Chapter 254: Fire Night (3)

The Son-in-law

Houses stood as thick as a forest, their eaves overlapping. In the night, lights from countless homes within the city clustered into long, flowing ribbons, crisscrossing to outline the vast expanse of Bianjing on this late summer, early autumn night.

Mealtime had long passed, and though night was deep, the clamor in Bianjing showed no signs of diminishing. Having flourished for nearly two centuries, Bianjing was the undisputed heartland of the Wu Dynasty. It was a hub for merchants from across the land, connecting all four corners of the realm. Countless travelers and merchants passed through daily, connecting north and south. The imperial examinations, held annually or every few years, gathered talented individuals and heroes from across the land. It also drew together the most powerful officials in the realm, who, gathered around the emperor’s throne, oversaw the functioning of the empire.

Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, commerce had gradually flourished, and with the abolition of curfews, the city never truly shut down. Even in the quietest hours of dawn, a vast expanse of lights remained illuminated in the city center. With the dog days of summer still lingering, the hot weather encouraged residents to stay awake even longer. Along roadsides, in small courtyards, amidst brothels, and within teahouses, people quietly or boisterously dotted the landscape. Despite the stifling heat, the scene was one of both prosperity and peace.

The war in the north had not disturbed the city's rhythm, nor had the court's various actions caused much upheaval within it. Troop movements and material transfers proceeded quietly, driven by an unseen, powerful force. Everyone seemed to sense the underlying activity, yet few truly understood the intricacies of the situation. At most, it merely provided informed individuals with more 'firsthand' anecdotes or prompted merchants in Bianjing to occasionally discuss the prospects of trade in the north. However, there was little tension or anxiety in the air. Brothels, taverns, and teahouses bustled as usual, and the poetry composed at literati gatherings exuded a serene yet high-spirited confidence, a testament to the prevailing peace.

Near the city center, adjacent to the Imperial City, the plaque for the Right Prime Minister’s residence had only recently been installed. It was an old mansion, not ostentatious, but with a dignified layout and profound depth. This property had originally belonged to the Qin family; eight years prior, when Qin Siyuan left his post, the mansion had been sold.

During these eight years, the mansion had changed hands twice, both times to individuals who had some connection with Qin Siyuan. Now, with Qin Siyuan's resurgence and promotion to Right Prime Minister, he had naturally bought it back upon his return to the capital. In fact, the layout of this grand residence remained entirely unchanged.

The Qin family had previously served as officials in the capital for two generations. Eight years ago, when Qin Siyuan left, he had dismissed his household servants. Now, with his return, most of those servants had been recalled, a testament to the enduring influence he held despite his absence. The various books and collections that had been stored away when he left had, if anything, grown since his return, though Qin Siyuan was not one to care much for such material possessions. Compared to the Qin mansion of yesteryear, it ultimately seemed a bit emptier now, as certain relatives and family members who had once resided there had not yet been able to join him. For now, only Qin Siyuan, his wife, and one concubine lived in the grand residence; the others, no matter how brightly the lights were lit, were ultimately just servants.

These days, Qin Siyuan was deeply engrossed in official duties, with little leisure time. In the court, the two highest-ranking officials were Li Gang, the Left Prime Minister, who largely oversaw strategic affairs, and Qin Siyuan, the Right Prime Minister, whose focus gravitated more towards practical matters.

It had been eight years since Qin Siyuan had set foot in Bianjing. While he still retained many disciples and old acquaintances, his influence and control in the capital had significantly waned. He recognized that taking over all practical matters at once would be overwhelming. Li Gang, who knew him well, had strongly advocated for his appointment as prime minister and had initially offered to shoulder most of the responsibilities. However, Qin Siyuan chose not to delegate excessively. Instead, from the moment he took office, he embraced full responsibility and, within a few days, had clearly outlined the various tasks that required his attention.

Li Gang was known for his generous nature, relatively straightforward and fiery temperament, and an awe-inspiring presence. He had been the primary advocate for war in recent years. Yet, he adhered strictly to Confucian principles; even with fervent words, he approached matters with a degree of humility. This did not mean he was a rigid, outdated scholar; rather, his convictions were simply more unyielding. Indeed, had it not been for the pressing need for an exceptionally resolute individual to lead the war at this moment, he might not have been appointed Left Prime Minister.

