“Your Highness, I can say with absolute certainty that there are at least a dozen such aristocracies in the old capital and neighboring cities, and they hoard almost seventy percent of all provisions!”
Gong You clenched his fists as he fumed. “They have all that rice, yet when I want to buy from them, they dared to raise the price! One stone of coarse rice used to go for nine silver coins, but they demand eight taels now! They’re profiteering, aren’t they!”
Pang Xiao’s face darkened at this. “Did you ask every one of these landlords?”
“Every single one.” Gong You shook his head with a bitter expression. “They seem to have fixed the price at eight taels per stone. They refuse to sell any smaller units to the people. Why is it that the commoners get the short end of the stick after an earthquake? Those big families were also affected, but they’ve got men to do their bidding and repair their residences. They’re so well fortified that I can’t even climb over their walls!”
Shadows loomed over the faces of everyone in the room.
It wasn’t that there were no provisions left in the city, but that said provisions were in the hands of the great landlords. They wouldn’t comply easily now that they had formed a cartel.
“Have you considered importing from the surrounding regions?”
“Your Highness.” Gong You’s face darkened still. “There were two major quakes and countless aftershocks. More than twenty cities and villages were affected, and only a few of the roads leading south are still in good condition. In order to negotiate with the neighboring cities, I would have to walk and climb my way over boulders and crevices. Even when I manage to strike deals with vendors, the issue of transportation will be a major headache.”
Pang Xiao had a grasp of the situation now. “My condolences, Sir Gong. You’ve been through a great deal.”
He clapped the short, frail scholar on the shoulder. “This place was never far from His Majesty’s mind, yet it had the misfortune of being under the Commandery Prince of Yan’s jurisdiction. I trust Sir Gong understands without it being spelled out, but the years of war have taken a great toll on our national treasury. Even the cleverest of housewives cannot hope to cook without rice!”
“I understand completely, Your Highness.” Gong You sighed and rose to his feet. “It’s precisely when the nation faces trying times that we must do our duty as loyal subjects,” he proclaimed zealously. “Let us skip the pretty words and talk of sharing His Majesty’s burdens. It’s the people whom I pity!”
He turned abruptly to look at Pang Xiao, smiling wryly. “You haven’t seen just how much these citizens have suffered, Your Highness! Not only did they have the misfortune of being governed by the Yuchi bastards who exploited them all those years, but they had to suffer through drought and famine. Then just when things were looking up, there was an earthquake! Tell me, Your Highness… I’ve seen it all with my own eyes, and I can’t bear to watch their suffering go on any further!
“Alas, this subordinate is useless. Now is the time to act, yet I haven’t any money, food or ability to do anything… Frankly, even if I had money, we still might not be able to procure any provisions.”
By now, tears poured down Gong You’s face. He slumped over a table and broke down sobbing. Yamen guards found themselves wiping away tears; even Pang Xiao’s Dragon Riders hung their heads in sorrow.
Qin Yining pursed her lips. As she contemplated all she heard, she came to a series of decisions.
Pang Xiao allowed Gong You his tears for a moment before sighing, “There’s no need to be so hard on yourself, Sir Gong. All we can do now is to look to the future. We can’t do anything for the already deceased, so our next course of action is to ensure the remaining citizens’ survival.”
“Your Highness.” Gong You seemed immensely moved by Pang Xiao’s words. “Very well! If that’s what Your Highness thinks, I will follow you to the ends of the earth!”
“We’re all doing this for the people. What does that have to do with following anyone?
With the two of us working together, I believe we can turn the tides yet!” Pang Xiao replied with a smile.
It was then Gong You remembered Pang Xiao’s heroic contributions had made the emperor wary and distrustful of him for a time. Words of “following him to the ends of the earth” could easily be misinterpreted. However, he didn’t regret saying so. This war hero seemed dependable, unlike those who lusted after fame and prestige. His concern for the citizens’ wellbeing was genuine.
