Chapter 269: Is it true that the new law will enrich the country, but is it true that the country will be enriched by the looting of homes?
Chapter 269: Is the new law making the country rich? Is it true?
Zhu Houcong stayed at Huaiyin Post.
Since Huai'an is the throat of the canal, how many officials travel between the north and the south?
The Huaiyin Post now consists of one post and two buildings. The one located on the west bank of the canal is the land post; the one located on the east bank of the canal and west of Huai'an City is the water post.
The west bank of the canal is larger in scale. There are five main halls, five back halls, thirteen halls, fourteen side rooms, and fourteen stables... This can accommodate many core personnel accompanying the driver.
With Huang Jin here, there is no need for the original post minister to worry here.
The little messenger doesn't dare to be here at the moment, he has no right to be here.
Outside the inn, Jiang Mian and others were waiting at the Huanghua Pavilion. This Huanghua Pavilion, also known as the Guan Guan Pavilion, is a place specially used to welcome incoming officials. It can be found in larger inns.
Seeing Huang Jin coming out, Jiang Mian took the lead to greet him: "How is Eunuch Huang always doing?"
They are all old acquaintances in the imperial study. After being polite, Huang Jin said: "Your Majesty has ascended to the throne. Please go and see your Majesty."
Walking next to Jiang Mian were the Governor of Water Transport, Cang Feng, and the Chief of Water Transport, Ma Cheng. After that, came the prefects of various prefectures in Southern Zhili.
As for the officials from various ministries and government offices in Nanjing, they are just waiting in Nanjing.
Zhu Houcong met Jiang Mian.
When he was in Beijing, although Jiang Mian was preoccupied, he took good care of himself. In the past few months in South Zhili, he looked a little older and had a weathered look on his face.
After the greeting, Zhu Houcong only said: "Let you magistrates come here, firstly, to see me. Secondly, I want to tell you personally. The purpose of my southern tour this time is to inspect the disaster. I made a special trip here.
The trip to Huai'an took some time, but if you can do a good job in disaster relief after returning, it will be worth it."
When they arrived here after a long journey, the emperor had only these words to give them.
After Jiang Mian waited for them to obey the order in unison, he promised: "Your Majesty is worried about the livelihood of the people, which is actually a blessing to the people of the world. I have inspected many places, and all the governments have taken orders. No one dares not to pay attention to the drought this year!"
Zhu Houcong's eyes swept over them and paused for a moment on several people in turn.
After a while, he said: "Can the prefects of Huizhou, Chizhou, Luzhou and Songjiang know the crime?"
The four people whose names were called trembled visibly, and then knelt down.
Jiang Mian immediately said: "In the past, the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs issued an official document, and then I sent an order to all the governments not to act rashly. The four governments of Huizhou, Chizhou, Luzhou, and Songjiang were still trying to clarify the old mistakes in taxes, and the officials were talking about how to clarify the importance of land.
The creation of the Yellow Book. At this time of severe drought, the people were panicked and at a loss. If the Marquis of Xining and others had not come to suppress it, civil uprisings would have broken out in the four prefectures!"
"... I have observed that the new law in Guangdong is quite effective. I thought that the new law will be implemented and I am eager to make contributions..." Chu Yuanren, the magistrate of Huizhou, knelt on the ground to argue, and then said in a ashamed tone, "I am ashamed that I failed to fully understand the essence of the new law.
Righteousness, there is no way to handle things, which leads to this catastrophe."
He spoke first, and the other three also defended themselves, half aggrieved and half ashamed.
Zhu Houcong didn't speak, just looked at their heads.
Although the other prefects were standing, they lowered their heads and glanced sideways at their heads, their hearts beating wildly.
The atmosphere in the room became increasingly oppressive, and the emperor was silent for ten breaths.
It is very clear what happened. When Liu Zhenyuan went south, he arrested many people in Zhejiang and Nanjing overnight.
Meng Chun and others were ultimately charged with conspiracy.
As for the official document issued by the Nanjing Ministry of Household Affairs in the name of collecting grain taxes from several provinces on his behalf, Jiang Mian then sent a letter to all the prefectures in Southern Zhili to abide by the old system and wait for the court arrangements.
