The next morning, faint sunlight, like strands of golden threads, filtered through the carved windows, gently illuminating the spacious and solemn lobby of the Ministry of Revenue. Inside, officials, dressed in formal uniforms and with varying expressions, took their places, ready to begin a new day of busy official duties.
The Right Assistant Minister's face was as gloomy as the dark clouds before a storm. His eyes were slightly narrowed, and there was a malicious light flashing in his eyes. He was secretly thinking about how to create difficulties for Si Yan, who had just arrived, so that this young man, who was ignorant of the world, would know how powerful he was.
Finally, unable to suppress the calculations in his mind, he suddenly raised his hand and threw a ledger in front of Si Yan. The ledger drew an arc in the air and landed heavily on the table with a "pa" sound. Then it slid across the table quickly, making a sharp and piercing sound as if he was sending a provocative signal to Si Yan. "Master Jiang," the Right Vice Minister snorted coldly, his tone full of contempt and difficulty, "This is the Jiangnan salt tax ledger. The accounts in it are very complicated. If you can't figure it out, don't even think about leaving get off work!"
Si Yan remained calm in the face of this sudden challenge, as if he had anticipated it all. He reached out his hand unhurriedly, steadily taking the account book bearing the Right Minister's malicious intent. His slender fingers gently flipped open the book, his eyes swiftly scanning the densely packed account entries. In an instant, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, a confident smile spreading across his face, as if declaring he had grasped the secret.
Then, the abacus in his hand began to clatter, its beads dancing rapidly under his nimble fingertips like joyful spirits, emitting a series of pleasant and rapid sounds, as if playing a passionate melody to solve a mystery. "The salt tax is two thousand taels short," Si Yan suddenly said. His voice, though not loud, was clear and powerful, echoing throughout the hall like a bell. "Is it the accountant's hand that's shaking?" With that, his beads stopped abruptly, and his gaze, sharp as a torch, shot towards Accountant Wang, a look that seemed to see through everything. "Accountant Wang, you took three days off last month. As per the regulations, three taels of silver will be deducted."
Upon hearing these words, Accountant Wang felt as if struck by thunder, his face instantly turning as pale as paper, completely devoid of blood. His body trembled uncontrollably, his eyes filled with fear and helplessness, like a lamb to be slaughtered. His lips trembled, as if he wanted to argue, but fear seemed to choke his throat, and in the end, no words came out.
At that moment, behind a screen on one side of the lobby, Su Jinli was leisurely munching on sunflower seeds, her expression as if she were enjoying a wonderful performance. Upon hearing Si Yan's words, her eyes lit up, and she shouted, "Si Yan, remember to calculate compound interest after deducting your salary." Her voice was clear and resounding, carrying an unquestionable aura, as if adding a bold stroke to Si Yan's victory.
Seeing this, the Right Assistant Minister was furious. He slammed the table with a loud bang, and the pens, inkstone, and paper on the table shook. He stood up with his eyes wide open, like two flaming copper bells, and glared at Si Yan with a look that seemed to want to devour Si Yan alive, and roared, "How dare you!"
Yet, Jiang Yan remained unhurried, his expression calm and composed. He leisurely picked up the Ministry of Revenue Regulations from the side, his movements unhurried, as if he had complete control over time. He flipped open the regulations, his slender fingers gently sliding across the pages. He then pointed to a particular article and slowly read, "Article 32 clearly states that those who fail to keep clear accounts will be fined three months' salary." He then gave Si Yan a meaningful look, saying, "Be sure to calculate accurately, or they'll accuse us of bullying the newcomers." His eyes held both trust in Si Yan and a hint of encouragement.
The surrounding senior officials, observing this, were so frightened they couldn't even breathe, like a flock of frightened quails. They lowered their heads, tucking them into their collars, fearing they would attract trouble and cause unnecessary trouble. The atmosphere in the hall was extremely tense, as if the slightest disturbance would trigger a major uproar.
Siyan felt his father's support, and his heart grew stronger. He slammed his abacus with a resounding, clear sound, as if declaring his victory to everyone. Then, he announced loudly, "The total fine is 123 taels of silver, to be paid within three days." His voice was firm and powerful, echoing through the hall like a bell, as if to prove to everyone that his decision was unquestionable.
Su Jinli's hearty laughter immediately echoed from behind the screen. It was filled with joy and pride, as if announcing Siyan's victory to everyone present. "Siyan, your pocket money will be doubled this month!" Her voice was filled with admiration and affection for her son, sending a warm feeling through Siyan's heart.
The Right Assistant Minister was trembling with anger, yet he could do nothing. He knew Si Yan's actions were justified, and he couldn't find any reason to refute them based on the regulations. But how could he give up so easily? He clenched his fists, thinking that he would find a chance to get back at Si Yan someday.
While the veteran officials appeared too frightened to speak, they each had their own thoughts. Some secretly rejoiced that they hadn't participated in the Right Vice Minister's harassment, while others worried that this incident would trigger a chain reaction and affect their own future.
At this moment, Siyan was filled with a sense of accomplishment. He knew that this was not just his own victory, but also the result of his family's support. With his parents' support, he was more confident in moving forward in this complex officialdom.
Jiang Yan looked at his son, his eyes filled with relief and pride. He knew that Si Yan had demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and courage in this struggle. Although the road ahead was still long, he was confident that his son would be able to move forward steadily in this turbulent officialdom.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
