[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-98":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},2321920,4542,"Chapter 98: The Man of Ying Who Wielded the Axe, Defying the Court with Wisdom","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-98",98,"\u003Cp>The Great Ming has never lacked clever men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who reach the position of Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall are the cleverest among the clever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What differs is where their wisdom is applied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong applied their wisdom to planning for the state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie and Li Chunfang applied their wisdom to planning for themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under dual pressure from Hai Rui and Gao Gong, Xu Jie was forced by circumstances to act violently, seeking survival against all odds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, Hai Rui had not yet turned his investigation toward Li Chunfang, making the latter appear far more at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang watched quietly as Xu Jie charged into the fray, waiting for the Emperor’s decision, waiting for Xu Jie’s outcome, waiting for the storm to rise across Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until… he saw the Emperor’s edict of self-reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Analects say: A common man’s resolve cannot be taken from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not know how an eleven-year-old Emperor could have internalized the Analects so deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the fact was, no grand scheme could bind this Sacred Sovereign—this Sacred Sovereign was the grand scheme himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Li Chunfang’s view, it was not because the Emperor was exceptionally talented, nor because, as Qin Minglei claimed, he possessed great boldness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply because he was the Emperor—that was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the dynasty’s system, ministers had not long ago been regarded by the Hongwu Emperor as household servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could say that if the Emperor insisted on his own will, such a display of power was entirely possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Wuzong Emperor, so frivolous, disguised himself and entered the battlefield—no one could stop him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jiajing Emperor, a collateral branch who inherited the throne, could still force the Chief Grand Secretary to resign and insist on land surveys and intimidation of Zhejiang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the overwhelming momentum—the system itself demanded it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much Li Chunfang lamented, he could not alter the hierarchy above and below him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether tyrant or benevolent ruler, no single individual could match the resolve of an Emperor whose will could not be taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under such circumstances, one could either hide within the entire system, hoping the Emperor would not notice when mischief was done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or one could only kneel and beg for mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, men like Li Chunfang, who stood tall, had no extra choices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Hai Rui said, Wang Ruyan was promoted by him, and the illicit funds were, as per custom, sent to his household—on this point alone, he could not escape blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention he privately drafted the “Village Covenant,” replacing county law with self-governance—strictly speaking, there was no room to mitigate the charge of subverting state law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Li Chunfang could only bow his head, tie his neck, and preserve his family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, his bargaining chips were far greater than Xu Jie’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving aside other matters, he was still the designated spokesperson for Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These men used him, hoping he would take the lead—but did he not also need to borrow their influence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Wei Duke begged for mercy and the Huaining Marquis bowed his head, no single individual could resist the Imperial Envoy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had no right to bargain with Hai Rui at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Censor-in-Chief was so treated—he was arrested on the spot and sent straight to Beijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one dared face the Imperial Envoy, and no one wished to be the first to stick his head out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, they were forced to appoint a spokesperson, barely coordinating their actions to gain the right to negotiate with Hai Rui and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Xu Jie’s failure, only the former Chief Grand Secretary, Li Chunfang, possessed the prestige and seniority to fill this role in Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Li Chunfang had his own plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed precisely this influence from these men to stir the winds and clouds of Nanzhili—and thereby… sell himself to the Emperor at a high price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang watched Hai Rui in silence, waiting for his reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui frowned; he could not keep pace with these men’s speculations about the Emperor’s intentions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did they mean by splitting Nanzhili?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they tell the Emperor had such an intention?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie suddenly cleared his throat and interjected: “Shilu, you’ve forgotten—Hai Gangfeng has never entered the Grand Secretariat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vision has nothing to do with wisdom; a minister who has never served in the Grand Secretariat struggles to see beyond the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave Li Chunfang an apologetic smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he pulled Hai Rui aside: “Hai Gangfeng, this matter is somewhat obscure, but I am certain Li Chunfang’s words reflect what His Majesty desires.