Chapter 495: Selling Official Titles and Ranks

The residence of Song Yan, the Prefect of Huangnan Commandery, was notably sparse, with few servants, giving it a quiet and somewhat desolate air. Despite its appearance, this house was one of the grandest mansions in Huangnan Commandery. Given Prefect Song's modest financial means, he ordinarily wouldn't have been able to afford it, let alone rent it. However, it was an infamous "haunted house" that no one dared to occupy, which is how it came into the hands of the incorruptible Song Yan. The previous owner was a retired general who had served as the right-hand man to General Yen Wenluan and was a decorated officer who had even shared drinks with the Prince of Northern Liang in his youth. For reasons unknown, on a snowy night, over seventy members of his household were massacred, every single one, regardless of age or gender, having their heads severed in a truly horrific manner. It remains a major unsolved case in the Northern Liang territory. Some attributed it to banditry, while others suspected it was a ruthless act by political rivals still serving in the Northern Liang border army. Regardless, the mansion, rumored to be haunted by the wailing of a woman on snowy nights, had remained vacant for many years. When Song Yan, who harbored no belief in ghosts or spirits, became the chief official of Huangnan Commandery, he simply moved in with his family without performing any exorcism rituals or ceremonies. They had lived there in peace ever since.

Although Song Yan championed Legalist principles, he held the informal title of "Vegetable Root Taoist," hinting at an affinity for Huang-Lao Daoism. The Prefect’s wife had passed away young, leaving behind their only daughter, Song Huangmei, who was now of marriageable age. Within Huangnan Commandery, Song Huangmei was renowned for her spirited nature, riding horses, wielding a sword, and drawing a bow with remarkable skill, easily matching any Northern Liang vagabond. When Song Yan noticed that his daughter, who had always considered applying rouge the worst of all evils, began asking him for money—not for bows and arrows, but to secretly purchase cosmetics—and he occasionally caught her in the mansion with traces of makeup still on her face, he knew she had found someone she fancied. Song Yan was pleased by this and never exposed her repeated, clumsy attempts at concealment. The study building of the Prefect's residence adjoined the garden. Song Yan, holding a book, quietly stood by the window. In the garden, his daughter and two maids, as close as sisters, were laughing and chatting, their voices exceptionally clear. Song Yan, a middle-aged man with slightly graying temples, smiled faintly. Wasn't his daughter deliberately speaking so loudly just so the young man who had been waiting outside the wall for over half an hour could hear her?

Song Yan had discreetly investigated the young man's background. He came from the lowest ranks of society, full of youthful vigor, and had joined a middling sect in Huangnan Commandery. Through reckless fighting in several gang conflicts, he had become a direct disciple of a sect elder. Years of navigating social complexities had honed his interpersonal skills, making him far more adept at dealing with people than the arrogant scions of Huangnan Commandery’s elite families. During a casual incognito visit, Song Yan once shared tea with the young man and chatted briefly. The youth rarely spoke grandiosely; his conversation was straightforward, and his character seemed decent. Regarding his daughter's affections, Song Yan had quietly stepped back and allowed the relationship to progress. Song Yan himself did not come from an aristocratic family but rose from humble beginnings, deeply understanding the difficulty for those from poor families to make a name for themselves. However, if the young man had been a scholar, even one with no prospects for official success, Song Yan would have long ago invited him into the mansion and openly recognized him as his son-in-law. But he was a gang member, someone who "licked blood from a knife's edge," and Song Yan held little optimism for him. At most, he would not oppose the match. To expect Song Yan, the Prefect of Huangnan Commandery, to actively show favor was simply asking too much.

