Huangming

Chapter 112 The Imperial Guards Spy in the Subtlety, Planning a Scheme at the Imperial Palace
Young is good!
I rode my horse for half an hour last night, and after just one nap, all my fatigue has vanished.

Zhu Youxiao looked at his still somewhat immature hands and was filled with emotion.

There is a reopening day, and no one is young.

Since God made him more than ten years younger, he must live up to the time that God has given him.

It was still dark at this moment.

Zhu Youxiao performed a set of Five Animal Frolics and Eight Pieces of Brocade, working up a sweat. He then took a bath in the morning, ate breakfast, and went to the East Warm Pavilion to attend to state affairs.

Luo Sigong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was already waiting in the Qianqing Palace.

Upon being summoned by the emperor, Luo Sigong strode into the East Warm Pavilion, knelt before the emperor, and proclaimed in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty, I, Luo Sigong, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, respectfully wish Your Majesty a long and peaceful life!"

"I am at peace. What information has the Embroidered Uniform Guard gathered during this period?"

Zhu Youxiao understood the importance of being well-informed to the emperor.

He needs to be in control of the overall situation; if he doesn't understand the details, his decisions may not be correct.

"Your Majesty, all the secret reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard are here."

Wei Chao received the secret report from Luo Sigong, then knelt down and presented it before the emperor.

Zhu Youxiao raised an eyebrow as he looked at the secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard that day.

Today's secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard has four parts:

Firstly, the movements of the cabinet ministers:

Yesterday at 5 PM, Fang Congzhe secretly met with Xu Dahua, a senior official in the Ministry of Works, at his private residence, dismissing his attendants to discuss matters; the content of the meeting is unknown. At 7:45 PM, Gao Panlong, the vice minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, sent a visiting card, but it has not yet been received.

At dawn, Liu Yijing went to the Donglin Academy to give a lecture, where he discussed the old case of the "Clubbing Case" with Censor Zhou Zongjian and others. At noon, he received a secret letter from the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing, a copy of which he had already transcribed and placed in a box.

Secondly, the Beijing Garrison's supervisory system:
Training at the Four Guards Camp proceeded as usual, and Marquis Dingyuan, Deng Shaoyu, recruited nearly a thousand soldiers from the Li family's household guards.

Thirdly, the nobles and officials broke the law:
Duke Zhu Chunchen of Chengguo allowed his servants to forcibly seize thirty mu of government land outside Chongwen Gate, driving shopkeeper Li San to his death. A petition written in blood by the aggrieved party is hidden in the Bingzi cabinet of the Beizhenfusi (Northern Garrison Command) archives.

Marquis Li Chengming of Wuqing violated regulations by privately keeping eighty barbarian guards.

Fourth, the itinerary of important officials

Yang Lian has arrived at Tongzhou Wharf and discovered that the case of adulterating grain with sand involves Huang Jianji, the ambassador of Linqing Granary. Last night, a Huizhou merchant who brought lavish gifts to pay his respects was beaten and driven away.

When Zuo Guangdou arrived at Guide Prefecture, he encountered displaced people blocking his way along the old course of the Yellow River. The local garrison commander used muskets to drive the people away, and the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief has already submitted a memorial impeaching him.

After briefly reviewing the Ming Dynasty version of "Morning News," Zhu Youxiao was able to roughly grasp the current state of the empire.

"Continue monitoring."

Luo Sigong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, immediately accepted the order.

"I accept the decree!"

After reviewing the intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it was time for the emperor to hold court.

Attending court.

After dealing with the various state affairs, it was already noon.

The winter sun was gentle, and heavy snow was falling.

After finishing his lunch, the emperor rested for half an hour in the East Warm Pavilion before getting up to attend to state affairs again.

Being an emperor is this busy!
Without great perseverance, it would be extremely difficult to maintain such diligence in governance every day. Zhu Youxiao now understands those incompetent rulers.

It's not that they want to be incompetent rulers, it's just that being a diligent and wise ruler is not easy.

