342-344

Chapter 342: An Auspicious Sign From The Heavens

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

In the beginning of the sixth year of the Qing calendar, both Northern Qi and the Qing Kingdom had mysterious things happen within their borders. Due to cold weather, the millet had not yet grown in the rice paddies, so there were no double ears of grain or white fish in the rivers, and no one found any kylins in the mountains. When Wuzhou was excavated, they dug out a pair of copper walls. When Shazhou was repairing its river, workers found—to their great surprise and joy—a giant turtle decorated with cloud patterns; there also were black birds in the Jiangnan rice paddies and red geese flying in the horizon.

No matter whether it was copper walls, cloud turtles, or black birds, these were all auspicious signs. Officials from all over rushed to send in memorials and all kinds of fawning, however, the Emperor in Jingdou did not care because this shameless atmosphere of auspiciousness began in the Northern Qi.

The first rumor said that after the first snowfall on Xi Mountain, a woodcutter on the mountain found white deer, white wolves, and white foxes. Considering them auspicious signs, he wrote a memorial to the Northern Qi Emperor.

Great Grandmaster Ku He considered this a celestial sign and decided that the rulers of each country had governed well and aligned with heaven's will. He reopened his school and took a female disciple, Si Lili, from a temple outside Shangjing. She later entered the palace.

This tempest eventually came south. Throughout Qing Kingdom things began to happen. However, it was clear that the Qing Emperor was an unyielding man who did not respect ghosts and spirits. It was not until the Director of the Imperial Observatory announced ecstatically in a shaky voice that the Imperial Observatory had seen a large star and iridescent clouds that the Qing Emperor began to take the matter seriously.

Auspicious signs, also known as lucky symbols, had a long history and were often noted in literature. It was a little magic that the heavens used to show people their satisfaction with their governance. There were many types of auspicious signs, such as favorable weather, double ears of grain, and new sweet springs from the ground. The common people were very trusting of them.

Auspicious signs were divided into five levels. Other than things like kylin, which could not be found and were considered excellent auspicious signs, the other levels were superior auspicious signs, upper auspicious signs,middle auspicious signs, and lower auspicious signs.

White wolves, white foxes, and such were upper auspicious signs. Black birds, red geese, and such were lower auspicious signs. The so-called large star and iridescent clouds the Director of the Imperial Observatory had so happily reported were strange and colorful clouds of the sky and most certainly a superior auspicious sign. Furthermore, the name had the Qing nation name within it. No matter how aloof and suspicious the Emperor was, he began to become elated. After all, the Emperor was still a man and always liked being fawned on. This year was sure to be a year with favorable weather.

Since it was to be a good year, there naturally couldn't be warfare. Using auspicious signs as a directive, the communications of state affairs between the Northern Qi and Qing Kingdom became much closer, particularly since the two countries were about to be joined in marriage. The Great Prince and Great Princess of Northern Qi were just about to tie the knot.

Northern Qi had sent out a rather large diplomatic mission. The Qing people were surprised and honored that the Northern Qi Imperial Advisor, Ku He, was coming south with the diplomatic mission. He was going to be the presiding witness.

Although the Qing people were proud and radiant, each arrangement for welcoming the guests had to be redrafted. Ye Liuyun had disappeared to somewhere where even cranes couldn't find him. The only person of rank left to welcome them seemed to the Emperor of the Qing Kingdom. However, the officials of the Honglu Temple did not dare to ask the Emperor to personally show his face.

In the end, the empress dowager could not stand to see the officials below panicking and came forward to solve the issue. Following the old rules for the literary master Zhuang Mohan, they would invite great master Ku He into the palace. She would be responsible for welcoming him.

The position of the Great Grandmaster Ku He in the world was extraordinary. Not only was he one of the top great grandmasters, but Tianyi Dao was secretly influencing the temples in all locations as well as the Ascetic Monks wandering the wilderness. Although the Temple never interfered in mortal business, this kind of restrained renown had long surpassed the influence of an ace martial artist.

Unexpectedly, when Imperial Advisor Ku He reached Jingdou, he politely declined the invitation and situated himself into the Temple of Qing. This did indeed match his identity.

Although the two countries had their differences, the Qing people still showed sufficient respect to the great grandmaster. Besides respect, everyone had a sense of curiosity and were making guesses. Although the marriage alliance was an important matter, it still shouldn't have been enough to move him, right?

A few days after the Northern Qi diplomatic mission entered the capital, the true reason for Ku He to personally visit the Qing court was revealed.

It turns out that the Northern Qi Emperor had written a new state document explicitly stating he wished to repair his relationship to the South Kingdom and extend the draft agreement from last year into perpetuity. The two countries would refer to each other as brothers. They would not discuss the matter of juniors and seniors and only talk about their future friendship. Generation after generation, they would remain friends.

Ku He had to oversee such an important negotiation personally. The Qing Emperor held the letter from his northern colleague in his hand and thought about it for many days before finally gently nodding his head. It was probably three-tenths for the sake of Ku He's face.

Once the message went out, the world celebrated. Even though the Qing People valued martial prowess, in the end they liked to have peaceful days. It was only the military that was quietly angry. They felt that since the court was in its golden age, it was the perfect time to unite the world as one. Why would they cover their heads with some papers? Although they weren't heavy, it still made breathing less easy.

It was the leader of the old Qin family that saw things for how they were and did not care at all. He occasionally said to those closest to him: "Currently the Northern Qi is recovering at a pace that has exceeded our expectations. It won't be good to send out troops for the next few years. This negotiation is just a few pieces of paper. When the time comes for them to be torn, they will be torn. It's not like our Emperor hasn't done something like that before."

Ku He's other purpose for coming south shocked the officials and commoners in Jingdou. He was going to take Minister Shang's only daughter—the lady of the Fan family—as a disciple.

His reasons were quite sufficient. Months before the end of year crossing of Yin and Yang, the heavens sent down auspicious signs. It was the kind will of heaven. Tianyi Dao believed in the unity of heaven and man. He conducted human matters according to heaven's will, thus he was to select a prodigy among mankind and nurture them with care. To work for the happiness of the people was the right path. Since it was a deed to honor heaven, then it was not restricted by territory. Northern Qi showed auspicious signs, and he took a disciple. Now the South Kingdom had shown auspicious signs, so he would take another disciple.

The news of the Tianyi Dao Great Grandmaster Ku He reopening his doors had already spread all over last year, but the South Kingdom never thought this news would have anything to do with them. Who would have thought that the last female disciple of Tianyi Dao would be from Jingdou?

As to why he would chose the lady of the Fan family became the question. Not many people would think of Fan Xian far away in Jiangnan. No matter how arrogant and powerful Fan Xian was, he still didn't have the power to order Imperial Advisor Ku He to create benefit for himself.

Ku He did not explain his criteria for choosing a disciple. It was only rumors from the eunuchs responsible for serving him that people learned Ku He had occasionally traveled through the Jingdou public. He once stood silently outside the Imperial Academy of Medicine for half a day and had a warm and appreciative expression afterward. He had said that one of the girls in the hospital was kind and pure, very intelligent, and an able person.

That day, Fan Ruoruo had been interning at the Imperial Academy of Medicine. She used the nursing knowledge and medical skills she had learned in the past months to carefully tend to the critically ill patients in the hospital. She hadn't taken time to change. Her lips were dry, and her clothes were soaked with sweat despite the winter weather; she had worked very hard.

In this world there was a saying, "literary and martial skills know no borders." The student of Northern Qi's Zhuang Mohan could be a great official in the Qing Kingdom. Ku He wanted to take a Qing person as a disciple, and the Qing people would only feel honor rather than anything else. Thus, the public did not have any big reaction. In fact, they were happy to see it happen.

However, Ku He taking a disciple was a big matter, especially since it was the lady of an official's family. He had to solicit the opinion of the seniors in the other party's family. Even Fan Jian was not sure what to do in this matter and had to enter the palace to ask the Emperor for an edict.

Among the many palaces, the Qing Emperor sat on his dragon chair and furrowed his brows. After a long silence he only asked one thing: "An Zhi dislikes Hong Cheng this much?"

Fan Jian was shocked and didn't know what to say.

A smile flashed through the Emperor's eyes. He was amazed at the length of Fan Xian's reach and power. He also felt that Ku He was overly tender toward the girl named Haitang, but he still felt some remorse for banishing Fan Xian to Jiangnan, so it was not sufficient to be a problem. He waved his hands and allowed this proposal.

Not long after the Great Prince was married, Ku He left behind the diplomatic mission, took Fan Ruoruo, and swiftly left the capital.

Thus, the marriage between the Fan family and King Jing's family was pushed back indefinitely. It was only a matter of time before it disappeared completely. King Jing's heir, Li Hongcheng, had been under house arrest. Hearing the bad news, he almost spat blood. Once King Jing knew of this, he entered the palace and made quite a ruckus. In the end, it forced the empress dowager to come out. Only then could he be pacified.

