Chapter 40: Why Don't You Become an Official

"Since last year, he has had many clashes with the Dutch. I hear he wants to seek amnesty, but the imperial court seems to have little sincerity. He is fated to remain a sea bandit."

Li Guozhu finished speaking and tilted his head back to drink. Han Bin naturally echoed him, saying, "Young Master Li is right. That Zheng Yiguan thinks he can become an official — he is far from worthy."

"Second-in-command, that statement is mistaken."

Han Bin looked over — it was Chen Xin again. Yesterday this man had spouted a load of nonsense, been generous at everyone else's expense by letting every man share the reward silver, and even personally buried several sailors who had died. The whole crew admired him greatly for it, and even the way they looked at him was vastly different. Han Bin deeply regretted giving him the banjiu gun in the first place; otherwise, how could this man's standing have risen so high just because he killed the murderer? At the same time, anger burned in his heart. He had spent years with these men on the ship and had never won such popularity. A mere accountant, in just twenty days, had already gained the same standing as himself. Now, when he merely echoed a remark, this man had to come and oppose it. He could not suppress his fury.

"Then what lofty insight does Accountant Chen have? Even for the Sea-Clearing King, the court's offer of amnesty back then was a sham. When has the court ever regarded us sea merchants with any respect?" Han Bin deliberately addressed Chen Xin as "Accountant" to remind Young Master Li that this man was nothing more than a bookkeeper. And the Sea-Clearing King he mentioned, Wang Zhi, had also been killed after Hu Zongxian broke his word following his amnesty. From then on, sea bandits often fought to the death, causing a great deal of trouble for Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou at the time. Every sea merchant knew this story.

Chen Xin unhurriedly said, "What the Second-in-command speaks of happened during the Jiajing era. The court then indeed had no sincere intention of granting amnesty. But now it is the seventh year of Tianqi."

Han Bin said angrily, "Tianqi is still the Zhu family's empire. What difference is there?"

Li Guozhu also watched Chen Xin quietly, waiting to see what he could say.

"During the Jiajing era, the Nine Border Garrisons were relatively stable, and there were fierce generals like Qi Shaobao and Yu Dayou, so naturally they disdained granting amnesty to a sea bandit. Since the forty-sixth year of Wanli, when Nurhaci raised his armies with the Seven Grievances, the Great Ming has suffered defeat after defeat in Liaodong. Now the new Jianzhou Chieftain attacks Ningjin again, threatening the divine capital, and in the southwest the She-An Rebellion is still not quelled. These two fronts already leave the court overwhelmed. Tell me, if at this moment this Zheng Yiguan were to stir up trouble in Fujian, what would the court do?"

Han Bin froze for a moment, not yet having thought of a reply, but Chen Xin had already continued, "If the conditions are right, the court will genuinely grant amnesty. For a man whom a hero like Young Master Li regards so highly, he must be extremely shrewd, and with such formidable strength in his hands, once he accepts amnesty and becomes a Great Ming officer, he will surely grow too powerful to control."

Li Guozhu finally furrowed his brow. He knew Zheng Zhilong very well — a man of fine presence, proficient in the Minnan dialect, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, baptized as a Catholic, yet also worshipped Mazu and Buddha, and could even play the Spanish guitar. He had countless ties to all sides, was very shrewd, and had very thick skin. If he truly became an officer, he would likely do very well for himself. Song Wenxian watched Chen Xin, his left hand stroking his beautiful beard, looking thoughtful.

Han Bin was still stubbornly defiant. "So what if he becomes an officer? I've killed officers before..."

Hei Pao coughed twice, and only then did Han Bin remember that Song Wenxian, this official representative, was still present. Though they were on the same side, behind him were people from the official world, and it would not look good on the surface.

Song Wenxian narrowed his eyes and pretended not to hear. Chen Xin seized the chance to suppress him. "We are all among our own here, so it is no harm for the Second-in-command to speak freely. But when we return to the Great Ming, you must be more cautious and not invite needless trouble."

Hei Pao said, "Brother Chen's words are sound. Second-in-command, you must keep your mouth shut tight."

Ba Zi, who had been finding Han Bin an eyesore these past few days, also said, "So the Second-in-command has killed officers before. That is a beheading offense if caught."

