Ninety-nine

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Now, Zhang Bao, having taken his leave from Zhang Bo, proceeded toward Zhang Zhong’s study. A knock at the door—thump, thump, thump—brought Zhang Zhong back from his thoughts. Rubbing his slightly throbbing head, he looked up and asked, “Is that Bao Ye outside?” Bao Ye was Zhang BaoBao’s courtesy name, personally given by the previous head of the Zhang family, symbolizing the hope that he would protect the family’s legacy. From a young age, Zhang Bao displayed keen intelligence and was highly favored by the former patriarch. Moreover, the Zhang family’s manpower was scarce; otherwise, as a mere branch of the family, Zhang Bao would never have been entrusted with managing the critically important distillery business that was the family’s pride.

“Master of the house, it is indeed Bao Ye,” came the respectful reply from outside.

“Well then, come in quickly. Must we brothers be so distant?” Zhang Zhong spoke with a hint of irritation.

Zhang Bao slowly opened the door and entered with a humble demeanor. “Respecting hierarchy and etiquette is essential. Though you and I are nominal brothers, I am but a branch descendant. How dare I compare myself to you, the master of the house.” It was clear that despite his high position, Zhang Bao remained deeply conscious of his branch status and somewhat insecure about it.

Zhang Zhong waved his hand dismissively. “I dislike your constant humility. It’s largely thanks to you that most of the Zhang family’s wealth has been sustained. Over the years, your efforts have made Zhang family wines renowned far and wide. Your standing is no less than mine.”

“Master, you are mistaken. I am merely a junior from a branch, vastly different from your legitimate line…” Zhang Bao began, but Zhang Zhong cut him off impatiently, waving his hand.

“Enough, I’ve heard this speech countless times. You say it without tiring, but I’ve grown weary of it. I didn’t summon you to discuss this matter.”

“Then may I ask what you called me here for?”

Zhang Zhong rose and slowly approached Zhang Bao. “Today, I want you to tell me about someone. You must be frank and thorough, understand?”

Zhang Bao was taken aback. The Zhang family head was a formidable figure in Zhendong, seemingly knowing everything. What could he possibly not know? With curiosity, Zhang Bao whispered, “May I ask whom you wish to inquire about? If Bao knows, I will surely tell you the truth.”

“I heard your distillery recently hired a worker named Wang Bo,” Zhang Zhong said, narrowing his eyes as he fixed his gaze on Zhang Bao.

“Little Bo?” The name startled Zhang Bao. He involuntarily exclaimed, recalling Zhang Bo’s earlier words and breaking out in a cold sweat. Could it be that Little Bo had offended the Zhang family, resulting in his capture? Or had he committed some grievous crime that warranted the master’s personal inquiry? No matter what, I must save Little Bo’s life, Zhang Bao thought, sinking into deep thought.

Ignoring Zhang Bao’s contemplation, Zhang Zhong pressed on. “Since you so casually call him by name, it must be true that this Wang Bo is your distillery’s worker.”

“I don’t know how Little Bo offended the master. I beg you to show mercy,” Zhang Bao hurriedly interceded for Wang Bo.

“Answer my questions first,” Zhang Zhong waved off the plea without acknowledgment.

“Master, yes, I did hire a new worker named Wang Bo.”

“Seems this young fellow isn’t lying to me.” Zhang Zhong took a quiet step forward, muttering to himself. “Tell me about his character.”

“Character?” Zhang Bao looked puzzled, unsure of the master’s meaning.

“Yes, his character and all the details. Tell me everything.” Zhang Zhong pressed.

Despite doubts, Zhang Bao answered truthfully. “This boy is kind-hearted. Though from a poor family, he has worked at the shop for a long time with a clean record. He’s very clever and well-mannered, and remarkably literate. While not eloquent, his drawings contain subtle meanings. Moreover, he has unique insights into business, sometimes even surprising me. But he lacks experience. If he can be trained, he will surely become a great asset to the Zhang family’s commercial ventures, perhaps leading us to heights never reached before.” Zhang Bao’s eyes shone with hope.

