Chapter 302: The Handsome Merchant

ps: Requesting monthly tickets.

Wu Shuanghuan followed Chen Xin into the house with an easy, graceful bearing. He was none other than the former Liaozhen Tuanlian Regional Commander, Wu Xiang. This man's promotion speed could rival Chen Xin's. In the second year of Chongzhen, April, he was still only a Regional Military Commissioner Assistant Secretary; by the end of that year, he had become a Camp-Commanding Regional Military Commissioner. After Yuan Chonghuan was arrested, he followed Zu Dashou in fleeing beyond Shanhai Pass, yet he likewise faced no punishment. Instead, riding on the Battle of the Four Cities, he rose to Left Army Chief Military Commission Assistant Secretary, a position at that time even higher than Chen Xin's, who had been risking his life. In Liaodong, he enjoyed the patronage of his elder brother-in-law Zu Dashou and was himself very adept at currying favor. Before the Battle of Dalinghe, he had already become the Liaodong Tuanlian Regional Commander.

Chen Xin carefully sized Wu Xiang up. The man was tall and sturdy, with thick brows and large eyes, fair skin, and very well-tailored attire, presenting an elegant and poised demeanor. By modern standards, he would also be a handsome man. The only drawback was his overly long beard, which did not quite match Chen Xin's previous aesthetic standards, but in the Ming Dynasty, such a beard would earn extra points.

Chen Xin touched his own smooth, bare chin and recalled how the courtesans on the Qinhuai River had not been particularly welcoming toward him. He wondered if it was because he had not grown his beard long enough.

Also in the room was Hai Gouzi, who was likewise observing Wu Xiang. Wu Xiang, however, showed no sign of unease. After glancing at the room's furnishings, he cupped his hands toward Chen Xin and said in a voice full of magnetic charm, "Back in Luanzhou, I too was under Grand Secretary Sun, and it was a pity that I was denied a single meeting with you, my lord. Later, whenever I heard others speak of the General's brilliance, I counted it as a great regret. Meeting you today is enough to satisfy a lifetime's wish."

Chen Xin hurriedly returned the salute. "Regional Commander Wu has guarded Liaodong for many years, holding the critical ground of Ningjin for the imperial court and facing the Jianzhou Bandits' blades time and again. This official also admires you. Regional Commander Wu, please sit."

Wu Xiang sat down with an air of ease and, with a somewhat helpless sigh, said to Chen Xin, "Now, this Regional Commander post is already lost. That you, my lord, do not disdain me as a commoner and lower yourself to speak with a humble man like me already gives me more than enough face."

Chen Xin put on an expression of regret. "I have also heard of Regional Commander Wu's situation. With over a hundred thousand Jianzhou Bandits, how could you, my lord, resist them alone? It was the other battalions that failed to do their part."

Wu Xiang slapped his thigh without a trace of a blush. "Everyone says that Lord Chen has extraordinary insight, and indeed it is so. What do the supervising censors in the court know about fighting wars? They merely act on hearsay. We military men pick our lives back out from a thicket of blades and spears; we know how perilous the battlefield is. The Yongping troops were the first to rout and threw our formation into chaos. It was only thanks to my desperate rearguard action that we preserved some elite troops. Otherwise, even Jinzhou would have been lost."

Chen Xin silently cursed him in his heart. This man's skin was truly thick. He immediately used the identity of a military man to cozy up, completely disregarding his own flight from battle. In this era of slow information, with Zhang Chun captured anyway, no one could verify what Wu Xiang said, and his superiors like Qiu Hejia would certainly help cover for him. Wu Xiang had now been dismissed from his post, and this trip to Jingshi was likely to maneuver for his comeback. His capital was entirely in the Guanning Army, so any reinstatement would certainly be through Guanning. That he could find his way here so quickly meant he definitely had good connections in the Ministry of War.

In reality, Chen Xin's guess was not far off. Wu Xiang and Song Wei had both been dismissed pending investigation this time, and censors like Zhili Regional Inspector Wang Daozhi were relentlessly pursuing the case, insisting on beheading the two of them. Wu Xiang had come specifically to lobby. That he still dared to come to Jingshi at this stormy juncture carried a strong whiff of recklessness.

In the original history, this was exactly what Wu Xiang did after the defeat at Zhangshan. After some financial diplomacy, he got the supervising secretary in the War Section to stop pressing the case. Then, together with Qiu Hejia, they fabricated a minor victory. The War Section supervising secretary who had originally impeached him switched to submitting a memorial exonerating him and Song Wei, which was even more persuasive. This allowed him to continue serving in the Guanning Army to atone for his crimes, preserving his foothold in Guanning. Later, by suppressing Kong Youde in Dengzhou, Wu Xiang successfully made his comeback.

