Di Ming

Chapter 163 Goodnight, Qingchen!

Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei have been complaining about this for half a year.

Because the Ming court's rewards for meritorious service were far too slow.

If this were a war, wouldn't the soldiers be disheartened?

In early August of last year, Zhu Yin helped Hai Rui crack a major case involving Jesuit spies, underground church human trafficking, and the large-scale theft and sale of firearms to Myanmar.

On August 15th last year, another major bombing incident was discovered at Confucius Temple, and Zhuang Tingjian was assisted in suppressing the rebellious Christians and Japanese pirates.

Tian Yi's extensive confiscation of property in Jiangnan implicated a wide range of people. It was only on the basis of these two major cases that the process was able to proceed smoothly, and he sent the emperor a huge sum of "embezzled funds" of tens of millions of taels of silver.

As a result, the Jesuits' ten-year operation in Southern Zhili was destroyed. The remnants of the Japanese pirates were completely wiped out. Many wealthy merchants and gentry who colluded with the Jesuits and the Japanese pirates were annihilated.

Meanwhile, Emperor Wanli ate his fill and amassed a fortune of tens of millions!
According to regulations, the proceeds from the confiscation of property should have gone into the Ministry of Revenue's treasury, but instead bypassed the treasury and went entirely into Wanli's private treasury.

The eunuchs in charge of confiscating the property, including himself, also reaped considerable benefits.

The problem is that the benefits he received were "gifts" from Tian Yi, which were considered private rewards.

However, the "public reward" that the imperial court should have given them, which Hai Rui and Tian Yi had both promised, has been delayed since last year.

But then Tian Yi laughed and said, "When the Emperor learned of this, he praised you as a rare child prodigy, a truly auspicious sign. He originally intended to commend you..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin's face turned green.

The so-called commendation is to issue an imperial decree to build a merit archway and erect a flag in the local area as a benchmark to praise and commend.

For Wanli, this was a costless and beneficial thing, requiring him to spend a single penny.

Many officials would gladly accept such honors. But Zhu Yinzhen had no need for them!
He couldn't let others know that he had played a significant role in these events. Otherwise, wouldn't the Jesuits and the Japanese pirates retaliate against him? Many unfortunate people would hate him.

This commendation may seem glamorous, but isn't it just inviting hatred towards him?
Emperor Wanli was truly outrageous. To save a little money, he used official honors to appease himself.

For an emperor to be so greedy and stingy is truly the height of absurdity.

No wonder that this winter, Li Yi, a supervising secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, risked his life to submit a memorial to the emperor advising against his greed for money, and as a result, he was flogged forty times and dismissed from his post.

Ning Caiwei's smile stiffened slightly upon hearing the commendation.

Unexpectedly, Tian Yi changed the subject and said, "But Hai Gangfeng said that you are too young, and erecting a memorial might attract attention and resentment."

"So, Grandpa changed his mind and asked the ministers how to reward you."

Tian Yi had one more thing he didn't say: This matter didn't actually need to go through the emperor.

When the imperial court rewards those who have rendered meritorious service, great achievements naturally require the emperor's approval. However, for ordinary merits like Zhu Yin's, Nanjing could decide the matter itself, simply following established precedents.

However, this matter had to go through the emperor, because the emperor was very strict about spending money on rewards.

The courtiers now all know that no expense is too small when it comes to spending money with His Majesty. The emperor is increasingly less concerned with state affairs but very much with finances.

They weren't only eyeing the Imperial Treasury (the inner treasury), but also the Ministry of Revenue's Grand Treasury, the Court of Imperial Stud's Ever-Rich Treasury, the Ministry of Works' Frugal Treasury, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices' Treasury, and the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue's Treasury…

Therefore, even a general reward must be reported to the emperor.

Tian Yi continued, "The minister said that, in accordance with precedent, a reward of three thousand taels of silver should be given. But my grandfather felt that was inappropriate."

"Grandpa said that since Zhu Yin is interested in taking the imperial examination, it is not appropriate to reward him with money, lest he become addicted to enjoyment. However, the Ministry of Personnel's Performance Evaluation Department can record his merits. If he passes the imperial examination in the future, it will be equivalent to a commendation upon completion of the examination and he will be promoted one rank and given an official position."

"In this way, he can be motivated to study hard and focus on the imperial examination."

As Tian Yi spoke, his own expression became somewhat strange.

The fact that the emperor would discuss a reward of several thousand taels of silver with his ministers seems quite strange.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei exchanged glances, unsure of what to say.

This kind of free reward can only be earned by passing the imperial examination. If you fail to pass the examination, it is worthless and only makes you a laughing stock.

