Chapter 80: The Zhuang Squad

The sound of boards striking flesh rose one after another, and the four being punished screamed in succession.

This was Pang Yu's first time watching caning in the main hall. The water-fire staffs, made of heavy wood, were terrifyingly powerful; with every blow to their buttocks, the four men's entire bodies convulsed violently. The men carrying out the punishment were all from the Fast Squad. Pang Yu had given them advice beforehand — to hit hard enough, but not to kill anyone.

Caning is a technical skill, especially when there are special requirements. First you must confirm the condition of the individual being punished, then during the process you must constantly observe and adjust to achieve the ideal outcome.

By the time the twenty strokes were done, the four men's buttocks were a bloody mess of torn flesh, and three had already passed out. Pang Yu looked them over carefully; they had basically met his requirements, though perhaps a little heavier than intended.

The hall was silent. After Yang Erming swept his gaze around, he spoke with even more composure than before.

"The city gate is the lock and key of a city, upon which tens of thousands of lives depend — how dare you treat it as child's play. Last night's inspection of the two city towers found the Zhuang Squad personnel lax in discipline. Even inside the towers, they were snoring away in deep sleep, with not a single man patrolling the walls or gates. The lesson of the civil unrest is not far off — how can such a Zhuang Squad be of any use."

Tang Weimin stepped forward and said, "Reporting to His Honor for your awareness: the Zhuang Squad Head abandoned his post during the civil unrest. His subordinates followed his example; during the unrest, not only did they fail to protect the region and pacify the people, some even looted under cover of chaos. The root cause is precisely that their Squad Head feared death and neglected his duty. How could such a Squad Head produce a Zhuang Squad fit for battle? Without strict rectification, this Zhuang Squad will remain a name only in the days to come."

Yang Erming nodded and said, "Clerk Tang speaks reason. One incompetent general exhausts three armies to death — such a man must never again be allowed to command the Zhuang Squad. Only someone brave, martial, daring in battle, and wholly devoted to duty can shoulder this heavy responsibility. Does anyone have a candidate to recommend?"

Without waiting for anyone else to speak, Tang Weimin immediately continued, "This subordinate believes that Fast Squad Head Pang Yu fulfills his duties with utmost diligence. During the civil unrest, he quelled the chaos with solitary courage. If he were to take over the Zhuang Squad, he would surely not disappoint His Honor's expectations."

"Well said. Then Squad Leader Pang, you shall first take charge of the Zhuang Squad's affairs." Yang Erming turned to Zhou County Deputy beside him. "What does Zhou think?"

Zhou County Deputy's relationship with Pang Yu had lately not been as close as before, but it was still maintained in a fairly good state. Now with Yang Erming and Tang Weimin singing in chorus, Zhou County Deputy naturally knew it was an act, but since it had little to do with him, he would never offend the New Magistrate over this and hastily expressed his approval.

Those four men, flesh a bloody pulp, were still laid out in the hall. This youth's methods were actually harsher than Zhou County Deputy's. Seeing that even the County Vice-Magistrate said nothing, the other officials and clerks, already thoroughly intimidated, dared even less to speak.

Finally, Clerk Shen of the Military Office coughed and stepped forward. "Squad Leader Pang's talent is more than sufficient for the Zhuang Squad Head position, but he is already Fast Squad Head. In the month or so since taking over the Fast Squad, it has already shown great improvement. If he goes to the Zhuang Squad, this subordinate fears the Fast Squad will revert to its old ways."

"Clerk Shen also makes a fair point." Yang Erming said to Clerk Shen, "That is why this official says: let Squad Leader Pang first take charge of the Zhuang Squad's affairs, and not abandon the Fast Squad side either."

"This…" Clerk Shen started to speak, then stopped. He glanced sideways at Pang Yu. These past few days, Pang Yu had become the New Magistrate's favored man and had also come to his duty room to hint that he wanted the Zhuang Squad. Clerk Shen understood all this, but the Military Office received the largest share of the Regular Silver from the Militia Squad Silver. He also worried that once Pang Yu took control of the Zhuang Squad, he would contend for his Regular Silver, which was why he had tried to block it. In the end, Yang Erming's intent was for Pang Yu to manage both.

Pang Yu had not expected Yang Erming to use the inspection to settle this matter — far more efficient than Yang Fangzao. But Yang Erming had clearly held something back: he did not explicitly make Pang Yu the Zhuang Squad Head, only had him concurrently manage the Zhuang Squad's affairs. If Pang Yu ever failed to meet his expectations in the future, he could appoint another Zhuang Squad Head at any time, thus keeping Pang Yu firmly tethered to his side.

But on second thought, Pang Yu reflected, even if he were appointed Squad Head, his appointment or dismissal would still be a single word from Yang Erming. So Yang Erming and Mr. Sun's little calculations were not all that different after all.

