Qing Yao

Chapter 369 Old Master, I Have a Way

One yard owned by a yard.

No matter what reason the provincial governor's office gives for stopping your education administration's operating expenses, you, the education administration official, can report it through proper channels. You can't just go to the provincial governor's office and act like a shrew, smashing things and injuring people.

What is its nature?

To put it mildly, it undermines the unity of the leadership and tarnishes the dignity of the imperial court; to put it more seriously, it shows that you disregard the laws of the Qing Dynasty and act lawlessly!
A hero takes responsibility for his actions; whether it's losing money or going to jail, the old master decides.

Zhao Anzhen acted as if it were all business. If the provincial education commissioner said no, a phone call would be made to the provincial judicial commissioner to come and investigate the crime scene and then proceed with the "judicial" process. In that case, the consequences would be beyond the control of the Anhui authorities.

There was nothing they could do; the matter had reached the imperial court, and even the provincial governor couldn't suppress it.

Although the academic officials were furious, they weren't stupid. They quickly realized the seriousness of the situation, and their anger was extinguished by the cold reality.

Six thousand eight hundred and three taels!
His legal annual salary was 130 taels, and his allowance for maintaining integrity was only 6,000 taels. Even if he paid it all out, it wouldn't be enough. Besides, he had already received half of his salary and allowance in the first half of the year. If he were to pay compensation at that price, he simply couldn't afford it.

If the matter is transferred to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office in an official manner, once this procedure is followed, the matter will escalate completely.

They assaulted government officials, damaged public property, and even destroyed important official documents related to provincial taxation!
The censors and officials didn't care about the reasons behind the incident. They only saw the provincial education commissioner acting like a shrew in the city, committing violence and vandalism in the provincial governor's office. At that time, impeachment memorials would fly to the emperor's desk like snowflakes. Losing his post would be the least of his worries. If the emperor was furious, he might even have to go to Yili.

Is the fame and future I've earned through thirty years of diligent study of Confucian classics really going to be ruined by a moment of anger today?
Thinking of this, the academician's heart pounded, and cold sweat involuntarily seeped from his forehead. The fierce determination he had shown to fight Zhao An to the death vanished without a trace, replaced by deep fear and lingering dread.

The armed constables supporting the education commissioner clearly felt that the old master's body was a little weak and trembling slightly.

"Lord Xu, what do you think we should do about this?"

Zhao An, looking like he was in the right, said, "If all else fails, please have the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner come over. Please have the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner re-evaluate the previous costs for the injuries and the damage to the government property, so that Lord Xu won't say that I'm trying to extort you."

After saying that, he raised his hand and said, "You go to the Provincial Judicial Office."

Before anyone could come forward to receive the order, the Education Commissioner's voice rang out first: "Lord Zhao, Lord Zhao."

His voice was full of bitterness, completely lacking the roaring momentum he had before.

Very listless.

"Ok?"

Zhao An raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze carrying a hint of mockery. "Has Lord Xu decided how to compensate? In cash, withholding a salary, or going to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office to discuss it with Lord Zhang?"

"I dare not trouble the Provincial Judge."

The provincial education official quickly shook his head, his smile more like a grimace. "Lord Zhao, today...today I was indeed reckless. In a moment of anger, I lost my composure. I beg you, Lord Zhao, to be lenient."

"Hands on?"

Zhao An shook his head and sneered, "Where is Lord Xu's arrogance when he was beating people and destroying property? In any case, my subordinates' injuries cannot be in vain, nor can the government's property be destroyed for nothing. You think Lord Xu can get away with just a word of recklessness and a lack of decorum? There's no such easy thing in the world."

The provincial education commissioner was speechless, his face turning pale and then red. Looking at the injured yamen runners and clerks around him and the mess on the ground, and then at Zhao An's businesslike expression, he knew that this matter would not end well today.

After much internal turmoil, he finally took a deep breath, suppressing the humiliation in his heart, and whispered, "My lord, may I speak with you in private?"

Even a scholar of a province still needs to save face.

Even if you really have to bow your head, you can't do it in front of so many people.

