Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Deng Zi Yue thought for a moment and clearly understood the commissioner’s words.
The so-called leader of Northern Qi was indeed a dangerous position, however, it was also the most important segment in the Overwatch Council’s foreign battle lines. All those who returned from this role had been placed in important positions—there was little need to bring up the predecessor Yan Bingyun, who had become the leader of the Fourth Bureau at such a young age. Everyone knew that once Director Chen retired and Sir Fan junior took the role of director, Xiao Yan could have an even more important assignment.
Wang Qinian was Deng Zi Yue’s previous superior, whom he had been very familiar with. After being cooped up in the Council 10 years, the moment Wang Qinian met Fan Xian he was sent to Northern Qi. After Wang Qinian returned, it was certain he would become the new leader of the First Bureau.
The trip to Northern Qi was dangerous, but it was the gild on a political platform.
The commissioner asking whether or not he wanted to go to Northern Qi was because he was getting ready to promote him. Furthermore, he had heard that the old leader of the Second Bureau was getting old and preparing to retire…he himself had also started out in the Second Bureau.
Deng Zi Yue was endlessly excited and knelt in front of Fan Xian. In a serious voice, he said,
It is all up to Sir’s arrangements.
Fan Xian smiled and didn’t continue to say anything. the Jiangnan matter made him feel more and more that although the Emperor had great trust in him, he still absolutely blocked any connection between him and the military. As for when he handled matters, the unconditional power he had in his hands was actually still limited. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so afraid of Jiangnan governor Xue Qing’s existence.
The one that sat in the dragon chair didn’t really trust his true sons, much less Fan Xian. He knew that it was already good the Emperor allowed him to hold such great power, but he also knew the Emperor would not let him expand his power. Since the paths going out were difficult, Fan Xian had to ensure that he held whatever power he had more firmly in his hands.
For example, the Overwatch Council. After Cheng Pingoing’s era, the Overwatch Council had swapped out the old blood and replaced it with fresh blood loyal to Fan Xian.
…
…
Deng Zi Yue reported to him other movements the Overwatch Council had recently taken. All were still targeted towards the Ming family. Although the Overwatch Council’s governance specializing in surveillance did not have the direct authority to interfere in non-governmental powers, what the world lacked least was reasons from governmental bodies. The Overwatch Council had completed preparations for the early stage. At any time, they could do as Fan Xian ordered and stick their hands into Jiangnan affairs. From the palace treasury to Suzhou to the docks, from the camps to the treasury, they could apply pressure on the Ming family from all directions.
This was lll that Fan Xian could do. Since they couldn’t find concrete evidence for the Ming family’s crimes, then they couldn’t use public power to proceed with their bullying. Jiangnan Road officials were all watching him…right now, the Overwatch Council’s job was to, through the harassment of the Ming family’s trade route as well as the palace treasury transport company’s meddling with their goods, further compress the Ming family’s income. Sinking the family’s flow of silver into a state of desperate lacking was the only way they could force the Ming family to continue transferring large amounts of silver.
And, the trap was actually hidden in the transferring of silver.
How long has it been since the island has sent any messages?
Fan Xian furrowed his head. The island matter that was sufficient to crush the Ming family had suddenly sunk into silence.
Deng Zi Yue heard Fan Xian’s worry. He also had some misgivings. He reported,
The Quanzhou branch also felt that the matter was strange and has sent someone onto the island. There will probably be information coming back the day after tomorrow.
Jiangnan was very large. It took too long for information to travel from an island in the East Sea to Suzhou. Fan Xian knew that he could only wait for now.
After Deng Zi Yue left, only then did Fan Xian feel a bit tired. He stretched and went out of his room to take a walk around Hua Garden.
Although it was Yang Jimei’s grand garden, it was not much stained with a salt merchants’ wealthy and noble air or the arrogance of private salt peddlers. Rather, it was invariably refined and elegant. It was not the same as other manor gardens’ shallow flowing waters, green rock gardens, layers of mountain ranges, and corridors and pavilions. Through the clever arrangements of the original designer, it showed a different kind of life force. The entire garden seemed alive, enveloping gently and lightly around those in the garden like Jiangnan’s green mountains and the blue waters of West Lake.
