Chapter 55: Does Anyone Else Have Something to Say?

"At the very least, one should be appointed as a county magistrate—never a mere deputy," remarked Gentleman Cao, offering his advice from the side as Yang Xuan prepared to leave, while Yi-niang tidied his hair from behind. The first light of dawn illuminated Yang Xuan’s profile; he made his decision without hesitation.

"Right now, becoming a magistrate is beyond my reach," he replied. For a Chief of Constables to assume the position directly would be no mere promotion—it would be a snare.

"I understand," Cao Ying admitted, a trace of unease in his voice. "I simply worry."

"You’re concerned this venture might fail?" Yang Xuan had long seen that Cao Ying lacked resoluteness.

"Yes," Cao Ying did not conceal it. "There are so few of us. I… truly feel uncertain."

"But I am certain," Yang Xuan said, rising. Yi-niang tugged at his back hem, straightened it, then stepped in front to inspect him. Satisfied, she declared, "My lord, you are the very picture of elegance."

"I’m off," Yang Xuan turned. "Yi-niang, be careful at home alone today."

"I know," she replied.

Neither spoke it aloud, but both knew whom to be wary of.

"It’s said He Huan is on the brink of madness," Cao Ying commented as he accompanied Yang Xuan outside. "Two consecutive heads of his guards have been killed—the second lost his head in a brothel, no less! Now rumors abound that the He clan has incurred Heaven’s wrath—ha!"

"Come now, Old Cao, a little decorum," Yang Xuan admonished.

"Yes, yes," Cao replied. Old Rogue was leading the horses, but Wang the Second’s mount was unruly, stamping and neighing.

"Ha! Hahaha!" Old Rogue burst out, clutching his belly. "You foolish lad, this is a horse—you must soothe it, stroke it, gently, gently, like you would a—"

Wang the Second had been grinning foolishly, but after the horse lashed out with a hoof, his temper flared. He pressed down with both hands.

The horse shuddered, its eyes still defiant.

"Hmm?" Wang the Second applied more force.

The steed’s cry now held a different note…

"How did he calm it so?" Cao Ying stared, dumbfounded as Wang the Second tamed the beast.

Wang the Second released his grip, and the horse nuzzled him with its face.

Old Rogue shook his head. "Never seen anyone train a horse like that. If the lord orders you to subdue a skilled fighter one day, will you use the same method?"

"I’d still fight," Wang the Second replied, mounting up.

"Fight?"

"Yes!"

"And if you kill him?"

"I’ll just go catch another for our lord," Wang the Second said simply.

Old Rogue shuddered.

"He’s just talking nonsense, right?" Cao Ying asked, tongue clicking.

Old Rogue shook his head. "This one is stubborn to the bone."

When they reached Wannian County, Zhao Guolin and Wen Xinshu were overjoyed.

"You both look as if you’ve been bullied like young maidens," Yang Xuan teased as he sat.

Zhao Guolin sighed, hesitated to speak, but Wen Xinshu’s eyes reddened. "While you were recuperating, Chief Yang, there were rumors in the county offices that you’d be promoted to one of the Six Ministries after your recovery. Some wanted to succeed you as Chief of Constables, but feared Old Zhao would be chosen, so they’ve been making trouble, spreading slander about Old Zhao."

Yang Xuan rolled his neck, the long convalescence having left his blood sluggish.

"Who?" he asked.

"Shang Qin!"

"Shang Qin… I recall he’s with Qiu’s bureau, isn’t he?"

"Yes."

Yang Xuan stood. "Old Zhao, make me some tea. I’ll be right back."

He left the office, seeking his target.

"Where is Shang Qin?"

"Greetings, Chief Yang!" The clerks were more courteous now, knowing he’d recently achieved great merit and would surely be rewarded by the high and mighty.

"Shang Qin, Chief Yang seeks you!" someone called out helpfully.

"Who?" In the row of offices, someone answered from the left.

"Chief Yang!"

Clerks, of course, did not each have their own office, but worked together in clusters. A young clerk stepped out.

Shang Qin emerged, smiling and bowing. "Chief Yang, what an honor."

Yang Xuan did not return the salute. Sensing the tension, those around whispered, "Shang Qin’s been giving Zhao Guolin and his lot a hard time lately, berating them for sport. Chief Yang must be here to warn him."

Under everyone’s gaze, Yang Xuan asked, "Who oversees the Constables?"

Shang Qin paused. "Naturally, that would be you, Chief Yang."

Yang Xuan narrowed his eyes. "Then why do you interfere?"

Shang Qin chuckled awkwardly. "You misunderstand, Chief Yang. Since you’ve been recuperating, Zhao Guolin and the others have grown lax. I was kindly helping you discipline them—"

Yang Xuan’s expression was calm. "When did it become your place to discipline my men?"

