Chapter 472 Power Struggle

The twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month.

Xuzhou Prefecture in Southern Zhili.

Although according to the season, the canal will be closed for one or two months during this period of time every year due to the winter drought.

but.

As the saying goes, money can make the world go round.

Even though the canal has been suspended and thousands of imperial ships have returned to port, there are still some private ships willing to pay high prices to the water authorities along the canal in order to gain navigation and cargo transportation in exchange for higher profits.

It was the Minor New Year's Day of the 44th year of Jiajing in the Lianghuai area.

There just happened to be a civilian ship with the name of Shang Fan on it. The cabin was filled with extremely deep water and it was moving slowly in the river.

The goods loaded on the ship were not high-priced goods that ordinary people would buy. The ship owner was hoping to transport the goods from Huguang to northern Zhili so that he could sell them at a high price in the capital during the first month of the year.

At this time, as long as the clerks, servants and soldiers of the water department were paid a pass, the suspension of the canal operation would be just a piece of paper.

Of course, if you pay the pass money, you will no longer see the grain transport patrols required by the imperial court on the way.

It is already the last day of the year and it is the coldest time of the year. Although Huaibei and Huainan are not as cold as the north, there have been several snowfalls.

No one wants to come out and suffer at this time.

The merchant ship was moving very steadily and slowly.

Firstly, there was no rush as we only had to arrive in Beijing before the Lantern Festival. Secondly, the canal was indeed dry and the water supply was running low, so the water flow could not be fast.

Several boatmen at the bow huddled together lazily, and a few wisps of smoke flickered out of their mouths.

The boatmen smoked the most pungent and numbing tobacco, just to keep themselves awake.

As for the tobacco smoked by these boatmen, it has a long history. In the Han Dynasty, there were tax collectors in charge of salt cultivation. During the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang also used chive leaves and Yuncao to drive away miasma. In the Yuan Dynasty, there were even records that there was a custom and hobby of chewing tobacco in Yunnan and other places.

In this dynasty, it was recorded in the Southern Yunnan Materia Medica.

However, the taste is naturally not as palatable and mellow as that of later generations. The rich and powerful would not use it either. It was only used by poor people who spent a lot of time and energy.

The boatmen huddled together, smoking and chatting idly.

In the cabin at the back, however, it was warm and filled with the aroma of wine.

Soon, there were three or five noises, as if someone had fallen to the ground because he was drunk.

Another moment.

Then a man with a flushed face staggered out.

After leaving the cabin, the man trembled all over when the cold wind blew outside, and he sobered up a little.

This person was Gu Shao who came north from Songjiang Prefecture.

Looking at the thin snow accumulated on both sides of the river and the deserted canal embankment, Gu Shao tightened his collar and patted his chest.

Hidden on his chest was the evidence he was going to use to sue the Xu family in Huating for defrauding and delaying the transportation of pigment silver last year.

As for why they chose to go to Beijing to file a lawsuit at this time, it was naturally because of the excitement brought by the lawsuit against the Xu family in Huating in Nanzhili this year. The fundamental reason was that the Xu family in Huating contacted Huating County and Songjiang Prefecture on trumped-up charges and occupied hundreds of acres of Gu family's land.

With hundreds of acres of land, they are also considered a wealthy family in the local area.

But isn't it the case that the big fish eat the small fish these days?

The Gu family was indeed considered a wealthy family, but the Xu family was even larger than that and was a powerful and wealthy family.

Not to mention that Huating County was overwhelmingly on the side of the Xu family, even the masters in the Songjiang government office were looking forward to climbing up the Xu family's ladder so that they could be promoted and make a fortune as soon as possible.

Gu Shao was a little worried.

There was a Gao Yanwang on that side, and there was also a Hai Qingtian in the capital. It was said that this Hai Qingtian blocked the door of the Xu family on the first day after he was recalled to the capital, and impeached Xu Jie in court the next day, causing the other party to only retain the title of Shao Shi of the court.

This time when I go to the capital to file a complaint, I have to find an opportunity to find this Haiqing talent first.

Even if we don't ask for the return of the Gu family's confiscated land, we must avenge our widowed mother who died of anger because of the seizure of her family property!
Gu Shao's gaze became more serious.

Looking at the Xuzhou city vaguely visible not far ahead.

After passing Xuzhou, he would be out of the Lianghuai area. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He no longer had to worry all day long that the Xu family would catch up with him and join forces with the officials in the Lianghuai and Jiangnan areas to block him.

however.

Just when Gu Shao was hoping that the boat could go faster and pass through Xuzhou City.

There was a sluice blocking the river ahead.

Not long after.

Dozens of police officers wrapped in cotton clothes suddenly appeared on both sides of the canal, which were originally deserted.

Gu Shao was startled, but when he looked at these people, he realized that they were neither servants or soldiers from the Grand Canal Water Authority, nor were they soldiers from the Grand Canal Transport Office.

