Chapter 40: Change Your Number and Marry a Younger Wife

  "Xiao Ren Chen Xin pays respects to Lord Du (note 1)." Chen Xin shouted loudly, kneeling on the ground, his knees aching from being scraped against the stone pavement, cursing in his heart this damned feudal system.

  Newly appointed Governor Sun Guozhen sat upright, his expression solemn as he looked at Chen Xin and Song Wenxian kneeling before him, not calling them to rise. Yesterday, after meeting with Lord Zhong, the two had taken a bird boat back to their ship, which had docked overnight and unloaded its silver cargo, escorted by Lord Zhong's men. This morning, they had exchanged the silver for silver certificates at a money shop in Dengzhou City. In the afternoon, Lord Zhong brought them to Governor Sun's office.

  "Listen to what Baisan has to say, you two have something to report to me, speak quickly." Baisan was the courtesy name of that Mr. Zhong, who was standing beside him with a smile.

  A new voice sounded: "Report to General Sun, we two are military and civilian officials from Dengzhou. A few days ago, we took a merchant ship to Tianjin and encountered a suspicious fishing boat at sea off the coast of Dengzhou. After intercepting it, we captured a fine-looking slave who was carrying out espionage activities. Under interrogation, he revealed that his master was extremely cunning and not only led the main army to invade Ningjin but also sent spies by way of Liaohai to infiltrate Dengzhou, bringing silver money to gather intelligence and wait for an opportunity to burn our grain supplies. The little people on the ship intercepted the spy's silver money, nearly 10,000 taels, and were initially hesitant. Fortunately, Mr. Song on the same boat enlightened us about the greater good. Mr. Song said that General Sun is not only a literary star but also a martial star, and this time, he relied on his divine strategy to win a thousand miles away and save countless lives of the Ming people. The little people were deeply moved and suddenly awakened, so they specially brought the intercepted silver money to present to General Sun for disposal. Unfortunately, the spy took advantage of our unpreparedness and jumped into the sea to die, and his body was not found."

  Song Wenxian listened with his head down, while Chen Xin asked to speak first in front of the governor on the boat, trying to catch the wind of Ningjin's great victory and get promoted to a higher position. Otherwise, what's the use of just joining the army? Hearing Chen Xin's flattering words, Song Wenxian secretly cursed in his heart: "Thick-skinned indeed."

  "Almost ten thousand?" Mr. Sun's face was calm and unruffled, still sitting upright with a serious expression. Chen Xin's words were full of loopholes, but everyone was a skilled actor, and they didn't need to be too strict when acting in domestic blockbusters that weren't too demanding, as long as the box office was good. Now the box office was already in front of them, as long as everyone cooperated, it wouldn't be too difficult to put on a good show.

  Soon, in order to help the male lead get box office success as soon as possible, the second male lead, Zhong Daren, came out to play a supporting role: "Fu Tai Daren, this Chen Xin is actually a substitute for the small flag of Weihaiwei, and has no real job. He usually does some small business, often going back and forth between Tianjin and Dengzhou, and occasionally goes to other places. He has a patriotic heart, and this time he also captured the thief Jian Nu's accomplice. After verification by his subordinates, it is confirmed that this is true. However, as for the silver money, I dare not take charge of it myself, so please let the superior handle it."

  Sun Gongzi had a calm and composed expression: "The Jianghu is far away, but I don't forget about national affairs. My great Ming has such loyal and brave warriors, why worry that the Jian Nu won't be destroyed? Please get up, both of you."

  Chen Xin finally got rid of his awkwardness and stood up.

  "White Mountain, please take a seat."

  Mr. Sun finished speaking, and Chen Xin and Song Wenxian sat down on the right side, with Chen Xin originally sitting full, seeing Song Wenxian like a young daughter-in-law seeing her parents-in-law, only hanging one corner of his buttocks on the chair, and then looking at Mr. Zhong who also only sat half, so he had to move out some, and in his heart, another round of scolding.

  Chen Xin stole a glance at Sun Guozhen, who had a peacock emblem on his chest, indicating that he was already a third-rank civil official of the Ming dynasty and a provincial governor. Even Mao Wenlong, a first-rank military officer, would only have to kowtow to him. As a provincial governor, Sun Guozhen's actual position was usually Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Office of Scrutiny, a third-rank official. The title of provincial governor was just his job title and did not carry any rank in itself. He wielded significant military, political, and administrative power over his jurisdiction. Provincial governors were relatively fixed in some places, while others were established or abolished as circumstances dictated.

