Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 144 The false emperor has firmly established himself on the throne, and the princes are afraid of being killed.
A canal connects the north and the south. Tongzhou, as the northern gate of the Grand Canal, is very busy during this period.

After the autumn harvest, grain from some places arrived in Beijing one after another. Tongzhou, as the gateway to Beijing, was the only way for southern regions to enter Beijing by water. There were many docks on both sides of the river, and it was a busy scene.

The grain transported to Beijing is unloaded at Shiba Wharf and then inspected to see if its color, dryness, and other conditions meet the standards. Once the inspection is passed, the grain will be loaded onto ships and transported along the Tonghui River to Beijing warehouses for storage.

After the grain was stored in the warehouse, the Ministry of Revenue would organize personnel to register the quantity in detail, recording the source, quantity, variety and other information of each batch of grain to ensure the accuracy of the data.

In addition to registering the quantity, the Ministry of Revenue also conducts quality assessments on the grain entering the warehouse. Through sampling inspections and other methods, the overall quality level of the grain is assessed to provide a basis for subsequent distribution and use.

Based on the results of registration and evaluation, the Ministry of Revenue would compile detailed records of the grain entering the warehouse, recording the details of each batch of grain. These records would serve as an important basis for the Ministry of Revenue to manage the grain.

In addition to the routine registration and reporting, at the end of each year, the Ministry of Revenue is also required to summarize the collection, storage, distribution, and loss of grain throughout the year and prepare a year-end report.

After Zhu Qizhen thoroughly understood it, he felt that this system was relatively complete. He did not think he could make any improvements. As a time traveler, he never underestimated the wisdom of the ancients.

In the morning.

Chen Xun, the Minister of Revenue, reported in detail the tax situation of various places this year. In summary, the tax has more than doubled compared to last year. The officials were delighted to hear this, believing that the court would not be unable to pay salaries.

"Your Majesty, the biggest reason is the implementation of new policies in various places. Officials and gentry work together and pay taxes together, and the tax rate is divided according to the land. Now these new policies have been rolled out." Chen Xun said, "Of course, they have not been fully implemented yet. I believe that in two or three years, there will be no problem. By then, the treasury will be full, and Your Majesty and I will not have to worry."

The ministers looked at him with strange expressions.

Because this guy had been strongly opposed to the new policy before, but after becoming the Minister of Revenue, he tried his best to promote the new policy.

Duke Chengguo looked at him and wished he could tear him to pieces, because Chen Xun had previously stood on the side of him and Prince Qing, but now he had completely sided with the emperor.

"The new policy has begun to show results, and I can finally breathe a sigh of relief." Zhu Qizhen glanced over, "I know that the gentry below are dissatisfied, and I don't know how to frame me in the future. However, I can't care about so much. Yesen in Mobei is ready to make a move, and Japanese pirates are rampant in the southeast. My dear ministers, tell me, without money and food, what can I use to fight? Yesen is ambitious, can I watch them take over the Central Plains? Then I and you will be sinners for all eternity!"

The new cabinet chief Shang Lu stood up and said, "Your Majesty, we, the ministers, will follow Your Majesty and work together to revive our Ming Dynasty!"

All the ministers bowed together: "We follow Your Majesty, and we are of one mind to revive our Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Qizhen sat on the dragon throne with his heart pounding. Compared with three years ago, he was now calmer and more confident.

……

After court, Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Qizhen summoned Li Xian, the Minister of Personnel, Shi Biao, the commander of the Imperial Guard, and Ke Qian, the Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Palace. Since Xu Youzhen and Yang Guifang were not around, he usually consulted with the three of them about some secret matters.

"This is the memorial submitted by Lord Wang, please take a look." Zhu Qizhen said.

The eunuch chief, Cao Jixiang, took the memorial from the imperial table and handed it to Li Xian. Li Xian took it and said, "Didn't Lord Wang and Mr. Hu go sightseeing after retirement? Why are you still submitting memorials?"

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, "These two old men are living a carefree life. When I let them tour the area, they also submit memorials to tell us about the implementation of the new policies in various places. They are now common people, so they can see things more clearly when they go to the local areas."

After reading the memorial, Li Xian frowned and handed it to Ke Qian who was standing beside him. After reading it, Ke Qian handed it to Shi Biao. Shi Biao quickly glanced at it and was furious: "These bold gentry, Your Majesty, I will send someone to arrest them right away!"

Li Xian immediately objected: "How can the court arrest people for discussing politics behind their backs? What crime can they be convicted of? Moreover, they are all from prestigious families."

Ke Qian nodded and agreed, "They all paid taxes, but they were dissatisfied in their hearts and slandered the new policy and Your Majesty behind his back."

Shi Biao's eyes were blazing with anger as he disagreed: "Now they dare to slander Your Majesty. If you don't teach them a lesson, they will become even more aggressive in the future."