After King Jing returned to his manner, he still couldn't swallow his anger. He took the gardeners and thugs from his manor straight to Minister Shang's manor, someone his family has been friendly with for generations. Regardless of the front residence or the back residence, everything was smashed to pieces. They smashed until the Fan manor resembled a heap of trash. They completely destroyed countless antiques Fan Jian had collected for many years and chased the Fan manor serving girls until their faces became pale. At the end, King Jing left Minister Shang, who had rushed home with a brutal black eye. Only then did he arrogantly lead his troops back to his manor and feel the anger in his chest dissipate slightly.

…

…

Jiangnan, beside West Lake, and no lotuses at the start of spring. The thin rain fell like thread.

Fan Xian and his group had already been living in Hangzhou for almost a month. Although nominally there were on holiday, with spring approaching there was another deeper layer of meaning for his stay. In the last few days, the Jiangnan branch of the Overwatch Council began working at full steam. Unlike before, when all their business had to be sent to Jingdou to be processed, now it was delivered directly to the manor beside West Lake.

Outside of the main Council in Jingdou, this manor had formally become the second center of power of the Overwatch Council.

All matters relating to the situation of the officials of Jiangnan Road, the details of the Ming family and the salt merchants, and the movements of the palace treasury in the last few months, were all summarized by the Fourth Bureau official in the manor. He then reported to Fan Xian. Without the distance between the cities, the control the upper levels of the Overwatch Council had in Jiangnan took a big step forward. However, the Ming family reacted quickly. They had made arrangements last autumn. As the Ming family was one of the giant local families, everyone they used was a family member. Thus, the Council was not able to place sufficient spies or receive much useful information.

On the contrary, the Jiangnan water bandits they had recruited in Shazhou began to show their use beyond what Fan Xian had expected. Xia Qifei was a man who planned far ahead. He had long planned to win back the Ming family and been preparing for many years. He had more detailed knowledge than the Overwatch Council about the Ming family's export routes and other related information.

The Ming family had stayed strangely silent. It was said that they had an upper level meeting in Suzhou, and it was clear they were there for Fan Xian. However, the meeting was highly secretive, and the Overwatch Council didn't find anything on it.

Given Fan Xian's identity and position, in addition to that of the Third Prince, no one, whether it was the Ming family or the many officials of Jiangnan Road, had the daring to provoke him first. As for Yun Zhilan and those people from Dongyi, they were originally here to support the Ming family. Who would have thought that Fan Xian would be so unreasonable as to start an operation to chase out all the dogs?

One immortal living in the mortal realm could perhaps hide for a long time in a city, but a group of immortals would not be able to hide all traces of their movements. The long empty Peng family manor suddenly had more people living in it. Regardless of whether it was the grains, fruits, and vegetables that were bought, or the expensive daily use items brought in, when seen by those in Hangzhou who had the mind to care, they would all be able to guess something.

Eventually the news that Commissioner Fan was in Hangzhou had spread like wildfire throughout Jiangnan Road. However, he stayed in the manor and did not see guests. The Zhizhou of Hangzhou went to visit once and was turned away politely by the guards. Everyone knew Commissioner Fan was still on holiday and did not want to be disturbed.

However, the people wondered what exactly Fan Xian was preparing since he had been quiet for a long time. As he was silent, the officials and jianghu people were also forced into silence. There was no decrease in the gifts being sent to the big ship on the river, and the Ming family very respectfully moved out of the other manors beside the West Lake in fear they were disturbing the commissioner's peace.

The manor beside the West Lake was quiet, yet it attracted the gazes of countless people.

…

…

A small leaf-shaped boat floated on the lake. Two young men, who looked to be students, sat on it. One was at the head, and one at the tail. There was a low table between them on which sat fresh fruit and Jiangnan alcohol. The set up was comfortable and at ease.

The two were Fan Xian and Haitang in disguise. They had not rubbed flour and such on their faces. Fan Xian had cleverly shaved the corner of their eyebrows and used glue to smooth the tail of the eyebrows up a little. With the eyebrows changed, the two people's appearances were immediately different. If it were not people who were familiar with them, they would certainly not be recognized.

At this time, the little boat was slowly moving in an isolated corner of the West Lake. The lake air was fresh after the small rain had stopped.

Fan Xian often went boating on the lake with Haitang. He liked the lake scenery, and he was beginning to learn the Heart of Tianyi Dao. Haitang had said he needed to be close to nature to use the yuanqi between the heaven and earth to repair the Meridians in his body.

Speaking of which, that was rather miraculous. After Fan Xian began to cultivate Tianyi Dao, he no longer retained zhenqi in his lower back. It had shifted to a point just below his navel. Those drops of collected zhenqi seemed to carry a fresh scent and slowly spread moisture on the walls of his Meridians, moistening his dry and damaged Meridians. Being close to the beauty of nature, with the slightly cold lake water reflecting the white clouds and blue sky below and the forests at the foot of the mountain that were just starting to show green to his side, his cultivation was indeed faster.

Fan Xian believed what Haitang said made sense. He knew that most importantly the zhenqi in his body circulated one time more than other martial cultivators as he had practiced the skill of circulating back and forth internally and externally too much back in the day. In the past he had only used it for rock climbing. He only just learned that it was greatly beneficial for his spirit and interaction with the heaven and earth.

He closed eyes and half reclined at the head of the boat. His right hand was carelessly laid on the side of the boat, and his fingertips gently trailed along the lightly rocking water. A thread of very light, almost undetectable, zhenqi flowed out of his fingertips. It touched the water of the lake before gently being pulled back to flow into his body. His fingertips left fine ripples on the water's surface.

Haitang gently rowed the double oars. Her eyes, as bright as the water of the lake, focused on Fan Xian's fingertips. Her brows furrowed slightly and she quietly sighed. The comprehension ability and destiny of this young man in front of her was rare to see. Like the scene before her, the zhenqi leaving the body and then returning, stained with the breath of nature. This was clearly the appearance of the third level of the Heart of Tianyi Dao. Although she was considered a prodigy—she had been cultivating for five years before she understood this kind of realm—it only took Fan Xian a few weeks.

Fan Xian's current realm was much higher than when she first started, and his comprehension ability was also much stronger. Haitang still felt a thread of disbelief and fear at his rapid progress. Fan Xian knew, at the same time, two great martial schools of the North and South. He also held great power in his hands, and his prestige among the people was excellent. This kind of person…what if in the future he walked an evil path? Who would be able to control him?

In reality, Fan Xian's martial comprehension ability was nowhere close to that of Haitang's. He was able to so successfully cultivate the Heart of Tianyi Dao because, first, Haitang was beside him teaching him without holding anything back; second, Fan Xian had built a strong foundation for his zhenqi as a child; and third, as mentioned earlier, Fan Xian was very familiar with the kind of method of having the zhenqi leave and then return. He was a stingy man, but had coincidentally catered to the Tianyi Dao cultivation method.

Seeming to sense what Haitang was thinking, Fan Xian woke from his meditation and slowly opened his eyes. He looked at Haitang with a not-quite-there smile. "Don't worry. If I really wanted to go back on my word, I wouldn't have let that Northern Qi man you brought to Jiangnan come into contact with so many things."

In his agreement with Haitang, or more accurately, in Fan Xian's negotiation with the Northern Qi royal family, after the Eldest Princess had fallen, the smuggled goods from the palace treasury toward the north would not decrease. Additionally, their quality and level would see a major increase to the extent that Fan Xian would agree to the Northern Qi's request for certain goods strictly prohibited from being exported.

The Northern Qin man that Haitang had brought to Jiangnan was an official of the Northern Qi court. He was the manager of the Ministry of Revenue, but also held the position of siyu in the Ministry of Works. In the beginning he had floated around the Ministry of War. Although this official has not risen in his official career, he was a multi-talented and able man. He could manage accounts, was knowledgeable about the making of weapons, and proficient in inspecting merchandise. Haitang's decision to bring him here to be responsible for the trade with the Qing Kingdom palace treasury was truly an appropriate one.

"I am someone who takes promises very seriously." Fan Xian looked at Haitang and said, "What I promised you before in Shangjing, I will do it for sure."

"So are we." Haitang smiled slightly. She let go of the oars and allowed the little boat to drift as it wished on the lake. "You should have already received the message. Teacher has already taken lady Fan and left Jingdou."

Without waiting for Fan Xian to reply, she continued. "Fan Sizhe is also beginning to gradually take over the business left by the Cui family in the territory of my court. You should know, if it weren't for the Emperor's assent, these should have been taken into the national treasury and would not have become your personal property."

Fan Xian shook his head. "The Cui family were citizens of the Qing Kingdom. Even if they committed crimes and were caught, it should naturally be Qing people that take over."

Haitang did not acknowledge his irrational arguments. "Furthermore, I have already brought the Heart to you as we agreed in the letter. I think there is little for us to be picky about in the content of the first part of the agreement."

Fan Xian nodded. This was a deal that greatly benefitted both parties. Only, he wasn't sure why he was placing so much trust in Northern Qi people. Haitang also seemed to not understand this point and furrowed her brows. "An Zhi, you've sent both your sister and brother to Shangjing. Don't say you did this for no reason. What is this for?"

Fan Xian smiled and knew she had finally realized something was up, but he also could not reply to her straightforwardly. Was he going to tell a foreigner that he was worried the Emperor would suddenly have a purge so he was placing reserve forces in the other countries under heaven?

