Nantong was part of the Wu-Yue territories during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The Lianghuai salt fields reached their southern terminus here. According to the boundary division agreed upon with Li Wantang in court, the seawall that Gu Pingyuan was responsible for would begin construction from this point.

The seawall was built in sections. High terrain areas did not require embankment construction. During the Daoguang era, the “Records of Liangjiang Seawalls” remained, which documented that along the hundreds of li of coastal embankments in the Lianghuai section, areas requiring repair exceeded seventy li, while areas requiring complete reconstruction exceeded twenty li.

Nantong was formed through sediment accumulation, creating sandbanks. The earliest land formation was in the Hai’an and Rugao areas at the easternmost tip of the ancient Yangtai sand spit. Due to the sandy soil composition, the seawalls in this region suffered particularly severe damage.

Gu Pingyuan led Liu Heita along the coastline for half a day. Both wore grave expressions, neither having anticipated such devastating disrepair of the seawalls. No wonder the disaster victims they encountered along the way outnumbered those near Jiangning by several times. Military disasters combined with tidal calamities truly left people without means of survival.

That evening they lodged at an inn in Haimen County. Because Chang Yu’er accompanied them, Gu Pingyuan specifically sought two spacious and lofty upper rooms. He negotiated with the innkeeper for a long-term stay, paying rent monthly. The innkeeper naturally fawned over them, and following Gu Pingyuan’s instructions, posted a red notice outside the inn reading “Imperial Governor’s Commissioned Seawall Repair Office.”

Haimen County town was small, so news of a special commissioner from the Governor-General’s office spread quickly. The local Magistrate Du had received an edict from the Liangjiang Governor-General’s office that morning. The message was quite vague, stating only that a merchant had volunteered to donate and undertake seawall repair projects, commanding local authorities to provide proper coordination and assist with “convenient implementation.”

With this edict, Gu Pingyuan essentially carried the Liangjiang Governor-General’s official commission. Magistrate Du dared not neglect him, sending over an excellent banquet. Gu Pingyuan wrote a formal letter of thanks, then went alone to the county office to seek an audience.

Magistrate Du was skilled both in officialdom and human relations. Learning that this “special commissioner” held no official rank, he also dispensed with official robes, instead wearing a blue shirt and small cap to greet him, demonstrating mutual cordiality.

“Though Haimen is small, I have learned that Master Gu purchased four hundred thousand shi of grain for disaster victims. This saved countless lives. I must toast this cup to you.”

Gu Pingyuan naturally demurred. The success of seawall construction heavily depended on local official support. As the saying goes, “county magistrates are less important than current administrators.” Despite possessing an official edict, Gu Pingyuan dared not be careless. After extensive discussion, when he inquired about details of recruiting civilian laborers for seawall construction, Magistrate Du’s expression showed difficulty.

“Nantong borders Wuxi and Changzhou closely. There’s a saying: ‘When Wuchang arrives, lives become hard to preserve.’ Nantong’s folk customs are quite proud. If the local people respect the local officials, grain collection, donation requests, and labor conscription proceed smoothly. If they’re dissatisfied, well…” Magistrate Du shook his head, leaving everything unsaid.

“Magistrate Du is understanding and benevolent, surely beloved by the elders. Whether Gu’s mission succeeds depends entirely on your assistance.” Gu Pingyuan’s words were half flattery, half recognition that this Magistrate Du understood popular sentiment and was no confused official.

“I dare not claim such praise. In Jiangnan regions, gentry power carries great weight. Those in governance cannot offend prominent families. Usually, when difficulties arise, I discuss matters with these local gentry before proceeding. This way – tomorrow I’ll prepare invitations and request these local gentlemen to the county office to specifically discuss this matter.” Magistrate Du made considerable effort, finally speaking honestly: “Helping others helps oneself. If you can truly repair the seawall properly, the locality will naturally enjoy peace and order, making this seventh-rank sesame official’s job more comfortable.”

When the county magistrate extended invitations, by noon the next day, over ten white-haired, bearded local gentry arrived at the county office in sedan chairs. After settling in the second hall, Magistrate Du introduced Gu Pingyuan. Hearing he was a special commissioner sent by Marshal Zeng Guofan to repair seawalls, these gentry were quite courteous, though their faces showed wariness.

Having served three years as a worldly official, Magistrate Du possessed rich experience dealing with locals. He immediately recognized their fear of financial burdens and said: “This Master Gu is truly benevolent and righteous. Though he’s from Huizhou, he’s willing to spend his own silver to repair seawalls for the Lianghuai region, requiring not one tael from the locality – all materials and labor will be his contribution.”

No cost made things easier. The gentry’s faces immediately brightened with smiles. “There’s another matter. You’ve all been repeatedly inquiring when the court’s relief grain will be distributed. I can now tell everyone – Master Gu has just procured four hundred thousand shi of grain for Liangjiang’s people. It should arrive locally soon. Once the grain arrives, the county office will not delay a single day and will immediately distribute it to each county and town.”

“Correct. When I left the Governor’s office the day before yesterday, I heard Lord Zeng personally instruct immediate granary opening for grain distribution. It should probably reach Nantong in the next day or two.” Gu Pingyuan had carefully consulted Magistrate Du the previous day. To recruit civilian laborers required these gentry to return and mobilize people. To make them willingly comply, he needed to move their hearts. This four hundred thousand shi of grain served as the perfect door-opener.

Indeed, once spoken, all four seats erupted with excitement. A refined-looking middle-aged man first bowed from his seat.

“This truly saves countless lives. Master Gu’s benevolent heart – Zhang represents everyone in thanking you.”

Gu Pingyuan quickly rose and returned the bow: “I dare not claim such praise. Being able to serve the locality is also Gu’s honor.”

“Since Master Gu is providing the silver, have materials been prepared? Where will labor come from?”

The question hit the point. Gu Pingyuan responded: “Materials haven’t been prepared yet. In the coming days, I plan to thoroughly examine the seawall again to determine what materials to use and how to construct it to build the seawall solidly, establishing at least a twenty-year foundation. As for labor, Lord Zeng permits me to recruit civilian workers locally. This depends entirely on everyone’s assistance. However, I guarantee premium wages. Last night I consulted county records at the office. The last seawall repair was in early Xianfeng era. Whatever wages were paid then, I’ll add fifty percent more, paying daily without arrears.”

Master Zhang’s face showed approval, finding Gu Pingyuan’s words practical – he was someone who genuinely worked. Particularly his phrase “establish a twenty-year foundation” proved this person was no perfunctory type.

“I have a question. I wonder if Master Gu might enlighten me?”

Earlier, Gu Pingyuan heard Magistrate Du’s introduction identifying this speaker as the youngest among them, barely fifty, yet carrying the greatest influence. The Zhang family of Nantong was a local great clan and gentry leader. In local matters, when this patriarch spoke, decisions were often final. Therefore, Gu Pingyuan responded with full attention, daring no carelessness.

“Master Zhang, please speak.”

“Then I’ll be presumptuous. You’re a businessman who pursues profit from capital. In Nantong you have neither fields nor shops. Tidal surges have no bearing on you. Why would you spend such a large sum to repair seawalls?”

Master Zhang smiled while watching Gu Pingyuan, his gaze focused and direct, staring into his eyes.

For reasons, Gu Pingyuan could readily fabricate eight or ten believable explanations. But he looked at this gentleman Zhang, then answered honestly: “Master Zhang asks correctly. I’m merely a merchant. Spending bright silver, if I claimed no purpose, probably no one would believe it.”

Master Zhang watched him attentively as Gu Pingyuan continued: “Though I currently have no shops in Nantong nor business along the coast, my future business will certainly reach here. By repairing seawalls, I’m essentially extending goodwill to the local people. Goodwill equals silver. When Nantong people enjoy abundant harvests thanks to seawalls and see my shop’s signboard, won’t they patronize my business?”

His frank admission of motives stunned everyone present. After a long silence, Master Zhang suddenly burst into hearty laughter, triggering laughter throughout, even making the officially-robed, solemnly-seated Magistrate Du suppress his mirth.

“Master Gu, since you have ulterior motives, I’m reassured. You’ll certainly repair this seawall properly, never doing shoddy work.” After laughing, Master Zhang looked at Gu Pingyuan appreciatively, then surveyed everyone. “Gentlemen, seawall repair is a great policy benefiting the people. These years Nantong people haven’t lived well – half due to military chaos, half due to tidal erosion destroying good farmland. In my view, we must help with this matter – it’s our unshirkable duty.”

Everyone nodded agreement. Master Zhang turned again: “Master Gu, spend these days surveying engineering and preparing materials. Leave civilian labor recruitment to us. Since you say relief grain arrives soon, when grain is distributed we’ll be present. Before everyone, we’ll announce this matter. People who’ve received your kindness and can earn wages – I believe this will proceed smoothly.”

Truly decided with one word. With this guarantee, Gu Pingyuan excitedly led Liu Heita from Dongyang Town, closest to the Yangtze River’s mouth, northward. They traveled non-stop for five days, walking while observing seawall conditions everywhere, spending nights reading borrowed county records by lamplight. When the appointed day with Master Zhang and other gentry arrived, Gu Pingyuan returned to Haimen County. By then, he understood eight or nine-tenths of coastal seawall construction, additionally learning much about Lianghuai salt field operations from county records, forming concrete plans.

Chang Yu’er remained at the inn with other tasks. She arranged a sumptuous banquet for Gu Pingyuan, with many ingredients specially procured from Jiangning by inn servants, preparing for today’s feast honoring Magistrate Du and local gentry. Chang Yu’er handled everything excellently – not only procuring complete ingredients but also requesting through the innkeeper a master chef from Yangzhou. His spatula never missed, his wok fragrant – this meal cost three hundred taels but proved worthwhile.

“This isn’t Gu’s extravagance. Today marks the beginning of our joint seawall construction. This meal represents my respect – I dare not be insincere. I also ask Magistrate Du to witness.” Speaking thus, Gu Pingyuan raised his wine cup, looking at everyone.

After silence came more silence. Not only did no one respond, but most didn’t even glance at Gu Pingyuan, cold as if no such person existed at the banquet. Food still emanated fragrant aromas, but under everyone’s wordless backdrop, it seemed like enormous mockery.