"You can't just arrest people!" Li Xian retorted, "Besides, these wealthy families are very influential in the local area. Some of them are seemingly kind people and pay taxes. Starting a war now will be detrimental to the new policy."

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand to stop their argument.

He was not surprised. The new policy harmed the interests of the gentry, and they would definitely not accept it. In the history books of his previous life, Yongzheng's reputation became worse because of the new policy, and he was framed in various ways. Hundreds of years later, Yongzheng still had a bad reputation. He was accused of patricide, usurpation of the throne, unfilial piety, lust, and other things.

"I am not afraid of being scolded." Zhu Qizhen smiled, "But we really can't let these people make up stories behind our backs. When the news gets out, the people won't be able to tell the truth from the false. If it spreads from one person to ten people, from ten to a hundred people, it will become even more distorted."

Shi Biao bowed and said, "So, we still have to catch him!"

Zhu Qizhen glanced at him and shook his head: "No, not only will I not arrest them, I will also reward them! So, you go down and make a list of some of the wealthy families in Jiangnan and the Central Plains. When you submit a full list, I will issue an order to move them to the capital."

"Ah?" Shi Biao was confused. "Give them face? And move them to the emperor's feet?"

Li Xian and Ke Qian's eyes sparkled. Li Xian praised: "Your Majesty, this is a brilliant idea! Moving these wealthy families to the capital will not only enrich the population and economic strength of the capital, but also put them under the eyes of the court. Let's see if they dare to talk nonsense."

"Also, the land in the capital is not as valuable as in other places. It is hard to replenish the land, so there will be less land." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands, "After they move to the capital, they can also release the land in other places. The government can use this land to motivate the people."

Ke Qian frowned: "What if they don't want to? Although it's the capital, Jiangnan is more comfortable than the capital."

"That is not their choice. I have bestowed upon them great grace, do they dare to disobey my order?" Zhu Qizhen sneered.

"After all, it is the capital, some people must be willing." Li Xian said, "Your Majesty, we will do it right away."

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand.

In fact, this trick was used by both Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong. In the early years of Hongwu, Emperor Taizu ordered the relocation of wealthy families from all over the country to Nanjing, which could quickly increase the population and economic wealth of the Nanjing area.

In fact, there is another reason, that is, Taizu was worried that the local powerful landlords would become too powerful and would become too powerful to be eliminated. Migrating the rich people to the vicinity of the capital could weaken their influence in the local area and prevent them from forming separatist forces.

After Emperor Taizong moved the capital to Beijing, he ordered the relocation of wealthy families from ten counties including Zhili and Suzhou and nine provinces including Zhejiang to Beijing. In addition to enriching the population and wealth of the capital, it was also to prevent local nobles from becoming too powerful.

These people left their ancestral land and came to the capital. Since they had no roots left, they had no choice but to behave themselves.

……

Li Xian and Ke Qian retreated, and Zhu Qizhen called Shi Biao.

"There is another guest of mine in the imperial prison. Is he okay?" Zhu Qizhen asked. Shi Biao was stunned for a moment, then remembered that the emperor was talking about Sun Jizhong, the former Marquis of Huichang, and nodded quickly: "He is fine. He is now plump and white."

"You should interrogate him recently." Zhu Qizhen said, "He was close to Duke Cheng before, and he must know all the bad things Duke Cheng did. Oh, and the former Minister of Justice Yu Shiyue."

Shi Biao understood that His Majesty was going to start to deal with Duke Chengguo, but he was a little unsure and said, "Your Majesty, if you don't let me torture Marquis Huichang, I don't think he will speak."

"Hey, you pig-brained guy, why don't you think of another way?" Zhu Qizhen glared, "Wasn't the trick you used against Zeng Yong last time very useful? Now Zeng Yong is giving lectures in various places, talking about the benefits of the new policy, and he is very active."

Shi Biao suddenly came to his senses and bowed: "I understand!"

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, first find evidence of Duke Cheng's illegal activities. After all, he is a duke with military power. If you want to take action, you must strike him right away!"

"I obey your command." Shi Biao took the order and retreated.

Zhu Qizhen sat back on the dragon throne and closed his eyes in deep thought.

Soon, the new cabinet chief Shang Lu came to see the emperor, holding a batch of memorials in his hands. When Zhu Qizhen saw the memorials, he had a headache: "Why are there so many? Has the cabinet voted on them all?"

"Your Majesty, these are the memorials submitted by the princes of various places." Shang Lu said, "They didn't say anything big in their memorials, they just expressed their support for the new policy and praised Your Majesty."

Zhu Qizhen blinked and said, "What's wrong with the princes? They are all so proactive all of a sudden. I'm not used to it."

Shang Lu looked strange.

