Chapter 64: Whirlpool

Fang Kongzhao walked slowly to Pang Yu's side and gazed at the salt pool. "Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would never believe a person could float here freely, with no fear of sinking."

"It is also only because of you, Mr. Fang, that Young Master Fang could perform such a practical demonstration. After all, not every household can, like the Fang Family, hire dozens of Da Hang men in a single move."

Fang Kongzhao smiled faintly. "Then Pang Xiaoyou must also not be short of silver, to be able to regard silver and coin as dirt, preferring to haul back several dozen heads rather than touch that filthy silver. If one already possesses a vast family fortune, one ought to enjoy life with fine fields and a beautiful wife, and not make trouble for others or stir up disputes."

When Pang Yu heard "regard silver and coin as dirt," he stole a glance at Fang Kongzhao. There seemed to be no special implication — Fang Kongzhao did not know the way he had hidden the silver.

He lowered his voice and changed the subject. "Sir Fang, your words carry a hint of threat. Could it be that you have already hidden three hundred swordsmen and axemen behind the wall, waiting only for the signal of a dropped cup to rush out and hack this humble one into mincemeat?"

Fang Kongzhao was indeed diverted from his train of thought. He let out a mocking cold laugh, did not answer the question, but instead took two steps forward, arriving at the edge of the pool.

The three people in the pool, seeing Fang Kongzhao approach, immediately fell silent and watched him with great caution.

Fang Kongzhao glanced at them briefly but did not fly into a rage. He merely said flatly, "In this autumn chill, do not catch a cold. All of you, go change your clothes."

The three dared not say more. They hurriedly climbed out of the pool and came ashore dripping wet. Mace Bingdeng had not entered the water, but he dared not linger either. The four of them bowed to Fang Kongzhao and then hastily left the garden, leaving a trail of water stains behind them. Not one of them dared utter a single word in between.

Only Fang Yizhi paused at the doorway. He looked back at Pang Yu, as if wanting to call Pang Yu to leave with him, but seeing Fang Kongzhao's displeased expression, he ultimately departed in silence and haste without a word.

Once the four had left, only Fang Kongzhao and Pang Yu remained in the garden.

Pang Yu could now speak a little louder. "This humble one, like a merchant who rises early only for profit, has never wished to make trouble for others without cause. Nor do I, like Sir Fang, harbor lofty ambitions. I merely hope to have no lack of food and clothing, to buy a few more mu of farmland, and to keep a few more concubines. As long as I have a little silver, I am too lazy to bother with other matters. At most, I might delve into these heterodox and unorthodox studies."

Fang Kongzhao heard in Pang Yu's words that silver was the primary concern, and that everything else was negotiable — there was indeed an intent to reconcile. He softened his expression and said, "Heterodox studies are not without their ingenious ideas. Though not the orthodox path of the civil examinations, they may still be considered a form of talent."

"This humble one once heard someone say that Mr. Fang is precisely a man who cherishes talent."

Fang Kongzhao knew that the person Pang Yu spoke of was naturally Wang Guohua. In silence, he walked around the salt pool to the opposite side, his gaze lowered and fixed on Pang Yu's reflection in the water. "I wonder if that person also informed Pang Xiaoyou that while I do indeed cherish talent, I value virtue even more. If talent lacks virtue as its foundation and is used on a deviant path, it only brings greater calamity."

Pang Yu rubbed his chin and said, "So that is how it is. Mr. Fang's tone is bleak; it seems you have come to some realization."

Fang Kongzhao neither confirmed nor denied it, but in his heart, he knew that the idea of using the killing of Fang Yingqian as a rallying banner during the rioter uprising had been Wang Guohua's.

And Fang Yingqian was Fang Kongzhao's own paternal cousin. Wang Guohua had not only implicated Fang Kongzhao directly, but had also forcibly pinned the cause of the civil unrest on Fang Yingqian's head. Both aspects were connected to Fang Kongzhao. When Wang Guohua acted, he had given no consideration whatsoever to Fang Kongzhao's predicament. This was what made Fang Kongzhao's anger toward him blaze so fiercely.

From Pang Yu's tone, Wang Guohua was most likely in his hands. That Pang Yu had been able to hold back for so long, waiting for the Fang Family to come negotiate — this young constable's skill at maintaining a calm demeanor, despite his youth, also surprised Fang Kongzhao somewhat.

