Chapter 168: Setting Sail

Chapter 168 Setting Sail

With his hand injured, Zheng Shanci handed over official documents to Vice Minister Fan for approval. He personally brought along several clerks with maps in hand to inspect the canal transport routes.

"Lord Zheng, this dock serves as a transfer station," the clerk explained nervously.

"This transfer station connects Taicang’s granaries and the capital, as well as transportation from Jiangzhou."

Zheng Shanci examined this section of the river. "I’ll inspect it myself."

Comparing it with the map, he found the depiction quite clear. Tracing his finger over the map, he asked, "Why hasn’t this section been connected? Doing so would eliminate the need for an additional dock. Building a bridge here could also link the communities on both sides."

The clerk hesitated, searching for an excuse. "Perhaps the project would be too extensive."

"This place devours a hefty sum every year. A single bridge would save that expense," Zheng Shanci countered disapprovingly.

The taxes collected at this dock were meager, divided among three factions, each vying for a share. Moreover, it complicated canal transport operations.

Resolved, Zheng Shanci decided to return to the Ministry of Revenue and draft a petition. The clerk could not stop him and, after Zheng Shanci left, stamped his foot in dismay—their lucrative scheme was ruined!

Once Zheng Shanci’s petition was submitted, Chief Grand Secretary Wei approved it with a preliminary note, and Emperor Wuming granted his imperial seal (in vermilion). Du Yue calculated the project’s costs and requested 350,000 taels of silver from the Ministry of Revenue.

Zheng Shanci allocated the funds to the Ministry of Works in three installments, the first being 100,000 taels.

With funds secured, Du Yue assembled laborers to begin construction.

Just the tasks of building large ships and the bridge would tie up half a year’s work. The officials of the Ministry of Works saw Zheng Shanci as a godsend—he was their benefactor, and this year’s achievements would stem from his proposals.

Zheng Shanci proposed canal transport reforms to the court, then focused on managing the craft industries overseen by the Ministry of Revenue. He dispatched Director Zhao to inspect the Jiangnan Textile Bureau, hunting for signs of graft, while simultaneously expanding textile workshops in the capital.

Officials weren’t supposed to profit at the people’s expense. When timber prices dropped one month, Zheng Shanci immediately had the Ministry of Revenue stockpile wood. Grain had already been stored after the previous autumn harvest. Playing the markets required an official’s insight and grasp of the situation, but they were not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Increasing revenue and reducing expenditure—currently, the Great Yan Dynasty’s major expenses lay in military funding and official salaries. The bureaucracy was bloated, with a severe surplus of officials and too many nominal positions.

Zheng Shanci narrowed his eyes, pondering the intricate affairs of the Ministry of Revenue. Beneath the complexity, one theme stood out: where exactly was the money being spent? A third of military funds went to the Armaments Directorate, where workshops produced equipment later stored in the armory by Ministry of Revenue officials.

These past few days, with no urgent business, Zheng Shanci had been moving about the Ministry of Revenue. The officials there were on high alert, too nervous to slack off.

This time, Zheng Shanci visited the armory. A minor official in charge unlocked the gates, and Zheng Shanci stepped inside, inspecting the weapons and armor. The armor displayed on the surface appeared new and weighty, but Zheng Shanci instructed the official to shift them aside, revealing those beneath.

He picked one up—it was light. Placing it on the ground, he struck it with a longsword. The armor emitted a thin, hollow ring.

The weight was insufficient. Zheng Shanci ordered someone to fetch a scale.

Sure enough, the weighed armor did not match the specifications of the displayed pieces.

The Armaments Directorate had been padding the books, likely embezzling a fortune every year. The minor official guarding the armory trembled under Zheng Shanci’s gaze and dropped to his knees.

"Lord Zheng, I haven’t embezzled anything! I always inspected the top layer of armor—I had no idea they were falsifying the ones underneath!"

Zheng Shanci gestured for him to stand. "I’ll take your word for now, but you must still report to the Ministry of Justice."

The official nodded frantically. He was innocent of corruption and unafraid of the Ministry of Justice, though he would likely be charged with negligence—still better than a corruption charge, as it would spare his life.

"Now, lead me to the Armaments Directorate."

The official complied, guiding Zheng Shanci there.

