Fish Meat – Chapter 53

The Ninth Year of Shenchu

Collecting Grains in Sudu (Part 5)

Bu Jie opened the cloth bag and looked at the silver coins inside. He knew his family was extremely poor and had nothing. This was his wife’s life-saving money. His expression became quite complicated when he looked at Zhen Wenjun, and he didn’t speak, certain that Zhen Wenjun had more to say.

However, Zhen Wenjun did not threaten him as he expected, but instead offered the carriage: “It’s the end of the year and very cold. Your wife is weak, take her back early.”

Bu Jie’s hands trembled, his eyes filled with tears, and he cupped his hands and said loudly: “After Bu settles his wife and children, he will come to you to bear his guilt!”

Zhu Maosan’s men were not having it and surrounded the carriage: “Are you going to let him off so easily? No matter which crime, intercepting the grain cart and kidnapping the general are both capital crimes. How can you let this thief go?!”

Bu Jie, supporting his wife, said with a serious expression: “Bu is not a man who breaks his word! I said I would come back after settling my wife and children, and I will definitely come back!”

“Bah! What kind of thing are you! I don’t believe anyone, I only trust my own fists! You dare to kidnap the general, clearly you don’t know the might of our Annan Army’s fists.”

“That’s right! We can’t let him go. If he escapes later, where are we going to catch him? We absolutely can’t let him go!”

These ruffian soldiers always like to cause trouble and make mischief. They feel uncomfortable if they don’t stir up some trouble. Now that they have a reason to cause trouble, they are eager to make a big fuss.

Zhen Wenjun sternly shouted: “Everyone shut up! I am in charge of this matter! I will naturally bear the consequences!”

She grabbed a long knife and pointed it at the ruffian soldiers’ noses one by one, warning them with fierce determination, making the people surrounding the carriage give way. She instructed them to first bring Zhu Maosan and Lingbi back, and also to personally see how Bu Jie, with his own strength, could safely drive four thousand carriages back to the city.

Bu Jie indeed did not boast; he truly was a master of horse handling. Under his command, thousands of horses steadily climbed up from the valley and then descended along the path to the foot of the mountain without any mishaps.

Along the way, Zhen Wenjun kept asking Bu Jie for advice on horse taming techniques. Bu Jie briefly explained, but he was constantly looking worriedly in the direction of his wife. Knowing his urgent desire to get medical attention for his wife, Zhen Wenjun did not keep him any longer when they reached the foot of the mountain and let him leave first.

Just as Bu Jie was about to leave, Lingbi and Zhu Maosan and others arrived, all covered in dust and dirt. When they saw Bu Jie, they were so angry they wished they could skin him alive.

These past few days, they had been locked in a deep cellar in the valley by Bu Jie. The walls of the cellar were greased, making it impossible to use their Qinggong. Without a ladder, no one could get out, and they had to eat, drink, and relieve themselves all together. Lingbi, being a young lady, was furious to have to share a room with the likes of Zhu Maosan and almost committed s*icide out of anger.

Fortunately, Zhu Maosan was not one to take advantage of others. He even acted as Lingbi’s protector, giving a big slap to a subordinate with a lecherous look in his eyes. He then made all the men take off their outer garments and tie them together to make a cloth curtain, dividing the cellar into two rooms. Lingbi stayed alone in one room without being disturbed, while the other twenty-plus men crowded together in the other room, even having to sleep stacked on top of each other. Although Lingbi had a room to herself, being stuck in the stinking cellar for several days drove her to fury at the sight of the culprit. Zhu Maosan was also bristling with anger. Zhen Wenjun had a hard time calming the two down and quickly urged Bu Jie to leave.

“Dear sister, it’s important to go back and clean up first.” Zhen Wenjun covered her nose, full of disdain. As soon as Lingbi lifted her foot, Zhen Wenjun nimbly dodged eight zhang¹ away, causing Lingbi to almost do a split since her kick missed its target. Standing nearby, Zhu Maosan also looked displeased and was utterly confused about Zhen Wenjun’s protection of Bu Jie.

Zhu Maosan said unhappily, “Little sister Zhen, why did you let that scoundrel go?”

Zhen Wenjun explained, “This person is not a great villain; he just lost his way in his fervent pursuit of his future. He knows his mistakes and dares to take responsibility; he is like an uncut jade. Brother’s troubles this time were caused by my rash actions. If anyone is to blame, it should be me. Bu Jie’s wife is gravely ill and on the brink of death. If something happens to Bu Jie, it will surely lead to the ruin of his family. In Da Yu today, many counties are desolate, with nine out of ten households empty. I truly cannot bear to see more human tragedies. Moreover, besides his ability to observe celestial phenomena, he possesses extraordinary horse-handling skills. I suspect he has many other talents yet to be revealed. It would be a pity to kill him now.”

