Chapter 285: Xuzhou Without Worry

"My lord, to the north of Xuzhou lies the natural barrier of the Yellow River, the city of Xuzhou has high walls and deep moats, within the city are a hundred thousand souls, and its armaments are complete. Once the city gates are shut and the defenses are tight, we can be safe and without worry!" No one expected that Honorary Licentiate Yang would open his mouth and say this.

Prefect Tong already had a sour expression, and hearing this he immediately flared up, saying coldly: "I shepherd the people of Xuzhou — do I still need you to tell me these things? If you have nothing else, get out!"

Honorary Licentiate Yang's face darkened, but he did not move. Bowing, he said earnestly: "Your Excellency, what this student means is that with the forces currently inside the prefectural city, defending the city is without worry. There is no need to call upon the militia outside the city to come help."

Prefect Tong was just about to open his mouth to rebuke him, but upon hearing these words, his expression turned to astonishment. Inside the prefectural city there were constables, runners, and the officers and soldiers guarding the walls — this was where the king's law held sway, so naturally it would not be as lawless as outside the city.

The great households inside Xuzhou city could keep a few dozen sturdy men, but any more than that, and if they were equipped with weapons, it would breach a taboo. Even Zhao Jin's side had played it off as employees of a trading company, and even so, after the expansion in recruitment, they tactfully left Xuzhou city. As for the brawling street toughs and riffraff in the marketplaces, those had virtually no combat strength at all.

Precisely because there were no decent private troops or militias inside the city, with the main government forces gone to Pizhou, anyone would have to consider the village braves and militias outside the city. Those were genuine combat strength. Xuzhou was full of local strongmen who kept private troops and militias, constantly fighting each other over old grudges or profit. Such a force could naturally be relied upon; conscripting a portion to enter the city and assist in its defense would be a source of fresh troops.

To put it bluntly, the first thing the prefect thought of was the Zhao Character Camp. Those several hundred wolf-like, tiger-fierce young men — once inside the city, Xuzhou's safety would be far more assured. The logic was very simple. If he could think of it, Honorary Licentiate Yang could surely think of it too. Yet Honorary Licentiate Yang's suggestion was precisely not to summon the village braves and militias from outside the city.

After his astonishment, Prefect Tong's face filled with rage, but Honorary Licentiate Yang directly knelt down, raised his head, cupped his fists, and said: "Your Excellency, if Zhao Jin were inside the city, would the eyes of the gentry and commoners see the government? Would they see Your Excellency?"

Honorary Licentiate Yang shuffled forward a few steps on his knees and said in a hoarse voice: "Your Excellency, Zhao Jin is a wolf and a tiger. His conduct is domineering and arrogant. When he was in the city, no one from top to bottom could breathe easy. After he left the city, has Your Excellency felt somewhat lighter?"

Prefect Tong's forward-leaning body sank back against the chair, and the anger on his face gradually dissipated. When Zhao Jin had been ambushed over at Gao Village and had forcibly killed over a hundred desperate bandits, and then expressed a tough attitude through Secretary Wang — after that, Prefect Tong had felt his hands and feet were bound, that he always had to consider how Zhao Jin's side would react in everything he did, and even had to think about Zhao Zhentang's side. The clerks and minor officials of the Six Offices occasionally brought up what Zhao Jin was doing, whether intentionally or not he did not know, but every time he heard it, he felt deeply uncomfortable inside. At night he sometimes thought that his position as prefect had become far too meaningless.

Honorary Licentiate Yang, still kneeling there, had already discerned the change in Prefect Tong's expression. Calming his tone somewhat, he spoke again: "Your Excellency, if we invite Zhao Jin back to the city this time, he will then have the moral high ground. If he then entrenches himself in the city and refuses to leave, what can the prefectural yamen do about it?"

Since you invited someone back to risk their lives defending the city, if they then refused to leave, there truly would be no way to deal with it. After all, they came without hesitation to risk their lives for the city's defense; afterward you could not just drive them away. If it were an ordinary village brave militia, that would be one thing, but a powerful group like the Zhao Character Camp could not be summoned at will and dismissed at will.

Prefect Tong sank into deep thought. Honorary Licentiate Yang rose from the ground, then somewhat discourteously leaned close to Prefect Tong's ear and said softly: "My lord, with Zhao Jin's way of doing things, sooner or later he will monopolize the grain levy. If he monopolizes it, what will be left for anyone else..."

The moment the words "grain levy" left his mouth, Prefect Tong's body jerked violently. He turned his head to glance at Honorary Licentiate Yang, nodded slowly, and said: "I couldn't tell you were such a steady and prudent man, with such far-reaching considerations. Go wait in the front hall."

A smile appeared on Honorary Licentiate Yang's face. He bowed, saluted, and took his leave, leaving Prefect Tong there alone in deep thought.

