Chapter Sixteen: The Foreign Quarter

Compared to the vigilant guards of the regional commandery surrounding them, Yang Hongwen, their leader, seemed far more amicable. Though his tone carried a hint of skepticism, it was all in the spirit of official business, without any deliberate difficulty. This allowed Ding Li and those behind him, Saijigade and others, to relax their taut nerves somewhat, their faces no longer tense and anxious as before.

“General, we’re just common folk working at the docks to earn a living. We are honest citizens and wouldn’t dare utter a single lie!” Ding Li had seen his share of grand occasions. Besides, Yang Hongwen appeared to be of similar age and carried himself without the airs of an official. Ding Li’s performance was smooth and composed, tinged with a trace of apprehension, and his answer was convincing. He pointed behind him toward the distant docks, his face clouded with uncertainty as he added, “General, on our way back just now, we heard quite a commotion around the docks—bright lights everywhere, as if a sea ship had docked in the night. But we’d worked hard all day and just wanted to get home, so we didn’t pay much attention! You know how it is, General—we’re laborers. It’s not our place to inquire about certain things. Better to mind our own business than stir up trouble!”

Yang Hongwen found no fault in their reply, though his intuition told him Ding Li was no ordinary man. The words flowed too smoothly. Yet their attire was indeed that of dock workers, and Yang Hongwen, who held Confucian ideals, was not one to escalate minor matters. After scrutinizing Ding Li for a while, he pondered silently, then nodded in acknowledgment.

More importantly, Yang Hongwen’s purpose here was not to enforce martial law, nor did he wish to waste time on Ding Li and his companions. He bore a far weightier responsibility—one that concerned not only his own Yang family, but also the Li family of the commandery and their old allies, the Zhangs. What happened before them was trivial compared to these stakes, and Yang Hongwen had no intention of lingering.

“All right, you’re free to go—hurry home! Martial law is in effect, don’t loiter unnecessarily or you might be mistaken for troublemakers by the night patrol,” Yang Hongwen said, casting a final glance at them, lightly waving his torch. Suddenly, he paused, his gaze falling on Saijigade and his friends, as if recognizing something, and he nodded, adding, “Ah, friends from distant lands—you all take care on your way.”

With that, Yang Hongwen, still astride his horse, gave them a courteous salute, his expression kindly, and tugged the reins to clear the way. His guards split into two wings, quickly moving aside to let Ding Li and his companions pass.

“Thank you, General—safe travels, and much appreciation!” Ding Li and Saijigade returned the gesture, respectfully bidding farewell as they departed swiftly.

“Let’s go, to the docks!” Yang Hongwen wasted no further thought on the encounter, instead turning his horse and signaling his guards, spurring his mount forward.

As the sound of hooves faded behind them, Saijigade and the others finally breathed deep sighs of relief, hands pressed to their chests, inhaling heavily. Yet their faces glowed with excitement; the recent events had clearly stirred their nerves.

“Brother Li, you’re amazing—just a few words and you managed to fool that Captain Yang!” Saijigade praised him with a smile, sidling up after regaining his composure. Seeing Ding Li’s indifferent expression, Saijigade tugged at him, somewhat dissatisfied, and continued, “Brother Li, don’t tell me you don’t know who Yang Hongwen is! In all my life, I never imagined I’d exchange words with him—and he even called us friends!”

“You’re so pleased! He was just being polite. Isn’t he just an on-duty captain? Looks young, and from what you say, probably comes from a prominent background—wealth or nobility, I’m sure!” Ding Li shrugged, unimpressed. He’d met plenty of second-generation rich, official heirs, and privileged sons—all too common to him. Still, he felt a faint interest in Yang Hongwen; it was rare to see someone from such a background so courteous and humble.

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“Hey, Brother Li! Really? You don’t know Yang Hongwen?” Now Saijigade was truly shocked. He’d thought Ding Li was simply avoiding the topic, but now he was certain Ding Li genuinely didn’t know. He stopped and grabbed Ding Li, his eyes wide, and explained, “Yang Hongwen, styled Jingyi, is absolutely top among the noble sons of Guangzhou! His father is the chief secretary under the regional governor—a trusted confidant—and their families are close allies! Oh, and the Zhang Merchants’ Guild too—the three families are inseparable here in Guangzhou. Without their alliance, the Zhang Merchants would have been swallowed by the Cao Merchants, who are supported by the Maritime Commissioner and the Inspector. It’s only thanks to the alliance that Zhang Merchants now prosper at the two ports!”