But if one can pass the imperial examination and become a Jinshi, this reward will be very useful!
In the Ming Dynasty, officials were examined every three years, and the examinations were completed every nine years. If Zhu Yin had truly passed the examination, this reward would have been equivalent to several years of waiting, directly resulting in a promotion and official rank.

Perhaps in Wanli's view, the chances of Zhu Yin passing the imperial examination were very small, or even if he did pass, it would be many years later.

Even if Zhu Yin passes the exam quickly, this reward will be a benefit without cost, requiring no money.

Tian Yi laughed and said, "Zhihu, don't be disappointed. If you pass the imperial examination with flying colors, the promotion and official rank will far exceed several thousand taels of silver."

"With your intelligence, it is not impossible for you to pass the imperial examination within ten years."

Zhu Yin thought to himself, "I know the questions for the Jinshi examination in several years of the Wanli reign. I'm sure I'll pass the metropolitan examination. It's just that I'm not so sure about the provincial examination."

Zhu Yin was not disappointed. Although the insolent Wanli Emperor was stingy, this reward was far more valuable to him than a fortune of several thousand taels of silver.

How much can he accomplish by saving several years of time building up seniority?

Ning shook her head: "Amitabha! The Emperor's reward is too little. To be promoted one rank and granted an official position, one must pass the imperial examination. How difficult is it to pass the imperial examination?"

"The little tiger is exceptionally clever, but throughout history, how many intelligent people have failed the imperial examinations?"

Ning Caiwei smiled and said, "It's alright. My family has some wealth now, so we don't lack a few thousand taels of silver to spend."

Ning Caiwei spoke with great confidence.

Ning Caiwei knows best how much wealth the Zhu family has now.

Three farms, eight medicinal herb gardens, a jade workshop, a candy factory, several hundred cattle, over a hundred horses and mules, and dozens of boats…

There are also 3,000 jin of top-grade jadeite ore, 5,000 jin of milk powder, and 100,000 jin of sugar…

Besides these industries and resources, there were also over three hundred taels of gold, over eighteen thousand taels of silver, and over one thousand strings of copper coins in cash...

The Zhu family's total assets were worth more than 100,000 taels of silver.

In the entire Qingqiao area, they were the third richest family, after the Zhang and Liu families. Even in Jiangning, a county with a population of one million, their total assets would rank them among the top 100, and nationwide they would likely be among the top 10,000.

They are truly among the extremely wealthy.

This was only because Zhu Yin distinguished between public and private matters and did not embezzle the collective spoils of the Jinghai Navy. Otherwise, just from the spoils captured in Manila alone, he could easily have embezzled tens of thousands of dollars.

In fact, the Zhu family has another hidden asset: the formula for the Spring Elixir, which Ning Qingchen developed based on the recipe of Hu Sengyao.

It can already be produced at low cost.

Tian Yi added, "Zhihu's idea last year was excellent. Now, the foreign barbarians dare not cause me any more trouble. Sure enough, at the end of last year, the Zhoushan pirates launched an attack, destroyed the foreign barbarians' stronghold, and captured them."

"Even the pirates dared not offend the foreigners to the death, so they released them after disarming them, which was considered a way out. However, after the pirates left, the natives of Luzon retaliated against the foreigners, gathering tens of thousands of people to rise up and wipe out all the foreigners in Luzon, eliminating them completely..."

“Young Tiger, your strategy of using thieves to control barbarians has truly helped me a great deal. The foreign barbarians are already too busy to take care of themselves.”

Tian Yi was very happy and grew even more fond of Zhu Yin. This nephew-in-law was definitely worth it.

Zhu Yin seemed very interested when he heard Tian Yi's words, as if he had just learned about it.

Tian Yi never imagined that Zhu Yin had orchestrated the whole thing from beginning to end.

Not only did he plan it, he even personally led the army into battle.

Zhu Yin also knew the latest news from Southeast Asia. He communicated with Daishan Island every quarter using coded messages. And on Luzon Island, overseas Chinese were deployed as informants last year.

He should be able to find out about Luzon in three months at most.

As expected, the foreigners have returned to Luzon. In retaliation for the massacre of whites by the natives, the West Indies colonial authorities dispatched dozens of warships and thousands of foreign soldiers to attack Tadawor, the "King of Manila," on Luzon Island.

With his own weapons, gold and silver, and his own tactical guidance, Tadawon became the leader of the Luzon resistance, uniting tens of thousands of natives to fight against the foreign soldiers.

Meanwhile, the West Indian authorities identified the notorious bandit Lim Daoqian as an enemy who had previously captured Manila and also sent troops to attack him.