This kind of clever arrangement that so united man and heaven was, without a doubt, most appreciated by a direct descendant of the Tianyi Dao, Haitang. In the days they had been in Suzhou, she spent most of her time in the garden quietly thinking and did not go out to seek the elegant Jiangnan people.
When Fan Xian saw the floral clothing beside the little lake, he did not feel surprised at all.
Such a thing as fishing does not seem appropriate for you.
He walked to the side of the lake and sat down, sitting slightly higher up on the bank than Haitang. There was about half a meter of distance between them. From this angle, he could just see Haitang’s steady shoulder and the flowery cloth wrapped around her head. Beside her was placed a normal, yellow straw hat.
Hiatang didn’t turn her head and replied evenly,
Why is it not appropriate?
The bamboo rod in her hands did not move at all. Only the tip bobbed up and down like it was giving greeting to the fish in the water and had no other intentions.
Fan Xian smiled and randomly wiped the moss on his hands beside him.
Fishing is also killing. I’ll teach you a method where you don’t need fish bait and your heart is the hook.
In the novels he had read in his previous life, they said that profound people loved to play these kinds of games. Unexpectedly, Haitang still did not turn her head and was not moved. Rather she laughed mockingly.
How boring. If you don’t use bait, do you not want to catch anything? Heart hook…since what is needed is temperament, once your heart is a hook, naturally it is hooked. As for whether or not it could be pulled up, what is the difference?
Fan Xian was angry and bitter. He just wanted to chat, so why bring out such a ridiculous conversation?
Haitang turned her head to glance at him and smiled.
I know you’re mind hasn’t been peaceful these days. Why not sit with me? Fishing is very good for calming the mind.
Fan Xian shook his head and smiled.
A gentleman stays away from the kitchen, needless to say, fishing and hunting too.
Haitang couldn’t resist rolling her eyes at him and shook her head.
Hypocrite.
Fan Xian chuckled and moved forward a little. However, his butt slipped and he almost slid into the lake. It made him flail his arms and legs, and give out a cry.
Beside the lake there were rocks but no trees or grass. Other than Haitang, there was no one to help, so he grabbed Haitang’s shoulder with both hands. Haitang’s shoulder shook and shook his hand. She then turned her hand around and wrapped it around his wrist, helping him steady his balance. She smiled slightly and said,
Not only are you a hypocrite, even your acting is so fake, much too insincere…how could there be a ninth-level ace who could not even sit steadily?
Fan Xian looked at the sky and sighed.
No one understands me, and Duoduo also does not trust me. How will I live?
Haitang flipped her wrist and had him sit next to her. She took out another fishing rod and shoved it into his hands.
Since you want to fish, then you must have patience. Don’t be in a rush.
Her words carried two meanings. Fan Xian knew very well that she was not talking about picking up girls, but rather about the problem of defeating the situation in Jiangnan. He took out an earthworm from the little mud can beside him and hung it on the fish hook. Throwing it into the water, he scattered some crumbs that Duoduo had prepared into the water to lure the fish.
The lakeside suddenly became calm.
A moment later, Fan Xian’s light voice broke the rare moment of rapport.
I have patience and am not in a rush. The Jiangnan situation is not difficult to control. The plan has already been set. I will confidently take each step. The problem is that Jiangnan is watching Jingdou and I have no control over what will happen in Jingdou. Matters over there might develop in the direction I want, or it could suddenly explode into a huge matter that no one has time to react to.
A huge matter?
Exactly.
Fan Xian did not continue to say anything. He only said, with a trace of misgiving and a thread of true admiration,
You know I am the commissioner of the Qing Kingdom Overwatch Council, then you must also know who the true boss of the Overwatch Council is.
North Xiao En, South Pingping[JW1] .
Haitang’s smile carried a trace of bitterness.
That Director Chen has killed countless of our Northern Qi people. How could we not remember him?
