Chapter 43 Prefect Lv Yuan

Chapter 43 Prefect Lv Yuan

Prefect Lv Yuan of Hexi Commandery received the news immediately after the embankments collapsed in Huai County and Pu County on the fourteenth.

Although he hadn't personally supervised the repair of the embankments, leaving that task to that son-in-law of the Xiao family, Prefecture Deputy Zhou Boshan, so he could share some credit with Prince Jiannan, Lv Yuan had personally inspected the embankments after their completion.

The successful repair of the embankments in Hexi Commandery was a significant achievement for him, so he had kept a close watch on the project.

He'd been impressed by the construction, thinking that Prince Jiannan must have sunk a fortune into the project. However, no amount of silver was too much if it could buy merit, reputation, and the people's support.

But now these very embankments had been destroyed?

Moreover, it happened in two counties where the villages and farmlands were closer to the Ning River. The flood came swiftly and violently, flooding over a dozen villages in the two counties.

Not only were fertile fields and homes lost, but thousands of people were also swept away.

His achievement had suddenly become a liability. Lv Yuan immediately called for a meeting.

First, he ordered an investigation into whether the embankments had been sabotaged. Then, he personally wrote a memorial to the court and had it rushed to the capital by courier, while also sending a secret letter to the Xiao family.

After doing all this, he dispatched officers and soldiers to Huai County and Pu County to monitor the situation, ensuring that the flood victims did not flee to other counties or enter the commandery seat.

But such a major incident was beyond his control to judge its rights and wrongs.

Whether it was a "natural disaster" or "sabotage," whether someone had framed him or the embankments were indeed poorly built—these were not decisions he could make.

Whatever conclusion the higher-ups reached, he would simply comply.

If it was deemed a natural disaster, then the embankments were poorly built. He would round up some people to take the fall, and that would settle the matter.

If it was deemed sabotage, then someone had framed him. He would need to find out who destroyed the embankments. As for who else should be implicated, that would be up to the higher-ups to decide.

He also sent orders to the counties adjacent to Huai and Pu, instructing the magistrates to prepare some grain. If flood victims did flee there, they were to set up soup kitchens, if only for show to the court.

Thus, as prefect, he had done all he could.

He had done his part; the rest was up to heaven.

Lv Yuan stood by the window, watching the pouring rain outside, his heart still unsettled.

Meanwhile, Prefecture Deputy Zhou Boshan, he'd sent to inspect the damaged embankments, was filled with terror.

He had accompanied Prince Jiannan in building the embankments. Now that the embankments had failed, Prince Jiannan, with his high status and power, would surely be fine. But he, the Prefecture Deputy, would likely be made the scapegoat, abandoned by the Xiao family.

No, he couldn't let that happen. He had to do something.

He hurried home, told his servants to pack his bags, and prepared to go to Huai County and Pu County to see what had happened.

But before that, he had to secure a way out for himself.

"Someone!" he called out loudly, summoning an attendant. In a low voice, he instructed, "Go investigate which craftsmen and villagers built the embankments in Huai County and Pu County. Once you have the list, give it to the local magistrates and tell them these people stole construction materials and used substandard replacements. Order them to execute all these villagers and craftsmen."

He couldn't become the scapegoat; he would let those villagers and craftsmen die in his place.

==

The relief mission from the capital set off promptly at dawn on the fifteenth.

The team was mostly composed of officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Works, along with eight physicians from the Imperial Medical Institute—thirty people in total.

Qin Xiao also ordered the Ministry of War to dispatch three hundred soldiers from nearby Jing'an County and other areas, and another three hundred from the City Defense Force, to escort the relief mission along the way.

The City Defense Force was formed from parts of the original Qin Family Army and was completely loyal to Qin Xiao, making them a safer escort.

From the capital to Hexi Commandery, it would take just over a day by fast horse. However, the team was carrying relief funds and supplies, and included many civilian officials. Coupled with the incessant rain and muddy roads, the journey was even slower.

