Finest Servant

Chapter 159 Calming the Situation

The merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang who were present instantly erupted into excitement. In those days, the status of merchants was considered low, and their interactions with the officialdom were extremely limited. Now, the arrival of the man himself, the chief Senior Scholar of the Hall of Literary Brilliance, the nation's leading scholar and Minister of Revenue, Xu Wei, was indeed a great honor for these merchants.

Chairman Yu hastily scrambled up from the ground, and with the assistance of Tao Wanying, and Tao Dongcheng hurried to the entrance to greet him.

"What perfect timing for Xu Wenchang's arrival," Lin Wanrong smirked, glancing at his Eldest Miss.

Upon hearing of Xu Wei's arrival, Xiao Yuruo was initially thrilled, but soon became anxious again. What difference would Xu Wei's arrival make? Even though he admired Lin San's talent, he was still an imperial officer. Would he be able to be biased amidst the unanimous accusations against Lin San?

Xu Wei, dressed in his bright red official robe, entered with a slight smile on his thin, austere face, which concealed a sense of authority. Behind him followed the prefect of Hangzhou, whom they had met earlier, and dozens of other officials from Zhejiang.

"Greetings to Minister Xu and all the distinguished officials," Chairman Yu hastily said, bowing deeply in respect.

"As a student, I, Tao Dongcheng, greet Minister Xu and all the distinguished officials," Tao Dongcheng also saluted.

Everyone knew that Xu Wei had once been the emperor's chief strategist and was now the pillar of the Great Hua Dynasty, managing the country's financial affairs. He was the most trusted person of the Great Hua Emperor. Winning his favor was surely a guarantee of quick success.

As everyone got up, Xu Wei, seeing the bruised faces of Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng, exclaimed, "What happened to you two?"

Chairman Yu fell to his knees with a thud, crying out, "Minister Xu, you must stand up for me, for the Chambers of Commerce of Jiangsu and Zhejiang."

Grinding his teeth, Tao Dongcheng also knelt down with Chairman Yu, saying, "Please, Minister, you must stand up for me."

Xu Wei asked in surprise, "What's going on here? Please get up and speak. The two of you head the Chambers of Commerce in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, you are the leaders among the merchants. What has happened?"

Wiping his tears and snot, Chairman Yu complained, "Minister, it's all because of Lin San, that servant of the Xiao family." He pointed his fat and stubby finger at Lin Wanrong, saying, "He not only insulted our Chambers of Commerce but also publicly beat me, Young Master Tao, and several of my subordinates. It's an absolute disgrace to all merchants in the world. Please, Minister, you must take a stand for us."

Hearing this, Lin Wanrong inwardly cursed, ‘What a shameless Chairman Yu. I clearly only hit the two of you, but you've made it sound as if I hit a whole bunch of people. Your audacity is even greater than mine.’

Xu Wei merely hummed, glanced at Lin Wanrong, and turned back to Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng, exclaiming, "So, Chairman Yu, are you saying that this young man, Lin San, single-handedly beat you, Young Master Tao, and a number of your men?"

Chairman Yu gritted his teeth, "Exactly, please stand up for us, Minister."

Xu Wei replied, "Don't worry. I will thoroughly investigate the matter and make a fair judgment. Chairman Yu, are you saying that this servant, Lin San, beat you, Young Master Tao, and so many people, so he single-handedly fought against all of you? Is that correct?"

"Yes, yes, yes—" Chairman Yu hastily exclaimed, "The brothers present can all testify to this."

"One person beating up multiple people?" Xu Wei questioned, taking two steps to approach Lin Wanrong, and smiled, "Little brother Lin, are these gentlemen speaking the truth?"

Before Lin Wanrong could reply, the Eldest Miss had already spoken up, "Minister Xu, the events of today have been incited by my Xiao family. Lin San has nothing to do with this. We, the Xiao family, will bear all the blame."

Xu Wei looked at Xiao Yuruo and asked, "Are you the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family?"

The Eldest Miss curtsied and responded, "Indeed, I am."

Xu Wei sighed while gazing at her, "You resemble her... you resemble her so much."

The Eldest Miss looked at Xu Wei in puzzlement, not understanding the meaning behind his words.

Xu Wei sighed once again, "Miss Xiao, how is your mother, Miss Guo, faring these years?"

Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. This Minister Xu referred to her mother as Miss Guo, which seemed to indicate that he knew her mother. But where could this come from?

Lin Wanrong had a slight understanding, seeing the Eldest Miss bewildered, he gently nudged her sleeve. Startled, she quickly curtsied and respectfully replied, "My mother is well. Thank you for your concern, Minister."

