Prime Minister

Chapter 110, Page 109: [The Way to Protect Oneself]

The next morning, in the second hall of the government office.

Tan Mingguang yawned, looked at the energetic Xue Huai, and couldn't help but ask, "Brother Jingche, did you sleep well last night?"

Xue Huai smiled and said, "Thanks to Your Excellency, I slept peacefully all night."

"It's good to be young," Tan Mingguang sincerely praised. "You've traveled thousands of miles without showing any signs of fatigue. If it were me, I'd probably be exhausted and complaining by now. However... sharpening your axe won't delay your work. In my opinion, you should rest for three to five days and recharge before dealing with government affairs. What do you say?"

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Excellency."

Xue Huai showed a perfectly measured expression of gratitude, and then said, "This humble official has come to bother you early this morning, but there are two things I would like to discuss with you, Your Excellency."

"But it doesn't matter."

"The first thing is what the Prefect just said: I want to rest for three days and then officially take over the duties of the Assistant Magistrate starting the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, what about the second one?"

“Your Excellency, this is my first time being sent to a post outside the capital. I have always served as an official in the capital and am not very familiar with the local customs and traditions. There must be many things I don’t know. I hope Your Excellency will give me some guidance.”

Xue Huai paused for a moment, then said with a slightly solemn expression, "After returning to my residence last night, I felt a little regretful. Perhaps I shouldn't have spoiled everyone's enjoyment at the banquet."

Tan Mingguang's heart stirred slightly. Looking at the sincere eyes of the young man opposite him, he thought to himself, "Who said this top scholar only knows how to act recklessly? He is clearly very shrewd and perceptive. Isn't he here early in the morning to probe my background?"

Xue Huaiming was apologizing on the surface, but in reality he was testing Tan Mingguang's attitude and trying to see if he was biding his time.

Tan Mingguang talked with his staff for a long time last night. He did admire Xue Huai's energetic and enterprising qualities, but that was all.

His official career was full of ups and downs. For the first twelve years, he was stuck in the position of a seventh-rank official. He was so discouraged that he considered leaving the officialdom, but he managed to persevere.

Later, things didn't turn out as expected, since he was a second-class Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and only became the prefect of Hanyang in his forties.

If he has powerful backers in the court, he might as well try harder at this age; a third-rank official in his fifties is in his prime.

The problem lies here. Tan Mingguang did consider finding a powerful patron, but how could those big shots possibly look at an old man with a mediocre resume and nearing fifty?
Therefore, Tan Mingguang admires Xue Huai's courage and recognizes his ambition, but he will not impulsively join him—more than twenty years of ups and downs in officialdom have long since smoothed out his edges and passion.

"Please don't blame yourself."

Tan Mingguang smiled and said, "This matter was originally handled inappropriately by Magistrate Zheng. It is only right that everyone should host a welcome party for you, but it is inappropriate to invite so many women of the night, making it known to everyone and damaging your reputation. However, he meant well but made a mistake, so I hope you will not take offense."

As a seasoned bureaucrat who has endured many hardships, he naturally wouldn't easily leave any ammunition for criticism. His main approach was to maintain a friendly atmosphere so as not to offend anyone.

Xue Huai also smiled and said, "This humble official understands."

"Now that you're here, let's talk about the division of labor going forward."

Tan Mingguang was clearly unwilling to delve into that topic, and continued, "According to the regulations of the imperial court and the rules of the Ministry of Personnel, I, your humble brother, am in charge of all affairs of this prefecture. Before your arrival, Liu Tongpan, Zheng Tuiguan, Hu Jingli, Qiao Zhaomo, and Xu Jianxiao assisted in managing the prefectural government affairs. Now that my virtuous brother Jingche has arrived, I am overjoyed. I have finally found a capable assistant, and in the future, this prefecture will surely be prosperous and its people abundant."

"The Lord of the Palace is full of praise."

Xue Huai calmly said, "I have come here to ask Your Excellency to clarify the division of responsibilities."

"Easy to say, easy to say."

Tan Mingguang pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "In my humble opinion, the officials such as the clerk, the inspector, and the judge should each perform their duties, the judge should be in charge of criminal cases and review cases, the vice-prefect should be in charge of taxes, corvée labor, and documents, and you, my brother, should be in charge of overseeing them. What do you think?"

Xue Huai was slightly taken aback.

This wasn't him putting on an act; rather, according to common sense, overseeing these subordinate officials was originally within the prefect's power.

Although this does not mean that Tan Mingguang has lost his corresponding authority, it merely gives Xue Huai a legitimate reason to shake up the government's structure. However, it is very rare for a presiding official to be able to do this.

As if an old man were suddenly seized by youthful exuberance, Tan Mingguang went a step further and said, "In addition to this, my virtuous brother will also be in charge of water conservancy, salt administration, canal transport and grain storage."

"This……"

If Xue Huai had at least been somewhat prepared beforehand, he was genuinely surprised at this moment.

The four government affairs mentioned by Tan Mingguang are of paramount importance to Yangzhou Prefecture. Water conservancy is related to the safety of the river defense within the territory, grain storage is related to the stability of people's livelihood, and salt administration and canal transport are the main sources of Yangzhou's tax revenue.

In short, Tan Mingguang is handing over the power of the prefectural government. If Xue Huaixin were ruthless and cunning, he could completely sideline this prefect.

Looking at the middle-aged man's warm smile, Xue Huai felt that this might be a test from the other party, so he humbly said, "Your Excellency trusts me so much, which I am deeply grateful for. However, I am young and inexperienced and lack ability. How can I shoulder such an important task? I hope Your Excellency will consider it carefully."

