Chapter Thirty-Two: The Impoverished Scholar Xu Hong

The commotion over the "staged accident" was quickly quelled thanks to Ding Li's intervention. Even though some of the departing retainers threatened to take revenge on him, no one—including Ding Li himself—paid them any mind. Instead, all attention remained fixed on Ding Li.

Though the Nanhai Gang had only just been established, its name already echoed throughout the entire prefecture of Guangzhou; even after a month spent recovering from his injuries, Ding Li was a household name. Aside from Zhang Mingzhi and a select few who knew the gang’s true purpose, everyone believed that the Nanhai Gang existed to protect the interests of the local dockworkers.

Indeed, the actions of the Nanhai Gang in its first month had supported this belief, and their reputation in Guangzhou was solid. One could even say they stood in direct opposition to the Xunzhou and Chaozhou gangs, who had previously dominated the area. While the Nanhai Gang was not exactly beloved by the common people, neither were they despised.

Now, seeing Ding Li step in to help an injured old man by the roadside, not only retrieving part of the money for the man's medicine but also personally making up the rest, only further enhanced his reputation. After comforting the old man, Ding Li borrowed some money from his coachman, Old Zhang, intending to compensate the frail-looking scholar who had tried to help. But the scholar refused him outright.

“I have long heard of the Nanhai Gang’s good name,” the scholar said with sincere admiration. “It is said you never bully the people. Today, I see that the rumors do not do you justice.” With that, he clasped his hands in a respectful salute. “I am Xu Hong, courtesy name Minglang. Brother Ding, your reputation precedes you.”

“Ding Li, courtesy name Ziyi,” Ding Li replied, returning the salute politely after a moment’s thought. “Brother Xu, though you are but a scholar, you did not shrink back just now, but stood up to injustice, unfazed by power. I admire you greatly.”

“You flatter me, Brother Ding, truly,” Xu Hong replied with a somewhat embarrassed smile. The movement reopened a scab at the corner of his mouth, and he winced, shaking his head helplessly. But then he raised his head, his eyes bright with conviction, and said loudly, “Though I am but a scholar, I am a man before all else! How can I stand by and watch a pack of bullies oppress a defenseless old man? I may not have gained office, but I have read the classics; I know the meaning of respect and righteousness. How can I bow my head to scoundrels simply to preserve myself?”

As he spoke, Xu Hong grew more impassioned, straightening his back and sweeping his gaze around the crowd. “Today, it was another’s elder in need. If we stand aside now, indifferent to the suffering of others, what will we feel when our own elders are abused in the same way? If everyone puts self-interest above justice, how can the empire of Great Tang ever know peace?”

His words were reasonable, but they drew only sidelong glances and muttered sarcasm from the onlookers. The situation being what it was, most common folk dismissed his speech as naive—those who do not risk themselves find it easy to talk of righteousness. Should the Tian family seek revenge, it would hardly be worth it, so most preferred to mind their own business. After Xu Hong’s outburst, even more people rolled their eyes and lost interest, pausing only to sneak a few last glances at Ding Li before drifting away.

“Ah, the sorrow of the world’s people!” Xu Hong sighed, his face falling in disappointment. He knew he could not force others to share his convictions, but he could not help feeling a deep sense of loss. He cast a hopeful look at Ding Li, as if seeking some affirmation.

“Pay it no mind, Brother Xu,” Ding Li consoled him, clapping him warmly on the shoulder. “Not everyone is as courageous as you, and a man of your insight should hardly care for the opinions of the crowd.” His tone was earnest, and Xu Hong felt comforted, nodding thoughtfully. “Brother Ding speaks true. Quite right.”

With another rueful shake of his head and a wry smile, Xu Hong clasped his hands and bid farewell. “I shall remember your words, Brother Ding. But the hour grows late, and I must see to my hunger and find a place to stay. Should fate allow, let us meet again to discuss these matters further.”

“Wait!” Ding Li called after him, a thought occurring to him. He studied Xu Hong, his expression puzzled. “From your accent, Brother Xu, I gather you come from the north. Have you not found lodging in Guangzhou?”

