Chapter 33

Jiang Yuxun's exposed skin was particularly cool, his fingertips still dotted with droplets of water.

Like a small fish swimming through Ying Changchuan's hand.

After just a momentary touch, he quickly withdrew his hand.

Yet that slight itchiness lingered on Ying Changchuan's fingertips like a delicate ribbon, not even the Jiang wind could blow it away.

The Emperor paused for a few breaths before retracting his hand.

Finally, he turned away as if nothing had happened, gazing towards the Chen River, "Rise."

He never once looked into Jiang Yuxun's eyes from start to finish.

"Yes, Your Majesty—"

The kneeling members of Xuan Yinjian then stood up, as if no one had noticed what had just transpired.

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun let out a sigh of relief and quickly hugged the fish basket with both hands.

Stay calm, stay calm!

Wasn't it just shaking hands with the Emperor?

I must be getting overly nervous because I've been in ancient times for too long.

In the modern era, this would be nothing more than a common occurrence, right?

Jiang Yuxun belatedly bowed to Ying Changchuan, then quickly regained his composure and carefully reported the progress of the paddy field excavation, also sharing everything he had just learned from the elder.

The cold breeze made Jiang Yuxun's mind exceptionally clear.

He almost completely reiterated what he had just said.

Hearing this, the surrounding Xuan Yinjian couldn't help but look at Jiang Yuxun with admiration.

—Truly worthy of being Minister Jiang, such an extraordinary memory!

Just... why is he holding a fish basket while talking about this on the deck?

Although they were unclear about the reason, they were sure that Minister Jiang must have his own reasons for doing so.

-

"…You know, the small mixed fish cooked by that elder just now were really tasty!"

"The local aquatic plants and these mixed fish are a perfect match."

The small bones in the mixed fish were crushed, mixed with the flesh, and made into a fish soup.

Paired with the special aquatic plants from the local marshes, it created a uniquely delicious flavor.

For those from Zhao Du, it was an extraordinarily novel experience.

The Xuan Yinjian relished the meal.

Even Zhuang Youli, who had been refusing with the excuse, "My mother won’t let me eat anything from outside the boat," couldn't resist the temptation and joined them in tasting.

Only Jiang Yuxun felt out of place with the harmonious atmosphere inside the cabin...

"Ah Xun, don't you like it?" Zhuang Youli looked at him with slight confusion, "This fish soup is already finely mashed; why do you keep stirring it with your chopsticks?"

Xuan Yin Supervisor couldn't help but joke, "If one didn't know better, they might think this fish offended Lord Jiang."

Jiang Yuxun: ...

A fish did offend me, but not this one.

Thinking this, he couldn't help but grit his teeth.

Seeing everyone’s eyes turn towards him, Jiang Yuxun paused his movements and finally stopped, but his expression seemed a bit off.

Noticing Jiang Yuxun’s odd behavior, Zhuang Youli couldn’t help but silently scoot away a little.

After boarding the ship, Jiang Yuxun had been sharing meals with Xuan Yin Supervisor.

Over time, everyone gradually got used to his presence here.

"Ah Jiu, since you were once a merchant's son with some family wealth, how did you end up becoming a displaced person, even reduced to a slave?" After a satisfying meal, someone curiously inquired about Gu Yejiu's past, "Was there some kind of disaster?"

Although merchants weren't highly regarded and faced discrimination, in any era, having money meant not living too miserably.

...Let alone falling to the status of a slave.

Hearing this, Gu Yejiu put down his bowl and chopsticks: "It's not really a big deal."

Jiang Yuxun had also been curious about this, but worried it might bring back unpleasant memories for Gu Yejiu, he never asked.

Now seeing Gu Yejiu willing to share, he perked up his ears with the rest, equally curious.

"In recent years, continuous wars ravaged the southeastern and southwestern counties, resulting in many people like me fleeing our homes towards Zhao Du," Gu Yejiu slowly recounted, "When we set off, we carried all our belongings."

Jiang Yuxun nodded slightly.

"With many people like this, the official roads and even village paths to Zhao Du were plagued with robbers..." Remembering the past, Gu Yejiu bit his lip, "My parents and I were robbed in Tao Yan County. We were stripped of all our money and eventually sold to those who traded in slaves."

His casual manner of speaking hid the profound gravity of his experience.

