After the two returned to the county yamen, Tao Mo was weighed down with thoughts and went straight back to his room without another word. Meanwhile, in the middle of the night, Old Tao woke all the servants and counted them once again. Sure enough, one servant boy was missing. He knew this had to be the person who painted the portrait, so he personally retrieved the contract that servant had signed and tucked it into his robes.
The next morning, Old Tao knocked on Tao Mo’s door early, only to find that he was already awake. Unable to hide his surprise, he asked, “Young Master, why are you up so early?”
Tao Mo replied, “I’m going out to visit a friend.”
“Could it be that Young Master Lu?” Having only just arrived in Tanyang County, the only acquaintance they could barely claim was Lu Zhenxue, with whom they had shared a single pot of tea.
Tao Mo said, “No. I want to pay a visit to Master One-Hammer.”
Old Tao was startled at first, then delighted. “Young Master actually thought of the same thing I did.”
Tao Mo blinked in confusion. “You also wanted to…”
“Master One-Hammer and Mister Lin Zhengyong are both highly respected figures in the local area. Since we have only just arrived in Tanyang County, it is only proper that we pay them a visit.” He understood that even a powerful outsider could not suppress a local tyrant. In official circles, it was common for people with influential backgrounds to stumble badly after arriving in a new locality, proving how important local connections truly were. Their experience at Mingcui Teahouse last night had made him realize just how powerful the local litigation masters were. Not only did they dominate the courtroom, even the common people spoke of them enthusiastically and admired them deeply. People like that were absolutely not to be offended.
“In that case, let us prepare two gifts and set out immediately,” Tao Mo urged.
Old Tao said, “Wait a moment first. What sort of gifts does Young Master intend to prepare?”
That single question completely stumped Tao Mo.
After some thought, he said, “Back when Father was in business, you always handled gifts for his associates and never made mistakes. Just do as before.”
Old Tao replied, “Young Master overpraises me. Back then, whenever Master sent me to deliver gifts, he would first investigate the other party’s preferences so we could cater to their tastes. But right now, I know absolutely nothing about Master One-Hammer or Mister Lin Zhengyong.” Seeing Tao Mo’s expression loosen slightly, he continued, “Gift-giving can be either a trivial matter or a major one. At best, the recipient might think little of it and toss it onto a shelf. At worst, we might violate a taboo, offend them deeply, and become enemies.”
Tao Mo listened with growing alarm. “Then how should I investigate?”
“They are famous local figures. Naturally, the locals know about them,” Old Tao said. “However, ordinary people only know part of the story, not the whole. Even if they know something, they may not know it thoroughly. In my opinion, Young Master would do best to hire a local adviser. With a local adviser at your side offering strategies and counsel, Young Master will naturally move through matters like a fish in water.”
“That sounds good,” Tao Mo said, “but I wonder whether the money we have left will still be enough?”
Old Tao replied, “Young Master may rest assured. I know exactly how much money we have and where it ought to be spent. I certainly won’t allow this household to end up without rice to cook.”
Tao Mo nodded. “Then go hire one.”
“Has Young Master ever heard the story of ‘Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage’?”
“I have.” Tao Mo immediately understood. “You want me to invite someone personally?”
“Adviser Jin.”
Tao Mo froze. “Didn’t he say he was unwilling?”
Old Tao replied, “I’ve made inquiries. This Adviser Jin is extremely famous in the local area. He has previously served under three different advisers and possesses very rich experience.”
“If that’s the case, then why was he unwilling to stay and help me?” Tao Mo asked.
Old Tao said, “Rumor has it that Adviser Jin was once a litigation master himself, but he lost a debate of words to Mister Lin Zhengyong and only then entered official service. However, he never abandoned either the pride of a scholar or the cunning sharpness of a litigation master. If Young Master truly wishes to invite him out of retirement, considerable effort will be required.”
Tao Mo sighed. “Things are actually this complicated?”
“In terms of complexity, the affairs of the county yamen and the affairs of the common people are each thousands upon thousands of times more complicated than this.” Old Tao continued, “If Young Master truly wishes to become a good official, you must learn to personally involve yourself in everything and understand the root of every matter. Only then will you not fail the court’s trust and the people’s affection.”
Tao Mo gave a bitter smile. “Fail them? I’m afraid I don’t yet possess either the court’s trust or the people’s affection, so how could I fail them?”
“If you do not yet have them, then work until you do.” Knowing he had already persuaded Tao Mo, Old Tao immediately ordered Hao Guozi to prepare the sedan chair.
A county magistrate naturally had his own official sedan chair, but there were no sedan bearers. Old Tao could only select several strong young servants from among the newly purchased household staff to temporarily serve in that role.
However, carrying a sedan chair was a skill in itself.
One could tell immediately whether the bearers were experienced or inexperienced the moment they lifted it.
From the county yamen to Adviser Jin’s residence was only separated by two streets and not very far. Yet when Tao Mo stepped down from the sedan chair, he looked as though he had spent an entire year inside it. Not only was his face pale, his legs had gone weak to the point that he could barely stand steadily.
