Chapter 162

There was once a lawless monkey. Perhaps because of him, or perhaps because of him, wherever he went, he would turn the world upside down. The biggest commotion he had created, as well as the biggest disaster, was the "Havoc in Heaven". The Jade Emperor could only hide under the imperial desk and send people to the Western Paradise to ask for help from the Buddha.

Once upon a time, that monkey succeeded in his cultivation and became a great god that people prayed for. He changed from a star of calamity that caused trouble to a role of reinforcement. Today, Ye Xiaotian returned from the capital, occupied Tongren, controlled the Shiqian Yang Clan, held the Shiqian Zhan Clan hostage, and influenced the Shiqian Tong Clan. Impressively, he also became a god that people prayed for.

Following Ye Mengxiong's summon, Ye Xiaotian suddenly appeared. However, he was not the only one who came. There was also a man in his thirties with a square face, a square chin, and a wide jawline. When the two walked into Ye Mengxiong's study, they entered side by side. In other words, this person's status was not lower than Ye Xiaotian's.

Ye Mengxiong narrowed his eyes and looked deeply at this person … He did not know him!

Ye Mengxiong said, "Official Ye is here. Sit, please sit! This is … "

Ever since Tian Jiaxin stepped into the residence, he began to feel nervous. If he took a few deep breaths and stopped to rest, he might be able to calm himself down. However, he did not want to let Ye Xiaotian see through him. Forcefully restraining himself caused his heart to be short of breath instead.

At this time, hearing Ye Mengxiong's question, Tian Jiaxin took a deep breath and hurriedly took a step forward. He bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Liangsi Tian Clan, Tian Jiaxin, greets Lord Futai."

Meeting in the study, there was no need for him to kneel without the official greeting. This greeting was appropriate. However, although it was a familiar action and speech, there was still a hint of urgency. Ye Mengxiong still did not know who he was. He frowned slightly and looked at Ye Xiaotian.

Ye Xiaotian smiled slightly and cupped his hands, "Lord Futai, this is the Fourteenth Prince of the Tian family. He is well-versed in both literature and martial arts, and has a calm temperament. My wife has always favored him."

Ye Mengxiong suddenly realized that this was the new head of the clan chosen by the Tian family. Ye Mengxiong was slightly displeased. No matter who the visitor was, he was here to discuss a secret matter with Ye Xiaotian. How could he allow others to be present? Thinking of this, Ye Mengxiong suddenly had a thought.

Judging from their past interactions, Ye Xiaotian wasn't someone who didn't know what was important. If he insisted on keeping Tian Jiaxin by his side, it would be debatable.

What kind of person was Ye Mengxiong? He immediately figured out the crux of the matter. Although he still had some doubts about Tian Jiaxin's ability, he believed that Tian Jiaxin would be able to play his role with Ye Xiaotian's care. Ye Xiaotian brought Tian Jiaxin here with the intention of "borrowing power." However, if Tian Jiaxin were to sit firmly in the position of the head of the clan, who would dare to say that Tian Jiaxin was appointed as the head of the Tian Clan without Ye Futai's favor?

To Ye Mengxiong, who was eager to open up the situation and further expand his influence, this was obviously a win-win situation. Ye Mengxiong immediately smiled and didn't mind Ye Xiaotian's "forceful promotion." He nodded to Tian Jiaxin cordially, "So it's Tian Shisilang. Please sit!"

Ye Xiaotian and Tian Jiaxin both sat down. The manservant served tea. Ye Xiaotian coughed and said, "Sir, I heard that Sir Song from Little Western Paradise came to the government office today and had some unpleasantness with Sir Futai?"

Ye Xiaotian taking the initiative to talk about this topic was exactly what Ye Mengxiong wanted. Ye Mengxiong sighed and said, "Yes! I understand that Song Yingming loves his daughter. However, a life for a life, a debt must be paid. How can the law of the country be a trifling matter? I can't help her even if I wanted to. "

Ye Xiaotian said, "I don't know what request Sir Song made?"

Ye Futai chuckled and said, "What requests can he make? Miss Song killed someone because of her 'chastity'. Her crime cannot be forgiven and is pardonable. According to the story of killing someone because of her 'filial piety', I wanted to give her one side of the net and pardon her. However, people can be pardoned but cannot be punished. I wanted to follow the law and beat Miss Song sixty times. Song Yingming was very dissatisfied and left in a huff. "

Ye Xiaotian thought, if he had just left in a huff, you wouldn't have come looking for me so urgently. I'm afraid the two of you have completely broken down. You also don't want to make another strong enemy other than Yang Yinglong. If you really have a feud with the Song family, you don't need them to be like Yang Yinglong of Bozhou with unfathomable intentions. You only need to disobey everything, not obey orders, and drag you down everywhere. Then it will be difficult for you, Ye Futai, to control Guizhou.

