CH 20

The land of Jiangnan, with its vast territory and rich resources, is the most prosperous place in Da Jing. The refugees flooding into the capital originate from this place, and news of it spreads like wildfire, causing great commotion throughout the land!

Unfortunately, this is a fact.

The dark red bloodstains were still flowing at the foot of Chongyang Gate. A refugee, who was on the verge of death, filed a complaint to the emperor and was carried into the Grand Court of Judicial Review. A joint petition from a thousand people was found and confiscated from him, causing a sensation that stirred up three thousand waves and completely disrupted the calm and composed court of the Dajing dynasty, turning it into a muddy pool.

惊起三千浪"(jīng qǐ sān qiān làng) is a Chinese idiom that literally translates to "startled up three thousand waves." This idiom is often used to describe a situation where a small action or incident can cause a great disturbance or reaction, similar to how a small pebble thrown into a calm lake can create large ripples that spread out in all directions.

In the third month of the year, rain had been pouring continuously in the south of the Yangtze River. Ten days ago, the river embankment broke in the Yuan River, and fifteen counties and districts under the jurisdiction of the Mu Tian prefecture were flooded, with tens of thousands of people affected. Fleeing for their lives, the people were helpless and had nowhere to turn. The bloodstained petition was directed towards Mu Tian's Governor, Zhong Liwen, accusing him of doing nothing in response to the disaster. As a result, the entire Mu Tian prefecture region, spanning thousands of miles, became a lifeless city. 

江南 (Jiāngnán) - a region in China south of the Yangtze River

The ragged refugees and the blood-stained paper evidence have become the evidence of this public case!

The officials and commoners of the capital city have yet to fully comprehend the shocking and absurd reality that has unfolded before them. As night fell on this day, the fast courier of the Mu Tian Prefecture arrived in the capital, urgently reporting that the flood in Jiangnan has become severe, and humbly requesting that the court allocate funds for disaster relief.

These two pieces of news, separated by just half a day, suddenly triggered an outburst from the previously silent court. If it were said that the Governor of Mu Tian Prefecture did not report on the disaster, the news had already arrived. If it were said that he was innocent, it was only delivered to the capital ten days later, even after the refugees had arrived.

The court was divided into two factions and a heated debate ensued. The Left Prime Minister and the Mu Wang advocated for the court to first allocate funds for disaster relief, allowing officials under Zhong Liwen to stabilize the situation and prevent any instability in Jiangnan due to a change in leadership. The Right Minister and his faction, however, believed that the people's sentiment expressed in the joint blood-letter could not be taken lightly. They suggested dismissing Zhong Liwen and his officials, and appointing capable and virtuous individuals to govern the affairs of the Mu Tian Prefecture.

Two factions were each holding their own position, and unable to reconcile. The court was in chaos for a moment. Emperor Jianing commanded the two sides to find a compromise within three days and properly deal with the flooding in Jiangnan.

"Zhong Liwen is the confidant of  Mu Wang, and many officials in Jiangnan have also pledged their allegiance to him. If this matter is pursued, it will undoubtedly harm the vitality of  Mu Wang's faction, which is why the conflict has escalated to this point."

Descending the stone steps of the Taihe Hall after morning court, Huang pu rubbed his somewhat injured head and said in a low voice to Ren Anle.

Ren Anle nodded and asked, "How did the Right Minister instruct you?" Huangpu belonged to the faction of the Prime Minister, and this dispute between the two factions had arisen in order to gain control over the prosperous region of Jiangnan.

Huangpu showed some hesitation on his face and spoke, "The lord did not give us any instructions regarding the dismissal of Zhong Liwen and other officials. It was something we decided among ourselves."

Ren Anle was somewhat surprised. The Right Minister has always been fiercely opposed to evil and is the teacher of the Crown Prince. Could it be that he would let go of this opportunity to strike at the Mu Prince and the Left Minister?

Amidst the conversation between the two, someone took two quick steps and loudly called out to Ren Anle, stopping her in her tracks.

"Ren daren, please stay." Ren Anle turned around and saw a man in a vermilion court dress behind her, and smiled, "Qian daren."

