Qing Yao

Chapter 346 Zhao Youlu, who is he?

Talented individuals must be cultivated internally.

However, only those who are both literate and skilled in martial arts can withstand the debt collectors from the old man's family; otherwise, having their contact list exposed would be a real nuisance.

The Anhui Government Training Academy was an institution established by Zhao An to train civil officials. How were military officers trained?

Zhao An wanted to strike while the iron was hot and set up another military academy in Anqing, but the "system" did not allow him to run a military school.

The Qing Dynasty did not have the concept of military academies. The Eight Banners of the Central Army adopted a hereditary military system, where bannermen were born to be soldiers, and military skills were passed down through families. In short, it was fathers teaching sons.

The official schools within the Eight Banners mainly taught Manchu, Han, Mongolian, and Confucian classics. Although horsemanship and archery training were compulsory, they were quite different from the military academy education of later generations.

The military examinations tested individual martial arts skills, and had nothing to do with commanding troops, using tactics, or infantry-artillery coordination. The selected candidates were "martial arts men" rather than "generals".

Even if the Qing Dynasty had military academies, it would not have allowed a local official to run one.

What's the difference between privately running a military academy and writing "Qingfeng doesn't know how to read"?
On the Eight Banners side, high-ranking generals were mainly chosen based on their background, while on the Green Standard Army side, a soldier who wanted to become a general had no other way but to hone his skills on the battlefield.

Nobody taught them at all.

Even if a Han Chinese figured it out on their own and successfully became an officer, they could not obtain the command position of the Qing army; they could only be used as subordinates of the banner officers.

For example, Yang Yuchun, who is currently by Fukang'an's side.

Developing industry and commerce is for the sake of wealth, but rebellion requires more than just money; it also requires people—a corps of officers with full military skills.

How can the training of officers be addressed if military academies cannot be established?
Zhao An was a bit worried. Going it in secret was definitely not an option, because he needed the cover of an official identity. He couldn't possibly tell these future officers from the beginning that we were studying in order to rebel against the Qing Dynasty.

Everything has a gradual process.

You all learn first, and then go to the battlefield to practice after the White Lotus Rebellion. If you can prove your worth, Principal Zhao will rise through the ranks and even be able to carry a knife when he enters the palace. Whether he rebels or not will then be out of the control of these officers.

Who gave you permission to call him the principal?

However, after much deliberation, Zhao An decided to put aside the concept of military academies and instead focus on gaining control over the personnel of the Anhui Green Standard Army.

Zhao An had a deep memory of the Green Standard Army officers, especially the generals of the Huainan Green Standard Army and the Fubiao Army, who had previously killed innocent people and claimed credit for their crimes, and acted recklessly.

They haven't been touched yet, just to maintain stability.

Now that he possesses three "divine weapons"—the double-eyed peacock feather, the Ebilun sword, and the yellow riding jacket—his position in Anhui is secure. It's time to give the Green Camp a hard time.

Before that, he decided to win the support of one person. Without this person's support, not only would his "new policies" be much less effective, but they would also be difficult to implement. It would also be very difficult for him to take action against the pro-independence camp.

This man was Zhang Chengji, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Anhui, who was respectfully addressed as "Lord Judicial Commissioner".

Zhang Chengji held immense power, overseeing criminal matters and postal services in a province. If he harbored any resentment towards Zhao An, he wouldn't need to confront him openly. He could simply instruct his subordinates to strictly enforce regulations and rigorously investigate merchants who were actively responding to the new policies. This would be enough to terrify the merchants, instantly extinguishing the enthusiasm that Zhao An had just ignited.

Zhao An wanted to take action against Green Standard Army generals, but he had to go through this person, because only the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office could use "judicial" procedures, and only then could Zhao An be avoided being associated with "seizing military power".

To put it more vividly, if a Green Standard Army officer kills innocent people and claims credit for it, and forcibly abducts women, and the victim files a complaint, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office will initiate procedures. Zhao An's side only needs to cooperate and does not need to take action himself.

One case could potentially implicate a group of pro-independence generals, which would be much faster than Zhao An handling them one by one, and the process would be flawless and just.

However, the current Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Anhui, Zhang Chengji, seemed to be resisting Zhao An. Several days had passed since Zhao An took office in Anqing, and he had made quite a fuss, but this Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Zhang was still unwell and had not followed the rules to meet with Zhao An at the Provincial Treasurer's Office.

Zhao An knew perfectly well that this Magistrate Zhang was probably afraid to openly oppose him because he was favored by the emperor, so he simply pretended to be sick and stayed away from the limelight.

If we put ourselves in his shoes and get to the root of the problem, it must be Zhang Chengji's deep-rooted sense of superiority. He was a graduate of the regular imperial examinations, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) on two separate lists, so it was perfectly reasonable for him to look down on Zhao An, who had obtained his position through a corrupt means.

Upon assuming office, Zhao An immediately began to talk about revitalizing the province through industry and commerce, and even summoned merchants to the government office for a meeting. His attitude of wanting to associate with merchants and engage in "lowly" professions certainly displeased Governor Zhang.

