Chapter 009: Jiangsu Finance

Liu Hanying opened his mouth wide, "Murder, or is it a grave offense against officials? Is it really as simple as Lord Li says?" However, seeing how he addresses Yuan Shikai as Yuan Weiting, their relationship must be quite special

At this meal, good heavens, Li Guoyong and the others had only moved a few dishes with their chopsticks, while that man had already devoured two large bowls of white rice

Upon hearing Yang Du introduce the elderly gentleman before him as the newly appointed Governor of Jiangsu, Liu Hanying's face turned whiter than tofu. He inwardly scolded himself for being so foolish and indiscreet, having revealed everything to the man. He thought to himself that this was the end; the man could easily bind him and send him directly to Yuan Shikai.

Not long after, the official appointment from the court was issued, and right from the start, it was a direct assignment, with even the acting position being eliminated.

The address of "Master" was still very much appreciated by Li Guoyong. Just as he was about to ask something, he noticed that the man looked a bit unsteady, likely having not eaten for several days, leaving him in such a state of hunger. Without saying much, he took the man to the family restaurant.

The few understated words, in Liu Hanying's ears, were akin to a thunderclap. Is there truly such a wonderful thing in the world? In an instant, she felt the sentiment of "Those who gave me life are my parents, and those who understand me are Lord Li." Overwhelmed with emotion, Liu Hanying could not help but kneel down with a thud, tears streaming down her face as she said, "The grace of the lord, even a thousand deaths would not suffice to repay!"

Curious Li Guoyong asked Zheng Biao to call the man over. The man, understanding etiquette, stepped forward and addressed him respectfully, saying: "Sir"

Li Guoyong, who came with good intentions, suddenly collapsed into his seat after suffering a merciless blow

Throughout the journey, Butler Yang Dufu was constantly lamenting. Their Lord Li must be one who sleeps late and rises late; while others have long finished their breakfast, Lord Li is still curled up in bed, sound asleep. This could be overlooked, but wherever they pass by, if there are any famous scenic spots or well-known restaurants and brothels, this Lord Li will certainly take the opportunity to inspect them under the pretext of understanding the people's sentiments.

Who would have thought that the governor Li Guoyong in front of me would smile and say: "Killing a few people is not a big deal. I will send a letter to Yuan Weiting, and let this matter be settled like this."

Having understood the situation, Li Guoyong exclaimed inwardly that good fortune had arrived and could not be obstructed, he had found it, he had found it

After much difficulty, normalcy gradually returned a few days later. Li Guoyong convened officials of all ranks and commenced his first official meeting during his tenure as governor.

Li Guoyong, having left the capital, was quite spirited. This was understandable; in the capital, a third-rank official could easily be struck by falling leaves, while the situation was different for officials sent out. Although he was merely a second-rank official, he wielded substantial power, not to mention that he was the Jiangsu governor, a position that attracted envious glances from all.

Upon arriving in Jiangsu, Li Guoyong finally realized the extent of Li Hongzhang's influence in the region. Every day, he was continuously invited to banquets hosted by officials and gentry, where there was an unceasing praise of Li Hongzhang and constant admiration for Li Guoyong. Each person seemed eager to lay bare their hearts to show Li Guoyong whether their feelings towards the Li family were favorable or unfavorable.

When the man slowed down his eating pace a bit, Li Guoyong casually engaged him in small talk, gradually learning about the man's identity in a rough manner.

Li Guoyong's primary concern is the first matter, which is how much money he has. Unfortunately, the words of Zhao Dongcheng, the Governor of Jiangsu, infuriated him to the point where he nearly jumped out of his chair

The officials of all ranks in Jiangsu are truly looking forward to the arrival of the newly appointed governor. Calculating the itinerary, he should arrive in no more than twenty days. How many days has it been? Why hasn't our governor arrived yet? Could it be that something unexpected has happened on the way?

Li Guoyong, after listening to Zhao Dongcheng's report, shouted with bloodshot eyes: "Nonsense, nonsense, Jiangsu is the wealthiest region of our Great Qing, and the treasury only has 350,000 taels of silver?"

Li Guoyong, sitting in the carriage, felt a sense of pride akin to that of the People's Liberation Army entering the city. Although this world lacked television, telephones, and computers, it was truly exhilarating. In his own era, when had he ever received such a warm welcome from thousands of people?

Zhao Dongcheng, indeed a person of stature, spoke in a neither servile nor arrogant manner: "My lord, please do not be angry. It is true that Jiangsu is affluent, but since the Guangxu era, the province has faced continuous floods. This year, in addition to the floods, Jiangyin has also encountered locust plagues. The annual disaster relief efforts, coupled with the significantly higher taxes that Jiangsu has historically paid compared to other provinces, have resulted in the treasury holding only this much silver."

