Chapter 368: Dejection

"Mr. Yushan is imprisoned, the Jiangnan scholarly world is utterly silenced, and even Mr. Tianru no longer concerns himself with court affairs. With villains in power and the righteous path in ruins, is there still anything to be done in this world? What have we toiled over the classics until our hair turns white for?"

Inside Xi Yu, Fang Yizhi stared dejectedly at the floor. Pang Yu glanced sideways at him — the Dragon-Sleeping Mad Scholar had not a trace of madness about him now. It seemed that Wen Tiren's blows against the Restoration Society over the past two years had indeed left Fang Yizhi disillusioned with court politics, sapping even his drive to continue with the examinations.

"He Laoxiansheng is a retired Grand Secretary and also of the Donglin faction. If we could ask him to submit a memorial on Mr. Yushan's behalf, the Emperor might actually heed it."

"The old gentleman has shut his door to all visitors, refusing even friends of many years. Aside from submitting a memorial for the Bronze Standard Battalion, I have not heard of him involving himself in court affairs again." Fang Yizhi let out a long sigh. "Forget it. Since nothing can be done, we shall all quietly watch how things unfold. When the Tianqi Emperor passed, was Wei Yan not wielding overwhelming power for a time? The Emperor reversed the course of events without a flicker of emotion. If even a young Son of Heaven could be so sagely wise, there is no reason he would now allow Wucheng to persecute the loyal and virtuous."

Pang Yu voiced his agreement. His main purpose in coming had been to gather information on Qian Qianyi, but it was clear Fang Yizhi knew little, and his standing within the Restoration Society needed reassessment. The information Fang Yizhi had was far less than what Ruan Dacheng possessed, which meant he had not entered Zhang Pu's inner circle. A man like Zhang Pu, capable of organizing such a vast Restoration Society and building such enormous influence in the Jiangnan region, was certainly no one content with obscurity. The Restoration Society's intelligence should only be more extensive than Ruan Dacheng's.

Thinking back now, when they were recommending candidates for the Fangzheng Xianliang Ke last year, Zhang Pu had recommended Jiang Chen, not Fang Yizhi. According to Ruan Dacheng, Zhang Pu and Zhang Vegetable had been soliciting support everywhere before the Provincial Examination, their aim being to recommend Restoration Society members — in effect, controlling the local examinations. Although the climate had been somewhat tense last year, the Two Zhangs and the core members were still operating discreetly. That Fang Yizhi could still fail the exam under these circumstances showed that he was far from being a core member of the Restoration Society.

That telescope had been shelved away, and the Origins of Physics was nowhere to be seen. On his desk lay only a copy of the Book of Changes, and a thin layer of dust was even visible. Clearly, Fang Yizhi had not been reading for some time.

"The court is in turmoil, but it is not beyond remedy. If you find yourself unable to read here, Brother Fang, you could return home and stay in Anqing for a while."

Fang Yizhi's eyes flickered, then he slowly shook his head. "I hear that Tongcheng is now village after village in ruin. Better not to see it."

Knowing he could not lift Fang Yizhi's spirits at this moment, Pang Yu did not press further. He arranged a banquet with Fang Yizhi on the Qinhuai River and took his leave.

Just as the two of them stepped out of the Study, they saw Fang Kongzhao sitting in the pavilion outside. Pang Yu had not planned to see him, but the gatekeeper must have informed him. He had no choice but to walk over and bow. "Pang Yu pays his respects to Mr. Fang."

Fang Kongzhao smiled faintly and rose, walking toward the covered corridor. "This old man will have a word with General Pang."

Pang Yu was slightly surprised. Fang Kongzhao's meaning was that Fang Yizhi was not to listen. But thinking back to the civil unrest in Tongcheng years ago, Fang Kongzhao had always been deep and calculating; there were many things he would not let Fang Yizhi know.

He nodded to Fang Yizhi and followed Fang Kongzhao down the covered corridor. Only when they were some distance from Fang Yizhi did Fang Kongzhao stop.

"A few years ago, General Pang was still serving in the yamen. Now your name resounds along the Great River. Some believe it is luck, but this old man knows that the General's reputation is well-deserved."

"I dare not accept such praise. Mr. Fang's reputation for frontier talent is also well-deserved."

Fang Kongzhao waved his hand. "The praise of frontier talent is too broad. When it comes to leading troops to kill bandits, General Pang truly possesses genuine skill and learning. To be able to break over ten ying of Giant Bandits with just one ying of troops — this old man is not your equal. Since I have the opportunity today, I wish to consult with the General: what are the secrets to fighting the Roving Thieves?"

