Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 699 Night Walk in Brocade Clothes
With A-Zhao's decisive actions, Pei Yuan had even more reason to go all out and help A-Zhao pave the way he couldn't.

If the mere concept of monetary autonomy could motivate Zhu Houzhao to radically push back the version of the Ming Treasure Note by fifty years, wouldn't a political reform that fully complements the Treasure Note have made him incredibly happy?
Moreover, such political reforms have two advantages: first, they are small-scale pilot programs, so the consequences are entirely controllable; second, by sidelining officials and separating power from money, they bypass the difficult issues of bureaucratic governance in reform.

As long as the taxes from Shandong Province served as a guarantee, the Ming Dynasty's paper money would have substantial value even without sufficient silver reserves.

Pei Yuan immediately asked Yun Buxian, "Where is Wang Qiong? Has he sent a letter?"

Pei Yuan's identity as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was clearly unsuitable for direct involvement in such a massive reform movement.

Once the civil officials find out that the reform plan was proposed by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they are likely to set aside the reform itself and first occupy the moral high ground to attack Pei Yuan.

They might even use Liu Jin as an example, label Pei Yuan as a remnant of Liu Jin, and then completely ignore the reform plan.

It should be noted that Pei Yuan's personal character is the weakest point of the Pei Yuan Group.

If the civil officials inadvertently discover this weakness, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Therefore, the entire process, from its proposal to its justification, had to be carried out by the civil service system.

The plan was initiated by Wang Qiong, with Yan Song serving as its mouthpiece and strategist.

In that case, if the reforms really have to involve bloodshed, then it should start with Wang Qiong.

If we were to give this political struggle a limit, it would end with Yan Song.

If Commander Pei loses, he can just try again; Zhu Houzhao has lost before too.

Yun Buxian replied, "Wang Qiong is in Bazhou, which is very close. He should be able to reply in another day or two."

Pei Yuan nodded, "Tell me as soon as he has any news."

Whether Wang Qiong can become the Minister of Revenue, and whether Pei Yuan will ruthlessly eliminate the current Minister of Revenue, Sun Jiao, and the Left Vice Minister of Revenue, depends entirely on whether Wang Qiong knows what's good for him.

Although he valued Wang Qiong's ability to manage the national economy and people's livelihood, even allies must determine their priorities in time, otherwise, once each has their own expectations, they will inevitably turn against each other in the future.

This is why, despite having a marriage alliance with Jiao Yan'er, Pei Yuan still kept arguing with Jiao Fang.

Without a clear hierarchy and without making Jiao Fang, that old fox, bow down, then arguing about who should listen to whom after Jiao Fang rises to power could very likely lead to a split in the alliance, or even betrayal.

Pei Yuan must ensure that Jiao Fang, and the entire Jiao Fang Party, are identified as the leader during the recovery process, in order to maintain control over the Jiao Fang Party.

If Wang Qiong is unwilling to be a political appendage, then Pei Yuanning can promote someone else.

Pei Yuan invited Yun Buxian to lunch, and also invited Yun Weilin over.

Since joining the organization, Yun Weilin has been very diligent in his work. His achievements in the Daheshang Foundation alone are almost comparable to his accomplishments in conquering cities and territories.

Although the arrest of Abbot Shi Buyi of Dayongchang Temple was a contributing factor to this incident, Yun Weilin's ability to raise so much money in the temples of the capital was still remarkable.

Pei Yuan specifically mentioned this matter while he was eating.

Then he said to Yun Weilin, "With your contributions, I should give you a more respectable position. But the fund still needs you for now, so please continue to manage it."

He then said to Yun Buxian, “There are many trivial matters in the Thousand Household Office, and it is quite remarkable that you can handle them to my satisfaction. Once the matter in Shandong is settled and the paper money is on the right track, I can help you find a job where you can be in charge independently.”

The two were overjoyed to hear this.

They weren't happy about Pei Yuan's promises, but rather about gaining his approval.

Previously, both of them were ambitious for official positions. When they saw their acquaintance Cheng Leixiang become a third-rank commander, they were so envious they were practically bleeding with envy.

However, after joining the team and being immersed in the environment for some time, both of them had a profound realization and understood the view from the top that they had never known before.

In particular, Yun Weilin, as the garrison commander, often helped Pei Yuan with some correspondence.

Cheng Leixiang, a third-rank official, and Chen Tou Tie, a second-rank official, whom he greatly admired, wrote to him almost every few days, as if afraid of becoming estranged from Commander Pei.

Many high-ranking officials and dignitaries from both the inner and outer courts also rushed to curry favor with him.

