The Chang family caravan passed through Bazhou on its way to Shanxi. News traveled quickly near the capital region, and by now, rumors of the political coup had spread throughout the areas surrounding Zhili.

Sushun had been beheaded, while Prince Yi and Prince Zheng, being imperial relatives, were granted the privilege of suicide by receiving white silk. The remaining five among the imperial regents were shown mercy; they lost their official positions but received no severe punishment. Especially notable was the treatment of the imperial son-in-law Jingshou, about whom the imperial edict stated he was “forced by evil persons, thus given extraordinary mercy, with no additional punishment.” As soon as this edict of “innocent release” was issued, rumors immediately circulated that Jingshou was actually Empress Dowager Cixi’s secret agent planted beside Sushun. Not only had he failed to help Sushun, but through his revelations, those who wanted to save Sushun had no opportunity to succeed. While the person himself denied this, and no one could confirm it, Empress Dowager Cixi’s political acumen was increasingly feared following such rumors.

A female regent with her voice shaking heaven had never been good fortune for the nation. Many Confucian scholars recalled how Wu Zetian had usurped the Tang dynasty to establish her Zhou dynasty, and they couldn’t help but feel deeply worried. Another group of scholars well-versed in dynastic history discussed how when Emperor Taizu led troops to destroy the Yehe tribe, the tribal chief had left dying words that even if only one daughter of Yehe remained, she would seek revenge against the Aisin Gioro clan—and Empress Dowager Cixi’s surname was Yehe Nara!

Such coincidences were enough to make people’s hearts tremble. In Beijing, these undercurrents of discussion flowed, especially since Empress Dowager Cixi had even overturned the era name “Qixiang” proposed by the original regents, demanding that the Grand Secretariat create a new one. Such domineering behavior from a woman became a popular topic of private conversation among officials of various departments during their after-dinner gatherings.

Chang Si, the elder, naturally would never know about these secrets concerning only high-ranking court officials. His current worries were only about Gu Pingyuan’s health and how to repay the loan with its exorbitant interest.

As the caravan circled around Wolftooth Mountain and entered Shanxi territory, Chang Si’s heart was in turmoil, not knowing how things were at home. Counting on his fingers, he realized their arrival home would coincide exactly with the loan’s due date. Not daring to delay, when passing through the provincial capital Taiyuan, following Gu Pingyuan’s earlier instructions, he sent Liu Heita with two assistants driving the cart full of “celebration goods” into the city to check market prices. He himself directed his men to drive the salt carts straight home.

This haste proved necessary. Chang Si had originally lived in Taigu County town, but to look after the salt field, he had also acquired a small house near it. However, that house wasn’t valuable; what Chang Si had used as collateral was his old family residence in Taigu County town.

Speaking of this old house, it was truly magnificent. Chang’s ancestors had been wealthy and had spent considerable money building this mansion. Initially, the residence had been shared by the entire Chang clan, but over the decades, as other branches of the family gradually died out or moved away, this enormous compound had entirely passed to Chang Si. His family couldn’t possibly occupy such a large house, so normally they only used two courtyards—one where the old man lived with Liu Heita, and another for the women of the family—while the rest remained sealed.

Many people had coveted this grand mansion, with offers reaching as high as a thousand silver taels not being uncommon, but Chang Si was unwilling to sell his ancestral home, especially since the family had no financial worries requiring such a step. This time was different; Chang Si had no choice but to use the mansion as collateral for a high-interest loan. What surprised him was that in the entire county, besides a man called Chen Laizi, no one else was willing to lend him money. He vaguely felt something suspicious about the situation, but being in a hurry to reach the area beyond the Great Wall, he had no choice but to sign the contract, stipulating three months as the term. By the deadline, the principal and interest had to be repaid in full; otherwise, the old mansion would go to settle the debt.

Now the three months had passed, and as Chang Si drove his cart into Taoye Lane where his home was located, he heard a commotion coming from ahead, mixed with a woman’s crying and shouting. Knowing something was wrong, he cracked his whip, and the salt cart sped quickly toward the direction of the Chang family residence.

The Chang family’s old residence was quite impressive in this lane, with its ornate corner eaves and gate tower. A large crowd of onlookers had gathered in front of it, and several ruffian-looking men were dragging a woman out through the main door. The woman’s hair was disheveled; she struggled and cursed loudly: “Chen Laizi, you scoundrel! You’re seizing property in broad daylight—is there no law anymore?” People recognized her as Mrs. Li, the servant whom Chang Si had hired in recent years to look after his daughter Chang Yu’er when he was away on business. She and Chang Yu’er were extremely close, like mother and daughter.

“Law?” A man wearing black short clothes, with two oily moustaches, sneered and waved the document in his hand, “What I’m holding IS the law! Debts must be repaid—it’s written clearly in this document that if the money isn’t repaid within three months, the house becomes payment for the debt. I, Chen Laizi, have been reasonable. Did I ever come to demand the silver before today? No, right? But now that the due date has arrived, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”

“Come on, move all of Old Chang’s belongings out, drag the people out too—this courtyard no longer belongs to the Chang family!” At Chen Laizi’s command, three or four more men rushed into the courtyard.

But they had barely entered when they jumped back out holding their heads. A young woman had emerged, swinging a door bolt wildly. She reached the entrance and pulled up the woman lying on the ground with one hand, saying in a clear voice: “Mrs. Li, don’t be afraid of them.”

“Well, if it isn’t little sister Yu’er! Last time I saw you was three months ago when I came to your house to make the loan document. These few months have made you even more radiant.” Chen Laizi’s eyes lit up as he shamelessly addressed the beautiful young woman standing before him.

“Stop your nonsense! I don’t know you. If you want to take the house, you’ll have to wait until my father returns. There’s no reason to force your way into a house of women. Neighbors, isn’t this reasonable?” Chang Yu’er turned to address the crowd.

People had long been dissatisfied with Chen Laizi, but as the matter didn’t concern them directly, and Chen Laizi held the loan document, they couldn’t do much about it. Now that Chang Yu’er asked, they responded with a roar of support for the Chang family.

“Hey, what’s this about? Does the debtor suddenly have reason on their side?” Chen Laizi hadn’t expected Chang Yu’er to be so clever, avoiding any discussion of the debt and focusing only on gender propriety, thereby winning the sympathy of the crowd. As the saying goes, “It’s hard to withstand public anger.” In his urgency, Chen Laizi said: “If we’re going by that logic, as long as your father doesn’t return, I can’t take the house. So what if he dies out there and never comes back?”

“You!” Chang Si had been gone for three months without returning, and both Chang Yu’er and Mrs. Li had been worried. Now hearing Chen Laizi’s reckless words, she trembled with anger. Mrs. Li cried out: “You scoundrel! I’ll fight you to the death!” and charged at him.

Caught off guard, Chen Laizi dodged and pushed Mrs. Li. She fell headfirst to the ground, the corner of her forehead splitting open with a large gash, blood covering her face.

“Ah!” Seeing the bloodshed, the crowd became agitated, and Chen Laizi was also startled.

At that moment, Chang Si had arrived with his salt cart, and he witnessed the entire final scene. Even a man made of mud has some integrity, but Chang Si was truly a simple, honest man. Despite his great anger, he didn’t show it on his face, but hurriedly got off the cart and rushed to Mrs. Li’s side.

Chang Yu’er, seeing her father’s return, was both surprised and delighted. Without releasing her grip on Mrs. Li’s hand, tears began to flow uncontrollably. Being a young woman who had been forced to make a scene in public, she worried about her reputation. Combined with her concern for Mrs. Li’s injury, she cried especially bitterly.

Chang Si had no time to comfort his daughter; he first examined Mrs. Li’s injury. Fortunately, although there was much blood, it was only a surface wound and hadn’t affected a vital area.

Chang Si first asked Chang Yu’er to help Mrs. Li inside, then turned to Chen Laizi and cupped his hands in greeting: “Brother Chen, why are you causing trouble at my home?”

When Chang Si appeared, the onlookers anticipated that the drama would continue. Chen Laizi also tensed, but seeing Chang Si travel-worn and worried, not appearing to have raised enough money, and noting that he hadn’t dared to confront him, Chen Laizi felt reassured and smiled: “Chang Si, you just saw, it was your servant who tried to attack me. I dodged, and she hit the ground herself. Everyone witnessed it—you can’t pin this on me.”

Chang Si suppressed his anger, keeping his face taut as he said: “Of course. She stumbled and fell; how could that be blamed on Brother Chen? But you bringing people to cause trouble at my home—that’s not wrongly accusing you, is it?”

“Heh! Chang Si, I didn’t expect you old fellow to be such a rascal!” Chen Laizi raised his voice by eight degrees and took out the document again. “Is this your signature? Is this your thumbprint? What now? Trying to renege? If you can repay the silver now, I’ll take my brothers and leave. Otherwise, I’m taking the house!”

All eyes were on Chang Si, waiting to see how he would respond.

Chang Si was silent for a moment, then said softly: “I don’t have the silver to repay you.”

“Oh.” The crowd sighed collectively, surprised that the Chang family mansion, passed down for generations, would now change ownership. Chen Laizi was so pleased his mouth stretched to his ears, calling out: “Everyone follow me inside!” as he tried to enter.

“Wait!” Chang Si blocked his path.

“Look, Chang Si, don’t misunderstand—even if the county magistrate came, he couldn’t save you. Debts must be repaid, houses must be returned—that’s heaven’s justice and earth’s principle.”

“I’m not saying I won’t pay. But… look at the document in your hand,” Chang Si stared intently at Chen Laizi.

“Hmm, the document? What about it?” Chen Laizi turned the document over but couldn’t see anything unusual.

“Look at the date written there. Isn’t it the fifth day of the eighth month, at the hour of Xu?”

“Yes, correct.”

“Of course it’s correct. You brought the silver to my home at night and signed this high-interest loan contract with me. It was precisely the hour of Xu then, but now it’s just noon, which means there are still at least five hours before you can come to take the house!”

As Chang Si said this in one breath, Chen Laizi was dumbfounded. Looking at the document in his hand and thinking about the time, it was indeed so, but who could have imagined that Chang Si would focus on this detail? Actually, when Chang Si signed the contract and included the exact hour, he had no particular purpose; he had just been cautious in business dealings all his life. Unexpectedly, this habit had now come in handy. According to the document, Chen Laizi couldn’t take possession of the house until the hour of Xu arrived.

The onlookers hadn’t expected Chang Si to have such a move up his sleeve either. Seeing Chen Laizi speechless and unable to respond, they cheered in approval.

After a long moment, Chen Laizi stammered: “E-even… even if there are still a few hours, what can you do in that time?”

“That’s none of your business. Before the hour of Xu, if you dare set foot in my home again, I’ll report you for robbery.” After saying this, Chang Si had his hired men drive the large carts into the compound and firmly shut the gate.

