Chapter 156: The poor and corrupt scholar paraded through the streets, hoping to disrupt the Ming Dynasty?
Mingzhou Prefecture.

That is, in the 14th year of Hongwu, in order to avoid the word "Ming" in the country's name.

Zhu Yuanzhang adopted the suggestion of Shan Zhongyou, a scholar from Yin County, and changed the name of the original Mingzhou Prefecture to Ningbo Prefecture.

The name change implies "when the sea is calm, the waves are peaceful", expressing the hope for stability in the sea.

At this time in the Mingzhou government office, Hu Weiyong also arrived at Mingzhou government today.

Of course, this was also because Li Wenzhong was impatient and didn't want to delay his journey.

Otherwise, it would take Hu Weiyong at least eight days just to travel the 800-mile distance.

How can it be shortened in three days?
However, as soon as they arrived at Mingzhou Prefecture, the Jinyiwei followed them.

Because, after receiving the order, the Jinyiwei galloped at full speed overnight, covering 800 miles a day, changing horses frequently, and only then did they arrive at Mingzhou Prefecture as quickly as possible.

At the same time, Wang Danian, the pacification envoy of the Jinyiwei, was once a member of the Jianxiu and is now a fourth-rank official of the Jinyiwei, responsible for suppressing rebellions and handling criminal cases.

So as soon as Wang Danian arrived in Mingzhou Prefecture, he rushed to the government office to pay a visit to Li Wenzhong and Hu Weiyong.

This is also because there are only a hundred Jinyiwei traveling together this time, so if they want to thoroughly investigate eastern Zhejiang and surrounding areas, they must get the support of Li Wenzhong.

He then dispatched troops and arrested all the officials involved in the case of Little Ming King as quickly as possible and brought them back to the capital to await trial.

"Your Majesty Wang Danian pays homage to Prime Minister Hu and Duke Cao."

Wang Danian looked at Hu Weiyong and Li Wenzhong above him, and bowed quickly.

"No need to be polite."

Hu Weiyong did not speak, but just nodded slightly. Instead, Li Wenzhong waved his hand.

In terms of official position, although Li Wenzhong had resigned from the Grand Marshal's Office, the court divided it into the Five Military Marshal's Offices.

Li Wenzhong became the right governor of the Central Military Governor's Office. Although it had not yet been completed, he was also a minister of the first rank in the court.

So in terms of official position, Hu Weiyong and Li Wenzhong were both first-rank court officials.

But Li Wenzhong was not only the right governor of the Central Military Governor's Office, but also a military official who was loyal and devoted to the founding of the country. He was promoted to the rank of Ronglu Doctor, Right Pillar of the State, and Duke of Cao.

Even if we don't mention the title, Hu Weiyong would still be no match for Li Wenzhong even if he smashed his head.

Hu Weiyong naturally understood that Li Wenzhong should be the main person in charge of everything, so it was impossible for him to interfere.

"My Lord, Prime Minister Hu."

"This is a secret letter from His Royal Highness Prince Jin. Please take a look."

Afterwards, Wang Danian immediately stood up, took out a secret letter from his pocket and presented it to Li Wenzhong.

"Mr. Zhengde?"

Li Wenzhong glanced at the secret letter, then looked at Hu Weiyong standing beside him and gestured softly.

"It is better for the Duke to read it in private."

Hu Weiyong simply shook his head.

The first thing Wang Danian said was "Duke", which implied that the letter had to be reviewed by Li Wenzhong.

This is also the implicit rule in the court.

"Ah."

Li Wenzhong nodded slightly and opened the secret letter, but for a moment, his pupils froze slightly.

"Wang Danian, is His Highness investigating the case of Xiao Ming Wang?"

"But wasn't this case closed as early as the first year of Hongwu?"

"Liao Yongzhong also admitted that he over-interpreted His Majesty's intentions."

There was a flash of shock in Li Wenzhong's eyes, and he looked at Wang Danian and asked.

Li Wenzhong naturally knew the hidden meaning in it, but not much. However, Li Wenzhong was also a young and brave man who had achieved success at a young age, so he naturally understood what Zhu Gang meant.

This secret letter was indeed intended for Li Wenzhong to review, but it implicitly expressed that it was intended for Hu Weiyong to know, so he asked this question.

As expected, when Li Wenzhong's voice sounded, Hu Weiyong's expression changed slightly, but it was fleeting and he returned to calm in an instant.

"Your Highness returned to Yingtian Prefecture and met with Deqing Marquis Liao Yongzhong."

"From this, we learned a secret, that is, before Deqing Hou Liao Yongzhong welcomed the young Ming King back, Deqing Hou Liao Yongzhong had met Yang Xian."

"And at that time, Yang Xian was closest to East Zhejiang and Jiangnan."

"So after all the layers of investigation, Your Highness also sensed something was amiss."

"Even if I go to the palace to report to His Majesty, His Majesty doesn't know the inside story, and has never met Yang Xian."

