Chapter 327: Holding a First-Rank Official Position! (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 327: Official Post of One Grade! (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The punishment of Liu Hong was, in truth, a matter of course. Xiao Jinghong did not find the outcome surprising. What struck her was the Emperor’s direct decree of his condemnation based solely on his grandfather’s memorial, which was perhaps too hasty.

According to the rites of the court, the conviction of a second-ranked official required the investigation by the Censorate, the review by the Nine Chiefs, and the final decision by the Emperor—each step indispensable. Moreover, Liu Hong’s crime was one of treason and collusion with enemies, which at minimum required uncovering the identities of those he had conspired with and whether there existed any subordinates in his camp.

Take Zhuao, for instance. His crime of privately smuggling iron weapons to the Xiongnu state was clear-cut, his punishment warranted execution, and the entire Shijia merchant house should be apprehended and brought to justice. The principle was the same.

Liu Hong had wielded influence in Shu for many years, his power entrenched to the point where every family and faction he had ever contacted needed thorough scrutiny to ensure no loose ends remained.

As Xiao Jinghong pondered these matters, her gaze gradually relaxed.

The punishment of Liu Hong was, in Xiao’s household, in Shu, and in the realm, a favorable outcome. As for the other major clans and families, with Liu Hong removed from the forefront, the Xiao family’s strength would inevitably see them all swept away in due time.

Furthermore, Zhuao had already been defeated, and the Xiao family and the Qingyuan army would fare better in the future.

A moment of silence passed.

Xiao Xuanhuo smiled and said, “It seems the Emperor had issued a stern directive at the court meeting yesterday.”

“Even the Grand Chancellor Cui Mae and the other high officials received several reprimands, told they had failed in their oversight and had not detected the misconduct of external officials in time.”

“Statements regarding embezzlement, collusion with officials, dereliction of duty, and treason were particularly harsh, sending a chill through all the ministers present.”

“What happened next?”

Xiao Xuanhuo, noting Xiao Jinghong’s interest, lowered his voice further: “It seems the Emperor, in the cases of Liu Hong and Zhuao, was intent on initiating a reform.”

“Narrowing the salt routes, bringing tea and porcelain under state control, and conducting a thorough investigation of land taxes…”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinghong’s eyes flickered slightly.

The salt and iron monopolies were crucial sources of revenue for the border military commissions, particularly the salt routes. Salt merchants submitted grain to the capital military commission, received an equivalent amount of salt, and then withdrew salt quotas to sell in designated regions. The regulations were strict and detailed.

Even so, salt trading remained a highly profitable enterprise, far more lucrative than grain or medicinal herbs. This gave rise to widespread corruption.

Even without Xiao Jinghong’s own investigation, she was well aware that Zhuao and others received over ten thousand taels of silver annually from the salt merchants. Adding tea and porcelain to the mix, the state and imperial treasuries would indeed gain substantial funds, yet this would also foster more corrupt officials.

And the investigation of land taxes…

In the three prefectures of Dali, numerous major clans held sway. Which family could claim their land tax had been fully reported?

Even the Xiao family’s own territory in Tonglin Town had people cultivating new land each year, their land tax likely increased beyond what it had been two centuries ago.

If these were to be counted, the Xiao family would be remitting substantial grain taxes annually.

Of course, the Xiao family, operating within their own lands, would not face penalties even if their land taxes were higher.

However, some major clans had absorbed vast tracts of land—entire villages, not just households. Such acquisitions were not uncommon.

“There must be many opponents, then?”

“Jinghong’s niece is right. It seems someone merely opened their mouth, and many high officials immediately objected.”

Xiao Xuanhuo expressed his disdain: “They’re simply afraid the Emperor would uncover the land taxes in their own estates, disrupting their hereditary privileges.”

“But the Emperor did not become angry. Instead, he considered the matter carefully. These ministers likely hoped to dissuade the Emperor from his reformist path, but were interrupted by another matter.”

Speaking of this, Xiao Xuanhuo’s face grew solemn: “Chen Xuanji has returned.”

