Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 204 We can't afford it, and we dare not use it! Director Zhang? [Requesting monthly votes]

The aftershocks of the grand court assembly had not yet subsided; the verbal sparring between the emperor and his ministers in the palace was still brewing unofficial histories in the minds of historians.

As one of the main characters in the whole incident, Lao Zhu has had a very difficult three days.

He never imagined that everything he had done for the Ming Dynasty would be so despicable in Zhang Biao's eyes.

Of course, he also disagreed with Zhang Biao's assessment of him.

After all, in his eyes, Zhang Biao was nothing more than an ant.

He just felt that Zhang Biao, with his worldly-wise vision, was truly blind to not understand him.

Because he always felt that he had built a 'perfect' country.

Everyone performed their duties without interfering with each other, like countless parallel lines that never intersect, together forming the powerful Ming Empire.

Even if there are some loopholes in the system, the overall framework is absolutely sound and can be used for thousands of years.

Therefore, he presided over the compilation of the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty" and clearly wrote down the framework he had built in it, hoping that future generations would continue to use it and that the Ming Dynasty would last for thousands of years.

However, the ideal was very rich, but the reality was very harsh. His grand framework did not even last a hundred years before it was completely changed by his descendants.

But that doesn't mean everything can be changed; there are things that can't be changed.

Therefore, the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty" became one of the biggest stumbling blocks to the development of the Ming Dynasty in its later period.

Zhu Yuanzhang, of course, was unaware of how problematic his own compilation, "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty," was. He continued to radiate his extraordinary energy as he reviewed a massive number of memorials.

Until Yunming cautiously entered and bowed to report:

"Your Majesty, Yu Xin, Minister of Revenue, Tang He, Duke of Xin, Xu Yungong, Vice Commander of the Left Army, and Zhuo Jing, the newly appointed Vice Minister of War, have arrived outside the palace."

"Ah."

Old Zhu responded softly, but didn't look up. His vermilion brush continued to scrutinize the memorial until he finished reading it. Only then did he put down the brush, look up, and say:
"Let them in!"

"Yes!"

Yunming bowed slightly, preparing to go out and summon Yu Xin and the others.

But then Old Zhu casually asked, "How's Jiang Huan doing? Has he come back?"

Yunming hesitated for a moment, then quickly said:
"Your Majesty, Commander Jiang said that he seems to have found some clues. Now we need to confirm whether they are true. He should be back in two days."

"Oh?"

Old Zhu raised an eyebrow but said nothing, then waved his hand at Yunming.

Soon, Yu Xin and the others walked in slowly.

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

"Please sit down, no need for formalities."

Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhu's expression was unreadable, but the usual suffocating pressure in his eyes seemed to have faded, replaced by an anxious eagerness to find a practical solution.

Ever since Zhang Biao proposed the policy of "replacing native chieftains with centrally appointed officials," he had been pondering the feasibility of this strategy.

Therefore, he has summoned Yu Xin and others to discuss this matter more than once.

Yu Xin and others went from initially having no understanding to conducting in-depth investigations into the Yunnan region, detailing the situation from the 25th year of the Hongwu reign to the present, and meticulously compiling their findings.

But then Old Zhu got straight to the point:

“Tell me everything. You should all know the situation in Yunnan by now. We called you here today not to hear empty talk or platitudes, and don’t try to figure out what we want to hear.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the four of them, and deliberately emphasized his tone: "Speak your mind! What we need is a solution that can truly solve the problem, even if it sounds harsh or is difficult!"

This last sentence startled Yu Xin and the others.

[The Emperor's words... seem quite different from usual.]

The overbearing, authoritarian tone of voice, as if saying "my mind is made up," seems to have diminished.

"emperor!"

Tang He, being the most senior and closest to Zhu De, spoke first, his voice loud but no longer solely advocating for war:

"Your Majesty, we have carefully reviewed the reports from various garrisons and chieftains in Yunnan, as well as the archives of the Ministry of War."

"Since the defeat of Si Lunfa, the Pacification Commissioner of Luchuan Pingmian in the 25th year, his former subordinates and the surrounding chieftains, such as Azi, Zheman, and Etao, have been unpredictable in their loyalty and defection, and small-scale conflicts have occurred almost every month."

