Ming Dynasty 1627

Chapter 176 A Worthy Opponent, A Match Made in Heaven
As Zhu Youjian finished speaking, the slight ripples that had just arisen in the hall because of the matter of the nobles instantly subsided.

All eyes were on the thin, calm-looking official.

Huo Weihua, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

A sycophant who presented the late emperor with "divine dew".

A person who, in recent days, has been treated like a rat in the street amidst a barrage of criticism.

Huo Weihua stood up and bowed deeply to the emperor on the throne.

"Your subject, Huo Weihua, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, has four matters to report."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youjian couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

The only official task he assigned to the Ministry of War was the reorganization of the Beijing Garrison. How did four other tasks suddenly appear?

Huo Weihua seemed to have anticipated the emperor's surprise. He paused, then continued in his unhurried tone:
"Firstly, it concerns the reorganization of the Beijing garrison."

"Since I submitted the memorial on September 18th requesting the reorganization of the Beijing Garrison, I have been fortunate to receive the great assistance of Wang Tiqian, the Imperial Eunuch of the Eastern Depot. This important document has been revised repeatedly, going through six versions before finally being finalized."

"It includes everything related to corruption, political persecution, drills, troop numbers, military equipment, and the evaluation of generals."

"Your subject dares to say that this draft is the most detailed and thorough official document in all the previous purges of the Beijing Garrison of the Imperial Censorate."

As soon as he finished speaking, a slight commotion broke out in the noble area.

Duke Zhang Weixian of Yingguo and Duke Xu Yunzhen of Dingguo remained relatively calm, but Marquis Liang Shixun of Baoding behind them had already turned somewhat pale.

A barrage of gazes, some sympathetic, some pitying, and some gloating, fell upon Liang Shixun as if they were real.

Even though Liang Shixun only led the Beijing Garrison for a little over a year, it's easy to imagine that much of the responsibility for these past policies would fall on his shoulders.

The marquis felt extremely uncomfortable, and fine beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.

Zhu Youjian coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to him.

"This involves everyone, so there's no need to worry. I've said it repeatedly: let bygones be bygones, and focus only on the present."

His gaze swept over the nobles.

"You are all pillars who share the fate of the nation, and you have been in charge of the Beijing Garrison for many years. You must be well aware of the advantages and disadvantages involved."

"Gentlemen, please write this memorial on the reorganization carefully. When it is written, you will be able to come up with a perfect plan by comparing and verifying it with the official document from the Ministry of War. Only then can I make the final decision on the personnel of the Beijing Garrison."

"I believe that as long as you put your heart into writing, your work will not be much worse than the Ministry of War's official document on practical matters."

But what if you don't put your heart into it?

What if what you write is full of errors and omissions, and is perfunctory, compared to the detailed official document from the Ministry of War?
Having said all that, the emperor's meaning was crystal clear.

Even the inexperienced young people in the secretariat understood the emperor's implied meaning, and Liang Shixun was so restless that he almost stood up.

Zhu Youjian nodded slightly, signaling Huo Weihua to continue.

Huo Weihua cupped his hands in a gesture of respect once more, his voice remaining steady.

"Secondly, it is the matter of settling the military pay quota for the nine border regions."

“Laws, when applied for a long time, will inevitably lead to abuses; affairs, when applied for a long time, will inevitably change. The amount of military pay for the nine border regions has been increased or decreased over the years due to various circumstances, and has long since lost its original form. Even if we disregard false reporting and fraudulent claims, the amount of military pay for each garrison is still inconsistent.”

He took out a prepared question book from his sleeve and read it aloud:
“From the first year of the Wanli reign to the seventh year of the Tianqi reign, the military pay for the border regions and the capital was increased every one or two years, and every three or five years; one town experienced five or six increases, with the amount exceeding the original amount by several times; there were also cases of gradual decreases and increases, but the decreases were less than the increases.”

"Even worse, soldiers' monthly rations are only five dou, but their salt and vegetable allowances are sometimes reduced to three liang!"

