Di Ming

Chapter 411 The Dog's Poke in the Short Coffin!

The Chongqing prefect seemed very pleased to see Zhu Yin.

"I've been eagerly awaiting Brother Zhihu's arrival these past few days. Brother Zhihu, you must be tired from your long journey. Please come into the city and rest!"

With a wave of his hand, the surrounding area was filled with the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments.

As the music played, Hao Yunlai pointed at Zhu Yin and smiled at his subordinates and staff:

"This gentleman is none other than Mr. Zhu Zhihu, the renowned scholar of Jiangzuo who achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations. He quelled the rebellion in the Northwest, subdued the Hetao region, and fought against Japanese pirates in Goryeo to restore the Eastern Kingdom! Mr. Zhihu's visit to Chongqing today is truly a blessing for the people of Chongqing."

It was truly rare for a prefect to welcome a county magistrate in such a way. Although the weather was hot and Hao Yunlai was sweating profusely, he still wore his official robes to greet him.

A large group of government officials, their foreheads covered in sweat, bowed and greeted Zhu Yin, saying:

"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

"I've met the Marquis!"

Although Zhu Yin's substantive post was demoted to magistrate of Pengshui County, he still retained his title of Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, and more importantly, his noble title was not stripped away.

In terms of status and position as Marquis of Jiangning and Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, only two princes in the entire Chongqing Prefecture were higher than him. Of course, in terms of real power, his position as county magistrate was far from sufficient.

However, none of the officials and staff of the Chongqing government dared to underestimate this Mr. Zhihu, who was dressed in a blue official robe; many were even somewhat excited.

Zhu Yin cupped his hands and smiled, "Gentlemen, please don't stand on ceremony. I have come to Chongqing and have seen the beautiful scenery and the handsome people. The fatigue of my journey has been completely washed away here."

He then cupped his hands to Hao Yunlai and said, "Life is full of unexpected encounters. How have you been, Brother Huaji? Hmm, the climate and environment of Sichuan and Chongqing are truly nourishing. You look even more energetic than before."

The Hao Yunlai in front of me has much darker skin and is much thinner, but he is still much more capable than when he was in Beijing.

Hao Yunlai chuckled and took Zhu Yin's hand. "I've only been in Chongqing for less than a year, and I've already lost at least ten pounds. Is this what they call 'the local climate nourishes the body'?"

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "It seems that Brother Huaji has really worked hard this year. He looks less scholarly, probably because he has been traveling and working hard in all kinds of weather."

According to Huya's intelligence, after Hao Yun arrived in Chongqing, he severely cracked down on thieves, rectified the officialdom, suppressed powerful clans, exempted miscellaneous taxes, redressed wrongful convictions, built water conservancy projects, mediated the conflict between Han and Yi peoples, cared about the hardships of the people, and frequently visited prefectures and counties in person. He was so hardworking that he was covered in stubble and hair, and he was constantly exposed to heavy rain and strong winds.

Within a year, he had won the love and respect of the people of Chongqing.

This is an extremely complex person. In officialdom, he is ruthless, cunning, narrow-minded, and vindictive. However, when it comes to getting things done, he can be hands-on and responsible. He also has compassion for the people in his jurisdiction, and can be considered to love them like his own children.

This man was not an honest official; he also accepted bribes. However, the money he received was all "customary tribute," which was the long-standing, unspoken rule of merchants and wealthy families giving gifts to local officials during festivals. Apart from this, he did not embezzle public funds or exploit the people.

When Hao Yunlai learned of his recent demotion to Chongqing, his attitude was one of mixed joy and pity. He said to Qiu Chengyun, the Sichuan tax supervisor and fellow member of Zheng's faction:

"Zhu Zhihu is arrogant and disdainful of others. His demotion today is entirely his own fault, and it is truly gratifying."

But when he returned to the government office, he said to his wife, "It is truly regrettable that Zhihu was demoted despite his great achievements. The Emperor's treatment of a national hero is a cause for concern for the country."

This shows that it is difficult to judge this person by loyalty, treachery, good, or evil.

