My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 145 River Management Expert
Fan Kuan was a hermit.

In the mid-Ming Dynasty, as the imperial examinations became increasingly competitive, many scholars spent their entire lives studying but still could not pass the exams and obtain official titles.

Against this backdrop, a group of literati emerged who rejected the imperial examination system and mingled with powerful figures; they were known as "mountain men."

The professions of mountain dwellers are diverse, including those who work as advisors, tutors, lawyers, and even fortune tellers.

The mountain dwellers claim to be "neither officials nor commoners," using the mountain as their pseudonym, and claiming to live in seclusion in the bustling city. However, in reality, most of them are not as "detached from worldly affairs" as they claim. On the contrary, most of them are political brokers.

Brokers, also known as lobbyists, later became popular in the United States, with lobbying companies flourishing across the ocean, much like those in the Ming Dynasty.

Fan Kuan was a hermit and a broker. He was employed by the Fan family of Datong and persuaded officials in the Ministry of Works to protect the Fan family's transportation business in Liaodong.

Among the four major Shanxi merchant families—Fan, Wang, Jin, and Liang—the Fan family was the most prominent. Even Zheng Nian, the former general of Datong, had to borrow money from the Fan family to advance his military pay when he was short of funds.

Furthermore, the Fan family established "accounting bureaus" in border towns to lend money to border garrisons, thereby controlling the economy of the nine border regions to a certain extent.

Fan Kuan was also a member of the Fan clan, but from a collateral branch. After failing the imperial examinations, he wandered around the capital and worked as a hermit.

Of course, Fan Kuan also had his proud moments.

He speaks eloquently, is proficient in all forms of Chinese opera and southern drama, and also has some skill in calligraphy and painting.

Most importantly, he was handsome and considered very "appealing" by many officials in the capital.

Yesterday, he attended a banquet hosted by Wang Zhihuan, the Vice Minister of Works, and did not wake up until noon in his room at the Datong Guild Hall. The servant who had been waiting outside the door quickly brought him toiletries and a hangover remedy.

In addition, there is a latest edition of the Yuefu Xinbao (乐府新报).

As a hermit, Fan Kuan also had to constantly improve his skills. Whether it was the popular "Journey to the West" in the "New Yuefu News" in the capital, the debates on practical learning and the philosophy of mind in the newspaper, or even the short articles on investigating things and extending knowledge written by Su Ze, they were all hot topics of discussion at banquets in the capital.

Fan Kuan first finished reading the serialized Journey to the West, and then looked at the front page.

There weren't many news reports in the official gazette after the New Year.

The front-page headline was that the entire Censorate was mobilized to arrest those who were illegally using official documents at the post stations around the capital. The post stations around the capital were thus cleaned up, and the nine ministries and departments of the capital repeatedly issued orders that they would never dare to issue official documents arbitrarily again.

Fan Kuan felt a little melancholy upon reading this. When he entered the capital, he had a tally issued by Zheng Nian, the former commander-in-chief of Datong, and he had stayed at post stations along the way before finally arriving in the capital.

Now that the chaos surrounding official documents has been rectified, someone of his status will probably never be able to obtain one again, and he'll have to stay at a local post station the next time he returns home.

The second news item was a note from the Ministry of Revenue announcing that the imperial court had minted new coins in Dengzhou and Laizhou, and the newspapers also published images of the obverse and reverse sides of the new coins.

A few days ago, Fan Kuan received silver and brass coins from the merchants who were staying at the Datong Guild Hall.

Fan Kuan studied it for a long time, but still didn't know what material the brass coins were made of.

The silver coins minted in Den Lai are exquisitely designed, and the cost of hand-making imitations is too high.

Fan Kuan ordered his men to send the new currency back to Datong by fast horse. These Shanxi merchants all had money lending business, so they would naturally be involved in the counterfeit currency business as well.

In the previous instances of the imperial court issuing currency, the Fan family made a fortune through private minting.

As for whether it's possible to privately manufacture and imitate them, that depends on what the original owner can do.

Fan Kuan opened the newspaper again and came to the fifth page, the "Investigation of Things and Extension of Knowledge" section.

Miscellaneous Notes on River Management in Ji and Liao?
Fan Kuan was startled, for he had heard a few days earlier that Dengzhou and Laizhou had restarted the discussion on sea transport.

Is this article in today's newspaper meant to be a veiled attack?
Fan Kuan sat upright and read the article carefully. After he finished reading it, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Having frequented the residences of officials in the Ministry of Works year-round, Fan Kuan could be considered a semi-expert in river management.

This article is very professionally written, and it talks about the difficulties of digging the Liaodong Canal.

The article begins by describing the rugged terrain and then details the rivers of Liaodong, eventually outlining the difficulties of digging a canal in Liaodong.

The article then describes the natural conditions of Liaodong, where the permafrost stretches far and wide, meaning that even if a canal were dug, there would still be a four-month ice-covered period each year when boats cannot sail.

Finally, the article discusses how the rivers in Liaodong were a mix of Han and non-Han peoples, with many rivers passing through Jurchen territory. These areas often resisted Han orders, and any problems that arose could silt up the entire waterway.

