The Succession Struggle in the Dream of the Red Chamber

Chapter 106 Prefect Ma's Intrigue and Schemes (Two Chapters Combined)

Upon hearing Tu Chengyu's instructions, Ma Yizhen hurriedly ran off.

He disembarked from the boat and saw the government officials' servants waiting on the dock.

He hurried over. As soon as they met, the servant said, "Master, Mr. Feng has arrived and is waiting for you at the post station."

When Ma Yizhen heard the servant say this, he suddenly stopped in his tracks and asked, "When did Mr. Feng arrive?"

The servant replied, "Master, Mr. Feng has only been here a short time."

Ma then asked, "Mr. Feng, did you say why you came?"

The servant said, "Mr. Feng didn't say anything, but he seemed quite anxious. As soon as he arrived, he kept urging us to come to the dock and wait for the master."

After listening to the servant's words, Ma nodded thoughtfully and said, "Lead the way."

The servants led the horses to the post station not far from the dock. Before they even entered, they saw a plump, middle-aged scholar standing at the entrance of the post station, looking towards the dock.

Seeing this, Ma Yizhen not only slowed down, but the anxious look on her face also disappeared.

Upon seeing Ma Yizhen approach, the plump scholar immediately smiled and hurried over to Ma, saying:

"Student Feng Dewen greets Your Excellency."

It turns out that this is the Mr. Feng that the servants were talking about.

Before Feng Dewen could even bow, Ma Yizhen pulled him up and said, "Mr. Feng, there's no need for such formalities."

After saying that, he pulled him into the post station, and in a room in the backyard, Ma asked:
"Didn't Mr. Feng go to visit a friend today? Why is he suddenly back at the dock?"

Feng Dewen said, "Your Excellency, I heard that you were in trouble, so I rushed here to help you."

Ma feigned surprise and said, "Why do you say that I have encountered difficulties, sir?"

Feng Dewen said, "Today, I visited a friend and during the meal, I suddenly heard that Lai Shangrong, the magistrate of Jiaxiang County, had abandoned his post and fled."

“This man is an official under the governor’s jurisdiction. His abandonment of his post and escape is a big problem for the governor.”

"As a staff member of the Prefect, how could I ignore the troubles the Prefect is facing while visiting a friend? That is why I rushed here to help the Prefect solve his problems."

Upon hearing Feng Dewen's words, Ma Yizhen did not rush to ask how to resolve the problem.

Instead, he praised Feng Dewen, saying, "Mr. Feng, your arrival is perfectly timed. When I was on the ship, I was wondering how to send someone to find you, but I didn't expect you to arrive before me."

"I have always felt that coming to Jining Prefecture and asking you to be my advisor was the most correct decision, and now it seems that it was indeed so."

Upon hearing Ma's praise, Feng Dewen quickly replied, "Your Excellency is too kind. This is all what I should do."

Ma continued, "Sir, you are too modest. I have said before that you and I are like a beacon in the darkness, inseparable even for a moment."

It seems very unreasonable that a prefect, a high-ranking official, would praise his staff in such a sycophantic manner.

It wasn't that Ma Yizhen lacked the awareness of a prefect, but rather that Feng Dewen was not simply a staff member.

Feng Dewen was not brought by Ma Yizhen himself, but was recruited by him from local scholars after he arrived in Jining.

It wasn't that Ma Yizhen's original staff were unusable, nor was it that Feng Dewen was particularly capable. Rather, it was the circumstances in Jining that forced Ma Yizhen to do this.

As someone who had been in officialdom for over a decade without any strong background, yet managed to rise from a minor official to a prefectural governor, Ma Yizhen naturally possessed unique insight.

Even before he took office, he had already found out that the gentry in Jining seemed to be particularly xenophobic.

The previous prefect was driven out by the local gentry because he was unwilling to associate too closely with them.

Learning from his experience, Ma Yizhen hired Feng Dewen, a scholar who was quite famous among the local gentry, as soon as he arrived in Jining, hoping to ease the tension between the two sides.