Xiao Jinghong, upon hearing the name, paused slightly. “His father, the head of the Chen family who had been envoy to the Burmese kingdom?”

Xiao Xuanhuo nodded: “Yes, he is.”

“He returned to the capital midway through the court assembly, and the Emperor personally halted the proceedings to receive him, which cannot be said he did not regard him highly.”

“Not to mention that upon Chen Xuanji’s arrival, the Emperor continued the court assembly, questioned him, and immediately issued an edict of promotion and reward.”

Xiao Xuanhuo lowered his voice to Xiao Jinghong: “Chen Xuanji has been promoted to one grade, appointed as one of the Nine Chiefs—Chief of the Military.”

“Chief of the Military?”

Xiao Jinghong was truly taken aback this time.

Before his mission to the western Burmese kingdom, Chen Xuanji had served as the magistrate of Jiangnan, his experience and talents sufficient for a Nine Chiefs appointment. But Xiao Jinghong was surprised to see him promoted to Chief of the Military, overseeing all military appointments and armament distribution.

“Then… what of Luo Da, the previous Chief of the Military?”

Xiao Xuanhuo, knowing she referred to the former military chief Luo Yong, shook his head: “He has retired.”

“The Emperor’s intention?”

“It seems they had discussed it beforehand, waiting until Chen Xuanji’s return to announce it.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded, understanding. After a moment, she said: “I recall Chen Xuanji is currently the deputy magistrate of Beizhou?”

“Indeed, the Chen family of Jiangnan truly commands great respect. The Emperor’s favor is high.”

Xiao Xuanhuo could not help but recall himself, comparing his own standing to the Chen family’s, feeling a stark contrast between heaven and earth.

Chen Xuanji held a position among the Nine Chiefs, while Chen Xuan all the same held an official post of one grade, overseeing a prefecture. Their younger brother, Chen Yunfan, had once served as vice-premier of Shu.

As Xiao Xuanhuo thought of this, his expression grew grave, and he hesitated slightly: “Jinghong, I’m not sure whether I should say this…”

Xiao Jinghong met his gaze, having guessed what he was about to say, and merely shook her head, her tone calm: “We’ll discuss it later.”

Xiao Xuanhuo sighed inwardly, realizing she would not press the matter further.

The Chen family now stood in great prominence, while the Xiao family was comparatively weak.

Even though Chen Yiru was now Xiao Jinghong’s son-in-law, it was uncertain whether the Chen family might exert influence through him to affect the Xiao family.

At that moment, footsteps were heard outside the chamber.

Xiao Xuanhuo straightened his posture, his hands clasped in front of him.

Xiao Jinghong turned her head to look.

Li Fu, the military governor of Shu.

His appearance was unremarkable, plain and unremarkable, his figure not particularly tall or stout.

Yet when he entered, dressed in that grand scarlet official robe, with cap, jade belt, and all the trappings complete, his stride was measured and commanding, bearing a dignity all his own.

Li Fu entered the hall and took his seat in the foremost position.

Xiao Xuan bowed his hand in greeting.

Xiao Jinghong remained seated, unmoving.

Li Fu waved his hand, dismissing Xiao Xuan’s courtesy, his gaze settling on Xiao Jinghong, smiling as he shook his head:

“General Xiao, this time, I find myself in a bit of a bind.”

Xiao Jinghong remained unmoved, speaking calmly:

“What difficulty does the imperial commissioner face?”

“Zhao Hao has defied the imperial edict, plotting to ambush and kill me to flee Spite. If I do not act, your troubles will only grow.”

Li Fu’s smile did not falter. “Troubles are troubles, but there is still a chance to make Zhao Hao and his allies account for their deeds.”

“If he is dead now, both Feng Gonggong and I will struggle to report to the Son of Heaven.”

“That is your matter and Feng Gonggong’s. It has nothing to do with me.”

“…General Xiao, still quick to speak.”

Xiao Jinghong glanced at him, her tone cooling slightly. “Commissioner Li, you need not trouble yourself with courtesy. You strike first.”

“People are dead, matters remain. The supplies and weapons of the Distant Army delayed, the grain tax—do you intend to offer me no explanation?”

