The prince is more stable

Chapter 590 Mysterious Scholar
Ever since he discovered that his father was doing something shady and clandestine, Zhao Xiaoqian has developed a stress response to so-called mysterious and unpredictable things. He always feels an urge to uncover them and can't wait a moment longer.

The damage inflicted on him by his family of origin was immense.

This is Zhen Ding Prefecture, which governs nine counties and has a population of 160,000. Zhao Xiaoqian is the rightful leader here, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a regional lord.

Unexpectedly, a mysterious wealthy man appeared under his rule, who built a shady Taoist temple to swindle money from the people and take their lives.

Is this right?
Zhao Xiaoqian's expression was rather unpleasant. Regardless of who this wealthy man was, he dared to do such heinous things under his jurisdiction without even giving him a heads-up. He had to show him just how impolite the local gangs were.

"Zhao Xin, continue investigating this matter. I am not satisfied with the answer the Imperial City Guard has given me," Zhao Xiaoqian said calmly.

Zhao Xin said somewhat fearfully, "Yes, Your Highness, rest assured, the Imperial City Guard will continue to investigate and will definitely find out who funded the construction of this Taoist temple."

Zhao Xiaoqian pondered for a moment and said, "To be able to keep the news so well hidden, even though it's just building a Taoist temple, and to cut off all clues to finding him, it's clear that this person has some influence. He should be more than just a merchant, landlord, or rich man; he should also have connections in officialdom."

"The Imperial City Guard's investigations shouldn't just focus on the wealthy people of Zhen Ding Prefecture; they should also investigate officials. I'm very curious about this person's background and what his purpose is in doing these underhanded things."

"Yes, I understand. I will take care of it immediately."

It wasn't a big deal, but Zhao Xiaoqian insisted on investigating.

Some malignant tumors may be less than a speck of dust to important people, and removing them is just a matter of dusting off one's sleeves. However, for ordinary people, they can be a devastating disaster that destroys a family.

Even if Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't save the world, he should at least have eradicated evil within his own jurisdiction. It wasn't enough to just kill a few harmful Taoist priests; dereliction of duty and negligence also harmed people.

…………

The Prince's Mansion in Zhending City is now a famous tourist attraction, and locals have heard of it.

This resulted in a constant stream of people coming and going in front of the Prince's Mansion. Many people from the nine counties under its jurisdiction had to go to the Prince's Mansion to take a look after entering the city. Some grateful people even kowtowed respectfully in front of the gate.

Originally just the residence of Zhao Xiaoqian and his family, it has become a popular spot for internet celebrities to take photos.

Even more surprisingly, the streets and shops around the mansion also became prime real estate.

Countless merchants sensed the business opportunity and bought up shops near the Prince's Mansion to start businesses, selling everything from silk and porcelain to daily necessities, blacksmiths, and pharmacies.

Unbeknownst to many, a bustling commercial area centered around the Prince's Mansion quietly took shape. With the opening of shops, the street outside the Prince's Mansion became even more prosperous, gradually forming a virtuous cycle.

This situation was unexpected by everyone.

Zhao Xiaoqian and Li Qingchen once made a detailed and rigorous plan for Zhengding City. Taking advantage of the three-year tax exemption by the imperial court, Zhengding Prefecture vigorously encouraged agriculture, sericulture and commerce.

Not only did they introduce local subsidy policies for merchants and farmers, but they also built warehouses, shops, markets, and related industries such as entertainment, accommodation, and food in the city on a large scale. These were all means to attract merchants from other places and absorb capital.

Li Qingchen handled all the specific affairs, but to his surprise, the East and West Markets built by the government office in the city had few merchants, while the streets near the Prince's Mansion became prime real estate.

This result left Li Qingchen unsure whether to be happy or sad. It was like eating a piece of chocolate shaped like poop—sweet, yes, very sweet, but…it was so disgusting!
Having finished his official business early today, Li Qingchen left the government office, intending to stop by the Prince's residence for a free meal. Whenever Zhao Xiaoqian returned to the city, Li Qingchen would report to the Prince's residence every day. There was no other reason than that the Prince was particularly picky about food, so a meal at his residence would definitely be delicious.

The government office was very close to the Prince's residence, both located on the same street.

Li Qingchen left the government office and looked at the bustling streets. People were rushing about to make a living, and merchants were leading mules and camels to sell their goods. Zhengding City was a thriving place.

But Li Qingchen felt a tightness in his chest.

The government allocated a large sum of money to build the East and West Markets for the infrastructure of Zhen Ding City. However, the two markets did not attract much traffic, while the area near the Prince's Mansion became a hot commodity.

So what about the huge sums of money spent by the government?
Have we learned our lesson?

Just as he was about to reach the gate of the Prince's Mansion, a figure suddenly approached from the street and blocked Li Qingchen's way.

Li Qingchen paused, looked up at the man, and his brows gradually furrowed.

The person who stopped him was a stranger, whom Li Qingchen did not recognize. He saw that the man was dressed in a scholar's robe and had a jade belt around his waist. He was about thirty years old and had the air of a scholar.

Although Li Qingchen was only a judge in Zhending Prefecture, he had at least served as a prefect and was a legitimate graduate of the imperial examinations. It was only natural for him to be humble in front of Zhao Xiaoqian, but Li Qingchen was quite arrogant in front of others.

