White-robed Minister

55 [State Trial for Mental Illness]

The new state judge this year is named Shi Xun.

Before he passed the imperial examination in his youth, he even performed for Fan Zhongyan.

When Fan Zhongyan visited his home, his father, to show his warm welcome, had him and the maids perform a play for entertainment. Although the content of the play was somewhat vulgar, the performance was indeed very good.

Unfortunately, Fan Zhongyan didn't appreciate it and got so angry that he stormed off.

Perhaps because he offended Fan Zhongyan, his father's official career was full of setbacks. Even though he had been appointed as a scholar of the Longtu Pavilion, he was always transferred to various places as a prefect, with no sign of being transferred back to the central government.

His father's name was Shi Changyan, and his reputation as an official... wasn't very good.

It's all slander, definitely slander!

"Your Honor, there are twenty or thirty scholars outside, heading straight for the prefectural government office in a large group!"

"This is outrageous! Yesterday was the end of the holiday, and today is not a day off. Instead of studying properly, these scholars have dared to trespass into the government office."

Shih Hsun is quite like his father; once he has made up his mind, then it must be the truth.

For example, when his father was the prefect of Qingzhou, his corruption and abuse of power were well-known throughout the court. His father believed that the prefectural judge was reporting him behind his back, so he had the judge dismissed from office without giving him a chance to explain.

Shi Xun, accompanied by a group of clerks, strode out and stopped the scholars, sternly rebuking them: "Students of the prefecture should return to the prefecture school; those who are not should go home. You are all scholars; what is the meaning of your trespassing into the government office in such a group? Do you really think I dare not punish you?"

The group of scholars were completely bewildered.

They walk with a confident stride today because they are about to accomplish great things, and their entire being exudes self-assurance.

How did it become trespassing on government premises?

Although they were walking in the government office area, it was a public area, and state students could enter after registering. To enter a specific government office, they needed to request permission and obtain notification.

This gentleman in front of me is simply insane. He doesn't even ask a single question before he starts making things difficult and scolding me.

At this moment, the scholars subconsciously regarded Xu Lai as their leader, and in any situation, they would all look to Xu Lai for guidance.

Xu Lai had never met Shi Xun before, nor did he know what official position the other party held—it was difficult to identify an official's rank based solely on their official robes.

But his companions were waiting, so Xu Lai immediately stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Sir, please forgive us. We are all students of the prefecture. We have come here to offer you our strategies for river management."

What does "this gentleman" mean?

Upon hearing this, Shi Xun became even more displeased. Although he was a newcomer this year, as a scholar of the state academy, he should have recognized him.

Because, besides Yu Jing, he was the most qualified official to manage the prefectural school, essentially the second-highest-ranking official directly under the Guangzhou prefectural school. He even took a stroll around the prefectural school last month!

Seeing that Shi Xun was unhappy, a fellow student who had seen him before stepped forward, bowed, and said, "This junior, Cui Ligui, greets Judge Shi."

Xu Lai and most of the scholars then suddenly realized what was going on.

They realized that the person in front of them was the judge of Guangzhou, so they all bowed and greeted him.

Shi Xun's expression softened slightly, but he still disliked Xu Lai and questioned, "What's your name? Did you bring them here?"

Xu Lai replied, "I am Xu Lai, a junior student from the state school. Gentlemen, you are all my classmates. We have come together to write to Minister Yu."

Shi Xun felt that the name Xu Lai sounded familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.

But I can't remember it right now.

Shi Xun decided to give them a warning and make his presence known: "As students of the prefecture, you should return to your dormitories to study. Do not concern yourselves with the matter of river management; the government will handle that."

Xu Lai had no intention of clashing with the prefect, nor did he have the power to do so. He could only explain in detail: "Every dry season, Guangzhou suffers from a water shortage. Our investigation into the cause of Juhu Lake's drought has revealed that its upstream has been diverted by the Shahe River. If this is not addressed quickly, not only will Juhu Lake dry up, but the entire city's residents will face even greater difficulties in accessing water. Furthermore, the fertile fields downstream of Ganxi River may also lack irrigation. Therefore, I have dared to submit this petition, requesting Your Excellency's decision."

Xu Lai thought he was explaining, but Shi Xun thought he was just being argumentative.

