Chapter 784: The Virtuous Woman Repays Her Gratitude

As Marquis Anyuan Liu Sheng had said, just before the first day of the New Year, the army successfully conquered Yizhou in Shenghua Prefecture—the last stronghold of the rebels in the south. As a result, all soldiers and officers were overjoyed, looking forward to a good New Year. The people and troops in Jiaozhi who had not been involved in the rebellion gradually calmed down under the soothing efforts of the former minister Huang Fu, and began preparing for the New Year with goods and necessities. The military provisions and seeds shipped by sea from Guangdong gave hope to the people who had suffered from war.

Meanwhile, the main rebel leaders and the families of officers fell into utter darkness. Thinking of Zhang You, who had almost lost his life, Liu Sheng was so enraged that he almost decided to follow the example of Duke Ying of Britain, Zhang Fu, and execute all the rebels killed earlier and those captured later. However, with Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s imperial edict forbidding indiscriminate killings, he reluctantly gave up this idea and left the handling of these people to Zhang Yue.

By stepping back as the ultimate decision-maker, Zhang Yue once again became the one in control of life and death ahead of this festive season. Emperor Zhu Zhanji’s “mercy” was limited. The main rebel leaders like Chen Tianbao were naturally taken back to the capital. After being surrendered, they, like their predecessors who had risen in rebellion, were either executed in public or exiled to the frontier—things that were not his concern. However, many of their subordinates also had to be killed depending on the severity of their crimes, to intimidate the rest of the people in Jiaozhi. Additionally, these captured soldiers and civilians were forced to work as slaves in the interior, with those of good appearance being castrated and sent to the palace… But the most important thing was not killing, but selecting talent.

Just before the New Year, he received a letter from Duke Ying of Britain in the capital. Besides expressing great joy at the recovery of Qinghua Prefecture and the capture of Chen Tianbao, the letter also contained a few additional suggestions at the end.

“Eunuchs, castrated boys, monks, and the like are secondary. What matters are those who possess talent and virtue—those who are well-versed in classics, learned, intelligent, upright, filial, diligent in farming, honest and upright, skilled in administrative affairs, knowledgeable in military strategy, and strong in combat. When I returned from conquering Jiaozhi, over nine thousand such people were sent to the capital. Now that the war is over, you must spare no effort to select capable individuals for the service of the state. Even those who are chief rebels, as long as they sincerely repent, can be recommended along with the rest—without hesitation. In the time of Emperor Taizong, he pardoned Li Cheng, the son of Li Jimi. This man later served in the Ministry of Works, rising from a minor official to a senior position, and greatly improved the military’s firearms. If it’s such talent, why hesitate to grant them life and positions so they can serve our dynasty wholeheartedly?”

Peng Shisan knew well that Zhang Fu valued Zhang Yue highly. Seeing Zhang Yue nodding as he read the letter, he jokingly asked, “What did the master say in the letter? Did he praise the young master greatly, and then mention discussions in the capital about rewards for meritorious deeds?”
“How can the eldest uncle be so mercenary?” Zhang Yue handed the letter to Peng Shisan. After Peng finished reading it, he smiled sheepishly, folded the letter back, and put it back in the envelope. Then he said, “The emperor previously mentioned the importance of selecting capable people, and the eldest uncle brought this up as well, showing that we share the same view—selecting talent is more important than merely achieving peace. I asked you to investigate that Ruan family’s brother. How did it go? If he’s truly useful, send him over; it could also help Li Cheng. If not, there’s no need to bother—I can just send Ruan back to Marquis Anyuan.”
“It seems that anyone who tries to use a beauty strategy against you, young master, will end up losing more than they gain.”
After making a joking remark, Peng Shisan stopped teasing and began to explain in detail the situation of the Ruan family: “Ruan is from a distinguished family. Her ancestor, Ruan Shengxun, once served as a vice minister under Prince Chen Renwang. Ruan Shengxun was also the maternal grandfather of Li Cheng’s grandfather, so there’s some kinship between them. When Chen Tianbao rose in rebellion, he learned that Ruan’s brother, Ruan Qin, was skilled at making firearms, so he sent people to abduct the entire family. Since Ruan Qin was well-known in the military for his firearms-making skills, his expertise also earned him many enemies. As a result, during the official selection process, he was convicted of treason. By convention, his brother was beheaded, and his children were turned into slaves—she would face the same fate.”
“In that case, she’s not talking nonsense. If he really knows how to make firearms, pass on my words: remove his name from the execution list. I’ll go see Marquis Anyuan again… Since he gave her to me, I should at least let him know. Also, since you seem quite idle lately, I’ll find you something to do. Go through those on the execution list and make sure you don’t execute the wrong person just because of false accusations. As for those castrated boys… forget about it; don’t get involved in that.”
Having been given an unnecessary burden, Peng Shisan rubbed his chin in frustration but reluctantly agreed. As soon as he left, Zhang Yue went to see Liu Sheng as planned. Hearing that the person in question had a connection to Li Cheng, knew how to make firearms, and had once commanded the Divine Machine Camp, Liu Sheng became very interested. After asking detailed questions, he laughed.

