Chapter 110 Are you crazy?
To cover up the enormous hole left by her ex-boyfriend, Xiang Ruzhen has been checking the accounts for the past two months.
You wouldn't believe it until you investigated. Many problems that could be seen in the accounts had been going on for a long time.
Xiang Ruzhen gritted her teeth and pulled out the law, drafting a long list of people to be investigated overnight. Who handled the bad debts, who made the decisions, and who took the money—none of them would escape.
She wanted to trace back fifty years, including the current and previous dynasties, and whoever had taken money from the Ministry of Revenue's accounts that they shouldn't have, was now on Xiang Ruzhen's list.
Principal plus penalties, plus interest. Whatever was swallowed up back then, now it all has to be returned, principal and interest.
During this time, Xiang Ruzhen acquired many nicknames. Some called her "Old Stingy" because she was always trying to squeeze money out of people.
Some called her stubborn because she showed no mercy; no matter whose relative or friend, no one would plead for her help. Pleading was useless and would even implicate the person who pleaded, leading to accusations of misconduct and failing to distinguish between public and private interests.
Xiang Ruzhen spent a whole month in the capital scrimping and saving, managing to scrape together over 400,000 taels of silver, offending everyone she could and couldn't afford to offend.
Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin knew her character and had always supported her wholeheartedly. However, they were still quite shocked to hear that Xiang Ruzhen was to be appointed as an imperial envoy to inspect the seventeen prefectures of Hua Kingdom, thoroughly investigate corruption, and trace back past grievances.
Xiang Ruzhen was still living in the house next to the academy. When Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin rushed over, Xiang Ruzhen had just returned from the palace.
Xueqing, heavily pregnant, was helping Xiang Ruzhen pack her belongings with her servants.
As soon as Lu Jinlan entered the room, she couldn't help but ask, "Ruzhen, are you crazy? Are you really going to leave the capital?"
Xiang Ruzhen smiled. "I knew you guys were coming. Xueqing, you two go out first, we'll talk for a bit."
Xueqing nodded, her eyes red.
Xiang Ruzhen closed the door and took out the imperial edict and the Shangfang sword to show the two of them.
Xiang Ruzhen said, "The imperial decree has been issued. The emperor has granted me full authority to investigate all officials in the seventeen prefectures. From the prefects to the village officials, once the facts are verified, I can be investigated and punished. I am specially permitted to act first and report later, so I can go all out."
The two men had tense faces and furrowed brows.
Yan Wuxin said, "You think this is a good thing? If it were such a great thing, why would it be your turn?"
"The Emperor is such a shrewd man. Whenever there's something that can be done to gain an advantage by simply showing his face, he makes the eldest princess do it."
"On the contrary, when it comes to dangerous matters, they don't let their children participate at all. You see, while we were fighting on the border, Zhao Zhiyu was enjoying a life of luxury in the capital."
Lu Jinlan sighed, "Wuxin is right. Doing business outside the capital and doing business in the capital are two completely different things. The capital is, after all, under the emperor's nose. We are all here, and no one dares to act recklessly."
“But once you leave the capital, you’ll be in an unfamiliar place, and who knows what might happen to you. You’re carrying the imperial sword, and those people will know you’re going to punish someone. If they’re desperate, they might just turn on you.”
"The Emperor appointed you as this Imperial Envoy, gave you the Imperial Sword, and granted you the power of life and death. Do you think this is for your own good?"
"She should have known that your trip would be extremely dangerous. Many imperial envoys who investigate a single place or matter often lose their lives, let alone those who are to investigate seventeen prefectures. The Emperor knows that this is going deep into the tiger's den with a slim chance of survival, yet he still wants you to risk your life. He really doesn't care about you at all!"
Xiang Ruzhen sighed softly, "I know, I know everything. The Emperor is using me. He's not appointing me, because he hasn't considered my long-term future. Nor is he giving me important responsibilities, because he doesn't care much about my life or death."