Some situations cannot be dealt with passively; one must personally intervene to resolve them. Although Old Song had secretly tried to bribe the officials of the Provincial Surveillance Commission, it would certainly not have any effect in the short term. Therefore, Zhao An decided to meet this Provincial Surveillance Commissioner. He ordered his men to prepare some common tonic herbs and, without making a fuss, took only a few guards to the back residence of the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's office.

Zhang Chengji was feigning illness. When Zhao An arrived, Zhang Chengji was drinking and making merry with his concubine. When the gatekeeper announced that the newly appointed provincial governor, Lord Zhao, had come to visit him, Zhang Chengji was taken aback. He then frowned slightly, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes, but he had no choice but to quickly return to his bedroom and lie down to pretend to be sick.

"My lord please!"

Led by a servant of the Zhang family, Zhao An arrived at Zhang Chengji's bedroom. Upon seeing the provincial governor lying on the bed, his face immediately filled with concern: "I am so ashamed! I have been in office for several days and only today have I come to inquire about Brother Zhang's condition. This is extremely impolite! How is Brother Zhang's condition? Is it very serious?"

"Lord Zhao,"

Zhang Chengji struggled to get up, trying to appear as if he had been ill for a long time. "I never expected that my illness would trouble Lord Zhao. I am extremely ashamed. To be honest, Lord Zhao, my health has always been poor. I caught a cold and was bedridden, which prevented me from welcoming you to your new post. This is extremely impolite!"

"Brother Zhang, lie down quickly, lie down quickly. We are colleagues, why be so formal?"

As they spoke, Zhao An quickly stepped forward and pressed down on Zhang Chengji, who was about to get up. He then plopped down on the stool by the bed. His gaze swept over Zhang Chengji's face, which did not show much signs of illness, and the faint smell of alcohol in his nostrils. He understood what was going on.

That bastard is just faking illness!

“Brother Zhang, Anhui is in dire need of rebuilding, and many things depend on you as our pillar. Your illness cannot be delayed in the slightest. Have you consulted any famous doctors? What medicine have you taken? If you need any rare medicinal herbs, just let me know, and I will search high and low for them for you!”

Zhao An's voice sounded sincere, and his expression was full of earnestness.

Zhang Chengji felt disgusted, but could only force a smile and say, "Alas, thank you for your concern, Lord Zhao. I had a doctor examine me, and he said it was due to overwork and a cold. A few doses of medicine and some rest will do the trick. Cough cough."

After saying that, the provincial governor coughed twice as a gesture of goodwill. "Oh, is that so? Rest well, rest well!"

Zhao An nodded, then changed the subject casually, saying, "Brother Zhang, with your illness, there must be quite a backlog of criminal cases and official business to handle. Now that the province is vigorously promoting industry and commerce, the market is full of all sorts of people, and it's inevitable that some cunning individuals will try to take advantage of the situation. Public security and criminal justice are of paramount importance. If the provincial governor's office doesn't function properly, I'll be truly uneasy."

He paused for a moment, then looked at the radiant face of the Provincial Judge with concern, and said with utmost seriousness, "However, Brother Zhang's health is of utmost importance. How about this, I will submit a memorial to the court explaining Brother Zhang's illness and request leave on his behalf?"

"."

Zhang Chengji's eyelids twitched: Damn it, asking for leave? Why don't you just write a letter saying I'm dead!

This is a troublesome matter. If this young man really submits a memorial saying that he is seriously ill, the emperor might actually make him retire due to illness.

Didn't the former Provincial Treasurer, Lord Chen, really "retire due to illness"?

Thinking of this, he quickly said, "I appreciate Lord Zhao's kindness, but please rest assured, although I am ill, there are still capable subordinates in the yamen to handle daily affairs, so there won't be any major trouble for the time being. As for the matters of industry, commerce, and public security that you mentioned, please rest assured, the provincial judicial office will do its best to cooperate. However, criminal matters are related to the law and discipline, and the procedures are complicated, so there may be some delays at times. I hope you will understand."

Upon hearing this, Zhao An chuckled softly, "Since Brother Zhang says so, then I, as the acting governor, am relieved. Well, the law is the foundation of order, which is why I specifically set up the Commerce Supervision Office. The Inspection Division within it is specifically for investigating the illegal activities of clerks and preventing them from extorting money and goods. This will also assist the provincial governor in eliminating criminals and ensuring a smooth and harmonious political environment in the province!"

The term "supervisor" was used in name only, but in reality it was a division of power among the provincial judicial commissioners.

Zhang Chengji was well aware of this.

"Brother Zhang, in the end, we are both subjects of the Emperor, serving the court and working for the benefit of Anhui. We share the same goal. As long as our subordinates do not cause trouble or obstruct us, and industry and commerce prosper, taxes are plentiful, and the government is clean and efficient, we will both be proud, and the court will recognize our merits in serving the people wholeheartedly!"

Zhao An looked genuinely hoping that both sides could work together for mutual progress.

Zhang Chengji sneered inwardly, but said on the surface, "What you say is absolutely right, sir. Please rest assured, I will definitely urge my subordinates to work diligently and not dare to be lazy."

"it is good!"

