Chapter 440: Long-Term Strategies, Incitement

“The method of sea transportation began in the Qin Dynasty and was used to support border areas during the Tang Dynasty, but its use for the entire country started in the Yuan Dynasty…”
“Sea transport relies on ships with pointed bottoms, which are very different from river boats. These ships fear light loads and prefer heavy ones to avoid drifting. Severe storms at sea often occur in midsummer. If ships set sail in January, equipped with compasses and operated by those familiar with sea routes, they can avoid capsizing…”
“There are two long-term strategies for sea transportation: one is government-led transport, and the other is civilian-led transport. Under government-led transport, the government builds thousand-shi sea ships, with soldiers carrying 800 shi each, and allowing 200 shi for private goods. After three years of such transport, a tax is imposed on private goods to cover shipbuilding costs. Both public and private needs in the capital are met through the south. The canals are narrow and shallow, and cargo ships must give way to grain ships. This results in transportation costs several times higher than the value of the goods, making goods more expensive and the people more burdened. If this strategy is adopted, grain ships coming from the south will carry southern goods, while empty ships returning from the north will be loaded with northern goods. Thus, southern goods will flow to the north daily, and northern goods to the south—this is a strategy to enrich the country.”
“If civilian-led transport is used, the government recruits civilian ships, uses grain as ballast, allowing these ships to carry both goods and grain, in exchange for transportation fees. This reduces costs compared to official grain transport, and merchant ships can also profit from it. These two methods benefit the people, ensuring no shortage for military or civilian use…”
Zhang Yue wrote while making corrections on the paper, while Du Wan waited until he finished one page before copying it aside. Lingxi and Qiuhen Hupo took turns bringing tea, water, ink, and paper to assist him. The light in the east room remained on from dusk until the early morning, and in the end, ten pages were filled with copies. Du Wan dried the ink and showed it to Zhang Yue. The couple discussed it for a while before rubbing their sore wrists.
“Although it’s written, it’s not like before when the emperor ordered me to write study notes. We can’t just submit it rashly; we need to find a convenient way.” Zhang Yue pondered for a moment before looking up at Du Wan and saying, “Although it’s easy to submit it to the crown prince, it bypasses the crown prince himself, which isn’t appropriate in terms of status. For now, we need to use all the connections in the palace.”
“That eunuch Lu probably won’t work. Though he’s newly promoted to deputy head of the Imperial Secretariat, from what he said to you today, it’s clear he doesn’t want to take on such responsibilities. Besides, you’ve said he’s insatiable in both Qingzhou and the south of the Yangtze River. As for Eunuch Hai, his courtesy toward you is only out of respect for the Zhang family—he can’t be entrusted with important matters.” Seeing Zhang Yue nod in agreement, Du Wan smiled slightly and immediately understood. “Are you thinking of Eunuch Zhang Qian from the Imperial Supervision Bureau?”

“Not bad. Eunuch Zhang has always had a good relationship with our family. If he could speak on my behalf before the emperor, convincing him to let me prepare a detailed report on sea transportation, then it would truly be effective. How about this? You go see my aunt tomorrow. I heard that Eunuch Zhang often visits the Duke of Ying’s residence to deliver gifts. It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival tomorrow, so he will definitely be there.”
Zhang Yue handed the already copied document to Du Wan, asking her to keep it carefully. Then he sighed deeply. “To be honest, I’ve never desired a promotion as much as I do today. If I could enter the Qianqing Palace frequently, there wouldn’t be so much trouble.”
“If you could enter the Qianqing Palace all the time, not to mention me, the whole family would live in fear!”
Hearing Du Wan’s words, Zhang Yue was momentarily stunned, then realized she was right. When the emperor was angry, ministers could be imprisoned at any moment. If he spent time there often, he would make more mistakes and be more likely to become the target of his wrath.
After washing up, changing clothes, and going to bed, despite being extremely tired, he couldn’t fall asleep even with his eyes closed. After a while, he turned over and found that Du Wan across from him was also wide awake. Her plain face showed clear traces of tears. He hadn’t noticed any movement from the person beside him earlier. He reached out and gently wiped her face.
“Don’t worry. I’m here for everything!”
Early in the morning, before dawn, Zhang Yue left in a hurry after breakfast. Seeing Hu Qi leading the horse over, he knew the task he had entrusted to him the previous day had yielded results. He mounted the horse and ordered Hu Qi to ride beside him. The Xuanwu Gate Street was quiet, with only a few people passing by, mostly officials rushing to the morning court, so there was no risk of being disturbed while talking.
“Yesterday’s situation was very strange. First, the emperor summoned Minister Fang. Minister Fang suggested suspending battles temporarily to let the people recover and wait until the national treasury was full before engaging in another decisive battle. The emperor wasn’t pleased and ordered him to leave. Then the emperor summoned Minister Xia. Minister Xia said that the grain reserves in the Ministry of Revenue were almost exhausted. It was sufficient to supply the soldiers for border defense, but if hundreds of thousands of troops were to be sent on a northern campaign, there would still be a shortage of food and pay. In anger, the emperor ordered Minister Xia to go to Kaiping to check the grain stores and sent him away, then called in Minister Wu from the Ministry of Punishments.”
“And Minister Wu said the same thing, so the emperor lost his temper?”

Seeing Hu Qi nod, Zhang Yue really didn’t know what expression to wear. Since it was a joint decision, it was natural for all four to agree. It was really an overreaction for Zhu Di to take drastic action just because they defied his wishes. But since it was an overreaction, given the emperor’s temperament, his anger would likely subside in a few days—though it was still necessary to be prepared for anything.

