Chapter 92

At the Zhao residence, in the main hall, in the afternoon. Zhao Junchen and Liu Chang'an were seated as host and guest.

At this moment, Zhao Junchen was leisurely sipping his fragrant tea, while Liu Chang'an wore a worried expression, sitting upright.

It had been seven days since Zhao Junchen had reached an agreement with Shen and Huang, and more than a month since Liu Chang'an was promoted to the position of Deputy Minister of Personnel by Emperor Deqing. However, Liu Chang'an only arrived in the capital today, and without any delay, he hurriedly came to see Zhao Junchen after dropping off his family and luggage at the inn.

"Does this mean that you were delayed because someone was secretly causing trouble?"

Zhao Junchen put down his teacup, his expression calm, and asked slowly.

Liu Chang'an quickly nodded and said, "That's exactly the case. The imperial envoy usually takes only three to five days to reach Luan Prefecture, but this time it took a full seven days. After that, the local officials had to hand over their duties, which could only be done after the new local officials took office. Although I was well-prepared after receiving the imperial decree, I had to wait for half a month. The new Prefect of Luan only arrived four days ago. After receiving your message, I rushed day and night, but I still arrived late, causing a delay in your important matters. Please punish me, sir."

As he spoke, Liu Chang'an knelt before Zhao Junchen, bowing his head to listen to his reprimand.

Looking at Liu Chang'an, Zhao Junchen sighed lightly and raised his hand, saying, "Never mind, get up. This was probably a premeditated move, not your fault. It seems I was one step behind."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen's mind flashed with the image of Zhou Shangjing's aged face.

...

It turned out that after Zhao Junchen reached an agreement with Shen and Huang, the three of them jointly submitted a memorial to Emperor Deqing the next morning, proposing the reorganization of the salt industry in Sichuan.

Since Emperor Deqing was already inclined to agree, and many officials in the court had already been persuaded by the Shanxi merchants, Zhao Junchen's memorial was quickly approved.

However, for hundreds of years, the production and sale of salt in the Ming Dynasty had been dominated by Huai salt, and the salt transport commissioner's office and the salt tax commissioner's office had always been centered in the Huai region. Now, with the reorganization and expansion of the salt industry in Sichuan, the relevant departments would naturally need to shift their focus to the Sichuan region, and the expansion of official positions and powers was inevitable.

As one of the most lucrative departments of the time, even the least significant eighth-rank official in the salt transport commissioner's office had an annual income of at least tens of thousands of taels of silver, both openly and secretly. The various factions in the court could not afford to ignore the expansion of these positions and powers, even if they did not care about the reorganization of the Sichuan salt industry.

The official in charge of this matter was a highly sought-after position by all factions in the court, including the faction of the crown prince, who prided themselves on their integrity.

Although Zhou Shangjing had been deliberately low-key recently, he now had to make a full effort to secure this position, otherwise, he would not be able to justify himself to his subordinates.

Despite his prestige and skills, Zhou Shangjing was ultimately just a spokesperson for a bureaucratic group. If he could not secure benefits for the group he represented, the group would not hesitate to abandon him and select a new spokesperson. Zhou Shangjing understood this clearly.

Because of this, Zhao Junchen finally witnessed the deep-rooted influence and power of Zhou Shangjing's faction in the court. Zhao Junchen naturally supported Liu Chang'an for this position, and from all aspects, Liu Chang'an was the most suitable candidate. Both Emperor Deqing and Shen Changmao and Huang Yourong fully supported Liu Chang'an. However, with Zhou Shangjing's opposition and the recommendation of another candidate, most of the officials in the court followed suit, leading to a deadlock.

As the saying goes, the will of the majority is hard to resist. After six days of deadlock and various negotiations, the matter was finally settled at the morning court session yesterday.

