“A single summer flood, and the canal transport troops have actually mutinied! More than four hundred grain ships are stranded in Songzhou, while the rice has gone moldy and rotten on the way. These wretches are utterly lawless!”
The cicadas screeching outside the hall could not drown out Emperor Shunyuan’s palm slamming down on the desk. Yet his body was no longer capable of the thunderous might it had possessed in years past. Thus, when the assembled officials looked toward his hunched back and graying temples, not one of them fell to his knees in fearful apology as they once had.
Realizing this, Emperor Shunyuan suddenly froze, his eyes going slightly blank.
His mind could no longer remain focused for long. The imperial physicians had replaced his prescriptions time and again, but none had brought the slightest improvement. Mo Shu had repeatedly refined the exoskeleton supporting his lower limbs, yet the amount of time he could remain standing grew shorter and shorter.
Only after a long while did he recover. A deep cough rolled from his throat. “Let us hear your opinions. How should this matter be handled?”
The Dragon River Fire Sacrifice had only just taken place, and now there was already the disorder of a canal transport mutiny. The rumor among the common people that “the River Ghost has descended in anger” would likely spread even further.
Emperor Shunyuan was somewhat uneasy. He believed that perhaps he had failed in virtue and provoked a warning from the gods and spirits. At the same time, he absolutely could not allow such superstitious rumors to spread and throw the people into panic.
As expected, Xie Langyang was the first to step forward. A sharp, confident edge showed between his brows. Relying on the memories of his previous life, he spoke with easy assurance.
“In my opinion, this matter should be handled by suppressing and appeasing the mutineers simultaneously, while addressing both the symptoms and the root cause. The majority of the canal transport troops did not deliberately plot rebellion; most were driven to desperation by harsh policies and left without the means to make a living. The court need only immediately pay the wages and provisions owed to them, and the disorder can be brought under control quickly. As for the ringleaders who incited the mutiny and plundered villages and towns, their crimes are unforgivable. They must be punished severely as a warning to others.”
Emperor Shunyuan nodded slightly, signaling for him to continue.
Xie Langyang borrowed the words of Zhu Xiwen from his previous life without hesitation. “I once studied the ancient records. Mutinies throughout the dynasties were often caused by corrupt officials and excessive corvée labor. We should use history as a mirror and order the Censorate to dispatch investigating censors to inspect the prefectures and counties along the canal routes. They should thoroughly investigate the embezzlement of grain and wages, as well as collusion among officials, and make the results known to the entire realm. This will appease public anger and reassure the canal transport troops. Your Majesty may also issue an edict reducing or remitting the taxes for Songzhou and the areas along the canal route for this year, suspending corvée labor for the time being, and ordering the local patrol offices to strengthen their defenses and prevent the remaining rebels from causing further trouble.”
His speech was logical, comprehensive, and flawless.
Zhu Xiwen stood among the ranks of officials, his long, stern face stretched tight. Quietly, he withdrew the foot he had just stepped forward.
What Xie Langyang had said was exactly the same as the countermeasures he had painstakingly considered. It seemed that he had still been one step too late.
“Minister Xie speaks wisely.” Gong Zhiyuan stroked his short beard, his smile concealing a dagger. “To prevent further embezzlement when the grain and wages are distributed, I suggest dispatching the commanders of the Three Great Camps to lead the journey to Songzhou and oversee the payment in person. General Jun is known for his strict discipline. Those under his command must surely be upright and honorable men, and will certainly not fail the sacred trust placed in them.”
The words sounded like praise for Jun Dingyuan, but in truth they were vicious to the extreme.
He was tying Jun Dingyuan and the Three Great Camp commanders together. If the matter was handled well, it would merely be their duty. But if anything went wrong, it would become a crime of endangering the state. Gong Zhiyuan could then seize the opportunity to implicate Jun Dingyuan and drag him down as well.
