Ming Dynasty: Is a mere unruly commoner rebelling against heaven?

Chapter 71: One Hundred Taels of Silver a Year, Why Bother Being So Diligent?

Shuntian Prefecture.

Jinghai Relay Station.

Zhang Hai, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, made a special trip from the capital to urgently halt Wang Yan's impending investigation of the Jinghai farmlands.

At this moment, inside the relay station's room, were only Zhang Hai, Wang Yan, and Yang Jizong.

Qin Lu, the Second Leader of the Western Depot, had been invited away early that morning by Liu Zong, a wealthy local landowner with the title of 'Attendant Gentleman for Land Reclamation'.

“Master Wang, it's best not to survey the fields of Jinghai too thoroughly…”

Upon hearing Zhang Hai's words, the expressions of both Wang Yan and Yang Jizong turned serious.

Before Wang Yan could reply, Yang Jizong sternly retorted.

“Prefect Zhang, what do you mean by this?”

“We are here under His Majesty's orders to survey the farmlands of the realm. If the survey is incomplete, wouldn't we be failing His Majesty's trust?”

Wang Yan also wore a solemn expression: “Prefect Zhang, Imperial Censor Yang is right.”

“As officials serving in the same court, the most important thing is to earn His Majesty's trust.”

“If we perform our duties poorly, how can we repay His Majesty?”

“If the land survey is incomplete, how can we give His Majesty an explanation?”

The mention of 'His Majesty' caused Zhang Hai's eyes to twitch, and the courteous smile on his face faltered.

As the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, a vital area surrounding the capital, he harbored immense resentment towards Zhu Youcheng.

The Prefect's position, a senior rank of Third Grade, three levels higher than other prefects, should have been a lucrative and enviable post.

However, since Zhu Youcheng ascended the throne, he had first eliminated a group of relatives of the imperial family within Shuntian Prefecture, then purged a group of corrupt officials, and then implemented a currency reform.

Each of these actions struck him like a heavy club, leaving him dizzy and seeing stars.

Recently, Zhu Youcheng had even forced them, these officials, to crowdfund the construction of his palace, and Zhang Hai had been compelled to contribute five hundred taels of silver.

This matter undoubtedly stabbed him in the heart, causing him unbearable pain.

In his heart, he already felt extremely dissatisfied with Zhu Youcheng.

However, on the surface, he absolutely could not reveal it.

Zhang Hai chuckled: “Both of you colleagues are absolutely right.”

“But after giving His Majesty an explanation, have you given yourselves, your parents, wives, and children an explanation?”

Wang Yan and Yang Jizong frowned, their expressions displeased.

“Prefect Zhang, what are you implying?”

“I don't mean anything, just helping someone pass on a little something, a token of appreciation for you two.”

Zhang Hai observed the expressions of Wang Yan and Yang Jizong, and took out two thick stacks of Hongzhi Treasury Notes from his sleeve.

“This is two thousand strings of Hongzhi Treasury Notes, one thousand strings for each of you.”

“If you agree to slightly misreport the acreage of the Liu Zong family's land during the survey, these are yours.”

“You should be well aware of the current situation; officials in the capital cannot use silver, but you can use these Hongzhi Treasury Notes directly without having to bother exchanging silver for notes.”

One string of Hongzhi Treasury Notes was equivalent to one tael of silver.

Furthermore, with officials in the capital currently prohibited from using silver, the value of these two thousand strings of Hongzhi Treasury Notes was significantly higher than two thousand taels of silver.

To offer two thousand strings of Hongzhi Treasury Notes in one go was truly a grand gesture!

Wang Yan and Yang Jizong both revealed surprised expressions upon seeing Zhang Hai so blatantly offer bribes, but Zhang Hai continued to persuade them.

“Master Zhang, your annual salary, when converted to silver, is only ninety-six taels, right?”

“As long as you nod your head, these one thousand strings of notes are yours, which is equivalent to ten years of your salary!”

“Imperial Censor Yang, your annual salary, after conversion, seems to be one hundred and forty-four taels, right?”

“How about it? As long as you agree, you can immediately take these one thousand strings of notes, which is equivalent to seven years of your salary!”

“Gentlemen, what are you still hesitating for?”

“It's just a matter of moving your pens, and you'll have one thousand strings of notes in hand. Is there anything better than this in the world?”

Zhang Hai looked at Wang Yan and then at Yang Jizong.

Seeing that they were still silent, Zhang Hai suddenly felt anxious.

“Are you afraid of that Eunuch Qin from the Western Depot?”

“Don't worry, Master Liu has already invited that Eunuch Qin to a separate banquet.”

“The treasury notes that Eunuch Qin gets his hands on later won't be less than what you'll receive.”

“We are all in this together, so it's very safe!”

Yang Jizong's expression was cold, and he stood with his sleeves folded: “Prefect Zhang, there's no need to persuade us any further. Please leave!”

“Take these one thousand strings of treasury notes with you!”

“Surveying the farmlands is a national policy that benefits the country and its people. We will never collude with you to conceal information from His Majesty!”

Yang Jizong's tone was firm and his attitude resolute, leaving Zhang Hai no room for maneuver.

Wang Yan glanced at Yang Jizong and also straightened his face.

“Imperial Censor Yang is right. We swear to enforce the law impartially and will absolutely not alter any data.”

“However, rest assured, we will not mention this matter to anyone.”

“We will act as if we never met today. Prefect Zhang, please take your treasury notes and leave.”

With the conversation having reached this point, Zhang Hai awkwardly stopped talking and collected the two thousand strings of treasury notes from the table.

Before leaving, Zhang Hai muttered to himself: “Two wooden-headed fools, one hundred taels of silver a year, why bother being so diligent?”

“Doing so much for the Ming Dynasty's court is not as good as earning more silver for oneself.”

Yang Jizong's face was ashen as he glared at Zhang Hai.

Zhang Hai did not take it to heart, only thinking that he had failed to help others with this matter.

But he would not return the silver that he had already pocketed.

Zhang Hai walked to the door of the room, and as soon as he opened it, his expression changed drastically, his legs weakened, and he involuntarily retreated several steps.

His heart was filled with fear and unease, his heart beat rapidly, and his footsteps faltered, causing him to fall directly to the ground.

Zhang Hai's mind was in turmoil, and he pointed at the person outside the door, his face filled with disbelief.

“You, you, how could you be here? Didn't Master Liu invite you to a banquet?”

Qin Lu walked into the room with a cold face. Accompanying him were four Western Depot agents.

A bloody scent wafted in, and Qin Lu's white clothes were stained with specks of blood.

Qin Lu looked down at Zhang Hai condescendingly, his eyes icy.

“Liu Zong did invite me to a banquet, and I went, but I have now returned.”

“Moreover, I have also brought Liu Zong back with me.”

“If you miss him, you can go see him now.”

Speaking to this point, Qin Lu's tone suddenly intensified.

“Take him down and wait for my personal interrogation!”

“Yes, Second Leader!”

Two Western Depot agents immediately stepped forward, pulled up Zhang Hai, who had fallen to the ground, and dragged him out of the room.

At this moment, looking at the blood stains on Qin Lu's body, Zhang Hai finally felt fear.

He struggled desperately, and the Hongzhi Treasury Notes in his hand scattered all over the ground.

“Lord Qin, I was also entrusted by someone! I'll give you all the silver, can't I just not help with this matter?”

“Lord Qin, I was wrong, I was really wrong, please be lenient, be lenient!”

“Lord Qin, spare me!”

“……”