Chapter 2046: Chapter 28: Conscription and Grain Collection

Upon receiving Emperor Jiaping’s decree, Prime Minister Fan’s aged face was covered in frost. The little brat had learned to shirk responsibility, and at the same time he utterly despised him; with one so devoid of virtue and talent able to be Emperor, why could the Fan Family not produce an Emperor?

But having it handed to him to resolve, how was he to resolve it? So many cities had already been lost; losing more was no longer such a grave matter. Before losing them...

"With the nation in dire peril, the people should unite as one and share Nanyue’s trials. Each county is to levy soldiers and grain." Prime Minister Fan coldly instructed the men seated below.

All exchanged looks, then answered with reluctant acknowledgments.

The news of conscription and grain levies quickly spread through the court, and was transmitted down to every prefecture, county, and town. From each household, one to two males aged twelve must be taken; households with no males would not be conscripted, and those without anyone could make up with money and grain.

"Has Fan’s Party gone mad? Are they trying to force the common folk into revolt?" In the Yamen of the Ministry of Punishment, a young official pounded the table in fury.

Opposite him, an elder whose age differed little from his raised his head to glance at him and said, "You are even more anxious than the commoners."

"How can I not be anxious? Runzhi, look at Fan’s Party monopolizing the reins of government—this state is no longer a state..."

"Zhang Qian." Wen Runzhi—also known as Wen Congrui—lifted his eyes from the dossier in his hands once more, glaring a warning at him as he said, "If you cannot keep that mouth of yours in check, not even I can help you."

Zhang Qian glanced sideways, embarrassed, and muttered, "Isn’t it just that I can’t swallow this?"

Wen Congrui rose, hands clasped behind his back, and walked to the window. He looked at a maple tree outside, his gaze settling on its fiery red leaves. "What is there you cannot swallow? When the realm has long been united it must divide; when it has long been divided it must unite. That day will come sooner or later."

"Runzhi." Zhang Qian’s face turned slightly pale.

"Once this dossier is closed, I will submit my resignation." Wen Congrui’s tone was calm.

Zhang Qian was silent for a time, then said through clenched teeth, "Submit it. This imperial court is not worthy of your toil and effort."

Wen Congrui said nothing, neither refuting nor admitting, as though tacitly agreeing.

He watched the flaming maple leaves drift down and felt a chill. A harsh winter was about to arrive.

The conscription and grain-levy edicts were delivered to all prefectures and counties, and in an instant the land exploded; to say cries of misery rose from all quarters would not be an exaggeration. After all, good iron is not used for nails, and a good man does not become a soldier—no family was willing to see its sons go off as common soldiers, especially in times of war and chaos.

Some cursed Beiyan, saying it was all Beiyan’s incursions that had led to the present situation, but more cursed the imperial court for its inaction and incompetence—for failing to guard the homeland and forcing the common people to fill the graves.

Curse as they might, the fact of conscription and levies could not be changed by anyone; the lists and the grain that were due still had to be handed in.

Zhou Xueli was still trying to find a way into Huayang City. He had loitered outside the city for an entire day, spent all the Silver that needed spending, and talked until his mouth was almost dry, yet he still had not managed to gain entry.

The news of conscription and levies reached Huayang; the city gates opened, and the Yamen Guards pasted the proclamation upon the public notice board. People surged forward.

Seeing his chance, Zhou Xueli hurried up as well. When he read the notice, he was startled. This was bad—where was there anyone in the Old Zhou family?

He immediately wanted to enter the city, to deliver the news and then rush back. With no man in the household, how could they possibly manage?

He had barely taken two steps when soldiers blocked his way.

"Officer, sir, I truly have urgent business. I’m just an ordinary commoner, not any kind of spy. I swear I’ll go in, pass on the message, and come right back out." Zhou Xueli said ingratiatingly.

"No. Who knows what message you intend to pass on? Move along."

Zhou Xueli’s face was full of unwillingness, yet he didn’t dare force his way inside. If he really tried that, he would likely be seized as a spy within two steps. So he said, "Then, officer, sir, could you help me pass on a message?"

"Uncle?" A slightly puzzled voice sounded from behind Zhou Xueli.

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