Chapter 92: Bing Wengu in Trouble, Finding a Way Out for the People

Chapter 92: Bing Wengu Faces Challenges and Seeks Solutions for the People

Chu Hongyu observed Liang Shi's expression but found she didn’t seem to care at all, as if she hadn’t even heard what was said.

After seeing Liang Shi off, Zhao Weihai walked in from outside. "Unless I’m mistaken, didn’t I just see Bing Wengu, the Nan couple, and the Bings here? What brought them to the magistrate’s office? Were they looking for County Magistrate Bing?"

"No, they came to finalize the purchase of their shops," Chu Hongyu replied, bowing respectfully to Zhao Weihai.

Zhao Weihai beckoned to the clerk. "Bring the records for me to see."

Upon reviewing the properties registered by the three families in such a short time, Zhao Weihai let out a shocked breath.

Even after years of managing his affairs in Ji County, his own assets might not compare to this.

That evening, upon returning home, Zhao Weihai asked Wu Shi, "Did you hold that garden party? Did Bing Wengu attend?"

"He didn’t come," Wu Shi sneered, curling her lip. "He made his excuses, saying he was too busy. As if affairs outside the household have anything to do with him, a mere househusband. At the end of the day, he’s just aware of his lowly origins and knows he has no taste, too afraid of embarrassing himself to show up."

She removed the hair ornament from her head and walked to the bed, sitting at Zhao Weihai’s feet.

"Thoroughly provincial, yet he doesn’t understand that the lowest tactic is to win without confrontation. Now, all the women of standing in our county are laughing at him behind his back."

Zhao Weihai stared at Wu Shi, twisting the jade ring on his finger. "Bing Wengu bought an entire street’s worth of shops and several large estates today."

"What? How could a country folk like him have that much money?" Wu Shi, who had been about to lie down, jolted upright in shock.

"I don’t know," Zhao Weihai mused, also puzzled. "And it wasn’t just him—the Nan and Bing families made purchases today too."

"That’s impossible!" Wu Shi was utterly unable to stay calm. She had always looked down on Nan Jinping. Despite Bing Wengu being the county magistrate, their humble origins meant they had no money.

"I’ve already sent someone to investigate," Zhao Weihai said, narrowing his eyes.

"My lord," a servant called softly outside the bedchamber. "Your investigators have returned with news."

Zhao Weihai drew his robe around himself and opened the door. The servant bowed and reported, "My lord, we’ve confirmed that the Nan and Bing families took out loans from the money lender to purchase those shops and land."

Wu Shi scoffed from the bed. "As I said, how could those families possibly have so much money?"

Zhao Weihai pressed further, "What about Bing Wengu? Did your investigators miss something? How else could he afford it?"

The servant replied, "He obtained no loan."

Zhao Weihai waved the servant away, and the man bowed before leaving. Wu Shi was astonished. "How could he not have borrowed? Did they miss something? How else could he afford it?"

Zhao Weihai stroked his beard. "With Bing Wengu’s background, there’s no way he could have produced such funds. When he went to the capital for the civil service examinations, he’d have been lucky not to exhaust his family’s savings along the way—there’s no chance he could have acquired this much money. So, there’s only one possible explanation..."

"What explanation?" Wu Shi leaned forward intently.

"Embezzlement." This was the only method Zhao Weihai could think of for obtaining such a large sum of silver in such a short time.

Wu Shi’s eyes lit up with predatory interest, as if she had just seized a crucial piece of evidence that could decide Bing Wengu’s fate.

"But didn’t you say earlier that Bing Wengu didn’t touch the disaster relief funds allocated by the court?"

"He didn’t touch the court’s funds, but what about the donations he solicited for drought relief in Ji County?" Zhao Weihai seemed to have connected the dots. "No one, not even His Majesty, knows exactly how much silver was collected. Only Bing Wengu himself knows the true amount—he could claim whatever figure he wanted."

