Chapter 1091
Jia Yucun's Path to Familiarity
Chapter 1091 Jia Yucun's Path to Familiarity
After the person left,
Inside the Ministry of Justice compound, civil and military officials emerged, gathering together to discuss the matter. Some even argued heatedly, their faces flushed.
The three princes were secretly considering when to invite the two Magistrate Xus to meet, especially the Prince of Jin, who left the yamen without looking back.
The remaining two princes wanted to follow, but were pulled back by Prince Bei Jing, Shui Rong, and Prince Dong Ping, Mu Shi, who grabbed their sleeves.
"Second Prince, why are you in such a hurry?"
After putting some distance between herself and the others, Shui Rong pulled the Second Prince behind them and asked softly,
"Your Highness, of course we must go and see that pen holder. This pen holder is very valuable now."
His Highness Prince Wei pointed outside. Now that he thought about it, there was more than one person who wanted to see him. Perhaps this person was the one who kept many people in the capital up all night. How could they not ask?
"Your Highness is too kind. At this crucial moment of the Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet, it would be best to avoid this county magistrate."
Shui Rong hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. If it weren't for Marquis Luo Yun's repeated interruptions, Xu Changwen would have been facing several high-ranking officials alone, along with those princes with their own agendas. This was a tactic to suppress Marquis Luo Yun.
"Oh, I wonder what Your Highness's meaning is?"
Prince Wei let out a soft "Eh." The Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet had nothing to do with this person or the case in Jiangnan, right? It was impossible for someone to actually go to the Imperial Household Department to check the accounts. It involved the face of the imperial family and the use of the imperial treasury. The palace would never agree to that. At most, Prince Wei's eyes flickered. At most, he might reveal a little bit of the Chang Le Palace's expenditure accounts.
"Your Highness, stability is the priority now. Establishing a yamen and a mansion naturally requires recruiting disciples. However, some people can be recruited, while others are better kept at a distance. I believe that this matter is only just beginning."
Shui Rong thought of the resolute faces of the two Magistrate Xus. Perhaps they wouldn't give up until they hit a brick wall. If they continued to cause trouble, who knew what other problems might arise?
King Wei pondered for a moment, feeling a pang of regret. He wanted to do it but couldn't; this was the powerlessness of being unable to control one's own destiny. At this moment, none of his uncles had yet come out of the hall; it seemed they were still discussing the matter. Oh well.
"Listen to the prince, return to the manor,"
With a shout, the King of Wei's chariot slowly began to move.
Meanwhile, inside the Chu King's carriage, which was already on its way, Prince Mu Shi of Dongping sighed with admiration.
"Your Highness, you witnessed the scene today. What did you think?"
This was a redundant question, but it was also a form of investigation. The King of Chu, still looking unwilling, left without saying a word to his elder brothers.
“Your Highness, the case is actually clear. The main culprit has gone mad, the accomplices have not been convicted, and there is another main culprit who is still struggling to survive. However, many people are involved, so the case is difficult to try and even more difficult to judge.”
After all, every word Xu Changwen said was true, but none of it could be adopted. It wasn't that we didn't know it, but that we couldn't.
Mu Shi smiled and nodded. The King of Chu was intelligent and quick-witted, and he listened to advice.
"Indeed, Your Highness is also aware that Magistrate Xu's integrity has shocked the court and the public. But he speaks the truth, the real truth. Your Highness should not meet with him now. The princes have come to the capital for something else. The Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet is the most important event. Your Highness, there are priorities. Please think it over carefully."
A sigh escaped their lips, and the two people in the car fell silent. It was unclear when, but they had become so impatient and focused on quick success.
"I'll listen to Your Highness."
For almost half an hour,
In the main hall of the Ministry of Justice, many officials had already dispersed, but news of today's court hearing had already spread throughout the capital. Civil and military officials, along with gentry, powerful figures, and ordinary people, were all discussing the major case in Jiangnan.
In the lobby,
Even as the curtain fell, five princes remained seated in the hall. Their expressions varied, shifting from initial confidence to uncertainty, and even more so, fear.
King Zheng drank three cups of tea until he was full before he spoke and asked;
"Gentlemen, we came here today intending to convict that magistrate of serious disrespect. However, the outcome has been unexpected. Not only have the officials sitting in the hall remained completely still, but it seems that the matter here is not what we thought."
