A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 310 I'm used to making the big cake first.
The civil officials did not try to bring Song Xuan into their inner circle through marriage, thus failing to form a closer group.

But everyone is optimistic about his future.

Therefore, they wanted to provide him with some support in the "officialdom," hoping to receive a return in the future.

Otherwise, if you don't help him when he's insignificant and powerless, and then try to curry favor with him when he becomes the prime minister of the Song Dynasty, will the results be the same?

The scholar-officials were extremely patient with such long-term investments.

Investing in a few promising young people will at least ensure that none of them end up being a complete loss.

Especially the list of Jinshi graduates from the fifth year of the Tiansheng era.

There are quite a few young people among them.

If nothing unexpected happens, there will be no shortage of people who will be able to enter the central government in the future.

With a long political career and outstanding achievements, he will not have to worry about not being able to enter the central government in the future.

If Yan Shu hadn't deliberately assaulted someone, leading to his exile, he might have become the Deputy Privy Councilor long ago, preparing for his future as a prime minister.

It's unlikely that he would have wasted three years in Yingtian Prefecture before returning to serve as Deputy Privy Councilor.

However, every cloud has a silver lining.

No one expected that Yan Shu would do such a good job in Yingtian Prefecture.

This is why everyone can tolerate the practice of Zhang Fangping, the third-ranked scholar, openly "choosing a wife," and will not criticize him for privately contacting military officers.

Song Xuan understood that some people were choosing new agents to represent their interests.

And he, the top scholar, is currently the person they most want to choose.

Therefore, he understood Li Junyou's initiative to befriend him, as well as his grandfather's teachings.

Their main goal was to ensure the continued prosperity and power of their family.

Many people would be unwilling to ruin their future and risk their lives for the sake of the Song Dynasty.

After years of hard study, passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) grants one the privileges of a superior person. This was a principle that was promoted by the imperial family and was accepted by everyone.

If a scholar-official truly wanted to "die" for the country, that was something he had to consider very carefully.

Why should we do something that doesn't bring us any benefit?
People only stay on high alert and wait for you to fall for their tricks when they're up to no good.

Song Xuan weighed the iron hammer in his hand.

Others might think he's just trying to make money, but in reality, he really wants to expand the business.

Only with such political achievements can he climb the ranks faster and do what he wants to do as soon as possible.

Now that the cake is made, it's time to divide it properly.

Song Xuan summoned Qi Lecheng and instructed him to inform each of the various departments that he would treat everyone to a meal at Baxianlou, the main restaurant next to the duty building, after his shift ended today.

Qi Lecheng went there immediately.

County Magistrate Zhou Derong had been eagerly awaiting Song Xuan's order to collect taxes, but it hadn't happened for several days.

Instead, the fact that the prefectural magistrate of Kaifeng was arrested and imprisoned in the county jail truly terrified him.

It can be said that Song Xuan didn't need to put on any show of force.

This single move alone stunned the officials in Kaifeng County.

In the past, when had these officials, who were the magistrates of Kaifeng, ever seen such a thing?

When Qian Gansan heard that even temporary workers were to be brought along, he nodded repeatedly to indicate that he understood.

Everyone knows that Qi Lecheng, the watchdog, has transformed into a favorite of Master Song, and he's the one who informs people about everything.

As for the two men beside the high-ranking official, they were more like bodyguards and hardly participated in the affairs of the county government.

Qi Lecheng left with a smile, and then went to the next room to make the announcement.

In the third year of the Tiansheng era, an imperial edict stipulated that the number of officials in prefectures and counties should not exceed forty, except in the capital.

There were only sixty official clerks in Kaifeng County; the rest were temporary workers.

Currently, the overstaffing problem is not too serious, and temporary workers don't have many opportunities to become permanent employees.

Qian Gansan, the Registrar of Household Affairs, was in charge of all household affairs and also had the most subordinates in the county government, with as many as twenty clerks.

Temporary workers were plentiful, and the pay was quite substantial.

After watching Qi Lecheng leave, Qian Gansan addressed the others in the room:
"Our master is treating us to dinner today, so keep your mouths shut. Say what you should say, and don't say what you shouldn't say."

"Here."

Upon receiving the news, Wu Boyang, the clerk in charge of the gongs, nodded repeatedly with a smile on his face and respectfully saw Qi Lecheng off.

He had to give them face no matter what.

Who used to give a second glance to Qi Lecheng, the watchdog?
Now no one dares to openly call him Qi Gouzi anymore.

