Chapter 44: Gathering

Ruan Dacheng stroked the thick beard on his chin, standing composed and utterly at ease below the hall. Yang Fangzao, however, paused slightly — not because he had never heard the name, but because this man was far too notorious.

Ruan Dacheng was a native of Huaining, a Presented Scholar of the forty-fourth year of the Wanli reign. This man first joined the Donglin, becoming a vanguard champion of the Donglin Party. Later, when the Donglin gave the post they had promised him to Wei Dazhong instead, he angrily defected to Wei Zhongxian and became part of the Eunuch Faction. But even as a member of the Eunuch Faction, he wavered back and forth, and in the end pleased neither side — a classic example of playing a hand full of winning cards into utter ruin.

Although Ruan Dacheng currently held no official post, he still possessed his Presented Scholar status. In his early years, he had been a Censor of the Section for Scrutiny in the Capital, participating in the highest-level political struggles of the Ming Empire. The connections he had accumulated in officialdom were not something Yang Fangzao, a mere County Magistrate, could compare with.

Yang Fangzao dared not put on official airs, nor did he wish to become entangled with this man. He could only say to Ruan Dacheng, "So it is Mr. Ruan. No wonder you are so zealous for public duty. Please, have a seat."

"Defending one's native soil is our bounden duty." Ruan Dacheng bowed slightly in salute, then slowly took his seat.

Seeing that Ruan Dacheng still seemed ready to speak, Yang Fangzao, unwilling to be drawn into further entanglement with this man, hastily preempted him: "This official is ashamed to hold the post of Tongcheng County Magistrate, and truly does not wish to see Tongcheng suffer both bandit chaos and military chaos. Those local bandits are all common folk of Tongcheng. In this official's opinion, pacification is still preferable to pacification; we must not speak lightly of using troops. I wonder if Sir Fang agrees."

Only now did Fang Kongzhao seem to awaken, shifting his gaze from the floor to Yang Fangzao. "Sir Yang is benevolent and kind-hearted, and what you say has reason. But this official has a consideration. Since ancient times, with this kind of civil unrest, one cannot speak solely of suppression or solely of pacification. Suppression alone merely adds to the slaughter, and the cycle of vengeance between officials and bandits drags on endlessly, inevitably ruining the region. Pacification alone leaves the bandits with nothing to fear; the unrest cannot be quelled, and in the end they will take a mile when given an inch. All who have successfully quelled unrest, past and present, have had to combine firmness with gentleness, suppression with pacification, to achieve complete success. Do you all agree?"

Before Yang Fangzao could reply, the carriage that had objected earlier listened and interjected: "Sir Fang's argument is improper. We are all men of Tongcheng, neighbors and kinsmen in this region. To say there are truly obstinate and wicked men among them — they are very few indeed. Nor should we speak so readily of suppression and killing. Observe since this unrest began: the gates of Tongcheng's prominent families have not all suffered. The ringleaders still have some sense of restraint. At the very least, they have not gone to Sir Fang's residence. But once the Chizhou troops are brought in, those are guest troops. They may know the He Family and the Zuo Family, but the Fang Family they may not know, let alone the rest. When the time comes and they beat on doors with swords drawn, that will truly be a case of a Xiucai meeting a soldier."

A burly, bearded man behind Fang Kongzhao spoke coldly: "Liu Xiucai, your words carry hidden meaning. Why not speak plainly."

Liu Xiucai tilted his head slightly. "This Latecomer Student merely speaks the plain truth."

The bearded man rose in anger. Fang Kongzhao turned slightly and waved a hand at the man, then fixed his gaze on Liu Xiucai. "Fang spoke of combining suppression and pacification; he did not say troops should be invited to Tongcheng. Liu Xiucai, before even hearing me out, you distort Fang's intent and make insinuations. Could it be that the bandits not coming to Fang's residence involves some shady business?"

"This Latecomer Student would not dare. It is merely what I saw with my own eyes: the bandit spawn passed by the gate of Fengyi Lane in their Xingxiang procession, yet did not disturb the Fang residence. And recalling that Sir Fang has always held that Wang Guohua in esteem, and even showed him kindness — this is known to all in Tongcheng. One cannot blame others for drawing their own conclusions."

No one in the hall spoke. In this uprising, every family had suffered to some degree; the only ones completely unscathed were the He Family and the Fang Family. He Ruchong was a retired Grand Secretary — no one dared compare themselves to him. Fang Kongzhao, though a Capital Official, had not yet been reinstated, so people could still make comparisons, and there was indeed some resentment in their hearts. Previously, out of regard for face, everyone had been too embarrassed to voice it. But now that Liu Xiucai had spoken, they were happy to see it come to pass.

