Chapter 395: Handling Official Duties

"Young Master, this is the budget for next month's expenditures sent from the Anqing Household Office. Among the items, civil and military stipend silver totals thirty-three thousand taels — that's the bulk of it. Army provisions and fodder cost fourteen thousand three hundred taels. The increase over last month is due to the newly recruited War Soldiers and local militia in Anqing, plus the rise in grain prices here in Xiangyang. Construction expenses are two thousand one hundred taels, mainly for the Anqing Jiujiang New Recruit Barracks and parade ground construction, and the Dark Sentinel Division's academy in Zongyang. Equipment costs are four thousand three hundred taels, higher than last month because of the Water Army's shipbuilding project. Zongyang, Anqing, Jiujiang, Wuchang, and Wuhu are adding a total of fifty-one grain transport ships and scout boats — thirty-five built in the workshops, the rest purchased externally. The shipping company, silver house, rice and beans, and gambling dens each have separate expenditure lists. The workshop is requesting an increase in rations and pay quotas. Bao Yu wants to build a firearm workshop at Shimen Lake, requiring three thousand one hundred taels in construction and equipment quotas, plus an additional nine hundred taels per month for craftsmen's wages going forward..."

Pang Yu waved a hand to stop Pang Ding, then took the papers and began reading through them himself, examining each item with considerable care. Halfway through, he suddenly paused. "Why is the Document Team even reporting such a tiny increase in expenses? What item did they add?"

Pang Ding lowered his voice. "Wu Dacai has established a military hospital. He chose a site outside the West Gate of the prefectural city and purchased a three-courtyard residence. The renovation requires two hundred thirty taels in construction fees. He plans to staff it with thirty military medics, fifty medical students, and one hundred corvée laborers. Going forward, the monthly wages for the medical officers, medical students, and corvée laborers will be about three hundred taels. The house was previously acquired by Bai Shun Tang, so the Central Army is just giving a token sum. And he's keeping the staff small, so it's only a matter of a few hundred taels."

"If he's going to set up a military hospital, he should do it properly. What's the point of just thirty or so people? How many military trauma medicine physicians has he recruited?"

"Not a single one." Pang Ding glanced at Pang Yu before adding, "The Jiangnan Times even ran a recruitment notice, but we've only managed to get some bonesetters."

Pang Yu shook his head. "Metal-wound surgery and bone-setting are vastly different. Tell Wu Dacai to think of more solutions. Don't be so small-minded and end up with something that's neither fish nor fowl."

He turned another page. "The Dark Sentinel Division's new quota increase is twenty thousand taels. Is that for the expenses to the Capital?"

"Exactly. They were worried the letters might be lost in transit, so the Dark Sentinel Division sent all their items by oral message. The increase is mainly for the expenses of the Canal Gang branches in Wuhu, Nanjing, Pukou, and Yangzhou — subsidizing rations and pay for newly inducted gang members. Additionally, Jiang Fan is making a trip to the Capital. He expects to give Feng Quan five thousand taels, and to connect with one or two eunuch officials of Junior Supervisor rank or higher in the palace, estimated at three thousand taels each. That's ten thousand taels right there. He also needs to station ten men there and recruit some informants from the streets and the palace."

Pang Yu read for a moment longer, then picked up a brush to sign. Pang Ding stood beside him watching and said, "Young Master, if we keep spending like this, the gold and silver we seized at Susong only converts to a little over nine hundred thousand taels. If we spend according to the actual figures, the silver on the books won't last long."

"Why spend according to the actual figures? The stipend silver is the bulk of it, and most of that will remain deposited in the silver house. The silver actually paid out is for construction and provisions. When you reply, tell the Household Office that for those merchants supplying provisions, ships, and equipment — any with long-term supply contracts — settlement must be done through the silver house."

Pang Yu blew on the signed document. "Has that Englishman, Weili, left yet?"

"He's already returned to Macau."

"The English are too far away. We can't rely solely on them. Have Zhang Shuangwei make another trip to Macau. Recruit a batch of gunsmiths and artillery craftsmen, and see what else the Portuguese can offer us."

