Chapter 190 Protect Du Min, don't ruin him...
Five days after Meng Qing left Luoyang, Prime Minister Zheng also set off. He left Luoyang discreetly in a green-draped carriage with two guards and one attendant.
He spent two days passing through Heyin and Heqing counties, personally walking back and forth along the newly built dikes. The dikes, stretching for sixty or seventy miles, were completed, and mulberry, jujube, and peach trees were planted on both the inner and outer slopes. The saplings were already as tall as a person, and some jujube trees were already bearing fruit. The irrigation canal adjacent to the sandbar drew water from the Yellow River, which meandered through the fields, weaving through the green and yellow wheat fields. The wheat stalks, soaked with water, still shone with a green hue, while the sharp awns had turned golden.
Prime Minister Zheng plucked a grain of wheat, pinched it hard, and plump juice gushed out from the crack, indicating that Heqing County's spring wheat harvest this year would be bountiful.
"Young master, are you an official?" A barefoot man carrying a shovel walked over from the edge of the field.
"Why do you say that?" Prime Minister Zheng asked.
"It's obvious at a glance that you exude official arrogance; even if you wore burlap clothes, you couldn't hide it." The man laughed and swung his shovel to dig a few shovelfuls of soil to fill the drain outlet.
Prime Minister Zheng did not deny it, "Have we released enough liquidity?"
"That's enough water. This is the last time we'll flood the fields this year. Once the water has dried up, the wheat will be ready for harvest," the man replied.
What is the wheat yield per acre this year?
"I estimate we'll get about three bushels. It's been hot this year, and there's been no shortage of water, so the spring wheat is growing exceptionally well, with heavy ears of wheat." The man beamed as he talked about the harvest. "My lord, my home is nearby. Would you like to come over for a simple meal?"
Prime Minister Zheng smiled and refused, then left with his guards.
The following day, Prime Minister Zheng left Heqing County and headed to Wen County.
Near Wen County, the crops in the fields transition from wheat to ramie, with the green and yellow hues blending seamlessly with the dark green. Farmers can be seen everywhere in the ramie fields, bending over to pull up straw, while cattle and sheep are tethered on the paths at the edge of the fields, eating the straw that people have pulled up.
Prime Minister Zheng saw an old man carrying two baskets of straw, the weight of which made it difficult for him to lift his head. He stopped the carriage, leaned out, and asked, "Old man, where do you live? Get in the carriage, I'll give you a ride."
The old man waved his hand and pointed forward, "It's not far, my flock of sheep is over there."
Prime Minister Zheng gave a wink to the guard, who then snatched the load from the old man's shoulder and shoved him onto the cart shaft.
Now it was the old man's turn to ride, while the guards walked on the ground carrying loads.
The old man cried out that it was unacceptable, but Prime Minister Zheng laughed and said it was fine.
The carriage moved slowly. Prime Minister Zheng learned from the old man that his family had suffered a disaster two years ago and had to sell their land. Now, the family of four only had two mu of land left. A month ago, the government had lent him six lambs interest-free, to be repaid within three years. He now spent his days cutting straw in the ramie field of the local gentry Zhao to dry hay for the lambs.
"After the winter wheat harvest, we planted ramie. The ramie was planted sparsely, and the wheat grains scattered during the harvest sprouted again. The wheat straw grew too densely, affecting the growth of the ramie. The government told us to pull up the wheat straw to feed the cattle and sheep. They will also help us sell the sheep in the future. There's hope for the future again." The old man smiled, and his dark face was etched with winding wrinkles, like the irrigation ditches plowed into the wheat fields of Heqing County.
Prime Minister Zheng remained silent.
When they reached the irrigation ditch where the old man grazed his sheep, the attendant stopped the carriage, and the old man slipped off and asked cautiously if he wanted to come to his house for a meal.
Prime Minister Zheng waved his hand, "We still have a long way to go."
The carriage continued on its way, and after another day, they encountered road workers. One group of workers wielded hoes and shovels to fill the ruts in the road, while another group lagged behind, using oxen to pull stone rollers to compact the ground.
