Chapter 254: Are you voluntarily sharing the Sage's worries, or are you only doing so after being beaten?

In the Supervision Bureau office, Zheng Shuqing sat at his desk, looking at the list in his hand, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

Although this plan is as good as certain, before the bonds are sold out, anything could happen!

Over the past two days, Zheng Shuqing has already cast his net.

Anyone whose name appears on the list has had their junior relatives seized by their queues, threatened with dismissal or stripping of titles.

This time Zheng Shuqing handled affairs with "iron-faced impartiality," not even issuing fines, just going straight for the jugular.

In short: as long as you don't come looking for me, your children won't die but will be skinned alive.

Zheng Shuqing believes officials or imperial nobles will soon come knocking, begging him to "show leniency."

"Can Supervising Commissioner Zheng, relying on this list in his hand, persuade those unwilling to spend money to buy the bonds?"

"I feel those people aren't so easily persuaded."

Sitting at the adjacent desk, Liu Yan, temporarily assigned by Ji Ge to work here, asked doubtfully.

"Hehe, if it's about bookkeeping and issuing bonds, I'm not as good as you."

"But if it's about psychological manipulation, you're nowhere near my level."

"Today, the Supervision Bureau's office will surely have its threshold trampled; Liu, the Minister of Revenue, just wait and see."

Zheng Shuqing stroked his long beard and laughed heartily.

Speaking of practical matters, Zheng Shuqing feels he might not be so capable, but when it comes to being Ji Ge's lackey, he's absolutely professional!

Right now it's just a matter of squeezing officials and imperial nobles—nothing difficult.

"Supervising Commissioner Zheng, let me remind you: these zero-interest bonds are essentially no different from throwing money into water."

"We're directly extorting money from officials and imperial nobles."

Worried Zheng Shuqing might misunderstand, Liu Yan kindly reminded him with a puzzled expression.

Putting oneself in another's shoes, nobody wants to throw their own money into water.

Once the ten-year zero-interest bonds are sold, they will form an indissoluble "bond pool"; when bonds mature, new debt replaces old, and the original buyers will have to keep buying, never able to escape.

In fact, issuing bonds by the central government in feudal times is nothing new.

According to historical records, it began as early as the Spring and Autumn period, continued through the Warring States, and was expanded in the Western Han.

However, no matter how you look at it, we only hear of the government issuing bonds, never of an emperor repaying them.

Liu Yan has been a prodigy since childhood; he naturally knows this time the emperor is extorting wealth from officials and wealthy clans. From a private morality standpoint, this is somewhat shameless, but from the state's and the people's perspective, Liu Yan wholeheartedly approves.

Of course, Ji Ge is making a killing from officials and wealthy clans; once they have a chance, they will extract tenfold or a hundredfold from the common people. Essentially, nothing has changed—the wool always comes from the sheep, an eternal truth.

But speaking of which, even if Ji Ge didn't extort money from the powerful, would those powerful not still reach into the people's pockets?

Such accounts cannot be calculated clearly.

Liu Yan sighed lightly and continued drafting the bond regulations. He decided to issue bonds within controllable limits, not to over-extort officials and nobles. In his view, borrowing need not be excessive; enough is enough. Too much would become a burden on the state.

At that moment, a middle-aged man in his thirties, wearing a bright yellow brocade robe, strode into the Supervision Bureau office and approached Zheng Shuqing. This man was the elder brother of Emperor Li Chengqian, Li Yu, the eldest son of Emperor Li.

He is the eldest legitimate grandson of Emperor Ruizong Li Dan, remarkably handsome, bearing an imposing demeanor, especially skilled in archery and the Jie drum, greatly favored by Ji Ge, and was made Prince of Ruyang at a young age.

Li Yu's expression was displeased; he gave Zheng Shuqing a casual, slightly arrogant salute and then said:

"My younger brother, the Prince of Hanzhong Li Yu, was actually threatened by Supervising Commissioner Zheng to have his title stripped."

"He was merely riding horses freely in Chang'an; whatever punishment he deserves, Supervising Commissioner Zheng should handle according to the Bureau's penalty regulations."

"Why must he be shown no mercy even when in the right?"

"Do you think you can, with the temporary system issued by the Sage, arbitrarily discipline imperial clansmen?"

Li Yu's attitude was extremely arrogant; simply put, he looked down on Zheng Shuqing, who wields a chicken feather as a command arrow, for making a fuss over trivialities.

Everyone knows Ji Ge established the Supervision Bureau merely to fine and extort money; no one has seen anyone lose office over such chicken-feather-and-garlic trifles. Ji Ge's original intention was not to let Zheng Shuqing interfere with the operation of court institutions.

On the surface it seems Zheng Shuqing can fine anyone to death, but in reality he can only use this to help Ji Ge extort money; the big stick in Zheng Shuqing's hand is merely to scare people, and he is not worthy of actually striking anyone.

What merit or ability does Zheng Shuqing have to qualify him to strip the titles of Tang nobility?

