Chapter 128
The next day, Zhang Fangyuan received news that merchants with family assets exceeding fifty thousand taels and a clean legal record could go to the county government office for the salt administration’s evaluation.
These were the basic criteria for selecting salt merchants. Those interested in the salt trade knew that substantial assets were necessary to sustain the business, while a clean background was required for cooperation with the imperial court. Those who fell short either reflected on their inadequacy or accepted their ineligibility.
Siyang could truly be called a place where tigers crouched and dragons hid - many merchants met the criteria. Though the announcement had been made, no instructions were given on preparations. Previously, everyone had been scrambling blindly, but now that there was a lead, some impatient and reckless individuals rushed in headfirst. Before they could even meet the salt commissioner, they were detained by the magistrate.
[卧虎藏龙 (wò hǔ cáng lóng): lit. Tigers crouching, dragons hidung; fig. A place where extraordinary talents lie hidden]
After some effort, Zhang Fangyuan learned that those who wished to see the salt commissioner had to pay an "entry fee" of ten thousand taels, while those seeking preferential treatment had to fork out an additional five thousand...
He had expected complications, but not that the magistrate would play both sides. Posing as fair and impartial before the salt commissioner while privately extorting merchants at the gate. These merchants were like fat meat on a chopping board, far juicier to squeeze than ordinary commoners.
"Should we pay this money or not? If we don’t, we won’t even get to see the salt commissioner."
Xu He had been basking in the joy of Ruijin’s success in the imperial examinations, but this sudden bad news soured his mood.
Zhang Fangyuan rubbed his temples, equally troubled. After some thought, he decided: "We’ll pay. The priority is to meet the salt commissioner."
Xu He sighed softly. If they could secure the salt monopoly in one go, it would be worth it. But if not, this silver would be wasted.
Still, he supported Zhang Fangyuan’s decision.
Once the payment was made, things moved quickly. Zhang Fangyuan was invited to the county office to meet the salt commissioner. That day, aside from the Zhang family, several other prominent local merchants were present, including a representative from the Qin family.
"Master Zhang has always been so aloof and restrained. Who would’ve thought you’d show up today? Quite the surprise."
Zhang Fangyuan recognized Qin Zhong’s sarcasm but paid it no mind. Still, he didn’t let Qin Zhong off easy: "The Qin family is related by marriage to the magistrate. Surely, His Honor has put in a good word for you. The salt monopoly must already be in your grasp."
His voice wasn’t low, and the surrounding merchants couldn’t help but glance at Qin Zhong. What should have been a point of pride now felt awkward. The Qin family hadn’t benefited at all from their connection to the magistrate’s son-in-law.
They hadn’t offered fifty thousand taels to the magistrate, so they received no special treatment. Like everyone else, they had to pay ten thousand taels just to be here. Magistrate Huang Guan was clearly profiteering, charging merchants left and right, making a tidy sum. No wonder he’d been so dismissive of the Qin family.
Qin Zhong was already in a foul mood, and now everyone assumed he had an unfair advantage. It was like a mute eating bitter herbs.
[哑巴吃黄连 (yǎ ba chī huánglián): lit. a mute eating bitter herbs; fig. suffering in silence with no way to complain].
He snorted coldly and glared arrogantly at the crowd.
"Zhen Youxin, meet the salt commissioner!"
A county government runner announced the name, and the murmuring merchants immediately fell silent. The summoned merchant adjusted his robes, clutched an ornate box, and entered the room.
After he left, the merchants whispered: "The salt commissioner is seeing us one by one?"
Unease spread. They now understood where the magistrate’s so-called "preferential treatment" lay. Those seen earlier had the advantage, if the official was impressed, the later arrivals might not even get a chance. Their money would be wasted.
Zhang Fangyuan saw no point in fretting. Since waiting wouldn’t change the outcome, he simply found a bench to sit on, reviewing the documents he’d brought to ensure everything was in order.
The evaluation required proof of sufficient assets, enough to qualify as a salt merchant and prevent fraud.
If not for the recent discovery of an iron mine on their land, the Zhang family would’ve fallen short. But now, with their fields and mountain forests, they could meet the requirement.
The interviews were quick, three merchants in the time it took an incense stick to burn (15 minutes). Those who emerged gave nothing away, which calmed the remaining candidates. Zhang Fangyuan grew even more curious about this salt commissioner.
"Why hasn’t it been our master’s turn yet? Did the earlier merchants bribe their way ahead?"
As batch after batch went in and out, Qin Zhong emerged looking smug, casting a triumphant glance at Zhang Fangyuan. The servant, seeing their master repeatedly passed over, couldn’t help but grumble.
Zhang Fangyuan frowned. The heat made the wait even more unbearable.
He looked up. Most of the interviewed merchants, though still awaiting results, had relaxed under the eaves, sipping tea to cool off. Only two or three remained, pacing anxiously, wringing their hands as they stared at the inner chamber.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the last standing merchants were called in. Zhang Fangyuan’s name came dead last.
He set down his teacup, stood, and motioned for his servant to follow with the brocade box as he respectfully approached the hall.
Nearly two hours had passed. Thankfully, the salt commissioner hadn’t grown impatient - otherwise, being last, he might not have gotten an audience at all.
The magistrate’s arrangement was deliberate. Despite their strained relationship, he’d made sure Zhang Fangyuan was last, a petty move disguised as neutrality.
As he gathered his thoughts, the door opened. Zhang Fangyuan was about to bow when he looked up and froze.
The man seated at the head of the room, sipping tea after a long discussion, was none other than Yu Mingda, the same man he’d dined with at the Luo family’s banquet not long ago.
Back then, elated over Ruijin’s success, he’d chatted freely with the amiable elder.
He knew Yu Mingda was an old friend of Luo Yan’s and assumed he was either a scholar or an official. Over the years, many had visited Luo Yan, but Zhang Fangyuan had never inquired, asking would’ve seemed like social climbing. It never crossed his mind that this man was the salt commissioner.
"What a coincidence. I didn’t expect to see you here, Young Friend Zhang, vying for the salt monopoly." Yu Mingda was also slightly surprised. After interviewing over a dozen merchants, reviewing documents had been exhausting, but seeing Zhang Fangyuan brought a faint smile to his face. He set down his teacup. "Take a seat."
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