Chapter 123 – Prestige

The next morning, Xu Chun went to the government office first and then, with Jiang Mei in tow, personally headed to the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion.

Zhang Jipu, the Prefectural Governor of Jinhaiwei, was usually responsible for local administration and was also a fifth-rank official. Upon hearing that Xu Chun had come to pay his respects, he was overjoyed and came out to greet him personally. With a round face and small eyes, he wore a full smile on his face. “His Highness, Prince Xu, has just taken office. I should have gone to welcome you personally. Who would have thought that His Excellency would actually grace us with your presence? I am truly honored, truly honored.”

Xu Chun smiled and returned the greeting with a bow. “I, Xu Chun, am merely a junior scholar, fortunate enough to benefit from my ancestors’ blessings and the profound grace of the court, thus receiving this opportunity for training. How dare I act presumptuously before an esteemed elder? I should have come to pay my respects to the parents-officials immediately upon arrival. However, I was delayed by some minor affairs yesterday. Today, the Customs Office wants to give me a detailed briefing on official duties, but I said it couldn’t be done. Before meeting the local parents-officials, how could I settle down? Governor Zhang, you must give me, Xu Chun, this face.”

Zhang Jipu was extremely pleased by Xu Chun’s words. Previously, when he heard that the imperial court had removed the eunuch supervisor of the Jinhai Port Customs and replaced him with a fifth-rank Inspector, he was quite displeased. After all, while he, the Prefectural Governor of Jinhaiwei, was officially a fifth-rank official, he was far inferior to other prefectural governors. The military officers here were under the jurisdiction and dispatch of the Military Commandant’s Office, leaving him unable to even command the city guards. It was already suffocating enough on a daily basis.

The Customs Office was supervised by a eunuch, with taxes sent directly to the central government, so he never benefited from it. Now, after the town eunuch was finally abolished, a high-ranking Inspector was appointed, and upon further inquiry, it turned out to be the Duke Jingguo’s heir. This dampened his spirits even more.

To his surprise, this Duke’s heir was very understanding. Immediately after taking office, he sent over a visiting card, and on the second day, he personally came to pay his respects. His speech was humble, and upon observing his clear and handsome appearance, Zhang Jipu felt even more honored. Delighted, he personally took Xu Chun’s hand and led him inside to the flower hall for a conversation.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Jipu asked Xu Chun where he was currently staying and where he planned to reside, adding with a laugh, “I have several mansions here that are idle. If His Highness Prince Xu doesn’t mind their rudeness, you can stay there.”

Xu Chun hurriedly smiled and replied, “How could I disturb Governor Zhang? I have already ordered people to prepare the Inspector’s residence, but since it was previously occupied by the Supervisor Eunuch, the Inspector’s residence has been unoccupied for years. Currently, the city guards have taken over the rear garden, and I’m planning to negotiate with them to redefine the property deed.”

Zhang Jipu understood the implication behind Xu Chun’s words: “That’s simple. The City Guards are under the command of the Military Commandant, but it’s unnecessary for him to intervene. A mere ninth-rank Commander-in-Chief, upon knowing of your arrival, will surely vacate the premises promptly.”

Xu Chun smiled. “I was planning to pay my respects to you first, then go and pay my respects to Military Commandant Qin. I wonder what his personality is like?”

Zhang Jipu laughed. “He is extremely adaptable and friendly, but as a result, he struggles to maintain discipline among his subordinates. Your Highness, you know that since the Song and Yuan dynasties, Jinhaiwei has been home to many military families who have settled here. Over time, most of the permanent residents are descendants of soldiers. Martial arts are highly valued, and the locals are tough. They value righteousness and are prone to causing trouble. There are many martial artists around, and plenty of ruffians loiter about the streets. Gang fights are rampant.”

“As the Prefectural Governor, it’s extremely difficult for me. Sometimes, when I encounter issues and seek troops from Military Commandant Qin, he always agrees readily, but in the end, he drags his feet. He sends people over only after much delay, and when they arrive, they just watch without doing anything, refusing to follow orders. It’s not that he disagrees; it’s simply that he can’t control the lower-ranking soldiers. But it’s not entirely his fault. I see that there are many arrogant and fierce soldiers here, with a bandit-like air about them. Indeed, it’s not as easy to lead them as it is in other places.”

Zhang Jipu continued to chatter on, then comforted Xu Chun. “I think this mansion might not be ready for a while. Besides, isn’t the Customs Office located in Huide District? It’s cramped, and there’s also a City God Temple nearby, making it noisy during festivals. It would be a shame for Your Highness to live there. Why not buy another residence instead? In Jinhaiwei, there are some sea merchants. How about I help you find a sea merchant’s garden and rent it for you, Your Highness? What do you think?”

Xu Chun smiled. “Thank you, esteemed Governor, for your consideration. I am deeply grateful. However, you may not know that in the capital, I had a falling out with that old bastard Li Meiyai. His demotion to guarding the city gates was partly due to my efforts.”