Unable to defend himself, Lin Daoqian simply joined forces with the natives to fight the foreigners to the death on Luzon Island.

Although the foreign soldiers were well-equipped with firearms and highly trained, and had Indian vassal troops, the natives and pirates were numerous and powerful, so the foreigners could not gain any advantage.

Luzon is now in a state of utter chaos.

A few months later, when news of the Spanish Armada's crushing defeat reached them, Spain was not only forced to abandon its expedition against the Ming Dynasty, but its invading forces in Manila also lost their support.

At that time, the Jinghai Army will be able to reap the rewards and bring Luzon under their control.

In that case, the tens of thousands of Chinese immigrants in Luzon would be secured.

One step leads to another, and one step can lead to three.

Tian Yi was unaware of Zhu Yin's thoughts, but there was one more thing he didn't say.

Because he had paid over ten million taels of silver from the confiscation of his property last year, the emperor trusted him even more and, in order to reward him, planned to transfer him back to the capital to replace Zhang Jing as the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial!

He originally thought it would take at least four or five years before he could become the Grand Eunuch.

However, after handing over these tens of millions of taels of silver, he will be going to the capital this autumn to serve as the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

He can only stay in Nanjing for a maximum of four more months, and he has to leave at the end of September.

Zhu Yin suddenly remembered Xu Wei's strategic plan and said to Tian Yi, "Uncle, is His Majesty willing to pacify the Zhoushan pirates?"

Tian Yi shook his head as expected, "His Majesty said that pirates are insatiable ingrates, always surrendering and then rebelling again. They turn their backs on you after taking your money. They cannot be recruited or trusted."

Zhu Yin said, "In that case, I think the court should restore the county system on Zhoushan Island and relocate people to the island to cultivate land and garrison troops. In this way, we can seize the profits from smuggling by maritime merchants and collect a large amount of tax revenue every year."

"Oh?" Tian Yi pondered for a moment. "Many court officials will certainly oppose this, but it will indeed increase commercial taxes."

Zhu Yin advised, "It's not just about increasing commercial taxes. If we reinstate Zhoushan as a county and allow immigrants to settle on the island to cultivate land and fish, we can strengthen coastal defenses and resist pirates. It can also curb smuggling. Wouldn't that be killing three birds with one stone?"

After thinking about it, Tian Yi felt that if someone were to petition to restore the Zhoushan County system, the emperor would most likely agree in order to collect commercial taxes.

However, there will inevitably be many opponents. Whether or not the people can be relocated to the island and the county system restored depends on whether the emperor is resolute enough to suppress the dissenting voices.

“It is rare for a young tiger to have the heart to plan for the country and share the burden of the emperor.” Tian Yi nodded in approval. “Restoring the county and relocating people to the island is indeed a good thing that kills three birds with one stone. I will join forces with those who agree with this plan and submit a memorial to His Majesty.”

The deeper Tian Yi's relationship with Zhu Yin became, the more amazed he became by Zhu Yin's talent.

This child is only eleven years old, but talking to him is no different from talking to other officials. He is truly born with exceptional intelligence.

Even if Tian Yi was very experienced, he could not have imagined that this was Xu Wei's "poisonous scheme" to use the imperial court to send people.

Of course, Tian Yi wasn't stupid. How could he know that the so-called Zhoushan pirates were Zhu Yin's subordinates?

He was unaware that Zhu Yin had already written to Hai Rui, suggesting that Hai Rui petition the emperor to restore the Zhoushan County system and allow immigrants to move to the island.

After finishing this matter, Zhu Yin thought of something else and said:
“Uncle, I heard today that Suzhou Prefecture is suffering from a severe drought this year and has begun to experience an epidemic. If the epidemic breaks out, as the garrison commander of Nanjing, you will have no choice but to take responsibility.”

Upon hearing the word "plague," Ning Qingchen immediately sprang to attention, her black, gem-like eyes fixed on Zhu Yin.

Tian Yi frowned, but remained calm and composed as he sat in his armchair and slowly said:

"Will a major plague break out? In the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty, the plague is like a gourd floating on the water, with no year without an epidemic. To say that a major epidemic will occur in Jiangnan... is a bit of an overreaction."

Zhu Yin, of course, would not give up so easily, and continued:
“Uncle, I’ve heard that more and more people are coming to Nanjing to escape the plague, which is obviously different from last year. Also, abnormal weather must be a sign of evil. This summer is hotter than usual, and there has been little rain in Jiangnan since the beginning of summer.”

"I checked the Jiangning County Annals and found that historically, major epidemics have often been accompanied by droughts and floods. This summer has been very unusual; it's hard to guarantee that a major epidemic won't break out..."

