[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming":3,"chapter-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-946":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Unorthodox Sword of Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2338151,4570,"Chapter 946: Taking the Blame","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-946",946,"\u003Cp>The Great Ming largely inherited the Yuan dynasty’s household registration system, dividing the populace into civilian households, military households, artisan households, and salt-producing households.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People like Pan Yun and her kind—scholars, farmers, and merchants—belonged to civilian households, while artisan and military households were hereditary; descendants must inherit the family trade and were forbidden from changing professions arbitrarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is, theoretically, if your father was a carpenter, you must be a carpenter, and so must your descendants forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As artisan households, they were required to serve labor for fixed periods, divided into rotating artisans and resident artisans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rotating artisans had to pay their own way to the capital every three or five years and serve unpaid for three months, then return home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even counting the cost of three months’ unpaid labor, the round-trip travel expenses alone could wipe out years of savings for many artisan families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After years of hard work saving up, just when they thought they could afford a new cart or add a room, they had to spend it all on the journey to the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resident artisans, however, were required to serve long-term at state-run workshops in the capital or local areas, laboring ten days per month, with the rest of the time free to earn their own income.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both systems severely restricted artisan mobility and also hindered the development of artisan skills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A father’s talent did not guarantee his son’s; this led to many technical lineages being broken, and combined with forced labor yielding meager income, many artisan households lost their ancestral trades and became tenant farmers or refugees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Becoming refugees and wandering far and wide, these artisans instead spread their skills among the common people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun was certain that if these unregistered or escaped artisans were given materials and payment, their craftsmanship would not be much worse than that of state-run workshops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, she had shipbuilding blueprints and technical knowledge to give them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These coastal fishermen had, for decades, secretly gone to sea, building their own vessels in secret.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, after Pan Yun pulled out a gold ingot, the man who had been waving his hands, insisting he couldn’t build it, stared dumbfounded; then several young men huddled together, conferred briefly, and brought over an elderly man with gray hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man glanced at the gold ingot on the table, then picked up the blueprint she had given him and studied it carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could read, and he understood the blueprint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Literacy rates in the Great Ming were still relatively high, especially among artisans, who could recognize basic characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After studying it for a long while, he finally spoke under the eager gaze of the youths: “We can build it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s lips curled slightly: “Good. How long will it take?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan said: “One year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun said: “Wood and two damaged ships will be delivered here within two months. I want you to build it within six months.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan frowned: “Shipbuilding is delicate work—it cannot be rushed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun pulled two more gold ingots from her sleeve and placed them on the table beside the first, their glow shimmering in the sunlight, plump and seemingly capable of stealing the soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun said: “I know you can do it. I can give you the blueprints, even more technical texts. If you have questions about the techniques, ask me—I’ll find you whatever you need, along with ample timber.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The youths stared at the gold on the table, breathing heavily, leaning in to whisper urgently: “Uncle!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan glared at them, then looked up at Pan Yun and asked: “Common folk only build small boats. Large ocean-going vessels are always built by state shipyards. Why come to us? Aren’t you afraid we’ll take your money and run?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun shook her head: “Monks may flee, but the temple remains. Even if you moved your entire village, I could still find you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind her, Miao Zhen said coldly: “Not just within the Great Ming—even if you fled to Japan, we would find you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Threatened, the old artisan felt no anger—only greater alertness and excitement. He scanned Pan Yun again and asked: “You nobles are so powerful—why not go to the state shipyards and come to people like us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun said: “Because I dislike using power to oppress others, and I dislike using authority for personal gain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As National Teacher, arranging for Wang Cong to have a ship built or repaired was merely a word from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t even need to show up herself—just a hint to the Ministry of Works, and countless others would rush to handle it for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that would be meaningless—it wasn’t the world she wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted power restrained, artisans free to move, and skills allowed to develop properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan, deep in thought, pressed his hand on the blueprint: “I’m just a farmer—I’ve tilled the land my whole life and still don’t understand it. I don’t know what size or strength the state shipyards can build now, but I’ve seen the navy’s warships. Your blueprint’s displacement seems even greater than theirs. These figures on the blueprint are worth more than your three gold ingots. Why…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun cut him off: “I’ll give you this blueprint.