Chapter 741: Strategic Struggles and Offer of Fine Grains

The courtyard chosen by Zhang Yue for Liu Da was a typical three-section house with a large garden behind it. The first section in front of the second gate was used to receive male guests from outside. In the three small rooms facing south, Liu Yongqing and Cao Jixiang, brought by Zhang Qian, were resting separately. The former was a genuine member of the Jinyiwei; naturally, he was habitually looking around, estimating the value of the house and its furnishings. Cao Jixiang, on the other hand, sat there blankly, filled with frustration.

That day, Gu Xingzu boldly rushed into the courtroom past him. Not only could he not stop him, but he couldn’t even give a warning. Although Zhang Qian said nothing, his attitude toward him seemed to grow increasingly cold. Later, Zhang Qian even assigned someone from the Jinyiwei to oversee him, leaving Cao Jixiang even more sidelined. After much thought, he developed deep hatred for Gu Xingzu. If not for this man’s sudden interference, his life might not have been comfortable, but it certainly wouldn’t have been this difficult.

“So what if he’s a noble? Back in the day, Marquis Qingyuan was also highly favored, but because of a concubine’s slander, he lost his life! Once I achieve success… no, as long as I get the chance now, I won’t let you off!”

Muttering these words in a low voice, Cao Jixiang suddenly picked up his teacup and drank the completely cold tea in one gulp. Just as he wiped his mouth and planned to extract some information from Liu Yongqing, a servant rushed over in a few steps, bowed, and said, “Eunuch Zhang and Lord Zhang inside are calling you two in.”

Hearing this, Cao Jixiang immediately stood up and hurried over, smiling and asking, “Young man, do you know why they’re calling us in?”

“I really don’t know. I just heard Eunuch Zhang’s laughter from inside; he seems to be in high spirits.”

With this reply, Cao Jixiang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded at Liu Yongqing. The two left the room together. Entering through the second gate and following an old woman’s guidance past two small doors, they saw Zhang Qian crouched beside a middle-aged man who looked like a farmer, holding a stalk of rice and asking him questions, completely ignoring the fact that the hem of his robe was dragging in the mud. Stunned by this scene they had never seen before, both of them were taken aback. Cao Jixiang, who had sharp eyes, noticed Zhang Yue talking to a woman in lotus-pink clothes not far away from Zhang Qian. Wanting to approach but fearing to disturb them, he simply stayed where he was.

“You two have arrived!”

Zhang Yue suddenly turned his head and saw Cao Jixiang and the others. He gave Xi Er a few more instructions, then went over to call Zhang Qian and greeted Liu Da before heading forward. Having just examined the rice ears and touched soil, both of them had dirt all over their hands. Immediately, two burly maids brought water in copper basins. They washed their hands one after another and dried them with soft towels before leaving the back garden. As Zhang Yue visited often, he led them to a side room at the front with ease.

“Eunuch Cao is an old acquaintance. I remember Eunuch Wang often sending you here. Who would have thought you’d end up following Eunuch Zhang now?”

Seeing that Zhang Yue spoke to him first, Cao Jixiang quickly bowed with a beaming smile and said, “I am of low rank and status. Naturally, I follow orders from those above. Lord Zhang can simply call me Jixiang as before. Compared to the other eunuchs in the palace, I am truly fortunate—both Eunuch Wang and Eunuch Zhang are kind to their subordinates. It’s a great honor to be able to serve them.”

His words honored his former master while pleasing his current one, sounding quite pleasing to hear. Zhang Yue couldn’t help but smile slightly, thinking that he truly was fit to become a powerful eunuch in the future, with a clear understanding of the situation.

Zhang Qian, however, didn’t look at Cao Jixiang but asked Liu Yongqing, “How many people does the Jinyiwei have in Qiongzhou Prefecture?”

Hearing this, Liu Yongqing was momentarily stunned. He tilted his head and thought for a while before answering, “Since our station is remote, although we have a thousand-household commander, the entire Jinyiwei in Guangzhou has only fifty-six people in total. In the prefecture itself, there are even fewer—mostly just a few spies stationed in some carriage businesses. As for Qiongzhou Prefecture… since it’s considered the end of the world and inhabited by the Li people, it’s extremely poor. There’s only one carriage business each in Chengmai and Lingao. The reports sent by spies each month are at most one or two, with very few people available.”

“As I thought.”

Recalling what Zhang Yue had said earlier, Zhang Qian sighed. Even if he could command the Jinyiwei based on his status, what use were so few people? Gu Xingzu really chose the worst possible place to live—staying in the headquarters of the military command. It was truly a disastrous decision. Without Li Long, the commander in charge of military power across the province, they couldn’t rely on those military stations, leaving them in a desperate predicament when it came to deploying manpower!

