The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

Nanjing City.

Beizhen Fusi.

Main hall.

Chen Wang leaned back in the central armchair, his right elbow resting on the carved armrest, while his left palm rested on the other armrest, his index finger rhythmically tapping the rosewood surface.

He looked down coldly at the group of trembling merchants in the hall.

On the desk in front of Chen Wang, a large number of documents were scattered about.

The still-wet ink of confessions and yellowed account books were piled up one on top of the other, with a few pages of paper hanging over the edge of the table.

Inside the hall, a group of Imperial Guards, clad in armor and with their hands on their daggers, stood in attendance.

"Since the evidence is conclusive, then send them all to the imperial prison and execute them on a chosen day."

Chen Wang's eyes were calm, and his tone was completely relaxed, as if he were not deciding the life or death of a dozen people, but dealing with an ordinary trivial matter.

Upon hearing this, the merchants kneeling below turned ashen-faced.

An obese businessman trembled violently, repeatedly kowtowing with his forehead pressed against the cold floor tiles.

Another merchant in blue collapsed to the ground, dark water stains gradually seeping into his groin.

"Spare me, Your Excellency!"

"Lord Duke, we dare not do it again."

The hall was filled with heart-wrenching cries and pleas for mercy.

"As ordered."

The group of Imperial Guards waiting outside the hall responded in unison and then filed into the hall.

They swiftly twisted the prisoners' arms behind their backs, ignoring their cries and struggles, and dragged the limp merchants out of the hall like dead dogs.

"correct……"

Chen Wang's voice followed immediately, floating out lightly. The merchants who had been wailing fell silent, and a faint hope rekindled in their desperate eyes, like a dying man grasping at a last straw.

"Once they're locked up in the imperial prison, pry open their mouths and get everything out of them. Find out who their backers are, who the masterminds are, and interrogate them all thoroughly..."

Chen Wang's expression was indifferent as he spoke calmly.

"Take them all at once."

The last four words were spoken casually, yet they caused the temperature in the hall to plummet.

Many merchants collapsed to the ground, completely exhausted.

"I will obey the military command!"

The head of the Imperial Guards bowed his head in agreement and then left the hall.

After the group of merchants were dragged out of the hall, the originally somewhat crowded hall became more spacious.

Zhao Huailiang, who had been sitting on the right side of the hall, also stood up at this moment.

The Imperial Guards standing in the main hall all bowed their heads slightly.

Although the Northern Garrison still displays the plaque of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard officers inside are dressed in their uniforms.

However, in reality, all the personnel from top to bottom had already been replaced, and all the chief officers and important positions had been filled by personnel from the Intelligence Department.

The original intelligence officers, all of whom were spies, were all under the identity of Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards).

Zhao Huailiang now holds not only the position of chief of the Jingnan Army Intelligence Division, but also the official position of commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The entire organization of the Embroidered Uniform Guard has now been completely taken over by the Intelligence Department.

The former Intelligence Division, now operating under the guise of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, has fully stepped into the limelight.

"The Intelligence Division has now completely taken over the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"In accordance with the Duke's previous instructions, I have drafted a new plan."

Chen Wang nodded slightly, and Zhao Huailiang, having received the signal, took out a document from his pocket and handed it to Chen Wang.

"Originally, the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) was almost entirely located within the capital city, centered around the Jinyiwei headquarters, radiating out to related government offices, workshops, and barracks."

After putting down the documents, Zhao Huailiang took two steps back, bowed slightly, and reported.

"The presence of other places is achieved through temporarily dispatched elite cavalry and secretly infiltrated secret agents."

"This approach is too shallow and lacks insight, making it difficult to support the Duke's future plans to govern all directions."

Chen Wang's gaze remained calm, gesturing for Zhao Huailiang to continue.

Zhao Huailiang's spirits lifted slightly, and he began to explain clearly and logically.

"I believe that we can establish garrison posts in each province, so that they can be easily controlled, stationed in the local area, and form their own hubs."

"The centurions and captains under them should also be stationed in key locations in various prefectures and counties. In this way, the eyes and ears of our Embroidered Uniform Guard can penetrate deep into local prefectures and counties, with smooth communication channels and unimpeded information flow."

Chen Wang nodded slightly. Zhao Huailiang's arrangements and plans were indeed far beyond his expectations.

It is evident that Zhao Huailiang has made significant progress during his tenure as head of the Intelligence Department, a far cry from his previous role.

"After this reform, in addition to the existing Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) in the capital, the number of thousand-household offices in various places will increase to thirty-four."

"Specifically, garrison posts of 1,000 households will be set up in key locations in the two capitals and fourteen provinces, totaling 29 posts, collectively known as 'Inner 1,000 Household Posts'."

Zhao Huailiang's statement of "two capitals and fourteen provinces" was not a slip of the tongue.

This extra province is today's Liaodong.

The Ming Dynasty did not directly establish the Three Offices in Liaodong, so Liaodong has always been nominally affiliated with Shandong and attached to the Shandong Three Offices.

