Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 218 Appointment to the Hanlin Academy

The smooth surrender of Danyang County was like a heavy stone thrown into the seemingly calm waters of Jiangnan, the ripples spreading rapidly in all directions. When Lin Wan'er, holding the imperial banner and escorted by a small detachment of imperial guards, returned safely to the Flying Tiger Pass camp, she brought back not only a letter of surrender and Zhao Wenbo's pledge of loyalty, but also a clear signal: the Xingqi Empire's conquest of Jiangnan was not merely a matter of military crushing, but also supported by mature and effective political maneuvering. This signal was enough to make many Jiangnan gentry who were still observing or even harboring illusions begin to re-examine their stance.

The atmosphere in the study of the temporary headquarters was much more relaxed than before Lin Wan'er set off. Chen Xing looked at the document of submission presented by Lin Wan'er, jointly signed by Zhao Wenbo and several prominent gentry of Danyang County, as well as the detailed list supplemented by Lin Wan'er regarding the county's finances, population, potential talents, and requisitionable resources, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Minister Lin, you have fulfilled your mission and made invaluable contributions." Chen Xing put down the document, his eyes filled with even greater praise. "With the fall of Danyang, our flanks are now more secure, and we have a reliable supply route. More importantly, once this precedent is set, other counties in Jiangnan will surely follow suit. You have opened a door for me and for the empire to subdue the enemy without fighting."

Lin Wan'er bowed slightly: "This is due to Your Majesty's divine might and the soldiers' valiant efforts. I merely followed the trend and did my bit. What Zhao Wenbo and the others seek is nothing more than the safety of their families and their reputation before and after their deaths. Your Majesty has granted their request, and they will naturally be loyal to you."

"To guide the situation, we must also recognize, understand, and create momentum." Jia Wen spoke slowly from the side. His gaze toward Lin Wan'er was less scrutinizing than it was full of recognition of his colleague. "Lin Shizhao's grasp of the people's hearts in Jiangnan and her mastery of the nuances of speech are truly exceptional. Her pacification of Danyang this time can be described as exemplary."

Chen Xing nodded, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "In that case, although Lin Shizhao's previous position as 'Hanlin Academy Attendant' had already involved him in important matters, his responsibilities were not yet clearly defined. Now, the important task of pacification is in full swing, and documents from Jiangnan are pouring in like snowflakes, many of which require screening, analysis, and even approval on behalf of others. Minister Lin, with your great talent, how can you be limited to merely running errands as an 'Attendant'?"

He paused, then looked at Jia Wen: "Minister Jia, in your opinion, what position should Minister Lin be appointed to so that he can fully utilize his talents without violating the court's established system?"

Jia Wen, having already considered this matter, stroked his beard and said, “Your Majesty, during the southern expedition, military affairs are numerous and complex, involving matters of pacification, resettlement, and documentation. In my humble opinion, a special ‘Southern Expeditionary Campaign Advisory Office’ should be established to oversee all non-military-related documents, strategies, and pacification matters. Attendant Lin is capable of this position and can be appointed as ‘Campaign Advisor,’ a rank equivalent to the fifth grade, specializing in confidential matters concerning Jiangnan and assisting me in handling related political affairs. This position demonstrates Your Majesty’s high regard for him, has clear responsibilities, and is not too abrupt to invite criticism.”

"The Military Advisor... in charge of confidential matters concerning Jiangnan..." Chen Xing pondered for a moment, then immediately made the decision, "Excellent! Effective immediately, Lin Wan'er will assume the position of 'Military Advisor of the Southern Expeditionary Army' with the title of 'Hanlin Attendant,' responsible for Jiangnan documents, maps, and pacification strategies, as well as assisting with correspondence with the gentry of Jiangnan. All related matters can be reported directly to me and Prime Minister Jia, and important documents can be drafted for my approval. Furthermore, you are granted the right to access the Military Advisory Office, where you can access all intelligence, local chronicles, and genealogies from Jiangnan."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor! I will certainly do my utmost and live up to this heavy responsibility!" Lin Wan'er's heart warmed, and she bowed deeply again. This appointment was tantamount to formally incorporating her into the outer core of the highest decision-making circle for the Southern Expedition. Her scope of authority was clear and significant, far more weighty than the honorary title of "Hanlin Attendant." This was an affirmation of her abilities, as well as a heavy responsibility.