Pang Yu suddenly understood. It seemed Fang Kongzhao was indeed on the verge of being recalled to office, and he was set to take the Military Defense Circuit or Pacification Commissioner route. He did not know what rank Fang Kongzhao had held before his mourning leave, but these were currently the only two types of civil officials who led troops.

"Mr. Fang naturally knows that the Roving Thieves are not actually strong in combat. The government troops' failure to suppress the bandits lies with the troops, not the bandits. The military system has been decaying for a long time, not just today. In my humble opinion, the Ministry of War's current policy of dedicated troops and dedicated pay strikes at the heart of the matter. The next step should be sufficient troops and sufficient pay."

Fang Kongzhao let out a soft breath. The military system had been in decline since the early Ming dynasty. What Pang Yu said, Fang Kongzhao knew. Everyone knew. But no one could change it.

"If we speak only of killing bandits on the battlefield, does General Pang have any secret methods?"

"Being able to kill bandits on the battlefield is absolutely not just a matter of devising strategies from a distance. It relies on drill, supply, and armaments, as well as the scouting, maneuvering, deceiving the enemy, and material resupply before and after battle. Each of these could be discussed for an entire afternoon. Much of it comes from Qi Dàshuài's military texts, with some minor additions and modifications of my own." Pang Yu spoke only in generalities. If this Tongcheng fellow townsman was to be appointed for frontier talent, he would be used in a region with military conflict. Due to the rule of appointment to posts outside one's home province, he would absolutely not serve as an official in Nanzhili. That left only the Nine Borders or a few provinces involved in suppressing the bandits. His current value was limited.

But if the Garrison Battalion was to expand its sphere of influence, it also needed to establish official connections in other regions. Although Fang Kongzhao was deeply shrewd, he was still an acquaintance and a decent trading partner. After thinking it over, Pang Yu still said, "If the day comes when Mr. Fang leads troops, I can send men to help drill your soldiers. And if you need armaments, the Garrison Battalion's workshops can also provide them. Mr. Fang need only pay the cost price."

Fang Kongzhao revealed a smile. "If that day comes, this old man will naturally have something in return."

Pang Yu was not embarrassed. He had haggled face-to-face with Fang Kongzhao many times during the civil unrest; he was actually the easiest to negotiate deals with. He replied at once, "I have always insisted on fair trade. As long as Mr. Fang's return is sufficient, I can personally lead troops to assist. We are both Tongcheng townsmen; mutual support is only right."

Fang Kongzhao's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded gently at Pang Yu.

……

At the Shangxin River Wharf in Nanjing, gangs of porters worked together to lift enormous logs, the muscles on their bodies straining into taut lines as they chanted work songs and struggled up the stone steps of the dock. Pedestrians around them hurriedly moved aside, while some visitors from out of town watched with keen interest.

On the second floor of the Jiang'an Bamboo and Wood Shop on the shore, Zhou Yueru stood at the window facing the river. A dense forest of masts swayed outside the window, and the wharf was a boiling sea of voices. All kinds of chaotic sounds mixed together, not at all pleasant, yet Zhou Yueru was very calm, as if she quite enjoyed this environment.

"It's so noisy here. Is Zhou Guniang accustomed to living here?"

Zhou Yueru turned to look at Pang Yu. "I do not find it noisy; rather, I find it peaceful. To have a place of refuge in these chaotic times, I must thank the master."

Pang Yu laughed in spite of himself. "How can this place be called peaceful?"

Zhou Yueru pointed outside the window. "Around Nanjing, the Huizhou beach has the most Westerners. Hearing the local accent from time to time always puts my heart at ease."

Pang Yu looked outside. An endless stream of bamboo and timber passed through the streets. Bamboo and timber were also important bulk commodities on the river. This stretch of the Shangxin River was called Huizhou Beach, a specialized bamboo and timber wharf and a distribution center for lumber.

"This Huizhou Beach wasn't opened by Huizhou people. Why are there so many Westerners?"

"Among the merchant guilds that trade in timber, there is the Western Merchants' Guild."

"I see." Pang Yu touched his nose. "Do you know who reported you as a Westerner?"

The corner of Zhou Yueru's mouth twitched. She forced a hint of an awkward smile and shook her head. A silence fell over the room.