On the surface, Feng Dewen was Ma Yizhen's advisor, but in reality, he was a representative sent by the gentry of Jining.

Therefore, the two of them usually maintained a superficial relationship. Ma Yizhen would not actually go to Feng Dewen to discuss matters, and Feng Dewen would naturally not approach Ma Yizhen when he had nothing to do.

They only get together to discuss things when it involves the interests of both parties, like today.

The incident of Lai Shangrong's escape today has a significantly greater impact on the local gentry than on Ma Yizhen.

That's why Feng Dewen chased after him all the way to the dock from somewhere else.

Ma Yizhen confirmed this from her conversation with the servants and her observations after meeting Feng Dewen.

Now that Feng Dewen clearly needed her help in this matter, Ma Yizhen put aside her anxiety and wanted to see what Feng Dewen and the others had to say.

So during the conversation, Feng Dewen kept mentioning Lai Shangrong's escape, but Ma Yizhen wasn't worried at all. Instead, she kept going around in circles, praising Feng Dewen in various ways.

Feng Dewen naturally knew what Ma Yizhen's purpose was; he just wanted to take advantage of the situation and get some benefits.

Fortunately, he had been granted permission before his arrival to offer some benefits in exchange for Ma Yizhen's full support.

Therefore, Feng Dewen said, "Your Excellency, besides helping you solve your problems, I have another matter I would like to ask you to make a decision about."

What he meant was, "I have something good to offer you."

Ma Yizhen said, "Mr. Feng, what do you need my help with? Tell me quickly, and I will certainly not stand idly by if I can help."

Ma Yizhen's words were a message to Feng Dewen: "If the benefits you offer satisfy me, I will cooperate; otherwise, I will not care."

Upon hearing this, Feng Dewen said, "Is the Prefectural Governor sure he can help with this matter?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Yizhen immediately became interested and asked, "What is it?"

Feng Dewen said, "Your Excellency must also know that I am a close friend of Lin Tongpan in the Prefectural Government Office. Today, old friends are gathered together, and Lin Tongpan is among them."

Ma Yizhen became even more interested when he heard him mention Magistrate Lin.

He asked, "Mr. Feng specifically mentioned Magistrate Lin, but what did Magistrate Lin say during the banquet?"

Feng Dewen said, "The Prefect's guess is correct; Magistrate Lin did indeed mention something important during the banquet."

Ma Yizhen asked, "What important matter is it?"

Feng Dewen said, "Prefect Lin told his students that he had suddenly felt unwell recently and wanted to resign and go home to recuperate for a while."

Upon hearing that Magistrate Lin was unwell and wanted to resign, Ma Yizhen was overjoyed.

He had come to understand that Lin Tongpan's position was a benefit he had received from the gentry of Jining.

You must know how important the position of the prefectural vice-prefect is, as he is in charge of the prefecture's finances and tax revenue.

Ma Yi asked incredulously, "Mr. Feng, did Magistrate Lin really say that?"

Feng Dewen said, "It is absolutely true. Before I came to see the Prefect, Magistrate Lin specifically instructed me to make sure I told the Prefect this news."

"Have the Prefect select a successor as soon as possible, so as not to delay the affairs of the Prefectural Government."

Feng Dewen's two sentences clearly told Ma Yizhen that the position of Tongpan (assistant prefect) was given to him, and that Ma Yizhen could now start preparing a candidate.

Hearing about the generous terms offered, Ma Yizhen hesitated.

Because he suddenly realized that Lai Shangrong's escape had a much greater impact than he had originally imagined; otherwise, they wouldn't have given up the position of Tongpan so quickly.

Ma Yizhen couldn't help but wonder if she could take this opportunity to ask for more benefits.

Feng Dewen noticed Ma Yizhen's hesitation and said, "Prefect Lin is usually in very good health, so how could he suddenly fall ill? Your Excellency, do you think it's possible that Prefect Lin encountered an incompetent doctor and was misdiagnosed?"

This was a reminder to Ma Yizhen that if he didn't want to cooperate, then Magistrate Lin would be cured of his illness, and he could forget about the position of magistrate.