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let me handle it—I will surely please His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui eyed Xu Jie warily: “Xu Shaohu, please speak plainly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had come only to investigate the case; he had received no imperial instruction to split Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet circumstances shifted rapidly, and he could not be sure whether Li Chunfang’s words were true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie whispered: “Hai Gangfeng, trust me just once—I hold my life in others’ hands; I would never deceive you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Hai Rui with sincere earnestness: “Hai Gangfeng, I can negotiate too. I can be His Majesty’s confidant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Li Chunfang spoke, Xu Jie suddenly saw a glimmer of hope for survival!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no leverage before—now, leverage had arrived!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang now represented a vast network behind Nanzhili—officials who had revealed their status, and those who had not, senior ministers and noble families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he had come forward to negotiate, he must be prepared to cut flesh and bleed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he accepted this desperate mission and secured a satisfactory outcome for the Emperor, he would earn merit—perhaps even save his life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui too was troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation in Nanzhili was complex; former Chief Grand Secretaries kept emerging, repeatedly exceeding Hai Rui’s capacity to handle them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he had resolved Xu Jie’s case, Li Chunfang stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Splitting Nanzhili… he had a faint sense of it, but could not grasp it fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui fell into deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, he looked at Xu Jie: “Xu Shaohu, I will report every word of today’s events to His Majesty. Do not mislead yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie exhaled deeply—that was assent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bowed in thanks, then returned with Hai Rui to Li Chunfang’s side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie looked down upon this junior: “Li Shilu, do not evade the matter. I and Commissioner Hai have come to investigate the salt monopoly case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you wish to discern the Emperor’s will, assist me in this investigation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing how quickly Hai Rui and Xu Jie had switched roles, Li Chunfang was not surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood Xu Jie’s meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before offering the Emperor terms, he must first deliver what was owed—only then could he sit at the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang paused, then spoke: “I happen to know something about the Two Huai salt case. Wang Ruyan visited me personally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that time, he mentioned… the Two Huai region produces 1,530,000 salt vouchers annually.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, the detailed ledgers of each salt transport bureau and salt field are said to be archived in one of his country estates—I know its location and will inform you two Imperial Envoys shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One million five hundred thirty thousand vouchers was the actual output of the Two Huai region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the compromise of those behind him—and Li Chunfang’s sincerity. He revealed the number without reservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the central government could not collect all of it; many unavoidable losses remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, low-level clerks, salt workers, and laborers all took their cut, and minor officials extorted bribes—problems even the great men could not solve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The central government could at best collect 1,300,000 vouchers—and even that might decline year by year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet regardless, his sincerity had been fully demonstrated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui could not help but sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his mission—three months long, dozens of salt officials executed, countless households confiscated, senior ministers including former Chief Grand Secretaries and dukes offended—third-rank officials didn’t even make the list. Along the way, he faced arson, ambushes, and other deadly perils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with Li Chunfang’s words, the matter was finally resolved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to ask about the ledgers when Xu Jie grabbed his arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie shook his head coldly: “The Two Huai Transport Bureau already has ledgers. No need to make another trip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant it was still not enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Sigong behind Hai Rui glanced at Xu Jie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven be praised—he had never seen anyone so quickly assume a role; one might think Xu Jie was the Emperor’s confidant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang seemed to have anticipated this—he spoke without hesitation: “I hear the salt merchant guild is also involved. You two might investigate them—perhaps you’ll find leads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui looked at Li Chunfang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood perfectly: the salt merchant guild was being sacrificed outright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui had seized seven major salt merchants and over ten minor ones; the Embroidered Uniform Guard had uncovered 390,000 taels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If all thirteen major salt merchant guilds were confiscated, the haul might reach 600,000 taels!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The state treasury received only three million taels annually—this was nearly two percent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was ready to agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xu Jie shook his head again: “We already seized seven major salt merchants—leads are already in hand. No need for you to remind us, Li Shilu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clarifying salt taxes and confiscating salt merchants were the Emperor’s expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But merely achieving this would not count as selling oneself well to the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang pressed on without pause: “Then I congratulate you two Imperial Envoys on your success. Yesterday, I heard the Nanzhili Ministry of Revenue is auditing the grain taxes for two seasons—this year’s figures show an increase. A double blessing indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Cao Bangfu’s chip—Li Chunfang threw it out at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie sighed and shook his head: “There is joy, but also sorrow. Besides this case, several others plague us—arrows shot at the Imperial Envoy, soldiers disguised as rioters burning down the yamen. Other cases are manageable, but treasonous plots drain the spirit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie spoke with great emotion; Li Chunfang listened in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant that financial matters could be negotiated, but any covert troop movements or distribution of bows and crossbows required a proper explanation to the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such righteous indignation made Luo Sigong turn away, refusing to look at Xu Jie—he had never seen such a person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After pondering for a while, Li Chunfang sighed: “This matter involves the Ministry of War; it is beyond my knowledge. Xu Shaohu might as well ask the Vice Minister of War, Ji Lian, and the Secretary of the Central Military Command.