Having unexpectedly gained a powerful ally, Gu Pingyuan could now rest assured about the military provisions and uniforms needed to win over Cheng Xueqi. What remained was the matter of the three hundred thousand taels in military pay, which still had no source. Gu Pingyuan didn’t know whether Old Master Hu was at home, and if he wasn’t, the situation would become troublesome.

Fortunately, the markets along this route were peaceful. The Taiping rebels and government forces were all concentrated outside Hefei city, and there wasn’t even a single checkpoint on the road. Gu Pingyuan arrived smoothly at Tianshou Garden outside Xuning city. He dismounted and patted the dust from his clothes, carrying four gifts he’d purchased at markets along the way. He announced his purpose to the household servants at the gate, saying he was Gu Pingyuan from Gu Family Tea Garden, requesting an audience with Old Master Hu.

The Gu Family Tea Garden’s Lanxue tea had earned the reputation of “the world’s finest tea,” and moreover had formed a partnership with their own tea house. Every servant in the Hu household knew of this, and hearing that the person before them was indeed Gu Pingyuan, they hurried inside to report. Only then did Gu Pingyuan’s heart settle back into his chest, knowing that Old Master Hu was at home.

Without waiting long, a servant hurried back, saying that Old Master Hu requested his presence. Though this wasn’t Gu Pingyuan’s first visit to Tianshou Garden, the estate was truly vast. Led by a servant, he walked deeper inside, his eyes taking in everything as they went. They passed through the ten-story, ten-basement horseback-riding pavilion, through the sedan hall, tea hall, and flower hall, then through a moon gate. Beyond the gate entrance was a large pond where one could boat and admire lotus flowers. In the center of the pond stood a water pavilion, connected to the shore by an arched bridge that didn’t impede boat passage. Walking along the shoreline corridor, to the south was a vase-shaped gate. Entering and turning left, there was a small building with “Dust-Sweeping Pavilion” carved in seal script above.

Gu Pingyuan had never been to this area before. The winding pathways had already left him somewhat confused, but fortunately the servant led the way. Continuing eastward, they entered a four-sided hall, which was actually a large pavilion. Cool breezes from the pond blew constantly – one could imagine it must be an excellent place to escape summer heat. Past the four-sided hall and turning right, they could hear the melodious sound of a huqin. Soon they arrived at a small courtyard containing only a single thatched cottage, arranged without any display of wealth, with bowl-sized camellias planted outside.

The music drifted softly, willow branches brushed against faces. Having wandered through twists and turns to reach this place, Gu Pingyuan truly felt as if he had entered an immortal’s residence. His spirit became momentarily dazed, and he nearly forgot the purpose of his visit.

The servant went inside to announce him, and the music immediately stopped. Someone inside said: “Master Hu, those few presses and kneads just now best demonstrate the difference between the jinghu and erhu. The erhu’s sound is gentler compared to the jinghu’s sharpness, so the force applied must be slightly greater. Tomorrow when this humble one returns, I’ll play ‘River Water’ for you, and you’ll hear the difference even more clearly.”

Only then did Gu Pingyuan understand that Old Master Hu was learning to play the huqin. He hadn’t expected that at such an advanced age, the old man would still have such refined interests.

The servant escorted the music teacher out, and Gu Pingyuan stepped into the thatched cottage. Inside he saw there were no tables or chairs, just two or three meditation cushions with an incense burner in the center.

Seeing Gu Pingyuan, Old Master Hu smiled slightly: “Nephew, it’s good that you’ve returned. Please sit, sit.” He gestured to the cushions on the floor.

Gu Pingyuan bowed in acknowledgment, sat cross-legged, and then properly greeted Old Master Hu.

“I’m just an old man – whether I’m well or not, I don’t have many years left. On the contrary, when you were arrested and escorted beyond the pass, I couldn’t help much. You don’t blame me, do you?”

“Old Master, what are you saying? When I was arrested and imprisoned, it was entirely thanks to you looking after the Lanxue tea business outside. This should have been my responsibility, but I placed the burden on your shoulders instead – I’m the one who implicated you. That you don’t reproach me already fills me with shame. How could I speak of blaming you? Old Master, you’re truly making me feel terrible.” Gu Pingyuan’s words were earnest and clearly came from the heart.

“Good child.” Old Master Hu had remained composed throughout, but suddenly his eyes reddened. He stood up and paced twice around the small cottage, deeply moved. “I won’t ask how you managed to escape danger and return from beyond the pass. In any case, Heaven protects good people – that much is certain. Ha! Fortunately there are still people like you among the Huizhou merchants, otherwise I’d be ashamed to call myself one.”

These were weighty words. The old man clearly had something on his mind. Gu Pingyuan also stood up, asking uneasily: “Old Master, are these words spoken from personal experience?”

“Sigh!” Old Master Hu let out a long, melancholy sigh. Rather than answer, he asked in return: “Nephew, tell me – what is a merchant guild?”

“A merchant guild?” Gu Pingyuan hadn’t expected Old Master Hu to suddenly ask this and was momentarily stunned.

“Yes, Huizhou merchants, Shanxi merchants, Beijing merchants – these are all merchant guilds. Though they’re called ‘guilds,’ they’re different from the canal transport guilds or the Hongmen societies throughout the south. They have no halls, no branches, and no guild rules or regulations. So tell me, why are they called merchant guilds?”

Gu Pingyuan was stumped. After thinking for a moment, he suddenly understood and smiled: “Old Master, you needn’t test me. Since you ask this way, you must already have the answer in your heart.”

Old Master Hu nodded: “I’ve carried this answer in my heart for a lifetime, constantly thinking about it, but I’ve never spoken of it to anyone. Recently, I don’t know why, but I keep wanting to find someone to discuss it with, yet…” He shook his head repeatedly. “Only with your return am I willing to share these thoughts with you. If I told others, they wouldn’t understand.”

“Old Master, don’t be anxious. Speak slowly.” Seeing that Old Master Hu, being advanced in years, was becoming quite emotional, Gu Pingyuan worried it might be bad for his health and helped him sit down slowly.

“Actually, it’s simple. In my view, merchant guild – merchants helping each other mutually – that’s what makes a merchant guild. If they treat each other as strangers, then they have the name but not the substance. Over time, even the name disappears.”

Gu Pingyuan listened quietly. He knew that for Old Master Hu to speak of such things immediately upon meeting, he must have been touched by some incident. The old man might harm his health keeping these words bottled up inside. Since Old Master Hu was willing to speak to him, it would be better to let him express everything freely, and then he could offer appropriate comfort.

“Nephew, you must know that among the Huizhou merchants of my generation, few remain alive today. In the past, whenever there was any matter big or small at the Huizhou merchant guild hall, they would come ask me, treating me as a leader – this was their way of showing respect. In recent decades, with the Taiping rebellion causing unrest and making business difficult, plus my advancing age, I felt I could enjoy some leisure at home. Gradually I stopped managing outside affairs. But I never imagined that Huizhou merchants would become what they are today.” Old Master Hu usually kept his large tobacco pipe constantly at hand, but today he restrained himself several times from reaching for it.

“Your Lanxue tea earned the title ‘world’s finest tea’ – this should have been a great joy for Huizhou merchants. In recent years, with the Taiping war affecting business for everyone, I had originally thought we could use this as an opportunity to revitalize the flagging fortunes of Huizhou commerce. But who would have thought it would turn out completely differently? This affair was like a polished mirror, clearly reflecting the ugly behavior of today’s Huizhou merchants.

“Nephew, I speak without favoritism – including my own nephew Hou Er, every one of them is a bastard. They’re capable of playing dirty tricks, but the moment they see Beijing merchants, they turn into cowards. Hmph! When I was trading tea in Mongolia, Beijing merchants would avoid my caravans. Now our reputation has truly been ruined by these incompetent youngsters.” The more Old Master Hu spoke, the angrier he became, his eyebrows and beard standing on end.

Gu Pingyuan thought this was bad – instead of helping the old master calm down, he’d stoked the fire higher. He quickly said: “Seeking profit is naturally the nature of businessmen, and avoiding harm is common human nature. Old Master, you needn’t be so harsh on Brother Hou.”

“Sigh.” Having vented his frustration, Old Master Hu also felt tired. “I don’t easily allow people into this music room. Musical instruments have spirits – if troublemakers enter the music room, the huqin will produce unlistenable sounds. Like last time when Hou Er took money from the common fund to open a gambling house, and after I scolded him, he actually dared to talk back. Since then, for over twenty days, this was the first time I opened the music room to listen to music, and indeed the musical tones were muddy – all that scoundrel’s fault.”

“The qin is a pure instrument, and tobacco has the nature of fire, so I don’t even smoke in here. Brother Gu, you’re reasonable and understanding. Chatting with me here greatly benefits the clarity of musical tones.”

Gu Pingyuan thought to himself that your explosive temper is worse than tobacco’s fiery nature. He had urgent matters and no time to leisurely listen to music and discuss philosophy. As he thought this, his face showed some anxiety. Though Old Master Hu was elderly, his eyes were sharp. Earlier he’d been excited to see Gu Pingyuan, but now, with his emotions settled, he immediately noticed Gu Pingyuan’s troubled mind.

“I’m truly becoming senile. Nephew, you’ve come here on business, haven’t you?”

Gu Pingyuan thought he needn’t be polite anymore. Since Old Master Hu had brought up the topic himself, he’d speak honestly. He then explained everything: how the court had released him on condition of capturing Chen Yucheng, how he had reasons he couldn’t comply, and how he must first break the siege of Hefei and rescue his family before making other plans.

“Oh, so you’ve come to raise military funds.”

“I heard from Liu Heita that you transported all the tea back to Huizhou. I wonder if it’s been sold?” Gu Pingyuan asked.

“It’s all been sold at a good price.” Old Master Hu nodded.

“That’s good. I’d like to take the Gu family’s share first for military funds, and consider the remainder as borrowed from you, to be repaid together at the next tea season.”

“That’s all easily arranged, but three hundred thousand taels in silver will require the money house to prepare for a day or two. Someone, fetch Hou Er.”

As Hou Er was now the head manager of Tailai Tea House, moving such a large sum naturally required the head manager’s involvement.

“I don’t want to see him in the music room. Nephew, come with me.” Old Master Hu led Gu Pingyuan to the front courtyard’s flower hall, where they drank tea while waiting for Hou Er.

After more than half an hour, Hou Er hurried over. Seeing his bloodshot eyes and reeking of alcohol, Old Master Hu was immediately displeased and scolded: “What kind of head manager do you look like, drinking and getting drunk in broad daylight? When the head beam is crooked, the lower beams follow suit – how can you set rules for the clerks and conduct business?”

“Uncle, what business is there nowadays? The clerks are all idle in the shop, and I’m bored too. I just had some wine and listened to music to pass time. Burp!” As he spoke, Hou Er let out a huge, wine-scented belch that could be smelled from far away.

Old Master Hu’s face flushed with anger. He raised his tobacco pipe to strike him, but seeing Hou Er’s oblivious state, he restrained himself and put it down, saying furiously: “If you weren’t my sister’s only son, I’d break your legs right now.” He turned to Gu Pingyuan with a bitter smile: “Nephew, I’ve made you witness this embarrassing scene.”

Only then did the drunken Hou Er notice Gu Pingyuan sitting to the side. Pointing at him, he shouted: “How did this fellow named Gu get back from beyond the pass? He’s a convict – we should report him to the authorities!”

“Silence!” Hearing such inappropriate words, Old Master Hu angrily stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap.

“Go get my seal and withdraw three hundred thousand taels in silver from the money house. Deliver it wherever Gu Pingyuan says!”