After the main affairs had been attended to, Pang Xiao called Qin Yining over to introduce her to Gong You. “Sir Gong, I’d like you to meet my wife.”
Gong You had already noticed Qin Yining earlier; such a great beauty would capture the attention of anyone immediately, unless they had problems with their eyes. When she arrived with Pang Xiao, he had thought her to be some bedwarmer or another.
Who would have thought this was the actual princess consort!
“So it’s Your Highness. My deepest apologies for not recognizing you.” Gong You bowed.
Qin Yining curtsied in return.
Gong You turned away in haste. “Your Highness, you musn't.”
“I must. Sir Gong has been taking good care of the old capital. Though the situation appears desperate for the people we’ve seen on our way here, the aftermath has been dealt with in an orderly fashion. We arrived quite late, so Sir Gong has been the sole pillar to keep the city standing. The people have not succumbed to the plague, and its spread has been contained. Sir Gong has done a great deal indeed! As a woman, I'm afraid I cannot be of assistance to matters of importance. Considering Sir Gong’s contributions, a curtsey seems hardly unbecoming.”
At this, Qin Yining curtsied once more.
Gong You turned away again, flustered, but his chest bloomed with warmth.
It seemed the rumors were not all to be believed. The Faithful Prince and Princess Consort of the First Rank weren’t the incompetent royals that hearsay made them out to be. The prince wasn’t a tyrant, and the princess wasn’t a temptress. Both had the people’s interests at heart.
“Your Highness, you should occupy the back office while you’re here. I will have my wife make the arrangements.”
“Many thanks for your troubles.” Pang Xiao raised a cupped fist salute.
Chapter 446: Drawing Close
Gong You’s wife née Jiang was in her early forties, a middle-aged woman who still retained her elegant grace. Despite her beauty, it was apparent at first glance that she was much older than her husband.
Gong You had three daughters and no son. The eldest two were already married. Née Jiang and the couple’s youngest daughter, Gong Miao, lived in the back hall of the yamen to care for Old Madame Gong.
In the privacy of the bailiff’s ward, Pang Xiao and Gong You discussed next steps while Qin Yining followed née Jiang to the back as Bingtang and Jiyun brought up the rear.
“Your Highness must be travel-worn from the arduous trip. I will have servants prepare hot water for Your Highness to wash up and unwind.”
Qin Yining shook her head with a smile. “You’re far too kind, Madame Gong. These are trying times of drought. The earthquake must have muddied the wells. Let’s save what little clear water there is to drink. Bathing and washing up can wait.”
Née Jiang was taken aback by Qin Yining’s offer.
She’d never seen a beauty so exquisite and stunning as Qin Yining in her entire life. By default thanks to her beauty, the madame assumed the girl was spoiled and arrogant prior to marriage.
The extent of her snobbery would surely only swell manifold after becoming princess consort, making her even harder to please. Little did the madame know that she’d misjudged the girl.
“I hear that the old madame lives in the back hall,” Qin Yining volunteered. “I must trouble Madame Jiang to make an introduction. I would like to pay my respects to the elder.”
Née Jiang grew more incredulous upon hearing these words
. “Your Highness occupies a lofty and noble position. It is we who should pay our respects to you!”
“Not at all! I am young and a junior. Greeting my elders is only right and proper. The other way around wouldn’t suffice at all. Not to mention, Sir Gong’s stalwart defense of the old capital commands only the highest esteem from me and the prince. Old Madame Gong absolutely deserves respect for raising such a virtuous, wise official. Whether in official capacity or out of private considerations, I am the one who should pay my respects.”
These words both comforted and moved née Jiang. She had worried that the envoy’s wife would be hard to please, but it turned out the visitor was an easygoing, clear-minded sort. This was such a pleasant surprise.
“I’d be too unwelcoming should I turn down your offer then, Your Highness.”
“Precisely. The prince and I will likely intrude upon your family in the coming days. We would feel out of place if Madame Gong continues to be this polite. My husband and Prefect Gong will be fighting side by side, making them both comrades and friends. With the two of them so close, it wouldn’t do if we stayed strangers.”
