Chapter 39: Into a Political Intrigue Novel, Day 17
Chapter 39: Into a Political Intrigue Novel, Day 17
Chapter 39: Day 17 of Transmigrating into a Political Intrigue Novel
Duan Mingde's mind raced. An Yi's words were exactly what he wanted!
He certainly didn't want another person wielding the imperial sword to investigate indiscriminately in Jiangnan!
If he could send his own people to "oversee" it, that would be much easier to handle. Perhaps, these relief funds...
He immediately followed An Yi's lead, bowing to the Old Emperor: "Your Majesty! Lord An's words are most apt! Relieving the disaster is like putting out a fire—no time to waste! I implore Your Majesty to issue an imperial decree at once, as Minister Bao requested, to allocate grain and funds, and dispatch them to Jiangnan as quickly as possible!"
"As for the oversight and rectification, of course, we should select loyal and capable officials to accompany the mission, ensuring that every grain of rice and every copper coin reaches the victims! Any found guilty of embezzlement or dereliction of duty will be punished without leniency!"
The Old Emperor's dim gaze swept slowly over Duan Mingde, An Yi, Bao Cai, and Ming Hongbo.
Was the oversight power in Duan Mingde's hands? A faint, barely perceptible chill flickered in the Old Emperor's murky eyes.
Old bastard!
"Hmm..." The Old Emperor spoke slowly, his voice hoarse: "What the Chief Grand Secretary and Lord An have said is exactly what I have in mind. Let the Ministry of Revenue immediately allocate two hundred thousand shi of grain and two hundred thousand taels of silver, to be..."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Ge Lian: "...to be escorted and handled by Governor Dai Deyi for relief efforts, ensuring that the people's suffering is alleviated swiftly! As for oversight and rectification, the Chief Grand Secretary shall coordinate it entirely, selecting capable officials to accompany the mission and rigorously investigate corruption! Any found slack in duty or embezzling... shall be executed without pardon!"
"I obey the decree!" Dai Deyi immediately stepped forward to accept the command.
"I obey the decree!" Duan Mingde's eyes flickered with a sinister glint for an instant, then he immediately bowed in acceptance.
Dai Deyi was from the Ministry of Revenue and also a member of Ge Lian's faction.
He had already played a significant part in the earlier Wang Xian affair!
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An Ping drove the carriage over the bluestone-paved road, finally stopping before the majestic vermilion gates of the Chief Grand Secretary's mansion.
After presenting his calling card, the gatekeeper didn't dare to delay, and soon a blue-clad servant boy bowed and led the way.
An Yi walked with unhurried steps, passing through layered courtyards and winding paths, until he arrived at Duan Mingde's study. He stepped forward and bowed: "Student pays respects to Teacher."
Duan Mingde sat upright behind a large desk, brush in hand, reviewing documents. Hearing the voice, he looked up, a gentle smile spreading across his face as he pointed to the armchair below: "Junheng, you've come. Sit."
An Yi sat down as instructed. A maid, with lowered eyes and demure demeanor, silently served a cup of tea before retreating like a shadow.
An Yi sat before the desk and glanced at Duan Mingde.
Duan Mingde lifted his teacup, took a slow, deliberate sip, the warm mist veiling his aged eyes.
He set down the teacup and asked, "Concerning Jiangnan... have all arrangements been made properly?"
An Yi gave a slight nod, his voice steady: "Teacher, rest assured. All is in order."
Duan Mingde lightly skimmed off the floating tea leaves with the lid, producing a faint clink of porcelain. He took another sip, his gaze falling on the rising steam, and after a long pause, said coolly, "The one sent to oversee is Cui Wenyuan?"
An Yi nodded: "Precisely."
"Mm, Cui Wenyuan." The corner of Duan Mingde's mouth curled up almost imperceptibly. "Good choice."
He was an old hand in Duan Mingde's faction, always reliable.
A faint smile also played at the corners of An Yi's lips.
Cui Wenyuan? Ever since the incident where Wang Xian was discarded like a worn-out shoe, this man's loyalty to Duan Mingde had long been corroded by resentment.
Indeed, a 'good choice.'
Duan Mingde smiled, set down his teacup, and asked again, "And the contact personnel in Jiangnan—have they all been bribed and taken care of?"
An Yi's smile remained warm and composed: "Teacher, rest assured. Everything is watertight."
Duan Mingde's gaze slowly shifted back to An Yi's face, his eyes as deep as an ancient well, filled with scrutiny and assessment. He lingered on that obedient, downcast countenance that showed no flaw.
Finally, he nodded with satisfaction. Suddenly, he abruptly changed the subject, his tone turning profound with an elder's characteristic concern:
"Junheng."
He dragged out the word: "You've reached the age to get married and start a family. Without even a close confidant in the mansion, it's ultimately not a long-term solution."
An Yi: ...
His heart tightened slightly, but his face remained impassive as he replied humbly, "Teacher's words are true."
Duan Mingde stroked his long, white beard, his smile broadening: "I recall... you were once discussing marriage with Commandery Princess Shao Li?"
The smile on An Yi's face faded, a perfectly measured shadow of gloom and disappointment settling over his brows. His voice dropped a few notches, showing dissatisfaction: "Indeed, there was such a matter. But in the end, I couldn't aspire to such a high match. With just one word from Young Marquis Ge, the matter was dismissed."
His tone carried a barely concealed resentment.
"Hahaha!"
Duan Mingde laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the study, tinged with a hint of barely perceptible pleasure. He chided An Yi: "Youthful arrogance! Such a small matter—why hold a grudge? In the end, we serve the same court; the outward appearances must be maintained."
He spoke empty pleasantries, but inwardly he was very satisfied with the irreconcilable enmity between An Yi and Ge Lian, hoping they would fight even more fiercely.
He knew An Yi's temperament well—this matter would not be let go easily.
He changed the subject again, pretending to be concerned: "So, have you recently caught your interest in any suitable young lady?"
An Yi forced a smile, revealing helplessness: "I dare not deceive you, Teacher. I have been busy with official duties lately and have had no leisure, nor have I encountered anyone who appeals to me."
Duan Mingde fell silent for a long moment, then stopped stroking his beard. He fixed his gaze on An Yi as he said slowly, "I have a young granddaughter, named Wan Ning, who will turn fifteen next month. This child... has always admired your talent and character."
He paused, his voice warming: "Well, if you have time, feel free to visit the mansion more often. The two of you can get to know each other and see if you are compatible."
An Yi: ...
This was a critical period for dealing with Duan Mingde, and he couldn't afford to refuse and arouse suspicion. So he forced himself to act interested: "Thank you, Teacher, for your kindness! I am deeply grateful!"
Fortunately, this was a busy time for the disaster relief. Even if Duan Mingde wanted to bind An Yi to his side, he wouldn't spread this "happy news" and make it known to all.
But An Yi's frequent visits to the Chief Grand Secretary's mansion in recent days didn't go unnoticed.
On this day, the moon was high in the sky, its clear light