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Suning's official ship slowly docked at the Nanjing wharf.

In the morning mist, the city of Jinling, by the Zhuque Bridge and at the entrance of Wuyi Lane, blends the weight of history with the prosperity of the present.

The officials of the Yingtian Governor's Office, who had been waiting in line at the dock, bowed in unison when they saw the banner that read "Imperial Appointment to Yingtian Governor" on the bow of the ship.

"Your humble servants respectfully welcome Your Excellency the Governor!"

The sounds were synchronized and echoed along the banks of the Qinhuai River.

Su Ning steadily disembarked, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

Standing at the front was an elderly man of about fifty years old, dressed in the robes of a third-rank official, with a smile on his face, but unable to hide the complex expression in his eyes.

"This humble official is Liu Wenzheng, the current governor of Yingtian. I have been waiting for Lord Su for a long time." The old man stepped forward and bowed.

Su Ning quickly returned the greeting: "Lord Liu, you are too kind. I am new here and hope that you will give me your guidance."

"You're too kind, Lord Su."

While the two exchanged pleasantries, their subordinates had already prepared sedan chairs and horses.

According to regulations, a newly appointed governor must first receive his official seal outside the city before he can enter the city.

The procession led the way, with the clear sound of gongs, and people along the route stopped to watch.

"The new governor has arrived!" "I've heard that this Lord Su is a very stern figure in the capital."

"Those from the Accounting Bureau are likely to stir up trouble in Jiangnan."

Whispers drifted on the wind as Su Ning sat calmly in the sedan chair.

The ceremony for receiving the seal was held at the Jieguan Pavilion in the south of the city.

An incense table had already been set up in front of the pavilion, on which were placed the governor's seal and command arrow.

Liu Wenzheng solemnly took out the seal and presented it with both hands:

"Lord Su, this is the official seal of the Governor of Yingtian, which governs the ten prefectures and four states of Southern Zhili, and is responsible for managing grain and provisions and supervising military affairs. It is being handed over to you today."

Su Ning knelt solemnly to receive the imperial favor: "Your subject Su Ning will certainly perform his duties diligently and live up to the emperor's grace."

The seal felt heavy in my hand, and the carved Qilin pattern on it was clearly visible.

From that moment on, he officially became a powerful regional official in charge of half of Jiangnan.

After the ceremony, the two entered the city together in a sedan chair.

Liu Wenzheng invited Su Ning to ride in the same sedan chair, which was a customary practice during the handover of power between successive governors.

The sedan chair was spacious, allowing two people to sit facing each other.

Liu Wenzheng lifted the curtain and pointed out the window: "Lord Su, please look, this is the most prosperous area of ​​Qinhuai River in Nanjing. Merchants gather here, and scholars congregate here; it can be said to be the essence of Jiangnan."

Looking in that direction, Su Ning saw a bustling scene with painted boats and shops everywhere.

"Lord Liu governs well, and the prosperity of Jiangnan is well-deserved." Liu Wenzheng shook his head slightly: "Behind the prosperity, there are many hidden worries. Lord Su is a wise man, so I will not beat around the bush."

He took out a booklet from his sleeve: "This is the governor's secret book, which records the true situation of each prefecture and county. It differs quite a bit from the memorials submitted to the imperial court."

Su Ning took the booklet, casually flipped through a few pages, and frowned slightly.

"Last year, Suzhou Prefecture actually collected 300,000 taels of commercial tax, but reported 200,000 taels; Songjiang Prefecture actually collected 400,000 taels of salt tax, but reported 250,000 taels... Why did Lord Liu not report these figures truthfully?"

Liu Wenzheng smiled wryly: "Lord Su is young and impetuous, and he may not understand. Taxes in Jiangnan have always been subject to a certain margin. If all taxes are paid in full, the court will surely increase them next year. How will the people bear that? Furthermore..."

He paused, then added, "We also need to make some arrangements with the various officials in the court."

