Chapter 4, Assignment

Huang San has completely concluded that Wang Yuan is suffering from partial amnesia, and has become a nagging person, explaining everything he sees. Wang Yuan is delighted by this, listening attentively and asking questions actively. This is the first time Huang San has encountered such a good opportunity to be a teacher, and naturally, he is in a joyful mood and speaks incessantly.

At sunset, the sound of drums at Shuntian Gate rose again, and the street drums on all the main streets of the capital responded in unison, causing the entire city to be filled with the thunderous sound of drums once more. After five waves of drumming and eight hundred beats, just as the sky began to darken, the curfew time in the capital of the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an, arrived

Wang Yuan has witnessed firsthand what the night watch of the Tang Dynasty truly entails; the drums of Wutong Street resounded throughout the city with a total of 800 beats. The checkerboard layout of the market area positioned many of the civilian neighborhoods, except for those near the city walls or the imperial city, at the intersections of the main streets. Each intersection served as the site for the street drums and the Wuhou Pavilion.

Some people have also seen Wang Jialiang in the courtyard, bowing in a horse stance with his eyes closed, slowly practicing his punches. Although they did not know whether this could be considered as practicing martial arts, the movements were remarkably slow. However, this scene was absolutely not something that could be observed in the past from Wang Jialiang.

Wang Yuan does not do this intentionally; in fact, these are some habits regarding his daily life and attire that he has developed over time. His clothes may be worn, but they must be tidy; his hair may be long, but it must be neat. The few sets of Tai Chi he learned from his mentor, the old professor, are naturally something he takes time to practice, not because he truly believes in their utility, but because a mundane life requires some enjoyment. Wang Yuan considers it merely a form of entertainment for himself.

Huang San asked: "Why are you giving me money?"

Questioning one's conscience without guilt... Huang San was completely confused, always feeling that something was amiss

Rest assured, this is the way to generate wealth. By earning a few dozen coins each day, one can make an extra guan in a month. Not only do you earn money, but you also help others; what is there not to be happy about? If you are still worried, you can go and tell the village head now that I will take full responsibility for my actions and will not implicate you in any way.

In fact, we are doing a good deed. Think about it, these few individuals are innocent. If we do not let them in, they will be captured and punished. Would you be willing to watch others suffer without offering help? They willingly give us money, just as if we are helping them and receiving compensation in return. We have a clear conscience, do you understand

One evening, after the drums of Wutong Street had been struck, Wang Yuan and Huang San were diligently closing the heavy gate of the neighborhood. As they were halfway through, as usual, Wang Yuan noticed several citizens fleeing in panic on the street outside the neighborhood.

Huang San watched helplessly as the three commoners slipped into the dark alley, unable to intervene, and could only push the gate shut with Wang Yuan; after securing several heavy bolts on the door, Wang Yuan pulled Huang San into the shadow at the base of the wall, grabbing Huang San's hand and placing a pile of heavy items into his hands.

Moreover, Wang Yuan soon discovered that even in a task as devoid of technical content as that of a craftsman, one could still find enjoyment, and it was a form of enjoyment that was quite beneficial to oneself

"It was originally your money, what you deserve," Wang Yuan murmured

This is treating the common people as if they were raised in a pigpen. Wang Yuan feels deep anger and sorrow for being one of these piglets.

Wang Yuan did not respond, but vigorously waved his hand towards the street. A few rushing citizens were first taken aback, and then they sprinted over as if they had seen a lifeline. Wang Yuan blocked the doorway and quietly exchanged a few words with them. Without hesitation, several citizens reached for their waists and handed over jingling objects to Wang Yuan. He quickly tucked these items into his bosom and stepped aside to let the citizens enter Yong'an Fang.

However, Wang Yuan understands that before finding a breakthrough, he may have to maintain the status quo, because his primary concern is to survive. At present, he is still in a state of ignorance regarding the Tang Dynasty and has not yet figured out how to break free from this predicament.

In the hearts of all the people in Yong'an Fang, their impression of Wang Yuan is refreshed and transformed day by day. After more than ten days, they have to admit that the change in the second son of the Wang family can be described in four words: a complete transformation.

