Chapter Twenty-Nine: Torn Between Loyalty and Filial Piety
Page (1/3)
Wiemiao Tower was one of the few restaurants in Xiangyang City, renowned among the locals for its delicious food at reasonable prices. Its wooden structure and green tiles, nestled by verdant hills and clear waters, made it a place where culinary delights were paired with scenic beauty, leaving guests refreshed in both body and spirit.
The farce that took place here yesterday did nothing to hinder Wiemiao Tower's business; the gentry still dined here as usual.
“These are the dishes you ordered, gentlemen. The fish was caught this morning, freshly prepared as sashimi, best enjoyed with the sauce—its flavor is exceptionally fresh!”
“Mmm…” Taor picked up a slice of fish, dipped it in sauce, and tasted it, exclaiming with delight, “Master, this fish is so fresh! You should try a piece too!”
“If you like it, eat more.” Jiang Wen glanced at the bustling street outside, where merchants’ carts carried goods and negotiated prices with shopkeepers, both parties satisfied with their deals.
From the Imperial Academy echoed the sound of recitations, scholars critiqued poetry and discussed affairs of state.
“Is the world truly at peace…” Jiang Wen withdrew his gaze.
A few students entered and took seats nearby.
“Have you heard about the fight here yesterday? Five people died, but there’s been no resolution.”
“Exactly, not only was nothing done, I’ve heard the magistrate released both families last night!”
“Could he do otherwise? Who would dare offend either side? Cai Mao of the Cai clan is now the Rear General, a high-ranking official, and the other side are relatives of the Minister of Works. It’s the poor commoners who died so unjustly.”
“Speaking of which, the current Minister of Works is rather peculiar—appointing people at will in the court. I heard three barely adult scholars have already been given high positions!”
“Yes, yes, I’ve heard about this too. Positions I’d never heard of before: Chief Strategist and Libationer, Military Strategist General, and Martial General.” Zhang Kai took a sip of water. “This is typical nepotism by the Minister of Works. We scholars, though talented, aren’t even qualified for office.”
“Master, let me speak to them!” Taor's face flushed with indignation and she was about to rise when Jiang Wen pulled her back, flicking her gently on the forehead.
Taor pouted, covering her reddened forehead and complained, “I did nothing wrong, Master, why did you hit me?”
“Just eat your meal. Words belong to others, let them talk. Your master rose to high office at such a young age; it’s inevitable some won’t accept it, and jealousy only proves how exceptional you are.” Jiang Wen dipped another slice of sashimi in sauce. “Hmm, it is indeed fresh. Open your mouth, ah…”
“Ah…”
The waiter brought another plate. “Gentlemen, your braised beef and soup dishes. Would you care for some wine?”
“No, we’re not accustomed to drinking.”
“I’ve heard the Minister of Works has issued a call for talents, and at the beginning of the month will host the Monthly Critique. Famous scholars from all sides will gather in Xiangyang. If you wish to shine, why not showcase your talents at the Monthly Critique…”
The students soon shifted to discussing the Monthly Critique, for a good reputation made entering office much easier. After finishing their meal amid laughter, they left Wiemiao Tower.
Jiang Wen beckoned the waiter over, who hurried to his side. “What can I do for you, sir?”
“I’d like to ask why there was trouble here yesterday?”
Page (2/3)
“Well… sir, the manager told us not to speak carelessly.”
“Taor.”
Taor took out a string of five-zhu coins from her purse and placed them on the table. Jiang Wen said, “Here are three hundred coins; if you tell me honestly, they’re yours.”
“How can I accept this, sir…” Yet the waiter swiftly pocketed the money, glanced around, and whispered, “Actually, it was Sun Zhong of the Sun family. He’s always arrogant and unruly, often comes here to feast and never pays. Yesterday, the head of the Cai clan was celebrating his seventieth birthday, and wanted to host a banquet here, inviting the scholars of Xiangyang.”