"I almost been taken in, truly believing he was an honest official," Wu Shi said bitterly. "Turns out, he’s just better at hiding his corruption than others."

Zhao Weihai looked at Wu Shi and said with a sardonic smile. "Have you ever seen a cat in this world that doesn’t eat fish?"

"No." Wu Shi shook her head, then asked in confusion, "But come to think of it, why are they buying so many shops and houses? While shops and houses are solid assets, they only gain value if the population grows. With the drought in our Ji County being this severe, anyone who can leave has already fled. If you weren’t still posted here as an official, I would have left long ago too."

At this, Zhao Weihai curled his lips mockingly, "Just proves how little he knows. Having been to the capital only once, he thinks shops and houses everywhere can appreciate like those in Bianjing."

"Ridiculous," Wu Shi said. "Even a woman like me, stuck at home, knows Ji County is doomed. If the drought persists for another two years, whether this county will even exist is uncertain."

Zhao Weihai pulled Wu Shi onto the bed, playfully tapping her forehead. "Foolish. A magistrate dumber than a housewife—how can he compete with me? He should just dance on my strings like a good puppet, don’t you think, my dear?"

Wu Shi giggled. "Darling, don’t you have the bank bosses wrapped around your finger? All we have to do is wait. By this time next year, when they can’t repay the interest and their properties remain unsold, it’ll be your turn to step in."

Meanwhile, Bing Wengu asked Nan Jinping, "Where did our parents and in-laws get the silver?"

"Big Brother and Si Lang suggested taking out loans from the banks," Nan Jinping replied.

"What’s the interest rate?"

"Three percent," she said. "They could’ve charged more, but the bankers were sucking up to you, so they only charged three percent."

Bing Wengu nodded. "That’s manageable. We might repay the principal and interest in less than a year."

He was impressed—after just a year under his wing, Bing Silang and Nan Dalang had already learned to take risks.

Nan Jinping studied his expression and asked, "Aren’t they biting off more than they can chew? Borrowing such a large sum without hesitation."

"You’ll never get far in life if you overthink everything," Bing Wengu said. He was a bold yet meticulous risk-taker himself. "So what if we lose? We’ve still got our lives—we can always bounce back."

Nan Jinping didn’t find his words arrogant—she just found his confidence downright magnetic.

The next day, Bing Wengu arrived at the yamen, where construction was underway at the entrance. As he went to inspect, he ran into Chu Hongyu.

Chu Hongyu observed Bing Wengu’s expression but found nothing unusual. After a moment’s thought, he ventured, "Magistrate Bing, who knew your man was loaded?"

He expected Bing Wengu to be puzzled or even question why he said that. Instead, the mention of Nan Jinping transformed Bing Wengu entirely.

His usual frostiness thawed instantly, and his lips even curled slightly—a faint but unmistakable smile.

"My husband is exceptional," Bing Wengu said. "You don’t know this, but he’s written several storybooks that were a smash hit in Bianjing. Top theaters in the capital snapped up the rights to adapt them into storytelling performances. Even the Imperial Music Bureau staged them as stage plays, with Li Shishi, the renowned Bianjing actress, playing the lead. But my man still wasn’t happy—he said since the protagonist was Shuang Er, it’d be more fitting for Shuang Er to play the role..."

"Magistrate Bing, is this spot suitable for the stele?" A craftsman’s question interrupted Bing Wengu mid-sentence.

Chu Hongyu gaped at Bing Wengu’s tall, imposing figure in his official robes, his jaw nearly dropping in disbelief.

He turned to the clerk beside him, stunned. "Was that really Magistrate Bing just now, going on and on about his man?"

The clerk was equally dumbfounded. "Not only that, I even saw him smile. Assistant Magistrate Chu, in all the days since Magistrate Bing arrived, I’ve mostly seen his cold demeanor. When he speaks, it’s usually with sarcasm. I almost thought he was born incapable of smiling—that his mouth only spat daggers. Who knew he could be so... all soft and sweet, like spring rain?"

