The Red Mansion

Chapter 211 Swift and Decisive Actions Shake Yangzhou

The weather was fine and sunny in Yangzhou that day.

The light on the canal flickers, like scattered gold floating on the water.

The willows on the dock are just beginning to sprout new buds.

Suddenly, several warships appeared, cutting through the waves, their banners fluttering on the bows, embroidered with the words "Jingkou".

On the first ship stood Ren Pijiang, a second-class imperial bodyguard, his brow furrowed with a murderous aura. Beside him stood Ma Ao, the military commander of Jingkou, his hand on his sword, his expression cold and stern.

As the warships approached the dock, Ren Pijiang squinted and saw a forest of masts, with official ships, cargo ships, merchant ships, and civilian ships moored together, amidst a bustling and lively scene.

Suddenly, two cargo ships came into view. A group of men who were unloading cargo scattered and fled like startled birds when they saw the warships approaching.

Ren Pijiang narrowed his eyes and shouted, "Surround them!"

Several warships were arranged in a wing-like formation, surrounding the dock.

Upon seeing this, some of the people on the shore stopped to watch and whisper among themselves; others panicked and scattered to avoid it.

The elite soldiers of Jingkou boarded two cargo ships to search them and found that the hold was piled with smuggled salt, white as snow piled up like silver.

Upon inquiry, it was learned that this item belonged to Shen Chuan'en, the chief merchant of Yangzhou.

Because Shen Chuan'en had gotten wind of the approaching Jingkou army, he hurriedly ordered his men to unload the smuggled salt. However, he did not expect the Jingkou warships to arrive so quickly, and they were caught on the spot.

While they were searching, they suddenly discovered another smuggled salt ship, which belonged to the head merchant Liu Zhongfang.

The officers and soldiers carried salt bags, and before long, a mountain of salt was piled up on the dock, dazzlingly bright in the sunlight.

Suddenly a commotion was heard, and a group of soldiers from the grain transport garrison rushed over. The leader was Luo Xiang, the garrison commander of Yangzhou Prefecture.

Luo Xiang was alarmed, but he forced himself to remain calm and bowed to Ren Pijiang, asking, "Guard Ren, this is Yangzhou territory. Why have the Jingkou troops been transferred here?"

"By order of Imperial Envoy Jiang, we are to investigate and crack down on smuggled salt!" Ren Pijiang's eyes flashed like lightning. "You've come at the perfect time! According to a secret report, you've allowed smuggled salt to pass through, and even arranged for cargo ships to help salt merchants transport smuggled salt. We have evidence of your crimes! Guards, seize him!"

Several elite soldiers from Jingkou pounced on Luo Xiang and pinned him down.

A group of canal patrol officers and soldiers dared not resist.

……

……

The daily management of Yangzhou's city gates rested with Guo Xia, the prefect of Yangzhou, and the county government's constables were responsible for opening and closing the gates during the day, checking pedestrians and goods, and collecting miscellaneous taxes. Nighttime defense and emergency control fell under the jurisdiction of Luo Xiang, the garrison commander of Yangzhou Prefecture.

That afternoon, a sudden storm arose at the city gate, where the spring sun shone brightly.

Jiang Nian, dressed in the uniform of a second-class imperial bodyguard, wearing a black cloak and with a sword at his waist, led Qi Jianyu, Zou Jianyuan, Meng Xiong, and a group of personal guards to the city gate.

Upon seeing this display of force, the city guards hastily retreated, clearing a path like waves of water.

Soon, Guo Xia, the prefect of Yangzhou, and Zhao Dan, the assistant prefect, arrived in two blue sedan chairs, followed by a group of yamen runners.

Guo Xia straightened his clothes, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Lord Jiang, what brings you to the city gate?"

Jiang Nian stood with his hands behind his back, looking towards the city gate: "Wait here for someone."

“This…” Guo Xia hesitated for a moment, “I wonder who we are waiting for? Perhaps I can assist in making arrangements.”

"It's a confidential matter, so I can't say for sure." Jiang Nian glanced at Zhao Dan out of the corner of her eye. "Master Guo might as well wait together."

Guo Xia nodded upon hearing this: "This humble servant will certainly accompany you."