Zhen Wenjun had learned that years ago, Zhu Maosan’s mother was also gravely ill but had no money for treatment. Out of desperation, Zhu Maosan had to rob a pharmacy to save his mother. Unexpectedly, this brute, who usually killed pigs and had great strength, overturned the pharmacy counter, killing the owner on the spot, which led to his exile and conscription into the army.

As expected, Zhu Maosan’s face showed some sympathy. He waved his hand and said, “Little sister Zhen, you are a kind-hearted person! Very well! I won’t pursue this matter further. When do you plan to return? Let me treat you to a good meal!”

“Brother has worked hard these past few days; how could I let you spend more? Tomorrow, I will have someone reserve a private room at the best restaurant in the city. Please, brother, you must honor us with your presence! We won’t leave until we’re drunk!”

Zhu Maosan enthusiastically agreed, saying he would definitely be there on time tomorrow.

As they spoke, they had already reached the foot of the mountain. Bu Jie and Zhu Maosan bid their farewells and left. Once they were gone, Lingbi pulled Zhen Wenjun aside and whispered:

“You actually plan to treat him to a meal! It’s obvious he invited you to get you to agree to the fifty thousand carts of grain! Where will you find the grain to give him when you see him tomorrow?”

Zhen Wenjun replied, “Wang Jin has already arranged with me. As long as I recover all the grain, not only will he return my silver, but he will also give me fifty thousand carts for free.”

“That grain is for the lady. Are you really going to give it to him?”

“Dear sister, has the stench addled your brain? How could that be possible?”

“Then what plan do you have to handle this?”

Zhen Wenjun pinched her nose and mounted Yunzhong Feixue, saying, “None.”

Lingbi was dumbfounded: “Then, what are you going to do? Don’t be fooled by the current brother-sister act. If you don’t hand over the grain, Zhu Maosan won’t let you off! Just on the way back, he was telling his subordinates that once he gets the fifty thousand carts of grain, they would have a grand feast!”

“Is that so? Ah, this is really troublesome.” Zhen Wenjun wore a seemingly genuine worried expression on her face as she rode away with a clip-clop.

Lingbi angrily shouted, “Tomorrow, when that brute tries to wring your neck, I won’t lift a finger to save you!”

When the hundred thousand carts of grain were returned intact, Wang Jin’s already small eyes curved into crescents. He showered Zhen Wenjun with endless gratitude, calling her all sorts of respectful titles in a flurry of exaggerated thanks, looking as if he would tear down the roof out of sheer inability to find a way to repay her. He also expressed regret for deceiving her in various ways over the past few days.

Zhen Wenjun told him to cut the false pretenses and asked seriously, “Let me ask you, how much good farmland can a hundred and fifteen thousand taels of silver buy in Tajiang?”

Wang Jin replied, “A hundred and fifteen thousand taels can buy at least fifty thousand qing² of land. However, all the top-quality fields in Tajiang are in the hands of this old servant. The fertile fields with stable yields only amount to a thousand mu. If you want to buy land, young lady, you can only purchase medium or lower quality ones.”

Zhen Wenjun pressed further, “What is the potential yield of these medium and lower-quality lands?”

“They can produce, but they are not easy to cultivate and have relatively low yields.”

“With only a thousand mu of land, how did you accumulate a hundred thousand carts of grain? Are there other fields in the nearby counties around Tajiang?”

Wang Jin nodded and said, “The young lady is clever. South of Tajiang, beyond Jiguanshan, there are vast fields available. The soil is not fertile, but the land is cheap. I have already bought tens of thousands of qing. Originally, I planned to transport the hundred thousand carts of grain back to Nanya and then gather the remaining yield. If the young lady wishes to buy, I can transfer it to you and help you connect with the local county magistrate. The land transactions in Sudu are controlled by the county magistrate, and only by building good relationships with them can you acquire land.”

Zhen Wenjun cupped her hands and said, “Then I will entrust this matter to you, Lord Wang. I have five thousand taels here, please use it to compensate the families of those who fell from the cliff that day. As for Bu Jie’s theft of your grain carts, would you be willing to settle it with this?”

Wang Jin took the silver notes with a grin and said, “Willing, willing. Rest assured, young lady, I will certainly put my heart into purchasing this land for you.”

The next day, near noon, Lingbi noticed Zhen Wenjun taking a dagger with her as she went out to meet Zhu Maosan. She mocked her, saying, “So, now you know fear? If you beg me, perhaps I might save your little monkey life. Zhu Maosan’s skills are no match for mine.”

