Chapter 30: Kindred Spirits
Suddenly, Li Yi threw down his plate, stood up abruptly, and declared, “Since Master Zheng is unwilling to help, we’ll take our leave. Brother, pack up the copper coins, we’re going.”
Li Zicheng glanced at Master Zheng, stepped forward, and began to gather up the copper coins.
“Wait, I will agree to this matter,” Master Zheng finally relented, quickly stepping forward to block them, feigning composure. “But you must add three more taels of silver…”
Li Yi ignored him entirely and turned to leave.
“Ah, brave man, no need to be so fiery,” Master Zheng hurriedly called out to Li Yi, gesturing for him to stay.
Li Yi looked back at him indifferently, saying nothing.
Master Zheng, sweating profusely in his anxiety, pleaded, “This silver must be shared among many people; I can’t keep much myself. Just add one more tael.”
Li Yi shook his head. “I was clear just now: if he can be saved, then we’ll save him; if not, we’ve done our best. Second Brother, let’s go.”
Li Zicheng scooped the copper coins into the basket, the clatter echoing as Master Zheng felt as though he were about to hang himself.
That was no small sum.
Seeing Li Yi had no intention of negotiating further, Master Zheng gave up completely, clutching his chest as he said, “Fine, all the coins on the floor are mine. Later, you can go to Gao Yigong to collect the man.”
“Thank you, Master Zheng,” Li Yi replied coldly, then beckoned Li Zicheng to carry the basket, walking straight out of the private room.
Master Zheng stared blankly at Li Yi’s departing figure.
Though the youth was young, his decisive methods left others breathless.
A sense of caution rose in Master Zheng’s heart as he sighed inwardly, “Better to avoid trouble—let them take the man.”
Meanwhile, Li Yi left the tavern.
Li Zicheng followed with long strides, giving a thumbs-up. “Brother Yi, that was brilliant.”
“With money, even ghosts can be made to work. Master Zheng would never risk offending money.” Li Yi finished, and, seeing the two bailiffs who were still confused, beckoned them over.
The two bailiffs hurried over.
Li Yi grabbed two handfuls of copper coins from the basket and stuffed them into their arms.
“These are your wages for today. Don’t speak of what happened, and if you hear anything useful in the future, report to me. There’ll be no shortage of benefits for you.”
The two bailiffs looked at the coins in their arms, bewildered.
They weren’t strangers to bribes, but they hadn’t expected a fierce man like Li Yi to give them money.
“Brother Li, what’s this? It’s our duty to help you; how can we accept money?” The tall, thin bailiff grinned, but clutched the coins even tighter.
Li Yi shook his head, unconcerned.
“It’s only proper to be paid for work. Whether you accept it is up to you, but I insist on giving it. The days ahead are long—if you’re willing to help, there’ll always be rewards.”
The two bailiffs exchanged glances, thinking their luck had turned: instead of a devil, they’d met a god of wealth.
Li Yi was so generous at such a young age—if they worked for him, perhaps they’d earn more.
After some polite words, Li Yi waved them off.
Soon, Gao Yigong hurried over.
“Master Zheng has left. As long as I find a death row prisoner to replace Liu Zongmin, the county magistrate will have an answer if he asks.”
Li Zicheng breathed out, “It’s true what they say: the devil is easy to deal with, the minions are hard. If not for Brother Yi, we’d have been trapped by that scoundrel.”
Gao Yigong looked at Li Yi with admiration. “Master Zheng is notorious for squeezing both victims and prisoners. I’ve never seen him suffer a loss—how satisfying!”
Li Yi smiled slightly and handed the remaining coins in the basket to Gao Yigong.
Gao Yigong paused, surprised.
Li Yi explained, “Second Brother said the minions are hard to handle. Master Zheng got his share, but the bailiffs and jailers are still hungry. There’s no need to let you be troubled over this money.”
Gao Yigong hesitated, then accepted the basket.
“Brother Li Yi, you’re thoughtful. I won’t stand on ceremony, then.”
“That’s the right way.”
Without delay, the three went straight to the dungeon.
As expected, with Gao Yigong scattering coins generously, the bailiffs and jailers all patted their chests and promised secrecy.
Li Yi and Li Zicheng entered the prison together.
The prison in Mizhi County was small; above was the interrogation area, below were cramped cells.