Song Yan watched his daughter furtively approach the courtyard wall, glancing around nervously. It was clear she was too thin-skinned and feared being caught red-handed by her father, whose reputation for discerning even the subtlest clues was well-known and hard to deceive. Song Yan could only give a wry smile as he retreated from the window to the bookshelves. He returned "The Five Vermin," a Legalist text, to its place, then sat back at his desk, which was piled high with documents. A bronze incense burner sat on the desk, used for burning incense to clear his mind. Song Yan cast an impassive glance at the two secret letters that had arrived consecutively from the Grand Marshal's residence. He extended a finger to trace the taotie patterns on the bronze, symbols believed to ward off evil spirits. Closing his eyes, Song Yan felt the warmth at his fingertip before slowly withdrawing his hand. He paid no heed to the advice his mentor, Li Gongde, had given in the letters. On the contrary, this surprising success in Huangnan Commandery was precisely a harbinger of Song Yan establishing his own path. He had been a subordinate of the Li household, and as Li Gongde rose to the second rank, Song Yan’s career had also advanced. However, the fourth-rank prefect was his ceiling. With Northern Liang now showing signs of dynastic change, Song Yan knew his impression with the Prince of Northern Liang was poor. If he didn't act now, he would be unable to advance further in officialdom for the next decade or two. A step delayed meant being perpetually behind. Song Yan, in the prime of his life and full of ambition, did not want to merely pick up scraps left by others. Yet, he was uncertain if the General of Lingzhou possessed the magnanimity to accommodate him, or the courage to personally meet with him, a man he considered a stubborn and unyielding "stink stone" in the bureaucratic quagmire.

As Song Yan was lost in thought, his daughter’s voice echoed from the garden downstairs. With a sigh of resignation, Song Yan stood up, wondering how this daughter, so devoid of conventional feminine virtues, would ever find a good husband. He did not respond, but instead went downstairs, taking a roundabout path through the back entrance of the garden. There, to his surprise, he saw Li Fuzhen, his revered mentor’s daughter, who had come to Huangnan Commandery, accompanied by a stranger. With his seasoned discernment, Song Yan immediately guessed the stranger's identity: Guo Fufeng, the man of humble origins whom Li Fuzhen admired. Song Yan had no strong opinions, positive or negative, about him. Noticing his daughter, Song Huangmei, intently scrutinizing the man, Song Yan gave her a subtle look. Guo Fufeng, for his part, remained composed, bowing deeply and respectfully to Prefect Song. Song Yan merely nodded and offered a faint smile, remaining silent, which could hardly be called warm or polite. Even if this man were to become the Grand Marshal’s son-in-law, Song Yan did not hold high hopes for his future. Moreover, given Song Yan’s own standing, even if Guo Fufeng were to rise steadily through the ranks in the future, it would take him at least twenty years of strenuous effort to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Song Yan. Li Fuzhen took the hand of Song Huangmei, who was a few years younger than her, but her expression was tense. This was her first time introducing Guo Fufeng to one of her father's disciples. While others might grant her some deference as the Grand Marshal's daughter, Song Yan was known for his unsentimental nature among Li's former students and subordinates. She greatly feared that the Prefect would simply sternly order them to leave. Her hurried journey to Huangnan Commandery for this secret meeting with "Uncle Song" was a desperate measure from her father. She didn't know how Guo Fufeng had gotten wind of their plans, but he had pleaded with her for hours, expressing his heartfelt earnestness, which finally prompted Li Fuzhen to hesitantly bring him along to the Song residence. She and Song Huangmei had been close since childhood, with Huangmei always treating her like an older sister. It was well known that Prefect Song doted on his daughter, and Huangmei herself had an ambiguous relationship with a jianghu youth whose background was even more modest than Guo Fufeng's. This was a crucial factor that emboldened Li Fuzhen to formally "bring Guo Fufeng to light" in the Lingzhou official circles. Yet, at this thought, Li Fuzhen felt an inexpressible sadness with nowhere to vent. When did she, too, have to become so calculating? However, seeing that Uncle Song, despite his calm demeanor, at least did not speak ill of Guo Fufeng, Li Fuzhen felt a slight sense of relief. The carefree Song Huangmei, oblivious to why her usually fearless Sister Li's palms were sweating, joined the group in sitting around the indoor brazier. Song Huangmei then excused herself to fetch more charcoal, swiftly dashing out of the room. Song Yan knew perfectly well she was going to bid farewell to her lover, which would undoubtedly involve climbing the wall. A grown daughter cannot be kept at home—what a pity for parents everywhere!