Han Bin was so angry his face turned bright red. Hei Pao and Ba Zi had killed just as many, yet they spoke to him with such righteous indignation. But he could not vent his anger. Li Guozhu glanced at the few of them, smiled, and toasted Han Bin a cup of wine, allowing Han Bin to gloss it over.

In his heart, Li Guozhu was still pondering Chen Xin's earlier words. Since Wang Zhi, few sea bandits had ever been granted amnesty. One reason was the Ming court's consistently hardline policy toward sea bandits; the other was the sea bandits' own deep suspicion of the Ming court. The occasional amnesty was always marked by mutual wariness and never lasted long. So he had always believed such a possibility did not exist. But now Chen Xin had pointed out that the Great Ming's primary threat was the Later Jin in the north, and its policy toward sea bandits might very well shift to a more lenient one. He himself was far away in Japan and did not need amnesty, but once Zheng Zhilong received it, settling accounts with him would become extremely disadvantageous.

Li Guozhu cupped his hands toward Chen Xin and said, "Accountant Chen's words just now are thought-provoking. According to Accountant Chen's view, how should I deal with this scoundrel? I hope you will not stint your guidance."

Chen Xin put on an expression of not quite understanding and looked at Song Wenxian. Song Wenxian, quite perceptive, explained to Chen Xin, "Brother Chen may not be entirely clear on the twists and turns of this matter. This Zheng Yiguan is, by all accounts, Young Master Li's sworn younger brother. He once deeply enjoyed the esteem of Young Master Li's late father. But his conduct is despicable. Taking advantage of Young Master Li being in Japan to handle the late father's funeral affairs, he embezzled the Li family's overseas assets and then established himself as a hegemon off the coast of Fujian."

Li Guozhu said bitterly, "Embezzling the assets is one thing. But this man, fearing my revenge, has repeatedly sent men back to Japan to try to assassinate me, and he intercepts my ships off Fujian. Between him and me, we cannot share the same sky."

Chen Xin knew that what Li Guozhu said was mostly the truth. Zheng Zhilong had risen suddenly in the fifth year of Tianqi. Just a year before, he had been nothing more than an interpreter on a Dutch ship. By swallowing Li Dan's assets and absorbing Yan Siqi's forces, he had become the strongest power off the coast of Fujian. At the time, he was only twenty-one. Because he had a wife surnamed Yan, some speculated he was Yan Siqi's son-in-law. Of course, there were more malicious rumors, like what Ba Zi had just said — that Yan Siqi favored the cut-sleeve and Zheng Zhilong had gained favor through male charms. But Li Dan's goods and wealth in Bengang must have been Zheng Zhilong's greatest gain. Li Dan had operated for decades, and with his ability as the greatest sea merchant in East Asia, the assets in Bengang must have amounted to at least several million silver taels. It was a pity they had all been taken by this schemer. Having taken someone else's things, one always worries they will come asking for them back. To no longer worry, Zheng Zhilong sent men to deal with his own sworn elder brother — that was only to be expected.

Chen Xin thought of those millions of taels of silver and nearly drooled. With effort, he swallowed his saliva, looked solemnly at Li Guozhu, and said, "Such an unrighteous and unfilial wretch — every man has the right to slay him. To be able to contribute my humble efforts for Brother Li is my honor."

Han Bin watched Chen Xin with boundless jealousy. This man, relying on nothing but his two lips, had joked and clowned his way along, chatting and bragging with the sailors at any moment on the ship. From Song Wenxian above to the cook below, he could talk with anyone for ages. And Li Guozhu, a man of broad experience, had actually been drawn into such focused attention by just a few of his words.

Chen Xin thought over his wording for a moment, then spoke. "Young Master Li, let us first settle one question. Is your goal revenge, or to become the greatest sea merchant?"

Li Guozhu hesitated for a moment, then finally said, "Revenge."

"Revenge means taking his life or seizing back the goods and wealth. For now, let me first lay out the strengths and weaknesses of Young Master Li and Zheng Zhilong. If I say anything amiss, I ask Young Master Li's forgiveness."

Li Guozhu could not wait. "Brother Chen, please speak." His form of address had now changed to Brother Chen.

