Guangzong Yaoming

Chapter 395 Loyal Nanjing

While the imperial carriage was lingering in Yangzhou, the impending turmoil in the salt administration system had spread to the nearby south of the Yangtze River.

One piece of news that was not concealed at all was that many local officials and Huaiyang Salt Administration officials submitted memorials when they met the emperor, and they all looked nervous, as if they were awaiting punishment.

Another piece of news that was circulated privately was, of course, that the emperor had arrived in Yangzhou in disguise first, and there was also the Guanyun Tower, which had an even more notorious reputation.

So after the imperial carriage set off again from Yangzhou, the officials in Nanjing became even more nervous.

Especially the Langzhong chief clerk and other minor officials of the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue.

But it's no use, I can only panic, it's really tormenting.

The Yangtze River Navy joined the escort fleet at the mouth of the Yangzhou Canal, and the imperial carriage was only one day away from Nanjing.

It was already midsummer in June, and the officials and people who came to welcome the emperor were waiting at the banks of Mochou Lake outside the Shicheng Gate.

Among them, the first ones were naturally the princes, followed by the Duke of Wei, the Duke of Ning and other meritorious officials in Nanjing, and then the inner court officials such as Cheng Jing and other officials from various departments in Nanjing.

As for the homes of the elders and gentry in the south of the Yangtze River, they are only on the outermost periphery.

Nanjing also has the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the grand procession from Nanjing has already been prepared.

The weather was hot, and everyone was dressed up to welcome us, so they were naturally sweating profusely.

Moreover, the fate of the various government offices in Nanjing was always a huge concern for them, and the enormous pressure of the emperor’s presence made the weather seem even more depressing.

Outside the Shicheng Gate is Mochou Lake, and the Qinhuai River where Mochou Lake is located, from its mouth where it merges into the Yangtze River to the mouth at Shuixi Gate in the south, has now been cleared.

Nanjing needed all kinds of supplies from water transport, after all, the population of Nanjing had exceeded one million at that time. However, the most prosperous civilian ship dock was near Jiangdong Gate, the westernmost part of Nanjing's outer city wall, west of Mochou Lake. They could have just detoured to Shuidong Gate to unload the goods.

It's just an inconvenience these few days.

Nanjing is very special, and the imperial carriage will stay in Nanjing for half a month.

With the news from Yangzhou, the Qinhuai River has lost its former bustle since the day before yesterday, and many places have temporarily closed.

The emperor brought only tension to the city of Nanjing.

It was not until dusk that the warships of the Yangtze River Navy passed through Dinghuai Gate first, and then Qingliang Gate.

Coming down from the warship were Duke Jingguo Yu Zigao and his personal guards.

Before the greetings were over, a dragon boat came into view.

Outside the Stone City Gate, drums and music suddenly sounded, and people on the dock knelt down in unison to welcome them.

Wang Wei stood behind Concubine Shu and Concubine Rong as a little palace maid, staring at the majestic and solemn city of Nanjing with wide eyes.

His Majesty stood on the deck outside with the two princes, standing proudly with his hands behind his back.

My sworn brother and Eunuch Zou were serving on the side.

At the back of the fleet, Wu Yangtao and six others gathered on a boat like little chicks.

They later contacted Eunuch Liu, and the promised silver was exactly what they had paid, and they even collected 20 million taels. Their old men promised the emperor that when the emperor returned to Beijing, they would load all the silver in Yangzhou and ship it to Beijing.

Of course, it would take time to raise such a huge sum of money. The younger ones would go to Guangzhou with the emperor, while the older generation would have to work hard for several months. It was their job to visit as many places as possible and have secret talks with as many people as possible.

Now, Wu Yangtao and others saw so many princes and important ministers kneeling to welcome them, and the whole city of Nanjing bowing their heads in submission. Naturally, they had only one feeling in their hearts: Brothers are on board!
The imperial fleet lined up in a long line on the Qinhuai River, and they had to wait for the dragon boat in front to dock first.

Faintly, one could hear the sound of people cheering "Long live the emperor!", and after a while, the boats behind began to move. In front, gongs and drums were blaring, firecrackers were blasting, and the procession had already begun to move.

