Chapter 54: The Dog-Eyed Look Down on People

When He He Dachuan heard Jiang Jiang Mingyu say "no taxes need to be paid," his eyes instantly lit up, a grotesque smile spreading across his face as if he could already see his income skyrocketing.

Overwhelmed with excitement, he clapped his hands and cried out: "Jiang Da Ren is indeed wise; I, He Mou, bow in utter admiration! Rest assured, the reward I promised you will be delivered tomorrow morning!"

Lost in the imagined joy of victory, He He Dachuan spoke on, carried away by his pride: "My lord, rest assured, from now on I will do my utmost to assist you in Shangmu. If any external enemies invade, I will spare no money or effort to protect you completely!" His tone betrayed an unhidden greed and cunning.

Lord Murong, watching from the side, felt a sudden, inexplicable surge of anger rise in his heart upon hearing this.

He stared fixedly at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, trying to discern his true thoughts.

He saw that Jiang Jiang Mingyu still wore that same gentle smile, causing Lord Murong to silently mock his own earlier misjudgment.

This Imperial Envoy seemed no different from the rest, merely greedy for money.

Just as Lord Murong was lost in his wild speculations, Jiang Jiang Mingyu slowly spoke, a hint of amusement on his face: "Old Master He, you seem to have misunderstood my meaning. I said you need not pay taxes in the future because your entire estate will be confiscated. With not a single coin left, what will you use to pay taxes then?"

Before Jiang Jiang Mingyu had even finished speaking, He He Dachuan's face first went blank, then his brows knitted tightly, his expression filled with disbelief.

He felt as though he had fallen into a carefully laid trap, his mind in total chaos.

After a long moment, he stammered: "Confiscated estate? Then my residence... where shall I go?"

Watching He He Dachuan's reaction, Lord Murong felt immense joy, as if he saw the first light of hope.

He scrutinized Jiang Jiang Mingyu once more, hoping to see through this man's true face.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu seemed very satisfied with He He Dachuan's reaction; his smile widened as he replied softly: "Why worry about having nowhere to live, Old Master He? How could I let you suffer? The most spacious and comfortable cell in the yamen has been prepared for you and Young Master He; it will absolutely be enough for you and that pig-like son of yours to live comfortably!"

"By the way, there will be plenty of work like repairing the city and paving roads in the future; your strength and that of He He Muchen will be just what we need. Who said Shangmu County lacks manpower? Exercise is good for health; perhaps you will even live a couple more years, contributing more to your hometown. Your descendants should thank you for it!"

Halfway through Jiang Jiang Mingyu's speech, He He Dachuan realized he was being mocked; his fists clenched tightly, and an aura of anger radiated from his entire body.

He ground his teeth, wishing he could swallow Jiang Jiang Mingyu alive, and snarled: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu, dare you play with me?"

Suppressing the rage in his heart, he threatened: "Do you know who stands behind me? Prince Qi! You are just a petty Imperial Envoy, incapable of handling this! If you offend me, you will regret it endlessly!"

Although He He Dachuan spoke with full confidence, deep down he began to hesitate.

He understood that Jiang Jiang Mingyu's actions were no accident; he must find a way to extricate himself.

Hearing this threat, Jiang Jiang Mingyu showed no fear at all; instead, he let out a cold laugh: "Put away your threats. Even if you truly have Prince Qi's backing, this official is not afraid in the slightest. If you are dissatisfied, ask Prince Qi to come personally, and we shall have a proper talk!"

"It is simply ridiculous. A corrupt official like you dares to argue before this official. You should feel utterly ashamed!"

The disdain and courage in Jiang Jiang Mingyu's words made He He Dachuan realize the gravity of the situation.

He never expected this temporary passing Imperial Envoy to be so difficult to deal with.

"Ridiculous that a tax-evading, law-breaking scoundrel like you dares to spout nonsense before this official; truly shameless."

At this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu calmly ordered: "Tu Tu Kesiluo, throw these two villains into the dungeon and confiscate the entire He family estate!"

Seeing the situation had become irretrievable, He He Dachuan, furious with shame, shouted in rage: "You, surnamed Jiang, will regret this! I will make you regret it!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked up leisurely, playing with the teacup in his hand: "By the way, I forgot to tell you: from the moment you used foreigners to threaten me, I decided to punish you. I, Jiang Mou, always keep my word."

It was already late at night when the screaming He father and son were dragged off to the dungeon.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu saw that Lord Murong wanted to speak but held back, so he asked proactively: "If you have something to say, just say it directly."