"It's better to be safe than sorry. If a major epidemic really breaks out, countless people will die, and we'll be on the defensive in every way. Why not prepare for the worst?"

"If no major epidemic occurs, that would be ideal, and all the preparations would have been in vain. But if a major epidemic does occur, my uncle will be credited for his coordination and be a benefactor to all families."

"Amitabha!" Ning quickly chanted, "Please don't let a major epidemic break out, Bodhisattva, please protect us."

After thinking for a while, Tian Yi finally nodded and said, "Then we will take your advice and prepare for defense. This is a big deal; once it's done, it will involve a large sum of money and grain, and the commotion will be significant."

"I have ordered local officials and the Huimin Pharmacy to purchase medicine, grain, and lime, and to search for and isolate the sick to prevent the spread of the disease..."

"This matter also requires the support of the Six Ministries, the Governor, and the Imperial Inspector."

Zhu Yin nodded slightly. Ancient China experienced frequent plagues, accumulating many preventative measures. Methods such as isolation, disinfection, and wearing masks were already in place.

Of course, due to the low level of technology, the disinfectants, isolation equipment, masks, and other items used by the ancients had limited effectiveness.

His advice to Tian Yi was limited to advocating for drinking boiled water, evacuating crowds, implementing categorized isolation, centralized distribution of supplies, and assigning responsibility to specific areas.

It is suggested that Tian Yi establish disease control centers in each county and township of the twelve prefectures south of the Yangtze River in Southern Zhili, starting now, with different facilities for smallpox, malaria, colds, etc.

Whenever someone was found to be infected with the plague, they were sent to different shelters, and the movement of the victims was strictly prohibited. At the same time, food relief had to be provided.

Tian Yi was actually quite worried. Because once this matter was arranged, it would require a huge amount of manpower and resources.

But if they don't do it, they fear that, as Zhu Yin said, a major epidemic will break out and countless people will die.

Zhu Yin shared many experiences from later generations that were applicable in ancient times.

Tian Yi thought it made a lot of sense, so he simply summoned a eunuch to record it.

The eunuch who was brought in to record things turned out to be an acquaintance of Zhu Yin.

It turns out that this is the Zong Qin whom Zhu Yin saved at Xiaoling last year!

"Young Master Lei Feng?" Zong Qin was overjoyed to see Zhu Yin and quickly knelt down to pay his respects, saying, "This servant thanks Young Master Lei Feng..."

If it weren't for this young master Lei last year, he would have hanged himself on Zhongshan Mountain long ago. Not only did the young master Lei save him, but he also transferred him to the Nanjing Directorate of Ceremonial, showing him kindness akin to being reborn, his virtue as vast as the heavens!

“Brother Zong, please rise!” Zhu Yin quickly helped him up. “You can’t kneel before me in front of the garrison commander; you’re a person from the palace.”

Tian Yi laughed and said, "His name isn't Lei Feng, it's Zhu Yin! He didn't give his real name before because he didn't want you to thank him."

"Young Master Zhu, this servant..." Zong Qin was even more moved upon hearing this. He hadn't expected that Zhu Yin would deliberately leave a false name so that he wouldn't have to repay the favor.

There really are such good people in the world.

"Alright." Tian Yi wanted to do Zhu Yin a favor, so he said, "I'm praising you because of Zhu Yin. Since you and Zhu Yin are also destined to meet, I'll praise you again."

"You have previously worked at the Imperial Study in Beijing, so you have acquired some knowledge. From today onwards, you will be a clerk in the Imperial Study."

"Thank you for your kind offer, sir!" Zong Qin said, tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you, young master Zhu..."

The clerks of the Imperial Study were the chief secretaries of the Garrison Commander's Office and the Nanjing Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, and their power was considerable.

His rank has also been raised to the fifth rank. So the next step might be Director or Supervisor!
Young Master Zhu is not only my benefactor, but also my benefactor.

In fact, if Zong Qin were incompetent, Tian Yi would not have relied on him so much, even if he were to give Zhu Yin face.

It was also because he lived up to his own expectations. After arriving at the garrison headquarters, he was able to handle many official duties in an orderly manner.

It's rare to find someone who is grateful.

Tian Yi decided that he would take him back to Beijing in a few months and train him as his successor.

Zong Qin, however, decided that he would definitely repay Zhu Yin in the future.

In his most desperate moment, Zhu Yin became his only ray of light!

.........

That night, Zhu Yin and the other two stayed at the garrison headquarters.

Ning Caiwei slept with Ning Shi, but Ning Qingchen insisted on sleeping with Zhu Yin.