"I heard it all. After we finish our shift today, the master is inviting us to dinner at the Eight Immortals Restaurant."

"Go back to eating more and talking less. They're good at flattering us, but we're not good with words. Let's try to eat our money's worth."

"Otherwise, we wouldn't have had the chance to eat and drink at a proper restaurant for ten or eight years!"

"Hahaha."

Everyone burst into laughter.

This house belongs to Brother Tu Mu, Wu Boyang and his family.

There are very few places to make money on a regular basis.

Whether it was the Bianhe River embankment, the renovation of government offices, or the crackdown on encroaching shops, they didn't make much money off it.

Some were also taken away by the officials of Kaifeng Prefecture, making it difficult for them to even get a bowl of soup.

When it was time to go off duty, all the clerks and temporary workers came out and stood at the door waiting for Song Xuan.

Song Xuan came out from the back hall, and County Magistrate Zhou Delong immediately bowed: "My lord."

"My lord," the other officials greeted in unison.

Song Xuan waved his hand: "Are any of your clerks and temporary staff absent?"

"My lord, there is no household registration."

"The clerk's office doesn't have it."

"There isn't one in the ceremonial room."

"There is no torture chamber."

"The workshop doesn't have it."

"My lord, four men from the military headquarters are guarding the warehouse and have not yet arrived."

Song Xuan thought for a moment: "What about Ban Feng?"

"The subordinate is here."

"Last time I took you guys out for dinner and drinks, it was the clerks who took your night shifts. Today, you'll have to work hard and take a few of your brothers to cover for them."

"Yes, sir." Ban Feng quickly replied.

"Xiao Qi, lead the way."

"Yes."

Qi Lecheng quickly led Song Xuan out the door.

Behind Song Xuan, the county magistrate and the registrar followed closely.

One room after another, people from the same room lined up to walk.

In short, it's about which branch of the family has the most "prestige" in the county government.

Those who are in front should go first.

In general terms, the household registration and clerk rites were referred to as the Upper Three Houses.

The other three are the lower three branches of the family.

The manager of Baxianlou had been sending someone to wait at the entrance of the county government office, and the waiter hurriedly ran back.

"Manager, manager, Scholar Song has arrived with his men."

The waiter was panting heavily from running, but he still managed to finish speaking in one breath.

In restaurants, good speaking skills are essential.

"Quickly, brew some tea right away, then follow me to the door to greet them."

Shopkeeper Su's face was beaming with joy.

Manager Su was extremely pleased that Mr. Song Xuan was able to choose Baxianlou from among seventy-two legitimate restaurants.

Just a few days ago, he envied the treatment of the magistrate in the nearby office, because he had the advantage of having the position of county lieutenant.

As it turned out, the old man surnamed Ban had become senile and actually asked the top scholar Song to write an inscription for him.

Even if you voluntarily waive the money, you shouldn't say things like "inscription"!

Do you really think you can get someone else's lyrics just by asking them to skip the meal?
The man surnamed Ban should take a piss and look at himself in the mirror. Does he have any shame?
Nowadays, business at Banlou has plummeted, and everyone's just chirping a few lines.

Are you underestimating the youngest scholar in the Song Dynasty to achieve the highest honors in all three categories?

No.

You underestimate all scholars in the world.

Do you really think that having a little money will get someone to write lyrics for you?

Liu Sanbian was so poor in Tokyo that he relied on prostitutes for support, but they wouldn't even give him a second glance, let alone Song Xuan!
Who gave you the courage to put yourself in front of the "scholar-officials"?

Not to mention the extravagance of Song Zhuangyuan's wedding in Tokyo, which was second only to the wedding of Sanwei Zhuangyuan Fan Xiang and was widely talked about by the people of Tokyo.

The Cao family did not disgrace the status of the top scholar of the Song Dynasty.

Do they need your money for a meal?
Now that this opportunity has fallen into his lap, Manager Su is naturally on high alert.

The venue was cleared out again, and tonight they came specifically to entertain Song Xuan and his men.

Even if fewer people come than when they went to the classroom, so what?
In short, the other seventy legitimate stores couldn't possibly ask Song Xuan for help!
Manager Su of Baxianlou Restaurant hurriedly stood at the door to greet them.

The behavior of Song Xuan, the magistrate of Kaifeng, has been widely discussed these past few days.

Not only did he personally pay for his subordinates' meals, but he also went to Kaifeng Prefecture to arrest the prefectural judge Qin Ying, showing no respect whatsoever to Chen Yaozuo, the prefectural governor of Kaifeng.

