The Ming Dynasty: Starting with Emperor Chongzhen's crackdown on factionalism

"The second thing," Chen Zhiyuan said, looking into the emperor's eyes.

"It's Yuan Chonghuan's case."

The hall suddenly fell silent.

The candlelight crackled again.

"You want to overturn his conviction?"

Zhu Youjian's voice was devoid of emotion.

"It's not about overturning the verdict." Chen Zhiyuan shook his head.

"What I want to investigate is whether Yuan Chonghuan colluded with the enemy. If not, why was he convicted of treason? If so, what is the evidence? And in the process, the issue of military expenditures will naturally come to the fore."

Zhu Youjian's eyes narrowed.

"Military spending?"

"Yes," Chen Zhiyuan said.

"When Yuan Chonghuan was in charge of the military affairs in Liaodong, he handled millions of taels of grain and military pay every year."

"How was all that money spent? How much of the purchased grain and weaponry actually reached the soldiers?"

Was there a conflict over the distribution of military pay behind his killing of Mao Wenlong?

"After he was imprisoned, did anyone dare to thoroughly examine the accounts of the Liaodong military pay?"

A series of questions were posed, and Zhu Youjian's brows furrowed more and more.

"You mean...using the investigation of Yuan's case as a pretext to investigate embezzlement of military funds?"

"Exactly." Chen Zhiyuan said firmly.

"The Yuan case is an excellent entry point because everyone knows that Yuan Chonghuan was a wanted criminal."

"No one dares to openly obstruct the investigation. And once the investigation begins, it will inevitably involve the grain and salary accounts in Liaodong."

"Once the accounts are opened, the problems inside will be impossible to hide."

Chen Zhiyuan knew very well that the military expenditure system at the end of the Ming Dynasty was already thoroughly corrupt.

The Ministry of Revenue would deduct a "waste" amount from the silver allocated from the Imperial Treasury.

Once the money is sent to the Ministry of War, the Ministry of War will deduct a "ministry fee".

On the way to the border, the escorting officials would confiscate the goods.

Upon arrival at their destination, they were subjected to layers of exploitation by governors, generals, military supervisors, and eunuchs.

In the end, if the soldiers manage to get 30% or 40% of the loot, that's considered good.

In order to pass the audit, officials at all levels colluded with each other to make the accounts look flawless.

From the Ministry of War to local authorities, a tight, impenetrable network was formed.

Anyone who dares to touch this net is making an enemy of the entire bureaucratic system.

On the surface, his killing of Mao Wenlong was an arbitrary killing of a general, but one of the deeper reasons was that Mao Wenlong had falsely reported the number of troops and embezzled rations on Pi Island. Yuan Chonghuan wanted to reorganize Dongjiang Town, which cut off the source of income for many people.

He was later imprisoned on charges of "colluding with the enemy," but after more than six months of investigation, no conclusive evidence was found.

In the end, what sentenced him to death was his "unauthorized killing of Mao Wenlong" and "allowing the enemy to advance unchecked."

Is there someone behind this trying to shut him up?

Zhu Youjian remained silent for a long time.

He stared blankly at the candlelight.

His fingers tapped lightly on the imperial desk, producing a rhythmic tapping sound.

Chen Zhiyuan didn't urge him, and just waited.

He knew the emperor was weighing his options.

A thorough investigation into military spending means taking away the interests of countless people.

From the ministers and officials in the capital to the governors and generals in the provinces, and then to the deeply entrenched clerks and merchants... a single hair can affect the whole situation.

But if we don't investigate, the lifeblood of the Ming Dynasty will be slowly drained by these people.

"Do you know?" Zhu Youjian finally spoke, his voice dry.

"If you do this, you'll become the target of everyone's criticism."

"I understand."

"Those you investigate will do everything they can to kill you."

"I understand."

"Perhaps one day, even I will not be able to protect you."

Chen Zhiyuan raised his head and looked at the emperor, who was just over twenty years old but already had gray hair.

"Now that I have received the imperial decree to investigate the case, I have already made preparations," he said calmly.

"Your Majesty commands me to investigate the truth of the Yuan case, and I will investigate to the end. As for what is uncovered during the investigation, that is my duty."

