The Zhu family, however, excelled at spotting subtle discrepancies.
Over the years, they had amassed considerable evidence of Cao Sidu's corruption. Prince Ding had initially considered cooperating with the Zhu family, intending to expose the Cao family first before targeting others.
However, the Zhu family proved impervious to influence. They not only refused to provide evidence but also kept their own affairs meticulously clean, making them impossible to implicate.
Consequently, Prince Ding decided to act directly against Cao Sidu. By eliminating him and framing the Zhu family, he aimed to sow chaos among them, expose their vulnerabilities, and then strike.
Unexpectedly, upon learning of the Zhu family's son's upcoming wedding in May, Feng Jinxu scoured the records of all banquets held in Jinling on May 12th. What he discovered was astonishing.
The wedding was for Zhu Hong, a subordinate official in the漕运司 (Caoyun Si - Directorate of Grain Transport), and his son, Zhu Xiaoxian. Given their official ranks, their banquet should have hosted at most twelve tables. Yet, on the wedding day, two hundred tables were booked in Jinling under various names, all at reputable establishments, with considerable expense.
Investigating the backgrounds of those who booked these tables revealed they were either relatives by marriage, maternal or paternal kin, or descendants of the Zhu family.
This intricate web of connections allowed Feng Jinxu to map out the Zhu family's extensive network of relatives, both near and distant.
The current head of the Zhu family was none other than this Lord Zhu Hong, holding a modest seventh-rank position, seemingly insignificant in the officialdom.
However, his post was uniquely crucial. As the subordinate official in the Caoyun Si, he was the first point of contact for grain entering the official granaries. The precise amount of grain collected from the populace and transported to the Eastern Capital was determined at this very first step, which he controlled.
Thus, despite his low rank, he wielded substantial power.
Over the years, he had leveraged this position to secure numerous benefits for the Zhu family, with his closest associates being the primary beneficiaries.
These included his second brother, Zhu Tu, his third brother, Huo Chong, his son, Zhu Xiaoxian, and his eldest son-in-law, Quan Fu.
These four individuals formed the core of the Zhu family, and the majority of the banquet bookings revolved around their names.
Following this lead, Feng Jinxu uncovered a hidden grain hoarding operation in a civilian residence. The quantity stored was not substantial, only a few hundred shi (a unit of dry measure).
However, Feng Jinxu's intuition told him this was merely the tip of the iceberg.
If a mere seventh-rank official could hoard so much official grain for personal use, the scale of corruption would be far greater at higher levels.
Recalling his father's words, a chill ran down his spine.
It was likely that only one or two-tenths of the grain intended for the capital's granaries actually reached its destination.
The Caoyun Si was indeed a nest of vipers, a true scourge upon the nation.
The common people of the Great Jin suffered immensely at their hands, unable to voice their grievances.
Upon reading this report, Yang Zhao shared Xiao Tingyi's sentiment: Feng Jinxu's capabilities were indeed impressive.
If not for his youthful age and limited experience, entrusting him with the affairs of the Caoyun Si might have been a wise decision.
"Inform Xu Lin that Liang Quanbin will assume his post in two days. He and Feng Jinxu should bring back the evidence first. As for the Zhu family's situation, leak some information to the Cao family. Those who have managed to survive this long are not fools. If they wish to avoid a counterattack from the Zhu family, the incoming Liang Quanbin will be their best support, especially since he is related to the Wei family."
Let them tear each other apart. If one side fought fiercely enough, they might even implicate more people.
Xiao Tingyi penned a large character "朱" (Zhu) and then smiled faintly.
It seemed there were more influential figures behind the Zhu family.
The situation in Jinling grew increasingly complex.
In Feng Family's Ning'an Courtyard, Feng Jinyao received a message from the Bai family stating that Bai Siruo's injury had relapsed and she was urgently needed at the Bai residence.
Concerned for her cousin, Feng Jinyao hurried over.
Upon arriving at the Bai residence, however, she discovered it was merely a ruse by Prime Minister Bai, designed to lure her there for a discussion.
In the study, Prime Minister Bai, her eldest maternal uncle, and her fourth maternal uncle were all present.
Their expressions were grim, which Feng Jinyao found peculiar. Had someone in court targeted the Bai family again?
To her surprise, the news that arrived was from Xu Lin.
Ever since Feng Jinyao's letter had resolved the Bai family's predicament and she had helped them find Qiao Shanjian, Prime Minister Bai and her two uncles had begun to regard her with new respect. Many important family matters were now discussed with her, and her opinions were sought.
With Feng Jinxu in Jinling, Feng Jinlin at Yunqi Academy, and Feng Hai recuperating at "Wo Ta," she was the only one capable of handling such matters.
"Eldest, show the news to A'yao."
As Prime Minister Bai spoke, Bai Dalang handed the message to Feng Jinyao, detailing Feng Jinxu's activities in Jinling.
Her expression grew increasingly serious as she read. "If what Elder Brother has discovered is true, the extent of corruption within the Caoyun Si, from top to bottom, is staggering! This is not a rot that festered in a year or two. Such audacity, and yet no one discovered it... the officials of the thirteen departments of Liangzhe are all complicit!"
Prime Minister Bai's eyes gleamed with admiration. A'yao, this child, was truly remarkable.
From the words alone, she could deduce the approximate scale of the problem, surpassing even her two sons present.
"A'yao, if you were tasked with purging this corruption, how would you proceed?"
Prime Minister Bai's question was a test of her abilities.
Feng Jinyao fell into a moment of silence.
Recalling her past life, even before her death, the Caoyun Si had merely replaced a few mid-level officials, ostensibly for investigation and punishment. While it served as a deterrent, it did not eradicate the root cause. She suspected that after a few years, once the spotlight faded, corruption would resurface.
After a brief period of thought, she slowly began to speak.
"Granddaughter believes that it is better to guide than to block. Since the corruption cannot be entirely suppressed, let us try a different approach. Each year, the palace should set a fixed grain quota based on the harvest. The remaining grain can be handled by the populace as they see fit, whether for storage or sale, without interference. This is the first point. The Caoyun Si should be streamlined, with only essential personnel and the simplest channels for grain delivery. Over the years, too many checkpoints have been established, leading to numerous officials and a cumbersome grain delivery process, which naturally creates opportunities for exploitation. This is the second point. The most crucial point, though it may be troublesome to implement, could provide a permanent solution!"
"Oh? What method is that?"
Prime Minister Bai was highly impressed with her first two suggestions. Upon hearing the words "permanent solution," both he and her uncles turned to her with curiosity.
"Shift the conflict from officials and the populace to merchants and the populace. Jinling is a region controlled by merchants and wealthy gentry. The influence of the four great families in the city far surpasses that of officials. Instead of making local officials constantly anxious, it is better to delegate authority. Entrust the grain delivery to them. Similarly, set a fixed quota and quantity. They can then trade the surplus with the populace. As the saying goes, prepare for rain on a clear day and carry dry rations when full. With the shrewdness of merchants, they will not engage in losing ventures. In this way, when grain is abundant, they will store it for future needs, saving the court the expense of renting granaries. What do you think, Grandfather?"