In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 767 His Majesty Wants to Compete with the People for Profit!
The newly appointed Minister of Revenue, Zhao Mian, was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) in the eighteenth year of the Hongwu reign (1380).

In just a few years, he had secured his position as a high-ranking official in the Six Ministries, placing him at the head of the court.

Now, he is only forty years old, in the prime of his life.

At this moment, around 11 PM, the beginning of midnight.
The night was deep and all was silent.
Zhao Mian followed the eunuch along the Imperial Road in the city.
His steps were hurried, his expression solemn, and his face showed undisguised worry.

"What is Your Majesty trying to do at this point?"

He thought to himself.
"Could it be that he is dissatisfied with the confiscation of his property?"
However, after each department and government office deducts one expense,
All remaining funds have been accounted for; there is no more money than that.

Zhao Mian's mind was filled with thoughts of the recent raids on his home, the wealth of which was staggering.

The three departments and the palace eunuchs were only responsible for copying financial accounts.
My wrists were already aching, and a lot of people were exhausted.

If even a single penny of this wealth were to slip through, it would mean a lifetime of riches and honor, with countless people eyeing it.

Therefore, Zhao Mian was doing his best in his work.
Because he had just taken office, he did not want to fall from power hastily because of this matter.

With a touch of unease, Zhao Mian followed the eunuch straight to the Fengtian Hall.

This magnificent hall was mostly empty in the past.
But now the world is in chaos, and even the founding emperor must sit in the center and control the legitimate rule of the world.

This is against etiquette, but unfortunately, etiquette is inherent in it.

After a search
Zhao Mian took a deep breath and walked into the Fengtian Hall.

At first, he lowered his head, looking at the heavy bluestone slabs beneath his feet.

But when he slightly raised his head,
He immediately spotted the two people sitting at the lower end of the table, one old and one young, both of whom were acquaintances.

One of them is Lu Yunyi, who is currently enjoying great popularity.
One of them was Liu Sili, who was even more prominent.

Upon seeing them, Zhao Mian's expression turned somewhat strange.

The two men, father-in-law and son-in-law, were far more famous than he and his father-in-law.

"Your subject Zhao Mian greets Your Majesty." Zhao Mian bowed respectfully.

Night had fallen, and Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed signs of fatigue, but his eyes remained bright and alert.
"Zhao Mian, I ask you, when will the Yingtian Construction Firm be able to open its doors to customers?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhao Mian stiffened, glanced subtly at the father-in-law and son-in-law, and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, the Yingtian Construction Firm uses a considerable amount of building materials and mortar."
The Ministry of Revenue does not currently have sufficient funds to allocate funds, and it may take some time.

"What major expenses does the Ministry of Revenue have?" Zhu Yuanzhang pressed.

"Your Majesty, the military commands of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangdong have all launched operations to quell the rebellion in the past two months."
There were some losses and some gains.

Whether it's compensation or awards, it all amounts to a large sum of money.

Yunnan manages the Jingdong and Luchuan areas.
Reclaiming land and building farmland dikes also required a large sum of money.

There are only three months left until the autumn harvest.

At that time, the entire Ming Dynasty will be busy, and local government offices will have to spend an unknown amount of money.

The Henan Provincial Administration Commission reported to the emperor.

There are nearly ten breaches in the Yellow River, and funds need to be allocated for repairs.

Your Majesty only has these matters to do.

This was already a huge burden for the Ministry of Revenue, not to mention the various miscellaneous tasks that followed.

Zhao Mian seemed to have endless things to say, and a troubled expression appeared on his face.

Zhu Yuanzhang took in his performance, and his expression darkened considerably.
He disliked this affected behavior very much.

"Zhao Mian, I plan to open a new office in the palace."

What are your thoughts on being put in charge of the Yingtian Trading Company, Yingtian Construction Company, and other merchants?

Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhao Mian, the Minister of Revenue, suddenly raised his head, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes.

His mind raced, and the first thought that came to mind was...

His Majesty has dismissed the Prime Minister and completely eliminated the potential threat.

Is the one who has absolute authority over the entire country going to target the Ministry of Revenue?
The thought vanished in an instant, and Zhao Mian quickly dismissed it.

Even if government orders are effectively implemented, people still need to do the work.
But this
After thinking for a long time, Zhao Mian still couldn't figure it out.

Lu Yunyi, on the other hand, looked shocked and incredulous.

He vowed never to believe again that the ancients were stupid.

The emperor before him had only heard his words for the first time.
The thoughts have already been broadened to this point.
The newly established government office was put in charge of the imperial court's merchants.
Lu Yunyi felt his thoughts were too advanced and needed to be confirmed again.

