Chapter 46: Change the Courtesy Name, Take a Concubine

"Your humble servant Chen Xin pays respects to the Lord Governor (Note 1)." Chen Xin knelt on the ground and shouted loudly, his kneecaps aching from the stone slab, inwardly cursing this damnable feudal system.

The newly appointed Deng-Lai Provincial Governor Sun Guozhen sat upright and solemn, his expression grave as he looked at Chen Xin and Song Wenxian kneeling before him, not telling the two to rise. The day before, after the two had paid a visit to Lord Zhong, they had taken a bird boat back to the Fujian junk. The Fujian junk had docked overnight and transported the silver ashore. Lord Zhong sent men to escort them, and before noon today they had gone to a money shop in Dengzhou city to exchange it for silver notes. In the afternoon, Lord Zhong had brought them to Sun Guozhen's government office.

"I hear from Baishan that you two have intelligence on the Jianzhou bandits to report to me. Speak quickly." Baishan was Lord Zhong's courtesy name; he stood to the side, a smile on his face.

Chen Xin's voice rang out: "Reporting to the Lord Governor, we two are soldiers and civilians of Dengzhou. A few days ago, we boarded a merchant ship bound for Tianjin. Off the coast of Dengzhou, we encountered a fishing boat acting suspiciously. After stopping it, we captured a Jianzhou bandit spy. Under interrogation, we learned that the Jianzhou Chieftain is exceedingly cunning. Not only did he send a great army to invade Ning-Jin, but he also dispatched spies to infiltrate Dengzhou via the Liao Sea, carrying silver to probe for intelligence and seek opportunities to burn our grain and fodder. Your humble servant intercepted nearly ten thousand taels of silver carried by the Jianzhou spy on board. I was somewhat hesitant at first, but it was thanks to Mr. Song, who was on the same ship, that I was enlightened to the greater cause. Mr. Song said that the current Lord Governor of Deng-Lai is both a Star of Literature descended to earth and a Star of Martial Valor. During this Jianzhou bandit invasion, it was all thanks to Lord Governor Sun's masterful planning and decisive victories from a thousand li away that countless lives of Great Ming were saved. Your humble servant was moved to the core, suddenly repented, and has specially brought the intercepted silver for the Lord Governor to dispose of. The only regret is that the spy took advantage of our lapse in attention, jumped into the sea and died, and his body was never found."

Song Wenxian listened with his head lowered. On the ship, Chen Xin had requested to speak first before the Provincial Governor, striving to ride the coattails of the great Ning-Jin victory and gain an official rank or post; what use was merely entering a military household registration otherwise? Hearing Chen Xin's nauseating flattery, Song Wenxian cursed inwardly: "Such thick skin."

"Nearly ten thousand taels?" Lord Sun's face remained impassive, his posture still upright and solemn. Chen Xin's speech was riddled with holes, but everyone here was an actor; when performing in a domestic blockbuster flop, one need not be too rigorous, as long as the box office was good. The box office was now laid out before them; they just needed to cooperate a little and not make their greed too obvious.

Very soon, so that the male lead could collect his box office earnings early, supporting actor Lord Zhong stepped in to join the scene: "Lord Governor, this Chen Xin is a hereditary Squad Leader of Weihai Guard, without substantive duty. He usually does some small trading, mostly traveling between Tianjin and Dengzhou, occasionally going elsewhere. He has the heart to serve the country, and this time he captured a Jianzhou bandit spy. After this subordinate's verification, the matter is indeed true. It is only this silver that your subordinate dares not take responsibility for, and so I ask Your Lordship to dispose of it."

Lord Sun maintained an air of calm composure: "Even from the distant corners of the realm, you do not forget the affairs of the nation. With such loyal and brave men in our Great Ming, why worry that the Jianzhou bandits will not be destroyed? You two, please rise."

Only then did Chen Xin escape the awkwardness and stand up.

"Baishan, both of you, please be seated."

After Lord Sun said this, Chen Xin and Song Wenxian sat down on the lower right side. Chen Xin had initially plopped his whole rear down, but out of the corner of his eye he saw Song Wenxian, like a young bride meeting her in-laws, only perching a corner of his backside on the chair. A glance at Lord Zhong showed he was also only sitting on half the seat, so Chen Xin had to scoot forward as well, cursing inwardly all the while.

Chen Xin stole a glance at Sun Guozhen. On his chest was a peacock rank badge, indicating he was a third-rank civil official of Great Ming, and a Provincial Governor at that. Even a first-rank military official like Mao Wenlong would have to kowtow before him. A Provincial Governor like Sun Guozhen typically held the substantive post of Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Chief Surveillance Bureau, a proper third-rank official. Provincial Governor was merely his functional assignment, which itself carried no rank, but granted him control over the military and civil administration of his jurisdiction. Provincial Governors in various provinces were relatively fixed, while in some places the post was established or abolished depending on circumstances.

