Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 132 The Emperor's Whip Reaches No Boundaries

Some things may have been reported in the media, but the specific plans are still being confirmed.

This refers to the long-distance lightning transmission platform.

This name wasn't chosen by Zhu Youjian, but by Tian Ergeng, and it's full of the distinctive style of the Ming Dynasty.

It could easily sit at the same table as those iron lumps like the Weiyuan General Cannon, the Tianzi General Cannon, the Yihu Cannon, and the Shenfei Cannon.

The news about the long-distance telegraph station published in the newspapers was merely a prelude to generating buzz for this event.

After all, such a method of delivering messages from afar in an instant is certainly good for the emperor and the central government, but it is not so pleasant for the local areas.

Is it outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant? Deliberate sabotage? Intentional delay?

Zhu Youjian didn't know what he would encounter, but he preferred to first create a great deal of momentum and elevate the importance of the long-distance telegraph communication platform to the level of a major military and national matter.

Anyone who dares to make a move—that would be a major case on par with an attack on a post station or inn!

As for the Later Jin stealing our knowledge?

This method is utterly worthless and cannot be concealed at all. Once it is spread, the Later Jin, Korea, and Japan will find out sooner or later. Within one to three years, it is estimated that high platforms will be erected all over East Asia.

Given more time, it might even have crossed the ocean and reached Europe.

But it's not a big problem; this kind of tool is ultimately most effective for landlocked countries with vast territories.

……

Tian Ergeng stood in the hall, his posture upright, and his report was nearing its end.

"...The craftsmen of the Southern Garrison repeatedly studied 'On Telescopes,' believing that there was still room for improvement in the methods of polishing and assembling telescope lenses. If this could be accomplished, then every radio station..."

Zhu Youjian paused slightly as he flipped through the question book, looked up in surprise, and his gaze fell on Tian Ergeng, interrupting him.

"Radio station?"

The emperor uttered these two words with a hint of amusement and curiosity.

Tian Ergeng's heart tightened, and he quickly bowed and explained, "Your Majesty, the banner soldiers and military craftsmen selected below have been studying this method together for the past ten days or so, and they all think that the name I have come up with is too long."

"They say that this thing transmits messages as fast as lightning, so they privately call it a 'radio.' I was just being presumptuous and have made Your Majesty laugh."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian was taken aback at first, then burst into laughter.

Radio station? What the hell is a radio station?!
"Haha, great! This is a great name!"

He put down the memorial and nodded approvingly: "The message travels like lightning, excellent! Let's call it a radio station, it's easy to understand and remember."

Tian Ergeng's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, and he continued with a cupped hand: "Yes. The military craftsmen estimate that if the telescope can be completed, the observation distance of each radio station may increase from ten miles to twenty miles, or even thirty miles."

"But this would require a new survey and planning of the locations along the route."

"In addition, the route layout along the line also needs to be repeatedly adjusted according to the urgency of the military situation and political affairs in various places, and it is difficult to determine it at once."

"Therefore, I humbly request that a wooden platform be built first. This method is inexpensive, with the cost and manpower combined amounting to no more than twenty taels of silver per platform, and it will only take half a month."

"Based on this, after a year or two, once the method for improving the telescope is stable and the layout of each line is determined, it will not be too late to build a stone platform again."

At this point, Tian Ergeng slightly raised his eyes, glanced at the emperor's expression, and added, "This is what Your Majesty meant the other day: 'Laws change with the times, and events change with the world.'"

As soon as he finished speaking, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression a mixture of unease and barely concealed anticipation.

Tian Ergeng believed he had done his utmost in this matter, not only referring to the principles of the official documents on state affairs, but also thoroughly understanding and comprehending His Majesty's spirit.

However, this new emperor has extremely high standards, and his actions and thoughts are often surprising.

Therefore, Tian Ergeng was not sure whether his proposal would be able to win the emperor's favor.

Zhu Youjian did not speak immediately.

His gaze fell on the last page of the memorial, which contained the "Budget Planning Table for the Beijing-Jinzhou Railway, Beijing-Suzhou Railway, and Beijing-Ming Railway."

