Let me admit here that I did write incorrectly yesterday about the old Dragon Raising Its Head. I'll go with the flow and continue with the third of March. In any case, no one has studied the Qing calendar. Was I a bit shameless? However, today's chapter was written much smoother than yesterday's.
On the third of March in the Qing calendar, the Dragon Raising Its Head.
A large ship, under the escort of the Jiangnan Navy, slowly approached the dock. The anchor was dropped and the ropes were released. The officers nimbly completed a series of actions. Immediately after, a gangplank that looked like a flight of stairs was placed between the dock and the deck. The officials on the shore quickly spread out a thick cloth to prevent their feet from slipping.
A curtain of spring thunder rolled across the horizon, crackling as if welcoming the arrival of the imperial envoy. At the same time, firecrackers rang out on the dock. Gongs and drums filled the air. The Soaring Thunder that had been prepared on the shore was also ignited. The sound of the cannons was so loud that it even drowned out the might of the heavens.
The officials on the dock furrowed their brows but were too embarrassed to cover their ears. They could only turn their gazes to the gangplank.
In a moment, a young official appeared on the deck and led a group of guards off the ship in silence. They split into two lines.
After a while, a young and handsome official wearing a purple official robe walked out with a smile. He wore a crane cape over his official robe. The white color immediately diluted the deep purple of the official robe. It drew the gazes of everyone on the dock to his warm, friendly, and incomparably delicate face.
Only third-level officials and above had the right to wear purple official robes. The officials on the dock knew that the imperial envoy Commissioner Fan they had been calling for was this person in front of them. They unconsciously squeezed forward a few steps and raised their hands in greeting. Fan Xian was not in a hurry to stop everyone from bowing.
Fan Xian was not in a hurry to stop everyone from bowing. On the contrary, he stretched out his hand to the side and grabbed a small hand that stretched out of thin air. Holding the hand of a little boy, they stood side by side on the deck and stepped onto the ladder, descending the ship.
The little boy was wearing a light yellow robe with a circle of fluff sticking out from the collar. There was a pair of cute yet unknown spirit beasts embroidered on the robe. Coupled with his beautiful face and lively eyes, he looked extremely adorable.
The officials were shocked. They knew that this was the Third Prince who had been chased by the Emperor to Fan Xian's side. They quickly adjusted their direction and saluted the Third Prince. "The officials of Jiangnan Road greet Your Highness."
The Third Prince smiled and nodded. Using his voice that had yet to fade away, he said, "The weather is cold. Sirs, thank you for your hard work. I'm only here to study with my teacher, so there's no need to stand on ceremony.
Reminded by the word "teacher," the officials quickly bowed to Fan Xian again. They repeatedly thanked him for coming all the way here.
As they bowed, the dozens of officials stole glances at the two men who walked down from the boat. They discovered that although their ages were quite different, their faces were extremely similar. Standing on the shore, the wind from the river fluttered the hem of the two men's clothes. Not only did they exude a noble aura, they also exuded a rare sense of harmony and transcendence.
Everyone couldn't help but begin to suspect in their hearts. It looked like the rumor about Commissioner Fan's past was probably true. Thinking of this, they began to feel uneasy again. They didn't know if bowing to the Third Prince first would make Fan Xian unhappy. After all, he was the true master. Furthermore, the status of an imperial envoy, according to the court system, was much more valuable than that of an underage prince.
Fan Xian did not have so many thoughts. He gazed at the unfamiliar officials on the dock and piled the friendliest smile on his face. He smiled and acknowledged each one of them. He then did his best to note down each other's official position and name, fully displaying the courtesy and pride a rising political star should have.
Commissioner Fan bringing a prince down to Jiangnan was a major event. Thus, there were many officials who came to the dock to welcome him. Among the civil officials, there were officials directly under the governor of the Jiangnan Road Governor's manor, as well as the Zhizhou of Suzhou and Hangzhou, each leading two groups of people. Although the Zhizhou of a few distant provinces did not dare to leave their jurisdiction to welcome him, there were still many officials of the same rank from the provinces. There were also officials from the Jiangnan salt road transport company. Among the military officials, there was no lack of Jiangnan Navy garrison generals. Of course, the palace treasury transport company, which was directly under Fan Xian's command, had even more people present.