He waved his hand. "This is nothing. As long as our agreement continues to be fulfilled, I trust that both you and that…little Emperor will protect my family well."

Haitang's eyebrow rose. "If things fall through, how will you face everyone in Qing Kingdom?"

"Face? There will be absolutely no need to face them." Fan Xian smiled. "Although I don't think I am a traitor, others will definitely think of me as the biggest traitor of the Qing Kingdom."

Haitang smiled, having no words for this forthcoming and hooligan-like temperament. Fan Xian continued to smile. "Besides, as for this world, I don't mind being an internationalist."

"Did you have a hand in the auspicious signs around the Qing Kingdom? Haitang lowered her head and asked.

Fan Xian did not deny it. The events in Wuzhou and Shazhou, among others, were naturally the work of the Overwatch Council. As for the large star and iridescent clouds the Imperial Observatory saw…don't forget, the previous official of the Imperial Observatory was one of the Second Prince's people and had, one dark and windy night, been invited to the Overwatch Council for tea. He had yet to be realized. The current official of the Imperial Observatory's relations with Fan Xian was much closer.

He thought to himself: The little Emperor in the North thought he was clever and did the three whites. Over here there have few creatures in our snowy mountains, but if we make a lucky cloud, that should be able to hold you down. In the Emperor's secret letter, it was clear he was very pleased with the arrangements he made. A sense of pride came through between the words and lines.

"The Emperor of Qing…" Haitang deliberated on her word choice, "although he has rarely shown himself these years, everyone knows the Emperor has heaven given brilliance, particularly since this time teacher has accepted your sister as his last disciple. It is difficult to say that he won't guess something."

Fan Xian nodded. "These things could never have been hidden from His Majesty. As an official, I also will not hide it. I have submitted a secret memorial on the related matters."

Haitang was slightly surprised. "You are certainly open and candid. What things will you not say?"

Fan Xian furrowed his brows and became serious. "For example, moving the silver from the palace treasury to my own home. This kind of thing, of course I'm too embarrassed to tell the Emperor."

The little boat once again sank into silence, and the waters of the lake also once again became calm. Fan Xian gazed at the slightly worried looking Haitang and found that after a half a year, this girl's personality seemed to have changed a little. Perhaps it was her initial foray into court politics that had some influence on her frame of mind.

Facing Haitang, Fan Xian actually felt a faint unease. In the days they had interacted from last year to today, he had followed the principle of summarizing his heart with one word, to do his best to open his heart in their interactions, to be utterly sincere, and to even say some unbelievably childish things. He truly valued Haitang as a friend, but he also wanted to influence this girl from his heart to win a strong helper. That his starting point was calculated made him feel slightly ashamed.

From the side of the lake came the sound of urgent hoof beats. Fan Xian turned his head to look and saw a handsome horse rushing on the stone path beside the lake. It was candidly and openly heading toward the Peng family manor door that officials had not dared to approach in days. A familiar looking official flipped off the horse and angrily began to beat on the door.

Chapter 343: Pick Up The Bowl To Drink Congee, Put Down Chopsticks To Curse

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Leaving behind the boat to step onto the shore, Fan Xian walked toward the garden with some puzzlement. Haitang was behind him and greeted the old man fishing beside the lake, however Fan Xian did not have the mind to get close to the people. Seeing the fine horse outside the yard, his brows drew together.

The official that came on the horse had already entered the garden and just left the horse outside. He hadn't even tied the lead rope. It seemed he was truly in a rush. The horse was just standing around below the stone steps, snorting and smelling the green grass that had just grown out. Unfortunately it was wearing a bridle, so it could only mouth at it anxiously but was not able to eat it.

"Sir." The guard at the door saluted him and a subordinate edged closer to explain something. Fan Xian held up his hands to stop him. He had long recognized who the angry official was. He hadn't seen the man in a year, but he could tell he still had the same personality, which made Fan Xian a bit angry.

From the depths of the manor came the faint sounds of an intense argument. After rounding the screened wall, the sound became louder. The tone of the voice was full of criticism, anger, and disappointment that seemed to come from the very marrow of their bones.

Fan Xian stopped his steps. He turned to Haitang with a self-deprecatingly smile and said, "It's just a small matter. Save me some face and don't come in."

Haitang smiled and nodded. She headed toward a path to the side that led to the garden.

Fan Xian tidied his clothes and listened with patience from the outside before he gently coughed. Acting every inch the teacher, he crossed his hands behind his back, stepped over the tall threshold, and walked in to the main hall.

Inside the main hall, the two red-faced, thick-necked people facing off like fighting roosters were Shi Chanli and Yang Wanli, whom he hadn't seen in a while.

Last year Yang Wanli was in the third rank of candidates to pass the imperial examinations. Sice everyone knew he was under the personal command of the Fan family, the managing official at the Ministry of Appointments waved his brush and transferred him to a wealthy county in Jiangnan to be a county magistrate. It was a lucrative post. It was only because the Minister of Appointments meddled, otherwise, given the Fan family prestige, it was not impossible for him to have been a Zhoutong or Yunpan right away.

Yang Wanli had also worked hard for his teacher Fan Xian and did not disappoint. He was hard working in politics, kind to his people, and loved to learn. In just one short year, the area he governed was neat and tidy, honest, and safe. He earned the praises honest, good, and fair in his autumn review. When the Supreme Court reviewed, they came to a similar conclusion. Although his term limit was not up and he could not be promoted, he was a proper sixth-level official.

Of the four disciples under the Fan family, Hou Jichang and Chen Jialin were both officials to the south of Jiaodong Road. It was said that their reputations were excellent as well.

After Fan Xian entered the room, he watched Yang Wanli and Shi Chanli argue with cold eyes. He found that Yang Wanli was being intimidating as Shi Chanli was slowly backing up. With a quick listen he realized what they were arguing about and laughed.

Yang Wanli turned his head to glance at him, paused, furrowed his brows, and then turned around to continue speaking to Shi Chanli. "Brother Shi, it's fine that you won't enter into an official position. Following beside teacher, helping him remedy omissions and correct errors, and to do so diligently can also be considered working for the good of the people…but now that teacher has clearly done the wrong thing. Why aren't you reminding him as you are by his side? Following the etiquette as disciples, we should still speak honestly and admonish. That is the correct way! Do you know what kind of embarrassing rumors are traveling around Jiangnan? Everyone is saying that Commissioner Fan can take the position, but who knows how well he can handle matters? But he certainly collects silver very openly!"

Yan Wanli unleashed sarcasm and laughed. "The Great River? I think that's a silver river. Before that ship takes all the silver in each province is another day the people on the ship refuse to go on land!"

The more he spoke the angrier he became. His sleeve shook. "To be an official for one day is to work for the happiness of the people for one day. Last year, teacher left word for us to be good officials, to be good people…but…but…is this how an official should act? I…I have almost no face to see people! Old Shi! You have disappointed me so much! Rotting insect! Traitor[JW1] !"

Hearing the last two adjectives, anger poured into Shi Chanli. He thought: You bastard! You've enjoyed being an honest official out here. What do you know of the hard work? I've suffered as the boss of a brothel in Jingdou. You call me traitor? Are you criticizing teacher as the tiger that eats people's bones and marrow? I see Yan Wanli, you haven't been an official for long, but you're much more daring now.

With a burst of hot blood, he turned around to curse. "You are a sour scholar who doesn't know the pains of the common people! If it weren't for teacher in the capital, do you think you can get such high praise? You ungrateful bastard!"

Yang Wanli tilted his head up and said proudly, with a hint of pain, "Although I only govern one county, within a year all bandits have disappeared and the people live in peace. I have not let down Sir Fan junior's initial hope."

In reality, Shi Chanli understood why the other party was so angry he had come directly to their door. The so-called higher the hopes, the greater the disappointment. They both hoped to follow Sir Fan junior to make a career for themselves in the Qing Kingdom and be truly honest and considerate officials. However, Fan Xian was in the Overwatch Council. Holding great power…the things he did…did indeed look the actions of a powerful official, but his distance from being an important official was getting larger and larger.

However, Shi Chanli had spent many years beside Fan Xian and knew that there were many things teacher did unwillingly, furthermore, they had a deeper relationship. He instinctively smiled coldly and continued to counterattack. "All the bandits are gone? If the provincial barracks hadn't moved 12 li into your Fuchun County…do you think those bandits were scared away by your sagely words? 12 li of land…unremarkable, right? But how capable are you, you little county magistrate?"

Yang Wanli froze and furrowed his forehead. "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 like he was wondering why the guards hadn't stopped this man from coming in. If outsiders heard him arguing with Yang Wanli and it got out, that would be bad.

…

…

At this moment, the most innocent one was Fan Xian. The two students were arguing intensely while he, the teacher, stood on the side for a long time without being acknowledged. He had been left out so long he'd almost dried out. He picked up Shi Chanli's words and smiled. "Doesn't mean anything. It was just that the old master felt sorry for all of you and just wrote a letter to the Sub-Prefect in command in the province."

It was at this moment that the two arguing recognized Fan Xian's voice. They jumped in shock at the same time. After a moment of surprise they said, "Teacher?"

