Chapter 103: The Drunkard

At noon, Zhang Yue returned to the county town. Judging by the time, his elder brother was probably still busy at the shop on Chema Street. Zhang Yue thought it best not to return home immediately but to visit his brother at the shop first.

Upon arriving, he noticed business was somewhat slow. The snow on Xianxia Ridge had yet to melt, making the Jiangpu post road over the ridge difficult to traverse, so merchants were still few and far between.

A clerk greeted him with a smile, saying, “Third Young Master, welcome. What would you like to eat or drink?”

Zhang Yue asked, “Is my brother here?”

“The Second Young Master has been invited by Chief Xu and will return in about half an hour.”

Zhang Yue nodded and said, “Prepare some food.”

“Right away.”

The clerk busily wiped the tables.

Before long, he brought two dishes to Zhang Yue: one of fresh bamboo shoots and another of braised pork. The crisp bamboo shoots snapped satisfyingly between his teeth, and the braised pork, flavored with wine and soy sauce, was simply delicious.

The pork had been simmered slowly with wine and soy, while the bamboo shoots were stir-fried. When they first opened the eatery, Zhang Shi and Zhang Yue had to work hard to purchase a six-ear iron wok for cooking stir-fry dishes, spending dozens of strings of cash.

Next, the clerk served a bowl of hot soybean soup and several large steamed cakes. The warm soup comforted him, and biting into the fragrant, large homemade cakes was a delight.

Zhang Yue ate and drank heartily. Soon, a group of five arrived at the shop.

Looking up, Zhang Yue was struck by fate — it was none other than Huang Haoyi.

Huang Haoyi was momentarily surprised. “Third Young Master, what a coincidence.”

Zhang Yue smiled, “Indeed. Fourth Young Master, why are you heading out so soon? Why not stay home a few days?”

Huang Haoyi explained, “I heard from the teacher that the roads in Liangzhe have been unsafe these past years, with frequent robberies. This is my first journey far from home, so I arrived early in Pucheng to see if there were any merchants heading north, especially those bound for Bianjing.”

Zhang Yue nodded in understanding. “I’ll help you inquire about that, see if there’s a chance to travel together.”

Huang Haoyi smiled, “That would be best. I actually came to Pucheng to find you. I intended to visit your home, but fate brought us to meet here.”

“Of course. If you hadn’t come looking for me, I would have been quite annoyed.”

Huang Haoyi laughed.

Zhang Yue immediately asked the clerk to bring more food.

This time, Huang Haoyi was accompanied by a retainer, a young scholar’s attendant, and two county militia soldiers. The militia wore leather hats, each holding a short baton.

Zhang Yue recognized the hats as the distinctive Fanyang hats famously worn by Song soldiers. He recalled the classic scene in the Water Margin where Lin Chong wore such a hat with a spear balancing a wine gourd — an iconic moment.

Nowadays, the Fanyang hat was standard for militia troops, while iron helmets were reserved for the imperial guards.

The retainer and militia sat at another table, politely declining the invitation to join.

Soon, Zhang Shi and Chief Xu returned to the shop.

Zhang Yue rose with a smile, “Brother! Chief Xu!”

Zhang Shi immediately asked, “Third Brother is back. Has the academic officer promised you a chance to study in the capital?”

Zhang Yue nodded.

Zhang Shi was delighted. Chief Xu quickly congratulated them both, “Congratulations to Second Young Master, congratulations to Third Young Master.”

Zhang Shi proudly said, “Even though Second Brother was so talented, he was never recommended by the prefecture to attend the Imperial Academy, but you have made it.”

Zhang Yue replied, “Second Brother took the Jinshi examination, which is ten times harder. Besides, after arriving in the capital, I must take another exam to officially become a student of the Imperial Academy. If I fail, I’ll have to make the long journey back.”

Zhang Shi laughed, “Since they sent you to the capital, it won’t be a wasted trip.”

“Brother, this Fourth Young Master Huang is going to the capital with me. He’s taking the Jinshi exam.”

Zhang Yue introduced Huang Haoyi to his brother and Chief Xu.

After exchanging greetings, they all sat down again. Zhang Shi, hearing Huang was a prefectural scholar traveling with Zhang Yue, grew enthusiastic and called to the kitchen, “Bring three jin of mutton and a large bowl of fish soup! Quickly, quickly!”

He then paid extra for five or six jiao worth of wine from the neighboring tavern.

“Eat and drink as much as you like,” Zhang Shi said warmly.

The attendants and the militia at the other table also shared in the feast.

Huang Haoyi whispered to Zhang Yue, “Second Young Master is truly generous and hospitable, embodying the spirit of Lord Mengchang. No wonder he’s your elder brother.”

Zhang Yue asked, “Is Second Brother that carefree in the capital as well?”

Huang Haoyi replied, “From what your brother wrote, Lord Zhang is straightforward and generous, valuing righteousness over wealth.”

To friends, he is loyal; to family, the same? Zhang Yue inwardly scoffed.

“What are you two talking about?” Zhang Shi asked.

Zhang Yue didn’t mention Huang Haoyi’s family ties to his second brother and sister but said, “Fourth Young Master is worried about safety on the Liangzhe roads, so he came early to find merchants heading north.”

Chief Xu chuckled, “I thought so. Though the roads have been rough lately, bandits never harm scholars heading to the capital to take exams. Even bandits respect scholars; there was once a scholar who was embraced by bandits and made their leader.”

Everyone laughed.