In short, there were nearly 100 people. More than half of the officials of Jiangnan Road had probably squeezed onto the dock. If Dongyi stole the gunpowder of the Third Bureau of the Overwatch Council and made a ruckus here, the wealthiest and populous Jiangnan Road in the entire Qing Kingdom would probably be paralyzed within a day.
On the dock, Fan Xian greeted the officials with a face full of smiles. The problem was, he could only see the moving heads, the jumble of official robes, and the thick smell of sweat in the winter. Strange and flattering faces flashed past his eyes. How could he recognize who was who? These officials did not know how he felt in his heart. Seeing that the smile on Sir Fan junior's face did not diminish, they felt more and more that the gifts they had given along the way had an effect. They boldly squeezed to his and the Third Prince's side. No matter what, they had to exchange a few pleasantries and worm their way closer. Only then would they be worthy of the silver they had given.
Those state and county officials who were slightly further away from the river had never found an opportunity to present gifts, so their spirits were not that great. With a tinge of envy and a tinge of jealousy, they watched their colleagues inside the crowd unbearably flatter him from the outside.
For a moment, the smell of flattery on the dock was unbearable. Fan Xian's cleanly shaved chin was touched countless times. It was very lively. Gradually, the words of the officials became more and more unbearable, particularly those of the Suzhou government Zhizhou. They were people who had come out of the Imperial College. They insisted on using the fact that Fan Xian was now the Imperial College's Siye to repeatedly call him Teacher Fan.
Fan Xian forcefully suppressed the irritation in his heart and refused to accept it. What a joke. He was not even 20 years old, yet he was going to be the teacher of a Zhizhou. If this got back to Jingdou, he would probably be laughed to death by the Emperor. The Third Prince was held by his little hand and endured the shameless words beside him. He was also unhappy in his heart. He thought to himself, Sir Fan junior is my teacher. How dare you old men fight with me for him? The child finally could not endure it and coughed with a cold face.
After the cough, the scene immediately became silent. The Hangzhou Zhizhou was a sly old fox who saw the opportunity very quickly. He was secretly happy that the Suzhou Zhizhou had suffered a setback, but he said seriously, "It is cold today. I think everyone should quickly invite the imperial envoy and the Prince up to rest."
After these words were said, Fan Xian and the Third Prince's hearts were comforted. At the same time, they cast an appreciative gaze toward the Hangzhou Zhizhou. The Hangzhou Zhizhou was swept by this gaze and immediately felt his entire body warm and uncomfortable. It was as if he had eaten ginseng.
…
…
Rest? It was not that easy. Even after the officials had retreated slightly, the related ceremony still took up a lot of time. Only then did Fan Xian and the Prince walk around the officials toward the slope on the shore. There was a large bamboo shed on the slope. It looked quite new. It had probably been built only a few days ago. It had been specially prepared for Fan Xian's trip to Jiangnan.
Walking up the slope, there were already two high-ranking officials in purple robes waiting outside the bamboo shed. As soon as Fan Xian saw the two of them, he pulled the Third Prince's hand and hurried a few steps toward them to show his respect.
The identities of these two officials were not ordinary. One was the Jiangnan Road Governor, Sir Xue Qing. The other was Inspector Dai Sicheng.
In the officialdom of the Qing Kingdom, there was a saying: One palace, two provinces, three courts, seven roads. One palace was naturally the Royal Palace. The two provinces were the Hall of Governmental Affairs, which was now combined to handle government affairs. The three courts were the Overwatch Council, Bureau of Military Affairs, and the Ministry of Education. However, the Ministry of Education had already been reduced to the Imperial College, Tongwen Pavilion, and the Ministry of Rites in the new policies of the first year of the Qing calendar.
The last seven roads referred to the seven roads that the Qing Kingdom was now divided into. The governors of each road represented the Emperor in patrolling one area. Furthermore, the administrative functions of the counties between the roads and provinces had gradually faded. Other than military affairs, the governors of each road had begun to directly control the provinces and counties under their jurisdiction. They had great power and were truly officials of the borders.
Of course, the Emperor had to choose his most trusted aide to hold this important position. Furthermore, the governors were top notch in terms of ability.
Compared to the governor's power and arrogance, the inspectors were more focused on the administration of culture, but their weight was much lighter.
