Chapter 50: Be strong without desire
Xuzhou Prefecture Government Office.

Fu Bisheng, who was brainstorming, suddenly thought of something.

"and many more!
Marquis Fu'an is a disciple of the royal Zhu family!

Zhao Yugang attributed the assassination of Marquis Fu'an to the Wudang Sect.

Once the assassination of Marquis Fu'an by Wudang is confirmed, the first to join the Wudang party will not be the Zhao family, but the Zhu family!

Could it be that Lord Zhao Yuguang's purpose in doing this is to intensify the conflict between the royal Zhu family and the Wudang sect?
What good would it do to him and the Zhao family if the conflict between the Wudang sect and the royal Zhu family intensified?

The daughter of the Zhao family is already the queen. The Zhao family is already rich and powerful enough in the Ming Dynasty. It can be said that they are second to none and above all other families...

unless…

Unless Zhao Yuguang has greater ambitions!
He was no longer satisfied with being below one clan, but wanted to be truly above all clans...

But, can the Zhao family shake the Zhu family with their power?"

I have thought a lot and far in my life.

The Ming Dynasty emphasized checks and balances!

No, it should be said that all dynasties and all those in power in this world emphasize checks and balances.

Huang Jun, who controls the garrison, is a disciple of Zhao. Although he has now been backstabbed...

But before that, it was almost universally recognized in the Ming court that Huang Jun belonged to the Zhao faction!
Since the commander of the guard who controls the garrison belongs to the Zhao faction, the highest leader of the civil officials, the prefect, cannot be from the Zhao faction. It is best if he is from a faction that is hostile to the Zhao faction.

Xuzhou Prefecture was no exception.

Fu Bisheng is not from the Zhao faction!

Although Xuzhou Prefecture was Zhu Chengwu's fiefdom.

However, the autonomy of the nobility in the Ming Dynasty was not great, and Zhu Chengwu could not participate too much in the governance of Xuzhou Prefecture, let alone interfere in the appointment and dismissal of local officials.

Zhu Chengwu could only enjoy financial support from Xuzhou Prefecture.

The Han Dynasty was the last great unified dynasty in this world and was the final peak of the nobility.

The titles bestowed by the Han Dynasty conferred enormous power over the fiefdoms of vassal states.

It has relative independence not only in administration and finance.

Moreover, he could appoint his own officials within the fiefdom, and could "appoint his own officials" for officials below the rank of two thousand stones within the fiefdom.

In terms of financial revenue, head tax and land rent could also be collected within the fiefdom.

But because of this, during the entire Han Dynasty, the vassal states did not have much time to be at peace.

It even led to wars among warlords and a three-way struggle for supremacy...

Although after that, no dynasty could unify the world.

The dynasty was forced to be downgraded to a dynastic dynasty.

Although its status was lowered, the Han Dynasty's mistakes were used as a lesson for several subsequent dynasties.

After learning from their lessons, several subsequent dynasties imposed various restrictions on enfeoffment of vassal states.

Continuously reduce the authority of the nobles within their fiefdoms.

During the Ming Dynasty, the Zhu family further strengthened the centralization of power and issued strict orders that the nobles were not allowed to interfere in local political and military affairs within their fiefdoms, leave their fiefdoms without permission, and make friends with local officials.

Eventually, a situation was formed in which "the various vassal states of the Ming Dynasty were granted fiefs but not land, given titles but not ruling over the people, and ate salaries but did not govern the country."

Zhu family descendants like Zhu Chengwu were granted titles, but in fact they were just breeding pigs raised by the Zhu family using their fiefdoms.

Even so, the central government cannot be completely at ease.

After all, the emperor is far away, and who knows whether the fiefdom will collude with others in the fiefdom, raise troops behind the back of the central court, or play tricks!
Therefore, the central court would usually send people to the fiefdom to monitor it.

This kind of situation will not change fundamentally just because Zhu Chengwu is trusted and valued by King Ming.

This is the tacit rule and ancestral system of the court and the Zhu family.

The King of Ming couldn't say much or interfere!
Otherwise, it would be considered that King Ming was planning to reinstate the crown prince.

However, although the current King Ming likes Zhu Chengwu, he does not like him enough to re-establish him as the crown prince.

King Ming just wanted to train Zhu Chengwu to become another master of the Zhu family.