Hao Yunlai held Zhu Yin's hand with a smile, and anyone who didn't know the situation would think that the two had a close relationship and were bosom friends.

“Brother Zhihu,” Hao Yunlai said, pointing to the city shrouded in mountain mist, “Chongqing is a mountain city, and the fog is thick. In summer, it’s like being in a steamer, much hotter than Beijing. It’s not very pleasant for you to come here at this time of year.”

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "A calm mind brings coolness. If you can endure it, so can I."

Hao Yunlai carefully observed Zhu Yin and found that after a year apart, Zhu Yin's demeanor had become even more dignified and noble. His every move exuded an air of authority without anger, and he appeared calm and composed. He showed no signs of being demoted and downcast; he still seemed to be the powerful and influential military commander, still holding great power and wisdom.

Hao Yunlai suddenly felt a little bored.

Young Tiger, I originally thought that after you were demoted, you would be in a sorry state and dejected, and I could make fun of you to vent my pent-up anger from back then, and then offer you some fake comfort. That would have been a wonderful story.

Your career has plummeted; overnight you were banished from the capital and demoted to a county magistrate, with no chance of ever rising again. Yet, who would have thought you'd be so arrogant and cocky?

Young Tiger, do you really not care about official position and power? I don't believe it!

Hao Yunlai felt somewhat stifled. He had been looking forward to seeing Zhu Yin, the exiled official, sighing and complaining after his misfortune, for several days. Although Zhu Yin had arrived today, he showed no trace of dejection. The four words "refined and elegant" still held true, making him approachable yet unapproachable.

It was like punching cotton; it was incredibly frustrating.

Zhu Yin followed the others into the city, where he saw that the streets were bustling and lined with people of all kinds, including Han, Miao, Tujia, and Yi. It truly lived up to its reputation as a major southwestern city where Han and Yi peoples lived together.

Upon seeing Hao Yunlai, the people of the city knelt down and bowed, calling him "Grand Ancestor."

When the people learned that Zhu Yin was actually Mr. Zhihu, many of them were so excited that they knelt down and shouted "God of Literature and Art".

Even many foreigners bowed down to Zhu Yin. In no time, the crowd was so large that it was impossible to move, all eager to catch a glimpse of Mr. Zhihu, marveling at his appearance. Some even exclaimed, "So lifelike! So lifelike!"

Zhu Yin could only return the greeting with repeated bows, asking everyone to dispense with the formalities.

Seeing this, Hao Yunlai couldn't help but feel jealous. He forced a smile and said, "Zhihu is indeed a child prodigy with a living shrine. Who in the world doesn't know you? Oh, there's a temple dedicated to you on Jinbi Mountain in this city. It's very popular and has become a scenic spot in the city."

Zhu Yin chuckled. He had, of course, already received secret intelligence that there was a shrine dedicated to him in Chongqing, which had been there for almost two years.

Seeing the harmonious coexistence between the Han and Yi peoples in the city, Zhu Yin said to Hao Yunlai:
“A local official who can govern a place with so many ethnic groups and such complex customs must be a capable minister. It must have been difficult for you, Brother Huaji.”

Hao Yun smiled wryly and said with concern, "To be honest, the only official who has ever spoken to me like this is Brother Zhihu. Ah, Zhihu, you understand me best."

He pointed to the local people and said, “Although Chongqing Prefecture is governed by appointed officials, nearly half of them are local people of various ethnic groups. The chieftains, both large and small, mostly act on their own and outwardly comply with the imperial court but inwardly defy it. To govern them well, the imperial court must completely abolish the chieftain system and replace them with appointed officials in the future.”

"If the imperial court appoints me as the governor of Sichuan and grants me the power to govern the region, and gives me ten years, I can cure the millennia-old ailment of unrest among ethnic groups and conflict between the Han and the Yi people in Sichuan, and restore the great order of Sichuan during the time of Zhuge Liang!"

Zhu Yin couldn't help but give Hao Yunlai a deep look. He had underestimated this man before, realizing his insight and courage were remarkable.

The Ming Dynasty had been working on the policy of replacing native chieftains with appointed officials, but progress was slow. The court was worried that such a move would have far-reaching consequences, causing chaos in the southwest, and ultimately lacked the necessary resolve.

