Chapter 477

False Song, Eastern Capital Bian Liang.

Huangcheng's inner palace, the Hall of Supreme Reverence.

Dawn light faint, civil and military officials lined up left and right, the atmosphere solemn.

Today was not a grand court assembly, but a regular audience; yet the air carried a hint of something unusual.

Seated on the throne, Emperor Zhao Heng looked somewhat weary, his gaze sweeping over the officials below the vermilion steps.

He had just ascended the throne, changed the era name to Xianping, eager to advance, yet feeling the pressure from within and without.

Recently, memorials about the people's livelihood difficulties and entrenched bureaucratic abuses flew in like snowflakes, piling up on his desk.

Especially the repeated obstructions in southeastern grain transport and fluctuating grain prices in Hebei left him vexed.

The so-called auspicious sign of heavenly scriptures descending might temporarily comfort hearts, but it could neither fill the people's stomachs nor ease the treasury's distress.

"Officials, the household department's recent reports on grain and silk revenues and expenditures from all circuits show considerable deficits, especially in Hebei and Jingxi; do you have any good strategies to instruct me?"

Zhao Heng's voice carried a barely perceptible hoarseness, his eyes falling on a figure toward the rear of the ranks.

That was the newly appointed household department langzhong, Li Yuan.

Li Yuan stepped forward, bowed respectfully, his demeanor steady, lacking the agitation or panic common among newly promoted officials.

His face was gaunt, his eyes firm; the austere, practical aura about him stood out among the many smooth-talking or radical officials.

"I, Household Department Langzhong Li Yuan, present my memorial to Your Majesty."

His voice was not loud, yet clear and strong, resonating in the hall.

"The grain and silk deficits in Hebei and Jingxi stem not from weather but from human affairs."

"After examining recent accounts, I have found three main malpractices."

"First, the transport malpractice: the canals have long been neglected, local prefectures and counties fail to mobilize sufficient labor, causing barges to stall and suffer great loss; moreover, clerks layer upon layer extort under the names of 'moistening brush' and 'unloading', imposing extra levies on the people, who cannot bear the harassment, even abandoning ships and fleeing."

"Second, the ever-normal granary malpractice: the court, to stabilize grain prices, purchases surplus grain at official prices in bumper years, originally a good policy; but in execution, local officials, seeking political achievement, often enforce apportionment, suppress prices and purchase, so even poor households must sell grain to meet quotas, in fact harming the people."

"Third, the redundant expenditure malpractice: various military prefectures, in entertaining visiting officials, maintaining local ceremonial guards, and even currying favor with superiors, allocate many costs to daily expenses, encroaching upon proper grain funds; small amounts accumulate into huge deficits."

Li Yuan spoke fluently, point by point, laying bare the scars of local finance, with detailed data and concrete examples; hearing this, many officials in the hall changed expression, some lowered their heads in silence, others showed displeasure.

Who in the hall does not know these malpractices?

Yet most keep them deeply concealed, unwilling to speak so plainly before this grand assembly, lest they offend many colleagues and even local powers.

Zhao Heng's brows relaxed slightly.

He needed just such a forthright, capable minister, someone to stir this stagnant pool.

"According to Minister Li's view, how should we eradicate these entrenched abuses?"

Li Yuan bowed again, then responded calmly:

"Your Majesty, to treat a chronic illness one needs strong medicine, yet also must proceed gradually, lest great upheaval arise."

"Regarding the transport malpractice, we should appoint dedicated officials to supervise transport, strictly investigate extortion along the route, and allocate special funds for dredging key river sections to improve navigability."

"Regarding the ever-normal granary malpractice, we should issue an order forbidding apportionment, severely punish officials who violate it, and consider entrusting part of the ever-normal granary affairs to reputable merchant guilds, with the government supervising and setting prices, which could reduce disturbance to the people and improve efficiency."

"Regarding the redundant expenditure malpractice..."

He paused briefly, his voice sinking lower.

"Only by top-down enforcement of thrift, setting strict expenditure standards, and strengthening the authority of censorial inspectors to patrol localities can we curb it; this is not a one-day task, requiring persistent effort."

He did not propose any shocking innovative measures; each suggestion rests within the existing framework, aiming for practical feasibility.

Yet this courage to face problems directly and his clear train of thought were enough to earn Zhao Heng's nod.

"Minister Li's words hit the crux of the current ills, and his proposals are also quite prudent."

Zhao Heng said slowly.

"I recall that when you served locally you were renowned for honesty and competence, especially skilled in grain and finance matters."

"Now it appears your reputation is well deserved."

"Thus, appoint Li Yuan as Household Department Langzhong, grant him the rank of Chaosan Dafu, specially responsible for clearing the grain and silver deficits of Hebei and Jingxi, with authority to examine related documents and investigate local officials; may you strive diligently and not disappoint my expectations!"

