Chapter 303

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Jiang Panguan was not tall, inclined to plumpness, but that plumpness was not solid fat; it gave a swollen impression, and his eyelids were puffy as well.

He wore a wrinkled official robe; having opened the door himself, he stood right behind it, naturally close, and the moment he spoke, a heavy staleness of sleepless nights exhaled from his mouth and nose.

This man ushered Han Li inside, poured tea with his own hands, but as soon as he lifted the teapot, his hand grew light — he realized the pot was already empty — and he hurriedly told the runner who had guided them: "Quick, quick, go brew some Zhengyan Yunlong for the Zhengyan — the one Liu Fushi praised last time as supremely clear and elegant!"

Han Li set his traveling bundle on the table and said: "No need for tea, Brother Jiang; just look these over and see if they're of use. If there's nothing else pressing, the Du Shui Jian is busy right now, and Ma Jiancheng told me to finish things here and head back."

Jiang Panguan had been all smiles, pressing him to take the seat of honor and urging the tea; hearing this, he instantly swelled with righteous indignation and cursed: "That Ma official, how can he drive people so! Even a beast of burden gets to rest its legs and drink a sip of water after working long! What does he take you for!"

He went on: "I've mentioned it to the Vice Commissioner several times, and he even issued a Taixue transfer summons for you, yet you refused every time — tell me, what are you running off to the Du Shui Jian for? Better to come to our Ministry of Revenue; this is exactly the time you could show your talents — now that the Hua Prefecture matter is finally settled, why not let Liu Fushi negotiate with that Du Shui Jian Ma Jiancheng and have you transferred over…"

He was about to say more, but Han Li had already shaken his head and said: "I've only just finished the assignment; once the handover is proper, I want to rest a while — haven't had peace of mind to study in ages. Riverway affairs, others don't understand, but Brother Jiang knows best: one misstep and you'll be flayed alive."

Jiang Panguan was momentarily dazed.

One sometimes forgets the man across from him is still a student; hearing him suddenly say he wants to "study with a calm heart," he couldn't quite process it for a moment.

But in the end he wouldn't give up, cycling through every persuasive tactic in his mouth.

Capable, willing to toil, and often bringing connections — who wouldn't like that kind of labor?

After being earnestly urged for a long while, Han Li grew weary of listening and sighed: "Brother Jiang, I truly have business in a moment."

From his sleeve he produced a sheaf of draft paper and said: "I've copied a book catalogue here; you check it over, see what's still missing. Later I'll have someone copy the rest; at most two days' work. Remember to send it back promptly."

He added: "Besides my own manuscripts, there are also my senior fellow disciple's and my late master's notes inside — whoever handles them must be extremely careful!"

Jiang Panguan said solemnly: "Rest assured, I know the gravity!"

Speaking, he rang the bell and called someone over, instructing right in front of Han Li: "Go fetch He Er; tell him to find seven or eight hands, drop everything they're doing, come over and copy everything in here related to fascine work, stonework, and timber cribs — carefully, right here in my office. No manuscript may be taken away, and no one may leave!"

He didn't wait for anyone else; he personally went through the manuscripts and catalogue, verified them, signed his name, even affixed his seal, handed the handover paper back, and still wouldn't let go: "Zhengyan, you…"

Han Li smiled and shook his head: "That's enough. A thing this offensive — if it weren't for the sake of Brother Jiang's past kindness, I'd never have handed over these bottom-of-the-chest treasures. At most I'd have pointed you to the Du Shui Jian's archived case files."

Jiang Panguan spat inwardly, cursing silently: With that brush of yours, that mouth of yours, you're still afraid of offending people?

But he had gotten his advantage, and couldn't be bothered putting on airs before a junior — it was rather embarrassing — so he said: "I know. It's precisely because of our old friendship that I came looking — rest assured, I'll keep my subordinates in line; not a single word will leak out."

Inward grumbling aside, Jiang Panguan was actually the one who knew best that Han Li's words were no empty boast.

He had served as an official outside the capital for several years, so he naturally handled water affairs; he knew there have always been two sets of accounts on the riverways: one reported to the Court, drawn from the Three Departments and the Ministry of Revenue for silver, finally filed at the Du Shui Jian; the other is the actual one.