I really want to give up!
Unfortunately, the situation doesn't allow it!
If the Ming Dynasty were powerful, his shirking of responsibility wouldn't have caused any problems.

However, with the Ming Dynasty now in dire straits, he dared not slack off.

If this continues to be placed here, it might actually end up on the crooked tree on Coal Hill.

Zhu Youxiao reviewed mountains of memorials, and when he got tired, he would lie down to rest.

After Zhao Qingyue served Zhu Youxiao in bed, she was also summoned to the Qianqing Palace to serve him.

After the fields were cultivated and irrigated, Zhao Qingyue's energy and spirits improved considerably.

Zhu Youxiao strongly suspected that he had been subjected to a process of "yang-absorbing to replenish yin."

As for Zhang Yun'er, while massaging Zhu Youxiao, she kept looking at him with a resentful expression.

hateful!

I was here first, so how did things turn out like this?
As Zhu Youxiao enjoyed the delicate touch of the palace maids, he said to Wei Chao, who was waiting in the East Warm Pavilion, "Wei Da Dang, why hasn't anyone brought up the income from the imperial estates for October?"

During the period from the Hongwu to the Xuande reigns, the annual report on imperial estates was submitted in December each year. The Ministry of Revenue compiled the yellow registers (land registers) and white registers (income and expenditure accounts) of all imperial estates (including palace estates and royal estates) across the country, and submitted them after preliminary review by the Grand Secretariat.

The emperor held a formal meeting at Fengtian Gate (later renamed Huangji Gate) to address the deficit and question the company about it on the spot.

From the Zhengde to the Jiajing reigns, the annual reporting system was changed to a more stringent reporting system, with reports submitted at the beginning of each quarter (April, July, and October) and at the end of the year.

The eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs submitted a secret report, "The Accounts of Imperial Estates," through the Document Office.

However, it's already November, and the account books still haven't arrived. The emperor's tone also carried a hint of murderous intent.

Wei Chao sensed the murderous intent in the emperor's words and quickly stepped forward to say, "Your Majesty, when the late emperor was alive, he said he wanted to abolish the imperial estates, which caused some chaos among the eunuchs at the estates. I estimate that the account books will be delivered in the next few days."

Zhu Youxiao sneered and said, "Tell them that I want to see the detailed accounts carefully. Anyone who dares to embezzle or steal will be punished, just like the founding emperor!"

Wei Chao broke out in a cold sweat and said, "This servant will definitely remind them."

At the end of the Wanli era, the total area of ​​imperial estates was approximately 3.7 hectares (including palace estates, royal estates, and bestowed lands), accounting for 1.2% of the country's arable land.

This is not a small number.

The three imperial estates in Beizhili (northern Zhili) – Shuntian, Baoding, and Hejian – were conveniently located near Beijing and supplied with a large quantity of vegetables, fruits, poultry, and livestock.

The imperial estates in Jinan and Yanzhou were mainly cotton fields and salt fields, which were traded for profit.

In Yingtian and Suzhou Prefecture of Southern Zhili, high-quality rice was produced in paddy fields and transported to the capital.

The imperial estates produce at least 1.5 million shi of grain and 200,000 taels of silver annually.

even
This data is still after a large amount of embezzlement.

Zhu Youxiao wanted to see if the eunuchs guarding the imperial estate dared to deceive him.

If you dare.
snort!
Then he, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, would have to teach his subordinates what they could and could not do!
"How's the matter of confiscating the property of Shanxi merchants going?"

Sweating profusely, Wei Chao said, "This matter was handled by Wei Zhongxian. This servant is unaware of the details. I have heard that the mansions and shops of Shanxi merchants in the capital have been confiscated. As for their main family, Wang Chengen and his men set off long ago and are probably confiscating their property now!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded.

The assets of Shanxi merchants in the capital were probably not a small amount.

The big head, on the other hand, is in their hometown in Shanxi.