After a long silence, Zhao Mian finally spoke:
"Your Majesty, are you referring to the Department of Imperial Examinations and the Department of Imperial Examinations?"

In the Ming Dynasty today, the tax collection agencies were the Xuanke Si in the capital and the Tongke Si in the prefectures and counties, both of which wielded immense power.
Some were under the jurisdiction of the palace, and some were under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Revenue.

"Was I not clear enough? Establish a separate government office to manage the numerous businesses controlled by the Six Ministries."

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with a firm tone.

"Gudong."

Zhao Mian swallowed hard, looked up blankly, and felt a little incredulous.

A separate government office was established to manage the business of the six ministries.

This is blatant robbery!

Zhao Mian couldn't imagine what would have happened if these merchant houses hadn't offered them silver.
How can the government continue to operate, relying solely on the rice stipends issued by the imperial court?
After a moment's thought, Zhao Mian spoke firmly:
"Your Majesty, establishing a separate government office is truly inappropriate."

Therefore, the Song Dynasty had too many redundant officials and bureaucrats, and our Great Ming Dynasty already has this problem. We should not add more government offices, as that would only increase waste.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened instantly, like dark clouds pressing down on the sky.

He raised an eyebrow slightly and gave a soft hum:
"Minister Zhao disagrees?"

"Your Majesty, I believe that this is a time of great turmoil, and if such news were to spread, it would plunge the country into chaos."

Zhao Mian tried to persuade him.

"Oh!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his hand on the armrest.
"presumptuous!"

As soon as the voice was uttered, the group of waiters who had been wanting to kneel down fell to their knees with a thud.

Zhao Mian bowed slightly, and Lu Yunyi and the other person also stood up and bowed slightly.

Zhao Mian spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, each of the Six Ministries oversees its own commercial businesses."
This is their lifeline, their source of wealth. If they act rashly, at best the six ministries will rebel, at worst the entire empire will descend into chaos.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly stood up, glared angrily at Zhao Mian, and rebuked him:

"Zhao Mian, do you know what you're saying?"

He'd only been a minister for a few days, and he'd already gotten too big for his britches.

Zhao Mian's forehead was covered in cold sweat, but his attitude remained firm; he simply bowed even deeper.
"Your Majesty, I was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the eighteenth year of the Hongwu reign (1380), and I am a protégé of the Emperor."

Your Majesty is my mentor and my sovereign.

I have risen from Left Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review to Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, then to Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and now to Minister of Revenue. Every step of my career has been due to Your Majesty's promotion and trust.

If I have gained power, it is Your Majesty's doing.

"Zhao Mian! Don't try to fool me with these deceptive words!"
Now that you hold a high position and wield great power, you've become too independent and no longer listen to me.

Zhu Yuanzhang rebuked him angrily.

Zhao Mian pursed his lips, feeling only dryness:

"Your Majesty, I toil day and night for the sake of my sovereign and father."

The work of dealing with the confiscated property has been ongoing day and night, and I haven't slept for three days now.

Your Majesty, I am utterly loyal to you. I implore you to rescind your decree. This law will bring chaos to the country and cannot last.

"Oh!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glared angrily and, without any hesitation, smashed the inkstone on the table.

With a loud crash, several cracks appeared in the thick, dark bluestone slab.

The white stones inside were exposed, and fragments flew everywhere.

"Get out! All of you get out! Get out of my sight!" Zhu Yuanzhang roared.

Zhao Mian breathed a long sigh of relief and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:
"My minister retire."

Lu Yunyi and Liu Sili immediately bowed:
"I resign"

The head eunuch stood at the head of the table, waving his hands repeatedly at the attendants beside the hall.
After bowing, they slowly withdrew from the main hall.

Once only the two of them remained in the main hall,

The head eunuch brought over a cup of tea from the side and gently placed it on the table, his voice soothing:
"Your Majesty, please calm down. Lord Zhao has been extremely busy these past few days and has become confused."

"Once Lord Zhao regains his senses in a few days, he will understand His Majesty's good intentions."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat down, and his previously violent and ferocious appearance instantly returned to calm.
His trembling lips and furrowed brows returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

The head eunuch was taken aback, his gaze deepening slightly.
Without saying anything, he continued to hand over the teacup.

Zhu Yuanzhang leisurely picked up the teacup.

Gently blowing away the steam, I drank the hot tea in one gulp.

Water droplets fell onto his gray beard, but he didn't care.

"You heard what I just said. If you want the Six Ministries to get things done, the Palace should set an example."

If business in the palace doesn't move, the court officials won't act either.

Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Your Majesty, the matter of the Imperial Estate is of great importance."