The book says, "A gentleman is not a tool," meaning that a gentleman should not be reduced to someone else's tool. But I don't think so. As long as I can do what I want to do, there's nothing wrong with being someone else's tool.
"The Ministry of Revenue's accounts are not just those of the capital, but those of the entire country, so naturally they must be thoroughly investigated in all regions. Corruption is like a chronic disease; if we allow this deep-seated ailment to fester and not eradicate it, how can this country ever recover?"
Yan Wuxin said helplessly, "That shouldn't be something you should be leading. What about the Ministry of Personnel? So many officials are involved, why aren't the people from the Ministry of Personnel investigating?"
Xiang Ruzhen said, "I suggested a joint investigation with the Ministry of Personnel, but the Minister of Personnel said that there were many things to do at the end of the year, and the Ministry of Personnel was busy with the evaluation and promotion of officials, so they couldn't spare the time. They could only send two officials to me as helpers."
Lu Jinlan said angrily, "The Ministry of Personnel is just shirking its responsibilities."
Xiang Ruzhen laughed and said, "Maybe they're scared, but I'm not. Don't you always say that some people never go down to the grassroots themselves and just give orders from above all day? Now that I'm going down to the grassroots, you won't not support me, will you?"
Lu Jinlan said worriedly, "Of course we support you, but... but as my mother would say, even if what you're doing is right, why does it have to be you who does it? There are only two months until the New Year, and Xueqing is about to give birth. If you go out at this time, what if something bad happens to you..."
Xiang Ruzhen said firmly, "Because I want to do it."
"Do you remember what we said back in the academy? Jinlan said that a prosperous era has little to do with whether the emperor is a benevolent ruler, but rather depends on whether there are capable ministers who can govern the country well."
"I am confident in my abilities and therefore wish to assume the role of a capable minister. Dangerous tasks are rarely undertaken. But if I do not do it, who will?"
“We come from different backgrounds, and you probably don’t understand how much corruption has been bred in places where the rule of law is most lax.”
“There is a road in our county that has been repaired and dug up as long as I can remember. It has been repaired and dug up every year for nearly 20 years. The Ministry of Revenue has allocated money every year, but it is the local officials who have filled their pockets, while the common people are still walking on a broken road.”
"Similar examples include dilapidated bridges on the verge of collapse, broken wells that can't draw water, and leaky schools... You can't imagine how much I hate corrupt officials, having witnessed these things since I was a child."
As Xiang Ruzhen recalled the past, she became somewhat agitated and unconsciously clenched her fists.
Yan Wuxin said softly, "We all hate corrupt officials." But then added, "But we certainly don't hate them as much as you do. You hate evil as if it were your enemy, but we... we're just too lazy."
Xiang Ruzhen said, “You don’t have to be like me. You’ve always lived a life of luxury, so there’s no reason for you to abandon everything to fight those villains. Why fight to the death? But I’m different.”
"Although I am now a high-ranking official living in a big house, with a husband in my arms and no worries about food and clothing, I can't forget those days when I clenched my fists."
"I can't forget the feelings I had when I studied hard for years, overcame all obstacles, and walked to the capital and entered the court with a heart full of passion."
“I even always feel that there is a pair of eyes watching me. She is hoping that I will fulfill my promise and create a peaceful and prosperous world. A world where officials are honest and the people are prosperous. Even students from humble backgrounds like me can still compete for all opportunities on an equal footing…”
Yan Wuxin hurriedly said, "Your idea is too idealistic. It may not be possible even thousands of years from now. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. There is no such pair of eyes watching you."
“Yes!” Xiang Ruzhen said firmly, “Those eyes belong to the me of the past. Back then, Xiang Ruzhen had nothing; she was just a poor boy from a remote mountain village who made a living by hunting.”
"But she kept hoping that a heroine would appear and give her a clear and just world granted by law, so that millions of people like her could live a good life."
"I want to be that heroine, just as I once said, without regret, until death do me part. Perhaps even if I live for a hundred years, I will not be able to complete the great cause of my ideal era. But I will do it, I will keep doing it."
