Taichang Ming Dynasty

Chapter 537 Liaoyang Trivia
"That's all for now. If there's anything else I need you to do later, I'll send someone to deliver the tickets." Xiong Tingbi panted muffledly.

Sun Chuanting immediately understood that Xiong Tingbi was ordering them to leave. He stood up and bowed to Xiong Tingbi and Gao Bangzuo, saying goodbye. "Xiong General, Gao General. I'm leaving now. Please take care of yourself, General."

"That." A hint of hesitation flashed in Xiong Tingbi's eyes.

"Does the governor have any further advice?" Sun Chuanting bowed again.

"I've been wanting to ask you a question, and I'm wondering if you're comfortable answering it," Xiong Tingbi said, shifting his posture. "Of course, if you're not comfortable answering, you don't have to."

Sun Chuanting immediately responded, "General, please feel free to ask any questions. I will tell you everything I know."

"Hey, cough." Xiong Tingbi coughed lightly and smiled. "Boya, I really want to know who sent you to Liaodong?"

When Xiong Tingbi asked this question, Gao Bangzuo's ears pricked up.

In fact, Sun Chuanting's arrival was an abnormality that was against procedures and rules.

It's not impossible for a county magistrate to become a censor and then a provincial inspector. However, the typical process for this transition is to serve two terms as a county magistrate, complete six years of examinations, and receive excellent evaluations. Then, they can be transferred to the Xiantai headquarters as a supervisory censor, or promoted two levels to become a director of one of the six ministries. After this cycle, they accumulate experience, qualifications, and connections. Afterward, the censor or director will be promoted to a ministry, a provincial government, or a provincial judicial commissioner, and then be assigned to a provincial inspector or prefectural governor. This marks the second stage of their official career.

Don't underestimate the importance of only a few promotions, or even no promotion at all. This entire process takes seven or eight years to complete, and it's not uncommon for it to take over a decade. Many capable but elderly Jinshi simply died along the way, their official careers abruptly ending.

Xiong Tingbi himself, for example, achieved Jinshi in the 26th year of the Wanli reign, then continued his outstanding performance, being summoned to the capital in the 33rd year of the Wanli reign, and finally serving as an inspector of Liaodong in the 36th year. While the Shen dynasty wasn't as impressive as the Liao dynasty, Sun Chuanting's meteoric rise was still remarkable. His Jinshi in the 47th year of the Wanli reign, and his temporary transfer from his post as county magistrate in the 48th year, made it difficult not to speculate. So much so that Xiong Tingbi initially suspected this young man was Sun Chengzong's son.

"Uh," Sun Chuanting smiled awkwardly. "Xiong Jinglüe. It's not that I'm hiding something and don't want to say it. To be honest, I don't know why the court issued a transfer order to transfer me to Shenyang."

Sun Chuanting had no good connections to cling to, and he himself was completely baffled by the change of position.

Although Sun Chuanting's father, grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather were all juren (academic candidates) for four generations in a row, they only ever achieved the rank of prefect. While this could be considered a family of officials, it was of a lower rank, possessing only a modicum of influence in the local area and essentially having no connection to the imperial court. After achieving jinshi (a jinshi), Sun Chuanting didn't develop any close relationships with high-ranking officials. The only official he could even remotely call a friend was Shi Jikai, the current third-ranking cabinet member. Shi Jikai was one of the chief examiners in the 47th year of the Wanli reign and Sun Chuanting's mentor. However, in that year alone, a total of 345 jinshi (academic candidates) were selected, at least half of whom could be considered Shi Jikai's "disciples."

Before leaving the capital, Sun Chuanting made the temerity to visit Shi Jixie and inquire whether he had been recommended by Shi. However, Shi Jixie refused to accept Sun Chuanting's invitation and simply turned him away. Unable to stop him mid-route, Sun Chuanting ultimately rode his donkey out of Shanhaiguan, filled with doubt, to take up his post in Shenyang.

"Oh!" Xiong Tingbi clearly didn't believe it, but he didn't ask any more questions. "You can go now."

Sun Chuanting nodded awkwardly and bowed to take his leave. "Xiong Jinglue, Gao Jianjun. I'm leaving now. Please take care."

After the door was closed, only Xiong Tingbi and Gao Bangzuo were left in the signing room.

"Oh." Gao Bangzuo looked at the closed door and sighed softly.

"Why are you sighing?" Xiong Tingbi slowly turned his head.

"This young man is not bad, but his way is not right." Gao Bangzuo sighed.

"Do you know who recommended him?" Xiong Tingbi asked.

"I don't know, but I can roughly guess it." Gao Bangzuo shook his head.

"What did you guess?" Xiong Tingbi's eyes moved.

"It's a sudden jump, and it's so secretive. I can only think of one possibility," said Gao Bangzuo.

Xiong Tingbi raised his eyebrows. "Do you think it's the palace?"