"Yes, Second Brother, it's true. A mere county magistrate, a scholar by training, and yet the Emperor dared to appoint him, especially in the wealthy Jiangnan region. Now that all this has happened, isn't he just asking for trouble?"
The King of Song looked somewhat embarrassed. If he were in charge, he wouldn't have been given the official title of county magistrate, let alone the position. Now he was in a bind, but he didn't know where to begin when faced with that person's words.
"Hmph, this man is merely a scholar who has passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations. Any ability he has is all talk. He dares to say things that even court officials dare not ask. The gentry and powerful families of Jiangnan are only on the surface. If I'm not mistaken, the Zhen family has taken most of those lands. Does he dare to say that?"
The Prince of Han snorted coldly. How could he not know about what was happening in Jiangnan? His spies were already spread throughout the Guanzhong Plain. Unless it was a secret plot, any slight movement would reach his ears.
"Third Brother, whether to speak or not, to speak openly or secretly, I believe that there are very few people in the world who dare to speak so frankly. Or perhaps it can be asserted that only this person dares to speak and dares to defy the world. If he were not a disciple of Marquis Luoyun, although he is only a scholar, after today he will surely shine in the capital and may become famous throughout the world in the future."
Prince Chen was surprised to find that he admired such a talented person. It is said that it is easy to find a thousand soldiers but difficult to find a general. The same applies to famous ministers and civil officials. If he could acquire this person, his fiefdom might be elevated to a higher level.
With this remark,
The princes were speechless. They understood these principles, but putting them into practice was incredibly difficult. For a moment, they all fell silent. Perhaps their carefully planned trip to the capital was a mistake. If the Emperor Emeritus truly wanted to change the emperor, he probably would have done so long ago.
It was like waking from a dream, as if it were yesterday. Even the cautious King of Wu felt a pang of pity.
“My brothers, I have said before that everything can be discussed, but there are some things that cannot be discussed, and some things that cannot be discussed. The area within the pass seems to be stable, but the regional military governors are constantly making small moves. We, as princes of the imperial family, should share the burden of the court. The four kings and eight dukes, as well as two princes who hold military power, should one day lead their troops into the pass. We, the Zhou family, who are the kings, will unite the world to attack them.”
These words were deafening and shocking. Even King Zheng was somewhat horrified to hear them. These words were actually spoken by King Wu, and by Han Yunqi, the strategist of the King's palace. Although they made sense, who could be willing to give up for today?
He glanced sideways at the princes beside him, such as the Prince of Han and the Prince of Song, their faces grim and resentful.
“Well said, well said, that’s how it should be. But we’ve come all this way to the capital, and it would be a shame not to take this opportunity. So, let’s take it one step at a time. If it really doesn’t work out, we can go back and live a peaceful life. If it’s fate, then we should give up.”
This was practically their final instruction: they had to do it, whether it succeeded or not was up to fate. At this point, it was too late to say anything. Perhaps because of these events, the palace's intrigues and schemes had become less effective, perhaps even the Emperor Emeritus had become less effective. A hint of melancholy appeared on the faces of the princes.
Outside the palace,
Opposite the government office,
Zhang Jinyu had already been waiting at the courtyard gate with a carriage and personal guards. When Xu Changwen and the others were escorted out, they entered this courtyard. Upon inquiring, they learned that the Imperial City Guard had rented this place for the safety of their personnel.
A quarter of an hour later,
The courtyard gate opened, and first came Lord Zhuang and Lord Jing, followed by Jia Yucun, Xu Changwen, Xu Dong, and the others. Fortunately, although they were disheveled, they had probably already changed out of their official robes. They went out together, and when they saw Marquis Luoyun, Lord Zhuang and the others had complicated expressions. They cupped their hands to Marquis Luoyun but did not speak. They waited for the carriage to arrive before getting on and leaving.
After the two officials left, the three men remained, looking dazed and as if they had been through another world. When they saw the Marquis arrive, they all clasped their hands in a bow. Xu Changwen's eyes reddened as he said.
"Master, I have failed your teachings and have caused you great trouble."
“My lord, I am ashamed. As a county magistrate for only a month, I have been muddle-headed and have failed the way of the sages.”
