Chapter 1437: My Secret Stash is Gone [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
Xu Jie is a seasoned veteran.
His stable position by Shen Tang's side over the years was entirely due to his keen intuition. Although he didn't possess Gu Chi's ability to read minds, he could still understand Shen Tang's thoughts quite well through experience. He would do whatever Shen Tang asked him to do without caring about anyone else's opinion, because he knew that Shen Tang was his biggest support, and he would resolutely refuse to do anything that Shen Tang forbade him to do.
Only by being obedient and sensible can one hope to get a share of the spoils.
Those unaware of the situation might find Xu Jie's behavior overly obsequious—after all, Xu Jie was a scholar; how could he bow to the powerful represented by Shen Tang? Many scholars criticized him for this, accusing him of being a sycophant and opportunist, and saying that the literati circle didn't like him. Xu Jie, however, was completely unconcerned and even found it ridiculous.
He was even certain—
These upright individuals are not from any of the main branches of their respective families.
If they had ever worried about the future of their entire family, toiled away day and night, been tormented by the mundane realities of daily life, or climbed to a certain level in officialdom, they would never have said such a thing. Only after experiencing various setbacks in the workplace can one understand how fortunate it is to have a boss like Shen Jun. In Xu Jie's eyes, Shen Tang was equivalent to an ATM—no matter how much work you did, the other party would promptly and accurately return the exact amount, providing generous benefits during holidays, and ensuring that status, salary, and reputation were all given in full.
If you still can't appreciate her good qualities, then go and see Wu Xian.
Xu Jie invested his entire life and his wallet into following Wu Xian back then, but he never received any dividends. Even if he was lucky enough to get some, it wasn't what Xu Jie wanted most.
With the founding of the Kang Kingdom, the Xu family's fortunes rose accordingly.
The Xu family, a prominent clan in Heyin County, had members who were well-connected throughout the country.
Wherever there are renowned scholars and great teachers in the country, the Xu family's children are always respected when they seek their education. Even if the teachers have high standards and refuse to accept them, they will not show any displeasure, nor will they bring up the fact that the Xu family started out as merchants.
Given such a lord who provided both material and emotional support, why didn't Xu Jie cherish it? Was it abnormal for him to be trying to read his superior's mind?
Is it because these upright individuals don't want to speculate that they don't?
They could only enter officialdom starting from local positions, rising step by step from the provinces to the capital, and only through further struggles did they gain the qualification to attend court and meet with the emperor. What does Xu Jie's opportunity to understand the monarch's thoughts prove? It proves that he had numerous opportunities to meet the monarch.
How could those pedantic scholars understand his happiness?
but--
Xu Jie is not happy today.
Not only was he not happy, but the words "I'm going to die, I'm going to die" kept echoing in his mind. He was so nervous that sweat was pouring down his forehead and his fingers were trembling. Don't ask why he was so nervous; the answer was that he was about to mess up the task assigned by his lord, and he was thinking about how to apologize in a way that would save him from a severe scolding. The mastermind behind this mental pressure—Minister of Revenue Xun Zhen—was right behind him.
Xu Jie: "..."
Can anyone tell him why the Minister, who should be stationed in the southwest, would run back to the capital? And of all times!
Xun Zhen raised an eyebrow: "The government office hasn't even started using ice chests yet, has it?"
It's not summer yet in Fengluo.
Xu Jie was a scholar with a literary mind. Although his cultivation wasn't particularly profound, he could easily achieve a state of imperviousness to heat and cold using his literary energy. So why was Xu Wenzhu sweating so profusely when the weather wasn't hot?
Hehe, are you feeling guilty?
He calmly reached out and covered Xu Jie's curled fingers with his palm.
Xu Jie instantly broke out in goosebumps, a chill running down his spine, and he wished he could jump up and run away. However, these were all just his imagination; in reality, he was utterly terrified and powerless. He watched helplessly as Xun Zhen pried his fingers apart one by one with barely any force. The whole process wasn't forced, but it made Xu Jie's breath catch in his throat several times. Finally, Xun Zhen picked up the note.
