The second day of the second lunar month is called “Dragon Raises Its Head.” On this day people eat pancakes called “dragon scale cakes,” and eat noodles called “dragon whiskers noodles.” According to custom, women in every household must stop needlework for the entire day, fearing to injure the dragon’s eyes and suffer retribution. This day counts as a modest festival, with almost no one coming to pawn items. Seeing the sun heading west and closing time approaching, the shop assistants thought there would be no more customers and were all slacking off, waiting to close up. Unexpectedly, just at this moment, with a violent shout of “Pawn!” a bundle was heavily placed on the counter.

Gu Pingyuan was leaning against the counter reading, since Zhu Sheng never let Gu Pingyuan touch anything related to the business. Gu Pingyuan studied on his own, asking shop assistant Jin Hu when he encountered something he didn’t understand. But Jin Hu was also just an apprentice, and with Gu Pingyuan’s natural ability, it wasn’t long before Jin Hu was questioned to the point of being tongue-tied. Gu Pingyuan had no choice but to take books like “Essential Knowledge for Pawnshops” and “Must-Know Pawnshop Affairs” from the shelves to read. From these he learned that only those skilled at identifying antiques could establish themselves in the pawnshop business, so books like “Records of Clear Caves” and “Seeking Precious Treasures” were always kept at hand. However, the eye for identifying antiques couldn’t be developed through armchair theorizing alone. Despite reading many books, Gu Pingyuan couldn’t get hands-on experience and remained somewhat confused. Seeing his diligent studiousness, Zhu Sheng merely gave cold, mocking laughs. Nevertheless, after half a month, Gu Pingyuan had thoroughly mastered the pawnshop’s history and regulations through books alone, and spoke entirely in professional terms. This made many assistants, including Chief Appraiser Ding Er, nod approvingly in private.

Precisely because of this, when he heard someone coming to pawn items with a fiery temper, he knew it boded ill—no appraiser under heaven would tolerate such an approach. But this time Gu Pingyuan was mistaken. Chief Appraiser Ding Er said nothing, took a look at the item, and asked: “How much do you want to pawn this for?”

“Whatever you think it’s worth!” The voice was indeed impolite.

“Forty taels!”

After Chief Appraiser Ding Er quoted his price, they heard an old, sickly voice coughing while weakly protesting: “This string of coral court beads was bought at Beijing’s Liuli Factory just a year ago for eight hundred taels of silver. How can you pawn it so cheaply? I won’t pawn it, I won’t!”

Before Chief Appraiser Ding Er could respond, the previously domineering voice became extremely impatient and cursed: “You old fool, picking and choosing! Do you still think you’re a high official in Beijing? You’re sick and crying about needing medicine and a doctor—we brothers have accompanied you to pawn things at three pawnshops already. This one offers the highest price, right? Still won’t pawn it? If you don’t pawn it, go back to the inn and drink cold water to treat your illness!”

The old man, having been scolded, remained silent for a long time. Only then did Gu Pingyuan lift his gaze from his book pages and look outside. He saw two constables with staffs standing outside, flanking an old man on his left and right. This old man had a monkey-thin face, was not tall and hunched over, wore hemp cloth cotton clothes, and had a small braid that was frayed and hanging behind his head, appearing quite desolate. At this moment he was struggling to blink his eyes, as if thinking how to respond.

“Are you pawning it or not?” The constables were even more anxious than the pawnshop, urging him on.

“I’ll pawn it, but I want copper coins,” the old man reluctantly spoke.

The constables snickered: “Everyone says you old fool are full of schemes, and it’s true. Now that money is expensive and silver cheap, you want copper coins, afraid we brothers will swallow your silver notes? Fine then, appraiser, exchange copper coins for him. Twenty strings of copper coins should finish off you old fool—then we won’t have to make the long trip to Xinjiang.”

When the copper coins were exchanged, the old man indeed couldn’t carry so many. One square-faced constable cursed and grumbled while helping him carry five strings, signaled to the other long-faced constable with his eyes, and pushed the old man out first.

Chief Appraiser Ding Er said nothing, silently took out a two-hundred-tael silver note and handed it over. The long-faced constable pocketed it, also said nothing, turned around and left.

Gu Pingyuan found this strange and thought this matter wasn’t recorded in books. He took the opportunity to ask Jin Hu about it, and Jin Hu laughed.

“This is called ‘eating cattle.’ ‘Cattle’ sounds like ‘flow,’ meaning exiled criminals. All convicts exiled from Beijing to Xinjiang’s Yili pass through our county. Along the way they need to bribe guards, buy food, or like that old convict just now who needs medicine and a doctor—there’s not one who doesn’t pawn things. This is all a well-established scheme between the constables and pawnshops. His items could clearly be pawned for much more, but they only give him a fraction. The constables won’t let him ask around elsewhere, so he has no choice but to accept his bad luck. Both constables and pawnshops profit from this. Moreover, all items pawned by these convicts become dead pawns—even if they were live pawns, they never come back to redeem them. When sold later, it’s another significant profit, and it’s not illegal. Pawnshops all along the route from Beijing to Xinjiang secretly rejoice when they see constables bringing prisoners in.”

“Though not illegal, it damages one’s conscience,” Gu Pingyuan said, feeling extremely uncomfortable after hearing this. No one knew the suffering of exiled convicts better than he did. Years ago, as a poor scholar exiled beyond the passes, he had no money for bribes and nothing to pawn. The torment he suffered along the way still made him shudder to recall. He never imagined there were such sinister dealings between constables and pawnshops. Thinking of that old man’s cowering appearance just now, Gu Pingyuan felt great compassion.

After closing the shop, Gu Pingyuan continued copying pawn tickets for the records while Jin Hu ground ink and assisted him. While copying, Gu Pingyuan put down his brush and asked: “Do you know where the constables lodge with the convicts?”

“They usually stay at the Guangquan Inn on the west side of town. Chief Appraiser Gu, why do you ask?”

“Sigh, though in business we talk business and seek profit, I still feel that money like this shouldn’t be earned. I have a two-hundred-tael silver note here that I intend to take and give to that old man as compensation.”

“That’s two hundred taels of silver!” Jin Hu found it incredible. Actually he didn’t know that aside from some scattered silver pieces, this was also Gu Pingyuan’s only two-hundred-tael note—the rest had been spent paying off the Chang family’s debts and bribing officials.

“Chief Appraiser Gu, don’t take offense at what I’m about to say,” Jin Hu said, “but this is an ongoing business—how many people can you help like this?”

“Helping one person is vastly different from helping no one,” Gu Pingyuan said as he walked out. “I just seek peace of mind.”

A few days earlier there had been a good snowfall. Gu Pingyuan walked through the snow carrying a lantern, occasionally looking up at the cold crescent moon in the sky to determine direction as he headed west. He had originally planned to find someone to ask directions to Guangquan Inn once he reached the western part of town, but from far away he could hear a din of voices with many people shouting hoarsely. Gu Pingyuan was puzzled and followed the sound, quickening his pace. Coming closer, he could see clearly—a large courtyard surrounded by crowds so thick that not even water could leak through. Several county yamen runners and constables stood at the main gate blocking them, otherwise by the look of things, this crowd would have stormed in.

Yet though they couldn’t enter, their shouting never stopped: “Old thief Chen, you have this day coming—heaven truly has eyes!”

“Come out! We want to drag you to Lord Wang’s ancestral hall to kneel for three days and three nights!”

“This old thief is extremely cunning—he’s the modern Qin Hui! Be careful not to let him slip away!”

Gu Pingyuan listened without understanding, but could see that the crowd was surrounding the very inn he sought. The golden sign on the left read “Lodging for Merchants,” and naturally the other side read “Guangquan Inn.” Scanning the crowd, he noticed one person wearing a gold-inlaid cap and draped in a quail-patterned official robe, flailing his limbs trying to hold back the crowd. But he too was being pushed around, lost his footing and was squeezed out of the crowd, tumbling to the ground. Fortunately the snow was thick and he wasn’t injured, but he couldn’t get up for a long time. The people around had no time to notice him, and even the constables didn’t see what happened.

Judging by the official robes and insignia, this person who had fallen outside the crowd was clearly the county’s assistant magistrate. What matter could have brought him here in the middle of the night to maintain order? Gu Pingyuan grew more curious. He tried several times to squeeze through gaps in the crowd but couldn’t get in, so he grabbed someone and asked: “What’s happening here? Has there been a murder?”

The person was a stubborn-looking young man who spoke in a rough voice: “Not yet, but who knows about later.”

“What do you mean?” Gu Pingyuan asked strangely.

The young man looked at him seriously, “Do you know that a demon has come to stay at this inn tonight?”

Gu Pingyuan shook his head—he really didn’t understand why a demon would be staying at an inn.

“Have you heard of the Ten Sons of the Mu Clan?” the young man asked impatiently.

Gu Pingyuan raised his eyebrows: “I have.”

“Then naturally you know Chen Fu’en.”

Chen Fu’en! This name Gu Pingyuan not only knew, but was very familiar with. He was a famous official of the Daoguang and Xianfeng reigns who, though talented, was treacherous in character. He first became the adoptive son of Daoguang-era power minister Mu Zhang’a, and after Mu Zhang’a fell from power, he attached himself to Su Shun’s faction. Everyone knew Chen Fu’en was a corrupt minister, but they could never bring him down because his backing was too solid.

The reason Chen Fu’en’s name was so familiar to Gu Pingyuan was entirely because of Gu Pingyuan’s teacher. Gu Pingyuan’s teacher had once served as a minor river conservancy official. When the Yellow River burst its banks at Kaifeng, the emperor specially appointed Grand Secretary Wang Ding as imperial commissioner to supervise river management. Wang Ding guarded the embankments day and night, finally protecting the people of the region. Gu Pingyuan’s teacher personally witnessed Wang Ding’s exemplary conduct as a famous minister, greatly admired him, and used him as a model for self-improvement. Later transferred to serve as assistant magistrate in Huizhou, he had grand ambitions for his official career. But just as his term was about to expire, he heard news of Wang Ding’s suicide.

Wang Ding’s suicide was entirely because the emperor protected Mu Zhang’a and refused to investigate his dereliction of duty and embezzlement. After much thought, Wang Ding came up with a desperate method called “corpse remonstrance,” also known as “death impeachment.” On the morning he was to attend court, he hanged himself at home in his court robes, leaving a memorial in his breast as his suicide note. This memorial mentioned no private matters but was written with the force of wind and thunder, impassioned and stirring, entirely devoted to urging Emperor Daoguang to draw close to worthy ministers and distance himself from petty ones, impeaching Mu Zhang’a on twenty major charges.

Once this memorial reached the emperor’s ears and circulated publicly, righteous gentlemen who upheld integrity at court would be moved to tears by the deed and would all submit memorials attacking Mu Zhang’a. Then even if the emperor wanted to protect him, it would be useless—no matter how powerful the prime minister’s influence, it would inevitably collapse. Wang Ding’s purpose would be achieved. Though he would die, he would certainly be recorded in history among the worthy ministers, ranking with Long Feng and Bi Gan, and could smile in the underworld. Who knew this great matter would actually be covered up—though the emperor knew Wang Ding had died, the cause of death was reported as sudden illness.

This was all because one person was causing mischief!

Chen Fu’en, having attached himself to Mu Zhang’a’s faction, had many ears and eyes in the capital. He was the first to learn of Wang Ding’s corpse remonstrance, rushed to Wang Ding’s home and threatened his son, saying that a high minister’s suicide would disgrace the court’s dignity and would certainly not receive generous rewards. If the emperor became angry, it might even implicate family members. Wang Ding’s son was timid and thus handed the memorial to Chen Fu’en. Afterward he carried his father’s coffin back to their home prefecture of Pucheng in Shaanxi. Chen Fu’en received rich rewards from Mu Zhang’a for this deed, being promoted from assistant minister to full minister in charge of the Ministry of War. But over time, this matter ultimately couldn’t be hidden from the world—one memorial could be burned, but countless mouths couldn’t be sealed. Wang Ding’s son, unable to fulfill his father’s ambitions, was reviled by people and died in melancholy. Chen Fu’en’s reputation as a corrupt minister was thereafter carved on his forehead, but fearing his great power, no one dared reproach him to his face.

