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

Chapter 367 Although the ice has not completely melted, a warm current is already flowing beneath the solid ice.
The chariots rumbled and the horses neighed as the emperor's entourage traveled through the fields of Yan and Zhao.

The season has quietly slipped into midwinter.

The north wind, descending from the sky, is like an invisible carving knife, sculpting the majestic outline of the Taihang Mountains into an even more austere and precipitous form.

The trees lining the imperial road had long since lost their last trace of splendor to the winter frost, leaving only gnarled and twisted branches stretching wildly under the gray sky, like a powerful ink painting, containing endless desolation and strength.

A somber atmosphere pervaded the world, and all things lay dormant.

Zhu Youjian sat upright inside the warm tent of the imperial carriage.

Outside the tent, the wind howled as a snowstorm threatened to strike; inside, the air was thick with the warmth of ambergris incense.

A volume of "Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era" lay open on his lap, but his gaze had already pierced through the clear glass window and was directed toward the vast and boundless land outside.

After returning from Dengzhou, I went to the capital region, and then from the capital region northward to Xuanda.

For the emperor, this long journey of hundreds of miles was not a simple inspection tour, but a more profound measurement.

He used cart tracks as a ruler and his gaze as a guide to measure the texture of this empire; he used the sound of the wind as a drum and his heartbeat as a rhythm to feel its most authentic pulse.

Along the way, one could see soldiers stationed in border towns, people left behind in the wilderness, and merchants traveling along the post roads.

Every blade of grass, every tree, every person, and every event is part of the land he governs, and part of his heart's concerns!
"His Majesty."

Wang Chengen moved with the lightness of a cat, slipping silently into the tent.

He bowed deeply, his voice extremely low, as if afraid of disturbing the emperor's detached thoughts.

"The urgent memorial from the Ministry of Personnel, delivered over a distance of 600 li, has arrived."

Zhu Youjian's gaze slowly returned from the boundless frosty sky outside the window.

His eyes, as deep as an ancient pool, seemed to reflect the vast, frozen landscape of the North. He calmly and solemnly closed the book on his lap.

There was a soft snap.

The results of the national examination for officials, the first truly nationwide assessment since his ascension to the throne, were finally delivered to him by the iron hooves of the post horses, which traversed mountains and rivers.

Night is deep.

In Xuanfu Town, the General's Mansion was temporarily converted into the Emperor's temporary residence.

Here, there are no carved beams and painted rafters, no golden splendor of the Forbidden City, no exotic flowers, strange rocks, pavilions and towers of the Western Garden.

The only things that stood out were the strict guards, with sentries every five or ten steps, and the bright candlelight that shone like daylight inside the room.

The candlelight elongated Zhu Youjian's tall figure, casting a huge and silent shadow on the massive "Map of the Nine Borders of the Ming Dynasty" behind him.

That shadow seemed to encompass the entire territory of the Ming Dynasty.

Before him, on a long table carved with dragons from sandalwood, lay piles of yellow silk scrolls, exuding the scent of pine soot, ink, and tung oil.

This is the merit and demerit record of all officials of the fourth rank and above in the Ming Dynasty.

On the cover of each file are three large, bright red seals.

The Ministry of Personnel, the Eastern Depot, and the Censorate of Andu Prefecture.
The three parties conduct joint review, complementing and restraining each other.

This was the iron bit that Zhu Youjian painstakingly crafted for his massive, almost bloated bureaucratic machine.

What Zhu Youjian wanted was never just the unwavering loyalty of his subjects, but rather results. Results that could be measured, verified, and recorded on cold, hard numbers—undeniable achievements!
He stretched out his hand, his slender fingers appearing fair and strong in the candlelight.

He took the topmost file.

It was an evaluation of the magistrate of Wu County, Suzhou Prefecture, from Jiangnan.

The file was slowly unfurled, and there were no longer any vague comments like "kind and quick-witted," "talented," or "honest, prudent, and diligent"—comparative assessments applicable to all situations.