Fan Xian smiled and said,
Each serves their own master, and each has their own desires. The two sides were enemies at the time, so such mutual killing was natural. I only want you to know that this old man is one of two people in the entire world that I cannot understand completely.
Two people?
Haitang curiously twisted her head to look at him.
Correct.
Fan Xian’s expression was cautious as he said,
Even if it is my Emperor or your Emperor, I can still guess some of their thoughts and positions. Because they sit on the dragon chair, they are certain to think of matters relating to this dragon chair. But Chen Pingping is not the same. The so-called absence of desire makes him vast. The man is about to die, and his words…are not to be mulled over. There is no way for me to understand what this old man wants to do or what he is doing. Given his current position, there is no need at all for him to be involved in the fight for the throne. No matter who becomes Emperor, they will have to provide well for him…and he has been so calm this entire time, it also does not align with how he has done things for his whole life.
Chen Pingping was one of the most famous schemers of his day. With this kind of person, it was fine if they didn’t act, but once they did, everything was turned on its head.
Haitang thought for a moment then quietly said,
If it weren’t for the fact you didn’t avoid me and explained to me the connection between your mother and Director Chen, I would definitely have seen this matter in a different way. Including everyone in the world, I’m afraid they will all think that Chen Pingping only cares about you because of the order of the Qing Emperor.
Correct.
Yet through what you have told me in the past, I seem to be able to see an unfortunate possibility,
Haitang smiled self-deprecatingly and said.
You want to help the Third Prince take the throne, but does Chen Pingping…want to help you?
It is too difficult.
Fan Xian furrowed his brows.
There are problems with my birth. If those nobles in the Palace are not completely swept away, there is no way for me to enter the Palace…besides, who knows who was behind the incident back then. I will eventually find the truth about this matter, only I cannot rush right now. As for what you said about the director’s intention…
He smiled slightly and shook his head.
Being the Emperor is not like being a commissioner. If he doesn’t let me know, he would definitely not dare to undertake such a big matter alone.
Haitang sank into thought. A moment later she shook her head and sighed.
I don’t understand, so I won’t think of it for now.
Jiangnan is only a small fry; the capital is the big fish.
Fan Xian’s eyes were calm. He stared at the two slightly bobbing thin lines. It was a long time before he said,
Fishing…I am still worried. Am I bringing up the fish or am I being dragged by the fish into the water without being able to climb back out again?
Hiatang smiled.
You got your feet wet by the lake long ago, you can’t not step into the water now.
Fan Xian smiled bitterly and said,
You’re right. Only there is a feeling of uncertainty. I don’t like the feeling of not having control of these matters in my hands.
No one, not even the ruler of a country…can control everything,
Haitang said lightly.
We can only try our best to grasp the big picture that is already enough.
You said just then, there are two people you are unable to understand completely. One is Chen Pingping, who is the other?
Haitang was very interested in this question. She knew that Fan Xian had great confidence in his ability to understand people clearly. He was even able to understand some of the Qing Emperor’s thoughts, yet now he admitted himself that there were people he could not see through. She very much wanted to know who the second person was.
My father.
Fan Xian smiled slightly.
Actually…he is like Chen Pingping. They are both very powerful figures, however, Chen Pingping has always moved up and down on the surface while my father has always stayed below. Although I am his son, I am not sure of his true thoughts.
Fan Xian treated both Chen Pingping and Fan Jian like fathers. He trusted and did not doubt them. After his mother died 14 years ago, revenge and washing away the blood of the empress’s family engulfed him. While the streets of Jingdou ran red with blood that night, the love and protection these two father figures had shown him during his process of maturation made Fan Xian admire them with gratitude.
The strangest thing was it was these two who closest to him that he could not understand completely.
Ah, so all this time you haven’t been worried about Jiangnan but about Jingdou,
Haitang smiled slightly and said.
With these two unfathomable people behind you, you indeed have nothing much to worry about in the Jiangnan matter.
I am a whetstone the Emperor has given to those brothers to use,
Fan Xian replied.