Qin Xiao did not travel with the team. He went on ahead with Minister of Works Jian Hongzhuo and several officials from the Water Management Department to the worst-hit areas of Huai County and Pu County in Hexi Commandery.

Building emergency levees was of utmost importance. The sooner they arrived, the sooner they could stop the floodwaters from spreading and submerging more areas.

Chu Jiubian stayed with the team and was given overall command.

On the day of departure, he allowed only a little over an hour for lunch and rest at noon, pushing them to keep moving for the rest of the day. They finally reached an official waystation before nightfall.

Qin Xiao, who had passed through earlier, had left word at these stations to prepare for the arrival of the relief mission.

Thus, as soon as Chu Jiubian's team stopped, the station master came out with a group of minor functionaries to welcome them.

"I, Shí Jìtóng, station master of Dongyang Station, pays respects to Grand Tutor Sir and all esteemed officials."

"At ease," Chu Jiubian said.

"Yes." Station master Shí wasted no time and quickly led everyone into the station, saying as they walked, "You must be tired from your journey, esteemed officials. I have already ordered hot water and meals prepared, and rooms are ready for you. You may first return to your rooms to clean up, and I will have the meals delivered directly to your rooms."

Meanwhile, other minor functionaries helped the soldiers transporting grain settle the team, feed the horses, and invited everyone to the main hall for meals.

Great Ning had many official waystations to accommodate traveling officials.

Dongyang Station was only a medium-sized station, but Station master Shí was efficient, so despite the large number of people, everything was handled efficiently without chaos.

Chu Jiubian went upstairs with the other officials. There were many rooms, but with over twenty officials present, it was impossible for each to have a single room.

Thus, apart from Chu Jiubian and Director of the Ministry of Revenue Chao Shun, who had single rooms, the other lower-ranking officials shared rooms in pairs.

Chu Jiubian entered his bedroom and saw that hot water for washing had been prepared, even including a bathtub.

It seemed that, as the highest-ranking first-rank official in the team, he alone received such treatment.

The rain had not let up all day, and the bumpy, muddy journey had been arduous for Chu Jiubian.

So he wasn't about to pretend, such as insisting on roughing it like the others.

He removed his clothes, revealing pale, smooth skin that glowed like pearls under the flickering lamplight, with the network of crisscrossing scars now faded almost to invisibility.

However, his shoulders, arms, waist, hips, and legs—almost all areas that had borne pressure—were covered in bruises of varying shades of blue and purple.

These were all from being bounced and knocked around in the carriage.

Chu Jiubian ignored them and stepped into the bathtub, scrubbing himself clean.

The warm water flowed over his body, easing his fatigue.

After soaking for a while, Chu Jiubian emerged from the tub and put on clean undergarments.

The clothes were still damp, but it couldn't be helped in such weather.

He had the water carried out, had a bowl of hot noodles, and finally relaxed his nerves, which had been tense all day.

He threw on his outer robe and left his room, heading downstairs.

The soldiers had also washed up and changed into drier clothes. They were eating and loudly sharing raunchy jokes.

Noticing Chu Jiubian descending, the soldiers immediately straightened up, stood up, and saluted with cupped hands.

Then, the others also rose and saluted, saying in unison, "Grand Tutor Sir."

Most of them were respectful, but a few who were discontent showed their displeasure on their faces.

Chu Jiubian didn’t mind. The forced march was indeed tough on these soldiers who had been drenched in the rain the whole time, so it was normal for them to be irritable.

The soldiers’ unified salutation from downstairs also reached the upper floor.

The civil officials upstairs, hearing this, came out of their rooms and gathered behind Chu Jiubian, assuming he had an announcement.

Chu Jiubian walked downstairs, and the officials followed him.

"These past few days have truly been difficult for everyone," Chu Jiubian said gently. "But the flood is perilous, and the people of Hexi County are displaced, living day to day uncertainly. They are relying on our shipment of money and provisions to survive."

