Chapter 176: Literati, Tch!

Fu Pian and the others were at the entrance of the Patrol Guard Division. Seeing Wen Gu and the others return, they hurriedly asked, "How was it? Did you find out anything?"

Yu He briefly recounted what had happened at the Yangchuan Bofu.

As expected, nothing was gained. Fu Pian was still somewhat disappointed.

But the fact that Wen Gu had gone to their door and hadn't been kicked out directly was already good enough.

Fu Pian wondered again whether he should ask Lao Zhao to exert some effort.

Near dusk, just as the ward gates were about to close, the Yangchuan Bofu sent someone to the East Office of the Patrol Guard Division with an invitation.

It was written by the hand of the Yangchuan Bofu himself, inviting Wen Gu to the Bofu tomorrow to appreciate paintings.

Fu Pian:???

What kind of development is this?

Looking at Wen Gu again, he didn't seem surprised at all.

Fu Pian couldn't understand it.

"... Literati, tch!"

You scholars really have so many tricks!

Regardless, there was progress on the side of the Yangchuan Bofu!

The next day, at the agreed-upon time, Wen Gu was still in his usual attire when he arrived at the Yangchuan Bofu.

Compared to yesterday, the doorman of the Bofu was much more enthusiastic.

The Yangchuan Bofu was also much friendlier today.

"Deputy Envoy Wen!"

The Yangchuan Bofu called out.

This time, it was not the sarcastic tone from yesterday.

Not in the front hall, the Yangchuan Bofu led Wen Gu to the study. Since they had spoken of appreciating paintings, it was of course more appropriate to go to the study.

They took out several treasured famous paintings to admire, then spread out drawing paper to exchange painting techniques.

After admiring and painting, the two sat down to drink tea.

Watching Wen Gu's calm demeanor, the Yangchuan Bofu thought to himself: You kid can really sit still!

As the conversation went on, they began to talk about the relatives and old friends of various families fleeing north.

"It's not easy for anyone; when you encounter them, you help if you can. For example, last year I met the son of an old friend. His family suffered a great disaster before the chaotic times. Since I met him, I helped him out and took him into the Bofu."

I don't know about any horse bandits, and I don't know if he is the "strategist" you are looking for; I am only speaking of that son of an old friend I encountered. You all should stop staring at the procurement team in my Bofu, don't delay them from buying things!

Wen Gu nodded in understanding and even praised: "Lord Bofu is benevolent!"

He asked again: "I wonder who that old friend of yours is?"

The Yangchuan Bofu said: "The former Minister of Revenue, Xue Wu, who is no longer with us."

Wen Gu made a note of it. Minister of Revenue, the finance minister.

Sure enough, those who could have a friendship with someone like the Yangchuan Bofu would not have low status.

The Yangchuan Bofu continued: "The kid I took in is Xue Wu's second son, Xue Yanzhi."

In the letters from the horse bandits, the "strategist" did not use his real name; each time it was a code name, and it was different every time. Therefore, the horse bandits simply called him "the strategist."

Now, Wen Gu finally knew the background of this person.

Thinking of the past, the Yangchuan Bofu sighed deeply: "Old Xue made a grave mistake during disaster relief and was demoted out of the capital. On the way, he encountered mountain bandits, and no one in his party was spared."

Wen Gu thought to himself: Since when do ordinary mountain bandits have the guts to rob and kill high-ranking imperial officials?

The Yangchuan Bofu looked at the tea in his cup, making it impossible to see the expression in his eyes: "It was also during those few days that the eldest son of the Xue family, while traveling with his wife and children to his father-in-law's house, met with an accident and all drowned."

Wen Gu understood. The eldest son of the Xue family must have received the news and intended to go to his father-in-law's house to avoid disaster, but he didn't succeed.

The Yangchuan Bofu set down his teacup and looked out the window: "The second son of the Xue family, Xue Yanzhi, was traveling abroad at the time and lost contact. The affairs of the Xue family shocked the imperial court and the public at the time."