In truth, the Three Great Camps were already riddled with competing factions, and it would be difficult for Jun Dingyuan to stop his subordinates from pursuing their own interests. Gong Zhiyuan himself had a son serving among them. Secretly winning over several of the commanders would be as easy as turning his hand.
Jun Dingyuan could not refuse this assignment either. To do so would make it seem that he was shirking responsibility and refusing to think for the sake of the nation.
Jun Dingyuan had no intention of indulging these men with their bellies full of schemes. He arched a brow and was just about to expose Gong Zhiyuan’s malicious intentions when someone behind him stepped forward first.
Mo Shu’s features were refined and handsome, his expression calm and unruffled. “Your Majesty, as a member of the Ministry of War, I am responsible for the affairs of canal transport and its reorganization. I am willing to travel to Songzhou and undertake this assignment.”
Jun Dingyuan turned sharply and looked at Mo Shu, worry filling his jade-like face.
He knew that the canal transport system was of immense importance and entangled in countless complications. Mo Shu feared that Jun Dingyuan would be implicated, and would rather take the thousand-jin burden upon himself to clear away the hidden dangers for him. If the task succeeded, the credit would belong to the court; if it failed, Mo Shu would bear all the blame alone.
Sensing his gaze, Mo Shu turned back without revealing anything, a trace of reassurance in his eyes. He then fixed his determined gaze on Emperor Shunyuan seated above them.
Gong Zhiyuan’s eyes grew shadowy. He was not certain whether Mo Shu truly possessed such ability.
If he did, that would be troublesome.
By this point, Emperor Shunyuan had already made up his mind. He first nodded approvingly at Mo Shu, then shifted his gaze to Wen Zhuo, who had remained silent throughout. “Wanshan, what do you think?”
Wen Zhuo sneered inwardly. This had been the final decision after all the discussions in his previous life. What else could he say?
Back then, the person sent to Songzhou to reorganize the canal transport system had been Gong Zhiyuan’s protégé, Liang Zhi of the Ministry of War.
The man was mediocre and sluggish in his work. Even by the time Emperor Shunyuan died and Shen Chen ascended the throne, the canal transport crisis had still not been completely resolved.
Now that Mo Shu would be going instead, his efficiency would certainly be far greater. It was only a pity that Wen Zhuo had died too young in his previous life and could not provide Mo Shu with more information about Songzhou or warn him about the pitfalls Liang Zhi had encountered.
He was just about to answer when Shen Zheng, from the ranks opposite him, stepped forward at an unhurried pace.
“Father, while Minister Xie’s proposal is well-founded, he has overlooked one crucial matter. As the saying goes, every event contains both disaster and fortune. If one busies oneself only with averting disaster and does not know how to seize advantages from the circumstances, then half the opportunity has already been lost. Therefore, the superior course is to make use of the situation, guide events according to their momentum, and turn them toward the prosperity of Great Qian.”
“Oh?” The proposal sounded novel. A flicker of surprise crossed Emperor Shunyuan’s eyes, and he involuntarily leaned forward. “What do you suggest?”
A sharp gleam shone from Shen Zheng’s eyes. “This is the best possible moment to open the sea routes!”
The instant those words left his mouth, the Hall of Martial Valor erupted. The assembled officials wore all manner of expressions as they whispered among themselves.
The idea of opening sea transport was not something Great Qian had conceived only in the present dynasty.
During the reigns of Emperor Zhaoxi and Emperor Kangzhen, the court had already considered opening sea routes. But the Grand Canal was the source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of canal workers, and the interests involved were deeply entrenched and intricately connected. In the end, the proposal had come to nothing.
As a modern man, Shen Zheng knew very well that by the Shunyuan era, the problems surrounding canal transport had already become deeply rooted and nearly impossible to resolve. If a second route was not found, less and less grain would reach the capital in the years to come. Officials of every rank along the route would take their share, and since no one could punish them all, eventually even the imperial palace would struggle to obtain enough grain—let alone the common people.
Thus, he paid no attention to the uproar filling the hall and continued speaking with composure.