Below they quote sky-high prices; above they naturally sit on the ground and pay back the money.

Jiang Panguan's job was precisely the paying-back part.

He had to calculate how much water was in those quoted prices, how much could be squeezed out, squeeze it all dry — not letting anyone eat a single cash is impossible, because then no one would do the work; but the Court has no surplus grain either, so at least they can't eat too excessively.

But how to squeeze — that's a whole field of study.

This time Vice Minister of Revenue Fan You and Participating Chancellor Li Zhai cursed each other in open court, practically ready to dig up each other's ancestral graves — one demanding money for the Chan Prefecture Six Pagodas River riverway, the other saying the treasury had no silver, the Six Pagodas River demanded too much, far exceeding the original budget, that Lv Zhongchang only dug pits and never filled them.

The two factions quarreled to no conclusion, but not many days after court ended, the Six Pagodas River's money memorial arrived right on schedule.

Vice Minister Fan was already unwilling to pay; seeing another demand for money, he felt it was a provocation, so naturally he ordered his subordinates to examine thoroughly and verify meticulously.

Jiang Panguan verified for many consecutive days without properly closing his eyes, sleeping in the Ministry of Revenue along with his subordinates.

Lv Zhongchang has many faults, but in riverway matters he truly has unique insights.

The rest were fine to verify and calculate; the problem was this man also insisted on new fascine work, stonework, timber cribs and such — lion's-mouth demands — just saying many things inside needed replacement, regardless of materials or labor hours, every item consumed enormously, yet each was extremely useful and couldn't be omitted, leaving Jiang Panguan and his fellow officials somewhat at a loss.

He searched all around but couldn't find anyone who could help.

Truly, specialization exists; those who understand are mostly already posted outside, or they don't want to offend Lv Zhongchang who's riding high — after all, only a group of Shiyi disciples went to the Six Pagodas River, and even Li Canzheng and Cao Xianggong fought a battle with Vice Minister Fan and others to help demand money; which low-level official would stick his neck out to be struck, inviting a whole body of trouble?

Actually the proper course would be to send someone to the Six Pagodas River to investigate thoroughly, but alas it was already too late — in the end, after turning it over and over, he still ended up asking Han Li.

In truth Jiang Panguan was just clutching at straws; when he previously served outside, he had hosted Fu Laoxiansheng's party, and his memory of Han Li, the youngest disciple, was extremely deep — precisely because he was so young yet did things with such meticulous care.

Later he entered the Capital; who knew this man was already famous in the Taixue for cursing people, and now he had rushed to Hua Prefecture, opened the Wang Jing River, handled the Yellow River diversion aftermath — this riverway matter is closest to Chan Prefecture in distance and time, offering the most reference.

After two invitation cards and one personal visit, Han Li finally relented.

Now seeing these many manuscripts, Jiang Panguan couldn't help but sigh.

Not in vain did he swallow his pride.

It was worth it.

Truly, three years old shows the adult; he was meticulous before, now he only surpasses it — truly this man has everything in hand.

Among these many manuscripts, not only are there improved methods for fascine work, stonework, timber cribs and such — originally obtained by Fu Laoxiansheng and Kong Niangzi leading their disciples in research, tested many times, all costs, materials, even labor hours written quite clearly; here they are inferred.

Further back are Han Li's records of labor hours and material prices from various regions in recent years.

Though the times differ, the things are actually much the same; with this basis, their work naturally becomes much easier.

Jiang Panguan had just briefly flipped through once in front of Han Li, not daring to be too obvious, but in his heart he had already cursed the subordinate he sent to fetch people eighteen thousand times — just told to find a few people, how could half a day pass without them returning!

Not only must the content on fascine work, stonework, and timber cribs be copied; best to copy everything involving accounts, all of it — such a rare opportunity!

Hearing Jiang Panguan pounding his chest here, Han Li shook his head and said: "Since I dare do it, I'm not afraid of people knowing."

He added: "Back then I repeatedly submitted memorials listing the ills of opening the Six Pagodas River; though ineffective, this lad does things openly and uprightly. Besides, this time the Du Shui Jian received the Ministry of Revenue's dispatch to assist in verifying archived case files — where is there anything that can't see the light?"

