A Bunch of Idiots

"Of course there was," the Ministry of Revenue official immediately said. "As the Investigating Censor of South of the Yangtze, Lord Xue should understand the impact of the maritime ban on ordinary people, and have seen the benefits of lifting it for the nation and its people. I ask Lord Xue to submit a detailed memorial and clearly lay out the pros and cons for His Majesty."

He added, "Lord Xue need not worry. Once the memorial is finished, we can submit it on your behalf."

Xue Shao still looked troubled and remained silent.

After a pause, the official lowered his voice. "Hand the memorial to us, and Lord Xue can leave the capital. First, His Majesty still remembers old ties. You committed a grave error this time, and the war in South of the Yangtze has only worsened, yet you were merely locked in prison for a few days.

"Second, you have already been punished for this matter, so you certainly will not be tried twice. Your scholarly honors remain, and as one who still holds them, it is only proper for you to discuss court affairs.

"Third, I heard that when you went overseas last time, you formed rather deep connections with members of the Martial Arts Alliance. Perhaps you could contact them and make another trip abroad?"

Xue Shao raised his brows.

The official lowered his voice further. "South of the Yangtze and the coastal regions are in chaos now. Since news of the Silver Mountain spread, many people have secretly fled overseas, including quite a few people of the Jianghu. I have heard that even soldiers in the navy have secretly crossed the sea. If my lord goes overseas, not only can you temporarily avoid the storms at court, you can also guard the Silver Mountain