Huangming

Chapter 476 New Policies Promote Agriculture, Strict Laws Punish Rebellion

In mid-October of the second year of the Tianqi reign, the winds of Beijing brought the chill of winter ahead of time.

The old locust tree at the foot of the imperial city had long since lost its leaves, its bare branches swaying in the dry, cold wind. Occasionally, a few withered leaves with curled edges would fall, be swept up by the wind and stuck to the vermilion palace walls, only to be quickly crushed into dust by the boots of the patrolling soldiers.

Temperatures have dropped below zero, and breath turns to frost. People wrapped in thick cotton-padded coats hunch their shoulders and huddle into the alleys, but the sorrowful faces of previous winters are nowhere to be seen.

There is no sign of a food shortage in Beizhili this year.

In previous years, if there was a drought at this time, the price of rice in grain stores would have skyrocketed. You could always hear women crying in the alleys saying they "couldn't afford rice." There were even cases of refugees freezing and starving to death under the city walls, wrapped in tattered mats.

But this year is different. In front of the grain store at Xisi Archway, people queuing to buy grain held copper coins in their hands and had reassuring smiles on their faces.

The shopkeeper lifted the lid of the rice jar, revealing it overflowing with millet and wheat kernels, along with several bags of dusty dried sweet potatoes. He called out in a loud voice:

"Dried sweet potatoes on sale! Two cents a pound, perfect for making porridge!"

This confidence stemmed entirely from Emperor Zhu Youxiao's vigorous promotion over the past year.

The Qing dynasty surveyed all the "hidden fields" and "waste fields" in the prefectures and counties of Beizhili, and all private fields that gentry had concealed were confiscated.

Displaced people and military households who are willing to cultivate the land will be given land, seeds, and farming tools, and will also be exempt from taxes for three years.

In Daxing County of Shuntian Prefecture, more than 20,000 mu of wasteland were cleared and distributed to more than 300 households of refugees. The government also sent agricultural officials to teach them how to grow sweet potatoes.

This crop is drought-resistant. Even when the soil is so dry that the fields are cracked, the vines can still climb all over the ridges. The tubers that are dug up are heavy, and one acre can yield a thousand catties, which is equivalent to the yield of three acres of millet.

To ensure a good harvest, Zhu Youxiao also allocated funds from the imperial treasury to allow Shuntian Prefecture and Baoding Prefecture to construct water conservancy projects.

Agricultural officials led the people to dig irrigation ditches and build water cellars, diverting water from the Juma River and Yongding River to the fields. Even in the remote Jizhou, more than a dozen small reservoirs were built.

When autumn harvest came, the sweet potatoes in Beizhili were plentiful, and the sweet potatoes in the cellars of farmers in Baoding Prefecture were enough to last until the following spring.

In addition to the usual millet, the Shuntian Prefecture's disaster relief granaries also had hundreds of thousands of kilograms of dried sweet potatoes, and some of them could even be allocated to Shandong and Henan.

These two provinces also planted some sweet potatoes, and although they didn't harvest as much as those in Beizhili, it was enough to alleviate the food shortage.

When the floods in Jiangnan were severe, the price of grain in the capital did rise for a few days. Rice shop owners even tried to take the opportunity to raise prices. However, after a few days, the government set up "affordable grain points" on the streets with carts full of dried sweet potatoes and millet. One tael of silver could buy four shi of millet, which was cheaper than in previous years.

Seeing this, the grain shop owners had no choice but to lower the price, and muttered among themselves:
"These sweet potatoes are truly miraculous; in previous years, during droughts, we never saw such a bounty."

Besides sweet potatoes, the corn planted on trial in the imperial estate has brought a fresh trend to the capital.

In early October, the steward of the imperial estate brought a basket of bright orange corn cobs into the palace. The corn kernels on the cobs were as plump as golden beads. When they were peeled and boiled in water, the whole palace was filled with a sweet aroma.

Zhu Youxiao tasted one; the corn was crisp, tender, and sweet. The Ming emperor immediately revealed a Khrushchev-like smile.

He immediately ordered the imperial kitchen to cook more so that the court officials could have a taste.

The next day, the Huangming Daily published an article titled "Ode to the Newly Harvested Corn in Huangzhuang," accompanied by a woodcut illustration of corn ears. The article stated, "Corn is drought-resistant and high-yielding, and can be eaten steamed or boiled. It is truly a good grain for the people's livelihood." It also detailed the planting methods and encouraged the people to try planting it next year.

The moment the report came out, the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital were captivated.

When the Empress hosted a banquet for the noble ladies in the imperial harem, she added a dish of steamed corn. The noble ladies ate it with great relish and asked, "Where can I buy it?"

