Chapter 200: I request to bring the disaster victims into the capital.

Chang Qianli’s face was filled with bitterness. He had started from humble beginnings, dealing in salt, traveling across lands, and after more than twenty years, he had amassed wealth over a hundred million, becoming a prominent figure in his area.

But in the end, he was just a small creature in the grand scheme of things. If the imperial court wanted his wealth, he had to present it with both hands. If the court desired his life, then he had to be ready to offer his neck.

His power was still not significant enough, nor his wealth sufficient!

Standing at a high vantage point, Chang Qianli gazed towards the north, feeling the autumn wind’s desolation and melancholy.

Guo Ying’s words were not entirely true. September and October were not the time for the Mongol tribes to rest and recuperate. Under the autumn winds, the grass on the steppes would wither, and this was when their bows were strong, and their horses vigorous.

With the people and horses at their strongest, the wild animals scattered across the vast grasslands would also be fattened. This was the time when they would typically prepare for large-scale hunting, thundering across the plains on thousands of horses, hunting until mid-October before dividing their spoils and returning home to feast on the meat.

Heading north at this time meant his goods were at a high risk of being plundered.

Unless…

A sharp glint flashed in Chang Qianli’s eyes, and a faint smile crept across his lips. He then burst into laughter, muttering to himself, “Fortune favors the bold. This might just be an opportunity…”

Capital, Imperial court.

The discussion among the ministers mostly revolved around disaster relief – a recurring topic dominated by concerns about “grain, silver, and boats”.

“Your Majesty, I impeach the Commander of the Naval Forces, Chen Xuan, for twelve counts of misconduct,” proclaimed the imperial censor Dong Yong, stepping forward with a loud voice.

Zhu Yunwen, hiding a yawn behind his sleeve, responded, “Speak.”

Dong Yong, with righteous anger, exclaimed, “Commander Chen Xuan, taking advantage of his position in the naval forces, has been conducting personal businesses and is excessively greedy, committing numerous offenses. Firstly, under the pretext of testing ships, Chen Xuan took away over eighty vessels from the Longjiang Shipyard, which he has not returned in three years, making it impossible to audit. The ships were loaded with private goods, earning him immense profits…”

“Secondly, Chen Xuan oppresses and abuses the soldiers and their families, his power and cruelty so extreme that the soldiers dare not speak out; thirdly, Chen Xuan acts arrogantly, using the naval fleet without reporting or seeking permission, a violation that has persisted for a long time…”

“The twelfth offense: although officially renting out sixty Treasure ships, Chen Xuan falsely reported and secretly rented an additional ten ships to various merchants under the guise of ‘Jinghai’ (pacifying the sea), facilitating their business!”

“His crimes are numerous and, according to the laws of the Great Ming, warrant execution! I implore Your Majesty to see the truth and restore the dignity of our navy!”

Zhu Yunwen, looking at the kneeling Dong Yong, found it hard to believe that the naval forces had such severe issues.

He had always relied on the navy, especially considering the future lifting of maritime restrictions and international trade, which would require the navy’s cooperation. But now, it seemed the navy was strong yet fraught with problems.

“Duke of Wei, currently, you are in control of the navy. What is your opinion?” Zhu Yunwen turned to Xu Huizu.

Xu Huizu stepped forward and gravely responded, “Your Majesty, I am at fault for focusing too much on the garrisons and the three major camps, neglecting the extent of issues within the navy. I request that Chen Xuan’s position as Commander be temporarily suspended for investigation, and appropriate actions be taken once the truth is ascertained.”

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly, then turned to the Minister of War, Ru Chang, and asked, “The navy cannot be without a commander. Minister Ru, whom do you recommend to temporarily assume the role?”

Ru Chang stepped forward and, after a moment of thought, said, “I recommend Director Gu Pu. Although his rank is not high, he is efficient, honest, and incorruptible. Having served in various positions including the Five Army Commandery Judge, Ministry of Works Secretary, and as a Director in the Ministry of War, he is well-versed in military tactics and understands the needs of the people. He is highly capable and suitable for temporarily leading the navy.”

“Gu Pu?”

Zhu Yunwen recalled.

During the Hongwu era, Gu Pu was known for his integrity. He used all his salary to take care of his elderly mother. After her passing, he lacked the funds to transport her body back to Chenzhou for burial. The court, moved by his character and filial piety, allocated a ship to transport his mother’s remains back to Chenzhou for burial.

