Chapter 738: Luring the Enemy into the Trap

Love Shenjing, Hanzheng Street.

The sun was bright, the market was bustling, and as Noyan Taiji's cavalry troop left, the road returned to calm, and the onlookers gradually dispersed.

Ai Li returned the door bolt to a shop on the side of the street, and Jia Cong and Liu Binfang stood under the eaves on the side of the road to talk.

Liu Binfang said, "This Noyan Taiji brought his attendants to gallop in the market. It seems he has a noble status on the grasslands and is also a person who acts willfully."

"On the grasslands, strength is respected and the fittest survive, which is extremely cruel. Mongol princes like him are high and mighty from birth, wealthy and extravagant."

"They are usually raised to be arrogant, overbearing, and fierce. The Remnant Mongol tribes always follow the law of the jungle, and such a personality can also take advantage of things."

"Noyan Taiji, as the son of Khan Jirang, has a very noble status even among the Remnant Mongol princes."

"But looking at his actions, he has no arrogance or extravagance, is very cautious and meticulous, and has quite a bit of city and scheming, which is different from other Remnant Mongol nobles."

"When this official arrived at the scene, the Earl already had Hu Er Gan's life in his hands, but the several Mongol warriors only drew their swords to surround you, yet didn't act fiercely against you."

"Noyan Taiji's attendants all carried bows and arrows. To be personal guards to a Remnant Mongol prince, they must all be experts in archery."

"Yet not one of them drew their bows or notched arrows at the Earl. This is somewhat contrary to common sense."

"The only explanation is that Noyan Taiji restrained his attendants, not letting the matter deteriorate further."

"At that time, he didn't know the Earl's true identity and likely thought the Earl was just an ordinary youth with no major background."

"Even so, this person has a noble status and countless guards, yet didn't act rashly against the Earl. He is cautious, steady, not arrogant, and not impatient—truly extraordinary."

Jia Cong said, "Lord Liu is right. Being in a high position and being arrogant, and being powerful and bullying the weak—this is human nature. Without breadth of mind and extraordinary insight, one cannot restrain it."

Liu Binfang said, "Later, I revealed the Earl's identity, and he became extremely interested in the Earl. The Earl is now famous throughout the world, so this is not strange."

"But you made his personal guard look so disheveled. A noble of his status always needs some face."

"He admired the Earl's fame and had the intention to make friends, but this turn was not easy to make."

"So, his sentence, 'We Mongols most respect the warriors and wise men of the world,' was quite clever. It both flattered and praised the Earl and gave himself an extremely decent way out."

"In just a few words, he turned a fight where swords were drawn and blood was shed into nothingness, and upon parting, he gave a gift to form a good relationship with the Earl."

"He is clever, knows how to guide the situation, advances and retreats appropriately, and endures humiliation without panic—he is very capable. He is about the same age as the Earl, yet he already has such means."

"The Remnant Mongols produced an owl-hero like Anda Khan, bringing so many constraints and hidden dangers to our Great Zhou."

"Now that their young generation of princes has produced a figure like Noyan Taiji, it is certainly not a good thing for our Great Zhou."

Jia Cong felt a bit surprised hearing his idle talk. Although Liu Binfang had a low official position, his vision was far-reaching, and his heart and insight were quite extraordinary.

He smiled slightly, "Lord Liu is meticulous, identifying people with subtle detail. I admire you."

Liu Binfang laughed, "This official was just talking idly, making the Earl laugh."

"State affairs are chaotic, and the enemy is covetous. Ever since the Remnant Mongols caused trouble and harassment in the north, I have often discussed the Remnant Mongol tribal leaders with others in my leisure time."

"That Khan Jirang once had two sons, both of whom died in tribal fighting. This Noyan Taiji was rarely heard of before, so I suppose he has just come of age..."

The two talked for a few more sentences, their conversation somewhat speculative. Five years ago, during the Wang Shanbao incident, Jia Cong and Liu Binfang had had an intersection.

But they had had very little contact over the years, and today's incident made them a bit more familiar with each other.

