The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

As Zhang Wenjia's last word fell inside the Fengtian Hall.

The entire Fengtian Hall fell into a deathly silence in an instant.

All eyes turned to Chen Wang at that moment.

Those gazes contained fear, speculation, unease, and even deeper apprehension.

The high-ranking officials standing in the front row exchanged solemn glances, but none of them dared to speak first.

Everyone knew that what Zhang Wenjia said was not from his own heart, nor was it something he wanted to say; rather, it was something Zhang Wenjia had no choice but to say.

This Vice Minister of Revenue was usually cautious and never easily expressed his opinions at court meetings, but today he suddenly offered such a shocking remonstrance, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Therefore, Zhang Wenjia's advice at this moment was definitely at Chen Wang's behest.

Without Chen Wang's authorization, how could Zhang Wenjia, a mere Vice Minister of Revenue, dare to expose and put these matters, which had been hidden in the court for so long, in such a naked way?

Inside the Fengtian Hall, all the civil and military officials had somber expressions as they pondered Zhang Wenjia's words.

At the same time, it also connected the things that Chen Wang had done after entering the capital in those days.

After entering the capital, Chen Wang rarely made public appearances. His last public appearance was when he dealt with merchants who had hoarded goods during the Northern Expedition.

The scene from that day was still vivid in the minds of the courtiers. Dozens of shop owners were publicly beheaded and their families wiped out. The mountains of grain and cloth piled up in the shops' warehouses were all confiscated.

At the time, everyone thought it was just a routine market cleanup, targeting only merchants and the like.

Looking back now, those swift and decisive measures foreshadowed the far more profound changes we see today.

They clearly realized that today's court assembly would likely become a crucial turning point in changing the political landscape.

If the land survey is implemented, it will shake the interests of countless people.

Moreover, what Chen Wang is going to do is probably not just clearing up the land and thoroughly investigating the mailings.

Zhang Wenjia's words were merely a wedge, the beginning of an even bigger storm.

Emperor Longwu, who sat high on the steps of the palace, did not speak immediately.

All the officials in the hall stood with their heads bowed, equally silent.

No one dared to be the first to stick their neck out at this time.

Chen Wang stood on the right, coldly watching the hall.

Without a doubt, any dissenting voice at this moment will be deeply remembered by Chen Wang.

Wherever Chen Wang's gaze fell, several officials who had been hesitant to speak lowered their heads.

Once the court assembly ends, Chen Wang's purge will begin in an instant.

This is not an exaggeration; there are bloody precedents to support it.

Shi Kefa, as Minister of Rites and Grand Secretary, had previously criticized Chen Wang during court discussions, stating that he "wielded immense power and was extremely arrogant."

Shortly thereafter, an imperial censor suddenly launched an attack, impeaching Shi Kefa for accepting bribes and neglecting his duties when he was in charge of the grain transport, which led to chaos in the grain transport.

The memorial even listed the specific date and the amount of silver, as if it had been prepared in advance.

This was just the beginning. More accusations followed, saying that Shi Kefa accomplished nothing when he served as Minister of War in Nanjing, which led to the Nanjing army's complete collapse when the Wanmin Army marched south.

When the Wanmin Army marched south, Shi Kefa made many mistakes in defending Hangzhou, which led to the defeat of the battle.

In just three days, a large number of impeachments followed, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard also intervened, uncovering a number of crimes.

Shi Kefa was dismissed from his post and is still in prison.

Even with three days of continuous investigation, we couldn't find so much evidence.

Yet, there is so much detailed evidence, written in black and white, proving the various mistakes Shi Kefa made.

Everyone knows perfectly well where this evidence came from and whether it is true.

The suddenly appearing ledgers, the perfectly timed witnesses, and the airtight testimonies all point to an unspoken truth.

This silent warning carries more weight than any words.

At this moment, when Zhang Wenjia proposed the land survey, the silence of the entire court was the best proof.

No one wants to become the next Shi Kefa, and no one dares to risk their life to test that unseen bottom line.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards are doing what they were best at when they were tools—fabricating charges.

This time, their methods were more skillful, their evidence more conclusive, and their speed more rapid.

The efficiency with which a cabinet minister could be brought down in just three days is chilling.

However, the one wielding the knife is no longer the emperor who sits high on the imperial steps.

Although Emperor Longwu on the dragon throne still maintained the majesty of an emperor.

But everyone understood that the one who truly determined the fate of the court and the destiny of the nation was Chen Wang, who was currently at the head of the military officials.

The goose-feather blade in Chen Wang's hand was more intimidating than the imperial edict on the jade steps.

The sunlight outside the hall grew increasingly intense, illuminating the vast Fengtian Hall with a golden glow.

Yet, even amidst this light, everyone felt a chilling cold.

After a long silence, Emperor Longwu finally spoke again.

"Accurate."

Emperor Longwu's words finally settled Zhang Wenjia's proposal to clear the land in the country.

There were no dissenting voices in the imperial court.