After a long while, Zhou Yueru said softly, "Compared to the Roving Bandits, everyone in Bai Shun Tang is a good person. The only people I can exchange a few words with are these. What meaning would there be in finding out?"

Pang Yu grunted in acknowledgment. Zhou Yueru's accent was not strong. The fact that she was a Westerner was known only to people who had come from Anqing. Last year, when Ziweixing and Hun Shiwan had invaded Chuzhou, Nanjing had begun imposing martial law. Spies had been caught in Jiangpu, who said that over a thousand Roving Bandit scouts had already crossed the river. A city-wide search for Westerners was conducted throughout Nanjing. Someone, no one knew who, had gone to the Jiangning County yamen to report her. At that time, Pang Yu was beset with troubles both internal and external, so the county yamen naturally dared to come to Bai Shun Tang to make trouble. In the end, it was only because Liu Ruogu had sent some silver that Zhou Yueru was not arrested. But she could no longer live in the city. Liu Ruogu had no choice but to transfer Zhou Yueru to the bamboo and wood shop. Located outside the city, with a highly transient population, the scrutiny there was not so strict.

"You can move back into the city now. Jiangning County will not come to investigate again."

"There's no need. I wouldn't want to cause you more trouble." Zhou Yueru looked at Pang Yu and smiled. "With your great victory at Susong, you must have seized silver. In the past, I was always anxious, fearing the silver bank's silver could not be repaid and that I would lose even this place of refuge. Only these past days have I been able to set my heart at ease."

"The silver bank's silver must still be borrowed, and we will borrow even more."

Zhou Yueru's heart jolted with alarm, but before she could ask, Pang Yu continued, "Zhou Guniang worried before because I was borrowing on empty credit. This time, we'll change the method. Before, we borrowed empty-handed. Now, like the county yamen's tax pre-collection, there will be collateral. The silver bank's books can even show a profit."

"How much do you need to borrow this time?"

"More than the silver bank's total deposits."

Zhou Yueru asked in astonishment, "How could it be more than the deposits?"

Pang Yu braced his hands on the window and stared at the Shangxin River channel. "It will certainly be more than the deposits. Of course, preparations are still needed. Your family runs a paper shop; you are most familiar with paper. That is why I specifically designated you to handle the Banknote matter."

"Banknote…"

At that moment, there was a soft knock at the door. Pang Yu turned around to see Guo Fengyou push the door open and enter.

"My lord, Zhang Military Gate has sent an urgent order to Anqing. Mr. Ma copied a portion to the silver bank. Also, word has come from Shi Kefa's side. Liu Shopkeeper dared not delay and sent someone to report it to you."

"What urgent order from Zhang Military Gate?"

"Old Huihui, the Eighth Bandit, and ten other ying have emerged from the mountains at Lu'an Prefecture. They are currently moving east in two columns. Liu Liangzuo's dispatch report says a captive confessed that Old Huihui plans to join forces with the two ying of Hun Shiwan and Ziweixing and head together toward Yangzhou. Zhang Military Gate orders the Garrison Battalion to reinforce Puliu."

"These Roving Bandits are truly persistent ghosts. Transfer the Second Division and the Land Combat Division to land at Puzikou and garrison Jiangpu and Liuhe respectively. What did Shi Kefa say?"

"He said the bandit alarms at Taihu and Qianshan are gradually subsiding. Also, the Anqing Prefecture Martial Academy has been newly established. Shi Kefa and Prefect Pi say they wish to invite you, my lord, to participate in the grand event."

"The Martial Academy was set up that quickly?" Pang Yu asked in surprise.

In the court's system, because there were Military Examination Candidate examinations, prefectures and counties could open Martial Academies. In the interior, due to prolonged peace, there had never been a demand for this, so very few places had opened them — at least, none of the counties in Anqing had. But they were more common in the Nine Borders region, though the financial support was naturally inferior to that of the civil examination institutions. In the past, Zuo Guangdou, in view of the rise of the Tartars, had fervently advocated for the construction of Martial Academies everywhere. Pang Yu had also mentioned it to Shi Kefa many times, proposing a joint operation between the Garrison Battalion and Anqing Prefecture, but it had always been delayed by bandit defense preparations and funding. He had not expected it to happen so quickly this time.

"With the Roving Bandits advancing east, I cannot return to Anqing yet. Since Yang Xueshi has been appointed Martial Academy Instructor, have him attend on my behalf. The Martial Academy is also very important."

……

"I was clearly assigned to the Martial Academy. How did it become a Fortified Village Drill Instructor in Qianshan?"