Many stewards of high-ranking officials even went to the imperial estate to buy corn seeds, saying, "I want to plant a few in my own garden."

The imperial estate only had a few hundred acres of corn planted to begin with, and it was quickly bought up by the powerful and wealthy. The price of a single ear of corn even reached one or two taels of silver on the market.

This price is more than a hundred times higher than that of millet, yet people are still scrambling to buy it.

When officials saw this, they advised Zhu Youxiao to "set a maximum price to prevent the powerful and wealthy from driving up the price," but Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said with a smile:
"No need. The more they rob, the more the people will realize the value of corn, and they will naturally think about planting it next year."

Once every household plants it, the price will naturally come down.

The powerful hand of capitalism, like Hayek's, will teach those who hoard goods and engage in speculation how to conduct themselves and how to do business.

What he wants is not "price control", but "to stimulate enthusiasm for planting".

Corn can not only be used as a staple food, but its stalks can also be used to feed livestock, making it more suitable for the needs of farmers in the north than sweet potatoes.

Sure enough, a few days later, farmers from Baoding Prefecture sent someone to the capital to inquire about corn seeds; agricultural officials from Shuntian Prefecture also submitted a memorial, saying, "Many people are asking for seeds, and we earnestly request that the trial planting area be expanded next year."

"As long as we promote the cultivation of sweet potatoes and corn, and ensure that people have food to eat and land to cultivate, even the most difficult disorder can be quelled."

"After all, only when the people are at peace can the country be at peace. The winter in Beizhili is the best proof of this."

This is not just empty talk.

In the countryside of Beizhili today, sweet potatoes piled up to knee-deep in farmers' cellars are a common sight in previous winters, but this year the tragic scene of "selling children" has disappeared, and even the number of refugees at the foot of the city walls has decreased by more than half.

The government not only allocated them wasteland, but also gave them sweet potato seedlings and taught them how to plant them in the spring.

The people's peace and stability only made the thoughts of the officials in the court more complicated. The resentment hidden in the folds of their court robes was harder to dispel than the morning mist in winter.

During the land survey, how many private fields concealed by gentry and officials were confiscated?

When sweet potatoes were promoted, how many grain merchants who made a living by hoarding grain lost their source of income?

These people dared not speak out, but secretly they submitted many memorials, saying things like "sweet potatoes are coarse and vulgar, and may harm the people's stomachs" or "the land survey is too strict, and may lose the hearts of the gentry." Their words were full of resistance to the new policy.

Zhu Youxiao simply smiled at these complaints.

If the enemy says you did something wrong, it means you did something right.

is the day.

The sky is bright.

Zhu Youxiao then got up from his bedchamber.

Attended by palace servants, and dressed in his usual imperial robes, Zhu Youxiao went to the East Warm Pavilion for breakfast.

He had just put down the gilded porcelain bowl when the eunuch led Luo Sigong in.

The commander of the Imperial Guard was dressed in a black, close-fitting outfit. He moved as lightly as a cat. When he entered the room, he still carried the chill of the morning frost, but he completely withdrew his aura the moment he stepped into the warm room.

"Your subject, Luo Sigong, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

He knelt on the ground, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for Zhu Youxiao to hear clearly without disturbing the morning quiet.

"Get up."

"Tell me about the situation in the nine border regions from last night's secret report."

Luo Sigong stood up, walked to the desk, and stood with his hands at his sides.

"Your Majesty, there are three main secret reports from the nine border regions: the first is from Liaodong, the second is from the southern grasslands, and the third is from Datong and the two towns of Yansui and Shanxi."

He paused, organized his thoughts, and then laid out the contents of the secret report in a clear and logical manner.

"In Liaodong, since the fall of the Jurchens, Commander Sun Chengzong has been implementing the policy of 'settling the border with immigrants' in the area."

Luo Sigong's voice was steady.
"The former site of Jincheng (Hetu Ala) in Yuanping has now been rebuilt into more than 50 villages. More than 2,300 households of refugees have been relocated there. The government allocated 10 mu of land to each household, half of which was planted with millet and wheat and the other half with sweet potatoes."

According to intelligence reports, this year's sweet potato harvest is good, and farmers' cellars are full, with enough food to last through the winter.

The situation was even worse in the Kuandian region. Commander Sun had even built three irrigation canals to draw water from the Hun River for irrigation, and planned to expand sweet potato cultivation by another 5,000 mu next year, saying it was to "use grain to feed the army, and the army to protect the people."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's lips curled up slightly.

Sun Chengzong's move was a prudent one. The immigration not only populated Liaodong but also provided a home for displaced people. With the addition of sweet potatoes and corn as a safety net, the morale of the people in Liaodong was stabilized.