Wang Wei’s current identity is a little palace maid. She walks in the team of palace maids, surrounding the sedan chairs of the two concubines as they move forward.

In front, Zhu Changluo stood on a large carriage, looking at the people in Nanjing city lining the streets to welcome him.

This was the grand ceremony prepared by the officials in Nanjing to welcome the emperor.

Nanjing was different from other places. They believed that the people of Nanjing were only kneeling and shouting "Long live the emperor" outside the line of guarding the emperor's personal troops to show their loyalty, and it was not a waste of money and effort.

After all, the emperor had to walk through the streets from the Stone City Gate to the still well-preserved Forbidden City in Nanjing.

Moreover, the emperor should be happy to let the people of Nanjing catch a glimpse of his face and see the holy emperor arrive in Nanjing in person.

The long procession moved slowly from the Stone City Gate. It was still dim in the sky, but the city of Nanjing was already brightly lit, making it look more stable and prosperous.

The imperial carriage entered the Nanjing Imperial City from Hongwu Gate, and then passed through Chengtian Gate, Duanmen Gate, and Wumen Gate to enter the Nanjing Forbidden City.

In terms of area, the Forbidden City in Nanjing is much larger than the Forbidden City in Beijing. The original layout is the same, but it is almost a square, wider from east to west.

After Zhu Changluo entered the Forbidden City in Nanjing, the families of the princes and kings came to welcome him in front of the Fengtian Gate.

"It's getting late. Let's go to the Qianqing Palace first. There will be a family banquet there later."

On the first night, naturally, the emperor and the princes who were still in Nanjing had a banquet.

In the Nanjing Forbidden City, only the three main halls in the front and the two palaces in the back were never visited by the princes. Today, the three main halls and two palaces in the Nanjing Forbidden City, which have been shelved for who knows how many years, finally have their owners again.

When we arrived at the Qianqing Palace, we found that it was naturally different from the Qianqing Palace in Beijing.

Zhu Changluo looked at Cheng Jing and said with a smile, "You have prepared a lot."

"In compliance with His Majesty's order, we no longer need to spend extra money on its maintenance. Now, all the items are donated by the princes."

"It's really difficult for them." Zhu Changluo said, "Get ready. I'll take a bath and change into casual clothes first."

"Yes."

The Forbidden City was bustling with activity today. The manpower was already insufficient, so naturally they were drawn from the various princely courts.

The emperor wanted to give a banquet to the kings, and he summoned many chefs from Nanjing city in advance to prepare.

Cheng Jing had a heavy responsibility, after all, it was the imperial meal, so he couldn't be careless. Although the eunuchs who came with the emperor began to check under Zou Yi's command, Zou Yi certainly had to respect Cheng Jing.

"Your Majesty often says that it is fortunate that Eunuch Cheng is here to guard Nanjing."

Zou Yi was very well-behaved and respectful in front of Cheng Jing.

Cheng Jing glanced at him, then said, "What credit do I have? It's you, after Old Tian and Old Chen left, you were able to subdue so many old guys. It's not easy." "That's all because of your majesty's grace and power. We haven't encountered any big troubles. Loyal people are rewarded, and everyone remembers it. Apart from other things, your majesty never forgets those two ancestors. He arranges for us to go to pay homage to them every year, and our family members and descendants are also well arranged."

Cheng Jing was in a trance for a whole day, and then he sighed and said, "Old Tian and Old Chen are gone, and I am the only one left."

"What are you saying, Eunuch Cheng? I see that you are still in good health. The climate and soil of Nanjing are good for health!"

"Okay, I'll leave everything to you." Cheng Jing said, "Your Majesty has just arrived in Nanjing, so I'll go over and wait for your orders."

"Farewell, Eunuch Cheng." Zou Yi bent down.

Cheng Jing gave some instructions to the personnel he had been responsible for dispatching and arranging, and then went to the Qianqing Palace.

When he arrived at the Qianqing Palace, the emperor was still bathing and changing clothes, so he first went to the Kunning Palace at the back to see how things were arranged there.

Since the Empress was not here, the two concubines naturally could not live in the main hall of Kunning Palace. The rest of the palaces were now occupied by the royal family.

