Chapter 747

The Emperor didn't hear a sound; he looked up, frowning: "Hm?"

Wang Zhen smiled as he handed the Emperor a cup of tea tested to the perfect temperature, nodding with a smile: "Yes, Your Majesty, I shall immediately order the drafting of the edict to be sent to the Grand Secretariat."

Seeing his cheerful expression and no sign of unease, the Emperor grew cheerful too: "Mr. Wang, Xue Xuan may have a bad temper, but his ability is excellent and his character outstanding; you must get along well with him from now on."

Wang Zhen smiled and nodded: "As long as he serves Your Majesty wholeheartedly, even if I must polish his boots and serve him tea, I would do so gladly."

The Emperor: "I knew it—you are the one who truly understands the bigger picture."

Wang Zhen smiled.

Outside the grand hall, Wang Zhen clenched his teeth in secret: Those uncle and nephew pair truly refused to vanish—one leaves, another arrives!

The Grand Secretariat hadn't expected it either.

Thinking of the memorial Xue Shao had just submitted through Cao Jixiang, Chen Xun spoke first: "Xue Xuan is indeed suitable."

With one Grand Secretary voicing approval, and Grand Secretary Yang Fu—who had a good relationship with Xue Xuan—unlikely to oppose, the other Grand Secretaries readily agreed.

Thus, the imperial seal was stamped, and it was done.

Chen Xun was a very interesting man; he was now about to use Xue Shao and Pan Yun.

Especially Pan Yun—he had kept agents watching her sea voyage, and though he remained in Jingcheng, he knew every detail of what transpired in Quanzhou.

So he placed the sealed edict on the desk of Minister of Personnel Cao Nai and asked casually: "Is Pan Hong still patrolling the northern border at Datong?"

Cao Nai took the edict and replied offhandedly.

Chen Xun said: "Pan Hong is exceptionally capable; since his patrol began, he has resolved several issues within the northern garrisons. Winter is approaching—why not recall him to Jingcheng to give a detailed report on northern affairs?"

Cao Nai: "Pan Hong is under the Censorate; this matter must be raised with Wang Wen. But Wang Wen is petty and holds a grudge against Pan Hong—especially now that Xue Xuan is returning. He'll be even less willing to recall Pan Hong."

Chen Xun smiled: "If he won't recall him, the Ministry of Personnel can simply transfer Pan Hong to another post."

Cao Nai: "... Are you, Minister Chen, showing favoritism toward Pan Hong?"

Chen Xun: "The Emperor has already ordered Yang Shan of the Court of Imperial Entertainments to dispatch an envoy to Japan; they will depart from Tianjin Wei soon. There is now a seventy percent chance the sea ban will be lifted—once Pan Yun's ship brings back the first cargo of silver, the matter will be settled beyond doubt."

"Why entrust this to Pan Yun?"

Cao Nai preferred the imperial court handle it himself: "Pan Yun is a commoner. To entrust the state's most vital matter to her..."

"This cannot be delayed. Entrusting it to her is best. Who else could mine silver before the court has signed a formal treaty with Japan? And who would willingly surrender such boundless wealth to the court?"

Cao Nai realized it was true.

Who else, upon discovering a silver mountain, would not hide it and mine it alone—but instead report it to the court, even publicly announce it to draw countless people to mine it, to help resolve the sea ban?

Cao Nai lowered his gaze in thought: "Do you think she is a great loyalist—or a hidden traitor?"

Chen Xun dismissed it: "I don't care whether her heart is loyal or treacherous. I judge by deeds, not intentions—I only watch what she does."

He said: "During the great disaster in the Jiangnan region, she donated substantial funds and grain for relief." But Cao Nai shook his head: "Such conspicuousness clearly seeks fame—it's a sign of great treachery."

Chen Xun stroked his beard, glanced left and right, saw no one paying attention, then whispered to Cao Nai: "Before his death, Grand Secretary Yang gave me instructions."

Cao Nai looked up: "Hm?"

"Pan Yun has no reverence for ruler or father, but she deeply cares for the people and values righteousness. Such a person is not of treacherous nature. As for your claim she craves fame..." Chen Xun paused, then whispered: "I visited several temples and inquired. She may be cultivating merit."

"What nonsense?" Cao Nai blurted, then immediately regained composure: "You asked monks about a Daoist Priest's cultivation method?"

Chen Xun glanced at him: "You're easily startled. Those who cultivate have the best connections—they understand Daoist Priests best. Who else should I ask but monks? Should I go to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau instead?"

"Yin Song of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau is Pan Yun's senior brother. If I go there, he'll get word of it immediately—how could I learn anything?"

Chen Xun whispered: "This method was taught to me by Censor Xu Cheng. Indeed, those monks, merely from observing her conduct, deduced she was cultivating merit—and using the reputation of the mountain deity to do so."

Cao Nai's focus always differed from others; his brow twitched: "Which Censor Xu?"

"Xu Cheng of the Censorate—he has talent in water management and specializes in astronomy and geography, so he knows more."

The upright Cao Nai: "... I know him. I've heard he often reads faces for money. Minister Chen, you haven't gone to him for a fortune reading, have you?"

Chen Xun gave him an embarrassed smile, covering his mouth as he whispered: "Brother Cao, don't dismiss it. There's truth in mysticism—otherwise, why does the Imperial Astronomical Bureau exist? And why are those Zhang family members deep within the palace? You weren't here earlier this year, when demons attacked Jingcheng."

Cao Nai's face darkened; he scolded softly: "You're foolish. Even if strange things exist, as an imperial official you must keep your distance. We may revere and fear them—but never trust or draw close. And yet you went to Xu Cheng for a reading!"

Cao Nai thought Xu Cheng was untrustworthy, like a sly, deceitful man.

He said sternly: "Even if you must consult, you should go to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau—that's proper. Xu Cheng is merely a Censor who picked up some superficial knowledge and parades it about. His character is poor. Stay away from him in future."

Chen Xun thought he overthought it and laughed: "It was just idle chatter. By the way, now you understand why I want to recall Pan Hong to Jingcheng, don't you? To accelerate the lifting of the sea ban, Pan Yun's assistance is indispensable."

"Since you say Pan Yun isn't a great traitor, and her fame-seeking is for cultivation, why not speak to her directly? I believe, if she knew this would benefit the people, she'd willingly aid the court."

"But we can't just ask for help with empty words," Chen Xun said. "We're using her while pushing her father out to the border. Datong's environment is harsh. Pan Hong has spent years in exile—his health is already poor. He's suffered enough wind and sand out there. It's time to recall him."

Cao Nai frowned.

Chen Xun whispered: "Pan Yun's elder brother was studying at the National Academy. Recently, during the academy's examination, he was pushed out and sent on a study tour—rumor says he went to Datong. Now both her brothers have been exiled there. If she finds out, not only will she hesitate to help the court without resentment, but the court won't even dare ask."

We can't make someone give strength and money while making them weep, can we?

Chen Xun felt embarrassed just thinking about it.

Cao Nai finally relented: "In your view, where would Pan Hong be most suitable?"

Since he was asking for help, Chen Xun had thoroughly investigated everyone: he smiled: "Pan Hong is upright and incorruptible, exceptionally skilled in criminal law—either transfer him to the Ministry of Justice or the Court of Judicial Review, or send him to the Court of Imperial Entertainments." (End of Chapter)