Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 818 Profound and Unfathomable, Only Realized After the Facts

The political and economic order of Nanjing was changed by the appearance of Zhang Yanling.

Many people who survived by relying on the old power system lived a peaceful life for decades. When they woke up, they found that the world had changed dramatically. Their support collapsed, the obstacles were removed, and everything became so unfamiliar. They even lost track of where they were.

A large number of merchants flocked to various industries in Yingtian Prefecture, as if they had all received advance notice and were just waiting for the original commercial system to fall into chaos so they could quickly enter the market.

The government offices and various gangs that had originally supported local merchants seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving no trace of them.

News of the situation in Nanjing reached the capital in the shortest possible time.

Zhang Luan did not show his face for more than ten days in a row, while Shen Lu kept trying to visit him.

Under constant urging from his family, Zhang Luan had no choice but to patiently go back and meet with them.

Upon seeing Shen Lu, Zhang Luan noticed his brother-in-law's unusual expression and frowned, asking, "Has something major happened in the court? Why do you look so troubled, with joy, confusion, and even a hint of fear... Wait, are you here to ask me for a favor, or is it for personal matters?"

Shen Lu gave a thumbs up and said, "Lai Zhan, you have a keen eye for detail; I am no match for you."

"no!"

Zhang Luan said, "Stop spouting these meaningless flattering words. I don't care about anything in court. I'm just waiting for my daughter to give birth to a child, to see if it's a prince or a princess, and then I'll continue to retire and recuperate at home... I don't need your flattery, it's useless anyway, I won't be doing any work."

Upon hearing this, Shen Lu smiled and did not argue. Instead, he explained the events that had occurred in Nanjing to Zhang Luan from a third-person perspective.

After listening, Zhang Luan asked curiously, "You mean, my son Yanling is causing a ruckus in the south? He's driven all the officials in Nanjing to their wits' end, and someone has even submitted a memorial impeaching him? Is this... accurate?"

"It is absolutely true. It is not an exaggeration."

Shen Lu replied confidently, then sighed, "Our nephew has completely messed things up in the localities... Now, many officials in Southern Zhili are fixated on this matter, accusing our nephew of acting recklessly and overstepping his bounds. However, His Majesty has just issued an edict saying that everything was arranged by him... In fact, it's just to shut those people up."

"Oh."

Zhang Luan nodded in understanding.

Shen Lu smiled and said, "Furthermore, I... will soon be able to attend court and participate in national affairs. If there is any news in the future, I will inform you as soon as possible."

Zhang Luan asked in confusion, "Aren't you the Left Councilor of the Silver Terrace Bureau? I seem to remember that only officials of the fifth rank are qualified to sit at the end of the court to listen in on grand court assemblies. Has the rule been changed?"

"Left Councilor is certainly not suitable, but just a few days ago... His Majesty promoted me to Right Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, so wouldn't that allow me to represent the Court of Judicial Review in court?"

Shen Lu's face was full of pride as he said this, "Perhaps His Majesty considered that since you have been staying at home and not coming out, you cannot know many things in a timely manner, so he allowed me to enter the court so that I can know the latest situation at any time."

"Can this still happen?"

Zhang Luan frowned deeply.

It's one thing for myself to get promoted, but why is it that someone like Shen Lu, who was just a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial civil service examination) and had never had the chance to be promoted in his entire career, actually went from a seventh-rank official to a fourth-rank official in just one or two years?
Shen Lu has now risen to an official position that many Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) could never achieve in their entire lives, and he can attend court every day to participate in the discussion and decision-making of important court affairs.
It's truly a case of "when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven!"

"Come and see."

Shen Lu added, "Now I am the third-in-command in the Office of Transmission. Many officials from the Six Ministries and various temples and offices have taken the initiative to befriend me, share secrets of the court with me, and even consult on some court affairs."

Zhang Luan's expression was unfriendly: "Should I say congratulations?"

"no no!"

Shen Lu quickly replied, "That's not what I meant... I meant that I can keep an eye on things for you now. Especially regarding the Nanjing matter, memorials usually go to the Office of Transmission first, and then to the Grand Secretariat and the Directorate of Ceremonial. When it comes to being well-informed, who can compare to us?"
"So please rest assured, Lai Zhan, with me watching over things, nothing will go wrong."

"There's no need to go to such lengths!"

Zhang Luan rolled his eyes and said, "I am the father of the person involved... I haven't even said anything yet."

What he meant was, as the father of that troublemaker, why would I need you to provide me with information?

If there were really an emergency, wouldn't that kid send someone to notify me in advance?
That was the situation as it was, but what bothered Zhang Luan was that his son hadn't contacted him; this time, he had to get the latest news through Shen Lu.

Shen Lu said, "Yanling's political and military achievements far exceed what ordinary people can imagine... He only brought less than a thousand men to Nanjing, and he was able to quickly and decisively eliminate the criminal gang that had been entrenched in Yingtian Prefecture for many years. What kind of courage and skill does that show?"