“The grain ships were stranded this time and the rice spoiled because the canal transport troops mutinied. The canal transport troops mutinied because corvée labor was too burdensome and corruption among the officials had become rampant. In the midst of this crisis, the court can claim that it is opening sea transport out of necessity—to preserve as much grain as possible and relieve the capital’s predicament. This will both minimize the anger of the hundreds of thousands of canal workers and redirect their resentment toward the ringleaders of the mutiny and the corrupt officials.”
Shen Zheng had once been deeply opposed to the tactic of shifting contradictions. But from another perspective, he had no choice but to admit that it was highly effective. To keep a vast nation functioning, righteous indignation alone was often not enough.
He paused, then continued, “Transporting grain by sea takes far less time than transporting it by canal, greatly reducing losses along the way. The entire process can also be placed under the control of the navy and the maritime transport offices, leaving fewer openings for corruption. Moreover, canal transport imposes a heavy corvée burden, weighing upon the people living along the waterways. Once maritime transport is established, they will be able to devote themselves to farming, and their labor burden will be eased. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.”
“Every reform comes with growing pains. The canal workers will lose their livelihoods, but as maritime transport flourishes, the demand for sailors and naval personnel will rise sharply. The construction of seagoing vessels will also provide the common people with employment and promote the development of the coastal economy. As for canal transport, the court need not abolish it at once. We can adjust the amount of grain carried by each method according to circumstances and make the transition gradually and steadily.”
Emperor Shunyuan fell silent. His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the surface of the imperial desk. He could not deny that Shen Zheng had won him over.
Seeing this, Gong Zhiyuan’s heart tightened. He immediately said solemnly, “Your Majesty! The Fifth Prince is young and impetuous; he does not yet understand the complexity of this matter. Why did Emperor Kangzhen abandon the plan halfway back then? Was it not because the disadvantages of maritime transport outweighed the benefits? The slightest misstep could throw both court and country into turmoil! The lesson left by our predecessors is still before us. Your Majesty must not make a rash decision on the strength of a passing impulse!”
Shen Zheng shot him a glance, his lips curling mockingly. Then he turned and placed a flattering crown upon Emperor Shunyuan’s head, his tone earnest. “Your Majesty’s virtue is no less than that of the sages and former rulers, and Your Majesty possesses talents beyond theirs besides. This matter can only be resolved while Your Majesty is on the throne!”
The flattery was delivered at precisely the right moment, and Emperor Shunyuan’s eyes brightened.
If the matters his grandfather and father had failed to resolve could be accomplished by his own hand, the historians would surely record his achievement in bold strokes!
Wen Zhuo raised his brows slightly, a trace of surprise passing through his eyes.
He truly had not expected that even the canal-transport policy, which had been set in stone in his previous life, could be redirected by Shen Zheng.
This way, Xie Langyang’s moment in the limelight had been completely overshadowed, and the attention of the entire court would now turn to maritime transport.
Had Shen Zheng come up with this on the spur of the moment, or had he planned it long ago?
What an intelligent and eminently teachable prince!
As Wen Zhuo gazed at Shen Zheng’s tall, straight back, the corner of his eye happened to catch Xie Langyang staring fixedly at him from across the hall. Those usually upright and clear eyes churned with undisguised resentment.
Wen Zhuo was startled at first, then understood.
Xie Langyang thought that Wen Zhuo had taught Shen Zheng to say all this, intending to steal the credit for himself.
Wen Zhuo gave a silent, cold laugh. What a tremendous misunderstanding. Even now, Xie Langyang probably still believed that Shen Zheng was no different from Shen Chen—that he needed others to guide him in everything before he could amount to anything.