Only these four palaces are still stubborn and stubborn.
Now that they seem to want to be the vanguard and ministers of the new law, how will the emperor deal with them?
There’s already a “knowable sin?”
Zhu Houcong finally spoke: "I remember that I informed the world several times. Five years ago in Jiajing, the new law was only implemented on a trial basis. Now that Shandong has been added for trial implementation, do I have a decree to spread it to other provinces and counties? I also said
However, those who obstruct the new law are considered to be treason. In the name of being enthusiastic about the new law, you act without purpose and do not obey your orders. Among those standing here, kneeling here, including me who is sitting, which one is the fool? I ask you.
"It's about knowing sin, what's your answer?"
"...I have been wronged..." Chu Yuanren continued, "I really just want to share the worries of Your Majesty and the court, and use the new law to calm the people and enrich the country..."
Zhu Houcong chuckled: "Hengyang City has been surrounded on all sides, and the rebels can be defeated with a snap of a finger. Do you think I will worry about the rebellion, or will I worry about the officials being cautious when implementing the new law in the future? Since I am here in person, I am still eloquent, okay.
How brave."
Cui Yuan, Jiang Mian, Yang Tan, Li Hao and others all looked solemn.
Chu Yuanren also raised his head and looked at Zhu Houcong, with a somewhat sad and indignant tone: "I am loyal to the emperor, and if I say that I lack talent, I would be ashamed and unable to defend myself. However, since the new law will be implemented in all provinces sooner or later, I should first widely publicize the essence of the new law and do it."
I’m so prepared, but I really don’t know where the sin lies!”
You can say that I am opportunistic, but you cannot say that I am disloyal.
What Zhu Houcong looked at were the standing magistrates and magistrates.
What the four of them did was indeed not considered a serious crime in the Ming Dynasty officialdom. They were just trying to speculate on new laws for the sake of advancement, which was a bit too aggressive.
Finding out some errors in the previous tax regulations and publicizing in advance that the land will be cleared and the yellow books and fish scale books will be re-created does not mean that the new law has been implemented recklessly.
Even if the new law is really implemented, isn't it a proper new party? Should the emperor praise them for understanding the situation?
Even if he "accidentally" almost provoked a civil uprising, the crime would not lead to death.
But now, Zhu Houcong is overtly saying that he wants to base their actions on obstructing the new law and treating them as conspiracy.
When the new law is implemented in the future, will officials be afraid of using too much force, so they will be inefficient in doing things, and no fault will be regarded as merit?
In a word, does the emperor really want to punish the "pioneers of the new law"?
Zhu Houcong spoke: "The crime is to obstruct the new law. It looks like treason. He will be detained and punished accordingly."
Chu Yuanren looked at him in disbelief, unable to imagine that he would really do this.
Despite their golden words, nothing was changed. Chu Yuanren and the other four people finally couldn't help but curse: "Your Majesty is so unfair. You are not afraid of the world's mouth, and you are not afraid of the glorious public opinions of the Qing Dynasty?"
Zhu Houcong waved his hand, and the four of them were dragged down amidst the curses of "foolish king" and "tyrant".
The emperor's first stop when he arrived in southern Zhili was to kill officials, and he killed "pioneers of the new law" in the name of treason.
"In the past when Xining carried out the reform and the new law was implemented in local areas, how many people used the name of the new law to do things that harm the people and practice this kind of law? The officials and gentry of the world should take this as a warning. I am here to speak to you again today.
In the world, anyone who conspired to obstruct the new law will be regarded as an accomplice and the nine tribes will be punished! Those who are afraid of doing the new law wrongly should study the essence of the new law! Worrying that they are eager for quick success, it is okay to be slower! There is only one thing. In the future, either listen to the court's arrangements and have steps.
Either comply with the new law or simply rebel!"
The other prefects and governors were trembling.
The first time I met the emperor, he was so cruel and domineering.
If I don't let you move, just don't move yet.