Li Fu’s smile faltered. “General Xiao speaks truly, this matter…”

“Commissioner Li, you claim ignorance?”

“…Not so.”

Facing Xiao Jinghong’s relentless pressure, Li Fu sighed, then spoke firmly:

“Once we have clarified Zhao Hao’s deeds and his accomplices, I will report to the military commander Luo… Chen the elder, who will then make the matter clear to the Son of Heaven.”

Xiao Jinghong was still dissatisfied, then spoke a few words: “Salt and iron operations.”

Li Fu furrowed his brow slightly. “What do you mean, General Xiao?”

“Commissioner Li, you know this well. Zhao Hao handles salt and iron revenues—there is no way he did not skim some for himself.” “So you intend to investigate thoroughly?”

Xiao Jinghong stared directly at him, her eyes sharp. “Commissioner Li, you do not intend to investigate?”

Li Fu met her gaze, his expression shifting between light and shadow, clearly troubled.

Xiao Xuan, watching with keen eyes but still as ever, had listened to every word without moving a muscle.

He could not help but admire Xiao Jinghong’s words.

In these five years, the Xiao family and the Distant Army had faced pressure, both open and covert, from the imperial commissioner’s office.

Now that Zhao Hao was dead, some debts indeed needed settling.

After a long pause.

Li Fu lowered his gaze, took a sip from the tea cup on the table, and carefully chose his words:

“General Xiao, you have served in Spite for many years—you must know this region well, just as in Guangyuan…”

Before he could finish, Xiao Jinghong interrupted: “Commissioner Li, spare me the details. General Xiao has spent most of her life in the army, knowing little of matters beyond.”

“…”

Li Fu set down his cup, a bitter smile touching his lips as he nodded. “I promise you, the bribes Zhao Hao and his allies took—no penny will be spared.”

Seeing Xiao Jinghong remain silent, he bit his lip and continued: “Some of it will be distributed to the three military garrisons.”

“Are you satisfied, General Xiao?”

Xiao Jinghong stared at him for several breaths, then lowered her gaze, calmly saying:

“Then do as you say.”

She was not one to insist on trivialities; if her aim was achieved, that sufficed.

Besides, she knew well the factions within Guangyuan County, where the imperial commissioner’s office held sway.

Especially those salt merchants, entangled in countless interests, connected to so many people.

Unless necessary, Xiao Jinghong had no intention of making the matter absolute, lest it add fuel to the Xiao family’s troubles.

Li Fu, however, muttered to himself, “What I mean, clearly, is what you mean,” though his face remained untouched by a trace of emotion: “That matter of Zhao Hao’s death…”

“According to rites and laws, General Xiao will bear the responsibility.”

Hearing this, Li Fu finally smiled. “Then all is well. Today, General Xiao need wait a while—Li will host a banquet in the city…”

To his surprise, Xiao Jinghong stood at once. “No need. It is rare for me to visit Guangyuan; I must go pay a visit to the Fu family.”

“If Feng Gonggong sets out, please have someone inform the Fu family.”

“Very well…”

As Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Xuan departed, Li Fu’s smile gradually faded.

Sitting quietly for a moment.

Li Fu sighed, muttering something about women’s narrow hearts, then rose and went toward the room beyond.

After arranging his clothes, he opened the door: “Master Feng.”

Feng Erbao stood in the room, staring at a painting on the wall, flanked by several older eunuchs and two armored guards.

On hearing his voice, Feng Erbao turned, smiling gently: “Commissioner Li, has the matter with General Xiao been settled?”

Li Fu nodded. “As Master Feng expected, General Xiao claims no fault, refusing to bow.”

Feng Erbao’s eyelids twitched, his smile stiff.

After a moment, he waved his hand, smiling: “It matters not, it matters not.”

“General Xiao is a good soul. Had she not intervened, that Zhao Hao scoundrel would have escaped, and we both would have faced the Son of Heaven’s displeasure.”

“With Master Feng saying so, Commissioner Li feels at ease.”

“Indeed…”

After some idle talk.

