Huangming

Chapter 209 A combination of kindness and severity wins over all.

As the eastern sky began to lighten with the first hint of dawn, the Forbidden City remained shrouded in a hazy morning mist.

Inside the sleeping quarters of the Qianqing Palace, the palace servants were already busily and quietly getting to work.

After Zhu Youxiao finished washing up with the help of his personal eunuch, he changed into a summer imperial robe.

The bright yellow dragon-patterned robe made him appear even more composed. Although his face still looked young, his brows already revealed a deep and unfathomable majesty.

"Your Majesty, breakfast has been prepared in the East Warm Pavilion," Wei Chao, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, reported with a bow.

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly and stepped out.

A cool morning breeze brushed against the white marble railings in front of the hall. He walked steadily and went straight to the East Warm Pavilion for his meal.

Dong Nuan Pavilion.

On the table were several exquisite imperial dishes: congee and side dishes, seasonal fresh fruit, and a plate of freshly baked pastries.

Zhu Youxiao picked up his silver chopsticks, about to begin his meal, when suddenly a soft sound of footsteps came from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, I, Luo Sigong, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, respectfully wish Your Majesty good health!"

Luo Sigong, dressed in a flying fish robe, knelt on the ground, looking travel-worn, his voice low and respectful.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at him, his hands still moving, and said indifferently, "No need for formalities."

Luo Sigong dared not delay and immediately took out a secret book from his bosom, raising it above his head with both hands: "Your Majesty, this is a secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard today."

Wei Chao quickly stepped forward, took the secret document, and respectfully knelt beside Zhu Youxiao, presenting the document to him.

Zhu Youxiao put down his chopsticks, took the secret report, and calmly scanned its contents.

First thing:
Xu Guangqi, Yuan Chonghuan, and Sun Chuanting have already led their teams to escort more than 20 truckloads of sweet potato and corn seeds to Shanxi and Shaanxi for disaster relief.

Among the accompanying entourage were several Jesuit priests, including Long Huamin, Johann Adam Schall von Bell, and Yang Manuo.

According to the secret report, Xu Guangqi was quite wary of this and kept a close watch on these people along the way, never leaving their side.

Zhu Youxiao's eyes flickered slightly, but his expression remained unchanged.

How could he not know the Jesuits' intentions?
These Western missionaries, under the guise of spreading the "gospel," actually coveted the right to educate the people of the Central Plains and attempted to shake the foundations of the Ming Dynasty.

In peaceful times, he would have ordered their expulsion and would not have allowed them to set foot in the area.

But now...

In Shanxi and Shaanxi, refugees were everywhere and people were starving. Cults such as the White Lotus Sect took the opportunity to incite the people and wreak havoc on the local area.

Rather than letting these charlatans gain power, it's better to let the Jesuits stir things up.

When dogs fight, they get into a fight, and the imperial court can reap the benefits.

Moreover, these Westerners were proficient in astronomy, calendar systems, and firearms manufacturing, and they also had the financial support of European countries.

If we can use their power for our own benefit, why not?
Zhu Youxiao's lips curled up slightly, a cold smile flashing in his eyes.

It doesn't matter if it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it catches mice, it's a good cat!

Zhu Youxiao's gaze slowly moved down the secret book, his fingertips lightly tapping the pages as he continued reading.

The second matter concerns Liaodong.

War has broken out in Liaodong, with flames of war raging along the border and the Jianzhou Jurchens eyeing the frontier with predatory intent. The situation is urgent and cannot be delayed.

The court dared not slacken its efforts, and officials from the six ministries worked day and night to gather grain, supplies, artillery, gunpowder, warhorses, and armor. Cartloads of military supplies sped towards Liaodong like a long dragon.

However, even in the face of national crisis, some unscrupulous individuals still dare to act with audacity, attempting to profit from the situation.

A clerk in the Ministry of Revenue colluded with local officials to embezzle military rations and enrich himself; a physician in the Ministry of War secretly resold military equipment and made huge profits.

The Imperial Guard acted swiftly and decisively, apprehending all those involved in the case within a single day.

The joint trial by the three judicial authorities was swift, and a verdict was reached within three days. The day after the verdict, the convicted official was escorted to the execution ground and beheaded as a warning to the public.

Bloodstained human heads were hung high on the city gates to intimidate the officials: the affairs of Liaodong are the foundation of the nation; anyone who dares to lay a hand on them will die!
"The matter of Liaodong must be dealt with severely. Anyone who dares to embezzle Liaodong's money or bleed Liaodong dry will be executed by me!"

