Chapter 32: The Emperor's Divine Sword

"The money collected is to be distributed to the officials? When did I ever agree to that?"

Zhu Di’s face was dark. At a time when funds were most desperately needed, this kid, Xu Jingchang, dared to be generous with the imperial treasury? Zhu Di was furious. It was clear that even he had been offended.

Fortunately, due to Empress Xu's prior instructions, Zhu Di refrained from throwing a tantrum. *I shall just sit quietly and watch you all put on this performance,* he thought.

At this moment, Jian Yi, the Minister of Personnel, stepped forward. He did not want the other officials to bicker with Xu Jingchang; if things turned ugly, it would be difficult to resolve. It was better for him to handle it, as he could gauge the proper boundaries.

"Administrator Xu, the salaries of the hundred officials were set by the founding Emperor Taizu. They cannot be changed at will."

Xu Jingchang replied, "Exactly. That is why I am not proposing an increase in base salary, but the issuance of subsidies. For example, the cost of living in Yingtian is quite high, so we could issue an 'Yingtian Subsidy' specifically for officials stationed in the capital. If grain prices become too high, we can issue food subsidies. For officials over thirty who need to support families, we can provide housing subsidies."

"Oh, and there are the Hanlin scholars. They are the cream of the crop, with exceptional imperial examination results, yet their ranks are low and their incomes are meager. We could provide them with academic subsidies. Furthermore, those who have served the country faithfully for years without a single error could receive loyalty subsidies."

Xu Jingchang spoke with such eloquence and ease that the officials present felt their hearts race with greed. *Administrator Xu, you look rather dashing today!*

Yang Rong, Xie Jin, and Yang Shiqi—those cabinet members who had risen through the Hanlin Academy—flushed with excitement upon hearing about the academic subsidies. It was not just about the money; it was about dignity.

After ten years of grueling study, they had finally climbed the ladder. They wanted the world to know that the books truly contained beauties and houses of gold.

Xie Jin stepped forward immediately. "Your Excellency, I believe Administrator Xu’s words are reasonable. Since ancient times, being a capital official has never been easy. Without the talent of Bai Juyi, how can one find comfort in Chang'an? Without a stable home, how can one serve the country? Instead of letting officials seek wealth through illicit means, it is better for the imperial court to provide subsidies to relieve their worries. This is a reflection of the Emperor’s care for his subjects—the great benevolence of our sovereign."

He was truly a renowned talent of the age; his words were music to the ears.

Jian Yi frowned. "Administrator Xu, even if this does not violate the ancestral teachings, how could all these subsidies be funded by the Jubao Gate tax station alone? Is there really that much money?"

Xu Jingchang smiled. "That is for the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue to weigh. The Ministry of Personnel can poll the officials to see which subsidies are most urgent and estimate the total expenditure. Then, they can discuss with the Ministry of Revenue how much can be squeezed out. Once a consensus is reached, it can be submitted to His Majesty for a final decision."

Jian Yi pondered for a moment. Xu Jingchang’s plan was surprisingly sound and feasible. After considering it further, he addressed Zhu Di: "Your Majesty, four years of civil war have left the people displaced and market prices volatile. Conditions are no longer those of the Hongwu era. I believe it is appropriate to issue these subsidies. If it proves unsuitable, we can always abolish them later."

As soon as Jian Yi finished, Xie Jin immediately stepped forward. "I second this."

After a brief hesitation, many other officials followed suit. Many were lower-ranking officials in blue robes, and eventually, even the Ministers and Vice Ministers felt compelled to step forward and voice their support.

Faced with a unanimous consensus from his court, Zhu Di had little left to say. Even his father had found this situation so headache-inducing that he had been forced to abolish the Central Secretariat.

"Since that is the case, go and deliberate."

Zhu Di added, "Xu Jingchang, the rest of you may leave. You stay behind. The Empress has invited you to a family banquet."

The officials bowed and retreated. Xu Jingchang was left behind, followed by Prince of Han, Zhu Gaoxu. Eunuchs led them to a side hall. Xu Jingchang only had a vague impression of the palace layout.

"This doesn't seem like a place for a banquet."

Zhu Gaoxu, who had been silent until now, finally spoke: "Indeed. This is where I was beaten last time."

Hearing this, Xu Jingchang instinctively turned to flee. But before he could take a step, the tower-like figure of Zhu Gaoxu blocked his path.

"Little cousin, I don’t think you’ll be escaping a beating today. Come inside with me."

The tall and burly Zhu Gaoxu grabbed the still-underage Xu Jingchang as if he were an eagle snatching a chick, dragging him into the side hall. Looking inside, he saw water-and-fire rods leaning against the walls, stained with dark, crusty patches—could those be bloodstains left over from Zhu Gaoxu’s lashing?

