Jingtai: Making the Ming Dynasty Great Again

Chapter 153 Banquet

Zhou Jing, the prefect of Yangzhou, had already received the news and personally went out of the city to welcome them.

This Prefect Zhou was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the seventh year of the Zhengtong era. He served in Yangzhou for three years and had a decent reputation.

Upon seeing Yu Shiyue's official sedan chair, Zhou Jing quickly dismounted and bowed, saying, "This humble official, Zhou Jing, Prefect of Yangzhou, respectfully welcomes Governor Yu."

Yu Shiyue lifted the sedan curtain and nodded slightly: "Prefect Zhou, there's no need for such formalities. I am here on imperial orders to inspect Nanjing and am just passing through Yangzhou. I apologize for the inconvenience."

Zhou Jing smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Governor Yu, you flatter me. I have already prepared a simple feast at the post station to welcome Governor Yu and all the esteemed officials. Please."

Yu Shiyue nodded and did not refuse.

The post station was located in the best location in Yangzhou city.

This place was originally a villa belonging to a salt merchant, but it was later requisitioned by the government.

The courtyard features pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds, reminiscent of the charm of gardens in southern China.

The banquet was held in the main hall, with three tables fully occupied.

In addition to the officials of the investigation team, many officials from Yangzhou Prefecture and representatives of local gentry also came.

Zhou Jing raised his glass and said, "Governor Yu has come from afar, so I would like to offer him a toast."

I wish Governor Yu a safe journey and a speedy return to the capital.

Yu Shiyue picked up his wine glass and took a small sip: "Prefect Zhou, you're too kind."

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After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

A middle-aged gentleman dressed in a silk robe approached Yu Shiyue: "Governor Yu, my surname is Shen, and I am a salt merchant from Yangzhou."

I heard that Governor Yu is going to Nanjing to investigate the firearms case?

Yu Shiyue glanced at him: "Manager Shen is certainly well-informed."

Manager Shen smiled and said, "Governor Yu, you flatter me."

I also have some business in Nanjing and know a few friends there.

If Governor Yu needs anything in Nanjing, please feel free to give instructions.

My friends here have some influence in Nanjing.

Yu Shiyue said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Manager Shen."

However, I am on official business for the court and cannot engage in private dealings.

Manager Shen was rebuffed and retreated sheepishly.

On the other side, Liu Dun was surrounded by several officials from Yangzhou Prefecture.

These people addressed him as "Imperial Censor Liu" repeatedly, being extremely attentive.

A judge surnamed Wang laughed and said, "Imperial Censor Liu, I heard that you impeached the Minister of Revenue a few days ago."

I admire you, I admire you!

A true censor dares to speak frankly and offer advice in the imperial court!

Liu Dun, with a stern face, said calmly, "Impeaching Minister Jin is my duty."

This was something he would never forget in his life.

It wasn't because of his bold and outspoken nature.

Instead, it was Zhu Qiyu who said: "What is meant by reporting rumors, and what is meant by making unfounded accusations?"

Judge Wang continued, "Imperial Censor Liu is being modest."

I myself come from a censorate background and know the difficulties of reporting based on hearsay.

Censor Liu's impeachment made him famous throughout the capital!

Liu Dun frowned but did not reply.

Another official leaned over and said, "Imperial Censor Liu, I heard that your ancestral home is in Ji'an Prefecture, Jiangxi?"

What a coincidence! I am also from Ji'an!

We're from the same hometown!

Liu Dun glanced at him: "Which county in Ji'an are you from?"

The official replied, "Luling County."

Liu Dun nodded: "I am from Jishui County."

The official was overjoyed: "Jishui and Luling are only one prefecture apart, so they are very close!"

Imperial Censor Liu, if you need any help when you arrive in Nanjing, please don't hesitate to ask.

Although I serve in Yangzhou, I have several acquaintances in Nanjing.

Liu Dun said calmly, "Thank you."

Before the official could speak further, Liu Dun had already gotten up and left the table under the pretext of changing his clothes.

Liu Dun took a deep breath as he walked under the eaves.

He had seen too many of these people's true colors.

In the capital, he was an imperial censor, but nobody paid him any attention.

Upon arriving in the new place, he became a "famous figure in the capital".

What fellow townsman, what admiration? It's all just a desire to curry favor.

He looked up at the moon and remembered what Chen Tai had said to him before he left.

"Dunzhi, be careful on your trip to Nanjing this time."

The people in Nanjing are not like those in the capital.

They have been operating locally for decades and are deeply entrenched.

As an imperial censor, don't be too serious when investigating cases.

Some things can be overlooked if you just turn a blind eye.

Liu Dun shook his head.

Should we turn a blind eye?

He can't do it!

The investigation team began crossing the river on the 12th.

When the boat reached the middle of the river, Yu Shiyue stood at the bow and looked at the city of Nanjing on the opposite bank.

The city walls are majestic, the city towers are towering, and the outline of Zhongshan Mountain can be faintly seen.

