Prime Minister

Chapter 187, Section 186: [Imperial Favor]

Late October, Yangzhou Dongguan Wharf.

A three-masted ship, escorted by three cargo ships, slowly approached. A large flag fluttered in the wind at the bow, bearing the inscription "Imperial Commissioner, Minister in Charge of Transporting Stolen Goods and Fines," while another flag read "Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate."

High-ranking officials gathered at the dock, including Wu Changling, the commander-in-chief of the grain transport army, Shi Daoan, the provincial inspector of Jiangsu, Tan Mingguang, the prefect of Yangzhou, and Huang Chong, the assistant prefect of the Lianghuai Salt Transport Office. Xue Huai, standing among a group of middle-aged men, naturally stood out.

The official boat docked at the shore, and Fan Dongyang, dressed in a scarlet official robe with peacock embroidered patches, appeared.

Xue Huai thought to himself, this Chief Censor Fan is indeed a key minister in the Emperor's heart. In just over half a year, he has crossed the most difficult threshold and been promoted from the fourth-rank Left Vice Censor-in-Chief to the third-rank Left Deputy Censor-in-Chief.

Although these two official titles differ by only one character, they represent a qualitative leap within the Censorate.

Firstly, the third-rank official position is the threshold for high-ranking officials in the imperial court. Those below the third rank can only be called mid-level officials. Moreover, as the deputy to the chief of the Censorate, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief can attend the Nine Ministers' deliberations, directly impeach high-ranking officials at the level of Vice Minister of the Six Ministries and above, and directly participate in the joint trial of major cases by the three judicial departments. Fan Dongyang's promotion from Left Vice Minister to Left Vice Minister means that he has officially entered the power center of the Great Yan and joined the ranks of the court officials.

Only by stepping onto this springboard can he hope to advance further and seek the position of Minister. Over the past hundred years, countless ambitious officials have been stuck at the threshold between the fourth and third ranks.

Fan Dongyang stepped off the official boat, his steady gaze sweeping over the group of officials who came to greet him. His gaze lingered briefly on Xue Huai's face, and the two exchanged a knowing look.

After a somewhat cumbersome greeting ceremony, everyone boarded the carriages and headed to the Salt Transport Office.

Half an hour later, in the main hall of the Salt Bureau, which had been prepared in advance, Fan Dongyang, in his capacity as imperial envoy, publicly read out the stack of imperial edicts he had brought on his journey south.

The first imperial edict, reviewed by the Court of Judicial Review and approved by the Emperor himself, approved Xue Huai and Shi Daoan's petition for the death penalty of fourteen salt transport officials, including the former Salt Transport Commissioner of Lianghuai, Xu Guanlan, and his deputy Chen Lun and Lou Shizong. In addition, Liu Rang, Zheng Xuan, Luo Tong, and other officials of Yangzhou Prefecture, as well as twenty-seven members of powerful families who had committed heinous crimes, including Liu Fu, Zheng Boyan, and Bai Xiu, were all executed on the spot.

Those who committed crimes but whose offenses did not warrant the death penalty were punished by Xue Huai and Shi Daoan according to the laws of the Great Yan Dynasty, with punishments including exile, imprisonment, caning, fines, and removal from official positions.

The emperor specifically stated in the imperial edict that Xu Guanlan and others did not need to be escorted to the capital. After the case was verified, they should be executed on the spot, with Fan Dongyang, Xue Huai, and Shi Daoan supervising the execution.

This shows how furious the emperor was about the Lianghuai salt case, giving the criminals no hope of living a few more months.

In the somber atmosphere, Fan Dongyang began to read the second imperial edict: "Huang Chong, the Assistant Salt Transport Commissioner of Lianghuai, is known for his integrity, diligence, and long-standing reputation. Previously, he investigated the long-standing abuses in the salt administration, assisted Xue Huai in investigating corrupt officials, and was impartial in his impeachments, thus purifying the system. I commend your loyalty and diligence, and hereby appoint you as the Salt Transport Commissioner of Lianghuai, in charge of salt affairs and managing salt warehouses. You shall further cultivate your integrity, diligently collect taxes, and fulfill your responsibilities. Respectfully yours!"

Huang Chong was filled with mixed emotions. Although he had already learned from Princess Yun'an that he was going to be promoted, hearing the contents of the imperial edict with his own ears still made him feel extremely excited.

Looking back, he endured humiliation and hardship for many years at the Salt Institute, while secretly collecting evidence despite being ostracized and suppressed by Xu Guanlan and others. The hardships he endured were indescribable. Now that the day of triumph has finally come, how could he not be excited?
"Your humble servant Huang Chong kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your grace!"