The so-called grain levy was the collection of the autumn grain tax. This was a matter that concerned an official's purse and his performance evaluation. Done well, one's own purse grew fat, the evaluation was excellent, and promotion was in sight. Done poorly, one would not necessarily have to pay out of pocket, but one's prospects would be bleak — no future and no more benefits.

The common people were of course unwilling to hand over the grain they had toiled to grow. That was the minor issue. The gentry and great households, either through official rank and examination degrees or by playing tricks, paid less or nothing on their own fields, and paid less or nothing on the fields under their protection. That share was then shifted onto the common folk and small households, meaning the common people's tax burden was arbitrarily increased by a great deal, sometimes even multiplied several times over.

Already unwilling to pay, and now with the burden made heavier and doubled, they were even more unwilling. When it came time to collect the autumn grain tax, force often had to be used. It was the same everywhere under heaven, only Xuzhou's folkways were fierce and tough — people banded together for self-protection, so collecting taxes and grain was even harder than elsewhere. Often mounted and foot constables and able-bodied bailiffs were all sent out, using armed coercion. Sometimes they even had to draw blades and fight several pitched battles before barely managing to collect it. Even so, there were still shortfalls, and they often had to go after those landlords and great households who had no official connections, which meant even more fighting.

That was how it began, but gradually the government gained experience and simply contracted out all or part of the annual tax quota to a certain person. As long as that person delivered the amount he had contracted for, the rest was all his own profit.

The business of monopolizing the grain levy was hugely profitable. Collecting more and delivering less — who knew how much grease could be skimmed off. This job was usually taken up by the clerks and head clerks of the Revenue Office along with powerful local strongmen outside, who then distributed the spoils to various parties according to the rules. Prefect Tong's side naturally took the largest share. Yet some in the yamen privately said that Head Clerk Liu of the Revenue Office actually took the most. Anyone who had ever monopolized the grain levy could earn enough benefits to last several lifetimes.

The share of the grain levy every autumn was Prefect Tong's largest source of income for the year, and he of course valued it supremely. In the past, those who monopolized the grain levy all understood how things worked and left Prefect Tong a full share. But if Zhao Jin were to do this, would he still need to share with others? If he simply did not share, who would dare fall out with him? If he did not share and still wanted to do it the next year, who would dare not let him?

Although Zhao Jin had not revealed any intention in this regard, Prefect Tong had already caught wind of some rumors. The Revenue Office was already preparing to take the initiative and seek Zhao Jin out to monopolize the grain levy.

With such enormous gravy, anyone qualified would not pass it up. Given Zhao Jin's current status, he was of course qualified. The native old hands in the Revenue Office understood even better — if they did not take the initiative to offer this assignment to him, it would be they who did not understand the rules.

Traveling a thousand li to be an official is only for wealth. The moment he thought that this income might be gone, Prefect Tong felt exceptionally agitated. Usually this thought was buried deep in his heart, but today, once it was brought up, he could not let it go.

"Master, master, the gentry of the city are all waiting for you." The personal attendant had entered the room at some unknown point and was urging him softly.

Prefect Tong Huaizu's body trembled. He spoke involuntarily: "Brigadier General Zhou has left his sons and family dependents in the city. He is a man who has led veteran soldiers and knows military affairs well. If he is this much at ease, presumably our city of Xuzhou is safe. Yes, to the north is the natural moat of the Yellow River, Xuzhou has high walls and deep moats, a hundred thousand souls, and there are the troops Brigadier General Zhou left behind, and he can return to reinforce at any time..."

Tong Huaizu muttered this to himself as he rose and walked toward the front hall. The personal attendant behind him was left baffled.

In the front hall, over thirty people were either sitting or standing. There were relatives of officials and powerful families, well-to-do gentry, clan heads of influential backgrounds, wealthy merchants of great fortune and power. In addition, all the prominent figures from the various offices of the yamen had come — the secretaries, the head clerks of the Six Offices, plus the chief constable of the Arrest Office. By rights, Zhao Zhentang, being an executioner, was not qualified to attend, yet no one raised any objection to his presence, and some even smiled and took the initiative to chat with him.

In truth, the most conspicuous person was not Zhao Zhentang, but the young Wang Zhaojing. His father, Wang Youshan, was among the most eminent and respected figures in the entire Jiangbei region of South Zhili, and would have been seated at the head seat had he come. However, Wang Youshan had gone to Nanjing half a month ago to visit friends, so Wang Zhaojing had been invited. Being merely a Xiucai, he was seated at a lower position.

Wang Zhaojing did not put on the airs of a scion of an aristocratic family. After entering, he greeted everyone politely, then paid his respects to Chen Wu and Zhao Zhentang with full junior courtesy, and stayed to chat quietly with them.