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such madmen must be swiftly transported to the capital in chains.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous Minister of War of Nan Zhili had been Wang Zhihao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Central Authority promoted him to Minister of Justice, no replacement has yet been appointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of War is now controlled by Vice Minister Ji Lian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Lian, utterly unaware, has been abandoned by Li Chunfang and the entire group behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie nodded in satisfaction and added: “Does Li Shilu know anything about the incitement case in Taizhou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang opened his mouth but hesitated, his expression growing increasingly strained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie’s face remained calm, silent, watching Li Chunfang quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie spoke indifferently: “After all, this is a major rebellion case; His Majesty is waiting for results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang closed his eyes and slowly nodded: “From my estimation, the Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, Zhu Gang, and the Prefect of Taizhou must have some leads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This meant selling Zhu Gang too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie stepped forward: “What about the tea tax?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang’s face had turned grim; he could no longer hold back and swept his sleeve aside: “Xu Shaohu, I am retired at home—how could I know so much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even idle gossip in the village must reach my ears.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, he could no longer agree to Xu Jie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he sacrificed too many of his colleagues’ flesh, he would not be seen as having done any real service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he earn personal favor and build prestige if he did not seize this opportunity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie retreated a step and said: “You don’t need to know the full picture—just glimpse the whole through a tube; even half the knowledge will do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can one be known in the countryside without even this much insight?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mediator must surely have been granted authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you can’t decide anything, why appoint you, Li Shilu, as the mediator?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang shook his head: “Xu Shaohu, the Emperor’s command is paramount—don’t waste more time here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a warning to Xu Jie: don’t ruin the Emperor’s great plans for your own vanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you leave me no room to save face before this crowd, I cannot serve the Emperor either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang refused to yield an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two faced off for a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without speaking, they both raised three fingers—then swiftly lowered them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both exhaled in relief: thirty percent—each could accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this, they could each claim a face-saving resolution on the matter of Nan Zhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie nodded: “Li Shilu just said you wish to relieve His Majesty’s burdens?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xu Jie no longer pressing, Li Chunfang let out a long breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He weighed his words carefully, then said slowly: “I spoke out of turn—I should not have speculated on the Emperor’s mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… judging from how you all have handled these cases, I feel Nan Zhili has grown too powerful—this is why I dared to offer my thoughts to His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie pressed: “Please speak, Li Shilu—I will report it to the Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang nodded: “Heaven has but one sun; a state has but one sovereign. Yet today, our dynasty truly has two capitals.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dual centers of governance are the very beginning of chaos.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I shall petition His Majesty to divide Nan Zhili!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui, standing nearby, suddenly understood why both Grand Secretaries had suspected the Emperor wished to divide Nan Zhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nan Zhili now possessed a central authority outside the Central Authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It controlled the wealthiest lands and managed sixty percent of the empire’s tax revenue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Six Ministries, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review all maintained identical bureaucratic structures in Nan Zhili as those in the Central Authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, its academies and imperial examinations produced the greatest number of jinshi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some in Nan Zhili now openly boasted they had fully mastered the imperial examination system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, a growing number of officials in the Central Authority now hailed from Nan Zhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is precisely why his salt administration case has become so difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mere salt tax case has already involved three former Grand Secretaries!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless dukes, marquises, earls, and high-ranking officials in crimson robes are entangled in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui was no fool—he simply lacked the perspective of a Grand Secretary. Now that it had been pointed out, he instantly grasped the core issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie, needless to say, feigned sudden realization: “What strategy do you propose?