Chapter 482

Wang Yie, the Vice Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, intended to abolish the status of the "mean people," and the location for this abolition was outside the brick walls of the Northern Tucheng.

The Northern Tucheng was the Northern Great Camp of the Capital Garrison. To facilitate the inspection of troops and horses—especially for the grand reviews in spring and autumn—there was a massive drill ground on the north side of the Northern Tucheng, capable of accommodating the training of over a hundred thousand elite soldiers.

The reason for choosing the Northern Great Camp for the ceremony of abolishing the "mean people" status was entirely to leverage the sharp blades of the Capital Garrison to intimidate the powerful and wealthy gentry. Abolishing the status meant abolishing it; those who did not take the Emperor's decree seriously would have to carefully weigh the consequences for their own heads.

Even though the Capital Garrison was in the Hetao region, the old camp still retained twenty thousand elite soldiers. Among these, several hundred were southern guest troops who had followed Qi Jiguang to pacify the Japanese pirates. The remaining ordinary officers and soldiers were mostly from the old camp of the first year of Wanli—the original ten thousand elite soldiers. These were the sparks left behind by Qi Jiguang. Once the Great Ming's campaign against the Bansheng proved unsuccessful or even resulted in defeat, the veterans could lead the new recruits to form combat effectiveness as quickly as possible and prevent any changes in the situation.

This was Qi Jiguang's approach of "anticipating the enemy with leniency."

Beyond intimidation, Wang Yie truly could not find another place capable of organizing an operation of such scale. After all, these twenty thousand elite soldiers took orders from the Emperor and could organize the fourteen thousand "mean people" to enter the Northern Tucheng, where, under the witness of the imperial court, the powerful and wealthy gentry who held the deeds of sale would personally abolish the status of the "mean people."

The powerful and wealthy gentry hated Lin Fucheng, the leader of the liberal faction of the Songjiang School, to death! He, who should have been the "standard-bearer openly challenging bureaucracy and autocracy," the liberal who fired shots at the Emperor's excessive interference in maritime trade and coal and iron, had completely become the Emperor's lackey in just three months, even waving flags and shouting for the Emperor to abolish the status of the "mean people" to bolster the momentum.

The imperial decree was very simple, consisting of only a few words, because it was prepared for the "mean people" waiting outside to enter the venue.

Wang Yie was truly bold; he dared to gather impoverished laborers full of resentment and even invite the Emperor of Great Ming to personally observe the ceremony.

"Your subject bows in gratitude for the imperial grace." Wang Yie stood up, bowed his head, and expressed his thanks.

However, other places were not as gentle as Yao Zhangxing. Those servants who had their deeds of sale dissolved even flew into a rage on the spot, with some even wanting to draw the soldiers' blades to behead their masters. This terrified the masters sitting at the long tables destroying the deeds of sale; those who were usually submissive and obedient were now baring their fangs and brandishing their claws, as if they had gone mad.

And no one knew what kind of whim had seized the Emperor to want to see these people.

"Vice Prefect Wang has worked hard." Zhu Yijun could tell that Wang Yie was truly exhausted.

Wang Yie had confidence in the Capital Garrison and its organizational level; he could not find a more organized collective. Moreover, he knew the weakness of the powerful and wealthy gentry. When Shuntian Prefecture posted the public notice, the gentry did not offer much resistance and chose to concede.

And now, he had gained another source of strength.

After meeting Wang Yie, Wang Chonggu actually had a new understanding. This man was not the type to be ungrateful. Visiting him was already the last bit of teacher-student sentiment Wang Yie could offer.

In the imperial court, Wang Daokun and Xu Jie had a feud, Zhang Juzheng had also broken with Xu Jie, and Wang Chonggu was not of the same path as Xu Jie. In fact, when Xu Jie fell and Gao Gong rose to power, it was the Jin Party that was exerting force.

"Busy, being busy is good. Busy to the point of having no time to see Us." Zhu Yijun smiled after hearing Feng Bao's report and said, "When he finishes his work, summon him to the Tonghe Palace Imperial Study to see Us."

