The Ming Dynasty's henchmen, working from nine to five

Chapter 97 Entrusted with an Important Responsibility

"This robe is precious and must never be washed in water. Any damage will be punished as a crime of deceiving the emperor."

"Lord Shen may sew several sets of everyday clothes according to the style of this robe for daily wear."

"Furthermore, the 10,000 taels of tribute tax must be paid this year; Lord Shen, please do not forget."

Seemingly worried that Shen Lang was young and didn't know the rules, the eunuch gave him a special reminder.

The official robe bestowed by Emperor Jiajing was merely a symbol, signifying that you were qualified to wear it.

The formal robes were exquisitely made and heavily decorated, making them very easy to damage. Once received, the recipient would usually keep them safe and would not wear them except for grand court ceremonies.

On ordinary days, she wears imitations of the designs.

This practice existed as early as when the late emperor was still alive, and it is now widespread and has become a customary rule.

Chia-Ching was aware of this but did not interfere; he simply levied an additional service tax.

Each year, those who receive the bestowed garments are required to pay a certain amount of silver according to the rank of the garment.

Shen Lang was unaware of this matter before, and after hearing the eunuch's explanation, he was speechless.

Ten thousand taels of silver means that even if he gets the gold he needs today, it won't be enough to pay back; he'll need to add more.

As for Jiajing, you could say he was incompetent. During his decades-long reign, his throne was as stable as a mountain. Although there were many minor incidents, there were no major ones. The people lived a relatively peaceful life, and they were not displaced or starving.

But if you call him shrewd, he always manages to do things that normal people would never even think of.

It's quite abstract.

"Thank you for reminding me, Father-in-law. I'll remember it." Shen Lang cupped his hands and accepted the flying fish robe.

The eunuch wiped his hands, then carefully picked up the embroidered spring knife, holding it with both hands, and said, "This is a seventh-rank embroidered spring knife. It can be used to execute officials below the seventh rank without prior approval!"

"Lord Shen, please accept this sword!"

Execute first, report later?

This is good!

Unfortunately, it only works on officials below the seventh rank; it's unclear whether it will be possible to further improve their rank in the future.

Shen Lang's eyes flashed slightly, and with a "whoosh," he pulled the blade out of its sharkskin sheath. He gently pressed the blade with his thumb and forefinger, slowly feeling it over.

To be honest, although the material of this knife is precious, due to the excessive pursuit of aesthetics, neither its sharpness nor its toughness can be considered a good product.

Shen Lang particularly liked the design of the Embroidered Spring Blade. It was easy to hold, and its length and width were just right. However, this blade was just for show, and even his true energy couldn't withstand it.

The eunuch laughed and said, "Of course, of course, just pay the tax."

"His Majesty is aware that ceremonial weapons are not to be used without permission, so he has shown special leniency by allowing Lord Shen to forge his own weapons as needed."

.

Shen Lang was speechless for a moment, then asked, "What's the price this time?"

The eunuch held up one finger: "That's also ten thousand taels."

Shen Lang was at a loss for words.

Even a high-ranking official of the third rank, without embezzlement, bribery, or selling official positions, could not come up with that much silver in a year just from his salary.

Jiajing's outrageous demands are practically an invitation for him to find a way to make money.

This guy really has no taboos!

They acted first and reported later, then confiscated the property and wiped out the entire family, right?

This is consistent with Jiajing's usual style.

"Thank you, sir. Let me think about this some more!" Shen Lang cupped his hands and shook his head helplessly.

He couldn't afford the fixed expenses of 20,000 taels a year.

We can't just do reckless things and harm the people for the sake of this money, can we?

Unexpectedly, no sooner had he finished speaking than Princess Jing'an suddenly said, "Pay! This money must be paid!"

"This is a symbol of status!"

"How many people in the entire capital city could have such an honor?"

"I'll have someone send these weapons and official robes to be sampled later, and make ten or eight sets first!"

As she spoke, she stepped forward, touched the dark blue flying fish robe, and said happily, "The embroidery is exquisite, and the style is also excellent. It's truly worthy of being from the palace. You would look incredibly dashing in it!"

Shen Lang nodded with a smile. What the princess said was true. The reason why the Flying Fish Robe was famous was precisely because it was so handsome!

Princess Jing'an, her eyes filled with pleasure, admired the scene for a while before turning to the eunuch and saying, "Wait a moment!"

The eunuch repeatedly agreed and bowed.

Before long, Manager Li came running in from outside, covered in sweat, holding a thick stack of silver notes.

Princess Jing'an took it and placed it in the eunuch's hand: "Pay for three years' worth first, then take it back to His Majesty!"

"Keep the rest for yourself; consider it a reward from me for your good fortune!"

"Oh, oh, thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Your Highness!"

The eunuch was stunned for a moment, but when he saw the number on the silver note, he immediately beamed and bowed repeatedly to express his gratitude.

Princess Jing'an waved her hand casually: "No need to be so polite."

The eunuch cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Shen Lang: "His Majesty has said that he will soon entrust Lord Shen with an important task; you should make preparations in advance!"

Shen Lang paused for a moment, then nodded calmly and said, "I understand."

The eunuch said no more, glanced at Shen Lang and the princess, and then tactfully left with his men.

The lotus garden quieted down. Princess Jing'an pulled Shen Lang aside, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and confusion: "This centurion..."

"What rank of official is he?"

"It should be a sixth-rank official."

Shen Lang thought for a moment and said that he wasn't entirely sure either. He was new here and had been so focused on handling major cases that he hadn't had time to learn about these things yet.

I had heard Liu Baichuan mention before that a commander of a thousand is a fourth-rank military officer, while a commander of a hundred is two ranks lower, so they should be about the same rank of sixth.

To be honest, he was quite surprised himself. Not to mention that he had achieved success overnight, the speed of his advancement was far beyond that of ordinary people.

Princess Jing'an gasped in surprise: "You're only twenty-one, and you've already reached the sixth rank?!"

"What's wrong with His Majesty? Not only is he not blaming you, but he's even promoting you beyond the usual ranks?"

Shen Lang smiled, and a sense of understanding began to emerge within him.

He wasn't quite sure before, but after seeing the Embroidered Spring Blade that said "act first, report later," he began to guess Jia Jing's thoughts.

The reason Jiajing values ​​him so much is not only because of his crime-solving abilities, but more importantly because of his conduct.

In less than a month since arriving in Beijing, he has offended the Yan faction and the Qingliu faction. Even according to rumors, he is not well-liked by the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard).

This is a classic example of a loyal but isolated official!

He does not form factions, does not engage in personal gain, does not participate in factional struggles, has no political stance, and simply works alone quietly.

Moreover, and most importantly, their abilities are exceptionally outstanding!

If he were Jiajing, he would definitely like such a minister.

Compared to the tangible benefits, what are these drawbacks?

Therefore, it was only natural that Jiajing would issue such an edict.

Shen Lang recalled what the eunuch had said earlier—that His Majesty would soon entrust him with an important task—and his eyes flickered thoughtfully.

>