Xu Dong's face flushed red with shame. He had hoped to make his mark in Jiangnan, but unexpectedly, he had become involved in the case, implicating his mentor. His sins were truly unforgivable.
Only Jia Yucun, the prefect, standing at the very back, looked bewildered and ashamed, and bowed deeply in reverence.
"My lord, I am utterly ashamed to be seen in such a disheveled state. I have lost all face and am deeply embarrassed."
Seeing that all three of them were in the same boat, Zhang Jinyu didn't seem to care. In life, who can have everything they want?
"What you have done has truly astonished me. If it were corrupt officials, everyone would hate them, but when it comes to governing a country, if the water is too clear, there will be no fish. Enough of this idle talk, let's go back to the manor for a meal."
This was an invitation. To invite the three of them at this crucial juncture—wouldn't that just invite trouble? Despite these thoughts, the three were somewhat excited. Just as Zhang Jinyu was about to have them board the carriage, Xu Changwen remained unmoved.
"My dear teacher, I heard that you rented a small courtyard built by the Ministry of Revenue for me and even brought my elderly mother back home. I have been unable to be by my mother's side to fulfill my filial duties since I started taking the imperial examinations. If you would be so kind as to grant me permission, how about we go home together for a chat?"
Before leaving, the Marquis explained his plans: he would bring his elderly mother to the capital to enjoy a comfortable life, all expenses covered by his mentor. Such a great kindness could never be repaid; how could he possibly bring trouble upon his mentor at this time?
Everyone present knew what was going on. Jia Yucun blushed with shame, realizing he hadn't considered this at all, and felt deeply guilty. Xu Dong felt the same way, stopping in his tracks and refusing to get into the car.
Zhang Jinyu laughed heartily when she saw this.
"Haha, very well, I understand your intentions. In that case, we'll do as you say. There's a two-courtyard house near the East City Water Bridge. The people from the Ministry of Works modified it, adding an extra gate, dividing it into two courtyards, making it a small one-courtyard house. Although it's not big, it's cozy. This time, I'll apply to the Ministry of Works on your behalf. You and Xu Dong will each have a courtyard house, with a rent of five taels of silver per month, which isn't expensive."
After the three men boarded the carriage, Zhang Jinyu followed them inside. The escorting guards, commanded by Ningbian, headed towards Shuiqiaojufang.
Just as he sat down in the carriage, Xu Dong was stunned to hear that the Marquis had also rented a courtyard for him. His eyes reddened, and he turned his head to thank him.
"Thank you for your kind words, Your Excellency. I am unworthy of such praise."
Everyone in the capital knew how sought-after the courtyards renovated by the Ministry of Works were. Five taels of silver a month was practically a free gift to them. Moreover, all the furnishings inside the renovated courtyards and houses were brand new. Without connections to pull strings, even a fourth-rank official wouldn't get a chance to work there.
The Marquis must have used his influence and spent money to rent courtyards for both of them. Regardless, we will remember this kindness.
The conversation between the three men made Jia Yucun, the prefect, sitting opposite them, look ashamed. It seemed they should have sided with the Marquis back then. Even that money-grubbing merchant Su Jinkai had managed to thrive; how could they, as fellow graduates of the imperial examinations, have no future?
Now, he was fighting for survival against all odds, especially today. He felt that it was because he had no connections in the court that he had been imprisoned and released time and time again, only to be imprisoned again. He believed that a scholar could be killed but not humiliated. With this thought in mind, he lifted his robe, knelt down in the carriage, and kowtowed.
“My lord, I was blind to your greatness. My imprisonment is entirely my own fault. Although I was greedy for money, it was all given by the gentry and wealthy families. I did not embezzle a single tael of silver from the common people, not even a single tael of silver from disaster relief. I beg you to lend me a helping hand. If there is any hope for the future, I am willing to become your disciple.”
With a solemn expression, it seemed Jia Yucun had made up his mind. Zhang Jinyu observed him but did not immediately agree. Firstly, according to the records in her previous life's book, Jia Yucun's surname was Jia, given name Hua, courtesy name Shifei, and pen name Yucun. He was from Huzhou and came from a scholarly family. After his family's decline, he decided to go to the capital to take the imperial examinations. He ran out of money along the way and received help from Zhen Shiyin, which allowed him to pass. Her own Xiangling was likely Zhen Shiyin's daughter, but why she resembled her wife so much was truly puzzling.