Fan Xian stretched out a hand to rub at his temples, removing the glue at the corner of his eyebrows. His eyebrows returned to their original places, and that delicate and handsome face recovered its original appearance. He had forgotten to take of his disguise after he entered the room, and the two arguing excitedly had not even recognized him.

He gave a pained laugh. "If you're going to fight you have to close the door. This time I heard it, but if an outsider heard it…I'm afraid they'll think something along the lines of deceiving your master and betraying your ancestors has happened to the Fan family."

…

…

The main hall in the manor suddenly became silent. Thinking of how the contents of their argument had completely fallen into Fan Xian's ears, both Shi Chanli and Yang Wanli felt awkward.

The two invited Fan Xian to sit in the middle and situated themselves on either side. Although Fan Xian was younger in age, the absurd seniority of student and teacher was present and had to be done correctly.

Yang Wanli rubbed his head, feeling a slight headache. Suddenly he remembered Fan Xian's last words…deceiving the master and betraying the ancestors? He suddenly raised his head and cried loudly, "Sir! I had no such intentions."

Fan Xian looked at him with a kind smile. He knew that Yang Wanli was born of a poor family and was very disdainful of corrupt officials. Furthermore, his personality was straightforward and fiery, otherwise he wouldn't have come helter-skelter to their door.

"Fuchun County is a full 200 li from Hangzhou. You, a civil servant, rushed here without bringing soldiers and cursed me to my face as an old tiger who eats without even spitting out the bones. If this isn't deceiving your master, then what is?"

He was joking, but the weight of his joke was not one that Yang Wanli could bear. However, Yang Wanli's personality was straightforward and honest. He gritted his teeth, approached Fan Xian and bowed low. In a serious voice he said, "Student is wrong. I was wrong to talk such things behind your back."

Fan Xian was a little startled and thought the man had sure changed quickly.

Unexpectedly, Yang Wanli's topic changed with the wind. "However, now that teacher has returned, I will say it face to face. You know that I have never feared to speak to teachers and seniors in a straightforward manner."

"Speak." Fan Xian said helplessly. "Your personality is just this strange."

"On your trip down to Jiangnan this time to help the court manage its finances, I think there are three things you shouldn't have done." Yang Wanli completely missed Fan Xian's evaluation of his personality.

"Three things?" Fan Xian was startled. He had thought it was just the problem of Su Wenmao collecting silver. He hadn't expected there to be three shouldn't-have-dones. Do you think you are Chi Zhiqiang singing the 10 shouldn't-haves in jail?

"First, you shouldn't have allowed your subordinates to go along the river and strip commoners of their wealth and make use of their labor." Yang Wanli had not slept well last night before he made up his mind to come to Hangzhou to admonish his teacher face to face. In a pained voice he continued. "As the ship from the capital went south, the officials in the provinces and counties along the river purposely came out to welcome and gave mountains of gifts. They also forced commoners to drag the boat. The waters in the Jiangnan region are calm. If that big ship hadn't been going slow on purpose, why would it need barge haulers? This matter has long spread throughout Jiangnan and become a joke, furthermore, where do the gifts that the provincial and county official give come from? From exorbitant taxes that scrap away at the people's belongings? As the commissioner of the Overwatch Council, you shouldn't ignore the law, take bribes, disregard the people, and levy labor from hardworking people!"

Fan Xian seemed to not have listened. He waved his hands to have Shi Chanli pour a cup of tea and guzzled it down.

Watching his actions and expressions, Yang Wanli felt a bit apprehensive. He didn't know whether or not his teacher was truly angry. But, it also made him angrier. "Second, you shouldn't have mobilized the ships of the Jiangnan sailors for protection. Although you have the identity of an imperial envoy, you didn't travel in broad daylight in the beginning but instead traveled by the stars. This is against regulations and underhanded. You also mobilized soldiers as escorts. Other than being against regulations, it exceeds the bounds of propriety. Disturbing the land and having lax defenses are all serious mistakes."

Fan Xian sprayed the tea out of his mouth and laughed as he scolded, "Will you only be happy if someone chopped me up?"

He waved his hand to stop Yang Wanli's next words and spoke. "Let's first talk about these two shouldn't-haves." He considered them for a moment. "The matter you mentioned about collecting gifts along the river. I have also heard some rumors and the influence is indeed very bad. According to a letter from Jingdou, this matter has become a joke at court in Jingdou. They're all saying that I've been trapped in Jingdou and now that I'm in Jiangnan I want to take a few layers off of the ground…"

Hearing him speak, Yang Wanli felt a little joy. "Exactly. Putting aside the matter of law and order, just speaking of influence, it would impact your official reputation greatly…"

"You mean, it will greatly affect your official reputation, right?" Fan Xian mocked. "Earlier you said you had no face to meet people. If you wanted to be an honest official that is remembered by the history books, but have landed a greedy official like me as a teacher, I suspect you would be rather unhappy. I can understand, however…"

He changed the topic. "It doesn't matter how the Jiangnan officials see it, how the people see it, or how the Six Ministries sees it. No one will care about them. The question is, you are my student, how could you think I am greedy for money?"

Yang Wanli paused to collect his thoughts. The exploitation by that big ship of yours is the truth, and all the evidence is solid. There are rumors that the reason Commissioner Fan was going to Jiangnan so secretively and splitting into northern, central, and southern routes was so that he could receive gifts from all three. Did people wrong him by saying that?

"I have plenty of silver." Fan Xian stared at Yang Wanli and roared in anger, "Why would I be greedy for silver? What kind of head do you have?"

"You, Jicheng, and Jialin, the three of you are now outer officials. Every month you are sure to receive the silver that the old master sends from the capital, why is that? Because we are worried that you will be pulled under by your colleagues' money. I already have such expectations for you. Why would it be more so for me?"

Ever since they left the capital after the imperial examinations, Yang Wanli and the two others had received monthly banknotes from Jingdou. The amount far exceeded their official salary. This matter actually had nothing to do with Fan Xian. He wasn't that detailed. It was all Minister Shang attentively taking care of these things for his son.

With silver on hand, Yang Wanli and the two others had more room to move and money to use for practical things. Thinking of Fan Xian's attentive care, he felt moved. He had also been quite scared by Fan Xian's rare display of anger. He quickly replied, "Thank you, teacher."

Fan Xian smiled and reprimanded his student. "You are grateful when given money, but do you not think about where the money came from? Of course, it's not from corruption. You know I have a few businesses under me. I can still afford to feed you all."

Yang Wanli furrowed his brows. "But…the ship on the river?"

"What does that ship have to do with me?" Fan Xian's face and mouth were shameless, "You want to go fight and curse those corrupt officials? Then go on the ship and curse those people. Running to Hangzhou to curse me…Yang Wanli, ah, Yang Wanli, you are quite daring."

Yang Wanli said dejectedly, "Teacher, those people are your subordinates."

"Yes. Subordinates take silver, and I ask no questions. Does it seem like everything is under my orders? This is all just a show. You are too anxious."

Shi Chanli made his own urging. "Teacher must have his reasons. Rushing in today like this, who knows how many people are going to secretly laugh their faces off?"

Yang Wanli thought about it and found it logical. Even if Sir Fan junior wanted to be greedy, there was no need to do it so openly or in such a lowly manner. Perhaps he had thought wrong?

"There isn't that deep a reason." Fan Xian sighed. "It is just that I will need to put on a show in Suzhou on March 3rd. The show is too sappy. Even thinking about it right now gives me goosebumps. You'll understand when you see it."

At this moment, Yang Wanli believed what Fan Xian said and did not dare speak again. He was feeling regretful for his rashness. If he ruined teacher's plan to fix the treasury, that would not be good.

"Let's talk about the second shouldn't-have." Fan Xian furrowed his brows. "Wanli, you are too naïve, do you really believe it is a golden age?"

Yang Wanli was slightly startled. Considering the country was at peace, the people safe, and weather favorable, where was the lie? Fan Xian laughed coldly and tried to scare him. "If I hadn't mobilized the sailors as an escort, that ship could have been dragged to the bottom of the river at any moment by divers. Do you believe me?"

Watching Yang Wanli's expression, Fan Xian knew he wouldn't believe him. Fan Xian shook his head. "I won't hide the palace treasury matter from you. I need to defeat not just the parasites in the palace treasury and the wealthy families of Jiangnan, but perhaps also the officials in Jiangnan and nobility in Jingdou. How did that Ming family get their start? And how have they made their business so large?"

Faced with this question, Yang Wanli shook his head. Shi Chanli had also just started to learn about the secret reports between the Overwatch Council and Jiangnan water bandit, Xia Qifei, so he knew a few things.

"Pirates!" A severe look flashed through Fan Xian's eyes. "The Ming family collects the goods from the palace treasury and ships out to sea via Quanzhou. All the way north to Dongyi, and south to the foreign devils beyond the sky in the west. These years, every time the ships sail out they run into pirates. Out of three ships, they will always lose one ship."

Yang Wanli furrowed his brows. He had some contact with the Ming family, and each of them were warm, literary, and good natured millionaires. Surely they couldn't be held responsible for running into pirates on the seas, unless teacher's words had another layer of meaning?

