Chapter Nine: The Seed (Part Two) — Requesting a Guaranteed Monthly Vote

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The snow had ceased, and the sunlight after the snowfall was crisp and slightly cold. The Yi River was frozen solid; from a distance, Longmen Mountain and Xiang Mountain resembled the hilt of a long sword, while the Yi River itself was the sharp blade, pointing directly toward Luoyang.

One wondered whether such a scene might be considered an ominous sign in the study of geomancy.

Perhaps it was precisely this ominous energy that made Yang Guang reluctant to linger in Luoyang; perhaps it was this very energy that led to the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.

Zheng Yanqing was not versed in geomancy, yet this did not stop him from admiring the post-snow scenery.

Mounting his jade-hoofed steed, along with Xu Shiji and Zheng Hongyi, they rode along the Yi River, singing loudly—a unique kind of charm.

Changsun Sheng had already arrived in Luoyang but had not sent anyone to fetch him.

Li Ji thought to himself that Changsun Sheng had agreed to accept him as a disciple, so why had he not yet summoned Zheng Yanqing?

Perhaps he wished to observe a little longer.

Zheng Yanqing was not anxious; some things required time. Changsun Sheng was not like Li Ji—while Li Ji might easily take him in, Changsun Sheng might think differently. He was cautious, silently watching. All Yanqing could do was wait patiently for Changsun Sheng’s summons. Sometimes, waiting itself was a form of trial.

On this day, the weather cleared.

Zheng Yanqing rose early, dressed, and stepped out of the bamboo pavilion.

Mao Wang had already hitched a large cart, and Zheng Shian, dressed neatly, sat in the oil canopy carriage. Yanqing mounted his jade-hoofed horse, while Mao Sao and Xiao Nian sat behind in the carriage, driven by Mao Wang. The group set off grandly from the bamboo garden.

Today, they were going to visit Xiong Dahai.

Calculating the days, Xiong Dahai had been imprisoned for nearly a month. Zheng Shian had been deeply concerned about the boy and, after discussing with Xiong Dachui, decided to pay him a visit. As for Mao Wang’s family, they planned to go into the city to purchase some supplies.

Although the bamboo garden was not lacking in food and drink, it still needed replenishment.

Due to the recent heavy snow, Mao Wang had rarely ventured out. Now that the weather had cleared, a trip to the city was necessary. Furthermore, Mao Wang had been experiencing soreness in his leg, and Mao Sao, worried about an injury, insisted he visit the clinic for a checkup.

Yanqing rode his horse following the carriage, chatting and joking with Mao Xiao Nian.

Mao Sao looked on with a face full of contentment, glancing at Xiao Nian and then furtively at Zheng Yanqing, the joy in her eyes growing stronger.

Xiao Nian was growing day by day; in two years, she would be of marrying age.

Mao Sao knew Xiao Nian could never officially marry Zheng Yanqing, but she still hoped her daughter might be with him in some capacity—even as a concubine. It was better than marrying a poor commoner and enduring hardship. Although young, Zheng Yanqing was handsome and elegant, exceptionally talented and renowned. Following him, Xiao Nian would never suffer.

Zheng Yanqing could vaguely sense Mao Sao’s thoughts but could not stop her from hoping. Since Xiao Nian was indeed a lovely child, he decided to let nature take its course.

Upon entering the city, Zheng Shian and the others first visited Xiong Dachui’s residence.

“Mao Wang, you go handle the errands and don’t forget to have your leg checked. Your wife is quite concerned,” Zheng Shian instructed.

Mao Wang timidly nodded, “Old Master, when shall I come fetch you?”

“No need to fetch me. Once you’re done with your errands and the checkup, just return home directly. Only Shiji is at home, which is not ideal. After I finish matters here, I’ll return with Dachui and the others.”

“All right,” Mao Wang agreed and left with his wife and daughter.

Xiong Dachui had also prepared a carriage. As soon as Zheng Shian and his grandson arrived, they boarded and headed toward the county prison. The jade-hoofed horse was not brought along due to its wild temperament, prone to conflict with other animals. Zheng Yanqing still recalled the last encounter in Luoyang with lingering unease. Fortunately, Pei Cuiyun had intervened to prevent a fight with Pei Xingyan… With the rising number of officials and nobles in Luoyang, it was best to be cautious.

Yanqing sat on the carriage floor beside Xiong Wei, who drove the cart.

The two elderly men sat quietly inside the canopy, speaking softly.

Before long, they arrived outside the county prison. The jailer immediately broke into a broad smile upon seeing Xiong Wei.