Lin Ruhai had previously told Jiang Nian that Guo Xia was an honest and prudent official with a good reputation. Because of Lin Ruhai's poor judgment of character, Jiang Nian initially did not believe this, but after these few days of contact with Guo Xia, she is now more convinced.

In the silence, Zhao Dan suddenly forced a smile and stepped forward, saying, "Lord Jiang, you are wise. It is our duty to open and close the city gates and check people. If any important people are coming or going, please let us know."

"How dare you!" Jiang Nian suddenly shouted in a deep voice, "Does this Imperial Envoy need to report to such an important person as yourself, a mere Assistant Magistrate?"

This shout terrified Zhao Dan, turning his face ashen and causing him to shrink back and hunch his shoulders.

Zhao Dan stole a glance at Guo Xia, only to see that Guo Xia was looking down at his nose and seemingly lost in thought, clearly unwilling to get involved.

Zhao Dan felt guilty for his actions but dared not say anything more.

At this moment, the guards inside and outside the city gate stood at attention, much to the surprise of the people.

The early spring sunlight shone on the bluestone slabs, yet it reflected a sense of desolation and chill.

About half an hour later, a rumbling sound suddenly came from outside the city, like spring thunder rolling on the ground and war drums urging the clouds to rise.

As dust rose, Huo Tianpei, the deputy military governor of Jingkou, and Dai Shijiao, a second-class imperial bodyguard, led several hundred elite soldiers from Jingkou to arrive.

Jiang Nian stepped forward and bowed to Huo Tianpei, saying, "Imperial Envoy Jiang Nian greets Lord Huo. I am grateful for your help this time."

Huo Tianpei quickly returned the greeting: "Lord Jiang, you are too kind! I am here with five hundred men from Jingkou to await your command!"

Upon seeing this display of force, Zhao Dan turned ashen-faced and trembled with fear.

Jiang Nian suddenly pointed at Zhao Dan and shouted to Meng Xiong, "Seize this man!"

Upon receiving the order, Meng Xiong led several of his personal guards forward.

Zhao Dan tried to struggle, but was forced to the ground, his official hat rolling off his head. He still cried out, "Lord Jiang, please see the truth! What crime have I committed? Why are you arresting me without cause..."

Jiang Nian said in a deep voice, "Still trying to deny it? According to a secret report, you have been embezzling public funds and protecting salt merchants!"

Zhao Dan forced a smile and said, "I don't know who framed me, I want to confront them face to face!"

"Take him away!" Jiang Nian flicked his sleeves. "Detain him temporarily at the Salt Bureau pending trial!"

As Zhao Dan was dragged along, he clung to the driftwood like a drowning man, screaming at Guo Xia, "Your Excellency! We are both officials in the same government, and you just stand by and watch your subordinate be wronged..."

Before he could finish speaking, his mouth was gagged.

Guo Xia remained motionless, like an old monk in deep meditation.

After Zhao Dan was taken away, Jiang Nian cupped his hands to Guo Xia and said, "Grand Master Guo is a man of great wisdom and righteousness. This time, I, the Imperial Envoy, am ordered to reorganize the salt administration, and I hope you will lend me your full support. When the matter is accomplished, I, the Imperial Envoy, will certainly recommend you for credit."

Guo Xia returned the greeting solemnly: "I am entitled to the emperor's bounty, and I will do my utmost to serve him."

He had actually engaged in some corruption, but it wasn't serious, and he intends to atone for his sins this time.

At this time, the elite troops of Jingkou had already entered the city in formation. Their iron armor gleamed in the sun, and their footsteps echoed loudly on the bluestone slabs.

Among the onlookers in the distance, an old woman hugged her grandson and murmured, "Good heavens! The world in Yangzhou is about to turn upside down!"

Before she could finish speaking, her son beside her tugged at her sleeve to stop her.

"Guai guai long di dong" is an interjection in Yangzhou dialect that expresses strong surprise or admiration.

……

……

The sky over Yangzhou was clear and bright.

The Salt Transport Commissioner's Office in Lianghuai was shrouded in gloom.

Jiang Nian, dressed in the uniform of an imperial bodyguard with a black cloak over it and a precious sword hanging at his waist, led Meng Xiong and a hundred elite soldiers from Jingkou, surrounding the Salt Transport Commissioner's office like an iron barrel.