He hesitated and said, "Minister Xun, no."
Xun Zhen turned over and asked, "Is it not allowed?"
His tone carried a hint of amusement.
"This, this is the Lord's secret..." Xu Jie swallowed nervously a few times, his voice growing softer and weaker.
He spoke too late; Xun Zhen had already unfolded the note.
Xu Jie closed his eyes in despair.
Since everyone here is a scholar of the literary world, they naturally know how good the eyesight of a scholar is; they can memorize everything with just a glance. Therefore, Xun Zhen could see the contents of the note with just one look.
Xu Jie looked down at his toes as if he had made a mistake.
I dare not imagine how my lord will deal with him when he returns from the war.
After a long while, Xun Zhen let out a soft laugh.
The short, sharp syllable successfully sent shivers down Xu Jie's spine. He quickly said, "Minister Xun, please don't misunderstand. I just received this myself, and I haven't even gathered enough people yet. I just remembered I have some other matters to attend to, so perhaps this matter could be entrusted to..."
Xun Zhen simply tossed the letter back to him.
He tucked his hands into the wide sleeves of his official robe, and said solemnly, "What are you saying? I didn't see anything! I just had a dream yesterday. In the dream, His Majesty held my hand, pitying the nation's treasury's poverty and feeling sorry for the Ministry of Revenue's skilled women struggling to make ends meet, so he wanted to entrust me with some unexpected wealth! That's why I came to ask you, Wenzhu. His Majesty entrusted this matter to you, Wenzhu, which naturally shows his trust in your abilities. You will definitely bring this batch of wealth back safely, right? The nation's treasury is short of money lately, so you'd better act quickly."
Xun Zhen spoke with force and conviction.
If Xu Jie didn't know the Minister of Revenue's greedy nature and the Emperor's desperate need for money, he would have truly believed it.
A monarch fighting on the front lines, yet still sending a dream to his ministers offering money—if this were written into history, it would be celebrated for generations to come. Xu Jie opened his mouth, but for a long time, he couldn't utter a single word of refusal. He couldn't afford to offend Shen Tang, nor could he afford to offend Xun Hanzhang. Don't ask, the answer is that Xun Hanzhang is now his superior.
A local official is more powerful than a distant one.
Xu Jie felt a bitter taste in his mouth.
I've regretted countless times how I ended up in the Ministry of Revenue instead of the Ministry of Rites, a supposedly insignificant department. Was it because I was addicted to using an abacus?
Staying in the Ministry of Rites, with Qin Li protecting him, he could do whatever he wanted.
Even if he stayed in the Ministry of Revenue, Shen Youli couldn't get him ashore.
Xu Jie cupped his hands and said, "Your humble servant obeys."
Upon hearing this, Xun Zhen smiled broadly, very pleased with Xu Jie's understanding and tact. "Tsk tsk," she thought, "dealing with smart people is so much more pleasant; it even brightens my mood." Xu Jie wiped the sweat from his brow and curiously asked Xun Zhen how to return to the capital.
If he had known Xun Zhen was there, he would never have opened this secret letter in the Ministry of Revenue. If he hadn't opened it here, he wouldn't have been caught.
The Lord's private savings will not be taken into the national treasury by Xun Zhen.
It would have been better if Xu Jie hadn't brought it up, because as soon as he did, Xun Zhen's face darkened: "Hmph, what else could it be? Isn't it because that Cui fellow is an eyesore? He doesn't do much work, but he's quick to ask for money."
Xu Jie knew immediately who this "Cui" Xun Zhen was referring to.
In the southwest region, there's only one "Cui" who can give Xun Zhen a hard time: Cui Zhi, the head of the Cui clan and also the head of the southwest branch of the Gods' Society. Xun Zhen can ignore Cui Zhi's former identity, but he has to pay more attention to this latter one.
