Chapter 66: The Middleman

Pang Yu and Mr. Ma arrived at the advisors' hall to the left of the main hall. The advisors' hall was generally where the County Magistrate's private advisors handled official documents, and at the moment there was no one inside. Pang Yu waited for Mr. Ma to take his seat before sitting down on the right side.

Mr. Ma spoke in a calm tone. "Does Pang Squad Leader have any unique views on the cause of the civil unrest? You may share them with this old man for consideration."

Pang Yu paused briefly to reflect. The situation was delicate. He himself bore the title of hero who quelled the unrest, and even Yang Fangzao dared not arbitrarily dismiss him from his squad leader post, so he was not particularly afraid of Mr. Ma.

"This humble one wouldn't dare. In truth, whether it is slaves committing evil, personal feuds stirring trouble, or even gentry committing wrongdoing — no matter how it is classified, this humble one does not care. Originally, such an important detailed report should have been handled by the advisors and the Document Receiving Office, or at the very least drafted by several clerks. Yet now it has fallen upon this humble one, a crude squad leader. This humble one finds it easy to pick up the brush, but difficult to set it down. I lack the ability to write this detailed report well."

Mr. Ma did not interrupt, watching Pang Yu calmly and waiting for him to continue.

"Mr. Ma spoke well earlier — this is about killing the thief in one's own heart. Lord Zhang governs the Ten Prefectures, laboring mind and strength for the state. This humble one is also willing to share Lord Zhang's burdens. This humble one was born and raised here and must continue living in this place in the future. Once this detailed report is submitted, Mr. Ma will return to Suzhou to report on his mission, and Lord Yang will go elsewhere for promotion, leaving this humble one isolated and helpless. The influence these gentry wield in the locality — I believe Mr. Ma understands it well. If this humble one offends them, I fear I would die without a burial place. Furthermore, these gentry have old connections throughout officialdom. Tongcheng has many scholarly families, and there is even someone like He Laoxiansheng, a Grand Secretary. If they are not pacified, I fear it may damage Lord Zhang's reputation among the Shi Lin."

"Pang Squad Leader's concerns are entirely reasonable." Mr. Ma clasped his hands together. "If there are requests that do not harm the greater good, you may state them freely."

On the matter of pacifying the Tongcheng gentry, Pang Yu and Mr. Ma's interests were aligned. Pang Yu licked his lips and continued. "This humble one's opinion is that even if the cause is determined to be slaves committing evil, it must not implicate all of the Tongcheng gentry. Wu Yingqi, Ye Can, and Fang Yingqian allowed their slaves to commit evil — then it is these three who committed evil, not the Tongcheng gentry as a whole. Those gentry who contributed efforts during the pacification should also be reported truthfully."

Mr. Ma nodded slightly. Of course, he did not think Pang Yu was acting out of kindness; he merely guessed that Pang Yu might be acting on orders from some member of the gentry. As for who exactly, Mr. Ma did not particularly care.

From the perspective of Zhang Guowei and Mr. Ma, these Tongcheng gentry were only a small fraction of the Jiangnan Ten Prefectures, and their direct interests with Zhang Guowei were very limited. Thus they did not care about the future fate of these gentry, only about how to minimize the impact on Shi Lin public opinion.

"Tongcheng has not seen major unrest in a hundred years — why did it arise now? This humble one believes that country squires allowing slaves to commit evil is only one of the causes. Another important cause is that within the yamen, there are functionaries colluding with powerful household slaves to oppress the common people, which is what made public outrage so great. If these scum within the yamen are not removed, the root of civil unrest remains, and there is no guarantee it won't happen again someday. When that time comes, Mr. Ma will once again be troubled to travel from a thousand li away."

Mr. Ma lowered his brows and eyes and said, "From what I hear, Pang Squad Leader already knows who these scum within the yamen are. Might I ask whether you have informed His Honor, Lord Yang?"

"On such a major matter, how could a mere squad leader like this humble one open his mouth and speak recklessly? However, this humble one thinks that when the trial is held in the main hall later, someone will surely have things to confess. The court can then use this detailed report to sweep away the scum among the gentry and within the yamen, and from then on Tongcheng will once again be clear and bright — which would not be unworthy of Lord Zhang's painstaking efforts."

By now Mr. Ma understood Pang Yu's meaning: he could not shoulder the burden of the detailed report for nothing. The earlier method of distinguishing among the gentry was to divide the Tongcheng gentry's camp. Their interests were aligned — Pang Yu could protect himself, and the Grand Coordinator Yamen could avoid the influence of Shi Lin public opinion.