—This was not taught by Zhu Youjian.

The officials of the Ming Dynasty have now mastered the art of adding titles to tables appearing in official documents without any formal instruction.

The term "budget" is likely borrowed from the "budget of the first year of Yongchang" in the palace's policy discussion on reform.

After he approved and implemented that official document, he had it posted on the imperial edict at Chengtian Gate.

On the one hand, it was meant to provoke the civil officials—even eunuchs can write statecraft documents, are you still writing those rubbish ten policies from before?
On the other hand, it subtly and proactively prepares the palace for various measures and methods to be implemented in the outer court.

What? These methods can be implemented in the palace, but you civil officials can't? Are you so superior?

It's hard to say how much impact it will have, but every little bit helps. Changing customs and habits is driven by these small details.

Zhu Youjian carefully examined the table.

(Attached image below; please see the end of the article for a detailed route map. I have carefully calculated the distances, quantities, and costs.)
The Beijing-Jinzhou Railway, in essence, served the military intelligence needs of Liaodong and the left wing of Mongolia, running from the capital to Jinzhou.

The Jingming Line runs from the capital to Daming Prefecture, the southernmost part of Beizhili, in preparation for his upcoming new policies.

On the surface, the Jing-Su line was for military intelligence in the nine border regions, but in reality, it was also a preparation for administrative intervention in Shaanxi and the management of the severe drought.

There is one radio station every 10 li (approximately 5 kilometers). Each station costs 20 taels of silver and requires three staff members. Their monthly salary varies from 0.5 to 1.2 taels of silver depending on the location.

With a one-time investment of 17,000 taels and an annual expenditure of 25,000 taels, the communication speed in the entire north can be reduced to less than one day!
If it is rolled out nationwide later, it could cost hundreds of thousands of yuan per year, and the message from Beijing to Yunnan would only take a few days!

Is it worth it?
It's totally worth it!

After a long while, Zhu Youjian finally closed the memorial, raised his head, and looked at the former cruel official in front of him with undisguised admiration in his eyes.

"Well done." Zhu Youjian said slowly, "Xingzhi, Xingzhi, now you finally look somewhat like your grandfather."

Upon hearing this, Tian Ergeng was deeply shaken, and a surge of immense joy welled up within him, almost causing him to lose his composure.

This is the first time His Majesty has ever addressed him by his courtesy name!

He quickly bowed deeply, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty flatters me! I am foolish and dull-witted, merely echoing Your Majesty's words and doing my best."

"You're too modest." Zhu Youjian waved his hand, signaling him to rise. "This plan is well-thought-out and clearly organized. I am very satisfied with it and have nothing to change. However, I would like to add two points."

Tian Ergeng's expression turned solemn, and he quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please speak. I am all ears."

"Firstly, in addition to the Beijing-Jinzhou, Beijing-Suzhou, and Beijing-Mingshan lines, a new line called the 'Beijing-Dengfeng Line' will be opened."

Zhu Youjian tapped his finger lightly on the imperial desk.

“Starting from the capital, it goes to Tianjin, then along the Grand Canal to Linqing, then turns east and goes straight to Dengzhou and Laizhou. This line is related to the canal transport and communication on the East River, and is of utmost importance.”

Tian Ergeng silently calculated the distance in his mind and immediately replied, "Your subject obeys the decree. As for the required expenses, I will carefully measure them after I go down and update the budget."

"Hmm." Zhu Youjian nodded in satisfaction and continued, "Secondly, I have reviewed the promised reward of one thousand taels of silver. All the improvements are to the point, and it is due!"

"Choose an auspicious day and hold an awards ceremony, making sure that everyone in the entire department attends."

"I want everyone to know that as long as one performs their duties diligently and contributes to the country, I will never be stingy with my rewards!"

He then changed the subject, saying, "In addition, I will allocate another thousand taels from the imperial treasury specifically for glass manufacturing and methods to improve telescopes."

"As long as they can produce something even better, my rewards will be limitless!"

