Chapter 32 Do you want me to bestow a marriage upon her? Or should I get rid of her cousin? ...
Mu Chuan pointed to his face: "Your Majesty, if the beauty cream you bestowed had taken effect sooner, why would I have ended up like the Third Uncle?"
The emperor burst into laughter: "I thought Qiao Yue had become much fairer, but who knew the young lady was still not satisfied? Yesterday, Prince Zhongshun came back and told me that he regretted not being able to take you as his son-in-law."
"Quan Furen, go and fetch some more beauty cream for the general, a lot, and tell him to apply a thick layer. I heard them say that if you apply a thick layer and go to sleep, your skin will look brand new the next day. Qiao Yue should try it too."
Quan Furen went out with a smile and instructed the eunuch to fetch something. The emperor then asked, "Should I bestow a marriage upon you? Or should the empress do so? Quan Furen said yesterday that he had seen a fairy. I didn't believe it, but when I went to the empress's palace last night, she said the same thing."
"She also said that the Duchess complained to her, saying that the general already has a girl he likes who is as beautiful as a fairy, so why should they make their daughters embarrass themselves?"
The emperor recalled the conversation from the previous night and couldn't help but chuckle twice: "The Duchess also said that although he called him Third Uncle, she asked carefully and found that only her two silly girls really thought he was Third Uncle."
Before the emperor could finish speaking, he laughed: "Qiao Yue actually managed to fool even me."
"I didn't know this young lady back then," Mu Chuan explained embarrassedly. "I hadn't thought about it. I had just told Your Majesty that I wanted to find a girl who looked like a fairy, and I met her in just two days. I... also hope to marry her as soon as possible."
"Do you think I'm some kind of god who grants wishes?" The emperor's smile never faded. He asked again, "Even so, you still won't let me bestow a marriage upon you?"
Mu Chuan said, "That girl also has a cousin who grew up with her. He's not very close to me, we only talk about eating and drinking, and he's never confided in me. If I were to bestow a marriage upon her now, she would resist me."
"You mean you want me to help you deal with your cousin?" The emperor's voice rose at the end, sounding hesitant, but his hesitation lasted no more than a second. "Alright, it's indeed not good for you to do it yourself, lest the young lady blame you. How about this... just arrange some job for him in the capital, and call him back after your second child is born."
"No need," Mu Chuan hurriedly refused. "Her cousin is just a spoiled brat. He has no career, no job, has never studied, and doesn't know martial arts. Your Majesty is already doing him a favor by assigning him a job. Besides, how could I possibly be inferior to a pampered young master raised at home?"
The emperor laughed again: "If you put it that way... then he must be very fair-skinned."
"More than fair-skinned, she's even more delicate than a young girl." The emperor was delighted by Mu Chuan's expression. He said, "That has piqued my curiosity. I'll have the Empress summon her to the palace to see for myself. Which family's daughter is she?"
“Miss Lin,” Mu Chuan replied, “is the only daughter of Lin Ruhai, the former Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai.”
After saying this, Mu Chuan carefully observed the emperor's expression. He felt it was like an unsolved mystery.
If the emperor didn't like Lin Ruhai, why did he allow Lin Ruhai to serve as the Salt Commissioner of Lianghuai for six years?
However, if the emperor liked Lin Ruhai, the court also had a policy of preferential treatment for widows and orphans. Given Lin Ruhai's status as an important official, it would be normal to summon him to the palace to give him face, or even to let him stay in the palace of the Empress Dowager or the Empress for a few days.
Lin Ruhai died in office, so bestowing the title of County Lady upon the orphaned girl was not too outrageous. It would not only set an example but also demonstrate the court's concern and the emperor's compassion.
But when it comes to Lin Daiyu, there is nothing left. Not only is the Lin family all dead, but it seems that all of Lin Ruhai's connections in officialdom have also died out.
"Lin Ruhai..." The emperor sighed. Did he remember Lin Ruhai? Of course he did, he remembered him very well.
It's the kind of thing you would never normally mention, but if you have insomnia, you'll definitely think about his profound thoughts.
This was the first minister whom the emperor wanted to have a harmonious relationship with.
However... after Lin Ruhai fell seriously ill, he kept it a secret from the court and didn't even submit a memorial requesting the emperor to take care of the orphaned girl. Only then did the emperor realize that Lin Ruhai didn't trust him at all.