The Armaments Directorate had once been merged with the Ministry of Works but was now independent. Zheng Shanci identified himself and entered. The director held a rank of fourth-grade, with two deputy directors beneath him.

Supervisor Tan greeted Zheng Shanci, his face unreadable like a seasoned schemer: "Lord Zheng, what brings you to our Armory Directorate today?"

Zheng Shanci smiled. "I’m just here to take a look."

Even as he spoke, his steps carried him further inside. Supervisor Tan hurried to keep pace, fawning: "Had Lord Zheng informed us of your visit, this lowly official could have made proper preparations. The Armory Directorate handles dirty, laborious work—a nobleman like yourself might find it beneath you."

Supervisor Tan said with an ingratiating smile.

"Supervisor Tan makes me sound like a wall decoration—ornamental but utterly useless."

Supervisor Tan feigned shock. "Lord Zheng, I wouldn’t dare imply such a thing! I only feared you might be dissatisfied with this humble official."

Zheng Shanci watched the smiths at work and inspected a freshly made suit of armor—its weight was correct. After touring several areas, he found nothing amiss in the craftsmen’s work.

"Today, I opened the armory and discovered many suits of armor were underweight. Supervisor Tan, would you care to explain? Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to submit a memorial to the Grand Secretariat." Zheng Shanci lowered his voice.

Supervisor Tan’s eyes darted before he put on a pitiful face. "It must be some dishonest artisan embezzling the refined iron. This humble official failed in supervision. If Lord Zheng insists on pursuing the matter, I’ll apprehend the guilty artisan to answer to you and the court."

Zheng Shanci heard the veiled attempt to shift blame—someone was being offered as a scapegoat.

"Supervisor Tan speaks so boldly, as if this has nothing to do with you. But with so many underweight suits in the armory, do you truly believe you can escape responsibility?" Zheng Shanci left the Armory Directorate, instructing someone to notify the Ministry of Punishments to keep an eye on Supervisor Tan.

After Zheng Shanci’s departure, Supervisor Tan remained outwardly composed, though only he knew the panic eating at him.

If the faulty armor had reached the frontier, the soldiers there wouldn’t have spoken up, and the issue could have been blamed on problems during transport. But since the weapons hadn’t left the armory, the blame fell squarely on the Armory Directorate and the Ministry of Revenue.

Supervisor Tan calculated that he might still pin the blame on the Ministry of Revenue.

With so many hands involved in the process, assigning blame would be difficult. After his shift, Supervisor Tan returned home, his dread growing as he realized he’d been exposed. He had bribed officials across multiple ministries—a shrewd maneuver, as the wider the net, the more incentive those above had to protect him.

He sent a trusted subordinate to contact officials in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites.

Both ministries kept their distance, warning Supervisor Tan to keep his mouth shut and not reveal any traces. Otherwise, they would make his family suffer. After the harsh warnings came reassurances—they would do their best to spare his life.

Supervisor Tan gritted his teeth, distrusting their promises. He packed his gold and valuables, preparing to flee with his family. He had stashed money under others’ names and now, before his crimes came to light, he hurriedly left the city.

His wife asked, "My lord, where are we going?"

Supervisor Tan replied, "We’re getting away to hide for now. Take our son and go—just the three of us."

A family of three would draw less suspicion from the city guards, and as a fourth-rank official, he faced no obstacles exiting the city. He stuffed his robes with silver certificates and loaded several large bundles onto a carriage.

With everything prepared, Supervisor Tan still felt uneasy. He helped his wife and son into the carriage and sighed in relief as he stepped onto the footstool—only for a hand to suddenly grip his shoulder.

His body stiffened as he turned to see Director Du Ning of the Ministry of Punishments in his official robe.

Du Ning signaled the Yamen Runners to seize Supervisor Tan. "Supervisor Tan, where might you be off to?"

At Du Ning’s glance, the runners ransacked Tan’s residence to search for stolen wealth. They dragged him into the courtyard, demanding he reveal where the silver was hidden. He remained silent.

"Supervisor Tan’s stubbornness is truly regrettable. The Ministry of Punishments will ensure you have a... memorable experience." Du Ning smiled.

The runners, experienced in raiding corrupt officials’ homes, knew all the best hiding spots. One group went to the study, tapping the walls until they shattered a section, revealing a hidden chest.

Another chest was found in a dried-up well in the backyard.