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan paused, then insisted: “Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “I hope you’ll one day build more, better, stronger ships. This blueprint is just scrap paper in my hands—but in yours, it becomes a ship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan murmured: “This favor is too great—how can I accept it…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun said: “If you feel uneasy, then promise me one condition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan straightened, eyes bright as he stared at Pan Yun: “Noble one, speak.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you ever meet someone with talent and trustworthy character, pass on your craft to them—let them carry it forward and achieve greater glory.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan gave a bitter laugh: “This skill is rare, but learning it isn’t necessarily good—if you’re accidentally registered as an artisan, it brings disaster upon your descendants.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “More skills never weigh you down—it’s at least a way to earn a living.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old artisan no longer objected, nodding in agreement: “If someone wants to learn, I’ll teach them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter was settled. They discussed the details carefully, then finalized the contract and signed it on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three gold ingots were Pan Yun’s down payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving the fishing village, Miao He asked, puzzled: “Little Master, you really trust them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun nodded: “Yes, I trust them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She tilted her head: “If they could still run off from this, then it’s just bad luck—I suppose Heaven is playing tricks on me again, but maybe it’s shielding me from greater disaster?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen: “Where are the two ships?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun perked up, grinning: “Come on, let’s go buy a ship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Chen Wen’s list, a significant portion of the pirate ships seized had been bought by the Pu family of Quanzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the previous case of collusion with pirates to rob the silver ship, both the Chen and Pu families were affected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chen family collapsed swiftly: its patriarch and two sons were imprisoned; the patriarch and his eldest son were executed alongside Jiang Fangzheng of the Quanzhou naval command, while the second son was exiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the family were either sold into servitude or followed the second son into exile; all property was confiscated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What surprised Pan Yun was that the Pu family, despite being implicated, still had the funds to purchase captured pirate warships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant the Pu family’s wealth remained intact, and their political standing untouched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun was curious—but she had no time before. Now that Wang Cong was returning to Quanzhou soon, she could return to wait and observe the Pu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s current status made gathering information both fast and slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fast, because people answered her questions immediately;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but what they said wasn’t necessarily true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So as soon as they entered the city, Miao Zhen quietly parted from them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun went directly to the Maritime Trade Office to see her old friend Cao Jixiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang was swamped: “Since the Bureau of Astronomy predicted a major storm would make landfall from late June to late July, ships entering and leaving the port have been coming nonstop.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang was so busy he could only have tea and snacks brought to Pan Yun and her companions before burying himself in documents, all while explaining: “These ships are rushing in to shelter from the storm or rushing out to avoid it—none can be delayed. Any delay, and the merchants will cause trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun sipped her tea and smiled: “This is exactly why Director Cao serves the public with such dedication—if you delayed them, they’d have no recourse.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang beamed, ready to humble himself, when Pan Yun mused aloud: “This won’t do—it’ll breed corruption. There should be a channel for complaints to check the Maritime Trade Office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang’s words died in his throat. He said nothing, lowering his head and working furiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun realized what she’d said and looked at him with a half-smile: “Director Cao, are you annoyed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang finished reviewing one document, paused, then shook his head slightly: “No. On the contrary—I think the National Teacher is right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, there would be Maritime Trade Offices beyond Quanzhou; they needed tighter reins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang valued reputation over wealth, but others did not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt they needed a chain around their necks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he thought, the more excited he became; finally, he put down his brush and said: “If the National Teacher submits a memorial, I, Cao, will endorse it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun raised an eyebrow and smiled: “I’m just a Daoist priest. Unless His Majesty asks, I don’t meddle in state affairs. If you have this intention, submit the memorial yourself. I’m sure the civil and military ministers will be astonished—and deeply admire your devotion to public service.