Prime Minister

Chapter 195, Section 194: Holding Hands

After the snow, the air was still bitterly cold, but Yangzhou, nearing the end of the year, seemed to be warmed by a current of warmth, with lanterns and decorations everywhere and bustling with people.

The notice of the new policies posted in front of the government office was crowded with all sorts of people. The clerks patiently and repeatedly explained the details of the new salt permit policy, the reduction and exemption of commercial taxes, the water conservancy projects, and the year-end pension.

In teahouses and taverns throughout the city, discussions about the new policies almost drowned out the music.

"The Prefect is serious this time!" A merchant in a silk jacket remarked, holding a teacup. "I've heard that those yamen runners who used to look down on people are now keeping their tails between their legs!"

"Who says it's not?"

Someone nearby chimed in, "The customs checkpoints have become much more lenient. As long as you have the salt permit and travel permit, you can pass through the entire journey after just one inspection. It saves so much trouble. Your Excellency truly loves the people like your own children."

"Hey, don't forget whose credit this is." An old man in the corner lowered his voice, "The Prefectural Governor certainly put in a lot of effort, but without Minister Xue's overall planning, how could Yangzhou have its current new look?"

Everyone nodded in agreement. Xue Huai's reputation as a righteous official had already spread throughout Yangzhou, and his prestige was even approaching that of Xue Mingzhang in his prime.

Tan Mingguang was well aware of this, but he didn't care at all. At the same time, he abandoned his usual low-key and reserved demeanor and became energetic. He spent his days running around the government offices, personally handling every matter, big or small. His enthusiasm almost made people forget his age.

Xue Huai was like a boulder sunk to the bottom of the water.

He did not slacken his efforts as the new policies were implemented; most of his energy remained focused on the longer-term and more fundamental goals—the improvement of the Lianghuai salt administration and supervision system and the smooth operation of the salt commission.

Inside the main hall of the Tongzhi's residence, the charcoal fire burned brightly, and Xue Huai was discussing matters with Huang Chong, who had just returned from inspecting the salt fields, and two deputy commissioners of the Salt Transport Bureau.

"...The regulations on separating salt production from salt production must be further refined. The amount of salt production credits for salt producers must be closely linked to their actual salt production to eliminate any room for false reporting and fraudulent claims."

Xue Huai pointed to the saltworks register on the table and said calmly, "Huang Yuntai, the first round of verification for revising the saltworks register must be completed before March of next year."

Huang Chong nodded and said, "Lord Xue, rest assured, I have already assigned capable clerks to go to the salt fields in groups to conduct a survey and verification according to the previously proposed method of four checks and four verifications."

"So good."

Xue Huai then looked at the two deputy envoys and solemnly said, "With the New Year approaching, we must be vigilant against unscrupulous merchants hoarding and speculating to drive up salt prices. As for the Salt Commission, I have already discussed with Shen Bingwen, Qiao Wangshan and others that members of the Salt Commission will continue to supply salt at fair prices to major shops. The Salt Transport Office must closely monitor the market and intervene immediately with salt reserves in the stabilization warehouse if any signs are detected."

The two deputy envoys solemnly replied, "Yes."

Although on the surface Xue Huai was only a fifth-rank Yangzhou Assistant Magistrate, on par with the two deputy envoys before him, and far inferior to Huang Chong's third-rank Salt Transport Commissioner, he was clearly respected in the hall.

On the one hand, Huang Chong and others respected Xue Huai's abilities and skills; on the other hand, Xue Huai was still the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai, whose official rank was not high, but he was a person appointed by the emperor himself, similar to an imperial envoy.

After about half an hour, everything was settled, and Huang Chong and the others took their leave.

Xue Huai rubbed his slightly swollen temples, then got up and walked to the window.

In the courtyard, the plum tree branches were gnarled and twisted, with a few red plum buds about to bloom dotting the white snow, adding a touch of resilient vitality.

As Xue Huai gazed at the few red plum blossoms, his thoughts drifted towards Shen Garden.

He had already received his mother's reply. Madam Cui had always liked Shen Qingluan, and was even more delighted to learn that the two were in love. She immediately agreed to the marriage and said that she would ask an elder from a family friend to go south to propose marriage at the beginning of the year. Xue Huai would not need to be involved in any of the ceremonies.

