Chapter Sixty-Five: Negotiation

The next morning, when Gou Ye announced his intention to visit the county deputy and negotiate with Magistrate Qin, Yun Niang objected vehemently. She still feared that Gou Ye would be walking into the lion’s den; if any conflict arose, he might be harmed. Only after much persuasion did Gou Ye finally relent, unable to overrule her insistence, and agreed to bring Yun Niang along.

In the carriage, Gou Ye looked at the youthful Yun Niang with a face full of helplessness. “My little wife, why must you insist on coming with me? I told you there’s nothing to worry about. With you there, I can’t act as freely.”

Yun Niang pursed her lips and gave a snort. “What’s there to hold back? I won’t talk much; I’ll just stay by your side and keep watch. You two do the talking. Gou Ye, you are my only family left now. I won’t allow anything to happen to you, nor will I allow anyone to hurt you. Whoever dares harm you, whoever they are, I will make them pay the price!”

It was the first time Gou Ye had heard such fierce words from Yun Niang. He had no doubt about her determination. As the saying goes, like father, like daughter. Beneath her tender exterior hid a resolute heart—one that only revealed itself when those dearest to her were threatened. And when it did, even a young tigress would bare her fangs.

This time, Gou Ye did not take the side entrance but strode openly through the main gate into the yamen. After an attendant announced their arrival, Magistrate Qin and his wife quickly appeared. Compared to the harshness of the day before, Magistrate Qin now wore a broad smile, almost as if he were an entirely different man. The contrast only deepened Gou Ye’s sense of the man’s hypocrisy and cunning.

“Oh my, if it isn’t the esteemed Mr. Gou! What brings you to my humble residence today?” Magistrate Qin’s beaming manner was deeply displeasing to Yun Niang, who made no effort to hide her scorn as she glared at the couple.

Gou Ye, however, wore a pleasant smile and cupped his hands in greeting. “Passing by your esteemed residence today, my wife and I purchased a few gifts in the market and wished to pay our respects. It’s a small token of our regard; I hope you will accept it with a smile.” Even as he spoke, Gou Ye found his own words distasteful. In the face of power, he had become what he most despised.

Zhu Ling stepped forward, laughing lightly. “Come, come, why stand here in the corridor? We’re not here to try a case. Let’s move to the hall and talk comfortably.” With that, Yun Niang handed the gifts to an attendant, following Gou Ye and the couple, her anger barely contained, as they made their way to the main hall.

Zhu Ling ordered the servants to bring tea, then looked at Gou Ye and his wife with evident satisfaction. “Mr. Gou, to what do we owe today’s honor? Not only a visit, but gifts as well.”

Gou Ye disliked beating around the bush. He preferred to speak plainly. “I have come today for two reasons: to offer presents, and to negotiate. The gifts are in hopes that any misunderstandings between us might be resolved peacefully—if there is any issue, let us speak openly. As for negotiations, I hope you will tell me plainly what it is you seek from me. As long as it is not excessive, I will agree. From then on, we will not interfere with one another: you may attend to your duties, and I to my business. But if you insist on pressing your advantage, I may have neither power nor influence, but I will find my own means.”

Magistrate Qin laughed heartily. Yesterday’s prisoner now dared to speak so boldly—how quickly things changed, he mused. “Absurd, utterly absurd. I, Qin, have always acted with reason. Do not think I am bullying you. I simply wish you to understand that some things are not for the taking, no matter how much you desire them. If you decide to take a bite, you must be prepared to pay for your appetite.”

Zhu Ling then smiled, tugged a fine thread from her collar, and looked up. “Mr. Gou, you are clever. I trust you understand my husband’s meaning. A wise man adapts to circumstances. I admire your pragmatism today. As the saying goes, a true man knows when to yield and when to advance. But don’t imagine you hold any great leverage. The Duke may help you once, but will he help every time? A salted fish remains a salted fish, whether it turns over or not. The gap between us may not be insurmountable, but it is not easily crossed. So, my conditions—no, demands—are simple. If you agree, we may overlook your little talents and reputation in this small county. But if you refuse, then let us see which of us fares better in the end.”

The couple’s tone was now openly threatening, with not a trace of respect. Even Yun Niang, upon hearing this, was furious and about to argue, but Gou Ye pressed her firmly into her seat. He pursed his lips, forced a smile, and suppressed his anger. “Very well, Lady Zhu. Please state your demands.”

Zhu Ling clapped her hands in delight. She relished watching Gou Ye struggle to contain his fury. Thinking back to when he had outwitted them, she felt a perverse satisfaction at seeing the tables turned. “Good, Mr. Gou, I’ll be blunt. First, you will destroy the agreement between us yourself; we will not pay you another tael of silver. Second, business is business. In the Ming realm, merchants do not rule the land. Know your place and the value of your trade. The prices before were far too high; I believe one hundred taels is quite fair.” At this, Yun Niang gripped Gou Ye’s hand, her anger written all over her face at such shameless demands. Yet Gou Ye sat calmly, listening attentively.

“Third, we have seen your capabilities and find your work quite novel—ideas we ourselves could never conceive. Let me be clear: we are not after your business, but your talent. My family also owns a bookshop in the capital. I know you are learned and fond of writing. So why not let your reputation grow on a bigger stage? From now on, every manuscript you write will belong to our family’s bookshop. We will pay you two hundred taels per month—a sum that comes to two thousand four hundred a year, husband, can you imagine?”

At this, Gou Ye could no longer remain composed. Writing was his greatest ambition. Not only was Zhu Ling’s offer less than what he could earn in three days, but every manuscript would belong to their family. What would he become—a ghostwriter? A laborer, toiling endlessly for another’s profit? The anger burned within him, but Zhu Ling continued, and Gou Ye forced himself to listen on.