Volume One, Chapter 17: Urgent News from Jiangnan
“Your Majesty,” Cao Huachun spoke cautiously, “shall we first—”
“No need,” Zhu Youjian waved his hand dismissively. “Let them panic for a while.”
He then wrote a second decree: “Establish a branch of the Eastern Depot in Suzhou and Hangzhou, tasked specifically with investigating corruption.”
“As you command,” Wei Zhiren and Cao Huachun responded in unison.
Zhu Youjian set down his vermilion brush and gazed out at the sunlight streaming through the window.
“Since the founding emperor, the Jiangnan gentry have grown too powerful; they have become a hidden threat. If we do not eliminate them today, they will bring great disaster tomorrow.”
Turning to Wei Zhiren, he said, “Summon the commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”
“Your Majesty wishes to—” Wei Zhiren asked cautiously.
“The army must not be moved lightly, but the Embroidered Uniform Guard can be employed,” Zhu Youjian sneered. “Send them to make a round of Jiangnan first.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Wei Zhiren withdrew.
Zhu Youjian turned to Cao Huachun. “How is your intelligence network on your side?”
“Your Majesty, it has been properly arranged.”
“Very good,” Zhu Youjian nodded. “Keep a close watch on the movements in Jiangnan, especially the conflicts among those gentry families.”
“Your humble servant understands.”
Zhu Youjian walked to the window, looking toward the distant palace walls.
“Every reform in history began with the economy. To strike at their purses is to strike at their foundation.”
He glanced back at the memorials on the desk. “As for Shanhaiguan…”
“Your Majesty means—” Cao Huachun asked cautiously.
“The Manchus have arrived at just the right moment,” Zhu Youjian sneered. “We can use this opportunity to reorganize the border defenses. Those disobedient generals…”
“Should we—” Wei Zhiren hesitated.
“No need to rush,” Zhu Youjian waved him off. “Let them stir up some trouble first.”
He returned to the dragon throne and sat down. “History teaches me that to restrain these people, one must break their chains of interest.”
“Your Majesty is wise,” Cao Huachun said respectfully.
Zhu Youjian looked down at the Zizhi Tongjian in his hands.
“During Emperor Wu of Han’s reign, salt and iron monopolies were used to suppress the powerful. Under Emperor Taizong of Tang, conscription weakened the aristocratic families. These are all good methods.”
He closed the book. “But what I intend to do will be even more ruthless.”
“You mean, Your Majesty…” Wei Zhiren asked cautiously.
“Not only strike at their economic base but also sever their social networks,” Zhu Youjian sneered. “The imperial examination system should also be reformed.”
“This…” Cao Huachun was somewhat surprised.
“What, do you think it’s improper?”
“Not at all,” Cao Huachun hurriedly replied. “But if that happens…”
“There will be backlash?” Zhu Youjian stood up. “Good. Let’s use that opportunity to see who dares to jump out.”
He walked over to the map and traced his finger over the Jiangnan region.
“These powerful families may appear compliant on the surface, but behind closed doors, they form factions for their own benefit. I want to see how long they can keep flailing.”
“Your Majesty,” Wei Zhiren suddenly said, “the Embroidered Uniform Guard commanders have arrived.”
“Send them in.”
Soon, the newly appointed commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard entered the hall. “Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Zhu Youjian looked at the freshly appointed commander. “Do you know why I chose you?”
“I…” The commander was somewhat uneasy.
“Because you have no roots,” Zhu Youjian sneered. “Therefore, I can trust you fully.”
“I shall devote my utmost loyalty and wisdom!”
Zhu Youjian stepped forward. “Jiangnan needs a thorough cleanup.”
“Your Majesty means…”
“Send men to investigate the backgrounds of those gentry families,” Zhu Youjian said. “Especially the conflicts among them.”
A sharp light flashed in the commander’s eyes. “Understood, Your Majesty.”
Zhu Youjian returned to the throne and sat down. “Remember, make them destroy each other.”