Zhen Wenjun teased her, “Sister Lingbi is truly tough on the outside but soft on the inside, always with sharp words but a tender heart, unwilling to see me in trouble.”

Lingbi spat, “Pah! Shameless! Who’s unwilling to see you in trouble?”

Laughing heartily, Zhen Wenjun rode out, with Lingbi and a few attendants following in a carriage behind her.

When they arrived at the inn in Tajiang City, Zhu Maosan indeed showed up as promised and greeted Zhen Wenjun warmly. Zhen Wenjun also reciprocated by calling each other brother and sister, exchanging drinks with him. After three rounds of wine, Zhu Maosan brought up the fifty thousand carts of grain: “The fifty thousand carts of grain awarded by Duke Wei, little sister, there’s no need for you to go through the trouble of delivering them. I brought people today; they can transport it back.”

Zhen Wenjun chuckled foolishly and said, “There is one more thing, and I don’t know how to tell you, big brother.”

Zhu Maosan responded cheerfully, “There’s nothing we can’t talk about as brother and sister; just speak your mind, little sister!”

Zhen Wenjun bowed to Zhu Maosan and spoke the truth: “In fact, I was ordered to come to Sudu to collect grain. I didn’t expect that old thief Wang Jin to plot against me, so I had no choice but to ask for your help to seek justice. I need to transport these fifty thousand carts of grain back to Da Yu and cannot give them to you. This situation is beyond my control. You have always been righteous and kind, big brother; I hope you can forgive me.”

Zhu Maosan’s face, reddened by the alcohol, remained calm for a moment as if he hadn’t comprehended what Zhen Wenjun was saying. Once he figured it out, he suddenly slammed the table, startling the other patrons in the inn, who all looked over. In his fury, he grabbed his battle-axe from a subordinate and smashed the wooden table in front of him into pieces with a single blow, spilling wine and meat everywhere. He roared, “You little wench dare to toy with your grandpa! Today, I’m taking those fifty thousand carts of grain, no matter what!”

Lingbi drew her sword and stepped forward, shouting, “Let’s see who dares to act recklessly!”

Several attendants also sprang to their feet, glaring angrily, and the atmosphere became tense, ready to explode at any moment. However, Zhen Wenjun remained unperturbed, holding her wine cup and calmly asked, “Oh, brother, brother, you are too hasty. You got angry before I finished speaking. Although I need to transport those fifty thousand carts of grain, you can enjoy an annual yield of thirty thousand carts from now on. In two years, that’s sixty thousand carts, enough to support the Annan army and even sell to local gentry for some extra wine money. But if you kill me here, the fifty thousand carts of grain already transported outside the city will be taken over by someone else, and you’ll end up with nothing. Surely, you understand the principle of teaching a man to fish rather than just giving him fish.”

“Thirty thousand carts every year? Where do you get so much grain?” Zhu Maosan questioned her.

“All the fertile land in Sudu has been bought and sold, leaving only some cheap, unwanted barren soil. However, like with warhorses, even the most barren land can produce grain if someone diligently cultivates it. I have already entrusted Wang Jin to buy fifty thousand qing of barren soil in the neighboring county. Although the land is not fertile, it is vast. I will hire experienced local tenants to farm it. Even if it doesn’t produce a hundred thousand carts annually, fifty thousand is still achievable. At that time, you, big brother, will take the lion’s share, enjoying the benefits without any effort. Isn’t that a wonderful deal?”

Having witnessed the young lady’s capabilities firsthand over the past few days, Zhu Maosan couldn’t help but believe her to some extent, though he still questioned, “You certainly won’t stay here. Once you leave, who will manage those tenants? Do you expect Old Zhu to do it?”

“No, no, no, I have already found a suitable candidate.” As soon as Zhen Wenjun said this, Lingbi glanced at her in surprise—you’re not talking about me, are you?

Zhu Maosan asked, “Who?”

“Bu Jie.”

“Him? How can he be trusted?”

Zhen Wenjun recounted to everyone what happened when Bu Jie came to see her last night.

After Bu Jie returned home, he found a doctor to treat his wife. The doctor prescribed several expensive medicines, and Bu Jie asked what illness his wife had and how long she could live. The doctor said that the lady’s illness was not serious; as long as the medicine was not interrupted, she should be fine after half a month’s rest.

This dose of medicine required ten taels of silver, and Bu Jie understood that without the two hundred taels given by Zhen Wenjun, his wife might not survive.