“I didn’t expect that old bastard to be reinstated and is now at the Censorate. He bears a deep grudge against me, like a rabid dog searching for my weaknesses. My father scolded me severely and forbade me from staying in the capital. That old bastard boasts of his integrity and purity, always stepping on others to enhance his reputation. Can’t I avoid him if I can’t handle him?”

“But Jinhai is too close to the capital. That old bastard is eagerly waiting for my mistakes to impeach me. I wouldn’t dare stay in a merchant’s garden and leave such a big handle for him to grab. As you know, if I lose our ancestral title in my hands, my father won’t spare me. Sigh, I can only lead a low-profile life.”

Zhang Jipu was astonished. “This… Minister Li, I heard he was involved in some scandal… indecent behavior after drinking?”

Xu Chun fanned himself with his fan. “Hehe, at a banquet I hosted, he actually berated me in front of the guests for being excessively extravagant. Ha! Who doesn’t strive to entertain their guests to the best of their abilities? Since he chose to humiliate me to boost his own reputation, he ended up disgracing himself. Haha.”

Zhang Jipu noticed a gleeful expression flash across Xu Chun’s face but dared not inquire about the role the Prince played in the incident. One could imagine that if he were Li Meiyai, he would certainly hold a deep grudge against the culprit who caused his downfall as a Grand Secretary.

Clearing his throat lightly, he changed the subject. “I did hear recently that he was reinstated at the Censorate. It seems that… “He lowered his voice. “It’s rumored that Prince Yu had some issues, and he was commended for his investigation?”

Xu Chun replied, “Who knows? These matters involving the imperial family, it’s best for us to remain ignorant. But this man is favored by the Emperor and acts without restraint, impeaching others without considering any personal relationships. It’s indeed best not to provoke him if possible. My father repeatedly emphasized that I should serve as an official honestly and complete my term with my tail between my legs. Our family doesn’t lack food or drink, so serving as a peaceful official for one term is enough. I’ll have to rely on esteemed Governor to take care of me during my term.”

Zhang Jipu hurriedly smiled and said, “How could I refuse? We should support each other, support each other.”

They chatted for a while longer, had a cup of tea, and then Xu Chun rose to bid farewell. He presented a generous gift, and as he left, he said to Zhang Jipu, “Since I’ve come here to avoid disaster, I cannot afford to be ostentatious or extravagant in the future. If I miss any banquets or fail to observe proper etiquette, please bear with me, esteemed Governor. I have my reasons and am not being disrespectful to you. Instead, I’m afraid of implicating my fellow officials. Please understand.”

Zhang Jipu was quite sympathetic to his situation. “Minister Li is indeed overly upright and incorruptible, almost to the point of overcorrection. Fortunately, Prince Xu is still young, so let’s endure for now.” In his heart, however, he thought, “Who doesn’t know that Li Meiyai dares to impeach anyone? If Prince Xu really caught his attention, who would dare to invite him or accept gifts from him? It’s indeed better to distance oneself. Thankfully, Prince Xu mentioned this himself, making it easier to handle matters. Indeed, he understands human relations well. Who doesn’t want to be a peaceful official? I can’t help but feel even more favorable towards Xu Chun now.”

After a while, they bid farewell, and Xu Chun took Jiang Mei to the Commandant’s Mansion in a carriage.

Jiang Mei was filled with surprise and couldn’t wait to ask Xu Chun once they were in the carriage, “Your Highness, you really have a feud with that Li Meiyai?”

Xu Chun cleared his throat lightly. “He did indeed scold me publicly for the extravagance of my banquets. Later, when his reputation was ruined and he was demoted to sweeping the city gates, I did play a role in it. If I make any missteps and he finds out, he certainly won’t consider my status or position and will impeach me without hesitation.”

Jiang Mei sighed with regret. “How unfortunate for Your Highness to have such bad luck! To have provoked such a fierce opponent! No wonder Your Highness is so cautious and careful. Indeed, we must tread carefully every step of the way. Otherwise, if he submits an impeachment, you’ll really lose your office and be stripped of your title!”

Xu Chun opened his fan to conceal his expression, fearing that he would burst out laughing. He thought to himself, “Everything I said is true. If I were to really embezzle and accept bribes, Minister Li would definitely not show any mercy and would impeach me to death.”

Oh, Grand Secretary Meiyai, you are incorruptible and powerful, your righteous fame resounding throughout the land. Everyone knows you for your integrity and courage. Such talents are hard to find. Moreover, given the current state of affairs, if I claim that I want to be honest and upright, serving the country and the people, who would believe me? But if I say that I have a feud with a censor and must be careful to avoid losing my office and title, everyone believes it…”

For now, I’ll have to borrow the prestige of esteemed Governor. When I return to the capital at the end of the year to celebrate Ninth Brother’s birthday, I’ll present you with a generous gift.