Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 93 Fame is the furnace, greed is the charcoal (+ Update)
Once Wang Tiqian had made up his mind, he no longer hesitated.

He cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "These past few days, I have sent all my subordinate officers to various parts of the capital to investigate openly and secretly, and I have made many discoveries."

"Since His Majesty denounced the corruption of officials at the court assembly, the reactions of the officials in the capital have varied."

“There are those who shut themselves off from visitors and guard their doors carefully, such as Xue Guoguan, the Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. He turned away all those who came to offer gifts, which became a topic of conversation for a time.”

"There are also those who maintain the status quo, outwardly complying but inwardly disobeying, still welcoming and seeing off guests, only acting more discreetly than before."

"In addition, the original eunuch faction members were mostly fearful and uneasy, and tried to find connections everywhere. However, when they went to the residences of several Grand Secretaries, they were all refused entry."

At this point, Wang Tiqian paused and added, "Some of them also found their way to this servant, or to Tian Ergeng, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

He casually pointed and said, "Anyone who comes to my place... I will refuse to see them."

"Finally, a considerable number of people flocked to the residence of Chen Jiuchou, the former acting Minister of Justice and Vice Minister of the Left. This Minister Chen welcomed almost everyone who came."

"The rest of the group, either as disciples of their teachers or as fellow townsmen, connected with each other frequently."

“The affairs of each household are in a state of chaos and disorder, which are too numerous to describe in detail. I have compiled them into a book and present it to Your Majesty for your perusal.”

After saying this, Wang Tiqian respectfully took out a thin booklet from his wide sleeves and had Gao Shiming present it to him.

Zhu Youjian took it and carefully looked through it.

The booklet was extremely detailed.

Although the content of the secret talks between the various prefectures is unknown, it is accurate to the date and time, who carried what, which gate they entered through, which prefecture they went to for an audience, and how long they stayed.

A barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of Zhu Youjian's mouth.

Overall, his anti-corruption slogans had some effect, but ultimately proved to be of little use.

As for officials colluding and forming cliques among themselves... he thought it was perfectly normal.

Human relationships and self-interest drive behavior, and even sages cannot escape them.

Ultimately, this world is a world made up of people.

With people come interpersonal relationships, students, old friends, fellow villagers, and colleagues.

To expect the imperial court to be filled with pure, independent officials who do not form factions or cliques is wishful thinking.

He was not like Emperor Chongzhen, who would naively believe that there were truly loyal ministers in the world, and then fly into a rage upon discovering the true nature of these "loyal ministers."

Forming factions is not a big problem.

As long as they are prevented from forming a united force capable of opposing imperial power based on core interests and ideology, it will not be a big deal; in fact, this faction could even be used to his advantage.

He snapped the booklet shut, his gaze falling on Wang Tiqian, his tone carrying just the right amount of approval.

"Tiqian, you truly understand my heart."

Zhu Youjian's tone was gentle, like a spring breeze and rain.

Upon hearing this, Wang Tiqian slid off the brocade stool again and knelt on the ground, his voice choked with emotion: "It is my duty to share Your Majesty's burdens!"

Zhu Youjian waved the booklet in his hand and handed it to Gao Shiming, who was standing to the side.

"Gao Banban, update all the information in this booklet onto the official documents of all the officials."

"After reviewing the intelligence sent by Tiqian, I will have it all compiled and updated by you."

"Your humble servant obeys the decree." Gao Shiming bowed and accepted the document.

Zhu Youjian then said, "Take this booklet, remove the specific names of the people involved in the corrupt dealings, and only keep the official titles and the reasons for the transactions. Make a separate copy of it."

"Then, send it along with Xue Guoguan's memorial to Guopu and Jingchen for them to see."

Zhu Youjian paused for a moment, then said, "And please also take my imperial edict with you."

"If we're going to fight corruption, we need to know how corrupt people are these days. Otherwise, what are we fighting for? From what angle should we start? And to what extent should we fight it?"

"What is the usual practice for the Six Ministries, the Censorate, and the local authorities? And what is the unusual practice?"

"If we want to fight corruption, which government departments and which individuals should we start with to make a strong impression and achieve twice the result with half the effort?"

"How much salary do officials at all levels need to maintain a decent lifestyle?"

"How much is still short of the salaries currently paid by the imperial court? If the full amount is to be made up, how much more money will the national treasury have to spend each year?"

"Furthermore, are the laws of our Great Ming Dynasty for punishing corruption too strict or too lenient now? Do they need to be revised?"

Zhu Youjian thought for a moment and added, "That's all for now. Let them think through each of these issues, write them down clearly, and then submit the plan!"

"Your humble servant obeys the decree." Gao Shiming accepted the order once again.

Zhu Youjian then turned his gaze back to Wang Tiqian.

“Tiqian, the reason I summoned you to the palace today was not for this matter.”

After saying that, he gestured to Gao Shiming: "Tell Tiqian about the background and consequences of my plan to repair the roads in the capital and to have all officials donate their salaries."

"Yes."

……

A moment later, Gao Shiming finished his concise explanation.

Wang Tiqian knelt on the ground and remained silent for a moment.

He could sense that behind this seemingly benevolent act that benefited the country and its people lay an unusual and cunning scheme.

He raised his head and asked tentatively, "Your Majesty...Does Your Majesty think that the donation of salaries by officials is feasible, but...should each person do what they can?"

A satisfied smile finally appeared on Zhu Youjian's face.

“That’s right. However, we need you to help us determine the extent of each person’s abilities.”

"I will issue an edict that all officials who donate their salaries should come to you to pay their taxes." Wang Tiqian's heart began to race.

He hesitated for a moment, then boldly added, "I wonder... how much 'force' should be used? Should it be all-out effort, or... only half-effort?"