"Brother, don't be so modest."

Tan Mingguang waved his hand and said sincerely, "You are the youngest third-place scholar in the history of our dynasty. You first had the personal instruction of Lord Xue Wensu, and then the Grand Minister of Works imparted all his knowledge to you. In terms of talent alone, you far surpass your foolish brother. If you lacked experience before, your achievements in the past six months are enough to convince everyone. As the saying goes, the capable are often burdened with more work. Since you have such ambitions, how can you hesitate to move forward?"

"Your Excellency has misunderstood."

Xue Huai said sincerely, "I am not deliberately shirking my responsibilities. It is just that I am new here and if I were to rashly accept so many powers and responsibilities, it would inevitably cause controversy." Tan Mingguang said frankly, "Brother, you must understand one principle: those who achieve great things are not afraid of rumors. If you continue to refuse, are you perhaps worried that your foolish brother is digging a pit for you?"

Xue Huai shook his head and said, "Your Excellency is a man of broad mind and upright character. How could I, your humble servant, have such a petty heart?"

"Then it's settled."

Tan Mingguang no longer hesitated and said firmly, "Brother, please rest for three days and then take on important responsibilities. I believe that under your leadership, the people of Yangzhou will live in peace and prosperity, and their lives will get better day by day."

At that moment, his eyes were filled with eager anticipation.

More than half a month ago, when he learned that Xue Huai was the newly appointed Assistant Magistrate, he had been thinking about how to deal with this rising star of the Hanlin Academy. He was torn between two options until he saw Xue Huai's decisive response last night, and then he finally made up his mind.

He only sought stability and did not want to interfere with Xue Huai's ambitions and aspirations. However, this did not mean that he wanted to oppose Xue Huai. On the contrary, he could provide Xue Huai with the greatest convenience within his capabilities.

In short, if he could delegate power to Liu Rang and others, why couldn't he delegate power to Xue Huai?
On a deeper level, although doing so might be considered mediocre by his superiors, at least he could shift the foreseeable risks onto Xue Huai, letting him fight against the local officials and gentry of Yangzhou. If the matter succeeded, he, the prefect, would certainly receive credit. If Xue Huai failed, his subordinates would not turn the flames of war against him.

At this moment, Xue Huai also realized what was happening.

Looking at Tan Mingguang's warm and friendly expression, Xue Huai felt a lot of emotions.

This Prefect has already grasped the true meaning of self-preservation, but that's fine too. He doesn't expect the slippery Tan Mingguang to become an asset; for him, the extent to which the other party has done is already enough.

Upon thinking of this, Xue Huai stood up and bowed, saying, "Your Excellency's earnest expectations will be remembered by this humble official."

"Oh, no need for formalities."

Tan Mingguang raised his hand and gestured, then reminded him, "Brother, your Xue family and the Shen family of this city are old friends. Why don't you take advantage of your free time to pay them a visit?"

"That is exactly what I was planning."

Xue Huai then said, "Your Excellency, I shall take my leave."

Tan Mingguang stood up and said with a smile, "Okay."

He personally escorted Xue Huai to the door, gazing at the other's tall and straight back, and silently thought to himself, "This is all I can do to help you. Whether you succeed or fail depends on your own skills and fate."

……

West of the city, Shen Garden.

In her boudoir, the young girl was dressing up in front of the mirror.

The maid Yun'er stood to the side and said with great interest, "Miss, the people you sent to gather information said that the Shadow Garden was very lively last night."

Shen Qingluan picked up a piece of rouge and asked, "How lively is it?"

"To welcome Minister Xue, officials of all ranks from the government office went, and we also invited..."

Yun'er suddenly realized something and quickly shut her mouth.

"Who did you invite?"

Shen Qingluan looked at Yun'er's small face, which was deliberately hidden behind the mirror, and asked with a half-smile.

Yun'er had accompanied Shen Qingluan to the capital, so she naturally knew some of the young lady's thoughts. Therefore, she carefully said, "It is said that someone invited Jiang Xue from Hanbixuan and Jing Yanqing from Liuxiazhou to perform for Lord Xue."

"Oh."

Shen Qingluan's expression was unreadable; she simply gripped Rouge's right hand tighter involuntarily, a hint of grievance flashing deep in her eyes.

Seeing this, Yun'er quickly said, "But don't worry, Miss. Minister Xue and those two are completely innocent. In the end, he even warned those officials not to put on such a show again. As officials of the court, they should cherish the people and not waste their hard-earned money."

Shen Qingluan's expression instantly brightened. She put down the rouge, gently patted the maid's arm with her left hand, and asked repeatedly, "What do you mean by 'pure and innocent'? Does Brother Huai mean you would do something reckless? And what makes me feel at ease? What do I need to be at ease with? Tell me, why should I be at ease?"

Yun'er smiled and stepped aside, pleading, "Miss, I misspoke. I just felt that you and Director Xue grew up together, so you're different from others. You should care about Director Xue, after all, you're like siblings—no!"

She quickly covered her mouth, her eyes wide with fear.

Shen Qingluan rolled her eyes at her and laughed, "You can't expect anything good to come out of a dog's mouth!"

Yun'er was relieved. She had served Shen Qingluan for many years and knew that she was not really angry.

Just then, another maid rushed into the room and said urgently, "Miss, Madam wants you to get ready and go to the main hall as soon as possible. Director Xue will be visiting shortly, and she has already sent someone to inform you in advance!"

"ah."

Shen Qingluan's face lit up with excited joy, and she said to Yun'er and the others in a slightly flustered manner, "Quick, help me with my makeup!"

(End of this chapter)