Chapter 228. A boisterous entrance...

Chapter 228. A boisterous entrance...

People who rushed over upon hearing the commotion stopped half a mile away, frightened by the loud shouts, and asked the familiar faces who had fled from the crowd what had happened.

"Qingniang, get into the carriage." Meng's father grabbed Meng's mother's arm and walked out from the loose crowd. "Where are you going? If it's not urgent, go back to the manor."

“I was coming to find you.” Meng Qing looked at the crowd again, with pairs of eyes staring at her from behind. She beckoned to the two clerks who were reading the notice under the notice board and asked, “Have you remembered what I said earlier? If anyone comes to ask again, just answer them like this.”

The two clerks agreed.

Meng Qing retreated into the carriage, let his parents in as well, and then instructed the driver to turn the carriage around.

"After we finished lunch, we went out to go to the inn. We heard that his third uncle had brought back five prisoners, so we rushed over. When we got here, we saw a crowd gathered, so we joined in for a while. But in less than half an incense stick's time, the notice area was packed with people, and the alley was blocked. We couldn't get through," Meng's mother explained. "Qingniang, is Huaizhou no longer relocating people? Does this mean Meng Chun can only donate money to redeem land and exchange it for a spot for one of his descendants to study at the Imperial Academy?"

Meng Qing nodded, "I was just about to go over and tell you that my younger brother will be back in seven or eight days. He plans to sell all his workshops and shops in Suzhou and Yangzhou to raise 300,000 strings of cash to exchange for a spot."

"There's only one spot?" Meng's father asked.

Meng Qing nodded. "I originally intended to use this decree to allow merchants to renounce their land registration, but the court forbade it. Once wealthy merchants renounce their registration, as long as they still have unpaid wealth, they can transform into large landowners again. This decree has become a way to exacerbate land annexation."

"Be content, don't be greedy. You have a grandson who can study at the Imperial Academy, which is already a change of fortune. Your ancestors in the Meng family can brag about it for decades." Meng's mother said, "If it weren't for my daughter, who in your Meng family would be able to wear silk, ride in carriages, and live in a mansion? Having this kind of fortune is like your ancestors' graves emitting auspicious smoke. Twenty or thirty years ago, you wouldn't have dared to dream of such a day."

"But your daughter isn't my daughter? Our family of four has separated into different households?" Mr. Meng said unhappily. "I'm not greedy. I'm very content."

Meng's mother didn't argue with him. Hearing the sound of the mansion gate opening, she knew they had arrived at the Prefect's residence. After Ximei and Wangchuan got out of the carriage, she asked in a low voice, "Qingniang, your brother-in-law hasn't been promoted? Is he still living here? Are they moving?"

“Not for now,” Meng Qing replied. “However, I have been granted the title of Lady of the County, with an annual stipend of one thousand strings of cash.”

Mencius' mother beamed with joy.

After getting off the carriage, Meng Qing called over the steward and instructed him to stand guard outside and keep an eye on any movements.

In the following days, most of the farmers from outside the city flocked into the city. The decree was discussed everywhere – in the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns. Meanwhile, the sons of wealthy and powerful families dared not go out; whenever they showed their faces, some would clamor for the return of their land.

Magistrate Gu of Hanoi County complained to Du Min: "My lord, the city is in chaos. The landless men have stopped returning to their hometowns and are wandering around the city like beggars, looking for trouble. In just four days, there have been six cases of fighting and provoking trouble. If this continues, I am afraid that people will die."

"What do you want to do?" Du Min asked without looking up from the previous years' land verification records.

"This..." Magistrate Gu's face turned ugly. He wanted to scold Meng Qing, because she had instigated this whole situation.

"Please advise Lady Meng to stop interfering in official matters," Magistrate Gu said restrainedly.

"Is this the solution you came up with?" Du Min raised his head. "First, let me correct you. She is already a Lady of the County, so you should change your address. Second, she was not conferred her title based on her husband's and son's official ranks, making her a non-traditional noblewoman. She can be considered half an outsider, so why can't she discuss politics? Finally, instead of arresting troublemakers, you're planning to silence them? If one thing happens, another will follow. Are you going to arrest scholars who discuss politics next? Are you going to throw me in jail too? After all, I was the one who pushed this decree through."

