Chapter 443

False Song, Bianjing, the study in Li Yuan's residence.

Outside the window the night grew dark, but inside the study the lights were bright, and the fragrance of tea lingered.

Today Li Yuan was not alone burying himself in epigraphy; around the desk sat three or four men, all dressed as green-robed scholars, mostly in their thirties or forties, low in rank yet each with clear eyes, lacking the usual officialdom's slickness and instead possessing the scholars' stubbornness and sharp vigor.

One of them was a Surveillance Censor of the Censorate, surnamed Han, known for daring to speak frankly;

Another was a Clerk of the Ministry of Revenue recently transferred from a local post to the capital, surnamed Fan, who had once served as a people‑oriented official in the Jiangnan East Circuit and deeply understood the hardships of local finances;

Still another was a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, surnamed Sun, versed in the classics, not given to empty talk of principle, but intensely interested in the gains and losses of the historical evolution of statutes and systems.

These few had either become acquainted with Li Yuan through official dealings, or been drawn by his reputation for frankness to seek his company, or, like tonight, been invited to his home to discuss practical matters of common concern.

The formation of this little circle is recent, with no formal name or charter; they simply share interests, so they often gather to exchange news and discuss current affairs.

At this moment the discussion revolved around the trial implementation of the 'sprouting loan money' in the Jiangdong Circuit, a topic recently hotly debated at court and in the countryside.

"News from the Jiangdong Circuit says that where the 'sprouting loan money' has been distributed, conditions vary from place to place."

"The Fan‑surnamed Ministry of Revenue Clerk spoke first; he had just obtained some latest document copies from the Ministry."

"In some prefectures and counties the chief is competent and the clerks somewhat restrained, the regulations are carried out properly, indeed relieving part of the peasants' urgent needs, earning praise; but in many more places the clerks exploit this to extort, or impose levies by force, or, though the interest is stated, they invent extra charges under various pretexts, turning it into a harmful policy for the people!"

His tone carried resentment, showing he had deep personal experience of the ills of local administration.

The Surveillance Censor Han gave a cold snort and said:

"This is to be expected! Any good law and fine intention, once in the hands of those corrupt officials, can be turned into all sorts of tricks to fleece! The key is not the law but the people, and supervision! The Censorate has also recently received several impeachment memorials accusing local officials of profiteering from the 'sprouting loan money,' but…… hum, most of them sink without a trace."

Li Yuan listened silently, unconsciously rubbing his teacup.

He recalled his recent candid talks with 'Lu Ming,' who had said that governance values practicality, people‑benefiting measures lie in meticulous execution and strict safeguards, and he felt ever more strongly that these words hit the nail on the head.

He then spoke slowly, his voice not loud but carrying a quiet strength:

"Brother Han is quite right; when a law fails, it is because those above violate it and those below collapse. Knowing its flaws, we must not stop at idle talk. Within our respective duties we can pay closer attention; if we encounter such situations we may record them factually, or, within our authority, make slight corrections. Even a modest effort is better than standing by."

He paused, then looked at the Imperial Academy's Doctor Sun.

"Doctor Sun, versed in statutes, could you examine the historical gains and losses of people‑benefiting loans, clarify the nodes where abuses easily arise, and write a piece to warn the world? Even if it does not take effect instantly, if it draws the attention of discerning officials at court, that too is an achievement."

Doctor Sun's eyes lit up at the words, and he clapped his hands, saying:

"Brother Li, your proposal is excellent! This concerns the people's livelihood and the foundation of the state; it is exactly what we scholars should keep in mind. I will return and begin collating the precedents of former dynasties, determined to lay bare the crucial points!"

The Ministry of Revenue Clerk also said:

"As a humble official in the Ministry of Revenue, I too can pay more attention to the memorials from various places concerning the 'sprouting loan money'; if I see clear violations, I may privately inform my colleagues and seek to remind and correct them."

The Censor Han set down his teacup heavily.

"Good! Then I, Han, will at the Censorate, stare at those impeachment memorials, see which are unjustly suppressed, and if necessary, even sacrifice this official robe, I will cause a scene at court."

"Several people exchanged remarks, and the atmosphere was heated."

"They were not trying to form cliques for personal gain, nor did they have the power to change the overall situation; they merely relied on a lingering bit of scholar-official spirit and the original intention to petition for the people, attempting in this stagnant bureaucracy to do what they could, down-to-earth things."

"Li Yuan looked at the several like-minded companions before them, and a warm current welled up in their heart."

"He usually disliked socializing, but in associating with such people he felt his mind broaden and his spirits align."

"He couldn't help but think of 'Lu Ming' again."

"It was precisely this 'Pure Friend's' usual traceless guidance and discussion that made him increasingly firm in this 'practical', 'focus on execution' governing philosophy, and also gave him the confidence to sit and discuss the Dao with these like-minded companions today."

"Today's discussion with you all has cleared away the barriers in my heart."

"Li Yuan lifted his teacup, using tea in place of wine."

"May we unite our efforts and hearts, though our positions are low, we dare not forget to worry for the country."

"We dare not forget to worry for the country!"

"Several people responded in unison, raising their cups to drink together."

"They did not know that, outside the study, in the lanes shrouded by night, two ghost-like shades were silently recording the personnel entering and leaving this manor, as well as the times the study remained lit until deep night."

"The Iron Crow Army's surveillance, like an invisible spiderweb, still enveloped Li Yuan and the small circle around him that was gradually coalescing, carrying an unusual aura."

"Chen dynasty, a private estate."

"Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru presented the detailed records of Li Yuan's small-circle gathering to Chen Wen."

"Your Majesty, Li Yuan has preliminarily gathered three or four like-minded individuals, all mid- to low-ranking officials, whose characters are either upright or pragmatic. Last night's meeting focused on the drawbacks in the implementation of Qingmiao money, and they intended to pay attention to and correct these within their respective duties. Li Yuan played the role of core cohesion and guiding thought."

"Chen Wen carefully examined the records, especially the dialogue content of Li Yuan and others, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face."

"Good. This small circle, though small, consists entirely of doers, and they are spread across different agencies such as the Censorate, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Imperial Academy. If they can unite their efforts, they may yet produce unexpected effects in the future. Li Yuan's ability to become the core shows the merit of Lu Ming's guidance."

"Wang Ru smiled and said:"

"Exactly. According to Lu Ming's observation, Li Yuan's current concern for practical matters far exceeds the past, and his thinking on issues has become increasingly detailed. The formation of his small circle is largely based on shared pragmatic political views."

"This is a great thing."

"Chen Wen set down the records."

"Order Lu Ming to maintain the status quo for now, and at appropriate times discuss more concrete matters with Li Yuan, such as obstacles in improving grain transport and the management of local clerks, to guide him to consider deeper institutional causes. But remember, only guide his thought, do not speak for him."

"We, your servants, understand."

"Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru responded in unison."

"Chen Wen walked to the window, feeling a faint resonance and growth of Fortune Momentum brought about by the initial coalescence of the clear stream force within the bureaucratic system."

"The clear stream of the literary world, though it lacks earth-shaking power, can cleanse corruption and moistens people's hearts."

"He said softly."

"The Iron Crow Army monitors what they see as the great trend, those dazzling stars of generals and ministers. Yet they may not notice this subtle place, where a quiet force representing clarity and practicality is quietly sprouting."

"And this is precisely the soil we can cultivate deeply."

"He seemed to see that, on the land bound by the script, several tender sprouts were trying, with their own strength, to break through the compacted soil and greet the sunlight."

"And what they must do is, in the darkness, provide these sprouts with some nourishment and protection that is not easily noticed."