Fan Xian said coldly, "In reality, the pirates were all the Ming family's own people!"

Yang Wanli paled in shock.

"When the palace treasury products are taken by pirates, the Ming family has to pay back the palace treasury. It looks like they are suffering a loss, but in reality they secretly ship the goods overseas and sell them. They don't have to pay six-tenths of the profits of the ship to the court. Furthermore, what they paid back to the palace treasury is only the production costs…this one ship earns more than those two ships. Who knows how many departed souls were added to the seas in these years."

Yang Wanli was dumb-founded. "The…the Ming family won't make that much more. Why would they take such a risk?"

Everything Fan Xian had said was what the Overwatch Council and Xia Qifei had found out. It was a pity they hadn't caught live evidence. Who knew how much the Ming family had earned these years with their ruthless methods. These people did things ruthlessly. Secrets were closely guarded, and they were protected by nobility. Everyone in court knew that going south on the seas was dangerous with wild winds and rough waters, and ferocious sea bandits, but they didn't couldn't imagine that the Ming family would steal their own goods and play a game where merchants and bandits were of the same family.

He stood up and stared into Yang Wanli's eyes. "Once there is sufficient profit, merchants will become more daring. When there is a 50% profit, they will take desperate risks. For 100% profit, they will dare to trample over all of the Qing laws. With a 300% profit, they will commit any crime. They will even run the risk of losing their heads and not care about the court."

Yang and Shi were both shocked into lowering their heads by the words and savored them for a long time.

"Besides, they've always had their supporters in court." Fan Xian smiled coldly. "Profits made from proper exports all have to be registered. What could be smoother and safer to spend than this out of account money?"

This line was acknowledging matters concerning Xinyang. If it weren't for these ruthless methods, it would have been much more difficult for the Eldest Princess to take money from the palace treasury that had long been monitored by the Overwatch Council.

"Every copper piece is drenched in blood." Fan Xian lectured Yang Wanli. "If we want to accomplish anything, we need to first ensure our own safety. The Ming family can kill and have killed. When it comes to their final struggle, they will not even be afraid to kill me! In a matter of life and death, there is no need to talk about etiquette. You've been an official for too long. You've become a piece of rotting wood!"

Yang Wanli was dazed and stunned. He had studied strenuously for 10 years. After he became an official, he had Fan Xian, this giant tree, to protect him in his shadow. He never experienced the true dangers of the world. After being scolded, he was finally a bit more awake.

Calming down, Fan Xian waved his hand and said, "Nevermind. We won't talk about these matters yet. Although you have today to kick at my door, no guests actually came to this yard. We haven't seen each other in a year, and there will be things we need to discuss. In a while we'll get some dishes and alcohol and can drink a few cups."

Yang Wanli hung his head dejectedly. Knowing that teacher continued to see him as one of his closest friends, he finally let out a breath. He was only slightly regretful of his rashness. Suddenly he remembered something and hesitantly said, "That third shouldn't-have…"

Fan Xian laughingly scolded, "Seems like you won't eat until you've accused me completely, so go ahead."

Yang Wanli thought for a bit and felt that in this matter, teacher was indeed in the wrong. With conviction he said, "Recently, various places have sent out auspicious signs. Officials and commoners always say a few words after the banquet, and I have never said this in front of others before, but facing teacher I will have to be presumptuous and speak. To judge others by their appearance will never last, and to garner affections through flattery is also not how a court official should act. What you did, teacher, truly is not virtuous."

Fan Xian froze, he knew that although Yang Wanli was stubbornly honest, he was also clever. He even managed to realize that the four auspicious signs were made by him. But this bastard thinks…dared to say to his face…accused him of fawning on the Emperor!

"Get out, get out. Out!" Fan Xian was finally truly angry and scolded fiercely, "Don't bother having dinner. Go back to your Fuchun County and have porridge!"

At this moment, Yang Wanli was like a bare stick, standing straight and allowing his teacher's spittle to wash his face. With face full of righteousness he said, "I am eating porridge in the Peng garden today."

Fan Xian shook both his arms in anger and stormed out the door. Shi and Chan both quickly pattered after him, not daring to be even half a step behind. It was not until now that this youth of not yet 20 finally seemed like a young man, rather than the usual straight sitting and careful of speech mature teacher passing himself off as shrewd and ruthless.

…

…

The family carriage group in Danzhou and Jingdou ship following the silver river both arrived at the docks outside of Suzhou. The night before, a group from Hangzhou had quietly boarded the ship. The three groups from Jingdou finally successfully met up in Jiangnan.

On the dock, the drums rolled and firecrackers cried. Jiangnan officials of all ranks stood under the sign in tidy robes. They craned their heads in anticipation of the arrival of the Imperial College siye, vice-minister of Taichang Temple, the new Overwatch Council palace treasury commissioner, and imperial envoy inspecting Jiangnan Road…Sir Fan junior.

[JW1]伥货. 伥 - "ghost of sb devoured by a tiger who helps the tiger devour others"

Chapter 344: Dragon Rise[JW1]

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

March 3rd Qing Calendar, Dragon Rise.

Under the escort of the Jiangnan sailors, a large ship slowly edged close to the dock. Aboard the ship they dropped anchor and cast their mooring lines. The officers quickly completed their actions and immediately laid down the gangplank, which had been shaped like stairs, across the gap between the dock and deck. The officials on land went forward to spread a thick cloth over it to prevent slipping.

In the distant horizon, a roll of thunder sounded as if to welcome the arrival of the imperial envoy. At the same time, firecrackers and drums popped and rolled. The rocket prepared earlier on the shore was lit and went off with a bang and even managed to muffle the sound of heaven's might.

The officials on the dock furrowed their brows but were too embarrassed to cover their ears. They only swung their gazes toward the gangplank.

In a moment, a young official appeared on deck and led a group of guards silently off the ship before splitting into two lines.

In another moment, a young handsome official wearing purple official robes walked out with a slight smile. They saw he was wearing a white robe over official robes, which immediately dulled the eye-piercing purple. This attracted the gazes of the people on the dock to his warm, friendly, and delicate face.

Only officials above the third-level had the privilege of wearing purple official robes. The officials on the dock knew that the much-anticipated imperial envoy, Commissioner Fan, was the person before them. They instinctively shuffled two steps forward to align their feet and raised their hands in salute.

Fan Xian did not rush to stop the crowd saluting, instead he extended his hand to the side and grasped a small hand that extended from the air and led to a young boy standing shoulder to shoulder on the deck. Stepping on the ladder, they disembarked.

The little boy wore a light yellow robe. Fur peeked out from the top of the jacket's collar. The jacket was embroidered with cute but unknown beasts. Matched with the delicately beautiful face, and spirited eyes, he appeared very loveable.

The crowd of officials was startled. They knew this was the Third Prince the Emperor had chased away to Commissioner Fan's side. They quickly adjusted their directions and uniformly saluted the Third Prince. "Officials of Jiangnan Road greet Your Highness."

The Third Prince smiled and nodded. In a not yet matured voice he said, "Today is very cold, and you have all worked hard. I am just here with my teacher to learn. There is no need to be overly courteous."

Reminded by the words "my teacher," the officials quickly turned to Fan Xian again and saluted. Many things were said, such as, "Sir, must be tired after all the traveling," or "how about…"

Other than saluting, the they sneaked glances at the two males who had walked off the ship. They officials found that although the two were vastly different in age, their appearances were similar. Standing on the shore, the river wind blew and shifted the boys' clothing. They both exuded an air of high nobility as well as a rare sense of harmony and distance from the world.

The crowd couldn't help but begin to think that maybe the rumors about Commissioner Fan's past might very well be true. Their thoughts stopped there and apprehension grew in their hearts. They didn't know if saluting the Third Prince first had made Fan Xian unhappy. After all, he was the proper master, furthermore, he had the identity of an imperial envoy. In regards to court regulations, he was much more precious than a prince not yet fully grown.

Fan Xian did not think this much. He gazed at the unfamiliar faces of the officials on the docks and placed his friendliest smile on his face. Meeting them all with smiles, he worked hard to remember each of the officials' positions and names. He demonstrated the expected etiquette and self-confidence of a new political star.

Him bringing the prince to Jiangnan was an important event, and so there were many officials who had come to the court today to welcome them. Of the civil servants there were the direct officials of the inspector general of the government office and two groups of people each led by the Zhizhous of Suzhou and Hangzhou. The Zhizhous of a few provinces further away did not dare leave their territories to welcome them, but many local magistrates, litong, and other officials of similar rank in the provinces came. Furthermore, there were officials in charge of transport on the Jiangnan salt roads. Of the military servants, there were guards and other participants of the army. All the officials now under the direct command of Fan Xian's subordinates who managed the palace treasury transport were also present..

Added together, there were almost a hundred people. The majority of the Jiangnan parent officials were squeezed onto the dock. If Dongyi stole some of Third Bureau of the Overwatch Council's fire powder and made a few bangs here, the wealthiest region of the Qing Kingdom, Jiangnan, would probably be crippled in one day.

