Chapter 828
is divided into two parts.
With Zhang Liuzhen's approval, Pan Yun's leave was quickly granted. It wasn't until 15 minutes before their departure that Zhang Liuzhen brought two people to find her.
It was right after school, and Pan Yun was packing up steamed buns in the cafeteria for her journey home.
She needs to eat three meals in nine hours!
The old Taoist priest who served them food watched her silently for a while before putting two more steamed buns in her bowl.
Miaohe followed closely behind her, stepped forward, and held out a hand, saying, "I'm so hungry, so hungry, I want five steamed buns."
The old Taoist priest smiled and gave her five pieces with a kind and amiable expression.
Miaozhen and Tao Yanbai also asked for two more than usual.
Old Taoist priest: ……
That's not how you exploit the academy, but we still gave it to them.
After finishing his meal, Pan Yun rolled up the steamed buns his nephews had given him and stuffed them into his spatial storage. As soon as he stepped out of the dining hall, he saw Zhang Liuzhen standing under the tree opposite him. Behind him stood two almost invisible people, dressed in Taoist robes, looking to be around thirty years old, with beards. One of them was holding a whisk, and the other was holding a long sword.
It wasn't until Zhang Liuzhen introduced the two to Pan Yun that the two seemed to come alive, exchanging hand gestures and bowing to Pan Yun.
Although Pan Yun was curious about their identities, she didn't ask.
Zhang Liuzhen must have something going on with her fourth senior sister and third senior brother. Who knows what they're planning behind the scenes?
They will let her know when it's her turn.
Pan Yun took the two people with her and set off. It was nice to have company, even if they weren't familiar with each other.
But since they were all Taoist priests from the academy, they wouldn't act like ordinary people. Every time Pan Yun stopped to meditate and recover his energy, they could help protect him. The three of them arrived in Japan smoothly.
However, the two were too silent. Although Pan Jun had no intention of prying into their background, she believed that with her social skills, she should have been able to learn something about them after spending so much time together. But along the way, apart from knowing their Taoist names and approximate ages, she knew nothing else.
Pan Yun was depressed.
Although she didn't actively leak her information, she was so famous that she didn't need to.
From the other party's perspective, she was someone who knew them well; from her perspective, she knew nothing about the other party.
So as soon as the plane arrived in Dasen Township, Pan Yun immediately dropped the person off.
The two were quite decisive. As soon as they jumped off the Three Treasures Cauldron, they clasped their hands in thanks to Pan Yun, turned around, and used their lightness skills to disappear into the forest in a few leaps.
Pan Yun watched them leave and murmured, "They seem to know quite a bit about Japan. What exactly are they here for?"
Pan Jun shook his head, suppressing his desire to investigate, and turned to look at the silver mine.
The silver mines in Omori Township are thriving, with a significant increase in the number of miners and a substantial improvement in silver smelting efficiency.
When it comes to illegal mining, both Kuang Ping and Song Dalin are professionals.
However, they cannot be called plunderers at this time. After all, the Yitian family first gave her two mountains, and later Yang Shan, on behalf of the Ming Dynasty, directly bought the whole area.
Therefore, this mountain area nominally belongs to the Ming Dynasty.
However, the matter of Yinshan should be kept secret as long as possible, and only when it can no longer be kept secret should we consider making it public.
When you have the opportunity to play dumb to outsmart others, don't be too arrogant. This is a lesson history has taught the Chinese people.
Pan Yun's arrival delighted both the imperial army and the civilian forces in Kuangping.
Pan Yun greeted them, and seeing that Wang Cong was not there, she asked Wang Xiaojing, "Where is he?"
Wang Xiaojing: "He took the goods to Kyoto, where there are many wealthy people and the goods are easier to sell."
Pan Yun nodded: "Did they say when they'd be back?"
Wang Xiaojing shook his head: "He didn't say, but I reckon he'll be back in July or August."
Song Dalin came over and had something to say to Pan Yun. Kuang Ping also came, as did the mine owners from other hilltops who also came to see her.
This gave Pan Yun the strange feeling: "Why is everyone looking for me?"
Song Dalin said, "Let's ask the Taoist priest to make a decision."
Pan Yun raised an eyebrow: "What decision?"
Song Dalin lowered his voice and said, "At the beginning of the year, the imperial court sent more people. We found out that they wanted to drive us all out. Only the official mines are allowed here, and private mining is prohibited."
Pan Yun: ...How many years would it take the imperial court to mine such a large mine?
While she thought this in her heart, she couldn't say it out loud. Pan Yun smiled and reassured them, "The silver mountain was originally presented to the imperial court. In addition, the imperial court later spent a lot of money to buy the mountain from Japan. The matter has been clearly explained. Since the mountain belongs to the imperial court, it will naturally obey the imperial court."
Upon hearing this, Song Dalin's eyes flashed with a fierce light, clearly showing his dissatisfaction.