Bing Wengu walked over. "This’ll do. Place it at the yamen entrance. From now on, this will be the Merit Stele, where we’ll carve the names of everyone who helps Ji County."

"Perfect. Include the donation from Bianjing’s Kaleidoscope as well."

"Yes, sir."

As the craftsmen finished, Nan Jinping’s name appeared on the Merit Stele. Bing Wengu felt a surge of pride.

"Wen Gu." Just as the stele was completed, Nan Jinping, Bing Silang, and Nan Dalang arrived together.

Bing Wengu turned and smiled at the sight of Nan Jinping. "Husband, you’ve come at the perfect time. I was just about to send for you to see this."

The clerk, floored by Bing Wengu’s smile, completely forgot his manners and nudged Chu Hongyu excitedly. "Assistant Magistrate, did you see that? Is this seriously only the second time I’ve seen him smile?"

Bing Weng pointed at the merit stele, and Nan Jinping immediately saw his name on it, his face turning red instantly.

Bing Sir and Big Brother Nan naturally saw it too. Although they knew that Bing Weng doted on Nan Jinping, they were still shocked by this emperor-like action of his.

"Weng, isn't this going too far!" Nan Jinping said.

"How is this too much? Establishing a merit stele for those who make large donations has been a practice throughout history, in every county or city. It's also an incentive. Which local gentry would donate such a large sum without wanting to leave a good name? If we don't set up a merit stele and just let it pass quietly, who would be willing to contribute generously when Jixian County needs help again?" Bing Weng spoke with righteous indignation, as if he had no ulterior motives.

But everyone present knew that the establishment of this merit stele was entirely due to Bing Weng's personal desires. Every word and every pattern on the stele testified to Bing Weng's selfishness.

Nan Jinping looked at the words carved on the stele: "Nan Jinping, along with the Bianjing Ten Thousand Flowers, donates 20,000 strings of cash." "The owners of the Ten Thousand Flowers are not just me, yet only my name is here."

"Have you asked Jiang Jinghuai and Shen Qinghe if they dare to be listed? I'm willing to carve their names, but do they dare to be on my merit stele?" According to the laws of Dayong, officials were not allowed to engage in business. "As for the two nominal owners they've pushed forward, have you asked them if they have the courage to outshine their masters and be listed on this merit stele?"

When it came down to it, the only one qualified was indeed Nan Jinping. Nan Jinping held his forehead, feeling utterly powerless. He had never once won an argument against Bing Weng.

"Fine, it's not a big deal. Do as you wish." Nan Jinping waved his hand, deciding not to waste time on this matter. "I called you here because both our families are about to start construction. For hiring workers, why don't you take the lead? It would also help you gain some prestige among the people."

"What do you mean 'your family' and 'my family'? That sounds so harsh. We're not married yet, so we're not a family?" Bing Weng was unhappy.

Nan Jinping really wanted to sigh to the heavens. Truly, the longer he was married to Bing Weng, the more he realized what kind of person Bing Weng was. Usually quite wise and valiant, but when it came to matters involving himself, as his mother would say, he acted like an emperor bewitched by a fox spirit, completely disoriented.

"Alright, it was a slip of the tongue. Let's say it this way: Our family and our family are about to start construction. What do you think about you taking the lead?"

Bing Weng was satisfied, "My husband, you're really something. Now you can even plan things for me."

Bing Sir and Big Brother Nan, one covering his left cheek and the other his right, felt their teeth ache.

These words were also heard by Chu Hongyu and the clerk behind them, their expressions as if they had been struck by lightning.

The clerk exaggerated, "Is this really Magistrate Bing? Truly Magistrate Bing? Or is some demon possessing you?"

Chu Hongyu, being somewhat more worldly, wasn't as dramatic but still whispered, "Just showing off."

Nan Jinping was already accustomed to Wen Gu's daily boasting and didn't find it odd, still able to focus on the matter at hand.

