Chapter 71: Never Fear Comparing Goods, Only Fear Comparing People!

“Brother, what’s happened? In all the land of Fengchuan County, is there anyone bold enough to bully you?” Master Ma was startled and hurriedly reached out to steady Li Yuanjing.

At this moment, he had already heard the news that the third master was stirring up trouble for Li Yuanjing. But such matters—if Li Yuanjing didn’t seek his help, he naturally would not act rashly. Li Yuanjing was well prepared for this, and quickly recited his prearranged lines to Master Ma. Tears streaming down his face, he spoke in a voice full of misery, “Elder brother, you must give your little brother a hand. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to beg my old parents for help…”

Master Ma hesitated, glancing at the three taels of silver Li Yuanjing discreetly passed him. He mulled it over, then said, “Yuanjing, since you hold me in such regard, I’ll go and ask about this for you! Of course, I can’t guarantee the outcome.”

As Master Ma finished and strode off briskly toward the Xue family’s grand estate, Li Yuanjing bowed again and again in gratitude, though his dark eyes were already gazing into the distance, deep in thought.

Though Master Ma acted the part of a righteous friend, in truth, what weight did a mere petty official like him carry? Why would the great philanthropist Xue pay him any mind?

In the end, it would still come down to seeking out the old county magistrate, Zhao Bingchun.

And what Li Yuanjing wanted was to make this affair as public as possible, carefully cultivating the image of himself as a victim.

It seemed likely that before long, he would have to head to the county seat today.

This thought suddenly reminded Li Yuanjing of something else, and he quickly beckoned Zhang Kun over to whisper, “Brother Zhang, please go back yourself and find Chen Chuxue. Have her bring all the thread and cloth we’ve spun these past days.”

“Uh, yes!”

…

While Zhang Kun hurried back to Quanzi Village, Master Ma arrived at the Xue family residence. Although Master Ma was only a minor official, he wielded genuine influence, so the great philanthropist Xue agreed to meet him.

However, when Master Ma tactfully explained the situation and suggested that the great philanthropist Xue show some leniency toward Li Yuanjing, Xue pretended to be aggrieved and said, “Master Ma, it’s not that I don’t want to give you face. It’s just that, in truth, I know nothing of this matter. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do…”

Master Ma’s face turned red with embarrassment. He hadn’t expected that even after lowering himself so much, Xue would not grant him the least bit of respect.

He responded coldly, “Philanthropist Xue, aren’t you also a disciple of the Ming Sect? Surely you know that the old magistrate holds this scholar Li in great esteem? If something should happen and scholar Li is forced to appeal to the old magistrate…”

“Philanthropist Xue, you’ll put me in a difficult position.”

Xue simply laughed, produced seven or eight qian of silver—not even a full tael—and handed it to Master Ma. “Master Ma, how could I not know? Yet, I truly know nothing of this matter. How could I possibly be involved with those murderous bandits from Cold Mountain? Please, Master Ma, speak well of me to the old magistrate…”

Seeing Xue raise his teacup, clearly intent on seeing him out, Master Ma left, his face dark with anger. What could he do? With only this much influence, it was impossible to contend with someone like Xue. He could only take his leave.

He thought to himself: Li Yuanjing must go to the county seat today and make as much of a scene as possible! Then let’s see if that bastard Xue dares act so arrogantly.

Yet as the philanthropist Xue watched Master Ma’s retreating figure, he couldn’t help but snicker. Ma Huan, a mere minor official, dared put on airs before a grand squire like himself? What did he know? Remembering reliable news from the capital: the old magistrate Zhao Bingchun, having flattered Murong Mubai to satisfaction, was to be transferred to a prefecture as deputy magistrate within a few days.

A smug smile crept over Xue’s lips. Even if Li Yuanjing went to Zhao Bingchun now, would Zhao have any time to bother with such trivial affairs?

In the end, Fengchuan County, Iron Ox Town—wouldn’t they still be under the sway of men like him?

…

“That contemptible fellow! Yuanjing, I’m truly sorry, but it seems you’ll have to trouble the old magistrate after all.” Not long after, Master Ma returned, his face full of indignation.

Clearly, Xue’s neglect had wounded his sensitive pride. Li Yuanjing had expected this all along, and, as if playing a piece on a chessboard, comforted Master Ma while denouncing old Xue together.

After being consoled a while, Master Ma felt a bit better and said, “Yuanjing, in my opinion, there’s no time to waste. You’d best set off for the county seat right now! I happen to have several officers heading back—I’ll have them accompany you for safety.”

Seeing Master Ma’s eagerness, Li Yuanjing was all gratitude on the surface, but calm as a mountain within. This move was exquisitely played—not only had he connected the events, laying the groundwork for his victim persona, but he’d also sown deep resentment in Master Ma toward Xue.

Never underestimate the grievances of seemingly minor figures. In such unstable times, one never knows when these grudges will burst forth with unimaginable force.

Just as the famous adage in the office of a future tycoon from Hong Kong goes: “Better to relieve the grievance of one than to seek the favor of a thousand.”

He told Master Ma he still had some goods to deal with and would come soon. Then, he had people prepare good food and wine, and kept Master Ma company for a while; only then did Master Ma relax and began talking about county affairs.

…

An hour or so later, Zhang Kun, Chen Chuxue, and more than a dozen wheelbarrows arrived. Though traveling in such heavy snow was far from ideal, Li Yuanjing, wanting to demonstrate his compliance with Master Ma’s intentions, ordered everyone to set out for the county seat that very day.

This moved Master Ma deeply, and he repeatedly clasped Li Yuanjing’s hands in gratitude. After all, how had Xue treated him? And here—how did Li Yuanjing treat him? People have feelings; given such differences, who could remain unmoved?

…

After bidding farewell to Master Ma, Li Yuanjing and his group braved the wind and snow toward the county seat. However, as it was already past noon, and the safer path Li Yuanjing had previously taken could not be traversed within the day, they would not reach their destination by nightfall.

Still, with several of Master Ma’s official escorts accompanying them, Li Yuanjing had no fear of encountering the few local bandit gangs. The cloth and thread, though precious fruits of the women’s labor, were in truth not worth much money—even if stolen, it hardly mattered and would only reinforce his image as a victim.

And though the wind and snow seemed an obstacle, their burden was actually easier to carry in these conditions than in normal weather. As the saying goes, “Snowfall isn’t cold; thawing snow is.”

At this time, the snow underfoot was soft yet firm; though slippery, it was far more stable than the usual broken and muddy official roads, saving much effort.

What was truly dreadful? When the snow melted, turning everything to mud—that was when travel became truly punishing.

…

Perhaps because of the presence of Master Ma’s officers, the surrounding bandits mistook Li Yuanjing’s convoy for official goods and dared not make a move. Thus, their journey went smoothly.

As dusk fell and the city gates of Fengchuan County were about to close, they arrived just in time and entered the city.

Within the city, Li Yuanjing gave Zhang Kun a few instructions, telling him to settle everyone in. Then, speaking with one of Master Ma’s trusted officers, he had the man lead him straight to the county yamen.