting Wang Dou, Xu Lu shed entirely the arrogant air he had shown Zhong Dayong moments before. With a smile brimming on his face, he saluted and said, “Defense Commander, my hearty congratulations on your new marriage! This humble subordinate has presumed to call uninvited — I beg you not to take offense at my abrupt discourtesy!”

Wang Dou, equally delighted, said, “So it is Old Brother Xu! Quickly, take a seat!”

He glanced at the gift list Xu Lu handed over and shook his head, saying, “We are brothers — why stand on such ceremony!”

He then had Xu Lu seated and tea served, and they talked of the purpose of his visit — which turned out to be the matter of a home for Xu Lu and his retainers.

Xu Lu, as the personal commander of the former Defense Commander Xu Zhongjun, led a company of fifty retainers. Ever since Xu Zhongjun’s death, he had been fretting over his own affairs. Earlier he had intended to throw in his lot with Du Zhen, but Du Zhen had no interest in him — and then died. He considered turning to Zhang Gui, but Zhang Gui was to be transferred to the prefectural city, so that notion was abandoned as well. Now that Wang Dou was the new Defense Commander of Shunxiang Fort, Xu Lu had come to sound out Wang Dou’s disposition.

With this company of retainers under him, Xu Lu was not worried about losing his own standing — but keeping these retainers fed was a desperate struggle. If he could not find a new master, what was he to do?

Unlike the household troops of the campaign battalions under the various Mobile Corps Commanders, Assistant Regional Commanders, and Regional Commanders — who required a monthly wage of two taels, three mace, and five candareens of silver, plus five dou of grain in kind — the retainers of these guard-battalion officers needed only one tael of silver and five dou of grain in kind per month. Still, for fifty retainers, plus weapons, armor, horses, and the like, the cost of maintaining troops over a year was no small sum.

Moreover, guard-battalion soldiers generally had to support themselves, and each year they still had to pay grain from their military farmlands — making troop upkeep even harder. Counting on the higher authorities to disburse rations and pay was a vain hope. With the Great Ming’s finances in dire straits, even the campaign battalions saw their pay and rations fall into arrears year after year; the guard-battalion troops were even more neglected. Without a new master, were these fifty retainers to be disbanded?

All this time Xu Lu had been anxious and uneasy. Reckoning that he and Wang Dou could at least be counted as friends, he had not even waited for Wang Dou’s wedding celebrations to end before rushing over to call.

At this moment his manner was deferential; he sat perched on only half the seat, and a faint trace of worry still showed on his face — utterly devoid of the sense of superiority he had once held before Wang Dou.

Wang Dou pondered in silence for a long moment, then smiled faintly and said, “Set your mind at ease. From now on, Old Brother Xu, you will follow me. As for the soldiers under you — I will say nothing else, but they will have no trouble eating their fill and drinking their fill!”

Xu Lu was overjoyed. He offered profuse thanks, his heart fully content, and departed with a face wreathed in smiles.

Wang Dou sat down. He had received several waves of guests today and was somewhat tired; he wanted nothing more than to enjoy a proper cup of tea.

Suddenly Xie Yike came striding in again, sidling like a crab. He grinned and said, “Brother-in-law, just now several men came and knelt at the main gate. From what they say, they are the village heads of Zhouzhuang, Huzhuang, and Chafang Fort. They claim that in the past they slighted and disrespected you, and have come specially to beg forgiveness!”