"But Wen Gu, even if our two households hire workers to the maximum, it would only be around two hundred people at most. That's already the upper limit—any more would be unmanageable," Nan Jinping worried. "Yet I recall you once said that Jixian has over five thousand residents. Two hundred out of five thousand is a drop in the bucket—it won't solve the problem at all."

Wen Gu nodded. "I've been thinking about this too, so I'm considering whether we could organize a large job fair in Jixian."

"A large job fair?" Nan Jinping had never heard of such a thing but could infer its meaning from the words. "How would that work? Other places have enough workers already—would anyone be willing to come to Jixian to hire?"

"Whether they will or not, we must at least try," Wen Gu said with determination.

Upon returning to the yamen, Wen Gu pulled out a map of the areas surrounding Jixian. This crude map was nothing like the high-tech star charts he’d used in his past life—rough and patchy—but it was enough for his research.

He researched the neighboring prefectures thoroughly, pored over books in the yamen, and even sent people for on-site investigations—all to identify the larger and more profitable workshops in those regions.

After compiling a detailed list, Wen Gu personally visited each prefecture one by one.

"Proprietor Zhou, if you’d open a branch workshop in our county, I can promise you three years of tax exemption," Wen Gu said when he and Nan Jinping approached Proprietor Zhou, who was utterly bewildered.

Fortunately, Wen Gu had brought the magistrate's token and official appointment documents to prove he was indeed the magistrate of Jixian.

Proprietor Zhou was bewildered, unsure why Wen Gu had sought him out out of the blue. When he heard the proposal to set up a workshop, he was momentarily stunned.

Since he was the one making the request, Wen Gu didn't put on airs and immediately laid out his terms.

"Proprietor Zhou, I know your business is vast and renowned far and wide. Your porcelain reaches several surrounding prefectures, and your annual profits must be considerable. Your yearly taxes must be hefty too. If you agree to build a workshop in Jixian, I promise three years of tax exemption—that’s huge savings."

Proprietor Zhou stared intently into Wen Gu's eyes, trying to discern whether his words were true or false.

The taxes in the Dayong Dynasty were heavy, and the annual tax amounted to a substantial sum. If he didn’t have to pay taxes, then...

At the thought of the silver saved from taxes, Proprietor Zhou’s breathing grew heavier.

Wen Gu continued to sweeten the deal, "Proprietor Zhou, let’s speak plainly. To reduce your annual tax burden, you surely have spent a fortune paying bribes, haven’t you?"

Proprietor Zhou quickly replied, "Lord Wen Gu, you mustn’t speak nonsense! The prefect is honest and beyond reproach—he would never accept bribes."

Wen Gu said, "I am but a lowly county magistrate, with no authority over the prefect, nor the means to interfere. I mention this only to be frank with you: if you come to Jixian, rest assured, I will not only exempt you from taxes for three years but also ensure not a single coin will be taken from you. All I ask is that you establish a workshop in Jixian."

This made Proprietor Zhou laugh. In all his years of business, he had never met an official who didn’t take bribes.

With a mocking smile, Proprietor Zhou said, "Oh? If Lord Wen Gu claims such noble motives, then I must wonder—do you truly act solely for the people of Jixian, without a shred of self-interest?"

Wen Gu replied, "I do. The people of Jixian are my self-interest."

This immediately drew a mocking chuckle from Proprietor Zhou, who sneered, "Then Lord Wen Gu must truly be a paragon of virtue, devoted to the nation and its people!"

Wen Gu remained unruffled and calmly explained, "Proprietor Zhou may doubt my sincerity, but every word I speak comes from the heart."

"If Lord Wen Gu insists on such talk, then there’s no need to continue. My business here is thriving, and I have no intention of relocating for now." Proprietor Zhou picked up his teacup—a polite way to signal the end of the meeting.

Wen Gu deliberately ignored the hint, remaining seated. After all, he was an official, and Proprietor Zhou was merely a merchant. Even if he stubbornly stayed, there was little Proprietor Zhou could do.

