Chapter 148: The Broker

In the Treasury Department district south of Nanjing, the streets and alleys bustled with extraordinary liveliness, yet the area near the west was remarkably tranquil. Here lay a wealthy enclave, home to over a dozen grand residences, their gardens filled with winding paths, covered walkways, rockeries, and fish ponds — a world utterly distinct from the clamor and noise beyond the district.

In the study of one such residence, Ruan Dacheng, stroking his handsome beard, was speaking with utter sincerity. Across from him sat a visitor clad in a Daoist robe.

"Wu Daren, this matter is not easily accomplished. Lujiang lies in ruins, and tens of thousands of common folk have been slaughtered. At a time when the court is pursuing accountability, it is truly difficult to plead a case. This old man dares not rashly accept the commission. Wu Daren, please return home."

That Wu Daren was a middle-aged man. Though addressed with the honorific Wu Daren, he sat in the lower seat, respectfully not daring to sit fully, nor lean back against the chair.

Hearing Ruan Dacheng's words, his manner grew even more deferential. "It is precisely because it is difficult that I have come to seek help at Old Master Ruan's door. The court is indeed pursuing accountability, but the primary targets are Yang Yipeng and Wu Zhenying. A lowly County Magistrate such as myself falls under the review of the Pacification and Inspection levels. I know that Old Master Ruan will be reinstated any day now, and that his word in court has always carried weight."

"Though reinstatement is within expectations, Wu Daren should not bring it up at every turn." Ruan Dacheng waved his hand dismissively. "The reason for talk of reinstatement is that this old man, when the Roving Bandits invaded Tongcheng, threw himself into the fray, leading the people of Tongcheng to fortify the city and hold fast. Not only was Tongcheng preserved, but we also launched a night raid on the Roving Bandit Sweeping King's forces, beheading several thousand."

That Wu Daren, upon hearing this, hastened to flatter him. "Old Master Ruan is mighty indeed. I have often heard it said that Ruan Xiansheng gathered a society to discuss warfare and debate swordsmanship — it turns out those words were not empty. With the realm in turmoil, if the master does not step forth, what is to become of the common people."

Ruan Dacheng, stirred by these words, grew somewhat excited. He stood up, waving his hand. "This old man has devoted himself to military studies for many years. That I have achieved something today is the natural result. But knowing warfare does not mean delighting in battle and slaughter. This old man prays for our Emperor: only when the realm is at peace, and the strategies I have learned find no place to be applied, is my heart's true wish. Yet when the Roving Bandits approached the city, I pitied the hardships of the people's livelihood and could not bear to see the common folk suffer the calamity of death. With no alternative, I donned armor and took to the field, dispersing my family's wealth to recruit over a hundred death-defying warriors. I also devised strategies for Tongcheng, knowing that defending a city cannot rely solely on passive defense; one must use offense as defense — that is the superior tactic. That very night, I decisively ordered the Corvee Soldiers and death-defying warriors to raid the enemy camp by night. Thus we shattered the foe in a single battle, slaying several thousand in one night, striking terror into the hearts of those petty villains. Dozens of great bandit chiefs — Eight Bandits, Sweeping King, Geli Yan, and others — immediately fled far away that same night, not daring to look back upon Tongcheng."

In his fervor, Ruan Dacheng's beard and hair bristled like halberds. He thrust two fingers forward like a sword through the empty air, as if piercing Eight Bandits and unhorsing him from afar.

"Exhilarating! The master slaying bandits for the nation is a great satisfaction to the people's hearts. In the mastery of military strategy, the master can be counted foremost in this age." Wu Daren echoed with feigned excitement. "This lowly official has also come to thank Ruan Xiansheng, on behalf of the martyred people of Lujiang, for avenging this great wrong, and to wish the master a smooth reinstatement, that he may save the realm's common people from peril."

Ruan Dacheng, hearing this, withdrew his sword fingers. Unable to restrain himself, he paced two steps across the hall, then stopped and said to Wu Daren, "Foremost I dare not claim — at most, among the handful that can be counted on one's fingers. This old man is by nature indifferent to fame and fortune. Slaying bandits for the nation, I seek neither fame nor gain. Even when the yamen wished to record my name in a memorial for meritorious service, this old man politely declined. Yet there are always some upright gentlemen, single-mindedly seeking talent for the Emperor, who spread word of this old man's military exploits throughout Nanjing. For a time, I could not dissuade them, so I let them be. As for Wu Daren's talk of saving the realm's common people, this old man dares not presume. But this loyal heart, devoted to relieving our Emperor's worries, can be witnessed by the sun and moon! Should the Emperor wish this old man reinstated, this old man shall not shirk the duty!"