Huang San swallowed and cleared his throat, his throat feeling dry, and he said in a hoarse voice: "But... but I always feel that doing this is not quite right"

It seemed that this job was very regular, but Wang Yuan soon realized that he was wasting his life. Such a life was utterly devoid of fun, lacking both excitement and hope. He could not bear to imagine that his future life would be spent in such days. A strong desire for change grew increasingly intense in his heart

At this time, the entire city is closed, businesses have shut their doors, and all the gates of the one hundred and ten neighborhoods in the two counties of Wannian and Chang'an are also completely closed. Following this, the streets outside the neighborhoods of Chang'an are deserted; anyone daring to walk on the streets at this time would be apprehended and interrogated by the patrolling officers and mounted guards as a suspected criminal. Even if nothing is found, the legal officials of Jingzhao Prefecture would order you to receive twenty lashes and then send you home.

Certainly, this is only applicable to the common people. For royal relatives, high-ranking officials, and military and political leaders, whether for official duties or even personal matters, they can still proceed without hindrance. If the common people wish to break this prohibition, it is only possible if they have special circumstances such as weddings or funerals. They must apply in advance to the county office of Chang'an or Wannian County through the neighborhood chief, and only after obtaining approval from the Jingzhao Prefecture can they proceed. Aside from this, during the three-day holiday of the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month, the nighttime curfew is lifted, allowing free movement throughout the city at night. If the common people wish to break this prohibition, it is only possible if they have special circumstances such as weddings or funerals. They must apply in advance to the county office of Chang'an or Wannian County through the neighborhood chief, and only after obtaining approval from the Jingzhao Prefecture can they proceed. Aside from this, during the three-day holiday of the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month, the nighttime curfew is lifted, allowing free movement throughout the city at night.

When the drums of each street began to sound in succession, the civilian quarters, such as Yong'an Fang, were immediately engulfed in a thunderous cacophony reminiscent of being besieged on all sides. After the third drumbeat, pedestrians and citizens on the main street outside the quarters began to jog, and as the fifth drumbeat concluded, the dimly lit main street outside the quarters was filled with the figures of cavalrymen and mounted soldiers galloping by. At this moment, anyone still loitering on the street would undoubtedly face at least the misfortune of a spanking.

Wang Yuan did not speak, but leaned half of his body out of the alley gate and waved towards the street. Huang San was startled and whispered, "Er Lang, what are you doing? If you miss the closing time, you will have to take responsibility and face the consequences."

Wang Yuan simply found such a life too dull, but this did not affect his enthusiasm for life. The neighbors in Yong'an Fang were astonished to discover that Wang's second son seemed like a different person.

Huang San was stunned, his mouth agape, unable to utter a sound for a long time. He pointed at Wang Yuan and said, "Er Lang... how dare you do this? If anyone finds out, we could face thirty strokes of the rod and end up in prison."

Wang Yuan originally did not understand these matters, but after following Huang San to officially take up his post, he put on the uniform of the workshop and came to the front of the Yong'an Workshop's southern gate, preparing to close the gap at the southern gate. Huang San patiently explained it to Wang Yuan once again.

Huang San fell silent for a moment and said: "Of course I am willing, who would want to be taken to the city patrol office or the Jingzhao Prefecture to be punished with a beating?"

Wang Yuan chuckled lightly and said, "Then isn't that settled? With the money in hand, we can do whatever we want. This matter is known to heaven, earth, you, and me, and there will definitely be no problem"

Wang Yuan smiled and said, "Isn't this just settled"

Today, when Wang Yuan saw the three individuals hurriedly running from the street corner to the east, he decided to implement the plan he had carefully considered.