Yun Weilin manages such a huge fortune as the Great Monk's Foundation for Pei Yuan, making him undoubtedly Pei Yuan's most trusted and most important confidant.

After Yun Buxian successfully returned with the stolen silver from the border town, he was recognized by Pei Yuan for his ability to take on major responsibilities. Whenever Pei Yuan went out, he entrusted Yun Buxian to oversee Zhihua Temple.

With father and son at the center of power, only a fool would seek a transfer to a higher position just to maintain appearances.

Both of them quickly replied, "We are willing to serve under the commander."

Pei Yuan smiled with satisfaction, "I really can't do without you guys, but I wasn't lying just now."

He said to Yun Weilin, "I will find a suitable time to arrange a proper promotion for you and raise your rank. As for your position, we'll leave it for now; you can just work by my side."

Yun Weilin was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude.

Pei Yuan then looked at Yun Buxian, "As for you, although I am quite capable of using you, it would be a waste of your time not to earn a substantial inheritance and title for your descendants while you are still young."

Yun Buxian then suddenly realized his shortsightedness.

While following Pei Yuan now might allow them to circumvent the power dynamics within the group, did their predecessors not know this?

According to the snippets of conversation among the guards, Chen Xinjian was the one most admired by Commander Pei.

As a result, a commander of a garrison was transferred to another post, and Chen Xinjian was overjoyed.

This shows that Chen Xinjian can gain more from this path.

Yun Buxian immediately replied, "This subordinate will follow the Commander's arrangements."

Pei Yuan had also given some thought to the arrangements made for the Yun family father and son.

The monks in Beijing only believe in Yun Weilin, so let's tie the foundation's affairs to Yun Weilin.

However, Pei Yuan could not allow the father and son to manage the fund and the bank, respectively.

Even with Jiao Yan'er keeping a close eye on things, the only person she can rely on to be in the public eye is Bi Jun, who may not be able to handle everything.

If this goes on for too long, and the father and son collude in their financial dealings, problems could easily arise.

As for Yun Buxian's future arrangements, Pei Yuan already had a target in mind: the Liaodong Military Command.

Pei Yuan could try to secure a high position for Yun Buxian in the Liaodong Military Command.

The Liaodong Military Commandery, isolated overseas and under the jurisdiction of Shandong, was a good place to raise troops.

Yun Buxian is quite capable, but he has a history of being fence-sitters. Pei Yuan wants to make the best use of everyone's talents and ensure that he uses them flawlessly.

Since Yun Buxian is good at handling things on his own, then let him handle things on his own.

If Yun Buxian can withstand the test of power after taking control, and is willing to lead troops to stand by his side at crucial moments, then Pei Yuan will naturally receive strong support.

If Yun Buxian remains too cunning, Pei Yuan only needs to use the Shandong Wokou Defense Command to block the Dengzhou-Laizhou waterway, and then the Liaodong troops will be left helpless across the sea.

Once Pei Yuan has dealt with the internal enemies, he can naturally take his time to deal with them.

Moreover, seven of the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) under Pei Yuan's command came from military families in Liaodong.

Next, Pei Yuan will continue to cultivate his influence in Liaodong, gradually binding more families there to him. Overall, Yun Buxian's room for maneuver is not significant.

Pei Yuan gave the Yun family father and son candy and also emphasized to them again the importance of the new round of silver and banknote war.

Both the Yun family father and son expressed that they would do their utmost to deal with this matter.

After the two left, Pei Yuan, slightly tipsy, rested by the fire on a recliner in the back room.

When one is well-fed and clothed, one cannot help but think of Empress Xia.

After reminiscing about it, I felt a little regretful, as there was no one to boast about such a delightful experience, which inevitably left me with a sense of loss.

As Xiang Yu, the King of Chu, once said, "To return home in glory and wealth is like wearing brocade at night."

If no one knows that I slept with the Empress, it's as if I never slept with her.

So what am I working so hard for, sweating all over?
Pei Yuan, still feeling resentful, closed his eyes, only to open them again shortly afterward.

Wait, it's not like there's no one to brag about!
Pei Yuan quickly sat up from the recliner and said to the guards waiting outside the hall, "Someone, go to the Qingyang Earl's residence and invite the Qingyang Earl and his son to Zhihua Temple to offer incense."

"In the name of this commander."

The guards outside quickly agreed and hurried away.

Pei Yuan almost wept with joy at the thought that someone could finally vindicate his hard work.

After a short while, footsteps could be heard outside.