Gu Pingyuan’s teacher was thereafter disheartened and gave up hope of becoming a capable administrator for good government. When his assistant magistrate term ended, he gracefully retired to become a private school teacher. Gu Pingyuan studied under his teacher, and every year on Wang Ding’s death anniversary, the teacher would burn incense and weep bitterly, cursing Chen Fu’en most severely.

So Gu Pingyuan had heard Chen Fu’en’s name since childhood and, following his teacher, hated him to the bone. At this moment, hearing that this great corrupt minister was actually staying in the inn, and hearing that all these people had Shaanxi accents, he immediately understood—these were Wang Ding’s fellow villagers from Pucheng who, knowing Chen Fu’en had been convicted and exiled, had come here specifically to intercept him and seek justice for Lord Wang. Seeing the crowd’s fury, the young man’s words about possible bloodshed later might well prove prophetic.

Gu Pingyuan recalled the two constables’ words from daytime, including the phrase “Do you think you’re still a high official in Beijing,” and guessed that the timid-looking little old man must be Chen Fu’en. Seeing such an end for this great corrupt minister, Gu Pingyuan looked up at the stars filling the sky, thinking that his teacher far away in Huizhou would be overjoyed to learn of this.

Gu Pingyuan turned to leave, but after a few steps, feeling the silver note in his sleeve, he gradually slowed his pace. He pondered—he had come here to return the shortchanged pawn fee to a customer. Whether this person was Chen Fu’en or any other great villain, even if he were Wang Tiangui, could bad people as customers be arbitrarily shortchanged and deceived? As a businessman, where exactly should one’s conscience lie? He kept asking himself these questions and gradually stood still in the snow.

The county’s assistant magistrate was surnamed Yu. Tonight, receiving a report from the local headman, he had practically run from his bed to Guangquan Inn. Having previously read court bulletins, he understood clearly that Chen Fu’en wasn’t executed because Empress Dowager Cixi and Prince Gong wouldn’t let him die—they wanted him to suffer this living torment. If someone the court wouldn’t let die actually died in his county, though the county magistrate was the head of the county, he himself controlled public security in the county streets and would inevitably become a scapegoat. Therefore he was quite frightened and hastily commanded his men to block these Shaanxi people. But they refused to let the matter rest, and when dawn came, who knew how many more people would arrive, not to mention local scholars and those from nearby counties would also come to show support—that would make things even more uncontrollable.

The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became, and his limbs went weak with fear. He collapsed on the ground and couldn’t get up for a long time. It was only when someone helped him up that he was lifted from the ground.

“My lord.” The person who helped him up was Gu Pingyuan, who bowed respectfully, “Regardless of what crimes convicts have committed, the court has its laws. Since judgment has been passed, private punishment shouldn’t be arbitrarily imposed. Please quickly find a way to save the man first.”

“Yes, save him, save him!” Assistant Magistrate Yu was completely flustered and didn’t pause to wonder why someone would speak up for Chen Fu’en at this moment, only mumbling Gu Pingyuan’s words repeatedly.

Seeing this, Gu Pingyuan leaned close to Assistant Magistrate Yu’s ear and spoke at length. Assistant Magistrate Yu’s eyes gradually widened as he nodded repeatedly saying “Good, good, good!” Coming to his senses, he asked in surprise: “Who are you?”

“This commoner is the fourth appraiser at the county’s Wanyuan Pawnshop, surnamed Gu, called Gu Pingyuan.” Gu Pingyuan knew that befriending several government officials would bring nothing but benefits to his affairs. “My lord, the faster this matter is resolved the better. If any circuit inspector learns of it and reports to the province, it might harm your reputation.”

“Yes, your reminder is good.” Assistant Magistrate Yu looked at Gu Pingyuan appreciatively, but making them travel at night—the Beijing constables probably wouldn’t agree. They couldn’t be arranged to stay at the county yamen either—if this wildfire spread to the yamen, things would become much worse. Thinking of this, he was troubled again.

“They can be arranged to go to Wubian Temple outside the city. No one could possibly think of this place. Tomorrow they needn’t even enter the city—they can set out directly, and once they’re beyond the county boundary, it will have nothing to do with you, my lord.” Gu Pingyuan knew that such bureaucrats were most skilled at and fond of what was called the “Official Protection Formula” of “passing the buck” and “dragging things out.” As long as these two tactics worked, even if promotion was hopeless, their official caps could certainly be preserved. The plan Gu Pingyuan now offered was the “passing the buck” tactic, which indeed deeply pleased Assistant Magistrate Yu. He said delightedly: “Right, absolutely right! Once they’re beyond the county boundary, everything has nothing to do with me. That’s what we’ll do.”

Chen Fu’en was cursed bloody by people across the wall. The two constables in the room also feared being implicated and cursed dirty words at people. Chen Fu’en’s face was wooden, seemingly deaf to the abuse filling his ears. Suddenly he found himself confusedly lifted to the stable, then heard someone on the inn’s second floor shouting loudly “Convict Chen Fu’en has hanged himself…” Immediately the main gate opened and the crowd of Shaanxi people swarmed in like a hive. Who wouldn’t want to see the final fate of this great corrupt minister? When they returned to Pucheng later, they could say they had avenged Lord Wang Ding, bringing honor to their faces. Everyone thought this way, so not one person remained outside. In the blink of an eye, he found himself pushed and carried out of the inn gate. In the dark night, unable to distinguish directions, he stumbled along not knowing how far, hazily crossed a river, and stopped in front of a temple.

Hearing it was the assistant magistrate’s orders, Chen Fu’en and the two constables were arranged by monks to stay in a blue brick monk’s quarters behind the main hall. Those who brought them left once arrangements were made, leaving only one young man who had remained silent throughout still in the room. The two constables exchanged glances—their previously arrogant manner had long disappeared. Thinking Gu Pingyuan was from the county yamen, they came over with ingratiating smiles to make conversation.

“Brothers, I have a few words I’d like to discuss with this convict to avoid delays tomorrow and being blocked by that crowd again.” Gu Pingyuan saw their misunderstanding and found it amusing but put it to good use. Sure enough, the two constables nodded hastily and withdrew to the next room.

Though Chen Fu’en was treacherous, when power was gone, human relationships were also gone. The constables knew he could never be restored to office and didn’t treat him as human, tormenting him throughout the journey until he was physically and mentally exhausted. Tonight he had suffered this humiliation, and in this Buddhist place that most emphasized cause and effect, his expression inevitably became dazed as he looked at Gu Pingyuan, not knowing what he wanted to discuss.

Gu Pingyuan didn’t speak immediately. After a moment of silence, he stepped forward two paces, stood before Chen Fu’en, and asked word by word: “Once gaining power, once losing power—now this dream is like yellow millet. Do you regret it?”

“You… what are you saying?” Chen Fu’en was suddenly shocked. Though he had lost power and been convicted, no imperial edict of censure had been issued—this was the first time anyone had questioned his character to his face.

Gu Pingyuan didn’t wait for his answer, only gazed at his eyes and asked coldly: “Flattering corrupt ministers, controlling court politics—now that heavenly justice has come full circle, do you regret it?”

Chen Fu’en’s eyebrows trembled as he stared at Gu Pingyuan with a hint of malevolence in his expression. After a while he turned his head aside, snorted through his nose, and assumed an arrogant demeanor: “I don’t know who you are. That I’ve fallen to this state today is only because Heaven’s will doesn’t permit otherwise—it’s beyond human power to reverse. As for things I’ve done, I’ve never regretted them!”

Seeing he remained stubbornly unrepentant, Gu Pingyuan knew this person had always been crafty and unprincipled. To make him suddenly repent with just a few words was wishful thinking—he was merely venting anger for his teacher. So he continued: “You just spoke of ‘Heaven’s will.’ Have you not heard ‘Private words among men sound like thunder to Heaven; deceiving one’s heart in darkness is seen by divine eyes like lightning’? You’ve done so many things in your life that deceived hearts and harmed lives. Heaven’s way favors retribution—though you were pleased for a time, you were bound to have this reckoning!”

“Bah! When I was overturning clouds and rain, you boy were still in swaddling clothes. How dare you discuss ‘retribution’ with me!” Chen Fu’en was suddenly enraged.

Gu Pingyuan looked at him coldly, shook his head, took a silver note from his sleeve and placed it on the table. “Since it’s so, I have nothing more to say. Take these two hundred taels—they’re rightfully yours.”

“A silver note?” Chen Fu’en was greatly surprised.

“I’m an appraiser at the pawnshop you visited today. You were shortchanged two hundred taels of silver—I’m bringing it to you now.” With this, Gu Pingyuan gently placed the note on the table.

“You… you…” Chen Fu’en was completely flustered, not knowing what to do.

Gu Pingyuan looked at him with pitying eyes. “I heard Lord Chen once wore first-rank insignia. You should know that red caps gained by selling one’s conscience aren’t worth as much as a businessman’s single promise in my eyes!” Having said this, he cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Chen Fu’en, a lifelong schemer, had known since his arrest that his official career was finished. Whether during the house raid or interrogation at the Court of Judicial Review, facing those former colleagues, his expression had always been indifferent, showing an attitude of accepting whatever fate brought. However, this silver note returned by a common citizen now became the final straw that broke the camel’s back. He couldn’t help but become furious, supporting himself on the table as he stood up, reaching for the note to crumple it in his hand before throwing it away, with angry curses about to pour from his mouth.

Just then, the sound of “dong, dong…” came through the window—midnight temple bells floating through the void. Deep temple evening bells are most thought-provoking. Chen Fu’en’s heart immediately shook, and decades of past events suddenly surged up like a tide. He involuntarily recalled when he first entered official service, how he had made an agreement with a good friend from the same examination year to accomplish great deeds dedicated to serving the country. But by year’s end, his friend received an “outstanding” rating while he only got “average.” Feeling momentarily indignant, he used a small scheme to frame this good friend and took his “outstanding” rating for himself. From then on, having tasted the sweetness, he became unstoppable. That friend who had remained a struggling capital official in minor departments reportedly died last year. Actually, that man truly had real talent and learning—if he hadn’t harbored different thoughts that year, the two of them working together to fulfill their promise would have… now…

Gu Pingyuan walked to the door and glanced back once more. He saw Chen Fu’en standing there dazed, his previous arrogant manner completely gone, with a hint of regret in his eyes.

Gu Pingyuan took a deep breath and said slowly: “If you know regret, Heaven can witness this heart. Though you’re gray-haired and exiled far away, your remaining life isn’t over yet. In your remaining years, do some good deeds—perhaps you can make amends for one ten-thousandth of your wrongs. I’ve said all I can. Farewell.” With this, he lifted his foot and left the room.

Gu Pingyuan couldn’t know at this time that after Chen Fu’en reached Xinjiang, he gradually repented of his past deeds and truly reformed from evil to good. Five years later, when rebels colluded with Russian forces to occupy Yili, Chen Fu’en strived to raise funds and troops. When rebels later captured Yili, Chen Fu’en died defending the nation, beginning as a corrupt minister but ending as a loyal one. Before his death, Chen Fu’en had memorialized the court, forcefully arguing that Yili could not be abandoned, leading to Zuo Zongtang’s western expedition to suppress the rebellion and red-capped merchant Hu Xueyan’s assistance in borrowing huge foreign loans for military provisions, though he ultimately ended up bankrupt and disgraced. This chain of cause and effect originated from Gu Pingyuan’s words in Wubian Temple that night—but that’s a story for later.

Gu Pingyuan stepped out of the monk’s quarters and walked around through a side gate to the Great Buddha Hall. He too had been quite shaken tonight. Though originally a Confucian disciple who didn’t speak of strange forces and supernatural events, seeing Chen Fu’en’s fate made him deeply feel there was indeed heavenly will in the unseen. Therefore he stood outside the hall, gazing at the golden body of Buddha Shakyamuni in a daze for a long time.

“Amitabha!” Just as Gu Pingyuan was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a loud Buddhist greeting behind him. Turning quickly, he saw an old monk in plain cloth shoes and socks with entirely white hair and beard, holding a string of jianan prayer beads, pressing one palm together toward him.

