Chapter 42 Greed
Hua Jingming then realized he had overreacted and tried to laugh it off.
Then Su Qing said, "Alright, could you please help me find your eldest brother or second sister?"
“I will discuss this matter with them.”
Hua Jingming sighed: "Other matters are fine, but I can't be the middleman for news that could elevate the Hua family to a higher level."
Whether it's the eldest brother or the second sister of the Hua family, upon hearing this news, they would undoubtedly be overjoyed, as if they had found a priceless treasure.
But it was precisely because he was the younger brother that he couldn't speak up.
Su Qing knew something about the Hua family's situation.
Unexpectedly, Hua Jingming could be this cautious.
He did this because he didn't want to take sides.
That's right, taking sides.
Hua Jingming's father's household affairs are unstable.
First he married Lady Meng, then he became entangled with his own cousin.
The most fatal thing was that Wang's cousin gave birth to the eldest son of the Hua family before they were even married.
Less than two months later, on the same day that Lady Meng gave birth to the second daughter of the Hua family, she died.
The second young lady was raised by her maternal grandparents from birth, and was only sent back home when she turned fifteen and reached the age of marriage.
This time when he returns, he will definitely clash with his stepmother, who has already remarried.
Old Man Hua preferred to remarry and marry his eldest son.
He also felt extremely guilty towards his second daughter.
So no matter what happens, I don't care.
As long as no one dies, he will pretend not to know anything about any power struggles or conflicts between the two sides.
Twelve years have passed, and even though the second young lady of the Hua family has gotten married, the situation has not improved.
As they get older, their methods become even more extreme.
Hua Jingming, born to Wang's cousin after she became his official wife, was intelligent from a young age and knew about these things, but always pretended not to know.
My second sister also guarded against him.
However, seeing that he had no intention of helping his elder brother seize power, he stopped thinking about it.
The eldest brother of the Hua family was originally complaining that his younger brother wasn't helping.
But after Hua Jingming passed the imperial examination and became a scholar, his attitude became strange, and he preferred to let his younger brother live a life of wealth and leisure.
Although Su Qing knew about these things, she never expected Hua Jingming to be so cautious.
They're not even willing to play matchmaker.
They soon realized it too.
If Guangyuefu could obtain the right to forge weapons, it would indeed be a huge boost for the Hua family.
It's because the improvement is so significant.
Therefore, Hua Jingming was unwilling to get involved.
Seeing his firm attitude, Su Qing didn't press him further and could only say, "Alright, we'll find an opportunity to talk to your older brother and second sister later."
Upon hearing this, Hua Jingming felt a headache coming on and said bluntly, "Don't cause trouble."
I knew their family situation perfectly well.
Now we need to invite both of them.
Aren't you afraid your older brother and sister will fight each other?
Su Qing countered, "If such a good opportunity were given to another family, would your eldest brother and second sister be happy?"
Definitely not.
Hua Jingming was even more troubled. In the end, he could only say, "The right to forge weapons is very sensitive. Jinling is already panicked, so I'm afraid they won't give in easily."
Shunchang Kingdom was already in chaos.
If the right to mint is reopened, who knows what will happen in the future?
Therefore, this matter needs to be considered.
Su Qing rarely encountered setbacks, and she knew that Hua Jingming was right.
Fortunately, this matter is not in a hurry.
Let's deal with Jia's matter first. With Qi's help, there's still hope for the weapons.
After this meeting, Hua Jingming indeed sent over several bolts of fine silk and satin, as well as winter leather favored by the city.
When it was delivered to Mei Niang, she was very happy.
Mei Niang was preparing to make winter clothes for her two children, and this material was just right.
However, she also asked, "Can we accept this material, Qingqing?"
Su Qing nodded and smiled: "Of course."
Hua Jingming would not take back what he gave away, and she would not accept these things for nothing.
She made up her mind to cooperate with the Hua family.
His family's situation.
For me, it's actually a good thing.