What he perceived as a harmonious relationship between ruler and subject was actually a facade of flattery and performance. In times of crisis, he, the emperor, was nothing.
So in the end, the emperor simply acted as if the person didn't exist. He himself had chosen to entrust his daughter to the Rongguo Mansion, and the emperor completely ignored the matter.
He even went to the Empress's palace to see where he would place Miss Lin.
However, after experiencing Lin Ruhai, the emperor made up his mind never to test his court officials again.
"Miss Lin..." the emperor sighed again, his expression forlorn, "Are you doing well?"
Mu Chuan shook his head: "It's not good at all. They've brought a large sum of money into their grandmother's house, which is now in decline. Whether they can survive depends entirely on the conscience of the Jia family."
"When you want to marry her, come and tell me, and I will grant you the marriage." The emperor cheered up, but when he thought of Lin Ruhai, he couldn't help but feel some resentment, both towards Lin Ruhai and towards himself. "It's better to get to know each other first before getting married, after all, it's about marrying a principal wife."
The emperor felt no guilt. When he selected his concubines, the young women had to stay in the palace for two or three months, and he had to talk to each of them to understand their character before making a decision.
When the princesses were choosing their husbands, they would meet three men at the same time, and if they didn't like any of them, they would choose the next batch.
In order to find a husband for his youngest daughter, King Chungshun looked at almost all the talented young men in the capital.
Thinking this through, the emperor felt much better. Then, seeing his general's cautious expression, the emperor said, "Lin Ruhai... has been dead for ten years, it's no big deal. But you're more than ten years older than that girl, aren't you? You're quite worthy of being her third uncle."
“Not that much older, Your Majesty…” Mu Chuan hesitated visibly for a moment, “Your Majesty is only twenty-five, and the young lady is sixteen. Isn’t that just right?”
"Twenty-five?" the emperor asked instinctively. "I remember you were twenty-seven?"
Mu Chuan feigned surprise for a moment, then revealed everything: "This time when I returned to my hometown... I discovered that I am only twenty-five years old."
The emperor's expression changed instantly: "They're forcibly conscripting men again!"
Mu Chuan hurriedly explained, "I am indeed tall, and I have also made many contributions, so it's not—"
"Then there are others." The emperor interrupted Mu Chuan: "You came back with merits, but there are others who died on the battlefield. Besides, someone as outstanding as you, what if you went to take the military examination? If you had a status to go to the battlefield, how could you have crawled out of piles of dead bodies time and time again, and it took you more than ten years to achieve such merits?"
The emperor is indeed a good emperor. Mu Chuan sighed inwardly and said, "General Li has saved my life and recognized my talent. I do not wish to implicate him. Moreover, regarding what happened more than ten years ago... Now that I think about it, it is very likely that the villagers held a grudge and used money to have the officials drag me away."
Mu Chuan then recounted his grievances with Wang Gou'er and Zhou Rui's family. The emperor sighed and said, "You are still too soft-hearted. Just order the clan to expel him."
"I also ordered someone to break one of his legs," Mu Chuan said cautiously.
The emperor shook his head: "Too honest. Have you even read the Great Wei Code?"
Mu Chuan had naturally read it; ever since he had performed meritorious service and said he was going back to the capital, he had read it carefully no less than five times.
"It can't be said that I haven't seen it," Mu Chuan replied from a different angle.
“You haven’t seen it,” the emperor said. “The law of forcibly conscripting men can result in beheading, or at the very least, exile to the border.”
Mu Chuan naturally followed the emperor's wishes and said, "Oh no, I should send him to Pingnan Town. The border has always been short of supply troops."
The emperor then asked, "And... what about the wicked servants of the Rongguo Mansion?"
Listen to the emperor's choice of words. Mu Chuan said, "I will go to Wanping County to report that he has private property."
The emperor had been working diligently to govern the country over the years, and after a moment's thought, he sighed and said, "If we're going to sue, this is the only way. I understand."
No matter how Mu Chuan listened, the emperor's tone sounded somewhat aggrieved, and upon further reflection, it made sense. Although he thought this was a good start to drag someone down, the person opposite him was the emperor... the number one person at the very top of the pyramid, so wasn't that aggrieved?