The financial support from Xuzhou Prefecture was enough for Zhu Chengwu to practice martial arts and live a wealthy life.

Therefore, the surveillance and checks and balances Zhu Chengwu was subject to did not decrease.

On the contrary, Zhu Chengwu faced stricter surveillance because of his trust in King Ming and his status as the legitimate son of the current King Ming and the eldest son of Queen Zhao.

In particular, Zhu Chengwu had the support of the Zhao family behind him, and the highest leader of the Xuzhou garrison - the Wei commander - was from the Zhao faction.

Therefore, the central court carefully selected Zhu Chengwu and Xuzhou Prefecture, and finally sent an outstanding talent.

That person was Fu Bisheng, the prefect of Xuzhou.

In Xuzhou Prefecture.

Fu Bisheng's primary task was to monitor Zhu Chengwu, Marquis of Fu'an, and to check and balance the commander of the guards.

The second thing is to govern Xuzhou Prefecture well.

Fu Bisheng's job was to monitor Zhu Chengwu and check and balance officials from the Zhao faction, so Fu Bisheng must not be from the Zhao and Zhu Chengwu faction.

Therefore, Fu Bisheng would think more when he knew that Zhao Yugang was blaming Wudang Sect for the assassination of Zhu Chengwu!

And think too much about the worst possible scenario.

The worst thing didn't happen, it was just a accusation of worrying too much!

However, he did not expect that the fastest possible situation and reporting of the worst situation would lead to the central court questioning his ability or loyalty.

Which is more important?

How could Fu Bisheng not know!

How can we better protect ourselves?
I have learned a lot from my life.

An official who cannot protect himself cannot and will not do well a job like Fu Bisheng, which is to go deep into the other party's territory to monitor and check and balance the other party.

"My Lord, my Lord~

Oh no!
Lord Zhao..."

Just as Fu Bisheng continued to brainstorm in his mind, another hurried voice sounded, accompanied by hurried footsteps.

When the person approached, it was Li Jia Qilinzi who was still there. He was the constable from the government office who first came to report to Zhao Yugang that Huang Jun had been arrested.

"Why panic?

Don’t you see that Lord Fu is thinking about something?

Did Lord Zhao bring Wu Longyuan and Huang Jun to the government office?"

Liu Zhengyi stopped the hurried constable and asked.

“Uh~~
Chief Constable Liu, do you all know about this?"

The anxious constable stopped his hurried steps and looked at Liu Zhengyi in surprise.

Then, the constable saw Old Li standing beside him with his head lowered.

"No matter how hard you try, you are still a step behind~"

The moment he saw Old Li, the constable understood everything.

Someone has taken the report!
“Sure enough, there were no surprises!
It’s time to strengthen the training of these detectives!
The speed of delivering the message was even slower than that of an old servant.

I really shouldn't expect them to bring any new news or surprises!"

Liu Zhengyi looked at the silent constable, feeling dissatisfied and cursing inwardly.

Although Liu Zhengyi was nominally under the leadership of the prefect Fu Bisheng.

But just like Zhu Chengwu's previous life, a strong deputy may not necessarily be submissive to the principal.

What's more, this world is a world of martial arts, and Liu Zhengyi is a top-notch martial artist with great power all his own.

For his whole life, Liu Zhengyi was able to maintain outward respect, which was already a sign of great prestige in the Ming court.

The secret power struggle between Liu Zhengyi and Fu Bisheng has never stopped.

Naturally, Liu Zhengyi was very dissatisfied that the policeman who brought the news lost to Fu Bisheng's old servant in terms of speed this time.

You must know that the constables are an important force used by the government to maintain public order and are a violent agency of the Ming Dynasty.

But now he lost to the old servant of the prefect Fu Bisheng in terms of speed in reporting news.

How can such constables maintain public order and protect the people?

Isn't this a slap in the face of Liu Zhengyi?

Isn't this saying that the team of detectives under his leadership, Liu Zhengyi, is not very strong in combat?
"When encountering the slightest incident, he always looks flustered, which is not at all like the demeanor of our patrol department!

And the speed is so slow!
I’ll deduct half a month’s salary from you!

Also, go find Lao Liu for more practice!

If you don't run three hundred miles, you won't get your salary next month!"

The subordinate was outdone by Fu Bisheng's old servant in the areas where he should have had an advantage, and Liu Zhengyi was getting angrier the more he thought about it.