“What?” The slap had sobered Hou Er considerably. Though he’d been covering his face and not daring to speak, hearing these words made him suddenly look up: “Uncle, have you lost your mind? How can you give three hundred thousand taels to this fellow named Gu? Don’t you know our current situation…”

“Silence, silence…” Old Master Hu was truly enraged, repeatedly striking the redwood pillar with his pipe, pointing at Hou Er with a shaking finger: “You took money from the common fund to open a gambling house, and I haven’t settled accounts with you yet! What did I tell you last time? If you dare disobey me again and do things that benefit outsiders at our expense, I’ll not only expel you from Tailai Tea House, I’ll also go to the Huizhou merchant guild hall to hold a ceremony before the gods and banish you from the Huizhou merchants entirely. Go do as I said – withdraw the silver and deliver it to Gu Pingyuan. He’s our business partner, and this is his rightful share.”

Seeing Hou Er’s defiant expression and hearing something wrong in his tone, Gu Pingyuan knew there was more to this story. He’d tried to ask several times, but Old Master Hu’s temper was too explosive to interrupt. Seeing a gap in the conversation, he quickly interjected: “Old Master, this can’t be handled this way. Business requires clear accounts. I should first settle the goods and accounts with Brother Hou clearly, calculate what I’m owed, and consider the rest as borrowed from you, sir.”

What Gu Pingyuan said was proper procedure, but Hou Er snorted coldly upon hearing it. Before he could speak, Old Master Hu interrupted: “No need, no need. I’m not dead yet, and I still have the final say in Tailai Tea House affairs. Good nephew, you’re handling urgent matters – where’s the time to examine accounts line by line? Take the silver first – that’s what matters. We can settle the detailed accounts later.”

Gu Pingyuan wanted to say more, but Old Master Hu wouldn’t let him continue, repeatedly urging Hou Er to fetch the silver. Hou Er stomped his foot in resentment, took the seal, and left grudgingly.

“Nephew, I should properly host you for a few days, but you’re so busy with affairs now. When you’ve finished your business, come back to Tianshou Garden and we’ll have a good long talk.”

Until Gu Pingyuan rose to take his leave, Old Master Hu gave him no opportunity to ask questions. Though Gu Pingyuan’s visit to Xuning had smoothly secured three hundred thousand taels, his heart carried a heavy burden – the Hu family clearly had problems they were unwilling to share with him.

When he returned to camp, military provisions were already flowing in continuously. Qiao Henian, commanding the main camp, made a decisive decision: as soon as the three hundred thousand taels arrived, they would immediately send Secretary Hao to negotiate with Cheng Xueqi.

“Lord Qiao, I have another idea about this matter.” After much consideration, Gu Pingyuan decided to take a risk. “These past few days I’ve asked many people, and they all say Cheng Xueqi is fundamentally a good person.”

Since he was a filial son who shouldered the responsibility of protecting territory and people, he naturally had loyalty and righteousness in his heart – he’d simply been “forced up Mount Liang” by excessive official oppression. Gu Pingyuan hoped Qiao Henian would write a letter to Cheng Xueqi, apologizing on behalf of Governor Yuan Jiasan, and directly deliver the military provisions and funds to Cheng Xueqi’s camp, calling them gifts of atonement.

“If Cheng Xueqi were a crude man, I wouldn’t suggest this, but he’s definitely not someone who doesn’t recognize good intentions. Lord Qiao’s letter could reason with him and move him emotionally, Secretary Hao could show utmost courtesy and propriety, plus an unexpectedly generous gift – the chances of success would certainly be great.”

If Cheng Xueqi turned hostile, it would mean handing over this enormous military fund to the Taipings. Hearing this suggestion, Qiao Henian and Secretary Hao found it difficult, discussing it privately for a long time without reaching a decision.

“Having Governor Yuan apologize is actually quite taboo, but I’ve decided to do it. The question is whether Master Hao has confidence he can persuade Cheng Xueqi.”

“I originally thought that if I went to persuade him to surrender, at worst I’d forfeit my life to the Taipings. But now this matter has grown serious – this much money and grain could affect the entire war situation. To handle it this way, I alone won’t suffice. Brother Gu, you must come with me. Your wisdom surpasses mine tenfold, and your eloquence is superior too. To persuade Cheng Xueqi, you’re indispensable.”

“But I’m not an official – he won’t trust me.”

“Just a set of official robes. Nowadays donated offices are as common as cattle. You can impersonate a newly appointed eighth-rank judge of Luzhou Prefecture. I happen to have a good friend of that rank currently in camp – I’ll borrow his official uniform.” Without another word, Secretary Hao borrowed a set of eighth-rank official robes. Gu Pingyuan naturally felt duty-bound to comply. Instead, Qiao Henian worried for their safety and ordered a thousand troops to secretly ambush ten li outside Cheng Xueqi’s camp, ready to rescue Gu and Hao.

Gu Pingyuan disagreed – they were both scholars, and if Cheng Xueqi truly wanted to kill them, how could they escape, let alone flee ten li away? But unable to dissuade Qiao Henian, he let it be.

When the Hu family’s silver arrived, the quartermaster counted it precisely – not a penny was missing. They loaded it into silver cases for transport. The person who escorted this silver greatly surprised Gu Pingyuan – it was actually Hou Er.

Gu Pingyuan actually disliked him inwardly. If not for Hou Er’s betrayal back at Gu Family Village, his teacher wouldn’t have died so miserably, and Bai Yimei wouldn’t have desperately followed Chen Yucheng. But Gu Pingyuan was upright and magnanimous – having promised Old Master Hu to resolve this grudge, he’d cleanly set the matter aside. Even when Hou Er later led Huizhou merchants in opposing him, he hadn’t taken it to heart.

“Brother Hou, Tailai Tea House has complex business affairs. How does the head manager personally come here?” Despite knowing Hou Er still harbored resentment and viewed him as an enemy, for Old Master Hu’s sake, Gu Pingyuan still greeted him with a smile.

“Hmph! In the past, any clerk could have delivered three hundred thousand taels, but times are different now. This silver can’t be lost – only my personal escort ensures peace of mind.” Hou Er rolled his eyes skyward with an arrogant expression.

Secretary Hao couldn’t stand it and came over saying: “Manager Hou, how can you be so unreasonable? If not for Brother Gu sparing you back then, you’d have been completely ruined by now. Would anyone still do business with you?”

“Heh heh, then I should really thank him. But unfortunately, there’s still no business to be done now.” Hou Er curled his lips disdainfully.

“You…” Secretary Hao was about to explode.

Gu Pingyuan pulled his arm and stepped forward himself: “Brother Hou, there seem to be implications in your words. I wanted to ask at Tianshou Garden – has something happened to the Hu family business? I noticed you and Old Master Hu seemed to be hiding something from me.”

“I don’t want to hide it from you at all – it’s all thanks to your good deeds, fellow named Gu! If not for you…” Hou Er was no fool to manage such large business. Seeing many people around, he gestured for Gu Pingyuan to come to a secluded spot beside the camp.

“Fellow named Gu, do you know how great a favor my uncle did you?”

Gu Pingyuan was somewhat confused: “Brother Hou, please speak plainly. Have I caused difficulties for Old Master Hu?”

“Difficulties? I’ll tell you – what I escorted here was the Hu family’s last three hundred thousand taels in the money house!”

With these words, Gu Pingyuan was instantly stunned. From Hou Er’s expression, this was no joke, but how could this be?

“I’ll tell you the truth – not only hasn’t a single tael of Lanxue tea been sold, the entire Huizhou tea merchant business is about to collapse.”

“Why?” Gu Pingyuan’s eyes widened.

“Why? How dare you ask!” Hou Er said angrily.

Naturally Gu Pingyuan wanted to know the details, but Secretary Hao hurried over: “Brother Gu, there’s no time to waste. The grain carts and silver carts are ready. If we don’t leave now, we won’t arrive before dark.”

Gu Pingyuan had no choice but to cup his hands: “Brother Hou, military affairs can’t wait. When I return, I’ll discuss this with you in detail.”

Hou Er called out from behind: “There’s nothing to discuss. Just remember to quickly return these three hundred thousand taels, or you’ll ruin my uncle.”

Secretary Hao asked as they walked: “What’s this? It sounds like the Hu family is in trouble?”

Gu Pingyuan’s brow was deeply furrowed and he said nothing, only walking with urgent, rapid steps.

Cheng Xueqi had pitched his main camp in a town called Xinghua Village north of Hefei city. Gu Pingyuan was no amateur in military matters – looking from afar, he nodded approvingly. This Cheng Xueqi was truly talented as a general. The location he’d chosen was defensible for both offense and defense – the highest ground in the area with water and grass readily available. Considering defense before offense ensures stable military morale – Cheng Xueqi had truly grasped the essence.

“Halt! Who are you to dare trespass on our camp?” Five li from the military camp there were sentries. A small leader with disheveled hair and a head wrap approached, followed by several men dressed in the Taiping style with red headbands and yellow clothes.

Before Secretary Hao could respond, the Taipings had already raised their weapons – bows drawn, arrows nocked, ready to strike. In a confrontation between armies, people wearing Qing dynasty clothing could bring no good news, especially with a large force following behind.

“Quickly report to General Cheng!” the small leader shouted.

Gu Pingyuan didn’t stop him. After the messenger ran far off, he smiled genially: “Brother, could I trouble you with something?”

His peaceful demeanor contrasted sharply with the tense standoff, leaving the small leader momentarily stunned. Wielding his blade in a feinting strike, he shouted: “Qing dynasty running dog, what do you have to say?”

“We’ve come to see Cheng Xueqi, Brother Cheng. This Master Hao is an old friend of Brother Cheng. As for me, though I’ve never met Brother Cheng, I dared not come empty-handed. The carts and horses behind us carry silver and grain – we mean no harm.”

These strange words left the Taipings bewildered.

“Who are you trying to fool! We’re sworn enemies with the Qing dynasty. You’re bringing us grain? Try fooling ghosts!”

“If you don’t believe it, you can inspect them.” Gu Pingyuan spread his hands and turned sideways, showing no defensive posture whatsoever.

This display was even more frightening than Zhuge Liang’s empty city stratagem. To prevent spoilage, the grain carts were all covered with large cloths, and the silver carts had lids too. If they were filled with government troops, the hundred-plus men at the sentry post would indeed struggle to resist.

The Taiping leader had been a boxing instructor under Cheng Xueqi in Suzhou, and most of his men were his disciples. Pride demanded he not show cowardice. He ordered the archers to maintain strict vigilance – at the first sign of trouble, they’d shoot Gu Pingyuan full of arrows. With blade in hand, he approached step by step, looking at the grain cart, then at Gu Pingyuan, then back at Gu Pingyuan, then at the grain cart again.

Gu Pingyuan just smiled at him pleasantly. The small leader, full of suspicion, extended his scabbard to forcefully pry open a cart, then leaped backward. The archers pulled their bowstrings so tight they nearly snapped, eyes wide as saucers. Under everyone’s gaze, it was indeed a cart of grain. Stabbing with spears and probing with blades revealed nothing inside but grain – grain and more grain. Over ten large carts were all the same.

The small leader had originally been nervous, fearing a surprise Qing attack, but now was completely baffled. Not knowing what to do, he heard the sound of horse bells and harness from the direction of the central army.

The small leader sighed in relief: “General Cheng is coming. You can answer to him.” He thought to himself that this war was getting strange – here they were fighting, and the Qing dynasty was delivering grain. If this continued, they might as well deliver land deeds and wives too.

Indeed, Cheng Xueqi arrived hastily with no fewer than two thousand troops. He’d also assumed it was a Qing military assault and had prepared for battle. But arriving to hear reports of people delivering grain and silver was too incredible. Scowling, he walked forward, and immediately spotted Secretary Hao.

