Chapter 299: Trust Those You Employ? Always Doubt Them
Although Zhu Yuanzhang left behind the Imperial Instructions of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di, who dared to rise in arms to seize power, was certainly not an emperor who adhered strictly to these traditions. He claimed to follow in the footsteps of the founding emperor in everything he did, but in reality, he often ignored opposition when making decisions—whether it was moving the capital, sending troops to Jiaozhi, launching northern expeditions, or sending Zheng He on voyages overseas. Most of these actions were carried out despite widespread resistance. Yet even he, who was usually decisive, was cautious regarding the matter proposed by Zhang Yue.
For three consecutive days, Zhu Di summoned Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Revenue, to the Renshou Palace, and naturally included Zhang Yue, the one who initiated the idea, in the meetings. On one side was an experienced official who had managed the national treasury for over a decade and knew every detail of its finances; on the other was Zhang Yue, who had thoroughly prepared his arguments, outlining both the advantages and disadvantages. Over the three days of meetings, the older man and the younger man argued constantly. Though they didn’t reach outright confrontation, their faces turned red with anger. Yet even so, Xia Yuanji remained flushed with excitement due to the emperor’s continuous hospitality, while Zhang Yue could only appear deeply grateful.
These were private meetings, but since Zhang Yue returned from killing people in Qingzhou without receiving any official appointment, the officials in charge of personnel selection had asked several times, only to be turned away by Minister Jian Yi. So they simply pretended nothing had happened. As a result, when officials saw Zhang Yue waiting repeatedly at the Meridian Gate, they couldn’t help but wonder and speculate, and whispers of discussion never ceased.
Fortunately, this situation lasted only three days. After that, when some officials passed by the Meridian Gate as usual and saw no sign of Zhang Yue waiting there, the speculation gradually subsided. Yet no one knew that that day, in the Wenyuan Pavilion, Jian Yi, Xia Yuanji, along with other ministers like Yang Rong and Jin Youzi, had split into two clearly opposing factions, engaged in fierce debates.
“I disagree with allowing commoners to engage in maritime trade, but I am in favor of allowing them to buy surplus spices and exotic medicines from the treasury. Using pepper and agarwood as payment for salaries, many officials don’t need such large amounts anyway. Selling them to the common people would be more straightforward. If the common people benefit, they will praise the emperor’s kindness. In the future, when tribute envoys arrive, the treasury will have space to store their gifts,” said the astute Yang Rong.
Jin Youzi frowned deeply and was the most vehement opponent: “The ancestral teachings of Emperor Taizu still stand. If we easily lift the sea ban, people throughout the land will surely accuse the emperor of being disloyal and unfilial! Merchants are cunning; if everyone turns to trade for profit, who will cultivate the fields? The main sources of tax revenue are the summer and autumn taxes. If we lift the ban just for trivial commercial taxes, won’t that undermine the fundamentals? Allowing those unscrupulous merchants to travel to the Western Seas will only invite ridicule from foreign nations at the expense of our Great Ming! Moreover, what happened to the Song Dynasty when it emphasized maritime trade? Their treasury was still empty!”
Yet Xia Yuanji, who had debated with Zhang Yue for three full days, suddenly changed his attitude: “Compared to our dynasty, the Song Dynasty had lighter agricultural taxes and lower rice prices. The annual revenue from the three maritime administrations of over two million guan was no exaggeration. As for an empty treasury, that was because they faced numerous border threats—first the Khitans, then Western Xia and Jin, and later the Mongols. Additionally, the Song Dynasty had several times as many redundant officials as ours, offering excessive benefits to scholars and officials, which drained the treasury.”
Jian Yi took a more moderate stance: “It may not be appropriate for commoners to buy state assets in large quantities, but before tribute envoys arrive, aside from the necessary tributes, the rest of the goods could be purchased by the public, without the court exchanging them for porcelain or silk. As for the sea ban, it can be implemented gradually. Right now, only imports are allowed; we might first issue permits to reputable merchants through the three maritime administrations to go overseas. After a year of trial, we can assess the results. I agree with one point Zhang Yue made: rather than allowing ordinary people to secretly go overseas to evade taxes, it’s better for the court to establish rules for them to follow.”
If it weren’t for Zhu Di speaking last, the arguments among the cabinet ministers and secretaries in the Wenyuan Pavilion might have continued for days and nights. Watching the two factions locked in dispute, Zhu Di wasn’t angry but rather satisfied, though his tone remained stern: “Since you have differing opinions, I now want you all to find all past precedents—not just from our dynasty, but also from previous ones. I don’t want any outside discussions about today’s matter. You may retire now.”
Although Jian Yi, Xia Yuanji, Yang Rong, and Jin Youzi were all well-versed in literature, compiling all past precedents was no easy task. If only the Yongle Encyclopedia were available, but it was still in the Wenyuan Pavilion in Nanjing. With such a vast amount of historical records, where could they start checking them? Still, after exchanging glances for a moment, they all agreed to retire. As soon as they left the Renshou Palace, seeing Xia Yuanji and Jian Yi leaving together, Jin Youzi cast an unhappy look at Yang Rong.
“Mianren, those two secretaries are old and confused. Why are you falling for their confusion too?”
