Chapter 16: The Emperor’s Vision

Chapter 16: The Emperor’s Vision

Xu Jingchang restrained Qiu Fu, thereby controlling the greatest variable in the case. With that, the subsequent joint investigation by the Three Ministries held little suspense.

Chen Ying still wished to resist, but to everyone’s surprise, Minister of Personnel Jian Yi personally arrived at the Ministry of Justice.

Everyone was stunned. This was supposed to be a joint trial by the Three Ministries—why was the Ministry of Personnel involved?

With a courteous smile, Jian Yi explained, “This is the first joint trial since His Majesty’s ascension. As the head of the Ministry of Personnel, it is only natural that I document the proceedings for reference. You need not pay me any mind; a simple note will suffice.”

He said “a simple note,” but who would dare slight such a high official?

A table was promptly prepared for Jian Yi, positioned just so.

No sooner had he sat down than Minister of Revenue Xia Yuanji arrived.

“This is the situation: years of war have caused population flight, rendering the household registers meaningless. Many places must now re-register their citizens, especially scattered women and children, who must be swiftly returned home.”

He had ample reason to intervene.

Then Minister of War Ru Xiang appeared, even more justified, as military affairs fell clearly under his purview.

Before long, what began as a joint trial by three ministries expanded to include six ministries and nine high officials. Apart from Xu Jingchang, the Chief of the Tongzheng Office, all were present.

An immense pressure, like a mountain, fell squarely on Chen Ying. He glanced around: Prince Han was absent, Duke of Qi Qiu Fu was absent, and he stood alone against so many senior ministers.

Even with a thousandfold courage, Chen Ying dared not misrepresent the facts.

Within a day, the case was thoroughly investigated.

It was confirmed that Captain Wang Qin had forcibly taken the wives of soldiers under General Sheng Yong’s command; Sheng Yong had rightly helped recover them. Wang Qin, harboring resentment, falsely accused Sheng Yong, which triggered the joint investigation.

Terrified, Wang Qin fled before the trial and was nowhere to be found.

After deliberation, the Three Ministries ordered Wang Qin’s arrest and commanded the military to release the detained women, forbidding any disturbance to the populace.

The verdict was submitted to Zhu Di, who approved it wholeheartedly.

“Bring General Sheng, Marquis of Licheng, to the palace.”

Soon, Sheng Yong arrived at the imperial palace. From afar, he prostrated himself, his head striking the ground repeatedly.

“Your servant pays respects to His Majesty—Long live the Emperor!”

Zhu Di laughed heartily, approached, and pulled Sheng Yong up. Examining the aged general, whose face was deeply lined and weary, he chuckled, “Let bygones be bygones. You have remained loyal to the Great Ming; you are not at fault. Like my nephew, both were deceived by treacherous ministers. Now that the traitors have been punished, will you continue to serve the Great Ming?”

“I am willing, your servant is willing,” Sheng Yong replied candidly. “I am old and foolish. To resist the royal army was my shame. Your Majesty’s magnanimity in sparing me moves me deeply—I pledge my utmost loyalty and service.”

Zhu Di beamed. “Very well. I recall you hold the title Marquis of Licheng. That shall remain unchanged. But you also seem to have held the rank of General of Pingyan?”

Sheng Yong knelt hastily, “Your servant deserves death, death!”

Zhu Di smiled again. “I shall grant you a new title: General Mingwei. How does that sound?”

“I humbly thank Your Majesty for this heavenly grace!” Sheng Yong was truly moved, prostrating with great fervor.

He had believed his fate sealed, expecting no mercy. Instead, not only was he spared, but his title retained and elevated—an embodiment of the Ming’s might, a profound honor bestowed by the Emperor.

“Now I finally understand Your Majesty’s imperial vision: embracing the Nine Provinces and blessing all under heaven. I would give my life to repay this grace,” Sheng Yong said, tears flowing.

Zhu Di offered a few encouraging words before dismissing him.

Shortly afterward, Zhu Di ordered the release of six other generals, including Ping An, still imprisoned. They were to return home temporarily, awaiting future appointments.

Moreover, Zhu Di issued a special decree for Xu Huizu. Though obstinate, Xu Huizu’s loyalty and lineage as a descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan saved him. His death sentence was commuted; instead, he was commanded to build a hut near the Prince of Zhongshan’s tomb, to observe mourning and reflect on his misdeeds.

“Young Master, the Duke has finally emerged from the death cell. The Duke lives!” Xu Yi, one-eyed, wept, deeply moved. He had seen Xu Jingchang enter government service but had heard nothing of Xu Huizu’s fate, suspecting his uncle was forsaken.

Yet he had not expected that the handling of the Sheng Yong case would rescue Xu Huizu from death. The precise details eluded Xu Yi, but he surmised that the Young Master must have exerted great effort.

Xu Jingchang understood clearly that Zhu Di used the Sheng Yong case to win over former generals of the Jianwen regime and consolidate the old supporters of the Huai West nobility.

