MLMD -Chapter 373 Tang Hu’s Troubles

Although it was the depth of winter, the Inner City of Beijing was still bustling with people, presenting a scene of prosperity.

Unlike the Outer City, where refugees were everywhere and people openly sold their children and even their daughters, the Inner City was home to princes, high officials, and noble families. Naturally, they demanded a high standard of environment and security. The constant clamor, begging, and heartbreaking cries of child-selling that filled the Outer City were absolutely not tolerated here. This area was a key patrol zone for constables and the Five City Military Command. Once anyone poorly dressed or behaving suspiciously was spotted approaching, they would immediately be driven out. Whitewashing reality—this had always been the same routine throughout the ages.

Dressed in a blue long gown, Tang Hu protruded his large belly as he walked out of Yangliu Alley and onto Chengxian Street. This street was very close to the Imperial City, with the Confucian Temple and Yonghe Temple standing side by side, and the Imperial Academy of Beijing also located here.

Since the Sui dynasty, the Imperial Academy had been the central state school of successive dynasties, the highest institution in China’s ancient educational system, also known as the Guozi School or Guozi Temple.

By the Ming dynasty, because the court operated with two administrations—a dual-capital system—the Imperial Academy was established both in Jinling and in Beijing. The one in Jinling was called the “Southern Academy” or “Southern Yong,” while the one in Beijing was called the “Northern Academy” or “Northern Yong.” In name, the two were equal, but in reality, since the Jinling administration was largely a hollow shell, the Southern Academy’s status was far inferior to that of the Northern Academy. Today, Tang Hu had come here on business.

Just as Tang Hu reached the main gate of the Imperial Academy, he saw many students gathered beneath two large locust trees in front of the entrance, arguing noisily. They were clearly divided into two factions, hurling insults at each other. Curious, Tang Hu quickened his pace and walked over, just in time to hear a scholar speaking with great passion.

“Fellow students, please hear me out!” A young scholar of about seventeen or eighteen jumped onto a stone, waved his fist, and shouted loudly to those around him. “Everyone, you all read yesterday’s newly published Jinling Times, didn’t you? At a time when the Great Ming is facing grave peril, the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery, Yue Yang, has brazenly led seventy thousand troops to slaughter their way into Liaodong! First, he attacked Shanhai Pass, killing tens of thousands of the defending soldiers and forcing Wu Sangui’s entire family to flee to Jinzhou!”

“And Yue Yang was still not satisfied. He then led his forces to attack Jinzhou. The Liaodong Deputy Commander Zu Dashou could not bear to turn his weapons against former comrades and was forced to withdraw from Jinzhou. Yet Yue Yang pursued him relentlessly, leaving Zu Dashou with no choice but to surrender to the Tatar barbarians. Fellow students, let me ask you—does heaven still have justice? Yue Yang wages war recklessly and massacres loyal and good men. Does the court really intend to do nothing? As the saying goes, ‘To establish the heart for Heaven and Earth, to secure life for the people, to carry on the lost teachings of the sages, and to bring peace for all ages.’ Seeing such injustice, should we scholars not seek justice for the innocent Liaodong soldiers who died at Yue Yang’s hands?”

“That’s right! Yue Yang is brutal and bloodthirsty, slaughtering loyal subjects everywhere. We scholars should uphold righteous integrity and go to the Meridian Gate to beat the drum of grievance for those wronged Liaodong soldiers!”

“Exactly! How can such a petty villain be granted a marquisate of the Great Ming? The time to uphold justice is today!”

Watching the crowd’s furious verbal attacks against Yue Yang, Tang Hu’s eyes narrowed instinctively. Just as he was about to step forward and say a few words, several scholars in long gowns walked out. The leader, a tall and thin scholar, cupped his hands toward the previous speakers and said, “Gentlemen, please calm down and listen to what I, Su, have to say.”

As he spoke, the surroundings gradually quieted. He then sneered at the scholar who had been shouting the loudest and said, “Brother Liu, you’ve gathered here today simply to blow this matter out of proportion. But have you ever thought about how the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery went to Liaodong? Let me tell you—he went under an imperial edict to take over Liaodong’s military affairs. Yet the Wu and Zu families not only refused to obey the edict, they even blocked the Xuanda Army outside the city. Left with no choice, the Xuanda Army attacked Shanhai Pass and Jinzhou. Wu Xiang, Wu Sangui, and Zu Dashou were no match for the imperial forces, yet they still tried to stop a chariot with their arms. After their defeat, they openly defected to the Manchu Tatars. Such despicable rats deserve execution by all. Yet you, Brother Liu, turn a blind eye to this and instead shout for punishment against the Marquis who carried out the edict to suppress traitors. I must ask—what are your true intentions?”

“You… you’re just twisting words!” The scholar surnamed Liu was momentarily rendered speechless. After a while, he sneered and pointed at the other. “Su, don’t try to pressure me with talk of imperial edicts. The Zu and Wu families defended Liaodong for decades. Even if they lacked merit, they certainly endured hardships. Yet the court used trumped-up charges to arrest and punish them—where is justice? Where is heavenly principle? If not for Yue Yang pressing them step by step, how would Generals Zu and Wu have surrendered to the Manchus? Everything that happened was forced upon them.”

