Chapter 213: Before the Spirit Tablet

"Take them to see those six corpses, then go over to Erhong and get their names recorded. Anyone else who comes like this, handle it the same way." Zhao Jin spoke, then continued training with the household guards.

The people who came were naturally the message-heads of the Smelling Incense Sect. They were no strangers to Zhao Jin; they had dealt with him before at Rib Zhang's place and knew this young master's thunderbolt methods well.

The Smelling Incense Sect had many followers and was well-informed. They had heard about the events of the past few days — that He Weiyuan was actually the new Society Master, that he had tried to murder Zhao Jin only to have his entire household wiped out, and that Zhao Jin had returned to the city and seized a group of message-heads and followers. They knew all of this, and aside from trembling in terror, they had no other way to respond.

This time when Liu Yong came to their doors to notify them, they hurried over without delay. The people were notified one by one, and those who lived closer arrived first.

The straw mats wrapping the corpses had already been unrolled. The bodies lay there with faces twisted in agony, a horrifying sight. They were all message-heads of the Smelling Incense Sect, and even though they operated in secrecy, they had seen each other's faces at gatherings. Everyone recognized the six lying on the ground. These six all shared one trait: they had never been particularly conspicuous before, yet over the past two years their families had become noticeably better off, and their voices had grown much louder in sect affairs.

No one had understood why this change had occurred. Some had even thought it was due to piety, that gods and buddhas had granted them protection. Now everyone understood — they had been confidants of that Society Master He.

Looking at the corpses on the ground, everyone shuddered with cold fear. These message-heads were the backbone and core of the Smelling Incense Sect. They knew that joining the sect might not bring sudden wealth, but it could spare you a great deal of trouble. Those figures of the jianghu, runners from the yamen, local thugs and riffraff — once they knew you were a follower of the Smelling Incense Sect, they would keep their distance and not cause you trouble.

The reason these people acted this way was not out of any reverence for gods and buddhas, but because they knew the Smelling Incense Sect had strength in numbers. Offend one, and you'd provoke a whole gang. Moreover, the Smelling Incense Sect operated in the shadows, making its movements hard to trace. If a conflict truly arose, there was no defending against it. Some who had clashed with the Smelling Incense Sect, thinking they had escaped, were hunted down and killed. Such examples were countless, blown up into mystical legends that made people keep their distance all the more, unwilling to provoke them.

But this Zhao Jin cared nothing for any of that. He was the type who would kill whoever stood in his way. He had killed the Society Master, and now six more message-heads were dead. Counting the earlier period, a full eight message-heads had died at his hands. And thinking of those thrown into the yamen prison — word had already spread that their fate would likely be execution. Add it all up, and that was over a hundred lives.

Thinking of this, even wrapped thickly in fur robes and padded jackets, they felt a chill rising from deep within. The faint-hearted among them began trembling all over.

Looking over at the training, there was Zhao Jin clad in iron armor, spear in hand, awe-inspiring and murderous. Behind him, the household guards shouted in unison with every step forward, shaking the soul.

Seeing such a scene, no one thought about how the Smelling Incense Sect had suffered such a huge loss, so many dead, and how they ought to take revenge. Instead, they thought only that they must never offend this god of death. Whatever he said, that was how it would be. Otherwise, gods and buddhas could not save them, and their entire families would suffer along with them. Just think of those in the prison, and think of these six corpses before their eyes.

"After you've all had a look, go leave your names." A household guard nearby spoke up in reminder.

These message-heads scrambled to follow, but the scene had already turned their legs to jelly. Some collapsed directly to their knees. The commotion here grew loud enough that Zhao Jin looked over. These message-heads, far from meeting his eyes, could not even stand — they simply kowtowed right where they were.

According to their distance from the goods yard, the Smelling Incense Sect's message-heads within the city arrived one after another. Every single one was awed and terrified by the scene before them, their hearts frozen with dread.

Around lunchtime, Wang Zhaojing finally arrived. He did not bother with concealment and came straight to the point: "Relations with the elders have grown distant, so for the provincial exam in the eighth month, this humble brother must put in extra effort on his own."

Everyone found this perfectly normal. Wang Zhaojing held the rank of licentiate, was naturally brilliant, and had the fine reputation of a 'child prodigy.' He was always meant to go far on the path of the civil examinations.

