Chapter 1061: Chapter 897: Meeting Li Taixing

Even as a follower, he understood that the consequences of such actions would be unimaginable. Could Li Taixing actually rebel?

As long as he remains an official of the court, he must endure the Emperor’s wrath.

"Hmph! Did Li Taixing eat a bear’s heart and leopard’s gall? Does he think I’m like Mr. Hu, not to hold it against him?"

Gu Chengyu snorted coldly. He had yet to hold Li Taixing accountable for bribery, but it seemed the other party had become emboldened.

He intended to wait until the disaster victims were settled before having the Emperor hold him accountable. Given the small amount of Silver Tael involved, a salary penalty or demotion seemed more likely.

But Gu Chengyu now felt this was too lenient; Li Taixing did not care about the lives of the disaster victims, far worse than Yang Chaoying of Hangtian Prefecture.

Such an official must be a major corrupt officer. Judging from his bribery actions, he likely accepted a lot of bribes from others in his daily life.

"Sir, would you like some food?" Ming Mo saw his master was much recovered, but having slept all day without a drop of water, how could the body endure?

Gu Chengyu pondered for a moment, waved his hand, then showed a mysterious smile.

"There’s something ready, do we still need to prepare it ourselves?"

Gu Chengyu adjusted his clothes, had Ming Mo comb his long hair, "Let’s go! Let’s meet this Li Taixing!"

Saying that, he got up, wrapped the Imperial Sword laying on the table with a cloth strip, and walked out of the room.

Within the Yingnan Prefecture Government office, Li Taixing sat at the head, glowing with drink.

His spirits were high these days; what an honor that the Prime Minister actually wrote to him personally!

It seems that befriending Min Feng was indeed wise, or how would the Prime Minister specifically write to him and have him care for Min Feng?

Unfortunately, Li Taixing still did not know Min Feng had been temporarily imprisoned by Gu Chengyu, otherwise, he couldn’t be this composed.

Looking at the merchants below, flushed from drink, Li Taixing’s eyes flashed with disdain.

With his status, how could he normally carouse with these merchants? If not for Gu Chengyu causing such a stir in Hangtian Prefecture, he wouldn’t bother banqueting these merchants reeking of copper.

The accompanying officials all raised their glasses to toast, "Mr. Li, we hear the Prime Minister greatly favors you, if you continue to rise in the future, do not forget us old folks!"

The Deputy of Yingnan Prefecture, Guo Haoshou, was quite surprised by Li Taixing’s sudden favor from the Prime Minister.

Yingnan Prefecture is the ancestral land of the Xia Family; Li Taixing had been here years, yet had not seen much closeness from the Xia Family.

Unexpectedly, just as Min Feng arrived in Jiangnan, Li Taixing ingratiated himself. This time, Li Taixing got lucky; didn’t the Prime Minister write personally? 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

It seems once Min Feng is appeased, won’t he soar smoothly?

Guo Haoshou plotted inwardly, planning to seize the opportunity to cozy up to Min Feng.

Too bad before when Min Feng was in Yingnan Prefecture, Li Taixing sent him elsewhere. Otherwise, he could have performed well and established good relations with Min Feng.

"Oh no, hardly any favor! What merit does this official have to earn the Prime Minister’s favor? The Prime Minister is busy daily, tirelessly serving the court and people. Whereas this official is mundane daily, compared to the Prime Minister, this official is truly ashamed!"

Seeing some jealousy in Guo Hao’s words, Li Taixing knew Guo Haoshou envied his favor from the Prime Minister.

After all, when Min Feng arrived at Yingnan Prefecture, Guo Haoshou was sent by him to the provinces below to inspect and oversee grain.

"Xia Clan Leader, you’ve produced such a good official like the Prime Minister serving the country and people, truly great fortune for all under heaven!"

Li Taixing suddenly toasted an elderly man with grayed hair seated to his right, letting flattering words flow.

Clan Leader Xia Mingqun raised an eyebrow, reciprocated the toast, and drank it all.

He originally disdained participating in such banquets, but mainly came this time to discuss the chamber of commerce. And he brought important news that Li Taixing likely still didn’t know Min Feng had been imprisoned by Gu Chengyu.

But he couldn’t divulge this now, otherwise Li Taixing the old fox wouldn’t take his side; he’s a fence-sitter.

Once Li Taixing thoroughly offends Gu Chengyu, then he could only rely on the Xia Family.

In the past, he truly disdained Li Taixing; otherwise, after so long in Yingnan Prefecture, relations with the Xia Family wouldn’t be so bland.

Fostering relations with the Magistrate is a must for each Aristocratic Family in the Prefecture. But backing the Prime Minister, the Xia Family naturally doesn’t regard him.

"Mr. Li overstates, the Prime Minister is indeed a good official, but you, Mr. Li, are equally serving the country and people! The Yingnan Prefecture citizens dwelling in peace is all thanks to you and the officials present!"

Summer Mingqun laughed heartily; who couldn’t speak pleasantries?

They exchanged praise a bit more, the banquet naturally harmonious. Cup by cup, host and guests enjoyed themselves.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xia Mingqun began stating his banquet purpose today.

"Mr. Li, have you heard? The past two days rumors spread in Hangtian Prefecture, about the court establishing a chamber of commerce in Jiangnan. Unclear what this chamber signifies, with no formal court document yet."

Upon hearing, Li Taixing put down his cup, sneering.

"Summer Clan Leader heard it too? In this official’s opinion, it’s pure nonsense. The court never mentioned such, nor issued related documents. Surely some people’s own idea, using the court as a shield!"

Having decided to serve the Chief Minister Xia, Li Taixing naturally would oppose Gu Chengyu allied against Xia.

And given past conflicts with Gu Chengyu, he disliked him more now.

"Oh? But I heard convincingly from Hangtian Prefecture, that the chamber of commerce would surely enact. As you know, the Xia Family trades across major states; if a chamber forms, will it impact the Xia Family?"

The Summer Clan Leader frowned, clearly troubled.

"To be frank, this official invited everyone to discuss this issue."

Li Taixing sighed deeply, seeing everyone’s gaze sharpen, he continued: "Definitely don’t trust such rumors; chambers have many drawbacks. Joining one will surely cost profits. Unsure if such policies can even pass the court meeting; establishing one now wouldn’t earn court recognition."

"Oh? Mr. Li seems quite informed on chambers! Where did you hear this from?"

A crisp voice rang from the side hall entrance, everyone turned to look.