Wang Xueshan's palms were sweating, and when Xiao Xuanchuo, Zhang Yuber, and others went in to investigate and ask questions, they didn't just sit idly outside the fence. Qin Chengbo had his trusted men carefully examine the injured city guards, most of whom had bruises and scrapes. Although some armor could still be found in the fields in front of the fence, there was no bloodstain from fierce battles, only trampled earth that was unrecognizable. The truth was obvious at a glance. More than 20 city rascals who had escaped earlier were also questioned about their escape, and although Lin Xuan's men had ambushed them from behind in an underhanded move, it couldn't be considered excessive.

  Wang Xueshan had Chen Zhiqian's heart cut out with a thousand knives: he led more than 500 troops, and also lured nearly 600 city children to follow him. As a result, more than 500 troops abandoned their armor and fled back, and more than 500 city children were captured.

  How much incompetence is needed to achieve such a "glorious record", why doesn't he just go and die?

  Wang Xueshan stared at Chen Zhi, who was tied up with five flowers. Although he had the intention to kill him, he couldn't do it in front of Qin Chengbo and Gu Wudian, and even wanted to avoid Chen Zhi being persuaded by Gu Wudian to say something unfavorable about himself. Wang Xueshan had just promised privately to spare his life.

  "Your Excellency, can we now interrogate East City Patrolman Chen Zhi? Or should he be taken to Jiang Island Prison first and held until the five departments are assembled on another day for a trial; or perhaps handed over to the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, and the Censorate for a joint trial?" Gu Wuhen pressed Wang Xueshan step by step.

  Chen Zhi was taken to the Jiang Island prison for trial, and the initiative was completely handed over to Gu Wu Chen. Who knows what unfavorable things Gu Wu Chen would dig out of Chen Zhi's mouth? Wang Xue Shan naturally wouldn't do it; The Ministry of Punishment, the Supreme Court, and the Censorate will hold a joint trial, Chen Zhi doesn't have the qualification to enjoy, and Wang Xue Shan naturally doesn't want to go. According to his staff member Ma Weihan, he knew that tonight he had to retreat to satisfy Gu Wu Chen... After calming down, he bowed to Qin Chengbo and said: "Tonight, there are people from all five departments, and we still need to trouble Lord Qin..."

  "No need, no need, we are all serving the imperial court, what's a little tiredness?" Qin Chengbo smiled with narrowed eyes. He didn't want to stir up such a big political storm when he was about to leave Jiangning either, and he was also afraid that Gu Wudust would overthrow Wang Xueshan and involve himself in the turmoil. On the other hand, if Wang Xueshan had to compromise with Gu Wudu, wouldn't it be better for him to be a witness and gain some benefits? "Lin Sixiu, the scholar from Dongyang, is still self-imprisoned in Caotang," he continued, "he not only has no fault, but also great merit. How can we bear to see him blaming himself?"

  Even if Wang Xueshan had the heart to flay Lin Xie, at this moment he would praise Lin Xie as a rare talent in the world, and invite him out with Qin Chengbo and Gu Wuduan to reward him.

  Qin Chengbo, Wang Xueshan and Gu Wuchen were to interrogate Chen Zhi, the East City Patrol Officer, that night for his dereliction of duty, false reporting and framing. Xiao Xuanchu, Zhang Yubo, Chen Yuanliang, even the Envoys and officials sent by the Provincial Commander's office did not dare leave, they had to pretend to be present even if they could not participate in the actual trial. Zhao Shuhan, Ge Sixu and others were witnesses, naturally they also did not dare leave, anyway they couldn't return to the city at night.

  The two elite camps of the Jiangning defender and the attendants of Qin Chengbo, who had relaxed their vigilance, entered the enclosure and stayed in the open space inside the south gate. The remaining soldiers and armor of the Dongchengwei people who came with them were all disarmed and taken care of; the twenty or so city rascals who escaped by chance last time did not have good luck this time, and they were also detained together for trial within the high wall.

