Qing Yao

Chapter 244 Confession Leads to Leniency

Zhu Gui, the governor of Anhui, was Jiaqing's tutor, and Jiaqing had his eye on Zhao An. To avoid being caught off guard, Zhao An had to protect himself.

Aside from avoiding meetings in Anqing, the best way to protect oneself is to cultivate an image of an honest official.

He was a recognized incorruptible official by the people of Jiangning, Anhui, and even the entire Liangjiang region and the officialdom.

Big, really big.

Only in this way can Zhu Gui be made to hesitate before taking action.

Because only corrupt officials would harm honest officials.

There was nothing they could do; Zhu Gui was their immediate superior.

Zhao An really didn't dare to gamble that Governor Zhu's orders wouldn't be ruthless enough.

In other words, the names of Heshen, Ji Xiaolan, Liu Luoguo, and others during the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns were made too famous by historical dramas, which made Zhao An not know enough about Zhu Gui, the big boss hidden in the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns.

If Zhu Gui had known that the first thing he did after being urgently summoned to the capital by Emperor Jiaqing was to persuade Jiaqing to take action before the emperor's coffin, to swiftly and decisively control Heshen, Tongfu, and Chang'an, he probably would have been considering submitting a memorial to the old emperor to resign his official post.

In other words, it was not Jiaqing who decided to strike first, but his homeroom teacher.

Lord Zhu acted on his word without considering the consequences at all.

Fortunately, it succeeded; otherwise, they would have certainly met the same fate as those civil officials who encouraged Zhu Yunwen to reduce the power of the princes.

To cultivate an image of an honest official and protect oneself, a coffin alone is not enough; that's just seeking fame and reputation.

The only way to be an honest and upright official is to be incorruptible and dedicated to public service, while also carrying out anti-corruption actions within the government.

This ensured that Zhu Gui couldn't do anything to him, an honest official, nor could he find any fault with him from his subordinates to forcibly label him.

I am neither greedy nor greedy, I have neither lost nor owed anything. If you, Lord Zhu, still want to cause me trouble, then it is purely a personal grudge. Don't blame Zhao An for not taking the usual path.

The Yangzhou branch of the Grand Canal Gang has tens of thousands of members, many of whom are outlaws. Finding a few spies to shoot you, Governor Zhu, wouldn't be a problem.

Didn't Ye Zhigui, that member of the Three Gangs, almost drown General Kuilun of Fuzhou at the mouth of the Yangtze River?

This kind of person may be morally corrupt, but they'll do anything as long as the benefits are there.

In light of this, Zhao An changed the meeting after taking office to a meeting on the spot to demonstrate his determination to fight corruption, and to give the Jiangning officialdom and even the entire Liangjiang officialdom a little shock.

This can be considered the first fire he set in the officialdom of Liangjiang.

This fire must be strong enough, strong enough to produce smoke, strong enough to become scorching hot, strong enough to refresh the officials in the two rivers region's previous understanding of Zhao Youlu, and then make them admire him even more.

"Now that you are working under me, you must always remember the three words: integrity, prudence, and diligence!"

Zhao An waved his hand, and Liu Xiaolou, who had been prepared in advance, immediately displayed a large piece of paper with the three characters "Qing Shen Qin" (meaning "pure, cautious, and diligent") written on it in front of everyone.

"What is purity? Purity is like bamboo! Although your salaries are meager, they can ensure the integrity of your families. In this life, purity is enough! What use are all those riches and honors? When Hai Rui died, his family had only eight taels of silver and a few cloth robes left, yet on the day of his death, people in white robes and hats lined the alleys to pay their respects!"

Zhao An used Hai Rui as an example in the hope that his subordinates would take Hai Rui as their role model, even though his own role model was Heshen.

The two are not in conflict.

