I am a temporary worker in Jinyiwei, how did I become a powerful official?

Chapter 143 Lin Chuanfeng, I will give you eight hundred taels of gold and dare to ask you for a job (-word chapter)
Luo Longwen is about to return to Beijing with the heads of Xu Hai, Chen Dong, Ma Ye, and Xin Wulang. The Yan Party celebrates!
Luo Longwen played an indispensable role in the disintegration of the Xu Hai Group, the second largest Japanese pirate group.

Lao Luo went deep into the tiger's den without fear of life and death, sowing discord, fanning the flames, and becoming a qualified troublemaker.

He instigated suspicion and hatred among several leaders of Xu Hai's group, which led to Xu Hai being lured ashore by Hu Zongxian.

Luo Longwen and Hu Zongxian brought honor to the Yan Party in the court!

Look, the one who can truly stabilize the southeast is not you bunch of noisy censors, but my Yan family!
Who else but me can win the championship in the major weightlifting competitions in the two capitals and thirteen provinces?
That night, the Yan residence was decorated with lights and colors, making it even more lively than a festival.

Yan Shifan held a banquet with dozens of tables and invited all the officials of Yan’s party in Beijing.

Lin Shisan was also among the invited guests.

Lin Shisan entered the dining room of Yan's mansion. Wenxuanlang Wan Cai bowed to him and said, "Brother Lin, congratulations!"

Fang Xiang, the military selection officer, also bowed to him and said, "Congratulations."

Lin Shisan was confused: "Two doctors, where does Shisan's happiness come from?"

Yan Shifan heard the conversation between the three people. He smiled and said, "Your name is on the impeachment memorial of the six censors. Isn't this a happy event?"

Lin Shisan smiled bitterly: "Young Lord, how can being impeached by the censors be a happy event?"

Ouyang Bijin, the left assistant minister of the Ministry of War, smiled and explained to him: "You don't know. The fact that you were impeached by the six censors shows that you have become a figure in the court. So it's a cause for celebration."

"Who among us has not been reported by the censors?"

Yan Shifan clapped his hands and signaled everyone to be quiet.

Yan Song then stood up and said loudly: "You all should know. Xu Jie's student Wu Shilai reported Yang Shun, Lu Kai, and Lin Shisan."

"Who doesn't know that these three are from my Yan family? They are coming for my Yan family!"

"Oh, Hu Zongxian and Luo Longwen wiped out Xu Hai. My Yan family is in the limelight! I want to see who can touch my Yan family!"

What Yan Shifan said was true. The most important thing for Emperor Jiajing now was to pacify the Japanese invaders and open up the sea.

As long as the Japanese were defeated, there would be hope for opening the sea. Once the sea was opened, the court would have a lot of money rolling in, and all the problems would be solved.

Hu Zongxian and Luo Longwen, the backbone of the Yan Party, wiped out the second largest number of Japanese pirates along the coast. They did this almost entirely by instigating internal strife among the Japanese pirates, without investing much manpower or spending much military pay.

Such a great achievement is enough for the Yan Party to stand firm in the court!

A group of Yan Party members echoed: "That's right. That noisy crow is just like a mantis trying to stop a chariot or an ant trying to shake a tree!"

"When it comes to stabilizing the country and maintaining peace, we have to look to the people of our Yan family."

"Oh, you say, why don't the Japanese pirates attack Huating County in Songjiang Prefecture? If they take Huating, the money they will rob is equivalent to what they would rob in ten years!"

Yan Shifan pressed his hand again: "Everyone. Tomorrow Luo Longwen will bring the heads of four Japanese chieftains to Anding Gate. Prince Yu will welcome him on behalf of the emperor!"

"In addition, Yan Maoqing has also arrived at the Tongzhou wharf with the salt tax silver for the first half of the year from the six salt fields. He will also go to Beijing tomorrow. This amount of salt tax silver is as high as 1.8 million taels! It can solve the urgent financial crisis of the court!"

The Yan Party members started to discuss again: "Hey, whether it's military or finance, the court is supported by the Yan family. Humph, doesn't that Songjiang tycoon feel ashamed?"

"That's right. Hu Zongxian is the pillar of the southeast, Luo Longwen is the vanguard who penetrates deep into the tiger's den to defeat the enemy, and Yan Maoqing is the God of Wealth of the court."

No matter what, Lin Shisan finally felt relieved that Luo Longwen had returned safely.

People have feelings, Luo Longwen treats Lin Shisan sincerely, and Lin Shisan also truly regards him as his friend.

