Chapter 131: The Emperor's Lash Extends to the Uttermost Ends of the Earth

Some matters appear to have already been reported, but in truth the concrete plans are still being finalized.

This refers to the Thousand-Li Lightning-Flash Relay Stations.

That name was not coined by Zhu Youjian, but was Tian Ergeng's handiwork, brimming with the distinctive style of the Great Ming.

It could easily sit at the same banquet table as those iron lumps like the Mighty-Awe General Cannon, the Heaven-Character General Cannon, the Winged Tiger Cannon, and the Divine-Flying Cannon.

The news about the Thousand-Li Lightning-Flash Relay Stations published in the newspapers was merely to pave the way and build anticipation for this matter.

After all, a method that transmits tidings across a thousand li in an instant is certainly excellent for the Emperor and the central government, yet for the localities it is not so pleasant.

Outward compliance but inward defiance? Deliberate sabotage? Willful foot-dragging?

Zhu Youjian did not know what he would encounter either, but he would rather build up the momentum first, elevating the importance of the Thousand-Li Lightning-Flash Relay Stations to the level of a critical military and state affair.

Whoever dares to tamper with it — that will be a major case on the same level as assaulting relay soldiers or post stations!

As for the Later Jin stealing the method?

This method, once explained, is not worth a single cash — it simply cannot be concealed. Once it is rolled out, the Later Jin, Joseon, and Japan will sooner or later all learn of it. Within one to three years, it is estimated that tall towers will rise one after another across all of East Asia.

Given a little more time, it might even cross the ocean and spread to Europe.

But that is not much of a problem. In the end, this kind of tool is most useful to vast inland empires spanning ten thousand li.

Tian Ergeng stood in the hall, his posture ramrod straight, his oral report already drawing to a close.

"…The military artisans of the Southern Provost Office have repeatedly studied the Treatise on the Telescope, and believe that the methods for grinding and assembling the lenses of the thousand-li telescope still have room for refinement. If it can be achieved, then each relay station…"

Zhu Youjian's hand, which had been leafing through the routine memorial, paused slightly. He raised his head with some surprise, his gaze falling upon Tian Ergeng, and interrupted him.

"Relay station?"

These two words, coming from the Emperor's mouth, carried a hint of amusement and curiosity.

Tian Ergeng's heart tightened. He hurriedly bowed and explained, "In reply to Your Majesty, the banner troops and military artisans assigned below, who have been studying this method together these past ten-odd days, all found the name this subject devised too cumbersome."

"They said that this device transmits messages like a thunderclap or lightning bolt, swift beyond compare, and so privately they all call it a 'lightning station.' It was a slip of the tongue from this subject, and I beg Your Majesty's indulgence."

Hearing this, Zhu Youjian first stared blankly, then burst into loud laughter.

Lightning station? Holy shit, a lightning station!

"Hahaha, good! This name is good!"

He set down the memorial and nodded approvingly. "Messages transmitted like lightning — excellent! Let it be called a lightning station. It is plain, easy to understand, convenient, and easy to remember."

Tian Ergeng's taut shoulders relaxed slightly. He cupped his hands and continued, "Yes. The military artisans estimate that if the thousand-li telescope can be perfected, the observation range of each lightning station might leap from ten li to twenty li, or even thirty li."

"But if so, the placement of stations along the line will need to be resurveyed and re-planned."

"Furthermore, the routing along the line must also be repeatedly tested and adjusted according to the urgency of military intelligence and administrative affairs in each locality, and cannot be determined all at once."

"Therefore, this subject boldly proposes that we first construct wooden tall towers. This method is low in cost — materials and labor combined come to no more than twenty taels of silver per tower, and construction takes only half a month."

"Using these as a foundation for a year or half a year, once the method for improving the thousand-li telescope has stabilized and the placement surveys for each line are confirmed, it will not be too late to raise stone tall towers then."

Having said this, Tian Ergeng lifted his eyes slightly to glance at the Emperor's expression and added, "This is precisely the principle Your Majesty spoke of the other day: 'Laws shift with the times, and affairs change with the age.'"

As his words fell, he once again stood with his hands clasped, his expression carrying a trace of unease, yet also mixed with a barely concealed anticipation.

Tian Ergeng asked himself whether he had achieved perfection in this matter — not only had he referenced the concepts of statecraft memorials, but he had also thoroughly absorbed and grasped His Majesty's spirit.

Yet this new sovereign's standards were exceedingly high, and his actions and thoughts were often startlingly brilliant.

