Prime Minister

Chapter 294, Page 293: [Life is like a journey]

Xue Huai knew perfectly well that Fan Dongyang wouldn't have come to the temple today without a reason.

Whether Xue Huai admits it or not, this salt and grain transport dispute that originated in Jiangnan was essentially the result of the clash and intensification of several forces in the court. Otherwise, the emperor would have only needed to issue an imperial edict for Xue Huai and Jiang Jizhou to obediently accept the order, and there would have been no need for an imperial envoy to travel south.

Admittedly, Xue Huai's preparations hastened the retreat of the canal transport faction, allowing the salt association to achieve a phased victory. However, the real trouble has only just begun, namely, whether and how to change the old canal transport system.

For Fan Dongyang, his primary responsibility on this trip was to ensure the implementation of the new salt administration law in Lianghuai and the stability of the Grand Canal. This task can now be considered to have been initially accomplished.

If he could achieve something beyond that, he would certainly be more than happy to do so, but he wouldn't take too much risk, so he would only slightly favor Xue Huai.

Xue Huai should press his advantage, after all, he is a pillar of the Qingliu faction known to all in the court and among the people. If he can really promote the reform of the canal transport system, his status in the Qingliu faction will rise rapidly, instead of having to rely on the name of Shen Wang’s personal disciple as before.

However, as Xue Huai just said, if the reform of the canal transport system could be prompted by the discovery of some corrupt officials, then this matter would not have been their responsibility at all; the imperial court would have taken action decades ago.

The group obstructing the reform of the canal transport system was an extremely large one.

This group included officials from the Grand Canal such as Jiang Jizhou and Song Yi, high-ranking officials who accepted various forms of bribes in the imperial court, a large number of middle and lower-level officials who profited from the Grand Canal, officials from other government offices whose responsibilities were intertwined with the canal transport system, canal gangs and local powerful families who were entrenched along the canal, and lower-level clerks and canal workers who were bound by interests due to the hardships of survival.

In short, the claim that the livelihoods of millions of cannibals depend on them is not an exaggeration.

Xue Huai was able to win this time for three reasons: first, his own ability; second, Fan Dongyang's bias; and third, because this matter did not touch the core interests of the canal transport system.

Compared to this, the difficulty of promoting the reform of the canal transport system is worlds apart.

This is the purpose of Fan Dongyang's visit today. He wants to reach a certain consensus with Xue Huai, Huang Chong, Jiang Jizhou and others before submitting his memorial, so as to avoid conflicting opinions that could lead to a larger-scale factional struggle.

Xue Huai understood Fan Dongyang's purpose, so he got up to refill his tea and then calmly said, "Chief Censor, the Grand Canal system is riddled with problems and has reached a point where it must be reformed."

Fan Dongyang sighed softly and said slowly, "That's true, but this matter is far-reaching and has far-reaching consequences. Moreover, it's probably difficult for you and me alone to overcome this deep-seated problem."

"Isn't there still Governor-General Chiang?"

Xue Huai sat back down and continued, "Zhao Cong, Chen Bao, Dong Dachang, and others colluded with the heretical sect and rebels. Even if they were only after money and silver for their own enrichment and had no intention of rebellion, such things are like mud falling into your crotch; it's not so easy to clear your name. In my opinion, if Governor Jiang wants to return to his hometown in glory in the future, he should at least show some sincerity this time."

Fan Dongyang paused for a moment, then shook his head and sighed, "Jing Che, he has no choice in the matter."

Xue Huai's gaze sharpened slightly.

Fan Dongyang spoke frankly: "If you were Governor-General Chiang, would you believe that your long-standing adversary would let you off the hook because of your concession, or would you trust your allies whose interests are intertwined with yours?"

This statement can be described as completely frank and undisguised.

"Position determines everything," is Fan Dongyang's view, and this is often the case.

As the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, Jiang Jizhou represented not only his own and his family's interests, but also the stance of all forces in this network.

In the power struggles of officialdom, killing is often done without bloodshed. If Jiang Jizhou perseveres, there is still hope. But betraying the Ning Party will inevitably lead to his death. If he really does that, who will save him when he is at his wit's end?

The faction of the upright officials? The faction of the second minister? Or Xue Huai himself?
"Of course, what you said makes sense."

Fan Dongyang changed the subject and said earnestly, "For over a hundred years, the Grand Canal has accumulated many problems, which His Majesty is quite concerned about. This trip south is to investigate the details on the ground. Since there are problems, we officials must find ways to solve them, and do our best to share the burden for the emperor without affecting the foundation of the state. Only in this way can we live up to His Majesty's high expectations. What do you say?"

Xue Huai did not give an immediate reply.

In fact, Fan Dongyang's attitude was very clear, which can be summed up in seven words: "Mending and patching for another three years."

After a moment, Xue Huai nodded and said, "What the Grand Censor said is absolutely right."

Fan Dongyang felt reassured and a warm, friendly smile appeared on his face. He slowly said, "Jing Che, His Majesty has high hopes for you. Your career will not stop in Yangzhou. However... allow me to say a few words. His Majesty is in a difficult position. The Great Yan is a vast country with hundreds of millions of people. Today there is disaster here and tomorrow there is turmoil there. There are many troublesome officials in the court and in the local areas. The weight of the country rests on His Majesty's shoulders. As his subjects, we should be considerate of His Majesty's wishes and not let our momentary anger chill His Majesty's heart."

Xue Huai bowed his head and said, "This humble official has learned a lot."