Gu Pingyuan returned the courtesy, feeling somewhat embarrassed: “Venerable master, it’s already late at night—your temple must all be resting. I’ve disturbed you. Please forgive me, forgive me.”

“Benefactor is wrong from the first word!” The old monk’s eyes were bright and his voice resonated like a great bell, striking the ears in the quiet night like something that awakens the deaf.

“Wrong?” Gu Pingyuan frowned in puzzlement.

“Monks cultivate without end—they’re on the path their entire lives. How can there be rest? Monks have emptied the four elements—they neither blame others nor can forgive others’ blame.”

Gu Pingyuan found this amusing—he had never met this monk before, so why did he seem to be deliberately finding fault from the first words?

“Then I’ll take my leave,” Gu Pingyuan didn’t want to continue talking and stepped to depart.

“In this vast red dust, where does the benefactor go?” The old monk raised an eyebrow and spoke lightly.

This short question struck Gu Pingyuan like lightning and thunder. Gu Pingyuan opened his mouth but didn’t know how to answer. “Where do I go? Where do I go?” He repeated this several times, his heart completely bewildered.

“This old monk has observed the benefactor for a long time. The benefactor’s forehead shows yellow luster reaching deep pools, and between the eyebrows at the mountain root there is both talent and stability. This lifetime will have entangled karmic relationships and unclear hardships. If you cannot close your doors to hide your traces, washing stones and pillowing streams, then both the people before your eyes and those behind you will suffer because of you and find it hard to meet good ends.”

Gu Pingyuan’s heart chilled, immediately thinking of Kou Liancai and old Chang Si’s family. He usually had such thoughts, feeling these people all suffered because of his involvement. Hearing the old monk say this now made his heart even more unsettled as he asked in alarm: “Does the venerable master want to convert me to monkhood?”

“Excellent, excellent. Leaving home and becoming a monk is originally to escape such entanglements. If the heart of greed and hatred still remains, becoming a monk is no different from staying at home. These words of this old monk are spoken to ferry the benefactor out of the sea of suffering.”

“How does one escape?” Gu Pingyuan raised his eyebrows.

“As this old monk just said – close the door and hide one’s traces, rinse stones and pillow on flowing streams.”

This meant that everything in the mundane world should have nothing to do with Gu Pingyuan – not becoming a monk would still be like becoming a monk. Gu Pingyuan thought of the grudges between himself and Chang Si’s father, Zhang Guangfa, Wang Tiangui and these people, as well as his mother and younger siblings far away in Huizhou who made his heart ache with longing, and couldn’t help but smile bitterly while shaking his head.

“Alas, fame and profit are hard to abandon, grudges and resentments hard to cast away – worldly people are inherently difficult to enlighten. This old monk has made a great vow to never leave Wubian Temple for the rest of his life, precisely to avoid the trouble of endless talk, yet unexpectedly spoke too much again tonight.” The old monk also had a trace of bitter smile at the corner of his mouth. “Since I’ve already spoken, I might as well say one more thing – since the benefactor is unwilling to distance himself from the red dust, this old monk presents four words to the benefactor: Follow your heart’s desire!”

Gu Pingyuan suddenly raised his eyes, “Follow my heart’s desire?”

“The benefactor’s life path has many obstacles, but fortunately your heart is kind and good. Simply follow this heart in doing things, widely plant fields of merit, and there will be good results.” “Hmph! Old monk, your grand words deceive people!” Before Gu Pingyuan could answer, a master and servant walked in from the arched gateway near the temple entrance, and it was the master who spoke – a graceful young gentleman.

“Amitabha, why does the benefactor say such things?” Despite such liveliness in the quiet ancient temple tonight, the old monk remained unmoved, lowering his eyebrows and offering a bow.

Gu Pingyuan focused his gaze and was startled – the one who had intruded into Wubian Temple in the deep night was actually a rarely seen elegant gentleman, with a childish-faced young servant at his side.

The visitor was precisely Su Zixuan. She had also specifically gone to find that Chen Fu’en tonight, but arrived a step later than Gu Pingyuan. Just as she arrived, she heard someone in the inn shouting loudly that Chen Fu’en had committed suicide. Knowing Chen Fu’en’s nature well, she knew he would never take such a step, so she hid and observed quietly. Sure enough, she saw Gu Pingyuan execute a plan, having someone take Chen Fu’en away. She then followed behind with her maid Sixi, and only entered Wubian Temple after all the county yamen runners had left.

As soon as she entered the temple, Su Zixuan heard the old monk advising someone to do good, saying something about good deeds bringing good rewards. Due to her own family’s circumstances, she currently detested such words the most and couldn’t help but speak out in refutation. Seeing the old monk ask, she smiled coldly: “According to what you say, if one kills ten people and then saves ten people, there would be no consequence or retribution. If one saves one more person, it would surpass building a seven-story pagoda? Those who kill like hemp particularly enjoy going to temples to donate money to regild golden statues – are these people now in the Western Paradise Pure Land, accompanying Buddha Tathagata in preaching and attaining enlightenment?”

Hearing her speak thus, the old monk was not angered, merely saying: “The benefactor has a sharp tongue.” He offered a bow and walked toward the back hall.

“What? Don’t monks love to engage in verbal sparring the most? Could it be you’re at a loss for words?”

“Let me explain the deep meaning within this to you.” Gu Pingyuan saw this gentleman had extraordinary appearance, like pearls and jade at one’s side, and originally had very good feelings toward him, but unexpectedly he was so aggressive. He secretly frowned and stepped forward boldly.

“What the old master said about ‘following your heart’s desire’ emphasizes the word ‘follow’ – just as there’s a world of difference between acting at will and acting deliberately, though both involve the heart’s intention, there’s a judgment as vast as clouds and mud.” Gu Pingyuan, having heard the old monk’s words, felt as if he’d received enlightenment. At this moment he felt his state of mind suddenly open and clear, speaking eloquently under the moonlight with such bearing that even Su Zixuan was unconsciously attracted.

“The Diamond Sutra says: ‘If a bodhisattva has the perception of self, others, sentient beings, and longevity, then they are not a bodhisattva.’ What you just said are all attachments to forms, precisely committing the great taboo of cultivation. Haven’t you heard ‘Intentionally doing good deeds, though good, receives no reward’ – how could one expect good karma?”

“Amitabha.” The old monk proclaimed the Buddha’s name loudly, his face full of gratification. “The benefactor truly has wisdom roots – with just a casual reference to scripture, your words are concise yet far-reaching. This old monk hasn’t wasted his breath after all.” He walked past Su Zixuan, glanced at her face, his footsteps not pausing, chanting a verse: “When fortune is not yet exhausted, the precious sword has no merit. The sword has double edges – benefactor, take care of yourself!”

Su Zixuan had instantly thought of seven or eight Buddhist classics she could use to refute Gu Pingyuan, but hearing this verse unexpectedly, her heart was greatly shaken. Looking back, the old monk’s figure had already disappeared into the darkness.

She looked back at Gu Pingyuan, glared at him fiercely, and walked toward the monks’ quarters in the back courtyard with Sixi. These days, Gu Pingyuan had been like a boat on the sea – though he knew where he wanted to go, in the vast ocean there was nowhere to apply force. Today, by chance encountering this monk was like seeing a lighthouse guiding navigation. His heart immediately opened wide, joy beyond words. He asked a young novice monk keeping night watch nearby and only then learned that the old master just now was precisely the temple’s abbot, with the dharma name Shanghong Xiajing.

Setting aside Gu Pingyuan returning to the pawnshop, Su Zixuan moved to the monks’ quarters to find Chen Fu’en. Chen Fu’en sat stupidly in the room contemplating his karma, while those two runners, finding it inauspicious and knowing that in this vast world this man truly had nowhere to go and wouldn’t fear his escape, simply fell asleep soundly in the adjacent room. When Su Zixuan arrived, she saw through the window a single lamp like a bean flame, with Chen Fu’en sitting under the lamp in a daze, faint tear traces actually visible beneath his eyes.

“Lord Chen, I trust you’ve been well since we last met!” Su Zixuan flashed into the room like a ghost, silent and soundless, with Sixi keeping watch outside.

Chen Fu’en was suddenly startled. He raised his dim old eyes, trying hard to distinguish by the dim lamplight, then shook his head: “I’ve already been stripped of office – I’m not some lord, just a convict. Forgive my poor eyesight – who might you be? If you’re an enemy come to take my life, then please act quickly.”

“Do you truly not recognize me? Last year at Mid-Autumn Festival, you discussed matters with someone by writing in the lakeside pavilion in the back garden – surely you haven’t forgotten who ground the ink?”

Chen Fu’en was alarmed and stood up, looking carefully from head to toe, then said hesitantly: “It’s you – how could it be you? You are Princess Zixuan.”

“I’m now just a common citizen – never mention that name again.” Su Zixuan’s face was expressionless. She sat at the table, seeming somewhat at a loss for how to begin. After a long while she said: “Lord Chen, I don’t know how I should treat you. If it weren’t for your repeated urgings, my father wouldn’t have…”

“Alas!” Chen Fu’en sighed deeply. He had once advised someone to undertake schemes against the state, but before they could be launched, the other side had struck first. The original Nine Tripods Plan had now all turned to smoke and scattered clouds. Fortunately, this matter was done with great secrecy, without half a handle being caught by others. Though the court’s great ministers sensed spider-web traces, they had no solid evidence – otherwise how would he have received merely the punishment of military exile?

Su Zixuan continued: “But you were indeed my father’s confidant, loyal and devoted to him – I know all this, so I say I don’t know how to treat you.”

Hearing this, Chen Fu’en felt his nose turn sour and wept: “I misled your father. Your father treated me as a man of honor, yet I couldn’t love others with virtue, instead making mistake after mistake. When the plan failed, I couldn’t even follow your father to the underworld – truly a scholar useless in every way.”

After hearing this, Su Zixuan said expressionlessly: “I didn’t come to hear your repentance – you’ll have plenty of time to do that in the future. I only want to ask you one thing.”

Chen Fu’en nodded, “This old man will naturally tell you everything I know.”

“I once heard you suggest to my father that if sudden schemes couldn’t succeed, then retreat beyond the pass, support Prince Yi as master, establish Fengtian as capital, control the three banner armies, and plan again slowly.”

Chen Fu’en only nodded slightly. Regarding this unrealized strategy, he wasn’t willing to say much. In fact, if things could have developed this way, becoming a split in the Eight Banners each supporting a different master, then with the court resisting the Taiping in the south, fighting the Nian Army in the west, and facing swords and spears from their own Eight Banner people in the east, they would certainly seek peace with his side, and establishing another nation would be just around the corner – he himself would be a founding minister.

“You also said that in deploying troops and generals, provisions must come first, and you planned in detail with my father where the financial resources would come from. At that time, my father mentioned that in the deep palace secret archives there were records of Li Zicheng’s treasure. Did you research this carefully afterward?”

“So you’re asking about this – is this why you came to Shanxi?” Chen Fu’en opened his eyes wide.

Su Zixuan didn’t answer, only stared at him quietly with her bright eyes.

Chen Fu’en suddenly felt dejected. “Whether it is or isn’t probably has nothing to do with me anymore. I did indeed research that secret archive. When Wu Sangui led the Heavenly Dynasty’s forces into the pass, Li the Bandit was defeated and fled to Shanxi, taking with him all ten thousand catties of pure gold from the former Ming inner treasury. Strangely, when entering Shanxi the ten thousand catties of gold were still there, but after leaving Shanxi the gold vanished without a trace. According to reports from the commanding general to Prince Regent Dorgon at the time, they had discovered dozens of corpses of soldiers from the bandit camp in the Taiyuan Prefecture area, all poisoned to death. They suspected the gold had been buried and these men killed to silence them, but excavating three feet deep in the vicinity yielded nothing. Later, Li Zicheng disappeared at Jiugong Mountain, and the court was busy with constant military campaigns for years – suppressing bandits, destroying the Southern Ming – so frantically busy they were overwhelmed, and this matter was set aside. Over two hundred years have passed – it’s long become a matter without substance.”