“I can die on the road to my ideals, but I cannot give up because of fear of death, because of my husband and children, or because of my dearest friends’ worries. You are the people in this world who understand me the most, and this time, I hope you can understand me too.”
Lu Jinlan's eyes reddened, and her voice choked as she spoke, "Don't say such unlucky things. You will definitely come back safely. Why don't you wait a couple of days, and let me hand over what I'm doing, and then I'll go with you."
Yan Wuxin wiped away her tears. "That's right, we'll stay with you. At least we can feel more at ease."
Xiang Ruzhen smiled and shook her head, "No need, I'm not a child anymore, why would I take two friends with me when I go out? You all have a lot to do right now, so go ahead and do your thing. I'll be careful. Please take care of the house, I won't say anything more."
Lu Jinlan said, "Don't worry about things at home. As soon as you leave, I'll have Lin Cheng bring Xue Qing over to my residence to prepare for childbirth. There are plenty of doctors there, and Lin Cheng and his team are experienced. But I'm still more worried about you. How many people are you taking with you?"
Xiang Ruzhen did the math. "The Emperor assigned me four imperial guards, but I said I didn't have enough manpower and wanted Sui Zhi to lead a small team to accompany me. The Emperor agreed."
Zuo Suizhi is currently a captain in the Imperial Guard. She is bold and meticulous. With her around, Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin were finally able to relax a little.
Yan Wuxin said, "Under the pretext of assisting in the investigation, I will allocate another two hundred elite troops to you from the Ministry of War. Just in case, when you arrive at the location, it is best to use only the people you brought with you."
Lu Jinlan said, "The area around the capital is manageable. At worst, we can send someone back with a message and we'll go there immediately. The border is also manageable; the Song family army and the Chicheng army are both strong allies of yours. I'm just afraid that the middle section is isolated from the rest of the country, so you must be extremely careful."
Xiang Ruzhen laughed and said, "I know, I know. Why are you two being so long-winded, calling your father-in-law and father-in-law? I'll be careful."
She glanced at the list of items Lu Jinlan had placed on the table. "What's this?"
Lu Jinlan almost forgot, "This is the specific plan I wrote for popularizing scientific farming. I originally wanted to discuss this with you, but I didn't expect you to be going out."
Xiang Ruzhen was taken aback. "Scientific farming? What is science?"
Lu Jinlan: "It's about integrating the knowledge of various subjects; in short, it's about achieving a comprehensive understanding and doing things better. By emphasizing science, we can do anything better."
Xiang Ruzhen put the report away. "Alright, I'll take it and read it on the way. I'll write to you if I have any ideas. I'm going to investigate corruption at the Science Institute. Please don't look so worried."
"I'll take the Overlord Gilded Spear that Jinlan gave me, and I'll put on the golden silk armor. We are warriors who fight on the battlefield, while those are just a bunch of scoundrels who line their own pockets. They want to kill me? They'll have to see if they have the ability."
Lu Jinlan cautioned, "Don't let your guard down, or someone might try something underhanded. I have a bottle of antidote pills here; make sure you carry it with you."
After giving them many instructions, Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin stood on the green hill outside the city early the next morning, watching Xiang Ruzhen's imperial envoy team disappear into the distance until they could no longer see them.
The two exchanged a glance and sighed in unison.
Lu Jinlan: "Sometimes I really envy Ruzhen. She's always so reckless and always willing to go all out."
Yan Wuxin smiled and said, "I think you're quite willing to go all out."
Lu Jinlan shook her head, "It was true before, but not now. But it's still good. My parents are healthy, my close friends are by my side, and I have a husband, children, and a warm bed. This is the life I've always dreamed of."
Yan Wuxin sighed, "Alas, Ruzhen is a formidable person, and you are a ruthless one. As for me, all I ever wanted in this life was to be a wealthy and idle person who lived a life of peace and quiet. If it weren't for you two, I wouldn't bother with all this mess in the court."
The two chatted as they rode back to the city.
