After seeing Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian off, Zhu Ping’an returned to his study, muttering to himself, “Take his place.” He shook his head with a wry smile. *What am I thinking? Time to wash up and sleep—dreams have everything.*
“Take his place.”
This was the bait Zhao Wenhua had dangled, and it was indeed tempting. Zhu Ping’an truly wanted to take Zhang Jing’s place, but…
How could it be possible? Even if he were hooked like a fish, this bait would never end up in his belly.
Zhao Wenhua’s preferred candidate was Hu Zongxian. Hu Zongxian was 100% loyal to Zhao Wenhua, while Zhu Ping’an couldn’t even muster 1%. If Hu Zongxian became governor, Zhao Wenhua would be the governor’s puppet master. Zhao Wenhua would undoubtedly choose Hu Zongxian for the role.
Even if Zhao Wenhua genuinely wanted Zhu Ping’an to take Zhang Jing’s place, Yan Song and Yan Shifan would never agree.
Historically, even with the full support of the Yan faction, Hu Zongxian’s path to the governorship was fraught with obstacles and passed through several hands before landing with him. The Yan faction would never expend that effort for Zhu Ping’an.
It would be a miracle if the Yan faction didn’t actively undermine him.
Everything depended on himself. Well, there was also his mentor, Xu Jie, who could put in a good word for him with Emperor Jiajing.
The Battle of Wangjiangjing was approaching. He needed to seize this chance to earn more military merits and make a strong impression on the emperor.
“Someone, bring me the reports from the local baojia,” Zhu Ping’an ordered the attendant outside.
“Yes, sir.”
The attendant responded.
Soon, a stack of documents over two feet high was brought in. Zhu Ping’an took them and immersed himself in the information.
*Liuwang Village, Third Jia, reports: Suspicious signs of fugitive Japanese pirates in the woods outside the village…*
*Wangmu Town, Fifth Jia, reports: Yesterday, a suspicious individual entered the residence of a cloth merchant in the market and has not left since…*
As Zhu Ping’an delved into the sea of information, several riders galloped to the governor’s office in Jiaxing City. The guards at the gate raised their staffs to block them, but the lead rider flashed a “Patrol” token. Seeing it, the guards quickly stepped aside, and the riders charged into the compound.
“You lot stable the horses. I’ll report to the governor,” the leader said, dismounting and addressing the others.
Soon, holding the “Patrol” token, he was led by a guard to Zhang Jing’s study.
“Report! The patrol camp has urgent intelligence,” the guard announced.
“Let the patrol enter,” came Zhang Jing’s voice from within.
The guard nodded to the patrolman, who tucked the token into his robe and stepped into the study.
Inside, besides Zhang Jing, was another man—Li Tianchong, the former Zhejiang Inspector and current Yingtian Ministry of War official.
“Reporting to Governor, I’ve been monitoring Zhao Wenhua and have urgent intelligence,” the patrolman said.
With Li Tianchong present, the patrolman hesitated to disclose the intelligence immediately.
“Zicheng is not an outsider. Speak freely,” Zhang Jing said, waving his hand to indicate the patrolman should proceed.
“Reporting to the Governor, yesterday, after Admiral Zhao Wenhua and Zhejiang Inspector Hu Zongxian left the office, they went straight to Shaoxing. En route, they stopped at the renowned Fengxiang Jewelry House to purchase two small gold locks, paid for by Hu Zongxian, costing sixty-eight taels of silver. Upon arriving in Shaoxing, under the pretext of congratulating Zhejiang Governor Zhu Ping’an on the birth of his child, they entered the Zhejiang governor’s office. About an hour later, Zhao Wenhua’s confidant, Zhao Si, escorted by over a dozen skilled guards, sent a memorial to the capital via an 800-li express. Due to Zhao Si’s caution, I couldn’t ascertain the memorial’s contents. Afterwards, Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian dined at the Zhejiang governor’s office, not leaving until mid-afternoon. As they exited, both were smiling. Before entering his sedan, Zhao Wenhua patted Hu Zongxian’s shoulder, seemingly making a promise, after which Hu Zongxian bowed and thanked him…”
The patrolman cupped his hands and reported, detailing every move Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian made since leaving.
“Well done. You’ve worked hard. Go rest,” Zhang Jing nodded with satisfaction, dismissing the patrolman.
“Yes, sir.”
The patrolman cupped his fists and left.
Zhao Wenhua’s every move was almost entirely under Zhang Jing’s surveillance. This patrol was just one part of his network.
If Zhang Jing wished, he could know every dish Zhao Wenhua ate for his three daily meals or even whether he got up in the night.
“Zicheng, what do you think Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian were after by visiting Zhu Ping’an?” Zhang Jing asked Li Tianchong.
“Zhu Ping’an just achieved the great Zhejiang victory. For Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian to rush over at this critical moment, they’re likely plotting to claim the Zhejiang victory. Given how Zhao Wenhua constantly flaunts his role as overseer, it’s no surprise he went to Zhu Ping’an, shamelessly trying to attach his name to the Zhejiang victory’s merits.”
Li Tianchong answered almost without hesitation, hitting the mark and guessing one of Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian’s main objectives.
“Exactly. That’s what I think too,” Zhang Jing nodded, his thoughts aligning with Li Tianchong’s.
“From the patrol’s report, Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian left the Zhejiang governor’s office smiling, so they likely achieved their goal. Zhu Ping’an must have compromised with them. The memorial the patrol couldn’t inspect—without a doubt, it’s Zhao Wenhua, impatient to wait even a moment, rushing to draft a report claiming credit for overseeing the Zhejiang victory, sending it to the capital with utmost urgency for His Majesty’s review. Pfft, I’ve never seen anyone as shameless as Zhao Wenhua!”
Li Tianchong snorted, spitting in disdain, his contempt for Zhao Wenhua’s audacity boundless.
“Overseer’s merit? Him? What has he done in Jiangnan? Taking bribes, demanding bribes. Even when he comes to the governor’s office to urge deployment, it’s just a perfunctory nudge. The moment he steps out, he’s off with Hu Zongxian, wining and dining, visiting brothels. Has he ever set foot in a military camp? Secured a single bushel of grain? Comforted the troops? Investigated the pirate situation? Surveyed the terrain? He’s toured every tavern and brothel in Jiangnan, though! The moment there’s merit to claim, he shamelessly swoops in. Utterly despicable!”
Li Tianchong fumed indignantly.
“You’ve already called him shameless. A shameless man doesn’t care about such things,” Zhang Jing added, also scornfully criticizing Zhao Wenhua.
“Zhu Ping’an, too. The Zhejiang victory was earned through his blood and sweat, facing a hail of arrows. Why would he share the credit with Zhao Wenhua for some fabricated overseer’s merit, letting that scoundrel benefit for nothing?”
Li Tianchong shook his head, sighing.