"Master?"

A gentle, melodious voice sounded from behind, interrupting Xue Huai's contemplation as he gazed at the winter plum blossoms.

Xue Huai turned around and saw Mo Yun holding a tray with a steaming bowl of soup on it.

Since he made his promise that night, Mo Yun has remained gentle and considerate in front of him, taking care of his daily life and managing the affairs inside and outside the official residence. She does not seem to have changed much because of his promise that night.

However, occasionally, Xue Huai would catch her quickly looking away, and that look was more tender than before.

"This servant has prepared a bowl of Eight Treasures Soup. It's cold, young master, have some to warm yourself up."

Mo Yun placed the tray on a corner of the table and handed over the soup bowl with a soft voice and skillful movements.

"Good work."

Xue Huai took it and drank it slowly. The warm soup smelled delicious, and a warm feeling spread through his stomach and body.

Mo Yun stood quietly to the side, looking down at the ground, her posture as respectful and compliant as ever.

"How's the house search going?"

Xue Huai put down his bowl and asked casually.

In his reply, Cui specifically mentioned that since his marriage to Shen Qingluan was settled, some things naturally needed to be prepared in advance.

Wedding ceremonies in this era were quite elaborate. The main wedding ceremony would definitely be held at the Xue family mansion in the capital, while the ceremonies beforehand would take place in Yangzhou. Although Xue Huai lived comfortably at the Tongzhi official residence, a separate Xue family residence would definitely be prepared to avoid the misunderstanding that the Xue family did not value this marriage.

Mo Yun raised her head, her gaze clear and respectful, and said, "Young Master, Steward Li and I have looked at several places these past few days. There is an old three-courtyard house with a garden in the east of the city, in a decent location, but the layout is a bit outdated and would require considerable effort to renovate. There is a newly built villa by the salt merchant, Master Li, in the west of the city. The location is a bit remote, but the scenery is quite beautiful, and the layout is also square. However, the price is a bit high, and since it is a merchant's residence, it may attract some unnecessary gossip..."

She analyzed the pros and cons of the several residences in a clear and logical manner, explaining the advantages and disadvantages in detail. Xue Huai felt a slight sense of emotion, while Mo Yun remained very calm, which showed that she was well aware of her own identity.

"...There is one more place."

Mo Yun paused slightly, then said with a hint of appreciation, "It's near Qionghua Temple. It was originally the old residence of a salt official. He wasn't deeply involved in the salt case; he was just dismissed from his post and had some of his property confiscated. Now, his whole family has moved away from Yangzhou, and this house is available for urgent sale. It's a three-courtyard residence with a garden. Its advantage is that it's quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, and it's also close to the government office, although it's a bit old."

Xue Huai pondered for a moment and said, "The area around Qionghua Temple is indeed convenient. It doesn't matter if it's a bit old; it can be repaired with a little work. You can send someone to negotiate first. As long as the price is right and the house has no obvious flaws, then we can settle on this place."

Mo Yun replied, "Yes, young master."

Xue Huai looked at her lowered eyelashes and nodded, saying, "This arrangement is very appropriate. You've worked hard." "Young Master, you flatter me. This is my duty."

Mo Yun smiled gently, then stepped forward to clear away the bowls and cups, carrying the tray as she quietly retreated without making a sound.

In the afternoon, Xue Huai changed into casual clothes and took a carriage to Shuyu Pavilion.

This place is elegant, quiet, and extremely private. It was specially left by Shen Bingwen for Shen Qingluan to handle some affairs or meet friends. During this period, Xue Huai would come here to meet Shen Qingluan every two or three days.

The carriage drove along the bluestone road, through Dongguan Street, which was adorned with red lanterns and bustling with people, and the noise was gradually left behind.

Upon entering Shuyuxuan, Xue Huai gestured for Jiang Sheng, Qi Qingshi, and the others to wait in the side room while he, led by a maid from the Shen residence, arrived at the East Warm Pavilion.

At this moment, Shen Qingluan was sitting by the window. Today she was wearing a lotus-colored brocade jacket, and her hair was only adorned with a jade hairpin, which was simple yet elegant.

When Xue Huai walked in, Shen Qingluan was intently looking at an account book in her hands, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. Hearing footsteps, she looked up, and her face instantly blossomed into a bright smile, like the warm sun breaking through the clouds in winter.