"How frugal they are with millet, yet so extravagant with salt and vegetables! There must be something that needs to be improved."

"However, officials and generals throughout the land preferred to increase rewards rather than decrease them. Soldiers who died in battle or deserted were concealed and not reported. It became a rule to reward soldiers for a short time, which eventually led to a long-standing problem."

"With long-standing abuses, the space for manipulation at all levels is immense!"

"Therefore, I request that we, together with the Ministry of Revenue, examine the military personnel and pay quotas throughout the country, clarify the sources, and revise the registers. In this way, it may seem that leaving the troops in the nine border regions untouched is too slow; but reviewing the military registers is still a necessary precaution."

Zhu Youjian breathed a sigh of relief.

Thankfully, it wasn't some far-fetched or bizarre idea.

Starting with the accounting books and cleaning up the quotas is a method that, while seemingly mild, can get straight to the heart of the matter.

It may not cause a major upheaval, but it can lay a solid foundation for future big moves.

"allow."

Zhu Youjian said decisively.

After a moment's thought, he turned to look at Guo Yunhou, the Minister of Revenue.

"Guo Qing, the matter of the Nine Border People's Movement Fund that you mentioned earlier should also be included in this matter."

"You must work with Huo Qing to thoroughly settle the accounts of the military pay for the nine border regions of the nation!"

"What exactly are the increases and decreases over the years, what is the final set, and how much of it requires transportation from Beijing and how much requires transportation from the people?"

"As for the accounting staff you mentioned earlier, now that the accounting books have been sent to the capital, you should go to Yang Jingchen, the Minister of Personnel, and select someone skilled in arithmetic."

"I'll give you a definite answer: there's no upper limit to the number of personnel needed! You can start recruiting for the new policies in Beizhili in advance."

Guo Yunhou, the Minister of Revenue who had been silent all along, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Today's meeting lasted from afternoon until nearly dusk, and it was finally his turn to speak at the Ministry of Revenue.

He immediately stood up and bowed deeply, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

Huo Weihua waited quietly for Guo Yunhou to sit down before continuing to speak, his voice finally carrying a hint of barely perceptible excitement.

"Thirdly, it concerns the selection and transfer of officers to the capital."

"Your Majesty established the Brave Guard Battalion, selected fierce generals from the nine border regions, determined their merits through monthly examinations, and began selecting officers and generals from the squad leaders."

"At first, I was foolish and did not understand Your Majesty's intention. I thought that a headless snake could not possibly train the Flying Bear Army."

"But today, upon hearing Your Majesty's 'white crow and black crow' analogy, I have just awakened from my dream and suddenly understand!"

“The army of the Brave Guard is none other than the army of the White Crows.”

Upon hearing this, many ministers in the hall showed expressions of surprise.

Lord Huo, isn't your flattery a little too obvious?

This report is clearly a revised version of what His Majesty just said, isn't it?

But Huo Weihua seemed completely oblivious and continued to speak loudly:
"Your Majesty, I request that the selection of officers for the nine border garrisons from the capital be made a regular practice!"

"This matter will be handled by the Military Selection Division. In three months, two elite officers and several squad leaders will be selected from each town."

“They will be trained in the Yongwei Camp until they become His Majesty’s ‘White Crows’, and then rotated to various towns along the nine borders.”

"With such gradual transformation, why worry that black crows in the world will not turn into white crows!"

Zhu Youjian's tightly clenched lips finally couldn't help but curve upwards into a barely perceptible arc.

This Huo Weihua is quite interesting.

This flattery is truly extraordinary.

Zhu Youjian coughed, suppressing his laughter, and said calmly, "Granted."

A surge of joy welled up in Huo Weihua's heart, but his face remained increasingly calm. He knew that the real show was about to begin.

"Fourthly, it concerns the matter of clearing taxes and combating corruption in various towns!"

"Your Majesty's words on self-cultivation, family management, state governance, and world peace are very reasonable."

"Corruption investigations should not be conducted indiscriminately; they should be carried out in one specific location, and all efforts should be devoted to this task."