Huang Chong bowed deeply in gratitude, his admiration coming from the bottom of his heart.

Fan Dongyang handed the imperial edict to him and smiled, saying, "Envoy Huang, His Majesty has instructed me to convey to you that your previous performance of keeping yourself pure and not associating with those corrupt officials is commendable. It is hoped that you will continue to uphold your integrity and make the Lianghuai Salt Transport Office a benchmark and model for the eleven salt offices of the Great Yan."

Huang Chong replied with trepidation, "Your Majesty, I will remember this and will certainly not fail your expectations."

Fan Dongyang nodded, then took the third imperial edict from the eunuch and looked up at Xue Huai.

The imperial edict contained a lot of information. In essence, it stated that Xue Huai's position as imperial envoy would be revoked on the day Xu Guanlan and the other criminals were brought to justice and Fan Dongyang escorted the stolen silver back to the capital. However, he would retain his previous position as the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, while his original post as the Assistant Magistrate of Yangzhou would remain unchanged.

The reason the emperor allowed Xue Huai to continue supervising the salt administration was that his joint memorial to the throne with Huang Chong, entitled "Memorial on the Clean Salt Administration of Lianghuai," was unanimously approved by the five Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet. The Lianghuai Salt Transport Office would then serve as a pilot project to implement the five salt administration policies proposed by Xue Huai, a matter jointly overseen by him and Huang Chong.

This outcome was exactly what Xue Huai had expected, and he calmly accepted the imperial decree and expressed his gratitude.

"My lords."

Fan Dongyang looked around at everyone and said loudly, "The successful investigation of the Lianghuai Salt Case is all thanks to your hard work. His Majesty is well aware of your efforts in the palace."

Those who heard this were all moved. The major case had been solved, and they had saved the court from enormous losses. The stolen silver alone could fill the depleted national treasury. Now was the time to reward them for their contributions.

Fan Dongyang unfolded the final imperial edict and slowly said, "The salt tax of Lianghuai is truly the foundation of the nation. You, Fan Dongyang, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, have been ordered to oversee the transport of embezzled and confiscated silver. You must rigorously examine the case files and clarify the truth. I have already witnessed the merits of Xue Huai, the Assistant Prefect of Yangzhou, Wu Changling, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grain Transport Army, Shi Daoan, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Jiangsu, and Tan Mingguang, the Prefect of Yangzhou, in investigating long-standing abuses and cleaning up corruption. Once this case is concluded, the Ministry of Personnel will review the records of the Nine Ministers and record their merits. Some will be promoted to recognize their abilities, while others will be rewarded with fine silks to honor their loyalty and diligence. I will not be stingy with rewards! I only hope that you, my ministers, will remain steadfast and loyal. Quietly await the Emperor's grace and do not fail my expectations!"

"I obey your command. Thank you!"

Everyone bowed respectfully, and the weight in their hearts finally lifted.

The emperor did not directly bestow rewards upon them, which was to be expected. After all, the court had only received reports from the Lianghuai region so far, and would inevitably have to send special personnel to investigate the details of the case on-site to avoid making a huge fool of itself.

As a trusted minister of the emperor, Fan Dongyang's most important task on this trip, besides recasting the stolen silver and escorting it back to the capital, and dealing with the confiscated properties and treasures, was to verify the case and ensure that Xue Huai and others had not committed any fraud.

Once everything has settled down and Fan Dongyang has successfully brought the silver back to the capital, the imperial court will officially begin the process of rewarding meritorious officials.

After all the instructions had been conveyed, the atmosphere in the hall became relaxed and enthusiastic.

Faced with the warm invitation from Wu Changling and others to welcome him back, Fan Dongyang did not refuse. However, he was tired from the journey and naturally needed to bathe, change clothes, and rest for a while. After exchanging pleasantries, everyone bowed and took their leave, but Fan Dongyang kept Xue Huai behind.

The two entered the side hall, where warm sunlight streamed in through the high windows, illuminating the faint scent of incense.

A hint of gentleness appeared on Fan Dongyang's stern face. He raised his hand and gestured, "Jing Che, sit down."

Xue Huai sat down as instructed, neither humble nor arrogant.

Fan Dongyang picked up the teacup beside him, took a small sip of tea, and then looked up at Xue Huai, smiling slightly: "Jing Che, before I left this time, His Majesty summoned me in the side hall of Wende Hall and specifically mentioned you."

Xue Huai's expression hardened, and he sat up slightly: "Please speak, Chief Censor."