Actually, from the moment guests were seated, Gu Pingyuan noticed everyone’s expressions were clearly wrong. He initially thought civilian labor recruitment wasn’t proceeding smoothly, but now it seemed directed at him personally.

He looked inquiringly at Magistrate Du, discovering Magistrate Du avoided his gaze – extremely ominous. Whether fortune or disaster, disaster cannot be avoided – Gu Pingyuan steeled himself, addressing Master Zhang: “Gu is new to your honorable locality, unfamiliar with local customs. Perhaps I’ve offended everyone somehow. But Gu’s heart is sincere, my words contain no falsehood. Whatever shortcomings exist, I hope Master Zhang will enlighten me.”

“Good. Master Gu is straightforward, so I’ll give you straight talk.” Master Zhang nodded. “Those grains you mentioned – not one kernel has reached Nantong, let alone been distributed to townspeople. I heard some grain was distributed near Jiangning, but barely enough for disaster victims to survive, far from what you claimed.”

“Impossible! This can’t be!” Gu Pingyuan was extremely shocked, again looking at Magistrate Du.

“No grain arrived, but documents from the Governor’s office did.” Magistrate Du smiled bitterly, drawing a paper from his sleeve and handing it to Gu Pingyuan.

“Prepare for unforeseen circumstances?” After reading in disbelief, Gu Pingyuan stared at the Governor’s purple clay seal, confirming its authenticity before angrily saying: “Jiangnan people await this grain like drought awaiting clouds and rain. Everything’s urgent – why store grain for unforeseen circumstances? If truly so, why did they originally want Gu to find three hundred thousand shi? One or two ten-thousand shi would suffice.”

Master Zhang observed his expressions and manner, finding Gu Pingyuan didn’t seem deliberately deceptive. He sighed: “Exactly as you said – who knows what Lord Zeng thinks. Alas, people suffer, longing for this life-saving grain with eager anticipation.”

He then spoke seriously: “Master Gu, it’s not that we won’t help, but we can’t let townspeople work on empty stomachs. Moreover, workers are families’ strong laborers. If they fall ill or die on embankments, families lose their pillars. No one can speak of forced conscription – we can only feel ashamed.”

“I understand. This matter doesn’t blame you all.” After thinking momentarily, Gu Pingyuan suddenly stood: “I’m returning to Jiangning immediately. If I don’t secure that grain, I won’t return!”

“Wait, wait.” Master Zhang now believed Gu Pingyuan’s sincerity and worried for him: “Though we’re locals, our information sources aren’t limited. I hear Jiangsu Provincial Governor’s personal troops guard the granaries, releasing only small daily amounts. Master Gu, this Provincial Governor Zeng Guoquan cannot be provoked.”

Knowing how unprovokable Zeng Guoquan was from witnessing the brutal killings at Jiangning’s city gates, Gu Pingyuan still insisted on going.

“I procured this grain. If I don’t go, probably no one else dares speak up.”

Master Zhang heard this with solemn respect, raising a wine cup: “Rare that Master Gu risks danger to petition for the people. Zhang deeply admires this. Nantong people will never forget this kindness. Once grain arrives, however many people you need, we’ll provide.”

After the banquet dispersed, hearing Gu Pingyuan would return to Jiangning for grain, Chang Yu’er’s face turned pale with fright. Though she hadn’t witnessed it personally, Shunde Tea House employees had spent days discussing Zeng Guoquan’s public brutal killings, describing them vividly with bloody scenes as if before their eyes.

“He’s an official who kills without blinking. Fabricating random charges, killing people like crushing ants. Going to him for grain – isn’t this seeking skin from a tiger?”

“Sister, don’t worry. I’ll accompany Brother Gu. Even if that official wants to devour people, I’ll first knock out several of his teeth.” Liu Heita spoke in muffled tones.

“He’s a provincial governor! You think you can bring that nine-section whip into his office?” Gu Pingyuan listened helplessly, then comforted his wife: “This is still territory governed by Qing law. I’ll go argue reasonably – nothing will happen.” Chang Yu’er truly couldn’t feel at ease. If they truly angered Zeng Guoquan and he flew into a rage, no one could guarantee what he might do.

Chang Yu’er hesitated to speak, her eyes revealing twelve parts worry. Forgetting Liu Heita stood nearby, she grasped Gu Pingyuan’s hand, reluctant to release it.

Gu Pingyuan smiled at his wife, gently gripping her hand with slight force. Somehow, Chang Yu’er suddenly felt reassured, smiling with some shyness.

“After finishing business, don’t delay – return quickly.”

Gu Pingyuan originally planned to find Zeng Guofan in Jiangning, but reconsidering, this approach might not solve matters and had two disadvantages. First, using the Governor-General to pressure the Provincial Governor, even if successful, would seem like tattling – Zeng Guoquan would likely become furious with embarrassment. Second, Zeng Guoquan dared act this way certainly with Zeng Guofan’s permission – that public stability notice was proof. “To untie the bell, one must find who tied it.” Only by finding Zeng Guoquan in Suzhou could the matter be resolved.

Therefore, after leaving Nantong, Gu Pingyuan rode hard straight to Suzhou city. Along with Hangzhou and Yangzhou, this was one of Jiangnan’s three great prosperous regions. But after warfare, the city walls were everywhere dilapidated. Among beggars clustered at city gates and hurrying passersby, no trace of Wuzhong people’s refined elegance remained visible.

The Provincial Governor’s office was located on Academy Lane in the city center – a thousand-year-old building. Originally Heshan Academy during Song Dynasty, it contained Laihe Tower, making it the most scholarly among provincial governor offices nationwide. Since Qianlong’s reign, successive Jiangsu Provincial Governors were at least Hanlin Academy members with dual examination degrees. Precisely because of this, “soldier-scholar” Zeng Guoquan seemed completely incompatible with Jiangnan’s literary scholars and refined gentlemen from his first day in office.

“Outrageous! Too insulting to scholars! I’ll memorialize the court! I’ll resign this position!”

Upon reaching the Provincial Governor’s office, Gu Pingyuan saw a red-capped third-rank official angrily emerging, shouting back at the office entrance while walking.

“Sir, official dignity matters. Please maintain self-respect.” The gatekeeper showed no fear of this high official, speaking words hard as stones, making the official tremble with rage. After staring wide-eyed for some time, he stamped his foot hatefully and left by sedan chair.

From bystanders’ discussion, Gu Pingyuan learned the angry departee was the provincial Education Commissioner. Zeng Guoquan’s grain hoarding triggered widespread dissatisfaction among Jiangnan scholars. Public petitions poured into the Provincial Governor’s office like snowflakes, all ruthlessly thrown out. Zeng Guoquan’s contempt for scholars further enraged these literati, who decided to carry petition placards through the city on Mencius’s birthday commemoration.

Learning this, Zeng Guoquan dispatched personal troops who not only dispersed crowds but arrested a leading scholar and two provincial graduates, forcing them to kneel publicly at the city gate. People passed by pointing and commenting – beyond scholarly humiliation, this disgraced ancestors. One scholar died of rage on the spot.

According to court regulations, anyone with academic degrees need not kneel before any official. Now forced to kneel without even informing the provincial Education Commissioner represented unauthorized action. Education Commissioner Pan originally avoided offending the Zeng brothers, but learning of Zeng Guoquan’s excessive harshness as scholars gathered at his office threatening examination boycotts over the dispute – examination boycotts were serious matters. If a provincial Education Commissioner couldn’t handle this properly, dismissal was certain. Circumstances forced Commissioner Pan to intervene, first going to the city gate demanding soldiers release prisoners. These personal troops, all veteran Xiang Army soldiers who fought with Zeng Guoquan, had the Provincial Governor’s backing and ignored the Education Commissioner completely.

After failing at the city gate, Commissioner Pan went to the Provincial Governor’s office, expecting Zeng Guoquan to show some face to a provincial colleague. Who knew this “Iron Barrel Zeng” maintained a face truly like iron hoops. Despite extensive pleading until Commissioner Pan nearly wore out his lips, seeking only prisoner release followed by appeasement, the only response was two words: “No way.”

This hard rebuff infuriated Commissioner Pan, though he knew this was Zeng Guoquan’s peak arrogance period. Even breaking relations wouldn’t defeat him. Caught between court, scholars, and Provincial Governor, this humiliation was unbearable. Better to resign, later seeking restoration through Beijing connections and finding a better position elsewhere.

Demanding grain had driven a provincial Education Commissioner to resignation, with scholars and graduates forced to kneel. Gu Pingyuan’s heart grew heavier – this Zeng Guoquan was “a turtle eating iron weights – iron-heartedly determined” to withhold this grain shipment.

But why?

As Gu Pingyuan frowned in thought, his eyes suddenly brightened – he saw someone emerging from the Provincial Governor’s office.

That day outside Jiangning city, Gu Pingyuan had encountered this person but failed to catch up. Seeing her now, he couldn’t let this opportunity pass.

“Miss Su, you’ve been well.” Su Zixuan had just concluded important “big business” with Zeng Guoquan – a crucial move in her entire strategic game. In good spirits, seeing Gu Pingyuan, her lips moved slightly in a faint smile.

“Shanxi’s Master Gu, Huizhou’s Shopkeeper Gu – now in Jiangsu, I should call you Boss Gu. Congratulations on your expanding business – even the Governor-General entrusts you to purchase grain.”

Her reference to past events left Gu Pingyuan uncertain where to begin. After consideration, he chose the pressing matter: “Why did Bai Yimei go to the Transport Gang? Did you send her there?”

Su Zixuan didn’t answer, continuing walking. Gu Pingyuan followed her to “Local Lane” beside the Provincial Governor’s office, where “Li’er Tea Shop” stood – a small establishment with worn tables and chairs, though the table tea bowls were Qianlong-era antiques worth considerable sums.

Su Zixuan walked straight in. Sixi subsequently placed a tea packet on the counter. The thin-as-bamboo shopkeeper with sky-gazing eyes sniffed the packet, nodded silently, and disappeared behind curtains into the back kitchen.

“This tea shop is quite interesting.” Su Zixuan went upstairs where three private rooms stood empty. She sat down, gesturing for Gu Pingyuan to sit across from her.

