Chapter 58
As they were talking, Mingjue rushed in in a panic, beads of sweat on his forehead. "Young Master! Another family has come to the door to protest. Five of them are kneeling, refusing to leave until they see you!"
Song Qianzhao said with a bitter face, "Just say I'm not at home, and ask them to go to the Yintai Division to file a complaint on the 15th of the month. Then give them some silver and let them go on their own."
"Young Master," Mingjue said urgently, "you'd better think of a solution quickly. More and more people are coming to the Song Mansion to complain, and we dare not go out anymore."
Song Qianzhao's heart sank as she heard this. She didn't know who had spread the rumor, but now the whole capital was talking about her bringing down Wang Yan and the other two. Even the children playing on the streets had made it into a ballad: "The drums are beating, the gongs are clanging, and all the injustices are addressed to Young Master Song. Clear water is as bright as a mirror, blazing fire illuminates a loyal heart. With Censor Du Zhan here, evil has nowhere to run."
Song Qianzhao now couldn't even leave the government office with dignity. Every day, when he went to the government office, he had to go through the side gate in the backyard. Even then, groups of people would stop him on the way. The government office gate was always crowded with people crying out for justice, and he couldn't drive them away or keep them.
At first, she really took care of a minor matter, but who would have thought that the people who came to complain would come like a tide and could not be stopped.
Seeing Mingjue's worried face, Song Qianzhao also understood the difficulties faced by his servants, so he comforted him, "Just wait a few more days, it will be resolved by the end of the month at the latest. Don't worry, I have my own plans."
After sending Mingjue away, Song Qianzhao changed into plain clothes and quietly slipped out through the side door, intending to take shelter for a while.
Half a month later, Du Zhan was in his study, looking through case files, when he heard the deafening sound of firecrackers outside. Before he could get up to investigate, a group of people in bright red wedding attire had already rushed into the courtyard.
The leading girl led a group of people to bow and congratulate Madam He. When they saw Du Zhan appearing in the hall, they all knelt down immediately.
Du Zhan was stunned for a moment, "What are you doing? Why did you break into my house?"
The leader's almond-shaped eyes were filled with smiles. "Congratulations, my Lord, on being elected 'Da Sui's First Honest Official' and earning the reputation of 'Pure and Integrity'."
"Look outside! The whole street is filled with people congratulating you. Dasui is truly fortunate to have an honest official like you!"
The leader was none other than Zhao Tinglan. After the case was settled, Song Qianzhao took Zhao Tinglan back to his residence. Initially, she was able to stay, but soon she became bored and begged Song Qianzhao to find her something to do. So, Song Qianzhao arranged for her to help out at the Wang family's shop.
Coming to Lord Du’s residence today is the first task that Brother Wang Feng specifically assigned to me.
Du Zhan became increasingly confused after hearing this. He stepped out of the courtyard and looked around. He saw the alleyway was packed with people. When they saw him, they all knelt down and shouted, "Great Lord!"
"Please stand up! Please stand up!" Du Zhan said flatteredly, "How could I, Du, deserve such a great honor!"
Zhao Tinglan followed, a smile on his lips: "How can you not be worthy of this, sir? This is a genuine public election by the people."
She pulled a silk book from her sleeve and said, "We will register the officials of good reputation in the capital and use symbols instead of their names."
"When people finish using their pancreas, they write a mark on the package and put it in the ballot box."
"After ten days of counting, you alone have received three thousand votes, even Song Tianguan and Zhang Shaozhanshi are slightly behind you."
"This reputation of 'Pure and Integrity' is a choice chosen by the people, and truly represents their will. I implore you not to decline, or it will chill the hearts of the people."
"Is this really what the people have chosen?" Du Zhan's voice trembled.
Zhao Tinglan pursed his lips and smiled: "If you don't believe me, my Lord, are the people on the street here fake too?"
As they were talking, there was a sudden commotion at the entrance of the alley. A procession of ceremonial guards slowly approached, parting the crowd and finally stopping in front of the Du family's gate. The man on horseback at the head of the procession was none other than Jiang He, a palace eunuch.
Du Zhan hurried forward and saluted, "Eunuch Jiang, what brings you here today?"
Jiang He got off the horse, his face immediately filled with smiles, "Sir Du, there's no need to be so polite! We are here today with good news." As he said that, he personally helped Du Zhan up.
After standing still, Jiang He cleared his throat, then solemnly unfolded the bright yellow silk in his hand and announced in a loud voice: "The emperor has given the order! Censor Du Zhan, receive it!"
Du Zhan was startled when he heard this, his eyes widening slightly, clearly not expecting an imperial edict. But in a flash, he had lifted the front of his official robe and knelt down decisively: "I accept your order."