Lu Jinlan laughed and said, "Then you wait a bit. Once Ruzhen has finished her business, the three of us will bring our families and live in seclusion. We can spend our days enjoying flowers and wine, riding horses and hunting. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
Yan Wuxin snorted, "Judging from Ruzhen's energy, I'm afraid my hair will be white by the time she's not busy anymore. But we can't bear to let her face this treacherous court alone. Sigh, I'm risking my life to accompany you two. I'm truly going to great lengths to be with you."
Lu Jinlan curled the corners of her lips and teased, "Oh, Lord Yan is complaining again. Is he trying to get me to buy you a drink, or has he set his sights on something in my house again?"
Yan Wuxin chuckled, "That's why we're such good friends. Lend me your BMW for two months."
Lu Jinlan protested, "You're eyeing my horse again? My horse has a personal attendant who takes care of it every day; it's my precious darling."
“We’re closer than sisters, would I ever harm your horse? When it comes to me, I’ll have someone take care of it and make sure it’s healthy and plump.”
"Alright, alright." Lu Jinlan couldn't resist the pleading and reluctantly agreed, "I'll lend it to you for a month, but you have to return it to me properly after a month. This horse is my beloved, and I'll miss it if I don't see it."
"Okay, I'll ride to your house every day so you can see each other and ease your longing, is that alright?"
Yan Wuxin pleaded and begged until he finally got back on his Ferghana horse.
Even on snowy days, he wouldn't ride in a sedan chair to court; instead, he would run around every day to showcase his precious horse.
*
After Xiang Ruzhen left the capital, news of her occasionally arrived.
In less than a month, her imperial sword had already killed seventeen people.
Among them were officials who used various pretexts to swindle government funds and line their own pockets, as well as local wealthy gentry who participated in the distribution of the spoils and conspired together.
It is said that the clerks who accompanied them had become very experienced in raiding homes, and the items they confiscated were transported to the capital without the slightest damage.
Although the country is vast, there are always countless connections between people. Corrupt officials outside the capital and ministers in the court can actually be linked.
After a while, some people couldn't hold back any longer and submitted a memorial impeaching Xiang Ruzhen.
"Your Majesty, you can't just ignore this. Xiang Ruzhen has become a madwoman. She investigates and arrests everyone she finds, and kills everyone she arrests. She... she's practically bloodthirsty. If we let her continue killing like this, it will surely cause turmoil and unrest throughout the court and the country. Your Majesty, you must summon her back immediately."
Zhao Mincheng: "This Xiang Rufeng... tsk, you've really confused me. This Xiang Ruzhen is quite reckless in her actions. What do you ministers think?"
Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin exchanged a glance. "You go first? Or should I go first?"
Lu Jinlan spoke first, "Your Majesty, I believe there is nothing wrong with it. You know Xiang Ruzhen's character; she is upright and honest. Although she has investigated many people, they are all investigated for the court and carried out in accordance with the law."
"As far as I know, since she took over the Ministry of Revenue, she has investigated and dealt with hundreds of people. No matter who she investigated or dealt with, it was not to vent personal grievances, but to address the issues, not the people. The matters investigated were reasonable and well-documented, and everything was recorded in detail."
"If you gentlemen do not believe me, you can check the case files and verify the witnesses and physical evidence when she returns."
"Since those killed were all deserving of death, and none were innocent, there's no need to make a fuss. Even if we killed 170 or 170 people, it would still be doing a good deed by purging the corrupt elements from our dynasty. What's wrong with that?"
"After heads roll, then comes the confiscation of property and the seizure of stolen goods. The Ministry of Revenue has been in deficit for a long time, and now that cartloads of money are being transported to the capital, the national treasury is gradually becoming fuller. What's wrong with that?"
"If anyone feels uneasy because of this, they should reflect on themselves. The innocent have nothing to fear. The uneasy person is probably someone who has done something wrong and is afraid of having a knife cut their own throat."
The man had barely brought up the topic of impeachment when Lu Jinlan launched into a barrage of sarcastic remarks, forcing him to back down.
While Xiang Ruzhen was out there making great strides, Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin were in the court protecting public opinion for her.