“Lord Xiong, you’ve come to see Dahai again?”

“Officer Tong, thank you for your trouble.”

The jailer was a low-ranking official, hardly worthy of the title “Officer.” Each time Xiong Wei came, he brought gifts. In just twenty days, the bribes from Xiong Wei nearly matched the jailer’s entire annual salary.

Thus, he was extremely respectful.

Xiong Wei was shrewd—calling him “Officer” pleased the jailer greatly. Silently accepting the copper coins, the jailer warmly ushered them inside.

“Lord Xiong, Dahai has suffered no hardship here.”

The jailer boasted, “Technically, he shouldn’t have a single cell, but I arranged one for him. Even his meals are prepared separately… Haha, except for the lack of freedom, Dahai has grown quite plump since arriving.”

“Thank you for your care,” Zheng Shian replied impatiently, slipping the jailer another copper coin, who beamed with delight.

Money makes the world go round, even making devils laugh.

This was indeed an unshakable truth.

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Zheng Yanqing watched coldly as the jailer led them down a dim, damp corridor to a cell door.

“Gentlemen, you talk inside; I’ll keep watch outside.”

“Thank you, Jailer!”

Xiong Dachui and the others entered the cell, greeted by a musty smell that caused Zheng Yanqing to furrow his brow slightly. A small oil lamp burned dimly inside, and Xiong Dahai leaned on a moldy mat, scratching incessantly.

The weather was cold, and the cell was even chillier.

However, a small stove near the door gave the cell a bit of warmth.

“Uncle, Uncle, you’ve come!” Dahai looked indeed a bit plumper. The stove showed the jailer had genuinely cared.

Xiong Dachui quickly helped Dahai up, looking him over from left to right with a satisfied smile.

He pulled Dahai close. “Big Blackie, look who’s here.”

“Ah, Grandpa Big Nose!”

Zheng Shian stood before Dahai, nearly as tall, and ruffled his tangled hair vigorously.

“Big Blackie, you owe your safety this time to Grandpa Big Nose and your brother Yanqing. If it weren’t for Yanqing’s tireless efforts to lighten your charges, you might have…”

“Big Blackie, go kneel to Brother Yanqing and thank him for saving your life.”

Dahai agreed and went before Zheng Yanqing, dropping to his knees with the solemnity of a mountain.

Zheng Yanqing could not accept such ceremony and quickly stepped forward, holding Dahai up.

“Grandpa Dachui, what are you doing? Dahai and I are brothers. I cannot accept such honor.”

Though he supported Dahai’s weight, he still felt the boy’s strength press down like a mountain. Even with his strong internal power, it was somewhat taxing.

Xiong Dachui said, “Qingwa, you are his lifesaver. How could you not accept it?

Big Blackie, remember, Qingwa is your eldest brother. His words carry the same weight as mine. You must listen to him, understand?”

“I understand!” Dahai replied, then respectfully kowtowed once more.

Zheng Yanqing smiled wryly. “Grandpa Dachui, Dahai is older than me—how can he call me big brother?”

“If I say you’re big brother, then you are,” Xiong Dachui said solemnly. “Qingwa, accept him as your brother. I, Dachui, have lived a long life, having killed and nearly been killed. I’ve been through many trials, yet I have never seen anyone stronger than you. Your future achievements will be extraordinary…

Though Dahai is immature, he has great strength. When he was young, I taught him martial skills. If he follows you, he might make something of himself.

You take care of him, ensure he is well fed and clothed… If possible, find him a wife so he can have heirs. That way, I will have no regrets in this life.”

Hearing this, Zheng Yanqing found no reason to refuse. Besides, Dahai’s abilities were formidable, and having such a protector by his side would save many troubles.

“Very well, Grandpa Dachui, I promise.”

Zheng Yanqing nodded, bringing great joy to Xiong Dachui.

Before leaving, Yanqing pulled the jailer aside and slipped him two copper coins.

“Officer Tong, Dahai is my brother. Please take good care of him. Clean his cell and replace his bedding. Consider this money for your drinks. If you care for him well, when Dahai is released, I will have further tokens of gratitude.”

The jailer was stunned, mouth agape. “You are Ban Yuanjun?”

“You know me?”

Since he had given his name, Zheng Yanqing saw no point in hiding. Money could bribe, but reputation commanded respect.

The jailer nodded repeatedly. “Mr. Zheng, I dare not accept your money lightly. I greatly admire your ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms.’ I never expected… Mr. Zheng, rest assured, as long as I, Tong Huan, am here, Dahai will be well cared for.”