No sooner had Song Yan sat down than he received several visiting cards delivered by the steward. These were from young scholars in Huangnan Commandery, ostensibly seeking guidance on governance and public welfare, but in reality, merely wishing to pay their respects to the Prefect and become acquainted. Song Yan instructed the steward to return their cards and, as a courtesy, included a few books from his private collection. Though the scholars did not get to meet him, they left feeling satisfied, undoubtedly eager to boast to their peers. Having casually dealt with this minor matter, Song Yan turned to Li Fuzhen and chuckled, "Uncle Song's entire salary goes to buying books; our family is nearly penniless. It will be hard to enjoy lavish meals here."

Li Fuzhen, never adept at social pleasantries, simply offered a polite smile. Guo Fufeng, unwilling to remain in the background, proactively spoke up, "Throughout history, scholars and collectors cherished books as if their very lives depended on them, often believing that lending a book was akin to lending one's wife. It's far better to directly gift books to others, much like a renowned romantic scholar bestowing a beautiful concubine, creating a lasting tale. The Prefect, it seems, profoundly understands this essence."

Song Yan remained impassive, as if he hadn't heard, offering no agreeable response. Guo Fufeng, however, was thick-skinned and seemed entirely oblivious to the sudden chill in the air. Li Fuzhen, who had just begun to relax slightly, immediately grew restless again, fearing that Guo Fufeng, unaware of official etiquette and taboos, would provoke the reticent Song Yan. Fortunately, Song Huangmei arrived at just the right moment, carrying a basin of black charcoal, subtly diffusing the tension. Speaking freely in her own home, Song Huangmei frowned and said, "Dad, Tieya just told me there are a few outsiders on the street outside the wall, lingering for some time now. What are they doing in the empty alley in the middle of winter? Are they perhaps villains?"

Song Yan chuckled softly and replied, "The road is open to all, and even as the Prefect, I cannot control where people choose to walk or stand. If someone wishes to endure the cold outside the wall, even for an hour or so, I cannot use my official authority to drive them away."

Song Huangmei caught the subtle meaning in her father’s words, her face suddenly flushed, and she lowered her head to poke at the charcoal.

The mansion's steward stood at the doorway, looking somewhat flustered. Song Yan rose and walked outside. After hearing the news, he remained composed, then turned to Li Fuzhen, explaining that he had urgent official matters to attend to, and asked Song Huangmei to take over entertaining the guests. As the Prefect swiftly departed, his footsteps gradually fading, Guo Fufeng lowered his head, warming his hands by the charcoal, his expression somewhat clouded. He then looked up at Li Fuzhen and the Prefect's daughter, both with their own distinct beauty, whispering and sharing intimate secrets. Guo Fufeng's expression swiftly transformed into a warm smile, showing no sign of displeasure despite the Prefect’s apparent aloofness. Once Li Fuzhen and Song Huangmei had finished their whispered "girl talk," Li Fuzhen began to speak, then hesitated, but catching an insistent glance from the corner of Guo Fufeng’s eye, she finally said, "Huangmei, do you know that there are several unauthorized shrines in Huangnan Commandery? Someone reported to my father that Uncle Song has not only failed to prohibit them but has allowed their incense offerings to flourish. These temples are actually being secretly manipulated for personal gain, which is seen as damaging to public morals. My purpose in coming here was to inform Uncle Song about this."

