Chapter 6
A Scheme Comes to Fruition
Proofreader/Editor:
Nene Yashiro

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It was late at night, and Madam Shi hadn’t returned. Concerned that the local bully might come to abduct someone the next day, the somewhat tough “cheap mother” decided to stay at Tang Mi’s house. Under the dim oil lamp, Tang Jiwei was reading. If he weren’t waiting for Tang De to return with news, he guessed he would have already been deeply engrossed in his dreams by now.

When the clock struck midnight and he still hadn’t seen Tang De return, he paced around the courtyard, wondering if he had overestimated Tang De’s abilities. As a young man raised in the streets, this kind of midnight errand should have been second nature to him, yet there was still no sign of him.

“Cuckoo, cuckoo!”

Tang Jiwei was puzzled as to why he could hear a cuckoo at this hour in this place when suddenly he saw a figure leap over the outer wall and land on a haystack.

“Brother, why did you not open the door for me?” Tang De came over, his entire face covered in darkness, blending perfectly into the night.

Tang Jiwei’s expression changed. He used the broom in the courtyard to brush off the weeds from Tang De’s clothes, saying, “What do you mean by ‘there’s no silver here’ ^[1]There’s no silver here- no gain or benefit to be found? Is this the time for cuckoos to come out? Can’t you think a bit?”

Tang De grinned foolishly, towering over Tang Jiwei by half a head, almost making him seem like the elder brother.

“How did it go?” Tang Jiwei led him inside and poured him a bowl of cool tea.

Tang De immediately beamed with pride, downing the tea in one gulp. “Don’t worry, the brothers I found all grew up together; there’s absolutely no problem. We slipped the letter through the crack in the door and ran off without making a sound.”

Tang Jiwei wasn’t sure if this silly boy had succeeded, but considering it wasn’t anything criminal, if something went wrong, they could just come clean.

What Tang Jiwei didn’t realize was that it was indeed those brothers who pushed him into someone else’s game.

“Brother, do you really think your plan will work? What if that bully comes to abduct someone tomorrow?”

Tang Jiwei tidied up the calligraphy and books on the table, assuring him, “Don’t worry, by the latest at the hour of the snake ^[2] Hour of the snake- 9:00 AM-10:59 AM in Solar time , Jingzhao Yin’s official career will come to an end. His son will either be exiled or imprisoned and won’t be able to keep an eye on Tang Mi anymore.”

Tang De’s admiration for his brother reached a new height. This was the wisdom of a scholar who could understand the world without leaving his home! Just sitting there, his brother could predict events better than any fortune teller!

“Brother, there’s only a month until the provincial exam. Are you afraid? Do you have confidence?” Seeing his brother so calm and composed, Tang De felt anxious for him.

“Go to sleep; it’s late. Don’t worry about things that don’t concern you,” Tang Jiwei replied, putting away his belongings and picking up the oil lamp. “The beds in the outer room are clean; you can sleep there tonight.”

After saying this, he took the oil lamp into the room to sleep. Tang De felt that his brother was different from those street urchins he grew up with. While his friends were getting engaged and starting families, his brother had grand ambitions, aiming for a career in government.

After a cold shower, Tang De fell asleep outside, snoring loudly. Meanwhile, Tang Jiwei, who had gone to bed early, found it hard to sleep. Tang De’s words reminded him that the day he would confront Han Zhen was drawing closer. These peaceful days were ultimately just an illusion, and the day it was shattered would undoubtedly come with a bloody storm.

The next day during the court meeting, a minister from the Ministry of Personnel brought up the matter. Han Zhen, known for his decisive actions and iron-fisted approach ^[3]Iron-fisted approach- dictatorial or authoritarian leadership style, had everyone retreating in fear. Even before he could take action in the provinces, someone was already impatiently tearing apart the net he had cast.

“Investigate! Bring Jingzhao Yin to the court. Wei Lin, take people to his house. If any evidence of corruption is found, seal it on the spot. We’ll discuss it further when we return!” Han Zhen commanded. The ministers knelt, silent as a grave.

