Chapter 25: The Issue of “In prosperity, the people suffer”

The lamp dimmed, and the wine had a slightly intoxicating effect.

On the couch, Zhu Yunwen extended his hand and gently brushed aside the strands of Ma Enhui’s hair that fell on her cheek. Looking into her enchanting eyes, he smiled lightly and said, “You have endured a lot during this period.”

Ma Enhui’s responsibilities as the head of the harem were not light.

Apart from accompanying the empress dowager and taking care of their son, she also had to investigate the affairs of various departments and oversee the implementation of the new policies in the harem. These new tasks brought about many challenges, and Ma Enhui is not reassured and needs to personally inquire.

“I heard that you punished the supervisor of the Laundry Bureau with thirty strokes. What did they do to anger you so much?”

Zhu Yunwen knew Ma Enhui’s gentle nature and that she rarely got angry.

Resting her head against Zhu Yunwen’s arm, Ma Enhui’s lips curved into a slight smile, revealing a hint of her girlish temperament. She said, “Your Majesty proposed the new policies for the harem, and it is my duty to implement them. The other departments and bureaus have been diligent and executed them properly. However, the supervisor of the Laundry Bureau went against the rules. She embezzled ninety percent of the funds allocated, and the dishes served daily barely had any meat, just a hint of meat flavor.”

“Not only that, she even suppressed the maids’ right to visit their families. Unless a maid presents at least two taels of silver as a bribe, without a bribe, the maids would not be allowed to leave the palace until they die. Your Majesty, don’t you think such a supervisor deserves punishment?”

Zhu Yunwen’s gaze turned slightly cold, but then he calmed down and said, “The Laundry Bureau is located near the De Sheng Gate, not within the palace walls. It’s just separated by a wall, yet the supervisor dared to deceive and exploit others, acting recklessly. Then how many more people across the vast land of Ming would deceive, act unlawfully, and cause trouble, while I remain unaware, thinking that this realm is peaceful and all its people are safe?”

“It is fortunate that Your Majesty is concerned about the welfare of the people. I believe that under your brilliant leadership, the glorious era of the Han and Tang dynasties can be revived,” Ma Enhui said, both compassionate and admiring.

Zhu Yunwen smiled helplessly, embracing Ma Enhui, his eyes filled with tenderness.

As the night grew quiet, and Ma Enhui fell peacefully asleep, Zhu Yunwen continued to ponder how to establish a truly effective supervision system in this era. He wanted to understand the hardships faced by the common people of Ming.

Those officials would always try to hide information.

Looking at the future, with such advanced means of communication like telephones and the internet, even when dozens of people die in a mining accident, there are still those who manage to cover it up. What more in Ming, where information dissemination is extremely limited?

When there are problems at the local level, officials can easily conceal them. With the emperor far away, there are countless places where no one can keep them in check. A county magistrate can act recklessly and oppress the people without anyone knowing.

Moreover, the people of the Ming are generally honest peasants. As long as they have food to eat, they won’t rebel, even if they are oppressed and left with nothing but tattered clothes. Their first thought wouldn’t be to overthrow the corrupt officials but rather where to seek alms.

Only when we delve into the depths of history, can we truly feel “In prosperity, the people suffer; in decline, the people suffer” deep sorrow.

According to Zhang Yanghao, the common people have never truly experienced good times, which is why he expresses the lament of “prosperity and decline.” If it were in the past, Zhu Yunwen would have merely appreciated Zhang Yanghao’s poetic skills. But now, as the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he needs to thoroughly address the issue of “In prosperity, the people suffer.”

The vast territory spanning over nine million square kilometers and a population of over sixty million presents numerous challenges, most of which are concentrated among the lower classes. Looking at historical lessons, it is often the lower classes that bear the brunt of the collapse of feudal dynasties.

Regardless of the Chen Sheng-Wu Guang uprising, Old Zhu begging for food, Li Zicheng being unemployed, or Old Jiang moving houses, All of them were instances where there were problems with governance at the lower level.

If lower-level governance is poor, it won’t win the hearts of the people.

Without the hearts of the people, there can be no long-lasting prosperity for the nation.

This is an iron rule of historical development.