Zhu Youxiao's eyes were deep, and he slightly tightened his fingers, crumpling a corner of the secret book.

If Liaodong is lost, the gates to the capital will be wide open, and the Jianzhou cavalry will be able to sweep in unimpeded. At that time, the country will be shattered, the people will suffer, and the century-old foundation of the Ming Dynasty may be destroyed in an instant.

He will not allow anyone to act recklessly on this red line.

Turning to the next page of the secret register, Zhu Youxiao's gaze fell on the four characters "land survey".

Hong Chengchou was ordered to investigate the land in Shuntian Prefecture, and within a few months, the results were remarkable.

With Zhu Chengzong's help, the results were even more fruitful within a few days.

The briefing detailed the actions of the two men: Daxing County, as a pilot area, conducted a thorough land survey, which uncovered an additional 100,000 mu of hidden farmland.

Hong Chengchou estimated that after the land survey of the entire Shuntian Prefecture, the newly added acreage would reach one million mu.

If this law were implemented in all prefectures and counties of Beizhili, the amount of land that the imperial court could control would likely be in the tens of millions.

However, Zhu Youxiao was not pleased by this.

He knew that the land survey would touch upon the interests of powerful clans and would face numerous obstacles.

As expected, resistance arose.

The secret report detailed Zhu Chengzong's numerous misdeeds, revealing a shocking level of cruelty and ruthlessness in his methods:

He used the pretext of surveying and measuring land to carry out acts of tyranny and extortion.

Local gentry who disobeyed in the slightest were punished with whipping and caning at best, and their families were confiscated and their clans exterminated at worst.

Even worse, he allowed his henchmen to humiliate women and children, turning the land survey into a wanton oppression of the people.

According to informants, a local gentry in a certain county was killed on the spot for resisting a land survey, while the women were forcibly abducted and subjected to all kinds of humiliation.

Zhu Chengzong not only did not stop it, but also took pleasure in it. He even went to the execution ground to witness the torture and grinned maliciously.

Furthermore, he took the opportunity to seize large amounts of land.

Wherever land surveys were conducted, the authorities would forcibly confiscate fertile land under the pretext of "concealing land" and transfer it to the Duke of Cheng's mansion.

If any local official showed the slightest dissatisfaction, he would imprison them for "disobeying imperial orders" and confiscate all their property.

For a time, the atmosphere in Shuntian Prefecture was tense, the people were full of complaints, and even the powerful dared not speak out.

Impeachment memorials poured into the cabinet like snowflakes, and even the imperial commissioner Hong Chengchou had reservations, submitting a memorial saying that "he was acting too hastily and might cause a popular uprising."

Zhu Youxiao closed the secret document, raised his eyes to look at Luo Sigong kneeling on the ground, and said in a cold voice: "Zhu Chengzong... there are quite a few people impeaching him?"

Luo Sigong touched his forehead to the ground and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, the heir of the Duke of Cheng's land survey was carried out swiftly and decisively, which has caused resentment among many local powerful families. Even the imperial envoy Hong Chengchou felt that his methods were too harsh and has already submitted a memorial."

Zhu Youxiao remained silent for a moment, then a cold smile appeared on his lips, and a glint of cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Public resentment?"

He lightly tapped the imperial desk with his fingertips, his voice as cold as frost.

"It's probably the grievances of the powerful and wealthy gentry! The court is trying to rectify long-standing problems, so why should it have to act according to their whims?"

The air inside the hall suddenly seemed to freeze. Luo Sigong felt a chill run down his back, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"I ask you, how many officials' homes did Zhu Chengzong confiscate in Shuntian Prefecture? Were any of those investigated innocent?"

Luo Sigong's Adam's apple bobbed, and he hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, to my knowledge, the majority are indeed guilty."

"most?"

The emperor's voice suddenly rose in pitch.

"What I want is a precise number! I want irrefutable evidence!"

"Your Majesty, I will immediately investigate this matter thoroughly!"

Luo Sigong touched the ground with his head, and his official hat almost slipped off.

Zhu Youxiao snorted coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

He slowly straightened up, his bright yellow dragon robe particularly dazzling in the morning light.

"Not only should Zhu Chengzong be investigated, but your Embroidered Uniform Guard should also be investigated! This secret report is written as if the land survey has incurred the wrath of the masses? Perhaps your Embroidered Uniform Guard has also accepted bribes from those powerful figures!"

These words struck like a thunderbolt.

