Qing Yao

Chapter 248 It's better to employ a corrupt official than an honest one.
The entire Anhui grain system has fewer than 100 officially employed staff, but thousands actually do the work. Of these thousands, which one is clean?

Even the laborers who loaded and unloaded grain at the granary and the guards who watched over the grain stole rice in secret; how much more so the officials with power in their hands.

How many people throughout history have guarded a mountain of gold without stealing it?
If everyone else is stealing and you don't, how can you secure a place in the workplace?
Those who are truly honest and upright have long been ostracized by their colleagues!
Therefore, the entire Anhui grain system was rotten to the core from top to bottom.

Arresting one Cheng Dade will only lead to thousands more Cheng Dade's. What's the point?

It's better to accept the deficit and maintain the status quo; everyone's happy.

While these words sound like a threat to the Daotai, Cheng Dade was simply stating a fact.

If Zhao Anzhen were to launch a full-scale anti-corruption campaign within the grain system, aiming to create a so-called clean government and demanding integrity from himself as well as the entire system, the outcome might not be as rosy as he imagines. In fact, he would most likely lose his official position due to the forceful anti-corruption efforts.

Because without the cooperation of your subordinates, how can you, as the Daotai (provincial governor), complete the various assessment tasks assigned by the imperial court?

Every year, millions of shi of grain are transported. Can't you, the Daotai, carry them all by yourself?
Regardless of the government office, the actual work is done by the lower-level clerks. These clerks control all the operations of the office through technical monopolies. Without the help of these clerks, no matter how high-ranking an official is, they cannot get things done.

Whether it's a minor official, an ordinary staff member, or a temporary worker, what are they doing getting up in the middle of the night to grind grain?
The two words: money and wealth.

Cutting off someone's money is like killing their parents.

If they band together and confront you, a fourth-rank Daoist master, what can you do?
A few years ago, a county magistrate in Jiangsu wanted to investigate a deficit, but the clerks burned the account books overnight. Afterwards, they collectively falsely accused the magistrate of mismanagement, and as a result, the magistrate was dismissed from office for mismanagement.

In Shaanxi, there was a provincial inspector who was originally a Manchu bannerman. Because he was unfamiliar with the laws, all his judgments were written by his secretary. Later, the secretary was caught accepting bribes and altering case files, and the provincial inspector was dismissed for "incompetence and negligence".

In Guangxi and Yunnan, there were instances of patrol inspectors and clerks being at odds with county magistrates and secretly condoning bandits, leading to the county magistrate's dismissal due to his ineffective bandit suppression efforts.

In short, no matter how high your official rank is, if your subordinates are not of one mind with you, they will find ways to sabotage you, their leader.

Does he really think that becoming a department head means he can do whatever he wants?

A beautiful sedan chair needs many people to carry it; without them, it can't even get out the door.

"Forgive my bluntness, but the court needs the grain tribute. If there is a delay, the Northwest will lack pay, and the Eight Banners will lack rice. With everyone starving, how will you explain this to the court? I know you are indeed incorruptible, but if you cannot deliver the grain tribute on time, what difference will the court make between you, an honest official, and a parasite?"

Cheng Dade's words struck Zhao An like a thunderbolt.

That makes a damn good point. What good is my anti-corruption work if I can't finish my tasks?

Supervising grain transport was his primary duty as a provincial official; anti-corruption was merely a hobby. He neglected his duties for this hobby. If he doesn't step down, who will?
I couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

It's a bit tricky. On the one hand, I need to cultivate an image of an honest official to protect myself, lest I be ruthlessly eliminated by the Jiaqing Emperor; on the other hand, I must admit that it's impossible to eradicate corruption in the Anhui grain system. If I were to really crack down on it, I would most likely be sidelined by those below me.

The order must not leave Jixian Street!

They don't even leave the office.

If it really comes to that, does he have to report to the old master that the servant is incompetent and can't manage the subordinates?

Anyone who wants to survive in officialdom must never report even the truth.

Reporting it would be tantamount to ending one's career in government.

Seeing this, Prefect Zheng also spoke up at the right time: "The court has always judged people based on their achievements. The taxes and provisions of prefectures and counties, as well as the relief work on the river, all require actual results. During the reign of Emperor Shizong, Li Wei was in charge of Zhejiang. Although he accepted bribes and collected bribes, the sea dikes were strong and the trade routes were unobstructed. This is what is meant by being able to make the muddy water smooth."

The implication was that corruption within the grain transport system was a fact, but as long as the people below could get things done for the governor, the governor could turn a blind eye.

Of course, integrity should be emphasized, but it should be limited to talk and minor issues should be addressed. We must not take it seriously and cause a public uproar, with complaints from all levels of government. That would be quite detrimental to the future work of officials.

You must know that the grain transport will be completed in three months. If the people below refuse to work, will you still be able to hold your position, sir?

If things go wrong, the imperial court could even take your head.