He spoke with growing enthusiasm while Su Zixuan listened without speaking throughout, suddenly interjecting: “Ten thousand catties of pure gold, at a twenty-to-one exchange rate, would be 3.2 million taels of silver.”

Chen Fu’en looked at her puzzledly. Su Zixuan finally smiled slightly: “You said deploying troops and generals requires provisions first!”

Chen Fu’en said in shock: “Could it be you want to…”

“My father’s revenge must be avenged!” Su Zixuan said with finality.

“You don’t mean to oppose the court with your own strength alone?”

“Things that no one has ever done are precisely what someone should do!”

Chen Fu’en was speechless. After a long time he sighed: “I know you have heaven-sent extraordinary talent, but this matter may not be within human power. I’ve already misled your father – I cannot mislead another person. Please forgive this old man’s inability to help.”

“Lord Chen, you’ve been acquainted with my father for over twenty years, haven’t you?” Su Zixuan suddenly changed the topic. Chen Fu’en was startled and unconsciously nodded.

“Since I can remember, you’ve been a frequent guest at our family mansion. My father often spoke of you – I know your character like the palm of my hand. Regarding this treasure, you still have things you haven’t revealed, am I right?” Though Su Zixuan was asking, her tone brooked no contradiction.

Chen Fu’en was stunned for quite a while, then sighed deeply: “Very well, consider it my repayment of your father’s kindness in recognizing my worth.” Having said this, he lowered his voice until it was barely audible like ant sounds. Su Zixuan also leaned forward, listening carefully.

About a quarter hour passed before Chen Fu’en let out a breath. “That’s all – I know no more. This involves rebels of two dynasties – one cannot be too careful. Moreover, I advise you that if you truly can find that treasure, you might as well live incognito as a wealthy gentleman and not take such great risks.”

“Thank you.” Su Zixuan said indifferently, standing to leave.

“Wait. I have one more matter to request.” Chen Fu’en also stood, taking a small silk bundle from his traveling bag, untying the cord and slowly opening it. Inside was a yellowed hand scroll.

Chen Fu’en said: “This hand scroll is Dong Qichang’s ‘Eight Scenes of Autumn Interest.’ It was bestowed by the former emperor to your father, who privately gifted it to me. When they raided the house, I happened to be carrying it, so it was preserved. I want to ask you to present it to someone.”

“Who?”

“It’s the appraiser at a Wanyuan Pawnshop in this county town.” Not knowing Gu Pingyuan’s name, Chen Fu’en described his appearance and what had just happened: “The silver notes are a small matter, but this old man received a word of benefit from him. Thinking carefully about it, it’s like being reborn. Now that I’ve fallen from grace and am bullied, keeping this worldly possession will sooner or later be taken by others through trickery or force. I want to give it to him as slight repayment.”

In fact, this hand scroll was far more than slight repayment – Dong Qichang’s masterpiece wouldn’t sell for less than five thousand taels of silver at any calligraphy and painting shop in Liuli Factory, but Chen Fu’en now regarded it as worthless as dirt.

Hearing this, Su Zixuan immediately knew Chen Fu’en was speaking of the young man who had just debated Buddhist principles with her. She hadn’t expected there to be such a merchant in the world and couldn’t help but be greatly interested. She accepted the hand scroll, agreeing to Chen Fu’en’s request, and departed gracefully with Sixi.

Gu Pingyuan returned to Wanyuan Pawn Shop in high spirits. When crossing the wooden bridge over Little South River, the river surface was wide open with fierce north winds blowing, causing him to involuntarily shiver and have a cold spell.

“Sir, have a cup of wine! On such a cold day, don’t let yourself freeze. Drinking my wine has three benefits: it satisfies cravings and quenches thirst, drives away cold and warms the heart, and moreover wine is fire within water – it strengthens yang energy and keeps all evils at bay.”

Gu Pingyuan was startled to hear someone nearby calling to him. Looking carefully, he saw it was a peddler carrying wine vats to sell wine. His eyesight was truly remarkable – in such darkness, he could actually tell that Gu Pingyuan was shivering. Gu Pingyuan wasn’t normally fond of drinking, but in the freezing cold, thinking of the taste of warmed wine pouring into his mouth, his mouth couldn’t help but water with anticipation. So he smiled and nodded.

Seeing he’d attracted business, the wine peddler was all smiles, quickly using the cloth towel draped over his hand to dust off a wooden stool, inviting Gu Pingyuan to sit, then stirring the charcoal fire bright and warming a cup of wine to hand over. Gu Pingyuan sipped it, feeling a thin thread like fire enter his throat, and drained it in one gulp, immediately feeling his stomach and intestines warm, then all his meridians and vessels became comfortable.

“Good wine! Another cup!” Gu Pingyuan placed the empty cup on the wine vat’s lid.

Seeing the customer’s praise, the wine peddler’s face immediately seemed to glow with gold. His hands and feet moved like flying, quickly warming another cup of wine while continuously bragging about the wine’s virtues: “The water for brewing this wine comes from the middle current of Little South River – the purest water quality… Eh?”

Gu Pingyuan closed his eyes to savor the wine while smiling and listening to him speak. Suddenly hearing an exclamation of surprise, he couldn’t help but glance at the wine peddler. He saw the wine peddler looking him up and down, saying hesitantly: “You… you aren’t…”

Gu Pingyuan found it strange, thinking he didn’t recall being acquainted with this peddler, so he asked: “You know me?”

“Don’t know, don’t know – mistook you for someone else!” The wine peddler suddenly trembled, shrinking his head and waving his hands repeatedly.

This man clearly recognized him but wouldn’t admit it. Gu Pingyuan rolled his eyes, suddenly slapped the wine vat and shouted: “Selling wine is selling wine – why engage in treachery and crime!”

The wine peddler was startled by the threat: “Sir, you can’t joke like this – where does this come from?”

Gu Pingyuan smiled, saying leisurely: “Haven’t you heard ‘Humility is a virtue, but excessive humility guards against deception; silence is noble conduct, but excessive silence conceals treachery’! You still say you’re not treacherous!”

“I…” This wine peddler usually had the most articulate tongue and was known as “Quick-mouth Liu,” but today’s stammering was already contrary to his nature. Moreover, he wouldn’t accept being labeled treacherous, so forgetting his reservations, he asked: “Forgive my boldness in asking – sir, half a month ago, did you lie in the corner by the tailor shop ahead during the deep night?”

“I don’t know about any tailor shop, but that incident did happen. You saw me that night, didn’t you?” Gu Pingyuan finally understood.

“More than just saw you.” The wine peddler slapped his thigh. “Not to make myself look good, but that night you slept soundly, entirely thanks to me moving firewood from home to build a fire – such a big woodpile.”

Gu Pingyuan exclaimed “Ah!” – a mystery hidden in his heart was finally solved. He’d always felt that fire pile had nothing to do with the mad beggar – turns out it was this wine peddler’s doing. One question resolved, another arose: “I’ve never met you before – dare I ask why you provided such help in the snow?” Gu Pingyuan kept half a sentence in his heart: “Could it really be pure kindness?”

The wine peddler didn’t hide anything: “Throughout winter in all of Shanxi Province, there are at least eight hundred if not a thousand people who freeze to death on the roads. I’m no bodhisattva descended to earth – carrying firewood for each one would kill me with exhaustion. Truth is, someone gave me silver to do this.”

“Who was it?” Could it be Liu Heita or Chang Yu’er?

Having spoken this far, the wine peddler couldn’t hide anymore. Moreover, the man before him was still a customer, so he looked around in all directions, confirmed no one was nearby, then lowered his voice and said hoarsely: “Do you know Manager Wang at Taiyufeng on the front street?”

Gu Pingyuan was stumped by his question and nodded perfunctorily: “Could it be him?”

“No, no – Manager Wang is noble and dignified, how would he have time for such idle matters.” After saying this he felt something was wrong and lightly slapped his mouth. “This mouth of mine is just too quick – my wife at home has scolded me several times about it, but I still can’t change. Your matter isn’t idle business, sir.”

Gu Pingyuan was both annoyed and amused: “Just tell me who it was!”

“Manager Wang has a long-time attendant who’s always by his side, actually his bodyguard, who wears his hat askew year-round to cover half his face – people call him ‘Crooked Master.’ You must have seen him? That night he came to drink at my place, left not long after but came back, gave me two taels of silver, and told me to build you a fire. Must have seen you lying in the street and worried you’d freeze.”

“Could it be him?” Gu Pingyuan never expected that this man who seemed completely without human feeling had actually helped him. Shaking his head, he murmured: “Truly hard to believe.”

“Don’t say you don’t believe it – I don’t believe it either. What kind of person is that Crooked Master? Call him by name and he’ll cut out your tongue. Never seen him smile at anyone.” The wine peddler muttered continuously.

A flash of light appeared in Gu Pingyuan’s eyes. He remembered Wang Tiangui had said this crooked hat was a military graduate – could it really be true? When he asked about this, the wine peddler nodded repeatedly: “Not false, not false at all – he was a military graduate in the seventh year of Xianfeng, tested at Taiyuan Prefecture.”

“From your tone, you seem to know this person quite well. Since he’s a military graduate, why would he demean himself to become a bodyguard?”

The wine peddler opened his mouth but made no sound. Originally he knew nothing about Crooked Hat’s affairs, but after that day his curiosity was aroused. Taking advantage of walking the streets and alleys selling wine, he would inquire casually when convenient. Over time, he pieced together a general picture. But the more he knew, the less he dared speak – speaking would bring disaster, so he kept it in his belly and didn’t dare mention it even to his wife at home. He was naturally quick-tongued and felt his tongue tip itching from holding back. Today speaking a few sentences at Gu Pingyuan’s place was refreshing, but suddenly remembering “Crooked Master’s” face like a wooden or clay sculpture, his heart chilled. “Mosquitoes and insects invite swatting, only because mouths harm people” – wasn’t he asking for trouble?

Seeing him suddenly lost in thought, Gu Pingyuan waited a while, then couldn’t help but urge him a couple times. It would have been better if he hadn’t urged – with his urging, the wine peddler didn’t even tend to the fire on the stove, shouldered his wine vat and ran off. Gu Pingyuan was baffled, calling after him several times, but saw him running faster and faster. He hadn’t even paid for his wine, yet the wine seller had run without a trace. Gu Pingyuan looked at the still-warm cup in his hand, shook his head, placed the wine money in the tin cup, and left it by the tree under the bridge.

When he returned to Wanyuan Pawnshop, he saw from afar in the snow a person standing at the pawnshop entrance. Gu Pingyuan was puzzled, slowed his pace as he approached, and gradually made out that it was Appraiser Zhu with his hands tucked in his sleeves, back to the pawnshop door, clearly waiting for him.

“What a rule-abiding Fourth Counter. Our pawnshop’s winter rule is to bar the doors at first watch and extinguish candles at second watch, yet you return at third watch – pray tell why?” Seeing him approach, Appraiser Zhu spoke unhurriedly, his voice not loud but imposing.

Seeing it was him checking the shop, Gu Pingyuan knew this questioning was inevitable. Knowing that Zhu Sheng had long wanted to find fault with him and that whatever he said would be useless, he simply remained silent.

“Is it whoring, gambling, or even opium smoking – any of these would be a reason. Why won’t you speak? Don’t tell me like that Madman Qiao shouting in the streets, you were invited by heavenly soldiers and generals to get rich?” The mocking expression on Zhu Sheng’s face grew heavier.

Gu Pingyuan remained silent, never uttering a word.

“Jin Hu!” Zhu Sheng shouted. “Since he won’t speak, you speak! I just saw you skulking around the second gate – you must be his inside accomplice. If you don’t speak, I’ll expel you from the shop tomorrow.”

Jin Hu came rolling and crawling out from behind the door, falling to his knees with a thud, looking at Gu Pingyuan with a bitter face. Gu Pingyuan said angrily: “Chief Appraiser, don’t involve others – I went to deliver silver notes to a customer.”

“Deliver silver notes?” Zhu Sheng hadn’t expected such an answer.