Seeing this, the onlookers also knelt down.
"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven and Earth, proclaims: I believe that governing the country and maintaining its security depends on listening to honest advice; the virtue of being an official is to speak frankly and courageously. Du Zhan, the current Censor of the Censorate, is a man of integrity, deeply concerned with the people's livelihood. He reports all the sufferings of the people truthfully to his superiors; when faced with political gains and losses, he speaks forthrightly. He does not shy away from the powerful, but only cares for the people; he seeks justice without considering personal gain or loss. His unwavering character is a testament to the integrity of the court; his unwavering sincerity is as bright as the sun and the moon. I bestow upon him a golden plaque to hang in his residence to commemorate his integrity. I have high hopes that you will always maintain this heart. I decree this!"
After Jiang He finished reading the imperial edict, Du Zhan remained stunned, unable to react. Seeing this, Jiang He coughed lightly and reminded him, "Du Yushi, why don't you thank me quickly!"
Du Zhan suddenly came to his senses and quickly knelt on the ground, saying, "Your Majesty, Du Zhan, accepts your command and thanks you!"
"We congratulate you. Hang it up. It's a gift from the Emperor. It's written in his own hand. This kind of grace is truly extraordinary!"
After Jiang He finished speaking, he raised his hand to signal, and two eunuchs in green round-collared robes behind him immediately carried out an imperial plaque covered with red cloth.
Du Zhan's chest heaved violently at the sight of this, and he was so excited that he could barely stand. He was about to speak when Zhao Tinglan waved his hand decisively, "Come here, help Lord Du hang the plaque in the hall."
As soon as these words were spoken, several enthusiastic onlookers rushed forward and hurriedly hung the plaque high in the center of the hall.
With a "swish" sound, the red silk fell to the ground.
Four large gilded characters appeared before my eyes: "clean wind in both sleeves".
The onlookers all knelt down in unison with a roar.
"With this, the matter is settled. I must hurry back to the palace to report, and His Majesty is still awaiting news. I cannot stay long today, and I will meet with Censor Du another day to have a drink and chat."
Censor Du bowed and smiled, "Eunuch Jiang is absolutely right. Imperial duties are of the utmost importance. When I have some free time, I will prepare some tea and respectfully await your guidance."
After Jiang He left, Du Zhan looked at the imperial plaque in the hall and tears filled his eyes. In his ten years of official career and seven years as an imperial censor, Du Zhan had done his best and had no regrets. But sometimes he would feel confused, and when he was so hungry that he could not close his eyes, he would look at his humble room, his wife, and the Xiezhi embroidered on his official uniform, and sigh at the injustice of the world.
This title of "Pure Conduct and Integrity" was not purchased with gold or silver, nor was it bestowed by the emperor. It was chosen by the people one vote at a time. And the plaque inscribed with "Pure Conduct and Integrity" was inscribed by the emperor himself.
Du Zhan looked up at the plaque and suddenly felt his eyes getting hot.
After ten years of service, this moment is all worth it.
"Imperial Censor Du..." Zhao Tinglan was surprised to see him crying.
Du Zhan knew he had lost his composure, so he immediately wiped his tears with his sleeve and said with a smile, "I am crying with joy! I am crying with joy!"
Zhao Tinglan's eyebrows curved, and a faint dimple formed on his cheek. "I understand. This honor is truly rare. Now that you have been awarded the title of Qingfeng Junjie, you are the spokesperson for our Wang family business. Your Excellency, please follow me to the shop so I can paint a small portrait of you."
"What's the portrait for?" Du Zhan raised his eyebrows, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"We'll print your portrait and deeds and hang them in every branch office." Her eyes sparkled. "Firstly, it'll be a nice touch, and secondly, it'll show local officials what proper officialdom is."
Seeing Du Zhan thoughtful, she continued, "The newly built Qinglian Pavilion in East City has your portrait painted in the center. It's used as a school on weekdays, and in years of disaster, it provides porridge and rice for the people to admire."
After hearing this, Du Zhan's eyes suddenly lit up. He didn't seek wealth or official position, but this name...
Du Zhan's eyes moved slightly, but he was still hesitant: "What exactly does this spokesperson have to do?"
"Your Excellency only needs to be listed in name only," Zhao Tinglan said with a smile. "An honest official is like soap, cleaning away dirt and impurities. The more honest you are, the better our business will be."
"For every bar of soap sold, a portion of the money will be collected and donated monthly. Those who are selected five times a year will receive this money for life."
"No way!" Du Zhan waved his hands repeatedly, "How can we take the people's money?"