"This humble official dares not," Magistrate Gu said, bowing his head.

Du Min gave him a disgusted look and said, "Weren't you worried about repairing the river? And complaining about not having enough manpower? Well, here come some manpower for you. Arrest all the troublemakers and make them do hard labor."

"Yes." The county magistrate had discerned his attitude; this man also intended to manipulate the farmers to deal with powerful clans and wealthy families.

"Go down and order the yamen runners to increase patrols. If there's trouble in Hanoi County, I'll punish you," Du Min dismissed him.

The magistrate of Gu County has left.

Du Min stayed in the public room for another hour. At noon, he went out of the public room to the backyard and happened to meet the guards delivering food to the "prisoners" in the dark room.

"Give it to me, I'll take it away," Du Min said.

Half of the guards on the ground were Yang Duwei's soldiers, and only they knew the identities of the prisoners in the dark room. Du Min walked down into the dark room, and Shen Biejiang and the others imprisoned inside came out when they heard the footsteps.

“It’s me,” Du Min said. “I suddenly realized that poisoning food is the easiest way to kill someone. I’ll have someone catch a cage of rats and bring them in later. You can feed the rats before you eat.”

“Commander Yang has already thought of that. We caught several rats in the dark room on our second day here,” General Shen said. “Don’t worry, sir, there won’t be any problems.”

“I was worried that we wouldn’t catch the thief and would end up killing you instead. I’m relieved that you’re prepared.” Du Min handed over the food. “I’ll be busy for the next few days, so I’ll leave this place to you. I won’t be coming back.”

Shen Bie will respond.

Du Min didn't linger; he went upstairs again.

*

The following day, a total of 117 people, including the magistrates, registrars, village chiefs, and township heads from the five counties, met at the governor's mansion. Chief Secretary Dou, Military Advisor Wang, and the six military advisors also made an appearance.

Du Min explained the decree in detail: "Today is the tenth day of the fourth month. The deadline for collecting grain tax is in mid-October. I will give you a specific date: the twentieth day of October. On the twentieth day of October, I need to receive the grain tax reports and new accounts of changes in land ownership and household registration from the five counties. Compared with previous years, I need to submit to the governor's office all the details of how much the grain tax, silk tax, and household tax have increased, the total amount of land redeemed, how the land has been allocated, and the changes in household registration."

The magistrates and registrars of the five counties looked at each other, their faces showing distress.

"Is there a problem?" Du Min asked.

“I have no problem here,” Magistrate Xing said first, drawing everyone’s attention.

“This is Xing Wudu, the newly appointed magistrate of Wen County. He took over the mess left by Magistrate Guo, who went to take up his post in Zhengzhou and is now the Prefect of Zhengzhou.” Du Min’s gaze swept over the faces of the magistrates of the other four counties. He directly stated: “With a six-month period, whichever county implements this decree best will be the county where I will arrange laborers to repair the river next spring.”

In other words, if you want to get promoted like Magistrate Guo, you have to listen to him and work hard for him.

The magistrates of Chang and Gu counties immediately turned their gazes to each other, their eyes filled with scrutiny and wariness. In particular, Magistrate Liu of Xiuwu County looked anxious. The fruit trees planted in Xiuwu County would be bearing fruit next year, and the sales channels urgently needed to be resolved. Others could wait three or four years, but he couldn't wait any longer.

"Like Magistrate Xing, I have no doubts. Upon returning to Xiuwu County, I will certainly strictly implement this decree," Magistrate Liu stated.

"Magistrate Liu, Magistrate Xing, how do you plan to implement this? Redeeming the land is certainly not a problem, the difficulty lies in getting the local powerful families to sell their land." Magistrate Chang asked his colleague, but his eyes were actually on Du Min.

Magistrate Liu also looked at Du Min and said, "I haven't thought it through yet. I need to go back and discuss it with the county magistrate and others."