"With such a generous reward, there will surely be brave men!" Tian Ergeng was greatly encouraged and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I understand! I will certainly make this award ceremony a success to demonstrate Your Majesty's great favor."

"Thirdly..." Zhu Youjian's voice turned somber.

Hmm? Wasn't it just two points to add?

A hint of doubt flashed through Tian Ergeng's mind, but he dared not interrupt.

Zhu Youjian's gaze sharpened as he stared at Tian Ergeng, speaking slowly and deliberately:

"In addition to transmitting important military and national affairs, I also require you to set up a Jinyiwei flag for every three to five radio stations in key prefectures and military garrisons along the route, with five people in each flag."

"These people, besides controlling the radio station, have another responsibility—to investigate the area!"

"We will investigate and prosecute all local officials who are corrupt and detrimental to the government, all powerful and corrupt officials who prey on the people, and all bandits and outlaws who plunder and loot the prefectures and counties!"

"For each case uncovered, it can be immediately reported to the capital via telegram for your personal review and investigation. I will investigate each case based on your secret reports and punish these scourges of the world with swift and severe punishment!"

Zhu Youjian's voice echoed in the hall, carrying an unquestionable majesty and murderous intent.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard's reputation for integrity must be restored through this incident! This is of paramount importance, do you understand?!"

Tian Ergeng felt a surge of heat rush from his chest to his head. He abruptly raised his head, his eyes gleaming, took a deep breath, and replied decisively:

"My lord, take the order!"

"I will select a clean and honest family, and a young and ambitious person to take on this important task! And the merits of the investigation will be linked to promotion and rewards! I will surely clear the eyes and ears of the people for Your Majesty and restore the glorious and clean name of our Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Zhu Youjian slowly exhaled, and his tense shoulders relaxed.

well.

In this way, the "Imperial Edicts Revealed" section of the Ming Times will no longer be short of material.

You should know that the Embroidered Uniform Guard, despite its impressive reputation, was actually nothing more than a dog in the capital.

The Ming Dynasty covered a vast territory, but only Beijing and Nanjing had the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

There are no spies stationed in any particular place.

As a completely new system and the lifeline of communications, radio stations were perfect for sending the Imperial Guards out of the capital and spreading them throughout the country, further increasing local information transparency.

However, this doesn't mean that sending them out is the end of the matter. After all, given the current environment, those assigned to local areas will inevitably be eroded by ubiquitous personal relationships and vested interests.

This can only be mitigated by improving the supervisory and appointment/removal systems, and ensured through periodic internal clean-up.

Thinking of this, Zhu Youjian added, "The matter of the Embroidered Uniform Guard leaving the capital is of great importance. Send over a separate policy proposal."

Upon hearing this, Tian Ergeng felt a bitter taste in his mouth. This new type of policy essay was good in every way, but writing it would be too much of a hair-burner.

His initial enthusiasm cooled slightly, but he still braced himself and replied, "Your Majesty, I obey. Within three days, I will prepare a draft for Your Majesty's review."

Zhu Youjian nodded and softened his tone, "I have reviewed all the officials and schools you have previously selected, and they are indeed clean and reliable. I am aware of your sincere patriotism."

He then picked up another book of questions that had been revised more than a dozen times from the imperial desk and handed it to Tian Ergeng.

"I approve your plan to disband the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Let's proceed step by step as you suggested."

"Once you have finished this matter," Zhu Youjian looked at him, paused, and then dropped a real bombshell, "come to the palace every day at dawn to accompany me in reviewing memorials."

Tian Ergeng's eyes widened, and he turned his head almost imperceptibly to glance at Wang Tiqian.

He immediately knelt down with a thud, his forehead pounding heavily against the ground. His voice was hoarse with excitement: "Your subject... Your subject Tian Ergeng, I will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life, to accomplish this for Your Majesty!"

"Get up." Zhu Youjian raised his hand. "As long as you are diligent in your duties and loyal to the country, you will always have a place by my side. Go and do your work now."

"Your subject takes his leave." Tian Ergeng suppressed his inner elation, respectfully kowtowed again, then slowly rose and backed out of the hall.

