Volume Two: Winds Stir in Anxi Prefecture Chapter 141: Tomb Robbing and Grave Digging

The position of Prefect is one of immense power, coveted by countless individuals. Many are likely waiting for an opportunity to pull the current Prefect from his pedestal and seize the position for themselves. This was exactly what worried Prefect Xu. Even if he remained in power today, who could guarantee tomorrow?

"Is the Prefect truly the only one backing you?" the Master of the Pavilion asked with a chuckle. "What about the official in the Capital Prefecture?"

"What?" Prefect Xu was stunned, his face etched with disbelief. That official in the Capital Prefecture was his ultimate trump card, his greatest reliance. Yet, he had kept this connection strictly confidential. How could the Master of the Pavilion possibly know? Realizing he had betrayed his composure, Xu quickly regained his composure and offered a strained smile. "The Master is joking. I have visited the Capital Prefecture only a handful of times; how could I possibly have connections there?"

"Every year, nearly thirteen thousand taels of gold vanish from your ledgers. Three thousand are offered to the Prefect, but the remaining ten thousand you send away—do you truly not know who receives them? Why bother asking me?" The Master remained calm and composed, as if he knew everything.

"May I ask, Master, have you planted spies in my residence?" Prefect Xu asked, furious. As a Prefect, the thought that someone had eyes on him without his knowledge was infuriating. He began calculating in his mind, desperate to root out the mole.

The Master only smiled without answering, effectively confirming the suspicion.

"Cough... Since you already know, I will not hide it," Prefect Xu said. "He is indeed my support, but he alone cannot facilitate this. I wish to borrow your influence to attain that position."

"The position of Prefect?" The Master mocked. "You are overreaching! Do you think that is even possible?"

"Man proposes, God disposes!" Despite the mockery, Prefect Xu did not take offense, speaking with solemnity instead.

"You think too highly of yourself, and perhaps too highly of me. The post of Prefect is that of a true regional viceroy. The Great Zhou Dynasty has thirty-six prefectures and one hundred and eight counties; these are all critical positions." The Master waved his hand dismissively. "You are already a Prefect of one of those one hundred and eight counties; why must you wade into these muddy waters? One wrong step, and you will not only fail to gain the position, but you might also lose the one you currently hold. Seeking me out for this is useless. Return home. If you wish to see me again regarding this matter, there is no need."

"I am rooted in Anxi County, and so are you," Prefect Xu persisted, unwilling to give up. "If I can ascend to the position of Prefect, I will be an asset to you in the future. We can rely on each other."

"See him out!" the Master commanded.

Prefect Xu still wanted to speak, but a servant stepped forward. "Prefect Xu, please. The Master will not see any more guests."

"Hmph!" Prefect Xu flicked his sleeve and departed immediately.

...

When Lu Jiuzhang woke, it was already noon. He gathered Bai Xiaosu, the big black dog, and the one-armed ruffian, intending to dine on the first floor. As they descended, he saw a servant leading a dark-faced, middle-aged man toward the exit. The man radiated an air of authority; he was clearly a figure of some importance. Lu Jiuzhang didn't give it much thought and entered the dining hall.

The big black dog glanced at the menu prices and immediately began to grumble, "Damn it, this is highway robbery!"

"Don't be so impulsive; it makes us look like we're from the sticks. Be composed. Maintain your poise even if Mount Tai collapses before you," Lu Jiuzhang reminded him. "Whether you are a man or a dog, you must have self-restraint."

Lu Jiuzhang followed the dog's gaze to the menu... "What the hell? This expensive?" The most expensive dish cost several hundred taels of gold. The four of them had stayed at the Yingtian Restaurant for half a month for only sixty taels of gold. The most expensive dish, at one hundred and eight taels of gold, was equivalent to over one hundred thousand taels of silver. It was absurdly pricey.

After browsing for a quarter of an hour, Lu Jiuzhang selected a few vegetable dishes and some staples. Even these cost five hundred taels of silver. It was daylight robbery! Half a tael of gold was gone just like that.

...

The service was agonizingly slow, and Lu Jiuzhang grew bored. Fortunately, there were other guests in the lobby, likely sheltering from the outside world. At one table sat a man alone, looking dejected, drinking in silence.

Another table was much livelier, and their conversation was rather peculiar. "Everyone, our silver is almost gone. We need to find an opportunity to pull another job," one said.

"Heh, I’ve already picked the spot. It’s a bit difficult, though. The three or four of us definitely can't do it alone. We need to recruit more."

"Recruit? That’s harder. It’s an act that invites divine retribution and leaves one without heirs. I doubt many would dare."

"Heh, what’s there to be afraid of? We entered this business for money, didn't we? Wealth corrupts the heart. When you've been poor enough, you'll dare to do anything!"

They spoke loudly, not caring who heard them.

"Young man!" One of the shifty-eyed men noticed Lu Jiuzhang glancing their way. "Are you interested in joining us? We can get rich together. One job is enough to live comfortably for three years."

"At the very least, we'll earn several hundred, maybe even thousands of taels of gold," the man added with a grin.

"Damn, what kind of business is that? So profitable? Even this divine beast is tempted," the big black dog asked.

"Tsk, tsk, even a demon beast can join. We'll share the spoils," the shifty-eyed man said. "Since you can afford to stay at the Yingtian Restaurant, you must have run into trouble. But this place is worth its weight in gold; how long can your silver last? Better to join us. You lot look capable enough."

The big black dog grew excited. "Well, what is this business then?"

"Heh, grave robbing!" the man replied.

Lu Jiuzhang felt a chill run down his spine. He had absolutely no interest in such things. It was truly a cursed profession.

"Heh, don't be so nervous, young man. We don't touch the dangerous, ancient tombs. We only dig up the ancestral graves of corrupt officials. There’s plenty of good stuff buried in those! Take our Prefect Xu, for instance—we dug up his second uncle's grave. It made him grind his teeth in rage, but what could he do? Since we've hidden here in the Yingtian Restaurant, we're safe and sound, aren't we?"