Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C217 – New Office (3)

With late autumn settling in, a faint chill lingered in the morning air.

Wang Zhenhai had been awaiting Zuo Shaoqing’s arrival since early morning outside the prefectural attendant’s office. Scanning the surroundings, he finally spotted Zuo Shaoqing’s palanquin, yet all he witnessed was Zuo disembarking.

Despite a flicker of disappointment in Wang Zhenhai’s gaze, he respectfully saluted and greeted him.

Zuo Shaoqing hadn’t anticipated the early arrival of this individual. Unable to feign ignorance, he ushered Wang Zhenhai into the yamen.

Once seated in the living room, a palpable silence hung between them. Neither initiated conversation; Zuo Shaoqing was reticent, while Wang Zhenhai struggled to commence.

It wasn’t until a servant presented tea that Zuo Shaoqing broke the silence, inquiring, “Third Young Master Wang, do you have urgent matters to discuss?”

Wang Zhenhai straightened his posture, meeting Zuo Shaoqing’s gaze with a fleeting glance. After a moment’s hesitation, he spoke, “Your Excellency, you may address me by name. I wish to discuss the matter concerning the child.”

Zuo Shaoqing was taken aback by his forthrightness. The situation would have unfolded differently had it been Wang Xu. However, now that the issue was laid bare, he saw no point in delay.

“Indeed? And what is it you wish to discuss?” Zuo Shaoqing queried impassively.

Wang Zhenhai meticulously laid out the evidence uncovered by the Wang Family, substantiating his claim as Zuo Xiaolang’s biological father. He refrained from demanding custody, retaining some semblance of rationality.

Zuo Shaoqing lowered his gaze, idly toying with his teacup. His composed voice juxtaposed against Wang Zhenhai’s evident nervousness.

“I found this child abandoned. I suspect you’re unaware of his previous circumstances.” Zuo Shaoqing set down his teacup heavily, divulging the hardships he endured while nurturing the child.

“When I found him, he was unable to walk, feed himself, or communicate—a feral creature. I devoted myself to his care, nurturing him from such dire straits to normalcy. Did you assume I would surrender him to you with a mere claim?”

Wang Zhenhai sat agape, his eyes wide with shock and remorse. Indeed, his family had been oblivious to Lil Thing’s whereabouts and experiences during the two years of its absence, presuming it merely picked up.

He hadn’t fathomed Lil Thing’s ordeal amidst wild beasts in the mountains. Its smooth development appeared miraculous. No wonder a child approaching three years appeared scarcely a year old.

He couldn’t fathom Lil Thing’s existence among wild creatures. All he knew was that at this moment, he wished he could reverse time’s flow and shoulder Lil Thing’s burdens.

“The Wang Family’s influence spans the entire clan, disrupting Zuo Xiaolang’s upbringing.”

“But—” Wang Zhenhai attempted to interject, only to be silenced by Zuo Shaoqing’s icy glare.

“Do not assert a bond of blood without evidence. While I am not without compassion, neither am I gullible. As long as we reside in Crane City, you may visit. Should you succeed in convincing Zuo Xiaolang to depart with you, I shall not impede.”

A sly smile curled Zuo Shaoqing’s lips. While Wu Steel Manor wielded significant power, additional allies within the small estate wouldn’t hurt.

“By the way, I’ve heard of the ongoing dispute between Master Wang and the current manager. Allow me to resolve the matter within a month.”

Departing in a daze, Wang Zhenhai returned home to recount the encounter to Wang Xu, who chastised his son for his naivety, lamenting, “You’re still too green!”

While his son had markedly matured in temperament, the disparity between him and the young Prefect was glaring.

Zuo Shaoqing swiftly fulfilled his promise. Within a fortnight, he facilitated Wang Xu’s ascension to the managerial role. Upon resolving the Wang Family affair, a missive from Crane City commanded the attention of all court officials.

Zuo Shaoqing’s imperial missive detailed the repercussions of unrestricted coastal trade and the perils of soaring prices stemming from an influx of gold and silver through coastal merchants. He advocated for imperial oversight of imports and exports and intensified scrutiny of overseas backgrounds at all ports to thwart espionage.

With governmental collusion with pirates suspected, Zuo Shaoqing prioritized ramping up port inspections for both people and cargo upon assuming office.

At that time, the tariff structure for coastal merchants remained rudimentary, based solely on estimated goods’ values. This prompted most coastal merchants to conceal their wares, even bribing customs officials for clandestine trade.

Both Zuo Shaoqing and Cao Sect, being seasoned, wouldn’t typically propose such measures first. Yet, to his knowledge, this suggestion was due by year’s end.

Additionally, Lu Zheng prepared to embark on maritime training again. He needed to eradicate all lurking threats in the city and apprehend or dismiss those suspicious of Crane City with just cause.

Some awaited his downfall, others anticipated his folly, and some derided, “Isn’t the Left Honorary Guan too green? Acting rashly without considering repercussions. Do you truly believe having Duke Zhen’s backing is best?”

Naturally, there were also upright officials who rallied behind the proposal.

Those abstaining from supporting or opposing Zuo Shaoqing, owing to familial interests, took turns refuting him. They argued that disregarding the Emperor’s desire to expand maritime trade would dampen merchant enthusiasm. Those officials who previously benefited from Duke Zhen’s patronage would side with Zuo Shaoqing.

Sensing the impasse, Zhan Yuanfeng adjourned court and convened with six other officials in the royal study to deliberate.