Li Yu is extremely dissatisfied with Zheng Shuqing's fox‑borrowing‑tiger's‑might posturing, but since the latter has Ji Ge's backing, he dare not retaliate. Were it not for this incident where Zheng Shuqing brandished a chicken feather as a command arrow, found a petty excuse to strip Li Yu's title, and left Li Yu unable to endure any longer,

he would not bother to deal with Zheng Shuqing, this lackey.

"The matter of the Prince of Hanzhong is difficult to handle; this is the Sage's will, there is no room for compromise."

Zheng Shuqing didn't even lift his head, his eyes fixed on the list in his hand, began to pressure Li Yu, making it clear he wouldn't back down without seeing a rabbit.

"Supervising Commissioner Zheng is surely intent on seizing the authority of the Ancestral Temple, replacing them to strip my brother's title, right?"

Li Yu asked in a hostile tone, clearly trying to pin a false accusation and frame him.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Shuqing placed the list on the desk, then gave Li Yu a haughty look and corrected his wording:

"Let me emphasize: it is the Sage who orders the stripping of titles; I merely carry out the command. How the Ancestral Temple operates is governed by its own rules, but no matter what, they cannot surpass the Sage!"

"Now the Sage refuses to relent, and I am likewise helpless."

"Eating the ruler's salary, bearing the ruler's worries—if Your Highness is dissatisfied, you may go to the Xingqing Palace to seek judgment from the Sage."

"As long as the Sage consents, I have no objection to this."

Li Yu originally wanted to make a fuss, but was shut down by Zheng Shuqing's combined rebuke and rebuttal. He instantly felt this old bureaucrat, this old oil slick, was not easy to deal with.

Old Zheng kept saying: if you have the guts, go challenge Ji Ge to a showdown; otherwise, just shut up.

"Good, good, good, Supervising Commissioner Zheng is truly iron‑willed and upright, a model for all officials."

"Then I will not disturb Supervising Commissioner Zheng's work; we'll see how things go."

Li Yu snorted coldly, turned around, and flicked his sleeves as he left.

He hadn't even stepped out of the office when he heard Zheng Shuqing's slow, leisurely voice from behind.

"Actually, there is a way to preserve the Prince of Hanzhong's title."

"But Your Highness cannot just talk the talk; everything must be proven by actions to show sincerity."

"As the saying goes, sincerity can move metal and stone; if Your Highness proves his sincerity to the Sage, what was once difficult might become easy."

Zheng Shuqing smiled as he spoke.

Li Jin reluctantly halted, then turned back to the desk where Zheng Shuqing was working, and, with a respectful bow, said, "Please, Inspector Zheng, guide me; I am deeply grateful."

Zheng Shuqing nodded and pointed to Liu Yan at the adjacent desk, saying:

"Liu Si Cao is, per the saint's orders, arranging the issuance of bonds, a move intended to raise provisions for the northwestern frontier troops."

For this, the saint has been neglecting meals and sleep, exhausting his mind and spirit.

If Your Highness could purchase some bonds to ease the saint's worries, the saint would surely see Your Highness's sincere patriotism.

Thus, the Han King's galloping through Chang'an could be forgiven; recognizing one's mistake and correcting it is the greatest virtue.

If the saint's temper subsides, won't the Han King's title be preserved? I have no need to trouble Your Highness.

Zheng Shuqing's words perfectly illustrated what it means to have "two mouths on the official character"—whether life or death, his word decides.

"Um, this prince wishes to ask, what is the interest on these bonds and when do they mature?"

Li Jin lowered his voice and asked, his gaze fixed on the round, plump face of Liu Yan. It seemed buying now was unavoidable, so he asked anyway.

"Ten‑year term, interest‑free. Upon maturity, the treasury will redeem them."

Liu Yan said calmly. He and Zheng Shuqing divide their duties and do not interfere with each other's affairs.

Upon hearing this, Li Jin instantly became displeased, his anger flaring up.

Interest‑free bonds that only mature after ten years—this is nothing but robbery!

Li Jin realized which act Zheng Shuqing was now performing. Or rather, what the Tang Emperor behind him intended to do!

Bureaucrats and noble relatives willing to buy bonds embody the "sincere patriotism."

The trivial matters Zheng Shuqing had previously nitpicked could, under such a "sincere" attitude, be reduced from great to small to nothing.

Those unwilling to buy bonds are the typical "heart that can be condemned," subjectively unwilling to ease the saint's worries.

Even if Zheng Shuqing only caught a small strand before, it could later become a massive issue.

Mishandle it and people will die!

"Buy them; bonds must be bought, I have no excuse not to."

As a royal clan member, I must share the nation's burdens.

Li Jin's handsome face twisted into a spasm; having his family fund the bonds was truly more painful than death.

Yet Li Jin also knew that they had only removed a "Han King" for now. If they kept being stingy, the emperor might keep raising the stakes. How long could their royal lineage endure?

It's just money; as long as the status remains, the money given out will eventually be reclaimed!

"Um, Inspector Zheng, what amount of bond subscription would be appropriate for this prince?"

Li Jin asked cautiously, his heart bleeding.

"Your Highness may buy as many bonds as you wish; the more you buy, the more respect you show the saint.