"We’ll arrive in just two more days' journey. Please endure a little longer. I'll remember your service, and I thank you on behalf of the people of Hexi County."

With that, Chu Jiubian bowed to the assembly.

The soldiers had never seen a senior official bow to them before. They were extremely flustered and hurriedly bowed in return, saying, "We don't deserve this honor," bending lower and lower.

These soldiers were used to rough conditions. Their daily drills were often tougher than this. Moreover, this was their duty. Though they found it arduous and had some complaints, none of them voiced them aloud.

Now, with a first-rank official like Chu Jiubian speaking to them so gently and acknowledging their contributions, all complaints disappeared entirely.

It was just two more days' journey—they could gut it out.

Such is the nature of those in power. A little so-called "kindness" from them can make those beneath feel immensely grateful.

However, unlike the soldiers, the score of civil officials did not look well.

They were not as robust as the soldiers, and some had never even been outside the capital, let alone endured such harsh conditions of wind and rain. It felt as though they were half dead from exhaustion.

"Achoo!" Chao Shun, the Director of the Ministry of Revenue, couldn’t hold back a sneeze.

Chu Jiubian glanced at him. Chao Shun hurriedly bowed, wanting to apologize, but ended up sneezing twice more.

This was rather impolite in front of a superior official. Chao Shun’s face turned red, and he repeatedly apologized.

Chu Jiubian then looked at the other civil officials. Their faces were pale, clearly having suffered greatly.

"Sir Chu," Zhang Ziliang, the Imperial Medical Vice Director, stepped forward. "I have already had medicine prepared to prevent colds. Perhaps we should have everyone drink it now."

The Imperial Medical Department had come along precisely to prevent outbreaks, so it was natural to ensure the health of the officials and soldiers.

Chu Jiubian nodded. "Go ahead."

Vice Director Zhang immediately ordered someone to fetch the medicine, and everyone was given a bowl to drink.

Chu Jiubian wasn't keen on the bitter medicine, but he didn't want to make an exception, so he drank a bowl as well.

"Tomorrow, we’ll push ourselves a bit harder. We’ll start early and depart at mao hour (5-7 a.m.) before dawn," he instructed.

After this episode, everyone’s impression of Chu Jiubian improved significantly, and they all complied without protest.

However, the next day, when it was time to assemble, everyone noticed that Chao Shun had not come down.

A subordinate from the Ministry of Revenue went to knock on his door and then hurriedly ran down to report to Chu Jiubian, "Sir, Director Chao seems to have a high fever."

Chu Jiubian frowned and immediately went upstairs.

Vice Director Zhang quickly followed.

Upon entering the room, Chu Jiubian first noticed the unusual dampness and chill in the air. His gaze swept over the windowsill, where there were traces of water that had not been wiped clean.

His eyes turned cold as he glanced toward the bed.

Chao Shun lay on the bed, his face flushed with an unnatural redness, his brow furrowed, his breathing hot and labored.

Vice Director Zhang stepped forward to examine him and said with a frown, "Director Chao has a high fever. We need to reduce it quickly."

However, in his current state, delirious from the fever, it would be difficult for him to continue the journey.

Chu Jiubian could not have everyone wait here, but Chao Shun was the Director of the Ministry of Revenue and the lead official dispatched for this relief mission. If he did not go, there would be no one to oversee the accounts and supplies.

If any discrepancies arose, the Ministry of Revenue—or at least Chao Shun himself—could only be considered "delayed due to illness" and would not bear significant blame.

The expressions of everyone in the room varied, all subtly glancing at Chu Jiubian, waiting for his decision.

Chu Jiubian coldly observed the man on the bed, then turned and called over the junior official from the Ministry of Revenue. "You stay here to care for Director Chao. I’ll leave two soldiers and one imperial physician with you. Once he recovers, catch up with us immediately."