Ma Yizhen naturally understood Feng Dewen's implied meaning and said, "If Magistrate Lin is not ill, that would be wonderful. Magistrate Lin is a diligent and capable person, and I was thinking of giving him an important position."

Since Ma Yizhen didn't respond, Feng Dewen had to change his strategy. He then said:

"I deeply admire the Prefect's decision to appoint Magistrate Lin to a high position for the sake of the people of Jining,"

"But Your Excellency should also know that there are so many officials in Jining Prefecture. It is not enough for Your Excellency to simply promote Magistrate Lin. If you want Jining Prefecture to be peaceful, then everyone must work together."

“Prefect Wan, who came before, did not understand this principle and insisted on his own way, which caused unrest throughout Jining Prefecture and ultimately led to his dismissal from office.”

This statement is half a reminder and half a warning.

He was trying to tell Ma Yizhen that if they cooperated, in addition to the position of Tongpan (assistant magistrate), the entire Jining Prefecture would support Ma Yizhen as the prefect, allowing him to easily gain political achievements.

If you don't cooperate, or if you push your luck, don't blame the gentry of Jining Prefecture for turning against you. They will make you leave Jining in the same sorry state as the previous prefect.

Ma Yizhen didn't gain any further benefits, but he was satisfied with the promise that the gentry of Jining Prefecture would help him in the future.

He said, "It seems that I was wrong to think of giving Lin Tongpan an important position. I shouldn't have let him serve while he was ill. I will go back tonight and choose a new Tongpan so that Lin Tongpan can rest and recuperate in peace."

Ma Yizhen accepted the benefits, which meant that he would cooperate with the gentry of Jining on the matter of Lai Shangrong.

Feng Dewen quickly said, "Now that the Prefect has agreed to this matter, I am relieved and can now wholeheartedly help the Prefect solve his problems."

Having already agreed, Ma Yizhen no longer hesitated and said, "Lai Shangrong's matter has indeed caused me great trouble. I was just about to ask Mr. Feng for advice on what to do."

After some back and forth, things finally got back on track.

Feng Dewen quickly asked, "Did Prince Su seek out Your Excellency regarding Lai Shangrong's escape?"

Ma Yizhen said, "That's exactly what it's about."

Feng Dewen then asked, "Did Prince Su tell the Prefect why Lai Shangrong abandoned his post and fled?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su only told me that Lai Shangrong had fled to avoid punishment." "Fled to avoid punishment?" Feng Dewen said doubtfully, "I haven't heard anyone investigating Lai Shangrong, how could he have fled to avoid punishment?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su said that it seems that during his journey south, he encountered people who had filed a complaint against Lai Shangrong."

"Prince Su was afraid that there might be some injustice, so after arriving in Jining, he wanted to summon Lai Shangrong for questioning. Unexpectedly, when he sent someone to summon him, Lai Shangrong fled to avoid punishment."

After listening, Feng Dewen thought for a while before shaking his head and saying, "Things are not that simple. If it was just a summons and questioning by Prince Su, Lai Shangrong would have no reason to run away. There must be something else involved."

"Your Excellency, think carefully. Did Prince Su mention anything else today?"

After Feng Dewen's reminder, Ma Yizhen seemed to have just remembered and said:

"I remember now, Prince Su has an account book, and it seems that it contains some records of Lai Shangrong bribing others."

Feng Dewen clapped his hands and said, "That's right. Lai Shangrong's escape must be related to this account book. Has Your Excellency seen the contents of the account book?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su did show it to me, but the account book is only half full, and what's written inside isn't that important."

"Only half an account book?" Feng Dewen was puzzled again. He said, "Your Excellency, did Prince Su say where this half account book came from?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su did say that after Lai Shangrong escaped, the people he sent arrested Lai Shangrong's family members and found this half of the account book on them."

"Prince Su also told me that the other half of the account book, which was even more important, was being carried by Lai Shangrong."