Fang Xiang, the military selectman, patted Lin Shisan on the shoulder and said, "Lin Chuanfeng, what do you think?"

Lin Shisan was unequivocal. He shouted at the top of his voice: "Ah! The current emperor is the most sage monarch in history. Prime Minister Yan is the most virtuous prime minister in history!"

"Your Majesty, you are wise! Lord Yan, you are virtuous!"

As soon as these words came out, Yan Shifan laughed loudly, "Hahaha. Everyone, our Lin Chuanfeng shouldn't be working in the Jinyiwei. If he goes to the Ministry of Rites, all those ritual officials in the Ministry of Rites will have to go home and hug their children!"

Wenxuanlang Wancai said with a smile: "Brother Lin, are you a magpie that has transformed into a spirit?"

Yan Shifan said, "Everyone, at this banquet tonight, those who can drink a catty should only drink half a catty. Those who can drink half a catty should only drink two ounces. Tomorrow we have to go to Anding Gate to welcome Lao Luo and Lao Yan. Don't drink too much and cause trouble."

Everyone took their seats and the atmosphere was lively with the clinking of glasses.

Yan Shifan casually asked Lin Shisan: "What are you busy with recently?"

Lin Shisan replied, "I am busy with the matter of recruiting a son-in-law for Imperial Cat Eyebrow Cream."

Yan Shifan nodded: "Well, there is no trivial matter in Xiyuan. You don't need to worry about Wu Shilai's complaint to you. Just treat it as the buzzing of a fly."

"With the four heads brought by Lao Luo and the 1.8 million taels of silver brought by Yan Maoqing, the crappy memorial by Mr. Wu won't cause any trouble."

Lin Shisan repeatedly said yes.

At the same time, in the south city, in the courtyard of Wu Shilai, the Criminal Department's Censor.

Wu Shilai was just having dinner with his wife and young son. The dinner consisted of a pot of corn porridge, a dish of pickled vegetables, and a piece of tofu.

A servant from Xu Jie's house walked into the courtyard and asked, "Wu Shilai, is Master Wu at home?"

Wu Shilai walked into the courtyard and said, "It's you. Master Xu summoned me to his house for something? I'll change my clothes, please wait for a moment."

The servant said, "Master Wu, please don't bother. My master didn't ask you to go to his house. He asked me to return something to you."

After that, the servant handed over a student card.

Wu Shilai was stunned: "Is this the student letter I handed to Master Xu when I passed the imperial examination four years ago?"

The servant nodded: "That's right. My master said that the student card has been returned. From now on, you are no longer his student."

Having said this, the servant turned and left.

Wu Shilai was stunned! Teacher Xu was actually going to sever the teacher-student relationship with me?

Wu Shilai was straightforward but not stupid. He immediately understood that Xu Jie was afraid that his memorial impeaching the core members of the Yan Party would anger the emperor and he would vent his anger on him.

By then, Emperor Jiajing and Yan Song might track down the "backer" who instructed him to submit the memorial.

Xu Jie was an old fox among old foxes. Before Emperor Jiajing could investigate, he decisively severed ties with Wu Shilai and parted ways with him!
Wu Shilai is not my student, Xu Jie! He was the one who implicated Yan Song in the memorial, and it has nothing to do with me!

Wu Shilai clutched the student card and laughed out loud.

It would be better to say that I was crying rather than laughing.

Mrs. Wu came out: "Husband, what's wrong with you?"

Wu Shilai gnashed his teeth and said, "Our Xu Xianxiang is really a virtuous woman!"

He was now a "lone official" abandoned by his backers in the officialdom. He almost predicted the outcome of the matter: Yang, Lu, and Lin would not be brought down. Shen Lian would still be wronged.

And Wu Shilai will lose the official robe he has earned after ten years of hard study.

Just almost
The next day, Anding Gate.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard sent out a ceremonial guard to welcome Luo Longwen and Yan Maoqing.

Taking into consideration the relationship between Lin Shisan and Luo Longwen, Lu Bing asked Lin Shisan to serve as a temporary ceremonial director.

Prince Yu personally went to welcome Luo and Yan, and the scene was grand and spectacular.

Although the Yan Party and the Xu Party were mortal enemies, the Yan Party still respected Prince Yu, the backer of the Xu Party.

No one would be stupid enough to mess with the crown prince.

Luo Longwen and Yan Maoqing knelt and kowtowed to Prince Yu.