“Given this, Chen Xuan’s position as the commander of the navy will be temporarily suspended. The Ministry of Justice, Army Commander office, and the Security Bureau will investigate his loyalty and betrayal. Meanwhile, Gu Pu will lead the navy, train the naval forces, and must not be negligent.”

Zhu Yunwen ordered.

“Your Majesty’s decree shall be obeyed.”

Xu Huizu, Ru Chang, and others received the order and withdrew.

“Are there any other memorials?”

Zhu Yunwen looked at the officials and asked.

“Hmm?”

Zhu Yunwen slightly tilted his head, surprised to see Yao Guangxiao standing among the officials of the Ministry of Works, peeking out curiously. He asked calmly, “Minister Yao, it’s rare to see you here. Do you have a memorial to present?”

Due to his identity and capabilities, Yao Guangxiao was appointed by Zhu Yunwen to supervise the construction of the Bao’en Temple and the Heroes Monument. To facilitate coordination with the Ministry of Works, Tianjie Temple, and to mobilize various resources, he was given the post of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.

Usually, Yao Guangxiao seldom appeared in the court, so his presence today suggested it wasn’t a mistake.

Hearing Emperor Zhu Yunwen’s words, the other officials were secretly envious.

From the emperor’s tone, it was clear that he held Yao Guangxiao in high regard, far beyond that of ordinary court officials.

Yao Guangxiao stepped forward, holding his tablet slightly up, and announced, “Your Majesty, I have a matter that requires your decision.”

“Speak,” Zhu Yunwen said, looking at Yao Guangxiao with interest.

Yao Guangxiao spoke directly, “Currently, the Yellow and Huai River regions are suffering from disasters, with many people displaced. The imperial court’s relief efforts and the opening of granaries for disaster relief have enabled the people to survive, which is a wise and benevolent policy.”

Zhu Yunwen’s expression became serious. Yao Guangxiao was not someone who flattered or curried favor; his actions always had a strong purpose. Any words beyond his purpose were merely a prelude.

As expected, Yao Guangxiao’s tone changed as he continued, “However, in my view, the current relief measures can only alleviate the immediate hunger and suffering of the people, but they do not address their future hardships. Once the floods recede, the people will have nothing and will rely on the imperial court for everything they need to restart their lives. Not only will this increase the nation’s expenditure, but it will also take at least three years for them to recover.”

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly.

The current disaster relief efforts provided food, drink, and clothing to the people, which naturally incurred expenses. After the floods, it would be at least next spring before agricultural activities could resume, and the first harvest would not be until next summer.

However, this income would hardly compensate for their losses. It typically took about three years for people to recover fully.

This was why, historically, the imperial court would exempt taxes for three years in disaster-stricken areas.

This is also an unavoidable situation. Since people have been displaced and lost their homes, they need some policies to help them rebuild when they return. Even if it’s just a bit of support like a small cart or a simple plow, you can’t just take their food. At the very least, they should be given a way to survive.

“You have a better plan?” Zhu Yunwen asked.

Yao Guangxiao took a deep breath and said solemnly, “Your Majesty, I suggest bringing the disaster victims to the capital.”

“I object!” said Zhuo Jing, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, standing up. He looked at Yao Guangxiao and said sternly, “The capital is the foundation of the empire and must be stable. Allowing refugees into the capital would only add to our problems.”

“Moreover, after a few months, the refugees will return to their disaster-stricken areas to restart their lives. Moving them to the capital and then back again would be a waste of resources and effort. What else would it be?”

Lu Yi, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, also stood up to oppose Yao Guangxiao’s suggestion, “Your Majesty, Fengyang Prefecture has been struck by disaster, and relief efforts are already underway in various places. Judging from the current situation, there are no issues elsewhere, and the support is sufficient to assist the people for several months. There is no need for them to enter the capital, a place of great importance.”

Many officials expressed their opposition.

Zhu Yunwen looked at Yao Guangxiao, who remained unmoved, and waved his hand to quiet the officials. He then asked, “Minister Yao, the matter of allowing disaster victims to enter the capital is no small issue. State your reasons.”