If it was based on rank, the governors were second-grade, and the inspectors were second-grade. They were not particularly high ranks. However, in order to make it easier for the governors of the seven roads to focus on government affairs and be less restrained by the six ministries, the rules had always been for the governors of the First Road to also hold the title of Assistant Scholar, Right Imperial Censor of the Imperial Censorate, or Minister of the Ministry of War. These were first-grade officials. When faced with the Prime Minister and Hall of Governmental Affairs, they had the weight to speak.
Jiangnan was the most important place in the Qing Kingdom. The present Jiangnan Road Governor, Xue Qing, was deeply trusted by the Emperor. Thus, he directly held the title of Great Scholar of the Palace and was a proper first-grade super official.
Given Xue Qing's status, even Fan Xian and the Third Prince did not dare to slight him, so they quickened their steps.
When they arrived outside the bamboo shed, Fan Xian only glanced at Xue Qing with a warm gaze and did not open his mouth to speak first. This was the rule. Xue Qing and Dai Sicheng understood that the other party was an imperial envoy. No matter how powerful he was, he still had to first bow to the other party. This was not to Fan Xian or the prince. It was to the Emperor.
After setting up the incense table, asking for the imperial edict, and unsheathing their swords, the officials inside the bamboo shed all knelt on the ground. After completing the ceremony, Fan Xian quickly helped the Jiangnan Governor, Xue Qing, up. He then turned to help the inspector up. Only then did he lead the Third Prince in bowing respectfully to Xue Qing.
Xue Qing's status was worthy of him and the Third Prince bowing deeply. However, this Jiangnan governor seemed to have not thought that the legendary Commissioner Fan did not have a trace of the noble air of a young, powerful official and scholar. He was willing to smooth over a small matter. A glimmer of admiration flashed through his eyes.
The inspector stood to the side and quickly turned his body to return the bow. Xue Qing would not foolishly allow these "brothers" in front of him to finish their bow. He had already warmly helped the two of them up and said, "Sir Fan, you are being too polite."
Fan Xian was startled. He then looked at the Third Prince beside him who seemed to be somewhat embarrassed facing Xue Qing and felt even more depressed.
Xue Qing smiled slightly and said, "Before I came to Jiangnan, I worked in the library. The so-called scholar is not completely an empty title. When the Third Prince was young, he often played by my side … however, many years have passed. I don't know if the Third Prince still remembers."
The Third Prince laughed bitterly and once again bowed to Xue Qing in a disciple's bow. In a quiet voice, he said, "Every year when you return to the capital to report on your work, my father orders me to go to your manor to pay my respects. How could I forget?"
Fan Xian was a bit confused. He thought about it carefully and was increasingly unclear just what the Emperor in Jingdou was thinking. As he was thinking, he heard Xue Qing say in an even voice, "Speaking of which, Sir Fan and I also have some history."
Fan Xian couldn't act innocent in front of this high-ranking official. He asked curiously, "To be honest, I truly do not know."
Xue Qing liked the other party's straightforwardness. He smiled and stroked his beard. "When I passed the provincial examinations, my teacher was Prime Minister Lin. In terms of seniority, you really do have to call me brother."
Only now did Fan Xian understand what was going on. However, the other party was now a governor. The past friendships were just words. Furthermore, no matter how thick-skinned, black-hearted, and daring he was, it would be embarrassing for him to climb up this pole and call the governor brother? The power in his hands was enough, but his age and experience seemed to be a bit lacking.
The group of people rested for a moment in the grass hut. Fan Xian and Xue Qing chatted about what they had seen and heard along the way. Xue Qing furrowed his brows slightly and then asked if the Emperor was well in the capital. In short, it was all a bunch of conventional nonsense. However, it did bring them a bit closer and a bit more familiar. Fan Xian looked at this first-level official and found that there was a glimmer of worry that was not purposely hidden in the other party's clear face. After thinking for a moment, he knew what was going on.
As the Jiangnan governor, an imperial envoy had suddenly appeared in his territory. No matter which governor it was, it would not be good. Furthermore, this imperial envoy was going to take over the palace treasury. He would probably have to fight with the nobles in the capital. Although the governor had great power and was deeply trusted by the Emperor, it was not good to be stuck in the middle.
