Chapter 388: Preface to Volume Three

In the second month of the eleventh year of Chongzhen, a light rain drifted over Yangzhou Prefecture. The streets of South Gate Street in Jiangdu County still bustled with pedestrians, each holding rain gear as they wove along the blue flagstone roads.

Inside a tea house near the New Bridge intersection, two or three tables were occupied. An old man with graying hair sat at a square table against the wall, facing the door. A bowl of rice broth sat before him as he waited for his meal.

A middle-aged man stopped in the doorway. He wore a wide-sleeved Daoist robe. After studying the old man, he stepped inside. The tea house owner was busy stir-frying, and no one in the hall came to greet him. The middle-aged man paused again just inside the door, carefully scrutinizing the other patrons.

A trace of disdain flickered across the old man's face, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. After the middle-aged man finished his survey, he approached the old man's table, pulled the bench back slightly, and slowly sat down. The old man did not look at him, lifting his bowl to sip the rice broth.

The middle-aged man fixed his gaze on the old man. "De Ye, the Grand Bench sent me to ask you — why was that captured man from the Anqing Canal Gang taken from you last night?"

"Couldn't beat them, so he was taken."

"This Canal Gang man is of the utmost importance to several Boat Dock Masters in Yangzhou. Now that he's lost, how does De Ye propose we handle this?"

The old man said evenly, "He's not Canal Gang. He's a soldier from the Anqing Garrison Battalion."

The middle-aged man sat rigidly upright. "That's precisely why we needed to deliver him to the Prefect's office to file charges against the Vice General of Anqing. The slaughter at the Yangzhou docks — this man was the one pulling strings behind it. Now that he's lost, we can't bring down that Vice General. If the Yangzhou docks can't be held, the Grand Bench won't get his money."

"Even if you'd delivered him to the Yangzhou Prefecture, you still couldn't have brought him down. The docks have been a bloodbath for two months — lives lost every single day. Where was the yamen in all this?"

The middle-aged man's eyes shifted. "I've heard that during the Tongcheng civil unrest back then, De Ye single-handedly killed the most formidable rebel leader. That Vice General of Anqing also rose to power on the back of the Tongcheng unrest. Is there some connection with De Ye?"

The old man said coldly, "Then what do you think the scheme is here?"

"I merely find it curious. De Ye has been a Green Hand for thirty years, handling matters without a single misstep. How did things go wrong this time?"

"That Anqing Camp Head killed over ten thousand roving thieves last year. Last night, no fewer than thirty men came — half in chain mail, half in leather armor. Their equipment was military issue, their techniques military training. What virtue or skill does this old man possess, to think he could win against thirty armored household retainers with thirteen unarmored Da Hang men?"

The middle-aged man shook his head. "So there are men even De Ye cannot defeat, matters even De Ye cannot accomplish. De Ye has grown old after all."

The old man finally looked him in the eye. "Of course there are men I cannot defeat — but you are certainly not one of them."

The middle-aged man smiled. "A war of words is the most pointless thing. I heard De Ye also sustained some minor injuries. The Grand Bench ordered me to take this chance to claim De Ye's life. But I still remember the grace of your teaching. De Ye has been a Green Hand his whole life — surely you've saved up a fair amount of silver. Just tell me where the silver is hidden, and perhaps I can let you keep your old life."

The old man pondered for a moment, then lifted his soup bowl. "Shangyuan County, south of the New Floating Bridge, the gauze cap..."

Suddenly, the old man's hand jerked. The rice broth and bowl flew straight at the other man's face. The middle-aged man had been listening intently, committing the words to memory. The broth and bowl were upon him in an instant. He jerked his head aside — the ceramic bowl grazed his cheek — but the rice broth still splashed across his face. Liquid sprayed everywhere, and his vision blurred completely.

The middle-aged man recoiled in terror, rising and retreating. One hand drew a short blade; the other tried to wipe the broth from his eyes. But the old man was already on his feet. As if anticipating the man's every reaction, he moved with an agility far beyond his years to the middle-aged man's flank. The middle-aged man had just wiped his eyes clear, still unable to see clearly, when the old man's right hand shot toward his throat with a swift slap — then withdrew just as quickly.

Crack! A sharp sound rang out as the ceramic bowl shattered into pieces on the floor two tables away. The middle-aged man's eyes bulged wide. The short blade in his right hand clattered to the ground. Both hands flew to his throat — between his fingers, the tail of a steel nail as thick as a pinky finger was visible. Blood gushed through his fingers, and then he collapsed to the ground, mouth gaping wide, his body twisting grotesquely.

Screams erupted in the tea house. The other patrons scrambled and crawled toward the door, fleeing in panic.

"I taught you — a nail with barbs, pull it out and you die faster."