“You truly are kind and considerate. If it were anyone else, they would never listen to such a woman’s nagging and would have dismissed her long ago. But you actually went to the trouble of having someone investigate her! I already entrusted you with dealing with those rebels—kill them or recommend them as you see fit. If anyone dares to talk nonsense, I’m still here! As for that woman, do whatever you want to her! If her brother can get a position in government, she’ll surely be grateful to you for life. Even if you refuse, she might still offer herself to you…”

What was supposed to be a serious discussion turned into such mockery. Zhang Yue didn’t dare stay any longer. After quickly interrupting, he fled in a hurry. Not to mention that Ruan Shi’s beauty wasn’t even enough to bring disaster upon the country; even if she were truly stunning, he already had a wife and concubines, and he had no interest in the cliché of repayment through personal sacrifice. Back in his room, he summoned Niu Gan and ordered him to go to that room and convey a message to Ruan Shi. Unexpectedly, Niu Gan shook his head firmly.

“Sir, there’s a difference between men and women…”

“I know there’s a difference between men and women. But do I really have to find a woman to deliver the message? You stubborn ox! Just go outside the window and shout it clearly, that’s all!”

Seeing Niu Gan speechless and heading out scratching his head, Zhang Yue smiled irritably. He went into the inner room, retrieved the stack of lists he had obtained earlier, and checked off names based on the brief descriptions following them. Just as Zhang Fu couldn’t possibly review over nine thousand people one by one, he didn’t have the time or energy either. So, with this list of candidates, which was bound to include both good and bad, he couldn’t possibly evaluate each one individually; he could only identify those who might be useful from the brief descriptions.

Back then, Zhang Fu sent over nine thousand people, and after the court accepted them, most were simply assigned to live in various places. There was no way officials would spend so much time checking each one. Therefore, while it was better to have too many than too few, it was also necessary to select a few quality candidates. Otherwise, mixing good and bad would only be a waste of effort.

“Sir.”

Hearing it was Niu Gan’s voice, Zhang Yue said impatiently, “What do you want now? I just sent you to deliver a message, not to bring back a reply. No matter what she says, just act like you didn’t hear it.”

“Sir, Miss Ruan says she wants to come and express her gratitude for your kindness.”

Hearing these words, Zhang Yue finally raised his head. At the door, aside from Niu Gan, who wore an expression of fixed gaze, was also Ruan Shi, her face covered in tears. Seeing her bow her head and enter the house, he knelt down without hesitation and kowtowed three times heavily. He rubbed his temples in pain and then waved at Niu Gan, who stood there dumbfounded.
If Peng Shisan were here, doing such things would be much more reliable!
“Your Excellency’s kindness is immeasurable. Even if I were to be reduced to dust, I could never repay it. I ought to serve you for life. But I know my own limitations and doubt I can meet your high standards. With nothing else I can offer, I think I might be able to help you understand the local people. I only ask that you set me free after your task is completed, so I can reunite with my brother, sister-in-law, and family.”
When Zhang Yue heard the phrase “reduced to dust,” he couldn’t help but sigh. But as he listened further, he couldn’t help but smile knowingly. For the first time, he examined the girl before him seriously. Seeing her look up at him fearlessly, and recalling how, after removing the cloth covering her mouth that night, she had immediately begged him to save her brother without saying anything else, he felt a sense of admiration. After pondering for a while, he asked, “Are you familiar with all the talented people here?”
“Yes. I know well those skilled in literature and military strategy, as well as the hermits in the surrounding areas. If Your Excellency doesn’t believe me, just name someone, and I’ll tell you everything I know!”
What a clever girl!
Flipping through the roster on the table, Zhang Yue called out a name. Sure enough, Ruan Shi merely pondered for a moment before detailing that person’s background and life story in great detail—ten times more thorough than what was written in the roster. Delighted, he asked about three more people, confirming that nothing in Ruan Shi’s earlier words was false. He then stood up with a smile.
“Good, get up! As long as you help me go through those rosters, I’ll let you go back and reunite with your brother!”
“Thank you, Your Excellency!”
Only then did Ruan Shi show a relieved smile and hurriedly kowtowed again in gratitude. Seeing her overjoyed expression, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but ask, “Do you know that even if you hadn’t asked, I planned to send you home anyway?”