Fortunately, the Kunning Palace in the Forbidden City in Nanjing already has two side halls, and they are now ready.

Over there, the two princes Zhu Youzhu and Zhu Youcai looked at Cheng Jing curiously, and then met Cheng Jing at their mother's instruction, saying that he was a meritorious official when their father ascended the throne.

Cheng Jing did not dare to accept the gift, but just asked the queen to let him know if she needed anything.

After returning to the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Changluo had already changed into his casual clothes. When he saw Cheng Jing, he said, "You previously cut the expenses of the Nanjing Forbidden City, but now you are coming again with great fanfare. Thank you for your hard work."

"I am so happy that I cannot wait." Cheng Jing took a good look at Zhu Changluo, then knelt down with great respect, his voice choking, "When I was in Nanjing, I would drink wine to celebrate every time I heard good news. Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and your demeanor is far better than before. I am so happy that I can see your face in my lifetime!"

"Hurry up." Zhu Changluo walked over to help him up, and looked at him carefully, sighing, "So many years have passed in a flash. Fortunately, you have been guarding Nanjing all these years."

The same words came out of Zhu Changluo's mouth now, but Cheng Jing replied: "This is all due to your majesty's grace and power. I have never encountered any big trouble. Not to mention the ministers such as Shen Wang and Shen, even the minister Zhao, your majesty treats loyal ministers well, and the officials and gentry in Jiangnan know it. I also remember your majesty's admonitions, judging by deeds rather than intentions, as long as they don't really do anything to harm the country and the people, I will just turn a blind eye here. Jiangnan can only be said to have no merits or faults. Over the past few years, my health has been getting better and better. I am ashamed."

"It's a great achievement to take good care of yourself!" Zhu Changluo laughed. "The affairs of Jiangnan are complicated. I have been waging war in Beijing. It's a great achievement for Nanjing to be blameless. Now the kings have lived here for many years. Jiangnan has been living in fear for ten years. I am coming back to reassure them. The loyal ones will be completely relieved, and the disloyal ones will have to give up. I hope you can help me in Nanjing for another ten years. You must take good care of yourself!"

Cheng Jing naturally thanked him first, and then asked, "Your Majesty, how can this disloyal man give up?"

Zhu Changluo walked to the gate of the Nanjing Qianqing Palace, looked at the tables and chairs that had been arranged in the courtyard, then looked further away, and said slowly: "Those who are not loyal will naturally give up when they see so many loyal subjects. For ten years, no one dared to be the first to do so. Now that the situation is so great and the people are united in their will, they will have to give up even if they don't want to."

"Your Majesty is so magnanimous that I admire you." Cheng Jing hesitated for a moment, but still asked, "I dare to think that if all the government offices in Nanjing were changed, Jiangnan would be smooth. However... if they were all the same as Beijing, it would be like changing the soup but not the medicine. If they were all abolished, I'm afraid..."

"I'm afraid it will be difficult to place them. Will it shake the court?" Zhu Changluo turned his head and looked at him. "This is not a difficult matter. The next step is that each province will have to reform its system. There are so many second-rank governors and provincial governors with real power, and it's hard to place them? Of course, that requires their virtue to pass the election."

Cheng Jing had an idea in mind: all the government departments in Nanjing would definitely be abolished.

"Let's talk about the princes first." Zhu Changluo walked back to the palace. "After Prince Lu and his men were ordered to go north, what was the reaction of the other princes in the past two years?"

"Prince Lu was actually named the King of Korea, so they all naturally yearned for it. Most of them were cautious at first, but since last year, they have no longer been wary and have made many friends outside the palace..."

Cheng Jing was here, observing the performance of the remaining kings closely.

Before waiting for them to come to the banquet, he took the time to present his report in person.

The kings were naturally of mixed quality, and the officials and gentry in the south of the Yangtze River who made friends with them also had different purposes.

This is exactly the situation Zhu Changluo wanted.

After listening briefly, he said, "When I was in Yangzhou, I had already granted special permission to the six major salt merchants in Huizhou to allow them to expand their seas and train militia in the future..."

It is naturally impossible to entrust all such matters to the Dashang family and just let them go.