After the carriage passed through this section, the rest of the road was flat.
When Prime Minister Zheng arrived in Wen County, he went to the government office. The entire county government office was empty, except for a prison warden who was left to guard it.
"Where have all the officials in the county government gone?" Prime Minister Zheng asked. "Is Chief Clerk Du still in Wen County?"
"They're all in the old course of the Yellow River." The warden could tell the man was no ordinary person, and he said nervously, "I'll go and call them back."
“No need, take me there,” Prime Minister Zheng said.
The paper mill has three rooms completed, and the remaining walls are already as tall as a person. It will be finished in another half month, and they are currently installing the stoves. Prime Minister Zheng arrived by carriage but did not see anyone. He asked the people installing the stoves and learned that Du Min had taken the county officials to investigate the water diversion route.
Prime Minister Zheng inspected the paper mill for more than half an hour before Du Min and the others returned.
"Chief Secretary Du, we have distinguished guests." The warden jogged over.
Du Min immediately understood what was going on, but he pretended to be puzzled and looked in the direction the warden pointed. When he saw who it was, he was surprised.
"Master...Master," Du Min quickly changed his address. He strode over, thinking the other party was unwilling to reveal his identity, and with the intention of taking advantage, he changed his address again: "Uncle, why are you dressed like that? Are you conducting an undercover investigation?"
"Why are you dressed like this too?" Prime Minister Zheng looked him up and down. He was also dressed in linen clothes, with a shirt and trousers, and a pair of black cloth shoes covered in dust.
“I walk in the fields every day. Silk clothes are unwearable. They fray as soon as they are hung up. I wear a set every day. At this rate, my entire salary will have to be spent on buying silk clothes.” Du Min shook his head. “For rough work, you still need to wear linen clothes.”
Reflecting on what he had witnessed along the way, Prime Minister Zheng sincerely said, "Prefect Du is truly a benevolent official, and I admire him greatly."
Du Min was immediately overjoyed. He gritted his teeth and held back his laughter, but under Prime Minister Zheng's teasing gaze, he let himself laugh out loud. "To receive such praise from the Prime Minister, everything I have done is worthwhile."
"Where did you get the money to lend to farmers for buying sheep? Is the money enough? When I return to the capital, I'll have the Ministry of Revenue approve a sum of money for you." Prime Minister Zheng offered practical support.
“Not enough,” Du Min replied immediately. “Two months ago, my little nephew turned one year old. At his birthday banquet, Lord Meng raised more than 27,000 strings of cash for Wen County. It was originally intended to be used for the workshops, but I temporarily set aside 10,000 strings to buy lambs. The people in Wuzhi County, Wude County and other places who have lost their land also urgently need money to improve their lives.”
Prime Minister Zheng noted it down, saying, "Write a memorial and submit it, and I'll have the Ministry of Revenue approve the funds for you."
Du Min quickly agreed, "Uncle, you're a real lifesaver."
Prime Minister Zheng glanced at him and let him go.
"Chief Clerk Du, it's getting dark, you should head back," Magistrate Guo said, stepping forward. "And this gentleman is?"
Du Min looked at Prime Minister Zheng, and seeing that he didn't say anything, he introduced him: "This is Prime Minister Zheng. Your Excellency, this is the magistrate of Wen County, surnamed Guo."
"Go back." Prime Minister Zheng nodded to Magistrate Guo. "I'm only staying in Wen County for a short time. Let's not make a scene."
Magistrate Guo understood what the other party meant and swallowed the words that were about to come out.
That night, Prime Minister Zheng stayed at the post station and chatted with Du Min until midnight. At dawn, he set off for Hanoi County.
The southern part of Hanoi district is severely affected by the Yellow River, with drought and little rain. The Yellow River's water level has dropped, causing the canals to dry up and affecting irrigation. The wheat along the river is short and thin, with shriveled ears. It is not yet harvest season, but the wheat has already turned completely yellow.
With the wheat from Heqing County as a comparison, Prime Minister Zheng frowned the whole way as he entered Hanoi County.
As noon approached, the carriage arrived outside the governor's residence.
