Moma Liangshan

Chapter 49 Passing through Luxian, transiting through Dajiang

Yang Zhi pondered for a moment and said, "The Wu and Yue regions are rich in famous swords. Why don't you take advantage of your trip south to Mingzhou to find a suitable sword and nurture it?" Wang Hao was puzzled and asked, "Nurture it? What do you mean?" Yang Zhi replied, "The essentials of martial arts are man, weapon, and method. Man, you, sir, must have perseverance; weapon, the sword, must be wielded skillfully; method, swordsmanship, must be practiced smoothly and effortlessly." Wang Hao listened, smiled slightly, and said, "Find a suitable sword, pair it with a suitable set of techniques, and persevere—is that it?" Yang Zhi pondered for a moment and replied, "What you say is insightful and to the point!" Asking about swords was merely a casual remark by Wang Hao due to the many days of rain and idleness, without any deeper meaning. He changed the subject and said: "After the rain stops, I intend to travel downstream to Lu County, then pass through Qiantang, and finally reach Mingzhou. What do you think of this route?" Yang Zhi said, "Qiantang is a land of fish and rice, the premier city in Jiangnan, teeming with wealthy merchants. I can guess why you're going to Qiantang. But I'm unfamiliar with Lu County." Wang Hao thought to himself, "According to the local chronicles of the Great Song Dynasty, Qiantang is Hangzhou, and Lu County is Shanghai. After the reconstruction of the Jiaozhou Maritime Trade Office, the route to Tokyo can be taken by land, while the route south to Jiangnan should be by sea. Ships can depart from Jiaozhou and travel south to Lu County. From Lu County, they can transfer and travel upstream to Xiangyang, Yuzhou, and so on." He then asked, "In your opinion, where does the first route of the Jiaozhou Maritime Trade Office lead?" Yang Zhi looked bewildered and said, "I am a soldier and know nothing about maritime transport!" Wang Hao said, "I'll give you three choices: go north to Liaodong, cross to Goryeo and Japan, or go south to Lu County. What do you think?" Yang Zhi said, "Go south to Lu County." "Why?" Wang Hao asked. Yang Zhi replied, "For the first voyage, safety is paramount. Liaodong is an enemy state, Goryeo and Fusang are overseas, while Luxian is in the Jiangnan region. We can even arrange for people to meet us in advance. Therefore, among my subordinates, Luxian was chosen." Wang Hao nodded and said, "The maiden voyage cannot fail. From Jiaozhou to Luxian, the distance is shortest, and it doesn't cross the border of the Song Dynasty. It's all near the sea, making it the safest option. Therefore, surveying Luxian is imperative. Ideally, we should purchase a piece of land on the coast for future ship mooring." Yang Zhi said, "Your foresight is admirable!"

Five days later, the weather cleared up, and Wang Hao hired two large boats to head south to Luxian. The journey from Guazhou Town to Luxian was over 500 li by water; they traveled downstream at dawn and arrived in the evening. Luxian was the old name for Shanghai, but at this time it was just a small town, lacking the prosperity of later times. The post stations in Luxian were vastly different from those in Yangzhou; Wang Hao's eight mules and three horses almost filled the post station's stables. Wang Hao summoned the postmaster, rewarded him with five taels of silver, and asked, "Is Hu County still prosperous?" The postmaster replied, "Your Excellency, Hu County is not poor, but it is not wealthy either." Wang Hao asked, "Why?" The postmaster answered, "Hu County is bordered by the Yangtze River to the north and the sea to the east, but it lacks the fertile plains of Jingzhou, the bustling seas of Mingzhou, and the salt fields of the north. Fortunately, the confluence of the river and the sea provides abundant fisheries, so the people don't go hungry." Wang Hao nodded and asked again, "Is the security good?" The postmaster said, "As long as one can eat their fill, who would want to be a bandit? The security in Hu County is quite good!" Wang Hao said, "Take good care of the mules and horses, and go away!" The postmaster left.