Wang Tiqian, who had been standing by with his hands at his sides, watched Tian Ergeng disappear outside the door and felt a chill run down his spine.

His fist, hidden in his sleeve, was clenched so tightly that his neatly manicured nails dug deep into his palm. The slight pain did nothing to alleviate the immense fear and...jealousy in his heart.

Why? !

In the past, you and I were both part of the secret police, both filthy people in front of the late emperor, doing dirty work that couldn't be brought to the table!
Why is it that you, Tian Ergeng, can be so easily exonerated and gain His Majesty's such trust?!
What about the Eastern Depot? And what about me, Wang Tiqian?

...This Emperor values ​​reputation so much, surely he doesn't intend to abolish the Eastern Depot?
Does His Majesty have any other uses for the Eastern Depot and for our family?

Or rather, will His Majesty still use our family?
Countless thoughts flashed wildly through Wang Tiqian's mind, making him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave, his hands and feet were ice cold, and he was stunned on the spot for a moment.

Behind the imperial desk, Zhu Youjian took in Wang Tiqian's distraught state, but a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.

He wanted Wang Tiqian to see, to think, and to be afraid.

Without comparison, there is no harm. Without admonition, there is no loyalty.

Wang Tiqian, Wang Tiqian, I've already figured out your role.

However, before this positioning is announced, you will need to endure this agonizing wait a little longer.

Zhu Youjian withdrew his gaze, ignoring the restless Wang Tiqian, and simply picked up the latest issue of the "Da Ming Times".

After quickly glancing through the various news articles and confirming their accuracy, I turned to the last edition of "The Loyal Records of Liaohai".

He glanced at it quickly, and his brows furrowed tightly.

"Gao Banban!"

“Your subject is here.” Gao Shiming quickly stepped forward.

"What's the story behind this issue of 'The Loyal Records of Liaohai'?"

"The end of a minor climax must inevitably pave the way for a new problem and a new suspense! Only in this way can we keep the reader's attention and make them want to read on! If they write like this, once the climax is over, it's over. If it's just a flat and straightforward narrative, who would be interested in following the next installment?"

"Tell them that literature, like a mountain, dislikes flatness! Send it back and make them rewrite it immediately!"

……

Meanwhile, inside the Ministry of Personnel, Lu Xiang-sheng and Yang Jing-chen sat facing each other.

Lu Xiang-sheng sat upright, his back straight as a javelin.

He was summoned to the capital yesterday, and that very night he stayed up all night in the temple where he was staying to write a policy essay. This morning, he went to the Ministry of Personnel to report for duty and presented the essay.

After all, in addition to the imperial edict ordering him to enter the capital, he also received a private letter from Yang Jingchen, who repeatedly urged him to come and see him as soon as he arrived in the capital.

On the other side of the desk, Yang Jingchen had just closed the thin notebook in his hand, but his brows furrowed.

He hesitated for a long time, seemingly considering his words, but in the end, he slowly shook his head.

Lu Xiang-sheng raised an eyebrow defiantly, but remained silent, waiting for Yang Jing-chen to speak.

Looking at his expression, Yang Jingchen thought for a moment, then simply got up, walked to the huge bookshelf at the back, picked and chose, and soon brought out a stack of various documents that was more than a foot thick.

With a "bang," the document was placed on the table in front of Lu Xiang-sheng.

“Brother Jiandou,” Yang Jingchen looked at Lu Xiangsheng and said solemnly, “You have been summoned to the capital by imperial decree. You are still unclear about the Emperor’s will and the changing political climate in the court.”

"Your policy essay has a good intention, but... it is no longer appropriate."

He pulled out the top book from the pile of documents and handed it to Lu Xiang-sheng.

"Take a look at this question booklet first, and you'll know where you're lacking."

Lu Xiang-sheng reached out and took it, only to feel a slight weight on his wrist.

He looked closely and saw a line of large characters neatly written on the cover: "Memorial Requesting Road Repair in the Capital".

Next to the author, Xue Guoguan, there is a line of smaller print.

"The first official document on governance".

Lu Xiang-sheng raised his thick eyebrows, a strong sense of curiosity welling up inside him.

