Chapter 139: Anqing

"These are the ledgers for the first and second months. Please review them, Dongjia."

In the account office at the southwest corner of Bai Shun Tang, Pang Yu took the account books Liu Ruogu handed over and flipped through them roughly. Liu Ruogu was still using the single-entry method, which gave Pang Yu a bit of a headache. He wanted to teach them some new bookkeeping methods but had never been able to spare the time. Every time he faced these running-tally-style ledgers, Pang Yu just wanted to see the final retained balance.

In the twelfth month, Bai Shun Tang's profit reached seven hundred taels; in the first month, profit was five hundred taels. These two months should be the best for business all year, since everyone was celebrating the holidays and many people came into the city to buy New Year's goods. There were always some gamblers who would stop by for a few rounds along the way, especially since Bai Shun Tang was already quite famous in Tongcheng. There were even gamblers from several neighboring counties making special trips to Bai Shun Tang to gamble. Now, some gambling houses in Anqing had also begun to copy roulette and Mahjong Cards.

The second-month ledger showed a loss of one hundred thirty-seven taels. After the Roving Bandits besieged the city, business basically stopped. Once the Roving Bandits withdrew, every trade languished, and all kinds of spending plummeted. Bai Shun Tang was no different; each day its doors were deserted, with only a few old die-hard gamblers coming to play a while of Pai Gow. Because the atmosphere was gone, they generally didn't stay long.

But the costs were still there. The property for Bai Shun Tang had been purchased by Pang Yu; that section was the best location in South City, Tongcheng. Buying the building and renovating it had cost over two thousand taels of silver in total. Rent didn't have to be paid separately, so operating costs were mainly personnel expenses.

Liu Ruogu said cautiously, "Dongjia, do you think we should close Bai Shun Tang for some days? In my view of the situation, the third and fourth months won't be any better. Close for a while, then reopen when conditions warrant. That way we can dismiss the Bangyong and send them home, and Dongjia won't have to pay their monthly silver during these days."

"Keep the dealers, the account office, and the shift leaders; pay their monthly silver as usual." Pang Yu placed the ledger back on the table. "Dismiss the Bangyong without skills, the gatekeepers, the Cooks, and the sweepers. These people are easy to hire. When we need them, just post a notice at the Eight-Character Wall and the city gate, and plenty of people will come."

"But the ones we keep are all those with the highest monthly silver. If Bai Shun Tang has no business, the other gambling houses in Tongcheng have even less. Even if we dismiss the shift leaders, these people won't find work in Tongcheng and will still have to wait for us."

Pang Yu shook his head. "Anqing Prefectural City is looking to poach people. The prefectural city didn't suffer military disaster this time, and it's not far from Tongcheng. These people still have to eat. Once they go to the prefectural city, when we want to reopen, it won't be easy to recruit them back."

Liu Ruogu did not insist further. The dealers at Bai Shun Tang had all been recruited by him; they had previously worked in the gambling operations of the Wu family's Household Slaves and were all experienced hands, which was why Bai Shun Tang had been able to open smoothly.

"Then, Dongjia, do you think we should sell off some of the farmland and houses mortgaged to the pawnshop? That could subsidize some of the gambling house's losses. Most of the monthly profit is in the form of discounted real estate; when we temporarily need cash, we can't very well hand out houses."

Pang Yu smiled. "What the gambling house earned in the first few months can cover several months of losses. After the Roving Bandits passed through, all those wavering gentry are heading to Nanjing. Every family is selling fields and houses. Yesterday, the price of one mu of Upper Fields reached seven taels. If you go sell fields and houses now, even if someone buys, it's a losing deal. This is not the time to sell fields, nor the time to buy fields."

"Then what does Dongjia mean to…"

Pang Yu tapped the table and thought for a moment. "I have silver now, but I can't convert it into farmland. Farmland's liquidity is too poor. It has its uses, but the price hasn't bottomed out yet. Under the threat of war, all assets are high-risk, and prices will stay low for a long time. We'll wait slowly. When my silver is sufficient and I need farmland, we'll talk then. Last time we discussed that properties near the Zongyang water Wharf could be accepted as collateral. How many have been mortgaged at Bai Shun Tang these past two months?"

"There are three properties near the Wharf. The three are not adjacent to each other and are a bit farther from the Wharf. Yesterday, when the Grain Shop brought goods back from Zongyang, they said people are returning to Zongyang one after another, and the various prominent families and gentry have also started selling houses and farmland, but nowhere near as much as in the county seat."