“Your Highness speaks truly.” Née Jiang smiled. “My daughter Miao’er is keeping her grandmother company. If Your Highness finds it favorable, would you care to visit them together?”
“I thank you for your troubles.”
The older woman guided Qin Yining around the corner to the main residence on the other end of the rear courtyard.
Née Jiang continued the introductions as she walked. “This would be it. Milord and I normally reside in the side wing, while my mother-in-law lives in the main house. She grew up in a hardworking family that doesn’t seek fame or fortune. She’s very understanding and reasonable, and treats me as her own.
“Sadly, I’ve turned out to be a disappointment as I only managed to bear three daughters. However, my mother-in-law didn’t force concubines onto milord just so she could have grandsons. I was hardly the most pleasing sight after putting on weight post-childbirth. My mother worried that my husband would find me unappealing, so she sent us two pretty girls from poor families. But milord turned around and sold them, saying that the family was too poor to afford the extra mouths to feed.”
Née Jiang suddenly came to her senses mid-prattle. Blabbering on about domestic affairs was her attempt at fostering a relationship, but she didn’t know if the prince had any concubines. If he had an army of them, wouldn’t her prattling about her husband’s loyalty and wonderful in-laws be a slap at the princess consort’s face?
She silently berated herself for being so blunt. She’d tried for many years, but thinking before thought was still a skill she’d yet to acquire.
Little did she expect Qin Yining to laugh and pick up the conversation. “Birds of a feather do indeed gather together, and like attracts like. This is why His Highness and Sir Gong enjoy each other’s company. My in-laws also treat me as their own. The prince is very mindful of keeping female company at an arm’s length. But my grandmother-in-law is quite a character. If the prince ever sets a toe out of line, she’ll give him a beating herself.”
“Truly? Does an elder of so much character actually exist?”
“Absolutely!”
The two women exchanged a smile.
Née Jiang felt a weight off her heart, her impression of the young couple improving again by many notches. Those who adhered to filial piety were also honorable characters. Though the Faithful Prince of the First Rank was a notorious savage war god, how could one believe every stroke of embellishment that the rumors painted?
At the top of the stairs, Née Jiang ushered Qin Yining into the main residence. “Mom, the Faithful Princess Consort of the First Rank is here.”
Qin Yining followed close behind. She took in the austere decor and lovingly-used table and chairs. It reinforced her perception of the prefect’s integrity by a few more degrees.
A gray-haired woman of roughly seventy was climbing off the bed by the window and putting her shoes on. A young girl ten years old aided her efforts.
Old Madame Gong secured her simple bun with a silver comb. Dressed in a sky-blue, fine cotton house robe, the elderly woman’s outfit was rather plain. In fact, her humble attire was far plainer than that of servants of the rich families in the capital.
Despite that, a kind and warm smile radiated from her gaunt face. One look was all it took to know that this elderly woman was gracious and benevolent.
Qin Yining preempted the elderly woman and curtseyed. “Greetings to Old Madame Gong.”
“Aiyaya, please get up, do rise! This won’t do! This old woman is hardly worthy of Your Highness’ courtesy!”
“You’re too kind, Old Madame! You are the elder. As a junior imposing on you and who will be creating future disturbances for an elder, it is my duty to greet you.”
“Please, Your Highness! Third Daughter-in-Law, hurry and help the princess consort up!”
“Aiya!” Née Jiang lifted Qin Yining’s arm to help her stand, then turned to settle her mother-in-law in a chair. She dimpled. “Mom, the princess consort isn’t the arrogant sort. Don’t worry.”
Old Madame Gong smiled affably at Qin Yining, silently commending the girl’s ethereal beauty.
Well, how would she climb to the position of princess consort if she isn’t such a head-turner?