Song Huangmei let out a gasp of surprise, then squinted her eyes and smiled, "What 'damaging public morals'? Northern Liang is already like this; what customs are there left to corrupt? It can’t get any worse than it already is. I think those scoundrels deliberately slandering my father are simply too idle. Either they are afraid my father's position is too secure, and if he doesn't move, they won't be able to climb the ranks. Promotion leads to wealth; without promotion, how can one get rich? It all boils down to money. I heard in a tavern that several commanderies in Lingzhou are pointing fingers at the General of Lingzhou, deliberately muddying the waters. Only our Huangnan Commandery remains peaceful, so my father has become a convenient target."

Li Fuzhen offered a wry smile, while Guo Fufeng cast a surprised glance at the young woman.

Song Huangmei subtly eyed the refined Guo Fufeng, then turned to Li Fuzhen and said, "Sister, Hanlin Ge is truly formidable now, his achievements are boundless! He's become a standard-bearer for the upstream crossbowmen on the border. I hear he's killed hundreds of Northern Mang barbarians, so many heads that they can't even all fit on his horse! Is Hanlin Ge coming home for the New Year this year? If he does, please remember to invite him to our house as a guest. I must tell him about the boundless admiration I hold in my heart. A man, well, he must be like Hanlin Ge, fighting and killing enemies on the battlefield; otherwise, he's not a real man."

Hearing these subtly critical remarks, Guo Fufeng sneered inwardly, yet his expression remained calm.

Li Fuzhen cautiously glanced at Guo Fufeng, then turned and offered a strained smile. "Let's go for a walk outside," she suggested.

Guo Fufeng naturally remained behind. After the two sisters stepped outside, Li Fuzhen reached out and gently twisted Song Huangmei's ear. "You little imp, daring to lecture your older sister? Didn't I write clearly in my letter that you shouldn't give him a cold shoulder? And yet, look at what you did!"

Song Huangmei pouted. "Anyway, I didn't like him from the moment I saw him. My father says scholars shouldn't possess too much servility or pedantry, and such scholars won't achieve much. I see that fellow Guo lacks neither of those flaws. Sister, just listen to me this once. You bravely rejected our 'demon king' of Northern Liang, what a truly satisfying feat! How did things end up getting worse and worse? If I had known it would come to this, you might as well have yielded to that pervert Xu back then. If you became a concubine of a prince later, wouldn't our Grand Marshal be smiling from ear to ear? Besides, if Hanlin Ge can turn over a new leaf, who knows, perhaps that Xu fellow might also have a sudden awakening one day and truly go to the border to fight and kill enemies... Of course, I think with that scoundrel’s character, asking him to personally kill people like Hanlin Ge is as difficult as climbing to heaven. He probably only dares to bully women. I truly don't know what those people who praise him are thinking. 'Northern Liang veterans respectfully escorting him to the capital,' 'making a trip to Northern Mang,' 'stirring up a bloody storm in the Liyang Jianghu'... who believes any of that?"

Li Fuzhen gave the chattering Song Huangmei a sharp rap on the forehead, glaring irritably. "No one will think you’re mute if you don’t speak."

As the two reached the corner, they saw a group of people walking quietly on the bluestone path of the mansion in the distance. Except for Prefect Song Yan, who wore his official uniform without a sword, most of the other men had conspicuous Northern Liang swords hanging at their waists, adding a touch of chilling winter austerity to the scene.

Song Huangmei, ever eager for excitement, quickly tugged at Li Fuzhen's sleeve, exclaiming in wonder, "Oh, oh, oh, who is that handsome, grey-haired man, radiating such a strong aura of lethality? Sister Fuzhen, look! My father, such a proud man, is actually walking a shoulder's length behind him! No, I must find an excuse to go and meet this hero!"

Li Fuzhen's expression was complex and difficult to read.