“Young Master?” Hao Guozi supported him with both hands, his eyes full of concern.
Old Tao went to deliver the calling card, only to learn that Adviser Jin had gone to attend a Snow Appreciation Gathering.
Tanyang County had many litigation masters and many scholars, so naturally there were many gatherings as well.
Old Tao thought that perhaps they might even encounter Lin Zhengyong and Master One-Hammer at the event, making it a case of killing several birds with one stone, so he immediately had the sedan chair carried toward Tai’an Academy, where the snow gathering was being held.
Speaking of Tai’an Academy, it was also quite famous locally. Many county scholars had previously studied there.
When Tao Mo arrived, the front gates stood wide open.
From the entrance alone, one could see that a patch of snow had been specially cleared away inside the grounds. Someone had written the character “snow” upon it in bold, dragon-like calligraphy, perfectly fitting the occasion.
Hao Guozi handed over the calling card, and the gatekeeper hurried off to announce them.
By the time Tao Mo walked into the garden, the headmaster of Tai’an Academy had already personally come out to greet him.
“I never expected Magistrate Tao to honor us with your presence. Forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar,” The headmaster was over fifty years old, well maintained, and glowing with health.
Tao Mo returned the greeting. “I apologize for the disturbance.”
The headmaster had not expected him to possess absolutely no official airs, behaving instead like an ordinary younger member of the next generation. Secretly approving, he said, “As it happens, many local scholars have gathered at the academy today to admire the snow and compose poetry. If Your Excellency does not mind the humble setting or our inadequate hospitality, perhaps you might join us.”
“Then I shall trouble you,” Tao Mo replied without declining and walked directly toward the garden.
In truth, he had long since become unable to restrain himself. The moment he entered the garden, he had already seen Gu She seated within the pavilion, radiant as the moon itself. Many people sat around him, each surrounding him with bright smiles, and the sight made Tao Mo’s heart itch unbearably.
Seeing him walk straight toward the pavilion without even glancing elsewhere, the headmaster hurriedly said, “Is Your Excellency cold?”
“Not cold.” Though unwilling, Tao Mo still halted his steps.
The headmaster said, “Although the pavilion has a roof, it lets wind in from all sides and offers no warmth. Wouldn’t Your Excellency prefer to sit inside the main hall?”
“There is no need to go into the hall,” Tao Mo replied. “I’ll simply watch the snow from the pavilion.”
The headmaster thought to himself that the people sitting in that pavilion were all litigation masters, who normally despised officials more than anything. If Tao Mo eagerly forced himself up there, he would likely come away humiliated and covered in dust. That itself would not matter much—so long as he did not use it as an excuse to make trouble for the academy afterward.
How could Tao Mo possibly know what he was thinking? Just as he was about to continue forward, Old Tao casually stepped into his path and said, “Young Master, Adviser Jin is over there.”
Following Old Tao’s gesture, Tao Mo looked over and indeed saw Adviser Jin sitting upon a stone bench wearing a dark blue padded jacket, sipping wine and chatting merrily with others.
Tao Mo glanced once at the pavilion so close at hand. After struggling inwardly for a moment, he finally lifted his foot and walked toward the stone bench instead.
Ever since he entered, many people in the garden had been secretly listening for his every move. Now that they saw him heading toward the stone bench, they all stretched their necks to watch.
Adviser Jin seemed to have expected him all along. Remaining seated on the stone bench, he casually cupped his hands and said, “County Magistrate, are you well?”
Tao Mo sighed. “Not good. Not good at all.”
Adviser Jin cast him a sidelong glance. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Tao Mo replied, “I am lacking an adviser. Would Adviser Jin be willing to lower yourself to the position?”
Adviser Jin said, “I am old and frail now, long incapable of bearing such responsibilities.”
Tao Mo continued sighing. “That is why I am not doing well at all.”
Hearing how amusing their exchange was, the surrounding people all quieted down to listen more carefully.
Adviser Jin said, “This county is overflowing with talent. Finding an adviser should be as easy as turning over one’s hand. Why must the magistrate worry so much?”
Tao Mo stretched out his palm, flipped it over once, then looked seriously at Adviser Jin.
Adviser Jin looked back at him.
After a long pause, Tao Mo said, “I turned it over.”
“……”
“So, follow me instead,” Tao Mo said earnestly.
The corner of Adviser Jin’s mouth twitched. Though he did not wish to admit it, the situation in front of him really did resemble… courting a young woman. “Why must Magistrate Tao be so persistent?”
Tao Mo thought for a moment before saying, “I remember a very famous saying.”
“Oh? Which saying?”
Tao Mo muttered the words to himself once under his breath before speaking confidently. “‘Though the weak waters stretch for three thousand li, I shall take only one ladle to drink.’”
Adviser Jin: “……”
Had he known earlier, he should simply have waited at home for him instead.
From the county yamen to Adviser Jin’s residence was only separated by two streets and not very far. Yet when Tao Mo stepped down from the sedan chair, he looked as though he had spent an entire year inside it. Not only was his face pale, his legs had gone weak to the point that he could barely stand steadily.