At Jiang Nian's command, the elite soldiers of Jingkou surged into the yamen like a tidal wave.
Upon seeing this, street vendors hurriedly packed up their stalls and closed their doors. The salt-collecting officers and soldiers inside the yamen were so frightened they shrank back and hid, daring not to resist.

Yu Fuxi was in his study in the inner courtyard, throwing confidential documents into the charcoal brazier, when he suddenly heard the sound of clashing weapons and thunderous boots outside, which startled him so much that his hand trembled.

The study door was kicked open with a bang, and Jiang Nian entered with her hand on her sword, followed by her personal guards and elite soldiers from Jingkou.

Yu Fuxi forced himself to remain calm, but his voice trembled uncontrollably: "Lord Jiang, what... what do you mean by this?"

Jiang Nian said coldly, "Salt Commissioner Yu, according to a secret report, you colluded with salt merchants, embezzled public funds, and perverted the law, and even deceived the court with dual-license salt certificates. This imperial envoy has come to bring you to justice!"

"I'm innocent!" Yu Fuxi exclaimed, his face ashen. "Someone must be framing me..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Nian gave the order: "Take him down!"

Several guards stepped forward, seized Yu Fuxi, and dragged him out of the study.

Suddenly, a wail was heard, and Yan Shi was dragged in, her hair disheveled, shouting, "Damn it! Who dares to cause trouble in the Salt Commissioner's office!" Her son, Yu Bin, yelled back, "Are you all blind? My father is the Salt Commissioner..."

The mother and son suddenly saw armored soldiers standing in the courtyard, their swords flashing like snow. Yu Fuxi was being held by several soldiers, and he no longer had any of the prestige of the salt commissioner.

Yan's face turned ashen, and she slumped like a limp rag, forgetting even to cry or make a fuss.

Yu Bin glared angrily at Jiang Nian, who snorted coldly, "We meet again!"

Just then, Meng Xiong led two women over. One was about sixteen years old, with almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks, and a slender figure, but her face was as pale as paper, clearly frightened. The other looked even younger, emaciated, disheveled, and dressed in rags. Upon closer inspection, she was a beauty, but had been tortured beyond recognition. This woman was Hu Yiyun.

Meng Xiong stepped forward, pointed at Yu Bin, and said respectfully to Jiang Nian, "My lord, these two women are the women this boy has taken from his room."

Jiang Nian glanced at Yu Bin, then looked at the two women and said gently, "I am an imperial envoy. You two, please speak freely about any grievances you may have."

Hu Yiyun knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down her face: "Your Excellency, please grant me justice! I, Hu Yiyun, am a daughter of an honest family, but half a year ago, this Master Yu forced me to this place..."

Hu Yiyun recounted how she was forced into being a concubine and how she suffered torture.

After saying that, he shakily showed the bruises and scars on his neck and other areas.

"What a despicable little whore!" Madam Yan cursed, "Don't wrong people!"

Taking advantage of the guard's inattention, Yu Bin suddenly broke free, shouting "You're asking for it!" as he lunged at Hu Yiyun with bared teeth and claws.

Meng Xiong took a step forward and kicked Yu Bin, sending him sprawling face-first into the dirt.

Jiang Nianjian frowned slightly and looked coldly at Yu Fuxi: "Salt Commissioner Yu, what is the punishment for your son's behavior?"

Yu Fuxi lowered his head and remained silent.

Madam Yan panicked and knelt down, pleading with Jiang Nian, "Your Excellency, please have mercy! My son is young and impetuous, but he truly did not force them. They themselves wanted to help my son's women..."

Jiang Nian glared at her and said sternly to Yu Fuxi, "Your corruption and disruption of the salt administration are already serious crimes. Now you've allowed your son to commit violence and forcibly abduct women. This is truly an outrage against heaven and earth!"

Yu Fuxi's face turned ashen, his whole body trembled, and he collapsed to the ground.

……

……

This afternoon.

The lake shimmered with golden light, countless glimmers rippling on the water. Willows along the shore sprouted new buds, their soft branches brushing the water—truly a beautiful scene of Yangzhou.

Suddenly, Qi Jianyu, leading two personal guards, together with Yu Liangbiao, the guerrilla commander of Jingkou, and a hundred elite soldiers from Jingkou, arrived at Shen Garden in a grand procession, startling passersby who hurriedly gave way.