“How far is it from Guangzhou to Qiongzhou Prefecture?”

“It’s 1,750 li from the provincial administration office. Even if riders ride day and night at full speed—assuming 600 li per day—plus the time needed to cross the sea, it will take at least four days.”

Seeing Zhang Qian’s furrowed brows, Zhang Yue explained further, “The Marquis of Zhenyuan must have come to Guangzhou in person, sending another group to Qiongzhou Prefecture. By now, they might have arrived. Fortunately, due to the assassination attempt by the Li people earlier, I already sent orders to Qiongzhou Prefecture to thoroughly investigate their backgrounds. There are records and documents available to me. Moreover, as ordered by the Duke of Britain, I sent people to Chengmai to visit the Qiu family, so they should still be there.”

Recalling that Qiu Guoyong had rushed back to Chengmai with Zhang Bu after handling the matter of turning Wuyue Merchant House into an official trading firm, Zhang Yue frowned again. “The problem is, I’m afraid the Marquis of Zhenyuan’s men will use their power to pressure local officials, who may not be able to resist. If no civil unrest occurs there but is provoked by them, then a large army will have to be sent to restore order, which will ultimately benefit Gu Xingzu.”

At this point, Zhang Yue was too tired to use any formal titles. Sure enough, Zhang Qian also said irritably after him, “I’ve already met him today and tried both gentle and forceful approaches, but this man is completely determined! He may be a noble, but he’s already of the second generation. How dare he do such shameless things for the Xu family’s money! Even if he blames us, it won’t cause serious harm. This is clearly harming others without benefiting himself. I think he’s just confused!”

“No, he’s not confused,” Zhang Yue said directly, having figured most of it out after days of deep thought. “Protecting the Xu family is indeed his goal, but it’s not worth taking such risks. Suppressing the rebellious Yao in Guangxi was merely subduing barbarians and isn’t considered a great achievement. But if he can add that he promptly discovered and quelled the rebellion among the Li people in Guangdong, his foresight will be remarkable, making it seem as though we’re all incompetent. Perhaps the emperor, understanding the earlier situation, won’t impose too severe punishment on us, but being transferred out of Guangdong is inevitable. By then, he can just find excuses to stay in Qiongzhou Prefecture for a while longer. Even without the Xu family, there are other merchants who will flatter him. Maybe he can even continue to command troops in Guizhou due to the chaos in Guangdong and Guangxi.”

Cao Jixiang and Liu Yongqing were encountering such high-level matters for the first time. As they listened, they felt a chill run down their spines. Liu Yongqing, knowing he was just a low-ranking officer in the Jinyiwei, resolved to do whatever his superiors ordered without saying a word. Cao Jixiang, on the other hand, was eager to act. As soon as Zhang Yue finished speaking, he mustered up the courage to stand up.

“Eunuch Zhang, Lord Zhang, though I’m not talented enough, I’m willing to share the burden for you both.”

At this point, Zhang Qian couldn’t help but examine the young eunuch who had followed him for some time. He had no connection with Wang Jin, so although Wang Jin had recommended him to Guangdong, it might also be his intention to get rid of the older generation in the capital. Thus, he had always been wary of Cao Jixiang. After all, many old eunuchs in the capital had apprentices and adopted sons, yet many of them ended up trapped by one of their own. He never took in people lightly. But under the current circumstances, since Cao Jixiang dared to take such risks, his courage alone meant he was no ordinary spy.

“Aren’t you afraid of death?”

“My life is worthless. If I can accomplish this task, it’s worth it. Besides, I know that Eunuch Zhang and Lord Zhang will never let me risk my life recklessly. And if we have evidence of Marquis Zhenyuan fabricating testimony, then he’s deliberately trying to turn the Li people against us, allowing the two of you to impeach him legitimately!”

This man actually had such insight!

Zhang Yue’s eyes lit up. When it came to sending people, he did have Peng Shisan at his side. However, going to Qiongzhou Prefecture required a proper identity. With Zhang Fu retiring, Peng Shisan wasn’t quite suitable, so last time he simply ordered the capable and bold Zhang Bu to take a few men there. Although he also had three clever young guys around, Fang Jing and the others were still too young to make decisive actions. Fang Rui was cunning, but his background was shady, so he couldn’t send anyone either.

Yet, Cao Jixiang was still a lowly figure. The more humble one was, the more willing they were to take risks—perfect for this task.

