Chapter 43: The Gentry

At the midnight hour in Tongcheng, two estates outside the city flickered with firelight. Some of Tongcheng's gentry and wealthy households had fled early without purchasing the Acting Emperor Fire-Exemption Banner, so their homes were looted and torched by Huang Wending and his men. Some estates were only partially burned, but the thieves who followed stripped away everything movable, then set a final fire to burn them to the ground.

Lately, estates in Tongcheng were burning every day. None of the Xuli in the yamen came to duty. By day, rioters paraded through the city in Xingxiang processions; by night, the six city gates stood wide open, the Gengfu were nowhere to be seen, and all manner of thieves and looters roamed the streets. The entire city of Tongcheng was in a state of complete anarchy.

Inside the North Arch Gate, the County Vice Magistrate Office lay in pitch darkness. Not even a lantern hung in the courtyard. In the rear residential quarters, two gatekeepers on night watch leaned against the porch, dozing.

"Clang! Clang! Clang!"

Across the street at Wei Jiaxiang, gongs clamored to the sky, followed by a din of voices — no one could tell if it was thieves or a fire.

The two gatekeepers roused themselves and listened in the courtyard for a while. The noise from Wei Jiaxiang gradually subsided. Just as they breathed a sigh of relief, suddenly from the kitchen area came a deafening "Crack!" — followed by the clatter of roof tiles crashing down.

Startled cries erupted throughout the compound. Every room lit its lamps. The County Vice-Magistrate and his Advisor also hurried into the courtyard in alarm to investigate.

Ever since the rioters entered the city, the original runners, sweepers, and lamplighters of the County Vice Magistrate Office had all fled one after another. Although Huang Wending had promised not to harm official residences, everyone could see the weakness of the authorities. No one knew when officials and bandits might clash, and if they did, they would suffer like fish in a drained pond. These runners and sweepers were all Tongcheng locals, so each had returned home.

The only ones left in the County Vice Magistrate Office were the gatekeepers brought from his hometown and one local Groom. The security of the stately County Vice Magistrate Office rested on just these two men. Not long before, the County Vice-Magistrate had beaten a large group of local Xuli, so one could say his enemies filled Tongcheng. At the slightest rustle of wind or stir of grass in the night, the County Vice-Magistrate's entire household would be seized with fear.

Advisor Yu carried a lantern into the kitchen and discovered that someone had thrown a stone that smashed through the roof. Before he could report to the County Vice-Magistrate, a pounding on the side gate erupted — "Bang! Bang! Bang!" — piercingly harsh in the silent night.

The Family Dependents in the courtyard screamed in terror. Both the County Vice-Magistrate and Advisor Yu were panic-stricken. Accustomed to a life of comfort and privilege, they were utterly unprepared for such a situation.

Just as the entire household was thrown into panic, a great shout rang out from beyond the gate: "Bandit spawn, how dare you!"

After a burst of fierce fighting, voices were heard shouting and yelling as they fled northward.

The Advisor pressed close to the gate. Hearing someone panting outside, he asked in a trembling voice, "Who is outside?"

A voice came from outside: "This humble one, Pang Yu of the Household Office, pays respects to Advisor Yu. Did those bandits just now alarm His Excellency?"

Hearing these words, Advisor Yu felt the tension in his chest release all at once, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

The County Vice-Magistrate quickly said, "Open the gate at once and let him in."

This time the gatekeeper dared not demand gate-opening silver. He hastily opened the gate and let Pang Yu into the outer courtyard.

Seeing the County Vice-Magistrate dressed only in his underclothes, Pang Yu hurriedly said with deference, "This humble one came too late to protect you. I beg His Excellency the County Vice-Magistrate not to take offense."

The County Vice-Magistrate gave a wave of his hand with a sigh. Advisor Yu asked from the side, "How does Pang Xiaoyou come to be here so late at night? Were you by chance in the vicinity?"