As for the amount, ten thousand guan is not too many, one guan is not too few; Your Highness may decide yourself."

Of course, the more you buy, the greater the chance the Han King's title will be preserved.

I cannot specify a concrete figure; whatever Your Highness deems appropriate is fine—no lower limit, no upper ceiling.

Zheng Shuqing forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Zheng Shuqing, well‑versed in human nature, knew that among all demands, the word "any" is the hardest to satisfy.

He said that buying a bond worth one guan is not too little; how bold would Li Jin be to buy only one guan? Giving the choice to the other side, buying less would insult Ji Ge; anyone who gets this understands it, and Zheng Shuqing sees through it without stating it.

"Alright, this prince will… first subscribe to fifty thousand guan! Paying with silk."

Li Jin gritted his teeth and uttered a number that made his heart bleed!

Such bonds, Ji Ge issued this year; next year it would be hard to demand them from officials and nobles again, because ultimately it's a draining‑fishing trade.

So skimping on money truly won't work!

"Ah, Prince of Ruyang Commandery, you truly understand great righteousness! I admire you immensely!"

Zheng Shuqing slammed the table, seized Li Jin's hand tightly, and exclaimed excitedly.

Seeing the other's displeased expression, he quickly added, "Your Highness, by serving the country and people and willing to ease the saint's worries, I will take the liberty to pardon the Han King's mistake. I trust the saint will not hold a grudge."

"Then I shall be at your service, Inspector Zheng."

Li Jin said expressionlessly.

Having taken this blow, his heart was very displeased, but even if displeased, what could he do?

He couldn't possibly rebel over this amount of money, could he?

"Liu Si Cao, make a record, letting the imperial line subscribe to fifty thousand guan of bonds."

Zheng Shuqing specifically instructed Liu Yan beside him.

"Farewell."

Li Jin coldly uttered that line, suppressing his anger, then turned and headed toward the Examination Office.

"Your Highness, take your time; I will see you off."

Zheng Shuqing wore a beaming, ingratiating smile and said.

"No need, Inspector Zheng, please stay."

Li Jin was nauseated, not wanting to stay another moment.

After Li Jin left, Liu Yan finally gave Zheng Shuqing a strange look, as if about to speak but hesitated.

He said nothing, and Zheng Shuqing also remained silent; the atmosphere in the office became briefly awkward.

After a long while, Liu Yan finally said softly, "Inspector Zheng truly is a diligent official; for such a difficult matter, he acted cleanly and decisively to resolve it."

Zheng Shuqing's methods are unsavory, yet truly effective. High officials and powerful nobles, the dragon comes here to be restrained, the tiger comes here to lie down.

"Err, Liu Si Cao's praise is mistaken; they're just petty tricks that can't be shown publicly."

"Hahaha, not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning."

Zheng Shuqing was delighted inside, yet his face showed an indifferent expression; he calmly waved his hand and said.

"It seems the Prince of Ruyang is not the only one today."

Liu Yan, while writing the details of the bond issuance, muttered to himself as he spoke.

Zheng Shuqing gave a slight smile and said arrogantly, "That's only natural; I, the official, have said that today the threshold of the office will be trampled flat."

As his words fell, he saw Pei Kuan of the Jingzhao Pei clan, with a calm expression, walk straight into the office and, without paying attention to anyone, directly bow to Zheng Shuqing.

"Several of my junior relatives at home have somehow offended Censor Zheng."

"Now I ask Censor Zheng to give me face, to lift your high hand—punish however much you deem fit."

The elderly Pei Kuan, bowing and scraping, pleaded with Zheng Shuqing.

"Lord Pei, no need for formalities; we're just doing the Sage's work—come, come, sit down and we'll talk."

Zheng Shuqing led the elderly Pei Kuan to sit opposite him at his desk, then continued, "As long as the Sage knows the Pei clan's wholehearted loyalty to the state, this matter can easily be turned around."

"How then can we let the Sage know our intentions?"

Pei Kuan asked in a low voice without changing his expression.

"The Sage, to make up the northwest border army's provisions, will soon issue ten‑year bonds. If the Pei clan can buy some bonds to share the state's worries, the Sage will naturally know that the Pei clan is empathizing with his difficulties."

"Thus, what was originally difficult will naturally become easy."

Zheng Shuqing repeated, word for word, what he had just said to Li Zhen.

Hearing this, Liu Yan, who was writing nearby, couldn't help but pause his brush, then immediately continued writing something on the paper.

"Hmm, Censor Zheng's words are indeed not empty."

"But how many bonds should the Pei clan purchase to be appropriate?"

Pei Kuan asked doubtfully.

"Lord Pei can go home and discuss with his family first, then we'll talk again."

"Of course, the more bonds purchased, the greater the chance the Sage will change his mind."

"I, the official, am also acting according to the Sage's wishes."

Zheng Shuqing clasped his hands in a salute and said.

"Understood, then I'll take my leave now and come again tomorrow to pay a visit."

Pei Kuan nodded slightly and said, his mind already made up.

(End of chapter)