  Outside was noisy, but Lin Xie, who had been self-imprisoned in the grass hall, sat at his desk reading a book. When Zhou Pu said that Qin Chengbo, Wang Xueshan, and Gu Wuchen were coming, he quickly took off his clothes, bared his upper body, and asked Zhou Pu to help him tie several thorny branches to his back. He knelt in front of the hall, making a show of atoning for his guilt by carrying thorns on his back. Liu Yu'er and Xiao Man also temporarily moved into the surrounding house, not staying in the grass hall, otherwise, as the jailer here, he would still have two beautiful maids serving him, which would be a big mistake, and he couldn't escape being scolded.

  "What are you doing? It's all my fault and Zhang Wendlai's oversight, indulging in Dongcheng Wei Chen Zhi's framing of good people, harming you. You're doing this, how can I be at peace?" Wang Xueshan saw Lin Fu carrying a bundle of thorns on his back and kneeling as soon as he entered the door. Although he wanted to kick him, he quickly went over to half-embrace and half-support him, using a very self-reproachful and sorrowful tone to comfort him not to blame himself.

  Qin Chengbo, Gu Wuchen and others watched Wang Xueshan perform there. Zhang Wendeng, the right Sima, was the most depressed. Chen Zhi, the east city guard, had been foolishly promoted today, all of which were instigated by Wang Xueshan. Wang Xueshan deliberately pulled him up to share the responsibility together. Zhang Wendeng couldn't even open his mouth to defend himself and secretly scolded: When he was useless, he was abandoned and left aside, unable to do anything; when he was useful, he was pulled together to carry the black pot.

  Lin Tie also pretended to be a bit, then untied the thorny stick and put on his clothes again. He paid respects to Qin Chengbo, Wang Xueshan, Gu Wuchen and other seniors. His official position was the lowest, ninth grade, any lower would be an officer. After making a round of courtesy, there were not enough seats in the hall, so he could only stand aside with Ge Siyu to listen. Ge Siyu, this Shu Ling Shi, was also a ninth-grade official, although he had no real power, but his official position was slightly higher than Lin Tie's.

  "Bring the defendant Chen Zhi up," Qin Chengbo ordered, and asked Gu Wudian, "There are too many people here, it's not convenient to interrogate. Should we find another place? Chen Zhixian is the first meritorious person, and Lin Siyu was also harmed by him, so he can participate in the interrogation."

  The Bamboo Hall was not yet built, and apart from the thatched cottage where the refugees lived, only this grass hut looked a bit like a house. The others were either hovels or round warehouses. Nor could Qin Chengbo and his men interrogate Chen Zhi in a hovel, and Xiao Xuanchuo and others, although they were not lacking in high-ranking officials of the fifth grade, had to honestly withdraw outside to wait when facing Qin Chengbo.

  The interrogation of Chen Zhi is false, let others retreat, and the negotiation between Gu Wudian and Wang Xueshan to maintain the current balance of Jiangning City is true.

  Lin Xian was able to attend the meeting only because of his relationship with Gu Wu Chen, so he naturally didn't have the right to speak up and could only watch coldly as this political deal unfolded. Chen Yuan Liang took notes with his pen, and like Zhang Yu Bo, they were both labeled as members of the Dongyang Xiang Party. Qin Cheng Bo specifically asked him to participate, nominally giving him credit for tonight's achievement, while Zhang Yu Bo, as a Jiangning Prefecture Si Kou Can Jun, had some blame for being too lenient, but in reality was also inclined towards Gu Wu Chen when it came to getting benefits from Wang Xue Shan.

  There were three people on the scene, Qin Chengbo was in the middle to mediate and make a decision, while Wang Xueshan was alone - Wang Xueshan had no choice but to admit it, who made him completely at a disadvantage at this time?