However, obtaining these funds from the locals will likely depend on the methods of the eunuchs he sent out.

Otherwise, if these Shanxi merchants buried their silver in some desolate wilderness, even if you didn't confiscate it, there was nothing you could do.

As for
Zhu Youxiao believed that the Shanxi merchants might rebel. Given the current state of affairs, it was not impossible for some of these merchants to be bold enough to incite the displaced people to revolt.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao ordered Wang Guoliang, the general of Shanxi, to stabilize the situation early on, and also transferred 3,000 border troops from Liaodong to maintain order. Zhu Youxiao demanded absolute certainty in everything he did.

The White Lotus Rebellion was causing trouble in Shanxi, and there were many displaced people. They were like dry tinder, which could be easily ignited by a single spark. If water was prepared in advance, the fire could be extinguished the moment it started.

"Summon Wei Zhongxian for questioning."

Zhu Youxiao thought for a moment and then said, "Let the Duke of England come as well."

"Slave, you obey!"

Half an hour later, Wei Zhongxian rushed over.

His position as the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial was far busier than that of the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial during the Wei Dynasty.

Now, with the confiscation of the property of eight major Shanxi merchants and the interrogation and torture to uncover their ill-gotten gains, he is even busier than usual.

After their homes were raided, these people's first reaction was to transfer their assets.

In order to uncover the money that they had transferred, Wei Zhongxian had to use every method imaginable.

There are many despicable things involved.

At this moment, Wei Zhongxian knelt on the cold blue bricks of the East Warm Pavilion.

He secretly pondered: those Shanxi merchants are as tough as iron, but with all these torture instruments on the ground and the methods of the foreigners, how could they not be forced to talk?

When the old man from the Qiao family was burned unconscious by the branding iron, he originally wanted to kill him to vent his anger, but then he thought that keeping him alive and using his precious grandson to blackmail him would allow him to extract more money.

Facing the emperor at this moment, he wished he could draw a map of every gold-treasured cellar and present it to His Majesty so that His Majesty would know of his loyalty and ability.

He knew how much the emperor valued the confiscation of property and understood that his methods were ruthless. But as long as he could raise the amount His Majesty wanted, what did those blood debts matter?
His Majesty desires a stable empire, and I, Wei Zhongxian, am merely clearing obstacles for him. He made excuses for himself in his heart, and when he looked up, his face was full of fawning smiles, ready to recount his "achievements" one by one.

"This servant, Wei Zhongxian, greets Your Majesty."

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly and asked, "How is the confiscation of their property going?"

Wei Zhongxian immediately replied, "Your Majesty, those Shanxi merchants in the capital are still being interrogated, but we have already extracted three million taels of silver from them. There are still some tough guys out there. If we can get them to talk, we will get even more."

Upon hearing the figure of three million taels, Zhu Youxiao's eyes lit up immediately.

Suddenly I have so much money again.

"Wei Dadang, you're very good!"

Zhu Youxiao praised Wei Zhongxian and said, "If you do a good job, I will reward you handsomely later!"

Bang bang bang!
Wei Zhongxian kowtowed repeatedly and said, "This servant will naturally do her duty perfectly."

"I have another task for you."

Wei Zhongxian raised his head slightly and immediately said, "Please give your orders, Your Majesty."

Zhu Youxiao slowly said, "After the Duke of Yingguo leads 20,000 soldiers from the Beijing Garrison south to Kaifeng, you should select some loyal and patriotic centurions and chiliarchs from within the Beijing Garrison. I will give them important positions."

Wei Zhongxian's eyes lit up. He immediately understood that the emperor was preparing to take action against the Beijing Garrison!

He immediately replied, "This servant obeys. I will certainly do this job perfectly."

After Wei Zhongxian left, Zhu Youxiao summoned Zhang Weixian, the Duke of Yingguo, who had been waiting for him in the Qianqing Palace.

"Your subject, Zhang Weixian, Duke of Ying, respectfully wishes Your Majesty a long and peaceful life!"

