Chapter 40

Chang'an.

The city bustled with noise and activity, a tapestry of splendor stretching far and wide. By day, Chang'an's streets were a continuous flow of carriages and horses, throngs of people coming and going, truly living up to the phrase "fragrant carriages and jeweled canopies cram the thoroughfares." With the majestic imperial palace at its center, bookshops, wine houses, inns, and jade shops spread out like an unrolled scroll. The closer one got to the districts of the high officials and nobility, the more exorbitant the prices, drawing a stark line between poverty and wealth here.

Recently, a wind from distant lands had stirred undercurrents beneath Chang'an's seemingly peaceful and prosperous surface. These undercurrents converged into turbulent waves, sweeping through the mansions of various high-ranking officials and the many inns and eateries in succession, until at last the boundary between rich and poor was eroded and blurred. Even the common folk in the streets and alleys knew that something new had appeared in Chang'an.

"Hey, have you heard about the 'xian shi' (salty stone)?"

"How could I not? The caravan from the north the other day made no attempt to hide their movements; the commotion was so great it could wake hibernating snakes. Speaking of which, I find their story about 'buying the xian shi from Western Region merchants' a bit fishy. Do the Western Regions really have such a good thing?"

"Regardless of its truth, the fact is that eateries using this xian shi make food that tastes better than before. Now the price of xian shi is sky-high, with demand far outstripping supply."

"It's not just about supply and demand. I heard Chancellor Dong had the northern merchant caravan selling xian shi arrested."

"Oh? I hadn't heard that. Why were they arrested?"

"Accused of selling private salt. But they were released not long after. I've picked up some unverified rumors: first, that caravan had no more xian shi left; second, they disclosed the specific Western Region merchant they bought it from; and third, that caravan has powerful backing, making it troublesome to mess with. As for how powerful, it seems to have intricate connections with that Lord guarding the northern border."

"Well, well! When gods fight, it seems even the Buddha's face must be considered! But what does xian shi have to do with private salt? Surely they can't just claim xian shi is salt simply because it's purer and lacks the bitterness? We've all eaten salt for decades; can't we tell the difference?"

"The 'official' character has two mouths. Whether it is or isn't isn't for us to decide. That caravan's xian shi was long since sold out. Probably the entire city of Chang'an has none left for sale now. To buy xian shi, one would have to go north to find those Western Region merchants..."

...

Chang'an, Liang Residence.

As the maternal family of Chancellor Dong Zhou's wife, the Liang family had grown increasingly powerful in recent years under his patronage, serving openly as the Dong family's vanguard, working tirelessly and handling all matters inconvenient for the Dongs themselves.

"Father, please entrust the mission to go north and find the Western Region merchants to me. I will surely follow the trail, get to the bottom of this xian shi matter, and return fully laden," the eldest Liang son said solemnly.

Liang Tai, Dong Zhou's maternal uncle, stroked his beard. "Chancellor Dong places great importance on this xian shi matter. Although it's called 'salty stone,' anyone with eyes can see it's more precious and pure than current salt. If we can locate its source, it would be like sitting on an endless gold mountain."

He patted his eldest son's shoulder. "The north is restless. For this journey, besides taking enough guards, bring ample silver. If we cannot find the source, at least bring back a good quantity of the goods. Go now, be quick, and try to return with your report within three months."

The eldest Liang son bowed with clasped hands. "I accept the command."

A scene similar yet not identical to Chang'an's played out in the bustling markets of the various commanderies in Qingzhou.

Qingzhou, Qianfeng Commandery, Governor's Residence.

"Father, you've been away from home for many days and surely don't know about the new thing appearing in the commandery. Look at this..." Hearing of her father's return, Nangong Zijin hurried excitedly to the main hall and placed a small open bag on the table. "This is xian shi. Everyone says it's even better than salt."

Nangong Xiong, Governor of Qingzhou, had been swamped with worries for the past few months.