"The government troops are exhausted from fighting, and often just as one place is pacified, another is engulfed in flames. Relying solely on conquest is certainly not a long-term solution."

He spoke frankly, acknowledging the limitations of purely military means.

"What the Duke of Xin is absolutely right!"

Minister of Revenue Yu Xin immediately chimed in, his brow furrowed: "Just maintaining the existing garrison and responding to unforeseen needs for mobilization, the annual expenditure on Yunnan alone accounts for more than half of the military expenditure in the southwest border region. Moreover, the journey is long and the transportation is difficult, causing immense suffering to the people."

“If this continues, the national treasury will simply be unable to sustain itself.”

He presented specific data to illustrate the financial pressure.

Zhuo Jing, the former Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and now the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, also spoke up at this time.

"Your Majesty, after consulting historical records and considering the actual situation in Yunnan, I believe that the policy of 'replacing native chieftains with centrally appointed officials' may be worth trying."

As he spoke, he gathered his thoughts and then cautiously added:
"However, this matter is far-reaching and cannot be rushed. I believe that we should select one or two areas that have repeatedly rebelled, are strategically located, and have a large influx of Han Chinese to conduct pilot programs first."

"For example, in the Qujing and Puan areas, we could try to establish appointed prefects and magistrates, while also garrisoning troops, developing water conservancy, promoting agricultural methods approved by the court, and establishing official schools to educate the local children."

"If it works, we can gradually promote it."

His words were clearly the result of careful consideration; they were no longer vague concepts, but rather contained specific areas and steps.

"In addition, the implementation of the system of appointing officials by appointment must be backed by sufficient military force to prevent the chieftains from resorting to desperate measures."

Xu Yungong added:

"But the purpose of using military force should not be merely to suppress, but also to clear obstacles and provide guarantees for the appointment of officials and the implementation of new policies."

"At the same time, certain preferential treatment can be given to chieftains who are willing to submit and cooperate, such as allowing their children to attend school, or even the Imperial Academy, or giving them honorary titles and honorary positions, while gradually reducing their real power."

Old Zhu listened attentively, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the armrest.

He did not interrupt as usual, nor did he show any impatience.

When he heard Zhuo Jing mention 'pilot program' and 'gradual progress', and Xu Yungong mention the combination of 'military guarantee' and 'appeasement and division', a barely perceptible glint even flashed in his eyes.

“Pilot program…”

Old Zhu repeated the word and looked at Yu Xin:
"Yu Xin, if we follow Zhuo Jing's suggestion to pilot the program in Qujing and Pu'an, by adding appointed officials and promoting agriculture and education, how much money and grain would be needed initially? And how would we sustain it in the future?"

Yu Xin was clearly prepared and immediately recited a string of numbers.

The paper also analyzed the possibility of gradually reducing the burden on the imperial court by clearing out hidden farmland, encouraging trade and taxation, and allowing some military settlements to become self-sufficient.

Tang He stroked his chin and pondered:

"If it is only to protect one or two pilot sites, there is no need for large-scale military deployment. The existing garrison forces can be supported with slight adjustments."

"The key is to select capable officials who are good at governance and can handle complex situations. Ideally, they should be competent officials who are familiar with the local conditions."

The group of people, one after another, actually came up with a preliminary and workable framework around the previously unfamiliar concept of "replacing local chieftains with centrally appointed officials".

Although there are many difficulties, such as how to select suitable officials, how to deal with the inevitable resistance from local chieftains, and how to balance costs and benefits, at least the direction is clear and the approach is pragmatic.

Looking at these ministers who were no longer blindly agreeing with him but were genuinely thinking about how to solve the problem, Zhu felt a mix of emotions.

He couldn't help but recall Zhang Biao's harsh words—

"What can your bunch of good-for-nothings do besides trying to guess your thoughts, shouting 'Long live the Emperor!', and echoing your bullshit 'might makes right' logic?"

Perhaps...perhaps that madman wasn't entirely wrong?

This thought made Lao Zhu feel annoyed and humiliated, but he forcibly suppressed it.

Now is not the time to dwell on this.

He took a deep breath, interrupted the discussion, and made a decision:
"Okay! Let's go with the approach you've agreed on!"

"Zhuo Jing, you take the lead and, together with the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Revenue, draft a detailed proposal for us!"