"Your Excellency is wrong," Zhao Tinglan said sternly, "If honest officials are not accepted, where will the people's hearts be? If this continues, who will still be willing to be an honest official?" She sighed softly, "Even if I try to hold on, I'll starve to death."
Du Zhan was speechless for a moment when he heard this. Before he could think about it, someone helped him into a sedan chair. The sedan chair was specially dyed with indigo, and the curtains were painted with lotus patterns, which symbolized integrity. Of course, there was another line of small regular script engraved under the curtain: Sponsored by Wang's Carriage and Horse Shop, ride in Wang's carriage and walk the path of integrity.
Seeing that the man was about to take him to the car, Du Zhan waved his hands repeatedly. He stamped his feet anxiously and shouted in a high voice: "Oh, people! People! Please don't rush me. Allow me to change my clothes... This one is too undignified!"
As soon as these words were spoken, someone among the onlookers exclaimed, "Lord Du's attire is truly respectable. Although torn, it represents the dignity of the imperial court. Some people may be dressed in silk and satin, but harbor evil within. Comparing them like this, the difference is immediately apparent!"
"Yes! From now on, all portraits of the Wang family should be painted in ordinary clothes, so that the corrupt official will know that we are loyal and honorable people!" Zhao Tinglan said loudly at the right time.
"Yes! Let them see!" the people shouted one after another.
Du Zhan straightened his back after hearing this. The gray cloth robe with a frayed edge suddenly looked very pleasing to him, even more pleasing to him than the formal court robes he had worn in the past. He deliberately smoothed the patches before the portrait and urged the painter to ensure they were painted in. A hint of pride etched itself in his eyes and eyebrows as he spoke.
In the Censorate, several censors gathered together and chatted.
"The Saint's favored people... Tsk tsk, look at Old Du, he's so arrogant, he even walks with the wind!"
"Brother Ming, don't be jealous of this. We've seen the Du Zhan family go through times when they couldn't afford to eat. Now that the people are supporting him, he's got the title of 'Pure and Integrity', the plaque bestowed by His Majesty is hanging up, and he's got the 200 taels of 'incorruptibility allowance' per month. Forget about him. If it were me, I'd jump up and down!"
"Brother Song, you should also try your best. If Du Zhan can impeach Liu Yan, why can't you? When it comes to integrity, we are not inferior to him, right?"
"Brother Ming, how could it be that easy? If he didn't have the Jinyiwei working behind the scenes, how could Du Zhan, with his limited abilities, have brought down the dignified Shangshu?"
"That's not the case. I noticed some issues with the Ministry of Works' expenditures recently. Brother Ming, you're very good at calculating the accounts. Could you help me take a look? Maybe I can also get the title of 'Pure Wind and Junjie'."
"Yes, yes, yes. I heard that a commander of the Inspection Office accepted bribes and violated the law, and imposed heavy taxes on merchants. Isn't it just to speak out against injustice? This is the specialty of our censors."
"That's right! If he can do it, so can we! The title of 'Qingfeng Junjie' is earned through ability!"
Everyone was talking so happily that they didn't notice Du Zhan approaching. He smiled and said, "Please come to my humble abode for a drink tonight. I've been so kind to you all. Now that I've received a small reward, I should thank you."
The white-haired Imperial Censor He quickly stood up and returned the greeting: "How dare I! How dare I! Your 'Integrity and Integrity' was chosen by the people, and 'Integrity in Both Sleeves' was bestowed by His Majesty. Why should you thank us? The most important thing is to see the Emperor's imperial edict!"
Du Zhan said humbly, "Master He, you are too polite. It is rare for the Left Censor-in-Chief to honor you tonight. I hope you will arrive early to avoid keeping him waiting."
"Oh? The Left Inspector Censor never attends private banquets. It's rare that Lord Du can invite him. So we must come to his door as soon as possible."
That night, the Left Censor-in-Chief took one look at the simple meal on the table, praised Du Zhan a few times in public, and was about to leave. But the wealthy businessmen in the neighborhood would come every once in a while with food boxes to top up the food, saying they had added a few meat dishes specifically for the officials.
Seeing that this was the people's wish, the Left Censor-in-Chief could not refuse and had to drink and chat with the other censors. This gesture left his colleagues stunned.
"Brother Wang, this pig intestine is really authentic!" An imperial censor picked up a piece, grease dripping down his chopsticks. "I haven't tasted such greasy food in a long time. I'm afraid it will upset my stomach."
Another imperial censor nearby said sourly, "Who says it's not true? What did the butcher who delivered the food just now say? He would rather suffer the consequences himself than let you all eat meat.
He glanced at Du Zhan, who was sitting at the top of the table, and lowered his voice: "We all live on pickles. When will we be able to become someone like Du Yushi?"
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