……

After Liu Binfang left with the dozen or so yamen runners, Jia Cong and Ai Li went to Liu Xiang Ju for tea.

Ai Li waited until Liu Binfang was far away, then generously reached out and took Jia Cong's palm. Being subconsciously held by him, she felt a smile bloom on her face, very sweet and happy.

She said, "Yuzhang, the way you fought just now was truly powerful, and that move of sheathing the sword was also very handsome. Remember to teach it to me."

Jia Cong looked back at her. Because Ai Li's veil had been damaged, she was now facing the sky with her plain face. In the sparkling sunlight, she was beautiful, delicate, and exceptionally moving.

He teased, "You only think I'm powerful because I fought for you, right?"

Ai Li giggled, "You are powerful at fighting, and you are also very smart. You know everything."

"But it was good that you didn't kill that Hu Er Gan. That stupid bear is a member of the Mongol delegation; killing him would bring us trouble."

Jia Cong laughed, "If he dares to be disrespectful to you again, I won't kill him, but I'll beat him every time I see him, so you can praise me for being powerful a few more times."

Ai Li burst into laughter, "Yuzhang, I know you have many sisters at home. Are you used to coaxing girls since you were young? You can say sweet words as soon as you open your mouth."

"My mother said that a young man who is too good at coaxing people is not a good thing, and it will be a headache in the future."

"That Miss Zhen from the palace who was betrothed to you last time almost became your wife. Did you coax her like that too?"

Jia Cong's expression stiffened, and he laughed, "Nonsense, I never coaxed her. She is too shrewd; how could she be coaxed?"

Ai Li was a bit unconvinced and said, "Hey, what do you mean by that? Is it that I'm not shrewd and easy to coax?"

Jia Cong held back his laughter and said, "Who would dare say you aren't shrewd? When you were in Liaoning, people hired you as a bodyguard for only one tael of gold."

"I hired you as a bodyguard, but you charged me two taels of gold, and you didn't know how dark your hands were. Is this not shrewd?"

Ai Li laughed, "At worst, when you hire me as a bodyguard in the future, I won't charge you gold, so you won't suffer a loss again."

Jia Cong asked again, "What else did your mother say about me? Tell me."

Ai Li replied, "My mother said you are quite good to me, and that you are a capable person who will definitely have great success in the future."

Jia Cong laughed, "Lady Xu really has an eye for talent. You should really listen to your mother more."

Ai Li teased, "If I say you're fat, you start panting. Your face is so thick, and you aren't even ashamed."

The two shuttled through the bustling crowd, occasionally bickering and laughing. The scene they encountered on Hanzheng Street was soon forgotten.

……

Court of State Ceremonial, Association Hall.

The venue here was spacious, with various pavilions and halls, exquisite and beautiful. It was the place where the Great Zhou received tribute delegations, equivalent to a state guesthouse in later generations.

Liu Xiaoping held a stack of documents, shuttling through the corridors of the pavilions. The noon sun was dazzling, leaving a flowing, dragging shadow behind him.

This time, he, Jia Cong, and Cai Xiaoyu had taken the spring examination together. As classmates, they were considered lucky, as all three had made the golden list.

Jia Cong's name was on the first rank, dazzling and eye-catching, needless to say. Cai Xiaoyu was also successful in the examination, ranking thirteenth on the second rank, a very high position.

Cai Xiaoyu's father, Cai Xiang, was a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, with connections and weight both inside and outside the court.

In those years, Cai Xiang had also ranked in the front of the second rank. Now that he had produced a son who complemented him, it had once been passed down as a beautiful story.

The Ministry of Rites recommended Cai Xiaoyu to be exempted from the examination and enter the Hanlin Academy, with the official rank of Grade 7B Hanlin Compiler.

According to Cai Xiaoyu's ranking on the list and his prominent scholarly family background, this was just a matter of course.

Liu Xiaoping's fortune was not as brilliant as his two classmates. Although he had also passed the second rank this time, he was ranked ninety-eighth.