"This lowly official truly admires the master's breadth of spirit. I have always aspired to be like the master. Hateful it is that this time, when suddenly beset by Roving Bandits attacking the city, this lowly official's talents proved deficient. Though I resisted with all my might, success still fell short by a single basketful. Thinking of those martyred common folk, I am truly ashamed in my heart. Yet this lowly official did indeed exhaust his mind and strength."

Ruan Dacheng nodded. "That day, when this old man was in Tongcheng, it was adjacent to Lujiang. The bandits this old man routed were precisely the same group that attacked Lujiang. Naturally, I witnessed the ferocity of those great bandits. Though we were victorious, it was a perilous situation — the slightest negligence would have brought great calamity. That Wu Daren could hold fast for two days, this old man believes, was indeed the result of his utmost effort."

Wu Daren lowered his head and sighed. "This lowly official cannot compare to Ruan Xiansheng's mastery of military strategy. That day, when the master defended the city, this lowly official was but a hundred li away. The Roving Bandits reached Lujiang first. This lowly official led the officials and people in stubbornly holding the City Wall. For two days of successive attacks, they were all bloodily repelled by this lowly official. Who could have known that a great fog would descend from heaven, so that the civilian braves could not see? Only then did the Roving Bandits seize the gap and ascend. There are rumors among the people, saying that when the city fell, this lowly official was drinking wine in a gentry household — a vile slander! This great fog was clearly a natural disaster, not a failure of this lowly official's defensive efforts. I earnestly hope that Ruan Xiansheng will speak out for justice and make this truth known to Zhu Dutang."

With the conversation having circled back to the main topic, Ruan Dacheng regained his composure. He sat back down in the grand tutor's chair, assuming a pensive expression, and from time to time cast a measuring glance at that Wu Daren.

This Wu Daren was none other than Wu Guanglong, the County Magistrate of Lujiang. Before Zhang Xianzhong, Geli Yan, and the others reached Tongcheng, they had first attacked Lujiang. For the first two days, Lujiang had held the city, and the Roving Bandits were already packing up, preparing to leave. The city had relaxed its vigilance.

On the third day, a great fog suddenly appeared, and the Roving Bandits seized the opportunity to scale the walls. According to reports, Wu Guanglong was at that moment drinking wine in a wealthy man's home. After the city fell, he fled in panic, but most of the city's common folk perished, and seven out of ten buildings were destroyed. The situation was only slightly better than Susong.

Because Zhongdu was burned and the Imperial Mausoleum destroyed, the Emperor was exceptionally enraged and immediately ordered the arrest and interrogation of Fengyang Governor Yang Yipeng and Regional Inspector Wu Zhenying. However, many prefectures and counties had been breached this time, each with different circumstances, so they could not all be uniformly condemned and executed.

The Emperor swiftly appointed a new Grand Coordinator, charging the new Fengyang Governor to strengthen war preparations on one hand and verify culpability on the other. This new Grand Coordinator was Zhu Dadian, transferred from Shandong. Under the guidance of other brokers, Wu Guanglong had sought help at Ruan Dacheng's door.

After a moment of strategic patience, Ruan Dacheng said, "Wu Daren, losing a territorial jurisdiction is a grave crime. This old man is merely a retired Commoner Status. Though I know Wu Daren exhausted his mind and strength, I am truly sympathetic but unable to help."

"This lowly official knows that only the master can accomplish this matter, and I beseech the master to grant it. Ruan Xiansheng is a man of unyielding integrity, and Zhu Dutang is scrupulously honest. Yet at every level of the yamen, connections must be smoothed, and there will be much traveling back and forth, with no small expense on the road. This humble person does not presume this to be a commission. Here is a small token of regard — we cannot allow Ruan Xiansheng to bear the travel expenses himself on top of all his exertions."

Wu Guanglong knelt on the ground, holding two Silver Notes in his upturned palms. Ruan Dacheng cast a casual glance. The top one was written for two thousand taels; the other was likely the same, making four thousand taels in total.

Ruan Dacheng glanced lightly, then shifted his gaze away. His expression showed not the slightest excitement. He shook his head. "Though Wu Daren has no intention of commissioning, this conviction is a matter of the court's fundamental order. For this old man, a mere Commoner Status, to become entangled in it, especially at this critical juncture of reinstatement, would likely be quite improper. Truly, the heart is willing, but the strength is lacking. What can be done?"

Wu Guanglong hastily produced several more promissory notes, spreading them in his hands. Still kneeling on the ground, he choked with emotion. "Master, in your lofty righteousness, I beseech you to consider this lowly official's wife, children, and elderly at home — miserable and helpless. The master possesses a great compassion that grieves for heaven and pities mankind. I ask you, how can your heart bear it?"