  "Today, the Eastern City Guard Chen Zhi led his troops and also brought along over a thousand city dwellers to trample on crops covering over a thousand mu of land, causing losses to tenant farmers and landlords. The Surveillance Commissioner's office cannot turn a blind eye to this..." said Gu Wuchen.

  "By investigating the actual losses in Miling County, Jiangning Prefecture will make up for all of them." Wang Xueshan said.

  "The people are trampling on the crops and goods also because the road is narrow and difficult to pass, this side of the river mouth will be the key to the prosperity of the prison island, if the road is not open, the inspector's office cannot ignore it..." Gu Wu Chen said.

  "Is it possible for the cost of building the road to be shared by merchants from Miling County, Jiangning Prefecture, Yu Island and other ports?" Wang Xueshan said. Gu Wuchen seemed to be exercising his supervisory power as a surveillance commissioner, but in reality he was trying to extort money and goods. If Gu Wuchen only wanted to extort money and goods, it would have been easy to deal with him, but unfortunately this was just the beginning of his conditions, and there were more to come.

  "The documents issued by Jiangning Prefecture for the arrest of Zhao Qinnin have many suspicious points, and the Chachashi (Imperial Inspector) cannot but investigate..." said Gu Wuchen.

  "Zhao Qinmin's numerous crimes were likely fabricated by Chen Zhi, the Eastern City Patrol Officer. Now that Chen Zhi is in custody, the charges against Zhao Qinmin are naturally suspicious. The Jiangning Prefecture should investigate and then work with the Judicial Inspector to take further action." Wang Xueshan still wouldn't let go of Zhao Qinmin, but he also knew that the public arrest warrant could only be withdrawn.

  "All the people from the market who were arrested today are to blame for their own actions. Except for the four who were killed on the spot, the rest of the rioters should be given a light punishment and be given a chance to repent; at the same time, the people from the market broke through the fence and entered the river mouth migrant camp, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, the money collected as fines from the people from the market can be used to compensate the Ji Yun Society to help the migrants..." said Gu Wu Chen.

  "It's only natural." Wang Xueshan said, he didn't believe that the losses within the wall were so great. In his mind, he calculated that with a ransom of 10,000 yuan per person, the 546 captured city people could be extorted for over 5 million yuan, which is equivalent to 4,500 taels of silver. The losses within the wall couldn't even be one-tenth of this amount. Anyway, this money was extorted from these unfortunate city people, and Wang Xueshan didn't have any sympathy for them. Moreover, Gu Wudeng also wanted to get some benefits for his subordinates, if there was no profit at all, who would follow him?

  "This is what should be." Qin Chengbo also said, but in his heart, he calculated that the benefits Wang Xueshan privately promised him should be far more than this, and he didn't make a sound to divide the spoils.

  "Chen Zhi, the Eastern City Patrol Officer, is derelict in his duties and corrupt. He should be dismissed and investigated. The soldiers under him are also incompetent. As the Surveillance Commissioner's office has the responsibility of military preparedness, I recommend that we replace him with Liu Xilin, the Vice Commander of the Yunqi Battalion from Dongyang Prefecture, as proposed by Lord Wang. Zhang Wendeng, the Right Aide to the Patrol Officer, is also lax in his duties and should be held accountable. For now, let's temporarily put the Eastern City Patrol under the jurisdiction of the Left Aide to the Patrol Officer." said Gu Wudian.

  Wang Xueshan's face changed suddenly, and Gu Wu Chen asked for money and goods, he could all agree. The East City Wei used Gu Wu Chen's private, and also transferred the East City Wei to be under the jurisdiction of Zhang Yu Bo, the left Si Kou. The Examination Department had the right to prepare troops against the Fu Jun, and with such conditions agreed to, it was equivalent to handing over the control of the East City and its suburbs to Gu Wu Chen.

