Huangming

Chapter 181 Practical Application of Knowledge and Strategic Planning

Outside the Ministry of War, the setting sun shone like blood.

After finishing his shift, Xu Guangqi hurried back to his residence.

Upon assuming his new post as a junior official in the Ministry of War, he was already overwhelmed by the numerous official duties. In addition, the important task of promoting sweet potatoes and corn in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces by imperial decree further exhausted him.

Although His Majesty values ​​me highly, this favor is not easily obtained.

The greater the imperial favor, the heavier the burden on one's shoulders. How can one live up to the emperor's trust if one cannot produce tangible results?
With his mind preoccupied, he only ate half a bowl of rice before putting down his chopsticks and heading straight to his study.

Madam Xu looked at her husband's tired back, her brows furrowed, her eyes filled with worry, but she ultimately did not utter a word to stop him.

The candlelight flickered in the study, illuminating the open volumes of "Shanxi General History," "Shaanxi Map," and several newly compiled manuscripts of "Western Water Management" on the desk.

Xu Guangqi rubbed his sore eyes, but his gaze remained fixed on the densely packed annotations—the flow rates of the Jing and Wei rivers, the soil moisture in the Loess Plateau, and the old irrigation practices of border towns and military settlements…

The spring breeze swept through the bamboo in the courtyard outside the window, and the rustling sound seemed to be mixed with the sobs of the disaster victims in Shaanxi.

Xu Guangqi pulled out a yellowed copy of "A Study of the Nine Border Garrisons and Agricultural Settlements" and wrote furiously in the blank space: "The lands of Shanxi and Shaanxi are not without water, but the problem lies in the lack of maintenance of ditches and canals—if we follow the Western method of using the dragon-tail cart to divert the Fen River to irrigate the dry fields on the plateau..."

Xu Guangqi was writing furiously at his desk, the candlelight illuminating his furrowed brows.

The ink on the book "A Study of the Nine Border Garrisons" was still wet when the ditch diagrams of the arid plateau in Shanxi and the soil moisture data of the military garrisons in Shaanxi gradually took shape under his pen.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded outside the door. The steward bowed and entered, whispering, "Sir, the three gentlemen of the Jesuit order, Long Huamin, Johann Adam Schall von Bell, and Yang Manuo, are requesting an audience outside the mansion."

The brush suddenly stopped, and the ink spread a dark patch on the rice paper.

Xu Guangqi's fingertips trembled slightly as he slowly put down the wolf-hair brush.

The bamboo shadows swayed outside the window, as if the secret sentries of the Imperial Guards were spying in the night.

Xu Guangqi's eyes flickered.

"Just tell them that I have already taken my leave. If there is anything important, please come again tomorrow."

He spoke very slowly, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth.

The steward glanced up and saw that his master's expression was uncertain, his shoulders under his official robe were taut, and his face showed a hint of unease.

He glanced furtively at the still-dark sky outside the window, then rubbed his hands together and said, "Master, it's still early. If we rest now, I'm afraid it will be too late."

Before he could finish speaking, Xu Guangqi coldly raised his eyes and said, "What? You're actually speaking up for Long Huamin now?"

The manager trembled and hurriedly knelt down: "I wouldn't dare! It's just... it's just that Chairman Long..."

"He what?"

Xu Guangqi slammed his brush down, ink splattering onto the table, and said in an unhappy tone, "Could it be that you've received some kind of bribe?"

"Your Excellency is wise!"

The steward pressed his forehead to the ground, his voice trembling, and said, "I would never dare! This is Chairman Long's personal letter of invitation; he says you'll understand as soon as you see it."

As he spoke, he pulled out a letter sealed with wax from his pocket and raised it above his head with both hands.

The reason why Xu Guangqi refused to meet with Long Huamin was that the emperor disliked Catholicism. He had even smashed the small church in his home, so why would he meet with these people?
At this critical juncture of the disaster in Shanxi and Shaanxi and the reform of the military farm system, His Majesty has already hinted at his wariness of Western missionaries through the inner court on numerous occasions.

When the emperor summoned him to the Qianqing Palace the day before yesterday, although he did not explicitly forbid it, his reminder that "Minister Xu should prioritize national affairs" clearly indicated that he wanted Xu to distance himself from the Westerners.