"I am willing to go!" The man stood behind the soldiers, extremely excited.

"Summon Wang Yie to the hall." Zhu Yijun signaled Feng Bao to summon Wang Yie, who was waiting outside, to enter the hall to receive the seal and ribbon before heading to Shandong.

Hou Yuzhao did not have the ability to lead troops in battle, but he felt that with his ten years of experience in land reclamation and his serious work ethic, it really was not a difficult task.

Yao Zhangxing was speechless; this strange sense of ritual always made people feel a bit odd.

"He went to the prison to see Xu Jie, but did not submit a memorial requesting leniency for him. This preserves the teacher-student sentiment without losing the spirit of loyalty to the imperial court." Zhu Yijun insisted, "Sir, times have changed. Back then, could one get things done without bowing to a mentor? General Qi has won a hundred battles; if not for your protection, Sir, General Qi would likely have been convicted and executed in the thirty-eighth year of Jiajing."

Yao Zhangxing sat at a long table. Under the paperweight lay a thick stack of deeds of sale. His household's foster sons, foster daughters, retainers, servants, maids, musicians, and laborers numbered over thirteen hundred. He did not understand why the imperial court had to make such a big fuss.

With every bit of strength gathered, Zhu Yijun felt an extra bit of hope for preserving the New Policies—at the very least, ensuring that the policies would not vanish with the person.

"We shall discuss it after tomorrow's court session." Zhu Yijun did not say much; on this matter, he and Zhang Juzheng had not reached a consensus.

Serving as a Provincial Governor and returning to the capital upon completion of the term meant becoming a high official in the imperial court. In the Great Ming, who did not want to climb higher?

"I believe he is capable of handling the task."

Zhu Yijun's outfit, including the crown and belt, weighed nearly ten jin. It was inconvenient to wear and inconvenient to move in. Those bits and pieces of jade pendants would clink and clatter if he walked too fast. Of course, if he walked steadily in a square-step gait, they would not make a sound. Every time he put on airs and walked in that square-step gait, Zhu Yijun would think of the Great Immortal Zhenyuan's dragon-like and tiger-like stride, feeling that he had quite an imposing manner!

"Land surveying in Henan is difficult; Grand Coordinator Ling will likely have to go to Henan."

"Go, go." Zhu Yijun waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Check for Us; this outfit of Ours is truly quite inconvenient."

During the entire grand ceremony of abolishing the "mean people" status, no major trouble occurred. The combat effectiveness of the elite soldiers was extremely formidable. Carrying weapons, one person watching twenty was easy. The powerful and wealthy gentry dared not cause trouble; originally intending to do something, they became very timid after the status was abolished, not even daring to scold loudly.

After all fourteen thousand "mean people" had their status abolished, Zhu Yijun finally returned to the palace. He had originally intended to summon Wang Yie to praise his loyalty to the monarch and love for the country, and incidentally promote him. The fourth-rank position of Vice Prefect of Shuntian was due for a promotion to a third-rank Provincial Governor. In the future, there would certainly be a place for Wang Yie in the Wenhua Hall.

But he could not find Wang Yie, because there were simply too many newly freed people wanting to go to Liaodong for land reclamation. As soon as Wang Yie finished the business of abolishing the "mean people" status, he went straight to Guangji Temple to issue travel permits for the impoverished laborers.

The sound shook the heavens.

Only then did he realize why the Emperor was wearing the twelve-tasseled crown and the twelve-pattern imperial robe today; it was clear the Emperor understood the significance of this!

Wang Yie hurriedly explained, "Grand Coordinator Ling has already made the first move in Shandong, and the land surveying is basically complete. I do not have much experience in local governance, but I do have the ability to follow rules and regulations. Once the land surveying in Shandong is finished, it will be time for the census, which I happen to be good at."

Yao Zhangxing thought the impoverished laborers would be lost, confused, fearful, or even kneel down, grab his legs, and cry loudly, but no, none of that happened at all!

