Brocade Robe Unparalleled

Chapter 17 Offering Advice to the Country
As dawn broke and the campfire died down, the bustling Black Stone Village, which had been noisy all night, returned to tranquility in the morning light.

As dawn broke, the Jingbian Division personnel had already departed.

Inside the council hall of Black Stone Village.

Yang Zhentian finally learned the whole story from Tian Qingluan. The drunkenness on his face instantly disappeared. He slammed his fist on the table and said angrily, "Damn it! I thought I had gotten a great deal, but it turns out I fell into a trap set by your Tian family!"

Tian Qingluan smiled slightly, "Uncle Yang, what makes you say that?"

Yang Zhentian's voice was hoarse, filled with deep regret and resentment. He gritted his teeth and said, "From now on, all of us Yang family members will become your Tian family's laborers in the mines. Qingluan, you've really schemed against me!"

Tian Qingluan remained calm and gentle in her tone: "Uncle Yang, you are too kind. From now on, Baishi Village can focus on mining, saving them the hard work and risks of salt production and sales. The profits will far exceed those before, and the lives of our people will only get better. Our two families will each get what they need, and it will be mutually beneficial. How can you say it's hard labor?"

Yang Zhentian stared intently at Tian Qingluan, his anger gradually turning into resentment and helplessness, ultimately culminating in a deep sigh: "Alas..."

He slumped back into his chair, as if all his strength had been drained away.

The Tian family has mastered the new salt law, and the Yang family can no longer compete with them.

If they fight to the bitter end, the family may face annihilation.

"Fine, fine!" He leaned back in his chair, waved his hand dismissively, and said, "I give up. Mining is mining, at least I won't have to fight tooth and nail for that little bit of water anymore..."

Compared to the lives and safety of the clansmen, losing control over salt production and sales seemed acceptable, especially since Baishi Village's profits had indeed increased.

“It’s a blessing for both villages that Uncle Yang thinks this way.” Tian Qingluan nodded slightly and said, “With changes imminent, only by uniting can our two villages stand firm in the storms to come…”

Yang Zhentian was taken aback: "Change? What change?"

Tian Qingluan slowly let out a sigh of relief and said, "Salt tax is the most important part of the imperial treasury, accounting for nearly half of the national revenue. The new salt law has greatly reduced the cost of salt production and increased both output and quality. It is not something that a mere Tian family or Yang family can hold onto. I'm afraid it won't be long before the salt industry landscape of Dayong is completely transformed. We must prepare as soon as possible..."

……

Inside the duty room of Wu, a centurion, at the Jingbian Division.

Wu Baihu stood to one side, a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead.

Commander Zhou sat upright in the main seat, his eyes sharp as he looked at Lin Xuan standing below him and said in a deep voice, "Lin Xuan, you have successfully resolved the century-old feud between Tian and Yang villages and averted a major disaster. You deserve the greatest credit!"

Lin Xuan remained calm, only bowing slightly: "Thank you for your praise, Commander. It is my duty, and I dare not take credit for it."

A fleeting hint of approval crossed Zhou Tai's eyes. The next moment, he changed the subject and said, "The grudge between the Tian and Yang families runs deep and cannot be resolved in a few words. I am very curious, what method did you use to turn hostility into friendship overnight, and even allow them to share a meal together?"

Lin Xuan knew he couldn't hide the truth, so he said frankly, "Reporting to my lord, I did not directly intervene in the conflict between the two villages. I just happened to have mastered a new method of salt making. This method can greatly reduce the amount of water needed for salt making, shorten the salt making time, and significantly improve the quality of salt. I made a deal with the Tian family of Black Stone Village using this new method."

"The new salt law?"

Zhou Tai and Wu Baihu were both moved.

Salt profits are substantial, and they are also crucial to people's livelihood and stability; therefore, improving the salt law is of paramount importance.

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "With the Tian family mastering this method, they no longer need to compete with Baishi Village for limited water resources. The Tian family buys the salt mines mined by Baishi Village at high prices. Baishi Village is spared the trouble and risks of making and selling salt. They can obtain a higher and more stable income than before just by selling the mines. Naturally, there is no reason to continue the conflict. Both villages get what they need, and the dispute is settled."

After listening, Zhou Tai remained silent for a moment, then gently tapped his fingers on the table.

The duty room was completely silent; even Wu, the centurion, dared not breathe.

At one point, Zhou Tai looked at Lin Xuan, narrowed his eyes slightly, and asked, "The new salt law... how did you come up with it?"

A hint of embarrassment appeared on Lin Xuan's face, and he said, "Reporting to Commander Qian, I have always been fond of food. The coarse salt I bought from the Tian family tastes bitter, making the dishes I cooked with it unpalatable. So I figured out a way to purify the salt..."

Zhou Tai continued, "Have you verified this new salt-making method?"

Lin Xuan nodded and said, "Reporting to Commander Qian, it has been verified that this method can indeed greatly improve the quality of coarse salt."