Upon receiving the appointment, Lin Wan'er's work immediately became exceptionally busy. She was granted a small, independent courtyard near the military camp as her office. In addition to the two junior eunuchs she already had, Jia Wen also assigned two experienced clerks and four soldiers responsible for document delivery and guard duties. The courtyard was soon piled high with documents sent from various places.

Her daily routine was roughly as follows: In the early morning, she would read the latest secret reports from the Censorate regarding the dynamics of various counties and prefectures in Jiangnan, filtering out valuable information, highlighting key points, compiling them into brief reports, and presenting them, along with her own preliminary analysis, to the Emperor and Jia Wen. In the morning, she would handle the flood of tentative letters, surrender petitions, and petitions from gentry across the region. Depending on the recipient's identity, attitude, and the importance of their location, she would draft initial responses in different styles—sometimes appeasing, sometimes encouraging, sometimes warning, sometimes promising—striving for appropriateness. In the afternoon, she would work with clerks transferred from Chang'an or selected from among the surrendered scholars to organize, verify, and supplement detailed archives of various counties and prefectures in Jiangnan, drawing more accurate maps, marking products and relationships, providing a basis for subsequent military campaigns and governance. In the evening, she was often summoned to the Emperor or Jia Wen to participate in small-scale military or political discussions, offering insights from the perspective of the sentiments and sentiments of the people and scholars of Jiangnan.

Her presence was like a unique bridge, connecting the robust and direct northern style of the Xingqi Empire with the intricate and complex cultural network of Jiangnan. Many details that seemed insignificant to northern generals—such as the long-standing feud between families, the popular topics at a literary gathering, or the peculiar hobbies of a retired official—often became key to formulating appeasement strategies or determining the true intentions of the other side, once pointed out by her. The documents she drafted were elegantly written and thoroughly reasoned, maintaining imperial authority while also hitting the psychological sweet spot of the Jiangnan gentry, often achieving twice the result with half the effort.

Soon, the name "Counselor Lin" spread throughout the military camp and even among the frontline generals. Initially, some may have had doubts about this suddenly rising Southern Dynasty woman, but seeing that the documents she handled were often well-organized and to the point, and that her pacification efforts were repeatedly successful, the doubts gradually subsided. Even high-ranking military officers such as Chen Wei and Shen Qing would send people to consult her on matters involving local sentiments and requiring interaction with gentry.

That day, Lin Wan'er was reviewing a petition jointly signed by several major silk merchants from Wu County in her small courtyard. The petition subtly expressed their willingness to "show their loyalty and pay tribute," but hoped that the new dynasty would ensure the profits of sericulture and silk weaving in Jiangnan and grant them certain operating privileges. As she was carefully considering the wording of her reply, a report came from outside the courtyard: "Counselor Lin, Prime Minister Jia requests your presence in the side hall of the headquarters for a meeting."

Lin Wan'er dared not delay, so she tidied up the documents on her desk and followed the person who came.

In the side hall, besides Jia Wen, there was another person—none other than the Minister of Revenue, Consort Su Xiaoxiao, who accompanied the emperor and managed logistics and finances. Su Xiaoxiao was also dressed in an official robe that allowed her to move around easily today, her face bare, yet her beauty was still undeniable. However, there was a hint of weariness in her eyes from dealing with complicated accounts, but her gaze remained clear and sharp.

"This humble official greets Prime Minister Jia and Minister Su." Lin Wan'er bowed respectfully.

"Counselor Lin, there's no need for formalities, please sit." Jia Wen waved his hand, and after Lin Wan'er sat down, he said, "I invited Counselor Lin here because I have a matter to ask you. Minister Su is currently overseeing the receipt of funds and grain from various prefectures and counties in Jiangnan after the army crosses the river, as well as the temporary stabilization of taxes. This matter is extremely complex, especially in the wealthy silk and cotton producing areas of southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang. The local wealthy merchants have intricate relationships and often share interests with local officials and gentry. Minister Su would like to hear your views on the mentality of these merchants and how to smoothly take over these 'money bags'."