Du Min looked at Xing Wudu, who stepped forward and said, "Your Excellency, I believe that powerful clans and wealthy households have used various means to seize land that originally belonged to farmers. This is a violation of the law, an over-encroachment on land and an encroachment on property. This crime is stipulated in the criminal law: for each mu of land occupied beyond the limit, the punishment is ten strokes of the cane, and for ten mu, the punishment is increased by one degree, with a maximum sentence of one year of penal servitude. I intend to act in accordance with the law and, starting in August, remeasure the land. Those who exceed the limit will be punished according to the law."

Du Min smiled and said, "I share the same idea as Magistrate Xing. Those who occupied the land violated the order first. We are just following the law. What's so difficult about that?"

With his confirmation, the magistrates of the other four counties looked more relaxed.

“Lord Du, isn’t this approach too harsh?” Chief Secretary Dou asked. “The government decree has only been posted for five days, and the people of Hanoi County are already in turmoil. The resentment towards the rich is intensifying. If the government continues to incite this, there is a risk of riots, which could damage your reputations and careers.”

“How can it be called strict enforcement of the law if we act in accordance with the law? If we don’t enforce the law strictly, then what is the point of the imperial decrees?” Magistrate Xing retorted. “In my opinion, the current situation is caused by the neglect of duties and dereliction of responsibility by many officials, which has led to the disorder of the imperial court’s rule. If you ask me, we should start by investigating the officials to see who is lining their own pockets.”

Chief Secretary Dou's face was extremely ugly, and the other officials dared not speak, some even lowering their heads.

Du Min was overjoyed. Wen County was a place with a reputation for attracting honest and capable officials.

“What’s there to be afraid of if there’s a riot? Huai Prefecture isn’t without troops. Is the Zhechong Duwei’s office just for show? I’ve met Duwei Yang. He’s still worried that life is too peaceful and he has no opportunity to use his skills. He just needs a chance to lead troops for training.” Du Min said, “Tomorrow I will introduce you to Duwei Yang. If any county’s yamen runners can’t handle a situation, report it immediately. I will ask Duwei Yang to lead troops to suppress it.”

Dou Changshi's expression grew increasingly grim. First, he used popular support to build momentum, then he used military force to suppress Du Min. Du Min was determined to confiscate the land from the landlords and gentry. Once he gained favor, there would be no shortage of imitators. The two sages in the court, having tasted success, would surely turn their blades against the aristocratic families next. He couldn't help but think that if the aristocratic families resisted, the female sage would not let go of this opportunity to weaken them, unless the aristocratic families yielded and sided with the female sage's rule…

"By the way, I want to emphasize one point: the price of land must be controlled. No matter how merchants and gentry and landlords negotiate, when the land is finally confiscated, it can only be traded at the official price." Du Min reminded, "Under this decree, if farmers compete to sell their land at high prices, and if any of them are allocated land, they will also be punished."

Magistrate Xing and the others nodded to indicate that they had taken note.

Du Min looked at the many village chiefs and township heads and said, "This time, I have summoned all the village chiefs and township heads from the five counties of Huai Prefecture so that you can hear my instructions clearly and answer the questions of the villagers when you return. Do you still have any questions? You may ask them in public."

No one spoke.

"Everyone, disperse," Du Min announced, dismissing the group.

"Wait a minute," Chief Clerk Dou interrupted, then began to press, "Lord Du, along with the county magistrates and the six military advisors, before implementing these orders, shouldn't you all set an example by clearing out the land under your names first?"

"You've also exceeded the land limit?" Du Min feigned surprise. "After passing the imperial examination, the court rewards you with 300 mu of land, and you also receive official land after taking office. The income from one person's land is equivalent to that of three generations of an ordinary family. Why would you need to acquire more land?"

“Like you, I do not own any illegal land,” Magistrate Xing said.

"I don't have any either," said Lin, the military advisor.

"I don't have any either," the judicial officer replied.

The remaining recruits exchanged glances and nodded. They had all taken up their posts in Huaizhou three years ago, and under Du Min's rule, they had no opportunity to embezzle, let alone acquire land. As for whether they had any back home, that was another matter; no one bothered to investigate.

After thinking for a moment, Magistrate Chang realized that he had to give up his land in order to keep his official position. He decided to secretly sell his private property and said, "I don't have any."