But this later matter of some scum was clearly Pang Yu's private affair.

Pang Yu had already made clear it was a functionary. A provincial-level grand official like Zhang Guowei would naturally care even less. No matter which functionary in the Tongcheng County yamen, in their eyes the difference from an ant was truly not great. Mr. Ma would not even blink at trading them away.

"If the detailed report is drafted as Pang Squad Leader suggests, does Pang Squad Leader believe the Tongcheng gentry will be able to accept it peacefully?"

"Naturally it won't be that easy, but this humble one will go and persuade them. Presumably, having thoroughly studied the words of the sages, they are all people who understand reason and should be able to appreciate everyone's difficulties."

Mr. Ma nodded. Since Pang Yu claimed he could persuade those gentry, he did not need to ask what method — presumably it would rely on those country squires of standing to suppress the others.

He naturally understood what purpose those people whose names were to be written had. He raised his eyes to look at Pang Yu. "The Tongcheng detailed report can include the names of those gentry who helped pacify the unrest, so long as they are verifiable facts. But this old man cannot guarantee that the memorial the Grand Coordinator Yamen submits to the court will include their names."

Pang Yu saw that Mr. Ma had understood his meaning. Once the deal with Mr. Ma was reached, he could go and make a deal with Fang Kongzhao.

"This humble one is merely a yamen runner, so naturally I can only concern myself with the Tongcheng detailed report."

Mr. Ma cleared his throat and said, "As for that scum within the yamen, after all it is an internal matter of the Tongcheng County yamen. Whether to include it in the detailed report — has Pang Squad Leader consulted His Honor, Lord Yang?"

"Although Lord Yang is only acting in the County Magistrate's affairs, he is after all the Zuotang Guan, and perhaps he would not wish the matter of scum in the yamen to become widely known, lest people say he cannot control his subordinates and the yamen loses face. But this humble one thinks, the county yamen is the model for all, and if such scum are allowed to remain in important posts, the hidden danger of unrest will persist. So whether this person is written into the detailed report is not critical; what is most critical is that this person can no longer remain in the yamen. Since Mr. Ma is here, with Mr. Ma's wealth of experience, could you think of a method that both preserves the yamen's face and resolves this hidden danger — then everyone would be happy."

Mr. Ma had spent over ten years working his way through yamens, and most of the runners he had met carried a marketplace shrewdness, but none were truly clever. He had not expected to encounter in Tongcheng this runner who had just been promoted to squad leader, entirely different from ordinary yamen runners. Other runners would fall silent as winter cicadas when meeting the County Magistrate, and upon hearing he was from the Grand Coordinator Yamen, they would be so frightened they could barely string a sentence together. Yet this Pang Yu spoke with ease and confidence, and moreover understood with great clarity what both sides needed. Although it was a transaction, he could still let both sides save face.

"This old man now feels that Pang Squad Leader's achievement of first merit in quelling the unrest was no fluke." Mr. Ma stood up and said, "Then I must trouble Pang Squad Leader to settle the matter of the detailed report as soon as possible, and restore clear and bright order to Tongcheng."

……

Pang Yu stepped into Fang Kongzhao's study. Just as he was about to speak, he saw that Fang Zhongjia and Fang Yizhi were also present. He immediately swallowed his words and hurriedly greeted Fang Yizhi with a salute.

When he turned to Fang Zhongjia, this Bazong lord's eyes were wide with fury. Pang Yu could only manage a smile.

Fang Yizhi returned the salute with clasped hands and said, "That day Pang Squad Leader left in a hurry. Yesterday my younger brother told me about several great continents, among them the so-called New Continent, which must be where the Folangji people's great sailing ships come from. Though the New Continent is a land beyond civilization, it has many marvelous aspects. I was just hoping to consult Pang Squad Leader."

"Young Master Fang is too kind. Once matters here are settled, I will naturally come to discuss with Young Master Fang."

"On the twenty-first of this month, our Ze Society has a Current Affairs Essays gathering in Longmian Mountain. If Pang Squad Leader is free, you may come to Ze Garden for a gathering, and tell us about the mountains, rivers, and curious tales of the world."

Pang Yu smiled and agreed. However, Fang Yizhi was only inviting him to attend a Ze Society gathering, not inviting him to join the society — this was still different from Ruan Dacheng.

At present, those forming societies were all scholars; status was a very strict threshold. Even if Fang Yizhi thought Pang Yu's miscellaneous learning had some merit, he still did not regard him as a scholar. So long as Pang Yu lacked an official degree, he would not invite Pang Yu to join the literary society. Relatively speaking, Ruan Dacheng was more flexible — or one could say, more unprincipled.

