The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 151 Human hearts are like water, easily surrendered

The customs and practices observed at banquets became popular in Jiangnan.

This governor of Jiangnan, who came from a distinguished family, left an indelible, almost terrifying impression on the entire Jiangnan region. Countless people knew clearly that his time as governor of Jiangnan would not be easy to resolve.

A storm is brewing; who can remain unscathed?
The next day, the morning light first appeared.

Outside the temporary yamen of the Jiangnan Governor, several tall, black banners fluttered in the wind, officially announcing the opening of the yamen and the commencement of its affairs. The proclamations posted beneath the banners, their ink still fresh, each word sharp as a knife, read:

"Any soldier or civilian in Jiangnan who has any case involving the injustice or illegal acts of officials of the third rank or above may appeal to the authorities."

"Any soldier or civilian in Jiangnan who has any involvement in the illegal activities of the White Lotus Sect and has truthful clues may report it."

"Any soldier or civilian in Jiangnan who has any matter involving the imperial court's taxes and grain can report it to the authorities."

"Any soldier or civilian in Jiangnan who has any other matter concerning the stability of the nation and the laws of the court may report it to the authorities."

"False accusations are forbidden; those who make false accusations will be punished!"

These notices immediately stirred up a huge wave of discussion among officials, gentry, and common people in Jiangnan.

Inside the governor's office, an accompanying aide said, "Your Excellency, if the law that falsely accuses someone will be punished is truly implemented, it will deter those who know the truth from coming forward. At that time, I'm afraid no one will come forward to file a complaint. Should we remove it? Since we encourage people to file complaints, we should eliminate the worries of those who file complaints."

Li Xianmu was well-versed in classics and history; how could he not know that the key to making a accusation was to "avoid being punished for false accusation"?
Whether it was the "Gao Min" (encouraging people to expose merchants who concealed their wealth) during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, or the "Hu Gao" (mutual accusation) during the reign of Emperor Hongwu, the essence of their success lay in the fact that the accusers were exempted from punishment. Regardless of whether you were making false accusations or making a genuine accusation, the court treated it as a true case and punished you accordingly.

Essentially, it reflects the imperial ideology of "better to kill a thousand innocent people than let one guilty person go free."

For the supreme imperial power, the life or death of innocent people is of no concern. If it were to let go of potential criminals out of fear of indiscriminate killing of innocent people, it would be jeopardizing the stability of the state.

Although Li Xianmu had to do things in Jiangnan, he really didn't need to get his hands stained with the blood of innocent people.

What benefit would it bring to people?

What benefit would that bring to the world?

“Importantly emphasizing that false accusations will result in punishment is not an oversight, but rather something I did on purpose,” Li Xianmu said with a loud laugh. “As the sage said, punishing someone without teaching them is cruelty. My father also taught me many times that one should always leave some room for maneuver in one’s actions.”

This is an opportunity I am giving to the officials of Jiangnan. If they are willing to repent and reform, they will still be good subjects of my Great Ming Dynasty.

If you are determined to resist to the bitter end, I have done all I could. But if you are to face execution the next day, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

The delegation officials were both shocked and impressed upon hearing this. Despite his young age, he was impeccable in his dealings with others, able to exert his domineering presence at banquets while also showing compassion and leniency towards the people of Jiangnan.

Li Xianmu glanced around at the people in the governor's office, his eyes flickering slightly. He didn't know how many of these people had connections with officials in Jiangnan, nor did he care.

These words will soon spread throughout the streets and alleys of Jiangnan, and everyone will know his attitude.

As for his activities in Jiangnan, he never concealed them, nor did he act in secret. He investigated openly and aboveboard, leaving no room for anyone to avoid them.

Li Xianmu's words quickly spread to government offices at all levels. In fact, many people could understand them even if Li Xianmu hadn't said them.

“The governor specifically stated that he would only accept complaints about illegal activities from officials of the third rank or above. This clause could actually be completely relaxed, and any illegal activities by officials could be reported,” an old man stroked his beard and said with a smile. “The reason for setting up the third rank was that he never intended to accept complaints from the people.”

“The White Lotus Sect’s case is the same,” someone chimed in. “Ordinary people, how could they possibly have any ‘truthful clues’? This notice is less about opening a door of convenience and more about blocking all avenues for advice.”

"It seems we've all misunderstood the governor. Upon arriving in Jiangnan, he immediately gave the students a hard time, and then subjected them to several acts of oppression. We initially thought he was going to emulate cruel officials, ravage Jiangnan, and stain his official hat with the blood of the Jiangnan officials and gentry." The official in the blue robe sighed deeply. "But now it seems that his words at the banquet were heartfelt and sincere. He didn't really intend to make things difficult for the students of Jiangnan, but rather came for the sake of the country and the nation. As long as we perform our duties, we don't need to worry about being implicated in the bloodshed."

"I have said long ago that although this governor is young and ambitious, everything he has done and said since entering officialdom has been upright and honest. He has a clear conscience and a bright future. He is a true gentleman of the Confucian school and has never had a trace of malice or evil. He is deeply influenced by Li Zhongwen. Although he does not have Li Zhongwen's shrewdness and experience, he is definitely not a wicked official like Li Zhongwen. Now do you believe me?"