Gu Yejiu was one of the luckier ones; countless others must have perished along the way.

Jiang Yuxun: "..."

A sudden silence fell over the cabin.

In times of chaos, everyone bears their own hardships.

Gu Yejiu's story reminded everyone in Xuan Yin Supervisor of their own past.

Only Zhuang Youli, a genuine aristocrat, looked bewildered: "Couldn't they have taken a detour? Or called for help?"

"Moreover, with the 'Zhou Laws' being so strict, they should have some concerns," one remarked.

The people in the cabin laughed: "Take a detour? Into the remote forests and mountains? Master Zhuang, despite the strictness of the 'Zhou Laws,' everyone in Zhao Du lives in fear. But in places far from Zhao Du, those struggling to survive don’t care about any laws."

Gu Yejiu explained further: "In some areas, entire villages are involved in such activities. Calling for help might just lead to a more thorough looting."

"What about reporting to the authorities after escaping?" Zhuang Youli still wouldn't give up.

"The government is tens of thousands of miles away, and getting there is extremely difficult. Even if you manage to bring the authorities, these bandits blend in with ordinary people, making it very hard to identify and deal with them," Gu Yejiu shook his head.

Zhuang Youli became visibly distressed: "...Is there really no solution to this?"

Hearing this, Jiang Yuxun suddenly put down his chopsticks: "Ah Jiu, where is this place? Can you take me there?"

"Why would Lord Jiang want to go there?" Gu Yejiu paused and then said, "...I can, but the robbers were locals who appeared no different from ordinary villagers. I've forgotten what those people looked like; it would be hard to distinguish the culprits now."

Gu Yejiu’s experience was all too "ordinary."

So much time had passed, and he had consoled himself to let go of the past.

But he was still a youth, and the thought that he had forgotten the faces of his enemies made him unconsciously agitated.

Speaking, he clenched his fists tightly.

Jiang Yuxun shook his head gently: "It's always good to have a look."

The hardships of the displaced were not recorded in later histories.

Those bandits appeared no different from ordinary people; without Gu Yejiu’s revelation, Jiang Yuxun wouldn't have known about such occurrences along the official roads.

If he didn't thoroughly understand these situations during the southern inspection, wouldn’t the journey be in vain?

-

The place where Gu Yejiu was robbed was a small town called "Fish Cliff," conveniently not far from their current location.

Jiang Yuxun decided to inform the Emperor and request to carefully investigate the area.

Banditry is a historical issue present in all counties and prefectures.

Logically, it indeed didn't have much to do with the influential Xuan.

However, after hearing his words, the magistrate of Tao Yan Prefecture, who was also present at the court, immediately accused Jiang Yuxun of slander and denied any such occurrences.

Surprisingly, Ying Changchuan, who always liked to handle matters personally, also took an interest and decided to accompany Jiang Yuxun to the place.

The group set off in the afternoon and arrived at Fish Cliff Town by evening.

……

The "bandits" near Fish Cliff Town were experienced, easily identifying potential targets for robbery.

As they neared the destination, everyone, following Gu Yejiu's advice, changed their carriages and clothing.

Although these so-called bandits were just ordinary citizens.

Yet, as the Emperor, Ying Changchuan couldn't risk exposing himself.

Xuan Yin Supervisor, accompanying them, hid some of its members nearby while others, disguised as common displaced people and merchants, walked at the forefront.

Jiang Yuxun and Ying Changchuan, meanwhile, rode in a carriage accompanied by a few "family attendants," observing from the rear of the procession.

...The current situation was somewhat awkward.

Displaced people fleeing to the northern lands wouldn't travel in luxurious carriages.

Therefore, Jiang Yuxun and Ying Changchuan had to face each other, cramped in a small carriage.

There were no other travelers on the evening road.

The Xuan Yin Supervisor outside the carriage also lightened their steps.

For a while, all Jiang Yuxun could hear was his own shallow breathing.

He tried to start a conversation a few times to lighten the mood but eventually gave up, not knowing what to say.

Forget it, just let it be.

The evening breeze and the setting sun slipped in through the gap in the window.

It lifted a strand of Jiang Yuxun's long hair along with a faint scent of soapberries, wafting past Ying Changchuan.

