Huangming

Chapter 32 The Great Ming Divine Sword, Is It Not or Is Not (Please Read On!)

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint suddenly flashed in Li Ruhua's cloudy eyes.

"When I served as the Provincial Treasurer of Jiangxi in my fourteenth year, I witnessed the Prince of Nanchang seizing 8,000 hectares of land, where tenant farmers were whipped to death, their bodies filling the ravines. In the first year of the Taichang reign, when I was in charge of the grain transport, the annual revenue from the Linqing Customs was only 30,000 taels, while merchants passing through on their ships carried pearls by the bushel!"

"In March of this year, the Prince of Fu in Luoyang again petitioned to expand his estate by 3,000 hectares—"

Zhu Youxiao frowned as he listened.

"Rest assured, Minister Li, as I have said before, I will restore peace and prosperity to the Ming Dynasty. My word is my bond, and I will keep my promise."

Upon hearing this, Li Ruhua felt a sense of relief.

"Your Majesty has inherited the throne and is in the prime of your life, yet you are determined to reform and act decisively. You are truly a sage ruler rarely seen throughout history!"

With such a wise ruler in the Ming Dynasty, how could he not be willing to sacrifice his life?

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said, "Some things can't be rushed. One must eat one bite at a time. The most important thing now is to thoroughly investigate corruption. Minister, don't leave any loose ends."

Li Ruhua immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I am honest and incorruptible and have not accepted any bribes. Please investigate without hesitation."

Zhu Youxiao nodded.

The biggest fear in thoroughly investigating corruption is that it will involve investigating one's own people.

If the truth is revealed, will you deal with it or not?

Therefore, it is best to prevent things from happening in the first place.

"Serve the country well!"

"Your Majesty governs with swift and decisive judgment, and discerns even the slightest wrongdoing with the clarity of the sun and moon. Though I am old and frail, how could I not exert my utmost strength and serve you with utmost loyalty? Your humble servant takes his leave!"

After Li Ruhua left, Zhu Youxiao watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

Besides Sun Ruyou, it seems he has another cabinet candidate.

Just then, Wei Chao approached Zhu Youxiao with a fawning smile and said, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Yingguo has been waiting outside the palace for quite some time."

"Let him in."

Zhu Youxiao was originally waiting for Zhang Weixian at Duanbentang.

Unexpectedly, Li Ruhua couldn't hold back and arrived first.

Zhu Youxiao sat upright on the throne, and Duke Zhang Weixian of Yingguo quickly entered the hall.

His face showed signs of panic, and there was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, indicating that he was somewhat unsettled.

"Your subject Zhang Weixian greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty!"

"No need for such formalities, Duke."

After Zhang Weixian dutifully performed the formal ceremony, he slowly stood up, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.

"Your Majesty does not despise my mediocre abilities and has entrusted me with the important task of supervision and impeachment. This is an unprecedented honor and grace. Even if I were to be shattered to pieces, I could not repay even a fraction of this kindness. However, I am not talented enough, lack wisdom, and have limited knowledge, so I am really not capable of fulfilling such an important responsibility."

really.

They've come to shirk this responsibility.

Seeing that the emperor remained silent, Zhang Weixian had no choice but to continue speaking:
"In the past, Emperor Wu of Han would send embroidered-robed envoys to inspect the capital, and he would always choose upright and incorruptible ministers like Zhi Du and Zhang Tang; Emperor Taizong of Tang would appoint imperial censors to inspect the capital, and he would often select discerning officials like Wei Zheng and Ma Zhou. Now that our holy dynasty wants to eradicate corruption, it should choose upright and outspoken ministers. The officials of the Censorate are all of noble character and are perfectly suited to take on this important task."

"Your Majesty, I am but a military man, lacking literary talent and knowledgeable in criminal law. If I were to be forced into this position, I fear I would be like a blind man trying to distinguish colors or a deaf man trying to hear sounds; not only would I fail to alleviate Your Majesty's burdens, but I would also hinder the court's enlightened rule."

Zhang Weixian glanced at the emperor sideways, but the emperor remained expressionless and showed no intention of speaking.

He was like an ant on a hot pan, unable to advance or retreat, so he could only continue speaking:

"Your humble servant has been blessed by the Emperor for generations, and I am ashamed to be ranked among the dukes. I should emulate Wei Qing and Huo Qubing in guarding the frontier, and learn from Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi in quelling rebellions. Riding horses, shooting arrows, and fighting on the battlefield are my duties. As for investigating corrupt officials and correcting administrative mistakes, these are truly beyond my capabilities."

I humbly request Your Majesty to select another capable person to undertake this important task. I am willing to serve as your bodyguard, holding a halberd, and attend to you with utmost loyalty!