Xu Wei sighed deeply, "Miss Xiao, don't be surprised. I had some interactions with Miss Guo in the past. I have always admired Miss Guo's intelligence and talent. It's been more than twenty years since I last saw Miss Guo in the capital. Now, seeing her daughter, it feels like meeting an old friend yet not recognizing her, which evokes a sense of nostalgia."

On hearing that Minister Xu had a relationship with her mother, the Eldest Miss felt a bit relieved. She didn't expect Xu Wei to be biased, she only hoped he would be fair.

Xu Wei smiled, "Miss Xiao, even though you are the daughter of an old friend, in today's matter, as someone has accused the Xiao family, I cannot show favoritism. I can only administer justice impartially. I hope you won't blame me."

Xiao Yuruo promptly replied, "I have no other wish but for your fairness and impartiality, which would fulfill my desire."

Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng, initially shocked to hear that the Xiao family had a relationship with Minister Xu, breathed a sigh of relief when they realized that he didn't intend to favor them.

Xu Wei nodded and turned to Lin Wanrong, "Little brother Lin, are these gentlemen telling the truth? Did you beat up all these people?"

"A beating? No," Lin Wanrong responded, perplexed, "Minister Xu, how could one person beat up a crowd? Even if I had six arms, I couldn't do it."

Xu Wei nodded, turned to Chairman Yu and asked, "Chairman Yu, even if Lin San had four limbs working together, he wouldn't be able to beat up so many people. Could you be mistaken?"

Chairman Yu was sweating profusely. He had been too ambitious, using the term 'beat up.' Hastily correcting himself, he said, "Minister, it was this San Lin who first hit me and then Young Master Tao. Everyone present can testify to this."

Tao Dongcheng also chimed in, "Everything Chairman Yu said is true. I stake my life and reputation on it."

Xu Wei hummed in response, "So, it was not a group beating, but mutual beating, wasn't it?"

This time Chairman Yu had learned his lesson, and hurriedly explained, "Minister, it was this Lin San who struck first. Before we could retaliate, we were already beaten by him."

"So that's it. Lin San, did you assault Chairman Yu and the others?" Xu Wei turned to ask Lin Wanrong.

"Not exactly an assault, just a simple spar. Those who know me understand that I always adhere to the principle of 'winning people over with virtue.'" Lin Wanrong shamelessly replied.

At that, Shopkeeper Li immediately jumped in, "Nonsense! We saw you assaulting Chairman Yu and Young Master Tao with our own eyes. Are you still trying to argue?"

Xu Wei nodded, his voice rose considerably, "Lin San, are you aware of your crime? Why did you assault Chairman Yu and Young Master Tao?"

Before Lin Wanrong could answer, Chairman Yu preempted him, "Minister Xu, we were merely discussing business matters with the Xiao family. An argument ensued, and this Lin San wanted to resort to violence. We ask for your discernment, Minister."

"Oh," Xu Wei put on an understanding expression, "Chairman Yu, this is the territory of Zhejiang. Lin San, a mere servant, dared to assault you without power or influence? This is indeed too presumptuous. He must not be spared."

At this point, Liu Yue'e couldn't stand it any longer and jumped in, "Minister Xu, don't listen to their nonsense. It was Chairman Yu and his associates who bullied the market and went too far, prompting Lin San to fight back."

Liu Yue'e rattled off like a machine gun, recounting how the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce pressured the Xiao family, how Tao Dongcheng cruelly aided in their tyranny, and how the Jinling Chamber of Commerce reluctantly acquiesced. She appeared simple, but she was quite savvy. When it came to describing how the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce bullied and coerced, she detailed it extensively. As for Lin Wanrong's assault, she justified it as an act of indignation. After all, how could a mere servant dare to beat these influential figures publicly?

Xu Wei listened with narrowed eyes, his reaction unreadable. Lin Wanrong, however, was a clever man. The old Xu's few questions were full of wisdom and mystery.

After hearing Liu Yue'e's description, Xu Wei frowned, looking at Chairman Yu, "Chairman Yu, is there truth to this?"

Chairman Yu hurriedly responded, "Minister, please don't misunderstand. Our Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has no intention of monopolizing the market. We merely wanted to discuss business matters amicably with the Eldest Miss."

"Discuss?" Lin Wanrong sneered, "How did Chairman Yu 'discuss'? By demanding that the Xiao family hand over the rights of operation in this province to Shopkeeper Li, and banning the Xiao family from operating in Hangzhou if they didn't comply. Is this what Chairman Yu calls a 'discussion'?"

Chairman Yu stuttered for a moment, but didn't dare to deny it.

