Chapter 955: The World Divided Among the Xu Family

The grain transport dock in Liangzhou, Beiliang Road, was a bustling, crowded place.

The dock had undergone massive expansion under the previous prefect, Xu Beizhi. There were, of course, complaints in Liangzhou's official circles about the waste of public funds and labor. In addition to the dock, huge granaries, comparable in scale to the Liyang Dynasty's Class A facilities, had also been built. This "rice-buying" prefect was known for his extensive construction projects during his tenure. However, everyone knew Xu Beizhi was hailed as "Beiliang's most favored official." Furthermore, Beiliang had no tradition of censors impeaching officials. At most, scholars in officialdom and military families would grumble in private, but no one was willing to risk confronting the authority of Qingliang Mountain.

Perhaps due to Xu Beizhi's abysmal reputation in Liangzhou, the arrival of the new prefect, Chang Sui, brought a breath of fresh air. His focus on rest and recuperation, rather than further disruptive projects, was a welcome relief for the entire region, which had braced itself for more of the same. The people of Liangzhou lauded this scholar, a disciple of the Sages' Gate from the Shangyin Academy.

Today at the dock, two carriages, escorted by two hundred of Liangzhou's most elite light cavalry, slowly approached. From them descended two refined men in official robes. They were Chang Sui, the Prefect of Liangzhou and a prized disciple of the literary grandmaster Han Guzi, and Lu Dongjiang, the current New Prince of Liang's father-in-law, recently promoted from Prefect of Liangzhou to Deputy Strategic Commissioner of Beiliang Road, also known as "Lu Boke of the Central Plains."

Within a single year, Lu Dongjiang had ascended to the third highest civilian position in Beiliang Road. While this was a classic example of a father gaining prestige through his daughter, Beiliang's officialdom was pragmatic and cared little for empty titles, unlike the Liyang court with its rigid formalities regarding examination degrees or positions in the Hanlin Academy. Lu Dongjiang now held the same rank and position as Song Dongming. However, Lu Dongjiang oversaw the administration of Youzhou and Liangzhou, while Song Dongming oversaw Liangzhou and Liuzhou, creating a sense of rivalry between them. Recently, at a family banquet, a young member of their Qingzhou Lu family declared, "Just as Tai'an City once had the Zhang and Gu families vying for influence, our Beiliang now has the Lu and Song families, and it's a gentleman's competition. As for Wang Linquan, he's nothing but a merchant reeking of money." Both implications of this flattering remark resonated deeply with Lu Dongjiang, who had felt out of place since arriving in Beiliang.

Although Lu Dongjiang still harbored some resentment towards his ruthless daughter, Lu Chengyan, his rapid ascent and new perspective allowed him to gradually let go of these minor annoyances. He knew perfectly well that for the Lu family to prosper indefinitely, their fortunes in Beiliang's official circles would be entirely different depending on Lu Chengyan's connection to Qingliang Mountain, even if she truly broke ties with the family. Furthermore, the Lu family's status would be completely transformed based on whether Lu Chengyan could secure her position as the Prince of Liang's consort.

Recently, Lu Dongjiang had been wondering whether to invite his daughter and son-in-law back to the Lu family for the upcoming Chinese New Year. "After all," he mused, "we are a family who have shared hardships. Even if you, Xu Fengnian, are a prince, it wouldn't be too much to ask you to share a peaceful New Year's Eve dinner with us, would it?"

In contrast to the Deputy Strategic Commissioner's brand-new official robe, Prefect Chang Sui's robe appeared old and wrinkled, and his originally fair complexion had darkened. Standing together, Lu Dongjiang, though older, looked younger due to his well-maintained, pampered appearance. While the difference between a second-rank Golden Pheasant official insignia and a third-rank Peacock insignia was not significant, and both were undeniably high-ranking regional administrators of Liyang, Lu Dongjiang was a true central figure in the court, whereas Chang Sui was a powerful regional governor, still a step below. Nevertheless, Lu Dongjiang, a renowned scholarly official in the Central Plains literati for many years, would typically display his official authority when accompanied by other prefects. However, facing Chang Sui — a senior disciple of literary grandmaster Han Guzi, a distinguished scholar of Shangyin Academy well-known in court and country, and also Xu Weixiong's senior brother — Lu Dongjiang naturally regarded him as a kindred spirit, engaging in warm and cordial conversation.

As the Deputy Strategic Commissioner overseeing the administration of Liangzhou and Youzhou, Lu Dongjiang was naturally aware of the Liyang grain transport situation. He knew the imperial court had originally promised one million *shi* of grain to Beiliang before autumn. However, only a meager 400,000 *shi*, less than half the promised amount, had arrived so far, delivered sporadically in three separate, seemingly concealed batches. Liyang's grain transport had two main routes, horizontal and vertical, with the Guangling River serving as the main artery for the horizontal route. Xiangfan City in Qingzhou, considered the "waist and backbone" of the Central Plains, was a crucial transit point for grain. However, no one had expected the young Prince Zhao Xun to rebel alongside Prince Yan Chi Zhao Bing and Prince Shu Chen Zhibao, and he was reportedly being put forward as the new emperor. Consequently, the Zhao imperial court lost control over most of Jing'an Road, and the grain transport was continually delayed. Lu Dongjiang could only sigh, lamenting the unfavorable times.