Therefore, Tian Ergeng was still uncertain in his heart whether this proposal could truly win His Majesty's favorable regard.

Zhu Youjian did not speak immediately.

His gaze fell upon the "Cost Estimate Planning Table for the Capital-Jinzhou Line, Capital-Suzhou Line, and Capital-Daming Line" on the last page of the memorial.

— This was not something Zhu Youjian had taught.

The officials of the Great Ming had now, without a teacher, spontaneously begun attaching titles to the tables appearing in official documents.

And the term "estimate" had likely been borrowed from the "Yongchang First Year Budget" in the palace reorganization policy papers.

After he had approved and implemented that document, he had it posted on the imperial notice board at the Gate of Accepting Heaven.

On one hand, to prod the civil officials — even eunuchs can produce statecraft memorials, and you are still writing that same old garbage "Ten Policies"?

On the other hand, it was to subtly and gradually lay the groundwork, inoculating the outer court in advance against the various measures and methods emerging from the palace.

What of it? The palace can implement these methods, but you civil officials cannot? Are you too noble for it?

How much effect this would have was hard to say, but doing a little was better than nothing. Transforming customs and habits was precisely achieved by pushing forward through such small details, one by one.

Zhu Youjian examined the table carefully.

(See attached figure below; for the detailed route map, see the end of the document. I have carefully calculated the distances, quantities, and costs here.)

The Capital-Jinzhou Line was essentially to serve military intelligence for Liaodong and the Mongol Left Wing, running from the capital to Jinzhou.

The Capital-Daming Line ran from the capital to Daming Prefecture at the southernmost tip of Northern Zhili, in preparation for the new policies he was about to launch.

The Capital-Suzhou Line, ostensibly for the military intelligence of the Nine Border Garrisons, was in fact also his preparation for administrative intervention and drought relief in Shaanxi.

One lightning station every ten li, each costing twenty taels to build, staffed with three personnel, with monthly salaries ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 taels depending on the locality.

In this way, with a one-time investment of seventeen thousand taels and an annual expenditure of twenty-five thousand taels, the communication speed across the entire north could be shortened to within a single day!

If rolled out nationwide in a later phase, it might mean an annual expenditure of several hundred thousand taels, and tidings from Beijing to Yunnan would take only a few days!

Was it worth it?

It was damn well worth it!

After a long while, Zhu Youjian finally closed the memorial, raised his head, and looked at this former cruel official before him, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration.

"Well done." Zhu Youjian spoke slowly. "Xingzhi, ah, Xingzhi. You, at last, have begun to show something of your grandfather's manner."

Tian Ergeng's heart shook violently at these words. A tremendous joy surged up within him, nearly causing him to lose his composure.

This was the first time His Majesty had ever called him by his courtesy name!

He hurriedly made a deep bow, his voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty flatters me! This subject is dull-witted and has merely picked up crumbs from Your Majesty's table, striving with all his might, nothing more."

"You are too modest." Zhu Youjian waved his hand, gesturing for him to rise. "This proposal is thorough in its considerations and clear in its organization. We are very satisfied; there is nothing to change. Only, We must add two further points."

Tian Ergeng's expression turned solemn. He quickly bowed and said, "Please speak, Your Majesty. This subject is all ears."

"First, in addition to the three lines Capital-Jin, Capital-Su, and Capital-Ming, add one more: the 'Capital-Deng line.'"

Zhu Youjian tapped a finger lightly on the imperial desk.

"Starting from the capital, to Tianjin, then following the Grand Canal to Linqing, then turning east, straight to Dengzhou and Laizhou. This line concerns both grain transport and communications with Dongjiang — it is also of paramount importance."

Tian Ergeng silently calculated the distances in his head and immediately responded, "This subject obeys the decree. As for the required funds, this subject will carefully assess them upon returning and revise the budget accordingly."

"Mm." Zhu Youjian nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Second, the one thousand taels of reward silver previously promised — We have reviewed the improvements, and each one struck at the crux of the matter. They deserve the reward!"

"Choose an auspicious day and hold an awards assembly. Make certain the entire Guard, from top to bottom, is present."

"We want everyone to know: so long as one applies oneself diligently to one's duties and renders service to the state, Our rewards will never be stingy!"

He shifted tone. "In addition, We shall allocate another one thousand taels from the privy purse, earmarked specifically for glass-making and methods to improve the telescope."

"So long as they can produce better things, Our rewards will know no upper limit!"