At that time, like many in the court, the Yangchuan Bofu was full of doubts while being shocked.

What did Old Xue find out when he was providing disaster relief?

And who was the one who took action, doing it so ruthlessly!

"Xue Yanzhi has had no news, but no news is good news."

Wen Gu understood this.

If Xue Yanzhi showed his face, he might be wiped out in an instant. He could only hide his name and flee in secret.

He was already on the run before the chaotic times; after a long time, he became accustomed to concealing everything. It was no wonder he had such high defenses when contacting the horse bandits. Xue Yanzhi fled all the way to Xinzhou, never expecting that the chaotic times would arrive.

With the Evil Plague spreading, everyone was struggling to survive to the limit. At such a time, all the hidden cards that families had been keeping tucked away were brought out.

The Yangchuan Bofu said: "Three days ago, Xue Yanzhi left the Bofu."

When the Caishan Horse Bandits were captured, it was exactly when the investigation into the "strategist" was at its strictest, and Xue Yanzhi was safely hiding in the Bofu. Now that things had calmed down outside, Xue Yanzhi had left.

Wen Gu asked: "Did the Second Young Master Xue leave alone?"

The Yangchuan Bofu said: "He took a fifteen or sixteen-year-old Book Boy with him. That Book Boy is not from the Xue family; he is a refugee he took in. Quite loyal, actually." Wen Gu asked again: "Does the Second Young Master Xue have any way to make a living? It is not easy to live in Xinzhou City nowadays."

The Yangchuan Bofu glanced at Wen Gu; you kid really look down on me too much!

"I gave him some food and clothing, and put Money Vouchers in his bundle; oh, and also Grain Tickets for Jingxing Fang. Grain Tickets are quite useful; if it's inconvenient to cook, one can go directly to buy food."

The Yangchuan Bofu also exchanges for Jingxing Fang Grain Tickets every month to distribute as allowances to the people in the Bofu.

The servants and guards of the Bofu often have to go out to run errands. Now there aren't that many restaurants or teahouses outside, so it's easier to just let them take the Grain Tickets to Jingxing Fang to solve their needs; they can buy food, clothing, and daily necessities there.

Wen Gu continued to ask: "I wonder what the temperament of the Second Young Master Xue is like? Does he have any hobbies?"

The Yangchuan Bofu's words carried a bit of gentleness: "This Xue Xiaoer is a person who loves to read and loves to travel. He often went everywhere to visit famous teachers and famous courtesans. He used to have a lively personality; whenever he heard of courtesans performing music or acrobatics outside, he couldn't sit still and would climb over the wall just to go take a look. Later, after his family suffered the tragedy, he became much more silent."

At this moment, Wen Gu suddenly asked: "Has the Grain Ticket allowance for the Bofu been distributed for this month?"

The Yangchuan Bofu looked at his attendant, and the attendant called the steward over to ask.

The steward said respectfully, "In reply to you, my Lord, they have not yet been distributed; they are to be handed out within these two days."

Yangchuan Bofu did not know why Wen Gu had suddenly asked about the Grain Tickets, but he knew there must be something else on them, so he directly had the steward bring that box of Grain Tickets over.

A box of Grain Tickets; except for those given to Xue Yanzhi, the rest were all here. They had indeed not been distributed yet.

Nowadays in Xinzhou City, more and more people are using Grain Tickets. To address different needs, Jingxing Fang has released different versions.

The Standard Edition Grain Coupon usually features rice or wheat as the border pattern on the ticket, symbolizing a beautiful wish.

As for the noble and wealthy families, they buy in large quantities and are quite particular. To avoid taboos, Jingxing Fang asks the masters of these households what patterns they prefer. For example, the custom version for the Junzhu Mansion has a simplified scrolling vine border on the Grain Tickets.

The ones for the Yangchuan Bofu have a simplified scrolling grass border.