Du Ning ordered the chests opened. At the sight of the gold and silver inside, he mused, "This will be quite the haul."

"Caught red-handed—take him away!"

Tan Jian’s heart sank at the sight of the chests and was escorted by the Yamen Runners to the Ministry of Justice, knowing there was no way out.

After reporting the weapons case to the Ministry of Justice, Zheng Shanci set it aside. Minister Nie, naturally, planned to pursue this lead to thoroughly investigate and capture all those involved in corruption.

To avoid any appearance of favoritism, Minister Nie kept Nie Yan at arm’s length. After returning to the Hanlin Academy, Nie Yan continued working under Xiao Gaoyang, as he still needed more experience before entering one of the Six Ministries. Nie Yan had his sights set on the Ministry of Revenue.

Outwardly, he showed no resentment toward his parents after their reunion, but deep down, Nie Yan knew he still hadn’t fully moved on. Fortunately, he only wanted to focus on building his own life after marriage and making a name for himself in officialdom.

Minister Nie came home with a sigh, "If Yan'er were still in the Ministry of Justice, he could have shared in the credit this time."

Nie Yan perked up at this. "Rather than the Ministry of Justice, I’d prefer to see what the Ministry of Revenue has to offer."

Minister Nie pondered. "The Ministry of Revenue is also a good choice. Lord Zheng is young but firm in rewarding and punishing his subordinates. He has many ideas, and working under him makes it easy to gain achievements."

"I just want to learn in the Ministry of Revenue," Nie Yan insisted.

"Good, I’ll keep an eye out for opportunities for you," Minister Nie said cheerfully.

After supper, Nie Yan retreated to his quarters. His courtyard was far grander than the cramped grocery shop he’d once called home, and now he had fully adapted to this environment. He sprawled on the bed, grabbed a change of clothes, and headed for the bath.

Once freshened up, he skimmed a book before turning in.

Now that the Crown Prince had arrived at the Hanlin Academy, Nie Yan aimed to catch his eye, though he didn’t force it. As long as he entered the Ministry of Revenue, his standing with Lord Zheng would flourish, and his ties with the Crown Prince would soar.

Nie Yan looked up to Zheng Shanci and knew how useful his connections could be, so he was determined to join the Ministry of Revenue. There was also the matter of Chu Geer’s family—since he intended to fulfill the marriage agreement, the Chu family’s influence could also serve him. Nie Yan had it all figured out, knowing exactly what would benefit him most.

The thought made him grin, his old spark returning. Whatever he desired, he would strive to obtain.

After he returned to his room, Minister Nie and Madam Nie also retired for the night. Madam Nie, sharper in reading emotions, noticed Nie Yan’s aloofness toward them, though she couldn’t blame him. When Nie Yan was most helpless and in need of support, they had been at home doting on Nie Hua. By the time they reunited, Nie Yan was already in his twenties and a Second-Ranked Jinshi.

Madam Nie said, "Since Yan'er wants to join the Ministry of Revenue, do what you can to help him. We owe him too much."

Minister Nie nodded. "Yan'er is capable. I understand his intentions."

Hearing this, Madam Nie relaxed slightly. She still didn’t know how to approach Nie Yan. She bought him clothes, gave him money, and assigned him servants and maids—Nie Yan took it all with polite smiles. Yet, Madam Nie still felt a vast distance between her and her son.

She sighed to herself—maybe this was just part of him growing up.

Zheng Shanci had no clue he’d caught someone’s eye. After finishing his duties and returning home, he let Wang Fu help him change and chuckled while looking at his hands.

Had he known, he might have used only one hand to catch Xie Dan—though that hand might have broken.

Zheng Shanci shook his head at the thought.

Yu Lanyi went to find Lv Jin, and together with Shi Geer and Mei Geer, they planned an outing outside the city. While the men had duties in the palace, they were free.

Yu Lanyi said, "Let’s go outside the capital for fun. We’ll bring some guards and enjoy ourselves."

Everyone was enthusiastic. After some thought, Yu Lanyi added, "We’ll go once Zheng Shanci’s hand injury heals a bit more."

Lv Jin suddenly remembered Cui Ziqi, who was on official duty in the provinces. Cui Ziqi had sent him a few letters, mostly discussing trivial family matters without mentioning how his work was progressing.

