Huangming

Chapter 205 Bloodstained Blade Breaks Through the Mound, Measuring Heaven and Earth
During the Ming Dynasty, Daxing County implemented a three-tiered system of "township-community-village," with each level governing the others, connecting every inch of land in the capital region like a spider web.

Today, Hong Chengchou is located in Huangcun Community, which is under the jurisdiction of Huangcun Town, Daxing County.

The scorching sun beat down on the old locust tree at the village entrance, and a group of people stood quietly waiting amidst the dappled shadows.

Hong Chengchou stood with his hands behind his back, the hem of his official robe covered in dust, and his straw sandals sank deep into the dry, cracked yellow earth.

He squinted at the winding field ridges in the distance—where a cloud of dust was rising.

Before long, a dozen or so young and middle-aged farmers rushed over, surrounding an elderly man in his sixties.

The old man's hair and beard were all white, but his back was straight. His dark neck, exposed under his coarse cloth clothes, was covered with unwashed wheat husks in the folds.

This person was the head of Huangcun Village, and also the "Tuzheng" personally promoted by Hong Chengchou, the most peripheral yet sharpest needle tip in the land survey system.

"This old man pays his respects to Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy!"

The village head knelt down with a thud, his forehead hitting the scorching ground hard.

The able-bodied men behind them followed suit, lying prone on the ground, raising a cloud of choking dust.

Hong Chengchou quickly stepped forward and supported the old man's arms with both hands.

The bones were painfully hard to the touch, but the thick calluses on the palms were typical of a farmer's hands—these hands had plowed the land for at least thirty years.

He said gently, "Tu Zheng has worked hard in the countryside for the imperial court's land survey."

The village headman stood up, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his cloudy eyes: "How dare I complain of hardship? To serve His Majesty to the death is a blessing for a commoner!"

He grinned, revealing his missing front tooth, like an old fox that had caught the scent of meat.

Hong Chengchou's eyes flickered slightly. How could he not know what the old official was thinking?
After the map was selected, the eighty acres of hillside land that his family had hidden disappeared from the fish-scale register, and he could also receive two taels of silver a month as "foot money".

What's even more ingenious is that, taking advantage of the land survey, this old man has seized most of the land belonging to his arch-enemy, the Li family.

"Water that is too clear has no fish."

Hong Chengchou stroked the cord binding the Shangfang sword at his waist, recalling the emperor's meaningful look when he left the capital.

Right now, he needs these local bullies as henchmen. When it comes time to settle accounts later, these fat rats will return the money with interest.

"What is the progress of the land survey in Huangcun Village, Village Nine?"

Hong Chengchou suddenly asked a question, his voice like a knife cleaving through the sweltering air.

"Can the hidden farmland be discovered?"

The village headman perked up, pointing his withered finger to the northwest: "Reporting to Your Excellency, the local tyrant Li Ming alone has seized over a thousand acres of fertile land! That scoundrel built a fortified village in the west of the village and keeps a hundred or so outlaws. He even dares to beat up the county yamen runners."

"Li Ming?"

Hong Chengchou raised an eyebrow.

He was all too familiar with that name—the brother-in-law of the former Vice Minister of War, whose case file from last year's forced occupation of military farms was still held by the Ministry of Justice.

Now that they dare to defy the land survey, they've been delivered right to the doorstep as a warning to others.

With a "whoosh," Hong Chengchou suddenly drew his imperial sword.

Under the blazing sun, the sword gleamed with a bluish light, startling the village head so much that he took two steps back.

"I will allocate three hundred elite troops to you."

The sword tip carved a deep trench in the ground, dividing Huangcun Village in two like a watershed.

"Within three days, I want to see Li Ming's land deeds, account books, and his head."

Upon hearing this, the village head's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He immediately bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching the ground, his voice revealing a mixture of flattery and ruthlessness: "Rest assured, Your Excellency! I will handle this matter flawlessly and will not allow Li Ming the slightest chance to turn the tables!"

He subtly curled the corners of his mouth, having already made his plans.

With Li Ming gone, he could not only seize the opportunity to take over Li Ming's hidden land, but also take the gold, silver and valuables that the Li family had accumulated over the years.

How could I possibly miss such a lucrative opportunity?
Li Ming had been entrenched in Huangcun Village for many years. Relying on his connections in the central government, he ran rampant in the village, forcibly seizing farmland and oppressing the people, which had long aroused the wrath of both heaven and man.

Now that the imperial envoy has arrived in person, it is the perfect opportunity to use someone else to do the dirty work.

Once Li Ming is removed, the fertile land that has been seized can be re-registered and included in the imperial tax. The village head himself can naturally profit from this, secretly taking away dozens of acres of fertile land and taking away Li Ming's treasures for himself.

