Chapter 179

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Seeing that this Taixue student from Jingcheng had sentenced them to life or death in just a few words, how could the two clerks be willing to submit.

The man in front only knew how to shout grievances, but the one behind was much smarter; he immediately shouted: "Han Xueshi! Who are you, with no office or position, on what grounds do you point fingers and give orders about affairs inside the yamen?!"

Speaking, he no longer paid attention to Han Li, but immediately turned to Cen Dezhang, shouting: "Tongpan! Tongpan! Just because you arrived a little late, I end up being dealt with like this; I refuse to accept it!"

"This lowly one has served in the Huazhou Government Office for over ten years; though I have no merit, I have put in hard work. The account books and case files I've handled are piled as high as a mountain. What has this Han surnamed man done to act with impunity and arrogance here, so brazen that even the heavens cannot bear to watch? How can the Tongpan indulge him so!"

After this man finished shouting, he looked toward those on his left and right.

After a few breaths, someone he knew well gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and echoed: "Tongpan, with the Inspection Department's inspection imminent, Jiang Tieshu has always been diligent in his work; an occasional oversight is understandable, and Han Xueshi was acting for public affairs, so his reprimand is justified. But if someone is dismissed over such a small matter, suddenly short one person, I fear both the accounts and treasury sides will be too busy to cope!"

This man ultimately was unwilling to offend too greatly; though he also spoke up in support, he dared not say anything more about Han Li acting with impunity.

Given this way out, the aforementioned Jiang Tieshu also took the opportunity to back down, hurriedly saying: "Tongpan, this lowly one made a momentary mistake; there are simply too many matters. If every single item requires both of them to be present before the case files and account books can be examined, it truly cannot be finished. In my urgency, a mistake occurred just now—I will never dare to do so again; please forgive me this once!"

Speaking and speaking, he actually burst into tears, took a few steps forward, and knelt before Cen Dezhang to perform a salute.

Usually keeping a low profile and avoiding notice, suddenly acting so pitiful made Cen Dezhang truly unable to bear watching.

His heart softened, and he was about to speak, but before his mouth could open, the doorkeeper grabbed his hand with one grip and pinched it hard.

The doorkeeper stepped forward, blocking Cen Dezhang, and shouted at the clerk: "Still quibbling! If you hadn't made a mistake, your mistake wouldn't have been taken. Where were you earlier? Don't you know there are no rules without standards?"

He continued: "No matter how good the Tongpan is, he cannot let you ruin things. Otherwise, in the future, who will work seriously? If they make a mistake, they just kneel and beg for mercy and it's over! Leave the stall, but have the superior official take the blame—where is there such reason!"

Speaking, he shouted toward the door: "Where are the people? Does the Tongpan have to speak himself before you know to drag him down?!"

Seeing the situation was unfavorable, Jiang Tieshu immediately shouted for mercy, apologized, and kowtowed. Taking advantage of the fact that the miscellaneous servants outside had not yet entered, he kept calling out: "Tongpan, forgive this lowly one this once! My family still has a seventy-year-old Old Lady, and young children waiting for me to manage. I know my mistake! I know my mistake!!!"

Speaking, he kowtowed with thuds; within a few breaths, red marks had already appeared on his forehead.

Cen Dezhang sat behind, truly unable to bear it in his heart, and dared not watch. He felt that even when sleeping at night he would think of such a scene, his heart souring, and he couldn't help but cry out: "Zheng Yan..."

He did not call his own doorkeeper, but called Han Li.

Thus, Jiang Tieshu on the ground came back to his senses, turned his head to look for Han Li.

Han Li, however, neither avoided nor yielded, letting him grab him, and opened his mouth: "I've remembered you for a long time. You are a clerk in the yamen, called Jiang Liang, right?"

"Originally I didn't want to pursue this at this time, but since you refuse to submit, I only ask—last year Tongpan Cen memorialized for Ding River Wood; within a month, the Du Shui Jian allocated the Ding River Wood over. It entered the Huazhou State Treasury on the third day of the second month, and left the treasury on the twentieth day of the third month. Whether it was allocated in or not, your name is signed on the allocation out ledger—where did the Ding River Wood go?"

