In March, when spring was warm and flowers were blooming, Butcher Feng led an elite team southward—and that journey lasted two whole months.
Rongzhou sat at the southernmost end of Jiannan Province, and Jinjiang County lay even farther south, just beyond several mountain ranges that marked the border with Nanzhao. Nanzhao was home to many mixed tribes and was rich in jade, so conflict there had always been common. Even the Nanzhao royal family couldn’t suppress the stronger factions. In recent years, with the rising power of the Xuan Dynasty, Nanzhao—like other vassal states—had sent envoys early on to the capital to pledge allegiance, recognizing the emperor of the Xuan Dynasty as their sovereign. The Nanzhao royal family took the position of loyal subjects, and in return, they gained the Xuan Dynasty’s support. With this backing, Nanzhao was able to reign steadily and dominate the region, becoming the leading power among the Six Zhaos.
Because the two nations were on good terms, Nanzhao didn’t restrict trade along the border. As a result, in the southwestern regions, daring merchant caravans often ventured deep into Nanzhao to purchase fine jade and medicinal herbs, which they resold back home at ten times the price—an enormous profit. But profit often came hand in hand with danger. The smuggling of Nanzhao jade, though highly lucrative, was also fraught with peril. The king of Nanzhao wasn’t as powerful as a Central Plains ruler—tribes were scattered throughout the kingdom, many of which were only nominally under royal control. In truth, they operated autonomously, especially in the areas of the former Five Zhaos. These tribes had no regard for the Xuan Emperor’s authority. One misstep and an entire caravan could fall into the hands of the foreigners, with no one in Nanzhao to help and the Xuan Dynasty too far away to intervene. Those in the capital Chang’an dreamed longingly of Nanzhao’s exotic beauty, but those living near the border would simply shake their heads in silence at the mention of it.
When Butcher Feng ventured deep into the borderlands with his elite crew, it caused a great stir in the city. However, after a few days of discussion, the townspeople’s attention quickly turned to other matters.
The new embroidery workshop had been completed during winter and officially opened in early spring. All the new and veteran embroiderers moved from the small courtyard behind the county office into the new workshop. The new workshop occupied half a block, its layout a series of interconnected courtyards—sewing rooms, training rooms, showrooms, storage rooms, and a canteen all arranged in order. The final row even included living quarters. Entering through the grand front gates, the first sight was the showroom, which displayed exquisitely embroidered pieces in various styles and served as the workshop’s face. Farther along the central path was the training room, a spacious and well-lit courtyard with tall, narrow paper-covered wooden windows. Opening the windows allowed airflow from all sides and could accommodate hundreds of embroiderers at once. At the very end of the central path was the storage room, where finished embroidery pieces were kept and from which goods were shipped. On both sides of the central path were orderly sewing rooms where embroiderers did their daily work. Behind them were dyeing rooms, weaving workshops, and the canteen. It could be said that the entire embroidery production process was centralized in this one place.
With more space, embroiderers no longer had to rush to claim seats each morning; everyone had their own spot and could work comfortably and unhurriedly. During the construction of the sewing rooms, Xiao Jingduo took the opportunity to assign sections. The more skilled embroiderers were placed in brighter, more spacious areas, specializing in large items like folding screens. Meanwhile, the average embroiderers were grouped into shared rooms to produce the more common and numerous handkerchiefs, round fans, and the like. This way, the more talented embroiderers wouldn’t be distracted by simpler, less skill-intensive pieces and could work in peace, which also made management easier.
The women cheerfully moved into their new space, and before their excitement even wore off, another explosive piece of news swept through the workshop:
Chen Ci had managed to embroider double-sided designs in different colors!
The moment her double-sided, color-differentiated embroidery reached Chengdu Prefecture, it was immediately bought at a high price. Even before she had begun her next piece, people were already inquiring about pre-orders. Currently, no one in Chengdu Prefecture could create such embroidery, yet Chen Ci had figured it out herself. Her natural talent in embroidery was plain to see.
