So for Lin Hai, it was the first time to see a eunuch of such rank.
Lin Hai looked at the old eunuch.
Although he is called an old eunuch, strictly speaking, Yan Zipei is less than 50 years old and is in the prime of his life. It's just that the eunuchs in the palace are accustomed to establishing relationships by acting as godfathers or godsons.
As his position rose, Yan Zipei now had great-grandchildren, so for convenience and to show respect, most eunuchs in the palace had to call Yan Zipei "ancestor".
When this reputation spread outside the palace, people mistakenly believed Yan Zipei was already an old man on his deathbed. However, Lin Hai discovered that Yan Zipei's skin was even whiter and more delicate than that of his peers, perhaps due to the lack of hormonal stimulation. In addition, he had no beard, which made him look even younger.
Since it was a private visit, Yan Zipei was only wearing a brocade robe that was popular in this world. However, the white and blue brocade robe with some dark green patterns looked much more elegant and simple, and for a moment he seemed a lot cleaner and more energetic.
After the two sides exchanged greetings, they sat down in the pavilion in the garden. Lin Hai and Yan Zipei still sat opposite each other, while Shi Zhener poured tea for them.
Lin Hai said with a smile, "Since Lord Yan has come to Qinghe, you must stay for a while before leaving. Although Qinghe is a poor and remote place, it has its own unique charm. Lord Yan may wish to experience it more."
Yan Zipei also smiled and said, "Qinghe has beautiful scenery, outstanding people, and abundant resources. Under the governance of the Earl of Qinghe, there is no picking up things on the road, and the sea is peaceful and the river is clear. It is naturally unique. However, I have the emperor's order. Although His Majesty is kind and has granted me a vacation, I still have to go back to work."
Lin Hai feigned surprise and said, "Oh, it's rumored that Lord Yan has great power over the government and is a top-tier eunuch. How could he be subject to the emperor's orders?"
Yan Zipei didn't take it as an offense and said with a smile, "Qinghe Bo is joking. The so-called powerful eunuchs are nothing more than the royal guard dogs. They bite whoever the emperor tells them to bite. Dogs rely on the power of their masters, so instead of saying that our family has all the power in the court, it's better to say that all officials respect the emperor."
Lin Hai couldn't help but applaud upon hearing this, saying, "Master Yan is indeed someone from the palace. His quick wit and skill in speaking are worth learning."
Yan Zipei hadn't expected Lin Hai to say that, so he could only say modestly, "Mr. Qinghe, thank you for your praise."
Then Yan Zipei looked around and said, "The Earl of Qinghe is also a noble of Daliang. He's a rare earl. Why does he live such a hard life? This earl's mansion is not even as good as a good inn. There are only two courtyards. It's such a small place. I'm afraid it can't even accommodate ten people, let alone three hundred swordsmen."
"Hahahahahahaha," Lin Hai laughed. "There's nothing I can do. I'm poor. Since Lord Yan has given me the money, I'd like to ask Lord Yan to help me petition His Majesty to allocate some money and food so that I can build an earl's mansion according to the regulations."
"Poor? Haha." Yan Zipei laughed, "Lord Qinghe, you're joking. Qinghe's wealth is known to the world. Our family's visit this time has really broadened our horizons. The taxes from the Qinghe market alone are enough to build several mansions."
"It's true that Qinghe has some money," Lin Hai said solemnly, "but that's all public money. Strictly speaking, I'm also a salaried person. One part earl's salary, one part Qinghe County Magistrate's salary, that's all I have. As for the rest, it's better for every last bit to go to the public."
"What an incorruptible Qinghe Earl! He's dedicated to the public good." Yan Zipei couldn't help but cheer loudly, saying, "Then why isn't there any money paid in from Qinghe in the national treasury?"
"What do you mean, Lord Yan? This was already said when Lord Bai came last time. Qinghe has never owed the central government a penny of taxes! Could it be that Lord Yan came here this time because he doesn't trust me and is here to check the accounts?" Lin Hai said angrily.
Yan Zipei also raised his voice: "The Central Government only received a small amount of pig iron. Speaking of which, Qinghe is so prosperous, and now the empire's finances are in a tight spot, shouldn't Qinghe help Your Majesty share more of the burden?"
Lin Hai couldn't help but fly into a rage. "When has the empire's finances stopped being tight? Speaking of which, the empire still owes me and my sworn brothers rewards, and it's been overdue for years. Now they're asking me for money. Lord Yan, you should know that Qinghe will pay you back in full, and no one can take away what they don't deserve. That's the rule."
"Who makes these rules?"
"It was decided by my uncle."
"Lord Qinghe, I bet there are not ten masters hiding behind that rockery of yours. I also want to tell you that you are right. Even if we are surrounded by a large army, they will not be able to catch up if we take action." Yan Zipei grabbed the teacup and squeezed it hard. The teacup suddenly exploded and fragments scattered. Yan Zipei waved his other hand, and the wide sleeves of his robe blocked all the flying fragments again, and did not hurt Lin Hai.
"Oh, very impressive." Lin Hai pointed at the rockery. Shi Zhen'er stood up, turned sideways, and with one hand forward, a steel ball flew out of her sleeve and hit the rockery with great speed. Yan Zipei was about to say that this was a good move, but even fancy moves couldn't stop him, when he saw the steel ball explode with a thunderous sound when it hit the rockery, directly blowing a rock off the rockery.
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