Liu Chang'an still became the person in charge, but unlike Zhao Junchen's plan, due to "lack of experience" and "insufficient prestige," the Left Deputy Minister of Personnel, Jiang Huaan, and the Left Deputy Minister of Revenue, Ma Sen, would also assist Liu Chang'an during the process. Both of these individuals were disciples of Zhou Shangjing.

Thinking about this, Zhao Junchen sighed inwardly.

He was not lamenting the significant reduction in the benefits he would receive. The reorganization of the Sichuan salt industry and the entry of Shanxi merchants into Sichuan would bring such enormous benefits that it would make people envious and even fearful. Even if all the benefits were given to Zhao Junchen, he would not dare to take them all. Sharing some of the benefits with the various factions in the court was a given.

What truly made Zhao Junchen reflect was the immense influence and power of Zhou Shangjing's faction in the court. When Zhou Shangjing spoke, a group of grand secretaries, ministers, and other high-ranking officials followed suit, making it difficult for Zhao Junchen to resist, and even Emperor Deqing would not easily deny it.

"If I had the same power and influence as Zhou Shangjing, I wouldn't fear even if Zhu Heyu eventually ascended the throne. Unfortunately, in the hundreds of years of the Ming Dynasty, only Zhou Shangjing today and Zhang Juzheng in the past have had such significant influence. Emperor Deqing has been supporting me openly and secretly these days, but his purpose is only to balance Zhou Shangjing. He would never allow me to become another Zhou Shangjing. Achieving such power and influence is difficult..."

Thinking about Zhou Shangjing's actions in recent days, Zhao Junchen sighed inwardly.

...

Seeing Zhao Junchen's calm expression and thoughtful eyes, although Zhao Junchen had already said he would not blame him, Liu Chang'an was still uneasy.

After arriving in the capital, Liu Chang'an had already learned that Zhou Shangjing was able to insert Ma Sen and Jiang Huaan into the position because he could not come to the capital in time, putting Zhao Junchen at a disadvantage.

Thinking about the various losses he had caused Zhao Junchen, and looking at Zhao Junchen, who was now deep in thought, Liu Chang'an became even more anxious, his face turning pale.

People change gradually, and they often realize it only after the fact. Liu Chang'an had not seen Zhao Junchen for nearly two months, and now, upon meeting again, he could clearly feel the changes in Zhao Junchen.

When Zhao Junchen was still in Luan Prefecture, although Liu Chang'an had decided to join him, it was mainly because Zhao Junchen had the favor of Emperor Deqing. Zhao Junchen himself did not have the skills or character to impress Liu Chang'an. At that time, Zhao Junchen often used strong language and deliberate expressions to strengthen his persuasiveness and display his authority, but this was ultimately a sign of lack of confidence.

However, the current Zhao Junchen was completely different. As the saying goes, "Environment shapes character, and upbringing shapes the body." After the recent experiences in the central government, Zhao Junchen's expression was always calm, his tone always mild. No matter what, he always gave people a sense of depth and sophistication, exuding confidence and elegance in his every move, making people respect him.

This feeling was indescribable, but Liu Chang'an could clearly sense it, so he felt even more uneasy after realizing he had disrupted Zhao Junchen's plans.

On the other side, seeing Liu Chang'an's anxious expression, Zhao Junchen was not concerned and smiled lightly, saying, "You don't need to blame yourself for this matter. I never intended to take all the benefits from the Sichuan salt industry. Zhou Shangjing controls the Ministry of Personnel and has significant influence in the court. It's only natural to share some benefits with him. A person can only eat as much as their appetite allows. If one is greedy, they will only end up being overwhelmed."

Hearing Zhao Junchen's words, Liu Chang'an's face showed gratitude, and he quickly said, "Sir, you are right."

Zhao Junchen took another sip of tea and continued, "Although our power and influence are limited compared to the Chief Minister, we cannot always retreat. Otherwise, people will look down on us. In the reorganization of the Sichuan salt industry, since you are in charge, you must take responsibility. You should strive for what you can, and even for what you cannot, you should try. Don't be like you used to be, always agreeing. Remember, you now represent not just yourself but also our faction in the court. If anything happens, I will stand up for you. As for yourself, just do your job well."

