Chapter 366: Not Lacking

"General Pang from Anqing is here. Will the master see him?"

Ruan Dacheng, in his study, raised his head and looked at the steward before him. "See him! Of course I will see him."

"Here is his gift list. Both Li Lihua and Guo Zuoshan are dead. That Guo Zuoshan was a subordinate of Junior Supervisor Zhou. Word in the Southern Capital is that this General Pang did it, saying he offended the Nanjing Garrison. Coming now, he likely wants the master to mediate on his behalf."

Ruan Dacheng glanced at the gift list — mostly local products from Anqing, plus a few jade pieces. As a fellow townsman paying a visit, Pang Yu's gifts were quite appropriate. He handed the list back to the steward and said, "Where in this world is there not mediation? A man who thinks of mediation leaves room when handling affairs — such a man is easy to deal with."

"But observing this General Pang's conduct, perhaps from being a military man too long, he does not seem the type to leave room for compromise. The master once interceded on Li Lihua's behalf. This time he took her life outright, clearly giving the master no chance to speak."

Ruan Dacheng sighed. "Some words are not so easily spoken. This old man has advised Li Lihua more than once. Some men love fame, some love power, and some simply love wealth. A man who dares enter a den of thieves in the dead of night to seize wealth values coin above life itself — how could you try to take his wealth? Guo Zuoshan likely could not have given her much of a share anyway. It is a pity she was blinded by that lucre, refused to listen to this old man, insisted on obtaining it to satisfy her heart, and gave the other party not the slightest leeway. When it came to the end, how was this old man supposed to open his mouth? Had she listened to me earlier, how would she have ended up hanging from a roof beam? Pity her soul, like water, gone with the passing waves. A pity. Pitiable."

"It is just that this General Pang's conduct grows ever more brazen. It was not only Li Lihua and the other. Several of the petty official from Shangyuan and Jiangning counties who were involved in this matter have also died. He earns silver in the city of Nanjing, yet offends both counties — it will be hard to speak of stability going forward. And that Junior Supervisor Zhou is not one to be trifled with. For the master to see him now..."

"The city of Nanjing is paved with high officials and nobles. A few dead petty official offend no one of consequence. Young friend Pang has a great victory in hand and is about to be promoted to Vice Regional Commander — one can say the imperial favor is at its height. What can Junior Supervisor Zhou do to him? A junior supervisor is, after all, only a junior supervisor. This old man is not afraid either." Ruan Dacheng stood up. "This old man will go personally to welcome General Pang."

The steward followed behind as they walked toward the main gate of Shichao Garden. Ruan Dacheng walked ahead at a rather brisk pace.

He hurried to the gatehouse and saw Pang Yu sitting in the entrance hall inside the spirit screen. Fortunately, the gatekeeper had been sensible enough to serve tea. Ruan Dacheng let out a great laugh. "I heard that young friend Pang has routed the bandit horde in a great victory. Fortunate that the Emperor has gained such a fierce general! This old man, beyond mere gratification, feels an exhilaration hard to contain. For several nights running I could not sleep. Young friend Pang is truly a pillar of talent for the realm."

Pang Yu rose and said respectfully, "Ruan Xiansheng flatters me. This junior rose from a constable runner to the ranks, receiving your guidance and pointers all along the way. Whenever I come to Nanjing, I must certainly listen to your teachings in person."

"Young friend Pang now enjoys the Emperor's marked favor, yet still remembers this old man who dwells among the mountains and forests. Instead, it is this old man who, unaware of your coming from afar, kept you waiting — a grave discourtesy. Truly ashamed." Ruan Dacheng turned to look at the steward and gatekeeper. "Young friend Pang is a friend of this old man despite the difference in years. Henceforth, none shall be announced. Escort him to the main hall first. If young friend Pang is ever kept waiting again, family law will not be spared."

Pang Yu repeatedly protested that he dared not accept such treatment. His men went off on their own to hand over the gifts to the steward. Ruan Dacheng warmly took Pang Yu by the hand and led him deeper into Shichao Garden. "In Nanjing now, who does not respectfully call you General Pang? Yet this old man insists on still calling you young friend Pang. Why? You and I are friends of the heart. Official rank and reputation are things external to the self. A knowing heart — that is a friend for life."

