Huangming

Chapter 271 Buying Bones with a Thousand Pieces of Gold, Exceptionally Granting a Title of Earl

The fifteenth day of the fifth month of the first year of the Tianqi reign.

The Dragon Boat Festival has passed.

The pomegranate flowers in the imperial garden are in full bloom, their crimson petals glistening with morning dew, casting a warm glow on the palace walls.

Today is the day of the new moon and full moon.

According to ancestral rules, court ceremonies must be performed in the palace, which adds a special layer of significance to the Kunning Palace.

This was the first time Empress Zhang Yan had summoned the wives of civil and military officials since she entered the palace.

Just after 9 a.m., the Kunning Palace was already bustling with activity.

The bronze crane incense burner beneath the red steps was filled with the fragrance of lilies, and wisps of smoke curled around the phoenix bells on the eaves.

Twelve round rosewood tables had already been set up in the side hall, each covered with a moon-white satin tablecloth and set with cloisonné enamel bowls and plates filled with candied fruit, fresh fruit, and pastries, all of which were exquisite and small in style.

The palace maids, dressed in brand-new light green palace gowns, carried food boxes in their hands, their steps as light as clouds, their breathing even slightly lighter as they moved back and forth.

Outside the palace gates, carriages with various decorations were slowly coming to a stop.

First, the wife of Duke Zhang Weixian of England entered the Meridian Gate with her daughter-in-law.

Following closely behind was the wife of Marquis Yongkang, Xu Yingyuan, who wore a pomegranate red brocade jacket and skirt, with a red gold hairpin inlaid with rubies tucked into her hair, which complemented the peacock blue vest worn by the wife of Marquis Fengcheng beside her.

Before long, the families of the dukes, marquises, and other nobles from various countries arrived, along with the wives of the ministers and vice ministers of the six ministries. There were as many as thirty or forty of them, each surrounded by jewels and jade, their clothes fragrant and their hair swaying, filling the corridors of Kunning Palace.

"The Queen has arrived~"

With a high-pitched announcement from a eunuch, Zhang Yan, dressed in a bright red phoenix robe, walked out of the main hall surrounded by palace maids.

She was not yet sixteen years old, with delicate features and a dignified air despite her slightly immature appearance.

The phoenix embroidered with gold thread on her phoenix robe was so lifelike that it swayed gently with her steps, as if it were about to spread its wings and fly away.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects! May Your Majesty live a thousand years!"

All the noblewomen knelt down in unison to pay their respects.

"Ladies, you may rise."

Zhang Yan's voice was clear and gentle as she raised her hand with a smile.

"I've invited everyone here today to have a chat. No need for formalities, please take your seats."

After everyone was seated according to their rank, the palace maids served freshly brewed pre-rain Longjing tea.

Zhang Yan picked up her teacup, glanced at everyone, and said gently, "I am new to the palace and still have much to learn from you ladies. In the future, Your Majesty will be assisted in the outer court, while the inner court will be managed by you ladies. Only when we live in harmony, both inside and outside, can our family and country be blessed."

The Duchess of England was the first to rise and reply, "Your Majesty is too kind. We are only here to share Your Majesty's burdens."

The banquet officially began as soon as the words were spoken.

First up was a "Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Auspiciousness" dessert, made of glutinous rice shaped like a dragon and phoenix, filled with red bean paste, sweet but not greasy.

Next up was the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" cold platter, in which ham, braised meat, and pickled vegetables were cut into the shapes of birds and arranged in a lifelike manner.

During the meal, Zhang Yan didn't say much, only occasionally inquiring about the recent situation of a certain lady or commenting on the taste of the pastries. Her tone was gentle and her manners were proper, which gradually relaxed the somewhat reserved ladies.

Today's audience was merely Zhang Yan's way of introducing herself to these noblewomen and letting them get to know her as the Empress.

After all, to bestow favors, one must first remember their appearance and temperament.

It will be more convenient to do what needs to be done next.

Unlike the bustling Kunning Palace, the East Warm Pavilion of Qianqing Palace was so quiet that only the rustling sound of a pen gliding across the paper could be heard.

After finishing his court session, Zhu Youxiao sat calmly on his cushioned throne.

On one side of the desk, a crackled porcelain plate is filled with plump bayberries, their purplish-red skins still glistening with fine water droplets.

