Chapter 300: Congratulatory Message

In the Treasury Department district south of Nanjing, Pang Yu wore a bamboo hat and led a few trusted attendants discreetly into the neighborhood, preparing to visit Ruan Dacheng's Shichao Garden.

It was already the tenth day since leaving Chuzhou. Three days after Mr. Ma departed, Pang Yu returned to Puzikou once more. As every military commander had expected, the lawsuit over rations and pay raged on. The various Nanjing yamens had already crossed the river and tangled daily with the Yingtian yamen. Zhang Guowei had abruptly departed according to plan, taking the Grand Coordinator Yamen's administrative staff with him, leaving behind only Mr. Ma and a handful of Account Office clerks. The Nanjing yamen officials were all companycratic veterans; after a brief bout of anger, they began haggling based on the new circumstances, settling accounts roughly according to Pang Yu's proposal.

Over the following days, the various parties negotiated terms. Pang Yu paid nine thousand taels of silver to purchase five hundred sets of armor and one hundred seventy horses. The armor came from the Weapons Depot Company, the Ministry of Works, and the Chief Military Commission of the Central Army. After selection, the quality was passable — all were the chain mail and leather armor that Pang Yu most lacked. The Garrison Battalion's new organization included many light infantry, and given the special combat environment of the marine unit in particular, they could only use leather armor. Such light armor was time-consuming to produce, and the Anqing craftsmen lacked experience, leaving a large equipment gap. These five hundred sets were enough to relieve the urgent shortage.

The horses came from the Southern Court of the Imperial Stud, likewise exchanged under the name of rally to the king. Because of the bandit chaos early in the year, the Court of the Imperial Stud's horses had been moved to evade danger, resulting in enormous losses along the way. The quality of these one hundred seventy horses was average; very few could serve as warhorses, but most could at least be used as riding horses. The Court of the Imperial Stud had originally intended to reclaim the horses, but Pang Yu had negotiated with them separately in Chuzhou and sent the horses back to Jiangpu ahead of time. The Court of the Imperial Stud was worn down by his stalling and had no choice but to accept the low price.

The remaining military equipment also included three hundred waist sabers and sixteen thousand arrows. Very few firearms were up to standard. Pang Yu selected a few models whose outward appearance matched his understanding — thirty each of bird guns and Lumi guns, two each of hundred-subcannons and Second Generals, and so on. The Weapons Depot Company could not be bothered to argue over these firearms and casually registered them as having exploded during test firing, balancing the accounts.

As for Xu Strengthening on the other side — according to what Pang Ding had found out — Xu Strengthening's four hundred men had actually received one thousand three hundred taels. He kept five hundred for himself, gave four hundred fifty to his one hundred fifty household retainers, and the lower-ranking officers skimmed a bit more. The remaining two hundred-some infantrymen each received four Mace of silver. If this were a normal rally to the king expedition and they did not rob anyone along the way, handing this pittance to those grunts and telling them to fight the Tartars — they would probably scatter on their own without the Tartars needing to kill them. So Pang Yu now understood perfectly why government troops collapsed at the first encounter in Liaodong.

Because Pang Yu had broken away from the united front, Xu Strengthening's plan of only advancing, never retreating, had completely collapsed. Not only had he offended Mr. Ma, but he had also lost considerable standing with Zhang Guowei. The Grand Coordinator Yamen intended to withhold his military pay. Xu Strengthening lost out on both ends; Pang Yu had, one could say, sold him for a very good price.

Apart from these nine thousand taels, Pang Yu had also spent over two thousand taels greasing palms everywhere. This time, not only did Pang Yu fail to make money from the rally to the king expedition, he actually lost over six thousand taels. But he had traded it for a considerable amount of military supplies and established connections with officials holding real power in the various Nanjing yamens. A few thousand taels of silver like this would be painful enough for an ordinary military commander, but Pang Yu, a major debtor, did not care in the slightest.

