Chapter 28: Conflict Over Medicine Sales

Time passed swiftly. In the second year of the reign of the Holy and Magnificent Emperor Gaozong of Tang, known as the Zongzhang Era, it was the year 669 AD. That year witnessed several major events.

Japan, then called Wa, sent envoys including Kawachi Kujira to Tang to congratulate the empire on its conquest of Goguryeo. This diplomatic mission signified Japan’s recognition of Tang’s dominance over the Liaodong Peninsula after the fall of Baekje and Goguryeo. In November, Japan’s envoys presented exotic gifts.

For the first time, the title “Equal to the Three Ministers” was granted, elevating officials to the status of deputy prime ministers. In February, two fortunate men—Zhang Wenjin, appointed as Secretary of the Eastern Bureau, and Li Jingxuan, as Secretary of the Western Bureau—were both granted the rank of “Three Ministers,” joining the ranks of the highest officials.

Other notable events included the relocation of former Goguryeo citizens within the empire, and the transformation of the Protectorate of Hanhai into the Protectorate of Anbei.

That year, the empire suffered famine and disaster. People spoke of it as an omen of national mourning. In June, a solar eclipse occurred—ancient superstition regarded it as a dire portent, and indeed, in December, Li Ji passed away.

Li Ji had rendered great service to the empire, and especially to the Empress Wu. When Emperor Gaozong wished to elevate Wu to empress, most ministers opposed him; Li Ji declared, “This is the Emperor’s family matter—why consult outsiders?” Thus, Wu was enthroned. Li Ji’s death was a tremendous loss to the court, though for some, it was a cause for celebration.

In that same year, a figure destined to change the course of the Tang dynasty quietly emerged from the river of history.

...

On the banks of the Luo River stood the bustling North Market of Luoyang, the very heart of Tang’s wealth. Crowds swarmed—people, goods, and money flowed in abundance. Not only locals, but all races gathered here: elegant young gentlemen and beautiful women formed lively groups, joined by foreigners and even Africans. Charming foreign maidens solicited customers at storefronts, while dark-skinned Kunlun slaves passed by in squads.

Goods piled high as mountains, and the clinking of copper coins never ceased, day or night.

Like the South Market, the North Market boasted humane management—certain areas were designated as free markets, exempt from government fees. Though these spots were less prime in location, their freedom attracted street performers, and soon crowds gathered, invigorating commerce and trade.

Spring had come; the snow melted, the winds warmed. The North Market’s free market teemed with hopeful faces, each longing for prosperity in the new year.

Among them was Feng Xiaobao, eagerly awaiting fortune. He had chosen his spot and stacked a heap of medicine pills as tall as a man, preparing to entertain and sell his remedies.

His assistant was none other than Huang Sanlang—Huang Shanbao!

The Huang and Feng families had joined forces in business. Huang Shanbao took to the streets to sell medicine, much to his mother’s dismay, who thought it a disgrace. Yet his father supported him, saying he himself had started street-selling as a child, as had his eldest son; why should it be shameful for the youngest?

With his father’s backing, Huang Shanbao was unleashed, joining Feng Xiaobao in the North Market to sell medicine.

The young man was enthusiastic and energetic—he followed Feng Xiaobao’s instructions without complaint, though he grumbled, “Why not make me your brother-in-law?”

Feng Xiaobao replied, “You’re too familiar—it’d be hard to make a move!”

He had a shop in the South Market, but none in the North. To expand his business, he needed relentless effort.

Since arriving in Luoyang, he had worked tirelessly to improve himself and increase his wealth. There were no more days of rest—he only wished for more time.

“Bang, bang, bang!” The gong sounded—Huang Shanbao was beating it with gusto, so loudly that Feng Xiaobao had to cover his ears!

The hawking began, as Feng Xiaobao’s pleasant voice rang out, “Ladies and gentlemen, don’t miss your chance! We two are newcomers to this fine place—”

Among the audience, acquaintances burst out laughing, “Feng Dalang, you’re no newcomer—you’ve already taken root and sprouted! Newcomer, my foot!”

