Chapter 99: Vicious Servants Break the Rules to Uphold the Prefect's Dignity; The Old Uncle Reads the Gazette and Fears for His Safety

Having received a command to observe official integrity, the wicked servants break the rules together; reading the Peking Gazette, the old uncle is startled.

Jia Mu and Aunt Xue were grieving over Daiyu when Xifeng said, “I have a joke to tell the old lady and Aunt.” Before she could begin, she started laughing herself, then said, “Does the old lady or Aunt know what this joke is about? It’s about our two new young gentlemen and brides.” Jia Mu asked, “What happened?” Xifeng gestured with her hands as she said, “One sits like this, and the other stands like that. One twists this way, the other turns that way. One again…” At this point, Jia Mu burst out laughing and said, “Do speak properly! It’s not those two as a couple—you’re the one making people unable to bear it.” Aunt Xue also laughed and said, “Go on straight, and stop with the gestures.” Only then did Xifeng continue: “Just now I went to Brother Bao’s room and saw several people laughing. I wondered who it was, so I peeked through the crack in the window. It turned out Sister Bao was sitting on the edge of the kang, and Brother Bao was standing on the floor. Brother Bao was pulling Sister Bao’s sleeve, calling out again and again, ‘Sister Bao, why won’t you speak? If you say just one sentence, my illness will surely be completely cured.’ But Sister Bao twisted her head away and kept dodging. Brother Bao made a bow, then stepped forward and pulled at Sister Bao’s clothes. Sister Bao, flustered, tugged back, and Brother Bao—naturally weak on his feet after his illness—lurched forward and fell right onto Sister Bao. Sister Bao, red-faced with anxiety, said, ‘You’re even less respectful than before.’” At this, Jia Mu and Aunt Xue both laughed. Xifeng added, “Brother Bao then stood up and laughed, saying, ‘Good thing I took that fall—it finally got you to speak!’” Aunt Xue laughed and said, “That’s just Baochai being peculiar. What’s the harm? Since they’re already a couple, what’s there to fear in chatting and laughing? She hasn’t seen how it is with her Second Brother Lian and you.” Xifeng laughed and said, “What do you mean by that? I go out of my way to tell jokes to amuse Aunt, and instead Aunt turns around and teases me.” Jia Mu also laughed and said, “It should be like this. A husband and wife must indeed be harmonious, but there should also be a sense of propriety. What I love about Baochai is this very respectfulness. But I worry that Baoyu is still that silly, foolish boy. From what you say, though, he seems much more sensible than before. Tell me, is there any other joke?” Xifeng said, “Tomorrow, when Baoyu’s wedding is consummated, and the dear relative’s wife holds a grandson, won’t that be an even bigger joke?” Jia Mu laughed and said, “You little monkey! Here I am, with Aunt, thinking of your Sister Lin, and you come to cheer us up with a joke—that’s fine—but how dare you get cheeky? You don’t want us to think of your Sister Lin, but don’t be too pleased. Your Sister Lin resents you. In the future, don’t go alone into the Garden, or she might grab you and not let go.” Xifeng laughed and said, “She doesn’t resent me. Before she died, she gnashed her teeth and hated Baoyu instead.” Jia Mu and Aunt Xue, hearing this, thought it was just a joke and paid no heed, saying, “Don’t talk nonsense. Go and have them pick a very auspicious day outside for your Brother Bao to consummate the marriage.” Xifeng left, chose a lucky day, and once again set out wine, had plays performed, and invited relatives and friends. That is no further concern of ours.