Liu Chang'an nodded repeatedly, showing a determined face, and said, "Please rest assured, sir. I will not let you down."

Zhao Junchen nodded and changed the subject, saying, "However, the reorganization of the Sichuan salt industry is ultimately about money. Money is useful, but it's not everything. You are about to take office in the Ministry of Personnel, which has been Zhou Shangjing's territory for years. You must be cautious, but you don't need to retreat. Do what you need to do. If you can establish yourself in the Ministry of Personnel, it will make our work in the court much easier."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir. I understand what to do."

Liu Chang'an nodded again.

Seeing Liu Chang'an's appearance, Zhao Junchen sighed inwardly.

In front of Zhao Junchen, Liu Chang'an tried to show a sense of responsibility, but in reality, he was still timid and obedient. He agreed with everything Zhao Junchen said without any of his own opinions or suggestions.

With such a character, Zhao Junchen did not believe that Liu Chang'an could achieve much in the Ministry of Personnel. Unfortunately, Zhao Junchen had no other choice and could only push Liu Chang'an into the position.

Thinking about this, Zhao Junchen suddenly called out, "Someone, bring my gift."

As Zhao Junchen spoke, three beautiful maids each carrying a wooden tray came to Liu Chang'an. On each tray was a contract.

Zhao Junchen lifted his teacup again, using the lid to stir the tea leaves, and said casually, "You came to the capital in a hurry, probably without any preparation. These three contracts are a house deed, a land deed, and a share in the 'Yue Rong Fang.' The house and land are a residence I prepared for you in the capital, which should be suitable for your position as Deputy Minister. The share is three percent of 'Yue Rong Fang,' which I will give to you as a gift for your promotion to Deputy Minister of Personnel."

Hearing this, Liu Chang'an hurriedly stood up, waving his hands, and said, "How can I accept this? I owe my position to your support, and now I cannot let you spend money on me. Besides, you were promoted to Minister of Revenue, and I haven't even given you a gift yet. I cannot accept this, I cannot accept this!"

Zhao Junchen waved his hand and said, "Take it. As long as you work hard for me, I will not let you down."

After hesitating for a moment, Liu Chang'an finally said, "If that's the case, I will thank you for your kindness."

As he spoke, Liu Chang'an put the three contracts into his sleeve.

After that, seeing that Zhao Junchen had no more to say, Liu Chang'an politely got up to take his leave. Xu Qingyan, who was waiting nearby, escorted him out.

Not long after, Xu Qingyan returned with a smile, waving his hand to dismiss the servants. The main hall was left with only Zhao Junchen and Xu Qingyan.

Then, Xu Qingyan pulled out a thick stack of silver bills from his sleeve.

Seeing this, Zhao Junchen shook his head and smiled, asking, "Oh? More money? How much this time?"

Xu Qingyan chuckled and said, "These local officials are indeed wealthy. Sixty-six thousand taels, a lucky number. According to Liu Chang'an, this is just his New Year's gift. He will bring another gift tomorrow as a congratulation for your promotion to Minister of Revenue."

Zhao Junchen nodded but was not particularly interested, saying, "Put it away."

Every corrupt faction is a strict pyramid of wealth accumulation. During holidays, lower officials always offer large sums of money to higher officials to strengthen their relationships and seek continued protection.

For corrupt officials, such gifts are more important than governing the people or handling state affairs.

As a leader of a faction, Zhao Junchen stood at the top of this pyramid. Although he had not deliberately engaged in corruption or bribery since returning to the capital, with the New Year approaching, officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Rites, including Zuo Lanshan, Zhan Shanchang, and Gu Quan, all rushed to Zhao Junchen's residence to offer money. If the regular "coal gifts" from local officials were added, the total amount of money received by the Zhao residence in less than half a month was no less than three hundred thousand taels.