He recalled that when Liaodong was first pacified last year, there were dilapidated fortresses everywhere, and refugees hid in the mountains and forests, afraid to come out. Now, there are villages with smoke rising from their chimneys. This change is inseparable from the support of food.

What about the southern grasslands?

Zhu Youxiao pressed for more information, tapping lightly on the table with his fingers.

"Your Majesty, the southern desert is currently engulfed in continuous warfare."

Luo Sigong's tone became more somber.

"Eje of the Chahar tribe and his uncle had a falling out over the allocation of pastures and had already fought two battles at the Xilamulun River."

The five tribes of Inner Khalkha originally wanted to mediate, but because the Khorchin tribe seized their salt ponds, the two sides brought up old grievances again.

Behind this was a secret message sent by Liu Xingzuo, the Earl of Weilu, deliberately letting them know that "the other side is secretly contacting the Ming Dynasty, wanting to monopolize the profits of the trade."

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Youxiao's eyes.

The grassland tribes have always been characterized by "the strong forming alliances and the weak devouring each other." What the Ming Dynasty needs to do is prevent them from having the opportunity to unite.

With internal strife within the Chahar tribe and a falling out between the Khalkha and Khorchin, the southern grasslands are preoccupied with their own problems and have no energy left to keep an eye on the Ming Dynasty's borders.

This is the beauty of "using barbarians to control barbarians".

Liu Xingzuo, that troublemaker, did a good job. "How's the progress with Xiong Tingbi in Datong?"

What Zhu Youxiao was most concerned about was the reorganization of the nine border garrisons.

"Xiong Jinglue acted decisively, and the reorganization in Datong has already yielded results."

Luo Sigong gave a detailed answer.

"He first quelled Wang Wei's rebellion, beheading more than thirty captains who were in charge. He then re-examined the soldiers of Datong Garrison. Anyone who falsely reported or misappropriated rations or pay had to either pay a ransom or be exiled to Liaodong."

The detailed list of soldiers in Datong Garrison has now been compiled.

At this point, Luo Sigong paused and added:
"Xiong Jinglue sent his deputy generals to reorganize the two towns of Yansui and Shanxi."

With the fates of Wang Guoliang of Xuanfu and Wang Wei of Datong already laid bare, no officer in the two garrisons dared to harbor any disloyal thoughts.

General Du Wenhuan of Yansui Garrison voluntarily paid 30,000 taels of silver as atonement and also handed over the deeds to 5,000 mu of land that his family had concealed.

The Shanxi garrison commander even personally brought the roster of soldiers to Datong to apologize to Commander Xiong.

The reorganization of the nine border regions, though slow, is proceeding very steadily.

Zhu Youxiao listened and nodded in satisfaction.

These border generals need to be given a good talking-to. Before, they used the excuse of "hereditary border defense" to conceal their troop numbers, embezzle rations, and even delay the imperial court's orders.

Now, with Xiong Tingbi's iron fist, coupled with the deterrent of "redemption money" and "exile to Liaodong," these people finally behaved.

Ultimately, it was the imperial court that gained confidence.

The abundant harvest in Beizhili was enough to support the border troops' provisions and pay.

The stability of Liaodong can deter those who want to cause trouble.

"very good."

Zhu Youxiao's gaze returned to Luo Sigong.

"With the Nine Garrisons secured, the real test will come from the movements in Jiangnan. Read Gao Qiqian's list carefully to me."

Luo Sigong bowed in agreement, pulled out the booklet with the cover printed with "Jiangnan Secret Report, Class A" from the pile of secret reports, and rustled the pages as he opened it:

"Your Majesty, the list submitted by Supervisor Gao contains thirty-four names."

The first case involves Zhou Qiyuan, the governor of Yingtian, who was accused of colluding with Suzhou gentry and misappropriating 30,000 taels of disaster relief funds to subsidize rioters.

Next was Yan Kuan, a cloth merchant from Songjiang (deceased). His letters, in collusion with the pirate Li Kuiqi to incite weavers, have been seized by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

In addition, Donglin Party members such as Qian Longxi secretly used the academy to transmit manifestos against oppressive government, inciting students to submit petitions impeaching Yuan Keli.

Zhu Youxiao listened quietly, his gaze fixed on the rising sun outside the window, but his eyes held no warmth.

He had long anticipated that things would descend into chaos in Jiangnan.

Those gentry monopolized 70% of the land in Jiangnan, withheld half of the taxes, and even dared to smuggle raw silk from the textile bureau to the Western barbarians for profit.

Which of Yuan Keli's initiatives—"land surveying," "state-run cotton cloth production," and "imperial authority extending to the county level"—didn't threaten their vested interests?

If we don't thoroughly stir up this murky water and uproot these deeply entrenched parasites, Jiangnan will forever remain a tough nut to crack, unable to collect taxes or push forward reforms.