The idea of collaborating with the Hua family to forge weapons was temporarily shelved.
Su Qing has received Ye Shanming's reply.
The letter was sent on the second day of the ninth month.
A reply came on the fifth day of the lunar new year.
Ye Shanming also stated in his letter that he knew about the Xu family, who were also fabric merchants, and their dealings with the eunuchs.
They also knew that they were going to provide winter clothing to the army, and were even preparing the fabric.
But as far as he knows.
The fabric prepared by the Xu family was not enough to make 20,000 sets of winter clothes.
The letter ended there. He continued, saying that Su Qing's ideas were very useful, and that he would reply after he had investigated the results.
The last paragraph congratulates Su Qing on his promotion to prefect, takes the opportunity to present a congratulatory gift, and mentions that he might visit Guangle Prefecture before the end of the year.
But Hayama Mei arrived even earlier than he said.
On the evening of the eighth day of the ninth lunar month, Ye Shanming appeared in the study of the government office.
He used to come by boat, but this time he rode a horse and traveled day and night.
Su Qing was inevitably somewhat surprised.
However, judging from the smile on Ye Shanming's face, it was clear that he had obtained important leverage over his rivals; otherwise, he wouldn't be so happy.
The two have known each other for several years, so they have a certain level of understanding.
Ye Shanming smiled and said, "Long time no see, Lord Su, you still look as dashing as ever."
Su Qing looked at him and couldn't help but say, "Bring over the porridge that the kitchen is cooking, and add a few side dishes."
"Let's eat first."
Ye Shanming paused for a moment, then said helplessly, "I look very tired."
Exhaustion mixed with excitement.
Su Qing had a meal with him, and his subordinates also prepared food.
After eating and drinking, Ye Shanming finally got down to business, his tone filled with unusual excitement: "The Xu family is indeed preparing winter clothing materials."
"The materials for about five thousand sets of winter clothes have already been prepared."
"I guess we're just waiting for you guys to allocate the funds."
Only five thousand sets.
Su Qing and his team allocated funds for 20,000 sets of winter clothing.
Ye Shanming continued, "You guessed right, they are reselling military supplies."
"The winter clothes that were transported to the front lines last year should not have been used up. There are still some leftovers. These leftovers will be sold to the Xu family at a low price. The Xu family will then make another 5,000 sets of winter clothes to supplement the supply. In total, they will raise 20,000 yuan and then take the money from you. As for how they will divide the money, I have no idea."
Ye Shanming laid out all the evidence, and even found witnesses from the Xu family.
This man was a junior manager on the Xu family's cargo ship. He had gone to Nanjiang County this year.
The 15,000 winter clothes that Jia Neiguan had smuggled out were loaded onto a ship and sent all the way back to the warehouse at the Yangzhou dock.
The Xu family bought the cargo from the ship for two taels of silver per set, and then sold it to the Guangyue Prefecture for six taels of silver.
He could easily make 60,000 taels of silver just by flipping the goods.
Meanwhile, Jia, the eunuch, first exchanged military goods for 30,000 taels of silver for nothing.
Once the transaction is successful, the Xu family will likely take a cut.
The Jia family, including the eunuch Xu, made a fortune.
They ate supplies sent from other places, as well as the meager tax revenue of Guangyue Prefecture.
Now that we have witnesses and physical evidence, we just need to report it to Lord Qi, the superior of Minister Jia.
Su Qing need not worry about what happens next; someone will naturally determine the crimes of Minister Jia and the Xu family.
After all, the most important link has been determined.
Su Qing looked at Ye Shanming and asked, "Does this count as a favor I owe?"
Ye Shanming laughed as well: "It depends on how you put it."
His brows relaxed, and he was exceptionally cheerful: "Being able to strike at the Xu family will naturally benefit me."
That's why Su Qing entrusted the matter to him, knowing that it would be entirely beneficial to him.
Su Qing is a master at using someone else's strength against them.