Pang Yu bowed and said, "This humble one came here deliberately. Because the bandits have grown so brazen today, and knowing that His Excellency the County Vice-Magistrate has always been upright and impartial in enforcing the law, I feared some might harbor a grudge. Worried that someone would seize this chance for revenge with some skulking, thieving mischief, I have kept watch nearby from time to time. Just now, I happened upon two men throwing stones and pounding on the gate, so I helped His Excellency drive them off."

The County Vice-Magistrate said with some emotion, "Strong grass is known in fierce wind. Pang Yu, you have done very well."

Advisor Yu saw that Pang Yu was holding a club and had a powder knife tucked at his waist. Hearing that he had driven off two rioters single-handedly, he instantly felt a much stronger sense of security. He probed, "Then does Pang Xiaoyou still have somewhere else to go this evening?"

Pang Yu immediately grasped Advisor Yu's meaning. "If His Excellency permits, this humble one intends to stand guard outside the gate and protect His Excellency's entire household."

The County Vice-Magistrate also wished for Pang Yu to stay. Everyone was deeply impressed by the scene just now and regarded Pang Yu as something of a martial arts master.

"Then make arrangements for him. Pang Yu will stay here overnight." The County Vice-Magistrate nodded as he finished speaking and returned to the rear quarters. The other Family Dependents also returned to their respective rooms, and calm was restored to the courtyard.

Advisor Yu directed two maids to prepare a room in the outer quarters, then took Pang Yu to sit idly in the small pavilion on the east side to wait. The two maids worked quickly and had the bed ready in a moment, then returned to the rear quarters on their own. Advisor Yu, however, showed no sign of leaving. Pang Yu could hardly ask about it, so he could only wait for Advisor Yu to speak.

The moonlight at month's end was very dim. The oil lamp the maids had lit in the room shone through the window paper, casting a faint glow over the small outer courtyard. Once Pang Yu's eyes adjusted to the light, he could vaguely make out the wrinkles on Advisor Yu's face by that faint illumination.

Advisor Yu studied Pang Yu across from him for a moment, then spoke softly: "If I am not mistaken, Pang Xiaoyou is only seventeen, is he not? To possess such composure at this age is truly rare and commendable."

"This humble one dares not claim composure. I merely remember His Excellency's kindness in recognizing my worth, and Advisor Yu's guidance and care, and wish to contribute what little strength I have for you both."

"Seventeen — what a fine age." Advisor Yu let out a long sigh. In a desolate tone, as if speaking to himself, he said, "In Pang Xiaoyou's view, is Huang Wending and his lot merely waiting for the right opportunity to storm the county yamen and raise a banner of rebellion with our heads?"

"That..." Pang Yu had not expected Advisor Yu to say such a thing, but seeing that the Advisor's mood was off, he could only go along with him: "Huang Wending may have thought of it, but he lacks both the nerve and the ability."

"No, he is surely preparing to do just that!" Advisor Yu shook his head. Suddenly, his voice broke with a sob as he choked out, "How pitiful — I have already passed forty, and before I have even left behind an heir, I am to die at the hands of these bandits. This old man cannot accept it..."

Pang Yu had never expected Advisor Yu to come out with this in the middle of the night. It was likely that, suppressed for too long, his spirit had somewhat collapsed in this time of crisis. He quickly tried to console him: "Advisor Yu, rest assured. Huang Wending and his gang are no hardened bandits. They are not determined to oppose the yamen — this is merely a private feud and a chance to grab some money. In the end, they will have to negotiate with the yamen. If they destroy the yamen, who will they negotiate with? So please, sir, set your mind at ease."

Advisor Yu wiped his tears, raised his head, and looked at Pang Yu doubtfully. "Are you certain of this?"

"Absolutely certain. This humble one has been worried all along that this would erupt into a major catastrophe, endangering His Excellency the County Vice-Magistrate and you, sir. In order to learn the bandits' movements, I have found a way to infiltrate their gang and have learned their intentions."