Under the moonlight, Lord Murong could not hide his embarrassment and whispered: "Please forgive me, Brother Jiang Xingqiu; I have misunderstood you again."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu smiled with understanding and did not hold it against him: "Did you think this official would back down again? You will come to understand me gradually. Do not overthink tonight; let us all go rest."

Back in his room, Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly fell into a sweet sleep.

That night, he slept more peacefully than ever, for he knew he had once again eliminated a scourge for the people.

The next morning, Jiang Jiang Mingyu pushed open the door to the main hall of the yamen; before he even stepped inside, he saw a familiar man—Liu One Da Jiang, now wearing a yamen runner's uniform, standing in the hall.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu froze in shock, rushed forward a few steps, and scrutinized Liu One Da Jiang carefully, confirming he had not mistaken the man.

This was completely unexpected, leaving him momentarily surprised and at a loss.

It turned out that this man, who had helped him guard the coal mine at Green Dragon Stronghold, was Liu Liu Churan's father, Liu One Da Jiang.

Only then did Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly understand, his heart filled with countless emotions.

To repay Jiang Jiang Mingyu for saving his daughter's life that day, Liu One Da Jiang had resolved to serve in the yamen and take orders from Jiang Jiang Mingyu.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu had intended to refuse, but seeing the determination in Liu One Da Jiang's eyes, he nodded and agreed.

After all, the yamen was indeed short on manpower; having such a capable assistant was a good thing.

After giving clear instructions to Liu One Da Jiang, Liu One Da Jiang took his leave and went to the Green Dragon Stronghold coal mine to continue his guard duties.

Watching his retreating figure, Jiang Jiang Mingyu silently marveled at the wonder of fate.

Shortly after, Wu Xiaoer's thin, tall figure flashed inside; he grinned widely at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and excitedly said: "My lord, everything is arranged; we can depart immediately!"

Only then did Jiang Jiang Mingyu remember that he had ordered last night to handle the coal mine matter as soon as possible.

Now that the He father and son had been temporarily dealt with, it was time to put this matter on the agenda.

Looking at Wu Xiaoer, Jiang Jiang Mingyu asked softly: "Is the person you found ready?"

Wu Xiaoer patted his chest and assured: "Rest assured, my lord, when I handle affairs! That person has been waiting there for a long time!"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu nodded in satisfaction and instructed: "Very well, let Lord Lord Murong and Lord Tu handle the coal mine matter. As for you and Gou Dan, find a way to dispose of the He family house and belongings; the silver must be deposited into the county treasury. This matter is of great importance; do not be careless!"

After clarifying all matters, Lord Murong and the others followed the old man brought by Wu Xiaoer and set off quickly.

Watching them leave the yamen, Jiang Jiang Mingyu thought to himself that this time he would make the coal of Shangmu spread throughout the world, benefiting the people of the region.

Tenglong County is located south of Shangmu County; both counties belong to the Yasmo Regional Military Commissioner.

Since the Great Feng Empire's founding ancestor rose to power here a hundred years ago, this place has always been highly valued by the court and is quite prosperous.

It is said that the two characters "Tenglong" were also written by the founding ancestor's own brush, signifying a dragon flying in the heavens and an omen of a dragon soaring and a tiger crouching.

As Wu Xiaoer said, the firewood burned by the people of Tenglong is all purchased from outside, making them many times wealthier than Shangmu County.

In fact, the fact that Tenglong, also on the frontier, can live in peace and happiness is entirely due to Shangmu County blocking external enemies and serving as their flesh shield.

Thinking of how destitute Shangmu County is despite its people's hard work guarding the border and defending the country, while Tenglong County remains comfortable and fertile, Lord Murong felt deeply indignant.

On the road to Tenglong County, Lord Murong had already made up his mind to use this opportunity to squeeze the other party for a substantial sum.

Otherwise, he would not be worthy of Jiang Jiang Mingyu's trust in entrusting him with such an important task.

Tuke Tuke Siluo looked somewhat uneasy: "Lord Lord Murong, are you so certain that coal can be sold?"

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai, braving the cold wind, coughed once and pointed at the old man beside him: "That will depend on him."

Two days later, the group arrived in Tenglong County town, covered in dust and travel-worn.

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai glanced at the sky and said, "Let us find an inn to rest first; tomorrow we shall go to visit Magistrate Song."