He actually managed to make the emperor feel wronged on his behalf.
Mu Chuan then steered the conversation back to Lin Daiyu.
"I have a grudge against the Rongguo Mansion and wanted to visit them, so I used Miss Lin as an excuse. She's the only girl in the Jia family with a respectable background. Who knew that after just a few words, I'd find her to be both gentle and intelligent—"
Mu Chuan chuckled twice, as if eager to defend the girl: "His Majesty would also like her if he saw her."
The emperor chuckled: "I like her? And you? Really—Qiao Yue, what can I say about you? Bai Zhong, bring the meal. I'm having lunch with Qiao Yue today."
Mu Chuan then added, "Your Majesty, please don't let it slip that I have a past relationship with Lord Lin."
"I know, I know." The emperor was a little impatient: "When you were four years old, Lin Ruhai stayed with you after you got lost until your family came back. He even bought you a candied hawthorn. What's so hard to remember?"
After the meal, Bai Zhong, who was in charge of serving the food, escorted Mu Chuan out.
With no one in the imperial study, the emperor's face darkened again.
"I know why he only dares to accuse the treacherous servant. The Rongguo Mansion—" the emperor sneered.
Just like why he directly bestowed the title of Imperial Concubine upon a palace maid who was over twenty-five years old, it all comes down to the Emperor Emeritus.
A former official favored by the retired emperor. A turning point where he wanted to break free from the old nobility.
The emperor suddenly sighed: "Neither I nor Qiao Yue have had it easy."
Outside, Bai Zhong cupped his hands in greeting to Mu Chuan: "Congratulations, General. The position of Commander of the Northern Camp is one of the top military positions in the capital."
Mu Chuan also cupped his hands in greeting: "You were unable to attend yesterday's banquet, Eunuch. When you have some free time outside the palace, why not come to my residence for a chat? I'll treat you to a drink."
"Of course, of course," Bai Zhong said with a smile. "I have a few more words to say to the general. Although the general has also accomplished something in Pingnan Town, the rules in the capital are different since it is under the emperor's nose."
Mu Chuan became serious: "Please enlighten me, Father-in-law."
"The five battalions of the Beijing Garrison have a total of 27,000 men in the Central Battalion, which is in charge of the nine gates of the inner city. The remaining four battalions, namely the East, West, South, and North Battalions, each have a number of men between 6,000 and 6,500. Among them, it is best not to have more than 1,500 men receiving salaries without working, nor less than 1,000. Otherwise, if it is too high, it will not look good to the emperor, and if it is too low, the colleagues will feel uncomfortable."
Mu Chuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch. Actually, there are also 'ghost employees' in Pingnan Town. Although I am a rough man, I still know this."
The percentage of unpaid salaries in Pingnan Town is about 10%, which is considered relatively low.
The amount of "ghost pay" in each region depends half on whether the person has connections in the Ministry of Revenue and half on whether the commander-in-chief can earn money through other means.
The Ministry of Revenue usually allocates money and grain at a discount, rarely giving the full amount. For example, out of 10,000 people, only 7,000 are given the same amount. Without pay for empty-handed people, everyone is starving and loses their fighting capacity.
Pingnan Town is stronger in this regard, especially after Muchuan rose to prominence, which has created more ways to make money.
However, no matter what, some salary should be set aside for non-payroll positions. Otherwise, if everyone else is taking a cut while you're the only one being aloof, it will put your colleagues in a difficult position.
Moreover, this salary for a ghost soldier doesn't all go into the general's pocket; at least half of it has to be spent on the soldiers below.
Seeing that he knew this, Bai Zhong nodded with relief and added, "General, you must also keep a close eye on our clothing, food, lodging, and weapons, and make sure no one else gets involved."
This is also a place where there can be gray income, and it can directly affect combat effectiveness, Mu Chuan nodded.
Bai Zhong added, "Also... General, it would be best if you went to Lord Ning in the next couple of days to hand over the account books. In case there are any deficits, we can see how to cover them. In the capital garrison, the soldiers in the central camp receive the highest pay, four taels of silver per month and twenty-two shi of grain per year. The remaining four camps, east, west, south, and north, all receive three and a half taels of silver per month and twenty shi of grain per year. In addition, they receive a considerable amount of rewards every year."