The guard knocked on the door, identified himself, and one gatekeeper opened the door to greet him while another quickly went to deliver the message.
Prime Minister Zheng entered the gate in a carriage and got off in the front yard. As soon as his feet touched the ground, a green parrot flew over his head.
"Brother-in-law?" Prefect Cui hurried out to greet him. "What brings you here?"
Prime Minister Zheng glanced at him; his hair was disheveled, he wore a wide-sleeved robe, and his chest was bare—what a dashing scholar!
"I've heard that Prefect Cui is an expert in entertainment; I've come to ask him for his expertise," Prime Minister Zheng said with a sneer.
Cui Biejia's face stiffened.
"Brother-in-law, it's hot outside, let's go to the main hall to talk." The Prefect's wife arrived.
Prime Minister Zheng waved his sleeve and headed towards the inner courtyard.
Cui Biejia hurriedly followed.
“Take me to see the birds you keep,” Prime Minister Zheng said.
"The birdhouse smells awful..." Cui Biejia was ashamed to show off his cozy nest.
"Lead the way," Prime Minister Zheng ordered.
Cui Biejia could only lead him there.
The wife of the Prefect refused to go, saying, "I will go and have the servants prepare the meal."
The northwest wing of the second courtyard was the birdhouse. With the autumn heat still intense, to prevent the birds from suffering from heatstroke, an ice pot was placed in the birdhouse. The servant who raised the birds was dozing off next to the ice pot when he was suddenly awakened by footsteps. When he opened his eyes, he saw an angry face and was too frightened to utter a sound.
"There's an ice cauldron in the room and the door is open?" Prime Minister Zheng laughed in exasperation. He went from room to room to inspect the room. Cui Jin's birdhouse was even more exquisitely decorated than the Imperial Beast Courtyard in the palace, and the birdcages were made of gold.
Prime Minister Zheng's chest heaved with anger. He gave Cui Jin a cold stare and said, "Go to your study."
Cui Jin led the way silently.
Entering the study, Prime Minister Zheng dismissed the servants and slapped Cui Jin across the face. "You've colluded with Xu Ang?"
Cui Jin remained silent.
"You've really brought shame to the Cui family of Boling!" Prime Minister Zheng was furious. "Do you want to ruin your entire Cui family?"
“No, it won’t happen.” Cui Jin said. “Brother-in-law, you can go now. Don’t worry about me. I know what I’m doing.”
"You know what you're talking about? What do you know?" Prime Minister Zheng was indeed regretting his actions; he shouldn't have agreed to Cui Jin's father's request. "Cui Jin, you've really disappointed me."
Cui Jin fell silent again.
Prime Minister Zheng remained silent for a moment, then calmed his anger and sat down to ask, "Tell me, what made you make this choice? Is there something you can't say? I'm a few years older than you, we've known each other since we were young, and served in the same court for several years, so I know you quite well. You're not the type to crave pleasure, nor are you greedy for money. What's the secret you can't tell me? Perhaps I can help you."
“I know you can’t help me. If you could, I would have asked you for help long ago,” Cui Jin replied.
"Think it over again. You're not me, how do you know I can't help you?" Prime Minister Zheng looked around the study and said, "I came here on behalf of your father, and this is your only chance to be honest with me. After I leave this room, whether you, Cui Jin, commit suicide out of guilt or are arrested and imprisoned, I will not care anymore."
Cui Jin remained silent.
"The Cui family is divided into two branches. The Qinghe Cui family is not as famous as the Boling Cui family, but your Boling Cui family has few descendants. In your generation, you are the most promising. Your family has planned a future for you, but you collapsed as soon as you arrived in Huaizhou. You refuse to reveal the reason to anyone who asks. Do you intend to remain in this decadent state forever?" Prime Minister Zheng asked. "The Qinghe Cui family has a Vice Minister Cui in the Ministry of Rites. He is about your age. In another four or five years, he will be promoted to Minister. When you meet the second son of the Cui family, who was once at the height of his power, will he be there to deliver your last meal, dressed in purple robes?"
