Mo Sang – CH 156

Chapter 156. Yangzhou and Jiangning

An hour before the burly man met Master Qian, the head of the rice shop, three squads of ten men each from the old Yunmeng Guard had already arrived in Yangzhou.

The leader of the three squads was Dong Chao, who was already fifty-four or fifty-five years old, but he was agile and in excellent spirits, looking like he was in his forties.

The thirty men were originally dressed as riders, splitting up and changing horses at post stations along the way. When they were still a hundred or two li from Yangzhou, they began to change out of their rider clothes and travel individually on their own horses.

Dong Chao, still dressed as a rider, led his packhorse straight into the Shunfeng Post Station outside Yangzhou.

This was Meng Yanqing’s instruction; he was to speak with Manager Wang of the Yangzhou Post Station after arriving, as Manager Wang might be a kindred spirit.

The post station outside Yangzhou had a very large courtyard.

As soon as Dong Chao led his horse into the courtyard, a groom came to greet him, took the reins, and unloaded the mailbag. “Where’s Manager Wang?” Dong Chao asked casually.

“Over there,” the coachman replied, raising his voice, “Manager Wang! Someone’s looking for you.”

Dong Chao had already spotted Manager Wang sitting by the west door, fanning himself with a palm-leaf fan, and went straight over.

Manager Wang squinted at Dong Chao; he’d never seen this rider before.

“My name is Dong Chao. The Boss will arrive in a couple of days,” Dong Chao said, bowing slightly to Manager Wang.

Manager Wang squinted at him, seemingly not understanding.

“Upon receiving Manager Wang’s letter, the Boss set off immediately,” Dong Chao continued.

“Let’s talk in the backyard,” Manager Wang said, standing up and calling out as he walked in, “Little San, bring in a kettle of water.”

Dong Chao followed Manager Wang through the five main rooms that served as sorting and storage areas. Behind the main rooms were two rows of side rooms, completely connected to the main buildings, with a small courtyard in the middle, half of which was covered by a shed, presumably a tea room.

The entire courtyard was used for sorting and storage.

“So many letters?” Dong Chao asked, quite surprised.

“We are barely enough now, but it will soon be insufficient. Yangzhou is one of the four major postal stations.

The other day, Manager Zou came and stayed at our post station for a day, just because we do not have enough space.” Manager Wang’s voice carried a hint of pride and smugness.

“They say the boss is starting to deliver small packages, and there’s a new business deal too. Head Manager Zou did not say, but judging from his tone, the goods definitely will not be lacking.”

Manager Wang had already passed through the first courtyard. The second courtyard was three or four times larger than the first, with a path fenced off in the middle. Outside the fence, craftsmen were busy at work.

Manager Wang stopped, pointing to the foundations already dug on all four sides. “Once this courtyard is finished, the two courtyards will be connected. Head Manager Zou said that together, it should be enough.”

Manager Wang glanced sideways at Dong Chao’s surprised face, then continued forward happily.

Further ahead was a small courtyard, with flowers and grass, looking very pleasant.

“This is a place for the riders to rest. Originally, it was one room per person, but now even two people per room is not enough. New houses are being built next door.” Manager Wang paused slightly, pointing to the side. “We have urgent business right now, so we will not go see him.”

Shopkeeper Wang said, turning a corner, passing through a narrow passage between two walls, pushing open a small door, and entering a tiny courtyard.

“This is where I live. Please sit down.”

“Shopkeeper Wang, all alone?” Dong Chao looked around at the two main rooms, two side rooms, and the tiny courtyard.

“Yes.” Shopkeeper Wang ushered Dong Chao in.

In front of the main room, the eaves were wide, with a slightly worn small table under the eaves, and an old bamboo chair next to it. A teapot and teacups were on the small table.

Shopkeeper Wang went inside, then brought out another bamboo chair and placed it on the other side of the small table.

Just as Dong Chao sat down, Xiao San’er brought in a large copper kettle, carrying hot water.

Dong Chao watched Xiao San’er leave through the extremely narrow door, then turned to look at Shopkeeper Wang, who was making tea. His gaze fell on the few crude little flower tattoos on Shopkeeper Wang’s wrist.

“Manager Wang’s tattoo is quite interesting,” Dong Chao said, reaching for the tea Manager Wang offered. He lifted his sleeve, revealing a similar flower tattoo on his wrist.

Manager Wang stared at the small flowers on Dong Chao’s wrist. “In the army, that would at least qualify you as a lieutenant general.”

“Hmm, Manager Wang has quite a few, too. I did not expect you to be a former capture-the-wild officer.” Dong Chao withdrew his hand and picked up his tea.

“How did you end up under the Big Boss?” Manager Wang looked at Dong Chao, his tone noticeably warmer.

“Have you heard of the Yunmeng Guard, Brother?” Dong Chao sighed.

Shopkeeper Wang’s eyes widened. “There really is a Yunmeng Guard?”