"Get up."

Wei Chao brought Zhang Weixian a low stool, and Zhang Weixian slowly sat down, but dared not sit too firmly, keeping his back straight and waiting for the emperor to continue.

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as he looked at Zhang Weixian, and said in a deep voice:

"Duke of England, are the 20,000 'elite troops' I requested ready?"

Zhu Youxiao emphasized the words "elite troops" in his speech.

Zhang Weixian, a cunning old fox, had long understood the emperor's meaning. At this moment, he bowed and clasped his hands, his voice steady and powerful:
"Your Majesty, I have selected 'elite' troops from the capital garrison and the families of nobles and meritorious officials according to their kinship, military merit, and seniority. The 20,000 troops are all ready and can be set off south to Kaifeng for training at any time!"

Zhang Weixian also deliberately emphasized the word "elite".

Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes and tapped his fingers lightly on the imperial desk:

"Oh? You recommend people based on 'connections'? I'd like to hear who you've chosen."

Zhang Weixian answered calmly and methodically:
"Firstly, the Marquis of Wuding, the Marquis of Yangwu, the Marquis of Funing, and their troops in the capital garrison are all brave and skilled in battle; secondly, the Duke of Cheng's household has eight hundred retainers who are proficient in archery and horsemanship and can serve as cavalry; thirdly, although the barbarian guards of the Marquis of Wuqing's household violated regulations, their combat strength is not bad, and I have ordered them to atone for their crimes through meritorious service; fourthly, the remaining soldiers are all selected from the old troops of the Five Military Commands, from families of generals for generations, and are loyal and reliable."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a cold smile.

These people gathered together are truly a gathering of talents!

"Ha, you certainly make the best use of the nobles' servants and the barbarians who defy regulations. But... what if someone outwardly obeys but inwardly defies, causing trouble halfway through?"

Zhang Weixian's eyes sharpened, and he said decisively, "Your Majesty, rest assured! I have already ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to secretly plant spies along the way. If any unusual activity occurs—"

He made a decapitation gesture with his palm, and said sternly, "Execute him immediately without pardon!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded in satisfaction and waved his sleeve, saying, "Good! We'll set off in three days. I want these 20,000 men to be trained into a swift and deadly force in Kaifeng!"

Zhang Weixian bowed deeply: "Your subject obeys the decree!"

After receiving the decree, the Duke of England raised an eyebrow and glanced at the Emperor, then asked softly, "I wonder what further instructions Your Majesty will give after I arrive in Kaifeng?"

That old fox has already seen through his wicked intentions.

Zhu Youxiao chuckled.

"Someone will tell you when the time comes."

The Duke of England was slightly disappointed that he had not gleaned any valuable information from the Emperor.

However, the emperor's next words made his eyes light up slightly.

"Among those still remaining in the capital garrison, who are the capable ones? The Duke may wish to compile a list of these people for my perusal."

Zhang Weixian knelt on the ground and said heavily, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty. Your humble servant obeys!"

Zhang Weixian knew in his heart that the lists he had were definitely those that would be given important positions, and even if they weren't, nothing would happen to them.

This is the emperor's great favor upon him!
"Go down and serve me well."

Watching the Duke of England's departing figure, Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes.

The reason he wanted the Duke of England to recommend some capable people was to reassure the Duke of England.

After the Duke of England took the troublemakers of the Beijing Garrison out of Beijing, he would certainly set about reorganizing the garrison immediately.

However, the reorganization of the Beijing garrison will inevitably lead to the punishment of a large number of people.

If we fail to distinguish between friend and foe, and even punish Zhang Weixian's men, wouldn't that be disheartening?
You want the horse to run, but you don't want it to eat grass.

Zhu Youxiao would never do such a thing.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao now gives Zhang Weixian a sense of security and keeps him firmly by his side.

With no worries about the future, Zhang Weixian was naturally able to wholeheartedly serve him.

This is Zhu Youxiao's skill in employing people!

(End of this chapter)