“I know,” said Ruan Shi, rising from her kneeling position, completely unconcerned about her flushed forehead. She simply smiled and said, “Since childhood, I have studied and learned to read under my elder brother, and I truly believe that gentlemen do exist in this world. Since you treated me as if I were nothing that night, you must be a gentleman, so you certainly wouldn’t seek any reward for saving my brother. But if I go home without repaying your kindness, I will carry guilt for the rest of my life. That’s why I want to repay you so I can live free from worries from now on.”
“What a desire to be free from worries!” Zhang Yue felt that he was truly lucky this time. Liu Sheng had merely given him a beautiful woman to keep him warm, yet he ended up finding such a treasure. He nodded in approval and said, “If you help me complete this task, not only will your brother surely be pardoned, but many others will also benefit. However, just you alone isn’t enough. How about this: I’ll have someone call your brother here now, so you’ll have an extra helper.”
Hearing this, Ruan Shi was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed again to express her gratitude. By the time she left the room, she could no longer hide her emotions and burst into tears. Although the Ruan family used to be a prominent family in the Chen Dynasty, it had long since declined. Thanks to her fair appearance, she had used countless methods over the years to preserve her chastity, but she also knew she had offended many people. Fortunately, fate brought her a nobleman who was also a rare gentleman; otherwise, she would have surely met a tragic end.
As Ruan Shi promised, she worked diligently to identify for Zhang Yue those truly useful people from both Shunhua Prefecture and Shenghua Prefecture. Compared to her thoroughness, when Ruan Qin was released, Zhang Yue met him, only to find that his brother had an ordinary appearance and was not particularly shrewd, though he had a remarkable passion for firearms. Holding the firearms given to him by Zhang Yue, he pointed out numerous flaws and shortcomings, talking nonstop until he finally fell silent awkwardly.
“This was supervised and manufactured by your cousin, Lord Li Cheng. Once we return to the capital, I’ll recommend you to work as his colleague.”
“Thank you, my lord! Thank you so much!”

Though grateful, Ruan Qin still harbored doubts about Zhang Yue keeping him and his sister to help. That day, taking advantage of Zhang Yue’s absence and the lack of others around, he stood up while copying the list and went over to Ruan Shi, asking quietly and carefully, “A Le, I think this Lord Zhang is young yet possesses great bearing, and he comes from a distinguished family. It seems he values you too. Why do you always remain composed in his presence? We’ve traveled thousands of miles to the capital of the Tian Dynasty; it’s rare to find a good family for you, so you should seize this opportunity. With the protection of such a powerful figure, your future…”
“Brother, do you think he’s the kind of man who likes to push himself forward? Or do you think your sister is a beauty of unparalleled grace?”
Ruan Shi put down her pen, raised her head, and said slowly, word by word, “If I had such ambitions of climbing higher, do you think I could still find you this opportunity to earn merits? As long as you secure some official position in the future, you’ll surely be able to find me a suitable match. I won’t push myself forward. If we let Lord Zhang earn merits this time, won’t he stop protecting you in the future? Marriage alliances in this world also come in different ranks. Sending one’s own daughter or sister as a concubine is despised everywhere, whether in the Chen Dynasty or the Hu Dynasty.”
Zhang Yue, who was outside by the window, couldn’t help but nod in approval upon hearing these righteous words. Turning his head, he saw Peng Shisan also there, smiling as he fiddled with a few hairs that had just grown on his chin. When the two went under another eave, Peng Shisan gave a thumbs up and said, “Young master, I took the booklet you gave me earlier and had it reviewed by suitable people. They all praised your keen insight! Some women seem smart but are actually confused, but this one is smart both inside and out—rare indeed! I’ve met many people, but to encounter someone so sensible, especially a woman, is truly fortunate!”
“This is what they call ‘unintentional actions bringing good fortune.’”
As Zhang Yue smiled, suddenly loud firecracker sounds came from outside, followed by cheers from many people. Looking at Peng Shisan, who was also smiling, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Another New Year’s Eve. Tomorrow, I’ll be one year older!”
“I grow old and become feeble, but for you, growing older means getting better. The older you get, the easier it will be for you to return to the court or join the ministry, right?”

Hearing this common yet true truth, Zhang Yue couldn’t help but nod. Tomorrow would be the first day of the New Year. Since the army had won, it was time for him to return home. He wondered how his father and second uncle in Kunming County, Yunnan Prefecture, were doing at that moment, as well as his family back in Guangzhou.