Chapter 61: Xiong Dahai Released from Prison (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Three days later, Emperor Yang of Sui arrived in Luoyang.

The Western Inspection, which had lasted for half a year, finally drew to a close.

The White-Robed Maitreya incident also seemed to have reached a complete conclusion with this. Yang Guang issued an imperial decree stating that the matter would no longer be investigated. However, those previously arrested—numbering in the tens of thousands—were exiled to the four commanderies of Qiemo and Shanshan to serve as garrison troops and till the fields, sparing them from the executioner's blade.

The residents of Luoyang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Another seven days passed, and Qimin Khagan of the Tujue died. His son Duoqi succeeded him to the throne, historically known as Shibi Khagan.

After ascending the throne, Shibi Khagan submitted a memorial to the imperial court requesting to take Princess Yicheng as his wife. This Princess Yicheng was a daughter of the Sui imperial clan. In the nineteenth year of the Kaihuang era, Princess Anyi, who had been sent in marriage to cement an alliance with Qimin Khagan, passed away, and Emperor Wen of Sui subsequently bestowed Princess Yicheng upon Qimin Khagan. Strictly speaking, this Princess Yicheng was actually Shibi Khagan’s mother. However, according to Tujue customs, a son marrying his mother was entirely normal. Thus, Emperor Yang of Sui, Yang Guang, issued an imperial decree granting consent and suspended court sessions for three days in honor of Qimin Khagan.

In the same month, Emperor Yang of Sui formally issued a decree establishing Luoyang as the Eastern Capital of the Sui dynasty, standing on equal footing with Chang'an.

To celebrate the establishment of the Eastern Capital, Yang Guang ascended the Duan Gate on the first day of the seventh month to offer sacrifices to heaven, and issued an edict pardoning the prisoners of Luoyang while exempting the populace under the jurisdiction of the Henan尹 (Governor of Henan) from taxes for three years. Previously, upon the completion of the new Luoyang city, Yang Guang had already exempted Luoyang from taxes for five years.

Now, only four years had passed, and before the fifth year even arrived, another three years were added.

This meant that the people of Luoyang would not need to pay taxes for the next four years. For a time, the common people cheered with joy, and the aristocratic families were even more overjoyed. They had originally thought that Yang Guang’s return would bring about investigations into the officials who stayed behind in Luoyang for dereliction of duty. Instead of doing so, he officially established Luoyang's status as the Eastern Capital. This was equivalent to elevating the rank of Luoyang's officials by one level.

Naturally, the status of capital officials and those posted to the provinces could not be the same.

However, Fang Yanqian, in his capacity as the Governor of Henan, had turned a blind eye to the growth of the White-Robed Maitreya, bearing the blame for dereliction of duty.

Barely half a year after becoming the Governor of Henan, Fang Yanqian was relieved of his post and appointed to the Silitai as the Vice Administrator of Luoyang, tasked with investigating criminal cases across the various commanderies and counties of the Heluo region. At the same time, because of his prompt subsequent actions in eliminating the hidden threat of the White-Robed Maitreya, he was conferred the title of Grand Master of Rule-Discussion, granted the rank of General of the Household Gentlemen, and appointed as the Junior Administrator of the Bureau of Autumn Palace.

Grand Master of Rule-Discussion belonged to the Nine Grand Masters.

It was a title created by Yang Guang in the third year of the Daye era after his ascension to the throne. He abolished the eleven ranks of nobility ranging from Grand Pillar State down to Regional Commander, replacing them with the Nine Grand Masters: Grand Master of Luxuriant Grain, Left and Right Grand Masters of Luxuriant Grain, Grand Master of Gold and Purple, Grand Master of Silver and Blue, Grand Master of Correct Discussion, Grand Master of Rule-Discussion, Grand Master of Morning Audience, and Grand Master of Morning Dissolution.

This appointment came as a surprise to many.

Everyone knew that Fang Yanqian could not sit comfortably in the seat of Governor of Henan for long. Given his fierce and uncompromising methods, he was bound to come to a bad end in the end. Yet, although Fang Yanqian stepped down from the governorship, he reappeared in the post of Vice Administrator of Luoyang, possessing supervisory duties over the Governor of Henan. At the same time, his elevated title made him a member of Luoyang's rising nobility.

In the same year, Fang Yanqian’s son, Fang Xuanling, the Defender of Xicheng, was promoted to Magistrate of Guancheng County in Xingyang Commandery due to his outstanding achievements.

Being transferred from the bitterly cold Xicheng to Guancheng in the heart of the Central Plains...