After dawdling for a while, we walked straight for more than 40 days before finally entering Jiangsu Province

Zheng Biao, Gu Dashan, and Liu Hanying were all smiles, truly enjoying themselves. Following Li Guoyong was incredibly delightful, with food, entertainment, and women to share a bed with. This kind of life was a first for them

Thus, after he was invited, it took a full twenty days before things gradually calmed down. Having had enough of the setbacks, Li Guoyong hurriedly set off with Yang Du, along with two personal bodyguards, Zheng Biao and Gu Dashan, personally selected by Li Hongzhang, as well as Butler Li Fu, and half a million taels in silver notes.

Upon leaving the capital, Li Guoyong gradually began to experience the dire conditions described in historical texts regarding the late Qing Dynasty, where the populace was in despair. Along the way, he encountered numerous starving people, selling their children, wives, and anything else they could part with. While these scenes were not particularly surprising, the most bizarre occurrence was when Li Guoyong and his companions witnessed a man selling himself. It was not unusual to sell oneself, but what was strange was that this individual was a robust man in his mid-twenties.

After handling the funeral affairs of Liu Hanying's mother, the group delayed for a few more days before finally setting off on their journey

It is fortunate that news has arrived that Governor Li has entered Jiangsu! The relieved officials of Jiangsu hurriedly organized a welcoming procession that had been rehearsed for an unknown amount of time, fervently celebrating the arrival of the Governor.

If Liu Hanying knew what Lord Li was thinking right now, she would probably be so furious that she would spit blood

Since the grandson of Li Zhongtang has taken up a prominent position, it is inevitable that the distinguished officials in the capital will extend their invitations, and the presence of Li Hongzhang is even more essential. What frustrates Li Guoyong is that during the banquets, these officials speak only of how great Li Zhongtang is, how esteemed the Grand Minister is, and only occasionally offer a word or two of encouragement to Li Guoyong, as if this dignified governor, Li Guoyong, is nothing without Li Hongzhang.

Our Li Guoyong, Governor Li, is currently thinking: I've struck it rich. I am utterly clueless about military training, and just when I was worried about how to train the troops, I stumbled upon such a treasure. This young man is not only educated but has also served in the Beiyang New Army. With such a fine weapon at my disposal, it would truly be a disservice to my ancestors if I did not make good use of it

At present, Li Guoyong harbors some resentment towards the horse-drawn carriage; if he could ride a horse and receive cheers, that experience would surely be even more exhilarating

In his era, Li Guoyong only saw young women and children selling themselves in books and movies. How could a dignified man sell himself? Even if he were willing to sell, would anyone buy?

Liu Hanying, who was wanted by the authorities, wandered while begging with his elderly mother. Unexpectedly, his mother passed away suddenly yesterday, leaving him without a penny to his name. In a desperate situation with no way out, Liu Hanying resorted to a dramatic act of selling his own possessions.

Before he could fully grasp the situation, Li Guoyong continued, "How about this: I will help you settle your mother's affairs, and you need not wander aimlessly anymore. I have been ordered by the Empress Dowager to go to Jiangsu to organize the new army, so you should accompany me. At present, I cannot make any promises, but once the new army is established, I will leave it in your hands to lead."

Yang Du is doing relatively well; after all, following this master, he enjoys good food and entertainment, so it’s not a big deal. However, Butler Fu truly has thoughts of swallowing Li Guoyong whole. This master, if he wants to visit a brothel, so be it, but why does he have to give out rewards amounting to hundreds or thousands of taels? Doesn’t he care that this money isn’t his? Five hundred thousand taels in silver notes, and in just a few days, this master has squandered over ten thousand taels.

This man is surnamed Liu, with the given name Han Ying and the courtesy name Mo Han. He hails from Shandong, and his ancestors were also officials. However, by the time of his father, the family fortune had been completely squandered. Liu Han Ying attended a private school for a few years during his childhood, but after the family's decline, he abandoned literature for martial pursuits and joined the newly formed army of Yuan Shikai. Within a year, through his intelligence, eagerness to learn, and tenacity, he managed to secure a minor official position. Later, due to some issues, he clashed with his superior and, in a moment of impulse, ended up killing him. After this grave incident, Liu Han Ying escaped the military camp with the help of several fellow townsmen, returned home to fetch his elderly mother, and thereafter wandered aimlessly.