"Understood."

Pang Yu stood up. Guo Fengyou, who was in the room, assumed he was about to go out and immediately came over to gather his outer coat and waist saber.

But Pang Yu stopped in the middle of the room. He turned to look at Guo Fengyou. "Fengyou, leave those things for now. I have something to say to you."

Guo Fengyou hastily set the items down and came before Pang Yu, saying respectfully, "Your orders, sir."

"How many years has Fengyou been with me?"

"To answer you, sir, this humble one entered the Fast Squad as an auxiliary after the civil unrest in the seventh year of Chongzhen. It's been over three years."

"Over three years." Pang Yu smiled, then let the smile fade. "A Company Commander position has been secured at Wuhu. I intend to recommend you for it."

Both Pang Ding and Guo Fengyou in the room were stunned. After a long moment, Guo Fengyou finally said hesitantly, "This... this... this humble one still wishes to follow you, sir."

"Being posted outside doesn't make you an outsider. For example, Zhuang Chaozheng went to the Bronze Standard Battalion, but he's still a man of the Cavalry Camp. The principle here — Fengyou, you should understand it." Pang Yu stepped forward and patted Guo Fengyou on the shoulder. "You've handled your duties excellently these past three years. In my mind, you are the most suitable candidate."

Guo Fengyou said quietly, "This humble one will follow whatever assignment you give, sir."

Pang Yu nodded with satisfaction. "Wuhu is a location of great importance to me. It took considerable effort to establish this new battalion there. Once you're there, accomplish several things: first, secure the river defense; second, look after the qian zhuang; third, coordinate with the Canal Gang; fourth, organize and train the local militia in the surrounding area. Being this Company Commander is no easy assignment, but I trust you."

"This humble one accepts the order, and thanks you for the promotion." Guo Fengyou looked up at Pang Yu. Having just heard this news, his expression held more trepidation than delight.

Pang Yu looked at this attendant. Two years ago, Guo Fengyou was merely an auxiliary in the Fast Squad, noticed by Pang Yu when capturing spies. Although his performance managing the Personal Guard Unit in combat had been mediocre, for two years he had been utterly diligent in managing Pang Yu's personal security, making him one of the people Pang Yu trusted most.

Guo Fengyou's eyes reddened slightly. "This humble one only wished to stay with you, sir, and together exterminate the Eight Bandit."

"I understand your sentiments completely. But sooner or later, you must stand on your own. In Wuhu, you'll be handling matters independently. You'll have to deal with the local yamen, and also the local tax pass. Our new battalion is newly established — do not create conflicts with the locals. Go and handle your own affairs. As for the Eight Bandit, I will certainly exterminate him." Pang Yu thought for a moment. "The official appointment will be sent to Anqing. First, hand over the guard unit matters to the Deputy Squad Leader, and return as soon as possible within the next couple of days."

Guo Fengyou looked at Pang Yu, then turned to glance at Pang Ding, before finally saluting and withdrawing.

This time, Pang Yu saw him to the door, watching as Guo Fengyou left, turning back to look every few steps.

"Young Master, why don't you arrange a nice, independent, cushy post for me?"

Without even looking at him, Pang Yu said, "Serving at my side is a cushy post. Plenty of people would beg to come and can't."

Pang Ding tilted his head. "I don't see it that way."

Pang Yu gave a snort and returned to the Direct Office. He sat down in a lower seat and asked, "If you want a cushy external post, you have to handle the duties here well first. Is there any news from Yu Yinggui?"

Pang Ding said listlessly, "Military Commander Yu has agreed to provide anchorage and barracks at Wuchang, but he wants us to join him in dealing with Zhang Xianzhong."

"Dealing with Zhang Xianzhong is no problem. Besides us, has he contacted any other camps?"

"Zuo Liangyu and Chen Hongfan. According to the man Military Commander Yu sent, both have agreed."

Pang Yu pondered for a moment. Recently, Yu Yinggui had been shifting all of Huguang's military forces northward, mainly the Provincial Commander's Standard Troops Battalion and Yang Shien's five thousand troops, concentrating them near Xiangyang. The posture was one of being ready at any moment to exterminate the two Western Raider camps.