Ye Xiaotian didn't expose him. He only furrowed his brows slightly and pretended to be concerned. "Sir Song and Sir Futai are both ministers who support the court and the country. If they fall out, how can it be the fortune of the place and the country? Cough! Can Fourteenth Wang mediate between the two so that the generals and ministers can be united? "

Tian Jiaxin took advantage of the time Ye Xiaotian and Ye Mengxiong were talking to quietly regulate his breathing. Seeing Ye Xiaotian speak with assurance and composure, he couldn't help but feel ashamed. In the end, he was from a large family. Once he understood, he also calmed down.

At this time, Ye Xiaotian deliberately asked him. Tian Jiaxin's spirit rose and he hurriedly said, "There is nothing wrong with Sir Futai upholding the law of the country. However, after all, Miss Tian is a woman and a descendant of a wealthy family. She is not the daughter of a humble family. If she is beaten, I'm afraid the Song family's face and Miss Song herself will not be able to bear the humiliation. Although Miss Song has offended sir's authority, considering that she is avenging her husband, her integrity is commendable. Could sir be lenient and exempt her from the beating? "

"Hmm …" Ye Mengxiong stroked his beard and appeared to be deep in thought. Out of the corner of his eyes, he looked at Ye Xiaotian. "Kid, if I only need to make concessions, why would I need to find you?"

Ye Xiaotian glanced at Tian Jiaxin and didn't speak. If Tian Jiaxin couldn't handle it, hitting a snag would help him improve. If he didn't grow up, Miaowen wouldn't be able to rest easy. She would have to constantly be tied down by the affairs of the Tian Clan. When it was time to let go, she would have to let go.

Tian Jiaxin saw Ye Futai's silence and thought again. His original intention was to invoke the old custom of killing between a chieftain and a chieftain's family. However, this was a sensitive topic. Firstly, Miss Song and Wei Ye could only barely touch this rule. Secondly, Ye Xiaotian's case had already broken this old custom. Even Ye Xiaotian was escorted to the capital and pardoned by the Emperor before being punished with demotion. If Miss Song could invoke this example, there would be no need for them to act. If they didn't understand the situation and brought up this rule, it would only cause Ye Futai to despise them.

Tian Jiaxin thought again and said tentatively, "Usually, when a woman is involved in a case, she is not imprisoned. She is brought back by her family to be disciplined. Her family will pay for her crimes. Although Miss Song's case is not a small one, it is limited by her status. In addition, she was acting out of love and integrity. Has sir considered punishing the Song family as a warning to others? "

Ye Mengxiong narrowed his eyes out of habit. He was beginning to become interested in Tian Jiaxin's topic. "Oh? In Fourteenth Wang's opinion, what kind of punishment should the Song family receive in order to maintain the dignity of the royal family and the dignity of the court while also protecting Miss Song's chastity and integrity? "

Ye Mengxiong thought quickly and didn't rashly answer. There was a great deal of knowledge in how to set the conditions. He had to first find out the bottom line of both sides before he could prescribe the right medicine. If he rashly brought up a solution, it would be one of the topics that the two sides had already broken down on. He would be forced into a passive position.

In front of Ye Mengxiong, Ye Xiaotian was not as reserved as Tian Jiaxin. Seeing that Ye Mengxiong was thinking hard, he could not ask Ye Mengxiong bluntly, so he asked on behalf of Ye Mengxiong, "I believe Lord Song and Lord Futai have discussed this before. I wonder what Lord Futai has suggested?"

Ye Mengxiong thought for a moment and said, "This old man thinks that Miss Song's heart is filled with resentment and anger. She didn't know the government and arbitrarily killed people. Wei Ye was seeking death, but Miss Song also violated the law because of this. It is all because the people of Shuidong are not educated and don't know the law.

If they can imitate the old places of Shi Qianyang and Cao County and set up a judicial yamen, with the patrol department responsible for local law and order, they can imperceptibly influence the people so that they have laws to abide by. This kind of merit is enough to make up for Miss Song's crime alone. It's a pity … "

Ye Mengxiong smiled coldly. The result went without saying.

Tian Jiaxin hurriedly said, "Then, did Sir Song not propose any solutions?"

