Prime Minister

Chapter 131, Section 130: [Overbearing]

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the group of knights dismounted, and the leader, accompanied by several close followers, continued forward.

Although the onlookers did not recognize the official robes and rank of the man, they knew he was no minor official and could only make way for him.

The group arrived at the high platform. Zhang Shi frowned slightly, temporarily halting the public trial of the Hu family father and son. He bowed to the man and said, "This humble official greets Lord Zhao."

The visitor was Zhao Cong, the Yangzhou section prefect under the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner's Office, a fifth-rank official, the same rank as Xue Huai.

According to the regulations of the Great Yan Dynasty, the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner was a first-rank official, the General Commander was a second-rank official, and below him were the Canal Transport Councilor, the Transport Commissioner, the Supervisor of Exchange, and the Transport Officer. Although Zhao Cong's position as the Prefect of Yangzhou was not a high-ranking official, he was naturally considered a prominent figure because he was fully in charge of the canal transport in the Yangzhou section.

Zhao Cong was not tall, and had a gentle smile on his face, giving people a very kind feeling.

His gaze swept over the eager faces of the Hu family father and son, and he said to Zhang Shi, "Magistrate Zhang, it's been a long time. You are even more impressive than before."

"You're too kind, Lord Zhao."

Zhang Shi spoke calmly, then quickly walked to Xue Huai's side and warned, "Your Excellency, this man is cunning and scheming; please be careful."

Zhao Cong had already ascended the high platform, while Xue Huai stood up but made no further moves.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Cong made a decision. This youngest third-place scholar in the history of the Great Yan was indeed aloof and arrogant, always carrying a natural air of pride. However, he did have the confidence to be arrogant. Even disregarding the legacy left by Xue Mingzhang, having a mentor like Shen Wang was enough to make him the envy of many.

Rumors are circulating in the court and among the public that the emperor intends to promote Shen Wang to the cabinet, and some say that this leader of the upright faction is very likely to become the biggest rival of Grand Secretary Ning.

Zhao Cong knew more about this in detail because his patron's patron was Jiang Jizhou, the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, who was an assistant to the Grand Secretary Ning in the central government, just like Xue Minglun had been.

Upon seeing Xue Huai in person, Zhao Cong's preconceived notions became reality. He chuckled inwardly, then took two steps forward and bowed, saying, "Lord Xue."

Xue Huai also raised his hand and said, "Lord Zhao."

"Zhao was conducting his routine inspection of the Yizhen canal today when he heard that something big had happened in Qingshan Town, so he thought he would come and take a look."

Zhao Cong smiled and said, "I have come uninvited and have offended you greatly. I hope Lord Xue will forgive me."

"Lord Zhao, you flatter me." Xue Huai's expression was distant, but his words were not sharp. He continued, "Actually, it's nothing serious. It's just accompanying Magistrate Zhang to deal with a pair of wicked and heartless father and son."

Zhao Cong had previously stated that he had only happened to be passing by and had not left any room for discussion. Now, upon hearing Xue Huai's response, he seemed to notice the Hu family father and son for the first time, and said with slight surprise, "Lord Xue, are you perhaps referring to Hu Qing and Hu Yong?"

Xue Huai said calmly, "Indeed, does Lord Zhao know these two people?"

"How could I not recognize you?"

Zhao Cong sighed, “I am in charge of the canal transport in the Yangzhou section. I usually rely on the support of a number of wealthy families along the river, such as the Hu family in Qingshan Town. They own the Qingshan Wharf and a ship repair workshop, and they have provided considerable support for the canal transport over the years.”

The two spoke in low voices, so the people below the stage couldn't hear them. However, they could sense that this suddenly appearing high-ranking official must be related to the Hu family, and they couldn't help but worry that Xue Huai might be persuaded by Zhao Cong.

If we cannot deal with the Hu family father and son today, some of the people in Qingshan Town will surely suffer retaliation in the future.

On the high platform, Hu Qing and Hu Yong heard Zhao Cong's words clearly, and hope instantly ignited in their hearts.

