Daming: Internship also counts as work experience

Chapter 175 Salt Merchants of the Grand Canal
Old Zheng thought for a moment and said, "Perhaps it's to hide it behind his back..."

"How serious is this? This is a matter of life and death! This could cost countless lives! This is... well, in short, the key to such a major matter, especially communication with the government, is not in your own hands. If you were in that situation, could you be at ease?"

Old Zheng seemed to understand something and asked, "How about you tell me these deductions after he dies?"

"Oh, right, we're doing end-of-life care, but I'm just wondering, since they have no official positions, how come I can't beat them? They can't even reach the Kaifeng Prefecture, so they can only ask you to sneak over and kill me. Haven't you heard that the common people can't fight against officials?"

The bald man snorted coldly and asked, "What if the common people and officials are on good terms and wear the same brothel?"

“That’s a local official. Just tell me who it is, and I can deal with him.”

"Hmph! You think you have the Emperor backing you up? What if the Emperor weren't the Emperor?"

Jia Chuan became serious and said in a deep voice, "Then it's even less likely that we'll keep him! What do you know..."

"Why should I tell you? I'd love for someone else to sit on the throne!"

Jia Chuan frowned and asked, "What does it matter to you who sits on the throne? Do you think your misfortunes are because of the emperor? I'm not trying to be mean, but if you were still alive and had all your martial arts skills, what kind of movement could you have directed, right? And with all those decisions about establishing the country, you could have figured out who would be on the throne. But now you're about to die. You only need to think about who caused your untimely demise. That's directly related to you. As for who will be the emperor, let future generations handle that. We should be grateful if we can die without regrets in this life. You're overthinking things."

Old Zheng quickly added:

"I've been a coroner my whole life. What does it matter to me who becomes emperor or county magistrate? Whatever ideas the emperor has, by the time they reach me, how much of the original intent will remain? I'd rather choose a way to live that will make me feel better. Oh, so you're choosing a way to die that will make you feel better. You're about to die, and instead of thinking about revenge, you're still thinking about who becomes emperor. No wonder they sent you to your death."

The bald man was furious, panting heavily.

Fearing that the medicine he had just drunk would have been wasted, Jia Chuan quickly advised, "I suppose you don't know how to answer. How about this, I'll ask you, and you answer: How do you make a living?"

"I am... a boatman, who makes a living by fishing, but I am also obligated to perform the grain transport duties..."

The bald man had started talking, but the more Jia Chuan listened, the more he felt something was off.

The bald man said that when the fat man was in power, he changed the canal transport method from the transshipment method to the exchange method. The bald man explained that before, these boatmen were assigned to the canal transport and had to transport goods from Suzhou and Songjiang to Dezhou, which would take about half a year. After the exchange method was changed, they only needed to transport goods from Suzhou and Songjiang to Huai'an and exchange them with the military officers in Huai'an, and then they could go home.

Originally, this was a benevolent policy implemented by the emperor out of consideration for the people, saving boatmen a lot of time. The "exchange transport method" meant that boatmen would pay soldiers to handle the remaining canal transport for them. This was good for the boatmen; they couldn't avoid the canal transport duties, so they were willing to pay some money to buy time.
However, under the new canal transport regulations, the boatmen had to pay for the waterway that Baldy and his group were traveling. Furthermore, the boatmen were divided into large and small households. Small households did not have large boats and could only rent them together in groups of five or ten. All the large boats that were available were in the hands of one person. What was even more outrageous was that even large households, who owned their own boats, could not use them for canal transport and had to rent them from this person, who turned out to be a salt merchant.

Jia Chuan knew that salt merchants were wealthy, especially in the Jiangnan region. As for why they were wealthy, how they had the ability to monopolize the operation of the Grand Canal, and how the Grand Canal operated, Jia Chuan didn't know, but he knew the impact of a monopoly.

The bald man said that the government stipulated that an additional liter of water would be added for each stone of grain transported by the canal, but this salt merchant increased it to half a dou per stone, a full five times higher. How could the boatmen bear it? But without renting this salt merchant's boat, they simply couldn't get on the water.

Jia Chuan, who already didn't understand, was even more confused now and couldn't help but ask, "How dare a salt merchant interfere in the canal transport?"

The bald man snorted and said, "Previously, the canal transport was a transfer method, with the government providing the boats for the entire journey, and the boatmen just followed along. Now it has been changed to an exchange method, and the government no longer provides boats for the route from Suzhou and Songjiang to Huai'an. This gives others the opportunity to make a profit. The emperor eats his fill every day and does whatever he wants. Has he ever thought about how those boatmen will make a living?"