Jiang Yuxun silently raised his hand, gathering the disobedient strand of hair back into his grasp.

At first, the journey was smooth.

But as they progressed, the carriage suddenly started to jolt heavily.

"Weng Guang, what's happening outside? Why is the carriage so bumpy?" Jiang Yuxun lowered his voice and asked the person outside the carriage.

"Young master, the road here is full of potholes created by carriage wheels and dried mud. We're trying our best to find smoother paths," came the reply.

Unable to resist, Jiang Yuxun peeked through a small opening — just as Weng Guang described, the road was riddled with uneven pits.

The next second, Jiang Yuxun let the curtain fall and quietly said to Ying Changchuan, "Your Majesty, it seems someone has deliberately damaged the official road nearby."

After a brief glance, Jiang Yuxun immediately understood their method of operation.

— Merchants like Gu Yejiu's family, all fleeing by horse or carriage.

They were the primary targets of these bandits.

If the horses were to run, not only would they be hard to stop, but they could even kick the bandits to death.

After some thought, they deliberately destroyed the official road near the village, making it muddy and uneven with potholes.

"I believe that if we are to investigate, we should start with the deliberately damaged official roads—"

Just as Jiang Yuxun finished speaking, the carriage wheel suddenly rolled over a pit.

The whole carriage shook, causing Jiang Yuxun to lean forward. Despite instinctively gripping the wooden frame inside the carriage to stabilize himself, his knee still lightly brushed against Ying Changchuan’s leg.

He then immediately adjusted his position, sitting sideways in the carriage.

The touch was as light as a dragonfly skimming the water.

Yet, it left a faint tingling sensation on Ying Changchuan's leg, rippling outwards like waves.

Before he could ponder the source of this feeling, a sudden commotion of fighting erupted outside the carriage—

Weng Guang's voice came from outside: “Young master, the bandits are here! Just as Gu Yejiu described, they are disguised as ordinary villagers!”

Jiang Yuxun gently lifted the carriage curtain to peek outside, together with Ying Changchuan.

A dozen villagers charged out of their houses, brandishing sickles aggressively towards the 'displaced people.'

Unexpectedly, the next moment, a flash of cold light shimmered.

"Ahh!!!"

The bandit at the forefront screamed and knelt on the ground, blood gushing profusely from his arm, quickly forming a pool.

The remaining villagers exchanged glances, intending to flee into the forest, but the prepared Xuan Yin Supervisor had already blocked their escape route.

"Who are you—"

"Are you from the government?!"

Screams and pleas for mercy intermingled, echoing along the entire official road.

Subsequently, another dozen villagers charged out of the small village.

Upon seeing the sharp blades in the hands of the Xuan Yin Supervisor, they stopped in their tracks, brandishing their sickles in a standoff.

These “bandits” could overpower the defenseless and starving displaced people.

But to the Xuan Yin Supervisor, they were as fragile as ants.

The slanting sun setting in the west illuminated the blades in the hands of the Xuan Yin Supervisor.

The bandits quickly realized they had encountered formidable opponents.

Before they could react and scatter, they were forcefully subdued and pressed to the ground by the Xuan Yin Supervisor.

“My lord, all have been apprehended!”

“Good. I understand.”

Jiang Yuxun immediately planned to get out of the carriage to handle the situation.

But as he rose, a familiar voice came from behind—

"Hold on."

"...Your Majesty?" Jiang Yuxun was frozen in place.

Wasn't Ying Changchuan supposed to let me handle this matter while he just observed?

Before Jiang Yuxun could grasp the situation, the Emperor, clad in dark robes, suddenly raised his hand toward the hair beside Jiang's temple.

A faint scent of dragon's saliva fragrance wafted over, causing Jiang Yuxun to instinctively hold his breath.

Slender fingers brushed past the side of the carriage.

Then, a strand of black hair gently floated down.

Jiang Yuxun belatedly realized that his hair had been caught on the carriage frame.

That was close, too close!

A moment later and that strand of hair would have been pulled off.

Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but feel a shiver of fear.

"Let's go," Ying Changchuan said indifferently.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The moment he stepped out of the carriage, Jiang Yuxun couldn't resist taking a deep breath.

Being squeezed in such a small carriage with the Emperor truly tested one's mental fortitude!

※

The bandits of Fish Cliff Town were taken back to the capital.