The next morning, Wang Hao and Yang Zhi went together to the county government office to visit the magistrate. The town of Hu County was small, and the post station was less than five li from the county government office. Wang Hao couldn't ride a horse, but now that he had acquired three warhorses, he could practice. He asked, "The Yang family has been a military family for generations. Do you know how to ride and shoot?" Yang Zhi replied, "I can shoot on horseback; I can bring down birds from sixty paces!" Wang Hao said, "I can't ride a horse. Could you teach me?" Yang Zhi said, "Young master, please give me your orders. I will do anything for you!" Wang Hao said, "How could I not know your loyalty? Lead the horses!" Yang Zhi went to the stables, chose the most docile horse, and came to Wang Hao's side, saying, "Young master, please mount the horse!" Wang Hao didn't mount immediately. Instead, he circled the black horse, gently stroking its head. After a moment, he grabbed the saddle with one hand, put one foot in the stirrup, and, with Yang Zhi's help, clumsily mounted the horse. Wang Hao, sitting on his horse, swayed unsteadily and asked with a smile, "Should I whip it?" Yang Zhi quickly replied, "Absolutely not! For daily riding, a light squeeze of the legs against the flanks is sufficient. Only when charging should the whip be used. Young Master, this is your first time riding; if the horse is startled, there could be danger." Wang Hao said, "It's only five li to the county office. I wish to ride. What should I do?" Yang Zhi said, "That's simple. I will lead the horse for you." Wang Hao said, "You have the talent of a general; it's beneath you to lead my horse. Find a martial arts instructor!" Yang Zhi said, "Young Master, you are mistaken." Although Yang Zhi possessed some martial arts skills, he was merely a convict. If it weren't for the great kindness of the young master, he would still be living a life of hardship in the shadows. In other words, Yang Zhi felt inferior to any ordinary person. "It is an honor for Yang Zhi to lead the horse for the young master!" Yang Zhi's expression was sincere, without a trace of falsehood. Wang Hao no longer refused, saying, "It was you who insisted on leading the horse. If you rise to prominence in the future, you cannot blame me!" Yang Zhi smiled and said, "If Yang Zhi truly rises to prominence, it will be all thanks to the young master. I am already grateful for the young master's kindness, how could I dare to harbor any resentment?" Wang Hao held the reins, and Yang Zhi pulled the bridle, as the two headed towards the county government office.

The small town of Lu County had city walls less than five li from north to south and less than three li from east to west, with the Huangpu River flowing through its east. Upon arriving in Lu County, Wang Hao moved slowly, stopping frequently. Horses were scarce in the Song Dynasty, and tall, fine horses were even rarer in this small Jiangnan town of Lu County. Dressed in brocade robes, waving a folding fan bestowed upon him by Emperor Huizong, and led by a valiant general, Wang Hao was a sight to behold, with everyone giving way and looking up at him in the streets and alleys. Looking around at the people, though they didn't appear hungry, everyone wore hemp clothing and straw sandals, showing no sign of wealth. The shops along the street had low eaves, tattered banners, and many were thatched huts. Wang Hao remarked, "Lu County is far inferior to Yuncheng and Cao County!" Yang Zhi replied, "The Central Plains are the heartland of the Song Dynasty, while Jiangnan is a fertile land; the difference is immediately apparent." Half an hour later, Wang Hao arrived at the county government office. At the gate, Wang Hao displayed his official seal, and the yamen runners, not daring to be negligent, immediately reported his arrival. A moment later, the county magistrate, the county constable, the clerk, and others came to greet them.