His father had only passed the examination after the age of forty and was now serving his consecutive term as the Magistrate of Liuhe County in Jinling. His future official career would likely be limited.

Although the Liu family was also a scholarly family, their family background and connections were ordinary. Being able to produce two generations of Jinshi was already a great honor, so it was not good to ask for more.

Liu Xiaoping had decided to participate in the Hanlin Academy's court examination next year. As long as he passed the court examination, he could enter the Hanlin Academy.

Although he was far inferior to his two classmates, he was already satisfied with such a result.

Having witnessed his father's ten years of hard study in his childhood, the hardship was heart-wrenching. He had passed the examination twenty years earlier than his father; what else was there to be dissatisfied about?

After being on the list in this spring examination, he was assigned by the Ministry of Personnel to observe government affairs in the Registrar's Office of the Court of State Ceremonial, with the official rank of Grade 7B Registrar.

Coming from an ordinary family, being able to rank on the second rank and remain as a capital official was already quite difficult.

He and Jia Cong and Cai Xiaoyu were close classmates. Now that they were of the same subject and same year, he already had a foundation of connections in the officialdom.

He knew clearly in his heart that his current achievements and convenience far exceeded his father's in those years, so naturally, he was full of longing for his future official career.

Since entering the Court of State Ceremonial, he had been meticulous in handling matters, cautious in conduct, and diligent, and had quite a reputation among his superiors and colleagues.

……

Today, he had finished organizing several documents and was about to take them to the Court Vice-Minister for review.

Just as he walked past the corner of the corridor, a group of people walked toward him. The leader was a sixteen or seventeen-year-old Mongol youth.

He wore a pitch-black sable fur long coat, exquisite form-fitting leather armor, and a black-based, gold-embroidered forehead band, with a large dragon-eye blue gemstone embedded in the middle, sparkling and shining.

Behind him followed more than a dozen fierce Mongol warriors, all carrying swords and bows, holding game like birds, rabbits, and pheasants in their hands, as if they had just returned from hunting outside the city.

Liu Xiaoping had been in the Court of State Ceremonial for some time and had just encountered the Remnant Mongol three-tribe delegation entering the capital to pay tribute. He had long paid attention to the leaders of the delegation.

The Remnant Mongol delegation was led by Aletang of the Tuman tribe. This person was a trusted minister of Anda Khan and held a pivotal position in the Remnant Mongol delegation.

The Mongol youth in front of him was a little prince of the Ordos tribe, named Noyan Taiji in the Court of State Ceremonial documents.

Although he was also an important figure in the delegation, and the delegation had appeared and participated in dialogues and negotiations with officials from the Court of State Ceremonial, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Revenue, the little prince rarely spoke in various meetings.

It seemed that although he had a noble status, he was ultimately too young and lacked qualifications. Compared to people like Aletang of the Tuman tribe, he lacked some weight.

Liu Xiaoping saw Noyan Taiji walking toward him, so he stepped to the side of the corridor and bowed slightly to him.

Noyan Taiji was not arrogant, turned his head to look at Liu Xiaoping, and also nodded to him. The group of people filed past.

Liu Xiaoping glanced back, then turned and went to the Court Vice-Minister's office, reported the document matters to his superior, and returned to his own office.

The daily official business of the Court of State Ceremonial was leisurely, and it would only be slightly busy when neighboring countries came to court. Because the Registrar's Office only handled documents, it was more leisurely than other departments.

In the quiet office, Liu Xiaoping walked to his desk and pulled out a small booklet from an inconspicuous place on the bookshelf behind him.

He picked up his brush and wrote on it: "October 29th, Noyan Taiji of the Ordos tribe returned with eighteen guards, all carrying swords and bows, carrying hunting trophies."

Suspected of returning from hunting outside the city; personal guard leader Hu Ergan has unexplained bruising on the back of his head and a bleeding wound on his neck; the cause is unclear and requires investigation...

Hui Tong Hall, Ordos tribe relay station.

Two Han maidservants with delicate features helped Noyan Taiji remove his sable fur armor and change into a light, soft, and comfortable Hu robe.

