Chapter 189: City Within the Heart

On the street inside Tongcheng's North Arch Gate, bailiffs and soldiers had cleared the way. Shi Kefa had just stepped down from his official sedan chair when Yang Erming, Pang Yu, and the others hurriedly caught up from behind.

Today Shi Kefa was inspecting the city defenses, moving from west to east. He had examined the cliff northwest of the city that rose higher than the city wall. After following the wall to the North Arch Gate, he descended from the wall. The original plan was to inspect the area around the Zilai Bridge, but he suddenly demanded the sedan chair stop here, catching Yang Erming somewhat off guard.

Yang Erming looked at Shi Kefa. "The reserve granary is nearby. Would Your Excellency like to inspect the grain stores?"

Shi Kefa shook his head and looked up at a memorial archway on the west side. Yang Erming and Pang Yu followed his gaze. On the main gate within the archway hung a plaque inscribed with three characters: "Zuo Gong Shrine."

Pang Yu kept his head slightly lowered, carefully observing this Circuit Intendant. Shi Kefa's eyes were gradually reddening, a profound emotion welling up in his gaze, the hem of his sleeves trembling incessantly.

No one dared disturb him. After a long while, Shi Kefa's emotions settled somewhat. He glanced at Yang Erming but offered no explanation, then strode inside. Two old scholars tending the shrine were within the gate. Seeing officials arrive, they naturally dared not obstruct them. Pang Yu and the others hurriedly followed behind.

The Zuo Gong Shrine was laid out in three courtyards. Once inside the shrine, Shi Kefa's steps grew heavy instead. He inspected every corner meticulously. Wherever there were traces of repair on the walls, Shi Kefa would reach out and touch them.

Finally, they reached the main hall where Zuo's statue was enshrined. Shi Kefa hesitated for a long time at the doorway before finally stepping inside.

Those behind dared not follow him in. Pang Yu stood outside the side door and saw Shi Kefa kneeling prostrate before Zuo's statue. Gradually, the sound of choked sobs emerged. The sobbing grew louder and louder, and Shi Kefa's back heaved violently — he had clearly lost control of his emotions.

Yang Erming stood on the other side, his eyes full of shock and suspicion. Shi Kefa had just taken office, and Yang Erming had no sources of information from the Grand Coordinator Yamen. He did not know the relationship between Shi Kefa and Zuo Guangdou and was utterly unprepared for this situation. Judging by the scene before him, the bond between Shi Kefa and Zuo Guangdou was far from ordinary.

Since Yang Erming had taken office, his primary focus had always been guarding against the Roving Bandits. He had paid little attention to the Zuo Family or the Zuo Gong Shrine, and his relationship with the Zuo family was not even as close as that of Wang Wenyao and others. At this moment, he felt a fair amount of trepidation.

They waited for quite some time longer before Shi Kefa emerged from the main hall. Though he had wiped his face, traces of tears still remained. Perhaps because his emotions had found release, his expression was much more relaxed than when he had entered.

He let out a long breath and walked slowly toward the exit, saying to Yang Erming beside him, "Seeing the Loyal and Resolute Duke's shrine today brought back some old memories for this official. I lost my composure for a moment."

Yang Erming was unsure how to respond. Seeing Pang Yu walking on the opposite side, he quickly shot Pang Yu a meaningful glance.

Pang Yu hastily replied, "The common people of Tongcheng also cherish the memory of Zuo. For Your Excellency, as Zuo's most prized disciple, to reveal such true emotion here is only human nature."

Shi Kefa had originally been speaking to Yang Erming. Due to the vast disparity in status between civil and military officials, civil officials, outside of official business, ordinarily did not consider military men qualified to converse with them.

But now, hearing Pang Yu's words, which struck precisely at his current state of mind, he could not help but turn to Pang Yu and say, "It is rare that Garrison Commander Pang also knows this official was Zuo's disciple."

Pang Yu knew Shi Kefa suspected he had inquired about his background — something some superiors took offense at. He replied steadily, "This humble officer grew up in Tongcheng and has had dealings with the scholars of the Ze Society and the Restoration Society. When they spoke of Zuo's life, the student Zuo valued most was Your Excellency the Circuit Intendant. They said he once remarked, 'My sons are all mediocre. He who shall carry on my will and work in the future is this student alone.' I merely heard it in passing back then and only wondered what kind of person could earn such praise from Zuo. I never imagined that one day I would truly have the honor of seeing Your Excellency's distinguished countenance."