Ye Mengxiong lazily changed his sitting position and said, "No. Song Yingming only asked for forgiveness from this old man. He said that because he often had trouble with the Bozhou Yang family, he was focused on family affairs and neglected his children. Yang Yinglong of Bozhou was too lenient with his subordinates, causing disputes to often arise between him and the other Chieftains. This Governor has also repeatedly warned him. After hearing Song Yingming's troubles, this Governor wanted to set up a guard office along the Wu River and have the court step in to separate the two Chieftains to avoid trouble. Who would have thought that Song Yingming thought that this Governor wanted to interfere in his territory and left in anger. "

Tian Jiaxin finally understood. Ye Mengxiong could not take away the administrative power. That was the most fundamental of the five powers of the local officials. Therefore, he wanted to take a roundabout way and start with the judicial power. If he could successfully establish the court's judicial system, he could at least take away a quarter of the ruling power of Shuidong.

Song Yingming was not an idiot and naturally refused. Therefore, Ye Mengxiong settled for the next best thing and wanted to set up a court guard office in Shuidong. The military strength of the guard office was limited, and it had no effect on the local administrative and judicial power. The local officials still had their own army, but in addition to this, there was another military force.

The influence of the guard office on the local natives was far inferior to seizing the judicial power, but it would still have a certain effect, especially in terms of deterrence. This was a knife that might not fall, but hanging over one's head would always make one uncomfortable. Song Yingming was the head of a clan and naturally could not cede the interests of the entire clan for the sake of his daughter. Therefore, this point was clearly not agreed upon.

Tian Jiaxin thought hard. The first thing he thought of was a fine, but no matter how much the fine was, to the rich and powerful Song family, it was just a drop in the ocean. For Ye Mengxiong, this was even less of a concern. The Song family might agree, but why would Ye Mengxiong care?

Tian Jiaxin's heart skipped a beat. He suddenly thought of something. In a situation where both sides were willing to take a step back, both sides could obtain a dignified exit. Tian Jiaxin's eyes suddenly lit up.

Ye Xiaotian had been paying attention to Tian Jiaxin's eyes all this time. One look at his expression and he knew that he had already thought of a solution. However, he did not know if this matter would succeed and was still analyzing and making a judgment. Ye Xiaotian could not help but smile slightly and gently shake his head.

Negotiation was a process of both sides constantly testing, breaking in, and adjusting. As long as both sides had the need to reconcile, they would eventually find a point of balance. But this required one to constantly put forward one's own ideas and search for affirmation amidst constant negation. How could one person sit there and analyze things?

Speaking of which, this was not because Tian Jiaxin lacked intelligence, but because he was used to being under others and doing things according to their orders. He was used to repeatedly analyzing the intentions of his superiors and did not dare to rashly put forward a suggestion or opinion.

This was not a problem of Tian Jiaxin's ability. He only needed to gradually adapt to his new identity and change his way of thinking. The situation was urgent and did not allow him to repeatedly think about it. Ye Xiaotian said, "Fourteenth Wang seems to have some ideas. There is no harm in speaking them out. Perhaps it will be of some inspiration to you."

Ye Mengxiong also nodded and said, "Correct! If you have any ideas, there is no harm in speaking them boldly. It doesn't matter if it's right or wrong. In any case, we are talking behind closed doors and discussing in private, haha … "

Tian Jiaxin smiled with some embarrassment and said, "Sir Futai, I have thought of a solution …"

Ye Mengxiong looked at him encouragingly. "Let's hear it!"

Tian Jiaxin said, "Then I will speak frankly. Miss Song's crime cannot go unpunished, but something that affects the foundation of the Song clan, even if Sir Song is the head of the clan, presumably he would not dare to agree without permission. If … the Song family is willing to change from paying tribute to paying taxes, does Sir think that this can pardon Miss Tian's crime? "

Ye Mengxiong was dazed. "Change from paying tribute to paying taxes?"

The local officials of Guizhou were also autonomous in terms of taxation. They usually used the method of paying tribute to show their submission to the court. For example, Chieftain An had once offered a precious horse to the court, and Yang Yinglong of Bozhou had offered a large piece of wood to the court a few years ago. If they changed from paying tribute to paying taxes …

Ye Mengxiong stroked his beard and gently closed his eyes.

This tax referred to the land tax. The agricultural tax of the Ming Dynasty was already very low. Guizhou was barren, and its agriculture was not very developed. The income from agriculture was an extremely small portion of the local officials' income. Collecting taxes would not incite a strong backlash from the Song Dynasty.

Furthermore, Guizhou's agriculture was backward and completely relied on the weather to make a living. Natural disasters were frequent, and they could often report disasters, including some tricks. If there was no disaster, there would be a disaster, and if there was a small disaster, there would be a big disaster. In addition, the collection of taxes and the amount of land were all in the hands of the local officials. This tax was even more dispensable.

But to the court, they did not care about this little bit of silver. Instead, they cared about the great significance. This would allow the court to take a big step forward in its direct rule over Guizhou. If they could change the tax policy of Shuidong and promote the establishment of a tax payment system for the entire Guizhou, it would have great significance.