In its place came a series of clear, almost cold, regulations.

[Exam Results]

Household Registration: Over 3,100 new households were registered, an increase of 15% compared to previous years. Rating: Above average. Land Reclamation: River channels were dredged, water was diverted to silt up farmland, and over 8,000 mu of new sandy fields and polder fields were reclaimed. Rating: Excellent. Taxes: Summer and autumn grain taxes were collected, and a new unified grain payment policy was implemented. Actual taxes paid into the treasury exceeded the quota by 2 fen. Rating: Excellent. Criminal Cases: All major cases, including theft and murder, within the territory were solved within the year; no cases remained unsolved. Rating: Above average.

Behind every seemingly dry number lies the vibrant life of a county, the daily lives of countless ordinary people, and the cycle of sunrise and sunset.

Zhu Youjian's gaze seemed to penetrate the thin paper, seeing the clerks measuring the land alongside the farmers on the field ridges; the tax officials counting goods with an abacus at the canal wharf; and the head constable searching for clues in the piles of old papers late into the night in the back hall of the county government office.

He continued looking down.

【Exam Results - Special】

Jiaxing: A Benevolent Policy: Within its jurisdiction, the "work-for-relief" method was implemented. During the off-season for farming, landless refugees were organized to repair the dikes of Taihu Lake. The government provided one liter of rice and a pinch of salt daily. In this way, water conservancy was secured, preventing floods the following year; and refugees were provided with food, preventing them from becoming bandits. The Censorate investigated and stated that "countless lives were saved, and the people were greatly pleased." This was a great achievement. A Swift Decision: In early summer, the Huai River region flooded, and refugees crossed the border.

The official acted decisively, opening the granaries to distribute grain, setting up sheds outside the city to provide porridge, and severely punishing those who took advantage of the situation to cause trouble according to military law. Within a month, the region remained peaceful, with no incidents of unrest. This was a testament to his foresight. Error: Auditing oversight: The Royal Auditing Office, reviewing the accounts, discovered a discrepancy of two hundred taels between the funds allocated for repairing the county school and the actual expenditure. Although a thorough investigation revealed it to be a mistake by the registrar, not an act of embezzlement by the official in charge, the responsibility for lax supervision and ineffective oversight could not be absolved.

This is the kind of subject he wants.

He was not a mere figurehead with a reputation for integrity but no real achievements; not a perfect, flawless saint. Rather, he was a living, breathing, responsible, and wise official who made minor mistakes, but whose merits outweighed his flaws—a capable and competent official.

He picked up the vermilion brush on his desk, dipped it in cinnabar, and drew a heavy circle after the name of the magistrate of Wu County.

Immediately, with swift and powerful strokes, he wrote four characters on the side:

"His talent is so great that he can be promoted to prefect."

He put down one scroll and picked up another.

This volume comes from the Ministry of Revenue.

The above details the profit and loss of the treasury under the supervision of a certain official over the past year, as well as the actual increase in the national treasury after the new commercial tax he helped design was piloted in Tianjin.

Furthermore, the accounts he handled were repeatedly audited by the Royal Auditor General, and the error rate was zero.

The next volume comes from the Ministry of War.

The performance evaluation of a doctor in charge of ordnance was as precise and perfect as if measured with a ruler. His achievements included "the artillery of the Shenji Battalion is well maintained", "winter clothing has been actually distributed to the border troops of Jizhou", and "the grain and fodder reserves of the Dengzhou and Laizhou navies meet the standards".

Another volume comes from the Ministry of Works.

Dredging project of the Beijing-Tongzhou Grand Canal.

An unknown official, using a novel method of segmented responsibility, kept the budget within 90% of the original plan and completed the project a month ahead of schedule.

The quality of the project and the evaluation of the acceptance process are the result of a century of hard work, and its excellence is worthy of being passed down to future generations.

Under the candlelight, Zhu Youjian seemed to transform into a master architect overlooking the world, examining the magnificent palace of the empire into which he had poured all his heart and soul.