He gritted his teeth, and before Zhu Youjian could ask any questions, he steeled himself and continued:

"Take Tian Ergeng, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, for example. His family fortune is said to be 200,000. He recently shared His Majesty's burdens and 'slightly rewarded' himself with 70,000, leaving him with more than 100,000. With such wealth, what can he possibly do?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Tiqian kowtowed deeply, his forehead pressed against the cold gold brick.

He's gambling!
What the gambling emperor wanted was not the secret police, but the "secret police" and the "secret police"!
The hall was deathly quiet.

Wang Tiqian felt his heartbeat booming in his ears like a war drum.

Cold sweat trickled down his forehead, drop by drop.

I don't know how much time passed, it felt like an eternity.

Zhu Youjian suddenly laughed.

"Tian Ergeng's grandfather was the Minister of War of the previous dynasty. He defeated the Qingman and became famous in the Northwest. Emperor Shenzong rewarded him greatly. Over the years, he accumulated such wealth, which is not surprising."

Wang Tiqian's heart sank.

However, Zhu Youjian's next words were like heavenly music to him.

"However... Tiqian, you truly understand my heart."

Although the tone clearly conveyed admiration and amusement.

Zhu Youjian stepped down from behind the imperial desk and personally helped Wang Tiqian up.

"In this matter, we do not expect everyone to do their best, but only to see how much each person is willing to do."

His voice carried a hint of coldness.

"I will have Xue Guoguan take the lead in erecting a merit monument at every newly built intersection in the capital."

“The names, official titles, and amounts of gold and silver donated by all the donors were inscribed on it.”

"Those who donate more silver will naturally receive more gratitude from the people of the capital."

He paused, patted Wang Tiqian on the shoulder, and said, word by word:

"However, every donation must be recorded on the monument."

"Such a benevolent act that benefits all living beings should surely be remembered in history. Do you understand?"

Wang Tiqian instantly understood!
This isn't about getting money!

This is not for wealth, but for the refinement of the heart! With fame as the furnace and greed as the charcoal, what is refined—whether it is loyalty or treachery—is immediately clear!
Those who donate generously to this monument of merit not only demonstrate their loyalty, but also expose their wealth to the light of day, essentially revealing their corruption to the emperor and offering a pledge of allegiance.

Those who donate less may keep their money, but they also earn the reputation of being disloyal, unjust, and deceitful to the emperor! These people may be able to keep their money, but they may not be able to keep their power!
The amount to donate does not depend entirely on how much wealth you have, but rather on whether you are truly of one mind with His Majesty!

"This servant...this servant understands!" Wang Tiqian said, cupping his hands. "This servant will definitely handle this matter thoroughly!"

"Good." Zhu Youjian nodded in satisfaction. "After this matter is settled, you shall come to the palace every day at 9:00 AM. By then, I will have finished reviewing the memorials and will be able to hear your report on the affairs of the capital."

Enter the palace at 9:00 AM every day!

Wang Tiqian breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed he had made the right bet, although he didn't know which step he had taken.

His fingers trembled slightly with excitement, but he tried his best to remain calm, and simply bowed deeply.

"This servant... will serve Your Majesty with utmost devotion!"

Zhu Youjian stroked his chin, as if he had just remembered something, and casually asked, "How much do you know about the affairs of the nobles in the capital?"

Wang Tiqian's heart skipped a beat, and he said with a hint of fear, "Your Majesty, the Eastern Depot's previous efforts were mostly focused on the Donglin Party strife and the investigation of the remnants of the eunuch faction. Only recently have they turned their attention to the corruption and factionalism of civil officials. As for the nobility, I'm afraid... their investigation is not as thorough as that of the civil officials."

"It's alright." Zhu Youjian smiled. "This afternoon I will summon the Duke of Yingguo to the palace to have him take the lead in this noble donation. By the way, I will also have him recommend some noble sons to come to the palace to practice riding and archery with me."

"However, the Duke of England is getting on in years, and his eyesight may be failing. He may make mistakes in judging people and things."

"This is where Tiqian comes in to help me check it out."

"You should also compile a list of information, including the approximate wealth of each noble family in the capital, which of their sons are outstanding, which are capable, and which are good-for-nothings. Submit it to me in a few days for my review."

The nobles of the Ming Dynasty had long been on the fringes of politics, so Wang Tiqian had no qualms about it and immediately bowed to accept the order: "Yes, Your Majesty. The preliminary report should be ready to be presented by tomorrow."

Zhu Youjian smiled slightly. "Alright, that's all. Get to work on it."

"This servant takes her leave." Wang Tiqian bowed and slowly withdrew from the main hall, step by step.

Inside the hall, Zhu Youjian stroked his chin, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

Is money really that important?

On the surface, yes.

However, from a national perspective, the ability to mobilize resources, the level of talent organization, and the inclination of public sentiment are all more important than mere money.

Confiscating property is the worst approach; it only yields a one-time cash flow and will likely provoke a violent backlash.

By making good use of the stains on these eunuchs and corrupt officials, repeatedly scrutinizing and manipulating them, we can weed out a group of truly loyal imperialists who would serve us wholeheartedly and dare not have any disloyalty.

But then again... how exactly should the nobles of the Ming Dynasty be used?
Historically, Emperor Chongzhen's hysterical methods, such as forcing them to hang themselves and plead poverty, are definitely not feasible.

Are there any more civilized and polite ways to involve them in this movement to save the nation, which they have accumulated over two hundred years?

These people are, after all, shareholders of the Ming Dynasty. We can't just stand by and watch them sink with their mountains of gold and silver.

Forget it, I won't think about it too much. I'll just do it as I go, and feel my way across the river.

"Gao Banban, serve the meal!"

(End of this chapter)