Chapter 218: The Two Foxes Duel

In the mist, distant birds return; the city gate's lanterns glow faintly.

In the Wang residence's hall, Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu sat for the entire afternoon, waiting with boredom so deep it tore his entrails.

He had deliberately come after lunch to avoid seeming too eager, only to learn Wang Yang was not home—he had no choice but to wait.

But no matter how long he waited, Wang Yang did not return; when he asked the soldier-born steward, the man merely said he had gone out, without specifying where. Though the steward was of military stock, he understood human nature well—he offered tea, fruits, and pastries in full measure, and, seeing how long Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu waited, offered with an apologetic expression that he could attend to other matters, and that he would immediately inform him the moment the young master returned.

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu did not wish to sit there like a fool, but he carried a direct order; if he missed the window and any mishap ensued, the Prince's wrath would crush him—how could he bear it? So he gritted his teeth and continued waiting.

Just as he strained his eyes toward the door, he faintly heard footsteps outside, mixed with low murmurs and soft laughter, drawing nearer. The murmurs grew louder, the laughter clearer and brighter.

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu perked up his ears, and heard a man's voice say:

"... Xiao Shan, I saw a piece of jade pendant on the way back—perfect for you. Have a look, do you like it?"

A cool, young girl's voice replied: "How is it perfect for me?"

"As the saying goes, 'A jade pendant hangs below the waist, matching green coral.' The jade pendant naturally suits green coral!"

The girl sounded unconvinced, slightly indignant: "You're making that up to fool me again..."

"This time I'm not making it up—it's a real saying..."

"It must be expensive..." The girl's voice carried worry and tenderness.

"Not expensive! It's not ancient jade... Hey, Wu, why are you running?"

A child's voice called out: "Wu is going to brew the young master a sobering soup!"

"Here."

The man suddenly raised his voice, as if tossing something.

The child exclaimed joyfully: "Ah! Candied fruit!"

"No need for the sobering soup—just wash some grapes."

"Yes, sir!"

Footsteps entered the hall; Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu quickly adjusted his attire and rose to his feet. In walked a noble young master, wearing a tilted hat and light robes, fanning himself gently. His cheeks bore a faint blush, as if slightly drunk; his eyes held bright stars, revealing a touch of unrestrained charm. His robe flowed like drifting clouds around jade trees; his silk belt cinched his elegance.

"Young Master Wang," Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu bowed deeply.

Wang Yang tapped his fan lightly:

"Sit, sit, sit—I'm the one who kept you waiting. I've got some fresh grapes from yesterday—let's taste them together."

Though he admitted fault in his words, his demeanor was relaxed and easy—clearly mere formalities.

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu knew full well: without the Prince's backing, he'd never even get past the gate of the Langya Wang clan. He quickly bowed again and thanked him:

"Then I'll take your kindness. In my youth, I read how Zhong Hui planted grapes before his hall—I envied him terribly. Alas, I lack such skill; had I possessed it, I'd have planted a hundred or so myself, and wouldn't have to come here begging for grapes."

Wang Yang laughed: "Back then, Luoyang was obsessed with planting grapes. Zuo Si wrote in his 'Ode to the Capital of Wei': 'Bamboo groves harbor the wind, grapevines cast shade.' Pan Yue wrote in his 'Ode to a Quiet Dwelling': 'Pomegranates and grapes, precious and sprawling, adorn its sides.' Zhong Hui was merely following the trend—planted a few vines for novelty, and even whether they'd survive is uncertain. Compared to your grand ambition of a hundred or so, that's trivial."

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu bowed apologetically: "Your lordship mocks me—I'm but a vulgar man who craves abundance."

"Craving abundance and completeness is human nature. Who in this mortal world escapes vulgarity? Good—I'm vulgar too. I bought plenty of grapes. Let's indulge together today—no need for politeness!"

This man possessed an extraordinary memory and spoke fluently, his words lively—no wonder the Prince hesitated to kill him...

As they ate grapes and chatted idly, avoiding all serious topics, Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu, burdened with his mission, could no longer hold back:

"I've come here under the Prince's orders. Whatever you wish to ask, Young Master, I swear I will answer fully."

"Excellent. Then let me ask you, Master: Among the Yongning Man (A), Wu Ning Man (B), and Yidu Man (C)—which tribe is best suited to open a barbarian trade route?"

(For clarity in reading the following, I've added A, B, C.)

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu paused, studying Wang Yang, then spoke slowly:

"I believe none of these three are suitable."

Oh, impressive.

Wang Yang remained expressionless: "I'd like to hear your reasoning."

"The Yongning Man have many enemies (A), the Wu Ning Man are fickle and untrustworthy (B), the Yidu Man despise the Han (C). None are suitable."

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu deliberately spoke briefly—he was beginning to suspect Wang Yang, this little fox, was fishing.

If Wang Yang had seemed overly eager, he'd have suspected his motives. But from his absence to his casual entrance and chatter, Wang Yang was too passive—this too might be suspicious.

For if Wang Yang truly harbored deceit, he'd deliberately posture to distance himself from suspicion.

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu wanted to see how this little fox would react.

He breathed slightly easier when Wang Yang calmly pressed: "And then?"

"Indeed. The Yongning Man have many enemies (A)—like the Yidu Man, Shangcai Man, Zuyang Man, and even the Wenyang Man who kidnapped Lord Liu Si. They constantly wage war and commit vendettas—unstable, indeed."