This is a tribute sent by Niu Chao, the eunuch in charge of mining taxes in Zhejiang, on horseback. It is currently emitting a sweet fruity aroma.

He picked one up casually, and it tasted sweet and juicy with delicate flesh, just as Mi Zhezhong had described.

"Well, it wasn't all for nothing that he went through all that trouble."

Zhu Youxiao clicked his tongue and wrote "Approved" on a memorial concerning the reform of the Grand Canal.

However, before the sweetness on his tongue had faded, he frowned slightly as he looked at the bayberries on the plate.

The journey from Zhejiang to the capital is a thousand miles, and even by taking the Grand Canal waterway at full speed, it would take five or six days.

These bayberries are very delicate; they rot at the slightest touch and spoil at the slightest heat. To keep them so fresh, it takes countless changes of ice along the way and a great deal of manpower and transportation.

Just imagining the arduous journey and the constant rush of people and horses, one can tell that the expenses must have been considerable.

This scene reminded him of the historical anecdote of "a rider raising dust to bring a smile to the imperial concubine's face."

Back then, Yang Guifei loved to eat lychees. From Lingnan to Chang'an, the post horses galloped at breakneck speed, and countless horses died and postmen were exhausted, all just to win a smile from the beauty.

Although bayberries are not as precious as lychees these days, the wasteful and extravagant practices are exactly the same.

Zhu Youxiao pondered for a moment, then picked up his vermilion pen and added a sentence to the end of Niu Chao's secret report of peace: "The bayberries taste good, I appreciate it. There is no need to send any more in the future. The people's livelihood is the foundation, so do not trouble the people's efforts."

He put down his pen, gazed at the sunlight streaming through the window, and let out a soft sigh.

As the emperor, who possessed the wealth of the four seas, it would have been easy for him to eat a fresh bayberry, but the price behind it was the hard work of countless families.

If one cannot even control one's appetite, how can one talk about caring for the people and rectifying official corruption?
Just as Zhu Youxiao was lost in thought, Wei Chao stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe and Grand Secretary Sun Ruyou have submitted their petitions requesting an audience with you."

Zhu Youxiao paused slightly in his hand holding the vermilion brush, then looked up and said, "Oh? They've arrived?"

After a moment's thought, Zhu Youxiao guessed the purpose of their visit.

The cabinet has likely finally reached a decision on the matter of rewards for the Shenyang victory.

Zhu Youxiao put down his pen and said softly, "Summon them in."

A moment later, two elderly ministers with white hair and beards slowly entered.

Fang Congzhe, who was leading the group, was nearly seventy years old. His face was deeply lined with wrinkles, but he was still very energetic. His scarlet official robe made him look even thinner.

Following closely behind was Sun Ruyou, who was slightly younger but already over sixty. His three long beards were neatly combed, and his demeanor exuded the elegance of a scholar-official.

"Your Majesty, I, Fang Congzhe (also known as Sun Ruyou, Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion), respectfully wish Your Majesty good health!"

The two knelt down on the ground, their voices, though slightly aged, were full of energy.

"You two may rise."

Zhu Youxiao raised his hand in a gesture, his gaze falling on them.

Wei Chao had already cleverly instructed a young eunuch to bring over two round-backed chairs and place them below the throne.

Fang Congzhe and Sun Ruyou thanked the emperor and rose to their seats, their movements displaying the prudence of seasoned officials.

As soon as he sat down, Fang Congzhe took out a scroll with a yellow silk cover from his sleeve, held it high above his head with both hands, and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, this great victory in Shenyang was a blessing for the nation, thanks to the bravery of the soldiers and the support of the people. The Cabinet, together with the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Rites, has repeatedly discussed and drafted a proposal for rewards and honors, which Your Majesty is invited to review."

Wei Chao took the memorial with the yellow silk cover from Fang Congzhe, held it with both hands, and quickly walked to the imperial desk to present it to Zhu Youxiao.

Zhu Youxiao took the memorial and slowly unfolded it.

The first page bore a neat inscription in small regular script: "Your humble servants respectfully submit this petition: We request that the officers and soldiers who have rendered meritorious service in the great victory in Liaodong be commended and their deeds recorded." Below were the vermilion seals of the Ministry of War and the Grand Secretariat, the ink still fresh.