Land surveys were bound to ruffle feathers—Zheng Shanci angered those in the capital, while Cui Ziqi, armed with the Emperor’s authority, provoked local powerful landlords.

Lv Jin fretted over Cui Ziqi. As a civil official without martial skills, undertaking such a task left him vulnerable to danger.

After horsing around in the countryside, the group dispersed.

Yu Lanyi returned home to find Xiao Pingan, who had swiftly finished his studies, already out playing. Only Zheng Shanci lingered, idling through the garden.

"Why aren't you in the study?" Yu Lanyi asked deliberately as he approached.

Zheng Shanci smiled. "Can't turn pages without hands. Might as well enjoy the flowers and take a stroll."

Yu Lanyi: "You’d actually notice that."

Yu Lanyi instinctively reached to take Zheng Shanci’s arm but stopped when he saw his hands—both were still immobilized at his neck.

"In a few days, I’ll be in splints instead," Zheng Shanci replied after a pause.

Yu Lanyi was used to walking side by side with Zheng Shanci, who suddenly leaned in and kissed his forehead when he wasn’t paying attention.

"Hey!" Yu Lanyi covered his forehead and kicked a small pebble on the ground.

"Tomorrow, I’ll visit the Duke’s estate to see my grandparents and uncles."

Zheng Shanci asked, "When will you be back?"

Yu Lanyi’s lips curled slightly. "I’ll return in the afternoon, likely by the time you’re off duty."

"I’ll meet you then," Zheng Shanci said naturally.

Yu Lanyi’s heart warmed. No matter how much time passed, Zheng Shanci’s sincerity toward him remained unchanged.

"We’re not young anymore, yet you still come to fetch me. How ridiculous," *How ridiculous,* Yu Lanyi said, though inwardly pleased.

"Your words shame me. I’m five years older than you—do I still look decent to you?" Zheng Shanci asked with a faint smile.

A glance was enough for Yu Lanyi to confirm he was still infatuated with Zheng Shanci’s looks. In fact, as Zheng Shanci grew older and rose in power, his admiration only deepened.

"You... obviously, you’re still handsome," Yu Lanyi murmured.

"This age suits you best." Mature, steady, gentle yet humorous.

"Then you’re still lovely to me too," Zheng Shanci said.

"Not to me, you’re not."

That’s better. Seizing a moment when the attendants weren’t looking, Yu Lanyi kissed Zheng Shanci’s cheek. Yu Lanyi’s features were razor-sharp handsomeness—the kind you never forget. He carried himself sternly, but his lips were soft, and so was his waist.

Zheng Shanci went soft.

*By the time Zheng Shanci’s hands had mostly healed, the Armory investigation was nearly resolved.* Over twenty officials were implicated, with the most corrupt executed and a few others demoted but spared.

The Ministry of Personnel formally recognized Zheng Shanci’s contributions.

At court that morning, Xiao Gaoyang submitted a memorial that greatly impressed Emperor Wuming. "Minister Xiao’s discourse on lazy, corrupt, and upright officials strikes a chord with Us. Explain these distinctions before the court."

Emperor Wuming felt the memorial perfectly articulated his own thoughts.

Xiao Gaoyang stepped forward and complied.

"Lazy officials are those who occupy posts yet shirk responsibility—incompetent, shirking duty, happy to collect their stipends without serving the court. They achieve nothing in office. Corrupt officials... As for upright officials, in my view, they are too inflexible, disregarding their lord’s position."

Xiao Gaoyang cited examples, such as local officials opening granaries without authorization—a well-meaning act, yet one that should have been reported afterward...

His words left the court deep in thought.

Emperor Wuming said, "Minister Xiao's memorial on incompetent versus diligent officials has given me a fresh perspective. There are indeed many idle officials in the Great Yan Dynasty. I intend to trim the bureaucratic fat and ensure positions carry actual duties."

Xie Cheng reflected on the emperor's words—assigning real duties meant cutting down excess officials.

Xiao Gaoyang's final memorial pointed toward trimming the bureaucracy. Hearing his proposal approved by Emperor Wuming, Xiao Gaoyang felt a thrill of excitement.

"This matter shall be entrusted to Minister Mei and the Grand Secretariat to handle jointly."

Emperor Wuming preferred having two departments collaborate, ensuring checks and balances while preventing unilateral decisions.