“It’s about today’s matter of shortchanging that convict two hundred taels. Convicts are originally suffering people – though there are vicious criminals among them, there are also many who are wronged and implicated. If we can’t help them, then we don’t help, but to collude with runners to cheat them of their pawning money – I, Gu, as Fourth Appraiser, consider this improper.”

Zhu Sheng coldly smiled: “So you had a sudden attack of conscience and went to return the money?”

“The money came from my own funds and has nothing to do with the shop.” Having just drunk wine, Gu Pingyuan’s tone unconsciously became extremely firm.

Hearing his defiance, Zhu Sheng was actually stunned: “You used your own money to compensate customers? Two hundred taels at that – do you know your annual salary doesn’t even reach this amount?”

“In the Chief Appraiser’s eyes, is an annual salary a lot?” Gu Pingyuan was somewhat indignant. “Worth trading for the word ‘trustworthiness’?”

“What did you say!” Zhu Sheng’s complexion was already unsightly, and now it was even more gloomy.

“Fourth Appraiser, please… please say less.” Jin Hu secretly groaned. Gu Pingyuan being so tactless – when the Chief Appraiser gets angry in a moment, he’d suffer the consequences too. He could only steel himself to mediate.

Gu Pingyuan paid no attention and didn’t look at Zhu Sheng’s expression, instead raising his voice: “Merchants base themselves on trustworthiness and righteousness – losing trustworthiness and righteousness in business is a dead end. Today’s shop practice, though it earned some silver and can use industry precedent to absolve the conscience, unfortunately damages the Chief Appraiser’s golden reputation. You claim to be the province’s renowned authentication expert, Taigu’s number one eye for quality – could it be that training this eye is for shortchanging customers’ silver?”

Hearing him speak more and more severely, Jin Hu was so frightened his body shook like a sieve, not daring to lift his head.

Who knew that Gu Pingyuan hadn’t finished speaking: “The Chief Appraiser is also a businessman – haven’t you heard ‘When the abacus rings in the shop, it’s heard clearly outside’? In the past, someone disregarded trustworthiness and colluded with officials to harm your father – how is his reputation now? Today you also disregard trustworthiness, colluding with runners to cheat customers – isn’t this no different from that person?”

Hearing him bring up this matter, Jin Hu knew this was Zhu Sheng’s greatest taboo. His mind went “boom” as if a thunderclap had struck beside his ear, leaving him dizzy and confused. His legs went weak and he collapsed entirely to the ground, thinking: “This is it, we’re finished.”

After waiting a long time with no movement, he only felt Gu Pingyuan pull him up beside him, saying softly: “Get up.” When he stood and looked around, he discovered that Appraiser Zhu had vanished without a trace at some point.

The next morning, the clerks rose early to clean, the ticket writers ground ink and moistened brushes, and the appraisers either sniffed snuff to refresh themselves or directed the work. Jin Hu had been restless all night, wanting only to do more work before the Chief Appraiser to perhaps reduce his guilt somewhat. He had just gone to remove the boards preparing to open when Appraiser Zhu suddenly called from behind: “Wait!”

Jin Hu’s heart flipped in terror, thinking the Chief Appraiser was about to explode at him. His hand loosened and the board he was holding fell on his foot, nearly breaking his big toe. The pain made him grimace but he dared not make a sound.

“Go call all the clerks from the back.” Zhu Sheng’s voice was somewhat muffled. When the clerks had assembled, he looked around the circle, pausing on Gu Pingyuan’s face.

“I announce one thing. From today’s opening onward, whenever runners bring convicts to pawn items, all shall be given actual prices, with silver notes handed directly to the convicts. From myself downward, whoever again colludes with runners to suppress prices and deceive customers will be dismissed from the shop without exception.”

Jin Hu had been hanging his head low, constantly praying in his heart. Hearing the Chief Appraiser say this was completely unexpected. He raised his eyes to look at Gu Pingyuan and saw he also wore a look of astonishment.

Second Appraiser Ding was more shocked than anyone. After the clerks dispersed, he found Zhu Sheng to complain: “Chief Appraiser, this profit is considerable – if we lose it, when we compile the ten-thousand-gold ledger at year’s end, I fear it won’t match last year’s.”

“If it doesn’t match, then it doesn’t match. Besides, it’s only February now – if we put our spirits into making several good deals this year, we can make up for it.”

“Yes.” Second Appraiser Ding dared not say more, but thought to himself: “Everything else is fine, but I fear Wang Tiangui will come looking for trouble. In the past when the pawnshop’s performance was good, he couldn’t find fault with anything. But if this year’s ten-thousand-gold ledger becomes a ten-thousand-silver ledger, what then?” All the appraisers and clerks in this pawnshop had been recruited by Zhu Sheng personally. They had both the bond of partners and the grace of recognition, getting along very harmoniously, so Second Appraiser Ding couldn’t help but worry secretly.

But Zhu Sheng paid no attention to his thoughts. He walked to his resting place in the side room of the back courtyard, closed the door, and with a pot of aged liquor and a Longquan celadon phoenix-tail cup, poured and drank by himself for several cups. Suddenly he set down the wine cup with a thud and shook his head with a bitter smile.

What this young man surnamed Gu had said last night was almost identical to what he himself had said when first entering the pawnshop business. At that time he had even declared he would conduct the most fair pawnshop business in the world! But when had he begun to go with the flow, conducting the very business he had once looked down upon? That was also a very long time ago… Zhu Sheng thought and thought, pouring cup after cup down his throat until he was completely drunk and fell into a confused sleep.

After this incident, though Zhu Sheng still treated Gu Pingyuan with cool indifference, he followed shop rules and allowed him to participate in the pawnshop’s daily operations. Except for Jin Hu, everyone in the pawnshop was amazed by this. Only Gu Pingyuan understood the reason and secretly developed several points of respect for Zhu Sheng.

Gu Pingyuan was intelligent, studious, and good at drawing inferences from examples. Combined with having read a bellyful of pawnshop anecdotes, once he began participating in business, he quickly became competent. Even apprentices with years of experience were surpassed by him. Though Zhu Sheng showed no emotion, he secretly nodded in approval.

Gu Pingyuan had hoped to use this opportunity to improve his relationship with Zhu Sheng, but unexpectedly, trouble arose again within a few days.

That afternoon, by coincidence, of the pawnshop’s three appraisers, one attended a trade association banquet, one requested leave to return home to visit relatives, and the remaining Second Appraiser Ding had an old malaria condition that suddenly flared up, forcing him to return home to rest. In the vast pawnshop, only Gu Pingyuan and the clerks remained looking at each other.

Normally it wouldn’t be Gu Pingyuan’s turn to give orders in the pawnshop. Seeing the clerks all had expressions of watching a good show, he also knew that with his eyesight, if someone truly came to pawn antiques and treasures, he would certainly make a fool of himself. People should have self-awareness – rather than stubbornly holding on and embarrassing himself, better to gracefully step down. Thinking of this, he actually smiled, walked out from behind the counter and said: “Since the three appraisers are all absent today, I, the Fourth Counter, will presume. Everyone has worked hard these past days – I’m taking the liberty of giving everyone a holiday. Let’s close the boards early today and go home.”

The clerks hadn’t expected him to handle it this way and were stunned, hardly believing it. Seeing they didn’t move, Gu Pingyuan said again: “Since I said it, the Chief Appraiser will naturally speak to me when he returns. Even if there’s blame, it’s my affair alone – you can rest easy.”

Who wouldn’t want to go home early? Even with nothing to do, sitting on the kang holding the children and saying a few words with the wife would be good. All the clerks showed joy on their faces and organized themselves to leave in groups of three or five, leaving behind a few apprentices who lived in the shop. Gu Pingyuan was directing them to put up the boards when suddenly a great commotion arose across the street.

Across the street was another pawnshop called Xiangyun Pawn, smaller in scale than Wanyuan Pawn and not doing very good business. In recent years that Chief Appraiser had successively accepted several items that were fakes, losing considerable silver. It was said that at last year’s shareholders’ meeting, many people wanted to withdraw their shares, but no one would take over. The dead pawns couldn’t be disposed of quickly either, so they agreed to maintain operations for another year to see. Zhu Sheng had privately said this was because the pawnshop’s name wasn’t chosen well – pawnshops are places that gather items from myriad families, hence the name “Wanyuan” (Ten Thousand Sources) follows this principle. However, naming it “Xiangyun” (Auspicious Clouds) – clouds are things that drift and scatter indefinitely, how can they gather wealth?

Now hearing chaos at Xiangyun Pawn, the apprentices were young and loved watching excitement. They put down the door boards in their hands and gathered at one side of the street to watch. They heard someone inside cursing violently: “Do you know how this thing came about? You’re really ‘eating lamp wick ash and farting lightly’ – one tael of silver? I’ll tear down your pawnshop and compensate you one tael of silver!” Then they heard two “aiya” sounds from inside, and a person flew straight out, lying in the middle of the street holding his waist, crying for his parents and unable to get up for a long time. The clerks recognized him – it was Xiangyun Pawn’s Second Appraiser, whose mouth was most sarcastic and bitter. Pawnshop customers agreed that if they could slap him twice, they’d rather have their pawn tickets written for two taels less silver.

Then an imposing man with a beard like halberds strode angrily out of the pawnshop. Still not satisfied apparently, he walked to the street center and gave the Second Appraiser another kick in the rear. The Second Appraiser rolled on the ground like a donkey several times, then got up and fled holding his head. Wanyuan Pawn’s clerks also hated this Second Appraiser, because according to pawnshop rules, one’s own people couldn’t pawn at their own shop but had to go elsewhere. When the clerks were sometimes short of money, they would pawn some non-urgent items, and when busy would go to Xiangyun Pawn across the street, suffering plenty of abuse from this Second Appraiser. Now seeing him beaten, everyone felt vindicated.

After beating the man, the big fellow turned back and spat at Xiangyun Pawn. Looking up and seeing Wanyuan Pawn’s signboard, he walked forward a few steps and asked sternly: “Is this also a pawnshop?”

The clerks looked at each other, their hearts all flipping. One bold one answered tremblingly: “It is a pawnshop, but we’ve already closed the boards.”

“With the sun high overhead, what boards are you closing? Let me pawn my things first!” Having said this, the big man lifted his foot to barge in. The clerks didn’t dare stop him, secretly crying out in distress. Unexpectedly the tables had turned and this trouble had come to their own shop. With all the appraisers absent, if this rough fellow got angry, wouldn’t he tear down the store?

The man stepped into the shop with one foot. Jin Hu, being older, came forward with a smiling face: “Sir, we’re terribly sorry – our appraisers all happen to be out. Why don’t you try other shops?”

The man looked around and saw Gu Pingyuan. Seeing this person had extraordinary bearing and dress different from the clerks, he pointed and asked: “Who is he?”

Jin Hu was stumped by the question. Gu Pingyuan thought: “Whether it’s fortune or disaster, disaster can’t be avoided.” He politely cupped his hands: “I am Gu Pingyuan, Fourth Appraiser of this pawnshop. May I ask your honored surname and name, General?”

This statement stunned the big man. He looked himself over – he wore no official hat or supplementary robe, so how did this person recognize at a glance that he was a military official?

Gu Pingyuan seemed to read his mind and explained without being asked: “You’re wearing deerskin riding boots and have an iron thumb ring for drawing bows on your hand.”

So that was it. The man couldn’t help but admire Gu Pingyuan’s keen eyesight and replied: “My surname is Deng, called Deng Tieyi. You’re right – I’m a Bazong.”

Bazong was seventh rank. Though military officials’ insignia weren’t worth much, Gu Pingyuan didn’t dare show any negligence and addressed him as “Sir.”

“I suppose you’re temporarily short of funds and need to pawn something. Please come to the counter to discuss.”

Seeing his courteous manner, Captain Deng’s anger subsided somewhat. Only then did Gu Pingyuan notice he was holding a long cloth bundle. Placing it on the counter and opening it revealed an iron-skinned long case. Deng Tieyi carefully opened the case’s clasp, flipped up the lid, and inside was a waist saber wrapped in velvet cloth.