The four men of Chu, Yuan and Ren became the new chickens to scare the monkeys, and this time, the emperor really linked whether or not the new law was followed directly with the biggest crime of treason.
Those who obey me will prosper, and those who go against me will perish.
Between the lives of the nine tribes and the interests of the land, the emperor was forcing the officials and gentry of the world to make a choice.
Do we really expect the fire of rebellion to ignite in more places?
Many prefects and prefects in Southern Zhili witnessed with their own eyes how their colleagues celebrated the joys of the Nine Tribes, and then heard the emperor reiterate his current main task - disaster relief.
So there is no doubt that those who fail to provide disaster relief and cause serious disasters will be unforgivable.
The emperor who appeared in southern Zhili was a cruel tyrant, and they left in sweat.
Jiang Mian then said worriedly: "Your Majesty, the prefects of the four prefectures..."
"The driver has already selected four people."
How long ago was it that Meng Chun was arrested? How long ago was it that these things were done in these four prefectures?
Seeing that the emperor had already prepared a way to deal with this matter, Jiang Mian could only look at Yang Tan, who was formerly the Minister of Household Affairs: "There must be many people in various places trying to echo Huguang and start a prairie fire."
Yang Tan sighed: "So it's a crime of treason."
Zhu Houcong looked determined: "This is a trivial matter. If we don't remove more weeds, how can Jiahe come forward? You all know the other major event of my southern tour. Now that we have arrived in Huai'an, you should first discuss the matters of Cao, Huai, and Huang
Well. After I come back from Fengyang and Zuling, Gong Hong should also arrive."
…
Zhu Houcong took his son and three concubines and headed west along Hongze Lake under the escort of Li Quanli.
On Huaiyinyi's side, there is the top lineup to discuss the important matter mentioned by Zhu Houcong.
Li Hao was originally the Minister of Industry, Yang Tan was the Minister of Household Affairs, Zangfeng was the governor of water transportation, and Ma Cheng was in charge of the water army.
The governor of the river, Zhang Zheng, has already been charged. He is absent, but another former governor of the river, Gong Hong, is on his way.
Jiang Mian was the former cabinet minister and now the governor of Southern Zhili.
What they faced was a complicated problem: the Yellow River, the Canal, and the Huaihe River.
It is not only a flood, but it is also related to the economic lifeline of water transportation between the north and the south. It is even related to the subtle relationship between Nanjing and Beijing, and the economic and political center of the Ming Dynasty.
Jiang Mian looked at Cui Yuan: "Brother Cui, does your Majesty have a strategy?"
"...I have never heard of it."
Li Hao sighed: "Let's talk about the simplest thing first, the Huanghuai floods. In the 16th year of Zhengde's reign, a three-year national policy of checking floods and water conservancy was established. This year, each province has sent water patrol censors to initially start cleaning up some small water conservancy projects. Starting next year
, we have to come up with a good solution for the biggest Huanghuai flood problem. This is a major event that will benefit the future. Once it is settled, it will definitely be another century-old national policy in the imperial study."
"Easiest?" Jiang Mian smiled bitterly, "The river government office is not doing its job well, and something like this happened to the canal embankment. His Majesty Long Yan was furious. Zhang Zheng was convicted. He had some corruption, but this was about river management.
, who can have a magic trick?"
"It is difficult to return, so we must discuss it. When His Majesty comes back, will we still be at a loss?"
The task to test the vision, structure, and talents of the important ministers of the Ming Dynasty has arrived.
This is the top problem of the Ming Dynasty. If anyone can solve this problem, it will be true that all families will have Buddhas.
However, if we really want to control the Huanghuai floods, first of all, not to mention that the total investment will be tens of millions of taels of silver and countless labor services, nor will it last for decades, what is the method?
Professionals are needed.
"Zhang Zheng can't do it, I asked him." Li Hao shook his head, "I have been thinking about this problem for several years, and I am still at a loss. I can only mend it. Gong Hong... I'm afraid he can't come up with a solution."
Jiang Mian complained: "Then you still said it's the easiest?"
Li Hao looked at Zangfeng and Ma Cheng: "How about discussing the new law first and then the water transportation?"