"You all, you are free."

Zhu Yijun walked step by step up to the Wufeng Tower on the brick walls of the Northern Tucheng and sat in his seat. Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu, who had not appeared before the public for a long time, also appeared by the Emperor's side, similarly wearing the crown and robes of a Prince of the Blood, his expression equally solemn.

The last person to say "the more the better" was the military genius Han Xin!

It was completely unnecessary, like taking off one's pants to fart; doing it for the sake of the New Policies was what Yao Zhangxing thought as he sat there.

That is to say, if Wang Yie exposed his true colors in Shandong, he could not be pardoned and would face even heavier punishment to serve as a warning, because Wang Yie would have betrayed the imperial grace.

Wang Yie was somewhat stunned and hurriedly said, "Please speak, Assistant Grand Secretary Wang."

He saw light flickering in the eyes of these twenty impoverished laborers—that kind of light was joy and excitement, it was... hope!

This was the first time Yao Zhangxing had seen such radiance in the eyes of his household servants! This made Yao Zhangxing feel lost, confused, and even somewhat afraid!

Zhu Yijun told Wang Yie the truth of the matter: he was the one who killed the person. Although Wang Yie had long guessed it, hearing it from the Emperor's own mouth confirmed it.

Freedom means being without shackles; as long as the deed of sale exists, one is a servant.

When Hou Yuzhao returned to the capital to report on his duties, Zhu Yijun asked him how many people were needed for land reclamation in Liaodong. Hou Yuzhao boasted to the Emperor: for land reclamation in Liaodong, the more the better.

Yao Zhangxing displayed a stack of twenty deeds of sale, on which were the names of these servants. This was the sentence Wang Yie, the Vice Prefect of Shuntian, had people teach. Before destroying the deeds of sale, the powerful and wealthy gentry had to personally say it to these impoverished laborers.

The Emperor of Great Ming needed strength, a very, very great strength, enough to make even Heaven look sideways, to preserve the Great Ming's New Policies and allow the Great Ming to be reborn from the ashes of devastation.

Wang Yie actually did not hold any expectations for his own promotion in his heart; the matter of being under Xu Jie's tutelage was something that could not be bypassed.

If not for the elite soldiers blocking them, the anger accumulated in the hearts of these impoverished laborers whose status had been abolished would surely have burned all the powerful and wealthy gentry present to the ground!

"Sir values honest officials the most. Wang Yie's backer has fallen, yet he can still sit firmly in his position; he is already an honest official among honest officials." Zhu Yijun was somewhat puzzled by Zhang Juzheng's opposition. He hadn't noticed it before, but now he realized Zhang Juzheng placed such great importance on background.

"Why is it Shandong?"

The imperial decree was very long. Two young eunuchs opened it, and Feng Bao flicked his horsetail whisk and shouted loudly, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Today, the status of the 'mean people' is abolished. Respect this."

Wang Yie had been a diligent Vice Prefect for ten years, and the capital region of Great Ming had changed with each passing day, but Wang Yie had managed everything extremely well.

Wang Daokun originally wanted to say something, but ultimately held back. If Wang Yie went to Shandong and campaigned to rehabilitate Xu Jie, then Wang Daokun, as a high official, would definitely not let Wang Yie off. As Minister of Works, Wang Daokun only needed to tighten the review of water conservancy and construction in Shandong, and that would be enough to make Wang Yie suffer.

Zhu Yijun looked at Wang Yie and said, "We intend to send you to a region as a Provincial Governor. Is there any place you would like to go?"

Wan Shihe, the Minister of Rites, was simply stunned. He had no idea the Emperor wanted it to be so grand. The specifications of the prepared ceremony had not been raised to such a height, but Zhu Yijun had not issued a clear decree, and Wan Shihe could not change the procedure on the spot.

Led by the elite soldiers of the Capital Garrison, the impoverished laborers, in groups of twenty, slowly walked up to their masters. The laborers all looked sallow and emaciated, quite thin and weak. Even the maids were like bean sprouts, their hair like withered grass, their eyes dim and lusterless, walking numbly toward their masters.

