Take control of Wei Zhongxian at the start and confiscate 100 million from him!

Chapter 340 What a bunch of traitors and rebels!

Inside the warm pavilion, it was so quiet that one could hear the howling of the cold wind whistling through the bare branches outside the window.

The heartfelt analysis they had just received still resonated in Fan Jingwen and Zuo Liangyu's minds like a thunderclap.

The invisible hand that undermines the foundation of the nation, the bloody chain that exploits the people, chilled the two men to the bone and drove them to madness.

Zuo Liangyu knelt down again with utmost solemnity, his forehead bowing deeply.

He knew that since the emperor could see so clearly this giant pest that had taken root in the body of the Ming Dynasty and had not even been noticed by him, the head of the Inspectorate, he must have already found a way to solve it.

This is not superstition.

Rather, it was Zuo Liangyu's most profound understanding of the young emperor, which he had gleaned from witnessing it time and time again—His Majesty never speaks without reason, and every move he makes is carefully planned and executed without fail!

Every single thing in the past had its constraints, and every single thing seemed risky, but in the end, they all landed steadily on the most crucial point.

Therefore, he didn't need to ask or doubt.

The emperor gave the order, and he carried it out.

I would brave mountains of knives and seas of fire, even unto death.

Zhu Youjian looked at Zuo Liangyu kneeling on the ground, then glanced at Fan Jingwen, who was still stiff and immersed in shock, and slowly took a breath.

The emperor paced back and forth, his footsteps very light.

"Fan Jingwen."

The emperor's voice rang out calmly.

"The lifeblood of the nation and the lifeblood of the people are being stolen overseas by people in large and small boats!"

He emphasized the word "theft" with extreme force. It was as if it weren't just a word, but a dagger coated with cold poison, plunged viciously into the heart of this heinous crime.

"I have summoned you two here today to administer a strong medicine to cure this chronic illness."

His fingers stopped, and his gaze swept sharply over the two of them.

"The core principle is—to prohibit copper coins from leaving the country and to bring silver back to the heart!"

"I will use the might of the Ming Dynasty and the most decisive means to completely sever this chain that has been stealing the lifeblood of my Ming Dynasty! I will ensure that all the wealth that should have been circulating within the territory of my Ming Dynasty returns to the national treasury and into my hands!"

His voice was domineering.

"This matter is not about competing with the people for profit! It is about bolstering the nation's morale and prolonging the lives of its people!"

As soon as he finished speaking, you could hear a pin drop in the warm room.

Fan Jingwen stood there, his whole body trembling slightly.

As the head of the Great Ming Treasure Bank, he devoted himself to figuring out how to fill the deficit and stabilize the increasingly absurd exchange rate between silver and currency every day.

He tried everything he could—increasing revenue and reducing expenditure, recovering outstanding debts, adjusting the currency system—but with little success.

He originally thought it was due to years of natural disasters, the war in Liaodong, or the depravity of the bandits...

Only now did he realize with shock that the hole he had been pondering day and night but could never see was actually dug out by man!
Right under his nose, on the southeastern coast that he thought was peaceful, it was forcibly carved open in the most greedy and shameless way!
An indescribable rage erupted from the depths of his heart.

This is a heart-wrenching humiliation of someone who has been immersed in this field for decades, yet is completely manipulated and unaware of it!

He suddenly remembered that just last year, a group of officials and gentry, led by several prominent families in Jiangnan, had jointly submitted a memorial, vehemently criticizing the drawbacks of maritime trade and requesting the court to reaffirm the ban on maritime trade.

They said that "the morals of the people have been corrupted as a result, and the foundation of the nation has been shaken."

At the time, he felt that although these people were exaggerating, there was some truth to their claim that maritime trade was disordered.

Now that I think about it...

He's clearly acting out of a guilty conscience!
They were clearly afraid that the imperial court would interfere with maritime trade and cut off their biggest source of wealth—smuggled silk, porcelain, and even… copper coins!

These corrupt officials, while claiming to serve the country and its people, are secretly plotting to undermine the foundation of the Ming Dynasty!
"What a bunch of traitors and rebels!"

Fan Jingwen squeezed out these words through gritted teeth.

