Military Order
Li Yunye also thought the method was good, nodded in approval, and said, "I'll need your help then." Shen Qinghang nodded, "Your Highness, there's no need to be so polite. It's all I should do."
When Tang Feng returned home, he didn't rush to find Qin Jiujiu to tell her about Zhang Mobai's dinner at the mansion. Instead, he pulled Zhang Mobai straight to the study. "You promised to treat me to dinner, but you didn't even bother to inform my sister when you got home. Little brother, you're really taking advantage of me. Is coming to the mansion for dinner just a pretext?" Tang Feng chuckled, pulling Zhang Mobai into the study. Before closing the door, he called Liu Yiwan to his side and said, "Go tell my sister to prepare plenty of good wine and food today. Mobai is here." After Liu Yiwan left, Tang Feng closed the door and fawned over Zhang Mobai. "Mobai, look, I've prepared the food and kept my promise. Can we talk about business now?" Zhang Mobai poured himself a glass of water, lowered his eyes, and chuckled softly. "You only act like this when you're begging me. You always have this long face, as if you're afraid of others getting close to you. No wonder the Ninth Prince isn't close to you. So, what's the business?"
Tang Feng rummaged through the study for a while before finally bringing over a map. He spread it out in front of Zhang Mobai and said, "I haven't been an official for long, and I don't know much about the old, forgotten things in the court. So, I'd like to hear about Wanliang and what's going on with this drought." Zhang Mobai put down his teacup, scanned the map, and pointed to the northwest side of Yanyun. "Wanliang is close to Shanghan. You've been to Shanghan, so you probably know the climate there. It's windy and dusty year-round, with little rain, making it difficult for crops to survive." Tang Feng looked at Wanliang on the map, rested his chin on his hand, and thought for a moment. "Interested...?"
"No!" Zhang Mobai tapped Tang Feng's forehead. "I've already done more than enough for you by helping you this far. Going to Wanliang will probably take a long time again. I still have Lin'an at home, and I can't afford to go off with you to cause trouble." Tang Feng didn't say anything after being rejected by Zhang Mobai, but when he heard Li Lin'an's name, he couldn't help but ask, "I haven't seen Lin'an in a long time. Why don't you bring him over so I can see him?"
“Lin’an was teething recently and had a fever. Bringing him here will only make you worry,” Zhang Mobai said, arms crossed, looking at Tang Feng with a hint of mockery in his eyes. “I can’t do things that make you worry and prevent you from resting in peace.” Tang Feng understood the implication in Zhang Mobai’s words and smiled helplessly. “His Highness does need some care these days, but give him time. He needs to grow, doesn’t he? The way you’re being so aggressive makes it seem like you’re going to devour him.”
“You’re his tutor, and he ignored you completely when he was ill the other day. Even if he was faking it, he should at least have asked you a few questions!” Zhang Mobai had always been prejudiced against Li Yunyu. Tang Feng had helped him a lot, but he hadn’t shown any appreciation. His words inevitably contained a few complaints, but Tang Feng didn’t seem to care, saying nonchalantly, “I never intended for him to seize the throne. Helping him was just helping myself. Mobai, you don’t need to worry about me.”
Seeing that Tang Feng had stopped talking, Zhang Mobai noticed the tense atmosphere and asked, "You already have a plan for Wanliang?"
"We've made some progress, but we'll need you to make more connections with the Vice Minister of Revenue."
"What does disaster relief have to do with the Ministry of Revenue?" Zhang Mobai asked, tilting his head. Tang Feng smiled and shook his head. "You'll find out when the time comes."
Zhang Mobai didn't keep Tang Feng waiting long. The next morning, he sent someone to inform him that the Vice Minister of Revenue had used his father's connections to arrange a meeting for Tang Feng at noon the day after tomorrow at the Vice Minister's house. Tang Feng lay in a rocking chair, head tilted back, holding a withered blade of grass in his hand, poking at the military book in Zhou Ziliang's hand. Zhou Ziliang wasn't annoyed. He moved the hand holding the military book to the side, looked down at Tang Feng, and smiled lightly, "Little Feng, you've been in a good mood these past two days?"