Upon these words, a faint stir rose in the hall.

The household department langzhong is already a core official of the department, with considerable authority.

Adding the Chaosan Dafu rank is an honorable scattered-officer grade, symbolizing elevated status.

And entrusting him with exclusive authority to investigate the two circuits' grain and silver is a great trust and reliance.

This means that Li Yuan, originally an inconspicuous official in the household department, has suddenly become the emperor's appointed financial officer, holding real power.

Some officials who were on good terms with Li Yuan or shared his views, such as the likewise pragmatic Zhou Huaian, an external lang of the Ministry of Works, showed relieved expressions.

While other officials with differing thoughts had their eyes flicker, silently calculating.

Li Yuan drew a deep breath, showing no arrogance, only a heavy sense of responsibility.

"I, Li Yuan, receive the edict with gratitude! I will exert my utmost to repay Your Majesty's benevolent recognition."

He knew this was not a simple promotion.

It was a heavy burden, a hot potato.

Investigating the deficits will inevitably touch countless interests; the open and covert opposition ahead will surely not be few.

Yet he also knew that some things must be done by someone.

After court dispersed, Li Yuan walked out of the palace gates with the crowd.

Several familiar officials came forward to congratulate him; he returned each salute, his attitude remaining modest.

Returning to his residence in the western part of the city, this was a compound not particularly spacious, but kept very tidy.

He took off his court robes, sat in the study, and only then did his brows slightly furrow.

The joy of promotion was quickly replaced by the pressure of reality.

How to begin the investigation?

Where should we open a breakthrough?

Which people can be used, and which must be guarded against?

Myriad concerns well up in my heart.

Just then, the old servant came to report:

"Young Master, outside there is a gentleman calling himself Lu Ming who wishes to meet, saying he admires your reputation and has come specially to pay a call."

Li Yuan blinked slightly.

"Lu Ming?"

He remembered this person.

A few months earlier, they had met several times and conversed happily.

This person spoke extraordinarily, had considerable insight into regional products and trade flows, and, more remarkably, his words revealed a concern for the people's livelihood, which suited him well.

He had also consulted him on some local economic difficulties, and he always offered novel yet practical suggestions.

For example, the idea of entrusting part of official affairs to reputable merchant houses, which was mentioned earlier, originally stemmed from his offhand remark during casual chat about 'self-regulation of civilian merchant guilds.'

This person acted discreetly, not like ordinary guests who eagerly seek favor, but rather like a wise hermit hidden in the marketplace.

At this very start of his promotion, his visit—was it coincidence, or…

Li Yuan pondered a moment, then told the old servant:

"Please invite Mr. Lu to the flower hall for tea; I'll be there shortly."

In the flower hall, the Chen dynasty secret agent using the alias Lu Ming was leisurely sipping tea, observing the hall's simple yet elegant arrangement.

His coming today was naturally no coincidence.

By order of the ruler, maintaining long-term contact and guiding Li Yuan is one of his important tasks in the False Song Eastern Capital.

Through observation and intelligence, he could judge that Li Yuan's traits of 'pragmatism' and 'competence' would, after today, play an even greater role.

This is undoubtedly good news for the Chen dynasty's economic penetration via the 'South Wind Chronicle' and its deeper layout.

Footsteps sounded, and Li Yuan entered the flower hall.

"Mr. Lu, your august presence honors me; I apologize for failing to greet you properly."

Li Yuan bowed with a smile, his manner now more intimate than before.

After all, in his subconscious, his several conversations with this person had benefited him greatly, even indirectly leading to some of his proposals made today in the hall.

"Director Li, you're too polite; it's I who was rude to intrude."

Lu Ming rose to return the salute, his smile gentle.

"I just heard Director Li has received a promotion and elevated rank; I come specially to congratulate. Director Li values practicality, his abilities outstanding, having earned the emperor's trust—truly a blessing for the court and fortune for the people."

"Director Li, you flatter me; I am ashamed to accept such praise."

Li Yuan asked Lu Ming to reseat, then sighed.

"It's just that I've taken on a thorny task, the future uncertain, feeling lost; your arrival is timely—perhaps you can point me toward a solution."

He spoke these words with some sincerity.

Conversing with 'Lu Ming' often lets him break free of habitual thought patterns and see new possibilities.

Lu Ming smiled faintly, took a sip of tea, and said calmly:

"What you worry about is nothing more than auditing the deficit, which involves many parties, faces strong resistance, fearing you cannot act effectively and may even bring disaster upon yourself—am I right?"

Li Yuan nodded:

"Sir, your insight is spot on. Deep-rooted ills pile like mountains, tangled roots—pull one thread and the whole body moves."