“Brother Cheng, it’s been nearly half a year since we last met. How have you been?” Secretary Hao had discussed this carefully with Gu Pingyuan beforehand – Cheng Xueqi responded to soft approaches rather than hard ones, so they must at least begin with courtesy before resorting to force if necessary.

Cheng Xueqi and Secretary Hao actually had no deep friendship – just fellow-townsman connections. When he was training militia in Suzhou, even without joining the government side, he inevitably had dealings with officials. Secretary Hao had once helped him with a minor favor, which established their acquaintance and made face-to-face meetings pleasant.

“Master Hao, what wind has blown you here?” Seeing Secretary Hao in official robes while he wore Taiping yellow, Cheng Xueqi felt somewhat awkward.

Gu Pingyuan observed coldly, seeing that Cheng Xueqi had thick, upward-tufted hair that from a distance looked like he wore a crown. His eyes were bright and spirited, his appearance neat and generous. From his external appearance alone, he seemed very trustworthy – certainly not some great villain. Moreover, seeing him greet Master Hao with three parts embarrassment, Gu Pingyuan felt even more confident. This man wouldn’t be difficult to talk to, but they couldn’t rely on pestering tactics – the key was to move his heart with just a few words.

After Secretary Hao exchanged courtesies with Cheng Xueqi, he turned to introduce: “Brother Cheng, let me introduce you – this is Master Gu, the newly appointed judge of Luzhou Prefecture.”

“Meeting for the first time, thank you for Brother Cheng’s consideration.” Gu Pingyuan smiled at him.

These words left Cheng Xueqi stunned. He looked Gu Pingyuan up and down, frowning: “We are indeed meeting for the first time – where does this talk of ‘consideration’ come from?”

“If not for Brother Cheng delaying your joining the Taiping army by a few days, I would now be trapped in Hefei city by Chen Yucheng. Shouldn’t I thank you, brother?”

Hearing this made Cheng Xueqi somewhat uncomfortable, though he couldn’t get angry. He asked Secretary Hao: “Master Hao, we were both subjects of the Qing dynasty before. Now that I’ve surrendered to the Heavenly Kingdom, old sentiments are wiped clean. What do you come to find me for?”

“Brother Cheng, though you say old sentiments are wiped clean, I remember our friendship – that’s why I’ve brought you grain and silver.” Secretary Hao pointed behind him to the long line of wagons.

“Master Hao, I don’t understand this. What medicine are you selling in your gourd? Now we serve different masters – you’re giving me grain and silver? Speak up, what’s really in these carts?” Though Cheng Xueqi was both brave and strategic, the formation Gu Pingyuan had arranged still left him dazzled and confused as if in clouds and mist.

“Haha.” Gu Pingyuan laughed, looking at Secretary Hao. “It seems Brother Cheng is being extra cautious. Very well, please Brother take a good look.” He waved his hand.

This had been arranged beforehand. The soldiers guarding the silver carts almost simultaneously lifted the wooden lids, revealing gleaming snowflake-patterned silver. Before departure, Gu Pingyuan had specifically ordered people to polish a batch of silver and place it on top. Now, illuminated by the setting sun’s afterglow, the silver surfaces on over ten large carts cast a bluish light that could truly capture one’s eyes.

Wealth moves the heart, especially such quantities of silver. Cheng Xueqi had brought two thousand troops, and the soldiers in front almost simultaneously gasped in low voices, staring unblinkingly at the silver carts. Those behind, hearing the news, also pushed forward, instantly throwing the formation into disorder.

“This, this…” Cheng Xueqi also lost his composure, unable to maintain his stern expression. “Master Hao, and Brother Gu here, are you also planning to join the Heavenly Kingdom, specially bringing greeting gifts?”

“This matter is of great importance. Brother Cheng, why not invite us into camp to sit? Surely you don’t lack this cup of tea?” Secretary Hao said leisurely.

“Of course, of course.” As the saying goes, “One doesn’t strike gift-bearers,” and Cheng Xueqi’s attitude was no longer as forbidding as before.

Once in the main command tent, with host and guests seated, Secretary Hao simply drank tea while Gu Pingyuan surveyed the tent’s furnishings. Neither spoke.

Cheng Xueqi waited suspiciously for a long time. With the visitors remaining silent, he couldn’t bear it anymore.

“Master Hao, you’ve inexplicably sent so much grain and silver – surely you should explain why?”

“Brother Cheng, you must know that my employer is Lord Qiao Henian of She County. He has a letter here – please read it before speaking.” Secretary Hao handed over Qiao Henian’s personal letter.

Cheng Xueqi read through the letter rapidly, threw it on the table, and tapped it repeatedly with two fingers for a full quarter-hour without speaking. Gu Pingyuan and Secretary Hao knew he was weighing advantages and disadvantages internally, so they remained silent, waiting.

“Snap!” Cheng Xueqi suddenly slapped the desk and shouted: “Men! Bind these two and send them along with all this grain and silver to the Ying Wang’s main camp!”

Secretary Hao’s heart tightened. It seemed this Cheng Xueqi was like a turtle swallowing an iron weight – determined to rebel with the Taipings. They had misjudged the situation. Now not only would he lose his head, he’d implicated Gu Pingyuan too, and wasted all this grain and military pay. As hands pressed him down, Secretary Hao felt both regret and hatred, opening his mouth to curse.

Though Gu Pingyuan was also firmly bound, his eyes never left Cheng Xueqi. He noticed Cheng Xueqi’s gaze flickering uncertainly, constantly watching him and Secretary Hao.

Suddenly Gu Pingyuan broke free from two soldiers, straightened his body, opened his eyes wide, and shouted angrily: “Cheng Xueqi! Though I’ve never met you before, my ears have been filled with talk saying you’re an extraordinary person. Hah! It seems human words can’t avoid falseness. Seeing you today, you’re a disloyal, unfilial, unkind, unrighteous scoundrel, worse than dogs and pigs. To think someone compared you to Jiang Wei, Jiang Boyue – this only insults the dignity of the Marquis of Pingxiang.”

Secretary Hao thought this was much harsher than what he’d planned to say. Cheng Xueqi was even more enraged, his face flushing red. Others comparing him to Jiang Wei had always been his pride, but Gu Pingyuan’s few words mocked it as worthless. He drew the precious sword hanging in the tent, walked to Gu Pingyuan in a few steps, thrust the blade tip precisely at Gu Pingyuan’s heart, and without applying more force, said coldly: “Fellow surnamed Gu, since falling from my mother’s womb, no one has ever cursed me like this. Speak clearly, and I’ll give you a whole corpse. Otherwise, I’ll dig out your heart to feed the dogs.”

“If you want to hear it, I’ll tell you.” Gu Pingyuan showed no fear. “You help the Taipings rebel against the court – naturally disloyal. With this rebellion, ancestral tablets are shamed, implicating nine generations in guilt – naturally unfilial. Secretary Hao worked tirelessly to gain the court’s amnesty for you, kindly persuading your surrender, not only paving your way but bringing so much grain and pay to show sincerity. Instead of gratitude, you want to kill us – isn’t this unkind!” Gu Pingyuan looked around at the soldiers in the tent. “These brothers trust you completely, yet for momentary anger, you lead them down a path of no return, causing so many women to become widows and children to lose fathers – isn’t this unrighteous!”

“I, I…” This wasn’t random cursing from Gu Pingyuan – these were heart-piercing arguments from the Spring and Autumn Annals. Cheng Xueqi was tongue-tied with no rebuttal, and in desperation blurted: “What about the court? Yuan Jiasan sent people to arrest my mother, causing her injury. How can I tolerate this!”

“That’s why I say you’re worse than dogs and pigs!” Gu Pingyuan had been waiting for this response. “‘Under all Heaven, there is no land that is not the king’s; within the realm’s borders, there are no subjects who are not the king’s.’ From the moment you left your mother’s womb, you ate the emperor’s grain and bathed in imperial grace. Just because the court had some small debt to you, you turned ruthless and rebelled. Have you ever seen a dog treat its master this way? You’re truly worse than dogs and pigs!”

Gu Pingyuan had thoroughly excoriated Cheng Xueqi. In front of so many subordinates, face was truly lost. He really wanted to stab him through the heart, but his hand wouldn’t obey, his heart battling internally, unable to decide.

Gu Pingyuan exchanged glances with Secretary Hao, knowing Cheng Xueqi’s thoughts were wavering. Just then, a scout rushed into the tent with urgent news: “General, less than ten li outside camp, government troops are moving toward us. Numbers are hard to determine immediately, but there are at least a thousand men.”

Cheng Xueqi glared, staring intensely at Gu Pingyuan: “So you kept a backup plan! When persuasion fails, you attack the camp, right?” The blade in his hand tightened.

Gu Pingyuan felt sharp pain in his chest as blood flowed down. If the blade went three inches deeper, his heart would truly be dug out. He made up his mind – he’d rather be killed than yield now, shouting loudly: “Fellow surnamed Cheng, you think government troops are attacking because my persuasion failed? You’re wrong! Because you refuse to turn back from your wrong path, you’ve brought mutual destruction!”

“Look at these brothers beside you, then think of your hometown Suzhou. These days, people build graves daily and weeping is heard nightly. Originally, with just one word from you – abandoning darkness for light and surrendering to the court – they could all have prospects. But you stubbornly persist, abandoning them. Where exactly is your conscience? What benefits did Hong Xiuquan give you that you’d trade the lives of Suzhou’s sons for them!”

“Stop talking.” Cheng Xueqi dejectedly lowered his blade. “First take these two away. We’ll settle this after fighting the government troops.”

Hearing this, Gu Pingyuan became anxious. This battle absolutely couldn’t be fought – if it really started, Cheng Xueqi’s path to surrender would be completely cut off.

Soldiers from both sides came to push Gu Pingyuan. As he struggled, saying “Cheng Xueqi, I haven’t finished speaking…” a jade lock fell from his chest onto the tent’s carpet.

Seeing it, Cheng Xueqi’s expression drastically changed. He bent to pick up the jade lock, examining it repeatedly, then suddenly looked up: “Fellow surnamed Gu, where did you get this jade lock?”

Gu Pingyuan replied: “Have your men refrain from fighting the government troops, and I’ll tell you.”

Cheng Xueqi shouted angrily several times, raising his blade threateningly, but Gu Pingyuan ignored him completely, raising his head with an air of having thrown caution to the wind. By now, Cheng Xueqi’s heart was already somewhat moved, and he was even less willing to kill Gu Pingyuan and cut off this path. With no other choice, he ordered the entire army to remain alert but absolutely not engage the Qing forces.

After this heart-stopping episode, Secretary Hao finally breathed a sigh of relief, saying loudly: “Since we’re not fighting, quickly untie the ropes and bandage Master Gu’s wound.”

Gu Pingyuan’s was only a surface wound. Wanting to strike while the iron was hot, he refused to rest and went to see Cheng Xueqi immediately after bandaging.

“Now you should tell me – where did the jade lock come from?” Cheng Xueqi asked upon meeting.

“This is your son Xiao Shan’s longevity lock. Am I right?”

Cheng Xueqi stared blankly at Gu Pingyuan: “Indeed so. This means Xiao Shan is in government hands.”

“No, he and your wife are still in Sanhe Town.” Gu Pingyuan slowly explained how he’d met Mrs. Cheng and Xiao Shan at the Ying Wang’s mansion, and how Mrs. Cheng had earnestly entrusted him with everything.

“Sigh!” After hearing everything, Cheng Xueqi heavily pounded his thigh and shook his head in regret.