Xue Qing raised his teacup and took a gentle sip. Intentionally or unintentionally, he asked, "Sir Fan junior will probably have to work hard in Jiangnan these two years. Although he is trusted by the Emperor, Jiangnan is not like Jingdou. Although it is prosperous, it is not a place to stay for long. In another two years, I will have to retire to the Emperor and return to the capital to sit as a fisherman. Being able to get closer to the Emperor is always better than staying in Jiangnan."
Fan Xian heard the meaning in his words and smiled in agreement. "Sir Fan junior will be patrolling on behalf of the Emperor. You have worked hard and performed well."
Xue Qing smiled slightly and said, "Has Sir Fan junior decided where to live? There are many salt merchants in Suzhou. They are all willing to offer up their manors for you to choose from. "
Everyone under heaven knew the wealth of the salt merchants. Fan Xian didn't need to ask to know how extravagant the manors they offered up would be. However, he changed the topic and said, "It is not good to be too disturbing. Furthermore, if it gets back to the capital, I will always feel uneasy." He spoke straightforwardly and made Xue Qing shake his head and laugh. He thought to himself that the Shi family had this bad habit of hiding everything they did. Why didn't you hide it when you were collecting silver on the river?
Fan Xian asked sincerely, "Sir, please give me your advice. In the past, the palace treasury transport company head envoys were arranged?"
Xue Qing glanced at him with some surprise and said, "Sir Fan, your status is not like the previous head envoys of the palace treasury transport company. Speaking of arrangements, the official residence the palace treasury has decided on is far away in Min. However, no head envoy has actually gone there to live in these dozen years. Just take your predecessor, Sir Huang, for example. He lived in Xinyang for a long time. "
When he said "Xinyang," the Jiangnan governor glanced at Fan Xian, intentionally or not.
Fan Xian furrowed his brows slightly and said, "I don't have to live in the official residence arranged by the court?"
These words seemed suspicious and probing.
Xue Qing nodded.
Fan Xian smiled and said, "I dare not hide it from you. I have been living in Hangzhou this month and have not come to Suzhou to visit you. It is my fault … however, that manor is not bad. If I could choose, of course, I would like to live in Hangzhou."
Xue Qing was slightly startled. He hadn't expected Fan Xian to bring up living in Hangzhou. He looked into Fan Xian's eyes and was silent for a moment. It was as if he was guessing whether this popular young official's words were true or false. The Jiangnan governor's manor was in Suzhou. What he feared the most was that Fan Xian would also stay in Suzhou. Not to mention interfering with government affairs, just the situation of both sides being equal was enough to give the Jiangnan Road officials endless headaches. It was a great hindrance to him in handling affairs.
He looked at Fan Xian's sincere expression and a strange light flashed through his eyes. He smiled slightly and said, "Naturally, it is no problem. Wherever Sir Fan wants to live, you can live there."
Fan Xian chuckled and said, "Of course, even if I live in Hangzhou, I still have to come to Suzhou often to disturb you for a few meals. I hear that you use famous Northern Qi chefs in your manor. The people of Jingdou are all envious. I also want to have the good fortune to eat them."
Governor Xue laughed loudly and said, "That is exactly what I like. I didn't think that Sir Fan would also be someone with the same interests. There is no need to wait. Tonight, my colleagues have prepared a welcoming banquet for you and His Highness. It is at the Jiangnan Restaurant. Tomorrow, I will invite you to sit at my home."
Receiving Fan Xian's promise not to interfere with his affairs, the Jiangnan governor found it difficult to stop himself from relaxing.
These loud laughter immediately spread throughout the bamboo shed. The Jiangnan Road officials followed the laughter and looked over. They saw the governor and the commissioner chatting happily. After their hearts relaxed, they secretly admired them. They thought that Sir Fan junior was indeed not a normal person. The competitive situation that everyone was secretly afraid of did not happen. They didn't know what he had said to make the governor so happy.
They saw Fan Xian move closer to Governor Xue Qing's ear and quietly say something. After a moment of surprise, Xue Qing's expression immediately became solemn. In a moment of anger, he nodded his head and huffed coldly. "Sir Fan, don't worry too much. Don't give me face. I always remember the Emperor's benevolence and kindness, so I will temporarily tolerate these people. Sir Fan's suggestion is correct."