Pan Yun patted his shoulder and laughed, "Alright, it's not a big deal. Go and have someone slaughter pigs and sheep. We'll have a good meal tonight."
Then he turned to Wang Xiaojing and said, "Please invite Lord Kuang over."
Song Dalin's eyebrows twitched, as if he were deep in thought. He suppressed his hostility, responded, and stepped back.
Kuang Ping also came to bring up this matter: "This is the imperial court's will..."
He paused, perhaps realizing it was a bit unfair, and quickly said, "If these miners don't want to go back to their country, they can stay. Don't worry, Master Pan, the wages for miners in all districts are the same now, and our mining area pays them on time without delay."
Pan Yun: "Lord Kuang, since you are an expert in this field, you should know how big this mine is after half a year. Does the imperial court intend to send troops to Japan and turn the vassal state into a direct vassal state?"
"That's impossible, it's not worth it for a silver mine."
"Then you should know that this mine is inexhaustible. Even if Japan finds out about the existence of this treasure, we can mine it for ten or twenty years. Do you think we can mine it for a hundred years?"
Kuang Ping chuckled and said, "Master Pan, this is an order from the imperial court. I am just following orders. I will say it again: if the miners are willing to stay, their wages will remain unchanged and we will pay them on time. The imperial court is willing to buy your silver refining equipment."
Pan Yun understood their meaning. Initially, they allowed private forces to mine because the imperial army had just arrived and was unfamiliar with the area, so they needed to help each other.
Moreover, at that time, the sea ban had not been lifted, customs policies were not yet finalized, and the manpower brought out by the imperial court was limited.
At that time, the civilian forces were seen as ordinary citizens of the country. Since their future was uncertain, they were all considered as one of their own in the face of Japan, so they were allowed to mine freely.
But now the sea ban has been lifted and the customs policy has been set. Last time she was in the capital, Pan Hong was busy working overtime because he was discussing the customs policy with the Japanese envoy.
Not only the Court of State Ceremonial, but also the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites were involved.
The imperial court could clearly supply a steady stream of laborers to Omori Township, and could even quietly station troops there. At this point, maximizing profits would naturally come from reclaiming the mines opened by these private groups.
They could easily sideline Pan Yun and have Song Dalin and Wang Xiaojing lead the miners to work for them, paying them wages while receiving the same benefits that Pan Yun and other mine owners are currently enjoying.
Wang Cong's concerns were valid; mining was indeed a short-term business. Fortunately, he focused his efforts on maritime trade.
However, he probably didn't expect the imperial court to discard him so quickly after using him.
The thought flashed through his mind, and Pan Yun smiled at Kuang Ping and said, "Lord Kuang, I am a loyal and patriotic citizen. If this is the court's will, I will naturally obey. Let's discuss a time, and I will withdraw all my men from Yinshan."
Kuang Ping's eyebrows twitched, and he quickly said, "Why don't we ask them if they're willing to stay and mine..."
“They won’t agree, and I won’t leave anyone behind,” Pan Jun interrupted him. “To avoid any suspicion of mining theft, I will take all the people I brought with me with me.”
Kuang Ping opened his mouth, his intuition telling him something was wrong.
If Pan Yun withdraws all her people, how can they still keep it from the Yitian family?
Moreover, with the limited manpower available to the imperial court, the safety of Yinshan is also a problem.
Kuang Ping cursed inwardly. He had said it was too fast and that they should wait at least a few more years until the imperial court's influence in the area was established before bringing it up again. But Jia Cong kept urging him to do it now.
As expected, eunuchs are short-sighted and difficult to conspire with.
Although Kuang Ping had been ostracized and assigned here, he wasn't stupid. Sensing that Pan Yun was somewhat angry, he knew her retaliation wouldn't stop there. After a moment's thought, he inquired, "What about the other mines..."
Pan Jun smiled and retorted, "What does that have to do with me?"
Kuang Ping felt a chill in her heart. She was the most prestigious person in the area, and if she didn't speak up, it would be difficult for the imperial army to take back those private mines.
Kuang Ping lowered his eyes, almost pleading, "Master Pan, you were able to offer the Silver Mountain to His Majesty back then, which showed your great righteousness. Now the Silver Mountain is at a critical moment. If we get bogged down in internal strife, wouldn't all your hard work have been in vain?"
He said in a low voice, "This is all an act of loyalty to the emperor."
Pan Yun said quietly, “Your Majesty, the state comes before the ruler. Lord Kuang should know that Wang Xiaojing is from my hometown. The reason they got into trouble before was because their private mine was converted into a public mine. To be honest, I do not approve of private mining, and I even despise it. This is stealing state property.”
Kuang Ping repeatedly said "yes," and overjoyed, he said, "I think so too, then..."
"However, Wang Xiaojing and his group rebelled after the imperial court took over the mine. To be honest, when officials forced the people to rebel, the people had no choice but to rebel."