Jiang Liang raised his face, tears and nasal mucus all together, about to cry again, but upon hearing the three words "Ding River Wood," his tears actually stopped hard in his eye sockets. After a long while, with a trembling voice he said: "Ding River Wood... repair... repair the river dike, yes! It was requisitioned for repairing the river dike; right now it is already pressed under the dike..."

Speaking to this point, as if he had gained confidence, his voice also grew louder. He wiped the tears and mucus from his face and shouted loudly: "Han Xueshi, that wood is already propped under the river dike. If you don't believe it, go down to the river and feel it yourself!"

"On the twentieth day of the third month, was it you who requisitioned it?"

"So what if I requisitioned it—conducting official business, can't I requisition it?!"

By the door of this office, two miscellaneous servants had already entered, but dared not move, standing awkwardly.

Han Li paid no attention to the two of them, nor did he bother with Jiang Liang, but instead rang the bell again and called a new miscellaneous servant.

He ordered: "You run a trip to the State Treasury, have Ding Liu bring the subsidiary archive of the treasury's March requisitions over, and you take his place."

The miscellaneous servant hurriedly left.

The State Treasury is very close to the Government Office; before long, Treasury Clerk Ding Liu hurriedly entered the door.

Seeing the room full of people and Jiang Liang still kneeling on the ground, Ding Liu was already somewhat alarmed, and now had no idea what had happened, so he could only stand there blankly.

Han Li called out to him and asked: "You guarded the treasury on the twentieth day of the third month. What was handed out of the treasury that day?"

Ding Liu was holding the register of treasury entries and exits in his hand. Hearing this, he quickly opened the book and read item by item. Before long, he read about the Ding River Wood.

Han Li asked: "You requisitioned eighty roots, at the You hour? Which storeroom were they placed in?"

That Ding Liu reported it.

"Who requisitioned them?"

"It was Jiang Tieshu who requisitioned them!"

Han Li suddenly said: "Don't you think again?"

Jiang Liang had been kneeling, but at this moment stood up all at once, angrily saying: "I, the one who requisitioned the wood, admitted it, and the treasury clerk admitted it too. Both are proper officials of the yamen, yet you, an outsider, point fingers and give orders here. Han surnamed man, are you being a bit too much?!"

This man wanted to say more, but Han Li coldly said: "The Ding River Wood you requisitioned on the twentieth day of the third month—on that day, Wu Gong brought people to the Fu Treasury to inspect river labor materials, checking from morning until night, and saw no one moving wood. The Ding River Wood is so large; you requisitioned eighty roots in one breath. When were they carried out? Did you fly them out on your back?"

"The river labor materials in the State Treasury are stored in the Armor Character Great Storeroom, and the Ding River Wood is among them. It's all one room, with seven or eight pairs of eyes watching. Even if Wu Gong is blind, are the others all blind too?"

Jiang Liang was stunned on the spot, opened his mouth wanting to speak, but for a long time could not say a word.

He wanted to say perhaps he had carelessly filled in the wrong day.

But the register clearly stated it, and it was signed according to the rules with his name. The problem was that just now he had insisted on everything, locking his own retreat. Now even if he wanted to go back on his words, he couldn't.

Han Li raised his head and swept a glance over everyone, asking: "Tongpan Cen wants to send this person away. Does anyone else have an objection?"

The whole room full of people were all silent as crows and sparrows.

Han Li continued: "Where are the officials of the Law Department?"

Soon, two people stepped forward from below.

"The Ding River Wood is of great value. Eighty roots missing for no reason is one thing. That the treasury's account books could be falsely requisitioned and embezzled so easily is another, and we don't know if other supplies have been misappropriated."

Speaking, he turned back and looked at Cen Dezhang.