This magistrate was named Song Song Yusheng, who had come here to take office five years ago. For the sake of coal sales, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai knew a little about this man.

After checking into the inn, although Lord Murong Murong Yunhai was utterly exhausted, he lay awake for a long time, pondering his strategy for meeting Magistrate Song the next day.

He understood that the success or failure of this journey would directly impact the development of Shangmu County.

To repay the trust of Jiang Jiang Mingyu, he must exert his utmost effort and not betray the trust placed in him.

The next morning, while packing his belongings, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai discovered a piece of silk had somehow gotten mixed into his bundle.

He picked up the silk in surprise and muttered to himself: "What is going on? It seems I accidentally rolled it in while packing clothes."

Just as he was about to put the silk away, Tu Tu Kesiluo pushed the door open and urged him: "Lord Lord Murong, time is getting late; we must set off."

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai acknowledged with a sound, thought no more of it, and casually stuffed the silk piece into his sleeve.

Turning to the old man following behind Tu Tu Kesiluo, he instructed: "Did you remember clearly what I told you earlier?"

The old man respectfully clasped his hands and replied: "Rest assured, my lord. Your subordinate will keep it firmly in mind; there will be no mistake."

For some reason, after these days of contact, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai always felt this old man seemed cunning and treacherous.

Especially his cloudy eyes, like those of an old fox, as if able to see through people's hearts, yet hiding countless twists and turns.

Seeing the old man leave after receiving orders, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai then left the inn with Tu Tu Kesiluo, one after the other, heading for the county yamen.

On the road, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai said leisurely: "You will understand soon; let us hurry."

Tu Tu Kesiluo shook his head and sighed: "Lord Lord Murong, you are just like my lord Jiang; you always love to keep people in suspense."

Arriving at the county yamen, seeing an official residence twice the size of Shangmu's, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai could not help but exclaim: "Indeed, wealth makes all the difference."

The Yamen Runner standing at the gate, seeing the two of them looking ragged, immediately shouted: "Who are you? Dare you point and gesture before the county yamen!"

It must be admitted that the two, dressed in coarse cotton robes, did indeed look somewhat shabby.

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai thought to himself, if this time he could sell the coal and make a fortune, he should also buy himself some decent attire.

After all, he had once been a Zhuangyuan; dressing like this was truly a loss of face.

Seeing the two stand motionless, the gate guard stepped forward and threatened: "If you do not clarify who you are immediately, get out!"

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai calmly replied: "I am Lord Murong Murong Yunhai of the Silver Yi Department of Shangmu County. I come by order of the Imperial Envoy to visit your county's Magistrate Song. Please convey this message."

The Yamen Runner looked him up and down, sneered: "With your bear-like appearance, do you qualify as a representative of the Imperial Envoy? Are you mad? Get out of my way immediately; I have no time to waste on your nonsense!"

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai remained expressionless, simply reaching into his robe to pull out his official credentials and name card: "Please take a look at this."

The Yamen Runner took the name card, glanced at it, and his face immediately changed: "My lord, please calm your anger! This humble one has poor eyesight and failed to recognize you; please forgive my offense!"

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai sighed lightly: "My attire was too shabby, causing you to misjudge; it is not your fault. Please go quickly and report to the magistrate."

The Yamen Runner hurried inside, and soon returned to invite the two in: "Lord Lord Murong, please enter; our master requests your presence!"

Before the two even entered the main hall, people inside had already begun to gossip:

"Who are these people? Dressed like this, they don't look like officials at all; they look just like beggars!"

"Keep your voices down; they are officials from Shangmu County!"

"Nonsense! Calling this attire official? With his appearance, even the Elder of the Beggar Sect is nobler than him! Haha..."

"..."

Seeing Tu Tu Kesiluo's darkened face, Lord Murong Murong Yunhai shook his head: "See? Even if one is an official, without money, people still look down on you."

"This is the so-called saying: 'Though bitter melon is bitter, having no money is even more bitter.'"

Tu Tu Kesiluo, with a gloomy face, said: "Truly, they judge by appearances!"

Song Song Yusheng appeared to be in his thirties, a tall and stout, yet somewhat fair-skinned fat man, with two small mustaches that were dark and shiny.

Magistrate Song's two small mustaches curled upward; his eyes narrowed as he looked Lord Murong Murong Yunhai up and down, his expression revealing disgust and contempt.

Frowning, he spoke in a heavy nasal voice: "The Imperial Envoy does not come personally but sends someone like you, ragged and filthy. What does this mean?"