“They don’t sell tea themselves, only brew customers’ tea leaves. The shopkeeper was reportedly once a refined guest in a Yangzhou salt merchant’s household, tea-obsessed throughout life, with unparalleled brewing skills in Jiangnan. But there’s one condition – he absolutely won’t touch inferior tea. Those common, vulgar varieties – he won’t even glance at them. Even offering thousands in gold won’t make him brew them.”

Hearing this, Gu Pingyuan unexpectedly thought of Old Master Min and couldn’t help but smile.

In moments the tea was brewed, brought up by Sixi. Apparently this tea shop didn’t even hire servants. Gu Pingyuan was a great tea connoisseur – focusing his attention, he raised his eyebrows in amazement.

“Truly excellent. Good tea, and even better brewing skills.” Gu Pingyuan’s heart full of worries was unknowingly dispersed by the tea’s fragrance.

“What about the person drinking tea together?” Su Zixuan lightly sipped from her cup, casually glancing at him. “You’re troubled and restless. I’m using good tea to help calm your mind – shouldn’t you thank me?”

Gu Pingyuan was startled. This “Young Master Su’s” identity was hard to guess, her thoughts even harder to fathom. She deliberately opposed the court, bold enough to attempt assassinating the current Empress Dowager – what wouldn’t she dare do? He had repeatedly disrupted her affairs in Shaanxi and the capital, yet she bore no grudge, instead sitting to discuss tea with him. What she truly thought, Gu Pingyuan couldn’t understand.

“Earlier at the government office entrance, what did you say?” Seeing him dazed, Su Zixuan asked.

Gu Pingyuan asked again. Su Zixuan laughed with a “tsk” sound: “She’s a living person with hands and feet. Where she wants to go – how could I control that? You think I tied her up and sent her to the Transport Gang?”

Gu Pingyuan initially pursed his lips silently, then sighed.

“Look at you – worry after worry in endless succession. Even with good tea, drinking without appreciation is like cattle drinking.” Su Zixuan shook her head.

Gu Pingyuan found her words both amusing and exasperating, opening his mouth: “Originally you sent her to Shouzhou city. What exactly happened to Bai Yimei – you should know best. When Senggelinqin was defeated in Shandong, did you and she manipulate things from within? Since she finally managed to leave that dangerous place, why did she run to the Transport Gang again? Her family had no connection to the Transport Gang – how did she become Gang Leader Jiang’s adopted daughter?”

Gu Pingyuan fired questions like bullets, but Su Zixuan only smiled without speaking, continuing to sip tea. Finally she said: “Since you and Bai Yimei were childhood sweethearts, why not go to Zhenjiang and ask her directly?”

“You’re obviously asking though you know!” Gu Pingyuan said angrily.

“Surnamed Gu, don’t bite the hand that feeds you. If my young master hadn’t saved you outside Shouzhou city, you might have died there.” Sixi widened her eyes in rebuke.

“Others have also saved me – just returning the favor.” Su Zixuan stopped Sixi, then spoke seriously: “Master Gu, that ‘Lady White’ doesn’t need your worry. She’s in Zhenjiang – only she has the power to flood Jinshan Temple. Others absolutely can’t think of bullying her again. Rest assured.”

“She’s completely transformed now. Past matters should never be mentioned again, otherwise…” Su Zixuan glanced at Gu Pingyuan meaningfully.

Gu Pingyuan naturally understood – if the “Prince Ying’s Consort” identity was exposed, only death awaited.

“Speaking of which, I heard Master Gu voluntarily undertook seawall repair work in Nantong. Why did you hurry to Suzhou instead?”

Gu Pingyuan showed a cold smile: “You always hold wisdom in your grasp – what don’t you know?”

He spoke out of spite, but Su Zixuan’s response startled him: “You’re petitioning for the people, coming to find Provincial Governor Zeng for those four hundred thousand shi of grain.”

“Ah!” Gu Pingyuan stared at her blankly, momentarily unsure if she was human or spirit, able to predict the future.

“What’s hard to guess about this? I’ve seen you dare confront Prince Seng face-to-face for Shaanxi merchants. You’re audaciously bold yet carry scholarly airs – things others dare not or won’t do, you insist on doing. Like this time – you probably saw that even a provincial Education Commissioner, head of Jiangsu scholars, dares not seriously challenge Zeng Guoquan. Yet you still want to enter the Provincial Governor’s office to seek death?”

“If I don’t go, who else will?” Gu Pingyuan murmured, then suddenly raised his head. “I’ve also seen you sacrifice an entire province’s merchants for personal gain without hesitation. This matter also can’t escape your involvement. Young Master Su, once is deplorable – how can it happen again! This time it’s not hundreds of merchants’ lives, but hundreds of thousands of lives!”

Su Zixuan’s gaze was cold, completely ignoring Gu Pingyuan’s pressing stare, only replying: “When I die, I don’t want others shedding tears for me. When others die, it has nothing to do with me.”

“If that’s so, we have nothing more to say. Whatever you want to do, go ahead – but I cannot stand by idly.” Different paths preclude cooperation – Gu Pingyuan rose to leave.

“It seems even clear tea can’t calm your anger.” Su Zixuan watched him. “Might as well tell you – going to the Provincial Governor’s office, you’ll never get those four hundred thousand shi of grain. If you insist on confrontation, don’t expect to leave alive.”

“Didn’t you say others’ life and death have nothing to do with you!” Gu Pingyuan stared at her. “I have my methods – no need for your concern.”

This time Su Zixuan was left speechless. Her eyebrows raised in anger, but she softened her tone: “Even if you truly have something to rely on, it won’t work. Even if the current Emperor came, Zeng Guoquan wouldn’t release this grain. I’ll give you the inside story to prevent your pointless death.”

Gu Pingyuan stared at her for a long time, shaking his head: “I remember on the loess plateau you said you had revenge to seek. Is your personal vendetta truly greater than all these lives?”

Finished speaking, Gu Pingyuan turned and left. Su Zixuan’s eyes remained fixed on the window, silent for a long time.

“Miss, you showed such kindness, but he’s completely ungrateful.” Sixi pouted.

“Who wants his gratitude? I’m just returning a favor – now we’re even.”

“Speaking of returning favors, that was already done outside Shouzhou city. Miss, you seem unwilling to see him die, don’t you?” Sixi asked tentatively. Su Zixuan’s face darkened: “Mind your place! Who taught you to speak like this?” She stood up.

“Let’s go. To Jiangning to find Li Wantang. This chain stratagem can’t do without his link.”

For a common citizen like Gu Pingyuan to see the Provincial Governor was difficult, but silver opened doors. A hundred taels as a generous red envelope – for money’s sake, the gatekeeper agreed to run errands and report, though a calling card was still needed.

“No calling card needed. Give this to Lord Zeng – he’ll naturally see me.” Gu Pingyuan was confident.

“Where did you get this jade pendant?” In the document-signing office where normally one clerk and two attendants always waited for the Provincial Governor’s orders, now not a soul remained – all driven out. In the vast room only Zeng Guoquan and Gu Pingyuan remained, with steel-blade-wielding personal guards outside – anyone daring to intrude would be killed without question.

Zeng Guoquan’s face was grim, palm open before Gu Pingyuan, holding a yellow jade pendant carved with four characters: “Fan Hua Quan Bao” – the ranking of the four Zeng brothers. Each person’s jade pendant looked identical, but careful examination revealed differences. The distinguishing feature was that each person’s pendant had one stroke missing from their own name’s character. Originally Old Master Zeng’s intention was warning descendants to “guard against fullness and fear excess, embrace incompleteness and preserve deficiency.”

So when Zeng Guoquan saw the gatekeeper bring in this jade pendant, his head immediately buzzed – this was second brother Zeng Guohua’s personal item. At the battlefield, his body was never found, reportedly swept into the river. Now the pendant appeared inexplicably – did the visitor know where second brother’s remains were?

In the Zeng household, Zeng Guoquan cared most about family, showing greatest concern for relatives and enthusiasm for clan matters – especially his own brothers. After conquering Tianjing and destroying the Taipings, he had always brooded over second and fourth brothers’ deaths, feeling their battlefield deaths without enjoying post-war glory and wealth was a great regret. Seeing Zeng Guohua’s jade pendant now, he immediately dismissed everyone for a private meeting with Gu Pingyuan.

“The jade pendant came from someone’s hand.”

“Whose?”

“Zeng Guohua.”

Zeng Guoquan studied Gu Pingyuan again, sneering: “Grave robbing? Treating corpses as valuable commodities to extort money?”

Facing Zeng Guoquan’s gaze, Gu Pingyuan merely smiled: “The person I speak of isn’t dead, but alive.”

“What!” Zeng Guoquan’s voice echoed through the room, startling even himself.

Gu Pingyuan didn’t play games, recounting everything: how he rescued a monk outside Hangzhou at “Heaven Beyond Heaven,” Li Xiucheng sending troops to capture him, using strategy to escort the monk and others onto boats. The monk revealed his identity as the supposedly dead Zeng Guohua, giving Gu Pingyuan the jade pendant before departing disfigured, hoping he could deliver it to the Zeng family – seeing the jade as seeing the person, burying this pendant in the Zeng ancestral grave would count as returning to roots.

This account took nearly half an hour, leaving Zeng Guoquan stunned. After a long while he recovered, looking at the pendant with tears in his eyes.

“Second brother, second brother…” Zeng Guoquan whispered. “How you’ve suffered. Elder brother, you… you’ve hidden this from us so painfully.” Thinking of his sister-in-law and nephews and nieces’ initial devastating grief, still melancholy today, he sighed heavily.

“Lord Zeng.” Gu Pingyuan waited a long time.

Zeng Guoquan interrupted: “What’s your purpose? Speak plainly. Want silver, or seeking official position?” Gu Pingyuan slowly shook his head. Zeng Guoquan narrowed his eyes, shooting fierce glances: “Then what do you want? Think to threaten the Zeng family with this?”

“Hahaha!” Gu Pingyuan burst into laughter, laughing while looking at Zeng Guoquan as if he’d said something incredibly funny. Zeng Guoquan’s eyebrows slowly rose – since commanding troops, when his eyebrows rose he killed people. No one had ever dared such insolence before him. But thinking this person saved second brother’s life, he exhaled deeply, saying grimly: “What are you laughing at!”