Fan Xian received the other person's nod and knew that Xue Qing was returning the favor of him not staying in Suzhou. He sincerely expressed his thanks and then slowly stood up.
…
…
Fan Xian stood up. The bamboo shed immediately quieted down. At this moment, the sunlight above the river shone through the bamboo shed, spreading out a clear light. The river wind was slightly cool and gave rise to a glimmer of solemnity.
Everyone looked at him. They didn't know how this imperial envoy's declaration of office would begin.
"I am a person who does not act according to common sense." Fan Xian first glanced at the officials around him and smiled. "Although I have never worked with you all in the past, presumably I have some reputation. Everyone knows a little about me. At best, my personality is always unconventional. At worst, I am a troublemaker who doesn't know the severity of things. "
The officials chuckled and all said that the imperial envoy's words were humorous and modest.
Fan Xian said without modesty, "I don't need to say more of those empty words. The Emperor is in good health and does not need your greetings. The empress dowager is in good health, and there is a sense of peace and auspiciousness in the capital. Thus, we do not need to add more words in this area. Since you all have received the court's heavy trust to govern the important Jiangnan area, the taxes and income these years are all displayed here. The people's life and city scenes you have seen along the way are not fake. I do not need to mention your hard work … "
The Jiangnan officials all knew that Fan Xian had come on a secret visit. Hearing these words, they let out a big breath. They only hoped that Fan Xian would mention a few more words, preferably a few more words in the secret memorial to the Emperor.
Unexpectedly, Fan Xian's tone changed.
"I won't talk about your benefits. Instead, I want to talk about where you all did wrong." Fan Xian's face was still smiling, but a chill began to rise in the shed. "It seems a bit unkind, but I still want to say why? Because you all seem to have forgotten my background. "
What was Fan Xian's background? It was not some immortal poet, Taichang Temple, but rather … the dark and sinister Overwatch Council. The hearts of the officials jumped. They didn't know what he was going to say next. They thought, We've already sent the silver, what else do you want? Even the Overwatch Council couldn't bully people like this.
"I came by land and passed through Shazhou and Hangzhou, while that ship sailed on the Yangtze River." Fan Xian narrowed his eyes. "I heard that the Great River is a silver river. You have all sent a great deal of gifts and silver to that ship, and you have also worked a great number of commoners to pull the rope. I appreciate your great kindness. However, to bribe so openly, I admire you. You all have great courage!"
Without waiting for the officials to speak, Fan Xian turned around and bowed to the Jiangnan Governor Xue Qing. He smiled slightly and said, "Today, seeing me in front of you, the governor flew into a rage and directly rebuked me. I couldn't help but feel a bit frightened and not understand why. Fortunately, the governor sympathized with my ignorance and told me directly. Only then did I know that you all had secretly done such a daring thing behind my back."
His voice gradually rose as he smiled coldly. "The Overwatch Council monitors the governance of the country and catches corrupt officials. Yet, you all have the audacity to bribe and give gifts to me. Do you all think that since I have left Jingdou, the knife in my hand … will not be able to kill people?"
The officials were dumbstruck. They were so shocked by Fan Xian's words that they didn't know what to say. They turned their pleading gazes toward the governor and found that he was stroking his beard and deep in thought, adopting an attitude of not being involved in the matter.
Only now did the officials understand what Fan Xian had said earlier. He had said that these officials along the river had hidden the gifts from him, so he had easily brought him out. He had also used the Governor's anger as an excuse to strip the Governor clean of his name. He had also given the Governor the hat of not fearing the nobility and noble character and unquestionable integrity.
Giving gifts along the river? Your subordinate didn't refuse. The Overwatch Council's information network was smooth. Even if you were in Hangzhou, how could you not know? However, Fan Xian insisted that he knew nothing. Of course, the Jiangnan Road officials could not fight back. They could only swallow a huge loss. Looking at Fan Xian's expression again, they realized something was wrong. This Commissioner Fan was indeed as the rumors said. Under the gentle and harmless smiling face hid shamelessness, lowliness, and viciousness.
The officials didn't know what Fan Xian would do next. They unconsciously stood up in fright and looked at Fan Xian stupidly.