"You're quite righteous. I don't understand the laws you're talking about, but I can understand what you mean. You think the emperor has implemented new policies, but he hasn't thought things through, giving these unscrupulous merchants an opportunity. But how is this related to the Kaifeng Herbal Medicine Bureau? Judging from what you're saying, you must live in the Jiangzhe area, by the Grand Canal. You've come all the way to Kaifeng, just to kill me. The people who came to find you must give you a reason, right? Or are you saying you'll do it if they give you money?"

The bald man was silent for a moment, then said, "Most of the extra transport fees collected by the salt merchants have to be paid as tribute to various government offices and garrisons. Naturally, no one will listen to the boatmen's complaints. However, all the large cargo ships of 400 liang are in the hands of the Liu family. If we don't rent from them, the grain transport simply cannot be completed."

Jia Chuan frowned, scratched his forehead, and asked, "Are you trying to make me think you're a boatman?"

The bald man opened his mouth, but it seemed as if he was choked by something, and the sound was stuck in his throat and could not be uttered.

"I'll say it again, I don't care who you are. I just want to know why the people by the canal are involved with the Kaifeng Herbal Medicine Bureau? Who exactly have I offended? If you continue to evade the issue, don't blame me for sending you away early!"

Old Zheng quickly added, "He's just getting impatient. He has a short temper. He'll answer whatever he asks. Take my advice, don't provoke him. Those who provoked him before are all down there now."

The bald man seemed to have taken it to heart. He took a deep breath before saying, "The Emperor wants to move the capital back to Nanjing. I'm referring to the deceased Emperor. But the Grand Canal is a money-making machine at every stage. So many people rely on it for their livelihood. Do you know how much rice the government transports between the north and south every year? Five million shi! How many canals need to be built to transport so much rice? How many porters, locksmiths, and boatmen need to be employed in the river management? How many reservoirs need to be built along the way? How many laborers need to be conscripted by the prefectures and counties? How much dredging silver does the court allocate every year?"

Jia Chuan's brows furrowed even deeper. Before he could even open his mouth to express his anger, the bald man spoke again:

"If the capital is moved back to Nanjing, the Grand Canal will be ruined! Why do you think those salt merchants would take on the boat rental business? How much money would they have to spend to bribe the government offices, guard posts, and people along the Grand Canal? Just to rent boats? They are salt merchants; where would their wealth come from if they didn't smuggle salt? But if the court moves the capital back to Nanjing... cutting off their livelihood is like killing their parents. Why do you think they would associate with the Herbal Medicine Bureau? They would do anything to stop the capital relocation."

Jia Chuan's eyebrows almost stood up. He had considered many possibilities, but he still didn't understand the overall environment of this life enough. Based on the clues in the herb collection bureau, he would never have thought that this case was related to the canal transport.

Jia Chuan quickly went over the bald man's words in his mind, and then asked, "What useful methods can they come up with from the Herb Gathering Bureau to stop the relocation of the capital?"

"I don't know what they're doing, all I know is that you're in their way."

Jia Chuan snorted and said, "You're a dying man, yet you're still hiding things. I really don't know if you're genuinely stupid or just pretending. You might as well be stubborn and not say a word!"

Old Zheng was already confused, and Jia Chuan's words only made him more bewildered. He hurriedly asked, "Is he lying?"

"I did nothing to Zhou Cheng or the Herb Gathering Bureau. When Zhou Cheng died, I was dealing with the Prince of Runan at the Prince's Mansion. They were in the Jiangzhe area, and it would have taken them some time to get here after receiving the order, right? I'm just wondering, where did he get the conclusion that I blocked their path to wealth?"

Old Zheng pondered for a moment, then nodded repeatedly, saying, "Indeed, you didn't even know where to begin, and they've already brought in people, and even poisoned Zhou Cheng." "So, he's stalling for time. Someone, come here!"

Two Imperial Guards entered the room.

"Send him on his way!"

The two were taken aback. Set off? Where to?
The bald man was also startled. His whole body tensed up involuntarily, and he hurriedly said, "I'm not lying. I don't know what you did, but I did hear them say that you went to Kaifeng to seek your own death. This timing is perfect. I figured it out myself. It must be because you blocked their path to wealth. These people only care about money. If it weren't for money, why would they want to kill you?"

“Some of these are things I figured out myself, and some are things that are just there. I have indeed heard a few of these things, and that’s how it is when you put them together. I’m not lying.”

Jia Chuan stared at the bald man for a moment and said, "You're quite capable. I was wondering why you were talking in such a roundabout way, without any sign of being on the verge of death. It seems that the bowl of life-saving water you just drank was wasted. Truly, there are hidden masters among the common people! Someone, find some sturdy ropes and tie him up like a dumpling!"

……

When Jia Chuan returned to the courtyard, he was surprised to find that Zhu Youdun and Prefect Cai were still there.