The two men stood facing each other across that small Dead Sea. Fang Kongzhao did not continue the previous topic, but instead looked at Pang Yu and said, "Pang Xiaoyou, by independently exterminating the rebels at Yunji Temple, you have already achieved merit enough to shake the heavens. At this moment, you should ride this momentum, and must not stray onto a deviant path, thereby delaying the great prospects that lie ahead of you."

Pang Yu heard the stiffness in Fang Kongzhao's tone, but he did not get angry in the slightest. He looked around casually and said, "Sir, you flatter me. This humble one merely fought desperately for my homeland, and thanks to the good fortune of all you esteemed gentlemen, I managed to gain a sliver of meager merit by luck. But as for prospects, you make me laugh, sir. I am merely a lowly constable; becoming a squad leader is as far as I can go. Even if I were to purchase a Donation Tribute rank, the most I could be is a petty clerk. You, on the other hand, sir, are a Presented Scholar by origin. You need only ride the wind to soar up to the Nine Heavens. It is you who most ought to ride this momentum, and must not create complications."

Fang Kongzhao, relying on his impression of constables, had always regarded Pang Yu as a marketplace Green-Skin — at most, someone with a bit of reckless courage who dared to take dangerous risks. He had originally thought that with the Fang Family's status and strength, a few threats followed by a slight show of favor would be enough to make Pang Yu hand over Wang Guohua and then obediently write Fang Kongzhao into the Detailed Report.

He had not expected Pang Yu to be so composed. Instead, Fang Kongzhao felt as if his own thoughts were being seen through, and he was nearly put on the back foot. He quickly gathered his focus and responded with care.

"It is not that I wish to create complications, but rather that the complication insists on making trouble for me."

As expected, Pang Yu pressed his advantage. He raised his eyes, his gaze bright and intense as he met Fang Kongzhao's stare. "That complication is not making trouble for you, sir. It is merely a hidden worry. In my view, if this man were to appear alive in court, it would be one thing if his testimony merely mentioned the past patronage of a certain local gentry. But if he were to speak of a certain Bazong who privately led troops into a restricted zone, acting under the orders of a mere country gentry — the two of them disregarding the imperial system entirely, no different from rebellion — and if the heads of those several Household Retainers, whose whereabouts are now unknown, were suddenly to surface from somewhere... Consider that the clerks of the Arrow-An-Ning Branch Circuit will certainly be observing, along with the Provincial Courier Official from the Southern Ministry of War, and perhaps an Advisor to the Yingtian Regional Inspector as well. Once word spreads through all these channels, even County Magistrate Yang will find it difficult to cover up. Then it would truly ruin that country gentry's great prospects."

Fang Kongzhao's pupils contracted slightly in an instant. He realized then that Pang Yu had thoroughly studied the chips in his hand. Though Pang Yu's offensive was fierce at this moment, Fang Kongzhao did not panic, because Pang Yu's status and strength were still far removed from his own. No matter how good the chips in Pang Yu's hand were, they were ultimately meant to trade with him, not to ruin him.

"Then Pang Xiaoyou, let us not beat around the bush. There is no need for us to circle each other any longer. Whatever your conditions, you may speak them freely and without reservation."

"This humble one believes that only where there is value can there be a transaction. That raises a question: if Wang Guohua is alive, I have the Meritorious Service of capturing the Bandit Leader alive. But if Wang Guohua is dead, what benefit is that to me?"

Fang Kongzhao smiled faintly. "You are direct, I grant you. However, eliminating a scourge for the people is itself a great Meritorious Service. What need is there for benefit? Those who speak of profit at every turn may not be the ones who ultimately gain it."

"What Mr. Fang says is reasonable. Whether Wang Guohua lives or dies indeed makes little difference to me. In that case, the best choice for this humble one is to do nothing at all — simply hand Wang Guohua over to the yamen. Why would I waste time and effort to needlessly add to the killing? Ultimately, what you should consider, sir, is what difference Wang Guohua's life or death makes to you. Only then can we discuss what comes after."

At this moment, Pang Yu only knew that the Fang family was an established clan, but he had little concept of the family's actual power. He also had no concept of what official position Fang Kongzhao could attain, guessing at most something like County Magistrate or Prefect — perhaps even that he might never be able to return to office.

Although Pang Yu had not been in the Ming Dynasty long, he knew that Ming Dynasty Circulating Officials could not serve in their home regions. That meant Fang Kongzhao could never come to Tongcheng to serve as an official. In Pang Yu's mind at this moment, focused only on the immediate transaction, Fang Kongzhao was merely a retired country official.