Because of the double-sided embroidery in contrasting colors, the state-run embroidery workshop in Jinjiang County gained widespread fame, and more and more merchant orders were directed toward the county. Xiao Jingduo made a decisive move and immediately ordered the workshop to focus on embroidering mountain flowers and wild birds, rather than auspicious motifs like ruyi scepters or bats. This fresh and elegant style instantly set their work apart from the ornate brocade of Chengdu Prefecture, and more and more people began to recognize the difference at a glance. As a result, awareness of Jinjiang County as the origin of this style gradually spread.
Merchants are driven by profit. As the style of Jinjiang’s embroidery became more distinctive, merchant caravans began to travel from as far as Chengdu Prefecture just to purchase it. The workshop had ready-made stock in the storeroom, and the prices were much lower than in Chengdu. The merchant groups profited greatly and soon realized that Jinjiang County was not the impoverished backwater they had imagined. Bit by bit, more and more itinerant merchants began to travel through Jinjiang.
It was during this time that Butcher Feng returned with jade from Nanzhao. The merchant caravans that had only planned to make a quick profit from Shu brocade were shocked to find they could also buy Nanzhao jade—something being sold for sky-high prices in Chang’an. The caravan leaders were overjoyed and immediately spent heavily to buy it all up.
And where there’s one deal, more are sure to follow. Increasing numbers of merchant groups from the Central Plains started stopping in Jinjiang County. The Nanzhao people weren’t fools—once they realized that large numbers of merchant caravans were stopping just outside their border and paying high prices for Nanzhao jade, they were no longer content to let Han merchants reap all the benefits of resale. Without needing Butcher Feng to return for more, daring Nanzhao traders began bringing jade directly into Jinjiang County to do business.
At that point, the benefit of Xiao Jingduo’s market expansion became evident. The jade trade area was spacious and well-ventilated, with patrols from the county office regularly passing through. It provided a safe and secure space for both Nanzhao and Central Plains merchants. As a result, the jade trade in Jinjiang grew so large it eventually overshadowed the embroidery business.
While Xiao Jingduo tightly controlled the sale of the double-sided embroidery, he placed almost no restrictions on the jade trade. As long as the proper fees were paid and the market rules followed, both buyers and sellers could rent space in the jade area for business.
“Magistrate, why are we letting the Nanzhao people take over the jade trade?” many in the county office grumbled. “No one even knows how much jade is sold every day. Why not restrict Nanzhao people from entering the city? Then we could source from both sides and monopolize the trade. But now? The profits are all going into their hands!”
“Merchants chase profit,” Xiao Jingduo replied calmly. “Even if we block Nanzhao traders from entering, they’ll just find ways to trade on the black market. Instead of letting black markets take the profits, it’s better to open up the marketplace and let both Nanzhao and Central Plains merchants trade freely on our turf. This way, we collect a ten-percent rental fee from both sides. We don’t have to lift a finger, and we earn without effort. Why not?”
“But…” the registrar and others still eyed the enormous profits with envy. “Are we really just going to let them have it?”
“It’s not about ‘letting’ them,” Xiao Jingduo chuckled. “We couldn’t swallow all the profits even if we wanted to.” Then, more pointedly, he added, “Besides, who says only they’re making money?”
More and more merchant caravans were drawn to Jinjiang by the jade trade. While staying there, they spent money on food and lodging. And when they left, most would also buy a batch of Jinjiang’s local embroidery. Nanzhao, which was far behind Xuan Dynasty in both weaving and embroidery, was no exception—Nanzhao merchants would also spend a fortune to take back a shipment of Shu embroidery when they departed.
Jinjiang County was making money from both ends—first collecting rent fees, then earning from food and lodging expenses, and finally making a profit off the sale of brocade when people left. They were the real unscrupulous profiteers.
The most obvious sign of this was how the county office of Jinjiang became wealthy at lightning speed. In just half a year, they had saved up enough to completely renovate the entire government compound. The front hall used for handling official matters became grand and imposing, while the residential quarters in the rear courtyard were refined and comfortable—there was no longer any trace of the former dilapidated and worn-down appearance.
Although the Nanzhao jade business brought a massive influx of people to Jinjiang County, it also brought endless trouble. In just three months, brawls within the county had increased several fold, placing a sudden and growing strain on public security. Even the number of people beating drums to report crimes had surged.