The southwestern region has a large number of indigenous peoples, who later became many ethnic groups, such as Miao, Yi, Yao, and Tujia. But regardless of their ethnicity, most of them were “indigenous people who were enslaved for generations, and the chieftains had the power of life and death over them.”

In Zhu Yin's words, these ethnic minority people were all serfs in terms of status, and had been enslaved for generations. Their lives, honors, and disgraces were all in the hands of chieftains at various levels, and they had no personal freedom.

The Tusi (chieftains) of the Southwest were essentially noble lords with fiefdoms. There were three hundred Tusi of varying sizes, ruling over tens of millions of people. The larger ones governed millions, while the smaller ones governed thousands.

These people were nominally citizens of the Ming Dynasty, but they were not registered in the imperial register. This was known as "barbarian people not entering the royal register." The chieftains also did not pay taxes to the court, but only offered tribute periodically or sent troops on orders.

Upon hearing Hao Yunlai's words, Zhu Yin smiled and said, "Then I wish Brother Huaji a speedy rise to the position of Governor of Sichuan and the achievement of great accomplishments."

The two crossed Zhongcheng Street and entered the prefectural government office. Zhu Yin was then invited to the flower hall of the prefectural residence to be served tea.

Hao Yunlai did not invite his subordinate officials, such as the Assistant Magistrate and the Sub-Prefect, to accompany him. He only invited Zhu Yin to enter, knowing that Zhu Yin was too lazy to socialize.

Upon learning that Zhu Yin had arrived, Madam Hao quickly came out to pay her respects, and after folding her ceremonial robes and bowing, she personally served tea, saying:
"I heard from my husband that my uncle is coming to Chongqing, so I have prepared some chilled Bashan herbal tea to cool you down in the summer heat."

Although Madam Hao had lost an eye to a scoundrel years ago, leaving her blind, she was gentle, virtuous, and poised—a rare and capable wife. Zhu Yin speculated that Hao Yunlai might have been influenced by his wife.

"Thank you, sister-in-law." Zhu Yin took the chilled tea and took a sip, which relieved some of the summer heat. Madam Hao smiled and said, "It's been a year since I last saw you, Uncle Zhu has grown quite a bit taller. Didn't you come along, sister-in-law?"

Zhu Yin said, "She is currently in Xi'an and will not arrive until the end of July."

Hao Yunlai took off his official robes and hat and handed them to his wife, saying, "Zhihu, I was the one who arranged your marriage with Caiwei."

His tone was quite smug.

Madam Hao instructed her maids to help Zhu Yin remove his heavy official robes, and then she arranged a banquet to entertain Zhu Yin and his entourage.

Hao Yunlai and Zhu Yin sat down and drank a cup of tea before Hao Yunlai spoke:

“Brother Zhihu, don’t rush to take up your post in Pengshui County. There’s no need to rush these few days. Even if you want to leave, you’ll have to wait a few days.”

Zhu Yin said, "Brother Huaji, do you mean we should also pay a visit to the Circuit Intendant of Eastern Sichuan?"

Hao Yunlai nodded, “Brother Zhihu is the magistrate of Pengshui County. He has come to the prefectural city to report for duty. In addition to seeing me, the prefect, he should also see Wang Yide, the deputy inspector of the Sichuan East Circuit. However, Wang Xiufu (a respectful title) is not in the prefectural city at the moment. He went to Baidi City to inspect the river defense post and will not return for several days.”

"You must wait for him to return, and only after you have met him can you go to Pengshui to take up your post."

This was the first time Zhu Yin truly understood the difficulties of being a county magistrate. Upon assuming office, one had to pay respects not only to the prefect and the sub-prefect, but also to the circuit intendant. This wasn't a matter of whether you wanted to see them or not; it was a requirement according to the system.

When these superiors meet you, even if they don't give you personal instructions, they should at least know what your new subordinate looks like, right? Otherwise, it would be a joke if you didn't even recognize your subordinate.
The inspector in charge of patrolling the eastern Sichuan circuit was the deputy provincial inspector of Sichuan, stationed in Chongqing Prefecture. His jurisdiction covered the three prefectures of Chongqing, Kuizhou, and Shunqing, plus the two major pacification commissions of Youyang and Shizhu, as well as some pacification commissioners' offices and chief offices.