“Yes, there is. I am one,” Dong Chao sighed deeply. “After the New Year, when the war started, the Emperor ordered the Yunmeng Guard to report to the Commander-in-Chief. In the Battle of Hefei, the Yunmeng Guard raised its flag for the first time and made a great contribution.

I am old now, and I retired from the Yunmeng Guard long ago. But even though I am old, I can still move around, so I came to serve under the Boss and do my part.”

Shopkeeper Wang stood up, bowed deeply to Dong Chao, and sat down, saying, “Alas, we are about the same, except I am not as capable as you. I was assigned to Southern Liang, and I’ve been gone for over ten years. Before I went to Southern Liang, I gained a title at home, giving me the rank of Assistant General. Alas, I am practically dead by now.

I originally planned to die in Southern Liang, but I unexpectedly came back. Later, I came here to take a job under the Boss. Alas. Let’s get down to business.” Shopkeeper Wang raised his cup to Dong Chao, using the words “let’s get down to business” to suppress the bitterness in his heart.

“Good.” Dong Chao raised his glass as well. “The boss’s intention is probably not to make a move in Yangzhou, but rather where Manager Zou was abducted.”

“Manager Zou and his son were abducted on their way to Jiangning,” Manager Wang said crisply. “After sending that letter, I had my riders inquire along the way. Manager Zou arrived at the Zhenzhou post station on the evening of the second day of the month, rested there for the night, and left at dawn on the third day.

The letter arrived in Yangzhou on the morning of the fourth day, so Manager Zou should have been abducted within Jiangning’s territory.

What are the boss’s orders for you?”

“Keep an eye on the situation in Yangzhou, and keep an eye on the Qian family, the head of the rice merchants, and several other merchants,” Dong Chao paused, then continued, “and the Cao family too.”

“Is it true that the boss wants to control the rice merchants?” Manager Wang frowned.

“Yes, the rice shops in Jianle City are already under the boss’s control. Ten days ago, he ordered men to send Sang flags along the Grand Canal to all the major rice shops, instructing them to change their business practices to the new rules.”

“I heard the new rules are the same as for the fish and poultry shops?” Manager Wang raised his eyebrows.

“Pretty much. Jianle City has already changed them.” Dong Chao’s tone was smug.

“That’s really something; no wonder, tsk!” Manager Wang clicked his tongue repeatedly.

“Have there been any developments in Yangzhou these past few days?” Dong Chao asked.

“I cannot tell from here. I do not have many people. Every day when I am buying supplies, I just have Xiao San’er and the others go around and check on the other households. Just from the outside, with their large, secluded houses, you cannot tell anything.

The Qian family is not native to Yangzhou; their ancestral home is Huzhou. Old Master Qian’s grandfather was a cook who came to Yangzhou carrying his wares on a shoulder pole. He started with a stall, and after a few years, he opened a small restaurant. Later, the business grew bigger and bigger, from a small restaurant to a chain of restaurants, from one to two or three, expanding from Yangzhou to Zhenzhou and Taizhou, and that’s how he made his fortune.

Old Master Qian’s father connected with the Cao family and started getting involved in the grain business.

Later, the Cao family rose in status along with the Marquis of Yongping’s mansion in the capital. Old Master Qian’s father squeezed into the rice trade, using all sorts of tricks to become the head of the trade.

After Old Master Qian’s father died, the position of head of the trade passed to Old Master Qian.

The rice shops in Yangzhou are all under Old Master Qian’s control. The old masters are just figureheads; they have no say in anything. And none of the old masters are well-off.”

“What about the Cao family? How is the old lady’s health?” Dong Chao listened intently and then asked.

“After the incident at the Marquis of Yongping’s residence in the capital, I heard the old lady fell ill. However, it seems her illness is not serious, or she’s already recovered. Last month, she went to the Daming Temple outside the city to perform a Buddhist ceremony and stayed there for a few days.

Was it the Emperor who was behind the Marquis of Yongping’s residence?” Manager Wang looked at Dong Chao, his voice extremely low, and asked cautiously.

“I heard that the Marquis of Yongping and his son killed one of the boss’s brothers, named Jin Mao.

On New Year’s Eve, the boss came to their door and killed the Marquis of Yongping and his son. Old Madam Han watched her son and grandson die before her eyes, and then she could not catch her breath and died.” Dong Chao thought for a moment and said softly.

The Cao family must have known the truth about the Marquis of Yongping’s affair, so it’s better for their side to know than not.

Besides, it’s not exactly a secret anymore. In Jianle City, those who need to know know, and a whole host of people who should not know also know.

Shopkeeper Wang stared wide-eyed for a moment, then chuckled, “I know Jin Mao. I’ve seen him several times. I even burned paper money for him a few times, saying he was dead. I never imagined he would die like this! Sigh!

The boss is really something, tsk!”

“Quite formidable, no ordinary person,” Dong Chao chuckled. “Who’s in the Qian family?”

“Old Master Qian’s father passed away long ago, and his mother died three years ago.

Old Master Qian only had one older sister from the same mother, who married into the Cao family and has since died. His two older brothers and seven younger brothers were all born of a concubine.