The old man spoke to the middle-aged man, then gasped twice for breath. Limping, he hobbled to another table. The fisherman seated there was frozen in terror. The old man took the bamboo hat and straw rain cape the man had left on the bench, draped them over himself with some effort, and craned his neck to peer left and right through the window. Only then did he step outside, his hunched figure melting into the flow of people on the rain-soaked street.

An hour later, the old man arrived outside the Great River Shipping Company at the Grand Canal docks. The area was surrounded by Anqing Canal Gang men armed with blades and spears. Before he could reach the door, someone approached to question him.

"This old man knows you are the Anqing Battalion Dark Scout Division. I've come to offer my allegiance. Get whoever's in charge to speak with me."

A young man came forward from behind — dark-skinned, lean, and capable. He eyed the old man warily. "Whatever business you have, you can say it to me."

"This old man knows the whereabouts of the several Boat Dock Masters you're looking for, and the hideouts where those Da Hang groups gather."

The young man looked at the old man, half-doubtful, half-believing. "Then what do you want?"

In the light rain, the old man removed his bamboo hat and said evenly, "To keep this old life."

Not far from Taiping Bridge in the old city of Yangzhou, a refined waterside pavilion stood by the river. Raindrops pattered down from the eaves, splashing into tiny blossoms on the flagstones of the courtyard.

"Old moss grows over the ancient traces of Jinling; travelers from north and south come and go of their own accord. Most I recall the spring breeze at Stone City Dock, where every house lets peach and apricot bloom over the walls."

A lovely young woman turned her head, beaming with delight. "Sister Jiang Shou, tell me — what kind of romantic place must that city of Jinling be, across the river? I've been thinking, I want to marry a handsome young gentleman from Jinling someday."

Another woman in the room burst out laughing. "How is Yangzhou any worse than Jinling? Even Mama isn't in a hurry, yet here you are, so eager to marry. Those handsome young gentlemen in Jinling — naturally they keep many wives and concubines. You'd go and have nothing but grievances to suffer. If you ask me, a merchant or official household where the first wife has died is far better — saves you all that bickering."

"I used to like Yangzhou too, but lately, with so many people killed at the docks, I'm so frightened I have nightmares every night. So I don't like Yangzhou anymore."

"Two days ago there was a huge battle. I heard the Anqing Canal Gang won. There won't be any more killing after this."

The young woman pursed her lips. "Jinling is still the best. Handsome is a must, too. Those merchants and officials may be old and ugly, but after all this time learning the ways of being a concubine, I can serve a first wife well enough. Still, a handsome gentleman is better."

Jiang Shou tapped the young woman's forehead with her finger. "Look at you — even a woman of the pleasure quarters wants a handsome face. Be careful someone doesn't swindle you for nothing."

"You're the woman of the pleasure quarters!" The young woman laughed and reached to tickle Jiang Shou's waist. The two tussled into a tangled heap, only stopping before the window after a long while, both bent over and clutching their waists, exhausted.

"Sister Qiyun, with your beauty, you'll likely be the first to marry. After that, we'll be at opposite ends of the earth. When your sister misses you, she won't be able to see you. Where will I ever find such happy times again?"

The young woman grabbed Jiang Shou's hand. "Then I'll have that handsome young gentleman marry you too. That way we can see each other all the time."

"Silly sister, always saying silly things. It's rare indeed for a man to take a liking to two at once. When would such good fortune ever fall to us? Sister is telling you truly — a handsome face won't fill your belly. For a life together, you need stability." Jiang Shou gazed at her young sister with tender affection, reaching out to smooth a stray wisp of hair at her temple. Just as she was about to speak again, the door banged open.

The foster-mother, dressed all in red, stormed in like a whirlwind. "A young gentleman from Jinling has arrived! Quickly, dress up and come out to meet the gentleman."

The young woman immediately asked, "Is the gentleman handsome?"

"Handsome as can be! Hurry and dress up. If he grows impatient and leaves, all the handsomeness in the world won't do you any good."

The foster-mother rattled off her words, then twisted her waist and went out the door, busying herself with arranging tea and refreshments outside.

Outside, the foster-mother kept urging them on. The two women dressed in a flurry, checking each other over one last time before stepping out. By the time they reached the outer door, the foster-mother and the matchmaker were already waiting.

The foster-mother pointed at the young woman. "Finally. He didn't fancy any of the first three. Mo Qiyun, you go first."

The matchmaker hurried over to support the young woman. "This gentleman is from a wealthy, noble family — he has seven or eight attendants with him. You must put your heart into this. When you walk, remember — toes first, whatever you do. And remember to extend your right hand. You have those two moles on your left hand — some people dislike that. Whatever you do, remember. Don't be like last time."

"Ah, I'll remember."