Luo Sigong suddenly realized that among the hereditary military households in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which one of them didn't secretly hide land?
Zhu Chengzong's strike has likely landed on the heads of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Your Majesty deserves to die!"

Luo Sigong kowtowed three times, his forehead immediately turning bruised and purple.

"I will immediately conduct a thorough investigation of all officials in Weizhong, and anyone found to be colluding with powerful figures will be severely punished without exception!"

"As the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, if you can't even distinguish between true and false information, what use are you to me?"

Zhu Youxiao's voice was as light as a feather, yet it was so heavy it was suffocating.

Luo Sigong swallowed hard, cursing the Jinyiwei commander in charge of the matter a thousand times in his heart.

He prostrated himself, his voice trembling: "I guarantee with my life that I will give Your Majesty a clear answer within three days!"

Zhu Youxiao ran his fingertips over the gold-embossed cover for a moment, a dark and ambiguous light flashing in his eyes.

"Just get down."

His voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, yet it seemed to make the temperature in the hall drop several degrees.

"Take care of the Embroidered Uniform Guard first before you come back."

Luo Sigong trembled, his forehead slamming heavily against the gold brick floor with a dull thud: "Your subject obeys the decree."

He backed out of the hall, his flying fish robe on the back already soaked with cold sweat.

After the footsteps faded away, Zhu Youxiao slowly got up and walked to the window.

As the morning mist gradually dissipated, the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City gleamed coldly in the rising sun.

He gazed at the distant, faintly visible bell and drum towers, his brows furrowed slightly.

The resistance to the Qing Dynasty's survey of northern Zhili was greater than he had anticipated.

Even the Emperor's personal guards, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, harbored treacherous intentions; this situation was far more complex than he had imagined.

Zhu Chengzong's actions were indeed those of a cruel official.

However, Zhu Youxiao was able to guess some of the boy's thoughts.

Zhu Chengzong bore the infamy of being the son of a traitor, a cruel official, and a lone minister. In Zhu Chengzong's view, this was the way for him to survive, and the way for the Duke of Cheng's mansion to survive.

Therefore, he became insane, bloodthirsty, and even embezzled land, all in order to bear the blame and hand over the evidence to the emperor. If the emperor wanted to punish him, a single word could be enough to make him lose his head.

She's still smart.

But if it goes too far, even the emperor can't save him.

A good dog is one that can do whatever it wants, even if it's a mad dog.

If this mad dog can't even control itself and bites people everywhere, then the only option is to kill it.

but
One Zhu Chengzong gave these people a good beating.

All sorts of monsters and demons have emerged.

"Ah"

Zhu Youxiao suddenly chuckled softly.

Do you think that this will make me back down?
Even with numerous obstacles, this land survey must proceed. However, the methods need to be changed.

He recalled the cruel methods Zhu Chengzong had used in the secret report: confiscating property, exterminating clans, and using torture to extract confessions. While such actions were swift and decisive, they were like lighting a fire on a pile of dry tinder, which would inevitably lead to disaster sooner or later.

"Who are the enemies, and who are the friends?"

Zhu Youxiao murmured softly, his gaze growing cold.

The purpose of land surveying was to replenish the national treasury, to collect taxes, and to ensure that the people of the Ming Dynasty had food to eat.

In that case
A meaningful smile curved at the corner of his mouth.

For those who are loyal to the emperor, such as the loyal ministers and the military households currently serving in the Beijing and New Garrison, the land survey can be conducted with leniency.

The land survey is temporarily suspended, or only partially surveyed, or the survey is completed but tax cuts are offered as a concession.

As for those powerful and influential figures who outwardly comply but inwardly defy the law, and those officials who form cliques and pursue personal gain, they will naturally be swept away without leaving an inch of their territory.

You need to be flexible in your approach to things.

If even one's own foundation is shaken, it would not be surprising if, even as the emperor, one were to die suddenly in the palace.

He walked slowly toward the imperial desk, his fingertips tracing the heavy jade seal on it, a sharp glint in his eyes.

In essence, politics is nothing more than the distribution and checks and balances of power.

To get these officials to work diligently, you must offer them appropriate incentives.

Wanting the horse to run but not wanting it to eat grass?
There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
Even the most loyal hunting dog, if it can't even get a bone to chew, will eventually turn on its owner.

As the brush tip gently glided across the rice paper, Zhu Youxiao's thoughts became increasingly clear.