Without waiting for Gu Shao to react.

There was already a leader on the shore, guarded by several knife-wielding officers, shouting towards the boat.

"The Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner's Office is conducting an inspection. Stop the ship at the shore and do not move without permission. Violators will be punished!"

Gu Shao suddenly felt panicked.

I became more and more confused as to why someone from the Lianghuai Salt Administration appeared at this time.

The Salt Administration Office was clearly located in Yangzhou City, and its three branch offices were located in Taizhou, Huai'an, and Tongzhou respectively, but there was no such office in Xuzhou.

As the officials on the shore shouted, the people on the boat also became confused and uneasy.

The ship owner, who had not drunk any alcohol, quickly rushed out of the cabin upon hearing the noise, stood by the side of the ship, and bowed to the people on the shore: "Dear officers, we came from Huguang and wanted to go to the capital. We did not cross the gates of the water conservancy along the way, and we also followed the rules. I don't know why you..."

As he spoke, the ship owner skillfully asked his men to take out a bulging purse, took it in his hand and looked towards the shore.

"It is the New Year's Eve, and I have not prepared anything. I hope you will accept this small gift and exchange it for some wine and meat for the festival."

The ship owner just thought that this was an accidental visit to the canal to make some money.

While he was busy offering benefits, he was also urging the boatmen on the boat to lower the sails and slowly stop at the sluice.

The people from the Salt Bureau on the shore kept sullen faces.

Seeing the boat docked at the shore, dozens of people rushed forward, each holding a long knife, staring at the people on the boat and not giving them any chance to resist.

"According to the court's rules, the canal is closed in winter. Our Salt Administration is in charge of the salt administration in Lianghuai, and we have always strictly prevented the smuggling of salt. Your behavior is treacherous, and you are definitely breaking the law by offering money to the officials."

The person who had spoken on the shore was now on the boat. He took a quick glance and waved his hand: "Check!"

So the salt bureau officers and soldiers who had boarded the ship immediately rushed into the cabin.

The shipowner was in a complete panic for a moment, and several cargo owners who had committed no crime in the cabin were also awakened. They sat on the ground in a daze and accepted the search by the salt bureau officers and soldiers who rushed in.

And outside the cabin.

Gu Shao was already feeling uneasy, secretly sensing that something was not right, but even if he jumped into the water to escape, he would probably freeze to death.

Before he could react.

Two officers from the Salt Administration had already held him at knifepoint.

"Report to the chief, this person seems to be the one who smuggled official salt in Huai'an a few days ago!"

Before Gu Shao could open his mouth to explain, the head of the Salt Bureau glared at him and said, "It really looks like him. It must be Gu Shao who illegally sold salt in Huai'an! Capture him and bring him back to the Salt Bureau for interrogation and conviction!"

Before Gu Shao could struggle, he was tied up and a piece of smelly cloth from nowhere was stuffed into his mouth.

The ship owner immediately said, "Sir! Sir! This man is from the south of the Yangtze River. He is not someone who smuggles salt. Sir, please understand."

The ship owner was still somewhat righteous after all, and he stuffed the purse in his hand into the hands of the head of the Salt Bureau.

As soon as it was received, the wallet disappeared without a trace.

But the head of the Salt Bureau still had a sullen face: "Isn't this person Gu Shao?"

The ship owner's face tensed, and he stammered for a long time before he spoke: "He... is indeed the Gu family..." The head of the Salt Bureau waved his hand again and jumped onto the shore: "That is Gu Shao, the smuggler of official salt! Take him away! You, the ship owner, don't say anything more. It's a blessing that no contraband was found on your ship today. If you say anything more, you will be punished for unauthorized use of the canal!"

The ship owner was immediately frightened.

The officers and soldiers of the Salt Administration had already brought the tied-up Gu Shao to the shore.

The officers and soldiers boarded the ship in a rush and left in a rush.

The canal sluice gates in front were also opened.

Looking at Gu Shao who had been taken to the shore and disappeared, the ship owner did not dare to say anything more. He had done his best. Although this man had given a lot of fare, how could he dare to argue with the government?

Without asking the reason, as soon as he saw the sluice gates were opened, the ship owner immediately urged the boatmen to head north quickly.

The less trouble, the better.

And reached the canal bank.

After the tied Gu Shao struggled in vain, he suddenly widened his eyes and looked at the person in front of him.

That person was no other than the manager of the outer courtyard farm of the Xu family in Huating. He was a servant of the Xu family and took his father's surname, Xu.

Next to Manager Xu were two people he had never met.

One of them was wearing an official uniform, which was a red robe of the third rank or above.

The other one was dressed like an attendant.

"Manager Xu, Sun Wu, is this person Gu Shao from Huating County? Have you identified him clearly?"

Sun Kehong, the transport commissioner of Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner's Office, who was wearing a red robe, frowned slightly and asked in a muffled voice.