"It wasn't great, but it went very smoothly."
"What do you mean by that?" Zhou Ziliang hadn't heard much of Tang Feng's conversation with Zhang Mobai that day, so he naturally didn't know what Tang Feng's next move would be.
"I had Mo Bai arrange a meeting with the Vice Minister of Revenue," Tang Feng yawned, pulling the blanket over him higher. He continued, "I'm planning a trip to Wanliang in a few days. This trip will likely cost the court a fortune." Zhou Ziliang understood Tang Feng's meaning and asked, "You want the Vice Minister of Revenue to help you?" Tang Feng nodded. "Wanliang isn't a huge city, but it's not insignificant either. Grain production has plummeted in the last two years. Solving the Wanliang problem would significantly alleviate the burden. It all depends on whether His Majesty is willing to take the gamble." "It's a one-shot deal, but empty words don't give me any leverage. Getting the Vice Minister of Revenue to vouch for me would probably be better." Since the opening of Ayi Harbor, the national treasury in Yanyun has gradually become full, and disaster relief was not a problem before. However, the frequent disasters in recent years have caused the economy, which had just recovered, to plummet again. As the ruler of the country, Emperor Yun did not know the state of the national treasury. The only way he could find out was from the Vice Minister of Revenue. No matter how eloquently he spoke, it would not be as good as the Vice Minister of Revenue's statement that the national treasury was still full.
Zhou Ziliang reached out and pulled Tang Feng's hand under the blanket, looking down at him. "But have you considered that the Vice Minister of Revenue probably won't be of any use to you?"
"Ah... Mo Bai said the same thing, but that's alright. He'll listen to him then. I heard his son married the daughter of the Wang family governor, who's a bully at home. His son isn't very capable and just stays at home. They've asked many people and sent many gifts, but to no avail. The couple's relationship is strained. Although they say they'll make up before they get out of bed, it's not a long-term solution. Besides, they haven't established their own household after being married for so long. I imagine Minister Zhang is quite worried." Zhou Ziliang thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Since you've already come up with a solution, and you're in a good mood these days, it's quite reasonable, isn't it?"
Tang Feng, feeling a bit hot from having his hands tucked under the blanket by Zhou Ziliang, reached out and played with Zhou Ziliang's hair, gently tugging it down. Zhou Ziliang then leaned down and lightly pecked Tang Feng's lips. "What are you doing... why are you kissing me!"
"Isn't it said that gentlemen use words, not fists?" Zhou Ziliang stood up with a light laugh, extending his hand to Tang Feng. "It's getting windy, let's go back."
The following day at noon, Tang Feng took a carriage to the residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue, with Liu Yiwan following closely behind. Tang Feng had originally intended to come alone, but Qin Jiujiu insisted, "You are the tutor of a prince, a second-rank official, after all. How can you go without someone following you? Ziliang is busy, so let Liu Yiwan come along. You can't go alone."
Facing Qin Jiujiu, Tang Feng didn't dare to utter a word in reply, and could only let Liu Yiwan follow him out. Seeing that Liu Yiwan didn't say much behind him, Tang Feng spoke up, "Compared to before, you're much more composed. You talk less now too."
Upon hearing this, Liu Yiwan scratched his head and said apologetically, "It was Miss Jiu who told me to talk less and do more, saying that the young master's health isn't good right now and he might get angry with me."
Tang Feng nearly choked on his words, his lips twitching for a long time before he finally managed to stammer, "Yeah... you'd better not open your mouth." Even after saying that, Liu Yiwan seemed to have opened a floodgate of words, "Young Master, where are we going?"
"Go to the residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue."
What are you going there for?
Tang Feng frowned, coughed twice, and then slapped Liu Yiwan on the head. "I have my reasons for going. Why are you asking so many questions? Just shut up for a bit."
