Qin Xiao spoke very frankly.

Qiu Heng’s heart plummeted, and he hastily went to his knees, saying: “Answering My Lord and Your Majesty! Most of the bandits on the canal are common people who have been driven to desperation. They are all citizens of Great Ning, and I dare not simply round all of them up.”

This implied that the Qiu family wasn’t incompetent – they just had compassion for these destitute common people.

Then he continued: “However, in order to protect the interests of the merchant ships, the Qiu family has established security teams to guard them. We are certainly not sitting idly by!”

Qin Xiao chuckled softly: “Whether it is for the benefit of the merchant ships or for the benefit of your family, you know better than anyone else.”

“This official would never dare!” Qin Heng lowered his head, frowning deeply.

Qin Xiao, this unruly and unconventional man, often spoke bluntly and straightforwardly in court, where everyone was accustomed to indirect and circuitous language. This left others at a loss for how to respond. 

The Qiu family had amassed a huge fortune over the years through their involvement in the waterway transport business, and Qin Xiao would have been able to discover many clues without having to investigate very thoroughly. If he were to directly reveal that evidence, the Qiu family might have to sacrifice some of their members to protect the rest, resulting in the loss of many officials and a great deal of wealth.

However, the fact that the other party hadn’t directly presented that evidence proved that he didn’t want to completely sever ties with the Qiu family, and was giving them a little room to maneuver.

Qiu Heng quickly analyzed the advantages and disadvantages, then made the most reasonable decision that would maximize his benefits.

It was a foregone conclusion that Qin Xiao would take action against the waterway transport system, and the Qiu family would certainly not be able to maintain their previous level of absolute control over it. 

But he also had to secure some benefits for the Qiu family in the new policy. The waterway transport business was extremely profitable, and the Qiu family could share some profits with the Imperial Court, but they would never completely relinquish control!

It just remained to be seen what kind of policy Qin Xiao intended to implement.

The officials at court were all shrewd people, and had discerned some clues from Qin Xiao’s seemingly straightforward yet ultimately ambiguous statement. All of them watched intently, anticipating Qin Xiao’s next words.

Qin Xiao slowly swept his gaze over the crowd before saying slowly: “The canal network is vast and complex, and it is understandable that the Qiu family is unable to oversee every aspect. Minister Qiu, please rise.”

“Yes.” Qiu Heng climbed to his feet.

Upon hearing Qin Xiao’s words, the others were not surprised, and concluded that he was indeed willing to let go of the Qiu family’s past transgressions. 

Similar to previous instances of corruption and chaos in the Imperial Court, Qin Xiao did not pursue matters that occurred before Bai Lihong’s rise to power. However, now that Bai Lihong sat on the throne, everyone would need to tighten their belts. 

“The canal is long, and its issues are too complex. It would be better to manage it in sections.” Qin Xiao looked at everyone and asked: “What are your thoughts?”

Everyone quickly began to come up with their own ideas.

Before, the waterway transport system was under the control of the Qiu family, but among the officials who carried out the actual work, many were disciples and subordinates of other powerful figures, who were naturally aware of how much profit could be made through this endeavor.

It was just that others had never gotten the opportunity to be involved.

Qin Xiao was currently implementing a segmented approach to managing the canal, and the Qiu family would no longer be the sole authority. At most, they would be responsible for one section, which left the other sections open for other forces to jump in.

After some consideration, Deputy Minister of Revenue Wang Pengyi stepped forward and bowed, saying: “This official thinks this is an excellent method.”

Soon after, every other faction had someone pipe up in agreement.

Under these circumstances, Qiu Heng naturally could no longer act on his own.

The division of the waterway transport routes was intended to distribute the profits previously enjoyed by the Qiu family to others. All of the court officials were watching intently, and would naturally unite against the Qiu family at this moment.

Individual strength was no match for the power of a group.

This being the case, Qiu Heng decided against putting up a futile struggle. It would be better to express his “loyalty” now and perhaps earn a good reputation.

Furthermore, Qin Xiao would certainly not take away all control over the canal system. He would give the Qiu family a portion of the canal to appease them, so Qiu Heng must secure the most advantageous section of the river to minimize his losses.

