Chapter Fifty-Eight: The County Deputy Magistrate

With the imperial edict personally inscribed by the Emperor, Gan Sui and his party journeyed without incident. Upon arriving at the prefecture, Gan Sui went straight to the yamen to report to the Prefect.

“I’ve lost count of how many memorials I’ve written before finally being sent someone. And now, a great scholar at that—truly a blessing for our prefecture.”

“Thank you for your praise, my lord. Here are the documents required of my office…”

The Prefect, glancing over them, exclaimed, “Such youthful talent—top scorer at every level. The younger generation is indeed formidable. I’ve heard you are the private disciple of the Grand Tutor?”

“Yes, I was fortunate enough to receive my master’s favor and be accepted as a pupil.”

“If you have earned the Grand Tutor’s esteem, you must possess both learning and ability. I remember, in my youth, a single word of guidance from the Grand Tutor helped me achieve success in the examinations. I have yet to repay his kindness in this life. County Magistrate Gan, should you need anything, come to me. If I can be of help, I certainly will.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“Now, let me tell you about the situation in Mo Pond. It’s the area worst affected by the earthquake. The early reports of casualties and property damage are all very clear, so I won’t repeat them. The tasks ahead are these: First, the earthquake has triggered an epidemic. Though we now have medicine, most patients remain weak. Second, there are still more than a dozen children orphaned in the disaster—this too is a difficult matter. Go to Mo Pond first. I’ll send someone with you; if there’s trouble, he’ll report back and we can confer on how to proceed. Lastly, these last two months have seen the appearance of bandits. Things have quieted lately, but we must remain vigilant.”

Gan Sui promptly agreed. The Prefect invited him to dine, but Gan Sui, eager to attend to his duties, declined and returned to Mo Pond.

Mo Pond lay about an hour’s journey from the prefecture. Upon entering the city, Gan Sui and Banxia found the situation not as grim as expected. The County Controller was overseeing matters, supported by people dispatched from the Prefect’s office. Together, they had set up gruel stations throughout the city so that the homeless could eat. Relief grain had already been distributed to every household; if rationed carefully, it would last.

Arriving at the county office, Gan Sui presented his credentials to the guards at the gate, who respectfully ushered him inside.

No sooner had he entered the study than a thunderous snoring met his ears.

The young clerk, embarrassed, explained, “His Honor the Controller was up most of the night. He’s taken the liberty of a nap this noon.”

“If he’s sleeping, let’s not disturb him. Show us to our quarters first,” Gan Sui instructed, and the clerk dared not refuse, leading their party into the inner hall.

He was not familiar with the layout, but fortunately, the Controller had anticipated their arrival and assigned several maids and servants from his own household to assist. The clerk called out, “Youliu!” and a servant boy hurried over.

“This is the new Magistrate. Show him around,” the clerk introduced.

Youliu had been waiting days for the new magistrate’s arrival and eagerly began his tour. “This is the master bedroom. When the earthquake hit, half the wall collapsed, but our master had it rebuilt right away. All the furniture is new. Master says a new official ought to have a fresh start and brought in new things to ward off bad luck.”

“Your master is quite wealthy, it seems.”

“Of course! There’s not a soul within eight hundred miles who doesn’t know of our master’s wealth.” The boy spoke with pride. “The government salary isn’t enough to buy him a single pair of shoes, but he likes being an official, so he paid to purchase the post.”

Banxia now understood—the Controller had bought his office. “There’s much to do in the front yard; you should see to it. I’ll tend to the inner quarters myself.”

Gan Sui made no further ceremony. As a new official, he had to understand the situation thoroughly.

From the servant’s chatter, Banxia learned the Controller’s name was Wei Wenyuan. His family had long been renowned merchants, even granted the title of imperial merchants. This dynasty did not restrict merchants as harshly; they could even sit for the imperial exams. To elevate their family status, the Weis had hired great scholars to teach their son from a young age. The boy genuinely loved learning but failed to pass the higher exams. From age fifteen to thirty, he sat the exams every year—always a licentiate, never a full scholar. At last, he realized he’d never succeed and, with his wife’s counsel, purchased an official post.

Wei Wenyuan’s wife was surnamed Gao, given name Peilan—a remarkable woman. When Wei Wenyuan was still unmarried at twenty-one, his father grew anxious for the family line. Failing as a scholar was one thing, but he could not delay the next generation. He locked Wei Wenyuan out of his study, forcing him to try his hand at business. Given silver to buy goods, Wei Wenyuan instead found a rare book at the bookshop and spent it all. He returned with nothing but books and faced his father’s wrath, devising schemes to borrow more money from his mother.

On one of these errands, he ran into his childhood neighbor, now a graceful young woman and a manager in her own right. She granted him credit without hesitation. Flustered and blushing, he left with his goods, glancing back at her every few steps. Her smile lingered in his mind, and he resolved to marry her.