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang nodded: “This matter will take a long time. If His Majesty accepts my proposal and uses the Central Authority’s overwhelming power to gradually dismantle it, it may take decades.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cultural origins and human identity cannot be resolved by merely redrawing boundaries or setting up new prefectures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above, strong pressure must be applied; below, subtle transformation must occur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It cannot be done in less than twenty or thirty years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang paused, then continued: “But… if Nan Zhili perceives the Emperor’s will, thinks as He thinks, and acts as He urges, we could save at least ten years!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are only so many prominent figures in Nan Zhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie has already become the target; Li Chunfang must step forward without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he, as today’s mediator, can spare his behind-the-scenes allies from destruction, he will be the undisputed voice of authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the Central Authority’s distant reach, a local authority figure like him becomes invaluable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he is willing to help the Emperor divide Nan Zhili, his weight and impact will be self-evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie pressed: “How do we act as the Emperor urges? Do you have a plan, Li Shilu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang had already prepared his argument: “We need not alter administrative boundaries yet—let this unfold naturally.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, in practice, divide Nan Zhili into two.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Appoint a permanent Censor-in-Chief and Minister of Revenue to oversee Fengyang, Luozhou, Anqing, Taiping, Chizhou, Ningguo, Huizhou, Chuzhou, Hezhou, and Guangde—seven prefectures and three states.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though merely a Governor, if he is granted the titles of Minister of Revenue and Censor-in-Chief, he may directly handle local taxation and report straight to the throne.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After four or five years of this, convert the Governor into a Provincial Administration Commissioner, establish a Surveillance Commission, and gradually absorb civil administration and judicial authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leveraging the momentum of the salt administration reforms, opposition will not be too strong. If we, loyal ministers devoted to His Majesty, mediate wisely, it will proceed smoothly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Li Chunfang finished speaking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie clapped in approval: “Excellent! Mature, prudent, and perfectly consistent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The world says Li Shilu is a ‘green-charm Chancellor’—but now it seems he merely flattered the Emperor’s tastes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His Majesty has reformed and revitalized the realm; Li Shilu now cuts straight to the heart of the matter and speaks with clarity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Shilu—you are a true talent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I shall certainly report this proposal to His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang immediately added: “Moreover, His Majesty’s edict mentioned expanding maritime trade.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then, regarding the ‘Shanghai Maritime Customs Office’ on Chongming, I too can offer my utmost devotion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He conceded: “Li Shilu, you are indeed a great talent—but appointing a Governor of seven prefectures and three states, with the title of Minister of Revenue, means directly seizing tax revenue from Nan Zhili’s hands. Surely this will not be easy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang nodded: “Naturally. Even with loyal ministers assisting, sufficient strength is required.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to grasp something, then turned to Hai Rui: “Hai Yushi, what is my current post?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui paused, recalled, then replied: “You are Right Censor-in-Chief, Governor of Fengyang, Yingtian, and fourteen other prefectures.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Jie grunted, asked no more—he hoped the Emperor would understand his meaning and grant him a way out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then turned to Li Chunfang: “Then, what is it that Li Shilu seeks?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang was different from Xu Jie—his hands were far cleaner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor himself had said he would forgive past offenses; Li Chunfang did not need to go this far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, he must have another goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He watched Li Chunfang silently, waiting for his answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chunfang fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: “I have a granddaughter, fourteen years old, intelligent and graceful…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced toward the Embroidered Uniform Guard behind Hai Rui, as if speaking to the Emperor: “Perhaps she may enter the palace to serve the two Empresses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the seventeenth of the second month, just after the Awakening of Insects, all things revived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet spring thunder still stirred, startling the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just after noon, the sky darkened, and a light rain began to patter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spring thunderclap split the heavens, rumbling low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the Wanshou Palace in the Western Garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing eunuch attendants could hear the thunder and the chime of the stone bell intertwining, lingering endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Wanshou Palace, Zhu Yijun sat cross-legged on a mat, holding a memorial report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared in shock at those around him: “I’m only eleven—Li Chunfang wants to send me a concubine!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3259,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","95edefd7068a354ab8fbebd2100a2e928e1689631e41e944b7737689823bd14a","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-99","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-97",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]