Thus, Qiu Heng bowed and said: “This official also believes it to be a feasible method. However, I do wonder how many sections Lord Ning-wang intends to divide the canal into?”

Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had already discussed this beforehand, and agreed that dividing it into four sections would be the safest and most profitable approach.

“Minister Qiu should know more about the waterway transport system than anyone here,” said Qin Xiao. “If you were to divide it, how would you do so appropriately?”

Qin Heng understood that Qin Xiao already had a plan in mind, and that he was only trying to sound him out to discover which section of the river he preferred.

So without putting on airs, he said frankly: “This official dares not speak presumptuously. However, the waterways between Yangzhou, Suzhou, and Hangzhou are quite complex, and the regulations governing merchant and official ship transportation are detailed and numerous. To take over this section, it would require a year or two for one to become familiar with everything, which might delay the important affairs of the Imperial Court.”

Yangzhou, along with Suzhou and Hangzhou, were among the wealthiest regions in the Jiangnan area, and also the places with the most frequent ship traffic and trade.

In other words, this area offered the greatest potential for profit.

Entirely unapologetic, Qiu Heng was directly requesting the location that would earn him the most money.

Chu Jiubian lowered his gaze. His face was expressionless, but he sneered inwardly.

This was exactly as he had expected.

However, they had already planned to entrust this transportation route to the Qiu family.

This was not done to appease them, but because the Fujian region was the fiefdom of Bai Liyan, also known as Zuiliang-wang.

Previously, Bai Liyan had not interfered excessively in matters concerning the canal. But once the Qiu family secured this portion of the river and the situation with the other sections stabilized, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao could, in the name of the Imperial Court, grant concessions to Bai Liyan that allowed him to also oversee a portion of the canal.

With such enormous profits at stake, the wealthy Zuiliang-wang, who ruled over the prosperous regions of Fujian and Zhejiang, would surely be tempted.

At that time, the Qiu family and Bai Liyan would be enemies. They would mutually restrain one another in order to divide the profits, which would further reduce the Qiu family’s control over the waterways.

As for whether Bai Liyan would use this opportunity to amass wealth and expand his power, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao weren’t particularly worried.

Their lack of concern stemmed from one fact: Bai Liyan, who controlled both the Fujian and Zhejiang regions, was already wealthy and didn’t lack money. If he wanted to expand his power, he wouldn’t have to rely on the waterway transport system to do it.

On the contrary, he might end up clashing with the Qiu family, which would bring trouble down on his head.

But as the saying went: no one ever complains about having too much money. Therefore, no matter how wealthy Bai Liyan became, he would inevitably attempt to gain control of the canal. At that time, Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao could simply sit back and watch the two sides fight it out.

The others were unaware of the scheming between the two of them, and only knew that the stretch of river Qiu Heng mentioned was by far the most profitable.

Since the Qiu family was willing to relinquish all of the remaining waterways, Qin Xiao would certainly do them the courtesy of leaving the most profitable section to them.

As expected, after Qiu Heng finished speaking, Qin Xiao said: “Minister Qiu’s words are absolutely correct.”

“This lord plans to divide the canal into four sections. The Capital City–Hebei section extends from Tongzhou in Northern Zhili to Qingzhou; the Jianghuai section extends from Qingzhou in Northern Zhili to Yangzhou in Southern Zhili; the southeastern section…..” Qin Xiao looked at Qiu Heng as he said, “…..runs from Yangzhou to Minzhou. This area is complex, and since the Qiu family is familiar with all relevant matters, they will continue to manage this section of the waterways from today forward.”

Relieved, Qiu Heng was quick to say: “This subordinate will ensure that his clansmen fulfill their duties and guard this section of the river properly, so that there will be no more incidents of bandits running rampant!”

Qin Xiao gave a hum in response, then continued: “The final section is in the southwest, running from Yangzhou to Nanjiang.”

In other words, the canal forked in Yangzhou, with one going southeast and the other southwest.

With this division of responsibilities, it wasn’t just the already knowledgeable Qiu Heng who sensed the subtle implications behind this plan – the other ministers did as well.