Married life suited him perfectly: his wife was a shrewd businesswoman, freeing him from commercial burdens to focus on his beloved books. Grateful for the happiness she brought, he consulted her on everything—including the purchase of his official post.

Who could have foreseen such misfortune? On his second day in office, the earthquake struck, killing the magistrate and thrusting him into charge. He’d been so busy he barely knew which way was up, finally realizing that office was no easy path.

Banxia surveyed the house: it was clean and spacious, the courtyard well-tended, showing no sign of disaster—testament to the staff’s competence. This Madam Controller was no ordinary woman; she was worth befriending.

“These days have been hard on you all. Now there’s only the Magistrate and myself, and we can manage on our own. Best you return home. Tell your mistress I’ll call on her tomorrow.”

The servant visibly relaxed. Though they’d been sent to help, if the new magistrate wished to keep them, Madam Controller could not refuse. They were family retainers, accustomed to their own household. They knew what to expect from their old masters, but the new magistrate’s temperament was an unknown. The prospect of being kept on had worried them, so Banxia’s words were a relief.

“Very well. If Madam needs anything for the house, we can help before we go.”

Banxia checked around—nothing was lacking. She handed out five taels of silver. “You’ve worked hard these days. Take this and have some tea.”

The servant had not expected a reward. The new magistrate’s wife seemed modest but was generous. He accepted the gift and led the others away.

Anzi, excited by the new surroundings, dashed in and out of the house, with Lu Ying close behind. Banxia let him roam, giving him half a tael to spend in town—with strict instructions to avoid the western quarter, which was the quarantine area for epidemic victims. She dared not let him go there.

Anzi nodded and went out with Lu Ying.

Watching Lu Ying’s departing figure, Banxia found him rather curious. He had come to the capital to repay a great debt to the old mountain master, but after teaching Anzi martial arts, he grew fond of the boy and willingly followed him even to this small county. A most unusual man, to be sure. But since Gan Sui said not to ask, she left it alone. Besides, Lu Ying was genuinely good to Anzi.

When Gan Sui arrived at the front hall, Wei Wenyuan was awake, likely roused by the clerk. After refreshing himself, he waited for Gan Sui in the study.

The moment Gan Sui entered, Wei Wenyuan stood up. “My lord, you’re finally here!” He was nearly in tears. This was his first official post, and disaster had struck at once. Exhausted by sleepless nights, he felt a decade older.

“Brother Wei, you have toiled hard. On behalf of the people, I thank you.” Gan Sui even bowed with great formality.

“No, no, I don’t deserve it.” Wei Wenyuan hurried to help him up.

“You do. Without you, the county would not be running as smoothly as it is now.”

“It’s nothing but my duty.”

“You look very weary, Brother Wei. Perhaps you should rest.”

“To tell the truth, my lord, I haven’t slept properly in over half a month. These clothes I’ve worn for days on end—good thing the weather’s cool, or I’d be reeking by now. I’ll take the afternoon to go home and change.”

“Come back tomorrow morning, then. I’m new here and will surely need your help in many matters.”

Wei Wenyuan agreed, then handed over all urgent affairs to Gan Sui and called in the secretary to assist in case of any confusion. Only then did he return home.

When Wei Wenyuan arrived, Gao Peilan was in their room reviewing the accounts. Seeing him back in daylight, she exclaimed, “Well, this is rare! You’re home in the middle of the day,” and quickly poured him a cup of tea.

“No tea for me, I just want to wash up and sleep.”

Gao Peilan sent the maid Yuan’er to heat a vat of water and sat down to massage his shoulders. Wei Wenyuan hummed contentedly.

“This is the life. Why did I ever want to be an official?”

Gao Peilan knew these were only complaints—his craving for office was strong. Being called ‘Sir Controller’ left him elated for half a day. “Why are you home so early today?”

“The new magistrate has arrived.”

“What’s he like?”

“Young—only in his twenties, I’d say. He seems amiable, of modest background, I hear. The servants say he only brought one boy with him. You assigned staff to his back quarters; perhaps we should transfer them to his service as a gesture from me. What do you think?”

“I have no objection…” Just then, Min’er came in to report, “Madam, the servants sent to the magistrate’s residence have returned and wish to report. Will you see them?”

“Bring them in at once. Why have they come back?”

Youliu entered, ready to bow, but Madam Gao waved him on. “Just speak—were you dismissed?”

“No, madam. The magistrate’s wife is a kind person. She said there were few people in the back and no need for extra help. She also said she would pay her respects to you tomorrow.”

“That’s not proper protocol. I should be the one to visit her. I’ll go early tomorrow.”

“That’s fine. I hear the magistrate has a young son; take our boy along. He’s always complaining he has no one to play with.”

“Let’s hope your little ruffian doesn’t frighten them,” Gao Peilan sighed, thinking of her boisterous son.

“Children are meant to be lively. I’ll go wash now, I really feel like I’m about to sour. Tell the kitchen to prepare a bowl of chicken noodle soup; I’ll eat and finally get a good night’s sleep.”