“I opine that the Left Prefect might not be exaggerating. The ocean embargo was instituted by our ancestors to repel invaders. While coastal commerce is vital, flinging open the gates haphazardly poses grave risks. Do any of you have constructive suggestions?”

“Your Majesty… I believe drafting comprehensive port trade laws is paramount. We need a standardized code for both people and goods, serving as a universal reference.”

The Minister of Revenue attempted to interject but was silenced by the Minister of War, who signaled him to reconsider.

Contemplating the diminished treasury due to the imperial missive, the Minister of Revenue grimaced.

However, after years in the imperial court, he comprehended the Emperor’s intentions.

With Chief Shang and his deputy leading the way, other lords, regardless of reluctance, pivoted around the topic and voiced their opinions.

Zhan Yuanfeng retrieved a thick parchment from a concealed compartment, instructing an attendant to distribute it. “This contains a personal report from the Left Prefect, detailing customs regulations and countermeasures. Please peruse it.”

Each official, seasoned in their roles, recognized the significance of the document. None anticipated such acumen from the newly appointed youthful Prefect.

Some pondered inwardly: Could strategists from Wu Steel Manor have conceived this idea to bolster Zuo Shaoqing?

Observing their expressions, Zhan Yuanfeng sighed inwardly. Indeed, the young man was remarkable. Anyone earning Lu Zheng’s favor possessed considerable prowess. It wasn’t in vain to flout conventions to promote the youngest Prefect in history.

Unbeknownst to Zhan Yuanfeng, Zuo Shaoqing’s memorial was honed by amalgamating Crane City’s reality with policies from his past life. Even Lu Zheng deemed such insight unlikely from Zuo Shaoqing at his age.

“Very well, the Ministry of Rites and the Department of Revenue will collaborate on drafting the decree. We’ll implement it initially in Crane City, followed by all other seaports where we’ll register the entry and exit of unfamiliar individuals before conducting rigorous investigations. We cannot afford to overlook any suspicious persons!”

“Understood, Your Majesty!” The ministers departed the palace with a somber demeanor, hastening to relay the latest policy to their faction members.

In the late hours of the night, the emperor’s chamber remained illuminated. Zhan Yuanfeng scrutinized Zuo Shaoqing’s document repeatedly, offering commentary on crucial sections where improvements were warranted. Time seemed to slip away unnoticed.

Cao Zongguan reclined against the bed, engrossed in a book. Occasionally, he cast glances at Zhan Yuanfeng, who was wholly absorbed in his work. This marked the first time Cao had witnessed such fervent dedication from Zhan since their acquaintance.

Previously, Zhan might have busied himself with political affairs before retiring, but it was often accompanied by irritation or distress. Today, however, he bore a countenance reminiscent of springtime.

As Zhan Yuanfeng set aside his pen and approached, Cao Zongguan promptly diverted his attention to his book.

Wu Tie grinned wickedly as he produced a book, pinning Zhan onto the bed and inhaling his distinctive scent. “This Zuo Shaoqing is quite remarkable. I’m starting to regret bestowing him a marriage decree.”

“What do you imply?” For the first time, Cao Zongguan inquired about Zuo Shaoqing’s promotion, “Did you appoint a fourteen-year-old boy as Prefect under Duke Zhen’s influence?”

“Hmm? Is that your assumption?”

Cao Zongguan nudged his head away and pulled the blanket over them both. After a moment of contemplation, he responded, “I don’t perceive you as an emperor who surrounds himself solely with sycophants, but that’s the prevailing opinion.”

Zhan Yuanfeng sucked in a breath at the nape of his neck, surveying the red mark with satisfaction, “Seems I’m not entirely undesirable in Cao Qing’s eyes, haha…”

Cao Zongguan wished he could retract his earlier statement, “I was merely speaking my mind.”

“Initially, I did contemplate personally grooming him, but witnessing his accomplishments, I believe my decision was sound!”

“Is Shao Qing truly that capable?” Cao Zongguan had always perceived the Zuo Shaoqing he’d heard of after his release from prison as distinct from the slightly timid lad he remembered. While he acknowledged Zuo Shaoqing’s talent, dubbing him exceedingly gifted seemed a stretch.

Since his triumphant return to academia, this youth appeared transformed. He exuded a radiance that made it difficult to meet his gaze directly.

“Haha… Lu Zheng’s foresight remains as keen as ever! Yet, it’s a pity…” Zhan Yuanfeng shook his head, his feelings ambiguous.

Cao Zongguan rolled over, burying this weighty question deep within. He casually inquired, “Why did you send for a new attendant today?”

Zhan Yuanfeng typically dispatched messages through intermediaries for security reasons. However, today’s messenger was unfamiliar.

“Ah, about that…” Zhan Yuanfeng extended his arms, embracing the other tightly. Then, he disrobed the individual, answering, “The previous one accidentally fell into a well.”

A chill swept over Cao Zongguan’s body, whether due to the exposure from losing clothes or the implications of Zhan’s words remained unclear. Nevertheless, he harbored doubts regarding the sudden disappearance of a seemingly healthy individual.

Despite his suspicions, this wasn’t knowledge he should possess. Moreover, the sudden surge of heat left him little time or energy to dwell on the matter.

Zhan Yuanfeng parted Cao’s lips, engaging in a passionate exchange. Amidst the golden bed curtains, the air was filled with labored breaths and the slick sounds of intimacy.