This happened several times, and before we knew it, the year was almost over.
That day, Lu Jinlan and Yan Wuxin returned to Zhongyong Garden together after court.
As soon as they arrived at the gate of the mansion, Lin Cheng, accompanied by Huai Xing, greeted them with a smile, "I was thinking you should be back soon, so I had someone prepare hot tea and wine. Please change your clothes and have your meal."
Lu Jinlan tossed the riding whip to the servant, casually took off his cloak and handed it to Lin Cheng, and said with a smile, "Wu Xin and I were just about to talk about eating roast meat on the way. Have someone prepare charcoal and a grill for roasting meat, and also cut two catties of the best pork belly. We'll eat in my room."
Rin-sung responded repeatedly and hurriedly gave the orders.
Before long, the two of them took off their heavy winter clothes and official robes, put on light everyday clothes, and sat around the stove roasting sizzling pork belly.
A sumptuous feast was laid out on the square table beside them, and soon the kitchen brought in sliced venison, beef, and mutton.
The floor heating in the room was warm enough. After drinking two cups of warm wine, the two rolled up their sleeves, unbuttoned their collars, and broke out in a sweat.
Yan Wuxin did some quick calculations and said, "There are still half a month until the New Year. I estimate that Ruzhen will be able to get back around the 27th or 28th of the month."
Lu Jinlan chuckled, "Don't mention it. Ruzhen wrote to me yesterday saying she might be back a little late. Although the investigation is going smoothly, she'll make a surprise return trip when she goes back to the capital to check for any omissions."
Yan Wuxin laughed heartily, "This Xiang Rufeng is truly insane. If I were a corrupt official, I would only wish for a swift death, and I would never dare to be corrupt again in my next life."
Lu Jinlan sighed, "Ruzhen's trip has yielded considerable gains. She has already recovered two million taels of silver. Once she exchanges the stolen goods for cash, the Ministry of Revenue's deficit will be almost completely covered. However, this trip has made her countless enemies. I'm afraid countless eyes are watching her, waiting to find fault with her."
Yan Wuxin said, "Ruzhen is meticulous in her work and strict with herself. Ordinary people really can't do anything about her."
Lu Jinlan said, "I think not only should she be strict with herself, but we should also be extra careful. The three of us are already conspicuous enough. If some people can't find fault with Ruzhen, they might start targeting the people around her."
"The Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and many officials from other parts of the country will be coming to Beijing. Officials in Beijing will also be traveling frequently. When we were students, we didn't care what we did. Now that we are in high positions, it's better to be more cautious."
“I think we should just spread the word that we won’t accept any expensive gifts this year. But it would seem inhumane not to accept anything at all. My household will only accept some food, even dried vegetables, cured meat, mushrooms and the like, which are better than gold and silver.”
Yan Wuxin nodded repeatedly, "Then you can only accept food, and I'll only accept handsome men. Anyway, the Emperor has given me handsome men before, so it won't be a problem for me to accept this."
Lu Jinlan smiled and clinked glasses with her, "That's wonderful."
As the two were talking, Xi Mo said from the doorway, "Young Master, a woman surnamed Li, a clerk from the Ministry of Revenue, has come to the manor. She said she was appointed by Lord Xiang, who told her that if she encountered any trouble, she could come to you and Lord Yan. She has encountered a very urgent matter and has no other choice but to come and ask for an audience with you two."
Lu Jinlan smiled, "Look at Ruzhen, she's out there and she's still giving us homework."
She said to Xi Mo, "Let her in!"
A short while later, a middle-aged woman in her thirties, who was plump and had a somewhat simple and honest appearance, entered with a bow.
She stepped over the threshold, knelt down with a thud, and cried, "This humble official, Li Jingcao, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, greets Lord Lu and Lord Yan. I have nowhere else to turn, please, my lords, save me!"
Lu Jinlan blew on the greasy, fragrant piece of meat on her chopsticks and said calmly, "The sky hasn't fallen, why are you crying? Tell me what happened."
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