The steward knelt on the ground, and seeing that Xu Guangqi still did not move, he said tremblingly, "This is the third time Chairman Long has submitted a letter, saying that he has blueprints for improving the Dragon Tail Car to offer."

Xu Guangqi clenched his hand tightly over "A Study of the Nine Border Garrisons", the pages rustling in the candlelight.

He was well aware that these missionaries were experts in water conservancy.
However, since His Majesty detests "foreign religions," if the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to discover his secret meeting with Westerners at this time, not only would his job promoting sweet potatoes be in jeopardy, but he might even lose his official post as a Vice Minister of War.

"I said I wouldn't see you, didn't you hear me?"

The steward had indeed accepted bribes from Long Huamin, yet he still refused to back down, forcing himself to say, "Chairman Long said that their entry into the mansion at this time will not make things difficult for you, sir. They are already officials of the Ming Dynasty, bestowed by His Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi finally showed a look of inquiry on his face, and he took the visiting card from the steward's hand to examine it closely.

really.

The visiting card stated that Long Huamin, Yang Manuo, and Tang Ruowang had been granted official positions by the emperor.

He frowned slightly, his fingertips tracing the vermilion seal of the Imperial Observatory on the visiting card, thinking to himself: "Since His Majesty has granted him the official position, could it be that His Majesty has changed his attitude towards Westerners?"

Thinking back to the reminder from the Qianqing Palace the day before that "national affairs should be the priority," Xu Guangqi suddenly felt enlightened.

If the missionaries had already converted to the imperial court, wouldn't their proposed method for improving the dragon-tail cart be a good solution for irrigating the drought-stricken fields in Shanxi and Shaanxi?

With national affairs at hand, why be so concerned about avoiding suspicion?

He took a deep breath, closed the visiting card, and said to the steward who was still kneeling on the ground, "Let them in."

After a pause, Xu Guangqi whispered an instruction: "Lead them through the side door to the side hall, and don't make a sound."

The steward, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, kowtowed repeatedly and withdrew.

Xu Guangqi turned around and pushed open the window, letting the night breeze caress his face, the candlelight flickering in his deep eyes.

Soon, Long Huamin and his party were led into a side hall.

Xu Guangqi straightened his official robes and stepped forward, a perfectly measured smile on his face. He cupped his hands and said, "Supervisor Long, Deputy Supervisor Tang, Deputy Supervisor Yang, it's been a long time."

The three quickly returned the greeting. Long Huamin had a familiar smile on his face: "Paul is busy with official duties. I apologize for disturbing you."

"Where."

Xu Guangqi offered a helping hand, his gaze sweeping over the three men's brand-new official robes.

“The three of you are now officials appointed by the court and serving the country. How can you say that you are bothering us?”

Johann Adam Schall von Bell stepped forward at the opportune moment and said gently, "It has been several days since I last saw you, sir, after our discussion of Euclid's Elements. Your demeanor is even more radiant than before."

The candlelight flickered in the side hall, and the four people exchanged pleasantries, their faces all showing a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

However, the smile never reached his eyes.

Xu Guangqi glanced out the window from time to time, Long Huamin's fingertips trembled slightly in his sleeve, and even the most tactful Johann Adam Schall von Bell's respectful smile carried a hint of forced awkwardness.

This long-awaited reunion was performed flawlessly, yet it was tinged with estrangement at every turn.

There was already a thick barrier between Catholicism and Xu Guangqi.

Even if we're estranged, we still have important business to do.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell respectfully presented a scroll of drawings, saying, "Paul, this is the design of the improved Dragon Tail Cart. If it can be used in the arid lands of Shanxi and Shaanxi, it will surely relieve the people's urgent needs."

Xu Guangqi took the blueprints, examined them carefully, and exclaimed, "Indeed exquisite! Western craftsmanship is truly remarkable."

However, although his gaze was fixed on the blueprints, his mind had already wandered far away.

Although the three men in front of me still identified themselves as "missionaries," their official robes and mannerisms already subtly revealed the mark of the imperial court.

Are they genuinely here for disaster relief, or do they have ulterior motives?
The flickering candlelight in the side hall reflected the subtle expressions on everyone's faces.

Long Huamin smiled warmly and said earnestly, "Paul works tirelessly day and night for the country and the people. Since we have received the Emperor's favor, we should do our best to help him."