A look of surprise flickered across Shi Kefa's face, then vanished in an instant. Pang Yu still wore a humble expression. When he had received Mr. Ma's warning, he had not realized the relationship between Shi Kefa and Zuo Guangdou was so intimate. But out of caution, he had still made inquiries in both Anqing and Tongcheng. In particular, Ruan Jin had gleaned some information from the Zuo family servants that had greatly exceeded Pang Yu's expectations.

With those just-spoken words, Pang Yu had invoked the Restoration Society to elevate his own standing, dispelled his superior's suspicions, and flattered Shi Kefa all in one stroke.

"That was my teacher's undeserved praise. This official is unworthy of it." Shi Kefa indeed shed his wariness again. Sighing softly, he continued, "Back then, when my teacher fell into misfortune, I heard he suffered the torture of the branding iron in prison. This official was frantic with worry. After bribing the jailers, I disguised myself in ragged clothes and entered. My teacher's face was already unrecognizable. When he recognized it was his student who had come, he rebuked me angrily for risking my life and ignoring the greater cause. This student dared not speak further and withdrew in silence. That scene, when I recall it, is still vivid before my eyes."

Shi Kefa's eyes reddened again. He paused for a moment before saying, "My teacher's heart and liver were forged of iron and stone. The teachings from those years are engraved upon my heart; I dare not forget them for a single moment."

"Not to mention Your Excellency the Circuit Intendant, even a bystander like this humble officer is moved to the core upon hearing this. Before, I only knew Zuo was upright. Only today do I understand such loyalty and martyrdom. In the future, I shall certainly take Zuo as my model."

Shi Kefa's gaze toward Pang Yu softened considerably. Since their meeting the day before, he had mainly conferred with Tongcheng's civil officials, learning about the terrain and the city's defensive arrangements. He had exchanged few words with Pang Yu. Now, the distance between the two men had closed significantly.

By now they had reached the gatehouse. Shi Kefa saw the two old scholars and knew they were hired by the Zuo family to tend the shrine. He had not intended to speak with them, but after walking a few steps past, he turned back.

The two men, seeing a high official approach, were so frightened they fell to their knees, prostrating on the ground.

"Have you two always tended this place?"

The two men nodded hastily. Shi Kefa asked further, "This official sees collapses and damage everywhere, and some places where repairs remain unfinished. Might this be due to a lack of funds and grain?"

Hearing this, Yang Erming, who was following behind, looked uneasy. He was not of the Donglin Party faction himself, and Zuo Guangdou had been dead for many years — he truly had not paid the matter sufficient attention.

Originally, with Shi Kefa newly in office, Yang Erming had made considerable preparations to welcome him, putting a great deal of thought into it. If Shi Kefa chose to pursue this matter now, Yang Erming would have offended his superior over a mere shrine. He truly felt somewhat wronged, and for a moment his face flushed bright red.

One of the sweepers trembled on the ground. The other hesitated for a moment, then finally looked up and stammered, "Re... replying to Your Excellency, these two years there were earthquakes two, two or three times, and heavy rain some days ago caused collapses. The County Magistrate and... some General Pang provided the silver and hired artisans to make repairs. We heard the Roving Bandits were coming, and the artisans fled, so the repairs weren't finished. It's not for lack of silver."

Shi Kefa let out an "Oh." Yang Erming, full of astonishment, turned his head to look at Pang Yu.

Composed, Pang Yu bowed to Shi Kefa and said, "Though this humble man grew up in the marketplace, I have been influenced by what I saw and heard among the common people of Tongcheng since childhood and have always revered Zuo. That Tongcheng could fight to preserve itself against tens of thousands of Roving Bandits at the start of the year was due, firstly, to the sturdiness of its walls — that is the city of brick and stone. Secondly, it was due to the people's willingness to sacrifice and fight. The reason the people could do so was that they were inspired by a worthy forebear like Zuo — that is the city within the heart."

Shi Kefa nodded repeatedly. The look in his eyes as he regarded Pang Yu turned into one of fondness and appreciation.