They saw him clap his hands. The sound traveled outside the hut. An Overwatch Council official held a thick gift list in his hands and walked down from the Jingdou boat. The gift list was already so thick. The gifts hidden on the boat had probably piled up into a small mountain.
Fan Xian turned and asked Governor Xue Qing for instructions. Xue Qing smiled slightly as he watched the scene in front of him. He waved his hand to signal for the bailiffs in the yamen to follow the Overwatch Council officials onto the boat. Not long after, the bailiffs and servants laboriously pulled a few large chests off the boat and came to the bamboo hut.
The chests were opened in front of everyone. All that could be seen was a sea of golden light. There were countless jewels and other valuable items inside. They were all gifts sent by the officials along the river.
The wind in the hut was cold, so a brazier was lit. Fan Xian accepted the gift list his subordinate handed over and flipped through a few pages. His eyebrows rose slightly. He smiled and said, "There are quite a lot of things."
The officials were embarrassed and angry at the same time. They thought to themselves that the imperial envoy's actions were too unkind. Framing crimes was truly disgusting. Did he want to punish the officials? Unless he wanted to wipe out the entire Jiangnan officialdom in one go. At that time, the governor would not be able to continue watching the show. You've broken the rules and offended the Jiangnan officials. Let's see how you clean up in the future.
Unexpectedly, Fan Xian's next action made the officials' eyes almost fall out. They saw him casually toss the thick gift list into the brazier.
The fire immediately grew. The gift list that recorded the evidence of the officials' bribery quickly turned to ash.
Fan Xian stood by the brazier in silence for a moment. He then said, "Don't think I am using childish tricks to buy people's hearts. You are not that stupid, and I am not that self-interested. The reason I burned all of this was to give everyone a reminder and a way out."
He placed his hands behind his back. A glimmer of unswerving determination flashed across his delicate face. "I am the Commissioner of the Overwatch Council. I do not need to give you face. The matters I need to do in Jiangnan also do not need everyone's cooperation. Thus, I ask everyone to wake up. If something similar happens in the future, don't blame me for being merciless in arresting people."
The Overwatch Council could investigate all officials under third-level. Since he dared to say this, it meant he had the courage. As for the problem of face, his identity was too special, more special than any other court official. Thus, he indeed did not need to give face. As for the problem of cooperation in future matters … once the Jiangnan Road officials lost face, would they dare to secretly go against the Commissioner?
"After the welcoming banquet in a moment, everyone, take back all the things in this chest," Fan Xian furrowed his brows and said. Fan Xian furrowed his brows and said, "What should be refunded has been refunded. As for the laborers, give them wages at a discount. If those poor counties can't produce it at the moment, send a letter to me. I can still produce this bit of silver."
The officials had no choice but to lower their heads in acknowledgment.
At this moment, the zipline on the Suzhou dock began to move. This novel toy from over 20 years ago was the best at carrying heavy loads. The zipline extended to the top of the Jingjing ship and slowly lowered a large chest. No one knew what was in the chest for it to be so heavy. The zipline's steel ropes trembled gently.
Fan Xian had already checked the data beforehand and knew that the Suzhou dock was responsible for the palace treasury's goods. It had the ability to lift things, so he was not too worried. However, the officials who had just been shocked by him were shocked again.
The large chest was hoisted onto the shore. Another dozen people moved it with great difficulty up the slope and directly into the bamboo shed. An Overwatch Council official respectfully asked for instructions, "Commissioner, the chest has arrived."
Fan Xian made a sound of acknowledgment and walked to the side of the chest. The outside of the chest was wrapped in willow twigs, but the inside seemed to be made of metal.
All the officials were puzzled, wondering what this Lord was up to. Even Governor Xue Qing and Inspector Dai Sicheng were interested. They all walked forward to see what treasure was hidden in the chest.
Fan Xian took out the key from his clothes and opened the lid.
…
…
Just like Su Wumei, who had seen the contents of the chest for the first time, after a silver light flashed inside the shed, all of the officials' eyes stared straight … silver! Inside was full of dazzling silver! Who knew how many silver ingots were neatly stacked in the chest!
In reality, the value of the gifts in the earlier chests was not necessarily any less than this large chest of silver ingots. However, since ancient times, people were used to using silver. Suddenly seeing so many silver ingots appear in front of everyone, the visual impact was too stimulating.