The three reasons build upon each other, without venting emotions, but rather listing the difficulties of dredging the Liaodong River.

Does Su Ze also understand river management?

Fan Kuan looked at the signature again and realized that the article was not written by Su Ze.
Pan Jixun, former Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate?
Fan Kuan immediately remembered this name.

Zhu Heng, the former Minister of Works, once managed the Yellow River under the decree of the Jiajing Emperor.

This Pan Jixun was the official who assisted Zhu Heng in managing the Yellow River.

Many people within the Ministry of Works today greatly admire Pan Jixun's professional abilities and consider him the foremost expert in water management in the world!
Wait a minute, didn't Pan Jixun return to his hometown in the 45th year of the Jiajing reign (1566) to observe mourning for his parents? Isn't he still in his hometown now?
When did Su Ze solicit an article from Pan Jixun?

Fan Kuan was of course unaware that Su Ze possessed such a magical tool as the "Flying Pigeon Messenger." Pan Jixun was from Huzhou, and Su Ze contacted him through Xu Wei's connections, commissioning this manuscript from him.

Thinking of Dengzhou and Laizhou's proposal for maritime transport, and then of the article in the Yuefu Xinbao, Fan Kuan realized that all of this was Su Ze's scheme.

Fan Kuan quickly washed up, then, carrying a newspaper, headed towards the home of Wang Zhihuan, the Vice Minister of Works.
-
Cabinet, lunch break.

"This article is well written."

Zhang Juzheng, holding the newspaper and reading Pan Jixun's article, then asked Xia Wei, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, who was beside him:

"I seem to remember that Pan Hegong's mourning period ended, so why hasn't he been reinstated yet?"

The cabinet members eat lunch together.

The practice of prime ministers dining together is a tradition that probably dates back to the Tang Dynasty, known as "prime ministers eating together."

This is to bring cabinet ministers closer together and also to give them a non-office environment where they can discuss casual matters.

Of course, people generally don't talk much while eating, since those who become prime ministers are all scholar-officials who believe in not speaking while eating.

But during the tea break after the meal, we can talk about some things.

Since the publication of the Yuefu Xinbao, this time of day has become the time for the Grand Secretaries to read the newspaper, and they would also exchange ideas on interesting topics.

In fact, Zhang Juzheng's words sounded like he was asking his own secretary, but he was actually asking Gao Gong, who was concurrently serving as the Minister of Personnel.

Sure enough, Gao Gong picked up the conversation and said:

"Back then, when Minister Zhu was in charge of managing the Yellow River floods, he had a disagreement with Pan Jixun about the methods of river management."

"The court adopted Zhu Gongbu's plan. Pan Jixun happened to be in mourning for his mother and has not returned to the capital since."

Li Chunfang nodded slightly; he had heard this old story before.

Gao Gong was a competent Minister of Personnel. He had the files of all the officials in the capital with names and surnames in his mind. In terms of personnel, Gao Gong was also able to select the virtuous and capable and put the right people in the right positions.

Zhang Juzheng nodded slightly, understanding. The current Minister of Works is Lei Li, and Zhu Heng has already resigned. Keeping a talent like Pan Jixun at home would be a waste.

Zhang Juzheng liked this kind of writing, which wasn't about lofty principles or classical allusions, but rather about clear and straightforward accounting.

Pan Jixun listed the costs of excavating the Liaodong Canal and the costs of maintaining it.

Adding in the cost of canal transportation, all things considered, it is indeed better to build ocean-going vessels in Dengzhou and Laizhou and restore the Dengzhou-Liaoning sea transport.

Zhang Juzheng secretly noted down Pan Jixun's name, waiting for the opportunity to recommend him to the emperor in the future.

Li Chunfang finished watching the latest Journey to the West.

Perhaps because of the success of the last New Year's picture, the issue of "Yuefu Xinbao" before the New Year achieved the highest sales record in history, and Su Ze added illustrations to this issue of the newspaper.

After reading the fifth edition, Li Chunfang sighed and said:
"In a few days, Su Zilin will submit another memorial."

After Zhao Zhenji returned to the cabinet after the New Year, he was all smiles due to a happy occasion at home. Upon hearing Li Chunfang's words, he jokingly remarked:
"Could it be that Chief Minister Li has also learned the art of divination? Could he have even predicted that Su Zilin would submit a memorial?"

Zhao Zhenji's joke made even Gao Gong laugh.

Li Chunfang said casually, "Now he's Su Ershu. He only submitted one memorial this month, and the second one is coming soon, isn't it?"

Even Zhang Juzheng couldn't hold back anymore, and the entire cabinet's dining hall was filled with a joyful atmosphere.
-
East Palace.

"Your Highness, the accounts of these shops are all in order. These scoundrels must have felt Your Highness's divine might and dare not do any more corrupt things!"

Huang Ji had become even thinner after the New Year than before.

But Huang Ji felt a warmth in his heart at this moment, because the Crown Prince had once again specifically requested him to give the lecture at the first lecture after the New Year.