Deng Tieyi gently lifted the saber and stroked it. Suddenly his rough face showed some melancholy, and he stared blankly for a while before somewhat reluctantly passing it to Gu Pingyuan.

“Take a look, but be careful.”

Gu Pingyuan thought: Whether this is an ancient Warring States blade or a precious sword from a former dynasty, I can’t distinguish the period or tell authentic from fake. But since he handed it over, I must reach out and accept it.

The saber was exquisitely crafted. The scabbard made of wrought iron was decorated with copper studs arranged in tiger and leopard patterns, each polished bright as gold. The guard of the handle was even inlaid with a piece of ink jade. Gu Pingyuan gently pressed the spring and drew the saber halfway out. Though it was the depths of winter, he still felt a chill emanating from it. The two blood grooves had a faint resonance, and the blade edge flashed with extreme sharpness.

“Excellent saber!” Gu Pingyuan sincerely praised. He turned the saber over and discovered characters carved on the blade. The largest line read “Eliminate the ugly classes, be utterly loyal to royal affairs,” with another smaller line below: “Presented by Disheng Zeng Guofan,” followed by the number “47.”

Gu Pingyuan immediately understood – this must be an old Xiang Army veteran, and though he hadn’t heard of this specific saber, it was certainly bestowed by Lord Zeng Guofan, who was currently commanding troops in battle against the Taiping rebels as Governor-General of Liangjiang. It seemed to adapt the story of Cao Cao’s archery contest for robes at Bronze Sparrow Platform to inspire Xiang Army morale.

Having vaguely guessed the saber’s origin, Gu Pingyuan’s tone became even more gentle: “This saber isn’t an antique, but it’s certainly a fine blade. How much do you want to pawn it for?”

“Fi… one thousand taels!” Deng Tieyi had wanted to say five hundred taels, but thinking the pawnshop would certainly bargain, he simply asked for one thousand. Hearing one thousand taels, all the clerks were shocked and gathered around to look. Having long worked in pawnshops, even without expert eyes they had developed some judgment. Taking a glance, they all showed contemptuous expressions. One secretly extended his hand, made a palm gesture, and drew a line at the finger roots. The others remained silent but quietly nodded.

Then everyone looked at Gu Pingyuan to see what he would say. Unexpectedly, Gu Pingyuan wasn’t too shocked and examined the saber, turning it over and over. Deng Tieyi watched intently throughout and finally said impatiently: “Well? How much can you give?”

“Just one thousand taels.” Gu Pingyuan actually agreed at once. The clerks were all shocked. Jin Hu, fearing Gu Pingyuan would suffer a loss, boldly said: “Fourth Appraiser, this saber isn’t worth that price!” In fact it was far from worth it – Jin Hu feared getting beaten and didn’t dare speak too directly.

Deng Tieyi hadn’t expected Gu Pingyuan to actually agree to his lion’s mouth demand. Not knowing whether this appraiser was mad or foolish, he was overjoyed and didn’t mind Jin Hu’s words, just glared at him and extended his hand: “Good, bring the silver note.”

“Wait. I’m talking about the dead pawn price – live pawn is only five hundred taels.”

“Eh? Five hundred taels?”

“Dead pawn and live pawn have different prices. I advise you to make it a dead pawn.”

“That won’t do – this saber can’t be a dead pawn. Besides, I’m only pawning for one day and will definitely redeem it by noon tomorrow.” Deng Tieyi said firmly.

“Are you sure?”

“No need to think – just live pawn.”

“Fine. Five hundred taels then. I’ll write the pawn ticket and get the silver.”

Gu Pingyuan turned back to write the pawn ticket. Jin Hu crouched into the counter and whispered urgently: “Fourth Appraiser, this won’t do! You know the shop rules – even a Third Appraiser can only pawn items worth one hundred taels. Beyond that requires reporting to the Second and Chief Appraisers. You’re Fourth Counter yet dare to pawn five hundred taels – when the Chief Appraiser learns of this, he’ll fly into a rage. Moreover, that saber really isn’t worth it – at most it’s…” He looked outside, “five taels!”

“Whether it’s worth it depends on my eyesight. But you say shop rules limit Third Appraisers to one hundred taels – what about Fourth Appraisers?”

“This…” Jin Hu was speechless. Generally pawnshops had only three appraisers at most – there was no such thing as a Fourth Counter. Zhu Sheng had never thought to establish a Fourth Appraiser position, so the shop rules had no such provision. Unexpectedly Gu Pingyuan had found a loophole.

“Though shop rules don’t specify, I still advise you… this is obviously…” Jin Hu rubbed his hands, not knowing how to phrase it, not daring to speak loudly lest the customer outside hear.

“I understand.” Gu Pingyuan had already finished writing the pawn ticket. Taking the key that Second Appraiser Ding had given him, he opened the counter’s cash box, took out five hundred taels in silver notes, and handed them over with the ticket to Deng Tieyi.

“Pawn tickets are written for minimum three months – I’ve written yours for six months, so you can redeem early. But even if as you say you’re only pawning for one day, you must pay one month’s interest – that’s the rule.”

“Understood, understood.” Deng Tieyi took the silver notes and counted them, greatly pleased. Looking at Gu Pingyuan: “You’re an interesting appraiser – straightforward! You know quality! Keep the saber safe – before noon tomorrow, I’ll come to redeem it.”

After he left quickly, the clerks looked at each other and shook their heads. Jin Hu said worriedly: “Fourth Appraiser, you’ve caused big trouble.”

“No matter.” Gu Pingyuan watched the man’s retreating figure and smiled slightly.

The next morning, Zhu Sheng walked over from the small alley on the south side of town, holding his beloved amber snuff bottle and with his large belly prominent. Yesterday at the trade association, he had received considerable flattery for accepting that rare ancient jade screen from the Liao family estate. Someone had even proposed inviting several renowned appraisers from Beijing to study the ancient ink on the jade together – if they could restore the technique, then inscribing characters on jade in future would be a great event in the world of cultural artifacts. With wine cups clinking and loud conversation, Zhu Sheng couldn’t help feeling pleased and drank several extra cups. This morning he still had a headache, and only after sniffing some mint snuff from Lingnan did he feel better.

From afar he saw Chief Appraiser Hu of Xiangyun Pawn standing at his doorway. He thought Hu was just idly watching, but unexpectedly he was waiting for him.

“Oh, Appraiser Zhu, good morning.” Seeing Zhu Sheng, Appraiser Hu’s eyes lit up as he cupped his hands in greeting from a distance.

“Morning! Good morning to you!” Zhu Sheng returned the courtesy and prepared to enter his own shop.

“Don’t rush off – I haven’t congratulated you yet. You’ve really acquired a fine item.” Appraiser Hu bit down hard on the words “fine item.”

Zhu Sheng was puzzled. The saying goes “those in the same trade are enemies,” especially neighboring competitors. This Chief Appraiser Hu had always been envious of Wanyuan Pawn’s business. Yesterday at the trade association hall, when everyone came to toast him, only Hu had sat with an iron-blue face drinking alone. How had one night’s sleep changed his face, making him come over to congratulate instead?

Unable to figure this out immediately, he could only smile and respond: “You’re too kind. As I said yesterday, we in the pawnshop business sit to eat – whether we can acquire good items depends half on eyesight, half on luck. Without luck, anyone’s efforts are in vain.”

Appraiser Hu listened with a smile, then feigned surprise: “You’re talking about yesterday – the trade association banquet, right? You hadn’t acquired this item yet at that time!”

Zhu Sheng was completely baffled. Seeing Appraiser Hu squinting with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, not looking like genuine congratulation, his face darkened: “Appraiser Hu, are you making fun of me?”

“How would I dare? You’re a senior in the pawning industry – I can only respect and honor you. How dare I make fun of you?” Seeing Zhu Sheng about to leave, Appraiser Hu quickly followed: “Yesterday when we were all at the association, someone came to my Xiangyun Pawn to pawn something – a saber for five hundred taels! My Second Appraiser looked left and right – it wasn’t worth even five taels, so he turned it away. Who knew your esteemed establishment, worthy of being industry leader, truly can distinguish treasures and recognize quality. Five hundred taels – however much they asked, you gave exactly that, accepting at original price. Though I didn’t see that saber, it must be priceless – could it be Guan Gong’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade that you obtained? Otherwise, according to pawnshop rules, how could you give exactly what the customer demanded? Therefore I came to congratulate Appraiser Zhu on acquiring a treasure. When the trade association holds another gathering, I’ll certainly promote this for you properly and won’t let your reputation be buried.”

“This…” Zhu Sheng sucked in a cold breath. Five hundred taels of silver was a small matter, but reputation couldn’t be lost. That Second Appraiser wasn’t incompetent either – comparing five taels to five hundred taels, one is goods, the other treasure. He wouldn’t easily mistake them. Could Second Appraiser Ding have misjudged? No, even if he misjudged, he wouldn’t give whatever amount people asked for. No pawnshop appraiser prices things this way.

He couldn’t be bothered with detailed questions and hurried toward his own pawnshop. Behind him he heard Appraiser Hu coldly muttering: “Saying my Xiangyun Pawn won’t last long – with such spendthrift business practices, I think Wanyuan Pawn will close first.”

Zhu Sheng quickly entered the shop. When clerks greeted him, he only nodded slightly. Looking around and not seeing Second Appraiser Ding, he asked: “Is the Second Appraiser in back?”

Jin Hu answered: “The Second Appraiser had a malaria attack and went home to rest yesterday. He said he’d come today if he felt better, but he’s not here yet – probably the illness got worse.”

Zhu Sheng’s suspicions deepened. “Let me ask you – did someone come yesterday to pawn a saber?”

Jin Hu shrank his neck, thinking “what we feared has come.” He looked difficulty at Gu Pingyuan standing behind the counter.

Gu Pingyuan wouldn’t let the clerk be put in a difficult position. He had already walked out, saying as he went: “Chief Appraiser, I was at the counter yesterday. I accepted the item.”

“Bring it for me to see.” Hearing it was Gu Pingyuan who had pawned it, Zhu Sheng’s heart went cold, but without seeing the item he couldn’t say anything. When the waist saber was handed over, with just one glance, Zhu Sheng’s face became like a stormy day – alternating patches of green and white, so angry his lips trembled.

“How much did they ask for?”

“One thousand taels.”

“How much did you give?”

Gu Pingyuan honestly replied: “Five hundred taels live pawn. But I told him if it were dead pawn, I could give one thousand taels. He wouldn’t do it.”

“Nonsense!” Zhu Sheng nearly threw the waist saber on the ground. Fortunately his mind retained a thread of clarity, plus years of habit respecting pawned items – his hand shook but he steadied it. Seeing the Chief Appraiser’s fury, all the clerks immediately stood straight, hands properly at their sides, not daring to move.

“This saber is newly forged – taken to market, it would sell for at most five taels of silver. According to pawnshop rules, giving him one and a half taels would be generous. Yet you didn’t bargain at all, offering one thousand taels, and finally pawning it live for five hundred taels! I, Zhu Sheng, have been in the pawn business my whole life and never encountered such a thing. Not bargaining would be one thing – if you’d truly acquired something good, it wouldn’t be a loss. But it’s precisely this kind of obviously fake junk. Having no eyesight is one thing, but you dared to presume to accept items on your own!” Zhu Sheng paced back and forth before Gu Pingyuan, berating him like a storm, then swept his hand toward all the clerks: “You’re all useless too – just watching him squander money like this without stopping him.” The clerks bowed their heads even lower.

“They did try to stop me – I didn’t listen.” Gu Pingyuan had remained silent throughout, now speaking with extremely calm tone, contrasting sharply with Zhu Sheng’s roaring.

“Oh… they tried to stop you, but you didn’t listen? So you deliberately came to my counter to waste silver? Do you know that even a Third Appraiser can only write pawn tickets for one hundred taels? You’ve just arrived, you’re merely a Fourth Counter, yet you dare offer one thousand taels, dare write a five-hundred-tael pawn ticket. You, you, you…” Zhu Sheng was already corpulent, and having walked all the way from home without rest, was now so furious that one Buddha was born and another ascended to heaven. He tugged at his cotton robe’s collar, gasping heavily. Jin Hu cleverly brought Zhu Sheng a chair and poured tea, incidentally taking the saber away.