Chen Laizi, feeling he had lost face, shouted at the closed door: “I didn’t expect an old bag of bones like you to be so stubborn. Fine! This master has nothing else to do anyway. I’ll just sit outside for a few hours, and I’ll still take the house when the time comes.” Then he addressed the onlookers: “Anyone who wants to see the show, don’t leave. Watch how I drive Chang Si out later.”

Who had time to keep him company? Besides, everyone sympathized with Chang Si and didn’t want to see Chen Laizi’s despicable behavior, so they all dispersed.

Chang Si entered the house and first carefully examined Mrs. Li’s injury. He brought out medicinal powder that the family kept for wounds and applied it to her wound. Then he asked Chang Yu’er to help Mrs. Li walk around the room a couple of times until she was no longer dizzy, before allowing her to lie down and rest.

After settling Mrs. Li, Chang Yu’er walked to her father’s side. As a young woman who had suffered humiliation, she initially wanted to complain: “Why did you wait until now to return?” But when she looked up and saw her father covered in dust with a weary face, she changed her words: “Father, please sit down. I’ll make some tea.”

“No rush, no rush.” Chang Si’s expression was complex. His daughter had gone inside earlier and hadn’t heard him say he had no money, so she still hoped he had returned with a profit to repay the debt. He truly didn’t know how to begin telling her the truth.

As he was thinking, the hired workers entered the house. Their leader bowed and said: “Boss Chang, we’ve unloaded everything into the back courtyard.”

“Good, good. Thank you for your hard work.” Chang Si nodded and smiled. Seeing that the workers remained standing, he was momentarily confused before realizing: “Look at me, with so many family matters, I’ve become absentminded. I haven’t paid you yet.” He took out his money pouch.

“As agreed, I’ll add ten percent to your pay. But I don’t have any copper coins right now, so I’ll pay you in silver instead. You can find change and divide it amongst yourselves, alright?”

How could that not be good? In the current market, silver was valuable and copper cheap. Everyone else tried to pay in copper coins, but only Chang Si didn’t quibble over such things.

The porters and workers took their silver and left happily. Chang Yu’er came out from the back hall, bringing the brewed tea to her father.

Chang Si had no appetite for tea and looked at his daughter in silence. Chang Yu’er found this strange and asked: “Father, what’s wrong? Did something happen with the business?”

Chang Si didn’t answer. He looked up, glancing around, and pointed at a stone planter in the courtyard: “Yu’er, do you remember when you were five, playing blindfolded hide-and-seek with me in the courtyard? You accidentally hit the corner of the flower pot. Your skin broke, and you bled. You were so scared you burst into tears, afraid it would leave a scar and affect your appearance.”

Chang Yu’er smiled faintly: “Of course I remember. Father picked me up, but the more you tried to comfort me, the harder I cried. Later, you said if it really left a scar, you would cut a piece of your own skin to patch mine.”

Chang Si chuckled: “You were so young then. After I said that, you stopped crying.”

“I was very naughty back then.”

“No wonder. You lost your mother when you were little, and followed me around. I couldn’t teach you women’s work, and I couldn’t leave you alone at home, so I took you with me on mule and horseback to do business. You even learned to ride a horse. Fortunately, these past few years, Mrs. Li has been here to help, and I’ve felt at ease about matters at home.”

Chang Yu’er grew increasingly puzzled. Her father had rushed back from thousands of miles away, yet upon sitting down, he spoke only of trivial matters. Being filial, she didn’t want to interrupt, but her face clearly showed confusion.

Chang Si asked: “Where are Little Li and Little Wu?”

He was asking about two workers from the salt field. Large salt fields required managers, foremen, accountants, and more than ten workers. Chang Si’s salt field wasn’t big; he handled multiple roles himself, and with his adopted son helping at the salt field, he only needed to hire two additional people.

This time, it was Chang Yu’er’s turn to be silent. Chang Si pressed: “What’s wrong? Has something happened at the salt field?”

“Nothing like that, but rumors are rampant that father’s salt field can no longer operate. Little Li resigned, and Little Wu said a few days ago that he needed to go home to take care of family matters, so he probably won’t be coming back either. The salt field is now closed and operation has stopped.” Chang Yu’er looked at her father, her eyes showing concern that he might become anxious.

Contrary to Chang Yu’er’s expectations, Chang Si only sighed without saying much. He stood up, walked back and forth with his hands behind his back, then sat down again, lit his water pipe, and began to smoke.

Because Chang Yu’er had grown up without a mother’s care, her character had developed a certain resilience and strength. Out of concern that her father had no one to look after him, despite many people admiring her beauty and sending matchmakers to propose marriage, she had refused them all. Now, already past nineteen and approaching twenty, she remained unmarried. Young women of this age are often sensitive, and seeing her father speak hesitatingly, her first thought was about her own marriage.

“Could it be that father arranged my marriage during this trip?” Connecting this to her father’s earlier reminiscence about her childhood, that sense of reluctance to part made Chang Yu’er more convinced of her assumption. All that remained was to determine who “the other party” was. Chang Yu’er knew her father’s temperament well—if he didn’t want to speak, you could talk until your lips wore out without getting a single word from him. So she could only wait.

While Chang Yu’er was lost in her thoughts, Chang Si was also making calculations. Father and daughter had indeed arrived at the same topic—he too was thinking about his daughter’s marriage.

Chang Si was thinking that he had originally hoped to ask Chen Laizi for a few more days to gather the money, but judging by his behavior earlier, it was clear he wouldn’t rest until he had the house. If that was the case, the family would have nowhere to sleep tonight. He himself was old and could stay anywhere, but his daughter was in the prime of her youth—how could he let her suffer like this? After much consideration, he concluded that marrying his daughter off soon would be best. Ah, last year, Old Du, the shopkeeper of the “Victory” general store, had sent someone to propose marriage for his son. Chang Si knew that family well; they were honest and kind, and Old Du’s son was a fine young man. If only he hadn’t indulged his daughter’s wishes and had accepted that proposal back then! Now he would have to consider other families.

Chang Yu’er and Chang Si were each lost in their own thoughts. Although both were thinking about marriage, one was concerned about the present, while the other was thinking about the next step. Both wore strange expressions on their faces.

Seeing her father’s expression, Chang Yu’er became increasingly anxious, though as a young woman, she couldn’t possibly bring herself to ask about such matters. Fortunately, Chang Si finally spoke: “Yu’er, go pack up your things.”

With these words, Chang Yu’er’s heart nearly leapt out of her chest. Pack up? Could this marriage be so urgent? But no matter how urgent, she should at least be told what kind of family it was, and her opinion should be asked. Chang Yu’er was so anxious she almost ran to her room to wake the sleeping Mrs. Li and ask her to inquire clearly from her father.

“Just pack the important things. You know where my account books are kept; gather those as well. For the bulkier items, I’ll find people to move them later.”

This didn’t make sense—there was no reason to take family account books as part of a dowry. Chang Yu’er realized she must have misunderstood and boldly asked: “Father, why do we need to pack?”

“Ah, Yu’er, your father is useless. This time I brought back only government salt but no money to repay the high-interest loan. It seems this residence will belong to Chen Laizi after tonight.”

“Ah!” Chang Yu’er was greatly shocked. She had thought that everything would be fine once her father returned, but unexpectedly, while the salt field might be saved, their home was lost. Chang Yu’er was too upset to speak. Thinking about how much more bitter her father must feel, she stepped forward, knelt down, hugged her father’s legs, and began to sob.

Chang Si was also overcome with emotion. He had grown up in this residence, married and had a daughter here, and raised his daughter in this place. Every pillar and stone was difficult to part with. Sometimes he had illusions that his wife was still alive in this large compound, managing household affairs, just hidden somewhere in the many rooms and deep courtyards. At this thought, he covered his face with one large hand, and two streams of tears flowed through his fingers.

“Father, don’t be sad. We still have the salt field, right? It can’t be a bad harvest every year. We’ll be frugal from now on, save enough money, and then redeem the house.” Seeing her father grieving, Chang Yu’er stopped her own tears first, wrung out a hot towel, and handed it to her father to wipe his tears. Chang Si nodded silently.

“By the way, Father, where is Big Brother?” She was referring to Liu Heita. Although he was an adopted son, he was only one year older than Chang Yu’er. Having grown up together, Chang Yu’er always called Liu Heita “Big Brother.”

“He went to Taiyuan city to sell goods.”

“Goods? What goods do we have?” Chang Yu’er was puzzled.

Chang Si was about to answer when he suddenly remembered something and exclaimed: “Oh no!” He immediately rushed toward the back courtyard.

Not knowing what was happening, Chang Yu’er followed him. She saw her father looking around and hurrying toward the corridor. She followed him there and was startled by what she saw.

Under the corridor lay an unfamiliar young man with his eyes tightly closed, thick bedding beneath him, and a large quilt covering him.

“Who is this?” Chang Yu’er blurted out.

“Don’t ask now. Come, help me carry him to the guest room.” As he spoke, Chang Si wrapped the upper half of Gu Pingyuan’s body with the bedding and lifted.

“Me?” Chang Yu’er’s face instantly turned red. She silently reproached her father for being confused—how could a young woman like herself help carry an unfamiliar man?

“Hurry!” Chang Si urged. “This is our family’s great benefactor. Without him, you wouldn’t have seen your father again.”

Hearing this, Chang Yu’er didn’t hesitate any longer. Imitating her father, she wrapped Gu Pingyuan’s feet with the quilt, pulled upward with all her strength, and together with Chang Si, carried Gu Pingyuan into the room.

After carrying him, Chang Yu’er nearly collapsed from weak knees. The reason was simple: although the Chang family wasn’t from a scholarly background, they strictly observed proper conduct. Chang Yu’er had known the principle of “men and women should not touch in passing objects” since childhood. Even when exchanging items with her “big brother,” she was careful never to touch his skin. Now she had actually helped carry a man, and although there was a layer of cotton bedding between them, that masculine scent wafting toward her still made her heart race—half from embarrassment, half from a feeling she couldn’t quite name.

Chang Si couldn’t understand his daughter’s feelings, assuming she was just physically tired, and said: “You rest a bit. I’ll go boil some water for him to drink.”

This was Chang Yu’er’s first time alone in a room with a strange man. The only consolation was that he was unconscious; otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how to behave. She hesitated, stepped forward, and examined his features, finding that this man didn’t resemble the rough men of the north but rather appeared to be a refined, cultured scholar.

“Father said this man is his lifesaver. Could Father have encountered some danger while away?” At this thought, she grew worried again.

Fortunately, Chang Si soon returned with a bowl of water, carefully helping Gu Pingyuan drink it. Chang Yu’er finally had a chance to ask: “Who exactly is this person? How did he save your life?”

Chang Si kept his explanation brief, recounting how he had met Gu Pingyuan, how he had devised a plan to escape safely from beyond the Great Wall, and how Gu Pingyuan had suddenly fallen seriously ill. Hearing that her father had been forced to contemplate jumping into the sea beyond the Great Wall, Chang Yu’er was heartbroken. Turning back to look at Gu Pingyuan with tears in her eyes, she naturally felt immense gratitude.