“Yes, yes, less chatter—sell the medicine!” others urged impatiently.

They awaited the customary discount. Every time Feng Xiaobao sold medicine in the North Market, he offered it at half price—a generous deal (the profit margins on medicine were high, so even at half price, there was plenty to be made). Each customer was limited in quantity, but with the medicine’s efficacy and the bargain price, who could resist? Thus, every visit attracted throngs of loyal buyers.

As the crowd grew—Chinese love a lively scene—even more people swarmed in, creating a scene typical of popular street performances.

The regulars hoped Huang Shanbao would quickly sell them medicine so they could leave, but Feng Xiaobao would not let it end so simply; he had to entertain new customers, show off his skills!

So, he and Huang Shanbao began their performance. Huang Shanbao entered with ten somersaults—impressive, considering his pampered upbringing left him a bit dizzy.

Then Feng Xiaobao took the stage, flipping twenty somersaults!

...

He did not gasp for breath nor grow dizzy—the audience cheered him on!

Copper coins rained down before him.

Feng Xiaobao had declared that his performance was a gift, not for profit (selling entertainment would cost money), yet coins were thrown his way regardless—men and women alike, except for young men; older men and women tossed coins, as did young brides and girls.

Unbeknownst to all, Xiaobao had grown into a tall, fair, handsome young man.

He was robust; when he brought out sandbags and wooden stakes, his punches thundered, displaying formidable strength—drawing the adoring gaze of young women.

Next, he and Huang Shanbao demonstrated boxing techniques and military weapons, delighting the crowd.

Huang Shanbao wielded a broadsword, advancing and retreating with swift steps, flashing a silver blur; only the blade’s shadow could be seen, not the man—everyone applauded.

Feng Xiaobao used a massive black staff, first inviting someone to weigh it—a trio of strong men tried, and quickly realized its heft.

Eighty-two pounds of metal—a formidable weapon.

He brandished the staff, swinging it horizontally and striking the ground with force, raising clouds of dust. Using his staff technique, the staff danced like a black dragon; he lifted it as though weightless, moving with ease. At the climax, he thrust it into the earth—it stood upright, sunk a full elbow deep into the ground.

Amid the applause, Feng Xiaobao pointed to the upright staff, declaring with swagger, “Take my medicine, and you’ll be as strong as this!”

The crowd burst into laughter, showering him with coins once more.

When Feng Xiaobao and Huang Shanbao began selling medicine at half price, people rushed to buy. The mountain of pills transformed into a chest overflowing with copper coins!

Each month, Feng Xiaobao visited the North Market, cultivating his business there, drawing customers to his South Market shop. He offered genuine goods with proven effects, earning a sterling reputation.

For Huang Shanbao, it was his first time street-selling—and his first time earning so much. The medicine sold in the North Market was not entered into the company accounts (so he didn’t have to split profits with the Huang family boss), and Feng Xiaobao generously split the profits evenly with him... Half the pills sold, half the money shared... A perfect deal, and Huang Shanbao loved it!

He grinned at the pile of coins, unable to contain his joy—just as Xuanqing said, “Blessings and misfortunes, like the old man on the frontier who lost his horse—who knows what’s truly good or bad?”

“Out of the way, out of the way!” A gang of ruffians—thirteen in all—rudely shoved through the crowd, entering the area.

The leader, broad-faced and burly, exuded a certain swagger.

His followers, all tough-looking enforcers, appeared formidable and not to be trifled with.

Feng Xiaobao stepped forward with a respectful gesture, “Wu Sanlang, my respects.”

This was none other than Wu Guangxin, the local ruffian chieftain. Seeing Feng Xiaobao’s lucrative business, he came to snatch the fruits.

Wu Guangxin was the newly crowned boss of the North Market. In both North and South Markets, street performers were exempt from official taxes—a public benefit.

The South Market was well-ordered—its overseer, Liu Renming, governed with an iron fist, suppressing criminal gangs and market bullies.