The vermilion gate of Shen Garden was tightly closed, and the bronze beast rings and the golden plaque with the two characters "Shen Garden" on the lintel gleamed coldly.

Qi Jianyu narrowed his phoenix eyes and gave a signal. The guard beside him understood and stepped forward to knock on the door. The copper ring rang out on the door. He knocked three times, but there was no sound from inside. No one answered the door.

Qi Jianyu raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Shen Garden, how dare you close your gates! Climb over the wall!"

Several agile soldiers scaled the wall like monkeys and slipped inside. A short while later, the door bolt rattled, and the vermilion gate swung open.

Qi Jianyu flicked his sleeves and led the crowd in, only to find that Shen Chuan'en and his family were nowhere to be seen in the garden!
Qi Jianyu grabbed a servant boy: "Where is Shen Chuan'en?"

The young servant, barely fifteen or sixteen years old, was terrified out of his wits, stammering, "Master...Master left two hours ago..."

Qi Jianyu increased the pressure on his hand, his eyes flashing with cold light: "Where did they go?"

The servant boy burst into tears, his voice trembling as he said, "I really...I really didn't know..."

Qi Jianyu snorted coldly, shook off the servant, and felt agitated.

He came to Yangzhou to arrest Shen Chuankui last time, but failed. Today he volunteered to arrest Shen Chuanen, but failed again. What bad luck!

He stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the desolate garden, and gritted his teeth in silent resentment: "That Shen family!"

……

……

Near the Salt Bureau, there was an exquisite mansion, which was the residence of Wen Zaizhang, Lin Ruhai's advisor.

He had one wife and two concubines, one son and one daughter, and about ten servants.

At this moment, Wen Zaizhang was frantically packing up valuables in the inner courtyard. Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, soaking the collar of his silk robe. His pampered hands were trembling as he stuffed gold and silver treasures into chests.

After finally managing to pack out a large box, they found a blue-covered account book. Wen Zaizhang grabbed his wife and said urgently, "Quickly, take this box and the account book to the estate and hide them!"

His wife cried, "Master, why are you going to such lengths? You are, after all, Lin Ruhai's advisor. No matter how powerful that imperial envoy is, would he really want to harm you?"

Wen Zaizhang said, "That Jiang Nian is really audacious. He even mobilized troops from Jingkou. He's clearly planning a major crackdown, which will most likely implicate us!"

Before he finished speaking, the sound of boots clashing and metal clanging could be heard outside.

Imperial bodyguard Zou Jianyuan, along with two personal guards and a group of elite soldiers from Jingkou, stormed in.

Wen Zaizhang and his wife were immediately thrown into a panic.

After realizing what had happened, Wen Zaizhang hurriedly tried to hide the account books, but it was too late.

Zou Jianyuan seized a large box of gold and silver treasures along with an account book.

The account books contain evidence of Wen Zaizhang's collusion with some salt merchants, which shows that Wen Zaizhang was not only Shen Chuan'en's informant, but also accepted bribes from other salt merchants.

"Master Wen, you have quite the methods," Zou Jianyuan said coldly. "You eat the salt commissioner's food, but act like a dog to the salt merchants!"

Wen Zaizhang feigned composure: "I am Lin Shiyu's advisor, and I wish to see Lin Shiyu!"

Zou Jianyuan sneered: "I'm afraid Imperial Censor Lin doesn't want to see you right now."

The officers and soldiers stepped forward and lifted Wen Zaizhang up like a chick.

Wen Zaizhang's hair was disheveled, and he was still wailing incessantly. He no longer had any semblance of the dignity of a clerk.
……

……

The day in Yangzhou was originally clear and sunny, but in the blink of an eye, Jiang Nian's swift and decisive actions caused the weather to change drastically, and everyone became paranoid.

Five hundred elite soldiers from Jingkou scattered like tigers and wolves, raiding various government offices, docks, guild halls, salt warehouses, and salt fields...

Tao Yonggui, the garrison commander of Guazhou, Yu Fuxi, the salt transport commissioner of Lianghuai, Zhao Dan, the assistant prefect of Yangzhou, Luo Xiang, the garrison commander of Yangzhou Prefecture, Wen Zaizhang, the secretary, and many others were arrested.

(End of this chapter)