"Shandong!" Wang Yie naturally wanted to advance and immediately answered the question. When Feng Bao went to summon him, he had already told Wang Yie the Emperor's intentions.

This made Yao Zhangxing feel somewhat disappointed, but since the deeds of sale were all torn up, it seemed he really had no status to interfere with his former servants pursuing a new life.

"Assistant Grand Secretary Wang's words are reasonable, but I still believe it is inconvenient to entrust him with a major responsibility." Zhang Juzheng remained quite insistent. He continued, "Your Majesty, this also depends on his performance and his actual deeds. If he remains loyal to the monarch and loves the country in Shandong, it would not be impossible to entrust him with responsibility."

"Exempt from bowing, just do your work well." Zhu Yijun did not have excessive demands. Even if Wang Yie truly defected, Zhu Yijun would at most lose some face, but Wang Yie would lose his head, and those students and former subordinates of Xu Jie would lose their futures.

Wang Yie guessed it. He had been in the capital region all these years and understood the Emperor very well: do not play games before the Emperor; say what you think. The Emperor had the capacity to tolerate people. Even a great treacherous official like Wang Chonggu had sat firmly in the position of Assistant Grand Secretary for nine years, hadn't he?

Yao Zhangxing, the wealthiest among the wealthy in the Western Tucheng, even after moving to the capital, remained a prominent family in Zhejiang. His eldest son, Yao Guangqi, was the "King of Kelp." Although it had nothing to do with their family, Yao Zhangxing, persuaded by his second son Yao Guangming, was the first to surrender after Shuntian Prefecture posted the public notice.

The entire system was a complete copy of the work of moving people during the Hongwu and Yongle periods, an ancestral method that Wan Shihe had dug out from old piles of paper.

Yao Zhangxing wanted to speak, wanted to lecture: you haven't even finished the job of dumping manure, and you want to go to Liaodong?!

Zhu Yijun shook his head and said, "We don't lack people, but We lack honest officials."

This was not an illusion. The officials of Great Ming all felt that the Emperor indeed had the demeanor of a monarch; wearing green robes instead of purple ones was also incomparably majestic.

This outfit was mostly worn only when offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and the ancestors.

Look!

"You thought correctly. We still intend to use Ling Yunyi for Henan." Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "Rest well and prepare to head to Shandong to take up your post."

The "mean scholars" could not even debate Lin Fucheng, let alone challenge that insurmountable mountain of the Ministry of Rites.

"Your Majesty, your subject will go down to take a look." Hence Hai Rui finally could not help but walk to the Emperor and bow his head.

The Emperor of Great Ming, Zhu Yijun, sat upright. He looked calm, even smiling, but his hands tightly gripping the armrests of the dragon throne revealed that his heart was not calm.

"Why did you go to the prison to see Xu Jie?" Wang Chonggu asked with a solemn expression.

According to the ceremony decided by the Ministry of Rites, this matter of abolishing the "mean people" status was actually not a grand sacrifice, so there was no need to wear the twelve-pattern imperial robe and the twelve-tasseled crown, but Zhu Yijun still took out his twelve-pattern imperial robe.

"Proclaim the decree." Zhu Yijun waved his hand, signaling Feng Bao to proclaim the decree.

Yao Zhangxing tore the deed of sale into two halves and threw it into the trash can.

For Wang Chonggu, it would be even better if the dividends from the maritime investment were a bit less. He could make money, and his son could make money; he really spent less than he earned. It was fortunate that the execution threshold here at the Emperor's side had also been raised significantly.

On the contrary, the powerful and wealthy gentry always subconsciously leaned toward the elite soldiers, fearing that a soldier might "accidentally" be negligent and blood would splash five steps away.

Yao Zhangxing was one of the few among the powerful and wealthy gentry who had a bit of conscience. Working in his household, as long as one did not commit crimes, one was given enough to eat. It could be considered a good parting.

