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In the spring of the first year of the Longqing reign, a time that should have been one of renewal and renewal, the atmosphere within the Forbidden City was unusually somber.

Although the snow inside the palace walls had melted, the chill in the court was even more intense than in the dead of winter.

The new emperor, Zhu Zaiji, sat on the dragon throne in the East Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, his slender fingers unconsciously tapping the sandalwood imperial desk.

The memorials piled up on the desk, most of them impeaching the same person, Su Ning, the head of the Accounting Department.

Outside the window, several crabapple trees sprouted new buds in the spring breeze, but no one had time to appreciate them.

"Your Majesty," Grand Secretary Xu Jie bowed and presented a memorial, his voice steady yet tinged with solemnity, "this is a memorial from Wang Bengu, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, listing ten major crimes committed by Su Ning, among which 'abuse of power' and 'forming cliques for personal gain' are the most fatal. The censors say that he, a mere fifth-rank official, wields power that surpasses that of the Six Ministries."

The Longqing Emperor took the memorial and glanced at the familiar words.

Such impeachments have been almost constant since he ascended the throne.

As the saying goes, "When one person attains enlightenment, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven," and now all the officials in Prince Yu's mansion have been promoted.

Not only did Xu Jie secure his position as Grand Secretary, but Zhang Juzheng also became Vice Minister of Revenue and Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion.

Only Su Ning continued to serve as the prince's tutor, and of course, he also used the Accounting Office to cause trouble everywhere.

At this moment, Longqing sighed softly and placed the memorial back on the table: "Grand Secretary Xu, how much of these impeachments do you think are true and how much are false?"

Xu Jie pondered for a moment, his graying beard and hair gleaming slightly in the light filtering through the window: "This old minister believes that the impeachment is half true and half false. Su Ning spent three years in the Accounting Department, recovering over two million taels of embezzled silver and rectifying official corruption, naturally offending many. However..."

He paused, then lowered his voice, "The impeachment is gaining momentum. The six censors have jointly submitted a memorial demanding the abolition of the Accounting Office. The new dynasty has just been established. If we forcefully protect him, I'm afraid it will discourage the officials."

Silence fell over the warm room.

A few sparks occasionally flew from the charcoal brazier, standing out clearly in the silence.

Emperor Longqing stood up and slowly paced around the warm pavilion, his bright yellow dragon robe shimmering faintly in the light and shadow.

“I remember,” he suddenly stopped, “when the late Emperor was alive last year, Su Ning discovered a deficit in the grain transport and recovered 400,000 shi of grain for the court. At that time, everyone in the court praised him as a capable and efficient official. How come he has now become the target of everyone’s criticism?”

Xu Jie bowed deeply: "Your Majesty is wise. It is precisely because Su Ning is a rare talent that this old minister suggested sending him to a post outside the capital, rather than dismissing him. With the position of Governor of Yingtian vacant, it would be better to let Su Ning gain experience for a few years. Firstly, it would allow him to temporarily avoid the limelight, and secondly, the Jiangnan region, a land of great wealth and resources, needs capable people like him to reorganize it."

Just then, Feng Bao, a eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial, quietly entered and whispered, "Your Majesty, Minister Su is requesting an audience outside the palace gates, saying he has important matters to report."

Emperor Longqing and Xu Jie exchanged a glance, both surprised.

At this critical juncture, Suning's initiative to seek a meeting was truly unexpected.

When Su Ning entered the warm pavilion, he was holding a memorial in his hands, his expression calm as if the turmoil in the court had nothing to do with him.

He knelt down and bowed, his voice clear and resonant: "Your subject Su Ning pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise, Minister Su." The Longqing Emperor sized him up. "What brings you to this audience at this hour?"

Su Ning presented the memorial with both hands: "Your subject requests an imperial decree to be transferred to a local post to gain experience in government affairs."