This incident was also spread by some as a pretext that Song Xuan was deliberately retaliating for being drugged during the palace examination.

Song Xuan planned to first eliminate Chen Yaozuo's right-hand men and remove him from his position as prefect, and then seek an opportunity to take revenge on Chen Yaozi.

In short, the conspiracy theory was spread with great detail and seemingly plausibility.

Moreover, who can tell whether something is true or false, or whether someone is deliberately stirring things up behind the scenes?
"Master Song".

When Manager Su saw Song Xuan arrive, he quickly stepped forward a dozen steps to guide him in his direction.

"It's an honor to have such a distinguished guest as the top scholar! It's truly an honor for our humble establishment to have such a distinguished guest as the Eight Immortals Restaurant!"

A business that can become a legitimate establishment in Tokyo is certainly not a small shop.

Song Xuan laughed twice: "I hope you won't disappoint me."

"I will surely make sure the esteemed official leaves satisfied."

"Sure, I'll come again if I'm satisfied."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Manager Su quickly guided Song Xuan through the newly built decorated tower and into the main hall.

He had thoroughly investigated Song Xuan's behavior in the classroom.

Meanwhile, the waiter in the barracks looked on with a sorrowful expression as he watched Song Xuan take people to eat next door.

It's all because our own manager doesn't know what's important.

The shopkeeper has been sick for several days now, and business has plummeted.

Hearing this news, I don't know if I can get through it.

Even if they manage to pull through, the people in control behind the scenes might not let them!

"My lord, please have a seat. We have specially rearranged the chairs. You can all sit down on the first floor."

Song Xuan nodded, indicating that the preparations were going well, and then sat down first.

The painting on the wall depicted the Eight Immortals, which was different from the Eight Immortals in Song Xuan's memory.

After all, Cao Guojiu isn't that old these days.

There are no rumors about him among the common people.

Who are these Eight Immortals?

Song Xuan pointed to the painting on the wall:

"I'm not very familiar with it."

As soon as Manager Su heard that Song Xuan was interested, he immediately began to introduce the products.

If the top scholar Song gets really into drinking and, seeing the Eight Immortals, can't help but write a poem, that would be wonderful.

This kind of thing depends on how people feel; you can't force them to do it.

Do you think you're the emperor of the Song Dynasty?
While inwardly grumbling, Manager Su introduced the product to Song Xuan.

The Eight Immortals first appeared in the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty writer Jiang Chi wrote "The Legend of the Eight Immortals," and Du Fu's poem mentions "The Eight Immortals of the Wine Cup," referring to eight poets.

During the Five Dynasties period, Meng Chang, the ruler of Later Shu, received eight paintings of the true forms of the Eight Immortals by the Taoist Zhang Suqing.

These eight immortals are Li Yi, Rong Cheng, Dong Zhongshu, Zhang Dao, Yan Junping, Li Babai, Changshou, and Ge Shui.

The legend of the Eight Immortals existed as early as the Tang Dynasty, but the characters and names were not fixed at that time.

His formal form, which became widely known to later generations, was established in the Ming Dynasty, when a historical novel was written about him and became widely circulated.

The Eight Immortals Pavilion at this time was a replica of the Eight Immortals painting obtained by the ruler of Later Shu.

When the tea was served, a fruit platter was also brought out to whet their appetites.

Song Xuan sat at one table with the county magistrate, the chief clerk, and the six household officials. The rest of the people were gathered in their respective households, with fixed seats. Those with more people could share a table with other households.

Apart from Zhou Derong and two others who were rather nervous, the rest were very enthusiastic.

Since the county magistrate had taken the lion's share of the county government's profits, it was perfectly normal for Master Song to give him a warning.

We usually can't even get a decent bowl of soup, so now that we have the chance, we naturally want to get closer to Song Xuan.

Didn't you see that Qi Lecheng, the watchdog, is now sitting at the same table as Song Xuan's two bodyguards?
It was because he made Song Da Guanren remember him first.

With such a precedent, many people in the county government were willing to try to curry favor with Song Xuan.

Many clerks and temporary workers found it extremely novel to sit in the chairs.

Ninety-nine percent of them have never eaten at a proper restaurant.

Now my dream has finally come true.

In the past, they would always chip in to contribute money.

The official enjoyed a free meal and drinks—an unprecedented experience.

