Chapter 828: The Other Side of the Story

With Zhang Liuzhen's endorsement, Pan Yun's leave was swiftly approved; only two ke moments before their departure did Zhang Liuzhen arrive with two others to find her.

It was just after class, and Pan Yun was packing buns at the cafeteria—her rations for the journey.

Nine shichen! She needed three meals!

The old Daoist Priest who served them silently watched her for a long while, then added two more buns to her bowl.

Seeing Miao Zhen followed right behind her, stepped forward, and held out a palm: "So hungry, so hungry—I want five buns."

The old priest laughed, his face warm and kind, and gave her five.

Seeing Miao Zhen and Tao Yan Bai also asked for two extra buns each.

The old priest: …

You can't pluck the academy's wool like this—but he gave them anyway.

After eating, Pan Yun rolled up the buns her juniors had "borrowed," stuffed them into her space, and stepped out of the cafeteria to see Zhang Liuzhen standing beneath a tree across from her, flanked by two figures with almost no presence—both clad in Daoist robes, around thirty, bearded, one holding a fly whisk, the other a long sword.

Only when Zhang Liuzhen introduced them did the two seem to come alive, bowing to Pan Yun with ritual hand seals.

Pan Yun was curious about their identities, but she didn't ask.

Zhang Liuzhen must have some business with Fourth Sister and Third Brother—who knows what they're plotting behind closed doors?

When it's time for her to know, they'll tell her.

Pan Yun set out with the two; honestly, having company was nice, even if unfamiliar.

But all were academy Daoist Priests—they wouldn't act like ordinary folk shouting and clamoring. Whenever Pan Yun stopped to meditate and restore her Yuan energy, they would guard her, and the three traveled smoothly all the way to Wa Country.

Yet these two were too silent. Though Pan Yun had no intention of prying, with her social skills, she should've learned something about them over the journey—but all she knew after traveling together was their Daoist titles and rough ages; everything else remained unknown.

Pan Yun was frustrated.

Though she hadn't volunteered her own information either, she was too famous—she didn't need to.

To them, she was known; to her, they were complete strangers.

So as soon as they flew over Da Sen Village, Pan Yun immediately set them down.

The two were straightforward: they leapt off the San Bao Ding, bowed to Pan Yun in thanks, turned, and used lightness arts to vanish into the forest with a few leaps.

Pan Yun watched their departing direction and murmured: "They clearly know Wa Country well—what exactly are they here for?"

Pan Yun shook her head, suppressing her curiosity, and turned to examine the silver mine.

The silver mine in Da Sen Village was booming: the number of miners had increased significantly, and silver refining efficiency had improved greatly.

As for illegal mining, whether Kuang Ping or Song Dalin, they were all professionals.

But now they couldn't even be called illegal miners—after all, this stretch of mountains had first been gifted to her by the Ida family, then later purchased outright by Great Ming through Yang Shan.

So nominally, this entire mountain range belonged to Great Ming.

Still, the silver mine's existence was best kept hidden—only revealed when concealment became impossible.

When you can play the fool to eat the tiger, don't be overly arrogant—that's history's lesson to the people.

Pan Yun's arrival delighted both the imperial troops under Kuang Ping and the civilian teams alike.

Pan Yun greeted them, noticed Wang Cong wasn't there, and asked Wang Xiaojing: "Where is he?"

Wang Xiaojing: "He's escorting goods to Jingcheng—there are more wealthy people there, and things sell better."

Pan Yun nodded: "Did he say when he'd return?"

Wang Xiaojing shook his head: "No, but I guess he'll be back by July or August."

Song Dalin approached to speak with Pan Yun; Kuang Ping also came, along with other mine foremen from surrounding hills demanding to see her.

This gave Pan Yun a strange feeling: "Why is everyone coming to me?"

Song Dalin said: "They've come to ask the Daoist Priest to arbitrate."

Pan Yun raised an eyebrow: "Arbitrate what?"

Song Dalin lowered his voice: "At the start of the year, the imperial court sent more personnel. We've learned they intend to drive us all out and keep only official mines—no private mining allowed."

Pan Yun: … How many years would the court need to mine this entire expanse?

Though she thought this, she couldn't say it aloud—instead, she smiled and reassured: "The silver mine was originally presented to the court, and the court later paid a large sum to purchase the land from Wa Country—it's now officially sanctioned. Since the mountain belongs to the court, it naturally follows the court's orders."