"Zuo Liangyu wants to push the Eight Bandit into revolt, but that doesn't mean he wants to exterminate him. Their hearts aren't in the same place, so their strength won't be directed toward the same goal. Besides, Chen Hongfan is garrisoned at Xiangyang, and his household retainers never venture toward Gucheng. His intentions are still hard to predict. I'm afraid we're the only ones sincerely intent on exterminating the Eight Bandit." Pang Yu thought for a moment. "Has Ruan Jin found any trace of Chen Hongfan's movements?"

"The military officer Lu Ding visits most often is in Chen Hongfan's camp." Pang Ding straightened up and said seriously, "He goes there more than to any civil official — four times in a single month."

Pang Yu frowned slightly. He knew nothing at all about Chen Hongfan. At the several meetings at Xiong Wencan's place, this Regional Commander Chen had always been extremely courteous, but his true nature was completely unreadable.

"What plan does Yu Yinggui have?"

"He intends to send five hundred Zhen'gan troops to Gucheng to provoke the Eight Bandit into rebelling again. When that happens, Zuo Liangyu will cross the river from the bridge on the east side and strike straight for Baishazhou, with the Huguang troops following behind. Chen Hongfan will cross the river upstream to block the northwest direction. We will cross from Mianyang Port and block the mountain path on the west side."

"Just send Zhen'gan troops like that?" Pang Yu stood up. "If anyone's sending them, it should be Dai Dongmin. Send someone to suggest to Yu Yinggui that he first transfer these Zhen'gan troops to Dai Dongmin's command, to avoid leaving a handle for others to grab."

"Military Commander Yu just happened to say nothing about Military Commander Dai's intentions. Could it be that Military Commander Dai hasn't agreed?"

"If Military Commander Dai hasn't agreed, then Yu Yinggui is acting recklessly. Gucheng is under the jurisdiction of the Yunyang Governor, not his Huguang Grand Coordinator." Pang Yu thought in place for a moment. "When sending people, use only oral messages. No letters of any kind. Also, have Ruan Jin step up intelligence gathering. We absolutely must keep track of the Eight Bandit's movements... Has he found all those planted informants?"

"Three have been found already. They've started sending information."

At Mianyang Port, near the dock, Xiao Wazi stood on the riverbank in a daze, his eyes fixed on the river water before him.

Large stretches of bare mudflats lined both banks of the Han River. In the middle of the river, a grain transport ship slowly made its way upstream. Only the very center of the river was navigable now. Cargo couldn't even reach the dock anymore; they just laid a gangplank straight down onto the mudflats.

Ever since they had arrived at Gucheng, it hadn't rained. Many rice paddies hadn't even sprouted weeds. Most of the men in the Western Camp had farming experience, and seeing this situation, everyone knew the harvest would be poor.

Second Locust's voice sounded from behind. "Dried up like this, even if Eight Master forces people to farm, there won't be any harvest to speak of."

Xiao Wazi turned and saw Second Locust sitting on the ground. "It hasn't rained since we got here. They say if it still hasn't rained past the fourth month, most of the crops will wither and die."

"Even if it rains, how much grain can we harvest? What use would it be? Utterly pointless." Second Locust glanced at the grain transport ship. "Master Liu says this boatload is for us to buy. The Post Commander from each family will take turns going."

"So when do we go?"

"Right now." Second Locust stood up and brushed off his trousers. "Let's see what there is to eat."

Xiao Wazi followed him up. When they reached the dock area, there were quite a few Anqing Water Camp soldiers around. Several street-facing shops along the river had their roofs repaired and were now places to trade grain. Grain merchants had brought rice and beans, but there wasn't even a shop sign. Next door, on the roof of a two-bay building, craftsmen were still repairing the tiles — probably a storehouse for grain.

Second Locust led Xiao Wazi closer. Outside, what was on display was mostly still rice. The Long Family who had arrived earlier were on the other side, preparing to buy white flour, and were currently inspecting the goods with a grain shop assistant.