"Good chaos."

Zhu Youxiao suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but it startled Luo Sigong.

“If things are not chaotic in Jiangnan, how could those ‘big rats’ hiding in academies and mansions come out?”

"How can we see who's obstructing the new policies if we don't push them to the limit?"

He picked up Gao Qiqian's list, scrolled over the name "Zhou Qiyuan," and sneered.

"He pretended to be concerned about the country and its people when he submitted memorials, but behind the scenes he instigated rioters to smash the disaster relief office."

Keeping this kind of person around is just asking for trouble.

Luo Sigong bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty is wise. However, officials from Jiangnan are already restless upon hearing this matter."

Secret reports indicate that although Qian Qianyi has been dismissed from office, he is still gathering his protégés and former officials in his residence, and contacting officials from Jiangnan who wish to speak out against injustice, intending to jointly submit a "Memorial of Ten Thousand People," requesting His Majesty to "dismiss Yuan Keli and appease the gentry of Jiangnan."

"Qian Qianyi?"

Zhu Youxiao raised an eyebrow, and his tone instantly turned cold.

That old fellow has his own business with the canal transport. When sweet potatoes were being promoted, Qian Qianyi took the lead in writing a memorial saying that "sweet potatoes are the food of barbarians and may pollute the stomachs of the people of the Ming Dynasty." He also secretly instigated grain merchants to hoard millet in an attempt to raise prices and undermine the new policy. In the end, he was dismissed from his post. I didn't expect that this old man would still not give up.

"You've already been dismissed from your post, and you still want to cause trouble?"

Zhu Youxiao slammed his fingers heavily on the table, causing a few drops of tea to splash from the porcelain cup.

"He thinks he can force me to back down by colluding with a few officials and staging a 'petition of the people'? He's really courting death!"

"I have already sent ten men to keep watch over Qian Qianyi's residence, but he has many visitors, so I'm afraid there may be some oversights."

Luo Sigong added, his tone somewhat cautious.

Qian Qianyi enjoyed considerable prestige among the gentry of Jiangnan. His residence was frequently visited by members of the Donglin Party and wealthy merchants from Jiangnan, making it difficult to keep an eye on him as news traveled quickly.

"not enough."

Zhu Youxiao interrupted him, his eyes sharp as knives.

“We need to triple the manpower, not only to keep an eye on his residence, but also to investigate his correspondence, the identities of his visitors, and even record the groceries he buys and the gifts he sends!”

"If he dares to send out even a single word of a letter of coordination, or secretly contact the rebels in Jiangnan, arrest him immediately!"

He paused, his tone becoming even more serious.

"This old fellow has long been courting death. I spared his life before because he still had some literary reputation. Now that he doesn't know how to restrain himself, then don't blame me for being impolite."

"Let's make an example of him and deter those officials in Jiangnan who still want to cause trouble!"

Luo Sigong's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed:

"Your subject obeys! Today, thirty elite captains will be dispatched to keep a close watch on Qian Qianyi around the clock, and we will not let any unusual movements slip by."

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

These people only resort to impeachment as a means of forcing the emperor to resign when they are desperate.

They thought Yuan Keli was an easy target, and that I would be afraid of "public resentment," but they forgot that what I wanted was never "the satisfaction of the gentry in Jiangnan," but "the Jiangnan of the Ming Dynasty."

As long as Yuan Keli can stabilize Nanjing and solidify the evidence against those instigators, no matter how many impeachment memorials are submitted, they will be nothing but a pile of waste paper.

"That's fine then."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, his tone returning to calm.

"Keep a close eye on both the Nine Borders and Jiangnan. Report any new information immediately."

"Yes!"

Luo Sigong bowed again and slowly retreated until he left the warm pavilion, then turned and quickly left.

He knew that His Majesty's attitude toward Jiangnan was already very clear.

Instead of calming the chaos, they used the chaos to eliminate the root of the problem.

Also.

His Majesty's tolerance for Qian Qianyi has reached its limit; it seems that he is about to take serious action.

The warm room fell silent again, with only the crackling of the burning candlelight remaining.

Zhu Youxiao picked up Gao Qiqian's list, brought it close to the candlelight, and looked at the names "Zhou Qiyuan," "Qian Qianyi," and "Wang Yingjiao," his eyes growing increasingly profound.

The chaos in Jiangnan was a scheme he orchestrated; the unrest in the court was a reaction he had anticipated.

As long as we proceed step by step and eliminate these obstacles to reform one by one, Jiangnan will eventually become a granary supporting the new policies of the Ming Dynasty, rather than a quagmire that holds us back.

He has now taken control of the army and promoted many capable individuals.

What can these people use to fight him?
PS:

Sick~
o (╥﹏╥) o
(End of this chapter)