“My lord, please consider – if I hid the jade pendant, that would be threatening. The pendant is now in your hands, I have no evidence – how could I threaten?”

This was logical. Zeng Guoquan’s expression softened: “So you’re just reporting news?”

“No, I want to ask my lord for something.”

Zeng Guoquan smiled mockingly, saying carelessly: “Speak. Whatever I, Zeng Guoquan, possess, take as you wish.”

“I want the four hundred thousand shi of grain in Jiangning’s treasury.” Gu Pingyuan spoke decisively.

“Hmm!” Zeng Guoquan had been relaxed, but hearing this, he stared at Gu Pingyuan, confirming he wasn’t joking before coldly laughing: “Your appetite is enormous – asking for four hundred thousand shi of grain at once. What for?”

“This grain was bought by me for Jiangnan disaster victims. Naturally it’s for distribution to them – relieving their disasters, saving them from fire and water, filling their hungry bellies, supporting their entire families.” Gu Pingyuan also stared at this Provincial Governor.

Zeng Guoquan looked at him in surprise: “You bought it? Oh, so you’re that Master Gu. I’ve heard of you – quite capable to procure this grain. But Jiangning treasury has paid the price – this grain is no longer your concern.”

“The grain is for disaster victims. As long as victims suffer from hunger for one day, this grain concerns me.” Gu Pingyuan spoke word by word.

Zeng Guoquan was startled by his retort, angrily saying: “Haven’t you seen the public stability notice? This is stored grain specially preserved against next year’s natural disasters.”

“Disaster victims are starving to death, lacking strength to farm – where will harvests come from? If this continues, next year won’t be natural disaster but man-made calamity!”

“You…” Zeng Guoquan never dreamed that when even third-rank Education Commissioners dared not speak to him thus, a commoner would dare direct confrontation. His eyebrows rose, squeezing through gritted teeth: “You don’t want your life!”

“Life is singular – how dare Gu not want it? But though I engage in commerce, I’ve never forgotten I was once a scholar. Confucius spoke of benevolence, Mencius of righteousness – life and death are sometimes not great matters.” Gu Pingyuan’s voice was low: “I’m repairing seawalls in Nantong, but due to famine, no one comes for civilian labor recruitment. If Nantong is thus, the entire province must be similar. When people cannot farm or work, how far is rebellion?”

“What’s to fear from rebellion? I destroyed hundreds of thousands of Taipings – with so many Xiang Army troops here, why fear a few peasants rebelling?” When angry, Zeng Guoquan’s soldier-scholar nature showed completely.

“My lord!” Gu Pingyuan’s voice resonated through the room. He never imagined a provincial governor managing civil administration could say such things. In indignation he declared: “Inside and outside the city are all good people, wanting only to fill their bellies, families wanting only peaceful days. You destroyed the Taipings, giving them peace – people were originally endlessly grateful. But what about now? You’re forcing them to rebel. You govern one province – these are your subjects, they call you their parent official!”

Gu Pingyuan spoke with deep feeling, tears unconsciously appearing in his eyes. Zeng Guoquan’s face was dark as water. After a moment he raised the jade pendant, looking at Gu Pingyuan: “Do you know why my elder brother won’t let him return home?”

“I know – to preserve the Zeng family’s reputation.”

“Correct. But compared to reputation, life is most important. I want the four hundred thousand shi of grain to preserve the Zeng family’s lives. No matter what you say, I won’t let go.” Seeing Gu Pingyuan’s puzzled expression, Zeng Guoquan smiled bitterly: “The granary distributes daily, one meal per day – absolutely won’t starve people to death. I led troops to recover Jiangnan – these people owe me. Taking some grain from them – what’s remarkable about that? However, considering you saved second brother, I’ll allocate grain for Nantong area.” Speaking, he went to his desk, took up brush and ink, writing a two-finger-wide slip. “Take this to the treasury – they’ll naturally allocate grain for you. As for other places, don’t meddle in affairs that don’t concern you.”

“My lord…”

Gu Pingyuan wanted to argue further, but Zeng Guoquan threw the slip at him: “Get out!”

“Master Li, after this succeeds, don’t forget what you promised me.” Su Zixuan stared into Li Wantang’s eyes.

“In business matters, I never break my word. As long as you can achieve it, other matters are merely trifles.” With Li Wantang’s single command, trees, stones, flowers and plants from a famous Yangzhou garden were all moved to this Jiangning mansion. Through master gardeners’ skillful arrangement, without a trace of harsh atmosphere, it seemed naturally formed over a century. At this moment he sat in the back garden’s covered walkway, watching carp swimming in the nearby pond, face bearing a faint smile.

“Changing Lianghuai salt tax from monthly remittance to capital treasury to Jiangsu provincial treasury, waiting a full year before forwarding to national treasury – this requires at least Ministry of Revenue approval. I heard you’ve offended all six ministry officials. Can this really succeed?” Su Zixuan probed indirectly.

This time Li Wantang truly smiled: “Have you ever climbed a pagoda?”

“I understand.” Su Zixuan heard just one sentence, then cupped her hands: “I entrust everything to you. As for my side, it cannot be accomplished overnight, but rest assured – as long as that old fox remains as greedy as in Shanxi, he absolutely cannot escape my grasp.”

After Su Zixuan left, Li An carefully asked nearby: “Master, this Su Zixuan is truly unfathomable. I remember you once said that to monopolize Lianghuai would require at least three to five years of gradual effort, yet he claims needing only three to five months to accomplish this – isn’t that too frivolous?”

“You should also remember when I first met him in the mansion, I said he was a sharp weapon – pity not to use him. Now isn’t this exactly the use? Though Wang Tiangui is quite shrewd, meeting Su Zixuan…” Li Wantang smiled and shook his head. “Who will win remains unknown – I’ll sit on the mountain watching tigers fight, then reap the benefits.”

“Your earlier mention of ‘climbing pagodas’ – I’ve followed you for years and understood nothing, yet he grasped it immediately?” Li An truly couldn’t accept this.

“‘Not fearing floating clouds obscuring vision, only because one stands at the highest level.’ I mean as long as we secure Prince Gong as our deity, the temple’s minor spirits needn’t concern us. He understood immediately partly due to high intelligence, partly because his father was once such a deity.” Li Wantang recalled the past – compared to when Emperor Xianfeng just died, the current situation had completely changed.

“Ha, no matter how much we thought then, we never imagined the Li family would come to Lianghuai to operate salt fields years later. This world’s fortunes are truly wonderful.”

Li An bowed slightly, flatteringly saying: “I’ve heard you say more than once that your life’s great wish is grasping Lianghuai salt fields in your hands. You’ve always harbored this ambition – truly answering ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.'”

“That Su Zixuan has also persevered these years for exactly this saying.” Li Wantang said this, showing slight worry between his brows. “Her request doesn’t harm me, but I don’t know who benefits.”

Expelled from the Provincial Governor’s office, Gu Pingyuan compared Su Zixuan’s words with what he’d witnessed, knowing this matter was impossible. Fighting to this point, Zeng Guoquan had already given face – further persistence without knowing when to retreat would mean wanting neither life nor grain, yet achieving nothing beyond pointless death.

Thinking this, Gu Pingyuan sighed deeply, going to Jiangning to collect grain, personally hiring people and boats to transport it along waterways to Nantong.

When grain arrived, Nantong people rushed to spread the news, setting off firecrackers along streets – happier than New Year. Gu Pingyuan knew neighboring counties still starved, unable to smile regardless. His only comfort was Zhang family leading gentry to welcome him, Master Zhang’s first words: “Master Gu, the civilian laborers you want – we’ve recruited most of them.”

“This…” Gu Pingyuan was very surprised. When leaving, both parties clearly agreed to wait for grain arrival before further discussion.

“Nantong people aren’t unreasonable.” A clear child’s voice rang from the crowd as a ten-year-old child emerged. “You, an outsider, dared risk your life for Nantong people to fight for grain – shouldn’t we help you?”

“Well said, Young Master Zhang!” Surrounding applause erupted.

“Where’s your place to speak? Go home and study behind closed doors.” Master Zhang scolded, apologetically saying: “My ignorant son – Master Gu, please excuse him.”

Gu Pingyuan learned this child was Master Zhang’s son. At the welcoming banquet, after three rounds of wine, they inevitably discussed this child again. He was a “prodigy” known throughout ten li and eight villages – barely able to speak yet learning poetry from his father, matching couplets at two. Though only ten, he’d already passed scholar examinations, carrying great hopes for the Nantong Zhang clan.

“Speaking of this child, truly remarkable.” With grain arrived and people’s hearts settled, local governance naturally became easier. Magistrate Du was in excellent spirits, laughing: “In his previous life he was probably a businessman.”

“How so?” Gu Pingyuan was very curious.

“Children, though clever, inevitably mischievous. Once he was reportedly punished to kneel in the family’s newly built great hall for being naughty, with a steward passing by to scold him. This upset him greatly – master-servant distinctions meant elders could punish him, but now even servants bullied him. Unable to swallow this insult, he told the steward: ‘You say I don’t study hard, but are you diligent? This hall you supervised building – how many bricks, tiles, and laborers were used? How many account entries total? What was each entry’s cost?’ The steward was left speechless, while this child recited exact detailed accounts without error – apparently he’d played at the construction site, memorizing conversations between steward and foremen.

Another incident further amazed the Zhang family. At year’s end, several branch relatives gathered to settle the year’s accounts, but three ledgers didn’t match. Several families argued heatedly, threatening to ruin New Year’s Eve dinner. No one noticed this child silently approaching, taking the three ledgers and spreading them on the table. Picking up a brush, he quickly calculated a clear, accurate account statement. This shocked all present Zhang family members.”

“What’s this child’s name?” Gu Pingyuan grew increasingly interested.

“My son’s given name is Jian. Our Zhang family passes down scholarly tradition – now we all hope he’ll study and advance, bringing glory to ancestors.”

Reading between the lines, Master Zhang didn’t want to continue the “businessman” topic. Magistrate Du and Gu Pingyuan naturally understood, turning conversation elsewhere, thoroughly discussing grain distribution arrangements. Host and guests parted happily. When dispersing, Master Zhang promised on behalf of Nantong gentry that within five days, civilian laborers would be provided in full.