Zhu Yijun revealed his signature smile and said, "Sit down and talk, sit down and talk. This abolition of the 'mean people' status is a thankless task. The powerful and wealthy gentry in the capital are commanding their pens to scold the Vice Prefect as a cruel official! Heh, one should have let the impoverished laborers beat them to death in the Northern Tucheng, then there wouldn't be such complaints."

For the powerful and wealthy gentry, this might become powerful proof that even after leaving them, the impoverished laborers could live very well.

"Your subject is terrified." Wang Yie stood up abruptly, intending to plead guilty. He stood up too quickly, his body went limp, and he sat back down on the stool.

Wang Yie proved his loyalty to the monarch and love for the country with his political achievements, but because he was Xu Jie's student, his entire person was denied. This was somewhat like overturning a whole boat with one pole. If one were to argue strictly, Zhang Juzheng was also Xu Jie's student, although not his mentor.

Officials of the third rank and above could use the "Eight Deliberations" to reduce punishment. This leniency of the Eight Deliberations was the origin of "punishment does not reach the high officials."

"Since Your Majesty's holy will is decided, your subject can only say that I hope Wang Yie will not betray Your Majesty's holy grace." Zhang Juzheng pondered for a moment and ultimately stopped dissuading. After a moment of thought, he said, "If Wang Yie has rebellious actions, he cannot be pardoned through deliberating on virtue, merit, or diligence."

In the thirty-eighth year of Jiajing, Censor Luo Jiabin and others impeached Qi Jiguang for communicating with foreigners. If not for Zhang Juzheng's all-out protection, and even rushing into the Western Garden without any hesitation, plus the news of Qi Jiguang breaking through Cenggang reaching the capital, Qi Jiguang would likely have been ruined and possibly executed by then.

Wang Yie entered the hall, took the seal and ribbon, placed them aside, solemnly performed the five kowtows and three bows, and said loudly, "Your subject kowtows in gratitude for the imperial grace and will certainly not betray Your Majesty's holy grace."

Their darkest lives finally had a glimmer of extremely weak light.

Those who could sit on the Wufeng Tower were of the third rank and above; others could only stand. Hence Hai Rui, as the second-rank Censor-in-Chief, was standing. He leaned against the city wall, looking down hard, his face flushed red!

At the court session the next day, Zhu Yijun personally appointed Wang Yie to head to Shandong. In the imperial court, most officials were opposed because Wang Yie's mentor was Xu Jie.

He scolded the Daoist Emperor for burning incense and cultivating immortality during the Jiajing years, and scolded the late Emperor for extravagance during the Longqing years. During the Wanli years, he really could not pick out a single problem with the Emperor. If one had to say something, it was that he was too simple and did not balance work and rest enough.

Zhu Yijun believed this was a very meaningful event, a clear signal that the New Policies were beginning to fully benefit the impoverished laborers.

"Provincial Governor Wang, I have a question." Wang Chonggu suddenly spoke up and asked.

"Your Majesty, he is under Xu Jie's tutelage. Xu Jie once said: 'Among four hundred students, only Wang Yie is the pillar of the nation!'" Zhang Juzheng once again emphasized Wang Yie's identity: under Xu Jie's tutelage, and a die-hard follower.

On the tenth day of the fourth month of the tenth year of Wanli, the sky was clear. Because of the wind direction, the coal smoke from the Western Hills could not blow into the capital. The sky outside the Northern Great Camp was as clear as washed. The Great Ming Emperor's carriage, led by the pilot vehicle, slowly stepped out from Deshengmen. Banners rolled in the fierce wind, horns sounded one after another, and the grand honor guard slowly stopped at the drill ground outside the Northern Tucheng.

"Just do your work with peace of mind." Zhu Yijun looked at Wang Yie and said with a smile, "There is no need to bring up old matters. Xu Jie was killed by Our own hand; We have a clear conscience."

This is what impoverished laborers look like!

The environment is different now. Is Wang Yie's teacher-student sentiment toward Xu Jie really greater than the revitalization of the imperial court and leaving a name in history?