Seeing that she was only two years old, Ning agreed.

So, Zhu Yin took Ning Qingchen and moved into a separate, exquisite summer courtyard.

Inside the orchid-scented chamber of the exquisitely decorated house, there are two three-foot-high ice chests filled with ice. The room is cool as water at night, and the summer heat is completely dispelled.

Zhu Yin took a bath in the tub, changed into a thin, sweat-absorbing undergarment, and lay down on the bamboo mat on the canopy bed with his hair loose.

Ning Qingchen, dressed in a floral dress and with two tiny, snail-shaped buns, lay on a bamboo-scented mat, her soft little feet dangling, writing with a charcoal pencil made by Ning Caiwei.

The bed was very large. A palace lantern hung inside the mosquito net.

The room was filled with a play of light and shadow, a light mist, and hazy lamplight, with layers of curtains.

It looks both gorgeous and elegant, yet carries an indescribable sense of mystery and allure.

Fireflies twinkled like stars outside the window, and summer insects chirped among the flowering trees. Although expensive benzoin incense burned in the room, mosquitoes still buzzed annoyingly outside the mosquito net.

Indeed, mosquitoes were the most feared creatures among ancient nobles. Even emperors were helpless against them.

Not far outside, there were many figures; they were patrolling soldiers.

"Bang bang...bang bang..."

The garrison commander's night watchman had already struck the second watch, and said in a low voice, "The weather is dry, be careful with fire—"

It was late at night, but Ning Qingchen was still writing and drawing, refusing to go to sleep.

She is researching ancient methods of preparing some drugs, such as the traditional methods of manufacturing allicin, salicylic acid, and penicillin.

And the processing of traditional Chinese medicine reagents that were innovated in later generations.

Alas, it's a pity the Qingchen Tree hasn't grown up yet, so we can't use it right now.

Seeing Ning Qingchen so serious, Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her.

"Go to sleep, you can write again tomorrow. The plague won't break out immediately." Zhu Yin patted her little feet. "The light is too dim, it's bad for your eyesight, your eyes are still developing."

After saying that, he forcibly took away her paper and pen.

"I don't want it!" Ning Qingchen kicked her feet. "I hate you! Give it back to me!"

"Write it tomorrow, work can't be finished in one day." Zhu Yin turned her over, grabbed her and pressed her onto the pillow, "Sleep!"

"Okay." Ning Qingchen yawned and obediently lay down beside him. "Little Tiger, don't worry, I'll have more medicine in less than two months."

“I’m not worried,” Zhu Yin said. “I’ve said what I could say and done what I could do. Now it’s up to the government to respond. We are just ordinary people, without any official position or rank, and there’s nothing more we can do.”

"Once your medication plan is ready, just hand it over to the government. Our individual efforts are insignificant."

Ning Qingchen sat up, her bright eyes looking at Zhu Yin, "Little Tiger, you really are different from my sister, really."

“You don’t care about the prescription at all, and are willing to hand it over directly to the government to help the people. If it were my sister, she would definitely use it to make money.”

"Little Tiger, I misunderstood you before. You are actually very similar to me. We are more like each other."

Zhu Yin patted her head and smiled, "There are many opportunities to make money, but using a life-saving prescription as a secret to make money is a low-level approach. However... you also lack a true understanding of your sister."

“She does like making money, but she’s not materialistic; making money is just a means for her. I believe she won’t use your prescription to make money during this pandemic.”

"Heh." Ning Qingchen sneered, "Then why don't you believe me? Let's make a bet."

"We'll ask her tomorrow and see what she does. Little Tiger, what if you lose?"

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "Alright, let's bet. What if you lose?"

Ning Qingchen's little face was full of seriousness, "If you lose, you and she will never be able to marry me off. No matter who wants to marry me when I grow up, you and she will never be able to marry me off."

"If I lose, I'll never get married and will stay with you guys forever, okay?"

"Hahaha!" Zhu Yin couldn't help but laugh at her.

Isn't that cheating? Who makes bets like that?
"Don't laugh!" Ning Qingchen shook the boy's arm. "Little tiger! Just tell me, are you going to make the bet or not?"

Zhu Yin stopped laughing. "Alright, I agree to the bet. Go to sleep now."

"You can't go back on your word." Ning Qingchen lay down again and rolled over contentedly.

Goodnight, little tiger!

Goodnight, Qingchen!

P.S.: These two chapters are mostly slice-of-life scenes, I bet some of you are getting tired of them. I'll start writing the plot tomorrow, so please be patient. Thank you all for your support, goodnight! But I also know that your votes are practically nonexistent, right?

(End of this chapter)