A Visit to the Ministry of Revenue

First update

"Since that is the case, I shall await your good news."

Outside the Eastern Hall of the Ministry of Revenue, Sun Shaozong cupped his hands in salute. After receiving Minister Zhao's response, he bowed and backed away two steps before following the yamen runner out of the courtyard.

Seeing that the runner was about to lead him toward the Main Entrance of the Ministry of Revenue, Sun Shaozong hurriedly stopped him and said that he still wished to pay a visit to Yu Qian, the Admonishment Official of the Ministry of Revenue.

The runner clearly knew of his relationship with Yu Qian. Rather than first going inside to announce him, as he had done before, he led Sun Shaozong directly to a quiet courtyard in the northeastern corner of the ministry compound.

The courtyard was not large, but a side gate more than a zhang wide had been opened in one corner of the wall, faintly proclaiming the elevated status of Admonishment Officials and censorial remonstrators.

After tossing a fragment of silver to the runner who had guided him, Sun Shaozong stepped into the main hall amid the man's profuse thanks. Directly before him stood an empty official desk, placed diagonally opposite the main entrance.

"Eh?"

Hearing the commotion, Yu Qian lifted the curtain and came out from the inner room. Seeing Sun Shaozong standing there, he asked in surprise, "Why have you come, Uncle?"

Then he immediately understood. "Could it be that you have come to collect the silver?"

"I just came from Minister Zhao."

As he spoke, Sun Shaozong nodded toward the official desk and asked curiously, "Has it already been decided so quickly?"

The question sounded rather abrupt, but Yu Qian immediately grasped his meaning. Shaking his head, he said, "They only said the new