The court did not rush to deal with the bandits but planned to thoroughly understand their methods along the official roads and completely eradicate them.

But this matter, along with the daytime conversation, also reminded Jiang Yuxun—

The Great Zhou had a million soldiers, all deployed against foreign enemies.

Within the Great Zhou territory, it was very difficult for common people to seek government assistance when in trouble.

If this issue wasn’t resolved, eliminating one group of bandits would only lead to the rise of another.

……

An old man, who had witnessed the soldiers digging water fields, came the next day with his family to watch.

After two or three days, when the water fields were completely dug, there were more than a hundred onlookers.

Besides the nearby residents, many displaced people also gathered here.

By then, the people had vaguely understood the identity of Jiang Yuxun and his entourage.

The water fields were finished, but the soldiers continued to work underground.

They wielded long-handled tools with multiple teeth, resembling wooden clogs, repeatedly stirring the silt at the bottom of the water fields.*

As they moved, they could weed, loosen the soil, and even level the field surface, all without bending their backs much.

Watching them, the surrounding villagers couldn't help but express their amazement and reluctance to leave.

"You know, this new government actually has some skills!"

Feeling bold as the soldiers couldn't understand their language, the villagers spoke more freely.

"Indeed, it's different from what I thought. I assumed they were like the previous government, only reaching out for our grain!"

"What are those tools in the soldiers' hands called?"

"...I heard that official named Jiang call it 'Weeding and Stirring.'"

"I've watched for a few days and have learned this method of opening fields. If I could have a piece of land here, I could get it ready in a month at most!"

At this, everyone became eager to try their hand.

Gu Yejiu, after listening for a while, silently returned to the tower ship and reported everything to Jiang Yuxun.

-

"Opening water fields is not difficult. The late rice harvest isn't over yet, and there's almost half a year until spring planting," Jiang Yuxun said thoughtfully after hearing Gu Yejiu, "Once Director Tong's plans are completed, we can then arrange the details of land reclamation and related matters."

Ying Changchuan set down the map in his hand and slowly looked at Jiang Yuxun sitting beside him.

Jiang Yuxun, accustomed to looking directly into the Emperor's eyes, said, "But we can't waste this period of time."

"Does my minister already have a plan?"

Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but smile, "Yes, Your Majesty, exactly."

"I believe this is the perfect time to gather the people and establish schools by the court to teach them more precise farming techniques."

He deliberately emphasized the words "gather" and "court."

Ying Changchuan narrowed his eyes slightly, "My minister wishes to remind the people of the three counties that the methods of cultivation and the forthcoming changes are closely linked to the court."

"That is exactly my intention."

The Emperor smiled slowly, nodding without immediate agreement or refusal.

The hearts of the people in the three southeastern counties were scattered, with many unaware of the recent change in dynasty amidst the continuous wars.

To hold this land firmly, it is essential first to gather the people's hearts and opinions.

Teaching agricultural techniques is just the first step.

...After that, the schools established can also teach the official language and even expand to other subjects.

By then, the three counties could be fully integrated into the Great Zhou's territory.

Having been with Ying Changchuan for so long, Jiang Yuxun had roughly discerned that—although the Emperor didn’t explicitly say it, he might have already accepted his suggestion in his heart.

As the Imperial Attendant, Jiang Yuxun naturally lacked the time, energy, and authority to personally undertake this task.

Therefore, seeing Ying Changchuan nod, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but become curious...

What he had just proposed was essentially the establishment of literacy classes.

He wondered how Ying Changchuan planned to willingly involve the people of the three southeastern counties in this within half a year?

-

After Jiang Yuxun's efforts.

By now, everyone had forgotten about the "polder fields."

—Except for the magistrate of Tao Yan, Xuan Youli.

He just couldn’t swallow his pride.

"...Your Majesty, I believe that although Minister Jiang understands some... clever tricks, in the long run, he should not be entrusted with important responsibilities!"

Xuan Youli, originally just a military man, became increasingly articulate in front of the Emperor.

As soon as he finished speaking, a slightly noisy sound came from below the tower ship.

Ying Changchuan, who was perusing memorials, paused and then looked outside the window.

A few moments later, he lightly nodded outside.

Then, turning back, he casually asked, "Oh? Why is that?"