In situations like this, one should first apologize to the state judge, then flatter the judge, and finally state the facts.

Xu Lai was indeed good at flattery, but he never imagined there would be such a petty person.

Perhaps because his life was no longer in danger, Xu Lai was unwilling to fawn over everyone he met, and he didn't even realize his own change.

Things have been going too smoothly lately.

Lack of a sense of crisis.

"Do you even know how to manage water resources? You dare spout such nonsense! You even claim the Ganxi River has dried up and Juhu Lake has dried up—it's utterly deceptive and misleading!" Shi Xun grew increasingly annoyed with Xu Lai. "Don't meddle in things that aren't your business!"

Xu Lai acted as a babysitter for his classmates all the way, but that doesn't mean he was a good-natured person without a temper.

He has a terrible temper!

This state judge in front of me is utterly inexplicable.

I hadn't offended him, and there was no conflict of interest, yet he came up and scolded me harshly. Even after I explained, he still stopped me.

How can there be such a person in the world?

And how could someone like that become the second-in-command in Guangzhou!

If Xu Lai knew what terrible things Shi Xun's father had done, he would probably be so angry that he would want to strangle him.

Back then, some officials believed that the Yellow River was shallow in six prefectures including Bin and Di, and that the Liao Kingdom might attack at any time. They requested the court to build fortifications as soon as possible to prepare for defense.

Shi Changyan and the eunuch were ordered to go and investigate.

The eunuchs believed that a city should be built, but Shi Changyan said, "These six prefectures are too large, and the Yellow River frequently changes course, making city construction extremely difficult and pointless. Since the Liao Kingdom has not broken the alliance, let's not create trouble for ourselves."

Therefore, the construction of the city was put on hold, with hopes that the Liao Kingdom would abide by the alliance.

Some people also proposed to set up twelve military camps on the outskirts of Lin and Fu prefectures to expand the territory.

The other two people in charge of the matter agreed, but Shi Changyan strongly opposed it: "The land there is barren and can't grow much food. If we build a military camp, we'll have to transport supplies from a great distance. Taking back that land would only give us a hollow reputation and increase the financial burden."

Therefore, the military camp was not built, and the army voluntarily gave up a large area of ​​territory.

The prefectural judge in front of me, Shi Xun, had followed his father around to serve as an official since he was a child, and he imitated all kinds of mannerisms. He was practically a carbon copy of Shi Changyan.

He was a scoundrel who performed vulgar acts for Fan Zhongyan when he was just over ten years old, making Fan Zhongyan so angry that he turned his face away and left!

He's capable of doing even more outrageous things.

With more than twenty classmates standing behind him, Xu Lai couldn't back down in the face of trouble; otherwise, all the prestige he had built up over the past few days would be gone. Everyone was counting on him to offer advice and make a contribution.

Xu Lai straightened his back and said with righteous indignation, "Your Excellency is mistaken. As Fan Zhongyan once said, 'Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures.' Now, the water in Ganxi is dwindling, and the people of the entire city are facing water shortages. Shouldn't we, the scholars of the prefectural academy, be concerned about the people's troubles?"

It would be better if Fan Zhongyan wasn't mentioned, because the mere mention of Fan Zhongyan's name brings back painful memories of his unpleasant youth.

He was full of anticipation and performed for Fan Zhongyan with great seriousness. So what if performing in a private residence was a bit vulgar? How could he possibly refuse to give him face and just walk away?

Unfortunately, the news got out, making it impossible for him to gain a foothold in the scholar circles of Kaifeng. He was ridiculed every time he attended a banquet or poetry gathering.

This has become a psychological trauma for him!

Xu Lai has already stepped on a landmine; why bring up something he shouldn't have?

Shi Xun sneered: "You dare to compare yourselves to Fan Zhongyan?"

Yang Shu, his fiery temper finally flared, stepped forward and said, "We scholars, though not as talented as Fan Zhongyan, all take him as our role model. It is our duty to do what benefits the country and its people!"

Shi Xun asked, "And who are you?"

Yang Shu completely forgot the lesson he learned from causing trouble for his family last year, and said decisively, "I am Yang Shu, the son of the family!"

Shi Xun remembered the names of Xu Lai and Yang Shu.

He then asked the other scholars, "Is there anyone else who would like to announce their name?"

All the scholars were astonished.