To expect to eradicate the deep-seated problems of the Ming Dynasty in one fell swoop with just one land survey is nothing short of a pipe dream.

It's like treating an illness; it requires a gradual approach.

A thorough inventory check is conducted every three to five years, which avoids provoking too much backlash and allows for the continuous elimination of long-standing problems.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Zhu Youxiao's brush suddenly paused, and the ink spread a small patch of crimson on the paper.

After each land survey, a group of people have to be laid off so that positions can be made for new people.

Only in this way can the bureaucratic system of the Ming Dynasty remain vibrant and the bloodline of the empire flow smoothly.

He dipped his brush in ink again and began writing the secret edict.

The calligraphy is strong and vigorous, penetrating the paper.
"Ministers Hong and Zhu have rendered meritorious service in the land survey and shall be commended. However, they must know when to advance and when to retreat. Those who cooperate with the land survey should be given leniency; those who resist the new policies must be thoroughly investigated."

At this point, Zhu Youxiao suddenly stopped writing and turned his gaze to the gradually brightening sky outside the palace.

He recalled the impeachment memorials mentioned in Luo Sigong's secret report, and a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes.

Behind these memorials, how many people's vested interests are hidden?

How many intricate networks of relationships are involved?
"Bring in a batch, then crack down on the rest."

He murmured, “This is the simplest truth in the art of rulership.”

Thinking of this, Zhu Youxiao once again wrote: "Those who actively cooperate with the land survey may have their taxes reduced or exempted for the concealed land; those who resist the new policy will be subject to a 30% fine in addition to the recovery of all taxes paid in previous years."

Just as the last stroke was completed, the morning bell rang.

Zhu Youxiao blew on the ink to dry it, rolled up the secret edict, and sealed it with sealing wax.

This secret edict was not only a reward for meritorious officials, but also a warning to cruel officials, and a final ultimatum to those who were watching from the sidelines.

"Someone is coming."

He summoned his trusted eunuch, Wei Chao.

"Send this secret edict to Hong Chengchou and Zhu Chengzong immediately."

After dealing with these matters, Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept over the breakfast on the table, which had long since gone cold.

A thin layer of rice oil had formed on the surface of the congee, and the seasonal fresh fruit had lost its freshness.

He casually picked up a few pieces of pastry and swallowed them whole, not caring at all about the crumbs stuck to his dragon-patterned cuffs.

Compared to these trivial matters, the three major issues mentioned in the secret report—the refugees in Shanxi, the military supplies in Liaodong, and the land survey in Shuntian—are more worthy of his careful consideration.

"Move to the Wenhua Hall."

At the emperor's command, the ceremonial guard immediately stood in formation.

The imperial carriage passed through the palace road and soon arrived at the Wenhua Hall.

Today, the Imperial Lectures will be held as usual.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, the cabinet ministers had been waiting for a long time, holding copies of the Zizhi Tongjian.

With the emperor in place, the imperial lectures began.

During his lectures at the Imperial Academy, Zhu Youxiao would sometimes listen attentively and sometimes ask sharp questions, cleverly connecting the story of "Emperor Taizong of Tang accepting advice" with the current decree on land surveying, which made several Hanlin scholars break out in a cold sweat.

Even now, some officials are still trying to persuade the emperor.

He taught Zhu Youxiao the ways of governing the country, loving the people, and managing subordinates.

Unfortunately, these preachers met their match, as Zhu Youxiao often found alternative ways to refute them.

Zhu Youxiao understood the truth of debate: one cannot follow the rhythm of the other side.

In addition, he lived through the era of the knowledge explosion in the future. The amount of information and knowledge received in a day in the future is probably more than what was received in ten or even a hundred days in this era.

In terms of vision, Zhu Youxiao was much broader than these ministers, and given his status as emperor, he was naturally not inferior to them in discussions.

An hour later, the lecture ended, and after the lecturers left, Zhu Youxiao immediately moved on to the questioning session.

He sat regally on the dragon throne, his vermilion brush sweeping across the memorials submitted by the six ministries with lightning speed:

He approved the relief funds for Shaanxi requested by the Ministry of Revenue, rejected the Ministry of Works' request to rebuild the three main halls, and meticulously reviewed the Ministry of War's proposal regarding the replenishment of military equipment in Liaodong.

When the last urgent delivery was finished, the projection of the sundial outside the hall had quietly shifted to the noon mark.

"My beloved subjects, you have worked hard."

Begin your daily acts of kindness.

"Give me soup."

As Zhu Youxiao watched the palace servants file in carrying celadon soup bowls, a rare smile appeared on his face.

