Chapter Twenty-Two: Drunkenness

Wang Wu looked at Wen Zhi with a solemn expression and said firmly, "You must explain the truth to me today. Otherwise, even if I were to starve to death, I would never dare to impose upon you and your wife!"

Wen Zhi paused, knowing Wang Wu’s character well. Whatever Wang Wu said, he would certainly do.

"Very well!" Wen Zhi sighed helplessly and said with indignation, "I simply let some refugees into the city, and those corrupt officials stripped me of my post."

Upon hearing this, both Wang Wu and Zhao Mu wore expressions of fury. The only reason Wen Zhi had let the refugees in was to give them a sliver of hope for survival. Yet, for this very reason, those corrupt officials had dismissed him.

Wang Wu clenched his fists, gritting his teeth as he said, "Those corrupt officials are becoming more and more lawless!"

Zhao Mu nodded, his heart growing heavier. He had witnessed many tragic scenes outside the city of Gaozhou, but at least the officials within Gaozhou would put on a show of charity, distributing two or three hundred bowls of thin porridge daily. However, the officials in Taiping County were too lazy even to feign kindness, leaving the refugees outside the city walls to fend for themselves or perish. They even allowed the children of noble families to amuse themselves at the refugees' expense and permitted human traffickers to scour the outskirts for young, fair-skinned girls, only to buy them and train them into "thin horses" for the pleasure of the elite.

Faced with such a reality, they felt nothing but rage, yet were utterly powerless. Even when cursing the corrupt officials, they dared only to lower their voices, terrified of being overheard.

Wen Zhi forced a smile and tried to lift the mood. "Let’s not talk about such depressing things. We haven’t seen each other in so long; today, we must drink until we are drunk!"

Wang Wu hesitated. "You are in a difficult situation now; let's forget about the drinking. Just help me find a place to stay, and I will surely find work to support my family."

Wen Zhi immediately challenged him: "Brother Wang Wu, are you afraid that I might drag you down? Or do you think that in all my years as a gatekeeper, I haven't saved a single coin?"

While Wang Wu still hesitated, Wen Zhi had already draped an arm over his shoulder and led him toward his home. Having served as a gatekeeper, Wen Zhi’s residence was located quite close to the city gates. Within a few steps, the group arrived.

"My dear, I’m home," Wen Zhi called out. A woman with a rather fierce look stepped out.

Seeing Wang Wu, Zhao Mu, and the others, the woman instinctively frowned. "Husband, who are these people?"

She made no attempt to hide her emotions, questioning him loudly in front of Zhao Mu and the others. Wen Zhi’s expression shifted slightly before he pulled Wang Wu forward to explain: "My dear, this is Brother Wang Wu, whom I have told you about. If he hadn't saved my life on the battlefield back then, I wouldn't be here today."

The woman’s expression did not soften. She continued to ask, "And what about them?"

Wen Zhi was clearly displeased, but he suppressed his temper and said, "They are Brother Wang Wu’s family and a benefactor he met on the road. They have all come to seek refuge with us."

"Refuge?" The woman’s demeanor turned cold, as if she were about to speak her mind. Sensing her intent, Wen Zhi quickly walked over, covered her mouth, and ushered her into the house.

A short while later, Wen Zhi emerged and said, "Brother Wang Wu, my wife and I have discussed it. From today on, you can all stay in our side wing."

Wang Wu frowned and asked, "Wen Zhi, we have come as a large group—is your wife truly not upset?"

Wen Zhi immediately replied, "She wouldn't dare! Brother Wang Wu, you don't know how obedient she is to me. If I tell her to go east, she never dares to go west!"

No sooner had he spoken than a cough sounded from inside the room. Wen Zhi stiffened, but seeing that no one came out, he put on a triumphant expression once more.

Wang Wu said in a low voice, "Wen Zhi, if it is truly inconvenient, I shall take my family and leave now. You must not let our affairs harm the harmony of your marriage."

Wen Zhi stared at him, his mustache bristling. "Brother Wang Wu, do you look down on your brother? You are going nowhere today. You will settle here, and I’d like to see who dares to say a word against it!"

With that, he insisted on leading Wang Wu to the side wing, determined to have them settle in. Wang Wu, having no other choice, conceded for the time being. They had little luggage, so they were settled after a simple tidy-up. Seemingly afraid that Wang Wu might change his mind, Wen Zhi settled him in and then ran to the doorway to call someone, asking them to fetch food and wine from a restaurant. He then returned to reminisce with Wang Wu, speaking endlessly of their brotherhood on the battlefield.

Before long, the food and wine arrived. Wen Zhi brought them to the side wing and invited Wang Wu and Zhao Mu to join him.

Halfway through the meal, Wen Zhi raised his cup and sighed, "Brother Wang Wu, I heard that the disaster in Huai County is severe. Is it true that there were cases of cannibalism?"

Wang Wu’s mood darkened. He downed a bowl of wine in silence before saying, "Huai County first suffered from a freezing spell, then a drought. Just as the crops had finally survived and were ready for harvest, a locust plague struck. Several counties around Huai County suffered total crop failure, just like Huai.

"As for the cannibalism, it began as soon as the locusts arrived. Yet, those officials knew perfectly well how desperate the situation was, and instead of providing relief, they imposed even more levies and taxes. When I left Huai County, I heard that many who could no longer survive had already revolted."

The room fell silent. Even Wang Hu and little Xiao Xing’er sat still, not saying a word. It seemed the memories of those harrowing days were still fresh.

After a long silence, Wen Zhi slammed his hand onto the table. "Those corrupt officials!" He drained his cup, his face filled with rage. Still unsatisfied, he added bitterly, "Sometimes, I truly wish I could join those people in revolt!"

Wang Wu’s expression changed. "Wen Zhi! You’ve had too much to drink!"

Wen Zhi breathed heavily, lowering his voice: "Brother Wang Wu, you know me."

Wang Wu stared at him with piercing eyes. "Wen Zhi, if you speak such nonsense again, we shall leave the moment we finish this meal."

Wen Zhi was clearly unwilling, but he suppressed his frustration and swallowed his grievances. The world was so unjust, yet those who deceived their superiors and oppressed the people would not allow a single word of truth to be spoken. Like his own case—he had merely wanted to offer the refugees a chance to live, and the result was that he was stripped of even his minor post as a gatekeeper. The elite never cared for the lives of commoners; the only thing they cared about was not letting anything dirty their own eyes.