Qing Yao

Chapter 341 Being an official in Anhui Province is not easy.

I'm giving you a poem. What poem should I give you?

Both sides knew perfectly well that this was simply a matter of reciprocity; Lord Zhao wouldn't accept your ten thousand taels of office expenses for nothing, and you, Prefect Song, would certainly receive some benefits afterward.

With a huge weight lifted from his heart, Prefect Song knew he had made the right bet. All those people who dared not give gifts to the Provincial Governor were fools. They only knew that the Provincial Governor was an upright official who would kill officials without hesitation, but they did not know that this upright official was not clean at all.

Upon learning that the imperial court had appointed the newly appointed grain transport commissioner as the temporary governor of Anhui, Prefect Song keenly realized the significant "political" implications of this appointment.

In other words, this acting governor was no ordinary person.

Therefore, they immediately sent people to Yangzhou to investigate the background of the acting provincial governor. The results were shocking.

This acting provincial governor is none other than Zhao Youlu, the villain who was vilified throughout the officialdom last year!
The people sent to inquire also discovered that this Lord Zhao, in addition to voluntarily paying the emperor a thousand taels of silver as a minor official, had also been imprisoned for giving gifts to his superior, the Jiangsu Provincial Education Commissioner, when he was serving as the Jiangsu Provincial Education Commissioner. Furthermore, it was widely rumored in Yangzhou's official circles that this Lord Zhao was Heshen's lackey, which is why he rose through the ranks ten times in just one year.

Combining all the clues, Prefect Song came to a conclusion different from his colleagues in the province: the new provincial governor was indeed an upright official, but this uprightness was merely a facade, intended to whitewash his previous tainted past and gild his future career.

The more you lack something, the more you cry for it.

Since that's the case, we should send it.

Even the most upright official needs to eat, support his staff, and pay his employees' salaries.

If none of them send gifts, with that meager fixed salary, Zhao Qingtian's family probably won't even be able to afford meat.

Thus, Anqing Prefecture became "different" today, and the prediction came true!
It's not that Lord Zhao doesn't accept gifts, it's just that no one gives them to him.

Indeed, how could someone who rises to the rank of a second-grade official at such a young age be the kind of person who is rigid and dogmatic?

After getting to know him, Prefect Song felt more and more that the young provincial governor in front of him resembled someone else: Li Wei, a famous minister during the Yongzheng era.

They came from the same background, had similar promotion speeds, and were equally decisive and efficient—they were practically cut from the same mold.

At such an age, and with powerful backers, he might just become the next Li Wei.

Zhao An calmly closed the scroll containing the ten thousand taels of silver notes and casually pushed it to Old Song, who skillfully accepted it on behalf of the governor.

Seeing this, Prefect Song's respectful expression deepened, and he said respectfully, "Your Excellency's arrival as the provincial grain commissioner coincided with a major disaster in the province. Despite the hardships and dangers, Your Excellency ventured deep into the disaster area, wholeheartedly serving the country and its people. Although I am of humble rank, I would like to do my best to help Your Excellency alleviate the people's suffering as soon as possible, streamline the province's administration, and bring benefits to the local people. If this small item can slightly supplement Your Excellency's official duties, that would be its greatest blessing."

These words warmed Zhao An's heart, and even Old Song nodded in agreement. They were truly impeccable, both praising Zhao An and demonstrating his own selfless dedication, revealing just how strong his desire for advancement was.

He's good at being an official.

"You're too kind, Lord Song."

Picking up his teacup, Zhao An gently blew away the foam and asked casually, "I have been appointed by imperial decree to act as the provincial governor, which is a sign of His Majesty's high regard and expectations for me. However, I am new to this place and still have many questions about the affairs of this province. Lord Song has been in Anqing for a long time and is familiar with the situation in this province. I wonder what you can teach me?"

Zhao An is probing the other party's strength.