Luo Longwen personally picked up a large lacquer tray, on which there were four wooden boxes, all sealed.

Luo Longwen said, "Your Highness Prince Yu, these four wooden boxes contain the heads of the Japanese chieftains Xu Hai, Chen Dong, Ma Ye, and Xin Wulang."

Prince Yu nodded with a smile on his face: "Thank you for your hard work. Come on, tell your father the will."

Feng Bao stepped forward and unfolded an imperial edict: "Your Majesty, Luo Longwen sacrificed his life for justice, went deep into the Japanese lair, and used a counter-espionage strategy to disintegrate the Japanese pirate Xu Hai's army. There has never been a more loyal and righteous person than him in history."

"I hereby appoint Luo Longwenzhi as the secretary of the East Room of Wenhua Palace. I decree this."

The rank of Zhongshu Sheren was not high, only the seventh rank. However, Zhongshu Sheren had the duty of drafting imperial edicts and participating in confidential matters. And he could enter and leave the palace at any time.

In the words of later generations, the Zhongshu Sheren was the emperor's secretary.

During the Jiajing period, the emperor often rewarded his favorite officials with the position of Zhongshu Sheren to show his closeness.

After Feng Bao finished reading the decree, Luo Longwen accepted it and thanked him. Yan Maoqing stepped forward again, holding up another large lacquer plate.

On the lacquer plate was a red slip with the words "Yan Maoqing, the chief salt administrator of Liangzhe, Lianghuai, Changlu and Hedong Salt Transport Bureau, respectfully presents the salt tax of 1.8 million taels to the salt fields in the first half of the 36th year of the Jiajing reign" written in large letters.

Prince Yu took the red slip, looked at it, and put it back on the lacquer plate, saying only two words: "Thank you for your hard work." No decree was issued to reward Yan Maoqing.

Everyone walked towards Anding Gate.

When Luo Longwen walked in front of Lin Shisan, the chief ceremonial officer, holding the imperial edict of grace in his hand, he suddenly felt childish and made a face at Lin Shisan.

Lin Shisan responded with a sincere smile. He didn't want Shen Lian to die in Xuanfu before. He also didn't want Luo Longwen to die in the Animal Kingdom.

Regardless of whether Luo Longwen was loyal or treacherous, good or evil, what he did this time was a just thing.

Lin Shisan didn't know that among the people who came to Beijing with Luo Longwen and Yan Maoqing, in addition to his subordinate officials, there was also a businessman who was neither an official nor a clerk.

The man's name was Zhang Yuhao. He was the head of the Jiangnan Salt Merchants Association and a wealthy businessman.

Two hours later, in Yongshou Palace.

Lu Bing and Lu Fang knelt down before Emperor Jiajing.

Emperor Jiajing tore the red list presented by Yan Maoqing into pieces.

Then he uttered twice in a row: "You are deceiving the heavens!" Then the bronze chime was thrown out of the green gauze curtain with a "clang".

Emperor Jiajing said angrily: "I thought that no matter how greedy Yan Maoqing was, he could at least hand over about 2.6 million taels in the first half of the year. Oh, I didn't expect him to challenge me!" "Oh, it's not Yan Maoqing who challenged me, but Yan Song who challenged me!"

"Who has the surname Zhu or Yan in this world?"

"Lu Bing, tell me, how much money did Yan Maoqing collect in the first half of the year? Who took Yan Maoqing's share of the profits?"

Lu Bing took out a piece of paper and read, "Your Majesty. The Northern Pacification Office's secret agents in Jiangnan have been verified. Yan Maoqing actually received 5 million taels of silver from the salt merchants in Lianghuai, Liangzhe, Changlu, and Hedong."

"One million and eight hundred thousand taels of silver were transported to the capital and stored there."

"One million taels will be used as military pay for the Southeast Anti-Japanese War."

"Seven hundred thousand taels were distributed to the governors, provincial governors, three officials, prefects, county magistrates and other members of the Yan Party in the salt-producing areas."

"Four hundred thousand taels were distributed among the officials of the Salt Administration Office."

"Five hundred thousand taels of silver were sent by Yan Maoqing to Fenyi, the hometown of Lord Yan."

"Three hundred thousand taels of silver were sent by Yan Maoqing to his hometown, Fengcheng."

"Another 300,000 taels will be distributed by Yan Maoqing to the officials of the Yan Party in Beijing."

It must be said that the Jinyiwei had great means. Lu Bing had actually found out everything about this top-secret matter of the Yan Party.

