Chapter 99 Chapter Ninety-ninth relentless investigation

After Zhang Tonglin left, Zeng Guofan sighed for a long time before resting. Early in the morning, Zeng Guofan and his party left Datong and headed for Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi. After leaving Datong, I couldn't walk more than a hundred miles, so I met the officials who came from the governor's office to pick up the minister. After seeing the officials of the governor's office, Zeng Guofan knew that the governor of Shanxi, Zeng Wangyan, had returned to Beijing to report on his duties. At this time, the acting envoy of Shanxi was Chang Dachun. Zeng Guofan then took off his casual clothes, changed into official uniforms, sent away the horse-drawn sedan chair, and sat in the green woolen sedan chair specially prepared by the governor's yamen; the guard of honor was also prepared, with "avoidance", "quietness" and "inspection of donations" all available.Only then did a group of people cross the state and counties with great fanfare, and headed for Taiyuan in a mighty way.

As soon as he entered Taiyuan, Chang Dachun, the governor of Shanxi Province, had been waiting for a long time beside the official road at the city gate. When Zeng Guofan got off the sedan chair, Chang Dachun took the first step to salute.Following Chang Dachun, the chief envoy, the inspector envoy, the Taoist government, the prefecture and the counties all knelt down and prayed for Holy Ann. After entering the city after the ceremony, there were more than 30 sedan chairs alone. Chang Dachun is from Hengyang, Hunan Province. He is from the same hometown as Zeng Guofan. He also came from two lists, but he is ten years older than Zeng Guofan.He served as the supervisory censor of Shandong Province, Fujian Liangdao, Zhejiang salt envoy, Anhui inspector envoy, and Hubei administrative envoy.At the beginning of the year, Ren Shangping, the chief political envoy of Hubei, was transferred to the chief envoy of Shanxi.Shanxi governor Zeng Wangyan returned to Beijing to report on his duties last month. The new governor has not yet arrived, so he will temporarily protect the seal.

In the place of Changdachun Jiuli, he is more shrewd and sophisticated. He has also done several important things, and his official reputation is good. Before Zeng Guofan left Beijing, he had already learned from Wen Qing that the emperor intended to release Chang Dachun, the governor of Zhejiang, but it had not been announced yet. After welcoming Zeng Guofan and others into the reception hall, Chang Dachun invited Zeng Guofan into the signing room of the governor's yamen alone. The two of them met again as fellow countrymen, and the guards brought out the first-class fragrant tea, and then they were promoted to the kang.

Two people sit by the table, the situation is quite different from before. "Brother Disheng, did you go to Datong?" Chang Dachun's title of "brother" made Zeng Guofan feel very cordial. Zeng Guofan said: "Brother Zhengfu (Zhengfu is Chang Dachun's name), have you ever paid attention to the Datong Disaster Relief Bureau?" Chang Dachun said: "Disheng, I've been thinking about what to do these days? The man surnamed Zhao was originally a profiteer, Datong called him Zhao Dashan, was that mocking him? What good has he done? He built a bridge , or built a school? But the former ministry believed him, saying that Zhao's spirit was commendable, and warned the subordinates and Datong Mansion not to pour cold water on him, but I always felt that there was something wrong with him. He wasn't too rich, Why put down your own business and let others take care of it, and run around to donate by yourself! The government doesn't give you a salary, so why not let him eat the wind and drink the dew?"

Zeng Guofan said: "I heard in Datong that the person surnamed Zhao not only persuaded to donate, but also let him go! I met a man in the inn who spent four hundred taels of silver to get a fourth-rank Dingdai from Zhao. .The imperial court didn’t open donations, if it did, why would Zhao be sneaky? Zhao made the disaster relief bureau booming, how much money did he persuade?” Chang Dachun said: "Don't talk about it! Before the Ministry left, Zhao handed over 300,000 taels of silver to the subordinate officer, and soon handed over another 100,000 taels. Just for this matter, the Ministry also guaranteed his personal The fourth-rank top wearer. Unexpectedly, after he left office, not only did he not pay any money, but he never saw a person. The official sent the disaster relief road to Datong, but the surname Zhao said that the money had been transferred directly to the Shandong and Henan also said that they were explained by the ministry when they left office. Isn’t this nonsense?”