"Since you know the ills are mountain‑high, why insist on trying to move the whole mountain at once?"

Lu Ming set down his teacup, his gaze calm.

"Though the rocks are huge, they can be broken. You hold the authority of your office—why not start with one or two seemingly minor but actually fundamental to the people's livelihood 'small ills'?"

"For example, the extortion by clerks along the grain transport route. This directly affects whether grain ships reach the capital on time, has huge impact, evidence is relatively easy to verify, and it mostly involves low‑level clerks, so resistance is relatively low."

"If we can break through here, severely punish a few typical cases, we will establish authority, show the court's resolve, and genuinely improve grain transport, easing pressure on the capital—killing two birds with one stone."

"Once this shows initial results and wins the emperor's greater trust, we can then gradually proceed to tackle deeper ills like government grain purchases and wasteful spending—wouldn't that be more steady?"

Li Yuan listened, his eyes gradually lighting up.

Yes, he had previously thought only about a full overhaul, forgetting he could concentrate force and strike at one point first.

The extortion by grain‑transport clerks is indeed a source of great popular resentment and, relatively speaking, an easily verifiable breakthrough.

"A single word from you, sir, has cleared my mental block!"

Li Yuan clapped his palms, his worry easing slightly.

"Then, following your advice, let's start by tackling the grain‑transport malpractice!"

The two then discussed at length the details of how to investigate and gather evidence, how to choose an entry point, and how to avoid possible obstacles.

Lu Ming, drawing on his experience and insight into human nature and officialdom, often made suggestions that gave Li Yuan a sudden sense of enlightenment.

In the course of conversation, Lu Ming seemingly offhandedly mentioned:

"Lately I've heard that in Shandong and elsewhere there seem to be signs of popular unrest, with grain prices fluctuating. Director Li, while auditing the deficit, you might pay extra attention, for Shandong is also a key grain‑transport region; its peace affects the smoothness of the transport route."

Li Yuan heard this, his expression tightening.

As a Ministry of Revenue official, he had naturally also received some rumors of Shandong's livelihood difficulties, though he had not yet focused on them.

Upon this reminder, he immediately realized that Shandong's stability is indeed closely related to the grain‑transport overhaul he is about to undertake.

"Sir, I have noted your reminder."

He said solemnly.

"Once the leads are cleared up, I will certainly send people to investigate thoroughly."

Lu Ming nodded, saying no more.

He came today; offering congratulations was merely a pretense to consolidate his relationship with Li Yuan, guide him to focus on the Shandong (Liang Mountain) direction, and provide him with feasible ideas, helping him establish a firm footing within the False Song Imperial Court— that is the true purpose.

Seeing that his purpose had been achieved, Lu Ming rose and took his leave.

Li Yuan personally sent 'Mr. Lu' to the gate, watching his silhouette disappear at the alley mouth, feeling moved.

This man possesses talent and broad learning, yet willingly hides himself in the mundane world— truly a pity.

If he were to enter official service, he would surely become a capable minister.

He shook his head, turned and returned to his residence, already having a clear plan for how to proceed.

Meanwhile.

In Bianliangcheng, a back-room of the establishment known as the South Wind Chronicle.

Qian Gui listened to a report from an underground operative.

"Li Yuan has been promoted to Minister of Revenue and granted the rank of Court Gentleman, tasked with investigating revenue shortfalls in Hebei and Jingxi."

"Lu Ming has already met with him, and they got along well. Li Yuan has decided to adopt the suggestion, starting with the matter of extortion by transport clerks."

"Furthermore, Lu Ming has guided him to pay attention to the livelihood of Shandong."

Qian Gui nodded, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"Good. Li Yuan's promotion will be highly advantageous for our future economic layout in the False Song and for obtaining deeper intelligence."

"Tell those below to pay more attention to the South Wind Chronicle's businesses in the False Song, especially those related to grain transport, and if necessary, provide some conveniences to Li Yuan's people to help them open up the situation."

"But remember, everything must appear natural, and we must not expose our identities."

"Yes! The covert operative departed on orders."

Qian Gui walked to the window and gazed westward.

That is the direction of the Chen Dynasty, and also the direction of Liang Mountain.

"On Li Yuan's side, this counts as planting an important pawn."

"Next, we'll see whether the Liang Mountain side can withstand the Iron Crow Army's counterattack and truly ignite the fire of the 'Northward Aspiration'."

He muttered to himself.

The situation is steadily advancing according to the ruler's plan, step by step.

Although slow, it is firm and strong.

And in distant Shandong, within Liangshanpo, beneath the new Aspiration character big flag, the lecture hall's proclamation carries far on the lake breeze.