“The Huang family is also an old household in Qiuyang County, with over ten generations of inheritance. They may not be the most prominent family in the county, but their benevolence and integrity have earned them lasting respect among the local people.”
“Currently, tenant farmers work the fields for their landlords. According to imperial law, the typical division of produce is 40/60, although local adjustments are allowed. The previous magistrate had failed to regulate these arrangements, and the divisions between landlords and tenant farmers were chaotic—often exceeding imperial standards.”
Du Heng listened as Jiang Qi relayed the news he had gathered; having already visited the countryside himself, he knew it was true.
“Among the wealthy families, some divide 40/60, others 30/70 or 20/80. Worse still, some exploit the tenant farmers almost entirely, taking 90% of their yield!”
Du Heng’s eyes narrowed at this, his voice cold: “These families are far too greedy! When banditry ran rampant in the county, who’s to say it wasn’t these local gentry squeezing people to desperation that drove them to crime?”
“However,” Jiang Qi continued, “now only the Huang family and a few other allied households maintain the 40/60 division. Tenant farmers know the Huang patriarch is good and just, but unfortunately the Huang family’s land is limited, so they can only employ a small number of laborers. Many farmers can only look on and sigh.”
Since the rise of the Wei family during the previous magistrate’s tenure, many of the county’s households had been tested. Those who did not align themselves with the Wei family often faced business suppression, forcing weaker families to fall in line. As a result, the Wei family grew ever stronger, almost unchallenged in Qiuyang County.
A few years ago, the Wei brothers achieved official recognition—Elder Brother Wei Hongming passed the provincial exam, and the second brother, Wei Bai, also held the rank of xiucai. The Wei family’s prestige and influence rose layer by layer.
After Wei Hongming passed the exam, freed from taxation, he aggressively purchased land and recruited large numbers of tenant farmers, ruthlessly squeezing their share of the produce.
The Wei family set a standard that other allied households emulated. Most tenant farmers in the county ended up with lower shares than those in other counties, sometimes only one or two tenths less. Over time, this became customary. The Huang family, maintaining the old system, became the exception. The Wei family also frequently pressured the Huang family, poaching workers and buying up their lands and forests, leaving them struggling.
Du Heng said, “The Wei family now controls nearly three hundred mu of land. Not long ago, they were just ordinary county residents. Their land and forest estates are mostly recent acquisitions. Even as a scholarly family, they shouldn’t have had this much capital to grow so quickly.”
Jiang Qi explained, “When Wei Hongming was young, he sought to study at Bai Rong Academy in Luoxia County. His learning wasn’t exceptional, so he failed the academy’s assessments. Though he did not achieve academic success, he secured a marriage.”
“When he was young, he had some charm and knew how to court. By chance, he became betrothed to the Yun family’s younger son.”
Qin Xiao Man’s eyes widened. “You mean the Yun family, the merchant lineage? Could the Yun heir be Yun Qingwen, Wei’s future husband?”
Jiang Qi nodded. “The Yun family is a prominent commercial household, well-known for tea trade. In Luoxia County, he would have been recognized. Once mentioned, people immediately recall the Yun family.”
Qin Xiao Man lowered his gaze, feeling a touch of gloom.
Du Heng immediately understood. He continued, “Wei Hongming, having established ties with the merchant Yun Qingwen, gained a wealthy father-in-law. That’s how the Wei family could afford to acquire so many properties.”
“Exactly. The Yun family, though merchants, preferred scholarly sons-in-law. Wei Hongming, being from Qiuyang County, was not easy to marry off far away. Yet he and Yun Qingwen had secretly agreed to the match, so the Yun family consented.”
At the time, Wei Hongming was just a young student. The Yun family supported him financially, smoothing over connections to get him into Bai Rong Academy. The academy, with its centuries-old reputation, eventually saw Wei Hongming pass the provincial exam. Returning to Qiuyang County, he later passed the imperial exams as well.
