Shen Qinghe's departure from the capital was ostensibly to inspect the preparations for the autumn imperial examinations, but in reality, he had another important mission: a major case concerning the grain transport that affected the very foundation of the nation.
Huainan is located on the south bank of the middle reaches of the Huai River, between the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. The area is densely networked with waterways and bustling with merchants. It is not only a vital passage for north-south water transport but also a central hub for the transfer of imperial grain, with millions of shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain stored up year-round.
However, half a month ago, the emperor received a secret report that Fang Tingli, the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, was suspected of embezzling funds for river management, resulting in the neglect of river maintenance. Last year, the Yellow River breached its banks and changed its course, flooding thousands of acres of fertile land and destroying countless houses. The root cause was here. What was even more infuriating was that this man was also secretly controlling the canal transport, smuggling grain, buying low and selling high, which caused grain prices in Huainan to rise, and the people to suffer greatly.
Embezzling funds intended for river management was a capital offense, while smuggling grain was an even more serious crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family. However, Fang Tingli held the reins of the national grain transport system and also served as the head of river management, making him a man of immense power and influence. Therefore, although the emperor was furious, he dared not detain him rashly and could only send secret guards to investigate him covertly.
No sooner had the secret guards arrived in Huainan than news arrived that Fang Tingli had died suddenly at home. The emperor was furious that the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner, a second-rank official of the imperial court, had been silenced at the height of his power. He wanted to send more people, but then he remembered that Fang Tingli had died so soon after the secret guards arrived, which meant that even his closest confidants could not be trusted. So he summoned Shen Qinghe that very night and sent him to Huai'an to secretly investigate the cause of Fang Tingli's death.
Shen Qinghe arrived in Huai'an earlier than expected, so he did not go to the post station, but instead found an inn to stay temporarily. He then sent his men out to investigate the local grain prices and the hidden story of the Yellow River's breach the previous year. However, before he had even stayed for a few days, someone came looking for him.
Prefect Zhao De'an of Huai'an walked into the empty inn, lifting his official robes. "Lord Shen, instead of staying at the imperial post station, you've chosen to stay in this small inn? What a refined taste you have!" His voice preceded his arrival, and Zhao De'an's round face was full of smiles.
Shen Qinghe's eyes flickered slightly. Without making a sound, he put the secret letter into his sleeve, pushed open the carved wooden door, leaned against the railing and looked down at the person who came in. A perfectly timed smile appeared on his lips. "I have only just arrived in Huai'an and I have already met Lord Zhao. It seems that Lord Zhao's information network is quite extensive."
Zhao De'an looked up and saw a man upstairs dressed in a moon-white robe. He appeared gentle, but his deep eyes were as unfathomable as an ancient well. Zhao De'an's heart tightened, and he bowed respectfully. "I would not say I am insightful, but it is a great honor for us that Lord Shen has come to Huai'an to inspect the examination halls by imperial decree. I have prepared a welcoming banquet. Would you please come to the government office?"
Now is not the time to break off relations, so Shen Qinghe naturally had no reason to refuse. "Lord Zhao is so kind as to accept my invitation. It would be impolite of me to refuse." He then instructed his attendants to move everything from the inn to the East City Post Station.
The back garden of the Huai'an government office was brightly lit. Shen Qinghe sat calmly at the table, his fingertips tracing the celadon wine cup, but he did not drink a drop.
Seeing this, Zhao De'an clapped his hands with a smile, and two maids stepped forward with a sandalwood box. They gently opened it, and inside was a set of fine Duan inkstones, which were obviously very valuable.
"Lord Shen's inspection of the examination halls this time has been very arduous and meritorious. I have prepared a small gift for you, as a token of my appreciation for your refined taste in the study." Zhao De'an squinted, his tone respectful but subtly probing.
Shen Qinghe glanced at the inkstone, a slight smile playing on his lips, and then calmly pushed the box back: "Lord Zhao, you are too kind. I am acting on imperial orders and dare not accept private gifts from local officials."
Zhao De'an's smile froze for a moment, then he forced an even warmer smile: "It's just an inkstone, Lord Shen, why be so careful?"
"I appreciate Lord Zhao's kindness, but the court is keeping a close eye on this mission, so it's best to be cautious."
It was just an inkstone, a mere test. If Shen Qinghe accepted it, there was still room for negotiation; if he didn't, well… A sinister glint flashed in Zhao De'an's eyes. He gave a wink to his trusted aide beside him, who understood and quietly withdrew.
Before long, several maids dressed in light pink gauze entered in single file and served fresh wine. Zhao De'an personally stood up and poured a full cup for Shen Qinghe.
"Lord Shen, this cup of 'Floating Jade Spring' is a specialty of Huai'an. I have been storing it in my cellar for several years. Today, I specially ordered someone to take it out of the cellar. You must try it."
Shen Qinghe's eyes flickered slightly as he glanced at Zhao De'an with a half-smile. He slowly raised his wine cup, but paused at his lips, saying, "Lord Zhao's hospitality is too much for me to bear."
Zhao De'an's smile remained unchanged, but a hint of nervousness was faintly revealed in his eyes.
Shen Qinghe suddenly smiled, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing this, Zhao De'an was secretly pleased and quickly urged Shen Qinghe to drink a few more cups. Before long, Shen Qinghe seemed a little drunk, holding his forehead with one hand and frowning slightly.
"Is Lord Shen tired? Why don't you take a rest?" Zhao De'an asked, feigning concern.
Shen Qinghe closed his eyes and shook his head, as if trying to stay awake, but his voice was already unclear: "It's nothing, just a little dizzy." Before he finished speaking, his body swayed and he almost slipped off his seat.
Zhao De'an immediately ordered his men, "Quickly, help Lord Shen to his room to rest!"
After Shen Qinghe was helped into the private room, the respect on Zhao De'an's face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold smile.
The trusted aide whispered, "My lord, everything is arranged. We'll send him to 'Drunken Moon Pavilion' later, and find a few gossips. Tomorrow morning, the whole of Huai'an will know that the Imperial Envoy has barely arrived and is already eagerly seeking pleasure!"
Zhao De'an nodded in satisfaction: "Do it cleanly, don't leave any evidence. I want to see how an imperial envoy with such poor character can investigate a case."
The clerk bowed obsequiously, "Your Excellency is brilliant. By then, even if he has a thousand mouths, he won't be able to explain himself. This inspection mission will probably end in a humiliating defeat."
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