"What Young Master Li relies on: first, the assets your esteemed father left in Japan. With your father's many years of operation, they are not much inferior to those in Bengang. Second, the geographical advantage in Japan. Young Master Li's power in Japan far exceeds Zheng Zhilong's. Even if he has a thousand ships, the ones he can send to Japan number no more than a few dozen. Young Master Li's disadvantages are also two. First, a lack of sources for goods. Second, your influence in Fujian cannot compare to Zheng Zhilong's."

Li Guozhu nodded as he listened.

Chen Xin continued, "Zheng Zhilong's advantages are three. First, the seas off Fujian swarm with many bands. He has both the embezzled assets and the ships and men he gained from Yan Siqi. Now the various bands have pushed him forward as their leader, and his power far surpasses ours. Second, the Fujian coast he occupies is an important source region for trade goods, with many fine harbors. Even without the Japan trade, he can trade with the Southern Seas, and also serve as a transshipment hub for the Dutch, English, Spanish, Franks, and others, still earning vast profits. Third, he is close to the Great Ming. Given the Great Ming's current situation, the possibility of amnesty exists. Once granted amnesty, he becomes a Great Ming officer. If he socializes with officials and gentry, gains the support of the Great Ming authorities, and then unifies the various sea bandit factions, he will become a group that is both official and bandit. Young Master Li, think about it — with trade profits, his own large force of men, and the support of the Great Ming authorities, how do you deal with such an opponent?"

Li Guozhu's brow was tightly furrowed. If such a situation truly came to pass, Zheng Zhilong would be the next Sea-Clearing King, and even more fearsome than the Sea-Clearing King. In Chen Xin's original timeline, Zheng Zhilong was precisely such an existence, though the process there was far more tortuous. After Zheng Zhilong accepted amnesty, his original subordinates all broke away and went to war with him, and it took eight years to unify the realm. But the current Li Guozhu could not know that these men would turn on each other. Based on the present circumstances, the scenario Chen Xin described was indeed possible.

Suddenly his brow smoothed, and he stood up with a smile, saying, "Brother Chen has unraveled the threads and made things clear. Though I have not yet heard enough, you have all traveled far and are weary today. Please go to the separate courtyard and rest early."

Han Bin, Hei Pao, and the others were somewhat taken aback. The conversation had been going so well — why suddenly call for rest? But since Li Guozhu had already stood, they had no choice but to rise and take their leave. Both Song Wenxian and Chen Xin understood that Li Guozhu feared too many ears and tongues, and he would certainly come to find Chen Xin alone later.

Li Guozhu saw them to the door and said to one of his attendants, "Arrange for Mr. Song and Brother Chen and the others to rest in the separate courtyard. The wounded are to be placed there as well."

The man assented. Li Guozhu then said to the group, "Please go to the separate courtyard to rest. But the courtyard cannot accommodate many people. Apart from the wounded, everyone else should preferably remain on the ship, to prevent word of the Japanese ship from spreading."

Hei Pao replied, "Young Master Li, rest assured, I understand. I gave the orders before I disembarked. I will also be on the ship tonight and will not let anyone slip out."

Chen Xin and the others bowed together to bid Li Guozhu farewell. Shin'emon had been following closely behind Li Guozhu the entire time, his hand always resting on the hilt of his sword. It seemed the assassination attempts Li Guozhu had mentioned were indeed real.

The group followed that Li family attendant to another courtyard compound. It was a two-entrance courtyard: the outer entrance had eight rooms, the inner entrance had six. The wounded were all housed in the outer entrance, while the inner entrance was arranged for Song Wenxian and the other leaders. Several maidservants were still busy inside the rooms, tidying the bedding.

The four seriously wounded and several lightly wounded had all been transported here. Among the seriously wounded, one man whose belly had been stabbed had held on until arriving here but was now on the verge of death. The man whose eye had been ruined by the bamboo shard also had a festering wound and was unlikely to survive. The two with broken limbs were in better shape. Chen Xin had insisted on using boiling water to sterilize the cotton cloth before bandaging them, which had kept their wounds from worsening too severely. Today, after arriving at the private port, Li Guozhu had sent a physician who prescribed some medicine, and they might pull through.

