Chapter 36: Bearing Humiliation for a Greater Cause

Huyan Zan was indeed a tough man. Although his victory in the martial arts contest against Wang Hanzhong was purely the result of his superior ability to endure punishment—even leaving him with two broken ribs—he was already standing in front of Zhao Dezhao’s residence early the day after the Qixi Festival. Zhao Dezhao had just returned from checking in at the Censorate when he spotted the tall, imposing figure of Huyan Zan waiting for his return.

"Lieutenant Zhao Wu, why aren't you at home recovering from your injuries?" Zhao Dezhao smiled, using Huyan Zan’s new official title, and quickly stopped him from bowing. He spoke with a mix of concern and reproach, "How can you be running around with such heavy injuries? What if they get worse?"

"Your Highness, rest assured. I was born with a frame of steel and iron; these minor wounds are nothing to worry about," Huyan Zan replied boisterously. He continued, "It wasn't convenient at the palace yesterday, so I didn't get a chance to thank you properly. That is why I have come today to pay my respects and express my gratitude for your patronage and recognition."

"What are you saying? It is I who should be thanking you," Zhao Dezhao said with a wave of his hand. "You won the wrestling tournament yesterday and brought great honor to me. Even my Imperial Father praised me personally. You fought for me and won such glory; it is I who should thank you."

"Your Highness, you are too modest," Huyan Zan argued earnestly. "If not for your gracious patronage, I don't know how long I would have had to wait before I could show my face before the Emperor. Being favored by you is the greatest fortune of my life."

"The key is that you seized the opportunity yourself. Enough, let's not stand here talking. Come inside, take a seat, and we can talk slowly."

Zhao Dezhao personally led Huyan Zan into his home, where Liang Zhouhan was already waiting in the main hall. After introducing the two, Liang Zhouhan lavished Huyan Zan with compliments before smiling and saying, "Your Highness, since you have a distinguished guest, please allow me to handle the matters regarding the bank. I will head to South Gate Street; you stay here to entertain General Huyan."

"Your Highness, do you have business to attend to?" Huyan Zan sensed something was amiss and quickly interrupted, "If you have matters to handle, I shall accompany you."

"No need, it is just a small matter regarding the opening of a shop. Brother Yuanbao can handle it."

As Zhao Dezhao and Huyan Zan were exchanging pleasantries, a gatekeeper suddenly approached and reported, "Your Highness, the Prince has sent men to deliver money. There are several large carts; they say it is the thirty thousand strings of cash lost to you yesterday."

"So soon?" Zhao Dezhao smiled. He knew well that even if he didn't accept the money, his "Drifting God" second uncle wouldn't let him off the hook anyway. So, without standing on ceremony, he turned to Wang Zhifa and ordered, "Zhifa, go attend to them and collect the money."

"Understood! We're rich, we're rich! Thirty thousand strings of cash—I’ll have to clear out a room just to store it all!"

Accustomed to poverty, Wang Zhifa was so happy he practically bounced. Huyan Zan, seeing an opening, immediately seized the chance: "Your Highness, with so much money, you certainly won't be able to find a secure vault to store it in on such short notice. For the sake of safety, why don't I stay here for a few days to guard your residence?"

"That would be perfect."

Zhao Dezhao agreed immediately. Liang Zhouhan was also delighted and said, "Excellent. With such a large sum, we won't have to be strapped for cash anymore. I suggest that on the day our bank opens, we hire some performers to put on a variety show in front of the shop to attract more customers."

"Great idea." Recalling how modern businesses loved to invite celebrities for their grand openings, Zhao Dezhao readily agreed. However, he was not satisfied with just that. He pondered and said, "But that is far from enough. Before now, the world has never seen a 'bank.' If we want people to understand and accept it, we must find a way to promote it vigorously."

As a transmigrator with countless successful experiences from future generations to draw upon, Zhao Dezhao made up his mind after only a moment of deliberation. He decisively ordered, "Brother Yuanbao, send someone to hire a micro-engraver immediately. I want to issue an extra-large denomination banknote."

"Your Highness, what denomination?" Liang Zhouhan asked curiously.

Zhao Dezhao answered firmly, "Ten thousand strings of cash!"