Yao Guangxiao looked confidently at the opposing officials and spoke loudly, “There are three benefits to bringing the disaster victims to the capital. The construction of Bao’en Temple and the Heroes Monument is about to begin, and we urgently need a large number of laborers. Recruiting laborers from the disaster victims instead of from the local area around the capital is less costly and can provide livelihoods for the victims, aiding their recovery. That’s the first benefit.”

“By allowing disaster victims to enter the capital and earn a living, they will inevitably spend money in the capital, purchasing various goods. This can promote commercial prosperity and compensate for the national expenses incurred by the disaster. This is the second benefit.”

“Although the capital has a large population, it still has deficiencies. As the imperial capital of the world, population is fundamental. By bringing disaster victims into the capital, perhaps one or two out of ten can be settled in the capital, thereby increasing its population. This will not significantly affect the overall situation of the disaster victims returning home to restore production.”

Minister of Justice Hou Tai stepped forward and sternly rebuked, “This is a strategy that would bring disaster to the country and calamity to the people! Your Majesty, the disaster victims have suffered and lost their homes, with some even losing their family members. It is a time for them to heal. How can we conscript them for construction needs? Doing so would only increase their suffering, hurt their feelings, and exhaust their bodies. This would surely lead to public unrest!”

Yao Guangxiao unapologetically retorted, “Should they just lie there every day, eating and drinking, waiting for half a year, doing nothing? Lord Hou may not realize that being idle and doing nothing is the most painful thing. It’s better to be engaged in something, even if it yields nothing, than to be idle!”

“Heresy! Nonsense from a charlatan monk! The people should focus on recuperation and must not be conscripted!”

Hou Tai, without any courtesy, pointed at Yao Guangxiao and scolded.

Yao Guangxiao stepped forward and responded, “In my view, Lord Hou is the real demon, allowing the people to decay without seeking to win their hearts or plan their way out. How can disaster relief and aiding the people be reduced to just providing food, drink, and shelter?”

Amidst the court, chaos erupted again.

Zhu Yunwen understood Yao Guangxiao’s intention. He wanted to find work for the disaster victims, allowing them to earn a living for themselves and their families, rather than sitting in Dingyuan or Fengyang resettlement sites, consuming the court’s grain every day while doing nothing.

In times of economic depression in later generations, when unemployment rates increased, a common solution to address employment, income, and production issues was:

Infrastructure construction.

Yao Guangxiao indeed possessed great talent, living up to his nickname of the “Black-Robed Prime Minister.” He was wise and adept at breaking through conventional thinking. Although he did not understand the theories of government regulation, he knew that instead of letting people live on relief food every day, it was better to find them something to do.

This was indeed one method to solve the problem of disaster victims.

From a spatial perspective, places like Fengyang are not far from the capital, and the waterways are unobstructed. Even if traveling by land from Dingyuan, it would not take half a month, even with families in tow.

In terms of time, waiting for the floodwaters to recede and then preparing for agricultural work would require at least half a year.

During this half-year, they would not be engaged in production but would simply dwell in various places, not creating societal value and instead requiring the court to spend a considerable amount of manpower and resources on relief efforts.

This is not cost-effective.

However, the issue of accommodating disaster victims in the capital does exist. Where will they be settled, how will their lives be ensured, how will public order be maintained, and will they consume too many of the capital’s resources, leading to inflation in the capital…

“Your Majesty!”

Xie Jin stepped forward, shouting loudly.

The ministers quickly adjusted their hats and sleeves, some picking up their tablets. Zhu Yunwen even noticed half a steamed bun on the floor…

When did this imperial court turn into a dining hall?

“Speak.”

Zhu Yunwen glanced at Yao Guangxiao, noting that the old man was still alive and hadn’t suffered a loss, and thus felt relieved.

Xie Jin solemnly said, “After careful consideration, I believe what Vice Minister Yao says is reasonable. Although the people have suffered from the disaster, what they urgently desire is to rebuild their homes and live in peace and contentment. Depending on the self-help measures of Fengyang and other places and the allocations from the court may not be sustainable. Instead of wasting half a year, it would be better to bring them to the capital and employ them in exchange for relief, providing additional subsidies…”

Xie Jin of Grand Secretariat stood by Yao Guangxiao’s side, which caught the other ministers off guard.

Zheng Ci, the Minister of Works, expressed some concern and stepped forward to say, “Your Majesty, if the disaster victims enter the capital and have nowhere to settle, and if we allow them to sleep on the ground and use the sky as their blanket, wouldn’t this harm the people?”