Chen Xin found a maidservant and told her to boil the cotton cloth in water, then hang it to dry, preparing to change the dressings for those two the next day. The man with the eye injury had been wailing in his room the whole time. Hearing it left everyone with an unpleasant feeling, inevitably reminding them of the bloodshed of that day.

After the maidservant left, Song Wenxian pulled Chen Xin aside and said in a low voice, "Brother Chen, this Young Master Li's late father was Li Dan, a famous man here in Japan. If you can gain his help, it will bring you many conveniences when you become a sea merchant in the future."

Chen Xin knew he was reminding him to earnestly help Li Guozhu with his ideas, which was well-intentioned. He smiled and agreed, then asked Song Wenxian, "Mr. Song, from the look of things, are we not going to Nagasaki? Are we to deliver the goods right here in Wudao?"

"Yes. Our ship does not have a red-seal license. Though Young Master Li is an old acquaintance, he is unwilling to lend such a thing. We give him the goods, he earns some, we earn some — it saves trouble."

"Is it like this every time?"

"Every time. This private port is only half a day's journey from Nagasaki, yet he takes a cut. But then, who can blame him for having a red-seal license?"

Chen Xin thought for a moment and said, "Doesn't that red-seal ship have a license?"

Song Wenxian laughed. "It has the shipowner's name written on it. The subordinates of the Nagasaki magistrate likely all know these shipowners. If we went there, what would we tell them?"

Chen Xin smiled at that. He had only been asking casually.

Song Wenxian glanced around and asked mysteriously, "Brother Chen, have the goods on that red-seal ship been inventoried?"

Chen Xin, seeing his expression, had already guessed what he was going to say. He too lowered his voice. "The hold is cramped. It was only a rough estimate. When others ask me, I say it is impossible to take them out and count them. Anyway, the varieties are pepper, ambergris, frankincense, a bit of silk, and some cloth I've never seen before."

Song Wenxian nodded. "The goods on the red-seal ship are also being bought by Young Master Li. I threw that Japanese ship's account book into the sea that day. Now there is none — it is all up to you to handle. If Brother Chen does it well, you could earn half the capital you need to become a sea merchant yourself."

Chen Xin understood Song Wenxian's meaning: they would give Li Guozhu a discount on the price, and then Chen Xin would cook the books. The two of them would swallow a portion of the payment for the goods. Seeing how bluntly Song Wenxian spoke, Chen Xin showed no shame either. "Mr. Song, rest assured, I know how to do it. When the time comes, you will not be shorted your share of the hard-earned money. Only, when we tally the goods, you must be present to seal others' lips."

"Naturally. I expect Li Guozhu will come looking for you again. If it is convenient, you can discuss this matter with him first then. If not, I will go to him myself."

Chen Xin nodded while glancing around. This Song Wenxian looked refined, but he was actually full of crooked schemes. No wonder he could never quite explain any proper learning he studied. The two were birds of a feather, and after a few probings had already become partners in crime. The best part was that neither of the two men currently in charge was the owner of the goods — perfect for collusion.

This was something Song Wenxian could not do alone; he needed Chen Xin, the financial man, to cooperate. And Chen Xin could not hope to swallow it all by himself; he needed Song Wenxian, the one in charge, to seal others' lips. Chen Xin did not know what Proprietor Zhao had said to Song Wenxian on his deathbed. That day, while everyone else was grieving, Song Wenxian had first sought out the Japanese ship's account book and thrown it into the sea, destroying the evidence. Then, on the island, he had said he had once spoken well of Chen Xin in front of Proprietor Zhao, drawing closer to him. If Song Wenxian had already planned out today's income in the brief time after Proprietor Zhao was wounded, then his cunning mind far surpassed his own.

Chen Xin saw Lu Lvzi walk out of a room. Lu Lvzi had taken a blade to his right arm at the time — not serious — and had been brought here along with the others. Chen Xin was about to head over when Song Wenxian beside him suddenly asked another question. "Brother Chen, you spoke of the many benefits of Zheng Yiguan accepting amnesty and becoming an officer. Why don't you get yourself an officer's post to try?"

Chen Xin turned his head to stare at him in astonishment and murmured, "Indeed."