Chapter 10: The Ming Dynasty, Not an Inch of Land to Lose

Chapter 10: The Ming Dynasty—Not an Inch of Land to Spare

The leaders of the Duoyan Third Guards were all veterans who had fought alongside Zhu Di during the Jingnan Campaign. They charged into battle shoulder to shoulder with the generals, shedding blood together to bring the Fourth Prince to Yingtian.

Thus, their demand to claim the Daning Commandery was difficult to refuse. At least from the perspective of the Jingnan nobility, it was a reasonable and justifiable request.

Turning to the civil officials, Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji, both former vice ministers who had just been promoted to ministers, lacked the status and seniority to contend with the newly risen Jingnan nobles.

Because of this, all eyes turned to Xu Jingchang. What exactly have you done, you brat? In just three days, you’ve turned brothers-in-arms into enemies wielding blades against each other. How do you manage to stir up such chaos, just like Shen Gongbao?

“Xu Jingchang, come forth,” Zhu Di commanded.

Caught off guard by having the spotlight on him, Xu Jingchang replied calmly, “Your Majesty, I am here.”

Zhu Di snorted, “I tasked you with handling the matter of the Duoyan Third Guards. How exactly did you resolve it?”

With a genial smile, Xu Jingchang answered, “Naturally, Your Majesty, I dealt with it impartially, without any private bias.”

“Then why did they end up fighting?” Zhu Di pressed further.

“That, Your Majesty, I do not know. Perhaps they are simply quarrelsome by nature,” Xu Jingchang shrugged.

Zhu Di sighed and turned to the others. “Tuo Luhucha’er, you speak first. What really happened?”

This old relic from the Yuan dynasty, panting heavily, said, “Your Majesty, Xu Tongzheng said the Daning Commandery was given to us to live in, but not to govern. I truly do not understand his meaning.”

Zhu Di shot a sharp glance at Xu Jingchang. “Are you playing with words?”

Xu Jingchang hurriedly explained, “Your Majesty, you wrong me. It was they who said that Your Majesty agreed to let them pasture horses within the Daning Commandery’s territory. That was not my own statement.”

Nodding, Zhu Di asked, “If that is so, why then did you say they cannot govern it themselves?”

Xu Jingchang smiled, “Your Majesty, the principle is simple. For example, I have a residence in the capital, where I keep my servants and guards. The estate belongs to me, but I cannot just close the gates and declare myself king, can I?”

Zhu Di frowned. “What you describe is rebellion — a heinous crime!”

“Exactly! I was merely illustrating the point. The Duoyan Third Guards may reside in the Daning Commandery, but they must not act as they please. Their land and the territory of the state are two different matters and must not be confused.”

Xu Jingchang’s words were sharp. Jian Yi immediately stood up, “Your Majesty, I believe Xu Tongzheng’s reasoning is sound. Throughout history, vassal lords and local commanders have always accepted imperial investiture. The phrase ‘All under Heaven belongs to the king’ embodies this principle.”

Behind Jian Yi, Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Revenue, also rose. He was stout and prosperous-looking, and upon speaking, grasped the crux of the matter.

“Your Majesty, the Daning Commandery was originally imperial territory. Even if the commandery is relocated inward, at least one or two officials should remain. It cannot simply be abandoned.”

With their backing, Zhu Di’s expression softened and he continued, “Xu Jingchang, is this your intention?”

“Exactly, Your Majesty,” Xu Jingchang replied. “The commandery may be relocated, and troops withdrawn, but a governor and a market superintendent must be appointed. The governor oversees important ceremonies and conveys imperial orders; the superintendent manages trade between both parties. Furthermore, the commanders of the three guards should be grouped together, rotating annually as the chief commander to ensure fairness. I have considered this carefully; such an arrangement is fair and reasonable. If Your Majesty finds fault with me, then I shall resign. I can no longer serve as Tongzhengshi.”

Xu Jingchang’s temper flared. Court affairs were too troublesome. Clearly acting for the country and the people, yet being misunderstood. Perhaps it was better to go home, fish, and listen to music.

As for those so-called Nine Ministers? Toss them aside like old shoes.

No need for them!

After hearing Xu Jingchang’s proposal, everyone nearly fainted—even the warriors like Qiu Fu and Zhu Neng understood. Such arrangements were bound to ignite conflict. Setting up a market superintendent to oversee trade was natural, but appointing a governor was tantamount to installing a retired emperor. There was no way the Third Guards would accept that.

Even more absurd was Xu Jingchang’s suggestion that the three guard leaders take turns serving as chief commander, one year each. How could they agree to that?

Qiu Fu frowned and muttered, “Your Majesty, state affairs are no joke and must not be left to reckless juniors.”

Calling himself a junior?

