IDWBE -Chapter 459 Merits

Sometimes, he even reflected on whether he was a “spiritual” capitalist.

How comfortable it would be to be emperor!

As a feudal “lord,” why should he concern himself with capitalism still in its infancy, or with a bourgeoisie that hadn’t even taken shape?

But more often, he thought—so what if he became emperor?

Silver?

Women?

Even without ascending the throne, without becoming emperor, those were already within easy reach.

The only real benefit of being emperor was the right to “expand” at will.

Most importantly, those powers would be unchecked.

If he truly made a decision in some matter, whether it was He Jixiang or Chen Desheng, both understood him well—they would not remonstrate to the death.

Anyone who lacked tact would ultimately lose the qualification to kneel and stand in the court.

Yet although he liked power, he would not become intoxicated by it.

He had received modern education. He placed more hope in using laws to influence people’s lives and deaths.

So as time passed, he hoped to hide in the shadows, letting the law be everywhere.

Be emperor?

He truly had little interest.

As for someone else becoming emperor?

Even more impossible!

If he, the Regent, was unfit to be emperor, who else would dare?

“Yes,” Jiao Zhong said even more cautiously. “I will reflect on it earnestly.”

If he truly couldn’t comprehend it, he would have to pass the words to Lord He Jixiang and seek his guidance.

“Very good,” Lin Yi said with a smile. “The carriage that just left the city gate—that was Butcher Jiang’s?”

Jiao Zhong smiled. “Your Highness has sharp eyes. The one in front was indeed Butcher Jiang; the one behind belonged to Shopkeeper Deng Ke.”

Lin Yi snorted. “That scoundrel actually went to cling to Wei Yishan and Jiang Zhen—truly throwing away a watermelon to pick up sesame seeds. No ambition.”

Jiao Zhong couldn’t help laughing. “Deng Ke was born a carpenter, from a small household with little worldly experience. He lacks foresight. I’ll go have a word with him later.”

Deng Ke, like the iron supplier Huang Daoji and the gunpowder supplier Mo Shun, was one of Great Liang’s primary weapons suppliers.

The biggest difference among the three was not wealth, but official position.

Mo Shun and Huang Daoji were the director and deputy director of the Military Equipment Bureau.

Deng Ke, however, had once undergone penal labor and thus could not hold office.

Otherwise, he too could have secured an official post.

Now he was merely a wealthy “local tycoon.”

When meeting Mo Shun and Huang Daoji, he still had to salute!

To those unaware, it would seem Deng Ke was inferior.

In fact, Deng Ke himself thought so!

He had completely forgotten that he was a recipient of the “First-Class Invention Award”!

Just like a “First-Class Merit” in the Sanhe army, that was a distinction!

In terms of status, while it couldn’t compare to high-ranking ministers, it was certainly no worse than Mo Shun and Huang Daoji, those ninth-rank sesame officials!

There was no need to curry favor with or rely on Wei Yishan and Jiang Zhen.

If he properly managed the reputations of “First-Class Invention Award” and “Innovative Talent of Great Liang,” wouldn’t that be better than anything else?

There was absolutely no need to throw away a watermelon for sesame seeds.

He truly lacked self-awareness!

He underestimated himself—and even more so, underestimated the merit honors granted by Prince He.

“Yes, indeed, he lacks vision,” Lin Yi sighed. “When you have time, give him a lesson. I always punish faults, but I also reward merit. Especially for those who make major inventions—I’m never stingy.”

The titles “First-Class Invention Award,” “Battle Hero,” and “First-Class Merit” were all established by him to inspire morale.

Those with merits would receive treatment surpassing that of ordinary citizens!

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jiao Zhong quickly replied.

Lin Yi continued, “If he doesn’t feel it, then it means those below aren’t implementing the reward policies properly. Have Liang Yuanzhi issue a document with my seal to all government offices. Study my speeches again and strictly enforce the reward-and-punishment system.”

“Yes.”

When they reached the gate of Prince He’s residence, Jiao Zhong let out a long breath only after Lin Yi had entered.

Tan Fei emerged from the shadows. “Chief, if there’s nothing else, you can go off duty. I’ll handle everything here.”

Jiao Zhong sighed. “Wait a bit. You heard what His Highness said just now?”

Tan Fei grinned. “Chief, rest assured. I’ll speak with Deng Ke. I’ve also had someone notify Liang Yuanzhi.”

Jiao Zhong nodded, rubbing his rough chin. “Am I really not suited to Cao Xiaohuan?”

Tan Fei hesitated, then gave an awkward smile. “Chief, some things we outsiders shouldn’t say. But if I don’t, I’d feel I’ve betrayed our brotherhood of so many years.”

“Spit it out,” Jiao Zhong snapped.

Tan Fei chuckled. “Captain Cao is good in every way. But with your status, Chief… she’s not quite a match.”

What he didn’t say was: you’re the only one infatuated. Cao Xiaohuan hasn’t even said she’s willing.

Better not press a hot face against a cold backside.

“Enough,” Jiao Zhong said after a deep breath, irritation in his voice. “I don’t know what sins I committed in this life. Nothing ever goes smoothly.”

Tan Fei laughed. “Chief, you’ve got a grand estate and you’re the commander of the guards. Aren’t the women of Ankang City yours to choose from?”

What was so special about Cao Xiaohuan anyway?

He truly couldn’t understand.

Jiao Zhong snorted. “And you? Is it settled with the Li family’s daughter?”

Tan Fei said proudly, “Naturally. In a few days, I’ll ask you to spare some time to come drink at the wedding.”

“The Li family has been established in Ankang for generations, in the silk trade,” Jiao Zhong said thoughtfully. “You’ve found yourself a wealthy father-in-law. Not bad. If nothing else, you won’t lack silver in the future.”

Tan Fei waited until the hidden guards nearby had all entered the residence before turning and saying, “The Li family is wealthy, true. But they’re declining. Without backing, they’re easily bullied. Just the other day, I had to step in for them.”

Jiao Zhong thought for a moment. “When handling matters outside, never act on impulse. If you tarnish the name of Prince He’s residence, I won’t spare you.”

“Rest assured, Chief,” Tan Fei snorted. “I don’t even need to reveal my identity. Just standing there is enough—no one dares be reckless.”

He was a ninth-rank official!

In Great Liang, a ninth rank wasn’t cabbage in the market!

Wherever he went, he could stir winds and summon rain.

“Good,” Jiao Zhong nodded. “If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll hold this commander position only until spring. By regulation, I’ll either enter the army or rotate into a government office for experience. When the time comes…”

“Chief—” Tan Fei said with a careful smile. “You mean…?”

Jiao Zhong shook his head. “What I mean isn’t important. What matters is Chief Steward Hong’s thoughts. Who knows when he’ll return. But you mustn’t grow careless.”

“Yes.”

Tan Fei quickly cupped his hands. “I understand. I’ll do my work properly and won’t give anyone grounds to seize upon.”

Jiao Zhong nodded, glanced once more at Prince He’s residence, then turned and disappeared into the depths of the street.