Abandoning the boat and coming ashore, Fan Xian walked toward the garden with a glimmer of doubt. Haitang was behind him, greeting the old man fishing by the lake. He was not in the mood to be friendly. Looking at the fine horse outside the garden, he furrowed his brows.
The official who had come on the horse had already entered the garden. He had left the horse outside the garden and had not tied the reins. It looked like he was indeed in a hurry. The horse was at the bottom of the stone steps with its head lowered. It snorted and smelled the fragrance of the grass growing on the ground. Unfortunately, it was wearing a chewing head. It was anxious but could not eat.
"Sir." The guard at the door bowed to him. A subordinate moved closer to explain something, but Fan Xian waved his hand to stop him. He had long recognized the angry official. Thinking that after not seeing him for a year, the other party still had the same temperament, he felt slightly angry.
Faint sounds of an intense argument came from the depths of the manor. After they went around the screen, the voices immediately grew louder. The words were filled with loud criticism and disappointment and anger that seeped from the bones.
Fan Xian stopped his steps and turned his head with a self-mocking smile. He said to Haitang, "Just a small matter. Give me some face and don't come in."
Haitang smiled and nodded. She walked toward the small path leading to the garden to the side.
Fan Xian tidied up his clothes and patiently listened outside for a long time. Only then did he gently cough twice. Fully assuming the demeanor of a teacher, he put his hands behind his back, stepped over the high threshold, and walked into the main hall.
In the main hall, two people faced each other like two fighting cocks. On one side was Shi Chanli, and on the other was Yang Wanli, whom he had not seen in a long time.
After last year's spring examinations, Yang Wanli had entered the top three. Because everyone knew he was a direct descendant of the Fan family, the head of the Ministry of Appointments had, with a large stroke of his pen, transferred him to a rich county in Jiangnan to become a county magistrate. This was because of the interference of Yan Hangshu, the Minister of Appointments. Otherwise, with the prestige of the Fan family, it was not impossible for them to directly become a prefectural official or a transportation judge.
Yang Wanli had also worked hard for his teacher. He was diligent in government affairs, friendly to the people, and eager to learn. In just one year, he had managed the affairs under his jurisdiction in an orderly manner. It could be said that he did not pick up any loose ends on the road, nor did he close his doors at night. In the autumn, he was assessed by the Ministry of Appointments as being prudent and fair. When the Supreme Court evaluated him, they also gave him an average score. Although he had not reached the age limit and could not be promoted, he was now a dignified official of the sixth rank.
Hou Jichang and Cheng Jialin, of the four disciples of the Fan family, were now officials in Jiaodong Road and the south respectively. It was said that their official reputations were not bad.
After Fan Xian entered the door, he watched coldly as Yang Wanli and Shi Chanli quarreled. He found that Yang Wanli's aura was threatening, while Shi Chanli retreated step by step. After listening for a moment, he knew the reason and laughed coldly.
Yang Wanli turned his head to glance at him. He paused and furrowed his brows. Unexpectedly, he turned around and faced Shi Chanli and continued to narrate his grievances. "Brother Shi, it's fine if you don't want to enter officialdom. Following at your teacher's side, helping him make up for his mistakes and doing things diligently, it can be considered a blessing for the people … but now that teacher has clearly done something wrong, why didn't you remind him when you were at his side? We have the etiquette of a disciple. We also have to speak frankly and admonish others. This is the right way! Do you know how unbearable the rumors are in Jiangnan? Everyone says that Commissioner Fan is a capable official. We don't know how he does things, but the way he collects money is honorable and ruthless! "
Yang Wanli's words were clearly sarcastic. He laughed coldly. "… Big river? I think that's a silver river. If that ship doesn't scoop up all the silver in each province, the people in the ship won't go ashore for one day! "
The more he spoke, the angrier he became. He waved his sleeve and said, "As an official, one must benefit the people. Last year, teacher left a letter telling us to be good officials and good people … but … but … is that what an official does? I … I almost don't have the face to see anyone right now! Old Shi! You disappoint me! Rotten worms! Trash! "
Hearing the last two adjectives, Shi Chanli's anger rose. He thought to himself, Kid, you're having fun being an upright official outside. How would you know the hardships of being the owner of a brothel in Jingdou? What a scam! You're criticizing teacher as a tiger that eats the people's marrow … well, Yang Wanli, you haven't been an official for long, but you've grown a lot more daring. Hot blood rushed, and he scolded back, "You're a pedantic scholar who doesn't know the hardships of the people! If teacher wasn't in the capital, do you think you could get a good evaluation? Ungrateful bastard! "
Yang Wanli raised his face and said with pain in his clear pride, "Although I only govern one county, within a year, there were no bandits in the county, and the people were peaceful … I have lived up to Sir Fan junior's initial expectations."
