Grand Academician of the Fu Literature Pavilion

Though Su Ziji had quietly dismissed the possibility, the sight of more than thirty large chests in a row still made it seem the likeliest explanation.

But if that was true, something must have happened without his knowing.

Could it be... news from Capital City?

His thoughts raced as he exchanged pleasantries with Doctor Li. When they had finished, Doctor Li smiled. "Our Waterworks Bureau borrowed 170,000 taels for flood control, leaving your prefecture with a deficit. We've felt terrible about it. Now that the court has allocated the funds, I've brought the silver to repay you!"

"Lord Su, all 170,000 taels are here, not a single tael short. Please have them counted."

With a wave of his hand, he had someone lift a lid. Inside, gleaming silver ingots sat in tight rows like dumplings, glittering so brightly they dazzled the eye. The yamen runners stared, transfixed.

Su Ziji drew a sharp breath inward and hurriedly ordered, "Fetch the registrar and the treasury clerk. Count the silver here at once, then enter it in the records and put it in the treasury."

"Yes!" A runner darted away. Moments later, the registrar and treasury clerk arrived, their undershirts damp despite the heat.

Silver really does stir men's hearts. Su Ziji waved a hand. "Very well. You two will count it and put it in the treasury. No carelessness or fudging."

The registrar smiled. "Rest assured, my lord. Not a single tael will go missing. Ah, with this silver, Shunan Prefecture's deficit can finally be closed."

After a bustle of counting, all 170,000 taels went into the treasury. Su Ziji breathed a sigh of relief, and so did Doctor Li, who had remained courteous throughout.

"I hear Prefect Qi fell ill while combating the locusts. Such devotion to public duty is an