Jiang Panguan sneered inwardly.

Young person.

Just now "a thing this offensive," now "where is there anything that can't see the light."

In the end he didn't say any of his persuasive words; seeing Han Li about to leave, he hurriedly grabbed him and said: "Tea's already been sent for; it'll be ready in a blink. However it goes, drink the tea before you go!"

For a moment he desperately blocked him.

Taking advantage of no one else around, Jiang Panguan simply brought Han Li to the inner courtyard.

He took out a memorial and handed it over, saying: "Zheng Yan, this is the amount they previously set for this Liu Ta He matter. In your view, is it enough?"

Han Li took it, looked it over carefully, finally shook his head, and said: "This bit of silver is only enough to build two embankments for Lord Lu—it's truly too shabby. Not to mention anything else, Liu Ta He is after all a matter of state. Once a complaint memorial is submitted to the Secretariat and presented before the throne..."

Jiang Panguan felt a chill run down his spine.

He sighed, rubbed his temples, and said: "I know it's improper, but... if we don't investigate closely and just let it slide lightly, I can't account for it on my end either."

Jiang Panguan was vague in his words, but without him spelling it out, Han Li also understood the meaning.

They'd just had a huge argument; if they didn't make things difficult for the other side, wouldn't it seem the Ministry of Revenue had backed down, and that they could be bullied at will in the future?

He shook his head and said: "Why must things be made so ugly? The court says to repair Liu Ta He; Lord Fan just needs to handle it impartially. Now it's become so deadlocked..."

Jiang Panguan said: "Speaking frankly before you, Zheng Yan, I won't say those perfunctory things—not only do you not think well of Liu Ta He, Vice Minister Fan doesn't either; even I feel that Chan Prefecture will surely be wasted, and any silver poured in would be wasted."

He added: "I'm not afraid to speak the truth. Vice Minister Fan wanted to cause trouble long ago—this post is simply hard to hold. But you went to Hua Prefecture and opened Wang Jinghe, and then handled the aftermath of the Yellow River's course change so beautifully that this place had to scrape together funds for Chan Prefecture again, and then add another round of silver..."

Han Li said: "Actually, even if they can't come up with money, it doesn't necessarily have to be made so ugly..."

He said this far, then suddenly closed his mouth.

Jiang Panguan casually replied: "Then by your reckoning, what can be done?"

"I have some ideas, but they may not be worth using..."

Jiang Panguan casually replied: "Just say it!"

Just then a menial knocked and entered, serving tea to the two of them.

Han Li nodded in acknowledgment, made a gesture of thanks, then took the teacup. Sipping slowly, relying on his stature to look down, he glanced at Jiang Panguan and said with a smile: "Jiang Xiong, I'm not a Ministry of Revenue official. You ask me for a plan—do you expect it for nothing?"

Jiang Panguan hadn't taken it seriously, but hearing this, he couldn't help but burst out laughing.

He said: "Then what benefit do you want?"

Han Li thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Forget it. I don't really want anything right now."

Seeing this reaction, Jiang Panguan became curious instead, and said with a smile: "Like this, Zheng Yan, just say it. If it's truly useful, I'll owe you one. How about that?"

Han Li said: "Even if I don't say it, given Jiang Xiong's usual character, wouldn't you help when there's a matter in the future?"

This young man!

Jiang Panguan silently cursed him as cunning, and was truly quite pleased in his heart, then urged him a few more times.

Han Li then said: "My idea has upper, middle, and lower plans."

"What is the upper plan?"

"Issue liquor and tea taxes, sell ordination certificates."

"What kind of upper plan is that?!" Jiang Panguan laughed through his nose. "Isn't that done all year round? The silver raised has more important uses—who has time to care about Chan Prefecture?"

"If you can't care, then don't care. Let Chan Prefecture raise its own funds—liquor and tea taxes are so important, just hand them over to Chan Prefecture. Set a quota and let them raise it themselves. If anything is done improperly, the Circuit Intendant and the Walking Reception will urge them on. What does that have to do with the Ministry of Revenue? Doesn't Lord Fan want to turn a blind eye?"

