Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 246 Yan Ge Lao, whose Merits Benefit the Nation

"The gentry of Jiangnan are the foundation of the nation. Even if they are corrupt, they should be gradually reformed through the ways of sages and virtuous men. If there is no concrete evidence, and they are confiscated and used to pay taxes, how is that any different from the tyrannical Yuan dynasty?"

"What a pedantic view! When those people were embezzling the national treasury, did they ever think of the soldiers who shed their blood? These parasites embezzled a million shi of grain last year alone. Shouldn't they be uprooted in this major case of treason?"

"The lifeline of the Grand Canal transport depends on Jiangnan. If chaos breaks out, will the soldiers on the front lines fight on empty stomachs?"

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!"

Hanlin Academy.

The sounds of arguing outside carried from afar, but Haiyue didn't even look up, continuing with her basic editing work.

Similar arguments have occurred more than once in the past few days.

From the Cabinet to the Six Ministries, from the Censorate to the Hanlin Academy, the officials were basically debating how to handle the major case.

The division between the opposing camps in the debate is quite intriguing.

It wasn't simply a matter of geographical boundaries; among officials from the Jiangnan region, there were also many who strongly advocated for severe punishment.

It was not to absolve themselves of responsibility, but rather because the aristocratic families of Jiangnan were inherently strictly hierarchical.

Take, for example, the Donglin Party members at the end of the Ming Dynasty.

As is well known, the Donglin Party was deeply rooted in the power of the landlords in Jiangnan. The Donglin Party had three main propositions: to broaden the channels for free speech, to oppose the eunuch party, and to oppose interference in commerce in the southeast coastal areas. In particular, the last one was regarded as the spokesperson for the interest groups in Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

In fact, a considerable number of Donglin Party members also strongly advocated cracking down on merchants, especially the wealthy in Jiangnan, and that they should take drastic measures.

The reason is simple: the core members of the Donglin Party came from the middle and lower-level officials in the Jiangnan region, and more specifically, from the small landlord class.

These small landowners accumulated rich experience and formed a powerful force in their long struggle against the aristocratic landowners. They then united with the urban class, whose interests were closely related to their own, to form the Donglin Party and oppose the rule of the aristocratic landowners.

Similarly, a considerable number of Hanlin scholars from Jiangnan supported Zhang Cong's killing spree.

When a whale falls, all things come to life. If a few of those behemoths can be brought down, it can feed their families. They are on the side of justice and morality, and they can also make a profit. Why not?
Those who truly opposed major military action were the courtiers, who also came from top backgrounds and valued stability.

To put it bluntly, it's a conflict between a group of vested interests, the aristocratic landowners, and the smaller landowners who still have room for advancement.

At such moments, it often comes down to which side the greatest landlord in the world, the Emperor of Ming, stands on.

In the past, emperors rarely ruthlessly slaughtered powerful clans, and there was a profound reason for this.

Even if a few families are confiscated, seemingly filling the national treasury, in reality, most of the land and silver will be swallowed up by other families in the blink of an eye—the old tycoons have just fallen, and new nobles have already emerged.

The resulting disruption of the canal transport and the outbreak of popular uprisings threatened to shake the foundations of the state. In the end, it was a losing proposition.

But now, Jiajing is truly going to take action against Jiangnan.

The threat that Li Yuanshe posed to the imperial power was intolerable to him, and his achievements in expanding the territory made it even harder for him to maintain control.

The decision has been made; now it's up to us to see how it's implemented.

Since the imperial envoy was sent south from the capital to the south of the Yangtze River, a journey of thousands of miles, even at the fastest speed, by the time the envoy arrived, the situation in Annam might have already changed.

The most worrying thing is that news has already spread from the capital. If the powerful clans in Jiangnan hear of this and secretly try to hinder us, it is possible that the war situation will take a sharp turn for the worse.

So hurry up!
Purge the rebellious party not by empty words, but by swift and decisive action to sweep them away completely!
Who can shoulder this heavy responsibility?

"elder brother!"