They chipped in to treat Song Xuan to a meal; what was there to brag about?
Song Xuan treated them to a meal; that's something to brag about.

In the days that followed, the constables of the Third Rank had been boasting quite a bit about how Song Xuan had treated them to meals.

Who wouldn't envy it?

But we can't just ask Song Xuan directly, "When will you invite us to have a chat?"
Song Xuan clapped his hands, signaling everyone to be quiet and look at him.

"Your presence today is a great honor for me, Song Twelve."

Everyone repeatedly said they dared not address him as such.

Song Xuan then asked everyone to sit down, telling them not to be so formal:
“I have already seen the records of your salary payments. It can be said that most of you are working for the government for free. This will definitely drive you down the path of corruption and bribery.”

The first sentence was like a heavy blow coming down, and the person who trembled with fear was the leader sitting at Song Xuan's table.

The others were equally nervous.

Is this an attempt to investigate past mistakes?
Everyone has heard the news coming from the house.

"Past events are not my concern, and I'm too lazy to investigate them. But if you repeat the offense, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Past mistakes will not be punished, but that does not mean you will not be dealt with if you make mistakes in the future.

Everyone held their breath, understanding that the new magistrate was setting new rules for them.

But how many opportunities do these low-level thugs have to embezzle money?

Temporary workers, in particular, often have to pay their own way to work, hoping to enjoy a life of luxury with their bosses.

But such opportunities are rare.

Song Xuan continued:

"I know most of your families well; none of them are extremely wealthy or powerful."

Can someone from a wealthy and noble family become a government official?

No one laughs at this; that's the case for most people.

The officials of the Song Dynasty are really something else. How could ordinary people like them not have to wait in line?
It was only because the imperial court's policies changed that many sons of wealthy families were allowed to enter, such as small and medium-sized landlords like Song Jiang.

But they are not short of money at all.

In the early Song Dynasty, no one would have considered becoming a clerk in the county government.

"Therefore, I have decided that in the future, those who are temporarily working in the county government will be retained based on merit."

“If these people want to stay in this line of work for a long time, then they should be promoted to clerks and given a salary to prevent them from going down the path of illegality and crime.”

"As for the clerks on the roster, I will find a way to raise some funds to give subsidies to those of you who have done a good job."

"Of course, the subsidy also covers those temporary workers who have been transferred to the roster."

Song Xuan's three sentences immediately caught the attention of many clerks and temporary workers.

"Does the high official want to add more officials to the roster?"

"That's great!"

"Yes, I just don't know what counts as a good performance."

"Of course, if the master says east, we'll go east. Is there even a need to think about it?"

"Didn't you see how the county magistrate and his men used to be unable to hold their heads up in front of the Kaifeng government office? After they went and caused a scene with the big shot, they all walked with their tails between their legs, not daring to provoke the county magistrate and his men anymore."

"Oh right, I almost forgot about that."

"That prefect surnamed Qin is still being held in our prison. The rest of us don't dare to utter a word, just waiting for the prefect of Kaifeng to come back and rescue him."

"If you, sir, can truly keep your word, then I am willing."

"Pah! With your lazy and gluttonous nature, you'd be the one to get it! If anyone should get it, it'd be me!"

It wasn't just one table that was talking about it; people at many tables were discussing it.

County Magistrate Zhou Derong and Registrar Zheng Wenhuan exchanged a glance but remained silent.

No.

Where did he get so much money?
Isn't this ridiculous?
I have never seen a county magistrate who, after taking office, spends his own money to squander it.

Instead of pocketing the county government's official funds and the tributes collected by numerous clerks.

According to custom, Zhou Derong and the others were supposed to give Song Xuan holiday gifts, such as summer ice gifts and winter charcoal gifts.

In the end, Song Xuan refused, saving them money.

Zhou Derong and others were unhappy, but the people below were very happy, as they saved a lot of money.

After all, each time they "raise funds" for Shangguan, these people wouldn't contribute any money; instead, they would take the opportunity to enjoy themselves and reap the benefits.

Now that Song Xuan doesn't want it, would they dare to?
Not to mention that in the past, the county magistrates wouldn't even draw cakes for people like them.

Which county magistrate would treat this group of people, including temporary workers, as human beings?
A big stick followed by a sweet date.

Despite the familiar tropes, it at least keeps most people hopeful about Song Xuan's future.

Who has ever met such a good superior?
After Song Xuan sat down, he sized up the leaders present:
"What do you think?"

"it is good."