"Yeah," Gao Bangzuo nodded. "Sun Boya was able to rise so quickly, completing the journey that took me ten years in just one year. He must have been helped by some father-in-law. But this isn't a steady path to success. I'm afraid that if he rises quickly, he'll fall even faster."

Gao Bangzuo had never been an imperial censor, but he had served as a county magistrate, a deputy minister, a prefect, a deputy envoy of military preparation, a councilor of military preparation, and a military supervisor. He had been an official for over twenty years, following the right path. At first, he even looked down on people like Sun Chuanting who took crooked paths. But now, Gao, the military supervisor, felt only regret.

"Even if he seeks shortcuts, the young man is doing it for the sake of national affairs. With the military merit of defending Shenyang, I believe that even if the big tree behind him falls, he will not fall too badly in the end." Xiong Tingbi said.

"I hope so." Gao Bangzuo stood up with the help of the armrest and bowed to Xiong Tingbi. "If the governor has nothing else to say, I will take my leave."

"There's one more thing." Xiong Tingbi said.

"Please speak." Gao Bangzuo bowed.

"Please pass on an order for me." Xiong Tingbi said.

"What order?" Gao Bangzuo became much more serious.

"Order Liu Qu, Qi Bingzhong, and Liang Zhongshan to each lead their troops back to their original bases. Allow them to reward the soldiers with wine and meat upon their return." Alcohol can intoxicate and even cause delays, so Xiong Tingbi strictly forbade all soldiers from drinking alcohol during the period of martial law, when the enemy was in a state of severe distress. Even though the enemy had recently disappeared, he still forbade the soldiers from publicly or privately offering alcohol. He only gave the soldiers meat for one day, allowing them to enjoy a meal.

"I see," Gao Bangzuo nodded, then asked, "Where are Chen Zhenshuai and Qi Zhenshuai?"

"Let them retreat with us back to Liaoyang," Xiong Tingbi thought for a moment. "As for the temporary base, have He Shixian send a battalion of garrison troops there to continue fortifying it. First, build a small rammed earth fort. Once enough bricks have been fired from the kilns, we can build a brick wall with the bricks."

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Two days later in the morning, Xiong Tingbi and Gao Bangzuo, along with the governor's standard-bearing troops and the Zhejiang Zhinan troops under Chen Ce and Qi Jin, retreated to Liaoyang, the capital of Liaodong.

Liaodong Governor Yuan Yingtai received the news early that Xiong Tingbi would return today, so he prepared a celebration outside the city to welcome the victorious army.

Xiong Tingbi felt dizzy, tired, and had a sore throat. In short, he felt uncomfortable all over. But he still dragged his sick body, dressed in official uniform, and rode a tall chestnut horse. Under the protection of a group of personal soldiers, he cooperated with Yuan Yingtai and performed this trick of triumphant return of the slaves in front of the soldiers and civilians in the city.

After returning to the Liaodong Governor's Office, which also served as the headquarters of the governor, Xiong Tingbi immediately let go of his forced demeanor and found a comfortable chair in the signing room to lie down.

But Governor Yuan Yingtai obviously didn't intend to let him rest properly. As soon as Xiong Tingbi lay down with his small quilt, Yuan Yingtai came up to him.

"Xiong Jinglie." Yuan Yingtai entered the room without knocking, but when he walked to Xiong Tingbi, he bowed and saluted.

"What are you running for?" Xiong Tingbi glanced at Yuan Yingtai, then closed his eyes and continued to rest. "I'm only seeing the doctor now." "During your absence from Liaoyang, the government has accumulated a lot of trivial matters that require your review and signature," Yuan Yingtai said.

"Can you let me rest for a while?" Before Yuan Yingtai could finish his words, Xiong Tingbi turned over and faced away from him.

"Of course, but there are some things I need to tell you and let you know," said Yuan Yingtai.

"It's nothing more than material consumption, casualties, and compensation money and rations," Xiong Tingbi pointed to the desk next to him. "Leave it there. I'll look at it today. Ahem!" After a few days of dry, itchy throat, Xiong Tingbi finally started coughing. "Where's the doctor? Why hasn't the doctor come yet?" After a slight pause, Xiong Tingbi immediately shouted towards the door.

"I'll go and urge them right away!" The attendant's voice promised from not far away. Then the sound of running feet could be heard from near and far.

"Don't shout if you're coughing." Yuan Yingtai reached out to grab Xiong Tingbi's wrist.

"What?" Xiong Tingbi pulled his hand back. "Are you going to pull me up to sign for you?"

"I taught myself some medical skills when I was a county magistrate in my early years, so I can take your pulse," said Yuan Yingtai.

"Let's not do that. I don't want a half-hearted, unofficial doctor like you to take my pulse." Xiong Tingbi rolled his eyes where Yuan Yingtai couldn't see. "If you have something to say, just tell me and tell everyone."