His eyes were sharp as he examined every beam and pillar that made up the hall.

Some of them are already rotten wood, hollowed out by woodworms, leaving only the surface. Such rotten wood must be replaced decisively with the force of thunder.
Some materials are still tough and durable, but they are slightly bent and do not conform to the standard. They can be straightened with a straight line and shaped with a craftsman's axe, and they are still usable materials.
Others are like fine trees hidden deep in the mountains, untouched and waiting for this wise and enlightened emperor to recognize their worth, elevate them, and place them in crucial positions to secure the nation and consolidate the country!
Time flowed slowly to the rhythm of the candlelight crackling softly.

The files on the long table, which had been piled up like a mountain, gradually became sparse.

The number of names circled, promoted, and commended by Zhu Youjian with his vermilion brush increased.

Those whom he rated as outstanding were mostly not the famous ministers and elders who frequently quoted classics and made grand pronouncements in the court. Instead, they were a group of young people in their thirties who were in their prime, daring to think and act, and even considered by many old ministers to be somewhat unruly.

They may not know how to skillfully choose sides in the complex political struggles; they may not know how to fathom the emperor's intentions and write flowery memorials.

However, they know how to increase crop yields in the fields, how to increase the silver in the national treasury, and how to make the swords in their hands even sharper!

This is where the empire's hope lies.

Finally, Zhu Youjian's gaze fell on the last and thickest file.

On the cover, three large characters are written in the official script, upright and peaceful, yet exuding a sharp edge, like iron strokes and silver hooks, with immense power.

Hong Chengchou.

He was exceptionally favored and promoted directly to the position of Governor of Zhejiang, overseeing all military, political, and civil affairs of the province.

This appointment caused an uproar throughout the imperial court at the time.

Amidst the criticism and doubts, everyone believed that the emperor was being ridiculous, favoring a mere upstart, disrespecting experienced officials, acting rashly and frivolously, and undermining the foundation of the nation.

Zhu Youjian withstood all the pressure.

He gave Hong Chengchou full authority, and also placed a heavy expectation on him that no one else could match.

Now, it's time to verify the results.

Zhu Youjian took a long breath, and that breath seemed to carry the heat of candlelight.

He slowly unfolded the file. Instantly, a scent mingled with the salty tang of the sea breeze and the fragrance of silk from Jiangnan seemed to permeate the paper, transcending time and space, and wafted towards him.

It is no longer just cold numbers, but a magnificent and vibrant painting of the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains in Jiangnan!

"...Governor Hong Chengchou, after three months in office, investigated official corruption. With swift and decisive measures, he dismissed thirty-four corrupt officials and confiscated one million taels of illicit wealth, all of which was deposited into the government treasury. The officialdom of Zhejiang was thus cleansed up."

"...Afterwards, the new policy of 'unified grain payment' was vigorously promoted. Undeterred by the obstruction of local gentry or the opinions of scholars, he personally led his guards to the fields to explain the national policy to the farmers and personally measured the land. By October, the new policy had been implemented throughout the villages, and the people's hearts were at ease. The autumn grain harvest was more than 30% higher than last year!"

"...He also said: 'The wealth of a nation does not lie in its coffers, but in the benefits it brings to all. Storing wealth in the treasury is like stagnant water; benefiting the people is like a living spring.' He then implemented sweeping reforms, reorganized the Maritime Trade Office, simplified maritime trade procedures, and strictly enforced the printing of tax stamps. He led the construction of new ships and opened new shipping routes to Southeast Asia. Silk from Suzhou and Hangzhou, porcelain from Jingdezhen, and cotton from Songjiang were shipped from Ningbo Port to Luzon and Malacca, generating tenfold profits! The tax revenue of a single month was equivalent to the total revenue of a whole year in the past!"

……

The case file, with its elegant and evocative praise, complements the clear and concise audit data, creating a most magnificent symphony.