Song Huangmei, after all, possessed a degree of loyalty and did not abandon her Sister Fuzhen to leave alone. Unlike typical young ladies from prominent families, she had been fascinated by spears and staffs since childhood. She had relentlessly pestered her father for years to be allowed to secretly keep a Northern Liang knife, until Song Yan finally had to promise to acquire one for her when she married. This was because Northern Liang had a strict law: anyone who retired from the military, even a general, was forbidden from privately carrying a Northern Liang knife, and even if gifted one, it could not be worn outside. Of course, whether this rule was strictly adhered to was another matter, as many Northern Liang dandies proudly wore their "Liang" knives, usually without consequence as long as they weren't exposed or caught. However, secretly carrying a knife was vastly different from openly wearing one. No active civil official in Northern Liang had ever been qualified to wear a Northern Liang knife; it was a privilege akin to wearing a sword into the imperial court in the capital. Even as the Prefect's daughter, Song Huangmei harbored profound admiration for the soldiers who earned the right to wear a Northern Liang knife through their own merit. The gang member she now favored had even sworn to her that before he married her, he would visit her father to propose marriage, proudly wearing a Northern Liang knife.

Song Yan led these uninvited guests into the back meeting hall. He dismissed his servants and personally poured tea, demonstrating ample courtesy, yet his expression betrayed not a hint of fear.

This was true even though the young man sitting before him was His Royal Highness, the Prince of Northern Liang, the recently emerged General of Lingzhou.

Xu Fengnian accepted the teacup and calmly stated, "Back then, the jianghu forces of Northern Mang, at the instigation of Li Mibi of the Spider Web, attempted to infiltrate Northern Liang. They specifically targeted 'soft' civil officials to assassinate, aiming to destabilize Northern Liang's foundations. As a result, most were intercepted and scattered at the border before they even entered. However, some managed to slip through and infiltrate Youzhou and Liangzhou. At that time, to appease the public, many inexplicable incidents were covered up. Lingzhou fared relatively better, but the tragic massacre in this very mansion still occurred. For years, Northern Liang's intelligence efforts have primarily focused on these Northern Mang assassins. Seemingly random and inexplicable bloodbaths occur every now and then, though the common people remain unaware."

Song Yan chuckled. "Last year, there was a murder case in Huangnan Commandery that alarmed a garrison cavalry unit from another commandery. They crossed the border to eliminate a gang, virtually wiping out their entire lineage. At the time, I was unaware of the hidden details and almost personally rode to intercept them and challenge that colonel. Later, a spy under General Chu’s command sent me a military order, and only then did I understand the true peril of the situation."

Xu Fengnian remarked, "Huangnan Commandery is known as 'Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall' and serves as Northern Liang's granary. Prefect Song, as Lingzhou's grain handler, I imagine you bear a very heavy burden."

Song Yan replied with a flat tone, "It is merely my duty."

Xu Fengnian let out a cold chuckle. "Prohibiting improper large and small shrines within the commandery is also within the Prefect's duties. Prefect Song has always been lauded in Lingzhou for his decisive actions, so how can you be derelict in your duty now? Huangnan Commandery has three 'human-ghost' temples, where memorial tablets are offered to neither Northern Liang heroes nor deities granted titles by the imperial court. This clearly violates propriety. Yet, the couplet in one of them is even inscribed by Prefect Song himself. Is Prefect Song deliberately breaking the rules, relying on the Grand Marshal's protection? I hear Prefect Song is fond of collecting books and has recently acquired over sixty valuable rare ancient texts. I wonder how much 'incense money' that unauthorized temple presented to Prefect Song this past New Year's?"

Song Yan took a sip of tea. "Only five hundred taels," he said, "hardly worth mentioning. Many valuable rare editions I coveted could not be acquired, which I regret."

Xu Fengnian chuckled. "With widespread illicit shrines in your jurisdiction and embezzlement exceeding three hundred taels, these two offenses, combined, constitute a capital crime punishable by beheading. Is Prefect Song truly so eager to use his own head to help this prince establish authority in Lingzhou?"

Song Yan, indeed the proverbially stubborn and unyielding stone in Lingzhou’s official circles, surprisingly chuckled. "Since Your Highness has graced my door, sword in hand, and Song Yan has admitted his guilt, then it is merely a matter of one stroke of the blade."