"For the pilot program of 'replacing native chieftains with centrally appointed officials' in Qujing and Puan, please write down clearly which officials will be selected, how many troops and funds will be needed, how it will be implemented, what problems might be encountered, and how to deal with them!"

"Don't be afraid of difficulties or time; strive for stability and feasibility!"

"Tang He, communicate more with Mu Sheng about military affairs in Yunnan. He has been stationed in Yunnan for many years and knows the area better. Put in extra effort to ensure that the overall situation does not fall into chaos during the pilot program!"

"Yu Xin, plan ahead for the allocation of funds and supplies."

"Xu Yungong, the Governor's Office should also cooperate."

The orders were issued clearly, with specific objectives and assigned responsibilities. "Your Majesty, we obey!"

The four responded in unison, their eyes filled with an unprecedented focus and a sense of exhilaration at being trusted and entrusted with a great responsibility.

Watching them leave to carry out their orders, Old Zhu leaned back in his chair and wearily rubbed his temples.

He did not fully accept Zhang Biao's rhetoric, nor would he admit that there was anything wrong with his way of ruling.

But subconsciously, that fierce, almost humiliating verbal exchange did indeed act like a hard stick, cracking a tiny fissure in the shell of his closed mind.

The first ray of light that pierced through the crack made him willing to temporarily set aside his absolute authority, to listen, and to try solutions that differed from his preconceived notions and might require more patience and wisdom.

As for how far this ray of light can shine and what it can bring, even he himself doesn't know.

Zhang Biao... Zhang Biao...

Old Zhu pondered the name repeatedly in his mind, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

Hate?

Of course I hate it!
This brat is arrogant and disrespectful, repeatedly offending his superiors and turning the court upside down. He has repeatedly touched his sore spot, causing the emperor to lose face and even making him faint from anger several times. He deserves to die!
Can……

If it weren't for this madman's remonstrance against the accounting scandal, he might still be immersed in his fantasy of 'light taxes and levies', unable to see the enormous financial pressure exerted by the royal family and the vassal kings.

If it weren't for this madman auditing the six ministries and nobles, he wouldn't have been able to see the corruption and inefficiency of the bureaucratic system so clearly.

If it weren't for this madman's scathing rebuke, he might still be stubbornly insisting on simple military suppression, instead of so urgently seeking a long-term solution like 'replacing native chieftains with centrally appointed officials,' and he certainly wouldn't have tried to change the way he communicated with his subjects.

This madman is like a double-edged sword; he can hurt people, but he can also occasionally cut through some stubborn ailments that he usually ignores or is unwilling to face.

This boy... if he could be used by us...

The moment the thought crossed his mind, Old Zhu nipped it in the bud.

impossible!
This is a lawless and uncontrollable scourge!

We can't afford it, and we don't dare to use it!
He can argue with you today, but he'll dare to cause a major upheaval tomorrow!
But... should we kill him?

Old Zhu seemed to see Zhang Biao's carefree, all-knowing gaze again.

Killing him would certainly be satisfying, but wouldn't it also sever some possibilities? Some possibilities that could bring about a different kind of change to this dull and stagnant Ming Dynasty?

"Ugh……"

A long sigh, filled with helplessness, entanglement, and even a hint of 'appreciation' that he himself was unwilling to admit, echoed softly in the empty side hall.

He hated Zhang Biao to the core, yet he had to admit that some of the madman's words pierced his heart like poisonous thorns, making it impossible for him to feel at ease as he had in the past.

It's an extremely awkward, complex emotion that's both hateful and...needful.

"You wretched child! You really are my wretched child!"

Old Zhu muttered a curse under his breath, unsure whether he was cursing Zhang Biao or himself for having such complicated feelings towards such a 'bastard'.

He shook his head, as if trying to banish Zhang Biao's image from his mind.

The most urgent task is to properly handle the pilot program in Yunnan and see if the "reform of native chieftains and replacement of officials with centrally appointed officials" is feasible.

As for that bastard Zhang Biao, let him run wild for a few more days. We'll deal with him slowly once we have the time!

However, the word "clean up" no longer seemed as resolute and pure in Lao Zhu's mind as it used to be.

On the other side, Zhang Biao was staying at the official residence.

Ever since Zhang Biao had his passionate argument with Zhu Yuanzhang in the Huagai Hall, he has stayed at his official residence, never stepping out of the gate, as if he were truly focused on writing the 'memorial' that Zhu Yuanzhang had instructed him to write.

