[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-82":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Wanli, the Enlightened Emperor",{"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},2321904,4542,"Chapter 82: Side by Side on the Road, Taking in the New, Casting Out the Old","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-82",82,"\u003Cp>December 16.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Songjiang Prefecture, Huating County, Xu Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too much!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it, too much!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun clenched a letter in his hand, pacing back and forth in the room, his face flushed with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Hai Rui first arrived in Nanzhili, he humbled himself to visit, hoping to settle matters privately—but that man wouldn’t even grant him an audience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was bad enough, but now he has actually killed one of our Xu family’s servants!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who dares to provoke us now? A defeated rival dares to insult the Xu Mansion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hai Rui is nothing but a dog tied to the Grand Secretariat—doesn’t he know the Chief Grand Secretary is my father’s student?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie glanced at his second son, then closed his eyes again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, his eldest son Xu Fan frowned and said: “Something’s off. We’ve already prepared fourteen ten-thousand quotas of tax—enough for the Grand Secretariat to feast on—why is Hai Rui still clinging on?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun slammed his fist on the table and roared: “Why? This man is brazen beyond measure, putting on a show of championing the people, yet he has no clue how to get real work done!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s just seeking fame and reputation—why didn’t Emperor Shizong kill him back then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned urgently to Xu Jie: “My lord, write to Zhang Juzheng at once—get Hai Rui transferred away!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan watched his agitated younger brother, knowing this foolish display would invite reprimand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly restrained him and said: “Enough! Such recklessness—what kind of decorum is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before Gao Gong retired, he must have made a deal with Zhang Juzheng specifically to target our family—do you think appealing to Zhang Juzheng will help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie still said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes remained tightly shut, as if deep in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie was now sixty-nine, born in the sixteenth year of Hongzhi, having lived through Hongzhi, Zhengde, Jiajing, and Longqing—and now on the brink of Wanli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This former Chief Grand Secretary who had served two emperors, after retiring in the second year of Longqing, perhaps due to leisure and careful self-cultivation, now looked radiant, his forehead full and his spirit vigorous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, both sons fell silent, and Xu Jie slowly opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered: “Kun’er, bring me every recent newspaper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he didn’t know why his father wanted the newspapers, he dared not defy him or even ask a single question—he turned and left without a word to fetch them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan, slightly more reserved, couldn’t help asking: “Father, is something amiss?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie placed his right hand over the tiger's mouth of his left hand, rubbing his palm continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his son’s confusion, he naturally offered full explanation: “You’re right—it’s odd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gao Gong came purely to trouble me, but Hai Rui is different—he came for the salt inspection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ve already conceded twenty percent, yet he hasn’t stopped—he’s publicly killed one of my men. The more I think, the more wrong it feels.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan ventured: “Hai Rui is also a man who bullies the weak and fears the strong. I heard he released the younger brother of Wan Hao’s wife—the heir of the Prince of Wei—yet he hasn’t touched anyone from Cao the Minister or the Marquis of Assistant County Magistrate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps… he’s settling old scores.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old scores” referred naturally to the incident when Hai Rui was dismissed from office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, the Xu family had mobilized commoners and gentry to smear him, directed censors to impeach him, and even persuaded Zhang Juzheng to act within the Grand Secretariat—until they finally drove Hai Rui back to his hometown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Fan had regained power, he too would have reclaimed that dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie glanced at his son and shook his head: “Hai Rui is not like you—he doesn’t mix personal likes or dislikes into official matters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, he’s already executed two seventh-rank Deputy Salt Tax Commissioners and three eighth-rank Salt Tax Officers, and the day before yesterday he submitted to the Nanzhili Ministry of Justice a list of over twenty low-ranking officials—Directors and Deputy Directors—to be publicly executed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Grand Secretariat wouldn’t authorize such actions—but… the Grand Secretariat is unlikely to let him act so freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knew Hai Rui was here to inspect salt taxes—plainly put, to seize money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had conceded profit, yet he didn’t stop—he was slaughtering wildly. It made no sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Nanzhili Ministry of Justice—no one knew why, but every report Hai Rui submitted was approved. In just ten days, dozens of officials had been executed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan pondered long but found no answer, and couldn’t understand the connection to the newspapers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent, waiting for his father to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, Xu Kun returned with a stack of newspapers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, the latest are dated December 1. The rest haven’t reached Nanzhili yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie nodded, reached out, and with his aged hands, opened the newspapers one by one, reading each carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While he read, the elder brother Xu Fan explained to the younger what the father and sons had just discussed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun listened, then waved his hand dismissively: “Why? He’s got Gao Gong backing him in Nanzhili!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A Chief Grand Secretary, stealing credit for pacifying Altan Khan, disgracing himself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A petty official, ignoring his wife and children, obsessed with some absurd notion of saving the world—self-deceiving fool.