Shang Qin’s face darkened. "Chief Yang, I meant well. Even Assistant Prefect Qiu himself approved—"

Trying to invoke authority.

Even if Yang Xuan resented him, with Qiu’s backing, what could he do?

Someone muttered, "Yang Xuan’s in a bind now."

Tang Xiaonian was about to step in as a peacemaker when Yang Xuan suddenly moved forward.

With a wave of his hand—smack!

Yang Xuan withdrew his hand; Shang Qin clutched his face in disbelief.

"I discipline you on behalf of Assistant Prefect Qiu; I doubt he would object," Yang Xuan declared.

No one expected Yang Xuan to strike him. The silence was suffocating.

Arrogant!

A Chief of Constables daring to challenge Qiu’s bureau—what arrogance!

Shang Qin’s face flushed, the pain secondary to the shame; he lost all reason and kicked out.

Yang Xuan backhanded him down, wiped his shoe on Shang Qin’s clothes with disdain, and sneered, "You? Worthy?"

Behind him, Zhao Guolin and Wen Xinshu were moved to tears.

The incident was soon reported to Qiu’s bureau.

Qiu received the news impassively. "He’s young. Impulsive."

But soon, word of Yang Xuan’s arrogance was everywhere.

Zhao Guolin offered no words of thanks, not even remembering the usual custom of treating one to a meal. Wen Xinshu, however, shouted in delight.

"Prepare to come out with me," Yang Xuan ordered. After being cooped up at home, he was like a tiger released from its cage.

"A caged tiger at the zoo is fat and lazy," Zhuque quipped, "It won’t even bother swatting at people right in front of it—completely dulled by overfeeding. Your metaphor’s off."

"I’ve hunted real tigers," Yang Xuan replied.

"Never mind, then," Zhuque conceded to the tiger-slayer.

Outside, Zhao Guolin finally murmured, "My gratitude knows no bounds. But Chief Yang, now everyone will call you arrogant."

"For my brothers’ sake, let them," Yang Xuan replied calmly.

"You sly old fox," Zhuque jeered, "Just like that, you’ve won over both Zeng Gongliang and Wen Xinshu."

Leaving the offices, they found Cao Ying waiting outside.

Cao Ying, upon hearing what had happened, seemed troubled.

Yang Xuan rode slowly, and Cao Ying sidled up to him. "My lord, such a reputation for arrogance is not a good thing."

Yang Xuan replied coolly, "If a Chief of Constables who just saved the Imperial Consort behaves as meekly as an old pensioner, what do you think people would say?"

"They’d think you aim for something far greater," Cao Ying reined in his horse. Old Rogue caught up. "Why the flush, Master Cao? Have your eyes set on a lady, perhaps? Come, let me read your fortune."

At Pingkang Ward, Yang Xuan found a tavern and entered.

"This place is reserved for today," Wen Xinshu announced, flashing the Constables’ badge. Turning back, he said, "Chief Yang, this way, please."

As Yang Xuan sat, the nervous tavern owner hovered nearby.

"You will be paid every coin for what we use. And for the inconvenience to your other patrons—Jia Ren," Yang Xuan called.

Old Rogue stepped forward with bowed head and hands respectfully clasped. "At your service, my lord."

Yang Xuan pointed to the owner. "Give him fifty coins as rent for today. Drinks are extra."

"Thank you, Chief Yang!" The owner beamed and hurried out, singing his praises. "Other constables come and eat for free, and who dares ask them for money? But Chief Yang is so generous—mark my words, he’ll go far!"

When the owner had gone, Yang Xuan called, "Old Zhao!"

Seated with poise, his gaze fell on Zhao Guolin.

"Here!"

Zhao Guolin stepped forward, spear in hand.

"Summon our informants among the local ruffians. Tell them I invite them to drink today."

"Understood!" Zhao Guolin left at once.

Yang Xuan sipped his tea, gaze deep and contemplative.

"Let’s play something rousing for you—‘Victory’. Old Rogue will be so fired up he’ll want you to ride him into battle," Zhuque muttered, and rousing music burst forth.

Yang Xuan’s brow twitched as he glanced at the solemn Old Rogue.

The local ruffians arrived.

"Greetings, Chief Yang!"

"Chief Yang, may you ever triumph!"

After their disorderly salutations, Cao Ying called, "Silence!"

No one listened; these ruffians were used to unruliness and continued to flatter Yang Xuan noisily.

"Quiet," Yang Xuan said.

The room fell silent—except for one bare-chested youth who kept rambling.

Yang Xuan tapped the table with his finger.

Bang!

A shadow flashed; the youth flew against the far wall and slid down.

Wang the Second returned to his place as if nothing had happened.

Yang Xuan smiled at the remaining ruffians.

"Anyone else with something to say?"

The tavern was so quiet, one could hear a pin drop.