Only, this still did not include Ruan Dacheng's fee. Five thousand taels had already been paid before the Garrison Command Meeting, and that was even with Ruan Dacheng giving a discount out of personal regard. So Pang Yu's actual financial loss was around thirteen thousand taels.

Arriving at the back gate of Shichao Garden, Pang Yu knocked and sent in his visiting card and gift list, also giving the gatekeeper two taels of silver. The gatekeeper recognized Pang Yu. He accepted the silver and politely asked them to wait a moment, then swiftly went to inform Ruan Dacheng.

As they stood outside the gate waiting, Pang Ding, still unwilling to let it go, came over and said in a low voice, "Young Master, this Ruan Dacheng has already taken one payment, and he may not have even given Liang Hongtai any silver. Why give him another thousand taels? His silver comes far too easily."

"Liu Ruogu inquired about prices from other brokers beforehand. The prices were all six or seven thousand, and success was not even guaranteed. Ruan Dacheng only charged five thousand and handled the matter even more beautifully. Even if he didn't give any to Liang Hongtai, that is his own skill. The first five thousand taels were the rule; today's thousand taels are goodwill. When everyone shows goodwill, future dealings will be long-lasting."

The actual influence Ruan Dacheng had displayed this time far exceeded that of the Restoration Society scholars. So once the military equipment was basically loaded onto the boats, Pang Yu crossed the river to Nanjing to pay another visit under the pretext of expressing thanks, intending to establish long-term cooperation with Ruan Dacheng, become his VIP client, and enjoy privileged pricing next time.

"Young Master still intends to have long-term dealings with him?" Pang Ding tilted his head to look at the gate leaf and said quietly, "I keep feeling this city of Nanjing is a gold-swallowing pit. Silver vanishes in the blink of an eye."

Pang Yu laughed when he heard this. "Silver will come back in the blink of an eye. The five thousand taels I gave him last time are still deposited in our silver bank. The silver goes and comes again, but the matter was accomplished."

Pang Ding was about to speak again when the gate leaf creaked open. The gatekeeper returned faster than they had expected. As the gate opened, Ruan Dacheng had also already hurried to the entrance — he had actually come in person to welcome them.

Ruan Dacheng warmly invited Pang Yu into the garden. The summer heat had already receded by now. Servants brought pastries and wine, and Ruan Dacheng entertained Pang Yu in a cool pavilion by the pond. With this collaboration behind them, and especially since Pang Yu had sent extra money after the matter was settled, the relationship between the two men seemed even closer. Now, leisurely admiring the garden scenery, it indeed had a distinctive charm.

After some brief pleasantries, Pang Yu considered his words and said, "This time, aside from thanking you for your assistance, sir, there is one more matter to trouble you with. As you know, the Great River Silver Bank is about to officially open for business. I would like to request calligraphy from one or two esteemed personages, to be published in the Jiangnan Times for broad announcement."

Ruan Dacheng had clearly never heard of such a practice, but he roughly understood Pang Yu's meaning. "This calligraphy the General speaks of — is it merely writing the four characters 'Great River Silver Bank,' or does it mean composing a congratulatory message?"

"An inscription is needed, but the congratulatory message is even more crucial. It should convey the meaning of an auspicious grand opening, but it must also clearly state the Great River Silver Bank's history — for instance, its excellent reputation and solid strength, how it helped Liu Licentiate of Hezhou, how it contributed military funds to the rally to the king cause, and so on. As the saying goes, even good wine fears a deep alley. The idea is to let everyone better understand the true circumstances of the Great River Silver Bank and trust it more. Therefore, the person writing it must be of exalted status, someone the gentry will find credible at a glance."

Ruan Dacheng stroked his beard. He furrowed his brow in thought for a moment, then asked, "Which esteemed personage does the General have in mind as the best choice?"

"I am also hesitating. Does the gentleman think Eunuch Liang would be suitable?"

