Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 813 First Gift
The conversation continued in the room.

Zhang Yanling glanced at Pang Qing and said, "I'll make this clear: the next batch of money and grain can only be allocated after the autumn grain is stored in the granary. This will not change."

"During this period, work must either be halted, or we must rely on Minister Li's personal abilities or charisma to keep the river project going! As for the specific methods used, no one in the court will interfere!"

"ah!"

Pang Qing asked in shock, "Would His Majesty grant such extensive authority?"

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "Everyone in the court knows that it is impossible to change the course of the Yellow River by relying on just one or two people. If it can be done, and the project is to be completed in just one year, is it possible without some tricks?"
"Under this premise, even if Minister Li were to crack down on corruption in the prefectures and counties along the river, constantly reporting corrupt officials who damage the dignity of the court and local tyrants and gentry who arouse great public resentment, confiscating their property... and even using some unconventional methods... as long as it does not incite a popular uprising, it would be feasible."

"hiss."

Pang Qing gasped upon hearing this.

He thought to himself, "You actually encouraged my Taoist priest to investigate corrupt officials and local tyrants, and to use the confiscated silver for river management? Don't just talk the talk, tell me, is there any guarantee that this will be done?"
Without the emperor issuing an imperial edict, do you really think we'd dare to do something just by talking?
If something goes wrong, who will step in to cover it up?

Zhang Yanling said, "Mr. Pang, you are a smart man, and I, the Daoist, have been in officialdom for a long time and have incredibly rich experience in it! By the way, is making money really that difficult for you?"

"Having power and influence is indeed not difficult."

Pang Qing said quietly, "Or we could raise ten or eight thousand taels, which would be enough for a year. But the problem now is... to raise more than one million taels of silver in funds and provisions before the beginning of next spring, especially with the Daoist Master having lost his power, I'm afraid it will be very difficult to succeed."

Zhang Yanling nodded: "Then let's make better use of my father's reputation... see if that works?"

Pang Qingxin exclaimed, "Damn it!"

How do you know that my Taoist priest is now relying on your father's reputation to bully others in the area?
Otherwise, why would Li Zisheng say that as long as his brother Zhang Laizhan could be promoted, he could gain a foothold in the south? Doesn't this clearly tell others that Zhang Laizhan is his support in the local area?
Zhang Yanling said, "Everything your master does is for two things: power and connections! He should have both... With my father's reputation and the remaining influence of Minister Li, that should be enough! Plus, Mr. Pang's running around everywhere, isn't that a perfect match? Oh, by the way, if Mr. Pang has time, he can come with me on a trip south."

"I'm afraid... I don't have that kind of free time."

Pang Qing shook his head and smiled bitterly, "The matter of raising money and grain has already given me a huge headache."

Zhang Yanling nodded and said, "I won't force you... Anyway, I'm going to Ningbo Prefecture in Zhejiang to pick up the ship next, and I'll have to go to Huizhou later... Oh, by the way, I heard that Minister Li wants to find a beautiful place with clear waters and lush mountains to build a Taoist temple for his retirement? Has he chosen a place yet?"

"hehe."

Pang Qing responded with a bitter smile.

I thought to myself, "You're really meddling."

If the river management project is not completed smoothly, my master will not only be unable to retire, but he may even lose his life!
Of course, if he can manage the Yellow River well and be praised by the court and the public, he can still enter the court as an official and retire in glory. At that time, why would he need to be a Taoist priest?
Wouldn't it be even better to be a retired minister with students all over the world?

Zhang Yanling said, "The Huizhou merchants will definitely try to help Minister Li... Why don't you come with me to Huizhou Prefecture later and see if they can provide you with any assistance?"

"alright."

Pang Qing smiled and said, "Please allow me to travel around Yingtian Prefecture. Once the Second Young Master returns from Zhejiang, we will travel west to Huizhou together."

Zhang Yanling smiled and said, "Yingtian Prefecture is not far from Huizhou Prefecture, so there's no need to wait for me... Mr. Pang can go ahead first! As for Yingtian Prefecture, there may not be anyone willing to sell Li Shangshu's name, but the Huizhou merchants who travel all over the world are most sensitive to changes in power in the court."