“Sun Zhong came to dine as usual, but found his usual seat taken. What should have been resolved by choosing another seat instead escalated—Sun Zhong insisted on arguing with the elderly gentleman and accidentally injured him.”
“Ordinary folks would have fled, knowing they were in the wrong and had hurt someone, but Sun Zhong’s father is the Minister of Works. Sun Zhong himself is a notorious wastrel, fearless, and even insulted the Cai clan’s patriarch. Unable to bear it, the old man suffered a fatal fit…”
“Ye Niu, get back to work! What are you whispering about over there!”
“Coming!” The waiter said, “Sir, that’s all I know. I’ll get back to work now.”
Taor devoured her meal heartily and, after drinking water, continued eating with relish.
Jiang Wen sighed—there are wastrels in every era. What should have been a joyful occasion turned to tragedy in an instant.
Even the students of the Imperial Academy mocked the incident, showing how deep public resentment ran.
“Taor, pay the bill. We’re heading back.”
“Yes, Master!” Taor asked the manager for a food box and packed up all the leftovers.
In the court, the ministers entered the hall.
“We salute Your Majesty. Long live, long live, long live!”
“Rise, my beloved ministers!”
Cai Mao stepped out of the line. “Minister Cai Mao has a matter to report to the Minister of Works!”
Sun Jian sighed, “Rear General, speak freely.”
“My father passed away last night at home, yet I have seen no action from the Minister of Works. Today I wish to ask how this case will be handled!”
Before Sun Jian could reply, Jiang Wen stepped forward.
“Minister Jiang Wen, Chief Strategist and Libationer, has a memorial for the Minister of Works!”
“What is it about?”
“A strategy to resolve public resentment!”
Page (3/3)
“Read it.”
Jiang Wen opened the memorial and read aloud: “The ruler is the boat; the common people are the water. Water can carry the boat, but also overturn it. This incident is grave, and public resentment is overwhelming. The ruler should act with benevolence, resolve grievances, and promote good governance—this is also Your Majesty’s wish. I urge the Minister of Works to act impartially, and not out of self-interest.”
Kuai Liang stepped forward. “What the Chief Strategist and Libationer says is reasonable, and all officials request the same. I concur and urge the Minister of Works to act impartially!”
Lu Meng bowed. “I, the Minister of Works, also concur!”
Sun Jian’s expression shifted, unreadable. He glanced at the ministers below, rose and walked to Jiang Wen’s side, taking the memorial in hand. “So, how do you wish to resolve this—an eye for an eye?”
Jiang Wen bowed, as did the surrounding ministers. Sun Jian looked around at them, laughed, and shook his head. “That’s all for today. You may go.”
“Court dismissed!”
“Rear General Cai Mao, thank you, Chief Strategist and Libationer.” Cai Mao saluted Jiang Wen, who returned the gesture. “Helping the ruler bring peace to the people is the duty of a minister. There’s no need for thanks. I have matters at home and must take my leave.”
“Farewell.”
At Jiang Mansion.
Jiang Wen sat at his desk, while Taor sat nearby, weaving clothes. “Master, are you troubled?”
Jiang Wen gazed at the memorial before him. “Ah, I thought the Minister of Works would choose the state over personal affairs, but instead he shields his own. If this isn’t handled well, our internal affairs will be in chaos!”
“Why?”
“Liu Biao’s one hundred thousand soldiers still obey Cai Mao. Cai Mao has just lost his father—if he remains loyal to Sun Jian, it would be a joke. Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety are hard to reconcile.”
Yuan Shao’s defeat at Guandu was caused by Xu You’s betrayal, the burning of Wuchao’s grain stores, and a sharp drop in morale, leading to Cao Cao’s victory.
Now, the state is stable, but if Cai Mao betrays Sun Jian and raises troops, all that has been achieved will vanish in an instant.
And with the Monthly Critique about to begin, if this matter reaches the ears of the scholars, it will be disastrous!
No matter how you look at it, Cai Mao must not betray!
“Taor, prepare my horse. I must visit Rear General Cai Mao’s residence.”