“Such a fine young man?” Zhang Zhong’s eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable as if pondering deeply.

“In fact, I wanted to recommend him to you, but I hesitated due to his inexperience. I still don’t know how he offended you. I’m willing to take his punishment. Please spare his life.” Seeing Zhang Zhong’s impassive face, Zhang Bao pleaded again.

“Heh heh, who said he offended me?” Zhang Zhong’s cold expression suddenly softened, his eyes turning into crescent moons as he smiled warmly at Zhang Bao. “He is truly a benefactor of the Zhang family.”

Zhang Zhong’s sudden change left the seasoned merchant Zhang Bao momentarily stunned. Recovering, he timidly asked, “Master, I’m afraid I don’t understand. I’m quite confused.”

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“Here’s what happened.” Zhang Zhong smiled kindly at Zhang Bao, though his tone seemed strange to him. “Earlier, Xue’er went out to play and got separated from her maid. It was Wang Bo who brought my precious daughter back home. You know I only have this one treasured daughter. Don’t you think that makes him a benefactor of the Zhang family? At first, I thought the boy had abducted her, but then he mentioned your name. So I sent for you to clarify the matter.”

“I see. That puts my mind at ease,” Zhang Bao exhaled deeply and wiped the cold sweat from his brow. What a day this had been! First, the disappearance, then the involvement of the Zhang family. His heart had been in his throat the entire time, but now it was finally settled. Still, his legs felt weak.

“Alright, come with me to see the boy.”

Meanwhile, while Zhang Zhong met with Zhang Bao, poor Wang Bo was still bound and guarded tightly by several burly men.

“Brothers, have mercy! You’re all so strong and mighty, and I’m just this weakling. Even if you untie me, there’s nowhere I could run. Please, show some kindness and loosen these ropes,” Wang Bo begged miserably.

The men exchanged glances and looked pityingly at the pitiful Wang Bo. One older man stepped forward. “Kid, you’re not wrong, but you heard the steward just now. Without the master’s orders, we dare not loosen your bonds. If the master blames us later, we’d suffer the consequences.”

“Alas...” Wang Bo sighed again, disappointed though he’d expected the answer. He wiggled his hands and feet gently and felt them growing numb. “Why can’t I feel my hands and feet? They say that long-term blood flow restriction can cause tissue death. Am I going to be crippled?” Fear crept in.

“Brothers, please have mercy. Even just loosening the ropes a little would be a blessing,” Wang Bo pleaded pitifully, tears welling up.

Seeing Wang Bo’s painful expression, the men were troubled, whispering among themselves. These were honest men; none wished to trouble a child so.

“All right, we’re men here. We can’t be so harsh on a kid. If the steward complains later, I’ll take the blame myself,” the older man said, stepping forward.

The others objected. “Brother Gao, what are you saying? We’re not heartless; we wouldn’t leave you to take the fall alone. If the steward scolds us, we’ll all share the blame. It’s no big deal.”

Wang Bo’s eyes filled with tears. Looking at these once fierce men, he now saw them as kind relatives.

“Thank you, brothers. Thank you very much,” he said, deeply moved.

The men hurriedly began to untie him, but just then, a stern, aged voice came from behind them.

“What do you think you’re doing? Are you trying to overthrow the heavens?”

“It’s the steward!” The men froze, their hands mid-air, and Wang Bo’s heart plummeted. “Why must he come now, of all times? It’s like he’s out to get me.”

The men withdrew their hands and turned. “Uh... well...” They dared not look the steward in the eye, showing how much authority Zhang Bo held over the household servants.

Zhang Bo approached slowly, his calm demeanor masking the weight he imposed. Finally, the older man stepped forward. “Steward, it’s all my fault. If you want to punish anyone, punish me.”