This was not merely a half-rank promotion in official position; it also signified that Fang Xuanling had officially entered the ranks of the new nobility's scions.

Yang Guang’s appointment left everyone baffled as to what was truly going on in his mind. This, perhaps, was what was known as the art of imperial statecraft.

However, Zheng Yanqing knew that Yang Guang’s appointment was undoubtedly correct.

Fang Yanqian’s temperament was overly rigid and upright. If he had remained in the post of Governor of Henan, he would sooner or later have met a ruinous end. On the contrary, the post of Vice Administrator of Luoyang was the most suitable position for him. He lacked the authority to meddle in specific affairs, yet he held supervisory responsibilities, allowing him to effectively oversee things; at the same time, the aristocratic families of the Luoyang region would breathe a sigh of relief—with Fang the Dark-Faced gone, their days would be somewhat easier. Likewise, they would have no reason to go looking for trouble with Fang Yanqian.

"The emperor's arrangement truly shows a keen discernment of talent."

Standing in the garden of the Zheng residence, Zheng Yanqing could not help but sigh with emotion. Who said Yang Guang was a muddle-headed ruler? Judging solely by this arrangement, it was exceptionally clever.

Fang Yanqian’s current duties were similar to the disciplinary inspection responsibilities of later generations, tasked with overseeing official governance.

Furthermore, appointing Lu Chu to succeed him as the Governor of Henan, and transferring the Governor of Longxi Commandery, Fan Zigai, to serve as the Resident Governor of Luoyang, was a stroke of divine inspiration.

Lu Chu had originally served as a Director in the Right Section of the Ministry of Personnel. Taking over as the Governor of Henan was, in terms of official rank, a lateral transfer.

However, Lu Chu’s inherent background was vastly superior to Fang Yanqian’s. He hailed from the Guandong gentry, specifically the Fanyang Lu clan, one of the Five Surnames and Seven Great Clans. He possessed a legitimate Second-Rank background, far beyond Fang Yanqian’s humble origins; moreover, he shared the same rigid and upright temperament. When he served as the Director in the Right Section of the Ministry of Personnel, he had dared to directly offend the powerful and wealthy, making all the high ministers of the court hold him in a certain degree of awe.

With an elite background and coming straight out of the Ministry of Personnel, in later times this would be considered a parachuted cadre.

Such a person could effectively silence the powerful families of various prefectures. Didn’t you all claim Fang Yanqian came from humble origins? Fine. Now I am putting forth a scion of a gentry family with a Second-Rank background. What more do you aristocratic families have to say?

At the same time, Fan Zigai, the Governor of Longxi, was transferred into Luoyang.

This man belonged to the southern-migrant noble families and had already earned the prestigious honor of Senior Administrator of the Palace during the Kaihuang era, being ennobled as the Duke of Shangcai with a fief of seven hundred households. Having continuously performed meritorious service ever since, he was a powerful figure among the newly rising nobility. His methods were ruthless and severe; during the campaign against Tuyuhun, Fan Zigai had once completely slaughtered surrendered soldiers—he was truly a man who could kill without blinking an eye.

With these two men arriving in Luoyang—one holding the governorship of Henan Prefecture, and the other holding military command over Luoyang—who would dare to provoke them?

Hearing of this, even Yanqing could not help but praise the move.

Dressed in mourning clothes, Duoduo and Mao Xiaonian sat beside him, letting out a simultaneous cold snort.

When Yaya’s death was reported, Duoduo had fainted on the spot. Mao Xiaonian was in little better shape, nearly crying her eyes out.

One had lost a brother, while the other had lost her parents.

Yet the murderer... might well be the brother of the one who lost her parents.

The complicated relationship between them was rather difficult to put into words. But the two young women had, quite by coincidence, found a common enemy.

Duoduo had never had much interest in restoring the Great Zhou.

However, the tragic death of her own brother and the killing of Husky left Duoduo grief-stricken and filled with rage. She cried out that she wanted to go and kill Yang Guang, only to be sternly rebuked by Zheng Yanqing.

"Are you trying to exact revenge, or are you just seeking death?

If you want revenge, obediently listen to my arrangements, and I will surely fulfill your wish in the future; if you want to throw your life away, go straight to the imperial city. The emperor is returning, and you are welcome to go single-handedly with your sword. But it is very likely that before you even get close, you will be shot into a hedgehog.

In terms of martial arts, can you compare to Chief Ha? In terms of scheming, can you match wits with those old foxes in the court?