Missing the grain transport deadline is a capital offense!
Zhao An frowned slightly, knowing that this Zheng Tongpan was definitely not clean, and might even be the protector of the section-level ambassador in front of him.

Half of the missing 100,000 shi of grain went into the pocket of the predecessor, but where did the other half go?

They must have joined forces to divide it up!
As the second-in-command of the grain transport office, second only to the provincial governor, Zheng Tongpan's bank deposits must amount to tens of thousands of taels.

His original plan was to first swat the flies below and then take down the tigers above, so that even if there were still problems within the unit, they wouldn't be too serious and could withstand Zhu Gui's investigation.

In addition, we can also recover these guys' illegal income through anti-corruption efforts, thus generating extra revenue.

It seems that the fly swatter can't be used at all, because there's not a single clean fly underneath!
If he really gets rid of all his subordinates, he'll be finished as the department head.

Cheng Dade noticed the change in Zhao An's expression and knew there was a chance. He couldn't help but ask again, "Does Your Excellency know about the former governor of this province, Min Eyuan? And do you know why Governor Min was transferred elsewhere?"

"Min Eyuan?"

Zhao An had never heard of this person's name, and had no idea how this governor had been transferred.

The current governor, Fu Song, is someone I know well; we're practically brothers.

"Lord Min, like the Lord, prides himself on his integrity. He has twice ranked first among all governors in the country in performance evaluations. Upon taking office in Jiangsu, he immediately began to investigate the deficits in the finances of the prefectures and counties under his jurisdiction, which resulted in resistance from the entire province."
The various prefectures and counties jointly refused the governor's office's request to send officials to investigate, and some even delayed submitting their accounts. Later, Wang Shifen, the prefect of Changzhou, along with six other prefects, accused Lord Min of oppressive taxation and cruelty towards the people. The court then transferred Lord Min out of Jiangsu on the grounds of negligence in supervising his subordinates.

At this point, Cheng Dade looked at Zhao An meaningfully, "Does Your Majesty not know that Lord Min is innocent? Yet, knowing that Lord Min is innocent, why did you still transfer him away?"

In my humble opinion, it's nothing more than trouble.

If the Emperor protects Lord Min, then 70% of the officials in Jiangsu's prefectures and counties will be investigated and punished. How many people will be involved? If so many officials are investigated and punished at once, who will handle the affairs of Jiangsu?
Therefore, the only option is to transfer Lord Min away; otherwise, the Jiangsu officialdom will descend into chaos.

Zhao An sneered: "Are you saying that if I don't listen to you, Lord Min's fate will serve as a warning to me?"

"Whether you listen or not, I will only discuss the matter at hand. However, you should carefully consider the pros and cons. After all, you are a young man who has already become a fourth-rank official. Your future is limitless. If you do something that will harm your career due to momentary confusion, you will inevitably regret not listening to my advice in the future."

After speaking, Cheng Dade glanced at Zheng Tongpan, who had slightly drooped his eyelids.

"What if I don't think it over carefully?"

Zhao An stood up and walked to Cheng Dade, giving a slight snort: "I may not be able to deal with others, but I can certainly deal with you."

Cheng Dade, however, remained unfazed: "Even if Your Excellency truly intends to investigate me, you cannot kill me."

"Oh?"

Instead of getting angry, Zhao An laughed, "Where do you get the audacity to say such a thing, you eighth-rank official? Do you really think that I, the circuit intendant, have never killed anyone?"

Cheng Dade also laughed and said, "I have heard a little about what you did in Yangzhou, sir. I know that you are decisive in your actions. However, sir, please do not forget that you can pay the penalty money, and I can certainly do the same. The court established the penalty money system to give people like me a chance to redeem ourselves. If you want to do it, sir, I will admit my guilt. At worst, I will pack my things and go back to my hometown to farm."

"."

Zhao An couldn't help but look at Cheng Dade, who was over fifty years old, again, and thought that this guy was quite quick-witted.

To handle this person, the procedure would be for Zhao An to arrest him, compile a case file, and transfer it to the Anhui Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office. After the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner convicted him, the case would be reported to the Ministry of Justice for approval. As a fourth-rank circuit intendant, he did not have the authority to directly execute someone.

However, due to the loophole of the "negotiated fine," the conviction is usually reduced by one or two degrees.

In the end, the result was pretty much as Cheng Dade had predicted: he went home to farm.

“It’s better to make amends than to make merits. If you really want to do something worthwhile, why not give me a chance to redeem myself? Although I’m not very capable, I’ve been working in the grain transport for almost thirty years and I’m very familiar with all the ins and outs. If you’re willing, I’m happy to serve you!”

Cheng Dade was offering the Daotai a small stool, as the newly appointed Daotai, who knew nothing, was in dire need of a "parasite" like him who knew everything.

Without someone like him to guide him, Zhao An would never have been able to figure out what happened in the double-layered warehouse today, no matter how hard he tried.

“If you, sir, wish to accomplish something, this man will be of use.”