Xu Fengnian set down his teacup. "You and I both know that this time, by defying the Grand Marshal’s wishes, you intend to surface in Lingzhou’s official circles, specifically to draw the attention of me, the one who once provoked Xu Xiao. You've reached a bottleneck in your career and wish to change patrons to advance further. I, too, have made many enemies in Lingzhou, my hands are tied, and I urgently need someone to break this stalemate. That someone is you, the Prefect of Huangnan Commandery, with your considerable office and certain reputation. As long as you are willing to 'raise the banner of rebellion' in Huangnan Commandery, misleading outsiders into believing that the Grand Marshal has finally decided to yield to the General of Lingzhou, then many clerks will shrewdly curb their petty actions. After all, if accounts are truly settled later, the masterminds usually keep their hands clean, but those who actually did the dirty work might not be so lucky. While the law generally doesn't punish the masses, who doesn’t know how to 'kill a chicken to warn the monkeys'? A few unlucky chickens are always bound to be singled out. These cunning and slippery petty officials are actually terrified deep down. Song Yan, do you believe that without your Huangnan Commandery, I will remain trapped in the mud, and even if I manage to get ashore, I'll be covered in grime, forced to ignominiously flee back to Liangzhou and complain to Xu Xiao?"

Song Yan shook his head. "Your Highness does not lack the means to break this deadlock, only time. After all, even if Your Highness resorted to indiscriminate killing, you could still achieve outward obedience, if not true conviction. Later, once your military confidantes are all in place, and with the mutual checks and balances between local Lingzhou officials and external scholars, a combination of swift and slow tactics would gradually bring Lingzhou's officialdom to heel. However, Your Highness appears to lack that ruthless resolve for the time being, and also cannot afford to wait. This, Song Yan became even more certain of after Your Highness personally came to Huangnan Commandery to seek me out."

"If I were to become the Provincial Governor of Lingzhou, I could serve as Your Highness's vanguard in sweeping away corruption, while outwardly appeasing the Grand Marshal. This would provide a dignified retreat for both parties, and secretly weaken Master Li’s control over Lingzhou..."

Xu Fengnian chuckled, interrupting the Prefect’s words. "Prefect, you overestimate yourself. The Provincial Governor of Lingzhou can only be Xu Beizhi, not you, Song Yan. At most, you could become a Deputy Governor of Lingzhou. However, I can speak plainly with you: if Xu Beizhi ever becomes the Grand Marshal of the Northern Liang territory, then you might have a chance to serve as the Provincial Governor of Lingzhou. But that’s still a long way off; you will have to wait, because Northern Liang will not move against Master Li, who is both meritorious and blameless. The Xu and Li families have fostered goodwill for two generations. Leaving aside Master Li’s diligence, my friendship with Li Hanlin alone is sufficient to allow the Grand Marshal to fully indulge his official ambitions. Moreover, morally reprehensible acts, like 'killing the donkey after it grinds the mill,' are best avoided if possible. Of course, if you, Song Yan, truly possess the capability, with Xu Beizhi standing before you, you may not become the Provincial Governor of Lingzhou. But there are still the Provincial Governor seats of Youzhou and Liangzhou for this prince to consider. In the thirty prefectures of Liyang, let's not even mention Xu Beizhi, who is an anomaly. Just count for yourself: how many are under forty years old? Prefect Song, you should be content with what you have."

Song Yan's expression was conflicted and uncertain.

Xu Fengnian then uttered a remark that left Song Yan utterly bewildered. "Furthermore," he added, "there are plenty of veteran officials who aspire to the position of Deputy Governor of Lingzhou. If you, Song Yan, wish to take that post, you must give me half of the books in your study. I can use them to win over the hearts of the many scholars who come to Northern Liang."

Without waiting for the Prefect's agreement, Xu Fengnian stood up and muttered to himself, "Damn it, no wonder so many people aspire to be emperor. They can engage in selling offices and titles with such blatant self-assurance."