“But Father, since you used this Brother Gu’s plan, perhaps Big Brother can sell the goods for a good price. Then our ancestral home might still have hope, right?” Chang Yu’er suddenly thought of this and asked.

“It’s not that simple.” Chang Si smiled bitterly. “I parted ways with Heita outside Taiyuan city and then rushed back here. He went to sell the goods, but even if sales go smoothly, it would take at least three to five days to clear everything, and Chen Laizi wouldn’t wait for us. Besides, goods purchased for thirty taels of silver might at best earn a profit of ten taels, and even if we split the profits, sixty taels wouldn’t be enough to repay the thirty percent interest owed to Chen Laizi—it’s truly a drop in the bucket. Daughter, don’t think about it anymore.”

Chang Si’s words extinguished the small hope that had just risen in Chang Yu’er’s heart. She knew that leaving home was now inevitable; all she could do was pack essential items and follow her father to find another place to stay.

They already had a place to stay—Chang Si still owned a small house by the salt field. Though simple, it could be tidied up to make a home.

Mrs. Li had regained consciousness, and upon learning the family was moving, refused to rest any longer, insisting on getting up to help. They busied themselves packing boxes until lantern-lighting time, when most things had been packed. According to Chang Si’s thinking, there was no point in waiting until the hour of Xu, as by then it would be too late to hire carts and workers. Fighting this battle of wills with Chen Laizi would only inconvenience themselves—why suffer needlessly? Since they would have to give up the house eventually, they might as well leave a few hours earlier.

So Chang Si opened the main gate of the residence and walked out. At a glance, he saw Chen Laizi and his gang gathered under a tree not far away.

Chen Laizi had just ordered someone to buy several roast chickens and a bottle of liquor, and was feasting and drinking with his lackeys, picking his teeth with a toothpick as he ate. Seeing Chang Si emerge, Chen Laizi gave his subordinates a look, and the group sauntered over. Chen Laizi smirked: “What’s this, Chang Si? Feeling stifled inside? Came out for a breath of air? I advise you to go back in—in a little while, this house won’t be yours anymore, so take a good long look while you can.” After saying this, he and his men burst into raucous laughter.

Chang Si ignored them and cupped his hands in greeting: “Since I signed the document, there’s no reason to go back on my word. We’ve already packed our things. I’m going to hire a cart to load everything up and leave.”

“Wait!” Chen Laizi’s face showed his scoundrel nature. “You want to leave now? I, Chen, don’t agree.”

Chang Si frowned, not knowing what new trick he was planning.

“You say your things are all packed up—that won’t do. You need to open everything and let us see. The document states the entire mansion belongs to me. What if you’re taking bricks and tiles away? Wouldn’t I be losing out?” Chen Laizi stared at Chang Si.

Truly petty people are difficult to deal with. This was clearly revenge for Chang Si’s earlier threat to “report him for robbery,” making him lose face in public. It seemed Chen Laizi had discussed it with his men and devised this method to trouble the Chang family.

The boxes had been packed all afternoon. Opening and inspecting them now, then repacking everything, would be time-consuming and laborious. Moreover, Chang Yu’er’s boxes contained many feminine items—how could they allow these ruffians to search through them? Chang Si was so angry he clenched his teeth, and after a long moment finally said: “Chen Laizi, don’t push people too far!”

“So what if I bully you? Go ask around—within ten miles, who dares say ‘no’ to me? If you weren’t an old fellow with this mansion, even if you kowtowed three times to me on the street, I wouldn’t deign to look at you. Let me tell you, today your boxes will be checked whether you like it or not. Otherwise, see which cart driver dares to help you. Once past the hour of Xu, everything in this house becomes mine, and you won’t be able to take anything away.”

Chang Si hadn’t expected Chen Laizi to be so unreasonable and bullying. He angrily said: “My own possessions, of course I can take them. If you don’t allow it, I’ll report you to the authorities.”

“Go ahead. Last year I fought twelve lawsuits and never lost one.” Chen Laizi looked askance, speaking unhurriedly, obviously due to his use of silver bribes.

Chang Si was furious but helpless. He turned and walked back toward the house, attempting to close the door behind him, but Chen Laizi grabbed it with one hand.

“Why close the door? Is your daughter bathing inside? Let our brothers have a look—what’s the harm?”

The language was vulgar and insulting to his daughter. Chang Si could no longer endure it and pushed Chen Laizi with one hand. In his younger days when he traveled as an independent merchant, he had learned martial arts for self-defense, practicing with stone locks and weights. Though older now, his strength hadn’t diminished.

This push was no small matter. Chen Laizi staggered back three steps and fell on his backside, grimacing in pain.

“Well! You old dog dare to use force on me.” Humiliated and enraged, Chen Laizi grabbed a stick from one of his men and charged at Chang Si.

Suddenly, everyone’s vision blurred, followed by a series of crashing sounds. Chen Laizi was thrown more than ten feet, his body colliding with a wooden rack holding flower pots in the corner, toppling the rack and shattering pots everywhere.

It was no light fall. His men rushed over to help him up, taking several attempts to get him to his feet. Chen Laizi cried in pain: “Ow, slowly, slowly! I’m hurt badly. Who the hell did this?”

Before he finished speaking, a figure flashed by and slapped Chen Laizi’s face, causing him to spin three times on the spot.

The person striking him said while hitting: “I’ll kill you for cursing my mother!”

Others hadn’t seen clearly, but Chang Si had already recognized that the attacker was his adopted son, Liu Heita. When Chen Laizi had charged forward, Liu Heita had caught up from behind, grabbed him by the collar, and thrown him. Orphaned at a young age, Liu Heita couldn’t tolerate anyone cursing his mother, and Chen Laizi’s “damn it” had violated Liu Heita’s biggest taboo.

Chang Si knew his adopted son’s temperament best. Seeing him wind up for another blow, and fearing his strength might seriously injure Chen Laizi, he hurried over and grabbed him.

“Heita, stop!”

Liu Heita listened to no one except his father and Chang Yu’er. Seeing it was his father asking him to stop, he reluctantly lowered his hand, pointing at Chen Laizi and saying: “Bastard, if you dare spew filth from your mouth again, I’ll knock all your teeth out.”

Chen Laizi had already scurried away with his head tucked between his shoulders. He knew Liu Heita was a renowned tough man, and his few subordinates were no match. Seeing Chang Si restraining Liu Heita, he regained some confidence and shouted: “Liu Heizi, you dare hit me! Fine, we’ll settle this account later. Now all of you get out—I’m taking possession of the house!”

“Take the house? Heh! Dream on!” Liu Heita snarled viciously, taking out a package of silver from his travel pouch and slamming it on the ground. “I’m paying the debt—hurry up and count it.”

This unexpected turn surprised everyone present. Chen Laizi’s face showed disbelief as he approached, opened the package, and saw newly-cast silver bars, fifty taels each, six in total, laid out gleaming white, a sight to make one’s heart ache with desire.

“Three hundred taels of silver—enough to repay you, right?” Liu Heita stood with hands on his hips, triumphantly.

At this moment, joy descended from heaven for Chang Si. Chang Yu’er also came out from behind the door, her large eyes fixed unblinkingly on Liu Heita, her face showing pure delight.

“You… you… you pauper, where did you get three hundred taels of silver?” Chen Laizi’s plans completely disrupted, he stood there at a loss.

“Eat your radish and mind your own business—you’re poking your nose into too many affairs. Take the silver and get out quick! Otherwise, I’ll twist all your heads off.” Liu Heita glared and stepped forward.

Chen Laizi backed away in fear: “Fine, fine, you win.” He glanced at the Chang family residence, a vicious look flashing in his eyes. He gritted his teeth, picked up the silver, and signaled his accomplices to leave.

“Wait,” Chang Yu’er quickly called out. “You can only take two hundred and twenty-four taels, and you must return the loan document to my father.”

“Sister thinks of everything—almost let that bastard take advantage of us.” Back inside the house, Liu Heita rubbed the back of his head and grinned.

“You didn’t see how the neighbors spat at Chen Laizi as he left—that was satisfying,” Chang Yu’er smiled, her earlier sadness completely gone, the whole household now filled with joy.

“Spat at him? That’s nothing. One of these days, I’ll corner him in an alley and give him a sound thrashing.”

Chang Si’s eyes were also filled with irrepressible joy, but he advised: “Let it go—let’s not court trouble. But Heita, where did this silver come from? Did you borrow money from a bank in Taiyuan?”

“Ha, Father, you’re confused. I have no land deeds or house deeds—who would lend me money?”

“True, true, then where did it…”

“It’s from selling all those goods!”

“All sold? So quickly? Sold for three hundred taels?” Chang Si widened his eyes in disbelief, repeatedly questioning.

“That’s right.” Liu Heita sat on a side chair in the hall, slapping his thigh, his face showing the expression of one whose task had gone unexpectedly smoothly.

“Father, you can’t imagine. I drove the cart to Taiyuan’s largest market, and as soon as I unveiled the canopy, merchants swarmed around me. The scene was like a robbery about to happen—it even startled me.”

Chang Yu’er at the side burst out laughing.

“Sister, what are you laughing at?”

“I’m laughing because Big Brother usually fears nothing on earth, yet this made you startled—I can imagine the scene.”

“That’s right! I saw things weren’t good and quickly protected the cart. Those people were passing silver to me like madmen. I hadn’t even had time to accept it when they all left.”

“Why did they leave?” Although he knew the matter was over and the silver secured, the dramatic turn of events concerned him greatly, and Chang Si couldn’t help but feel anxious.

“Officials from the Provincial Commissioner’s office arrived and dispersed the crowd with whips. The procurement officer from the Commissioner’s office offered me fifty taels of silver upfront for the entire cartload. Goodness—a profit of twenty taels in an instant! I was about to agree.”

“Big Brother, didn’t you bring back three hundred taels?” Chang Yu’er asked.

“Yu’er, don’t be impatient—let me finish.” Liu Heita smiled proudly. “Fortunately, I delayed my answer. Shortly after, people from the Governor’s office also arrived, wanting to buy my goods, offering a price of one hundred taels. A while later, the Military Commander’s office sent people who also wanted to buy. At this point, I was no longer in a hurry. While they argued amongst themselves, I made inquiries and learned that the young Emperor Tongzhi was to hold his formal coronation ceremony in a few days. Taiyuan’s merchants had originally prepared celebratory items for the occasion, ready to sell to various government offices. But recently, a major incident in Beijing—reportedly involving the execution of several treacherous officials—had caused widespread anxiety. Everyone said the coronation ceremony would surely be postponed until after the New Year, so merchants had sold their stock to small households for weddings, beam-raising ceremonies, house-movings, and business openings. Unexpectedly, Beijing hadn’t changed the date at all. Now all the government offices were caught off guard. Think about it—for the Emperor’s coronation, if the lamps at government offices are still white and the candles plain, who could bear the responsibility? So they dispatched people to procure ‘celebratory items,’ but such things are never stocked in large quantities. The recent sales had emptied inventories, and merchants hadn’t restocked yet, leaving procurement officers extremely anxious. As luck would have it, I arrived in Taiyuan with a cart full of goods at that very moment.”