With that, he pretended to reach into his sleeve but actually retrieved two fever pills from his private stores. Handing them to the junior official, he said, "Take these pills. Give him one now, and if the fever hasn’t subsided by evening, give him another."

The junior official hurriedly agreed, respectfully accepting the pills, secretly relieved.

Not having to continue the forced march was a great relief.

Vice Director Zhang’s eyes gleamed at the sight of the two pills.

When the emperor had previously suffered from a persistent high fever, it was Senior Tutor Chu who had helped reduce it, likely using similar pills.

He wondered how these pills were made. If they could be mass-produced, high fevers would no longer be so dangerous.

For this relief mission, the Imperial Medical Director had originally planned to come personally, but Vice Director Zhang had pulled strings to secure the difficult assignment.

He had thought that if an epidemic really broke out in Hexi County, Chu Jiubian might work another miracle and produce some miraculous medicine.

In that case, as the Imperial Medical Vice Director, he would be the most likely to get hold of the formula.

If he could control such a formula, he would be the top candidate to succeed the Imperial Medical Director when the latter stepped down.

Therefore, even though staying behind to care for Chao Shun would let him avoid the hardship of the forced march, he had no desire to remain.

He only wanted to stay close to Chu Jiubian at all times, preferably by attending to him properly and leaving a favorable impression. Only then could he gain more benefits and obtain what he desired.

Though he had no wish to stay, there were plenty of others eager to seize this opportunity to leave the relief mission and have an easier time.

A certain Doctor Li, who was particularly adept at reading people, noticed that Vice Director Zhang did not immediately offer to stay and deduced that he had other intentions.

Such a cushy assignment would go to whoever spoke up first.

Thus, Doctor Li stepped forward, respectfully bowed, and said, "Grand Tutor Sir, Vice Director, I am willing to stay and care for Director Chao."

Vice Director Zhang looked at Chu Jiubian.

Chu Jiubian nodded in agreement and called over two soldiers from the City Defense Force, instructing them to stay and look after Chao Shun and the others. Only then did he lead the disaster relief convoy back on the road.

It was not yet dawn, and the rain showed no sign of easing up.

Chu Jiubian leaned back with his eyes closed inside the carriage, which was cushioned with soft padding and brocade quilts. However, the road was rough going, making it impossible for him to catch some shut-eye even for a moment.

Qin Xiao should have arrived at his destination by now, but it was unclear how the situation was unfolding.

He hoped it hadn’t reached a point of no return.

==

To reach the two disaster-stricken counties in Hexi Prefecture, they had to pass through the prefectural capital.

Qin Xiao led Jian Hongzhuo and his team on a day-and-night journey, arriving at the prefectural capital of Hexi on the morning of the 16th.

Day was just breaking, and the heavy rain blurred their vision.

Since Qin Xiao and his group were not traveling with the main disaster relief team, the local officials were apparently unaware of their early arrival and did not come out to greet them outside the city.

However, to reach Huai County and Pu County, Qin Xiao needed the assistance of local officials. So, he rode on horseback with Jian Hongzhuo and the others straight to the prefectural office before dismounting.

One of the soldiers stepped forward to knock on the door.

Shortly after, a servant came yawning as he opened the door.

Startled by the group outside, he jumped in alarm.

Why were there soldiers here?!

"Where is your Lord Lü?" the soldier who knocked asked coldly.

The servant stammered, "Who... who are you?"

"Prince Ning has arrived," the soldier said sternly. "Hurry and bring Lord Lü out."

"Yes! Yes!" The servant, panicked completely, forgot even to take an umbrella as he scrambled toward the rear courtyard.

Qin Xiao stepped forward, leading the group directly into the courtyard.

==

By noon on the 16th, the rain had let up slightly.

The disaster relief team found a spacious area and set up a temporary shelter with oilcloth, where everyone made do with a simple meal.

Chu Jiubian ordered hot water to be boiled and added cold-prevention medicine, instructing everyone to drink it.

After a rest break of over an hour, the team set off again.