Zhang Luan waved his hand and said, "He's no good. He's just a brat who did something impulsive and reckless! It's nothing to mention!"

Traditional parents, when faced with praise for their children, will first belittle them regardless of the outcome, in order to demonstrate political correctness.

They claim they can't let their child get arrogant, and that they need to keep him in check.

Shen Lu was also thinking, "Your son is already so awesome. He led such a small number of men and managed to defeat those pampered officials and generals in Yingtian Prefecture, making them submit to his authority. And you're telling me he just acted impulsively?"
Go ahead and cheat!

"So, Lai Zhan, what is the next step in your plan to prolong your life?"

Shen Lu asked, "Could you reveal something to me so that I can be prepared?"

Zhang Luan frowned and asked, "What do you want to do?"

Shen Lu stammered, unsure how to express his opinion.

Zhang Luan frowned: "You don't mean to say that a major upheaval has occurred in Yingtian Prefecture, the old order has been disrupted, and merchants are flocking in, and you also want to get a share of the profits, do you?"

"Ah...this...this..."

Shen Luxin thought to himself, "Do you have to speak so directly and in such an unpleasant way?"

Who in this world doesn't love money?
Now your son has disrupted the local business order. I'd like to ask if there's an opportunity to get involved and make some money. Is that too much to ask?

Shen Lu paused for a moment, then said, "It's not just me, but many people who want to see if there's an opportunity to participate."

"Lai Zhan, I have to say something about this. If you want others to be truly convinced of your worth, you have to share some of the benefits with them. It's one thing if you don't provide them with opportunities for advancement in your official career, but to not even include them in your wealth-making schemes seems a bit too heartless, doesn't it?"

Zhang Luan's eyes widened as he asked, "You mean... I still have to offer some benefits?"

Shen Lu said in a teaching tone, "People are willing to do things for you and follow your lead in everything. You can't always use others for free, can you?"

"It is said that it is a major taboo for officials to engage in business, but what if the high-ranking officials in the court cherish their reputation and are unwilling to embezzle or break the law, but still want to maintain their dignity? The court's salary is notoriously low, but the daily expenses are indeed high. Therefore, the only option is to start with business..."

"Look around, which bigwig in the court doesn't have a few well-known merchants behind him, engaged in the business of buying low and selling high? Nanjing is a lucrative place right now, who wouldn't want to get involved?"

Zhang Luan frowned and said, "Is that so?"

"Don't you have a large number of Huizhou merchants who have pledged allegiance to your own household?" Shen Lu said. "That's how the world of fame and fortune works. If you have power and influence, you're like a blooming flower, naturally attracting bees and butterflies." "What? I've become a flower being targeted by bees and butterflies?"

Zhang Luan pondered for a moment, then felt a chill run down his spine and shivered. He quickly said, "Since you've said so, I'll send someone to ask my son later."

"If anyone here wants to do business in Yingtian Prefecture, just make arrangements for them. I don't think Yanling will refuse. But Yanling won't stay in Yingtian Prefecture for long. We don't know who's in charge there. I'm afraid he'll be forgotten once he leaves."

Shen Lu smiled, as if to say, "You've finally asked the right person, and you've hit the nail on the head."

Shen Lu said, "I heard that the Duke of Cheng has done a very bad job as the garrison commander of Nanjing. He actually turned a blind eye to the bandits' evil deeds in the area for many years. His Majesty may issue an edict to punish him and recall him to the capital. The Duke of Wei is very likely to take over the position of garrison commander of Nanjing. Your son is in the south and has been involved in this matter from the beginning. He should have a great deal of right to speak out."

"how to say?"

Zhang Luan asked, puzzled.

"That means whoever your household is willing to support will become the new Nanjing garrison commander," Shen Lu said confidently. "Even the current garrison commander, Eunuch Jiang Cong, could be replaced. Since arriving in Yingtian Prefecture, he has been impeached and has done many despicable and wicked things."

Zhang Luan asked in surprise, "Are you talking about Eunuch Jiang Cong? The one who often accompanied the Crown Prince in and out of the palace when he was in the Eastern Palace? He even came to my residence to contact me several times... I think that person is quite steady in his work and always follows the rules. Could it be that outsiders are making unfounded accusations against him?"

"It's really not."

Shen Lu said, "It's hard for people to maintain a normal mindset. Take Eunuch Jiang, for example. He never had any power in the first half of his life and was used to swallowing his pride. Once he had power, he quickly lost his original intentions..."

"Alas, no one can withstand a bunch of people flattering and fawning over you all day long. When you arrive in a remote place where the emperor is far away, a single word can decide the life and death of others and the peace of a place. It's hard for anyone to stay true to themselves."

Zhang Luan seemed to understand something and nodded, saying, "That is quite a pity."

Shen Lu continued, "Therefore, recently, whether it is the Duke of Cheng's mansion or the Duke of Wei's mansion, their retainers and family members in the capital will definitely try to pull strings in order to get through to you. Even other meritorious families who want to get involved in the military affairs of Nanjing will try to use your connections."