The Twelve Directorates will certainly have no objection to this, but... what about the Imperial Clan Court?"

The head eunuch didn't continue, but his meaning was quite clear.

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips twitched slightly, a smile that concealed a hint of sorrow.

An emperor fights against people and against the heavens, but in the end, he even has to fight against his own son.

A complex mix of emotions welled up within Zhu Yuanzhang. He felt like a frail old man, yearning to rise up yet powerless, bound by mundane affairs. After an unknown amount of time, the sound of the watchman's drum began to echo. Zhu Yuanzhang spoke softly:
"When the fourth brother returns to Beijing, he will take care of it."

The chief eunuch's expression changed slightly.

Taking advantage of a major victory to target the royal family could indeed be successful.
But from then on, the Fourth Prince's situation...
The head eunuch dared not think about it, and instead bowed slightly:

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Twelve Palace Offices will fully cooperate."

"Is the morning court session about to begin?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

The chief eunuch glanced at the sky and the time, and said softly:

"Your Majesty, there is still one hour left. Would you like to take a short rest?"

"No, old people are prone to illness when they sleep and wake up. Find the memorial from Henan regarding flood control."

Zhu Yuanzhang gave the instructions.

"Yes"

Before long, the sound of pages turning could be heard inside the spacious and magnificent Fengtian Hall.

The large carriage swayed and rocked as it traveled through the gloomy and quiet city of Yingtian.
Zhao Mian sat inside, his body swaying with the carriage.
At this moment, he was wide awake, his eyes were bright and piercing, revealing a hint of sinister intent.

As ministers of the six ministries, physical appearance and demeanor are of utmost importance.

At this moment, however, he was somewhat out of control, unable even to calm the turmoil in his heart.
The farther I am from the capital, the more turbulent my emotions become.

Just as these thoughts were racing,

The carriage stopped in front of an old-fashioned mansion, and the messenger's voice came from outside:

"Master, we're here."

The sound pulled Zhao Mian out of his heavy thoughts, and he let out a long sigh:

"Knock on the door."

"bang bang bang"

The sound of the door knocker clicking was especially noticeable in the darkness.

Before long, the heavy door slowly opened.

Zhao Mian straightened his sleeves and stepped inside.

After passing through the winding corridors and lotus pond, Zhao Mian arrived at the study in the back hall of the Liu residence.

Candles were lit in the study, illuminating the hunched figure of an elderly man.
Zhao Mian stood in front of the door, his breathing slightly rapid, and did not go in for a long time.

"Why don't you come in?"

Only when the person inside spoke did Zhao Mian breathe a sigh of relief, push open the door, and go inside.

Inside the house, Tantan Weng Liu Sanwu, dressed in a bathrobe, sat behind a desk, his eyes bloodshot.

"Father-in-law, are you still awake?" Zhao Mian asked.

"I have many chores to do and often get up at night. What brings you here in such a hurry?" Liu Sanwu asked.

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Mian's expression turned serious, and his eyes widened:
"Father-in-law, something terrible has happened! His Majesty is going to compete with the people for profit and seize the money from the Six Ministries."

Liu Sanwu's brows furrowed instantly, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to gleam with a deep, dark light.

"You've entered the palace?"

"I just got back," Zhao Mian replied.

"Just you?" Liu Sanwu pressed.

"I'm the only one from the Six Departments. Lu Yunyi and Liu Sili were already there."
The young eunuch said they had been there for almost two hours.

Liu Sanwu frowned:
"Two hours? That's right?"

"That little eunuch's cousin works in the Ministry of Revenue, so he shouldn't be lying to me."

Zhao Mian said affirmatively.

Liu Sanwu leaned back, his expression unreadable, and nodded slightly.

"Tell me, what happened?"

Zhao Mian recounted in detail what had happened inside the Fengtian Hall.

They didn't even miss the expressions of the people present.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhao Mian finished his story.
The study gradually fell silent.
Only the thin candlelight flickered gently, casting their shadows of different sizes.

After a long while, Liu Sanwu let out a long sigh:
"Ugh"

"Your Majesty, are you going to become a tyrant?"

Zhao Mian, with half his face hidden in the darkness, said in a gloomy tone,
"Your Majesty's actions are tantamount to cutting yourself off from the world."

That's too absolute.

Liu Sanwu slowly shook his head.
"His Majesty is a master of military strategy, and he has used military strategy in court on several occasions, while we court officials were slow to realize it."

Now that Your Majesty has brought this up, it is perfectly timed and opportune.
With the fall of the Duke of Han and his entourage of dukes and marquises, the remaining court officials were filled with fear and began vying for power and profit.

