He was already at the age where one understands the mandate of heaven, yet the King of Nan spoke of these matters with his eyes red with anger.
"What is most shameful is that some people within my royal clan have been using my name and my son's name to sell enrollment slots to the Imperial Academy.
A common slot was sold at the exorbitant price of three thousand taels of silver.
And those who were supposed to receive these enrollment slots, after serving in the Xuanjia Army, could not get into the Imperial Academy.
Threatened and enticed, they dared not seek redress and could only work at the docks, carrying heavy loads to support their families..."
When Prime Minister Wen, the King of Nan, and Grand Scholar Chi came to see them, and yet delayed in stating their purpose, Si Fengwu and Lu Qingwan understood that once they spoke, it would not be about trivial matters.
Therefore, when Prime Minister Wen spoke of the troubles he faced, Si Fengwu was not surprised, nor angry.
Though he was displeased by the King of Nan's account of infighting within the army, he could still understand.
After all, clear water has no fish; even though he had personally led the Xuanjia Army, he could not guarantee that there was not a single ill-intentioned person among them.
But when he heard that the backbone of the Xuanjia Army, who had been selected for training at the Imperial Academy, had been harmed to the point of having to carry heavy loads at the docks to make a living, he could no longer contain himself.
"When did this happen, and how did Your Highness come to know of it?"
Upon speaking, he realized his words carried a hint of questioning. He hesitated for a moment but did not offer an explanation.
For the actions of the clansmen of the King of Nan's estate, as the head of the family, the King of Nan should be punished.
A mere question was already lenient.
The King of Nan knew the gravity of the situation. At such a time, where would he concern himself with the face of his non-hereditary prince?
With shame, he said, "I am ashamed to say that I, the head of the family, was completely unaware of such a grave mistake made by my clansmen.
It was my son who received the news and informed me, and only then did I learn the truth..."
As the King of Nan was filled with shame, Grand Scholar Chi also spoke, "Your Highness of Nan, do not belittle yourself. Even within my own circle, such morally corrupt individuals are unavoidable.
You reacted more quickly. I only recently asked Tang Xiao, the guard, to investigate who was responsible and what exactly they did, and I myself am still not clear!"
...
If it were only the clansmen of the King of Nan's estate who were involved, then it would be understandable.
After all, every place has one or two bad apples. However, with such an incident occurring within Grand Scholar Chi's circle, it appeared to be a coincidence.
All of them were intelligent enough to discern the general situation from minor details, and their gazes unconsciously converged on Prime Minister Wen.
The latter stroked his beard silently, "There have been some minor issues within my Wen clan, but they have found the wrong person this time.
They picked someone who appeared to be defiant and resentful towards me, but in reality, valued the Wen family's prosperity more than his own life.
They hit a wall of nails and, in doing so, have presented me with a fine young man of the Wen family who has shed his sharp edges..."
Prime Minister Wen's expression was truly joyful as he spoke. Si Fengwu, upon seeing this, suddenly realized, "Could it be that talented merchant from our main family named Wen Xu?"
Lu Qingwan, who had been sitting quietly for a rare moment, heard this unfamiliar name and secretly nudged Si Fengwu's sleeve, giving him a look of eager curiosity.
Prime Minister Wen noticed her small gesture and smiled as he explained, "Wen Xu is not well-known, so it is normal that the Princess Consort does not recognize him.
However, I have heard that the Princess Consort is quite talented in commerce and has many capable individuals under her. Have you paid attention to the Guliang Trading Company?"
It must be said that Prime Minister Wen's position as Prime Minister was not without reason.
For example, at this moment, the person who had been suffering from post-meal drowsiness and worries about court affairs, almost falling asleep beside Si Fengwu, suddenly sprang up as if injected with chicken blood upon hearing the name Guliang Trading Company.
"Guliang Trading Company, of course, I know it!
It is the largest grain merchant in the three southeastern kingdoms! Every time I procure military provisions for the Xuanjia Army, Guliang Trading Company is my biggest supplier.
Before the trade agreement began, Northern Wei tried to secretly purchase grain from Da Qian, and Guliang Trading Company has recovered much of the grain that flowed out.
The brothers below say that the owner of Guliang Trading Company is a rare merchant with a clear mind and great vision. I didn't expect him to be a junior of Prime Minister Wen, that makes sense."
The Prime Minister Wen was naturally pleased when his junior was praised.
He said with a smile, "Princess Consort, you misunderstand!
Wen Xu, although a descendant of the Wen clan, is from a collateral branch.
He studied literature and martial arts at the Wen clan's academy in his youth. He was the most outstanding among his peers, surpassing Ru Song and others by a large margin in both literary and martial studies. He was a rare talent from childhood."
Lu Qingwan listened intently. "I heard that as long as a disciple of the Wen clan was willing to study literature, martial arts, or any specific skill, Prime Minister Wen would wholeheartedly assist them.
Since this Wen Xu was so talented, why did he go into business later?
Although he has managed the Guliang Trading Company well, such great talent being used as a merchant seems like a waste, doesn't it?"
Lu Qingwan did not know Wen Xu, but she knew Prime Minister Wen.
He appeared to be a very good-natured old man, yet he rarely praised people.
First, he was relieved to have gained a good descendant who had shed his sharp edges, and then he did not hesitate to compare him with Wen Ru Song.
One could imagine how highly Prime Minister Wen regarded this Wen Xu.
Prime Minister Wen, hearing this, shook his head helplessly. "Have I not also thought of this? Unfortunately, this child's heart is set on doing business.
Previously, we had differing philosophies. He found me pedantic, and I found him rash. Now he is no longer rash, but his mind is still on business. It is likely impossible to get him to enter officialdom."
From this statement, it seemed Prime Minister Wen had tried to get Wen Xu to enter officialdom and was rejected.
Lu Qingwan was not so impulsive as to immediately recruit him to serve the new dynasty just because Prime Minister Wen praised him a few times.
She then said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. Since he does not wish to enter officialdom, I don't think we should force him.
It is good for the new dynasty to have a few clear-headed merchants with great vision."
The King of Nan and Grand Scholar Chi echoed her sentiments. Si Fengwu remained silent. Lu Qingwan glanced at him and then asked the question that was most on his mind.
"The clansmen of the King of Nan's estate sold enrollment slots to the Imperial Academy for exorbitant profits.
As for Grand Scholar Chi's side, although not explicitly stated, it can be inferred. After all, Chi Jingchuan is still the head of Songshan Academy, and entering Songshan Academy guarantees a path to officialdom.
If one can graduate early and receive the approval of Old Chi and several Grand Scholars in the court, they can even be promoted on the spot.
But Prime Minister Wen, since taking over Da Gan, has been in charge of overall political affairs, and Wen Ru Song has been constantly at my and the King's beck and call without specific task assignments.
What did they intend to do by approaching Wen Xu?"
As soon as Lu Qingwan said this, the King of Nan and Grand Scholar Chi, who had been watching with the mentality of observing a spectacle, could no longer sit still.