Initially, Shen Tang ordered Chu Yao and Cui Zhi to be stationed in the southwest.
Chu Yao was in charge of external affairs, while Cui Zhi was in charge of internal affairs.
Be vigilant about the border defense line where the southwestern and central mainland meet.
However, plans can't keep up with changes.
With the Allied forces advancing aggressively from the central region, Shen Tang decisively transferred Chu Yao away, thus allowing Xun Zhen to oversee the rear. Xun Zhen proved invaluable in crucial moments, but Shen Tang's situation was also seriously dire, with the previous deficit still many years away from being cleared.
Xun Zhen was upset about this for several days.
Why can Kangshi get approved, but he can't?
Anger aside, war is all about logistics. Kangguo's target this time is still the Central Allied Forces, and they will likely have to break through their lines in one fell swoop before they can stop, which will stretch their supply lines. If Xun Zhen isn't around, Shen Tang can't be completely at ease.
Xu Jie is capable, but he lacks a holistic perspective.
After careful consideration, Xun Zhen really couldn't go to the front lines.
I've been traveling around the southwest region lately.
As for Cui Zhi asking for money...
Although the Southwest Branch is not as ruthless and cunning as the Central Branch, nor does it have the latter's incredible network of connections, it is still a talent exchange market, and Cui Zhi's circle of friends can still pick up a few reliable people.
Wasn't it him who helped connect Gongyang Yongye and Luo Yuan?
Kangguo is giving us enough time, and Cui Zhi can also help with networking.
Highly skilled individuals often command a correspondingly high price tag.
_(:з」∠)_
The things they demanded were all sorts of bizarre. Money and power were the easiest things to satisfy, but what were the other conditions anyway?
Xun Zhen was so angry he almost had a stroke.
Cui Zhi sighed and said, "Minister Xun is a pillar of the Shen family and a colleague of many years from Taishan. This matter concerns the great cause of Kangguo and the stability of the southwest. I, Cui, will do my utmost and dare not make things difficult in the slightest."
He insisted that Cui Zhi did not take a cut!
They didn't get any benefit at all.
Besides this matter, the southwest region was in dire need of reconstruction and needed government funding everywhere. Xun Zhen received many urgent documents every day as soon as he opened his eyes, waiting for him to review and stamp them.
Every time he closes his eyes, he sees leeches crawling onto his legs and body, sucking his blood. The national treasury, which he had managed for years to fill, is visibly dwindling. He is heartbroken beyond measure! The night watchmen can even hear their master crying his pillow in the middle of the night.
If you have a problem, come at him; don't harm the national treasury!
Xun Zhen stamped the seal with a blank expression, but his heart was bleeding inside.
There was reason to suspect that there were instances of falsifying reports, embezzling funds, and receiving salaries without working in various parts of the southwest. Therefore, he ordered his informants to keep a close watch on the counties and prefectures that had received approval. If even a single penny was spent in the wrong place, don't blame him for being ruthless; he would send officials to be demoted, their property confiscated, and exiled – a complete service!
No one is allowed to squander the national treasury he manages.
These two things weren't the only unpleasant incidents.
During his business trip to the southwest, Xun Zhen inspected various places and suddenly realized that given the poor state of the counties in the southwest, there was no hope of making a profit within three years, barely breaking even within five years, and only about seven years before he could start making a profit, and about ten years before he could break even.
He frantically fiddled with the abacus.
Cui Zhi was annoyed by the sound of the abacus beads clattering together.
[The southwest has little arable land, waterways have been completely altered, and there's been a massive population exodus. Restoring order won't be a matter of a day or two…] Xun Zhen's calculations also yielded this result. [Besides, the accounts in various places are also difficult to calculate.]
Balancing the accounts takes time.
Xun Zhen's eyes turned red with anger.
He was eager to rob the rich and make some money.
