Shang Jingchuan did not sit down, but rather solemnly greeted Yan Sifu with a formal gesture.
"Prefect, may I ask why you summoned me?"
Hearing this title, the expression on Yan Sifu’s face became quite subtle.
He indeed was the Capital Prefect, which made him Shang Jingchuan’s superior.
But no one had ever addressed him this way; they all called him Prince Qi.
Now that Shang Jingchuan used this title, it was clearly a deliberate reminder to himself, and a way to draw a line between them.
However, the unusual look on Yan Sifu’s face fleetingly disappeared, and he immediately smiled, saying, "There is no Capital Prefect or Prince Qi here today, we’re just chatting casually, you don’t have to be so formal."
Seeing Yan Sifu say this, Shang Jingchuan helplessly sat down.
To be honest, after receiving Yan Sifu’s invitation, Shang Jingchuan was filled with resistance.
But Yan Sifu was his superior officer, and having sent an invitation, Shang Jingchuan had no choice but to comply.
At this moment, Shang Jingchuan only wanted to quickly end this awkward meeting.
At this moment, a servant brought in tea and snacks, and Yan Sifu chatted idly with Shang Jingchuan while sipping tea.
Shang Jingchuan patiently humored him.
But after drinking an entire pot of tea, Shang Jingchuan saw that Yan Sifu still showed no sign of getting to the point, and finally couldn’t hold back any longer.
"Prefect, may I ask why you called me here? If it’s nothing urgent, please allow me to take my leave, as there are still many matters in the Capital Prefecture waiting for me to handle."
"Hahaha, Jingchuan indeed is a quick-tempered person, in fact, there’s no major matter, just wanted to ask if you’ve settled in after taking office, and if you have any needs, feel free to tell me. After all, I also hold the position of Capital Prefect, I can help solve such issues." Yan Sifu said with a pleasant smile.
Shang Jingchuan shook his head, "Thank you, Prefect, for your concern, but I have no discomfort, nor any needs."
"How could you have no needs, I heard that a few days ago you took people and cleaned out Changping Square, surely you lost quite a few subordinates, how about this, I allocate a separate sum of silver for you as a reward, how about it?"
Upon hearing this, Shang Jingchuan could only have one reaction.
That there was something fishy going on here.
Firstly, his initiative to bring up the Changping Square matter was somewhat abnormal, and secondly, he should know that this time when the Capital Prefecture thoroughly investigated Changping Square, it was Zhao Ya who took the lead, and the government officials and constables of the Capital did not lose a single hair, what loss was there to talk about?
So this statement was obviously with ulterior motives.
Shang Jingchuan took a deep breath, "Prefect, there’s no need for a reward, my subordinates did not suffer much loss."
"Ah, just because there’s no loss now doesn’t mean there won’t be losses in the future, being prepared is never wrong, and this money isn’t a small amount!"
As Yan Sifu spoke, he gave a signal with his eyes to a subordinate, who immediately came in with a tray, on which was placed a thick stack of gold notes.
"This is fifty thousand taels in gold notes, readily exchangeable, without any hidden marks, you can even use them in neighboring countries, extremely secure." Yan Sifu said with a smile.
Shang Jingchuan finally understood.
This so-called reward was essentially a bribe for him.
He looked deeply at Yan Sifu, "Is this your intention, Prefect, or...?"
"Indeed a smart person, of course, there’s a bit of my intention in it, but the major part comes from the major families, as long as you nod, you’ll get a generous dividend every year in the future."
As he said, this money was indeed from the major noble families, naturally intended to silence Shang Jingchuan and pull him into the same camp.
And Yan Sifu, being the nominal highest official of the Capital Prefecture, and also Shang Jingchuan’s superior, was naturally the most appropriate to do this.
And Yan Sifu didn’t think this task was difficult, so he agreed.
At this moment, Yan Sifu stared at Shang Jingchuan, waiting for his response.
In his view, as long as Shang Jingchuan wasn’t a fool, he would surely agree.
After all, on one side was endless wealth and glory, on the other was opposing the powerful court officials.
Which was more significant, was clear at a glance.
But just as he was confidently waiting for Shang Jingchuan to nod.
An unexpected scene occurred.
Only to see Shang Jingchuan glance at the gold notes on the tray, then slowly stood up.
"Prefect, I, Shang Jingchuan, although not very capable, have been well-versed in the teachings of sages and scholars since childhood, and I still have some sense of propriety, righteousness, integrity, and honor, so please forgive me for not accepting this money."
Yan Sifu was stunned, and then made another attempt.
"If you think it’s too little, this amount can indeed be negotiated..."
"It’s not about the amount of money, it’s about the principle." Shang Jingchuan’s stance was clear as he unequivocally refused.
This time, Yan Sifu was utterly embarrassed, looking at Shang Jingchuan with a sinister smile, "Principle?"
"That’s right."
Shang Jingchuan took a deep breath and clasped his hands together as he spoke.
"Prefect, I know what the people giving the money are thinking, please trouble yourself to inform them, I absolutely won’t take the money, if they have done any wrongful deeds previously, they’d better stop now, then there might be a chance to turn back, otherwise, our Capital Prefecture will not show any favoritism."
"I have many things to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now."
With that, Shang Jingchuan turned to leave.
At this moment, Yan Sifu’s sinister voice came from behind.
"Shang Jingchuan, do you really think that with that Zhao person as your backing you can act without restraint?"
Shang Jingchuan halted, looking back at Yan Sifu, "You are mistaken, Prefect, my backing is not Zhao Ya."