The Ministry of Personnel's evaluation was filled with nothing but praise:

"In the past, Zhejiang was plagued by accumulated problems, like tangled threads in a pot, deeply rooted and intertwined, causing great suffering to the people; now, Zhejiang is as clear and efficient as a bright mirror, with everyone pleased and the merchants flocking to it. The unified tax collection system and the government reaching every corner of the land have finally exposed the powerful and tyrannical; the opening of the seas has brought benefits to all directions, causing all nations to come and pay tribute to our country."

Zhu Youjian read very slowly and carefully.

His fingertips even gently caressed the four characters "利通万方".

Through these words, we see how Hong Chengchou, despite the united resistance of the gentry, carried out his will without any compromise; we see how a true pragmatist turned a blueprint in the imperial court into real mountains of gold and silver.

If such people are not richly rewarded, how will the world be motivated to perform meritorious deeds?
If such things are not widely publicized, how can people's hearts be encouraged?
Zhu Youjian abruptly put down the dossier, raised his head, and his bloodshot eyes were now clear and surprisingly bright.

Instead of summoning Wang Chengen to grind the ink, he personally went to the imperial desk, rolled up the wide sleeves of his dragon robe, picked up an ingot of imperial purple ink, poured water into the Duan inkstone, and began grinding the ink himself, slowly and deliberately.

The ink stick touched the inkstone, making a soft rustling sound. In the quiet night, this sound seemed like time whispering and the wind and snow lying in wait.

The scent of ink, cool and heavy, gradually permeated the air.

He only stopped when the ink was as thick as lacquer and so shiny it could reflect a person's image.

Zhu Youjian took a blank imperial edict with a cloud and dragon pattern, pressed down one corner with a paperweight, and then picked up the heavy vermilion imperial brush that symbolized supreme imperial power.

The tip of the brush was dipped in cinnabar, its color as deep red as blood.

He held his breath, his wrist hovering in the air, and the moment he put pen to paper, his entire demeanor changed.

With each stroke of the pen, lines of characters, powerful and penetrating the paper, exude an undeniable authority:

"I believe that the way to govern a country lies in practical administration, and the key to employing people lies in their actual achievements. Now, there is Hong Chengchou, the governor of Zhejiang, who is determined to take on his duties, does not shy away from difficulties and dangers, cleans up the bureaucracy, promotes new policies, opens up maritime trade, and benefits all directions. His achievements are of great benefit to the country and the people... I hereby order the Ministry of Personnel to publish his achievements in governing Zhejiang in the official gazette, to proclaim them to the world, and to make them a model for all officials!"

His pen paused on the imperial edict, as if gathering even greater power.

Immediately, with swift and powerful strokes, he completed the work in one go at an even faster pace:
"Furthermore, Sun Chuanting, the Governor of Yingtian, Lu Xiangshan, the Governor of Guangdong, and Zhou Yanru, the Magistrate of Wu County, along with thirteen other officials, are all pillars of the nation, serving with utmost dedication. I am greatly pleased and hereby personally bestow upon them commendations to encourage the people!"

After writing the last word, the last drop of cinnabar was used up.

He slammed the vermilion brush down on the brush holder, making a crisp sound like a dragon's roar or a bell's chime, which carried far and wide through the camp in the dead of night.

……

Hangzhou, the Governor's Office.

The Jiangnan region in the twelfth lunar month, unlike the icy and frosty north, still carries a damp chill that penetrates to the bone.

The cold air seemed to seep into one's limbs and bones through the seams of one's clothes.

Hong Chengchou, wearing a thick sable fur coat, stood quietly under the eaves, looking at the few winter plum trees that bloomed alone in the cold in the courtyard.

The fragrance of the flowers was refreshing and invigorating, instantly lifting his spirits after days of hard work.

He couldn't remember the last time he had had the leisure to quietly admire a flower.

Since setting foot on the land of Zhejiang, he has been like a wound-up top, racing against time and spinning wildly every day.

Fight against deeply entrenched gentry, fight against conservative old officials, and fight against deeply ingrained old customs and bad habits.