In Kangguo, people were particular about having a legitimate reason for doing things. Even if they were eyeing someone else's wallet, they would cite historical precedents to prove that the wallet had always belonged to them or that they had a special connection with it. Xun Zhen couldn't just walk up and claim the wallet as his own, but he could investigate how many lice were on the wallet's owner. If the wallet owner's money was of dubious origin, wouldn't that provide a reason to make it his own?
Cui Zhi's assessment of this move is quite interesting.
It's commendable that Minister Xun would go to such lengths.
That's incredibly polite. Why not just send someone to rob it?
How many families who amass wealth in chaotic times have clean hands? The more ill-gotten gains are, the greater the chance of becoming rich overnight.
To put it bluntly—
Arrest and kill all these families; it would be a miracle if even one in a hundred was innocent. Xun Zhen then sent people to investigate their dark pasts, to find fault with them, and even sent people to their homes…
This process is too long and too tedious.
It would be better to just go straight to the point and raid their home.
A clean and efficient approach would save them a couple of days of worry and anxiety.
Xun Zhen and Cui Zhi didn't get along, and since Cui Xiao happened to be there, he asked Cui Xiao to keep an eye on Cui Zhi while he returned to the capital to take care of some business. Little did he expect that this trip would yield such a great reward.
Look, what did he discover?
The Lord's private stash of money.
Hehe, they've all been confiscated!
The thought of his lord being furious made Xun Zhen feel cheerful.
Does the Lord have a secret stash of money?
The most basic trust between ruler and subject has vanished! It's heartbreaking!
Xu Jie was devastated, and returned home from work in despair and grief, which made his wife think that a great disaster was about to befall the family.
"Hey, you don't understand this..."
How do you know I don't understand if you don't tell me?
Xu Jie leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Hey, did you know that Minister Xun has emptied the Lord's private stash of money again?"
"This isn't the first or second time."
Xu Jie: "...No, how did Madam know?"
Isn't this just once or twice?
The lady sat beside his couch, picking at the freshly roasted melon seeds with her fingers, and said with a smile, "Isn't it said among the common people that His Majesty started from scratch and has been tolerant of Grand Tutor Qi, favoring Minister Chu, and finally giving all the money to Minister Xun?"
While the entire court might not all know that Shen Tang was penniless, they certainly knew that Xun Zhen kept a tight rein on her finances. Sometimes, even the wives of officials in the capital would wear long faces at gatherings, anxiously hoping that their ruler would one day emulate the extravagance of other monarchs and at least dress more expensively. She only had a few sets of clothes to change into throughout the year; if she set such a bad example, how were the lower-ranking officials supposed to dress?
Officials couldn't dress well, and their wives had to dress simply as well.
The wives of the women dared not exceed their budgets for gatherings.
They were terrified of being reported by the Censorate.
Xu Jie's wife had lived a "simple and plain" life in the capital for many years, and Xu Jie thought that she had started to pursue a low profile as she got older.
Sigh, I have a bitter pill to swallow.
Xu Jie: "..."
His wife sighed first, then explained to Bai Xu, "I only hope that Lord Shen will come to his senses soon and take a proper concubine to manage the harem. A woman, if she has someone at home who cares for her and dresses her up, how could she live such a rough life? Perhaps after marriage, she can rightfully have a concubine manage her private money."
Surely Minister Xun couldn't possibly run into the inner palace and steal something, could he?
Xu Jie: "..."
The lady glanced at him sideways: "Is that not right?"
Xu Jie said, "Before I was married, wasn't that..."
The lady raised an eyebrow, and Xu Jie awkwardly shut his mouth.
Indeed, tastes differ before and after marriage.
(ω)
The sun and moon are born together, and all spirits are reborn.
Hehe, around 4 PM, the jewelry store said the custom-made Qiankun Ring had arrived. The actual item is really beautiful and exquisite, and it feels like the labor cost was well worth it.
I've gained weight recently, and I only managed to squeeze into my 59-inch bust size through sheer force.
P.S.: My left palm is still a little sore while I'm typing.
P.S.: I'll order another one in a while, so that I can have a pair for both hands.
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