Huang Ji knew perfectly well why the Crown Prince wanted him to give lectures, but under the envious gazes of his colleagues, he still carried his account books and entered the Eastern Palace.

Looking at the numbers on the wall, Zhu Yijun was even happier, feeling that he was one step closer to his goal of holding the Hundred Plays Festival.

The only thing that bothered him was the declining sales of honeycomb briquettes.

There was no other way; many people had stored honeycomb briquettes before the Lunar New Year, and the weather in the capital was gradually warming up, so people could get through the year without burning coal, naturally reducing the demand for honeycomb briquettes.

While listening to Huang Ji's flattery, Xiao Pangjun was thinking about how to ask Su Ze for help and ask Master Su to find him another profitable business.

All lectures given at the Crown Prince's Palace were recorded and archived. After settling the accounts, Huang Ji quickly recounted the content of his lecture.

After listening to Huang Ji's lecture, Zhu Yijun, who was not paying attention, had the eunuch Zhang Hong give Huang Ji a silver coin before sending him out of the Eastern Palace.

Having just seen Huang Ji off, Zhu Yijun immediately welcomed another guest.

"Your Highness! These guys are going too far!"

Li Wei, the Earl of Wuqing, who was also the maternal grandfather of Zhu Yijun, rushed into the Eastern Palace and cried to Zhu Yijun.

"The treasures you bestowed upon this old minister have all been looted by those surrounding estates!"

Li Wei said with a wronged expression.

Before the Lunar New Year, Zhu Yijun gave him potato seedlings, which Li Wei treasured. He even personally guarded the farm outside the city, fearing that they would be stolen by the surrounding people.

But no one knows who leaked the news, and the owners of several farms in the surrounding area all know about these seedlings.

Those who could be neighbors with the emperor's father-in-law were naturally not ordinary people.

Xu Wenbi, the Duke of Dingguo, who ranked second only to Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, personally visited Li Wei, and Li Wei was willing to give him ten potato seedlings.

Li Wei treasured these seedlings so much, but after returning to the city for the New Year, the potato seedlings on his farm were stolen!
The Crown Prince himself sent people to guard the farm, yet these nobles still dared to steal from it!

The nobles of the Ming Dynasty are so incredibly rude!

Li Wei waited until today after the New Year before rushing to the East Palace to cry to the Crown Prince.

"Father, please calm down. It's just that your estates are surrounded by nobles who share the fate of our Great Ming Dynasty. Even if I petition the Emperor, I'm afraid it will be difficult to punish them."

Li Wei had experienced hardship, and having finally become the emperor's father-in-law, he was even more obsessed with money.

The theft of potato seedlings is worse than death.

Little Fatty Jun was secretly overjoyed. He was the one who spread the news that potato seedlings were valuable, and he was also the one who ordered the nearby farms to steal seedlings.

After this publicity campaign, all the farms in the suburbs of Beijing are vying to grow potatoes, and I can say that I have completed the task that Master Su assigned me.

Little Fatty Jun was overjoyed, but still put on a good show for his maternal grandfather, saying:
"If my father-in-law is really feeling unwell, then dig some more potatoes from my garden and take them back with him."

Hearing that his beloved grandson wanted to make it up to him, Li Wei's eyes lit up again. He pretended to decline and said:
"Your Highness, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

Little Fatty Jun, however, supported his grandfather and said:
"Uncle, you are too kind. But you must take good care of these seedlings."

"Your Highness, rest assured! I will stay in the fields this time!"

Fearing that his beloved grandson might change his mind, Li Wei hurriedly led the eunuchs to Qin Gong Garden to dig up potato seedlings, and then, as if escorting a treasure, immediately took a carriage to the farm outside the city.

After seeing his maternal grandfather off, Zhang Hong hurriedly ran back to Minglun Hall and said:

"Your Highness, Master Su requests an audience!"

Just moments ago, Zhu Yijun was talking about Su Ze, and now Su Ze has actually come in person. He exclaimed excitedly:

"Hurry up!"

Upon seeing Su Ze, Zhu Yijun stepped down from his throne and said resentfully:

“Master Su, even if you are busy with newspaper affairs, you should spend more time at the Imperial Household Department.”

It is taboo for the Crown Prince to summon foreign officials at will, but he can summon officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, provided that Su Ze comes to the Court of Imperial Sacrifices first!
Su Ze spent all his time at the newspaper office, and Zhu Yijun was unable to summon him.

Seeing his disciple's resentful expression, Su Ze felt a pang of pity.

Little Fatty Jun then said:

"I heard that Master Su is getting married next month, and I have already prepared a gift for him!"

Su Ze felt warmed by this and made up his mind to make time to visit the Imperial Household Department next month.

Zhu Yijun kept asking Su Ze all sorts of questions, and Su Ze answered them all with a smile. Finally, Zhu Yijun said:
"Master Su, the business of making honeycomb briquettes is getting harder and harder. If this continues, what will we do if the opera troupe can't raise enough money?"

Su Ze smiled slightly and said:
"Your Highness, this is precisely why I have come."

After saying that, Su Ze took something out of his sleeve.

(End of this chapter)