Su Qing didn't delay either, telling Ye Shanming to go and rest first, while she went directly to find Qi Neiguan.
Qi Neiguan's task is almost complete.
The three months' worth of provisions and pay have been tallied, and the second batch of grain has been sent out.
Only Jia, the eunuch, kept complaining to him about how slow the female prefect was in handling matters, and how the winter clothing issue was still uncertain.
The more Jia said this, the happier Qi Neiguan became.
In addition, Yunxi's two children were by his side, calling him Uncle Qi, which made him enjoy the happiness of family life.
However, upon seeing Su Qing approach, Qi Neiguan's eyes gleamed with even greater excitement.
When he saw the evidence of Jia's collusion with the Xu family, as well as the witnesses, he was overjoyed. However, he also asked, "Why is the Xu family's steward willing to testify?"
Su Qing glanced at the two children and told them to go out first before saying, "Master Xu slept with this steward's wife and daughter, which will surely anger his father to death."
"He was originally just doing a job for the Xu family. After returning home, his wife and daughter moved with the children to the house provided by the Xu family patriarch. This steward didn't want to be a cuckold, and he also had a blood feud with his father's killer. Furthermore, the Ye family approached him, so he was willing to testify."
So that's what happened.
Qi, the eunuch, was even more satisfied and finally revealed the truth: "Just wait for good news regarding the tax exemption for Guangyue Prefecture."
"By the way, your fiancé's name is Gu Congsi? He was also a great help."
After saying this, Qi, the eunuch, led his men to cause trouble for the man surnamed Jia.
The next day, before dawn, Jia and his entourage were arrested and brought before Liang, the military governor, for interrogation.
As Jia was being led away, he stared intently at Su Qing.
How did this female prefect know about his affair with the Xu family?
How could they investigate so thoroughly?!
What kind of magic does she possess? She deliberately feigned weakness to lower his guard!
The more Jia Neiguan thought about it, the angrier he became.
But he had been caught red-handed, and even the Empress Dowager couldn't save him!
By now, Minister Jia naturally knew that his superior, Lord Qi, had already discovered that it was he who had secretly murdered Eunuch Yu.
Hence this retaliation.
Back then, when Grandpa Yu was recuperating in Nanjiang County, his health had largely recovered.
But it was early May, just after he arrived at the army base, when it suddenly rained heavily. He got caught in the rain, but it wasn't a big deal.
But Jia, the eunuch, bribed the kitchen staff to tamper with Yu's food.
By the time Eunuch Yu realized something was wrong, it was too late to change the situation.
Seeing this, Jia, the eunuch, then urged that the already seriously ill man be sent to Nanjiang County so that he could easily divert his anger.
If it weren't for Su Qing's quick reaction and proper handling at the time...
The one that would directly face the wrath of the eunuch Qi was undoubtedly Nanjiang County.
After much back and forth, the person who wanted to harm Su Qing has now been brought to justice by Su Qing.
Everyone talks about cause and effect, so wouldn't this be considered retribution?!
Jia Neiguan's eyes were filled with fear.
He really shouldn't have underestimated Su Qing; how could someone like that be easy to mess with?!
Before leaving, Magistrate Qi thanked Prefect Su again, promising to fulfill both of his promises.
The tax exemption is probably settled.
He will do his best to help with the weapon-making rights, but whether it will be successful is hard to say.
With those words, Su Qing felt relieved.
After seeing off the two eunuchs,
Many people in the government office were still confused.
The rations and pay for the army have been allocated.
Why did the winter clothing suddenly disappear? Is it no longer needed in the military?
What method did Lord Su use to suddenly reduce the expenditure by 120,000?!
This is just too amazing!
The joy hasn't worn off yet.
Good news has arrived from the imperial court in Jinling.
Imperial decree.
Due to the special circumstances of Guangyue Prefecture, this year's taxes were waived, allowing Prefect Su to focus on his duties.
"How is that possible?! It's free again?!"
"Last year, it was Lord Zhao's father and brothers who pleaded for him in court. Why not this year?"