Although Deng-Lai was not large in area, it oversaw Dongjiang, a crucial front in the war against the Later Jin, where merit was easily earned. The amount of silver passing through hands each year was also considerable, making it a position of real power. If one performed well in this post, the subsequent official career path would be quite promising.

Lord Zhong began speaking on Song Wenxian's behalf again: "Lord Governor, this Song Wenxian was originally a private secretary to Lord Li, proficient in clerical work, accounting, and provisions. During the capture of this spy at sea, he also contributed his efforts."

"Mm." Sun Guozhen nodded slightly to show he had heard. "Since these two captured the spy, they can also be counted as having contributed to the victory at Ning-Jin. Baishan, do not forget this when reporting the merits."

"Yes, your subordinate will firmly remember their merit in intercepting and killing the spy." In their exchange, the ten thousand taels had already been omitted.

Chen Xin felt pleased as he listened. After they had spoken the day before about entering the military register, Lord Zhong, for the sake of the eight thousand taels, had already agreed to let him ride the coattails of the great Ning-Jin victory. The Jianzhou bandits had retreated on the fifth day of the sixth month; it was now early in the seventh month, and the merit reporting and verification in Deng-Lai had fortuitously not yet been completed. At this time, military household registrations were worthless; the Yellow Registers were full of names without actual registration. If Lord Zhong had someone add a military household Squad Leader to the Yellow Registers for him, no one would bother to verify it. Reporting the merit of capturing a spy was also not conspicuous. Lord Zhong had agreed to promote him to Probationary Company Commander this time; he was about to become an officer.

Now that the Lord Governor had also agreed, with silver paving the way, things were easy to negotiate. Since Song Wenxian wanted to give gifts and he himself could not share in the silver, he would just take some interest in another form. What remained was to discuss the maritime trade. Chen Xin now felt that doing maritime trade with them was actually not a loss. Proprietor Zhao felt it was a loss because all he needed was money.

A grand gift of ten thousand taels was rare even in the capital. Sun Guozhen naturally knew there was more to it than just this. Looking at Lord Zhong, he asked, "Chen Xin is a surplus soldier of Weihai. Where is Mr. Song currently employed?"

Lord Zhong hurriedly stood and replied: "Lord Governor, Song Wenxian's family is in Dengzhou. After Lord Li departed this time, he wished to return to his hometown and take up farming. Your subordinate, cherishing talent for the nation's sake, presumes to recommend him to the Lord Governor."

Song Wenxian dropped to his knees with a thud: "This late-born student originally had the intention of returning to farming. But after encountering bandits at sea this time, I have come to understand the brutality of the Jianzhou bandits. How can one look after only oneself? This late-born student is willing to offer his meager efforts to assist the Lord Governor in sweeping away the Jianzhou bandits. Yet I fear my talent is shallow and learning scant, unworthy of Your Lordship's discerning eye."

Lord Zhong again chimed in from the side: "These two originally also engaged in some traveling merchant business, trading in Weihai, Dengzhou, Tianjin, and various places, occasionally making a trip to Jiangnan, with considerable profits. In recent years, they have been rescued many times by our Dengzhou naval forces, and they also revere Your Lordship's character. They are willing to take out several tenths of their annual profits to contribute to military funds."

Upon hearing "naval forces" and "several tenths of profits," Provincial Governor Sun already understood what they were asking for. This matter was not difficult to handle; it was merely providing convenience within his own jurisdiction, a mutual exchange of needs. A slight smile appeared on his face: "Mr. Song is overly modest. I trust Baishan's judgment. I understand your intentions, but you must also remember not only to revere this official, but to always keep in mind sharing the worries of His Majesty."

"Yes, your humble servants will remember firmly."

Provincial Governor Sun continued: "Since Mr. Song possesses great talent and Baishan recommends him, I will ask Mr. Song to condescend to serve as an Adjutant, taking charge of Dengzhou coastal defense funds and provisions."

"I thank the Lord Governor for his favor. This late-born student will surely devote his utmost effort until his dying breath."

"Chen Xin, since you are a Squad Leader of Weihai Guard, your merit this time will certainly not go unrewarded with promotion. Baishi."

"Your subordinate is here."

"Such a loyal and righteous man, after promotion, should be given a substantive appointment. We must not chill the hearts of the realm's righteous people."

"Your Lordship may rest assured. Your subordinate understands this matter. Once the court's reward is issued, your subordinate will make the arrangements."

Lord Sun had expressed his stance, and the matters that needed handling were concluded. He did not ask where the ten thousand taels of silver were. With his right hand, he gently lifted his teacup. Lord Zhong and Song Wenxian immediately rose, and Chen Xin hurriedly followed suit.