"Ruan Xiansheng's insight is profound. Merit and fame are passing clouds before the eyes. Official posts are only temporary. Friends are for a lifetime. Whether I rise to Vice General or Regional Commander, before you I will forever be the young friend of that day."

Ruan Dacheng's eyes narrowed into slits with laughter. He guided Pang Yu further into Shichao Garden, all the way to the study. Ruan Dacheng showed him the effect after the glass had been installed, praising Pang Yu endlessly. Pang Yu had sent him a batch on his last visit. The craftsmanship at present could only produce small panes, but the light transmission was naturally far better than the shell windows of before.

In the end, they arrived once more at the garden of Shichao Garden. Because land within Nanjing was precious, even Ruan Dacheng could not buy too large a plot, so this garden scene could only be called exquisite. Compared to Ruan Dacheng's grand residence by Mochou Lake, it was still a grade lower.

"This old man's villa at Niushou Mountain is nearing completion. When the time comes, you must come stay for a few days. Young friend Pang has great talent. That Female Prince Consort is sung throughout Jiangnan. This old man often hopes for another opportunity to create one or two more plays with you."

As they spoke, servants served tea. Since they were conversing in the garden, pastries were also provided.

"Suzhou pine-seed candy, Xiaoshan waxberries — both just arrived in Nanjing. And this Flower-root Lotus — does young friend Pang know where it comes from?"

Pang Yu was no country bumpkin now. Having handled plenty of receptions with Pi Yingju, he had some understanding of local specialties from various regions. He answered at once, "Could it be from Zhejiang?"

Ruan Dacheng laughed. "This is not. It is local to Nanjing. Usually, local lore always says Flower-root Lotus is best from Hangzhou West Lake. But after many years of careful tasting, this old man finds Nanjing's superior, especially in this season."

Pang Yu smiled along. "I naturally trust Ruan Xiansheng. Henceforth, whoever asks me where Flower-root Lotus is best, I shall say Nanjing."

Ruan Dacheng laughed heartily, the picture of delight. Pang Yu observed him carefully. Ruan Dacheng's expression held no artifice. It seemed the matter of Li Lihua had caused no estrangement. It appeared he could broach the subject of business.

He paused, then said, "You treat me so generously, sir. On this table are local specialties from Jiangxi, Shandong, and various places — all must have come via the Great River and the Grand Canal. It shows that with the benefit of water transport, we can enjoy such delicacies."

"The Great River is good. It also blocks the Roving Bandits, protecting our Jiangnan, the land that produces our wealth and taxes." Ruan Dacheng picked up a cut piece of Flower-root Lotus and looked at Pang Yu with a smile. "Does young friend Pang wish to do business on the river?"

"I will not hide it from Ruan Xiansheng. I have been doing business on the river all along." Pang Yu did not evade the point and cut directly to the topic. "It is just that the Great River stretches a thousand li. I wish to have a relay point midway at Wuhu to facilitate matters. Ideally, it would be a Military Camp."

"But Military Commander Zhang does not approve?"

"Military Commander Zhang actually does approve. But this matter does not seem urgent to him. Yet I hope to set it in motion soon. Does the master have any guidance for me?"

Ruan Dacheng set the Flower-root Lotus back down, stroked his beard, and thought for a moment. "A matter that Zhang Guowei cannot accomplish there must be handled from the court. But the court handles affairs according to institutional protocol. To establish a camp and station troops at Wuhu, the proposal must originate from Zhang Guowei. He oversees military affairs for Yingtian. He must first send a document to the Ministry of War. The Ministry of War, upon receiving the document, holds a departmental deliberation. It is not for the Ministry of War to order Yingtian to establish a new Military Camp — that would be a violation of institutional order. In the past, if Zhang Guowei did not send the document, there was no recourse. But now there is another method."

"Please instruct me, sir."

"Above the Yingtian Grand Coordinator there is still the Five-Province Supreme Commander. The Emperor is displeased with Wang Jiazhen. The newly appointed Five-Province Supreme Commander is the Guangxi Supreme Commander, Xiong Wencan."

Pang Yu had also heard of this appointment, but his connections in officialdom were still very lacking. He could only humbly ask, "Is the master acquainted with Supreme Commander Xiong?"