The matchmaker reached out and pulled aside the door curtain, supporting the young woman as she stepped over the threshold. Mo Qiyun remembered to step toes-first, so her skirt hem wouldn't rustle first — some clients could judge the size of a woman's feet by that detail. Only after entering the hall did she steal a glance.

A young man sat in the seat of honor. He wore a green scholar's robe, with no jade ornaments hanging from his belt — a touch less opulent — yet he carried himself with considerable presence as he sat there, his gaze unhurried and composed as he studied people.

The matchmaker beamed, her voice more jubilant than at New Year's. "The young lady pays her respects!"

Mo Qiyun had been secretly sizing up the gentleman and momentarily forgot to bow. The matchmaker nudged her from behind with a knee and called out again, "The young lady pays her respects."

Mo Qiyun stumbled forward, then hurriedly performed the greeting.

"The young lady turns around."

Mo Qiyun turned to face the window, allowing the gentleman a clear view of her features. At that moment, Mo Qiyun actually felt a flutter of nervousness. This gentleman from Jinling perfectly fulfilled all her hopes. She did not know whether she would be chosen.

"The young lady offers her hand for a look."

Mo Qiyun habitually used her right hand to pull back her sleeve. The matchmaker nudged her again with a knee. Mo Qiyun quickly switched to her left hand, drawing back the right sleeve to reveal a fair, slender arm.

She did not know whether that young master was watching carefully. Mo Qiyun felt a little shy and a little nervous, her heart pounding fiercely. These first few steps were, respectively, looking at the feet, looking at the face, and looking at the figure. The interview process was already half over; at least the young master had not yet told her to withdraw, but he had not brought out any gold hairpins or gold hair clasps either.

The broker added, "Miss, how old are you?"

"Seventeen."

The step of listening to the voice was also passed.

"Miss, walk a little more."

Mo Qiyun's face instantly flushed red. She lifted the hem of her skirt to let her feet show, because she had been a bit older when she bound her feet, this step was what she worried about most. Sometimes, just as she entered the door, a guest could already tell from her walk that her feet were large, and she would be eliminated before they even looked at her face. The advantage of her delicate features never got a chance to shine, which was why the broker had repeatedly advised her to pay attention to her walking posture.

At this moment, Mo Qiyun stole another glance at the young master, but the young master was not looking at her, nor was he eating tea snacks. He seemed to be thinking about something.

"This gentleman..."

The broker beside her was stunned. Selecting Slender Horses followed a standard procedure; by this point, she should withdraw and it would be over. She had never seen any girl try to strike up a conversation. The young master was also a little surprised and raised his head to look at Mo Qiyun.

"Th-this, if the young master has taken a fancy to this slave, could you also select my elder sister Jiang Shou? She is wonderful."

Upon hearing this, the young master laughed in spite of himself. "I have not taken a fancy to you, and I know even less who your elder sister Jiang Shou is. However, I quite like your courage. After seeing all these houses, only you dared to speak in the hall. Allow me to think it over."

Mo Qiyun's face flushed bright red with shame, and her heart felt a little disappointed. After all, the young master had not taken a liking to her. With a nervous heart, she returned to her own room. A short while later, Jiang Shou also returned. The two nervously clutched each other's hands, not holding much hope for the interview outcome.

Finally, with a sound of the door, the fake mother, dressed all in red, burst in again. She stopped and stared at the two of them. Both girls were very uneasy, especially Mo Qiyun, who had spoken out of turn in the hall. If she were not chosen, she would inevitably suffer a round of complaints from the fake mother.

"Both daughters... have been chosen!" the fake mother shouted loudly, extending her hands from behind her back, each holding a gold hairpin.

Mo Qiyun and Jiang Shou were so happy they cheered together. The fake mother came over and touched both their cheeks, then inserted the gold hairpins into the hair above their temples. "Once the red card is sent and the betrothal gifts arrive, you will be people of another household. It is rare to have this bond of mother and daughters; you are both going to good families. Tonight, Mother will cook a few good dishes, and we shall be merry."

Amidst her excitement, Mo Qiyun felt a little unease and asked, "Thank you, Mother. I still do not know my master's surname or given name."

"It seems to be Jiang. Yes, Young Master Jiang, from a wealthy family in Jinling. You two just wait to enjoy a life of comfort from now on."

Mo Qiyun gave a sound of assent, nodding heavily with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.

……

"I heard before that Jiangnan has a kind of divine congee. Just hearing the name makes one want to try it. Since we are in Yangzhou, it ought to be available. When you go out in a bit, see if you can buy some."

In an inn north of Taiping Bridge, leaning against the riverbank, a woman propped up her chin and gazed at the scenery outside the window, speaking in a melancholy tone.

Standing in the room was a man in his twenties. He was quite tall and deliberately bent his body into a bow toward the woman. "Miss, please wait a moment. This humble servant will go at once."

