Prime Minister.

Chapter 105, Section 104: [A Good Person]

The second day of the fifth month in the nineteenth year of the Taihe reign.

Yangzhou, Dongguan Wharf.

The early summer sun already carried a hint of restlessness, so the yamen runners set up a sunshade at the dock in advance to prevent the officials from sweating profusely under the sun.

Inside the pavilion, Tan Mingguang, the prefect of Yangzhou, sat in the main seat, his eyes slightly closed as he rested.

He could come or not today, because he was the prefect of Yangzhou, and Xue Huai was only his deputy. Moreover, Xue Huai was definitely a junior in terms of both seniority and age. Even if Tan Mingguang just waited at the prefectural office for Xue Huai to come and pay his respects, no one could find anything wrong with that.

He came to greet him personally. Some might think that this Prefect Tan was after Xue Huai's powerful background and was disregarding his dignity to curry favor with a junior who was thirty years younger than him. However, the officials of Yangzhou Prefecture would not think that way.

Tan Mingguang has been in office for half a year, and he has left a very good impression on his subordinates. He is the kind of gentle and even soft-hearted good-natured person who does not have a particularly strong desire to interfere in government affairs.

He delegated all power, allowing everyone from the prefectural judge and the judge to the lowest-ranking clerk to experience the wonder of power. Moreover, Tan Mingguang was not harsh on his subordinates; as long as things were acceptable on the surface, he would not pursue them relentlessly.

Such a superior is hard to find even with a lantern. The officials in the prefectural government seemed to have great respect for Tan Mingguang, hoping that he could stay in this position for a long time. They also understood his actions of personally welcoming Xue Huai today. In the end, this prefect was kind and gentle and would not deliberately put on airs.

In conclusion, this Prefect is a truly good person.

On one side of the pavilion, Prefect Liu Rang looked at Magistrate Zheng Xuan, who nodded slightly in understanding. Then he stood up and came to Tan Mingguang's side, respectfully saying, "Your Excellency."

Tan Mingguang opened his eyes and smiled, "It's Deming. What's up?"

Zheng Xuan said, "Yes, Your Excellency. Today is the day that Assistant Magistrate Xue takes office. My colleagues and I have come to ask Your Excellency if it is appropriate to hold the welcoming banquet at Ying Garden?"

"Shadow Garden..."

Tan Mingguang pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "Of course it's possible. Deming will handle this matter. Make sure it's done properly and that Xue Tongzhi doesn't feel slighted."

"Please rest assured, Your Excellency, I guarantee that I will not make any mistakes."

Zheng Xuan bowed respectfully and then withdrew.

He sat down next to Liu Rang and said in a low voice, "The Prefect has agreed."

This was clearly the expected answer.

Liu Rang looked around and said meaningfully, "Brother Deming, I heard that you managed to get Jiang Xue of Hanbi Pavilion and Jing Yanqing of Liuxia Boat to help you this time?"

Nearly fifty or sixty years ago, the term "thin horse" (瘦马) originated in Yangzhou. Over time, this profession has become quite famous.

On the painted boats of Slender West Lake, beautiful women of all kinds excelled in their own way. Some even named Yangzhou's "Four Beauties," and Jiang Xue and Jing Yanqing, mentioned by Liu Rang, were among them. Both were charming beauties who could make countless men lose their minds.

Zheng Xuan smiled and said, "It is only natural for a young man to admire someone. Although that young Master Xue is renowned for his integrity, he is still at the age of passionate and strong-willed. I think he will not refuse such an elegant matter. Besides, didn't Brother Bo Xun say earlier that young Master Xue has a poem about plum blossoms in the capital that is worthy of being recorded in history? It has attracted the heart of that courtesan named Qu Zhaoyun, which led to the amusing incident of the son of the Marquis of Zhenyuan causing a scene at Zhanxue Pavilion and being ganged up on by dozens of scholars?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Rang couldn't help but chuckle.