Noyan Taiji said to the maidservant: "Go call Hu Ergan over; I have something to say!"

The maidservant hurried out to call him, and before long, Hu Ergan entered.

He was tall and burly, savage and irritable in front of others, but very submissive in front of Noyan Taiji, seemingly feeling a bit guilty and not daring to raise his head to look at him.

Noyan Taiji said: "Hu Ergan, why did you act on your own initiative today and demand that young lady from Jia Cong!

This is the capital of the Great Zhou, not our grasslands; Han people are different from us Mongols, and involving their female relatives is considered a supreme humiliation.

If it weren't for the Mongol mission coming to the capital to pay tribute, and Jia Cong and that Assistant Prefect having some reservations, they could have just hacked you down with a blade, and we would have had nowhere to argue our case."

Hu Ergan said: "I saw that the Taiji had arrived in the Love Shenjing and had no suitable person to serve and accompany you at night; although I bought two maidservants, how could they compare to that young lady.

I truly did not expect her to be Count Weiyuan's woman; this lowly one will not be so reckless next time, please punish me, Taiji."

Noyan Taiji said: "Today, seeing that you are injured, I will first record twenty lashes for you; if you dare to act on your own initiative again, I will add another twenty!

Go call your brother Shu Ergan; I have something to ask him."

Not long after, a man entered the room; his appearance was somewhat similar to Hu Ergan's, but his build was not as burly, and he even appeared slightly thin.

He wore a dusty gray Hu robe, a sheepskin hat on his head, and his back was slightly hunched, making him appear completely unremarkable.

After entering the room, he took off his leather hat and bowed to Noyan Taiji with his hand on his chest.

Under his leather hat, unlike ordinary Mongols who tie their hair in braids, he wore a Han-style hair bun, making him look less like a Mongol at first glance and more like a Han person.

Noyan Taiji asked: "How did the matter I entrusted to you go?"

Shu Ergan said: "The Taiji predicted correctly; that grain shop north of the city is indeed full of secrets."

Noyan Taiji said: "A few days ago, when the mission first arrived in the Love Shenjing, the tribe leaders discussed purchasing grain and prepared to find a suitable grain shop in the city.

I unintentionally heard Aletang instruct his subordinates to go to the Duan family grain shop north of the city to buy grain.

At that time, we had just arrived in the Love Shenjing, and apart from meeting with officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Diplomatic Reception, we hadn't had time to go out and move about.

How would Aletang know that there was a Duan family grain shop north of the city? It would be a ghost story if there weren't something fishy about it."

Shu Ergan said: "The shopkeeper of that Duan family grain shop is named Duan Chunjiang; this is not a fake name, but his real name, only he has rarely used it.

His ancestors were Han people who followed the descendants of Toghon Temür and retreated from the Central Plains to the Mobei grasslands.

Although he grew up on the grasslands, he can speak fluent Han language, and his family has intermarried with Han people who fled north for generations.

Therefore, whether in appearance or accent, this person is no different from an ordinary Han person, and it is very difficult for outsiders to see any flaws.

Because I have entered the Mobei grasslands several times to present tribute to Khan Anda's royal tent, I have seen him many times near the royal tent.

He is a Darughachi of the Tumet tribe; although his official rank is not very high, he is very trusted by Khan Anda, so I paid him a lot of attention.

The last time I went to Khan Anda's royal tent last year, I never saw him again.

I secretly inquired about it and only learned that he was sent by the Khan to handle matters; no one knows specifically what matters.

Could it be that he traveled thousands of miles to the Love Shenjing to open a grain shop under Khan Anda's orders? What use could a small grain shop have? This matter is a bit strange."

Noyan Taiji's eyes flickered, and he walked back and forth in the room; his high-quality moon-white silk Hu robe swayed slightly in the wind, revealing a touch of extraordinary detachment.

He said: "This Duan Chunjiang was originally a Darughachi, in charge of military supplies and grain; it is an old trade for him to open a grain shop.