He opened the memorial and quickly scanned it.

In just a short while, he had read the entire text.

However, after reading it, he fell into a long silence.

What kind of official document is this? Is it even possible to write an official document like this?
If official documents are written like this, why bother with capable ministers? Even a young boy could probably do a good job by copying the style.

He couldn't help but open it again from the beginning. This time, he didn't just browse; he read it carefully, word by word.

"Brother Jiandou? Jiandou? Lu Xiangsheng?"

Yang Jingchen's call startled him from his reverie.

Lu Xiang-sheng then came to his senses, his face flushed slightly. He cupped his hands in embarrassment and said, "Brother Yang, please forgive me. Such a magnificent article, every word a gem, I was so engrossed in it that I was truly impolite."

“It’s alright.” Yang Jingchen shook his head. “There are more than one such official document in the capital now. There are memorials for road repairs, memorials for commercial taxes at the nine gates, memorials for tax officials in the capital, and even the eunuchs in the palace who are carrying out rectification and investigation have written a memorial for reform and improvement. They are all posted outside Chengtian Gate.”

"You've only just arrived in the capital, so you don't know yet."

Lu Xiang raised his eyebrows, seemingly lost in thought, and said, "This trend of 'state-of-law documents,' could it be...?"

“Not bad.” Yang Jingchen lowered his voice, leaned forward slightly, and cupped his hands in the direction of the Forbidden City. “Although Xue Guoguan has won the title of ‘First Article in Statecraft’, anyone with a little knowledge in the capital knows that this trend was clearly started by His Majesty himself. Xue Guoguan has only won the first prize.”

Lu Xiang-sheng's eyes brightened slightly as he pondered the matter, but he remained silent.

Yang Jingchen continued, "Now in the capital, if you submit a memorial to do something new but don't follow the procedures outlined in these 'official documents for governing the world,' His Majesty won't even glance at it."

He then patted the foot-thick stack of documents on the table.

"Inside are all the memorials concerning 'horse fodder' from the past years, which I obtained from the Office of Transmission. Also included are the information I gathered over the past ten days from personally visiting horse merchants, fodder traders, and border officers in the capital."

Yang Jingchen pushed the pile of documents in front of Lu Xiang-sheng and said earnestly:
“Jiandou, you must remember that His Majesty now governs the country like weighing an object on a scale, scrutinizing every minute detail. In the past, literary works could be discussed in vain, but today, every word in official documents is worth its weight in gold.”

"Your strategies must be grounded in blood and bruises, slaps and scars, before they can penetrate to the bone and carry immense weight!"

"Since His Majesty has given you three days, you should review all of these documents and rewrite them."

Yang Jingchen's gaze became earnest and solemn.

"I must not let His Majesty think that I, Yang Jingchen, have chosen the wrong person."

……

Lu Xiang-sheng carried the thick stack of documents and walked out of the Ministry of Personnel's main hall.

The morning sun was just right, shining warmly on me and dispelling the chill of the morning.

But his heart was burning hotter than the sunlight.

He recalled Yang Jingchen's words and that unique memorial, "A Memorial Requesting Road Repairs in the Capital."

...There are actually several more official documents like Xue Guoguan's on state affairs?

...and they were all posted outside Chengtianmen?

Lu Xiang-sheng pondered for a moment, then suddenly stopped walking.

Instead of heading towards the temple where he was staying, he turned around and walked towards Chengtian Gate.

His eyes grew brighter and brighter, as if two flames were burning within them.

A document for practical application? A document for practical application!
Among them, I, Lu Xiang-sheng, should certainly have a place!
P.S. I won't really wait three days, Lu Xiang-sheng will appear in the next chapter. I've started skipping time recently.

Attached is a construction route map for the first phase of the Daming Radio Station project.

Blue represents the Jingdeng Line, red the Jingjin Line, green the Jingming Line, and orange the Jingsu Line heading towards Shaanxi, utilizing existing post stations and fast-moving inns along the way.

It may not overlap with the original route (because there wasn't time to draw it in great detail), but it won't be too different.

(End of this chapter)