The southwestern section of the canal flowed through the Huguang region, reaching Sichuan and Nanjiang, and thus ensuring the flow of goods between these remote areas and the Central Plains.

This section was likely the most “leisurely” and least lucrative of the four river segments.

The southeastern section encompassed both Fujian and Zhejiang Prefectures, and could be said to cover a crucial stretch of river that was vital to the wealth of the entire Jiangnan region.

Whether grain or silk, goods could flow freely, which made it the most prosperous region.

However, it had already been promised to the Qiu family, leaving no room for other forces to involve themselves.

The section of the canal in the Jianghuai region could be described as a transit hub between the north and south, and was where the main channel of the entire canal was located.

This section of the waterway was also the most geographically complex.

Hexi Prefecture, which was prone to frequent flooding, was located along this route. This section also differed greatly in water level, and because it served as a transit hub, official and merchant ships were particularly numerous, thus requiring stricter management.

Everyone felt that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao would at least keep this section firmly under their own control.

Only one last portion remained – the Capital City–Hebei section.

This section, which ran the entire length of the main canal and connected to the strategically important Capital City, would need to be managed directly by the Imperial Court for security reasons.

Therefore, after much deliberation, everyone concluded that the only section of the canal they had a chance to compete for was the southwestern stretch.

Even small gains were still gains, and considering that the southwestern section contained the relatively prosperous Huguang region, it was likely to be profitable.

However, Chu Jiubian didn’t give them the chance to speak up. He stepped forward first and said: “Your Majesty, My Lord. With the waterway transport system operating in segments, there is a risk of each segment operating independently, which would be detrimental to the canal system’s overall efficiency. This official believes that a Governor-General of Waterway Transportation should be appointed to oversee the work of each section of the canal, which will prevent anyone from abusing their power and harming the interests of the Imperial Court and the common people.”

In an instant, dozens of eyes fell upon Chu Jiubian before shifting to Qin Xiao.

The Governor-General of Waterway Transportation was a supervisory management position, similar to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs that preceded it.

However, the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs was now involved in more than just monitoring and supervising the salt trade. They had their hand in the work of other ministries and departments in the Imperial Court, all under the guise of supervision.

Just as Chu Jiubian had described them, those eunuchs were indeed not ordinary people. Rather, their ranks held many individuals of exceptional intellect.

And due to their backgrounds as eunuchs, they were even more cunning and manipulative in their dealings than ordinary officials, and didn’t seem to mind being given a hard time by officials from various departments. As long as they ultimately achieved the desired results, that was all that mattered to them.

Consequently, no one could do anything about them. They could only be more conscientious in their own work, fearing that some fatal weakness might be detected and exploited.

By bringing up the position of Governor-General now, was Chu Jiubian perhaps suggesting that this authority should be handed over to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs?

But could the Directorate really extend its influence that far?

Some people wondered if the position of Governor-General of Waterway Transportation might be intended for one of Qin Xiao’s military officers.

The border regions were currently unstable, and military officials should still have some standing in the Imperial Court. However, because Grand Marshal Qin had withdrawn from court affairs due to serious illness, and because the four great families controlled the court, the current situation had become one where civil officials were in a stronger position than military officials.

It would not be impossible for Qin Xiao to use this opportunity to offer the position to a military official.

Everyone had differing opinions.

Censor Qi Zhili stood amongst the ranks, maintaining a detached, unaffected attitude.

He was quite in favor of dividing the waterway transport system into sections, as this would allow the Imperial Court to replenish the National Treasury. Such a situation was leagues better than the Qiu family raking in a continuous profit.

Whether others had considered this or not, Qi Zhili felt that Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao, possessing the advantage of the Imperial Edict, would certainly not resort to the same methods as the Qiu family and earn money by accepting bribes from merchant ships. They must be about to announce some new policies.

He just didn’t know what they would be.

His mind wandered a bit as he was lost in thought.

Suddenly, he felt a tap on his arm from a colleague next to him. Then he heard Qin Xiao ask: “Is Deputy Minister Qi available?”