The words were spoken subtly, but Su Ning understood the implied meaning.

The wealth and resources of Jiangnan affect the interests of countless people in the imperial court.

Upon arriving at the governor's office, Liu Wenzheng personally guided Su Ning to familiarize himself with government affairs.

The government office was located in the center of Nanjing, covering a vast area with three courtyards and three entrances, showcasing the majesty of a high-ranking official.

In the study in the back hall, Liu Wenzheng pointed to the shelves full of documents and said, "These are the files from recent years. Lord Su can take his time to look through them carefully. However..."

He turned and took out a thicker booklet from a hidden compartment in the bookshelf. "This one is the really important one."

Su Ning took the document and opened it. Inside, there were detailed records of the relationships between the major families, salt merchants, and money shops in Jiangnan, and even the businesses of various high-ranking officials in the imperial court in Jiangnan.

"This is what I discovered during my five years in office through secret investigations," Liu Wenzheng said solemnly. "Lord Su, the waters of Jiangnan run much deeper than you think. Take the salt administration, for example. On the surface, it's a monopoly by the imperial court, but in reality, most of the profits flow into private pockets. Behind those salt merchants stand important officials in the court."

Su Ning pondered for a moment: "Lord Liu, aren't you afraid of offending people by revealing these secrets to us?"

Liu Wenzheng laughed loudly: "I have retired from officialdom and will be returning to my hometown tomorrow. Over the years, I have done too many things to protect myself, and before I leave, I should do something that is true to my conscience."

He looked directly at Su Ning and said, "Lord Su, I have long heard of your actions in the Accounting Department. Jiangnan needs capable people like you. I just hope you will behave yourself."

The handover entered its substantive phase the following day.

Liu Wenzheng summoned the heads of various departments of the yamen and introduced them to Su Ning one by one.

"This is Zhao Wenhua, the head of the criminal investigation department, who is in charge of judicial criminal cases."

"This is Qian Yiming, the head of the household registration office, who is in charge of money, grain and taxes."

"This is Sun Wu, the head of the military affairs office, in charge of military and defense matters..."

As each official stepped forward to greet him, Su Ning carefully observed their demeanor and actions.

Some had honest eyes, some had shifty eyes, and some had fawning expressions.

This governor's office is indeed a miniature imperial court.

When handing over the money and grain, Qian Yiming, the head of the household affairs office, presented the account book: "Reporting to Your Excellency, last year the Yingtian Governor's Office collected a total of 1.8 million taels of various taxes, spent 1.5 million taels, and had a surplus of 300,000 taels."

Su Ning glanced at the ledger and asked calmly, "How much is the salt tax? How much is the commercial tax? How much is the land tax?"

Qian Yiming answered fluently: "Your Excellency, the salt tax is 700,000 taels, the commercial tax is 500,000 taels, the land tax is 400,000 taels, and other miscellaneous taxes are 200,000 taels."

"Oh?" Su Ning raised his eyes. "As far as I know, a total of 500,000 salt permits were issued in Jiangnan last year. At two taels of tax per permit, that should amount to one million taels. How do you explain the shortfall of 300,000 taels?"

Qian Yiming's expression changed slightly, and he stammered, "Well... some salt certificates are old ones, and some were specially approved for tax reduction..."

"Then please have Manager Qian submit a detailed report within three days." Su Ning's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

The handover of military duties was particularly interesting.

Sun Wu, the chief of the military affairs office, reported on the number of soldiers in various garrisons and stations, describing it in an exaggerated and elaborate manner.

Su Ning suddenly asked:
"The Zhenjiang Garrison has a nominal strength of 5,600 men. How many are there in reality?"

"This... should be over four thousand people."

"How many is four thousand? What's the exact number?"

"Your subordinate... Your subordinate needs to verify."

Su Ning didn't press further, simply saying, "We'll find out tomorrow when we visit the various garrisons together."

Sun Tzu's forehead was already beaded with sweat.