Ruan Dacheng cast another glance. The total appeared to be around five or six thousand taels. The two men negotiated this business without the slightest awkwardness. Normally, a commission at such a time would involve a written gift list handed to the Steward; one would not directly transact money with the master, to avoid embarrassment. But Wu Guanglong's matter was somewhat difficult. When he arrived, he did not know whether Ruan Dacheng would accept, much less the price. He could not rashly send in a huge sum of several thousand taels of silver. He had to communicate face-to-face with Ruan Dacheng, settling on a price and confirming the transaction before proceeding.

Fortunately, Ruan Dacheng had rich experience as a broker and had encountered similar situations many times. Wu Guanglong had devised the pretext of travel expenses, and the two men were able to smoothly advance the negotiation process.

"This old man does possess a compassionate heart." Ruan Dacheng sighed. "Nor is there harm in telling Wu Daren the truth. It is true that this old man and Zhu Dutang are of the same examination year, and our mutual affection is deep. But Wu Daren must understand, that Canal Transport Office is not like other places. From Nanjing to Huai'an is a journey of several hundred li — the travel expenses are not much. But inside that Canal Transport Office, though it is only a hundred or so paces from the main gate to Zhu Dutang's study, the travel expenses there are the most costly. If it were someone else, this bit of silver would likely not even get them through the gate."

Wu Guanglong now understood clearly. Ruan Dacheng was implying that those hundred paces inside the Canal Transport Office were a path only he could walk effectively; no one else could accomplish it. This meant he was willing to take on the job, but found the price still insufficient.

He could not help but grit his teeth and produced two more thousand-tael promissory notes from his sleeve. "This lowly official has given all he possesses. I beg the master to take pity. If the master will not help, this lowly official has no path left. So long as the master saves this lowly official, in the days to come, this lowly official shall honor the master as a father for life."

This time, Ruan Dacheng did not look at Wu Guanglong. His left hand rested on the armrest, his fingers tapping lightly. The cool, smooth texture of the pear wood felt very comfortable to him. His eyes remained fixed on the stone slab before him.

A silence fell over the hall. Wu Guanglong watched Ruan Dacheng nervously, not daring to speak and disturb him.

Finally, Ruan Dacheng moved. He reached out and picked up his teacup. "Considering that you fought with all your strength but could not hold, this old man will reluctantly make a trip to Huai'an. Whether it can be accomplished, I dare not guarantee fully."

"I thank the master."

Wu Guanglong's heart settled. Ruan Dacheng had some credibility in the brokerage world, so he was fairly reassured. He hastily kowtowed again, carefully placed the Silver Notes on the side table beside him, bowed deeply, and slowly withdrew. (Note 1)

Ruan Dacheng did not return the courtesy. Wu Guanglong was not of Presented Scholar background. Even if he escaped punishment this time, he had no great future prospects in officialdom and held no long-term benefit for Ruan Dacheng. All that talk of honoring him as a father for life was nonsense. This was a one-off deal.

After Wu Guanglong had left, Ruan Dacheng set down his teacup, picked up the Silver Notes, and examined them carefully, a look of fondling admiration on his face.

At that moment, the Steward entered and said to Ruan Dacheng, "Master, Pang Squad Leader from Tongcheng has arrived. He has been waiting outside the gate for a quarter of an hour. Will the master see him?"

Ruan Dacheng set down the Silver Notes in surprise. "He's come to Nanjing so quickly? Indeed, young men are impatient. Quickly, invite him in!"

"Pang Xiaoyou, come and see. This old man's new residence is right here. Originally, it was three separate properties. Real estate in Anqing has plummeted, but here in Jinling, property prices have actually soared considerably. This old man gritted his teeth and paid a high price to buy them, then demolished everything to rebuild."

Ruan Dacheng led Pang Yu to stand on an open plot of land, gesturing with some excitement. Pang Yu stared, somewhat dazed. He had just met Ruan Dacheng when Ruan Dacheng dragged him over to see his new real estate. The garden before his eyes was still a construction site, piled high with bricks and stones. Around them, over a dozen artisans labored strenuously. The embryonic form of a pond was already discernible, the surrounding wall was half-built, but none of the buildings had been constructed yet.

This place was not far from the grand residence where Ruan Dacheng currently lived, but its footprint was noticeably larger. Given Ruan Dacheng's consistently lavish style, once completed, it would surely rank among the finest mansions even in Nanjing.

Pang Yu had originally assumed that Ruan Dacheng, having come to Nanjing — the great stronghold of the Donglin Party — would want to keep a somewhat lower profile and simply buy a smaller residence. Who could have known Ruan Dacheng would be so ostentatious, buying existing residences, demolishing them, and rebuilding? There was absolutely no sense of gritting his teeth in pain.