Both Yang Rong and Jin Youzi were renowned for their sharp minds. Even during Zhu Di’s northern expeditions, he would often not forget to take these two civil officials along. Jin Youzi could compose an excellent essay while seated on a horse, while Yang Rong was skilled in assisting with military affairs and was a strong supporter of the northern campaigns. The two often had their own rivalries. Hearing Jin Youzi speak so bluntly, Yang Rong immediately raised his eyebrows—Was I the one confused? I think it’s you who’s confused, your whole family is confused!
“Youzi says it doesn’t matter if the two senior ministers and I are confused, but don’t forget—if the emperor thought this were nonsense, why would he summon us to discuss it? Besides, the emperor met with Minister Zhang Yue and Minister Xia every day for three days in a row. Do you really think he didn’t consider things carefully? Who knows better about the state of the treasury than Minister Xia?”
After Yang Rong said this, he bowed and left. Jin Youzi’s expression immediately darkened. After standing there for a moment, he saw Yuan Fang approaching in a red brocade robe. With a cold snort, he turned and left through the stairs on the other side, unaware that every move of his was being watched.
As the weather grew colder, thick door curtains adorned with golden dragons were hung in front of the Renshou Palace. Zhu Di also moved his daily activities to the warm pavilion. The pavilion had a heated floor, keeping it warm even in deep winter, so it was no problem at this time. When Yuan Fang entered after lifting the curtain, and after he finished his salute, Zhu Di ordered in a deep voice, “Go and find out if Du Zhen has read the several letters Zhang Yue sent earlier. Also, find out who he met and what he did these past days—report everything in detail.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
“And has the matter of his attack in Shandong not been investigated yet?”
“Your Majesty, there’s still no news from the inspection department. But according to the Jinyiwei, the attackers were indeed White Lotus cult bandits. The firearms they used came from nearby military posts. The post commanders were negligent in management, and two of their subordinates lied by claiming the firearms were broken, when in fact they sold them secretly at high prices. There were also issues like embezzling salary and rice…”
Yuan Fang reported everything in great detail, but the more Zhu Di listened, the angrier he became. Instinctively, he wanted to smash something to vent his fury, but recalling the advice from Consort Wang, he held back. Thus, he poured all his anger into his sharp-tongued words: “How dare some military units collude with bandits? Very good. Send the Jinyiwei to arrest those military officers and bring them to Beijing for thorough interrogation. I want to know why they engage in such despicable acts! Tell me, is Prince Han involved in this?”
“Based on the current information, the evidence is unclear. I dare not rashly conclude whether Prince Han is involved.”
It was a clever reply. If Yuan Fang had said yes, Zhu Di would surely not have believed it, but if he had said no, Zhu Di still wouldn’t have believed it. So, staring at this Jinyiwei commander he had personally promoted and who proved to be extremely useful, Zhu Di, as usual, chose to believe him—but he added one more instruction before he left.
“I have decided that Lu Feng, the Left Deputy Supervisor of the Imperial Workshops, will oversee the Eastern Depot. An office will be set up north of Dong’an Gate after the New Year. Transfer the necessary personnel there first, and let him handle the day-to-day operations. But you may still come to Renshou Palace at any time if needed. Do not slack off in monitoring the officials. Do not disappoint my expectations. Do you understand?”
This was exactly what Yuan Fang had expected, so he wasn’t surprised at all. Nor did he go out of his way to express his loyalty; instead, he bowed respectfully and said, “Your Majesty has chosen me from a humble background. I will surely live up to your expectations.”
Speak less and work more. Having followed Zhu Di for some time now, he had long understood this rule. He also knew that the emperor’s suspicion could never be dispelled. Guarding against the crown prince, Prince Han, Prince Zhao, concubines, princesses and sons-in-law, as well as civil and military officials—now even the Jinyiwei, meant to watch over everyone, needed to be guarded against. How could Zhang Yue be an exception?
So, upon returning to the Jinyiwei headquarters, he immediately summoned Mu Ning. After studying him for a while, he said dryly, “The emperor has decided to establish the Eastern Depot after the New Year. You, as the appointed chief executioner, prepare to take up your post there. Although Zhang Yue has secretly used tactics to get some hold of you, that’s not enough. We need more evidence to firmly control him. Do you understand?”
“Don’t worry, Yuan Tou. We came prepared, while he was unprepared at all, so it’s easy to catch him.” Mu Ning showed a hint of murderous intent and nodded firmly. “Once he arrives, he’ll either use me to establish his authority or try to win me over first. I’ll have no choice but to pledge loyalty to him and show him my usefulness. However, I’m afraid it will be hard for me to meet you in the future. We’d better use the old method of sending secret messages. After all, there’s also the Dade Silk Shop in Beijing.”
Since joining the Jinyiwei as a captain, Yuan Fang had always worked alongside Mu Ning, sharing a deep understanding and seamless coordination. Naturally, Yuan Fang didn’t say any more. As Mu Ning was about to leave, he suddenly called out to stop her: “Find a chance to tell Hu Qi and the others to remind Zhang Yue to be careful. The emperor wants to use him, so he must ensure Zhang Yue doesn’t side with either faction. There might even be spies sent in the future, so he needs to be extra cautious in everything he does.”