Chapter 525: Short on Money

The problems in Jiangnan are severe; over the years, the young emperor has sent numerous imperial censors south, but those who went either died or found nothing amiss.

The emperor and the court officials knew full well how the dead had died and how those who returned alive had managed to do so.

They simply chose not to speak of it.

The case against Wang Zhen and the Xue Pan case exposed three major issues in Jiangnan—but only three; the number of unexposed problems remains unknown.

Even the emperor himself does not know.

He sent Xue Shao there purely to gamble with his life.

With Xue Shao's intelligence and talent, he will not return from Jiangnan empty-handed;

but he holds only the seventh rank, and any county magistrate in Jiangnan outranks him; apart from his title as an imperial inspector, he has no advantage whatsoever.

This is a hellish start.

Pan Yun frowned; as an ally, she could not bear to see him in trouble, so she asked: "Has he departed yet?"

Pan Hong said: "The imperial decree was issued yesterday; since he is an inspector, still a capital official, he need not leave Jingcheng immediately, but he must depart within three days—I estimate he will leave today or tomorrow at the latest."

Pan Yun paused a moment, then said: "I'll send him a few talismans for safety."

Pan Hong nodded: "Go ahead. My exoneration was largely thanks to him."

At the time, the case had stalled; Pan Hong had already prepared to remain in Jingcheng for years as a disgraced official—until the Yang Ji case broke.

At first, Pan Hong was puzzled: according to the Court of Judicial Review's report, Yang Ji had committed illegal acts for years—why did the case surface now and not earlier?

After observing for several days and learning of the overwhelming accusations against Prime Minister Yang, Pan Hong understood: the Pure Stream faction was furious that Yang Shiqi aided the emperor and tolerated Wang Zhen, so they were using Yang Shiqi as a scapegoat.

Pan Hong scoffed: "Besides the Jiangnan faction, only Wang Zhen's allies are denouncing Prime Minister Yang. Factional strife has no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. Look—they once resented Yang Shiqi for helping Wang Zhen suppress them, accusing him of dereliction and treachery, yet now they stand shoulder to shoulder with Wang Zhen."

Pan Hong sighed: "Then what are they, really?"

Everyone fell silent.

Pan Hong looked at them with gentle eyes and said softly: "I hope you never fall into such a cycle when you act in the future—learn from Xue Shao: focus on the matter, not the person…"

He paused, then added: "It may be hard, but at least you'll have a clear conscience. If it becomes too bitter, resign and retire."

Our family isn't wealthy, but we have a house and land—we can still survive. Don't do anything that stains your conscience."

Pan Yun and her two brothers nodded obediently.

Pan Yun: "From what Father says, there are many other officials besides the Jiangnan faction and Wang Zhen's allies—what do they mean to do?"

"Some, like Xue Xuan and Xue Shao, uphold the law and petition for Yang Ji's punishment; others remain silent, saying nothing."

Pan Yun: "Which group is larger?"

After a pause, Pan Hong said: "The silent majority."

He sighed: "Thus, those who petitioned for legal punishment of Yang Ji have little voice or influence—they're seen as part of the Jiangnan faction or Wang Zhen's camp. The reputation of Xue Xuan and his nephew in court… is terrible."

"Xue Xuan was reinstated to his former post, but stripped of office again after just one day. Prime Minister Yang's disciple Lu Lin openly mocked Xue Shao before Your Majesty for being ungrateful—Yang once helped him clear his name, yet now he…"

Pan Yun raised an eyebrow, unconcerned: "What did Xue Shao say?"

"Xue Shao said nothing. The crux isn't Xue Shao—it's the emperor," Pan Hong said. "It was after that incident that the emperor ordered Xue Shao to inspect Jiangnan."

Yin Song, seeing their gloomy faces, said: "Stop worrying. Xue Xuan and his nephew aren't worried—why should you? Worst case, resign. Don't play in the bureaucracy; you won't be bound by it. You're too attached, too burdened. The empire doesn't need you alone. It's just a job—if you can't do it, don't. The emperor can't force you to serve, can he?"

"Exactly, Father—you're exonerated now, you're free," Pan Yun patted her chest. "If you quit officialdom and return home, I'll support you!"

Pan Hong smiled warmly: "My child is capable—you've been supporting the family for years, sending money and goods to Datong."

Then Pan Hong remembered to ask: "Did you eat yet? Shall I make you a bowl of noodles?"

Pan Yue immediately praised: "Little sister must taste Father's noodles—these past years, his cooking has improved greatly; we all love his noodles."

Pan Yun swallowed her words and changed her reply: "All right, I'll try Father's cooking."

In contrast to the warmth and bustle of Yin Zhai, Xue Shao's rented lodging was far quieter.

Quiet, yet also warm.

Xue Xuan lightly tapped the books in the chest, frowned, and turned to his nephew: "There's still Xie Yingfang's 'Compilation of Clarifying Confusion'—didn't you write me a letter saying you saw it in Jingcheng?"

Xue Shao, organizing manuscripts, paused, not looking up: "It was too expensive—I didn't buy it. But I read it thoroughly and memorized it. Would you like to see it?"

Not a single line, not a single verse, not a single detail—every word is perfectly recalled!

He pulled out a bound stack of manuscripts from beneath the chest and handed it to Xue Xuan.

Xue Xuan fell silent for a moment, then reached out and took it, flipping through it: "How much did it cost?"

"Five taels and eight mace."

Xue Xuan frowned: "That's expensive, but you shouldn't be unable to afford it."

Xi Jin quickly interjected: "Second Master, the young master gave all his money to Master Pan—he had barely enough left for one meal."

Xue Xuan looked troubled: "Shao'er, though I've always taught you not to be obsessed with wealth and fame, you needn't treat money as dung. Doing good requires first taking care of yourself."

Xue Shao replied firmly: "I took care of myself. This book was something you wanted to buy."

His implication: he himself had no desire to buy it—he had read and memorized it on the spot; no need to purchase.

Xue Xuan opened his mouth, then nodded after a long pause: "You're right. You did well."

After thinking a moment, Xue Xuan asked: "Is the book still there?"

Xue Shao: "Perhaps. The bookseller kept it for consignment—you could inquire."

Xue Xuan held out his hand: "Give me five taels."

Xue Shao looked at his hand, paused, then shook his head: "Pan Ershu, after deducting your travel expenses home, we have only seven taels left—I still need to go to Jiangnan."

Xue Xuan: "You're on official inspection—the relay stations will provide your lodging and meals. If money runs short, earn more later. With your abilities, earning money won't be a problem."

Xue Shao sighed: "But my reputation is ruined—I can't sell my calligraphy or paintings, and no one wants my essays anymore."

Xue Xuan: "Then earn it after leaving Jingcheng. Outside the capital, no one yet knows about your alleged ingratitude. With your status as a second-class Metropolitan Graduate, you can still earn some money."

Xue Shao slowly reached for his money, trying to negotiate further: "Pan Ershu, I still wish to visit Prime Minister Yang before leaving Jingcheng…" (End of chapter)