Chapter 24: The Militia

After leaving the Liu residence far behind, Yang Hongwen suddenly reined in his horse, turned his head, and with a hint of displeasure, reminded Zhang Mingzhi, “Shouyi, you went a bit too far tonight! Third Master Liu isn’t someone to be trifled with; after all, a cornered dog will leap over a wall. Your actions will put Uncle Zhang and Uncle Li in a difficult position! Don’t forget what happened at the docks last night—Uncle Li didn’t sleep a wink!”

“What about it? If they knew, they’d probably hope I’d act this way. That Third Master Liu has long needed to be taught a lesson. With the support of the Cao Trade Guild, he’s gotten too full of himself!” Zhang Mingzhi was completely unconcerned, shrugged indifferently, and replied offhandedly. But seeing the darkness on Yang Hongwen’s face, he decided not to press further. He gave a faint smile, nodded, and added, “Alright, Brother Yang, I know what I’m doing. Don’t overthink it! Last night was just a false alarm in the end, nothing really happened. Don’t be like the uncles—always worrying about nothing!”

“Sigh! There are things you don’t fully understand!” Yang Hongwen wasn’t surprised by Zhang Mingzhi’s attitude. They’d grown up together and knew each other’s tempers inside out. He knew that whatever he said wouldn’t change Zhang Mingzhi’s mind. Still, after a moment’s thought, he nodded and explained in a low voice, “The situation is chaotic now. The court suffered defeat in Jiangnan, rebel troops are heading south, and soon Guangzhou will be a battlefield. Yet, the city is still in turmoil. Though Uncle Li is the military governor, as you know, things here in Lingnan East Circuit are different. Uncle Li doesn’t hold all the military and financial power—there are two other factions, the Inspector and the Maritime Commissioner, both pulling in their own directions.”

“Alright, I get it. One wrong move and the whole game is lost.” Zhang Mingzhi’s laughter interrupted Yang Hongwen’s analysis, leaving the latter both exasperated and amused. He could only shake his head with a wry smile, sigh, and repeat his advice, “In any case, be careful these days. Stay out of the limelight over these minor matters, so you don’t make your uncles worry.”

“Understood, Brother Yang, stop fretting! It’s late and you’ve had a long night out with the brothers. Enough nagging—go on home!” Zhang Mingzhi could hardly stand the lecturing but forced himself to listen. He quickly waved Yang Hongwen away and then turned to Yang’s bodyguards, thanking them, “Brothers, thank you for tonight! When there’s time, I’ll treat you all to drinks and music!”

“Alright, we’re heading back! Take care of these brothers who helped tonight,” Yang Hongwen called out, leaving behind a few of his bodyguards to help carry Ding Li and Sayyid Gader. As he turned his horse toward the docks, he nodded meaningfully toward the street corner, cast a knowing smile at Zhang Mingzhi, and said, “Uncle Xiang is waiting over there. I won’t be joining you—give him my regards! Take care!”

“What?! Hey, Brother Yang! Why didn’t you say so earlier? That’s not fair!” Zhang Mingzhi was startled and shook his fist at Yang Hongwen’s retreating back, muttering under his breath.

At the thought of Uncle Xiang, the steward who was even more long-winded than his own father, Zhang Mingzhi’s face twisted in dismay. But since the man was already there, he had no choice but to steel himself and go to meet him. Forcing a smile, he urged his horse in the direction Yang Hongwen had indicated.

“Uncle Xiang, what brings you out so late?” On seeing the chief steward of the Zhang Trade Guild, Zhang Mingzhi quickly dismounted and greeted him with a smile. Then, without forgetting to scold the servants behind Uncle Xiang in a cold voice, he said, “It’s late, and you didn’t even bring Uncle Xiang a cloak? Don’t you know the sea breeze has been strong these days?”

“It’s nothing, no need to blame them. I insisted on coming.” Uncle Xiang understood Zhang Mingzhi’s intentions perfectly. On the surface, he was scolding the servants for not bringing extra clothing, but in truth, he was blaming them for alarming their master. Uncle Xiang, however, reacted only with a calm shake of his head and said evenly, “Young master, don’t worry. Tonight’s matter isn’t serious. It was time we showed Third Master Liu our colors anyway.”

“Huh?” Zhang Mingzhi was taken aback, surprised that Uncle Xiang—who usually restrained his behavior—was actually supporting his actions this time. He looked at Uncle Xiang in disbelief, as if to confirm the sincerity of his words.