Fang Kongzhao pondered for a moment, then raised his head and said, "Dozens of people were killed at Yunji Temple, among them several Household Retainers from Digang. Regardless of how they got there, the fact remains that imperial troops died at your hands. The only surviving witness now is this Wang Guohua. If Wang Guohua is dead, this matter will be buried at Yunji Temple. No one will bring it up again, and no one will come seeking revenge."

Pang Yu asked directly, "Does that include Fang Bazong not coming to seek revenge either?"

"What I mean is all persons connected to the Fang Family. If Pang Xiaodi cannot trust this, then when the time comes, I can have Heavy Armor swear an oath in person."

Pang Yu did not agree immediately. This was his primary concern — the potential retaliation from Fang Zhongjia. Keeping Wang Guohua alive was also his countermeasure against the Fang Family.

Pang Yu carefully observed Fang Kongzhao's expression. He lacked faith in the form of oath-swearing and did not know whether the ancients treated oaths with seriousness.

As he observed, he continued to probe. "Does Sir Fang have any other requests?"

"The name Fang Yingqian must not appear in the Detailed Report. And my own name should be listed first among the country gentry who pacified the bandits."

Pang Yu tilted his head and said, "Mr. Fang offers only a verbal promise, yet I am to both silence a witness by killing him and secure tangible benefits for you in the Detailed Report. From my many years of experience in transactions, this matter seems somewhat unfair."

Fang Kongzhao laughed coldly. "Naturally, there is more to it than that. Does Pang Xiaoyou think this Detailed Report can be written with ease? Without my guidance, you will likely end up battered and bleeding over this report."

"If Mr. Fang has any guidance to offer, please speak plainly."

"Does Pang Xiaoyou know on whose orders that Southern Military Courier Officer acts?"

Pang Yu honestly shook his head. He truly could not figure out that Southern Military Courier Officer with his strange background.

"If my judgment is not mistaken, the Southern Military Courier Officer acts on orders from someone from Wucheng. He is determined to classify this as a case of Slaves Committing Evil. Once that point is established, he will go a step further and confirm the root cause as the gentry committing evil. But he is not targeting the Tongcheng gentry."

Pang Yu was stunned. He had not understood this talk of someone from Wucheng at all, and naturally could not grasp the logic behind it for the moment.

Fang Kongzhao continued speaking on his own. "The target of the person from Wucheng is undoubtedly the Yingtian Grand Coordinator, Zhang Guowei. The Courier Officer does not seek to convict the Tongcheng gentry, but rather to force Zhang Guowei to come forward and oppose the conclusion of Slaves Committing Evil."

Pang Yu asked in confusion, "Why?"

Fang Kongzhao's voice was calm. "The Tongcheng gentry are mostly connected to the Donglin and the Restoration Society. Even my own unworthy son is a member of the Restoration Society. If Zhang Guowei insists that the unrest had nothing to do with the gentry, while other memorials prove that the Tongcheng gentry indeed have misdeeds to their name, then the Emperor will naturally conclude that Zhang Guowei is shielding the gentry. And why would he shield the gentry? Because Zhang Guowei is Forming Cliques with the Shi Lin, the Donglin and Restoration Society are colluding with Zhang Guowei to remotely control the authority of Jiangnan. Zhang Guowei's tenure as Grand Coordinator would then be at its end. If, on the other hand, Zhang Guowei agrees with the conclusion that the gentry committed evil, the gentry will not accept it. Given the extensive connections of our Tongcheng gentry, they will certainly raise a huge uproar throughout the Jiangnan Shi Lin, inevitably accusing Yang Fangzao, Pi Yingju, and Zhang Guowei of currying favor with Wen Tiren, sullying their pure reputation in the Shi Lin, and offending a great number of Jiangnan gentry in the process. Zhang Guowei is a disciple of Mace Qianyi. His appointment as Yingtian Grand Coordinator naturally relies on local support from the Donglin to ensure his orders are carried out smoothly. If he offends the gentry, his very foundation will be shaken. For Zhang Guowei, determining the nature of the Tongcheng unrest and handling its aftermath is a dilemma from every angle — a matter of maneuvering within a tiny space."

Pang Yu was secretly alarmed. He only half-understood what Fang Kongzhao had just said, but he at least knew that it involved a struggle at the level of the Yingtian Grand Coordinator. The Yingtian Grand Coordinator governed the ten wealthiest prefectures of the Ming Dynasty, essentially equivalent to a provincial-level authority.