As expected, since one minister had been dismissed and another imprisoned yesterday by evening, this day’s grand court meeting, which usually didn’t discuss matters, unusually announced appointments for the six ministries. Since Guo Zi was already in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, there was no objection to him continuing in that role. As for the two vice ministers of the Ministry of War, they failed to secure permanent positions; instead, Zhao Jin, who previously held the title of minister, took charge. Usually overshadowed by Fang Bin, he now truly became the decisive figure in the ministry.

After the meeting, the officials crossed the Jinshui Bridge and left through the side gates as usual. With so many people present at this grand court meeting, those who knew each other began chatting, mostly about yesterday’s events. Lu Zhen and Wu Zhong, who usually held great power, were left alone and seemingly desolate. Zhang Yue, however, met several nobles like the Marquis of Wu’an. They exchanged a few words of greeting. Though most didn’t offer comforting words, their friendly gestures were clear.

The emperor was just acting on impulse; it was best to stay calm and wait patiently.

Zhang Fu, the Duke of Yingguo who only attended the court on new and full moons, naturally didn’t avoid such situations like others. Once Zheng Heng and the others were far enough away, he approached Zhang Yue. Seeing that others wisely stayed back, he said, “What happened yesterday was just Academician Du’s misfortune—probably nothing serious. Focus on your own duties, and the emperor will surely pardon him soon. Yang Shiqi was also imprisoned before but was later reinstated by imperial decree. Your father-in-law, though less experienced than him, isn’t accused of a serious crime—so it’ll be fine.”

Everyone said the same thing, and gradually, Zhang Yue also began to think positively. The panic he felt when he first heard the news yesterday was gone, and he nodded in agreement. After parting with Zhang Fu, he walked a few steps further and noticed Yang Shiqi and others approaching the Wenyuan Pavilion through the Left Succession Gate. He suddenly remembered that Huang Huai and Yang Pu, who had previously served in the cabinet, had both been imprisoned by the Jinyiwei since the 12th year of the Yongle era—eight years ago already.

Due to a riot before the New Year, the Imperial Eunuch Bureau was almost completely purged. As a result, although Lu Feng was only promoted to a junior supervisor there, he became the most influential figure in the bureau. Knowing his lack of seniority and that he was a disciple of Zhang Qian, an eunuch in the Imperial Eunuch Bureau, while Zheng He, an eunuch in the Inner Court Eunuch Bureau, was even closer to the emperor’s heart, he coveted the top position but dared not show too much eagerness. Instead, he focused on appearing frequently before the emperor in hopes of being promoted again at some point.

Now, ordered to deliver Mid-Autumn Festival gifts to Prince Zhu Zhanqi of Han at his residence, he, who was used to wielding power in the palace, exercised caution and carefully selected ten members of the Jinyiwei to accompany him. After all, Zhu Zhanqi was notorious for his cruel acts in Nanjing. If he suddenly became violent again, even if Lu Feng could seek justice, he would still suffer a beating for nothing. So, after delivering the gifts as per protocol, just as he was about to leave, Zhu Zhanqi smiled and said he had some fine tea to offer him. Lu Feng hesitated immediately.

“What, are you used to fine things in the palace and look down on my residence as a prince of Han?”

Lu Feng didn’t dare accept this and quickly replied with a smile, “Your Highness is joking. How could I dare?”

Prince Zhu of Han’s residence was even more magnificent than that of the Prince of Zhou. The main hall was spacious and luxurious. Even though Lu Feng didn’t understand paintings or antiques, he could tell that everything in the hall was of great value. Knowing that Prince Zhu Gaoxu usually disdained eunuchs, he didn’t expect to gain anything from Zhu Zhanqi. Yet, after sitting down and drinking tea, Zhu Zhanqi had a servant bring over a box. Having spent many years in the Imperial Eunuch Bureau, Lu Feng immediately recognized it as top-quality red sandalwood, and his eyes lit up.

If the box was so fine, what was inside must be even more extraordinary!

Struggling to suppress his greed, he initially wanted to turn back, but seeing Zhu Zhanqi’s half-smiling gaze, he hesitated for a long time before finally opening it. Inside were a pair of snow-white mutton-fat jade balls, which made him gasp. He quickly declined, saying, “I shouldn’t accept such a generous gift without earning it.”

“It’s not for you. Why are you in such a hurry?” Zhu Zhanqi smiled nonchalantly. Seeing the unmistakable disappointment on Lu Feng’s face, he slowly explained, “Eunuch Zhang from the Imperial Eunuch Bureau once gave me valuable advice when he was in Qingzhou. Back then, I was young and foolish and ignored his kindness. Only now have I realized my mistake. These little trinkets are just a reward for you going through the trouble.”

Seeing Zhu Zhanqi wave his hand and have two golden ingots brought in on a stand made of boxwood, Lu Feng forced himself to smile slightly. He took them with both hands, thanked him, and as he stood up to leave, feeling disinterested, Zhu Zhanqi spoke again.
“I heard that the Minister of War, Fang Bin, has resigned? That man is extremely arrogant and greedy. Moreover, he never shows any courtesy to the eunuchs whenever he enters the palace. Everyone in the palace must hate him deeply. They say when a wall collapses, everyone pushes it down—him alone has dragged so many others down with him; he must be in great distress now. To be in charge of Lingji Palace… For a high-ranking official to end up like this is better off dead!”
Though it was just Zhu Zhanqi’s jest, Lu Feng thought more about it after leaving and saw it as an opportunity for wealth. During his time in the palace, Fang Bin had always been cold and unfriendly, and he had also heard rumors about the Fang family’s wealth. Since taking charge of the Eastern Depot, he hadn’t solved any major cases. Even though Yuan Fang was respectful, it was still uninteresting. Wasn’t this a chance that fell from the sky?