"In that case, we shall not disturb the Lord Governor from handling official business. We take our leave."

"Very well. This old man has other important matters, so I will not see you far. Attendant."

A man resembling a private secretary walked in: "Master."

Sun Guozhen said to Chen Xin and the other two: "This is my household steward, Xu Sheng. If there are urgent matters in the future, you may seek him directly."

All three exchanged greetings with Steward Xu. A steward at a prime minister's gate is as good as a seventh-rank official, and one at a Provincial Governor's gate was no small figure either. Steward Xu was fairly amiable and returned the greetings to each of the three.

"Steward Xu, on my behalf, see Lord Zhong and the two gentlemen out."

"Yes, Master." So saying, he gestured with his hand, inviting the few to go ahead. The three again bowed to Provincial Governor Sun and withdrew.

Lord Zhong strode ahead with his head high. Song Wenxian seemed to deliberately walk very slowly, creating some distance. After exiting the second hall and before entering the main hall, Song Wenxian fell back to Steward Xu's side. Chen Xin knew he was going to give the silver notes to Steward Xu; the great lords never personally accepted money. He did not linger and quickly walked into the main hall.

After putting some distance between them, he glanced back quickly. He only saw Song Wenxian pressing close to Steward Xu's side. Steward Xu took out the silver notes, glanced at them, and nodded. Song Wenxian then extended his right hand, his sleeve covering Steward Xu's hand, and there was a slight movement within the sleeve. A warm, genial smile appeared on Steward Xu's face.

Chen Xin turned and waited in the main hall, taking a ten-tael silver ingot from his bosom. It was a good while before the two came out. Chen Xin also pretended to express thanks and, imitating Song Wenxian, passed the silver over from within his sleeve.

Steward Xu's face beamed like a flower. He called the two his brothers and saw them all the way out past the spirit screen before reluctantly parting.

Lord Zhong bid them farewell at the gate, instructing Chen Xin to wait in Tianjin for news of his official status. Chen Xin agreed. As for the subsequent maritime ventures, those would take at least a few more months and could be discussed slowly.

After Lord Zhong left, the two stood for a moment at the gate of the Provincial Governor's office. Chen Xin looked at the tall military gate and the black chevaux-de-frise on either side, and said to Song Wenxian with a smile, "So Mr. Song will be on duty right here. Truly the envy of your little brother."

Having cooperated repeatedly, their relationship had become very close. Song Wenxian smiled and said, "It's just a large compound; what is there to envy?" With that, he led the way out of the city.

Chen Xin walked beside him and asked, "The Provincial Governor arranged for you to take charge of the coastal defense funds and provisions from Dengzhou to Tianjin. What kind of post is that?"

"A damn post. What are coastal defense funds and provisions worth? They're not even the funds and provisions of Dongjiang Town. He's just giving me a title. But having this post does make it convenient for me to travel between several places. After all, I can meddle a bit in the naval forces' funds and provisions; those soldiers will have to give me some face. That's probably what the Lord Governor was thinking."

Chen Xin cupped his hands and said, "Then congratulations to Mr. Song."

Song Wenxian smiled and waved his hand dismissively: "Between you and me, there's no need for such empty formalities. Although I have found another place to settle, Lord Sun has his own trusted circle; newcomers like us merely fill out the ranks. Rather, I should congratulate you, brother, on your promotion to Company Commander."

"Mr. Song knows perfectly well what a Company Commander in the military register is worth. Are you teasing your brother?"

"How dare I, how dare I. I originally thought you hadn't been attached to a register and could only pay to buy a rank after being conscripted. Now Lord Zhong directly added you as a Squad Leader, and then with merit rewarded, you reach Probationary Company Commander. If you want to pay to advance to Battalion Commander, it will only cost two or three hundred taels. You've saved over a thousand taels right there."

Only then did Chen Xin understand the difference. Over a thousand taels was no small sum. It seemed Lord Zhong was fairly honorable; he took the money and did get things done.

Just as he was feeling satisfied, he saw Song Wenxian grinning slyly: "But there is one thing, Brother Chen, for which you are not to be congratulated."

Chen Xin asked curiously, "What thing?"

"Does Brother Chen know the two great joys of promotion?"

"Getting rich, and your wife dying."

After a moment of inward contempt, Song Wenxian said, "Not so. The two foremost joys of promotion are: changing your courtesy name, and taking a concubine. That is, to change to a courtesy name suitable for official circles, and to take a caring young concubine. What a pity, Brother Chen has no courtesy name to change, and not even a principal wife, so you get neither. Hahaha!"

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Note 1: In the Ming dynasty, commoners addressed a Provincial Governor as "Lord Governor" (duye). Other official posts also had unique forms of address; for example, a county magistrate was called "xianggong" or "fumu." These do not quite match modern habits, so they are only introduced here. In the following text, official titles will primarily be used.