Making you a son-in-law is not about making you conquer the world.

Chapter 668 The Poor Minister of Revenue

Seeing that he was about to fail to complete the task assigned by Lin Ping, the prefect was sweating profusely.

"May I ask, General, what does Zhang Jiuxiang look like, and how old is he?" the prefect asked tremblingly.

This question really stumped Lin Ping; apart from the name Zhang Jiuxiang, he knew nothing about him.

"He's probably in his sixties or seventies," Lin Ping guessed.

More than twenty years have passed since Jiang Lanfeng entrusted his son to him. The old man from that time should now be an old man, and it would be reasonable for him to be in his sixties or seventies.

“I’ll go and arrest all the old men in their sixties and seventies in Huai’an City and bring them to the government office for interrogation. I don’t believe I can’t find a mere Zhang Jiuxiang.”

The prefect patted his chest and said.

Although this was not his dereliction of duty, it was still considered a failure in handling the matter. Even if he was not punished, he would not receive any reward.

Lin Ping is the son-in-law of the city lord, a general of the current dynasty, and a favorite of the emperor. If you can help him, you will definitely have a bright future.

"Are you trying to disturb the peace?" Lin Ping said angrily. "You might as well put up a notice and let Zhang Jiuxiang come to me on his own."

Lin Ping knew that posting notices wouldn't be very effective. The reason the other party was hiding their identity was to avoid being found by others, so why would they take the initiative to look for Lin Ping?

The prefect's method of arresting people was also inappropriate. First, it would incite public anger, and second, it would not yield any clear reason.

For now, all we can do is wait.

The prefect was very efficient; within half a day, notices were posted all over the streets and alleys, with the reward of ten thousand taels of silver highlighted in red.

Since Zhang Jiuxiang is unwilling to show his face, let the people who know the truth expose him.

Besides the initial notice, Lin Ping planted spies next to each notice, and any old man who looked flustered upon seeing the notice was immediately arrested and questioned.

In just one day, they interrogated hundreds of elderly men, and the answer they all gave was that they had never seen them.

As for why they looked so strange, it was naturally because they were startled by the reward notice.

The news quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys of Jiangcheng, and restaurants and teahouses were buzzing with discussion. Faced with a reward of ten thousand taels of silver, no one could resist the temptation.

Unfortunately, they had never heard of Zhang Jiuxiang, and were destined to miss out on the bounty.

For ten days in a row, there was not a hint of tension.

Left with no other choice, Lin Ping searched house to house. Although he wasn't as rude as the prefect had described, he did indeed question every single elderly person in their sixties and seventies.

Lin Ping considered himself good at reading people's expressions and knew he could tell if someone was flustered at a glance.

Unfortunately, they still came up empty-handed.

With only ten days left until the one-month deadline, Lin Ping was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

That night, Lin Ping dejectedly approached Jiang Yunying and whispered, "Wife, I'll go back to the Imperial Household Department tomorrow and see if we can find Zhang Jiuxiang's records there."

He originally wanted to take Jiang Yunying back with him, but Jiang Lanfeng flatly refused, and even this private meeting was only possible because he begged her.

Jiang Lanfeng will not allow Lin Ping to lay a finger on Jiang Yunying until this matter is resolved.

Little did she know that Lin Ping had used the time others were taking off their pants to complete a major project, and by the time Jiang Lanfeng discovered it, it was too late.

I've already pulled up my pants, what are you afraid of?

Jiang Lanfeng stomped her feet in anger, even contemplating killing Lin Ping.

To be honest, she had known for a long time that Jiang Yunying had already consummated her marriage with Lin Ping.

However, Jiang Yunying has not yet given birth, so he can at least explain to his senior brother that the reason for prohibiting the two of them from being together was to prevent Jiang Yunying from getting pregnant.

Under Jiang Yunying's affectionate gaze, Lin Ping embarked on the road back to Yingtian Prefecture.

To save time, Lin Ping traveled day and night and entered the city a day later.

In the past, after returning to the capital, Lin Ping would immediately go to the Zhou residence and then to Yipinju, but this time he went directly to the palace, which fully demonstrates Jiang Yunying's status.

Before explaining why they came, Lin Ping had already pulled the Minister of Revenue out of the main hall.

Leaving the main hall without greeting the emperor was a grave offense of disrespect, and the Minister of Revenue was so frightened that his legs trembled.

"General, you're going to get me killed!" the Minister of Revenue cried.

"Don't worry, Minister, as long as you handle this matter well, the King will not only not punish you, but will also reward you handsomely," Lin Ping said, patting his chest.

Alright, alright, you're right. After all, you're the king's favorite!

The Minister of Revenue was reassured and then devoted himself to helping Lin Ping.

Upon hearing Lin Ping's request, the Minister of Revenue immediately shook his head.

The Ministry of Revenue's files were piled up like mountains, with household registrations alone occupying several warehouses.

Even if Zhang Jiuxiang's records do exist, it's impossible to know when they will be found.

Lin Ping stayed at the Ministry of Revenue for three days straight without blinking; he kept his eyes closed the entire time.

Anyway, there were countless officials in the Ministry of Revenue, so he didn't even need to stand guard by his side.

However, in order to get the news as soon as possible, he still slept next to her for three days.

"You, Minister of Revenue, you left court without even saying hello to the Emperor! Go explain yourself!"

Lin Ping said angrily, clearly unable to find any information about Zhang Jiuxiang.

The Minister of Revenue burst into tears, crying pitifully, "This is so unfair!"

This is not Lin Ping's fault. He did say there would be a generous reward if the matter was accomplished, but now that the matter has not been completed, Lin Ping has no intention of wasting time pleading for him.

As for the Minister of Revenue kneeling outside the main hall for two hours during the morning court session the next day, that's another story.

After leaving the Ministry of Revenue, Lin Ping walked back to the Zhou residence dejectedly.

Zhou Xiyin had been waiting outside the door for a whole month. Although she had recently received news of Lin Ping's triumphant return, she was still very worried.

She looked at Lin Ping with joy, tears welling up in her eyes, almost wanting to rush into his arms and cry.

"Where's Sister Yunying? Why didn't she come along?" Zhou Xiyin suppressed her excitement and grievances and asked with a slight smile.

This sweet voice, like a warm spring breeze or a babbling brook, cleansed Lin Ping's listless heart.

Lin Ping raised his eyes and smiled faintly: "My wife is in Huai'an and did not come with me."

“Oh…” Zhou Xiyin responded softly, but felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

She knew that she was not as important to Lin Ping as Jiang Yunying, and she never thought about comparing herself to her.

But hearing the affectionate term "wife" still makes me feel a little sad.

Furthermore, she worried that Jiang Yunying wouldn't accept her; otherwise, why wouldn't she show herself to meet her?

"How many days will you be staying this time?" Zhou Xiyin asked anxiously.

Since Jiang Yunying did not accept him, Lin Ping must have come to say goodbye. Staying one more day would be a great favor to her.

Lin Ping was only focused on finding Zhang Jiuxiang as soon as possible, and without carefully observing Zhou Xiyin's expression, he replied indifferently, "Probably two or three days."

With seven days left until the one-month deadline, and after deducting the travel time, Lin Ping only had two or three days left.

Zhou Xiyin's heart skipped a beat, but she still forced a smile and said, "Wan'er said the woodshed is full of charcoal and can't be lived in, so let's sleep in the room."

Lin Ping nodded perfunctorily, remaining asleep on the ground and not crossing the boundary.