“That truly was a case of rare goods commanding high prices!” Chang Si murmured.

“Exactly! Hearing this, I stood on the cart and told them to bid against each other—whoever offered the highest price would get the goods. In the end, the Governor’s office had the most money, raising the price to three hundred taels. The other two procurement officers didn’t dare make decisions on their own and needed to go back for instructions. I thought, forget it, I don’t have time to wait for you, and accepted the three hundred taels, selling to the Governor’s office. So there you have it—goods sold, money in hand.”

“You handled this well. But Heita, you should know, if you had been patient and waited for the other two procurement officers to return, you could have gotten even a thousand taels.” Chang Si remarked with some regret.

“A thousand taels? Impossible. Three hundred already seemed like an astronomical price to me.” Liu Heita blinked.

“This cartload of goods affected the official hats of several high officials. If they were charged with the crime of ‘great disrespect,’ they would all lose their positions, so…” Chang Si had made himself quite clear—the key was who the goods were sold to and whether they went to the right place. For the sake of their official caps, what was a thousand taels?

“Father, if Big Brother hadn’t sold the goods quickly and rushed back, we would all be homeless now. I think Big Brother handled this perfectly.” Chang Yu’er disagreed with her father’s assessment.

Chang Yu’er’s words reminded Chang Si, who nodded repeatedly: “Look at me, truly confused, thinking only about profit. Yu’er is right—Heita has performed a great service.”

After speaking, Chang Si paused, slowly stood up, and glanced toward the back room. Then he sat down again, lowered his head, first shaking it, then nodding, deep in thought.

Chang Yu’er and Liu Heita exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why Chang Si seemed so preoccupied when everything had turned out so well.

“Father, what’s wrong?” Chang Yu’er stepped closer and asked gently.

“Sigh, I was thinking that we owe everything to Brother Gu. Without him, I would have died beyond the Great Wall, the caravan would never have entered the pass, and our ancestral home would have been lost. He truly is our family’s great benefactor.”

Chang Yu’er nodded silently, while Liu Heita eagerly asked: “That’s right! I was too excited and forgot—how is Brother Gu? Is his illness better?”

Chang Si shook his head and continued: “What you just described matches exactly what this young Brother Gu predicted. This young man is truly remarkable—while still a thousand miles away, he could successfully execute business in Taiyuan. Truly heaven-sent talent. But unfortunately, I fear he won’t survive this crisis.”

“Father, I think we must save him no matter what. As humans, we should show gratitude. Even for strangers, we can’t ignore someone in danger, let alone our family’s great benefactor.” Chang Yu’er gently suggested.

“That’s my thinking too,” Liu Heita said without hesitation.

Chang Si was deeply gratified: “To say such words—you are truly the good children of the Chang family. I’ve already thought about it. Within a hundred miles, only Doctor Li of Double Yang Ravine on Chicken Drum Mountain has the highest medical skill, known for his miraculous cures. However, he’s famous for not making house calls—he only sees patients who come to him. But Brother Gu’s illness really can’t withstand the journey. Heita, can you make a trip to see if you can persuade Doctor Li to make a house call? If not, I’ll prepare a cart to take Brother Gu there.”

“Certainly!” Liu Heita agreed without hesitation and turned to leave.

“Big Brother,” Chang Yu’er called after him, “don’t go empty-handed—take the four ceremonial gifts.” She also wrapped several multi-grain steamed buns from the kitchen. “You haven’t eaten since returning from your journey, right? Take these to eat on the way.”

“Hehe, thank you, Sister. You’re always so thoughtful.” Liu Heita took the buns and immediately stuffed one into his mouth, speaking indistinctly.

Chang Yu’er felt both annoyed and amused: “Be careful not to choke.”

Chen Laizi didn’t go home. After dismissing his followers, he turned into a small alley beside the arch at the east gate of the county town. This was the back alley of Sitang Avenue, the most prosperous street in all of Taigu County. After several twists and turns, he arrived at the back door of a shop. Checking that no one was around, he knocked lightly. Shortly after, the door opened, and he slipped in like a catfish.

The person who opened the door was a young shop assistant. Chen Laizi recognized him and immediately asked: “Where is Manager Wang?”

“Enjoying himself in the back room.”

“Take me to him. Never mind, I’ll go myself.” With that, Chen Laizi headed toward the back room. The assistant tried to stop him but thought better of it, secured the door, and returned to the shop front.

Chen Laizi arrived at the back room and saw the doors and windows tightly shut. He knew Manager Wang was surely inside, enveloped in opium smoke. He swallowed involuntarily, thinking: “I’m doing all the work outside, while this old fellow enjoys himself. If we could switch places, damn it, even if offered immortality, I wouldn’t take it.”

He considered knocking but feared disturbing Manager Wang, so he wrung his hands outside. Making some noise, an elderly voice inquired from inside: “Who’s out there?”

Chen Laizi put on a smile: “Manager Wang, it’s me, Chen Yousan.”

Silence fell inside for a moment before the old man spoke: “Let him in.”

“Yes,” a woman’s voice replied, and then the door creaked open. A mixture of opium smoke and the scent of a woman’s powder rushed out, leaving Chen Laizi dazed.

The woman was voluptuous and seductively charming. She gave Chen Laizi a provocative glance, swayed back into the room, and reclined against a couch. Across a smoking table, she helped an old man prepare his opium pipe.

Chen Laizi knew she was the favored concubine of Wang Tiangui, the chief manager of “Taiyufeng,” the largest bank in Taigu County. Named Ruyi, she had previously been the top courtesan at Spring Fragrance Hall on Donkey Driver Street, commanding a high price. Reportedly, Manager Wang had spent a full fifteen hundred taels of silver to redeem her. Chen Laizi stared at Ruyi as he slowly edged into the room.

Once inside, he immediately shifted his gaze to the thin old man smoking on the couch—someone he dared not offend in the slightest. Everyone in the county knew that for the past ten years, the first task of any newly appointed Taigu County Magistrate was not to hear cases or collect taxes, but to send a calling card to Taiyufeng to pay respects to Manager Wang. Only by doing so could their tenure be peaceful and worry-free.

“Didn’t I tell you not to come looking for me at the shop? You’re a moneylender—if others see you, it will affect Taiyufeng’s reputation.” Manager Wang was clearly displeased.

“Yes, yes,” Chen Laizi agreed verbally, but cursed inwardly: “Damn it, the capital for my moneylending comes from you, and you take the lion’s share of the interest. Truly wanting to be both a whore and maintain a respectable front.”

But he had no time to dwell on this and quickly said: “Manager Wang, that matter has failed.”

“What matter?”

“The Chang family residence.”

“Hmm?” Manager Wang set down his jade-mouthed, gold-inlaid opium pipe and sat up slightly. Ruyi immediately placed a pillow behind his back. Wang glanced at her, clearly satisfied with her attentiveness. But then his face darkened as he asked: “Didn’t you just send someone to say that Chang Si’s residence was definitely secured? How has it now fallen through?”

“Yes, but the old fellow’s adopted son, Liu Heita, returned, seemingly having gathered three hundred taels of silver from somewhere, and actually repaid the debt.”

“Preposterous!” Manager Wang slammed the table, showing his anger. “I had already notified all businesses, large and small, in the area not to lend money to the Chang family. Who is so bold as to go against me, Wang Tiangui?”

“This… your servant doesn’t know.” Chen Laizi bowed his head submissively.

“Why are you so angry?” Ruyi reached across the smoking table with a snow-white arm to embrace Manager Wang. “If you really want the Chang family residence, just buy it outright. At most it’s a thousand taels of silver—is that worth getting angry over? Don’t harm your health.”

“You don’t understand,” though Manager Wang’s expression softened, his tone remained sharp. “I am a businessman, pursuing profit from my capital. Something I could acquire for one tael of silver, I would never spend one tael and one qian on.”

Then, turning to Chen Laizi, he ordered: “Go, investigate where the Chang family’s silver came from, whether the source is legitimate. Hmph, if I catch anything improper…” His face showed a cold, sinister expression.

“Your servant understands.” Chen Laizi comprehended perfectly. Seeing Ruyi’s arm still around Manager Wang, he tactfully retreated.

Chang Si asked Yu’er to brew medicine for Gu Pingyuan, and because of Mrs. Li’s injury, suggested she go home to rest for a few days. But Mrs. Li refused, saying that with no one else at home, she would only be idle there, and preferred to help at the Chang house.

According to Chang Si’s calculations, the journey from Double Yang Ravine to Taigu County town would take half a day each way. Liu Heita had gone to invite Doctor Li and should return by sunset the next day, even if unsuccessful. But after a full day, Liu Heita hadn’t returned. A third day passed with still no sign of him.

Now Chang Si grew anxious—surely he should have returned by now. Could he have met with an accident on the road?

That night, Chang Si wanted to go search for him, but Chang Yu’er and Mrs. Li absolutely refused to let him. If something happened to the old master in the middle of the night in pitch darkness, the two women alone at home would truly have nowhere to turn for help.

Though dissuaded from going, Chang Si voiced one concern: “I’m not afraid of anything else, just worried that Chen Laizi might have caused trouble for Heita.”

“With Big Brother’s skills, Chen Laizi’s men couldn’t get near him.”

“I know that, but while an open attack is easy to dodge, a hidden arrow is hard to guard against.”

With just that one remark, Chang Yu’er also became worried. She barely slept all night, constantly thinking she heard someone at the door, but it was always her imagination. As dawn broke, someone really did come knocking, with a continuous “bang, bang, bang” on the Chang family’s main gate, a sound that seemed to cry out: “Trouble! Trouble!”

The three Chang household members, none having slept soundly, all anxiously rose and came to the courtyard upon hearing the knocking, exchanging glances. Chang Si, wearing his clothes over his shoulders, approached the door and asked: “Who is it?”

“Is this the Chang household? Open up, open up!”

The voice was unfamiliar, and its urgent tone made Chang Si instinctively unlatch the door and push it outward. Standing there was a middle-aged man in a blue gown who, upon seeing Chang Si emerge, glared at him disapprovingly.

Chang Si was taken aback—who was this person? I don’t know him, why does he seem so displeased with me? Then he saw the middle-aged man turn around, revealing a mule cart behind him with curtains hanging from the carriage. The man bowed toward the cart: “Uncle, we’ve arrived at the Chang house.”

“Mm.” The curtain lifted, and an elderly man emerged—tall and thin, neatly dressed and energetic, with a pipe in hand that he was puffing continuously. The middle-aged man quickly went forward to help the elder down. Standing on the ground, the old man used his pipe stem to lift the carriage curtain, pointed inside, and said to Chang Si: “Look, is this your family member?”