Xiao Jingduo personally took on all responsibilities related to military and civil administration, public order, and criminal law. He not only had to worry about the county’s trade routes and oversee this year’s crop planting, but also deal with the chaos caused by foreigners. Sometimes, he even had to step in personally to mediate and clean up after conflicts. From morning till night, he had no time to rest.
By now, the residents of Jinjiang County had long become used to seeing foreign faces walking through the city. Many could even speak a few simple phrases of the Nanzhao language. Shops selling jade and Shu brocade filled the market streets, and inns and restaurants sprang up one after another. The once lifeless Jinjiang County had undergone a complete transformation, bearing no resemblance to the weak and xenophobic place it had been two years ago.
A remote agricultural town had gradually risen to become a bustling border trade hub.
And Xiao Jingduo’s reputation grew ever more renowned. Everyone knew that Jinjiang County’s success was entirely thanks to him. Though the locals were known for being fierce and unruly, even the most hot-headed individuals would back down a little when Xiao Jingduo’s name was mentioned. Even the most difficult Nanzhao merchants respected him. Whenever there was a conflict between trade caravans, no one else could calm things down—but as soon as Xiao Jingduo arrived, a few words from him would smooth everything over.
At the end-of-year financial review, the county registrar could hardly believe the numbers: “This year we expanded the county office, bought so much grain, and built both embroidery workshops and a market—yet we still made this much profit?”
The county constable laughed and said, “That’s a good thing! We collected the most tax of any county again this year. Looks like we won’t need to worry about next year’s performance review either.”
At the mention of this, the registrar beamed with joy. In the past, the county could only collect taxes from farmers—who not only grumbled and cursed, but often couldn’t even pay in full. Then the officials would get scolded by their superiors at the prefecture. It was a thankless job that pleased no one. But now, things were very different. Though Jinjiang’s agriculture was still mediocre, the county was packed with shops. The embroidery and jade trades alone brought in hefty taxes, and every tax collection round looked great. Because of this, Xiao Jingduo once again earned an above-average rating in his annual review this year.
The county constable sighed with emotion. “If I’m not mistaken, Magistrate Xiao has received an above-average performance evaluation for two years in a row now and has already advanced two ranks. And that’s even with people higher up deliberately holding him back, not letting him rise too quickly. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before he’s promoted.”
“That’s right,” the registrar agreed with a sigh. “But it’s strange, too. With Magistrate Xiao’s outstanding achievements, I thought it wouldn’t be long before the Ministry of Personnel would issue a transfer order to promote him elsewhere. But although he’s been commended every year, his official position hasn’t changed at all.” At this point, the registrar lowered his voice and said, “Do you think… Magistrate Xiao offended someone in the capital?”
“I don’t know.” The county constable shook his head solemnly. Many people in the yamen shared this suspicion. Officials were evaluated annually and, in theory, could be transferred every year. The ideal career path for an official in the Xuan dynasty began as a prestigious junior officer in the capital. From there, with consistent top or above-average performance evaluations each year, they’d steadily rise through the ranks and be reassigned, eventually posted to a regional office as a governor. After accumulating a few years of experience, they’d be transferred back to Chang’an to serve in one of the Three Departments and Six Ministries as a central government official. If fortune favored them, they might even become Prime Minister—truly a position of glory that others could only envy. But despite his outstanding achievements, Xiao Jingduo had remained in place for two years straight. To the registrar and others, this was troubling.
In the end, not sure whether he was comforting himself or someone else, the registrar said, “Still, maybe it’s for the best. The county’s situation has only just started improving. If Magistrate Xiao were transferred away, any new magistrate might undo half the work. Letting Magistrate Xiao stay a few more years will give him time to build something solid.”
“That’s true,” the county constable agreed. He was about to say more when footsteps sounded from outside. The two of them quickly stood up and bowed deeply with hands clasped in front of them. “Magistrate Xiao.”
Xiao Jingduo had checked the time and figured the county tax records should be organized by now, so he personally made his way to the eastern wing. From a distance, he heard the registrar and constable discussing something, though he couldn’t catch the words. He had no interest in the private conversations of his subordinates. Seeing the two men bow respectfully to him, he gave a light nod and asked, “Are the county’s financial records for this year compiled?”