  Lin sighed slightly, the relationship between Liu Xilin and Gu Wudian was not extremely close, and he was only a seventh-rank military officer, Yun Qi Deputy Captain, in Dongyang Prefecture. Suddenly becoming the sixth-rank East City Captain had a hint of over-promotion, which also exposed the flaw that Gu Wudian had too few people to use.

  "I think it's possible..." said Qin Chengbo, "Dongyang Prefect Shen Rong once mentioned this Liu Xilin in a letter to me. I didn't expect Lord Gu to know him too. Shen Rong said that Liu Xilin is a rare talent, and I think his words are somewhat believable. Moreover, the soldiers of the East City Guard do need to be trained."

  "When I took office, from Shiliang to Jiangning, Liu Xilin led the cavalry to escort me. After spending a few days together, I felt that he was worthy of use, and it was also my duty as the governor's military attache to recommend him to the imperial court."

  Lin Xilin's background may not be simple, as even Qin Chengbo, the Jiangning Defender General, has heard of his name. Moreover, Gu Wudian and Shen Rong should have a close connection, otherwise they wouldn't have transferred people from Dongyang Prefecture to Jiangning without Shen Rong's permission. However, Lin Xilin is straightforward by nature, and following a strong and capable official like Shen Rong might be better for him. Coming to Jiangning may not suit his style in this complex and treacherous officialdom.

  Lin Xilin ultimately didn't have the qualifications to intervene, and Gu Wudeng wanted to bring in Liu Xilin. He couldn't persuade him otherwise. Moreover, when Liu Xilin arrived, he would be Gu Wudeng's man, and their relationship was good. In the future, his help to Ji Yun She would be immense, at least in Xianning County and Jiangning East City, there wouldn't need to be any worries about hostile forces openly opposing him.

  "Is there anything else you require, Lord Gu? Please speak your mind." Wang Xueshan said, having already given up the authority over the eastern city's security, which was almost his limit. However, since Qin Chengbo supported Gu Wuduan in this matter, he had made up his mind to satisfy him, even if it meant suppressing his own frustration, but his tone gradually became somewhat impatient.

  "There are no other requirements, just transport the grain north as quickly as possible to meet the needs of the imperial capital. The Surveillance Commissioner's office has the duty of overseeing the transportation, so I must ask Lord Wang to cooperate fully." Gu Wu Chen said.

  The Chu Party wants to take control of the central government, and cannot do without relying on the financial resources of the southeast. The grain transportation is one of the most important items among them. In this world, there is no governor-general in charge of the overall grain transportation, and the affairs of the grain transportation along the way are handled by the yamen of the surveillance commissioner's office in various counties. Gu Wuchen has the duty of supervising the grain transportation.

  During the Dongming War, the annual shipment of 6 million dan of grain from Jiangnan to Yanjing was drastically reduced to less than 2 million dan. Now that the war in Dongming has ended, it is said that the grain supply should be restored to more than 6 million dan to alleviate the urgent need for grain in the north. However, the actual situation is that all the counties in Jiangnan have come up with various excuses such as just ending the war, needing to rest and nurture the people, and deducting previous military expenses, and are dragging their feet, unwilling to increase grain shipments to the north.

  It is said that the Jiangdong Prefecture, including the Jiangning Prefecture, should increase the grain tribute to be transported to Yanjing this year from 600,000 dan to 2 million dan. However, after Gu Wu Chen's correspondence with various prefectures and counties, the voluntarily increased amount of grain tribute was only 200,000 dan. Moreover, half of this additional 200,000 dan of grain tribute would still need to be converted into silver at the current price in Jiangdong Prefecture.

  The land east of the Yangtze River is rich in fish and rice, with abundant grain at a low price. A catty of fine rice costs only five cents, but when it reaches Yanjing (Beijing), a catty of fine rice costs eleven or twelve cents. The silver converted from the grain tax collected by various prefectures and counties should be based on the local rice price, but this amount of silver can only buy less than half of the original amount of grain when it arrives in Yanjing, which means that the locality is unwilling to bear the high cost of transportation.

