After Ruili left, Zhang Fangyuan teased, “Even if Ruijin fails, he’s already a juren (provincial graduate). He could open an academy back home.”
“He loves studying too much to give up so easily.” Xu He counted the days. “Results come about two weeks after the exams. They’re likely out by now, but we won’t know until his letter arrives, probably not until May.”
Though they pretended not to care about the outcome, they burned with curiosity. But impatience was pointless, they didn’t live at the foot of the imperial palace, where news came instantly.
“Don’t worry. Ruijin’s been steady and responsible since childhood. He’ll handle things well. The results should arrive soon.”
No sooner had he spoken than a servant hurried in. “Master, Fulang, a message has arrived!”
Zhang Fangyuan opened it and shot to his feet after a quick scan.
Xu He tensed. “From Ruijin?”
“The Salt Commissioner has reached Siyang!”
Xu He’s brow furrowed. “Do you know where they’re staying?”
“At the magistrate’s residence.”
“The magistrate’s?”
This news was far from ideal for the couple. If the Salt Commissioner followed the magistrate’s recommendations, they had little hope of securing any salt licenses for themselves.
Zhang Fangyuan dismissed the servant: "You may go. Keep an ear out for further news."
"Yes, Master."
Turning to Xu He, he said, "If we’ve heard, others surely have too. Every merchant in town will be scrambling to get close to the Salt Commissioner. For now, let’s wait and see."
Just as Zhang Fangyuan predicted, the well-connected merchants of the city were already stirring, eager to seize the opportunity.
The Qin family was first in line.
"Magistrate, please try this, this is premium venison, freshly delivered to the estate. Outwardly, we must address you formally, but at this table, if I may speak boldly, we are all family."
Qin Zhong bowed obsequiously, standing by the banquet table to personally serve the magistrate, his usual domineering manner nowhere to be seen.
"This venison is excellently prepared, no gaminess at all." The magistrate savored the dish with pleasure.
"If Your Honor enjoys it, then this plate is truly blessed. We have more fine venison at home. If you don’t mind, I’ll have the servants pack some for you to take back."
The magistrate replied, "Xiangshui is fond of venison. It’s rare for my brother-in-law to remember. I had intended to bring her back for dinner tonight, but she caught a cold recently and couldn’t join us. A pity... she’s missed out on a treat."
"For my younger sister to receive Your Honor’s favor is her good fortune, and the Qin family’s as well."
The magistrate lifted his wine cup with a faint smile. He knew exactly why the Qin family had invited him tonight but saw no need to dance around the subject. "Lately, the city has had much to celebrate, and my schedule has been packed with banquets and social engagements."
Seizing the opening, Qin Zhong said, "Your Honor’s duties are immense, yet you still find time to attend to the Salt Commissioner’s affairs. Truly admirable. Since we are family, if there’s any way I can share your burdens, nothing would please me more."
"Your intentions are clear, but ultimately, it depends on the Salt Commissioner’s wishes."
Having dealt with this brother-in-law for years, Qin Zhong understood the magistrate’s unspoken meaning perfectly. He played along smoothly: "Your Honor’s insight into the Salt Commissioner’s mind ensures everything will proceed smoothly. If this matter succeeds, the Qin family will never forget your grace."
The magistrate gave Qin Zhong and his father, Qin Qi, a meaningful look. "But there are many merchants waiting in line to express their gratitude to me."
The father and son faltered slightly. The magistrate stood and patted Qin Zhong’s shoulder, then added with a chuckle, "However, since we’re family, my preference naturally lies with the Qin family. Otherwise, Xiangshui would surely give me an earful."
Leaning closer, he whispered to Qin Zhong, "But what matters most is the Qin family’s sincerity."
"Now then, tonight’s banquet was splendid. I must take my leave."
The two father and son hurriedly escorted him out. Once the sedan chair was out of sight, Qin Qi remarked, "Unless we offer something substantial, he won’t agree easily."
"After all these years of tribute, when a real opportunity arises, he shows no regard for past favors, only greed. It seems my sister’s influence isn’t enough."
Qin Qi sighed. "This is a critical moment. Venting frustrations won’t help. He isn’t wrong, many merchants are clamoring for his attention."
Qin Zhong’s irritation grew. The magistrate’s demand for fifty thousand taels of silver was nothing short of extortion, enough to drain the Qin family dry. He doubted any other merchant in town could produce such a sum outright.
"Even if we grit our teeth and pay, that’s just the magistrate’s share. We still haven’t accounted for the Salt Commissioner’s cut."
Listening to his son’s reasoning, Qin Qi sighed again. "Since he’s named a price, he must have some arrangement with the Salt Commissioner."
Everyone knew the salt trade was lucrative. The Qin family had built their fortune on smuggled salt and understood its profits better than most. If not for that, they wouldn’t have tolerated the magistrate’s insatiable demands for so long.
"What I fear is that even after pouring out silver like water, it might only buy us a foot in the door."
While outsiders desperately sought connections, the Qin family, having secured a path now hesitated over whether to take it. For the moment, neither side had gained the upper hand.
Thanks for the update!
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