Water Margin: Did we kill Zheng Tu today?

Chapter 97 Multiple Paths to Survival

Ximen Qing's mind raced with thoughts, but he dared not delay. He pressed Chen Jingji, who was kneeling on the ground, for an answer: "Did your father send you a written document?"

He was afraid that his young son-in-law might be flustered and blurt out important information in his panic, so he needed to confirm everything in black and white.

Chen Jingji said repeatedly, "Yes! There's a letter here!" He then hurriedly took out the letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

Ximen Qing took it, broke the wax seal, and unfolded it for a closer look.

But the letter read:

"Respectfully written by Chen Hong, my dear in-law Ximen Qing:"

The rest of the story is omitted. Now, because the northern barbarians have invaded the border and crossed the territory of Xiong Prefecture, Minister Wang of the Ministry of War failed to send reinforcements, thus missing a crucial military opportunity. This implicated Lord Yang of the court, and both were impeached too severely by the officials of the Censorate. The Emperor was enraged and ordered his arrest and imprisonment in the Southern Prison, to be interrogated jointly with the three judicial departments. His relatives and influential figures were all, as per custom, sent to the border garrison for military service.

Upon hearing the news, the family was thrown into panic, with nowhere to turn. They first sent their youngest son and daughter, along with their belongings, to stay temporarily at their in-laws' house. The man then went to the capital and sought refuge with his brother-in-law, Zhang Shilian, to inquire about his whereabouts. He vowed that once things were settled, he would return home to repay the kindness shown to him, never daring to forget it.

I am truly afraid that there may be some trouble in the county, so I have sent my son with an extra 500 taels of silver. I would like to trouble you, my in-laws, to take care of this matter. I will be eternally grateful and will never forget your kindness.

I wrote this in cursive script under the lamp; I will not proclaim it further.

Hong Zaibai, on the 20th of midsummer.

After reading the letter, Ximen Qing, who was usually calm and experienced, couldn't help but panic, and his hands and feet trembled.

A single, seemingly insignificant remark from an official on paper can become a crushing mountain if it were to fall upon one's own shoulders!

If he is truly implicated and sentenced as a "relative or person in charge" and exiled to the army, the entire Ximen family will likely be destroyed in an instant!

He folded the letter repeatedly, tucked it into his robes, and after a long pause, said to Chen Jingji, "In that case, you and your husband can stay here at my residence."

He then summoned the servants and instructed them: "Quickly prepare the west wing for the young master and lady to live in. Take the most important trunks and valuables and move them into the main room and lock them up. Store the ordinary items in the storeroom in the back courtyard and guard them carefully."

Chen Jingji hurriedly took out the five hundred taels of silver and handed it to Ximen Qing: "Father-in-law, this is what my father instructed me to bring for your use. Please take care of it."

Ximen Qing accepted the money, but seeing the mess in the courtyard, he had no heart to prepare for the sworn brotherhood ceremony of the ten brothers the next day.

The other eight are fine, they're just idle hangers-on. We'll just inform them and that's it; they probably won't dare say anything more.

Only Brother Zheng is truly capable, and he needs to be personally informed and instructed.

He immediately ordered his servant: "Go quickly and invite Second Uncle Zheng to the mansion. Tell him that First Uncle has something important to discuss with him."

...........................

Now, let's talk about this.

Zheng Tu followed Dai An'er to the Ximen residence and, seeing the chaotic scene, knew that something terrible was about to happen.

Ximen Qing grabbed his wrist and pulled him to a secluded corner, lowering his voice to say, "Brother, this is a disaster! Admiral Yang is down, and my in-law Chen Hong is also panicking..."

He then briefly explained the whole story to him.

After hearing this, Zheng Tu understood.

Although he was unfamiliar with the ways of officialdom, he understood the advantages and disadvantages involved: Over the years, Ximen Qing had used Governor Yang's influence to pull strings and do many favors in Qinghe County, thus building his vast fortune. But having received favors from others, he couldn't help but bear the consequences of their actions.

With Admiral Yang's downfall, how can any egg remain intact when the nest is overturned?

Ximen Qing looked at Zheng Tu and earnestly instructed him, "Second Brother Zheng, I know you are a man of iron will and can never stand such humiliation. But you must be more tolerant these days."

