Chapter Thirty-Eight: Pledging Integrity with the Upright, Negotiating Money with the Corrupt

Zhong Ming was meticulous about cooking, being a man from the future with refined tastes. At first, he lacked the proper ingredients in Muddy Village, unable to find anything to enhance the flavor. But now, with the patronage of the General, life had improved. His household was stocked with lard refined from pork, fermented soybeans—the equivalent of modern soy sauce—salt, fine sugar, and a jug of yellow wine. With these, Zhong Ming could craft delicious dishes.

A plate of stir-fried beef left Liang Hei-zi exclaiming in delight; apart from raising his thumb, he could only shovel rice into his mouth. After eating and drinking his fill, Liang Yu sighed, “Ming, even if we brothers fall on hard times, with your culinary skills alone you could easily become the head chef in a city restaurant. We'd never have to worry about food and drink.”

What Liang Yu dreaded most was Zhong Ming insisting he learn scholarly pursuits; what pleased him most was being treated to Zhong Ming’s cooking. Though his skills wouldn’t be considered exceptional in modern times, in this era, Zhong Ming truly deserved the title of master chef.

After lunch, with the dishes tidied away, Zhong Ming said, “Let’s go, we’ll pay a visit to the county office.”

Liang Yu, stuffed to the brim, rubbed his belly and protested, “It’s noon now—likely the magistrate is resting. Isn’t it a bad time to go?”

Zhong Ming kicked the reluctant Liang Yu and laughed, “Precisely this time is best. We're here for a transaction that can’t be seen in daylight; going when it's crowded would be foolish.”

With no way to shirk, Liang Yu grumbled his way outside. Zhong Ming took out his stone lock and pair of weights, tucked the ten gold ingots he'd pilfered from the armory into his chest, and stepped out.

Each took up their horse, mounted, and headed straight for the county office. Riding through the streets, with the sun blazing overhead, few people were about. The usually lively Hongxiang Pavilion had not yet opened; the girls hadn't risen to greet guests. Vendors’ stalls were absent from the main street, and the restaurants they passed looked desolate.

Since Liu Chengyin’s disturbance at the border, fear lingered in people's hearts, and far fewer dared venture out. To restore Border Town to normalcy would require not only the sale of the Wu residence but also a reassuring event to soothe the populace.

Sitting atop his horse, Zhong Ming surveyed the bleak scene and pondered whether he ought to make the ritual at the Wu residence grand, to offer these pitiful people some solace.

Before his thoughts could wander further, they arrived at the city’s government office. The walls seemed even more dilapidated; the section pierced by the Silver Dragon Spear had been patched, but only with yellow mud and a stray blue brick. The gate’s paint was faded, the whole office looking old and worn. To the unknowing, it might seem the magistrate within was an honest, impoverished official.

But Zhong Ming knew better. Magistrate He had pocketed a sum from the Wu family, enough to ensure he'd want for nothing for the rest of his days.

Thinking of this, Zhong Ming sneered coldly. That old fox, He, hoarded silver and hid it in his home, like a reincarnated greedy beast—always taking, never giving.

Liang Yu saw Zhong Ming lost in thought and said, “Ming, what are you daydreaming about? Let's go in.”

Zhong Ming nodded, tied his horse to the post beside the gate, and strode inside. Outside was the hall drum, also known as the Remonstrance Drum or Redress Drum, which could be struck only when someone wished to report a case. Today, the youths were not here for such matters, so they left the drum untouched.

Following Liang Yu into the office, they found two constables dozing against the columns of the main hall. Liang Yu, familiar and bold from his many dealings with the office, especially after handing over silver that morning, stepped forward with a cough and barked, “Hey! What are you two doing, sleeping and slacking off in the hall?”

The constables jolted awake. The one on the left, tall and thin, squinted up and yawned, “So it’s you, Liang Hei-zi. Are you here to bring us more spending money?”

The constable on the right, his face pockmarked, opened his eyes and saw Zhong Ming. His expression changed instantly, grabbing the tall one and kneeling before Zhong Ming, crying out, “We didn’t know Young Master Zhong was here. Forgive us for not greeting you sooner.”

Zhong Ming, nephew to the border commander, ranked only below Officer Yang and Magistrate He in power. Even Magistrate He’s own son had to bow and address him as “Young Master Zhong.” These lowly constables dared not show disrespect.

Rumors in town claimed Zhong Ming had close ties to the old demon Liu Chengyin, and that on the night of the massacre, Young Master Zhong had watched from beside the Wu residence. Some even said it was because the Wu family offended him that he unleashed Liu Chengyin and together they wiped out the Wu clan.

Thus, the townsfolk regarded Zhong Ming with great fear and respect—almost as much as for Officer Yang.

Zhong Ming cared little for what outsiders said of him, but he had no patience for these opportunistic constables and didn’t wish to engage. “Stand up. I’m here to see Magistrate He. Show me the way.”

The two rose, pockmarked face showing hesitation. “Young Master Zhong, Magistrate He is resting in the back courtyard. Shall we inform him and have him ascend the hall?”

Zhong Ming waved it off. “No need for ceremony. I have private business with him; just take me to the rear courtyard.”

