Chapter 45: A Deal of Power and Money

Now that Li Song is gone, his tea has gone cold — getting back his capital should be considered not bad. But on Sun Guozhen's side, there may be no need to send so much. Chen Xin had originally planned to say they'd send eight thousand taels, then the two of them would privately split the remaining ten thousand, so he himself would at least earn an extra three or four thousand. Who knew this Song Wenxian actually wanted to send it all.

Eighteen thousand taels as a stepping stone to advancement — even a gift of three to five thousand taels to a Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet would be enough. If one were merely seeking a staff position or a clerical post, why would so much silver be needed? Qian Qianyi paid twenty thousand to buy the Top Graduate title, and here he is, paying eighteen thousand to buy a staff position.

Seeing Chen Xin's expression, Song Wenxian thought he suspected him of wanting to swallow the money alone, and hurriedly explained: "I'm sending him this grand gift only so that I can move freely around Dengzhou in the future. Otherwise, when we purchase and load goods in Tianjin, if we are intercepted, the losses would be great. For myself, I'm only seeking a staff position so I can be close to the various lords every day and open up connections. As it happens, Brother Chen is also here — why not take care of your official status matter at the same time?"

Chen Xin listened without speaking. Purchasing goods in Tianjin, the cargo all comes via the Grand Canal, and along the way there are six customs toll gates. Add in transport fees, wages, and resale profits, and it's much more expensive than at the place of origin. The best method would be to purchase goods directly from Jiangnan and ship them by sea to Japan, but the Zhoushan Islands are full of pirates, and the risk is not small — it's not as if having a boat means you can do maritime trade in the south. With his current small capital and weak strength, he might as well earn a little money in the north. In that case, he would need these lords to provide convenience, but he still felt eighteen thousand taels was too expensive.

"Why did Proprietor Zhao cooperate with these lords back then? Logically, with profits this high, he only needed to send some silver to the naval forces' people. There was no need to involve the lords and give up such a large share."

"Brother Chen, you don't know. In the fifth year of the Tianqi reign, Proprietor Zhao was intercepted by the naval forces and killed many soldiers on the military boats. As a result, his ship's purser, fearing implication, betrayed the river inlet where Proprietor Zhao moored his boats to another band of pirates. In the end, Proprietor Zhao's only son was killed, and the goods were also seized. Later, Proprietor Zhao sought someone to reach Lord Zhong, saying that if they helped him exterminate that band of pirates and recover the goods, he would help Lord Zhong and the others earn money. That's how it came about. Lord Zhong and Lord Li didn't put in a single tael of silver — the initial capital was all distributed from Proprietor Zhao's share."

Only after hearing this did Chen Xin understand Proprietor Zhao's relationship with these lords. Song Wenxian then continued: "That's not all. Later, after Lord Zhong tasted the sweetness and felt not secure enough, he had the families of Han Bin, Hei Pao, and the others brought into Dengzhou city as well. Proprietor Zhao lives in Tianjin. He also talked with me about it, only saying he was getting old and wanted to settle down, and it was fine to let his family stay in Tianjin — anyway, the silver he'd earned was enough to live on."

Chen Xin nodded. It seemed this bowl of rice was truly not easy to eat. The families of Hei Pao and the others were still in others' hands. The share originally given up was too large, and it would be very hard for him to fight for more. Li Song had originally been getting silver for nothing. If it were up to him, he wouldn't give him a single coin. But he also didn't know what official position Li Song would end up holding. What if he became a Grand Secretary or a Minister someday? Then dealing with him would be as easy as flipping a hand. During the Chongzhen reign alone, fifty Grand Secretaries were replaced, and Chen Xin didn't even know a few of their names. After weighing things, he decided not to be too black-hearted — he would pay the proper respects as he should. But since the silver was being spent, he needed to get some interest out of it too.

He thought for a moment, then said to Song Wenxian: "Mr. Song, that Provincial Governor Sun is newly arrived and doesn't know Lord Li's original share. If we send out this eighteen thousand, don't let it give him even greater ideas. Besides, Lord Li's term was only a bit over a year. What if this Lord Sun also lasts only a bit over a year — wouldn't that be a terrible loss? As for Lord Zhong, he is well acquainted with maritime trade conditions and cannot be deceived. How about..."

The bird boat passed through Half-Moon Bay and headed toward the water gate of the Water Fortress. Dengzhou's Water Fortress had a circumference of three li, a height of three zhang five chi, and a thickness of one zhang one chi. It was faced with brick during the Wanli reign. The Water Fortress faced the sea to the north, straddled hills to the northwest, and bordered a river to the southeast. There was one gate each to the north and south. Passing through the water gate, one could go directly to the Liao Sea. Later, the Han traitors like Kong Youde would escape from this very place, but right now they were still threading through the old forests of Liaodong, locked in a fight to the death with their future master.

