Prime Minister

Chapter 279, Section 278: [The Last Chance]

Song Yi coughed lightly, but did not rebuke Jiang Fangzheng.

The people present were all quite well-read, and naturally knew that the three allusions Jiang Fangzheng mentioned came from the Records of the Grand Historian and the Strategies of the Warring States, and were quite appropriate to use them to satirize Xue Huai at this moment.

Although the root of the salt and grain transport dispute lies in the oppression and exploitation of the salt merchants in Lianghuai by the grain transport authorities, Song Yi and others do not think so. They believe that this is a rule that has been passed down for more than a hundred years. It is true that the salt merchants pay money, but they also enjoy the protection and care of the grain transport authorities and the grain transport gangs. Now that they actually want to get rid of the grain transport authorities, they are undoubtedly the instigators of this turmoil.

As the behind-the-scenes controller of the Lianghuai Salt Association, Xue Huai naturally had to take responsibility for this matter.

Today, he took the initiative to visit, and his first words were to admit weakness and show weakness, which seemed to be an attempt to calm the storm. In Jiang Fangzheng's view, this was an act of apology.

Jiang Daye looked at Xue Huai with a smile, seemingly expecting this rising star in officialdom, known for his integrity and uprightness, to turn hostile on the spot.

Song Yi then slowly blew on the tea leaves in his cup.

"Brother Duanming is indeed very knowledgeable, which is admirable."

Xue Huai displayed excellent composure, remaining calm in the face of Jiang Fangzheng's open sarcasm. He then changed the subject, saying, "Inspired by Brother Duanming, I have also thought of a story that I would like to invite you all to appreciate."

Jiang Fangzheng sneered, "I'd like to hear the details."

Xue Huai said calmly, "When Lord Chang'an was a hostage in Qi, the Queen Dowager of Zhao adopted Chu Long's advice and realized that parents who love their children plan far ahead for them. If we allow privileged sons to abuse their power and follow the example of Yi Ren, the hostage from Qin, indulging in momentary pleasure while forgetting the laws and regulations of the state, they may not only be unable to protect themselves, but also bring ruin to their entire clan. Is this not a lesson from the past?"

Chiang Fang-zheng's expression changed.

Song Yi and Zhao Cong's expressions also turned somewhat unpleasant, while Qiao Wangshan and Shen Bingwen's tense expressions eased slightly, and the two couldn't help but exchange a knowing smile.

Xue Huai's words actually contain two allusions: one is Chu Long's persuasion of the Queen Dowager of Zhao, and the other is the reckless behavior of the Qin hostage Yiren, which happens to come from the Records of the Grand Historian and the Strategies of the Warring States, respectively.

These two stories refer to the same thing: the children of the powerful and wealthy who abuse their family background will inevitably bring disaster upon themselves and their families.

Compared to Jiang Fangzheng's mild mockery, Xue Huai's attack was simple, direct, and precisely hit Jiang Fangzheng's sore spot—what right does a mere yamen boy with no achievements and only a nominal sixth-rank official have to interfere in court affairs? You openly mock the Yangzhou official who is a Hanlin scholar by relying on your father's power. Aren't you afraid of bringing disaster upon your father like those unruly sons recorded in history books?

Jiang Fangzheng was furious, but he couldn't retaliate at this moment, otherwise it would confirm Xue Huai's prediction. If he could find a reason to excuse his previous mockery, then directly attacking Xue Huai would undoubtedly be a blatant trampling on the dignity of the imperial court.

"Prefect Xue's words are truly thought-provoking."

Song Yi broke the solemn atmosphere in the hall and looked at Xue Huai, saying, "I remember now. The misunderstanding you mentioned earlier should refer to the fact that the Lianghuai Salt Association has stopped renting canal boats in recent months?"

This statement is still too biased.

