The Australian Revolution of 1828

On the evening of March 16, 1828, after the meeting had concluded that day.

At this time, Dai Zhicheng and Lin Moquan were having a semi-secret meeting, while Han Qingyun was handling official business at the Governor's Office, approving the official documents that had been delayed that day so that they could be implemented as soon as possible.

Han Qingyun was busy until around nine o'clock before he finished his official business. Just as he was about to return to the back office, he noticed that candles were lit in the Finance Department's office area, as if people were busy working.

Out of curiosity, and also impressed by the Finance Department's dedication, Han Qingyun was drawn to the candles. He quietly entered the Finance Department's office, where he saw busy figures everywhere.

By the time everyone realized it, Han Qingyun had already entered the office of Chen Anguo, the Director of the Financial Services Department.

Inside the office, Finance Minister Chen Anguo appeared surprised and quickly excused himself from his work, saying, "Chief Inspector, what brings you here?"

To be honest, Han Qingyun was also very surprised, never expecting the Finance Department to arrange overtime work.

However, to encourage this attitude, Han Qingyun gave it high praise, saying, "With dedicated officials like you in Hanyang Prefecture, I believe Hanyang will become increasingly prosperous!"

"By the way, all Finance Department officials who work overtime tonight will receive an extra 5 silver dollars as a bonus for the month!"

Chen Anguo of the Finance Department disagreed with this approach and refused Han Qingyun's offer, saying, "Chief Censor, this will only make officials more greedy and only do superficial work."

"The Finance Bureau is working overtime, not for rewards, but to do everything in its power to ensure a stable environment in Hanyang!"

This simple matter had been elevated to a level that others could hardly reach, leaving Han Qingyun no choice but to admire it. He said, "Director Chen is absolutely right; it was I who broke the rules!"

Having affirmed the work of the Finance Department, Han Qingyun then changed the subject, asking with a hint of doubt, "What has the Finance Department been busy with tonight?"

It's not like it's anything shameful. Chen Anguo from the Finance Department was more than happy for Han Qingyun to know, explaining, "It's all stuff that was mentioned in today's meeting."

"The Finance Department is calculating the income and expenditure for the past few months. If there is a surplus, it can be used to further support the immigration work in Hanyang, which can be considered as doing what it can to prepare for war."

If that's the case, then it deserves praise.

Han Qingyun found a seat and gestured for Chen Anguo from the Finance Department to sit down as well. He then presented the proposal regarding customs duties and said, "The farm has been reclaiming wasteland for years. It's not feasible to generate income from agriculture in the short term."

"I intend to levy customs duties, with the Finance Department in charge. I wonder if Anguo has any specific implementation measures?"

Currently, import and export are handled by the Trade Department, so related taxes are naturally out of the question.

The purpose of mentioning customs now is twofold: first, to increase commercial tax revenue, and second, to improve the government structure of Hanyang Prefecture and create a system of checks and balances.

Chen Anguo, the Director of the Financial Services Department, is from Fengyang Prefecture, Anhui Province. He was once a failed scholar. He was born on September 15, 1795, and is currently 33 years old.

Because of his high level of education, he had been in charge of the Finance Department after settling in Hanyang, thus wielding the least influence and posing the least threat to Han Qingyun.

Perhaps due to a scholar's habit, Chen Anguo of the Financial Office did not elaborate on his personal thoughts, but instead left room for maneuver, saying, "Your Excellency, regarding customs duties, I believe the time is not yet ripe."

"Currently, the Trade Department is responsible for both imports and exports, and the profits generated are reported to the Financial Services Department in full. If customs duties are increased now, not only will we need to increase staff, but there will also be more additional expenditures."

The message of advice was quite clear, and Han Qingyun agreed with it, accepting Chen Anguo's statement from the Finance Department, saying, "Alright, let's leave this matter for now, but remember not to spread it."

Han Qingyun didn't linger, standing up and saying, "Anguo, I'm going back. Don't stay too late, remember to go home and rest early!"

What needs to be said should be said, and the decision-making process should be left to Chen Anguo.