Qi Zhili: “ ? ”

Completely bewildered, he stepped forward out of the line and said: “This official is here.”

Qin Xiao then proceeded to say: “The Censorate already operates in a supervisory capacity, and the Grand Tutor has recommended you for the position of Governor-General of Waterway Transportation. Are you capable of handling this responsibility?”

Qi Zhili abruptly lifted his gaze, unable to react for a moment.

They wanted him to be the Governor-General of Waterway Transportation?

Shouldn’t a Governor-General be at least a second-rank official?

He was currently only a lowly fourth-rank official. How could he possibly be promoted so many levels at once?

And he wasn’t one of Qin Xiao’s men either, ah. Although he served in the Imperial Court, he didn’t consider himself to have a close relationship with either Qin Xiao or Chu Jiubian. 

How could these two people have confidence in him and entrust him with such a vital position?

He was incredulous. In fact, no one else had expected Chu Jiubian to suggest Qi Zhili for the position of Governor-General either.

But after a moment’s thought, they all understood.

Censor Qi didn’t belong to any particular group or faction, and it would be no exaggeration to call him a loyal and upright official. Furthermore, he possessed outstanding talent and was also a censor, which made him seem perfectly suited for this position.

Of course, the most important factor was Jiang Shuoye, the general of the Mobei Army. With such powerful backing, Qi Zhili truly had no need to show deference to anyone, and would be able to oversee the waterways without having to consider the interests of others.

Thinking about it like this, he was a truly excellent choice. Much better than if Qin Xiao had nominated one of his own military officials!

With their knowledge of how to select and utilize talents, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were truly difficult opponents to deal with.

This was naturally how those high-ranking officials at the top thought, but the officials of the Censorate who were fifth-rank and above had their own calculations.

If Qi Zhili became the Governor-General, did that mean he would have to relinquish his position?

Then these lower officials would have the opportunity to move up the ranks.

There was a profound silence in the Imperial Court.

Chu Jiubian turned his head to glance at Qi Zhili, who was standing behind him and to the side, and cleared his throat.

Qi Zhili quickly regained his composure and adjusted his expression, then bowed deeply: “This subject will definitely not fail to live up to Your Majesty’s expectations.”

Since this remark was directed toward Bai Lihong, Qin Xiao gave no response.

The child had been working as a mascot for a long time today, and when his uncle fell silent, he knew that it was his turn.

So he donned an air of maturity and said loudly: “Good, this emperor has not misjudged you after all.”

These words were something Chu Jiubian had told him jokingly before, never expecting that the child would put them into practice.

Chu Jiubian reflexively exchanged a glance with Qin Xiao, then quickly looked away, not daring to maintain eye contact for fear of bursting into laughter.

Qin Xiao, however, kept his gaze fixed on him and didn’t hold back his faint smile.

After the proper bows and gratitude had been displayed, Qin Xiao finally restrained his smile and said: “In that case, this lord requests that Censor Qi accompany him to Yangxin Hall after the morning court session to draft a set of regulations for the waterway transport system.”

Everyone was operating under the belief that once the detailed regulations were released, Qin Xiao would bring the matter up in court again, so no one was in a hurry to claim a section of the waterways at this time.

They also needed to go home and discuss the matter, as well as select a few suitable candidates so that if they indeed secured a segment of the canal, they could immediately send people over.

However, they never could have imagined that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had absolutely no intention of allowing other forces to participate in the waterway transport business.

*

*

After the morning court session, three tables were placed on the lower section of Yangxin Hall’s council chamber, while the young emperor diligently practiced calligraphy at the main table and occasionally made a circle on unimportant memorials.

Through this process, he was able to learn which memorials didn’t require close examination, as well as identify where the officials who wrote them were from, what official positions they held, and which group or faction they ostensibly belonged to.

Eunuch Hong now spent most of his time at the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, so the person serving Bai Lihong was another young eunuch named Hong Yu.

This Xiao Yuzi was one year younger than Xiao Xiangzi, but was intelligent and quick-witted while also being very perceptive of others’ intentions. He also had a simple background, and had previously received the favor of Qin Feng and Eunuch Hong. He was eunuch Hong’s second disciple, and the person he was grooming to succeed him and accompany the young emperor as he grew up.