In reality, Shi Chanli understood why the other party was so angry and had come directly to his door. As the saying goes, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. They all hoped to follow Sir Fan junior and accomplish great things in the Qing Kingdom. They were truly loyal people. However, Fan Xian was now in the Overwatch Council and held great power. The things he did … were indeed like those of a powerful official, but the gap between him and a famous official seemed to be growing larger and larger.
However, Shi Chanli had been by Fan Xian's side for many years and knew that his teacher had many things he had to do. Furthermore, his feelings were deeper, so he unconsciously smiled coldly and retorted, "There were no bandits? If the provincial camp had not moved 12 li into your Fuchun County … do you think those bandits would have been scared away by your words of a saint? 12 li … is not very eye-catching, right? But do you, a little county magistrate, have that ability? "
Yang Wanli furrowed his brows and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"What do I mean?" Shi Chanli turned his head to glance at Fan Xian and furrowed his brows. It seemed that he was wondering why the guards in the courtyard had not stopped this person. If an outsider heard his argument with Yang Wanli, it would be terrible.
…
…
At this moment, the most innocent person was, of course, Fan Xian. The two students were happily arguing. As the main character, he had stood to the side for a long time, but no one paid attention to him. He had been left to dry. He continued Shi Chanli's words with a smile and said, "Nothing much. It's just that the old man felt sorry for you all and wrote a letter to the commander in the province."
Only now did the two arguing people recognize Fan Xian's voice. At the same time, they jumped in fright. A moment later, they said in surprise, "Is it teacher?"
Fan Xian stretched out his hand and rubbed the side of his temple a few times, rubbing away the glue at the corner of his eyebrows. His eyebrows returned to their original position, and his delicate and handsome face returned to normal. After he entered the room, he had forgotten to take off his makeup, so the two arguing people did not recognize him.
He laughed bitterly and said, "Even if you want to argue, you have to do it behind closed doors. I'm the one who heard it. If outsiders heard it … I'm afraid they would think something big has happened to the Fan family."
…
…
The hall of the manor immediately quieted down. Thinking that the contents of their argument had all fallen into Fan Xian's ears, regardless of whether it was Shi Chanli or Yang Wanli, they both felt a bit awkward.
The two of them invited Fan Xian to sit in the middle and sat on either side. Although Fan Xian was a bit younger, the absurd seniority of teacher and student had to be done properly.
Yang Wanli rubbed his head with a slight headache. Suddenly, he thought of Fan Xian's last words … deceiving teacher and destroying ancestors? He abruptly raised his head and yelled in a loud voice, "Sir! I didn't mean it that way. "
Fan Xian looked at him with amusement. He knew that Yang Wanli came from a poor background in Min and looked down on corrupt officials. Furthermore, his personality was straightforward and fiery. Otherwise, he would not have barged in so carelessly. He opened his mouth and asked, "Fuchun County is a full 200 li from Hangzhou. You, a civil official, rushed here without a bailiff and called me a tiger that eats people without spitting out the bones in front of my face. If this isn't deceiving teacher, then what is?"
He was joking, but the weight of this joke was not something Yang Wanli could bear. However, Yang Wanli's personality was truly straightforward. Gritting his teeth, he walked in front of Fan Xian and bowed to the ground. In a low voice, he said, "I was wrong. I was wrong in speaking nonsense behind your back."
Fan Xian was slightly surprised. He wondered how this guy could turn so quickly.
Unexpectedly, Yang Wanli's tone changed and he said straightforwardly, "However, since teacher has returned to the manor, in front of you, I will say it. You know that I have never been afraid to speak my teacher's mistakes directly."
