011【The Veil】

From the perspective of court factions alone, the Clear Stream faction and the Ning party were certainly worlds apart.

Xue Minglun was the right-hand man of Chief Minister Ning Heng, while Xue Huai was a disciple of Shen Wang; such backgrounds destined them to be adversaries.

Yet, from Xue Huai’s current viewpoint, this was likely a one-sided judgment by his former self.

Reflecting on past events, Xue Minglun had consistently shown goodwill toward him. Two years ago, when Xue Huai became the youngest third-ranking scholar in the history of the Great Yan dynasty, Xue Minglun publicly declared, “This is the fine steed of our family.”

In the following year, despite Xue Huai’s continuous criticisms against members of the Ning party, Xue Minglun never changed his attitude. On the contrary, he often restrained his own followers from provoking the hot-headed young nephew.

Had it not been for this, Xue Huai’s situation would have been far more difficult.

To this day, Xue Minglun remained consistent: in his eyes, Xue Huai was a talented but markedly strong-willed junior relative, and wherever he could help, he would step in.

“Sit down and talk.”

Xue Minglun’s demeanor grew warmer. At last, free of obfuscation, he spoke frankly, “Jingche, I know you greatly admire your father and have aspired since childhood to be like him, but you’ve strayed somewhat in these past two years. While Mingzhang is indeed renowned for his integrity and uprightness, he is not a stubborn pedant; on the contrary, he understands how to adapt and use gentleness to overcome hardness. For instance, when he served in Yangzhou, he supported the wealthy Shen family, and later, when reforming the salt merchants, the Shen family contributed greatly.”

The Shen family of Yangzhou?

A vague image suddenly surfaced in Xue Huai’s mind. Perhaps due to the passage of time, he could not recall the details immediately.

Xue Minglun continued earnestly, “The way of governance first lies in safeguarding oneself; preserving one’s own life is the foundation for fulfilling one’s ambitions. Sometimes, a tactful detour does no harm.”

Xue Huai composed himself and replied sincerely, “Uncle, your words are priceless. I will remember them well.”

A look of satisfaction crossed Xue Minglun’s face.

In truth, he harbored a thought: if Xue Huai had not undergone a life-or-death trial and truly changed his approach, he would not have sent Xu Cheng to wait in Dayong District today.

After all, everyone’s patience has limits.

Previously, Xue Minglun tolerated this solitary, eccentric junior for the sake of Xue Mingzhang, and because Xue Huai possessed genuine talent and enjoyed the emperor’s favor. Yet, time and again, Xue Huai resisted his care, making the matter widely known—even Cui Shi’s intervention failed to persuade him.

No matter how composed, Xue Minglun could not help but take offense.

Fortunately, Xue Huai finally awakened, especially after his reasoned rebuttal at the Hanlin Academy today and his calm demeanor upon entering the Ministry of Personnel, which greatly improved Xue Minglun’s impression.

“Returning to the Yangzhou corruption case, before you arrived, I already ordered someone from the Ministry of Works to extract useful information from the old archives. Take them home and study carefully. If anything remains unclear, you can consult your mother.”

Xue Minglun’s gesture reciprocated Xue Huai’s earlier respectful address of “uncle.” Then he asked, “Where do you think we should begin?”

Xue Huai pondered and inquired, “Uncle, exactly what did Doctor Gu accuse my late father of?”

Xue Minglun replied, “I haven’t seen Gu Heng’s memorial, but judging from the emperor’s questions, Gu Heng mainly raised two accusations. The first concerns the construction of the embankment along the Yangtze River in Yangzhou ten years ago, where the amount of stone used was thirty percent less than anticipated. The tricky part is that Mingzhang personally annotated the documents, approving the reduction to spare the people’s labor. However, the account books show that the full amount of stone was actually used.”

Reducing stone by thirty percent...

This was an obvious case of cutting corners.

No wonder Gu Heng dared to speak boldly in his memorial, and no wonder the emperor was furious, disregarding the loyal relationship between himself and Xue Mingzhang, immediately ordering a thorough investigation.

Observing Xue Huai’s changing expression, Xue Minglun went on, “The second accusation arose after comparing the account books between the Yangzhou prefecture and the two river management offices; Gu Heng found multiple discrepancies in the amounts of money. He reasonably suspects that officials in the Yangzhou prefecture embezzled funds, pointing directly at your father.”

Xue Huai’s voice grew grave, “Could the account books have been tampered with?”

Xue Minglun shook his head, “Gu Heng is not foolish, and more importantly, he lacks the means. The old archives stored by the Ministry of Works bear special markings and seals; even I and the two vice ministers cannot alter them without detection.”

Xue Huai fell into deep thought.

After a long pause, he said, “Thank you, Uncle, for your help.”

Though curious whether Xue Huai had a plan, Xue Minglun did not press further; this case was far more complex than he described.