"In my opinion, among the nine border regions, Ji and Liao are precisely this vital territory!"

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a chilling murderous aura.

"Your Majesty, I request that an imperial envoy be dispatched to Liaodong, Jizhou, Dengzhou, Laizhou, and Dongjiang to investigate the military pay!"

"In order to prevent officials from protecting each other and engaging in fraud and deception, I request that the selection of personnel for each team be carried out using a mixed method."

"Among them are one from each of the Ministry of War, one from the Hanlin Academy, one from the Secretariat, and one official selected and reinstated from the capital."

"If Your Majesty permits, I would also like to request one more palace eunuch, one Eastern Depot official, and a squad of Embroidered Uniform Guard officers to accompany me!"

"These seven groups of people, combined into one team, are from different places of origin, have different teachers, factions, and backgrounds. They supervise and check each other to ensure that there is no collusion between officials or acceptance of bribes!"

"Once the information is obtained and reported, it can be verified against the aforementioned records from the Ministry of Revenue. Then the number of soldiers, provisions, and military intelligence in the nine border regions will be clear and accurate, leaving no room for concealment. Everything will be as clear as the lines on the palm of your hand!"

"This is also what Your Majesty meant when he said, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated!'"

"Of the four matters mentioned above, apart from the reorganization of the Beijing Garrison, the other three will also be submitted in accordance with the requirements of official documents on state affairs, and I request Your Majesty's review today!"

As soon as Huo Weihua finished speaking, the entire hall fell into a deathly silence.

All the ministers looked at him as if he were a monster.

numb.

Everyone was numb.

Four things!
And each one is more ruthless and bigger than the last!

How come this Lord Huo is even more proactive than Yang Jingchen, the Minister of Personnel, who is at the forefront of the new policies?

Moreover, anyone with a discerning eye can tell from these last three things that they are absolutely a combination of doing things and flattery, a mix of preparation and on-the-spot actions.

It perfectly balances practical achievements with the emperor's approval; it's truly a masterpiece!

Lord Huo... This is far too undignified!

Even Yang Jingchen himself couldn't help but turn around and re-examine this colleague who had once offered "spiritual dew," as if today was the first day he had met him.

Huo Weihua ignored all the gazes around him, simply standing with his head bowed, saying nothing, concealing all his sharpness within his thin body.

No one could see that his hand, hidden in his sleeve, was trembling slightly, nor could anyone see the barely suppressed smugness in his heart.

Four things?
In the eyes of someone who wants to get things done, there are only four things to do!

The Ministry of War is in charge of all military affairs in the country, and the things that can be done within it are simply vast and numerous!
This month, he has been keeping all the officials and clerks in the Ministry of War running like spinning tops. In addition to these four urgent tasks, there are more than a dozen other items on his list, including military equipment, treasury, military merit assessment, post station reorganization, armor factory and gunpowder factory cleanup.

He had already compiled a long list based on the duties of the Ministry of War, but he regretted that there were too few people and too little time, so he rushed to put together these four items as his "pledge of allegiance" to the new government!
Don't be fooled by the few words he utters when reporting to the emperor; behind every matter lies a document detailing his actions, each one meticulously crafted and scathing.

No, that's Zhu Xi's interpretation.

His Majesty likes to say, "A whip leaves a mark, a slap draws blood!"
Huo Weihua silently corrected his own minor mistake in his heart. When he looked up again, he felt contempt for his colleagues in the hall who were still observing, weighing their options, and trying to protect themselves.

What a bunch of idiots!
Whatever the emperor wants, I will give him! Isn't that the most basic principle of being an official?

Moreover, what this young emperor wanted was to become a sage ruler who could restore the dynasty!
How fortunate it is that one's childhood patriotism can be so perfectly combined with one's career and power.
Huo Weihua simply could not understand what those ministers who were still hesitating, observing, and putting on airs were thinking.

These people are truly foolish...

"When the country is in chaos, I think of Jiangling..."

A long sigh came from the throne, interrupting Huo Weihua's thoughts.