Judge Zheng spoke up, "With this person's help, the tricks from other places can't be hidden from you, sir."

Zhao An spoke up, asking Cheng Dade how much of the 100,000 shi of stored grain he had taken.

Cheng Dade actually said, "What I earn is just hard-earned money, about ten thousand taels a year."

"Ten thousand taels a year?"

Zhao An was stunned. He had really underestimated this eighth-rank official. He was even more ruthless in making money than sixth- or seventh-rank officials.

For no apparent reason, I thought of a water company manager in my past life who embezzled over 100 million yuan, which, if converted to silver, would be one or two million taels of silver.

Even the governors and viceroys didn't embezzle as much as this lowly manager.

The world is truly vast and full of wonders.

It's strangely real, strangely adorable.

The image of an honest official must be cultivated, and a systematic anti-corruption campaign must be carried out. However, what Judge Zheng just said gave Zhao An an idea: he doesn't necessarily have to offend everyone; he only needs to investigate and prosecute a few in a targeted manner.

By fighting amongst themselves, they ensured that the part that was in charge became Zhao Daotai's base, and also provided him with examples of his anti-corruption actions that he could report as achievements.

Furthermore, the positions that were purged can be filled by our own people.

After a moment's thought, he said to Cheng Dade in a deep voice, "Write down all the crimes you committed during your tenure, and I may consider giving you a chance to redeem yourself through meritorious service."

"it is good!"

Cheng Dade wrote it down without any hesitation, but he only wrote about his own theft and sale of grain from the granary, without mentioning anyone else.

After carefully reading Cheng Dade's "confession," Zhao An said calmly, "I don't believe there aren't others who colluded with you to enrich themselves at the expense of the public."

“Since the matter has already come to light, why should I drag others down with me? Rather than dragging others down, I’d rather take the blame myself. If you are promoted to another position in the future, I might be able to come back and continue working.”

Cheng Dade's answer was so honest, so incredibly honest, that Zhao An was impressed by him.

He has truly mastered the art of officialdom.

They actually admired this veteran who had worked in the grain system for thirty years.

He waved the few pages of his confession in front of Cheng Dade and said expressionlessly, "Do you know that with this confession of yours, I can bring you to justice at any time?"

Cheng Dade bowed slightly: "My lord, there is no need to frighten me. What you want is nothing more than my weakness. Since I can't beat you, I might as well hand it over to you. That way, you can use me with peace of mind, and I can serve you with peace of mind."

After glancing at Cheng Dade, who was about to be buried, Zhao An calmly put away his confession and said, "Come to the yamen to see me in seven days."

After saying this, he put his hands behind his back and left.

Cheng Dade was left behind with his terrified and bewildered wife.

After a long while, Zhang, who had recovered her composure, said with some worry, "What if this Zhao fellow turns on you and tries to settle scores with you again?"

"will not!"

Cheng Dade said firmly, "If he wanted to get rid of me, he would have done it just now. Why would he make me go see him again in seven days?"

"Too."

Zhang nodded, knowing that her husband had passed this test. She was genuinely frightened just now and was still feeling lingering fear when she thought about it.

"Don't worry about me. I've worked in this grain transport office for thirty years. I've seen all kinds of officials. There's only one way I've managed to stay here today."

"any solution?"

"I'll give you whatever's good from above."

Cheng Dade held his wife's hand and said, "This Lord Zhao is fond of fame, so I'll just cater to his taste."

On the way back to the city, Zhao An asked Zheng Tongpan, "This Cheng Dade is a very shrewd man, so why has he always been Ambassador Ku's subordinate?"

Judge Zheng chuckled lightly: "Around the grain transport route, what place is more lucrative than the 'Grain Depot Ambassador'? Besides, this man was promoted through donation; without someone above to promote him, how high can he rise?"

Zhao An said "Oh" without saying anything. After returning to the yamen, he suddenly stopped Zheng Tongpan, who was about to return to his duty room: "I want to see your confession by tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I will report to the court that you have failed in your management of the treasury and failed to supervise your subordinates, resulting in the theft of as much as 100,000 shi of grain!"

"what?"

While Judge Zheng was still in a daze, the Circuit Intendant had already walked far away.

Back in their duty room, Han Jiexiu and Xiao Sicheng presented the confessions of the relevant personnel they had "invited" to the Bureau of Justice that day.

More than thirty copies, all of which involved mutual accusations.

Among them, Zheng Fuyang, the vice magistrate, was exposed the most, with twelve cases all pointing to his corruption and bribery.

"Sir, it now appears that this Magistrate Zheng is the biggest corrupt official in our office. Should we compile and report these confessions?"

"Need not."

"Need not?"

Han and Xiao were completely baffled. With such abundant evidence, why didn't the magistrate punish this corrupt official?
"It is better to employ a corrupt official than an honest one."

Looking at the pile of confession materials on the table, Zhao An seemed to be deep in thought.

(End of this chapter)