Sensing the effect, Pang Yu quickly continued, "Some time ago, torrential rains caused disasters across the Anqing region. When this humble man was providing disaster relief in Huaining, I thought of Tongcheng's city walls and the Zuo Gong Shrine, which concern both Tongcheng's city of brick and stone and its city within the heart. I immediately sent men back to Tongcheng and, together with Magistrate Yang, raised some funds and grain, preparing to repair the city walls and the Zuo Gong Shrine. Then word came of the Roving Bandits' incursion, and many artisans fled back to their villages, which is why the work is not yet complete."

Yang Erming was even more astonished, but at the same time breathed a sigh of relief. Those two sentences had extracted him from a difficult position.

"General Pang's 'city within the heart' — that strikes precisely at the crux of the matter," Shi Kefa said appreciatively. "That Tongcheng could send the Roving Bandits home with blunted feathers owes to the merit of its brick walls, and also to Zuo's spirit in heaven watching over it. But most crucially, it is this city within the heart, built by Zuo's inspiration of the common people, that is the most indestructible city under heaven."

Shi Kefa turned to Yang Erming again and said, "Tongcheng's defenses are solid, its provisions and equipment complete. Jinxian has put thought into this, and your contribution cannot go unrecognized. To see today that Tongcheng is not only fully prepared but also united in resolve — this official is deeply gratified."

The redness faded from Yang Erming's face. Catching his breath, he said, "I dare not accept Your Excellency's undeserved praise. It is this humble officer's duty; how could I not devote every effort to it? Zuo's former residence, the Pepper-Eating Hall, is right next door. Would Your Excellency like to pay a visit?"

"Naturally, I shall go there as well."

Shi Kefa's mood was greatly improved. He led the way out of the gatehouse and even beckoned Pang Yu to walk at his side.

"No wonder Commander Zhang thinks highly of General Pang. Hearing General Pang speak today, you are certainly no mere military man. Might I ask if you are literate?"

Pang Yu hurriedly replied, "I dare not claim to be literate, but my family has run a medicine shop since I was young, located just inside the Yimin Gate to the west. I did learn some characters and read some books. However, I had a stubborn ailment in my mind that prevented me from developing my potential. After recovering by a stroke of fate, I entered the Imperial Academy. I originally planned to follow Zuo's example — to study, become an official, and bring benefit to the world. I never expected the Roving Bandits to invade, with slaughter so cruel it is unprecedented in history. In indignation, I cast aside my brush to take up arms, vowing to serve the court above and protect the common people below."

"So that is how it is." Shi Kefa looked at Pang Yu with even greater warmth. "Last time, I heard Commander Zhang say that General Pang only took office around April or May. In just a few short months, you have already forged a usable army. You must have put considerable thought into it as well. Before I set out, Commander Zhang instructed this official to make good use of the Anqing Garrison Battalion. I wonder if General Pang's battalion has any shortages that require this official to allocate supplies?"

"I thank Your Excellency. Previously, Wang Circuit Intendant also showed much solicitude toward the Anqing Garrison Battalion, which is how the Land Battalion was able to be established. However, it was only recently founded, after all. The battalion lacks everything — supplies, equipment, uniforms, barracks. Even armed with only sticks, this humble officer would dare lead these troops to resist the Roving Bandits. But I consider that these soldiers also come from the common people. To give them sturdier armor and sharper weapons, to reduce their deaths and injuries — that is always a good thing, and also a mercy from our superiors. More importantly, there is the Water Camp under my command. It has always been biased toward tribute grain transport and neglected river defense. It is truly unusable. When Commander Zhang established the Anqing Land Camp that day, his intent was for the Anqing Land Camp to have the capability to sail downstream and rescue areas along the Jiangnan river line. But with the Water Camp in such disrepair, this subordinate fears failing the trust Commander Zhang placed in me."

Shi Kefa stopped upon hearing this. Looking at Pang Yu with a solemn expression, he said, "For equipment, funds, and grain, this official will do his utmost to procure them. Garrison Commander Pang, tell me more — what exactly is the situation with that Water Camp? If it is truly unusable, this official will show no leniency whatsoever."

Having planned for this for so long, Pang Yu had finally gotten the chance to speak before Shi Kefa. Drawing a breath, he spoke in a steady voice: "Water Camp Chen Bazong has controlled the Water Camp for years. Investigations reveal that over half the Water Camp's rolls are empty names. There has never been any drill or training in the camp. The boats are mostly used for smuggling, trafficking, and private salt. There are even despicable acts such as bullying men and abducting women..."