Du Min doesn't care whether they truly don't exist or are pretending not to; if he can make it seem like they truly don't exist, he won't pursue the matter.

"Chief Secretary Dou, I see you're quite concerned about this matter, so I'll assign this task to you. You'll investigate the private assets under the names of various officials." Du Min threw another hot potato at him. Chief Secretary Dou was being unreasonable, so he wouldn't be so lenient.

“I…” Chief Secretary Dou said angrily, “I still have official duties to attend to.”

"What official business? I don't recall assigning you any urgent business. Postpone your current tasks for now, and besides, this business isn't important. Just give me an answer by October 20th." Du Min didn't give him a chance to refuse. "Alright, that's enough. The five county magistrates, stay a couple more days. I'll take you to visit Commandant Yang tomorrow. The rest of you may return home at a later date."

The village chief and township head were the first to leave the governor's mansion, followed by the five county magistrates and judicial assistants.

"Gentlemen, would you like to come to my place for a cup of tea?" Magistrate Gu invited as they left the governor's mansion.

"Then I'll have to trouble you," Magistrate Xing was the first to respond.

The other three did not refuse.

After the five county magistrates left by carriage, Chief Clerk Dou stormed out, with Chief Clerk Wang lagging behind a few steps.

"Wang Sima, what is your attitude? Why have you remained silent all day?" After leaving the governor's mansion, Chief Secretary Dou blocked Wang Sima's path and questioned him.

"It's not my place to speak," Wang Sima said frankly. He came from the Langya Wang clan, but he would be fifty in two years, which alone showed that he was from a very minor branch of the family, with no family support. His father and grandfather were not prominent figures in the family, and with his official rank, he had no say in the family, nor was he required to represent the family's position. As for officialdom, he was not as high-ranking as Chief Clerk Dou, not as favored as Military Advisor Lin, and not even as powerful as the county magistrate. What could he say? He wasn't qualified to flatter, and his opinions were ignored. Why would he bother to be the first to speak out?

"With people like you around, it's no wonder that powerful families are gradually weakening." Chief Secretary Dou made no attempt to hide his contempt.

"Whether the aristocratic families can grow stronger depends on how Chief Secretary Dou exerts his efforts. I, Wang, will wait and see." Wang Sima left with his hands behind his back.

Dou Changshi was so angry he almost fell backward.

Once the arguing outside the door subsided, the six military advisors slowly emerged. Compared to powerful and wealthy families, they came from humble backgrounds and were like small fish in this struggle. Unable to ride the wave of the big fish, they could only turn against the current to seek a way to survive.

Three days later, all but Magistrate Xing returned to their hometowns.

*

"Grandfather, the magistrate of Wen County requests an audience." In an old house in the southeast of Henan County, near the Zhechong Duwei Mansion, a group of clan elders were cursing the government and the damned fools. Xing Tian, ​​the eldest grandson of the main branch of the Xing family, went in to report.

"The magistrate of Wen County?" the clan chief asked doubtfully. "Are you sure it's the magistrate of Wen County? Not the magistrate of Hanoi County?"

"It's the magistrate of Wen County. He's newly appointed this year, and his surname is also Xing." After saying that, he heard hurried footsteps, turned around, and saw the gatekeeper and several servants half-blocking and half-blocking him as they retreated in. The person being blocked was the magistrate of Wen County.

Magistrate Xing surveyed the Xing family's old residence, his gaze meeting the people in the main hall. He chuckled softly, "Elders, please forgive my uninvited visit."

"Who are you?" A man who looked to be in his forties or fifties stepped forward. "Who is your grandfather?"

“It seems my grandmother was right; I do look quite like my grandfather.” Magistrate Xing walked up the steps and stood outside, looking at the unfamiliar faces in the hall. “My grandfather’s name was Xing Zhiyu. You all know him, don’t you?”

Upon hearing this, all the elders present changed their expressions.

"Who is Xing Zhiqing? Is he still alive?" Magistrate Xing looked at the white-haired old man sitting at the head of the table.

"How dare you address my grandfather by his name!" Xing Tian rebuked.

