Chapter 39: Guangyuan Didian

The constables’ hearts leapt, cowed by Wang Yang’s aura, they hesitated and dared not advance.

Wang Yang pressed his advantage, barking: “Summon the County Magistrate of Jiangling immediately! I’ll show him how stupid his men are!”

Poor Tong Luozhu and his two men, who usually ruled with authority, had just been scolded by Master Du and now berated by Wang Yang—they were utterly at a loss.

Master Du stood up and turned to Tong Luozhu: “Are you all fools? I’ve verified it—besides Wang Tai, there is no second Wang clan of Langya in Jingzhou!”

Wang Yang sneered: “Is that so? Did you check the prefectural academy? Did you ask Liu Zhao, the Sacrificial Wine Master of the academy?”

“The prefectural academy?” Both Master Du and Tong Luozhu froze.

“The academy’s carriage is right at the village entrance. Oh yes—my friend is on it too. He’s from the Yye family of Xinye.”

Tong Luozhu immediately ordered a constable to the village entrance; Master Du also sent one of his own men along.

The village entrance was not far; both returned quickly, accompanied by Yu Yuling.

“Brother Wang, what’s going on?” Yu Yuling looked around at the crowded room, surprised.

Wang Yang said lightly: “Nothing. Someone’s looking to die—I’m ready to oblige.”

At that moment, one of Tong Luozhu’s men was whispering to him; Tong Luozhu exclaimed: “You’re certain?”

“Absolutely clear! The carriage bears the clan emblem of the Niyang Liu family!”

Xiao Awu cried out: “If you don’t admit your mistake now, you won’t get another chance!”

The Niyang Liu family was one of Jingzhou’s four great clans; Tong Luozhu turned pale with fear and, without thinking twice, knelt before Wang Yang: “Your humble servant had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai! I offended the Young Master—please forgive me!”

His two subordinates quickly followed suit and knelt down.

Master Du still refused to believe it—he had personally investigated and confirmed that only Wang Tai of the Wang clan existed in Jingzhou, which was why he dared act. He bowed to Yu Yuling: “May I ask, is this young master from the Yye family of Xinye?”

Yu Yuling glanced at Master Du: “Who are you?”

Before Master Du could answer, Wang Yang joked half-seriously: “A moneylender who’s gone mad, suspects we’re faking our noble status, and called the patrol chief to arrest us.”

Master Du was about to object—he’d only suspected Wang Yang alone—but then he thought: maybe this newcomer is fake too, and they’re working together!

No!

The Niyang Liu family sent them here in a carriage. If they weren’t nobles, why would the prefectural academy dispatch a carriage?

The Yye family of Xinye’s status is recorded in the provincial registry—no one would dare openly forge it. Judging by his attire, perhaps he’s a student from the Yye family admitted to the academy?

Yu Yuling said to Wang Yang: “Brother Wang is our guest; let me handle this small matter.”

Wang Yang nodded in approval.

Yu Yuling did not even look at Master Du; he stepped before the patrol chief: “Are you the local patrol chief?”

His voice carried authority—completely unlike the scholarly demeanor he’d shown when debating with Wang Yang.

“Yes, I am the Patrol Chief of Ying Village!” Tong Luozhu replied at once.

“Under the jurisdiction of Jiangling County?”

“Yes, yes.” Tong Luozhu began sweating.

“I now suspect these men are colluding with mountain bandits. Take them back and interrogate them—I’ll send a formal letter to Wu Lü.”

Damn! He was using the enemy’s own method against him!

He doubted I wasn’t noble—I’ll doubt he’s a bandit. Nobles don’t prove themselves. Clever move, Wang Yang thought inwardly.

Wu Lü was the name of the Jiangling County magistrate; Tong Luozhu heard Yu Young Master casually use his superior’s given name, and his fear intensified. But the problem was—Master Du had powerful connections; how could he dare arrest him?!

He couldn’t offend either side!

Just as he was torn, Master Du smiled: “Young Master Yu, don’t rush. To arrest someone, shouldn’t you first ask who I am?”

Yu Yuling replied as if it were obvious: “I asked. You didn’t answer.”

“I am the owner of Guangyuan Didian, surnamed Du.”

In the Northern and Southern Dynasties, a warehouse for storing goods was called a “di.” Major usurers typically owned exclusive warehouses for lending and holding collateral, also known as “didian.” The name “Guangyuan Didian” was well-known throughout Jingzhou.

Yet Yu Yuling raised an eyebrow: “And?”

“This family owes me money and refuses to pay. I’ve come to collect.” Master Du pulled out a contract and placed it before Yu Yuling, no longer mentioning suspicions of identity.

As if by unspoken agreement, Yu Yuling also dropped the arrest topic, glanced at the contract, and said: “We brought the money.”

A fool might have pressed again about arresting the patrol chief. But Wang Yang sensed something odd and held back, simply tossing a sack of coins onto the ground and saying:

“Du San, I brought the money. Count it—exactly thirteen thousand two hundred cash. But you’re untrustworthy—you promised three days, so why come so early?”

Called “Du San” by a Langya Wang, Master Du could only grit his teeth and endure. He looked at the sack on the ground and said: “May I speak with you two gentlemen outside?”

Wang Yang said: “Say it here.”

“There are things I wish to say privately to you two.” Master Du bowed to both, then stepped outside.

Wang Yang and Yu Yuling exchanged a glance, then followed him out.

Unexpectedly, once outside, Master Du lowered his posture drastically, first bowing deeply to Wang Yang with sincere apology, then inviting him to dinner as reparation. Wang Yang laughed: “What’s this act supposed to be?”

“May I ask what relation you have to this black-haired man and his family?”

“Why?”

“Your noble status is high; you’re not kin or acquaintance to these lowly commoners. Why pay their debt for them?”

Wang Yang grew wary: “You’re a moneylender—someone repaying you should please you. Why care who pays? Unless… you don’t actually want the money?”

Master Du’s expression changed—he hadn’t expected Wang Yang to be so sharp, picking up suspicion from a single sentence. He immediately denied: “I run a business—I want profit. I only don’t wish to offend you, my lord.”

Wang Yang said coldly: “Take your money and leave.”

He knew: against such a villain, never show weakness. Only by acting like a true Langya Wang could he dispel any thought of retaliation.

A flash of murderous intent crossed Master Du’s eyes, then vanished. He said nothing, bowed low to Wang Yang and Yu Yuling, then returned inside to collect the money and departed with his men.

“Wait!” Wang Yang stepped forward to block his path: “Leave the contract.”

Master Du placed the paper contract in Wang Yang’s hand, glanced at him once, then hurried away.

Yu Yuling watched the retreating backs of Master Du and his men and warned Wang Yang: “Though his status is low, don’t underestimate him. His daughter was once a singer in the mansion of the Third Prince, Prince of Luling; later, the prince took her as a concubine. Guangyuan Didian was established in Yongming Year One, when Prince of Luling served as Inspector of Jingzhou. Rumor says the true master behind it is Prince of Luling himself.”

A prince as patron?

No wonder Tong Luozhu was so afraid of him.