On the dock, Fan Xian met the officials with a slight smile. The problem was that their heads were close together and the court robes were mixed together. In the middle of winter, the stench of sweat was prominent. Face after unfamiliar but flattering face moved passed his eyes. How could he recognize who was who? These officials did not know how he truly felt. Seeing that the smile on Sir Fan junior's face had not lessened, they felt the gifts they had sent were working. They boldly squeezed toward Fan Xian and the Third Prince's side. No matter what, they had to exchange some greetings and become more familiar, otherwise how could they be worthy of all the money they sent out?

Officials of provinces and counties slightly further away from Jiangnan never had the opportunity to present gifts, so they were not as confident. They watched, with sideways glances of envy and jealousy from the outskirts of the crowd, as their colleagues endlessly fawned.

For the moment, the stench of fawn was unbearable. Fan Xian's smooth chin was stroked countless times. The situation was very lively. Gradually, what the officials said became unbearable, particularly those from the Zhizhou of Suzhou. They were people of the system from the Imperial College and insisted, due to his position as a siye in the Imperial College, on calling him Teacher Fan.

Fan Xian forced the irritation down in his heart and maintained that he was not worthy. What a joke, he was not yet 20 and was to be the teacher of a Zhizhou. Once this got back to Jingdou, the Emperor would probably die laughing! Held by his hand, the Third Prince endured the shameless talking beside him. He was also unhappy, thinking, Sir Fan junior is MY teacher. You doddering old men dare to take what is mine? The child finally could not take anymore and coughed. His face was cold.

The scene immediately quieted. The Zhizhou of Hangzhou was an old sly one who was quick to see an opportunity. Quietly happy that the Suzhou Zhizhou was humiliated, he said solemnly, "Today is very cold. I think we should quickly invite the imperial envoy and His Highness to rest."

Once the words went out, Fan Xian and the Third Prince felt great comfort. Simultaneously they glanced at the Hangzhou Zhizhou with appreciation in their eyes. Being swept by this gaze, the Hangzhou Zhizhou immediately felt his whole body warm and was very pleased, like he had just eaten a strand of ginseng.

…

…

Rest? It wasn't that easy. Even after the various officials retreated, the related honor guards still took a long time. Surrounded by officials, Fan Xian and the Third Prince headed toward a hill on the shore. There was a large bamboo canopy on the hill that looked fairly new, like it had been put up for the sole purpose of Fan Xian's visit.

Walking up the slope, there were two important officials in purple robes waiting respectfully outside of the bamboo canopy. When Fan Xian saw them, he pulled on the Third Prince's hand and hurried forward to show respect.

The identity of these officials were unlike the previous ones. One was the Governor of Jiangnan, Xue Qing, and the other was inspector general Dai Sicheng.

In the bureaucracy of the Qing Kingdom there was a saying: "One palace, two chief secretaries, three ministries, and seven roads." The one palace naturally referred to the imperial palace. The two chief secretaries who worked together handled government affairs. The three ministries were the Overwatch Council, Bureau of Military Affairs, and the Ministry of Education, except the Ministry of Education had been partitioned into the Imperial College, Tongwen Institute, and the Board of Rites in the first year of the Qing calendar.

The seven roads referred to how Qing Kingdom was split into seven major roads. The governor of each road inspected the land on behalf of the Emperor. Recently the jun level of administration between the road and province in the Qing Kingdom had gradually been phased out. Besides military affairs, the governor of a road began to directly control the counties and provinces in their territories. They had great power and were truly guardians of the borderlands.

Of course the Emperor would have to choose someone he trusted to taken on this important position, furthermore, the governor had to be an extremely capable person.

Compared to the fiery power of the governor, the inspector general was more politically based, but paled in significance next to the governor.

Based on position levels, the governor was a full second-level and the inspector-general was a low second-level; neither were particularly high levels. However, to help the governors of the seven roads focus on their governing and not be controlled by the Six Ministries, the rule had always been for the governor to also take on the position of Scholar, Imperial Censor of the Right, or Minister of War. This made him a low first-level official. Thus, when faced with the prime minister and chief secretaries, he had the necessary standing to weigh in.

Jiangnan was one of the most important regions in the Qing Kingdom. The current Jiangnan Governor, Xue Qing, was deeply trusted by the Emperor, thus he directly held the position of Grand Scholar, a true and proper full first-level super official.

Given Xue Qing's position, even Fan Xian and the Third Prince did not dare show irreverence, so they quickened their steps.

Once they reached the bamboo canopy, Fan Xian glanced at Xue Qing with a warm gaze but did not open his mouth to speak. These were the rules. Xue Qing and Dai Sicheng understood. The other party was an imperial envoy. No matter how powerful they were or how high their position, they would have to salute first. This was not to show respect to Fan Xian or prince, but to the Emperor.

They officials placed the incense burner table, invited forth the imperial edict, showed the sword, and then, under the canopy, fell to their knees. After completing the ceremony, Fan Xian quickly helped up the Xue Qing and then turned to help the inspector general. Only then did he lead the Third Prince in respectfully greeting Xue Qing.

With his position, Xue Qing could accept Fan Xian and the Third Prince's deep salutes. He did seem surprised that the legendary Commissioner Fan did not have any of the aloofness of young officials and literati, and was willing to smooth over the small things. Approval flashed through the Governor's eyes.

The inspector general stood to the side and quickly turned to return their greetings. Xue Qing would not stand around stupidly and allow these two "brothers" to finish their greetings. He had already warmly helped them up and said, "Sir Fan, you're treating us like strangers."

Fan Xian paused. Looking to his side it appeared the Third Prince was embarrassed to see Xue Qing, which was even more confusing.

Xue Qing smiled slightly and said, "Before I came to Jiangnan, I worked in the Cabinet of Official Papers. The so-called Scholar is not a complete lie. When His Third Highness was small, he would often play beside me…only, many years have passed and I don't know if Your Highness still remembers."

The Third Prince gave a pained laugh and re-greeted Xue Qing as a disciple. "Every year sir went back to the capital to report on his position, father would take me to your manor to greet you. How could I forget?"

Fan Xian was a bit confused. Thinking about it closely, he became more unsure about what that Emperor in Jingdou was thinking. He then heard Xue Qing say, "Speaking of which, Sir Fan and I have also met before."

Fan Xian couldn't try to curry favor from this official so he replied, "To be honest, Sir, I had no idea."

Xue Qing liked his straightforwardness and smiled, stroking his whiskers. "When I was passing my provincial level imperial exams, the examiner was Prime Minister Ling. To talk of generations, you should call me older brother."

Now Fan Xian understood what was happening. However, the other party was now the governor of a road. Those old memories were just to talk about. Furthermore, no matter how thick-skinned, black-hearted, and daring he was, he was too embarrassed to follow this pole up. To be brothers with the governor? Even though the power he held gave him the right, their ages and experiences seemed much too far apart.

A group of people rested under the canopy. Fan Xian and Xue Qing chatted about what he heard and saw along the way. Xue Qing furrowed his brows and asked again if the Emperor was well in the capital. All in all it was a bunch of superfluous rubbish, however, it did pull them a little closer and they became more familiar. Watching this official, Fan Xian found that there was a trace of undisguised worry on the quiet face. After a little thought, he understood why.

As the Jiangnan Governor, it was uncomfortable for a long term imperial envoy to suddenly appear in the territory, just as it would be for the governor of any road. Furthermore, this imperial envoy was taking over the palace treasury and would likely strike out at the nobility in the capital. Although the governor was powerful, had an important position, and was deeply trusted by the Emperor, being stuck in the middle was never a good place to be.

Xue Qing raised his tea cup and took a sip before saying nonchalantly, "Sir Fan junior will have to suffer a little for the next few years. Although His Majesty trusts, Jiangnan is still not Jingdou. Although it is wealthy, it is not somewhere to stay too long. Another two years and I'll be asking the Emperor if I can resign due to age. I'll go back to the capital and become a fisherman…to be able to be close to the Emperor is better than being in Jiangnan."

Fan Xian understood the meaning in his words and smiled. "Sir has worked hard and achieved much patrolling this area for the Emperor."

Xue Qing smiled slightly. "Have you decided where you are staying? There are many salt merchants in Suzhou. They are all willing to offer up their manors for you to choose from."

Everyone knew the salt merchants were wealthy. Fan Xian knew just how extravagant the manors they were offering up with both hands would be without needing to ask. Instead he changed the topic and said, "It would not be good to be such a disturbance. Once I return to the capital it will weigh on me." He spoke straightforwardly and caused Xue Qing to smile and think: The only downside to poets is that they hide everything do. Why didn't you hide when you were collecting money on the river?

Fan Xian asked, "I hope Sir will be able to tell me, for the past officials responsible for the transport of the palace treasury, what were the arrangements?"

Xue Qing looked at him in surprise. "Sir Fan, your identity cannot be compared to the palace treasury transport officials of the past. As to arrangements, the manor of the palace treasury is far away in the northeast, however, none of the officials have lived there in the past dozen years. To take your predecessor as an example, Sir Huang, he often lived in Xinyang."

Speaking of Xinyang, this Jiangnan Governor glanced casually at Fan Xian.

Fan Xian furrowed his eyebrows and said, "It is possible to not live in the manor arranged by the court?"

This words were puzzling and probing.

Xue Qing nodded.

