MLMD -Chapter 255 Even I Can Bite

Upon entering Beijing, both Yue Yang and He Kegang felt uneasy at the sight of the countless refugees strewn across the streets. Seeing the tall walls lining the avenues, the luxurious mansions behind them, and the faint sounds of silk and bamboo instruments along with pipa music drifting from within, Yue Yang’s mind instantly recalled a line he had often seen in textbooks as a child. Smiling slightly, he murmured it aloud:

“Alas… wine and meat stink in the mansions while bones freeze in the street!”

Unexpectedly, He Kegang’s face turned pale the moment he heard it. He shot Yue Yang a fierce glare and hissed, “Lord Yue, be careful! If anyone hears you reciting this poem, we won’t be able to escape blame!”

“Huh… what’s the big deal? I just recited a poem,” Yue Yang said, puzzled. He couldn’t understand why his friend reacted so strongly. It’s just a poem, after all. Moreover, Yue Yang remembered that this line was by the famous Tang poet Du Fu. What’s so sensitive about it?

Seeing the confused look on Yue Yang’s face, He Kegang felt his blood pressure rising. Was this man truly ignorant or pretending to be? Why choose that particular poem—of all poems—to recite? And you’ve read books, yet you don’t even understand this taboo.

Resigned, He Kegang whispered to Yue Yang, “You can recite this poem in any other dynasty, but never in the Ming. Have you forgotten the surname of the current emperor?”

“I…”

Now Yue Yang understood. The line was indeed taboo. The emperor’s surname was Zhu, and the line goes, “Wine and meat stink in the Zhu gates while bones freeze in the street”—a clear satirical jab at the inept Zhu family! Still, Yue Yang could understand it. Even in later times, trying to mock a reigning sovereign would likely get one severely punished.

Shrugging, Yue Yang chose to stay silent. After a while, He Kegang said, “Lord Yue, it’s almost noon. We should report to the Ministry of War and complete the necessary paperwork.”

The Ministry of War in the Ming Dynasty combined the roles of the later Ministry of Defense, General Logistics Department, and Chief of Staff. It wielded immense power: promotions of officers, troop deployments, and visiting military officials all required its authorization. Even though Yue Yang had a direct imperial decree, technically he still needed to report there—otherwise, having over a thousand troops roaming Beijing unchecked would be a serious issue. That was why He Kegang urged him to report promptly.

“Report to the Ministry of War?” Yue Yang thought, feeling somewhat reluctant. Chen Xinjia is in the Ministry… what if he causes trouble for me?

Still, he decided to report first. If anyone tried to hinder him, he could always quit right then. As it turned out, his concerns were unnecessary. At the Wuxuan Division, the officer in charge wasn’t particularly friendly, but he worked efficiently. Upon seeing Yue Yang’s imperial decree, the officer quickly completed all the formalities, without the usual bureaucratic delays.

“Damn, even the Ministry of War wants to see us fail,” Yue Yang muttered angrily once outside. The smug expression on the officer’s face while handling the paperwork still lingered in his mind.

He Kegang, however, was unperturbed. Having spent over a decade in officialdom, he was used to such schemes. Officials often took pleasure in seeing others struggle—this decree was clearly designed to trap Yue Yang, and the officers were only too happy to watch.

Yue Yang merely grumbled a few times. Looking back at the thousand cavalrymen and hundreds of carts following him, a cold smile formed on his face. Chongzhen… since you’re merciless, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Let’s see if I can’t squeeze every last coin and grain from these wealthy merchants.

He turned to He Kegang calmly: “Though we serve in the same dynasty and hold equal rank, you are assisting me on this mission. I expect you to follow my orders to the letter. Otherwise… military law will apply.”

He Kegang raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Military law? What is he planning?

He immediately warned, “Lord Yue, what do you intend to do? Remember, this is the emperor’s capital—you mustn’t cause trouble!”

Yue Yang smiled slyly. “Don’t worry. As long as these rich households obediently hand over silver and grain, I guarantee no trouble will arise.”

Just then, a warhorse galloped from afar, slowing as it approached. He Kegang recognized the rider—it was Wu Chengfeng, the leader of Yue Yang’s cavalry, who had disappeared after entering the city. Excited, Wu Chengfeng handed a paper to Yue Yang:

“Lord, I’ve gathered information. The addresses of all the notable wealthy households in the capital are here.”

Yue Yang scanned it quickly and nodded. “Well done. To gather so much information in under two hours, you’ve done your job diligently.”

Wu Chengfeng grinned. “Lord, it’s nothing. Any casual street person could’ve told me. Much easier than risking my life scouting the front against the Tartars.”

Yue Yang’s eyes lingered on the first name. A small smile curved his lips. “Everything’s ready. We’ll start with these people. Wu Chengfeng, lead the way!”

“Yes, Lord!”