"Who are you?" Li Qingchen asked coldly.

The newcomer had a smile on his face, but there was little flattery or obsequiousness in his smile; rather, he carried a hint of arrogance, just like Li Qingchen.

"I am Tian Jing from Daimyo Prefecture, and I pay my respects to Judge Li."

Li Qingchen frowned; he had never heard of the name.

Li Qingchen's expression grew even colder: "What is it?" Tian Jing smiled and said, "Yes, it is."

“Official business is for the government office; private matters are not for me.” Li Qingchen said.

Tian Jing then said, "Judge Li, please wait. My visit to you is both official and personal. Could you spare a moment?"

Li Qingchen was getting impatient: "I don't know you at all. If you have something to say, go to the government office and handle it officially. Now, move aside."

Tian Jing suddenly pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, which was covered with writing. He handed it to Li Qingchen and said, "Judge Li, it doesn't matter if we are strangers. Some things can make us close friends."

"This is a gift list. I have secretly sent the items on the list to your residence. Please accept them, Judge Li."

Li Qingchen took the gift list and glanced at it. He saw that the gifts listed were all kinds of valuable items, with a total value of several thousand strings of cash. Li Qingchen was not pleased but alarmed and immediately became wary.

"Who exactly are you? What are your intentions in bribing court officials?"

Tian Jing smiled and said, "I have no other intention than to ask Judge Li to make things convenient for me."

"What do you mean?"

"A few days ago, the constables of Zhen Ding City arrested several Taoist priests. Those priests did not do anything heinous. Why must Judge Li be so ruthless? Why not do me a favor and release them? That way, I can become friends with you. What do you say, Judge Li?"

Li Qingchen's face turned cold.

He naturally knew about the arrest of several Taoist priests in Zhen Ding City.

That was a task personally ordered by His Highness the Prince. It was said that they had committed fraud and murder in the villages under his jurisdiction. His Highness the Prince was furious and ordered a thorough investigation, which led to the arrest of the Taoist priests from Xuanqing Temple.

Li Qingchen had only heard about this matter. Since it was something that His Highness the Prince had personally instructed him to do, Li Qingchen naturally could not get involved. After merely hearing about it, he put the matter out of his mind.

However, Tian Jing was wrong about one thing. The people who arrested the Taoist priests were not ordinary servants of Zhen Ding Prefecture. Instead, His Highness personally ordered the Imperial City Guard to handle the matter. Even the interrogation of the Taoist priests after they were imprisoned was done by the Imperial City Guard. The officials and servants of the prefectural government did not get involved at all.

Now, this mysterious man named Tian Jing suddenly stopped him on the street, offered him a large amount of valuable bribes, and only asked for the release of those Taoist priests.

At this moment, Li Qingchen gradually began to realize that something was amiss.

Li Qingchen finally perked up and looked at Tian Jing seriously for the first time.

After scrutinizing him for a long time, Li Qingchen asked, "Are you a scholar? Do you have any official rank or title?"

Tian Jing sighed regretfully and said, "I took the imperial examination twice, in the second and fifth years of the Yuan You era, but unfortunately I failed both times."

Li Qingchen was not surprised. If someone had an official title, they would at least be a nominal official, and it would be impossible for them to personally bribe officials like this.

"Why did you offer me a bribe? Why did you ask me to release those Taoist priests? Whom are you working for?"

Tian Jing smiled wryly and said, "Judge Li, why bother to get to the bottom of this? It's mutually beneficial. We can do each other a favor, leave afterwards, and then neither of us will have any lingering attachments. Wouldn't that be better?"

A mysterious glint flashed in Li Qingchen's eyes. After a long while, he stroked his beard and smiled, "Those Taoist priests were personally instructed by His Highness the Prince. I have no authority to release them. You must have come to the wrong person."

Tian Jing smiled and said, "You've come to the right person, Judge Li. Of course I know that His Highness the Prince personally instructed me to do this, but His Highness is such a noble person that I am not even qualified to see him, let alone plead for him."

"However, Judge Li is a subordinate whom His Highness trusts greatly. If you speak in front of His Highness, he will surely give you some face. This matter is not a major case. If Judge Li mentions it a few times, His Highness will certainly not disappoint you."

Li Qingchen hesitated for a moment, then said, "I've heard that arresting those Taoist priests isn't a major case. Perhaps those murderers offended His Highness the Prince, but I'd like to sound out His Highness first. If the situation isn't too serious..."

Tian Jing smiled and bowed deeply: "I will remember Judge Li's righteous act. If things go well, I will repay you handsomely."

Li Qingchen waved his hand and said, "Don't talk about thanking me. Let's see how His Highness reacts. If His Highness is still not at peace, those Taoist priests cannot be released. Don't blame me."

"Of course, of course, I am very sensible," Tian Jing said with a smile.

After saying this, Tian Jing took a few steps back, bowed, and took his leave.

From beginning to end, this man named Tian Jing behaved with gentleness and politeness, neither humble nor arrogant, truly possessing the temperament of a scholar. Now, Li Qingchen was genuinely convinced that this fellow must have passed the imperial examination.

As Li Qingchen watched Tian Jing's figure disappear into the crowd on the street, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

This scholar is acting mysteriously; it's safe to say he's doing something for someone else.

What started as a minor matter of arresting a few Taoist priests seems to have implicated increasingly complex individuals.

(End of this chapter)