Over the course of three days, Su Ning used a combination of gentle inquiries and sharp questioning to get a general idea of ​​the governor's office's inner workings.

Every official in charge experienced firsthand the formidable nature of this new governor. Not only was he thoroughly familiar with all aspects of government affairs, but what was even more frightening was that he seemed to have already gleaned a great deal of inside information.

On the last evening, Liu Wenzheng invited Su Ning to drink and admire the moon in the back garden of the yamen.

After several rounds of drinks, Liu Wenzheng sighed:

"Lord Su, after observing the situation in Jiangnan for the past three days, what are your thoughts?"

Su Ning toyed with his wine glass, his gaze deep: "The problems are deep-seated, but not incurable. Salt administration, canal transport, and taxes are the three major chronic issues. But as long as we pinpoint the root cause and prescribe the right medicine, given time, we will surely be able to rectify them."

“It’s good that Lord Su is confident.” Liu Wenzheng raised his cup. “However, I must remind you that these powerful families in Jiangnan are deeply entrenched. If you try to touch their interests, they will definitely retaliate. In the court, there will also be people who speak up for you, or… trip you up.”

Su Ning smiled slightly and raised his glass in a toast: "Thank you for the reminder, Lord Liu. But since I'm here, I've already made preparations."

Under the moonlight, their wine glasses clinked together, producing a crisp sound.

The following morning, Liu Wenzheng left Nanjing with a small entourage.

Suning personally escorted him outside the city.

"I've seen you off for a thousand miles, but we must part ways eventually. Take care on your journey, Lord Liu."

"Lord Su, please wait. The people of Jiangnan are entrusted to you."

Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Su Ning took a deep breath and turned to look at Nanjing. The rising sun bathed the ancient city in golden rays.

Upon returning to the governor's office, all the officials were already waiting in the hall.

Su Ning strode up the steps and stood under the plaque that read "A Clear Mirror Hangs High," his gaze sweeping over the crowd below.

"Having received the imperial decree to govern Jiangnan, I shall naturally strive to improve the administration and eliminate long-standing abuses. From this day forward, all administrative affairs of the Governor's Office shall be handled in accordance with the new regulations..."

His voice echoed in the main hall of the governor's office, firm and clear.

The officials listened with their heads bowed, and everyone knew that the weather in Jiangnan was about to change.

Outside the hall, the streets and alleys of Nanjing were still bustling with traffic, and the Qinhuai River was still alive with song and dance.

But beneath this calm surface, a storm of change is quietly brewing.

……

After seeing Liu Wenzheng off, Su Ning turned and returned to the main hall of the governor's office.

He did not immediately take the stage, but stood alone in the empty and majestic hall for a long time, his gaze slowly sweeping over the plaque with the words "A Bright Mirror Hangs High," the silent drum, and the official titles displayed on both sides.

"Someone come here." His voice broke the silence. Zhao Wenhua, the clerk, entered in response: "What are your orders, sir?"

"Pass down the order: at exactly 7:00 AM tomorrow, all officials of the seventh rank and above in Nanjing must attend a meeting in the main hall. No one may be absent."

"Yes, my lord."

Zhao Wenhua accepted the order and left, his heart filled with trepidation.

The new governor's office is about to begin.

The next day at dawn, the main hall was completely silent.

Dozens of subordinate officials stood solemnly according to their rank, all their eyes focused on Su Ning, who sat upright in the center.

He was not wearing official robes, but rather a straight-cut indigo suit, which made him appear even more capable and stern.

Without any pleasantries, he got straight to the point: "I was ordered to govern the Jiangnan region, and my primary responsibility is the Grand Canal, the lifeblood of the nation. However, on my way south, I have observed that the canals are quite shallow, which is inconsistent with the transport volume recorded in the ledgers."

His gaze was like lightning, shooting directly at Li Huan, the Superintendent of Grain Transport. "Lord Li, what was the actual amount of the three million shi of grain transported north last year?"