Mu Chuan nodded in agreement: "Pingnan Town costs two taels of silver and fifteen shi of grain per year."
Hearing him say that, Bai Zhong knew that he understood: "In short, if the deficit is not too large, since Lord Ning has already retired to his hometown, we can just accept half of it. But if it takes three to five years to pay it off, then you will have to urge him to pay it off."
Mu Chuan had actually thought about all of this in advance. He had planned everything from what new recruits would be tested and trained, to how existing soldiers would be assessed and how to persuade them to leave, and even how much money soldiers would receive upon discharge.
But the fact that Bai Zhong was willing to say all this to him shows that he genuinely wanted to team up with him. Especially compared to Eunuch Quan, who had been drinking all day yesterday and only said he would work hard, his sincerity was truly remarkable.
The entire father-in-law was too lazy to make friends with him and had no intention of having anything to do with him.
"Thank you for teaching me, Father-in-law," Mu Chuan said solemnly.
This was quite emotionally valuable to a eunuch, Bai Zhong laughed and said, "General, you were once a general, I'm just giving you instructions." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "There's one more thing, which I'm sure you already know. Hmm... fertilizer."
"The Beijing garrison is stationed permanently. Only about 30% of the troops, such as the supply corps, the stables, and the armory, make up about 2,000 people. In total, there are more than 8,000 people. Fertilizer is also a considerable source of income. Although the capital is a dry land in the north, sometimes the harvest is not much worse than that of paddy fields in the south. This is what we rely on."
Mu Chuan truly thought this was a good eunuch, given his ability to discuss such detailed matters. He grasped Bai Zhong's hand and said, "You must come to my residence, sir. We'll drink until we drop."
After thanking the emperor, one should naturally also thank the retired emperor.
Bai Zhong escorted him to the gate of Daming Palace and waited for Dai Quan to come out before leaving.
Dai Quan cupped his hands in greeting to Mu Chuan and said with a smile, "General, you've come at the perfect time. The Emperor Emeritus has just finished lunch and hasn't rested yet."
Mu Chuan followed him inside, and Dai Quan said again, "Although I congratulated the general yesterday, I still want to congratulate him again today. From now on, you will be the Grand General of the Northern Camp."
Dai Quan was genuinely happy. After Mu Chuan became the General of the Northern Camp, he no longer had time to train the bunch of good-for-nothing guards in the Daming Palace. This matter was basically over, and he no longer had to suffer the Emperor Emeritus's wrath.
Mu Chuan smiled and said, "You have been the chief eunuch for many years, and I was just about to ask you for advice."
Dai Quan thought for a moment and then smiled and said, "Since we've had the general's drink, I also have something to say to the general. General Qi of the Central Camp of the Five Great Camps of the Capital Garrison earns about 100,000 taels of silver a year. You'd better not exceed 30,000 taels or fall below 20,000 taels."
“Father-in-law,” Mu Chuan said, “I will be hosting a banquet at the Marquis of Zhongyong’s residence on the eighteenth of the twelfth lunar month. If you are free, please come.”
This time, the Emperor Emeritus did not meet Mu Chuan in the cold, impersonal main hall, but in the rear hall where he usually sat and lay. The hall was warm with heated floor heating, and Mu Chuan took off his armor as soon as he entered.
The retired emperor was very envious. He said, "If I were twenty years younger, I would definitely lead the general on a personal expedition."
At this point, saying things like "The retired emperor is not old" or "He can still do it now" would be too hypocritical and would be like rubbing salt into someone's wounds.
Mu Chuan solemnly said, "It is a pity that I was born twenty years too late and could not become the Emperor's Grand General."
These words were truly touching. The Emperor Emeritus recalled his own youthful vigor and almost teared up, but tactically drank half a cup of tea.
"The imperial mausoleum is in the mountains, where it's cold in winter. It even snowed a few days ago. Let's wait until the roads are clear before going," the retired emperor advised.
Mu Chuan refused him: "Your Majesty, it is precisely because the road is difficult that you must go. Besides, when I was in Pingnan Town, the Southern and Northern Li tribes invaded, and snowfalls occurred even more frequently."
The retired emperor then said to Dai Quan, "It's too late this year. The roads will be easier next spring. Remind me to bestow some cloth, grain, and other items upon Pingnan Town."