And Pang Yu himself was a mere runner, the lowest of the low. Once he was unwittingly dragged into a provincial-level power struggle, a single careless move by any side could crush a tiny ant like him to death.

But he still did not know whether Fang Kongzhao was deliberately trying to scare him, or if this was truly the case.

Fang Kongzhao continued, "This old man can see this matter clearly. Zhang Guowei and Li Youdang should be able to see it clearly as well. No matter what view they hold, neither will step forward personally. For each party's memorials to be well-reasoned and evidence-based, they must all use the initial Detailed Report from the Tongcheng County yamen as their foundation. That is why all parties have gathered in Tongcheng — for this single Detailed Report. At present, this report rests on the shoulders of an Advisor and Pang Xiaoyou. But the Advisor is too closely tied to the Hall Officer, inevitably raising suspicion that it reflects the Hall Officer's own intent. Pang Xiaoyou, on the other hand — a squad leader who can write and calculate, unconnected to any official — once Yang Fangzao sees the situation clearly, the task of the Detailed Report will surely fall on you alone. The Grand Coordinator, the Regional Inspector, the Southern Ministry of War, the Branch Surveillance Circuit, the Tongcheng gentry, the County Magistrate, the Prefect, and that person from Wucheng — the Grand Coordinator and the Wucheng party are the most opposed, while the rest are fence-sitters, each with their own hidden agenda. When the time comes, Pang Xiaodi, if you are at a loss and rashly write the Detailed Report, once you offend any one of these parties, whatever silver you obtained in that temple will be nothing more than a wedding dress for someone else."

Pang Yu had no time to argue about the silver. In any case, Fang Kongzhao was already convinced he had at least obtained some of it. For now, he steadied his mind and looked at Fang Kongzhao. "Mr. Fang, what you say does have some logic. But even if I know all this, the Detailed Report will still be difficult to complete. What use is this knowledge to me?"

"You and I, together we both benefit; fighting, we both suffer. Pang Xiaoyou, you must not underestimate this Detailed Report. This matter has far-reaching implications, and you must handle it with extreme care. If you still have doubts in your heart, Pang Xiaoyou, there is no need to rush into an agreement. I have said all I have to say today. Pang Xiaoyou may go back and think it over carefully, and see whether what this old man has just said is worth what you are asked to do."

"That 'person from Wucheng' Second Brother mentioned just now is likely a subordinate of the Chief Grand Secretary, Wen Tiren." He Xianya's voice trembled slightly. "Wen Tiren's native place is Wucheng, so some in official circles use the place name to refer to him."

The two men exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with fear. The great chaos had originally been quelled — Pang Yu had gained both silver and fame, and should have been enjoying the dividends of victory. How could they have known that precisely because of his status as the man who earned the highest merit in pacifying the unrest, he would suddenly be assigned the task of drafting the Detailed Report, and drawn into a bizarre and dangerous officialdom whirlpool.

This was a dangerous whirlpool, because it already involved the Chief Grand Secretary and the Yingtian Grand Coordinator.

"These great officials want the Tongcheng County yamen's Detailed Report as their basis. They all want the report written to suit their own purposes, to achieve their respective goals." Pang Yu also recalled the matter of Tang Weimin dealing with Clerk Zhao, and his headache instantly worsened. He rubbed his forehead and said, "Should I just pretend to be sick? Say I was injured while pacifying the unrest."

He Xianya lowered his voice. "I shouldn't have disturbed Second Brother, but there's something I must say. That Wang Guohua is gravely ill, and we dare not get him treated — I don't know how much longer he can hold on. Also, before I came, Eldest Brother said that guarding Wang Guohua all this time has been both exhausting and dangerous… He insisted I tell you: he wants a larger share of the silver."

Pang Yu rubbed his brow wearily. "How much more does he want?"

"Six thousand in total."

Pang Yu stared at the tabletop for a moment, then raised his eyes to He Xianya. "And what about you, Third Brother? How much more do you want?"

"I'll just… take an extra thousand. Three thousand in total."

"Why don't you take six thousand?"

"This subordinate figures that taking less now means being able to take more later."

Pang Yu smiled, then sighed softly. Just as he was about to speak, a figure appeared in the doorway.

Pang Yu looked up — it was Ruan Dacheng, whom he had only met once before.