“Eunuch Zhang, just send him!” After saying this, Zhang Yue quickly thought through things before slowly adding, “Have him bring two Jinyiwei guards and your official order. I’m sure the tribal chiefs of the six Li communities in Chengmai will believe him. Assign a few reliable guards to accompany him. With just these people, as long as he’s bold and careful, he’ll surely hold his ground!”

“Good!” Seeing Cao Jixiang immediately kneel and kowtow, Zhang Qian waved his hand to tell him to get up. Glancing at Zhang Yue, he ordered Cao Jixiang, “Go back to the Maritime Office right away and get ready. Select four reliable guards by yourself. Liu Yongqing, you too go back to the guard post and see Tang Le. Have him pick out two people and send them secretly to the Maritime Office. Both of you must remember: not a word about this matter must leak out, or don’t blame me if I’m ruthless!”

After Cao Jixiang and Liu Yongqing left together, Zhang Yue finally said to Zhang Qian, “As for us, it’s better to stay put for now, so that they can breathe a sigh of relief. Though Gu Xingzu thinks he has the upper hand, he surely won’t just sit idle. In at most half a month, or at least ten to eight days, if there’s still no news from Qiongzhou Prefecture, he’ll start to worry. By then, Commander Li Long will be the real key figure. He’s greedy and fearful, but after all, he’s a military officer, making him easy to deal with. He only arrived a year earlier than me, so there must still be those who don’t obey him, and besides, Gu Xingzu won’t rely on him entirely.”

Zhang Qian, having spent most of his life in the Yan Wang’s palace and then in the imperial palace, was naturally much more familiar with such tactics than Zhang Yue. After a quick calculation, he smiled and said, “Alright, take better care of matters at the dockyard; leave these tasks to me. After all, Gu Xingzu is a military man. He might be good at fighting fiercely, but he’s far inferior when it comes to scheming. By the way, I just want to remind you—one thing: the rice here is about to ripen. It’s time to present a sign of good fortune to the emperor.”

Having served as an official for many years, Zhang Yue was always dedicated to his duties, but he had little interest in presenting signs of good fortune—even though there had been frequent earthquakes in Nanjing not long ago, and the court needed such signs to counteract the disasters. Thus, he frowned and said, “Things like the nine-eared auspicious rice are nothing but pretense; the ears are almost empty. If we present such ‘signs’ to the court, not everyone there is blind…”

Suddenly, he realized what Zhang Yue meant and slapped his hand sharply. “You mean to attach these rice ears from the fields along with a memorial to present this good news to the emperor?”

“Reaching two harvests is already a feat for local officials. Since you’ve achieved three harvests, it’s only right to make the emperor, the cabinet, and various ministries happy! From the year before last to now, bad things have piled up one after another. If Gu Xingzu’s matter is exposed, it will also be a major issue. With such good news that benefits the people, we can overcome that too!”

“Eunuch Zhang, old ginger is truly the spiciest!”
Zhang Yue nodded and immediately rushed to the back yard, pulling Liu Da, who was still by the fields, over. He asked him detailed questions, noted down all the key points, and then left the estate with Zhang Qian.

He returned straight to the Governor’s office and immediately plunged into the meeting hall where he usually handled official affairs. Spending a full hour, he wrote out a lengthy article of over a thousand words with remarkable speed. Though he was satisfied with it after reading it, he still decided to go see Xiang Shaoyuan for advice. However, upon asking in the adjacent room, he learned that Xiang Shaoyuan had taken leave due to illness at noon and was resting at his home in the official residence.

Xiang Shaoyuan’s official residence was much smaller than Zhang Yue’s, as he came from a humble background and relied solely on a few acres of paddy fields in his hometown along with his salary; he only employed a limited number of servants. Upon hearing that Zhang Yue had arrived, Xiang, who was coughing violently while half-sitting on the couch, immediately waved his hand to ask someone to bring him in. He then downed a bowl of dark medicinal liquid in one gulp before finally calming down. When Zhang Yue entered and sat down in front of him, handing over a document directly, Xiang was stunned.

“Sir Xiang, please take a look at this.”

Xiang took it skeptically, unfolded it, and became absorbed after scanning the first few lines. He sat up straight and began to read carefully. Yet after reading it once, he remained silent. He read it again and again, then finally exhaled deeply and raised his head to ask earnestly, “Sir Zhang, are you really sure?”

“Of course.”

“Good, good!” A hint of moisture appeared in Xiang’s eyes as he nodded firmly. “If this really works, not only Guangdong but the entire Lingnan region will benefit! Sir Zhang, what do you want me to do, a sickly man as I am?”

“Nothing more than to please review it for any mistakes and sign your name. After that, I’ll show it to the others in the Governor’s office, and we’ll go together to see those fields with excellent growth.”