County Magistrate Zhou Derong quickly raised his cup and said, "Your Excellency truly takes good care of these officials below you."

"Yeah."

The group also offered tea instead of wine, intending to toast Song Xuan.

Song Xuan waved his hand: "The words have been spoken, but we all need to figure out a way to get the money, don't you think, Magistrate Zhou?"

"this."

County Magistrate Zhou Derong immediately wore a wry smile:

"I'm afraid the high official will have to find a way to ask the court for money for this matter. After all, Kaifeng County is a national county, and we really don't have enough manpower."

"Don't be fooled by the bustling commerce and large population of Kaifeng County. Many people are not registered in the local household registration system. These people don't pay taxes, nor do they pay taxes to their hometown."

"Yes," the registrar Zheng Wenhuan couldn't help but chime in.

"Sir, if we force excessive donations, it might cause trouble." "Oh?"

Song Xuan spat out a mouthful of tea foam and said nonchalantly:

"It's much better than someone taking the money from the accounts and putting it out there to earn interest."

County Magistrate Zhou Derong swayed precariously, almost slipping off his chair and onto the ground.

My lord.

How did he find out about this?
Compared to the lively discussions at the other tables, none of the leaders at this table dared to meet Song Xuan's gaze.

He wished he could pretend he hadn't heard Song Xuan's reminder.

This kind of struggle is beyond their reach.

As a confidant of Magistrate Zhou, Qian Gansan, the head of the household affairs office, wiped the sweat from his brow.

The official could understand the accounts, and although he worked overtime to personally handle the previous accounts, he was still terrified.

"I."

County Magistrate Zhou propped himself up with his hands and looked at Song Xuan: "My lord, please don't joke around."

"Indeed, someone mentioned this matter to me in jest."

Song Xuan looked at Zhou Derong:
“Just take this as a joke, Magistrate Zhou, so that I won’t take it seriously in the future.”

Faced with the threatening and intimidating tone in Song Xuan's words, County Magistrate Zhou quickly wiped his sweat and dared not say anything more.

Zhou Derong knew that someone had betrayed him, but he couldn't guess who it was.
If you want to deceive Song Xuan again in the future, you'd better think twice, because what you just said might end up on Song Xuan's desk in no time.

"Everyone, please think about any good ways to make money. If things work out, you'll all get your share of the profits."

"Yes."

Yu Gao was the first to respond, understanding that after Song Xuan had reprimanded the others, it was time to reprimand them as well.

In particular, they targeted households that were most likely to amass wealth.

Yu Gao, the head of the criminal investigation department, was certain that even if Zhou Derong couldn't be touched in the short term, he would still be able to get rid of him.

However, if Zhou Derong's most trusted confidant, Qian Gansan, didn't know his place, his fate wouldn't be much better.

"I have a way to make money, and I need your cooperation."

Everyone looked up at Song Xuan, wondering what kind of play he was going to perform.

However, County Magistrate Zhou Derong was certain that Song Xuan's appointment as an official was definitely not for the purpose of making money.

He doesn't seem to care about money at all.

In order to understand Song Xuan better and serve him more carefully in the future, Zhou Derong specially sent someone to Songcheng in Yingtian Prefecture to find out about Song Xuan's character.

I knew he had a nickname, "Timely Rain," which supposedly meant that he never cared whether his friends were rich or poor; in short, none of them were as rich as him.

He is extremely generous and forthright.

Zhou Derong could understand why the manager of Banlou had angered Song Xuan.

However, Song Xuan did not blame County Lieutenant Ban Feng, which made Zhou Derong feel uneasy.

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he was that Ban Feng, that dog, was the one who stabbed him in the back.

"My lord, we would like to hear the details."

Wu Boyang, the foreman, chimed in, revealing that he genuinely wanted his men to make some money.

After all, these "civil engineering veterans" from Kaifeng County ended up doing dirty and tiring work, and didn't actually get any extra money.

Every year when Tokyo is flooded by the Yellow River, they are always partly responsible.

Song Xuan called out to Wang Bao again, asking him to bring over the booklet he had bound in advance.

Wang Bao issued a provisional order to those present regarding the recovery of outstanding debts.

County Magistrate Zhou Derong opened it and examined it carefully.

The first measure is to thoroughly investigate the accounts and compel collection of taxes.

Led by Qian Gansan, the county magistrate's registrar, three capable clerks were selected to be responsible for verifying the commercial tax ledgers of merchants such as Fanlou since the first year of the Tiansheng era, and a tax arrears office was established.