With labor secured, only materials remained. Seawall repair mainly required stones. Jiangnan differed from the north – timber companies not only sold lumber but also dealt in stone. Before going to Suzhou, Gu Pingyuan had Liu Heita contact several major timber merchants. Timber business was dominated by Jiangxi merchants, but for stone materials, one must consult a merchant surnamed Lu who owned several large quarries. While others primarily dealt in wood with stone as secondary, only he did the reverse. Hearing about hundred-li seawall construction, Shopkeeper Lu knew this was big business, excitedly coming to Nantong, waiting to meet this Master Gu commissioner.

Gu Pingyuan arranged to meet Shopkeeper Lu at the seawall to estimate materials and set prices on the spot. Early the next morning, he and Liu Heita had just arrived at the embankment when they saw a child bouncing and jumping toward them.

“Isn’t this Young Master Zhang? What brings you here – did your father send you to fetch me?” Gu Pingyuan asked hurriedly.

Zhang Jian shook his little head, stood still, and with hands behind his back said in an old-fashioned manner: “I have business with you myself.”

“Oh, what business does Young Master Zhang have?” Gu Pingyuan was even more surprised.

“I’m asking you – are you really going to build seawalls for Nantong people?”

“Correct.”

“Spending your own family’s silver?”

“Yes. Using no government treasury funds, requiring no money-raising from Nantong people – completely Gu’s voluntary contribution.”

“Hmm…” Zhang Jian circled around Gu Pingyuan twice with hands behind his back, constantly sizing him up. Gu Pingyuan found this amusing but didn’t press him, waiting to see what he’d say.

“You’re not from Nantong, nor from the Two Jiang region, yet you hurried here to build seawalls. Showing kindness without reason – why?” Zhang Jian blinked his small eyes, asking shrewdly.

Showing kindness without reason – that means either treachery or theft. Gu Pingyuan was amused by this child: “I heard despite your young age, you’ve already passed scholar examinations. How do you not understand the principle of ‘family, country, world’? I do business in the Two Jiang region – earning money and doing good deeds locally is proper.”

“Sounds nice, but I suspect you want to curry favor with Governor-General Zeng.” Zhang Jian curled his lip.

Liu Heita’s fiery temper had long been unbearable – if not for seeing he was a child, he’d have thrown a punch. Now he shouted: “Hey, what nonsense are you spouting! Spending money to build embankments for you – is that wrong?”

Zhang Jian wasn’t afraid at all, making a face: “It’s not wrong, I just worry you’ll spend little money on big projects, and when trouble comes, we Nantong people will suffer.”

Gu Pingyuan saw that despite his young age, his words carried concern for country and people, increasingly not daring to underestimate this child. He spoke seriously: “So Young Master Zhang fears I’ll cut corners to save silver. That’s easily handled – today I’ve arranged to meet Boss Lu about stone materials. You might as well listen in.”

Zhang Jian raised his eyebrows: “That’s exactly why I came.”

Liu Heita was about to say more when Gu Pingyuan waved him off: “Truthfully, I also think since most of this seawall will be built within Nantong boundaries, local gentry should properly oversee the project. Young Master Zhang’s willingness to come is perfect.”

“I’m not here as a puppet. If you’re black-hearted, I’ll naturally return to tell the elders and townspeople – don’t regret it then.” Zhang Jian said seriously.

Gu Pingyuan smiled: “With a clear conscience, why would I regret?”

“The words sound pretty enough. Good, then let’s go meet Shopkeeper Lu.”

Shopkeeper Lu took this business very seriously, explaining that when the Hong-Yang rebellion first arose, it was precisely when the frugal Daoguang Emperor had just died. Xianfeng loved music, women, dogs and horses – naturally those below catered to this, and Jiangnan’s extravagant customs immediately revived. Building tall, spacious houses required good timber, while foundation stones, wall-laying stones, and pool-construction stone materials were in even greater demand. So Shopkeeper Lu added workers, almost excavating an entire mountain within a year. Various high-quality stones piled like mountains – he expected great profits, but who knew the Taipings would advance swiftly, consecutively capturing famous cities like Wuhan and occupying most of Jiangsu province, soon establishing their capital at Tianjing.

When people panicked, they sold houses for cash. Selling houses was urgent enough – timber and stone materials naturally found no buyers. The result was timber mostly rotting, while stones remained intact but couldn’t be converted to silver. Shopkeeper Lu waited ten years, finally encountering a major project. Eager to liquidate for cash flow, if Gu Pingyuan would use all his family’s stones for the seawall project, he’d willingly offer very generous pricing.

Hearing this, Zhang Jian glanced sideways at Gu Pingyuan. But Gu Pingyuan didn’t notice, only circling the large cart Shopkeeper Lu had brought, examining stone material samples piece by piece.

“This stone is excellent.” Gu Pingyuan struck a large rectangular stone hard with a stone hammer, leaving only faint white marks.

“Master Gu truly has a discerning eye.” Shopkeeper Lu smiled ingratiatingly. “This is Langshan bluestone – the finest stone material, good enough for the Emperor’s palace foundations.”

“This type won’t work.” Gu Pingyuan pointed to another melon-sized stone nearby. “Small, and poor stone quality – one hammer blow splits it in half.”

Shopkeeper Lu grimaced, smiling apologetically: “To be honest, my quarry has mostly this type of stone. Ordinary families use this for water channels and stone walls – some even smaller. Daubed with clay, it works the same, not much different from rectangular stones.”

Gu Pingyuan shook his head, pointing at the nearby seawall: “Look there. When that seawall was originally built, it was exactly as you describe – using stone blocks daubed with clay, piled together. I’ve carefully questioned local people. Initially, three years passed peacefully, but from the fourth year onward, edges began cracking. After two more years, when large waves hit, the lower stone foundations often collapsed first, bringing down everything above. Shopkeeper Lu, have you considered why this happens?”

Shopkeeper Lu scratched his head: “I’ve never supplied stones for embankment work, but Jiangnan families’ water channels built the same way last twenty to thirty years. Why can’t seawalls support even three to five years? This is truly puzzling.”

Gu Pingyuan was about to speak when he saw Zhang Jian eagerly trying beside him. Smiling, he said: “Young Master Zhang, do you know the reason?”

“I know.” Young people love showing off abilities – Zhang Jian was no exception. He pointed at the seawall: “Though land water channels also contain and direct water, they don’t face wind and wave impacts unlike seawalls struck by wind and waves day and night. This is secondary – the visible strong winds and large waves aren’t as powerful as underwater sand. Sea wave undercurrents roll up sand, year after year impacting the lower stone foundations. Over time it’s like a great file – stone-block foundations naturally can’t withstand this, plus the pressure from stones above, collapse is inevitable.”

“Ah! So that’s it.” Shopkeeper Lu suddenly understood. “By this logic, using stone blocks for seawall construction only provides three to five years of effectiveness, requiring complete renovation afterward.”

“Exactly so.” Gu Pingyuan looked appreciatively at Zhang Jian. This child was truly intelligent and well-read – certainly destined for greatness. Gu Pingyuan unexpectedly recalled his childhood in Gu Family Village when Teacher Bai taught him reading. Whenever he had insights and hurried to report to his teacher, he always received questioning and challenges, questioned until speechless, forced to admit insufficient consideration and return to restudy. Now he realized his teacher’s eyes clearly showed appreciation, yet wouldn’t show the slightest favoritism lest he become proud – his entire heart devoted to instruction.

Lost in thought, Zhang Jian called him twice before he returned to attention: “The ‘Yanzi Spring and Autumn Miscellaneous Records’ mentions: ‘I heard: oranges grown south of the Huai River become oranges, grown north become bitter oranges – leaves appear similar but taste differs. Why is this so? Because water and soil differ.’ Isn’t this exactly the principle? When environment changes, objects change – one cannot rigidly follow rules, judging all under heaven by one principle.”

This time Zhang Jian looked at Gu Pingyuan in surprise. He’d seen many scholars and provincial graduates who, beyond the Four Books, never read other classics throughout their lives. He never expected this businessman could casually quote obscure allusions.

Naturally Gu Pingyuan didn’t know his thoughts, continuing unhurriedly: “Additionally, from local county records I learned that salt workers’ hands and feet, constantly soaked in brine, become corroded until skin splits and flesh tears. If this salt water’s corrosive power is so strong, stone foundations constantly soaked will naturally suffer corrosion. Clay isn’t integrated with stone – it cracks first, followed by inevitable seawall collapse.”

This was unheard of for Zhang Jian, who nodded repeatedly, gaining considerable knowledge. He no longer dared underestimate this “money-obsessed” merchant.

Shopkeeper Lu dealt with wealthy clients year-round in business, deeply knowing many people spoke impressively but when actually spending money, their silver seemed boiled in medicine – extremely difficult to extract. He just didn’t know this Master Gu’s temperament. If he wanted to save money, one had to be tactful, raising a topic first so both sides could negotiate.

At lunch in a restaurant, Shopkeeper Lu first toasted everyone present. Zhang Jian, being young, only drank tea, but Shopkeeper Lu knew his family was a local great clan, not daring any neglect. He also raised his cup respectfully. Zhang Jian actually returned the toast properly without losing etiquette, amazing all observers.

“Master Gu, we all understand your intentions – truly thoughtful for the locality. That said, nobody’s silver comes from strong winds.” Shopkeeper Lu probed first, watching Gu Pingyuan’s expression before continuing: “In my opinion, could we handle it this way? You contract all seawall stonework to me. Where winds are strong and waves high, we’ll use Langshan bluestone large rectangular blocks. Where winds are gentle and waves calm, we’ll use stone blocks mixed with clay. This way I can give another twenty percent discount on total stone prices. You inquire throughout the province – there can’t be lower prices. Naturally places like Sichuan and Guizhou, being mountainous with abundant stones, have cheaper prices, but stones are heavy – transportation costs are enormous. Usually materials are sourced locally – never imported from distant places. Please consider this, Master Gu.”

He glanced at Zhang Jian again, thinking while choosing words: “Speaking this way, Young Master Zhang might scold me for bad advice. Clearly knowing clay-mortared stones don’t work well, yet telling Master Gu to do this – am I trying to harm Nantong people?”