“Young Master?” Hao Guozi supported him with both hands, his eyes full of concern.
Old Tao went to deliver the calling card, only to learn that Adviser Jin had gone to attend a Snow Appreciation Gathering.
Tanyang County had many litigation masters and many scholars, so naturally there were many gatherings as well.
Old Tao thought that perhaps they might even encounter Lin Zhengyong and Master One-Hammer at the event, making it a case of killing several birds with one stone, so he immediately had the sedan chair carried toward Tai’an Academy, where the snow gathering was being held.
Speaking of Tai’an Academy, it was also quite famous locally. Many county scholars had previously studied there.
When Tao Mo arrived, the front gates stood wide open.
From the entrance alone, one could see that a patch of snow had been specially cleared away inside the grounds. Someone had written the character “snow” upon it in bold, dragon-like calligraphy, perfectly fitting the occasion.
Hao Guozi handed over the calling card, and the gatekeeper hurried off to announce them.
By the time Tao Mo walked into the garden, the headmaster of Tai’an Academy had already personally come out to greet him.
“I never expected Magistrate Tao to honor us with your presence. Forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar, forgive us for failing to welcome you from afar.” The headmaster was over fifty years old, well maintained, and glowing with health.
Tao Mo returned the greeting. “I apologize for the disturbance.”
The headmaster had not expected him to possess absolutely no official airs, behaving instead like an ordinary younger member of the next generation. Secretly approving, he said, “As it happens, many local scholars have gathered at the academy today to admire the snow and compose poetry. If Your Excellency does not mind the humble setting or our inadequate hospitality, perhaps you might join us.”
“Then I shall trouble you,” Tao Mo replied without declining and walked directly toward the garden.
In truth, he had long since become unable to restrain himself. The moment he entered the garden, he had already seen Gu She seated within the pavilion, radiant as the moon itself. Many people sat around him, each surrounding him with bright smiles, and the sight made Tao Mo’s heart itch unbearably.
Seeing him walk straight toward the pavilion without even glancing elsewhere, the headmaster hurriedly said, “Is Your Excellency cold?”
“Not cold.” Though unwilling, Tao Mo still halted his steps.
The headmaster said, “Although the pavilion has a roof, it lets wind in from all sides and offers no warmth. Wouldn’t Your Excellency prefer to sit inside the main hall?”
“There is no need to go into the hall,” Tao Mo replied. “I’ll simply watch the snow from the pavilion.”
The headmaster thought to himself that the people sitting in that pavilion were all litigation masters, who normally despised officials more than anything. If Tao Mo eagerly forced himself up there, he would likely come away humiliated and covered in dust. That itself would not matter much—so long as he did not use it as an excuse to make trouble for the academy afterward.
How could Tao Mo possibly know what he was thinking? Just as he was about to continue forward, Old Tao casually stepped into his path and said, “Young Master, Adviser Jin is over there.”
Following Old Tao’s gesture, Tao Mo looked over and indeed saw Adviser Jin sitting upon a stone bench wearing a dark blue padded jacket, sipping wine and chatting merrily with others.
Tao Mo glanced once at the pavilion so close at hand. After struggling inwardly for a moment, he finally lifted his foot and walked toward the stone bench instead.
Ever since he entered, many people in the garden had been secretly listening for his every move. Now that they saw him heading toward the stone bench, they all stretched their necks to watch.
Adviser Jin seemed to have expected him all along. Remaining seated on the stone bench, he casually cupped his hands and said, “County Magistrate, are you well?”
Tao Mo sighed. “Not good. Not good at all.”
Adviser Jin cast him a sidelong glance. “And what does that have to do with me?”
Tao Mo replied, “I am lacking an adviser. Would Adviser Jin be willing to lower yourself to the position?”
Adviser Jin said, “I am old and frail now, long incapable of bearing such responsibilities.”
Tao Mo continued sighing. “That is why I am not doing well at all.”
Hearing how amusing their exchange was, the surrounding people all quieted down to listen more carefully.
Adviser Jin said, “This county is overflowing with talent. Finding an adviser should be as easy as turning over one’s hand. Why must the magistrate worry so much?”
Tao Mo stretched out his palm, flipped it over once, then looked seriously at Adviser Jin.
Adviser Jin looked back at him.
After a long pause, Tao Mo said, “I turned it over.”
“……”
“So, follow me instead,” Tao Mo said earnestly.
The corner of Adviser Jin’s mouth twitched. Though he did not wish to admit it, the situation in front of him really did resemble… courting a young woman. “Why must Magistrate Tao be so persistent?”
Tao Mo thought for a moment before saying, “I remember a very famous saying.”
“Oh? Which saying?”
Tao Mo muttered the words to himself once under his breath before speaking confidently. “‘Though the weak waters stretch for three thousand li, I shall take only one ladle to drink.’”
Elio’s Notes: This phrase is commonly associated with love and devotion.
Adviser Jin: “……”
Had he known earlier, he should simply have waited at home for him instead.
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