Huangming

Chapter 29 Seeking Change Amidst Chaos: Imperial Power Tactics

Fang Congzhe was torn between his inner thoughts and his own. After much deliberation, he finally stepped forward and spoke.

"Your Majesty is wise and powerful, with keen insight, and is determined to rectify the court, which is truly a blessing for the nation. However, we, your humble servants, are still filled with anxiety and dare to offer our foolish loyalty:"

The Book of Changes says: When things develop to their extreme, they will change; only through change can they achieve progress; and only through progress can they endure.

The deep-seated problems in officialdom today did not develop overnight; the prevailing atmosphere of corruption is a chronic disease that has been difficult to eradicate for over a century. If drastic measures are suddenly taken to rectify the situation, the foundation of the nation may be damaged before corruption is even eradicated.

Historically, Emperor Shenzong of Song heavily relied on Wang Anshi's reforms, but his hasty implementation led to turmoil throughout the country; Emperor Wu of Han executed Lady Gouyi, which eliminated a potential threat, but it instilled fear in the entire court.

These historical lessons are crystal clear; I urge Your Majesty to consider them carefully!

It is a good thing that the emperor is so enthusiastic about handling state affairs.

But what if this matter fails, or if it is done poorly, will it dampen the emperor's enthusiasm for handling state affairs?
If a situation like the Wanli Emperor's twenty-year hiatus in court were to repeat itself, then the Ming Dynasty would truly be doomed.

Fang Congzhe took the lead in speaking, and the officials behind him, some of whom had vested interests or were worried about the court, also stepped forward to dissuade him.

"Your Majesty: The war in Liaodong is still raging, and signs of banditry are emerging in Shaanxi and Henan. If we were to conduct a large-scale investigation of officials at this time, it would surely cause widespread panic among the officials and bring government affairs to a standstill. Even more worrying is that unscrupulous people might take the opportunity to frame loyal and virtuous officials, making it difficult to distinguish between good and evil, and ultimately shaking the foundation of the nation!"

"Your Majesty, it is advisable to use wealth to curb corruption. Increase the 'integrity allowance' so that officials can have sufficient salaries, and open the 'donation for official duties' to guide wealthy households to pay silver in lieu of punishment. In this way, the deficit can be gradually made up and the accumulated abuses can be eliminated."

"Your Majesty, the Book of Documents says: 'One must be patient in order to accomplish great things.' I humbly request that Your Majesty temporarily restrain your thunderous authority and bestow more favors. Once the border wars have subsided and the people's livelihood has begun to recover, then thoroughly investigating corruption will surely be much more effective!"

Some of these officials, though they claim to be honest and upright, know best whether they are truly honest or not.

When you actually own a cow, it's impossible not to panic.

However, Emperor Tianqi, Zhu Youxiao, decided to become a tyrant and acted arrogantly and self-willed.

"My mind is made up; my beloved ministers need not say more!"

A thorough investigation into corruption will naturally lead to unrest.

However, for Zhu Youxiao at this time, chaos is good.

His foundation was weak, and only in chaos could he seek change.

in fact
Is the so-called anti-corruption campaign truly about fighting corruption?
It's nothing more than eliminating dissidents and installing cronies.

There is no official in this world who is not corrupt.

Eliminating one group of corrupt officials will only lead to the emergence of another.

Wild fire, in spring.

As long as one is not excessively greedy, and as long as one is not an incompetent or useless official, and can do one's job well and contribute to the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youxiao can turn a blind eye.

What Zhu Youxiao needs most right now is to seize power!
Thoroughly investigating corruption is the best way to maintain power.

Whom did the Censorate, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate? How did they investigate? How were crimes determined?

Isn't that just a matter of the emperor's word?
As for causing chaos in the world.
Zhu Youxiao wasn't stupid; he knew exactly who the vital arteries were.

For example, he would never abolish the post station system of the Ming Dynasty.

Li Zicheng, you should just continue being a postman at the Yinchuan post station!
Zhu Youxiao understood the principle that one should eat one bite at a time.

On the second day after the new emperor ascended the throne, he began a thorough investigation into corruption and took swift and decisive action.

The officials stood in solemn silence.

As a result, these officials had little energy to argue about the following matters.

The implementation of government affairs proceeded smoothly.

The sun has now fully risen, its warm autumn rays shining upon all things.

Wei Chao approved the documents on the spot, and for a few more important matters, he used his official seal.

"Court is adjourned!"

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and rose from his throne.

The official from the Court of State Ceremonial immediately announced, "The report is complete!"

The officials immediately performed the ritual of five bows and three kowtows.

"Long live your Majesty! Long live! Long live!"

"My esteemed ministers are all weary. Serve them tea and pastries! Cabinet ministers, please take your seats for our private discussion!"

Led by officials from the Court of State Ceremonial, the officials left the hall and received tea and pastries outside the Hall of Literary Glory.

Many people get up at three or four in the morning to be at the Wenhua Hall before five o'clock in the morning.