Mr. Sun whispered in Yang Erming's ear for a while longer. Yang Erming turned to Tang Weimin and said, "The Zhuang Squad is neither at full strength nor properly mustered. In past years, when the realm was at peace, it might have been overlooked, but now Roving Bandits rampage through the Central Plains and Huguang. Our Tongcheng sits on a vital route — the necessary passage from Huguang to Lianghuai. If the bandits do not come, all is well, but once they enter Nanzhili, Tongcheng will surely bear the brunt. This can no longer be treated lightly. Since the Household Office has levied the Militia Squad Silver, it must be put to practical use. The work-and-provision silver due to the Zhuang Squad must be disbursed on schedule."

A low murmur of discussion rippled through the hall. Quite a few people shared in the Militia Squad Silver — in fact, part of Yang Erming's own Regular Silver also came from the Militia Squad Silver, and the County Vice-Magistrate and Chief Clerk had their shares too. The rest mainly went to the Household Office, Military Office, and Works Office.

Fortunately, Yang Erming had not spoken in absolutes. Had he said the Militia Squad Silver could only be used for the Zhuang Squad, the County Vice-Magistrate would likely have been the first to object. So Yang Erming used a conceptual figure: the work-and-provision silver due to the Zhuang Squad must be disbursed on schedule. Out of those over one thousand taels of Militia Squad Silver, which should be disbursed and which should not — that would depend on the Household Office.

Clerk Shen's expression was not good. It was very clear that both Yang Erming and Tang Weimin supported Pang Yu. Fiscal disbursement was in Tang Weimin's hands; he certainly would not short the Regular Silver of the County Magistrate, County Vice-Magistrate, and Chief Clerk, nor would he short the Household Office's own share. That meant the cuts could only come from the Military Office and Works Office — and the Military Office had the largest share.

Thinking of this, Clerk Shen glanced across at Pang Yu, but this time Pang Yu did not exchange looks with him.

In the short time since Pang Yu had arrived, he had already discovered many problems with the Ming Dynasty. Much of the Rations and Pay collected by the yamen was spent on pointless things. After over two hundred years of adjustment, each locality had formed its own rules, and as long as no external force disrupted them, they could continue to function.

With Pang Yu's current ability, he naturally had no way to change the rules. Instead, he entered the old rules to profit. With the yamen's total Rations and Pay unchanged, if he profited, someone was bound to lose — even an ordinary new official taking office would go through such a process.

"Military Office: Song Ze. Personnel Office: Wang Jiecong, Zheng Guochen. Punishment Office: Zhang Jiancai. All of you, stand forth before this official." Yang Erming loudly called out four names. Pang Yu detected a note of Excitement in his voice. These four were the clerks and Auxiliaries who had laughed at Yang Erming below the dais yesterday. Yang Erming was now using public office to settle a private grudge; the Excitement in his voice could not be suppressed — he was, after all, still a youth.

Those four hesitantly stepped forward. Yang Erming slammed the Alarm Wood. "Bring them up to the dais!"

Eight Runners went down and dragged the four men, who immediately fell to their knees on the ground.

"This official passed the Presented Scholar examination at fourteen — that came from ten years of bitter study by cold window, passing the Licentiate Exam, the Provincial Examination, the Metropolitan Exam, and the Palace Examination one after another. This official asks you: is this official status fake?"

The four men below looked at each other, not daring to utter half a word.

"Since this official is a genuine, irreplaceable Zuotang Guan, why did you few show disrespect to His Honor?" Yang Erming stared at the four men, his words flowing more and more smoothly, no longer consulting the Advisor.

"Yesterday, when you four saw this official's cap slightly askew, you made light of it and mocked. Was it because you saw this official's youth and held him in contempt? This official will wear his cap crooked — what can you do about it! Today, you shall be taught how one ought to respect a Zuotang Guan!"

Yang Erming suddenly raised his pitch. His somewhat shrill, boyish voice echoed through the main hall, leaving only the terrified panting of the four clerks.

Under everyone's gaze, Yang Erming calmly drew three Order Arrows and, without the slightest hesitation, flung them onto the hall floor.

……

"Big Brother's gone to the gambling den again?"

He Xianya nodded silently. Pang Yu, wearing the Constable Uniform with a red cloth bearing the character "Fast" tied around his arm, walked ahead with his hands clasped behind his back, and did not press further.

Behind him followed seven Fast Squad men, walking in two columns. Half carried Waist Sabers, half carried Whistle Staffs.

This was now the Fast Squad's basic weapon configuration — sufficient for dealing with ordinary violent criminals. The Waist Saber's deterrent power was decent. It was slightly different from the waist sabers Pang Yu remembered from before; the curvature of late Ming waist sabers was greater than what he had seen in television dramas, more fitting the name Wild Goose Wing Saber.

Pang Yu required the Fast Squad to patrol Tongcheng's main thoroughfares twice daily, once before noon and once after — like an advertisement for the Fast Squad. Pang Yu's goal was to build a sense of reliance among the common people through contact, so that if unrest occurred in the future, the people would more readily trust the Fast Squad, and the whole city would not be thrown into chaos by a few dozen men as it had been during this civil unrest.

Today he had time, so he led the morning patrol. The surrounding commoners, seeing the yamen runners coming, all moved aside to clear the way, but no longer fled in panic.