"This Supreme Commander Xiong — a Presented Scholar of the thirty-fifth year of Wanli. He naturally possesses the learning of poetry and letters. And, well, he is also easier to deal with than Military Commander Zhang." Ruan Dacheng thought for a moment, then said, "As Supreme Commander of the Five Provinces, though his charge is solely suppressing the bandits, in these few years, all military defense matters within the five provinces fall under his purview. If he says Wuhu should establish a battalion of troops to guard against bandits, it will be more effective than Military Commander Zhang."

"Then what does this Supreme Commander Xiong like?"

"What he likes, young friend Pang does not lack."

Pang Yu smiled knowingly. For Ruan Dacheng to say that, Xiong Wencan must like wealth. This thing — though he could not yet say his supply was inexhaustible, he indeed did not lack it.

Ruan Dacheng added, "Young friend Pang must also know one thing. Yang Sichang proposed the Ten-Faced Net strategy. The current Five-Province Supreme Commander is different from before. Previously, Lu Xiangsheng and Wang Jiazhen both held it concurrently as Henan Governor. Now it is a standalone post of Five-Province Supreme Commander. The station will not necessarily be Henan. This old man believes it should be one of two places: Wuchang or Fengyang. For young friend Pang to deal with him will be much easier than with Kaifeng."

Pang Yu was slightly surprised. From Zhang Guowei, he had only received some information about himself and had not learned the full details of the Ten-Faced Net. Previously, the Five-Province Supreme Commander was indeed held concurrently by the Henan Governor, so the station had always been Kaifeng. After Wang Jiazhen took office, he never stepped a foot outside Kaifeng city, which was why the Emperor was extremely displeased with him. Ruan Dacheng clearly had more information. A standalone Five-Province Supreme Commander meant the court was this time seriously adjusting its strategy.

Ruan Dacheng leaned in and said, "The Supreme Commander personally commands thirty thousand troops. This is also dedicated troops with dedicated stipends. When Xiong Wencan comes to assume office, Guangdong at most has some Water Troops he can use. He cannot bring many troops with him. He will certainly have to select troops from among the five provinces."

Pang Yu weighed this in his mind. He was not the same as ordinary military garrisons. At present, he had no urgent need for military stipend silver. More important was his strategic deployment along the Great River. If he were absorbed into the Supreme Commander's Standard Battalion, he would inevitably be shifted around, which would instead leave Anqing vulnerable. And Anqing was his foundation. Moreover, as Zhang Guowei had said, the Anqing Garrison Battalion already had dedicated troops and dedicated stipends. Being absorbed into Xiong Wencan's Standard Battalion would bring no additional benefit.

"If this Xiong takes the field to lead troops in battle, is he like Military Commander Lu, or more like Military Commander Zhang, or perhaps like Wang Jiazhen?"

Ruan Dacheng paused, then laughed. "That is hard to say. But he is absolutely not the sort to lead from the front like Lu Xiangsheng. He will never lead troops around everywhere suppressing bandits. If one must say, I fear he is like Wang Jiazhen."

Pang Yu rubbed his chin. Whatever Xiong Wencan's style, as long as his station was not in Anqing, he himself would need to follow him and shift his defense elsewhere — utterly unhelpful for building his Anqing base. But Ruan Dacheng also said this man would not lead troops around fighting everywhere. The entire Great River line was basically under his jurisdiction. If he could make good use of this resource, he could link up broader shipping routes, not limited to the jurisdiction of the Yingtian Grand Coordinator.

Ruan Dacheng's conversation, though brief, had given him very practical information. Before this, he had not planned to have any dealings with this Five-Province Supreme Commander, because he had never dealt with the previous one, Wang Jiazhen, and Wang Jiazhen had no real influence over the Great River. Now he knew that Xiong Wencan's status might far exceed Wang Jiazhen's, that his likely station was closer, and he also knew this man's preferences and style. All of this was a basis for his decisions.

"Young friend Pang already has a silver bank and gambling houses in Nanjing. River business is mostly hard toil. If it is something that earns much silver, could it be... you wish to trade in salt?"

Pang Yu smiled. "Just ordinary river business. Not seeking sudden windfalls, but goods in enormous quantities. As long as the volume is large, it will always earn silver. Apart from Wuhu, is there any other place more suitable?"