"The statistics and receipts of material consumption, casualties, and pensions and grain have been placed on your desk. What I want to talk about is something else," said Yuan Yingtai.

"What's the matter?" Xiong Tingbi frowned and turned around to look at Yuan Yingtai.

"General, do you still remember that batch of military pay?" Yuan Yingtai asked.

"Yeah." Xiong Tingbi responded. "What's wrong with the military pay? Is there something wrong?"

To boost morale, Xiong Tingbi instructed Yuan Yingtai to pay soldiers from all over the country on time, including the Shenyang defenders and reinforcements, during Nurhaci's attack on Shenyang. Only Fengji and Hupi, which were besieged by the two Blue Banners and had no access to waterways, had not yet received their pay from Liaoyang.

"There are no omissions," Yuan Yingtai said. "This salary came directly from Gaizhou via the river."

"Going by river from Gaizhou?" Xiong Tingbi reacted quickly, "The sea transport route has been changed!"

Since he took charge of Liaodong in the 47th year of Wanli's reign, Xiong Tingbi had written to the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Finance many times regarding the transportation of grain and wages, emphasizing that "sea transportation and unloading must be based on covering", but he never received a positive response from government officials at all levels.

"Yes," Yuan Yingtai nodded. "The latest news is that the Eastern Depot has uncovered a case of interference with shipping routes in Tianjin. This case is quite serious, even implicating many nobles and relatives who profited from trade." Because the news was brought to him by the military supply ship, Yuan Yingtai had been unaware of the major case in Beijing involving the imperial court until now.

"Where is Li Changgeng?" Xiong Tingbi asked.

"Li Changgeng has been dismissed from office and sent to the Censorate for interrogation." Yuan Yingtai said.

Xiong Tingbi's eyes flickered in disbelief. "Who will take on this new role as Minister of Finance? And who will be transporting this money? Sun Chengzong?"

"It's not Sun Chengzong," Yuan Yingtai shook his head. "The Tianjin Governor doesn't hold concurrent office in the Ministry of Revenue. The court has recently appointed Bi Ziyan, formerly the Junior Secretary of the Imperial Household Department, to oversee the Ministry of Revenue. He's already taken up his post, and he's overseeing the shipment of this silver."

"Bi Ziyan?" Xiong Tingbi seemed to have some impression of this name, but he couldn't recall the face that matched this name.

"A native of Shandong, he was a Jinshi in the 20th year of the Wanli reign. His courtesy name was Jingzeng. He once served in Shaanxi and held a good reputation as an official. It's said that the Prime Minister himself recommended him to the Emperor," Yuan Yingtai said, "but that's all I know."

"Okay," Xiong Tingbi asked, "Have you contacted this Bi Ziyan?"

"I've already sent him a letter, but a reply won't arrive until at least next month," Yuan Yingtai replied. "He did send a note to each of the government offices, and it's on your desk. I've reviewed them. They're just ordinary official letters. Aside from the sea route being rerouted to Gaizhou, there's nothing particularly noteworthy." While Xiong Tingbi was away from Liaoyang, Yuan Yingtai handled the unsealing and receipt of official correspondence from the capital and other local government offices. He dispatched express courier services to Xiong Tingbi, while keeping any less important items to himself for now, to avoid distracting him.

Xiong Tingbi nodded. "Anything else?"

"Of course," Yuan Yingtai said, "there are two more."

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps ran to the door.

"Do you want to close the door?" Xiong Tingbi turned his head and found that his personal attendant and the doctor were already standing at the door.

"No need. This is all official business, and there's no need to worry about it leaking. It's just urgent." Yuan Yingtai waved to the doctor. "Come in and take my pulse."

"Yes." The military doctor who accompanied the army walked in with his head down, carrying a medicine box. The attendant beside him also came in and brought stools for the military doctor and Yuan Yingtai.

Xiong Tingbi sat up wrapped in a small blanket and offered his hand to the doctor. "Then go on."

"The first thing is related to last month's salary." Yuan Yingtai said.

"There are so many things to do with this salary." Xiong Tingbi curled his lips.

"It has nothing to do with the military pay itself," Yuan Yingtai shook his head. "I just came here on the military pay boat, following the military pay."

"What is it?" Xiong Tingbi asked.

"It's not a thing, it's a person." Yuan Yingtai shook his head again. "To be more precise, it's an imperial envoy."

"Imperial Envoy!" Xiong Tingbi almost jumped up. "Where is he?"

"Don't get excited, don't move, they're not coming for us." Yuan Yingtai reached out to push Xiong Tingbi back and glanced at the military doctor. "You continue with the examination."

"Yes." The military doctor was startled by Xiong Tingbi's movement, but quickly calmed down and got back into the state.

"Then what is this imperial envoy here for?" Xiong Tingbi smiled at the doctor.

"Open a bank." Yuan Yingtai said.

(End of this chapter)