The city walls on both sides of the water gate each had several cannons. The western wall wound upward along Danya Mountain. Atop Danya Mountain stood the famous Penglai Pavilion. Penglai Pavilion perched on the mountain, facing the sea — majestic in presence and superb in scenery, one of the four great ancient towers. Because mirages often appeared at sea, it was called the Penglai Fairyland. Legend says the Eight Immortals crossed the sea here, and Xu Fu sailed east from this very spot.

But neither Song Wenxian nor Chen Xin had the leisure to admire it. Each had his own thoughts. It was now afternoon. Chen Xin and Song Wenxian were riding a bird boat, preparing to enter Dengzhou. The first person they needed to find was Lord Zhong of the Dengzhou Coastal Defense Circuit.

"Brother Chen, wherever there is a coast and no Military Defense Circuit is established, the Coastal Defense Circuit manages military defense matters. After you take up an official post in the future, you will also need to seek his help."

"Yes, many thanks for Brother Song's guidance. If this matter succeeds, I will have even more to consult Brother Song about in the future."

"It's no trouble." Song Wenxian's brow was still slightly furrowed, clearly still worried about having lost his backing.

Soon the bird boat entered the water gate. Inside was a broad inner harbor, where over ten military vessels were moored. People came and went on the shore, porters were as numerous as ants, city walls ringed the area on all sides, and banners fluttered in the wind. Chen Xin looked at a company of government troops marching on the shore — they had a somewhat imposing air, and their uniforms and complexions were better than those in Jizhou and Tianjin.

"Brother Song, the soldiers in Dengzhou seem even stronger than those in Tianjin."

"Indeed. Dengzhou faces Liaodong to the north. From here to Lushun, with a favorable wind, it's a day's journey. When Liaoyang and Shenyang fell back then, countless Han people from Liaodong came floating across the sea. Some without boats tied together wooden rafts or simply hugged a large log and set out to sea. Many died at sea, but quite a few made it. That's why Dengzhou has so many Liaodong refugees. Liaodong people are sturdily built and have extraordinary arm strength. They also bear a national hatred and family vendetta against the Jianzhou Bandits, so they were originally good soldier material. Look at Zhu Guobin on the boat — he came floating across the sea back then and was rescued midway by the Big Boss."

"No wonder."

"Ah, Brother Chen, you may not know — Qi Shaobao (Qi Jiguang) was a man of Dengzhou. In his early years, he inherited the post of Assistant Guard Commander of Dengzhou Guard, and only later was he transferred to Zhejiang to defend against the Japanese. If Qi Shaobao were still here today, how could the Jianzhou Bandits be allowed to leap about?"

"So Qi Shaobao was from Dengzhou." Chen Xin genuinely admired Qi Jiguang. This man not only established the Qi Family Army that awed the realm, but also authored books like the *Jixiao Xinshu* and *Lianbing Shiji*, which already possessed the embryonic form of modern military drill manuals. The man himself was also formidable in martial skill. Throughout his life, he campaigned north and south, always able to formulate different military strategies according to different situations and achieve victory. To call him a military genius would be no exaggeration at all. Every time Chen Xin thought of the Qi Family Army marching one hundred and ten li of mountain roads in a single night to raid Taizhou, his blood would boil. What kind of army must that have been?

As they spoke, the bird boat drew alongside the shore. The gangplank was lowered, and the two of them followed a Ming Squad Commander toward the Coastal Defense Circuit government office. Song Wenxian told Chen Xin that this was Lord Zhong's official bureau. Two soldiers stood on each side of the office entrance. While the Squad Commander went to find someone to announce them, the two waited at the door. The messenger returned shortly and led them inside.

Chen Xin followed behind Song Wenxian. Just as they reached the entrance of the second hall, a hearty voice rang out: "Daoist Priest, you've finally returned! These days I've been worried day and night. You're back — good, good."

Chen Xin poked his head out from behind Song Wenxian and looked. Before him stood a tall official with a broad face and large ears, also sporting a fine beard. He wore a red official robe with a crane-patterned rank badge on the chest, a black gauze cap on his head, official boots on his feet, and a leather belt at his waist. His face was full of delighted joy. The impression he gave Chen Xin was that he had considerable leadership presence.

"Daoist Priest pays respects to Lord Zhong. I have caused Lord Zhong worry. This journey was smooth overall, only that we encountered sea bandits along the way. Zhao Haiming, in order to protect the ship and goods, unfortunately perished." Only at this moment did Chen Xin learn that Proprietor Zhao's name was Zhao Haiming.

