Zhang Fangyuan didn’t presume familiarity. Casual banter over wine was one thing, but in official matters, propriety mattered. Acting too casually would seem disrespectful.
He bowed properly, submitted his asset documents for review, and promoted himself. Highlighting his charitable deeds in recent years and pledging loyalty to the court.
Though he hadn’t heard the other merchants’ pitches, he assumed they’d done the same. The court cared about reputation.
Officials, whether upright or corrupt, valued face. Thus, they’d assess a merchant’s philanthropy, character, and integrity. But the most crucial factor was whether the salt commissioner found them selectable.
And what made someone selectable? Personal benefit, of course.
Before Zhang Fangyuan could hint at any favors, Yu Mingda carefully reviewed his documents and remarked:
"Young Friend Zhang, in recent years, you’ve taken in disaster victims as tenant farmers, reclaimed wasteland for cultivation, increased local tax revenue, and opened granaries to aid the poor after harvests. You’re a model merchant."
After some praise, Yu Mingda added: "However, the assets you’ve submitted fall short of the court’s requirements for salt merchants. Was this an oversight, or is there another reason?"
Zhang Fangyuan replied cautiously: "Your Honor, the fields and mountain forests I’ve listed may seem insufficient at face value, but the mountains are worth more than market price."
"Your mountain spans a hundred and twenty mu. Even if fertile, its value wouldn’t exceed thirty thousand taels. Combined with your land, it’s still not enough."
"To be frank, Your Honor, this mountain contains an iron ore deposit. It was only recently discovered, and I haven’t yet reported it to the county or the court."
Yu Mingda straightened slightly. "Is this true?"
"I wouldn’t dare deceive you, Your Honor."
"In that case, there’s no shortfall. Salt and iron are state affairs, your caution is commendable."
Zhang Fangyuan bowed humbly. "I’m willing to offer sixty percent of the iron mine’s proceeds for Your Honor to present to the court."
Yu Mingda studied him for a long moment, neither accepting nor refusing.
Finally, he said: "Your intentions are noted. Return home and await news."
Zhang Fangyuan didn’t push further. He bowed respectfully and withdrew.
With the last merchant interviewed, the fate of all present now rested in the salt commissioner’s hands.
When Zhang Fangyuan emerged, several merchants crowded around, asking how it went. Like the others, he gave vague answers, claiming he couldn’t discern the official’s intentions.
No one got any concrete information from him, nor did he learn anything reliable from others.
But Zhang Fangyuan wasn’t lying. The salt commissioner was shrewd, a seasoned bureaucrat whose thoughts weren’t easily read by first-time petitioners. His true stance remained unclear.
Now, all they could do was wait for Yu Mingda’s decision. As the county government runners dismissed them, the merchants dispersed. Zhang Fangyuan returned home to report to Xu He.
____
"Your Honor, most merchants offered wealth, treasures, or even beauties. But the Qin family’s terms were particularly striking, they promised thirty percent of their annual profits if granted the salt monopoly. That’s no small sum."
After a busy morning, Yu Mingda rested in his quarters that afternoon. His attendant served tea and casually mentioned the day’s interviews.
"You’re being shortsighted."
Yu Mingda shook his head. "Salt merchants are wealthy. If they’re willing to offer thirty percent annually, it may seem better than a one-time bribe. But precisely because it’s a recurring payment, it creates an ongoing obligation. If the Qin family later seeks favors, how could I refuse?"
The attendant had an epiphany. "Your Honor sees clearly where I was blind. The Qin family is cunning indeed."
Yu Mingda chuckled.
"Then does Your Honor favor the Zhang family? To curry favor with Master Luo?"
"Rather than pleasing Luo Yan, it’s more about pleasing the new jinshi."
At the Luo banquet, Luo Yan hadn’t mentioned the salt trade or the Zhang family’s bid. If he’d wanted to intervene, he would’ve hinted then. Clearly, the old man had no interest, merchants were beneath his concern.
But the visit had revealed useful information. The Zhang family’s eldest son was Luo Yan’s prized student, now a ranked imperial scholar. Previously, as a merchant’s son, he’d been unworthy of Luo Yuxing. But with his new status, a marriage alliance was inevitable, a joyous occasion.
Luo Yan’s disciples filled the court. His only grandson marrying into the Zhang family meant he’d surely pave the way for his future grandson-in-law’s career.
Zhang Ruijin’s future was bright.
Knowing he’d soon enter officialdom with powerful backing, why wouldn’t Yu Mingda seek early goodwill?
Besides, the Zhang family’s offer wasn’t meager. Presenting the iron mine to the court through him would boost his performance review, some things couldn’t be bought with silver.
Moreover, he admired the Zhang family’s discretion. Despite their prior meeting, Zhang Fangyuan hadn’t name-dropped or pressured him.
The attendant mused for a while. "So the Zhang family it is? Should I announce the decision?"
"No rush. It’s been a long day. Let’s wait."
He wanted to delay until the new jinshi returned home. A face-to-face meeting would make future interactions smoother. Rushing the process would give him no excuse to linger in Siyang.
____
Magistrate Huang Guan, who’d been leading servants to deliver ice basins, overheard the attendant’s words—"So the Zhang family it is?" His heart sank.
He silenced his servants, waited a moment, then sent them in with the ice. Without entering himself, he hurried back to his study.
"Summon Qin Zhong at once!"
Pacing anxiously, he seethed. Though displeased with the Qin family for not meeting his demands, he’d still profited from this scheme. Even if they’d disappointed him, their longstanding ties and marital connection made them the better choice. If the Zhang family got the monopoly, he’d gain nothing.
His rift with the Zhang family was old. Though they maintained surface civility, ever since Qin Zhong’s lawsuit, their relationship had cooled. Deliberately placing Zhang Fangyuan last was a petty jab, how could he let them win now?
Given the choice, he’d pick the Qin family.
Qin Zhong, who’d barely settled at home, was hastily summoned through the magistrate’s back gate.
"The Zhang family?!"
The news hit him like a bucket of icy well water in winter, chilling him to the bone.
"After all my trust in you, all my hints to the salt commissioner, all my efforts despite our past friction, out of respect for your sister, I pulled strings for you! I thought it was in the bag, yet you still failed!" Huang Guan berated him. "What can you accomplish?!"
Qin Zhong apologized profusely, but since he’d been summoned, there was still hope.
After the tirade, Huang Guan said coldly: "The salt commissioner’s preference is clear. Before the announcement, discuss with your father how to salvage this. If you can’t, I’ve done all I can."
Qin Zhong gritted his teeth. "This humble one will not disappoint Your Honor."
"Go, now. Hurry."
Thank you so much for the update!!!
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