The reason was simple. He and Fan Tianshi, Governor of Yanzhou, had agreed to set aside past grievances and jointly crusade against the Qinglian Sect. Initially, all went smoothly. But one day, a high-ranking officer in Fan Tianshi's army was found dead in his quarters. Several in the Yanzhou army claimed the deceased had had a dispute with a Qingzhou officer, suggesting someone from Qingzhou, bearing a grudge, had committed the murder.

He tried to prove Qingzhou was not behind the killing. With the alliance against the Qinglian Sect imminent, such a mishap seemed clearly the sect's doing to sow discord.

But that fool Fan Tianshi only listened to his subordinates' one-sided account, causing relations between Qing and Yan to deteriorate sharply. It was utterly infuriating.

However, facing his beloved daughter from his later years, Nangong Xiong suppressed his anger and said, "My dear, your marriage arrangement with Governor Fan of Yanzhou's son will likely not proceed."

His daughter was now sixteen, betrothed to Fan Tianshi's son a year ago. But with relations between the two provinces so hostile now, this marriage was probably off.

Nangong Zijin didn't seem to mind at all. "Off is off, then. I've heard none of the Fan family's young masters are any good. Leaving aside the married ones, of the unmarried, Fan Wu is mediocre, and Fan Liu has enough concubines to fill several courtyards. Managing his household would be exhausting. Oh, Governor Fan also has two adopted sons. I hear their conduct is somewhat better; one has a handsome face, the other is quite ugly... but I, a legitimate daughter, could hardly marry a mere adopted son?"

Nangong Xiong chuckled. "It seems this marriage has displeased you for quite some time."

"I was indeed unhappy. But if you were determined to have me marry him, I wouldn't have said 'no'," Nangong Zijin pouted.

Nangong Xiong teased her, "Would you even marry an adopted son?"

Adopting sons was not uncommon nowadays. Some powerful lords selected young orphans with promising physiques, raised them for several years to build strong bodies and loyalty, then used them as their own.

Of course, some lords unwilling to spend years on food would adopt boys of twelve or thirteen, raising them from halfway. While their loyalty might not match those raised from childhood, they were still somewhat usable.

Besides these, there were also warriors who had gained some reputation, eager for achievement, who would pledge themselves alone to a lord's banner and become adopted sons.

Regardless of the type, those who became adopted sons for others were undoubtedly of humble, lowly origins. Otherwise, why would they bow and scrape, acknowledging another as father?

If he remembered correctly, both of Fan Tianshi's adopted sons were raised from the age of twelve or thirteen. Hah, that man was truly stingy.

Nangong Zijin pressed her lips together, her eyes reddening.

Nangong Xiong quickly said, "I was only joking with you, my dear. Even if you wanted to, I wouldn't allow such lowly individuals to disgrace you. The daughter of Nangong Xiong is not someone mere frogs and toads can aspire to!"

Afraid his daughter would question his earlier inappropriate remark, Nangong Xiong looked at the open bag on the table. "So this is the xian shi that's better than salt? Hmm, white and fine. Just by appearance, it does seem superior to salt."

Nangong Zijin urged, "Father, please taste it. It truly is better than salt."

Unable to withstand his youngest daughter's insistence, Nangong Xiong dipped a finger in and tasted a small amount. With that one taste, his eyes widened in astonishment, and he rarely showed such a changed expression in front of his daughter.

"Sweetheart, where did this 'salty stone' come from?" Nangong Xiong asked urgently.

Nangong Zijin replied truthfully, "I bought it at the market. A merchant caravan from the north was selling it. They said they acquired it from the Western Regions' Hu people and are now reselling it. Although it's expensive, many restaurant managers were willing to pay a high price for this salty stone after sampling it. Oh, and not just restaurants, even the prominent families within the commandery are exceptionally keen on it. Everyone who has tried it says it's better than salt."

After speaking, Nangong Zijin saw her father staring silently at the table and couldn't quite grasp his thoughts.

