Chapter 296: Degrees of Urgency
The farther they walked into the wilderness, the less the people they encountered resembled genuine refugees. If the Emperor had traveled along the official roads with his grand entourage, he certainly would not have witnessed the situation here.
In the distance, a large bonfire blazed, surrounded by people who remained awake deep into the night, loudly laughing, cursing, and shouting—they looked more like a gathering of bandits.
Wang Jianhuo also became cautious. He stopped in his tracks and pointed toward a small path in the darkness, saying quietly, “Ahead, all sorts of people mingle together. Your Majesty must not advance rashly. This commoner is easily recognized, so it would be best to send someone ahead to investigate while we wait here.”
Throughout the entire evening, this was the one remark from Wang Jianhuo that pleased everyone around the Emperor. Guard Captain Wang He immediately summoned a guard and gave him quiet instructions before sending him forward.
The guard nodded, removed his cloak, and revealed that he had somehow changed into civilian clothing underneath. It appeared Wang He had made extensive preparations.
Han Ruzi stood by the roadside, his heart still burning with indignation. “To turn the court’s disaster relief into a money-making opportunity—these Luoyang merchants are truly extraordinary. The officials of Henan Prefect cooperate seamlessly with them and must have received considerable benefits. Even my own…”
Thinking that even the accompanying Vice Minister of Revenue Liu Zeqin could not be trusted, Han Ruzi grew even angrier.
Wang Jianhuo said, “Court officials might have been bought off, or they might simply be unaware, kept in the dark. Your Majesty should not rush to judgment.”
Han Ruzi snorted. Even Qu Zixi, in whom he had placed great hopes, had failed to detect the flaws. If he had not made this incognito visit, he certainly would not have discovered these hidden schemes.
“Besides swindling the refugees out of their land, what other money-making methods do the merchants employ?” Han Ruzi asked. “There are many. Old grain and moldy grain are distributed to refugees instead of fresh grain, greatly reducing the burden on the Luoyang merchant consortium. After seizing the land, they also want the people. Your Majesty will discover that grain distribution in various places is always precisely calculated—never too much, never too little. It’s insufficient to last until autumn, yet just enough to keep the people waiting until the crops in the fields have already sprouted. Unable to bear leaving, the people have no choice but to mortgage their land, houses, wives, and children to outsiders.”
“Can’t they repay after autumn arrives?”
“After grain distribution, the official granaries everywhere are depleted and must find ways to replenish themselves. The people’s harvest yields very little in the end, and unable to repay their debts, entire families become slaves. By then, the court believes all matters are settled and pays no attention to the local extortion and plunder.”
Han Ruzi had thought that through his contact with the people, he already understood the suffering of the common folk quite well. Only now did he realize how ignorant he had been.
Wang Jianhuo continued, “The more urgently Your Majesty wishes to settle the refugees, the greater the price the government must pay, and the more profit hidden within. For instance, when refugees return to their hometowns, some prefectures along the way are unwilling or unable to provide lodging, but cannot openly tell the court this, so they must seek help from merchants.”
“What exactly do the merchants want?”
“They want unobstructed passage and the ability to trade freely. They want monopoly rights and exclusive control over regions. Every year, various places east of the passes must tribute vast wealth to the court—cloth, paper, bamboo, stone, and so forth. Anyone who gains control over even one of these items can make a steady profit for years without worry. Taking advantage of the refugee settlement opportunity, merchants can all obtain extensive monopoly rights.”
“Do local officials have no vigilance?”
“Vigilance against what? Merchants always solve urgent problems first, then seek their rewards later. As for local officials, collecting tribute goods is troublesome work to begin with—handing it over to merchants suits them perfectly. As for how merchants profit from this, no one cares.”
Han Ruzi cared, and was about to ask for details when he suddenly realized something. “When I invited you to become an official during the day, you didn’t understand many things. Yet after just one trip outside the city, you’ve discovered so many problems?”
Wang Jianhuo chuckled softly. “The chivalrous come from all walks of life. From high ministers and nobles down to petty thieves and rogues, all are honored guests at this commoner’s table. I know at least half of Luoyang’s merchants, so as long as I ask around, there’s nothing I can’t find out. Therefore, when Luoyang hears tomorrow morning that I’ve become an official, I’m afraid quite a few people will be too frightened to sleep for several days, and some will hate me to the bone.”