Caught off guard, Li Huan broke out in a cold sweat and stammered, "Reporting...Reporting to Your Excellency, the accounts are clear, it is indeed three million shi..."

"Is that so?" Su Ning gently picked up a dossier. "But according to my notes along the way, in the Jining section alone, three or four out of ten grain transport boats were either empty or half-loaded. Based on this, it would be fortunate if the actual amount reached 2.5 million shi. As for the missing 500,000 shi, did it sink in the canal, or... did it end up in someone's pocket?"

The whole hall was shocked.

No one expected that the investigation would be so thorough even before the new governor arrived!
"Your Excellency is wise!" Li Huan knelt down with a thud. "This humble official...this humble official failed in his duty!"

"Neglect?" Su Ning's voice turned cold. "I'm afraid he's colluded with them! Guards, remove Li Huan's official hat and drag him into the Provincial Surveillance Commission's prison for a thorough investigation!"

The fierce-looking bailiffs rushed in and dragged the ashen-faced Li Huan away from the courtroom.

The whole process was swift and efficient, giving no one a chance to plead.

The officials below the hall fell silent, truly realizing just how ruthless this governor, who came from the "Accounting Bureau," was.

Su Ning surveyed the crowd and slowly said, "The corruption in the canal transport system is not a recent phenomenon. I will give you ten days to conduct self-examinations and truthfully report any past misconduct, and you may be treated leniently. If you are found to have committed any wrongdoings after ten days, your punishment will be doubled!"

……

With the lingering effects of the first fire still present, Suning's second fire directly targeted the salt administration, which had the highest profits and deepest connections.

Instead of making a big fuss, he took a few capable advisors and trusted guards and went incognito to Yangzhou, where the Lianghuai Salt Transport Office was located.

When they arrived, it was already dusk, and the Salt Transport Office was preparing to close the gates.

"The Governor has arrived!" a guard shouted, and Zhou Derong, the Salt Commissioner, scrambled out to greet him, his face ashen.

"This humble official was unaware of Your Excellency's arrival and has failed to greet you properly..."

"No need to greet me." Su Ning walked straight into the lobby. "Bring here immediately all the ledgers for the release and write-off of salt over the past five years."

In the brightly lit hall, Su Ning personally oversaw the operation, while his staff audited the accounts overnight.

The abacus clicked and clattered as Zhou Derong and a group of salt officials stood by, their clothes soaked with sweat.

As dawn broke, a preliminary result was presented to Suning.

He glanced at it, sneered, and threw the account book in front of Zhou Derong: "Lord Zhou, explain yourself. Why are there nearly 100,000 salt certificates every year, supposedly destined for Huguang, but ultimately sold in the Huaibei area? Are you quite adept at this 'salt relocation' trick?"

“This…this is the usual practice every year…” Zhou Derong’s legs went weak and he knelt down.

"Standard practice?" Su Ning slammed his hand on the table. "This is a serious crime of embezzling national taxes and disrupting the salt law! Who are the salt merchants behind these 'false permits'? How much of the profit do you get from each permit? And who in the court is backing you up? Speak!"

Zhou Derong collapsed to the ground, incoherent.

Su Ning ignored him and directly ordered: "Effective immediately, seal all accounts and archives of the Salt Transport Office and suspend the issuance of salt tokens for this year. All salt officials are not to leave their posts without orders! I will personally investigate and punish these corrupt officials in the salt administration!"

The news sent shockwaves through both Nanjing and Yangzhou.

The salt merchants were like ants on a hot pan, frantically trying to bribe officials and plead their case, but the Suning headquarters was heavily guarded and refused to see any outsiders.

……

Two consecutive raging fires have caused widespread panic among officials in Jiangnan.

Just when everyone thought Governor Su was going to continue his thorough investigation, he suddenly returned to the Nanjing Governor's Office and did something unexpected...

