Chapter 122 – Convention

As they spoke, the carriage arrived at Xu Chun’s destination. He dismounted from his horse and turned to find Ding Hai, instructing him, “Go invite Commander Pei and Commander Qi to the flower hall. Have Mr. Jiang come along too.”

Pei Dongyan and Qi Luan soon arrived at the small flower hall outside the study. Xu Chun had changed out of his official robes and into a light summer robe, sipping hot tea as he waited. Seeing Pei Dongyan and Qi Luan enter, he smiled and said, “Commander Pei and Commander Qi, are you both settling in well? I’m afraid the conditions here can’t compare to those in the capital; please bear with it. If there’s anything lacking, you can let me know or speak to Steward Luo.”

Pei Dongyan replied, “It’s excellent. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your thoughtful consideration. The courtyard where the guards are staying is very well-equipped. Steward Luo has been attentive to our needs, making sure that all aspects of our living arrangements are taken care of. Even the horses have been well-cared for.”

“Of the twenty men who came with Your Excellency, four have been assigned to rotate shifts to accompany you. Compared to their duties in the capital, the rest consider themselves quite idle. If Your Excellency requires assistance, please feel free to command us.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “No rush. I just assumed my post today. I summoned the two commanders for a specific matter. Today, I noticed that there’s a garden behind the Prefectural Office that’s been encroached upon by the neighboring city garrison and converted into a training ground. Tomorrow, I’ll pay a visit to the Governor to reclaim that land. However, the training ground seems to be in good condition, so I thought it would be perfect to discuss with Commanders Pei and Qi. I plan to build several small buildings in the rear garden for the brothers of Fengxiang Guard to reside in, while the training ground can be used for daily practice. If there are any specific construction requirements you have, inform Mr. Jiang, and we’ll take them into account when renovating the Prefectural Office.”

Pei Dongyan bowed and said, “That would be wonderful. The Commander of Jinhai Guard is Qin Jie, the second son of Marquis Jing’an, Qin Dongji. Does Your Excellency need us to intercede on your behalf?”

Xu Chun was surprised. “Do you know him, Commander Pei?”

Pei Dongyan shook his head. “I don’t personally know him. He left the capital for an external posting in his twenties, serving in various military posts in Ezhou and Xiangbei. Now in his fifties, the circle of nobles and officials in the capital is not large. From what I’ve heard, he’s rather adept at handling social situations.”

“Jinhai Guard protects the capital, and its location is strategic. The Governor of Jinhai Guard is under the jurisdiction of the Martial Army Commandery. As royal guards, we must be familiar with the commanders of the Five Armies Commandery. In times of emergency, we must know whom to call upon for military assistance. If Your Excellency finds it difficult, either I or Steward Ding Hai can mediate on your behalf.”

Xu Chun waved his hand. “No need. This is a trivial matter. A strong dragon doesn’t suppress a local snake. Since you’ve just arrived, it’s best not to reveal your identity as palace guards lightly. Besides, why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? I can handle this matter myself, and he will surely agree. However, tomorrow, send two of your men to accompany Mr. Jiang to inspect the residence and the terrain.”

Pei Dongyan bowed in agreement. Xu Chun asked about some other matters before dismissing them. He then instructed Jiang Mei, “Tomorrow, take Qiu Hu to collect the blueprints and deeds. Upon returning, draw up detailed renovation plans. The place isn’t large, so we’ll have to build vertically. Construct it well, with sturdy walls. It must stand the test of time.”

Jiang Mei smiled. “Does Your Excellency intend to stay in this post for a few more years?”

Xu Chun also smiled, but his thoughts drifted to his departure from the capital. He couldn’t help but long to fly back to accompany Brother Nine. He wondered what Brother Nine was doing now—was he still deliberating over documents or having dinner?

He explained to Jiang Mei, “Firstly, the Port of Tianjin is crucial for receiving foreign dignitaries from other countries. Our office appears dilapidated, and the front section of the Port Office is spacious enough, but it doesn’t convey the grandeur of our nation. This office represents the dignity of our court, yet they follow the old custom of officials neglecting the repair of their offices, leaving them in disarray.”

“Secondly, new officials bring a fresh start. Working in a grand office imbues a sense of grandeur. Today, I noticed that from the bailiffs to the officials, everyone looked listless. They seem to be here just to retire and wait for death. Yet, all four officials entered their positions through the imperial examination system, yet they appear to have lost all their vigor.”