His gaze shifted downwards, carefully reading the main text:

The Ministry of War submitted:

According to a report from Xiong Tingbi, the Liaodong Military Commissioner, in April of this year, our army inflicted a great defeat on the Jurchens outside Shenyang, killing and capturing many. We killed the false Beile Degelai in battle and severely wounded two Blue Banner cavalry units. All this was thanks to His Majesty's divine might and the bravery of our soldiers. The merits are now reviewed and listed below:
I. Xiong Tingbi, the Military Commander
Strategic planning and skillful command. (A gift is due.)
He was granted the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent
Yin Yizi entered the Imperial Academy to study.

A reward of five hundred taels of silver and ten bolts of silk.
II. Commanders-in-Chief He Shixian and You Shigong
Braving arrows and stones, they charged into battle. They shall be granted:
He Shixian was awarded the title of Assistant Commander-in-Chief.

You Shigong was awarded the title of Right Vice Commander-in-Chief
Each will be granted the position of a centurion in the Imperial Guard.
Each person will be awarded 300 taels of silver and a python robe.

III. The Vice-General Liu Xingzuo
He turned against his comrades in battle and personally killed the ringleader. He shall be granted:
Promoted to Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong
The unit was separately established as the Loyal and Righteous Camp

A reward of one thousand taels of silver and two hundred hectares of farmland.
......"

Further down, there are the rewards and honors for officers at all levels: Zhou Dunji was promoted from guerrilla to brigadier general, and Qin Bangping was promoted from deputy commander to guerrilla general, with the special title of "loyal and brave general"; even those captains and lieutenants who charged into battle were promoted and rewarded, either by rank or by silver, all in a clear and orderly manner.

What pleased him most was that the memorial specifically mentioned at the end: "Each soldier who is wounded or killed in his unit will be given ten taels of silver, and their family will be exempt from taxes for three years."

"It's fairly comprehensive."

Zhu Youxiao muttered to himself.

He knew that behind every victory lay the blood of countless soldiers.

It is easy to bestow honors upon the living, but difficult to provide relief and compensation to the dead.

The cabinet's ability to think of this aspect is commendable.

However, it would be an exaggeration to say that Zhu Youxiao was completely satisfied.

Zhu Youxiao was dissatisfied with Liu Xingzuo's bestowal of titles and rewards.

These rewards alone far exceed the promotions of ordinary military officers.

From a surrendered general of the Jurchens to a deputy commander-in-chief of the Ming Dynasty, with real silver and land, it was already considered a generous treatment by common sense.

However, Zhu Youxiao felt that this was far from worthy of the merits Liu Xingzuo had made.

After all, as a major contributor to the Shenyang victory, he was only ranked third when it came to the list of merits?

He emphasized the words "Deputy Commander-in-Chief" with his finger, his gaze becoming profound.

Liu Xingzuo was no ordinary meritorious general; he was a "rebel" who fought his way out of the Later Jin camp, and he defected in the middle of a fierce battle, personally killing Nurhaci's own son. This kind of impact was far more strategically significant than the casualties of a victory.

"Minister Fang, Minister Sun."

Zhu Youxiao looked up at the two Grand Secretaries, his tone suddenly becoming more forceful.

"Liu Xingzuo's reward is a little lacking."

Fang Congzhe paused for a moment, then bowed and asked, "What does Your Majesty find inappropriate? According to the military merit register, the deputy commander-in-chief has already been promoted beyond his rank, and his reward money and estate have already been doubled compared to a first-class merit."

“You only counted his military achievements, but not his ‘warning achievements’.”

"This man was originally under Nurhaci's command, yet he was able to abandon the darkness and embrace the light. This in itself sets an example for those Han people who depend on the Jurchens. Have you ever thought about how many Han people under the Jurchens' rule were forced to endure humiliation and live in desperation? Seeing Liu Xingzuo receive such a reward, wouldn't they be tempted?"

Sun Ruyou then realized his mistake and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is farsighted, and we are foolish."

Zhu Youxiao continued:
"What enabled the Jurchens to establish a foothold in Liaodong?"
It wasn't just their Manchu cavalry, but also the Han Chinese artisans, farmers, and even soldiers they abducted. These people lived lives worse than animals, simply trying to survive.

If I could give them a chance to 'start anew,' and show them that they could enjoy wealth, honor, and dignity after surrendering to the Ming, would they still be willing to serve the Jurchens?