When the emperor spoke in a calm and unhurried tone, it was essential to pay close attention. Han Zhen radiated authority even when he wasn’t angry; he rarely showed anger, yet the ministers had never underestimated this young emperor. His style was to deliver a fatal blow after a few rounds of confrontation.

Then the Left Chancellor brought up the flooding in the south. Han Zhen already had a plan in mind. After pressing the officials for their thoughts, all fingers pointed to the Ministry of Revenue. In the two years since the new emperor ascended the throne, the national treasury had been drained from the vast expenses incurred during the previous emperor’s construction of shelters, and tax revenues were still not fully collected.

After listening to the Minister of Revenue, Old Jiang, lament about the treasury’s poverty for a quarter of an hour, Han Zhen finally interrupted him. Old Jiang was a trusted minister, a leading figure among the old officials left by the previous emperor. Han Zhen had promoted him from the position of Right Chancellor to Minister of Revenue to tighten control over the economic lifeblood of the state, aiming to eliminate corrupt officials from the top down. His strategy was to eradicate the phenomenon of corruption right at the heart of power and regulate it layer by layer. Although corrupt officials couldn’t be completely eliminated, the atmosphere would definitely not be as decadent as during the previous emperor’s reign, where officials protected one another.

The facts proved Han Zhen’s measures were entirely correct; the atmosphere in the court began to shift, and his next step was to target the governors of various provinces.

Wei Lin personally escorted Jingzhao Yin to the court, where all his valuable gold, silver, jade artifacts, and precious paintings were catalogued and presented before Han Zhen.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Han Zhen threw the dossier from the yellow table, hitting Jingzhao Yin squarely on the head.

Silence engulfed the court, with only Jingzhao Yin’s trembling voice and labored breaths breaking the stillness. His intention to argue and win over the officials evaporated the moment he stepped into the grand hall and saw Han Zhen. This emperor was completely different from the previous one; the aura and authority he emanated compelled him to kneel in submission. All he wanted now was a swift confession to provide a lifeline for his family.

“Let him be publicly executed at the market square in three days, and may his blood serve as an apology to the people of the capital.”

Han Zhen’s cold demeanor and fierce gaze left no room for dissent. The crime Jingzhao Yin committed was indeed serious enough to warrant death.

The Minister of Justice immediately stood up to inquire how to handle the families of the accused.

“Confiscate all his property and deposit it into the national treasury. Adult males in his household will be exiled, and those under sixteen, regardless of gender, will be sold into slavery. The rest will be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for sentencing.”

Han Zhen’s swift decisions sent chills down the spines of the officials, reminding them that in the future, embezzlement ^[4] embezzlement- misuse of funds or assets that was entrusted to one’s care for personal gain would be treated as severely as murder. No, murder would only cost one person their life, while exploiting the common people would condemn families to generations of servitude ^[5] servitude- refers to a state of being forced to serve or work against one’s will, often in harsh or exploitive situation, never to rise again.

“On the matter of corruption, I made it clear when I ascended the throne, and I will not change my stance. Those who exploit the people for personal gain will meet the same fate as him.”

Standing with his hands clasped behind him, Han Zhen looked down from the golden and magnificent throne, his gaze stern, setting an example for others.

The news spread quickly, bringing joy to the common people in the capital. Those who had been oppressed and exploited were busy gathering rotten leaves and eggs, preparing to send off their greedy officials. Overwhelmed with gratitude, they prostrated themselves in the direction of the palace, for in chaotic times, heroes were needed, and in peaceful times, a good emperor who cared for the people was essential.

Tang Jiwei felt somewhat displeased. His “cheap mother” was constantly at home nagging about how enlightened the emperor was and how he dealt decisively and accurately with the corrupt officials. Whenever the emperor’s name came up, she would bow toward the palace to show her lack of offense.

“Mother, if I hadn’t written that letter, he wouldn’t have noticed that great corrupt official. Shouldn’t you thank me first?” Tang Jiwei spoke up.

His “cheap mother” gave his head a hard knock and placed her hands on her hips, saying, “What do you know, little one? It’s all about reaching the heavens with your voice! The storyteller says that it’s not enough just to speak; you have to take action. That’s how wise the emperor is! You’re just a messenger at most.”