“But to be honest, the Zhang Merchants are much more decent. The Cao Merchants never treat us laborers as people—fights and pay cuts are daily occurrences! But in Zhang territory, no one dares cause trouble, and the cooperation is pleasant; at least everyone’s treated equally on the surface!” Saijigade’s gaze darkened with longing for power and wealth, though a hint of bitterness betrayed the harsh reality.

“I see! I really didn’t know.” Ding Li replied lightly, feeling awkward as he watched Saijigade’s emotional outpouring. He scratched his head, gave a sheepish grin, and nodded forward, yawning, “You can tell me more about this later. I’m exhausted—let’s hurry home!”

Though it was already the second watch of the night, the gates of the foreign quarter remained open. Within, scattered groups gathered at roadside stalls, eating meat and drinking wine, sharing bawdy jokes and laughing boisterously.

Even a sizable brothel not far from the gate was bustling. Exotic women lingered by the door or leaned seductively from second-floor railings, their greedy eyes scanning passersby. Whenever they spotted someone well-dressed, their eyes lit up, eager to drag them inside for business.

Under the crimson lanterns, an old madam in red, well over fifty, cracked seeds and flirted with two drunken, curly-haired Persian men, discussing some grand deal. She occasionally stroked their muscular chests, her raucous laughter both grating and alluring, drawing the attention of all nearby.

Such brazen solicitation was a first for Ding Li, who blushed and lowered his face, quickening his pace as if to flee.

But fate had other plans. Two women in the brothel’s arcade had already set their sharp sights on Ding Li, whispering to each other. Their keen eyes seemed to pierce his thin coat, seeing the sturdy chest and hard muscles beneath. They giggled behind scented handkerchiefs, voices clear and melodious.

Meanwhile, Saijigade’s attention was completely captured, as were his friends’, their greedy glances showering the brothel women with admiration. The nearly transparent veils barely hid their bodies, and the men’s eyes turned crimson with desire—their youthful hearts stirred.

“Hey! Little Cyrus!” The old madam was keen, missing no opportunity. Her sharp gaze swept over Ding Li and his group; instantly, she brightened, waving her handkerchief at Saijigade. She gently pushed the two Persians aside and hurried toward him, her heavily powdered face creased with countless wrinkles, smiling professionally. “Little Cyrus, it’s been a while! The girls have been longing for you!”

She fanned Saijigade’s face with her scented handkerchief, giving a coquettish smile, then swept her gaze over Ding Li and the others, her eyes flashing. She stepped aside and called shrilly to the girls at the door, “Ladies! Your beloved Little Cyrus is here—and some distinguished guests! Quick, come welcome them!”

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“This—this—no, this…” Saijigade was at a loss, torn between not wanting to refuse the madam’s warm welcome and remembering that Ding Li had a wife waiting at home, especially after moving to a new place today. He couldn’t invite Ding Li in good conscience, but faced with such beauty so close, he found it hard to resist. He stammered, casting a troubled glance at Ding Li, scratching his head, unable to form a complete sentence. “Li—Li brother, you—you see, this…”

“You guys have fun! I have to go home!” Ding Li’s expression was awkward, but seeing the eager faces around him, he didn’t want to spoil their mood. He shrugged and smiled, then patted his chest and waist, suddenly slapping his forehead and giving Saijigade an embarrassed grin. “I spent my money on rent today—whatever’s left is at home! Next time, next time it’s my treat—definitely, definitely!”

“No, Brother Li, that’s not what we meant!” Saijigade and the others, who had long seen Ding Li as their idol, waved their hands and quickly grabbed him as he tried to escape. Saijigade glanced at the waiting girls behind, explaining in a low voice, “Brother Li, since you’re here, why not come in? It won’t take long! And besides, your wife is probably already asleep—if you go home now, you’ll wake her up. Better to stay for a while and head back at dawn.”

“No, no, really, no!” Ding Li hastily withdrew his arm and stepped back, as if they were urging him toward the sea. He waved his hands, refusing, “My wife said she’d wait for me to have dinner. Besides, if I don’t go home, she won’t sleep well—even if she does, she won’t rest easy. You all enjoy yourselves; I’ll head home first!”

Without waiting for further persuasion, Ding Li quickly extricated himself, bowing repeatedly in thanks, and turned to leave.

“Crack!”

A sharp, resounding slap shattered the warmth and laughter of the lantern-lit night. A scantily clad woman, clutching her face, stumbled onto the second-floor gallery. Under the dim firelight, her half-exposed, lovely face showed blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, and her clear eyes brimmed with sparkling tears.

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