Once there was the first time, there came the second and third times. In the following days, over one hundred Kaiyuan Tongbao coins found their way into the pockets of the two. Huang San completely abandoned his principles, his audacity even surpassing that of Wang Yuan. In the evening, he deliberately delayed the closing time of the city gate, his eyes darting eagerly towards the street, hoping to catch sight of the citizens who had missed the hour, running about in confusion. Wang Yuan felt utterly speechless; it turned out that one could learn to be corrupt so quickly. A pure-minded good citizen of the Tang Dynasty was thus assimilated by his own companion. In the evening, he deliberately delayed the closing time of the city gate, his eyes darting eagerly towards the street, hoping to catch sight of the citizens who had missed the hour, running about in confusion. Wang Yuan felt utterly speechless; it turned out that one could learn to be corrupt so quickly. A pure-minded good citizen of the Tang Dynasty was thus assimilated by his own companion.

In the past year, after the Wang family's decline, Wang Erlang spent his days either drunkenly staggering about with unkempt hair or sleeping soundly in a dilapidated house, occasionally going out but appearing indifferent to everyone. However, the current Wang Erlang, despite wearing tattered clothing, is by no means slovenly. His clothes are always neatly pressed and crisp, his hair is meticulously styled, his posture is upright, and he always wears a smile on his face

Wang Yuan chuckled lightly: "They have no choice but to pay. If they are caught by the Wuhou on the street, not only will they lose the money on them, but they will also have to be taken to the city patrol office for questioning and punishment. I only require one hundred wen to shelter him. If it were you, would you be willing to pay?"

Huang San looked at Wang Yuan in confusion, and Wang Yuan whispered, "The three people who just came in gave this. The three of them pooled together one hundred coins as a fee for us to take them in. We will split it evenly, fifty for you and fifty for me."

Huang San exclaimed in astonishment: "But..."

Huang Sandai stood in silence for a moment and said: "How could they possibly be willing to give you money?"

Huang San exclaimed in shock, "Hey, hey, you are not from this place, how can you come in here"

Wang Yuan stopped pushing the door, and Huang San, unable to close the wooden gate by himself, looked up in surprise and said: "Er Lang, put in some more effort, let's close it and then take a break"

Wang Yuan pulled Huang Sandao over and said: "Don't argue, let them hide for a night. They are not bandits; they assured us they would find a corner and hide quietly for a night."

Huang San angrily said: "What are you talking about? Is this how Erlang looks at me?"

Such a situation is commonplace. During the more than ten days of being in the workshop, I could almost see someone, for some unknown reason, delaying their time every evening when the workshop gates were closed, running around in a panic like a headless fly on the street. Soon after, I would hear the sound of galloping hooves of the soldiers rushing over, as well as the terrified pleas for mercy from the captured citizens

Huang Sanjing asked, "What is this thing?"

This Wang family young man now greets the neighbors with great courtesy, as if he has forgotten his poor reputation in Yong'an Lane. He has repeatedly helped the elderly neighbors carry water and chop firewood, and has bought small treats for the neighborhood children to enjoy. Moreover, this Wang family young man is no longer as lazy as he used to be; he busies himself in his own yard every day, cleaning and organizing the courtyard, repairing the dilapidated side rooms, building flower beds with soil and stones, trimming the overgrown trees and weeds in the yard, and so on, making the three small courtyards neat and tidy.

Wang Yuan expressed his disagreement, saying: "How could it be that serious? No one will know, unless you choose to inform on yourself; otherwise, who would know?"

Wang Yuan frowned and said, "There is no but, quickly help me close the door, otherwise it will really be troublesome"

Wang Yuan chuckled lightly and said, "Fifty pieces of Great Tang Tongbao."

Wang Yuan quickly adapted to his duties as a guard. Every night, at sunset when the drum ceased, he would close the gate of the guardhouse. Then, every half hour, he would patrol all the areas under his jurisdiction, from one to four li to the south. If he encountered any suspicious individuals, he would approach and question them. Until dawn, after the morning drum had stopped, he would open the gate to let out the citizens waiting to leave. After handing over his duties to the guards on the day shift, he would return home, exhausted, and sleep soundly until the afternoon

Wang Yuan felt a deep sympathy for the brother from the Tang Dynasty before him, whose thoughts were as pure as a small white flower. Having come from the great dye vat of later generations, he felt a sense of guilt for having tainted this small white flower before him.

Huang San weighed the copper coins in his hand, feeling a mix of joy and fear in his heart. However, since Wang Yuan had already acted, he could only accept it.