"Father, what are you..."

"Sweetheart, I have matters to attend to in the study." Nangong Xiong rose from his seat, taking the small bag with him. "Lend this to your father."

With that, Nangong Xiong raised his voice to summon a guard and gave him an order.

...

Zhang Mingdian had been accompanying his lord east and west these past days due to the campaign against the Qinglian Sect. Now, with the alliance with Yanzhou at a stalemate and even showing signs of breaking, he had returned with his lord to Qianfeng Commandery.

However, before he could even warm his seat at home, a guard from the Governor's mansion arrived with a message: The lord requests your presence, sir, please come quickly.

Zhang Mingdian had no choice but to make the best of it, comforting himself that at least he didn't need to bother changing clothes. When he arrived at the study in the Governor's mansion, he found the door wide open, and his lord standing behind the desk, intently gazing at an object on it.

"My lord, what urgent matter requires my presence?" Zhang Mingdian, having just returned with Nangong Xiong, was also unaware of the recent events in the commandery.

"Quanshu, you're here. Come quickly and take a look at this salty stone." Nangong Xiong called him by his courtesy name, beckoning him over, and recounted the information he had just gathered from his daughter and the mansion guards. "...This salty stone is very peculiar. It's like salt, yet superior to salt. It's unclear where those Hu merchants obtained this treasure. This thing has great profit potential."

After tasting it, Zhang Mingdian's expression changed dramatically, just like every first-time taster. He lowered his eyes, the withered lines on his eyelids layered like heavy vines hanging before a cave entrance.

In an instant, he lifted his gaze. His pupils were dark, his eyes sharp as blades, as if the vines had been parted to reveal a blazing torch within. "My lord, I recall something. Last month, Qin Shaozong decisively defeated the Li salt smuggler entrenched in Ying Commandery. While occupying Ying Commandery, he also took control of the nearby salt lakes. The merchant caravan selling the salty stone comes from the north. Why not apprehend and interrogate them to see if they have any connection to Qin Shaozong?"

Nangong Xiong frowned. "Quanshu, do you suspect the salty stone originates from Qin Shaozong?"

Zhang Mingdian nodded. "I personally believe the two must be related. When I was young I traveled to the Western Regions. That place has plenty of agate, crystallized sugar, various spices, and fine horses, but I've never heard of anything called 'salty stone.' Besides, the timing of its appearance is too coincidental. Why not earlier? Why not many years later? It just so happens to appear after Qin Shaozong occupied Ying Commandery. Isn't there something mysterious about that? Could it be that the Li salt smuggler had just developed a new method and hadn't yet had time to make it public before being swallowed up by Qin Shaozong?"

Hearing this series of questions, Nangong Xiong fell into deep thought.

Zhang Mingdian continued, "Whether it is or isn't, we can find out by apprehending that merchant caravan for questioning. If that caravan has him as a backer, then this matter is fifty or sixty percent likely to be linked to Qin Shaozong."

Nangong Xiong agreed and swiftly dispatched men.

The Governor's mansion guards acted quickly: apprehending the men, bringing them to the official compound, and interrogating them.

This entire process took only half a day. By the time the trusted subordinate returned with information to the Governor's mansion, Nangong and Zhang had already rested and were currently having their evening meal.

This meal used salty stone in place of ordinary salt. Anyone with a discerning palate could taste that the bitterness was completely gone.

"Governor Nangong, they have confessed. This merchant caravan does indeed have some connection to the Qin clan. The leading merchant said they are distant relatives of Mo Zhiyuan," the guard reported.

Zhang Mingdian murmured, "The Mo family..."

Powerful clans of equal strength often intermarry. Strong clans also choose to support some weaker families, making them their instruments, their claws.

The Mo and Yan clans are both vassals of the Qin family. However, the former began serving the Qin family from the generation of Qin Shaozong's grandfather, while the Yan clan was personally raised by Qin Shaozong after he came of age.