*Is this a palace torture chamber?*

Xu Jingchang’s hair stood on end. Just then, a cold voice barked, "Xu Jingchang, you have some nerve! You even dare to touch my money?"

Zhu Di questioned him sternly. Beside him sat Empress Xu, though she didn't look as kind and affectionate as usual.

"What is the meaning of this? It’s one thing to provoke the officials, but why are you provoking His Majesty?"

Seeing that escape was impossible, Xu Jingchang shook off Zhu Gaoxu’s grip. "Your Majesty, I have been wrongly accused! From now on, I will never do anything beneficial for the country or the people again. It’s too exhausting, and it breaks my heart."

Zhu Di laughed in anger. "You convinced me to let you collect taxes, and then you used the tax money to bribe the officials. You’ve turned me into a mere toll collector, and now you want me to be grateful to you?"

Xu Jingchang replied, "Your Majesty, you are wronging me. This matter needs to be broken down carefully."

Empress Xu sighed. "Your Majesty, let him speak. Let’s see if his logic holds up."

Zhu Di nodded. Xu Jingchang began his analysis: "Your Majesty, regarding the policy of allowing officials to bring local goods into the capital, Minister Xia and I discovered that some people were bringing in thousands of taels worth of goods at once. Others would simply let their families carry their nameplates to provide safe passage for merchants. This 'benevolent' policy has long since deviated from Emperor Taizu’s original intent. It has become a fig leaf for capable officials to collude with merchants and reap massive profits, while most mid-to-low-level officials receive very little."

Zhu Di was no fool; he quickly grasped the implications.

"So that is why most officials are supporting your proposal for subsidies? And those who previously profited are afraid to speak out for fear of being accused of collusion with merchants and putting personal gain above the public interest?"

"Your Majesty is brilliant!" Xu Jingchang offered a somewhat insincere compliment.

Zhu Di remained angry. "You’ve explained all that, but I ask you: why be generous with the Emperor’s money?"

Xu Jingchang said, "Your Majesty, tax collection is a task that offends many. If we don’t offer some benefits, everyone—high and low—will oppose it. The covert obstruction alone would be enough to ruin the entire endeavor."

Empress Xu spoke up first: "Your Majesty, Jingchang is right. The salaries of our Great Ming are indeed on the low side. Since you ascended the throne, you have needed to win over the hearts of the people; this is also a benevolent policy."

With Empress Xu’s intervention, Zhu Di’s mood softened considerably. "Even if what you say is reasonable, I cannot have gone through all this trouble for nothing."

"How could it be for nothing?" Xu Jingchang glanced around.

Zhu Di snorted, "Speak. It is secure here."

*You say that, but if word leaks out, it’ll be on you,* Xu Jingchang thought.

"Your Majesty, the Jubao Gate tax station is just the beginning. If it proves feasible, Your Majesty can establish more tax stations at other strategic locations. By then, the officials will have no grounds to object. Moreover, the tax rate is a tool in your own hands. If you want to encourage grain merchants to transport supplies, you can reduce taxes. If you want to suppress powerful clans, you can increase them—robbing the rich to help the poor. In short, this is a divine sword; its mastery lies entirely in your intent."

"I have handed this blade to Your Majesty, yet you suspect me. I am ashamed and indignant. I do not wish to be an official anymore. I beg Your Majesty to grant me retirement."

"You retire at seventy!" Zhu Di replied irritably. "You think you’re the one being wronged, do you?"

"I dare not. The thunder and the dew are both imperial favors! It is only because I lack the virtue and talent that I wish to return home and study in seclusion."

"Absolutely not!" Zhu Di barked. "Don't you even think about running. The duties of the Office of Transmission must be carried out by you."

At this point, Empress Xu coughed. "Your Majesty, only by being clear with rewards and punishments can you win the hearts of your subjects. My nephew has racked his brain for the sake of the court, and yet you still don't understand him. Jingchang is just like his father—the most benevolent and kind-hearted. Oh, my foolish brother!"

Empress Xu’s tears left Zhu Di flustered. "I know, I know all of this. Look at Jingchang—he is already a Marquis of Wuyang, a Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, and a head of the nine ministers. If we promote him any further, it would be inappropriate."

Empress Xu retorted, "If you can't raise his rank, can't you give him some money?"

Zhu Di replied miserably, "You know how poor I am. You’re well aware of that."

Empress Xu pondered for a moment. "I remember Zheng He told you a few days ago that foreign lands admire the wonders of our Celestial Empire. If you send out a fleet to trade, you will surely earn wealth to fill the national treasury."

Zhu Di said, "That hasn’t even been planned yet. There are no ships, no goods. Can’t you wait a year or two? When my hands are less tied, I will bestow a heavy reward upon your precious nephew, won't that suffice?"

Empress Xu nodded. "Fine. Let the child go home. Look at how scared he is—his face is white. Your Majesty, he is your nephew, too."

"Yes, yes, he is ours. Both of ours."