“That’s why the case of Xiao Ming Wang was reopened, and the secret investigation continues to reveal the truth.”

"It was not until a few days ago that the Lu family was executed, and Jiangnan implemented the tax-sharing system, with officials and gentry paying taxes together. Only then did a clue emerge."

"Thus, the truth was revealed, and the officials involved in the case of the Little Ming King were almost all over Zhejiang, Jiangnan, and the capital."

"So His Majesty issued an order and His Highness sent a secret letter, asking us to rush to Zhejiang at night as quickly as possible to meet the Duke and Prime Minister Hu."

Wang Danian explained Xiao Ming Wang's case from beginning to end in the most concise words.

As soon as these words fell, Li Wenzhong's face was filled with anger. He slammed the chopping board heavily and said, "These sons of bitches are really looking for death!"

As for Hu Weiyong, facing the foul-mouthed Li Wenzhong, there was only a hint of thought in his eyes.

The imperial court went to eastern Zhejiang with such fanfare to hunt down the criminals and bring all the officials who committed the crime to justice.

Not only was there no large military force mobilized, but there were only a hundred Jinyiwei.

This is not like the court's working style, and even less like the working style of Jin Wang Zhu Gang.

But in just a moment, Hu Weiyong understood what Zhu Gang meant.

Because Li Wenzhong and Hu Weiyong are now in eastern Zhejiang.

With one being a civil official and the other being a military official, the problems in eastern Zhejiang can surely be properly solved by working together in a relaxed and concerted manner.

In addition, Hu Weiyong claimed to be extremely intelligent, so of course he could figure out the meaning of this.

Moreover, this can speed up the implementation of the land-based tax system and the unified tax payment by officials and gentry.

After all, the most urgent task now is that Hu Weiyong cannot leave the court for too long, otherwise he will definitely lose his prestige and thus lose one-third of his power.

After all, Hu Weiyong could rely on not a mere earl, but the power of the prime minister who had all the power in the world.

But now his confidant Li Jin has ascended to the position of left prime minister, and everyone will have ambition. Once Li Jin's ambition grows, he will begin to think of competing with Hu Weiyong.

Since Hu Weiyong was not in the court, all his arrangements would come to nothing in an instant.

So Hu Weiyong didn't dare to gamble, so he had to return to the court as soon as possible.

"My Lord, the most urgent task is to dispatch a large army to bring these officials who committed crimes to justice."

"And this is also what His Majesty meant, asking us to assist the Royal Guards in handling the case."

"It's a good opportunity to investigate other cases."

Hu Weiyong, who had figured it out, raised his eyes slightly and looked at Li Wenzhong.

"What does Prime Minister Hu mean?" Li Wenzhong narrowed his eyes and asked.

"The imperial court has its own laws. Since they dared to kill the young Ming King, they must have ulterior motives."

"Moreover, they have been entrenched in eastern Zhejiang and are from eastern Zhejiang. Their power is deeply rooted and they will definitely collude with the local gentry and powerful people."

"Then we will use this case to clean up eastern Zhejiang and thoroughly purge the officialdom there. Of course, the surrounding areas cannot be spared either."

"If this is done, the arrogant gentry and powerful people will also be affected. They will not be able to refuse the court's implementation of the land tax distribution and the unified tax payment for all gentry."

"As for rioting, with Duke Cao in charge of eastern Zhejiang, who would dare to have such thoughts?"

Hu Weiyong said with a meaningful smile on his face.

"it is good."

"Then do it in a big way."

Li Wenzhong's eyes flashed with a hidden smile, and he nodded. At the same time, he looked at Wang Danian and said, "Wang Danian, these officials involved in the case of Xiao Ming Wang cannot be handed back to the court."

"You need to give me at least half a month to clean up the mess and punish the gentry and tyrants in eastern Zhejiang."

After saying this, Li Wenzhong looked at Wang Danian again.

"As ordered."

Wang Danian didn't hesitate at all and clasped his fists heavily.

At that time, there was another bloody storm. Even the scholars who were paraded through the streets felt a chill.

Although the weather in eastern Zhejiang was cold at this time, it had not yet snowed, but they still felt a little uneasy.

But they still continued to move forward stubbornly, because asking the gentry to pay taxes together would affect their interests, so they could not accept it at all.

They just wanted the court to compromise, otherwise they would never be able to serve as officials when the imperial examination was restarted.

But this little thought only adds to the laughing stock.

Even in the eyes of ordinary people, there was a flash of hatred.

Of course, it was not that he hated the imperial court, but that he hated these scholars.

It is said that officials should serve the people and put the people in their hearts.

If we want to be a provider of food and clothing to the people, we should be the ones who provide them with food and clothing, not corrupt officials.

But once their own interests are touched, they will jump out instantly, which will of course be despised.

After all, this group of scholars linked themselves to the people while refusing to share responsibilities with the people.