Kuang Ping's mouth dropped open.
Pan Yun snorted coldly and said, "How does Lord Kuang know that after the imperial army takes over Yinshan, it won't repeat the mistakes of Song Dalin and Deng Maoqi?"
Kuang Ping thought of the eunuch Jia Cong, who was shouting orders in the mining area, and remained silent.
Even without the eunuch Jia Cong, there would be officials like Fang Cong, powerful figures like Zhao Cong, or even members of the imperial clan like Zhu Cong.
Pan Yun said in a low voice: "I used to be unconvinced. I thought that right is right and wrong is wrong. How could there be such a thing as 'those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles'?"
But now I understand, if the silver mine is to be mined smoothly, I can do without myself, but the imperial army and civilian forces are both indispensable.
Pan Yun said quietly, "The country comes before the emperor, and the people come before the country. No matter how many Japanese come, as long as they still have families in the Ming Dynasty, the silver mined will always return to the Ming Dynasty, no matter where it is transported. This is beneficial to both the people and the country."
Those who benefit the people and the country will certainly benefit the ruler, but those who benefit the ruler may not necessarily benefit the country and the people.
Kuang Ping understood, of course. His emotions were in turmoil, and it took him a long time to say with difficulty, "But the imperial court's order..."
Pan Yun said irritably, "We're separated by a vast ocean, and there are typhoons every year. Isn't it normal that it takes three to five months to get in touch?"
"A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders sometimes. Well, you can do that, but manpower is limited. Even if you can't drive away the smugglers, what can you do? Just have the court send someone else?"
Kuang Ping's eyes lit up. He would be more than happy if the court really replaced him.
Although he now holds a lucrative position, he is not a corrupt official and is incapable of doing such things. Even if he did, he would be in Japan while his family was in Ming China. He would be holed up in the deep mountains refining silver, with nowhere to send it or spend it. What use would it be?
Kuang Ping's eyes darted around, and he was even more unwilling for Pan Yun to leave with his people, so he immediately stood up and said, "Master Pan, please pretend I was never here today."
Pan Yun waved to him.
After Kuang Ping left, Song Dalin emerged from behind a tree, looking incredulous: "That's it?"
Pan Yun glanced at him and said, "What else do you want?"
"No, isn't he going to try?" Song Dalin said, "Before you came, the imperial army was acting as if they wanted to forcibly take over our mines and silver refineries. We almost got into a fight."
“With Kuang Ping and those few Imperial Guards around, this fight won’t break out,” Pan Yun thought for a moment and snorted. “Wang Zhen sent some idiot over from who-knows-where. The eunuchs’ political skills are still lacking. When it comes to political acumen, we have to look to the civil and military officials.”
Song Dalin heard it but didn't understand.
Pan Jun didn't expect him to understand, and waved his hand, saying, "The private mines currently operating on this Silver Mountain are more numerous and more powerful than those operated by the imperial army. If Kuang Ping were smart, he wouldn't have taken action now. I reckon it wouldn't be a problem to keep them operating for another year or two."
Song Dalin: "And what about two years from now?"
“Two years later, Wang Cong will have established himself in the maritime trade. You will be sailing with him then. Haven’t you already assigned more than twenty people to sail with him?” Pan Jun said, “You should also be more shrewd here. Don’t always confront the government troops head-on. Pay more attention to the situation. Once the number of people sent by the court exceeds the total number of private miners, you should pack your bags and leave.”
Song Dalin's mouth dropped open: "You...you're just going to leave like this?"
Pan Yun glared at him: "There are plenty of ways to make money anywhere in the world, why be fixated on just one mine?"
Pan Yun instructed him, "This mountain was originally given to the emperor. We are now stealing the emperor's money, do you understand?"
Song Dalin felt a sense of relief and swallowed hard. "They all say that Master Pan, you are a good person."
Pan Yun nodded: "They're right, I'm a good person."
Song Dalin: "...You also said that you are a loyal and good citizen."
Pan Yun: "What's the problem?"
“But you just said we’re stealing the emperor’s money.”
"Shh—" Pan Yun whispered, "Keep this to yourself, don't say it out loud."
Song Dalin: "What if someone absolutely has to say it out loud?"
“We are clearly helping His Majesty and the court to protect the silver mine. After all, we are in a foreign land, and our greatest enemy is outside,” Pan Yun said righteously. “At this time, we should be united and work together to overcome this challenge. We have left our homes to come here to protect the silver mine. How can that be called stealing? We are just taking a little reward. After all, we are human beings, and we also need to eat, drink, and relieve ourselves.”
Song Dalin suddenly realized what he had learned and said he had learned something.
Pan Jun smiled and patted him with satisfaction: "Study hard, you'll need it in the future. A true man should be able to bend and stretch, advance and retreat as needed, and be decisive no matter what."
Song Dalin seemed to understand after some thought. (End of Chapter)