“There’s no need to look at me like that, young master. I mean what I say.” Uncle Xiang smiled gently, patiently explaining, “Just a few days ago, Lai Wu dared cause trouble at our docks. That alone means he won’t last long! But then Third Master Liu openly backed him. If we didn’t respond, we’d be letting the Cao Trade Guild’s lapdog walk all over us. When it comes to power struggles, a dog is always just a dog. When it misbehaves, it has to be disciplined.”

Zhang Mingzhi suddenly understood. It seemed that his actions had tacit approval from his father, and perhaps even from Governor Li. Realizing this, he felt a weight lift from his chest—he wouldn’t have to endure another scolding at home. He smiled modestly at Uncle Xiang and said, “Hehe, you’re right, Uncle Xiang. I’d only thought of part of it before, not as thoroughly as you. Seems I got lucky this time.”

“Still, I hope that in future, you’ll always consult with your father before making decisions, or at least speak to me.” Uncle Xiang nodded approvingly. Having watched Zhang Mingzhi grow up, he knew the young man was arrogant but not malicious, especially when it came to his elders—he’d never contradict them to their faces.

“No problem, of course!” Zhang Mingzhi scratched his head, grinning sheepishly.

“So this is the boy Ding Li?” Uncle Xiang’s gaze shifted to the group behind Zhang Mingzhi, finally settling on the bloodied Ding Li. His brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed as he asked in a grave tone, “Is he still alive, after ending up like that?”

“He should be fine! He was still conscious just now; he won’t die so easily!” Zhang Mingzhi glanced uncertainly at Ding Li, then at Sayyid Gader, and added with a grin, “That one definitely won’t die—just lost a lot of blood. But he’s young, he’ll recover quickly with some care.”

“Good, let’s get back then—no more delays!” Uncle Xiang nodded sternly, his sharp gaze lingering on Ding Li. Then, speaking thoughtfully to Zhang Mingzhi, he murmured, “Young master, this one is extraordinary. To best Lai Wu single-handedly, then survive Third Master Liu’s men—if you cultivate him well, he’ll be a great asset to you.”

“Of course—otherwise, why would I get involved?” Zhang Mingzhi agreed, glancing at Ding Li again with a thoughtful sigh. “That boy’s name is all over the city these days; it’s quite the sensation! I hope he’ll devote himself to serving our Zhang Guild.”

“Yes, we’ve endured long enough. It’s finally time to stretch our limbs,” Uncle Xiang agreed, his face thoughtful as he sighed and walked ahead.

Before the Cao Trade Guild appeared, the Zhang Guild was the largest shipping association in all of Guangzhou’s harbors. But after the Cao Guild began supporting local gangs, they gradually encroached on Zhang Guild’s territory at the docks, leading to the current stalemate.

“Young master, your father’s still awake, waiting for your return to discuss forming the militia,” Uncle Xiang suddenly mentioned from the front.

“What?! The militia again?” Zhang Mingzhi stopped in his tracks, looking up in dismay.

But almost immediately, he made up his mind, turned his horse, and called to Uncle Xiang, “Uncle Xiang, you head home first! If my father asks, tell him I’ve gone to the southern residence. I’ll be busy at Fuxu Harbor for some guild matters and won’t be home for a while! As for the militia, I really can’t spare the time!”

“Young master, that won’t do!” Uncle Xiang hurried after him, grabbing his arm and explaining earnestly, “The militia must be formed sooner or later. There are only a handful of qualified men in all of Guangzhou, and you’re definitely fit to lead the local training! Even though it’s just a regional post, it’s still a government appointment—your father said Governor Li will support you, and you’ll officially be granted command! It’s a fifth-rank military position, higher than Yang Dalang’s!”

“So what? We provide the men, money, and effort, but still answer to the court, risking our lives for nothing!” Zhang Mingzhi, having already been pestered about this by his father, was unmoved. He shrugged indifferently, brushed off Uncle Xiang’s hand, and smiled, “All I want is to be a carefree merchant, standing on the grand docks of Fuxu Harbor, facing the vast sea, embracing beautiful women from all over the world, and savoring the finest delicacies under heaven!”

With that, Zhang Mingzhi’s eyes narrowed in a dreamy smile, already lost in his own intoxicating fantasy of the future. Satisfied, he waved at Uncle Xiang and turned toward the south of the city. “Uncle Xiang, you head back! Leave the militia to others. Let my father focus on the guild’s business in peace! I must go—otherwise, I’m not sure Ding Li will survive the night.”

“Sigh, what am I to do...” Watching Zhang Mingzhi and the others leave, Uncle Xiang, looking slightly aged, could only sigh helplessly and shake his head. He made no attempt to stop or persuade him further. In his experience, once Zhang Mingzhi made up his mind, nothing could change it—no matter who tried.