Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 268: Visit the Pier

Zhang Fangping sighed heavily, then looked at Lu Beigu.

"Talents who understand economics, are knowledgeable in practical matters, and dare to offer suggestions are exactly what the three departments urgently need!"

“Lu Beigu, the strategy you just mentioned regarding the military provisions in Hebei, though risky, is an excellent way to break the deadlock! Such ingenious ideas could only be devised by someone who has a keen understanding of the current problems. Both Duke Jin and I agree with it.”

He glanced at Fan Xiang beside him, who nodded solemnly, his eyes filled with even greater expectation.

Zhang Fangping solemnly said, "Next month's spring imperial examination, just go all out! If you pass with flying colors, I will personally ask the Emperor for you, citing the urgent needs of the Three Departments!"

Zhang Fangping paused for a moment, then directly offered a specific price, no longer offering the vague invitation that Fan Xiang had given before.

"I dare not speak presumptuously about anything else, but of the seven cases under the Salt and Iron Bureau—military, armor, commercial tax, salt administration, tea, iron, and equipment—no matter which case is ultimately decided, you, Lu Beigu, will definitely have a place as the chief official! This position will be the starting point for you to display your talents and share the burdens of the country!"

The moment the words "Chief Judge" were uttered, the air in the hall seemed to freeze for a moment.

The crackling sound of the charcoal fire became exceptionally clear to Lu Beigu's ears.

The Salt and Iron Bureau had seven subordinate agencies: the Military Affairs Agency (responsible for military supplies), the Armor Agency (responsible for weapons manufacturing), the Commercial Tax Agency (responsible for commercial taxation), the Salt Monopoly Agency (responsible for the salt monopoly), the Tea Monopoly Agency (responsible for the tea monopoly), the Iron Agency (responsible for the iron ore and ironware monopoly), and the Construction Agency (responsible for engineering and construction).

Each and every one of them held a lucrative position that controlled the most vital economic sectors; they were truly "powerful and wealthy."

This was by no means the choice of a junior official or a minor local post for a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). Instead, it meant directly entering the "Three Departments," a super department that controlled the economic lifeline of the empire, becoming a powerful middle-level official with dozens of officials under his command, handling massive amounts of wealth every year, and directly participating in the implementation of national fiscal policies!

In short, the weight of their responsibilities and the speed of their promotions far surpass those of ordinary paths!
If you want to make a fortune, as the saying goes, just change a number with a flick of your pen, and a little bit leaking out between your fingers is enough for a person to live on for several lifetimes.

That's the allure of power.

It can be said that serving in a position such as the chief official of the Salt and Iron Bureau was a great test of one's moral integrity.

As for how many people will actually visit, and how many will want to give gifts and make friends, that's a matter of course.

"Excellent!" Fan Xiang chimed in at the opportune moment, his tone filled with trust. "Salt reform is of paramount importance, and whether it's the Salt Commissioner in charge of salt permits and taxes or the Tea Commissioner managing tea profits, capable personnel are needed. You possess both courage and strategic acumen, making you exactly the kind of talent our Salt and Iron Bureau urgently requires! The day you pass the examination will be the day our Salt and Iron Bureau gains a formidable general!"

Lu Beigu fell into a brief silence.

For him, the imperial examinations are just over a month away.

After receiving meticulous instruction from Song Xiang and accumulating a wealth of exam preparation resources, Lu Beigu's academic ability is indeed sufficient to support him in passing the provincial examination of the Ministry of Rites.

Therefore, he now has to think about what path he should take in the future.

Of the influential figures he knew, Zhao Bian had already been transferred to another post, Song Xiang was still temporarily unemployed, and Ouyang Xiu, despite his great influence in the literary world, held a prestigious but undesirable position in the imperial academy.

The ones who truly held real power were Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang.

Lu Beigu had met the two men in Sichuan, and both of them greatly admired his talent. Moreover, they had already extended a clear offer to him today, with very attractive terms.

To be honest, it's hard not to be tempted when a young person, just entering officialdom, can become a powerful official in charge of forty or fifty officials, and in a position where "ability makes it very easy to achieve results."

If the Three Departments hadn't genuinely lacked talent, and if Zhang and Fan hadn't truly appreciated Lu Beigu, this special situation would never have occurred.

Moreover, being the chief official in charge of the case is just the beginning! With Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang, two top figures in the Three Departments system, as his backers, as long as Lu Beigu can achieve solid results in the face of the current financial crisis in the Song Dynasty, his future will be bright, whether he is transferred to the Transport Commissioner system in a local area or continues to stay in the Three Departments system.

This kind of opportunity is rare and hard to come by!

If Lu Beigu really doesn't give me face, then this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; such a good chance may never come again.

At that moment, he felt a surge of heat rush to his head, as if even the biting wind and snow outside the window had been driven away.

"I, Lu Beigu, am unworthy of such high regard from Lord Zhang and Lord Fan, who have entrusted me with such important responsibilities!"

He straightened his silk robe, which was slightly wrinkled from sitting for a long time, and with a solemn expression, he took a step back and bowed deeply to Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang, who were sitting upright, until his waist and back were parallel to the ground. His movements were meticulous and showed his utmost respect.

"Lord Zhang was upright and incorruptible, turning the tide and saving the day; Lord Fan was swift and decisive, eradicating deep-seated problems in the southwest! To follow you two, to share the burdens of the court and relieve the suffering of the people, is truly my lifelong ambition!"

Lu Beigu straightened up, met the gazes of the two important officials, and made his choice.

"Today, I, your student, wish to become your disciple! If I am fortunate enough to pass the imperial examination one day, I will do my utmost to live up to your expectations!"

Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang exchanged a glance, both seeing relief and anticipation for the future in each other's eyes.

None of the important officials in the dynasty could have risen to their high positions without the help of influential people.

Everyone has a legacy to inherit.

There are not many young people who can inherit the mantle of Zhang and Fan, these two technocrats in the field of economics.

After all, in this era, very few scholars truly understood the national economy; the vast majority were simply bookworms.

Therefore, Lu Beigu, a young man with a deep understanding of economics and a very active mind, is particularly valuable in their eyes.

Moreover, Lu Beigu is not the kind of person who needs a long period of training to become usable; rather, he is an "instant combatant," a talent who can be used immediately.

He may seem immature and inexperienced due to his lack of experience, but he is absolutely capable of taking the lead in saving the financial crisis and taking charge of implementing a specific reform.

That's enough for Zhang Fangping and Fan Xiang.

After all, the higher-level gamesmanship and deeper considerations are done by them.

What they need now is a sharp sword.

"Good! Good!"

Zhang Fangping clapped his hands, finally revealing the first truly relaxed smile of the night on his face.

"To have such a fine talent is truly a blessing!"

Fan Xiang smiled and nodded, then stood up and patted him on the shoulder: "We're family, no need for such formalities. From now on, you are one of our disciples. Focus on your exams, and we'll await your good news!"

(End of this chapter)