Chapter 17: Leading Trouble Eastward

Page (1/3)

As for the battle in the mountain hollow, an official messenger luckily escaped from the forest alive. Fleeing and hiding, he anxiously returned to the county seat and reported the news to the government office. The previous magistrate had been beheaded inside the rear government compound. The newly appointed magistrate dared not continue residing there, so he seized the opportunity to “purchase” a large courtyard outside, living quite comfortably. The new magistrate’s surname was Ding, given name Enlu. He had passed the imperial examination in the second year of the Yuanfu era, but lacked influential connections. After his observation period, he was only assigned to a minor county position, holding a lowly ninth-rank official title, his career prospects bleak. Just then, the magistrate of Yishui was killed by bandits, and the court urgently appointed a new official. The fact that officials were being killed and rebellions stirred showed the fierce and unruly nature of the local people. Anyone with ties preferred not to come to such a turbulent place. Ding Enlu, seeking fortune amid danger, volunteered to take up the post and was approved by the court, arriving at Yishui with a promotion to the seventh-rank junior grade. Upon arrival, Ding Enlu carefully investigated and found everything as expected: the killers had long since vanished, posing no real threat. Reviewing past case files, he discovered the local populace was simple and honest, with few criminals; in the past decade, only the Li Gui incident had been a major case. The previous government clerks and officers had been negligent and were all dismissed, sweeping away entrenched local powers, allowing Ding to install loyal men and ensuring smooth governance far better than before. With his mind at ease, he began to focus on his duties, planning to serve his term and await promotion. Yet, within days, trouble arose in Shagou Town: the steward of the great official Li was attacked by bandits. Li repeatedly pressured the government, urging officials to dispatch forces to suppress the bandits. This greatly displeased Magistrate Ding. Good governance was measured by peace without lawsuits; matters should be settled privately. He chose to turn a blind eye, pretending not to notice the strongmen Li kept on his estate. A few deaths were trivial. Let them seek revenge as they wished, so long as the affair was kept quiet and unknown to the public, the government would naturally remain oblivious. Everyone would work together to suppress the news; no harm done, everyone content. If the government intervened, the magistrate’s record would inevitably be marked negatively during future evaluations. Even if the bandits were successfully suppressed, what good would it do? Banditry in one’s jurisdiction was originally the magistrate’s fault, a failure of virtue and education among the people. Such a stain was a negative mark on his record. Quelling disputes peacefully was the true principle of governance. Yet, Li was a local gentry and powerful landowner on whom Ding relied heavily for taxes and levies. Unwilling to offend him, Ding reluctantly began planning the suppression of the bandits. Fortunately, the new chief clerk Qian was astute and resourceful, devising a plan to levy an additional “bandit suppression tax,” earning extra profit while releasing the culpable clerks to “atone for their sins,” thus making a tidy sum in bribes—a plan killing three birds with one stone.

Page (2/3)

This chief clerk was clever and shrewd, truly capable of great service. Assigning him to lead the bandit suppression team promised additional returns upon his return. Thinking of this, Magistrate Ding stroked his beard with a smile, convinced of his own skill in recognizing and utilizing talent—truly a discerning patron. One day, as he was laughing and embracing a concubine in his chambers, hurried footsteps approached outside. No figure appeared, but he heard the anxious voice of his secretary Song Changping. “Master Ding, disaster has struck! The Yushan bandits have hidden armor and trained soldiers—this means rebellion!” Ding’s heart leapt, and he sprang up from his chair, pushing the concubine aside, voice trembling with rage: “Nonsense! The Yushan bandits are no threat! How could they suddenly rebel? Such absurd talk must not spread!” Song, having served Ding for years, knew his master’s true nature. Seeing Ding panic, he instinctively sought to soften the blow, forcing a wry smile as he said, “Master Ding, the constables sent to suppress the bandits were completely wiped out; only a few escaped.” “This news can no longer be hidden!” Ding’s face turned pale, legs weak, and he sank back into his seat, repeatedly moaning, “What are we to do? What are we to do?” “Master Ding, we must urgently seek reinforcements!” Song hurried forward, shaking his master’s shoulders. “If we delay, when the Yushan bandits attack the county office, our lives will be forfeit!” “No, no, no! We cannot request aid!” Ding trembled all over but resolutely refused. “If the court learns that local rebels are rampant, my career is finished!” “Oh, Master Ding, at a time like this, you’re still fixated on your official rank!” Song’s face was bitter as he pleaded repeatedly. “If you don’t ask for help, no matter how high your rank, you won’t live to enjoy it! Preserve your life first; then worry about your position.” “Better to keep your life and worry about the rank later!”

Page (3/3)

“Nonsense!” Ding exploded in anger. “If I lose my rank, why bother living?” Song was helpless and had to try another approach, following Ding’s “principles.” After pacing a few times, he suddenly had an idea. “Master Ding, let’s substitute blame!” “How so?” “The Yushan bandits rebelling is absolutely impossible! But if we claim that Li Gui was captured and, together with the bandits, set a trap causing the entire force’s annihilation, it sounds much better.” “Li Gui’s troubles began under the previous magistrate, not you. There is certainly fault, but not so great—your position remains secure.” “How about we use this as the reason to request aid?” Ding lowered his head, thinking carefully. “That’s barely plausible, but the Yushan bandits will still attack sooner or later. The truth won’t stay hidden!” “Then we add another scheme: misdirect blame.” Song’s eyes flashed with a ruthless gleam. “The local militia are weak. We request the court station troops in Yishui to assist in capturing Li Gui.” “Those local troops are unruly; you know this, Master Ding.” “You occasionally report scattered incidents of soldiers harassing civilians to prepare the groundwork.” “When the Yushan bandits come, they’ll be portrayed as soldiers oppressing the people, forcing the locals to rebel!” “Though you lack solid backing, you at least passed the imperial exams outside the East Hua Gate. The blame will fall on the military commanders!” “With officials in the capital passing final judgment, you will be completely exonerated and worry no more!” “Perhaps you might even gain the favor of a high-ranking minister, soaring to great heights.” “Excellent!” Ding slapped his thigh excitedly. “With Changping’s help, I am like a tiger with wings!” “Changping, fetch pen and ink immediately. I will write the request for aid at once, polish it well, and dispatch it to the prefecture tonight.” Song quickly left the room, wiping the cold sweat from his brow, exhaling deeply—he had, for now, successfully muddled through. This secretary’s position was unlikely to last much longer!