Fang Kongzhao, now the target of all, remained unhurried. He first swept a composed glance across the hall, then spoke in a calm tone: "So it was Liu Xiucai who saw it with his own eyes. Then Fang has a question. Once upon a time, the scholar-officials of Tongcheng serving at court were so numerous their carriage canopies brushed against one another. Within the four borders, the fields were fertile, the people prosperous. Families revered rites and decorum; men studied poetry and books. Customs were pure and rich; the gentry were models for the common folk. Tongcheng was known as a land of rites and decorum. I wonder if Liu Xiucai ever saw that with his own eyes? In those days, who ever rose in revolt? Who ever murdered and hung corpses? Who ever paraded in Xingxiang past the gates of Fengyi Lane?"

His voice was not loud, but it carried ample force; everyone could hear him clearly. The hall was silent; all the gentry said nothing. Pang Yu felt that this man's presence alone could overpower a room full of people.

Fang Kongzhao did not wait for Liu Xiucai to answer, but continued: "Times have changed. Before the unrest erupted in Tongcheng, families of hereditary privilege seldom followed rites and law. Their sons, younger brothers, and servants relied on power to bully others. They let their slaves run rampant through markets and fields, heaped cruel debts and heavy rents upon the common folk, breeding resentment — even killing people in the streets until public anger boiled over. I ask Liu Xiucai, did you see that with your own eyes? Could it be that all of the above was caused by this old man's appreciation for a single martial man?"

Liu Xiucai was momentarily speechless, his mouth agape. Pang Yu inwardly cheered for Fang Kongzhao. Liu Xiucai had insinuated that Fang Kongzhao's indulgence of Wang Guohua had brought about the uprising. Fang Kongzhao's counterattack, though not naming Liu Xiucai directly, clearly pointed to the conduct of Liu Xiucai and the other gentry as the very cause of the unrest.

Fang Kongzhao cleared his throat, preparing to press his advantage, when a scholar at the lower end suddenly stood and loudly declared: "Sir Fang speaks the truth! It is the daily exploitation of the common folk that has accumulated public resentment. When chaos erupts, you panic and flee a thousand miles. We scholars and country gentry, having received the state's grace for generations, now hang our heads in despair before such petty clowns, our dignity swept away. I have seen few with the resolve to chastise the bandits; I see only men opening their gates to buy flags, bribing bandits with gold and silver, and advocating pacification to protect themselves. How can this be tolerated?"

An uproar filled the hall. The crowd rose from their seats one after another. Liu Xiucai seized the scholar and cursed: "Jiang Zhihuai, what is your status, to say who hangs their head and whose dignity is swept away? If you do not explain yourself clearly today, do not think of leaving this County Vice Magistrate Office."

Other gentry nearby had already begun to strike out amid the chaos. Facing the rioters, they had been outnumbered; but here in this Main Hall, they had no fear whatsoever of Jiang Zhihuai.

The Main Hall was like a marketplace. Fang Kongzhao aided neither side, sitting steadily in his seat. Behind him, the Fang family juniors had all risen, but none had left their original positions.

Yang Fangzao, seeing the situation turning ugly, hastily called the county yamen staff forward. Pang Yu had no choice but to enter the inner circle as well, working with the County Vice-Magistrate to pull apart the furious gentry. With great difficulty, they rescued Jiang Zhihuai.

Jiang Zhihuai's hair was disheveled, yet he remained defiant, shouting curses loudly. Yang Fangzao had to send men to escort Jiang Zhihuai to the rear hall to rest, so that the meeting could continue.

Now those advocating feigned surrender held an absolute advantage. Yang Fangzao smoothly reached a resolution, and furthermore had the gentry write a petition to be delivered to Wang Gongbi, firmly rejecting the entry of Chizhou troops into Tongcheng.

The meeting ended on a sour note. The assembled gentry departed one after another. Fang Kongzhao deliberately lingered behind. Ruan Dacheng had intended to stay, but unexpectedly Fang Kongzhao said, "Brother Ruan, please go on ahead."

Ruan Dacheng had no choice but to leave as well. Only Fang Kongzhao and the Fang family juniors remained in the hall.

Fang Kongzhao said politely to Yang Fangzao, "Fang wishes to speak privately with you two gentlemen."

Yang Fangzao nodded, looked at Pang Yu and the other yamen runners, and said, "You few, withdraw for now."

Fang Kongzhao also said to Advisor Yu and the other advisors, "I must ask you gentlemen to excuse us for a moment as well."

Advisor Yu had no choice but to leave the Main Hall together with Pang Yu. The several Fang family men dispersed below the hall, keeping the advisors and yamen runners at a far distance.

Pang Yu asked Advisor Yu, "This Sir Fang is strange, keeping secrets even from others."

"He is acting as a central liaison for the concerned gentry of Tongcheng. They have already raised a considerable sum of silver and are currently recruiting men to prepare for quelling the unrest."

Pang Yu's heart tightened. "What men could possibly defeat that many rioters?"