The color of the border is similar to that of other Grain Tickets, but if one looks closely, the patterns are different.

Custom-made by Jingxing Fang, presented in a gift box, and delivered to your door!

The people of the Yangchuan Bofu would not specifically look to see how each issue of Grain Tickets differs from others.

They only know that every issue of Grain Tickets from Jingxing Fang is different from the last, and that there is a time limit for their use. As long as they know to use them within the deadline, they do not care much about anything else.

Yangchuan Bofu held the Grain Tickets, while Wen Gu patiently explained the differences among them.

Yangchuan Bofu did not think Wen Gu was targeting him.

Nobles receive special treatment from childhood; Yangchuan Bofu has eaten, worn, and used custom-made items since he was small, all of which were unique.

Even the clothes worn by the maids and servants of the Bofu have some special pattern markings.

So, upon seeing the difference in the borders of the Grain Tickets, Yangchuan Bofu only smiled: "Quite a lot of variety."

It was evident that he was quite satisfied with this kind of special customization that represents status.

As for the Grain Tickets, other than taking a look when Jingxing Fang first issued them, Yangchuan Bofu had no interest in them afterward. In his impression, these were just allowances for the hired laborers and servants in the mansion, and, for when old friends and acquaintances came to seek refuge, to be used for temporary relief.

Usually, matters involving Grain Tickets are handled by the stewards; Yangchuan Bofu would not specifically look at what the Grain Tickets look like.

Now that Wen Gu had suddenly brought it up, he finally understood Wen Gu's meaning.

Wen Gu took away this box of the Bofu's current custom-edition Grain Tickets, and Jingxing Fang would immediately send over a new batch of custom Bofu Grain Tickets. After Wen Gu left, Yangchuan Bofu returned to his study and leisurely painted.

An attendant beside him asked, "My Lord, Deputy Envoy Wen got so many clues just from one visit; what if Xue Er Gongzi is really caught?" Yangchuan Bofu did not stop his brush: "It would be good if he is caught, it saves Xue Xiaoer from going out and risking his life. Of this branch of the old Xue family, he is the only one left; as long as he is alive, that is enough."

Xue Yanzhi has yet to avenge his great grudge and is not someone willing to be ordinary and silent; even if not now, he will stir up trouble in the future.

Being caught by Wen Gu is better than being caught by others.

On the other side, Wen Gu returned to the Patrol Guard Division with the latest clues to share the information with Fu Pian and the others.

"How could someone who carries hatred, possesses some talent, and has a strong network be willing to remain silent and mediocre?"

Wen Gu said, stating his own speculation.

"Being able to stay quiet for so long, it is very likely he is biding his time. Watching how to deal with this chaotic world, and also, watching the Zhao Family, watching Xinzhou, to see if it is worth his allegiance."

"Perhaps he wanted to observe for a while longer, but the Caishan Horse Bandits were caught too quickly, exposing him too quickly as well."

After all, according to the original plan of the Caishan Horse Bandits, they intended to act in the autumn.

"By that time, Xue Yanzhi would either have joined Xinzhou or left with a caravan. There are five other choices in Beidi."

Wen Gu said: "As it appears now, it is more likely that he wanted to leave with a caravan in the autumn."

Fu Pian was very dissatisfied upon hearing this: "Why? Is our Xinzhou not good?"

Wen Gu said: "Whether it is good or not is secondary; his primary task is revenge. He may not care how the world turns out."

"Then we must not let him leave!" Fu Juan's eyes revealed killing intent, "Someone like this who can even unite with horse bandits and doesn't care if the world is in chaos—who knows what trouble he will bring to Xinzhou if he runs off! He is a dangerous person! Since he cannot be used by Xinzhou, then..." As Fu Pian was speaking, he noticed Wen Gu looking at him with disapproval.

Fu Pian glared: "What?"

Could it be that you intend to use your benevolent heart to let the tiger return to the mountains?

