Chapter 227 (2/2)
Pei Zi Yun then sat within the same carriage as the Governor as they returned back to Governor’s Mansion. The Governor hosted a large banquet in honor of those who fought against the pirates. Lanterns filled the entire area while the tables laid out carried the finest delicacies. There were many serving girls who carried the dishes over and placed them grandly on the tables.
This was the first time Pei Zi Yun had been inside this particular restaurant. The floors were made of mahogany with privacy screens and intricate carvings all over the restaurant. The Governor sat atop the platform, since he was the host, while officials were split on different sides. Military officials on one side, and literary officials on the other.
Pei Zi Yun and Cai Yuan Zhen were seated beside each other, as Chen Pu came over to fill up their wine cups.
”Today we achieved great victory. n.o.body leaves here sober.” The Governor raised his cup and spoke to everyone. As soon as he completed his sentence, everyone raised their cups.
After the third round, the Governor rejected anymore toasts before speaking, ”Since everyone is here, Top Scorer Pei, tell us more about what happened.”
”Yes!”
Pei Zi Yun stood up before he replied, ”This time after setting off, we realized that the pirates were nothing more than just bandits at sea, and were a disaster to the dynasty. If they existed during war times, it might be chaotic and possibly even difficult to kill them off. But since we’re in peace times now, they stick out like a clown amongst men. Getting rid of them was only too easy.”
”Whoever led the men this time, would’ve achieved success without a doubt. I was just happy to take advantage of the situation to earn some rewards for myself.”
When the officials heard this, they broke out in laughter. Pei Zi Yun then cast a glance down at Chen Ping and Cai Yuan Zhen, and noticed that Chen Ping seemed to be rather unhappy. It was obvious that whatever he said had wounded him,
If it were this easy, why didn’t Chen Ping vanquish these pirates after all these years?
The next few lines he heard wounded his heart just as much as the first few. The only thing he could do was to keep drinking his wine to quench the fire in his chest.
Pei Zi Yun then continued, ”It was because of strategic planning conducted by the Governor that we were able to achieve victory. The leader of these pirates was known as Dragon King, Fang Zhi. He along with his brothers were killed in battle. Additionally, we killed 479 pirate leaders and decapitated them. We’ve captured another 103 pirates who were close to the Dragon King, and secured a significant amount of stolen goods from them.”
”That includes 10,600 tales of silver and gold along with other valuable ornaments.” Pei Zi Yun spoke before he bowed to the Governor, ”These items have been handed over to the Governor, and the Imperial Banners have also been restored.”
The Governor then stood up to pour some wine for Pei Zi Yun before he spoke, ”Good, I shall use these to earn some merit on account of your great work. Here, have another cup.”
After the banquet was over, there were many officials and high-ranking soldiers who were inebriated. Cai Yuan Zhen was one of those who swayed and shouted in his drunken state. ”This bunch of old men, how dare they stop me. Don’t go. Come, let’s have another jug of wine.”
As he spoke, his face was filled with elation.
Within a room, several candles flickered brightly. A bar of silver rested on the table, as it gleamed under the light of the candles.
Chen Pu held onto a notebook and sat upright, listening to the Governor speak.
”Silver is such a good thing to have, and can stir the hearts of even the most upright.” The Governor was playing with the silver taels. The atmosphere within the room was extremely tense.
”He really only retrieved 6,000 taels from all of it? And didn’t keep any for himself? Did any of the soldiers express any intent to keep some silver taels for themselves?” The Governor asked.
Chen Pu heard this and replied, ”Yes, everyone knew of the amount seized from the pirates, and cannot be deceived. As for the lower ranking soldiers, it’s inevitable that some of them would chip off a little here and there, but it wouldn’t amount to much.”
”After all, that’s a small matter.” The Governor spoke as he laughed, not minding petty issues like these.
However, Chen Pu’s expression was still gloomy. ”I have something I wish to report to your Excellency.”
”What is it?” The Governor replied.
”Your Excellency, there were more than a hundred captured pirates. However, Top Scorer Pei ordered his men to kill a dozen of them. I don't know why he did that.” Chen Pu said.
”Killing captives?” The Governor asked suspiciously.
”I will ask him about it. You can leave now.” The Governor replied, his face was clearly showed him pondering. When Chen Pu left, the Governor instructed, ”Don’t let this leak out. I will handle it.”
”Yes, your Excellency.” Chen Pu replied, and sounded somewhat dejected. The Governor then shouted once more, ”Please get Top Scorer Pei in here.”
Pei Zi Yun entered the study room, where he saw the Governor drinking some tea to rid the effects of the alcohol. When he saw Pei Zi Yun, he smiled, ”There’s n.o.body around. We can speak freely. I must say, you’ve helped me out a great deal this time.”
”Indeed, this is only possible with the blessings of the Governor and Imperial Court.” Pei Zi Yun replied seriously, ”If not, it wouldn’t be so simple.”
Although these words sounded like empty praises, it touched the Governor’s heart. He smiled, ”Although that might be the case, we mustn’t discredit you as well.”
As he spoke, he handed a note over, ”This is the letter I’ve written to the Emperor. It details the evidence and accounts of how the pirates were handled. I’ve also requested for you to be elevated to the status of Dao Master.”
Pei Zi Yun stood up and bowed deeply, ”Many thanks to the Governor.”
Others might not understand, but Pei Zi Yun understood that such a letter to the Emperor indicating his success in wiping the pirates couldn’t be obstructed by anyone. It was as good as guaranteed that the rewards will come. In fact, such a letter was worth more weight than requesting for a t.i.tle directly from the Emperor.
However, this meant that the Governor and Pei Zi Yun were even now.
The Governor then asked, ”I heard that you were involved in killing captives?”
Pei Zi Yun stood up to look at the Governor before he smiled, ”That’s an extremely complicated matter, that shouldn’t be involved in the letter you are about to send to the Emperor. Besides, there’s more bad news here.”
As he finished speaking, he handed a letter over to him.
The Governor was rather astonished as he opened it to read. When he was done he raged and slapped the table hard with his palms. ”How does Ji Bei Hou dare! How does Chen Ping dare! Have you checked this out carefully?”
”I’ve done my research on this. That’s the reason I killed those captives.”
At this point, the wind blew into the room, which caused the curtains to sway. Pei Zi Yun then added, If I didn’t kill them, things would get a great deal more complicated.”
”Alright. There’s no need for you to speak further. I know what to do.” The Governor waved his hands and replied coldly.
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