"This is everyone I know who shares my status." Zhu Ling blew on the ink marks on the paper. "And these are the ones I believe can be trusted to some extent."
Hua Zhi took it and glanced over it.
Zhu Ling handed over another document. "These are the people from Qi Qiu's faction."
"You've been thoughtful."
Zhu Ling lowered his head and slowly adjusted his sleeves. Thoughtful? It was nothing more than offering the limited trust he had, just as the other party was willing to trust him. Some things had to be given, whether willingly or not—like this list. It was merely a matter of willingness.
This young woman was a formidable and decisive character.
"I must trouble Lord Zhu to organize these matters in writing. I need to present them for review. If you recall anything else, please include it as well." Hua Zhi stood up. "A conflict between Daqing and the Chao Li Tribe is inevitable. Before the war begins, we must reacquaint ourselves with the Chao Li Tribe."
"Understood. I will write as comprehensively as possible."
Hua Zhi gently folded the dried rice paper and turned to leave. At the doorway, she looked back. "Lord Zhu, as before, you may go wherever you please. Make yourself at home."
Zhu Ling smiled. "Your courtesy leaves me at a loss, almost as if I should worry whether it conceals a hidden blade."
"Perhaps it's the sentiment one feels toward a wanderer who has been adrift for many years. Meeting you, Lord Zhu, has made me realize how fortunate it is to have a home to return to, a country to be loyal to, and elders to honor." Hua Zhi smiled. "However, the silver you embezzled earlier must still be surrendered."
"Willingly."
Watching the master and servant leave the room, Zhu Ling paced to the doorway and gazed at the moonlight outside for a moment. Then, stepping over the threshold and down the stairs, he entered the courtyard, allowing his entire body to bask in the moonlight. He raised his head, squinting at the not-quite-full moon, and a smile gradually spread across his face. The excitement in his heart slowly began to surface.
Would his future life be as open and unburdened as standing bathed in moonlight like this?
Yu Mu had already arranged for a comfortable room to be prepared. Bao Xia first had her young lady sit to the side and inspected everything thoroughly before she was satisfied. The bedding and other items were all new, two buckets of hot water were available, and the hot water kettle was full—clear signs of thoughtful preparation.
After brewing tea, Bao Xia said softly, "This servant will go and prepare things. You should take a bath to relieve your fatigue."
"A quick wipe-down will suffice. There are matters to attend to; no time to waste here." Hua Zhi glanced at the water clock—it was already three-quarters into the Xu hour. "Prepare paper and ink."
Bao Xia dared not delay her young lady's affairs and hurried to make the preparations.
Hua Zhi had already composed her thoughts in her mind and began writing without pause. The first letter was to her maternal grandfather. After explaining the matter of Jin Yang, she emphasized another issue—stockpiling grain.
Fearing the letter might fall into the wrong hands, she dared not mention that she had withheld a sum of silver. Her grandfather knew she was not one to act without cause and would likely ponder the underlying meaning.
Although she had already sent people to the Flame Country to purchase grain, compared to the Ministry of Revenue of an entire nation, her efforts could only be described as trivial. Now that the Chao Li Tribe's ambitions were widely known, if her grandfather proposed during court discussions to use the silver obtained from Jin Yang to purchase grain for military preparations, the military officials would certainly support it. Even if some civil officials opposed, they would not be able to stir up significant trouble. Once the momentum was established, the Emperor would have no grounds to object.
Setting down her brush, Hua Zhi read the letter from beginning to end to ensure there were no issues before picking up the brush to write the second letter.This letter is written for Little Six. She has always believed that merely stating principles is useless; only when principles are illustrated through facts can they truly resonate with people. Moreover, when it comes to individuals like Zhu Ling, only by making him understand their hardships can he empathize and solve their problems, while also preventing such issues from recurring in the future.
As for the Emperor, she never considered submitting a memorial. She lacked the qualifications for that, and she trusted that the Seven Constellation Bureau had its own effective channels for reporting upwards.
"Your subordinate Jia Yang requests an audience."
"Enter." Hua Zhi continued writing without pause. Moments later, she set down her brush, sorting the letters into envelopes as she looked up and asked, "What role does that advisor play?"
"He has been with Lü Xinming for seven years. His purpose is to hinder Lü Xinming. When Yuan Shifang was around, he urged Lü Xinming to adopt a self-preservation strategy, avoiding entanglement in interest disputes to maintain his position. After Yuan Shifang was arrested, Lü Xinming's rapid marginalization was largely due to this advisor's schemes."
Despite being caught between Yuan Shifang and Zhu Ling, Lü Xinming managed to stay unscathed. No wonder he turned against others for this advisor—he probably saw the man as his lifeline. Hua Zhi nearly laughed aloud at the absurdity of it all.
"What is Zheng Xing's background?"
"Based on his activities in the capital, he's an ordinary man with a gambling addiction and some talent for it. The Chao Li Tribe recognized his skills, providing him with capital and manpower to expand in Jin Yang. He does have some ability—he played a part in turning Jin Yang into what it is today. Although the Chao Li Tribe took most of the silver, they didn't treat him poorly. Over the years, they've fattened him up considerably."
Hua Zhi raised an eyebrow. "He doesn't know the identity of his backers?"
"I asked. He claims ignorance, though he suspected it might be some imperial relative or noble."
If he said he didn't know, then so be it. Hua Zhi couldn't be bothered to waste energy on unimportant people. However, "Once fattened, it's time for slaughter. Confiscate the Zheng family's assets, but don't harm anyone. Wait for the Ministry of Justice to decide their punishment."
"Yes."
With that, the situation in Jin Yang was largely clarified. Hua Zhi rubbed her temples. "By standard procedure, how long until someone arrives from the capital?"
"At least ten days, at the fastest." Remembering his master's previous arrangements, Jia Yang added, "Those from the Seven Constellation Bureau and the Heir Apparent Residence will arrive sooner. They'll definitely be here within four days to await your orders."
Hua Zhi glanced at Bao Xia, who understood and stepped outside to stand guard.
Gesturing for Jia Yang to come closer, Hua Zhi lowered her voice. "Can we find a way to move a batch of silver?"
Jia Yang was taken aback. "From the gambling den?"
"Not just the gambling den. I need to transfer at least half of the silver Zeng Xianglin hid away. I've already informed General Lu beforehand." Hua Zhi massaged her throbbing temples. She didn't want to take on extra tasks or risks, but considering the current situation in the capital, she had to prepare thoroughly. She needed to guard against the Emperor learning about the silver and demanding large-scale water conservancy repairs, and also prevent others from trying to interfere and claim credit for ripe achievements.
The credit for resolving the Jin Yang affair would undoubtedly go to her and Yan Xi. However, whoever took over afterward would also have a chance to reap rewards. She and Yan Xi merely located the silver, while the successor would be responsible for delivering vast sums to the capital. Such a high-profile opportunity—she didn't believe those people would overlook it.She had no control over who would ultimately get this fruit, but she could still make some preparations before their arrival. If it were one of her own people, that would be ideal; if not, her preparations would not have been in vain.
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