Cui Jin turned her face away in a flustered manner.
"Speak," said Prime Minister Zheng.
“I fell into Xu Ang’s trap and have a life on my hands.” Cui Jin couldn’t accept that he was going to jail, and he couldn’t accept that his former rival was rising to power. He chose to tell the truth: “In the first year I came to Huaizhou, I drank wine that was spiked at the welcoming banquet and slept with Xu Ang’s concubine. She died in bed.”
Prime Minister Zheng clenched his fists. "Continue."
“That woman is the younger sister of the Registrar of Households. She is the daughter of an official. The Registrar of Households threatened to accuse me of raping and murdering the daughter of an official.”
How did that woman die?
“I don’t know.” Cui Jin was ashamed to recall the situation at the time. “It’s possible that she had taken a deadly poison beforehand.”
“If someone was poisoned, an autopsy can be performed. An autopsy can prove your innocence.” Prime Minister Zheng stared at him. “You’re lying.”
"I didn't think of it at the time. I thought I had strangled her to death. I lost my mind." Cui Jin closed his eyes. He was like a beast in heat. There was a lifeless female corpse on the bed and his well-dressed colleague under the bed. He was completely disgusting. He wished he could kill himself, but he was unwilling to die.
“Xu Ang gave me two options: one, he could accuse me of raping and murdering his concubine and ruining the Cui family’s reputation; two, I could accept the 50,000 guan of disaster relief funds and drop the matter,” Cui Jin recounted. “I was worried that if I chose to die that day, I would be unable to seek justice, so I chose the second option.”
Prime Minister Zheng slammed his fist on the table, shouting, "You despicable scoundrels, you only use dirty tricks!"
“I was forced to be on the same boat as him. His corruption charges have been confirmed, and I can’t escape either. I’ll even have the stigma of raping and murdering an official’s daughter. If that day ever comes, I’d rather die, but dying is tantamount to admitting guilt.” Cui Jin took two steps forward and knelt at Prime Minister Zheng’s feet. “Brother-in-law, I’m suffering while I’m alive, but I’m unwilling to die. I don’t know what to do.”
Prime Minister Zheng glanced at him, inwardly cursing him for his cowardice and incompetence. Caught between a life of unbearable suffering and a death sentence, he chose to eke out a living, indulging in fleeting pleasures. If he truly had the courage, he would have chosen to perish together with Xu Ang; afterwards, the world would have praised him for his integrity.
"How did Du Min escape unscathed? Or was Xu Ang only targeting you?" he asked.
“Du Min also drank at his welcoming banquet that day, but nothing happened. Xu Ang probably didn’t dare to act rashly because of his reputation as an iron-headed magistrate,” Cui Jin replied. “What happens next is hard to say. After Lord Meng came to Huaizhou, Du Min became more scheming and repeatedly squeezed money from Xu Ang. After winter comes, the paper mill will become profitable, and this balance will be broken. Du Min will definitely be dragged into it.”
"That's not necessarily true." Prime Minister Zheng recalled Meng Qing asking him about Cui Jin. She and Du Min had no demands of Cui Jin, so why were they so insistent on compensating him for the parrot? Now he realized that she must have become suspicious of his sudden change in temperament, which was why she inquired about his behavior.
"Did you say anything to Du Min? Did you let something slip?" he asked.
"I mentioned it subtly." That day, Cui Jin saw Du Min tanned like a farmer and saw him tirelessly traveling between counties. He felt a pang of pity and didn't want Du Min to follow in his footsteps. But then he regretted it; he was unwilling to be the only one stuck in the mire.
After a few moments of contemplation, Prime Minister Zheng helped Cui Jin up and said, "Protect Du Min; we cannot ruin him."
Cui Jin gritted her teeth, "Do you have a way to save me?"
Prime Minister Zheng glanced at him and said, "You're immobile, so don't do anything. Let Du Min do it and confront Xu Ang. He can bring Xu Ang down; he has the ability and ruthlessness."
He wanted to bring Du Min and Meng Qing back to his service.
-----------------------
Author's Note: I've added over a thousand words.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com