“Still, please accept the money.”

Zheng Yanqing pressed the coins into Tong Huan’s hands. “I don’t want to trouble you. Just keep an eye on him as best you can.”

Tong Huan said firmly, “Mr. Zheng, you have my word—I will treat Dahai as my own brother.”

Within scholarly circles, Yanqing’s ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ was considered lowbrow and unworthy of formal recognition. Yet among common folk, it was revered. Undoubtedly, Tong Huan was a fan, and this meant more than any bribe.

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“Chief Tong, who was that just now?” the other jailers asked curiously after Zheng Yanqing and his companions left.

Tong Huan remained excited for a long time, slapping his thigh. “Damn, Ban Yuanjun is Ban Yuanjun—far better than those sour scholars. That young man just now was none other than the famous Ban Yuanjun himself.

You all listen well—be polite to Xiong Dahai from now on.

Dahai is Ban Yuanjun’s brother, and Ban Yuanjun has entrusted me with his care. If any of you cause trouble, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

The other jailers murmured in astonishment.

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Zheng Yanqing had not expected to wield such influence among the prison staff.

After visiting Xiong Dahai, the group returned to their lodgings. Zheng Yanqing fetched his horse and called upon Wang Zheng. Xiong Wei drove the cart as they headed back to the bamboo garden.

Inside the carriage, the three elders whispered among themselves, their conversation unknown.

Riding behind the cart, Zheng Yanqing noticed many ragged vagrants along the roadside.

“Uncle Wei, it seems there are quite a few displaced people in Luoyang recently,” Yanqing remarked, urging his horse forward to ride alongside Xiong Wei.

“I’ve heard no natural disasters. Where are these refugees coming from?”

“It’s not a natural disaster. It’s famine.”

“Huh?”

Xiong Wei lowered his voice. “At the start of the year, the emperor ordered the dredging of the Tongji Canal, mobilizing large numbers of laborers. I heard that vast stretches of land in Xingyang and Yingchuan were abandoned, leading to failed autumn harvests in some areas. Survival has become difficult.”

Zheng Yanqing nodded thoughtfully.

Under such circumstances, he could hardly offer much aid to the displaced. He hoped the court would take action. From what he remembered, in the early years of Emperor Yang of Sui, uprisings and rebellions were still limited.

“Mountains cluster like waves, rivers roar with anger, the road to Tongguan crosses the land and rivers. Gazing westward toward the capital, my heart is troubled—where once the Qin and Han passed, palaces have turned to dust. When rise and fall befell, the common people suffered.”

A line of a song arose in Yanqing’s mind—was it not a perfect reflection of the present?

His mood, once pleasant, suddenly grew somber.

After returning to the bamboo garden, Zheng Yanqing said suddenly, “Grandfather, things may become disorderly soon. We should hire some guards.”

Zheng Shian asked, puzzled, “What kind of disorder?”

“On the way back, I saw many refugees passing through. Our bamboo garden lies outside Luoyang with little protection, making us vulnerable. I think hiring guards would add defense.”

Wang Zheng nodded repeatedly.

“Qingwa is right. We must prepare for the worst. But guards aren’t easy to find. They must be skilled and of good character; otherwise, they might collude with the vagrants and bring wolves into our home.”

“Skilled and virtuous… such men aren’t found overnight,” Zheng Shian frowned.

Zheng Yanqing’s point was valid, as was Wang Zheng’s. But where could such men be found?

“Now that you mention it, I recall someone,” Xiong Dachui suddenly spoke.

“Who?”

“A while ago in Tongyuan City, I saw a fellow skilled in martial arts who could hold a knife in his mouth and leap from a flagpole nearly ten zhang high, landing as if on level ground. His swordsmanship was excellent, clearly trained by a master. He neither stole nor robbed but gathered four or five able-bodied men in Tongyuan City, working odd jobs or guarding granaries. Merchants there say he’s reputable and likely of good character.”

Wang Zheng’s curiosity was piqued. “Tongyuan City has such a man? What’s his name?”

Xiong Dachui scratched his head, pondering. “Well, it’s been a while, so I can’t recall clearly… I believe his surname is Shen, and he’s somewhat famous in Tongyuan City. How about this—I’ll inquire again tomorrow?”

Surname Shen, able to jump safely from a flagpole several stories high!

This was the legendary lightness skill.

Zheng Yanqing, riding nearby, also grew interested. “Grandpa Dachui, why don’t I accompany you tomorrow?”

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