But now, Chen Xin had flapped his wings a bit, and the stepping stone of Dengzhou had been dismantled. Wu Xiang would have to idle for a while longer, though he was not the only one idling.

Chen Xin roughly guessed what Wu Xiang wanted from him and asked, "This brother also feels indignant on General Wu's behalf. It's just that we are not in the same garrison, so even if I wanted to help, I couldn't. If there is anything this brother can do to serve, General Wu, please speak freely."

Wu Xiang tucked in his chin. "I came today simply to see the Wendeng General Chen, whose fame shakes the realm, and incidentally to congratulate the General on his promotion to Dengzhou Garrison Regional Commander."

Chen Xin naturally did not believe his nonsense and merely smiled and nodded.

Wu Xiang continued, "General, as you know, Liaozhen and Dengzhou are both strong garrisons facing the Jianzhou Bandits. Now with General Chen in Liaonan, Liaozhen is even more secure. In the future, I must interact more with the General, so that we may work together with one heart to swiftly annihilate the Jianzhou Bandits and relieve His Majesty's worries."

"General Wu is too kind. When this brother dispatched troops to Jinzhou, it was also out of necessity. Originally, I intended to go directly to Yuguan to rendezvous with the Shizhu troops. I never expected that scoundrel Kong Youde to rebel midway, forcing me to return to Dengzhou. After pacifying Dengzhou, I worried there wasn't enough time, so I thought to besiege Wei to rescue Zhao. Who knew I was still a step too late? I truly feel ashamed in my heart."

Wu Xiang waved his hand with a face full of smiles. "This was Heaven's will. General Chen already did his utmost. As for Dalinghe, this brother was also deeply harmed by it. Others may not see it, but I can. Not to mention anything else, just seeing the General's honored countenance today—within that square and upright face shines a righteous and noble spirit. As the saying goes, the face reflects the heart. I instantly knew the General is a sincere and honest man. In the past, some said the General was a second Qi Shaobao; I did not believe it then. Only today do I know those words were not false. Your lordship's future achievements will surely surpass even Qi Shaobao's."

Although Chen Xin held some contempt for this long-distance running champion, he had to admit the man's words were very pleasing, and he absolutely refrained from mentioning any request for help, making the conversation feel very relaxed. Chen Xin cupped his hands and smiled. "Lord Wu flatters me excessively."

"Lord Chen need not be modest. Today, this brother heard at the Ministry of War of the General's esteemed arrival and rushed over immediately. Besides expressing my respect, I also wish to help Regional Commander Zu resolve the small misunderstanding with your lordship back in Luanzhou. In the future, the two garrisons will be as close as lips and teeth; we must not let minor grievances jeopardize the great matter of the frontier."

Chen Xin gave a soft "Oh." "It is rare to find such patriotic concern as General Wu's. Back in Luanzhou, this humble official indeed gave much offense. Afterward..."

Wu Xiang interrupted in a low voice, "Lord Chen is broad-minded. In truth, it was clearly Regional Commander Zu who was in the wrong that day. Though he is my relative, principle does not favor kin. The north gate had just fallen; how could there be any reason to open it? Moreover, Lord Sun had assigned sectors before the battle. Liaozhen's task was to attack the east gate. That we failed to take it was due to our own lack of combat strength. How could we vie with friendly troops and frame them? Afterward, I rebuked Regional Commander Zu to his face. He also felt ashamed in his heart and has mentioned many times that he wishes to express his apology to your lordship."

Chen Xin looked at Wu Xiang's righteous and stern face. In a daze, this man seemed to have become the embodiment of human justice. He blinked to dispel this illusion. This Wu Xiang was surely a character who spoke one way to ghosts and another to men. Zu Dashou wasn't here now anyway, so he could say whatever he pleased, earning himself a lofty image for free. When he turned around and went back, he would certainly tell Zu Dashou that he, Wu Xiang, had rebuked Chen Xin to his face, and that Chen Xin had asked him to convey apologies to Zu Dashou. Yet Chen Xin could only pretend to accept this favor.

Wu Xiang showed not the slightest discomfort and continued calmly, "When our brothers in Liaozhen heard that the General had slain another four hundred-plus Jianzhou Bandits in Jinzhou, who among them did not call you a true hero? Now, when speaking of the Wendeng Battalion, I tell everyone that our Liaozhen is far inferior. The difference lies in lacking a great talent like General Chen. As the saying goes, a thousand troops are easy to get, but one general is hard to find..."