Pang Yu gave an assenting grunt. "Don't accept any more as collateral for now. Wait until property prices in Zongyang fall further, then we'll talk."

"This humble one understands. There is one more matter. Today, the Grain Shop hauled a batch of grain back from Zongyang. The grain price in the city is now two taels and three Mace per shi. Should we raise our price a bit more?"

"No need to raise it. Sell at the market price. There's a price spread on grain right now. People from Huaining and Zongyang are all shipping goods to Tongcheng. He Xianya sent word back from Zongyang that all the granaries there have lent grain to grain merchants at one tael and seven Mace per shi. Those grain merchants dare to buy at that price. The prefectural city will probably also start selling grain to Tongcheng soon. This price will fall back quickly. Sell at market price and move it as fast as possible."

After finishing, Pang Yu thought for a moment and asked, "Was the grain you bought in Zongyang also privately diverted from the various granaries?"

Liu Ruogu bowed and replied, "This humble one bought from the Xiazongyang Granary this time. The Wu family's Grain Shop used to buy from there in the past. I know a few people from the Tribute Grain Office."

"The Xiazongyang Granary is a storehouse of the Tribute Grain Office." Pang Yu said in surprise, "They dare to divert Tribute Grain too?"

Liu Ruogu lowered his voice a little. "There's nothing that can't be diverted. The Tribute Grain Office's Xiazongyang Granary is a Secondary Water Granary. Every county along the river has a Secondary Water Granary. Each year, after Tongcheng's Tribute Grain is fully collected, it's first stored in this Secondary Water Granary and only sent to the Wanyi Granary in Anqing before the Grain Transport Festival. During this interim period, the Granary Keeper will lend the grain out when prices are high; they collect interest, and when grain prices fall back, they reclaim the grain."

Pang Yu laughed. "They certainly don't waste any time. As long as they can deliver the full amount in the end, the imperial court suffers no loss. The Granary Keepers actually know how to sell high and buy low."

"Actually, there's no great learning to it. Grain ripens at the same season every year; even a fool knows how grain prices change. It's not just grain. Before the silver in the Household Office is shipped out, the Clerks also dare to lend it out to collect interest, then reclaim it just before shipment. The interest earned in between becomes the private wealth of the Household Office. The Clerks and Assistant Clerks of the Household Office earn far more from the granaries each year than just that bit of Regular Silver."

"All clever people." Pang Yu thought back. Tang Weimin had never mentioned this to him. Last time when they went to inspect the Xiazongyang Granary, Tang Weimin also wouldn't let Pang Yu interfere. It seemed the intricacies within the Tribute Grain and granaries went far beyond just one Yuan Granary Inspector.

"Liu Shopkeeper, prepare yourself. Tomorrow, you'll go out with me on a trip."

Liu Ruogu responded, "Whatever Dongjia arranges. It happens that Bai Shun Tang has no business, and this humble one also wants to go out and move around a bit. I just wonder what we're going to Anqing to do, and whether this humble one needs to prepare anything special?"

Pang Yu waved his hand. "No need. I need to go to the Prefectural Office to finalize the matter of the Military Merits. The Detailed Report from the Prefectural Office to the Military Defense Circuit and the Grand Coordinator Yamen hasn't been sent out yet. This matter cannot be treated lightly. It's also convenient to escort Mr. Ruan back to the prefectural city. Besides that, you travel to and from Anqing often; take me to see Anqing's Wharf and granaries. Also, look at suitable locations within Anqing Prefectural City. We need to open some businesses in Anqing as well."

……

Two Days later, south of Anqing Prefectural City, Pang Yu's group had just exited the South Gate. The street market outside the south gate was a bit quiet, but compared to Tongcheng, it was still bustling. Four of Anqing's six counties had suffered the Bandit Calamity this time. Besides Nanjing, Anqing was also a direction the gentry flowed toward; after all, it was close to their hometowns and relatively safe.

Pang Yu had set out from Tongcheng early yesterday morning, traveling with Ruan Dacheng to Anqing. Accompanying them were Liu Ruogu, Pang Ding, Xu Lengzi, and others, along with one Squad of the Zhuang Squad who escorted them as far as Liantan before turning back. The roads were not very peaceful after the Roving Bandits passed through; Ruan Dacheng only felt at ease traveling with Pang Yu. This time, he brought his entire theater troupe and household servants, and also took many valuables from his Tongcheng residence with him. It seemed he truly did not intend to return to Tongcheng.

