Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 125 First Round of Layoffs and Optimization

In the inner study hall, after the awkward incident of the three of them sitting on a bench together last time, several more square benches were specially placed here.

Cao Huachun, Liu Ruoyu, and Zheng Zhihui each sat upright with their backs straight, their expressions solemn, their eyes downcast, their minds focused.

The atmosphere was even more oppressive than the sky outside.

Zhu Youjian sat at the head of the table, his fingers rapidly turning over a memorial—"A Memorial Requesting the Rectification of Personnel, Finance, and Supervision within the Inner Palace."

The memorial, which had been revised more than a dozen times, was now complete in terms of data and arguments.

However, some major decisions are ultimately beyond their control and require his personal approval.

Zhu Youjian's gaze finally settled on a table, which listed the number and classification of eunuchs in the inner palace.

(Attached image: The "Jingjun" is that existentialist army, composed of eunuchs.)
Cao Huachun gave a steady and measured report.

"...Therefore, the total number of eunuchs in the capital was 19,649, of whom 572 were found to be elderly and frail... who had impersonated others..."

Zhu Youjian wasn't listening at all.

During meetings, subordinates must repeat the core content regardless of whether the leader has already read the document.

Even among modern internet companies, few can fully adhere to the principles of efficient meetings.

Simply put, a leader's time is always more valuable than that of their subordinates.

Zhu Youjian didn't intentionally want to hear these numbers that he already knew; he was just using this break to complete his final deductions in his mind.

He has now finished thinking it over.

—My turn begins!
Zhu Youjian gently closed the memorial, making a soft sound.

"This plan needs to be revised."

"But the whole process should be done in stages. I'm telling you, remember this."

Cao Huachun immediately stopped talking, got up from the stool, bowed respectfully, and looked like he was listening attentively.

Gao Shiming gave a wink to the eunuch standing beside him, and the eunuch hurriedly ran forward, spread out the paper on the desk, and picked up a brush, ready to take notes.

"Firstly," Zhu Youjian said, holding up one finger.

"By October 1st, all of the more than two thousand people who are elderly, have vacant positions, or have impersonated others will be dismissed."

"The total number of eunuchs in the capital should be reduced to around 16,000."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three men before finally settling on Cao Huachun, his tone becoming more forceful.

"Among them, the five hundred people who impersonated others were all sent to work at the Xixin Division."

"As for those truly elderly eunuchs, make sure they are properly settled."

"If there are still relatives in the capital, they will be brought to the imperial estate and settled there, with land and houses provided. If they are already alone, they will be settled in the almshouse of Shuntian Prefecture."

Zhu Youjian turned to Gao Shiming: "Issue an imperial edict to Xue Guoguan, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, ordering him to immediately begin investigating and rectifying the almshouses in Wanping and Daxing counties and the prefectural city."

"Later, have Changqiu donate one thousand taels of silver in the name of the two empresses. This matter should be published on the front page of the first issue of the 'Da Ming Times'."

Gao Shiming nodded and accepted the order.

He then turned his gaze back to Cao Huachun: "You will personally oversee this matter. The reorganization of the almshouse and the resettlement of the elderly in the palace must be handled properly. Do not let me lose face!"

"This servant obeys the decree!" Cao Huachun dared not delay and bowed to accept the order.

Zhu Youjian continued speaking, but the warmth from before was gone, replaced by cold indifference.

"Secondly, from October 1st to the first day of the Lunar New Year next year, a total of three months."

“There is a monthly exam, which tests literacy, arithmetic, and classical texts, but the first two are given more emphasis.”

"Don't be stingy with money and candles. Hire the best tutors from outside the palace and set up night classes in various locations within the palace."

"After their shifts, all eunuchs will be sent to school in batches and take exams on schedule."

"Over three months, the number of eunuchs outside the Imperial Guard will be gradually reduced to 11,000, matching the number from the Wanli era."

"Those who fail the assessment will be sent to work in the Xixin Division."

He looked up at the three of them: "Is there a problem?"

Cao Huachun opened his mouth, wanting to speak but not daring to.