Ruan Dacheng lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "This old man has invited that garden master Ji Cheng. The design includes six main buildings. The rear garden will feature one pond, two pavilions, and three rockeries. This old man has even thought of a name for the garden: Shichao Garden. When construction is complete next year, Pang Xiaoyou can take in the full view. You must stay for an extended visit then."

"The master's words make my heart itch with anticipation. The master is a foremost talent; any garden design that meets his approval must be a world-startling masterpiece."

Ruan Dacheng laughed heartily. "This place merely counts as a dwelling. This old man has purchased a plot of land with superb Feng Shui on Niushou Mountain south of the city. That place truly deserves to be called a garden. Whether for spring outings or snow viewing, it is a superb destination. Even its Stage is foremost in this Jinling." (Note 2)

Hearing this, Pang Yu could only inwardly envy Ruan Dacheng, this man of wealth. He had no idea just how much real estate Ruan Dacheng actually owned. Just from what he had heard, there was one property each in Zongyang, Tongcheng, and Baizi Mountain, two in Huaining, and now two in Nanjing as well.

Ruan Dacheng said that Nanjing housing prices had skyrocketed. Pang Yu could understand that — wealthy people from all the provinces of Jiangbei were flocking to Nanjing, so luxury residences like these were naturally in high demand.

In truth, Pang Yu's own real estate holdings were not few in number, all mortgaged by gamblers to Bai Shun Tang. But Tongcheng was, after all, a third-tier small city, and those were all small residences. After the Roving Bandits passed through, housing prices there had plummeted, while here in Nanjing they had soared. All his small properties combined likely could not compare to this one set before Ruan Dacheng's eyes. As expected, first-tier city properties held their value better.

Pang Yu did not dare inquire about the price. He had originally intended to acquire a property in Nanjing as well, but merely as a foothold and contact point — it could not possibly be a luxury residence like this. He felt somewhat embarrassed to broach the subject with Ruan Dacheng.

"This time, Pang Xiaoyou has come to Jinling and must stay at this old man's home, allowing this old man to fulfill the duties of a host. On this visit to Jinling, I invited some aficionados of the Southern Tunes to listen to 'The Female Prince Consort.' All were full of astonished praise — it was even better than this old man anticipated. Ha ha ha, this old man absolutely must let them meet the original creator."

Pang Yu hurriedly said, "Then I shall impose upon the master for a few days. But once this humble person has completed the matter of the donation for National University, I must hurry to Suzhou to handle that military appointment. I fear I cannot stay long in Nanjing."

Ruan Dacheng waved his hand with a smile. "Pang Xiaoyou may rest assured. For the donation for National University, this old man will send someone to take you to the Southern Ministry of Revenue. It is exceedingly simple and won't take half a day. Last time, I also mentioned to Pang Xiaoyou that if this matter has Mace Qianyi's recommendation, it is as good as certain. So, Pang Xiaoyou, do not be in a rush to go to Suzhou. The Grand Coordinator Yamen is indeed in Suzhou, but whether it succeeds or not hinges first on Nanjing."

"With the master's guidance, where should I begin to proceed most appropriately?"

Ruan Dacheng stroked his beard, pausing in thought. "Regarding Pang Xiaoyou's matter, if it absolutely must be accomplished, first seek out Fang Yizhi. Ask him to take you to He Laoxiansheng, and have him recommend you to Mace Yushan (Mace Qianyi). He Laoxiansheng is also of the Donglin faction; his word carries weight. If you have Yushan's recommendation, it will certainly succeed with Zhang Guowei."

Pang Yu said humbly, "The address Fang Yizhi left for me is at Wuding Bridge. I wonder if he is still at that place."

"He has moved. He went to West of the City, the former residence the Fang Family bought from Mao Yuanyi."

Pang Yu breathed a sigh of relief. At last, a clear path. Then he frowned and said in a low voice, "Mao Yuanyi? It seems I've heard that name somewhere before."

Note 1: The matter of Wu Guanglong is a true historical event, later brought to light during the Southern Capital scholars' general attack on Ruan Dacheng. And Zhu Dadian's greatest reputation was for greed, lending this a relatively high degree of credibility.

Note 2: Ruan Dacheng's residence within Nanjing was named Shichao Garden, located in Treasury Department. It was completed in the ninth year of the Chongzhen reign and survived all the way into the Republican era. His later collection of popular operas was titled *Stone Nest Four*, which is where the name comes from. The Niushou Mountain estate was Ruan's secondary property; Zhang Dai's *Tao'an Dream Memories* records enjoying snow at Ruan Dacheng's Niushou Mountain estate. Fang Yizhi's former residence in Nanjing was in West of the City, which at the time was Mao Yuanyi's old home.