After a long time, everyone reluctantly pulled their gazes back from the chest. They all looked at Fan Xian, waiting to see his next step in his performance.
"This chest of silver followed me from Jingdou to Jiangnan. In the future, no matter where I become an official, I will always bring this chest of silver," Fan Xian said evenly. "Why? It is to tell the various officials that I … have plenty of silver. I'm not afraid of everyone laughing at me, but I, Fan Anzhi, was born with a golden spoon in my mouth. Anyone who wants to use silver as a weapon to bribe me should quickly give up on this thought. "
He continued coldly, "Coming to Jiangnan this time, I will investigate the matter of everyone's silver. I will not interfere with any political matters. However, if anyone still dares to bribe, corrupt, or bully the people, don't blame me for being ruthless."
"There was a wise person who knew the terrifying consequences of corrupt governance, so he brought hundreds of coffins. He claimed that even if he had to kill all the corrupt officials, he had to stop this evil trend," Fan Xian faintly said. Fan Xian faintly said, "I am not a person who likes to kill, so I will not bring a coffin. I will only bring silver."
The officials were silent and terrified.
"There is a total of 138,880 liang of silver in the chest. I will say something in front of all the officials and the elders who have come to welcome me. Jiangnan is rich and populous. I cannot guarantee how much of this silver will be used on the people's lives, but I can guarantee that when I leave Jiangnan, the silver in the chest will not be an extra liang!"
Fan Xian swept his gaze across the officials' eyes and said, "I hope all of you will think of this."
After finishing this show, the welcoming party on the dock temporarily came to an end. Fan Xian sat back in his chair and felt goosebumps rise on his arms in his sleeves. He was secretly glad that he hadn't blurted out some bottomless abyss or minefields or other bold words earlier.
… …
In the afternoon in Suzhou, the study of the governor's manor was completely silent.
First-level official, Governor Xue Qing of Jiangnan, sat in the grand wooden chair in the middle with a smile on his face. Beside him sat two advisors who had followed him for many years. One of the advisors shook his head and sighed, "Who would have thought that this imperial envoy … is indeed a troublemaker."
The other advisor furrowed his brows and said, "It is very unwise. Sir Fan junior has completely swept away the face of the Jiangnan officials. Although, given his status, he is not afraid of this matter, it still seems he is not mature enough."
Xue Qing smiled slightly and said, "You two also feel that his showing off is a bit artificial?"
The two advisors looked at each other and nodded.
Governor Xue sighed and said, "Young people always have more of a desire to perform."
The advisor carefully asked, "What do you think of this Sir Fan junior?"
Xue Qing was slightly startled. He thought for a moment and then said, "A smart person, a very smart person. He can be made friends … can be deeply acquainted."
The advisor was a bit surprised, wondering why this was different from the previous conclusion.
Xue Qing smiled self-mockingly and said, "So what if it's artificial? How many people in this world can see the scene at that time? How could those officials in the Library of Jingdou know the true situation during this month? Rumors are, in the end, rumors. When people pass them on from mouth to mouth, they will always, consciously or unconsciously, adjust the truth to suit their own inclinations. "
"Sir Fan junior's reputation among the people is very good. When the people spread this matter, they spared no effort. Because of their love for him, even if Sir Fan junior had done something inappropriate in this matter, it would be erased and ignored by those words. As for the scene of him not fearing the accumulated abuses of officialdom and berating an official to his face, naturally, they would write a great deal more …"
"Hahahaha." The governor smiled happily and said, "Hiding 100,000 liang in a chest and taking a boat down to Suzhou. Before long, it will probably be another story of praise in the Qing court. The people from the Overwatch Council are indeed clever."
The other advisor was puzzled and said, "Since he is a clever person, there are clearly better ways to resolve today's matter. Why did Sir Fan junior have to choose such an intense and absurd method?"
Governor Xue Qing glanced at him with a not-quite-there smile. "What do you know?"
He closed his mouth and did not continue to explain. There were some things that even his closest advisors should not know. Fan Xian had exposed his knife and sword and offended an entire road of officials. Wasn't this also an expression of sincerity to him, the governor? The fact that he had taken the initiative to say he wanted to live in Hangzhou showed that he understood the tastes of officialdom. After scaring these officials, when the imperial envoy was in Jiangnan in the future, the officials would not surround the imperial envoy. He, the governor, would still be the number one figure.