Dimly lit by oil lamps, the prison was narrow and foul-smelling.
Li Yi saw Liu Zongmin shackled at the deepest corner.
Liu Zongmin was about twenty, sturdy, with a square face and thick brows.
His hair was disheveled, and heavy shackles pinned him in the corner.
A rope suspended him, so he could neither sit nor stand straight.
Hearing movement, Liu Zongmin turned and looked over.
His face was sallow, lips cracked—clearly days without water or food.
Li Zicheng hurried in and began unfastening the heavy shackles.
“Brother Liu, I’m sorry I’m late.”
Seeing Li Zicheng, Liu Zongmin’s eyes brightened, but when he opened his mouth, no words came.
Li Yi brought tea, gently pouring it into his mouth, whispering, “Sip slowly, or you’ll harm yourself.”
Liu Zongmin looked gratefully at Li Yi, took a few small sips, and finally felt half-alive again.
“Big Brother Li, you’re here to rescue me?” Liu Zongmin asked weakly.
Li Zicheng nodded awkwardly, pointing to Li Yi.
“And my brother is here, too. Brother Liu, are you alright?”
Liu Zongmin muttered with hatred, “Those corrupt officials want me to yield, but I won’t. Even in death, I’ll haunt them as a ghost.”
“Brother Liu, you’re a true man. Get out and recover, and together we’ll fight them,” Li Yi urged.
Liu Zongmin looked at Li Yi, his voice hoarse. “Who is this brother?”
“Brother Liu hasn’t met him, but he brought two baskets of copper coins and saved your life,” Gao Yigong said loudly with a smile.
Liu Zongmin stared in surprise at Li Zicheng.
Li Zicheng nodded, “This is my brother, Li Yi. After you were imprisoned, he admired your character and used his savings to bribe Master Zheng, saving your life.”
“Thank you, Brother Li Yi, for saving me. In the future, I will repay your kindness, even through fire and blade,” Liu Zongmin vowed, struggling to stand, though he was too weak.
Li Yi stepped forward to support him, smiling gently. “Brother Liu, you overstate it. I respect you as a good man—that’s why I helped. I seek nothing in return.”
Gao Yigong praised, “Thinking about it, Brother Li Yi and Brother Liu are truly kindred spirits. Brother Li Yi cursed the magistrate and forced the Ai family to confess. Brother Liu defies the authorities. Both are true men.”
Li Yi nodded slightly, feeling deep admiration for Liu Zongmin.
Such a man, unafraid of death and steadfast in resistance, was exactly the companion he’d been searching for.
Whatever happened, this talent must not slip through his fingers.
By now, Liu Zongmin had regained some strength, and the group prepared to leave.
Liu Zongmin called out to someone in the next cell, “Brother Sun, thank you these past days. When I’m out, I’ll try to save you.”
A pale young man in the cell gave a bitter smile, “I fear I won’t be as lucky as Brother Liu.”
Li Zicheng, carrying Liu Zongmin, asked, “Brother Liu, do you know him?”
Liu Zongmin sighed, “His name is Sun Kewang. He was imprisoned for smuggling salt. If not for him giving me water, I wouldn’t have survived.”
Li Yi suddenly turned, his voice astounded, “He’s Sun Kewang?”
Liu Zongmin nodded, “Brother Li Yi, you know him?”
Li Yi was momentarily uncertain whether to nod or shake his head.
He didn’t know Sun Kewang now, but in later generations, Sun Kewang would be renowned.
When speaking of Li Dingguo’s legendary rise, one cannot ignore Sun Kewang.
After Zhang Xianzhong’s death, Sun Kewang was revered as the national leader, initiating land reforms in Yunnan and Guizhou, vigorously developing the economy internally, and externally rallying the nobles and gentry to build a strong base in the southwest.
His efforts in the rear provided Li Dingguo with the troops and provisions needed for a successful counterattack, achieving the feat of defeating two mighty kings.
Yet, later, conflict between brothers tore them apart. Sun Kewang and Li Dingguo became adversaries; after Sun Kewang’s defeat, he turned to the Manchus, ruining his reputation.
Li Dingguo, as well, never achieved further glory, burdened by the Southern Ming court, dying with regret.
Now, looking at the young Sun Kewang, Li Yi felt as if all was a dream.