But Khan Anda wouldn't rely on a small grain shop to solve the tribe's winter grain problem.

Moreover, we have only been in the capital for a few days, and we have already started purchasing grain, which has already alarmed the Zhou Emperor.

The Great Zhou Ministry of War has already issued an edict that grain purchased by the mission cannot leave the city without documents from the Ministry of War.

Duan Chunjiang's grain shop is in name only and is of no use at all, unless this grain shop was never meant for purchasing grain..."

Shu Ergan saw that Noyan Taiji had fallen into thought and did not dare to disturb his train of thought, only waiting silently on the side.

His young master was outstanding in talent and appearance, well-read in Han books, knowledgeable, and exceptionally intelligent, capable of thinking of things others could not.

The Khan often said that the young master was a gift from Eternal Heaven to the Ordos tribe, and the future of the tribe was entrusted to him.

Noyan Taiji thought for a while and said: "I can't figure this out for a moment; perhaps Khan Anda had another purpose in letting Duan Chunjiang open a grain shop in the Love Shenjing.

It is likely to let him act as a spy in the Love Shenjing; you also said that this person is no different from a Han person, and it is very difficult for others to see any flaws.

But as a grain shopkeeper and a merchant, his status is low; what kind of military and national secrets could he obtain?

You have been watching him for many days; have you ever discovered him associating with Great Zhou officials?"

Shu Ergan said: "I haven't discovered that; although many officials in the Love Shenjing buy grain from him, the business transactions are all handled by servants in his household."

Noyan Taiji laughed dumbly: "I asked a stupid question; Han people are different from us Mongols, with clear distinctions between scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants.

In the eyes of Han people, merchants have always been lowly, and officials disdain to associate with them, not to mention that Duan Chunjiang is not a local, making it even harder for him to associate with officials."

Shu Ergan said: "The master is right; a shopkeeper who sells grain can only associate with merchants; how could he enter the eyes of officials."

Just as Shu Ergan finished speaking, he suddenly thought of something and continued: "However, a wealthy young master often comes to Duan Chunjiang's grain shop.

I also privately inquired that this person is named Xue Pan, and his family are Imperial Merchants of the Great Zhou; I heard he is very wealthy, and he has invested money in Duan Chunjiang's shop.

They are both Han merchants, and their close association is within reason, but this Xue Pan has a great connection with official families."

Noyan Taiji's eyes brightened and he asked: "What kind of connection?"

Shu Ergan said: "That Xue Pan is a relative of Great Zhou Count Weiyuan Jia Cong, and the Xue Pan family has lived in Jia Cong's mansion for many years; the two families have a close relationship.

I arrived in the Love Shenjing not long ago and was able to find this out, which means this is not a secret; Duan Chunjiang must also know this, and I feel he has ulterior motives."

Noyan Taiji heard this and couldn't help but be slightly stunned, blurting out: "What did you say? That person is Jia Cong's relative!

And a very close relative at that; could it be that Jia Cong is also involved with this grain shop..."

Shu Ergan replied: "I cannot be sure of this, but Jia Cong has never been to the grain shop; as a Great Zhou Count, he likely doesn't know Duan Chunjiang."

A brilliant smile appeared on Noyan Taiji's face, revealing a row of neat, white teeth; he was very handsome and bright.

But this smile was unusual, somewhat surprised, somewhat mischievous, somewhat proud, and even carried a hint of ill intent...

He laughed: "Shu Ergan, you are much more capable than your brother; he is just a big, stupid bear who loves to cause trouble; you handled this matter extremely well!

These days, try to return to the relay station as little as possible; if there is news, we will talk outside; continue to watch Duan Chunjiang's grain shop and do not slack off.

Oh, and continue to watch that Xue... Xue what?"

Shu Ergan hurriedly said: "Xue Pan."

Noyan Taiji put his hands behind his back and said with a firm tone: "Right, that Xue Pan; you must also watch him closely.

Once you discover something, report it to me immediately; I feel this matter is becoming more and more interesting..." (End of chapter)