While Bai Lihong was learning to read memorials, Xiao Yuzi would also pay attention to the ranks and locations of those officials, as well as the power structures behind them.

He would also listen attentively while Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were explaining things to Bai Lihong, endeavoring to remember it all so that if His Majesty forgot it in the future, he could give him a prompt reminder.

Chu Jiubian quite liked him. He was a reliable and clever child.

Of course, the reason he trusted the young eunuch to this extent was not just because he had been thoroughly vetted by Qin Xiao and Hong Fu, but because he had seen this eunuch’s information when drawing a “wisdom” Believer Card.

Those selected by the System must have impeccable character and backgrounds.

This was Qi Zhili’s first time working in the Council Hall, and he was a little uneasy at first. But once he immersed himself in the work, he quickly forgot about everything around him as he gradually drafted a rough plan for the waterway transport system.

Once His Majesty gave his approval, he would take this draft back to his office to further refine it.

Only after he finished drafting it to his satisfaction did he set down his brush and look up at the emperor.

When he saw the three-year-old child diligently studying without crying or making a fuss, and that he was already able to understand official documents at such a young age, a glimmer of admiration appeared in Qi Zhili’s eyes.

He had been in the Imperial Court since the reign of Emperor Yingzong, and it had been clear to him that the other party was not a wise or benevolent ruler, nor was he even particularly intelligent.

He had only managed to secure the throne with the support of the Qin and Xiao families.

But then he turned his aggression on the Qin family, a family that had been loyal for generations. He was truly ungrateful, incompetent, and morally bankrupt.

Even after the dynasty changed, Qi Zhili was plagued by a constant sense of unease.

He feared that Qin Xiao would become addicted to power, and that his inflated ego would turn him into the greatest threat to the Imperial Court.

But seeing the state of the young emperor now, Qi Zhili finally felt at ease.

At such a young age, he could sit so still, dared to speak up in court, and possessed an eidetic memory. Combined with his gentle yet subtly assertive personality, he truly displayed all of the characteristics of a wise and capable ruler!

With this opportunity to support such a capable emperor, Qi Zhili felt that his vision of a prosperous era would one day be realized.

The common people would no longer have to worry about food and clothing.

When he sensed someone staring at him, Bai Lihong looked up with large, round eyes that were full of light.

When he saw that it was Qi Zhili looking at him, Bai Lihong smiled with curved eyes and revealed a set of pearly white teeth.

Qi Zhili was momentarily taken aback. Then he felt his heart soften, and a smile appeared on his usually placid face.

Chu Jiubian thoroughly observed this interaction from the corner of his vision, and a slight smile entered his eyes.

It was safe to say that nobody could resist a well-behaved, sensible, and intelligent child.

Qi Zhili rose from his chair and walked to the main seat, where he bowed respectfully to Bai Lihong: “Your Majesty, this subject has finished drafting the regulations. Please take a look at them.”

As he spoke, he deliberately looked at Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, who were seated on opposite sides of the aisle.

Ever since entering Yangxin Hall, the two had remained at their stations, reviewing memorials without exchanging a single word. Only when the young emperor had a question would they look up and patiently answer him.

At present, Qi Zhili had deliberately skipped over them and delivered the documents to Bai Lihong, wanting to observe their reactions.

But to his surprise, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian didn’t react at all. They didn’t even look up.

Xiao Yuzi, perpetually at Bai Lihong’s side, approached and took the documents from his hands, then turned and handed them to the young emperor.

Bai Lihong then carefully read over his work.

These regulations were written clearly and concisely, covering everything from the jurisdictional divisions and governing bodies to be established, to personnel allocation, division of responsibilities, and management and supervision procedures.

After reading it, Bai Lihong nodded and praised very frankly: “The minister has written it very well.”

Through his sense of relief, Qi Zhili had some doubts about how much the young emperor truly understood.

But in the next moment, he heard Bai Lihong say: “But why hasn’t the minister added any new tax categories?”

“What?” Qi Zhili stared blankly.