Now, although Baoyu had recovered from his illness and was restored to health, when Baochai sometimes felt cheerful and would open a book to read or discuss things, Baoyu could still remember things he saw daily, but his quick-wittedness was far from what it used to be—even he himself could not understand it. Baochai knew it was because the Magic Jade had been lost. It was Xiren who often said to him, “Why have you forgotten all your former cleverness? It would be good if you forgot those old bad habits, but why is your temper still the same, and you’re even more confused about principles?” Baoyu, upon hearing this, was not angry but just giggled. Sometimes Baoyu acted willfully and made trouble, but thanks to Baochai’s admonitions, he restrained himself a little in various matters. Xiren thus had less to say and devoted herself solely to attentive service. The other maids, who had always admired Baochai’s chastity, serenity, and gentleness, were all content and remained quiet. Only Baoyu, who loved activity and disliked stillness, often wanted to go strolling in the Garden. Jia Mu and the others, on one hand, feared he might catch a chill or heatstroke, and on the other, worried that seeing the sights might stir old feelings. Although Daiyu’s coffin had been temporarily placed in a temple outside the city, the Xiaoxiang Pavilion still stood—the person gone, the house remaining—and it might easily trigger his old illness, so they did not allow him to go. Moreover, among the female relatives and cousins, Xue Baoqin had already returned to Aunt Xue’s side; Shi Xiangyun, because the Marquis of Shi had returned to the capital, had been taken home and had a wedding date set, so she did not come often—only on the day Baoyu married and once during the wedding feast, and both times she stayed at Jia Mu’s place. Since Baoyu was now a married man and she herself was about to be married, she no longer joked or chatted freely as before; even when she came, she only talked with Baochai and merely exchanged greetings with Baoyu. As for Xing Xiuyan, after Yingchun’s marriage, she had moved with Lady Xing; the Li sisters also lived elsewhere, and even when they came with Aunt Li, they only paid respects to the ladies and sisters, then returned to Li Wan’s place for a day or two before leaving. Thus, the only ones left in the Garden were Li Wan, Tanchun, and Xichun. Jia Mu had intended to move Li Wan and the others inside, but after the death of the Imperial Consort Yuan, family affairs came one after another, and there was no time for this. Now the weather was growing hotter day by day, and the Garden was still livable; they could move in the autumn. That is a matter for later and need not be mentioned now.