He lazily shifted his gaze away, then stepped out of the line and said with calm assurance, “Your Majesty, the late Emperor Kangzhen once said, ‘Canal transport inevitably silts up over the years, whereas maritime transport puts an end to this problem.’ Sadly, the right conditions of time, place, and human support were not yet in place, and the maritime transport policy was never implemented. As the ancients said, anyone who undertakes great deeds must possess not only extraordinary talent, but also unyielding perseverance. The late emperor chose Your Majesty precisely because Your Majesty possesses both qualities and can fulfill his uncompleted wish, bringing blessings to countless generations to come.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Weizhi stepped forward in agreement. “I also believe that now is the best time to establish maritime transport!”
Xue Chongnian followed. “I second the proposal!”
Jun Dingyuan said, “I second it as well!”
The officials who had been waiting for the right moment to offer Shen Zheng their allegiance also stepped forward. “We second the proposal!”
Stirred by this surge of ambition, Emperor Shunyuan’s heart swelled. Even the weariness brought on by his long illness seemed to lift somewhat. “Very well. We shall proceed according to the wishes of the assembled ministers. Mo Shu, depart at once for Songzhou. Make up the wages and provisions that were withheld, put an end to the mutiny, and set the disorder in canal transport right. As for the establishment of maritime transport, since it was proposed by the Fifth Prince, he shall take full responsibility for it. Shen Zheng, draft a detailed set of regulations for Me. We must act with military speed. There must be no delay.”
Mo Shu said, “I obey Your Majesty’s decree!”
Shen Zheng said, “Your son obeys, Father.”
Shen Chen watched the situation change at breakneck speed, his fingernails nearly digging into his palms.
He had no right to participate in political deliberations, and could only anxiously look toward Xie Langyang, urging him on in silence. He hoped Xie Langyang would stand up again, defeat the assembled officials in debate, and cut off Shen Zheng’s chance to earn this achievement!
Shen Chen knew all too well that once Shen Zheng successfully established maritime transport and won outstanding merit, there would be no shaking his position as heir apparent.
Yet Xie Langyang seemed to have lost his soul. He merely stared in a twisted fury toward Wen Zhuo, his lips pressed so tightly together that they had gone white, without uttering a word.
Shen Chen did not know what Xie Langyang had heard at the Wen residence on New Year’s Eve, so he was thoroughly baffled.
Wen Zhuo had been advising Shen Zheng for more than a day or two.
In the past, Xie Langyang had always put on the air of a virtuous sage. He had even privately offered Wen Zhuo a few words of defense. What was wrong with him today? He looked as though he harbored even more resentment than Shen Chen himself.
Shen Chen frowned.
He had originally ordered Gong Yuwen to stir up trouble in secret and sow discord between Xie Langyang and Wen Zhuo. He had even planned, if necessary, to repeat what had happened in his previous life—to have Gong Yuwen drug Xie Langyang and become pregnant with his child, using the child to bind Xie Langyang to him.
But judging from Xie Langyang’s current state, it seemed that… such a step might no longer be necessary.
As soon as the morning court ended, Shen He slapped his chest and let out a long sigh of relief. Carefree as ever, he said, “At last, it’s over. These past few days have certainly been eventful. But speaking of which, the Dragon River Fire Festival is here, and the stalls selling flame-roasted meat in the city must already be setting up. At least that’s something to look forward to!”
Shen Ting shot him a disdainful glance.
Shen Zheng raised his brows curiously. “What is flame-roasted meat?”
The moment food was mentioned, Shen He’s spirits soared. Saliva gathered beneath his tongue, and he became animated as he said, “You’ve been in Nanping for so long, Fifth Brother, so there are some things you don’t know. Every year during the Dragon River Fire Festival, the dozen or so fire pits in the capital are fueled with ancient pine trees so massive that one person can barely encircle them with both arms. When the wood is roasted by the flames, oil sizzles out, and many vendors secretly set up stalls along the Dragon River to roast meat over those fires. The outside turns crisp while the inside stays tender, and the fragrance carries for miles! At a time like this, you hire a small black-canopied boat, bring your beloved consort along, admire the floating lanterns, and eat roasted meat. Then you draw the boat curtains and get all lovey-dovey together. What could be more delightful?”