They came all excited to offer their advice and earn merit, so how did they end up in a conflict with the prefectural magistrate? This isn't how the play works.

Cui Ligui, who was the first to recognize Shi Xun and introduce himself, quickly lowered his head, afraid of being remembered.

Luo Dunxin dared not reveal his identity, but braced himself and said, "This concerns the drinking water of the entire city, so please be lenient, Your Honor."

The scholars, all seething with anger, immediately avoided mentioning their own names and chanted in unison, "Please, Your Honor, show leniency!"

At this moment, officials from other government offices had come to watch the spectacle.

Faced with a group of state students joining forces to pressure him, Shih Hsun, despite his eccentric personality, had to consider the consequences.

He glared at Xu Lai and Yang Shu, then held out his right hand and said, "Since this concerns Guangzhou and you need to submit a petition to the prefect, give me your copy. I will then forward it to Lord Yu."

"We can't accept this!" the scholars cried out in their hearts.

Everyone signed that petition. What if we hand it over to the prefectural judge, and he retaliates against each of us?

Not everyone possessed the courage of Xu Lai and Yang Shu; some had even begun to back down. They decided to let it go for now and deal with it another time. For now, they didn't seek merit, but simply hoped to avoid attracting the attention of the prefect.

"Goodbye!"

Xu Lai turned and left.

The scholars immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

Yang Shu quickly followed Xu Lai, and as they walked, he couldn't help but glance at everyone.

Yang Shu thought to himself: Of all the scholars here, only Xu Sanlang is worth befriending. The rest have all cowered in the face of battle, not even daring to introduce themselves. A bunch of cowards, unfit to discuss great matters!

Ding Zhengchen buried his head in his chest. He dared not offend the prefect, nor did he have the face to face Xu Lai. He was truly afraid; the prefect could easily ruin the Ding family with a single finger.

Roommate Wen Zhonghe quickly caught up: "Sanlang, are we going back to the state school now?"

Xu Lai said, "If we can't get through to the Military Commissioner's Office, there's still the Transport Commissioner's Office. Does a mere prefectural judge dare to stop us from seeing the Transport Commissioner?"

Right!

The scholars' eyes lit up.

Even if Yu Jing adopts the flood control plan, if it consumes too much money and grain, the Transport Commissioner's Office will definitely intervene.

Assisting the military governor in building city walls and managing waterways were among the duties of the transport commissioner's office.

However, some people worried: "Wouldn't bypassing the Military Commissioner and directly seeking an audience with the Transport Commissioner displease Minister Yu?"

Xu Lai said, "How could I, Lord Yu, be a narrow-minded person? I'll take responsibility for anything that happens!"

Only then did no one worry anymore, and they became increasingly convinced of Xu Lai's abilities.

Because Xu Lai is capable of handling things!

Liang Wensu, who was walking at the very back, was already blushing with embarrassment.

He had studied diligently at Xujiang Academy for many years and returned to Guangzhou full of confidence. He thought that he had easily achieved first place in the entrance examination and that passing the imperial examination or the provincial examination would be a piece of cake.

To my surprise, I came in second place.

He was completely convinced of Xu Lai's achievement of ranking first, considering it a meeting of kindred spirits in academics. These past few days, he had been surveying in the mountains, and returning to the city filled him with excitement; last night he even dreamt of achieving great things and gaining fame.

But a mere state judge terrified him so much that he dared not utter a word!

He was completely dazed, his mind a jumbled mess. Only now did he come to his senses, but he was too ashamed to face Xu Lai and Yang Shu, feeling like a treacherous and despicable person.

Am I really a petty person?

He didn't dare to step forward himself, so he let his two friends take the blame.

The proud and arrogant Liang Wensu could not accept his own weakness. He wanted to be a gentleman, not a villain.

Looking at Xu Lai's resolute back, Liang Wensu felt even more ashamed and couldn't help but feel inferior.

To reach the Military Commissioner's Office, one needs to pass through the Prefectural Government Office and the Vice Prefectural Office.

However, the Transport Commissioner's Office went directly there, and no officials stopped them along the way.

Xu Lai did not go to the gatekeeper to report, but led his men to the main hall of the Transport Commissioner's Office: "We, the scholars of the prefectural academy, have important matters to discuss with Commissioner Cai!"