"What is caution? It is caution as if treading on ice! You who handle money, grain, and criminal cases should remember that a mistake in one case can ruin a hundred families, and a single tael of embezzlement can tarnish one's entire life! What is diligence? Diligence is like the rooster crowing at dawn! Heaven abhors cleverness. Only when there are no unresolved cases and no unjust cases in prison can we live up to the responsibilities of our official hats."

After speaking, Zhao An slammed his hand on the iron coffin and said passionately, "Today, I have three questions for you. First, do you dare to say that there was not a single discrepancy in the accounts you handled in the past? Second, do you dare to pat your chest and say that you have not taken a single needle or thread from the government? Third, do you dare to say that you have acted with a clear conscience?"

"."

The hall was completely silent.

It's not a matter of whether or not they dare to do it, but rather that this newly arrived young Daotai is too unpredictable. How can he keep tearing people's ears on their very first meeting?

However, few people heeded Lord Zhao's words. After all, a new official always makes a show of his abilities, and which new official doesn't boast about his incorruptibility?

I've long been used to it.

After a while, Lord Zhao will probably have to use this coffin to store silver.

Therefore, many people pretended to listen attentively and be taught, while secretly calculating how much they would have to give this kid to get a promotion and how much more they would have to bribe him to keep his job.

Apart from the capital, in all local government offices, from the provincial level down to the county level, officials were subject to the rule of "a new emperor, a new court," and those who wanted to keep their jobs had to pay bribes.

This was also a benefit provided by the imperial court to its officials; otherwise, where would they get the money to cover so many deficits and expenditures?

Judging from Zhao Youlu's enthusiasm for upholding integrity, he probably won't skimp on the offer.

"We must not steal the people's hard-earned money, we must not deceive the heavens above us, and we must not change the history books after our deaths! Being an honest and upright official is the bottom line for us as human beings. If we cross this line, we are not worthy of being human!"

Zhao An was still immersed in the anti-corruption education, not just putting on a show without real power, but actually having real power and giving a long lecture.

Of the subordinate officials, apart from the two grain transport clerks who were out of town and Zhao An, the sixth-rank grain management prefect in the hall, who could not be investigated on the spot and had to collect evidence to report for processing, all the other clerks and compilers were dismissed at Zhao An's behest, with no room for negotiation.

If one wants the Grain Transport Office to become the most incorruptible officialdom in the Liangjiang region, thereby enhancing one's image as an honest official, education alone is not enough; a specific system is needed.

Coincidentally, Zhao An was an expert in regulations, so he immediately set forth ten prohibitions for the Grain Transport Office: "From now on, no one is allowed to use public funds to purchase any private items!"

"Apart from routine welcoming and sending off, no one is allowed to accept banquets from outsiders, nor is anyone allowed to submit personal expenses for eating and drinking outside to the government for reimbursement!"

"From now on, no one is allowed to give me gifts or money under the guise of festivals and birthdays! All gifts and honors given to me upon assuming office are hereby waived!"

"It is forbidden to use government vehicles for private purposes!"

"No one is allowed to use the name of the government to solicit or demand bribes!"

"."

The other prohibitions can be summarized as follows: it is forbidden to enter private clubs or accept banquets, travel, entertainment or other activities arranged by those under your management or service.

The tenth rule is that gambling is prohibited.

In order to implement the Ten Prohibitions, Zhao An made an example of himself, and from this day forward, he, as the Circuit Intendant, would not even accept any legal income that was tacitly approved by the imperial court.

He only gave them to others, after all, he couldn't break the rules of officialdom.

"These ten prohibitions shall be strictly observed. Anyone who dares to violate them, no matter who they are, shall be stripped of all his honors!"

Zhao An's attitude was resolute, exuding an air of iron-fisted justice.

In addition to the "Ten Prohibitions," he also required that all personnel, including himself, should eat in the yamen canteen from now on, with those of higher rank receiving a special special meal at most.

This means abolishing the designated hotels, inns, and special services provided by the Grain Transport Office.

