Time Travel: After Seizing the Throne, I Lead the Ming Dynasty to Take Off

"Who can be considered completely clean?" Zhan Hui's suppressed voice couldn't help but carry a hint of uneasiness and fear.

Fu Youwen was slightly stunned by what Zhan Hui said.

Because he really couldn't deny this statement.

The so-called gentry include current officials, retired officials, and scholars who have obtained fame through the imperial examinations, such as scholars, juren, jinshi...all of whom have certain special treatments and rights that are superior to ordinary people.

This is why there is the saying "All things are inferior, only reading is superior" - even if they do not take advantage of their positions to engage in corruption, in addition to receiving court salaries, they can still use these privileges to seek benefits for themselves to a certain extent.

The Ming Dynasty had a tight tax revenue situation, and Zhu Yuanzhang was notoriously stingy. Officials' salaries were extremely low, and many officials at all levels of the government had more or less gray income.

Who hasn't accepted land donated by common people?

Who hasn't secretly registered someone under their name, enjoyed the tax-free share under their name, and then took a cut from it?

Things like this...

It's too common.

As long as they are officials.

They are all part of the gentry class, and this matter involves their interests. As the head of a department and the second-rank minister of the court, Zhan Hui and Fu Youwen... two old foxes, it is difficult to exclude them from this.

It’s just that they are much more prudent in doing things than the Huaixi nobles. They will not, and dare not, be as arrogant and blatant as the Huaixi nobles.

It's really something to consider.

Fu Youwen knew that neither he nor Zhan Hui could withstand scrutiny.

The wind in March was getting warmer. The two looked at each other, letting the gentle spring breeze brush past their ears, their bodies feeling a little stiff.

After a few breaths.

Fu Youwen narrowed his eyes slightly, and he had already made up his mind: "You have reminded me. Judging from His Majesty's attitude, I am afraid that he will not tolerate even a grain of sand in his eyes. I must cut off all ties as soon as possible. What should be registered should be registered, and what should be discarded should be discarded..."

After saying that, he thought for a moment.

Then he continued, "This matter must be handled swiftly! His Majesty has already sent Zhuo Jing and Yuan Tai to Guangdong and Sichuan respectively for investigation. When they return, this matter will be brought to light! After the affairs in Guangdong and Sichuan are thoroughly investigated, the first bloody storm will definitely be in the capital, Zhili!"

"Well! Quick! This needs to be done quickly, urgently!"

After he finished speaking, his old face was filled with anxious, nervous and uneasy expressions.

He knows too well how treacherous the hands of the current Emperor Kaiqian are!

As soon as he ascended the throne, he exterminated Huang Zicheng's entire family. Within a few months, he used horrific punishments such as skinning and straw stuffing without blinking an eye.

Hearing what Fu Youwen said.

Zhan Hui's face darkened, and he frowned and asked, "Do you really think this can be done?"

"The first step of a secret investigation might not encounter much resistance, but once His Majesty brings this matter up in the open at court, leaving aside the nobles of Huaixi, who among them would be willing to watch His Majesty unfold this matter?"

"Master Fu, don't forget that even if His Majesty really has some unexpected tricks that can suppress the Huaixi nobles, he can't expect them to come out to help him argue and intimidate the court officials this time, right?"

"Besides, even if this decree is really issued in the future."

"It's even harder to implement at the local level. Who would be willing to cooperate?"

Zhan Hui immediately listed the huge obstacles in this matter and explained them to Fu Youwen. After that, he couldn't help but complain: "Things haven't even started yet! Master Fu has already thought so far ahead?"

Defense of Zhan Hui.