Jiang Mei commented, “Indeed. When I reviewed their records, I was surprised. In distant places like Lingnan, officials who gained their positions through the imperial examination system are often exiled there. Yet, this place is the gateway to the capital, and the positions are as sought after as those in the capital. It’s not surprising to find officials from the imperial examination system here.”

“But they’ve managed to remain in their positions for over a decade without being transferred. Perhaps they have mentors or fellow townspeople supporting them, allowing them to enjoy this well-known lucrative post.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “Lucrative post? With less than ten thousand taels of tax silver contributed to the national treasury each year, they have to bribe the Admiral Eunuch, the Ministry of Revenue officials, and the civil and military officials of Jinhai Guard. Even if they embezzle funds, how much could they possibly take? And you call this a lucrative post?”

Jiang Mei laughed. “This is because the Port of Tianjin hasn’t been open for trade for long… But it’s relatively peaceful, being in the capital region. Indeed, compared to the ports in Guangzhou, Jiangnan, and Fujian, it falls short. We need to gradually expand our sources of income and attract merchants to Tianjin Port. Once business picks up, merchants will naturally flow in like water, and tax revenue will increase.”

Xu Chun remarked, “In Fujian, Zhejiang, and Guangdong combined, the annual customs duties amount to a staggering two million taels… Of course, this is due to their long history of commerce. Tianjin Port is indeed smaller, which is why the court sent us here. Having received the Emperor’s deep grace, we must strive to achieve great accomplishments and not disappoint His Majesty’s favor.”

As Jiang Mei observed the vibrant enthusiasm on Xu Chun’s face, he advised, “However, Your Excellency, the custom of officials repairing their own offices is against the rules. By doing so, you might offend other officials in Jinhai Guard. Furthermore, if you always cover expenses out of your own pocket, people might expect you to continue doing so. In the future, if you refuse to pay, they might not obey your orders.”

Xu Chun slowly folded his fan and asked Jiang Mei with a smile, “Mr. Jiang, do you have another solution?”

Jiang Mei smiled. “Since the Port Office oversees merchants, we can organize donations from merchants to fund the renovations. Today, Prefect Xu mentioned that since Your Excellency wants to refurbish the premises, he could mobilize merchants to contribute. Some funds could also be allocated from the Port Office’s public coffers. This is a common practice in official circles. For instance, military salaries, bridge repairs, and road construction are often handled in this manner.”

Xu Chun remarked meaningfully, “A convention, indeed.”

Jiang Mei explained, “Indeed. And since Your Excellency is a new official, the local merchants and gentry are eager to find opportunities to welcome you and express their respect. Now that you’re planning to renovate the office and Prefectural Office, they will have the chance to donate generously.”

Xu Chun asked, “And the public funds? Which tax silver will be used to cover the expenses?”

Jiang Mei replied, “The Port Office is traditionally considered a lucrative position. There’s always an unspoken understanding that some funds are set aside for public use. In Jinhai, the Prefect and the Admiral need to be appeased. Even in the capital, the Ministry of Revenue and the Grand Secretariat require attention. These are not necessarily bribes but normal gifts exchanged during festivals and other occasions.”

Xu Chun pondered, “Another convention.”

Jiang Mei looked at Xu Chun and cautiously asked, “What does Young Master Gong think?”

Xu Chun responded, “Today, I’ve heard of several conventions. First, officials don’t repair their offices, preferring to build gardens and buy residences instead of spending money on official premises. Second, merchants contribute to the renovation of offices, public residences, roads, and bridges. Third, during festivals, gifts are exchanged, and these expenses come from public funds. Moreover, these expenses are necessary to maintain relationships with superiors.”

Jiang Mei, with years of experience as an official, was well-versed in the ways of the bureaucratic world. Hearing Xu Chun summarize these conventions, he felt a strange discomfort and awkwardness. He laughed uneasily. “These are established rules that everyone follows. Especially in the capital, officials have no other sources of income. When officials from the provinces visit the capital and don’t offer gifts to the officials there, they risk making enemies.”

Xu Chun looked at Jiang Mei with a smile. “Mr. Jiang, the Duke of Wuying recommended you to me, and you’re indeed proficient in the intricacies of officialdom and human relations. You’ve been sincere and forthright with me, and I’m truly grateful. To be honest, my maternal family are merchants. I’ve heard about these conventions from time to time and am quite familiar with them.”

Jiang Mei observed the clear eyes and sincere expression of the young official before him. His heart skipped a beat. Would this esteemed official, filled with righteous enthusiasm, actually believe he could eradicate corruption and uphold integrity? He inwardly lamented that if Xu Chun pursued such ideals, he would likely offend all his colleagues within days.