Prince Donghai, standing behind the Emperor, couldn’t help but make a dismissive sound. To cover it up, he spat several times in succession, as if mosquitoes had accidentally flown into his mouth.
The guard who had gone to investigate returned. “Over there is a group of pugilists who were recently expelled from the Capital. They’re preparing to pose as refugees to re-enter Hangu Pass towards the Capital.”
“What are they entering for?” Han Ruzi immediately became alert.
”They say they want to restore their reputation and let their fellow pugilists know they can still enter the pass at will.” The guard reported exactly what he had heard without embellishment, though his meaning was clear—the pugilists now only wanted to enter the pass, and once inside, they could be incited to do anything.
The commotion near the bonfire suddenly grew louder. Those pugilists had drunk their fill and wouldn’t rest until they stirred up some trouble.
“Let’s go. There’s nothing more to see,” Wang Jianhuo said, and together with the guards, they escorted the Emperor back toward the main road.
Before leaving, Prince Donghai glanced toward the bonfire. There might well be pugilistic he knew among them. He shook his head, still feeling these people could never accomplish anything significant.
The group returned to the military camp just as dawn was breaking. This incognito private visit had passed without incident, and Wang He and the other guards finally breathed a sigh of relief. Zhang Youcai, who had been waiting in the tent the entire time, nearly collapsed from exhaustion, while Ni Qiu showed no such worries and was sound asleep on the Emperor’s bed.
Han Ruzi felt no desire to sleep. He removed his cloak, paced back and forth several times, then stopped before Wang Jianhuo and asked, “We shall appoint you as Supervising Censor of the Right…”
Wang Jianhuo shook his head. “The position is too high and the responsibilities too numerous. This commoner would be unable to focus on helping the refugees outside the city.”
Han Ruzi considered briefly. “Then you shall be Censor of Henan Prefecture. Qu Zixi will continue to accompany Us on campaign.”
Wang Jianhuo still shook his head. “A gentleman does not steal another’s glory. Moreover, this commoner doesn’t understand court protocols and needs guidance. Master Qu is a renowned great scholar throughout the realm, and this commoner has long wished to befriend him. I would gladly serve as a Deputy Censor under him.”
“Is there such a position as Deputy Censor?” Han Ruzi asked.
Prince Donghai laughed. “If Your Majesty says there is, then there is. Temporary positions can have any title.”
“Very well. We shall instruct Master Qu to give you freedom to focus on investigating cases and providing relief to refugees.”
“Investigating cases? What cases?” Wang Jianhuo asked in confusion.
“What you saw and heard outside the city—all of it provides clues to the corruption of Luoyang’s officials and merchants.”
Wang Jianhuo cupped his hands and said seriously, “There is one matter this commoner must clarify.”
“Please speak.”
“Does Your Majesty wish to investigate cases or provide relief to refugees?”
“Can’t both be done simultaneously?”
“If Your Majesty were to remain in Luoyang to personally supervise, perhaps both matters could proceed together, but Your Majesty is about to depart…”
“We can stay two more days.” Han Ruzi felt the situation in Luoyang was more important.
“And then what? Follow the trail to capture all of Luoyang’s corrupt officials and merchants in one sweep? Who will distribute grain? Who will provide supplies? Who will encourage agriculture? Your Majesty could replace all of Luoyang’s officials, but that would take at least a month or even several months. As for the merchants, after such an investigation, they would certainly be in a state of panic. When Your Majesty later proposes opening private granaries, who would dare respond?”
Han Ruzi was left speechless. Prince Donghai spoke for the Emperor: “So we should just ignore it all and pretend nothing exists?”
“Matters have different degrees of urgency. Countless refugees are crying out for food, and even more will come in the future. Distributing grain is the more pressing matter, and it absolutely requires the cooperation of both official and private parties to be properly resolved. During this period, it’s acceptable to let officials and merchants profit somewhat. The greatest crisis will occur after the autumn harvest when grain is collected—Your Majesty will still have time to make corrections then.”