"Xiao Wazi, you go buy the rice and flour too, and buy mine along with it. I'm going to get some other things."

With that, Second Locust walked up to the bench. The Shopkeeper was busy at work. Second Locust said loudly, "Got any glutinous rice?"

The Shopkeeper raised his head to glance, then said listlessly, "There's glutinous rice, all stored in the back. Guaranteed the kind only great households in Jiangnan can afford. The price won't be cheap."

Second Locust slammed a palm down on the counter. Everyone around was startled, and several Water Camp soldiers at the door immediately stepped inside.

"So what if it's not cheap? You think I can't afford it?"

"Please calm your anger, Thousand Years. This humble one didn't mean that. Of course you can afford it, sir. It's just that many who come to look don't buy, and this humble one still has business to attend to…"

"I want to look. So what if I don't buy? If I hadn't been recruited to surrender and become a Government Troop, I'd have cut you down with one stroke today."

The several camp chiefs outside also joined in cursing. The Shopkeeper was clearly somewhat frightened. He hurried over and said, "Please forgive me, sir. This humble one will take you to see it right away."

He respectfully extended his hand, inviting Second Locust into the back. After they turned past the rear courtyard, the two entered a side room. Two bamboo baskets sat on the floor, the mouths of the grain sacks inside gaping open. It was indeed glutinous rice.

Second Locust moved to the inner part of the room, squatted down facing the doorway, and used his hand to stir the glutinous rice in the sack.

The Shopkeeper stood beside him, also able to see the doorway. He now shed that frightened expression, his eyes fixed on the glutinous rice in the sack. "Did you get clear the matter I told you to inquire about?"

Second Locust glanced again at the doorway. "Eight Master gave the order yesterday. Every post is to build twenty boats, right at Baishazhou."

The Shopkeeper's eyes flickered slightly. He casually pulled over a small grain sack and began scooping glutinous rice into it. "How large are the boats? Can they carry horses?"

"Are you people planning to wipe out Eight Master?"

"Remember from now on: I ask the questions."

"Eight Master didn't say how large. Just told each post to build them." Second Locust licked his lips. "And then they're to keep building houses. For the General Officers, the Baodao Banner, and the High Shine — they decide the size themselves. The Post Commander get two-courtyard houses. The team leaders have to wait until the Post Commander finish theirs."

Second Locust spoke very quickly. The Shopkeeper waited until he finished this section, then called out loudly, "Look, sir, this glutinous rice is truly fine goods. In the old days, only the great households of Jiangbei could afford it. If you buy it, a simple steaming or boiling will yield a delicious taste."

"What about the rations and pay for each post?"

"I don't know about the other posts. In our post, most team leaders have only a few dozen taels, the richer ones around a hundred. The post's stored grain is only enough for twenty days."

The Shopkeeper stared at Second Locust. "You must also get clear information on the other posts. Building boats means crossing the river. Building houses means a long-term garrison. What exactly is Eight Bandit planning? You must get clear on all the routes for going west into the mountains."

"Eight Master has an order. Without the Baodao Banner and High Shine present, even Post Commander from different posts are forbidden to speak privately. Once caught…"

"That's your problem. Figure it out yourself."

Second Locust raised his eyes and met the Shopkeeper's gaze. "Do you know how gruesome the death is if Eight Master catches you? I'm risking that great danger. What benefit are you giving me?"

"The benefit is that you killed your own camp chief and can still stand here talking right now. If Eight Master knew about you killing a camp chief, how gruesome would that death be?"

Second Locust crouched down, saying fiercely through gritted teeth, "What exactly do you people want?"

"I don't want anything. I'm merely reminding Second Chief to remember the past events at Puzikou. If Second Chief has forgotten, I can send a certain witness from that day to Baishazhou to help you recall."

"They've probably all been killed by you people for merit. No one's left alive."

The Shopkeeper said coldly, "So Second Chief wants to gamble on that?"

Second Locust's face went deathly pale, his eyes glaring fiercely at Lü Shopkeeper. The Shopkeeper met his stare without flinching.