Zuo Liangyu's reaction was completely different.

He possessed none of Fan Jingwen's scholarly indignation and humiliation.
Those eyes, which had become somewhat somber from years of scrutinizing people's hearts, suddenly lit up, like a hunting dog that had been lurking in the dark finally smelling that most familiar and exciting scent of blood.

What is the essence of the position of Director-General of the Inspection Department?
It's about rooting out those traitors who threaten the foundation of the nation!
His investigations into corruption, dereliction of duty, and factionalism always felt like patching things up, removing one rotten piece of flesh only to have a new one grow next to it—treating the symptoms but not the root cause.

But today, His Majesty the Emperor has personally defined the crime of "smuggling copper coins" as "stealing the lifeblood of the nation"!
These four words carry immense weight!

This is tantamount to giving him a clear, supreme, and unparalleled direction for law enforcement!

This is tantamount to handing over a top-priority case to him!
His slightly hunched back straightened instinctively at that moment, and his whole being was like a sharp sword about to be drawn from its sheath, exuding a chilling aura.

Zhu Youjian took in the expressions of the two men and understood what was going on.

He continued his "lecture," beginning the first step in laying out this thunderous method.

"I call the first step the 'Thunderous Execution Period'."

"It will last for six months."

"During this period, there is only one crucial task," Zhu Youjian said, his gaze sweeping over the two men. "Issue the 'Prohibition of Copper Exports from the Sea,' using the law of the land as a weapon!"

After saying this, he slowly began to narrate:

"I will issue the edict myself. But the wording in the edict must be tactful."

Upon hearing this, even the murderous Zuo Liangyu was taken aback.

“We cannot directly accuse them of ‘aiding the enemy and colluding with the Japanese,’” Zhu Youjian explained. “That would be tantamount to directly pushing Japan to the opposite side of our Great Ming in front of the world, tearing off the mask of civility. I will still be doing business with them for some time to come, and I will still be exchanging goods from our Great Ming for their silver. Business must continue.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Jingwen's impatience and anger subsided slightly, and reason regained its advantage.

He immediately rose, bowed deeply to the ground, and said respectfully, “Your Majesty’s foresight is admirable! As the head of the Treasury, I was just worried about this matter. If Japan, feeling humiliated, were to break off all trade with our dynasty in a fit of rage, our plan to absorb its silver to replenish the national treasury would become a dead end. All subsequent measures to stabilize the currency system would be impossible.”

He already understood that the emperor's ultimate goal was silver.

The ban on copper coins was to stop losses; the collection of silver was for the purpose of increasing profits.

If the latter is severed because of the former, then it's like picking up a sesame seed and losing a melon.

"Well said." Zhu Youjian gave him an approving look. "I am very pleased that you thought of this. Therefore, in the edict, I only said: 'Money is the lifeblood of the nation; its excessive circulation will lead to the decline of the people's livelihood. In order to rectify the currency system and stabilize the people's livelihood, the court, understanding the people's sentiments and in accordance with the will of Heaven, hereby strictly prohibits the export of Ming Dynasty copper coins overseas. This is an internal fiscal and tax policy of our Great Ming Dynasty and has nothing to do with foreign trade.'"

His words were spoken in a grand and righteous manner, without a single flaw.

Fan Jingwen felt a chill run down his spine. This seemingly mild statement actually concealed a sharp edge, firmly grasping all moral principles in his own hands.

However, the emperor's tone suddenly changed the next moment!
His gentle, explanatory gaze suddenly turned to Zuo Liangyu, becoming as cold and sharp as icicles in the dead of winter.

"However!" "Internally, the secret orders I've given you to the Inspectorate and the new navy won't be so sentimental. Anyone caught smuggling copper coins out of the sea is a traitor and should be executed according to the law!"

He looked at Fan Jingwen again, a cold smile creeping onto his lips.

"This is what we call outwardly showing courtesy while inwardly concealing our sharpness. Outwardly, we can make money peacefully; behind closed doors, I will ensure that those traitors who betray our country have nowhere to escape and nowhere to hide!"

Fan Jingwen felt a chill rise up his spine.

The emperor's voice grew increasingly cold.