Having rushed for an entire day the day before, everyone was physically and mentally uncomfortable. However, because Chu Jiubian had spoken to them so gently and kindly, they felt they could endure a little longer.

But after two consecutive days of forced marches, many soldiers began to resent Chu Jiubian and the other civil officials.

They thought how easy the high-ranking officials had it, sheltered from the wind and rain in their carriages, unlike the regular soldiers who endured hardships without any tangible rewards.

Especially Chu Jiubian’s carriage—large and spacious, cushioned with soft padding and quilts. It was likely that while they were pushing hard on the march, he was comfortably asleep inside.

In reality, however, Chu Jiubian couldn’t even stay seated properly, let alone sleep.

Moreover, the so-called spacious carriage was actually the same as the others used by civil officials. It only seemed larger because Chu Jiubian was the sole occupant.

But at this moment, the carriage held more than just Chu Jiubian. There was also a hidden guard and a man who had been trussed up and delivered by the guard.

The man wore a navy blue official robe, a cloth stuffed in his mouth, his eyes filled with terror.

This man was none other than Chao Shun, Director of the Ministry of Revenue.

Chao Shun’s hands were tied behind his back as he knelt facing Chu Jiubian, kowtowing repeatedly with tears and snot running down his face.

Chu Jiubian looked down at him, his eyes showing no emotion.

Chao Shun whimpered pitifully, as if he had much to say, his entire appearance utterly wretched.

Chu Jiubian signaled the hidden guard to remove the cloth from his mouth.

As soon as he could speak, Chao Shun said tremulously, "Spare me, my lord! This humble official admits his wrongdoing! Please, considering that this humble official has not yet caused severe consequences, spare my life!"

He kowtowed repeatedly, not daring to look Chu Jiubian in the eye.

The sense of oppression emanating from Chu Jiubian was too strong; he could even sense the palpable killing intent.

He was going to die!

Chu Jiubian truly intended to kill him!

With elderly parents above and young children below, he couldn’t die like this.

So, disregarding everything else, Chao Shun begged desperately, "Please spare me, my lord! I had no other choice!"

After a long silence, when Chao Shun’s voice had grown hoarse, Chu Jiubian finally spoke: "Four hundred thousand taels of silver."

Chao Shun’s voice cut off abruptly.

"How much did you plan to skim off this time?" Chu Jiubian’s voice was cool and detached, with no inflection.

Earlier that morning, when Chu Jiubian entered Chao Shun’s room, he noticed the damp and chilly air and the still-wet traces of water on the windowsill. It was clear that the Director of the Ministry of Revenue had deliberately left the window open all night to make himself ill.

With a high fever and delirious, he naturally couldn’t keep up with the disaster relief team in time.

And once he fell behind, it was uncertain how long it would take for him to catch up.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao had no one else to rely on, and Hexi Prefecture had too many matters requiring their supervision and personal attention. Inevitably, there would be oversights and tasks beyond their capabilities.

Once disaster relief efforts began, relief funds would be expended daily in varying amounts.

The Ministry of Revenue’s responsibility was to keep clear and accurate records of these accounts, ensuring every tael of silver was accounted for and used for disaster relief.

But if someone tampered with the accounts, large sums of silver could disappear without a trace.

With so many numerous petty accounts, it was impossible for Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao to verify item by item. In the end, it would be unclear how much silver was used properly and how much ended up in certain individuals’ pockets.

However, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were not easily fooled. They were likely to detect discrepancies in the accounts.

As the head of the Ministry of Revenue for this disaster relief mission, Chao Shun would be the first to be punished if any issues arose with the accounts.

Fearing this, he deliberately made himself ill to separate from the team.

This way, by the time he caught up, the accounts would already be in disarray, and the embezzlement would be complete.

If Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao questioned him, he could use his illness and delayed arrival as an excuse, pinning the blame on his subordinates and extricating himself from the affair.