Prefect Song hesitated for a moment before cautiously speaking: "Your Excellency is wise. The former governor of this province was an honest and upright official, and many of his subordinates also considered themselves to be of the same ilk. However, water that is too clear has no fish, and a person who is too discerning has no followers. While the former governor was in office, no one dared to challenge his authority, but his policies were too idealistic and inevitably clashed with the realities of the local situation. His various policies and measures left us with limited options and unable to make any progress."

Upon hearing this, Zhao An's brows twitched slightly. This person was clearly very dissatisfied with Zhu Gui, but attributed his dissatisfaction to the impracticality of Zhu Gui's policies rather than directly attacking Zhu Gui himself. He even praised Zhu Gui for his integrity. This was quite an art of speaking.

"Although the former governor has returned to Beijing to serve in the Ministry of Rites, his influence remains. Some officials in the province who consider themselves to have come from the 'pure stream' and 'orthodox' backgrounds, such as..."

At this point, Prefect Song paused briefly, then, as if making a decision, said, "For example, the Education Commissioner Xu and others seem to have many doubts about you, Your Excellency."

Old Song chimed in, "What you say is quite right, Lord Song. The North Gate today is proof enough. Provincial Governor Zhang is claiming illness and not coming out, and Provincial Education Commissioner Xu has gone to Huizhou. In my opinion, this is no coincidence. It is really an attempt to give the Provincial Governor a hard time."

Zhao An listened calmly, holding his teacup. What Song Jiawen said was basically in line with his judgment. The potential forces left behind by Zhu Gui in Anhui Province were very hostile to him, and the leading force was the academic official system that controlled public opinion and educational discourse.

Do not underestimate the power of the education system. Public opinion has always been created by scholars. Which gentry does not have children attending school? If the education officials and teachers unanimously say that a certain official is bad, the students will spread the word when they get home, and that official will definitely be considered bad.

If public opinion is bad, performance evaluation will also be bad.

If you're lucky, you'll be transferred to another province; if you're unlucky, you might be brought down.

Therefore, the academic official system must be seized. If Zhao An does not seize it, this system will be in the hands of the Qingliu faction, making them his opponents.

In comparison, getting rid of the current education commissioner is more urgent than getting rid of the provincial inspector who is claiming illness and not coming.

"I have little interaction with Judicial Commissioner Zhang. I have heard that he comes from the Ministry of Revenue and has served in Guizhou. He has little connection with the former governor. His claim of illness may genuinely be due to a minor ailment, or perhaps it is influenced by the Education Commissioner."

Some things should be left unsaid, after all, Prefect Song wasn't sure if the Provincial Judge and the Provincial Education Commissioner were really "colluding," what if Lord Zhang really had diarrhea or a stroke?

Old Song chimed in, "In my opinion, most of the officials in the city who are not here to greet you today are influenced by the Education Commissioner."

Zhao An remained silent, letting Old Song lead Prefect Song. He wanted to know more than just the surface; he needed something deeper.

"Your Excellency is young and promising, and enjoys the Emperor's favor. Your future is limitless. However, precisely because of this, some people are resentful, either because they hope to curry favor with Your Excellency or because they worry that Your Excellency's policies are too sharp and will affect their interests. If Your Excellency does not deal with this matter in time, I fear that if it goes on for too long, the officialdom will become chaotic and corrupt."

Prefect Song's words practically laid bare the current mindset of Anhui's officialdom before Zhao An.

The opposition to Zhao An came from the academic system, which was mainly composed of the Qingliu faction left by Zhu Gui. These officials who followed the regular civil service examination system naturally looked down on Zhao An, a correspondence undergraduate.

At the same time, many corrupt officials also opposed Zhao An because Zhao An's image as an upright official posed too great a threat to them.

What's left are a bunch of fence-sitters, who'll side with whoever wins.

As for Prefect Song, he was a rare shrewd person in Anhui's officialdom, knowing that Zhao An's rise to such a high position was not due to his personal ability, but rather to the presence of powerful figures behind him.

"After hearing what Lord Song said, it seems that being an official in Anhui is really not easy."

Zhao An said something indifferently, his words revealing neither joy nor anger.