“As long as what Minister Li does can build his reputation in the future, and even give him a chance to re-enter the central government and influence the court, someone will put money in his pocket in advance. This can be considered an investment.”

Pang Qing said, "Thank you for your advice, Second Young Master. I will consider it carefully."

Pang Qing encountered a rebuff from Zhang Yanling.

If they failed to collect money and grain, they would be considered to have failed to complete the task entrusted to them by Lizi Province.

At this moment, he finally understood why Zhang Yanling did not visit Li Zisheng on the banks of the Yellow River in Xuzhou during his journey south—it was because Zhang Yanling had no intention of helping him at the moment.

Or rather, the help Zhang Yanling could provide them was far less than they had expected.

After seeing Pang Qing out, Qin Yun returned to Zhang Yanling's room.

"Second Young Master, Qian Neng is currently being held by the Southern Embroidered Uniform Guard... It's said that a luxuriously furnished courtyard has been provided for him to live in, and his food and drink are no different from those of wealthy men outside... Should we bring him over?"

Qin Yun asked for instructions.

From the moment Zhang Yanling began planning to obtain resources from Qian Neng, he arranged for people to gather information in advance.

The purpose of bringing Qin Yun to my side was actually to take advantage of his identity as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Qin Yun is no ordinary man these days. Not only is he assisting Zhang Yanling in training troops, but his uncle is also the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, making him a promising candidate for the next Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard...

All of this forms the basis for getting the Southern Embroidered Uniform Guard to cooperate in carrying out their duties.

Otherwise, Zhang Yanling alone would face immense difficulties in communication alone.

Zhang Yanling asked, "How is the person in condition?"

Qin Yun thought for a moment and shook his head, saying, "I haven't seen the person yet... but this guy has a powerful background. His brothers are all highly respected eunuchs in the palace. He has been stationed in Nanjing for many years and has extensive connections. No one in the Southern Embroidered Uniform Guard dares to offend him!"

“Now, apart from not being able to move freely, Qian Neng is actually the same as before… In fact, many officials come to offer their congratulations on his birthday.”

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "As expected of a powerful regional official, even after being dismissed or convicted, he still receives such respect... It seems he is a true local tyrant, not to be trifled with."

Qin Yun said, "We can move secretly. Or we can go outside Yingtian Prefecture to see him... Getting out of his sphere of influence will make things much better."

"no need."

Zhang Yanling said, "I have come by imperial decree, why should I conceal myself? I will meet him openly and honestly in Yingtian Prefecture!"

……

……

The money was taken out of the courtyard guarded by the Southern Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Although Zhang Yanling did not hold a position in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, nor even have an official rank, he was the emperor's brother-in-law, and his father was a Grand Secretary. In addition, the emperor's trust in the Zhang family was unparalleled. Even the Southern Embroidered Uniform Guard could distinguish between the two princes.

Even if they could send a lot of money to their families or have a lot of influence, they would still wisely give way when it came to their own career prospects.

When Qian Neng was escorted to Zhang Yanling's residence by a large number of Imperial Guards, countless people secretly followed and investigated.

Qian controlled military power from Yunnan to Nanjing, so he kept loyal followers. As for why no one came to his rescue after he was imprisoned, it was simply because the emperor had not issued an order to execute him.

Qian was able to maintain control in a local area for a long time, and the amount of wealth he secretly accumulated was astonishing.

This person is a typical example of someone who committed many evils but ultimately died a peaceful death.

This is also a true reflection of the lives of most eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty...

Even if the emperor knew that his eunuchs were corrupt, extorting money, or even committing heinous crimes, he would mostly turn a blind eye because the emperor needed this group to serve him.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Imperial Brother-in-Law."

Money can be chubby and looks very easygoing.

Upon seeing Zhang Yanling, he immediately knelt down and kowtowed.

Zhang Yanling greeted him with a smile: "Eunuch Qian, I've heard of your great name for a long time. You first served as a eunuch in the Imperial Household Department, then guarded Yunnan for twelve years, and later served as the garrison eunuch of Nanjing for many years. Many of the imperial treasures in my mansion were found by you during your time as the garrison commander of Nanjing. So you and I can be said to have some connection!"