This bowl of water shield and silver fish soup, bestowed by the emperor, was not only a reward for the officials' hard work after half a day, but also a reminder that the emperor's favor is like soup, which can be warmed or boiled.

After the imperial lecture and discussion on politics concluded, Zhu Youxiao did not wish to linger in the Wenhua Hall any longer.

The sun was high in the sky when Zhu Youxiao returned to the Qianqing Palace.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion.

The agarwood incense in the gilded incense burner had not yet burned out, and wisps of smoke swirled in the hall.

"Summon Fang Congzhe, Sun Ruyou, and Sun Shenxing to have lunch with me."

"The slaves obey."

Wei Chao, the eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial who had been standing by for a long time, immediately understood and bowed as he withdrew to summon the ministers.

Before long, Fang Congzhe, Sun Ruyou, and Sun Shenxing entered the hall with light, quick steps.

All three were dressed in scarlet official robes, and the jade belts at their waists gleamed warmly in the twilight.

After exchanging greetings, Zhu Youxiao led them to the East Warm Pavilion for a meal.

The table was already laden with delicacies: Nanjing salted duck, West Lake vinegar fish, bird's nest soup and other seasonal dishes exuded an enticing aroma, and a pot of newly brewed Shaoxing rice wine glistened with water droplets in the ice tank.

"Please be seated, my esteemed ministers."

Zhu Youxiao took his seat first and picked up his ivory chopsticks inlaid with gold.

The three ministers, however, only dared to sit on one side of the stool, their backs ramrod straight.

Only after the emperor picked up a piece of honey-glazed dried meat and chewed it carefully did Fang Congzhe cautiously pick up a piece of stir-fried vegetables, Sun Ruyou scooped half a spoonful of tofu soup, and Sun Shenxing only dared to eat a couple of mouthfuls of rice with the special pickles made by the imperial kitchen.

Zhu Youxiao took in everyone's restrained demeanor and suddenly chuckled, "Today is just an ordinary meal, why are you all so apprehensive? Just treat it as if you're eating at home."

He then personally took the pot and poured half a cup of yellow wine for each of the three.

Upon seeing this, Fang Congzhe and the other two immediately prostrated themselves and kowtowed, repeatedly saying, "We dare not."

Everyone knows that the imperial meals served in the Qianqing Palace are always a case of ulterior motives.

Not to mention how many high-ranking officials have been imprisoned for a single slip of the tongue at this elaborately decorated dining table; the pair of gold-inlaid ivory chopsticks in front of the emperor alone have cut off the careers and lives of countless people.

The so-called "bestowed meal" was nothing more than another test by the unpredictable will of Heaven.

Besides...

Who would dare to truly treat the Qianqing Palace as their own home?
What is the Qianqing Palace?
That was the emperor's private residence, a crucial place for official documents and decrees.

If someone were truly foolish enough to reply, "Your Majesty, I humbly obey your decree; today I will presume to act as your own,"...

Perhaps they felt that having the heads of their entire clan hanging on their necks was too secure, and were eager to have the executioner's blade stained with fresh blood?

At best, it's considered presumption and arrogance; at worst, it's considered treason!
They're all seasoned veterans; they wouldn't dare be arrogant.

Seeing the three of them being cautious, Zhu Youxiao smiled and let them go.

Respect and order.

Sometimes, your excessive favors can actually make them tremble with fear.

Moreover, summoning them today is not an act of favor.

Instead, they asked questions!

Zhu Youxiao attached great importance to the imperial examination of the Gengshen year.

This is a good opportunity to recruit trusted advisors.

However, there are still people who actually want to compete with the emperor for talent?

This is absolutely outrageous!

They only sampled a few dishes.

After eating until he was half full, Zhu Youxiao put down his bowl and chopsticks.

Dang~
The gilded chopstick rest made a crisp clinking sound, startling Fang Congzhe so much that he immediately put down the silver spoon in his hand, and the other two also hurriedly sat up straight.

The hall fell silent instantly, so quiet that the dripping of the water clock could be heard.

The emperor finally got to the point.

"I have summoned you all today."

Zhu Youxiao tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the three people.

"First, I want to ask how the preparations for the Gengshen imperial examination are progressing?"

He suddenly changed the subject, his voice turning abruptly cold.

"Secondly, I have recently heard that some noble ministers have already prepared colorful silks and gifts, just waiting to find a son-in-law on the day the results are announced?"

(End of this chapter)