"That Fang Rural Official is very tight-lipped and never reveals a word. No one really knows the details."

Pang Yu carefully observed the several men Fang Kongzhao had brought. They all looked to be dressed as scholars, but their bearing and movements were not those of weak, bookish men.

He then asked Advisor Yu in a low voice, "Are those men he brought all hired hands?"

Advisor Yu shook his head. "Hired hands? They are all sons and brothers of the Fang Family. The one on the left is his son-in-law, Sun Lin. The bearded man in the middle is his younger brother, Fang Zhongjia — I hear he is the Garrison Commander of Digang. The one on the right is his eldest son."

"But Liu Xiucai said the rioters did not harass the Fang Family. Why is Fang Rural Official so intent on quelling the unrest?"

Advisor Yu leaned his head closer and said quietly, "Do you know why the rioters dare not go to Fang Rural Official's door? First, the Fang family sons are fierce. Second, Wang Guohua has old ties with Fang Rural Official. Fang Rural Official always appreciated his martial valor and strategic mind. The yamen once arrested Wang Guohua, but he was released because Fang Rural Official interceded. Now Wang Guohua has stirred up a colossal disaster. If the court investigates in the future, Fang Rural Official will inevitably be implicated. That is why Fang Rural Official is quelling the unrest now — his primary aim is self-preservation."

Pang Yu suddenly understood and silently committed this to memory. By now, Fang Kongzhao and the others had finished their discussion and were walking together down from the hall.

When they reached the Ceremonial Gate, Yang Fangzao said to the County Vice-Magistrate, "This official must accompany Pi Daren in the coming days and also inspect the City Wall and streets. Sir Zhou, maintain more contact with Sir Fang."

Fang Kongzhao cupped his hands to the County Vice-Magistrate. "This matter is of grave importance. Fang will exchange information with you two gentlemen daily."

The County Vice-Magistrate, knowing full well that Fang Kongzhao was a Presented Scholar and a Capital Official, dared not put on the slightest airs. He said with utmost deference: "Whatever news this humble official receives, he will certainly inform Sir Fang. I only worry that if a matter is urgent and you are not at your residence, to whom should this humble official relay the message?"

Fang Kongzhao hesitated a moment, glanced at the Fang family juniors behind him, and said, "You may inform my worthless son."

Behind him, a young man dressed in a white short jacket, brimming with heroic spirit, stepped forward and cupped his hands to the County Vice-Magistrate. "Attendant Instructor Fang Yizhi greets Sir Zhou."

"Fang Yizhi? Why does that name sound familiar?" Pang Yu looked at the young man and scratched his head, trying to fish the name out of his mind, but for the life of him he could not recall where he had heard it before.

……

In the deep of night, the long lane of Fengyi Lane echoed with the repeated sound of the watchman's clapper. Even during Tongcheng's most chaotic days, Fengyi Lane had always remained orderly. It had never purchased a Fire-Exemption Flag, and Huang Wending's gang had never come to Fengyi Lane to cause trouble.

It was all because of the Fang Family's presence in Fengyi Lane. The Fang family juniors had a tradition of martial valor. They not only practiced fist-fighting, swordplay, and blade techniques, but even drilled in horsemanship — far beyond what ordinary aristocratic families could match.

The clear, crisp sound of the clapper drifted into the Fang Family Study. The lamplight in the room was slightly dim. A maid lifted a pair of scissors — snip — trimmed the charred wick at the front, then gently adjusted the wick. The lamplight blazed bright again.

Fang Kongzhao waved his hand. The maid made a curtsy and withdrew, leaving only the bearded man, Fang Zhongjia, seated across the desk. This man was Fang Kongzhao's younger brother — first a scholar, then a warrior. He had passed the Military Examination Candidate examination and currently served as the Bazong of Digang. He had rushed back to Tongcheng from Digang only after the unrest began.

After the maid closed the door, Fang Zhongjia said in a low voice, "Brother, the few household retainers I brought back have all fought and killed salt smugglers before. With the help of the able-bodied servants in the household, holding Fengyi Lane is no problem. But if we are to sally out and attack, we must wait a few more days until the men are fully assembled. Only then can we guarantee that the bandit chieftains will not escape."

Fang Kongzhao's gaze shifted. "Then we can only ask Magistrate Yang and the others to continue with feigned surrender, to buy us a few more days. You and I are both too conspicuous in the city. Tomorrow, have Sun Yi and Jiang Zhihuai come to the residence; let them run the errands and liaise with the recruits."

"I will remember. But when the time comes and the men are assembled, there will be several dozen of them. Housing them in the residence will inevitably leak word."

Fang Kongzhao nodded. "Then have them stay where Mizhi usually studies."

Fang Zhongjia lowered his voice further. "Elder Brother, contact has already been made with that man. Will you go meet him in person, or shall I?"