Back in the governor's mansion's back hall, Han Qingyun took a relaxing hot bath, then lay on the bed enjoying Gao Jingyi's massage. He said, "Jingyi, I've been busy with official business these past two days. How's it going with your marriage?"

This matter concerns one's status and position, so Gao Jingyi naturally takes it very seriously. While pressing Han Qingyun's shoulder, she said, "Madam has already arranged for Uncle Han to handle it, and the date has been set for the 21st!"

Han Qingyun hummed in agreement, then said, "That's good. There's one more thing I forgot to tell you: your brother arrived in Hanyang the day before yesterday!"

"He was worried about being scammed, so he didn't dare bring his family along and came alone. Try to find some time tomorrow, and I'll go with you to see him."

Gao Jingyi's family lived in Yongping Prefecture, Zhili Province, which Han Qingyun valued. However, due to the Qing government's strict control over the movement of people, he hadn't been able to reach the countryside.

This time, the Immigration Agency brought good news to Han Qingyun by leveraging the allure of silver dollars.

Upon learning of her family's arrival, Gao Jingyi's movements slowed instantly, and tears of excitement streamed down her face, dripping onto Han Qingyun's back.

Han Qingyun could feel the warmth between family members. He patted the hand on his shoulder and said, "The person has been settled in. I'll go with you to take a look tomorrow."

"I was busy dealing with things at the port last night, so I neglected this matter!"

Gao Jingyi was very excited. She held back her tears, wiped the corners of her eyes, and said, "Husband, official business is important. I'll go and see it myself tomorrow."

While official business is important, Gao Jingyi's feelings also need to be taken into account. She said, "It's all taken care of tonight. As for tomorrow's matters, we can deal with them when we get back."

"For so many years, you've been thinking about your family back in mainland China every day. If it weren't for the Immigration Agency putting in some effort, who knows when it would have been completed?"

"Okay, smile!"

Feeling Gao Jingyi's strength, Han Qingyun still couldn't suppress the fire in his heart, and pulled Gao Jingyi into his arms to feel each other's warmth.

Afterwards, Han Qingyun held Gao Jingyi in his arms, and they snuggled together on the bed before he said, "The Governor's Mansion has made a lot of personnel changes recently, so you need to keep an eye on things there."

When it came to serious matters, Gao Jingyi seemed to change completely. Gone was her charm in bed. She said in a serious tone, "Husband, I'll take care of it tomorrow."

What Han Qingyun was referring to wasn't a matter within the household, but rather the covert network controlled by Gao Jingyi. This network consisted of women trained and groomed for marriage within the household, and it was responsible for establishing Han Qingyun's entire intelligence network.

Han Qingyun is bringing this up now because Dai Zhicheng of the Civil Affairs Bureau and Lin Moquan of the War Bureau have defected, causing Han Qingyun to have various suspicions and concerns about his safety.

As suspicions arose, Han Qingyun inevitably had to be wary of the two of them.

Han Qingyun had taught Gao Jingyi all the methods of intelligence transmission, and Gao Jingyi knew them inside and out. Nestled in Han Qingyun's arms, she said, "We haven't received any useful intelligence lately!"

"My lord, has something happened in Hanyang?"

As his close bedmate, Han Qingyun didn't hide anything, saying, "Since I took over as governor, I've been under a lot of pressure from all sides. There are those who are dissatisfied and those who are trying to trip me up."

"Aside from those completely tied to the Governor's Office, I don't know who I can trust and who I can't!"

"The only thing we can do now is to use our power to intimidate others! The Governor's Office is powerful, so everyone will follow me. If the Governor's Office loses power, then everyone will choose someone else."

Understanding Han Qingyun's concerns, Gao Jingyi deeply felt the pressure from the political situation and said, "Husband, I'll invite my girlfriends over for a get-together tomorrow!"

This is something only Gao Jingyi can handle; Han Qingyun has no say in it. He said, "Okay, but go see your brother first tomorrow."

"It's not easy for him to come all this way, so let's not be impolite!"