"Shame on us, shame on us!" Everyone echoed. "Now that we think about it, we really were judging a gentleman by our own petty standards, mistakenly believing that he wanted to use our Jiangnan official career as a stepping stone to advancement."

Human nature is so subtle.

Either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind overpowers the east wind.

If Li Xianmu had arrived in Jiangnan and acted in such a drizzly and gentle manner, showing a cooperative attitude, the civil and military officials of Jiangnan would have thought him weak and easily bullied, and might have even taken him for granted, not taking him seriously, and might have even tried to obstruct Li Xianmu's work in every possible way.

However, after being intimidated and even humiliated by Li Xianmu, his subsequent acts of kindness made them realize that Li Xianmu wasn't entirely unreasonable, and some even felt grateful. He manipulated people's hearts and played power games.

Li Qi just smiled and shook his head; his son was going further and further down this path.

fortunately.

To Li Qi's relief, Li Xianmu was not obsessed with power politics, but rather used principles to guide his tactics. He understood that expediency was only temporary and ultimately served the greater good. Otherwise, even if one mastered power politics to the highest level, one would still end up like that old Jiajing Emperor.

It is of no benefit to the country!

It is of no benefit to the world!
"Now, you all should have a plan for what to do."

“What else can we do? It’s not a big deal. Is it worth risking our lives to go against the court?” someone said impetuously. “Anyway, I won’t go against the court. I’ll go to the governor’s office to serve the Ming Dynasty and become a loyal minister to His Majesty.”

"As for the matter of sorcery, that's easy to explain. We had no involvement with the White Lotus Sect, and as long as we pledge allegiance, Li Xianmu will naturally be willing to testify for us. But he also wants to investigate other matters in Jiangnan, and that..."

"What could be wrong? It's just that your clan hasn't paid enough taxes on the land under their name. Ten percent of the land in Shaoxing Prefecture belongs to your family, and you're just reluctant to part with it. This mess is all your own doing, so don't try to drag me down with you."

"You...you are slanderous!"

"Whether it's slander or not, we'll know once the governor investigates!"

"It would be best if Physician Zhao left some room for maneuver in his words. The governor will only be staying in Jiangnan for a short time, but you and I will be working together for a long time."

"Alright, alright, we've been colleagues for years, why be so confrontational and ruin our relationship?" Seeing the two locked in a fierce battle, neither willing to back down, the bystanders quickly stepped forward to mediate.

Seeing that the conversation was going nowhere, everyone could only disperse dejectedly.

They were separated immediately.

"Brother Zhao, you just said you were going to the governor's office, were you serious? Why did you speak so rudely in the room just now, making Tang Mingze lose face?"

Zhao Langzhong looked around and whispered, "The news from the capital is that the governor's trip to the south is on His Majesty's orders to procure provisions for the southern expeditionary army."

The other man was startled and lowered his voice, saying, "Could it be that the funds are to be allocated from the grain being transported to the capital? But all that grain has already been checked with the maritime transport authorities; not a single grain could be missing!"

"How dare you think of allocating funds from the grain transported to the capital?"

If that were truly the case, His Majesty could have simply issued an imperial decree; there would have been no need to send Li Xianmu to Jiangnan.

According to the information I received, His Majesty has entrusted Li Xianmu with the task of not only procuring provisions for the southern expeditionary army, but also overseeing the transport of grain to the capital—not a single grain can be missing!

The news was so bombshell that it left the other person somewhat bewildered. "But this year's harvest is already finished. Where are we going to procure provisions for the imperial court now? Are we going to have to impose additional taxes and levies?"

"It can only be a temporary tax increase; otherwise, how can we conjure up grain out of thin air?"

This is a truly momentous event for the imperial court!

That's why I'm going to serve the governor. The governor doesn't want to get his hands dirty with the blood of Jiangnan, but I don't care. If I can make a great contribution, my future will be limitless.

I told Brother Wang about this matter. Since you are the head of the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing, you are very familiar with matters such as grain tax collection. If you are willing to join the governor, you will surely make great contributions. Would you like to come with me?
"The governor is young yet deeply trusted by His Majesty, and possesses great talent for governing the country. His future is limitless. Although he is only a temporary governor in Jiangnan, as long as one catches His Majesty's eye, a few words from him will suffice to transfer him to a post in the capital. Even if he doesn't make it to the capital, he can be transferred elsewhere without worrying about retaliation in Jiangnan."

Wang Shi was tempted at first, but then hesitated and said, "But the taxes in Jiangnan are already very heavy. If we increase the taxes again, the people will be overwhelmed and their families will be ruined. I am not willing to help the wicked and disregard the lives of millions of people for my own benefit."

Zhao Langzhong first sneered, then comforted him, "What is there to worry about? When has Li Zhongwen ever cruelly oppressed the people? Li Xianmu cares most about his father's posthumous reputation, so how could he possibly oppress the people? He must have a way."

These words were quite reasonable and immediately persuaded Wang Shi, who said in a loud voice, "I will go with you to the governor's office to serve him."

The conversation between the two was just a microcosm of Jiangnan. After Li Xianmu showed obvious goodwill, many people in Jiangnan wanted to switch sides.

Li Xianmu sat calmly in the governor's office, like Jiang Taigong fishing. He had already stirred up the waters of Jiangnan, and was just waiting for the fish to take the bait.

(End of this chapter)