Ruan Dacheng exclaimed "Hai!" and slapped the armrest. "If it is goods in enormous quantities, on this entire Great River, no place can compare to Yangzhou. If young friend Pang wishes to establish a foothold there, this old man can act on your behalf."

"I have been hesitating between Yangzhou and Suzhou. Having received your guidance, sir, I naturally trust you. Yangzhou it is."

Pang Yu looked at Ruan Dacheng earnestly. Yangzhou was one of his objectives in coming to Ruan Dacheng. Yangzhou was the confluence of the Great River and the Grand Canal — the place where the Ming Dynasty's goods, commerce, silver, and coin converged. It could not only control Great River trade but also control Grand Canal logistics, making it even more important than Wuhu. But it lay north of the river, under the jurisdiction of the Canal Transport Governor. The Great River Silver Bank had already been established there. Only by properly managing Zhu Dadian and getting the Canal Gang firmly established could he gradually control this key commercial center.

Fortunately, Ruan Dacheng was precisely Zhu Dadian's primary broker. What this Zhu liked was also something Pang Yu happened not to lack.

"Ruan Xiansheng will be toiling and traveling on my behalf. There will certainly be expenses. When the time comes, I will have Liu Ruogu deliver travel funds to you. I will be imposing on you, sir."

Ruan Dacheng waved his hand but did not decline. Pang Yu felt that dealing with this big-bearded man was very simple, and matters could be handled well. In officialdom, he still could not do without him. Perhaps he should bind himself more tightly to him. But if he joined that literary society of his, it would affect his relations with the Donglin and the Restoration Society.

After thinking for a moment, he made up his mind and said, "This river business — would Ruan Xiansheng like to take a share? My idea is to control the key docks everywhere, and then..."

"Enough. This old man appreciates young friend Pang's goodwill. But this river business — it earns hard toil silver." Ruan Dacheng picked up the piece of Flower-root Lotus from earlier again, finally put it in his mouth this time, chewed a few times, and said, "Young friend Pang, do not exhaust your energy excessively. Do a little river business on the side to supplement expenses, and that is enough. This old man dares say one thing: no business on the river earns money like that Bai Shun Tang."

Pang Yu was stunned for a moment. He had not expected Ruan Dacheng to flatly refuse such a good business. But Pang Yu did not feel awkward. He also picked up a pine-seed candy and put it in his mouth. "Then would the master be willing to take a share in Bai Shun Tang?"

Ruan Dacheng nearly choked out the lotus root dregs. He coughed several times, then turned to Pang Yu. "Young friend Pang means the Nanjing Baisun Hall?"

"Naturally."

Ruan Dacheng stared wide-eyed, a hint of alarm in his eyes. "Young friend Pang, Ruan and that Li... Ruan has never entertained designs on Bai Shun Tang. Truly, I have never thought so."

Pang Yu slowly swallowed the pine-seed candy. "I am speaking in earnest. Bai Shun Tang has ten shares in total. I ask Ruan Xiansheng to take one share. My meaning is this: with Ruan Xiansheng's official connections, all affairs of Bai Shun Tang will proceed smoothly, and business can be even more prosperous. In the final reckoning, it is still I who profit."

"This..." Ruan Dacheng still had not quite reacted. Pang Yu had said "take one share" and had not mentioned buying — it was probably a gifted share. But at present, Bai Shun Tang's reputation spread far and wide. People came in an endless stream from Susong, Yangzhou, Zhejiang, and other places specifically to gamble. Even one share out of ten was no small sum.

"Please accept it without worry, Ruan Xiansheng. This is for you personally. The travel expenses involving Military Commander Zhu that we just discussed will still be provided separately."

"Pang Xiaoyou… this, this is too generous." Ruan Dacheng rubbed his hands together, his great beard quivering rhythmically a few times. "Is there any other important matter Pang Xiaoyou needs to attend to?"

"I would also like to ask for your guidance, sir. Military Commander Zhang informed me that word has come from the court — they will dispatch a palace eunuch as Army Supervisor to the Anqing Garrison Battalion. In the future, I will inevitably have to deal with the various dukes. Might Ruan Xiansheng have connections among the people in the Capital's palace who could make an introduction on my behalf?"