When Prefect Tong entered, everyone naturally rose to greet him, exchanged pleasantries, and sat down again. The various members of the yamen all stood to one side, and Wang Zhaojing also stood with them.

"Gentlemen, you have all no doubt heard the news of the refugees from Shandong crossing into our territory..." Prefect Tong Huaizu had been in Xuzhou for over a decade and dispensed with excessive formalities, speaking directly.

"... There is no need to worry overmuch. For one, they may not even be able to cross the Yellow River... The city walls of Xuzhou are towering — how could mere refugees possibly shake them?... To say nothing else, just look: have the family dependents of Brigadier General Zhou left the city? A battle-hardened veteran like him is so at ease... Grain stores within the city are ample... The population exceeds a hundred thousand..." Prefect Tong spoke at length, repeating the conversation he had just had with Honorary Licentiate Yang over and over.

Everyone nodded repeatedly. What Prefect Tong said all made sense. Many who had come in a panic now felt considerably reassured. Since it concerned their own interests, no one shirked or delayed; all were eager to contribute money and manpower.

"... However, among the refugees there are many bandits and desperate criminals, exceedingly cunning and crafty. Chen Wu, from this moment on, all city gates must rigorously inspect the commoners entering the city, lest wicked men slip in. Mr. Wang, arrange messengers at once to deliver letters everywhere — every county is to be on alert, the village braves and able-bodied militiamen of every village and stockade are to strictly defend their own territories and must not use this as a pretext to move about without authorization and wreak havoc in the countryside. Violators will be severely punished..." Prefect Tong issued his orders with a stern face.

After he finished speaking, Prefect Tong rose. The crowd below was taken aback and looked at one another. Someone could not help but say: "Your Excellency, Brigadier General Zhou has taken the main force out with him. For the sake of prudence, should we not mobilize some usable village braves and militias to enter the city..."

Everyone's eyes darted toward where Zhao Zhentang was. The usable village braves and militias in the Xuzhou area — one was at Cloud Mountain Temple, but it had unfortunately already "rebelled and been wiped out." Another was the Xu family's craftsmen and miners, but they were now on the north bank of the Yellow River and presumably busy defending their own. The other one was the Zhao Character Camp.

"... This city's defenses are already sufficient. Do the countryside and villages not need defending? Now is precisely the time for strict defense to the death — how can we give bandits the opportunity to infiltrate the city?..." Prefect Tong delivered a string of high-sounding rhetoric.

No one could very well refute him, and besides, what Prefect Tong had just said also made sense. Xuzhou city truly did not need to worry about anything. Some gentry and head clerks seemed to want to speak but held back. With Prefect Tong having spoken to this point, everyone could only act as he said.

After Prefect Tong Huaizu finished speaking, he glanced at Zhao Zhentang and Chen Wu, who were standing at the lower end, and found that their expressions showed nothing unusual. This struck Prefect Tong as strange, but with a thousand things on his mind, he exchanged a couple of polite words, then turned and left.

Walking along the corridor, Prefect Tong suddenly thought: if the refugees really did come, they certainly would not go and gnaw on the tough nut of Xuzhou city. Plundering the countryside would be the easiest thing. Would Zhao Jin and his people be swallowed up by these hundred thousand refugees? That would not be a bad thing — then he could take over the distillery. A smile surfaced on Prefect Tong's face.

Over on the other side, Honorary Licentiate Yang's face also broke into a smile, but he immediately realized someone was staring at him. Turning his head, he saw it was Zhao Zhentang, Chen Wu, and Wang Zhaojing. As a Honorary Licentiate, he had nothing to fear from them. Honorary Licentiate Yang withdrew his smile and rose indifferently to leave.

"That bastard went to see the prefect in advance. The idea of not letting the local militias enter the city was probably his," Chen Wu said hatefully, watching Honorary Licentiate Yang's retreating back.

Since they all worked in the yamen, they could learn of every little stir and movement. Honorary Licentiate Yang's early visit naturally could not be hidden from anyone.

"Just as well. Those brats didn't want to come back themselves, and now this side won't let them into the city — it all fits together," Zhao Zhentang said, shaking his head.

Chen Wu's face was full of worry. He spoke: "Aren't you worried about your boy? A hundred thousand refugees — even unarmed and barehanded, they could wear people to death. And they're still staying outside the city. Let's you and I go talk to them."

The expression on Zhao Zhentang's face turned into a bitter smile. Helplessly, he said: "What use would talking be? Xiao Jin's mother's hair has turned a lot whiter these days. But this child is one who does things, and his heart is hard..."

"Uncle Zhao, Brother Zhao is utterly filial. His staying outside the city and not returning must be out of other considerations," Wang Zhaojing said, somewhat awkwardly explaining.