Qian humbly replied, "During the reign of the late emperor, I did indeed collect rare treasures from all directions and send them to the capital as tribute. The late emperor was delighted and repeatedly bestowed generous rewards upon me. Unfortunately, things have changed... I never expected that His Majesty would be so close to the Zhang family and bestow such treasures upon us. I am truly grateful, but how dare I presume to claim that I have any connection with you?"
"However... I have an adopted son named Zheng Youming, who had a sordid affair with you in the capital, which later led to the destruction of his family and his death..."

"Do I know Zheng Youming?"

Zhang Yanling looked at Qin Yun beside him.

Qin Yun explained, "I heard that it was because he was making glass and soap in the capital that Liang Fang took notice of him. Liang Fang detained him and then disappeared without a trace. No one knows whether he is dead or alive."

Zhang Yanling said, "Eunuch Qian, you see, whether that Zheng fellow you mentioned lives or dies has nothing to do with me."

"Yes Yes."

Qian Neng remained kneeling on the ground. When he mentioned Zheng Youming, he was actually telling Zhang Yanling that he knew perfectly well how his family had wronged his adopted son.

You even tried to sow discord between me and Liang Fang, and in the end, Liang Fang thought I was a traitor. Even before he fell from power, he began to settle scores with me.

However, precisely because of this, I went from being Liang Fang's best friend to becoming an anti-righteous person who parted ways with Liang Fang and turned against her. In this way, when Liang Fang fell from power, I didn't have to bear too heavy a crime.

Of course, all of this is thanks to the strong connections of my Qian family. After all, my two older brothers and one younger brother are all quite powerful figures among the palace officials. If one of me, surnamed Qian, falls, there are still three others with the surname Qian to take my place.

"Qian San..."

Zhang Yanling suddenly called out.

"what!?"

Qian Neng was still pondering when he heard such a bizarre title.

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "That's how I hear everyone addressing you. Isn't that right?"

Qian instantly felt like he was being manipulated.

Although he hadn't quite figured out what was going on, based on his experience in handling situations, when Zhang Yanling used that form of address, it was actually a warning to him: your whole family is now under my control.

Don't think that sacrificing yourself will save the entire Qian family.

"Correct."

I can only reply truthfully.

"I'm here in Nanjing on imperial orders... Do you know what I'm supposed to do?"

Zhang Yanling asked.

Qian knelt there, thinking, "What do I have to do with what you're doing?"
When you ask someone for a favor, shouldn't they at least let me get up first?

But he still patiently said, "I've heard that it seems to be related to making money. People in the capital call you the Second Young Master. It is said that you are very resourceful and a famous strategist by your father's side. It is even said that you were the mastermind behind the downfall of Eunuch Liang."

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "Hey, you know quite a lot."

Qian Neng said, "There's nothing I can do. I've already fallen to such a state. If I don't even know how I got myself into this mess, I really shouldn't be living."

Zhang Yanling said, "Then do you think I have the right to speak to you?"

"Of course."

Qian Nengdao said, "Your father is a Grand Secretary of the court and His Majesty's most trusted minister. Your elder brother, even though he hasn't done anything, is now the Commander of the Northern Garrison. Oh, by the way, it seems he replaced Commander Qin. As for you... everyone in the capital's inner court is under your command. Even the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs can only be polite and obey your orders when they see you."

Zhang Yanling nodded and said, "Indeed, he's well-informed... It's remarkable that someone in prison can be so knowledgeable about what's happening outside!"

Qian Nengdao said, "Did you come south to purge the Southern Embroidered Uniform Guard? Given your status, that makes sense."

Qin Yun reprimanded him sternly, "Just answer whatever I ask you. There's no need to overcomplicate things."

Money can remain silent and smile.

He was thinking, "What level are you, Qin Yun?"
Let alone the fact that you are just a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, even if you were still the commander of the Northern Garrison, you would still have the right to talk to me.

How many people do I have under my command?