"Won't the palace...get involved?"

Zhang Luan asked somewhat nervously, "For example, the Zhou family or something?"

"That's not the case."

Shen Lu smiled and said, "Families related to the emperor by marriage can't really... control the military power of a region, except for your side, of course."

Zhang Luan sighed, "I'm afraid that my being an exception will make me a target, and others will think that they are also exceptions, and they will all want to use my connections to get things done! How about this, you give me a list, and I'll have someone give it to Yanling so he can help you make arrangements. What do you think?"

"That would be best."

Shen Lu sighed, "When my nephew went south, I originally thought there had been a rift between you and your father, that you had gone your separate ways, or that he was going to do something that would benefit future generations but not in the present. Who would have thought..."

Zhang Luan sneered and asked, "So, what that kid did seems unbelievable to you, but you also think my son and I are unfathomable?"

Shen Lu chuckled and said, "Lai Zhan, just say what's on your mind. Why hide it?"

Zhang Luan really wanted to say, "It's not that I want to hide it from you, it's just that there are many things that even I, as your father, don't know. I'm just as slow to realize things as you are."

Shen Lu continued, "My nephew's commotion in the south has actually shaken the entire Ming Dynasty officialdom... Now I'm only worried about one thing: someone is secretly plotting against him!"

"Do not worry."

Zhang Luan waved his hand and said, "Since he had the guts to do it, he must have made the worst-case scenario plan. Besides, if he doesn't come back, His Majesty will not let the person who assassinated him get away with it."

Shen Lu hesitated for a moment: "But there are very few people like Yanling who have the courage to plunge directly into the Southern bureaucratic system like a steel knife and turn it upside down! If something really happens, even if His Majesty is willing to investigate, I'm afraid the other side is a solid block and the matter will eventually be dropped."

Zhang Luan said, "He chose this path himself. If it's truly dangerous, there's nothing I can do! If my family loses this youngest son, I'll just live an ordinary life, keeping my job at the Governor's Office! I'll completely abandon all matters of state!"

……

……

Zhang Yanling set off south to Zhejiang, while Pang Qing returned to Xuzhou without stopping, where he met Li Zisheng, who was still supervising the construction on the river embankment.

After six months of hard work, Li Zisheng's skin was tanned dark and rough, making him look like he had been pulled out of a coal pit. Standing there, he wasn't even mistaken for an official... Even ordinary strong laborers didn't have skin as dark as his.

"Why are you back?" Li Zisheng's expression was somewhat unfriendly when he saw Pang Qing. He wanted Pang Qing to sit down and talk, but found that there wasn't even a chair next to him.

He could only get up from his sun lounger and look Pang Qing up and down.

Pang Qing said, "Master Dao, it's only been a little over half a month since I last saw you, how come you've gotten so tanned? Didn't I tell you not to work so hard?"

Li Zisheng said, "A little sun exposure won't kill me. It's only after autumn when the weather cools down that I've been out more often! When the summer sun is blazing, when have you ever seen me out working? Having this kind of skin makes interacting with people much easier!"

Pang Qing thought to himself, "It's all because of your so-called political maneuvering that you, this pampered charlatan, have become the busiest and most hardworking official in the Ming Dynasty."

"Speak quickly if you have something to say, I still need to see Eunuch Xiao later," Li Zisheng said. "He will meet with local officials on my behalf and said he would help me raise a batch of money and grain."

Pang Qing then quickly recounted to Li Zisheng what he had seen and heard in Yingtian Prefecture.

After listening, Li Zisheng exclaimed with emotion, "My nephew Yanling is truly a dragon among men. His words are not just empty talk. Even in battle, he is absolutely a master! No wonder he has become a pillar of the Ming Dynasty at such a young age!"

"Master Dao, you..."

Pang Qing wanted to say, "That's Zhang Laizhan's son, not yours. Why are you so excited when you hear he's so awesome?"
Li Zisheng turned around and looked at Pang Qing, then asked, "Then why did you come back?"

"I……"

Pang Qing was speechless for a moment.

Li Zisheng shouted sternly, "When your nephew Yanling needed help in Nanjing, instead of using your connections to help him, you actually ran back to Xuzhou to see me? Do you think we're in the city where I need you to meet with local officials and gentry all the time? What are you doing back here?"

Pang Qing said, "He has already left Yingtian Prefecture and set off south. There's no use for me staying in Nanjing!"

"He'll go back."

Li Zisheng said, "Besides, now that he's gone, shouldn't someone be left to clean up the mess? Those old foxes in the Nanjing officialdom, aren't they all incredibly shrewd? Don't they need an old fox like you to outwit them?"

"I……"

Pang Qing was speechless once again.

I thought to myself, "So, all I'm doing in Yingtian Prefecture is cleaning up Zhang's mess? He's done being so arrogant, and now I'm the one cleaning up his mess?"
What a deal!

(End of this chapter)