But while this ensured his safety, the disaster relief funds wouldn't be used for their intended purpose, and the suffering of the affected people would worsen, leading to more deaths.

Chao Shun burst out crying, "I bear the future of the entire Chao family on my shoulders. If I don’t do this, my family will... will..."

The Chao family was but a minor clan, needing powerful backing to get by.

Without that, he would never have reached his current position. And along the way, he'd become completely tied to that powerful patron.

He couldn't break free and didn't dare defy it.

He was powerless to stop those embezzling the disaster relief funds, and he knew that if anything went wrong, he would be the main fall guy, the sacrificial lamb.

So he could only make himself deathly ill. Only this way could he possibly save his own life and protect the Chao family behind him.

During his time at the Ministry of Justice, Chu Jiubian had come to understand thoroughly the court officials and the tangled web of power structures behind them.

This Director of the Ministry of Revenue before him came from a respectable family background; the Chao family could be ranked in the upper-middle-tier among the influential noble families in the capital.

However, they'd risen to this position thanks entirely to the Qiu family.

And this time, it was clearly the Qiu family looking to skim off a portion of the disaster relief funds.

Chu Jiubian recalled Minister of Justice Qiu Heng, who always acted so righteous and incorruptible. Yet, from the auction incident to holding up payments for fine salt, and now the attempt to embezzle disaster relief funds—

Minister Qiu’s actions were far from honorable.

"I’ll give you a chance to redeem yourself," Chu Jiubian said.

Chao Shun was so relieved he nearly wept. "Please give the order, my lord! I would walk through fire to accomplish it for you!"

"No need for fire and water," Chu Jiubian said flatly. "Just ensure that all four hundred thousand taels of silver go entirely toward disaster relief. If even a single coin is missing, the Chao family will be finished in the capital."

Chao Shun shook uncontrollably, breaking into a cold sweat.

If the Qiu family wanted to embezzle but he refused, they'd make sure he paid.

But if he allowed the Qiu family to embezzle, Chu Jiubian would not spare him either.

Stuck between two dangers, either way led to death.

Unless he let the Qiu family embezzle but covered the shortage himself.

But how much would the Qiu family take?

Could the Chao family afford to cover it?

"You’re still feverish. Go rest," Chu Jiubian said.

Though the words sounded caring, Chao Shun felt only cold dread.

He kowtowed three times heavily before leaving the carriage.

But his steps were unsteady, and as soon as he stepped out, he stumbled and fell from the carriage, landing hard in the mud.

Nearby soldiers saw it, their expressions filled with shock and confusion.

Wasn’t Chao Shun supposed to be recuperating at the waystation?

When did he catch up?

And when did he enter Chu Jiubian’s carriage?

Chao Shun paid no mind to the scrutinizing stares. He clambered to his feet, stumbling to the carriage he had been riding earlier. With the help of soldiers, he climbed aboard and retreated inside, not emerging again.

Not long after, two soldiers who had stayed behind at the waystation returned on fast horses, bringing Physician Li and the low-ranking official from the Ministry of Revenue.

All four were soaked and messy, but none dared utter a word of complaint. They quietly fell back into line.

When others asked what had happened, they kept their mouths shut, though the awe and fear in their eyes when they glanced toward Chu Jiubian’s carriage were impossible to hide.

The atmosphere in the procession grew subtly tense. Everyone was speculating wildly, but the earlier resentment had largely dissipated.

They continued until evening, finally arriving at another official waystation.

Everyone settled in to rest and recuperate.

After bathing and eating, Chu Jiubian calculated that they would reach the borders of Hexi Commandery by tomorrow evening. They would forgo rest then and proceed directly into the commandery city.

But just as he was about to retire, a secret guard suddenly knocked on the window and handed him a letter.

It was from Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian immediately rose and took it.

He opened the letter, and his heart sank as he read the first line.

"Lü Yuan, the Governor of Hexi Commandery, committed suicide half an hour before we arrived at the governor’s residence, a suicide to escape punishment for his crimes."