Those officials who usually spoke eloquently all kept their lips tightly shut, and the powerful ministers all remained silent.

Zhang Wenjia, who was kneeling on the ground, felt as if he had been granted a pardon at this moment. He bowed his head again and said.

"Your Majesty is wise."

When Zhang Wenjia stood up, he was already somewhat unsteady on his feet, and he staggered before he could barely stand.

No one knew that Zhang Wenjia's scarlet official robe was soaked with cold sweat, clinging to his spine.

He lowered his head and quickly retreated back to the ranks of civil officials, never daring to look up at anyone from beginning to end.

With Zhang Wenjia rejoining the ranks of the court officials, the entire Fengtian Hall returned to tranquility.

The official in charge of applauding did not dismiss the court, but remained standing respectfully in place.

All eyes slowly shifted and settled on Chen Wang again.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Chen Wang made no move and remained standing in place.

The atmosphere inside the Fengtian Hall grew increasingly somber as time went on.

The sunlight gradually climbed up the golden dragon pillar in the east, making the dragon patterns carved on the pillar shine brightly.

Yet, amidst this magnificent and solemn scene, there was an indescribable sense of oppression.

at last.

After a long silence, Chen Wang made a move.

"Your subject, Chen Wang, Duke of Yan, reports to Your Majesty."

Chen Wang, his hand on the goose-feather saber at his waist, took a step forward, bowed slightly, and spoke in a loud voice.

Emperor Longwu, seated at the head of the steps, always maintained an upright posture.

After hearing Chen Wang's voice, Emperor Longwu finally made some moves.

Emperor Longwu leaned forward slightly, straightened his back, and spoke solemnly.

"Accurate."

Chen Wang lowered his head slightly, then, holding his sword and pressing his belt, turned around and stood beneath the steps, facing the assembled officials in the hall.

"During the Wanli era, when the Single Whip Law was implemented, the annual revenue was equivalent to 20 million taels of silver. However, during the Chongzhen era, the population of the country increased and the cultivated land increased, but the national tax revenue actually decreased by tens of millions of taels."

"The three additional taxes have brought the annual tax to nearly ten million taels for Liaodong, three million for suppressing the rebellion, and seven million for training, totaling nearly twenty million taels of silver."

"Such a heavy burden rests entirely on the shoulders of the common people. Countless people across the land have sold their children and become homeless because of this!"

"The Shaanxi uprising swept across the country, and a single call was met with a hundred responses."

"The Jurchens wreaked havoc, repeatedly raiding the Central Plains, and the nine border regions had no soldiers to defend against them."

"Of course..."

A chilling killing intent flickered in Chen Wang's eyes.

"Natural disasters have been occurring one after another, but the imperial court has no funds available for disaster relief."

"War broke out frequently, yet the Nine Border Army remained poorly prepared. The soldiers of the Nine Border Army did not even have a decent winter coat, their weapons were rusty, and their armor was tattered!"

"What's even more lamentable is that..."

Chen Wang's eyes were sharp, and he said in a cold voice.

"The town's army was supposed to be ten thousand men, but in reality, only a thousand were found during the troop roll call—less than one in ten survived!" "Where are the rest? They've all become empty shells, castles in the air!"

Chen Wang's cold voice echoed in the hall, each word striking the hearts of the assembled officials like a heavy hammer blow.

"When the late Emperor appointed me as the General Garrison Commander of Hanzhong, I inspected the troops and examined the weaponry. Of the muskets allocated by the Ministry of Works, six or seven out of ten were unusable, and of the cloth-faced iron armor, less than 30% still had intact plates!"

"We have fought across thousands of miles, battling to the death, yet we have endured wind and dew, and eaten whatever we could find when we were hungry."

"The military pay of each garrison has never been in full for a single day, and the grain and fodder supplies have never been delivered to full granaries. What responsibility should the Ministry of Revenue bear?"

Chen Wang's voice grew increasingly cold, and the officials in the hall became increasingly fearful.

"The achievements gained at the risk of his life were met with all sorts of harsh criticism from the Ministry of War."

The butcher's knife has been raised.

"Your Majesty, I must ask, where exactly did this tens of millions of taels of silver, this hard-earned money that sustains the nation and concerns the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people, go?"

Chen Wang gripped the goose-feather knife at his waist, making no attempt to conceal his killing intent.

After he finished speaking, the courtiers fell silent.

Wherever his gaze fell, the crowd fell silent.

Chen Wang's eyes flashed with a chilling light, and an invisible killing intent permeated the hall, causing the assembled officials to tremble with fear.

"You can't answer that."

"Of course you can't answer that!"

Chen Wang gave a cold laugh.

“I never expected you to answer that.”

Chen Wang looked at the well-dressed courtiers in the hall with disdain, his heart filled with murderous intent.

These people are hypocritical, spouting righteousness and morality, and talking about Confucianism and Mencius, but behind the scenes they do all sorts of despicable things.

Chen Wang emphasized his words and raised his voice.