Liu Chang'an, being new to the capital and receiving Zhao Junchen's support and a lucrative position, naturally offered more money to Zhao Junchen.

This is an unwritten rule in the bureaucracy. Although Zhao Junchen knew the source of the money was not clean, he did not refuse it, as it would cause suspicion and panic among the lower officials. However, Zhao Junchen was not particularly concerned about the money.

Although Zhao Junchen was not concerned, Xu Qingyan was delighted, almost "counting money until his hands cramped."

In fact, since his arrival in this era, although Zhao Junchen had not deliberately engaged in corruption or bribery, with his growing influence, more and more officials offered gifts, and the "Yue Rong Fang" brought in a steady stream of income. Now, Zhao Junchen's wealth accumulation was much faster than his predecessor's.

Seeing Xu Qingyan happily putting away the money and muttering about the total income, Zhao Junchen shook his head and smiled.

"Power and wealth, no wonder 'power' comes before 'wealth.' In this world, power is more important than wealth. Having wealth does not guarantee power, but having power ensures that one will never lack wealth. No wonder there have been so many corrupt officials throughout history. Such effortless and large sums of money are hard to resist."

Thinking about the steady flow of money, Zhao Junchen sighed inwardly.

...

With Liu Chang'an's departure, Zhao Junchen had no other matters and was preparing to return to his study to handle official business.

However, just as Zhao Junchen was about to get up, a servant rushed in and reported, "Sir, the steward Li from Mr. Wen's residence is here to see you. He says it's an urgent matter."

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "Oh? Is it finally over? Let him in."

It turned out that in recent days, Zhao Junchen, along with Shen and Huang, had been in a deadlock with Zhou Shangjing in the court, while Wen Guanliang, another grand secretary, had not participated at all and was instead selling his properties in Zhili.

These properties were so numerous that the land prices in the surrounding areas of Zhili had dropped by more than five percent.

The residence Zhao Junchen had given to Liu Chang'an was originally the home of Wen Guanliang's youngest son. A house originally worth twenty thousand taels was bought by Zhao Junchen for thirteen thousand taels.

A moment later, a man in his fifties, with a humble expression, entered the main hall of the Zhao residence and hurriedly knelt before Zhao Junchen.

"Your servant Li Jie pays respects to the Minister of Revenue."

Zhao Junchen did not let him up and asked, "Has Mr. Wen prepared the money?"

Li Jie hesitated for a moment and then nodded, saying, "It's ready."

As he spoke, Li Jie pulled out a thick stack of silver bills from his chest.

Even Zhao Junchen, who managed the Ministry of Revenue and had vast wealth, had never seen so many silver bills. The moment Li Jie pulled out the bills, Zhao Junchen could hear Xu Qingyan's breathing become heavier.

When Xu Qingyan took the bills with slightly trembling hands, Li Jie's face suddenly turned pale, just like his master.

"How much is this?"

Zhao Junchen took the bills from Xu Qingyan, noticing that the smallest denomination was twenty thousand taels. Without counting, he waved the bills lightly and asked.

Li Jie gritted his teeth and said, "Nine million and twenty-five thousand taels."

Hearing this, Xu Qingyan involuntarily gasped.

Zhao Junchen's expression did not change. He turned to glare at Xu Qingyan and then nodded to Li Jie, saying, "Go back and tell Mr. Wen that I will handle this matter for him today. Have him submit another request to retire to the emperor as soon as possible. If everything goes well, the emperor should approve it this time."

After Li Jie nodded and left, Zhao Junchen stood up and said to Xu Qingyan, "Qingyan, prepare the carriage. We need to go to the palace to see the emperor."

Xu Qingyan was slightly surprised and asked, "Now?"

Zhao Junchen smiled meaningfully and said, "The emperor must be waiting impatiently. In matters of bribery, it's always better to act early rather than late."

With power, one naturally does not lack wealth. This is true for corrupt officials and emperors alike.