"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty." Mu Chuan expressed his gratitude and then said, "Your Majesty has just had lunch and should rest well. I will take my leave now."
The Emperor Emeritus was still a little unaccustomed to this, and had only just started talking when he was already leaving? With him keeping him company and talking, he didn't necessarily need to take a nap.
However, due to the traditional awkwardness and reluctance to speak first in the emperor's family, the retired emperor nodded, hummed in agreement, and said nothing more.
After Mu Chuan left, the Emperor Emeritus felt that his attitude was not quite right.
It can't be that just because the emperor appointed him as the commander-in-chief of the Northern Camp, he wants to distance himself from me, can it?
"Dai Quan, I sense... the General seems to have something on his mind."
Dai Quan didn't think so. The two of them had been talking normally outside. He said, "This servant will go and inquire right away."
After leaving the palace, Mu Chuan went straight to the Wanping County government office.
He had considered telling the emperor everything, emphasizing sincerity, since the emperor was also a sincere and detail-oriented person.
Moreover, if we're really talking about backers, the Rongguo Mansion's backer should be the retired emperor.
If you calculate the time of succession, you can figure it out. The title of Rongguo Mansion was granted by the Emperor Emeritus as a special permission to inherit the title of Duke for another generation, and Jia Zheng's official position was also bestowed by the Emperor Emeritus.
Although according to the information he had gathered, the two sides had not had any contact for more than ten years, he was still, after all, a retired minister of the emperor.
Therefore, one cannot use the same methods as the emperor when dealing with the retired emperor.
In front of the retired emperor, one should adopt a hesitant and conflicted stance. This will easily lead to the impression that: "I am wronged, but because they are the retired emperor's old ministers, I will only accuse their servants; I respect the retired emperor."
When it comes to beating a dog, the owner should be the one to kick it first.
The plan is perfect.
About an hour later, Mu Chuan arrived at the Wanping County government office.
Ke Yuanqing personally came out to greet him and led him into the inner hall, where he showed him the record of the land deed.
"Why has the general arrived at this hour? Since you are here to express your gratitude, it is only right that I wait another day."
You could tell from the smile on his face that there was no sincerity in what he said.
Mu Chuan glanced at him, and Ke Yuanqing's smile grew even brighter.
After waiting for so long, it's finally about to begin. Ke Yuanqing was very excited. He said, "Tomorrow I'll have them deliver the warrant to the Rongguo Mansion. The Rongguo Mansion definitely won't take it seriously. Besides, the Rongguo Mansion is located in Daxing County. According to the rules, I can't go there to arrest people. Moreover, I'm just a minor county magistrate, and the Rongguo Mansion has connections with the Censorate."
"We'll send them a few more times, and make sure the magistrate of Daxing County knows about it. Both of us magistrates can attend court and meet the emperor. Once we get this out of hand, the matter will be settled."
This is just the beginning; what happens next depends entirely on how well it goes.
But no matter how things go later, Mu Chuan will definitely achieve his goal. He thought for a moment and then said, "There's one more thing. I'm actually only twenty-five years old. I'm not twenty-seven."
Ke Yuanqing was shocked and even jumped up from his chair.
"You should have said so earlier! This matter—" Being conscripted before the right age, if handled well, could even bring down the Minister of War!
Mu Chuan shook his head: "The Marquis of Dingnan is my adoptive father and has been kind to me. This matter cannot be discussed publicly, nor can it involve Pingnan Town. I am telling you this because I have already confessed to the Emperor in private."
Ke Yuanqing had been attending intensive political maneuvering classes with his mentor, Minister of Personnel Li, for the past few days. When he heard Mu Chuan say this, he felt both regret and a sense that it wasn't entirely unusable.
Moreover... what does it mean that our side knows, the emperor knows, but the enemy doesn't?
This is on the same side as the emperor!
How can we possibly lose?
Lord Mu is such a master at scheming.
After ripping people off, the emperor still expects them to be grateful.
But this trick doesn't work on others... Sigh, I don't really understand how you favored ministers interact with the emperor.
Seeing Ke Yuanqing's excited expression, Mu Chuan reminded him, "The villagers definitely know that I'm twenty-five, and Wang Gou'er knows it too. If they really want to investigate, they definitely can find out."