Duoduo, if you want Chief Ha to die with eternal regret, if you want Yaya to leave this world in obscurity without even someone to avenge him, then by all means go ahead. If you feel that isn't enough, I'll go with you, and at worst, we can die together."

Having known Zheng Yanqing for so long, Yanqing had never spoken to Duoduo in such a severe tone.

Duoduo was frightened into silence, and could only grip Zheng Yanqing’s hand, not knowing what else to do.

"Duoduo, in this lifetime, the greatest wealth is waiting and hope. Do not give up hope, and do not give up waiting.

One day, you will realize that getting revenge is not difficult."

After comforting Duoduo, Yanqing still had to console Mao Xiaonian.

Xiaonian’s situation was quite different from Duoduo’s, because the murderer of her parents was likely her own biological brother.

Moreover, Xiaonian tended to dwell on things much more than Duoduo, thinking far more deeply.

Zheng Yanqing once again used every bit of patience he had, practically talking until his mouth was dry and his lips were chapped, before finally managing to stabilize Xiaonian's state of mind.

In that moment, the two girls, sharing the same tragic fate, seemed to find some common language.

They stayed together all day long, comforting and supporting each other, slowly growing stronger; Duoduo taught Xiaonian swordsmanship, while Xiaonian took care of Duoduo as best as she could. They shared a single goal: they must find Mao Xiaoba and kill that beast.

Yanqing could not help feeling secretly grateful.

Fortunately, they were two women who could lean on each other, offer mutual comfort, and look after one another.

If there had only been one person, he feared it would have worn his tongue out entirely.

After Yang Guang returned to Luoyang, Yanqing did not let down his guard regarding the outside world.

Even though Yang Guang had issued an imperial decree stating that the White-Robed Maitreya incident would no longer be pursued, Zheng Yanqing felt no sense of security in his heart.

Because the gates of Luoyang city were still under rigorous inspection and interrogation.

Moreover, imperial troops remained stationed right beside the so-called grave of Husky at Mount Xiang.

Murong Sheng had privately told Yanqing: "His Majesty greatly admires Hade's loyalty. He has even issued a decree to have Husky's coffin transported to Chang'an, where it is to be secretly buried beside the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Zhou, Yuwen Yan, so that he may continue to guard Emperor Jing in the netherworld."

Speaking of which, Emperor Jing of Zhou, Yuwen Yan, was the maternal grandson of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, and also the nephew of Yang Guang.

Therefore, being granted a tomb could be considered a fortunate outcome. In any case, Husky had been a subject of the Zhou dynasty, so being buried alongside Yuwen Yan was not a bad arrangement.

As for the grave mound on Mount Xiang, it was merely a decoy to draw out the remnants of the Northern Zhou.

Zheng Yanqing could not help but feel secretly thankful that he had kept his wits about him back then and ignored Murong Shunde's unreliable gossip; otherwise, he truly would have been in danger.

"What are you two snorting at?"
Zheng Yanqing smiled. "Good is good, and bad is bad. I am praising the emperor's methods, not anything else.

If we let hatred blind our eyes to the point where we can't even see the strengths of others, how can we ever speak of avenging our wrongs?"

"If the little scholar were emperor, he'd certainly be better than him."

Frightened into a pale face, Zheng Yanqing quickly slapped his hand over Duoduo's mouth.

"I'm begging you, never say such things again. Otherwise, before I even help you get your revenge, I'll be killed off by someone else."

Duoduo gave Yanqing a sideways glare and said no more.

"Young Master, when can we send Duoduo away from here?

If she stays in Luoyang, it's simply too dangerous. Imperial soldiers are everywhere searching the city, it really isn't safe."

Yanqing scratched his head and said softly, "I'm fretting over this very matter myself.

Yesterday, when I went to visit Uncle Shanguo, he told me that the Junior Minister of Personnel submitted a report to the court the day before yesterday regarding the implementation of the Three-Elder System and a new population census. If the court truly approves it, it will soon roll out starting from Chang'an and Luoyang."

"The Three-Elder System?" Mao Xiaonian asked curiously, "What is that?"

Before Yanqing could reply, Duoduo said solemnly, "The Three-Elder System is a household registration system established by the previous dynasty. In the capital region, there are Baozhang, Lvzheng, and Zuzheng; outside the capital, there are Baozhang, Lizheng, and Dangzhang. It's actually quite similar to the current setup."

"Except they added one clause: neighbors are permitted to inform on one another."

Zheng Yanqing said softly, "If that's the case, our Zheng residence might become a target. Because anyone who informs on a liable adult male will have their own household exempted from labor and tax service in place of the accused."