Although His Majesty has intentions towards them, Xu Guangqi's attitude must be made clear:
I have absolutely no connection with Catholicism anymore!
after all
Who knows if there are any spies from the Embroidered Uniform Guard in his residence?

Xu Guangqi looked at Long Huamin and said stiffly:
"Please, Chairman Long, stop calling me Paul and just call me Zixian."

Upon hearing this, a shadow of gloom crossed Long Huamin's face, but he quickly forced a smile and cupped his hands, saying, "Since you say so, Zixian, I will naturally comply."

His fingers clenched tightly in his sleeve, his heart filled with resentment.

Over the years, they have generously shared their Western skills, helped Xu Guangqi translate Euclid's Elements, improved agricultural tools, and even used church resources to pull strings for him.

Now that this person has risen to prominence, he even wants to erase his Christian name!
The Chinese are actually a bunch of freeloaders!

Very few of them truly believe in God!
Johann Adam Schall von Bell keenly sensed the awkward atmosphere and quickly stepped forward to smooth things over: “Mr. Schall von Bell cares about the people, and this improvement of the Dragon Tail car needs your supervision.”

As he spoke, he unfolded the blueprints and pointed to a certain spot, deliberately steer the conversation toward technical details.

Yang Mano chimed in, "I've heard that the soil in the Jingwei River basin is unique, so the angle of these spiral blades needs to be adjusted..."

Xu Guangqi caught a glimpse of Long Huamin's tense jaw and sneered inwardly.

He was well aware of the missionaries' schemes.
They lured him into the church under the name of "Paul," but all they wanted was to use his official position to establish themselves in the court.

Now Your Majesty openly employs his talents while secretly guarding against his religion. If I were to become involved with "foreign religions" again, wouldn't I be ruining my future?

A corner of the window paper in the side hall was suddenly lifted by the night wind. Xu Guangqi took the opportunity to get up and close the window. The cloud and goose patch on his official robe was particularly dazzling in the candlelight.

With his back to the three men, he said calmly, "Now that you three are receiving salaries from the Ming Dynasty, you should prioritize matters of state. Regarding the matter of the dragon-tail carriage..."

Before he could finish speaking, Long Huamin suddenly interrupted, "Lord Xu, have you forgotten the printing plates for the Bible in Manila Port? They were cast with church money!" The air froze.

Xu Guangqi slowly turned around, his eyes filled with a chilling glint: "Supervisor Long, you are mistaken. When I translated books, it was for the purpose of 'learning from the barbarians' superior techniques to strengthen ourselves,' what does it have to do with your missionary work?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "supervisor".

This was a nominal position given to Long Huamin by the emperor, clearly a reminder to him to recognize his true status.

When Long Huamin saw that Xu Guangqi was determined to sever ties with the Jesuits, he knew that there was no way to reverse the situation.

Although I was angry, there was nothing I could do.

I endured it for the sake of spreading the faith!
After all, the current situation is much better than they had anticipated.

When they first heard that the emperor disliked Catholicism, Long Huamin and his colleagues were struck dumb, fearing that their decades of hard work in missionary work would be destroyed.

However, after much inquiry and mediation, it was discovered that the emperor did not harbor hostility towards Catholicism itself, but rather had not yet recognized its true value.

In an effort to turn the situation around, Long Huamin and others volunteered to go to Shaanxi and Shanxi to promote new crops such as sweet potatoes and corn.

This proposal was unexpectedly approved by the emperor, who even bestowed upon him honorary positions such as supervisor of the Imperial Observatory.

Although he held no real power, he managed to secure a place in the imperial court.

Long Huamin thought to himself: As long as he can gain a foothold in the imperial court, there is still a chance to turn things around regarding his missionary work.

Thinking of this, Long Huamin looked at Xu Guangqi, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Xu Guangqi, that traitor!
Once His Majesty converts to Christianity, he will surely burn you, this heretic, to the ground!

For now, just swallow your anger!

Long Huamin barely suppressed his anger, forced a smile, and cupped his hands, saying, "I admire your concern for the country. I have come here to alleviate the drought in Shanxi and Shaanxi, and have absolutely no intention of proselytizing."