“Right, explain what you really intend!” Zhang Jian stared with his jet-black eyes, his child’s voice clear and crisp, showing no courtesy.

“Listen to my explanation. Doing business locally, how could I ignore Nantong’s interests? But Master Gu also has difficulties – spending his own money. Young Master Zhang, can you bear watching him bankrupt himself for the country? Though clay-mortared stones can’t last long, they’ll support three to five years. Jiangnan is prosperous territory – only military chaos has delayed embankment work these years. Otherwise, formerly the Two Jiang office allocated funds – minor repairs every three years, major repairs every five years, rarely experiencing tidal disasters. Young Master is young, probably born during Taiping turmoil, never seeing peaceful times. Ask elders at home and you’ll know I’m not speaking carelessly.”

“No need to ask. I’ve inquired extensively about embankment work these days – you’re correct.” Zhang Jian nodded.

“Right, right.” Shopkeeper Lu smiled. “Currently using clay-mortared stones is expedient. After several years, the court will definitely allocate silver for seawall repairs according to regulations. During these years, dangerous areas using large rectangular stones will certainly be perfectly safe. Other places have calm waves – even clay-mortared stones won’t cause problems. This benefits the locality and saves Master Gu silver – isn’t this perfect for both?”

“It’s beneficial three ways. Aren’t you also selling all your stones!” Zhang Jian added.

Shopkeeper Lu smiled awkwardly: “Young Master understands perfectly. However, I swear to heaven – this business truly sacrifices major profits, absolutely not earning unconscionable money.” He looked at Gu Pingyuan. “Master Gu, please decide. I’m completely sincere. This way you’ll save at least seventy to eighty thousand taels.”

His reasoning was sound. Zhang Jian was momentarily stunned. Forcing Gu Pingyuan to spend more silver didn’t seem right either. Being young, he couldn’t distinguish the nuances, only rolling his eyes in thought.

“I understand Shopkeeper Lu’s good intentions and reasoning. Let’s not discuss this first.” Gu Pingyuan smiled, turning to Liu Heita: “Brother Heita, you must exert great effort in this embankment work. I’ll supervise while you manage the civilian laborers – shelter construction, food and drink, wages – I’m entrusting everything to you.”

Liu Heita grinned broadly. He loved excitement – managing seven or eight hundred people made him extremely happy and proud: “Brother Gu, just watch. I’ll handle this job beautifully, absolutely won’t embarrass you.”

“Big Black, I’ve heard about the dirty dealings in embankment work. You’re not allowed to withhold food silver or wages.” Zhang Jian called out.

“Hey!” Liu Heita immediately got angry. “Why do you say I’d steal silver? Which eye saw that?”

“You look black – who knows if your heart is red or black?” Zhang Jian retorted, making Liu Heita howl with rage.

“Don’t shout first.” Gu Pingyuan calmed him, saying: “Actually Young Master Zhang is right – I wanted to discuss this too. Embankment work silver is enormous expenditure that many view as a lucrative position.” Seeing Liu Heita about to glare again, he waved repeatedly: “Don’t get angry first, let me finish. I naturally trust you, but you alone can’t manage so many people – you’ll naturally need help. Can we trust those people?”

“This…” Liu Heita frowned.

“So we must establish rules! ‘In melon fields and under plum trees’ has its reasoning. To avoid gossip, accounts must be clear. Wages will follow yesterday’s agreement with the gentlemen at dinner – paid on time, neither delayed nor reduced. If short of silver, tell me – I’ll immediately go to Jiangning for funds.”

Liu Heita nodded agreement to everything. Gu Pingyuan continued: “Food is most easily embezzled and most likely to cause laborer dissatisfaction. Yesterday Master Zhang deliberately didn’t mention this, showing consideration, fearing embarrassment. But today with Young Master Zhang present, I’ll speak clearly. Working one day means three meals – one thin, one thick porridge plus yellow wheat buns, stir-fried vegetables with plenty of oil, buns with at least three meat pieces each. If any laborer complains about insufficient food, I won’t tolerate it – I’ll investigate. Finding embezzlement means immediate dismissal, silver compensation, or sending to the magistrate for punishment.”

“Good, this makes management easy. They might fool me but can’t fool so many people. Getting caught means lawsuits – they’ll think carefully before reaching out.” Liu Heita laughed happily. “Brother Gu’s method is excellent – I love hearing such words.” He finished by glaring hard at Zhang Jian.

“One more thing.” Gu Pingyuan’s next words addressed Zhang Jian: “Regardless of money spent on materials, wages won’t be reduced by one cent, food exactly as I described, nothing less. Young Master Zhang, please relay this to the townspeople. I, Gu Pingyuan, keep my word – let everyone witness and verify truth from falsehood.”

Zhang Jian nodded at Gu Pingyuan, his expression becoming very serious, apparently quite satisfied with these arrangements.

“Now for stone materials.” Gu Pingyuan apologetically addressed Shopkeeper Lu: “I have just one statement – all stone materials must be Langshan bluestone, all large rectangular stones. Other stones, however cheap, are unwanted.”

“Ah! All Langshan bluestone? But… but the seawall stretches over a hundred li – my quarry doesn’t have that much!” Shopkeeper Lu hadn’t expected this response, immediately panicking.

“No problem, I can wait. First transport all existing stones here, start work immediately, build embankments while awaiting your stones. Naturally, Shopkeeper Lu must work hard to extract the stone materials I need as quickly as possible.”

“That’s absolutely no problem. But…” Shopkeeper Lu kept looking at Gu Pingyuan. “Have you really decided? This means spending tens of thousands more taels!”

Zhang Jian also stared unblinkingly at Gu Pingyuan, obviously very surprised by his decision.

“However much silver, it can be spent completely, but losing trust is hard to recover. Though I volunteered for embankment building, Nantong people help so much because they trust me, Gu. I either don’t do things, or if I do one thing, I complete it properly; completing one thing establishes a lifetime reputation. After so many years of warfare, people finally hope for peaceful times and can breathe – I won’t let my seawall keep them constantly worried. Such half-hearted work I absolutely won’t do.”

Speaking thus, Gu Pingyuan took a paper from his jacket, spread it on the table, pointing: “Look clearly. This is the type of seawall I’m building.”

This design came from Gu Pingyuan’s detailed county record research. These nights he’d worked by lamplight, carefully considering embankment construction methods.

Seawalls first appeared in records in Northern Wei’s Li Daoyuan’s “Water Classic Commentary,” mentioning: “The great sea-defense embankment is about one li east of the county. County Councilor Hua Xin proposed building this embankment to prevent seawater. Those contributing one bushel of soil received one thousand coins. Within ten days, people flocked like clouds. The embankment wasn’t finished when they stopped collecting, so soil and stone carriers abandoned their loads and left. The embankment was thus completed, hence renamed Qiantang.” This was the first historically recorded seawall, purely earth and stone randomly piled – naturally impermanent.

Later during Wu-Yue period, King Qian mobilized civilian laborers for embankment construction. Legend says when long construction failed, King Qian angrily shot arrows at sea gods, waves calmed, and the seawall was completed. Subsequently Song people built “wood embankments,” early Ming built “sloped stone embankments,” mid-Ming built “fish-scale stone embankments.” During this dynasty’s Kangxi reign, Grand Secretary Zhu Shi, serving as local official, supervised building “five-vertical five-horizontal fish-scale great stone embankments,” unfortunately abandoned by Qianlong’s end due to excessive costs.

“I’ve studied carefully – this hundred-li embankment’s most solid section is that built by Scholar Zhu, from Kangxi reign until now, over a century, still standing firm. My design follows this method – all materials using large rectangular stones, arranged five-vertical five-horizontal, with foundation pilings driven first, then surrounded by plum-blossom pilings for reinforcement, resisting tidal erosion. Moreover, stones can’t be simply piled – stoneworkers must process them, imitating wooden mortise-tenon structures. Where rectangular stones meet, upper and lower sections carved with grooves and tenons, fitted and connected integrally, mutually restraining, difficult to shake. I’m building not a hundred-li embankment, but a century embankment. Someday when Gu Pingyuan no longer exists in this world, my seawall will still block sea tides for Nantong people, protecting one region’s peace.”

After Gu Pingyuan finished speaking, the room fell completely silent – no one said another word. Zhang Jian looked at the table design, then at Gu Pingyuan, face full of confusion.

“Young Master Zhang, if anything I said is unclear or you didn’t understand, please ask freely.”

Zhang Jian stammered, not knowing how to speak, finally blurting: “Are you… are you really a businessman? Not fooling me?”

This sentence amused everyone in the room. Liu Heita laughed heartily: “You’re not the first to say this. Brother Gu does business more shrewdly than anyone, yet many people don’t believe he’s a businessman.”

Shopkeeper Lu, dealing in timber and stone materials, quickly calculated from this design that Gu Pingyuan would spend considerably more silver without sparing costs for seawall construction – deeply moved: “Rest assured, I’ll immediately arrange stone extraction, absolutely not delaying the schedule.”

“I’m grateful for everything.” Gu Pingyuan said. “But this way, Shopkeeper Lu’s other quarry stones will…”

“That’s no problem. As Master Gu said, peaceful times have arrived – these stones will sell sooner or later.” Shopkeeper Lu cupped his hands. “Doing business with you is truly pleasant. Presumably Master Gu will build shops and residences locally in future – please patronize our small business then.”

Thus the seawall stone business was settled. When dispersing, Gu Pingyuan escorted guests out, telling Zhang Jian: “Young Master Zhang, tomorrow we’ll begin building worker shelters. Please come observe.”

“Not watching, not watching.” Zhang Jian walked away without looking back, waving: “You do your work. I still have studying to do – I’m not coming.”

“This child just lacks persistence. This morning he was clamoring to supervise daily work, now he says he won’t come. Children’s words are truly unreliable.” Liu Heita muttered nearby.

“You don’t need to calculate this account again, do you? You were once head manager of a Shanxi draft bank – your abacus skills are unmatched. Looking at your ugly expression, you probably know what’s what.” Su Zixuan sat in a purple sandalwood round chair, speaking leisurely while occasionally glancing at the thin old man across from her.