Hu Quan's experience in a small prefectural office could not influence Xue Huai's decision, but the Grand Canal Transport Office was different. They were not subject to the control of local officials; on the contrary, local officials needed to cooperate with them. After all, the Grand Canal Transport was related to the foundation of the country, and even a small matter could cause a huge storm.

However, faced with Zhao Cong's very obvious hint, Xue Huai chose to remain silent.

Zhao Cong remained expressionless and smiled warmly, "Lord Xue, may I have a word with you in private?"

Xue Huai nodded slightly.

The two arrived at the north side of the platform, and Zhao Cong got straight to the point: "Lord Xue, could you do me a favor and punish the Hu family slightly, sparing the lives of this father and son so that they can continue to contribute to the canal transport?"

Xue Huai stopped trying to hide anything and asked directly, "Lord Zhao, do you know what the Hu family father and son have done wrong?"

Zhao Cong shook his head decisively and said, "I don't know."

Xue Huai then briefly explained the whole story.

When Zhao Cong heard that Hu Yong had beaten Wang Dayou to death, he frowned and said, "That scoundrel Hu Yong is so audacious; he should indeed be severely punished. However, Hu Yong is, after all, a student of the Imperial Academy. At most, he caused someone's death by accident; he did not intend to kill Wang Dayou. Lord Xue, what do you think of this arrangement? Have the Hu family donate 20,000 taels of silver to Yangzhou Prefecture and Yizhen County to exempt Hu Qing from the caning punishment, and then sentence Hu Yong to exile, sparing his life. What do you think?"

After a brief silence, Xue Huai narrowed his eyes and said, "Lord Zhao, are you going to solve this case for me?"

Zhao Cong quickly waved his hand and said, "How dare I overstep my bounds? It's just that the Hu family is indeed of great use to the canal transport. Even the canal transport commissioner has praised Hu Qing. I beg Lord Xue to be lenient and do us a favor."

Seeing him bring up Jiang Jizhou and the Grand Canal Administration in succession, Xue Huai remained unmoved. He turned to the crowd of people waiting in the square and said coldly, "Lord Zhao, it is my duty to deal with the illegal activities of the Hu family. Even if the Tan family elders were to dissuade me today, I would still insist on doing so. As for what Lord Zhao has said, I have no right to interfere in Grand Canal affairs. However, I believe that the loss of the Hu family will not shake the foundation of Grand Canal. The world has no shortage of scheming people like the Hu family, and there are countless people who can replace them."

"Ugh."

Zhao Cong sighed and said helplessly, "Very well, I apologize for disturbing you today. I will host a banquet to apologize to Lord Xue another day."

"Lord Zhao, you flatter me. We are in different positions, and disagreements are inevitable. How can this matter be considered a fault?"

Xue Huai did not expect this person to give up so easily. It seems that the Hu family has not been respectful enough to him. Today, he must have been unable to refuse some people's requests and had to make a special trip. It is just a matter of doing one's best and leaving the rest to fate.

Recalling Zhang Shi's earlier reminder, Xue Huai became even more wary of this smiling tiger-like canal transport magistrate.

"Lord Xue, you are so young yet possess such magnanimity; I am truly impressed." Zhao Cong smiled and cupped his hands in farewell, saying, "Then I will not delay your business any longer. Farewell."

"Master Zhao, take care."

Xue Huai returned the greeting.

Zhao Cong turned around and walked down from the platform, not giving the Hu family father and son another glance.

Hu Qing nearly fainted upon seeing this scene, but before he could even utter "Lord Zhao," Zhao Cong hurriedly left with his subordinates.

Xue Huai returned to his original spot. At this moment, he could clearly feel the admiring gazes of the people around him, especially Zhang Shi, whose eyes were piercing. He knew best the power of the Grand Canal Administration, a special entity. Ordinary people, without a background like Xue Huai's, would find it difficult to withstand the pressure exerted by the other party.

However, before he could announce the outcome of his decision regarding the Hu family, another group of uninvited guests stormed over.