Proprietor Zhou was both exasperated and amused by Wen Gu’s nerve.

Wen Gu pressed on, "Let me explain, Proprietor Zhou. You don’t believe that my self-interest aligns with the people’s welfare. But have you considered that my interests and those of Jixian’s people are one and the same?"

Proprietor Zhou frowned, puzzled by Wen Gu’s beating around the bush.

"As everyone knows, Jixian has suffered three years of severe drought. Its current state is no secret to the court. I am this year’s top-ranking scholar, personally appointed by the Emperor to govern Jixian. I carry the Emperor’s grace—if I fail to improve the people’s lives, His Majesty’s disappointment could cost me my job—or worse. So, my priority isn’t embezzlement but the welfare of Jixian’s people. After all, no amount of stolen silver is worth my official rank or my head!"

Wen Gu spoke with a mix of truth and persuasion, his words earnest.

Finally, Proprietor Zhou understood his meaning—Wen Gu’s personal ambitions were indeed tied to the well-being of Jixian’s people.

This made Proprietor Zhou hesitate, though the three-year tax exemption remained the primary lure.

Still retaining some caution, Proprietor Zhou said, "Even if I were to trust Lord Wen Gu, how many workers could my single workshop employ? Compared to Jixian’s population, it would be but a fraction of what’s needed."

Wen Gu raised an eyebrow. "Which is why I have another offer for you."

"Oh? Do enlighten me."

"If Proprietor Zhou can help me persuade another to establish a workshop in Jixian, I will grant you a plot of land—at no cost."

Proprietor Zhou’s breathing grew heavier again. By this calculation, setting up in Jixian would leave him with only labor costs to worry about—a pittance compared to the tax savings.

He was genuinely tempted. While the tax exemption was the main draw, Wen Gu’s frank explanation also played no small part.

Proprietor Zhou said, "This is no small decision. Allow me a few days to consider, Lord Wen Gu."

"Very well. Whether you agree or not, I ask for your answer in three days. I shall await your reply at the post station." This time, Wen Gu did not press further, taking his leave decisively.

Once outside, Nan Jinping asked worriedly, "Wen Gu, do you think he’ll agree?"

Dressed in men’s clothing and posing as Wen Gu’s cousin, Shuang Er followed at his side. Wen Gu had suggested bringing him along this time, and Nan Jinping, eager to learn how to handle such matters, had gladly accompanied him.

Bing Wengu smiled. "Absolutely."

Proprietor Zhou grew more tempted the more he thought about it and decided to give Jixian County a try. Once resolved, he set his sights on the land Bing Wengu had promised and began actively helping him find interested parties.

Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping met with merchants day after day. After several days, Bing Wengu threw a banquet, inviting all interested merchants to dine together.

As the sole official present, Bing Wengu raised his glass first and said, "I must first thank you all for being here tonight. Whether or not you ultimately decide to establish workshops in Jixian County, I am grateful for your attendance."

With that, he drained his cup in one gulp, turning it upside down afterward to show not a single drop remained.

Impressed by his gesture, the attendees politely followed suit and drank as well.

Bing Wengu then proceeded to talk up grand plans for Jixian County's future to the merchants.

Amidst the flowing wine and big promises, the merchants drank heartily. After several rounds, perhaps emboldened by alcohol, one merchant surnamed Li began pushing drinks on Nan Jinping.

Noticing this, Bing Wengu intervened. "This is my cousin, who isn't much of a drinker. I'll drink in his stead."

Whether due to drunkenness or mischief, Proprietor Li slapped down a full jar of wine in front of Bing Wengu and said with a smirk, "Well then, if Lord Bing is willing to drink for him, why not finish this whole jar? If you can drain it all, we’ll set up workshops in your Jixian County!"

Proprietor Li added mockingly, "Earlier, Lord Bing made pretty promises. Now’s the time to test his sincerity, isn’t it?"