“Heh… heh heh heh…” The tall, thin scholar threw back his head and laughed, his face full of disdain. “Today I’ve truly broadened my horizons—there are actually people speaking up for traitors who defected to the Tatars. Could it be that you, Liu Xueying, are a spy sent by the Tatars?”

Those words were extremely serious. For a student of the Imperial Academy to be accused of being a spy of an enemy state was no trivial charge. If it spread, his future would be utterly ruined.

The scholar surnamed Liu trembled with rage, pointing at the other but unable to speak. At this moment, another student stepped in and said, “Brother Su, your words are far too harsh. Brother Liu merely criticized the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery a few times—you needn’t destroy his future like this.”

The scholar surnamed Su said disdainfully, “Hmph! He’s allowed to smear others’ reputations, but I’m not allowed to say a few words? Does such scum deserve to remain in the Imperial Academy? I am deeply ashamed. When the paths differ, there is no need to conspire together. Farewell!”

With that, he turned around, pushed through the crowd, and left.

Seeing this, a faint smile appeared on Tang Hu’s face. It seemed that the Imperial Academy of the Great Ming was not entirely full of useless people—there were still a few real talents.

Thinking this, he entered the Academy through the main gate, passed the Jixian Gate, went around the glazed archway, the Yilun Hall, and the Jingyi Pavilion, and arrived at a simply furnished, antique-style room. Without knocking, he pushed the door open and walked in. Inside, he saw two elderly men in plain clothes playing chess, with another old man sitting beside them watching. None of them reacted to his entrance.

As soon as Tang Hu entered, he laughed and said, “Grand Secretary Yang, Minister Cheng—what fine leisure the two of you are enjoying! Oh? And Director Guo is here as well. Could it be that the three of you intend to hold a joint tribunal today?”

At the sound of Tang Hu’s voice, the three immediately turned their heads. The two playing chess were none other than Grand Secretary Yang Sichang and Minister of Revenue Cheng Guoxiang, while the observer was Guo Si, the Director of the Imperial Academy.

Seeing Tang Hu speak so calmly before them, without the slightest hint of surprise, all three showed traces of astonishment. Among those present, Yang Sichang and Cheng Guoxiang were the most powerful real authority figures at court, while Guo Si was also a highly respected upright official. Ordinary officials wouldn’t dare even breathe loudly in front of them, let alone converse normally. Yet this man had come in and started joking with them.

A look of appreciation appeared in Yang Sichang’s eyes. Though Tang Hu’s appearance was unremarkable, his bearing and social skill were outstanding.

Yang Sichang stroked his beard and chuckled. “Minister Tang, to be frank, I summoned you today to discuss some matters. However, you cannot enter the palace, and the Ministry of War is full of loose tongues, so I had no choice but to ask you here. I hope you won’t mind. But if you are willing, there happens to be a vacancy for a Yuanwailang in the Ministry of Revenue. Would Minister Tang be willing to take that post?”

Tang Hu grinned. “This humble official was merely a down-and-out licentiate who failed the exams time and again. Apart from the clothes on my body, I didn’t even have a place to live. Left with no choice, I followed a friend to northern Shanxi, where I was fortunately noticed by Marquis Yue, who appointed me Deputy Director of the Finance Department, responsible for taxes and grain levies from Shanxi to the capital. Only then did I feel like I was finally living like a human being—and even became an official. I feel that my life has not been in vain. As for Your Excellency’s kind offer, I can only accept it in spirit.”

A person who knows gratitude is always appreciated and respected wherever he goes. No matter how dark someone’s heart may be, he always hopes his subordinates are good people.

Yang Sichang sighed softly, a trace of regret flashing across his face. “Since Minister Tang insists, I can only express my regret. Still, I believe that with your talents, being a Deputy Director of Finance in Shanxi—a post with little real authority—is truly beneath you. If you ever wish to serve in the Ministry of Revenue in the future, as long as I remain in office, you may come to me at any time.”

Tang Hu laughed. “Then I thank Your Excellency for your kindness. I only hope you won’t despise me when the time comes.”

Though Tang Hu spoke politely, Yang Sichang, seasoned in officialdom, could see that he was merely humoring him. With an inward sigh, Yang stopped pressing the matter and turned to the real purpose of the meeting.

“Minister Tang, I called you here today to ask whether Shanxi could sell a batch of grain to the court. Of course, the court would pay according to the price.”

“The court wants to buy grain?” Tang Hu was slightly startled. “Grand Secretary, I recall that just a few months ago Shanxi already submitted one million dan of grain to the court. Why is there another purchase now?”

“Well…” Yang Sichang felt a bit awkward and turned his gaze toward Cheng Guoxiang.