Seeing the Emperor engage in conversation, Xuan Youli immediately became excited:

"I know Minister Jiang has done some things in Zhao Du, and the nearby people have a good impression of him. But no matter what, he is just an Imperial Attendant."

Xuan Youli emphasized the term "Imperial Attendant" with particular vigor.

Ying Changchuan has always been generous to his soldiers, not to mention that Xuan Youli was an old minister who had fought alongside him to establish the empire, speaking with considerable confidence.

After finishing, seeing that the Emperor's expression remained unchanged, he continued:

"As far as I know, the position of 'Imperial Attendant' initially was merely a minor official responsible for managing the imperial carriage and garments. Later, they were given additional duties like assisting in reviewing memorials."

"Perhaps because they have access to state affairs, there always seems to be some Imperial Attendants who can't place themselves properly," Xuan Youli became more emboldened as Ying Changchuan did not interrupt him, "The previous few Imperial Attendants are a lesson to be learned!"

Hearing this, Ying Changchuan finally slowly put down his vermilion brush, leaning against the jade desk, looking at Xuan Youli with a half-smiling expression: "My minister from Tao Yan seems to be quite familiar with the affairs of the court."

Xuan Youli: !!!

Realizing what he had just said, he immediately became nervous.

The previous two Imperial Attendants of Ying Changchuan were implicated and punished for colluding with Lingtian Terrace.

The situation was somewhat special.

Thus, although they were trapped by the other party, the court had not made it public.

From this perspective, he indeed should not have mentioned it publicly...

"I, I, Your Majesty, I have..." Xuan Youli immediately knelt down, his body trembling uncontrollably.

He wanted to explain, but he couldn't organize his words properly.

Ying Changchuan casually remarked, "Why fear? As a minister, you should indeed be concerned about state affairs."

As he spoke, he casually set aside a reviewed memorial, seemingly not angry.

"Yes, yes..." Xuan Youli's body was still trembling.

At this point, he could no longer discern whether the Emperor was being sarcastic.

Until Ying Changchuan once again fixed his gaze on him: "Why not continue?"

Finally mustering up some courage, Xuan Youli stole a glance at Ying Changchuan, and upon seeing no change in his expression, he took a deep breath to continue:

"Minister Jiang, as an Imperial Attendant, should stay attentively by Your Majesty's side, yet he runs around aimlessly—"

Ying Changchuan's finger paused.

Undeterred, Xuan Youli continued, "What he does far exceeds his authority. Isn't this overstepping his role?"

After all, having been a renowned general, Xuan Youli gradually regained his composure as he spoke.

"Land reclamation is a major national undertaking! As an Imperial Attendant, Jiang Yuxun has no right to intervene in such matters, let alone now that he appears to be taking charge of it..." After finishing, Xuan Youli suddenly kowtowed three times, "I don’t deny Minister Jiang’s capabilities, but I cannot overlook his ambition!"

Ambition?

Hearing this, Ying Changchuan couldn't help but lightly raise an eyebrow.

As an emperor, he was most wary of ministers whose merits were too great.

Xuan Youli genuinely believed that Jiang Yuxun harbored wild ambitions and also thought that Ying Changchuan would surely be concerned about this.

He thought of Jiang Yuxun's father's old subordinates and Zhuang Yue, who initially held a lower rank than him but later became one of the "Nine Ministers."

Xuan Youli couldn't help but push further, believing he was clever in boldly hinting, "Water management and land reclamation are critical to the nation."

"Minister Jiang has not been in office for long and is still young. I wonder what backing he has, or who supports him from above, that he dares to act so boldly..."

The river waves splashed, causing the huge tower ship to suddenly jolt heavily.

Ying Changchuan paused for a moment and then unexpectedly chuckled.

Xuan Youli's heart sank sharply.

...Why is the Emperor laughing? What is he laughing at?

Xuan Youli involuntarily held his breath.

Accompanied by the roaring waves of the Chen River.

Ying Changchuan picked up the teacup from the table, took a light sip, and then said nonchalantly, "What if it were me?"

Xuan Youli: ...If it were His Majesty.

Wait, wait a minute.

What did His Majesty just say?

The person behind Jiang Yuxun... is it him?

Xuan Youli's eyes widened in shock, completely forgetting how to breathe.

He lifted his gaze in fear.