So ordered.

"what?"

The detective who reported the news did not expect that not only did he ruin this opportunity to show off, but it also affected his salary.

Immediately, he looked at Liu Zhengyi with a bitter, surprised and pitiful face.

It seemed as if he was asking Liu Zhengyi if he had heard it wrong! It also seemed as if he was asking Liu Zhengyi to take back his decision!

"how?

Dissatisfied!
If you don’t agree, just hold it back!
If you still refuse to obey, you will leave the police team!"

Not only did Liu Zhengyi not take back his order, but he said so in a firm tone.

This is the "official" of this world!
Their power and authority are far greater than the official position Zhu Chengwu held in his previous life.

The government office is ruled entirely by the chief officer!
For example, Liu Zhengyi now has absolute leadership over the constables and captains of the Patrol Police Department.

The chief official of a yamen can easily decide the future and fate of the officials under his command.

"Clothes!

clothes!
How could I not accept it? "

Seeing that Liu Zhengyi was angry, the police officer who reported the news hurriedly replied with a grin.

Trying to end the topic here.

Half a month's salary is a pity, but it is far less than the skin on my body!
The detective who brought the news did not want to leave the detective team.

Although the constable is not an official, he is just a clerk.

But after all, they are paid by the emperor!

The power, status and treatment are much better than those of the common people who beg for food on the land.

And since you’re on the government payroll, it’s easier to find a partner!
Recently, many matchmakers have come to my house to propose marriage to the police who reported the incident!

The informant is being selected now!

At this critical moment, the informant does not want to lose his life.

Otherwise, if the matchmakers knew about this, the people they introduced would definitely be downgraded...

Just like Zhu Chengwu was a civil servant in his previous life.

The inside is not thick, but it looks great.

"All right!
Chief Constable Liu, now is not the time to be angry and teach your men a lesson!
The most important thing now is to figure out what exactly Lord Zhao is trying to do..."

Fu Bisheng's train of thought was interrupted by the conversation between Liu Zhengyi and the detective who brought the news, and he stopped thinking.

He turned and said to Liu Zhengyi.

Fu Bisheng's interruption inadvertently helped the constable who reported the news out of trouble.

The detective who reported the news took this opportunity to stand aside and imitate Old Li, watching his nose with his eyes and his heart with his nose, pretending to be dead.

Dare to come and report the news, and strive for the opportunity to show off in front of Liu Zhengyi.

The constable who reported the news was actually a very smart man.

It’s just that he was inferior to Old Li in terms of the speed of reporting the news!
“What’s so hard to guess?

Didn’t Lord Zhao say that?

He is seeking justice for Marquis Fu'an!"

Liu Zhengyi didn't care about the thoughts and worries in his life.

Even Liu Zhengyi didn't think about whether there was any deeper meaning behind Zhao Yuguang's actions.

This does not mean that Liu Zhengyi is not as smart as Fu Bisheng, but a reckless man who can only use his hands but not his brain.

But Liu Zhengyi and Fu Bisheng have different positions.

Fu Bisheng was given the task by the court to monitor Zhu Chengwu and check and balance Huang Jun, a disciple of Zhao.

But Liu Zhengyi was an official who grew up in Xuzhou City.

He is a native local.

The reason why Liu Zhengyi was able to serve as the co-magistrate of the government office and the chief constable of the patrol department was not because of his background or backing, but because of his top-notch military force and the support of local forces in Xuzhou City.

Liu Zhengyi can be said to be the spokesperson for the local forces in Xuzhou City.

If you want to divide into factions!
Fu Bisheng belongs to the outsider school, while Liu Zhengyi belongs to the local school.

This is also the reason why Liu Zhengyi and Fu Bisheng can never see eye to eye.

Although the Ming Dynasty emphasized the use of temporary officials.

But we cannot allow the local government to be without a single official who understands the local situation.

Therefore, the itinerant officials of the Ming Dynasty were actually just a necessary requirement for the chief official of a place.

Deputy positions can still be held locally.

But if you want to become a full-time employee, you have to leave your local area and go to another place!

No matter what Zhao Yugang wants to do!
Given Zhao Yuguang's status and the suspects he pointed out, it doesn't seem like they are targeting the local forces in Xuzhou City.

So, Liu Zhengyi naturally didn't bother to think too much.