Advisor Yu said with delighted surprise, "Then I can set my mind at ease. It is hard to believe Pang Xiaoyou possesses such cunning."

"I dare not accept your praise, sir. To obtain information, I have no choice but to associate with those bandits. After the rebellion is quelled in the future, I must ask you, sir, and His Excellency the County Vice-Magistrate to explain on my behalf, lest others misunderstand me."

Advisor Yu agreed wholeheartedly. Pang Yu continued, "If I learn any critical information, I will come report it to you, sir. At least for now, it seems Huang Wending is single-mindedly distributing banners to earn silver and will absolutely not attack the yamen. As for what you mentioned earlier, sir, about having no heir — I have also heard something of it."

Advisor Yu waved his hand with a sigh. "It is all because of my wife. Not only does she forbid taking a concubine, she won't even allow a chamber maid... The details of it all are not fit to be spoken of to outsiders."

Pang Yu leaned closer and said in a low voice, "If you trust me, sir, this humble one will find a way to help His Excellency, and persuade the madam to agree to you taking a concubine."

Advisor Yu stared at Pang Yu in astonishment for a moment, then suddenly cupped his hands in salute. "If Pang Xiaoyou can help with this great matter, then you shall be the benefactor of my Yu family. This old man will surely repay you in the future."

"You are too kind, sir. Then leave this matter to this humble one."

Advisor Yu had been in an abnormal psychological state lately. Stirred to excitement by Pang Yu's painted promise, it took him a good while to calm down before he said to Pang Yu, "If Pang Xiaoyou is willing, could you come on duty at the County Vice Magistrate Office tomorrow? His Excellency is in need of men these days, and none of the Xuli in the yamen are here..."

Pang Yu's original intent was to get close to the decision-making level to obtain sufficient information. He agreed at once: "Then this humble one shall stay here. If His Excellency has any tasks, he may dispatch me at will."

"There is indeed business tomorrow. His Excellency the County Vice-Magistrate is to discuss quelling the rebellion with the Tongcheng gentry — whether to pacify or to suppress. Yang Tangzun has asked His Excellency the County Vice-Magistrate to participate in the discussion. They must reach a clear conclusion and absolutely cannot delay any longer."

"Because Elder Kong said the Main Hall of the county yamen has too many ears, I have specially invited you all here to the County Vice Magistrate Office to discuss matters today. The space is a bit cramped — please do not take offense." Yang Fangzao sat high in the seat of honor, but his manner toward the two rows of people below him was exceedingly polite. These men were all representatives of the Tongcheng gentry — either wealthy or noble.

The County Vice-Magistrate sat at the upper seat on the right. Pang Yu stood in the back row, ready in case anyone in the discussion needed anything.

"The chaos in Tongcheng, if prolonged, may breed disaster. Yet the yamen has long been rotten, and the Xuli are all unreliable. We must rely on the assistance of you gentry to have any hope of quelling the chaos. Today, I invite you all to speak freely. We must reach a firm conclusion so that officials and gentry may unite their hearts and strength."

When Yang Fangzao said "the yamen has long been rotten," he deliberately stressed the words "long been," reminding everyone that the fault lay with his predecessor, Gu Chaojian. He had only been Acting Magistrate for twenty-some days. Though forced to solve the problem, he was not about to carry this blame.

A silence fell over the hall. Pang Yu secretly observed the man in gray sitting second across from him. This man had gentle features and a healthy, full complexion, and sat in the hall with perfect composure. This man was Fang Kongzhao. Though he sat in a lower seat, he was a Presented Scholar and a Director of the Bureau of Operations currently in mourning at home. His actual status here was the highest — it was just that, on the surface, he was now merely a commoner.