Song Dalin's expression darkened instantly—he clearly resented this.

Pan Yun patted his shoulder and laughed: "Enough, it's not a big deal. Go have someone slaughter pigs and sheep—we'll feast tonight."

Then she turned to Wang Xiaojing: "Go fetch Commander Kuang."

Song Dalin's eyes flickered thoughtfully; his hostility faded, and he bowed and withdrew.

Kuang Ping came for the same reason: "This is the court's directive…"

He paused, sensing it sounded unkind, and quickly added: "If any miners don't wish to return home, they may stay. Daoist Pan, rest assured—wages across all districts are now uniform, and our mine pays on time, no arrears."

Pan Yun: "Commander Kuang, since you're an expert in this, after half a year here, you must know how vast this mine is—does the court truly intend to wage war on Wa Country and turn it into a direct province?"

"That's impossible—not for a single silver mine."

"Then you must know this mine is inexhaustible. If Wa Country discovers this treasure, we can mine for ten, twenty years—can we really mine for a hundred?"

Kuang Ping smiled awkwardly: "Daoist Pan, this is the court's order—I'm merely carrying it out. I repeat: if miners wish to stay, wages remain unchanged, payments will be timely, and the court is willing to purchase your refining equipment."

Pan Yun understood their intent: initially permitting private mining was because the imperial troops had just arrived and were unfamiliar—they needed cooperation.

Also, the maritime ban had not yet been lifted, customs policies undefined, and the court's manpower limited.

Back then, private factions were seen as fellow countrymen—uncertain of their future, yet still "us" compared to Wa Country, so mining was tolerated.

But now the maritime ban is lifted, customs policies settled. When she was in Jingcheng, Pan Hong was working overtime precisely because he was negotiating customs policies with Wa Country's envoys.

Not just the Honglu Temple, but the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Rites were also involved.

The court can now continuously send laborers to Da Sen Village—and even station troops here without notice. At this point, reclaiming the mines operated by private factions maximizes profit.

They could easily push Pan Yun aside and make Song Dalin and Wang Xiaojing lead the miners to work for them—paying wages, yet claiming the profits Pan Yun and other mine owners now enjoy.

Wang Cong was right to worry—mining simply can't last long. Fortunately, he shifted his focus to maritime trade.

But he probably didn't expect the imperial court to cut the cord so soon after using the mill.

With this thought flashing through her mind, Pan Yun smiled at Kuang Ping: "Lord Kuang, I am a loyal subject who loves the nation. If this is the court's will, I shall obey. Let us set a time, and I will withdraw all my people from the Silver Mountain."

Kuang Ping's eyebrows twitched as he hurriedly said: "Why not ask them if they'd be willing to stay and mine…?"

"They won't agree, and I won't leave anyone behind," Pan Yun cut him off. "To avoid any suspicion of theft, I will take all my people with me."

Kuang Ping opened his mouth, a bad feeling rising in him.

If Pan Yun withdraws all her people, how can they hide this from the Yi Tian family?

Besides, with only the court's meager manpower, securing the Silver Mountain is a problem.

Kuang Ping cursed inwardly—he'd said it was too soon. They should've waited a few more years, until the court's influence was firmly established here. Jia Cong had pushed him to act now.

Indeed, eunuchs always lack vision; they're unfit for grand strategy.

Though exiled here, Kuang Ping was no fool. He sensed Pan Yun was angry, and her retaliation wouldn't end here. After a brief pause, he probed: "What about the other mines…?"

Pan Yun smiled sweetly in reply: "What does that have to do with me?"

Kuang Ping's heart sank. She held the most authority in this region—if she refused to speak, the court troops would never reclaim those private mines.

Kuang Ping lowered his eyes, nearly begging: "Master Pan, you once presented the Silver Mountain to Your Majesty—clearly you uphold great righteousness. Now, at this critical moment, if we squabble among ourselves, won't you waste all the effort you put in back then?"

He whispered: "We are all acting out of loyalty to the sovereign."

Pan Yun spoke softly: "The state comes before the ruler, Lord Kuang. You should know Wang Xiaojing is my fellow townsman. Their uprising occurred precisely after the court took over the mines. To be honest, I don't support private mining—I even despise it. It is stealing the state's wealth."

Kuang Ping nodded vigorously, delighted: "I agree entirely! Then—"

"But Wang Xiaojing and his men rebelled only after the court seized the mines. To be honest, I say this: when officials oppress the people, the people have no choice but to rebel."