Haiyue was silently waiting when her younger brother, Hai Rui, a junior official, came to her side and quietly handed her a list.

The first person to be mentioned was Hai Rui himself, followed by Su Zhigao, Xu Jie, Tang Shunzhi...

They were all members of the Yixin Society.

Haiyue took it and examined it closely, raising her eyebrows: "You've decided?"

"Decided!"

Hai Rui firmly stated, "Serving in local government, understanding the people's affairs, and being a good official for the people is our choice!"

"it is good!"

Haiyue was quite pleased.

It is gratifying that talented scholars from the Hanlin Academy, including Xu Jie and Tang Shunzhi, voluntarily agreed to be transferred to local areas to gain experience in governing.

What's even more gratifying is that this list was facilitated entirely by Hai Rui, without any coercion, and it also excluded some members who acted impulsively.

For example, Lin Daqin really wanted to be transferred to a local post, but Haiyue and Hairui both knew that with his temperament, he was simply not suited for a local official position. He wouldn't achieve anything there and would only be manipulated to death by the clerks and local powerful figures. Now, Hairui's mother, Xie, Lin Daqin's mother, Qiu, and his wife, Sun, were all safely sent to the capital. Under the persuasion of his mother and wife, the top scholar finally calmed down and continued his studies in the academy.

For example, Wang Shenzhong and Chen Shu, two of the Eight Great Talents, are not suitable for being sent to other places at this stage.

Their abilities are stronger than Lin Daqin's, but they are not as shrewd in dealing with people. The first batch of officials sent out of the capital, especially the Hanlin scholars, will definitely be under close scrutiny and may be targeted.

Therefore, people like Xu Jie and Tang Shunzhi are more suitable.

Xu Jie may be a hot-blooded and impulsive outspoken man, but his abilities have never been in doubt. Now that he has experienced the training at the Ministry of Rites, it is a good time for him to go to the local areas to hone his skills.

Tang Shunzhi was no exception. His official career was also unsuccessful. He resigned and went into seclusion, visiting various places and seeking out famous teachers. Only then was he able to become Qi Jiguang's teacher in military strategy and tactics. These talents were not innate but were all acquired through hard work and cannot be lacking now.

Of course, the figure I'm most looking forward to is Hai Rui.

Consider Hai Gangfeng, who served as the magistrate of Chun'an County in history. He was a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, had no powerful connections, and couldn't even afford a staff or advisor. Yet, he managed to keep the entire county in Zhejiang in line with his authority. Hai Rui's starting point is much higher. Even if he can't be as experienced as he was in his middle age at the beginning, people can still look forward to his achievements in local affairs.

As for Haiyue, she will naturally protect and support these companions who are willing to do practical things for the people.

He put away the list with satisfaction, looked at his younger brother, and smiled, "Is your aunt arranging your wedding?"

Hai Rui, somewhat shyly, responded with a soft "Mmm..."

Haiyue wouldn't say much about other people's family affairs, but he was extremely concerned about his close brother: "When choosing a wife, virtue is the most important thing. Once the marriage is settled, let the Yinglue Society investigate the girl's family background and make a thorough consideration for you! Make this marriage happen as soon as possible, so that when you have a son, your aunt can enjoy the joy of being surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and not let her down after raising you for so many years!"

Hai Rui nodded repeatedly: "Yes! Yes!"

Given the changes in Hai Rui's life trajectory, this wife would certainly not be the one from history, and the children they bore would likely not be three daughters.

For later generations, having three daughters in a row was not a big deal, but the concept of carrying on the family line was deeply rooted in that era. With no sons for many years, Xie would definitely force Hai Rui to take a concubine or even divorce his wife and remarry. Either way, it would inevitably lead to disharmony.

The two brothers discussed some private matters, but the shouting outside grew louder and louder. They shrugged and went their separate ways to continue editing the book.

"The memorial has arrived! The memorial has arrived! It's Grand Secretary Zhang's memorial!"

Just as the court session was about to end, Haiyue got up and stretched her body when suddenly a loud shout came from outside.