Once back in Qiuyang County, away from his father-in-law’s supervision and now with official rank, Wei Hongming’s indulgent nature surfaced. He frequented brothels and entertainment districts, keeping multiple concubines and secondary wives.
Yun Qingwen, having been raised pampered, was taken aback by his husband’s transformation. Feeling deceived, he could not endure it, quarreled with Wei Hongming, and returned to his family.
The Yun family then ceased financial support, though by that time Wei Hongming already held rank and owned several businesses previously funded by the Yun family. With some capital in hand, he acquired more land and tenant farmers to generate income.
Wei Hongming spent lavishly. Despite having income from his estates, it was not as fast or as abundant as his father-in-law’s wealth. To maintain his lifestyle, he ruthlessly squeezed tenant farmers and laborers.
Du Heng sighed. “All that support from the Yun family, wasted on him.”
Qin Xiao Man suddenly understood—no wonder Yun Qingwen’s temper was so poor. Family discord at home often leaves people venting elsewhere.
Listening to the story, he also felt a pang of sympathy. Not every scholar supported by a wife’s family turns out virtuous. Many are ungrateful or treacherous.
He subtly clutched Du Heng’s sleeve. Fortunately, Du Heng had treated him and the Qin family consistently over the years.
Du Heng gently patted his sleeve in reassurance. “I understand. You may go now.”
After Jiang Qi left, Du Heng pulled Qin Xiao Man to sit down. “The Wei family’s nature is clear—they must be curtailed. Otherwise, the common people will only continue to be exploited.”
“But the Wei family is cunning. On the surface, they haven’t committed any major offenses, and they can exploit loopholes in imperial law regarding tenant farmers. If you move to rectify them, they might resist, and many matters will become difficult to handle.”
Du Heng said, “Even a mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake. I would not go face them head-on. Households with entrenched influence like this can only be balanced against one another.”
The county government had conducted its investigation, weighing pros and cons, while the local families outside had long been buzzing with speculation.
“During the previous magistrate’s tenure, the county treasury was in disarray. Had it not been for Master Wei’s generous contribution, the magistrate would not have seen today’s stability. The county officially recognized and praised Master Wei back then; no further explanation is needed this time. The former magistrate surely has a clear measure in mind.”
Wei Hongming hosted a banquet for his regular circle of guests, listening to their smooth flattery. Since the official acceptance of gifts by the prior magistrate, the county’s gentry and merchants often tried to curry favor, only to be politely turned away in the name of official business. People understood the magistrate’s intention: he would not mix private interests with official duties, avoiding corruption.
Jiang Zuowu, who had been removed from office, felt uneasy, fearing Du Heng might have discovered something. Fortunately, although he had taken many offerings from the Wei family, he had revealed nothing to Du Heng. He survived the ordeal. His younger brother, a simpleton, even insulted the county office and was sent to the county school as punishment, though fortunately without losing his rank.
Seeing the magistrate’s firmness, the Wei family dared not be overbearing. For the past several months, they kept a low profile, leaving no faults that could be used against them. Only then did they perceive their position in the magistrate’s eyes.
At the banquet, listening to the reassuring words of familiar friends, Wei Hongming felt quite gratified. Once the county office announced it, he believed no one would dare challenge the Wei family.
Soon, the county issued a notice. But the recipient was unexpectedly the Huang family, who had not anticipated anything.
When the Huang family received word from the county office that their timber and stone would be purchased, Huang Wenguang was shocked. If it had not come from the county workshop in person, he would have thought it a mistake.
After all, he had never had dealings with the magistrate before; it was surprising that the county would choose the Huang family. Earlier, upon hearing that the county planned waterworks construction, families with the means had submitted proposals. Huang Wenguang assumed the contract would surely go to the Wei family. Still, since his household met the criteria, submitting an application would cost nothing. To his astonishment, the magistrate selected the Huang family.
Overjoyed, he hurried to the county office to handle the formalities. Negotiating prices, advance payments, and the like with the household affairs office, matters progressed swiftly, as the county was eager to complete the waterworks.