"Ten thousand strings?!" Even though he came from a wealthy family, Liang Zhouhan couldn't help but gape at the staggering figure.

...

Two days later, the servants of the Zhao household suddenly mobilized in large numbers, carrying countless posters to be displayed in the busiest parts of Bianliang. Once the contents of the notices were seen, the entire city was sent into an uproar. From high-ranking officials to commoners, everyone was discussing a single topic: the "Ten Thousand String Banknote."

The notices posted by Zhao Dezhao’s household announced that the Deji Bank would open on the twenty-sixth of the seventh month. Furthermore, they declared that a "Ten Thousand String Banknote" would be hidden somewhere in a secret corner of Bianliang on that day. Whoever found it could take it to the Deji Bank and exchange it for ten thousand strings of hard cash!

In short, whoever found that banknote would instantly become a wealthy tycoon.

The notice was long and included two other sections: one explaining the specific functions of the bank, and another featuring a mnemonic rhyme about the bank. On the twenty-sixth, anyone who came to the front of Deji Bank and recited the rhyme in public would receive ten coins in cash.

Needless to say, the notices posted by Zhao Dezhao quickly shook the entire city of Bianliang. It not only spread among the common folk but also disturbed Emperor Zhao Kuangyin, who rarely left the palace these days. He issued a decree summoning Zhao Dezhao to the palace to explain the situation in person.

Zhao Dezhao was mentally prepared for this. After receiving the summons, he felt no surprise. Instead, he called Wang Zhifa over, handed him a heavy pouch of gold nuggets, and instructed: "Zhifa, once we enter the palace, find a way to speak with Wang Ji’en privately and give him these gold nuggets. If possible, you should try to become his godson."

"Your Highness, why would you want me to do that?" Wang Zhifa asked in surprise.

"Because Wang Ji’en is of great use to us," Zhao Dezhao said calmly. "He is the Palace Superintendent; not only does he manage all the palace maids and eunuchs, but he is also the most trusted attendant of my Imperial Father. If we can win him over, we can keep track of every move within the inner palace. It will be of great benefit to our future plans."

"But Your Highness, I’m not confident," Wang Zhifa said with a mournful face. "My previous godfather was his mortal enemy in the palace; they’ve fought privately several times. Once, when they were fighting, I even grabbed his leg and took a big bite out of it. He must hate me enough to want me dead. How could he possibly accept me as his godson?"

"That is for you to figure out," Zhao Dezhao said, ignoring his complaints. "In any case, you must improve your relationship with Wang Ji’en. Win him over at any cost. Otherwise, he will pose a huge threat to us because you have stood firmly on my second uncle’s side."

Wang Zhifa groaned but had no choice. He braced himself and said, "Then I can only try. If it doesn't work, please do not blame me, Your Highness."

"Think of a way; I believe you can do it," Zhao Dezhao encouraged. "Wang Ji’en is not a fool. He will know that if you take the initiative to reconcile, it is likely at my behest. If he gives me this face, there will surely be benefits for him in the future."

Still lacking confidence but left with no other options, Wang Zhifa followed Zhao Dezhao into the palace, hoping for a slim chance of success, all the while calculating how to curry favor with Wang Ji’en.

As usual, after entering the palace, Zhao Dezhao was led to the Wende Hall to meet his father, while Wang Zhifa was left waiting outside. When he saw the eunuch on duty at the gate of Wende Hall, Wang Zhifa’s heart sank—it was Chen Ming, one of Wang Ji’en’s most loyal cronies, a man with whom Wang Zhifa had brawled in the palace more than once.

Though he knew he wouldn't get a warm welcome, Wang Zhifa gathered his courage for the sake of Zhao Dezhao’s mission. He walked up to Chen Ming, nodding and bowing with a plastered-on smile, and used the highest title of respect for a eunuch of that era: "Master Chen, long time no see. How have you been?"

Chen Ming looked at him with an expression of clear disdain and turned his face away, pretending not to hear. Wang Zhifa swallowed his pride and bowed again: "Master Chen, long time no see. How have you been?"

Chen Ming finally glanced at him from the corner of his eye and sneered, "So it’s 'Tooth-Badge' Wang. Indeed, it has been a long time. Thanks to you, I am doing just fine." (Note: "Tooth-Badge" was a derogatory term for eunuchs at the time.)