Did the court only obtain an empty reputation? But not entirely. To the court, this was a noose that could be loosened or tightened. When needed, the court could tighten this noose. Since you are paying taxes, it is natural for me to measure your land, right? Isn't it natural for me to check your actual income? If you have evaded taxes, this is almost inevitable. If they want to check anyone, they will be able to find out. Isn't it legal and reasonable for me to punish you? This way, the court could infiltrate and exert influence in many aspects.

Of course, this was all in the future. Food had to be eaten bite by bite, and the road had to be walked step by step. At least in the first few years after the tax policy was implemented, these things could not be done, and they could not show any signs of doing so. If they wanted to use Shuidong as bait and change the entire Guizhou from paying tribute to paying taxes, Shuidong would be used as a model. Then, it would be at least a few decades before they could take any further steps.

But … this was a beautiful beginning after all!

Besides, not only was the tribute policy not as good as the tax policy in proving the court's existence and exerting more influence, every time the court received a tribute, the value of the gift in return would be several times or even dozens of times greater. This had already become the norm and was difficult to change. If they changed the tribute to paying taxes, the financial burden of the court could be greatly reduced.

This concession could not compare to handing over judicial power or allowing the court to station troops, but it was a good beginning. Thinking of this, Ye Mengxiong's bright and spirited gaze turned to Tian Jiaxin. "Can Fourteenth Wang persuade Song Yingming?"

Tian Jiaxin said, "I am willing to do my best!"

"Good!"

Ye Mengxiong stood and said, "If Song Yingming is willing to agree, then he has done a service to the country. If he has done a service to the country, the court will naturally increase his favor. It is reasonable to pardon him because of a favor. I will leave this matter to you, my virtuous nephew! "

Tian Jiaxin's face lit up with joy. With Ye Mengxiong's words, the following matters would be easy to handle. Once he accomplished this matter, Ye Mengxiong's side would certainly have something to say. He had never been a mediocre talent. Under Ye Xiaotian's constant nurturing, his reputation and position in the family had increased day by day. If he also had the appreciation of the inspector, no one could steal the position of the head of the family.

Tian Jiaxin followed Ye Xiaotian to bid farewell to Ye Mengxiong and left. Once they left the manor, Tian Jiaxin bowed deeply to Ye Xiaotian and solemnly said, "Words cannot express my gratitude for this great kindness!" He was not stupid. He knew what Ye Xiaotian had done.

Ye Xiaotian smiled slightly and said, "Fourteenth Wang has the ambition of a kunpeng and exceptional talent. It's just a pity that he didn't have the opportunity to display it. What I am doing is just acting as a go-between and helping to introduce him. What happens next will depend entirely on Fourteenth Wang. "

Tian Jiaxin was slightly startled and said, "Son-in-law isn't going to accompany Fourteenth to see the head of the Song family?"

"There's no need to go!"

Ye Xiaotian smiled faintly and said, "Futai has already taken a step back. Behind him still stands the court. There is no way to retreat anymore. What happens next will depend on whether or not Song Yingming is tactful. For the Song family, changing from paying tribute to paying taxes is a minuscule loss of profit. As for what happens in the long term, it is not something the court can decide. The court has the ability. If they don't give in today, there will still be changes in the future. The court doesn't have the ability. What they have agreed to today is just a large pie drawn out. I trust that Song Yingming will make a wise choice. "

Tian Jiaxin showed a slightly ashamed expression and said, "Son-in-law, Fourteenth truly admires you today! Our Tian Family's Eldest Young Miss is only worthy of a hero like the son-in-law! Since this is the case, then Fourteenth will make a trip to the Song family! "

Ye Xiaotian smiled and said, "Good! Then I'll go back first. When you come back, I'll hold a feast for you to celebrate! "

The two of them parted in front of the yamen. Tian Jiaxin didn't stop for even a moment and headed straight for the Song family. Ye Xiaotian also returned to the Tian family manor. Based on his plan, after resolving this matter, he would make a trip to Red Maple Lake. Although he and Yingying were officially engaged and according to custom, they shouldn't see each other before they were married, Ye Xiaotian wasn't someone who cared that much about these worldly rules.

However, when Ye Xiaotian returned to the Tian family manor and stepped through the gates of the Tian manor, the messenger that Li Dazhuang had sent to inform him of the death had rushed as fast as lightning to Shili Pavilion outside of Guiyang. Following the arrival of the Ye family's messenger, the most important step of Yang Yinglong's "Stealing the Sky and Switching the Sun" plan officially began. In the open and in the shadows, countless people, unbeknownst to them, began to move with all their might for this plan.