After recovering Beijing and confirming the governors-general of various regions, Chen Wang also submitted a proposal to establish three departments in Liaodong and classify it as a province.

Liaodong thus became a new province.

Although the land outside the Great Wall has not been fully recovered, Chen Wang has already clearly defined the approximate jurisdiction of Liaodong Province.

The Qing Dynasty is now nothing more than a candle in the wind, and the restoration of Liaodong is only a matter of time.

News recently came from Liaodong that Zu Kuan had led his troops to recapture Jinzhou City and regain a foothold in the Songjin area.

The administrative area of ​​Liaodong Province, as defined, encompassed the entire Northeast China region in later generations, and then extended to Sakhalin Island in later generations. It roughly corresponds to the territory under the jurisdiction of the three generals in the Outer Northeast during the height of the Qing Dynasty.

Zhao Huailiang paused for a moment before continuing the report.

"According to the plan, five thousand-household offices will be set up in each of the two capitals and the northern and southern Zhili provinces, three in Liaodong, two in each of the four provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Huguang and Shaanxi, and one in each of the remaining provinces."

"Although Shaanxi is still in the hands of the Shun army and remains a separatist region, its recovery is only a matter of time, so we have reserved a place for its establishment in advance."

“Yunnan, Sichuan and Hubei provinces are vast and mountainous with inconvenient transportation. After consideration, two offices are needed for effective administration. Liaodong is even more extensive, so three offices are needed for comprehensive control.”

Chen Wang's gaze fell on the arrangements for Shaanxi in the document. Shaanxi would be divided into two thousand-household offices, one in Xi'an and the other in Longxi, the seat of Gongchang Prefecture, a strategic location in the Hexi Corridor.

This layout is indeed thoughtful. Shaanxi stretches from east to west, and transportation is inherently difficult. Having two separate locations can better cover the entire region.

The intelligence department had long been established in Shaanxi, which was key to its ability to keep track of the Shun army's movements in a timely manner.

The establishment of the East and West Institutes took into account the current situation while also preparing for the future recovery of the entire territory.

As for Liaodong, Chen Wang already had a plan in mind.

This newly established province has a vast territory and will be divided into three districts for military administration in the future. The establishment of three thousand-household offices is a direct result of this.

Zhao Huailiang watched Chen Wang's gaze until Chen Wang's gaze continued downwards before continuing to speak.

"In addition to the Inner Thousand Household Offices, six Outer Thousand Household Offices will be set up according to the plan: one each in Korea, Japan, Annam, and Myanmar, and two in the southern Mongolian border region."

Chen Wang's gaze sharpened slightly as he carefully reviewed the regulations.

Zhao Huailiang's plan was indeed thorough, with all the listed locations being key points, and there was almost no room for error.

These places were essential for military operations after pacifying the country and allowing troops to rest and recuperate. Once the entire Outer Northeast was incorporated into the territory, the Korean Peninsula would lose its significance as a buffer zone.

On the side of the couch, how can you allow others to snore?
As for Japan, the Tokugawa Shogunate has just been established, and although its foundation is gradually stabilizing, it is not impossible to conquer.

Whether it was to prevent future troubles or to seize the gold and silver mountains that Japan was famous for, this war was inevitable.

The military campaigns against Annam and Burma were preparations for the future reopening of the Western Ocean.

If Annam is acquired, then Malacca, the vital passage to Southeast Asia, can be easily controlled. At that time, huge profits can be reaped simply by collecting taxes on merchant ships passing through.

If we take Burma, we can open a gateway to the Western Sea and gain access to the Indian Ocean.

This step was crucial for future maritime expansion.

Chen Wang closed the book and lightly tapped the table with his fingertips.

"The establishment of the Outer Thousand Household Offices should be done first."

Chen Wang looked up at Zhao Huailiang, his gaze deep and unwavering.

"Let these thousand-household offices infiltrate in advance, draw up maps, smooth things over, and win people's hearts."

"When the royal army sets out on its expedition, they will be the best guides."

"I understand."

Zhao Huailiang's expression turned slightly solemn as he cupped his hands in response.

"I have selected skilled personnel who are proficient in various languages ​​and familiar with the local situation, and we will find time to infiltrate in batches."

"remember."

Chen Wang pondered for a moment, then gave his instructions.

"The mission of the Outer Thousand Household Office was not just to gather military intelligence."

"Trade routes, minerals, ports, tribes... anything that is beneficial to our dynasty is subject to investigation."

Chen Wang gently placed the document on the table.

"In the past, the Embroidered Uniform Guard was nothing more than a sword hanging over the heads of all officials."

"Then the blade flashes, its sharpness is intimidating, but ultimately it is only within the confines of the imperial court."

Chen Wang raised his eyes, his gaze landing squarely on Zhao Huailiang.

"But now, we need to weave a net."

"I want to weave a net that covers the four seas and penetrates the nine provinces."

