Third Yang nodded. “The Tuīguān1 arrived ahead of schedule. The meeting has been moved up to tomorrow. Jiěfu and Uncle Zhong will stay behind to hear what he has to say.”
Yang Xi understood, “I know, thank you for your hard work today.”
Third Yang didn’t feel tired; he didn’t like staying at home.
After Third Yang left, Yang Xi looked up at the sky. The sky had been overcast for the past few days, making it impossible to estimate the time by looking at the sky. A watch was much more convenient.
Actually, clocks already existed, but unfortunately, after the sea ban, they were hard to buy, and the prices were exorbitant!
The next day at the county office, Zhou Yu accompanied Zhong Jin to see Fang Tuīguān. Fang Tuīguān arrived in casual clothes. He was a short, stout man whose smile resembled that of Maitreya Buddha, making it easy for people to lower their guard.
Zhou Yu stood to the side, which Fang Tuīguān noticed, but he didn’t pay much attention. He put down the gifts he brought, saying, “I came in a hurry; this is just a small token of my appreciation.”
Zhong Jin looked at the gifts in the box. These couldn’t have been chosen hastily; they were clearly carefully selected. Inside were gold ornaments.
Zhong Jin said, “This is too valuable; I, Zhong Mou, cannot accept it.”
Fang Tuīguān didn’t close the box, glancing at Zhou Yu, signaling him to leave.
Zhong Jin said, “This is my younger brother; there’s no need to hide anything from him.”
Fang Tuīguān knew Zhong Jin had two younger brothers and raised an eyebrow. “You two don’t seem alike?”
Zhong Jin smiled. “He’s like a younger brother to me—the one I trust most.”
Fang Tuīguān looked left and right, thinking that Zhong Jin might leak information, and his smile deepened. “The situation in the north is not good; have you heard anything, Brother Zhong?”
Zhong Jin had not only heard rumors but also knew them in great detail, yet he pretended to be confused. “How is the situation in the north not good?”
Fang Tuīguān didn’t think much of it; Zhong Jin had been busy with his own affairs since arriving in Ruizhou. He pointed north. “Bozhou is in turmoil. His Majesty’s suspicion has led him to strike against the feudal princes. Jiāng Wáng was seriously wounded. I’ve heard someone is trying to become the leader of the rebels and is organizing them into a proper force.”
Zhong Jin was stunned. “Reorganizing the rebels?”
This reaction was genuine.
Fang Tuīguān spoke with evident satisfaction. “The Zhīfǔ’s2 sources are well informed. According to the news the Zhīfǔ received, the rebels in the north have split into several factions. They’re now fighting among themselves, with each side refusing to submit to the others and all wanting to become the leader.”
Zhou Yu recalled that in his previous life in ancient times, when they left the capital, the rebels had not yet moved south. It seems that organizing the rebels was not easy. Those who dared to lead rebels to cause trouble everywhere were bold and ambitious. It would be a long and arduous process to integrate the rebels.
Fang Tuīguān continued, “Zhīfǔ said the unrest has taken hold, and once unified, they will surely march south, making the situation even more chaotic.”
Zhong Jin narrowed his eyes. “The Zhīfǔ’s opinion? Or the opinion of someone behind him?”
Fang Tuīguān raised an eyebrow. “How can you think the Zhīfǔ has someone behind him?”
Zhong Jin’s tone was suspicious. “Don’t you have someone?”
Fang Tuīguān shook his head. “You underestimate the Zhīfǔ. He comes from a prominent family and is very well-informed.”
Zhong Jin felt a chill. So the Zhīfǔ’s family had designs on him. If he remembered correctly, the Zhīfǔ was from the Gu family of Jingzhou, a family with a long and distinguished history.
Zhou Yu didn’t know where the Zhīfǔ came from, but he could tell that the Zhīfǔ considered Ruizhou as his own, waiting for the world to descend into chaos to seize control.
Fang Tuīguān’s private visit today wasn’t just to win over Zhong Jin. Uncle Zhong was a prominent figure in his day, with a considerable network of connections. Of course, Brother Zhong was also a capable man. To conquer the world, one needs not only supporters but also a sufficient number of capable subordinates.
Fang Tuīguān continued, “Brother Zhong is a wise man. I came with no other intention than to inform you of the Zhīfǔ’s intentions. It’s getting late, so I won’t disturb you any longer.”
Zhong Jin suppressed his various emotions and said calmly, “I’ll see you off, Fang Tuīguān.”