The elite soldiers were well aware of the policy, because if they retired from the Capital Garrison, they could also head to Liaodong to receive land for reclamation and build camps.

Yao Zhangxing looked at the man blankly, feeling uneasy in his heart. Although he did not give his servants money, he provided food and did not let them starve. This man just left directly, not even saying a word to him, his master, to ask for his opinion.

Wang Yie said with some pain, "Your Majesty, your subject is Xu Jie's student and former subordinate. I fear it may be inappropriate. It would be better to serve Your Majesty loyally before your eyes."

But Yao Zhangxing knew too well: after leaving the impoverished laborers, after leaving these servants, it would be completely impossible for them to maintain such an affluent life!

Yao Zhangxing tremblingly put the torn deed of sale into the trash can. He suddenly had a thought: the Emperor of Great Ming is truly frugal, even waste paper must be recycled and reused. Since he is so frugal, why not go into the waste recycling business!

If Zhu Yijun knew, he would surely be surprised: how did Yao Zhangxing know that the Imperial Manor was also in the waste recycling business! This was a very, very large source of income! The Emperor's little business had been seen through; he had no sense of security at all.

"We know, We know." Zhu Yijun smiled even more brightly.

But ultimately, it passed the court session. While Wang Yie was surprised, he was also convinced that the Emperor had acted arbitrarily. If he betrayed this imperial grace, he feared there would be no place for him in Heaven or on Earth.

"Can I go to Liaodong for land reclamation? I heard from others that land reclamation in Liaodong provides land, and one can also get a wife." A man who was somewhat thin, with slightly long arms and a height of about six feet, suddenly asked.

After Xu Jie was thrown into prison, Wang Yie even went to visit him. This was also the reason why Wang Yie had sat in the position of Vice Prefect of Shuntian for ten years without promotion or demotion, because he had made no mistakes.

"This must not happen, Your Majesty." Wang Yie immediately became a bit anxious and hurriedly said, "Let them scold if they want. These deeds of sale were bought with real gold and silver; they've already lost flesh, so why not let them scold a few words? If there is truly killing, I fear it will immediately become like pouring oil on fire, and this abolition of the 'mean people' status will not be able to be pushed forward."

The young eunuchs passed down the imperial decree level by level. Three hundred and twenty Great Han Generals shouted in unison, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Today, the status of the 'mean people' is abolished. Respect this!"

Is it useful? Even if you, the Emperor, issue more decrees, even if you confiscate and destroy all the deeds of sale, won't these "mean people" still have to work in their households? Is there any difference in status from the past? Can they have a stable life without relying on the powerful and wealthy gentry?

Zhang Hong grabbed the hands of the two Secretariat Drafters, not letting them write down content that shouldn't be written. The two Secretariat Drafters very cooperatively went to the restroom.

Does the existence of these impoverished laborers not exist just to serve the affluent lives of the masters?

Yao Zhangxing picked up the first stack of deeds of sale and said with a smile, "From now on, I am no longer your master. You can go wherever you want, do whatever you want. I have no status to stop you anymore."

A mere fatal question!

Wang Chonggu's method of making things difficult for people was truly embarrassing. In the Wenhua Hall, he had asked it so directly.

Zhang Juzheng and Wang Chonggu, sitting beside the Emperor, exchanged glances and both revealed a smile. Great Ming, the feeling of flourishing is truly good.

"I have no more questions." Wang Chonggu finished listening to the answer and stopped asking.

Wang Yie had never made any mistakes, but because he was under Xu Jie's tutelage, he was discarded and unused. Zhu Yijun felt it was a pity.

For these impoverished laborers, these fourteen thousand "mean people," today was the day of rebirth. Admittedly, they would not immediately be able to adapt to the transformation of no longer being someone else's servant, but the dawn of hope, in the pitch-black night, was like the morning sun breaking through the darkness.