The Longqing Emperor took the memorial, which read in neat handwriting: "Your subject was selected by the late Emperor and entrusted with the important task of clearing up accounts. For the past three years, I have been cautious and apprehensive, as if walking on thin ice. Now that the new dynasty has been established, I request to be sent to a post outside the capital for training in order to preserve my integrity as a subject. I wish to go to Nanjing to reform the tax system and repay the Emperor's grace."

"Minister Su," the Longqing Emperor put down the memorial, his gaze complex, "do you know that this trip might take three to five years? You were the one who founded the Accounting Bureau, are you really willing to give it up?"

Su Ning raised his head, his gaze clear and firm: "I know. But the Accounting Bureau is now on the right track, and the auditing system has been established. Even if I leave, it can continue to operate. Besides..."

He paused, "If I remain in the capital, I will only cause trouble for the Emperor. It would be better to go to Yingtian, the heart of the Ming Dynasty's wealth and resources, which is the best place to implement the new policies."

Xu Jie nodded secretly to himself.

His grandson-in-law was indeed good at judging the situation and had a keen understanding of the emperor's intentions.

Now that Jian is favored by the emperor, his future achievements will definitely be no less than those of Zhang Juzheng.

"In your memorial, you mentioned going to Yingtian to reform the tax system," the Longqing Emperor's voice softened slightly, "but do you have any specific ideas?"

“Your Majesty,” Su Ning replied calmly, “I have served in the Accounting Department for two years and know very well that the problems with our dynasty’s finances are not due to insufficient revenue, but to ineffective collection and rampant corruption. Yingtian is the most prosperous place in the country. If we can implement new tax collection methods and establish a transparent accounting system here, it will surely open up new sources of revenue for the court.”

Xu Jie interjected at the opportune moment: "Lord Su's ambition is truly a blessing for the court. However, the officialdom in Yingtian is deeply entrenched; is Lord Su confident in his ability to succeed?"

Su Ning turned to Xu Jie and bowed slightly: "Thank you for your concern, Grand Secretary Xu. I know the road ahead will be difficult, but it is precisely because it is difficult that someone is needed to do it. The experience of the Accounting Department over the past three years has taught me that no matter how complicated the accounts are, as long as we investigate them carefully, we can always find out the truth."

Emperor Longqing stared at Su Ning for a long time before finally nodding: "Since that's the case, I grant your permission."

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Three days later, the imperial edict was issued: Su Ning, the head of the Accounting Department, was promoted to the fourth-rank governor of Yingtian and was to take up his post immediately.

On the day I left Beijing, a light rain was falling.

To Su Ning's surprise, Zhang Juzheng personally saw him off at the pavilion outside the city.

"Take good care of yourself on your journey to Anbang." Zhang Juzheng raised his cup with a deep gaze. "Yingtian is a crucial center for finance and taxation. You may be able to achieve more there than in the capital when you implement new policies."

Su Ning finished his drink and looked out at the misty, rain-shrouded capital: "I've been in the Accounting Department for three years and offended too many people. Leaving now is better for everyone."

He paused, then gave Zhang Juzheng a meaningful look. “However, the Accounting Department cannot be abolished. I have already recommended Zhao Deming to the Emperor to temporarily take charge. With him here, the auditing system can continue.”

Zhang Juzheng smiled slightly, a smile that held a hint of something unfathomable: "You are overthinking things. The Accounting Bureau is beneficial to the country; how could I, Zhang, let personal matters interfere with public duty?"

He stepped forward, lowering his voice, "But since Anbang brought it up, I might as well speak frankly. Your presence in the capital has indeed made many people uneasy. Not because you did anything wrong, but because you did too much right."

Upon hearing this, Su Ning understood.

He knew that Zhang Juzheng's words were both a reminder and a warning.

In the upcoming Longqing reign, Zhang Juzheng will surely make great strides, and this rising star in politics has indeed become an eyesore to many.