"Where there are heavy rewards, there will be bold men!" Tian Ergeng's spirits soared, and he said loudly, "This subject understands! I shall ensure this awards assembly is conducted properly, to make manifest Your Majesty's profound grace."

"Third…" Zhu Youjian's voice sank.

Hm? Weren't there only two supplementary points?

A flicker of doubt passed through Tian Ergeng's mind, but he dared not interrupt.

Zhu Youjian's gaze sharpened. He fixed his eyes on Tian Ergeng and said, weighing each word:

"These radio stations — beyond transmitting vital military and state affairs, We also want you to establish, at key prefectures and military commands along the lines, one Embroidered Uniform Guard banner for every three to five stations. Five men per banner."

"These men, aside from managing the radio stations, shall have one additional duty — to specialize in investigating local conditions!"

"Wherever local officials are corrupt and negligent in governance, wherever powerful families and petty clerks prey upon the common people, wherever horse-bandits and local brigands plunder prefectures and counties — nothing shall be beyond their investigation, nothing beyond their scrutiny!"

"For every matter uncovered, it may be transmitted instantly by telegraph and compiled here in the capital, where you shall personally sort and screen it. Based on your secret reports, We shall investigate each case, one by one, and bring the thunderous punishment of the law down upon these vermin who plague the realm!"

Zhu Youjian's voice echoed through the great hall, carrying an authority and killing intent that brooked no doubt.

"The unsullied name of the Embroidered Uniform Guard shall be won back anew, beginning with this very task! This is the paramount priority. Do you understand?!"

Tian Ergeng felt a surge of hot blood rush from his chest straight to the crown of his head. He abruptly raised his head, his eyes blazing with light, drew a deep breath, and replied with absolute finality:

"This subject, accepts the decree!"

"This subject shall select and weed out men from households of unblemished record, young men of heroic spirit, to shoulder this heavy responsibility! And shall link their investigative achievements directly to promotion and reward! I shall assuredly clear Your Majesty's eyes and ears across the realm, and restore our Embroidered Uniform Guard's illustrious and unsullied name!"

Zhu Youjian slowly exhaled, and his taut shoulders relaxed.

Very good.

This way, material for the "Imperial Decrees Shine Forth" section of the Great Ming Times would never be in short supply.

One must understand, the Embroidered Uniform Guard of old sounded formidable, but in truth it was no more than a dog kept in the capital.

The Great Ming spans ten thousand li, yet the Embroidered Uniform Guard existed only in Beijing and Nanjing.

There were no permanent eyes and ears stationed in the various localities at all.

The radio network, as an entirely new system and the lifeline of communications, was the perfect means to dispatch the Embroidered Uniform Guard out from the capital, scattering them across the realm, and further expanding the transparency of local information.

That said, dispatching them was not the end of the matter.

After all, given the prevailing climate, men sent down to the localities would inevitably be eroded by the ubiquitous human obligations and interests.

This could only be slowed by perfecting the oversight and appointment-and-removal systems, and ensured through periodic internal purges.

At this thought, Zhu Youjian added, "The matter of the Embroidered Uniform Guard leaving the capital is of immense consequence. Submit a separate policy proposal on it."

Tian Ergeng's mouth immediately went dry at these words. This new-style policy proposal was excellent in every respect, except that writing one cost far too much hair.

His hot blood cooled somewhat, but he still steeled himself and replied, "This subject accepts the command. Within three days, I shall first produce a draft for Your Majesty's perusal."

Zhu Youjian nodded and softened his tone. "The various officers and commandants you previously selected and appointed — We have reviewed them all. They are indeed of unblemished record and reliable. Your wholehearted devotion to serving the country has been noted by Us."

He picked up another routine memorial from the imperial desk, one that had been revised through a dozen or more versions, and handed it to Tian Ergeng.

"This plan of yours for the reduction and reorganization of the Embroidered Uniform Guard — We approve it. Proceed step by step, as you have proposed."

"Once you have completed this task," Zhu Youjian looked at him, paused, and then dropped a true thunderclap, "then every day at the hour of the rabbit, you shall also enter the palace and join Us in reviewing and annotating memorials."

Tian Ergeng's eyes widened. He cast an almost imperceptible glance at Wang Tiqian.

Then, with a thud, he dropped to his knees and knocked his forehead heavily upon the floor. His voice, hoarse with agitation, said: "This subject… this subject Tian Ergeng, would spill his liver and brains upon the ground, and not refuse even ten thousand deaths, to accomplish this task for Your Majesty!"

"Rise." Zhu Youjian raised a hand. "So long as you apply yourself diligently and serve the state loyally, there will always be a place for you at Our side. Go now and attend to your duties."