He sent out invitations to retired officials, prominent families, and gentry from Nanjing and surrounding prefectures and counties to "appreciate the lotus flowers and discuss matters" in the back garden of the government office three days later.

On that day, the back garden was filled with dignitaries, but the atmosphere was rather subtle.

These representatives of local forces were both wary of the new governor's ruthless methods and unable to discern his true intentions behind this "elegant gathering."

Suning was dressed casually, with a warm smile, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor.

He never mentioned the Grand Canal or the salt administration, but instead chatted with everyone over tea, discussing poetry and local customs.

It wasn't until after several rounds of drinks that he casually brought it up:
"You are all pillars of Jiangnan, and your hometowns are peaceful and prosperous, so we have many people to rely on. I am new to this place and wish to promote what is beneficial and eliminate what is harmful, so that Jiangnan can become more prosperous and peaceful. I still need your strong support."

During the banquet, a highly respected retired Vice Minister of Rites bowed and said, "Your Excellency is determined to reform, which we admire. However... the situation in Jiangnan is complex, and a single move can have far-reaching consequences. We hope that Your Excellency will proceed slowly and steadily, prioritizing stability."

These words, though seemingly admonitions, actually represented the sentiments of most of the gentry present, who hoped that Suning would not pursue the matter further.

Su Ning put down his teacup, his smile unchanged, but his tone carried an undeniable authority: "What the old lord says is absolutely right, 'stability' is paramount. However, if the grain transport is disrupted, the capital will be thrown into turmoil; if the salt laws are violated, the national treasury will be empty. This is a disaster that shakes the very foundation of the nation, so how can we talk about 'stability'?"

His gaze swept across the room as he continued, "I am well aware that the families of all of you here have some connection to the Grand Canal and the salt administration. The reason I have invited you here today is to inform you that the old 'customs' are hereby abolished from this day forward. In the past, I may have been lenient, but from this day forward, anyone who dares to violate the new regulations..."

He paused, his voice not loud, but each word carried immense weight: "Don't say I didn't warn you."

The garden was quiet, with only the rustling of the wind through the lotus leaves.

By employing both carrot and stick tactics, the bottom line was clearly drawn.

He gave these local bullies a way out, but also drew a red line that they could never cross.

After these three reforms, the atmosphere in the officialdom of Jiangnan was greatly improved.

A large number of corrupt officials in the Grand Canal Transport Office and the Salt Transport Office were dismissed and investigated. To fill the vacant positions, Su Ning boldly appointed a group of young and capable officials whom he had identified during his time in the Accounting Office. He also formulated detailed "New Regulations for Grand Canal Transport" and "Salt Administration Regulations," which clearly stipulated the responsibilities, standards, and supervision of each link and posted them publicly.

Resistance certainly exists.

Impeachments accusing him of "acting cruelly and disturbing the Jiangnan region" flooded the capital, but the Longqing Emperor and the Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng remained silent, and this silence itself was a form of tacit approval.

……

One month later, in the study of the governor's office.

The newly appointed Superintendent of Grain Transport respectfully reported: "Your Excellency, since the implementation of the new grain transport regulations, the first batch of grain transported to the north has arrived in Beijing in full. The Ministry of Revenue has verified that the amount is exactly as described!"

Almost simultaneously, the newly appointed Salt Commissioner also came to report good news: "Sir, the new salt permits use anti-counterfeiting certificates and are sold by district. The salt tax revenue in the first month has increased by 50% compared to the same period last year!"

Suning stood by the window, gazing at the myriad lights of Nanjing outside.

These three fires burned away the deep-seated problems and also brought about new life.

He knew that this was just the beginning; many more problems lay hidden beneath the surface of Jiangnan, waiting for him to uncover and resolve them.

But his arrival, like a stone thrown into stagnant water, has stirred up ripples that cannot be ignored.

The name of Su Ning, the governor of Yingtian, truly began to leave a deep mark on this prosperous land.

...(End of chapter)