Chapter 58 Canal Transport Upheaval

## Chapter 58: The Grand Canal Upheaval

Qin Chuan was clearly a man of direct speech—no doubt about it.

Chu Jiubian, accustomed to the capital’s intricate machinations, found such straightforwardness refreshing. He cut to the chase: "There is indeed a task I need you to undertake."

Without revealing his thoughts, Qin Chuan immediately responded, "What are your instructions, High Priest?"

Chu Jiubian was slightly taken aback.

He hadn't even made a move, yet Qin Chuan had already agreed to serve him?

Though puzzled, he wasted no time and stated bluntly: "Go to Nan Zhili and verify the identities and character of these individuals."

A sheet of paper bearing over a dozen names appeared on the table. Qin Chuan picked it up.

As the smooth, pristine paper touched his hand, a faint glint flashed in his eyes.

Upon closer inspection, he noted the writing was small and delicate, sharp yet clearly not penned with a brush.

Was this what they called an artifact from the immortal realm?

Truly extraordinary.

Qin Chuan’s expression remained impassive as he calmly perused the names one by one. Yet, the more he read, the faster his heart pounded.

Two days prior, a letter from the palace had instructed him to personally visit Nan Zhili.

Attached was a list—Qin Xiao wanted him to investigate the backgrounds and character of these individuals in Nan Zhili.

It wasn't that Qin Xiao distrusted Wei Yi, but some sensitive information could only be unearthed through the connections of those in the martial world.

The matter of the Grand Canal transport was paramount; he had to ensure absolute security.

And now, every single name provided by the High Priest was on that very same list!

Moreover, the task the High Priest assigned him was identical to the one Qin Xiao had given him!

Qin Chuan dismissed the notion of mere coincidence.

He couldn't help but recall Senior Tutor Chu in the palace.

What Qin Xiao intended, Chu Jiubian must also know. So, was it possible that the High Priest and Chu Jiubian were...

Qin Chuan set down the list and looked up at the deity: "Why do you ask me to undertake this task?"

"Destiny binds us," Chu Jiubian said cryptically. "And you possess the capability."

"May I inquire why you wish to investigate these individuals?"

Chu Jiubian offered no direct answer, instead saying, "Upon completion, I shall grant you a treasure."

He didn't yet know Qin Chuan's desires, so he could defer the reward for now, later purchasing something suitable from the system.

Chu Jiubian was certain Qin Chuan would agree.

Given Qin Xiao's nature, he would undoubtedly dispatch someone to conduct a covert investigation, supplementing Wei Yi's efforts, to ensure absolute certainty.

And Qin Chuan was the most fitting candidate.

Therefore, Chu Jiubian surmised that Qin Chuan had already received this list from Qin Xiao.

Since Qin Chuan was already tasked with this investigation, accepting Chu Jiubian's mission concurrently was a win-win proposition.

Thus, unless Qin Chuan was foolish, he would accept the task.

Indeed, after a moment of silence, Qin Chuan spoke: "I can undertake this matter for you, sir."

Chu Jiubian raised an eyebrow.

Halting mid-sentence—was he attempting to negotiate?

Qin Chuan carefully weighed his words before speaking again: "I merely wonder what kind of treasure you refer to?"

It sounded like he had a request.

"What do you desire?" Chu Jiubian asked, intrigued.

Qin Chuan detected the interest in his tone and meticulously observed the towering divine statue shrouded in mist.

Its precise features were obscured, but he could vaguely discern that the deity seemed to possess long, silver-white hair.

Just like Chu Jiubian.

Was this characteristic of all deities, or only of Chu Jiubian and the High Priest?

A thought sparked in Qin Chuan's mind, and he said: "The High Priest wields supernatural powers, and any treasure bestowed must be exceedingly rare. However, as I traverse the martial world, I inevitably suffer bumps and bruises, and may even sustain severe injuries."

His eyes bright, he asked: "Might the High Priest grant me a life-preserving elixir?"

Chu Jiubian: "..."

He inquired mentally: "System, does such an item exist?"

【Yes, Host, but you do not have permission to purchase it.】

"Why?"

【Items purchasable in different worlds must be those that have existed or will exist in that world. For example, the fine salt you purchased earlier is something that would naturally appear in this world eventually. Your purchase merely accelerates its appearance, rather than creating it from nothing.】

【Life-preserving elixirs exist in cultivation worlds. In the past or future of your current world, mystical arts are impossible, hence you cannot purchase such items.】

Chu Jiubian instantly grasped the crucial point and asked: "Then if Qin Chuan or other followers are gravely injured, can I use future medical techniques to save them?"