Fan Dongyang noticed that Xue Huai was in a low mood, but he was not surprised. After all, Xue Huai was only twenty years old. Although he was experienced and shrewd, he still had the ambition and drive of a young man. He must want to make a big splash and promote the reform of the canal system, so as to leave a strong mark on history.

Thinking of this, Fan Dongyang comforted him, "For you, choosing to compromise on this matter is not a bad thing. Do you know what your greatest advantage is?"

Xue Huai said with a slight puzzlement, "Please enlighten me, Chief Censor."

"age!"

Fan Dongyang said with a hint of envy, "If I remember correctly, you've just turned twenty this year, and your wonderful life is just beginning. You'll have plenty of time to realize your ambitions in the future. Right now, you just need to focus on developing yourself and laying a solid foundation for the future."

These words did indeed carry a certain sincerity.

Upon hearing this, Xue Huai relaxed his brows and sincerely said, "Your words of wisdom, Grand Censor, will be kept in mind." Fan Dongyang smiled, quite satisfied with Xue Huai's attitude, and nodded, saying, "Very good. Jing Che, now that Chen Bao and the others have been captured, I plan to head north to Huai'an tomorrow to thoroughly investigate the case of the infiltration of the heretical sect. The aftermath of the salt and grain transport dispute will be handled by you and Transport Commissioner Huang."

Xue Huai stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Your humble servant obeys!"

Fan Dongyang also stood up, gazing at Xue Huai's young and composed face, and slowly said, "Governor Jiang and others will accompany me. Sang Chengze will stay behind to temporarily manage the Yangzhou branch of the Grand Canal Gang. As for the Yangzhou Supervisory Office of the Grand Canal, it will be taken over by a loyal and reliable official. Although the political situation in the imperial court is unpredictable, you can do as you please in this small territory of Yangzhou."

Xue Huai understood the deeper meaning behind those words.

Fan Dongyang knew that he had the power to reach the emperor's ears, and he also knew that he would submit a memorial to the emperor on the long-standing problems of the canal transport. He came here today hoping to reach a consensus with him and for the two of them to be in agreement on the general direction of the memorial. This was the way to show consideration for the emperor's wishes.

Xue Huai finally agreed, so Fan Dongyang reciprocated by persuading Sang Shichang to hand over the Yangzhou branch of the Grand Canal Gang to Sang Chengze, and Zhao Cong's successor would also be an honest man, thus giving Xue Huai room to realize his ambitions.

Some things cannot be said openly, but can be done practically. As long as you can achieve results in the end, you will have enough confidence to convince others.

Therefore, Xue Huai bowed and said, "Thank you, Chief Censor!"

"That's a bit too polite of you."

Fan Dongyang reached out to help him up and smiled, "In a year or two, when you are promoted and return to the capital, I will host a banquet for you. Please don't refuse then."

Xue Huai also smiled and said, "Since the Grand Censor has invited me, how could I dare not come?"

"Okay, it's settled then."

Fan Dongyang was greatly pleased and then took his leave. Xue Huai personally escorted him to the gate of the mansion.

Back in the inner hall, Xue Huai stood by the table, his expression calm and without a trace of melancholy.

In fact, he had long guessed what decision Fan Dongyang would make, because the emperor was unwilling to wage a major war, and this important minister who was favored by the emperor would naturally not go against the emperor's wishes. However, he obviously did not guess Xue Huai's true intentions.

Xue Huai walked to the bookshelf, took out a document from a hidden compartment, and the four characters on the cover were so powerful they seemed to penetrate the paper.

His fingertips touched the writing, a faint smile appearing on his face.

That's enough.

……

West of the city, Shen Garden, East Garden.

Inside Shen Qingluan's study, Princess Yun'an of Great Yan stood beside the bookshelves, selecting classics with great interest.

The room was filled with a faint fragrance, and the surroundings were exceptionally quiet. No one dared to trespass and disturb the princess's peace.

Jiang Li was not uninvited. Although she was of noble status, she would not be an rude guest. Today, Shen Qingluan had specially invited her to have tea. However, not long after, news came that Madam Du was unwell, so Shen Qingluan had to apologize and leave.

Jiang Li did not go with them. After all, her status was different. If she were to appear in the inner quarters, the entire Shen family would likely be disturbed. So she told Shen Qingluan to go quickly, while she stayed here to read.

As the emperor's most beloved princess, Jiang Li received the best education from a young age and can be described as knowledgeable and exceptionally talented.

She picked up several books from the bookshelf that showed signs of being read, and looking at the insightful annotations left by Shen Qingluan, a strange feeling welled up inside her.

Judging from this, Shen Qingluan and Xue Huai are indeed a good match; no wonder that guy couldn't wait to get engaged.

"Ok?"

Jiang Li paused in her movements. The book in her hand had been placed deep inside the bookshelf, presumably a book that Shen Qingluan valued highly. However, when she picked it up, she found it to be just an ordinary collection of poems, not a rare or unique copy.

Inside this ordinary collection of poems, there was a carefully folded piece of paper.

Logically speaking, Jiang Li should have put it back exactly as it was, since it was very likely Shen Qingluan's private secret, and she was by no means someone who would wantonly pry into secrets.

But for some reason, she inexplicably put down the poetry collection and slowly opened the paper.

"Standing still—"

Jiang Li's words came to an abrupt halt, because she recognized whose handwriting it was after reading only two words.

She stood quietly by the bookshelf, reading each word on the paper carefully.

Those eyes, as cold as jade, narrowed slightly.

(End of this chapter)