In ancient China, people often addressed each other using their surname followed by a title of respect, such as "大人" (dàrén) for an esteemed person of high status or authority.

The man was startled, and then he became pleased,"Does the Daren have an impression of this humble official?"

"Qian daren's reputation for handling gold and silver spreads far and wide, how can Anle not know about his prosperity?" Ren Anle teased, laughing heartily.

The person who has just arrived is precisely Qian Guangjin, who has been recently promoted to the position of the official in charge of the Ministry of Revenue. As the youngest high-ranking official since the beginning of the Da Jing Dynasty, his popularity and momentum are currently peerless.

Qian Guangjin looked at Ren Anle with some genuine gratitude and said, "This official was able to be promoted because of Ren Daren's fair judgment in the case of cheating in the imperial examinations. I should have thanked you earlier, Ren daren."

Ren Anle waved her hand and said, "Qian daren's words are weighty. Since you entered the Ministry of Revenue, the national treasury has been replenished, and the position of the Minister of Revenue is highly coveted by all."

"Not at all, not at all. Ah, I have just taken office, and such a big incident has happened in Jiangnan. I am truly at fault."

A month ago, Du Zeru was still the Minister of Revenue. Qian Guangjin couldn't intervene in Jiangnan affairs, so it wasn't necessarily his fault. Upon taking office, he encountered a a difficult problem, which can also be considered his bad luck.

烫手山芋 (tàng shǒu shān yù) - hot potato, a difficult problem

Qian Guangjin sighed repeatedly and saluted to Ren Anle, "The Ministry of Revenue needs to allocate silver for disaster relief. Ren daren, I will return to my yamen first. If you need my assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. I will definitely do my best to help."

Qian Guangjin said in a hurry and left. Huangpu was somewhat sentimental and said, "Your Excellency, Qian Guangjin comes from a wealthy family and has won the favor of His Majesty. Now that he is in charge of the Ministry of Revenue and has a close relationship with Old Gong, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites, he is willing to establish a friendship with you. Your position in the court will be more stable.

尚书 (shàngshū) - Shangshu (an ancient Chinese government official position)

Qian Guangjin and the Minister of Rites are both neutral factions. If Ren Anle can gain their support, there may be a new force emerging in the court. After a few months of getting along, Huangpu no longer regarded Ren Anle as a woman, and treated her like other important court officials.

"This is called hitting the mark by chance. It seems that my old man teaching me to accumulate blessings and good fortune in daily life was not wrong." said Ren Anle with a smile.

歪打正着 is a Chinese idiom which literally means "hit slanted but got it straight." It refers to a situation where someone accidentally achieves success or solves a problem through an unexpected or unconventional approach. 

"Old man?" Huangpu was a scholar of literature and had rarely heard such an obvious term of address for one's elder at home.

"Oh, it was my father who passed away in Jin Nan several years ago." Ren Anle waved her hand, his voice inexplicably lowering. She descended the stone steps and gradually walked away.

As soon as Ren Anle entered the Ren Mansion's gates, Chang Qing came forward and greeted her, "Miss, there is a distinguished guest visiting."

Ren Anle raised an eyebrow and, without inquiring about the person's identity, walked steadily towards the hall. From a distance, she could see the figure sitting at the center of the hall, and she had a vague understanding in her heart. 

With a smile on the corners of her mouth, she spoke with a clear and bright voice, "I didn't know that the Right Minister would come, so Anle apologize for not welcoming you properly." The elder in the hall looked up and saw that it was indeed Ren Anle who had arrived. He grabbed his white beard and chuckled, "It's this old man's impertinence to come here, please don't blame me, Ren daren.”

"Wherever, it is my humble abode that shines brightly," said Ren Anle turned to the Right Minister on her right and saluted before taking her seat. "I wonder if Minister Wei has come for the matter of the flooding in Jiangnan?"

蓬荜生辉 (péng bì shēng huī) - shining brightly (literal translation: flourishing with pampas grass and cassia trees). Is a Chinese idiom that means "to achieve great success and become famous."

Wei Jian was taken aback for a moment, but then showed a satisfied expression as he replied with a meaningful tone, "Ren daren's mind is as clear as a mirror, this trip of mine is definitely not in vain."