"From the imperial court to the martial world, from the border to the marketplace, wherever the sun and moon shine, I must have my eyes and ears. I want all the sounds of the world to enter my ears!"

Zhao Huailiang held his breath, feeling a great sense of responsibility.

Chen Wang tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"You need not worry about money. The treasury will allocate another one million taels of silver to help you lay the foundation."

Chen Wang paused briefly, then continued:

"From now on, the expenses of the Embroidered Uniform Guard will be increased by 200,000 taels as usual."

Morning light streamed into the hall through the carved window lattice, reflecting in Chen Wang's deep eyes.

"Just go ahead and do it, there's no need to worry."

"What I want to see is that this network can reach every inch of the Ming Dynasty's territory within three years, and spread to all the surrounding vassal states within five years."

A fierce glint flashed in Chen Wang's eyes.

"Since the land survey during the Wanli era, more than 60 years have passed. The land area in the country has increased by more than double compared to that time. The prosperity of trade routes is also incomparable to that of the past."

"During the Wanli era, Zhang Juzheng implemented reforms, and the annual tax revenue reached more than 20 million taels of silver."

However, the national treasury's annual revenue has been shrinking year after year.

"During the Wanli era, Zhang Taiyue implemented the Single Whip Law, which generated over 20 million taels of silver annually."

"By the Chongzhen reign, even with the additional taxes and levies, the annual revenue had dwindled to only 15 million taels. With the population and land area increasing daily, why did taxes decrease instead of increase?"

Chen Wang's voice was low; his question did not require an answer.

All the high-ranking officials in the imperial court, if they were knowledgeable about matters of money and grain, would not be unaware of the underlying reasons.
But everyone knew the unspoken truth, and everyone kept quiet.

They are the beneficiaries, and they regard this unreasonable old system as ancestral teaching and as a matter of course.

"At the beginning of this dynasty, in order to show compassion to scholars, encourage reading, and restore the country, those with merits were granted exemption from corvée labor and grain rations."

"But what about now? 'Fake donations' and 'offering gifts' are rampant. In one county, as many as 70% of the land is registered under the names of gentry to evade taxes."

"The rich own vast tracts of land, yet pay not a penny in taxes; the poor have nowhere to stand, yet bear the full burden of taxes."

Chen Wang's tone grew increasingly somber.

"The world is in such a state of decay, and the national treasury is so empty; these gentry and officials bear at least 70% of the responsibility."

There were many reasons for the financial difficulties at the end of the Ming Dynasty, but the biggest problem was definitely the issue of the gentry and officials.

It is said that the Ming Dynasty's system of vassal kings was like raising pigs, with a large amount of silver being transferred to the vassal kings and relatives of the Ming Dynasty.

However, in reality, throughout the Ming Dynasty, even at its peak, the expenditure on imperial stipends never exceeded one-tenth of the country's total fiscal revenue.

The Qing dynasty scholars even commented: "After the Zhou dynasty, the historical records show that the imperial family gradually became less and less favorably treated, reaching its lowest point during the Ming dynasty."

The Ming Dynasty had three main methods for dealing with members of the imperial family: delaying payments, suppressing tax collection, and exempting them from taxes by leaving the land uncultivated.

Because of this extreme reduction in spending, many members of the Ming imperial family lived in dire poverty.

The biggest problem for the Ming Dynasty's imperial family lay with the princes.

"The local princes, relying on their status, constantly seized land and diverted taxes that should have been turned over to the national treasury into their own pockets."

Chen Wang's expression was cold, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"However, no matter how much land the princes of various regions have seized, it is but a drop in the ocean compared to the gentry of the land."

While the amount of land seized by the princes was traceable, the tax evasion by the gentry was endless. This was the real threat that shook the foundations of the Ming Dynasty and the culprit that ultimately led to its collapse.

"Since the founding of this dynasty, the preferential treatment of the gentry and the indulgence of the princes have gone on for too long. The blessings of the virtuous will last for five generations, and now is the time to end them."

Chen Wang's voice was steady, but to Zhao Huailiang it sounded as cold as frost.

"Soon afterward, I will send someone to raise this issue in the court, and then implement the new policies."

"Local corruption is rampant, the national treasury is empty, and it is imperative to rectify the administration and discipline."

Chen Wang's voice was cold.

"Throughout history, reforms and changes have always met with staunch resistance from conservatives."

"As long as there is reform, there will be sacrifices; as long as there is change, there will inevitably be bloodshed."

"Whether it's top-down or bottom-up."

"Jiangnan is a major tax-producing region in the country, and should be the starting point for new policies."

Chen Wang leaned forward slightly, his eyes flashing with a fierce light as they fell on Zhao Huailiang, making no attempt to conceal his sharp killing intent.

"Now, you should understand what the Embroidered Uniform Guard should be doing."

Zhao Huailiang lowered his head, suppressing the coldness in his eyes.

He lowered his body, half-kneeling on the ground, and said in a cold voice.

"Your humble servant."

"Understood..." (End of Chapter)