Qin Siyuan was also a distinguished Confucian scholar of his era. He excelled in writing, and his demeanor was notably gentle and refined; he never spoke in absolutes. When engaging in debates, he was dignified and eloquent, his words impactful, yet he never displayed the visible fury that seemed to make Li Gang’s hair stand on end. In his actions, his methods were consistently proper and gentle.

Yet, his approach consistently yielded more effective results. He exerted pressure by leveraging the broader situation, much like boiling a frog in warm water. By the time others perceived the underlying danger, the circumstances were often already fixed, leaving no room for escape.

During his time in the capital, he undertook various official duties, primarily focusing on coordinating military supplies. With superb skill, he streamlined the mobilization and collection of war materials, making the process so seamless and quiet that most residents of the capital remained unaware of the grim, pre-war atmosphere. In less than two months since his arrival, he had demonstrated such powerful resolve and effective methods that no one could possibly underestimate the formidable presence he had cultivated during his eight years in seclusion.

Naturally, all these achievements were built upon a foundation of intense work; even for him, accomplishing so much had demanded his utmost effort. He had left the Imperial City very late today and had barely managed to eat a few bites of food at home when three former students arrived to visit. He then received them while continuing his meal.

Among the three, the youngest was thirty-eight years old, named Chen Kai, with the courtesy name Yan. He currently served in the Ministry of Works and concurrently as a supervisor in the Wen Si Yuan. The second oldest, forty-two, was Zhao Dingchen, courtesy name Chengzi, who held the position of Assistant Prefect of Kaifeng, a post of considerable power. The third individual, Feng Yuan, forty-eight years old with the courtesy name Daokai, served in the Censorate. He was a disciple of Qin Siyuan, and as Qin Hui, the Vice Censor-in-Chief, also claimed to be from Qin Siyuan's main family, Feng Yuan found himself in his element within the Censorate and was highly regarded.

Despite being in the Prime Minister's residence, Qin Siyuan's own meal consisted merely of a simple bowl of fish and a plate of vegetables. However, he instructed his servants to bring three bowls of chilled mung bean soup and a fan for each guest. The four then chatted casually in the main hall. Given their teacher-student relationship and their familiarity with Qin Siyuan's character, the three guests spoke freely and without undue deference.

After eight years away, his ability to return now was, to outsiders, undoubtedly a great stroke of fortune for Qin Siyuan. Yet, those eight years of absence also brought about many things that he found regrettable and beyond his control.

At the time of the Treaty of Heishui, Emperor Jinghan, Zhou Hao, had only recently ascended the throne. Qin Siyuan was then considered a quasi-imperial tutor; though he wielded the practical influence of one in many matters, he was formally recognized only as a trusted minister, not an Imperial Tutor. Emperor Jinghan, while indecisive, also possessed a pioneering spirit. When the Liao army attacked, he initially sought peace but later felt deeply humiliated. Disheartened, Qin Siyuan nonetheless took an incredibly audacious step: he secretly urged Emperor Jinghan to prepare for conflict, provoking and supporting all anti-Liao forces. He reassured Zhou Hao that the current capitulation was merely a temporary measure, and with a few years of preparation, an opportunity for a complete reversal would surely arise. Though he had orchestrated numerous plans and strategies at the time, he had harbored little confidence in their success. Yet, to his surprise, his audacious gamble had now become a reality.

However, this very initiative led to massive court expenditures. When Emperor Jinghan ascended the throne, he had initially intended to follow public opinion and abolish practices like the 'Flower and Stone Network' from the previous dynasty. Yet, within a year or two, the court's financial strain became too severe, and these controversial practices were revived.

“It seems High Marshal Gao Qiu and his faction have had considerable involvement in these matters, haven't they?”

“Teacher,” Feng Yuan replied with a frown, “this matter indeed involves a great many people. Initially, His Majesty merely expressed his financial difficulties, and some individuals, eager to please, proposed various schemes. High Marshal Gao was certainly one of them, as was then-Vice Minister Tang and others. I argued vehemently at the time that the 'Flower and Stone Network' should never be revived. But looking back, the court desperately needed funds, and His Majesty sought ways to supplement the treasury. What began as small-scale initiatives quickly expanded once everyone tasted the benefits. The funds for building gardens and renovating palaces at the end of Jinghan’s fourth year, and indeed a whole series of subsequent expenses, all stemmed from this.” He explained that the 'Vice Minister Tang' he referred to was Tang Ke, courtesy name Qinshou, who had been the Vice Minister of Revenue and was now promoted to Minister. During this period, Tang Ke advocated for peace, while Feng Yuan and his peers, following their teacher, naturally championed war. Qin Hui, also a proponent of war at this time, consequently held an unfavorable view of Tang Ke.