"Go!"

Hong Chengchou coldly waved his sleeve, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

The village headman repeatedly agreed, took a few steps back, and then turned and quickly left.

His back was hunched, yet his steps were light, as if he could already see chests full of gold and silver and stacks of land deeds.

Hong Chengchou stared at his back, his eyes flashing with a cold, sharp light, filled with murderous intent.

He knew perfectly well that this old fox was no benevolent person; he was merely using the court's power to eliminate dissidents and line his own pockets.

However, Hong Chengchou did not personally take action.

In an era when imperial power could not reach the county level, land surveys and tax reforms ultimately relied on local officials and clerks.

They are familiar with the local customs and ruthless in their methods. Although they are greedy, they are also indispensable henchmen at present.

By winning over one faction and suppressing the other, the court could quickly increase its tax revenue while simultaneously eliminating local powerful clans—a win-win situation.

"Let's go to the Lixian Society," Hong Chengchou ordered in a deep voice, then mounted his horse.

Lixianshe and Huangcunshe are both under the jurisdiction of Daxing County and are also among the key areas for this land survey.

Hong Chengchou's trip to the countryside was precisely to personally inspect the progress of the land survey in various communities of Daxing County, and to find out the truth about local powerful families concealing their land and resisting the imperial decrees.

Only by going to the front lines can we tear apart the web of lies woven by petty officials and wealthy gentry.

However, just as he spurred his horse forward, a cloud of dust suddenly billowed in the distance, and the ground trembled slightly, as if a large cavalry force was galloping towards him.

The Imperial Guards guarding his side instantly became alert, drawing their Embroidered Spring Blades with a clang, their cold light gleaming, and protecting Hong Chengchou in the center as if facing a formidable enemy.

Hong Chengchou frowned slightly, and his heart also tightened: Could it be that someone is so audacious as to dare to intercept and kill the imperial envoy in broad daylight?

He quietly placed his right hand on the imperial sword at his waist, his gaze sharp as a hawk's, fixed on the approaching smoke and dust.

As the dust settled, it became clear that the leader was a young man in silver armor and a white robe, exuding heroic spirit. Behind him stood over a hundred elite armored soldiers, their fierce aura overwhelming.

Hong Chengchou's vigilance eased slightly, but he remained alert and asked loudly, "Who goes there?"

The young man reined in his horse, clasped his hands in return, and said in a clear yet resounding voice: "I am Zhu Chengzong, the heir of the Duke of Cheng. I have come by order of His Majesty to assist the Imperial Envoy in providing disaster relief and pacifying the people, and to survey the fields in Beizhili!"

Zhu Chengzong took out a letter bearing the imperial seal from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

Hong Chengchou took it, his fingertips touching the still-warm cinnabar ink, and unfolded it to examine it closely: it was indeed the emperor's handwriting.

His doubts lessened slightly, but a thousand thoughts still surged within him.

Just days after Duke Zhu Chunchen of Cheng was executed for treason, his son Zhu Chengzong, though favored by the emperor for his act of putting righteousness before family, was still, after all, the descendant of a traitor.

Why did Your Majesty not imprison and investigate him, but instead send him to assist in the land survey?
Could there be a deeper meaning?

Hong Chengchou composed himself, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, and asked, "What are Your Majesty's orders?"

Zhu Chengzong's gaze was calm, but his voice was like the clang of metal: "His Majesty's oral decree—"

He paused briefly, and the Imperial Guards and soldiers around him instantly knelt down, as if the wind itself had stopped.

Hong Chengchou also dismounted and knelt down, respectfully listening to the imperial edict.

Seeing that everyone had knelt down, Zhu Chengzong finally spoke:
"The Duke of Cheng's plot to rebel has left the nobles and officials of the court in a state of constant fear. This is the perfect opportunity to thoroughly survey the lands of Beizhili, and we must proceed with swift and decisive action. Anyone who resists will be considered an accomplice to the rebellion, and their entire family will be exterminated as a warning to others!"

"In times of chaos, harsh measures are necessary; to correct a wrong, one must go to extremes!"

These sixteen words struck like a thunderclap, and Hong Chengchou's back suddenly straightened.

He knew that the emperor attached great importance to the land survey, but he did not expect that the emperor would not hesitate to use the crime of treason as a weapon to cut through the iron curtain of local powerful families.

Such ruthlessness and decisiveness are quite different from His Majesty's usual lenient and benevolent demeanor.

Of course, those officials who were executed by Zhu Youxiao would probably be so angry that they would jump out of their coffins if they knew about Hong Chengchou's idea.