“Hmph, I’ll grant Li Wantang his abilities – I concede defeat with nothing to say.” Wang Tiangui’s face was grim, his opium pipe untouched for some time.

Initially when he and Li Wantang divided salt field and salt shop operations, he had seen that opening numerous salt shops required massive investment in purchasing or even constructing buildings. Comparatively, salt fields had everything ready – salt worker manpower was already resolved through Taiping prisoners, enabling immediate operation. Controlling salt fields meant quick access to silver. Though money entered public accounts, with such huge profits, he could embezzle public funds while smuggling salt on the side. With complete control, within months he had secretly pocketed over a hundred thousand taels, not counting his one-third stock dividends. Wang Tiangui thought of the Li family busying themselves while earning less silver than him – he’d smile even in midnight dreams.

But despite Wang Tiangui’s countless calculations, he never anticipated Li Wantang could secure such enormous benefits from Zeng Guofan – procuring hundreds of shops scattered across Two Jiang provinces’ water and land ports, major cities, all in prosperous strategic locations where profits came effortlessly.

To open these salt shops, Li Wantang willingly closed most of his family’s northern businesses, transferring all Li family managers and clerks from various enterprises to concentrate on salt shop operations. Within a month, results were remarkable. Wang Tiangui learned Li Wantang had grandly purchased Suzhou’s Lion Garden as his provincial villa. Lion Garden was Emperor Qianlong’s six-visit destination, the ancestral residence of Scholar Huang Xi, reputedly “worth ten thousand gold without exchange” – Li Wantang’s payment was imaginable.

Where did the money come from? Naturally from this month’s salt shop profits. Thinking of this, Wang Tiangui felt like a hundred claws scratching his heart. Regretting his initial choice was too late – that elaborate false salt field accounts now seemed to mock him daily, making him want to grab and tear them to shreds.

He spent days in distress, smoking opium to vent his depression, when Su Zixuan came calling.

Wang Tiangui hadn’t met Su Zixuan but had heard much in Shanxi, particularly how this Young Master Su of Daping House blindfolded with both hands calculating on an abacus, easily defeating his best subordinate Wang Chi – the story had become legendary in Shanxi draft bank circles.

“Aren’t you Li family’s person? What – did Li Wantang specifically send you to mock me?”

Upon meeting, Su Zixuan dispensed with pleasantries, simply comparing salt field and salt shop profits item by item – from expenses to income, totaling eighteen categories, each showing salt shop profits far exceeding salt fields, finally concluding: “They say salt is the world’s greatest profit source, but profits aren’t in salt fields. Salt leaving fields costs only thirty coins per jin, but transported to distant salt shops sells for seven to eight times more – hence Yangzhou salt merchants are wealthiest under heaven, controlling both fields and shops. Choosing between the two, naturally choose shops over fields.”

“Need you tell me this? Only because I previously lacked shops, and selecting locations for shop establishment isn’t overnight work requiring enormous silver expenditure, did I choose salt fields.” Logically, Wang Tiangui’s initial decision wasn’t wrong – just different times. Who could have imagined Li Wantang could conjure like magic, spreading capital merchant salt shops across three Two Jiang provinces.

“I can help you exchange salt fields for salt shops.” Su Zixuan watched Wang Tiangui’s expression, seeing his unconscious display of regret, spoke at the right moment.

“Exchange?” Wang Tiangui didn’t quite understand her meaning.

“Meaning let you operate salt shops, giving salt fields to Li Wantang.”

Wang Tiangui completely disbelieved, sneering: “Tell Li Master when you return – no need for such cheap displays of virtue. I’m also an old businessman – if he wants to set traps to mock me, it’s not so easy.”

“You don’t trust me – understandable. But I must tell you – one mountain cannot contain two tigers. Within three to five years, Li Wantang will amass wealth rivaling nations. Then, with official connections plus massive bribes, expelling you from salt fields would be effortless. However capable Manager Wang is, you’ll end up empty-handed, slinking back to Shanxi.”

Wang Tiangui remained silent, eyes lowered and shifting, obviously thinking rapidly.

“You’re correct. In his position, I’d do the same.” Wang Tiangui had to admit Su Zixuan’s warning might become reality. But salt shops all belonged to Li Wantang – initially agreed that whoever operated which portion kept half the profits, the other half entering public accounts. After daily expenses, year-end three-way split between Li family, himself, and the Four Great Constants.

From this contract alone, the Li family could monopolize sixty to seventy percent of salt shop profits. Moreover, Li Wantang was no easy mark – Wang Tiangui absolutely didn’t believe he’d truly contribute half of salt shop profits for equal division. When it reached his hands, probably less than ten percent profit would remain.

Thinking this, Wang Tiangui felt anxious, placing his pipe in his mouth, teeth biting hard on the jade-inlaid mouthpiece, completely forgetting others were present.

“If you trust me, I can help you recover the situation, even turn defeat into victory.” Su Zixuan watched him, lips showing an imperceptible smile.

“How help? Could Li Wantang hand over his daily gold-earning salt shops on your word? If so, why don’t you demand them instead of giving the advantage to me free?” Wang Tiangui stared at her fiercely, eyes full of suspicion.

“Naturally not by mere words. To get Li family salt shops requires exchanging your salt fields. Though I also want those shops, I unfortunately lack anything to trade with Li Wantang for salt shops.” Su Zixuan spoke calmly. “I only ask that when Manager Wang controls all Two Jiang salt shops, let me select ten shops to operate – that would last three lifetimes.”

“Hmph, as you said, salt profits lie in shops – Li Wantang would have to be mad or stupid to exchange his shops for mine.” Wang Tiangui still disbelieved.

“But what if he had no choice?” Su Zixuan’s tone was mysteriously profound.

“Others say seawall repair is bitter work, but Young Master Li is quite leisurely indeed.” Wang Tiangui came from salt fields to Li family’s seawall construction site. As evening approached, looking along the long coastline, neither embankment workers nor stone materials were visible – only two newly erected enormous tents, one housing over ten servants plus kitchen, the other entirely Li Qin’s pavilion.

Stepping inside, it was brilliantly lit with fine wooden furniture and hundred-treasure shelves on three walls. The entrance held over ten jars of good wine, several gorgeously dressed maids standing on both sides.

“Oh, Manager Wang! Heh heh, you only have salted fish for convenience at salt fields – today I’ll treat you to something fresh.” Li Qin had already drunk several cups, left arm embracing a beautiful sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, right hand holding his cup, pointing at the table’s sumptuous feast: “Early arrival beats lucky timing. Though this seaside is windy and barren, only seafood is fresh. I sent several boats fishing early – truly found rare delicacies.”

Wang Tiangui and Li Qin were mortal enemies in Shanxi over Ruyi, their conflict irreconcilable. When Li family allied with Wang Tiangui, spending huge sums for Two Huai salt field operations, their relationship naturally eased until recently when Wang Tiangui smuggled salt, again cheating Li Qin. Given Li Qin’s nature, he’d immediately settle accounts with Wang Tiangui, but Li Wantang prevented this.

Having secured hundreds of salt shops across Two Jiang territory in one stroke, Li Qin felt triumphant and no longer minded past grievances with Wang Tiangui. But Li Wantang wouldn’t let him manage salt shops, instead sending him to repair embankments – infuriating Li Qin. He felt this was work any manager or even clerk could handle – assigning servant work to him would naturally make others look down on the Li family young master. Like building salt shops – after months of hard work, father could secure hundreds of shops with one word. Why the unnecessary effort initially?

Li Wantang saw it differently, consistently feeling Li Qin lacked tempering, not knowing entrepreneurial hardships, thus not knowing how to cherish family business. The harder seawall repair, the better he’d understand salt profits’ difficulty – hence Li Qin must handle it personally. Unable to defy paternal orders, Li Qin reluctantly came to the seawall section north of Yancheng. Li family would build southward from here until connecting with Gu Pingyuan’s seawall.

En route, Li Qin grew increasingly angry. Reaching Yancheng and finding neither civilian laborers nor materials – everything needing his own preparation – further enraged him. He simply abandoned the work, spending heavily on two large tents, hiring accomplished Wuxi boat courtesans for daily music and nightly banquets. Li Qin planned to endure father’s severe scolding rather than delay the schedule indefinitely until Li Wantang had no choice but to replace him.

“Your thinking isn’t wrong.” Wang Tiangui casually took his seat. Serving women immediately brought wine. He drank half a cup, smilingly pinched the woman’s face, then looked at Li Qin: “Just one person will be quite pleased.”

“Who?” Li Qin asked carelessly.

“Your old nemesis – Gu Pingyuan!”

“Gu Pingyuan?”

“Yes, didn’t he stubbornly demand half the assignment from Governor-General Zeng, insisting on competing with your Li family?”

After hearing this, Li Qin stared at Wang Tiangui for a long time, finally sneering: “Manager Wang, you want me as your spear-tip. Gu Pingyuan is also your mortal enemy – without him, you’d still be comfortably head manager at ‘Taiyufeng.'”

“I’d love to skin him alive.” Wang Tiangui frankly admitted without changing expression. “Young Master Li, no need for such wariness. Truthfully, your seawall repair has nothing to do with me – no harm or benefit. I came only seeing Young Master Li about to be mocked while that Gu Pingyuan will thereby climb high branches, standing equal with your Li family. Unwilling to see his smugness, I thought to advise you, dampening his arrogance and suppressing his momentum.”

Wang Tiangui shook his head, drank another cup, sighing: “Forget it. Knowing Young Master Li views me as enemy, this trip was truly unnecessary. Farewell.”

Speaking thus, he stood to leave. Reaching the entrance, he heard Li Qin hesitantly calling behind: “Wait, speak clearly before leaving.”

Wang Tiangui faced away from the tent’s candlelight, his face completely hidden in shadows, lips showing unstoppable smile. “Sigh.” After a moment, he slowly turned, expression already sincere: “Who told me I’m now doing joint business with Li family? What else does Young Master Li want to hear?”

“What do you mean ‘standing equal with my Li family’? He’s a stinking exile who escaped one cheap life from the frontier – his ancestral graves smoking green is lucky enough. What qualifies comparison with my capital Li family?”