Wu Xiang's upper lip flapped against his lower lip, blowing Chen Xin up to the heavens. But Chen Xin had an intelligence station in Liaozhen, and the officers there, when mentioning the Wendeng Battalion, often cursed it roundly, with Chen Xin receiving the worst of the abuse.

After nearly a quarter of an hour of this, Wu Xiang's supply of flowery praise was nearly exhausted. He picked up his teacup and took a large gulp to moisten his throat. Chen Xin signaled the drowsy Hai Gouzi beside him to refill the water.

After setting down his cup, Wu Xiang even voiced his thanks to Hai Gouzi, which truly baffled Chen Xin. This man was excessively meticulous, even so courteous to a mere guard. Even though Hai Gouzi was Chen Xin's trusted aide, he was still just a common soldier. No matter how much Geng Zhongming and the others feared Chen Xin, they never greeted Hai Gouzi.

"Lord Chen, since Regional Commander Zu already knows he was in the wrong that day, I beg your lordship not to hold it against him. Only then can our two garrisons join forces against the Jianzhou Bandits in the future, and in peacetime, we can exchange what we have for what we lack. This humble man has heard that Wendeng Incense comes from Wendeng. Might I ask if Lord Chen is well acquainted with the shopkeeper?"

"Regional Commander Wu asks at a clever moment. That shopkeeper happens to be well known to this official."

Wu Xiang clapped his hands in feigned delight. "What a coincidence! Liaodong is bitterly cold, and tobacco is just the thing to dispel cold and dampness. Wendeng Incense has become no different from military supplies in our Liaozhen. I beg your lordship to grant a convenience and introduce a channel for me to procure goods from Wendeng. Or, even better, invite that shopkeeper to open a branch in Ningyuan. I guarantee no one will dare disturb him."

Chen Xin laughed heartily. "Excellent, excellent. I heard that shopkeeper mention he also wishes to buy some Liaodong goods to sell in the south, but he just lacks the connections. Today, with Regional Commander Wu's arrival, it is truly a blessing from Heaven. If General Wu is willing, you could also set up a branch in Dengzhou. Only then can the two garrisons exchange what they have for what they lack, right?"

Wu Xiang slapped his own head. "Look at me, far inferior to Lord Chen. Give and take, that's the way to exchange what we have for what we lack."...

After another half a shichen, Chen Xin politely saw Wu Xiang out. The two chatted and laughed warmly, like old friends reunited after a long separation. At the door, Chen Xin also introduced Wu Xiang to Song Wenxian, building connections for this diplomat.

After Wu Xiang left, Song Wenxian brought in Zhang Dahui, who had hurried over. Zhou Shifa also followed in. The several schemers gathered together, and after hearing Chen Xin recount the meeting, they said in unison, "He wants to buy heads."

Chen Xin nodded. "Now that we occupy Jinzhou and have several victories to our name, our Dengzhou Garrison is the most likely to obtain heads. Wu Xiang is currently under investigation, yet he still dares to come to Jingshi, which clearly shows he has some backing."

Zhang Dahui said, "His backing is the Zu Family Army. As long as Zu Dashou does not come to Jingshi, Wu Xiang need not fear losing his head."

Chen Xin asked Zhou Shifa, "Wu Xiang agreed to buy warhorses from the Mongols to sell to us, and he will transport them to Dengzhou for sale. He also agreed to look after our trading company's business and intends to take over the sales route for southern goods heading to the Kalaqin Mongols. His shop in Dengzhou will, first, sell horses, and second, buy heads to exchange for military merit so he can make a comeback in Liaozhen. How is it that this Wu Xiang seems more like a merchant? Does the Intelligence Bureau have any information on his background?"

Zhou Shifa recalled for a moment and said, "Wu Xiang's ancestral home is Gaoyou. He was a merchant in his early years, his family originally horse traders who frequently traveled to Liaodong. He has quite a talent for speculation. At that time, he had considerable dealings with the Liaodong border troops. He probably saw the benefits of the border troops' trade beyond the passes and recognized the opportunities in Liaodong, so he joined the Liao army. He joined the Guanning Army relatively early and also spotted the Zu Dashou family's network in Ningyuan, so he married Zu Dashou's younger sister, and Zu Dashou also married his sister."

