Chapter 34: The Surprise and Joy of Wu Damou

An Xin was a "three-no official": no foundation, no connections, and no reputation in the imperial court.

One could discern his deep-seated resentment through the fragmented entries in the diary of the body's original owner. With his ranking of 47th in the second tier of the imperial examinations, he should have had the opportunity to be selected as a junior compiler and enter the Hanlin Academy. However, lacking connections and the silver to pave his way, he eventually had to settle for a magistrate's post.

Currently, although the Xilin faction was at a disadvantage in the court power struggles, this was not something An Xin needed to concern himself with; that was a matter for the high-ranking officials in the capital. To An Xin, as well as the vast majority of local officials, both the new Xilin Society and the old Hu faction were behemoths. To be favored by either side would be a ladder to success and prosperity. At any time, only by forming societies could one gain power, and only by aligning with factions could one advance. Otherwise, no matter how much a minor magistrate struggled, how could he ever catch the eyes of the "vermilion-robed" lords in the imperial court?

"I have great admiration for the gentlemen of the Xilin Society and their dedication to tax reform and improving the livelihoods of the people," An Xin said with a polite compliment, then added with a smile, "If I were able to join the Xilin Society, I would feel deeply honored."

"In that case, I will recommend you, Mr. An. I believe the gentlemen of the Xilin Society would be very eager to have a capable official with your talent for governance join their ranks." Qin Shiyue smiled brightly and extended an invitation: "The Xilin Society is hosting the Xilin Policy Debate next month in Fengqi Prefecture to discuss the state of the world. I wonder if you would be willing to attend?"

She wanted to help An Xin gain exposure and make a name for himself in front of the scholars and officials of the Xilin Society.

An Xin, however, looked troubled. "Firstly, the imperial regulations dictate that local officials may not leave their jurisdiction without cause. Secondly, I have never been fond of empty rhetoric; I prefer practical action."

While it was true that the Great Yan Dynasty had such regulations, they had long since fallen into disuse. Seeing An Xin’s hesitation, Qin Shiyue did not press the matter.

Instead, she shifted the topic. "As for your current endeavor to suppress the bandits, I am willing to offer my assistance."

Seeing An Xin look troubled again, Qin Shiyue couldn't help but say with a hint of grievance, "Could it be that you, sir, look down upon a woman like me who appears in public?" It was rare, but Qin Shiyue was genuinely afraid that he might underestimate her.

"Of course not!" An Xin shook his head and politely declined. "It is just that training troops and suppressing bandits is not a refined pastime; it is a brutal business of fighting and bloodshed. How could someone as elegant and cultured as you, Lady Qin, get involved in such things?"

"Uncle Wei." Qin Shiyue called out toward the courtyard.

Uncle Wei had been examining a small maple tree. Its red leaves were like flames, expertly pruned by a gardener; as the wind blew, the leaves danced and cast flickering shadows, which was quite charming. Hearing Qin Shiyue call, he strode into the parlor, bowed, and said, "Miss!"

He then bowed to An Xin and said, "Magistrate An."

"Sir, I have no money to donate, but I have two men under my command who are quite brave and can charge to the front. As for Uncle Wei, he is a retainer in my household who once served on the northern frontier and possesses the skill to train troops. He will surely be able to lend you a hand," Qin Shiyue suggested.

An Xin did not know why Qin Shiyue was so keen on helping him. He touched his face, guessing that perhaps his unique handsomeness had caused this young lady to fall hopelessly in love with him, or perhaps his talent was like an awl piercing through a pocket, shining through and catching her attention. He had always been a bit narcissistic.

Regardless, he was indeed lacking such talent, so he did not refuse; he didn't even conduct an interview, agreeing on the spot.

Qin Shiyue and An Xin found themselves in great rapport while chatting in the magistrate's office, and she did not take her leave until dinner time approached.

As he saw her to the gate of the inner hall and watched her graceful figure depart, An Xin felt she was truly not a simple person.

"How does a socialite possess such a vast breadth of knowledge?" An Xin thought. She seemed like a perfect all-rounder—she could discuss anything and delve deep into it. Even when An Xin occasionally integrated concepts from the future, she could draw inferences and understand them quickly. She was beautiful and possessed an intellectual, scholarly air. If she had been born three hundred years later and wore gold-rimmed glasses as a knowledge-based influencer, she would surely have mesmerized many into drooling idiots.

As she crossed the ceremonial gate, a faint smile played on Qin Shiyue’s lips, and she casually put on her veil.

"I never expected that coming to Wuren County would lead me to such a brilliant and talented person. Uncle Wei, seize this opportunity to study military strategy well. This An Xin possesses unfathomable talent." Qin Shiyue walked in front, speaking without looking back.

"Yes, Miss!" Uncle Wei, walking a step behind, replied.

"The imperial court actually lets such talent stay away from the center to be a mere magistrate in Wubei; it shows that the Zhu family is truly short-sighted, leaving such a pearl in the rough. That is perfect—he is meant for me to use." Qin Shiyue looked up at the sky. The sun was setting, and the clouds across the sky were like rolled silk, brilliant and fiery.

***

In front of the magistrate's office gate, Wu Damou paced back and forth, holding a book case, looking toward the gate from time to time.

Seeing a woman veiled in light gauze lead her entourage out to board a sedan chair, a yamen runner finally came out. He bowed to Wu Damou and said, "You have been waiting a long time, Patron Wu."

"You are too kind, little brother Li. Is the Magistrate free now?" Wu Damou skillfully slipped a five-tael silver ingot to the guard on duty.

The runner expertly tucked the silver into his sleeve. "The Magistrate should be in the inner hall now. Patron Wu, please rest in the tea room for a moment while I go to announce you."

The runner let Wu Damou rest in the "reception room" at the front gate, then trotted along the long corridor toward the inner hall.

Before long, the runner trotted back. "Patron Wu, follow me to see the Magistrate."

Wu Damou, holding his book case, followed closely and whispered, "Little brother Li, are there any taboos I should be aware of when speaking to the Magistrate?"

"The Magistrate is very kind to people, so don't worry, Patron Wu." The runner shook his head and added in a low voice, "The Magistrate hasn't eaten yet, so you should keep your visit brief."

An Xin was usually very stern toward his subordinates, clerks, and the heads of the catching divisions, but he was quite kind to these low-level runners, which made them feel very favorably toward him.

Wu Damou felt slightly relieved. He clutched the Daoist scripture he had spent a high price to find and felt the thick stack of silver notes in his pocket, which gave him more confidence.

When he arrived at the inner hall and was announced, Wu Damou quickly rubbed his face, lowered his posture, hunched his shoulders, put on a smile, lifted his robes, and carefully stepped over the threshold into the room.

The sun was setting, and the sunlight streaming through the window cast a golden glow on the walls, but the room was already somewhat dim.

No candles had been lit, and the figure behind the desk was reading by the light of the setting sun, appearing slightly relaxed.

"Wu Damou of the Wu Family Cloth Shop pays his respects to your Excellency!"

Wu Damou knelt and kowtowed decisively. After three kowtows, he looked up and saw that the Magistrate had already put down his book and was looking at him.

In that instant, Wu Damou’s eyes widened involuntarily, unable to contain himself. He blurted out in shock: "Zhang An!"