Perhaps the corruption scandal was merely a prelude—someone sought to stir turmoil in court, and before that individual revealed themselves, the truly influential figures would not easily expose themselves.

“Since you are willing to call me uncle, no need for formal thanks.”

Xue Minglun reminded him, “Minister Shen is shrewd and few can outwit him these years. As his disciple, you need not hide your troubles—tell him everything that has happened these days and let him lend his insight.”

Xue Huai’s heart stirred; the unspoken implication from his convenient uncle was clear.

He did not mind Xue Huai sharing today’s conversation with Shen Wang.

Meeting Xue Huai’s probing gaze, Xue Minglun said meaningfully, “Jingche, do you think Shen and I are lifelong enemies who refuse to interact?”

Xue Huai considered, “There are such rumors among the populace.”

“Most people see through fog and cannot discern truth from rumor,” Xue Minglun sighed. “Shen and I serve in the same court; though we may differ on some policies, that is perfectly normal. At our core, we are no different—we both serve the nation loyally and strive for the people’s welfare. Even if we have conflicts, we laugh them off. Now that you have awakened, do not be like ordinary folk who see only right and wrong.”

“I will faithfully convey your words to my mentor.”

Xue Minglun laughed heartily, noncommittal, “As you wish.”

From the subtle changes in his expression, Xue Huai finally confirmed his true intention.

Today’s deep conversation served three purposes: first, to continue winning him over as before; second, to hope he would use his abilities to resolve the corruption case; and third, to use him as a bridge to temporarily ease tensions with Minister Shen of the Ministry of Rites.

Xue Minglun glanced out the window, smiling, “It’s getting late. Why not stay for a simple meal?”

Xue Huai rose, “I came in haste today and wouldn’t want to impose. I will come specially to visit you and Aunt another day.”

“That’s fine.”

Xue Minglun nodded, knowing Xue Huai had no mind to linger. He needed to find a way to turn the tide before other officials intervened, so he did not insist.

He stood, approached Xue Huai, and gently patted the young man’s arm, speaking warmly, “Man’s fate lies in his own hands. Do not fear. If there is anything unclear, come find me anytime.”

“Yes, Uncle.”

Xue Huai responded respectfully.

As he was about to leave, Xue Minglun suddenly said, “Princess Yun’an is straightforward and strong-willed, not lacking in courage. She values honesty above all. Since she saved your life, you ought to thank her sincerely—not wait for an auspicious day. If you have time, visit her directly.”

Xue Huai’s heart stirred with suspicion; this was the second time his uncle mentioned Jiang Li.

At that moment, a strange thought arose: was Xue Minglun’s attentive care due to his connection with Shen Wang, or genuine admiration for his talent?

Or perhaps... this old bureaucrat had sensed something, suspecting a close relationship between him and Jiang Li, hence his keen interest?

Given the emperor’s favor toward Jiang Li, any man who became the princess’s consort could rise swiftly—the Great Yan had no rule barring consorts from officialdom, and many brilliant consorts had made notable achievements throughout history.

Recalling their meeting at the Qinglu Villa, Xue Huai calmed himself swiftly. This “soft meal” was unappetizing. To win over such noble blood was as difficult as ascending to the heavens—not easier than striving in the bureaucratic arena.

If so, why seek trouble for oneself?

But such thoughts need not be shared with Xue Minglun. He answered ambiguously, “Uncle, I will find a chance to visit Princess Yun’an and thank her in person.”

Xue Minglun nodded, “That’s best. I will have Xu Cheng escort you out and give you copies of the relevant archived materials. Also, come by when you have time.”

Xue Huai breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Dealing with this old bureaucrat was truly taxing; it was easier to get along with someone like Chen Quan.

He saluted and took his leave.

A moment later, Xue Minglun’s fingers stroked the rim of a celadon porcelain cup, the dregs glinting coldly in the dusk.

He rose, went to the back room, and took from the antique shelf a copy of the “Regulations on Construction.” Within its pages was a memorial from three years ago titled “Proposal on Reforming the Canal Salt Transport System,” the emperor’s red-inked note at the beginning reading “Submit to Ministry of Works for review,” the ink blurred like blood.

“A cunning chain of plots...”

Xue Minglun’s expression darkened. Slowly he said, “Using Gu Heng as the knife, borrowing Wei Zheng as the firecracker, and finally burning the foundation of my Ministry of Works with the Xue family’s fire—it’s a brilliant scheme. Your calculations are even sharper than the Ministry of Revenue’s accountants, and you hide it all without a trace. Such cunning is admirable.”

“The principle of reciprocity is not impoliteness. Since you insist on dragging the Clear Stream faction into this, I will play along and use Xue Huai’s hand to stir up this raging storm. When the reefs appear near the shore, we shall see whose ship shatters first.”

“Let us hope you still sit firmly at the helm then, and do not end up a lost dog.”

Xue Minglun sneered silently, replaced the “Regulations on Construction” back on the shelf, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.