  Although Deng Lei is not a large place, it governs the East River and is an important direction for fighting against Houjin. It's easy to make achievements, and the amount of silver money that passes through every year is also considerable, which can be considered as a real power holder. If this position is done well, the official path behind will still be good.

  "Your Excellency, this Song Wenxian was originally a clerk under Lord Li, and is well-versed in both literary and financial matters. He also made significant contributions to the capture of these pirates at sea."

  "Hmm." Sun Guo Zhen nodded slightly, indicating that he had heard. "The two of them have made a great contribution to the victory of Ningjin, so don't forget to report their merits when you report your achievements, Bai Shan."

  "Yes, I will definitely remember their contributions in intercepting and killing the enemy." The conversation between the two had already omitted the 10,000 taels.

  Chen Xin was delighted to hear this. Yesterday, he had said that he wanted to join the military register, and Lord Zhong, considering the 8,000 taels of silver, had already agreed to let him ride on the coattails of the Ningjin victory. The enemy had retreated on June 5th, and now in early July, the reporting and verification of merits were still not completed on the Dengzhou side. At this time, a single military household registration was worthless, and there were many people with names but no registered households on the yellow register, like cow hair. Lord Zhong could find someone to add a small military flag for him on the yellow register, and no one would go to verify it. Reporting merits and capturing spies was not conspicuous either. Lord Zhong had promised that this time he would promote him to trial hundred household, and soon he would be an official himself.

  The governor has already agreed, and the silver is open to negotiation. Since Song Wenxian wants to give gifts, he can't get a share of the silver, so he'll just take some interest instead. What's left to discuss is the maritime trade, Chen Xin now thinks that doing business with them isn't actually a loss, Zhao Dong's family thinks it's a loss because they only need money.

  A gift of 10,000 taels is not often seen even in the capital. Sun Guozhen naturally knew that it was not just this, and looking at Master Zhong, he asked: "Chen Xin is a remnant of the Weihai Army, so where is Mr. Song now?"

  "Your Excellency, Governor Song Xian's family is in Dengzhou. After Director Li left, he wanted to return home and farm. I, as a humble official, dare to recommend him to Your Excellency for the country's need of talent."

  Song Wenxian knelt down on the ground with a thud: "Originally, I had planned to return to farming, but after encountering pirates at sea this time, I realized that Jian Nu was cruel and couldn't be alone in his good deeds. I am willing to do my best to assist Master Du in eliminating Jian Nu. But I'm afraid of being inexperienced and shallow, and it's hard to enter the eyes of a great man."

  Master Zhong chimed in from the side: "These two originally did some business, trading in Weihai, Dengzhou, Tianjin and other places. Occasionally they would go to Jiangnan once, and their gains were considerable. In recent years, they had been rescued by my Dengzhou naval forces several times, and admired your integrity, willing to take out a few tenths of their profits each year to support military expenses."

  Sun Xun heard that the naval forces and numbers were profitable, and he already knew what they were asking for. This matter was not difficult to handle, it was just a matter of providing convenience in his own jurisdiction, each taking what they needed. A smile appeared on his face: "Mr. Song is too modest, I trust White Mountain's vision, I understand the intentions of you two, but remember that not only should you respect this official, but also always keep in mind to share worries for me and the Emperor."

  "Yes, I remember."

  Sun Xunfu continued: "Since Mr. Song has great talent and Bai Shan has recommended him, I invite Mr. Song to take up the post of managing the Dengzhou coastal defense funds."

  "Thanks to your gracious favor, I will devote myself to my duties and exhaust all my strength until death."

  "Chen Xin, you are a small flag of Weihaiwei, this time you have made achievements, and it is certain that you will be promoted to Baishi."

  "The subordinate is present."

  "Such a loyal and righteous man should be promoted and actually appointed, otherwise it would disappoint the hearts of all the people in the world who value loyalty."

  "Gentlemen, rest assured, this matter will be handled by me. Once the imperial reward is bestowed, I will take care of it myself."

  Mr. Sun expressed his attitude, and the matter was settled. He didn't ask where the 10,000 taels of silver were, and with a gentle gesture, he lifted his teacup with his right hand. Mr. Zhong and Song Xian immediately stood up, and Chen Xin also followed hastily.

  "We won't disturb Lord Fu's handling of official business then. Farewell."

  "Alright, I have other matters to attend to, so I won't see you off far, farewell."