“Brother Cheng, I’m not criticizing you, but you handled this too rashly. No wonder Master Gu sternly rebuked you earlier. Your moment of anger has implicated your wife and child, bringing disaster to fellow townsmen. Aren’t you now caught in a difficult position? If Chen Yucheng truly trusted you without doubt, why keep your wife and child in the royal mansion at Sanhe Town? If I remember correctly, Xiao Shan is your only son, right? This clearly shows he’s wary of you, keeping them as hostages. He’s also placed your ten thousand men on the most difficult northern front. Any clear-eyed person can see he’s preserving his own strength while putting you forward as a shield.” Secretary Hao, seeing Cheng Xueqi’s wavering thoughts, administered several doses of bitter medicine, portraying Chen Yucheng as utterly despicable.

“It was momentary impulse. I regret it now too.” Cheng Xueqi unconsciously spoke in a low voice.

Secretary Hao was overjoyed hearing this, but Gu Pingyuan, fearing he might change his mind, twisted the rope tighter.

“Brother Cheng, even if you don’t think of yourself, you must consider your mother. At her advanced age, knowing you rebelled against the court for her sake, her heart must be breaking. She’s probably weeping at home right now.”

Secretary Hao looked at Gu Pingyuan admiringly. The previous arguments were one thing, but this last sentence was purely based on deep understanding of human nature and psychology. Whether accurate or not would depend on Cheng Xueqi’s reaction.

Gu Pingyuan was completely right. Cheng’s mother was even more loyal and righteous – she absolutely didn’t want her son to rebel. Learning that Cheng Xueqi had joined the Taipings to avenge her, she wept sorrowfully at home daily, only unable to stop him because she was bedridden with injuries.

“Master Gu, say no more. I’ve decided to surrender to the court, but there’s one condition – I must see my wife and child. He’s my only son – I can’t treat this as a game.”

This was indeed a difficult problem. They were in the Ying Wang’s mansion at Sanhe Town, with Chen Yucheng’s main camp in between. A direct attack to rescue them would certainly fail – only cunning would work. Gu Pingyuan thought of a plan and, after long hesitation, voiced it.

“Brother Cheng, I won’t hide this from you – the Ying Wang’s consort is an old acquaintance of mine. She’s kind-hearted, was a filial daughter at home, and surely can understand others’ filial feelings. I have a devious idea about this, though it truly dishonors the old lady. Your mother’s injury is known to all. If Brother Cheng sends someone to fetch Xiao Shan, saying the old lady’s condition has worsened and she may not live long, and that she can’t close her eyes without seeing her only grandson before dying, I believe the Ying Wang’s consort will surely release him.”

Seeing Cheng Xueqi’s indecision, Secretary Hao repeatedly urged him that urgent times call for urgent measures. After much consideration, Cheng Xueqi agreed, but hesitated: “If they come around the east side of the city to reach me, they’d have to pass Chen Yucheng’s main camp. I worry about trouble on the road. But if they’re sent to Lord Qiao’s military camp, they’d have to cross Huang Wenjin’s battle lines – equally worrisome. Moreover, these two places will inevitably see fierce battles soon. Having my wife and child there isn’t a solution.”

“Then head south.” Gu Pingyuan visualized the map of Anhui Province in his mind. “If Brother Cheng trusts me, bring your wife and son to my home for temporary refuge. My home is in She County – the entire southern route is peaceful and calm.”

“That’s an excellent idea.” Secretary Hao clapped his hands in approval.

“Then I entrust this to Master Gu.” Cheng Xueqi also smiled, calling over an elderly servant. “This is Uncle Qing, an old servant of my household. When my wife sees him, she’ll know I truly sent someone to fetch them.”

“As for this personal letter from Hong Xiuquan promising to make me king if I take Hefei, to show sincerity, I’ll burn it now.”

“Wait.” Gu Pingyuan took the letter for a quick look, then used a small knife to cut away the letter’s heading and closing, burning them while keeping only Hong Xiuquan’s handwriting. “This letter might be useful in the future.”

“I’ll make this trip with Uncle Qing, escort Mrs. Cheng and her son to Gu Family Village, then return.” Gu Pingyuan instructed Secretary Hao to maintain communication between Qiao Henian and Cheng Xueqi, quickly finalizing their military cooperation against the Taipings to prevent complications from delay.

“Don’t worry. Your scolding seems to have awakened that boy Cheng Xueqi. He won’t change his mind again.” Secretary Hao was quite confident.

“This matter is grave – don’t be careless.” After countless warnings and instructions, Gu Pingyuan finally departed with Uncle Qing.

He couldn’t enter Sanhe Town again – having just failed to persuade Chen Yucheng to surrender there, if he encountered Bai Yimei again, everything would be ruined. So Gu Pingyuan held two horses, waiting in a small grove south of town.

They arrived just at noon and waited less than an hour before seeing Uncle Qing driving a horse cart back with a child constantly poking his head out of the carriage, curiously looking this way and that.

Gu Pingyuan looked closely and was overjoyed – it was indeed Xiao Shan. Cheng Xueqi’s surrender was now settled.

“Sister-in-law Cheng, did anyone trouble you?” Gu Pingyuan emerged from the grove, hurrying forward to ask.

“You, you’re not…” Mrs. Cheng poked her head from the carriage, startled by the unexpected encounter. Xiao Shan jumped down shouting: “Mother! It’s the uncle we met at the consort’s place!”

“Good Xiao Shan.” Seeing Mrs. Cheng’s expression, Gu Pingyuan knew Uncle Qing hadn’t told her the truth yet, so he quickly explained everything.

“Thank you so much, Young Master Gu. This great kindness, the entire Cheng family will remember with utmost gratitude.” Mrs. Cheng also got down from the cart and, overcome with gratitude, pulled Xiao Shan to kneel together.

“Sister-in-law, don’t delay. This isn’t a place for conversation – the Taipings might catch on and pursue us.” Gu Pingyuan looked at Uncle Qing.

“I encountered no real trouble entering the Ying Wang’s mansion. The Ying Wang’s consort personally inquired and treated me quite courteously. When I explained my purpose, she was very reasonable, initially saying she needed to report to Ying Wang Chen Yucheng first. Later, I pretended urgency, saying the old lady was critically ill and time was truly pressing. After some hesitation, she agreed.”

“I think the mansion staff will certainly notify Chen Yucheng. He’s very shrewd – when Mrs. Cheng is taken away, he’ll surely become suspicious, making it difficult to catch him off guard later.” Gu Pingyuan told Uncle Qing: “Originally I said I’d escort sister-in-law to She County then we’d both return to report safety. Now I think we should split up – you return to camp to report that Mrs. Cheng and Xiao Shan have been safely extracted from Sanhe Town, while I take them to She County. This way neither is delayed.”

“Uncle Qing, do as he says. Tell the master that with Young Master Gu’s care, he needn’t worry about us.” Mrs. Cheng was truly a reasonable woman. Uncle Qing, being a servant, naturally obeyed his mistress’s words and took his leave with a bow.

Gu Pingyuan harnessed the remaining horse to the cart as well, took up the reins himself, cracked the whip, and headed straight for She County along the official road.

He and Secretary Hao had just traveled this route a few days ago. Because the Taipings and government forces were confronting each other outside Hefei city, drawing all troops there, the journey had been smooth.

Gu Pingyuan fully expected this trip to be the same, but he was wrong. Less than ten li out, over ten yellow-clad Taipings were manning a checkpoint ahead. When Gu Pingyuan spotted them, it was too late to turn back – he had a horse cart while they had war horses. Unable to outrun them, he could only calm his mind, prepare his pre-arranged story, and ready his silver.

“Get down, get down.” The Taiping leader tapped the cart with his scabbard.

Gu Pingyuan’s face was all smiles: “Sir, what’s the matter?”

“Where are you going?”

“She County.”

“Who’s in the cart?”

“My sister-in-law and nephew. My sister-in-law is returning to her parents’ home – I just went to fetch them today.”

“Oh.” The leader used his scabbard to lift the curtain for a look, then let it drop, nodding to the other Taipings.

Just as Gu Pingyuan sensed something wrong, several men pounced from behind, pressing his shoulders and binding him without explanation.

The Taiping looked at Gu Pingyuan with a mocking smile, then called toward the cart: “Mrs. Cheng, please return – our consort is waiting to see you.”

The council hall was dead silent. Gu Pingyuan stood bound in the center while Mrs. Cheng, holding Xiao Shan behind him, looked terrified and trembled constantly. Standing before them was the Ying Wang’s consort, Bai Yimei.

“You needn’t ask – I’ll tell you.” Bai Yimei’s face was frosty, her voice completely emotionless. “The king ordered me to take good care of Mrs. Cheng and her child, so I had people follow for a while. I discovered she wasn’t returning to Suzhou. Returning to Suzhou means going north, but she was heading in the opposite direction toward She County. The person following was a mansion guard who’d seen you twice before. He reported back to me, so I sent him with several men on fast horses to pursue.”

Gu Pingyuan sighed silently. He’d only remembered Bai Yimei’s kindness but forgotten she was also an extremely intelligent woman. This “care” was naturally “surveillance” – Bai Yimei had done it perfectly.

“Are you wholeheartedly helping the Taipings? You won’t even spare a weak mother and child!” Gu Pingyuan protested indignantly.

“Gu Pingyuan!” A furious shout suddenly rang through the Silver Peace Hall. The voice came so unexpectedly in the extreme quiet that it echoed through the spacious hall, startling everyone. When they realized this shout came from the usually dignified and elegant Bai Yimei, everyone stared at her in amazement.

Like a thread stretched longer and longer until it finally snapped, Bai Yimei was completely enraged: “How many times must I tell you before you understand? I’m not helping the Heavenly Kingdom, nor am I helping Hong Xiuquan. I’m helping my husband! I married him – I’m his woman for life. Of course I must help him. Do you understand or not?”

As Bai Yimei spoke, she suddenly walked quickly forward, grabbed Gu Pingyuan’s collar with both hands, shaking him repeatedly while glaring fiercely: “I said it so clearly then – ‘After today’s parting, we’ll never meet again.’ Why do you think I said that? I knew I couldn’t see you – I couldn’t bear that torment. But why do you appear before me again and again?” Maids came forward to persuade Bai Yimei to release her grip. Her eyes showed deep pain as she no longer looked at Gu Pingyuan, turning her face aside and biting her lower lip. “Don’t you know that every time you appear before me, it’s like carving my heart with a knife? When will you finally let me forget you, or will you keep punishing my unfaithfulness this way?”

At this moment, even a dropped pin could be heard. No one dared move, much less speak. Only now did Gu Pingyuan understand that despite Bai Yimei’s cold exterior, her inner pain exceeded his own. Watching Bai Yimei bow her head and weep, tears streaming down her beautiful face to fall on the ground, his heart felt torn apart with pain, and unknowingly, he too was weeping.

“Fine, I promise never to see you again. You should be satisfied now.” Gu Pingyuan closed his eyes and murmured.

Bai Yimei turned her back, wearily waving her hand: “Let him go.”

“Let me take these two with me as well.”

“No!” Bai Yimei said decisively. “Do you think I don’t know that if these two leave like this, Cheng Xueqi must be defecting? I’ve already sent urgent word to the king. These two must be kept for the king to deal with when he returns.”

“No! If you do that, Mrs. Cheng and this child won’t survive.”

Mrs. Cheng fell to her knees with a thud, weeping and kowtowing repeatedly: “Princess, I beg you, keep me but let the child go. I’ll pay for Cheng Xueqi’s sins – it has nothing to do with this child. He’s not even ten years old. Please show mercy and spare his life.”

“Mother, mother, don’t cry.” Seeing this, little Shan was frightened into tears, clinging to Mrs. Cheng without letting go.

“Yimei, you’re not this kind of person. Please let them go.” Gu Pingyuan looked at Bai Yimei, his eyes full of pleading.

Bai Yimei hesitated slightly, then the palace guard who had captured Gu Pingyuan’s group stepped forward: “Princess, this child especially cannot be released. He’s the Cheng family’s only heir for three generations. Once released, wouldn’t Cheng Xueqi have even fewer concerns?”

