Chapter 50: The Zheng Family’s Greed and Schemes

Zheng Hongbo’s eldest son, Zheng Hongwen, was born of his lawful wife, Lady Yao. As the legitimate eldest son, he had been groomed by the family from an early age. At just fourteen, he began managing the family’s business, and now, at only eighteen, he could handle affairs independently.

Zheng Hongwen was handsome, refined, steady, and resourceful, with a charisma that had led Zheng Hongbo to raise him as his heir.

“Father, what is it you wish to see me about?” Zheng Hongwen strolled unhurriedly into Zheng Hongbo’s study, inquiring with gentle politeness.

Looking at his now-adult eldest son, Zheng Hongbo felt more and more satisfied; perhaps only this son could accomplish what he had in mind.

“Hongwen, I wish to entrust you with something of great importance, and I hope you will see it through,” Zheng Hongbo said, gazing at his son with deep significance.

“Father, do tell me what it is—I will see it done,” Zheng Hongwen replied calmly, exuding absolute confidence.

Seeing his son’s self-assurance, Zheng Hongbo was gratified. “Hongwen, have you heard of the Emperor’s new healing medicines: Huanzhang White Powder and Huanzhang Treasure Pill?”

“Naturally, I have. Since you mention them, Father, do you mean…?” A sly glint flashed in Zheng Hongwen’s eyes as he asked evenly.

“I am of the mind that such medicines ought to be in the Zheng family’s hands. Should we obtain these two formulas, our family will undoubtedly rise to new heights. So I want you to go to Chang’an and acquire these recipes for me. Do you understand?”

Zheng Hongbo spoke lightly, with a hint of arrogance, as if these medicines were already within the Zheng family’s grasp.

“Father, I have heard the Emperor has classified these medicines as strategic resources, forbidden to leave the realm. Is it not a little risky for us to pursue this?” Clearly, Zheng Hongwen was not swept away by his father’s words; his mind remained clear and rational.

Zheng Hongbo’s expression darkened at once. He struck the table with his palm and rebuked, “Hongwen, how many times have I told you: those who achieve greatness must not be bound by trifles or excessive scruples. To hesitate and look back is not the mark of a true man. If you wish to rise above others, you must dare what others dare not. Besides, it’s merely two prescriptions, not murder or arson. And do you think, if our family abstains, the other great clans will not covet them? Would they let such a prize slip by? We are merely moving with the current, following the will of Heaven. Do you understand?”

Zheng Hongwen made no further objection; in truth, he had only sought to probe his father’s attitude. Now that his father’s stance was clear, he could act boldly.

“Father, my investigations show that those two formulas were presented to the Emperor by a youth named Du Chengfeng, before all the ministers. Now, everyone knows the recipes are in the Emperor’s hands. I do not believe, with our current strength, that we can take them from him,” Zheng Hongwen analyzed carefully.

“I am well aware of that, as is anyone with designs on these recipes. So we must look at it differently: that youth presented the recipes to the Emperor, but who can say he has not already memorized them himself? To present them so publicly—might that not be misdirection?” Zheng Hongbo guided his son step by step.

Zheng Hongwen considered and said, “Indeed, Father, you are wise. I understand.”

“Good. Be cautious in Chang’an, and if need be, do not shrink from extraordinary measures,” Zheng Hongbo warned.

“I understand!” Zheng Hongwen replied.

“Then make preparations today and depart for Chang’an tomorrow. I am counting on you,” Zheng Hongbo said earnestly.

Zheng Hongwen nodded. “I will do my utmost. If there is nothing else, I shall go prepare.”

“Go. I await your good news,” Zheng Hongbo said with a wave.

Only then did Zheng Hongwen leave the study unhurriedly to make his arrangements.

These miraculous prescriptions stirred not only the desires and nerves of great families like the Zhengs; many others, too, were moving quietly in the shadows.

In the Pingkang District of Chang’an, the most famous brothel was perhaps Drunken Spring Pavilion on Zhengyang Street. Drunken Spring Pavilion was built with exquisite taste: white walls, black tiles, an elegant exterior reminiscent of southern courtyards. Inside, every woman was a peerless beauty, each skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting.

Thus, many scholars, officials, and nobles liked to while away their leisure hours there—listening to music, composing poetry, and so forth.

Nearly half the poems in the Complete Tang Poems are about brothels, a sign of their prevalence in Tang times. In fact, brothels were nothing like the sordid places imagined in later ages; they resembled more the tea houses and social clubs of the future.

As the finest brothel in Pingkang, Drunken Spring Pavilion added much color to the district and the capital alike.

Yet no one would have guessed that behind Drunken Spring Pavilion stood a general of the Turks. Its manager, Liu Chunlai, was originally a Tang man who, after being captured by the Turks during the Wu De era, was coerced into becoming their spy. He had now been lurking in Chang’an for over a decade.

Day to day, Drunken Spring Pavilion thrived, and in only a few years, Liu Chunlai had made it one of the most renowned establishments in Pingkang. He sent the wealth he gained in Great Tang back to the Turks, all the while secretly gathering intelligence.

On this night, deep and silent, the city lay hushed, the first night watch echoing in the distance.

Liu Chunlai bowed respectfully to a burly figure before him and said, “Greetings, Kanli Tegine.” (An ancient Turkic official title, often held by the khan’s kin.)

The man known as Kanli turned and clapped Liu Chunlai’s shoulder, praising him with pride, “Liu Chunlai, you have done well these past years. The khan is very pleased.”

“Thank you for your praise, Kanli Tegine. It is only my duty,” Liu Chunlai replied in a low voice.

Kanli withdrew his hand and, in an instant, his tone grew cold. “I have come with a difficult mission for you. The khan says that if you complete it well, you may return and reunite with your family.”

Liu Chunlai’s spirits lifted at once. He hurried to assure, “Please instruct me, Kanli Tegine. I will give my all and ensure the khan’s orders are fulfilled.”