Shen Zheng smiled. “Fourth Brother certainly knows how to enjoy himself.”
Shen He waggled his brows and leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Your Fourth Brother knows plenty of other pleasures too!”
Then, as if he had suddenly remembered something, he shook his head in exaggerated regret and patted Shen Zheng on the shoulder. “Ah, I forgot—you still don’t have a beloved consort. How pitiful, all alone. Even roasted meat and a beautiful river view wouldn’t be much fun without someone to share them with!”
The smile at the corners of Shen Zheng’s lips deepened. His gaze drifted, seemingly by chance, toward Wen Zhuo. “A beloved consort, hm… What if, one day, my beloved consort doesn’t like roasted meat and only enjoys sweets? What should I do then?”
Wen Zhuo had been walking toward the palace doors without looking to either side, but he heard every word.
His ears suddenly flushed red. He hurriedly raised a hand and fumbled with the black crown atop his head, using it as an excuse to hide his ears, while his steps unconsciously quickened.
Shen He continued offering advice with great seriousness. “The sweet shops near Huiyang Gate are quite good too. They have date rice cakes, sugar fritters, and all sorts of things. Speaking from your Fourth Brother’s experience, you have to cater to your consort’s preferences. You don’t know how wonderful and fulfilling life becomes once you have a beloved consort—full of variety and flavor!”
Shen Zheng chuckled. "Fourth Brother is right. We have to go along with others. When they're angry, we should appease them."
His gaze was firmly fixed on Wen Zhuo's back. He quickly chased after him. The wind blew through his robe as he rushed past Xie Langyang. He didn't notice the gloomy and resentful look in Xie's eyes at all.
Shen Ting was always harsh to his concubines and wives. The women in his mansion were as afraid of him as mice were of cats. There was no warmth or fun at all. So, he couldn't stand it anymore, rolled his eyes impatiently, and walked away with the support of a walking stick.
Actually, with the Dragon River Fire Festival and the mutiny of the canal soldiers happening together, he was also a bit eager to do something to win the emperor's favor.
But in the court, his father, Emperor Shunyuan, was so encouraged by Shen Zheng that he couldn't help feeling disheartened.
Since no matter what he did, he couldn't compare to Shen Zheng's ability to please the emperor, he decided to give it up.
Shen He stretched himself widely. Just as he was about to leave the palace to look for a barbecue stand, a little eunuch blocked his way.
"Your Highness the Fourth Prince, the Noble Consort invites you over."
The smile on Shen He's face froze instantly. He drooped his head and listlessly answered, then slowly followed the little eunuch.
The Wuying Hall was deserted. Xie Langyang looked dejected. As soon as he lifted his robe and stepped over the threshold, Shen Chen grabbed him.
He hadn't yet recovered from the setback in the court when Shen Chen took him to the princes' quarters.
Gong Zhiyuan was also with them. Although he felt a bit pity for the deposed crown prince and vaguely knew that there was a scheme behind the Cao Party Case involving Xie Langyang and Shen Chen, as time had changed, Emperor Shunyuan's preference for Shen Zheng became more and more obvious. So, he had to adapt to the situation and whole - heartedly assist his son - in - law in front of him.
As soon as the door closed, Shen Chen frowned deeply, with anxiety and unwillingness in his eyes. "Why did things turn out like this today! Father actually agreed to open the sea - route for transportation. Why didn't you try your best to stop it in the court?!"
He was talking to Xie Langyang. Both of them knew what happened in the previous life.
At that time, Mo Shu committed suicide, and the whole family of Marquis Yongning was thrown into jail. Their situation was extremely precarious. Taking this opportunity, Shen Ting recommended Liang Zhi from the Ministry of War to manage the canal transportation, intending to completely cut off Shen Chen's connection with the military.
Shen Ting was indeed successful at that time. In a hurry, Wen Zhuo used the legend of the ghosts and gods of the Dragon River to devise a clever plan and turned the situation around, finally sending Shen Ting to his death.