Jiang Panguan hesitated, then shook his head: "Those two lords won't agree to such a troublesome matter..."

"Forgive my bluntness, Jiang Xiong. You find it troublesome because the Ministry of Revenue manages the tea and liquor taxes of thirty-four circuits, with many matters to consider. But if it's just Chan Prefecture alone, I fear those two lords would actually prefer to raise the money themselves. Right now it's stuck here—can't advance, can't retreat. Better to lay it out clearly: both sides raise funds, the Ministry of Revenue allocates additional silver and materials. Give what's available, make up what's lacking..."

Jiang Panguan looked thoughtful, then said: "Let me think about it, but in the end it's not quite suitable—what is the middle plan?"

"The middle plan is to negotiate with the Six Routes Transport Commission to send Jiangnan grain, timber, and everything else directly to Chan Prefecture via the canal transport..."

Jiang Panguan nearly interrupted midway, endured it until he finished, then said: "Your middle plan, I fear, is a lower plan! You give them everything—what about the Capital? Right now canal transport capacity is already small..."

Han Li said: "What about the Capital is the Six Routes Transport Commission's business, the Two Prefectures' business. Why always worry for them? Right now only the Ministry of Revenue suffers losses, so everyone stands aside. They may not really need to transport; what matters is negotiation."

"After negotiating, draft a slip, and first see what each household wants. For example, the main gate of the Du Shui Jian and several old houses are either broken or damaged, under repair. Materials meant for transport to Chan Prefecture can't be allocated for now. The Hanlin Academy wants to buy paper, brushes, and ink. The Capital Prefecture Office wants to buy—coincidentally Chan Prefecture also needs them urgently. Urge each department to wait a bit."

He listed them one by one, speaking neither fast nor slow, but Jiang Panguan's heartbeat gradually quickened.

One must say, although simple, it might not be without effect—a slap doesn't land on oneself, so one never knows the pain.

He couldn't help but ask: "Then what is the lower plan?"

"Everyone contributes from all quarters. Shouldn't we also mobilize the powerful and noble to contribute some money and effort?"

Jiang Panguan said helplessly: "Sure enough, a lower plan. Do you think it's so easy to squeeze oil from a stone?"

"They may not willingly donate, but if it's a transaction, they may not refuse, right?"

Jiang Panguan was stunned.

Han Li added: "The Ministry of Revenue controls the tea and liquor monopolies, the production of a hundred crafts, military and official uniforms, and there's also the Louwu Si—inside are many fields and properties. See which movable ones can be taken out for a buying bid, and the highest bidder gets them."

"Not necessarily to raise much silver. As long as the matter is made big enough, inside and outside the city, everyone knows the Ministry of Revenue is working hard to raise silver for Chan Prefecture. Best to involve every office and department, from powerful nobles to low runners—everywhere. Use all three plans together. Put in such great effort, do things to this extent. It's not deliberate shirking, but truly no other way. Could the lords still blame them?"

Jiang Panguan couldn't help but swallow.

What kind of lower plan is this!

This so-called lower plan is clearly the upper plan!

?? Thank you to Book City Xiao Bai Bai He for sending me a ray of Inspiration, to Yan Huo Yu Zi You for gifting a Codeword Tool and two Small Gifts, my cat named Egg Egg for gifting one Codeword Tool and three Small Gifts, to Wang Xing for gifting a Codeword Tool. Thank you everyone:)

? Thank you to Book City Sitting and Watching Clouds Rise for gifting six Small Gifts, to Occasional Relaxation for gifting three Small Gifts, to Pang Pang Sai Gao for gifting two Small Gifts, and to Meaning Cat, A Bai, Ao Te Man Xiao Jie, Feng Ma, Book Friend_ae, a】Wang Zai Yan, Love Nuanuan for each gifting one Small Gift^_^

? Thank you to Xiao Xiang Mao Mao Chong MT for gifting a Peach Blossom Fan and a sachet, to Book Friend for gifting a sachet and two Peace Talismans, to Xiao Xiang Ni Er for gifting a Peace Talisman=3=

? Thank you to Food Friends. Since it's organized by hand, if there are any omissions or errors, please be sure to remind me:)