Chang Si stretched his neck to look and cried out in alarm: “Heita!” Liu Heita lay motionless in the carriage with his eyes tightly closed. Being tall, his body couldn’t fit entirely in the carriage, with his feet still hanging outside.

“This… this is my adopted son. What happened to him?” Chang Si asked urgently, stepping forward to examine the carriage more closely. Chang Yu’er and Mrs. Li, having heard from inside the courtyard but unable to come out due to the presence of strangers despite their concern, remained inside.

“It’s nothing, nothing,” the elderly man said calmly. “He’s merely suffering from extreme depletion—pulse weak at the upper position and deficient at the lower position, what we call severe deficiency.”

Chang Si heard every word clearly but understood nothing. He looked questioningly at the middle-aged man beside him, who replied irritably: “This man has fainted from hunger and exhaustion. It’s nothing serious—just feed him a bowl of noodle soup and he’ll be fine.”

Chang Si was even more puzzled. How could his perfectly healthy adopted son have fainted from hunger outside? Thinking this wasn’t the right moment for questions, he first asked the visitors’ names. He bowed to the elderly man: “May I ask your honorable name, sir?”

“Hehe.” The elderly man was quite polite. “This old man is Li Hongming, from Double Yang Ravine.”

“Doctor Li? You are Doctor Li?” Chang Si was startled, realizing that Liu Heita had indeed brought the famous doctor. He just couldn’t understand why his son had ended up in such a state. But there was no time for detailed inquiries—hospitality came first—so he quickly invited Doctor Li inside.

The middle-aged man snorted, and Doctor Li scolded him: “Third, don’t be rude! Since we’ve come, how can we not enter?”

Chang Si ushered Doctor Li into the main hall and asked Mrs. Li to cook some meatball porridge for Liu Heita. The quick-witted Chang Yu’er had already prepared fragrant tea and served it.

Now Chang Si could finally ask: “Doctor Li, your prestigious visit is truly appreciated. But how did my adopted son become…”

“How did he become what?” The middle-aged man interrupted, his face still indignant. “Ask that big black fellow! Who behaves so unreasonably? My uncle’s rule against making house calls has stood for twenty years, but this man came to our door, knelt for two days and two nights, forcing my uncle to make a house call. Isn’t that bullying?”

“Oh my!” Chang Si finally understood. Apparently, Liu Heita’s stubbornness had surfaced again. What should have been a request for a doctor had apparently turned into an accusation. He immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Doctor Li with the utmost respect: “My adopted son is a crude man who doesn’t understand proper etiquette. He must have been desperate and behaved disgracefully. When he wakes up, I will punish him severely.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Doctor Li waved his hand. “I asked your son what family member was ill, and he told me it was someone unrelated by blood or marriage. Yet for such a person, he actually knelt for two days and two nights without food or sleep. Encountering someone like your son, even this old man’s iron rule had to be broken.”

Chang Si never dreamed Doctor Li would say such things. He was both surprised and delighted, wringing his hands, not knowing what to do. Chang Yu’er was also infinitely pleased, with many words of praise that made Doctor Li laugh heartily.

“Well then, let me see the patient.” Doctor Li rose, and Chang Si quickly led the way to the back wing room.

Arriving in the room, Doctor Li first carefully took Gu Pingyuan’s pulse, then asked in detail about his condition since falling ill, after which he fell into silent contemplation. Chang Si and Chang Yu’er dared not disturb him and stood waiting nearby.

“Did the patient eat anything unusual before falling ill?” Doctor Li asked further.

“His last meal was with me. Nothing special—just a pot of wine and two simple home-cooked dishes,” Chang Si recalled.

“That’s strange.” Doctor Li stroked his beard, frowning as he looked at Gu Pingyuan.

“Is it not wind-cold?”

“Wind-cold is merely the surface symptom. Inside, he’s been poisoned.”

“Poisoned?” Chang Si exclaimed.

“Yes, and with a very strange poison. Tell me again, what did the patient do before this?”

Chang Si had originally not wanted to reveal Gu Pingyuan’s background, but now he couldn’t worry about that. He recounted everything about Gu Pingyuan since they’d met. When he described how Gu Pingyuan had hidden in the water to secretly enter through the pass, Doctor Li, who had been listening with closed eyes, suddenly opened them, grabbed Gu Pingyuan’s wrist to check his pulse again, and after a while, released his hand, leaned back, and exhaled heavily: “So that’s it.”

“Doctor, what kind of poison has he been afflicted with?” Chang Yu’er asked.

“It’s fire poison!” Doctor Li looked up at Chang Si and Yu’er. “Salt contains fire poison. He was immersed in concentrated salt water too long, allowing the fire poison to seep into his body through the pores. This alone wouldn’t have been serious, but then he drank wine and caught wind-cold. Most critically, acute pain attacked his heart, intensifying the heart fire. With internal and external pressures converging, this fire poison was forced out. Previous doctors only saw the wind-cold symptoms and thought it was cold qi invading the body with impure qi, so they prescribed ascending medicines like rhubarb and bupleurum. The wind-cold was cured, but the fire poison was actually provoked, becoming increasingly severe.”

“That’s right!” Chang Si clapped his hands together. “I reminded him before that salt water can be harsh and told him to buy a jar of fish skin glue to apply on his body. But he didn’t bring any, and I forgot about it. If he had applied the fish skin glue, it would have been better.”

“Indeed, that folk remedy can prevent salt fire poison. It’s a pity it wasn’t used, otherwise he wouldn’t have become so seriously ill,” Doctor Li nodded.

The two didn’t know that Gu Pingyuan had actually prepared fish skin glue but, due to unexpected circumstances, hadn’t been able to bring it with him.

“How is Brother Gu now?”

“Alas, his pulse shows taut yang movement and slight yin cold, excess above and deficiency below, unable to restore itself. This fire poison has been suppressed for too long, lingering in his chest and abdomen, truly dangerous.”

“Please, Doctor Li, work your miraculous healing. Whatever medicine is needed, I’ll obtain it immediately.” Chang Si bowed again.

Doctor Li stepped aside without accepting the bow and said: “Now we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate. Don’t worry, this old man will prescribe with full sincerity. You get the medicine, feed it to him on schedule, and we’ll know the outcome within three days.”

“Yes, yes.” Chang Si brought brush and ink, asking Doctor Li to write the prescription. After writing it, Doctor Li glanced at Chang Yu’er standing nearby and said to Chang Si: “You go get the medicine. I’ll sit here a while and check his pulse again later.”

“Thank you for your trouble. Yu’er, help me attend to the doctor. I’ll return shortly.” With that, Chang Si hurried away.

After Chang Si left, Doctor Li addressed the middle-aged man standing nearby: “Third, as we arrived, I heard the left wheel creaking. Go check it—we don’t want to overturn on our way back.”

“Uncle, that wheel was just replaced. There’s nothing wrong with it.”

“When I tell you to go, go! Don’t argue!”

The middle-aged man dared not talk back and left as ordered. Doctor Li turned his head and looked deeply at Chang Yu’er. Quick-witted as she was, she had already perceived that Doctor Li had intentionally sent away Chang Si and “Third,” suspecting he had something to tell her.

Having sent away the others, Doctor Li was slow to speak, smoking his pipe one puff after another, eyes lowered in silence. Chang Yu’er found this quite strange, yet somewhat amusing—her father had behaved similarly days before, and now Doctor Li was doing the same.

“Miss Chang.” Doctor Li finally spoke, and Chang Yu’er promptly responded.

“I am a doctor who examines patients. All my life, I’ve only taken pulses and written prescriptions. For anything beneficial to the patient, I’ve always spoken everything I know without reservation.”

Chang Yu’er found this increasingly puzzling but replied: “Within ten miles, who doesn’t know that Doctor Li has a benevolent heart and skill, saving countless lives? Everyone calls you the ‘Living Bodhisattva.'”

Doctor Li waved his hand: “That’s because those patients weren’t destined to die—how could this old man claim heaven’s credit? But today I have something to say that may offend you, young lady. Yet not saying it would cost the life of this young man in bed. This old man is truly troubled.”

Hearing this, Chang Yu’er was surprised: “Doctor, he is our Chang family’s great benefactor. My family has already decided to save his life no matter what. Please speak freely—don’t be troubled.” She truly couldn’t understand why treating and saving someone would offend her.

“Well, in that case, please walk to the window, face outward, and don’t turn around or speak. This matter—this old man really can’t say it to your face.”

Puzzled, Chang Yu’er glanced at the doctor, then slowly walked to the window and turned her back.

“To be honest, this young man’s poisoning is too deep, and time has dragged on too long. Most difficult is that mistaken medicines were used. Now the fire poison has spread into his five viscera and six bowels. No medicine can be effective anymore.”

Chang Yu’er was greatly alarmed at these words, but as agreed, she couldn’t turn to look or ask questions, though her heart was filled with anxiety.

“But his illness is not beyond cure. The medicine I’ve prescribed can expel poison, dispel evil, protect the center, and regulate qi. However, there must be a catalyst to draw out the fire poison for my medicine to take effect. Otherwise, the medicinal properties cannot reach the source of illness—even a thousand-year snow lotus would be useless.”

Doctor Li paused, his voice dropping considerably: “As for that catalyst, it requires a pure yin body—that is, a virgin—to nestle and lie with him, sharing the same bed. Both must be completely naked, without a thread of clothing. Only then can the pure yin body draw out the yang poison, allowing the medicine to work.”

By this point, Chang Yu’er was blushing crimson with embarrassment, wishing she could flee through the door. Fortunately, she had her back to Doctor Li and could only close her eyes, forcing herself to remain composed.

Doctor Li continued: “That’s why I say this young man’s life hangs on you, miss. But if you save him, your reputation will be compromised. So this old man has only explained the medical principles—the decision is yours. There are reasons to save a life, and there are hardships in not saving one. Rest assured of one thing: this matter will be known only to heaven, earth, you, and me—no one else will know. If this young man recovers, it will be attributed to my good medicine. As for what happens between you, this old man will never reveal a hint of it until death.”

Doctor Li waited a moment, and seeing no response from Chang Yu’er, said: “I’ve said all I can. This old man takes his leave.” With that, he rose and walked out, calling in the courtyard: “Third, harness the cart. We’re going home.”

“Oh, Doctor Li is leaving already? The meal isn’t ready yet.” Not long after, Mrs. Li entered and, seeing Chang Yu’er standing motionless, curiously turned her around.

“Yu’er, why are you crying for no reason?” She noticed two tears flowing from Chang Yu’er’s eyes and became flustered.

“It’s nothing,” Chang Yu’er wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and asked, “How is Big Brother?”

“Him? Strong as an ox—what could be wrong with him? I fed him three large bowls of rice porridge. He didn’t even open his eyes, and after finishing, he let out a string of loud farts, fell back asleep, and is snoring louder than thunder.” Mrs. Li, seeing Chang Yu’er unhappy, tried to cheer her up.

