Chapter 26: Entangled in One’s Own Web

Cui Shizuo was about to let him leave when he suddenly recalled something and whispered, "You can afford to offend anyone in the Autumn Bureau, but don't cross Lord Gao. He is strict with others, and since your father departed from the Autumn Bureau, there has been a rift between them. You must endure whatever you can, and never provoke him. Otherwise, no one will be able to protect you."

Xue Rui was taken aback and hurriedly asked why.

After Cui Shizuo explained, Xue Rui finally understood. His father used to work in the Autumn Bureau and was highly valued by Gao Mian, entrusted with both major and minor affairs, and held a position akin to an assistant within the Bureau.

Later, Xue Yuanhao, for the sake of his own future, decided to take the examination for the new Scholar Registrar. Upon hearing this, Gao Mian tried his utmost to persuade him to stay, even intending to supplement his salary with two taels of silver. Unfortunately, Xue Yuanhao was resolute and refused to give Gao Mian the satisfaction, leaving him disgruntled.

After Xue Yuanhao left, the Autumn Bureau lacked capable hands for years, and its efficiency plummeted. Sometimes when the astronomical scholars made calculation errors, Gao Mian had to handle matters personally, cleaning up after his subordinates, and his resentment grew daily, often erupting in fury.

All the scholars believed that Gao Mian's mercurial temper was due to Xue Yuanhao's departure. They became scapegoats for his anger and were often scolded, naturally growing resentful toward both Xue Rui and his father.

Now that there was an opportunity, it was only expected they would make things difficult for him.

"Thank you for your guidance, sir. I now know what I must do," Xue Rui replied, deeply moved, then bowed and withdrew.

After he left, Cui Shizuo mused silently: If this boy succeeds in implementing this method, I will petition the Chief Supervisor to have the entire Bureau follow suit!

In the Autumn Bureau, the scholars worked and chatted.

Every time the scholars went to the Registrar's Hall to collect paper, they were subjected to a scolding by the stingy Cui Shizuo. Not only did they not dare show anger, they had to put on a smile and beg, fearful of offending this "God of Wealth."

Today, Xue Rui went to collect the paper a day early. Who knew what kind of scolding he would endure from Cui Shizuo? If he couldn't bear it, he might even be hiding somewhere, crying in secret.

As they gloated, Xue Rui appeared, holding a stack of paper, entering the Autumn Bureau with composure and steadiness.

"Huh?"

The scholars were stunned. Some even rubbed their eyes, thinking they were seeing things.

"You—how did you manage to bring it back?" Shi Xiang asked incredulously.

Xue Rui replied with puzzlement, "Is it not normal to bring it back? Or do you mean, Senior Shi, that it would be normal if I failed to bring it back?"

"Ahem, I never said that," Shi Xiang realized his loss of composure and quickly masked his surprise, pretending to be calm.

Not getting the expected outcome, Fu Cong was disappointed and scolded sternly, "Since you've brought it back, distribute it to the seniors. There'll be more work for you soon—don't waste everyone's time."

"I can distribute it, but there's something I must declare to my seniors first," Xue Rui said seriously, clutching the paper.

"Heh, you little rascal—boy, this paper concerns the great matter of calendar compilation. Delaying us is a grave offense. Hand it over, now!" Fu Cong pressed, his tone laced with threat.

Xue Rui paid him no mind and said, "Lord Cui told me that our bureau's paper consumption has exceeded this month's quota. Collecting it ahead of schedule today has broken the established rules. Fortunately, the Registrar is kind-hearted and didn't want everyone to be punished, so he specially approved a few bundles of fine paper. But he instructed me to manage the bureau's paper usage strictly. If we exceed the quota again, only Lord Gao himself can collect it. Therefore, I need to confirm whether each senior has finished their supply or wasted any. If not, you must exchange the old for new!"

The scholars burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Among the five bureaus of the Observatory—Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and the Central—there were over a hundred scholars. In just one year, the used paper could pile into a mountain.

This paper wasn't just used for writing. Sometimes, it was taken to the latrines, since it was soft and delicate, much more comfortable than coarse straw paper. Who among the scholars didn't slip a few sheets into their pockets when heading to the privy? If they caught a cold, they'd use it to wipe their noses. It cost nothing, could be thrown away after use, and didn't need washing—a convenience indeed.

Using the paper for other purposes was common in the Bureau; even the officials were no exception.

Now Xue Rui claimed the bureau's paper usage had to be approved by him—wasn't this a minor deity trying to govern the city god? Far too meddlesome!

"Heh, so according to you, from now on, we need your permission to use paper?" Fu Cong sneered.

"Of course," Xue Rui replied solemnly.

"Outrageous! Since when does a snot-nosed brat like you run the Autumn Bureau?" Fu Cong erupted, stepping forward to seize the paper.

Xue Rui had anticipated this, darting out the door and running some distance away, pointing at Fu Cong and warning sharply, "If you dare to snatch it, don't blame me for shouting. If you anger Lord Gao, at worst I'll get a beating, but you won't fare any better. Try if you dare!"

"Hand over the paper! I'll return it to Lord Cui. Don't run!" Fu Cong was flustered as the situation escalated, eager to fix the mess he'd created before it got out of hand and led to punishment.

"Not a chance!" Seeing Fu Cong still chasing, Xue Rui took a deep breath and shouted, "Gao—"

"Don't shout! Please, don't!" Fu Cong quickly halted, clasping his hands and pleading.

He had just made a calculation error and was severely scolded by the Autumn Bureau's director. If things got noisy now, Xue Rui would certainly be punished, but so would he. Moreover, the bureau's paper supply wasn't exhausted, yet he'd sent Xue Rui to collect more against the rules. Gao Mian, who cared deeply about reputation, would be furious if he found out his subordinates were causing such trouble.

And if he couldn't even control a mere youth, he'd surely leave Gao Mian with an impression of incompetence.

Fu Cong ground his teeth in frustration, but dared not act, forcing a bitter smile as he addressed Shi Xiang, "Brother Shi, the boy is too cunning, using the paper quota to manipulate us. You have some influence with Lord Cui—could you go and explain that Xue Rui collected the paper without our instruction, and have him return it as is? What do you think?"

How shameless! The scholars in the Autumn Bureau looked on with contempt. Unable to handle Xue Rui, Fu Cong now blatantly shifted blame, pushing responsibility onto Xue Rui—his skill in dodging accountability was truly remarkable.

Since the bureau's paper quota was no trivial matter, and the others usually followed Shi Xiang's lead, he was somewhat reluctant but felt obliged to help his colleague clean up the mess.

"Very well, I'll make the trip," Shi Xiang replied, casting a deep glance at Xue Rui before sweeping his sleeves and heading to the Registrar's Hall.

Soon, Shi Xiang returned, his face dark and his gaze complex as he glanced at Xue Rui sitting on the railing in the corridor.

Upon entering the room, Fu Cong hurriedly asked, "Brother Shi, how did it go?"

"Lord Cui truly is angry. He doesn't believe Xue Rui would dare collect the paper on his own, and thinks we put him up to it. He berated me severely, and said from now on, only Xue Rui will be allowed to collect paper. You, my friend, have well and truly entangled yourself. Sigh!" Shi Xiang replied, his tone laced with resignation.

Fu Cong panicked, "Then what should we do?"

"What else? Clean up your own mess," Shi Xiang shook his head, returning to his seat.

Outside, Xue Rui let out a sigh of relief.

It seemed Lord Cui had not deceived him after all.