Chapter Thirty-One: The Reckoning
Page 1/3
Liu Sanwu had lived through both the Yuan and Ming dynasties, witnessing countless events. His machinations were far more sophisticated than the crude tricks of Censor Hong, yet he had underestimated the depth of Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao’s protection over Zhu Yang.
When he saw that the attempt at covert attack had failed, he decisively returned to the ranks. This was not retreat, but rather waiting for someone else to hand him the knife. That person was none other than Shen Jin, Minister of War.
“Your Majesty, I have matters to report. Last night, the Ministry of War received urgent military news: Japanese pirates once again landed in Fujian, killing thirteen of our citizens and robbing a thousand taels of silver. After being driven away by the local garrison, the pirates ultimately fled,” reported Minister Shen Jin, stepping out of the line and kneeling.
It seemed fate had it in for Zhu Yang. Liu Sanwu and his associates had originally planned to stir up controversy over the sea ban during court discussions, hoping to provoke Zhu Yuanzhang into a rage. Zhu Yuanzhang’s temperament was explosive; it was not unlikely that in anger he might commence a massacre, eliminating Zhu Yang and purging all officials who still dared to dream of lifting the sea ban.
However, while they were discussing the details, Shen Jin received an urgent letter from Fujian. The battle had concluded and the pirates had been driven off, so Shen Jin did not immediately rush to inform the emperor, instead choosing to present the matter at morning court. As a result, Liu Sanwu and his faction seized upon the incident for their own purposes.
“Your Majesty, the sea ban has been in effect for several years, yet people along the Fujian coast still secretly venture abroad, smuggling Ming goods overseas. This ultimately leads to pirates landing on our shores and slaughtering innocent people. I beg Your Majesty to punish the Fujian Administration for their negligence!” Shen Jin pleaded.
“Moreover, I suggest that Your Majesty henceforth severely punish anyone who petitions for the lifting of the sea ban. Only with such measures can we eradicate the pirates and ensure the people live in peace!” Shen Jin continued.
After founding the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, in the third year of the Hongwu era (1370), abolished the Taicang and Huangdu Maritime Trade Offices. In the seventh year (1374), he ordered the dissolution of the maritime trade offices in Quanzhou, Mingzhou, and Guangzhou, which had existed since the Tang dynasty and were responsible for overseas commerce. By the fourteenth year (1381), Zhu Yuanzhang, seeing that the pirates were undeterred, banned coastal residents from private contact with foreign countries. From then on, even friendly Southeast Asian nations were barred from coming to China for trade or cultural exchange. In the twenty-third year (1390), he issued another decree forbidding contact with foreign states.
Later, Zhu Yuanzhang declared, “Not even an inch of plank shall be allowed to go out to sea.” These actions and words became the foundational doctrine for Ming officials opposing the lifting of the sea ban. Now, with Zhu Yuanzhang still alive, ministers could not invoke ancestral law, but as “the monarch’s words are no jest,” his repeated emphasis on the sea ban meant that advocating its lifting was inherently wrong, and anyone who did so deserved punishment.
Zhu Yuanzhang squinted at Shen Jin, fully aware of his intentions. The other standing officials understood as well.
If Zhu Yuanzhang agreed, then Zhu Yang’s examination paper would become a landmine that could destroy him. If he refused, he would risk his sovereign authority being undermined—the very thing he valued most.
Zhu Biao watched his father anxiously, fearing Zhu Yuanzhang might casually accept Shen Jin’s advice.
“Your Majesty, I believe the Minister’s suggestion is most reasonable. You have repeatedly emphasized the sea ban, yet Zhu Yang of Fujian, a student, openly extols the benefits of lifting it in his essay. Clearly, Fujian has no regard for Your Majesty, ignoring your policies entirely. If this continues, Fujian’s people will inevitably slip from Ming’s control. I suggest arresting all Fujian officials, regardless of rank, for investigation and appointing qualified administrators to take charge of the province!” another censor stepped forward to address Zhu Yuanzhang.