"Oh!" Zeng Guofan nodded. "According to my dear friend, the surname Zhao did hand over 400,000 taels of silver. But before I left Beijing, I read the notifications from Shandong and Henan. Why did the two provinces only receive 100,000 taels of silver from Shanxi?" Chang Dachun laughed and said, "You've made a point when you ask this. Why did Zhao pay 400,000 taels but remit 100,000 taels? Fubiao has been in arrears for four months, and the 400,000 taels of silver are only available to lower officials." After passing it in his hands, the Ministry asked the Ministry to propose a military salary of 300,000 taels."

Zeng Guofan said sternly: "You are muddleheaded about this! It has been a rule for special funds to be used for special purposes. How can you use life-saving money to pay for it?" Chang Dachun said: "Disheng, please keep your voice down, the lower official can protect the seal for a few days, it is all the result of the recommendation of the previous ministry. Although he is a Manchu, he is kind to the lower official, he is emotional and reasonable, You and I don't look good if you make this known. Let's make a fuss about that Zhao. But since he was also recommended by the predecessor, it's not easy!"

Zeng Guofan said: "How about the Taiyuan Disaster Relief Bureau?" Chang Dachun waved his hand and said, "The members of the Taiyuan Disaster Relief Bureau have no official status. Although the Ministry has also stepped down as a committee member, they don't care too much. The Disaster Relief Bureau did not do well at the beginning, but it has also improved recently. He remitted a sum of 800,000 taels of silver to Henan, and Xiaguan was about to write a book to protect him! The ministry once said when he left office that disaster relief is a righteous act, and he can only support it and not make things difficult. Since Xiaguan protects the seal, I didn’t dare to inquire about the disaster relief bureaus of Datong and Taiyuan, for fear of arousing the resentment of the merchants and ruining a good thing that is so great.”

Zeng Guofan said: "My dear brother and the ministry are right. Disaster relief is a righteous deed, and it is a good thing to save people's lives. But if what you do under the banner of disaster relief is to cheat others and enrich yourself, the government will have to come forward! When there is a catastrophe, who is willing to donate money to do good deeds?" Chang Dachun suddenly became joyful: "Your brother is now here, so you can check it in a legitimate way! Tomorrow, the officials will assign two Daotai to cooperate with my brother to check the donation, okay?"

"Of course!" Zeng Guofan was overjoyed, and replied with a smile: "I have traveled this way, and it seems that Shanxi is calmer than other provinces. Although the former ministry was a little confused, there are really some ways to manage officials and calm the people. .” Chang Dachun interjected: "Banner people are especially rare! Your Excellency, the servant has already prepared bouillon and vegetables, how about we talk about it after we use it?" After speaking, he burst out laughing. Zeng Guofan stood up and said: "I'd better go back to the inn. After walking all the way, I may be damp, and my whole body is a little itchy. I think ringworm is about to break out. After eating, take a good soak in salt water. Tomorrow, I will be in the official inn Let's go to work. I have to ask you to send dozens of standard-bearers."