"Your Excellency is mistaken. It is precisely because the officialdom of this province is a mixed bag that Your Excellency's talent shines through! Although I am not talented, I know that only by following Your Excellency's lead can I truly serve the court and bring happiness to the people!"

Having said that, Prefect Song made no attempt to hide anything, immediately stood up and bowed deeply: "The entire Anqing Prefecture will follow Your Excellency's lead! Whatever Your Excellency commands, I will gladly die for you!" He had directly taken sides.

The gamble was that Zhao An was enjoying the Emperor's favor, had Heshen as a powerful backer, and possessed both skill and ruthlessness. With these advantages, he was sure to clear away obstacles and completely control Anhui.

At that time, he, the prefect who follows closely behind, will surely be promoted, and recommending him for the position of a third-rank circuit intendant is just a matter of a word from you, Lord Zhao.

"it is good!"

This was the first time a "little brother" had taken the initiative to come to his aid, and he was even a fourth-rank official. How could Zhao An refuse him? He happily got up and helped Song Jiawen up, his face full of smiles: "Anqing is the most important district in the province, and the most important place in the whole province. It is not only my blessing that Lord Song is so righteous, but also the blessing of the officials and people of the province, and the blessing of the imperial court."

The three blessings filled Prefect Song with joy, knowing he hadn't made a wrong bet.

After a few casual words and some encouragement, the welcome banquet came to a successful conclusion.

After the Anqing prefect, who could be considered the "number one," left happily, Zhao An asked Old Song, "What do you think of this prefect?"

Old Song thought for a moment and said truthfully, "Song Jiawen is shrewd and capable, good at scheming, and a veteran of officialdom. His actions today are simply because he sees that Your Excellency is deeply favored by the Emperor and has a close relationship with Heshen, so he is eager to serve Your Excellency. What he is after is probably not just a promotion to Circuit Intendant, but he may even be eyeing the position of Provincial Governor. In my opinion, this person can be used, but we must be cautious in using him and keep a tight rein on him to prevent him from turning against us."

Zhao An nodded and smiled, "You and I think about the same thing. He's a smart man who knows that it's most beneficial for him to side with me now. However, we need a local strongman like him to help us get things going. At least, Anqing Prefecture is under our control. If this man can help me bring down that Xu, the provincial education commissioner, and that Zhang, the provincial judicial commissioner, then we'll drag him down with us."

Old Song agreed wholeheartedly: "How does Your Excellency plan to deal with those two? One is in charge of criminal matters, and the other is in charge of education. Although Your Excellency is acting as governor, you have no direct jurisdiction over those two."

"I can't manage it, but I can't resist people asking me to."

Zhao An chuckled lightly, "With so many criminal cases in a province, there must be some wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice. There must also be some cheating in the provincial examinations. Why don't you spend some money to bribe a few people in the provincial judicial commissioner's office and the education commissioner's office, and see if you can get anything out of them?"

"Good! A generous reward will surely bring forth brave men. As long as we can take down those two, it's worth spending tens of thousands of taels of silver."

Zhao An chuckled and, together with Lao Song, got up and led the team to the provincial governor's office.

The ceremonial guards of the governor's residence outside were already prepared. Although Zhao An was only acting as governor with the title of provincial treasurer, the ceremony was in accordance with the governor's specifications. Flags, banners, umbrellas, fans, soldiers, servants, and signs of silence and avoidance were raised high, creating an imposing and majestic atmosphere. A large group of more than a thousand people marched toward the provincial governor's office.

Old Song had arranged for the yamen to welcome him in the morning, and even had a large green sedan chair carried by eight men, a chair reserved for provincial governors, sent over.

Looking at the large green sedan chair carried by eight men, and then thinking of the small sedan chair he used as a professor at the prefectural school, which looked like a monkey show, Zhao An smiled knowingly and climbed into the sedan chair.

"Get up the sedan!"

Accompanied by the sound of whips, the procession marched forward in a grand procession. On both sides of the street, yamen runners from Anqing Prefecture had already cleared the way, and the sound of gongs cleared the way, creating a very impressive scene.

Compared to the deserted welcome scene at the North Gate of Anqing, the Anhui Provincial Administration Office presents a completely different picture today.