He paused, then tapped his fingertips on the table with a crisp sound.

"Liu Xingzuo is that piece of horse bone that was bought with a thousand pieces of gold. If the reward is not heavy enough, it will not be enough to give the Han people under the rule of the Jurchens hope; if the reward is not conspicuous enough, it will not be enough to make them believe in the sincerity of the Ming Dynasty."

Fang Congzhe and Sun Ruyou exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

They originally only intended to reward based on military merit, but they did not expect that the emperor had already linked this reward with the grand strategy of undermining the foundation of the Later Jin dynasty.

"Your Majesty, please advise on how to add or modify this?"

Fang Congzhe bowed and pressed for an answer.

Zhu Youxiao put down his vermilion brush, looked at the two men with piercing eyes, and said slowly and deliberately, "Liu Xingzuo defected on the battlefield and personally killed the false Beile. For such a great achievement, he should be granted the title of Earl of Weilu, with an annual stipend of eight hundred shi of grain. This is to show his favor and to recognize his extraordinary merit."

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Congzhe swayed violently, almost thinking he had misheard.

He looked up at the emperor and saw that Zhu Youxiao's expression was resolute and not joking, and he was so shocked that he couldn't speak.

The title of Earl is the ultimate honor that a subject of a different surname can receive!

Li Chengliang made many contributions in Liaodong, yet he only received the title of Earl of Ningyuan. Liu Xingzuo, on the other hand, just granted him the title of Earl.

Sun Ruyou's expression changed slightly, and he subconsciously wanted to speak up to dissuade her, but Fang Congzhe stopped him with a look.

Fang Congzhe composed himself, hesitated, and spoke with a hint of difficulty: "Your Majesty, I dare to speak, although Liu Xingzuo has rendered great service, he is ultimately a surrendered general. According to the regulations of the dynasty, surrendered generals must accumulate merits over many years and must have the merit of stabilizing the dynasty before they can be granted the title of Earl. The Mongol tribal leaders who were brought to surrender back then also had to fight for more than ten years before they could obtain a title..."

"Rules are dead, people are alive."

Zhu Youxiao interrupted him, his tone resolute.

"If great achievements such as beheading generals, capturing flags, and defecting in battle are not enough to be granted the title of Earl, then what kind of merit is enough? What I want is not the usual rewards, but to show the Han people under the rule of the Jurchens what kind of glory they can gain by surrendering to the Ming Dynasty!"

He stood up, walked up to the two men, and his eyes were sharp.

"I want the whole world to know that as long as someone is willing to serve the Ming Dynasty, even if they are a surrendered general, I am willing to spare no expense! If I make him a count today, tomorrow ten or a hundred 'Liu Xingzuo's' will come to surrender with their troops and intelligence. Isn't this a worthwhile deal?"

Fang Congzhe was speechless when asked the question.

He knew the emperor was right, but the reward was too extraordinary and would likely draw criticism from both the court and the public.

But seeing Zhu Youxiao's resolute gaze, he finally bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise, I understand. I will now summon the officials of the Cabinet and the Ministry of Rites to discuss the ceremonies for bestowing titles and surnames."

"Go."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said with great confidence, "Tell them that this matter must be done quickly and with great fanfare. I want the Han people in Liaodong and the Jurchens to hear the name of Liu Xingzuo and see his glory."

"I obey your orders!"

Fang Congzhe and Sun Ruyou bowed and withdrew, and the warm pavilion returned to tranquility.

Zhu Youxiao watched the two figures walk away, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Rewarding those who have made contributions and punishing those who have made mistakes is the fundamental principle of managing subordinates.

Today's extraordinary reward to Liu Xingzuo may seem like breaking the rules, but in reality, it is paving a "path to winning hearts and minds" for the Ming Dynasty.

With this precedent, it will be much easier for Xiong Tingbi to plant spies in Liaodong and for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to turn Han Chinese generals under the Jurchens against each other.

After all, no one can resist the temptation of "bestowing titles and privileges on one's wife and children, and bringing glory to one's family," especially those Han Chinese who lived a life worse than pigs and dogs under the Jurchen's iron heel.

This was his open scheme.

Zhu Youxiao made it clear to everyone: surrendering to the Ming Dynasty would bring great benefits.

And those who oppose the Ming Dynasty will suffer the same fate as Degelai!

(End of this chapter)