Xu Hong flushed at the question, coughing awkwardly as he explained, “To be frank, Brother Ding, I am but a poor scholar who has failed the civil service exams time and again. With frequent unrest in the north these past years, I had no choice but to come south in hopes of finding a way to make a living.”

His face grew indignant, his tone swelling with passion as he clenched his fists and vented his frustrations. “The court is plagued by treacherous officials. The few upright ministers are suppressed, demoted, or denied office; some are even stripped of their power while still in position. At such a critical time, to see such a state of affairs! Those scoundrels at court are worse than the bandits of Jiangnan. For the sake of personal gain and petty grievances, they care nothing for the safety of the nation!”

“It seems you are well-informed regarding the north,” Ding Li remarked politely, though in truth he had little interest in the topic. He was already calculating his next move, and after a moment, extended an invitation to Xu Hong. “Brother Xu, since you already know my identity, I shall be direct. I find myself in need of your assistance.”

“Oh?” Xu Hong instinctively took a half-step back, his guard up. He had spent some time in Guangzhou and knew something of the Nanhai Gang’s reputation. Wariness in his eyes, he glanced at Ding Li and then around at the others before lowering his voice. “Brother Ding, though I am destitute, you must know my character. I will not involve myself in any gang conflicts.”

Ding Li laughed aloud, as if he had already seen through Xu Hong’s concerns. He clapped him on the shoulder, thumping his own chest in reassurance. “No need to worry, Brother Xu! I promise you, that’s not what I have in mind. The gang is newly formed and at the start of many things; what I lack is a learned man by my side. Scholars like yourself are careful and thorough—just what I need!”

“Really? Brother Ding, you’re not deceiving me, are you? I am an honest scholar, a law-abiding citizen!” Xu Hong’s interest was piqued, but he still seemed hesitant. “Perhaps you could tell me what, exactly, you need me to do?”

“Mostly keeping the accounts, managing the gang’s finances, keeping track of the men working at the docks, that sort of thing,” Ding Li replied after a moment’s thought. Unable to think of anything more specific, he shrugged it off and patted Xu Hong’s shoulder again. “Don’t worry, Brother Xu—you won’t be expected to do any heavy labor. If anything else comes up, I’ll let you know in advance so you’re not caught off guard.”

“No problem! I can certainly manage that—and do it well!” Xu Hong agreed at once, having no place else to go. Then, a little embarrassed, he scratched his head and lowered his voice. “Er, Brother Ding, about the monthly… salary… and, well, you know my situation…”

“Oh, I understand!” Ding Li, ever shrewd, immediately caught his meaning and smiled. “You’re asking about pay. Well, since you’re new, I must be fair to the others, so I’ll start you at five strings of cash for the first month, and we’ll see about a raise later. As for your room and board, my new residence will be ready in a few days. If you don’t mind staying at an inn for now, you can move in later. Most of your work won’t require you to go to the docks, so living at the house should be convenient.”

“Is that… really all right?” The promised salary was too tempting for Xu Hong to refuse, but Ding Li’s final words made him hesitate, as if five strings of cash would buy his very person. His features twisted comically with uncertainty.

Seeing this, Ding Li paused, then quickly realized what was on Xu Hong’s mind. Not wanting to be misunderstood, he hurried to clarify with a smile, “Just to be clear, Brother Xu—this is for your convenience, nothing more. If you’d rather not move in, you’re free to arrange your own lodging and meals. And even if you do, if you ever wish to leave, I give you my word: I will never hinder you with any excuse.”

“No, Brother Ding, you misunderstand!” Now it was Xu Hong’s turn to be thoroughly embarrassed. He wished he could disappear on the spot, cursing himself for thinking so poorly of another. Fortunately, the dusk helped hide his reddening face as he bowed repeatedly, stammering, “I was only concerned about causing you trouble, nothing at all like what you were thinking!”

“I understand! No offense taken. It’s best to be clear upfront, so everyone feels at ease,” Ding Li replied with a knowing smile. Nearby, Sayyid watched this exchange with a helpless grin, unable to fathom why his “Brother Li” insisted on recruiting such a poor, pedantic scholar for the job.