"This subject, takes his leave." Suppressing the wild joy in his heart, Tian Ergeng reverently kowtowed once more, then slowly rose and backed out of the great hall.

Wang Tiqian, who had been standing to the side the entire time with hands hanging down, watched Tian Ergeng disappear beyond the door. He felt as if a cold wind had blown straight into his heart.

The fist he had hidden inside his sleeve had unconsciously clenched deathly tight. His neatly trimmed nails dug deep into his palm. The faint pain did nothing to ease the immense fear and… envy surging within him.

Why him?!

You and I, in the past, were both part of the same Depot-and-Guard apparatus, both wretched men serving at the late Emperor's side, doing the filthy work that could never see the light of day!

Why is it that you, Tian Ergeng, can wash yourself clean and come ashore today, winning such trust and regard from His Majesty?!

And what of the Eastern Depot? What of me, Wang Tiqian?

…His Majesty, who places such weight on reputation — could he be planning to abolish the Eastern Depot?

Does His Majesty have any other use for the Eastern Depot, for this slave?

Or rather, will His Majesty even use this slave at all?

Countless thoughts flashed wildly through Wang Tiqian's mind, plunging him into an icy abyss. His hands and feet turned cold, and for a moment he stood frozen in place.

Behind the imperial desk, Zhu Youjian took in every bit of Wang Tiqian's dazed despondency, and the corner of his mouth curved into an almost imperceptible arc.

He wanted Wang Tiqian to watch, to ponder, to fear.

Without contrast, there is no pain. Without a beating, there is no loyalty.

Wang Tiqian, ah, Wang Tiqian — your role, We have long since decided.

It is just that before that role is announced, you must still endure this searing torment, like being boiled in oil, for a while longer.

Zhu Youjian withdrew his gaze, no longer paying attention to the uneasy Wang Tiqian, and casually picked up the latest issue of the *Great Ming Times*.

He skimmed the news on each page, and once he confirmed nothing was amiss, turned to the final section, *The Loyal Heart in the Liao Sea*.

After a hurried glance, his brow furrowed tightly.

"Companion Gao!"

"This slave is here." Gao Shiming, standing nearby, hurried forward.

"What is the meaning of this installment of *The Loyal Heart in the Liao Sea*?"

"The end of a minor climax must lay the groundwork for a new difficulty, a new suspense! Only then can you hook the reader's mind and make them read on! The way they've written it, the climax ends and that's it — flat and straightforward. Who would still have the interest to follow the next installment?"

"Tell them: writing is like viewing a mountain — one dislikes flatness! Send it back, and have them rewrite it at once!"

At the same time, within the offices of the Ministry of Personnel, Lu Xiangsheng and Yang Jingchen sat facing one another.

Lu Xiangsheng sat ramrod straight, his back as rigid as a javelin.

He had entered the capital by imperial summons the day before, and that very night, in the temple where he lodged, had stayed up late to draft a policy essay. This morning he had gone to the Ministry of Personnel to report in, and had submitted the essay.

After all, besides the edict summoning him to the capital, he had also received a private letter from Yang Jingchen, in which Yang had urged him repeatedly to be sure to come see him first upon entering the capital.

On the other side of the desk, Yang Jingchen had just closed the thin routine memorial in his hands, but his brow was furrowed.

He deliberated for a long while, as if weighing his words, but in the end, he slowly shook his head.

Lu Xiangsheng's brow lifted defiantly, but he said nothing, merely waiting for Yang Jingchen to speak.

Yang Jingchen observed his expression, thought for a moment, then simply rose, walked to the enormous bookshelf behind him, and began picking and choosing. Before long, he had gathered a stack of assorted documents over a foot thick.

With a *thump*, the documents were placed on the desk before Lu Xiangsheng.

"Worthy Brother Jiandou," Yang Jingchen looked at Lu Xiangsheng, his expression grave as he began, "You have entered the capital by imperial summons, yet you still lack a clear understanding of His Majesty's inclinations and the shift in the court's atmosphere."

"The intent behind your policy essay is good, but... it is no longer suited to the times."

From the pile of documents, he pulled out the topmost one and handed it to Lu Xiangsheng.

"First, take a look at this routine memorial. Then you will know where you fall short."

Lu Xiangsheng reached out to take it, and felt his wrist sink slightly under its weight.

He fixed his gaze upon it and saw a line of large characters written squarely on the cover — *Memorial Requesting Road Repairs in the Capital*.