Although the Rule had not been in place long, the people on the streets were already accustomed to seeing the Fast Squad. Pang Yu had strict requirements for the Fast Squad's city patrols: no one was permitted to Plunder on their own. Anyone who did would forfeit half their annual bonus and could even be dismissed and sent home. The Runners could naturally calculate which was more profitable, so naturally no one plundered anymore.

Thus, those shopfronts no longer showed the terror they once did at the sight of He Mai. Some shopkeepers even bowed and smiled at the Runners.

"Truth is, even if he came, he wouldn't be much help. It's just that everyone knows he's the Squad Head's big brother, so there's bound to be talk in the Fast Squad." He Xianya followed behind Pang Yu, looking at the street scenes on both sides as he walked. "I've tried to advise him, but he just won't listen. We all go play at Gambling too, but I've never seen anyone who still finds it fun playing all day long."

Pang Yu raised his Waist Saber and pointed at a two-story building ahead. "Big Brother is at that Silver Full Gambling Den?"

"That's the one, run by Fang Yingqian and Liu Xiucai. It's not even as good as the one we run on South Street. I don't know why Big Brother insists on coming here. Should we go in and grab him?"

Pang Yu walked slowly past the Silver Full Gambling Den. Waves of noise came from within. This gambling den in the Eastern Market had formerly been the Wu family's property and had been taken over by Fang Yingqian this time — taken over very cheaply, he had heard.

"Drag him back, and for gambling with property at stake, it's eighty strokes of the heavy rod; for running a gambling establishment, it's a month in the Cangue." Pang Yu smiled faintly. "Grabbing a Fang Yingqian would be no problem, but it wouldn't look good on Fang Kongzhao's side. Let this matter wait a while — until I've settled the Zhuang Squad affairs."

"The Zhuang Squad's silver, arms and armor, uniforms, recruitment, lodging — every single thing requires your worry, Second Brother. I fear it won't be settled so quickly."

Pang Yu led the way toward Dongzuo Gate. On the road, they saw many Farmers carrying shoulder poles. These lean, wiry Farmers bore loads of over a hundred catties, arriving before the two Grain Shops at the East Gate and forming long queues. One of those Grain Shops was Pang Yu's property, managed by Liu Ruogu.

Pang Yu stopped at Dongzuo Gate, sent the men behind him to continue patrolling Zilai Street, and took He Xianya with him up the City Stairs toward the City Tower.

"Ruan Dacheng is willing to give me his villa to use as a Garrison, but only after he moves to Nanjing." Pang Yu shook his head. "He originally said he'd leave at the end of September, but now he wants to rehearse that new play, Female Prince Consort. He says he's not leaving for now, so the villa can't be used yet."

Pang Yu sighed. He had hoped to transform the Zhuang Squad into a local army. Ever since Yang Erming had displayed his official might, the Tongcheng bureaucracy had begun to take the young County Magistrate seriously and no longer dared treat him as a child. Pang Yu had also gained some conveniences, but even with the support Yang Erming gave, it was still far too little for an army. Many things Pang Yu could only figure out on his own.

"Still, I've managed to buy twenty tents. We can start by having them live in a few of those burned-out rural-gentry estates."

"And what about the silver? Has Second Brother reached an agreement with the Household Office?"

"Tang managed to shift three hundred taels out of the Military Office and Works Office. The Household Office gave up one hundred fifty taels, and the Document Receiving Office gave up fifty. In total, we can get five hundred taels for the Zhuang Squad."

He Xianya frowned. "If Second Brother means to recruit the full one hundred ninety-two men, five hundred taels is nowhere near enough. Better to recruit only fifty — and even that would be tight to operate with."

Pang Yu stopped before the Battlements of Dongzuo Gate. "Five hundred taels isn't enough, but the Fast Squad can earn money."

"Second Brother, you want to take over most of the gambling dens, Brothels, Grain Shops, and pawnshops in the city. The Fast Squad's twenty-odd men probably aren't enough for that."

"Transfer all the former Zhuang Squad men to the Fast Squad, and the Fast Squad will have fifty men."

"Second Brother means… all the Zhuang Squad men?"

Pang Yu nodded firmly. "Not a single one stays."

He Xianya leaned in, surprised. "Then where will Second Brother go to recruit that many seasoned hands for the Zhuang Squad?"

"Those slick veterans might barely pass in the Fast Squad, but they're utterly useless in the Zhuang Squad. The Zhuang Squad needs these men." Pang Yu pointed below the wall.

He Xianya craned his neck to look and saw an endless stream of sturdy young farmers with shoulder poles beneath the City Tower. This was the peak of the autumn tax collection; the farmers all needed to enter the city to sell grain for silver.

"Tomorrow, go post recruitment notices at every gate. Set up recruitment stations at Dongzuo Gate and the South Gate. Tomorrow, help me recruit at the East Gate."

He Xianya pointed at those farmers, his face full of doubt. "Second Brother, if you recruit these farmers, I'm afraid they couldn't even beat the Fast Squad. If you ask me, ones like Ruan Jin, Big Brother, and Xu Lengzi would be just fine."

Pang Yu looked at the farmers below the City Tower and suddenly smiled. "Wait until I've trained them for three months, then see whether Ruan Jin and Jiao Guozha are a match for them."