His belongings filled five large carts, causing their speed to be slow. They stayed one night at a post relay station on the road, hurrying as fast as they could, and finally managed to cover the one hundred forty li in two days.

When they arrived at the prefectural city, Ruan Dacheng invited Pang Yu to stay at his own residence, but Pang Yu politely declined. He had come to handle affairs at the Prefectural Office this time and didn't know if there would be social engagements in the evening; staying at someone else's home was not very convenient.

Ruan Dacheng then took his household servants and returned home first, saying he would host a banquet for Pang Yu's group outside the South Gate in the evening. Pang Yu rested briefly at an inn near the Prefectural Office, then went out the South Gate to keep the appointment.

After exiting the South Gate, Pang Yu turned back to look at the gate. The City Wall didn't seem as high as Tongcheng's. Carved above the gate arch were the two characters "Sheng-Tang." Anqing's City Wall had five gates in total: the east gate was named Zongyang, the southeast was named Kangji Gate, the west gate was named Zhenguan, the north gate was named Jixian, and the south gate was Sheng-Tang Gate.

Anqing Prefectural City was also Huaining County seat. This place was backed by the Great Dragon Mountain to the north, blocked by lakes to the east and rivers to the west, and overlooked the Great River to the south; it was a strategic stronghold on the Yangtze River. The prefectural city was built with a City Wall, nine li and thirteen paces in circumference, the wall two zhang and six chi high, the moat one zhang deep, with water diverted from the Yangtze River into the moat.

The Anqing City Wall had been repaired in the second year of the Tianqi reign, but now over ten years had passed. When Pang Yu entered the city from the North Gate earlier, he saw Civilian Laborers at work, seemingly raising the height of the North Wall. There were also two protrusions on the wall to the right of Jixian Gate, apparently for constructing Enemy Platforms or something similar.

After this Roving Bandit invasion, the gentry of Tongcheng had also submitted a Tiaochen to Yang Erming, listing some methods they had thought up for defending against bandits, among which was the addition of Enemy Platforms.

But here outside Sheng-Tang Gate, he saw no sign of inspection or repair. Probably Pi Yingju believed the North Wall faced the greatest threat, while the south side was safe.

Pang Yu had been to Anqing twice before, both times in a rush, and was only familiar with the area near the Prefectural Office. Although he had matters to attend to this time, his schedule was more relaxed, which was perfect for conducting an inspection. With an old Huaining hand like Ruan Dacheng as host, Pang Yu could also gather more information; after all, Ruan Dacheng's social circle was not something ordinary commoners could compare to.

They waited outside Sheng-Tang Gate for a long time. It was dusk before Ruan Dacheng's sedan chair arrived, followed by a few household servants and what seemed to be yet another Steward. Pang Yu had no idea just how many properties Ruan Dacheng owned to require so many stewards.

Ruan Dacheng got out of the sedan chair and walked with Pang Yu. After a stretch, they arrived beneath a wooden tower. Ruan Dacheng stopped and extended a hand to Pang Yu. "Tonight, I shall host Pang Xiaoyou on the top floor of this tower."

Pang Yu looked up. This wooden tower was quite elegant. Hanging above its main door was a plaque reading "Zhongjiang Tower." Wind chimes hung beneath the bracket arms of every tier, producing a pleasant ringing sound in the river wind.

Following Ruan Dacheng into the tower and ascending, each floor was gorgeously decorated. In every suitable spot hung landscape paintings and scrolls, and the corner window sills were adorned with flowers and plants. Its level of refinement was something even the highest-class food stall Pang Yu had ever eaten at could not compare to.

When they reached the top floor, Ruan Dacheng left all his household servants on the lower floors, so Pang Yu also had to leave his several attendants behind.

On the top floor, only one square table was set. Ruan Dacheng deftly opened the windows on all sides. Anqing's surrounding countryside was fully visible: mountain shadows hazy in the northwest, water and sky merging as one color in the south. It was just that the sky was gradually darkening, making the view a bit blurry. Pang Yu felt that if they had come during the daytime, the scenery might have been even better.

Ruan Dacheng gestured for Pang Yu to sit. "Today it is only this old man and Pang Xiaoyou. Allow this old man to fulfill the duties of a host."