The Jiajing Emperor was furious: "The Ming Dynasty's salt business has become the vegetable garden of the Yan Party! We pick the radishes and cabbages and divide them up, and then take them home!"

"What a trick!"

"I want to build three great halls but I have no money, but they have full warehouses of gold and silver!"

"That's great! That's all my money! My money!"

In fact, Emperor Jiajing exaggerated. His inner treasury was very rich. He was unwilling to use the inner treasury to rebuild the three main halls, so he went to the Ministry of Revenue and the National Treasury to ask for money.

The Ministry of Revenue was already extremely poor, so where would the national treasury be to spend to build a palace for Emperor Jiajing?
Even if the Ministry of Revenue had surplus silver, it had to be used for court affairs rather than the emperor's personal affairs.

Lu Bing and Lu Fang said in unison: "Your Majesty, please calm down."

Emperor Jiajing asked: "Did Hu Zongxian take the money from Yan Maoqing?"

Lu Bing replied: "Your Majesty, Yan Maoqing gave Hu Zongxian two hundred thousand taels of silver. Hu Zongxian gladly accepted it."

"But Hu Zongxian did not keep the 200,000 taels of silver for himself. Instead, he allocated it to the Zhejiang Sea Road Deputy Envoy Office and ordered Tan Lun to purchase muskets and Portuguese cannons from Wang Zhi to strengthen the coastal armaments."

Emperor Jiajing sighed, "Alas! The salt business is controlled by those people named Yan. They treat me like a beggar!"

"Maritime trade is controlled by a man named Xu and the Southeast gentry behind him. My army wants to expand its armaments, but we have to buy firearms from a Japanese pirate!"

"Fortunately, there is still a capable official with a conscience among the Yan family. Hu Zongxian is a good candidate for the position of Prime Minister."

Lu Bing took the opportunity to speak well of Hu Zongxian: "Hu Zongxian is in a difficult situation in the southeast. He needs military pay urgently to suppress the Japanese invaders, but the government cannot collect the money."

"He could only embezzle, accept bribes, or even demand bribes in private. Seventy percent of the money he earned was used to suppress the Japanese, and thirty percent was used to maintain official relationships and make deals."

"The people of Jiangnan contemptuously called him the 'Governor of Silver Mountain'. He could only swallow his anger."

Emperor Jiajing sneered: "Oh, Yan Song is a man with great luck. He accepted Hu Zongxian as a good student. Otherwise..."

At the same time, Yan Mansion.

The Yan family also held a grand banquet to welcome Luo Longwen and Yan Maoqing.

However, the protagonists Yan Shifan and Yan Maoqing had not yet taken their seats. Yan Maoqing went to Yan Song's study and had a secret conversation with Yan's father and son.

Luo Longwen asked Lin Shisan to sit below him. Luo Longwen said with a smile: "Master, I had a very narrow escape this time in Xu Hai's lair in Japan. I almost got caught and lost my head several times."

"When it was the most dangerous, I was so scared that I peed myself!"

Lin Shisan said: "Good people are blessed by heaven. No matter how dangerous the situation is, it can turn it into good fortune."

Luo Longwen said: "There is someone who wants to meet you. He is a disciple of Lao Yan, you have to give him some face."

Lin Shisan nodded: "Okay."

Luo Longwen waved to the neighboring table: "Chairman Zhang."

The wealthy merchant Zhang Yuhao walked up to Lin Shisan and said, "I am the head of the Jiangnan Salt Merchants Association, Zhang Yuhao. I have long heard of Lin Chuanfeng's great name."

Lin Shisan smiled and said, "It turns out to be Mr. Zhang. My apologies."

Zhang Yuhao said, "I really don't deserve the title of sir. Since ancient times, scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans have been the lowest of the low. I am just a lowly merchant."

Luo Longwen interrupted, "You are too modest. Who doesn't know that the Zhang family of Yangzhou is the richest in the south of the Yangtze River? You, the so-called 'cheap merchant', probably have more silver in your family than the treasury of the Southern Zhili Province!"

Zhang Yuhao quickly said, "It's hard to live up to the reputation. It's just that my ancestors bought some properties, so I don't have to maintain them."

After that, Zhang Yuhao lowered his head and whispered to Lin Shisan: "It's our first meeting. I have prepared a gift for Lin Chuanfeng. I will send it to your house after the welcoming banquet."

Lin Shisan was about to refuse, but Luo Longwen stopped him: "Little Master, you don't have to be polite to him. He is an extremely shrewd businessman, and he will not do anything without profit."