Yet the others' indifference left Wang Zhaojing with a faint trace of disappointment, though he did not let this emotion show. He was also very interested in the armor Zhao Jin wore and even made a point of asking Shi Manqiang that once his own set was finished, he would come to collect it as soon as possible.

There were several dozen message-heads of the Smelling Incense Sect inside and outside the city, most of them residents of the southern district. Liu Yong had moved quickly and notified every one of them. After lunch, the people coming to see the corpses grew sparse — just one or two arriving every so often. Those outside the city found it no easy matter to enter.

In the morning, Zhao Jin had worked up a sweat. At lunch, he could still feel the burden of wearing armor; his shoulders, waist, and back were all somewhat fatigued. Zhao Jin knew that this was exactly why he had to grow accustomed to it. In the afternoon, he put the armor back on and led the household guards in training. Chen Sheng, Ji Xiang, and the others had all finished their own tasks and returned, and they all joined in. Only Wang Zhaojing, after lunch, trained for a little over an hour before taking his leave again to go home and study.

As dusk approached, Liu Yong also returned, his face flushed red from the cold. After coming back, he did not pause to rest but went straight to report to Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin's words were simple: "Compare the people you notified with the people Erhong recorded. See who wasn't there, and see who was notified but didn't come."

Zhao Jin had given people ample time this time. Anyone inside or outside the city who received the notice, so long as they wanted to come, would certainly have been able to reach this place.

Liu Yong had just left when his father, Zhao Zhentang, entered the room. Zhao Zhentang generally did not come here, so this surprised Zhao Jin somewhat. He had assumed his father was calling him back to eat.

"Xiao Jin, Clerk Li of the Punishment Office wants to see you. He asked me to sound out your intentions." Zhao Zhentang's expression was a bit odd as he said this. Someone in the yamen with higher status and greater authority than himself wanting to see his son, and having to so politely ask him, the father, to come inquire — it was indeed very strange.

Zhao Jin also found it awkward and quickly nodded, saying, "Does that even need asking? Father, just agree to it."

Seeing that his son had not slighted the family's face, Zhao Zhentang broke into a grin. He also knew that within the goods yard, Zhao Jin was the leader, and it was not the place for father-son banter. He simply waved his hand and said, "Remember to come back early for dinner. Don't make your mother wait."

With that, he left. When Zhao Zhentang had arrived, Zhao Jin and his companions had all stood to talk, which was also a form of courtesy. Once his father was gone, Zhao Jin and his companions sat back down. Chen Sheng spoke first: "Clerk Li of the Punishment Office carries a lot of weight in Xuzhou City. Is he coming this time to act as someone's go-between?"

Zhao Jin nodded and replied, "We've done so many things — others can't just stand by and watch. It's about time someone stepped forward to negotiate."

In just these few short days — killing and exterminating households, seizing others' property, coercing the yamen — the actions of Zhao Jin and his companions had already encroached upon the power and interests of many people. Many situations had shifted because of what they had done. The reason all sides had kept silent was that Zhao Jin and his companions had shown themselves far too domineering. No one dared step forward and provoke them. But sooner or later, someone would have to come forward to talk.

"I wonder who they'll be representing…" Liu Yong said, puzzled.

Before he could finish speaking, a household guard came running in, panting. He stood at attention before the door and reported, "Master, Old Master Sun's father has entered the city."

The conversation in the room halted. After a moment of silence, Zhao Jin stood up, and everyone else stood as well. The 'Old Master Sun' the guard spoke of was Sun Dalei. His father, Sun Jia, had finally returned to Xuzhou.

Zhao Jin walked out in silence. He did not know how to face the family of his fallen brother. Somewhat lost in thought, Zhao Jin stumbled over the door threshold, staggering a few steps before steadying himself. Just as he left the goods yard, Zhao Jin remembered something and said to Dong Bingfeng, "Go call Wang Zhaojing. We'll go together."

Their steps were quick, and no one spoke. After walking several streets, they heard the sound of horse hooves behind them. It was Dong Bingfeng bringing Wang Zhaojing, who had caught up. Wang Zhaojing's expression was equally grim.

The Sun family had a residence in the northeast part of the city. Sun Dalei had lived here before, and everyone had come here to play — they knew the way well.

White mourning banners had already been hung at the gate, and everything was arranged according to the rites for a funeral hall. Two household guards stood at the entrance, and a horse-drawn carriage could be seen parked by the gate.