Xu Chun smiled and said, “Mr. Jiang, you mentioned that I was granted a fifth-rank official position upon reaching adulthood and have a hereditary dukedom waiting for me to inherit. Doesn’t my future look bright and promising?”

Seeing Xu Chun’s delighted smile and sparkling eyes, Jiang Mei assumed the young master was simply boasting and smiled. “Young Master Gong’s future is indeed bright and promising. The Port of Tianjin is merely the starting point of Your Excellency’s career.”

Xu Chun added, “A starting point… Mr. Jiang, you’re right. This is just the beginning for me.”

He opened his fan once again, revealing the four characters ‘Fengchi Jiaolin’ written on it. He slowly fanned himself and said, “Mr. Jiang, if I use public funds from the Port Office to finance the renovation of the office and residence, what should I do if Prefect Dong and Prefect Xu later divert taxes for their own accounts, claiming it’s for official gift-giving and maintaining relationships? Should I approve or decline? If they increasingly divert funds as a matter of routine, agreeing to one thousand taels, should I also agree to one thousand one hundred taels? Which requests should I approve, and which should I reject?”

Jiang Mei was speechless.

Xu Chun continued, “Furthermore, if I use the excuse of office renovation to build a private residence for myself and merchants donate enthusiastically, what happens when merchants caught smuggling goods come to plead for leniency? They may have various difficulties, perhaps due to being implicated or framed. Should I overlook their offenses for the sake of past friendships or adhere to regulations? How should I balance these considerations? If I let Zhang San go today, Li Si will come tomorrow. If I refuse, a petition could be filed with the Censorate. How could I defend myself?”

Jiang Mei remained silent.

Xu Chun looked at Jiang Mei with a smile. “Mr. Jiang, this place is far from the capital, but it’s still within the capital region. The Emperor doesn’t tolerate sand in his eyes. One misstep, and I might lose not only my official position but also the hereditary title passed down from my ancestors. Don’t laugh, but my maternal family are merchants. Whenever faced with decisions, I instinctively weigh the costs and benefits.”

“Renovating an office and residence shouldn’t cost more than ten thousand taels, but I might lose my position and title over it. The Port Office is the starting point of my career, but I don’t want it to become the endpoint, do I?”

Jiang Mei’s face flushed with shame as he rose to bow. “Young Master Xu has a keen insight. I was shortsighted.”

Xu Chun stood up to support him. “Mr. Jiang, you were recommended by the Duke of Wuying, and Brother Fang is my close friend. I genuinely consider you a trusted confidant.”

“You traveled thousands of miles from Lingnan to serve as my advisor, making you a key member of my inner circle. Our fates are intertwined. In the future, you should consider things carefully. I hold a different status than officials without roots. I already possess wealth and rank, so I became an official to achieve real accomplishments. I must be cleaner and more cautious than others to avoid being exploited.”

“But as long as you’re with me, I can assure you won’t be treated unfairly. You won’t need to extort merchants or profit from connections. Your monthly salary will be paid by me. If you encounter difficulties, tell me immediately. In the future, if opportunities arise, I will certainly recommend you for promotion. I’m speaking from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you’ll teach me more without holding back.”

Jiang Mei was convinced. “Your Excellency is wise. This subordinate will serve you faithfully and use his intelligence to the fullest.”

After sending Jiang Mei away, Xu Chun rose and moved to the study. He reclined on a couch, slowly playing with the fan in his hand, his gaze lingering on the calligraphy. He traced the strokes, recalling the facial expressions of Brother Nine as he wrote those characters. Before his departure, he had begged Brother Nine to inscribe the fan with those words once more.

Xie Yi had found the fan rather ordinary and commented, “Among the fans I had prepared for you, there were many with jade and ivory handles. Why do you only use this plain one? When I return, I’ll write on a new one and have it delivered to you.”

Xu Chun caressed the fan and replied, “This is made of black sandalwood. I’ve been using it for a long time. Ordinary fans are meant for everyday use, while the precious ones are too valuable to carry around. Brother Nine, please write these four characters on this fan. No need for a seal or inscription. I want to see them every day to remember your expectations and teachings.”

Xie Yi picked up the brush and wrote the characters for Xu Chun, then jokingly asked, “What will you do during the cold winter months when you don’t use a fan?”

Xu Chun replied, “I’ll have someone carve a jade pendant with these characters. I’ll wear it constantly, never letting it leave my side, to remember Brother Nine’s hopes and guidance for me.”

Xie Yi chuckled. “Alright, I’ll have someone make a white jade Chi Long pendant for you. Once it’s ready, I’ll have it delivered to you.”