Fang Yizhi did not ask what business the two had to discuss. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Pang Yu, he took his leave. Fang Zhongjia hesitated over whether to leave, but Fang Kongzhao spoke and told him to stay.

Fang Zhongjia sat down, grabbed some shredded tobacco, stuffed it into his tobacco pipe, and smoked by himself, glaring at Pang Yu from time to time.

"My son has free time today, and happened to come help me organize some manuscripts for the 'Zhou Yi Shi Lun.'" Fang Kongzhao summoned a maid to serve Pang Yu tea, and they sat down as host and guest.

Pang Yu realized that his status had risen with each visit to the Fang family. The earliest time, he had been outside Fang Yizhi's study; then inside Fang Yizhi's study; this time, he had finally made it to Fang Kongzhao's study.

Pang Yu glanced at Fang Zhongjia, then smiled at Fang Kongzhao and said, "Mr. Fang's family learning runs deep. This humble one heard from Fang Qiyi that the Fang family has studied the Book of Changes intensively for four generations. Naturally, Mr. Fang also wishes to write books and establish his teachings."

Fang Zhongjia said coldly from the side, "This Constable Pang, what does a yamen runner like you understand of the Book of Changes? If you have urgent business, say it quickly and don't delay my elder brother's scholarly work."

"Heavy Armor, the noble man is not flattering in dealing with superiors, nor arrogant in dealing with inferiors. How have you forgotten again?"

Fang Zhongjia had originally had his leg propped up. Hearing Fang Kongzhao's displeased tone, he could only shut his mouth and put his leg down.

"Today the yamen has classified the unrest as civil unrest, with the cause being gentry allowing slaves to commit evil. This is the final conclusion. This humble one has thought it over repeatedly and still believes I should work together with Mr. Fang in harmony."

Fang Zhongjia could not help himself again. "Don't use the yamen to pressure people. There are yamen people right here. It's not as if whatever you say about slaves committing evil becomes the final conclusion. The hundreds of Tongcheng gentry cannot be falsely accused at your whim."

This time Fang Kongzhao did not stop him, letting Fang Zhongjia serve as the vanguard to suppress Pang Yu's momentum.

Pang Yu, however, was unmoved by Fang Zhongjia. He only looked at Fang Kongzhao and said, "There are gentry who allowed slaves to commit evil — only Wu Yingqi, Ye Can, and Fang Yingqian. Not Mr. Fang."

"Fang remembers having told Pang Squad Leader that Fang Yingqian should not be written into the detailed report." Fang Kongzhao spoke softly. "Even if the Tongcheng yamen only names these three, you and I both know that in reality it was a fight between household slaves, merely a private feud and murder among marketplace ruffians, who then incited some foolish men and women to join in. How can the county yamen's conclusion convince the public?"

"So-called convincing the public is merely convincing the gentry. The common folk are busy with their livelihood — who has the leisure to care what it is classified as? Here this humble one will not state the reasons, but can only tell Mr. Fang that Fang Yingqian must be written into the detailed report. This matter cannot be changed." Pang Yu paused, then continued. "This humble one can also write Mr. Fang into the detailed report, listed as the leader of the gentry who pacified the unrest. Mr. Fang only needs to make the Tongcheng gentry accept the conclusion that a few individuals allowed slaves to commit evil, and ensure they do not collude everywhere to stir up trouble."

Fang Zhongjia said nothing at this moment. He knew how important the merit of pacifying the unrest was to Fang Kongzhao, so he waited to see whether Fang Kongzhao would agree.

Fang Kongzhao was silent for a moment, then said, "What about Wang Guohua?"

"As soon as Mr. Fang has persuaded the Tongcheng gentry, you will see Wang Guohua's head." Pang Yu turned his head to look at Fang Zhongjia. "Of course, Fang Bazong must also swear an oath that from this day forward, you will not take any retaliatory action against this humble one and my several brothers. Swear it by the spirits of your ancestors."

Fang Zhongjia was beside himself with rage. He slammed a palm onto the tea table. The teacup lid jumped up, and when it fell back down it struck the rim of the cup, spinning around with a clang-clang-clang before coming to a stop.

Pang Yu was completely unmoved. He calmly turned his gaze back to Fang Kongzhao, only to see that Fang Kongzhao was also looking at him.

Fang Kongzhao narrowed his eyes and then said, "Also add Squire Zhang to the detailed report. With his help, Fang can break apart the remaining gentry."