The tall one wiped sweat from his brow, silent; pockmarked face stammered, knowing Magistrate He hated being disturbed during his rest. Even if Zhong Ming had struck the drum, he’d have to wait half an hour to see the magistrate. The old man always took his time, never rushing to attend to matters that could wait until tomorrow.

Seeing their hesitation, Zhong Ming frowned, and Liang Yu slapped his sword at his waist, snapping, “What, is my Ming’s word not enough? Must I ask my blade?”

Clearly, Liang Hei-zi carried much weight; since following Sun Longhu, his manner had grown bold. For ordinary folk, Zhong Ming would scold him, but for these predatory constables, he let it slide.

Frightened, pockmarked face quickly said, “I’ll take you right away.”

He led the two youths to the rear courtyard, passing the side wing to reach Magistrate He’s residence. Upon entering, the scenery changed dramatically: rock gardens, ponds, flower beds—all meticulously maintained. Clearly, Magistrate He spared no expense, but spent it all on personal enjoyment.

The doors of the house were tightly shut, suggesting Magistrate He was resting. Yet strange, disturbing noises came from within, which Zhong Ming recognized at once.

Magistrate He was not resting—he was indulging in daytime debauchery!

What a magistrate: full from food and drink, now playing with women. His life as an official was certainly comfortable.

Zhong Ming’s expression soured, and Liang Yu noticed, muttering quietly, “Magistrate He is truly vigorous for his age, frolicking in broad daylight.”

“Swallow your words. In this courtyard, best not speak carelessly.”

Zhong Ming cautioned Liang Yu, sighed, and waited in the courtyard.

Pockmarked face knew it was an inopportune moment, but could only muster the courage to knock on the door.

He knocked three times before Magistrate He shouted angrily, “Who’s there? Don’t you know the master is busy?”

Pockmarked face stammered, “Sir, Young Master Zhong requests an audience. I had no choice but to knock.”

Magistrate He’s anger grew, “Which Young Master Zhong? Let him wait!”

Pockmarked face gritted his teeth, “Sir, it’s the Young Master Zhong from Officer Yang’s family. He’s already waiting in the courtyard.”

This time, Magistrate He’s tone changed instantly, panicked, “Quick, invite him in! I’ll open the door immediately.”

There was a commotion inside, then the door opened to reveal a disheveled concubine, her fan-shaped face flustered as she hurried to the side courtyard. She was so hastily dressed her fragrant shoulder was exposed, stunning Liang Yu, who couldn’t stop scratching his cheek or wiping drool from his mouth.

Zhong Ming couldn’t stand it, discreetly kicking Liang Yu to snap him back to attention.

After a brief wait, Magistrate He rushed out, his trouser cuffs untucked from his boots, face flushed with embarrassment.

He hurried to greet the youths, “I didn’t know you’d come, Mr. Zhong. Forgive me for not welcoming you properly!”

To wrangle with the old fox, one needed skill; Zhong Ming offered a perfunctory smile and salute. “Forgive my impetuousness for not sending a calling card. I’ve come today to discuss a matter with you, out of necessity.”

“Please, Mr. Zhong, come in.”

Magistrate He ushered the two inside, dismissed the constables, and closed the door to talk privately.

The old fox knew that since Zhong Ming had come to the rear courtyard, it must be an affair unfit for public discussion, so he handled it discreetly.

He poured tea for both youths, then asked, “What brings Mr. Zhong here today? Are the fields on the eastern ridge unsatisfactory?”

The old man’s words were sharp, raising the issue of the farmland to remind Zhong Ming of his favor, afraid the youth would make unreasonable demands.

Zhong Ming understood perfectly and replied with a smile, “No, sir. The fields you allocated are rich and fertile; I’m very satisfied. I’ve told my uncle as much, and Officer Yang praised your work, saying he’ll report your fine governance to the court.”

At this, Magistrate He beamed, his bean-sized eyes nearly vanishing as he stroked his goatee in satisfaction.

A contest between the old fox and a clever youth—Zhong Ming had the upper hand, flattering him just enough to put Magistrate He at ease.

In truth, Zhong Ming had never mentioned it to Yang Yanlang, but he used that authority to maneuver around Magistrate He.

With the magistrate pleased, things would go smoothly. He asked cheerfully, “So, Mr. Zhong, what brings you here today?”

Zhong Ming didn’t answer directly. Instead, he untied a small bundle from his back and laid it on the table.

Ten solid gold ingots gleamed with their unique allure, instantly lighting up Magistrate He’s eyes, turning his bean-sized pupils golden.

Liang Yu was equally stunned, scratching his head and thinking, “Ming really has a way—where did he get ten full ingots of gold?”

Seeing Magistrate He hooked, Zhong Ming pushed the gold toward him and said, “Sir, I’m here today about the Wu residence.”

To the upright, speak of ideals; to the corrupt, speak of money.

That approach never failed. As long as the silver was delivered, given Magistrate He’s greed, the deal would surely be struck.

But unexpectedly, Magistrate He furrowed his brow and replied with difficulty, “Mr. Zhong, I’m afraid this matter cannot be done.”