The Salt Gang’s smuggling is also a major scourge in South Zhili.
But the Salt Gang can never be completely eradicated; however, capturing so would still count as a solid political achievent.
Even Inspector Wu and the people at the Court know that the crux of why the Salt Gang can’t be entirely eliminated actually lies within the Court itself. Because the official salt is too expensive and of poor quality.
This is a systemic issue, not sothing that can be changed by sheer human will.
Even in the eyes of the common people, the Officials’ crackdown on illegal salt is seen as a malpractice. The great resistance from the public only increases the difficulty for the Officials to fight against the smuggling of illegal salt.
Of course, Inspector Wu did not want to solve this problem from its root, as securing long-term governance is sothing for the Cabinet to consider.
His essence was in seeking promotion and wealth.
Up to now, holding this lousy official position has been all about pouring money into it.
Such is the hardship of a Third Class Scholar.
On another note, Fayue has just finished his ditation. He was in good spirits, and at this ti, he also ca to the deck to greet Xu Qing.
"Fayue has so quickly cleared away the confusion of Evil Qi, scholars truly have sincere and upright intentions, and are indeed very impressive in this regard," Fayue observed Xu Qing’s expression, secretly astonished.
"Greetings to Mr. Xu," he said with surprise, paying his respects to Xu Qing.
Xu Qing naturally returned the greeting, and said aningfully, "Master Fayue, you look well."
Fayue, well-versed in worldly matters and fully aware of Xu Qing’s capabilities, knew that the latter was alluding to his conditioning after killing too many. Fayue said, "Committing murder indeed affects one’s Divine Soul. Especially since Mr. Xu is unlike ordinary people, you would be more sensitive in this area. The thod I use to dispel Evil Qi relies on the Buddhist Law of our temple. If Mr. Xu wishes to learn, you’ll need to convert to our temple before you can receive the authentic teachings. It is not that I’m intentionally hiding anything."
He paused slightly, then continued, "Originally, if Mr. Xu were troubled by this, I intended to recite the Heart Sutra to stabilize your mind after recovering my own spirit."
He spoke candidly because it was indeed what he had in mind.
Xu Qing: "Master, there’s no need for such courtesy. I’m not soone who sweats the small stuff. Just curious about these matters is all."
Fayue: "I am well aware of the gentleman’s magnanimity."
While speaking, he couldn’t help but silently ask for Buddha’s forgiveness, knowing that this occasional deception was necessary. After all, in Buddhism, there is a concept of ’expedient lying.’
It is used to fit in with the secular world and to minimize conflicts.
He certainly couldn’t say that Mr. Xu is petty-minded, having directly wiped out the Zhao family, his rival in the city.
Though Magistrate He did the deed, those in the know are clear about Xu Qing’s significant role in the affair.
The scholars of this era are ruthless and cunning.
Last night’s events were enough to show what kind of person Mr. Xu is.
Xu Qing smiled slightly; chatting with a fox who has Cultivation is tiring indeed. However, Xu Qing now rather admired Fayue, and would surely support him as the spokesperson for the Golden Ray Monastery. They had fought enemies together and shared the spoils; these were the proofs of an ironclad relationship.
Xu Qing spoke, "May I inquire what daily enterprises your temple engages in for livelihood? Lending money, collecting rent..."
Fayue’s mouth twitched slightly. Did it have to be so blunt? Doesn’t Buddha care for face?
He knew that Mr. Xu was an expert and by ntioning these matters, he seed interested in cooperation. In these tis, no business can be done without entanglent with Officials and the powerful local scholars.
Mr. Xu is both mighty and well-connected with the Governnt Office; even the abbot would have to butter him up upon his arrival.
Fayue: "Lately, we have more monks and less incense money. Even with so businesses ntioned by the gentleman, we are barely managing to break even."
It was the truth.
Without Magistrate He’s support, indeed there had been a significant drop in pilgrims.
Xu Qing smiled: "I do have so ideas that I would like to discuss with the Master."
The best way to forge connections is through mutual interests.
Mr. Xu makes friends sincerely, without any pretense.
Fayue asked eagerly, "May I ask Mr. Xu to elaborate."
Xu Qing smiled: "Frankly, your temple’s managent of incense money is too crude, overly reliant on powerful dignitaries, lacking its own core competitiveness."
"Core competitiveness?" The term was novel but comprehensible.
"Please do go on, Master Xu. However, I must say in advance that our temple does not serve as a private family temple."
Many wealthy scholars would set up family temples, which in reality were places purely for lending money at high interest rates.
Golden Ray Monastery was, to so extent, a genuine place for the Cultivation of Buddhist Law and sought to avoid being relegated to such a low level.
There was another reason: Golden Ray Monastery was a branch of the Great Zen Temple and had its own brand to maintain. If it beca soone else’s family temple, the head temple would be accountable.
Xu Qing: "The key point is to make them willingly offer the incense money, rather than having it forced by the power of so dignitary. As for the specifics, we can discuss upon our return."
Having said this, he left Fayue hanging, who was now desperately wanting to rush back and discuss in detail with Xu Qing.
Fayue was also helpless; Golden Ray Monastery’s financial inco was not doing well, and the current abbot seed eager for Fayue to take over, claiming not to delay the progress of young monks. Yet in reality, it was because he couldn’t bear the burden any longer.
Fayue did not have a better solution either. Usually, he relied on selling appearances, preaching Buddhist Law, and making connections with noble ladies, but that inco was just a drop in the bucket.
However, when it cos to passing on the abbotship, he could not refuse. If he did not accept it, there would always be soone who would.
If he could not beco the abbot, his access to Cultivation resources would be significantly compromised, affecting his real interests.
As the two were chatting, the governnt ship finally neared the small island where the handover would take place.
It was a re tiny island, naturally unsuitable for docking.
Therefore, a signal had to be sent for the other party to dispatch a small boat to receive the cargo.
Before that, of course, identities had to be verified.
After a short while, a small boat set out from the island, racing towards the governnt ship like an arrow shot from a bow.
The people on the small boat just matched up with the governnt ship’s crew by exchanging code phrases.
Xu Qing heard the other party’s voice and sensed their robust Qi-Blood through his Divine Soul, surprised: "Is it him?"
The governnt ship had laid an ambush and was ready to take action.
The person was about to board the ship, his commanding and fierce aura bursting forth. The Inspection Office soldiers hesitated about whether to attack.
Xu Qing hurriedly shouted: "Hold your fire!"
That was not only addressed to the soldiers but also to the robust man.
"Ah?" The robust man was none other than King Lin Tian, who stood up onto the deck, turning toward the source of the voice, who was his good brother, Xu Gongming.
"What’s going on..." King Lin Tian was also montarily confounded.
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