“As you command.”
At that moment, footsteps echoed outside.
“Speak.”
“There has been a conflict between the gentry and salt merchants in Suzhou. It has already—”
Zhu Youjian sneered. “Perfect timing.”
He looked at everyone in the hall. “Issue my decree: have the Embroidered Uniform Guard depart for the south immediately to investigate thoroughly.”
“As you command!” the assembly responded in unison.
Zhu Youjian stood by the window, watching the distant sunlight.
“History tells me, to keep these people in check, one must make them fight amongst themselves.”
He turned to Cao Huachun. “How are the shops on your side?”
“Your Majesty, I have already gathered some information.”
“Speak.”
“There are already divisions within the Donglin faction. Some advocate compromise, others resistance…”
Zhu Youjian nodded in satisfaction. “Good. That’s how it should be.”
He returned to the desk and penned another decree: “Effective immediately, conduct a thorough investigation of gentry landholdings across the provinces.”
“Your Majesty,” Wei Zhiren spoke cautiously, “shall we first—”
“No need,” Zhu Youjian sneered. “Let them fall into chaos first.”
Outside, the sunlight was just right. Squads of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were assembling, ready to march south.
---
Zhu Youjian stood by the window, watching it all unfold. He knew the grand drama had only just begun.
Wei Zhiren shivered at the sight of Zhu Youjian’s back. He knew this new emperor was far more terrifying than anyone could have imagined.
“Prepare the arrangements,” Zhu Youjian said calmly. “I want these people to understand what imperial authority truly means.”
Cao Huachun hurried into the Qianqing Palace and knelt before Zhu Youjian. “Your Majesty, your servant has already placed informants everywhere.”
“Explain.”
“Your Majesty, I have stationed men in all the major teahouses and taverns in the city. Additionally, there are undercover scouts at the city gates and docks. Any slightest movement will be reported immediately.”
Zhu Youjian nodded. “Very good. And Jiangnan?”
“Your servant has dispatched men to Suzhou, Hangzhou, and other places under the guise of opening shops to secretly gather intelligence.”
Just then, Wei Zhiren hurried over. “Your Majesty, several generals have arrived.”
“Send them in.”
Soon, Sun Chuanting, Lu Xiangsheng, and others entered the hall in unison. “Your servants pay respects to Your Majesty.”
“Rise,” Zhu Youjian said, looking at his trusted generals. “I have summoned you for an important matter.”
“Please command, Your Majesty,” the generals said.
Zhu Youjian moved to the map. “The Manchus at Shanhaiguan are restless. The Jiangnan gentry are conspiring in secret. What are your thoughts?”
Sun Chuanting stepped forward. “I believe we must first stabilize Shanhaiguan. If the Manchus descend south, the consequences will be disastrous.”
Lu Xiangsheng agreed. “I concur with General Sun’s opinion.”
Zhu Youjian nodded. “And Jiangnan?”
“I have a plan,” Sun Chuanting said. “We can use the pretext of redeploying troops to defend against the Manchus to withdraw forces from Jiangnan. This will both strengthen the border and weaken Jiangnan’s power.”
A sharp light flashed in Zhu Youjian’s eyes. “Excellent plan.”
He turned to Cao Huachun. “You must keep a close watch on Jiangnan’s movements. Report immediately if anything unusual is detected.”
“Your servant obeys,” Cao Huachun bowed and withdrew.
Zhu Youjian addressed the generals. “I entrust you all with a task.”
“Please command, Your Majesty.”
“You must secretly reorganize the military, select the elite forces. When the time comes, you will be ready to mobilize.”
The generals responded in unison. “Your servants obey!”
Zhu Youjian nodded in satisfaction. “Remember, this must be kept strictly confidential. No leaks.”
“We understand.”
At that moment, urgent footsteps sounded outside.
“Your Majesty!” a eunuch rushed in. “Urgent report from Jiangnan!”