Fan Dongyang put down his teacup and looked intently at Xue Huai, saying, "His Majesty said that Xue Huai, at the young age of twenty, arrived in Yangzhou and was able to take such drastic measures to clean up the long-standing problems in this complex salt and iron-producing region. What is even more commendable is that his handling of the aftermath was well-organized, which not only cleansed the filth but also ensured the stability of people's livelihoods and the smooth flow of taxes. His loyalty, ability, and insight far surpass his peers, making him an invaluable asset to the court."

"Your Majesty's grace and favor are overwhelming, and I am filled with trepidation."

Xue Huai rose from his seat and bowed deeply, his face displaying just the right amount of excitement.

Fan Dongyang gestured for him to sit down, his tone becoming even more earnest: "His Majesty also said that the Yangzhou salt case was not only an opportunity for you to hone your skills and realize your ambitions, but also a touchstone for His Majesty to witness your growth. His Majesty is deeply gratified by your actions, which is not only an affirmation of your abilities, but also an admiration for your sincerity and courage in serving the country and its people!"

He was practically saying the words "Jian is in the Emperor's heart," and Xue Huai would naturally understand.

Xue Huai had heard many similar words of praise and encouragement, but when they came from Fan Dongyang, a high-ranking official who had just entered the core of power, they carried a completely different weight.

The fact that the other party chose to convey the imperial edict privately must have been an arrangement by the emperor to completely win over Xue Huai, this young and loyal minister.

Thinking of this, Xue Huai earnestly said, "Your Majesty's kindness in recognizing and appreciating me is as high as the heavens and as deep as the earth. I can only repay even a fraction of it by devoting myself to the utmost!"

"Jing Che, there's no need to be so agitated."

Fan Dongyang raised his hand, his expression becoming even more amiable, and said gently, "His Majesty also said that you don't need to be too anxious. During your tenure, you should implement the new salt administration policy thoroughly to ensure the stability and security of tax revenue in Lianghuai. You should also hone your skills in local administration and accumulate experience."

Xue Huai's eyes were bright, and he said solemnly, "Your Majesty's teachings will be followed. I will do my utmost to implement the new policies, stabilize the Huai River region, and live up to Your Majesty's earnest expectations."

Since the emperor needed him to demonstrate his loyalty, Xue Huai naturally wouldn't back down.

Fan Dongyang smiled with satisfaction and nodded slightly, saying, "Good! His Majesty trusts you greatly. Just go ahead and do your job, and repay the Emperor's favor with tangible results."

The two chatted about recent events in the capital and news of old friends, and the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.

Seeing that it was getting late and Fan Dongyang had to attend a welcoming banquet that evening, Xue Huai prepared to get up and say goodbye.

He already knew the emperor's thoughts, and he would remain in Yangzhou for the time being. This was not because the emperor was ignoring his contributions, but rather because he hoped that the emperor could consolidate his position and avoid frequent transfers and promotions. After all, he was too young, and moving too fast would easily lead to a fall.

In short, the emperor will make great use of him in the future.

Only now has Xue Huai finally become a valuable asset in the Emperor's eyes, rather than merely Xue Mingzhang's only remaining bloodline in this world.

"Oh, right, Jing Che."

Fan Dongyang called out to Xue Huai and said in a low voice, "After reading the second memorial you submitted, His Majesty wrote twelve characters on it."

Xue Huai waited respectfully for what was to come.

Looking at the young man's handsome face, Fan Dongyang felt a pang of envy and solemnly said, "He has the style of his father, and even more so, he has innovative ideas."

Xue Huai was taken aback, then straightened his back, all his emotions coalescing into a deeper and more powerful response: "Your Majesty, I inherit the integrity of the Xue family and aspire to cleanse the world. I am willing to be Your Majesty's brush, to dispel the deep-seated ills of this corrupt world!"

Every word and phrase struck a chord in Fan Dongyang's heart.

A moment later, watching Xue Huai's composed departure, Fan Dongyang couldn't help but recall the scene at the Imperial Examination Hall in the capital more than half a year ago. At that time, Xue Huai was still somewhat immature, but now he had already shown a hint of brilliance. Most importantly, if someone else had said those words, they would have sounded obsequious and vulgar, but he could say them with such integrity.

Fan Dongyang could even imagine how pleased and satisfied His Majesty would be when he returned to the capital and relayed Xue Huai's words to the Emperor.

He clicked his tongue and exclaimed sincerely, "Well said! No wonder you're a third-place scholar!"

(End of this chapter)