"Say it," Fan Xian said helplessly. "You are just like this."
"Sir has come to Jiangnan to manage finances for the court. I think there are three things you shouldn't have done." Yang Wanli did not listen to Fan Xian's evaluation of his personality at all.
"Three things you shouldn't have done?" Fan Xian jumped in fright. He had thought it was just Su Wenmao's problem of collecting money. He had not expected there to be three things he shouldn't have done … did you think Chi Zhiqiang was singing 10 things he shouldn't have done in prison?
"First, you shouldn't have allowed your subordinates to plunder the people's wealth along the river and use the people's power." Yang Wanli had not slept well last night, so he had made up his mind to come to Hangzhou to "admonish" him. He said with deep pain, "When the Jing ship went south, the officials of the counties along the river went out of their way to welcome it and sent gifts like mountains. They also drove the people to pull the ship. The water in the Jiangnan area is calm. If the big ship had not purposely moved slowly, why would there be a need for people to drag it? This matter has long spread throughout Jiangnan and become a joke. Where did the gifts from the county officials along the river come from? Didn't they increase taxes and plunder from the people? You shouldn't have, as the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council, ignored the laws of the country, accepted bribes, disregarded the will of the people, and toiled the people! "
Fan Xian acted as if he hadn't heard. He waved his hand for Shi Chanli to pour a cup of tea and gulped it down.
Yang Wanli saw his expression and manner and felt a little uneasy in his heart. He didn't know if his teacher was truly angry, but this made his anger even greater. Straightforwardly, he said, "Second, you shouldn't have mobilized the Jiangnan Navy ships to protect you. Although you have the identity of an imperial envoy, since you did not show your honor at the beginning and instead traveled in the night, this is already against the rules. Since you moved stealthily and mobilized soldiers to protect you, other than breaking the rules, you have crossed the line, disturbed the place, and relaxed the defenses.
It is a serious offense. "Fan Xian spat out the tea in his mouth with a pfft and laughingly scolded," You want me to be chopped to pieces? Will your heart feel better? "
He waved his hand to stop Yang Wanli's following words and opened his mouth to say, "Let's talk about these two things first." He thought about it for a moment. "I have also heard some rumors about the matter of accepting gifts along the river. It is indeed very bad. According to letters from Jingdou, this matter seems to have become an absurd joke in the Jingdou officialdom. Everyone says that I, Fan Xian, have been stifled in the capital. Once I came to Jiangnan, I wanted to rip off a few layers of land …"
Yang Wanli listened to his words and felt a slight joy in his heart. He said, "Exactly. Putting aside the problem of breaking the law and breaking the rules, just this effect is a great blow to your official reputation …"
"It is a great blow to your official reputation, right?" "Earlier, you said that you had no face to see people now. Wanli, you wholeheartedly want to be an upright official whose name will go down in history. Yet, you have a corrupt official like me as your teacher. Presumably, you are not happy in your heart. I understand that. However … "
His tone changed. "Regardless of how the Jiangnan officials see it, how the people see it, and how the six ministries in the capital discuss it, other people do not care … the problem is, you are my student. How can you think that I would be greedy?"
Yang Wanli was startled. He thought to himself, The great achievements of that big ship of yours are the truth. The evidence is there. Nowadays, people are saying that the reason Commissioner Fan came to Jiangnan so mysteriously and divided it into three routes, north, south, and south, was to collect the gifts from all three routes at once. Could it be that people are wrong about you?
"I have plenty of silver." Fan Xian looked at Yang Wanli and cursed angrily. "Why do I need to be greedy? What is your brain made of? "
"You, Jichang, and Jialin are now officials outside. Every month, you must receive silver from the old masters in the capital. Why is that? Isn't it because I am afraid you will be dragged down by the money of your colleagues around you? This is what I ask of you, what more for myself? "
Ever since the spring examinations had been released, Yang Wanli and the other two had received banknotes from Jingdou every month. The amount had long exceeded their salary. This matter actually had nothing to do with Fan Xian. He also did not think it would be so detailed. It was all Minister Fan carefully taking care of it for his son.
