Chapter 103: Liang Ye's Theory of Corruption
When Shanhe was almost four months pregnant, her pregnancy finally became noticeable. Sometimes when Liang Ye went out on business and returned for two or three days, her belly always seemed a bit rounder. As spring clothes became thinner, her increasingly protruding belly became more and more visible, hanging heavily on Shanhe's originally slender waist. The undergarments that used to fit snugly now stretched taut, outlining a full and graceful curve, making Shanhe feel a little strangely dazed when she looked in the mirror.
Liang Ye observed all of this, his face maintaining its usual composure, but his heart was churning with a turmoil he himself couldn't fully comprehend. This child constantly reminded him of Liang Shao, yet Shan He's words and actions reminded him that he was now the child's father. Therefore, his reaction to the child became pragmatic. He commissioned the tailoring of a batch of loose-fitting, comfortable maternity clothes, all made from the finest soft satin, in the elegant colors Shan He usually favored, subtly embroidered with intricate patterns. After all, clothing reflected Shan He's image, and Shan He reflected his.
At night, they shared a bed. Occasionally, he would reach out and gently place his hand on her belly through her undergarment. The warmth of his palm, the swelling, and the unexpected slight movement within all sent shivers down his spine. Shanhe leaned against the soft pillows, lazily watching him like this, her eyebrows curving into a smile. She slapped his hand away, scolding him for frightening the baby. Before, Shanhe was gentle and slender, always carrying an inescapable girlish air. Now, pregnant, not only were her cheeks and body fuller, but her aura had also become warm and serene, bringing peace to those who looked at her. This made Liang Ye even more convinced that Shanhe was truly with him this time. He often thought to himself that even someone as resilient as Xue Shanhe, whose back could not be broken by either soft or hard methods, could only be truly bound to her by a child. Liang Ye couldn't help but hope that this child was his; he also couldn't help but worry, if A Shao returned, would Shanhe leave again? This worry took root in his heart and grew quietly.
Once, Shanhe was leaning against the soft pillows looking at a picture book when Liang Ye sat on the edge of the bed, took one of her feet, and began to trim her nails with a small file. Shanhe felt uncomfortable and was about to pull her foot away when Liang Ye pressed down on her ankle, laughing, "I'm serving you, and you're trying to hide?" Shanhe put down the picture book, leaned against the soft pillows, and looked at his lowered eyes without saying a word. Liang Ye then chatted about the things that had happened during the day. As they were talking, he suddenly said, "When our child is born in the future..." Shanhe bit her lip and interrupted him sharply, "Isn't that our child?" Liang Ye's hand paused, and he suddenly realized that deep down, he had always believed that this child was Liang Shao's.
Early April is the season for spring hunting. Because Shanhe is pregnant and Consort Xian is about to give birth, and there are still matters to be settled at the imperial palace, Liang Ye requested to stay in the capital. The people from the Shi and Meng families, on the other hand, went hunting with the Emperor at the Shanglin Garden.
That day, Liang Ye sat alone in his study, flipping through the recent reports from the imperial palace, his brow furrowing. The main structure of the palace was completed, and now was the time for landscaping, water features, planting trees and flowers; everything needed planning, and everything needed to be purchased. He glanced at the recent account books and immediately noticed something amiss. He hurriedly told Cheng An to prepare the carriage, and they were about to head to the imperial palace.
After changing into his official robes, Shanhe approached Liang Ye, holding his winged turban, and placed it securely on Liang Ye's head, saying gently, "Come back soon."
Liang Ye was fastening his belt when he heard Shan He's soft, charming words. His heart stirred slightly, and he grasped her hand: "Is there something you need?"
Shanhe tilted her head and smiled: "Can't I look forward to your early return if there's nothing wrong?"
These words were sweet and soft, which pleased Liang Ye greatly. He smiled and said, "Then you can come with me." He then called out to Cai Xiang and Cai Ping and instructed them to help Lady Xue with her dressing and grooming.
The palace was vast in scale, and Liang Ye instructed Cheng'an to lead Shanhe around to enjoy the sights, and also assigned two maids to accompany them. After everything was settled, he headed towards the side hall where Zhang Fengliang worked.