"When Father was alive, there were so many servants, and every one of them curried favor with you. Ever since the Roving Bandits destroyed our home, seeing that the wealth was gone, they all abandoned the master's family and ran off. All of them heartless, ungrateful wretches." The woman turned her head to look at him and sighed. "Only you have escorted me with all your heart along the way. Who would have thought that my second uncle's family in Yangzhou has moved away to who knows where? We have no one to turn to and do not know what to do. Staying at inns day after day, our travel funds are nearly exhausted."

"Miss, please set your mind at ease. Even if this humble servant must go to Wharf to work as a canal laborer, I will ensure Miss lacks neither food nor clothing."

The woman's eyes glistened. "Cui Yongda, just as distance tests a horse's strength, time reveals a person's heart. When we find my second uncle's household in the future, you will certainly not be treated poorly."

Cui Yongda said respectfully, "That is this humble servant's duty. Please, Miss, rest for now. The meal will arrive shortly. The inn is a mixed bag of fish and dragons; please, Miss, lock the door tightly."

Having said this, Cui Yongda retreated backward to the doorway. After opening the door, he exited first, waited a moment, then carefully pulled the door shut. Only after hearing the door bolt fastened inside did he turn around.

There were two other men in the corridor. Taking advantage of the moment Cui Yongda opened the door, they craned their necks to look at the woman inside the room, then walked with Cui Yongda to a spot a little farther away.

Cui Yongda tilted his head toward the room and said to the slightly older man, "This is my family's young miss. Hand over the silver, and the person is yours."

The man considered for a moment, then took a silver pouch from his bosom and placed it into Cui Yongda's hand. He then nodded to the younger companion beside him, signaling him to go and fetch the woman.

"Don't be in a rush to take the person. The weight seems roughly sufficient, but I haven't checked the fineness yet." Cui Yongda reached out to block him, then opened the silver pouch and inspected it piece by piece. After a moment, he spread out three pieces in his hand. "These three ingots are all mixed with lead and tin. It would be best to make up the difference."

The somewhat older man fixed his eyes on Cui Yongda. "This old man's master runs two pleasure houses and has never, in matters of silver..."

"I have a sword on me right now. Cutting them open would be unsightly for everyone. It would be more convenient to simply exchange the ingot."

The younger man beside them shifted his gaze and slightly adjusted his position. Cui Yongda's expression remained calm; he only stared at the older man.

The man chuckled twice. "Brother Spit, what line of work were you in before, to be so proficient with silver?"

"Collecting rent and pressing for debts on behalf of the master. Though it was not my own, I have seen plenty of silver, and I have seen plenty of men who lost their lives for silver." Having said this, Cui Yongda shot a glance at the younger man beside them.

The older man hesitated for a moment, then took out another ingot. After Cui Yongda inspected it, he returned the counterfeit silver. "The person is yours."

"Brother Spit has sold his master. Where do you plan to go from here? If you haven't decided on a destination, my household is also in need of someone to press for debts."

"Though my master was no good thing, I am, after all, a man who has sold his master. Naturally, I cannot go to someone who knows this." Cui Yongda calmly put away the silver pouch. "I have lived over twenty years and have only just, with great difficulty, gotten rid of my master. Now I only wish to live a few days of carefree ease."

"This bit of silver won't last long. If you are a little free with your spending, it will be gone in a year or two at most. Better to make plans early."

"Why would it need a year or two? It will be used up in a single month. As for where to go, Spit has already thought it over, so I won't trouble you to worry."

Cui Yongda cupped his hands toward the two men and walked straight out the door. Once on the street, he walked briskly for a while, then turned two corners. He stopped to observe for a moment, then entered another inn across the street. After entering a room on the second floor, he drank some water, rested for a moment, and then took a piece of paper from his bosom.

Written on it were the four large characters "Jiangnan Times." The front page reported the opening of the Great River Silver Bank in Yangzhou. Cui Yongda turned the paper over. On the back, a large headline read: "Anqing Cavalry Camp Sincerely Recruits Heroes of the Realm," listing over ten trades, including Groom, Da Hang, Doctor, Gunpowder Artisan, Coppersmith, Locksmith, Relay Courier, and others.

He carefully read the layout once more. Written on it were the battle achievements of the Anqing Cavalry Camp, among them the much-heard-of Susong Great Victory. The specific military stipend silver was not detailed; it only stated that soldiers received their full pay with generous treatment. Another page told of a man named Tang Ershuan, who went from a dock porter to a hero who killed the bandit chief Sweeping King, and whose current monthly pay had reached four taels. The last line read: "Now is the time for men to achieve glory."

Cui Yongda read very carefully. Only after a long while did he stand up and come to the window, looking out at Yangzhou in the light rain. "Being a hero is an easy way to die. Enjoying life first is no loss."