Chang Sui accompanied Lu Dongjiang to the riverbank. On the river, boats were so densely packed that one could almost walk across them, and both sides of the dock were bustling with activity, which surprised Lu Dongjiang.

With a single sentence, Chang Sui revealed the truth: "The Liyang court publicly announced that it would supply Beiliang Road with 500,000 *shi* of grain before autumn. However, our Prince actually agreed with Minister Qi Yanglong for one million *shi*. In fact, this autumn, nearly 800,000 *shi* of grain have already been transported to our granaries in Liangzhou, thanks to the almost direct personal supervision of Qi Yanglong and Huan Wen. We only stated publicly that we received 400,000 *shi* to save Liyang's face."

Lu Dongjiang was pleasantly surprised and relieved to hear that his administrative region was "blessed with favorable weather and clear governance." However, he soon noticed that the prefect of Liangzhou, who had suddenly risen to such a high position, seemed to be in low spirits.

Chang Sui calmly stated, "Lord Lu, you've just taken office, so you might not be aware of the full situation. Besides promising one million *shi* of grain to Beiliang before autumn, the Liyang court also promised to transport another two million *shi* afterwards. However, given the current situation, that seems to be a distant prospect."

"With the Central Plains in chaos and Jing'an Road under the rebellious Prince Zhao Xun's jurisdiction, it's reasonable that the court can't control the grain transport to Beiliang, isn't it?" Lu Dongjiang asked, puzzled.

Chang Sui shook his head. "Not at all. Jing'an Road's main forces, or rather, the elite troops under the Prince of Jing'an's Mansion, have long been depleted by Zhao Xun. The current Jing'an Road Commissioner, Hong Lingxu, is one of the leaders of the Qing Party and has served as a powerful Vice Minister of Personnel in Tai'an City for many years, possessing extensive experience. Deputy Military Commissioner Ma Zhongxian is the son of General Ma Fulu. If, with these two working together, there were some issues with the subsequent two million *shi* of grain after autumn, and they couldn't be fully delivered, it would barely be understandable. But it's unthinkable that even 200,000 *shi* would be delayed and not reach Beiliang. Ultimately, they reached an understanding with the Zhao imperial relatives and capital aristocrats who have controlled Liyang's grain transport for twenty years. They are unwilling to let Beiliang receive the subsequent two million *shi* of grain for free. Two million *shi* of grain would mean a substantial profit even in times of peace, let alone now, amidst the Central Plains' wars, where they can demand exorbitant prices. Perhaps they are demanding a fortune from the court, or it could even be from the three rebellious princes. In prosperous times, one collects treasures; in chaotic times, gold and silver. What is gold and silver for, if not to buy military provisions and grain?"

Lu Dongjiang's face was filled with astonishment.

Chang Sui suddenly smiled. "Lord Lu, you must have seen the various shops lining both sides of the main road when you arrived. Their flourishing business even surpasses that of Liangzhou's provincial capital. Aren't you curious?"

Lu Dongjiang nodded. "Master Chang, you just mentioned that in prosperous times, one collects treasures; in chaotic times, gold. This has been true since ancient times. With chaos approaching, before I rushed here from Liangzhou, I heard that wealthy families in Liangzhou are practically giving away various antiques and calligraphies. Even many rare heirlooms, thought to have disappeared and been lost in the great catastrophe of the Hongjia northward migration, have reappeared, astonishing the Central Plains. Consequently, many merchants from Jiangnan Road, hearing the news, come here to buy at low prices and then return to the Central Plains to sell at exorbitant prices, earning mountains of gold and silver. To be honest, Master Chang, I'm quite tempted."

Chang Sui smiled knowingly and said slowly, "Oh? Then Lord Lu should certainly go take a look. From the Dafeng Dynasty to the Nine Spring and Autumn Kingdoms, Lu Gang's jade artifacts, Lü Aishui's goldware, Zhu Bishan's silverwork, Bao Zhiran's rhinoceros horn carvings, Zhao Liangbi's pewterware, Wang Xiaoxi's agateware, Jiang Baoyun's bamboo carvings, and Yang Xun's porcelain — acquiring even one of these was considered a rare treasure and antique. Now, on this nameless street in Liangzhou, Beiliang, everything imaginable can be found. Otherwise, why would everyone in Liyang, both in court and among the common folk, be saying, 'All grandmasters of the Central Plains martial arts world go to Wudang Mountain, while Liyang's literati and refined scholars long for Liangzhou City'?"

Lu Dongjiang was greatly tempted.