"If you can't answer, I'll answer for you!"

"The majority of the imperial taxes and the additional levies have ended up in the pockets of you powerful officials and nobles!"

"Emperor Taizu Gao led his troops with great courage and determination, and millions of people sacrificed their lives to establish the Ming Dynasty and restore the orthodox Chinese civilization."

"Emperor Taizu was considerate of scholars; although the official salaries were not high, he exempted them from corvée labor and taxes, showing them the utmost generosity."

"You do not repay the country with loyalty, but only know how to enrich yourselves at the expense of the nation. How is this any different from stealing the country?"

Chen Wang's voice was like a booming bell, each word carrying immense weight, causing the palace to vibrate and hum.

"The Ming Dynasty's empire has been gradually declining in your hands, step by step, year by year!"

"If we do not settle scores today, how can we comfort the spirits of the millions of martyrs who restored order to the world? How can we face the people of the land?"

Chen Wang's last words were tantamount to pointing his finger at the noses of all the civil and military officials and angrily rebuking them.

Among the civil officials, several looked indignant, their lips moving slightly as if they were about to retort.

However, when they looked up and met Chen Wang's fierce gaze, and then caught sight of the palace guards standing guard with their hands on their swords, they ultimately swallowed back all the words they wanted to say.

The imperial guards now stationed inside and outside the palace are no longer the Han generals who wore bright armor and used it only as a ceremonial guard.

Without exception, those imperial guards were all battle-hardened elite soldiers from Chen Wang's Jingnan Army.

At this moment, Chen Wang was clearly waiting.

We were just waiting for someone to finally stand up and refute us.

Everyone understands.

Chen Wang is truly capable of killing.

They wouldn't care at all about any potential trouble they might cause.

No matter how much turmoil is stirred up inside and outside the court, it cannot shake Chen Wang's foundation in the slightest.

Because his foundation has never been in this temple.

Chen Wang's confidence always stemmed solely from the hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers under his command.

The hall was eerily quiet; even breathing could be clearly heard.

Chen Wang surveyed the silent civil and military officials, a hint of undisguised contempt flashing in his eyes.

If someone dares to stand up and argue their case at this moment, he might think more highly of them.

However, in reality, not a single person in the entire court dared to utter a word of rebuttal.

Chen Wang didn't actually have that many hidden agendas.

Anyone who dares to contradict me will be killed.

The principle is that simple.

This was not done to establish authority through murder.

At this point, why would Chen Wang need to establish any more authority?
He could indeed proceed gradually, dividing and attacking, step by step taking control of the entire government and slowly implementing his decrees.

But Chen Wang couldn't wait, didn't want to wait, and didn't need to wait.

With power in hand, why bother arguing with these pedantic scholars? How much effort would it take to untangle this mess in the court, and how much longer would it cause the people to suffer?

The sooner the world changes, the sooner the nation will become strong.

With weapons at hand, all conspiracies and schemes are nothing but illusions.

With his command of a large army, why would he need to feign politeness with these people?
Chen Wang's eyes flashed with a chilling light, and an invisible killing intent permeated the hall, making all the officials shudder.

“You keep talking about national righteousness and serving the country and its people.”

"The country you speak of is not the Great Ming Dynasty for all the people, but only the country of you gentry."

"The people you speak of are not the myriad families of the world, but only you gentry!"

Chen Wang made no attempt to conceal his true feelings.

Now, no one in the world dares to defy him.

Now, there are no rules in the imperial court that can restrain him.

Although he did not establish a kingdom, he held all the power in the world.

In the past, Zhu Yuanzhang was able to instigate major cases, causing rivers of blood to flow inside and outside the court, and countless heads to roll across the land.

He can do it too.

Chen Wang was not afraid of killing.

He not only wanted to reform the laws, not only to make changes, but also to completely transform the world.

It doesn't matter how many people oppose it; it's better if they all speak out, saving him the trouble of searching for them one by one.

Whether it's thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even millions!

Anyone who dares to oppose.

He's willing to kill.

Kill him and usher in a peaceful and prosperous era.

Kill him in broad daylight.

It is better to shed blood here than to suffer the destruction of families, the humiliation of the nation, and the fall of the world in the future.

In the annals of history, in posthumous fame.

Chen Wang never cared.

No amount of criticism can shake his resolve in the slightest!
Looking at the silent civil and military officials in the hall.

Chen Wang knew this clearly.

These civil and military officials are only temporarily surrendering because of the swords at hand.

Many of them haven't fully grasped the current situation.

I thought this Ming Dynasty was still the same Ming Dynasty as before.

They are still using habitual thinking to approach things.

They believed that the world was in turmoil, whether it was a change of dynasty or a reform.

No matter how much territory military officials expand, governing the country ultimately requires civil officials like them.

They dare not openly resist, but secretly they will do everything they can to obstruct the implementation of the new policies, misinterpret their meaning, and incite ordinary people to resist the government.

But they will soon understand.

They were terribly wrong. (End of Chapter)