Everyone in the county government, including temporary workers, was included.

Whoever has the ability to recover the debt will be rewarded.

There was also a system of red and white registers:

Red Register: Publicly available, recording merchants' open transactions and taxing them according to established practices.

White Book: Secret Investigation, using data on wine tank volume, firewood and charcoal consumption, and number of guests to estimate actual revenue.

At the same time, they are given a deadline to surrender themselves to the authorities, and the matter will be announced throughout the county. Those who owe taxes can be exempted from penalties if they pay them within half a month, otherwise a late payment fee (1% interest per day) will be charged.

Especially for those who seriously owed taxes exceeding a thousand strings of cash, their manager had to be taken to the county government to file a petition.

If a merchant is coerced into doing something, they will not be questioned. If the tax owed by a small merchant is less than fifty strings of cash, they will be allowed to buy on credit, but interest will be charged to alleviate the pressure of immediate repayment.

If someone has money but is unwilling to pay the taxes owed, then the taxes should be paid in kind, and the collection process should be flexible.

Real estate: Subleasing increases county government revenue.

Goods depreciation: Stockpiled yeast and silk were taxed at 70% of their market value and sold by the government.

Labor service compensation: Merchants and artisans were conscripted to repair government offices and dredge the Bian River, and their labor was used to offset debts.

The last one is the incentive method for officials:

Three points reward:

Of the recovered taxes, 10% was set aside as official funds and used as rewards for clerks.

If less than 50 strings of cash are recovered: a reward of one percent will be given.

50-1000 strings of cash: 5% reward.

Over 1000 guan: One-tenth of the debt will be awarded.

Also note "Advanced Examination" (priority for promotion).

Joint punishment: Officials who accept bribes and condone such behavior will be fined ten times their salary and exiled to Shamen Island.

Furthermore, if any shops in Kaifeng County are found to have concealed or falsified accounts, a reward will be given.

County Magistrate Zhou Delong quickly finished reading the thin booklet.

He truly hadn't expected that Song Xuan intended to use the county government officials to collect outstanding debts.

If they had that ability, why would they be working in the county government office?
They've gone to collect protection money!
The others looked at each other in bewilderment after reading it.

Yu Gao thought Song Xuan's method was indeed good, and it would definitely work well in other places.

The only problem is that this is Tokyo.

If you throw a stone down the street from here, you're likely to hit an official's family member or in-law, or even a servant.

These people in the county government were not to be trifled with, let alone the high-ranking officials and nobles.

Even these shop owners are people you can't afford to offend.

Even the farmers outside the city might be distant relatives of some official.

After all, within the entire Song Dynasty and within the territory of Kaifeng Prefecture, passing the imperial examination was relatively easy.

Registrar Zheng Wenhuan frowned deeply, and he couldn't help but speak:

"Your method is ingenious, but it is still too difficult for people in the county government."

"It's not difficult, but where does the money come from?"

"Where does the merit come from?"

Where does the future lie?

Song Xuan picked up his chopsticks and ate some food: "If you can't do it, then give way to the people below who can."

"Tokyo is a city with a lot of people, so there will always be a suitable person to get this done."

Hearing Song Xuan's words, Zheng Wenhuan truly dared not refute them.

It's not that he's afraid of being replaced; the truth is, he's got a dirty job.

If someone sells their position as county magistrate, why doesn't someone sell their position as registrar to improve their future?

Song Xuan told everyone that the premise of forgiving past mistakes was that they had to work well for him.

Otherwise, investigating you would be quite easy.

Not only will their official positions be revoked, but they'll also have to return all the money they've had before.

"My lord, this method is good, but I'm afraid those shops will refuse to pay, or even resist."

Yu Gao gently patted the booklet in his hand:

"Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents."

Song Xuan put the food in his mouth and chewed it:

"Kaifeng County has the most stable revenue from property deed tax because everyone wants to protect their own interests, so they spend some money to buy peace of mind."

"Moreover, rentals are usually for six months to a year, and buying and selling is even rarer."

The housing prices in Tokyo are not low.

"But business tax is the main source of commercial tax revenue in Kaifeng County, yet it only collected tens of thousands of strings of cash a year. Is that enough to feed beggars?"

No one spoke.

Taxes were first collected during the reign of Emperor Taizu, and an operating tax was established during the reign of Emperor Taizong. At its peak, Kaifeng County collected more than 200,000 strings of cash.