The Mo clan has deeper roots than the Yan clan; but in terms of trust, the Yan clan surpasses the Mo clan and is more heavily relied upon by Qin Shaozong.

"Mo Zhiyuan... that name sounds somewhat familiar. I remember Qin Shaozong has a Mo Yanyun under his command. It seems this person is either a cousin or an uncle-nephew relation to Mo Yanyun," Nangong Xiong clicked his tongue twice. "It seems Quanshu's guess was correct. The salty stone likely has Qin Shaozong behind it."

After saying this, Nangong Xiong couldn't help but feel covetous.

He understood perfectly well, even from this initial contact, the immense value of the salty stone. It was a mountain of gold and silver, an endless stream of funds for provisions and supplies.

Zhang Mingdian suddenly spoke up, "How much salty stone does that caravan still have in hand?"

The trusted subordinate answered, "None. They sold every last bit and made quite a sum of silver. Governor Nangong, should we..."

He made a gesture suggesting killing them and taking the goods.

"Nonsense! Absolutely not!" Zhang Mingdian slammed the table and sternly rebuked.

His reaction was so strong it even toppled a wine cup on the table, making the subordinate shrink his neck in fright. Even Nangong Xiong was surprised. "Quanshu, what is this..."

Zhang Mingdian said gravely, "My lord, currently our relations with Yanzhou are deteriorating, and on the side there's still the Qinglian Sect causing trouble in the shadows. Why would we provoke Qin Shaozong at such a time? Do we not have enough enemies? Do we truly want to find ourselves surrounded on all sides?"

Nangong Xiong heard this and realized it made sense, immediately saying, "Do not harm that caravan in the slightest."

Zhang Mingdian righted the wine cup. "The salty stone has already been sold out within Qianfeng Commandery. Its fame is far greater than before. Qin Shaozong's move is likely casting bait to attract the fish. He surely knows himself how coveted this salty stone is. Selling such an item in foreign territories would be like a child carrying a gold brick through the market—doomed to lose both goods and wealth."

He continued solemnly, "However, using Hu merchants as a front, the act of selling private salt can somewhat be justified, since the salty stone is indeed quite different from current salt. Merchants chase profit and will flock to it. Luring merchants to the north, having them come to his doorstep to collect the goods—this way, it's foolproof."

The north is Qin Shaozong's territory. Others coming from afar, even if they bring soldiers and retainers, will inevitably be weary after a long journey, and their numbers certainly cannot match the Qin clan's.

At that point, forget about making waves, they might not even manage to stir up a ripple.

Qin Shaozong truly had a clever scheme.

Following his strategist's words, Nangong Xiong seemed to see a mountain of gold, fenced in and sealed tight without a single gap.

He couldn't help but burn with jealousy, finding even the dishes on the table, seasoned with expensive salt stones, bland and tasteless.

"My lord, I have a plan," Zhang Mingdian suddenly said.

Nangong Xiong was still mired in the anguish of that mountain of gold and silver not belonging to him. Hearing Zhang Mingdian's words, he didn't react much, only subconsciously replying, "Let's hear it, Quanshu."

Zhang Mingdian took the wine goblet from in front of Nangong Xiong and placed it opposite himself. Then he took a handled cup and placed it right next to Nangong Xiong's goblet. "After leaving Guoyun County, I have been pondering. With the alliance between our two provinces to jointly crusade against the White Lotus Sect imminent, such an assassination attempt suddenly occurs. Did Fan of Yanzhou truly not consider that the White Lotus Sect might be behind it? Could he not figure it out, or is he feigning ignorance while knowing the truth?"

Nangong Xiong was stunned.

"If it is the latter, your current situation, my lord, is quite precarious. An ally on the surface has become a dagger planted by the enemy. Who knows when this dagger will strike?" Zhang Mingdian reached out again, this time taking a wine pot from further away.

Thud. The wine pot landed beside his own goblet, also placed close.