The Wu Ning Man are steeped in cunning (B), capricious and treacherous—today they befriend, tomorrow they betray—no honor at all.

The Yidu Man are a branch of the Changsha-Changsha Changsha Wuling Man (C), who migrated to Jingzhou during the Later Han. They long ago adopted Han language and script, yet they are the most hostile to the Han! When they capture Han, they sacrifice them to the Panhu deity—fierce and cruel."

Wang Yang looked at Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu: "Then what advice do you offer?"

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu wanted no trade at all—but his uncle had already discussed this extensively; he was summoned precisely to give advice. If he offered none and merely rejected the entire plan, he'd earn hatred. Worse, he risked making Wang Yang lose interest and cut off the conversation entirely—he had not yet fulfilled his task from the Prince of Badong, and could not leave yet.

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu said: "If you must choose one, I suggest first trading with the Jianping Man. The Jianping Man dwell in—"

Wang Yang cut him off bluntly: "You needn't say more. Choosing one of these three is the settled view of my uncle and his circle—unchangeable."

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu bowed: "My apologies—I've strayed from the point."

"No, perhaps your reasoning is sound—but..." Wang Yang smiled wryly, "I lack the authority to propose new options. I can only choose from these three, so I won't waste your time suggesting another."

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu had to admit: Wang Yang was genuinely not unpleasant. Such hierarchical posturing was common to him, and he was used to it. Wang Yang displayed it too—but with perfect balance: never compromising his status, yet never overstepping. His words, though clearly diplomatic and lacking full sincerity, carried a tone and expression that overall felt agreeable.

"Your lordship overstates it. I'm limited in insight—merely speaking offhand. May I ask which of the three tribes you intend to choose?" Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu fixed his gaze on Wang Yang.

"What do you mean?" Wang Yang countered.

"I..." Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu furrowed his brow, feigning deep thought and visible distress. After a long silence, he sighed: "I simply cannot choose."

You old fox.

Wang Yang mimicked Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu's expression, frowned for a moment, then said: "Indeed, it's hard to choose. Let me think further. Thank you for your time today..."

Hearing this meant the topic was ending, Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu pretended to suddenly have an insight:

"Since all three have flaws and one must be chosen, we should examine which flaw is least tolerable. Like a wooden tub holding water—the amount it holds depends not on the longest plank, but the shortest."

Wang Yang feigned sudden enlightenment: "Your insight is profound, Master! Please compare the weaknesses of these three tribes."

"I believe the greatest flaw lies with the Yidu Man! (C)

The Yidu Man have long despised the Han—this alone makes trade impossible. Worse, they not only despise the Han themselves, but incite other barbarian tribes to do the same. Any tribe that seeks friendship with the Han is branded a traitor. So even if we propose trade, they will refuse.

Moreover, their tribe is loosely organized, composed of various clans who jointly revere the Panhu deity, believing Panhu will send divine envoys to save them. Without such an envoy, they have no leader, and are instead jointly governed by the chieftains of the three largest clans.

But since no leader is universally recognized, these three chieftains hold little real power and cannot control the entire Yidu tribe. This is far too unstable! Even if the court reaches an agreement with the three chieftains, their decrees cannot be enforced. Under such conditions, how can trade function?"

"Therefore, the Yidu Man must be discarded first!"

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu spoke with conviction, his stance clear.

Wang Yang nodded: "I see. Then this tribe must be ruled out entirely. What of the remaining two—how should we choose between them?"

"Though the Yongning Man are unstable (A), plagued by warfare and vendettas, they are the strongest and wealthiest of the three, and treat the Han with relative calmness. Trading with them yields the greatest profit. The Wu Ning Man are mediocre in every aspect (B), but their inherent cunning and betrayal make them utterly unsuitable! Without trust, how can trade exist? Today they set a price, tomorrow they renege; today they open the market, tomorrow they clear the land—how could that ever work? I recommend opening the barbarian trade route with the Yongning Man (A)!"

Wang Yang mused: "When I wrote 'A Comprehensive Study of the Southern Barbarians,' I noted the Wu Ning Man—they betrayed their oaths three times during the Jin dynasty, and were most despised. When you say they lack trustworthiness, do you mean something new has happened in the past decade?"

"No, I was referring to those three Jin-era betrayals. But such untrustworthiness is ingrained in the Wu Ning Man's blood—once untrustworthy, always untrustworthy! Though the events are distant, their deceit and treachery are likely deep in their bones. Even if they've shown no recent betrayal, it's merely because they've faced no temptation. Once we trade with them and profits grow, they'll surely revert to old ways."

Wang Yang slowly fanned himself:

"Master, your view is somewhat hasty. Times change; principles cannot be fixed like marks on a boat. How can you judge today by events a hundred years past? And though the Yongning Man have many advantages (A), their many enemies and constant warfare are too great a flaw. How can commerce thrive if the trade route is unsafe? If caravans are routinely plundered, this..."

Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu insisted:

"When two evils exist, choose the lesser. I believe the Wu Ning Man's cunning and treachery (B) are fundamental to their survival—hard to change! The foundation of trade is trust; without trust, there is no trade. As for the Yongning Man's (A) security concerns, we can send troops to escort caravans—or even ally with them to jointly secure the route."

After further debate, neither convinced the other—but both felt they had gained what they sought, and both were pleased. As Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu stepped into his carriage and departed, he shook his head and smiled: "Still too young."

Wang Yang watched Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Kong Zhangyu leave, murmuring with a smile: "Still too simple."