“I second the motion!”
Page 1/3
Page 2/3
“I second the motion!”
...
In an instant, dozens of officials knelt, echoing their support.
“The tide of opinion is overwhelming—looks like you’re doomed this time!” Liu Sanwu watched the kneeling officials from within the ranks, feeling elated. He believed Zhu Yang’s fate was sealed, and even Zhu Biao’s protection would not suffice.
...
“Achoo...”
At the palace gate, Zhu Yang sneezed repeatedly.
“Did I catch a cold?” Zhu Yang touched his thick sweater. “Hmm, don’t feel cold. Maybe someone’s thinking about me?”
“But, waiting is unbearable. What is that old emperor doing? He’s kept me waiting so long without summoning me—how infuriating!” Zhu Yang stamped his feet and rubbed his numb toes. If Zhu Yuanzhang weren’t emperor and he had any means, he’d have sprayed him with salty soda out of spite.
...
While Zhu Yang’s resentment toward Zhu Yuanzhang grew, the square before the Hall of Heavenly Harmony fell silent.
Zhu Yuanzhang did not declare his stance. Both the standing and kneeling officials waited.
Just then, a eunuch approached and whispered a few words to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Upon hearing them, Zhu Yuanzhang was thoroughly delighted.
“Have you recorded the names of all those kneeling?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked.
“All noted,” the eunuch replied quietly.
“Good,” Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly.
Overwhelming public sentiment? Did Zhu Yuanzhang fear such a thing?
Some plotted against Zhu Yang, some against the pro-maritime faction, but in truth, Zhu Yuanzhang was plotting as well...
“It seems everyone finds the Minister of War’s words persuasive. As it happens, I’ve summoned Zhu Yang today. Let the ministers discuss his crimes in his presence!” Zhu Yuanzhang declared loudly.
The officials were stunned. Had the emperor foreseen this?
Page 2/3
Page 3/3
Liu Sanwu and his associates exchanged strange smiles, believing the emperor’s stance favored them after yesterday’s dispute.
Zhao Mian and Shen Jin were even more elated. The emperor’s move was a warning to the Crown Prince: they had done nothing wrong!
Though killing Zhu Yang would offend the prince, as long as the emperor lived, the prince’s position was far from secure.
Zhao Mian and Shen Jin decided they would contact the northern faction after today, claiming they had agreed to cooperate.
...
“Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!” Zhu Yang followed the eunuch to the steps before the Hall of Heavenly Harmony, kneeling in salute.
Zhu Yuanzhang stood atop the steps, gazing at the bowed Zhu Yang. “Raise your head,” he commanded.
Zhu Yang complied, and was met by a familiar face.
“What the—Old Huang!” Zhu Yang was shocked.
Turning, he saw “Huang Da” standing at the front of the civil officials, smiling broadly at him.
“What are you smirking for!” Zhu Yang cursed internally: Is it fun to trick me?
“Zhu Yang, you’re here today so the ministers can deliberate your crimes!” Zhu Yuanzhang said expressionlessly, showing no joy at their reunion.
“Crimes?” Zhu Yang was dumbfounded, then glanced at the still-smiling Zhu Biao, swearing inwardly: Damn, weren’t history books saying Zhu Biao was gentle and kind? Turns out he’s a tattletale—just a few complaints and he brings them to court. These ministers truly have nothing better to do; wouldn’t it be nicer to adjourn and nap at home?
“I am innocent, Your Majesty!” Zhu Yang cried out, regardless of the effect—it was best to plead first.
“Oh, now you claim innocence?” Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Yang with mockery. “Come, Crown Prince, tell him what the ministers said. Make sure he understands clearly!”
“Yes, Father!” Zhu Biao bowed, then approached Zhu Yang, squatting beside him and recounting every word spoken in court, without omission. He even pointed out Liu Sanwu, Zhao Mian, Shen Jin, and the others to Zhu Yang.
...
Page 3/3