Bai Lihong also froze for a moment before saying: “The canal has been divided into sections. If merchant ships want to travel across all sections of the river, they should pay taxes. Otherwise, what’s the point of dividing the river into sections?”

Both Xiansheng and Jiujiu had explained this to him before. Xiansheng had even specifically drawn the course of the canal for him, explaining where and why it was divided into sections.

The canal had originally been constructed to facilitate the transportation of official vessels and goods, and now that merchant ships were benefitting from the convenience of the waterways, they should also give something back to the Imperial Court.

The court was short of funds, but these merchant ships were not, so they should be required to pay a certain amount in taxes.

It was like if someone had dug a well that everyone had been using all this time – now that the people who dug the well were short of money, everyone else should show their gratitude by lending them a hand.

Bai Lihong thought that, like his former self, Qi Zhili was unable to understand this concept. Therefore, he specifically explained the “borrowing a well” analogy to him.

Afterward, he blinked his big eyes and asked: “Does the minister understand?”

Qi Zhili quickly replied: “This subject understands.”

He had suspected that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had their own policies in mind, but he had never imagined that they were implementing taxes!

However, at the word “taxes,” he felt a shiver run down his spine.

Indeed, the Imperial Court had the right to collect taxes, and as His Majesty had said, merchant ships were enjoying privileges and treatment previously reserved for official ships. Rather than only focusing on receiving benefits, they should also give something in return.

He couldn’t help but glance at Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian on either side of him, feeling somewhat complicated.

These two didn’t seem to treat Bai Lihong like a child at all, but like a true emperor.

They not only taught him how to read memorials and recognize officials, but also how to comprehend the political situation, and explained the meaning behind every aspect of government affairs using the simplest principles.

No wonder. No wonder Bai Lihong’s rate of growth was so astonishing – it was because he had these two excellent mentors!

Then there was the exceptionally talented Hong Fu, who must have passed all of his skills on to Bai Lihong.

Growing up in such an environment, it would be a shock if Bai Lihong didn’t become a wise and capable ruler.

Qi Zhili’s emotions surged, but he managed to keep them completely below the surface.

He stepped forward to retrieve the regulation documents and said: “Your Majesty, this subject will make further revisions.”

“Okay. Don’t rush, take your time,” Bai Lihong said, comforting Qi Zhili just like Chu Jiubian always comforted him.

Qi Zhili was deeply moved, and his enthusiasm swelled.

When lunchtime arrived, he only managed to eat a few bites before going straight back to work.

It wasn’t until after four o’clock in the afternoon that he finished the new draft, adding in the tax provisions before handing it over to Bai Lihong.

Bai Lihong had yet to learn how to interpret tax documents, so he only glanced over them briefly before saying: “Show this to the two lords.”

Qi Zhili now felt only respect for Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, and having shed his previous apprehensions, he readily agreed.

Qin Xiao then got up and went to sit beside Chu Jiubian, looking through the documents with him.

Although this version of the regulations was not entirely perfect, with the addition of tax classifications, details on minimum taxable amounts, and procedures for tax collection by different waterway management offices and remittance to the Imperial Court, it seemed that all necessary elements were now in place.

“It looks pretty good,” said Chu Jiubian.

Qi Zhili’s expression relaxed slightly. He said: “The transportation of goods along the southeastern section of the canal will be handled by the Qiu family, but I honestly don’t know who should be entrusted with management of the other three sections.”

Chu Jiubian looked up at him and said: “Next, we will need to trouble Lord Qi to travel to the local areas and supervise the establishment of the branch offices.”

He then took out a list he had prepared beforehand and gave it to him, saying: “The people on this list are students we consider promising, all of them from humble backgrounds. You can handle their appointment yourself.”

Qi Zhili was a capable person, and although the job of Governor-General of Waterway Transportation was a difficult one, he would surely perform well.

They were letting him handle the appointments?

Qi Zhili was shocked almost to the point of losing his composure.

The highest-ranking officials at these branch offices should be mostly officials of the second rank, and not much lower. How could he be allowed to have the final say on the matter of these high-ranking regional officials?