When the imperial court announced Xue Huai's transfer to Yangzhou as the Assistant Prefect, someone from the Yangzhou Guild Hall in the capital compiled Xue Huai's biographical information and sent it to the heads of the four major powerful families in Yangzhou as quickly as possible. Liu Rang, as the most outstanding member of the Liu family of this generation, had naturally already seen the information.

“In the capital, Xue Tongzhi would inevitably be constrained by personal relationships and face-saving. When he comes to Yangzhou, he may very well put on airs.”

Liu Rang said calmly and leisurely, "Be careful not to become the target of his first major crackdown after taking office."

Zheng Xuan said, "If today's flattery has backfired, I hope Brother Bo Xun can come to my rescue."

His expression revealed that he didn't take it seriously, and even seemed somewhat expectant.

After a period of preparation and encouragement, the Yangzhou officialdom gradually reached a consensus regarding Xue Huai's arrival: everyone became an official because they had something to gain, some for fame, some for wealth, and some for the benefit of their relatives or simply to enjoy power. When there was no fundamental conflict of interest, it was best to coexist peacefully and not interfere with each other.

They all knew Xue Huai's background and connections, and did not want to create conflict with him right away. However, if Xue Huai came to Yangzhou, he would still be intolerant of any wrongdoing. They thought he could act as recklessly as he did in the capital, relying on the emperor's indulgence and Shen Wang's support. They did not mind letting him know what it meant to be isolated and helpless.

Zheng Xuan's plan was this: he would first try to win over Xue Huai, and if Xue Huai accepted, everyone would be happy. But if Xue Huai didn't give him any face at all, this would allow the others to give up their illusions and band together to deal with this dragon crossing the river as soon as possible.

Liu Rang, of course, understood his thoughts and gently reminded him, "Don't go too far. Take it one step at a time. The most important thing is not to give Xue Tongzhi any leverage."

Zheng Xuan replied, "That's natural."

Just then, a minor official ran quickly toward the pavilion and shouted, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the official boat carrying the Assistant Magistrate is almost here!"

A commotion broke out inside the pavilion. Led by Tan Mingguang, followed by Liu Rang and other officials, along with some respected elders from Yangzhou, the group walked toward the dock.

On the canal, a three-masted official ship came winding its way, with a yellow flag bearing the words "Xue, Assistant Magistrate of Yangzhou Prefecture" hanging at the bow and a square flag with the character "漕" (cao, meaning canal) hanging at the stern. There was also a wooden sign that read "Huaiyang Waterway Affairs".

Several people stood at the bow of the ship. The young official in the middle, with his handsome appearance and outstanding temperament, aroused the envy and jealousy of the other officials on the dock.

A nineteen-year-old holding real power as a deputy prefect was quite rare in the history of the Great Yan Dynasty. After all, apart from the special period around the founding of the dynasty, very few people could achieve such a high status at a young age in peaceful times. The official ship docked, and Xue Huai went first, followed closely by Li Shun, Jiang Sheng, and other attendants.

Tan Mingguang led a group of people to greet them, his face beaming with a gentle smile.

He first cupped his hands and said, "Prefect Xue, you must be tired from your journey! I, Tan Mingguang, have come here to welcome you. I hope you will work together with me in the future administration of Yangzhou."

Upon hearing this, Li Shun, Jiang Sheng, and the others were puzzled. Although the Assistant Prefect was the deputy to the Prefect, they were not in an absolute superior-subordinate relationship. At least the Assistant Prefect had the power to make independent decisions on certain special administrative matters. Although he was subject to the Prefect's assessment, he could also report to higher authorities. Not to mention that Xue Huai's background was extraordinary.

Normally, the prefect of Yangzhou should have been wary and suspicious of Xue Huai, but to his surprise, this Prefect Tan personally came out to greet him and was extremely friendly in his conversation.

Under the watchful eyes of the Yangzhou officials, Xue Huai bowed deeply and said, "This humble official, Xue Huai, greets Your Excellency! I am deeply honored by your personal welcome, but I am unworthy of such praise. I will wholeheartedly assist you and obey your orders."