【Yes, Host. You only need to purchase the relevant books and medicines to master them. The range of purchasable medical books and skills encompasses your former world, as well as the interstellar world hundreds of years into the future. (Interstellar medicine is so advanced that as long as a living being has a breath left, they can be cured.)】

That powerful?!

Chu Jiubian was pleasantly surprised.

It seemed he needed to find time to peruse the descriptions of various medical books in the system mall so he could purchase them instantly when needed.

"What if I need to perform surgery? Is there a sterile environment?"

【Special circumstances can be handled within the Divine Realm, but it will cost you five hundred points, Host.】

Five hundred?!

Although Chu Jiubian's points were steadily increasing, the rate had slowed considerably compared to the beginning, and he had numerous expenditures.

Even now, he possessed less than a thousand points.

If it truly came to performing surgery, he would not only lose five hundred points but also need to purchase books, surgical tools, and instruments...

In other words, if he agreed to Qin Chuan's request, he would need to maintain a reserve of at least six hundred points to be secure.

Chu Jiubian felt a headache brewing.

Compared to Qin Chuan, the previous three believers were veritable angels!

However, Qin Chuan's unique status meant Chu Jiubian never expected to easily win him over.

After a long moment of contemplation, he spoke: "Fate is decreed by heaven; I cannot defy the natural order to revive the dead or mend shattered bones. But if you retain a single breath, I can restore you."

Qin Chuan had been somewhat anxious after asking his question.

Elixirs of immortality and divine life-saving pills were mere fabrications of Taoists and storytellers.

But what had he just heard?

The High Priest claimed that as long as he had a breath left, the deity could save him!

Qin Chuan's heart pounded furiously, yet he maintained his composure, pushing his luck: "What if I wished to ask you to save someone other than myself?"

"You may, but you will have only one opportunity," Chu Jiubian replied.

Qin Chuan immediately rose, knelt respectfully before Chu Jiubian, and kowtowed three times, as if worshipping in a temple.

As he lifted his head after the third kowtow, he found the scene before him completely transformed.

The ethereal divine realm was gone, along with the dragon's roar and phoenix's cry, and the magnificent, colossal divine statue had vanished. All that remained was the carved bed frame in the guest room.

He sat up abruptly and surveyed his surroundings.

He had indeed returned.

He took out a tinderbox and lit it, his peripheral vision catching sight of a piece of paper by the bedside. He picked it up to examine.

He didn't even need to scrutinize its contents; a mere touch confirmed it was the divine paper he had felt in his dream!

Something from the dream had followed him into reality—how truly wondrous!

Qin Chuan folded the paper into a neat square, then walked to the table, lit an oil lamp, and swiftly prepared ink.

He intended to send word back to the capital, informing Qin Xiao of his encounter with the High Priest.

As for whether the High Priest learned of the Grand Canal personnel selection in Nan Zhili through Chu Jiubian's words or simply through his vast divine powers, he would leave that for Qin Xiao to investigate.

Qin Chuan unfolded the yellowed, coarse paper and dipped his brush in ink.

"Encountered an immortal in a dream, gained..."

He had only written five characters when he abruptly paused, staring intently at the words on the paper.

The characters were slowly "dissolving."

The ink smudged, quickly obscuring the original writing.

His heart skipped a beat, and he tried again, but no matter how he phrased it or how subtly he put it, the words on the paper would vanish.

He set aside the smudged paper and started anew on a fresh sheet, writing: "Asking after my elder brother’s health."

After writing, he waited, but these characters remained unchanged.

He then tried adding after these words: "I have arrived in Nan Zhili, had a dream at night..."

The words began to dissolve again, but only the part from "had a dream at night" onward.

Qin Chuan stared at the blurred ink stains, a cold sweat breaking out across his back.

He put down the brush, walked to the window, pushed it open, took out a whistle, and blew a sharp, bird-like note, then stepped back and stood still.

Within moments, a dark figure silently leaped in through the window and bowed: "Alliance Leader."

"Just now..." Qin Chuan felt the words on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't utter them.

It wasn't that his voice was erased—he couldn't even form the words!

His subordinate looked up at him: "What are your orders, Alliance Leader?"

Qin Chuan's throat worked. After a few moments, he said: "Tomorrow morning, go to Ruyang prefectural city to visit the owner of Ruihua Tower. Remember to buy some of her favorite pastries."