Zhao An understood and nodded in agreement. After all, they were both high-ranking local officials, and some face should be saved. Moreover, seeing that this provincial education commissioner was also willing to back down, it was worth giving him a chance.

If he could bring them under his control, it would at least solve the problem of the Anhui education sector not being of one mind with him, the governor, and it would also solve the problem of making money through temporary donations.

Otherwise, even if we get rid of this one, it will be troublesome to have another one with the same character.

Frankly speaking, most of those who can serve as provincial education commissioners are not to be trifled with.

She's very aloof.

The old master Hu from Jiangsu who imprisoned Zhao An last year is just like that.

Without Zhao An giving any instructions, Lao Song chased away the staff who were watching the commotion and had tea prepared in the flower hall.

"Lord Xu, please have some tea!"

Upon entering the main hall, Zhao An maintained proper etiquette, serving the Education Commissioner fine tea.

Before the Provincial Education Commissioner could sit down, Zhao An spoke again, his tone still somewhat displeased: "I heard that Lord Xu publicly rebuked me for three moral failings, speaking with conviction and righteous indignation. To be honest, Lord Xu, I still can't understand where these three moral failings lie. Since taking office in Anhui, I have been conscientious and diligent, fearing that I might fail in some way and disappoint the Emperor's trust. I have always kept myself in the light of integrity and honesty, yet I have ended up with three moral failings. Lord Xu, why don't you tell me about these three moral failings, so that I can deeply reflect on them and repent in seclusion?"

"This"

The academic official's heart skipped a beat; this was about to bring up old grievances.

He quickly bowed, his voice tinged with pleading: "My lord, I was just confused and talking nonsense. Please don't take it to heart. I apologize to you!"

"nonsense?"

Zhao An smiled enigmatically, "I think Lord Xu spoke clearly and logically that day, and his words were forceful and resolute. It doesn't seem like he was just confused for a moment."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the Education Commissioner knelt down in front of him with a thud.

Not only was Zhao An completely bewildered, but even Old Song was stunned by what he saw.

A dignified provincial education commissioner and a scholar who passed the imperial examinations twice was forced to kneel down!

"My lord, I know I was wrong. Those three unethical remarks were not from my heart. It was my narrow-mindedness that led me to misunderstand you. Please forgive me and never mention this matter again!"

The academic official was truly kneeling, almost prostrating himself on the ground begging for forgiveness.

Looking at the old master kneeling before him, Zhao An felt immense pleasure, but his face showed a surprised expression. He stood up and helped him up, saying, "Lord Xu, what are you doing? Please get up! We are officials in the same court, how can we perform such a grand ceremony? If word gets out, outsiders will think that I, Zhao Youlu, am forcing my colleague."

The more the official said this, the more frightened he became. He dared not stand up and repeatedly said, "This humble official dares not. This humble official truly knows his mistake. Please, Your Excellency, give this humble official a chance to correct his error!"

"Ugh!"

Zhao An sighed, looking helpless. "Alright, alright. Since Lord Xu is so sincere, it would seem petty of me to pursue this further. However, the rumors about Lord Xu's three immoral acts are widespread and are also detrimental to my reputation. If I don't clarify them, even if I have the magnanimity of a prime minister, I can't withstand the gossip of ignorant people."

"My lord, when I accused you of being a student of the Imperial Academy who had risen through the ranks without proper background and lacking any real learning, it was all my pedantic and utterly wrong view!"

The academic official raised his head and tried to make his expression appear sincere. "As the sage said: 'Even if there are delicious dishes, if you do not eat them, you will not know their flavor; even if there is the ultimate way, if you do not learn it, you will not know its goodness.'"

Although you were born into a family of scholars, you are well-versed in practical matters and economics. This is a true embodiment of the unity of knowledge and action, making you a thousand times better than us pedantic scholars who only know how to read poetry and books!
A person of great talent and learning lies in applying it to practical affairs and in bringing peace and stability to the nation; how can it be measured by ordinary texts and trivial matters? This is not a lack of virtue, but rather a great virtue of practical application!

