Chapter 50: Scheming in the Sima Residence

At the entrance of the Grand Guild, Yan Shan was sweeping snow as usual. Though one called it snow, there was little fresh snowfall left above; what remained below was all frozen into blocks of ice.

From afar, Luo Gan and his companions saw Yan Shan diligently sweeping the snow at the gate and called out to greet him. Yan Shan was quite the character—clever and mischievous, having picked up no small number of odd habits from Luo Gan. He straightened his posture, placed his right hand on his abdomen, and bowed—a thoroughly Western style of greeting, which left Er Hu and the others bewildered. Only Luo Gan burst into hearty laughter, replying with a tango step, feet crossed in salute.

Inside, people sat in a circle as Yan Shan bustled about, serving hot tea to each guest and then bringing out refreshments, everything placed in perfect order.

Seeing the table so properly arranged, Uncle De couldn’t help but praise him.

“Ah Luo, you are truly blessed! To open a shop and find such a good hand—there’s no need for a single worry.”

Er Hu added, “Seeing you doing so well, Ah Luo, it’s really heartening.”

Luo Gan was quite pleased, but when he caught the fleeting trace of melancholy on Er Hu’s face, his laughter could no longer be as carefree as before.

The times had changed. Only friends of equal status and position could maintain a balanced state of mind; once that balance was broken, one had to strive to preserve it, or else envy and resentment would creep in. Luo Gan understood this well.

“It’s only with everyone’s help that I am where I am today. Luck had nothing to do with it,” Luo Gan replied.

Only then did the others feel at ease, sipping tea and sampling the treats. Luo Gan took the opportunity to refill Uncle De and Er Hu’s cups.

“We’re here to help you solve your problem; otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy this meal,” said one of the farmers.

Luo Gan swallowed a mouthful of tea. “As we discussed before, the Grand Guild’s first task is to uncover the truth behind Magistrate Sima.”

Er Hu and the others nodded repeatedly, while Xiao Zhi was still in the dark.

“Is there some treasure hidden in the Sima residence?” Xiao Zhi asked.

Luo Gan shook his head. “No treasure—there’s a secret. A great secret.”

The farmer rubbed his hands eagerly. “But could it make us rich?”

Luo Gan shook his head again. “It’s something that could bring benefit to the people.”

Xiao Zhi was puzzled. “Brother Luo, you always say to be pragmatic. Since when do we make money for the people’s sake?”

Er Hu knocked him on the head. “Watch your mouth! For all your gentleness, you still lack ambition.”

The Sima residence was a lingering thorn in Luo Gan’s heart. Twice he had snuck in, and both times he’d encountered strange happenings. First it was a rat demon, then odd distortions of time—the most unusual place in the whole of Anping County was surely there.

If he wanted to uncover the next clue, he’d need to prepare thoroughly and attempt another infiltration.

Uncle De squinted, his elder’s bearing making it hard to tell whether he was pondering or simply short-sighted.

“You asked us to dress warmly before, and I thought it odd. But once we entered Anping, I realized even our thick clothes weren’t enough. The city’s strangeness is clear.”

After some thought, the farmer asked in alarm, “Ah Luo! The place you mentioned—does it have something to do with these strange events?”

Luo Gan nodded, pleased they had finally grasped the point, sparing him further explanation.

Yan Shan, ever attentive as he poured tea, observed everyone’s reactions. The farmer was aghast as understanding dawned; Uncle De, seasoned by age, remained composed; Xiao Zhi’s eyes darted restlessly; Er Hu and Luo Gan sat together—simple in appearance, but far from foolish.

Yan Shan reported, “President, I’ve heard the Sima residence switched several gatekeepers lately. Some said they returned home for the New Year; some fell ill and went back to recuperate. All strong young men, yet they’ve grown gaunt.”

“Sometimes when I pass that strange Sima house, it looks deserted, no signs of life. Why keep guards posted every day?” Xiao Zhi wondered.