Are you that old?

Xu Jingchang rolled his eyes and sneered, “You are Duke Qi, Qiu Fu, right? When my grandfather, the Prince of Zhongshan, led troops on the frontier, what was your position then?”

Qiu Fu’s face flushed. “I was a hundred-household commander under the Prince of Yan back then.”

“Oh, just a hundred-household commander!” Xu Jingchang laughed. “So, Duke Qi, your current merits stem from the Jingnan Campaign?”

“That is common knowledge,” Qiu Fu replied with a grunt.

Xu Jingchang remained unfazed. “My father also contributed greatly during the Jingnan Campaign and lost his life because of it. Your Majesty is well aware. Duke Qi, although I am a junior, I ask you to show some respect, for the Xu family’s sake, and in memory of my grandfather and father. Otherwise, if you call my words childish nonsense, then present a better plan. If you cannot, I will impeach you for endangering the nation!”

Xu Jingchang’s words startled many.

Who was Qiu Fu?

With Zhang Yu dead, he was the most prominent living Jingnan noble, ennobled as Duke Qi with hereditary prestige and immense power—second only to Zhu Di himself in Yingtian.

With his support, Zhu Gaoxu dared to vie for the crown prince’s position.

And now, someone young and new in office had the courage to openly oppose Duke Qi. Who gave him such nerve?

But upon considering Xu Jingchang’s pedigree, the crowd fell silent.

This boy was formidable. Grandson of Xu Da, son of Xu Zengshou, a founding hero and Jingnan veteran, nephew to Empress Xu, and a genuine imperial relative.

Now serving as Tongzhengshi, one of the Nine Ministers, if he didn’t dare confront Qiu Fu, then Qiu Fu would be invincible indeed.

Qiu Fu also knew Xu Jingchang well. Among other things, it was Xu who had thwarted Zhu Gaoxu’s ambitions, causing him to suffer defeat at Zhu Di’s hands and lose hope of becoming crown prince.

And now Xu dared threaten to impeach him. This brat truly did not know his place!

“Out of respect for the Xu family, I will not be rash. But if you want me to speak plainly, it’s simple. The Duoyan Third Guards are the shield of the Ming, guarding the southern desert and resisting the Tatars. As border defenders, their leaders deserve generous grants and pasture lands so that each of their three divisions may live in peace and protect the Ming... Xu Tongzheng, do you understand? This is how great men act.”

Qiu Fu’s face wore a contemptuous smile. The generals behind him nodded, and Zhu Neng smiled broadly—this was the demeanor and vision of a true general.

This was mature governance.

Brother Qiu was commendable; Xu Jingchang’s foolish plan was nonsense.

Zhu Di remained composed and looked at Xu Jingchang. “You speak. Is Duke Qi right or not?”

Xu Jingchang smiled. “Your Majesty, I do not presume to judge Duke Qi’s words. I only wish to ask Your Majesty: Does the Emperor desire merely temporary peace on the frontier?”

Zhu Di’s expression grew serious. “Is peace not desirable? What do you mean?”

“Your Majesty, Duke Qi’s grand words can indeed bring temporary peace to the border. But is that enough? The Daning Commandery was won by countless soldiers’ bloodshed. My grandfather, the Prince of Zhongshan, led many northern campaigns; Your Majesty also fought fiercely before the Jingnan Campaign. Such hard-won land cannot be abandoned lightly. The Daning Commandery may be relocated, but an official must be appointed to symbolize Ming’s continued rule. How the three guard leaders are selected, who represents Ming in governing this land—there must be clear rules.”

Xu Jingchang snorted coldly. “The Daning Commandery is no wild frontier but Ming’s rightful territory. In my opinion, the most important matter is not mere peace, but territorial integrity and eternal stability. Though vast, Ming has no surplus land.”

“In short: The Ming realm—every inch of land must be fought for! To preserve territorial integrity, we shall fight to the last drop of blood!”

He turned to Qiu Fu with solemn righteousness. “Duke Qi, as a military man, you are duty-bound to defend the land. Tell me, do you still think these words childish?”

Qiu Fu was dumbfounded and speechless. Nothing could be more correct.

The most moved was Zhu Di. These words struck straight to his heart. The Jingnan Campaign had just succeeded, and many doubted his throne. He would prove by strength that he was the finest son of his father and the rightful heir to the Ming dynasty!

“Xu Tongzheng’s words are profound and wise,” Zhu Di declared loudly. “This realm was left to me by my father. I inherit the great mandate and shall illuminate the nation and its people. The Ming dynasty shall not lose an inch of land, not a single inch!”

At the emperor’s solemn proclamation, Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji were the first to respond, shouting in unison, “Long live our enlightened emperor!”

(End of chapter)