Lord Zhong's face showed surprise, which then turned to an expression of pained regret: "Ah, why did Proprietor Zhao have to go so far? If the ship is lost, it can be bought again. If the man is lost, what use is the ship left behind? But this character of his — loyalty in fulfilling his duty — is not something everyone possesses. If our Great Ming's government troops could also be like this, Great Ming would be blessed."

"Yes, this is all because Lord Zhong treated Zhao Haiming well. Out of gratitude, how could he not serve with all his heart?"

Lord Zhong waved his hand, then said with concern: "Daoist Priest, are you yourself unharmed? These sea bandits are truly vicious and brutal. No wonder some days ago my heart was suddenly seized with worry — it must have been worry for you all."

"Thanks to your lordship's fortune, I am unharmed in the slightest."

"Good, that's good." Lord Zhong's face was full of relief. He noticed Chen Xin behind Song Wenxian and asked Song Wenxian: "Daoist Priest, who is this?"

Chen Xin hurriedly stepped forward and, following Song Wenxian's instructions, knelt and saluted, saying: "I am Chen Xin, paying respects to Lord Zhong. Lord Zhong never forgets to worry for the state and the people, even for a moment. Those soldiers, constantly exposed to such influence, will surely serve to kill the bandits with even greater dedication. Even I, meeting your lordship for the first time, am deeply moved and awed by your lordship's breadth of spirit."

Lord Zhong stroked his beard and accepted the flattery wholesale. "You, young man, have an imposing bearing. What you just said also shows a heart of loyalty and righteousness. Please, rise quickly."

Song Wenxian waited for Chen Xin to rise, then said from the side: "Chen Xin is the ship's purser. He was originally a scholar as well. Driven by righteous fury, he personally killed the murderer who slew Proprietor Zhao. He is skilled in both civil and martial arts. Now everyone on the ship holds him in great awe and respect. The Li family's young master in Japan also thinks highly of him. When Chen Xin heard me speak of Lord Zhong's breadth of spirit and character, he insisted on coming along to behold your honored countenance."

Lord Zhong slowly nodded and sized Chen Xin up a few times. Song Wenxian's meaning had been made clear: this man had already gained the support of the Li family in Japan. Bringing him here was to have him replace Zhao Haiming. Since he was the purser, the finances were clear to him, and there was no need to keep him out anymore. He first invited the two to sit. He himself sat in the host's seat, and only then had servants bring tea.

Once the servants had left, Song Wenxian began reporting the earnings from this voyage. The Japanese Red Seal ships were, of course, not to be mentioned. He said slowly: "Lord Zhong, on this voyage, though there were some setbacks, your goods were completely unharmed. The capital was eight thousand taels. Originally we thought we could only earn eight thousand taels, but coincidentally, goods were in short supply in Japan this time, so we earned an extra eight thousand taels. Thus, Lord Zhong should have twenty-four thousand taels."

"Oh!?" Lord Zhong said softly.

Then Song Wenxian put on a face full of regret: "It's just a pity about Lord Li's goods. When the sea bandits attacked, one bandit jumped into the hold and, finding no way out, set a fire. Though I tried my utmost to rescue them, most of Lord Li's goods were still burned. As it stands, there is just enough to cover Lord Li's capital. I am fearful and uneasy in my heart, and do not know how to explain this to the Provincial Governor. I beg Lord Zhong to mete out punishment."

Lord Zhong's fingers tapped lightly on the table. He was satisfied. He understood the subtle message behind the words — Song Wenxian's meaning was already clear to him. Lord Li's tea had gone cold. No longer in his post, it was only proper that he no longer enjoyed its benefits. These two were tactful enough, using this excuse to cede nearly half the profit to him. Even if Li Song wanted to blame someone, he couldn't blame him.

"What are you saying, Daoist Priest? Traveling at sea inherently carries risks. To have protected the greater part is already rare. Since you even recovered the capital, simply return the capital to Lord Li. I believe Lord Li will be able to understand the circumstances." In their exchange, the two had already reached a consensus on Li Song's profits.

"Yes, many thanks for your lordship's understanding. May I ask where Lord Li is now?" Song Wenxian had long known Li Song had left, but deliberately asked this.

"Daoist Priest, you still don't know? Lord Li went to Nanjing some days ago to serve as Vice Minister of Revenue. The current Provincial Governor is Lord Sun. Daoist Priest was originally Lord Li's staff member. In the future, will you follow Lord Li to Nanjing, or remain in Dengzhou?"

"Ah, so Lord Li has already been promoted. I've been at sea for nearly two months and truly did not know this. But my home is in Shandong — it's hard to leave one's native soil. I would still like to remain in Dengzhou. Only, I am not acquainted with Lord Sun. It seems I'll have to go home and farm a few mu of land."