Lin Wanrong saluted Xu Wei with a fist and palm, "Minister Xu, as the Minister of Revenue, you certainly understand the principles of business operation. It is a matter of great concern for the livelihood of the people. Those with talent and skills should manage it. Furthermore, sufficient competition is needed to promote rapid development in commerce, thus enriching our Great Hua's trade. However, like Chairman Yu here, for the sake of his personal gain, he shortsightedly employs various means to hinder others' normal operations. In the long run, not only will the people of Hangzhou and Zhejiang be unable to enjoy the latest products, but the atmosphere of free trade will also be utterly suppressed. Commercial affairs, like a boat against the current, must progress or retreat. Under such oppression, how can business in the province of Zhejiang progress? Young Master Tao of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, despite being the Chamber of Commerce Chairman, does not consider for the merchants in the association. He colludes with Chairman Yu to suppress the Xiao family. Who gave him such audacity to allow him to bully others? Encouraging trade and competition is the right way. Bullying the market destroys the foundation of Great Hua's business and must not be indulged."

His long-winded speech elevated the issue of market bullying to the height of Great Hua's operations. People listened, bewildered, half understanding yet not fully comprehending.

Xu Wei, with a stern face, asked Chairman Yu, "Did this Lin San speak falsely?"

Chairman Yu dared not to speak. Xu Wei turned to Tao Dongcheng, "What does Young Master Tao think?"

Tao Dongcheng remained silent, but Tao Wanying spoke up to defend her brother, "Minister Xu, this Lin San spouts nonsense, framing my brother. We ask for your judgement—"

Xu Wei humphed heavily, "If you refuse to speak up, then not only is it true that Lin San assaulted someone, but it's also true that you've bullied the market?"

Everyone dared not speak. Xu Wei sighed, "Jiangsu and Zhejiang are the economic foundations of our Great Hua, the granary for development. Today's annual meeting of Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce is highly valued by the Emperor. He has specifically appointed me to meet all of you to understand any difficulties in your business operations. I did not expect such a situation to arise, which greatly disappoints me."

Xu Wei's reputation preceded him, and his imposing aura silenced everyone in the hall.

Xu Wei snorted towards the Prefect of Hangzhou, "Prefect Gu, according to our Great Hua law, what punishment should be meted out for assault?"

Although Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng were Chairmen of the Chamber of Commerce of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, they were only civil organizations. When Lin Wanrong beat these two, it wasn't equivalent to assaulting an imperial official. At most, it was considered assaulting a gentleman.

"According to Great Hua law, public assault should be punished with a light cane or heavy imprisonment. Looking at Lin San's assault on the two Chairmen, he should be caned two hundred times at least," Lord Gu said.

"And how should one who bullies the market and disrupts business be punished?" Xu Wei asked again.

"According to Great Hua law, those who bully the market are punished with a light fine or heavy banishment," replied the Prefect of Hangzhou.

Chairman Yu's face turned pale, Tao Dongcheng also clenched his teeth and remained silent. The charge of disrupting business was no small matter. Both of them had been rampant in Jinling and Hangzhou, and no one had ever dared to trouble them. But now, Xu Wei showed no mercy, striking hard and catching both of them off guard.

The Eldest Miss had been silent for a while, but after hearing Xu Wei's words, she couldn't help but feel overjoyed. She couldn't resist glancing at Lin San, and found him smiling faintly as if he had expected this outcome all along.

Xu Wei sighed, "Lin San's case is relatively straightforward, but Chairman Yu and Master Tao, they are the pillars of our great Hua. As for the accusation of market bullying, it has not yet been proven as fact. Prefect Gu, in your opinion, what should be done about this?"

The Prefect of Hangzhou said, "Sir, in my humble opinion, Chairmen Yu and Tao acted improperly first, and then Lin San fought back. All three parties are at fault. Perhaps it would be best to let them clarify the right and wrong, reflect deeply, and take this as a lesson."

It was clear that the Prefect of Hangzhou had grasped Xu Wei's intentions, proposing the most pacifying solution. In truth, if the matter were to be discussed seriously, Lin Wanrong's punishment was inevitable, but the two Chairmen were not blameless either.

Xu Wei smiled slightly, "Is that so? What do the two Chairmen think?"

Chairman Yu dared not to speak, but Tao Dongcheng gritted his teeth, "Minister, your magnanimity leaves us with little room to argue. Lin San's assault on myself and Chairman Yu can be overlooked, but what position does this put our Chambers of Commerce of Jiangsu and Zhejiang? Today, Minister, you are generous enough not to dwell on our mistakes, for which we are deeply grateful. However, I, as the Chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, cannot ignore the Xiao family's contempt for the Chambers of the two regions. Today, with you present, Minister, I wish to have a fair competition with the Xiao family."

"Oh?" Xu Wei said with interest, "And what will you be competing in?"

"Literary and martial challenges!" Tao Dongcheng declared through gritted teeth.

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