Bai Yimei nodded, saying to Gu Pingyuan: “You heard it all. If I show them kindness, it would harm my husband. What do you think I should do?”

Gu Pingyuan opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Bai Yimei had already said sternly: “You posed this dilemma to me, and now that my answer isn’t what you wanted, you’ll just have to accept it.”

“If you don’t let them go, I won’t leave either.” Having been entrusted with their care, Gu Pingyuan couldn’t abandon this mother and child. With no other options, he could only risk everything and stand firm.

Bai Yimei truly wouldn’t release the Cheng family mother and son, and Gu Pingyuan truly refused to leave no matter what, repeatedly saying he’d wait for Chen Yucheng to return and execute him. Bai Yimei was torn between conflicting loyalties, only hoping Cheng Xueqi would have a change of heart, turning a major issue into a minor one, and a minor one into nothing.

However, events rapidly developed in the opposite direction, with continuous reports arriving at the royal mansion. Almost simultaneously with Chen Yucheng learning of the Cheng family’s attempted escape, Cheng Xueqi had already struck preemptively. He divided his forces into two parts: one used Xinghua Village’s terrain to block Chen Yucheng’s troops on the left wing of the main camp, while the other joined with Qiao Henian’s forces to attack Huang Wenjin’s troops together.

Moreover, once Cheng Xueqi lifted the siege, Qiao Henian immediately contacted the city’s defenders. The garrison broke out, attacking Huang Wenjin from both inside and outside the city. Cheng Xueqi also cleared the road behind him, allowing reinforcements from Shandong and Zhili to enter. Once the reinforcements arrived, they immediately switched from defense to offense, attacking Chen Yucheng from the left wing. This wasn’t all – the bandit king Miao Peilin had been observing the situation around Hefei, planning to reap great benefits. Seeing the government forces gaining advantage, he immediately led his men in a charge, delivering a severe blow to Chen Yucheng from the flank.

This amounted to five armies jointly attacking the Taipings. All Taiping forces had thought Hefei city would fall any day, never expecting such a sudden reversal. Unable to withstand the assault, they retreated repeatedly. Huang Wenjin’s troops collapsed first, and Qiao Henian pursued the victory to attack Chen Yucheng. Only because Chen Yucheng had always held prestige in the army was he able to command the rear guard against strong enemies, barely stabilizing his position with his back to Chao Lake.

Even if Cheng Xueqi now learned his wife and children hadn’t escaped danger and turned to aid the Taipings again, it would be useless. As a great general should know military strategy, Chen Yucheng was well-read in military texts and knew that “when morale is unfavorable, one becomes clumsy; when clumsy, one falls short; when falling short, one loses advantage.” Now the Qing forces had high morale while his own side was demoralized and weakened. This battle couldn’t continue, especially since Chen Yucheng needed to preserve strength to return and aid Tianjing – he couldn’t afford to suffer devastating casualties here. While he could still retreat, he shifted his army to defense, withdrawing bit by bit like pulling silk from a cocoon back to Sanhe Town.

“The king is almost at the town entrance. If you don’t leave now, the king won’t spare you.” Bai Yimei now knew this military defeat was entirely due to Cheng Xueqi’s betrayal, with Gu Pingyuan orchestrating from behind – truly the “chief culprit.” How could Chen Yucheng let him off lightly?

Gu Pingyuan maintained the same condition: either release the Cheng mother and son, or all three would go see Chen Yucheng together.

Bai Yimei had no choice but to call palace guards. Two men flanked Gu Pingyuan and forcibly escorted him out of Sanhe Town without explanation.

When Chen Yucheng returned to the royal mansion and convened a meeting of his generals, besides assigning personnel to guard against Qing forces taking advantage to attack, he had the Cheng mother and son brought to the Silver Peace Hall.

Mrs. Cheng and little Shan had never seen such a scene, trembling in the midst of the murderous atmosphere.

“That bastard Cheng Xueqi betrayed the Heavenly King. If not for him, our brothers wouldn’t have been cut down like leeks from behind by the Qing army.” Huang Wenjin had severely injured one arm, his eyes blood-red as he glared at Mrs. Cheng, roaring like thunder: “Ying Wang, our brothers’ blood cannot be spilled in vain. Cheng Xueqi’s willingness to surrender to the court must have gained him official titles and advancement. He used Heavenly Kingdom brothers’ blood to dye his red cap – don’t blame us for being ruthlessly merciless in killing his wife and child.”

Chen Yucheng’s face was dark as he paced a few steps on the ground, coming before the Cheng mother and son. Mrs. Cheng immediately knelt down: “Your Highness Ying Wang, whether you kill or torture me, I have nothing to say – who told Cheng Xueqi to commit such sins? But I beg you to spare this child. He understands nothing. If there’s any fault, it’s only that he was wrongly born into the Cheng family as a son. Your Highness is magnanimous – please spare him.”

Chen Yucheng stared at little Shan for several moments, then said in a deep voice: “Our Heavenly Dynasty also has child soldiers, not much older than him. Now they’ve died on battlefields, corpses scattered everywhere. They were stabbed in the back and died unjustly, unable to rest in peace! I, as their commanding general, failed to judge people clearly and will naturally face the Heavenly King to confess my guilt in the future. But if I simply release Cheng Xueqi’s son now, I’ll have no way to answer to these little brothers.”

Mrs. Cheng initially listened blankly, becoming increasingly terrified as she understood, hugging little Shan as her body trembled constantly.

“You say he was born into the wrong family – then pray for the Heavenly Father’s protection that in his next life he won’t be born as the son of a wolf-hearted, dog-lunged scoundrel.” Chen Yucheng was no soft-hearted believer. If he spared Cheng Xueqi’s relatives, he truly couldn’t answer to his subordinate officers and soldiers. For the sake of morale, he had to borrow these two heads. He shouted: “Guards!”

“No!” Mrs. Cheng screamed in despair.

“Your Majesty, someone outside seeks an audience. He says… he says he’s come to die, wanting to trade one life for another!”

“Who is it?” Chen Yucheng was momentarily stunned, his subordinate generals also whispering among themselves. “Bring him in.”

Walking in step by step was Gu Pingyuan. Chen Yucheng frowned: “How is it you?”

“It is me.” Gu Pingyuan glanced at Mrs. Cheng collapsed on the ground. “Don’t kill the wrong person. The one who persuaded Cheng Xueqi to surrender was me. I went to his camp and persuaded him to be a man loyal and filial both, then sent him provisions, military pay, and imperial pardons, causing him to change his mind and surrender to the court.”

He pointed at little Shan: “This child and his mother knew nothing beforehand. If you must kill someone, kill me – don’t slaughter the innocent.”

“Excellent, you little bastard! So you were the one behind this trickery. I’ll chop you up!” Huang Wenjin drew his waist saber with his good hand, angrily striding forward to strike.

Chen Yucheng raised his hand to stop him, looking Gu Pingyuan up and down: “I admire your courage. You want to trade your life for theirs, correct?”

Gu Pingyuan nodded expressionlessly.

“Hahaha!” Chen Yucheng laughed. “What do you think this place is, a marketplace for bargaining? Do you think I, Chen Yucheng, am some vegetarian Buddhist believer? Hmph! You and Cheng Xueqi ruined the Heavenly Kingdom’s great enterprise – each of you deserves death. When Cheng Xueqi betrayed the Heavenly Kingdom, he should have known this would be the outcome!”

“Chen Yucheng! You truly won’t spare even a child.” Gu Pingyuan was desperate.

“How many children did the Qing demons kill during the ‘Ten Days of Yangzhou’ and ‘Three Massacres of Jiading’? Setting aside distant events, how many family members and children of our Taiping soldiers have been killed by Qing demons?” Chen Yucheng pointed at Huang Wenjin. “General Huang’s son was less than a year old, still nursing, yet was buried alive by Qing demons along with his mother. Wasn’t that also a child?”

Huang Wenjin’s face convulsed rapidly several times, his glare at Gu Pingyuan filled with hatred. Gu Pingyuan was stunned. Chen Yucheng said no more, decisively ordering: “Drag all three out and execute them!”

“Your Majesty, wait!” A woman hurried out from the rear hall. Seeing her, all the generals rose respectfully.

Chen Yucheng frowned deeply: “Yimei, why have you come to the council hall?”

Hearing that Gu Pingyuan had returned, Bai Yimei hurried here in alarm. She looked at Gu Pingyuan with anguished eyes, then turned to Chen Yucheng: “Your Majesty, I beg you to spare Gu Pingyuan’s life.”

“You’re pleading for him?” Chen Yucheng said incredulously, then his face showed anger. “Could it be that you still…”

“No. Your Majesty, don’t forget that when my father was critically ill and later passed away and was buried, it was all handled and arranged by Gu Pingyuan. We husband and wife owe him this favor.”

“That’s a private matter and cannot be mixed with public affairs. If I pardoned this man because he performed filial duties for you, what face would I have to continue commanding the army?” Chen Yucheng shook his head.

Gu Pingyuan knew there was absolutely no hope this time and didn’t want Bai Yimei to plead with Chen Yucheng for his sake anymore.

“Fine, if you want to kill, then kill. I never intended to leave alive anyway when I came.”

“Still dare to be stubborn! I’ll personally slaughter you!” Huang Wenjin roared. Bai Yimei was usually generous and courteous, caring greatly for the families of the Ying Wang’s subordinate generals, winning their hearts. Now seeing the Ying Wang and his wife at odds over Gu Pingyuan, Huang Wenjin wished he could send Gu Pingyuan to the underworld immediately.

He was a fierce general. Despite his injury, his strength was still astonishing. He dragged Gu Pingyuan to the courtyard and raised his blade to strike when Bai Yimei called out sorrowfully: “Your Majesty!”

Everyone looked at Bai Yimei again and were shocked into silence. They saw her holding a short dagger to her own throat, biting her lower lip, her eyes full of resolve.

“This… this…” Huang Wenjin looked helplessly at Chen Yucheng.

Chen Yucheng’s brows were tightly knitted as he looked at Bai Yimei: “By doing this, you truly don’t consider our marital bond.”

“Your Majesty, you know I have no divided loyalty toward you, but regarding him… I cannot watch him die at your hands. If you value our marital bond, let him go!”

Chen Yucheng lowered his eyes in deep thought for a moment, then looked up at Gu Pingyuan and waved his hand: “Let him go!”

Huang Wenjin reluctantly released his grip. Before Gu Pingyuan could speak, Bai Yimei spoke first: “Gu Pingyuan, remember what you promised me – you will never see me again. If you don’t leave, I’ll die before your eyes!”

Seeing Gu Pingyuan staring blankly at Bai Yimei, Huang Wenjin suddenly flew into a rage: “Get the hell out of here now!” He grabbed Gu Pingyuan’s collar with one hand and forcefully pushed him out of the Ying Wang’s mansion, ordering the soldiers: “Chase him out of town. If he dares enter again, kill him without question!”

Gu Pingyuan was driven out of Sanhe Town, wandering distractedly at the town entrance, sometimes worried about Bai Yimei, sometimes concerned about the Cheng mother and son. He didn’t know how much time had passed when he suddenly heard three cannon shots from within the town!

Three cannon shots meant heads would roll! Gu Pingyuan shuddered. When he tried to follow the crowd into town, the guarding soldiers had already received orders and firmly blocked only him from the crowd.

Gu Pingyuan anxiously peered toward the town. Soon the crowd surged back out, their steps even more hurried than before, everyone’s face showing panic. Looking further back, he saw a team of Taipings using long bamboo poles to display two severed heads, tied to a large willow tree at the town entrance.

Gu Pingyuan strained his eyes to look and felt dizzy.

The heads of Mrs. Cheng and little Shan!