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re cut from the same cloth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t help lamenting: “Ah, Gao Gong’s final strike, disguised as retirement, is truly hard to resist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xu Jie retired, he could impose conditions on Emperor Muzong to drive out Gao Gong. Now that Gao Gong has retired, his counterstrike is no less dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two brothers spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie suddenly crumpled the newspapers in his hand and tossed them lifelessly to the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pressed both hands tightly against his knees, suppressing his involuntary trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sons froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Father?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan quickly picked up the newspapers and stepped forward: “Father… did you find something suspicious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie tried to speak, but his lips trembled as he opened his mouth—he clenched his teeth again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan, confused, unfolded the newspapers and frowned at the passage that had stirred his father’s emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun leaned in, reading aloud word by word: “Chief Censor of the Ministry of Revenue Jia Daiwen and Censor Hu Xiao, spreading omens and disrupting governance, harboring disloyal intent—executed publicly on November 29.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan finished reading and his face turned pale!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his father and brother’s reaction, Xu Kun was baffled: “Wasn’t their guilt already decided? Why this shock?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan’s voice was stiff; he drew a deep breath and gritted his teeth: “Yes, they were convicted—but a general amnesty is coming with the new reign!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun finally understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exclaimed: “They’re killing them before the amnesty?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait—the Grand Secretariat dares do this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie’s heart was already unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his son still being foolish, he finally exploded: “Grand Secretariat? You still think it’s the Grand Secretariat?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would the Grand Secretariat dare execute censors?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would the Grand Secretariat ignore fifty-three memorials pleading for mercy from Nanzhili?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Would the Grand Secretariat dare execute people right before the amnesty?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He snatched up his teacup and hurled it at the portrait of Emperor Shizong he worshipped!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tea streamed down the painting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared: “It’s the Emperor!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Emperor wants to kill me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That eleven-year-old brat treats me like a fattened pig!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sons trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan acted quickly, rushing to support his father, handing him his cane, fearing he’d fall ill from rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie shoved him away, gripping the cane tightly, his knuckles white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shut his eyes hard, trying to suppress the fury and fear in them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Daiwen and Hu Xiao were both local gentry from Nanzhili; their deaths signaled the central court’s unshakable resolve to purge Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was: whose resolve was it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One man’s will is hard to change; many men’s wills are hard to align.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie had served in the Grand Secretariat for years—he knew its nature well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the Grand Secretariat faced pressure beyond a certain limit, no matter what the Chief Grand Secretary wanted, it would always compromise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if it’s the Emperor…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie’s heart sank to the bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun was still confused, frowning: “Father means the Emperor? But isn’t it said Zhang Juzheng holds all power in court now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just days ago I heard the Emperor was driven out of Qianqing Palace and banished to the Western Garden by Zhang Juzheng!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan quietly tugged his brother’s sleeve. Xu Kun looked up in confusion and saw his father’s face—hungry for blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Fan finally understood his father’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though still hard to believe, once he pieced it together, it made perfect sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder Zhang Juzheng, who clearly opposes Hai Rui, still granted him power—it was the Emperor forcing him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder after the Prince of Wei’s heir Xu Weizhi was released, the Prince of Wei’s mansion shut its doors to all visitors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder Zhang Jing, the Nanjing Garrison Commander, came with personnel from the Imperial Stable Supervision to take up his post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Former Grand Secretary Gao Gong, Grand Coordinator of Grain Transport Wang Zongmu, Imperial Inspector Hai Rui, Nanzhili’s Wang Xijue, Nanjing Garrison Commander Zhang Jing, Regional Commander Chen Wangmo…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without realizing it, all these people have been moved into key positions—this is a deadly strike!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why go this far? Why go this far?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Pan muttered to himself, growing more terrified with each thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Xu family wields great power, anyone the Emperor targets, no matter how influential, is helpless when singled out!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why go this far!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Xu Jie owns vast fields, all were acquired through mutual, voluntary exchange!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, Sun Wu willingly donated land worth over 1,500 taels to the Xu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xu family did not let him suffer loss—they immediately changed his name to Xu Wu and took him in as a retainer. Is this not mutually beneficial?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This way, they no longer need to pay land taxes—Xu Jie, as former Grand Secretary, naturally enjoyed tax exemptions beyond measure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also lent him over 20,000 taels to open a pawnshop for his livelihood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Repaying monthly, he could clear the debt in roughly thirty years. Is there any better arrangement in the world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True, when the donor dies, the land and property become the Xu family’s outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But didn’t the common folk also gain the Xu family’s protection and half a lifetime of peace?