Chapter Twenty-Three: Sinister Intentions

“What wrong have we committed that the assistant magistrate wishes to see us?” Sensing the gravity of the situation, Gou Ye felt uneasy and could not help but ask.

“We do not know. Just follow me back to the yamen,” the constable replied.

With no other choice, Gou Ye complied, his mind racing. Had one of his recent business ventures crossed the law? If so, surely his shop would have already been shut down. This thought eased his anxiety somewhat. Turning to Yun Niang, he said, “Yun Niang, take some money and wait for me at Gu Shen’s residence. If I haven’t returned by dusk, ask Gu Shen for help.”

“No, I want to go with you.”

Gou Ye let out a hearty laugh. “Yun Niang, don’t worry. I haven’t broken any laws—nothing will happen to me. If we’re not together, at least we have someone to look out for the other.” With that, he followed the officers toward the county office.

Upon arrival, the constables did not take Gou Ye through the main hall but led him in through a side door, directly to a reception chamber. Without a word, they saluted and took their leave.

What trick was the magistrate playing at? As Gou Ye wandered about the hall, pondering, a man and woman entered. The man wore an official’s blue robe, his face adorned with a perpetual smile, yet his sharp, hawk-like eyes betrayed a sinister nature. At his side, the woman appeared dignified and elegant, her gaze lively and intelligent. Instinctively, Gou Ye grew more guarded.

“Hahaha, you must be the renowned Gou Ye, whose name has lately spread throughout our county. I am Qin Ming, the magistrate here, and this is my wife, Zhu Ling.”

Zhu Ling? Zhu—the imperial surname. Though this Ming dynasty was different from that of his former world, Gou Ye knew well that the current emperor bore the Zhu name, which was forbidden for common use. The magistrate’s wife was surely connected to the imperial family.

Gou Ye performed a simple gesture of respect and asked directly, “May I ask, what business brings me before you today, Your Excellency?”

Magistrate Qin invited Gou Ye to sit, calling for tea to be served, before continuing, “Gou Ye, your reputation precedes you. I have long wished to meet you and have sent for you today—please forgive the presumption. Yet it is not only I who has wanted to meet you. My wife has spoken of you often and arranged for this meeting today.”

“I am flattered,” Gou Ye replied modestly. “I am but a man of humble talents, and my little fame is unworthy of your notice. I fear I am only a source of amusement to you and your lady.”

“There is no need for such modesty,” Zhu Ling said. “I have witnessed your talent firsthand. Your ‘Tale of the Heroic Archer’ is a work of rare brilliance—captivating and vivid. I even consulted the annals and found no record of the events you described. To conjure such stories from imagination, yet with such authenticity, proves your talent is no empty reputation.”

Zhu Ling’s praise made Gou Ye even more cautious.

“To be invited here and meet the magistrate and your lady is my great fortune,” Gou Ye replied. “If you enjoy my humble writings, with the next batch I will ask Master Hu to send your household the very first copies.”

“That would be splendid,” Zhu Ling replied at once.

“Yet I remain confused, so I must ask directly: did you summon me only to offer such praise? Surely there must be another reason.” Gou Ye’s words drew polite laughter from all.

“It is already midday,” Magistrate Qin said. “Let us move to the dining hall and talk over a meal.” Zhu Ling quickly concurred, and before Gou Ye could decline, the two led him into the dining chamber.

A lavish spread had already been prepared, clearly in his honor. Gou Ye, realizing he was indeed hungry, sat down without further protest.

Before he could begin eating, Zhu Ling raised her cup and said, “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Gou. May we have the opportunity to meet often in the future.”

Gou Ye glanced at the chicken leg before him, raised his own cup, and, almost without thinking, blurted out in a modern northeastern dialect, “Absolutely!”

Zhu Ling continued, “I have heard of your shop, ‘First Love,’ and its delicacies, which are praised by all in the county. My husband and I went there to taste them ourselves. Though I cannot claim to have sampled every delicacy in the empire, even in the capital I have never seen the likes of what you serve. Such flavor—truly the finest among icy treats.”

Gnawing on his chicken leg, Gou Ye replied vaguely, “Madam flatters me too much.”

“Perhaps you are unaware, Master Gou, but my family has a small business in the capital, including ventures in the culinary trade. When I tasted your delicacies, I was astonished. Today, through my husband, I have sought this meeting, hoping to discuss a partnership with you.”

So that’s what this is about, Gou Ye thought. They’ve gone to such lengths for my business. This woman’s words reveal nothing, but it’s clear she holds great sway in this household. The more polite she is, the more wary I must be.

“I am eager to hear the details, Madam Zhu.”

As Gou Ye expected, Zhu Ling continued, “Your pursuits are surely for fame and profit. Though I am unworthy, I would assist you in attaining both. If you would sell me the secret recipe and method for your icy treats, I would pay a price to your satisfaction. I wish to sell them in the capital and offer you an annual share of the profits. I can also introduce your books to every bookstore in the city. With your talent, your works would surely become the talk of the capital. Would that not bring you both greater fame and wealth?”

Gou Ye considered this. It was tempting: sell the recipe, receive a handsome sum, annual dividends, and the opportunity to publish his books in the capital—the prospects were far more promising than those in this small county. Yet something felt off. This was his first shop, the first business built on his own ideas. It had only just begun—how could he hand it over so easily? The benefits she offered were a pittance compared to what she might gain in the long run. He could not afford to be shortsighted. As for selling his books in shops she controlled—what if she later bought out those bookstores? Would he not become her employee in all but name?

With these thoughts, Gou Ye cupped his hands, narrowed his eyes, and replied with a smile, “Having heard your proposal, I must admit I am tempted. But my humble shop is not fit for the capital, nor am I worthy of great fame. Here in this county, with modest profits, I can survive and be content. My trade is a legacy from my ancestors, and my reputation has been earned step by step. I can only thank you, Madam Zhu, for offering me a shortcut, and humbly express my gratitude.”

With these courteous words, Gou Ye politely declined Zhu Ling’s request. The magistrate and his wife did not take offense, merely urging him to reconsider. The rest of the meal was filled with casual conversation, and after the pleasantries, Gou Ye quickly took his leave.

As Gou Ye’s figure faded into the distance, Magistrate Qin snorted coldly and muttered, “Refuse a toast, and you’ll drink the penalty cup.”