“Brother, how did you just get back? This old brother of yours has been going crazy with worry.” Secretary Hao was helping Qiao Henian handle military affairs, extremely busy but still concerned about Gu Pingyuan, developing cold sores on his lips.

“It’s hard to explain in words.” Gu Pingyuan’s eyes were vacant.

“We all know about the Cheng family’s wife and child being killed by the Taipings.” Secretary Hao also fell silent for a moment.

“What about Cheng Xueqi?”

Secretary Hao shook his head: “He drinks himself senseless all day, and when he sobers up, he pours more wine down his throat.” He suddenly asked Gu Pingyuan: “Do you know that old Mrs. Cheng also died?”

“What?”

“Sigh, upon learning her grandson was killed, she was struck with grief and had a stroke that very night.” Secretary Hao’s face showed unbearable pain. “The Cheng family is truly destroyed this time – too tragic.”

“I’ll go see Cheng Xueqi.” Gu Pingyuan felt guilty.

“No need. He’s rarely sober throughout the day. Your actions at Sanhe Town have already spread. Cheng Xueqi knows you did everything possible – he doesn’t blame you.” Secretary Hao winked at Gu Pingyuan. “Chen Yucheng’s mansion is full of Taipings, yet this news reached Hefei city so quickly. It might well be that someone, fearing Cheng Xueqi would blame you, deliberately spread the word.”

Gu Pingyuan knew he meant Bai Yimei. This was quite possible, but he had no heart to consider it now. He smiled bitterly and asked: “Do you know how Bai Yimei is now?”

“I wouldn’t know that – I’m no immortal. I heard she risked her life to save you from Sanhe Town. Such deep affection and loyalty – brother, you’re truly lucky in love.”

“But she also made me swear never to see her again.” Whether it was deep affection or severing emotional ties, Gu Pingyuan couldn’t understand.

“Bah! Women think one thing, say another, and do yet another. As Sima Guang wrote: ‘Meeting is worse than not meeting; having feelings is like having none.’ Her making you swear never to meet again precisely shows she has you in her heart, with deep and difficult-to-abandon feelings for you. Otherwise, why would she be so solemn about it?” Secretary Hao dismissed this.

“Oh, right. You may not need to see Cheng Xueqi, but you certainly must see your mother and younger siblings.” Secretary Hao suddenly remembered.

Gu Pingyuan had wanted to bring this up immediately upon meeting but was sidetracked by Secretary Hao. Now he urgently asked: “How are my mother and the others?”

“Don’t worry. Fortunately, your timely persuasion of Cheng Xueqi meant the city hadn’t run out of food, so your family naturally came to no harm. Lord Qiao arranged everything for you – go see them quickly.”

Gu Pingyuan followed Secretary Hao straight to Hefei city, learning the battle’s outcome from Secretary Hao along the way.

The government forces drove Chen Yucheng’s troops back to Sanhe Town, then established camps to consolidate their battle lines. The reinforcements from Zhili and Shandong withdrew after a few days. The bandit king Miao Peilin had never intended to surrender anyway – he only looted weapons and supplies abandoned by the Taipings on the battlefield. When encountering small Qing detachments, he simply robbed the Qing forces as well. Yuan Jiasan, having barely escaped the siege, had become like a frightened bird. Receiving reports of Miao Peilin’s widespread looting, he dared not intervene at all, fearing it would provoke another Cheng Xueqi.

“Speaking of this Governor Yuan, he’s pathetic enough. First squeezed by several governors until short of food and pay, then nearly losing the provincial capital to Chen Yucheng. Now even Miao Peilin, a mere bandit, dares to loot near Hefei. His official dignity is completely gone.” Secretary Hao curled his lips. “The military affairs are easier to handle. No matter how you put it, it was a victory snatched from defeat. More Taipings died than government troops. The secretaries writing up military achievements are all skilled with the brush – you’ll see, they’ll certainly make this battle sound spectacular. Who knows how many will get promoted?”

Government forces always disguised defeats as victories, and this time they had actually won. Not only had they lost no territory while repelling Chen Yucheng, they’d also incorporated Cheng Xueqi’s ten thousand men. All of this could be greatly embellished – Secretary Hao spoke truly.

“Speaking of merit, Lord Qiao remained calm in crisis, containing the Taipings outside the city while single-handedly orchestrating both Cheng Xueqi’s surrender and the counterattack. He should be credited with the greatest achievement. Even if not promoted three ranks, he should at least receive a prefect’s title.”

Secretary Hao nodded: “Brother, we think alike. This time Lord Qiao will certainly have great official fortune. Now Anhui’s officialdom has swept away the previous days’ gloom – everyone joyfully awaits merit recognition and rewards, except for one person—”

“Who?”

“Yuan Jiasan, of course. In my view, his governorship has reached its end.”

“Why? Didn’t he just fight a beautiful victory, snatching triumph from defeat?” Gu Pingyuan asked in confusion.

“You haven’t thought carefully. This battle was won, but what about the future? The court still expects him to fight Chen Yucheng, but now he not only lacks food and pay, he also owes the Hu family’s Tailai Tea House three hundred thousand taels, plus a large grain debt to Qingyang grain merchants. Oh yes, those ten thousand military uniforms were also delivered – today Cheng Xueqi’s troops changed uniforms. All of this costs money and cannot be defaulted on, or who would do business with the government next time? Wouldn’t that be seeking death? Most infuriating is that the three hundred thousand taels you borrowed from the Hu family is now known by officers and soldiers of both the banner and green standard armies. They also want to follow this precedent and demand three months’ bonus pay – that’s hundreds of thousands more taels.”

Secretary Hao looked at Gu Pingyuan listening intently: “Governor Yuan isn’t a magician. To rob Peter to pay Paul, you need a Peter to rob. This alone is enough to give him headaches, not to mention a major case involving widespread implications has emerged at Dragon Ridge Mountain on the Suzhou-Shandong border. I think this time he might well lose his cap.”

Gu Pingyuan wanted to ask for details, but Secretary Hao pointed ahead: “See there? That two-courtyard compound west of Lord Bao’s shrine, with yamen runners guarding outside – your family is all inside.”

When Gu Pingyuan had initially left Anhui for Beijing to trade tea, he never imagined that seeing his family again upon return would be so difficult and tortuous – he’d nearly not seen them at all. Reaching the door, Secretary Hao went to deal with the yamen runners while Gu Pingyuan knocked on the door ring.

“Who is it?” It was his younger brother Gu Pingwen’s voice, tinged with uneasy fear.

“Pingwen, open the door. It’s me.”

“Elder brother!” came an exclamation from inside.

The main door opened and Gu Pingwen stepped out. Seeing Gu Pingyuan’s face, his eyes immediately reddened.

Gu Pingyuan patted his shoulder and stepped inside, eager to see his mother. Passing through the second gate, he met his sister Gu Yuting helping their mother come out. Without a word, Gu Pingyuan fell to his knees, sobbing: “Mother, your son is unfilial. I concealed many things from you, and now I’ve even implicated you. Your son’s crimes reach to heaven.”

Gu Pingyuan’s private escape into the pass had never been told to his mother from beginning to end, fearing she would worry. Now it was worse than not telling her – every time Gu Pingyuan thought of his old mother learning from yamen runners that her eldest son was an escaped convict, the feeling was like knives piercing his heart.

“Why are you kneeling? Pingwen, quickly help your elder brother up.” Mother Gu looked much older, tears flowing uncontrollably as she reached out to stroke Gu Pingyuan’s face. “Sigh, your heart suffers too. Mother understands it all – you’ve truly had it hard.”

These words made Gu Pingyuan’s tears pour out like floodwater through a broken dam, crying until his body went limp. Secretary Hao, Gu Pingwen, and Gu Yuting barely managed to comfort him.

Mother Gu sighed, looking at her eldest son and shaking her head: “Men don’t shed tears lightly. Let him cry – bottling it up inside would be harmful.”

“Mother, you’ve suffered during this time.” Gu Pingyuan stopped his sobbing, helped his mother sit, and gazed at her unblinkingly, his filial affection overflowing.

“Not really. Thanks to Magistrate Qiao, he wouldn’t let the runners put shackles on us, and fearing I’d suffer in the provincial prison, he specially had people spend money to arrange things and rented this small compound for us three to live in. Pingyuan, you must properly repay Lord Qiao.”

“By the way, I heard the court released you to capture Bai Yimei and her husband.” This was Mother Gu’s greatest worry – knowing her son’s character and his childhood bond with Bai Yimei, asking Gu Pingyuan to capture her was absolutely impossible.

“I’ve already seen her.” Gu Pingyuan said slowly.

The Gu family members, hearing this, all stared directly at Gu Pingyuan.

“So… so you really brought Sister Yimei back?” Gu Yuting asked hesitantly.

Rather than answer his sister first, Gu Pingyuan explained everything that had happened recently, concluding: “Lord Qiao’s idea was indeed good – changing capture to pacification could ensure Bai Yimei’s safety while securing the Gu family’s peace.”

“But elder brother, didn’t you just say this path is no longer viable?” Gu Pingwen asked.

“Bai Yimei flatly refused, though I think she’s being somewhat spiteful.”

“Why?” Mother Gu asked in confusion.

“Because of…” Gu Pingyuan suddenly stopped. He didn’t plan to announce his marriage to Chang Yu’er publicly just yet. It would be best to mention it when bringing Mother Gu back to Gu Family Village in She County, then Mother Gu could immediately meet Chang Yu’er. With Chang Yu’er’s talents, she would surely win Mother Gu’s heart – wouldn’t that be perfect? If he mentioned it now, Mother Gu would constantly think about this daughter-in-law she’d never met during this period, creating unnecessary worries for the elderly lady.

Gu Pingyuan changed the subject: “Circumstances are stronger than people. Though this path seems blocked now, it doesn’t mean it’s truly impassable. The immediate priority is getting you back to Gu Family Village, mother. This isn’t a place for long-term residence.”

With the Gu family currently under the provincial governor’s supervision, leaving wouldn’t be easy. Gu Pingyuan knew he’d have to find Qiao Henian for help again. As he was thinking this, someone came looking for Secretary Hao at the door.

Secretary Hao hurried away and returned with great excitement on his face.

“It’s someone sent by Lord Qiao. He knows you’ve returned, and today happens to be the first court session since the provincial capital’s siege was lifted.” A court session meant the governor convening officials from various departments for deliberation.

“Lord Qiao must also attend. He wants you to pose as his personal attendant and accompany him inside. In this matter of persuading Cheng Xueqi to surrender, your contribution was considerable. Lord Qiao plans to put in a few good words for you on the spot, and if you also express your intention to serve the court, perhaps Governor Yuan will agree to temporarily release your family.”

It was exactly what he’d hoped for. Gu Pingyuan excitedly arrived outside the governor’s office and naturally exchanged pleasantries with Qiao Henian. While conversing, Gu Pingyuan looked around and saw sedan chairs like clouds at the office entrance, arranged in a line stretching beyond sight. Gathered at the base of the nine-step staircase were officials of all ranks dressed in official robes – apparently the prefects, magistrates, and county officials from throughout the province were still in the capital and hadn’t left.

Soon the provincial military commander emerged from the governor’s office. Standing at the entrance, the area below immediately fell silent. The commander called several names in succession, inviting them in for deliberation – all people who had distinguished themselves in military service at the camps outside the city, including Qiao Henian.

Gu Pingyuan followed Qiao Henian through the main gate with its hard-mountain-style roof and ceremonial gate, proceeding directly to the second hall with the crowd.

In the second hall, the portly Governor Yuan Jiasan was already seated. The provincial treasurer, judicial commissioner, and other high provincial officials also sat on either side. Besides these, another man sat before the governor, wearing the snow goose insignia of a fourth-rank circuit intendant, with a lapis lazuli cap button. He had a smile between his brows and a composed demeanor – with just a glance, everyone entering felt this person had seen them.