Chang Yu’er was in no mood to laugh and merely forced a slight smile at the corners of her mouth: “When Father returns, I’ll brew the medicine. Li Auntie, you go tend to the cooking. Once the meal is ready, go back to your room and rest. You were just injured the other day—don’t do too much work.”

Several ingredients in Doctor Li’s prescription were quite difficult to brew. The pharmacy had specifically instructed: seven parts fire, three parts smoldering, water-bath decoction. By the time one bowl of medicine was prepared, it was already past dinner time.

Chang Si carefully poured the medicinal broth into Gu Pingyuan’s mouth and sighed with relief: “Ah, now it’s finally good. Brother Gu has noble people helping him—it seems his life will be saved.”

Chang Yu’er stood by his side and, hearing this, quietly lowered her head. At this moment, she was thinking: “Father doesn’t know that this man’s life cannot be saved unless… unless I save him. But if Father knew, would he let me save him? Even if no one ever found out, after saving him, I could never marry in this lifetime. No, even if he is our family’s great benefactor, I cannot trade a maiden’s purity for his life—this is simply impossible.”

Chang Si had no idea what his daughter was thinking and cheerfully continued: “This is truly escaping death. As I see it, there’s no need to seek revenge anymore. When he wakes up, his first concern will surely be rushing back to Anhui. Mother and son have been separated for five years—their reunion will certainly bring great joy. Yu’er, tomorrow I’ll buy many gifts for Brother Gu to take back to honor his mother.”

Chang Si’s words fell on Chang Yu’er’s ears like a steel knife cutting her heart. She thought of a white-haired mother a thousand miles away, bitterly awaiting her son’s return, but the son would die in a foreign land, and mother and son would never meet again in this life. She also thought of losing her own mother at a young age—if she could see her mother just once more, she would willingly die a thousand times. With these thoughts, Chang Yu’er could no longer contain herself. She covered her mouth, pushed open the door, and ran out.

“This child, why suddenly…” Chang Si shook his head, tucked in Gu Pingyuan’s blanket, and also walked out.

That night, the moon was bright and the wind strong, having blown all the clouds clean from the sky. After the night watch had been struck, Chang Yu’er felt her way out of her own room in the darkness. She would take two steps, then stop, looking back at her room. Eventually, she reached the guest room where Gu Pingyuan was staying.

Chang Yu’er took a deep breath. She had thought about this all night and made her decision. But now, as she reached for the door, she couldn’t help but tremble.

The door finally opened. Chang Yu’er entered and closed it behind her. In the cold, silent moonlight, only a slender silhouette was visible as Chang Yu’er slowly untied her sash…

“Oh, I’m starving!” Before even the first glimmer of dawn appeared on the horizon, someone stumbled out of the west wing room of the Chang residence. It was Liu Heita, who had slept for a full day and night. Waking in the early morning, he felt extremely hungry. He was puzzled by how he had returned home, but being a man with a large appetite, when hunger struck, he couldn’t think of anything else and headed straight to the kitchen to find food.

On his way to the kitchen, he had to pass by the guest room where Gu Pingyuan was staying. Liu Heita was about to walk past without a thought when suddenly he heard the door hinge creak as the door opened, and someone walked out.

At this time, the sky hadn’t brightened at all. Liu Heita, having just awakened, didn’t look closely and simply said: “Brother Gu, are you better?”

“Ah!” The person coming out clearly hadn’t expected anyone outside. After a startled half-cry, they quickly covered their mouth and stood frozen in place.

Liu Heita recognized Chang Yu’er’s voice, and upon looking more carefully, confirmed it was her. This shocked him as well, and he stammered: “This… this… Sister, what are you doing in Brother Gu’s room so early?”

“Don’t ask, and don’t tell Father!” Chang Yu’er came to her senses, knowing she couldn’t linger, and with those words, headed toward her own room.

By now, Liu Heita was fully awake, all thoughts of hunger completely forgotten. He saw that although Chang Yu’er’s clothes were neat, her cheeks were flushed, her expression extremely flustered, and her hair pins askew. He wasn’t a fool—seeing his sister like this, he angrily shouted: “Did that Gu fellow bully you?”

“Why are you shouting?!” Fearing her father and Mrs. Li would hear, Chang Yu’er had no choice but to turn back and hiss softly: “Nothing happened!”

“Then… why were you…?”

“Don’t ask. Don’t tell Father, don’t tell anyone, and don’t ever mention it again. Otherwise, Big Brother, you’ll be forcing me to die.” Chang Yu’er used a decisive approach to silence Liu Heita. Having grown up with her, he had never seen his sister like this before and stood there not knowing what to do.

“Remember what I said, Big Brother!” Chang Yu’er stared directly at Liu Heita, and seeing him nod woodenly, she turned and hurried away.

Liu Heita truly didn’t tell anyone. First, he couldn’t figure out what had happened, and second, Chang Yu’er’s tone had indeed frightened him. He knew his sister had a fierce temperament—if he provoked her, it would be no joking matter. But this incident became a knot buried in his heart.

Chen Laizi met Wang Tiangui again at midnight, stealthily led by Wang’s steward to the bank of the Small South River on the edge of Taigu town. The water of this Small South River was famously good—nearby households all used it to make Fen liquor, brewing a wine that was fragrant, clear, and refreshing.

However, Chen Laizi was in no mood for drinking today. As soon as he reached the riverbank, he heard heart-wrenching screams. Looking carefully, he saw a young man tied to the embankment, his clothes in tatters, bloodstains everywhere—clearly he had been tortured for quite some time. Two men were holding him down viciously, one pressing his hand against a recumbent ox-shaped stone. Nearby, a man wearing a crooked hat was using the hard heel of his cowhide boot to stomp mercilessly on the struggling hand.

Chen Laizi was a local ruffian, unconcerned about blood in a fight, but seeing the young man treated like a pig awaiting slaughter in an abattoir made him feel chilled to the bone.

Wang Tiangui had noticed his arrival long ago but pretended not to see him. He coughed once to make the men step aside, then walked to the ox stone and bent down, speaking kindly: “Little Ji, I treated you well, didn’t I? I entrusted my private accounts to you, giving you twice the monthly wage of fellow clerks who started with you. How could you dare to steal from the vault? Don’t you know this is the greatest taboo in a bank?”

The young man mumbled something weakly, and Wang Tiangui’s expression changed drastically.

“Didn’t take it? Hehe, I see you won’t believe until you see your own coffin!”

With that, he nodded, and “Crooked Hat” stomped down viciously once more. Little Ji’s agonizing screams echoed across the riverbank again.

“No, stop beating him. I admit I did it.”

“Where’s the silver?” Wang Tiangui’s eyes flashed with cold light.

Little Ji looked up at Wang Tiangui: “Manager, I’ll tell you, but please spare me.”

Wang Tiangui softened his tone: “Of course. Young people make mistakes—who hasn’t? Since you’ve admitted it, as long as you don’t repeat it, heal your wounds and return to the bank.”

“Ah, thank you, Manager.” Little Ji nodded with difficulty. “The silver is in the chicken coop in my backyard. When you go, please don’t frighten my mother—she’s elderly…”

Before Little Ji finished speaking, Wang Tiangui turned and walked away. “Crooked Hat” followed a few steps and asked: “Really let him go?”

“Pfft!” Wang Tiangui laughed. “How could I let him go? Didn’t you hear me say he managed my private accounts? If he harbors resentment, that’s trouble I can’t shake off. What to do? You know what’s needed!”

“Yes!”

Wang Tiangui walked to Chen Laizi’s side, glanced at him, and said: “Let’s walk and talk.”

Chen Laizi followed behind Wang Tiangui, looking back to see “Crooked Hat” directing two men to tie stones to Little Ji’s feet.

“Drowning him!” Chen Laizi thought in horror. Looking back at Wang Tiangui’s receding figure, he felt that silhouette becoming increasingly sinister.

“Speak,” Wang Tiangui’s voice came back, not loud but startling Chen Laizi.

Chen Laizi cautiously put on a smile: “I heard that the silver Liu Heita brought back came from selling a cart of ‘celebratory goods’ in Taiyuan. At that time, to celebrate the young Emperor’s coronation, Taiyuan city was most in need of these goods, so he made a great profit.”

“So that’s it…” Wang Tiangui pondered. “I never expected the old fellow to stumble into such good luck by accident. But this matter cannot end here.”

Hearing that Wang Tiangui still intended to scheme for the Chang family mansion, Chen Laizi thought of Liu Heita and felt his head ache. He stammered: “Manager, if you want a good residence, there are several others in Taigu county town—all soft persimmons you can squeeze at will. Why are you so fixated on the Chang family mansion?”

By now, they had walked to near the White Pagoda of Wubian Temple. Wang Tiangui didn’t immediately answer Chen Laizi but turned to instruct his steward: “Remember, tomorrow go to the guild hall to establish an unnamed tablet for Little Ji, then send it to the temple for prayers.”

After the steward acknowledged the order, he finally addressed Chen Laizi: “What do you know? The Chang family mansion, going back three generations, belonged to a famous great merchant who was once a leader among Shanxi merchants. Today, Shanxi merchants aren’t what they used to be—their edge has been overshadowed by various merchant groups. If no one emerges to rally them, I fear in a few years we won’t even be able to protect our own province’s business.”

Wang Tiangui seemed somewhat melancholic. After a brief pause, he continued: “Beijing has Li Wantang, Huizhou has the Hu father and son, then there’s Chen Qitai of the Dongting merchant group, Yan Henian of the Longyou Commercial Association, Wu Junlin of the Thirteen Factories… These people are all great enemies of us Shanxi merchants. Laughably, today’s Shanxi merchants are all short-sighted rats, unable to see this truth.”

“Indeed, who could have your vision and foresight, Manager Wang?” Chen Laizi hastily flattered.

Wang Tiangui chuckled: “Therefore, I must revitalize the Shanxi merchants and defeat each of these people one by one. The first step is to take the Chang family residence—its feng shui is excellent, the so-called ‘hidden imperial residence.’ It’s the place where I, Wang Tiangui, will soar to become the leader of Shanxi merchants. Do you understand?”

Chen Laizi nodded with partial understanding. Wang Tiangui looked at him with somewhat mocking eyes: “You wouldn’t understand these things. If you could truly understand, I wouldn’t have told you. But the following matter, you must not only understand but also accomplish. Otherwise…” He glanced meaningfully toward the riverbank.

“Yes… yes, your servant understands and will definitely accomplish it.”

“That’s good.” Wang Tiangui had been thinking as he walked and had already devised a plan. Now he methodically instructed Chen Laizi, concluding: “You needn’t worry about the government offices—I’ll handle everything. Just make sure the rest is arranged properly.”

“Yes.” Chen Laizi listened with cold sweat, thinking to himself that old Wang was truly vicious—it seemed the Chang family was finished.