Zhu Youjian remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

He couldn't help but sit up straight, and for the first time, he looked at this "treacherous minister" whom he had once looked down upon from the bottom of his heart with such seriousness.

He originally intended to use this to put pressure on the nobles of the Beijing Garrison, and after the deed was done, he planned to replace it with Li Banghua's "alternative".

"Minister Huo," Zhu Youjian's voice carried a hint of solemnity that he himself was unaware of, "you have truly impressed me today."

I'm truly impressed.

If we say that his previous actions regarding the Beijing garrison, the nine border garrisons, and the selection of officers could be explained as his desire for advancement and his attempts to guess the emperor's intentions, then his actions could be interpreted as such.

But this last task, with seven teams working together to check and balance each other, was a move and approach that was almost identical to when he sent people to Shaanxi to investigate!
It is truly remarkable that he was able to so quickly discern his distrust of his ministers and completely humble himself to accommodate his working methods.
Even Sun Chengzong has written to me these past few days, advising me to be cautious in using the secret police!
Compared to such demeanor and keen eye, all those subtle flatteries became insignificant trifles.

Yes, it really is just a small matter.

Huo Weihua pursed his lips tightly, forcibly suppressing the surging excitement in his chest, and simply bowed deeply.

"His Majesty's words at the time of his ascension to the throne are still vivid in my mind."

"Your Majesty once said that the faults of a gentleman are like eclipses of the sun and moon. How honored I am to receive Your Majesty's evaluation of me as a 'gentleman'."

"I was a Jinshi in the year Gui Chou of the 41st year of the Wanli reign. After passing the imperial examination, I served as a county magistrate, a supervising secretary, and a senior official in the Six Ministries."

"However, there were times when the government was corrupt and when eunuchism became rampant..."

As Huo Weihua spoke, his voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up in his eyes.

He abruptly lifted his official robe, rose from his seat, and bowed, his forehead striking the cold gold bricks heavily.

"For the sake of temporary power, I have resorted to currying favor and have become a member of a faction through bribery! This is the shame of my life!"

“A month ago, I donated all of the cash I had obtained through corruption over the years, excluding my personal salary, totaling 6,437 taels, to the capital for road repairs!”

"However, most of my ill-gotten gains have already been used to purchase land in my hometown. I have already sent word to my family to sell all the land, convert the proceeds into silver, and it will soon be sent to the capital to be confiscated!"

Huo Weihua looked up, his face already streaked with tears.

He bowed again, and said through tears:
"Your Majesty's words, 'When the country is in chaos, one thinks of Jiangling,' are indeed true! But when the country is in chaos, how can one not think of the restoration under Emperor Xuan and Emperor Guangwu!"

"How fortunate I am to have met a wise ruler! Your Majesty has granted me the promise to 'abandon all past deeds' and sever all ties with my hat, giving me a chance to repent for even one night!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to emulate Yu Rang by swallowing charcoal and lacquering my body, not to repay the kindness of Your Majesty's recognition, but to repay the grace of Your Majesty's promise to give me a second chance at life! Heaven and earth and the gods bear witness to my words today!"

"Now that I have entered the new government, I have completely reformed myself! I dare not covet even a penny more, and my only wish is to restore the dynasty!"

"If I ever forget this ambition and repeat the same mistakes, then even if a mere child comes with a sword, I will willingly offer my neck to be beheaded to atone for my sins, Your Majesty!"

After saying this, Huo Weihua prostrated himself on the ground and remained kneeling for a long time.

Holy crap!
For the first time in his life, Zhu Youjian, the Oscar-winning actor of the Ming Dynasty, was completely overshadowed by a supporting actor in a scene!
He subconsciously glanced around at the crowd, only to see that the civil and military officials in the hall had complex and unreadable expressions on their faces.

There was shock, bewilderment, and disdain, but even more so, there was envy and jealousy!

Several people even had tears welling up in their eyes, as if they felt the same way.

no? ?
What are you all crying about?

Zhu Youjian remained outwardly calm, but secretly swallowed hard.