Lord Zhong laughed heartily and said: "Daoist Priest, you have followed Lord Li for a long time. Your character and talent are both top choices of the moment. If you go back to farming, you'll deprive our Great Ming of a talent. Why don't I arrange an introduction for Daoist Priest? In the future, you can still follow Lord Sun, and there'll be no need to go to the south."

"Then many thanks to Lord Zhong. May I ask where Lord Sun is from?"

"Lord Sun was originally of commoner registration from Zhejiang. He passed the Metropolitan Examination in the guichou year of the Wanli reign. As Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, he serves as Provincial Governor of Denglai and Dongjiang. When the Jianzhou Bandits raided the frontier this time, Lord Sun held Dengzhou, devised strategies from his seat, sent naval forces back and forth to threaten Sancha, and also dispatched the Dongjiang Garrison's surprise troops to raid Liaodong. This made the new Jianzhou Chieftain extremely wary, forcing him to withdraw his troops. Outsiders may not know, but we subordinates must understand this."

Song Wenxian was now fully at ease and continued: "Lord Zhong speaks truly. We subordinates should indeed take Lord Sun as our model. Chen Xin here shares the same sentiment. He is a Liaodong man who fled into the pass. Along the way, he heard of the various lords' military methods and character, and was deeply moved in his heart. He insists on serving the country by killing the enemy. I thought that in this way, he could also be closer to the various lords and listen to more of their teachings — that would always be good."

Lord Zhong naturally did not ask about Li Song's other profits. He was very clear about these things and could roughly calculate them himself — probably a few thousand to ten thousand taels. He did not want to swallow all of Li Song's profits. Knowing when to stop was a principle he had learned over many years. If the Japan maritime trade could continue, he and Lord Sun would be in a close relationship of shared interests, far more worthwhile than swallowing these ten thousand taels now.

Now it was time to discuss Chen Xin's matter. Who became the Big Boss was not something Lord Zhong could decide, nor did he care much. He only needed some collateral so he could feel at ease entrusting the goods to this man. From what Song Wenxian said, he understood that Chen Xin intended to offer himself as collateral — more sensible than the former Zhao Haiming. But just himself was not enough. Once they went out to sea, who could find him?

Lord Zhong looked at Chen Xin and slowly asked: "I understand Young Master Chen's intentions. But serving the country by killing the enemy is also an endeavor of great hardship and danger. May I ask if Young Master Chen is already married?"

Chen Xin had been listening from the side as the two talked. He had originally thought himself thick-skinned, but seeing Lord Zhong and Song Wenxian, he realized there were mountains beyond mountains. Both were superstar actors, and their comprehension was also very strong. In just a few exchanges, they had finished distributing Li Song's profits and settled Song Wenxian's job. What was rare was that after the two had finished discussing shady dealings, one couldn't detect a trace of ill intent. Anyone who didn't understand would think they were genuinely considering others. "Truly thick-skinned!" Chen Xin inwardly praised the two.

At this moment, hearing Lord Zhong's question, Chen Xin quickly stood and said: "In reply to your lordship, this humble person plans to marry upon returning to Tianjin."

Song Wenxian was slightly surprised. He had not heard Chen Xin mention marriage on the journey.

"That is very good. If you join the military, your whole family can also come to Dengzhou. When there is leisure, I can invite Young Master Chen and Daoist Priest to Penglai Pavilion to behold the immortal scenery at sea."

"This humble person thanks your lordship in advance for your great kindness."

"May I ask if Young Master Chen wishes to enter a combat battalion, enter the logistics battalion, or enter my naval forces?"

"Your lordship, this humble person's abilities are limited, and I worry about damaging the reputation of the combat troops. This humble person's ancestors were military households from Zhejiang. Now this humble person would also like to register as a military household. When it is necessary to go into battle, I will be able to do so."

"Military household?" Lord Zhong grew a little puzzled. In this day and age, those who still wanted to be military households were very few. The guard battalions everywhere had mostly deserted. Yet this man was eagerly asking to become a military household.

"This humble person was thinking that promotion in official rank might be faster within the military households. If I could obtain some minor official post, it would also earn some face for my ancestors." Guard battalion official posts were worthless, but their ranks were not low — at least they were still officials when spoken of. Lord Zhong accepted this explanation. As long as Chen Xin came, it was fine. Dengzhou's military defense affairs were managed by the Coastal Defense Circuit. Even as a military household, he could still be controlled.

"Filial piety is foremost in all things. Since Young Master Chen has such filial intent, I should help fulfill it. Then in which place in our Dengzhou does Young Master Chen wish to register his household?"

"Weihaiwei."