As Zhao Jin and his companions walked through the streets, they noticed that even the desolate and dilapidated Xuzhou City had taken on a faint festive air. Colored lanterns, a rare sight, adorned various streets. The northeast district, where the wealthy and noble families gathered, had an even stronger holiday atmosphere. They had been so ceaselessly busy these days that everyone had forgotten the Lantern Festival was upon them.

All festive atmosphere vanished the moment they reached this street. There was still some distance to the Sun family gate, but the heart-rending wails could already be heard with piercing clarity.

With heavy hearts, they entered the Sun family's main gate. They saw a middle-aged couple sitting before the mourning hall, weeping and wailing uncontrollably — it was Sun Dalei's parents. Zhao Jin turned his head to look, and the person who had come with them quickly explained, "Master Jin, when we went to deliver the news, the Sun family parents had already sensed something was wrong. They prepared a carriage and rushed over here immediately…"

"…not even staying home properly for the New Year… Mother made so many good things for you…"

Hearing the words within those cries, Zhao Jin felt a sharp pain in his heart. The sorrow that busyness had covered up once again filled his chest. The companions beside him were all wiping away tears.

Sun Dalei's father, Sun Jia, saw Zhao Jin and the others appear. He wiped his tears, forced himself to stand, and pointed at Zhao Jin, shouting, "I never wanted Dalei to run wild with you lot. A good life he wouldn't live, playing with blades and spears every day. He just wouldn't listen, kept saying being with you all was good. He barely spent a few days at home…"

After a few sentences, Sun Jia himself could not continue. He covered his face and broke into loud, racking sobs.

Faced with such a scene, Zhao Jin had no idea how to respond. He stood there feeling somewhat at a loss. After hesitating a long while, he finally spoke: "Uncle, Aunt, the ground is cold. You should go inside and rest. Don't harm your health."

With that, he shot a glance at his companions, and everyone hurried forward to help them up. Fortunately, the age difference was large, so matters of propriety between men and women did not need much consideration. They helped both Sun Jia and his wife inside.

"Dalei was the most promising child… I was going to leave this entire family business to him… and just like that, he's gone…" Sun Jia wept as he spoke.

The first month was a time of celebration. To suddenly receive such news — the blow to them was simply too great. In truth, that they had not completely collapsed, that they could still sit here wailing in grief, was already a remarkably strong state to be in.

Zhao Jin and the others did not know how to console them, and their own moods were equally dark. Sun Dalei's death in battle was just as painful for them. In Zhao Jin's heart, there was even a trace of guilt, feeling that he had failed to plan thoroughly enough.

Because the Sun family had feared Sun Dalei would pick up bad habits, there were no maidservants or serving women in the Xuzhou residence — only men. In this mourning hall, there was no one to offer comfort or help. Sun Dalei's mother had already fainted from weeping, and Sun Dalei's father was too lost in grief to attend to her. Liu Yong, disregarding all else, rushed over and pressed her philtrum, only then reviving her.

Affected by the atmosphere, Zhao Jin's eyes reddened and his nose clogged. The others were no better off. Dong Bingfeng's tears could no longer be held back. Chen Sheng sat there blankly, covering his face. Ji Xiang and Shi Manqiang sniffled from time to time. Wang Zhaojing kept his head lowered; if one looked closely, there were a few water stains beneath his feet.

Just then, there was some noise outside. Zhao Jin looked up and saw Zhao Zhentang leading a group of people in. Among those who came were men and women. Zhao Jin even spotted his mother, He Cuihua.

Upon entering the mourning hall, Zhao Zhentang went to Sun Jia's side, while He Cuihua went to comfort Sun Dalei's mother. Adults had their own way of handling things. The atmosphere in the mourning hall eased slightly, no longer so suffocating and crushing.

Zhao Jin and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief. He called his companions forward to offer incense. Just as Zhao Jin placed his own incense stick into the censer, he heard Sun Jia behind him ask in a hoarse voice, "Xiao Jin, what happened to those beasts who killed Dalei?"

"All killed. The mastermind behind it was killed too, and his manor was wiped out!" Zhao Jin said with finality.

Sun Jia's body swayed. In that moment, he felt some relief, but in that same moment, he seemed to age many years. He slowly sat down and said, "That's good, that's good."

"You wretched man, taking Dalei to Pizhou together would have been just fine, but no, you had to insist on keeping a family property here in Xuzhou. Look, look what it's come to now…" Sun Dalei's mother suddenly erupted, shouting at Sun Jia.

Sun Jia sighed again but did not answer. He just shrank into his chair and made no sound.