The wine goblet and the handled cup, the wine goblet and the wine pot.

The two pairs faced each other, creating a confrontational stance.

"Drive the tiger to devour the wolf," Zhang Mingdian's eyes gleamed with cunning. "My lord, why not invite Qin Shaozong here to discuss the crusade against the White Lotus Sect. If I am overthinking, and Fan Tianshi has no collusion with the sect, Qin Shaozong's arrival will only better maintain the alliance. If I am not overthinking..."

Before he could finish, Nangong Xiong was already clapping and laughing heartily, "Excellent! With Quanshu by my side, what worries could I possibly have?"

After a moment of silence, Zhang Mingdian added, "However, my lord, this strategy has a flaw."

"What is it?" Nangong Xiong asked.

Zhang Mingdian picked up the wine pot from the table and shook it. They had just begun their meal, so not much wine had been drunk, and the pot was still heavy. "This ferocious tiger we invite to devour the wolf—how should we deal with it afterward? What if it refuses to return to the mountains? How then do we drive it away?"

Three years ago, the previous emperor, obsessed with seeking immortality, passed away. The young emperor, now eleven years old, succeeded to the throne. Court affairs were jointly controlled by Chancellor Dong Zhou and the Empress Dowager Wang, who relied on the Wang family's backing and governed from behind the curtain, barely forming a precarious stalemate.

Since the previous emperor's death, provincial governors across the land had become tigers breaking free from their chains, frequently making moves, no longer as restrained as before.

It became commonplace for neighboring provinces to clash in armed conflict one day, or for a governor to lead troops beyond his borders the next. Anyone with clear sight could see that the situation of rival warlords carving up the realm was imminent.

Nangong Xiong gritted his teeth. "Guoyun County lies on the border between Qing and Yan Provinces. Even if Qin Shaozong wants to seize it, he can't take much territory from my Qing Province. Never mind, let's deal with the immediate problem first. We can always handle later matters the old-fashioned way if needed."

Ying County, Governor's Mansion.

Dai Li was eating grilled fish in the courtyard.

It was a beautiful, clear day. The refined salt matter was, for her, temporarily concluded. She paid no mind to the remaining tasks of transportation and distribution, leaving them entirely to Qin Shaozong and his subordinates to manage, while she began her vacation.

Dai Li had the kitchen prepare mandarin fish and snakehead fish. After cleaning, the fish were all sliced thinly. She also skewered many river shrimp onto sharpened wooden sticks. Setting up a small brazier in the courtyard, she placed the fish slices, coated with refined salt, onto it.

Because the slices were cut so thin, they cooked quickly with just a little grilling. She used ingredients generously, and soon a rich, enticing aroma wafted from the brazier.

Dai Li flipped the skewers, turning the side already golden brown to the top. The brazier was small, only holding a few fish slices and two shrimp skewers. Seeing they were done, she separated the shrimp skewers, giving one each to Nianxia and Bipo. The two maids initially refused, not daring to accept.

Dai Li said helplessly, "There are plenty of shrimp, it's not just these two skewers. I have grilled fish to eat, I'm not lacking a bite just now. You both helped move the brazier earlier, how can you not eat a few skewers of shrimp?"

Unable to refuse further, the two women accepted the grilled shrimp nervously and cautiously.

At first, they remained tense, carefully observing Dai Li's expression. But seeing that she had given them freely and then went back to eating her fish, Bipo and Nianxia gradually relaxed.

Bringing out the custom-made lounge chair from inside, enjoying the scenery, eating grilled fish and shrimp, feeling the spring breeze, Dai Li, sitting in the lounge chair, thought about the two-month deadline approaching and began to imagine the future.

Once she finds Zhou Zhou, she'll need to properly tend to the little one's mental well-being. After everything is settled, she'll arrange for him to attend school.

Nine years old, only third grade. Even in a different era, he'd still have to keep studying. Dai Li thought to herself at that moment.