Qin Siyuan continued eating his fish. “You are in Bianjing, I was in Jiangning; both are prosperous regions, yet I’ve only heard about these matters, rarely witnessed them firsthand. The 'Flower and Stone Network' imposed exorbitant taxes and levies, causing immense suffering for the common people while enriching officials. Tang Qinshou, who followed High Marshal Gao, wasn't necessarily a greedy man, but rather had a long string of dependents to feed. It was individuals like Li Bangyan and Wu Min, with their vast families and considerable influence, who had numerous officials under their sway. Alas, I now realize that once such things begin, they become unstoppable. And what about those Daoists? His Majesty has been misled. For six or seven years, not a single person dared to submit a memorial impeaching them, except for Tang Kejian!” Over these years, as Emperor Jinghan embraced Daoist mysticism, he had showered unprecedented favor upon Daoists, a patronage that had begun to influence political affairs. For years, no one dared to speak out, apart from Tang Kejian, whom Qin Siyuan referenced. Even Vice Censor-in-Chief Qin Hui dared not comment on the matter. Tang Kejian, for his part, had been exiled two years prior and died en route. Qin Siyuan sighed at the thought, but a moment later, he gently shook his chopsticks.

“Enough, enough, let’s not dwell on this today,” Qin Siyuan said, shaking his chopsticks. “Chengzi, have the military provisions from Zhenzhou arrived?”“Your student wasn’t directly involved,” Zhao Dingchen replied, “but I heard they arrived this afternoon.”“That’s good,” Qin Siyuan murmured.

As they casually discussed minor political affairs, Qin Siyuan suddenly thought of a question and asked, “The day before yesterday, the Imperial Observatory sent a message about an earthquake in the southeast. There’s no definite news yet, do any of you know anything about it?”The three guests had also vaguely heard rumors. Chen Yantang, who now worked in the Ministry of Works, explained, “It’s difficult to get exact information quickly. The seismograph at most determines the earthquake’s direction; it cannot measure its distance or precise intensity. After all, a seismograph doesn’t move, and if the epicenter is too far away, even a major earthquake will register only faintly here. The previous head of the Imperial Observatory, Yu Qi’an, once had an idea and discussed it with our Ministry of Works: to build three identical seismographs and place them in three locations, a hundred li or more apart. Once an earthquake occurred, its direction, distance, and intensity could be calculated more quickly. But a seismograph is inherently a delicate instrument, and creating three identical ones seemed impossible. Master Yu then suggested that it wouldn’t matter if they were different, as long as a baseline value could be established and then compared with earthquake data collected over several or more than ten years; subsequent earthquakes could then be calculated using this method. However, this project was never completed, as seismographs also suffer wear and tear after being in place for many years…”Chen Yantang recounted the story of the seismograph as an interesting anecdote, but seeing Qin Siyuan’s grave expression, he quickly added, “Teacher, you needn't worry too much about this right now. Your student has inquired, and there are normally no major earthquakes in the southeast region, so this incident is likely not too serious. Your most important task now is the crucial matter of preparing for war; don't let this concern you too much.”

Qin Siyuan nodded. “I have inquired about it as well. It’s just that with this earthquake, many in the court will likely seize the opportunity to stir up trouble. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, yet these people only prioritize their family interests, advocating to first suppress Fang La, then Wang Qing, then Tian Hu, and Song Jiang. They believe that with Jin and Liao at war, we can leisurely resolve our internal problems first, and then, once the external threats have exhausted each other, we can simply reap the benefits. Alas, too much politicking in court has led them to believe that clever schemes alone suffice for matters of state and war…”

Upon his arrival in Bianjing, Qin Siyuan found these very issues to be the most vexing. Most people were not inherently opposed to war—though pure pacifists who believed war would inevitably cause widespread suffering did exist, they were a minority. Rather, the majority who supported conflict merely questioned the timing of engaging in it.

In times of peace, these individuals, for the sake of their varied family interests, could restart the 'Flower and Stone Network,' extorting and accumulating vast sums of wealth, thereby making the associated vested interests immense and deeply entrenched.