Wang Hao spoke, "Greetings, Your Excellency!" The magistrate did not recognize Wang Hao, but judging from his imposing manner, he knew he was from the capital. He said, "Greetings, Your Excellency. May I ask your name?" Wang Hao replied, "Wang Hao, courtesy name Xianmeng!" The magistrate secretly sized up the young man before him, and upon seeing the Emperor's vermilion seal on the folding fan, he immediately understood his identity and became even more respectful, saying, "Young master, are you perhaps the master of the Eight Immortals Wine—Lord Wang Xianmeng?" Wang Hao replied, "Indeed, it is I." After speaking, he handed the folding fan to the magistrate of Hu County, saying, "This is a gift from His Majesty. Please examine it, Your Excellency!" The magistrate suddenly bowed deeply, raising both hands above his head to receive the imperial fan. Wang Hao smiled helplessly and placed the folding fan in the magistrate's hands. The magistrate received the imperial fan and strode into the main hall. He placed the fan on the table and, along with the county constable, head constable, and a dozen others, paid their respects. After the ceremony, he returned the fan, saying, "Thank you, young master, for allowing us the honor of paying homage to this gift bestowed by His Majesty!" Wang Hao casually picked up the fan and said, "His Majesty's talent is unparalleled throughout history. He produces nearly a hundred paintings, calligraphy works, and poems a year, many of which he bestows upon his ministers. Rarity makes things precious; why does Your Excellency perform such a grand ceremony?" The magistrate replied respectfully, "Jiangnan is not like the capital. We have served as officials for decades, yet none of us have had the privilege of gazing upon His Majesty's countenance. Even works created by His Majesty himself have never been seen. To serve as an official for a lifetime without ever seeing a wise ruler is truly a great pity." "?" Wang Hao stopped dwelling on formalities and said, "Do you know why I've come south to Mingzhou?" The magistrate replied, "Our county is isolated; I have no idea!" Wang Hao took out a document and handed it to the magistrate. After reviewing it, the magistrate asked, "To rebuild the Jiaozhou Maritime Trade Office?" Wang Hao nodded and said, "Indeed, to rebuild the Jiaozhou Maritime Trade Office." The magistrate then asked, "What is the reason?" Wang Hao said, "It's inconvenient to tell you now. Your Excellency only needs to know that this was decided upon by the Emperor and the Privy Council, and is being handled personally by the Ministry of Revenue." The magistrate quickly said, "I apologize for my indiscretion, young master!" Wang Hao said, "It's alright! There is something I would like your assistance with, Your Excellency!"

The magistrate said, "Young master, please give your orders. As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost!" Wang Hao asked, "Is there a suitable place to build a harbor at the mouth of the Yangtze River?" The magistrate replied, "The Huangpu River east of the city is wide and deep enough to accommodate large ships, so there is no need to build a dedicated harbor." Reminded by the magistrate, Wang Hao instantly understood: "Jiaozhou can be a harbor because Jiaozhou Bay is almost an inland sea, with calm waters; Mingzhou can be a harbor because it is adjacent to the Zhoushan Islands, allowing for anchorage along the islands; Shanghai can be a harbor because the Huangpu River, although a river port, is wide and deep, possessing the capabilities of a seaport." He said, "After the Jiaozhou Maritime Trade Office is completed, I intend to send ships south to sell Baxian wine to Jiangnan. A port is needed at the mouth of the Yangtze River for transshipment. I wonder if Your Excellency would be willing to assist?" The magistrate understood Wang Hao's intention and said, "Young master, do you wish to acquire land in Lu County to build a port?" Wang Hao replied, "To be precise, I plan to build a warehouse with its own port, solely for my own use, and not to accommodate other ships." The magistrate said, "The banks of the Huangpu River are mostly farmland in Lu County, and much of it has been cultivated for over ten years. Uncompensated land acquisition will surely incite public anger and could lead to conflict." Wang Hao shook his head and said, "Building a warehouse, even with its own port, twenty mu would suffice. What is the land price in Lu County?" The magistrate thought to himself, "As long as Wang Hao doesn't resort to extortion, this matter will be very easy." He replied, "Between ten and twenty guan per mu." Wang Hao looked at Yang Zhi and said, "Give me five hundred taels of silver." Yang Zhi agreed and took out a money pouch from his bag. Wang Hao then looked at the magistrate and said, "Please prepare pen and ink, sir." Although the magistrate was puzzled, he did not delay and looked at his clerk, saying, "Pen and ink, please!" Wang Hao said, "I am about to head south to Mingzhou and cannot linger in Lu County. I entrust five hundred taels of silver to you, sir, to purchase twenty mu of land for me. The remaining money is a personal gift from me!" The magistrate was surprised and said, "Twenty mu of land cannot exceed two hundred taels of silver. It is far too much for you, young master, to leave me with five hundred taels of silver!" Wang Hao said, "Do not refuse! In the future, we will have more opportunities to cooperate. However, please write the authorization document and give it to me, sir. After I return to Tokyo, someone will come with this document to oversee the construction of the warehouse."