The Ding River Wood was something Cen Dezhang had repeatedly memorialized for, using up all his face and connections to obtain. Now discovering it had been falsely requisitioned, and eighty roots at once, almost emptied out. Even if he was an old good person, he was so angry his chest hurt.

This matter aside, the storeroom guard was a mere formality. If the Inspection Department came down to inspect and found the accounts and treasury did not match, it would likely be another low rating for merit evaluation. This official position he had obtained with such difficulty would be over.

He rarely got angry, saying: "Arrest these two and interrogate them thoroughly!"

Once these two were arrested and taken away, the room was already quiet, and now it was so quiet one could hear a needle drop.

Han Li held the roster in his hand, first called out ten names, then continued: "You each lead one Chayi. Go to Mingfu Temple now, inspect one monk and one student, and count the grain. Any objections?"

None of them dared to let out a single fart, and no one mentioned being busy with work anymore; they all stepped forward to receive orders.

Han Li selected another twenty people and said: "Each of you will lead a squad of Patrol Soldiers. Today I recruited one thousand able-bodied men from Weizhou, but only four hundred have actually arrived. Once you unload the grain at the temple, lead your men to the sheds outside the city to arrange their lodging, station guards, and assist Wu Gong in handling tomorrow's affairs. Any objections?"

Everyone obediently agreed, received their orders, and immediately left the door, not daring to stop their steps, hurrying off to summon their Patrol Soldiers, afraid that if they were too slow, they would bring disaster upon themselves.

After issuing seven or eight orders in succession, Han Li turned to Cen Dezhang and asked: "Does the Tongpan have anything to add? Please assign the tasks."

Cen Dezhang hurriedly said: "This is fine, it's very well done, there is nothing more to add."

After seeing everyone off, he stood up and said to Han Li: "Zheng Yan, you have truly worked hard this time. In just two or three days in Weizhou, you actually managed to gather this much grain and recruit one thousand able-bodied men—fortunately you are here, otherwise the framework for this canal digging and river excavation would never have been erected!"

He then asked him how he had gathered the grain and where he had recruited the people.

Han Li did not hide anything from him, explaining in detail how Song Miao had met an old woman selling vegetables, how he learned she came by water route, how the two parties hit it off immediately, and everything his group had done upon arriving in Weizhou, telling it all from start to finish.

Though it was just a straightforward account, there was clearly some luck involved, but everyone pooled their efforts and used their respective strengths. As for Han Li, he even brought out Chen Fuzi from the distant Capital, causing Cen Dezhang to listen and praise, finally sighing: "I am ashamed; I was not diligent enough, and my ears were too soft to be ruthless, which is why things were delayed again and again..."

Hearing him belittle himself so, Han Li did not offer any polite words, but said: "This time we captured Ding Liu and Jiang Liang, and we must interrogate them thoroughly. It certainly isn't limited to these Ding River Wood pieces; there must be other loopholes."

He added: "After all, it is the state treasury. Petty theft is one thing, but such audacity is not something one or two people dare to reach for. The Tongpan must be decisive when he should be decisive; if he does not establish his authority now, there will be no peace from here on."

Cen Dezhang agreed repeatedly.

Han Li cupped his hands, but spoke to the gatekeeper: "I personally handled the recruitment and grain gathering. To avoid suspicion, I will not participate in the counting and subsequent arrangements—please trouble you, sir, to put in more effort."

The gatekeeper agreed in one breath: "Rest assured, we have already divided the duties among our men, each watching a stall, and we will certainly not let your hard work go to waste!"

The two spoke to each other, leaving Cen Dezhang cooling his heels on the side, yet the latter strangely felt nothing was amiss.

After handing over several matters properly, Han Li then bade farewell. Before leaving, he said to Cen Dezhang: "I know the Tongpan is kind-hearted and acts gently, often unable to be ruthless. But for everything there is gain and loss. If you look after these cunning and slippery clerks in the yamen and let them run wild, you will not be able to look after the common people of Huazhou."