However, under Emperor Zhenzong and the current emperor, the business tax in Kaifeng County has been greatly reduced, dropping to tens of thousands of strings of cash.

However, with the reduction in military spending, the imperial court rarely fought against the Liao army anymore.

With the commercial development of Tokyo City, commercial tax revenue should have doubled.

The result was not as expected; instead, it dropped significantly.

This only shows that a large amount of money that should have been given to the imperial court was taken by others and ended up in their own pockets.

"Everyone knows there's a problem, but everyone's turning a blind eye."

Song Xuan looked around at everyone at the table:

"I am not targeting anyone personally. I am in a position to do my job. If you cooperate with me to collect the commercial taxes, I will not treat you unfairly."

"The funds for the Yellow River project have been embezzled. This year, the Yellow River will definitely flood Kaifeng. It all depends on whether the rain is heavy or light."

"I intend to implement this in half a month and obtain more funds."

"Part of the funds were used for rewards, and the rest was used for water conservancy projects, dredging river channels and city ditches to prevent drownings and the destruction of many things, thus reducing the losses of these merchants."

After hearing Song Xuan's explanation, Magistrate Zhou was willing to believe him.

The news of the embezzlement of funds for the Yellow River project has been widely circulated.

There hasn't been any heavy rain this year, but news that Tokyo is going to be flooded has been circulating for a long time.

“We all understand your intentions, sir, but since ancient times, it has been quite difficult to take money out of someone else’s pocket.”

Listening to Yu Gao's complaints, anyone would complain about something like this.

Song Xuan didn't care:

“There will be difficulties. Take a look at this method first. We should treat those who pay their debts readily with preferential treatment. As for those who are not so quick to pay their debts, we will find a way to deal with them later.”

"However, there is one thing I can tell you, and I will have Qi Lecheng pass it on later."

Everyone listened attentively, their eyes fixed on Song Xuan.

"Most of you will only be able to become a registrar for the rest of your lives, and even if you want to be a registrar, where are there so many suitable positions left for you?"

"I'm not just saying I can recommend you for nothing."

Song Xuan put down his bowl and chopsticks:
"I plan to set aside some money to build a private school where all the children of the county government, regardless of gender, can study."

"Boys will take the path of passing the imperial examinations, and girls will also be literate and able to do accounting, so they can help their husbands' families in the future."

"I will find renowned teachers to instruct them, and if I have the time, I may even give them some pointers so that they can better pass the county school entrance exam or enter the Imperial Academy in the future."

"If I think they are promising talents, I can even recommend them to study at Yingtian Academy. When they return to Kaifeng Prefecture to take the provincial examination, their chances of getting a quota will be greater."

After listening, the leaders all looked at Song Xuan with surprise.

Even Zhou Derong was tempted.

At his age, he has no connections, and his chances of climbing the ranks are very slim.

It's safe to say there are almost none.

But who wouldn't want their offspring to succeed in the imperial examinations?

Only then will there be a chance to bring glory to the family in the future.

None of what Song Xuan said earlier excited them.

This was the only thing that drove them completely mad.

Song Xuan.

The youngest scholar to achieve the highest honors in the imperial examinations since the founding of the Song Dynasty.

If his children could receive some guidance from him, they would surely be able to benefit from the literary talent of the God of Literature and might even pass the imperial examination.

Which parent wouldn't want their child to be coached by a top-scoring student?

The so-called "top scholar's notes" of later generations sold out, not to mention those personally instructed by someone like Song Xuan.

Moreover, with a top scholar like Song Xuan, who is a popular candidate for the imperial examination, who among ordinary people would have the opportunity to have him tutor their son?
You can't hire them even if you pay them.

Now that this benefit has been announced, Wu Boyang, the clerk in charge of the Ministry of Works, cautiously asked:

"Is what you say true, sir?"

"Do you even deserve to be deceived by me?"

Hearing Song Xuan's blunt question, Wu Boyang actually believed him.

His mouth hung open for a moment:

"If my lord could just casually offer some guidance to my good-for-nothing son, it would be a blessing he has accumulated over three lifetimes."

"I will certainly do as you instruct me."

With Wu Boyang's initial guarantee, the others also expressed their determination.

For no other reason than to help Master Song collect the commercial taxes.

Seeing that everyone had expressed their opinions, Song Xuan nodded and instructed the shopkeeper to bring out the shop's best yellow wine.

We've been eating the whole time, just in case anyone who's not good at drinking gets drunk and throws up.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Song Xuan asked Xu Xianchun to pay the bill, as they had brought the money in advance.

