A certain Vice General, arriving in the capital burdened with a hefty sum, sought to purchase an official promotion but found himself lacking the necessary connections. One day, a certain Knight called upon him—resplendent in sable furs and astride a magnificent steed, his attire denoting clear wealth. Upon meeting, the visitor introduced himself as "Zhang," claiming his brother-in-law was a trusted confidant of the Emperor. "There is a vacant general position in a certain department," Zhang proposed. "If you are willing to pay the price, I can secure a favorable word with the Emperor; success will be assured."

The Vice General paused, offering no commitment. Zhang pressed on: "There is no need for hesitation. If you fear being cheated, we can draw up a formal document—payment follows the appointment. The silver remains in your possession; I cannot forcefully take it, can I?" Seeing the logic in his proposal, the Vice General considered it briefly and nodded his assent.

The following day, Zhang returned. "My brother-in-law requests your presence. Follow me." The two rode off and, after several turns, arrived at a mansion of imposing splendor, a residence fit for nobility.

Inside the grand hall, the host, Mr. Tian, prepared a banquet. During the meal, Tian maintained an arrogant demeanor, casting sidelong glances at the General. "You wish to buy an office?" he asked. "This cannot be managed for less than ten thousand ounces of gold. Are you prepared to pay such a price? If so, I have an agreement here. Once signed and sealed, it becomes binding."

The Vice General replied, "I have ample funds, and I will sign the document, but on one condition: we settle the matter first, then payment follows."

Tian countered, "Naturally. Conferring an office is child's play for me. However, the human heart is treacherous. We are but newly acquainted; how can I trust you?"

The Vice General set the terms: "We shall set a limit of three days. If, within those three days, you can secure me an audience with the Emperor and obtain the post, I will deliver the gold immediately."

"Agreed," Tian conceded. "It is settled then."

Having negotiated their stakes, the Vice General, confident his ambition would soon be realized, rose to depart. Tian ordered Zhang to see him out. Once outside the gate, Zhang leaned in and offered a warning: "General, permit me a word: my brother-in-law, the Tian clan member, holds great sway at court; ministers of both civil and military factions vie for his favor. I urge you, once you assume your post, to uphold your promise and prepare the silver and gold. Do not dare to renege. If you do, know that we who can elevate you can just as easily crush you; we can revoke your office at any moment."

The Vice General laughed, "I have spent years in the military; my word is worth a thousand pieces of gold. The silver we agreed upon will not be shorted by a single coin; there is no need to threaten me with harsh words."

Two days later, as dusk settled, the Vice General sat quietly at home when several men roared in and burst in, shouting, "The Emperor summons you!" The Vice General was overcome with surprise and joy. He hastily donned his court robes and rushed to the palace to face the Son of Heaven.

Within the palace, he saw the Emperor seated upon the dais, surrounded by a dense array of martial guards; the imperial presence was formidable. The Vice General knelt, offering obeisance and shouting, "Long live His Majesty!" The Emperor offered him a seat and spoke with solicitous concern, "General, your military valor and fame are well-known to me. Meeting you now, I see you are indeed a pillar of talent. A certain critical post is vacant, requiring a great commander. I hereby bestow upon you a first-rank title, effective immediately. Work diligently for the nation, and there will be prospects of marquisate."

The Vice General offered thanks for the imperial favor and took his leave. Returning to his residence, he immediately dispatched a subordinate to the Tian manor with ten thousand ounces of gold to fulfill his sworn obligation. From that moment, he rested easy, believing his appointment and ascension were mere matters of days. He spent his time drinking with friends and relatives, boasting grandly, full of high spirits.

Several days passed, yet the imperial decree never arrived. The Vice General strained his eyes waiting, then ventured to the court to inquire, only to learn the position had already been filled by another. Filled with burning indignation, he stormed to the Ministry of War to argue his case: "My position was decreed by His Majesty himself, with Lord Tian acting as mediator! How dare you award it to another?"

The Vice Minister of War stared blankly, then sneered, "Are you unwell? In this court, who is this 'Lord Tian'? If you continue to babble and cause a disturbance in this public hall, the law will deal with you."

The Vice General was struck dumb by the retort, a chill sinking to his heart. After a moment of thought, the realization dawned with shocking clarity: in this unfavorable season, he had encountered a charlatan.

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