"I'm worried about you too, young master. Isn't it inappropriate for you to go to the Vice Minister of Revenue so openly? You're now the Ninth Prince's tutor; shouldn't you avoid suspicion at this time?" Liu Yiwan was somewhat worried. After all, what Tang Feng was doing was too dangerous, and he felt it was best to be as careful as possible.
"Why hide your concern for the country?" Tang Feng then shrugged. "His Majesty said that loyal ministers are not afraid of death, and I am someone who listens to advice very much."
"Young Master Zhang warned you to be careful, but I haven't seen you listen..." Liu Yiwan muttered softly, afraid Tang Feng would overhear. Although Tang Feng's health wasn't what it used to be, his hearing and eyesight were still sharp. One glare from him silenced Liu Yiwan. Reaching the entrance to the Ministry of Revenue's residence, Liu Yiwan knocked on the door. A servant came out, and Liu Yiwan said, "Our Grand Tutor has arranged to meet Minister Zhang at your residence today."
"Grand Tutor, our master has instructed that you should..." Before the servant could finish speaking, Tang Feng heard a commotion inside the mansion, seemingly an argument. Tang Feng took a few steps forward and asked, "What's going on here..."
"Grand Tutor, please don't take offense. Our young master and young mistress... please come in first. I heard that you are not in good health, so please don't let them catch a cold outside." Tang Feng followed the servant into the mansion. The Vice Minister's residence wasn't luxurious, but it was several times better than the Tang residence. Tang Zhaonan was originally an honest and upright man, and given his low official rank, he could only be considered a wealthy family in Xiling. Liu Yiwan, unlike Tang Feng, had been to and from the palace several times. He mostly served in the Tang residence. It was his first time visiting the Vice Minister's residence, and he was quite curious, unable to stop looking around. Tang Feng secretly kicked him, saying, "Be more reserved..." Seeing that Liu Yiwan had become much more obedient, Tang Feng put on a welcoming smile again. "Are your young master and young mistress having relationship problems? They've been arguing for so long, aren't you going to try to mediate?"
"You can't persuade him, you can't persuade him!" The servant hurriedly waved his hands. "My young master..." The servant paused, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke, "My young master is already doing well by marrying the daughter of the prefect, and all these years he hasn't held any official position... so..."
Tang Feng nodded and didn't ask any further questions. He sat in the main hall. The servant said he would go and fetch his master first. After the servant left, Liu Yiwan leaned down and whispered in Tang Feng's ear, "Young Master, this Vice Minister Zhang is so ill-mannered. You are a second-rank official; it's one thing if he didn't greet you at the door, but why make you wait in the hall?" Tang Feng waved his hand. "After all, he's older than me. I can easily call him 'Uncle.' How can I let him come out to greet me? Respect isn't something you get by rank, it's something you earn." Seeing Liu Yiwan's blank expression, Tang Feng smiled. "You'll understand in a moment." Just as Tang Feng finished speaking, footsteps came from the corridor. Looking up, he saw Vice Minister Zhang leisurely enter from the main hall entrance, wearing his usual light blue robe, without even fastening his belt or accessories. He stood lazily before Tang Feng, cupped his hands, and said, "Grand Tutor, I am late. Please forgive my rudeness."
Although his words carried an apology, Tang Feng couldn't detect any sincerity in them. He stood up, supporting himself on the table, and returned the greeting, "Lord Zhang, what are you saying? I am merely a junior." Upon hearing this, Vice Minister Zhang's attitude softened slightly. He gestured for Tang Feng to sit down and then sat down himself, asking, "When the Grand Tutor summoned me this time, Mo Bai didn't clearly explain the matter. Now, there's no need for us to beat around the bush. I urge the Grand Tutor to speak frankly." Seeing that things had come to this point, Tang Feng smiled and said, "I imagine Lord Zhang has heard quite a bit about what happened in Wanliang a few days ago. This time, I've come to ask for your opinion."