What Zhu Changluo wanted to do was to tie together some of the old meritorious officials, some of the officials and wealthy businessmen with the royal family to form a community of interests in different directions.

On the one hand, they will be the pioneers in expanding outward, and on the other hand, they will free up some interest space within the Ming Dynasty. At the same time, it will further divide the officials, gentry and wealthy businessmen in Jiangnan.

This is indeed a way to get on board the big ship of Ming's new strategy. First of all, it can ensure safety in the subsequent comprehensive new policies, but it must also respond to national policies and cut ties with those extremely conservative ones.

If they are unwilling to focus on long-term interests, they will all cling to their current immediate interests, and Zhu Changluo will not be able to complete a round of interest redistribution without bloodshed.

Killing all the wealthy gentry and businessmen in Jiangnan and causing a river of blood to flow is only the worst option. After all, it is not conducive to the shaping of the overall new atmosphere of the Ming Dynasty: Zhu Changluo hopes that the status of the industrial and commercial groups will be relatively clear and improved, and hopes that they can trust the national policies and engage in production and manufacturing with greater enthusiasm without worrying about being deprived of this part of the rewards.

Otherwise, they would still try to squeeze into the group of officials and gentry to gain protection and make the most conservative accumulation of wealth in the form of land annexation.

Therefore, they had better get on board and not force the imperial court to turn its sword inward in Jiangnan.

Now, the first step is naturally to start from the Nanjing government, which has the greatest motivation to maintain the status quo in Jiangnan and has separated a lot of "autonomous" power in Jiangnan from the court.

They are the bridge between the wealthy gentry in the south of the Yangtze River and the national policies of the imperial court.

It was quite normal for the emperor to give a banquet to the kings and princesses on the first night of his arrival in the Forbidden City in Nanjing.

Tomorrow morning, the emperor will go to Xiaoling Mausoleum in person. It is called a tomb-sweeping ceremony, but everyone knows that he is going to inspect the Xiaoling Mausoleum Guard.

After the emperor returned, he summoned all the officials of Nanjing to the Fengtian Hall in the afternoon, and then gave a banquet to all the officials of Nanjing at night.

That night, the people of Nanjing were bound to have mixed feelings. Many were anxious, and many were looking forward to it.

Since the capital was moved during the Yongle reign, no emperor of the Ming Dynasty has stayed in Nanjing, even for a short time. In the 14th year of the Zhengde reign, the Zhengde Emperor did not go to Nanjing during his southern tour, and he fell into the water on his way back to Beijing. In the 17th year of the Jiajing reign, the emperor went on a southern tour only to move the mausoleum for joint burial, and his destination was not Nanjing either.

This time, the emperor really came. Not only did he come, he also went to Guangzhou, which is even farther away, and came again on his way back.

Everyone knew that the purpose of the emperor's southern tour was state affairs. The maritime trade fair in Guangzhou and the pilgrimage of vassal states were probably far less important than the future of Jiangnan in the face of the Ming Dynasty's new policies.

After deciding to conduct the southern tour this year, Duke Yansheng first petitioned the court to take charge of the sacrificial fields. Now he is petitioning to change the title of the late teacher, and the court is currently deliberating.

Along the way, the emperor personally visited academies along the way and explained the new learning.

There was no academy converted from a royal palace in Nanjing, but there was the Imperial College in Nanjing, and there were many academies in Jiangnan.

During the half month that the emperor stayed in Nanjing, he would go to Wuxi to visit Donglin Academy.

Gu Xiancheng had been in Nanjing for almost half a month. That night, he was invited to meet Wang Zheng and others, and they would set off for Wuxi together tomorrow to make preparations.

Almost right after the emperor, Wu Shixiu, Wang Daofei and several other Huizhou salt merchants also arrived in Nanjing. They sent people to deliver letters in advance, saying that some people wanted to meet in Nanjing, and some people wanted to go to their Huizhou Prefecture to meet them later. If that didn't work, they would go to Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Fujian later.

Similarly, many officials in the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue and other ministries also received letters from Yangzhou, and they also needed to make decisions.

They also only have a short time to make a decision before the sacred ceremony tomorrow afternoon!
(End of this chapter)