Manager Su learned from Banlou's mistake, carefully calculated the costs, and finally gave a discount.

Song Xuan carried the wine from table to table, and although he had heard about it before, the group of low-ranking officials were flattered.

"Work hard, and I will not treat you unfairly."

"Rest assured, sir, we will do our best and will never let you down."

Song Xuan's actions greatly impressed Manager Su.

He had never seen such an approachable top scholar.

Especially for someone Song Xuan's age, it's hard not to be young and impetuous.

However, Song Xuan appeared incredibly calm and composed on set, which made people feel likable and approachable.

That guy surnamed Ban really brought this upon himself; he has no one to blame but himself.

After Song Xuan prepared to leave, Manager Su hurriedly saw him off:

"My lord, do you feel that my Eight Immortals Restaurant has not provided adequate hospitality?"

"No, it tastes good."

"That's good then." Manager Su bowed again and said:

"Then may I publicize the dishes that the top scholar ate?"

"Hahaha."

Upon hearing this, Song Xuan burst into laughter:

"Why ask me about such a trivial matter? Just do as Sun Yang does at Zhengdian."

"In any case, we must first ask Scholar Song for his opinion. Only if there is no problem will I dare to announce it to the public."

Song Xuan simply waved his hand and left with his entourage.

Manager Su watched Song Xuan leave and breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Song Xuan's bottom line isn't crossed, this person seems to be quite easy to deal with.

Shangguan left first and paid all the money.

With the king absent, County Magistrate Zhou naturally had to assume the king's role.

He looked at the booklet and said, "Tell me, will this method of yours work?"

Qian Gansan didn't dare to say anything more:

“County Magistrate Zhou, your plan is quite good, but it is difficult to implement. You may not know this, but my household registration department has been working day and night to sort out three years' worth of debts.”

“Those are all reputable shops, and we can’t afford to offend the powerful backers behind them.”

"Yes, that's exactly what I'm worried about."

Zhou Derong sighed:
"Don't let your brothers' lives be lost before you even make any money."

The others remained silent in the face of their back-and-forth banter.

The tax arrears in Kaifeng County could not be plugged, and the two of them had a very strong relationship.

The official just pointed out that someone was lining their own pockets and lending the money out to earn interest.

You're still saying these things now!
"This move by the sir is beneficial to us."

Wu Boyang looked around at everyone:
"You don't want your children to follow in your footsteps and live like this for the rest of their lives, do you?"

"In order to give my son a greater chance of passing the imperial examination in the future, I will try it as you wish."

"good."

Yu Gao nodded repeatedly: "Once this opportunity is gone, it's gone forever."

"Even if the high official fails to accomplish this task, he will still be promoted in the future."

"But there are no such benefits for our descendants."

“County Magistrate Zhou, you should also think carefully about whether you want to pave the way for your own offspring.”

After the high-end wine glass is filled to the brim and drunk.

He took the booklet back to his table in the torture chamber, intending to sober them up and explain the benefits that Song Xuan had listed.

The most excited person was actually the head of the ceremony room, who hurriedly took the booklet that Song Xuan had given him to his own room.

If it can really be implemented.

Although most of this achievement in educating and nurturing people belongs to Song Xuan, he also deserves some credit.

The others all left.

Currently, only County Magistrate Zhou, Registrar Zheng, and Qian Gansan remain at the main table.

Clerk Zheng picked up some food and said, "You two should discuss this from a distance. I have no children and don't want to get involved in this matter."

"Isn't Widow Zhang's son your son?"

As soon as Magistrate Zhou spoke, Registrar Zheng was immediately startled, his face flushing slightly, perhaps due to the alcohol:
"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Zhou Derong smiled as well:

"Do you think you can hide the fact that you falsified the accounts and gave money to Widow Zhang from Qian Gansan?"

Qian Gansan chuckled but didn't dare to respond.

Zheng Wenhuan glanced at Zhou Derong:
"You'd better not stop the man from doing what he wants."

"How could I dare to stop him!"

Zhou Derong sighed:
"Our lives are now in his hands; whatever he says goes."

"I'm just wondering, who betrayed me?"

“Registrar Zheng, you know he can betray me, and he can betray you too.”

"Your affairs are probably already known to the esteemed official."

Zheng Wenhuan put down his chopsticks, stared at Zhou Derong, and lowered his voice:

"County Magistrate Zhou, what exactly are you trying to say?"

(End of this chapter)