"Didn't they say the Jinling court was short of money? They actually voluntarily waived it."
The inside story remains unknown to many.
But these two things directly saved the government hundreds of thousands of taels of silver.
This is only beneficial to the local government.
Su Qing looked at everyone's expressions and still smiled, but directly avoided the school official's gaze. Fei Xiucai also blocked the school official's steps at the right time.
The education commissioner looked at Prefect Su's retreating figure, then at Scholar Fei, and gritted his teeth, saying, "You also ranked first in the preliminary examinations, and you have a good chance of passing the imperial examinations in the future. Why don't you speak up for the official school?"
"How can we get things done without a budget for government-run schools?"
"Now that the army doesn't need winter clothes anymore, and Nanjing doesn't need tax silver either, wouldn't it be great to just transfer some to the official schools?"
Scholar Fei didn't listen to any of that; he was only loyal to Prefect Su!
Fei Xiucai spoke directly: "Your Excellency, the budget for the official schools has already been set. We should hurry up and reorganize the students to select talents for the Emperor."
He was clearly implying to the education authorities that if they cut the number of unqualified students, their budget would be sufficient.
Seeing that Fei Xiucai was unyielding, it seemed that they had no choice but to do as he said.
The academic official left angrily, clearly not intending to give up.
The government offices finally understood why they didn't need to buy winter clothes and why the imperial court didn't charge taxes.
First, news came from the military.
Qi, the official in charge of logistics, discovered that his subordinates were colluding with the Xu family of Yangzhou in Jiangnan.
That's why I hurriedly returned to the army and handed the matter over to the garrison minister, Eunuch Liang, for judgment.
This was naturally due in part to the efforts of Su Qing, the prefect of Guangyue Prefecture.
The eunuch Jia first stole winter clothes from the army and sold them to the Xu family.
Then let the Xu family sell it to Guangyuefu.
This wasn't the first time Jia Neiguan had engaged in such a highly profitable business.
He was more restrained when the general was in charge.
Once the general left, he became unrestrained.
They sell everything: armor, weapons, winter clothes, and bedding.
Now everything has been seized, and the Xu family has been detained by the Yangzhou prefect.
Don't even mention that all the winter clothes should be returned.
The Xu family's assets will most likely be confiscated.
Rumor has it that half of the various treasures in the Xu family's warehouse have already been transported to Nanjing.
Of course, this is just hearsay.
However, it is certain that Jinling does not require the tax silver from the Guanglefu government office.
I heard that after the autumn harvest in August, Gu, a scholar who was an official in the Hanlin Academy in Jinling, brought up this matter.
The gist is that the Guangyuefu was also responsible for the army's logistics, and the situation there was bad, so they simply couldn't afford to pay the money.
In short, they just wanted to avoid paying taxes this year.
As a result, Gu Congsi, who was already being targeted, naturally gained many more political enemies.
Fortunately, the emperor changed his mind for some reason.
In addition, the Xu family's property was seized, and there were other issues, so an imperial decree was finally issued to spare the Guangyue Prefecture from this trouble.
"So, you mean both of these things were orchestrated by our prefect?"
"Of course, the theft by eunuch Jia was discovered in the prefectural city."
"Gu Congsi has a close relationship with our prefect, and the eunuch Qi also pleaded with the emperor."
While others were still speculating, Lao Du, the deputy head of the household affairs department, went directly to head Wu to inquire about the situation.
Wu Husi was aware of these matters, but he didn't say it outright, only saying, "Trusting our prefect is the right thing to do."
After this incident, who wouldn't believe her?
While others were still worrying about not having enough money, she solved two problems.
All things considered, the government office now only needs to be responsible for the army's monthly rations of 39,000.
Although this number is not small.
But it's much better than before.
Their new prefect really knows how to handle things.
Just as the government office was celebrating, the Revenue Department and the Public Works Department were summoned over.
This time, they were given two tasks to do with the money they had painstakingly saved.