Fan Xian smiled and said, "Not to hide anything from you, Sir. I've lived in Hangzhou this month, and it is my bad for not coming to Suzhou to visit you…but that manor was really very good. If I could choose, then I would like to live in Hangzhou."

Xue Qing was slightly startled. He hadn't expected the other party to raise the idea of living in Hangzhou. He met Fan Xian's eyes with a period of silence, as if guessing if this popular young official was telling the truth. The manor of the Jiangnan Governor was in Suzhou, and he most feared Fan Xian also staying in Suzhou. Not taking into account interfering with government affairs, a situation where both parties were equally powerful would cause headaches for all of the Jiangnan Road officials and be a great obstruction to handling his own affairs.

He watched Fan Xian's sincere expression and a strange look flashed through his eyes. He smiled slightly and said, "Naturally that is fine. Sir Fan may live wherever you wish."

Fan Xian chuckled. "Of course, even if I live in Hangzhou, I'll have to come to Suzhou to trouble you plenty for a few meals. I've heard that you have a famous Northern Qi chef, and all the Jingdou people are very jealous. I hope to have the good fortune to try it."

Governor Xue laughed out loud. "I like these things. I didn't think Sir Fan was of the same mind. Why wait until the future? My colleagues have prepared a welcome banquet, and we will gather in Jiangnan. Tomorrow, I will invite you to my house to sit for a while."

Having received Fan Xian's implicit promise to not interfere with his business, the Jiangnan Governor began to relax.

Their oud laughs spread inside and outside of the bamboo canopy. The Jiangnan officials followed the laugh with their gaze to see the governor and commissioner talking and laughing. After they relaxed, they were secretly admiring and thinking that indeed Sir Fan junior was unlike ordinary people. The tense situation officials were so secretly afraid of did not happen. Who knew what he said to make the governor so happy?

They saw Fan Xian lean toward the governor's ear and gently said a few sentences. After a moment of slight surprise, Xue Qing's expression immediately became serious and he nodded his head with slight anger. With a cold sneer he said, "Sir Fan has thought too much. You don't need to watch my face. These people…most days I remember the Emperor being kind and so have endured it for now. Your discussion thus is reasonable."

Having received his nod, Fan Xian knew he was repaying the favor of him not staying in Suzhou and thanked him sincerely before slowly standing.

…

…

As Fan Xian rose, there was instant silence under the canopy. The sun shone through the bamboo canopy onto the lake, scattering the light. The lake's wind was slightly cold, and there was a sense of solemness in the air.

Everyone looked him, not knowing how this imperial envoy's speech about assuming the post would start.

"I am someone who does not play his cards the normal play." Fan Xian looked around at the officials and smiled. "Although I have not worked with you before, I have a little fame and think everyone knows a little bit. My personality, when put nicely, often does not follow conventions. To put it badly, I am something of a troublemaker and a young man who doesn't understand the gravity of things."

The officials laughed and agreed that the imperial envoy spoke with humor and was humble.

Fan Xian said, not at all humbly, "I won't need to say those conventional things. The Emperor is well, so no need for everyone to ask. The empress dowager is healthy. The capital is harmonious. Thus, we will not need to spend any more time on these topics. However, everyone will soon have great trust placed in them by the court to govern Jiangnan, an important place. The taxation from these years are all here. The people and cities I saw along the way were not false. I will also not need to bring up the good work and hard work…"

The Jiangnan officials knew that Fan Xian had investigated secretly along the way. Hearing these words, they all let out a breath. They hoped that Fan Xian would say a bit more, ideally about his secret memorial to the Emperor.

Unexpectedly, Fan Xian changed the topic.

"I will not talk about the good things. I will instead talk about what everyone has done wrong." Fan Xian's face continued to wear a slight smile, but a chill began to grow under the canopy. "It is perhaps a little ungenerous, but I will still talk about it. Why? Because it seems like everyone has forgotten my birth."

Fan Xian's birth? Wasn't he the immortal poet, proctor of the imperial exam, Taichang Temple, or was it the dark and gloomy Overwatch Council? All the officials felt their heart jump and didn't know what he was going to say next. We've all given enough silver, what more do you want? The Overwatch Council can't bully people like this!

"I came over land, along Shazhou and Hangzhou, but the ship sailed on the Yangtze River." Fan Xian narrowed his eyes. "I heard that the Great River was a silver river. Everyone sent plenty of silver and gifts onto the ship and forced many laborers to haul the ship. I understand here, in my heart, everyone's generous friendship…only, such open bribery is admirable…everyone, you are very daring!"

Without waiting for the officials to speak, Fan Xian turned around and bowed to the Jiangnan Governor Xue Qing. He smiled slightly and said, "When you saw me today, you were greatly angry and scolded me to my face. I couldn't help feeling terrified and did not understand why. Fortunately, you sympathized with my ignorance and told me the truth. Only then did I know that everyone had gone behind my back…and done something so daring."

His voice grew gradually louder, and he coldly smiled. "The Overwatch Council supervises the governance of the entire country, and the ones we capture are the corrupt officials. Yet, everyone dared to send gifts and bribes. Perhaps you think now that I have left Jingdou, this knife in my hand cannot kill anymore?"

The officials stared dumbfoundedly. They were shocked into speechlessness by Fan Xian's words. They shot pleading gazes toward the governor to discover that the he was stroking his whiskers deep in thought, seemingly to have put himself out of the situation.

It was only now that the officials realized that Fan Xian's earlier words, saying that these officials along the river had given gifts behind his back, was to easily remove himself from the situation. He also took the opportunity to say that the governor was very angry and thus absolved him of all involvement. He had also capped the governor as a figure unafraid to stand against important people as well as a noble character of unquestionable integrity.

Giving gifts along the river? Your subordinates didn't decline either! The communication channels of the Overwatch Council were very smooth. Even if you were in Hangzhou how could you not know? However, at this moment, Fan Xian insisted that he did not know anything, and, of course, the Jiangnan Road officials could not clash with him. They could only swallow this massive misfortune. The looks they gave Fan Xian again were not quite right anymore. This Commissioner Fan was indeed like the rumors had said. A warm and harmless, delicate and smiling face hid shamelessness, vulgarity, and ruthlessness.

The officials didn't know what Fan Xian was going to do next. The instinctively stood up and stared in a daze.

They saw him clap his hands. The sound traveled out of the canopy. An official of the Overwatch Council walked off the ship from Jingdou with a thick stack of gift lists. If the list was this thick, then the gifts on the ship must be like a small mountain.

Fan Xian turned around to ask the governor something. Xue Qing smiled slightly looking at the scene before him. He waved his hand to signal the bailiffs of the yamen to follow the official of the Overwatch Council onboard the ship. Not long after, the bailiffs carefully and with great effort pulled a number of giant chests off the ship and brought them to the bamboo canopy.

The chests were opened to show sparkling gold. The gold and precious goods inside were beyond calculating. It was all gifts from the officials along the river.

It was breezy within the canopy, so there was a fire pit. Fan Xian took over the list his subordinate handed him and roughly flipped through a few pages. His eyebrow twitched. "There really is a lot."

The officials felt equal measures of shame and anger. Their thoughts wandered: This imperial envoy was too unkind when handling matters, fabricating crimes. It was truly disgusting. Was he going to punish all the officials? Do you want to wipe out the entire Jiangnan bureaucracy? The governor couldn't keep watching the show and thought: You broke the rules and offended the Jiangnan officials, let's see how you will wrap all this up later.

Who could have guessed Fan Xian's next move would have the officials staring so hard their eyes almost fell out? They saw him casually toss out his hand and threw the thick list into the fire pit. The fire immediately grew, and the list of gifts that were evidence of the officials' bribery quickly became ash.

Fan Xian stood by the fire pit and was silent for a moment before saying, "Don't think I am using a childish trick to win your hearts. You are not that stupid, and I am not that foolish. I have burned these as a warning to you all and to offer an out."

He placed his hands behind his back and a trace of unswerving determination flashed across his face. "I am the commissioner of the Overwatch Council. I do not need to sell you face. What I am here to do in Jiangnan also does not need your cooperation. Thus, I hope everyone is alert. If similar things happen in the future, do not blame me for capturing people without mercy."

The Overwatch Council was able to investigate any official below third-level, he dared to say this because he had the courage. As for the question of face, his identity was too special, more special than any other court official, so he indeed didn't have to sell it. As for the question of cooperation in later days…without face, would the Jiangnan officials dare to secretly clash with the commissioner?

"Later, after the welcome feast, everyone take back the money in these chests." Fan Xian furrowed his brows. "What should be returned has all been returned. As for the labor of the commoners, it will be converted into wages. If those poor counties cannot raise the money right now, send a notice to me. I have enough silver for this."

The officials were helpless and acknowledged his words with their heads down.

Suddenly the crane on the Suzhou dock began to move. This new plaything from 20 years ago could carry the heaviest loads. They watched as the crane extended onto the ship from the capital and slowly lowered a large chest down. No one knew what was in this chest that made it so heavy the metal rope of the crane quivered with the strain.