"Your subject Hong Chengchou respectfully obeys Your Majesty's command!"

He bowed deeply, stirring up a cloud of dust from the hem of his official robe. When he looked up again, his eyes were ablaze with fury.

With this imperial edict in hand, let alone people like Li Ming, he would dare to touch the family property of even the officials of the Six Ministries!
"Sir."

Hong Chengchou probed, "Since His Majesty wants you to assist in the land survey, may I ask about the specific procedures..."

Zhu Chengzong's lips curled slightly, revealing a smile as sharp as an ice blade: "I grew up in Shuntian Prefecture and know the intricate relationships among the local powerful families like the back of my hand. Moreover, given my status as the 'son of a traitor,' I can conveniently do things for the Imperial Envoy that you cannot handle. For example, certain tasks that require the extermination of entire families—someone has to bear the infamy of 'using public office for private revenge,' doesn't that sound?" Hong Chengchou's pupils constricted sharply.

He finally understood the emperor's strategy—Zhu Chengzong was both the sword and the shield.

If those nobles who were driven to the brink of ruin by the extermination were to retaliate, the first to bear the brunt would be this crown prince who "killed his father for personal gain".

As for himself, he remained a clear-cut imperial envoy during the day.

"Excellent!"

Hong Chengchou clapped his hands and laughed, but secretly tightened his grip on the rope binding the Shangfang sword in his sleeve.

He suddenly realized that the young man in front of him was ten times more dangerous than the cunning village head.

This is clearly a vicious dog that His Majesty himself has released, just waiting to tear apart the rotting flesh hidden deep in the fields!

After confirming their identities, it's time to get down to business.

"Is the imperial envoy here today to survey the land in Daxing County?"

Zhu Chengzong reined in his horse, his gaze fixed intently on the distant, rolling fields. His long, slender fingers tapped lightly on the whip, his tone carrying a profound meaning.

Hong Chengchou nodded slightly, his official robes fluttering in the wind.

"That's right. I wonder what insightful opinion Your Highness has?"

Zhu Chengzong did not answer directly, but instead asked meaningfully, "I wonder if the land recorded in the Yellow Register of Daxing County matches up one by one?"

He emphasized the word "one by one" and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Hong Chengchou was taken aback upon hearing this, and subconsciously stroked the fish-scale register at his waist: "According to the Yellow Register of the ninth year of Wanli, Daxing County had 170,000 mu of cultivated land. The number of cultivated land confirmed now is 150,000 mu."

As soon as he said it, he himself felt that the number was suspicious. In just a few decades, 20,000 acres of fertile land had disappeared out of thin air.
Even a fool would know that these lands that vanished into thin air must have been hidden away by someone with ulterior motives.

"Ah!"

Zhu Chengzong suddenly let out a cold laugh.

"150,000 mu? Your Excellency, in my opinion, Daxing County has at least 200,000 mu of land!"

"Two hundred thousand?!"

Hong Chengchou was startled, and almost dropped the fish-scale book in his hand.

This figure is a full 50,000 mu more than he knew. If this is true, the tax revenue lost by the imperial court each year will be an astronomical figure.

"I'm afraid... there aren't that many?" His eyes flickered.

Zhu Chengzong raised his hand to signal, and his attendants immediately unfurled a finely crafted map of Daxing County.

His long, slender fingers traced across the map, each point like a sword drawn from its sheath: "In the southern part of Daxing County, the Marquis of Wuqing has concealed 20,000 mu of farmland."

“West of Daxing County, Marquis Yangwu has hidden at least 10,000 mu of farmland.”

“In the northern part of Daxing County, the Marquis of Funing has hidden at least 8,000 mu of farmland.”

"In the southeast of Daxing County, there is land that palace eunuchs have secretly annexed, amounting to four or five thousand mu, which is not registered in the official records."

Hong Chengchou felt a chill run down his spine as he listened to this analysis.

He had been visiting the villages these past few days, thinking he had figured out everything, but he never expected that this suddenly appearing prince would know so much about each family's secrets.

Those powerful figures who were named were all influential figures in the court, no wonder local officials were reluctant to discuss it.

"The young master understands this so clearly, even better than I, who have been in the countryside for days."

Hong Chengchou's voice was slightly hoarse, and he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue. He suddenly realized that the emperor had sent this heir not only to assist, but also to use him to uproot these deeply entrenched interest groups.

Zhu Chengzong suddenly chuckled, a laugh tinged with amusement yet also carrying a hidden edge: "Tens of thousands of acres of land vanished into thin air, does Your Excellency truly know nothing about it?"

His slender fingers tapped lightly on the saddle, but his gaze was as sharp as a hawk's as he stared at Hong Chengchou.