Before Old Master Qian’s father died, he sent his two older brothers back to their hometown in Huzhou. Of the seven younger brothers, two died young. Of the remaining four, two committed suicide to follow their father in death. For this, the Prefect of Yangzhou even came to offer condolences, praising the Qian family as a family of utmost filial piety.

The other two died within two years.” Shopkeeper Wang spoke while laughing, a meaningful laugh.

“That’s ruthless enough,” Dong Chao said, clicking his tongue.

“Everyone says Old Madam Qian is not an ordinary person, but who knows? It’s hard to say.

Old Master Qian is known for his ruthlessness. Everyone says he’s strict and does not care for women, but he has seven concubines in his harem who bore him eleven sons and nine daughters. Of the eleven sons, five are still alive; of the nine daughters, seven are alive; and of the seven concubines, two are dead.

Old Master Qian’s eldest son, born to his legal wife, was raised by Old Master Qian from a young age and has already taken over the rice business.

Of the seven daughters, three are married. Currently, in the mansion, there’s Old Master Qian and his wife, five concubines, five sons, and four daughters. Master Qian is already married and has two concubines, one son, and one daughter from his legal wife—a large family.”

“The boss ordered us to keep a close eye on the Qian family, in case they try to escape. Anything else?” Dong Chao asked, standing up.

“Of the three old masters in the rice shop, two families got their positions because their daughters became concubines to Old Master Qian: the Yan family and the Qiu family. The others do not have anything else of value,” Manager Wang said, standing up.

“Then I will be going. When we have time, let’s have a few drinks and have a good chat,” Dong Chao said, standing between the narrow walls, taking off his outer rider’s clothes, and handing them to Manager Wang.

“Alright, let’s have a few drinks after this is over,” Manager Wang said, opening another small door to let Dong Chao through.

……………………

Meng Yanqing and the others, not far from Jianle City, turned around and headed straight for Jiangning City.

The group dispersed, each going their own way, entering Jiangning City, and checking into their respective inns.

Meng Yanqing checked into the agreed-upon inn and sat in the lobby, slowly eating his lunch.

At the entrance of the inn, a woman wearing a red velvet flower in her hair, a green jacket, and red trousers jumped down from a sturdy mule, waving her handkerchief and incessantly instructing the waiter, “Do not underestimate this mule; it’s more precious than a horse. Give it the best feed! This mule is very picky, so do not be stingy! Let me tell you, this mule is very well-behaved!”

The woman followed the mule for about ten steps before turning back, reluctantly looking at her precious mule, and heading into the main hall.

“Manager, pick me a clean, superior room! Your inn is alright, quite clean! You rascal, what are you looking at?” the woman yelled at Meng Yanqing, who was glaring at her. She then rushed over and vigorously shook her handkerchief at Meng Yanqing’s face, making him gag and choke on his saliva.

The woman glanced sideways at Meng Yanqing, snorted again, flicked her handkerchief, and followed the shopkeeper inside.

The shopkeeper came out and walked to Meng Yanqing’s side, lowering his voice, “Please do not take offense; ignore this woman. She’s not from a good family.”

Meng Yanqing nodded repeatedly.

This woman was indeed not from a good family.

Meng Yanqing quickly finished his meal, stood up, and went back to his room.

Pushing open the door, Meng Yanqing left it slightly ajar. He had just cracked open the window when he saw the woman from before emerge awkwardly. Meng Yanqing opened the window, and the woman glanced at him sideways, waving her handkerchief at him.

Meng Yanqing looked around, watched the woman leave, and hurriedly followed her out.

The two walked one after the other through two or three streets. The woman entered a small teahouse, and Meng Yanqing followed her in, sitting opposite her and glaring at her.

“What are you looking at? You almost caused trouble!” The woman opposite Meng Yanqing glared at him.

“You look a lot like him, but I did not dare to recognize you. Why are you dressed like that?” Meng Yanqing wanted to laugh, but quickly suppressed it.

When he first entered the inn, he had only glanced at the mansion because he thought he looked vaguely familiar. He genuinely had not recognized him as Xiao Lu.

“It’s not the first time. Sister Mao taught us,” Xiao Lu said proudly. “The boss instructed us to come here often, since we used to live across the street. We are always on good terms.

What if someone recognizes us?”

“Just you?” Meng Yanqing beckoned to Xiao Lu with his fingers in greeting.

“Datou and Mazha are all here, all about the same age as me. We will take care of you, so do not forget to look for us if you do not recognize us.” Xiao Lu shook his handkerchief.

“What were the boss’s orders?” Meng Yanqing looked around.

“I am sending you to find a suitable place to make your move. The boss said this location was definitely chosen by the other side, and you are on the same page as them. Go and take a look.

Now, leave the city, head towards the north gate, and find Chuantiao. Have him show you what will happen if you come from the other side. Chuantiao knows best.” Xiao Lu, covering his face with a handkerchief, sipped his tea and spoke to Meng Yanqing.

“Alright,” Meng Yanqing replied softly, stood up, and left the teahouse towards the north gate.