Isn’t this a clear case of double standards?
Moreover, the people in eastern Zhejiang were already familiar with the court's policies. After all, even if Hu Weiyong was not in a hurry, Li Wenzhong was decisive and resolute.

As soon as I arrived at Mingzhou Prefecture today, I had someone pass on the news that the tax rate would be based on the amount of land, and that officials and gentry would have to pay the same tax.

That is why it aroused fierce resistance from the scholars, and behind this, of course, there was the instigation of the gentry and powerful people.

In particular, the scholars who marched today accounted for 70% of the scholars in Mingzhou Prefecture, and their purpose was to give Li Wenzhong and Hu Weiyong a warning.

It was also a resistance and dissatisfaction with the imperial court.

"They really brought trouble to Mingzhou Prefecture."

Naturally, there were some sensible and knowledgeable people on both sides of the street, and they all sighed in their hearts.

Jiangnan has been the seat of literature since ancient times, but how can eastern Zhejiang resist what even Jiangnan cannot do?

Do you think that just a parade can give Li Wenzhong and Hu Weiyong a warning?

Don’t think too much. One of them is good at court affairs, and the other is good at battlefields. They are both among the most powerful people in the Ming Dynasty. Which one of them could be a kind-hearted person?
Therefore, to intimidate these two is nothing more than seeking death, and it will also cut off the future of scholars in Mingzhou Prefecture.

After all, parading these scholars through the streets did not violate any law, and the law does not punish the masses, so they will not be put to death or severely punished.

But the problem is that what Mingzhou Prefecture does today will definitely be reported to the court by Li Wenzhong and Hu Wenyong.

When the emperor got angry, millions of corpses floated on the surface of the water, but this was never a joke.

And look at the people of Mingzhou Prefecture, who doesn’t have hope in their eyes?
It is obvious that the people wholeheartedly agree with the idea of ​​allocating land tax to each household and requiring all gentry to pay taxes.

The court’s intention was very clear, that is, for the sake of the people, it would not care about the scholars at all.

What's more, how can the imperial court not function without a mere scholar?
Don't worry, even if there are no scholars in the world, as long as the people can rise up, the court will still have people to use, and there will never be chaos, and it will be more stable.

"This group of students has been outside the door many times, and their voices of protest are endless."

"It is said that the imperial court wants to chill the hearts of scholars. If this continues, how can the country be stable forever?"

“If there were no scholars, how would the country be governed and how would the people live and work in peace?”

"Damn it, when I couldn't afford to eat, it was all because of these assless scholars."

"The Ming Dynasty was founded not long ago, and there is a lot of work to be done. Instead of being loyal to the country, you are raising the flag to protest?"

"It's all damn damn!"

Li Wenzhong, who was sitting in the government office, listened to the protests outside and suddenly a hint of anger rose in his eyes.

The gentry and powerful people bully the people, and corrupt officials exploit the people.

Which one of them is not from a scholarly family?

But he still worked for the tyrannical Yuan Dynasty and oppressed his fellow villagers endlessly for the sake of fame and wealth.

Let me put it this way, of the people who died in troubled times, half died in war and half died in oppression.

The instigators are these scholars who claim to be superior, moral and righteous.

What’s more, Li Wenzhong had experienced hunger and oppression, and his mother died as a result.

Therefore, Li Wenzhong did not hate scholars, but he hated these scholars who did not take the national interests to heart and instead consolidated their own interests again and again!
For fear of suffering any loss, his definition of the dynasty was always that as long as I could be an official, it didn't matter who was the emperor.

But if there is a conflict with their interests, they can also change the emperor.

This is the prototype of aristocratic families, but it would never be allowed and would never succeed in the Ming Dynasty.

But Li Wenzhong also had to consider the impact, otherwise he would have to arrest this group of scholars and put them in jail today to let them experience how cruel the methods used in prison were.

"My Lord, have someone arrest all the scholars who participated in this parade and put them in jail. Don't let any of them go."

"As for who is stirring up trouble behind the scenes, we must investigate and not let any of them off."

"If we encounter a demonstration, we will be forced to submit, and the court will not have to implement the policy of equalizing land tax and requiring all gentry to pay taxes together."

"In Jiangnan, I can make them behave themselves. Even if there are many scholars in Zhejiang, and no matter how fiercely they resist, I will make them understand."

"The world of the Ming Dynasty will never be a group of scholars. That would break the rules!"

"The law does not punish the masses because they have not shaken the foundation of our Ming Dynasty. But at this moment, they are already causing chaos in our Ming Dynasty."

"Then you must not let me off."

There was a gleam of cruelty in Hu Weiyong's eyes, and he looked at Li Wenzhong and said.

To put it bluntly, Li Wenzhong was higher than Hu Weiyong in both status and official position, but in eastern Zhejiang, the tax rate was based on the amount of land used, and officials and gentry had to pay the same tax.

Hu Weiyong has always been the main figure, with Li Wenzhong as the auxiliary.

(End of this chapter)