"The Martial Academy's drill instructor vacancies are all filled. Even a recommendation letter won't help." In the Direct Office in the rear courtyard of the Anqing Garrison Command, a clerk from the Document Team didn't even raise his head. He tossed a sheet of paper back across the desk; it curled and fluttered through the air, landing in front of Wu Dacai.

Wu Dacai had been recovering from his injury for several months. His figure had grown somewhat bloated, his face rounder, but his complexion was poor — rather sallow.

He said cautiously to the clerk, "Sir, please take another look. I was wounded as a Centurion. Last time, Company Commander Wang said he would arrange for me to go to the Martial Academy — it's a perfect fit. They need drill instructors there who have served as Centurions, like me."

"It's not as if whatever Company Commander Wang says goes. He can only recommend. He's written plenty of recommendation letters. Who actually gets chosen is decided jointly by the Chief Clerk Officer, the Military Affairs Section Clerk, the Zong Garrison Inspector Guan, and the Document Receiving Office. Your Company Commander Wang also knows you weren't selected for the Martial Academy. Did you think it was that easy?" The clerk raised his head slightly and glanced at Wu Dacai's crutch, then continued coldly, "The Martial Academy also requires field drills and exercises — exercises, do you understand? A day's march from Huaining to Wangjiang. In your condition, if you went to the Martial Academy, could you run? Could you jump?"

Wu Dacai's face flushed red then turned pale. With effort, he pulled a sheet of paper from inside his clothes and, lowering his voice, said, "This is my night school Literacy Certificate. The Martial Academy also needs literacy instruction. I can teach Military Law, the Drill Manual…"

The clerk finally raised his head and shot him a dismissive look. "Teaching literacy is naturally the job of the Clerk Officers. You recognize two or three hundred characters and think you're a scholar? Do you even know what a Clerk Officer does? Do you think just anyone can do it? I'd say you don't know — otherwise you wouldn't have done that sort of thing."

Wu Dacai struggled to keep his voice even. "Sir Pang said merit would be evaluated. I was designated for Meritorious Service. How is it that I'm being assigned to a Fortified Village?"

"The merit evaluation Sir Pang spoke of applies to military promotions. You're no longer in the Military Camp, so how can your merit be evaluated? Besides, no one said Meritorious Service means you must go wherever you want. Who told you to be so badly wounded and arrive so late? Everywhere is waiting for personnel. We can't very well reserve an official post just for you. You've arrived now, and the best current Destination is the Qianshan Fortified Village. You're to report by the ninth day of the seventh month. If you don't go, it will be treated as declining the assignment."

"Could you let me see if there are any other Destinations?"

The clerk stopped his brush and stared at him impatiently. "Wu Dacai! Do you think this is a market where you can pick and choose? The vacancy registers are all military secrets — you think you can look at them just because you want to? You really don't know what's what, do you? With the things you've done, no one except the Second Division was willing to take you. Now that your leg is broken, being assigned to a Fortified Village is already a mercy from the Household Office. I'm busy here. If you have complaints, don't bring them to me. This was decided by the Chief Clerk Officer, Mr. Hou. If you want to argue, go argue with Mr. Hou."

The clerk ignored him after that, burying his head and writing without pause. Wu Dacai stood stunned for a long while. He folded the recommendation letter and the Literacy Certificate, carefully placing them back inside his clothes. Just as he was about to turn away, he glanced at the clerk. His mouth opened slightly, but in the end, he said nothing. Leaning on his crutch, he walked out the door.

Next door was the Duty Room of the Chief Clerk Officer. Wu Dacai hesitated a moment, then walked to the doorway. From inside came the voice of Mr. Hou speaking, seemingly discussing barracks issues for the various division Clerk Officers with someone from the Works Office.

There was another person by the door, wearing a cap that marked him as a member of the Garrison Inspector Dui. He held two sheets of Petition Paper in his hand, also waiting to see Mr. Hou. Wu Dacai lowered his head and waited for the conversation inside to finish. He didn't dare compete with the soldier from the Garrison Inspector Dui across from him and continued waiting outside.

Finally, the soldier left. Just as Wu Dacai was about to enter, Mr. Hou walked out the door. Wu Dacai hurriedly greeted him, "Good day, Mr. Hou."

Mr. Hou was also taken aback for a moment upon suddenly seeing Wu Dacai. Then he noticed the crutch, and his expression flickered briefly before quickly returning to an indifferent look. Wu Dacai had so much to say, but for a moment, he couldn't open his mouth. Mr. Hou fixed his eyes on him for a second, shook his head, and walked away.

