A constable, accompanied by yamen runners, knocked on the door of the Wu family's residence.
Without a word, the constable led his men directly into the Wu family's compound.
The Wu family was considered a prominent clan in Zhoukou County, and they had also acquired a residence in Ningxia Prefecture early on, serving as their foothold there. This was one of the reasons the Wu family had established themselves in Ningxia Prefecture's city.
At this time, the Wu family was residing in this very compound, unaware that they were about to receive a group of unwelcome visitors.
"Master! Master!"
The Wu family's servants, seeing the constable and his men storming in with aggressive intent, knew immediately that they were not here with good intentions. Thus, they dared not obstruct them further, only calling out loudly.
Hearing the commotion, Wu Caisheng hurried out to ascertain what was happening.
Upon seeing the group, Wu Caisheng couldn't help but furrow his brow slightly and then asked, "Constable Chang, is there any particular business that brings you to the Wu residence so late with such a large retinue?"
Constable Chang, looking at Wu Caisheng, knew he was a man of considerable influence in the area, and therefore, did not put on airs.
Constable Chang glanced at the Wu family members peeking out curiously and said, "Indeed, I have a matter to attend to today."
"By order of the Prefect, all able-bodied men in the city are to report to the city's military camp immediately, without delay!"
These words caused a stir among the Wu family members. What could possibly be the reason for being summoned to the military camp at this hour?
Wu Caisheng's face turned somewhat grim as he asked, "Is that so? Why have I, this old man, not heard of this matter?"
"This is a notice recently issued by the Prefect's office. The Wu family is included in this roster. I urge you all to proceed promptly."
Constable Chang looked at Wu Caisheng and advised, "Esteemed Master Wu, allow me to offer you a word of advice. This is no fabrication on my part. Currently, the able-bodied men of every household are being conscripted. Go out and inquire; the entire city is in this state."
Wu Caisheng's expression remained grim. Wu Hanlin couldn't help but ask, "What is the purpose of going to the military camp at this time?"
Constable Chang looked at Wu Hanlin and replied, "Young Master Wu, you possess scholarly merit. You are not on this list. If you are willing, you could assist with clerical duties in the rear. The city is in short supply of personnel everywhere."
Constable Chang did not directly answer Wu Hanlin's question but instead steered the conversation to another matter.
Wu Hanlin intended to press further, but Wu Caisheng gently raised his hand to stop him. He then turned back to Constable Chang and said, "Constable Chang, my Wu family has some standing in this prefecture city. Could you perhaps reveal if there is any room for negotiation in this matter?"
"If Constable Chang could be of assistance, my Wu family would naturally not be ungrateful."
The Wu family members all looked expectantly at Constable Chang. However, Constable Chang sighed and said, "Esteemed Master Wu, you are aware of our Prefect's temperament."
"Countless individuals have been executed by our Prefect over the years. I am merely a humble constable. The treasury has the roster, and there is truly no room for maneuver. I suggest you cease your efforts, honored sir."
Upon hearing Constable Chang's words, the Wu family members were struck with grief as if they had lost their parents. Some of the more timid ones began to tremble.
However, Wu Hanlin, unable to contain himself, exclaimed loudly, "According to the laws of the Great Wei, no one may arbitrarily conscript the populace. Why does the Prefect's office dare to arbitrarily mobilize able-bodied men today? Is he not afraid of the punishment of beheading!"
Hearing Wu Hanlin's words, Constable Chang's expression shifted slightly.
Before Constable Chang could respond, Wu Caisheng sharply ordered, "Silence!"
He then added, "Constable Chang, please wait a moment."
Following this, Wu Caisheng personally went inside to retrieve a heavy small bag and handed it to Constable Chang.
Constable Chang hesitated and said, "No merit, no reward..."
Wu Caisheng replied, "Constable Chang, you and my Wu family are old acquaintances. You have taken care of my Wu family many times over the years. How could I, this old man, be ungrateful? You must accept it!"
Saying this, Wu Caisheng directly placed the money bag into Constable Chang's arms.
Constable Chang felt the weight of the small bag and couldn't help but show a slight smile, saying, "Not at all, not at all. It is merely my duty."
After Constable Chang departed, Wu Caisheng looked at the Wu family members gathered in the courtyard and reprimanded them, "Why are you all wearing such mournful faces? Pack your belongings shortly and report to the military camp."
"You are not dead yet, so why do you look as if you are on the verge of death? Have no spirit!"
Old Master Wu commanded significant respect within the Wu family. After his scolding, the Wu family members dared not say another word in front of Wu Caisheng.
Wu Caisheng let out a "哼" and returned to his room, saying to Wu Hanlin, "Hanlin, come in. I have something to discuss with you."
Wu Caisheng and Wu Hanlin entered the room and sat down, one after the other.
Wu Caisheng remained silent at first, simply sitting without saying a word.
Wu Hanlin was able to maintain his composure initially, but as time passed, and he could faintly hear the weeping of the other Wu family members, he began to feel uneasy.
Wu Hanlin said somewhat awkwardly, "Father, perhaps I should go and speak with them, tell them to stop crying."
"Hanlin," Wu Caisheng suddenly said, "do you think your father's conduct just now was too mercenary?"
"No, no..."
Wu Hanlin hastily replied, "Your son understands your intentions. Father's actions are all for the consideration of the Wu family. It was I who acted rashly earlier..."
"No!"
Wu Caisheng interrupted Wu Hanlin, saying, "Your father was indeed mercenary just now. Your father knows this; you need not cover for me."
Without heeding Wu Hanlin's reaction, Wu Caisheng continued, "Your father has always known himself to be a mercenary person, but your father neither takes pride nor shame in it."
"Your father has been a mercenary and resourceful person since childhood, always adept at finding loopholes."
"But you are different," Wu Caisheng said, looking at Wu Hanlin. "You have been a good-hearted child since childhood, inherently kind. Your father was afraid that you would be framed, so he constantly forced you to learn those tactics."
"However, those tactics are not the only way; they are merely what you currently lack. You must master these tactics later, but do not forget your true nature."
Listening to Wu Caisheng's words, Wu Hanlin remained silent.
Wu Caisheng continued, "The current times are becoming increasingly chaotic. This city appears to be rather unstable. Who knows what might happen, and this old man might pass away. You must diligently learn those things, do you understand?"
At this moment, a hint of tears appeared in Wu Hanlin's eyes, and he said with a slight tremor, "Father."
Wu Caisheng sighed and said, "I am growing old. The future of the Wu family rests on you. Your uncles and cousins are all disappointing. If something truly happens in the future, you need not concern yourself with them. Your own stability is the most important thing..."
Wu Caisheng continued to murmur his instructions to Wu Hanlin, and this scene was unfolding across various parts of the prefecture city, as the populace clearly felt an atmosphere of unease.