…

Beijing, as the Ming capital, was home to countless officials, gentry, and wealthy merchants. The city was divided into the Outer City, Inner City, Imperial City, and Forbidden City. The Emperor, his consorts, and royal family resided in the Imperial and Inner Cities, where ordinary people were not permitted. The Outer City housed commoners and the poor, while the Inner City was where the wealthy and officials lived.

In the eastern Inner City near Chaoyang Gate, Huang Dafu had grown up there and had inherited his father’s post in the Wucheng Patrol Office five years prior. His daily duty was to patrol the streets to ensure refugees or other troublemakers did not disturb the wealthy residents.

On this scorching June noon, Huang Dafu and his partner Xiao Pan were strolling lazily in their red-and-black patrol uniforms, waist-mounted with iron rulers, when the heat became unbearable. Xiao Pan tugged at Huang Dafu’s sleeve:

“Big Dafu, it’s too hot. Let’s rest a bit at Chen’s teahouse before continuing. Otherwise, I’ll be roasted alive.”

Huang Dafu glanced at the sky. “Alright, we’ll have some tea at Chen’s ahead.”

Minutes later, they were seated under a straw canopy, drinking steaming bowls of tea. Xiao Pan sighed in satisfaction.

Nearby, old Chen smiled at the compliment. A patron remarked, “Xiao Pan, you two patrolling in this heat is just for show. No one dares cause trouble in this weather.”

Huang Dafu shook his head. “Times have changed. With the Tartars capturing Changping, countless refugees are flooding Beijing. Some desperate peasants are taking extreme measures. This area houses the wealthy. If they’re alarmed, it’s not just our posts at stake—our heads could be too.”

Suddenly, the sound of rapid, clear hooves approached from the east. No one could mistake it. Huang Dafu wiped his mouth and saw a squad of cavalry in black-and-gray armor, moving fast toward them.

“Ho!” the lead rider shouted, and the cavalry stopped in front of Chen’s teahouse. Silence fell over the street, a tense, murderous aura in the air, even scaring the dog in the corner inside.

The lead rider turned to Huang Dafu and Xiao Pan. “You two wear official uniforms. Which office do you serve? What are you doing here? Where is this place?”

Trembling, Xiao Pan stammered: “R-Replying, Lords… we are patrolmen of the Wucheng Office, currently on duty, ensuring that no refugees disturb the residents here.”

“Is this Shizi Hutong?” the rider asked.

“Yes… moving forward is Shizi Hutong. Only wealthy households live there,” Huang Dafu replied.

The rider nodded. “Good. You seem to know the area well. Today, you’ll accompany me on some business. Give each of them a horse!”

“Yes, Lord!”

Soon, two tall horses were brought to Huang Dafu and Xiao Pan.

“This… what does this mean?” they asked, stunned.

“Nothing. Just guide the way,” the lead rider said.

“But… this isn’t protocol!”

“Mount!”

Overwhelmed, they were pushed onto the horses and swept along with the cavalry.

“Boom!” A gate was blasted open, and soldiers in black armor flooded into a grand mansion.

“Who… who are you to barge into our master’s residence?” a middle-aged steward yelled, stumbling out. He was no stranger to the world, having traveled widely with his master, yet the soldiers’ aura was intimidating. Pointing at the lead officer, he shouted: “Who are you? Which army? Dare to enter the Zhou Mansion! One complaint to the court and you’ll be skinned alive!”

The young officer smiled slightly and, in a flash, grabbed the steward’s pointing finger. A snap echoed, and the steward collapsed in pain, screaming.

The officer’s face darkened. “You just said if your master complains, the court would strip me bare. I didn’t believe it. Now, call your master. Tell him that Shanxi North Road Deputy General, Yue Yang, is here on imperial orders to procure grain. No wealthy merchant may obstruct. You have one incense stick’s time. Provide 50,000 taels of silver and 1,000 shi of grain, or face charges of treason. I’ll leave immediately once you comply; otherwise, don’t blame me for harsh measures.”

“50,000 taels and 1,000 shi of grain? Why don’t you just rob us?” the steward spat, bloodshot eyes glaring at Yue Yang despite the pain.

Yue Yang ignored him, smiling faintly. “I know you hate me. Want me torn apart, right? Fine. I’ll give you three more breaths. If your master isn’t summoned by then, your other finger won’t be spared.”

Shaken by the officer’s earlier display, the steward scrambled to his feet, glaring at Yue Yang as he staggered toward the inner court.

He Kegang frowned. “Lord Yue, a proverb says, leave a margin for others to save face. We’re here on orders to procure grain—you needn’t be so harsh. Angering these people could be troublesome. Today we take grain, tomorrow they file impeachment reports at the emperor’s desk.”

Yue Yang sneered. “So what? Since the emperor gave me this mission, there’s no turning back. If I fail, I betray imperial trust; if I succeed, I extort from the people. Either way, I offend someone. So I might as well make a scene and show that I am not a pliable clay. When provoked, even I can bite!”

Hearing Yue Yang’s icy expression and grim tone, He Kegang felt a sudden chill run down his spine…