Zhu Youjian was suddenly moved.

He had seen far too many officials.

Some are all talk of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism but actually engage in corruption and bribery; some appear upright and honest but are actually just trying to protect themselves; some are talented but timid and hesitant.

People like Chen Zhiyuan, who see things so clearly and still move forward despite knowing the dangers ahead... are too few.

"What are you after?" Zhu Youjian couldn't help but ask. "A promotion? Wealth? Or a place in history?"

Chen Zhiyuan thought for a moment.

"I just want peace of mind."

"Feeling at ease?"

"Yes," Chen Zhiyuan said.

"When I read history books, I see that in the end times of every dynasty, treacherous officials are in power, loyal and good people are wronged, the national treasury is empty, the military is neglected, and in the end, the country is broken and the people suffer."

"I often wonder, are those who are in that situation truly powerless to do anything?"

"Or is it that they could have done something, but chose to remain silent because of fear, calculation, or various concerns?"

He paused, his voice soft, yet each word clear.

"I do not wish that many years from now, someone reading this history will lament—was there not a single wise person back then?"

"I want them to know that there are some. It's just that those who understand often don't live long."

Zhu Youjian was startled.

Looking at Chen Zhiyuan, he suddenly recalled his own ambitions when he first ascended the throne.

At that time, he also thought about purging corruption, strengthening border defenses, and revitalizing the Ming Dynasty.

But over the past three years, reality has repeatedly shown him that some things cannot be accomplished simply by having determination.

But this young man doesn't seem to have had his edges smoothed out by reality.

"Okay." Zhu Youjian took a deep breath.

"I grant you permission to investigate. As for the Shanxi merchants case, let Luo Yangxing continue his covert investigation and gather evidence; do not make any arrests for now."

"Investigate the Yuan case thoroughly, including the military expenditure accounts and the whereabouts of the grain and salary."

"I grant you this power."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Chen Zhiyuan rose and bowed.

"However," Zhu Youjian said in a serious tone.

"You need to remember a few things. First, all investigations must be based on solid evidence; you can't just make things up."

"Second, any major breakthroughs must be reported secretly and not acted upon without authorization. Third..."

He paused, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Third, protect yourself. I need you to stay alive and finish investigating the case."

Chen Zhiyuan felt a warmth in his heart.

"I obey your decree."

"Go on," Zhu Youjian waved his hand. "It's almost dawn."

Chen Zhiyuan bowed and left the main hall.

As I walked out of the Qianqing Palace, the east was already beginning to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

The morning breeze carried the chill of late autumn. He tightened his coat and hurried out of the palace.

On the way, he was already planning his next move.

The case files of Yuan Chonghuan were archived by both the Ministry of Justice and the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

But those are all things that are out in the open. To investigate military expenditures, one must start with the archives of the Ministry of Revenue's imperial warehouse and also obtain the military supplies records from the Ministry of War.

I wonder if the original accounts from Liaodong are still preserved.

This requires manpower.

Reliable manpower.

Chen Zhiyuan thought of a few people.

But the most crucial element is still the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Luo Yangxing is currently in charge of the Shanxi merchants case and is stretched thin.

We need to find a capable and trustworthy person to assist with the audit.

As he was thinking, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him.

Looking back, he saw a young eunuch catching up, panting heavily.

"Lord Chen...please wait a moment."

"What is it?"

The young eunuch handed over a token.

"His Majesty instructed me to give this to you. With this decree, you may access all documents in the archives of the Six Ministries, including confidential files."

Chen Zhiyuan accepted the token.

It was heavy, and the words "As if I were personally present" were engraved on it.

He gripped the token tightly and looked up in the direction of the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youjian stood by the window, watching Chen Zhiyuan's receding figure, motionless for a long time.

Wang Chengen walked over quietly.

"Your Majesty, it's time to rest. There's still the morning court session today."

"Early morning court..." Zhu Youjian murmured.

"The court is going to be quite lively today."

Wang Chengen dared not respond.

"Tell me," Zhu Youjian suddenly asked, "can the investigation into Chen Zhiyuan continue?"