Under such circumstances, it is impossible to form a united force against His Majesty.

Even if it's unacceptable for Your Majesty to bring this up,

This also allows us to take a big step forward; this is a calculated strategy.

Zhao Mian said in a deep voice:
"Father-in-law, the Ministry of Revenue has many merchants who have a considerable surplus of money each year."
Most of it went into the government treasury and remained untouched.

But what if the other five departments didn't have this money?
"How can we give bonuses to all those officials and clerks? They won't agree to it."

Liu Sanwu glanced at him indifferently:
"That's why His Majesty sought you out."

The Ministry of Revenue did not value these external funds; they were fine if they had them, but not if they didn't.

His Majesty values ​​this point and wants to start by targeting the Ministry of Revenue.

"If His Majesty proposes to reclaim the financial power of many merchants from the Ministry of Revenue during the morning court session, can you resist?"

Zhao Mian's expression suddenly changed, and his whole body tensed up:

"There are six other parts as well."

Liu Sanwu waved his hand:
"Mind your own business."
Now is the time to seize territory, so why would the other officials disobey His Majesty at this time?
Even if someone were to rise up in resistance, that would happen after the storm had passed, and would have nothing to do with the Ministry of Revenue.

Zhao Mian's cheek twitched, and his eyes darted away:
"Father-in-law, if His Majesty really does this, what should I do?"

If I agree, I will be plunged into an abyss of no return.

He will find it difficult to achieve anything in the imperial court in the future, and may even face widespread betrayal and alienation within his own government office.

A hint of annoyance flashed in Liu Sanwu's eyes as he pressed his hand down:

"Don't worry, let me think about it."

As time passed, Liu Sanwu's expression changed repeatedly.
He carefully considered every word Zhao Mian said.

Gradually, Liu Sanwu's brows furrowed more deeply, and he said in a deep voice:
"You mean Lu Yunyi and Liu Sili met with His Majesty well in advance, and only then did they summon you?"

"Yes, Father-in-law, there was a thick ledger on His Majesty's desk at the time, which should have belonged to Yingtian Trading Company."

At this point, a ruthless glint flashed in Zhao Mian's eyes.
"Father-in-law, do you think it might be these two who proposed to collect money from the Six Ministries?"

"impossible."

Liu Sanwu spoke decisively.
"How capable are those two? His Majesty can make a decision on the spot just by discussing something."

I am certain that this matter was orchestrated by His Majesty and was premeditated long ago.

First, they sought corroboration from Lu Yunyi and another person.
Once everything is in order, I will summon you to finalize the matter. The other two are no different from you.

Zhao Mian's eyes darted around, and he said in a deep voice:
"Father-in-law, is it possible to break this deadlock by dealing with these two?"

Whether they brought it up or not, they're pushing the blame onto them.

"A dead pig is not afraid of boiling water."

Liu Sili, who spends his days causing trouble in the capital, wouldn't care about this.

As long as it doesn't shake the power of the person in charge of Yingtian Trading Company, it will be of no benefit.

On the contrary, it would offend the Governor-General's Office, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Works.

As for Lu Yunyi, he should not be attacked wantonly.
If you offend any nobles again, you'll have to pay even if you don't want to.

Liu Sanwu analyzed.

At this point, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and he slightly raised his head, speaking thoughtfully:
"The act of seizing financial power will make everyone in the court feel insecure, and His Majesty will inevitably need to find more helpers."

Perhaps these two were placed there today just for your benefit.

If you suggest discussing this, His Majesty will use this opportunity to maneuver and win over nobles, the Governor's Office, and other government departments.

Zhao Mian held his breath, a chill spreading upwards from the soles of his feet.

It quickly covered his entire body, making his hair stand on end.

Yes, such a confidential matter that could shake the imperial court...

Why would they allow a military officer and a shopkeeper to listen in?
Suddenly, Zhao Mian felt a deep pit appear before him, waiting for him to step into it.

“Father-in-law, your son-in-law is now in a dilemma,” Zhao Mian said anxiously.

Liu Sanwu remained calm and spoke softly:
"Don't rush, you must remain calm in the face of important matters."

I told you before, take a nap before making a decision, and clear your head.
After the morning court session, go back to your office and rest well to calm your mind.

Zhao Mian turned to look at the time in the corner of the house.
It's almost dawn, time for the morning court session.
"Let's go to court first. We can talk about this after we've rested."

Liu Sanwu slowly stood up. "Someone come here."

The door was pushed open, and an elderly man slowly walked in.

Liu Sanwu instructed:

"Fetch some water, wash his face, and find him some new clothes."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)