Lin Wan'er understood immediately; this meant expanding her "professional field" from the aristocracy to merchants. After a moment's thought, she said, "Prime Minister Jia, Minister Su. Although merchants in Jiangnan have countless connections with the aristocracy, their core values ​​differ slightly. The aristocracy values ​​reputation, land, and advancement through the imperial examinations; merchants value profit, distribution channels, and government protection. They fear dynastic changes more than the aristocracy, as their wealth is more easily confiscated by war or new policies. However, their speculative nature is also stronger. If they see a new dynasty as powerful and capable of protecting their businesses, or even bringing greater business opportunities, they may be quicker to submit than many hesitant aristocrats."

She glanced at Su Xiaoxiao and continued, "Minister Su, to ensure a smooth takeover, I believe the following points should be clearly stated: First, announce the protection of all legitimate shops, workshops, and warehouses, without confiscation or requisition. Second, promise to restore the normal operation of the Maritime Trade Office and the Likin Customs as soon as possible, with tax rates temporarily set similar to or slightly preferential to the old dynasty, to reassure him. Third, offer tax reductions for a certain period or bestow the honorary title of 'Righteous Merchant' to merchants who actively assist the army in providing provisions, ships, and laborers, or who report hidden official granaries or smuggled assets. Fourth, and most importantly, Your Majesty and the court must demonstrate a determination to stabilize Jiangnan and to reopen maritime trade and expand trade routes. Jiangnan merchants, especially maritime merchants, derive most of their profits overseas. If the new dynasty can open and secure sea routes, their profits will far exceed any lingering attachment to the old dynasty."

Su Xiaoxiao listened attentively, her fingers unconsciously tapping the counting rod bag on her lap, her eyes gleaming. Lin Wan'er's words were clear and concise, hitting the nail on the head, especially her idea of ​​linking merchants' interests with the new dynasty's policies, which coincided with some of her own thoughts. She couldn't help but take a second look at Lin Wan'er. This woman, who had been exceptionally promoted by His Majesty for her talent, was indeed more than just someone who could compose poetry, paint, and analyze people; she also had unique insights into the economy and people's livelihood.

"What Counselor Lin said resonates deeply with me." Su Xiaoxiao nodded slightly, her voice clear and crisp. "The wealth of Jiangnan is half from the land and half from merchants. A smooth takeover, with incentives and guidance, is indeed the best strategy. I will incorporate these suggestions into the regulations. In the future, the drafting of Jiangnan commercial taxes and market regulations may require Counselor Lin's assistance in careful consideration."

"I will do my best in my duties," Lin Wan'er replied.

As Jia Wen watched the two women exchange words, a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes. By His Majesty's side, there were Jia Wen and Lin Wan'er in literature, Su Xiaoxiao in finance, and Chen Wei, Shen Qing, and Dian Xiong in martial arts—each with their own strengths, and able to complement and reinforce each other under His Majesty's overall command. The empire's framework was becoming increasingly solid.

"In that case, you two can discuss the details further," Jia Wen said finally. "Counselor Lin, His Majesty has high expectations for the pacification efforts, and you bear a heavy responsibility. The relationships among scholars and merchants in Jiangnan are complex. You must observe, listen, and think carefully. You must be bold in speaking out, but also act prudently."

"Your humble servant will keep in mind Prime Minister Jia's teachings," Lin Wan'er said solemnly.

As they left the side hall, Lin Wan'er and Su Xiaoxiao walked side by side for a while. Su Xiaoxiao suddenly spoke up, "Counselor Lin is quick-witted and insightful; no wonder His Majesty values ​​her so highly. Now that we are both serving His Majesty in the camp, I hope you will continue to guide me in the future."

Lin Wan'er sensed no obvious hostility or exclusion in his words, but rather a polite exchange and probing between colleagues. She smiled and replied, "Minister Su, you flatter me. Minister Su, you are truly a man of great talent, managing the nation's finances. I am new to practical matters and still have much to learn from you."

The two exchanged a smile. Though not exactly intimate, a rational working relationship based on shared loyalty and responsibilities seemed to have been established. For Lin Wan'er, this was enough. She was well aware of her position and mission—her duty as a Hanlin scholar lay in advising on confidential matters and assisting His Majesty in pacifying Jiangnan and securing peace throughout the land. As for anything else, it was neither her concern at this moment nor within her control.