“If that’s the case, then things don’t make sense,” Feng Dewen said thoughtfully. “Since Prince Su obtained this half of the account book after capturing Lai Shangrong’s family.”

"That means that Lai Shangrong had complete account books before he fled. So why did he divide the account books in two, giving one copy to his family and the other to himself?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Perhaps it has something to do with the people sent by Prince Su?"

Feng Dewen asked, "What's so special about the people sent by Prince Su?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su sent two groups of people. The first group consisted of members of the Jia family in the capital."

"As you probably know, Lai Shangrong comes from the Jia family. When he saw the Jia family members, he might have thought that his powerful backer had arrived, which is why he sent his family with half of the account book and followed the Jia family."

"Later, Prince Su sent someone to summon him again. At this point, he probably realized something was wrong, so he ran away with the other half of the account book."

Feng Dewen asked, "How did Your Excellency know that the Jia family was helping Prince Su?"

Ma Yizhen said, "These were all told to me by Prince Su."

Feng Dewen asked, "Your Excellency, is it really what Prince Su said?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Absolutely true. What? Does Mr. Feng not believe me?"

Feng Dewen quickly said, "How dare I question Your Excellency? I just find something strange. Why would Prince Su tell Your Excellency everything? Could there be a trap?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Can you figure out where something is amiss?"

Feng Dewen shook his head and said, "I haven't thought of anything yet."

Ma Yizhen said, "I can barely guess why Prince Su told me everything."

Feng Dewen said, "What is the reason? Please enlighten me, Your Excellency."

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su's trip south was to return to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors on behalf of the Emperor, and he had no right to interfere in local affairs."

"But Prince Su is too young, and he probably still has the desire to seek justice for his people. So when he encountered people crying out for justice, he thought of asking Lai Shangrong to come and question them. Maybe he could even put on a show of punishing corrupt officials and standing up for the people."

"Who would have thought that Lai Shangrong would flee to avoid punishment, which caused Prince Su to unintentionally create a mess."

“If Prince Su does not want to be impeached by the officials in the court and punished by the emperor, he must plug this hole as soon as possible.”

"However, Prince Su brought only a limited number of men. If he wants to remedy the situation as soon as possible, he must rely on me, the Prefect of Jining. That's why he told me everything."

After Ma Yizhen finished speaking, Feng Dewen said, "Your Excellency's guess is quite reasonable. I wonder how Prince Su would like Your Excellency to help him?"

Ma Yizhen said, "Prince Su has ordered me to mobilize all the constables, police officers, and patrol soldiers of Jining Prefecture to guard all the key roads in Jining Prefecture, so that Lai Shangrong cannot escape at will."

"In my opinion, Prince Su wants to capture Lai Shangrong alive and also wants the remaining half of the account book."

Feng Dewen said, "If it is really as the Prefect suspects, then Prince Su's purpose is not simple."

“If Prince Su had only arrested Lai Shangrong, it could have been said that he wanted to seek justice for the people. But now that he wants this ledger, it’s not as simple as seeking justice for the people.”

"Perhaps Prince Su wants to use this account book to gain merit. If so, Your Excellency should be careful."

Ma Yizhen looked startled and said, "Why should I be careful?"

Feng Dewen explained, "Lai Shangrong's account books will likely involve many people in Jining Prefecture."

"If Prince Su obtains this account book and reveals its contents, the Emperor and the court officials will surely punish those involved."

"And Your Excellency, as the Prefect of Jining, you will inevitably be implicated as well. In the end, being dismissed from office will be the least of your worries."

Upon hearing this, Ma Yizhen slapped his thigh hard and said in annoyance, "How could I not have thought of this? I was even thinking of arresting people for Prince Su."

"Mr. Feng, tell me, what should I do now?"

Feng Dewen said, "Since Your Excellency has received the order from Prince Su, you naturally cannot openly disobey. However, Your Excellency can make an exception."

Ma Yizhen said, "How should I adapt this situation?"

Feng Dewen said, "Prince Su is unfamiliar with Jining Prefecture, so when the Prefect sends men, he doesn't need to guard every road strictly, leaving Lai Shangrong too many escape routes."