Chen Xin recalled Wu Xiang's appearance and couldn't help laughing. "This man must have been very handsome in his youth and quite adept at socializing. Naturally, the Guanning Army people would like him. I just wonder whether he calls Zu Dashou brother-in-law or elder brother-in-law."

Zhou Shifa also laughed. "That's impossible to know. This man not only knows how to curry favor but is also quite skilled at seeking advancement. He switched from merchant to military rank, so his seniority was lacking. So in the second year of Tianqi, he went to take the military Metropolitan Graduate examination. That year, there was a suspected cheating scandal in the military examination, and Emperor Xizong canceled the originally scheduled palace examination. In the end, the military examiners had their salaries docked, but the military Metropolitan Graduates were still accepted. Wu Xiang passed that year, and from then on, he had a stepping stone, and his promotions became even faster."

"No wonder His Majesty wants to reform the selection process for military Metropolitan Graduates." Chen Xin sighed. Cheating in the military exams was easier than in the civil exams. Wu Xiang had the manner of a merchant through and through; Chen Xin did not quite believe that his military Metropolitan Graduate degree that year was earned honestly.

"Does he have a son named Wu Sangui?" Chen Xin recalled this famous figure and asked specifically. Although he had never met the man, Wu Sangui had actually already stepped onto the stage of the Guanning Army. When Yuan Chonghuan was arrested back then, he was right beside him, helping Lord Yuan hold the imperial sword, and then he turned around and fled with Zu Dashou.

But he was not yet a famous person now. Zhou Shifa lowered his head and thought for a long time, unable to recall for the moment. Zhang Dahui, meanwhile, pulled out a booklet, flipped through it for a good while, and then said, "He does have a son named Wu Sangui, who also passed the military Metropolitan Graduate exam. That scoundrel Wu Xiang is indeed good at seeking advancement. The one presiding over the military examination that year was Dong Qichang. Somehow, he got close to Dong Qichang and even had Wu Sangui become Dong Qichang's disciple. Who knows whether Wu Sangui's military exam result was genuine."

Chen Xin shook his head slightly. In his heart, he still believed Wu Sangui must have some ability; otherwise, among the many second-generation officials in the Guanning Army, why would he alone stand out? But by the late Ming, everything had lost any sense of order. Many truly talented military officers went unpromoted, while merchants like Wu Xiang had free rein.

He asked Zhang Dahui, "Do you think Wu Xiang and Song Wei can escape punishment this time?"

Zhang Dahui said respectfully, "As long as Zu Dashou stays put in Jinzhou, Wu Xiang will not be severely punished. If he doesn't die, Song Wei won't die either. Originally, Wu Xiang was supposed to remain in Liaozhen pending investigation, yet he was able to come to Jingshi to lobby. In the past few days, he has successively visited several Grand Secretaries and censors. Once the silver is spent, I'm afraid some people's tone will change."

Chen Xin recalled the matter of Zu Dashou breaking out of the siege and asked Zhou Shifa, "Has the person sent to the Liaozhen intelligence station returned? How exactly did Zu Dashou get out?"

"He has returned. There are some rumors about this in Jinzhou, saying that Zu Dashou executed He Kegang and surrendered the entire city of Dalinghe to the Jianzhou Bandits. He himself, using the pretext of taking Jinzhou, escaped back to Jinzhou with only his nephews. The talk of a night raid breakout and so on is all lies fabricated by Qiu Hejia to help him."

Song Wenxian said in a low voice, "Should we help fan the flames a bit, to make Wu Xiang a little more anxious? And incidentally, we could bite off a piece of this year's Deng-Lai military pay from Liaozhen."

Chen Xin snapped his fingers. "Mr. Song, tonight the two of us will go pay a visit to Lord Wen. Have all the gifts been prepared?"

"Everything is prepared."

Chen Xin turned to Zhang Dahui. "Regarding how Zu Dashou escaped, there's no need to spread it for now. This matter will likely be hard to keep under wraps; we don't need to play the villain. If no one else speaks of it, we'll spread it when the time comes to discuss military pay. As for Wu Xiang, as long as he is willing to help us do things, this official does not mind cooperating with Liaozhen. When Mr. Song returns, he must make it clear to all departments that Wu Xiang's shop in Dengzhou is to be given attention. That place is no ordinary shop; it is our liaison office for trade with Guanning."

Song Wenxian shook his head and laughed. "Wu Xiang is as slippery as an eel, Zu Dashou is domineering and arrogant, and Liaozhen is brimming with talent. How to handle this Wu Xiang must be giving His Majesty a headache." (To be continued.)