Beside the author's name, Xue Guoguan, there was also a line of small characters.

"The Foremost Statecraft Document."

Lu Xiangsheng's thick brows lifted, and a surge of intense curiosity welled up in his heart.

He opened the memorial and began to scan it rapidly.

In mere moments, he had read through the entire text.

Yet, after finishing it, he fell into a prolonged silence.

What kind of official document was this? Could official documents actually be written like this?

If official documents were truly written this way, what need would there be for capable ministers? Couldn't one simply send a schoolboy to copy the form and get the job done?

He could not resist opening it again from the beginning. This time, it was no longer a skim, but a meticulous, word-by-word, sentence-by-sentence study.

"Worthy Brother Jiandou? Jiandou? Lu Xiangsheng?"

Yang Jingchen's call startled him from his contemplation.

Lu Xiangsheng finally came back to his senses, his face actually flushing slightly. He cupped his hands apologetically. "Forgive me, Brother Yang. Such a magnificent piece of writing, every word a pearl — your younger brother lost himself in it for a moment. It was truly discourteous."

"It is nothing." Yang Jingchen shook his head. "Such official documents are no longer a rarity in the capital. The road repair memorial, the Nine Gates commercial tax memorial, the capital tax clerk memorial — even the inner officials conducting the palace rectification have written a statecraft document of representation and reform, all posted outside the Gate of Heavenly Succession."

"You have only just entered the capital and do not yet know of it."

Lu Xiangsheng raised an eyebrow and said thoughtfully, "This trend of 'statecraft documents,' could it be..."

"Precisely." Yang Jingchen lowered his voice, leaned slightly forward, and cupped his hands in the direction of the Forbidden City. "Although Xue Guoguan has earned the title of 'The Foremost Statecraft Document,' anyone in the capital with a modicum of insight knows that this trend was clearly initiated by His Majesty himself. Xue Guoguan merely took the first prize."

Lu Xiangsheng's eyes brightened slightly, his mind pondering, but he said nothing.

Yang Jingchen continued, "In the capital now, if you submit a routine memorial proposing something new and do not follow the method of these 'statecraft documents,' His Majesty will not even glance at it."

He patted the foot-thick stack of documents on the table again.

"In here are all the memorials concerning the matter of 'horse fodder' from past years that I found in the Office of Transmission. And also the information I gathered over the past ten-plus days by personally visiting the capital's horse merchants, fodder dealers, and border troop officers."

Yang Jingchen pushed the pile of documents toward Lu Xiangsheng and said with earnest gravity:

"Jiandou, you must remember: the way His Majesty governs the realm now is like weighing an object on a scale — every fraction is scrutinized. The writings of the past might have been able to get by with empty talk, but today's official documents must have every word weigh a thousand pieces of gold."

"Your policy essay must be such that every stroke of the whip draws blood, every slap of the palm leaves a mark. Only then can it argue a matter to the bone, only then can it carry the weight of a thousand jun!"

"Since His Majesty has given you three days, you should review all of these first, and then rewrite it."

Yang Jingchen's gaze became earnest and solemn.

"Do not let His Majesty think that I, Yang Jingchen, have recommended the wrong man."

Lu Xiangsheng, hugging the thick stack of documents, walked out of the main hall of the Ministry of Personnel.

The late-morning sunlight was just right, spilling warmly over him and dispelling the chill of the early morning.

But his heart at this moment was even hotter than that sunlight.

He recalled Yang Jingchen's words, and recalled that unconventional *Memorial Requesting Road Repairs in the Capital*.

... There were actually several more statecraft documents like Xue Guoguan's?

... And they were all posted outside the Gate of Heavenly Succession?

Lu Xiangsheng pondered for a moment, then his footsteps halted abruptly.

He no longer walked in the direction of the temple where he was lodging, but turned around and headed toward the Gate of Heavenly Succession.

His eyes grew brighter and brighter, as bright as if two flames were burning within them.

Statecraft documents? Statecraft documents!

Among these, there must be a place for me, Lu Xiangsheng!

It won't really take three days — Lu Xiangsheng appears in the next chapter. I've started skipping time recently.

Attached: the first-phase construction route map for the Great Ming Telegraph network.

Blue is the Beijing–Dengzhou line, red is the Beijing–Jinzhou line, green is the Beijing–Nanjing line, and orange is the Beijing–Suzhou line heading toward Shaanxi, following the existing relay-station and express-post routes along the way.

It may not match the original routes exactly (since I didn't have time to draw them with great precision), but it won't be far off.