"Order the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review to supplement the relevant articles of the Great Ming Code within seven days!"

"The ringleader who smuggled copper coins out of the sea shall be executed by slow slicing and his family property shall be confiscated!"

"Accomplices, behead them on the spot! Ships and cargo, all confiscated!"

"In coastal prefectures and counties, any official within their jurisdiction who has neglected his duties will be investigated and punished, and the principal official will be demoted three ranks and sent to serve in the frontier!"

"This order shall be jointly executed by the new navy and your supervisory department, Zuo Liangyu! I hereby grant your department the authority to execute local officials involved in the case without prior notification!"

Zuo Liangyu's heart, which had long been tempered by the officialdom and remained calm, began to beat violently at this moment. He felt that a surge of murderous intent that had been suppressed for too long had finally found an outlet!

He finally obtained a sword, personally bestowed by the emperor, powerful enough to sever all demons and monsters, and all entangled obstacles...
"My lord, take the order!"

Zuo Liangyu's voice was hoarse, but full of determination.

"I will definitely live up to your majesty's trust!"

Zhu Youjian looked at him, nodded in satisfaction, and then began to assign more detailed tasks, assigning responsibilities to individuals and dividing the work among them.

"Zuo Liangyu".

"Chen is here!"

"Your Inspectorate must coordinate with the Ministry of War, focusing on land." Zhu Youjian walked to the huge map, his finger tracing the winding coastline of the southeast. "Keep a close watch on every port, private harbor, and even remote mudflat along the coast where goods might be shipped! Tell Zheng Zhilong that his new navy will be responsible for intercepting at sea; and you will be responsible for apprehending them on land. A combined land and sea operation—weave an impenetrable net for me!"

Zuo Liangyu pondered for a moment; he was not a reckless man who only knew how to obey orders.

He stood up, cupped his hands, and said, “Your Majesty, this plan is ingenious, but I have a concern. The coastal officials and local gentry are deeply entrenched and interdependent, forming an impenetrable alliance. Although Your Majesty trusts my Inspectorate, its manpower is ultimately limited, and its intelligence network is also finite.”

If we only investigate from top to bottom, we're bound to miss some things. To weave a truly impenetrable net on land, it needs... to grow countless eyes and claws on its own!

His words were extremely truthful.

No matter how powerful the Inspectorate is, they are still officials from the capital. When they are parachuted into local areas, even a powerful dragon cannot suppress a local snake.

Others can use an invisible network of relationships to make you feel powerless.

"Well said!" Zhu Youjian was not displeased at all; instead, he smiled approvingly, but his smile carried a chilling coldness. "So what I want to give you is not just a sharp weapon to cut through vines, but also a poison that can make iron plates rust from the inside out!"

Zuo Liangyu suddenly looked up, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

"I hereby bestow upon you three strategies, which will serve as your powerful tools!"

"Any local official who dares to openly or secretly obstruct law enforcement, you need not go through the joint trial of the three judicial departments. You can first dismiss them from their post, put them in shackles, arrest them, and escort them to the capital for me to deal with personally!"

"If you encounter local garrisons that disobey orders or even resist with armed force... you may use my token to control all nearby troops, quell the rebellion first, and then report back! My empire does not tolerate two-faced incompetent fools!"

Upon hearing this, Zuo Liangyu was terrified!
Zhu Youjian's gaze grew increasingly profound. "I want you to distribute this poison to those smuggling tycoons, bandits, and outlaws... to dispel their malfeasance!"

"You may proclaim to the world and, in the name of the Inspectorate, make a solemn pledge—that whoever reports the smuggling of copper coins or contraband, once verified, will receive 40% of all the seized goods and money!"

"If they are worried about retaliation, the Inspectorate can immediately activate the 'Household Security Plan,' relocating their entire family to another place, changing their names, and granting them land and shops to ensure they have enough to eat and wear for the rest of their lives!"

The emperor's voice was calm, but every word he uttered shocked Zuo Liangyu!
Zhu Youjian looked at his shocked expression and sneered, "Zuo Liangyu, think about it. When brothers no longer trust each other, when employees are wary of the boss, and when your wife is scheming for that 40% of the enormous wealth... can their so-called iron plate still hold up? You don't even need to pry it open; it will rust and crumble from the inside out! This is the real inescapable net I want you to weave!"

