Take control of Wei Zhongxian at the start and confiscate 100 million from him!

Chapter 304 Watching the Turbulent Times in Jinling

Lin Yuanshan's eyes gleamed with a shrewd and calculating light, as if he could already see those high-ranking officials who had accepted gifts praising him before the emperor.

"Go and do it. Use the old waterway in the south, send them out in batches, and make sure it's done cleanly and efficiently, leaving no trace."

"Understood." Zhao Meng carefully hid the gift list on his body, bowed deeply, and then quietly slipped away like a shadow.

In the study, Lin Yuanshan slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

All he did was like a cunning spider weaving layer upon layer of webs around its comfortable nest.

These networks served as both tools for him to amass wealth and shields for his survival.

He gazed at the deep night outside the window, and inwardly sneered: Emperor, do you think you can sweep away the centuries-old problems of the Ming Dynasty with just a surge of courage and a few knives?
too naive!

This world has never been governed by killing.

This world is a vast web woven from human relationships and interests!

He picked up the cup of tea on the table, which had long since gone cold, and drank it all in one gulp.

The tea was bitter, just like the ups and downs of official life.

But over the past thirty years, he has grown accustomed to this taste, and even become somewhat intoxicated by it, unable to extricate himself.

……

Just when Lin Yuanshan thought he had laid a trap and could rest easy waiting for the storm to pass, an imperial edict from the Nanjing imperial court suddenly tore through the sky and descended upon Qingjiangpu.

The messenger was a lowly servant sent by the Directorate of Ceremonial, who rode a fast horse from Nanjing.

Before the person even reached the gate of the Lin residence, a sharp, drawn-out shout of "Imperial decree has arrived!" shattered the tranquility above the Lin residence.

Although Lin Yuanshan was certain in his heart, his deep-seated awe of imperial power made him dare not be negligent in the slightest.

He hurriedly led everyone in the mansion to set up an incense table in front of the main hall, straightened their clothes, and knelt down respectfully to welcome them.

He had been practicing this ritual for thirty years and was already very familiar with it.

"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:"

The shopkeeper unfurled a roll of bright yellow silk embroidered with gold-embroidered dragons and clouds, and began to read aloud in a melodious, rhythmic voice honed in the palace:

"Lin Yuanshan, the superintendent of the Huai'an Customs, has long been in charge of the grain transport, working diligently and achieving considerable success. During my inspection tour of Jiangnan, I intend to reform the grain transport system to benefit the nation and its people. Therefore, I hereby summon Lin Yuanshan to Nanjing immediately for an audience with Your Majesty to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the grain transport system and jointly plan the autumn grain transport. You must strictly obey my orders and not make any mistakes. So be it."

The imperial edict was short, but every word struck a chord with Lin Yuanshan.

He kowtowed respectfully to express his gratitude, shouting, "This old servant, Lin Yuanshan, receives the imperial decree and expresses his thanks! Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty!"

After the messenger finished reading the imperial decree, his face immediately changed to a fawning smile. He quickly stepped forward and warmly helped Lin Yuanshan up, saying, "Eunuch Lin, you are truly blessed! His Majesty specifically requested to see you to discuss matters of state. Such favor is truly unique in this small corner of Jiangnan! I congratulate you in advance!"

Lin Yuanshan's face was also full of a warm smile. While discreetly slipping a heavy gold ingot into the small shopkeeper's hand, he said with feigned humility, "Eunuch Xu is too kind. I have only done my duty as a servant. How could I be worthy of His Majesty's favor? It is really kind of you to have made this trip in person."

After some polite but perfunctory conversation, Lin Yuanshan returned to the inner hall with the imperial edict still warm from the emperor's authority.

He carefully placed the imperial edict on the central table, lit three incense sticks, bowed repeatedly, and then carefully read it twice more.

"Let's discuss the grand plan for the autumn grain transport..." He repeated these words over and over, his smug smile growing ever wider.

Li Jin, standing to the side, was overjoyed and chimed in, "Godfather! You are truly a genius!"

Lin Yuanshan nodded smugly, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, and looked at the sycamore leaves rustling in the autumn wind in the courtyard. The last trace of doubt in his heart disappeared.

His previous judgments were all correct!

The emperor's series of killings in Jiangnan were indeed just a prelude to establishing his authority.

Having eliminated those disobedient and useless cowards, it's now his turn to step in as the truly capable moneybag. The four golden words, "harmony between ruler and subject," swirled in his mind.

Lin Yuanshan seemed to already see himself in the warm pavilion of the Nanjing Imperial Palace, talking eloquently with the young emperor, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of the Grand Canal, and outlining good strategies for promoting its benefits and eliminating its drawbacks.

