Power

"This Magistrate Li is clean and honest enough, yet one can hardly say the same for his wife and son," Wei Yuefu remarked, glancing over the intelligence report in his hands. "While they may not go so far as to oppress the local commoners, their conduct reeks of a resentful nag and a profligate dandy." "That makes for quite a promising breach." Corruption did not necessarily have to strike from the front; working from the flanks or the rear served just as well. "Master, won't you first look over our gains from this operation?" Yuan Jingting reminded him. Li Chongzhao had made his move last night, and by this morning, the paperwork transferring the assets of the Zhou and Wang families had already been finalized. "What is there to look at? Have the secretary file them away, then bring them for me to glance over." Wei Yuefu had no intention of inspecting them right now. Such deeds were mere formalities; whether they were worth anything depended entirely on whether Wei Yuefu held power. As long as he had power, even if the documents were riddled with loopholes, no one could take them away. But if he lost his power and influence, even clauses crafted with multi-layered defenses would be utterly useless. Thus, to Wei Yuefu, once an asset was in his grasp, the matter was essentially settled. If the day ever came when he fell from power... these papers would be useless anyway. "Send someone to deliver more gifts to Magistrate Li's inner quarters, and while you're at it, invite Li Yuyan over tomorrow evening. Remember to give him ample face when you extend the invitation," Wei Yuefu instructed. Li Yuyan was Li Chongzhao's eldest legitimate son—a hopeless piece of work and a dandy through and through. Even so, he had done nothing truly wicked, indulging merely in good food, fine drink, and idle amusement. On Earth, with its advanced productivity, an appetite for feasting and merrymaking was hardly a devastating vice. But in the Great Xuan Dynasty, where productivity was low, such indulgence could genuinely ruin a wealthy family. Only because Li Chongzhao possessed substantial family wealth and a distinguished degree could he afford to support him. As for discipline, there was none to speak of. Before becoming an official, Li Chongzhao had the imperial examinations to prepare for, and after entering office, his career consumed him. Compounded by his wife's doting, Li Yuyan had naturally grown into this nature. In truth, compared to most profligates, he belonged to the harmless variety. Had there been no conflict of interest, Wei Yuefu would not have even minded befriending him. Unfortunately, this was a struggle—a fight to the death. Had Li Chongzhao not been backed by the Crown Prince, making it unwise to deal a fatal blow, Wei Yuefu would have crushed him long ago. He would never have gotten off so lightly, merely having his prize plucked away while his reputation was left in tatters. "Yes, Master. I will see to it at once. Also..." Yuan Jingting was just about to report on the yield from the Yellow Turban Strongmen this time when a knock on the study door cut him off. "Master, Magistrate Li has come to call," the voice of another steward came from outside. "Coming straight to my door? And here I thought he might endure it a little longer," Wei Yuefu chuckled. "Prepare tea, and invite Magistrate Li to wait a moment in the main hall." Wei Yuefu was not afraid of the man coming to his door; what he feared was the man swallowing his anger. A blade hung over the character for endurance; only patience could truly strike to the heart and destroy a foe. Wei Yuefu knew how to endure when necessary. If one were invincible under heaven, one naturally had the capital to act with rampant arrogance. But without that, many matters could only be handled by retreating in order to advance. After the steward left, Yuan Jingting asked, "Master, should we arrange a meal?" "No need. Magistrate Li is in no mood to eat," Wei Yuefu said. "Go attend to what I instructed. I will go receive Magistrate Li. Also, do not be careless about the Futian Hospice and Ciyou Hall. The opening ceremonies must be lively and grand. Verify the rosters once more." Both facilities had recently been completed, and Yuan Jingting had already submitted the rosters to Wei Yuefu. After reviewing them, Wei Yuefu naturally ordered him to verify them again. He had no desire to see his first nursing home and orphanage blow up in scandal. This concerned his subsequent plans, so caution was essential. "Understood, Master," Yuan Jingting replied before taking his leave. Wei Yuefu then set off for the main hall. Li Chongzhao sat in the guest seat of the main hall, his face dark as a thundercloud. The tea on the table remained completely untouched. "Magistrate Li's presence truly brings light to my humble dwelling," Wei Yuefu greeted him with an insincere smile and a warm, cordial tone. "May I ask what official business brings Magistrate Li to see me?" Upon seeing Wei Yuefu arrive, Li Chongzhao rose and bowed. "This subordinate greets Lord Wei." He bowed with a sour expression, his indignation practically spilling over. Yet that was only natural; having been outmaneuvered by Wei Yuefu, it was already quite an accomplishment that he maintained proper etiquette. "No need for formalities, no need at all," Wei Yuefu said, acting as though he had not noticed the man's expression. "Please, Magistrate Li, be seated." One could only say that Li Chongzhao's uprightness was almost certainly not a persona, but his true disposition. That was why he lacked tact and wore everything plain on his face. "Lord Wei, you surely know why I have come," Li Chongzhao said, cutting straight to the point. "Regarding the private properties of the Zhou and Wang families, do you have any explanation?" Wei Yuefu had simply gone too far. Li Chongzhao had raided the estates last night and spent the entire night busy, yet before the assets could even be cataloged and transferred into the official treasury, the vast majority had ended up under the name of the Baron of Qingpu County. This was no longer mere provocation; it was blatant contempt. From this, Li Chongzhao could see just how terrifying Wei Yuefu's power was in Wenchi County. No wonder the Crown Prince wanted to strip Wei Yuefu of his title as Baron of Qingpu County. Given a little more time, the people of Wenchi County would probably know only the Baron of Qingpu County and not the Emperor. "Ah, that matter? I only just learned of it myself," Wei Yuefu replied, his smile unwavering. "The Zhou and Wang families owed me debts. Those items were simply handed over to settle what was due." "Those... have already been seized!" Li Chongzhao could not help but retort upon hearing this. "They are the property of the imperial court! For your lordship to do this—" "Magistrate Li must be joking." Wei Yuefu cut him off and asked point-blank, "If they are court property, where is the proof?" The question choked the words right in Li Chongzhao's throat, for there truly was no proof. Before he could register them into the treasury or file the records, the goods had already been snatched away. "Lord Wei, acting so lawlessly, are you not afraid that I will submit an imperial memorial impeaching you?" Li Chongzhao glared fixedly at Wei Yuefu. The moment those words were spoken, the smile vanished from Wei Yuefu's face. He replied in a stern tone, "Everything this baron does complies strictly with the law. If Magistrate Li finds my conduct displeasing, feel free to impeach me as you see fit." If Li Chongzhao genuinely had the clout to shake him through an impeachment, Wei Yuefu would have to face the Crown Prince head-on. Otherwise, with the magistrate's meager capability, how could he possibly affect him? Li Chongzhao was thoroughly incensed by Wei Yuefu's words. Gritting his teeth, he demanded, "Then would Lord Wei find it convenient to let me inspect the debt receipts?" "Both sides are settled; they paid their debts, so the receipts were naturally returned to them," Wei Yuefu said unhurriedly. "If Magistrate Li wishes to see the promissory notes, you should ask them." "Yet last night, the Zhou and Wang families were already taken into custody by my men!" Li Chongzhao seized upon the flaw at once. "To whom did your lordship return them?" The logical contradiction was far too obvious; he was not even putting effort into his lie. "I say they were returned, so they were returned." Wei Yuefu sneered, offering no explanation beyond that single remark.