"If Lai Shangrong is unlucky enough to be caught, the Prefect can also prevent him from seeing Prince Su alive."

"In this way, the Prefect has both fulfilled the Prince Su's orders and prevented things from escalating to an uncontrollable level."

Because Ma Yizhen had only been in office in Jining Prefecture for less than half a year, and given the xenophobic nature of the Jining gentry, he had not yet gained much power.

In other words, Ma Yizhen actually had no say in the matter of sending men to guard the main road.

Therefore, Feng Dewen's words just now seemed to be giving Ma Yizhen advice.

In reality, it was just to tell him what the gentry of Jining Prefecture would do next, so that he, as the prefect, would be aware of the situation.

Ma Yizhen was aware of this situation, so he didn't refute it at all, and said:
"Mr. Feng is very thoughtful. Let's do everything according to Mr. Feng's wishes."

Feng Dewen learned the whole story from Ma Yizhen and reached a temporary cooperation agreement with her.

Without further delay, he took the transfer order written by Ma Yizhen and hurriedly returned to the prefectural city to arrange for men to arrest Lai Shangrong.

With Feng Dewen on the business, Ma Yizhen was no longer in a hurry. She sat in a room in the backyard of the post station, lost in thought.

As he was deep in thought, the door opened and a scholar who looked even older than him walked in.

This man was quite tall and very thin, with barely any flesh on his face. His only redeeming quality was his bright, expressive eyes.

This man was Xin Shitiao, a true confidant and advisor of Ma Yizhen. As soon as he entered, he asked, "Master, what is the current situation?"

Upon hearing the man's question, Ma Yizhen recounted what had happened on the boat and her conversation with Feng Dewen.

After listening, Xin Shidiao said, "So, Master Dong wants to help the gentry of Jining in this matter?"

Ma Yizhen said, "I don't want to help them either, but if I don't do this, I guess my official position won't last long."

Xin Shidiao said, "Isn't the Master afraid of offending Prince Su because of this matter?"

Ma Yizhen said, "If you don't tell me, and I don't tell you, the gentry of Jining won't tell you either. How would Prince Su know?"

"Besides, I'm already fifty-six years old, and my time as the prefect of Jining is about over."

"Right now, I just want to do my job as the prefect of Jining steadily and I don't want to cause any more trouble."

Xin Shidiao shook his head and said, "If the master really thinks that way, then this position of prefect of Jining is not secure."

Ma Yizhen asked, "Why?"

Xin Shidiao said, "For the past six months, the Lord has been busy taking over the administration of Jining Prefecture and has not had the mind to learn about what is happening in the court."

"I may not know much about this Prince Su."

Ma Yizhen asked, "What is so special about Prince Su?"

Xin Shidiao said, "After the news that Prince Su was going to leave the capital and go south, I read through the court gazette for nearly half a year and also inquired from other places."

"Only then did I realize that this Prince Su was not as simple as he appeared on the surface."

Ma Yizhen said, "The rumors say that Prince Su is audacious, reckless, and cruel. What's so special about such a person?"

Xin Shidiao said, "Others only saw Prince Su's audacity, but they did not notice that after causing so much trouble, he was not punished in the slightest. Even when he personally killed his cousin, Prince Yixiao, the Emperor did not utter a single word of reprimand."

"How could such a prince be as simple as you think, Master Dong?"

“Think about it again, Dongweng. Prince Su has been traveling by boat the whole way, and his whereabouts have not been widely publicized. How could any common people easily find Prince Su to file a complaint?”

Ma Yizhen was also a little shaken at this point, and said, "You mean that Prince Su did not arrest Lai Shangrong because he encountered the people seeking justice along the way, but because he had planned it all along?"

Xin Shidiao said, "It is very likely that so, and I suspect that Prince Su may have the complete account books in his possession."

This is the real bombshell. If Xin Shitiao's guess is true, then Ma Yizhen's decision to help the gentry of Jining would be truly dangerous.

(End of this chapter)