Otherwise, they might have already lost in that power struggle.
Xie Langyang lowered his eyes, hiding his complex emotions. "It must be Wen Wanshan who gave the advice. In this way, Shen Zheng can gain a lot of praise, and we can also find out how many people support Shen Zheng."
Shen Chen suddenly raised his voice and said angrily, "If Wen Zhuo had such a plan earlier, he—"
He stopped suddenly in the middle of his words and didn't finish the sentence.
Wen Zhuo was his teacher in the previous life. If he advocated opening the sea - route, why didn't he tell him?
Then he could have followed Shen Zheng's example today, taken on this task, and made a big splash in front of his father.
Xie Langyang said in a bitter tone, "I don't know either. Maybe it's another elaborate scheme of his. First, he used Mo Shu to stabilize the situation of the canal transportation, and then he put forward the plan of the sea - route, so that Shen Zheng could make great achievements and gradually push Your Highness into a desperate situation."
Shen Chen paced back and forth restlessly in the hall with his hands behind his back. After a long time, he suddenly turned around and said nervously, "Do you think there will be more to his scheme? Is his purpose just to let Shen Zheng make achievements? Is it possible that he wants to deal with you and me at the same time? And the method of the Dragon River Fire Festival... Can we use it again to get rid of Shen Ting once and for all?"
Shen Chen was once bitten by a snake and was afraid of even a rope for ten years.
The Fire Festival plan was thought up by Wen Zhuo back then. Now he wanted to use it but was afraid to, for fear of repeating the mistake of the Spring Terrace Chess Meeting.
Although Shen Ting didn't pose a great threat to Shen Zheng, his conditions were much better than Shen Chen's. This was his best chance to get rid of Shen Ting and reshuffle the power in the court. He really didn't want to let it go.
Xie Langyang stroked the buttons on his official robe and slowly shook his head. "Please allow me some time to think, Your Highness. I haven't got any ideas yet."
"No ideas! Again, no ideas!" Shen Chen exploded like a firecracker. His tone was sharp. "You were the top scholar that year, well - known in the capital. How come you're now being played around by Wen Zhuo and can't even come up with a single countermeasure!"
These words were like a sharp blade, stabbing deeply into Xie Langyang's heart. He tightly grabbed his official robe, his knuckles turning white, but he couldn't say a word.
Gong Zhiyuan had been listening for a while. Finally, he gave a sneering smile and slowly said, "Because Wen Zhuo should have been the top scholar in the fourteenth year of Shunyuan."
As soon as these words were said, it was like a loud explosion in the hall.
Shen Chen was immediately stunned and looked at Xie Langyang in surprise.
After a moment's daze, Xie Langyang suddenly jumped up like a wild beast whose skin had been torn off, almost knocking over the tea cup. "What do you mean, Teacher? I was the top scholar personally appointed by the emperor. He highly praised my political essay. You saw it clearly at that time!"
Gong Zhiyuan picked up the cold tea on the table and took a sip. "Before the palace examination, you presented the visiting card of the Xie family from Nanzhou and got my careful guidance. I told you everything about what the emperor was thinking. You arranged your political essay according to the emperor's thoughts, and every word hit the mark. Naturally, you couldn't go wrong."
"But you happened to meet Wen Zhuo. You really can't tell that his insights into current affairs are deeply ingrained, even better than yours. His understanding of the hardships of the common people is far beyond your theoretical discussions. He can quote classics without being pedantic and criticize the current situation without being extreme. When the emperor looked at him, his eyes were full of light."
The color on Xie Langyang's face instantly faded away. His lips trembled, and the veins on his forehead bulged. He was extremely embarrassed. "Then why didn't the emperor directly make Wanshan the top scholar? Could it be that you, Teacher, secretly did something for me?"
Gong Zhiyuan sneered. "I don't have that much influence. The emperor swapped your and Wen Zhuo's rankings because of his concerns."