Zhu Yunwen pondered, unaware of when he fell asleep, until Ma Enhui nudged him, gently awakening him.

“Your Majesty, it’s time for the morning court.”

Ma Enhui softly called out.

Zhu Yunwen sat up, glanced at the eunuch kneeling in front of him, who was there to request his attendance at the morning court, waved his hand to dismiss him, and with Ma Enhui’s assistance, he put on his court attire.

“Your Majesty, would you like to cancel the morning court today?”

Ma Enhui looked at the weary Zhu Yunwen, speaking with a touch of reproach, as the period of mourning had just ended and he hadn’t yet regained his self-control.

“No need, when I used to stay up all night playing Warcraft…”

“Warcraft?”

“Uh, breaking away from conventional thinking and studying hard, I did it a lot back then. It’s nothing…”

Zhu Yunwen wiped away a cold sweat.

Damn, I’m still not fully awake yet.

The morning court proceeded in an orderly manner, with the cabinet handling the necessary affairs and delegating undecided matters to Zhu Yunwen. Zhu Yunwen, in turn, sought the collective wisdom of the ministers to address those issues.

After everything was resolved, everyone clapped their hands, and the emperor returned to the palace while the ministers went about their official duties.

It seemed like a peaceful day without any disturbances, and Zhu Yunwen was planning to go back and rest. However, unexpectedly, an official stepped forward and shouted loudly, “I have a memorial!”

Zhu Yunwen squinted his eyes and looked over, only to see a young man in his twenties kneeling on the ground.

“Present your memorial,” commanded the internal supervisor, glancing at Zhu Yunwen’s expression.

“I, Supervising Secretary of the office for scrutiny for war, Cheng Ji, impeach Li Zengzhi, the front army commandery Left Commisioner in chief of twelve crimes!” Cheng Ji raised his memorial high above his head.

The entire court turned their attention to Cheng Ji. Among the civil officials, many were gloating, while the martial officials and nobility wore displeased expressions.

Although Li Zengzhi had committed numerous wrongdoings, he was still a member of the martial officials, and as the saying goes, “Shared honor, shared disgrace.” Hitting Li Zengzhi’s face would reflect poorly on the entire martial officials and nobility.

Xu Huizu, in particular, looked at Cheng Ji with a hint of anger.

Li Zengzhi just left the capital, and you impeach him afterward. What does that mean?

Where were you earlier?

Even if you have evidence, Li Zengzhi has already fled thousands of miles away. Whom are you going to inquire with?”

The internal supervisor handed Cheng Ji’s memorial to Zhu Yunwen. Zhu Yunwen opened and read it, and he was secretly surprised. Conspiracy, collusion with vassal kings, raising private soldiers and forming secret alliances.

It’s really convenient to come up with any accusations to make someone die quickly.”

And there’s even one more accusation that during the mourning period, Li Zengzhi visited the Department of Entertainment and even physically assaulted someone there.

Well done.

During the mourning period, even I had to endure, but you, Li Zengzhi, had a great time gallivanting around freely.

“Do you have concrete evidence for these twelve accusations?” Zhu Yunwen asked.

“If I speak falsely, I am willing to accept any punishment,” Cheng Ji quickly replied.

Zhu Yunwen chuckled. He knew that the accusations in Cheng Ji’s memorial were indeed true. However, he couldn’t allow Li Zengzhi to die at the moment. After all, how could Li Jinglong be of service to him if that happened?

“For now, let’s set this matter aside. We will inquire further when the Left Commisioner in chief returns to the capital,” Zhu Yunwen said as he stood up.

“Court End.”

The internal supervisor announced the end of the court session.

The civil and military officials knelt and performed their salutations.

Zhu Yunwen returned to the harem and handed Cheng Ji’s memorial to Liu Changge, saying, “Send someone to deliver this memorial to Li Zengzhi.”

Liu Changge hurriedly made the arrangements.

Zhu Yunwen’s lips curved into a faint smile. Li Zengzhi was devoted to Zhu Di, and now his fate was in Zhu Yunwen’s hands. However, Zhu Yunwen didn’t intend to harm him. Instead, he wanted to make it clear to Li Zengzhi that his only way out was to submit to him.