Ai?
Zhao An couldn't help but show his admiration. No wonder he was a doctoral student from the Hanlin Academy; his words were so eloquent. "As for the accusation that Your Excellency neglects moral cultivation, doesn't value education, and only deals with merchants—a sign of political instability..."

The reformed education official swallowed hard. "This is even more like my own limited perspective, like a frog in a well. The Book of Documents says: 'The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace.'"

When officials deal with merchants, it is not for personal gain, but to revitalize the maritime trade and replenish the treasury. This is the fundamental way to secure the nation's stability and prosperity! Only when the treasury is full can water conservancy projects be built, disaster relief be provided, and funds be allocated to various government departments to support cultural and educational undertakings!

In short, a great person stands on the foundation and looks to the future; this is not a lack of virtue, but rather a sign of far-sighted and enlightened virtue!

Well.
Zhao An couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect, "Lord Xu also said that my participation in the ceremony with my officers and soldiers violates the principles of civil administration and is an immoral act."

"I'm really getting senile. The Zuo Zhuan says: 'The most important affairs of the state are sacrifice and war. Weapons are the most important instruments of the state; how can they be taken lightly?'"
The Emperor's inspection of the military banners is a demonstration of the court's military preparedness, a deterrent to villains, and a means to ensure harmony between civil and military officials in safeguarding the nation. This far-sighted move is precisely for the purpose of protecting civil affairs with military force, ensuring the safety of the borders and the people; it is by no means a breach of morality, but rather a display of the virtues of both civil and military prowess!

After speaking, the Academician was almost exhausted.

His retelling was like a slap in the face to himself, leaving him exhausted, but he had no choice but to do it because he could not allow Zhao An to "handle official business" and he could not allow the entire education sector in Anhui to be implicated because of his relationship.

This is the Imperial Preceptor!
Zhao An's pupils nearly dilated as he stared intently at the sincere-looking academic official, his mind filled with only one thought—with such a great Confucian scholar around, what is there to fear in future debates with others!

What about taking out small loans!

My goal was to promote the healthy development of the financial industry, improve the country's GDP, boost consumption, and drive overall development.
Old Song's lips twitched incessantly as he tried to suppress his laughter. He thought to himself that these two Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) were truly terrifying when they became shameless; their level of shamelessness was far beyond what he, a mere Juren (successful candidate in the provincial imperial examinations), could match.

Sure enough, anyone who can serve as a provincial education commissioner must have some skills.

"I am very pleased that Lord Xu has come to his senses and realized my good intentions and great virtue!"

Zhao An kindly helped the Academician up, his face full of satisfaction.

The provincial education official, his face burning with embarrassment, forced a smile and said apologetically, "Your Excellency is not blaming me. I am extremely grateful. I was indeed reckless today and am willing to accept the loss. However, I really cannot raise the six thousand eight hundred taels at the moment."

"To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. Although my subordinates have suffered and the government property has been damaged, Lord Xu is also a scholar of the province. For the sake of the court's reputation, I cannot be too harsh on him."

As Zhao An picked up his teacup, he turned to ask Old Song, the Education Commissioner, how much money was left in the account.

Old Song hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Your Excellency, Lord Xu still has sixty taels of salary and three thousand taels of allowance for maintaining integrity that he has not yet received."

"That's it,"

Zhao An looked troubled. "Lord Xu only has three thousand and sixty taels in his account. Even if he deducts it all, it won't be enough to cover the compensation. Lord Xu, do you think it would be better to raise some more?"

The academic official was in a bad mood; where would he get the money to compensate?
He dared not argue, and could only swallow his pride and say in a low voice, "I am an honest official and have no extra money at home. I hope you can understand my situation."

"Of course, of course,"

Zhao An thought for a moment, "How about this, all the money in Lord Xu's account will be deducted, and I will personally cover the remaining compensation for you first. However, Lord Xu must give me an IOU, and it will be deducted from Lord Xu's allowance for maintaining integrity next year. How does that sound?"

"."

The provincial education commissioner had no choice but to suffer in silence, knowing full well that if he said no, the young man in front of him would definitely "handle official business" and call the provincial judicial commissioner's office to intervene.