Chang Sui, with a slightly cold expression, smiled and playfully poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "It's just that before doing business, those shops, big and small, require buyers to show their travel permits and household registrations. Locals only pay with actual gold and silver. As for outsiders... well, I'm afraid Lord Lu, with his 'empty sleeves' (meaning he's incorruptible and thus not wealthy), might be disappointed."

Lu Dongjiang laughed heartily. "No matter, no matter. It's good enough for me just to see them. Whether I acquire them or not is secondary. It's like admiring the world's most beautiful women; viewing them from afar or even toying with the idea is a pleasure in itself."

Chang Sui then led the Deputy Strategic Commissioner to a nearby shop by the dockside.

The shop was not large, not even comparable to a study in a mid-sized mansion of a Liangzhou military family. Yet, as soon as Lu Dongjiang crossed the threshold, his eyes widened, and he was utterly shocked.

A dazzling array of goods!

Lu Dongjiang's discerning eye was exceptionally keen. He quickly walked towards an antique, waist-high *kang* table with carved legs, on which a dozen curious objects were casually placed. Lu Dongjiang carefully picked up a dark red lacquered wooden bowl, adorned with a continuous pattern of interlocking square knots.

The dignified Deputy Strategic Commissioner's fingers trembled slightly as he turned the lacquered wooden bowl. As expected, Lu Dongjiang saw the four characters "Hang Xie Tong Ou" (meaning 'sharing the same bowl of wine') in raised, solid gold script on the bottom of the bowl!

The shop assistant was a lavish young man. Seeing two men in official robes but without any retinue, he didn't pay them much mind. In Liangzhou, commoners were accustomed to dealing with unruly military scions and felt rather sympathetic towards civilian officials, who often suffered more indignities than themselves, so they felt little awe or fear. Furthermore, in the past six months, their small shop had seen many strange customers from the Central Plains, and this young assistant, who both cleaned and handled pricing, had begun to consider himself worldly. He stepped forward, casually grabbed the delicate spout of a golden pot from the table, lifted it high, and solicitously smiled. "Sir," he said, "an elderly scholar from the Central Plains took a fancy to this item recently, but he couldn't afford the price at the time. He told us to make sure we kept it, saying he was going back to his home in Jiangnan Road to arrange things. But our shop didn't pay him any mind. Sir, why don't you take a look? If you like it, you can take it for twenty *liang* of silver. Of course, this is the price only for locals of Beiliang; outsiders can't have it!"

Lu Dongjiang tremblingly put down the lacquered wooden bowl and, with both hands, took the cloud-dragon patterned gourd-shaped golden ewer. After examining it carefully, he stammered, "This is a genuine imperial artifact from the old Southern Tang Dynasty! Even Li Mi, the Great Chu Imperial Preceptor, who looked down on everything, praised it as 'Wine and spirit in common, pouring forth for an age'! How much silver? Twenty *liang*?!"

The young assistant smiled. "Twenty *liang* is enough. We don't accept banknotes, only cash!"

Lu Dongjiang stiffly turned his head to Chang Sui. "Master Chang, do you have any cash on you?"

Chang Sui shook his head. "I don't have any."

Lu Dongjiang's face was filled with regret and distress as he muttered to himself, "No, this won't do. I implore you, Master Chang, please find someone to lend me some silver today. One thousand *liang*! No! At least ten thousand *liang*! The more, the better!"

Chang Sui laughed. "Lord Lu, there's no need to be so flustered. Such items are commonplace on this street. What's more, from this Liangzhou dock, along this river into the Guangling River, all the way to Xiangfan City in Qingzhou, grain transport docks big and small all have shops like this."

Lu Dongjiang suddenly realized and exclaimed regretfully, "Is this the Prince's doing?!"

Chang Sui nodded. "Half of these items come from the Xu family's treasury on Qingliang Mountain."

The Deputy Strategic Commissioner, being half a member of the Xu family himself, couldn't help but stamp his foot and exclaim loudly, "Prodigal! Prodigal!"

Chang Sui burst out laughing and simply left Lu Dongjiang in the shop, departing alone.

Inside the shop, Lu Dongjiang picked up a white jade bowl. Holding it up to the candlelight, it shone like ice and snow. The yellow dots on the bowl's surface, like dozens of chestnuts, adorned it, making it especially charming and innocent.

Every time Lu Dongjiang admired an item, he would mutter "prodigal."

He was especially dismayed to learn that outsiders in Beiliang who wanted to acquire desired items could only do so by dealing with the Liyang officials responsible for Guangling River grain transport, exchanging them for grain — and at incredibly cheap rates! Many desk curios that were originally priceless were now worth merely one or two hundred *shi* of grain!

Lu Dongjiang's heart bled.

Meanwhile, Prefect Chang Sui returned to the dock and stood by the riverside.

The Xu family's wealth was being distributed among all.

Will Qingliang Mountain's vast fortune return after being squandered? No, it will not!

Chang Sui didn't know what the Deputy Strategic Commissioner was thinking, but he knew he was willing to live and die for such a Beiliang!