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang was deeply moved. He wasn’t afraid of being targeted—he was a eunuch; his very existence invited criticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t care about that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would prove to the world that Cao Jixiang was no worse than any civil or military minister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In loyalty, integrity, and public service—he surpassed them all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang’s resolve hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing him pleased, Pan Yun casually asked: “By the way, Director Cao, is the Ping’an Inn still run by the Pu family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang’s gaze flickered; after a pause, he murmured: “Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun asked curiously: “Didn’t the Pu family get implicated in the silver ship robbery? The Chen family was destroyed—why is the Pu family untouched?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang said: “That’s rumor. The imperial censor investigating the case found no evidence tying the Pu family to it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun propped her chin on her hand and smiled faintly: “Director Cao, would you care to reconsider before saying that? Half the evidence in this case came from me—I know better than anyone whether the Pu family was involved.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang’s smile vanished. After a long silence, he said: “It was the Emperor’s order.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun frowned: “The Emperor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang quickly added: “The late Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She instantly understood: “For money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang paused, then nodded: “The Pu family pledged loyalty to the Emperor. Though the Ping’an Inn is still run by the Pu family, the vast majority of its profits go to the Neiwu Prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He whispered: “The Pu family is exceptionally good at making money—and the late Emperor most needed people who could make money and knew how.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun sat upright: “The current Emperor doesn’t lack such people.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang smiled: “Naturally. The current Emperor has the National Teacher—your ability to generate wealth is known throughout the land. How short a time it’s been! Not only does silver flow continuously from Japan, but Quanzhou Port’s revenue in just half a year exceeds the tax income of an entire prefecture. In the future, maritime trade will bring even more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To have the National Teacher is the Emperor’s fortune—and the Great Ming’s fortune.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun pulled at her lips: “Director Cao, your emotional intelligence keeps improving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Cao Jixiang had never heard the term “emotional intelligence,” he understood instantly. He smiled and asked: “National Teacher, why are you so concerned about the Pu family? Did they offend you before?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “My disciples and I were on that fleet—bombarded with cannons, slashed with swords. Do you think they offended me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Jixiang smiled awkwardly and urged, “It’s better to resolve enmity than to deepen it; the Pu family is merely a small cog in this, forced by circumstance. Why not take a step back and let the horizon widen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, this matter was set by the late Emperor. Those involved and their deeds have long been sealed away—considered settled. The present Emperor reveres and cherishes his elder brother; he will never reopen this case and subject the late Emperor to further criticism.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yingzong’s reputation was poor, but he died at the perfect moment—just as Zhu Qiyu loved and pitied him most—so their brotherly bond remained untainted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Qiyu would naturally never reopen this case to sully Yingzong’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only he, but also those aligned with Empress Sun would block it; even the clean officials in court would not support Pan Yun’s attempt to reopen it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief pause, Pan Yun nodded and said, “This Daoist understands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her expression calm, as if she had no intention of pursuing it further, Cao Jixiang exhaled in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen returned only by evening, having gathered much information through her underground channels: “After the incident, Pu Min turned himself in to the government office to take Pu Si’s blame. Later, the Censorate investigated and ruled that Pu Min had been deceived into mistaking the envoy and silver fleet for pirates—classified as negligence. Thus, the Pu family was not confiscated, Pu Si remained unharmed, and Pu Min was exiled to a mine in Ganzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun burst into violent coughing: “Wait—you said Pu Min was exiled where?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiangxi. Yes, our hometown.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun clicked her tongue twice. “Really mining?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really mining,” Miao Zhen said. “Pu Min had an elderly mother and a younger sister. Two years ago, his mother fell gravely ill; his sister suffered from a congenital ailment. Originally, their household could afford medicine. But since early last year, the physician changed their prescriptions, and the cost of each dose tripled. Supporting two sick people became unbearable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After Pu Min took the blame, his mother and sister were moved into Pu Si’s residence and well cared for—each day, they received the finest medicine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s gaze sharpened. “And how are the mother and daughter now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen said, “I loitered by the gate. For the past half-month, no one has seen them. They used to go out shopping every other day.”\u003C\u002Fp>",2478,"2026-06-20T22:04:01.137Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","a651af1e091614db61f1e57df4b34a677899634aa72a1ecc1ef5b28e078a8838","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-947","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-945",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-cover.jpg"]