Releasing Xu Huizu was only natural and not cause for undue excitement.

“Xu Yi, have you prepared the tent, pots, pans, and such as I instructed?”

Xu Yi was momentarily startled but quickly replied, “All is ready. Shall I go fetch the Duke...?”

“Why fetch him?” Xu Jingchang said. “He still carries the weight of guilt. Convey my orders—no one is to visit his residence without permission.”

Xu Yi was taken aback but obediently nodded.

Though Xu Huizu lived, it was clear that Xu Jingchang held the reins of the Xu family.

Xu Yi obediently went to issue the order.

Xu Jingchang silently reflected: his uncle was safe, Sheng Yong was safe, and with Wang Qin’s testimony held back, he had subtly restrained Qiu Fu’s ambitions. This accomplishment warranted some satisfaction.

Perhaps he should go fishing to ease his mind… Just as he picked up his fishing rod to leave, Xu Yi suddenly returned.

“His Majesty has arrived—he’s come with Master Yao.”

Why was Zhu Di back again?

He put down the rod and went to receive the Emperor.

Upon meeting, Zhu Di wore a dark expression. “Xu Jingchang, do you know your crime?”

Xu Jingchang was slightly taken aback. “Your Majesty, what crime have I committed?”

“What crime? You dare ask me? Where is Wang Qin’s confession? Why have I not seen it?” Zhu Di said angrily. “Don’t tell me you failed to capture Wang Qin!”

Xu Jingchang rolled his eyes and glanced at the calm old monk nearby. Denial was futile.

“Your Majesty, I handed the confession to Duke of Qi Qiu Fu,” Xu Jingchang said calmly.

Zhu Di sneered coldly. “Good, you admit it. Since ancient times, the greatest evil is factional collusion. You concealed crimes for Qiu Fu—what punishment do you think you deserve?”

Xu Jingchang was momentarily stunned but quickly replied, “Your Majesty, I am wronged. I acted in accordance with your wisdom, unwilling to harshly punish meritorious ministers right after the Jingnan campaign, fearing court chaos. Your Majesty’s sagacity should understand my intentions. We preserved the Marquis of Licheng and curbed others’ arrogance—both sides benefited. I have merit, no fault.”

Zhu Di was momentarily speechless. Indeed, this outcome was his greatest hope.

Master Yao Guangxiao cleared his throat. “Chief Tongzheng, there is a saying: the grace of the sovereign is the source of all mercy. Regardless, this matter should be decided by His Majesty personally. Yet you bypassed the Emperor and privately dealt with Duke of Qi. If you can do this, I fear what mischief you might cause in the future.”

Xu Jingchang was furious—after all the ribs and wine he had shared, here was the old monk striking when he was down!

“Your Majesty, the plan to arrest Wang Qin was Master Yao’s idea. He instructed me to approach Duke of Qi; I knew nothing else.”

Hearing this, Yao Guangxiao laughed heartily. “Young Marquis, you are quite the rogue. I told you only to monitor Duke of Qi’s residence. Beyond that, I said nothing. If you wish to accuse me, you’ll need solid proof in black and white.”

Without proof, accusations mean nothing.

Xu Jingchang gritted his teeth. “Master Yao, do you think I left no backup? Though I gave the confession to Duke of Qi, Wang Qin is still in my hands. I can hand him over to Your Majesty now for interrogation. Then Duke of Qi’s crimes will be clear.”

Zhu Di pondered briefly. “Hand Wang Qin over to me, but do not speak of this matter again. Our immediate priority is recovery and replenishing the treasury. As Chief Tongzheng, you must not shirk your duties or engage in trickery. Apply your intelligence to proper work.”

Having given his orders, Zhu Di had Wang Qin escorted away in haste, as if his sole purpose was to exact punishment on him.

Xu Jingchang thought for a long while, vaguely understanding the Emperor’s intent but powerless to intervene.

The next day, at the Tongzheng Office, Xu Jingchang summoned Wu Shan and gave him several instructions. Wu Shan’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Is this really appropriate?”

Xu Jingchang chuckled, “What’s inappropriate? His Majesty demands all ministries work diligently. We follow the sacred will—that’s only right. If anything goes wrong, I will bear the blame. What have you to fear?”

Wu Shan nodded, thinking that if Xu Jingchang takes responsibility, he had nothing to fear.

The following day, when other ministries sent memorials and reports to the Tongzheng Office, they found sheets of paper posted among their stacks.

On them were notes: Ministry of Personnel submitted 12 affairs; 11 approved by imperial decree; 3 implemented. Ministry of Revenue submitted 21 affairs; all approved; 5 implemented. Ministry of War submitted 7 affairs; 5 approved; 1 not implemented.

Officials delivering memorials gaped in astonishment. What was the Tongzheng Office’s meaning? How dare they publicly post the progress of each ministry’s affairs?

Who gave them such audacity?

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(End of chapter)