While Liang Quanbin was pleased about his upcoming appointment in Jinling, Feng Jinxu and his entourage had already been conducting covert investigations in the city for several days.
Xu Lin and his subordinates’ capabilities were indeed extraordinary, and within a few days, they had thoroughly investigated the situation in Jinling.
As intelligence flooded Feng Jinxu’s desk like a vast ocean, he read each piece, while Fu Yi, standing beside him, would burn the intelligence that Feng Jinxu had already handed over.
Soon, the major and minor affairs of Jinling, its past and present, unfolded in Feng Jinxu’s mind like a scroll.
Jinling, once the capital of a dynasty a thousand years ago, had gradually declined after suffering from years of war and natural disasters.
Later, the capital was moved north to its current location. Ironically, Jinling, free from the constraints of imperial power, had become an incredibly wealthy city through the accumulation of merchants and gentry over hundreds of years, bringing prosperity to the surrounding prefectures and counties as well.
However, it was precisely because of this that Jinling, though nominally a city of the Great Jin, was in reality controlled by local merchants and gentry. The reason the Grand Canal Administration established the Three Thousand Water Army camp was to counter the Four Great Families.
Chi, Min, Cao, and Zhu – the true powers in Jinling. Even the Grand Canal Supervisor had to bow and scrape respectfully before these families.
A high-ranking official of the second rank, stooping to merchants, the lowest stratum of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants – what a disgrace.
Yet, not a single person dared to question or resist.
The most important reason was that the Chi, Min, Cao, and Zhu families not only held immense commercial power but also vast tracts of land and the right to raise armed forces.
With control over money, grain, and soldiers, what fear did they have of external threats?
Among them, the Chi family’s influence was the most deeply entrenched.
The Chi family had been a dominant force in Jinling for five hundred years. Unfortunately, their ancestors, lacking anyone in officialdom, primarily engaged in business and scholarship. They experienced ups and downs in the turbulent times, nearly losing their roots.
It wasn't until the twenty-first generation patriarch, Chi Chengxu, emerged to turn the tide and end their wandering existence.
Not only did he pull the Chi family out of the mire, but he also seized the opportunity of maritime trade to carve out a niche for themselves, establishing close ties with numerous maritime nations and islands.
Today, the Chi family possessed a secret sea route unknown to outsiders, which brought them immeasurable wealth accumulation each year.
As for where the Chi family’s private troops were housed, no one knew.
It was only remembered that an emperor, fearing the Chi family's power, had once sent troops to suppress them. To his surprise, not only did his ten thousand soldiers vanish without a trace, but the emperor himself died mysteriously in the palace.
Therefore, every emperor who ascended the throne, though wary of the Chi family, dared not rashly attempt to uproot them, opting instead for a policy of leniency.
The Chi family was also very sensible, contributing a quarter of the nation's treasury each year.
Such a golden goose was naturally welcomed by the emperor.
Thus, over a hundred years, the Chi family re-established their position as the overlords of Jinling.
Even with the Cao family producing a Grand Canal Supervisor, they could not significantly contend with the Chi family, which spoke volumes of their influence.
The current patriarch was the twenty-fourth generation, named Chi Zimo.
Under his leadership, the Chi family's influence extended to the four seas.
There was a popular saying in Jinling: "The heavens and earth may change, but Chi Ji remains."
This illustrated the Chi family's status in Jinling.
Feng Jinxu, born and raised in Dongdu City, had never had such an in-depth understanding of Jinling, a thousand miles away. However, upon learning about the Chi family, his expression remained grave.
"The Chi family's power is such that even if the Min, Cao, and Zhu families united, they might not be able to contend with it. If we wish to investigate the Chi family, I fear it will be impossible."
Feng Jinxu's group consisted of only seven or eight people, insignificant ants compared to the Chi family. How could they shake this towering tree?
Xu Lin frowned, "Then, Master, what is your intention?"
"We will start with the Zhu and Cao families! The Cao family has just lost the Grand Canal Supervisor, a crucial support, and is now severely weakened. As for the Zhu family, weren't they planning to marry into the Chi family in May? They are currently in their prime. One is falling from grace while the other is soaring, both are most likely to reveal flaws. Investigating them will be much faster than investigating the Chi family!"
"Yes!"
His gaze fell on the word "Min" on the paper. Seeing Feng Jinxu's demeanor, Xu Lin, worried that he intended to investigate the Min family, was about to explain when he heard Feng Jinxu say:
"The Min family has a Noble Consort, who is also the maternal family of Prince Ding. This matter likely has little to do with them, so we need not waste our efforts investigating them."
"Yes."
His ink-black eyes fixed on Xu Lin. Even Xu Lin, with his hardened countenance, felt a sense of unease under his gaze.
"Master?"
"Nothing. You may proceed with your investigation."
"Yes."
After Xu Lin left the room, Feng Jinxu handed the paper detailing the Min family to Fu Yi. "Burn it."
"Yes."
The paper vanished upon contact with the flame, but Feng Jinxu's mind was filled with a bold conjecture.
The military, the Min family, the corruption case – perhaps the person behind Xu Lin was someone he had overlooked.
If it were truly him, why would he be implicated with his maternal grandfather?
As one mystery was unraveled, another emerged.
A few days later, in Prince Ding's mansion a thousand miles away, Yang Zhao presented the intelligence sent by Xu Lin to Xiao Tingyi.
He read it at a glance, his eyes showing admiration.
"This King indeed did not misjudge him. Feng Jinxu's mind is truly meticulous, able to discern the subtle and think quickly."
Yang Zhao remained noncommittal. Ever since the Prince had intervened to help the third young lady of the Feng family outside Prince Kang's mansion, he felt the Prince had changed somehow. He couldn't quite pinpoint it, but he sensed a heightened interest in anyone connected to the third young lady of the Feng family.
"What does Your Highness mean?"
"They monitored the Zhu family for so long without finding any evidence, yet Feng Jinxu, in just a few days, has unearthed a large portion of their clan through their relatives. Coming from the Dali Temple, he is truly efficient at finding evidence."
Yang Zhao was astonished by this statement!
The Zhu family was not an easy bone to crack!
Otherwise, the brothers in Jinling would not have encountered so many closed doors. Feng Dalan's ability to find clues so quickly made Yang Zhao curious.
"Your Highness, from where did Feng Dalan begin his investigation?"
Xiao Tingyi glanced at him and handed him the letter. As Yang Zhao read, his admiration grew.
The Zhu family's status in Jinling was inferior to the Chi and Min families, but comparable to the Cao family, leading to intense competition over the years.
A few years ago, the Cao family produced a Grand Canal Supervisor, who used his influence to suppress the Zhu family to the point where they could barely breathe. Some Zhu family members were in official positions, but they were almost completely suppressed by the Cao family.
They could only hold minor positions within the Grand Canal Administration and seek petty gains.