Meanwhile Jia Zheng, accompanied by several secretaries he had engaged in the capital, traveled by day and lodged by night, until one day he reached his province. After calling upon his superiors, he proceeded at once to his post to take up the seal and assume his official duties, and then began to inspect the granaries of the various prefectures and counties under his jurisdiction. Jia Zheng had always served as an official in the capital, where he only knew the routine affairs of a director of a board to be cut-and-dried matters. Even when he was appointed to an outside post, it had originally been as a commissioner of education, which had nothing to do with local administration. Therefore, although he had heard others talk about the abuses in the provinces, where prefects and magistrates extorted from the people when collecting grain, he had never experienced them himself. He was solely intent on being a good official, so he consulted with his secretaries, posted notices strictly forbidding such practices, and warned that once discovered, the culprits would certainly be reported in detail and impeached. When he first took office, the petty clerks were indeed very frightened and tried every means to curry favor, but they happened to encounter a man as stubborn and rigid as Jia Zheng. Those family retainers who had accompanied their master to the capital had reaped nothing there; they had eagerly looked forward to his appointment to an outside post, borrowing money in the capital under the pretext of "making a fortune in the provinces," buying new clothes to look respectable, thinking that once he reached his post, money would come easily. They never expected their master’s pedantic nature to flare up, and that he would seriously investigate matters, refusing all gifts sent by the prefectures and counties. The doorkeepers and clerks in the seal office thought to themselves: "If we hold out another half month, our clothes will have been pawned too. Debts will press in on us; what can we do then? Right before our eyes, there’s silver, gleaming white, yet we can’t lay a hand on it." Those long-term retainers also said: "You gentlemen haven’t put much capital into this after all. We’re the ones who are really unlucky—we spent a lot of silver to buy our way in, and after more than a month here, we haven’t seen a single cash. It looks like we’ll never recoup our losses with this master. Tomorrow, let’s all ask for leave together." The next day, they indeed gathered and came to ask for leave. Jia Zheng, unaware of the real situation, said: "You were the ones who wanted to come; now you’re the ones who want to leave. Since you find it disagreeable here, you may all go as you please." Those long-term retainers left, grumbling all the way. Only some family retainers remained, and they conferred together again, saying: "The ones who could leave have left; we who can’t leave must think of some plan." Among them was a gatekeeper named Li Shier, who said: "You useless lot, what’s the hurry? I saw those ‘long-term’ fellows here, but they weren’t worth sticking my neck out for. Now that they’ve starved and run off, just watch your Tenth Master’s skill. The master will have to listen to me sooner or later. But you all must be of one mind, so we can make some money to go home and enjoy. If you don’t listen to me, I won’t bother either—I’ll just see if I can outlast you." The others said: "Good Tenth Master, you’re the one who can speak up in front of the master. If you don’t take charge, we’ll truly be at our wit’s end." Li Shier said: "Don’t let it happen that after I stick my neck out and get some silver, you say I’ve taken the lion’s share. If there’s a squabble among ourselves, it will be awkward for everyone." The others said: "Set your mind at ease—nothing like that will happen. Even if there isn’t much, it’ll still be better than digging into our own pockets." Just as they were talking, the clerk in charge of the granary office came looking for Second Master Zhou. Li Shier sat on a chair, one leg crossed, back straight, and said: "What do you want him for?" The clerk stood respectfully, hands at his sides, and said with a smile: "Our official has been in office for over a month now. When those magistrates of the prefectures and counties saw how strict his notices were, they knew he wouldn’t be easy to deal with, and up to now, they haven’t opened their granaries. If the grain transport is delayed, what will you gentlemen be doing?" Li Shier said: "Don’t talk nonsense. The master has a solid background—wherever he goes, he gets things done. A couple of days ago, he was about to send out dispatches urging them to deliver the grain, but I asked him to hold off for a few days, so he stopped. What exactly do you want to see our Second Master Zhou about?" The clerk said: "I only came to inquire about the dispatch urging delivery—nothing else." Li Shier said: "Even more nonsense! Just now I mentioned the dispatch, and you start babbling. Don’t come sneaking around to settle any accounts; I’ll have the master beat you and throw you out." The clerk said: "I’ve served in this yamen for three generations. I have some standing outside, and my family gets by well enough. I can serve properly and wait for the master to be promoted, and still make a living—I’m not like those who wait for their next meal to drop from the sky." With that, he said, "Second Master, I’m off," and turned to leave. Li Shier stood up, put on a smile, and said: "Can’t you take a joke? A few words and you’re all worked up." The clerk said: "It’s not that I’m worked up, but if I said anything more, wouldn’t it tarnish your pure reputation, Second Master?" Li Shier came over, took the clerk’s hand, and said: "What’s your honorable surname?" The clerk said: "I dare not presume; my surname is Zhan, given name Hui. I spent a few years in the capital in my youth." Li Shier said: "Master Zhan, I’ve long heard of your great name. We brothers are all the same. If you have anything to say, come here this evening and we’ll talk it over." The clerk also said: "Who doesn’t know that Tenth Master Li is capable? You gave me such a scare that I was completely flustered." They both laughed and parted. That evening, he muttered with the clerk for half the night, and the next day, he tested Jia Zheng with some words, only to be roundly cursed by him.

The day after that, Jia Zheng went to pay a call. He gave orders from within to prepare for his departure, and the outer staff acknowledged them. After a while, the third drum had already sounded, but no one in the main hall answered the drum call. With great difficulty, someone was found to beat the drum. Jia Zheng paced out of the warm pavilion, but there was only one yamen runner to stand in attendance and shout the way. Jia Zheng did not bother to investigate; he mounted his sedan chair at the foot of the steps, then waited again for a long time for the sedan-chair bearers. When everyone had finally assembled and he was carried out of the yamen, only one cannon shot was fired, and in the music pavilion, only one drummer beat the drum and one trumpeter blew the horn. Jia Zheng grew angry and said: "It’s usually all right; why is everything so incomplete today?" He looked up at the ceremonial procession and saw that it was all in disorder, with the front and rear out of place. He barely managed to finish his call and return home, then ordered that those who had been late for duty be beaten. Some said they had been delayed because they lacked hats; others said they had pawned their uniforms and were delayed; still others said they hadn’t eaten for three days and couldn’t carry the sedan chair. Jia Zheng, in his anger, beat one or two of them and then let the matter drop. The next day, the cook came asking for money, and Jia Zheng paid it out of his own silver that he had brought along.