Chief Xu added, “If you travel alone, it’s one thing, but if you follow merchants, and bandits target them, you might all suffer.”

Huang Haoyi said, “Chief Xu, times have changed. In the past, scholars traveling to the capital received official courier permits, with lodging and transport at post stations. Bandits wouldn’t dare harm them.”

“But now, we’re recommended by the county to attend the Imperial Academy. Those bandits don’t recognize us. Besides, Liangzhe has been unsafe. I heard recently of a scholar and his servants who were killed in the wild, robbed of their gold and silver, their heads cut off — no one knows who did it.”

Chief Xu was caught off guard by Huang’s sharp interjection and looked a bit embarrassed. If this had been anyone else, he might have thrown a drink in his face, but as they were scholars heading to the capital, he dared not provoke them.

He forced a smile, “Young Master Huang is right. It’s best to be cautious. On such a long journey, there will always be a few rogue bandits.”

As they ate, Huang Haoyi and his party found lodgings nearby.

Zhang Shi told Chief Xu, “The county assigned two militia to accompany Third Young Master to the capital. It’s best if they know him well. I’ve heard that those who don’t spend money end up with militia from the prison camp — such villains wouldn’t care for anyone on the road but instead act like tyrants.”

Chief Xu laughed, “That’s not the case. Those are just young and inexperienced. The higher-ups will deal with that. Besides, on Third Young Master’s account, who dares offend the future gentleman?”

Zhang Shi felt reassured and continued, “But I heard things have been chaotic in Liangzhe lately. Third Brother is only fourteen; I’m really worried about him traveling to the capital.”

Chief Xu thought for a moment and said, “I’ll find someone capable for you.”

Zhang Shi smiled, “That would be wonderful.”

Chief Xu hesitated, “But to be honest, I’ll have to find someone with a record.”

Zhang Shi’s face changed, “What do you mean?”

Chief Xu explained, “This man was once an arresting officer in Linzhou, skilled in martial arts. But for some unknown reason, he offended the previous prefect and was wrongly accused of being a fugitive due to drunken misconduct, then exiled to this county. The county magistrate here values his talent and has him assigned locally.”

“If you’re worried about Third Brother’s safety, speak to the magistrate of Peng County. He can arrange for the man to accompany him all the way to the capital and ensure his safety.”

Zhang Shi slapped his thigh, “Such a talent! If he can be lent to Third Brother, that’s perfect. I’ll go to the magistrate now and ask.”

He then instructed Zhang Yue, “Come with me to the Peng magistrate’s office.”

Zhang Yue agreed.

They hurried to Peng’s residence.

Zhang Shi greeted the magistrate, who laughed, “Is that not the Zhang family’s eldest son and Third Young Master? What brings you here in your leisure?”

Zhang Shi smiled, “Third Young Master has been recommended by the prefecture to the Imperial Academy. I came to bring good news.”

The magistrate laughed heartily and turned to Zhang Yue, “Good, good. Third Young Master has finally made something of himself.”

Zhang Yue smiled politely, standing aside as Zhang Shi spoke.

Zhang Shi said, “It was Supervisor Zhao who pressed matters. Without the Prefect’s support, Third Young Master wouldn’t be where he is today. Our Zhang family is forever grateful for this kindness.”

The magistrate smiled, “Don’t flatter me too much. You came not only to bring news but also for something else, didn’t you?”

Zhang Shi laughed, “I did bring good news, but I also request a man’s assistance from the Prefect.”

The magistrate smiled, “Everyone in the county obeys me except the Prefect. Who is this man?”

Zhang Shi named the man as instructed by Chief Xu.

The magistrate laughed, “Young Master Zhang has a good eye for talent. I’ve had to manage this man myself; if I lend him to you, who else can I use?”

Zhang Shi replied, “Everyone knows your Prefect has many talents. Since Third Young Master is going to the capital to study, he must have someone to protect him along the way. I ask your kindness in this matter.”

The magistrate smiled, “For Third Young Master’s sake, I will agree.”

He called for a soldier, “Where is Tang Jiu?”

The soldier answered, “He’s drinking in the corridor.”

“How long has he been drinking?”

“All day.”

Zhang Yue was taken aback — what did “all day” mean?

“Bring him here.”

The magistrate chuckled, “I’m willing to let him go, but whether Tang Jiu agrees to accompany you to the capital is another matter. Wait here.”

Zhang Shi and Zhang Yue sat, waiting.

Soon, a drunk man entered the hall. Without looking at Zhang Shi or Zhang Yue, he bowed to the magistrate.

The magistrate asked, “Tang Jiu, do you dare to go on official business to the capital?”

Tang Jiu replied, “I’m Tang Jiu. As long as there’s wine, I’d even go to Shamen Island.”

“Then ask them,” the magistrate said.

Tang Jiu glanced sideways at Zhang Shi and Zhang Yue.

Zhang Shi said, “Please protect my younger brother on this journey. We can discuss expenses.”

Tang Jiu asked, “Why go to the capital?”

“To take the Imperial Academy exam. The roads in Liangzhe are unsafe, so we need your protection.”

Tang Jiu said, “Fair enough. I don’t want any expenses. Just three bowls of wine before breakfast, three bowls after noon, three bowls at night, and three bowls during rest.”

Zhang Shi was shocked, “That’s twelve bowls of wine a day! How can you travel like that?”

Tang Jiu laughed, “I drink thirty to fifty bowls daily and still manage to kill bandits and catch thieves.”

Zhang Shi considered it and then said, “Alright, I accept your terms!”