Minister Zhang scoffed, "What is this all about? Everyone in the court knows I never get involved in these matters. I only do what His Majesty tells me to do. Grand Tutor Tang, there's no need to waste your breath. If there's nothing else, please leave." Tang Feng, seemingly indifferent, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly said, "The matter is as follows, but you can also consider it. I don't need Minister Zhang to do anything; you just need to allocate more funds for the Wanliang matter."
"Grand Tutor, you've never lifted a finger, do you know nothing of the cost of firewood and rice? Is allocating disaster relief funds something I can do with just a few words?" Minister Zhang was clearly getting angry, and he slammed his teacup heavily on the table as if venting his anger. But Tang Feng remained calm and continued, "His Majesty of Wanliang will definitely take action, and disaster relief is inevitable. You can't decide whether or not to allocate funds, but His Majesty's allocation still depends on your word. If you say the national treasury is tight, His Majesty will naturally allocate less; if you say the national treasury is full, he will naturally allocate more. This time, I don't ask you to get involved or do anything for me, I only ask that for the sake of the people of Wanliang, you give more silver."
Just as Vice Minister Zhang was pondering, Tang Feng heard the arguing that had been going on in the backyard getting closer and closer to the front hall. "You're a grown man, thirty years old, and you don't even have an official position or a house of your own. Divorce! Don't come looking for me at my father's place again this time!"
"Wife... Father..."
"What kind of behavior is this! What kind of behavior is this!" Minister Zhang looked at his son, disheveled and clutching his daughter-in-law's sleeve. He would usually turn a blind eye to this, but with Tang Feng present, he couldn't save face. He threw the cup beside him, startling the young mistress of the Zhang family. Seeing his son and daughter-in-law bowing and returning home, Minister Zhang leaned back in his seat and sighed. Tang Feng had seen all of this, coughed twice, and said, "Your son has not been able to obtain an official position for so many years?"
After thinking for a long time, Vice Minister Zhang finally spoke, "My son is utterly useless and good-for-nothing. What use is he to the court? He's married, but he doesn't take good care of his wife and children. He's always clamoring for a divorce. Alas... I've been an official for decades, and I've never done anything immoral or unethical. How could I have such a disobedient descendant?"
"Why don't you find him some minor official positions?"
"I work under His Majesty's watchful eye; how can he allow me to do such things..."
Tang Feng thought for a moment, then said, "I used to work in a pawnshop. Although I don't know who's in charge now, I know quite a few people there. If I go in, I can start from the bottom. If they know your son's identity, getting a job as a driver or something shouldn't be a problem."
Seeing that Vice Minister Zhang was still hesitating, Tang Feng added fuel to the fire with a slight smile. He coughed twice, stood up, and said, "Of course, if Vice Minister Zhang is unwilling, I will not say anything more. The allocation of funds is important, as is your son's future. I am in poor health and should not linger outside for too long, so I will return first." After saying this, he gave Liu Yiwan a wink, and Liu Yiwan followed Tang Feng. Just as Tang Feng was about to leave the hall, Vice Minister Zhang called out, "Grand Tutor Tang, please wait." Compared to before, this sentence was more humble and less harsh. "Grand Tutor Tang, if you can really secure an official position for my son, I will certainly help with the allocation of funds to the court in a while. I apologize for my inappropriate words just now." Tang Feng turned around and smiled. "Not at all, not at all, Lord Zhang, don't take it to heart. I will take care of the pawnshop matter myself. As for the allocation of funds, I will leave it to you then."
After Tang Feng left, the servant peeked out and whispered, "Master, you just agreed like that? Weren't we always turning away so many people who came before?"
"You know, I'm getting old. Once I have leverage over someone, it's hard to go back to the way things were. This Grand Tutor Tang is no simple man... It's best to avoid him if possible. In any case, if he can secure an official position for my son, it won't be a loss."
As Tang Feng stepped out of the Vice Minister's residence, Liu Yiwan said in a low voice, "That old man's change of heart is truly remarkable."