“Treasure?” suggested the farmer.

“Evil spirits?” mused Er Hu.

“A widow?” offered Uncle De.

Luo Gan smiled meaningfully. “Whether it’s treasure or the magistrate’s turtle of a widow, I suspect it’s all tied to this endless winter.”

He then whispered with Yan Shan, who immediately caught on and hurried out.

The farmer clapped in delight. “Talking is one thing, but doing is better! I never thought you’d have such vision, Ah Luo!”

Er Hu chuckled. “If you ask me, everyone’s frozen stiff, too cold for business—so they’re off to break the ice, aren’t they?”

Everyone laughed heartily.

With a mysterious air, Luo Gan consulted, “I have a plan that needs Liu Buwen’s help.”

Just then, a knock sounded outside. Luo Gan glanced at the sun overhead—it was midday. He smiled knowingly.

Liu Buwen was already seated in the hall. Er Hu and the farmer paid little attention to such a scholarly type, while Uncle De scrutinized him from head to toe without a word.

Liu Buwen, with uncalloused hands, lifted his teacup; as the steam dispersed, his serene face emerged.

“Greetings, gentlemen. Since you’ve called me here, Brother Luo, it can’t be a trivial matter.”

The scholar’s manner was worlds apart from the farmers’, and Luo Gan had to deftly shift roles to accommodate all kinds.

“Brother, I could only come up with a rather rough plan. What do you think of it?” Luo Gan asked.

Liu Buwen kept his feelings well concealed, his expression giving nothing away.

“Not bad! I fully support it,” he replied, ever modest and prudent.

Luo Gan moved his chair closer, taking Liu Buwen’s hand and patting it earnestly.

“Brother, there’s no need for formality—we’re all family here. I’m glad you accept me as your elder; if you have any ideas, speak freely.”

Liu Buwen’s gaze dropped swiftly to the floor, but after a moment’s thought, he met Luo Gan’s eyes. “Brother, the plan to take Magistrate Wang’s turtle and pin it on Constable Zhang is excellent. Last time, our bait and switch left him quite rattled. But what do we hope to achieve this time?”

The others still hadn’t grasped Luo Gan’s intentions, only that he aimed to stir things up with the county magistrate.

“Lure the tiger from its mountain. The Sima residence is always heavily guarded—there must be a secret. I want to exploit the discord between Magistrate Wang and Constable Zhang, so that Zhang is sent to guard the Sima residence,” Luo Gan explained.

Er Hu stomped and scratched his head in confusion. “I’m getting more and more lost. Ah Luo, after all the trouble those two gave you, you still want to get involved with them?”

Liu Buwen echoed, “I wonder, though—Zhang and Wang have long been at odds, keeping each other in check at the yamen. Stirring up more strife—how does that help us?”

Luo Gan clarified, “Magistrate Wang surely knows the secret of the Sima residence, but it’s Constable Zhang who truly controls his men. As long as Zhang is there, Wang is hamstrung. Though Wang’s a fool, right now we need him to move things forward, and we must also rid ourselves of the constables’ abuses.”

Uncle De worried, “That may be, but given how Wang’s been squeezing us, won’t he just become all-powerful?”

Xiao Zhi saw Luo Gan’s unwavering resolve. “Brother Luo, you’ve even thought that far ahead, haven’t you?”

“We’ll have Li Bu’er, the jinx at the city gate, replace Constable Zhang. Li’s greed for money makes him easy to handle. Zhang, with his stubborn nature and lack of want, is much harder to deal with,” Luo Gan replied.

Yan Shan asked, “Once Zhang is assigned to the Sima residence, how will we get inside?”

Liu Buwen clapped and gave a thumbs-up. “Brilliant!”

Luo Gan pointed at Liu Buwen, the two entirely in sync, while the others remained baffled by their satisfaction.

With a calm smile, Luo Gan lounged in his chair, the picture of a master strategist—like a wily advisor, orchestrating victory from afar.