Tan Mingguang maintained his smiling expression, seemingly unsurprised by Xue Huai's humble reaction.

Compared to them, other officials couldn't help but feel resentful.

They had heard many stories about Xue Huai. He was a remarkable figure in the capital's officialdom. He had become famous in the capital in just half a year since entering officialdom, thanks to his feat of submitting an impeachment memorial on average every half month. Moreover, he was upright and outspoken, and he dared to point out the faults of any official, whether it was a vice minister, a minister, or a grand secretary of the cabinet.

In the minds of these officials, Xue Huai should be the kind of arrogant and aloof Hanlin scholar, but they did not expect that when they met him for the first time today, he could also be respectful of the hierarchy when facing Tan Mingguang.

If that were all, it wouldn't be so bad. However, Xue Huai's attitude towards the other officials surprised Liu Rang and the others.

Tan Mingguang then introduced them to those behind him: "This is Prefect Liu, this is Magistrate Zheng, and this is Clerk Hu from the Registrar's Office... From now on, you will be working together in the same office, so please give them your guidance, Magistrate Xue."

The officials stepped forward to pay their respects, bowing and saying, "Your humble servants greet Your Excellency!"

Xue Huai looked at each of them, smiled, and cupped his hands, saying, "You are all too kind."

Tan Mingguang then introduced Xue Huai to local elders, who, as he said, were all highly respected and well-known in Yangzhou.

Next came some of the county officials who came to welcome Xue Huai.

Xue Huai naturally greeted him with a smile, showing no impatience whatsoever from beginning to end.

The whole process was pleasant and harmonious, until the appearance of a thirty-year-old official.

Tan Mingguang said, "Prefect Xue, this is Magistrate Zhang Shizhang of Yizhen County."

Xue Huai looked up and saw that the man was not tall, had a resolute appearance, high cheekbones, and slightly furrowed brows.

He wore a slightly worn official robe, yet his back was straight, like a strong bamboo in the wind.

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency."

Zhang Shi bowed respectfully, his demeanor impeccable.

Xue Huai returned the greeting, and he noticed an interesting detail: when Zhang Shi stepped forward, the officials around him subconsciously moved aside.

Zhang Shi then withdrew without saying another word.

Although he did not show any impropriety or dissatisfaction with Xue Huai, compared with the previous harmonious atmosphere, it was like a sudden noise that made people feel uncomfortable.

Tan Mingguang seemed oblivious and warmly invited Xue Huai to board the carriage.

The group arrived at the government office at a leisurely pace. At this moment, only Tan Mingguang, Xue Huai, and the heads of various departments of the government office were present.

According to the regulations of the imperial court, Xue Huai handed his official document to Tan Mingguang for inspection. Hu Quan, the clerk of the Bureau of Records, presented Xue Huai with the copper seal of the Assistant Magistrate's Office. Then, in front of Xue Huai and a group of subordinate officials, Tan Mingguang announced the powers and responsibilities of the Assistant Magistrate.

With the entire process completed, Xue Huai officially became the new Assistant Magistrate of Yangzhou Prefecture.

Judge Zheng Xuan looked around, then stood up and said to Xue Huai, “Your Excellency, I have been ordered by the Prefect to host a banquet at Yingyuan Garden in the city with my colleagues to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey. I hope Your Excellency will do me the honor of taking the time to attend.”

This is the most common etiquette in local officialdom, and most people would not refuse it. After all, if you don't give face to a group of people when you first meet them, how can you carry out your work in the future?

Upon hearing this, Xue Huai said to Tan Mingguang, "Your Excellency's hospitality is too kind for me to refuse."

Tan Mingguang smiled calmly, stroked his beard, and nodded, saying, "That's excellent. Tonight, let's drink and make merry at the Shadow Garden until we're drunk!"

Everyone responded in unison.

Amidst the crowd, Liu Rang's gaze darkened slightly, a hint of suspicion quietly rising in his heart.

(End of this chapter)