Pang Yu thanked him and sat down, then asked, "Mr. Ruan is most honorable, but if the city gates close, how shall we return to the city later?"

"No matter. It is not difficult for this old man to have a city gate opened in Huaining. Even if it won't open, this old man has a riverside villa not far from this Zhongjiang Tower. There will always be a place to shelter."

When he mentioned a place to shelter, his expression dimmed slightly for a moment, but then quickly returned to normal.

At this point, household servants came upstairs one after another, laying out dish after dish. In a short while, the tabletop was completely covered.

Ruan Dacheng didn't even keep a servant to attend them. He poured wine himself, then raised his cup to Pang Yu. "Returning today was hasty, and the family cook has already gone to Jinling. This old man could only have the household servants order specialty dishes from Anqing's finest food stalls. It is still somewhat crude; Pang Xiaoyou, please do not disdain it."

Pang Yu raised his cup and repeatedly protested that he wouldn't dare. In truth, this kind of life Ruan Dacheng led was one he had once greatly envied. Ruan Dacheng had both wealth and talent, and his life lacked no refinement. The only thing that likely troubled him was probably that lingering, unshakable craving for officialdom.

Ruan Dacheng pushed a dish forward. "This is the bream from Deban Workshop. Many places in Anqing make bream, but only this one can achieve such freshness and delicacy."

Pang Yu hurriedly took up his chopsticks to taste. Ruan Dacheng continuously introduced Anqing's local specialties to Pang Yu. The two exchanged toasts back and forth. By the time the sky was completely dark, Ruan Dacheng had already drunk seven or eight cups.

After draining another cup, his face was somewhat flushed. This time he did not pour more wine. He touched the empty cup and stared blankly for a moment before speaking. "This Huaining, actually, is not this old man's native place. In my childhood, this old man was in Zongyang. Only when I was a bit older did I follow my father to Huaining. We lived back and forth between the two places. Sometimes this old man himself cannot tell whether I am really from Huaining or Tongcheng."

Seeing Ruan Dacheng's somewhat dejected mood, Pang Yu softly consoled him. "Aren't they both still Anqing? The two places are connected by mountains and rivers. So-called Huaining and Tongcheng are just empty names drawn by people; they don't really matter."

Ruan Dacheng looked up at Pang Yu and suddenly smiled. "Pang Xiaoyou often has insights beyond ordinary people. Indeed, there is no real difference. Either way, I am about to leave my homeland. Whether Tongcheng or Huaining, both will be a thousand li away. Though one always says one can come back to visit, in truth, it won't be easy."

Pang Yu could understand. Ruan Dacheng's family had all already gone to Nanjing. If not for him arranging that Female Prince Consort, he would have been in Nanjing too. Now, on the verge of leaving his homeland on a long journey, feeling some reluctance was only human.

Ruan Dacheng looked around in all directions for a moment, then said, "This tower is named Zhongjiang Tower. It was built with funds raised by this old man's granduncle. Back then, the Haimen Poetry Society was formed here, a great flourishing scene in Huaining's literary circles. The past is gone; my granduncle passed away many years ago."

Pang Yu suddenly understood. No wonder Ruan Dacheng was so familiar with this place, and clearly it was not a venue open for public business — only someone close to the owner could host private receptions here. Ruan Dacheng had brought Pang Yu here specially to welcome him, but it felt more like his own farewell to his Huaining past.

"Your esteemed ancestor must have been a man of literary grace and romantic spirit. So Ruan Xiansheng's learning has deep family roots."

Ruan Dacheng burst into hearty laughter and slapped the table. "Pang Xiaoyou hits the mark with a single guess. This old man's granduncle, taboo name Zihua, was indeed called the Romantic Grand Warden back in the day, and his success in the imperial examinations was genuine talent and solid learning. In the Wuxu Year of Shenzong's reign, there was a great tale from the Capital Metropolitan Examination — an uncle and nephew from one family passing the Presented Scholar together. The 'uncle' in that story was my granduncle Ruan Zihua."

Having said this, Ruan Dacheng stood up, walked straight to the east-facing window, and beckoned to Pang Yu. "Pang Xiaoyou, come here and take a look at another romantic affair that old granduncle of mine once carried out."

Curious, Pang Yu came to the window. There, on the riverbank not far to the east, stood a jeweled pagoda ablaze with lantern-light, dazzling like a gemstone in the pitch-black night.