In the past, Zhu Yintang, a high-ranking official in the court, was a vice minister of the Ministry of War and vice censor-in-chief. How could he have taken the position of deputy provincial inspector and circuit intendant of eastern Sichuan seriously?
But things are different now than before. The Circuit Intendant is now the "Embroidered Axe Censorate," and as the county magistrate, he must pay homage. As for titles, this rule still applies. Official rank comes first, followed by title.

Zhu Yin took a sip of tea. "Alright, then I'll stay in the prefectural city for a few days and wait for Wang Xiufu to return."

He knew Wang Yide as a fair and upright supervisory official who dared to impeach even the King of Shu. Historically, Wang Yide may have been murdered on the road by someone sent by the King of Shu.

Hao Yunlai said, “Brother Zhihu, don’t worry. Wang Xiufu is actually easy to talk to. As long as he doesn’t commit any crimes, he’s easy to get along with. But once he does commit a crime… the former Chongqing prefect Zhou Ming was impeached and dismissed for embezzlement and dereliction of duty, and forcibly levied lacquer from the Miao people.”

At this point, Hao Yunlai suddenly revealed a meaningful smile, "There is another person in this city whom you should have paid your respects to. This person is the real power holder in Sichuan. Even the governor of Sichuan has to give him some leeway."

Zhu Yin smiled without changing his expression, "Brother Huaji wants me to see Qiu Chengyun, the tax supervisor of Sichuan?"

Hao Yunlai shook his head. “You don’t need to go see him. According to the rules, a county magistrate must see the prefect and other superiors, but there is no rule that he must pay respects to the eunuch. If it were someone else, of course he would have to see him. But you—going there would only bring you humiliation.”

"It's not that I'm worried about the gift; I know you're rich. When others give generous gifts, they at least get a smile in return. But if you give a lot of money, it's probably just a waste of money."

He fanned himself with a palm-leaf fan like an old farmer and said in a low voice:

"To tell you the truth, what I say will not be acknowledged once it leaves this door: Qiu Chengyun wants to find fault with you, pick on your mistakes, and deliberately suppress you. As long as you go, he will always find an excuse to retaliate against you. He holds great power, and you will not be able to defend yourself no matter how hard you try. If he wants to find fault, he will always find a reason. It is better not to go at all, to avoid trouble if you can. It is better to avoid trouble."

“We are from the same hometown of Jiangning, classmates of the same year, and even fought together in the Northwest. If anyone bullies you, I will not be happy either.”

The implication seems to be that he can bully Zhu Yin, but others cannot.

Mrs. Hao was bringing in a plate of chilled watermelon when she heard this and said with a worried expression:
“My husband is right. It’s best if Uncle doesn’t see him. That Master Qiu is quite formidable, and he doesn’t get along with you. If Uncle goes to visit him, he will surely bully him.”

Zhu Yin nodded: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I'd rather not see that eunuch. I have more money than I can spend, why would I curry favor with him?"

After saying that, he picked up a slice of watermelon and asked, "Brother Huaji, your wife said that you and Eunuch Qiu don't get along. What's going on?"

Hao Yunlai stopped fanning himself and snorted coldly, saying, "This eunuch Qiu has only been in Chongqing for four months, yet he has already caused widespread resentment throughout Sichuan. And it is precisely because he is in charge of Chongqing that the Chongqing government is the most unlucky."

"This man is called the Imperial Eunuch in charge of Sichuan mining and tax affairs, but he wants to meddle in everything. Military affairs, civil administration, markets, customs, shipping, textile manufacturing, mining, timber, procurement, and so on, there is nothing he doesn't care about. Moreover, he is insatiable and extorts money from everyone. If there is a mine, he will drain the pond to catch all the fish; if there is no mine, he will create something out of nothing, he just wants money. He always talks about the Emperor and imperial edicts, making the Sichuan officialdom miserable."

