203 Bribery (1/2)
Everything started from an unexpected invitation that the twins received.
On the first day of May, in the Fairyland Pavilion of the North City, commandant Zhong Heng invited the master of the Horned Dragon Society, Shangguan Fei, and the master of Kun Society, Shangguan Ru, to a gathering.
There was an unspoken rule on the invitation: the master of the society could only bring one servant. This was verbally delivered by the officer who sent the invitation.
This invitation was unexpected because the commandant occupied a sinecure post. He had never interfered in the battles of South City. Moreover, on the surface, the twins had looked like they had reconciled. They wouldn't need an authoritative figure like him to resolve their rivalry.
Surprisingly, the twins rejected the invitation unanimously. The Stone Castle soon sent men to remind the Ninth Young Master and the Tenth Young Master that it would be better to go to the gathering at Fairyland Pavilion.
Out of everyone who knew about the invitation, Gu Shenwei was the most surprised. He had talked to Zhong Heng several times. He had also been sending the basic salary of several thousand taels in his own name to Zhong Heng. Hence, he knew very clearly the nature of this commandant. This commandant would always avoid conflict and would not hesitate to direct his responsibilities to others. Getting involved in the twins' conflict was very unlike him.
That evening, the two twins arrived at the venue on the invitation. This was the first time they met each other after the battle in the Peach Forest. They were both awkward and kept giving way to each other. They were so polite that they didn't seem like family members at all. Later, they both sat in separate corners and never looked at each other again. Both maintained vigilance and were scared that the other would be up to something.
Gu Shenwei happens to be Shangguan Ru's servant but in front of his master, he had no right to take a seat. Zhong Heng hid his smile and nodded at him. He then started his long speech.
Gu Shenwei had seen Zhong Heng's ability to beat about the bush and speak nonsense. However, his speech was exceptionally long this time. After holding out for two hours, Gu Shenwei finally fainted. He did not understand what the commandant had in mind.
The twins had already lost interest. There was an expression of tolerance on their faces. If it hadn't been for the Stone Castle's hint on the importance of this meeting, the two would have left the gathering long ago.
”Ah, Lord Zhong, please be direct. Was it the Governor who sent you?” Due to his relations with the Horned Dragon Society, Shangguan Fei knew a little more about what was going on.
”Yes, yes.” Zhong Heng laughed and expressed his agreement. His ”being direct” still took 15 minutes. However, what he arrived at finally was a simple message.
Jade City had a high ranked sinecure administrative official- the Governor. A new Governer was appointed every three years. The Central Plain, Norland and Shu-lik took turns appointing the new governer.
The current Governor was someone from the Central Plains. His term was about to end. According to the usual practice, all the forces of Jade City had to send a ”Protective Talisman” to him, which is just gold and silver.
It was called the ”Protective Talisman” because after receiving the money and relinquishing his duties, the Governor would write a memorandum of praise when he returned to his country. He would praise Jade City for its peacefulness. This way, the big powers won't interfere in the matters of this city directly.
”So this is how it is. How much do you need? Commandant, just say the word.”
Shangguan Fei had plenty of money and would not take this ”bribery” to heart. However, the sum that Zhong Heng said startled him.
”Oh, it's like this. In such matters, you have to be willing to donate and it depends on how much you are able to give. Of course, there are precedents. Take the Tenth Young Master's Kun Society for instance, donating 150,000 would be enough. The Ninth Young Master's Horned Dragon Society has more power. I expect it to be perhaps more generous. If you don't have a problem, donating a million would be sufficient.”
”What!” The twins stood up immediately. Shangguan Ru still owed Slave Huan money and after much trouble, Shangguan Fei had managed to accrue hundreds of thousand taels. To think that it was still not enough! The two decided to use that money to expand their influence and strength. However, they did not wish to waste it on the Governor. They didn't even know the Governor's name or what he looked like.
”Why does the Horned Dragon Society need to give that much?”
”Currently, the territories of several masters from Stone Castle have all been merged with the Horned Dragon Society's territory. Hence... if the territories were to be split, more could be donated.”
The twins finally understood what their brother meant. On the surface, he seemed to be relinquishing his power in the South City. In reality, he was exchanging it for a hot potato. Shangguan Ru used all of her territory to exchange for Kun Society. It turned out to be a blessing due to a misfortune.
”No.” Shangguan Ru flat out refused.
”I'm not giving either.” Shangguan Fei was not very bold but he was not afraid of the officials in the Jade City.
Zhong Heng was not angry and his face did not turn red either. He took his time and after much coaxing, he saw that the gathering could possibly end on a sour note. He took out his trump card. ”Ninth Young Master and Tenth Young Master, let's not sour our relations. I'm only a messenger and to be honest, I won't be enjoying any of the silver so why am I so concerned? I've spent much of my youth in the Western Region. My kung fu and accomplishments aren't worth mentioning. However, I have accrued enough experience over the years. So, here's a piece of advice: don't be too hasty in your refusals. Ask around when you're back and solicit the opinions of others, especially the elders under your authority. If you don't trust me, you can always trust them.”
The twins did not trust anyone. Those ”elders” handed over their money but not their authority. In name, they seemed to be subordinates of the Ninth Young Master but in reality, they were still loyal to their former masters.
The two muttered their retreat hastily. They scolded the Governor as they went downstairs, regardless of whether he could hear them or not.
After exiting the restaurant, the two siblings remembered that they were now enemies. They looked at each other coldly and left without saying goodbye.
Less than three days later, the twins realised that things were not that simple. This ”Protective Talisman” had to be paid and it should not even be a single tael short.