Prime Minister

Chapter 151, Section 150: Breaking the Ice

The back hall of the government office is called Cunpuzhai.

"Brother Jingche, please have a seat."

Tan Mingguang smiled warmly and gestured for Huang Xibin to pour tea. He then said, "Brother, you have traveled hundreds of miles, visiting four counties and one prefecture to solve dozens of cold cases and redress grievances for countless people. Your hard work and great achievements are truly remarkable."

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

Xue Huai sat down, his slightly thin face bearing the marks of time.

Tan Mingguang did not rush to express his stance to Xue Huai. As an old bureaucrat who had been in the political arena for decades, he knew that adding flowers to brocade was far less helpful than providing charcoal in the snow. At present, Xue Huai was in a stage of great fame and success. If he, as his superior, rashly flattered him, it would undoubtedly make the other party look down on him even more.

The two chatted for a while about specific official business, focusing on flood control in Yizhen County and drainage in Xinghua County. Tan Mingguang said with shame, "I am decades older than you, and the higher I climb, the more thorns I find everywhere. Now, seeing you bravely forging ahead against the wind and waves, I feel both admiration and guilt."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency."

After this trip, it's impossible for Xue Huai to say that he harbored no resentment towards Tan Mingguang.

Despite its outward appearance of wealth and prosperity, Yangzhou Prefecture harbors countless ugly and sinful secrets. The depravity of most officials at both the prefectural and county levels is truly appalling. Tan Mingguang, as the prefect, is undoubtedly to blame. Although he has only been in office for a year, these problems cannot be entirely attributed to him. However, he could have made some changes within his power instead of spending his days holed up in Cunpuzhai studying classics and history.

However, Xue Huai was also aware of the unspoken rules of officialdom. At least Tan Mingguang knew how to keep himself clean. He was a bit timid, but he didn't collude with those people. Otherwise, his situation in Yangzhou Prefecture would have been even more difficult, since the prefect was the highest authority in this area.

Thinking of this, Xue Huai softened his tone and said, "There is a huge gap between the rich and poor in Yangzhou, and various forces are deeply entrenched and involved with many superiors. The Prefect is subject to many constraints here, and often finds himself unable to act in his own way."

These words deeply moved Tan Mingguang. He was by no means like Liu Rang and Zheng Xuan; otherwise, he would not have lived a poor life for twenty or thirty years as an official. It was just as Xue Huai said that people in officialdom are not in control of their own destiny.

He took a sip of tea and sighed, "You understand me best, my dear brother."

While Xue Huai understood, he didn't want to be the prefect's trusted brother, so he changed the subject, saying, "Your Excellency, when I returned to the prefectural office just now, the Salt Transport Commissioner Xu sent someone to deliver an invitation, asking me to attend a banquet at the Salt Transport Commissioner's office tomorrow. I know very little about the Salt Transport Commissioner, so I would appreciate Your Excellency's help in making a decision."

Tan Mingguang's smile slowly faded, his brows furrowed slightly, and his knuckles tapped lightly on the armrest of the rosewood chair, producing a rhythmic sound.

“Xu Guanlan…” Tan Mingguang murmured the name, his tone quite complex, “This man is unfathomable.”

Xue Huai nodded slightly.

Tan Mingguang looked up at Xue Huai, his eyes filled with a hint of seriousness: "This banquet is not easy to attend."

"I also find this abrupt." Xue Huai's expression remained unchanged, and he met Tan Mingguang's gaze frankly. "I have no close relationship with Transport Commissioner Xu. I have just returned to the office when there is a banquet at the East Garden. Moreover, the Salt Transport Office's recognition ceremony is just around the corner. It is indeed unusual to be invited at this time."

"It's more than just abrupt!"

Tan Mingguang leaned forward, lowering his voice even further, a hint of barely perceptible worry in his tone: "Brother, have you considered that while your investigations of various counties have brought you fame, they have also exposed your arrogance, infringing upon the interests of countless people? The granaries of Jiangdu, the dike construction of Yizhen, not to mention Luo Tong and his ilk in Xinghua County, along with those behind them—these are not insignificant officials! Xu Guanlan, in charge of the Lianghuai Salt Transport Office, is a high-ranking official in the imperial court responsible for salt affairs, and is one of the most powerful figures in the region. The rise and fall of countless wealthy merchants in Yangzhou are all tied to the two words 'Yinwo' under his jurisdiction! Tomorrow's banquet… I fear it will be a case of Xiang Zhuang's sword dance."