In an instant, everyone gathered around to look at the memorial that Grand Secretary Zhang Cong had personally presented to the Emperor.

"It has now been discovered that wealthy merchants in Jiangnan are secretly forming rebellious societies, communicating with foreign powers, and exploiting the common people. Such acts of treason, disregard for the law, aiding the enemy, misleading the people, and undermining the state, must be severely punished."

"First, the punishment should be clearly defined and carried out according to the law. According to the law on joint liability for treason, the principal offender should be executed by slow slicing, and the accomplices should be exiled three thousand miles away, and their family property should be confiscated by the government."

"Secondly, the search and confiscation must be thorough. Four commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, each leading 600 elite cavalry, will be dispatched to various prefectures in Jiangnan with official warrants. All property belonging to Li Yuanshe, whether fields, houses, or shops, must be registered and sealed."

"Thirdly, to serve as a warning to others. The ringleader was sent to the capital in chains and publicly executed in the West Market, and his head was displayed along the nine borders. The crimes of his accomplices were published in the official gazette so that the whole country would know that the court's laws were strict."

"hiss!"

The temperature at Hanlin Academy rose instantly.

All I can say is that Zhang Luofeng truly lives up to his name!

Look further back.

"I recommend Huo Tao to serve as the Inspector of Southern Zhili. He is upright and has no dealings with the powerful clans of Jiangnan..."

Next up is Zhang Cong's list of nominees. Even Huo Tao, a key figure in the new elites of the Great Rites Controversy, has been mobilized. This is serious!

Even those who had initially supported this fell silent, while those who opposed it slammed their fists on the table and exclaimed, "With such swift and decisive measures, we fear that everything will be destroyed! Jiangnan has always been a vital source of wealth; if the repercussions are too widespread, the people will surely be terrified!" "Indeed! With the executioner's blade falling like this, who knows how many innocent people will be harmed? The war in Annam is already raging; if another uprising breaks out in Jiangnan, we fear we will be caught in a dilemma both internally and externally, ultimately leading to a collapse on two fronts!" "No! We must submit a petition!"

"The memorial has arrived! The memorial has arrived! It's a memorial from Grand Secretary Yan!"

Fortunately, before everyone could prepare a rebuttal, another memorial arrived.

This time it was Yan Song's memorial.

The first half also emphasizes the crimes of the Li Yuan Society and the wealthy merchants of Jiangnan, but then the tone shifts:
"I have thoroughly examined the case files and found that there are many omissions in the evidence against him. The members of the Liyuan Society are cunning, and their testimonies often contain entanglements. If we investigate them thoroughly, I fear that they will implicate a wide range of people. As the ancient sage said, 'The evil of King Zhou was not as great as this.' If we were to punish them all now, I fear that it would damage Your Majesty's virtue of cherishing life."

"I request that a solution be adopted that satisfies both sides: fines in lieu of punishment, order the wealthy merchants involved to pay a ransom in silver, and then allow them to pay taxes while still guilty, and permit them to raise their own fleets to transport grain to Guangdong and Guangxi, with the amount of grain consumed being three times the amount of their punishment."

"Heaven's grace has shown leniency, making the guilty merchants grateful; the military supplies have been effectively provided, sparing the common people from further levies; the rebels of Liyuan have been cut off from their financial resources, and they have collapsed without being suppressed! In this way, the court's reputation for benevolence has not been damaged, and real benefits have been obtained to aid the battlefield!"

"I recommend that Sun Weixian, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, lead the imperial guards to Nanjing immediately. If he still harbors disloyal intentions, I request that he be punished severely according to the law of joint liability for treason, his family property be confiscated, and his head be sent to the nine border regions!"

In the past, Yan Song's memorial would have inevitably been criticized, but with Zhang Cong's radicalism preceding it, the Hanlin scholars breathed a sigh of relief. Hai Yue also quietly came among the crowd and commented, "Heaven cherishes life, and the court should prioritize the morale of the troops at the front. Grand Secretary Yan's memorial is of great merit to the country, and there is no greater contribution than this!"

(End of this chapter)