That was Nanjing, the secondary capital of the Ming Dynasty.

The place where Emperor Taizu rose to power, and the capital city before Emperor Taizong moved the capital.

Li Xian walked up to him and said softly, "Governor Yu, that's Nanjing."

Yu Shiyue nodded: "Yes, Nanjing."

Li Xian said, "This is my first time in Nanjing. I've heard that Nanjing is even bigger than Beijing?"

Yu Shiyue said, "Beijing was expanded after Emperor Taizong moved the capital, and its scale is no less than that of Nanjing."

But Nanjing has its advantages; the Qinhuai River, Zhongshan Mountain, and Xuanwu Lake are all things Beijing doesn't have.

Li Xian gazed at the distant city, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Yu Shiyue suddenly said, "Minister Li, do you know what the most difficult part of this trip to Nanjing is?"

Li Xian said solemnly, "Please enlighten me, Governor Yu."

Yu Shih-yueh: "The hardest part is not investigating cases, but discerning the truth."

Distinguish between those who are genuinely problematic and those who have been framed.

Distinguish between what is true and what is false.

Distinguish who can be trusted and who cannot.

Li Xian seemed to be deep in thought.

Yu Shiyue continued, "Once you arrive in Nanjing, observe more, listen more, and speak less."

Li Xian bowed and said, "This humble official will remember."

The ship slowly docked, and the pier was packed with people.

At the very front was a young man, Xu Chengzong's eldest son, Xu Pu.

Xu Chengzong was a descendant of Xu Da, the King of Zhongshan, and inherited the title of Duke of Wei in the thirteenth year of the Zhengtong era.

Behind Xu Pu was a group of officials dressed in red and green.

Li Shi, Advisor and Controller of the Nanjing Garrison.

Zhang Chun, Minister of War in Nanjing.

Zhang Feng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing.

Wang Yonghe, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works in Nanjing.

Ma Qian, Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture —

There were also several eunuchs guarding the Nanjing Garrison, as well as some officials of slightly lower rank.

As Yu Shiyue disembarked, Xu Pu had already come to greet him, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture and saying with a smile, "Governor Yu has come from afar, and my father specially instructed me to welcome you on his behalf. Governor Yu, please do not take offense."

Yu Shiyue quickly returned the greeting: "Your Highness is too kind. I have come by imperial decree, how could I dare trouble the Duke to personally welcome me? Your Highness's personal arrival is already an excessive courtesy."

Xu Pu smiled and said, "Governor Yu, you are too kind. My father has prepared a small feast at home to welcome Governor Yu and all the other officials."

please."

He glanced at the people behind Yu Shiyue, nodded slightly in greeting, and didn't ask any further questions.

The officials who came to greet them also stepped forward to exchange pleasantries with the officials from the investigation team.

Zhang Chun, the Minister of War in Nanjing, walked up to Yu Shiyue and said, "Governor Yu, you must be tired from your journey."

"If there's anything I can help with in Nanjing, just let me know."

Yu Shiyue glanced at him and returned the greeting, saying, "Thank you, Minister Zhang."

Zhang Chun smiled and said, "Governor Yu, you're too kind."

On the other side, several Nanjing officials were trying to get close to Zhao Rong and Li Xian.

A middle-aged man dressed in the official robes of the Ministry of Works walked up to Zhao Rong and bowed, saying, "This must be Vice Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Works."

I, Qian Tong, a junior official in the Water Conservancy Department of the Ministry of Works in Nanjing, have met with Vice Minister Zhao.

Zhao Rong returned the greeting: "You're too kind, Doctor Qian."

Qian Tongdao: "Vice Minister Zhao came to Nanjing this time to inspect the manufacture of firearms?"

I worked in the Ministry of Works in Nanjing for twenty years, so I am quite familiar with firearms.

"If Vice Minister Zhao needs anything, please feel free to ask."

Zhao Rong said, "Thank you, Doctor Qian. I am ordered to inspect the manufacturing records of the Nanjing Armory and Ordnance Bureau. I will inevitably have to trouble you, Doctor Qian."

Qian Tong laughed and said, "No trouble at all, it's all for His Majesty's sake."

He lowered his voice and said, "Minister Zhao, we are both from the Ministry of Works, so we are colleagues in the same department."

Although the Nanjing Ministry of Works could not compare to the one in Beijing, it still had a few capable people.

If you encounter any inconvenience while in Nanjing, please feel free to come and find me.

"I have some connections in Nanjing after decades here."

Zhao Rong frowned slightly, but quickly recovered: "Thank you for your kindness, Doctor Qian."

Qian Tong said a few more words, but seeing that Zhao Rong was neither warm nor cold, he wisely withdrew.

Another official from the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue approached Li Xian and said, "Minister Li, I am Chen Lin, a junior official in the Guangxi Bureau of Personnel Management of the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue. I have just met you, Minister Li."

Li Xian cupped his hands and said, "You're too kind, Physician Chen."

Chen Lin laughed and said, "Minister Li is so young yet he can already handle things on his own. His future is limitless!"