At that moment, the Emperor was looking at him with a smile...

Xuan Youli's heart throbbed painfully, realizing that the Emperor was not joking.

Jiang Yuxun's backer... was actually Ying Changchuan himself!

Thinking about what he had just said, Xuan Youli's ears rang loudly, and his mind went blank.

Even his body felt numb at this moment.

-

Sang Gonggong, the eunuch inside the cabin, smilingly stepped forward to help Xuan Youli up and opened the cabin door.

The ship was gently rocking due to the waves, and Xuan Youli, completely limp, couldn't stand on his own.

The cabin door slowly opened.

Lifting his head, Xuan Youli saw—Jiang Yuxun, unexpectedly standing outside the cabin!

His brain, still not functioning properly, was startled by the sight and he blurted out, "You, how are you here?"

Huh?

Jiang Yuxun was momentarily stunned.

Wasn't it Ying Changchuan who asked me to come up here?

Just half a tea time ago, Jiang Yuxun had walked onto the deck and, upon seeing Ying Changchuan nodding at him from the window, hesitated for a moment before heading up to the tower.

Xuan Youli lowered his voice: "Were you deliberately eavesdropping on my conversation with His Majesty!"

Eavesdropping?

Jiang Yuxun suddenly burst into laughter.

Ying Changchuan has excellent hearing; he definitely knew I was outside the door.

With this thought, Jiang Yuxun stepped forward with a smile, gently patted Xuan Youli's shoulder, and said earnestly, "No, Minister Xuan, how could I be eavesdropping?"

Heaven knows, the door of the cabin is so thin, and your voice was so loud.

I was plainly listening in broad daylight!

Xuan Youli's body swayed heavily.

...His previously stalled brain finally started working again, and any last bit of hope in his heart dissipated.

Ying Changchuan's words suddenly echoed in his mind.

What if it were me?

This time, the Emperor truly stood by Jiang Yuxun's side.

"Minister Xuan, Minister Xuan—"

Accompanied by Sang Gonggong's alarmed voice, Xuan Youli finally fainted completely.

...No way.

Did I just make another old man faint from anger?

Seeing this, Jiang Yuxun was left utterly astonished.

-

Ying Changchuan's words frightened Xuan Youli half to death.

Yet, Jiang Yuxun was not at all surprised by this.

— Just as Xuan Youli said, water management and land reclamation are crucial national affairs, of great importance.

During this time, both the court and the common people must maintain unity and cannot afford to be divided.

The premise of all this is the Emperor’s clear stance.

Ying Changchuan’s words today were not just for Xuan Youli but also for the observing court officials and ministers behind him.

It couldn’t be more normal.

Xuan Youli was escorted away by several eunuchs.

Sang Gonggong then left the cabin, leaving only Jiang Yuxun and Ying Changchuan.

The Emperor picked up the map again and started to examine it closely.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yuxun was still recalling the moment Xuan Youli fainted and wondering if he had been angered to ill health.

Seeing this, Ying Changchuan casually asked, "What is my minister thinking about?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I was thinking about Minister Xuan Youli," Jiang Yuxun sincerely replied, "I am not sure about his current condition..."

Hearing the name "Xuan Youli," the Emperor paused his actions.

"Does my minister think his words held any merit?"

The Emperor had already taken his side.

Naturally, Jiang Yuxun had to make his stance clear.

Instinctively, he replied, "Most of it was without merit."

Ying Changchuan looked up at Jiang Yuxun, then smiled and asked him, "And the small part?"

"The small part does make some sense..."

Saying this, Jiang Yuxun paused.

Logically, the influence of his debuff should have ended by now.

But Jiang Yuxun, who had repeatedly defied authority and still lived well, indeed grew much bolder imperceptibly.

Remembering Ying Changchuan’s repeated teasing and Xuan Youli's recent words, Imperial Attendant Jiang Yuxun suddenly felt emboldened—

"Indeed, I am just an Imperial Attendant, and many things I do exceed my authority, which may seem inappropriate to others..."

After the 'palace confrontation', Ying Changchuan dealt with more than a dozen officials.

Currently, many official positions in the court were vacant.

...Working so diligently, it would be great if I could be appropriately promoted.

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Minister Xuan (tearfully): "Minister Jiang is so bold because he has someone backing him—"