I am a temporary worker in Jinyiwei, how did I become a powerful official?

Chapter 237 Borrowing the East Wind

Lin Shisan has been a dominant figure in the pet circles of Beijing's powerful and wealthy for over a decade. Whenever he wants to hold a "fox appreciation party," he receives an overwhelming response.

A single arrow pierces the clouds, and the entire pet-owning army arrives.

Hereditary dukes, marquises, and earls, as well as leisurely retired officials, and the most notorious playboys in the capital—all flocked to the event. They all declared that they would bring their most prized foxes to the Fox God Temple on Biluozha Street.

If Lin Shisan wants to accomplish this important task, he must obtain the support of the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Zhu Xixiao, and the second-in-command, Liu Shouyou.

That noon, Lin Shisan left the Northern Garrison and went to the headquarters of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, where he found his two superiors.

Lin Shisan briefly explained his plans. Zhu Xixiao slammed his hand on the table, "Bang!"

Lin Shisan was startled: "If the head manager thinks this method is inappropriate, I will abandon it. Please don't be angry. It was all my recklessness."

Zhu Xixiao stared intently at Lin Shisan with his large, bronze-gong-like eyes. Then he slapped his thigh: "Who said I thought this method was flawed?"

"The civil official is deceiving the emperor, and the word 'deceiving' is the same as 'insulting'. As the emperor's servant, I have long wanted to avenge the emperor."

"It's a pity I can't figure out a solution. This method is excellent. No matter the dynasty, unauthorized troop deployment is an unforgivable crime. With this major leverage over Xu Fan, we're not afraid Xu Jie won't comply. We're not afraid the national policy of opening up the sea and opening the borders will be impossible to implement!"

Liu Shouyou chimed in, "That's right! But have you taken care of Li Chengliang? Is he willing to come forward and testify?"

Lin Shisan said, "Second Manager, don't worry. Li Chengliang has already agreed to this and is on his way to the capital."

"All is ready except for the opportunity."

Zhu Xixiao smiled slyly: "East wind? You've come here today to borrow the east wind, haven't you?"

Lin Shisan cupped his hands and said, "If we were to discuss who is the most wise and insightful among His Majesty's loyal ministers, it would undoubtedly be the head manager! There is nothing in this world that can be hidden from the head manager."

"The favorable wind I need to borrow is a person."

Zhu Xixiao asked, "Who?"

Lin Shisan replied, "Huang Yizhuang is a painter of the Imperial Guard's Hundred Households."

From the Yongle reign onwards, favored painters in the palace were all given the title of Imperial Guard.

Huang Yizhuang was a former member of Prince Yu's household. He was highly regarded by Prince Yu and Consort Li for his skill in figure painting.

When the Jiajing Emperor passed away, the Longqing Emperor ascended the throne. All those who had served in the prince's residence rose to prominence. Huang Yizhuang also prospered, receiving the rank of centurion in the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Old Huang was a former member of the Prince Yu's household. Naturally, he couldn't stand the fact that Xu Jie and other civil officials were causing trouble for the Longqing Emperor every day.

Huang Yizhuang would definitely agree to anything related to getting back at Xu Fan.

Zhu Xixiao asked, "This man is my confidant. What do you want him to do?"

Lin Shisan replied, "I've heard that Huang Baihu is not only skilled in figure painting, but also in imitating handwriting. I need him to forge a letter from Xu Fan to Li Chengliang."

Zhu Xixiao ordered his personal guard to summon Huang Yizhuang and tell him everything.

Huang Yizhuang cupped his hands and said, "I need Xu Shaoqing's original calligraphy for me to copy. I can make it about 80-90% accurate in a short time."

Lin Shisan took out several original drafts of Xu Fan's official documents, which he had "borrowed" from the Office of Transmission, and handed them to Huang Yizhuang.

Huang Yizhuang had mastered the grinding stone and was well-versed in the brush. He then began to copy. Just as he had predicted, in less than a quarter of an hour he was able to completely imitate Xu Fan's handwriting, almost indistinguishable from the original.

Huang Yizhuang asked, "May I ask, Third Manager, what content do you want me to write?"