But the North Market had recently changed overseers—now another Liu, Liu Chengxun, but he was far inferior to his predecessor. As a result, criminal elements seized the opportunity and rose.

In truth, Xiaobao knew the rules—he had paid the customary tribute to Wu Guangxin when he first took charge. But as a novice, Wu Guangxin lacked experience in various trades and failed to appreciate the value of Xiaobao’s medicine, accepting only a tenth of the usual protection fee.

Protection fees ranged from one-tenth, one-quarter, one-third, to one-half, depending on the profitability of the business. Profitable ventures paid more; those scraping by paid less. Excessive fees could drive business out and cause trouble.

Wu Guangxin assigned a thug to monitor Xiaobao’s earnings, and upon witnessing his popularity, realized the mistake. He was furious: “Your business is booming, but you only paid one-tenth—are you trying to cheat me?”

How dare he cheat the boss? Where would the boss’s dignity go?

...

Instead of blaming himself for shortsightedness, he vented his anger on Feng Xiaobao, accusing him of concealment.

Upon arrival, he announced that from now on, the protection fee would be three-quarters! Every future visit would be charged at three-quarters!

“Three-quarters!”

Feng Xiaobao was stunned, and Huang Shanbao’s face flushed red.

“That’s right—three-quarters!” Wu Guangxin gloated, making a show of authority while pocketing a fortune—a double victory.

“You refuse?” Wu Guangxin sneered, stepping forward; eight of his men pressed in behind him, while the other five began dispersing the crowd, shouting, “Clear out, clear out!”

Huang Shanbao clenched his fists, while Feng Xiaobao was caught in a dilemma; he cared little for today’s earnings, but what about the future?

If every visit meant paying three-quarters, it would be barely worth the effort, or he’d have to abandon the hard-won North Market business.

He opted for moderation, smiling apologetically, “Wu Sanlang, my failure to clarify before was my fault. I offer ten boxes of premium Six-Ingredient Pill, suitable for presentation to the Emperor, as compensation. From now on, I’ll pay one-third. What do you say?”

He called to Huang Shanbao, “Bring out ten boxes of Six-Ingredient Pill!”

When Huang Shanbao dawdled, Feng Xiaobao raised his voice, “Go!”

They had brought ten boxes of the finest pills for key figures—now was the time to use them.

Once retrieved, Feng Xiaobao opened a box, unwrapped a pill, and compared it to the ordinary ones before Wu Guangxin—the aroma was richer, the color brighter.

Unexpectedly, Wu Guangxin slapped the pill from his hand, scolding, “Don’t think you can send me off like a beggar! Today’s earnings—we’re taking three-quarters. Refuse, and we’ll confiscate everything!”

“Whack!”

Feng Xiaobao’s answer was to hurl the medicine box at Wu Guangxin’s face, roaring, “Damn you, shameless!”

Before Wu Guangxin could react—indeed, he couldn’t react at all—his nose, throat, and belly were struck in quick succession!

Close-range Wing Chun exploded—Feng Xiaobao struck hard, breaking Wu Guangxin’s nose in a single blow, blood spraying bright red in the sunlight!

He struck the throat, pulling his punch—otherwise, a single blow could have crushed his windpipe!

Even so, Wu Guangxin choked, unable to breathe.

A heavy punch to the belly sent Wu Guangxin collapsing, vomiting up his breakfast.

His eight enforcers erupted in fury, shocked that their boss had been KO’d in an instant—they shouted, “How dare you—”

But before they could finish, they were met with the fierce blows of Feng Xiaobao and Huang Shanbao!

The sounds of bodies being struck rang out in quick succession, followed by cries of pain. In moments, all eight enforcers lay groaning on the ground.

The audience watched in awed silence as Feng Xiaobao and Huang Shanbao stood victorious—Feng Xiaobao had felled six men, Huang Shanbao two (though one was shared, as Xiaobao had landed a kick as well).

Neither man had struck until forced, but when they did, their blows were swift as lightning, laying all their adversaries flat in an instant!