CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 31: SHACKLES

"That won’t be necessary." After the Chief Clerk expressed his eagerness, Lu Qing spoke coldly, "My people are already investigating this matter. If the Qingshui County Government intervenes and any mistakes occur, who should be held accountable?"

The Chief Clerk, rebuffed, dared not speak further and could only respond compliantly.

"County Magistrate," Lu Qing turned his gaze to the equally apprehensive and nervous County Magistrate beside him, "bring the tax records of Qingshui County for the past years."

"Yes! I will take people to get them immediately!" The County Magistrate hastily agreed, summoning a few people to leave with him.

Throughout the process, Zhu Yu and Rune stood behind Lu Qing, perfectly able to observe everyone’s reactions inside and outside the door.

Regarding the mysterious Lord Imperial Censor, some appeared anxious and fearful, sneaking glances at the Imperial Censor, but the other wore a golden mask, hiding his expression and revealing nothing.

Others seemed much more straightforward, at least not so timid, especially after Li Youcai was taken away, standing straighter and with more confidence.

Among the crowd was a tall, thin man with a dark face, who, though drooping his eyelids, flared his nostrils slightly when he heard the Censor order the County Magistrate to fetch the records.

He seemed to want to hide his emotions but couldn’t hold back, showing a disdainful reaction.

Soon, the County Magistrate returned with his people, each holding thick stacks of records, placing them cautiously in front of Lu Qing on the desk.

As Lu Qing inspected them one by one, Zhu Yu, from over his shoulder, could also glimpse the contents. Though she didn’t understand the intricacies of taxes, she could see that the records were meticulously kept, neat and organized.

"The tax books of Qingshui County are indeed recorded meticulously," Lu Qing placed the checked records back on the desk, then spoke to the County Magistrate, "but why is the collected land tax less each year?"

"My lord, the land in Qingshui County is barren. Although there seems to be plenty of farmland, the harvests are often poor. What the farmers produce barely suffices for their families. If more taxes are levied, people might starve.

The current Holy Emperor governs with benevolence, so Mr. Li has been reducing land taxes as much as possible in recent years, striving to ensure the people of Qingshui County don’t suffer financially from heavy taxes.

Even so, it’s a temporary fix, not a lasting solution. Later, upon hearing that planting flowers for dyeing was profitable elsewhere, farmers left for the south to make a living.

Mr. Li couldn’t stop them from leaving... Hence, the land tax collection plummeted further.

Though the land tax is low, every transaction is meticulously recorded. You may verify as you wish, my lord.

I also have a request; if you’re here due to insufficient land tax collection in Qingshui County, I’m willing to be punished. But please do not order a tax increase on the people of Qingshui County. I can bear the punishment, but the people cannot bear more taxes!

If land taxes increase further, those still willing to farm might leave to find other livelihoods, shaking the foundation of our Da Jin’s establishment!"

The County Magistrate’s speech was impassioned, nearly bursting into tears by the end, prostrating himself on the ground in a dramatically sorrowful gesture.

Seeing this, others followed suit, kneeling and bowing their heads.

Zhu Yu glanced again at the dark-faced man, observing him kneeling begrudgingly and bowing twice unwillingly, his expression more conflicted.

Lu Qing silently watched the officials below bow their heads to the stone floor, then spoke to stop them after a moment, "I am merely inspecting on behalf of the Emperor, supervising the government office’s taxation as per orders.

You, as officials of Qingshui County, are considerate of the people, which is a good thing. Since there’s no fault, there’s no need for this; rise."

The people below rose.

Lu Qing continued, "Today, I will stay in the county government office to review the records. Everything should proceed as usual; no special attention is necessary unless instructed otherwise."

The Chief Clerk, being astute, immediately organized the back courtyard to prepare a room for the Lord Imperial Censor to stay, and within moments had it arranged, courteously ushering the three inside.

The room prepared in the back courtyard was very spacious, complete with a bed, couch, writing desk, and small table.

Stacks of records were moved in, placed beside the writing desk.

Among those helping with the records was the dark-faced man Zhu Yu had noticed, appearing reluctant and secretly observing the masked Lu Qing whenever the Chief Clerk wasn’t watching.

After about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the government office’s servants returned, holding lamps, cushions, tea, and pastries—everything imaginable—saying it was instructed by the Chief Clerk, fearing the Lord Imperial Censor might get thirsty or hungry while reviewing the records.

Upon delivery, Rune ushered everyone out, standing in the courtyard, not allowing anyone near that room.

Lu Qing sat behind the writing desk, removed his golden mask, set it aside, and picked up a record book to review. Noticing Zhu Yu also removing her mask, he said, "There are some books on the shelf over there. Feel free to take one to pass the time."

Zhu Yu went over, found a travelogue, and though not particularly interested, it was better than sitting idly.

She brought a chair to sit opposite Lu Qing, browsing for a while before lifting her head to look at Lu Qing, who was focusing intently on the records.

There were now two indentations on his previously smooth cheeks, seemingly made by the mask’s embossed patterns, slightly red and swollen, appearing striking against his extraordinary face.

Zhu Yu’s gaze shifted to the golden mask beside him.

He had previously told her that working as an Imperial Censor for the Emperor was something only the Emperor and he knew.

So Lu Qing was the elusive "Golden-faced Imperial Censor," a person whose appearance and private identity were unknown, much like a legendary god or spirit.

The Golden-faced Imperial Censor, personally appointed by the Holy Emperor...

Takes orders exclusively from the current Holy Emperor...

Inspects officials on behalf of the Emperor...

Wears a golden mask to prevent attempts at favoritism, alliances, or vengeance...

It sounds like the ultimate honor and power, but on closer thought, it terrified Zhu Yu.

The prestige of the "Golden-faced Imperial Censor" is entirely in that golden mask; who is behind it, only the Emperor knows.

Hence, it could be Lu Qing or anyone else.

It all depends on the Emperor’s will.

The Emperor undoubtedly holds Lu Qing in high regard, and this favor hints at trust.

Yet this esteem and trust come with a layer of precautionary shackles.

The Emperor needs Lu Qing as a confidant, granting him singular power, but there’s a delicate thread behind it all, tightly gripped in the Emperor’s hand, ready to retract at any moment.

What he wants the world to fear is the heavy golden mask, not the living man behind it, Lu Qing.