"Liang Hongtai, there…" Ruan Dacheng hesitated briefly and shook his head. "The Nanjing Garrison is too conspicuous. Furthermore, eunuchs hold real power but their title is not legitimate. Although the officials in the Auxiliary Capital fear him, the gentry have a poor impression of him. He would be of no use in attracting the gentry to deposit silver; on the contrary, it would easily draw impeachment from the Remonstrance Officials. The Emperor dislikes nothing more than eunuchs associating with outsiders. Liang Hongtai understands this as well. Therefore, even if you went and asked, he would certainly not agree. For matters he will not agree to, do not even broach the subject. Private dealings with Liang Hongtai remain the most appropriate approach."

Pang Yu nodded. He had already established contact with Liang Hongtai, but had not directly raised this matter, precisely out of concern over the reputation of eunuchs. "Who does the gentleman think would be better to seek out?"

"Noble relatives are the most suitable. Their power may not be great, but their status is exalted, and the gentry respond to that. This old man has suddenly thought of someone else. If we go by what the General just described, then this person would be the most fitting of all."

"Which esteemed personage is that?"

"Mr. Yushan."

Pang Yu said in surprise, "Elder Mace would naturally be the best, but I am not familiar with him. Would it not be somewhat presumptuous to make such a request out of the blue?"

Mr. Yushan was Qian Qianyi. Pang Yu had long heard of this name. This man was Zhang Guowei's supervising examination teacher, had served as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and was a great Donglin Confucian scholar, renowned throughout the Jiangnan region. For attracting the gentry and the merchant community, if he could be invited to write a congratulatory message, it would naturally be far more reliable than a eunuch — even better than He Ruchong, whom Pang Yu had originally considered.

Ruan Dacheng stroked his great beard, assuming an inscrutable expression. "Previously it might have been somewhat presumptuous, but writing a congratulatory message for a silver bank is not the same as for a gambling den. Liu Ruogu contributed funds to the rally to the king cause and previously came to the righteous aid of Liu Licentiate of Hezhou. Inviting Mr. Yushan to commend the opening of a righteous merchant's business is a different matter entirely."

"As long as Mr. Yushan is willing to lift his brush, the remuneration is negotiable. Could I trouble Mr. Ruan to speak on my behalf? There will also be a token of appreciation for you, sir," Pang Yu said generously. He was no longer afraid of Ruan Dacheng taking a middleman's fee. On the contrary, Ruan Dacheng got results, saving a tremendous amount of trial-and-error cost. Paying this bit of silver actually felt like he was the one coming out ahead.

Ruan Dacheng let out a dismissive sound. "Mr. Yushan is not currently a man in officialdom either. This matter is merely this old man passing along a word. Little friend, there is no need for such courtesy. If you wish to show your regard, the next time Mr. Yushan comes to watch a play or discuss military affairs, Pang Xiaoyou can come along and keep us company."

"Mr. Yushan also discusses military affairs and swordsmanship?"

"Mr. Mace has always prided himself on frontier talent. Now with this old man… haha, we are friends in poetry as well as friends in drama. If this old man goes to speak of it, there should be seventy or eighty percent certainty. And there is one more crucial point." Ruan Dacheng smiled, his eyes narrowing. "He is short of money lately."

……

The street outside the new Great River Silver Bank building on Dazhong Street was packed with commoners, all pointing and commenting on the oil-cloth-covered building across the way, where quite a few workers were bustling about.

At a command from the foreman below, the sheets of oil cloth fell away one by one, and the resplendent Great River Silver Bank appeared before everyone's eyes. The entire building was predominantly red in tone. Two great pillars covered entirely in gold leaf stood before the entrance. The plaque above the door was still covered with red cloth. The window panes facing the street were all glass, dotted at regular intervals with small patches of color painted on with pigment, reflecting the sunlight and giving off a dazzling five-colored porcelain brilliance. Waves of exclamation rippled through the crowd on the street. More and more people gathered, every face alight with excitement.

Standing at the same window, Zhou Yueru's eyes were wide open, her mouth unable to close for a long moment. This astonished expression further satisfied Pang Yu's vanity.