"Extravagance is evident in food and drink. Today, in your presence, I hereby establish the rules: my meals will consist of a maximum of four dishes and one soup; no additional dishes are permitted, and drinking alcohol is also prohibited while on duty."

With Zhao An waving his hand again, Liu Xiaolou posted the "Ten Prohibitions" list that he had written earlier on the blank wall at the office door.

"Everyone, now!"

Zhao An demanded that all his subordinates read aloud the "Ten Prohibitions" with him. Helpless, the subordinates could only grit their teeth and read along.

The temporary workers of the yamen, who were not qualified to come and pay their respects to the Daotai, were dumbfounded: Good heavens, if this is not allowed and that is not allowed, how can an official be a good official?
The subordinates were even more distressed, wondering if Zhao was serious about it. If he really followed these demands, how would they survive?

Some impatient people were already cursing in their hearts: If you want to be an honest official, don't use us as a stepping stone.

If you push me too far, I won't serve you anymore!
"You must memorize these articles. I will conduct spot checks on you from time to time. If anyone cannot memorize them, you should pack your bags and leave as soon as possible."

Perhaps because it was his first time performing with real power, Zhao An was still not satisfied and ordered someone to prepare pen and ink on the spot, and quickly wrote a couplet.

The first line reads, "For promotion and wealth, go elsewhere." The second line reads, "Those who are greedy and cunning should not enter this door."

Looking at his masterpiece, Zhao An felt a warmth in his heart: "Someone, come and paste this couplet on the main gate of the yamen for me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Xiaolou quickly ran over and carefully took the still-wet ink couplets to paste them up.

"."

The officials looked at each other, no one daring to speak, but their eyes all seemed to say, "Damn it, this is outrageous! What's wrong with this kid? Why is he pulling this stunt on us?"

"Your Excellency's couplet is excellent! The yamen is not a place for anyone to get promoted or make a fortune, much less a paradise for greedy and cunning people!"

The speaker was Zheng Fuyang, the Grain Supervisor. This sixth-rank official was second only to the Circuit Intendant in the Grain Transport Office. When the Circuit Intendant was away, the daily work of the office was handled by the Supervisor. In addition, Zheng Fuyang had worked in the grain system for many years, so he was qualified to ask the question that had been on his mind.

The question is, what is the horizontal scroll of this couplet?

Then everyone realized that Lord Zhao hadn't written the horizontal scroll yet.

"That's the horizontal inscription,"

Zhao An nodded slightly, picked up his brush, and wrote four large characters: "The people are paramount!"

He put down his brush, looked around at the group of shocked subordinates, and said meaningfully, "When the Emperor ascended the throne, he issued an imperial edict to the world, saying that the way to govern the world is to love the people. This means that the people are the most important."

Having said that, he ordered someone to bring the yellow riding jacket he had been awarded, and respectfully folded it flat on the coffin. Then, with a flick of his sleeves, he knelt down and said with utmost piety:

"This servant will remember Master's teaching that the people are of utmost importance. Today I swear not to take a single penny from my subordinates or the people. If I break this vow, I beg Master to punish this servant for deceiving the Emperor and hang my head in the street as a warning to those who are corrupt!"

As soon as the sound ended, three loud "thumps" resounded.

He stood up, turned around and looked at the group of subordinates who were truly stunned. With a wave of his hand, all the subordinates, including the prefect Zheng Fuyang, received a letter of commitment.

A commitment letter regarding strictly abiding by the law and never engaging in corruption or bribery during the term of office.

The other document was a notification letter.

The notice states that all officials of the rank of clerk or above in the grain transport office must voluntarily confess whether they have engaged in any embezzlement in the past. If they do, the governor will treat them leniently.

Anyone who has such a crime but refuses to confess will be dismissed from their post and prosecuted according to the law if discovered by the provincial governor afterward.

The meaning is: leniency for those who confess, severity for those who resist.

(End of this chapter)