Meanwhile, Zhang Fengliang was engrossed in unfolding the palace blueprints on the table, so engrossed that he didn't even hear Liang Ye enter the room. Liang Ye quietly approached and said with a smile, "Brother Fengliang is so diligent that I can't bear to disturb you."
Zhang Fengliang was initially startled, but upon seeing that the visitor was Liang Ye, he immediately smiled and said, "Brother Liang!" He quickly stood up from behind the table to greet him, first bowing respectfully before inviting Liang Ye to take a seat.
Liang Ye didn't stand on ceremony and sat down in the head seat: "I've been on official business in Jinling these past few months and missed your and Chi Ying's happy occasion."
Zhang Fengliang smiled shyly and said, "The first thing I want to say to Chiying is that we can be husband and wife in this life is to thank you for planning for us in the past. If it weren't for your secret help, how could I have won the favor of the Empress and the Emperor's bestowal of marriage? How could I dare to be worthy of Chiying? It is a pity that Brother Liang was far away in Jinling during the wedding and was unable to personally invite you to attend the ceremony. This is truly my regret."
Liang Ye smiled faintly: "If it weren't for your own diligence and your success in passing the imperial examinations twice, even if I had used all my resources, would His Majesty have so easily granted you this marriage? It's all because you've lived up to your own potential."
Zhang Fengliang smiled and stood up to personally pour tea for Liang Ye: "I heard that you went to Jinling to investigate the case of banned books. Did it involve the Xu family of the Southeast Army? They are a family of military generals that existed since the founding of the country by Emperor Gaozu. They are a family of generals that are as famous as the Pei family. You must have gone through a lot of trouble to return to the capital with your merits."
Liang Ye sat in the grand chair, picked up the teacup, skimmed off the foam, and said gently, "The Xu family descendants are unworthy. They had someone paint erotic pictures and added a note on the side saying, 'Military preparedness is lax, and they only care about romance.' The Censorate reported it to His Majesty. I was merely acting on imperial orders and relied on His Majesty's authority to persuade General Xu Wei to return to the capital with me."
General Xu Wei, commanding the four armies of the southeast, held a rank equivalent to a marquis, and the Xu family behind him was a prestigious clan that had been prominent in the Great Yan Dynasty for centuries. Liang Ye ostensibly invited Xu Wei back to the capital, but in reality, he was escorting him there to plead guilty. Because of the Xu family's power and military strength, Liang Ye lingered in Jinling for some time, secretly using the Emperor's tiger tally to mobilize troops from Tianhang, Pengcheng, and Chuzhou, employing political maneuvering and military tactics to deal with them for over twenty days.
Zhang Fengliang pondered these words in his heart and wondered, "No wonder there have been rumors circulating lately that the Xu family is no longer useful. Indulging in pleasure is a small matter, but neglecting military preparations is a big one. Not to mention that the Xu family holds military power in the Southeast Army. After this incident, it's probably only a matter of time before they take back their military power in the Southeast."
Liang Ye slowly sipped his tea and smiled, "These are all imperial strategies, beyond our comprehension. There is only one matter that currently stands between us, which is rather thorny."
Zhang Fengliang hurriedly asked, "Brother, what's the matter that's so troublesome?"
Liang Ye put down his teacup and called out, "Huaifeng."
Huai Feng entered in response, holding an account book in both hands. Liang Ye rose and walked to Huai Feng, turning to the page marked in red, and said in a deep voice, "Since Cheng Min and Huai Song have both ruined things, I am handing over all the accounts of this palace to you, Huai Feng."
Huai Feng quickly bent down even lower: "This humble one wouldn't dare."
Zhang Fengliang looked on, puzzled.
Liang Ye stared intently at the lines: "Perhaps it's because when I went to Jinling before, I only took Cheng'an with me, leaving you alone in the capital. Without any help, you've caused some discrepancies in the accounts. It's not a difficult matter to resolve, but if the Censorate sees this, they might accuse our Lord Zhang of embezzlement."
"Embezzlement?" Zhang Fengliang was startled and immediately sat up straight from his chair, hurriedly going over to examine the account book closely. "How could there be embezzlement! Every blade of grass and every tree in the palace was purchased at market price. I have also seen this account book. There is absolutely no possibility of embezzlement!"
