Chapter 18: Power and Wealth

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Inside the Yangzhou Prefecture Office, the eunuch Yang Jian, entrusted with the imperial decree, handed the imperial edict to Cai Jing with a smiling face and said, "Congratulations, Your Excellency. This time, His Majesty has summoned you back to Bianliang, promoting you to Hanlin Academician Chengzhi. From a local prefect to a high official of the third rank—such a rise is rare in our Great Song. It clearly shows the emperor’s urgent desire for talent and his intention to heavily employ Your Excellency. I, a humble servant, offer my early congratulations, my lord."

Cai Jing’s hand trembled slightly as he held the decree. The position of Hanlin Academician Chengzhi was no ordinary post. Established during the Tang dynasty, the Hanlin Academician Chengzhi was the chief of the Hanlin Academy, not merely drafting imperial edicts but handling state secrets within the palace. In essence, he served as the prime minister, known as the “Inner Chancellor.”

In the Song dynasty, the Hanlin Academician Chengzhi no longer held the prime minister’s authority but remained the head of the Hanlin Academy, also called the “Han Chief,” responsible for drafting and composing imperial documents and orders. It was not a permanent office. After Emperor Shenzong’s Yuanfeng reforms, the Hanlin Academician Chengzhi was fixed as a third-rank official.

This was a stepping stone toward the prime ministership. Everyone understood that the emperor intended to rely heavily on Cai Jing. Yang Jian, later known as one of the “Six Thieves,” was naturally a sycophant who shifted with the wind, his tone laden with flattery and respect.

Cai Jing, however, dared not be complacent. Smiling, he said, “I only serve the emperor faithfully. There is nothing to celebrate, only greater responsibility. Minister Yang, your praise is too much. The emperor’s favor overwhelms me with gratitude. You have traveled far over mountains and rivers; please, take a seat and rest. Someone, bring tea.”

At this time, eunuchs still held official ranks and were not strictly defined as castrated men. Castrated men were not called “palace eunuchs” but were referred to by rank: high-ranking ones as “great officials,” mid-level ones as “pavilion chiefs,” and ordinary eunuchs as “central officials.” “Great official” was for eunuchs of higher rank; Yang Jian was not yet entitled to this title, but it sounded satisfying to hear. Cai Jing, backed by the wealth of the influential Cai family, had spent lavishly to bribe eunuchs, close ministers, and consorts near the emperor. Yang Jian had benefited considerably, and a sense of closeness had developed between them.

After Yang Jian left to wash his face and change clothes, Cai Jing revealed a look of joy. The household servants bowed deeply to congratulate him. Cai Jing cheerfully approached the central desk and respectfully placed the imperial decree atop it. Seeing a vase filled with fresh flowers nearby, he worried someone might accidentally knock it over and soak the decree, so he quickly moved the vase aside.

“Congratulations to the master, once a banished minister, now returning to the court to take charge of the Hanlin Academy, attracting the attention of the entire realm.”

Cai He, the senior steward of the Cai residence and Cai Jing’s confidant, understood the gravity of the situation and shared in his lord’s elation. Officials ranked seventh grade only stood before a prime minister’s gate; if Cai Jing regained power, his status would be worlds apart from now.

“Heh heh, quickly summon the prefecture officials and clerks to organize and inventory the documents, seals, and military rosters of Yangzhou, preparing to hand them over to the new prefect.”

From ancient times, acts of timely help were rare, but flourishes on an already splendid occasion were common. The Han people valued human relations deeply; everything required some measure of propriety and face. With Cai Jing’s return to the court, Yangzhou’s gentry, scholars, and candidates naturally came to offer their congratulations.

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Cai Jing’s reputation in office was considerable. Firstly, he was a legitimate product of the imperial examination system, having served at the heart of the court. Moreover, he was gifted in both literature and painting.

The prefect was about to be promoted. Invitations for a banquet were issued in the suburbs of Yangzhou city. Who, upon receiving an invitation, would dare not attend? Those not invited strained every nerve to get in.

“Hanlin Academician Chengzhi?” Yang Lin examined the invitation, contemplating its significance. This was the head of the Hanlin Academy.

In the Great Song, the Hanlin Academy was closely linked to the imperial examination. Anyone of note was typically Hanlin-trained. Su Shi, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, Sima Guang—all were members. As for prime ministers, they were almost always selected from the Hanlin Academician Chengzhi, much like how, in the later Ming dynasty, becoming a cabinet minister required prior service as a Hanlin scholar.

I am about to rush to the capital for the examination; with Cai Jing leading the Hanlin Academy, my luck is not bad.

“Our master said that others might not attend, but Yang Jieyuan must be present. Without him, the gathering would lose much of its luster.”

Yang Lin chuckled, “Rest assured. You can tell the prime minister that student Yang Lin will certainly not be absent. Even if he tries to chase me away with a stick, I won’t leave.”

After the Cai household servant delivering the message left, Yang Tong hurried into the parlor, his fat flesh jiggling. Upon seeing Yang Lin, his eyes brightened, and he grinned, “Lin’er, I heard from the shopkeepers that Prefect Cai has been promoted. The rumors flying around town say he’s about to become prime minister. Is that true?”

“Yes, promoted to Hanlin Academician Chengzhi. How could it not be true? Didn’t I tell you Cai Jing would become prime minister? Heh heh.”

He handed the invitation to Yang Tong. The handwriting was elegant yet bold, vigorous yet poised—distinctively Cai Jing’s signature style.

“This thing is now a hot commodity—everyone in Yangzhou wants one.”

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Father and son exchanged a glance. Yang Tong excitedly clasped his hands, “You truly have insight, Lin’er. Climbing on Cai Jing’s big tree means we need not worry about lacking backing in the officialdom. I’ve been worried these past days. We are merchants by origin and feared having no solid foundation once entering officialdom. Rain falling broadly cannot nourish rootless grass. Your guaranteed success in the examination now brings my heart peace. Our family has produced you, and that alone honors our ancestors. I will happily meet the forefathers in the ancestral tombs.”

Yang Tong’s corpulent frame shook as he spoke with sincere emotion, his voice tinged with tears. Though this greasy scene might have made others uncomfortable, Yang Lin felt only warmth in his heart.

“Father, although Cai Jing is a sturdy tree and will be reliable for several years, he cannot be our foundation. There are many tribute students in Yangzhou. Why should we alone win Cai Jing’s favor? The truth is, it’s because you have money. The fortune you’ve earned is our family’s true foundation.”

Yang Tong had long been immersed in the business world. His depth of cunning and strategy was considerable, and he was moved by his son’s words.

“I finally realize it, Lin’er. Since your illness, it’s as if you’ve been enlightened—your decisions are all right. Originally, I gave you money to curry favor with Tong Guan and Cai Jing just to cheer you up, and I even regretted it. From now on, you’re in charge. I’ll keep making money for you; the Yang family’s future depends on you.”

The Great Song officialdom was a stage for fame and fortune, a place rife with right and wrong. In this prosperous commercial era, money played a crucial role. The Yang family’s wealth was political capital. To succeed smoothly in the future officialdom, vast sums of money would be necessary.

Yang Lin silently calculated: once I become an official with power, I can help father make more money. That money, in turn, will support my political career. It’s a virtuous cycle indeed.