“Build warehouses and stockpile grain,” Su Qing said. “I checked the government’s warehouses before, and they haven’t been repaired for many years, let alone stockpiled grain.”
"Now take the time to repair all the warehouses and stockpile grain."
ah?
Didn't we finally save that money?
Should we flower it like this?
Su Qing was too lazy to explain, and simply said, "With the autumn harvest just over, it's a good time to stock up on grain."
"The military needs food and pay all year round, so we always have to prepare in advance."
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately nodded in agreement.
However, Su Qing also said, "We will prioritize the collection of grain from other places and urge all counties to repair their granaries. The Ministry of Personnel will focus on this aspect during the year-end assessment."
Repair warehouses and store grain.
This is the next task for the Household Affairs Bureau.
Not only the prefectural city, but all the county towns should do it.
From August to September 16th, Su Qing has completely taken control of the prefectural government, and the counties below are relatively obedient.
Therefore, this decree was quickly disseminated.
Repairing the warehouse.
Stockpiling grain.
No one dared to be careless.
The officials are still watching from behind.
Wei Lai, the Wei official in charge of official duties, was simply elusive.
I heard that when he was in Nanjiang County, he instilled great fear in officials at all levels.
This is even more true now.
He would even have his officials disguise themselves and go on inspections in various counties. If they found any problems, he could report directly to Prefect Su.
With this oversight in place, who would dare to be careless?
The hoarding of grain in various places has affected another person's business.
That was Ye Shanming, who had traveled a long way to deliver the message.
He gave the witnesses and evidence to Su Qing, ate a hot soup meal at her place, and then went to his own restaurant to rest.
After he finished inspecting the business in Guangyue Prefecture, news came that grain had been stockpiled in various parts of Guangyue Prefecture.
Ye Shanming went to find Su Qing with a question mark in his mind. Su Qing was in her study dealing with official documents and said directly, "I'm helping you like this, and you're trying to steal my business?"
Su Qing smiled without looking up: "You yourself said that I also helped you with the Xu family's affairs."
Otherwise, why would you have rushed here so urgently?
Now that the Xu family's property has been seized, it's hard to estimate how much the Ye family has benefited from it.
Ye Shanming was speechless. He sat down in a chair and said simply, "Since we're going to buy grain, why go through all that trouble?"
Su Qing was waiting for this question: "Does Young Master Ye have any cheap goods available?"
Ye Shanming ran a grain business in the Guanglefu area, with even cloth taking a backseat.
If their government needs it, they can transport grain from other places themselves.
Ye Shanming rushed over, naturally wanting to take advantage of his help to Su Qing and get a share of the benefits.
Su Qing naturally understood his meaning and had even considered buying grain from him long ago.
However, it's two different things whether I bring it up myself or Hayama Naruto does it.
Ye Shanming was well aware of this.
But Su Qing's status is different now.
She is no longer the minor county magistrate she once was.
Rather, it was the prefect who truly held power, and it was only natural for him to voluntarily bow his head.
After discussing the grain, Ye Shanming paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "I was thinking of asking you to be the manager of a branch."
"Now it seems that I was arrogant."
At that time, I only thought that if Su Qing couldn't become the county magistrate, he would have to find another way to make a living.
Who would have thought that he would not only become a county magistrate, but also a prefect?
He has connections in the military and in Nanjing.
Indeed, it is extraordinary.
Su Qing didn't intend to reminisce about the past, but instead inquired about the Xu family's situation.
"Has the Xu family's assets really been sent to Nanjing?"
They can only get bits and pieces of information from others.
But the Ye family, who were also in Yangzhou, certainly knew more details.
Hearing this, Ye Shanming laughed again and again. Not wanting to say it in front of others, he simply said, "I heard that you invited the Hua family to dinner at my restaurant last time. This time, I'll treat you instead."
Su Qing looked at him.
Was the restaurant yours last time?
When Su Qing arrived at the appointment, she realized why those words couldn't be spoken in the government office.