Xue Huai didn't look at Jiang Fangzheng again and calmly said, "Your Excellency, please allow me to say a few words in defense of the salt merchants. Their decision to reduce the use of canal boats and switch to land freight is a last resort. Starting two months ago, the officials of the canal administration inexplicably increased the intensity of searches on the goods under the names of the Lianghuai salt merchants, and there were many controversial cases of seizing boats and goods. At that time, the two wealthy men, Qiao and Shen, also came here to discuss with Magistrate Zhao, but the result was unsatisfactory. They are all law-abiding merchants who are not making exorbitant profits. Having a cargo ship seized is a huge loss for them, so they have no choice but to find another way."

Qiao Wangshan smiled obsequiously and said, "Your Excellency, it's not that we are ungrateful. The routine inspections by the canal administration are justified. However, the intensity of the inspections is too great, and we really cannot bear it. We hope Your Excellency will take this into consideration."

Song Yi remained silent, lost in thought.

Seeing this, Zhao Cong said, "Lord Xue, the two leaders, most of the cargo ships that were detained have been released after the matter was investigated. Only a very small number of cargo ships were confiscated because they had indeed committed illegal acts. The actions of the canal administration are in accordance with the law. You cannot exaggerate in front of the councilor."

Xue Huai looked up at the prefect he had dealt with before and said calmly, "Lord Zhao, no merchant firm in this world can withstand such frequent and extremely rigorous searches by the canal administration. Moreover, as far as I know, the cargo ships of the Qiao and Shen families are now almost unable to move an inch on the canal, especially when passing through those busy and congested sections. Their ships are always at the very back of the queue and are often forced to stop for three to five days. Take the two salt-carrying cargo ships of Guangtai, for example. It should only take six days to travel from Yangzhou to Xuzhou, but they have been on the canal for twelve days and are currently still waiting for a search at the Qingjiang Wharf in Huai'an. Why is that?"

Zhao Cong was speechless. Not only was Xue Huai's question difficult for him to answer, but more importantly, he sensed a cold killing intent in Xue Huai's eyes, as if the other party was confident that he could investigate and punish him at any time.

Song Yi picked up his teacup again and took a sip, then looked at Zhao Cong and said, "Prefect Zhao, Guangtai and De'an have always been law-abiding and dutiful. This matter is most likely a misunderstanding. You should have someone investigate it as soon as possible, so as not to delay their important business."

Zhao Cong quickly replied, "Yes, sir, I will have someone investigate immediately."

This kind of evasiveness is common, and both Xue Huai and Qiao Shen are well aware of it, but they did not come here today to argue, so they did not pursue the matter further.

Song Yi put down his teacup and smiled at Xue Huai, saying, "It seems there are indeed many misunderstandings here. I wonder what your opinion is?"

He had now confirmed Xue Huai's purpose in coming: to quell the salt and grain transport dispute, and he seemed quite sincere.

In fact, Jiang Jizhou was not opposed to this; Song Yi's previous stance was merely to gain enough advantages in the negotiations.

In his mind, Xue Huai's initiative to come and apologize today must be because of Jiang Jizhou's impeachment letter. The news from the capital had already reached Jiangnan, and the emperor specially dispatched Fan Dongyang, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, to the south to mediate. Although the emperor gave both the salt and grain transport sides equal punishment in the court, judging from his arrangements, the emperor clearly valued the stability of the grain transport government more. Therefore, he specifically instructed Fan Dongyang to mediate and did not ask him to investigate the long-standing problems in the grain transport.

Xue Huai has a powerful background in the court, so he must have received this news as well. Therefore, he wants to resolve this matter before Fan Dongyang arrives and try to gain as much advantage as possible from the canal transport authorities.

Now that they understood each other's bottom lines and resources, Song Yi knew how to negotiate this matter. He would never let Xue Huai succeed. Now it was just a matter of seeing how much benefit this actual controller of the Lianghuai Salt Association was willing to concede and whether he could satisfy the appetite of the Grand Canal Administration.

Xue Huai, seemingly oblivious to the other's thoughts, earnestly said, "Your Excellency, I believe the root of the salt and grain transport dispute lies in interests, and it's difficult to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. After all, in the past, the salt merchants of Lianghuai had to pay their share to the grain transport guild in order to gain their favor, and also had to pay tribute to the officials in charge of grain transport in order to obtain convenience on the Grand Canal. Admittedly, they did need to pay some money to enjoy the benefits, but if I may be frank, their burden has been too heavy in the past."