"No, no, absolutely not!" Chang Taichun said as he got off the kang, "You will handle the case at the governor's office, and the next official will go back to the chief minister's office. The new governor is here, and I don't know if I can be here." It's Shanxi." It seems that Chang Taichun already knows that he will be released from Zhejiang Fu. Zeng Guofan secretly said: "This Chang Taichun who is wise and protects himself!" Zeng Guofan smiled and said, "The main hall doesn't dare to overstep the rules! Well, I'll disturb you, but have we got moldy tofu from Hunan?" Chang Taichun smiled and said: "I have been in Beijing for many years, why can't I change my taste? I also feel greedy if I don't eat moldy tofu for a few days! Those of us from Hunan are born poor. Shanxi's deep-fried square meat, How beautiful it is when it’s steaming hot! We just can’t eat it!” The two walked into the small dining room in the back hall talking and laughing. Zeng Guofan couldn't help being overjoyed when he saw that there were indeed some light Hunan dishes on the dining table. While changing clothes, Zeng Guofan rushed to the door and shouted: "Come here!" Seeing the accompanying guards come in, Zeng Guofan said: "Go to the official storehouse to find Li Bao, and bring a jar of pickled vegetables from Hunan brought by the capital from the main hall to Mr. Chang!" Then he turned to Chang Dachun and said, "This is pickled by myself. , the craftsmanship of the cheap wife, it is easy to eat." Chang Dachun said with a smile: "There are rumors in the country that Zeng Shilang's family education is extremely strict, and women must master three kinds of female jobs, namely spinning cloth, pickling vegetables, and shoe-making. I saw it today, and it is true! Disheng! I advise you to do it again. Let’s look at it a bit more. If you don’t become a sage or a gentleman, you won’t be able to live as a man?” Zeng Guofan said sternly: "Brother Zhengfu, what you said is wrong! You, my brother, are not trying to make a name for yourself. It is purely for the prosperity of the family. It has been said since ancient times: "The wealthy family makes the prodigal sons. When I look at the poor families in the village, the more I see them The easier it is to grow up, the more beautiful the children of the rich are, and the harder it is to become a weapon. Although I am an official now, I only get a limited salary, and I can't be a man for my brothers and sisters. The iron-clad yamen, the flowing water officials, I can't be a servant, can my brothers still live? The whole family can lie on top of the servant to enjoy the glory and wealth, how long can it last? As the eldest brother, I can't give them money, I can only teach them some principles of life! There is money but no money , people always have to do, some people can’t even do it for a lifetime, but like Confucius, who has influenced so many people and generations! This is the difference between being a man and being an official. Brother Nian, don’t you agree?” Chang Dachun smiled bitterly and said, "You're so far-sighted! Let's eat and wait for the pickles." Chang Dachun sent two alternate Taoists to report to Zeng Guofan early in the morning to cooperate with Zeng Guofan in checking donations.Zeng Guofan borrowed the governor's yamen's Guanfang to issue a document, wrote to the Datong Disaster Relief Bureau and the Taiyuan Disaster Relief Bureau, and brought all the donation account books, and quickly went to the Taiyuan official hall to accept the donation. Wang Shuangjiang, a member of the Taiyuan Disaster Relief Bureau, who belonged to Yanan, came to the official hall that day, followed by two entourages in green clothes and caps, holding two donation books. Seeing Wang Shuangjiang's benevolent eyebrows and kind eyes, Zeng Guofan first had a three-point favorable impression in his heart; when it came to the conversation, not only did he answer correctly, but also the accounts were clear.Three generations of Wang Shuangjiang have been in the pen and ink business in Taiyuan, and all three generations have persuaded them to donate.Although Wang Shuangjiang was busy persuading donations, his own business continued; his first donation was 10,000 taels of silver from his own family. Zeng Guofan persuaded Wang Shuangjiang a few words, and then left a booklet to persuade Wang Shuangjiang to continue to persuade Wang Shuangjiang to return home.Wang Shuangjiang said "the villain is on call", while slowly exiting the door, without sitting in the sedan chair, he just walked back with such strides. Zhao Er, a member of the Datong Disaster Relief Bureau, who is known as a great benefactor, also rushed over in a big blue sedan chair. After Zhao Er got off the