Li Fu glanced around, sensing Feng Erbao’s invitation to speak freely, he asked:

“Master Feng, might you speak plainly—how did the Son of Heaven discover Zhao Hao’s deeds?”

“Xiao Xuan… Xiao family wrote the memorial?”

Feng Erbao gave him a sharp glance. “What worries you, Commissioner Li?”

“I fear I have concealed nothing from you, Commissioner Li’s authority is not strict, and you have drawn the Son of Heaven’s attention, which has left me ashamed.”

“If so, Commissioner Li need have no concern.”

“The Tian family did not favor the Xiao family; instead, someone else delivered a memorial to him.”

“Oh, which prefecture in Shu did it come from?”

“Prefect Tan Zixin of the Circuit Affairs Office, and… Chen Yunfan.”

Li Fu suddenly understood, “Ah, it was Lord Tang. That makes sense now.”

He paused, then continued, “Chen Yunfan… I believe I’ve heard that name before…”

Feng Erbao smiled faintly, saying, “The eldest son of the Chen family in Jiangnan Prefecture.”

Li Fu furrowed his brow imperceptibly, “The military advisor Chen, brother—thank you for your guidance, sir.”

“No need to mention it. We simply don’t speak of it now; in a few days, you’ll understand the matter fully.”

“Your kindness, sir…”

……

As evening approached, Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Xuanzhao departed from Fu’s residence, heading toward the Governor’s Office.

Along the way, Xiao Jinghong remained quiet.

Xiao Xuanzhao’s mood mirrored hers—both struggled to accept Fu family’s current plight.

Originally, due to Fu Wnightqing’s connection, the Fu family enjoyed favor with the Xiao family, flourishing in Guangyuan County.

But after news of Xiao Fengchun and Fu Wnightqing’s deaths, the Fu family’s fortunes mirrored the Xiao family’s decline, waning day by day.

Now, the Fu family was nearly extinct.

“Jinghong, once I return, my younger brother will speak with father. He’ll surely devise a way to support the Fu family.”

Xiao Jinghong nodded, about to speak, when her gaze caught sight of a shop at a distant street corner.

The shop, newly opened, was surrounded by scholars pointing and discussing its signboard.

“The characters ‘Bai Caotang’ are written in flowing, serpentine strokes, bold and unrestrained—indeed more elegant than Wei Qing’s style.”

“This must be the ‘running script’ brought to the capital?”

“Seeing it in person surpasses mere fame—truly unique.”

“Nonsense! Master Qiao’s running script has reached perfection. Even this signboard, merely a seal impression, lacks the full expression of his artistry—others cannot compare.”

“Rather than praise it here, we should find paper and brush to copy it, perhaps learn something from Master Qiao’s running script.”

“Indeed…”

As they debated, Xiao Jinghong’s eyes settled on the three characters of “Bai Caotang.”

She recognized Chen Yi’s handwriting immediately, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Her husband was absent in Guangyuan, yet here was his legacy.

Such a feeling… how strange…

After a moment, Xiao Jinghong refocused, thoughtfully observing the bustling Bai Caotang.

“Younger brother, I recall Grandfather mentioning that Bai Caotang’s expansion was a collaboration with our Xiao family?”

Xiao Xuanzhao nodded, “Yes…”

Realizing this, he slightly surprised, “You mean…”

Xiao Jinghong slightly inclined her head, gesturing toward Bai Caotang, “In Guangyuan County, the Fu family was entrusted with managing Bai Caotang.”

The Xiao family’s profits from Guangyuan County were not lacking; the Fu family needed support.

Rather than favor other prominent families here, aligning with the Fu family seemed more fitting.

Xiao Xuanzhao agreed with a nod, “After returning, I’ll discuss it with your grandfather and Wan’er.”

“Yes, the mistress now oversees the mansion’s accounts—she should be informed.”

Of course, Xiao Jinghong didn’t think Xiao Wan’er would refuse.

Speaking of this, she glanced again at the “Bai Caotang” characters, her resolve hardening.

“Come on. It’s time to return to the capital…”

(Chapter Complete)