By this point, many regions were in distress, and uprisings had erupted everywhere. Consequently, these individuals first demanded that the court deploy its amassed strength to suppress the internal rebellions, arguing that domestic unrest was the immediate concern, a matter for which all vested interests below were clamoring. As for reclaiming Yan Yun, in their view—now that Jin and Liao were locked in conflict—such objectives could always be pursued later, allowing both adversaries to weaken each other while the empire strategically exploited their struggle. These individuals were masters of court intrigue, believing that cunning tactics alone would suffice even in national warfare. They failed to realize that without a display of actual strength, excessive scheming would only invite contempt.

For now, however, he could only engage in a constant struggle for power with them, enduring until the troops were dispatched and victory secured. Only then would Qin Siyuan be able to relax and address those he intended to confront. As these thoughts crossed his mind, he remembered some conversations he’d had with Ning Yi upon leaving Jiangning.

Ning Yi had given him a rather disorganized pamphlet, some parts of which Qin Siyuan hadn't fully grasped. A few key points, however, outlined a strategy for the state to regulate various commercial sectors, effectively linking most business and agricultural activities to war industries. By redirecting the focus of various vested interests towards conflict, it suggested that those with diverse family interests would abandon their previous stances and clamor for the state to go to war, knowing that once war commenced, they could profit from selling grain and military supplies.

However, Ning Yi had merely remarked, somewhat casually, “To truly implement these ideas would take one or two years, and intentionally balancing the commercial chain is an extremely complex operation. Given that war is imminent this year, I estimate it won’t be applicable.” He had spoken in a joking manner at the time; that young man always offered many thought-provoking ideas. Indeed, as he had predicted, this particular method was no longer feasible at this juncture. Nevertheless, the pamphlet still offered a few subtle techniques that Qin Siyuan had successfully applied to the mobilization of various military supplies, yielding positive results.

Recalling Ning Yi, Qin Siyuan subtly compared the young man with the students seated before him as he spoke, though a definitive conclusion was, naturally, difficult to draw immediately. As they chatted, the gatekeeper suddenly rushed in, breathless, to announce the arrival of Prime Minister Li. Before Qin Siyuan could even respond, Li Gang, courtesy name Wenji, had already entered the front courtyard without formal announcement, seemingly still adjusting his robes.

The Left Prime Minister, Li Gang, now over seventy years old, was gaunt and white-haired, yet his spirit was sharp and his health robust. His gaze was serious, his lips tightly pursed. As he walked, he was already cupping his hands in greeting, “I’ve entered without announcement, Siyuan, please forgive me. The matter is truly urgent. Please look at this document…” He pulled a document from his sleeve. “We must enter the palace immediately.”

The disciples rose to greet Li Gang, who merely waved his hand in acknowledgment. Qin Siyuan took the document, glanced at it, and his expression instantly changed. “How can this be… How many people have seen this document already?”

“I fear it can no longer be suppressed,” Li Gang replied. “The messenger knight’s horse stumbled and was injured, so this urgent dispatch, an 800-li rush, has likely already been seen by many. By now, someone might even be taking Cao Lingrou, the head of the Imperial Observatory, and others into the palace.” He added that Cao Lingrou was a student of Wu Min and one of the less resolute members of the faction advocating for prioritizing internal security.

“Get my robe and hat,” Qin Siyuan instructed, looking towards a spot under the eaves. He then stepped out, urging, “Let’s go quickly.”

On the evening of the Start of Autumn, the Suzhou-Hangzhou region had been struck by an earthquake. Innumerable houses lay in ruins, and casualties were impossible to count immediately. This urgent dispatch had come from Suzhou, indicating that the Grand Canal was likely damaged. That area was known as the most prosperous in the Jiangnan region. As the carriage drove towards the Imperial Palace, Qin Siyuan pondered these details, then something else came to mind, and he murmured, “Hangzhou… Hangzhou…”

The dispatch primarily mentioned Suzhou, but Hangzhou must also have been affected, though its precise situation remained unclear.

Li Gang frowned and asked, “What about Hangzhou?”

Qin Siyuan sighed. “Ah, I just recalled a young friend who happens to be there. If only…” He was thinking of Ning Yi's disaster relief pamphlet, imagining that if Ning Yi could take overall charge in Jiangnan now, perhaps the impact of the disaster could be minimized. Of course, the thought merely flashed through his mind; Ning Yi held no official rank or significant background, making it impossible for him to intervene. Besides, that pamphlet had already been distributed, and the officials in Suzhou and Hangzhou were not all incompetent. For now, they could only rely on those local authorities, while he, on his part, would have to withstand immense pressure from the court.

With the Imperial City drawing near, he cast aside those hypothetical thoughts and began to focus his mind on all the practical problems he was about to face.