A young Knight, seeing no one in the hall speaking, could not restrain himself and loudly declared, "Yesterday the bandits again paraded through the city in two columns for Xingxiang and issued thirteen banners. Because Mo Xiucai did not buy a Fire-Exemption Flag, in the afternoon Huang Wending led men to break down the gatehouse of Mo Xiucai's residence. The city's fools took advantage of the chaos that evening to plunder Mo Xiucai's house on a grand scale, and at dawn they set it ablaze, burning down Mo's home and spreading the fire to three civilian houses. Tongcheng has been in great chaos for days now. If this continues, people's hearts will be utterly lost, and the common folk will live in darkness without daylight. We must not delay any longer. We should request the Anchi Military Defense Circuit (Note 1) to dispatch troops to assist in the suppression."

"No!" Several men in the hall roared in unison.

Ever since the chaos began, these great gentry households had discussed matters in the county yamen before, but Pang Yu had never seen them so unanimous.

A man dressed in the splendid attire of a wealthy merchant stood up and said, "We absolutely must not request troops. The rioters only want some money, but a military disaster is far worse than bandit chaos. It is said everywhere that the realm suffers more from soldiers than from bandits. Our Nanzhili has been peaceful and undisturbed for many years, and the people's hearts are gentle and harmonious. Even if a few Local Bandits have appeared, they are still better than Guest Troops."

Fang Kongzhao sat at the upper seat with his head lowered, staring wordlessly at the bluestone slabs of the floor. His eyelids drooped slightly, revealing no emotion whatsoever. No one could tell which side he supported.

Another scholar stood up: "Setting aside the saying that soldiers passing through are worse than a fine-toothed comb — originally the city was only in minor chaos. But if the Chizhou Troops cross the river, and Huang Wending and his lot get word of it, provoked by the troops, they might harden their hearts and run amok. Then jade and stone would burn together. By the time the Chizhou Troops arrive, the city will have been burned to an empty shell. What benefit would that be to the common people?"

Another person said to Yang Fangzao, "Reporting to His Honor, to request troops, there must first be troops to request. To this Latecomer Student's knowledge, although the Anqing Prefecture Guard Post has a nominal quota of over 5, 00 men, in reality not a single soldier is usable. The Anchi Military Defense Circuit is stationed on the south bank. Some days ago, hearing of the upheaval in Tongcheng, they recruited just over a thousand soldiers. Yet the moment it was said they were coming to quell the chaos, half of them scattered that very night. The remainder declared that without Mobilization Silver, they would absolutely not cross the river. From this perspective, even to transfer troops, we would likely have to request soldiers from the Yingtian Grand Coordinator. One would imagine the Grand Coordinator's Fubiao Battalion ought to be well-disciplined and effective."

Seated below Fang Kongzhao was a middle-aged man of forty or fifty in blue robes. He had a lean, gaunt face with ruddy skin. At this moment, ignoring the speaker, he merely inclined his head toward Fang Kongzhao and bowed slightly: "If Brother Fang believes troops should be requested, this Ruan is willing to contribute what modest effort he can — first putting up 1, 00 taels of silver to assist the Chizhou Troops' mobilization."

A Low Murmur rippled through the hall. Pang Yu was astonished at how flatly the man spoke — one thousand three hundred taels just rolled off his tongue, clearly showing a very deep family fortune. Those who had indicated they did not want to request troops looked displeased; this middle-aged man in the blue robe was obviously only interested in currying favor with Fang Kongzhao, and the opinions of others simply did not matter to him.

Yang Fangzao had long since agreed with Pi Yingju that they absolutely would not request troops. Today was merely about having the Tongcheng gentry say the words "do not request troops" themselves. That was why, in his opening remarks, he had reminded everyone that they were to discuss how to use the combined strength of Tongcheng officials and gentry to quell the unrest, not the question of whether or not to request troops.

It was one thing for the first young scholar not to understand the situation, but for this middle-aged man in blue to go so far as to speak of helping the Chizhou Troops mobilize was clearly showing Yang Fangzao no face at all.

Yang Fangzao suppressed his anger, furrowed his brow, and asked, "I have yet to inquire this gentleman's honored name."

The middle-aged man in the blue robe remained perfectly composed. He stood up, neither servile nor overbearing, and said, "This old man is Ruan Dacheng."