Pang Yu knew this Squire Zhang — he was the elder brother of Zhang Ru's household head Zhang Bingcheng, and Fang Kongzhao's brother-in-law, currently also in Tongcheng awaiting reappointment. In any case, these Tongcheng gentry intermarried with one another, and their relationships were extremely close. Unless one was from a great established clan or a newly risen scholar, it was very difficult to enter their circle.

"Deal."

Fang Kongzhao nodded slightly and said, "Fang Yingqian has brought this upon himself, so let him be. Wu Yingqi and Ye Can are in their twilight years and have no prospects to worry about — presumably they will have no energy to concern themselves with this either. Heavy Armor, swear the oath to Pang Squad Leader."

"I…" Fang Zhongjia's face flushed bright red. Pang Yu had killed several of his household retainers, nearly killed him, seized the silver, seized the merit for quelling the unrest, and in the end he actually had to swear an oath to him.

The more Fang Zhongjia thought about it, the worse it tasted. He kept his head down, grinding his teeth, but just could not say the words.

Fang Kongzhao said coldly, "I said, swear the oath to Pang Squad Leader."

Fang Zhongjia, seeing Fang Kongzhao's resolute attitude, could only tilt his head and say, "I, Fang Zhongjia, swear by the spirits of my ancestors that from this day forward I will never seek to provoke or take revenge upon Pang Yu."

"I hope Fang Bazong will strictly abide by this oath. This humble one will now return to draft the Detailed Report, and will also await Mr. Fang's news. I hope to cooperate smoothly with you, sir, and wish you a meteoric rise and brilliant future."

Pang Yu stood up to take his leave of Fang Kongzhao, then turned and cupped his hands toward Fang Zhongjia. Fang Zhongjia's expression was unfriendly, and he remained seated without returning the gesture.

After Pang Yu had left, Fang Zhongjia sprang up and came to Fang Kongzhao's side.

"Elder Brother, how could you… even let them write Fang Yingqian into the Detailed Report? After all, he is a member of our Fang Family. How can we allow them to fabricate accusations at will?"

Fang Kongzhao drew a sheet of Petition Paper from his bosom and handed it to Fang Zhongjia. "Only read, do not ask, and do not remember."

Fang Zhongjia took it suspiciously. On it was written: "Rioters and villainous servants each have their own status; the circumstances and crimes originally do not obscure one another. The Pacification officials should ordinarily prohibit and restrain them in advance. When an incident occurs, they should memorialize the throne while simultaneously investigating and punishing in detail. How can there be any delay! Within this, Huang Wending, Wang Guohua, Fang Yingqian, Yin Deng, and others are all to be fully prosecuted under the law. Why did Wu Yingqi indulge evil and harm the people? Why did Ye Can cause his servants to burn and plunder? Moreover, it is not limited to a few individuals. Whether there are any other protected or hidden official servants and vicious criminals, all must be strictly investigated and prosecuted, and a swift memorial sent to the relevant ministry for Awareness."

"'The Pacification officials…'" Fang Zhongjia was startled. Those who could abbreviate the titles of Grand Coordinator and Regional Inspector were few indeed in the realm. He scrutinized the entire text once more, and cold sweat involuntarily broke out on his forehead.

"Could it be…"

"This is the Emperor's endorsement to the Yingtian Grand Coordinator. It took your elder brother great effort to have someone copy a single transcript. It must absolutely not be circulated." Fang Kongzhao stood up and said, "It is not that Zhang Guowei wants to label the Tongcheng gentry as villains, but that the Emperor has already set the tone. He even knows Fang Yingqian's name. How would Zhang Guowei dare to show the slightest defiance, let alone you or me? Fang Yingqian alone is not worth it. Look again at this line: 'whether there are any other protected or hidden official servants.'"

Fang Zhongjia hurriedly said, "The Emperor wants to investigate further. If someone insists on making forced connections, then Wang Guohua will…"

"Therefore, Wang Guohua is the primary matter. We can also gain great merit for quelling the unrest. It is also because Pang Yu did not know the Emperor had long since reached a conclusion; otherwise, his conditions would never have been limited to this. This trade is quite worthwhile. Your elder brother knows you have been wronged, Heavy Armor, but this matter must be carried out."

"Then how will Elder Brother make Shi Lin accept this?"

"We will divide and conquer. Have Mizhi take Jiang Zhihuai and Jiang Chen on a study tour to Lujiang for a few days. Have Sun Lin persuade Sun Yi. Bingwen will lobby the other gentry. As for He Laoxiansheng, your elder brother will go speak with him personally."

Fang Zhongjia nodded and said, "By the time Jiang Zhihuai and Jiang Chen return, the overall situation in Shi Lin will already be settled, and they won't be able to stir up any waves."