I've been to the battlefield and personally killed people!
However, this young imperial brother-in-law in front of me, in principle, is a relative of the emperor, which is equivalent to me being half a master... As a eunuch, I am born to serve the royal family. Even if he is just the emperor's brother-in-law, he is still someone we servants serve.

I certainly can't get angry with him, but you, Qin Yun, are just a eunuch's nephew. Why should I listen to you?
Zhang Yanling said, "I want you to report your entire trading network in Southeast Asia, especially the Maritime Trade Office, all the fleets you control, the ownership of ships used for secret smuggling along the coast, and all the people you can mobilize."

Qian asked with a forced smile, "May I call you Second Young Master?"

"Ah."

Zhang Yanling nodded.

Qian Nengdao said, "Then, Second Young Master, I'll be frank... Your ambition to do overseas business is quite grand. But as far as I know, what you're actually after isn't Southeast Asia, but rather the West... not directly trading with white people, but searching for the legendary New World..."

"But then again, legends are just legends. They can't be found at all. The white merchants from the west say they've tried everything but can't cross the western ocean, so they have to come east to open up trade routes! Besides, even if they did find it, what then? At most, there are just a bunch of savages on that land. What good treasures could they possibly have?"

Zhang Yanling asked in surprise, "You seem to know a lot about this?"

Qian Neng pouted and said, "Is that so hard to guess? I figured it out from your various little tricks in dispatching the fleet to sea. Besides, if you want to do business at sea, just go to the Maritime Trade Office. Why bother with a scoundrel like me?"

"Besides, Wei Juan, who was convicted along with me, has long been in charge of Guangdong and Guangxi and also controls the Guangzhou Maritime Trade Office. He knows much more than I do!"

Qin Yun said, "So, you're saying you're not going to cooperate?"

"hehe."

Qian Neng appeared very confident and said, "I have fallen to such a state that I no longer plan for the future, but only want to be a wealthy man. So please forgive me, Second Young Master, I am willing but unable to cooperate."

When we met, they made me kneel down and talk to them, while a eunuch nephew next to me bossed me around. And they still expect me to cooperate?

Do you really think I'm being manipulated by you?

Although Jiang Cong has successfully taken office as the eunuch in charge of Nanjing, I am still in charge of Yingtian Prefecture!
You think you can intimidate me on my turf?
Go dream!

Zhang Yanling said, "Alright, take him back."

"Yes."

Qin Yun didn't ask anything, and directly pulled Qian Neng towards the door.

Qian Neng shouted desperately, "Ouch, ouch, Commander Qin, be gentle... I can move by myself, no need for you to help."

After saying that, Qian struggled to get up from the ground. He limped slightly and walked unsteadily, barely keeping up with the footsteps of the Imperial Guards as they went out.

……

……

After seeing the person off, Qin Yun immediately came in.

Qin Yun said, "When they brought the people here, they found that many people were secretly following them... It's clear that there are quite a few wealthy and powerful people in Nanjing."

Zhang Yanling laughed and said, "Otherwise, why would I bring so many men south? Let's get started!"

"Tonight?"

Qin Yun was somewhat puzzled.

“Yes,” Zhang Yanling said. “Immediately send a copy of His Majesty’s edict to the Duke of Cheng, just let him know what I’m doing, without needing his cooperation.”

"This time, we will be raiding many places at once, targeting both government officials and Qian Neng's accomplices. Now I have a legitimate reason to act. His refusal to cooperate with me is tantamount to refusing to cooperate with His Majesty. It's perfectly reasonable for me to take action against him, isn't it?"

Qin Yun said, "So you're saying you don't expect money to back down?"

Whether he cooperates or not, it's the same.

Zhang Yanling said, "Aren't the men you brought all soldiers of the New Army? Any suspicious places, especially Qian Neng's secret strongholds in Nanjing, should be wiped out! Anyone who resists should be killed without exception!"

"Yes."

Qin Yun, being from a military family, couldn't afford to appear ambiguous at this crucial moment, so his attitude was exceptionally firm.

Otherwise, how could I follow Zhang Yanling?

(End of this chapter)