With silver on hand, Yang Wanli and the other two had much more freedom. They could also use the silver to do some practical things. He thought of the details of Fan Xian's concern and felt moved. He was also quite frightened by Fan Xian's rare angry expression. He quickly replied, "Thank you, teacher."
Fan Xian smiled and scolded, "You should thank me for giving money. Why don't you think about where the money came from? … Of course, it is not from greed. You know I have a few businesses under me. I can still afford to support you officials. "
Yang Wanli furrowed his brows and said, "But … that boat on the river?"
"What does that boat have to do with me?" Fan Xian's expression was somewhat shameless. "If you want to fight for your position to scold corrupt officials, go scold those people on the boat. Running to Hangzhou to scold me … Yang Wanli, Yang Wanli, you sure have some guts."
Yang Wanli said gloomily, "Teacher, those people are your subordinates!"
Fan Xian smiled slightly and said, "Yes, my subordinates take the silver, but I don't care. It seems that everything is carried out under my orders? This is just a show, what are you in such a hurry for? "
Shi Chanli also urged from the side, "Sir must have a deeper meaning. You barging in like this today will probably make many people laugh in secret."
Yang Wanli thought about it and agreed with this reasoning. Even if Sir Fan junior wanted to be greedy, there was no need to be greedy in such a grand and spectacular manner. Was he really wrong?
"There isn't much deeper meaning," Fan Xian sighed and said. "It is just a show to be performed in Suzhou on the third of March. That show is too mushy. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. When the time comes, you'll understand."
Yang Wanli already believed what Fan Xian said and didn't say anything more. He regretted coming so rashly. If he ruined his teacher's grand plan to manage the treasury, that would not be good.
"To say it again shouldn't be." Fan Xian furrowed his brows. "Wanli, you are too naive. Do you really think it is a time of peace and prosperity?"
Yang Wanli was slightly startled. He thought to himself that the country was at peace and the people were at peace. The weather was good. How could it be fake? Fan Xian smiled coldly and tried to scare him. "If I don't get the navy to protect me, that ship could be dragged to the bottom of the river by the water demons at any time. Do you believe that?"
Looking at Yang Wanli's expression, he knew that he would not believe it. Fan Xian shook his head and said, "I won't hide the matter of the palace treasury from you. What I have to deal with is not just the bugs in the palace treasury, the noble families in Jiangnan, and even all of the officials in Jiangnan and nobles in Jingdou … how did the Ming family rise? How did they manage to make their family business so large? "
Faced with this question, Yang Wanli shook his head. Shi Chanli had only recently come into contact with secret reports from the Overwatch Council and the Jiangnan water bandits, Xia Qifei, and only then did he know a little.
"Pirates!" A harsh light flashed through Fan Xian's eyes. "The Ming family took the goods from the palace treasury and went out to sea from Quanzhou. They went all the way north to Dongyi and all the way south to the foreign devils in the west. These years, after they went out to sea, they would always run into pirates. Out of three ships, one would always be lost …"
Yang Wanli furrowed his brows. He had come into contact with the Ming family before. They were all gentle and kind rich people. If they ran into pirates out to sea, it would not be good to have them take responsibility. Was there a hidden meaning in his words?
Fan Xian said in a cold voice, "In reality, those pirates were all the Ming family's own people!"
Yang Wanli paled in shock.
"When the palace treasury's goods ran into pirates, the Ming family still had to pay the palace treasury … it looked like a loss, but in reality, they stole that ship of goods and secretly shipped it overseas to sell. They didn't have to pay the court's 60% share of the ship's goods. Furthermore, what they paid the palace treasury was only the cost … the profit from this ship was even more than the other two ships. However, it's a pity that in these years, who knows how many more souls have died on the sea. "
Yang Wanli was dumbstruck and muttered to himself, "This … this isn't much more for the Ming family. Why would they take the risk of being beheaded?"
What Fan Xian said was what the Overwatch Council and Xia Qifei had found out through their cooperation. It was a pity that they had never found any living witnesses. These years, the Ming family had used such ruthless methods to earn who knew how much silver. These people were vicious and merciless. The wind was tight, and there were nobles protecting them. Thus, everyone in court only thought that the trip to Hainan was full of dangerous winds and dangerous waves and rampant sea bandits. They had no idea that the Ming family was stealing their own goods and playing the game of a merchant family of bandits.