In the end, this man was dismissed from his post and found his father-in-law, Lin Ruhai, the salt commissioner, to be Daiyu's tutor. He then climbed up to the Jia family and, with Jia Zheng's help, was reinstated to his original position.
He served as the prefect of Jinling, saved Xue Pan in the Feng family case, then apparently betrayed the declining Jia family, ended up taking over the Xue family, and finally died outside the Great Wall. Damn it, after all that, he wasn't exactly a good person.
If he were to become my disciple, it would be difficult to switch allegiances. However, this person is notorious for being ungrateful and treacherous. Is his usefulness more beneficial or detrimental? He has the skills, but unfortunately, he's unlucky. He does possess genuine talent, so it's better to utilize him first.
"You say you didn't embezzle? I don't believe you. Every single official in Jiangnan, tell me, how much silver did you take from the prefectural government office?"
If there are too many, it means the person is blind and takes what they shouldn't, and even a god can't save them. If there are too few, it just means the person is meticulous.
Upon hearing the Marquis's question, Jia Yucun was secretly pleased; it seemed the Marquis had not directly refused.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, in the four years since I took office, the annual income from gentry and wealthy families, plus taxes and tributes from the merchants' association, amounts to approximately 150,000 taels of silver. Of this, 50,000 taels came directly from the government office. Over the four years, after deducting the tributes paid to superiors, approximately 300,000 taels remained."
After I was arrested this time, I was briefly released. During those few days, I worked through the night to review the yamen's accounts. I have already made up 200,000 taels for the deficits I was in charge of. I only have 100,000 taels left, which I have with me.”
Staggering, he tore open a piece of brocade cloth from the front of his inner lining, pulled out ten silver notes, and held them above his head with both hands.
This action caused Xu Changwen and Xu Dong to fall silent. According to their understanding, only Prefect Jia in Jiangnan had a decent reputation, especially during this disaster relief effort, when there was never a shortage of relief supplies. Xu Changwen calmed himself down and said.
"My lord, during the disaster relief efforts in Jiangnan, I went to the prefectural government office to ask Prefect Jia for relief grain and fodder. Although Prefect Jia made some excuses, he never shortchanged me. I can testify to this."
"My lord, I can also corroborate this. In Jinling, it was Prefect Jia who overruled all objections and sold off all the tax-collected land. There was never a shortage of disaster relief supplies. Even at the very end, there were account books to prove that the cultivation of the estates and fertile fields was carried out. If Prefect Jia truly did not embezzle any disaster relief funds,"
His eyes held a complex expression. For an official to reach such a level was extremely rare. With their help, Jia Yucun was deeply moved and kowtowed again.
“My lord, although I have embezzled, it was not of my own volition. Money is easy to take, and business must be done. Over the years, I have handled many muddled cases, but in my conscience, I have never taken a single penny of the disaster relief money and grain for the people. When the two county magistrates came to me for disaster relief grain, I gave them all the money and grain in the treasury, risking my life.”
As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and tears streamed down her face. Everyone could see his imposing presence as a prefect, but in private, what power did a mere prefect have to make those powerful families yield?
Seeing the prefect practically weeping, Zhang Jinyu knew that at this point, if he still didn't tell the truth, he would face certain death. But as for being such an ingrate, tsk tsk...
"Alright, then let me ask you this: Zhen Shiyin saved you back then, gave you travel expenses to go to the capital for the imperial examination, and after you passed with flying colors, you were promoted twice and became the prefect of Jinling. Later, Zhen Shiyin lost his daughter and went mad while fleeing to his father-in-law's house. Why didn't you save him then? Moreover, the case you judged involving the Feng family indirectly caused the death of Scholar Feng, and the orphan girl that the Xue family was fighting over was Zhen Shiyin's daughter. What do you have to say about that?"
Ask your questions bluntly and directly; the facts are as they are, how can you try to deny them?
Upon hearing this, Jia Yucun froze, his face pale, cold sweat pouring down his back. He stared wide-eyed at the Marquis's face, utterly shocked. How could the Marquis know such secrets? Had someone informed him beforehand? But he had never told anyone about these things, only...
"My lord, everything you say is true, but in some places you have wronged me!"
(End of this chapter)