Plus, all of the people on this list were commoners. Wasn’t it too risky to directly promote them to official positions ranging from fifth-rank to second-rank?

He harbored doubts in his heart, but when he looked up and met Chu Jiubian’s tranquil eyes, he found himself without words.

He didn’t believe himself to be more intelligent than the two people before him, so anything he could think of, they would surely have thought of as well.

Since they were still going ahead with it, there must be other factors at play.

This being the case, there was no longer any need for him to hesitate. He could simply accept the order and get to work.

Thus, he bowed respectfully and said: “This subordinate accepts the order.”

He then bowed toward Bai Lihong and said: “Thanking Your Majesty for your trust and confidence.”

“No need for that,” said Bai Lihong. “You’ve had a long day, go home and rest.”

The child’s sweet, innocent voice warmed Qi Zhili’s heart, and he said gently: “Thanking Your Majesty for your concern.”

Qi Zhili was exceptionally diligent and efficient in his work, and by the evening of the second day, he had already resubmitted his revisions again.

This time, he even specified how many laborers and guards each branch office should employ.

With such a comprehensive plan in place, his work in the local regions would go much more smoothly.

The regulations had been finalized, so Qi Zhili planned to set off the next day. He would travel south along the main canal from Southern Zhili, which would allow him to establish branch offices along the way.

He could also survey the route on his return trip, and if there were any oversights, he could promptly correct them and make improvements.

Bai Lihong had bestowed an official title and seal upon Qi Zhili, as well as three thousand taels of silver and six hundred elite soldiers as guards. He was also to be escorted by a military commander named Wan Lin from the Qin Family Army.

Qin Xiao also secretly gave Wan Lin a military token, which would allow him to mobilize city garrisons in any location.

Chu Jiubian had used the extra “wealth” card he had drawn from the System’s inventory to successfully obtain Qi Zhili, but he didn’t summon him into the Divine Realm.

Whether he would summon him in the future was another matter; for now, he simply intended to provide him with an extra layer of security.

The System would notify Chu Jiubian when a Believer was in danger, and he would subsequently be able to assess the situation and save them if necessary.

It wasn’t that he and Qin Xiao were blowing things out of proportion – what Qi Zhili was about to do was indeed perilous. Just because the great families didn’t dare target him out in the open didn’t mean they wouldn’t attempt to harm him in secret. It was always better to be safe than sorry.

The Qi family was also very wealthy, and Qi Zhili, knowing that the National Treasury was depleted, discreetly indicated before his departure that he could withdraw money from Qi family businesses at any time, and told Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian not to worry themselves about it.

Since this person was so sincere, it was only right that the two of them reciprocate.

Qi Zhili’s departure was nothing short of a grand spectacle, and at last, the various factions came to the realization that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian had never intended to share the profits from the waterway transportation business from the very start!

This realization not only infuriated the families who hadn’t received any benefits, but even instilled resentment in the Qiu family, who had received their fair share. 

Had they known about this plan earlier, the Qiu family wouldn’t have had to worry about being targeted by other families, and could have even haggled with the Imperial Court for more benefits.

But now, it was too late to speak up.

In the wake of this incident, everyone discerned that Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian’s methods were becoming increasingly aggressive. Before, if any issues came up in court, these two would try various conciliatory measures and distribute benefits to all parties involved.

But now, their sharp edges were displayed in full.

Under these circumstances, it seemed that only the great families were capable of curbing the further expansion of Imperial power.

However, this was easier said than done.

Chu Jiubian could be set aside – this deity was not a being that mortals were capable of handling.

And even when it came to Qin Xiao, they were unable to find a way to eliminate him.

But they had never imagined that an opportunity would present itself so quickly.

On the ninth day of the ninth month, during the Double Ninth Festival, news suddenly arrived without warning from the northwest that a country from the Western Regions had invaded and occupied Gansu!

Furthermore, Dingbei-wang had been captured, and the common people of Gansu were suffering terribly. The Western Regions kingdom was demanding that Qin Xiao personally travel to Gansu for peace talks, or they would begin to massacre the city’s inhabitants!

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Chapter 58 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 60