"Then what should we do?" Duoduo grew anxious as well.

"Don't panic. I reckon that even if this measure passes, it won't be implemented until next year.

Before next year, I will find a way to send you out of Luoyang. If possible, I even want to temporarily have you join my clan."

Duoduo nodded, indicating she understood.

By now, she had pinned all her trust on Yanqing.

Duoduo believed that this young man, who was younger than her yet possessed a mind as monstrous as a demon's, would surely handle this matter properly for her.

At that moment, Shen Guang arrived outside the pavilion.

"Young Master, Grandfather sent me to urge you. He says Old Master Xiong from Huairen Lane has already arrived, and you shouldn't miss a good hour."

"Oh, I'll go right away."

With that, Zheng Yanqing stood up and walked out of the pavilion.

Duoduo asked in confusion, "Who is Old Master Xiong?"

"Oh, he's a good friend of Grandfather's, and one of the few surviving bodyguards from the Fierce Tiger Retinue back in the day. His grandnephew killed a Wa envoy last year and was arrested by the authorities. It was Young Master who pulled strings and saved his life...

We originally thought he'd be serving a three-year sentence, but with the establishment of the Eastern Capital, there was a general amnesty, so he got out early."

"Then why does the little scholar need to go pick him up?"

"Young Master is that Xiong Dahai's sworn brother... hehe, actually he's much older than Young Master. But Old Master Xiong says Young Master gave him a new lease on life, so he swore allegiance to Young Master as his big brother. Besides, Young Master has treated that big brute very well. From what Grandfather implies, once Xiong Dahai gets out, he might move in here. Duoduo, you have no idea how tall Xiong Dahai really is... especially his build. I remember before he went to prison, it was quite impressive."

"So that's how it is!"

Duoduo thought for a moment, took Xiaonian's hand, and said, "Xiaonian, then tell me about the little scholar's experiences over these past few years."

"Mm, actually I don't know all of it either. Let's start from four years ago..."

***

Zheng Yanqing changed his clothes and mounted a horse.

Zheng Shi'an, Xiong Dachui, and Wang Hu also boarded a carriage. With dozens of Zheng family guards clearing the way, the group grandly headed toward Beiliao.

This general amnesty had instantly emptied Luoyang's prisons.

Especially Beiliao, where most of those detained were petty criminals, and many had already left early.

Xiong Dahai could have walked out yesterday, but Xiong Dachui had stopped him.

He believed that entering prison was a very inauspicious affair, so leaving prison required even more grand ceremony. A propitious hour had to be selected, and the rituals had to be performed thoroughly. Otherwise, one might carry bad luck out and continue to suffer misfortune in the future.

Therefore, Xiong Dachui had hired a monk from White Horse Temple to pick an auspicious day and hour.

When the carriage arrived outside Beiliao, Tong Huan was already waiting early on. Seeing Zheng Yanqing, he hurried forward to greet him.

Giving a deep bow with his hands cupped in his sleeve, he said, "Master Zheng, you've finally arrived. If you hadn't come soon, Brother Dahai was going to lose his patience."

"Sorry to have troubled you, Brother Tong."

As Zheng Yanqing spoke, he seamlessly slipped two strings of copper coins into Tong Huan's hand.

Clutching the coins, Tong Huan was filled with a myriad of emotions.

To be honest, he really didn't want Xiong Dahai to leave like this. After all, every time Yanqing came by, he would bring some token of appreciation. Putting those tokens together, they were almost equivalent to two years of his official salary. With Xiong Dahai leaving, one of his financial roads would be cut off from now on.

Though he secretly felt a sense of regret, his face was still plastered with ingratiating smiles.

"Dahai, strip off all your clothes."

Xiong Dachui ordered his men to pull up a curtain, blocking three sides of the Beiliao gate. Then, a servant carried a large wooden tub filled with water from the carriage and placed it inside the curtain. Right at the entrance, a brazier was set up, and a fire was lit.

"Grandfather, if I strip off, I'll be stark naked. How am I supposed to walk out?"

"I told you to strip, so strip! Stop talking so much nonsense."

Holding a bundle of pomelo leaves, Xiong Dachui stood inside the curtain alongside Zheng Yanqing, watching Xiong Dahai fidgeting like a shy bride as he stripped off his clothes and walked out bare as the day he was born. Covering his crotch with both hands, he stepped across the brazier.

"Quickly wash up and wash away the bad luck!"

Shouting over there, Xiong Dachui handed the pomelo leaves to Zheng Shi'an, Wang Zheng, and the others.