Song Yi hadn't expected him to be so blunt, which was clearly not in line with the ways of officialdom. He could only manage a dry laugh before asking, "Then, in your opinion, how should this matter be resolved?"

Xue Huai glanced meaningfully at Jiang Fangzheng opposite him and said frankly, "Your Excellency, I have a humble idea that I would like to ask for your correction."

Song Yi said with a hint of anticipation, "Please speak freely."

Xue Huai pondered for a moment, then said unhurriedly, "In my humble opinion, from now on, merchants under the jurisdiction of the Lianghuai Salt Association should, apart from renting canal boats for transporting salt, divide all their other goods in two. Half should continue to rent canal boats, while the other half should source their own boats. As for the special tax on canal transport, I request that the canal administration reduce it by 40%. In this way, it will not significantly affect the canal administration's revenue and will also reduce the burden on the salt merchants. Furthermore, I have already told them that as long as Your Excellency agrees to this policy, the salt merchants will voluntarily lower their prices in the future, ultimately benefiting the people."

The smile on Song Yi's face became somewhat stiff.

Why did the Grand Canal Administration target the Lianghuai Salt Association? Wasn't it because they were worried that other merchant groups would follow suit?
If he agrees to Xue Huai's proposal, the canal administration will not only lose most of its revenue, but it will also lead to a significant reduction in the income of other regions. Most importantly, the suggestion to solve the problem of ship supply on its own is clearly a proposal for the Lianghuai Salt Association to form its own fleet.
If he agreed, Jiang Jizhou would probably turn on him on the spot, and besides, he wouldn't be able to explain it to his colleagues and subordinates.

Song Yi picked up his teacup for the third time. This time, he did not respond to Xue Huai, and his expression gradually turned cold.

Xue Huai said: "Master Shen Zheng——"

"Xue Tongzhi."

Song Yi interrupted him directly and said in a deep voice, "Your proposal is a bit absurd, and I really cannot agree to it. In my opinion, maintaining the old system of canal transport is the best way. Otherwise, it will be difficult to keep the canal safe and stable. If this delays important national affairs, it will be a mistake that neither you nor I, nor even Minister Jiang, can bear."

Upon hearing this, Xue Huai gave a self-deprecating laugh.

He looked at Zhao Cong and Jiang Fangzheng in turn, his gaze full of meaning, which made the two of them feel uneasy and had a vague sense of foreboding.

"Your Excellency, I have come here today with sincerity, hoping only to quell the dispute as soon as possible so that the central government will no longer be troubled by this matter."

Xue Huai's gaze finally landed on Song Yi's face, and he said softly, "Please convey this to Minister Jiang, Your Excellency."

"No need."

Song Yi shook his head and said expressionlessly, "If Magistrate Xue has nothing else to attend to, please return."

"In that case, I will not bother you any longer."

Xue Huai stood up and bowed to Song Yi, as did Qiao Wangshan and Shen Bingwen.

Song Yi put down his teacup, looked ahead, and said, "Prefect Zhao, see the guest out."

Just as he was about to leave the main hall, Xue Huai suddenly stopped, turned to look at Jiang Fangzheng who was still sitting there, and said calmly, "Brother Duanming, the allusion I mentioned earlier was just a well-intentioned reminder. I hope you won't take it to heart."

Jiang Fangzheng was taken aback.

Before he could ask for details, Xue Huai had already led Qiao Shen and the other man away.

Seeing that Jiang Fangzheng's expression was not good, Song Yi comforted him, saying, "The minister is not really angry about what you did. Just be a little more restrained in the future. Don't pay too much attention to Xue Huai's words, lest you fall into his trap."

"Thank you for your advice, Uncle Song."

Jiang Fangzheng forced a smile and agreed, but a shadow fell over his heart.

Xue Huai's look before he left made him uneasy.

(End of this chapter)