Seeing Zhong Jin’s expression remain unchanged, Fang Tuīguān thought even more highly of him. As expected of Zhong Daren’s eldest son—no wonder the Zhīfǔ valued him so highly. “Brother Zhong, there’s no need to see me off. I still have official business to attend to.”
Zhong Jin insisted on seeing Fang Tuīguān to the door. Fang Tuīguān was pleased and left in a good mood by carriage.
Zhou Yu and Brother Zhong returned to the courtyard, where Zhong Yan was already waiting. Zhong Yan had been sitting behind the screen and had heard everything Fang Tuīguān had said.
Zhong Yan said, “There are many powerful families, and countless others have their eyes on this. Gu Zhīfǔ thinks he has Ruizhou firmly in his grasp and is the first to jump out. Just wait; the evil spirits and monsters that will follow will be countless.”
Zhong Jin also understood. He had his father as his support, which gave him more confidence than others, so he wasn’t in a hurry. “Father, what should we do with this ornament?”
Zhong Yan glanced at it. “Keep it if they gave it to you.”
Zhong Jin was delighted to receive his father’s approval; it was all gold. “I’ll have someone melt it down.”
“Hmm.”
Zhou Yu, feeling a little tired after standing for a while, pulled over a chair and sat down. “If Gu Zhīfǔ wants to take control of Ruizhou, the key lies with Ruizhou’s commanding general and the military households.”
Soldiers were the key!
Zhong Yan stroked his beard. “The Jiāngjūn3 of Ruizhou is surnamed Bai. He’s an exceptionally shrewd and slippery man. It won’t be easy for Gu Zhīfǔ to win General Bai over.”
Zhou Yu was relieved to hear this. “As long as the forces in Ruizhou keep each other in check, things will be stable.”
Zhong Yan’s face also relaxed. “Yes, General Bai is a man of principle.”
Zhou Yu was even more relieved. “Uncle, do you know General Bai?”
Zhong Yan replied, “We’ve met a few times.”
He paused and continued, “General Bai is a military general. He cares most about his only son, who is spoiled and extremely unruly. General Bai has been trying to find someone to teach him, but unfortunately, he hasn’t found anyone.”
Zhou Yu asked, “How old is he?”
Zhong Yan smiled. “Eleven years old, the most annoying age.”
Zhou Yu asked again, “How old is General Bai?”
Zhong Yan replied, “Forty-five.”
Zhou Yu fell silent. Having a child at thirty-four is considered late in life. He touched his nose. It seemed true; in ancient times, thirty-four was enough to be a grandfather.
Seeing his nephew deep in thought, Zhong Yan even felt a sense of satisfaction. Looking at the time, he asked, “Shall we go back to Shanghe Village?”
The county government’s backyard wasn’t large; he’d had enough of it.
Zhou Yu also wanted to go home. “Okay.”
Zhong Jin was speechless. Listening to his father’s tone, anyone who didn’t know better would think Zhou Yu was his father’s son!
In Shanghe Village, Yang Xi was carving bamboo, bit by bit, with a carving knife. Bamboo was truly a treasure.
When Zhou Yu returned, he saw that his wife had almost cut her hand. He quickly stepped forward, removed the bamboo, and carefully checked her hand. “Are you hurt?”
Yang Xi replied, “Luckily, I reacted quickly, and you’re back.”
Zhou Yu frowned. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you afraid of hurting yourself?”
Yang Xi felt a little guilty. The village roads were too muddy for her to go out. Her younger sister was embroidering handkerchiefs, and she felt it was pointless, so she asked Third Yang to find some tools. She forced a smile and said, “I want to make something small.”
Zhou Yu said, “The bamboo strips are too sharp; you might hurt yourself.”
Yang Xi assured him, “I won’t make anything.”
Zhou Yu didn’t believe her. “I was originally planning to set off for Yizhou, but I’m really worried about you like this.”
Yang Xi was speechless.
Zhou Yu kept nagging about his wife, making Yang Xi lower her head, looking pitiful.
(End of Chapter)
Footnote
- A judicial official responsible for hearing cases and assisting with legal administration at the prefectural or circuit level.
- Zhīfǔ was the prefect of a prefecture, the highest-ranking civil official responsible for governing the entire prefectural administration.
- Jiāngjūn was a senior military commander responsible for leading regional troops and overseeing local military affairs.
At last, they have a steady source of income.
Translating one chapter one day at a time 
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