Doctor Li’s “medicine” was truly effective. Gu Pingyuan’s condition improved day by day, and by the third day, he could already walk. However, having been bedridden and unconscious for so long, his body was extremely weak and would require at least a month to recuperate fully. After waking, Gu Pingyuan was unclear about how he had ended up at Chang Si’s home. Chang Si recounted the entire sequence of events, and only then did Gu Pingyuan realize he had come back from the brink of death. He was immensely grateful to Chang Si.

“Old Father, you have saved me time and again, truly like a second parent to me.” On the third evening after Gu Pingyuan regained consciousness, at the dinner table in front of Liu Heita and Mrs. Li, he respectfully kowtowed three times to Chang Si. Chang Yu’er wasn’t present. These past few days, she had only met Gu Pingyuan once out of politeness, afterward hiding in her room, trying her best to avoid seeing him. Chang Si and Mrs. Li thought this was just a young woman’s shyness around a stranger, but only Liu Heita vaguely understood something more.

Chang Si quickly helped him up: “Don’t say that. If we’re talking about saving, you have repeatedly saved our Chang family and are our great benefactor. Brother Gu, just focus on recovering here. When you’re better, I’ll help you hire a cart to return to Anhui.”

Thinking of home, Gu Pingyuan was overcome with emotion. Since waking, he had mourned Kou Liancai who died for his sake, deeply pained. Recalling his friend’s advice, he decided to heed the words of this brother who was no longer in this world—to abandon his plan of seeking revenge in Beijing, using this way to console Kou Liancai’s spirit in heaven.

“I want to return as soon as possible.”

“No rush, no rush. Your illness has just improved. If you don’t fully recover, what if it relapses on the journey? As for the Long Hair rebels, I’ve already inquired thoroughly. After taking Wuhan, they flowed downstream directly to Hangzhou. Currently, their army is besieging Hangzhou, and Anhui remains unharmed. You needn’t worry.”

This was rare good news for Gu Pingyuan. With his improved mood, his body also recovered quickly. Although following doctor’s orders he could only walk around the house and yard, his spirit was completely different.

The next morning, after rising, Gu Pingyuan took out a jade hairpin from his bosom and stared at it intently. This hairpin had been given to him by a childhood sweetheart back in his hometown. They had privately agreed to marry, but after Gu Pingyuan changed from a provincial examination candidate to an exile beyond the Great Wall, he no longer dared to think about this marriage. Yet he had always kept the hairpin with him. No matter how bitter or difficult life became, he never thought of selling it for money. Even during his escape from beyond the Great Wall, he had brought nothing except this jade hairpin, kept with his innermost garments.

“Young Master Gu, I’ve made jujube paste cakes and oat noodle spirals. Please eat more later.” Gu Pingyuan was lost in thought when Mrs. Li knocked and entered, smiling as she spoke.

Speaking of the size of kaolao (spiral noodles), there’s a poem that describes it perfectly: “Kaolao worth its weight in gold buys out spring.” Kaolao is a type of noodle that, paired with shredded mutton and various seasonings, not only stimulates appetite but also helps restore strength, particularly beneficial for Gu Pingyuan who was recovering from serious illness. Shanxi dates are world-famous, and Mrs. Li’s jujube paste cakes exuded a delicious aroma, showcasing her exceptional culinary skills. Gu Pingyuan smiled and nodded.

Seeing his acknowledgment, Mrs. Li smiled and turned to leave. As she rounded the corner, Chang Yu’er was waiting there. Mrs. Li smiled: “It’s fine, Young Master Gu is very pleased.”

Chang Yu’er blushed and was about to turn away when Mrs. Li grabbed her.

“Listen, Yu’er.” Mrs. Li had a knowing smile. “I’ve watched you grow up. If you’re thinking of something, don’t hide it from me.”

“Mrs. Li, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.” Chang Yu’er was greatly embarrassed and pulled away her hand to leave.

Mrs. Li laughed heartily and followed, saying: “Don’t understand? Then why did you eagerly make these delicious foods for him and insist they were made by me?”

“You…” Chang Yu’er was both angry and anxious, too embarrassed to speak, when suddenly thunderous knocking came from the front gate.

Although Shanxi is in the north, being close to the capital region, its etiquette followed Beijing’s customs. Normally, neighborhood visits were conducted politely. The Chang family’s main gate had door rings, and visitors usually gave just a few light knocks. No one had ever pounded so intensely and rapidly.

Mrs. Li and Chang Yu’er, both women, exchanged glances, their eyes showing alarm.

Gu Pingyuan heard it too and walked out from his room, clothes draped over his shoulders.

The knocking continued, dense and urgent, exactly like officials coming to arrest a fugitive. Gu Pingyuan, who had his own secrets, thought anxiously: “Not good! Could soldiers from the Fengtian garrison have tracked me here?” Unfortunately, Chang Si and Liu Heita had gone to the salt field, leaving no one to handle the situation.

Gu Pingyuan also felt panicked, momentarily unsure whether to quickly escape through the back door. After reflection, he calmed himself—if it truly was officials coming to arrest him, they might have blocked the back door, making an escape attempt like walking into a trap. Better to rely on the Chang family mansion’s many rooms and deep courtyards, where hiding wouldn’t be so easily discovered.

“Mrs. Li, don’t open the door yet. Ask through the door what’s happening?” As the knocking continued relentlessly, Gu Pingyuan knew this standoff couldn’t continue and offered advice.

Mrs. Li hesitantly walked toward the front courtyard, with Gu Pingyuan and Chang Yu’er following behind. Gu Pingyuan glanced at Chang Yu’er, who noticed and turned her head slightly to the side.

“Who is it?” Mrs. Li asked in a small voice.

“Come out, come out, Chang family people come out quickly!” The people outside, having knocked for a long time, were growing impatient. Hearing Mrs. Li’s response, they immediately shouted again.

“Who exactly are you? Our master isn’t home.”

“Pah! That old dog Chang Si dares call himself a master? We’re sent by the County Magistrate! Open quickly, or we’ll break down the door!”

Hearing it was indeed people from the county office, Gu Pingyuan’s face turned white. Just what he feared had come to pass. He had thought of hiding in the Chang mansion, but now realized how extremely foolish this idea was. If he were arrested on the street, he could deny knowing Chang Si, but if caught by the bailiffs in this house, it would truly harm the Chang family.

Realizing this, Gu Pingyuan dared not hesitate. Seeing Mrs. Li about to open the door, he quickly called: “Don’t open yet!”

Mrs. Li paused, turning to look at him.

“Mrs. Li, please wait a moment before opening the door. I’ll leave through the side entrance first.”

“Young Master Gu, what are you…?”

“Don’t ask. I can’t implicate your family.” Saying this, Gu Pingyuan turned to leave.

“Wait.” Mrs. Li wasn’t aware of Gu Pingyuan’s situation, but Chang Yu’er had learned it from her father and brother. One look at Gu Pingyuan’s expression, and she guessed what he was planning. Chang Yu’er lowered her head in thought, then told Mrs. Li: “Keep talking to stall those people outside.”

Without waiting for Mrs. Li’s response, she said to Gu Pingyuan: “Please follow me.”

Chang Yu’er headed toward the back courtyard, with Gu Pingyuan following puzzled behind her, swallowing his questions several times. First, he wasn’t familiar with Chang Yu’er; second, though they hadn’t interacted, Gu Pingyuan was good at reading people and immediately recognized Chang Yu’er as a woman of great depth who wouldn’t ask him to follow to the back rooms without reason.

Indeed, after several turns, Chang Yu’er led Gu Pingyuan to a room. She avoided looking at Gu Pingyuan and said softly: “Hide in this room. Behind the room, at the back wall near the pond, there’s a hidden tunnel that brings in water from the Small South River. If you truly need to escape, just open the back window and jump out, then exit through the tunnel.”

Gu Pingyuan suddenly understood and bowed deeply: “Thank you, Miss Chang.”

Chang Yu’er stepped aside, saying shyly: “I can’t leave Mrs. Li alone at the front. I must go.”

Gu Pingyuan watched Chang Yu’er’s figure disappear before gently pushing open the door and entering. As soon as he entered, a fragrance like musk or orchid enveloped him, indescribably pleasant. Looking around, though the furnishings were old, they exuded a young woman’s delicate atmosphere everywhere. By the window stood a pear wood dressing table carved with flowers, topped with red lacquered tooth boxes that undoubtedly contained rouge and cosmetics. The bronze mirror with a lotus pattern was spotlessly clean, without a trace of dust.

Gu Pingyuan now realized this was Chang Yu’er’s maiden chamber. As a guest, how could he enter a virtuous young woman’s private quarters? But under the circumstances, such concerns had to be set aside. The room was divided into front and back sections by a six-panel screen, and surely Chang Yu’er’s fragrant couch lay beyond.

After much hesitation, Gu Pingyuan stepped toward the back, needing to locate the back window to avoid panic in an emergency. The window was not far behind the screen. Gu Pingyuan carefully examined the situation, confirming it matched Chang Yu’er’s description—escape would indeed be convenient—and felt relieved.

This back half of the room contained many of a young woman’s intimate possessions. Knowing his presence was inappropriate, Gu Pingyuan turned back to sit near the door. However, in his haste, he inadvertently knocked something off the bed. As it fell to the ground, Gu Pingyuan looked closer and was greatly embarrassed.

It was an undergarment, thin as a cicada’s wing.

Gu Pingyuan pondered repeatedly, not daring to touch it, yet fearing Chang Yu’er might think he had tampered with her clothing. With no choice, he gently picked it up. The undergarment felt soft in his hand, with a subtle fragrance wafting from it, seemingly still retaining Chang Yu’er’s body warmth. Though not a lecher, Gu Pingyuan involuntarily took a deep breath before composing himself and replacing the garment. He returned to the front, pulling over the small jujube wood stool from the dressing table to sit, keeping his eyes lowered, focusing all his attention on his ears, listening intently for any movement in the front courtyard.

After a long while, with no one coming to search the back, Gu Pingyuan found it strange yet dared not venture out recklessly. He grew increasingly anxious, wishing for thousand-mile eyes and favorable-wind ears.

So he waited and waited, not knowing how much time had passed, until finally he heard footsteps approaching the back courtyard. Having waited in silence for sound, now that movement came, Gu Pingyuan’s heart leaped. He hurriedly stood and walked quietly to the back window, eyes fixed on the screen. If someone entered without speaking, he would jump out the window.

Fortunately, the person first knocked lightly on the door, then said: “Young Master Gu…”

It was Chang Yu’er’s voice. Gu Pingyuan’s heart half relaxed, yet he still cautiously refrained from answering, not knowing the situation outside. Perhaps Chang Yu’er was under some coercion—this possibility couldn’t be ignored.

Chang Yu’er knocked a few more times, and receiving no response, pushed open the door and entered. She turned around the screen and saw Gu Pingyuan watching her, understanding his nervousness, and immediately said: “Young Master Gu, don’t worry. Those people didn’t come to arrest you, and they’ve all left.”