Chen Wu sighed and said: "You younger brothers certainly do cover for each other. Well, so be it. Let's focus on inside the city first. With your father not at home, the city won't be peaceful these days. Just guard your household well, and don't go out if there's no need."

At this, Wang Zhaojing straightened up and said: "My thanks to both uncles for your concern. Your nephew studies the books of the sages and knows to act upon great righteousness. Your nephew has diligently practiced martial skills, and the household has several dozen able-bodied men who can be of use. When the time comes, I will contribute my share to the defense of the city."

Zhao Zhentang and Chen Wu exchanged a glance, looked at Wang Zhaojing, and said: "Your skills are not bad, but you are about to go to Nanjing for the examinations. Don't let yourself be delayed."

As the chief constable, Chen Wu had much to worry about regarding the conscription of able-bodied men for the city's defense. He left together with Zhao Zhentang. Wang Zhaojing, standing there, could still hear them sighing as they said, "... Studying to achieve scholarly honors — that is the proper path..."

Wang Zhaojing strode out of the yamen. It was dim inside the building, and though it was already dusk, the rays of the setting sun were still dazzling. Wang Zhaojing shielded his eyes for a moment and noticed that Uncle He was already waiting off to the side, along with a household guard from the Zhao Character Camp. Both were walking toward him.

That household guard had arrived in the city half a shichen later than Uncle He, and both had been waiting together outside the yamen. After handing a letter to Wang Zhaojing, the guard hurriedly mounted his horse and left. After reading the letter, Wang Zhaojing did not return to the Wang residence, but instead went again to the goods yard.

Inside the city, Wang Zhaojing also had several dozen household guards and over a hundred able-bodied young men from the Zhao Character Camp under his command.

"Call over Chen Ergou, Butcher Li, and You Zhenrong." As soon as the order was given, someone immediately went out. As a member of the Zhao Character Camp, he could also mobilize the camp's resources within the city; it was just that he normally did not overstep. This time, Wang Zhaojing had received authorization from Zhao Jin. The letter just now had stated it very clearly: mobilize all available forces, preserve yourself, full authority to act at your discretion.

Zheng Quan, the Xuzhou congregation master of the Smelling Incense Sect, had been very agitated these past few days. After opening the altar, burning incense, and chanting sutras twice, he had stayed shut up at home without any movement, which greatly displeased some of the evangelists close to him. They grumbled privately that this congregation master was truly impious, caring only about living the good life, and who knew how much of the tribute he had skimmed off.

Zheng Quan and his wife's life was indeed much better than before. The residence they now lived in was one that only the upper-class households in the city could afford, complete with maidservants and serving boys to wait on them — they were practically wealthy and respectable people now.

When the news of the refugees crossing into the territory spread, the whole city was in an uproar, but the evangelists in various parts of the city were very excited. Whenever there was some natural or man-made disaster, getting people to burn incense and join the faith became especially easy, and the benefits naturally increased as well. With the congregation master muddle-headed and neglecting his duties, many people had already started on their own. In any case, there was merit and no fault in it. Ready-made phrases like "Heaven-sent calamity — burn incense to avoid disaster" were all at hand.

The sun had not yet dropped behind the city wall, but word was already spreading that the inner city gate might close early today, lest any villains slip through. Zheng Quan changed into a servant's clothes and stepped out of his house, carrying a vegetable basket, looking for all the world as if he were off to buy groceries for the evening meal.

After leaving home, he turned down two streets and crouched down beside a stall. The idle vendor paid little mind to customers, instead glancing nervously left and right. Zheng Quan turned over the vegetables there as if picking through them, but from his mouth came the words: "The moment I leave, you close up and head out of the city. Go to He Village. When you get there, give my name and tell that Zhao Jin one thing — say that right now, a lot of people inside and outside the city aren't right, just like before Old Master Mu died. Then stay there and don't come back."

After speaking, Zheng Quan picked out some vegetables and had the vendor weigh them, then carried his basket home. He had complete faith in this vendor — the vendor owed him his life.

After nightfall, the cavalry sent into the city also hurried back. Everyone now knew what Prefect Tong had said, and Ruhui and Chen Sheng's expressions were none too pleasant.

But Ruhui adjusted quickly. At supper, he analyzed: "Tong Huaizu has his own selfish motives, but his words ring true. The refugees are like ants — where would ants go to find boats? Crossing the Yellow River is fraught with a thousand perils. And the northern bank at Xuzhou is the Xu family's domain. The Xu family estate has nearly ten thousand craftsmen and miners; they live by iron smelting. They lack neither able-bodied men nor weapons. If we want to cross, there'll be a fight yet."

Everyone nodded. Refugees crossing the land were like locusts — destroying everything, leaving not a blade of grass behind. Such devastation was something the local powers could never tolerate and they would often fight to the death, let alone a great clan like the Xu family.