He stood up and stared into Yang Wanli's eyes. "Once there is a suitable profit, merchants become bold. For a 50% profit, they will take the risk out of desperation. For a 100% profit, they will dare to trample on all Qing laws. For a 300% profit, they will dare to commit any crime, even risk the danger of being hanged, and not have any regard for the court. "
Yang and Shi were both shaken by Marx's famous words and lowered their heads, savoring them for a long time.
"Furthermore … there have always been their comrades in court." Fan Xian smiled coldly. "The money earned in proper exports has to be entered into the books. How can it be as convenient and safe as spending money outside of the books?"
These words were referring to the Xinyang matter. If they hadn't used such ruthless methods, it would have been much more difficult for the Eldest Princess to fish out silver from the palace treasury under the Overwatch Council's long years of surveillance.
"Every copper is dripping with blood," Fan Xian lectured Yang Wanli. Fan Xian educated Yang Wanli. "If you and I want to do things, we must ensure our own safety. The Ming family can kill people and will kill people. When it comes to a life and death struggle, they will not be afraid of killing me! In the face of life and death, there is no need to talk about etiquette … you've been an official for a long time, don't become a piece of rotten wood! "
Yang Wanli was dumbfounded. He had studied hard for 10 years. After becoming an official, he had Fan Xian, this big tree, secretly protecting him. He had never truly experienced the dangers of the human world. Now, after being scolded by Fan Xian, he finally became a little more clear-headed.
After calming down a little, Fan Xian waved his hand and said, "Never mind, let's not talk about these things for now. Although you came to kick down the door today, there are indeed no guests in the garden. We haven't seen each other in a year, so there are some things we have to talk about. In a bit, prepare some food and wine, and let's have a good drink."
Yang Wanli hung his head dejectedly, but he knew that his teacher still saw him as one of the closest people to him. He let out a breath. However, he somewhat regretted his impetuousness. Suddenly, he thought of something and hesitantly asked, "Then third, shouldn't we …"
Fan Xian laughingly scolded, "If you don't offend me to the end, it looks like you won't be able to eat. Speak."
Yang Wanli thought about it and felt that this matter was indeed his teacher's fault, so he confidently and confidently said, "Recently, auspicious signs have appeared one after another in various places. The officials and commoners will always say a few words after drinking. I have never said it in front of others, but in front of my teacher, I had to take the liberty to suggest it. Using beauty to influence people will not last long. Using flattery to gain favor is also not the style of a court official. Teacher's actions in this matter are truly unethical."
Fan Xian paused. He knew that although Yang Wanli's personality was stubborn, he was still very smart. He had seen that the auspicious signs in the surroundings were created by Fan Xian. But this kid … dared to scold him in front of Fan Xian for sucking up to the Emperor!
"Get out!" Fan Xian finally became angry and scolded, "Don't eat anymore. Go back to your Fuchun County to eat porridge!"
At this moment, Yang Wanli was quite straightforward. He straightened his back and allowed his teacher's spittle to wash his face. With a face full of righteousness, he said, "I want to eat porridge in Pengyuan today."
Fan Xian angrily brushed his sleeves and walked out the door. Shi and Yang hurriedly followed behind, not daring to take even half a step away. It was not until now that this young man, who was not yet 20, finally had the appearance of a young man and was no longer the teacher who sat upright and pretended to be experienced and mature.
…
…
On the third day of the third month, the dragon raised its head.
The carriages from Danzhou to visit relatives and the ships from Jingdou following the Yinjiang all arrived at the docks outside Suzhou. The night before, a group from Hangzhou had already quietly boarded the ship. The three groups from Jingdou had finally triumphantly met up in Jiangnan.
On the docks, gongs and drums rang out to the heavens and firecrackers rang out. The officials of Jiangnan Road at all levels tidied up their official robes. Under the signboard, they raised their heads in anticipation of the arrival of the Imperial College's Siye, Taichang Temple's vice-minister, Overwatch Council's Commissioner, Jiangnan Road's imperial envoy … Sir Fan junior Fan Xian.
(Fan Xian does so many things. This chapter of mine is really not smooth. I don't know why.)
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