“Thank you, Clerk Dian Shi, for your hard work. We will fully cooperate with the county workshop to ensure the waterworks are completed as soon as possible, easing the burden on local farmers.”
“Master Huang is truly considerate of the county and its people. This is fortunate for our community.”
The clerk handed the completed paperwork to Huang Wenguang. “All set, Master Huang. You may now go and pay respects to the magistrate.”
Taking the documents, Huang Wenguang felt the smoothness of events was almost unreal. His heart was unsettled until hearing the clerk’s words, at which point his eyebrows rose in surprise.
On the way to the main hall, Huang Wenguang felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Entering, he saw the young magistrate seated at his desk. Though he had seen Du Heng before during parades when he held office, he had never interacted closely with him. Most of the county’s elite still felt wary of the young magistrate.
When Du Heng first took office, the local gentry had dismissed him as inexperienced and handsome, assuming he would be easy to manipulate. When they offered gifts, he accepted them all, reinforcing their belief.
Yet, the county soon posted a red notice, praising households who had contributed generously to the treasury. Even the prefect came to verbally acknowledge them. The gentry who had hoped to curry favor felt outmaneuvered and dared not protest, developing a newfound respect for the young magistrate.
Huang Wenguang, who never liked flattery, had only made modest offerings, showing sincerity without extravagance. He admired Du Heng for using the soldiers to suppress bandits and now to build waterworks, bringing a glimpse of hope to Qiuyang County.
“Your servant, Huang Wenguang, pays respects to the magistrate.”
Du Heng heard him, setting down his brush. “Rise. No need for formalities. Have you completed the paperwork with the household affairs office?”
Huang Wenguang replied, “It has been handled, my lord.”
Du Heng said, “My intention is for the farmers to use the waterwheels during spring and summer irrigation. Your timber and stone operations must fully cooperate.”
“Since the magistrate cares for the people, your servant will give his full effort.”
Du Heng nodded in satisfaction.
“Master Huang represents the goodwill of Qiuyang County. I am pleased. The gentry are the backbone of local society; if they contribute what they can for the people, it benefits both the county and the empire.”
Huang Wenguang felt a complex mixture of emotions. It was surprising that such an important task fell to his family. Clearly, the magistrate had done his research.
In recent years, Qiuyang County had been troubled, wickedness rife, and people suffering. The Huang family, an old household, had always wanted to help but had limited strength. They had adhered to their family principles, and yet their fortunes had declined under the pressure of unscrupulous competitors.
Now, seeing the magistrate select households for public service based on merit rather than gifts or flattery was like suddenly seeing sunlight break through dark clouds. Huang Wenguang felt unsure how to respond.
Though he had much to say, he could not find the words. In the end, he could only speak solemnly and briefly: “Your servant shall always put the county and its people first.”
Du Heng looked at Huang Wenguang. “I trust you are on the same path as I am. Do not disappoint me. Assist in completing the waterworks properly, and the county will remember your contributions.”
Huang Wenguang, understanding the weight of the responsibility, quickly bowed and thanked Du Heng.
As soon as Huang Wenguang left the county office, the news that the magistrate had chosen the Huang family’s timber and stone operations spread among the applicants. Those who had earlier flattered Wei Hongming felt a twinge of embarrassment and went silent.
Wei Hongming, trying to maintain his composure, remarked, “The magistrate’s arrangements surely have their wisdom.” Once the guests dispersed, he slammed down his cup in frustration.
“What kind of household is the Huang family, daring to compete with the Wei family? I always knew they were restless. That young magistrate—does he mean for us not to use our vast forests? Must he rely on the Huang family’s little hills and lands?”
“He’s merely a county magistrate who passed the provincial exam. Had I entered the previous election, would he even have the chance to pressure me now?”