In addition, targeting also depends on the object and status.

As for these forces in Xuzhou City, Liu Zhengyi did not think that they were worthy of being plotted against or targeted by Zhao Yuguang, the master and pillar of the court.

In that case, why is Liu Zhengyi thinking too much and meddling in other people's affairs?

Wouldn't it be better to use our energy to protect the interests of local forces and fight bravely against outsiders?
This is what is called the butt determines the head!

"Captain Liu, how can the eggs remain intact when the nest is overturned?
The attitude of a top figure may be an unbearable burden for those below him!

I have to guard against it! "

Fu Bisheng has worked with Liu Zhengyi for so many years, how could he not know what Liu Zhengyi is thinking now.

Therefore, Fu Bisheng directly pointed out the dangers that the local forces in Xuzhou City might encounter.

"Master Fu, you've already said that Lord Zhao is a top figure!
What are people like this going to do? Is it something that people like us can change or resist?

It would be better to take a good rest, gather your energy, and wait for Lord Zhao to make his move!"

Liu Zhengyi was not fooled at all.

He paid no attention to the signal of cooperation revealed in Fu Bisheng's words.

Liu Zhengyi, who had personally experienced the rebellion of Xuzhou Hou Zhu Xingyun for more than 30 years, had long decided not to get involved in the game between top figures and top forces.

Especially the struggle for the throne within the Zhu royal family.

More than 30 years ago, Liu Zhengyi was still young.

But there are also memories.

In Liu Zhengyi’s young memory, after the failure of Xuzhou Hou’s rebellion, the entire Xuzhou Prefecture was slaughtered!
It can be said that Liu Zhengyi and the Liu family to which Liu Zhengyi belongs both rose from the blood and flesh of the fallen forces in Xuzhou Prefecture at that time.

Liu Zhengyi didn't want him and his Liu family to become the resources for the rise of latecomers so quickly.

At this age, I’m in my 40s and almost 50.

Liu Zhengyi had long lost hope of making further progress in martial arts and becoming a master.

In terms of official position, Liu Zhengyi was satisfied with the position of Tongzhi and Chief Constable of the Patrol Bureau.

It won’t go any higher!
And once he is promoted again, he will have to leave Xuzhou Prefecture.

This is not what Liu Zhengyi, who is almost 50 years old and nostalgic for his family, expected.

Liu Zhengyi now just wants to protect the Liu family, watch the children of the Liu family grow up, work safely until retirement, and then smoothly transfer the burden on his shoulders to the next generation of the Liu family.

That way, Liu Zhengyi would be satisfied!

Other things!

Liu Zhengyi didn't want to interfere and didn't want to interfere.

This was also the common mentality of many heads of large shoe-wearing families in the Ming Dynasty.

Just like Cui Zongji of the Cui family.

As for the numerous alliances, confrontations, and bargaining with Fu Bisheng, Marquis Fu'an, and the garrison Huang Jun, they were only to protect and fight for the interests of the Liu family and the local forces in Xuzhou City.

Unfortunately, Zhu Chengwu's assassination before his wedding broke the peace of Xuzhou Prefecture that had existed for many years, and also disrupted Liu Zhengyi's plan for a peaceful retirement.

Especially with the sudden appearance of Zhao Yuguang, Liu Zhengyi completely lost control and prediction of the future development of the situation in Xuzhou Prefecture.

But precisely because of this, Liu Zhengyi would not easily get involved in Zhao Yuguang's possible plans.

Fu Bisheng once said it well: the attitude of a top figure may be an unbearable burden for those below him.

A slight flap of wings by a top figure may be like a violent storm to those below.

So, in order to avoid being blown into the sea by the storm and drowning.

Liu Zhengyi will only stand on the side of the winner.

Whoever wins, Liu Zhengyi will be on his side!

Wanting Liu Zhengyi to intervene and place bets in advance... wishful thinking!
Liu Zhengyi is already satisfied with the Liu family and his own current situation!
There is no need to rely on others to climb higher.

You don’t have to go any further, but nothing can happen.

This is the bottom line that Liu Zhengyi has now drawn for himself.

Liu Zhengyi only needs to not object to the orders issued by his superiors.

As for who sits in that position?

For Liu Zhengyi, he doesn't care.

Perhaps, this is what Zhu Chengwu meant by "being strong without desire"!
(End of this chapter)