Magistrate Xing glanced at him. "You're Xing Zhiqing's grandson? What's your birth order?"

"I am the eldest grandson of the Xing family."

"Grand Uncle, do you dare to admit what your grandson said?" Magistrate Xing stepped inside. "He is the eldest grandson of the Xing family. Who am I?"

"I also want to ask who you are, and what your relationship is with the Xing family?" The white-haired old man remained completely calm.

Magistrate Xing clapped his hands and laughed. He looked at the other clan elders and asked, "Is this the clan leader you supported back then? He is indeed shameless. No wonder he was able to bully his elder sister-in-law, murder his nephew, and seize his elder brother's family property after his brother's death, and sit in the position of clan leader as the son of a concubine."

"Where is your grandmother?" the clan elder who was the first to come out to greet them asked.

"Don't worry, she's still alive and can come to court at any time to testify against you for murder and embezzlement," Magistrate Xing said.

The person who asked the question froze. "That's not what I meant."

“Watch your mouth. If you’re really a member of the Xing family, you can’t come to Huaizhou to take up your post. We can report you,” Xing Tian warned.

“Do you think Prefect Du is unaware?” Magistrate Xing glanced at him. “The reason for recusal is to avoid nepotism and the formation of local power. I have a grudge against the Xing family of Henan. As long as I drive you away, the crime of recusal will no longer exist.”

"Don't even think about it," an elder stood up and reprimanded.

"I really didn't have this confidence before taking office, but I was lucky and arrived at the right time." Magistrate Xing smiled. "I've discussed it with Magistrate Gu, and I'll take over the task of investigating the Xing family's land. I'm here today to inform you that if you don't clean up your illegal land within a month, you'll be punished. Ten strokes of the cane for every acre of land occupied beyond the permitted limit, and one more stroke for every ten acres, with a maximum sentence of one year in prison."

The entire room fell silent.

“Magistrate Xing, it’s not that serious.” The clan chief stood up, leaning on his cane. “There was a misunderstanding about what happened back then, and I had my own reasons, which can’t be explained in a short time. Now that you’re back, I’ll hand over the position of clan chief to you.”

"Oh, I'll take on the title of clan leader and go to serve in another place? Xing Zhiqing, you're really cunning." Magistrate Xing shook his head. "You don't need to think about any schemes. My goal is to make the Xing family of Hanoi completely destitute, so that they won't be greedy for money or profit, but will use you as my pledge of loyalty. The smart ones will sell their property and move to another place as soon as possible. The unwise ones, we'll just have to wait it out."

Having said that, Magistrate Xing turned and left.

The others all looked angry, but they were powerless to do anything about it, and dared not even try to keep him.

Magistrate Xing walked out of the Xing family's old residence, boarded his carriage, and ordered, "Return to the city."

Upon entering the city, they encountered a caravan of Meng Chun, Lü Bu, and others transporting money and silk. The money and silk amounted to 300,000 strings of cash, filling more than 110 carts. The caravan stretched for three miles. The money and silk from the first cart were moved into Meng's house, while the next cart was still at the city gate.

Most of the city's residents crowded along the roadside to watch the spectacle.

Magistrate Xing's carriage was stuck in traffic. He looked out the window for a while, then got out of the carriage and walked.

Half an hour later, Magistrate Xing arrived at the Prefectural Governor's residence to request an audience with Meng Qing.

"Magistrate Xing, what is it?" Meng Qing asked.

"I would like to ask Madam, is there any progress on your brother's purchase of the land? If a seller has not yet been found, I can help you look for one," Magistrate Xing said, trying to curry favor.

"We haven't found a seller yet. I wonder which one Magistrate Xing is referring to?" Meng Qing asked.

“The Xing family of Hanoi, they may not be able to raise enough land to cover six hundred hectares. I will check the names of their in-laws.” Magistrate Xing did not hide anything.

Meng Qing smiled, "You will be a good helper to your Lord Du."

"This is also my wish," said Magistrate Xing.

"Then I'll trouble you," Meng Qing said. "Stay for lunch."

Magistrate Xing was more than happy to oblige and readily agreed.

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Author's Note: There will be another update tonight.