Wu Dacai stood in front of the Duty Room door. Soldiers and officers walked back and forth around him; no one paid him any attention, as if he were merely a stone statue.

He didn't know how long he stood there before Wu Dacai finally walked slowly out of the Garrison Command and headed toward the Zongyang Gate. From the adjacent Drill Ground came the earth-shaking shouts of new recruits drilling, yet the sound seemed very far away.

Anqing in June was stiflingly hot. Wu Dacai walked with difficulty; the clothes on his back were completely soaked through with Sweat. Perhaps because he had stood too long today, a constant pain emanated from his broken leg. His Mouth was parched, his tongue dry, yet he gritted his teeth and made no sound, limping onward toward home.

After walking a short distance outside the Drill Ground, sparse raindrops began to fall around him. The surrounding pedestrians and street vendors, long prepared, scattered in all directions to take shelter in the nearby shops.

The raindrops quickly turned into a torrential downpour. Wu Dacai did not seek shelter. He turned his head to look inside the Drill Ground. Every formation continued drilling in the Rain. Even the heaven-shaking storm could not suppress the soldiers' howls. Wu Dacai stared blankly for a moment, then stamped his crutch, turned around, and continued toward the Zongyang Gate.

On the long bluestone street shrouded in Rain and mist, only Wu Dacai still walked alone. He went all the way to the Zongyang Gate and walked straight into the gate tunnel. The downpour above his head instantly vanished, while the booming sound of Rain roared before and behind him. As he walked, he left a trail of water droplets on the stone slabs. The deep, dark gate tunnel echoed with the sound of his crutch striking the ground.

Not long after emerging from the gate tunnel, Wu Dacai, braving the torrential Rain, finally reached his own doorstep. Strings of water like pearl curtains hung from the eaves. The door was ajar. Wu Dacai stood before it for another moment, then finally slowly pushed it open.

Inside the house, streams of water droplets leaked everywhere. The woman was frantically adjusting containers to catch the water. On the most important bed, two wooden basins and a bucket had already been placed. There were still Two Places where it leaked slightly, but those had to be ignored for now; at least the precious bedding could be saved.

His son was holding a ladle, raising it high to place it on top of the Rice bin.

Wu Dacai let go of his crutch and collapsed limply to the ground. The woman heard the noise and turned around. Seeing Wu Dacai completely drenched, she hurried over to help him up. "Why didn't you find somewhere to shelter from the Rain? The Medical Officer said you mustn't catch a chill."

No matter how the woman pulled, she couldn't move him. Seeing Wu Dacai slumped there, silent, she quickly shook him. "Husband, what's wrong with you? Did you get assigned to the Martial Academy or not?"

Wu Dacai's eyes were vacant. Strands of his soaked hair had come loose and plastered against his forehead, water still trickling down. After a long while, he said expressionlessly, "The Adviser Division, the Clerk Officers — those are military posts. They don't want anyone with a broken leg. The Martial Academy also pays according to military rank. If I went to the Martial Academy, I'd still be a Centurion, drawing a Centurion's pay — five taels a month. Wang Zenglu promised me so well. Who knew it would change? Changed. Changed to a Fortified Village."

The woman said anxiously, "Then why won't they let you go to the Martial Academy? You broke your leg in Battle, and that's not even worth a Martial Academy post? Why won't they acknowledge it? So shameless."

"How the hell should I know why? Why didn't Wang Zenglu go and fight for me? I listened to him in everything, helped him so much, and this is how he treats me." Wu Dacai suddenly roared in violent Anger, "It was me who fought at Chemahé! I drove off Chuang Tatian, seized Chemahé Town, killed Roving Bandits all over the ground, captured Several Hundred horses! It was designated Meritorious Service! Meritorious Service! That man surnamed Hou says it doesn't count, and it just doesn't count."

His son came over and looked at his parents, puzzled. Wu Dacai's head kept shaking; his mouth was wide open, but no sound came out.

The woman embraced Wu Dacai and began to cry. "Husband, what's wrong with you! We won't go to that Martial Academy. If we have no silver, I'll farm the land and support you."

In the room where raindrops dripped everywhere, his son reached out and gently stroked Wu Dacai's head. Wu Dacai reached out and pulled his son close. He finally closed his mouth, buried his head in the crook of the woman's arm, and, amid the roaring sound of the downpour, began to weep loudly.