Zhu Youdun wanted to leave, but what should be done with Prefect Cai? Knowing that he had helped Zhou Chengxing and that Cai had been involved in the affairs of the herb collection bureau to some extent, would leaving like this incur responsibility?
So Zhu Youdun didn't dare to move.

Cai Jing dared not move. He knew he could not escape punishment. At this moment, besides regretting his past actions, all he could think about was how to protect his family.

One of them felt that time was passing too slowly, wondering why Jia Chuan hadn't returned yet; the other felt that time was passing too quickly, and before he could figure out why, Jia Chuan had returned.

Jia Chuan's mind was currently preoccupied with matters concerning the Grand Canal. Seeing that the two men hadn't left, he realized that Cai Jing was indeed difficult to deal with. He lacked experience in this area and could only delegate the task to Zhu Youdun for the time being. He estimated that someone from the capital would arrive in two days. Although the secret report did not mention this prefect, Jia Chuan felt that with Zhu Zhanji's experience as both the grandson and the crown prince, he would realize that Cai Jing was untrustworthy and would naturally make arrangements.

Before leaving, Zhu Youdun called Jia Chuan aside. He was willing to listen to Jia Chuan in everything, but he also needed Jia Chuan to give him a promise.

Jia Chuan sighed inwardly. Such a big thing happened at the Herb Gathering Bureau. No matter how unaware the current King Zhou was of it, he could not escape the blame for lax governance. The best outcome would be for the Herb Gathering Bureau to be nationalized and have no further connection with the Royal Palace. Perhaps then the throne could be retained.

If this were truly the outcome, how could Zhu Youdun not accept it? If his father were still alive, he might not have been able to accept this outcome. Times have changed, and the herb-gathering bureau is insignificant to Zhu Youdun.

……

After seeing off Zhu Youdun and the zombie-like Cai Jing, Jia Chuan first went to see Gao Yunduo.

Gao Yunduo was fast asleep after taking the medicine, while Dong Yuanyuan was sleeping even more soundly, forgetting to even snore.

Mu Lian, who had been asleep by the bedside, sat up groggily when she heard the noise. Seeing that it was Jia Chuan, she said, "Yuan Yuan is awake, so she's awake. She might be weak, but it won't affect anything else. I sent Shunzi away. Duo Duo is different. She injured her back and can't do anything right now. She needs someone by her side."

Jia Chuan said, "Thank you for your hard work!" and turned to leave, but Mu Lian grabbed him and whispered, "Have you thought of a way to save the Duke of Qian's mansion? What if, what if you are killed one day? What should I do? What should I say to save you...?"

"Thank you!" Jia Chuan broke free from Mu Lian's grasp and said impatiently, "You take good care of Duo Duo, don't worry about anything else."

Before Mu Lian could say anything more, Jia Chuan had already left the room.

Jia Chuan then went to see Gao Yuntian and Chen Mo.

Gao Yuntian was still somewhat injured, mainly in his internal organs, but fortunately it wasn't serious. After taking the medicine, he fell into a deep sleep, just like Chen Mo. Shunzi sat blankly to the side. When he saw Jia Chuan come in, he stood up and then followed Jia Chuan out of the room.

Jia Chuan, Shunzi, and Old Zheng went to check on Han Guang in the doghouse again before returning to the main room.

Old Zheng patted Shunzi, wanting to say a few words of comfort, but he didn't know what to say.

Shunzi sighed and said, "You don't need to say anything. I'm just... just a little scared. If it weren't for Han Guang today, I don't know what the outcome would have been. I just hate myself for being so stupid. In times like this, I can't help at all."

Jia Chuan sat down in a chair, let out a long sigh, and said with self-reproach, "Every time it's because of me that you've been in danger."

"What are you saying? We are well-fed and clothed because of you, why don't you mention it now? I'm not complaining, I'm just thinking about how to reduce these risks. But I'm already this old, it's useless to put in the effort to learn some martial arts now. I'm just a little anxious."

Old Zheng hurriedly said, "What you said is right. If we hadn't followed him, it's hard to say what we would be like now. I might still be living a life of idleness, and you might have gone to another patrol station, but Yuanyuan... with that kind of mother around, she would definitely not be doing well."

"Speaking of Yuanyuan's mother, I wonder how Old Dong is doing these days?" Jia Chuan sat up straight and asked.

"Who are you asking? If you don't even know, where are we supposed to find out?" Old Zheng replied irritably.

Jia Chuan nodded and said, "When Chen Mo wakes up, ask him to help inquire about it."

"You still have the mind to think about Lao Dong right now? Have you thought about what to do with this situation?" Shunzi asked, puzzled.

Old Zheng quickly recounted what the bald man had just said.

(End of this chapter)