Prime Minister

Chapter 251, Page 250: [A Cold Reception]

The following day, around the time of Mao (5-7 AM), the thin fog was about to dissipate.

The alleyway in Daningfang, Dongcheng, where the Yangzhou branch of the Grand Canal Gang was located, usually exudes a rough atmosphere that doesn't quite match the white walls and black tiles of Huaiyang. This morning, it was even more somber.

Two rows of patrolmen, dressed in blue robes and black boots, with narrow knives at their waists, silently blocked the entrance to the alleyway like two dark lines.

Although their swords were not drawn, their synchronized steps and silent, cold eyes were enough to send chills down the spines of any passerby who got up early.

Zhang Shi, dressed in a neat official robe, did not travel by sedan chair or horseback, but walked to the alley entrance, accompanied by Cheng Dong and Qi Qingshi and Yue Zhenshan, who had been ordered to come here.

Cheng Dong, receiving a signal from Zhang Shi, strode to the gate of the Caobang branch and said sternly, "By order of the Prefectural Governor, the Patrol and Inspection Division has come to arrest the perpetrators of yesterday's public attack at Lan Yue Fang. Sang Chengze and his four accomplices, come out immediately!"

This was not a notification but a command, containing the anger that Cheng Dong had been suppressing deep inside.

After leaving the Tongzhi Hall last night, he spent most of the night on tenterhooks, wondering what decision Xue Huai would ultimately make. Fortunately, he didn't receive the worst news. Instead, Zhang Shi, on behalf of Xue Huai, gave him a verbal reprimand and told him to atone for his sins.

Therefore, Cheng Dong is now full of murderous intent. If the members of the Canal Gang dare to act arrogantly again, he will not hesitate to fight back.

A commotion erupted within the compound of the Canal Gang's branch headquarters. Then, the two heavy doors creaked open a crack, and a middle-aged man poked his head out, smiling obsequiously, "Inspector Cheng, my young master… Gang Leader Sang caught a cold last night and hasn't gotten up yet, perhaps—"

The words stopped abruptly.

With a flash of light, Cheng Dong's long sword was already pressed against the door, only inches away from the middle-aged man's throat.

He said coldly, "The canal gang is so disregarding the government, could it be that they intend to rebel?"

The middle-aged man stared in disbelief, a chill running from his tailbone to the top of his head. He even felt like he wasn't fully awake—wasn't it just a test of the other party's attitude? Why did they have to accuse him of such a crime right off the bat?
A few beads of cold sweat slid down his temples, and he quickly said, "You flatter me, sir. I'll go and fetch him right away..."

Before long, the heavy door opened completely, and a group of six or seven people walked out calmly.

Jiang Fangzheng was dressed in a lake-blue brocade robe, slowly twirling a pair of smooth jade beads in his hands, with his usual gentle smile on his face.

When he saw Zhang standing not far ahead, a hint of disappointment rose in his heart, but he still stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said calmly, "I presume you are Magistrate Zhang of Yangzhou? I have long admired Magistrate Zhang's reputation, and I am fortunate to meet you today. Indeed, your reputation is well-deserved."

The Yangzhou Tongpan was a sixth-rank official, and Jiang Fangzheng's honorary title of Shangbaosi Cheng was also a sixth-rank official, so he could treat him as an equal.

Considering that he is Jiang Jizhou's only son, his current attitude towards Zhang Shi can naturally be described as respectful.

However, this obviously did not have much impact on Zhang Shi.

He bowed with a blank expression and said, "Greetings, Lord Jiang. I am preoccupied with official duties and cannot engage in casual conversation. Please forgive me."

Jiang Fangzheng's eyes narrowed slightly.

Zhang Shi was clearly not a naive official like Cheng Dong. He was a genuine second-class Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and had experienced various ups and downs in the capital.

Before Jiang Fangzheng could continue the pleasantries, Zhang Shi looked at Sang Chengze, his tone cold and chilling: "Sang Chengze, will you leave on your own, or will I have someone put shackles on you?"

Sang Chengze was startled by his gaze and subconsciously looked to the side.

Jiang Fang's smile remained unchanged. He stepped to the side to block Zhang Shi's view and earnestly advised, "Lord Zhang, the two parties involved in yesterday's matter have already reached a settlement. Inspector Cheng was present at the scene and can serve as a witness."

Cheng Dong immediately said, "Lord Jiang, I did not promise anything yesterday, please do not misunderstand."

A hint of displeasure flashed across Jiang Fangzheng's eyes, but he quickly chuckled and said, "Alright, alright, consider this a slip of the tongue. Lord Zhang, this is just a small matter. The young man got into a little conflict on impulse. Why make such a fuss? If the Qiao family feels that yesterday's compensation was insufficient, I can bring Chengze to visit Old Master Qiao in person to apologize. What do you say?"

Zhang remained silent.

Seeing this, Jiang Fangzheng lowered his voice and said, "Lord Zhang, in the end, it was Qiao's personal attendant who made the first move yesterday. If this matter gets out of hand, it won't be good for Qiao's family either. Why don't we each take a step back?"

Zhang Shi turned to look at him and said solemnly, "Qiao Wenxuan has already turned himself in."

Chiang Fang-cheng was speechless.

Xue Huai's move was indeed decisive enough. Qiao Wenxuan was just a carefree young master of the Qiao family who didn't care about anything. It wouldn't hurt for him to spend a few days at the government office. He could just take it as a change of scenery to recuperate. Anyway, the officials at the government office wouldn't make things difficult for him. Moreover, this laid the groundwork for the government to arrest Sang Chengze. No one could find fault with Xue Huai.