Huai Feng also said urgently, "I was just doing what Lord Zhang instructed, and I had no selfish motives whatsoever!"
Liang Ye lowered his eyes to look at the ink characters: "It wasn't you, nor was it Lord Zhang. Did this silver sprout wings and fly away?"
Zhang Fengliang and Huai Feng looked at each other, then quickly huddled together to carefully calculate the numbers on the screen.
Liang Ye sat back down in his armchair and squinted at the two men.
Zhang Fengliang muttered, "How could this be? The price of timber three months ago was less than half of what it is now! How could it have risen to this level in just three months!"
Huai Feng gritted his teeth and said, "Sir, it was truly my oversight. In the past, Cheng Min and Huai Song managed the accounts without any problems, so I didn't check them carefully. I don't know why these expenses have increased several times in three months. I will go and investigate right away!"
Liang Ye said slowly, "If it wasn't Huai Feng who did it, and it wasn't Lord Zhang either, then it could only be someone below him?"
Zhang Fengliang thought for a moment and said bitterly, "It must be them! Brother, I will report this matter to the Emperor and the Censorate and punish them severely for their embezzlement."
Liang Ye twirled his fingertips, saying meaningfully, "Actually, there's no need for such a large-scale effort."
Zhang Fengliang was taken aback.
Liang Ye glanced at Huai Feng, then looked at Zhang Fengliang: "Fengliang, next time you can just embezzle the silver back."
"I'm greedy?" Zhang Fengliang was stunned, then his tone became firm, "How could I be greedy! What if His Majesty found out..."
Liang Ye pursed his lips and lowered his head to continue looking at the account books: "His Majesty already knew."
"What?! Oh no, His Majesty is definitely going to punish me!" Zhang Fengliang frowned. "Brother, but I truly didn't embezzle a single penny!"
Liang Ye grew increasingly impatient. Zhang Fengliang was kind-hearted and simple-minded, possessing a wealth of talent but lacking the shrewdness of officialdom. Liang Ye had initially helped him and Meng Chiying precisely because of this kindness; it would both earn him a good reputation and allow him to secretly manipulate Zhang Fengliang and even the Ministry of Works. Liang Ye rose and closed the door, instantly blocking out the daylight and plunging the room into darkness.
Zhang Fengliang was still in a daze: "Brother, why is the door closed?"
Liang Ye's face darkened as he turned around: "This sum of money from the national treasury was originally intended for you to embezzle by His Majesty."
Zhang Fengliang was even more astonished, and Huai Feng was dumbfounded.
"Last year at the end of the year, when Consort Xian visited her family, the money was spent like water. Who could afford that? His Majesty couldn't openly subsidize it, so he secretly helped the Meng family through such means. With so many people in the Ministry of Works, why did he choose you, the newly appointed supervisor of the imperial palace? Have you thought about it carefully? Since you married Chiying, you are practically a son of the Meng family. His Majesty allowed you to embezzle some of the national treasury so that the Meng family could use this to cover the deficit from the imperial visit. Otherwise, how could the Ministry of Revenue not find out about such a mess of accounts? Doesn't the Ministry of Revenue know the current prices of timber and stone?" Seeing Zhang Fengliang's wide-eyed disbelief, Liang Ye sighed inwardly and turned to Huai Feng, saying, "Last time, Cheng Min and Huai Song took care of these accounts one after the other. Huai Feng, didn't you look at them carefully?"
Huai Feng was stunned. Upon hearing Liang Ye's words, he knelt down with a thud and said tremblingly, "I...I have seen it, but I really...I really don't know these tricks. I've never heard Cheng Min'er and Huai Song talk about them before. I thought..."
Liang Ye glanced at him and said, "You're quite honest, not greedy at all." He couldn't openly criticize Zhang Fengliang for being inflexible, so he specially summoned Huai Feng this time, taking the opportunity of reprimanding Huai Feng to secretly give Zhang Fengliang some pointers.