Xu Chun closed the fan and pressed the cool handle against his slightly heated face, feeling an intense longing for Brother Nine. During moments of leisure, he couldn’t help but feel restless, missing the refreshing scent of sandalwood from Brother Nine’s linen robe and the coolness it provided when he nestled against him. He missed Brother Nine’s embrace and the unrestrained passion they shared in the attic one last time.

Brother Nine had even taken away the painting… Xu Chun had wanted to see it more often. The longing welled up in his heart like bubbles constantly surfacing. Recalling the wild night in the attic, his cheeks burned with embarrassment as the weather seemed to grow hotter, leaving him parched and thirsty.

Qing Qian brought over some snacks and, seeing no one in the room, laughed. “Wasn’t Young Master supposed to be discussing something with someone? Why is everyone gone?”

Xu Chun lacked spirit. “Sister Qing Qian, why did you come personally to deliver the food? Let Yinzhu and the others do it.”

Qing Qian explained, “Didn’t Young Master ask me to do something last time? I’m here to report to you. I still have accounts to settle. What’s wrong?”

Seeing Xu Chun’s flushed face, she asked concernedly, “Are you tired from the journey and suffering from the heat? Go back to your room and rest.”

Xu Chun replied weakly, “No, I just miss home.”

Qing Qian chuckled. “His Highness is already a fifth-rank official. Aren’t you being childish?”

Xu Chun looked dejected. “Sister, did you inquire about the local merchants’ opinions regarding the Port Office? Did Steward Luo ask the local chamber of commerce?”

Qing Qian answered, “The teahouse near the port is open, but business is average. Merchants prefer restaurants, and the port workers don’t drink tea; they go to noodle shops where large teapots are available. The business model wasn’t suitable, so we need to think of other ways.”

“However, our stewards discreetly inquired about the situation. Now that we’re imperial merchants, we don’t pay taxes. Previously, though, merchants complained about the high taxes in Tianjin Port, which were higher than those in other ports. Moreover, the Prefect acted pompously and was particularly demanding. Both Deputy Prefects are southerners and are said to be meticulous, making many demands and imposing heavy levies. Even goods procured for the court weren’t exempt from taxes.”

Xu Chun was surprised. “Isn’t it said that goods purchased by the court for overseas trade are tax-exempt?”

Qing Qian laughed. “Taxes are still collected, but slightly less. Moreover, there’s suspicion that the goods aren’t actually intended for the court. They’re acquired by the Port Office at low prices under the guise of procurement and then resold at higher prices. Goods with incomplete customs documents or those deemed insufficiently documented are labeled as smuggled, seized, and then reportedly divided among the officials.”

Xu Chun frowned. “Such greed?”

Qing Qian laughed. “Ah, Young Master, this isn’t just about the Port Office. Isn’t it the same everywhere along the canal route? Whenever there’s a checkpoint or gate, officials act this way. If you don’t comply, you’ll suffer delays. Officials have numerous ways to make your life difficult. Merchants are taxed everywhere. It’s the same everywhere, as all crows are black. Young Master, even if you try to manage it, you won’t be able to change the entire system. Can you reform society?”

“Additionally, good and rare goods are forcibly bought at low prices. Some goods are temporarily stored in the Port Office, and after payment is made, they’re retrieved. Cases of goods being replaced with inferior ones or shortages occurring are common.”

Xu Chun asked, “Do you know who’s responsible for these actions?”

Qing Qian replied, “Who knows? From the top officials to the lowliest clerks, even the warehouse managers, anyone handling goods takes a cut. It’s a common practice. Everyone says that officials travel thousands of miles for wealth, and they wield power.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

He opened the fan and looked at Brother Nine’s handwriting, thinking to himself: Brother Nine… When you next see Xiaolin, he might be as dark as coal. All crows are black in this world.

Seeing Xu Chun staring at the writing on the fan again, Qing Qian couldn’t resist teasing him. “Young Master, why do you look at the words on the fan every day?”

Xu Chun muttered, “Those with aspirations set long-term goals, while those without aspirations frequently set new ones. Three times a day, they set new goals, but their resolve wanes with each attempt…”

Xu Chun covered his face with the open fan and thought, I’ve only just arrived and seen these corrupt practices. I can’t wait to return to the capital and be with Brother Nine.

Brother Nine governs this country; how many vexing issues must he face? Despite his fastidious temperament, he probably can’t finish venting his anger every day. No wonder he relies on Li Meiyao to curse on his behalf.

Xu Chun suddenly sat up straight, struck by a realization. Yes, I need someone like Li Meiyao.