The princess consort happened to be the same age as the old madame’s granddaughter. Qin Yining was humble, respectful, gracious, and patient, knowing just what to say and do to please her elders. Old Madame Gong quickly developed quite a fondness for the girl after a short chat.
Old Madame Gong introduced the girl by her side. “This is my youngest granddaughter, Miao’er.”
Gong Miao was slight and thin; bashfulness the sole look in her eyes when she glanced up at strangers. But she managed a friendly, inquisitive smile when she looked up at Qin Yining. “Your Highness.” She curtseyed.
Qin Yining slid a creamy-white jade bracelet onto Gong Miao’s wrist. “This isn’t anything fancy, so please play with it as you will, Miao’er.”
The yamen would be their temporary home in the days to come, with impositions on their host a given. Giving Gong Miao a greeting gift was proper manners.
Old Madame Gong and née Jiang kept declining the gift, but eventually accepted it at Qin Yining’s friendly coaxing.
“Your Highness,” Jiyun called from outside the door.
Qin Yining answered with a smile. “What is it?’
“His Highness requests that you head to the front hall for a discussion.”
“Very well.” Qin Yining rose to take her leave. “I must get going. I will come by for a visit, time permitting.”
Old Madame Gong and née Jiang marveled at the princess consort with a new level of respect. The prince had actually asked for Qin Yining’s presence in a formal discussion! Either he spoiled her rotten, or she was extraordinarily capable to earn the prince’s respect.
Chapter 447: Secret Decree
Qin Yining rushed off to the front hall, Bingtang and Jiyun in tow.
"This family seems to be quite upstanding, Your Highness,” murmured Bingtang. “We should be safe enough staying here for the time being.”
“Mm, we needn’t worry that they'll cause trouble for us, at the very least,” Qin Yining replied softly. “It’s just that the situation outside is too hectic. I fear something will go awry.”
“His Highness has already sent the Elite Tigers to set up defences with Jingzhe and the others,” Jiyun pointed out. ”With Huzi patrolling the streets and the Dragon Riders by the prince’s side, he should be able to deal with any emergencies that may arise.”
“That’s good, but the situation is still dire. The people don’t know His Highness is their disaster relief ambassador. If they learn that the ambassador doesn’t have their rice, things definitely won’t remain as peaceful as they are now.”
Jiyun nodded gravely while Bingtang muttered with resignation, “All crows
are equally black no matter where they’re from. It’s always the people who suffer the most.”
Qin Yining let out a long sigh.
Li Qitian may have set Pang Xiao up, but his judgment wasn’t so impaired that he couldn’t tell right from wrong. However, all rational thought flew out the window upon finding the treasure. Every action he took and every motivation that bestirred him was for the sake of the riches.
It couldn’t be helped, what with the incredible amount of wealth it represented. From what Pang Xiao disclosed to her, only a few of the boxes held silver. The rest were filled with gold and jewels; one box even contained antique paintings worth a small fortune in themselves. The total value of everything was well over seven million silver.
The annual budget for the Dragon Riders and Valiant Tigers was no paltry sum. Yet, that amount would easily keep them funded for five years and with silver to spare. It was enough to solve the emperor’s most pressing worries in one neat stroke.
Money was the siren call of misconduct indeed. Li Qitian’s principles were nowhere to be found in the face of such immense capital.
Then again, he had no one to blame but himself for his own paranoia. If he had trusted Pang Xiao from the start to handle matters, would things have devolved to such a state?
When she arrived at the bailiff’s office, she was greeted by Pang Xiao. Gong You was nowhere to be seen.
“Where is Sir Gong?”
“Sir Gong is out patrolling the city with a few of his men.” Pang Xiao pulled Qin Yining over, stuffing a piece of rolled-up paper into her hand and indicating for her to read it.
She unrolled the note and carefully looked over its contents. When she jerked her head up, astonishment colored her features. Though curt, it contained a world of information.
It was a secret decree from Li Qitian conveying that the treasure had indeed been stolen en route. Pang Xiao and Qin Yining were to continue tracking it down!
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