The others immediately protested. “Brother Gao, don’t say that. We all agreed to take the blame together. If the steward wants to blame someone, blame us, not him.”

“Enough of this chaos!” Zhang Bo bellowed, silencing everyone. “Why can’t you all behave like this when working? Besides, who said I’m punishing you? If you really have itchy backsides, you can take a few lashes yourselves.”

The men were stunned until Brother Gao cautiously asked, “Steward, you mean you won’t punish us?”

“I never said that. You’re the ones rushing to take the punishment,” Zhang Bo smiled.

“Uh, well...” The men scratched their heads sheepishly.

“Enough chatter. Untie the boy first,” Zhang Bo waved.

“Yes, yes.” The men quickly untied Wang Bo.

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Once freed, Wang Bo stood and stretched his numb limbs, calming his racing heart.

“Damn it, what a rollercoaster! Good thing I’m tough; else you might have scared me into a heart attack. And you, old man, you look so kind but are really two-faced,” Wang Bo muttered, displeased.

Luckily, Zhang Bo was unaware of Wang Bo’s inner thoughts; otherwise, he might have beaten the boy senseless.

“All right, no more sulking. Your manager’s here, talking with the master in the study. You’ll probably be sent back soon,” Zhang Bo said.

Sure enough, before Zhang Bo finished, Wang Bo saw Zhang Bao approaching, followed by a dignified middle-aged man dressed in fine robes, radiating authority without raising his voice. In Wang Bo’s eyes, he looked utterly commanding.

“So this is the Zhang family head—truly imposing,” Wang Bo thought.

The two men came before Wang Bo.

“Master,” the servants greeted Zhang Zhong in unison.

“Enough, everyone except Zhang Bo may leave. I have matters to discuss, and I do not wish to be disturbed.” Zhang Zhong stood firm and solemn.

“Yes, master. We will take our leave.”

Once the servants left, Zhang Zhong regarded Wang Bo carefully, who returned the gaze. The moment grew tense.

Seeing Wang Bo remain still, Zhang Bao grew anxious and suddenly spoke, “You brat, haven’t you greeted the master yet?”

Having lived two lives, Wang Bo had never encountered such a powerful figure as Zhang Zhong. Of course, he was nervous. Frozen by the master’s scrutiny, Wang Bo didn’t know what to say, though he tried to appear composed. Zhang Bao’s sudden words snapped both men back to reality.

“Greetings, master,” Wang Bo blurted without hesitation.

“Ugh...” Zhang Bao cursed inwardly and turned to Zhang Zhong. “Master, please forgive Little Bo’s youthful ignorance; it’s my fault for not disciplining him well.”

“No matter,” Zhang Zhong waved it off.

Hearing this, Wang Bo quickly regained composure. “Please pardon me, master. I am a humble farmer’s son, and this is my first time meeting such a heroic person as you. I was nervous and may have been discourteous.” Saying this, he bowed deeply.

Zhang Zhong’s eyes brightened. He mused silently, “This boy does have a sharp mind. Zhang Bao’s praise might not be exaggerated. Whether he truly is as capable remains to be seen.”

“No matter,” Zhang Zhong said, narrowing his eyes at Wang Bo.

“Bao Ye spoke highly of you just now. Do you think you deserve such esteem?” Zhang Zhong asked with a playful glint.

Wang Bo’s scalp tingled. “This manager really likes to brag. If I answer well, fine; but if I slip up, what will become of me?”

“Well, I’m no genius myself,” Wang Bo humbly replied. “I know my limits. What talent do I have to warrant such praise from the manager?”

“So you’re saying Bao Ye is deceiving me?” Zhang Zhong’s voice rose sharply, his expression grave. “Know this: to lie to me is a grave offense.”

“Uh... uh...” Wang Bo broke out in a cold sweat, his mind blank and body trembling. “Please forgive me, master. I—I…”

Just as Wang Bo frantically sought a way out, Zhang Zhong suddenly laughed heartily.