"Be aware, these six taels of silver are not given directly as silver, but as farm tools and rations. If you stay in Liaodong for three full years, the six taels will be halved, and seven dou of grain will be returned each year. Still, be aware, Liaodong is slightly bitter and cold."

Forced personal attachment is the enemy of freedom.

Zhu Yijun only saw Wang Yie three days later. Wang Yie was truly busy to the point of being dizzy. He had only slept for seven hours in three days, which counted as working overtime, to send thirty-four thousand people to Liaodong, led by four battalion commanders of the Capital Garrison and escorted by three thousand soldiers from the Jizhen Garrison, to head to Liaodong for land reclamation.

After Wang Yie left, Wang Chonggu looked around at everyone and then said with a smile, "After I asked, I actually felt that Wang Yie is usable. He respects his teacher and follows the Dao as a student. Among Xu Jie's four hundred students, only Wang Yie went to visit him, which actually explains the problem. Wang Yie has rationality; he knows what can and should be done, and what cannot and should not be done."

Paper recycling and papermaking was another important revenue project for the Woolen Official Factory, because shredded paper could be made into paper again after being soaked in white clay water. Even if the paper was not smooth or white enough, at most it was slightly better than toilet paper, but it was completely sufficient for use in the third-level schools.

"Your subject withdraws." Wang Yie was already very clear that the atmosphere of the court session in the Wenhua Hall was not harmonious. The doubts of the Great Ming officials about Wang Yie were written on their faces; it was the Emperor who was forcefully protecting him.

"Your Majesty, Great Ming does not lack people." Zhang Juzheng expressed his views concisely. This was also his consistent attitude; one could tell by looking at his wariness of Wang Chonggu.

Where to go was not up to the Emperor to decide? But Zhu Yijun wanted to seek Wang Yie's opinion to see if he had any place he favored.

Zhu Yijun agreed to Wang Yie's request, representing the Emperor exercising imperial power to support Wang Yie's actions. If it caused a civil uprising, the consequences would be unimaginable. In the capital of Great Ming, the most virtuous place under Heaven, causing a civil riot would be a laughingstock.

"Suspect no one you use, use no one you suspect. Then use him." Zhu Yijun finally put a period to this court recommendation. This time it was truly a personal appointment. Zhu Yijun, facing the general opposition of the court officials, forcefully passed a major personnel appointment.

What if? Zhang Juzheng meant, what if Wang Yie harbored resentment over Xu Jie's death? How happy were Sun Keyi and his brother, Wang Daokun, Shen Yiguan, and Xu Wei, who campaigned to rehabilitate Hu Zongxian, and how sad were Xu Jie's die-hard followers?

The elite soldiers of the Capital Garrison slung their Qi-style long sabers to their sides and said calmly, "Of course you can. To head to Liaodong, you must go to the Guangji Temple under the jurisdiction of Shuntian Prefecture to receive a travel permit. With the permit, you will have travel expenses, two sets of cotton clothes, travel expenses (migration costs), and six taels of silver for settling down and purchasing farm tools. You can reclaim land and farm as you please, and you will be exempt from taxes for three years."

"As a student, I knew the general trend was gone and my mentor would leave soon, so naturally I had to go visit." After careful consideration, Wang Yie still told the truth. Everyone in the world knew Wang Yie was the student Xu Jie valued most. When Xu Jie was in trouble, if Wang Yie did not go to visit to avoid disaster, he would not need to be a person anymore.

But Zhu Yijun did not think his life was bitter. He had a large group of palace maids serving him, and a large group of tails following him when he went out. Was this simple? Frugality is frugality, but it is not a bitter life; there is an essential difference.

Leaving the local gentry and the powerful and wealthy gentry, they did not know why they existed!

"If you don't know where Guangji Temple is, stand behind me. After the business here is done, I will take you there. We need to gather three thousand people before the elite soldiers will send troops to escort us."

The Xu Jie case was one of the four major cases of the Wanli period.

No one had ever asked him, Wang Yie, for his views and attitude toward the Xu Jie case. Wang Yie felt aggrieved in his heart.

(End of chapter)