sedan chair, he dusted the dust with a duster from the front and back of his entourage, and then straightened the fourth-grade roof by himself, and then walked in with three steps. Zeng Guofan always came down to greet the benevolent people who persuaded them to donate, and Zhao Er was no exception. When Zhao Er saw the second-rank servant coming down to greet him, he immediately became elated; Zeng Guofan called to watch the seat, but he refused to give in, so he sat on his entire buttocks, like a hero. Li Bao took a donation book from him and put it in front of Zeng Guofan. Zeng Guofan flipped through it casually and said, "According to rumors, Zhao Guan has the most donation books, why is there only one book?" Zhao Er owed his ass and said: "Responding to my lord's words, the other two books of the profession will be delivered tomorrow. Because there are still two large sums of money that have not been handed in." "Oh..." Zeng Guofan pondered for a while, and then asked, "Zhao Guan, how many taels of silver have you received since you started the donation? How much did you remit to Shandong and Henan?" "This..." Zhao Er rolled his eyes, "There must be more than a million taels! All the shops of the profession are closed, just to encourage donations. If you persuade one tael more, you can save an extra life! " "It's rare that Zhao Guan is so kind-hearted!" Zeng Guofan praised casually, "However, if there is something unclear in this department, I still need to ask for advice. This persuasion is only a temporary solution, and it cannot be done for a long time. The observation has closed the shop to persuade Donate, what do you usually eat? Even if you are a bearer, you can’t run around with a hungry belly, right?” Zhao Er blushed, opened his mouth for a long time, and then said: "The job is nothing more than trying to persuade some money to come over. However, after listening to what the lord said, the job ① finally understands, and it's all right to open the shop after going back. .” Zeng Guofan took Zhao Er's donation book again, flipped through it and said, "Commissioner Zhao, why do some of them have bets drawn on it, and some don't? You can't force people to take money!" Zhao Er said in a calm manner: "Anyone who doesn't have a pledge is one who doesn't want to draw a pledge, but they are all voluntary. There is no profession to ask for one." "Okay!" Zeng Guofan closed the notebook, and stuffed it into the hand of Li Bao who was standing beside him, "Li Bao, you take ten soldiers to protect Xu Guan and go to Datong as soon as possible. Check the records one by one, there must be no mistakes!" Li Baodao said "嗻", and strode out. Zeng Guofan called Liu Hengdao again: "Take the booklet of the Taiyuan Disaster Relief Bureau, and also take ten soldiers to follow Zheng Guan, and go to the first county of Taiyuan quickly. Check carefully, there must be no mistakes!" Liu Heng also walked out.Zhao Er stood up at this moment and said: "If you have nothing to do, my lord, I will take my leave first." Zeng Guofan raised his hand and said, "Wait a minute! This department hall hasn't had enough homework with you yet. Come and have a cup of tea." After a while, there was a cup of Gaiwan tea in front of Zhao Er. Zhao Er had no choice but to sit down again. Zeng Guofan looked at Zhao Er, and asked slowly: "The main hall listens to your language. It's not like a local, but like a person in Guangxi. When did Zhao Guan come to Datong?" Zhao Er leaned forward and said, "My lord, Zhidao has lived in Liuzhou Prefecture, Guangxi for three generations. When Zhidao's father was born, the whole family fled to Datong. When Zhidao's father came to Datong, he ran groceries. , Exactly two generations, but it’s a bit of a scale.” Zeng Guofan said: "Zhao Guan, you have worked so hard to persuade people to donate, so let's stay with the headquarters in the official hall tonight." Zhao Er bowed and said with a smile: "My lord is mighty, I don't dare to bother you about your career, so let's take my leave." Zeng Guofan smiled and said, "Come here!" A guard guarding the gate flashed in, and Zeng Guofan pointed to Zhao Er and said, "Make a bed for Zhao Jian. Now you accompany Zhao Jian to the dining room for dinner. After dinner, you can rest with Zhao Jian." After finishing speaking, He gave the guard a wink. The guard understood and knew that Zeng Guofan asked him to supervise Zhao Er, so he cupped his hands at Zhao Er with a smile and said, "I'll accompany you to the dining room with my lord. Mr. Zhao, please." Zhao Er stood up helplessly and said: "Zhi Dao thanked Mr. Zeng for your kindness! Zhi Dao will take his leave first." After finishing speaking, he left the official hall with the guards.