Xue Huai's expression remained calm, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Does Your Excellency mean that this banquet is not a welcome feast, but rather a test and a trap?"

"There may be some probing, but it's more likely that pressure is being applied."

Tan Mingguang paused, then said cautiously, "This is most likely a trap set by a power struggle. Xu Guanlan has deep-rooted connections with the local salt merchants. The Liu family is incredibly arrogant; what they rely on isn't just the government, but the profits from salt permits! You've now touched the snakes and insects lurking beneath their roots, and you have plenty of evidence of their illegal activities. Although the Liu family is temporarily in your hands, they've dominated Yangzhou for decades; they won't just sit idly by. Xu, the Transport Commissioner, invited you here simply to hear your attitude towards salt affairs, these people, and especially the upcoming salt tax reunification meeting. Or perhaps he simply wants you to back down and not delve too deeply into the salt tax issue."

Xue Huai picked up the teacup, gently blew away the foam, and sipped the still-warm tea, a faint bitterness spreading in his mouth.

He set down his teacup and looked directly at Tan Mingguang, saying, “Your Excellency is wise. From what I have witnessed along the way, the corruption in the salt industry is even more severe than the floods and the corrupt officials! Salt merchants, possessing immense wealth, live extravagantly, readily seizing land and dealing with officials, even manipulating the market, illegally increasing the amount of salt, and embezzling national taxes. What’s worse, some bribe officials to secure salt permits, exploiting ordinary salt farmers. If we speak of the root of Yangzhou’s chronic problems, it lies in the salt administration, and even more so in the salt permit system!”

Upon hearing this, Tan Mingguang sighed deeply, leaned back wearily, and slowly said, "The deep-seated problems of the salt administration are known to everyone in the court and among the people! Ever since the opening of the salt administration and the monopolization of ports by merchants, it has been like this. The salt administration involves the very foundation of the national revenue, and involves nobles, eunuchs, and local tycoons. It is a complex and intertwined system, and one wrong move can lead to disaster. It is a real hornet's nest! Many capable officials have tried to reform the salt administration, but they have either been promoted in name only and transferred away from key positions, or..."

At this moment, Xue Huai couldn't help but think of his father, Xue Mingzhang.

When he took office as the prefect of Yangzhou, he also served as the salt commissioner. He worked to regulate the salt tax and other miscellaneous affairs for the emperor and achieved very good results.

He later returned to Beijing and entered the Dali Temple, but died of illness just three years later.

Xue Huai suddenly felt that he should find an opportunity to ask his mother, Cui, if there were any hidden stories about the past.

Tan Mingguang's voice lowered, carrying an indescribable desolation: "My brother's spirit is commendable, and his concern for the country and its people is deeply admired. However, the salt trade is a treacherous place, and a slight misstep could lead to utter ruin. In my humble opinion, while Xu Guanlan should attend this banquet, he should remain calm and make only a brief appearance, without making any promises or revealing his secrets! Preserving himself is the best course of action."

Xue Huai did not answer immediately. His fingertips unconsciously traced the warm, smooth celadon teacup as he looked out the window.

Outside Cunpuzhai, the courtyard was quiet, and the early autumn evening already carried a hint of coolness. "Your Excellency's words are heartfelt and I will remember them."

Xue Huai's voice was calm and clear as he solemnly declared, "Seeking profit and avoiding harm, and protecting oneself, are indeed the ways to secure one's livelihood. However, I have come here on orders not for my own future, but to eliminate corruption and promote benefit. The ills of the salt administration are like a chronic disease; if we do not address them thoroughly, not only will the people's livelihood be completely drained, but the very foundation of the nation will also be eroded. For example, the Liu family, father and son, have embezzled grain and exploited the people, their wealth stemming from salt. And what about Luo Tong, a mere county magistrate, who possesses tens of thousands of taels of silver through corruption, much of which came from bribes from salt merchants? Without eliminating the salt corruption, Yangzhou will be in turmoil; this is the crux of the problem!"

Tan Mingguang was slightly taken aback.

