Chapter Forty: Gathering Allies and Admiring the Flowers

Sometimes, Song Wen also wished he could summon the courage, stretch out his neck, and let out a roar that truly belonged to him; he longed to find someone to whom he could pour out all his grievances. But he couldn’t. He simply could not afford the price of such willfulness.

At this moment, Di Ying’s words struck straight to the core of Song Wen’s heart. His eyes nearly brimmed with tears—he truly wanted to take Di Ying’s arm and unload all the bitterness pent up inside him. But in the end… he held back. He had only just met Di Ying; he had to guard his tongue.

After a moment’s thought, Song Wen said, “Please wait a moment, Lord Di. I’ll go and call for some others to join us.” When he finished, he hurried off toward the administrative offices.

Di Ying watched Song Wen’s retreating figure, the corners of his mouth curving into a faint smile. All those years ago, when Di Ying came to the capital for the imperial examinations, he and Di Shun had studied not only the lay of the land, but more importantly, the people and the officials of the court. Years had gone by, and not much had changed; Di Ying had, of course, gotten the measure of Song Wen, too.

He knew Song Wen was not a corrupt official and handled affairs with a fair hand. He was simply a turtle forced to withdraw into his shell. Di Ying did not mind befriending such a man. In Di Ying’s mind: any official who did not bring harm to the people was a good official.

After a short wait, Song Wen returned, bringing with him more than a dozen subordinate officials. Together, they strolled in a loose group toward the southern outskirts. As they walked, a few of the men began to mutter in low voices.

“How are we supposed to walk the whole way? It’s such a long trek.”

“Exactly, isn’t this just making us run around for nothing? Did we somehow offend him and not realize it?”

“Bah, what’s the point of talking about offense? He’s just a new official, probably trying to put us in our place and show off his authority.”

“Tch, really? Does putting on airs with us add to his prestige somehow? What is he thinking?”

As they grumbled, they suddenly noticed that this new Lord Di was not only putting on airs, but as he walked, he began greeting the passersby with clasped hands, raising his voice for all to hear.

“Fellow citizens, I am Di Ying, the newly appointed Right Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, an official of the fourth rank.”

What’s that? You’re asking what the Right Vice Minister does? Ha, well, what do you think the Court of Judicial Review is for? It’s where the common folk come to seek justice! If you ever have a case, or find yourself wronged, remember to seek me out. I guarantee your matter will be handled beautifully. What? You can’t read or write a petition? No money to file a complaint? That’s no problem at all. None of that matters. As long as you can explain your case clearly, that’s enough for me. In fact, I’ll even serve you tea.

Huh? All the officials are corrupt? Nonsense, there are plenty of good officials in the court—take me, Di Ying, for example. Trust me. And if you can’t trust me yet, try me first and see for yourself.

Exactly—there’s no need to pay silver or risk a beating if you bring your complaint to me. What’s the harm in giving it a try? Now, as it happens, I have a case right now. If any of you are free, why not come along and see? What kind of case? Oh, nothing major—just a small theft from another fourth-rank official’s villa. We’ll consider it an exercise for our legs and a chance to enjoy some scenery. Aren’t you curious what a high official’s villa looks like? Good! If you’re curious, let’s all go have a look.”

The curiosity of the townsfolk was insatiable. With just a little encouragement, those without pressing matters to attend to joined the crowd, chatting with Di Ying about everyday life as they walked. Song Wen and the dozen or so officials found themselves pushed to the back, listening as Di Ying bantered merrily with the people.

By the time they reached the outskirts of Wu Jianhui’s villa, the conversation was still lively. Wu Jianhui himself was already inside, sipping tea and waiting calmly for Di Ying—until the steward came to report that a huge group was approaching.

Wu Jianhui’s face turned livid. He smashed his teacup, called for his guards and attendants, and stormed out in a fury, shouting at Di Ying, “What do you think you’re doing?!”

He pointed at the crowd of commoners and barked, “And what do you lot think you’re doing here? I am the Left Vice Minister of Personnel, and this is my villa. Are you treating it like a public garden? Get out, all of you! If you don’t leave at once, I’ll have your legs broken!”

The townsfolk, caught up in conversation, had followed along almost without realizing it. Now, confronted by the imposing presence of a high official and his angry accusations, they shrank back, fear and indignation mingling in their hearts. They thought to themselves: all that earlier warmth was just a show—see, in the end, all officials are the same.

Di Ying did not turn to meet the doubtful, angry glances of the townsfolk. He took a step forward, placing himself at the very front, and declared in a clear, ringing voice, “By order of His Majesty, I am here to investigate the theft at this villa. Any who obstruct this investigation defy the will of His Majesty himself. Step aside!”

Wu Jianhui did not budge. Planting his hands on his hips, he glared at Di Ying, “You are the only one with the imperial order. Don’t think you can use His Majesty’s name as a pretext to bring a mob of commoners to trespass on my villa!”

“Oh, what a grand accusation. Trespass? Have we set foot inside yet?” Di Ying responded with a cold snort. “You won’t allow it? Fine!”

Di Ying refused to argue further. He turned directly to the townsfolk and said, “I hear the flowers in that greenhouse are plentiful and beautiful. The rouge and powder for His Majesty’s own use are made from those blooms. Since this corrupt official won’t let us into his villa, let’s go admire the flowers instead.”

“Di Ying, how dare you!” Wu Jianhui was livid. He stormed down the stone steps before the villa’s gate, intent on blocking Di Ying’s way.

Di Ying’s face darkened. Sternly, he said, “You refuse us entry and won’t even allow flower-viewing? Lord Vice Minister, you are clearly obstructing an official investigation. Do you remember what His Majesty commanded? What is to be done with those who impede justice?”

Wu Jianhui was speechless.

At that moment, Song Wen squeezed his way through the crowd. He straightened his hat, which had been knocked askew in the jostling, and smiled ingratiatingly as he tried to smooth things over. “Lord Vice Minister, please, don’t be angry. Lord Di, let’s not get upset either. Let us speak calmly, let us speak calmly.”

He bowed, inviting Wu Jianhui to step aside, and then lowered his voice to counsel him, “In your villa, sir…”

Song Wen cast a glance inside, then continued, “Everything left inside is presentable. Lord Di is newly appointed and simply wants to make a show for the people. Why not let them enter? Otherwise, he might lose face and escalate the issue, which would not be good. Besides, you can rest assured that I and more than a dozen other officials are here. Nothing serious will happen. Please calm your anger—the case must be resolved, mustn’t it? By the way, yesterday I received some fine tea from the Imperial Household Department. Tomorrow I’ll send some to your residence; I hear it’s good for one’s health.”