"What kind of place is Chongqing? There are quite a few Yi people and chieftains here. If he does this, something big will happen sooner or later!"

“I am the prefect of Chongqing, the father and mother of the people. How can I allow him to act recklessly? So I gritted my teeth, found an excuse to resist his order to increase taxes and tributes, and tried every means to delay and refuse to do so, which angered him.”

Zhu Yin took a bite of watermelon and laughed, "This man was a notorious villain when he was in the palace. If you offend him, how can you maintain your official position?"

Hao Yunlai chuckled, "I was prepared. As soon as the imperial edict to send out tax supervisors arrived, I immediately wrote to Brother Yueying, just in case. Guess how Brother Yueying replied?"

He fanned himself a few times with his palm-leaf fan. "Brother Yueying said that I am a local official representing the Third Prince, and thus a flag bearer. He told me to do my job well in Chongqing and not to be afraid of powerful figures. As long as what I do is for the country and the people, he will cover for me if I offend anyone!"

"Brother Yueying is the only younger brother of the Imperial Concubine. He has now been granted the title of Earl and holds the official position of Vice Censor-in-Chief. With him protecting me in court, why would I be afraid of Qiu Chengyun?"

"Qiu Chengyun knows I have someone backing me up, so he can't do anything to me. For the time being, things are peaceful. Anyway, as long as I am the prefect of Chongqing, I can't let him run wild in Chongqing."

At this point, Hao Yunlai looked at Zhu Yin with a knowing smile, his meaning self-evident.

It seems to be saying: "Child Tiger, beg me. If you beg me, I'll protect you."

Zhu Yin saw his smile and knew exactly what was going on, but pretended not to know and smiled, "Didn't Wang Xiufu impeach Eunuch Qiu for his actions?"

Hao Yunlai said, "Of course they impeached him. Wang Yide was not the only one who impeached him, but what was the use? The impeachment reports went to Beijing and disappeared without a trace. Qiu was unharmed and became even more arrogant."

Zhu Yin put down the melon rind and said, "Brother Huaji, do you know why the memorials sent to the capital disappeared without a trace? It's because what you sent to Beijing were memorials, but what Eunuch Qiu sent to Beijing was silver."

Hao Yunlai suddenly sighed, his expression somewhat desolate. "Tell me, what does His Majesty need so much silver for? His Majesty wants to make Prince Fu his heir, and now Prince Fu has the upper hand. His Majesty's wish will be fulfilled sooner or later. But why is he still so concerned about gold and silver? The emperor is selfless."

He would never tell these things to anyone else, yet he trusted Zhu Yin. He didn't know why, but although he was jealous of Zhu Yin, he also believed in Zhu Yin's character.

Zhu Yin spat out a few watermelon seeds with a "pui" sound and said, "The watermelon is very sweet, but the seeds are annoying."

He wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "Who would complain about having too much money? It's only natural that His Majesty loves gold and silver."

Hao Yunlai shook his head: "But His Majesty is not an ordinary person, how can he be concerned with ordinary feelings? The thirty-six tax supervisors are ruthlessly extorting the people. If this continues, the people will be filled with resentment. Is this a blessing for the country?"

Zhu Yin chuckled, "Now I'm just a minor magistrate of Pengshui County, I can't manage so many things anymore."

Just as the two were talking, a servant rushed in to report:
"Sir! The Temple of the Prodigy at Jinbishan was smashed by soldiers from the tax bureau, and the wooden statue of the prodigy Mr. Zhihu was burned!"

“The tax inspectors said that the Temple of the Prodigy was a licentious cult and had to be destroyed and burned. Some scholars tried to stop them from burning the temple and argued with them, but they beat them so badly that they were in critical condition.”

"What!" Hao Yunlai stood up abruptly, his face turning ashen. "They actually dared to burn down temples and injure scholars in the city! This is outrageous!"

"Guards! Bring me my official robes!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin's face also turned frosty.

Qiu Chengyun, you burned down my shrine? I just arrived in Chongqing and you've already burned down my temple?!

A dog pokes a short coffin!

...

P.S.: The uprising will start this month. Thank you, please vote for me and help me climb the rankings!
(End of this chapter)