Many neighbors have always been annoyed with us, and since you're my brother, I imagine quite a few are unhappy with you too. As the saying goes, "If the loom isn't fast but the shuttle is, it'll be like a sheep or a donkey fighting." If some petty person were to slander us, uprooting the tree and searching for its roots, neither of us could save our lives or property.

Zheng Tu comforted him, saying, "I understand, brother, don't panic. Since our relative Chen has already gone to the capital to make arrangements, there might be room for maneuver. The most important thing right now is to stabilize the situation in the county and prevent our enemies from taking the opportunity to cause trouble."

"Brother is right. These past few days, I have closed my doors to guests and will not see any outsiders to avoid causing trouble. Therefore, the sworn brotherhood ceremony of the ten brothers tomorrow will have to be postponed."

Zheng Tu readily agreed, immediately cupping his hands and saying, "I will follow your arrangements, brother. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Seeing this, Ximen Qing's eyes flashed with approval, and he patted Zheng Tu's shoulder forcefully: "Good brother! With you here, I feel much more at ease!"

At this point, a thought suddenly occurred to him:

Although the grand sworn brotherhood ceremony of the ten brothers tomorrow cannot be held, it is not unreasonable to first burn incense and swear an oath with Brother Zheng here in the Ximen mansion today, and privately become sworn brothers.

Ximen Qing also had his own calculations.

He had seen Zheng Tu's character firsthand; he was highly skilled in martial arts and very loyal. If trouble were to strike, having such a brother by his side would be a way out.

Thinking of this, Ximen Qing tightened his grip on Zheng Tu's hand and whispered, "Second Brother Zheng, although tomorrow's appointment is postponed, our friendship shouldn't be delayed. Why don't we burn incense and swear an oath to become sworn brothers in my residence today?"

Upon hearing this, Zheng Tu was taken aback and looked up at Ximen Qing.

But the usually imposing and powerful Ximen Da Guanren, who commanded respect in Qinghe County, now looked rather apprehensive, and his eyes even held a hint of earnestness.

The autumn wind swept through the courtyard, bringing with it a sense of desolation.

Seeing this, Zheng Tu slowly nodded, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "Since you value me so much, brother, how could I refuse? I wish to become sworn brothers with you, to share life and death!"

Ximen Qing was overjoyed, and the worry on his face lessened considerably. He immediately ordered loudly, "Dai'an! Quickly set up an incense table in the main hall and prepare sacrificial offerings. I want to become sworn brothers with Second Uncle Zheng!"

Before long, the central hall was arranged.

After Ximen Qing and Zheng Tu finished bathing and changing their clothes, each wearing a new outfit, they walked side by side into the main hall.

At this time, all the servants in the mansion had been dismissed, except for Dai'an, who was waiting outside the door.

Ximen Qing first took three incense sticks, lit them on the candle flame, and handed three sticks to Zheng Tu. The two of them held incense sticks and stood side by side facing south.

"Heaven is above, Earth is below."

Ximen Qing declared loudly, "Today, I, Ximen Qing, vow to become sworn brothers with Zheng Tu. From this day forward, we will share both fortune and misfortune, and never abandon each other in life or death. If anyone harbors any disloyalty, may they be struck down by heaven and earth!"

Zheng Tu echoed, "Today, Zheng Tu and Ximen Qing have become sworn brothers. We will be loyal and devoted to each other. If I break this oath, may I be punished by both gods and men!"

After saying this, the two bowed simultaneously and faced south three times.

First bow to Heaven and Earth, second bow to the sun and moon, third bow to righteousness that lasts a thousand years.

After bowing, I placed the incense sticks in my hand into the incense burner, and the smoke rose up and swirled between the beams and pillars.

The two men each pricked their fingertips and dripped blood into the wine.

"Brother, please!" Ximen Qing held the cup with both hands.

"Brother, please!" Zheng Tu also raised his cup.

The two exchanged a glance, then tilted their heads back and drank the blood wine in one gulp.

After drinking, Ximen Qing threw the cup on the table and grasped Zheng Tu's hands.

"From this day forward, you are my true brother, Ximen Qing! Everyone in the manor will regard you as if you were me!"