“Uncle, I am deeply grateful for your frank advice.” Su Ning cupped his hands in greeting. “Jiangnan is a long way off, and I don’t know when we will meet again. I hope you will take good care of yourself in the court.”

As the carriage started moving, Su Ning took one last look back at the capital city where he had lived for five years.

The Forbidden City, shrouded in a light rain, appears and disappears like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

He knew that this seemingly demotion was actually a form of protection for him by Xu Jie and the new emperor.

And the wealthy Jiangnan region might just be the perfect stage for him to implement his new policies.

The rain grew heavier, and the willows along the official road swayed in the rain.

Nanjing, the post of the Governor of Yingtian, awaits him ahead.

……

After passing Tongzhou, you will reach the canal wharf.

An official boat was already waiting there, with the banner "Imperial Appointment Governor of Yingtian" flying at its bow, fluttering in the wind.

The four guards stood at attention on the dock. Upon seeing Su Ning arrive, they all knelt on one knee in unison: "Your humble servant respectfully welcomes Your Excellency!"

Suning nodded slightly.

According to the regulations of the Ming Dynasty, when officials of the third rank or above went to their posts outside the capital, the Ministry of War had to verify their eligibility, and the post stations along the way provided food and lodging. Local officials were also required to welcome and see them off.

Now he is the governor of Yingtian, a high-ranking official of the second rank, and his ceremonial regalia is naturally different from before.

When boarding the ship, the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner specially sent an official to accompany him.

The man was a capable-looking middle-aged man who, as he presented the documents, reported in a low voice, "I have come on the orders of the Governor-General to escort you south. All arrangements along the way have been made." The official boat slowly departed from the dock and headed south along the canal.

Su Ning stood at the bow of the boat, gazing at the spring scenery on both banks.

It was the season when peach blossoms were in full bloom, and the pink and white petals drifted down with the wind, swirling on the emerald green river.

Several village children were chasing and playing on the shore. When they saw the official boat passing by, they all stopped and looked around curiously.

“Sir,” the official stepped forward to report, “we are approaching Tianjin. According to custom, local officials should come to greet and see us off.”

Sure enough, as soon as the ship docked, the Tianjin Military Commissioner and his subordinate officials were waiting at the pier.

Everyone bowed respectfully and presented local specialties.

Su Ning reciprocated with gifts of cultural artifacts he had brought from the capital, and inquired about local customs and traditions.

"The grain transport case investigated by the Accounting Department last year," the Tianjin Military Commissioner said in a low voice, "was saved from implicating too many people thanks to Your Excellency's keen observation."

Su Ning smiled slightly: "It's just my duty."

He knew in his heart that this seemingly casual mention was actually a test by local officials to gauge his attitude.

Continuing south, the scenery along the canal gradually changes.

The vastness and desolation of the North have been replaced by the gentle beauty of the South, and even the tunes hummed by the boatmen have taken on the charm of the soft Wu dialect.

The ship arrived in Jining that day, just as the grain transported north was taking place.

A thousand sails raced forth, and the cargo ships stretched for dozens of miles, one after another.

The dock was bustling with noise; laborers carrying loads shouted work chants, while officials supervising the work patrolled back and forth with abacuses in hand.

“My lord, please look,” the official pointed out the window, “this is the first batch of grain to be transported this year, and it needs to be delivered to Tongzhou before the flood season.”

Su Ning stared intently at the ship, then suddenly frowned: "Those cargo ships seem to have a shallow draft."

The official's expression changed slightly, and he was about to explain when a group of officials rushed over.

The one leading the group was a councilor from the Shandong Provincial Administration Commission. After bowing, he smiled and said, "This humble official has come to welcome Your Excellency, the Governor. A welcoming banquet has been prepared at the yamen, and we hope Your Excellency will do us the honor of attending."

During the banquet, the councilor repeatedly offered toasts but never mentioned the matter of the Grand Canal.

It wasn't until after several rounds of drinks that he casually mentioned, "I heard that when you were in the accounting department, you were quite knowledgeable about the canal transport accounts?"