Tang Jiwei knew this was the outcome. An emperor who expanded the territory and fought countless battles, striking fear across the seas, wasn’t what the common people revered. If it didn’t concern their interests, they had no idea how great those achievements were. Only by solving their immediate difficulties, even if it was just one corrupt official taken down from among thousands, was it seen as an unparalleled contribution.

This was the first lesson Tang Jiwei learned from doing others a favor. It taught him the method of winning hearts was not about achieving unparalleled feats but rather about knowing how to deliver a fatal strike.

“Son, you’re quite clever, and your mother knows that. The reason I’m so happy is because of you! With such a good emperor, your talents and abilities won’t go unnoticed. With a capable mentor, don’t you think your ambitions will one day be realized?” Seeing Tang Jiwei’s dispirited appearance, Xiao Shi thought he was upset about not being recognized and quickly transformed into a comforting figure.

However, Tang Jiwei didn’t care about that; he only felt that the more popular Han Zhen became, the harder his path to revenge would be.

His second uncle and aunt brought Tang Mi and Tang De to express their gratitude. The smooth resolution of this matter not only alleviated the Tang family’s predicament but also freed the people from their shackles. No one in the Tang family boasted about attracting attention, and those who knew about the matter were only the immediate family. They quietly rejoiced, for Tang Jiwei’s ability to control and predict the outcome was itself a remarkable achievement. In the upcoming provincial exams in August, he would surely make a name for himself, and the Tang family would undoubtedly shine brighter because of it.

As August 9th approached, to avoid being drawn into the schemes of his classmates and neighbors, Tang Jiwei hid in the home of the barefoot doctor. No one expected him to be just a wall away in the next room. His classmates from the academy no longer looked down on him because of his family background; instead, they were coming to him for advice, clearly with intentions of testing and probing.

Tang Jiwei did not wish to have too much interaction with his classmates from the academy. A vast network of relationships could sometimes provide opportunities for advancement, but those who came under the guise of studying were not as simple as they seemed. In the officialdom, making connections was essential, but the targets shouldn’t be these naive young people.

Tang Jiwei made a suit from a piece of fabric gifted to him by the owner of Xiangfu Zhai. It looked neither ostentatious nor shabby. Over the past six months, Xiangfu Zhai had made a fortune thanks to him, and the shopkeeper, who appreciated Tang Jiwei’s composed demeanor and measured responses, gradually began to cultivate relationships beyond mere transactions. When he heard Tang Jiwei was preparing for the provincial exams, he sent more fabric and a few small wolf hair brushes, hoping he would excel and become a successful scholar.

Upon receiving the gifts, Tang Jiwei smiled. Truly, the shopkeeper was a clever person. He didn’t indulge in food or snacks and bore no responsibilities. Touching the satin, Tang Jiwei felt that this person was worth befriending. Although merchants usually prioritize profit over parting, it was rare to find someone who thought ahead and prepared fabric so he wouldn’t appear too shabby when making friends. Tang Jiwei understood that few people possessed this kind of consideration.

Moreover, while the small wolf hair brushes weren’t precious items, they were beloved by scholars. When it came time to write, their smooth flow was crucial.

After dressing up, Tang Jiwei strolled out with his hands behind his back. It was three days before the exams, and anyone out enjoying themselves at this time must be exceptional. He had no desire to mingle with mere bookworms who only buried themselves in their studies.

The capital was bustling and clearly stratified. The broad Weihe River separated poverty from wealth; on the other side, the lights were bright, and the markets were lively, while this side was slightly quieter with sparse lights. The poor saved on oil for their lamps, making the capital appear as if it were only half illuminated at first glance.

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Author’s Note: Mini Theater

Little Prince: “Guan Guan, when will we meet again?”

Little Young Master:”Soon, soon! The unscrupulous author says he needs to rush the rankings, so wait for me!”

Little Prince: (crying) “But I don’t want to see you at all, boohoo, Mother!”

Little Young Master: (throwing away an ice pop) “Zhen Zhen, you still owe me a life!”

Little Prince:(running away) “That’s why I don’t want to see you!”

(Rolling around, cute and begging for collections. I promise it’s worth it and easy to maintain!)