Fang Kongzhao narrowed his eyes, staring blankly for a moment at the dancing flame atop the wick. "It is still inconvenient for me to go. Take Sun Lin with you. The two of you must persuade him together. Make sure he understands the stakes involved. This uprising has surely shaken Nanzhili and will certainly alarm the Emperor. No one can intercede or plead on his behalf. Meritorious service to atone for his crimes is his only path to survival. You must make this absolutely clear."

"Understood. If he is willing to be an Inner Responder, then quelling the unrest is half achieved." Fang Zhongjia paused, then said in a deep voice, "Someone informed me that Ruan Dacheng has set out for Anqing. He likely intends to provide Wang Gongbi with the Mobilization Silver."

Fang Kongzhao waved his hand dismissively. "Do not obstruct him. His heart is full of ambition and profit, thinking to gain merit by assisting in this unrest, perhaps even earning a fine reputation for military knowledge, so as to regain the Emperor's favor. He is merely indulging in wishful thinking."

"But if the Chizhou troops cross the river and scare the bandits away…"

"No need to worry. It has already been agreed with County Magistrate Yang. The Tongcheng gentry unanimously and firmly refuse to request troops. The Detailed Report that County Magistrate Yang and Prefect Pi sent to Wang Gongbi explicitly states that the rioters have already submitted to pacification. Even if Wang Gongbi crosses the river, he would not dare to enter Tongcheng without authorization. Should any incident occur, it would all be blamed on the rioters being provoked by him into rebelling again. He would not dare to bring such calamity upon himself. Just focus your mind on preparing men to quell the unrest."

……

Outside the barbican gate at the north entrance of Anqing Prefecture, Wang Gongbi of the Anchi Military Defense Circuit narrowed his eyes, observing the marching column not far away.

The soldiers passing by outside the city were precisely the Chizhou Troops. The column had just crossed the river from Chizhou and reached Anqing. The Vice Prefect left to hold Anqing was on high alert as if facing a great enemy, and had shut all the city gates, treating the Chizhou Troops as rebels.

Although Wang Gongbi was the Military Defense Circuit, he could do nothing about the Vice Prefect. He had no choice but to have the Chizhou Troops bypass the city and set up camp outside the north gate. In making this half-circle around the city, the Chizhou Troops harassed the street stalls outside Anqing City into utter chaos.

Half the soldiers in the army still wore tattered commoners' clothing, casually holding a Waist Saber or long spear in their hands — some carrying them, some shouldering them, and some holding them upright high in the air. Seen from a distance, the column was in such disorder it looked like a motley mob.

Wang Gongbi knew those were beggars and refugees rounded up to make up the numbers. He turned his head and asked a military officer beside him, "Commander Pan, have the spies you sent to Tongcheng sent back any report?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the spies I dispatched returned saying that the gang of rioters led by Huang Wending claim to have submitted to pacification, yet they still maintain a fortified camp at Wuyin Temple by the south gate, and are forging weapons and armor in the Suburban Area. It is nothing like the state of submission the Tongcheng County Magistrate described."

Wang Gongbi gave a cold laugh. "They claim submission, yet the signs of unrest remain. Yang Fangzao and Pi Yingju use 'submission' to obstruct this official. If one day the unrest erupts again, the court will still hold us accountable. How could this official tolerate their perfunctory excuses?"

"Your Excellency sees clearly. The Tongcheng Mushou claims submission has been achieved, only to make Your Excellency hesitate for fear of collateral damage. If Your Excellency insists on advancing the troops and the rioters cause trouble, then later the Tongcheng gentry will submit a flurry of impeachment memorials, inevitably claiming that all consequences arose from Your Excellency's unauthorized entry. Yet if Your Excellency does not advance the troops and a small unrest grows into a major one, then some Censor will impeach Your Excellency for standing by and nurturing bandits."

Wang Gongbi gave a cold laugh. "Grand Coordinator Zhang of Yingtian has already stationed himself at Jurong and inquires daily about the progress in pacifying Tongcheng. The Tongcheng officials and gentry refuse to allow troops into Tongcheng. Pi Yingju and Yang Fangzao have already placed this official in a dilemma with no way forward or back."

Commander Pan furrowed his brow and said in a low voice, "My spies also say that the Tongcheng rioters are parading through the city for Xingxiang, and that the proceeds from selling Acting Emperor Fire-Exemption Banners amount to no less than seventy thousand taels of silver, plus what they plundered from several wealthy households… This subordinate was thinking that perhaps it could supplement the back pay owed in the camp."

After speaking, Commander Pan stole a glance at Wang Gongbi. He saw Wang Gongbi's eyes flicker faintly. After a moment, Wang Gongbi said flatly, "This official will not give them what they want. This official will both enter Tongcheng and not enter Tongcheng, leaving them with nothing to say."