"Although I have heard Shangmu County is in difficult circumstances, seeing you dressed like this confirms your place is utterly destitute. As a county official, how can you allow yourself to dress so poorly, ruining your own appearance? Does this not make outsiders laugh at us officials?"

"I had long heard Shangmu County was poor; seeing it today, the reputation is indeed well-deserved."

"To speak of it on a small scale, this may embarrass the Imperial Envoy before outsiders; on a larger scale, it could even tarnish the face of the Emperor, who is far away in Jingcheng handling state affairs, damaging the imperial authority!"

"If all officials were like you, neglecting their appearance and wearing disheveled clothes, where would the dignity of officials remain? Where would the propriety of the court be? This is simply disrespect to the Emperor!"

"Enough, enough. Please sit. This official is busy with daily duties and has no time to waste with you. If you have any serious matters, speak quickly."

He did not even intend to offer Lord Murong Murong Yunhai tea or hospitality, showing he did not take him seriously at all.

The secretary following behind the magistrate immediately spoke respectfully to flatter him: "The reason Shangmu is so poor is entirely because it lacks an official as wise and divine as you, my lord! If you were fortunate enough to be governed by you, within half a year it would surely be transformed!"

Hearing this, Magistrate Song's face immediately bloomed with a broad smile, his eyes shining, clearly enjoying this flattery.

But he then pretended to be humble, saying: "Where, where? To speak the truth, it is better to say less in the future. In front of Lord Lord Murong, praising me like this will surely make him feel uncomfortable."

"Although that is so, I have been here for five years; the people of the city live in peace and prosperity, which proves my governance has achieved certain results. If Lord Lord Murong does not disdain it, I would be happy to impart the governance experience I have accumulated over these years to you, cultivating some skills in you, as a small contribution from Shangmu County."

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai still wore a gentle smile on his face, his attitude humble and polite: "Since Lord Song is so generous, I actually have some questions I wish to ask."

Magistrate Song held his large belly with both hands, his chest thrust outward, his face overflowing with a proud smile, his eyes flashing with excitement.

"Haha, I did not expect Lord Lord Murong, though young, to be such a diligent and knowledge-seeking person; rare, truly rare!"

"Speak whatever questions you have; relying on my many years of accumulated rich knowledge and extraordinary wisdom, I can certainly give you a satisfactory answer."

"Of course, whether you can comprehend and absorb the essence of my teachings depends on your own understanding."

"But I believe that with Lord Lord Murong's talent, you will not disappoint me; you certainly cannot be as poor as Shangmu County! Come, come, speak your questions quickly; I cannot wait."

Lord Murong Murong Yunhai respectfully bowed his head slightly and, with an appearance of humble seeking of instruction, asked: "Thanks to Lord Song's foresight, I wish to ask: when the border is invaded by foreign tribes, how should a local governor effectively organize defense, protect the home and country, and consolidate the border?"

"With Lord Song's profound knowledge and outstanding wisdom, you will surely provide me with a perfect answer."

Magistrate Song's smile instantly froze on his face; his fat, fleshy countenance was filled with embarrassment as he stammered, "Th-this... this official is merely a clerk by civil service background; how could I possibly understand anything about training soldiers or waging war?"

Lord Lord Murong sneered, his tone instantly turning severe: "Magistrate Song, your words are mistaken. The three previous magistrates of Shangmu County who died in the border wars were also civil officials and knew nothing of military campaigns."

"Yet, to defend our homeland and ensure the peace and prosperity of Shangmu's people, they resolutely laid down their brushes, donned armor, chose righteousness over life, and guarded our home with their blood and lives."

"Three magistrates have already sacrificed themselves in succession, and the people of Shangmu County have been reduced to poverty to this very day, yet they exchanged their lives for the stable existence you enjoy in your secluded chambers."

"From the moment I entered the door today, you mocked my shabby clothes several times. The reason you can live without worry about food or clothing is precisely thanks to the county officials and people of Shangmu, who extinguished the border beacons with their blood and blocked the iron hooves of foreign enemies."

"Had they not chosen righteousness over life, who knows whether Magistrate Song could rest easy with his head on his pillow today?"

Seeing Magistrate Song's face turn first green then white, Lord Lord Murong shifted the direction of his speech.

"Originally, I intended to offer you a great deal, but now it seems I should spare you that. Rather than waste time here, I might as well take my leave sooner."