Living in the capital was not easy; the closer one was to the Forbidden City, the higher the housing prices, so some officials had to live further away.

Those who lived far from the capital had to get up even earlier, and many didn't even have a sip of water, let alone breakfast.

Now, to receive tea and pastries from the Imperial Kitchen as a gift from His Majesty, each person eating and drinking feels a warm glow in their heart, inexplicably moved. How long has it been since we, subjects of the Great Ming, have been so cared for by our sovereign?

Your Majesty is a good emperor!

Many people were sobbing as they ate.

Moved by the terrible experiences of the previous emperors, they are now so grateful that they want to say thank you.

The Emperor's kindness can never be repaid!
It's simply not enough to pay it all off.

After the officials left, only a handful of people remained in the Wenhua Hall.

Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe, cabinet ministers Liu Yizhu, Han Kuang, and Zhu Guozuo, Minister of Rites Sun Ruyou, Minister of Revenue Li Ruhua, and Duke of Yingguo Zhang Weixian were all seated in the hall, while the Grand Eunuch Wei Chao of the Directorate of Ceremonial was seated between the ministers and the emperor.

Sometimes, too many people make it harder to get things done; meetings with fewer people are often the more important and effective ones.

"My ministers, a thorough investigation into corruption is a matter of great importance and will have far-reaching consequences. I intend for the Grand Secretary to take the lead, with the other cabinet ministers assisting. What do you think?"

Fang Congzhe immediately stood up and said, "This old minister obeys!"

The power to thoroughly investigate corruption is simply too great.

Even if it's something that would offend someone, Fang Congzhe wouldn't refuse.

While he did not refuse, Han Kuang could not tolerate this power falling into Fang Congzhe's hands.

"Your Majesty, a thorough investigation into corruption is probably not something that the Cabinet can handle. It should be handed over to the Three Departments. There are many discords among the court officials, and it is inevitable that some will take advantage of the situation to use their power to form cliques and suppress dissent. I hope Your Majesty will be wise to see this!"

Upon hearing Han Kuang's words, Fang Congzhe's expression changed drastically.

Don't you Donglin Party members often engage in factionalism and suppression of dissent?

Now you're pretending to be innocent with me?

"Your Majesty, my thorough investigation into corruption will be conducted with impartiality in mind. If there is any act of factionalism or suppression of dissent, I will surely be punished by Heaven!"

Han Kuang scoffed from the side, "Heaven punishes people, but if it throws the Ming Dynasty into chaos, it will be divine retribution. What good will that do?"

Liu Yiju immediately stepped forward and said, "A thorough investigation into corruption is entirely within Your Majesty's control."

If you take charge personally, you will be rewarded if you do well, but if you do poorly, you will be guilty of a mistake.

Emperor Jiajing (Zhu Youxiao) understood the art of imperial power to some extent.

As emperor, he was unable to do things personally.

It was only natural that it succeeded.

Our Great Ming Emperor is exceptionally gifted and decisive.

But what if it doesn't work?

Are you, the emperor, going to take the blame?
Zhu Youxiao had no interest in issuing edicts of self-reproach.

Zhu Youxiao immediately said, "Then let the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate and handle it, with the Duke of England in charge and the Cabinet supervising!"

Fang Congzhe looked disappointed, while Han Kuang, Liu Yizhu, and the others breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Sitting on the small stool, Zhang Weixian was stunned, his face showing the same expression as Benboba.

You want me to thoroughly investigate corruption?
Whoops!
What are you doing?
This is going to kill me!
However, just as Zhang Weixian was about to refuse, Zhu Youxiao said the rest.

"As for the military expenses in Liaodong and disaster relief, they are of utmost urgency. As the Grand Secretary has suggested, we will temporarily divert 300,000 taels of silver from the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue to aid Liaodong, and also intercept 200,000 shi of grain from the grain transport to sell at a fair price in the disaster-stricken areas. Emergency relief is the priority. As for the remaining shortfall, we will find another way."

It was impossible to levy taxes on Liaodong.

If this conscription continues, war will surely break out everywhere in the Ming Dynasty, and the people will rise up in rebellion.

Zhu Youxiao had no intention of hanging himself on Coal Hill.

"Minister Sun, regarding the Emperor's funeral arrangements..."

Sun Ruyou naturally understood the emperor's meaning and immediately said, "For the emperor's funeral, we should minimize expenses as much as possible."

"good!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded and turned his gaze to Li Ruhua, the Minister of Revenue.

"Minister Li, the court has many expenses, so we must cut back on spending. However, you should go back and write a memorial on how to increase revenue, and I will review it."

Is the Minister of Finance of the mighty Ming Dynasty really out of options?

He keeps talking about increasing the tax on Liaodong.

Although our Great Ming Dynasty is very similar to the United States in later generations, it did not go so far as to impose tariffs on Liaodong like Trump did.

If America is doomed, my Great Ming Dynasty still wants to live a few more years!
(End of this chapter)