Seeing this, Tang Ruowang quickly chimed in, "Zixian, the chairman is also very sincere. We still need your guidance on the improved blueprints for the Dragon Tail Cart. If it can be implemented soon, the people will suffer less."

Xu Guangqi's expression softened slightly, and he began to discuss the modification of the dragon-tailed carriage.

Seeing that Xu Guangqi was no longer making trouble, Long Huamin felt somewhat relieved and thought to himself: as long as we can still cooperate, there will be a chance for missionary work.

This time, we're promoting sweet potatoes and corn in Shanxi and Shaanxi, and we must show the emperor the power of Catholicism!
If this is handled well, the Ming emperor will definitely have a much better view of Catholicism!

Thinking of the future emperor promoting Catholicism and the scene of millions of Catholics joining the land of China, Long Huamin couldn't help but hum softly.

At this moment, looking at the heretic Xu Guangqi, he could actually praise him against his will.

"Zi Xian is indeed insightful. We are willing to follow orders and cooperate fully."

Xu Guangqi nodded slightly and said, "In that case, I will submit this map to the Ministry of War tomorrow and ask His Majesty to make a decision. Since the three of you have already served the court, I hope you will prioritize national affairs and not cause any unnecessary trouble."

Long Huamin understood the warning in his words and could only reply, "Don't worry, Zixian, we will certainly keep to our duty."

Xu Guangqi exchanged a few more perfunctory words with the others, who then wisely left.

It's all just a matter of giving each other the runaround and maintaining appearances.

Everyone just takes what they need.

As soon as Long Huamin and the others left the side hall, Xu Guangqi breathed a sigh of relief and was about to turn back to his study when the steward rushed over, carrying another visiting card.

What day is today?
My doorstep is practically worn down by all the footsteps.

Xu Guangqi was helpless.

The manager had already bowed and spoken.

“Sir, there is a county magistrate outside who claims to be Yuan Chonghuan and requests an audience. He says he has been ordered by the emperor to discuss important matters with you.”

Xu Guangqi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, but had no recollection of the name "Yuan Chonghuan".

But upon hearing that the other party was the county magistrate and that the "imperial decree" was mentioned, he nodded and said, "Let him in."

"Yes!"

Before long, the steward led a man dressed in a seventh-rank official robe with a mandarin duck insignia into the side hall.

The man was tall and straight, with a sharp look between his brows. A three-foot-long sword hung at his waist, and his steps were steady and powerful.

Upon entering, he bowed respectfully and said in a loud voice, "Yuan Chonghuan, Magistrate of Shaowu, greets Physician Xu!"

Xu Guangqi rose to return the greeting, but his gaze fell on the sword at the man's waist. According to the rules of etiquette, a seventh-rank official was not qualified to bring a sword into the government office, but this man had come to the door with a sword in a very open manner, which meant that he had something else to rely on.

He said calmly, "Magistrate Yuan, what brings you here so late at night?"

Yuan Chonghuan straightened up, took out a copy of the imperial edict on yellow silk from his bosom, and presented it with both hands: "Please take a look, Lord Xu."

Xu Guangqi took the copy of the imperial edict, unfolded it and read it carefully, his expression gradually becoming solemn.

The copy of the imperial edict clearly states that Yuan Chonghuan was promoted to the position of Councilor of the Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commission, tasked with promoting sweet potatoes and corn, and also responsible for drought relief and disaster relief. He was also granted the Imperial Sword and permitted to "act at his own discretion".

At the end, the Emperor's imperial edict was clearly visible: "Yuan Chonghuan is hereby ordered to immediately cooperate with Xu Guangqi to promote the new species and travel together to Shanxi and Shaanxi. This is the imperial decree."

"So Councilor Yuan is a capable minister recently appointed by His Majesty!"

Xu Guangqi closed the edict, the solemnity between his brows vanishing, and a genuine smile unconsciously appeared on his lips—a stark contrast to the distant and polite fake smile he had given Long Huamin earlier.

He carefully examined the seventh-rank magistrate with the imperial sword hanging at his waist, and suddenly realized: Yuan Chonghuan, like himself, was a member of the emperor's faction who had been promoted by the emperor without regard to precedent.

Since we share the same imperial favor and shoulder the heavy responsibility of disaster relief in Shanxi and Shaanxi, we are now one of our own, sharing the same boat.