“You said these words. In this Wu-Yue region, King Fuchai of Wu once said similar things to prisoner Goujian. What happened later? Three thousand Yue troops swallowed Wu state, Fuchai ended by suicide. So what if prisoner? Didn’t he still turn tables to become Wu-Yue master? I know you’ve always looked down on Gu Pingyuan, but he’s no ordinary fish. Should winds and clouds meet, he might truly soar skyward. I’ve lost to him – these are heartfelt words. Regarding Gu Pingyuan, never treat him lightly, or even capital Li family might capsize in gutters.”

Li Qin held his breath, about to retort, but recalling repeated losses to Gu Pingyuan in Shanxi and Huizhou – even father’s certain “World’s First Tea” was snatched by this person – he opened his mouth but finally closed it.

“Since you acknowledge my words, dealing with Gu Pingyuan isn’t too late now. Otherwise, once he completes the seawall, he’ll be established – treating him will be difficult then.”

“A mere seawall brings no profit – what advantage can Gu Pingyuan gain?”

“Not so simple. Consider how many benefits your father obtained from Lord Zeng – truly like a gold mountain. Gu Pingyuan, following suit, could at least get a silver mountain. Yet he insists on competing with Li family for this seawall section, spending silver for nothing gained. From our understanding of this person, would he do such foolish things?”

Li Qin had been angry about father assigning him embankment repair, never considering this angle. Wang Tiangui’s reminder made him frown puzzledly: “What’s he really after?”

“Influence!” Wang Tiangui spoke decisively. “Gu Pingyuan is shrewd – he knows however many benefits he requests from Lord Zeng, it’s only temporary gain, never matching capital merchants. Previously your father helped Xiang Army avoid military expense reimbursement, Gu Pingyuan also bought hundreds of thousands of shi grain for Lord Zeng – both assignments extremely well handled, probably hard to distinguish in Lord Zeng’s mind. So if in seawall repair, Gu Pingyuan surpasses your Li family, he’ll immediately gain Lord Zeng’s special regard, becoming Two Jiang’s most favored merchant by the Governor-General’s office.”

“By your account, he’s targeting our Li family!” Li Qin slammed his wine cup on the table, spilling wine everywhere as maids hurried to clean up.

Wang Tiangui nodded: “‘Doing things is inferior to borrowing influence’ – Gu Pingyuan personally told me this at Taigu’s Boundless Temple. Then he could only get seventh-rank county magistrates and ninth-rank assistant magistrates to support ‘Taiping Vault,’ but within years he’s targeting first-rank Two Jiang Governor-General. How terrifying is this person?”

Li Qin’s facial muscles seemed pulled by invisible strings. He clearly remembered opening pawnshops across the street – his first confrontation with Gu Pingyuan. His “City Gate Pawn” scheme nearly destroyed the opponent, but Gu Pingyuan responded with “Buddhist Gate Pawn,” instead making himself lose everything. Li Qin’s first major defeat was unforgettable.

Wang Tiangui carefully observed his expression, smiling satisfiedly before continuing: “Lord Zeng’s current position is like feudal lordship – he commands south of the Yangtze River, calling him ‘Jiangnan King’ isn’t excessive. Whatever business, climbing this high branch is like finding a treasure basin. Gu Pingyuan sees this principle, preferring losses to win Lord Zeng’s favor through seawall repair while trampling equally-regarded Li family underfoot. Then his business will naturally flourish unstoppably – no one can control him anymore, not even Li family.”

“Trample underfoot – what gives him the right?” Li Qin pointed outside. “Just this broken seawall?”

“Young Master Li, you’re absolutely right.” Wang Tiangui also glanced outside. “That’s not a seawall but an arena – whoever completes this embankment first can return to Jiangning first to claim credit!”

“He dreams!” Li Qin kicked over the table before him, frightening the boat courtesans into screaming and dodging.

“Manager Wang, you came this time planning to use me against Gu Pingyuan, making him fall behind our Li family, venting your resentment, right?”

Wang Tiangui secretly laughed while maintaining composure, even showing slight embarrassment: “Young Master Li, I said earlier – we both dislike Gu Pingyuan, neither wanting him climbing over us. Being so, why speak as separate families? I didn’t come empty-handed. You lack civilian laborers – I can transfer salt field workers to you, however many you need.”

“Seawall repair isn’t overnight work. That would necessarily reduce salt field profits – you hold half of salt field profits, essentially taking silver from your own pocket?” Li Qin knew Wang Tiangui’s greedy nature – how could he sacrifice substantial silver to help?

“If it makes Gu Pingyuan suffer, I’ll gladly earn less silver.” Wang Tiangui’s expression wasn’t feigned – he truly hated Gu Pingyuan extremely.

“Can’t move all salt field workers here. I have an idea.” Li Qin pointed at Wang Tiangui. “Remember you hold seventh-rank purchased office – tomorrow wear official robes to meet the county magistrate. Say you’re appointed by the Governor-General, Li family undertaking seawall engineering as fourth-rank circuit intendant, demanding he conscript laborers within deadline, sufficient numbers required. Otherwise report to Governor-General’s office for dereliction of duty, removing his position.”

“Excellent!” Wang Tiangui clapped and laughed.

“But having workers without materials won’t work.” Li Qin frowned again.

“With money, why fear lacking stone materials? Young Master Li, I’ll help completely – I’ll handle this too. Three days!” Wang Tiangui raised three fingers. “After three days, listen well – I’ll also inquire about Gu Pingyuan’s embankment progress.”

Wang Tiangui indeed kept his word, returning to Yancheng’s seawall site three days later. This time was completely different – the two tents were dismantled, the construction site full of people. Wang Tiangui could distinguish both salt workers transferred from his salt fields and locally forcibly conscripted civilians. Among them, salt workers had been tormented by nearly a year’s hard labor until emaciated and lifeless. The civilians showed anger in their eyes but dared not speak.

Li Qin had someone hold an oiled paper umbrella while he sat in a grand chair, directing shelter construction with stern expression.

“Slow hands deserve beating! Sick? There’s medicine – a few whip lashes will cure you.”

“Haha.” Wang Tiangui laughed loudly approaching. “Young Master Li, seeing your dedication reassures me. Even if Gu Pingyuan spurs his horse, he can’t catch you.”

“Oh.” Li Qin’s eyes brightened, standing and cupping his hands first. “Manager Wang, you’ve worked hard. I took the liberty – these gang leaders escorting salt workers are all capable, so I gave double wages, keeping them to help manage these country peasants.”

These salt gang leaders were all local ruffians Wang Tiangui had gathered from various places – each black-hearted and vicious, naturally skilled at whipping crowds of common people.

“What did you discover?” Li Qin was very concerned about Gu Pingyuan’s situation.

“That Gu Pingyuan pursues reputation, insisting on using finest Langshan bluestone – moreover, must be large rectangular stones for seawall construction. Shopkeeper Lu, the province’s largest timber and stone merchant, can only quarry stones for him presently, naturally causing delays. We can arrange leisurely.”

“No, must be fast! What’s impressive about finishing several days before Gu Pingyuan? I must complete at least one month before him.”

“That’s easily arranged. I’ve thought of a method that will certainly help you.” This method was actually Su Zixuan’s suggestion to Wang Tiangui – the most crucial part of this entire strategy. Even cruel Wang Tiangui felt chills after hearing it.

“I’ve already contracted all remaining stone materials from Shopkeeper Lu. Those are small stones – using them for seawall construction requires layer-by-layer clay mortar bonding, so construction time isn’t short either.” Li Qin grew anxious again hearing this. Wang Tiangui waved his hand: “So we won’t use this method. Instead, we’ll use ‘dragon embankment construction.'”

“Dragon embankment construction… this name is novel and sounds good. What exactly is it?”

“Dragon construction is homophone for bamboo cage, so it’s bamboo cage embankment.” Wang Tiangui knew this was crucial, carefully explaining to Li Qin lest he misunderstand. “Buy bamboo cages beforehand, load small stones inside, making them into large blocks, then stack layer by layer. Bamboo cages are bound together with bamboo strips, making the entire seawall one large stone block. Bamboo costs little, cage weaving is rough work – have the county find people for continuous weaving. The rest is easy – this saves labor, materials, and time, definitely completing embankment work before Gu Pingyuan.”

“Using bamboo cages for embankment construction – will this work?” Li Qin thought repeatedly, still worried.

“Whether it works, try and see.” Wang Tiangui was prepared, calling people to use five-foot-long, three-foot-wide bamboo cages filled with stones. Dozens of such cages formed a wall, then had people push it. Seven or eight strong men shouted in unison exerting force, but the wall remained motionless while the men were exhausted and gasping.

“This isn’t even connected with bamboo strips yet – afterward it’ll be more stable and solid. Gu Pingyuan uses large rectangular stones, we use large bamboo cages – a hundredfold better.”

“Excellent, let’s do this.” Only then did Li Qin’s face bloom with smiles, beckoning a gang leader: “This dragon embankment method cannot leak out, preventing others from copying. From today, within one li of the construction site, no outsiders may enter or exit.”

“Young Master Li is truly meticulous.” Wang Tiangui praised. “Shopkeeper Lu’s stones partly supply Gu Pingyuan – though the remainder is substantial, it’s insufficient for our use. Seems we need more quarries.”

“Unnecessary!” Li Qin waved his hand. “People coming and going – what if secrets leak and Gu Pingyuan learns this method? I have ways for remaining stones.”

“Oh?”

“Look.” Li Qin pointed toward the county town. “See that pointed building? That’s an abandoned Catholic church built by French people, deserted for years due to warfare. The church plus a large area of believers’ houses behind are all stone-built. I plan to buy and demolish it, crushing stones for dragon embankment materials.”

“Buy from French people?” Regarding foreign business, Wang Tiangui was completely ignorant.

“British people.” Li Qin corrected. “That French priest returned home, entrusting the church to British Jardine Matheson & Co. for sale before leaving. I’ve written to Shanghai trading house, requesting they send people to negotiate this business.”

“So you speak foreign languages.” Wang Tiangui said in surprise.

Li Qin smiled proudly: “Not only speak but write too. I studied business three years at Tianjin trading houses.”

“With workers, materials, and methods more ingenious than Gu Pingyuan’s – Young Master Li, this time you’re certain to win.” Wang Tiangui clapped and laughed.