They just happened to brush past the officials from the Grand Canal Transport Office. The leading official looked at Zhao Cong, who remained calm, and gave a contemptuous laugh.

Zhao Cong gave a soft snort and led his men away on horseback.

"Go away!"

Compared to Zhao Cong's subordinates, this group appeared extremely arrogant, with several of the leading knights even wielding their whips at the common people.

"stop!"

Xue Huai frowned and shouted angrily, and more than ten people quickly stepped forward to block the newcomer and the common people.

A knight swung his whip downwards, and a flash of light appeared, severing the whip in two.

Jiang Sheng stood firmly with his knife in hand, his body as steady as Mount Tai.

Upon seeing this, the people quickly scattered to both sides.

The official at the head of the group, riding a tall horse, looked coldly at Jiang Sheng and said with a forced smile, "Excellent swordsmanship."

Jiang Sheng remained silent until Xue Huai and Zhang Shi led their men down from the platform and approached him. Only then did he step aside to protect Xue Huai.

The man remained seated on his horse, looking at Xue Huai with a mocking expression, and said, "So you are Xue Huai, the Assistant Magistrate of Yangzhou?"

Xue Huai countered, "Who are you?"

"I am Chen Lun, Deputy Salt Transport Commissioner of Lianghuai."

The man paused slightly, then raised his head and said, "Fifth rank."

The Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner's Office is what people commonly refer to as the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office. Currently, there are six major Salt Transport Commissioners and five supervisory offices within the Great Yan territory, totaling eleven major salt-producing areas. The Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, located in Yangzhou, is the largest in the country in terms of scale.

Seeing Chen Lun's arrogant attitude, Xue Huai asked in a deep voice, "What brings Vice Envoy Chen here? Why did you allow your soldiers to injure people?"

“Prefect Xue, I know you are eloquent, but there’s no need to rush to accuse me. These people are blocking my way, and my men acted rashly in the heat of the moment, but it doesn’t count as causing any harm.”

Chen Lun did not dismount, but looked down at him and said, "As for the purpose of my visit, I would like to ask Magistrate Xue to bring the Hu family father and son over. I want to take them back to the Salt Transport Office."

Xue Huai shook his head and said, "I'm afraid that won't work."

"Isn't it just a land ownership case and an accidental injury case? Is it worth it for you, Magistrate Xue, to make such a fuss?"

Chen Lun made no attempt to hide the fact that he already knew about the situation of the Hu family father and son. He even openly told Xue Huai that someone had tipped him off about this matter, and that he had come today to take the Hu family father and son away.

Seeing Xue Huai remain silent, Chen Lun continued, "The Hu family father and son are involved in a salt permit case. I have been ordered by the Transport Commissioner to bring the Hu family father and son back to the Salt Transport Office for questioning. This is a special case concerning salt affairs, and local officials have no right to interfere. Xue Tongzhi, hand them over."

The room was deathly silent, with only the sound of the wind passing through.

The fervor in the hearts of the common people gradually subsided, while the Hu family father and son on the high platform were overjoyed.

A moment later, Xue Huai turned and walked towards the high platform.

Upon seeing this, Chen Lun frowned and said, "Prefect Xue, did you not hear what I said?"

"I heard you clearly. Go back and tell the Transport Commissioner that salt administration is no match for the law. Today, I will punish the Hu family father and son. No one can dissuade me. Vice Commissioner Chen, please return."

Xue Huai's steps were firm, and his clear voice reached everyone's ears: "Jiang Sheng, guard the perimeter of the venue. Without my permission, no unauthorized person is allowed to step into the area!"

"I accept my order from my humble position!"

Jiang Sheng roared from his chest, followed closely by the guards of the Xue family. The two groups of yamen runners from the prefectural and county offices were also infected by this scene, standing with their knives in front of the arrogant salt soldiers, their faces filled with murderous intent.

The next moment, someone in the crowd shouted, and a surging wave of sound rose into the sky.

"it is good!"

(End of this chapter)