Meanwhile, the imperial guards who were on duty outside could hear the sounds of papers turning and pens scratching inside from time to time, and occasionally they could smell the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes.

Through the blurry shadows cast by the window paper, one could even see Zhang Biao's 'diligent' appearance as he hunched over his desk, writing furiously.

"It seems that this madman is really brewing up that petition."

A junior officer from the Imperial Guard, who was coming off duty, muttered to his companion.

"Humph, just pretending!"

His companion scoffed dismissively:

"He can't possibly write anything worthwhile in three days! If he can't hand it in, let's see how the Emperor deals with him!"

Despite saying that, they were still full of anticipation.

For them, what Zhang Biao did was a unique kind of thrill.

However, what they didn't know was that Zhang Biao spent most of his time in the room drawing turtles on paper or designing his comical logo for the "Great Ming Anti-Corruption Bureau".

He already had a draft in his mind about the content of the 'memorial', but he was too lazy to put it into writing.

Because he was waiting, waiting for news from the Prince of Yan's residence.

On the third day, dusk had passed and night was deepening.

Zhang Biao peered out through the window crack. The Imperial Guards responsible for monitoring him seemed to have become less vigilant due to the lack of activity in recent days, and they even complained to each other about how boring their job was when they changed shifts.

The opportunity has arrived!

Zhang Biao used the same trick again, changed into his work clothes, checked for blind spots outside, and slipped out through the hidden dog hole like a ghost.

He knew the way well and, under the cover of night and the streets, headed straight for the City God Temple, which wasn't very popular, where he had arranged to meet Zhu Gaosui.

The temple appeared somewhat eerie in the night.

Zhang Biao bypassed the main entrance, went around to the back wall, and found the designated, somewhat broken incense burner.

He held his breath and reached under the base of the incense burner...

【Empty! ? 】

【Why is there nothing here?!】

Zhang Biao's heart sank.

Undeterred, he searched again carefully, even checking the crevices, but still found nothing.

What's going on here?

Did that brat Zhu Gaosui trick me?

[Impossible! He doesn't have the guts, and besides, the Prince of Yan's mansion has no reason not to be tempted by sweet potatoes.]

Could it be that the message never reached Zhu Gaochi, or that Zhu Gaosui withheld it himself?

Or perhaps... the Embroidered Uniform Guard has already discovered our connection?

The thought of the latter sent a chill down Zhang Biao's spine. He turned around abruptly and looked around warily.

The night wind blows, the shadows of the trees sway and rustle, as if countless eyes are hiding in the shadows.

He listened intently for a moment, but apart from the chirping of insects and his own heartbeat, there were no other unusual sounds.

"Phew... I scared myself."

Zhang Biao breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled self-deprecatingly: "It seems that the Prince of Yan's mansion hasn't made up its mind yet, or that fat boy Zhu Gaochi is too cautious and needs more time to weigh things."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Biao's eyes darted around.

Since the other party didn't leave any information, I'll take the initiative to ask.

He took out a small piece of charcoal pencil that he always carried with him and quickly drew a simple food box in an inconspicuous spot on the inside of the incense burner base. He added a few square pieces of mung bean cake next to it and finally drew a big question mark.

This is a reminder to Zhu Gaosui of the extra favor he did for him when he first brought him food in the imperial prison.

A question mark indicates that the questioner is asking for the result.

Having done all this, Zhang Biao didn't linger. Just as he had come, he silently blended into the night and returned along the same route.

He skillfully crawled back into the dog hole of the official residence, dusted himself off, and just as he straightened up, preparing to take off his disguise, his movements froze instantly!

Inside the room, on the only broken stool, a person was already sitting upright.

The man was dressed in a brand-new official robe, which looked particularly dazzling under the dim oil lamp light, and his face had a mocking smile like a cat playing with a mouse.

It was none other than his subordinate, the newly appointed Deputy Commander of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Song Zhong!
"Director Zhang?"

Song Zhong spoke with a smile, his voice exceptionally clear in the quiet night, carrying a chillingly friendly tone: "Going out for a walk so late at night?"

Zhang Biao's heart skipped a beat at that moment.

[Damn it! We've been caught red-handed!]

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(End of this chapter)