Knowing the Warmth of Southern Tea (GL) - Chapter 12

Chapter 12

“Let’s not beat around the bush. Master Jiang, I presume you have been troubled lately by the matter of the official silver.” Nan Nuan did not wish to waste too much time on Jiang He. Normally, she wouldn’t mind a battle of wits, but time was pressing, and there was much to be done.

“Indeed,” Jiang He replied. Since she had been so direct, it would be improper for him to prevaricate. He wasn’t surprised she knew; the scandal had rocked the Imperial Court days ago. It began with an accusation of embezzlement against the Bingzhou Provincial Governor. The Governor denied it and counter-accused the whistleblower of false charges. Thus, the Emperor had specifically dispatched this new top scholar to investigate.

In truth, with the capital currently caught in a political storm, the Emperor’s decision to send the top scholar away was likely an act of protection for a talented youth. However, it was a cruel ordeal for a man of his talent but lack of experience. One can hide for a while, but not forever.

“We both know that the Bing Market in Bingzhou is the largest marketplace, swarming with countless merchants. Making a profit here is as easy as snapping one’s fingers.”

“That is true. The one thing Bing Market lacks neither is merchants nor money.” Jiang He had spent a few days here and fully felt the prosperity and economic power of Bing City.

“A few days ago, I heard you inspected the treasury and found that the amount of official silver matched the ledgers perfectly. Are you preparing to join the Provincial Governor in impeaching the whistleblower for falsely accusing a court official?”

“That was the plan.” Jiang He hadn’t expected Nan Nuan to be so well-informed about the progress of the case. He had underestimated her; as the sister of Young Master Nan Wei, how could she be a woman who only knew of romance and scenery? Deep down, some of his illusions shattered.

He first saw Nan Nuan during the Qixi Festival. She was wandering the streets with her maid and lighting river lanterns by the bridge. At that moment, Jiang He’s heart was moved. Only after much inquiry did he learn she was Nan Nuan, the daughter of General Nan.

You stand on the bridge watching the scenery; the one watching the scenery looks at you from the balcony. The bright moon decorates your window; you decorate someone else’s dream.

Back then, Jiang He wanted to marry her and cherish her. He thought she was a delicate “dodder flower,” only to realize she was a “霸王花” (a formidable woman). He couldn’t help but feel a psychological gap.

“But have you ever considered this: when you inspected the treasury, was the official silver in the form of broken silver (small scraps) or silver ingots?” Nan Nuan didn’t notice Jiang He’s internal conflict. Their first meeting had been at a banquet, where he was merely a vague shadow to her. She had no idea where his affection originated.

“It was all broken silver,” Jiang He replied, pulling his thoughts back to focus.

“Don’t you find that strange? Why was it all broken silver? By law, shouldn’t official silver be kept as standardized silver ingots?”

“I beg for your guidance, Miss Nan. Jiang He would be most grateful.” Jiang He suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Nan Nuan. He had visited the Governor’s home; though it appeared modest—suggesting a clean and incorrupt official—Jiang He always felt the layout was suspicious, as if there was too much empty space where treasures might once have sat.

“No need for such formality. I’ll speak plainly: if the Bingzhou Governor did indeed embezzle the funds, how did he fill the deficit so quickly? In other places, it would be impossible to replace such a sum in a short time, but here, it is a different story,” Nan Nuan said.

“Bingzhou… Bing Market. Merchants… broken silver…” Jiang He murmured, as if a veil had been lifted from his eyes.

“It seems Master Jiang understands. I shall take my leave then. Everything else is for Master Jiang to decide.” Nan Nuan performed a polite salute and, ignoring the contemplating Jiang He, pulled Wen Cha away.

“Thank you, Miss Nan,” Jiang He’s voice came from behind, but Nan Nuan did not look back. Since she felt nothing for him, she would not give him hope. Nan Nuan liked to plan things to her advantage, but she did not enjoy carelessly trampling on someone’s sincere heart. She hoped Jiang He could withdraw his feelings in time.

But how can the human heart be so easily controlled? If it were, why would there be so many broken hearts in this world? Even knowing Nan Nuan wasn’t who he imagined, this other side of her—sharp and strategic—deeply attracted him. Sometimes, love is just that unreasonable.

Jiang He was a rational man, so he understood that some things were destined to have no result.

…

Wen Cha followed behind Nan Nuan, equally perplexed. Although she heard every word, and thought she understood them individually, putting them together was exhausting. Broken silver, ingots—it’s all silver, you can spend both!

“If you want to ask, just ask. Don’t torment yourself,” Nan Nuan said with a smile, finding Wen Cha’s confusion rather amusing.

“What’s the difference between broken silver and ingots? Why does it work in Bingzhou but not elsewhere? And did the Governor embezzle or not?” Wen Cha poured out her questions like a string of pearls.

“First, there is a huge difference. What merchant carries heavy silver ingots every day? It’s almost always broken silver and copper coins for daily trade. But the government is different; taxes and funds are stored in the treasury, mostly as standardized ingots. Second, I’m not sure about other places, but in Bingzhou, it works because there is no shortage of wealthy merchants looking to curry favor with high officials. Third, yes, he embezzled.”

“I get it! You mean, after the Governor was reported, he borrowed money from merchants to save his skin. The merchants saw a chance for profit and lent it to him. Since they carry broken silver for convenience, the silver in the treasury became broken silver!” Wen Cha realized.

“He borrows the silver to match the ledgers. Once the heat is off and the investigator leaves, he returns the silver to the merchants.”

“A student worth teaching,” Nan Nuan felt Wen Cha wasn’t beyond help.

Wen Cha felt incredibly clever now that she understood. Looking up, she realized they had reached the heart of the great market.

“Nan Nuan, look! They’re selling ‘Ice Bowls’ (chilled fruit desserts). Do you want one?” Wen Cha asked. It was still winter, bordering on early spring—an ice bowl was a bit…

“If you want to eat it, go buy one,” Nan Nuan said, though she personally avoided street stalls.

After being pestered all afternoon, Nan Nuan finally let Wen Cha have her way.

“Okay! Wait for me!” Wen Cha ran toward the vendor. She told them to hurry up with two servings. After grabbing the two bowls, she turned around and realized Nan Nuan was nowhere to be seen. She panicked and ran back to where they were standing.

“Nan Nuan! Nan Nuan!” Wen Cha shouted in the street. Suddenly, a boom echoed. Everyone on the street stopped to look up. Wen Cha turned her head and saw fireworks—and beneath the fireworks stood Nan Nuan.

Suddenly looking back, that person is there, where the lights are dim.

Nan Nuan smiled at Wen Cha, and Wen Cha ran toward her.