Chapter 21: The Eldest Branch of the Sheng Family

Possessing this banner ensured that every checkpoint along the way would immediately grant passage. Even the fiercest river bandits on the canal would keep their distance upon seeing it.

To dare rob a scholar on his way to the capital for the imperial examination was to defy the court and the emperor himself!

The reigning sovereign had issued a special decree: "Anyone who robs tribute exam candidates shall have their punishment increased by three degrees."

Moreover, the candidates carried official documents issued by their prefectures, entitling them to daily rations of three sheng of grain, along with meals of two meat and two vegetable dishes at the official post stations.

The station masters also provided oil for lamps and charcoal for fires, and even the accompanying clerks received a small stipend of five wen for fodder.

However, these privileges gradually diminished beyond the Yellow River, and by the final stop outside Bianjing, only plain congee and salted vegetables remained.

After the two men entered the cabin, a burly, somewhat rugged-looking boy of about fifteen or sixteen appeared, carrying a pot of hot tea.

Gu Tingye introduced him with a smile: "Brother Zhao, this is Stone, my sworn brother and servant!"

"Two years ago, when I ran away from home and roamed the Jianghu, Stone and I hit it off immediately. He is the younger brother of Shi Keng, the leader of the Canal Guild."

"Big Brother Shi and Sister Che are always busy with guild affairs and have no time to supervise him."

"Unwilling for Stone to spend his life eking out a living on the river like them, upon learning I was headed to Yangzhou, they entrusted him to me."

Stone respectfully cupped his hands and bowed. "Greetings, Young Master Zhao."

Zhao Han smiled. "Since you are Zhonghuai’s sworn brother, there’s no need for such formality."

"This is not mere politeness but admiration, Young Master Zhao. I have always envied scholars since I was little," Stone said honestly, scratching his head. "But I’m slow-witted. After three months of study with a teacher, I still can’t recite the entire Hundred Family Surnames. I’m destined to be a rough sort wielding blades and spears."

"Scholars wield the pen to bring order to the world; warriors hold the sword to secure the realm. Each has their own strengths."

Zhao Han’s words struck a chord with Gu Tingye. He pounded the table, saying, "Indeed, the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun can only be reclaimed through the sword. Those civil officials endlessly preach peace, yet they fail to realize that as long as Yan and Yun remain unconquered, the northern border folk will never know peace."

"If one day I can lead troops to the frontier and recover our homeland, I shall die without regret!"

"But my father insists I pursue the imperial examinations and enter officialdom."

The Gu family were founding heroes of the Great Zhou, holding imperial decrees carved in cinnabar and iron. The emperor had bestowed upon them the inscription: "Roots and leaves flourish together, affection like brothers; filial piety, loyalty, and merit passed down through generations, the clan’s honor eternal."

Yet, in the current Great Zhou, scholarship was valued over military prowess. Few in the Gu clan were scholars. Gu Yankai was determined to cultivate a son who would follow the examination path, hoping to rid the family of its reputation as mere warriors.

The eldest son, Gu Tingyu, had once been a promising scholar but his health was failing, unable to endure hardship. The youngest, Gu Tingwei, was like a little shivering kitten—ambitionless and unlikely to achieve greatness.

Several nephews were likewise indulging in pleasure, wasting their days in frivolity.

Therefore, Gu Yankai imparted all his martial skills to Gu Tingye and urged him daily to study and practice calligraphy.

Zhao Han spoke gently, "Zhonghuai, if you wish to join the military, why not speak plainly with the Marquis of Ningyuan? The marquis earned his fame on horseback; surely he understands your aspirations."

Gu Tingye shook his head slowly, smiling bitterly.

"My father and I cannot see eye to eye; our meetings never last three sentences before arguments erupt. This time I return, I don’t even know how he’ll punish me."

Zhao Han knew that much of the conflict between Gu Tingye and Gu Yankai was due to interference by Lady Qin.

He pondered for a moment. "Once we reach Bianjing, go straight to the marquis’s residence, kneel before him, and admit your mistake. I guarantee he won’t punish you but will praise your sense."

"Really? I find that hard to believe," Gu Tingye said, sipping his tea doubtfully.

"You’ll see once you try," Zhao Han smiled confidently, setting down his cup.

Gu Tingye clenched his fists. "Very well, I’ll give it a try!"

The boat sailed ceaselessly along the canal, day and night.

Seven days later, as night fell, Zhao Han stood on deck, hands behind his back, gazing northward.

The splendor and peace of Bianjing seemed just within reach: the lights of the night market on State Bridge, the weeping willows by Jinming Pool, and the carefree music within Fan Tower…

A cold wind brushed his face, prompting Zhao Han to wrap his cloak tighter.

"Young Master Zhao, my brother is waiting for you to drink and make merry!" Stone called from behind.

Gathering his thoughts, Zhao Han turned and entered the cabin.

At the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), a band of over ten river bandits armed with curved blades and clad in black tight-fitting clothes quietly advanced under cover of darkness, each aboard small skiffs, trailing several large boats.

Their leader, Scarface Chen Si, had spent the past year terrorizing the canal trade route from Yangzhou to Bianjing, plundering passing vessels.

He crouched at his boat’s prow, the scar running from his brow to mouth starkly grotesque in the faint moonlight.

"Same as always, we seize the merchant ship with the deepest draft first," he ordered.

One of the bandits behind him whispered, "Boss, the one on the right looks even grander. There must be plenty of valuables aboard!"

Chen Si twisted his arm harshly, his rough fingers biting into flesh, causing the man to grit his teeth but remain silent.

"Fool! That ship carries scholars heading to the capital for exams. Your grandfather wants to live a few more years. We don’t touch it unless absolutely necessary."

"Robbing that merchant ship alone will keep us merry for quite a while!"

Chen Si licked his lips, a bloodthirsty gleam flashing in his eyes.

As midnight approached, a thin mist drifted over the river, perfectly cloaking the bandits’ small boats.

Sensing the moment, Chen Si lowered his voice. "Same rule: leave no witnesses! Anyone who messes up with the women will be chopped to pieces and fed to the turtles!"

"Yes, boss!"

The bandits obeyed, spreading out silently to surround the merchant ship from all directions.

Inside the merchant ship, candlelight flickered.

Sheng Wei of the Sheng family’s main branch bent over a yellow rosewood desk, intently poring over ledgers. His fingers moved swiftly over the abacus, producing crisp clicking sounds.

The Sheng family now comprised three branches: first branch led by Sheng Wei, second by Sheng Hong, third by Sheng Zhou.

Sheng Wei had been engaged in trade for years and was a well-known wealthy man in Youyang, acting as the financier for Sheng Hong.

Official promotions often depended on monetary influence. Sheng Hong prided himself on his reputation for integrity and would neither dare nor be able to exploit the common folk or embezzle funds.

Thus, wherever money was needed, Sheng Wei quietly provided support.

Of course, Sheng Hong had also lent considerable help behind the scenes to ensure Sheng Wei’s smooth business operations.

Only the third branch of the Sheng family had made no progress and barely survived in Youyang thanks to Sheng Wei’s aid.

Just then, the cabin door creaked softly, and Sheng Wei’s eldest daughter, Sheng Shulan, entered gracefully.

“Father, it’s late. You should rest.”