Prime Minister

Chapter 282, Section 281: [The Spirit of Eating Oxen]

Xue Huai did not expect to see Sang Chengze again so soon.

For this pampered young master of the canal gang, Xue Huai adopted a method of tempering him, first locking him in prison to wear down his arrogance, then analyzing through conversation to uncover Sang Chengze's deepest desires, and finally planting a seed in his heart through various earnest teachings.

However, Sang Chengze still had a long way to go. Xue Huai did not expect him to play a role in the salt and grain transport dispute, but placed more hope on him in the future. Therefore, after Sang Chengze disappeared, Xue Huai did not pay much attention to him. In any case, Sang Shichang would not harm his most beloved youngest son. At most, he would just impose a punishment such as confinement.

Therefore, when Jiang Sheng reported that Sang Chengze was requesting an audience outside the official residence, Xue Huai couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.

A moment later, Sang Chengze entered the study and bowed with great excitement, saying, "Chengze greets Your Excellency!"

"No need to be so polite, just sit down."

Xue Huai looked at Sang Chengze, whom he hadn't seen for many days, and noticed that his appearance had changed somewhat compared to before.

The former Third Young Master Sang was arrogant and domineering, and he was used to looking down on people. Although he had a handsome appearance, he made people subconsciously feel resistant to him.

Now his temperament has softened a bit, and he is no longer as arrogant and annoying as before.

Thinking of this, Xue Huai asked with a hint of curiosity, "Why have you been out of touch all this time?"

Sang Chengze sighed softly and briefly recounted the whole story of how his father had confined him at home. Then, he said solemnly, "Sir, I have already spoken with Uncle Wang Kui. On the surface, he will not disobey the orders of the canal administration and my father, but whatever he does, I will inform you as soon as possible. In addition, Uncle Wang Kui will not carry out those orders meticulously, so please rest assured, sir."

The Yangzhou branch of the Canal Gang was powerful, almost the strongest among all branches. As the branch leader, Wang Kui was naturally a crucial figure. The fact that Sang Chengze was able to persuade Wang Kui shows that he was not a good-for-nothing playboy.

From another perspective, Sang Shichang could not possibly be unaware of how close his youngest son was to Wang Kui, yet he ultimately tacitly allowed Sang Chengze to return to Yangzhou. This undoubtedly reflects an ambiguous attitude, indicating that the Grand Canal Gang would not go down a dead-end path.

"You have a heart."

Xue Huai looked approving and then said, "Actually, it's understandable that your father had such concerns. The Canal Gang's ship is too big, and it's not easy to turn around."

"But I remember the master said before that the canal gang needs to change and gradually transform from a gang full of rough and tumble habits into an organization similar to a merchant house. We can use our own advantages to make money legitimately on both sides of the canal, so we don't have to worry about being investigated by the imperial court."

Sang Chengze had a good memory, and he said earnestly, "The elders said that the canal gang should integrate into the new order of the future, rather than be eliminated by the order."

Xue Huai said, "This road is very long, and it will inevitably be filled with bloodshed."

"Yes."

Sang Chengze paused for a moment, then took out a booklet from his pocket and handed it to Xue Huai with both hands.

Xue Huai took it and looked at him questioningly.

Sang Chengze said, "Sir, this is a list and resumes of the high-ranking members of the Grand Canal Gang. I compiled it myself these past few days without my father's knowledge. I know that you are currently most concerned about the salt and canal dispute, so perhaps this booklet can be of help to you."

Xue Huai's gaze fell on the booklet that Sang Chengze handed over. The cover had no title, and the paper was slightly rough, obviously hastily bound.

He turned to the first page, and what came into view was Sang Chengze's handwriting, which was somewhat awkward but unusually serious. It detailed the names, positions, hometowns, years of membership, and main spheres of influence of the core members of the Caobang, and even included a few strokes of their personality traits or their relationship with the Sang family.

"Did you organize this yourself?"