心如明镜 (xin ru ming jing) - heart/mind like a clear mirror. It means that one's mind should be like a mirror, reflecting things as they are, without distorting or adding any personal biases or opinions. It suggests a state of mind that is free from attachment and delusion, enabling one to see the world objectively and with clarity

Since Right Minister has not instructed Huangpu to intervene in the affairs of Jiangnan, it must be that he has other plans. His visit at this time is likely to be related to this matter.

"To have Minister Wei personally come here, the situation in Jiangnan must be more serious than what is rumored in the court."

Wei Jian nodded, and with a deep voice said, "Ren daren should be aware that Zhong Liwen is Mu Wang's confidant. Mu Wang and the Left  Minister have always been on good terms, but the current situation is not as simple as a struggle between two factions."

沐王 (Mù Wáng) - Prince Mu (a title)

Ren Anle frowned and said, "What does  Minister Wei mean... Is there something strange about the situation in Jiangnan?"

Wei Jian nodded his head and said, "Ren daren, as someone who has recently entered the imperial court, perhaps you are unaware that last year Bi xia allocated one million silver taels to the south of the Yangtze River for the construction of the Yuan River."

陛下 (bì xià) - Your Majesty

Ren Anle's expression turned serious as she replied, "The river channel was only repaired last year? Even if it has been raining heavily for months, it shouldn't have collapsed so easily."

There is only one possibility: the one million silver coins were not used to build the river embankments at all, but instead were embezzled by officials from all levels in Jiangnan. It was only now that she realized the intention of the Right Minister. The flood in Jiangnan was not a natural disaster, but a man-made calamity. Tens of thousands of people were displaced and died, becoming sacrificial lambs under the greed of the corrupt officials.

Most of the officials in Jiangnan were under the command of the Mu Wang and the Left Minister, which explains why they vehemently opposed the appointment of new officials by the court. It is likely that they were afraid of this matter leading to further complications, which would expose the whereabouts of the one million river fund.

"Has  Minister Wei arrived today with a plan?"

"This matter is of great importance, but there is no evidence. If the Left Minister and Mu Wang insist on opposing it, it will involve a struggle between two factions. Your Majesty will not send officials from both sides to Jiangnan unless..."

Unless the person sent does not belong to any faction, the Left  Minister and the Mu Prince will have nothing to say, and Bi xia will also be at ease." Slowly opening her mouth, Ren Anle understood the purpose of the Right Prime Minister's visit, "Your Excellency wants Anle to go to Jiangnan?"

Wei nodded, "Looking at the court and the officials, there is no one more suitable than Ren daren. Even if ordinary officials were sent, they might not necessarily succeed." Ren Anle comes from a bandit background, and has always acted without scruples or rules. In addition, the intimidation of the cheating case in the imperial examination still lingers. Sending her there will surely make the opponent confused and disoriented."

"The minister's words carry great weight, I'm afraid Anle cannot bear such a heavy responsibility." Ren Anle smiled and said, "With the two factions in conflict, what concern does it have to do with me?"

"The old man knows that the master does not wish to be involved in worldly affairs," Wei Jian paused and spoke solemnly, "the floods in Jiangnan cause disasters every year. If we do not eliminate the root of corruption, the people will never have peace. This year, only the Mu Tian was destroyed, but if the Yuan River breaks its banks completely next year, the Qianli State will be lost during the reign of our Emperor Jing. Master, you are kind-hearted and I believe you will not refuse the sincere request from an old man."

Ren Anle had lived for eighteen years and had never heard anyone describe her as "kind-hearted," especially not a high-ranking official of the country. Her face turned red with embarrassment and she kept waving her hands. Seeing the old man's earnest gaze, she hesitantly nodded while fidgeting and rubbing her hands.

The Right Minister was greatly comforted and burst into laughter, without any trace of worry on his solemn and antique face. Ren Anle knew she had been tricked by this seemingly rigid and serious old man, and snorted with narrowed eyes, saying, "Your Excellency, Anle is willing to volunteer to go to Jiangnan. However, the water disaster in Jiangnan cannot be eradicated by my own strength alone. If Your Excellency is willing to send someone back with me, Anle will surely investigate and clarify the corrupt cases in Jiangnan."