Zhao Anzhi found it difficult to persuade him immediately, and was not in a hurry. After chatting about the weather and health preservation, he got up to take his leave: "Brother Zhang, please take good care of yourself. I sincerely hope you recover soon. We are in the same boat, so that we can live up to the Emperor's great kindness."

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Zhao. Please forgive me for not being able to see you off at a distance!"

Zhang Chengji bowed slightly on the couch.

Zhao An turned and left, the concerned smile on his face vanishing the instant he turned away.

After seeing Zhao An off, Zhang Chengji ripped the towel off his forehead, sat up, and looked gloomy.

How could he not hear the subtle hints and attempts to win him over in Zhao An's words?
However, he looked down on these newly rich and powerful people from the bottom of his heart, and felt that their so-called "industry and commerce to revitalize the province" was putting the cart before the horse and corrupting the social atmosphere.

The next day, whether he was genuinely worried that Zhao An would directly ask the Emperor for leave on his behalf, or whether he felt that the affairs of the government office needed to be addressed, Zhang Chengji actually recovered from his illness.

While Yu was reading the "documents" in the hall, the steward quietly entered and presented a letter from home: "Master, a letter from our hometown in Suzhou."

Zhang Chengji grunted in agreement, took the letter, and opened it.

The letter was written by my nephew from my hometown, and it mostly contained casual greetings and local "news" from Suzhou.

As he read the latter half, a passage suddenly caught his eye: "Recently, a strange tale has been circulating widely in the Jiangnan region, sparking much discussion and contemplation. It is said that during His Majesty's southern tour in the past, he left behind some romantic and elegant figures in Suzhou and Hangzhou, with the imperial offspring remaining among the people. It is also said that a young official in the court has suddenly caught the Emperor's eye, enjoying great favor and rapid promotion, rising to the rank of a second-grade official."

Everyone whispered among themselves that this might be a descendant of the imperial family, whom the current emperor discovered through a private visit, hence his vigorous promotion as compensation. Furthermore, because of his undeniable talent, this became a beautiful tale of harmonious relations between ruler and subject. Although this is a common, absurd rumor, it is told with such conviction that it seems almost plausible. Your nephew, having listened to it casually, also found it amusing and thus wrote it down for your amusement, Uncle.”

Upon reading this, Zhang Chengji's fingers suddenly paused, and his brows furrowed tightly.

The Emperor's illegitimate child during his southern tour? A young official receiving immense imperial favor? Rapid promotion?
These words, when put together, struck the mind of the Provincial Governor like a bolt of lightning!
He subconsciously thought of Zhao Youlu, who had come to visit him yesterday with feigned concern. This man was originally just a minor official in the Yangzhou Prefectural School. How could he have suddenly won the Emperor's favor, received generous rewards, and been directly promoted to Provincial Treasurer of Anhui?
Even if someone voluntarily paid a thousand taels of silver to gain the emperor's favor, such a person should not have risen so high in the imperial court!

The position of Acting Governor of the Province, a second-rank official, is a position that many officials strive for their entire lives but can never attain. What merit or ability does Zhao Youlu have to hold this position?

Then look at that person who was specially granted the title of Jinshi, with a yellow riding jacket, an imperial sword, and double-eyed peacock feathers!
Such favors are far beyond what is expected!

Previously, it was thought that the emperor was eager to amass wealth, so he favored ministers who could make money. Now, combined with these rumors from Jiangnan, could it be that these absurd rumors are not entirely unfounded?

Judging from Zhao Youlu's actions in Anhui, he was truly bold and decisive. He killed prefects and generals without hesitation, even without any restraint. If he were just an ordinary official without any power base, how could he dare to do such a thing?
Zhang Chengji grew increasingly alarmed as he thought about it, unaware that the letter in his hand had fallen to the ground.

If Zhao Youlu is really like that, then wouldn't my resistance be a death sentence?

Matters of the imperial family are kept very secret; it's better to believe they exist than to believe they don't!

Recalling this person's visit yesterday, although his words were barbed, he was not impolite and even took the initiative to express his willingness to "cooperate." If I insist on sticking to the orthodox path of the imperial examination and refuse to "cooperate" with him, I might offend "the higher-ups," and the consequences would be unimaginable!

For a moment, the hall was silent, with only Zhang Chengji's heavy breathing rising and falling. The butler beside him was also nervous, wondering if something had happened back home.
"Zhao Youlu, Zhao Youlu, who exactly are you?"

Zhang Chengji muttered to himself, his gaze towards the outside of the hall filled with complex emotions.

After a long while, the provincial governor took a deep breath and looked at the steward as if he had made up his mind.

The butler hurriedly asked, "What are your orders, sir?"

"Go, prepare a generous gift and send it to the provincial governor's office in my name. Say that I am grateful to Lord Zhao for visiting me in the hospital yesterday. I am unworthy of such a gift."

At this point, Zhang Chengji hesitated for a moment, then added, "In addition, he said that once I recover a little, I will personally go to express my gratitude and discuss with Lord Zhao in detail the matter of revitalizing the province through industry and commerce and eliminating the long-standing abuses of the clerks."

(End of this chapter)