  According to this calculation, the maximum amount of grain that Jiangdong Prefecture can transport to Yanjing this year is 7.5 million dan, which is far short of the requirement put forward by Vice Premier Zhang Xie when Gu Wuhen left Beijing, hoping that Jiangdong Prefecture, including Jiangning Prefecture, could transport 10-12 million dan of grain to Yanjing this year.

  The Chu Party has little power in Jiangdong Prefecture, and it is difficult for Gu Wudun to promote this work. Others can always find enough excuses to refuse to cooperate, and he wants to directly open a gap from the Jiangning Prefectural Government.

  Gu Wudu went to Jiangning and discussed this matter with Wang Xueshan several times, hoping that the Jiangning government could actually increase the transportation of 200,000 dan of fine rice to Yanjing, which would not increase the burden on the Jiangning government. However, Wang Xueshan ignored him all along.

  Wang Xueshan's expression changed, and he roughly understood the situation that Gu Wudu was in: Zhang Xie, the leader of the Chu Party, as a participant in the government with the title of Grand Scholar and concurrently serving as Minister of Revenue, could be said to be the overall financial officer of the Great Viet Dynasty. If Gu Wudu were to exceed his quota in collecting taxes in Jiangdong Prefecture, it would not only help him establish himself in Jiangning but also solidify his position within the Chu Party and gain the trust and respect of Vice Premier Zhang Xie. For the Chu Party to ultimately establish itself at the center, drive out the Xi Qin Party from the imperial capital, there were several tasks that needed to be urgently completed, one of which was to alleviate the central government's financial pressure.

  Two million dan of grain, even calculated at the price of Yanjing rice, is equivalent to two million taels of silver. If divided among the counties, it can barely be afforded. However, once this precedent is set, I fear that within three years, another two million dan of fine rice will need to be supplied. Once this supply is resumed, it will be extremely difficult to reduce it again. From then on, every year, forty million taels of silver will have to be extracted from Jiangning to sustain the imperial court's expenses.

  Wang Xueshan knew that he did not have the conditions to negotiate with Gu Wudian at this time, but it was easy for him to verbally agree to Gu Wudian. The key was that Wang Xueshan's own family could not afford 400,000 dan of fine rice every year. As the burden was passed down layer by layer, how to resolve the resistance from local areas would be a headache problem. Wang Xueshan knew that even within the Jiangning Prefecture government, there would be tremendous resistance.

  "Lord Wang, what do you think?" asked Gu Wu Chen urgently.

  "Can you reduce the number we previously discussed?" Wang Xueshan asked. At this time, he had slightly put his mind at ease. Even if Gu Wudeng were to overthrow him and another Jiangning Prefect took office, even if that person was also a member of the Chu Party and worked closely with Gu Wudeng, it would still be impossible to extract an additional 200,000 dan of grain from Jiangning Prefecture this year due to time constraints. Moreover, compared to other factions in the imperial court such as the Xi Qin Party and the Zhe Party, the Chu Party's connections were somewhat weaker, so they might not have a suitable candidate to take over the position of Jiangning Prefect. Therefore, Gu Wudeng would not be in a hurry to overthrow him, after all, it wouldn't bring him much benefit.

  Wang Xueshan thought of this and began to haggle with Gu Wudian over the price.

  "That number I previously mentioned, I still felt was somewhat insufficient." Gu Wu Chen said with narrowed eyes. Previously, without grasping Wang Xue Shan's handle, he had proposed to increase the grain supply of Jiangning Prefecture by 2 million stones, so how could he back down now?

  ********************

  P.S: Some brothers suspect whether these chapters have written the enemy too lowly?

  Think of the special police in the Philippines this time

  In "The Hawk Minister", Jiangning's military and horse affairs department is equivalent to today's public security police force.

  Combat power is set slightly stronger than city management.

  Chapter updated with nearly 5,000 words, brothers, give red tickets some more power!