For Jiang Fangzheng, his priority was to see Xue Huai, not to get bogged down with someone who had been sidelined for eight years. So, he raised his voice slightly, saying, "Lord Zhang, the Grand Canal is the foundation of the Great Yan Kingdom. The canal guild has contributed immensely over the years, and the court has repeatedly praised them. Although Sang Chengze acted impulsively, the Qiao family has already expressed their understanding. Why must Lord Zhang pursue this so relentlessly? If this matter causes instability within the canal guild, I'm afraid—"

"Master Jiang."

Zhang Shi interrupted his incessant chatter with a meaningful tone, saying, word by word, "The Yangzhou government will handle the case according to the law, so you don't need to worry. Furthermore, although the canal gang has made many contributions, it does not mean that they can ignore the laws of the court and openly fight, let alone become lawless individuals."

Jiang Fangzheng's gentle smile froze instantly. Before he could continue, Zhang Shi locked his gaze on Sang Chengze again and said decisively, "Since the suspect is so ungrateful, then take him down!"

"Yes!"

Cheng Dong and the patrolmen responded with a roar, all drawing their knives and pushing back the guards of the canal gang. He personally led more than ten of his trusted elites to attack the four skilled fighters behind Sang Chengze.

Although not every patrol officer was a master, they represented the Yangzhou government and were completely different from the thugs kept on the pleasure boats on Slender West Lake. If the canal gang were to fight them openly, they probably couldn't bear the responsibility.

"you dare!"

Enraged, Sang Chengze didn't think twice. He shouted angrily, clenched his fists, and charged forward.

"Chengze, don't act rashly!"

Jiang Fangzheng immediately tried to stop him, but someone acted faster than he could speak!
Qi Qingshi and Yue Zhenshan rushed to Sang Chengze's side like lightning, one on the left and one on the right. The former swung his scabbard and struck Sang Chengze's knee hard, while the latter slapped Sang Chengze's shoulder with his broad and powerful hands, then twisted and grabbed him.

In an instant, Sang Chengze's right leg went weak, and Yue Zhenshan lifted him up by both shoulders, raising him like a chicken. He could only make a pathetic and comical struggle, with not a trace of yesterday's arrogance and domineering attitude.
The four thugs from the canal gang who committed the crime yesterday were also pinned to the ground by Cheng Dong and his elite patrol officers, who had their hands tied behind their backs!
The whole process was clean and neat, without any delay.

Chiang Kai-shek was completely calm, yet there was nothing he could do at that moment.

His greatest asset was, of course, his father, who held the official position of Grand Canal Transport Commissioner. However, if the other party no longer feared him, then he himself would indeed have no means to control the situation.

"and many more!"

Seeing that Zhang Shi was about to take Sang Chengze back home, Jiang Fangzheng had no choice but to loudly stop him.

Zhang Shi turned his head and looked over, saying calmly, "Does Lord Jiang have any further instructions?"

Jiang Fangzheng solemnly said, "I was entrusted by Chief Sang to take care of Chengze. Now that Lord Zhang insists on bringing him back to the government office, I will naturally not obstruct official business, but I will go to the government office with you."

"That is Lord Chiang's prerogative."

After uttering his last words, Zhang Shi left, escorted by Qi Qingshi and Yue Zhenshan.

Chiang Fang-cheng also hurriedly boarded a carriage and followed behind, surrounded by a group of close guards.

When the two groups arrived at the government office, Cheng Dong escorted Sang Chengze and his four accomplices inside. He felt refreshed and his steps were much lighter. As for whether this would offend the Canal Gang, Zhang Shi's words when they set off earlier had already enlightened Cheng Dong.

Even if the sky falls, Lord Xue will hold it up. As long as his subordinates do their jobs diligently, Lord Xue will never push them out to take the blame.

Jiang Fangzheng hurriedly got off the carriage. Seeing that Zhang Shi was also about to enter the government office, he quickly called out, "Lord Zhang, Lord Zhang!"

Zhang Shi finally stopped and stood on the steps, turning around to look at the governor's son who was walking quickly towards him.

At this moment, Jiang Fangzheng disregarded the need to be subservient and cupped his hands, saying, "Please ask Lord Zhang to come inside and inform him that Jiang Fangzheng requests an audience with Lord Xue."

Zhang Shi coughed lightly and said calmly, "Lord Jiang, it's not that I'm insensitive, but Your Excellency has caught a cold and needs to rest. He's not available to receive guests during this time. So, after hearing about the fight at Lan Yue Fang last night, Your Excellency specifically entrusted this case to me. If you have any questions about this case, Lord Jiang, you can come to me at any time."

"What did you say?"

At that moment, Jiang Fangzheng doubted his own ears.

As the only son of the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, he has been surrounded by a large entourage and received great respect wherever he goes over the years.

When have I ever been dismissed with such a casual excuse?
An indescribable sense of shame and anger rushed to his head. He really couldn't understand where Xue Huai got the confidence to act like this, showing him no respect at all. Didn't he know that the Yangzhou government was also subject to the jurisdiction of the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner's Office?
Zhang Shi coughed lightly and repeated, "Lord Jiang, if you have official business to attend to, the Director must meet you despite your illness. But if it is just a private matter, please come back later."

Without further hesitation, he turned and walked straight into the government office.

Jiang Fangzheng stood blankly at the bottom of the steps, watching Zhang Shi's disappearing figure and the officials holding their knives tightly in front of the government office gate. For a moment, he felt utterly absurd.

"Master."

A servant cautiously approached, looking at Jiang Fangzheng's face with great concern.

"hehe."

Jiang Fangzheng laughed in exasperation. He looked up at the plaque on the gate tower of the Yangzhou government office, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice, "What a Xue Jingche!"

(End of this chapter)