"Giving you a gift must mean I have something to ask of you."

Let’s talk about Yan Song’s study.

Yan Maoqing handed a piece of paper to Yan Song with both hands. The paper recorded the income and expenditure of the salt business in the past six months.

Yan Maoqing concealed the fact from Yan Song. The total amount of 5 million taels was recorded as 4.8 million taels by him.

The difference of two hundred thousand taels was caused by Old Yan.

Yan Maoqing clearly took 300,000 taels from it and transported it back to his hometown in Fengcheng, but he recorded it as 100,000 taels.

Yan Song was a little worried: "In previous years, the salt account was split 40% and 60% between us and the court. We took 40% and the court took 60%. Why did it change to 45% and 55% this year?"

Yan Maoqing replied: "Master Yan, our people are working really hard in the southeast to fight against the Japanese invaders. I think we should provide them with some support."

"Anyway, Hu Zongxian and Luo Longwen have done a great job in wiping out Xu Hai. The negotiations with Wang Zhi have also gone very smoothly, and the Japanese invasion will be quelled in the near future. It won't hurt if we get an extra half."

Yan Shifan said: "Don't hand over all the 1.8 million taels given to the court to the Ministry of Revenue Taicang."

"First, deduct 500,000 taels and give them to our Ministry of Works for the renovation of the three main halls."

Yan Maoqing did not agree immediately, but looked at Yan Song with a questioning look.

Yan Song didn't say anything, which was considered as his consent.

Yan Maoqing then spoke: "Yes, young minister."

Yan Song warned Yan Maoqing: "You must not be arrogant because of your achievements outside. You must be moderate in everything and don't go too far."

"Xu Jie's group is staring at us like black-eyed chickens."

Yan Maoqing nodded hurriedly: "The elder is right."

In fact, Yan Song was somewhat unable to control his followers. These people now all held high positions, had their own offices, and lived in the palace. The higher they rose in power, the more greedy they became.

How could Yan Song manage and control it?

Yan Song even guessed that there was something fishy about the income and expenditure submitted by Yan Maoqing. But he had to employ people, and sometimes he could only turn a blind eye to the tricks of his cronies.

Yan Song said, "Well, go and have the feast. I am old and like quietness, so I won't join in the fun."

"After the banquet, let Luo Longwen come to the study to see me. He really made us proud this time."

After the banquet, Lin Shisan returned to his new house on Fushou Street in North City.

Not long after, the head of the Salt Merchants Association, Zhang Yuhao, sent a letter requesting a meeting.

Lin Shisan met him in the living room.

Zhang Yuhao smiled and said, "I heard that Lin Chuanfeng's family has a lion cat named 'Tu'er'. You are quite fond of it. This is my first time entering the mansion, so I have nothing to offer you."

After saying that, Zhang Yuhao clapped his hands.

The four followers he brought with him carried in a box.

Zhang Yuhao made a "please" gesture.

Lin Shisan opened the lid of the box and found a golden bathtub with a diameter of two feet inside.

Lin Shisan asked: "What is this?"

Zhang Yuhao replied: "This is the bathtub that I present to your Rabbit as a gift. It is made of pure gold and cost eight hundred taels of gold."

Lin Shisan frowned: "Mr. Zhang gave me such an expensive gift, I'm afraid he wants something from me?"

Zhang Yuhao smiled and said, "I heard that the imperial cat Mei Shuang in the palace is looking for a husband. I have the guts to ask Lin Chuan for this job. We, the Jiangnan salt merchants, will find a suitable imperial cat husband."

"It can be considered as our Jiangnan salt merchants showing filial piety to the emperor."

Lin Shisan knew very well that some money could be collected and some money could not be collected.

Especially the money from merchants. If a merchant gives you one cent, you have to earn eight or ten cents in return or even more.

Lin Shisan said: "Please take back this golden bathtub. It is too valuable. I dare not accept it."

"The royal cat in Xiyuan bathes in a wooden basin. My cat bathes in a golden basin? If this gets out, will I still have my head?"

Zhang Yuhao said quickly, "I was inconsiderate. How about this? The golden bathtub has been given to you. It is a property of your family. I am willing to buy it back with 10,000 taels of silver."

After saying that, Zhang Yuhao took out a silver note worth ten thousand taels from his sleeve.

Lin Shisan originally wanted to refuse, but he found a note on the banknote.

Lin Shisan picked up the note and saw that it said, "Brother Lin, help him." The signature was "Yan".

(End of this chapter)