The middle door is wide open!

This is the highest level of protocol for welcoming superiors; usually, only officials of the rank of governor or imperial envoy would have the central gate opened wide.

Almost all the officials of the Provincial Treasurer's Office, including the chief clerks, judges, and other officials, as well as the officials, clerks, and yamen runners from all departments under the banners, came out and knelt in a dark mass on the bluestone square outside the yamen gate.

The provincial governor's eight-bearer green sedan chair landed steadily in front of the central gate, and Old Song quickly stepped forward to personally lift the curtain for Zhao An.

Zhao An bowed as he stepped out of the sedan chair, his gaze sweeping across the entire scene with an air of authority.

"Congratulations, Lord Fantai!"

Led by Lao Song, all the officials and clerks shouted in unison, their voices so loud that they echoed for a long time in the air above the yamen.

Zhao An nodded slightly and said in a loud voice, "Please rise, everyone."

"Thank you, sir!"

Everyone stood up, hands at their sides, in complete silence.

Old Song nodded and Zhao An calmly entered through the central gate. Following the rules, he went to the main hall to pay homage to the seal of office, ascend the seat, and receive formal worship from his subordinates. Only then was the inauguration ceremony considered complete.

Stepping through the grand gate and passing the stone archway inscribed with the words "Your salary and emoluments are the people's blood and sweat; the common people are easily oppressed, but Heaven is hard to deceive," a breathtaking view suddenly unfolds before you, revealing the magnificent main hall of the Provincial Administration Commission, with the four characters "Xuanhua Chengliu" hanging high above it.

It occupies several times more land than the county magistrate's, and its decoration style is at least that of a high-end renovation.

An incense table had already been set up in the main hall, and attendants had placed the large red clay seal, symbolizing the power of the provincial governor, on the table.

Under everyone's gaze, Zhao Anjing stepped forward and bowed three times to the seal. After finishing the ceremony, he turned and sat down behind the official table in the center of the hall.

"Your humble servants pay their respects to Your Excellency, the Provincial Governor!"

Led by Lao Song, all the officials of the provincial governor's office with ranks once again performed the grand ceremony of paying respects in unison.

"I have been appointed by His Majesty to act as the Governor of Anhui and to hold the seal of the Provincial Treasurer. I am deeply grateful for His Majesty's great grace and the heavy responsibility I bear. I am also aware that the people of this province are suffering greatly and that the administration is riddled with problems. Today, I can only repay His Majesty's grace and bring peace to the people by devoting myself to the utmost!"

These were the opening remarks Old Song had prepared; all new officials say the same thing when they take office.

Next came Zhao An's own "speech," where his tone suddenly turned stern: "The smooth implementation of government orders depends on the unity of mind of both superiors and subordinates. I want you all to know that I have always been fair in my actions, rewarding and punishing according to the law. Those who are loyal to the public and dedicated to serving the people will be recommended and promoted without hesitation. However, those who are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, corrupt and derelict in their duties, or form cliques for personal gain will be punished!"

Zhao An's gaze sharpened like a knife. "I am by no means a soft-hearted person. At that time, you will all know what the law is, and why the law is merciless!"

All the officials below were awe-inspiring. The reputation of "Zhao Qingtian" and his deeds of killing officials in northern Anhui had long been known to this provincial governor's office. And who did not know that the newly arrived Lord Zhao also held the imperial sword of the Qing Dynasty—the Ebilun sword!

The officials had expected the court session to adjourn, but Zhao An raised his right hand and ordered: "All prefectures, states, and counties are to submit detailed registers within one month, including recent years' taxes and grain levies, granary reserves, official performance evaluations, disaster relief expenditures, the number of deaths due to disasters, and the actual population within their jurisdictions, to the Provincial Treasurer for verification. Those who fail to submit their registers by the deadline, or whose registers are found to be inaccurate, will have their prefectural, state, or county officials dismissed on the spot and subject to further investigation!"

They acted swiftly and decisively, without wasting a moment.

Check the accounts, check the population.

(End of this chapter)