Xue Huai looked at him with clear eyes, his tone even more resolute: "Since this banquet specifically invited me by name, then I will go and see for myself the intricacies of this Transport Commissioner Xu. Since he wants to test me, I also intend to take this opportunity to observe his demeanor, listen to his words, and discern his true intentions. As for the salt administration policy, I have my own boundaries and will not make any promises that should not be made at that time, but I will not shirk my responsibilities in asking questions, listening to what I should listen to, or even fighting for what I should fight for. Salt is of great national interest and a necessity for the people's livelihood; how can it be allowed to be privately exchanged and erode the foundation of the nation? Now that I have waded into these murky waters, I am not afraid of getting covered in mud."

The atmosphere inside the room grew increasingly somber.

Tan Mingguang listened quietly, his eyes lingering on Xue Huai's young yet resolute face for a long time.

He sensed from the other person's expression a determination to go even if it meant facing a million people, as well as a calmness and keenness beyond his years.

Since Xue Huai arrived in Yangzhou, Tan Mingguang has outwardly relinquished his power and stayed in the back hall of the government office, but in reality, he has been secretly observing this young man.

He discovered that Xue Huai was quite different from the rumors. He still had the underlying hatred of evil, but his behavior was far from naive and reckless.

Take the initial difficulties caused by the officials of the prefectural government, for example. Passion alone was not enough to break the deadlock. Xue Huai easily resolved the problem with his skillful tactics and expertise in general affairs. He then took the opportunity to launch an inspection tour of various places, stirring up the corrupt and stagnant officialdom of Yangzhou. Even the usually composed Xu Guanlan was getting restless and eagerly invited Xue Huai to a banquet.

Perhaps... the situation in Yangzhou could truly be reversed in the hands of the opponent.

Tan Mingguang took a deep breath, slowly stood up and walked to the desk, picked up the celadon teapot with a handle that was warming on the red clay stove, and personally refilled Xue Huai's teacup with hot tea.

The clear tea water was poured into the cup, raising wisps of white steam.

“My brother is exceptionally courageous and insightful, and he plans things out before acting. I admire him greatly.”

Tan Mingguang's voice carried an unprecedented solemnity as he slowly said, "I only hope that you, my worthy brother, will be extremely cautious and not be misled by the banquet and the singing and dancing. Remember, what is said at the banquet is just a passing breeze; only words that are put into writing or publicly promised have any weight. Xu Guanlan is a man who loves fame and fortune, and especially loves the art of balancing. His invitation to you this time may be because some people behind the scenes are restless and want to use him, this Salt God, to test your strength and even induce you to make concessions. The Salt Transport Office and the local government have intricate connections, but also open and covert struggles. Xu Guanlan may not be entirely on the side of the local salt merchants and powerful families, but at present, he must maintain the smooth operation of the existing rules of the salt administration."

Upon hearing this, Xue Huai's heart stirred slightly. It was not easy to hear a few truthful words from this prefect, and the other party's statement at this moment seemed much more sincere than before.

This means that Tan Mingguang's attitude has changed, which is good news for Xue Huai.

He said earnestly, "I would appreciate your guidance, Your Excellency."

Tan Mingguang was no longer smiling as usual. He stared into Xue Huai's eyes and said, word by word, "If you, my brother, can find a crack in this situation to change things, or even bring the Salt Transport Bureau into your fold, that would be true wisdom. However, this path is as precarious as walking on thin ice. Remember that the words 'bring in the nest' are their lifeline and their Achilles' heel! Do not touch them too early."

Xue Huai solemnly replied, "This humble official understands."

Tan Mingguang pondered for a moment, then finally made up his mind and said, "Later, I will have someone send you some of the documents and files between the Salt Transport Office and the Prefectural Government over the years, especially those involving salt merchants and disputes over salt deposits. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to success."

"Thank you, Lord!"

Xue Huai stood up and smiled, "With the Prefect as my backer, I feel much more confident."

"My dear brother, please don't embarrass your foolish elder brother."

Tan Mingguang waved his hand and said frankly, "I only hope that my brother will not hold my past mistakes of standing idly by."

Xue Huai smiled and brushed it off, then took his leave.

Tan Mingguang personally escorted him to the door, watching his steady and composed figure as he left, a hint of envy quietly appearing in his eyes.

Huang Xibin came to his side and whispered, "Your Excellency."

"Take those files that I hid in the secret compartment to Xue Huai."

Tan Mingguang gave an order and then added, "Don't say anything more."

"I understand," Huang Xibin said, unable to hide his eagerness. "Your Excellency, this is a wise move!"

Tan Mingguang smiled, turned around and returned to Cunpuzhai, his steps were slightly lighter, and he seemed to be much younger than before.

(End of this chapter)