After morning court, Lord Xiao, Xiao Gaoyang's father, glanced at his son without speaking. This move would offend some, but it would also win the emperor’s favor. With imperial favor, even if people were offended, they would still suck up rather than retaliate.

Upon returning to the *Hanlin Academy*, Xie Cheng approached Xiao Gaoyang to discuss the emperor's remarks about the memorial.

Xiao Gaoyang earnestly explained to the crown prince, going into more detail. After finishing, he modestly added, "These are merely my personal views."

Xie Cheng nodded. "Minister Xiao is too modest."

After Xie Cheng left, the scholars of the *Hanlin Academy* shot Xiao Gaoyang envious looks. This time, Xiao Gaoyang had stolen the spotlight in court and even won the crown prince's admiration.

Xiao Gaoyang knew he had to push himself and not get cocky. Yet, he couldn't help but grin to himself. Despite being in his thirties, recalling the moment he spoke in the Golden Hall still made his heart race with excitement.

As a Hanlin academician, Xiao Gaoyang took turns serving as a lecturer in the Panlong Hall. Today, Emperor Wuming treated him with unusual warmth, asking him about court affairs. Flattered, Xiao Gaoyang carefully considered each question before answering.

Emperor Wuming was satisfied.

During the meal, friends discussed Xiao Gaoyang's memorial.

Zheng Shanci remarked, "Brother Xiao's memorial was well-argued. His Majesty is determined to trim the bureaucracy, shifting from nominal to practical roles."

Pleased by Zheng Shanci's praise, Xiao Gaoyang felt even happier. Brother Zheng held the highest rank among them, and Xiao Gaoyang regarded him as a close friend, though he sometimes compared himself privately.

Du Ning clicked his tongue. "I’ll draft a memorial myself one day."

Jiang Lanli, however, smiled. "You handled the Armory Directorate affair quite well."

Jiang Lanli and Mei Huai remained composed, having already laid out their plans.

As spring passed and the sweltering summer arrived, Zheng Shanci's arm had healed, and the ship built by the Ministry of Works was ready for use.

Zheng Shanci submitted a memorial proposing an overseas voyage.

Emperor Wuming agreed, allowing willing participants to join.

After Nie Yan married Chu Geer, he decided to accompany soldiers and merchants on the voyage.

Zheng Shanci was surprised by the news. Nie Yan's father was the Minister of Justice, so he didn’t need to risk his life at sea for political merit. Minister Nie’s face darkened but said nothing.

"Lord Zheng, Academician Nie requests an audience."

"Serve tea and show him in."

Once Nie Yan entered and took his seat after formal greetings, he said, "Forgive my intrusion, Lord Zheng. I came to seek your advice. His Majesty has named me for the overseas voyage, but I’ve never sailed before. I wish to know what precautions I should take."

Zheng Shanci thought he was asking the wrong person—he had no seafaring experience either.

"You studied arithmetic at the academy, so you’ll serve as their civil official. With sharp merchants calling the shots, just follow them. Sea voyages are dull—bring more entertainment and ensure ample water reserves..." Zheng Shanci shared all he knew with Nie Yan.

"After finally reuniting with your parents, why choose to sail?" Zheng Shanci asked, trying to talk him out of it.

"Truth be told, Lord Zheng, I was already twenty when I returned home. I still felt like my parents were strangers, and though I tried to get closer to them, there was always an awkwardness in my heart—I didn’t know how to interact with them properly. This voyage presents an opportunity, and I also wish to see foreign lands." Nie Yan candidly shared his thoughts with Lord Zheng.

"Sailing is tough. If you’ve made up your mind, I won’t dissuade you further. Make sure to pack plenty of supplies—medicine, water, and food—enough to last."

Nie Yan smiled faintly. "Thank you, Lord Zheng."

"Lord Zheng, I have one more request."

Zheng Shanci did not agree hastily. "Speak."

"During my studies at the academy, I never formally became a closed-door disciple under any master. A teacher once asked me to be his disciple, but I turned him down. It wasn’t out of arrogance—I simply grew accustomed to solitude. After meeting you, Lord Zheng, I deeply admire your character, and your words have enlightened me greatly. I wish to become your disciple." Nie Yan’s desire to apprentice under Zheng Shanci was sincere.