After that, he found everything unsatisfactory and even more inconvenient than when he was in the capital. At his wit's end, he called for Li Shier and asked, "How come all the people who came with me have changed? Can't you keep them in check? The silver I brought has long been used up, and the salary from the provincial treasury is still far off. I ought to send someone back to the capital to get more." Li Shier reported, "Your servant tells them off every day, but I don't know why they're all so listless. There's nothing I can do about it. Sir says to fetch silver from home—how much? I've heard that the Governor's office has a birthday coming up in a few days. Other prefects and intendants have all sent gifts worth thousands or tens of thousands. How much should we send after all?" Jia Zheng said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Li Shier said, "You are the most enlightened sir. We've just arrived and don't mix much with other officials. Who would be willing to tip us off? They'd rather you didn't go, so they can scheme for your lucrative post." Jia Zheng said, "Nonsense! My post was granted by the Emperor. If I don't celebrate the Governor's birthday, does that mean I can't hold office?" Li Shier replied with a smile, "What you say is not wrong, sir. But the capital is far from here, and in all matters the Governor reports to the Emperor. If he says it's good, it's good; if he says it's bad, you'll be in trouble. By the time you realize it, it'll be too late. Besides, the old lady and the ladies at home—which of them doesn't want you to make a grand success as an official away from home?" When Jia Zheng heard this, he naturally understood the implication and said, "I was just about to ask you—why is everyone talking like this?" Li Shier replied, "Your servant dared not speak at first. But since you've asked, if I don't tell you, I'd be ungrateful; if I do, I'm afraid you'll get angry." Jia Zheng said, "Just say what makes sense." Li Shier said, "Those clerks and runners in the yamen all paid money to get positions in the Grain Intendant's office. Which of them doesn't want to get rich? They all have families to support. Since you took office, sir, I haven't seen you exert yourself for the country, but you've already earned a bad reputation far and wide." Jia Zheng asked, "What are the people saying?" Li Shier said, "The common folk say that whenever a new official arrives, the harsher his proclamations, the more he's scheming for money. The prefectures and counties get scared and send plenty of silver. During the grain collection, the yamen claims it's the new Intendant's orders—openly they say they don't want money, but with all this obstruction and harassment, the villagers would rather spend a few coins to get it over with quickly. So people don't praise you, sir; instead, they say you don't understand the people's condition. Even your own relative, who is your closest friend, climbed to the top in just a few years—only because he knew how to read the times and get along with both superiors and subordinates." When Jia Zheng heard this, he said, "Nonsense! Am I the one who doesn't understand the times? If getting along with superiors and subordinates means I have to connive with cats and mice, then no." Li Shier replied, "Your servant's loyalty can't be hidden, so I speak this way. If you go on like this, sir, when you fail to achieve merit or fame, you'll say your servant was ungrateful and didn't tell you anything." Jia Zheng said, "Then what do you think I should do?" Li Shier said, "There's nothing else to it. Given your energy and age, the support from inside, and the old lady's good health, just look after yourself. Otherwise, within a year, all the money from your home will be used up, and you'll be blamed by everyone from top to bottom. They'll all say that since you're an official away from home, you must have stashed away money for your own use. If one or two difficult matters come up, who would help you? By then, you won't be able to sort things out, and it'll be too late for regrets." Jia Zheng said, "According to you, you're telling me to be a corrupt official? Even if it costs me my life, that's one thing—but must I also discredit the merits of my ancestors?" Li Shier reported, "You are a most enlightened sir. Haven't you seen the cases of several officials last year? Those gentlemen were all your friends, and you often said they were honest officials. Where is their fame now! As for those relatives you always thought ill of, they've been promoted and transferred one after another. It all depends on how things are done. You must understand, sir—you have to consider the people and the officials. If you insist that the prefectures and counties not get a single coin, who will handle all the tasks outside? As long as you maintain your clean reputation on the surface, that's fine. As for the grievances behind the scenes, let your servant handle them—they won't affect you. Your servant has followed you all this time, and I must show my loyalty in the end." Jia Zheng, swayed by Li Shier's words, lost his resolve and said, "I want to keep my life safe. If you people cause trouble, it's none of my business." With that, he paced inside.