Knowing that Su Qing couldn't drink alcohol, Ye Shanming only served her some tea and good food, and told her about the Xu family.
Previously, reselling military supplies might not have been such a serious issue.
However, the amount embezzled by eunuch Jia was considerable, and if it could be thoroughly investigated, it could alleviate the urgent crisis in Nanjing.
They said that the palace where they were temporarily staying needed repairs and they urgently needed money.
The Xu family received even more silver later on.
If all of them are transported to Jinling, not only will the immediate crisis be solved, but the lives of everyone in the palace will be much better.
"On the very night that the memorials from the garrison minister Liang and the logistics official Qi were delivered to Jinling, the Imperial Guards went to Yangzhou to confiscate the Xu family's property."
Ye Shanming lowered his voice and said, "It was transported to Jinling early the next morning."
Su Qing was stunned.
What? !
Did she hear that right?
The memorial had just been sent, and the crime had not yet been decided.
Their assets were seized?!
The Jinling court must be desperate for money!
Now that things had come to this point, Ye Shanming recounted the Jinling imperial court's escape.
Those princes and ministers fled in a hurry and did not take much wealth with them.
During the chase, quite a few items were lost.
By the time they arrived in Jinling, they had hardly any belongings left.
To say they have no money?
That's not it either.
Their family's wealth accumulated over generations is mainly concentrated in the Beijing area.
They could allow valuables to pile up in the warehouses while grain rotted in the granaries.
What's the point?
I just can't bring it out.
One by one, they became penniless men with vast fortunes.
However, these people are very picky about food, drink, and other necessities.
First, they wreaked havoc on the government offices in Jinling, and then they sought out many prominent families in the surrounding area.
In short, they've lost both substance and face.
Now that they've set their sights on the Xu family, this lucrative target, they naturally won't let go.
Ye Shanming's vivid storytelling left Su Qing speechless.
Ye Shanming smiled at the end: "Your fiancé is also involved in this."
"Your fiancé will first help you get an official position, and then help you get tax-exempt."
"Although it wasn't all his credit, the deep affection between you two is known to all."
Ye Shanming asked in confusion, "But you came to Guang Le Prefecture as the prefect, while his parents were left in Nanjiang County."
“There is already evidence of your crimes, and people are trying to sow discord between you and Gu Congsi.”
"But don't worry, your fiancé directly refuted the other party." Ye Shanming said cryptically, "It seems that I not only underestimated your abilities, but also your feelings for each other."
Su Qing's eyes held a complex expression.
What's going on with Instructor Gu and his wife?
Can't you even handle this small matter?!
Fortunately, this little incident is over; the important thing is still the matter of Nanjing.
"In short, with the Xu family's wealth, Jinling should be able to live a more peaceful life."
After Ye Shanming finished speaking, he paused for a moment.
Su Qing understood what he meant.
“But the rabbit dies and the fox grieves,” Su Qing said slowly. “With the Jinling court acting this way, the Jiangnan market is bound to be in turmoil.”
Ye Shanming was helpless.
He rushed to Guangyuefu, hoping to find refuge there.
After all, his family was involved in this.
Fortunately, this was done discreetly, and no one knows about it for the time being.
The Xu family's affairs are minor.
Making the people of Jiangnan uneasy is the real issue.
This can't even be blamed on Su Qing and Ye Shanming.
After all, who could have imagined that the Jinling court would behave so disgracefully?
Even if they want the Xu family's assets, they should at least solidify the case.
Who wouldn't panic if they were rushing to make money like this?
At this point, Ye Shanming sighed.
Of the thirteen provinces of Shunchang Kingdom, where exactly is the pure land?
Su Qing did not answer.
How did he know?
Anyway, Guangyuefu is still in danger.
Knowing these things, Su Qing became even more certain of one thing.
She must obtain the right to forge weapons for the Guangyuefu.
No matter what method is used.
This matter must be taken into our own hands.
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