His mind raced, but he couldn't think of any witty remarks.

But he knew he couldn't let the situation cool down at this moment.

Zhu Youjian suddenly stood up, walked around the imperial desk, and quickly went to Huo Weihua, personally helping him up.

"Huo Qing's words were written with blood and tears, and came from the bottom of his heart."

"I am not some plant, tree, or rock; how can I remain unmoved?"

Zhu Youjian's voice was steady and powerful. He slowed down his speech and racked his brains. Finally, before he finished speaking, a flash of inspiration came to him.

He gripped Huo Weihua's arm tightly, their eyes meeting.

"I dare not accept the title of 'sage ruler' bestowed upon me by Minister Huo."

"Since I ascended the throne, the new policies have not yielded any results. The threat from the barbarians is still looming, and the people of the land are suffering from exorbitant taxes and the oppression of corrupt officials."

"What have I done that deserves the title of 'saint'?"

He changed the subject, his eyes lighting up.

"But that's exactly what's good!"

"Minister Huo may not be a virtuous minister today, but he aspires to be one."

"I may not be a sage ruler now, but I aspire to become one."

"Sage! Sage! You and I, ruler and subject, working hand in hand and moving forward together as one, how can this not be a beautiful story that will be passed down through the ages!"

Huo Weihua raised his head, his lips trembling, as if he wanted to say something more.

Zhu Youjian dared not let him speak any further, fearing that the drama in which they had finally regained the initiative would collapse.

He abruptly waved his hand, released Huo Weihua, and took two steps back.

"Chong-"

A clear and melodious dragon roar resounded throughout the hall.

Zhu Youjian actually drew the Emperor's Sword from his waist!

A cold light shone from all sides, and the sword aura was chilling.

The assembled officials immediately became solemn and stood up in unison.

Everyone sensed that another legendary tale was about to be born.

Zhu Youjian held his sword, tapped it with his finger, and then said to Huo Weihua:
"Just now, Minister Huo said that if you forget your ambition today, I can cut off your head and leave. I dare to keep my promise, so why should you hesitate to keep your promise!"

He took a deep breath, turned around, and with all his might, slashed the sword in his hand fiercely at the imperial desk beside him!
In order to achieve a perfect strike, he aimed at only a small corner piece at the very edge of the imperial desk.

Fortunately, since his transmigration, he has practiced diligently every day and has finally gained some strength. He has chopped down at least eighty to a hundred straw men.

"Crack!"

There was a crisp sound.

He actually chopped off a fist-sized piece from the solid rosewood imperial desk with a single sword stroke, and it fell to the ground with a dull thud.

Zhu Youjian turned around, sword in hand, and surveyed the crowd with eyes like lightning.

"The promise between ruler and subject is witnessed by the mountains and rivers, and as clear as the sun and moon!"

"If, in the future, Minister Huo forgets his ambition of today and reverts to a corrupt official, I will personally use this sword to behead him!"

He paused, and his voice suddenly rose.

"If one day I forget my ambition to restore the world, indulge in pleasure, and neglect state affairs, then what is the loss of my head?"

Huo Weihua was dumbfounded and fell silent for a moment, stunned by the scene.

He remained silent for only a moment before he had an idea. He opened his mouth, gave a slight bow, and was about to speak again.

Grand Secretary Huang Lijie was the first to react. He abruptly lifted his robe and prostrated himself on the ground, shouting loudly:
"Your Majesty's ambition is boundless; we, your humble servants, are willing to follow in your footsteps, even unto death!"

It's like a signal.

Inside the main hall, whether they were noble ministers, military officers on duty, or eunuchs, they all knelt down in unison.

The roaring sound, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing, merged into a torrent.

"Your Majesty's ambition is boundless; we, your humble servants, are willing to follow in your footsteps, even unto death!"

Zhu Youjian stood there, holding the still slightly humming sword, took a breath, and finally felt relieved.

On this land.

No one, absolutely no one, can rival me in acting or even surpass me!
No! There is! No! Person!
(End of this chapter)