Amid the chorus of flattery, Magistrate Zhao climbed into his carriage, leading a retinue of officials toward the city gate.
As a civil official, Zhao relied on a sedan for short trips and a carriage for longer ones. He didn’t ride horses—never had, nor did he intend to learn, holding fast to his scholarly dignity.
The officials accompanying him were all on horseback, naturally faster than his carriage. Yet, bound by the strict feudal hierarchy, none dared overtake him. They reined in their steeds, trailing closely behind.
By the time Zhao’s carriage reached the gate, the troops outside had arrived as well. Barred from entering, their impatient shouts and banging echoed relentlessly.
“What’s the situation outside? Friend or foe?” Zhao poked his head out of the carriage, calling from a distance.
“Replying to the magistrate, the troops just reached the gate. They claim to be reinforcements from Yangcheng Garrison,” the gate’s commanding general answered respectfully.
Hearing they identified as Yangcheng reinforcements, Zhao’s face lit up. Tension, worry, and fear melted away; his heart, lodged in his throat, settled back into place.
Truth be told, his bold trek to the gate stemmed from a hunch that reinforcements were more likely. A gentleman avoids danger, but he’d wagered on this.
Now, with confirmation aligning with his guess, a smug tug pulled at his lips.
The officials behind his carriage beamed too, relief washing over them.
“Hahaha! Reinforcements! Good, good, good! With Yangcheng’s aid here, we can sleep easy. Even if the Taolin pirates came in full force, Jiaxing wouldn’t fall!”
“I knew it—troops arriving now had to be Yangcheng’s. I called it!”
“Right! Distance, timing—it’s got to be them. Who else could it be?”
The officials relaxed, patting themselves on the back.
“Pity, such a pity.”
“Yeah, real shame.”
Amid the excitement over reinforcements, two discordant “pities” cut through.
Heads turned to see portly General Wang and wiry General Zhao lamenting in unison.
“Generals Wang and Zhao, why the regret when it’s reinforcements?” an official asked, puzzled.
“My blade’s been thirsting for blood. If it were pirates, I could’ve charged out and hacked to my heart’s content. But alas, it’s Yangcheng reinforcements—my blade stays parched. Isn’t that a pity? A tragedy of life!” Wang puffed out his belly, head high, hand on his sword, feigning disappointment.
“Exactly. My lads are bursting with energy. I’d hoped for pirates so I could lead them out to fight—burn off steam and serve the court and magistrate. But it’s just friendly reinforcements. What a letdown,” Zhao chimed in, equally “regretful.”
*Posers!*
Back in the council hall, when word came of troops charging the gate, whose heads had nearly dropped to their crotches? Now, safe with reinforcements confirmed, they’re strutting again?
*After all these years together, we know exactly what you’re made of!*
*Bah!*
Though no one spoke it aloud, the officials’ faces betrayed their disdain.
“Ahem. Everyone, though they claim to be Yangcheng reinforcements, we can’t jump to conclusions without verification. Better safe than sorry. We bear the lives and livelihoods of over two hundred thousand citizens—caution is paramount,” Zhao coughed, lecturing the group.
“Well said, Magistrate. With so many lives on our shoulders, we must be meticulous. We can’t just take their word that they’re Yangcheng troops—that’s irresponsible. Only after thorough checks can we confirm it,” one official agreed.
“With the magistrate leading us, Jiaxing is blessed. Careful, responsible—truly a worthy leader.”
“Right, he’s our pillar. With him, Jiaxing’s sky won’t fall.”
The officials nodded, seizing the chance to flatter Zhao.
He soaked it up but waved a hand, feigning earnestness. “Enough with the praise. I’m cautious for the people and the emperor—not for your flattery.”
“Of course! We’re just moved, not buttering you up. We know you’re no petty official swayed by sycophants—you’re upright, capable, a true guardian,” they hastened to assure.
Outside, the clamor at the gate grew louder, a chaotic boil like a pot exploding.
“Open the gate! We’re here to save you, and you lock us out to freeze? What’s the logic?! If you don’t need aid, why’d you beg our garrison for it?”
“This how Jiaxing treats reinforcements? We braved the night chill for *you*, and you shut us out!”
“If that’s how it is, we’ll head back! Our garrison tents might be small, but they block wind and rain—cozy!”
“Open up, or we’re leaving! This is outrageous—treated like pirates? An insult! We’re done!”
The shouts surged, teetering on riotous.
Hearing the rising fury, Zhao leapt from his carriage, urging his entourage, “It’s getting late—hurry! Dismount and follow me up the wall. We’ll verify these ‘reinforcements’ fast. If they’re legit, open the gates and welcome them—don’t sour their goodwill. If not, let them taste our steel!”
“At your command!” The officials dismounted and trailed Zhao up the steps to the ramparts.