Pei Yuan quickly sat up, only to hear a report from the Imperial Guard outside, "Reporting to the Commander, Xiao Tong has returned?"

Upon hearing that they were not the uncle and son of Qingyang, Pei Yuan felt a sense of hope.

But it is indeed a good thing that Xiao Tong can come back.

This at least shows that Yang Dan is a sensible person. If Yang Dan really disregards everything and insists on using Qian Ning's weaknesses to boost his reputation, then Pei Yuan really won't be able to do anything about it for the time being.

Such high-ranking civil officials were not so easily controlled, not even by Zhu Houzhao himself.

Of the nine officials who could influence the court's recommendation process, Zhu Houzhao only had one vote from the Office of Transmission.

Pei Yuan hurriedly said, "Let him in."

The Imperial Guard outside replied, "Reporting to Commander, I came to deliver the message first. Commander Xiao said he just got out of prison and wants to go back to the Marquis's residence to wash up and get rid of bad luck before returning to report."

Pei Yuan laughed, "Quite particular. Where's Lu Yong?"

The Imperial Guard replied, "Commander Lu is waiting at the Xiao family's residence. We'll bring Commander Xiao here to give a report."

Pei Yuan no longer needed to sleep, so he got up and went to the front of the courtroom.

After casually flipping through a few official documents, Xiao Tong and Lu Yong hurriedly returned.

Pei Yuan looked at Xiao Tong and said, "It's freezing cold. Don't catch a cold. Rest at home for the night, and you can come back later."

Xiao Tong quickly replied, "Thank you for your concern, Commander. I have important matters to report and dare not delay."

Pei Yuan already had some guesses.

Yang Dan's decision to release Xiao Tong clearly showed that he understood the danger of his move.

Given this, they won't remain indifferent.

Pei Yuan first instructed Lu Yong, "Go and fetch the charcoal brazier from my back room so Xiao Tong can roast himself."

Then he said to Xiao Tong, "Speak."

Xiao Tong said gratefully, "Thank you for your consideration, Commander Qianhu."

"After I entered Shuntian Prefecture, no one asked me any questions. They just heard that I was a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and locked me up in a cell."

"It wasn't until noon today that the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture interrogated me, asking who I was working for."

Just then, Lu Yong came out of the back room with a brazier.

Pei Yuan praised him, "You did a good job; you got the message to Yang Dan's ears so quickly."

Lu Yong straightened his chest and said, "Commander, you flatter me. It's nothing. The brothers from the Imperial Guard are all giving me face."

Pei Yuan smiled and gestured for Lu Yong to place the charcoal brazier next to Xiao Tong, then asked Xiao Tong, "And then?"

Xiao Tong quickly replied, "I didn't know what Yang Dan meant, so I used my father's identity to deflect the question."

Yang Dan looked disdainful and continued to press for answers.

"He also said that as long as I am handed over to Qian Ning, he will have no trouble getting the information out of me."

"I've been thinking, it's just that they kicked out a few tables of guests. Even if they were arrogant and domineering, it's not a big deal. Besides, I have a background and my identity isn't a secret. Rather than taking this to Qian Ning and giving him leverage, it's better to just tell the truth."

As Xiao Tong spoke, he stole a glance at Pei Yuan.

Seeing that Pei Yuan was not angry, he continued speaking.

"After hearing the name of the commander, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture asked again, 'Is it Pei Yuan, who is involved in the Qingqian case?'"

"My subordinate claimed to know nothing about any Qingqian case."

"Yang Dan smiled and said he could release his subordinate, but he wanted to see you..."

As he spoke, Xiao Tong glanced at Pei Yuan again.

Pei Yuan was somewhat taken aback, "See me?"

Why did he want to see me?

If he's angry because of rumors, what can he do when he sees me?
Without any evidence or proof, what could Yang Dan do even if he met him?

With his old arms and legs, he can't possibly play solo against himself.

Fortunately, Pei Yuan quickly caught the key phrase, "Green Signature Case!"

Upon thinking about this, Pei Yuan pondered for a moment and exclaimed in disbelief.

Could it be that Yang Dan is targeting Yang Tinghe with his performance targets?

Has he gone mad?
But surely it wouldn't be him? How much experience and reputation could a mere thousand-household commander like himself possibly give him? Instead of coming here to farm him, he might as well stick to his original plan and farm Qian Ning.

At least he would resist. Yang Dan had something on Qian Ning, so Qian Ning had no choice but to cooperate.

Only by exposing Yang Tinghe, another male protagonist in the Qingqian case scandal, can he gain enough reputation.

(End of this chapter)