After a moment, Second Locust lowered his head. "Master Lü, if Eight Master is wiped out by you people, I want to join the Anqing Battalion."

The Shopkeeper looked at him and said, "Fine. Our Dark Sentinel Division always gives benefits when we do things. Handle your assignment in Gucheng well. If Zhang Xianzhong is annihilated, you'll be allowed into the Cavalry Camp. If you don't want to join the Government Troops then, we can also give you some silver."

As he spoke, he had already filled the small grain sack. "Don't stay long. Go out now."

Second Locust took the grain sack and was about to stand when the Shopkeeper added in a low voice, "Tomorrow you return to Baishazhou — perfect for gathering information. Next time you come to buy grain, bring me the team leaders and horse counts for every post, and what those boats are for."

Second Locust nodded. He suddenly looked at the Shopkeeper. "How do you know our post returns to Baishazhou tomorrow?"

"I also know it's the next post that switches to Mianyang Port. Remember this: you are not the only spy we have in the Western Camp. Don't think you can casually fabricate some information to deceive the Dark Sentinel Division. Even less should you think of hiding away once you're back at Baishazhou and not coming out. If you don't come next time to buy grain, Zhang Xianzhong will learn who killed Nine Striped Dragon."

Second Locust shot the Shopkeeper a glance, stood up, and slung the grain sack over his shoulder. He said loudly, "You dog-spawned profiteer, don't forget what I told you, or I'll cut you down with one stroke."

A hint of a smile appeared on the Shopkeeper's face. Second Locust looked at him, turned around, and left the back area. The Shopkeeper followed him out, his demeanor reverting to one of timid caution.

Outside, Xiao Wazi had already selected four sacks of grain. Several servants were carrying them. This dock had no porters. The boatmen who came with the ships only unloaded the grain sacks and never lingered on the dock a moment longer. All the carrying had to be done by the Western Camp themselves.

Two soldiers from the Anqing Water Camp came over to watch the two sides settle the silver payment. Every settlement led to quarreling, and today was no exception. Another camp chief got into an argument with the Shopkeeper over the silver purity.

Second Locust did not quarrel. He quickly settled the silver payment and led Xiao Wazi back to the garrison post inside the harbor.

The place they lived was a stretch of ruined houses. The wood had all been burned away, leaving only some adobe walls. Fortunately, it hadn't rained recently, and the weather wasn't too hot, so it was not unbearable.

He had just lain down on the ground when he heard someone calling outside. Second Locust recognized the voice and immediately leapt up and rushed out. He saw the Baodao Banner of his own post standing at the door with several men.

Second Locust's heart pounded wildly. He quickly glanced left and right. Seeing that the Baodao Banner's men showed no sign of being on guard, he relaxed slightly.

"What is it, Master Yu?"

Yu Baodao turned his head to look at him and said impassively, "Come with me."

Second Locust's heart lurched again. He quickly asked, "Should I bring anything?"

"Bring your silver and short blade. Change into inconspicuous clothes."

Yu Baodao finished speaking, then pointed at Xiao Wazi. "You come too."

Before Xiao Wazi could respond, Second Locust hastily asked again, "Master Yu, are we going somewhere on assignment?"

"Going out of town on assignment."

"May I ask where we are going on assignment?"

Yu Baodao stopped walking and stared coldly at Second Locust, his gaze making Second Locust's whole body go numb. He didn't know if he had been discovered. From the corner of his eye, he monitored the surroundings and also picked out an escape route. If the situation turned bad, he could only run toward the Anqing Army.

"You're an Old Camp Chief, yet you still don't understand the rules? Assignments sent by Eight Master are not to be questioned, not to be spoken of to others. You'll know when you reach the place." After saying this, Yu Baodao turned his head to look at the others nearby. "Do any of your men hail from Jiangbei?"

Second Locust breathed a sigh of relief and quickly thought back. "Yes."

"Pick two servants from Jiangbei."

Second Locust looked around and said, "This humble one will select them and bring them over shortly…"

Yu Baodao turned and fixed his eyes on Second Locust. "Pick them now. We leave as soon as you're done."