"Lord Zhang has served in the court for so many years, he must understand the principle that those who are discerning in times of adversity are wise," Tang Feng glanced at Liu Yiwan, "So, being a higher-ranking official won't crush you, but having skills is important, so learn from him."
Overall, Tang Feng was at least satisfied with the result. The next day at court, after exchanging glances with Vice Minister Zhang, Tang Feng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present." Emperor Yun was probably surprised that Tang Feng would take the initiative to speak. He nodded without saying anything and gestured for Tang Feng to continue. "Your Majesty, regarding the matter of Wanliang, I have already made up my mind. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission to go to Wanliang."
"But is there any way?"
"Yes, there is a way, but it might require His Majesty to approve more funds." Tang Feng had barely finished speaking when he heard the ministers behind him murmur amongst themselves, "Openly demanding money from His Majesty!"
"No wonder he became the prince's tutor at such a young age."
"Keep your voice down, don't let others hear."
Although the noise behind him was annoying Tang Feng, he didn't care. He looked up at Emperor Yun, who was resting his head on one hand and the dragon head on the side of the throne with the other, and said slowly, "Why? These past few years have been plagued by disasters, and the national treasury is already strained. Wanliang is just a small place; it's not worth making such a fuss and wasting resources."
"Your Majesty, although Wanliang is small, it is a thorn in our side. It has suffered from drought for many years, and the people are suffering from hunger and thirst. Moreover, I can make it the granary of Yanyun. I hope Your Majesty can trust me."
Taking advantage of Tang Feng's silence, Li Yunye turned and exchanged a glance with Shen Qinghang. Seeing Shen Qinghang nod, Li Yunye stepped forward and continued Tang Feng's words, "Father, I believe that Grand Tutor Tang is right. Although Wanliang is not large, every year at this time, memorials from there are like nails, firmly planted on Your Majesty's desk. Simply brushing them off is not a long-term solution. I think eradicating the problem once and for all is indeed the best course of action. As for Grand Tutor Tang, he has a distinguished record in disaster relief and military campaigns; I presume there will be no problem with Wanliang this time." Li Yunheng, standing to the side, tilted his head, looking at Li Yunye kneeling on the ground, then at the Emperor above. The Emperor looked at Tang Feng and asked, "What are the chances of success?"
"Ninety percent"
What is that one-tenth?
"It depends on whether His Majesty will allocate funds," Tang Feng said, looking up at Emperor Yun. "Your Majesty, I am also gambling."
Where is Vice Minister Zhang?
"Your subject is here," said Vice Minister Zhang, holding his official tablet, standing beside Tang Feng, awaiting Emperor Yun's question, "What is the maximum amount of silver that can be allocated this time?"
"Your Majesty, please rest assured. Although there were funds allocated for the Luohe Bridge flood relief, the local prefect covered half of the cost, so the court did not suffer too much loss. According to Grand Tutor Tang, the court can provide 157,000 taels of silver this time." Emperor Yun squinted at Tang Feng. "Is the silver sufficient?"
That's enough.
"Then I agree, and you've won your gamble. According to your assessment, you should now be 100% certain. If you want to take this batch of silver with you, you must first sign a pledge."
"If Tang Feng cannot resolve Wan Liang's problem, he shall never return to Xiling and shall die far from home."
Emperor Yun nodded, and Tang Feng straightened up and continued, "I have another request."
"speak"
"As the tutor of the Ninth Prince, my health has always been poor, and I have taught him very little. I am ashamed to have failed Your Majesty's trust in me. This disaster relief effort is a good opportunity for his growth, and I wish to take the Ninth Prince with me." Emperor Yun agreed, but before Tang Feng could leave, Li Yunye continued, "Father, my ninth brother is young, and the tutor is also unwell. As his elder brother, I wish to go with him and share your burdens." At this, Emperor Yun sat up straight, looking at Tang Feng and Li Yunye with interest, and waved his hand, "Then you may go. The princes around me are all incompetent; it would be good for them to see."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com