Gao Shiming, already familiar with His Majesty's style, gently reminded him upon hearing this:

"Your Majesty, with nearly three thousand more people added at once, the Xixin Division... I'm afraid it can't accommodate so many."

Zhu Youjian shook his head, his expression unchanged: "It's alright. I will speak about the matter of Xixin Division later. I will definitely tolerate it."

"Your subject understands." Seeing that the emperor was confident, Gao Shiming immediately shut his mouth and said no more. "Thirdly," Zhu Youjian's voice grew colder, "from October 1st to January, the three thousand men of the Jing Army will also be tested. They will be tested on archery, horsemanship, literacy, arithmetic, military formations, and administration."

A smile appeared on Zhu Youjian's lips.

“Tell them that from now on, all military supervisors sent to border towns will be selected from the best among the elite soldiers.”

"Whoever is good at learning and gets excellent grades will have this opportunity."

"As for the number of the clean army, leave it as is for now. Those who fail the assessment will be penalized with a salary deduction. All the deductions will be awarded to those who perform well in the assessment."

"Is there a problem?"

Cao Huachun and Gao Shiming both accepted the imperial decree.

Zheng Zhihui and Liu Ruoyu were so frightened by the tempestuous rhythm that they dared not utter a sound, and their hands began to sweat.

The eunuch in charge of recording was sweating profusely, feeling as if the pen weighed a ton, and his wrist trembled slightly as he wrote.

Zhu Youjian remained silent for a moment, mentally reviewing the three orders to ensure there were no oversights.

Only then did he pick up the teacup and take a small sip.

"Next, let's talk about the Xixin Division."

He put down his teacup, picked up a pen, quickly drew a sketch on a piece of white paper, and handed it to Gao Shiming.

"With the cold winter approaching, it is not easy for poor people in Beijing to keep warm by burning coal."

"You arrange for craftsmen to grind the coal, mix it with yellow mud, adobe bricks and other materials in different proportions, add water and stir, then press it into this shape with molds and let it dry."

"Try several different ratios and find one that is both cost-effective and provides sufficient and sustained firepower. Once you've decided on one, have Xixin Company start mass production."

“Set a price slightly above cost and sell it at a fair price in various parts of the capital region.”

"Is there a problem?"

(The only surviving calligraphy work by Emperor Yongchang of the Ming Dynasty is currently housed in the Imperial Library of the Ming Dynasty, haha)

Gao Shiming took the blueprints, examined them carefully, and then handed them to Cao Huachun for a look.

This matter seems simple, and it's a relief compared to the previous ones.

The two men each received their orders.

Zhu Youjian nodded, his tone softening slightly:

"In this way, those eunuchs who were dismissed from the palace will have a place to go, so they won't be destitute and end up on the streets."

"His Majesty's grace is boundless!"

Everyone echoed their sentiments, their words filled with gratitude.

However, what they didn't know was that this was just Zhu Youjian's hypocritical talk.

The dismissal of eunuchs was a matter of course.

Why would the extension of imperial power require more than ten thousand eunuchs to demonstrate it?

For him, having a thousand clever, literate, and capable eunuchs as his eyes, ears, and henchmen to cover the entire world was enough.

With another two thousand people responsible for daily living and cleaning, that's more than enough.

Maintaining a eunuch force of 10,000 people is utterly useless except for providing them with free rice.

In the later Qing Dynasty, there were fewer than 3000 eunuchs. Who would dare say that his emperor had no power?

Of course... what's even more cruel is the arrangement made by the Xixin Division.

His real purpose lay behind the honeycomb briquettes.

Wait until this cold winter is over, and until spring planting begins.

By then, the thousands of eunuchs who had endured months of hardship in the Xixinsi Coal Mine had accumulated enough resentment and fear of their miserable lives.

Then release them to investigate and rectify the imperial estates that have been seized by eunuchs and nobles.

They would probably be happy to vent their anger on their former "colleagues" and powerful figures.

A deep, cold light flashed in Zhu Youjian's eyes.

To make them compete, you must first make them suffer.

Those who have been trapped for a long time will surely rush to help when they see a glimmer of light.

The internal competition shouldn't be limited to civil and military officials.

In my great Ming Dynasty, even eunuchs must be rolled up for me!
(End of this chapter)