Su Ning put down his wine glass and glanced at the officials present: "I know a little bit. For example, if the grain is of inferior quality when it is loaded onto the ship, or if it is sold privately along the way, we can tell from the draft."

The room fell silent instantly.

The councilor chuckled twice: "Your Excellency is joking. Nowadays, the rules for canal transport are very strict. Who would dare to be so bold?"

That night, Su Ning carefully observed what he saw along the way under the lamplight of the inn.

The water level readings of the various cargo ships that he secretly recorded during these days were clearly inconsistent with the officially reported transport volume.

It seems that even after rectification, the deep-seated problems of the canal transport system still exist.

The further south you go, the more pronounced this feeling becomes.

When we passed through Huai'an, it was the day the salt was released.

Salt merchants thronged the dock, all dressed in fine clothes. Upon seeing the governor's official ship, they all stepped forward to present their invitations and request an audience.

“These people are well-informed,” Su Ning said to his accompanying staff.

The aide bowed and replied, "Your Excellency is unaware that the Governor of Yingtian controls Southern Zhili and also oversees the salt administration. These salt merchants will all be relying on Your Excellency's favor from now on."

Su Ning sneered: "Take care of them? I'm here to rectify officialdom, not to become sworn brothers with them."

Nevertheless, he still met with the leaders of several major salt merchants as usual.

Listening to their high-sounding flattery and seeing the lavish gifts they offered, Su Ning knew exactly what was going on.

Behind these people stand countless high-ranking officials in the imperial court.

Continuing onward, the official ship entered Yangzhou territory.

This place is a hub of the Grand Canal, a bustling commercial center that surpasses even the north in prosperity.

The prefect had already led his entourage to wait at the dock, with a well-organized entourage and a great commotion of drums and music.

"Your humble servant, Li Wenhuan, Prefect of Yangzhou, respectfully welcomes Your Excellency!" The Prefect stepped forward and bowed, his attitude respectful yet tinged with unease.

When Su Ning was investigating the accounts, he found evidence that Prefect Li had close ties with salt merchants.

Now that we've met again, we both understand each other implicitly.

That night, the prefect hosted a banquet on the shore of Slender West Lake.

When the wine was half-finished, Li Wenhuan took the opportunity of toasting to say in a low voice, "I have long admired your reputation, sir, and I have some heartfelt words to say, but I don't know if I should."

Suning remained calm and said, "Speak freely."

"The officialdom in Yingtian is deeply entrenched," Li Wenhuan said in a very low voice. "I hope you will think twice before you go, sir. Sometimes, turning a blind eye to certain things is better for everyone."

Suning raised his glass and took a sip, his gaze sweeping across the lake as if looking towards the distant, brightly lit city of Nanjing.

"I appreciate Prefect Li's kindness," he said slowly. "However, His Majesty sent me here not to turn a blind eye."

"grown ups……"

“Prefect Li, as an official, one should be loyal to one’s duties, serve His Majesty, and treat the people well. Therefore, there has never been such a thing as turning a blind eye.”

"..."

……

The official ship set sail again the following morning.

After passing Zhenjiang, Nanjing is in sight.

In the distance, the outline of Zhongshan Mountain can already be seen faintly in the morning mist.

At the dock, officials from the Yingtian Governor's Office were already lined up and waiting.

The leader was a capable-looking middle-aged man. Upon seeing Su Ning disembark, he quickly stepped forward and bowed: "This humble servant is Zhao Wenhua, the head of the governor's office. I respectfully welcome you to your new post, sir!"

Suning looked up and saw the majestic Nanjing city wall and the Qinhuai River flowing quietly.

This secondary capital of the Ming Dynasty, the most prosperous place in Jiangnan, awaits who knows what kind of vicissitudes await it.

He straightened his official robes and took a deep breath.

"Enter the city."

...(End of chapter)