Of course, it wasn’t just Li Zengzhi who would be affected. There was also Li Jinglong.

Hall of Martial Valor, Xie Jin requests an audience.

Zhu Yunwen signed a memorial and said, “The Ministry of Revenue has been facing difficulties recently.”

Xie Jin’s expression turned bitter as he quickly replied, “Your Majesty, the policies of the New Military have been implemented nationwide, and the expenses are not small. Coupled with the policies of light burdens and low taxes, the Ministry of Revenue will face even greater challenges in the coming year.”

Zhu Yunwen didn’t take it seriously and said, “The empire is always advancing, and it requires both resourcefulness and thrift. Currently, there are too many officials and the bureaucracy is bloated. This cannot continue.”

Xie Jin clearly understood the situation. During the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, the power was often decentralized and divided among various institutions. The result was the creation of three separate management bodies: the Provincial Administration Commission, the Provincial Surveillance Commission, and the Regional Military Commission.

You restrain me, I restrain him. He restrains you. Everyone had their checks and balances, and no one could overpower others or exert control.

If the relationship was good, a meeting and a drink could resolve the issue if there was a mutual agreement.

But if the relationship was bad, even if you begged and pleaded, they would ignore you. They would simply raise their heads and say, “I don’t agree. What can you do about it?”

According to the regulations, you really couldn’t do anything.

Your administration commission is responsible for handling refugees, what? You need military help, why would we help you?

Who do you think you are?

Without an imperial order, not a single soldier will be dispatched on your behalf!

With more institutions, naturally, there would be more officials.

After all, you couldn’t be a general without an army. Had a relative at home? Come, come to work. What? Your wife’s family’s second aunt even has a dog? Bring it here to guard the office.

Having more people was good. Someone in front yelled to open the way, and some people in the back surrounded them for protection so awe-inspiring.

But with more people, the expenses of the court also increased. After all, salaries had to be paid, although Old Zhu had set the salaries low…

In one place, the chief officials and officials of various bureaus alone numbered in the hundreds, and when you added officials at all levels, there were at least a few thousand.

The base number was large, so even when multiplied by a small figure, it still became a significant number.

Zhu Yunwen had always wanted to change this, but he was troubled by the fact that he had only ascended the throne recently. Making significant changes involving so many people would easily lead to problems.

Xie Jin understood Zhu Yunwen’s intention and said, “Your Majesty, streamlining the institutions is feasible, but we mustn’t rush it. I believe that the most urgent matter is the issue of the Vassal kings.”

Zhu Yunwen looked at Xie Jin and slowly asked, “Do you think the King of Yan will make a move?”

Xie Jin’s expression turned serious, and after deep thought, he said, “Your Majesty, King of Yan is not an easily subdued person. Once he returns to Beiping Prefecture, he will surely stir up trouble.”

“Oh? Even with this layout, he still dares to take action?” Zhu Yunwen looked at Xie Jin with great interest.

Xie Jin nodded heavily and said, “Your Majesty, the King of Yan has a strong grasp of military affairs. If he finds an opportunity, he will launch a swift attack. You should know that the King of Yan has not been afraid of taking risks in the past.”

Zhu Yunwen paced and contemplated in the Hall of martial valor.

Xie Jin’s concerns were not unfounded. Zhu Di has a big ambition and he was the son of Zhu Yuanzhang. While Zhu Yunwen was merely Zhu Yuanzhang’s grandson.

Zhu Di refused to acknowledge Zhu Yunwen.

He yearned to seize the throne and claim what he believed was his rightful and supreme power.

However, after Zhu Yunwen’s numerous actions, did Zhu Di still have the courage to oppose him?

“He is not lacking in courage!”

Zhu Yunwen furrowed his brow, then turned to Shuangxi and said, “Summon the King of Ning.”

Confused, Xie Jin looked at Zhu Yunwen, but Zhu Yunwen smiled calmly, assuring him there was no need to be nervous.

Zhu Di’s personal forces alone were insufficient to accomplish great things. He needed allies, and his ally was Zhu Quan, the King of Ning.

However, at present, Zhu Yunwen intended to completely subjugate Zhu Quan and make him serve himself!

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