  A man with the appearance of a steward came in: "Master."

  Sun Guozhen said to Chen Xin and the others: "This is Xu Sheng, who handles matters in my mansion. If there's anything important in the future, you can look for him directly."

  The three of them exchanged greetings with Xu, the steward, a seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister's gate, and also not a small figure in front of the governor's gate. Steward Xu was still quite affable and returned their greetings one by one.

  "Xu Guanshi, you act on behalf of this official to send off Mr. Zhong and the two gentlemen."

  "Yes, sir." With that, he beckoned with his hand and invited the few people to go first. The three of them bowed again to Sun and then backed out.

  Master Zhong walked ahead with his head held high, while Song Wenxian seemed to be intentionally walking slowly, creating a distance between them. As they exited the second hall and entered the main hall, Song Wenxian fell back beside Xu Guan Shi. Chen Xin knew he was going to hand over the silver note to Xu Guan Shi, as adults never collected money themselves. Without stopping, he quickly walked into the main hall.

  After a while, he turned back and took a quick glance, only to see Song Wenxian standing next to Xu Guan Shi, Xu Guan Shi took out the silver ticket and looked at it, nodded, and Song Wenxian stretched out his right hand again, with his sleeve covering Xu Guan Shi's hand, shaking it twice. Then Xu Guan Shi showed a warm smile on his face.

  Chen Xin turned his head to the main hall and waited, taking out a ten-tael silver ingot from his bosom. After a while, the two men came out, and Chen Xin also pretended to thank him, learning from Song Wenxian's example, and handed over the silver ingot from his sleeve.

  Xu Guanshi smiled like a flower and called the two men brothers, sending them off all the way to the Zhào bì wall before reluctantly bidding them farewell.

  Master Zhong bid farewell to the two at the door and instructed Chen Xin to wait for news of Guan Shen in Tianjin. Chen Xin agreed. As for the matter of going out to sea later, it would take at least a few more months, so they could discuss it slowly.

  After Master Zhong left, the two of them stood at the entrance of the Provincial Governor's Office for a moment. Chen Xin looked at the tall military gate and the black deer horns on both sides, and smiled at Song Wenxian: "So Mr. Song is on duty here, it really makes me envy."

  The two men had been working together for a long time and their relationship was already very close. Song Wenxian smiled and said, "It's just a big courtyard, what's there to envy?" After finishing speaking, he led the way walking towards the outside of the city.

  Chen Xin followed him and said: "The governor has arranged for you to be in charge of the maritime defense funds from Dengzhou to Tianjin, what kind of position is this."

  "It's just a useless position, the naval funds are nothing but a small change, it's not like it's the funds of Dongjiang Town, he's just giving me a title, but having this position does make it convenient for me to travel around, after all, I can meddle with the naval funds a bit, those guards will have to give me some face, Governor Fu must have thought of it that way."

  Chen Xin clasped his hands and said: "In that case, congratulations are in order for Mr. Song."

  Song Wenxian smiled and waved his hand: "You and I don't need to be so polite, although we have a place to settle down now, but Master Sun has his own team, we newcomers are just for show. Congratulations to you, brother, on your promotion to hundred households."

  "Mr. Song knew very well what kind of thing that hundred-household military registration was, but he was just teasing his brother."

  "How could I have dared, how could I have dared? Originally, I thought you were not attached to the register and could only collect money after being promoted, but now Lord Zhong directly gave you a small flag, and after making contributions and being rewarded, when you become a trial hundred households, if you want to pay for promotion to become a thousand households, it will only take two or three hundred taels, which saves more than a thousand taels here."

  Chen Xin only then realized the difference between them, more than a thousand taels was not a small amount, and this Master Zhong seemed to be quite reasonable, taking money but also doing things.

  He was just satisfied, only to see Song Wenxian with a bad smile: "However, there is one thing that Brother Chen is not worthy of congratulations."

  "What's strange?" Chen Xin asked.

  "Can the Chen brothers know the two great joys of promotion?"

  "Get rich, die of old age."

  Song Wenxian sneered at the center and said, "No, there are two happy things to get promoted: change a title and marry a little one. It's just that you want to change a word number that is useful in the officialdom, and also take in a considerate little concubine. Unfortunately, Brother Chen has no title to change, nor even a big wife, so both are gone. Haha!"

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  Note 1: In the Ming Dynasty, ordinary people called the Governor as "Dugong", and other officials also had their own titles, such as county officials being called "Xianggong" or "Fumu".