Your Majesty, you have returned from Tumubao, and you have granted the death penalty to two princes, deposed two others as commoners, and recently issued an order to execute a prince. How could they not be afraid? They submitted memorials to show their loyalty and seek peace of mind, lest the butcher's knife fall on their heads one day.

"Your Majesty, it is a blessing that the princes support you." Shang Lu said, "Your Majesty, you can issue an edict to praise them to show the harmony of the royal family."

Zhu Qizhen's eyes lit up instantly.

Yes, the support of the princes indirectly showed that he was the real emperor. He never responded directly to the rumors of being a fake emperor, but responded indirectly by offering sacrifices to the ancestors with the empress dowager. Now, the princes can also be used.

According to history books in his previous life, Yongzheng responded to those rumors directly and even wrote a "Record of Awakening from Delusion", but in the end, the situation became worse.

"I will issue an edict immediately and promulgate it to the whole country." Zhu Qizhen said, "As long as the royal family is at peace, the whole world will be at peace."

"Your Majesty is wise." Shang Lu bowed.

Zhu Qizhen knew that Shang Lu came to remind him on purpose, which also showed that Shang Lu was on his side.

……

Prince Qing's Palace.

Bang!

Zhu Qiyu slammed the teacup in his hand to the ground and said angrily, "Chen Xun, I invited him to drink tea, but he declined. It seems that he wants to completely cut off ties with me."

"Your Highness, calm down." Tung Xingdao continued to pour another cup of tea and said, "Fortunately, Chen Xun doesn't know much about your affairs. Otherwise, it would be a big trouble. His Majesty is planning to send you to the vassal state, so you can't let anyone catch you now."

Zhu Qiyu sighed helplessly, "I estimate that the time for the vassalage is not far away. Today, the vassal kings from all over the country have submitted memorials, all of which support the new policy and praise the false emperor. Humph, the false emperor has already firmly sat on the throne and cannot be easily moved. If it really doesn't work, I will admit defeat and go to my fiefdom to be a free and easy prince."

"Your Highness, are you admitting defeat already?" Tung Xingdao said with a smile, "It's not the right time yet! The key to this situation now lies with the Queen Mother! She has been a regent for more than ten years, she will not admit defeat."

"But the Queen Mother no longer believes in me." Zhu Qiyu snorted coldly, "She seems to trust the fake emperor more and more. Humph, she is not a member of the Zhu family after all, so it is possible that she will accept her fate in the end."

Tung Xingdao answered affirmatively: "Absolutely not! The Queen Mother must have a back-up plan, and it is a powerful back-up plan. Your Highness, all you have to do next is wait and see. The Queen Mother and the false emperor fight, and in the end, you will be the winner."

"I hope so!" Zhu Qiyu nodded.

Tung Xingdao took a sip of the teacup, his eyes flashing. He was silent for a while, and then continued, "Your Highness, I am worried about Duke Cheng. His Majesty is in power now, and he will definitely exclude dissidents, and the first to bear the brunt is Duke Cheng. Duke Cheng is impulsive and can easily be used against him."

"We cannot lose this ally. He holds the military power." Zhu Qiyu said, "Sir, how should I remind Duke Cheng?"

Tungsten Xingdao fell into deep thought.

……

Kunning Palace is coated with a soft and warm golden glow in the afterglow of the early winter sunset. The red walls and golden tiles look more solemn and warm under the reflection of the setting sun.

The palace gate is lightly closed, and between the interweaving of light and shadow, one can see towering ancient trees in the palace. Spots of light shining through the branches and leaves dance on the ground like stars, adding a bit of liveliness to this quiet palace.

Zhu Qizhen dragged his tired body here from Wenhua Hall and stood in front of the gate to admire the sunset in the distance. Suddenly, he smelled a fragrant breeze. It turned out that the Queen Mother came to him.

She was wearing a purple dress, with a graceful figure, picturesque features, and dignified and elegant manners. She asked calmly, "It is said that this year's tax grain has more than doubled compared to last year?"

Zhu Qizhen nodded and said: "The new policy has begun to show results. I will not worry about disasters coming next year and the national treasury running out of food for disaster relief."

"Before the end of the year, we still have to calculate the various expenses for next year." The Queen Mother said, "The Yellow River renovation has started, and so many river workers have been added, and they all need food and money."

"Of course, we have to keep enough food in case of emergency." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands, "The Ministry of Revenue will submit a memorial, and I will discuss it with the Cabinet."

The Queen Mother's eyes drooped slightly. This guy is becoming more and more like an emperor.

The cold wind blew, and neither of them spoke. The setting sun fell on them, stretching their shadows very long. They both knew in their hearts that such a peaceful day would be broken one day.

"It's time to eat." The Queen Mother said.

"What are we eating today?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

(End of this chapter)