Ke Yuanqing pondered for a moment and said, "It's hard to say how to use it now, but it will definitely be useful. We'll see what the other party says then."
"Then I'm relieved. I have no experience in factional struggles; it's all up to you, sir."
Ke Yuanqing felt a surge of indescribable emotions welling up inside him.
Mu Chuan said, "I need to borrow two more people from you. I'm going to the North Camp in a couple of days to take over. My men have all just returned, and I need two people who are familiar with the streets, especially with the prices and transactions of various goods."
Ke Yuanqing thought for a moment and said, "The accountants are easy to deal with. I'll ask them and find a few hangers-on near the North Camp. They're familiar with all sorts of gossip. If the general hears the rumors over there, he can also sort out some clues."
Mu Chuan thanked Ke Yuanqing and had dinner with him before heading to the capital.
That morning, the new clothes that Grandmother Jia had ordered were ready.
The girl had two sets of clothes, two rather large bags of clothes. The nannies who delivered the items were all very happy, and they were sure to give her a generous reward.
Although Tan Chun often received subsidies from Madam Wang, she was still happy to receive two new outfits. She was discussing with Shi Shu how to match them and what colors to alternate when Zhao Yiniang came in.
Tan Chun coldly called out "Auntie," and with a wink, Shi Shu took the clothes and went inside.
Aunt Zhao sneered, "What? You're treating your aunt like a thief? I can't wear these clothes, and neither can your brother. What's the point? You act like a dutiful son and grandson in front of Madam, but to me, you're considered heartless?"
"The fact that the mistress asked the concubine to copy books shows that it has been effective. The concubine can even use idioms now."
“You—” Aunt Zhao found a chair and sat down, saying, “I advise you not to take that thing too seriously. It’s cloth that was found in the storeroom, who knows how long it’s been there, but you’ve never seen anything good before and you treat it like a treasure.”
"How dare you say such a thing in front of the old lady and Sister Feng?"
"Of course I wouldn't dare," Aunt Zhao said listlessly. After a few moments of silence, she continued, "Look at Miss Lin's clothes. Fifty pearls of that size would cost twenty taels of silver, and they're perfectly round and flawless, and pink, which would cost one tael each. I wonder if all the monthly allowance Miss Lin has received since birth is enough to buy a dress like that."
Tan Chun angrily said, "That dress was given to me by someone's brother. Why can't you give birth to a successful brother? Even farmers can become generals. You are a member of the Rongguo Mansion, how come you can't raise a successful son?"
Aunt Zhao came specifically for this question. The master had been gone for over two years, and the money he left her had long been spent. She quickly added, "Why don't you have a brother? You do needlework for Baoyu day and night, practically glued to him, but I've never seen Baoyu show you much affection. If you ask me, you should take good care of Huan'er now, do more needlework for him, and give him more cloth. When he becomes successful in the future, you won't get anything."
Tan Chun was so angry that her eyes turned red. Aunt Zhao had said everything she needed to say, so she patted her bottom and left.
However, as soon as she stepped out of Tan Chun's room, she heard a commotion in front of her. Aunt Zhao was the most well-informed, and since Jia Zheng was not there, what else would she do but inquire about the news?
As soon as Aunt Zhao stepped forward, she heard someone say, "Wanping County sent a red note to Zhou Rui's family."
Her voice sounded a little nervous, but mostly excited.
"Wanping County doesn't have jurisdiction over us, does it?"
“We are a Duke’s mansion, so we should at least be subject to the Censorate.”
"Where did the magistrate of Wanping County get his courage? Does he not want to be an official anymore?"
Just as Aunt Zhao was about to ask, she saw Tan Chun hurrying away.
"Pah!" Aunt Zhao spat on the ground. "You treat the dogs in Madam's room better than you treat your brother!" She raised her voice again: "And then?"
"Of course they were kicked out. What else could they do? Constables are lowly commoners. How dare they set foot on the land of our Rongguo Mansion?"
"Do you remember that concubine of Master Lian last time, the younger sister of Madam You next door? Their previous engagement wasn't completely broken off, so they went to the Censorate to file a complaint. And what happened? They came to invite him, but Master Lian didn't go. It was Xing'er or Wang'er who went."
"He's just a county magistrate. Our Lady Lai's grandson would be a prefectural official if he were sent out."
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