"Master Chen, you are too kind. How could it be thanks to me? It should be I who am blessed by your presence," Wang Zhifa forced a laugh and added, "Master Chen, I am here today to apologize. I was blind and disrespectful in the past. I even laid hands on you and once threw a flower pot at your head. I deserve to die. Please, Master Chen, be the bigger man and forgive my past transgressions."

"What is the meaning of this, Tooth-Badge Wang?" Chen Ming finally took an interest and sneered, "You didn't talk like this when you were following Master Pan. How have you fallen so far?"

Seeing that Chen Ming was still harboring a grudge, Wang Zhifa, who was known for his desperate measures, steeled his heart. He plopped down on his knees before Chen Ming, who was technically his peer, and said with a miserable face: "Godfather, please forgive me! It was my fault for being young and ignorant. Please, have mercy on your son!"

Wang Zhifa’s decisive, if shameless, move worked. With the palace guards and eunuchs looking on, Chen Ming was startled and waved his hands, "What are you doing? Get up! Speak up, and don't disturb the Emperor!"

"Godfather, if you don't forgive me, I will stay kneeling here!"

Wang Zhifa played the role of a rascal. Fearing that Zhao Kuangyin would be disturbed, Chen Ming had no choice but to beckon: "Follow me. We’ll talk somewhere private."

Only then did Wang Zhifa stand up. Chen Ming led him to a secluded corner and asked, "Tooth-Badge Wang, what is going on? Why such a grand gesture?"

"Godfather, I am here to apologize with all sincerity," Wang Zhifa knelt again, looking pathetic. "It was all my fault for trying to please that old man Pan, being disrespectful to you at every turn. Please, be the bigger man and forget the past."

He kowtowed repeatedly, slamming his forehead against the stone floor until it made a sound. Chen Ming’s anger subsided, and he said, "Tooth-Badge Wang, no need for such formalities. It’s been years; I’ve long forgotten those matters. Get up. We are peers in the palace; you don't need to kneel."

"No!" Wang Zhifa grabbed Chen Ming’s leg and said with utter sincerity, "Godfather, I beg you, please accept me as your godson. I swear to heaven that I will honor you as I would my own father! I will go through fire and water for you without a blink!"

Having made his request, he pulled out a handkerchief, revealing a handful of gold nuggets, and held them out with both hands: "Godfather, this is a small token of my respect. Please don't despise it."

Chen Ming, a greedy man at heart, was surprised by the generosity. Wang Zhifa pushed the gold into his hands, pleading, "Please, accept it. I promise there will be more in the future."

Seeing the sincerity and the gold, Chen Ming finally relented: "Very well. Since you are so sincere, I will accept you as my godson."

Wang Zhifa was overjoyed and thanked him profusely. Chen Ming, knowing that one doesn't take rewards without merit, asked, "Speak, what do you want from your godfather?"

"Godfather is wise," Wang Zhifa lowered his voice. "I have the audacity to ask if you could introduce me to the Grand Godfather, Master Wang, so he might recognize me as his grandson."

"Is that all? A small matter. Wait here, I will go ask him."

Chen Ming smiled and headed back to the gate of Wende Hall. He hid in a blind spot and mimicked the sound of a magpie. Shortly after, the Palace Superintendent, Wang Ji’en, stepped out. "What is it?"

"Godfather, please follow me."

Chen Ming knew Wang Ji’en might not agree if he told him the truth, so he led him to Wang Zhifa first. Wang Ji’en, a veteran of the palace, immediately understood that Zhao Dezhao was behind this. But when Wang Zhifa presented the gold nuggets and began kowtowing and cursing his own past idiocy, Wang Ji’en made a quick calculation:

"The Prince has deep roots, but this Highness has been rising fast and is very favored by the Emperor. In the long run, who knows who will win? Better to leave a path open for the future."

Deciding to hedge his bets, Wang Ji’en nodded: "As long as you know you were wrong. Get up. I accept you as my godson."

"Thank you, Grand Godfather!" Wang Zhifa was overjoyed. But as he bowed his head to the ground once more, a glint of cold, calculating malice flickered in his eyes.