Ruihua Tower, located in Ruyang prefectural city in Nan Zhili, was the largest brothel in the region. Its owner, the renowned Lady Ruihua, also gathered intelligence on all kinds of matters across Nan Zhili.

Naturally, she was also a close friend of Qin Chuan.

After receiving word from Qin Xiao, Qin Chuan had come to Nan Zhili with his men. Today, he had just met with old friends in Suiyuan Prefecture, asking them to help investigate local scholars on the list.

He was currently staying at one of these friends’ homes and had originally planned to go to Ruyang tomorrow.

The subordinate immediately bowed: "Understood."

After the subordinate left, Qin Chuan returned to the table. The ink on the paper remained.

He burned both sheets.

The flickering firelight reflected in his deep eyes.

He could not speak of the Divine Realm to anyone, not even his closest relatives.

In the Divine Realm, Chu Jiubian sat cross-legged, chin resting on one hand, observing the scene displayed on the card screen.

It seemed Qin Chuan truly couldn't reveal matters of the Divine Realm to Qin Xiao.

Chu Jiubian had delayed summoning Qin Chuan precisely because he was unsure about securing his loyalty.

Now, by hinting at his connection to Chu Jiubian and their shared stance, it effectively aligned the High Priest with Qin Xiao.

Thus, as long as it didn't conflict with Qin Xiao's interests, Qin Chuan remained a highly useful follower for the High Priest.

However, Chu Jiubian currently had no plans to allow Qin Chuan to meet the other believers.

Lu Yao was an exception; this remarkable individual required Qin Chuan's protection.

Moreover, Qin Chuan couldn't reveal Lu Yao's identity to Qin Xiao, so even if Lu Yao were admitted to the National Academy, Qin Xiao wouldn't know he served the High Priest.

On the screen, Qin Chuan had given up on writing the letter and gone to bed.

Chu Jiubian closed the screen and routinely asked the system: "Is Lu Yao still not sleeping?"

【Yes, Host.】

Chu Jiubian: "......"

If not for the system's reliability, he would almost suspect Lu Yao wasn't human.

However, he also understood that individuals varied in intelligence and physical capabilities.

Some people possessed the ability to remain continuously awake, but it wasn't that they didn't sleep—rather, they compressed and fragmented their rest into brief moments.

In these fleeting seconds, they could enter a state of extremely deep sleep.

Then immediately return to high concentration.

For instance, after an hour of intense mental exertion, they might allow themselves a minute of deep sleep, then a few seconds of sleep every few minutes. Over the course of a day, their total sleep time would meet the body's basic requirements, though this practice could still cause some physical harm.

Moreover, Lu Yao was only nineteen. At such a young age, he should be more mindful of his health and not squander it simply because he was young.

Once he summoned him, he would insist on a strict regimen of five to seven hours of sleep each night.

Chu Jiubian exited the Divine Realm, yawned, rolled over, and fell asleep.

There was still much to discuss at tomorrow's morning court session.

The continuous rain had finally ceased, giving way to several days of clear skies.

Early in the morning, officials gathered outside the palace gates.

The remaining matters in Hexi Prefecture had been largely settled, with only minor issues left for the newly appointed Prefecture Deputy Han Yuandao to handle locally.

Currently, Hexi Prefecture lacked a Prefect, and Han Yuandao, originally an ordinary agricultural official, had risen to become the highest authority in Hexi Prefecture. The immense pressure he faced was unspoken.

Minister Jian Hongzhuo, who had remained there to supervise, and the newly appointed Vice Minister of Works Liu Junqi, had both returned to the capital just before the city gates closed yesterday.

Thus, today’s assembly of officials was finally complete.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries, though it was hard to discern sincerity from pretense.

Minister of Rites Wang Zhiyuan glanced at Xiao Huaiguan, who appeared increasingly energetic, and found it rather peculiar.

This old man had previously seemed on the verge of death, but now he looked more vigorous by the day. Had he perhaps acquired some miraculous elixir?

Xiao Huaiguan noticed his gaze, turned his head, and smiled: "Why does Minister Wang look at me so?"

"Minister Xiao appears increasingly youthful these days," Wang Zhiyuan said with a faint smile. "Is it because there are no younger members of the Xiao family left at court, forcing you to beg the heavens for a few more years of life?"

There were indeed still younger members of the Xiao family in court, many holding positions of fifth-rank or higher.