Judging by the facade alone, it was already magnificent and splendid. The windows were still covered with cloth on the inside, so the interior could not be seen, which only further piqued the onlookers' interest. From the very day construction on the new Great River Silver Bank building began, an unbroken campaign of promotion had been maintained, using an air of mystery to keep everyone's appetite whetted.

Pang Yu had naturally gone inside to take a look. He believed that on the day of the official opening, the people of Nanjing would have their chins drop even further. In addition to the early promotion through the Restoration Society and the pleasure quarters, ground promotion and advertising at every dock along the river had been ongoing for three months. With Qian Qianyi's congratulatory message trumpeting it in the newspaper, noble relatives cutting the ribbon on opening day, and a carpet-bombing advertising blitz in the newspaper after the opening, the publicity Pang Yu had planned had basically all been achieved.

At that moment, two broad banners unfurled from the roof of the silver bank. The left one read: "The Great River Silver Bank will officially open for business on the fifth day of the tenth month." The right one read: "Deposit three hundred taels upon opening and receive four taels in monthly interest."

Pang Yu said smugly to Zhou Yueru, "How does this young master's building look?"

Only then did Zhou Yueru close her chin. She turned her head to look at Pang Yu and said, "The master's building is certainly pleasing to the eye, but quite a lot of silver has been spent. And now there is this interest of four taels per month on three hundred. The official loans with the highest interest rates are not being issued, yet so many Account Office clerks and hired help have been hired. I do not know how the master intends to make a profit, or how he will repay this principal and interest in the future."

This new building for the Great River Silver Bank had cost over twenty thousand taels. The interior decoration was still partially unfinished, with a final estimate of thirty thousand taels. At this time, building an entire city wall — for a county seat the size of Taihu or Qianshan — had a budget of only fifty thousand taels. Such a grand gesture by the Great River Silver Bank was unheard of, even in Nanjing.

Pang Yu smiled and said, "Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand. More Account Office clerks will be sent over later. Just focus on training them. In the future, you will only ever lack people to command; you will absolutely never complain about having too many."

Zhou Yueru shot him a glare and said nothing more. She knew Pang Yu's financial situation better than anyone. The Anqing Silver Bank held some deposits from the gentry, but the bulk of it was pre-collected taxes and city construction funds from various yamens, a great deal of which had long since been diverted. The deposits here in Nanjing were mainly from gentry connected to the Restoration Society, plus some merchants. The construction of the new building had already diverted tens of thousands of taels. This time Pang Yu had come to Nanjing and spent over ten thousand more. Each time he transferred several thousand taels of silver without so much as blinking, and no one knew where it went. All this silver was essentially Pang Yu lending to himself. The silver bank had not actually earned any interest from other people, and there was no sign that Pang Yu had any intention of making up the shortfall. A huge gap already existed, and by this trend it would only grow larger. Every time she thought of it, she lay awake all night.

At that moment, another wave of noise rose from below. It turned out to be a group of the silver bank's female attendants walking from the street into the new building. These women were all dressed in long skirts of white with blue trim, looking elegant and untainted, quite in line with the current Qinhuai aesthetic. Such uniform attire naturally drew the crowd's interest.

The staff recruitment was complete, and they were undergoing training at a temporary location on this side of the street. Everything was ready, just waiting for the official opening in the tenth month. Those female attendants just now had all been going to familiarize themselves with the premises.

Pang Yu sighed and said, "The official opening is in the tenth month. It's a pity I may not be able to see that grand occasion."

Zhou Yueru lowered her head and said, "When the time comes, could you not find a moment to come?"

Pang Yu lifted his head to look at the sky. "It is now the end of the eighth month. Once the ninth month arrives, the Roving Bandits will be coming out of the mountains."

At the words "Roving Bandits," Zhou Yueru's body trembled slightly. She raised her head to look at Pang Yu. "Is the General leaving?"

"All matters are settled. It is time to return to Anqing." Pang Yu withdrew his gaze and turned toward the direction of the Qinhuai River. "Only one small matter remains unresolved."