Xue Huai raised his eyes, a hint of shock in them.

The significance of this list needs no further explanation; information about the top leaders of the Grand Canal Gang is an extremely sensitive and closely guarded secret.

Compared to Sang Shichang's cryptic and wavering attitude, Sang Chengze's initiative in presenting this list can be described as unwavering.

Xue Huai could understand Sang Shichang's caution due to reality, but he was even more moved by Sang Chengze's decisiveness and trust.

Sang Chengze nodded vigorously and said frankly, "I was locked in the courtyard for those days and had nothing to do but read and practice calligraphy. I remembered that the adults had mentioned wanting to understand the ins and outs of the Grand Canal Gang, so I wrote down all the people I knew from memory. Some of them may not be remembered completely or may contain errors, but most of them should be accurate."

Xue Huai flipped through the pages, his fingertips tracing the ink marks.

This list not only covers the core figures of the Grand Canal Gang, but also details the leaders of important branches along the canal, as well as some elders and hall masters who, although not directly in charge of the branches, are highly respected within the gang or control key resources.

Sang Chengze also made notes next to some names. Although these notes were only what he had heard and were not necessarily absolutely accurate, they allowed Xue Huai to gain a deeper understanding of the internal factions, conflicts of interest, and even potential hidden dangers within the Canal Gang.

"Chengze." Xue Huai closed the booklet, his expression grave. "This is no ordinary item. Do you know what this means?"

"I know."

Without the slightest hesitation, Sang Chengze smiled faintly: "Handing this list over to you means that I have no other choice but to serve under you. Perhaps you don't believe me, but I made this decision without any hesitation or doubt. Ever since I learned about your many great achievements over the years, I have firmly believed that only by following you can we create a stable and secure foundation for the Grand Canal Gang for the next century."

Xue Huai looked at him, as if he saw another possibility emerging from the unruly young master from a few months ago, and said seriously, "I believe you."

"Thank you for your trust, sir."

Sang Chengze thought for a moment and then said, "The lord asked me to find out Jiang Fangzheng's intentions. Uncle Wang Kui said that in the past few months, Jiang Fangzheng has been interfering in the affairs of the Grand Canal Administration and the Grand Canal Gang by taking advantage of his position in the Governor's Office. In particular, some of the difficult orders from the Grand Canal Administration targeting the Salt Association have his shadow behind them. He seems to have a deep hostility towards the lord."

This is something he can't understand.

He had never heard Jiang Fangzheng mention Xue Huai before. It was as if all of a sudden, Jiang Fangzheng regarded Xue Huai as an enemy with whom he could not coexist peacefully.

Xue Huai pondered for a moment and asked, "Does Jiang Fangzheng have any close associates within the Grand Canal Gang?"

"Have."

Sang Chengze glanced at the booklet on the table and calmly said, "Elder Chen Bao, the law enforcement officer, is just a dog kept by the Grand Canal Bureau within the Grand Canal Gang. Governor Jiang relies on him to check my father. Jiang Fangzheng is very close to his two sons, and they often go to the restaurants and pleasure boats in Huai'an together. This time, when Father ordered the Grand Canal Bureau to suppress the salt merchants of Lianghuai, the most enthusiastic were Chen Bao's faction. There is also Sun Tong, who is one of the hall masters in charge of the gang's accounts. He and Chen Bao have many private connections, but it is unclear what kind of relationship Sun Tong has with the Jiang family."

Xue Huai fell into deep thought.

Previously, the Jing'an Division had already seized on Jiang Fangzheng's weaknesses, and after he showed Liu Ying the list of medicinal herbs, it was roughly determined that the ship of medicinal herbs in the hands of Dong Dachang, the son of Jiang Fangzheng's wet nurse, came from Jimintang.

From this, it can be inferred that there is a connection between Xuan Yuan Sect, Jimin Hall, Dong Dachang and Jiang Fangzheng. According to Liu Ying's confession, Jiang Fangzheng's identity seems to be confirmed as the extremely mysterious Holy Son of Xuan Yuan Sect, second only to the patriarch.