Zangfeng and Ma Cheng's eyelids trembled.
The matter of water transportation seems simple, but it involves the most mysterious people's hearts and interests.
In comparison, it is indeed easier to face the Huanghuai Flood that only requires the power of heaven and earth - provided that a feasible method is found.
"... Bo'an has the deepest knowledge of the way of studying things. If he were here, he might be able to speak highly."
When Cui Yuan heard what Jiang Mian said, he shook his head and said: "Sitting here is not an option. In the end, this matter must be learned from everyone's strengths and consulted from all directions. In Huangming University, many offerings are invited from the people. Jianggetai spreads rewards widely.
Well. With a heavy reward, we may get good advice, not to mention that Your Majesty is determined to cure the Huanghuai floods. This is a lasting achievement and supreme good governance."
Jiang Mian nodded: "Then let's announce it to the world in Huai'an first, and then send the announcement to all directions."
Zhu Houcong went south to inspect disasters, including drought and Huanghuai floods.
Although the place he is going to now originally belonged to Huai'an, it has now been placed under the jurisdiction of Fengyang Prefecture, and Fengyang Prefecture went with him.
Next to Hongze Lake and Bad Water, the disaster in Fengyang Mansion was quite serious.
Zhu Houcong couldn't help but think of the "Fengyang Flower Drum" that was widely circulated later: Dao Fengyang, Dao Fengyang, Fengyang is a good place. Since Emperor Zhu came out, there have been nine years of drought in ten years.
This was only spread in the late Ming Dynasty, and at this time, the treatment enjoyed by Fengyang Mansion was different.
As the land of Longxing, the people of Fengyang Mansion are permanently exempted from taxes and servitude.
Not only that, there was also a large-scale construction project to build the central capital, and wealthy households from the south of the Yangtze River were relocated to fill the population of the war-torn Fengyang Prefecture.
But now, Fengyang is no longer the central capital, and its level is still only one.
Although we are exempted from taxes and servitude, why do we still suffer from frequent disasters?
Zhu Houcong's imperial chariot marched on the Huaiyan weir.
"Has it been called Gaojiayan?" he asked.
The prefect of Fengyang who accompanied him immediately replied: "In the past, Chen Xuan, the Bo of Pingjiang, followed Taizong's orders to regulate the river. He opened twenty miles of canals in Jiangpu, diverted the water from Hongze Lake into Huaihe, built four gates, and reinforced the Huaiweir.
Folks now call it Gaojiayan, and its scale is far greater than that of the Huaiyan weir in the past."
Chen Xuan was the actual founder of the canal in the Ming Dynasty and managed the canal for thirty years.
First, he was in charge of shipping. After Zhu Di decided to give up shipping and focus on water transportation, he was also responsible for transporting grain to Beijing.
Now Zhu Houcong said: "Huaiyang today is far less prosperous than it was in the Tang and Song Dynasties, right?"
"What your Majesty said is true. The prosperity of Huaiyang was indeed the most prosperous in the Tang Dynasty, followed by the Song Dynasty. However, after the Yellow River took the Huai River and entered the sea, Huai Yang became farther and farther away from the sea, and secondly, due to the Yellow-Huai River floods, it actually
Let Shandong Linqing catch up from behind. In order to protect water transportation, not only the people of Huaiyang but also Fengyang Prefecture have the convenience of the canal and are far less harmed by the Huanghuai flood."
Zhu Houcong comforted him: "Don't worry, as long as the disaster relief is effective, it will be a success. I am aware of the difficulties in the Huanghuai area."
Behind him, advertisements have been posted in Huai'an City.
Your Majesty is determined to cure the Huanghuai floods and plans for the world.
When the news spread, the first reaction of many gentry was shock.
Counterinsurgency, disaster relief, and flood control, which one does not cost a lot of money?
Your Majesty wants to implement the new law, isn’t it just to save money to make the country rich? Where can you spend so much money?
Then they all thought of the prefects of the four prefectures who had just met them today and were charged with treason, and then they were extremely frightened: Is it true that the new law of enriching the country is false, and that the looting of houses is true?