"You young brothers shouldn't leave tonight. Keep vigil for Sun Dalei for one night. Leaving him laid out like this isn't right," Zhao Zhentang spoke. No one objected.

Seeing that Sun Dalei's parents' emotions had stabilized, Zhao Zhentang and He Cuihua gave a few more instructions before leaving, leaving behind several middle-aged men and women to help manage affairs. Not long after they left, someone brought Zhao Jin and his companions thickly padded cotton robes. Keeping vigil here through the night would not be easy.

Because incense and spirit money had to be burned before the funeral tablet, the main gate had to be left open to let the smoke out, so the mourning hall couldn't hold any warmth at all.

The Sun family servants made dinner for everyone. Zhao Jin and the others ate a little, but Sun Dalei's parents couldn't get anything down. The old serving woman coaxed and pleaded until they managed a few bites.

After eating, their emotions steadied quite a bit. Sun Dalei's mother sat there sobbing and wiping away tears. Sun Dalei's father, Sun Jia, sat in a daze for a long time before moving over beside Zhao Jin. Zhao Jin and his companions hurriedly stood up. Sun Jia said in a weak voice, "We're all family here, no need to stand on ceremony. Sit, let's talk sitting down."

After everyone sat, Sun Jia studied Zhao Jin and the others carefully. He looked for a good while before he finally spoke. "Every time Dalei came home, he never stopped talking about you all in front of me and his mother. His mother even complained, saying he'd forgotten his own brothers and only cared about outsiders..."

At these words, Sun Jia's thoughts drifted back. He covered his face with his hands and did not lower them for a long time. Zhao Jin and the others felt the pain too. Sun Jia steadied his emotions again, then said, "Dalei had a good eye. You young men are bound to make something of yourselves one day... Dalei is gone, but the bond remains. If there's anything you need your uncle's help with, just say the word."

Zhao Jin paused a moment, then spoke. "For the wine from Fragrance Drifting Winery, we'll still need to trouble you, Uncle, to handle the distribution. When those men on the canal want to buy, I'll send them straight to your side. Or they can settle the silver at your shop and then come directly to me to pick up the goods."

Wang Zhaojing coughed from behind. Bringing up business at a time like this was far too inappropriate.

Sun Dalei's father, however, sat there stunned. Only after a moment did he speak. "Dalei truly found himself good brothers. It's just a shame he couldn't stay with you all a little longer."

Hanjing Famous Liquor was now being sold along the canal. Though it was still a small operation of scattered jars, anyone who'd had contact with it knew how big it would grow this year. The Sun family, by getting involved, understood even better what kind of earnings and profits were coming. What Zhao Jin was doing was indeed giving away profit.

Zhao Jin's words had framed it as troubling the other party for help, but Sun Jia understood the true value this matter held. It was, in truth, a form of compensation and consolation.

"Xiaoyong, I need you to go out right now and send word. Have Chen Ergou's men and Butcher Li's men stand watch at every post tomorrow morning. Tomorrow, we don't go to Spare Rib Zhang's. Our brother is dead — let them come and kowtow before him," Zhao Jin said in a deep voice.

Liu Yong immediately stood and acknowledged the order, then strode swiftly out the door. The others' faces all showed agreement.

For Sun Dalei's parents, this was a matter of face. The more prominent figures from every circle who came, the more honor the funeral would carry. And for Zhao Jin and the others, beyond giving Sun Dalei a glorious send-off, they also meant to use this ceremony to demonstrate their strength. To kowtow before Sun Dalei's funeral tablet was, in practice, to submit to Zhao Jin and his group.

"Let's see who dares not show up," Chen Sheng muttered darkly.

Liu Yong returned not long after he'd left. He was now Zhao Jin's liaison with the city's rivers and lakes figures. When he passed the word, no one dared disobey.

Amid this oppressive atmosphere, the night deepened. Sun Jia and his wife could no longer hold up and were persuaded to go rest in the back. In the mourning hall, only Zhao Jin and his companions kept vigil. The silence grew heavier.

The night watchman's clappers sounded the second watch outside. Wang Zhaojing walked over and sat down beside Zhao Jin. After another while, Wang Zhaojing leaned in and said in a low voice, "Brother Zhao, this year I sit for the imperial examinations. If by fortune I pass, I'll be able to speak with far more weight when I return to Xuzhou. As things stand now, it's always my father who has to step forward, and that's hardly convenient after all."