Although Zhang Fengliang was virtuous, his overly honesty sometimes led him astray. In the ways of officialdom, one cannot rise through the ranks without taking a single penny; yet, one cannot last long without taking everything. Moreover, not all money is permissible to take. For example, public works projects such as road construction, bridge building, and dam construction must never be touched; however, there is much room for maneuver in matters that cost public funds, such as imperial palaces and family visits.
Liang Ye patted Huai Feng's shoulder: "Huai Feng, be more clever in the future." He then turned to leave, but heard Zhang Fengliang's dejected voice behind him. Liang Ye couldn't help but think of Liang Shao. In terms of age, Liang Shao and Zhang Fengliang were about the same; in terms of character, they were both equally pure-hearted. Liang Shao had been betrayed by Zhu Xian in Beichuan precisely because of his innocent heart and lack of understanding of the ways of officialdom. Liang Ye stopped and said, "If you don't embezzle, someone else will. His Majesty is probably aware of this. He's just too lazy to manage it. As long as it doesn't affect the people's livelihood, given His Majesty's current temperament, he probably won't interfere. There's another thing you must remember: don't be greedy all the time. Let go when you should. Those below you are also counting on this little bit of profit. If you let them have no benefit at all, your actions will become more difficult."
As soon as he finished speaking, Liang Ye pushed open the door and stepped out, letting in the sunlight once more. Zhang Fengliang remained standing there, gazing at Liang Ye's tall, straight back, a bitter feeling welling up inside him. The national treasury's silver was all tax money paid by the people through their hard work; how could it be embezzled? But then he thought of the subtle inquiries and hints from his father-in-law and mother-in-law these past few days, and Zhang Fengliang lowered his head, unable to resist looking at the densely packed words on the account book.
Using His Majesty's money to cover the deficit from the Empress's visit home. How strange!
Zhang Fengliang sighed, carefully rolled up the palace blueprints, and spread the account books on the table, pondering where to start and how to embezzle funds.
Meanwhile, Cheng'an led Shanhe on a tour of the imperial palace. The green tiles and red eaves seemed to reach the sky, their soaring roofs appearing to swallow the clouds. Hidden among the layered rocks was a winding stream; pavilions and towers were concealed among the lush flowers and trees. Shanhe followed Cheng'an along the cobblestone path, past magnolias like snow and crabapple blossoms like brocade—the beauty was indescribable. They came to a clear, mirror-like pond, where an octagonal pavilion stood gracefully on the water, accessible only by boat. Beside the pond stood a large stele inscribed with the three characters "Yu Zhen Chi" (Jade Resonance Pond). Shanhe silently recited the inscription, and suddenly, as if struck by lightning, she remembered Zhenniang's words.
The Jade Pool where Huai Song died?!
Shanhe pointed to the pavilion, his suspicious expression vanishing, and asked with a smile, "What's that pavilion called?"
Cheng An replied, "The Thousand Buddha Pavilion."
"Thousand Buddha Pavilion?" Shanhe couldn't help but wonder, "We've been traveling along the way, and the names of all the places and scenic spots here are so unique and full of classical allusions. Why is it that we're talking about Zen here?"
Just as Cheng An was about to reply, Liang Ye's voice suddenly rang out from behind him: "This pool is too big, and it's inevitable that it will harbor filth and impurities. Only by suppressing it with a thousand Buddhas can we ensure your purity." He smiled and said, "The pavilion roof is painted with a picture of a thousand Buddhas chanting sutras. I'll take you up to admire it another day."
Shanhe turned around and saw Liang Ye strolling towards her with his hands behind his back. She forced a smile, walked to his side, and said gently, "So, the idea of this Thousand Buddha Pond was yours?"
Liang Ye looked down at her, smiled faintly, and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. He said in a low voice, "Lord Xiao Zhang is under imperial orders to oversee the construction of the palace. He has his own ideas. I am just assisting him with some trivial matters."
Shanhe pondered his words silently, a faint smile playing on her lips.
Seeing her indifferent expression, Liang Ye put his arm around her shoulder and led her outside: "Alright, you must be tired after walking around for half a day. How about we go to the Secret Pavilion? I have an appointment with someone I'm about to introduce you to."
Who is it?
"You'll see when you see it."
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