Xue Qing suddenly thought of another matter and involuntarily furrowed his brows. His opinion of Fan Xian rose a notch. This young powerful official was showing off today. It was probably not as simple as expressing sincerity to him. From the spring examinations to Jiangnan, it looked like Fan Xian wanted to offend all the officials under heaven. These two years, the officials in court had seen clearly that Fan Xian wasn't even willing to take care of his father-in-law's old relationship. This … this … was he going to be a lonely official?
As the Emperor's trusted aide, Xue Qing had many eyes and ears in court. Of course, he knew that the rumors about Fan Xian's past were true. Thinking of Fan Xian's identity, he immediately understood why he stubbornly insisted on being a lonely official.
This was to guard against taboo.
Xue Qing sighed and shook his head. He thought to himself that everyone was a hard worker. It looked like he should properly interact with this young Commissioner Fan in Jiangnan.
…
…
The warm afternoon sun slightly dispelled some of the coldness of early spring. The people of Suzhou were drinking tea and chatting in tea houses. The people of Suzhou were too rich. They were so rich that they had too much leisure time. They liked to spend it in tea houses, particularly since such a big thing had happened in the city. Their saliva and tea were boiling in the tea houses.
Everyone was discussing the imperial envoy who had just arrived, the world-famous Commissioner Fan.
"Did you hear? Those officials' faces are all green with fright, "a middle-aged merchant chuckled. A middle-aged merchant chuckled. The commoners were always happy to see the officials being humiliated.
Another person shook his head and sighed. "Unfortunately, it's still a big matter turned into a small matter and a small matter into nothing. I think that if the imperial envoy truly cares for the people, he should capture all those corrupt officials and throw them into prison. "
"Nonsense!" The middle-aged merchant in front of him laughed disdainfully. "The officials are all in prison. Who will try the case? Who will manage it? Sir Fan junior is a genius with deep foresight. How could he be like us commoners who don't know what's important? This move is called striking the mountain to scare the tiger. Just watch, the good show is yet to come. I think the Jiangnan Road officials are really going to have a taste of the Overwatch Council's power this time. "
The person nodded and replied, "That is true. Fortunately, the Emperor is wise and sent the commissioner to Jiangnan."
The merchant lowered his voice and smiled. "It should be the Emperor's wisdom to have given birth to the commissioner."
The tea table immediately quieted down. A moment later, a wave of light laughter exploded with tacit understanding. In the end, the merchant said, "Earlier, my shop assistant went to the docks to take a look … the commissioner was truly ruthless. Those subordinates who went down the river on the big boats were whipped 30 times."
The person across from him replied as if it was a matter of course, "This is the right thing to do. Although it was the subordinates who hid Sir Fan junior from receiving the silver, the crime was already there. Now that the silver has been returned and the gift list has been burned, it is not easy to punish them. However, if the subordinates are not severely punished, how could the Jiangnan Road officials be convinced? Earlier, I also went to take a look. Tsk tsk … the whipping was truly ruthless. With one lash, it seemed to take off a few pieces of flesh. The bloody mess was very scary. "
In a salt merchant's manor that the imperial envoy was temporarily staying in, wretched cries rose and fell in a side room.
Fan Xian looked at a few trusted aides who had been lined up in order and looked at the whip marks on their backs. He placed the ointment in his hand on the table and laughingly scolded, "I'm not going to apply it for you guys. I sympathize with my subordinates, yet you guys are here wailing … when you were whipped, why didn't you cry out more wretchedly? Aren't you afraid of other people's suspicions? "
Su Wenmao turned his head miserably and said, "I have to gain face for you. Of course, it's not good to cry out after being whipped a few times … however, sir, is there a problem with your ointment? Why does it hurt more the more I apply it? "
Fan Xian smiled and said, "The whip is so light. Of course, I have to let you guys suffer a bit at this time!"
He rose and left, shaking his head as he walked. He thought to himself that what Wan Li said was sometimes correct. He was not a good official, so he was embarrassed to ask his subordinates to be honest officials. It was not easy to twist the upper beam to the lower beam.
(To be continued, if you want to know what happened afterwards, please log on to WWW. CMFU. COM. More chapters. Support the author. Support original reading!)
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