Zhou Tai stood up, paced a few steps, and stopped in front of Lin Xuan. His gaze became extremely serious: "Lin Xuan, the new salt production method you just mentioned can save water and time, and also greatly improve the quality of salt. Such a beneficial technology for the country and the people should be presented to the court!"

Lin Xuan had anticipated this, and without any hesitation, he clasped his hands and said, "Your subordinate obeys!"

Zhou Tai's voice carried an unquestionable command tone: "Write down this law in detail immediately and submit it to me. I will personally submit a memorial to the court to present this new law to the imperial court. The court will surely reward you handsomely, and I will also recommend you for merit in the memorial."

Lin Xuan did not hesitate at all, and clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Serving the country is my duty!"

"very good!"

Zhou Tai nodded in satisfaction and ordered without room for argument, "There's no time to lose. Write it now, right here. Commander Wu, grind the ink!"

Wu Baihu immediately picked up the ink stick and respectfully said, "Yes!" The content of the new salt law was not complicated; it was simply a matter of grading and sun-drying salt, plus filtration and purification.

Lin Xuan had just written the same content once, so writing it again was already a piece of cake for him.

However, it differs from the version given to Tian Qingluan.

In this version, Lin Xuan detailed the causes and consequences of creating the new salt law, and also expressed additional gratitude to Commander Zhou and Commander Wu for their support and guidance, as well as to the Jingbian Division for their cultivation...

Commander Zhou repeatedly examined the pages Lin Xuan had written, unable to suppress the smile on his lips. He gently patted Lin Xuan's shoulder and said, "Lin Xuan, you are truly a man of great talent..."

Lin Xuan clasped his hands in greeting and said, "You flatter me, Commander..."

Zhou Tai nodded in satisfaction and said, "You did a great job. You've worked hard and didn't sleep a wink last night. Go and rest now. Don't worry, I won't treat you unfairly this time."

"Subordinates resign!"

Lin Xuan bowed again and slowly left the duty room.

After Lin Xuan left, Zhou Tai glanced at Wu Baihu and said meaningfully, "This Lin Xiaoqi is a talent."

Commander Wu immediately replied, "Yes, yes, yes, such a talent should certainly be given an important position..."

Zhou Tai then changed the subject, saying, "I know you are from the Grand Secretary's faction, but the new salt law is a matter of great importance. If you dare to leak information, the Jingbian Division will not spare you..."

Wu Baihu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and hurriedly said, "This humble official understands..."

Zhou Tai nodded, his expression softening: "If this matter is handled well, the position of Commander of the Sizhou Border Defense Division is undoubtedly yours..."

A hint of joy appeared on Wu Baihu's face as he clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you, Commander!"

It has to be said that Lin Xuan's performance gave him a great surprise and delight.

If such a capable, tactful, and understanding subordinate could be made a trusted confidant, it would certainly save a lot of trouble in the future.

Just then, a figure hurriedly walked in from outside.

Huang Yue beamed with joy and exclaimed excitedly, "Lord Centurion, my father bought me a bottle of Bone Tempering Liquid at a high price! I've already broken through to the eighth rank! Now, regarding my position as the flag-raising officer..."

Wu Baihu glanced at Huang Yue, then at Zhou Qianhu, who was sitting calmly drinking tea to the side.

He coughed lightly and said, "Alright, I understand. Your strength is sufficient. When there is a vacancy for the position of flag officer, I will give you priority consideration."

Huang Yue panicked and hurriedly said, "Sir, that's not what you said before. Don't forget, you took five hundred taels from me..."

Commander Wu's body stiffened, and he immediately said, "Shut up!"

He glared fiercely at Huang Yue and said, "You go down first, I will come to find you later."

Huang Yue said nervously, "Big..."

Commander Wu said with a stern face, "Get out!"

Huang Yue left unwillingly after being glared at like that.

Wu Baihu gritted his teeth inwardly, cursing Huang Yue countless times in his heart.

If this idiot had even half the maturity of Lin Xuan, he wouldn't still be a banner officer...

Although buying and selling official positions was quite common in the Jingbian Division and even in the officialdom of the Dayong Dynasty, it was not allowed on the surface, and if investigated, it would bring him considerable trouble.

He glanced at Commander Zhou out of the corner of his eye. Commander Zhou put down his teacup, seemingly oblivious to what had just happened, and said calmly, "The banner officer position I reserved for you..."

Before Commander Zhou could finish speaking, Commander Wu immediately interjected, "Commander Wei is getting old and has told me several times that he wants to retire to his hometown. The position of Commander of the Sizhou Border Pacification Division will soon be vacant..."

"Commander?"

Commander Zhou raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. He gently patted Commander Wu's shoulder and said, "I will recommend you for the position of Commander of the Sizhou Border Pacification Division..."

Wu Baihu was overjoyed. With this achievement and Zhou Qianhu's suggestion, his promotion was practically a done deal.

He immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowed deeply, and said loudly, "Thank you for your guidance, Commander!"

(End of this chapter)