Thinking of this, Xu Guangqi's smile deepened, and even his voice was warm: "Counselor Yuan came overnight, I'm sure he's also concerned about the disaster victims. Come, come, sit down and let's talk in detail."

Yuan Chonghuan laughed heartily and patted the sword at his waist: "Lord Xu, you may not know this, but I came straight to your residence after leaving the Qianqing Palace. The drought in Shaanxi is raging, and every day of delay means hundreds more people will starve to death!"

His eyes burned with fervor as he continued, “His Majesty has ordered me to accompany Lord Xu in promoting sweet potatoes and corn. Although I am not knowledgeable in agriculture, I have a heart full of courage. If Lord Xu has any needs, I am willing to go through fire and water to be at his disposal!”

Seeing his earnest words, and recalling the blueprints for the dragon-tailed carriage that Long Huamin had just presented, Xu Guangqi suddenly had an idea.

He gestured for Yuan Chonghuan to sit down, and personally poured him a cup of tea, handing it to him: "Since Councilor Yuan has the Imperial Sword in hand, he must have received His Majesty's secret decree. To be frank, this trip to Shanxi and Shaanxi is likely not just about disaster relief..."

Yuan Chonghuan took the teacup, rubbing his knuckles along the rim, and said in a low voice, "Lord Xu, you are wise. Before you left, His Majesty said that many officials in Shanxi and Shaanxi were colluding with powerful families and embezzling disaster relief funds. This imperial sword is meant to cut off the heads of a few corrupt officials as a warning to others!"

The candlelight in the side hall suddenly flickered, casting the two figures' shadows overlapping on the pink wall.

Xu Guangqi nodded slightly, took out a map from a drawer on his desk, unfurled it, and pointed to the Jingwei River basin: "In that case, Councilor Yuan, please take a look. This area is the most severely affected by drought, but it is also where the garrison farms are most densely concentrated. If someone obstructs the promotion of new plantings..."

"Kill without mercy!"

Before Xu Guangqi could finish speaking, Yuan Chonghuan interrupted him decisively.

After interrupting him, the young Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commissioner looked puzzled and asked, "I have heard that Lord Xu is known for his benevolence. Why then does he resort to such cruel methods?"

Xu Guangqi gave a wry smile, pulled a secret letter from his sleeve and handed it over, saying, "This is a private letter from the governor of Shaanxi earlier. In Yan'an Prefecture, some disaster victims are already resorting to cannibalism, and the local government granaries are claiming that there is 'no grain left.'"

He pressed his fingertips heavily on the map, his expression grave.

"Benevolence? Benevolence can't save people who are starving to death!"

Bearing a heavy burden, in order to fulfill their mission and advance their careers, they had to abandon all kindness and compassion.

Even if it meant being a cruel official and bearing a bad reputation, Xu Guangqi was willing to do it.

"Xu Gong truly has the ambition to accomplish great things!"

As Yuan Chonghuan spoke, he accepted the private letter from the Governor of Shaanxi.

After reading the private letter, the young man's temples bulged with veins, and he suddenly stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Rest assured, Lord Xu! Tomorrow I will retrieve the Ministry of War's records of land reclamation over the years, and none of those who have embezzled will escape!"

He suddenly remembered something and added, "His Majesty has also granted me special permission to access the secret files of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. When the time comes, those who should be killed will be killed, and those who should be exiled will be exiled."

"it is good!"

Xu Guangqi clapped his hands and praised, "With the secret files of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the situation in Shanxi and Shaanxi will be much clearer."

After a moment's thought, Xu Guangqi said, "His Majesty seems to intend to have Long Huamin and other Jesuits accompany him to promote sweet potatoes and corn. Although these people are useful, we must be careful to prevent them from taking the opportunity to spread their religion."

Xu Guangqi had completely broken with the Jesuits.

At this moment, he was extremely wary of the Jesuits cutting off his career.

Yuan Chonghuan understood and sneered, "Lord Xu, there's no need to worry. If they behave themselves, they will be officials of the court; if they dare to act recklessly, I will cut off the heads of the foreign monks and the treacherous officials with my three-foot sword!"

How dare you ruin His Majesty's important plans?

Let alone mere Western missionaries.

Even if the King of Heaven himself came, it wouldn't work!
(End of this chapter)