This Jiangnan matter, the Eldest Princess, the Crown Prince, and the Second Prince…are they not whetstones father and Chen Pingping have given me to use? The elders all have high hopes for me. I am very gratified.
The word
gratified
was said with great anger.
The two fishing lines were still steadily sunken into the soft surface of the water. There was not one tremble caused by a wrist. Haitang glanced at him and said,
It looks like you indeed do not need to use the fishing line to train your temperament.
Fan Xian said,
I have always been determined and calm, and not easily wound up by external things.
For Fan Xian to speak of his own merits was not awkwardly touting his own horn, rather, it was an excellent attitude of self-analysis.
How old exactly are you right now?
Haitang asked. She could not understand how such a young person who held such great power in their hands could deal with many diverse affairs yet still maintain such a calm state of mind.
Fan Xian came back at her very quickly and asked in return,
How old are you this year?
Haitang pursed her lips. Her eyes were bright. Her expression had been softened by the blue lake in front of her, but she did not want to answer this question.
Fan Xian huffed and said,
I turned 18 on January 8th.
Haitang shook her head and mocked,
Looking at how you usually act, if you said 80, no one would believe you.
…
…
Elders had experienced the spring winds, summer rains, autumn frosts, and winter snows. They had long seen all there was in the world, so they could use that pair of slightly indifferent eyes to see through everything in this world.
Only because they had experienced it all, could they view it lightly and use the calmest state of mind to use the most ruthless of methods to face those seemingly strange and complicated situations. A necessity of being a schemer was to have limited desires. Thus, there is less to be used by enemies. Since ancient times, the most famous schemers had always been old men, old women, or eunuchs.
Young people had bloodlust. For example, the Second Prince, the Crown Prince, and even the Eldest Princess, thus, will always at some point make an unwise decision.
On the the other hand, when someone like Fan Xian, who had experiences from two lives—although he had been given a sorrowful 80 years old label by Haitang—did things he, indeed had the patience of an old man. While using Xia Qifei to fight the family property case against the Ming family, all other areas of the Overwatch Council remained silent until the waves of that case were just about to disappear. That was when the Overwatch Council attacked.
In a flash, many Jiangnan Road officials were politely invited to the Inspection Division the Fourth Bureau had stationed in Jiangnan Road to have tea.
Everyone knew the Overwatch Council’s tea was authentic Longjing, and the scent of tea permeated everywhere. However, no officials wanted to go drink tea.
Although for Governor Xue Qing’s sake, few of the Jiangnan Road officials were captured. In the process of chatting and drinking tea, the Overwatch Council would occasionally talk of some old matter that still made the officials incomparably panicked. After they returned to their manors, they began to think, with a headache, of their future prospects and personal safety. For those relevant, the officials who received reminders noticed that they could no longer protect the Ming family so obviously.
On the other side, the Overwatch Council began to cause problems for the Ming family business. Although they could not directly capture people and goods, under the pretense of searching for spies from Dongyi, in a day, the Ming family store began to be searched by the government and the Ming family’s caravans and ships suddenly began to have problems in their shipping process.
Although they only found the Ming family guilty of small crimes like taking along personal goods, they did not find anything extremely incriminating about the Ming family. However, this continuous harassment successfully slowed down the Ming family’s enormous industry system.
In business, what was important was the speed in which goods could be sent out, exchanged for silver, and then brought back. It was like a neverending great river. The Overwatch Council was like sand that was slowly being sunk into the river. Once the speed of the river slowed, the mud and sand would accumulate. The once clear water would become muddy and not be able to flow as well.
This move of the Overwatch Council used the least amount of manpower and attracted the least amount of discussion, yet the results it achieved were good. After the Ming family had paid out the enormous sum for the palace treasury bid, it was the first time in many years they felt strapped for cash. With the harassment by the Overwatch Council, the cash flow became even tighter. They were forced to begin transferring silver from Taiping money house. At the same time, Ming Qingda had also begun secretly having Zhaoshang money house sign over bank drafts.
[JW1]
北肖恩,南萍萍
It is unclear how the cardinal directions relate to the their names. Previously they have only been Chen Pingping and Xiao En.