There's clearly something unsaid in those words—it's not that you, Hong Chengchou, are unaware of the truth, but that you've deliberately chosen to turn a blind eye.

Upon hearing this, Hong Chengchou's expression changed slightly, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily, but he ultimately remained silent.

"Take what just happened as an example."

Zhu Chengzong continued slowly and deliberately, "I said that there are hidden farmlands in all directions of Daxing County, so why did you omit the east side? Does the Imperial Envoy know the reason?"

Hong Chengchou's eyes flickered, and fine beads of sweat had already seeped from his forehead.

He knew the reason, of course—east of Daxing County was the location of nearly 20,000 mu of fertile land hidden by the Duke of Cheng's mansion.

Those fertile lands, ostensibly 'military settlements,' had in fact long been seized by the Duke of Cheng's mansion.

"His Majesty is aware of all this?"

Hong Chengchou's voice was hoarse, and he practically squeezed out the words through clenched teeth.

Zhu Chengzong nodded slightly, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "The Eastern Depot and the Western Depot, with tens of thousands of foreign agents, Your Majesty didn't raise them for nothing."

He suddenly lowered his voice, spurred his horse closer, and asked, "How many people around the Imperial Envoy are His Majesty's spies?"

These words struck Hong Chengchou like a thunderclap, making his heart tremble violently.

What he thought was a wise way to protect himself was nothing more than some petty tricks that couldn't be presented in a respectable way in His Majesty's eyes.

Only now did he truly understand why the emperor had sent Zhu Chengzong, the "son of a traitor," as a warning and a final chance.

"I understand."

Hong Chengchou bowed deeply, his voice filled with unprecedented reverence.

At this moment, he finally saw his true position in this grand drama of land reclamation—not the player, but merely a pawn that could be replaced at any time.

If he were to display any other cleverness, he would likely face the emperor's sword.

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Zhu Chengzong's eyes.

He slowly drew his goose-feather saber from his waist, the blade gleaming coldly in the blazing sun: "In that case, Your Excellency, let us begin the land survey!"

With a flick of his wrist, the tip of the knife pointed directly at the distant, rolling fields.

"If you're afraid of taking responsibility or being criticized, just give me these jobs that might offend people."

Hong Chengchou's gaze was resolute. He reached out and pressed his hand on the imperial sword at his waist, and said in a deep voice, "What do those who follow the righteous path have to fear from infamy? Within three days, we will thoroughly survey the land of Daxing County!"

If we try to be clever now, wouldn't that be a slap in His Majesty's face?
Let it be as it is!

"Great! That's satisfying!"

Zhu Chengzong grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth.

He licked his chapped lips, as if a hunting dog had caught the scent of blood: "Every acre of hidden land cleared out is a real contribution."

As he spoke, he suddenly waved his hand, and more than a hundred elite soldiers from the Beijing Garrison behind him drew their weapons in unison. Under the sunlight, the swords and spears were like a forest, exuding a murderous aura.

"These hundred elite cavalry, plus the thousand elite warriors who will arrive later, are enough to turn those parasites' lair upside down!"

He was burdened with the stigma of being the son of a traitor.

Only by earning more merit can the sins of the Duke of Cheng's mansion be cleansed.

Wash away the sins with blood!

Anyone who dares to stand in his way will only face death!
Hong Chengchou nodded emphatically, then immediately unfolded the fish-scale book and drew a heavy circle in red ink around the location of Huangcun Village.

His gaze was sharp as he looked towards the Yangwu Marquis's manor in the northwest, then towards the Wuqing Marquis's fields in the south, and finally settled on the Funing Marquis's territory in the northeast—not a single acre of these fertile fields hidden by powerful nobles could be kept!

"Send the order!"

Hong Chengchou's voice was like a booming bell.

"Anyone who conceals land ownership shall be punished for treason! All estates under the names of Marquis Yangwu, Marquis Wuqing, and Marquis Funing shall be seized and thoroughly surveyed!"

He turned to look at Zhu Chengzong, and a flash of electricity seemed to pass between them when their eyes met.

"Your Highness, take your troops to Marquis Yangwu's place. I will personally meet with Marquis Funing."

Zhu Chengzong grinned maliciously, mounted his horse, and said, "Just what I wanted! In three days, I want to see these parasites kneeling and wailing before the imperial envoy's camp!"

Having said that, he whipped his horse and spurred it on. A thousand iron cavalrymen rushed into the distance like a torrent, raising clouds of dust.

Looking at Zhu Chengzong's mad appearance, Hong Chengchou sighed inwardly:
His Majesty has truly raised a mad dog that dares to bite people everywhere.

(End of this chapter)