Fan Xian had checked the numbers earlier. He knew that the Suzhou port was a large dock responsible for sending out goods from the palace treasury and had this hoisting capability, so was not very worried. However, the officials who had just been scared by him were scared again.

Once that massive chest had been lifted to the shore, it took another dozen people to push it with great difficulty to the hill and straight into the bamboo canopy. An Overwatch Council official respectfully reported, "Commissioner, the chest as arrived."

Fan Xian walked to the side of the chest. The outside of it was wrapped in wicker, but the inside seemed to be made of metal.

The officials were all confused. What kind of game is he playing at now? At this moment, even Governor Xue Qing and inspector general Dai Sicheng became interested and walked up to see exactly what treasure was hidden inside.

Fan Xian took out the key from his chest and lifted up the lid.

…

…

It was the same as when Guan Wumei[JW2] saw the contents of the chest for the first time. After the flash of silver under the canopy, the eyes of the officials were a little dazed…silver. Inside was full of brilliant, eye-catching silver. Who knew how many silver ingots there were lined up neatly inside the chest? In reality, the previous chests of gifts were probably not any less valuable than this chest of silver ingots, however, since ancient times, people have become accustomed to using silver. For this much silver to suddenly appear before them, this kind of attack on the senses was too intoxicating.

After a while, the crowd reluctantly withdrew their gazes from the chest. They watched Fan Xian, waiting for the next step of his performance.

"This chest of silver has come with me from Jingdou to Jiangnan. In the future, no matter where I am located, I will always have this chest of silver," Fan Xian said evenly. "Why? This is to tell various officials, I have silver. I'm not afraid you will laugh. I, Fan An Zhi, am someone who was born with a golden key in his mouth. Anyone who wishes to use money as a weapon to bribe me, forget about it now."

He continued coldly. "This trip to Jiangnan, I am investigating the matter of your silver. I will not interfere in any politics. However, if anyone is bribing or being bribed, any who are corrupt and take advantage of the people, don't blame me for being ruthless."

"There was a person of virtue in an older generation who deeply understood the terrible consequences of corrupt governance. So he brought hundreds of coffins with him, saying that even if he had to kill all of the corrupt officials he would stop this noxious influence." Fan Xian said slowly, "I am not someone who likes to kill people, so I did not bring coffins, I only brought silver."

The officials were silent and scared.

"There are exactly 138,880 liang of silver in the chest. I will say something here, before all the officials and seniors who have come to welcome me. Jiangnan is populous and affluent. I cannot promise how much of this silver will be used on the lives of the people, but I promise, when I leave Jiangnan, there will not be a single extra liang in this chest!"

Fan Xian swept his gaze over those of the officials. "I hope everyone here will remember that."

After this performance, one part of the welcoming reception on the docks came to an end. Fan Xian sat back in his chair and felt the goosebumps rising on his arms. He was glad that he hadn't let his mouth run away from him earlier and said something deep and resounding that was bold and visionary.

…

…

The study of the Governor's manor was completely silent.

A first-level official, Jiangnan Governor Xue Qing sat in the imperial tutor's chair in the middle and a small smile rose on his face. Beside him sat two advisors that had followed him for many years. One of the advisors shook his head and sighed, "I didn't expect this imperial envoy to be so good at raising trouble."

The other advisor furrowed his brows. "I don't understand. By doing this, Sir Fan junior completely swept away the face of the Jiangnan officials. Although with his identity, naturally he does not fear this. However, it does seem as if he isn't mature enough."

Xue Qing smiled slightly. "Both of you think his display was a little affected?"

The two advisor's met each other's eyes and nodded.

Governor Xue sighed. "Young people, they always have a desire for performance."

One of the advisor's carefully asked, "What does Sir think of this Sir Fan junior?"

Xue Qing paused. He thought for a moment before replying. "A clever man, a very clever man. He is someone to befriend…to befriend well."

The advisors were a bit confused, thinking that it didn't seem to align with their earlier conclusion.

Xue Qing smiled self-deprecatingly. "So what if it was affected? How many commoners under heaven were able to see the scene at the time? How will those officials in Jingdou know the true situation of this month? Rumors are just rumors, passed from person to person, mouth to mouth. There will always be some unconscious adjusting to the truth so it better aligns with one's biases."

"Sir Fan junior has an excellent reputation among the people. Naturally the commoners will spare no effort to spread this news. Because of their affection for him, even if Sir Fan junior had done something inappropriate, it will be removed in the telling and sidelined. As for those scenes of not fearing the bureaucratic and long-established corrupt practices, of scolding the officials to their face, will naturally be exaggerated greatly…"

The governor gave a pleased laugh. "A chest with 100,000 liang, sailing down Suzhou. Before long, this will probably be another story in our Qing court. These people of the Overwatch Council have indeed some spirited quick wit."

The other advisor was still confused. "Since he is a clever man, there were clearly better ways to solve today's issue. Why would Sir Fan junior choose such an intense and absurd method?"

Governor Xue Qing looked at him and smirked. "What do you know?"

He closed his mouth and didn't continue to explain. There were some things that even his closest advisors should not know. Fan Xian flashed his sword today and offended all the officials. Wasn't it all because he wanted to show his sincerity to me, the governor? The other party took the initiative and explicitly stated he was going to live in Hangzhou, which meant he deeply understood the three rules of bureaucracy. Now that he had scared the officials, they would not surround him, thus, the governor was still the foremost figure.

Xue Qing suddenly thought of another matter, and he unconsciously frowned. His estimation of Fan Xian just rose another level—the display the young official put on today was perhaps not just as simple as showing him his sincerity—with the imperial examinations approaching Jiangnan, it seemed like Fan Xian wished he could offend all the officials under heaven. The court officials had seen clearly these two years. Fan Xian had not even bothered to maintain his father-in-law's relations from before, he…he…he was going to be an isolated official?

As a trusted confidant of the Emperor, Xue Qing had many eyes and ears at court. He knew the rumors about Fan Xian's past were true. Once he thought of Fan Xian's past, he immediately understood why the other party was set on being an isolated official.

It was preventing taboo.

Xue Qing sighed and shook his head. Everyone worked hard, both in body and mind. It seemed like he should interact more with this young Commissioner Fan for the future of Jiangnan.

…

…

The warm afternoon sun slightly dispersed the initial spring chill. The people of Suzhou were sitting in tea houses drinking tea and chatting. They were too wealthy—wealthy to the point they had too much leisure time and enjoyed passing the time in tea houses. Since such a big thing had happened in the city today, saliva and tea water both boiled in the tea houses.

Everyone discussed the arrival of the imperial envoy, the world famous Commissioner Fan.

"Have you heard? Those officials' faces were all scared green." A middle-aged merchant chuckled. The people always were happy to watch officials be humiliated.

Another person shook his head and sighed, "A pity it was still a case of turning big problems into small ones, and small problems into no problems. I think that if the imperial envoy truly pitied the people, he should throw all those corrupt officials into jail."

"What stupidity!" The middle-aged merchant from earlier laughed at him mockingly. "If all the officials are in jail, who will try cases? Who will handle business? Sir Fan junior is a prodigy and plans far ahead. How could he be like us and not know the seriousness of a matter? This is called a deliberate show of strength as a warning. You just watch, the best is yet to come. I think the Jiangnan Road officials are about to truly taste the power of the Overwatch Council."

That person nodded and agreed. "That is true. Fortunately, the Emperor is wise and has sent the commissioner to Jiangnan."

The merchant lowered his voice and smiled. "It should be, the Emperor was wise to have had the commissioner."

The tea table instantly became silent. A moment later, it exploded with a light laugh of tacit mutual understanding. In the end that merchant said, "Earlier, the guy from my shop went to the dock to see…the commissioner really is ruthless. Those subordinates who took the boat down the river were each given 30 lashes."

The man opposite righteously replied, "This is the right thing to do. Although it was the subordinates who went behind Sir Fan junior's back to collect silver, the offense is already done. Since they silver has been returned and the list of gifts burned, it would not be right to punish them. However, if he is not severe with his subordinates, how will the Jiangnan Road officials be satisfied? I went to see earlier. That whip really came down ruthlessly. Each whip seemed like it was going to take chunks of flesh with it. It was all bloody and rather scary."

…

…

In the manor of a salt merchant that the imperial envoy was temporarily borrowing, a miserable howl came from a side room.

Fan Xian looked at his trusted aides lined up in order and the strips of whip marks on their backs. He placed medicine on the table. He jokingly scolded, "I'm not rubbing it in for you anymore. I'm being sympathetic, but you are all howling miserably. Why didn't you yell miserably when you were being whipped? You're not afraid people will get suspicious?"

Su Wenmao lowered his head miserably and said, "We have to save face for Sir. Of course we can't tell from a few lashes…but Sir, is there a problem with your medicine? How come the more you put on the more it hurts?"

Fan Xian smiled and said, "The whipping was so light, of course you need to suffer a little right now!"

He rose and left. As he walked he shook his head thinking that sometimes what Wanli said was very accurate. He was not a good official, and he didn't have the face to ask that his subordinates were honest officials. It was not easy twisting both the top and bottom beam.

[JW1]Also translated as Dragon Head Raising Festival.

[JW2]Original text said "苏妩媚"– Su Wumei, which is a typo.