Li Shier then began to throw his weight around, colluding with those inside and outside to fool Jia Zheng into handling affairs, making everything seem thorough and satisfactory. So Jia Zheng not only had no suspicions but grew more trusting. Even when a few reports of misconduct came in, the superiors, seeing Jia Zheng's simplicity and honesty, did not investigate. Only the (advisors), who had the sharpest eyes, saw what was happening and took opportunities to remonstrate with him. But Jia Zheng would not believe them; some resigned, while others who were on good terms with Jia Zheng stayed on to maintain order. Thus, the grain transport business was completed without any major mistakes.

One day, when Jia Zheng had nothing to do, he was reading in the study. A letter was brought in from the sealing office. The official seal on the envelope read: "Official document from the Commander-in-Chief of the Coastal Defense at Haimen, etc., to be forwarded by express to the Jiangxi Grain Intendant's Office." When Jia Zheng opened it, he read:

"Bonds of friendship in Jinling, deep ties of fellow countrymen. Last year, when I took up my post in the capital, I was delighted to be constantly by your side. I was honored by your gracious favor, and you promised to join our families in marriage. I have never forgotten this debt of gratitude. Because I was subsequently transferred to the coastal regions, I dared not presumptuously press the matter, and my heart was full of regret, lamenting our lack of (karmic connection). Now, fortunately, you have arrived in this distant post, fulfilling the long-cherished wish of my life. Just as I was about to extend my congratulations, I received your letter first. Your words bring honor to my frontier camp, and even the warriors touch their foreheads in salute. Though separated by a vast ocean, I still rely on your sheltering shade. I hope you will not despise our humble origins and that you will permit us to cling to you like the dodder vine. My son has already received your favorable regard, and your virtuous daughter is long admired for her graceful bearing. If you are willing to fulfill your promise, I will immediately send a matchmaker. Though the road is far, a single stretch of water can connect us. I dare not speak of a hundred-carriage welcome, but I respectfully prepare a fairy boat to await her. I write these few lines to offer my congratulations on your promotion and to seek your kind consent. I await your reply with the utmost anticipation."

Your humble younger brother, Zhou Qiong, bows his head.

After reading this, Jia Zheng thought to himself: "The marriage of sons and daughters is indeed fated. Last year, when I saw he had taken a post in the capital, and being a fellow townsman and an old friend, and seeing that the boy was handsome, I brought up the matter at a feast. Since it wasn't settled, I didn't mention it to them. Later, he was transferred to the coast, and we all dropped the subject. Unexpectedly, now that I've been promoted here, he writes to inquire. Looking at the social standing, it's quite a good match for Tanchun. But since I haven't brought my family with me, I can only write to consult them." While he was pondering, a document was handed in at the gate, summoning him to the provincial capital for a meeting. Jia Zheng had to pack and go to the provincial capital to await the Governor's assignment.

One day, while sitting idly in his official residence, he saw a pile of waste papers on the table. Jia Zheng looked through them one by one and saw a memorial from the Ministry of Justice: "For the purpose of reporting a case, we have examined jointly the case of Xue Pan, a traveling merchant registered in Jinling—" Jia Zheng was startled and said, "Oh no! They've already submitted a memorial!" He read on carefully: "In the case of Xue Pan beating Zhang San to death and bribing the witnesses and coroner to fabricate a plea of manslaughter." Jia Zheng slapped the table and said, "It's all over!" He had no choice but to continue reading. Below was written:

According to the dispatch from the Metropolitan Commandant: Xue Pan, a native of Jinling, while passing through Taiping County, lodged at Li’s Inn. He had never known the waiter, Zhang San, beforehand. On a certain day in a certain month of a certain year, Xue Pan asked the innkeeper to prepare wine and invited Wu Liang, a commoner of Taiping County, to drink with him. He then ordered the waiter Zhang San to fetch more wine. Because the wine was of poor quality, Xue Pan demanded a better batch. Zhang San said the wine had already been bought and could not be exchanged. Angered by Zhang San’s stubborn attitude, Xue Pan threw the wine in his face. But, using too much force and happening to catch Zhang San just as he bent down to pick up his chopsticks, he accidentally let the wine bowl slip, striking Zhang San squarely on the crown of his head. The skin broke, blood flowed, and after a short while, he died. Innkeeper Li rushed to revive him but failed, and immediately informed Zhang San’s mother. Zhang’s mother, née Wang, went to see him, and finding him already dead, summoned the local constable to report the matter to the county yamen. The former acting magistrate went to examine the corpse, but the coroner neglected to report a one-inch-and-three-tenths fracture of the skull and a bruise on the waist, omitting these from the inquest record. The case was merely submitted for review to the prefectural court. After investigation, it was determined that Xue Pan had indeed accidentally thrown the bowl and struck Zhang San, causing his death, and the crime was classified as manslaughter, with the penalty commuted to redemption by payment according to the statute on assault leading to death. We have carefully examined the various confessions of the accused and witnesses, as well as the statements of the deceased’s relatives, and find them inconsistent. Moreover, checking the commentary on the “Statute on Assault Leading to Death,” it states: “Quarreling is called strife; striking is called battery. There must be no actual circumstances of strife; if the parties meet by chance and death results, then it may be judged as manslaughter.” The commandant should be ordered to ascertain the true facts, draft a proper verdict, and submit it as a memorial. Now, according to the commandant’s memorial, it states: Because Zhang San refused to change the wine, Xue Pan, being drunk, grabbed Zhang San’s right hand and first struck him a blow in the waist. After being struck, Zhang San cursed back, and Xue Pan threw the bowl, inflicting a deep wound on the crown of the head, shattering the bone and breaking the brain, causing instant death. This shows that Zhang San’s death was indeed caused by Xue Pan’s heavy blow with the wine bowl, and therefore Xue Pan should pay with his life. Xue Pan is to be sentenced to strangulation under the “Statute on Assault Leading to Death,” pending the autumn assizes; Wu Liang is to be sentenced to beating and penal servitude. The county and prefectural officials who conducted the erroneous investigation should be requested to…

[The following note: “This draft is unfinished.”]

Because Aunt Xue had previously entrusted Jia Zheng with this matter, Jia Zheng had already interceded with the magistrate. If the matter were to be impeached and investigated, he himself would be implicated, and he was extremely uneasy. He immediately turned to the next document in the gazette, but it was not the continuation. He could only leaf through the rest of the gazette, but from beginning to end, there was no sequel to this item. His heart was filled with doubt and apprehension, and he grew even more fearful. Just as he was fretting, Li Shier came in and said, “Sir, please proceed to the official waiting room. The drum has already struck the second watch at the superior’s yamen.” Jia Zheng was so lost in thought that he did not hear him. Li Shier repeated his request. Jia Zheng said, “What is to be done?” Li Shier asked, “Sir, what worries you?” Jia Zheng told him about reading the gazette. Li Shier said, “Sir, rest assured. If the Board handles it this way, it is still a bit of luck for Master Xue. When I was in the capital, I heard that Master Xue had called for several prostitutes at the inn, and after getting drunk, he started a brawl, directly beating the waiter to death. I also heard that he not only bribed the magistrate but also asked Master Lian to spend money to grease the palms of every yamen involved before the case was brought up. I don’t know how the Board failed to get it straight. Even if it’s exposed now, officials will still protect each other. At worst, they’ll admit to a faulty investigation and be dismissed from office. Who would ever confess to taking bribes and listening to pleas? Sir, don’t overthink it. Let me go and make further inquiries. Don’t neglect your superior’s business.” Jia Zheng said, “How would you know? It’s a pity that the magistrate, by listening to a single plea, has lost his position, and we don’t even know if he will face further punishment.” Li Shier said, “Thinking about him now is useless. They have been waiting outside for a long time. Please, sir, go at once.” Jia Zheng did not know what business the Commandant had summoned him for. Let us listen to the next chapter for the explanation.