After settling everything at home and instructing his son to take good care of his mother, he took off his shirt, strapped on his long sword, and went to the inn where Zhen Wenjun was staying to apologize with a bundle of thorns³ on his back.

Seeing his unsightly appearance, Zhen Wenjun quickly asked him to get up and handed him a piece of clothing to cover his bony frame.

“I don’t need your apology. If you were to die, it would be a great loss of such rare talent. If you are willing, I have a tricky matter at hand that I can’t find a talented person to handle. I’m afraid you might find this task too small and feel wronged, thinking it a waste of your great talent.”

Bu Jie bowed to the ground and said, “The lady is wise and intelligent, possessing both grace and insight. Bu Jie is willing to serve the lady with utmost loyalty and dedication, using all his strength and knowledge!”

Zhen Wenjun then asked him to stay and manage the farmland, inquiring if he had any strategies for improving the soil. Bu Jie replied:

“The 《Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People》⁴ states: ‘Strengthen the weak soil and weaken the strong soil, with the key being to harmonize the soil.'”

Bu Jie was well-read and knowledgeable, able to speak eloquently on any topic he was asked about. Zhen Wenjun relayed Bu Jie’s words to Zhu Mao San. Although Zhu Mao San hadn’t read much, he had traveled extensively with the army over the years and found some sense in what Zhen Wenjun was saying.

Bu Jie was willing to work for her, becoming her first advisor, a decision Zhen Wenjun made when she initially began unraveling the situation’s complexities. The opportunity to leave Wei Tingxu’s side was rare, and she needed to seize the moment to establish her network and cultivate her own power. These people couldn’t be taken back with her, as Wei Tingxu was highly vigilant and wouldn’t allow unfamiliar individuals around her. Leaving them in Sudu to handle affairs was ideal, and Bu Jie was the perfect candidate. With meticulous planning, she won him over, ensuring future fertile lands and the discovery of her mother’s whereabouts.

Without telling anyone, Zhen Wenjun secretly instructed Bu Jie to search for her mother’s whereabouts in Da Yu during the less busy summer season. This was the most important task. Only by rescuing her mother could she free herself from others’ control. Bu Jie was exceptionally clever, and with his abilities, he might truly find a way to locate her mother.

After describing her mother’s physical characteristics to Bu Jie, he felt somewhat troubled. From Zhen Wenjun’s words, he sensed there were still some matters she was reluctant to discuss, but he didn’t press further and only promised to do his utmost to investigate.

Meanwhile, Zhu Maosan accepted Zhen Wenjun’s terms, insisting that the thirty thousand carts of grain must not be reduced. Relieved to rid herself of this major trouble, Zhen Wenjun, deeply grateful, took a step further to prevent him from changing his mind by proactively proposing to become sworn siblings:

“Brother Zhu and I have hit it off from the start and share the same ideals. Why don’t we swear an oath to become siblings of different surnames today?”

Lingbi nearly burst out laughing, thinking this mischievous monkey could indeed pull off anything.

As she spoke, Zhen Wenjun began preparing the pork, fish, eggs, and wine for the swearing ceremony, but Zhu Maosan pulled her back.

“Little girl, stop saying so much! The thirty thousand carts of grain is a matter for later. You deceived me first, and this anger is hard for Old Zhu to swallow, also making me lose face in front of my subordinates! If you can withstand three blows from my battle axe, I will be convinced and swear brotherhood with you. From then on, we will call each other siblings, swearing to the gods to live and die together! If you can’t take the blows, don’t blame Old Zhu for being ruthless!”

Zhen Wenjun didn’t hesitate at all. She shouted “Alright!” and, grabbing a soldier’s sword, stood tall and said, “Brother Zhu is a man of his word, a true hero! I’ll take your three blows!”

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1. Zhang (丈): A traditional Chinese unit of length, approximately equal to 3.3 meters (about 10.8 feet). Zhen Wenjun dodging “eight zhang” would mean she moved roughly 26 meters (around 86 feet) away.
2. Qing (顷): is a traditional Chinese unit of area measurement. One qing is roughly equivalent to 6.7 hectares (about 16.5 acres).
3. Bundle of Thorns: Carrying a bundle of thorns on one’s back while apologizing is a traditional Chinese gesture of deep remorse and repentance, symbolizing the person’s willingness to endure pain as a sign of their sincerity.
4. 《Essential Techniques for the Welfare of the People》: This refers to an ancient Chinese agricultural text, possibly alluding to the Qimin Yaoshu (齐民要术), a classic text on agriculture and rural life written during the Northern Wei Dynasty (6th century AD). It provided detailed instructions on farming techniques, soil management, and other agrarian practices.