Wen Gu said: "What trouble, what danger. He is involved in the Caishan Horse Bandits incident, so of course he must be caught and locked up!"

As they were talking, they reached the fork between the East Office and the West Office, and Wen Gu headed toward the East Office.

Fu Pian stayed where he was, thought for a moment, and asked Lei Da: "That last sentence of his, it actually meant the same thing as me, right?"

Lei Da said: "Deputy Envoy Wen is reasonable and well-grounded... more proper, it sounds less wicked."

Fu Pian: "..." Literati, ha!"

Fu Pian stroked his chin, having an idea.

He asked Lei Da again: "What do you think about me pulling this 'strategist' into the West Office?"

Those two in the West Office's writing room are too useless. And this Xue Er Gongzi sounds like a smart one!

Fu Pian believed that the West Office also needed to add some scholarly air!

Lei Da lowered his eyes and did not speak.

Fu Pian: "Speak!"

Lei Da hesitated and said: "I think this Xue Er Gongzi... probably has a bit of pride."

He might not look favorably upon you.

Fu Pian was suddenly choked with anger, but not wanting to give up, he spun his short club in his hand and said viciously:

"When I catch him, I will persuade him myself!"

The word "persuade" was said with full killing intent.

On the other side, Wen Gu left the Patrol Guard Division and went to Jingxing Fang to discuss some matters with the people from the Jingqing Public Office.

After finishing the business, he checked the time and did not immediately return to the Patrol Guard Division office, but instead walked slowly along the Neicheng city wall.

Yu He followed at his side and asked: "Deputy Envoy, is it enough for us to just keep an eye on the Grain Tickets?"

"Xue Yanzhi only has Money Vouchers and Grain Tickets in his hands. Money Vouchers are suitable for trading with caravans, while Grain Tickets are for daily necessities; if it is inconvenient to cook, they will go directly to Jingxing Fang to buy prepared meals. He has a Book Boy with him, but it might not be the two of them coming to Jingxing Fang; it could be someone else. No matter who comes, just keep an eye on the Grain Tickets."

Regardless of whether Xue Yanzhi and his group use the Grain Tickets themselves or trade them to others, they will always leave a trace.

That man Xue Yanzhi is too good at hiding and is hard to find. But Grain Tickets have an expiration date, and in times of material shortages, it is unlikely they will be wasted.

As long as they are used, more clues will emerge.

"So that's how it is!"

Yu He wore an expression that said, "I have realized the truth."

In reality, he still had one question: why, after coming out of Jingxing Fang, were they heading in this direction?

At this moment, Commander Mu, who was patrolling the Neicheng city wall, had excellent eyesight and captured the figure of Wen Gu with a single sweep of his gaze.

Even though Wen Gu was not wearing his Patrol Guard Division official uniform today, Commander Mu could still recognize him at a glance!

Commander Mu hurried down from the city wall, chased after them, and said enthusiastically, "Deputy Envoy Wen!"

He arrived before Wen Gu and the others and first offered some praise:

"The Patrol Guard Division has been performing meritorious deeds one after another lately! Heh, the things that Bailuo Deputy Envoy brought back the other day have made everyone itch with anticipation; they are all looking forward to the next payday!"

However, Commander Mu had not rushed over just to say these things. He also wanted to inquire from Wen Gu whether there was any opportunity for the juniors in his family to earn a bit more merit.

During the last arrest of thieves, because their skills were insufficient, the three from his family had not secured full credit, nor had they been able to become regular members; so many days had passed, and they were still brooding over it. Commander Mu also felt it was a pity.

Sigh, they were just that little bit short!

Since he had encountered Wen Gu today, for the sake of his family's juniors, Commander Mu chose to thicken his skin and ask a bit more.

Thus, Commander Mu asked with concern, "Is Deputy Envoy Wen here at Jingxing Fang to investigate some case?"

Wen Gu sighed, "It is still about the Caishan Horse Bandits."

Commander Mu immediately pricked up his ears.