Then he had Xiong Dahai step into the wooden tub to soak for a moment. After he came out, he and Xiong Wei picked up the bucket and poured the water down over his head from above. Meanwhile, Zheng Shi'an and Wang Zheng stepped forward, scrubbing Xiong Dahai's body with pomelo leaves while chanting various blessings under their breath.

The man is big, and his bird is big too...

Looking at the dangling thing swinging between Xiong Dahai's legs, Zheng Yanqing instantly felt a sense of inferiority.

Fortunately, this inferiority didn't last long. Once Xiong Dahai had dried his body, changed into a clean and comfortable set of clothes, and walked over to Zheng Yanqing to kneel and kowtow respectfully, he said, "Thank you for your care, Big Brother."

No matter how big you are, you still have to call me Big Brother!

Zheng Yanqing's heart felt somewhat comforted, and he quickly helped Xiong Dahai up.

To be fair, Yanqing wasn't exactly short, but standing beside Xiong Dahai, he was easily a full head shorter.

This fellow's current height was about to catch up with Yuwen Chengdu!

Yuwen Chengdu probably wasn't going to grow any taller, but this fellow...

Zheng Yanqing couldn't help clicking his tongue in wonder. "Dahai, you've had it pretty good in prison. Dammit, you've grown taller again."

"He only grows in height, not in sense."

As he spoke, Xiong Dachui patted Xiong Dahai on the head, and the big fellow just gave a naive smile, scratching his head.

"Let's go, it's time to head back."

Xiong Dachui smiled. "Your Grandpa Zheng has arranged a banquet at Fengqing Pavilion in Zhengsu Lane, and he's just waiting for you."

Nowadays, Zheng Shi'an's status had changed; he was no longer just a steward of the Zheng family, but a legitimate clan elder.

This caused Xiong Dachui and Wang Zheng to unconsciously alter how they addressed Zheng Shi'an. In the past, they could casually refer to him with all sorts of informal nicknames. But they couldn't do that anymore! After all, his status was right there, leaving no room for presumption.

The curtain was pulled down, and Shen Guang led a black horse over to Xiong Dahai.

"I don't know how to ride a horse."

Zheng Yanqing said, "You can learn after we get back. But don't worry, this horse has been gelded and is very gentle. Once you learn to ride, I'll find someone to get you a fine horse. Heh, for now, just make do with this one."

Over there, Zheng Shi'an and the others had already boarded the carriage.

Xiong Dahai mounted the horse, and a servant stepped forward to grab the reins.

Zheng Yanqing walked over to Tong Huan. "Brother Tong, today is a joyous occasion for my sworn brother. I wonder if Brother Tong has the time to grace us with your presence and share a cup? Over this past year, thanks to Brother Tong's care, my brother didn't suffer in there."

"Ah, this is only right, only right."

Tong Huan was overjoyed.

He had thought it was a case of killing the donkey once the millstone was put away, but he hadn't expected them to still show him such respect.

Tong Huan was merely a small figure living at the very bottom of society. Despite being a prison warden, back in Luoyang city, aside from shouting and barking orders at the inmates in the cells, he amounted to nothing before others—not even an ant.

Who was Zheng Yanqing?

He was a scion of the Xingyang Zheng family, the grandson of a Zheng clan elder; at the same time, he was a talented scholar in the literary circles, practically existing on the level of a grandmaster; among the common folk, because he wrote *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, he had countless fans and could be considered a celebrity; in official circles, he was the proud disciple of Great General Murong Sheng, as well as a dignified Cavalry Commandant with a boundless future.

No matter which aspect you looked at, Tong Huan was only in a position to suck up to him.

Now that Zheng Yanqing was actively showing goodwill, Tong Huan felt a surge of warmth in his heart... Master Zheng is a good man, and just because he holds me in such high regard, I would willingly shatter my bones to pieces for him in the future.

Tong Huan hurriedly made arrangements.

Anyway, there were no prisoners left in the jail anyway; as the warden, he had the final say.

Mounting a black donkey, amidst the envious gazes of the jailers, Tong Huan happily trotted along behind Zheng Yanqing and his party.

Watching from inside the carriage, Wang Zheng and Xiong Dachui couldn't help nodding inwardly, feeling deeply emotional.

"Old Zheng, your grandson is going to go far in the future.

At such a young age, he's already able to keep an open mind and win people over to his side. When he grows up, he'll surely become a general or a minister, reaching the highest ranks of the state."

Hearing this, Zheng Shi'an's wrinkled old face blossomed into a smile wide enough to rival a flower.

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