"Oh? Who?" asked the Prime Minister.

"Formerly held the position of Minister of Works, Fang Daohong."

With a smile at the corner of her mouth, Ren Anle watched as the once confident old Prime Minister's face froze and his smile stiffened as the words fell from her lips.

The seventeenth year of the Jianing period was destined to be a tumultuous one. Before the imperial decree regarding the Mu Tian and case could be issued, the Grand Court Secretary Ren Anle and the Right Chancellor simultaneously caused a stir in the court. One had selflessly offered to go to Jiangnan to aid in disaster relief, while the other had petitioned the emperor to recall the former Minister of Works, Fang Daohong, who had been exiled to the southern frontier several years prior.

In the presence of the right minister, the matter of Ren Anle's journey to Jiangnan was courageously presented in a memorial with the risk of losing his head. However, it was strangely overlooked.

Fang Daohong, who passed the imperial examination in the third year of Taizu's reign, was a renowned hydraulic master in Yunxia. He was skilled in managing waterways. Ten years ago, when the imperial family plotted a rebellion, Fang pleaded on their behalf. However, the enraged Jianing Emperor removed him from his position as Minister of Works and exiled his whole family to the southern borderlands.

太祖 (tàizǔ) - title given to the founder of a dynasty

In the past, there were many ministers in the court who pleaded for the Du family, but they were mostly executed by Emperor Jianing. Only this man, Fang Daohong, who was a genius in weaponry and water conservancy, was spared by Emperor Jianing and was exiled to the southern border. Out of sight, out of mind. Little did he know that someone would plead for his return ten years later. If the petitioner were not the prime minister, this memorial would have been thrown under Emperor Jianing's table long ago.

What can be done is to invite a person who can handle it, for his reputation is known far and wide. It is an indisputable fact that Jiangnan suffers from floods year after year. In this critical moment when the Yuan River stretches a thousand miles and breaches its banks, I am afraid that apart from Fang Daohong, no one can control the raging flood.

The ministers, who have been at odds with each other, have finally come together due to the continuous heavy rain and the influx of refugees into the capital. More and more of them are submitting petitions to recall Fang Daohong. Even the left chancellor and the Mu Prince, under the unanimous public opinion, have chosen to remain silent. 

Two days later, Emperor Jianing finally issued a decree, summoning Fang Daohong to go to Jiangnan and assume the position of governor of the two provinces, and immediately start to rectify the river. As for the matter of Ren Anle going to Jiangnan to relieve the disaster, the emperor's mind was undecided. Therefore, the Prime Minister and the Mu Prince strongly recommended other courtiers in the hope of finding a replacement for Ren Anle in the disaster relief efforts.

In the study, Emperor Jianing furrowed his brows and looked down at the Crown Prince standing at the foot of the throne. He spoke in a deep voice, "Crown Prince, do you really decide on this matter?"

Han Ye nodded solemnly and said, "Fu huang, the aristocratic families in Jiangnan are united in spirit and kinship, and officials protect each other. Er chen knows that the reason why Father finds it difficult to issue the decree is because Ren Anle, who has just entered the court, has little prestige and a rebellious personality. Fu huang fears that her actions will cause turmoil in Jiangnan. If Er chen accompanies her on this journey, I believe your worries will surely be eliminated."

父皇 (fù huáng) - Father Emperor

儿臣 (ér chén) is a Chinese term used to refer to oneself as the son or child of the emperor in ancient times. It was a way for a son to show respect and loyalty to his father, who was the emperor. 

"Crown Prince, as a prince who will inherit the throne, how can you easily enter a disaster-stricken area?" Ren Anle is in a neutral position, indeed the most suitable candidate, but his prestige is not enough. The Crown Prince can share the burden with Ren Anle, which makes Emperor Jianing somewhat relieved, his expression slightly relaxed, but he still reprimands him in a stern tone.