Gu Pingyuan remained calm and collected: “Chief Appraiser, please hear me out.”

“What more do you have to say? Speak!”

“The appraiser just said I misjudged – forgive me, but I cannot agree.”

“Ha! A five-tael item pawned for five hundred taels – this isn’t called misjudgment?”

“If it were a sale, then I would have nothing to say – it would indeed be a loss for the shop. But this is pawning, and I did nothing wrong. In fact, if it were truly a sale, I wouldn’t have done this business either.”

“Dead pawn is equivalent to buying and selling – didn’t you offer one thousand taels?”

“Correct, but I had already seen this person would never make it a dead pawn. Offering the dead pawn price was just to test him. Facts proved exactly as I thought – if he had truly agreed to dead pawn, I would have had another explanation. Chief Appraiser, actually the cleverness of this transaction lies in how he refused the one thousand taels for dead pawn but took the five hundred taels for live pawn and left.”

Reminded by his words, Zhu Sheng was indeed stunned. Yes, this truly went against common sense. Logically, anyone pawning a five-tael item for two hundred times its value would be overjoyed to take the silver note and leave. How could he prefer five hundred taels over one thousand?

Gu Pingyuan spoke deliberately: “He blurted out wanting to pawn for five hundred taels from the start. Later, fearing he couldn’t get that amount, he left room for bargaining. My offering him five hundred taels was exactly what he desired, so he agreed to pawn but didn’t want those extra useless five hundred taels.”

“Silver would be useless?” Zhu Sheng mocked.

“That’s because he will definitely return to redeem it. Taking an extra five hundred taels would mean paying more interest. I observed carefully – he treasures this saber like his life. His willingness to pawn it must have unavoidable difficulties, but that’s no concern of our pawnshop. As long as he returns to redeem it, even if we pawned it for fifty thousand taels it wouldn’t matter – we’d simply collect the interest when the time comes.” Gu Pingyuan spoke with absolute certainty.

“How do you know he’ll definitely return to redeem it?” Zhu Sheng didn’t believe.

Gu Pingyuan smiled: “If he didn’t plan to redeem it, would he refuse one thousand taels and only take half?”

Hearing this, Zhu Sheng opened his mouth but had no words. Because Gu Pingyuan was right – taking only five hundred taels was precisely the best proof of intending to return for redemption.

Zhu Sheng asked about the circumstances again, thought it over, and finally said: “Gu Pingyuan, you took the liberty of conducting such a large silver transaction – I won’t blame you for now because the shop rules indeed weren’t clear. But you offered an astronomical price based merely on observing expressions and manner. You must know the pawnshop business isn’t conducted this way. Pawning is based on the pawned item, with pawn tickets as proof – the item’s value determines the amount on the ticket. What you actually pawned this time wasn’t this waist saber, but this customer’s determination to redeem it. Though you’re confident this person will definitely come to redeem it, I cannot use this as basis. Moreover, if appraisers and clerks take this as precedent, I won’t be able to operate this pawnshop.”

This was also the truth. Gu Pingyuan nodded silently.

“Therefore punishment is unavoidable.” Zhu Sheng decided firmly. Though he felt Gu Pingyuan made sense, such behavior couldn’t be condoned. “Punishment comes in two forms. Since you spoke so definitively that the captain will definitely return by noon today to redeem, let’s wait and see. If he comes to redeem, you at least caused no loss to the pawnshop – I’ll only record one demerit against you, to be calculated when year-end bonuses are distributed. If he doesn’t come to redeem, then there’s no help for it. A five-hundred-tael loss is no small amount – by rights you should be expelled from the pawnshop.” At this point Zhu Sheng hesitated. Though he still couldn’t determine what Wang Tiangui intended by sending Gu Pingyuan to the pawnshop, it certainly wasn’t well-intentioned. If he expelled Gu Pingyuan, Wang Tiangui would surely have more tricks, inevitably causing himself endless trouble. Moreover, this Gu Pingyuan was naturally intelligent – if expelled, Wang Tiangui might send another annoying fellow, which would also be troublesome. Thinking this, he changed his words.

“I sentence you to confinement in the great warehouse for reflection.”

Gu Pingyuan hadn’t expected such light punishment and was also stunned: “The Chief Appraiser speaks correctly, but I’m confident I won’t receive this punishment.”

Throughout the morning, though the pawnshop appeared to conduct business as usual, everyone except Zhu Sheng was observing in all directions and listening carefully. At the slightest movement at the door they’d look up, when a customer entered they’d glance over – all waiting for the captain to appear. But when the sun rose high there was no sign of him, and when noon passed he was nowhere to be seen. The clerks looked at each other, all knowing things had gone badly. These past days Gu Pingyuan had been diligent and spoke humbly, not putting on airs as Fourth Appraiser. Yesterday he had also given everyone a half-day holiday, so he had gained some popularity. Several people secretly sweated for him. Gu Pingyuan initially acted unconcerned, but when noon arrived, he too began to have doubts and couldn’t help showing surprise on his face.

Jin Hu worried most for him. Seeing the captain not come, he grew extremely anxious, finding excuses to run outside and stand before the shop looking left and right. When he ran out frequently, Zhu Sheng noticed and beckoned him over.

“Jin Hu, when you collect wages this month, change your name on the register.”

“Change name? What… what name should I change to?” Jin Hu scratched the back of his head.

“Seeing your monkey nature acting up, simply change your name to Jin Monkey.” Zhu Sheng scolded with a stern face. Only then did Jin Hu realize he’d touched a sore spot and quickly slunk back to his position.

Strangely, after noon Zhu Sheng said nothing either, conducting business as usual. Only when the sun set and the shop closed, with all clerks gathered in the hall waiting to bow to the Chief Appraiser before going home, did he finally walk out unhurriedly and look at everyone: “Human hearts cannot be relied upon – only pawned items matter. You all understand this principle clearly today, don’t you?”

“We understand,” everyone said in unison.

“Good that you understand.” Zhu Sheng turned: “Gu Pingyuan!”

Gu Pingyuan had long expected this call. He remained unconvinced in his heart, feeling he couldn’t have misjudged that man’s thoughts, but facts were facts and wouldn’t allow him to argue.

“Chief Appraiser, since the pawned item wasn’t redeemed on schedule, I accept the punishment.” Though he said he accepted punishment, his tone wasn’t entirely submissive, carrying a stubborn streak.

“You have no choice but to accept it.” Zhu Sheng glanced at him coldly: “Young man, having some ability makes you think you’re clever, but you should know cleverness can be undone by cleverness. Doing business requires being down-to-earth. Always thinking of reaching heaven in one step will sooner or later result in being smashed to pieces.”

Gu Pingyuan’s heart shook. He had originally been verbally compliant but mentally unconvinced, but Zhu Sheng’s words truly exposed his business flaws. Like pouring cold water on hot coals – with a “hiss,” steam rose and when it dispersed, things became even clearer.

“Thank you for the Chief Appraiser’s instruction!” Gu Pingyuan respectfully bowed deeply.

But Zhu Sheng ignored him, instructing Jin Hu: “Lock Gu Pingyuan in the great warehouse. Reduce his daily meals by half. Without my word, no one is allowed to release him.”

Thus Gu Pingyuan was locked in the rear great warehouse. Wanyuan Pawn had three storage warehouses for pawned items, divided by size into “small, medium, large” and by category into “Heaven, Earth, Human” warehouses. The smaller the warehouse, the more valuable the items stored. The great warehouse held ordinary household goods and miscellany. Gu Pingyuan was locked in the great warehouse’s “Human” section. Moving the miscellaneous shelves slightly to make room for one person to lie down constituted his “prison cell.” Daily, clerks came to retrieve and store pawned items, naturally entering and exiting constantly, but awed by the Chief Appraiser’s authority, they dared not converse with Gu Pingyuan. Only Jin Hu would occasionally visit under pretense of work, say a few words, and sometimes bring half a steamed bun. But one thing Jin Hu couldn’t help with – the great warehouse strictly forbade candles and fire. Though it was already February with spring breezes, the spring chill was sharp and the warehouse remained bitterly cold. Unable to make fire, daytime was bearable, but at night Gu Pingyuan’s lips turned blue from cold as he rubbed his hands and shivered.

Later he discovered a crack in one corner of the warehouse that let moonlight through, and the warehouse happened to contain many pawned books to pass time. When absorbed in reading, he forgot hunger and cold, feeling as if he’d returned to his hometown’s private school, still receiving his teacher’s earnest instruction, still able to see that learned, bright-eyed beauty he cherished. When school ended and he pushed open the door, he could see his mother’s kind smile, hear his siblings’ joyful laughter, and smell the enticing aromas from the family kitchen. When he laughed aloud, he realized it was only a golden millet dream, with two tracks of tears on his cheeks waiting to be wiped away.

Days passed one by one, and in a blink Gu Pingyuan had been confined for half a month. Jin Hu indirectly inquired when Gu Pingyuan might be released. Zhu Sheng glared: “When someone brings five hundred taels in silver notes to redeem the saber, then he’ll be released.” This frightened Jin Hu into sticking out his tongue, not daring to say anything more.

Actually Zhu Sheng hadn’t initially planned to confine him so many days. The problem lay with that Appraiser Hu from Xiangyun Pawn across the street – he told everyone about Wanyuan Pawn’s “joke,” telling customers, telling colleagues, even going to teahouses and wine shops to tell it. Giving exactly what customers asked for – truly an unprecedented novelty. Within days all of Taigu County knew that Wanyuan Pawn, famous for never misjudging, had produced a mad appraiser who’d ruined their golden reputation. Zhu Sheng naturally heard about this too, pained by his hard-earned reputation but unable to explain.

Worse, this Appraiser Hu wouldn’t let it rest. He actually hired several people, got some waist sabers, and had them continuously visit various pawnshops in groups. Upon entering they’d shout: “Pawn a waist saber!” When asked “How much?” they’d reply at the top of their lungs: “Five hundred taels!” The pawnshops naturally wouldn’t offer such high prices, but these people wouldn’t even listen to bargaining, directly taking back their sabers and walking out, saying as they left: “If you won’t pawn it, we’ll go to Wanyuan Pawn – they know quality and must give five hundred taels.”

This daily monkey show made the streets and alleys buzz with talk, becoming a laughingstock among Taigu County’s pawnshops. It infuriated Zhu Sheng, who developed mouth sores, and when he heard Wang Tiangui knew about this and laughed heartily, even praising Gu Pingyuan for handling things well, Zhu Sheng became even angrier. He vented all his frustration on Gu Pingyuan, suspecting the entire affair was planned by him and Wang Tiangui, naturally refusing to release him. He planned to keep him confined until he begged for mercy, then smoothly dismiss him from the shop.

Zhu Sheng had it all figured out – when Wang Tiangui sent more people, he’d handle them the same way. After all, he managed the pawnshop – send one and he’d find fault to confine one. But this made Gu Pingyuan suffer, locked in the warehouse day and night in darkness. Yet he never had any thought of begging for mercy. The standoff continued day by day with no end in sight.

The next day, it was Jin Hu’s turn to sweep the entrance hall. Absent-minded, his broom nearly hit a passerby’s feet. The person pulled back their foot, and just as Jin Hu was about to apologize, they asked: “You’re a clerk from Wanyuan Pawn, aren’t you? Is there a young appraiser in the pawnshop?”

Jin Hu was surprised. Looking up, he saw an elegant gentleman in white robes with light fur and a slow belt, with a young servant beside him. Seeing Jin Hu staring blankly, the servant said impatiently: “My young master is asking you something – have you gone stupid?”

“Yes, yes.” Only then did Jin Hu come to his senses.

“Sixi.” The gentleman called the servant, though without reproach in his tone.

“Replying to this gentleman, our pawnshop has one old appraiser and two middle-aged appraisers – no young appraiser as you mentioned.”

