Chapter 17: The Master

Li Xing first went directly to Chen Fan’s residence to wait. He felt embarrassed to enter since it was still dark outside. He worried that entering might sully the reputation of Chen Fan’s wife. The sun had risen high, yet no one emerged from Chen Fan’s house. After calling out their names for a long time, “Brother Chen! Brother Chen! Are you home?” with no response, he stepped into the courtyard and glanced around the house. The windows were indeed open, but through them, he saw no one inside.

He then proceeded to the main hall to look for Chen Fan. Before entering, he overheard Chen Fan’s colleagues discussing him.

“Brother Chen hasn’t come these past few days; perhaps he was summoned for an inspection again.”

“This morning, I heard from Master Du that from now on, Chen Fan can directly access the books in the archive.”

“Looks like Chen Fan is highly regarded by Master Du and the others. We haven’t enjoyed such privileges all these years.”

Yu Qi noticed some dissatisfaction among his colleagues and spoke to ease their minds.

“Everyone here is remarkable. Each of us has entered officialdom through the imperial exams, all hard-working scholars striving diligently. Why do we study so tirelessly? Isn’t it for the common people? Haven’t each of us persisted for many years for this very reason? I’ve read Chen Fan’s annotations on the case files—they’re truly refreshing and practical. Since starting work, he has been diligent, capable, and genuinely concerned for the people. He embodies the spirit of the Left Tutor. Given time and nurturing, he might well become a great talent. We should take him as a model, never forgetting the purpose of our offices and steadfastly fulfilling our duties. I recall when the county magistrate came, he told us the Great Zhou is beset by internal strife and external threats, struggling at every step. The people suffer, and social morals deteriorate, yet it is precisely because of officials like us, each a small cog, that Great Zhou remains resilient. We too are contributors to the nation’s stability. When this county is well governed, he will surely petition for our rewards! Magistrate Cao has treated us well; we must not harbor complaints but live up to his trust!”

All the clerks stood, respectfully bowing to Yu Qi.

“Brother Yu speaks wisely; we have learned much! Thank you for clarifying our views!”

Hearing these words deeply moved Li Xing. Since he had accompanied the county assistant into this government office, he had never seen a day when these clerks were not furiously scribbling at their desks. They were pale and thin, with strained eyes, aching necks, and deformed fingers. They were perpetually busy, with little time for their wives. Yet he had never heard of any abusing their spouses. They carried the spirit of the Left Tutor in their very beings. Their diligence and virtue were evident and deeply ingrained.

Still, Li Xing had long doubted whether they could change the longstanding problem of the trafficking of women. He often questioned his own abilities, jotting down phrases he thought might enhance his skills, all to better fulfill his duties. Yet he frequently wondered if his efforts truly mattered—why did the people remain so destitute, and why did Great Zhou still seem so vulnerable?

Now he understood. Without the tireless efforts of officials like them, Great Zhou would be even more precarious.

He clenched the bronze hilt of his sword, his gaze resolute as he turned toward the dim dungeon. His white official robe gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight. Sitting at the table in the prison, he dipped his brush in ink and spread paper before him. Then, muttering to himself, he said, “Ah! I’d better wait for Brother Chen to return before writing!” and rested his head on the desk to catch some sleep.

Meanwhile, Liu Jia and his companions entered the Xia residence, enquiring with the steward about Master Xia’s background.

“Steward Liu, have you forgotten us? We used to come here with Brother Xia Ya.”

“Brother Liu, how could I forget you? We share the same surname; five hundred years ago, we were family. I intend to treat you as a brother and certainly wouldn’t refuse your requests.”

“Oh, Steward Liu, your words put me at ease. We’ve come this time to take over our elder brother’s business. I wonder if Master Xia would agree.”

“Master Xia is immensely wealthy and won’t mind your small profits. It’s truly for giving homeless local women a home. But he’s no saint; he can’t help others without means. He must eat, and his businesses are running at a loss now. Even if he wishes to continue aiding women, he lacks the capability. He spends his days and nights occupied with national affairs, frequently reading government announcements. Whenever there’s a disaster relief order, he eagerly donates and supplies disaster grain. Now, he feels the current Magistrate Cao governs diligently and the people well, so he need not exert himself further. He can only donate some property to the government at a low price, just at cost. His assets have greatly diminished; even our wages barely suffice for subsistence. You see, if the master himself can barely feed himself, how could he help you? I can only take you to meet him; I hope you can offer words of comfort to ease his mind.”

Liu Jia felt dizzy, his mind twisting in confusion. He realized their donations had been insufficient.

He quickly pulled out some money from his pocket, intended for drinking, and pressed it into Steward Liu’s hand.

“Steward Liu, you’ve worked hard! It’s truly unfair that your wages are so low. You’re a great benefactor! Master Xia is like an ancient sage! We will surely do better than our elder brother, helping the master and you earn more, so we can aid even more women—”

Steward Liu gripped the money bag tightly, hearing Liu Jia’s apparent sincerity but not wishing to endure his clumsy flattery further. He interrupted,

“Ah, Brother Liu, no need for more words; I understand your intentions. Seeing your concern for the master, I’ve decided to take you to see him. I hope you can help relieve his worries. Given that you are the younger brother of his sworn sibling Xia Ya, perhaps the master will be willing to assist you. I believe your abilities are no less than Xia Ya’s!”

Liu Jia and Wang Si, their anxieties finally eased, no longer wished to expend effort pleasing this profit-driven steward and followed him to the main hall to meet Master Xia.

Master Xia sat in the seat of honor; the living room was adorned with expensive decorations. Behind him hung a hunting bow and a tiger pelt. On the desk lay a curved saber. He was burly, with fair skin. Upon their entry, he did not look up but quietly toyed with the ring on his thumb.

Steward Liu stepped forward and respectfully said, “Your honor, the two younger brothers of Xia Ya have come to pay their respects, hoping to take over the business of Xia Ya and yourself.”

“Xia Ya? That godson of mine is truly hopeless. He harbored malicious intent and was publicly denounced by the authorities to the entire county. I am ashamed to have known him. Quickly drive these people out! I do not want the people of Zeng County to know I am associated with such a troublemaker!”

Liu Jia and Wang Si stood there, speechless. They understood they had no connection with Master Xia; he simply did not trust them. Despite their tireless efforts to persuade him, their fate rested solely on his nod.