Lin Shisan took out another piece of paper: "Just copy the contents of the letter in Xu Fan's handwriting."

The letter reads roughly as follows: To my esteemed brother Li Chengliang: My Xu family now commands immense influence in the court, with all civil officials following our lead. The only drawback is the lack of trusted confidants within the military. I, Xu Fan, have long admired your illustrious reputation, Brother Chengliang. I wish to become sworn brothers with you.

With the power and influence of my Xu family, I can promote you to the position of General of Liaodong within three years. Within five years, I can promote you to the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies, placing you among the top military commanders of the Ming Dynasty.

Before that, you need to train hard in the dangerous mountains.

I've heard that the treacherous mountains are home to the Red-eared Snow Fox, a rare beast. Since ancient times, hunting has been like military drills; they are essentially the same thing.

I order you to take a thousand soldiers from dangerous mountains and enter the deep mountains of Liaodong, under the pretext of catching foxes, to train them rigorously.

When the time is right, I will have the Ministry of War transfer your thousand elite soldiers from the dangerous mountains to the capital's garrison, making them the backbone of the capital's defense.

If there is any change in the court at that time, a thousand elite soldiers who have been tempered by hunting foxes in the deep mountains will become a strong ally for my Xu family in the capital.

Do not underestimate the task of catching foxes that I have entrusted to you. You must understand that whether it was the Xiongnu during the Han Dynasty, the Turks during the Tang Dynasty, or the Mongols in the north during this dynasty, they all used hunting as military training.
After reading the letter, Huang Yizhuang sighed inwardly: "Oh dear, our third manager is really cunning."

The contents of the letter constitute a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!

Hmph, serves the Xu family father and son right! Ever since the late emperor's death, they've been arrogant and domineering, showing no respect for the emperor or their father. They deserve to run into such a ruthless opponent as the Third Manager!

Huang Yizhuang remained silent, picked up his pen and quickly rewrote the contents of the letter in Xu Fan's handwriting.

Lin Shisan then pulled out Xu Fan's private seal from his waist. The letter was forged, but the seal was genuine.

The Northern Garrison is full of talented people. In addition to those skilled in assassination, kidnapping, ambushing, and surveillance, there are also those skilled in pickpocketing.

There was a captain in the company, nicknamed "Three Hands." With one hand he could steal from the sky, with one hand he could steal from the earth, and with the other hand he could steal from all of humanity.

This private seal of Xu Fan was obtained by him after he infiltrated the Grand Secretary's residence.

Lin Shisan stamped Xu Fan's seal on the forged troop mobilization letter.

We've borrowed the east wind!

Lin Shisan added, "Four days later, at the Fox Appreciation Banquet, I will launch an attack on Xu Fan and detain him in the Imperial Prison. At that time, Xu Jie, as the Grand Secretary, will surely go to the Imperial Prison to demand his release."

"At that time, we will ask the two of you to step forward and support Thirteen."

Zhu Xixiao said, "Don't worry. You've done such a big thing for the Emperor, so I'll naturally support you."

Liu Shouyou laughed and said, "If this matter is settled, the opening of the sea and the passage of the sea will likely be a natural outcome. Thirteen, at that time you will be the greatest contributor in the Emperor's eyes."

Lin Shisan said solemnly, "If we succeed, the credit will go to the two superiors. If we fail, whether it's beheading or slow slicing, I, Lin Shisan, will bear the consequences alone. It has nothing to do with the two superiors."

"Then the two superiors will say they know nothing about what I have done."

They give credit to their superiors and take the blame themselves. Such good subordinates are hard to find even with a lantern.

Zhu Xixiao and Liu Shouyou were overjoyed.

Zhu Xixiao thought to himself: No wonder the late emperor valued Lin Shisan, an official who rose through the ranks by searching for lost cats and dogs! He's truly a talented man. Given time, the position of Grand Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will be his sooner or later.

Liu Shouyou thought to himself: Lin Shisan is only in his thirties. He's so capable; his future is limitless. I've watched him rise to prominence step by step. This young man is truly talented.

What did the Ming Dynasty lack most? Talented people!

The plan was ready. All that remained was for Sun Yue to secretly bring Li Chengliang to the capital.

(End of this chapter)