Now that Xue Huai has learned about the relationship between Jiang Fangzheng and Chen Bao from Sang Chengze, the financial dealings between Jimintang and the Canal Gang have a reasonable explanation.

However, Xue Huai felt that things were not so simple. According to Liu Ying, the Holy Son of Xuan Yuan Sect was not only mysterious in identity, but also quite capable. Therefore, he was highly valued by the Ancestor. Jiang Fangzheng's performance in the past few months was negligible.

At least in Xue Huai's view, Jiang Fangzheng's methods were completely underhanded. Whether it was instigating Sang Chengze to cause trouble in Yangzhou or colluding with Zhao Cong, he looked like a clown. How could such a person be the holy son of a cult?
"Chengze."

Xue Huai suppressed his turbulent thoughts, looked at the upright Sang Chengze, and solemnly said, "I need you to do a few things."

Sang Chengze solemnly replied, "Please give your orders, my lord. I will do anything, even die for you!"

Xue Huai said, "Tell Chief Wang Kui to make sure the brothers of the Yangzhou branch of the Grand Canal Gang remain calm. He should do everything in his power to delay, stall, or even circumvent any orders from the Grand Canal government that could escalate tensions or conflict. He must remember one thing: avoid large-scale direct conflict with the salt merchants. In particular, he must restrain his men; they must not loot, burn, or injure anyone. This is the bottom line!"

Sang Chengze agreed without hesitation.

“Your father’s tacit approval of your return to Yangzhou is itself an attitude. He is at the center of the storm, under immense pressure and burdened with many concerns. I can fully understand his predicament, so please convey a message to your father for me.”

Xue Huai softened his tone, speaking each word carefully: "Chief Sang, maintaining the status quo is no easy task, and I deeply understand your concerns. However, the Canal Gang's century-old foundation cannot be secured by subservience. The benefits of the Grand Canal should be obtained legitimately, not by giving others leverage to become fish on the chopping block. This turmoil is not a sign of collapse, but rather an opportunity for rebirth. If Chief Sang is willing to seek a bright future for the thousands of canal workers and the Sang family, I am willing to join hands with you to fight for a righteous place for the Canal Gang amidst the turbulent waves. This promise is as clear as day!"

Sang Chengze had already stood up and was solemnly gesturing to Xue Huai's words. He clasped his hands and said, "Rest assured, my lord, Chengze will convey every word to my father without missing a single one!"

Xue Huai approved, "Good."

Sang Chengze smiled and said, "My lord, I will be back as soon as possible."

"Not urgent."

Xue Huai's request for him to return to Huai'an wasn't just to deliver a message. He continued, "Chengze, there's another matter. Don't rush to agree; wait until I finish speaking before you decide. Jiang Fangzheng's sworn brother, Dong Dachang, is suspected of colluding with the heretical cult. My people and the Jing'an Division's secret agents have been secretly investigating for some time, and now it's time to close the net. If you're willing to come forward, I'll have all the evidence delivered to you. When the time is right, you can personally report this matter."

Sang Chengze naturally understood the importance of this matter. If he agreed, it would mean that he would completely stand against the Jiang family, and it would inevitably affect the relationship between the Sang family, the canal gang, and the Grand Canal Governor's Office.

He pondered for a moment, then mustered his courage and asked, "Sir, may I know why it was me?"

Xue Huai said frankly, "You and Jiang Fangzheng appear to be close. If you were to step forward, Governor Jiang would not be able to use the excuse that this was a deliberate frame-up and revenge to get entangled with you. Of course, you don't need to directly accuse Jiang Fangzheng; you just need to stick to Dong Dachang."

Upon hearing this, Sang Chengze laughed heartily and declared loudly, "Chengze is willing to serve you, sir!"

(End of this chapter)