The emperor, eager for a cure, was overjoyed and immediately rewarded him with gold and a robe, entrusting him with an important task!

From then on, Lin Yuanshan's position in the entire Ming Dynasty's grain transport system would be even more stable and unshakable.

"Go!" Lin Yuanshan turned around abruptly, issuing orders with great enthusiasm. "Pass down my message: prepare the ships immediately! Use the best official ship in our shipyard, a three-story vessel, adorned with colorful silks! Also, carefully retrieve those treasured items from the storeroom!"

He counted on his fingers, planning one by one: "That two-foot-tall red coral tree was a tribute from the West back then. It's perfect for presenting to His Majesty, suits his youthful tastes, and also signifies celebration. And those twelve 'Auspicious Cranes' paintings, personally painted by Emperor Huizong of Song, should be sent to the Duke of Ying's residence to thank him for his usual favors. We must also prepare appropriate gifts for the other officials in Nanjing, so as not to be impolite. This trip is a perfect opportunity to solidify our friendships and take things to the next level!"

"The guards must be the most elite." He thought it through carefully and added, "Select fifty of the bravest men from our personal guards and equip them with the finest swords. I am going to meet the Emperor on imperial orders, representing the dignity of the court and my own reputation. We must not tarnish our prestige!"

In an instant, the entire Lin residence was thrown into chaos.

The servants were busy counting and packing all sorts of precious gifts, the guards were polishing their weapons in the drill ground, and the craftsmen in the shipyard were working through the night to give the giant official ship its final touches.

Lin Yuanshan reveled in the busyness that had begun because of his words, enjoying the thrill of having great power and making decisions.

He even personally selected the official robe he would wear when meeting the emperor, trying it on again and again in front of the mirror to ensure that every detail, from the jewel on the top of the hat to the cloud pattern on the sole of the boot, was perfect.

However, just as he was brimming with confidence and preparing to embark on this path to supreme glory, the last trace of vigilance that the old fox had kept hidden deep in his heart for thirty years quietly surfaced.

In a secluded corner where no one would notice, he summoned another trusted confidant, Lin Tong.

"What are your instructions, sir?" Lin Tong remained as taciturn and composed as ever.

Lin Yuanshan suppressed all the smugness on his face, and his expression became more serious than ever before. He handed Zhao Meng a thick money bag containing several large-denomination banknotes.

"You must set off immediately, not by water, but by land, at top speed, and make sure you reach Nanjing before our large ship." He lowered his voice and instructed, word by word, "Once you arrive, do not make a fuss. Go to our old hideout on Pishi Street in the south of the city. Use all available manpower to find out one thing for us."

"Please give your instructions, sir."

Lin Yuanshan's gaze suddenly sharpened like an eagle's: "Find out for me who His Majesty has met and what he has said since arriving in Nanjing, besides killing people. In particular, has he privately summoned the Grand Canal Transport Commissioner or any high-ranking official from the Ministry of Revenue? In his words and actions, has he mentioned the words 'canal abuses,' 'investigation,' or 'customs duties' in any situation, even unintentionally?"

Zhao Meng felt a chill run down his spine. He sensed an unusual seriousness in his father-in-law's words.

"Don't worry, sir," Lin Tong said in a deep voice as he silently tucked the money pouch into his robes. "Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground in Nanjing, I will find out the truth for you."

"Go ahead." Lin Yuanshan waved his hand.

Watching Lin Tong's figure quickly disappear into the night, Lin Yuanshan felt a little relieved.

He attributed this to his habitually cautious nature, seeing it as simply an extra layer of insurance.

Noon the next day.

At the official wharf in Qingjiangpu, the giant ship, decorated like a floating palace, rests quietly on the blue waves.

Flags fluttered and colorful ribbons billowed on the ship, and dozens of guards stood with swords at their sides, exuding an imposing and majestic aura.

Lin Yuanshan, dressed in a brand-new bright red robe, wearing a three-peaked hat and a jade belt, strode confidently onto the boat amidst the kneeling and worship of the entire household and a chorus of praises such as "Respectfully sending off the father-in-law" and "Wishing the father-in-law great favor."

He stood at the bow of the boat, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

The autumn wind blew against the hem of his python robe, making it flutter.

Lin Yuanshan first glanced back at Huai'an City, which he had managed for half his life, and then firmly turned his gaze toward Jinling at the southern end of the Grand Canal.

That place is now the center of the empire's power, a place where great events converge.

A confident and satisfied smile slowly appeared on Lin Yuanshan's lips as he silently recited the phrase he already knew by heart:

Watching the winds of change rise and fall in Nanjing with a smile!
(End of this chapter)