He was exhausted; the fatigue had seeped into his very bones.

But his heart was burning with passion.

Because he knew that behind him stood the young emperor who, when summoned to the platform, had pierced the eyes of the emperor and entrusted the entire Zhejiang province to him.

"My lord! My lord!"

A close attendant, his face flushed and breathless, rushed into the courtyard, clutching a brand-new newspaper still smelling of ink. His voice trembled with extreme excitement and even became distorted.

"Official report! The latest issue of the 'Da Ming Weekly' from the capital has arrived!"

Hong Chengchou's eyebrows twitched suddenly, a thought flickering in his mind.

He read every issue of the official gazette, but he had never seen his attendant so distraught. He accepted it with a stern face.

The familiar scent of ink, the familiar layout.

However, when his gaze fell on the front page headline, he was struck dumb and froze on the spot.

It was a row of huge and eye-catching Song typeface characters, each one seemingly carrying immense force, crashing heavily into his heart.

[Improving Governance and Building a Strong Nation Through Practical Work – The Holy Emperor Commends Hong Chengchou, Governor of Zhejiang, for His Meritorious Service in Governing Zhejiang]

He was stunned.

His hands, which had been incredibly steady—hands that had held knives, pens, and issued countless orders—began to tremble slightly.

He read it down word by word.

Looking at those familiar events, those cold statistics, those duties that he regarded as a subject's duty and a matter of course... now they were presented to everyone in the world with the most gorgeous, affirmative, and unquestionable strokes.

When he read the last part, the quoted "imperial edict"—

"...The Emperor said: 'I appointed Hong Chengchou not because of his age or family background, but because he has the nation's well-being at heart, possesses sound strategies, can share my burdens, and establish a future for the people. If all officials in the land were like Minister Hong, how could the country not be stable and prosperous?'"

Upon reading this, Hong Chengchou could no longer contain himself.

The high-ranking official, hardened by years of political ups and downs, and the tough guy who remained unmoved in the face of attacks from gentry... suddenly felt a lump in his throat and a surge of emotion welled up in his eyes.

Everything before my eyes suddenly went blurry.

He solemnly turned around, facing north, meticulously straightened his clothes, and then, his knees buckled, and he knelt heavily on the ground.

He respectfully kowtowed three times towards the distant capital.

The cold stone slab touched my forehead, and a chill ran straight to my heart.

However, inside his chest, a volcanic magma was surging wildly and burning intensely!

Hong Chengchou did not cry out loud, but silently shouted in his heart again and again, using all his strength.

Your Majesty... is still the same Your Majesty!
Your Majesty understands me best!
A scholar will die for one who understands him! The kindness of being recognized and appreciated is heavier than Mount Tai!

At this moment, he was willing to sacrifice himself for that young king in the far north!

And at the same time.

Inside the Governor's Office in Yingtian Prefecture.

Sun Chuanting held the same copy of the official gazette in his hand, remaining silent under the lamplight for a long time.

He read Hong Chengchou's story three times, carefully and repeatedly.

Then, Sun Chuanting slowly closed the newspaper, his movements gentle, as if it were not a newspaper, but a declaration of war.

He raised his head and looked at the huge map of Jiangnan hanging on the wall, his eyes burning with a flame more intense than ever before.

Guangdong, Governor-General's Office.

Lu Xiang-sheng slammed his fist hard on the table, causing the water in the teacup to splash out.

There was no trace of jealousy on his face, only a frustrated disappointment, not directed at others, but at himself.

"Well done, Hong Hengjiu! He actually took the lead!" He shouted, then burst into laughter, his laughter filled with pride and fighting spirit. "Good! Good! Good! This is how one should serve the court! Men, pass on my order: the regulations for opening up the seas and facilitating trade with foreign countries must be presented to me this month! Guangdong is the gateway to the south, and we cannot lag behind Zhejiang!"

As a result, the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty was like a river awakening in the early winter.

Although the ice has not completely melted, warm currents are already flowing beneath the solid ice!

(End of this chapter)