Kuang Ping's mouth hung open.

Pan Yun snorted: "How can you be sure that once the court troops fully take over the Silver Mountain, they won't repeat the mistakes of Song Dalin and Deng Maoqi?"

Kuang Ping thought of the eunuch Jia Cong swaggering through the mines, and fell silent.

Even without Eunuch Jia Cong, there would be Lord Fang Cong, Noble Zhao Cong, even Imperial Clan Zhu Cong.

Pan Yun whispered: "I used to resent this—thinking right is right, wrong is wrong. How could anyone say 'great men disregard small details'?"

But now I understand: to mine the Silver Mountain smoothly, I may be dispensable—but neither the court troops nor the local factions can be spared."

Pan Yun spoke softly: "The state comes before the ruler; the people come before the state. No matter how many outsiders come, as long as they still have families in Great Ming, every ounce of silver mined—no matter where it's shipped—ultimately flows back to Great Ming. That benefits the people and the nation."

Those who benefit the people and the nation inevitably benefit the ruler—but benefiting the ruler does not necessarily benefit the nation or the people."

Kuang Ping understood perfectly. His emotions churned; after a long silence, he spoke haltingly: "But the court's orders—"

Pan Yun snapped: "Across an ocean, typhoons come every year. Isn't it normal to lose contact for three or five months?"

"When generals are far from court, they may disregard imperial orders. Well, you may obey—if you wish. But with limited manpower, even if you chase down every private miner, what can you do? Will the court send someone else?"

Kuang Ping's eyes lit up. If the court truly replaced him, he'd welcome it.

Though this post was lucrative, he was no corrupt official—he couldn't do such things. Even if he did, he was in Japan, his family back in Great Ming, holed up in these deep mountains refining silver. He had nowhere to send it, nowhere to spend it. What good was it?

Kuang Ping's eyes darted. He no longer wanted Pan Yun to leave. He rose at once: "Master Pan, pretend I never came today."

Pan Yun waved at him.

After Kuang Ping left, Song Dalin stepped out from behind a tree, stunned: "That's it?"

Pan Yun glanced at him: "What else did you expect?"

"I mean, didn't he try harder?" Song Dalin said. "Before you came, the court troops looked ready to forcibly seize our mines and smelting workshops. We nearly fought."

"With Kuang Ping and those Embroidered Uniform guards here, no fight could break out," Pan Yun mused, then snorted. "Wang Zhen sent some fool from who-knows-where. The eunuchs still lack political skill. For political vision, you must look to the civil and military ministers."

Song Dalin listened but didn't understand.

Pan Yun didn't expect him to. She waved: "The total number of private mines operating here now exceeds the court's. Their strength dwarfs the court troops'. If Kuang Ping is smart, he won't move now. I reckon we've got another one or two years."

Song Dalin: "And after two years?"

"By then, Wang Cong will have secured his foothold in maritime trade. You can join his ships—you've already sent over twenty men with him," Pan Yun said. "Stay sharp here. Don't keep clashing with the soldiers. Keep your eyes open. When court reinforcements outnumber all private miners, pack up and leave—clean and quick."

Song Dalin's mouth gaped: "Just… just leave?"

Pan Yun glared at him: "Where in the world isn't a path to wealth? Why cling to one mountain's ore?"

Pan Yun pointed at him: "This mountain was given to the Emperor. We're stealing from him now. Understand?"

Song Dalin's conscience eased. He swallowed hard: "Everyone says you're a good person, Master Pan."

Pan Yun nodded: "They're right. I am a good person."

Song Dalin: "... But you just said you're a loyal subject."

Pan Yun: "What's the problem?"

"But you just said we're stealing from the Emperor."

"Shh—" Pan Yun whispered. "Know it in your heart. Don't say it aloud."

Song Dalin: "What if someone insists on saying it aloud?"

"We are clearly helping His Majesty and the court protect the Silver Mountain," Pan Yun declared solemnly. "We're in a foreign land. The greatest enemy is outside. At such a time, we must stand united. We left our homes to guard this mine—how can that be called theft? We merely take our due. After all, we're human—we must eat, drink, and relieve ourselves."

Song Dalin suddenly understood. He nodded, as if he'd learned something vital.

Pan Yun smiled warmly and patted him: "Learn well. This will serve you always. A true man knows when to yield and when to advance, when to move forward and when to retreat—and in every move, act decisively."

Song Dalin pondered, then nodded, as if he understood.