Manager Xu said in advance: "If we go back to Duyun, this person is the traitor Gu Shao!"

Sun Wu, the servant of the Sun family, also said, "My lord, it's Gu Shao."

Seeing that the two people from Huating had confirmed Gu Shao's identity, Sun Kehong nodded and looked at the people from the Salt Bureau.

The officers and soldiers dispersed immediately, leaving only the head of the Salt Administration and a few attendants.

At this moment, Gu Shao had already seen the situation clearly. This was not an inspection by the Salt Administration at all. It was clearly the Xu family who had colluded with the Sun family and asked Sun Kehong, an official in the Transport Department, to stop him and accuse him of smuggling salt.

Now Gu Shaolian no longer had the heart to struggle, his face just flushed in the cold winter wind.

He already knew his end.

He would certainly be sentenced to death by Sun Kehong, who was in charge of the Lianghuai Salt Administration, and then be convicted quickly to prevent future troubles.

This end.

Sun Kehong also smiled and looked at the steward of the Xu family: "Since the traitor has been captured, Steward Xu and my servants are coming to the capital this time. It is the end of the year. Please help me deliver the few gifts I have prepared to Xu Mansion Lane."

Talking.

A horse-drawn carriage was approaching from a short distance away, and behind it was another large cart covered with oilcloth, which was filled with a lot of things.

Manager Xu took a look, smiled, and bowed: "Du Yun is very thoughtful. When I come to the capital this time, I will tell my prime minister in detail about Du Yun's hard work."

Seeing the Xu family's steward agreed, Sun Kehong stopped smiling and nodded with great satisfaction: "That's good, that's very good."

Then Manager Xu, Sun Wu and the coachman said goodbye to Sun Kehong and went to the capital alone.

Meanwhile, Sun Kehong also walked up to the detained Gu Shao.

He glanced at the head of the Salt Bureau, who immediately pushed Gu Shao into a prisoner van that had been prepared long ago.

The prisoner's cart fell behind the carriage.

Before Sun Kehong boarded the carriage, he looked at Gu Shao, who was already lifeless in the prisoner's carriage, and shook his head, saying, "It's your fault for being so audacious. Even though Lord Xu is only a junior teacher now, he still has countless important officials in the court speaking for him. Do you really think that a few idle gossips from the south can defeat Lord Xu? And that you can successfully appeal to the capital? Now that you have been captured by me, you should let go of your grudge. When you return to the office, I will reward you with wine and meat as a farewell."

After saying this, Sun Kehong got into the carriage.

The team started moving and headed back to Yangzhou.

In the carriage, Sun Kehong closed his eyes and thought carefully about the current situation in the court.

In his opinion, the impeachment of Xu Jie by the court this time was just a lot of noise but little action. Could the emperor really punish Xu Jie just because of this impeachment?

The Yan family has been impeached for many years, but they are still in power and control the cabinet and the court.

In the past, my family and the Xu family were just fellow townsmen, but now after this experience, I can be said to have really boarded the Xu family's carriage. When Xu Jie is reinstated and returns to the cabinet, I can also make a move for this position.

From a third-rank Lianghuai Transport Commissioner, he could at least be transferred to a vice-minister of one of the six ministries.

And outside.

The prison van was jolting.

Gu Shao was already disheartened.

Now that he had failed in his attempt to file a complaint in Beijing, he was instead captured by Sun Kehong, a man who depended on the Xu family. His death was imminent.

At this time, Gu Shao could no longer think of anyone who could save his life.

In the border area of ​​Lianghuai.

Apart from the Governor-General of the Grain Transport Administration who also served as the Governor of Fengyang, the largest one was the Lianghuai Salt Administration.

This is someone else's territory.

Thinking of this, Gu Shao let out a long sigh. He could not get his family property back, nor could he avenge his widowed mother's death. Two lines of tears fell, and soon his eyes were blurred.

I don’t know how long I’ve been gone.

suddenly.

There was a sound of anxious horse hooves on the canal.

Not long after.

The wind blew the snow and the carriage stopped suddenly, waking up Sun Kehong who was dozing in the carriage.

He frowned.

Sun Kehong then asked, "How do you drive the car?"

Just as he finished speaking, the sound of fighting was heard outside, and Sun Kehong's heart tightened when he heard it.

The noise outside was louder.

Someone screamed and the war horses neighed.

even.

There were two loud bangs, and Sun Kehong was so frightened that he fell down in the car.

That's a musket!

When he was in a panic, he lay down in the carriage and wanted to stick his head out to look.

hum.

A long knife was already placed on his neck. Sun Kehong's eyes suddenly widened, his face turned pale with fear.

far away.

A ball of blood flew around, and a loud and deafening sound was heard.

"Jinyiwei."

"On duty!"

…………

Monthly PassMonthly Pass
　It's still a slow process, and there are many details that need to be sorted out, as well as subsequent new plots to connect with, so the progress is a bit slow. I hope you can understand.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)