Seeing Wei Hongming’s fury, his steward hurried to calm him. “How could that young magistrate dare challenge you, master? This is merely an opportunity the Huang family gained by their flattery. For the Wei family, it’s just another chance to collaborate with the county; nothing to be concerned about.”
Wei Hongming took a slow breath. “Perhaps the magistrate remembers the grudge from before—my younger brother cursed at the county office. A new official’s first actions can be rash. It seems this was a matter of losing face.”
“Since it’s almost year-end and the Huang family got a windfall, let’s send someone over to stir a little excitement, add some festivity. The magistrate will then see which households manage their affairs properly and which cannot even handle an opportunity given by his grace.”
The steward knew what to do, but hesitated. “Who should we send?”
Using bandits to cause trouble would have been the best, but they had been suppressed by the county and were now working on construction sites. Moreover, that fool Yong Er had been caught the day Du Heng took office and locked in the county jail for months; the Wei family didn’t bother rescuing such a useless pawn.
Yong Er had been severely beaten in prison, and upon release, still resented the Wei family for not helping him. He now refused to follow their orders.
Wei Hongming realized he had no one suitable to send and grew more irritated. “That Du Heng!”
“Offer more reward. I don’t believe that useless Yong Er won’t do it!”
The steward murmured, “Yes, master.”
By late December, Qiuyang County was already decorated with red lanterns and paper cuttings for the upcoming New Year. The streets carried the faint scent of firecrackers, and children ran about playing games.
The county office was about to close for the holiday. Unlike the academy, county offices only observed ten days of Spring Festival leave under imperial law. Du Heng, though nostalgic for the longer academic holidays, knew there was still work to finish and didn’t want to delay.
On the twenty-sixth, the last official day of the year, Du Heng allowed a later arrival at the office. Though it was technically a workday, it was actually a gathering for enjoyment, not business.
The previous afternoon, many livestock, rice, and vegetables had been delivered from the county farm, and Du Heng had made arrangements for activities.
Early that morning, Du Heng and Qin Xiaoman got the two children ready. Chengyi and Dancai had never been to the county office before and were excited to go with their father. They rose early, ate breakfast without complaint, and waited eagerly.
When Du Heng and Qin Xiaoman arrived, they met many officials and children at the entrance. Though officials were allowed to arrive later, many came early with family to enjoy the festivities.
A small garden was set aside for the children to play. There were plenty of snacks, and though initially shy, the children quickly warmed up and had fun. They rode wooden horses, ate treats, and laughed together.
Officials and their families, seeing the magistrate’s thoughtful arrangements, relaxed and joined in the festivities, making the county office lively and cheerful.
At the appointed time, everyone gathered, and Du Heng gave a brief year-end summary.
“Since today is a day of shared joy, I will not speak of official business. You have all worked hard this year—enjoy a good New Year.”
Entertainers performed songs and dances, but the highlight was Du Heng’s lottery activity. Officials were used to drawing lots to make decisions, but rarely for amusement. When the large lottery box was brought out, many were eager to participate.
Du Heng wasted no suspense. After all, he wanted to conclude early and return home for the New Year.
“Please, husband, go first,” Qin Xiaoman said, rubbing his hands. He grabbed a paper bundle without hesitation and opened it in front of everyone.
“Congratulations, Magistrate and husband—a whole leg of mutton!”
Jiang Zuoqi struck the gong loudly, announcing the result.
Du Heng quickly applauded. “Still, the husband has the best luck!”
Two unlucky officials drew the worst prizes inside.
Qin Xiaoman, knowing what prizes were inside from the previous night, laughed despite only drawing a mutton leg. “I’ll roast it for you tonight.”
Du Heng agreed immediately. “Done.”
Those watching, unaware of the couple’s private conversation, thought the mutton leg was a grand prize.
When the instructor drew an inkstone, the full scale of Du Heng’s generosity became clear. Others received livestock, rice, tea, salt, ink, paper, brushes, cloth, and silk… some even received two acres of fallow land to cultivate. The prizes were varied, and everyone laughed in surprise and delight.