However, without the exceptionally capable Xiao Wendao, Xiao Huaiguan was indeed isolated in court.

Xiao Huaiguan's inner thoughts remained unknown, but outwardly he showed no anger, responding with a gentle smile: "Naturally, I cannot compare to Minister Wang, who enjoys such great success. Nearly half the court has almost become the domain of your Wang family."

"Minister Xiao, that is not quite accurate," Wang Zhiyuan said. "The members of the Wang family have always been upright and serve His Majesty exclusively."

"Indeed," Xiao Huaiguan said. "I previously heard rumors of discord between the Wang family head and the young master. I presume those were mistaken?"

As the saying goes, family shame should not be aired in public. These aristocratic families particularly abhorred outsiders suggesting internal disunity, as it made them appear petty and calculating.

It was simply undignified.

Especially for the Wang family, renowned for their propriety, such rumors were a source of shame.

Yet the family head, Wang Huanzhi, stubbornly pursued his own course, gradually alienating his own son. Now, the two factions within the Wang family were almost irreconcilable.

Wang Huanzhi was determined to replace Wang Qichen as the young master and elevate his second son, Wang Wenyao.

This ambition stemmed from the Wang family's tradition of selecting the most outstanding member of each generation to inherit the position of family head.

Even a designated young master could be replaced.

Among the younger generation, aside from Wang Pengyi, who held the high position of Vice Minister of Revenue, there were few truly outstanding candidates within the family.

However, once someone entered court service, they no longer had the energy to manage family affairs. Thus, the head of a great family and a high-ranking court official were never the same person.

Since Wang Pengyi had already entered court service, he could not assume the role of family head.

Moreover, Wang Pengyi was soft-hearted, easily swayed, and sometimes prone to emotional decisions, making him unsuitable for leadership.

Even in court, he could never match Xiao Wendao's sharpness and prominence.

Returning to the point, aside from Wang Pengyi, the Wang family had previously struggled to find anyone capable of taking on the role of family head.

But recently, things had changed.

Wang Qichen had shed his former frivolous and playboy demeanor, actively engaging with close relatives and writing numerous exceptionally well-written essays, gradually revealing the qualities expected of a young master.

Yet Wang Huanzhi felt not pride but anger.

He seemed like a fool, determined to contend with his own son. Now, this family shame had spread until every powerful figure in the capital knew of it.

Hearing Xiao Huaiguan's sarcasm, Wang Zhiyuan could barely maintain his smile.

"Outsiders only perceive unfounded rumors," he said, feigning indifference. "The Wang family head position has always been for the capable. A little harmless debate and discussion is entirely normal."

Just then, the palace gates opened.

Wang Zhiyuan breathed an inward sigh of relief.

Xiao Huaiguan glanced at him, the gentle smile on his lips fading slightly.

The Wang family was currently flourishing on the surface but internally fractured.

Yet the Xiao family was hardly in a better state.

Family head Xiao Yao had damaged his health trying to quit datura and was still recuperating. None of the younger generation could step up, and with Chu Jiubian closely monitoring the Ministry of Personnel, it was difficult for Xiao Huaiguan to manipulate things to promote Xiao Wendao again.

For now, they could only await an opportunity to help Xiao Wendao earn another achievement, which would justify his promotion.

But how could Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian grant them such an opportunity?

As for the marriage proposal between Prince Jiannan and Su Xier, Xiao Huaiguan had never held much hope from the start. Xiao Yao, however, insisted there was no harm in trying, since the Xiao family had never been on good terms with Su Sheng, a loyal minister. If it succeeded, fine; if not, offending him didn't matter.

Xiao Huaiguan couldn't persuade him and could only watch coldly from the sidelines.

The outcome, as he expected, was failure. Instead, the young emperor gained trust and loyalty from the loyal ministers by standing up for his subordinates and demonstrating wisdom and understanding of court affairs at such a young age.

It was a classic case of suffering a double loss.

Xiao Huaiguan mocked the Wang family for their internal strife, but the Xiao family was hardly any better.

This Minister of Revenue, Su Sheng, was somewhat estranged from the head of the household, Xiao Yao, and they couldn't truly rely on or trust one another.

Even other family members had their own agendas and schemes.

A large tree branches out, and people's loyalties drift apart.

Xiao Huaiguan slowly exhaled and made his way to Fengtian Hall.

As for Minister of Revenue Su Sheng, whom he had just been thinking about, he was also struggling.

