Chapter Seventeen: The Unscrupulous Marshal

Since the founding of the Great Tang, in order to maintain public order, the authorities often recruited retired soldiers and local ruffians to serve as petty officers tasked with investigating and apprehending thieves. These men were called "Outlaws," and colloquially referred to as "Outlaw Chiefs!"

This arrangement offered two advantages: Firstly, most outlaws had a checkered past and were considered unstable elements in society. Recruiting and employing them was preferable to letting them roam free to cause trouble. Secondly, outlaws were long accustomed to mingling among the common folk, making them exceedingly well-informed. In matters of investigation and pursuit, they often outperformed official constables, being both fearless and highly efficient.

It should be mentioned that although outlaws worked for the government, they were not officially on the payroll and remained marginal figures. Their salaries, benefits, and social status were far inferior to those of regular constables. The leader of the outlaws bore the title "Chief of Outlaws!"

"Chief of Outlaws"—the title sounds quite formidable, but what rank does it actually represent? In the hierarchy of Tang officials, there were thirty grades within nine ranks, divided into primary, secondary, upper, and lower levels. The Chief of Outlaws held a rank of subordinate ninth class, lower division—a position as minor as any could be.

...

The Ministry of Personnel worked with notable efficiency; official robes, a sword, a waist tag, and the letter of appointment were soon delivered to Li Zhao.

"Young master, you are accomplished in both civil and martial arts, capable of achieving high office. Your examination results were outstanding, yet they’ve given you such a petty position. Have those Ministry officials lost their wits?"

"Indeed! If they won’t keep you here, there are other places that will. Why not resign and return to Qianlong Ridge to live freely, rather than endure such humiliation?"

...

Faced with this appointment, Bai Mo, White Day Rat, and the others were incensed, cursing the ancestors of the Ministry officials. Even the usually gentle Aunt Qing couldn’t help but pout in displeasure.

After the recent departmental examination, Li Zhao had become a rising star in Chang'an. A youth of extraordinary talent, he could compose poetry in seven steps—who in the city had not heard his name? Handsome, brilliant, and a scion of the royal clan, his future seemed limitless, practically inscribed on his brow.

Thus, many believed Li Zhao would surely be given an important post, at least of sixth rank or above, perhaps even a position in one of the Three Departments or Six Ministries, cultivated as a future prime minister. No one expected him to be handed such a trifling office; disappointment was widespread.

"Don’t be upset, everyone. In truth, I rather like the position of Chief of Outlaws—it certainly sounds impressive, haha!" Li Zhao was not the least bit dismayed. He donned his new robe—a pale blue long gown, a seven-sectioned copper-belled belt, and black leather boots—all of which fit him well.

He drew his sword, forged of fine steel. Though not a legendary blade, it was decently sharp. He also received a copper fish-shaped token, engraved on the back with his name, family, and place of origin. The front bore eight bold characters: "By imperial command—Apprehend thieves!"

A certain sage once said that all officials fall into four categories:
First, minor officials doing minor deeds.
Second, high officials doing minor deeds.
Third, high officials doing great deeds.
Fourth, minor officials doing great deeds!

Though the Chief of Outlaws held a lowly rank, he was responsible for law enforcement in Chang'an—a classic case of little rank, great power. Li Zhao was confident he could achieve great things in this role. Perhaps one day, like the Outlaw Chief in "Painted Rivers and Lakes," he would become a legend, holding sway over the realm... Just imagining it made his heart soar.

His reverie finished, Li Zhao took Bai Mo and White Day Rat to report for duty.

The Chief of Outlaws answered directly to the Jingzhao Prefecture, whose current Prefect was—Ji Wen.

...

The Jingzhao Prefecture office stood within Guangde Ward in the western part of Chang'an, grand and imposing. Before its gates stood two enormous stone beasts, resembling qilin, their bodies covered in dense black fur, with bright, spirited eyes and a single horn on their foreheads. These were known as Xiezhi.

According to legend, the Xiezhi was a divine beast capable of discerning right from wrong. When it saw people fighting, it would gore the guilty with its horn; when it heard disputes, it would bite the party at fault. Stone statues were placed before courts to symbolize judicial fairness.

A dozen constables in black uniforms stood at the gate. Upon seeing Li Zhao and his companions approach, they barred the way.

"Who are you? What business brings you here?"

"I am Li Zhao, newly appointed Chief of Outlaws by the Ministry of Personnel. I have come to report to the Prefect."

"The Prefect is busy and has no time to see a petty official like you. Come back tomorrow."

...

