Chapter Seventy-Three: A Council

Since he had resolved to face the matter head-on, Gou Ye abandoned his plan to go to Yangzhou and decided instead to bring down the corrupt County Magistrate Qin, determined to make him pay the price for his crimes. Gou Ye shared this decision with Yun Niang, and to his surprise, this time she did not think only of his personal safety. She supported his choice, pledging to stand by him no matter the outcome.

The next day, Gou Ye entered the county seat. After much deliberation, he realized that only Gu Shen could help him turn the tables now. Perhaps the Duke of Jing, wary of suspicion, would refuse Gou Ye’s request, but Gou Ye was determined to try nonetheless—it was, at present, the only viable path.

When Gu Shen saw Gou Ye, he was visibly surprised; in just a few days, Gou Ye had grown noticeably thinner and looked quite haggard. “Gou Ye, you’re here,” Gu Shen greeted him.

Gou Ye returned the gesture respectfully. “Brother Gu Shen, I’m here to trouble you once again.”

“Don’t say that,” Gu Shen replied warmly. “I’m delighted you’ve come. But I’ve heard about what happened in your village—it’s been the talk of the county these days. You must have been greatly troubled by it.”

Gou Ye was taken aback; he had no idea how Gu Shen had learned of the events in his village. “May I ask how you found out? And what do you mean when you say it’s being talked about all over the county?”

Gu Shen was momentarily stunned—he had assumed Gou Ye already knew. “You don’t know? Two days ago at the marketplace, a constable was beheaded—word is, it was because he caused trouble in your village. I also heard there was a death. The whole county knows about it, and many are praising Magistrate Qin for his justice and integrity. I don’t believe a word of it. I’m sure the troublemakers were sent by him.”

Gou Ye could scarcely believe there were such shameless people in the world. The man committed crimes, yet through a clever maneuver, managed to appear a paragon of virtue. It was truly a masterstroke—escaping blame while gaining a sterling reputation, a double gain. “You’re right. The constable was sent by him. No one knows the truth. Let’s go inside, and I’ll explain everything.”

Once inside, Gou Ye recounted everything that had happened since he left the Gu residence. Listening, Gu Shen’s face grew dark with anger, and he slammed the table so hard the teacups trembled.

“What? Village Chief Li is dead? I thought it was just a common villager. That scoundrel Magistrate Qin is truly devious—his men commit such crimes, yet the blame falls solely on their heads. And they acted fast: the day after the incident, the constable was executed.”

Gu Shen had known Magistrate Qin for years—he’d visited Gu Shen’s father annually—but only now did he realize how deeply malicious the man was. He felt a surge of sympathy for Gou Ye, who, as a powerless commoner, faced such hardship.

After much thought, Gou Ye finally spoke. “The reason I came to you today is to discuss something important. If it succeeds, I will be forever in your debt. It may require your father’s help. If you’re unwilling, I won’t press you.”

Seeing Gou Ye so earnest, Gu Shen guessed what this was about. After a moment’s hesitation, he responded forthrightly, “Speak freely, Brother Gou Ye.”

Gou Ye laughed heartily, reassured by Gu Shen’s loyalty. “Very well. First, you’ve told me of your family’s current predicament. Despite your family’s illustrious past—honor won at the cost of blood on the battlefield—now you’re left with just an empty title, and your family’s sons are barred from office. You and your brothers must feel indignant.”

Gu Shen sighed and nodded, regaining his serious composure. “You’re right. Speak plainly, Brother Gou Ye. We are brothers—say whatever is on your mind.”

“What if I told you there’s an opportunity—perhaps a way for the Duke to return to court, and for you and your brothers to enter officialdom? Would you seize it?”

Gu Shen leapt to his feet, overcome with excitement. To serve as an official and repay his country was his greatest wish. He possessed talent, yet had been forced to idle at home, unable to serve the court or bring peace to the people. Years of frustration had numbed his spirit. He’d waited for a chance, no matter how slim, and since meeting Gou Ye, he had sensed a glimmer of hope. Gou Ye might lack power now, but Gu Shen felt certain he was destined for greatness. He had hoped that one day, when Gou Ye rose to prominence, he might help the Gu family—or at the very least, ensure their survival. But now, Gou Ye spoke of an immediate opportunity to enter government; how could Gu Shen not be moved?

“Brother Gou Ye, do you mean this?”

“I do.” Gou Ye’s unwavering reply steadied Gu Shen’s heart, and Gou Ye continued, “Brother Gu Shen, your family’s situation is not as complicated as it seems. Your father retains his title, living out his years here, partly thanks to the Empress Dowager’s protection. But most importantly, your father has no mortal enemies at court. The discord was political, nothing more. Had your father truly made implacable foes, they would not have left him in peace here, even with the Empress Dowager’s shield. All they wanted was his military command and influence. With no factional ties and no power base, once those were gone, he was no longer a threat. As long as your family doesn’t return to court or seek office, neither side is threatened. That is why you can live here in peace.”

Gu Shen nodded thoughtfully, realizing there was truth in Gou Ye’s words. “You’re right. My father has said as much. Because we have no faction or party at court, we’ve been able to preserve ourselves. Otherwise, things would not have remained so simple.”