"Because Er chen, your humble servant, am the Crown Prince of this country, I must be even more diligent in attending to matters personally. When my father, the Emperor, was young, he too shed blood on the battlefield. How could I, his son, be afraid of death and abandon the courage of a man of the Han family?"

Emperor Jianing remained silent for a long time, gazing at the Crown Prince who resembled the founder of the dynasty. Finally, he sighed and said, "If you are determined to do so, then go."

"Ye'er, the journey is far, and the waters of Jiangnan are deep. Safety should be the top priority in everything," Emperor Jianing's faint words drifted to Han Ye as he retreated to the doorway. He paused momentarily before responding with a respectful "yes" and then left.

This is a Chinese idiom that originated from a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling. The literal translation of the idiom is "the road is long, and the water is deep in the south of the Yangtze River." The "journey " represents the challenge or obstacle that must be overcome, while "the waters of the south" represent the difficulties or dangers that one might encounter along the way.

In the carriage heading back to the Eastern Palace, Wen Shuo noticed a slight furrow in Han Ye's brow and expressed his concern, "Your Highness, with the control of the Mu Prince over Jiangnan, it is likely to be dangerous for you to personally enter the region."

The struggle for the throne within the royal family has always been a bloody affair, but that is precisely what worries Emperor Jianing.

"Jiangnan's government is corrupt. If we do not take this opportunity, it will only become more difficult in the future," Han Ye said calmly.

"In this critical moment, how could Your Majesty agree to let you go?" Wen Shuo murmured in a low voice. The crimson court robes worn by him still revealed a youthful and inexperienced demeanor.

Han Ye hooked the corners of his mouth, "Jiangnan is prosperous, and Mu Wang's power has gradually grown in recent years. I'm afraid that Father Emperor has harbored a grudge against him. Otherwise, why would he summon Fang Daohong back from southern border to rectify the river?"

After all, the threat from the Imperial Family has already passed, but the ambitious eldest son still makes Emperor Jianing fearful.

Wen Shuo nodded, "Indeed, Fang Daohong had great talents and had previously made suggestions to the imperial family. If it weren't for the flooding in Jiangnan this time, he might not have been able to recover in his lifetime. Fortunately, Ren daren will accompany His Highness and I have heard that her martial arts are very good, so she should be able to ensure His Highness's safety without worry."

Wen Shuo glanced up and saw a dangerous look in Han Ye's eyes, so he awkwardly laughed a couple of times and quickly covered his mouth.

The next day, the imperial edict was issued and those who were granted imperial orders were already swaying in their carriages and leaving the capital city.

The space inside this carriage is ordinary-sized, with three large blankets made of the shallow-woven and thick-warm material of Jiangnan covering the floor. The scent of dragon's saliva incense permeates the interior of the carriage.

Ren Anle slept soundly under the covers until noon, when she finally opened her eyes groggily. Rubbing her messy hair, she curled up in her blanket and first saw Yuan Qin and Yuan Shu, who were cowering in the corner with fearful and cautious expressions. Her bleary eyes suddenly became aware.

"Ren daren, it is said that the female general who takes charge of a fortress and has entered the battlefield several times, is brave and skilled in battle. Could it be that her reputation has been spread wrongly? Looking at you, I'm afraid even Duke Zhou himself cannot sleep as soundly as you can."

周公也不及你能酣睡 (Even Duke Zhou cannot sleep as soundly as you do) - This expression is typically used to praise someone's ability to sleep well, indicating that the person is so deeply asleep that even the legendary Duke Zhou, known for his peaceful demeanor and wise governance, cannot match their level of restfulness. It is often used humorously to compliment someone who is known for sleeping soundly, but it can also be used in a more serious context to express admiration for a person's calm and relaxed demeanor, which allows them to sleep soundly even in the midst of chaos or stress.

As the carriage rattled over the rocky road, Ren Anle was jolted awake. She turned her head and looked towards the other end of the carriage where the handsome and calm Crown Prince was seated. After a long moment, Ren Anle opened her eyes wide and shamelessly uttered a sentence.

"Your Highness, eloping is such a shocking and outrageous matter, this humble servant... is truly not yet prepared."

(T/N: Lmao. It gives me some second-hand embarrassment.)