Cheng Guoxiang quickly explained, “Minister Tang, it’s like this. Right now, bandits are ravaging Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Sichuan, and Shaanxi. The court has repeatedly dispatched armies to suppress them, but the results have been poor. Some days ago, Lord Hong Chengchou submitted a memorial stating that he suffered heavy losses while suppressing Li Zicheng in Hunan and urgently needs to train new troops, but lacks grain and thus cannot form an army. He asked whether the court could support him with provisions. As you know, the court truly has no grain left, so we’re asking whether you could sell some to the court.” After speaking, Cheng Guoxiang seemed embarrassed and lowered his head, avoiding Tang Hu’s gaze.

After hearing this, Tang Hu fell silent. Though his expression didn’t change, inwardly he was cursing. Yang Sichang and Cheng Guoxiang claimed the court would pay market price, but everyone knew what the grain market was like. The official price was one tael and two qian of silver per shi, yet the official markets hadn’t sold grain for years. Private grain shops did have grain, but at least twice the official price—that was the real market price. Now Yang Sichang wanted to buy grain at the official price, clearly taking advantage of Shanxi.

The room remained silent. After half a quarter-hour, Tang Hu still hadn’t spoken. Yang Sichang’s face began to darken. As Grand Secretary, he felt he had already shown great courtesy by personally asking a Deputy Director of Finance from Shanxi—someone of obscure origin. Yet Tang Hu responded with utter silence.

Seeing Yang Sichang’s increasingly sour expression, Guo Si, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. “Minister Tang, the nation is in dire straits. Grand Secretary Yang has long exhausted himself for the court. Now that he has finally asked you for help, could you not make some accommodation?”

Hearing this, Tang Hu thought for a moment before replying, “In principle, since Grand Secretary Yang rarely makes such requests, I should do everything possible to satisfy him. But you gentlemen must also know that although I bear the title of Deputy Director of Finance, I am really just a courier with no actual authority. Even if I wanted to agree, I have no power to do so.”

At this, Yang Sichang’s face immediately sank. He said flatly, “Minister Tang, I seem to recall that last month a shipment of grain arrived in the capital from Shanxi—five hundred thousand dan in total. It was stored in the warehouses of several grain shops in the capital. If I remember correctly, that grain hasn’t been sold yet, has it?”

When Yang Sichang’s face hardened, Tang Hu felt an immense pressure bearing down on him.

Still, Tang Hu forced a bitter smile and shook his head. “Grand Secretary is correct. Shanxi did send a batch of grain last month. But along with that shipment came Marquis Yue’s orders: without his command, no one is allowed to touch that grain. Whoever does will lose their head. My head may not be worth much, but I rather like it and am not eager to see it separated from my neck.”

A sharp light flashed in Yang Sichang’s eyes as he said coolly, “You fear your Marquis Yue taking your head—do you really think that aside from him, no one in the capital can take it?”

The threat in his words was unmistakable.

Anger flared in Tang Hu’s heart. It seemed that since soft methods failed, Yang Sichang intended to use force.

Facing the threat, Tang Hu cupped his hands respectfully. “Of course I’m afraid. But I don’t mind speaking plainly—without the Marquis’s written order, even I cannot move a single grain. If Grand Secretary doubts this, you may try for yourself. The guards at the grain shops aren’t many. You can seize the grain in the court’s name. As for the consequences, however, please don’t blame me for not warning you.”

“You—”

Even with Yang Sichang’s composure, he was momentarily speechless with anger. He couldn’t remember the last time someone dared speak to him this way. Tang Hu was, in name, merely a Deputy Director of Finance in Shanxi—a title not even officially recognized by the court. Strictly speaking, he was nothing more than a licentiate without official rank. Yang Sichang had called him “Minister” out of courtesy, yet this insignificant figure had boldly pushed back against him.

Seeing their superior checked, Cheng Guoxiang hurriedly chimed in, “Tang Hu, do you know what you’re doing? Grand Secretary Yang invited you here out of regard for you. He’s already given you face—don’t refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!”

At this point, Tang Hu threw caution to the wind and said coldly, “Minister Cheng, Grand Secretary Yang—truth be told, you are among the court’s most powerful ministers, while I am just a mere scholar. I was fortunate to be valued by the Marquis and appointed Deputy Director of Finance, usually helping Shanxi remit taxes and acting as a liaison between the court and Shanxi. Why trouble yourselves by making things difficult for such an insignificant pawn as me? If you truly wish to buy grain, simply write directly to the Marquis. If he agrees, let alone five hundred thousand dan—even a million dan would be no problem.”

Tang Hu’s words cornered Yang Sichang and Cheng Guoxiang at once. His meaning was crystal clear: you’re all big figures of the court—why bully a small fry like me? If you have the ability, go ask Yue Yang for grain and see whether he’ll give you any face.

Yang Sichang and Cheng Guoxiang turned alternately pale and flushed with rage. Inwardly, they fumed: if we had the ability to extract grain from Yue Yang, would we, damn it, lower ourselves to deal with someone like you, who doesn’t even have a proper official rank? Do you really think the dignity of the Grand Secretary and the Minister of Revenue is so cheap?

Watching their shifting expressions, Tang Hu sneered inwardly. These two clearly knew they couldn’t afford to offend the Marquis, so they came to trouble a minor pawn like him instead. It seemed the world was always the same—no matter who you were, people loved to bully the weak and fear the strong…