Zuo Liangyu felt his mouth and tongue were dry.

Zhu Youjian's tone finally softened, like the most experienced driver who knew to give a sweet treat after cracking the whip, "I will allocate 10% of the property confiscated this time to set up a separate fund called 'Maritime Frontier Anti-Corruption Fund' under the name of your Supervisory Office."

All officials who have rendered meritorious service in this matter, regardless of rank, shall be nominated by you and assessed by the Ministry of Personnel. Those with great merit will be rewarded double and promoted exceptionally! Let all officials in the land see clearly that only by following the court and serving the public wholeheartedly can they achieve true wealth and honor! Those who outwardly comply but inwardly defy the court and associate with traitors will face certain death!

The last trace of concern in Zuo Liangyu's heart vanished.

They possess swift and decisive measures to overcome all obstacles, psychological warfare tactics to dismantle the enemy's internal structure, and the lure of personal gain to divide friend from foe.

This is the true strategy for getting things done!

"Your Majesty, I have no more doubts!" ​​Zuo Liangyu bowed deeply again. "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will weave this net on land flawlessly, even at the cost of my life!"

Zhu Youjian nodded and turned his gaze to Fan Jingwen, who had been listening intently the whole time.

"Fan Jingwen."

"The minister is here."

"Your Baochao Headquarters is the purse strings for this campaign, and also a stabilizer in the rear!" The emperor's voice regained its calmness, yet carried the composure of someone in control of the situation. "I entrust you with three things."

Fan Jingwen's spirits lifted, and he bowed respectfully.

"In coordination with the Royal Chamber of Commerce, draft a proclamation for me, informing all foreign merchants trading with our Great Ming Dynasty in the clearest terms—from this day forward, our official and imperial merchant transactions will only accept silver!"

"All the silver seized by the new navy and the Inspectorate, as well as the silver obtained from subsequent maritime trade, shall be received by your Baochao Bank. Carefully examine its purity, melt it down into standard silver ingots, and store it in the treasury."

"Finally!" The emperor's tone became more serious. "Once the ban takes effect and copper coins no longer flow out of the country, you must immediately use the head office's reserves to put up signs for me at the official money shops that I previously ordered to be established at major post stations—to exchange unlimited amounts of silver for the people at the official exchange rate!"
One tael of silver can be exchanged for one thousand copper coins. I'm fair and honest with everyone!
"I will use the imperial credibility to crush and kill off all those private money lenders who are taking advantage of the money shortage to bleed the people dry!"

Fan Jingwen was thrilled!

"Your Majesty..." His voice trembled slightly, "Your Majesty... obeys the decree!"

Fan Jingwen added, “Your Majesty, I have another idea regarding coinage. If the Ministry of Works could use the silver allocated by Your Majesty to research and trial-mint our own standard silver coins, inscribed with the words ‘Chongzhen Yuanbao,’ with clear specifications of their composition and weight, and then implement them throughout the land through law, this could fundamentally replace the loose silver of varying purity circulating in the market, elevating our dynasty's monetary system to a new level!”

"Oh?" Zhu Youjian glanced at him with some surprise, then laughed. "You and I are thinking the same thing. That's right, I've already ordered the Ministry of Works to get started on this matter. That's a story for later, but you should prepare in advance."

Fan Jingwen was overjoyed. He never expected that his newly conceived idea was already part of His Majesty's plans.

The two, the emperor and his minister, had such a tacit understanding on this major economic policy!
Thus, the emperor's lectures finally came to an end.

A young eunuch entered silently, carrying two documents that had just been copied with fine cinnabar ink. He handed them to Fan Jingwen and Zuo Liangyu respectively.

The few thin pages felt incredibly heavy in their hands.

What's written here isn't words, it's thunder and raging fire!

As Fan Jingwen looked at the clear strategies on the paper, an unprecedented light shone in his cloudy eyes.

Zuo Liangyu gripped the scroll of paper tightly in his hand. The thin paper seemed to have turned into a red-hot branding iron in his hand, burning his palm and making the blood in his body boil.

(End of this chapter)