Seeing Zhang Weixian kneeling on the ground with his buttocks sticking up high, Zhu Youxiao jokingly asked, "Finished talking?"

"what?"

The kneeling Duke of England, Zhang Weixian, never expected the emperor to give such a reply.

"What I mean is..."

Before Zhang Weixian could finish speaking, Zhu Youxiao interrupted him.

"I understand what you mean, but how many people do I truly trust? The Duke is the descendant of a meritorious official. If I cannot even entrust him with my duties, to whom can I entrust the Ming Dynasty?"

Who could resist an emperor playing the emotional card?
Zhang Weixian could only say, "Your Majesty, I will certainly do my utmost, but I fear that I may jeopardize Your Majesty's important plans."

"I am very pleased that you are willing to take on this important responsibility."

From the day Zhu Youxiao walked out of the Qianqing Palace, Zhang Weixian was already bound to the Ming Emperor.

Or
The nobles of the Ming Dynasty were inherently one with the Ming Emperor.

Especially after the Tumu Crisis, the nobility gradually declined, and now only the lineage of the Duke of England still has some influence; the other ducal families have basically withdrawn from the center of power. Naturally, the nobility do not want to be mere figureheads and also want to have some influence.

He naturally wanted to accept the olive branch extended by the emperor.

But expanding influence is one thing; Zhang Weixian knows his own limitations.

The decline of the nobility was partly due to the complete control of the civil service after the Tumu Crisis, but it was also partly due to the incompetence of the nobility.
The emperor wanted to promote him, but Zhang Weixian was afraid of messing things up and implicating his family.

At this time, remaining neutral and refraining from any action is the only way to share the fate of the nation.

But clearly, that's impossible now.

“A thorough investigation into corruption is not something you can do alone. I have found you a few helpers.”

helper?

Zhang Weixian's eyes lit up, and he immediately asked, "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty!"

"Li Jinzhong, a eunuch serving in the Directorate of Ceremonial, and Luo Sigong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Upon hearing this, Li Jinzhong was overjoyed and hurriedly stepped forward to Zhu Youxiao, saying, "This servant will certainly share Your Majesty's burdens and thoroughly investigate the corruption and embezzlement of those officials!"

Zhang Weixian was somewhat disappointed to see that it was a eunuch, while he still had some confidence in Luo Sigong.

"Wei Dynasty".

"The servant is here."

When Wei Chao realized that the person assisting in the thorough investigation of corruption was not him, he felt somewhat disappointed.

He was clearly the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, the Director of the Eastern Depot, and the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!
"The affairs of the Eastern Depot will be temporarily managed by Li Jinzhong. You will take charge of the palace."

"This"

Wei Chao felt extremely wronged, his eyes filled with tears, but he still nodded obediently.

"The slaves obey."

Li Jinzhong's cheeks flushed with excitement, and he looked like he was about to jump up.

I never imagined that the day I would take power would come so soon!

"Li Jinzhong".

Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Zhongxian with a complicated expression.

The only way to deal with those corrupt officials is with the sharpest swords.

In the hands of a foolish emperor, Wei Zhongxian was a treacherous and wicked official, a "Nine Thousand Years Old" who brought disaster to the country and its people.

However, under a wise ruler, Wei Zhongxian could very well have become like Zhi Du or Zhang Tang.

"The servant is here."

Wei Zhongxian knelt respectfully before the emperor.

The young emperor before him had gradually mentored him, which was a great kindness.

Moreover, he knew who gave him his power.

Since Your Majesty can give, you can naturally take it away as well.

Just like our ancestor Wang An.

Now, no matter how difficult the task His Majesty has entrusted to him, he will complete it!

"I heard your original surname was Wei, is that right?"

Li Jinzhong nodded immediately, deeply moved.

“My humble name is originally Wei.”

"Zhongxian, Zhongxian, I hope you will be loyal to me and capable in your duties. This is a good name. From now on, you shall be called Wei Zhongxian!"

Li Jinzhong—no, Wei Zhongxian—immediately with tears in his eyes, bowed his head and said, “This servant thanks Your Majesty for bestowing this name upon me!”

"You are in charge of thoroughly investigating the corruption case. Once you have made a decision, you must report to me immediately. Do you understand?"

Duke Zhang Weixian of England was immediately ordered to obey the order by Wei Zhongxian, the eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

"Your subject (this servant) obeys."

During the Wanli reign, there was Hai Rui, the Great Swordsman of the Ming Dynasty.

His Tianqi Dynasty also had the Great Ming Divine Sword.

Regardless of whether he is or not, as long as Zhu Youxiao believes he is, he is!

In short, the corrupt officials of the Ming Dynasty should be trembling now!
　Thanks to Sister Baihe for the recommendation, "Mythical Three Kingdoms" is definitely worth having.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)