The registrar immediately picked up several scrolls from the table and offered them with both hands. The clerk behind Xiao Jingduo quickly stepped forward and received them. Having obtained what he needed, Xiao Jingduo didn’t plan to linger. After giving the necessary instructions, he prepared to leave. “The Ministry of Personnel sent word today: the new county assistant will arrive next year. Registrar, you’ll handle the arrangements—make sure to treat the assistant magistrate with due respect.”
After being vacant for two years, the position of county assistant was finally being filled. The registrar quickly acknowledged the order. Xiao Jingduo then gave a few more instructions regarding patrols and public safety. The registrar and county constable listened with heads bowed. Once Xiao Jingduo finished, the registrar couldn’t help asking, “Magistrate, now that our embroidery and jade workshops have found their footing, what should we focus on next year?”
“Next year…” Xiao Jingduo thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, “If I recall correctly, Jinjiang is classified as a mid-tier county, isn’t it?”
In the Xuan Dynasty system, administrative divisions were made into provinces, prefectures, and counties. Counties were further classified—prestigious counties, metropolitan counties, upper, middle, and lower counties—though this was only a rough division. Jinjiang happened to be a mid-tier county.
“Reporting to the Magistrate, that’s correct. Jinjiang has fewer than 5,000 households, so it qualifies as a mid-tier county.”
A population of over 30,000 households constituted a top-level prefecture; over 5,000 households made a top-tier county; and over 2,000 households made a mid-tier county. That was the classification from the early days of the dynasty. When Jinjiang County’s population, including the city and surrounding villages, was first tallied and reported to the imperial court, it received the rating of a mid-tier county.
The gap between a top-tier and mid-tier county was significant—not only would a top-tier county receive more support from the court, but even the treatment of government officials differed greatly. Jinjiang, being a mid-tier county, meant its magistrate held the rank of upper seventh grade, while a top-tier county’s magistrate would hold the rank of junior sixth grade. Though both were county magistrates, the status of officials in lower-tier and upper-tier counties was vastly different. And counties of even greater importance—“prestigious counties”—were naturally even more desirable. The magistrate of a prestigious county was a sought-after, lucrative post.
But Xiao Jingduo, magistrate of modest little Jinjiang County, was the subject of speculation—many suspected he had offended someone in Chang’an, otherwise why would a man of his capabilities be posted here?
There was no reason for Xiao Jingduo to suddenly ask about Jinjiang County’s classification unless he had something in mind. The registrar guessed a bold possibility and nervously asked, “County Magistrate Xiao, could it be that you mean…”
“There have been quite a few new households settling in the county over the past two years,” Xiao Jingduo said with a faint smile. “I believe… we might just be able to aim for top-tier county status.”
When Xiao Jingduo smiled—he was usually reserved and distant—it was like sunlight breaking through the clouds, instantly brightening the room. For a moment, both the registrar and the constable were slightly dazed.
“Registrar,” Xiao Jingduo started to give instructions but noticed the registrar was distracted. He had to call out again.
“Ah!” The registrar finally snapped out of it. “At your service.”
“Once the New Year holiday ends, begin taking stock of all the households in the county. Also—” Xiao Jingduo added, “we’ve been short-handed these past few years. Draft an official notice encouraging more marriages and childbirth. In the coming year, I’ll send people to promote it.”
Encouraging population growth was part of a magistrate’s responsibilities, so the registrar readily replied, “Yes, sir.”
Then Xiao Jingduo turned to the county constable: “The year’s end is approaching, and there are many travelers passing through the county. This is the time when trouble is most likely to arise. I’ll need you to make extra rounds with your men in the coming days.”
The constable replied, “Understood.”
Having given his instructions, Xiao Jingduo took the financial records and left. Now that Jinjiang County was just starting to get back on track, it was a crucial moment for revitalization, and there could be no room for carelessness. Though pleased with the county’s progress, Xiao Jingduo couldn’t shake a vague sense of unease.
Before this, Jinjiang County was an obscure little place. Suddenly becoming wealthy from its silk embroidery and jade trade—to others, this was like a three-year-old walking through a market with gold in hand. It was too eye-catching, and in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, dangerously so.
Xiao Jingduo sighed anxiously and hoped it was all just his imagination.
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