He then lowered his voice: "Minister Li, may I ask a question?"

Which years will this audit primarily cover?

The accounts of the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue are numerous, so I hope you can prepare them in advance.

Li Xian said calmly, "Doctor Chen, I am merely accompanying you. The specifics of the investigation are to be decided by Governor Yu. I don't know unless Governor Yu says so."

Chen Lin smiled sheepishly and didn't ask any more questions.

Menda's gaze slowly swept over the officials who came to greet him.

Pang Ying leaned closer and whispered, "Minister, these people are being a little too enthusiastic."

Menda: "What's wrong with being enthusiastic? Enthusiasm shows they know how to be polite."

Pang Ying: "But this has already exceeded the bounds of propriety."

Apart from Commandant Ma and Earl Jingyuan, all the officials, big and small, from Nanjing came.

Even the heir apparent of the Duke of Wei has come—”

Menda interrupted him: "Just remember our mission: protect the ministers well. Don't worry about anything else."

Soon the procession passed through the city gate and entered Nanjing.

Many people stopped to watch from both sides of the street.

They pointed and whispered among themselves.

"I heard that people from Beijing have come to investigate a case."

"What case are you investigating?"

"I don't know, I heard it's related to firearms."

"Firearms? Didn't they ship a batch of firearms to Beijing last year?"

"Who knows?"

Menda listened to the discussions and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

The opinions of ordinary people are also a form of information.

The Duke of Wei's mansion was located in the center of Nanjing.

The banquet was held in the main hall of the mansion, with more than a dozen tables set up.

Besides the officials from the investigation team, almost all the officials from the Six Ministries, Five Offices, the Censorate, the Office of Transmission, and the Court of Judicial Review in Nanjing were present, totaling over a hundred people.

Duke Xu Chengzong of Wei sat in the host's seat, while Yu Shiyue sat in the guest's seat. The two frequently raised their glasses and chatted amiably.

Xu Chengzong raised his wine glass: "Governor Yu, I'd like to offer you a toast."

Last year when I heard in Nanjing that the Oirat army was at the gates of the city, I was so anxious that I couldn't sleep for several nights.

Fortunately, Governor Yu and Junior Protector Yu made strategic plans and saved Beijing.

On behalf of the million soldiers and civilians of Nanjing, I toast you with this glass!

Yu Shiyue quickly stood up: "Duke Wei, you flatter me. The defense of Beijing was His Majesty's doing; we were merely doing our duty."

Xu Chengzong laughed and said, "Governor Yu is too modest. Come on, cheers!"

The two drank it all in one gulp.

On the other side, Liu Dun was surrounded by several imperial censors.

An old censor coughed and said in a low voice, "Censor Liu has come from afar, let him rest."

The group then awkwardly withdrew.

The old censor walked up to Liu Dun and cupped his hands in greeting: "Censor Liu, I am Zhang Kai, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Nanjing Metropolitan Censorate."

Imperial Censor Liu has come from afar; he must be tired from his journey.

Liu Dun returned the greeting: "You're too kind, Censor Zhang."

Zhang Kai said, "Imperial Censor Liu, I have a few words I'd like to remind you of."

Liu Dun said, "Please speak, Censor Zhang."

Zhang Kai lowered his voice: "Imperial Censor Liu, Nanjing is a different place from the capital."

With His Majesty in charge in the capital, no official dared to act recklessly.

In Nanjing, far from the emperor's reach, some people became bolder.

Imperial Censor Liu should be careful when investigating cases.

"Investigate what can be investigated, and avoid what cannot."

Liu Dun asked, "Does Censor Zhang mean that someone in Nanjing dares to obstruct the investigation?"

Zhang Kai sighed: "Imperial Censor Liu, I've seen a lot in Nanjing over the years."

Some things may appear calm on the surface, but are actually turbulent underneath.

I admire Imperial Censor Liu for his integrity and uprightness.

But those who are upright and unyielding often suffer losses.

After saying this, Zhang Kai stood up without waiting for Liu Dun's response and said, "Imperial Censor Liu, take care."

Zhang Kai then turned and left.

Liu Dun frowned, unsure whether Zhang Kai's words were a threat or a well-intentioned reminder.

The banquet lasted until 7 PM.

Yu Shiyue was already somewhat drunk when he returned to the inn.

He sat at the table and rubbed his temples.

Menda entered and bowed, saying, "Governor Yu, I have something to report."

Yu Shiyue looked up: "Please speak, Assistant Magistrate."

Menda said, "My men noticed that several Nanjing officials at tonight's banquet were constantly inquiring about the investigation team."

Yu Shiyue's eyes flashed: "What did they ask?"

Menda said, "The main question is what we are investigating in Nanjing this time, how long the investigation will last, and which government departments we will focus on investigating."

People from Vice Minister Zhao, Vice Minister Li, and Imperial Censor Liu have all inquired about this.

However, none of you gentlemen revealed anything.

Yu Shiyue nodded: "Well done, keep an eye on it."

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