After tea was served, Yuan Jiasan coughed and began slowly: “This provincial crisis was fortunately blessed by our sacred ancestors’ protection. Court reinforcements arrived in time, and with several brothers’ sincere cooperation, attacking from inside and outside, we were able to drive the rebels back to their lair.”

Those below quickly offered praise, saying it was Governor Yuan’s proper command within the city that achieved complete success. Some went even further – including the provincial treasurer and judicial commissioner – insisting this was the various officials risking themselves as bait to lure out Chen Yucheng’s main force.

“Governor, you are truly too modest calling this a provincial crisis. I say this battle should be named the ‘Great Victory at Hefei.’ The memorial to court should be written this way too – this is a fact everyone witnessed personally. If the court doesn’t believe it, they can send investigators to inquire. I, Gu, will be the first to testify. What do you all say?” The most resounding and clever flatterer was a prefectural judge from Lu’an named Gu Lichun, his face covered in pockmarks, privately called “Big Pockmark Gu.”

With “Big Pockmark Gu” speaking thus before the governor, everyone naturally had to show support, praising the governor’s benevolence and virtue even more. Yuan Jiasan initially made modest disclaimers, but later smiled broadly, having long forgotten the embarrassment of nearly losing the provincial capital days before.

“In that case, I’ll trouble Brother Gu to discuss with several secretaries how exactly this memorial should be worded.” Yuan Jiasan looked at Big Pockmark Gu with appreciation.

For a local official to work in the governor’s secretariat was like a Beijing official becoming a Grand Council secretary – both signs of imminent promotion. Big Pockmark Gu immediately beamed with joy, his pockmarks gleaming, drawing many envious looks.

“Shameless!” Standing behind, Gu Pingyuan watched Big Pockmark Gu’s obsequious smile and thought of the murdered Mrs. Cheng and little Shan, plus all the innocent civilians who’d perished. His stomach churned with disgust.

“Prefect Gu of Lu’an, Magistrate Zhou of Yixian, Prefect He of Chizhou, and Magistrate Chen who went to Qingyang for grain – all of you served the king’s cause loyally and handled your duties conscientiously. In this victory over the Taipings and repelling of rebels, your contributions were significant. This will certainly be detailed in future recommendation reports, and the court will surely reward you.” Yuan Jiasan named the most meritorious individuals one by one, offering warm consolation. But notably, from beginning to end, he never mentioned Qiao Henian’s name.

Sitting among them, Qiao Henian felt his heart pounding wildly. He glanced several times at Governor Yuan, but Yuan Jiasan avoided his gaze – this was definitely not good. Qiao Henian couldn’t help turning to look at Gu Pingyuan standing behind him. Gu Pingyuan also had a tense expression and furrowed brow – he also didn’t understand what Yuan Jiasan was plotting.

“Report to Governor: Cheng Xueqi has been brought.” A personal guard reported.

“Please bring him in, quickly.” Yuan Jiasan immediately rose from his seat and walked to the entrance to wait.

With the governor acting thus, who in the second hall dared remain seated? Including the provincial treasurer, everyone rose to welcome him, exchanging glances, not understanding why Yuan Jiasan showed such courtesy to Cheng Xueqi, a mere commoner.

Gu Pingyuan was even more concerned, his eyes fixed on the entrance. When Cheng Xueqi’s figure appeared, he could hardly believe his eyes. In just ten days, this man had transformed from a general commanding troops in battle into a beggar and drunkard commonly seen on streets. His eyes were unfocused, his clothes dirty and greasy, his hair disheveled like wild grass, reeking of alcohol. Though he appeared somewhat sober, without two personal guards supporting him on either side, he would certainly have fallen to the ground.

Yuan Jiasan clearly hadn’t expected Cheng Xueqi to be so destitute. Greatly surprised, he suddenly grasped Cheng Xueqi’s arm: “General Cheng, sigh, I couldn’t have imagined the Taipings harmed your family so tragically. This truly pains me deeply. But rest assured – your change of heart and voluntary surrender make you the chief contributor to this great victory. I’ve already given orders to recommend you for the position of deputy general stationed in this province. As for your relatives who unfortunately died at rebel hands, I will memorialize the court requesting posthumous honors to comfort their spirits.”

Everyone present was deeply surprised. Posthumous honors were one thing – just building memorial archways and shrines for the dead, a kind of posthumous glory. But the deputy general position was a second-rank official title, while a governor was only first-rank. This was the highest rank Yuan Jiasan could recommend. Moreover, Anhui had no stationed first-rank commander-in-chief, so a second-rank deputy general would be the highest military commander leading all provincial forces. No one expected Yuan Jiasan to favor Cheng Xueqi so highly.

Looking at Cheng Xueqi, he seemed not to hear, muttering drunkenly with bleary eyes: “Deputy general, deputy general… Hey, who can tell me – which is greater, deputy general or the Heavenly Emperor?” He looked around at the officials in the room, then suddenly grabbed “Big Pockmark Gu”: “You tell me – which is greater, deputy general or the Heavenly Emperor?”

“This… this…” Though “Big Pockmark Gu” was socially adept, he was helpless facing a drunkard. Not daring to offend this future Deputy General Cheng, he kept smiling and bowing apologetically.

Gu Pingyuan couldn’t bear it anymore. He pushed through the crowd and supported Cheng Xueqi.

“Brother Cheng, I’ve wronged you.” Seeing Cheng Xueqi clutching the longevity lock tightly in his hand, Gu Pingyuan said painfully.

“You… who are you?” Cheng Xueqi’s finger nearly poked Gu Pingyuan’s face.

“I’m Gu Pingyuan.”

“I remember now – you’re Judge Gu from the prefectural city, right?”

Gu Pingyuan nodded. Originally, Secretary Hao had suggested he impersonate an official to gain Cheng Xueqi’s trust.

“No!” Cheng Xueqi suddenly shook his head vigorously and shouted: “You’re not the prefectural judge – you’re a judge from the underworld! Otherwise, why did I ask you to take my wife and child to She County, but you sent them to the underworld instead? Tell me, are you a judge beside the King of Hell? Hahahaha!” Cheng Xueqi burst into maniacal laughter.

Seeing the conversation becoming incoherent, Governor Yuan quickly said: “The Taipings’ brutal nature brought this family destruction upon General Cheng – truly complete family loyalty. General Cheng’s excessive grief naturally causes abnormal behavior. Someone, help him down and call a doctor to treat him with good medicine.”

Watching Cheng Xueqi’s retreating figure, Gu Pingyuan’s heart grew heavier. On one hand, he constantly blamed himself; on the other, his mission to recruit Chen Yucheng had gained another insurmountable obstacle. Once Cheng Xueqi commanded all provincial forces, he would certainly not spare the Taipings. Without question, his first act would be fighting Chen Yucheng to the death. Having these two serve the court together would be more difficult than ascending to heaven.

“Who exactly are you? Why does Cheng Xueqi recognize you as the prefectural judge?” Yuan Jiasan’s voice suddenly came from behind.

Qiao Henian had long been on pins and needles. He quickly rose to answer: “Report to Governor – this person is convict Gu Pingyuan. Your Excellency surely remembers last month’s document from the Ministry of Justice allowing him to atone through merit. This Gu Pingyuan indeed didn’t disappoint the court’s trust, borrowing three hundred thousand taels in military funds for government forces, boosting morale immeasurably.” Actually, Gu Pingyuan’s greatest achievement was persuading Cheng Xueqi to surrender, but having heard Yuan Jiasan repeatedly say “voluntary” and “change of heart,” the clever Qiao Henian understood Yuan Jiasan’s meaning and avoided mentioning the persuasion entirely. He then recounted how Gu Pingyuan had impersonated the prefectural judge to deliver grain and funds to Cheng Xueqi’s camp.

“Oh.” After listening, Yuan Jiasan returned to his seat expressionlessly, lifted his tea cup, then suddenly slammed it heavily on the table. With a crash, tea spilled across the table and the lid fell to the floor, shattering. Yuan Jiasan slapped the table: “Qiao Henian, do you still have me as governor in your eyes!”

Thunder and unexpected calamity struck together. Qiao Henian immediately knelt: “This official is Anhui’s subordinate and has always revered Your Excellency like a deity. How would I dare have the slightest disrespectful or contemptuous thought? If there were any unintentional faults, please make them clear so this subordinate can reform.”

Yuan Jiasan’s expression slightly softened: “Hearing your words, you do seem to have some repentant intent. Then let me ask you – petitioning the Ministry of Justice for convict Gu Pingyuan without going through the governor’s office – isn’t this usurping authority? This is the first point. All court positions are important instruments. You allowed a convict to impersonate an official, encouraging others to follow suit – isn’t this condoning evil? This is the second point. Military funds are all arranged by court subsidies, with shortfalls made up by provincial merchants’ voluntary contributions. There’s never been precedent for borrowing silver, yet you dared borrow civilian funds for military use, slandering national strength – isn’t this violating regulations? This is the third point. Moreover, you’re merely a sixth-rank official, yet you dared use the governor’s name to apologize to others on my behalf – isn’t this disrespecting superiors? You’ve committed error after error – do you still consider me your governor?”

“Well asked, Your Excellency.” Provincial Treasurer Buhe had long been at odds with Qiao Henian. Previously, Qiao Henian had slept in his office and forced him to issue a false proclamation – something he still resented. Having always been dissatisfied with Qiao Henian, he immediately responded: “Qiao Henian, I think your career success has gone to your head. You even dare impersonate the governor’s name – what’s next, falsifying imperial edicts?”

The series of accusations struck Qiao Henian’s ears like thunderbolts, stunning him. Others were all being protected and awaiting rewards. Even “Big Pockmark Gu,” who only talked without doing anything, was highly favored by the governor. Yet he, who had coordinated all forces during the crisis to prevent total collapse, working day and night to achieve great merit, was being berated. Qiao Henian felt like a huge stone was blocking his chest, but being clever, he knew that any rebuttal now would be considered “obstinate and defiant, roaring in court,” giving Provincial Treasurer Buhe the perfect opportunity to make an issue of it and thoroughly punish him.

Therefore, Qiao Henian said nothing, only prostrating himself and kowtowing repeatedly. Gu Pingyuan trembled with anger beside him, but he knew that with his current status, speaking out would certainly result in being beaten and driven out, while adding to Qiao Henian’s crimes.

“Your Excellency, that matter…” Buhe was heard quietly conversing with Yuan Jiasan in court.

Yuan Jiasan said sternly: “Qiao Henian!”

“This official is present.”

“Do you now acknowledge your errors?”

Suppressing the indignation in his chest, Qiao Henian answered submissively: “This official acknowledges error. This official’s actions were indeed rash and imprudent. The governor’s reproach is still light – please punish me severely.”

“Hmm.” Yuan Jiasan nodded with satisfaction. “Seeing you have some repentant heart and have generally worked diligently in your duties, I’ll give you a chance to atone through merit. There’s currently a case in Suzhou that’s actually connected to you – you really must handle it personally.”

“Yes, this official will certainly serve Your Excellency with utmost dedication.”

“Provincial Treasurer Buhe will brief you.”

Qiao Henian stood up, made a formal bow, and said respectfully: “Then this official will wait at the provincial treasurer’s office immediately.”

“Wait, we still need to convene all prefects and magistrates to discuss military funding.” Yuan Jiasan turned to see Gu Pingyuan, his face showing annoyance. “Magistrate Qiao, I must say, you’re too improper, bringing a convict directly into my second hall.”

“You should leave first.” Having himself suffered a rebuff, Qiao Henian could hardly advocate for Gu Pingyuan’s family.