“Surely those pugilists can’t be allowed to enter the pass again?” Prince Donghai asked again, worried those people might implicate the Tan family.
“Is Your Majesty concerned that the pugilists will seize the Capital? If not overly worried, this commoner suggests not alerting them prematurely.”
Chief Overseer Liu Jie entered and was startled to see the people in the tent, especially surprised to see Ugly Wang present as well. He quickly regained his composure and stepped forward: “Your Majesty, the Grand General has sent word that the vanguard troops have already departed. Your Majesty may set out at any time.”
“Summon the ministers and Luoyang officials for court assembly, then We shall depart afterward,” Han Ruzi said.
Liu Jie withdrew, glancing once more at Ugly Wang as he left the tent.
“If Your Majesty prioritizes the refugees, please exercise restraint for now and avoid arousing Luoyang’s suspicions,” Wang Jianhuo urged one final time.
“We understand.”
Imperial power was the realm’s greatest instrument. Han Ruzi had grasped its handle and could indeed wield it with simple strokes to devastating effect, but to unleash its full power, he still needed to learn more varied and complex techniques.
This court assembly was grand in scale, with over a hundred participants. It was still presided over by Liu Zeqin, who kept it as brief as possible since the Emperor had something to say.
Han Ruzi primarily addressed the Luoyang officials, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of settling the refugees, and only at the end announced Wang Jianhuo’s appointment.
Qu Zixi was quite surprised, not understanding what the Emperor intended by arranging a deputy for him, especially when this deputy was merely a commoner.
The Luoyang officials were even more puzzled, yet no one dared voice any objections.
After the court assembly dispersed, Han Ruzi kept Qu Zixi behind and gave him a few instructions. Qu Zixi appeared very dissatisfied but reluctantly agreed to cooperate with Ugly Wang.
Han Ruzi still planned to leave Luoyang according to schedule, as the rebellion in the east and the Xiongnu in the north were indeed more urgent matters.
Already mounted on his horse, he called over Chief Overseer Liu Jie. “The Marquis of Luoyang has sent many gifts. Go pick through them and see which ones are useful and can be taken with us in time.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Liu Jie had been surprised all morning – the Emperor had clearly shown disdain for these gifts, yet at the moment of departure he had a change of heart, which seemed rather strange.
“By the way, the marquis’s mansion once sent a zither master named Zhang Zhehe. After some thought, We find his zither playing quite good.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Liu Jie hurried away to personally select useful gifts while dispatching someone to request the qin master from the Marquis of Luoyang’s mansion.
The army departed in succession through the east gate, while the Emperor with his ceremonial guard and accompanying officials exited through the south gate. Han Ruzi took another look at the grain distribution situation.
The temporary shelters had all been dismantled, and the roadsides were filled with kneeling commoners. Though their clothes were somewhat tattered, they were clean. The particularly gaunt famine victims, children desperate for food, and rogues who stole and swindled were nowhere to be seen – the Emperor and officials saw only obedient subjects.
Liu Jie, having received last-minute orders, departed somewhat later but with no less pomp. Hearing that the Emperor was finally willing to accept gifts, Han Chou was extremely delighted and added several more cartloads. Unable to personally see the Emperor off due to other commitments, he sent his manor’s chief steward to meet the Chief Overseer in person, displaying extreme obsequiousness.
Liu Jie felt this was sufficient. He selected only daily necessities like lamps, candles, cushions, curtains, and furniture, returning all gold, silver, and jewels. However, regarding the zither master sent by the marquis’s mansion, he was somewhat confused.
“Who is Zhang Zhehe?”
A tall, thin, elderly zither master squeezed forward from behind ten beautiful women. “I am Zhang Zhehe.”
“His Majesty has summoned only you. The others are not needed.”
The manor’s steward winked and whispered, “Perhaps His Majesty is too embarrassed to ask directly?”
Liu Jie glared angrily, and the steward quickly retreated. The old zither master said with difficulty, “The others can be left behind, but I must bring my daughter. Without her assistance, the music would be incomplete and might not suit His Majesty’s taste.”
Liu Jie followed the zither master’s pointing finger and looked. Being a eunuch himself, he still silently praised what he saw in his heart, thinking that perhaps what His Majesty truly wanted was indeed this daughter.
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