"Brother Huai, you've arrived."

"What are you looking at so intently?"

Xue Huai took off his cloak and handed it to the maid Yun'er beside him, then sat down on the couch by the charcoal brazier.

"It's the year-end summary from the Suzhou cloth shop."

Shen Qingluan got up and personally poured him a freshly brewed cup of Snow Top Green, then said frankly, "There seem to be some problems with a few outgoing transactions, and I am checking them."

Xue Huai took the teacup, his fingertips accidentally touching her warm and delicate hand. Both of them were used to this and did not deliberately avoid it.

He leaned over and glanced at the accounts marked by Shen Qingluan. There seemed to be some subtle discrepancies between the amounts of several silver remittances and the corresponding purchase records of goods.

"Why don't we try this method?"

After a moment's thought, Xue Huai picked up a pen and wrote a few lines on the blank paper next to him. He slowly said, "Separate the three lines of remittance, procurement, and sales between the Yangzhou headquarters and the Suzhou branch. Reconcile and reconcile the accounts item by item on a monthly basis, and then compare the profit and loss with the general ledger. Although this is a bit cumbersome, it will make things clear immediately and show which link or person has a problem."

Shen Qingluan watched intently, her beautiful eyes gradually brightening: "That's right, by peeling back the layers so meticulously, we can surely expose the person who secretly tampered with the case. Thank you for your guidance, Lord Xue!"

Xue Huai chuckled: "Master Shen, you're too kind. Please settle the accounts first, and we can talk again later."

"it is good."

Shen Qingluan couldn't help but smile, and then, following Xue Huai's advice, she re-examined the accounts.

Xue Huai looked at Shen Qingluan's profile as she focused on thinking. Her long eyelashes cast small shadows on her eyelids, her nose was straight, and her red lips were slightly pursed, exuding a unique intelligence and charm.

Time passed quietly, and Shen Qingluan finally breathed a sigh of relief and closed all the account books.

"Qingluan."

Xue Huai's voice unconsciously took on a serious tone.

"Ok?"

Shen Qingluan looked up, her clear eyes questioning.

Xue Huai considered carefully and said, "I received a letter from my mother the day before yesterday, mentioning that after the start of the new year, an elder will be traveling south to visit your father and mother."

Shen Qingluan's cheeks instantly flushed red, like peach blossoms in March, all the way to her ears. The composure and competence she had shown when reviewing the accounts vanished without a trace.

Before she could speak, Yun'er and another head maid obediently left the warm pavilion.

The warm room became extremely quiet in an instant, with only the occasional faint crackling sound from the charcoal brazier.

Shen Qingluan lowered her head slightly, her slender, fair fingers unconsciously twisting the smooth hem of her brocade jacket.

Although Xue Huai did not say it explicitly, his words clearly conveyed the message that a marriage proposal was imminent. This meant that his relationship with her was about to be settled and they would be able to settle down in the eyes of the world.

For Shen Qingluan, this feeling was truly peculiar.

She forced herself to calm down and said shyly in a low voice, "My father said a few days ago that the court has accepted Guangtai's donation, and the family will transport the promised grain and winter clothes to the border in batches."

After saying this seemingly innocent sentence, Shen Qingluan felt her face burning hot and turned away, no longer daring to look Xue Huai in the eye.

The air inside the heated room seemed to have become thick and scalding, making it a little hard to breathe, yet without causing any discomfort.

Xue Huai could clearly see Shen Qingluan's slightly red earlobes hidden in her hair, and the delicate little bumps on her fair neck. His gaze finally fell on the slender hand that rested on her knee.

Her fingers were as smooth as jade, with slender knuckles, and were slightly curled up because of her tension, her fingertips turning white from the force.

At that moment, Xue Huai naturally extended his left hand and quietly approached Shen Qingluan's soft hand.

When his broad, warm hand grasped Shen Qingluan's hand, her body stiffened almost imperceptibly, but she did not pull her hand away. Instead, she lowered her face to the side, revealing her earlobes, which were even more vividly red, like a glistening fruit.

Just then, the maid Yun'er's hesitant voice rang out timidly from outside.

"Miss, Physician Xu requests an audience."

(End of this chapter)