A weight lifted from Gu Pingyuan’s heart. Feeling it had been a false alarm, he found it somewhat amusing and asked: “Who were they exactly?”

Chang Yu’er was about to answer when her eyes caught sight of her undergarment, previously draped over the bedrail but now placed on the bed. Gu Pingyuan must have touched it. Her face instantly flushed red with embarrassment and anger. She wanted to glare at Gu Pingyuan but couldn’t bring herself to look at him.

Gu Pingyuan followed Chang Yu’er’s gaze, inwardly exclaiming “Oh no!” He wanted to explain but feared making things worse. While hesitating, Chang Yu’er had already turned and walked out.

Gu Pingyuan’s feelings were indescribable. He followed Chang Yu’er to the front hall and was surprised to see Chang Si and Liu Heita there, worried that Chang Yu’er might complain to her father and brother—an awkward situation impossible to explain away.

Fortunately, Chang Yu’er said nothing, only nodding to Chang Si to indicate she had brought Gu Pingyuan, then left through the side door.

Now Gu Pingyuan saw clearly that both Chang Si and Liu Heita wore troubled expressions. Knowing this must be related to the earlier commotion at the front door, he asked: “Old Father, weren’t you and Brother Liu at the salt field?”

“Ah, a neighbor rushed to inform us, so we hurried back.” Chang Si’s brow remained furrowed.

“Who came earlier? I heard they seemed to be bailiffs from the county office.”

Liu Heita made a scoffing sound and added: “Not just bailiffs—all sorts of people, customers who bought the salt we brought back.”

Neither debt collectors nor arresting officers—Gu Pingyuan was greatly surprised: “Could there be a problem with the business?”

“Brother Gu.” Chang Si, having suffered blow after blow, was nearly at his breaking point. His voice trembled slightly: “There’s a problem with the salt we brought back. Whether the official salt delivered to the government or the salt sold retail, it’s all been returned. They say it’s unbearably bitter, inedible. I just tasted it myself, and indeed it is. I… I truly don’t know what to do now.”

“How can this be?” Gu Pingyuan saw the returned salt piled in the courtyard. Taking a pinch, he examined it closely. It appeared to be fine white salt of good quality, but placing a bit in his mouth, it was indeed unbearably bitter.

Gu Pingyuan frowned as he spat it out, then turned to ask: “Didn’t Old Father taste this salt before selling it?”

“Father tasted it, and so did I. It was definitely good salt. But somehow, it’s all turned bitter now.” Liu Heita’s gloomy voice carried over. This matter nearly made the robust man’s head explode with anger, yet everyone unanimously claimed the Chang family had deliberately sold bitter salt.

“Besides the salt sold and submitted to the government, do we still have any remaining salt from this batch?” Gu Pingyuan asked urgently.

Father and son exchanged glances and shook their heads. Suddenly, Chang Yu’er’s voice arose: “Yes, I kept some in the kitchen for our own use.” Concerned about her family, she had been hiding in the adjacent room all along.

Being very intelligent, Chang Yu’er hurried to the kitchen without waiting for Gu Pingyuan to speak further, retrieving the bottle of salt. Opening it for a taste, it was indeed good salt.

Liu Heita seized on this, grinning as he shouted: “What did I say? Our family sold good salt!”

Gu Pingyuan waved his hands: “Brother Liu, this won’t help. No one will believe evidence you provide yourself. What we need to clarify now is why the good salt that was sold turned bitter.”

“That’s exactly the difficulty—we can’t figure it out. Salt sold by other families has no problems, only ours has changed flavor. This is truly… alas!” Chang Si was completely at a loss.

“Old Father, what do you plan to do now?” Gu Pingyuan asked while thinking.

Chang Si’s voice was pained: “Sell the house, repay the money!” Hearing this, both Liu Heita and Chang Yu’er looked devastated.

“That’s it, that’s exactly it!” Gu Pingyuan nodded thoughtfully. “It’s for this mansion that someone has plotted against you!”

“Brother Gu, please explain more clearly. I don’t understand,” Chang Si looked at him anxiously.

“It’s actually simple to explain. Last time, you said when looking to borrow money, no one would lend except Chen Laizi, who then urgently tried to seize this mansion. Now you’ve repaid the money, and within days, this happens. Clearly, someone is displeased and absolutely determined to obtain this mansion. They’ve bribed officials and customers to claim your salt is bitter, forcing you to sell the house!”

Chang Si, being a straightforward man, never imagined someone would scheme against him like this and was dumbfounded. Chang Yu’er, however, was perceptive. Connecting the dots, she felt Gu Pingyuan’s assessment was accurate and said: “Among all those salt buyers, if we could just find a few willing to tell the truth…”

Gu Pingyuan shook his head, interrupting her: “Whoever covets this mansion must be influential enough to bribe officials. I fear no one would dare testify for the Chang family.”

This was true. Upon hearing it, Chang Si’s briefly kindled hope extinguished again. Liu Heita, with puffed cheeks, said: “So it’s still Chen Laizi’s mischief. I’ll find him!”

“Brother Liu, from what you’ve told me, Chen Laizi is just a ruffian. For him to profit through high-interest loans makes sense. But this situation clearly shows someone is using the opportunity to force down the price of the Chang family mansion. That doesn’t add up. Why would a loan shark be so determined to acquire such a large residence? In my view, Chen Laizi is merely a pawn. We need to identify the mastermind behind this.”

The Chang family now placed all their hopes on Gu Pingyuan, with all three looking at him. Although Gu Pingyuan saw the situation clearly, how could he devise a good solution so hastily? He frowned deeply.

As they all stared at each other, sharp whistles pierced the sky, and several large flocks of white pigeons flew over the Chang family mansion. The flocks moved in perfect unison, their white feathers flashing brilliantly, a beautiful sight.

Having helped raise carrier pigeons for military camps beyond the Great Wall, Gu Pingyuan, despite his many concerns, couldn’t help but praise: “What magnificent pigeons!”

Chang Si, repeatedly struck by misfortunes, was nearly at his breaking point. Seeing Gu Pingyuan troubled by his family’s affairs made him feel greatly apologetic. He voluntarily explained: “They’re raised by the gambling house on the street, used for white pigeon lottery tickets.”

“White pigeon lottery tickets?”

“It’s a gambling method that has spread to Shanxi only in recent years. It may not exist beyond the Great Wall yet.” Liu Heita, who occasionally enjoyed small gambles at the gambling house, seeing Gu Pingyuan’s interest, explained it to him.

The white pigeon lottery originated in Guangdong and gradually spread throughout the country. It essentially took eighty characters from the “Thousand Character Classic,” from “Heaven Earth Profound Yellow” to “Bird Official Person Emperor.” Bets could be placed on any character, with white pigeons carrying paper balls to indicate fair heavenly judgment during drawing. Gamblers circled ten characters per ticket, and the number of matching characters determined winnings and prize levels.

“Look, I bought a ticket yesterday. Wonder if I’ll win today? If I really hit a big one, Father wouldn’t need to sell the house.” Liu Heita pulled out a paper ticket stamped with the gambling house’s seal.

Though troubled, Chang Si still admonished his adopted son: “How many times have I told you, if gambling could make one rich, hens would turn into phoenixes!”

Chang Yu’er interceded: “Father, Big Brother is just trying to help the family.” Chang Si shook his head and fell silent.

Gu Pingyuan took the “white pigeon ticket” and examined it repeatedly. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

“I have a plan!”

These words from Gu Pingyuan were like golden chimes to the Chang family. Chang Yu’er looked at him with wide eyes full of hope.

Liu Heita grabbed his arm: “Brother Gu, I knew you’d have a solution. Tell us quickly!”

“Don’t rush. Let me ask Old Father first.” Gu Pingyuan turned to Chang Si: “I have a scheme. If it works well, it will leave the mastermind behind this swallowing bitter herbs, suffering in silence. Even if it doesn’t work perfectly, it could help sell the Chang family mansion at a high price, preventing someone from buying it cheaply. What do you think, Old Father?”

“Well…” After much deliberation, Chang Si finally made his decision. “All right, let’s do it. Without this plan of yours, I would still have to sell this house anyway.”

“Then I’ll explain. We need to do this…” Gu Pingyuan leaned forward and meticulously described his plan.

After he finished, Liu Heita was extremely excited: “Brother Gu, you’re brilliant! Hehe, this time, even if that schemer is as cunning as a ghost, he’ll have to drink our foot-washing water.”

Chang Yu’er blushed at his crude expression and interjected: “But…”

Gu Pingyuan quickly said: “Miss Chang, please speak.”

“What if that person doesn’t take the bait, and the white pigeon tickets don’t sell as well as expected? We might end up having to sell the Chang family mansion at a low price.”

Gu Pingyuan felt increasingly confident: “This mastermind clearly could have approached Old Chang directly to discuss a purchase but chose these underhanded tactics, indicating greed. And to scheme for the Chang family mansion again and again shows an absolute determination to obtain it. Based on these two points, I’m certain he will fall for my plan.” He looked at Chang Yu’er as he finished.

Chang Yu’er dared not meet his gaze, nodding and lowering her eyes to the floor.

Chang Si’s mouth finally showed a hint of a smile: “Heita, you always complain that I don’t let you do this or that. Now that you’re familiar with the gambling house, this task is yours. Brother Gu still can’t go out conveniently, and as for me… I don’t wish to enter such places.”

Liu Heita agreed, and Gu Pingyuan quickly added: “Make sure to find a large gambling house with branches throughout the province.”

“Will do!” Liu Heita took the house and land deeds and strode off toward the gambling house.

Taigu, though only a county town, was known as Shanxi’s money chest. Gambling houses here never lacked business. The largest gambling house, called “Dachang Gambling House,” was located on Baoqi Street near the county office.

Liu Heita actually had a strong gambling addiction but, constrained by limited funds, usually forced himself to visit only occasionally. This time, gambling such high stakes filled him with both anxiety and uncontrollable excitement.

Arriving near “Dachang Gambling House,” Liu Heita looked up from the ten-step staircase and saw wide black lacquered doors studded with copper rivets, polished to a shine by the constant flow of people. The stream of gamblers entering and exiting blocked the door, preventing a clear view inside.

“Hey, these bastards sure have good business! When I have money someday, I’ll open a gambling house myself and enjoy it properly.”

Every gambling house had a group of low-level thugs who assisted wealthy patrons and awaited tips afterward. Though Liu Heita wasn’t wealthy, his renowned generosity meant people were willing to curry favor with him. As soon as he entered, several of these characters surrounded him, bowing and scraping: “Master Liu, you’ve come! Haven’t seen you for a long time.”

“I’ve been doing business beyond the Great Wall.”

“Oh, looking at your complexion, you must have made a fortune. Congratulations, congratulations! Master Liu hasn’t been to this place for several months. You might not be familiar with the layout anymore. I have a drawn map here—would you like to see it?”