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this were truly profiteering at the people’s expense, why would the people of Songjiang flocked to it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why not consider whether your Zhu family’s lavish palace construction and excessive taxation are the real cause?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xu family benefits the state and the people, yet becomes the Emperor’s target—must the central government’s financial shortage justify plundering the people!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absurd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun still could not believe it: “My lord, could you be overthinking? After all, he’s only eleven years old…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, Xu Jie smashed his cane against him and roared: “Kneel!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun immediately fell silent and knelt down, looking wounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie’s aged voice trembled with fury: “How many times have I taught you? When cooperating, assume the other is ruthless; when confronting, assume the enemy is cautious. You’re forty now—and still act like a pampered aristocrat! Can’t you learn anything?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pick up the new newspaper! Read carefully the Emperor’s treatise on good and evil! Read the fawning praise of harmonious ruler-minister relations!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then open your eyes and read the final verdict on Jia Daiwen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s plainly stated—the newspaper is the Emperor’s voice. And yet you still ask how an eleven-year-old could do this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you all think eleven-year-olds should be as foolish as you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you know Shen Shixing of Suzhou Prefecture? He passed the county exam at fourteen, topped the metropolitan exam at twenty-six, and at thirty-seven already serves as de facto Minister of Personnel—on the verge of entering the Grand Secretariat!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Emperor wants to kill me! I’m about to die! When will you ever amount to anything?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Kun hung his head, unable to meet his father’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His elder brother quickly interceded: “Father, our priority now is to devise a strategy. Calm yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a subtle gesture behind his back, signaling Xu Kun to kneel farther away, out of earshot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, their youngest son Xu Ying rushed in, frantic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ignored his brother, who was still kneeling in punishment, and said: “Father, Prefect Song Zhihan is here again!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie’s face showed no expression now. He replied coldly: “What trick is he using this time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ying hurriedly replied: “He carries official documents stamped by the Emperor, the Grand Secretariat, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Ministry of Revenue, demanding to redeem ten thousand mu of prime land for the Marquis of Ding’an!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Pan’s heart lifted with hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten thousand mu of land? They had already allocated twenty thousand mu to Gao Gong—though that man refused them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now the Grand Secretariat isn’t demanding full restitution—could this mean they’re choosing to settle quietly, to downsize the matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not only are they asking for only ten thousand mu, but offering silver to redeem it—this seems like a gesture of goodwill…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Xu Pan couldn’t help asking: “Redemption? How much silver?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ying’s face flushed as if constipated: “Six hundred and ninety-eight taels, two mace, and four copper coins.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than he saw his elder brother and father simultaneously turn red, their knuckles whitening from clenched fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Ying continued: “Also, Song Zhihan uses this as pretext to survey all our land holdings, to prevent future disputes over ownership.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the eldest son, Xu Pan could not sit idle—he spun around sharply: “I’ll go confront him myself!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prefectural yamen was merely a hollow shell, with only dozens of staff, but the Xu family’s retainers were different—nearly half of Huating County were their retainers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One spit each could drown a man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Pan was not stubborn—he understood clearly: if the Emperor truly meant to strike them, they must demonstrate their strength to earn a chance at survival through sacrifice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A helpless pig is doomed to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The later notion of “demonstrating strategic value”—this Xu son had grasped it when Emperor Muzong once moved against the Xu household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stepped forward, Xu Jie suddenly called out: “Stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two brothers froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie said: “You will not appear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Pan pressed: “Father, what should we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie finally regained his composure: soldiers come, we block them; even if the Emperor wants me dead, I will not offer my neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned grim: “Gao Gong obtained imperial edicts but did not come himself—that’s not his style.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be cautious. Avoid direct confrontation. Let them survey first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have men inside the yamen—when the time comes…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then spoke with icy coldness: “Song Zhihan, seeking promotion, seized land and ordered his clerks to murder innocent people!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he slowly rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured for his second son to stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered: “Xu Pan, spread word to stall Gao Gong. I’m going out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within the Songjiang Prefectural Yamen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong sat in the main seat, Zhu Xizhong beside him as guest, Chen Mingyan standing behind Zhu Xizhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xizhong asked curiously: “Really no need for us to appear?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had intended to confront Xu Jie directly, but Gao Gong had assigned only Prefect Song Zhihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without Zhu Xizhong and Gao Gong present, a mere prefect could not suppress Xu Jie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong glanced casually at the nobleman before him—perhaps in good spirits, he explained: “If Xu Jie disobeys the imperial order, isn’t that perfect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, Chen Mingyan couldn’t help scratching his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Emperor often used him for unpleasant tasks to test the Chen family’s loyalty, he had to admit—it was truly enlightening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Ding’an’s heart was at least eighty percent cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xizhong asked: “How will the Marquis of Ding’an proceed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong replied: “If Xu Jie disobeys, we arrest him immediately via the Embroidered Uniform Guard—saving time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Xu Jie surrenders, we survey the land, then clarify ownership.