"The Tongpan is a jinshi from two examinations, well-versed in the classics and knowledgeable in the art of statecraft, and has served as an official several times abroad. Han, a mere scholar, should not be the one to say this—but as to what is weighty and what is light, I ask the Tongpan to consider it carefully."

After speaking, he performed a salute and left through the door.

Seeing that the time was not early, Han Li went straight to the rear office and led out his horse.

Since everything had been explained and the major matters were settled, even if there were minor flaws, they would not affect the overall situation. He finally felt his heart lighten, and then felt joy again, feeling a warmth in his heart.

Actually there was nothing urgent, but he simply did not want to delay for a moment. He wished two wings would grow instantly on the horse's back, or even more wings and more legs, so that with wings and legs combined, he could fly and run back to the yamen quickly.

If he returned early, he could eat a meal early and say a few words early.

Han Li was anxious to return to the yamen, but in the yamen, Song Miao was unhurried. One hand held the dried Sea Peak Mushrooms while she waited for the pot in front of her to heat up.

At the stove, a large flatbread was roasting over the fire. As it roasted, she asked: "What kind of mushroom is this? A small cluster, why is it so expensive, even more expensive than meat?"

Song Miao said: "It is a Sea Peak Mushroom from Yichuan, also called Sea Peak Mushroom. It is said to grow among the Mist Sea High Peaks, and tastes the freshest."

While speaking, she saw the pot was already hot. She added a bit of lard, then ginger strips and scallion whites, stir-frying them lightly. Once the ginger and scallion aroma came out, she poured in the Sea Peak Mushrooms torn into small florets and pieces.

Stir-fried over medium-high heat. After a short while, the mushrooms softened, releasing a thin layer of soup from the bottom of the pot.

Raw Sea Peak Mushrooms naturally have a mushroomy smell. That smell is not like shiitake; it is very mild, smelling damp, somewhat like after the rice is harvested and the rice straw is piled by the field, then a heavy rain comes. After the rain, everything is wet and soggy. When you push aside a pile of rice straw, the smell that hits your face is like that.

It cannot be called fragrant, but it makes one feel very comfortable when smelling it. A bit damp, a bit of the heat of an autumn afternoon.

Stir-fried with lard, the mushroomy smell immediately became stronger. Not only stronger, but it finally drew out a clear fragrance.

At this time, she added enough boiling water, letting the water boil out the flavor of the Sea Peak Mushrooms. After a while, she closed the stove door, switched to low-medium heat, and when the water in the pot was not boiling so violently, she slowly slid in the meat slices.

This time she was making Sea Peak Mushroom and Meat Slice Soup. An extremely simple, extremely convenient soup, focusing on the ingredients.

The Sea Peak Mushrooms must be picked at the right time—not too old, otherwise the texture is too tough; not too tender, otherwise the fragrance and mushroom flavor are insufficient. In addition, the pork must be especially fresh.

The pork slaughtered that afternoon, taking Plum Blossom Meat, cut into thin slices. Only a little salt was added to marinate the flavor. No other seasonings were used. Put into the pot. When the water boils and the meat turns white, immediately add salt and a little pepper for seasoning.

This pot of soup comes out a pale golden yellow, almost clear, but smells of a strong mushroom fragrance and a full meat aroma.

Song Miao served a bowl alone and had it taken out to Wang Shuji.

On the Drying Yard, Wang Shuji sat at a table that had just been moved out. His left hand wore Handcuffs, his right hand held Chopsticks, and he ate slowly.

Opposite were several yamen Chai Guan, also sitting. Clearly bowls and chopsticks were set before them, but not one dared to touch them. Everyone sat as if on pins and needles.

The one in charge was so anxious he was covered in cold sweat. He held the keys in his hand and tried to step forward several times, but was stopped each time by the Wang Family Retainers beside him.

He almost had a face like he was at a funeral and said: "Sir Wang, you are magnanimous. Setting everything else aside, please forgive us first. Let us unlock those Handcuffs!"