“Hmm?” The visitor was naturally Su Zixuan. After visiting Chen Fu’en and learning the exclusive secrets of Li Zicheng’s treasure from him, she had returned with the intention of carefully investigating, but things hadn’t gone smoothly. After hitting several walls, she felt somewhat anxious and troubled. This day she went out to clear her mind, and feeling tired from walking, was drinking tea with Sixi at a wild teahouse by Datong Bridge.

Though she drank tea there, she only borrowed the place to drink water. Tea leaves and utensils were all her own. She naturally paid the tea fee in full and gave extra tips. A pot of authentic crooked-neck Longjing brewed out a clear, pleasant fragrance that made the tea customers in the house – who at most had only drunk “high-grade tea dust” in their lives – crane their necks to smell it.

Seeing many idle people around, Su Zixuan didn’t like to sit long. After drinking one cup of tea she was about to leave, but heard several laborers squatting nearby drinking large bowls of tea while chatting about what had happened at Wanyuan Pawn recently.

By now everyone on Taigu County’s streets knew the mad appraiser and the one who fought through Black Water Marsh to battle the prince’s mansion were the same person, making it even more interesting. With various opinions, everyone said that person was merely lucky, which was why he won business opportunities in Mongolia, but when it came to proper business, he showed his true colors.

The matter was truly interesting, and Su Zixuan listened intently for several sentences. When she heard about the Mongolia experience, she couldn’t help but be amazed – this person had both courage and strategy, definitely not just momentary good luck. She hadn’t expected such exceptional talent among merchants. Later she felt Wanyuan Pawn sounded familiar, and after brief thought remembered – wasn’t this the pawnshop where Chen Fu’en had asked her to present a painting! Initially hearing Chen Fu’en speak of it, she felt that young appraiser was no ordinary person. Could he be the same as the “mad appraiser” she’d just heard about?

Curious, and thinking she had nothing else to do, she came here with Sixi to find the person. Now hearing there was no young appraiser, she asked: “How many appraisers are in your shop?”

“Three…” Jin Hu suddenly realized. Yes, now the shop had four appraisers. Could this refined gentleman be asking about Gu Pingyuan?

Thinking of Gu Pingyuan’s current situation and Chief Appraiser Zhu’s ugly expression, Jin Hu choked up, staring wide-eyed not knowing how to answer.

Su Zixuan could tell at a glance that this young clerk was definitely hiding something. No longer questioning him, she directly stepped into the pawnshop. Upon entering, Su Zixuan naturally became the focus of everyone’s attention. She calmly surveyed the scene – indeed only three appraisers in the pawnshop, the rest being clerks. She couldn’t see the young appraiser she’d met that night at Wubian Temple. Su Zixuan looked back at Jin Hu’s nervous expression as he followed in, pondered briefly, then placed the fan she’d been playing with on the counter, smiling as she said: “Pawn!”

Second Appraiser Ding took it and opened it for a look, immediately shrinking back in shock. Looking up at Su Zixuan and seeing her completely nonchalant expression, he knew this was serious trouble. He quickly walked to Zhu Sheng’s side and showed him the fan.

Zhu Sheng also frowned deeply, looking at the fan then at Su Zixuan, at Su Zixuan then at the fan, finally walking over and gently pushing the fan back.

“Sir, sorry, but we won’t pawn this fan.”

Su Zixuan feigned surprise: “Why not? Is the pawned item worthless? Or too valuable for your pawnshop to handle?”

Sharp words! Zhu Sheng thought how unlucky these days had been. Having Gu Pingyuan make the pawnshop lose face was bad enough – now came a young gentleman making sarcastic remarks. Wasn’t this an unlucky year? Could it be that when worshipping the God of Wealth on “Breaking Five” day, someone’s insincere heart offended the deity?

Though appraisers’ faces turned sour, it depended on who they faced. Su Zixuan was clearly either rich or noble, with significant background – how dare business people offend such customers? Zhu Sheng forced a smile and shook his head: “No one would dare say this fan isn’t good – it just can’t be pawned.”

“Why?” Su Zixuan asked uncomprehendingly.

Zhu Sheng’s anger grew. He thought: You’re the fan’s owner – don’t you know? The poem on this fan was personally inscribed by our current dynasty’s Emperor Gaozong Qianlong, with the small seal of “Changchun Scholar” below. Who would dare pawn such a thing! Pawning it would be disrespecting our dynasty’s ancestors – grounds for house confiscation and exile. He thought again that such imperial fans were either in the palace or bestowed upon meritorious officials, all definitely recorded. Recipients were all documented, and if lost through poor care, the recipient would also be guilty. So none wouldn’t guard them carefully. If officials committed crimes warranting house confiscation, all bestowed items had to be returned to the palace – none could be left among the people.

Could it be stolen from the palace? Zhu Sheng shook his head thinking – the palace had countless treasures, and porcelain, jade, gold, silver, and jewels bore no marks. Only fools would steal this fan. So it must be some prince or noble’s son who didn’t understand, taking family imperial gifts to pawn. But such things were common in Beijing and Tianjin – they’d never come to Shanxi to pawn. Moreover, Su Zixuan had elegant bearing with no trace of dandyism.

Unable to guess Su Zixuan’s background and wanting to quickly conclude this matter, Zhu Sheng could only say vaguely: “Refusing to pawn always has reasons. Sometimes it’s inconvenient to explain – please understand, young sir. Why not try other shops, like Xiangyun Pawn across the street – I hear they often pawn strange and unusual items.”

He wanted to push the trouble elsewhere, but Su Zixuan remained unmoved, smiling slightly: “If you won’t pawn it, I won’t force you. But your word doesn’t count – let your mad appraiser who pawns sabers come speak with me.” Su Zixuan’s eyes were truly sharp – in this brief time, she’d already seen that among the three appraisers present, the chief was deeply scheming, the second was cautious and timid, and the third was mediocre and self-protective. None were “mad.”

Hearing her specifically ask for Gu Pingyuan, Zhu Sheng was immediately startled and became highly alert. Could this be another trap set by Wang Tiangui? Or Appraiser Hu’s new trick? Thinking this, his face darkened and he said harshly: “This shop has no such person!”

“None?” Su Zixuan wasn’t anxious either, taking the fan and fanning herself. She naturally knew the weight of this fan and why the appraiser dared not accept it: “Then let’s wait – perhaps this ‘non-existent’ person will suddenly exist in a while. Don’t you think so, Sixi?”

Sixi also smiled nearby. Having followed Su Zixuan disguised as a book boy for several months, she’d learned perfectly and no longer worried about being recognized as female.

“Young master, this shop is really too poor – not even a chair. I’ll go to that restaurant and order food and wine, have them bring a table too, so you can eat while waiting. Good?”

“Good, why not?” Su Zixuan glanced at Appraiser Zhu.

Zhu Sheng was beside himself with anger. What he feared was her not leaving – unexpectedly she really was sticking around, even wanting to move in a table for a wine feast. If this got out, wouldn’t it be even more laughable? His shop couldn’t hope to do proper business this year.

“Jin Hu.” Having no good strategy and fearing involvement with Wang Tiangui might be a trap so not daring to report to officials, Zhu Sheng could only compromise: “Go call out the Fourth Appraiser.”

Jin Hu was delighted to hear this. He went to the back, opened the great warehouse door, and found Gu Pingyuan sitting on the ground, concentrating on reading Shen Kuo’s “Dream Pool Essays” from the Song dynasty. As soon as Jin Hu entered, he said: “Congratulations, Fourth Appraiser – the Chief Appraiser told me to release you.”

Though Gu Pingyuan hadn’t left for half a month, Jin Hu kept him informed, so he wasn’t cut off from street news. He knew Zhu Sheng’s anger this time was unprecedented – how could he release him so quickly?

After Jin Hu explained the reason, Gu Pingyuan couldn’t understand why that master and servant insisted on speaking with him. Having been cooped up in the warehouse for half a month, just coming out to breathe fresh air and stretch made him feel wonderfully comfortable throughout his body. But he immediately thought of Chang Si’s father still locked in prison for nearly two months, surely suffering even more, and his smile couldn’t help but fade somewhat.

He followed Jin Hu to the front counter, first greeting Zhu Sheng and the second and third appraisers. Zhu Sheng said nothing with a dark face, pointing: “These two people insist you come out to deal with them – you handle it.” Second Appraiser Ding quickly came forward, quietly explaining in a few words why the fan couldn’t be pawned.

Gu Pingyuan understood as he listened, looking toward the customer while hearing. Someone like Su Zixuan was unforgettable to anyone who saw her. Gu Pingyuan was no exception, immediately recognizing the gentleman he’d met that night at Wubian Temple. He saw her in plain white satin robes with a snow fox cloak over her shoulders, only a green jade pendant at her waist, looking very elegant and graceful.

Su Zixuan was also studying him intently. The young man who emerged wore only hemp cotton robes with a plain silk belt at his waist – ordinary clothes but kept clean and neat throughout. Particularly in his eyes looking at her, there was restrained vigor and spirit.

This was precisely the person Chen Fu’en had asked her to find. Su Zixuan said calmly: “Come with me.” With that, she turned and left the pawnshop.

Gu Pingyuan glanced at the Chief Appraiser. Zhu Sheng was eager for this strange gentleman to leave quickly, nodded slightly, and Gu Pingyuan followed out.

Su Zixuan walked to a quiet corner before stopping: “I just heard that appraiser call you Gu Pingyuan?”

“My humble name isn’t worth mentioning.” Gu Pingyuan cupped his hands.

“Do you remember we met once at Wubian Temple?”

“Correct, we indeed had one meeting. At that time I spoke boastfully and may have polluted your hearing – please forgive me, young sir. May I ask your name…”

“Oh, my surname is Su, given name Zixuan.”

Gu Pingyuan said: “So it’s Young Master Su. About what you just pawned…”

“Let’s not discuss that. Do you know Chen Fu’en? That night, did you go to the temple to return two hundred taels of silver to him?”

Only then was Gu Pingyuan greatly surprised. He looked Su Zixuan up and down carefully again, asking hesitantly: “You are…”

“You needn’t be puzzled. Chen Fu’en and I are merely casual acquaintances. Hearing he was exiled to Yili, I also went to visit that night.” Su Zixuan spoke openly: “Unexpectedly, he asked me to give you something.”

Gu Pingyuan was greatly surprised: “What thing?”

“A hand scroll by Dong Qichang. He said talking with you was like being reborn, grateful for your awakening words, and wanted to leave this scroll as a memento.”

Having worked in the pawnshop for some time, Gu Pingyuan knew upon hearing “Dong Qichang hand scroll” that it was extremely valuable. He immediately shook his head: “I have no merit and cannot accept such generosity – it’s truly shameful. Please, Young Master Su, return the scroll.”

“Oh, I understand – you want me to make a trip to Yili.” Su Zixuan smiled teasingly.

Gu Pingyuan felt somewhat embarrassed. Yili was far away – his words were indeed inconsiderate, but he absolutely couldn’t accept Chen Fu’en’s gift.

“If you ask me, you can accept it without worry. That Chen Fu’en said hearing your words gave him rebirth – aren’t you like his father in this life? When a father wants some filial respect from his son, what’s wrong with that?” Su Zixuan teased.

Gu Pingyuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, suddenly having an inspiration: “In that case, I’ll transfer this scroll to Young Master Su.”

Su Zixuan said: “We’re strangers who met by chance – I’m truly the one without merit to accept it. Moreover, if I took this scroll and the original owner learned of it someday, he’d surely scold me for being greedy for money.”

Gu Pingyuan was again speechless. Though usually quite eloquent, meeting Su Zixuan left him only able to admit defeat.

Seeing his difficulty, Su Zixuan offered a solution: “That Chen Fu’en’s journey to Yili is long and distant – it will take at least a year and a half before he settles. By then, if you truly don’t want this scroll, sell it and convert to silver notes to send to him through money shops – wouldn’t that be good?”

This was truly an excellent plan. Seeing Gu Pingyuan agree, Su Zixuan said: “I don’t have the scroll with me, but fortunately the inn where I’m staying isn’t far from here. Come with me to get it.”

Gu Pingyuan had no objection and followed the master and servant southward along the city wall. Passing a charity school and hearing the sound of reading from within, Su Zixuan suddenly spoke: “Master Gu.”