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Return the land to original owners! Reduce taxes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xu family received countless land donations—easily thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As previously noted: “In Huating, thousands of retainers bore official records—half were falsely registered.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Falsely registered” meant commoners who donated land and were granted Xu surnames as retainers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Hai Rui came last time, he returned them all to their original registers: “Ordered their names removed from Xu records, retaining only a few hundred for service.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But though the people were returned to their original registers, the land remained—after Hai Rui was driven out, they naturally resumed their status as Xu retainers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially over the past two years, their numbers swelled to nearly ten thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Hai Rui retained several hundred, it proves the Xu family’s true retainers numbered only a few hundred—these ten thousand were all land donors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Gao Gong is reopening the land donation case—he must restore the donors to their original names and registers, reclaim the land, and reduce taxes so commoners may farm it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xizhong bowed: “The Northern Commandery of the Embroidered Uniform Guard follows the Marquis of Ding’an’s orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Embroidered Uniform Guard could establish secret prisons at will, bypassing the Three Judicial Departments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Northern Commandery resolved to act, no case was beyond their reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong waved his hand: “It’s fortunate you’ve come. The yamen begins accepting denunciations tomorrow—Marquis Zhu, please oversee it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, they could only whisper hints—first, to secure control over yamen officials took time; second, they feared Xu Jie might panic and lash out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The yamen had only dozens of clerks; the Xu family had over ten thousand retainers, not counting the “peripheral retainers” who filled half of Songjiang Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too many entanglements—fearing mass unrest, they had to tread carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had arrived, Gao Gong could finally act freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the consequence of a weak central authority: no matter the case, without troops, nothing can be done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the center been strong, ten or so imperial edicts over three to five years would have sufficed to achieve results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Mingyan couldn’t help adding: “Then the case should be resolved quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken than a man dressed as a yamen runner entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director, Marquis of Ding’an—the Xu family says their master Xu Jie is away and cannot sign the land transfer deeds until he returns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh? All were startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie left at such a critical moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Mingyan asked: “Did they say where?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Embroidered Uniform Guard shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong also frowned deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xixiao could no longer hold back: “Lord Ding’an, shall I send men to pursue them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had come secretly with his men; they were not yet public. If we launch a large-scale manhunt, our identity will be exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it’s worth it depends on Gao Gong’s decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong thought for a moment, then shook his head: “We must not be led by the nose—we’ll follow our own path!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Release the news immediately: the prefectural office will accept denunciations and land returns, allowing people to restore their household registrations with taxes halved!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>December 23.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The New Year was drawing near, but Beijingcheng was not as lively as in previous years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, following the Grand Secretariat’s advice, had canceled all extravagant expenditures: lantern festivals, fireworks, and pleasure boats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some praised the Emperor for his simplicity and frugality, calling him a sage king, and commended the Grand Secretariat for its wise guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others, however, found the quiet New Year hard to bear, whispering that the Emperor was a miser and the Grand Secretariat ministers merely sought fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But regardless, the Emperor had not forbidden celebrations outside the palace; instead, he treated all equally, even forbidding extravagance within the imperial precincts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the ministers seeking fame were fishing leisurely beside Taiye Pond with the miserly Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them, the two Hanlin Academicians, Chen Jingbang and Shen Li, fanned the flames and roasted fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, eunuchs herded fish from Taiye Pond toward the fishing spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng sighed: “Your Majesty, if you have something to say, just say it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chief Grand Secretary had fished all afternoon; even with eunuchs driving fish toward him, he had caught not a single one, and his patience was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounds good to have harmonious ruler-minister relations, but even that needs some enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Zhu Yijun’s first time fishing in this life—and it seemed his beginner’s luck had kicked in, as he kept catching fish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Zhang Juzheng spoke, he caught another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reeled it in and tossed it to Shen Li to roast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning to Zhang Juzheng, he smiled: “There are a few matters I’d like to discuss with the Grand Secretariat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at my daily 9,000-character update badge beside the table of contents! No need to say more!\u003C\u002Fp>",3507,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c9875e28af06d4c38ec8b74697221665ef753ac1594cb153a39c83425306bf41","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-83","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-81",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]