He knew the man had gone to Anqing in the interim and provided Wang Gongbi with a sum of silver as Mobilization Silver, which was how the Chizhou Troops had managed to cross the river.

The man was, after all, a Presented Scholar. Pang Yu hurriedly stood and bowed. "This humble one greets Ruan Xiansheng."

Ruan Dacheng stroked his beard and strode over with bold, sweeping steps. He lifted Pang Yu by the arm and said warmly, "This old man just came from Yang Tangzun and Zhou County Deputy. I heard that Pang Squad Leader, alone and fearless, charged straight into Yunji Temple and swept away scores of rebels with a single sword, saving the countless souls of our Tongcheng. Such a deed deserves to be remembered for a hundred generations."

Pang Yu had not expected Ruan Dacheng to be so unassuming. The last time at the county office, Ruan Dacheng had barely given even the County Vice-Magistrate a pleasant look.

Ruan Dacheng continued, "In these times when the realm is in turmoil, a hero as peerless as Pang Squad Leader should absolutely not be buried in the Tongcheng county office. Should this old man ever be restored to office, I will stake everything on recommending you, so that Pang Squad Leader's name for valor reaches all the way to the imperial presence."

Pang Yu now had a fair idea of what was going on. It seemed Ruan Dacheng had his eye on that Detailed Report as well, wanting his name listed in it to earn a reputation for military acumen — all ultimately aimed at reviving his official career.

"Then this humble one thanks Ruan Xiansheng in advance for his regard."

Ruan Dacheng produced a Silver Note from his breast and laid it directly on Pang Yu's desk. The Detailed Report was already headache enough; Pang Yu hardly dared entangle more people in it and hastily moved to decline.

Ruan Dacheng grabbed Pang Yu's hand. "Pang Squad Leader, you must not refuse. This token of regard is offered by this old man on behalf of the people of Tongcheng. There is no hint of soliciting a favor — Pang Squad Leader cannot turn away the goodwill of the common folk."

With that, he strode out the door. The Corridor was bustling with people coming and going, and Pang Yu could hardly chase after him waving the Silver Note. He had no choice but to set it on the table for now and follow to the doorway to see Ruan Dacheng off.

Ruan Dacheng cupped his hands politely. "This humble one founded a literary society called the Zhongjiang Society. It does not merely study Current Affairs Essays and opera lyrics, but also discusses swordsmanship and military matters. Ruan has always believed that in times of national peril, the effete scholarly ethos must be swept away — a Scholar should mount a horse and be a general, dismount and be a chancellor; only then can he be called a pillar of the state. Pang Squad Leader may hold no civil rank, but he has the great merit of quelling bandits and pacifying chaos. If Pang Xiaoyou does not scorn it, you may join my Zhongjiang Society."

Pang Yu gave a perfunctory assent. Ruan Dacheng finished speaking, took his leave, and departed. The man had come solely to deliver a Silver Note and had asked for nothing at all — but Pang Yu knew there would inevitably be a return expected.

He just hadn't expected Ruan Dacheng to actually invite him into the Zhongjiang Society. Scholars in these times were fond of forming societies, but they were strictly limited to the literati — at minimum a Xiucai or Government Student. No one had ever invited a yamen runner to join a society, because in the eyes of the literati, a runner's status was lower than a peasant's.

This only showed how deep Ruan Dacheng's hunger for fame and profit ran — for the sake of a single name in a Detailed Report, he was willing to invite a lowly runner into the literary society he himself had founded.

Just then, a Runner hurried over at the doorway and said urgently to Pang Yu, "Reporting to the Squad Leader, someone outside is looking for you."

Pang Yu was already mentally and physically exhausted. He said wearily, "Who is it now? If it's nothing important, send them away."

"Then this humble one will go send her away."

"I asked you first who it is."

"A peasant girl from the countryside. Shouldn't be anything important."

Pang Yu paused, then suddenly rushed out the main gate. A quick glance and he spotted Sun Tianxiu's small figure.

Sun Tianxiu was carrying a huge back-basket, her little face flushed pink. She had been rather frightened seeing the Auxiliaries at the Eight-Character Wall, but the moment she saw Pang Yu emerge, a radiant smile broke across her face.

She wiped the sweat from her forehead and said a little shyly, "Uncle, I brought you some new rice, and some radishes too."

Pang Yu gazed at that sweat-beaded, smiling face for a long moment. Suddenly he felt his heart lighten, and a knowing smile spread across his own face.