Gu Pingyuan naturally understood the situation and silently turned to leave. Behind him, he heard Yuan Jiasan ordering: “Please invite Master Li of the Beijing merchants in.”

“Master Li of the Beijing merchants…” Gu Pingyuan repeated this phrase mentally while walking, then looked up to see someone approaching with an attendant, meeting him face to face.

“Gu Pingyuan!”

“It’s you!”

Almost simultaneously, they both exclaimed quietly. Gu Pingyuan never expected Li Qin to appear in the Anhui governor’s office – how had he become Master Li of the Beijing merchants?

Li Qin also looked at Gu Pingyuan as if seeing a ghost, his face full of disbelief!

They didn’t stop walking, just brushed past each other, eyes full of questions that neither could ask. In a moment they’d passed, and Yuan Jiasan was already greeting someone in the hall.

“Someone, serve tea to Master Li.”

“Greetings to Your Excellency the Governor!”

Though Gu Pingyuan was now outside, he could still hear the exchange in the second hall. He was truly bewildered, with many questions suddenly flooding his mind.

Why would Li Qin come to Anhui? In Beijing, Secretary Hao had once suspected Beijing merchants were the masterminds who bribed Chen Laizi to harm him. Could Li Qin have been behind it? If he wouldn’t let him go and had come specifically for revenge, how had he become an honored guest at the governor’s office?

Why were the governor and provincial treasurer deliberately trying to erase Qiao Henian’s primary contribution? From Yuan Jiasan’s earlier words, this had clearly been prepared in advance to intimidate Qiao Henian.

Then there was the three hundred thousand taels he’d raised from the Hu family. He’d thought it was half-share, half-loan, but Second Master Hou had actually said “not a single tael of Lanxue tea was sold, and the entire Huizhou tea merchant business is about to collapse.” He’d also said these three hundred thousand taels were the Hu family’s last money. Tailai Tea House was a major enterprise that could readily mobilize one or two million taels – how could it suddenly reach such straits? Was Second Master Hou exaggerating? If so, what was his purpose?

“Brother!” A hand patted Gu Pingyuan’s shoulder. Caught off guard, he jumped, realizing he’d been lost in thought and had unknowingly walked out of the governor’s office. Secretary Hao stood before him.

“Hmm, your expression doesn’t look like you got good news at all. Did something go wrong?”

Gu Pingyuan was looking for someone to discuss this with. He pulled Secretary Hao to a quiet spot and recounted everything strange that had happened in the governor’s office.

Secretary Hao’s face went pale as he listened. When he heard Yuan Jiasan wanted to send Qiao Henian to Suzhou to handle a case, his face suddenly turned green, as if he’d seen a ghost.

“Terrible, terrible! Lord Qiao is in serious trouble now.” Secretary Hao stamped his feet and sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Gu Pingyuan’s heart also tightened.

Secretary Hao waved his hand: “It’s a long story – no time for details now. I need to visit the provincial treasurer’s office. I know a secretary there who might know some inside information. Otherwise, stumbling around in this fog, we might step into a pit at any moment – too dangerous.”

Knowing this was urgent business, Gu Pingyuan agreed to wait here for Qiao Henian while Secretary Hao hurried away.

Nearly all the officials before the governor’s office were chief magistrates from various places – prefects, magistrates, and county officials totaling over twenty people. Soon they were all called inside, leaving only a group of attendants outside, plus Gu Pingyuan.

While waiting, the military commander emerged again. Everyone wondered – all the officials had been called in, who would be summoned next?

“Is Gu Pingyuan of She County present?”

Calling me? Gu Pingyuan was puzzled but dared not delay. He stepped forward: “Gu Pingyuan of She County is here. May I ask what the commander requires?”

“The governor summons you!”

Gu Pingyuan felt uneasy, sensing nothing good, but didn’t dare disobey. Steeling himself, he followed inside. The second hall was much livelier than before, with officials seated on both sides. Qiao Henian was naturally among them. Strangely, Li Qin was seated not far from the governor – by protocol, this was the chief county magistrate’s seat, yet the actual chief magistrate sat below him. Li Qin was a complete commoner, not even a scholar, yet could sit calmly in the governor’s hall.

After just two glances, Gu Pingyuan heard Yuan Jiasan ask: “Has Gu Pingyuan arrived?”

“Commoner Gu Pingyuan kowtows to Your Excellency the Governor and greets all the officials.” Gu Pingyuan again lifted his robe to kneel and kowtow.

“Tsk!” A light laugh came from above. Though quiet, it was clearly audible. Gu Pingyuan knew this voice too well – it was clearly Li Qin laughing. Presumably seeing Gu Pingyuan kneeling below while he sat as an honored guest, he was pleased and deliberately laughed to mock Gu Pingyuan.

Yuan Jiasan ordered him to rise, then examined him carefully before turning to the fourth-rank circuit intendant beside him.

“Circuit Intendant Hu, if you could assist me, I wouldn’t want to deal with this convict.”

Circuit Intendant Hu appeared to be in his thirties with eyes that seemed to see in all directions, always smiling. He cupped his hands: “Your Excellency, Hu serves as an official in Zhejiang – how could I handle business in Anhui? Moreover, I came to Anhui purely for Two Jiang affairs. Being trapped here has already delayed official business – I truly lack the ability.”

“Very well then.” Yuan Jiasan looked disappointed, then said to Gu Pingyuan: “I hear you have considerable commercial talent. You once handled medicinal materials for Mongolian princes, transported military grain for Prince Seng, and recently earned the reputation of ‘world’s finest tea’ at Prince Chun’s mansion in Beijing.”

Heard from whom – Qiao Henian or Li Qin? This made a big difference. Gu Pingyuan pondered while glancing around. First he looked at Qiao Henian, who had a grave expression and shook his head slightly. Then he looked at Li Qin, whose face showed gloating pleasure. Gu Pingyuan’s heart sank, knowing trouble was brewing.

“This commoner has modest commercial ability – just good luck, plus the court’s consideration for merchants, allowing me to conduct some insignificant small business.” Regardless, modesty was best – Gu Pingyuan decided on this approach.

But Yuan Jiasan had other plans and wouldn’t let him be so modest: “Oh? You indeed have ability, calling this small business. It seems your family is wealthy – no wonder you could donate three hundred thousand taels for military funds in one go.”

Donate? After initial surprise, Gu Pingyuan suddenly understood – Yuan Jiasan was using sweet words to embezzle this three hundred thousand tael loan. What a joke – the provincial governor publicly defaulting on debt before a large audience. This was three hundred thousand taels, no small sum, and Gu Pingyuan still remembered Second Master Hou’s words about it being “the Hu family’s last three hundred thousand taels” – how could he be careless?

“Your Excellency, might there be some misunderstanding? The three hundred thousand taels in military funds were borrowed through my mediation from Tailai Tea House of the Hu family in Xuning, not donated.” Knowing that silence now would mean this debt could never be recovered, Gu Pingyuan had to make a tactful appeal.

Yuan Jiasan’s face darkened: “According to you, I’m defaulting on borrowed money? Gentry and commoners voluntarily contributing military funds is an act of loyalty to the emperor and love of country. How can you businessmen only think about money? Since you want to discuss business, fine – do you have a promissory note from the main camp?”

This stumped Gu Pingyuan. At the time, the situation was urgent, and facing Qiao Henian, he hadn’t mentioned promissory notes at all. Now Yuan Jiasan was being strictly official – where could Gu Pingyuan produce such documentation?

“Furthermore, I originally thought Magistrate Qiao’s unauthorized borrowing of military funds was an error requiring impeachment. Later, learning these three hundred thousand taels were donated, Magistrate Qiao had merit, not fault. Now you say it was borrowed – Magistrate Qiao, tell me, was this silver donated or borrowed?”

Qiao Henian was also stunned. How to answer this? If he said donated, Gu Pingyuan’s three hundred thousand taels would vanish without a trace. If he said borrowed, it would publicly contradict the provincial governor – could he continue as an official in Anhui? Moreover, Yuan Jiasan had just said clearly that if the silver was borrowed, he would impeach him. Though his imperial favor wasn’t like Zeng Guofan or Zuo Zongtang’s, impeaching a county magistrate from his own jurisdiction was certain – the court would never reject it, and his official cap would be lost.

Having never faced such a dilemma since becoming an official, Qiao Henian stood up speechless for a long time, not knowing how to respond.

Yuan Jiasan’s face darkened severely, about to show anger, when Gu Pingyuan suddenly said: “It was donated. I borrowed the silver from the Hu family, then donated it to the government. Naturally, I should repay it – it has nothing to do with the government.”

“Now that sounds reasonable.” Yuan Jiasan’s anger turned to joy. Qiao Henian looked at Gu Pingyuan with surprise and gratitude. Gu Pingyuan had thrown caution to the wind – Qiao Henian was his close friend who had just helped his whole family. He couldn’t let him lose his position over this matter. As for the silver, he’d figure something out after leaving the governor’s office.

“Your business isn’t small. Now with Taiping rebellion, the court needs to rely on capable people – merchants are no exception. For instance, Master Li of the Beijing merchants came here specifically from far away to help Anhui raise military funds.” Yuan Jiasan pointed toward Li Qin.

Gu Pingyuan sneered inwardly. Beijing merchants never acted without profit – would they kindly help the government? There must be some trap behind this.

“Master Li is an out-of-province merchant yet shows such public spirit. You do business locally, eating Huizhou grain and drinking Xin’an River water – you should work even harder for fellow townsmen.” Yuan Jiasan first praised then criticized, with threatening undertones. “Moreover, you originally had crimes implicating your family. I, in my benevolence, didn’t imprison them – you should be even more grateful and serve the country. Only then would you not waste having a human heart. What do you say, Gu Pingyuan?”

Gu Pingyuan knew Yuan Jiasan must already have some plan, and this matter was connected to Li Qin. As a guilty commoner before the governor in his hall, what could he say? If he refused the offer and took the punishment instead, that would be truly unwise. So he readily said: “I await Your Excellency’s orders entirely. If there’s anything this commoner can contribute to, I’ll certainly risk death to comply.”

“Excellent!” Yuan Jiasan approved. “You’re a businessman, so naturally I’ll use your strengths. During Hefei’s siege, if firearms inside and outside the city had been effective, we wouldn’t have been trapped so tightly by the Taipings. Learning from this painful experience, Anhui’s garrison forces should follow the Divine Engine Battalion’s example and establish a firearms battalion. Naturally, this requires procuring guns and ammunition – I’m assigning you, Gu Pingyuan, to handle this business.”

Gu Pingyuan never shied away from business: “Then please specify how many firearms and ammunition are needed, and how much silver can be allocated.”

Provincial Treasurer Buhe interjected: “Naturally, the more firearms the better, but at least three thousand are needed to be sufficient. As for silver, it won’t come from the provincial treasury, but from three hundred thousand taels in bank notes contributed by Beijing merchants.”

Gu Pingyuan frowned at this. Buhe added: “Listen carefully, Gu Pingyuan. A few months ago, the governor’s personal guard unit bought a batch of guns from British merchants. Based on those prices, this silver is sufficient for three thousand rifles, and buying in bulk should naturally get better prices. This is urgent military business – you have only one month to complete it. If you can’t manage it or deliver late, Chen Yucheng’s forces are still watching from Sanhe Town, and you have connections with the Ying Wang’s consort. Who knows if you’re deliberately delaying military preparations to secretly aid the Taipings? In that case, you’d be executed according to law, and your family would naturally be implicated. Understand?”

Anyone else would have exploded with rage on the spot. His family had “donated” three hundred thousand taels to government forces, only to be accused of “secretly aiding the Taipings” – this was truly turning black into white, making false accusations. If it were Liu Heita, he’d probably have drawn his nine-section whip already. Even someone as timid as Gu Pingwen would have protested loudly, demanding justice.