On the surface, he remained a minister loyal to the emperor, but Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had already begun to suspect whether he truly had a "master" he was loyal to.

After the palace banquet, he deliberately retraced how he might have been exposed.

But after much thought, he still hadn't a clue.

He had considered the possibility that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian might just be doubting him without reason, but he didn’t want to risk it.

What if these two had indeed had some evidence?

This worry left him uncertain about how much he had been exposed and whether it implicated his backer, making him act more cautiously recently, as if treading on thin ice.

And then there was his daughter Su Xier.

His good daughter had been sent out of the capital just like that.

He resented the Xiao family but was powerless against them.

The Xiao family was a colossal entity, in a different league from the previous Zhao Qianhe.

With everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts, as they entered the Fengtian Hall, it was no surprise to see Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao there.

The morning court session began.

The newly appointed Vice Minister of Works, Liu Junqi, was the first to step forward to speak about the construction of dikes in Hexi County and the post-disaster reconstruction efforts.

The human and material losses from this disaster were enormous, but fortunately, it was finally over.

The people had already begun rebuilding their homes, though those they'd lost would never return.

Afterward, several other officials came forward to report on local affairs.

For example, how much silk production had decreased in the Suzhou and Zhejiang regions, or how the northwestern border troops had submitted petitions requesting military pay, and so on.

Almost all of them spoke of less money coming in, and more going out.

Once these matters were mostly wrapped up, Chu Jiubian finally glanced at Qin Xiao.

Qin Xiao subtly met his gaze and then spoke: "I too have something to bring up with all the ministers."

When everyone turned their attention to him, he continued: "The day before yesterday, I received a report from the southern regions, reporting that the middle section of the canal is silted up, making it difficult for merchant ships to pass."

As soon as he mentioned the Grand Canal, Minister of Justice Qiu Heng felt uneasy.

The matter of canal transport had been entrusted to the Qiu family for so many years, and no one understood the problems on the canal better than he did.

Qin Xiao looked at Qiu Heng and said calmly, "In recent years, the number of merchant ships traveling the canal has increased, yet management has become lax, with frequent bandit attacks."

Qiu Heng knitted his brows.

He thought to himself, so it's about this.

It was true that bandits often appeared on the canal, but if merchant ships paid sufficient tribute to the Qiu family, they could fly official flags, and the bandits would not touch them.

As for those who didn’t pay tribute or whose shipments aligned with the Xiao family’s interests, they wouldn’t receive official flags.

The bandits would then freely plunder the ships, and the stolen goods would be split with the Qiu family, sixty percent to the Qiu family and forty percent to the bandits.

Over the years, the wealth the Qiu family had amassed through such means was incalculable.

Although Emperor Cheng and Emperor Yingzong hadn’t paid much attention to this before, since the Qiu family submitted the highest tax revenue to the court each year.

But what those two foolish emperors didn’t realize, Qin Xiao knew all too well.

Though the Qiu family paid substantial taxes each year, what they took from the court and the canal transport was even greater.

Sacrificing small profits to protect big ones—this was their consistent practice.

But now, why was Qin Xiao bringing up the Grand Canal?

Did he want the Qiu family to pay more taxes to fill some gaps, or did he intend to strip the Qiu family of their authority outright?

If it were the former, it would merely be a matter of spending to avoid disaster.

But if it were the latter, Qiu Heng dared not imagine how great the losses would be for the Qiu family.

"Minister Qiu," Qin Xiao called out.

Qiu Heng hurriedly stepped out of the ranks and bowed: "My lord."

Qin Xiao said calmly, "Emperor Wu granted your family the authority to manage canal transport. More than thirty years have passed since then, and the silver the Qiu family provided Emperor Wu to secure the empire should have been repaid by now."

His words clearly implied that the Qiu family had embezzled enormous sums from canal transport.

And this happened to be the truth.

But Qiu Heng couldn’t admit it. He immediately responded with alarm: "This official dare not! The Qiu family has received the emperor’s grace and has diligently managed canal transport affairs, never daring to neglect our duties or seek personal gain."

"Bandits running rampant on the canal is not a new problem," Qin Xiao said. "If I recall correctly, it has been going on for at least ten years."

Qiu Heng pressed his lips together and didn’t dare to speak.

Qin Xiao continued: "In ten years, the bandits have not been suppressed but have instead grown more rampant. Since your Qiu family is so incompetent, you need not have any further involvement in canal transport matters."