It is said that the King of Hell is easier to meet than his little devils; Li Zhao, quick-witted as he was, understood the meaning well. If he truly came back the next day, he’d be turned away again by the Prefect, Ji Wen.

What to do? Grease the wheels with silver!

"My good man, you’ve worked hard. Here’s some tea money—please help us out."

"Very well, wait a moment!"

Passing over a five-tael silver ingot, the guard’s demeanor transformed; he hurried inside and soon returned with word—the Prefect would see them.

Passing through the main gate, the ceremonial gate, and the corridor, Li Zhao entered the main hall of Jingzhao Prefecture and met Ji Wen—a man of about forty-five or forty-six, rotund, with a large round face, narrow eyes, and a perpetual genial smile that made him appear amiable.

Yet, if one did not know his background, who could imagine this smiling man was one of the Tang’s most notorious hard-liners?

"Your humble servant greets the Prefect!"

"No need for formality."

Ji Wen was a high official of the third rank; Li Zhao, a lowly minor official, should by rights have knelt in respect. However, as a member of the royal clan, Li Zhao enjoyed the privilege of saluting with clasped hands rather than kneeling.

"Heh, I’ve heard recently that among the royal kin, a prodigy has emerged, able to compose poetry in seven steps. Seeing you today, you are indeed outstanding!"

"Thank you for your praise, Prefect. I am unworthy of such compliments. I come today to report for duty and await your instructions."

"Heh, though the post of Chief of Outlaws is not high, it carries the grave responsibility of investigation and arrest. I hope you will do your utmost to maintain order in Chang'an. If you carry out your duties well, I shall be sure to commend you to the Emperor and see you promoted. Young man, your future is bright!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Prefect. I shall give my all to the task!"

"Good. It grows late—go and assume your post. The necessary documents have already been prepared."

"Yes, sir!"

Ji Wen had secret ties with Li Chong and Li Fei, brothers who were Li Zhao’s sworn enemies. Before coming, Li Zhao had worried that Ji Wen would make things difficult for him. To his surprise, the opposite was true—Ji Wen not only refrained from giving him a hard time but acted the part of a caring superior.

...

Yet, Li Zhao dared not let down his guard for a moment. As the saying goes: a vicious dog bares no teeth, a venomous snake speaks with honeyed words. The more cunning and ruthless a man, the better he is at hiding his nature, lulling others into complacency.

He would remain vigilant, ever cautious, not wanting to be caught off guard.

After saluting once more, Li Zhao departed the Prefecture. As soon as he left the main hall, the smile vanished from Ji Wen’s face, and his narrow eyes flashed with a venomous glint.

"Hmph. Boy, you’ve ruined both my sons and destroyed their futures. Sooner or later, I will make you wish you were dead."

With a cold snort, Ji Wen left the hall and went to his study, where two fat, battered figures lay prone—Li Chong and Li Fei.

"Father, you’re back."

"Father, you must be tired!"

...

At Ji Wen’s entrance, the two portly men struggled up, greeting him warmly.

It turned out that Ji Wen was Zheng’s former lover, and the biological father of Li Chong and Li Fei. Years ago, for the sake of his political future, he had abandoned the pregnant Zheng and unwillingly married an ugly woman from a noble family. Unfortunately, not only was this wife unattractive, she was also barren and jealously forbade Ji Wen from taking concubines or even having serving maids.

Fearing his wife’s powerful family, Ji Wen had no choice but to swallow his resentment, but having no heir became a bitter regret.

Half a year ago, Zheng arrived in Chang’an with her two sons and secretly sought out Ji Wen, explaining everything and hoping he would, for old times’ sake, take them in. Ji Wen had no doubts about the story—the two boys looked exactly as he had in his youth. He immediately settled Zheng and her sons in his private residence and worked to secure them positions.

But as fate would have it, during the selection exams, the two brothers were caught cheating. They not only received eighty lashes and six days in the stocks, but also lost all hope of ever holding office.

Afterward, Ji Wen investigated thoroughly. Though he found no direct evidence, he strongly suspected Li Zhao’s involvement.

"Father, Li Zhao ruined us. You must avenge us!"

"Father, now that Li Zhao is Chief of Outlaws, your subordinate, you can arrest and beat him to death!"

...

"Enough. I will avenge you both in due time. But now is not the moment. Let Li Zhao live a little longer. The Chief of Outlaws is not an easy post. When he inevitably makes a mistake, I will deal with him in such a way that he cannot protest. Heh heh."

Ji Wen laughed coldly, his voice thick with murderous intent.

What use is vast learning, or the talent to compose poetry in seven steps? Book learning does not make one an official. The waters of the bureaucracy run... deep indeed.