But now his family's expenses are already a problem. If another three thousand taels are deducted next year, how will he survive?

And this is not even what the academic officials are most concerned about.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Thank you for your understanding, sir. However, my office is already living beyond its means, and the funds for the provincial treasury have been delayed. There is already widespread discontent among the staff. If the funds are not disbursed soon, I fear there may be unrest. I implore you, sir, for the sake of serving the court, to first allocate the funds for our office's various expenses so that I can devote myself to the affairs of the state."

I must say that the Provincial Education Commissioner is a good official. In short, he told me that he was willing to accept the loss and pay back the money, and he was willing to write an IOU, but he had to give me the funds for the Provincial Education Commissioner's office first.

"Is this happening?"

Zhao An looked surprised, as if he was unaware of the current situation of the Education Bureau. "Lord Xu, what are you saying? When has the provincial treasury ever defaulted on the Education Bureau's expenses? All of your expenses are regulated, and timely disbursement is the law of the court. How dare I disobey? Lord Xu, have you been misled by some villains, or are your accounts unclear and you have made a mistake?"

These words nearly made the old master so angry that he spat out a mouthful of blood.

This is blatant lying!

The provincial governor's office has been withholding funding from his education office for so long, and now they're denying it outright. Have they no shame?

Overwhelmed with grievance, he couldn't help but raise his voice, "My lord, our office hasn't received any funding for over a month. Our subordinates can't even afford basic necessities, and the students' stipends at the prefectural school are still outstanding. I've submitted numerous official documents to the authorities."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao An interrupted him, then looked at Old Song standing to the side with displeasure: "What's going on!"

Old Song quickly explained that the accounts of the Education Bureau had not yet been clarified, so the provincial treasury had, according to regulations, suspended all expenses required by the Education Bureau.

Zhao An frowned slightly after hearing this: "Why has this investigation taken so long? What are you doing? No matter how poor you are, you can't neglect education and make students suffer!"

Looking at the academic official whose eyes were filled with hope, he sighed softly and told Old Song to immediately allocate all the funds for the academic office.

Unexpectedly, Old Song also looked troubled: "Sir, it's not that the provincial treasury is unwilling to allocate funds, but rather that the treasury is indeed short of funds recently. All expenditures in the province need to be planned in a coordinated manner, and priorities must be distinguished."

The implication was that the provincial treasury had records of the funds from the Education Bureau, but there was no money in the treasury at the moment, so the Education Bureau had to be asked for help, etc.

"That's it,"

Zhao An was also in a difficult situation. He rubbed his hands helplessly and said, "The provincial treasury is indeed empty right now. Lord Xu is not unaware that our province has just suffered a major disaster. Now, all places are rebuilding after the disaster, and I have also approved many water conservancy projects. Alas, the money is really tight. As the saying goes, even a clever cook cannot cook without rice. Shouldn't your department wait a little longer? It is difficult, but difficulties can always be overcome."

"."

Zhao An's performance made the academician's heart sink again. So all he got in return for his humble behavior was this humiliating treatment?

Zhao An coughed lightly, and Old Song quickly stepped forward to cooperate, bending down next to the Education Commissioner and lowering his voice, saying, "If Your Excellency is really in urgent need of money, I do have a temporary solution that may be able to help you out of your predicament."

"Oh, what method?"

The academic official stared intently at Old Song as if grasping at a straw.

Zhao An also looked curious.

"I know a money exchange. Although the interest rate is slightly higher than the official rate, the loan disbursement is fast and the procedures are simple. If Lord Xu is in urgent need, why not go there for a loan? With your status as the Education Commissioner, it wouldn't be difficult to borrow even tens of thousands of taels, let alone a few thousand."

After finishing his speech, Old Song wisely stepped back, giving the academic official ample time to process the proposal.

"Private lending isn't out of the question, but the interest rates aren't low either,"

Zhao An also looked troubled, but then he made up his mind and looked at the hesitant Education Commissioner: "It's all for the sake of the court. Lord Xu, please lend it. I will vouch for you."

(End of this chapter)