Chapter 129 – Imperial Heart

“Dear Ninth Brother, stay well. You should have received the memorial that Qin and I submitted jointly at the same time. I implore you to quickly approve it. To be frank, after learning that I was coming to Jin Harbor, I advanced funds to have several new-style warships built in Minzhou. They’re ready and have been sent over by Brother Changtian. With your approval, I can take to the seas to combat smuggling and recoup the cost of the ships.”

“The military households in Jinhaiwei are numerous, and the martial spirit is indeed strong. The city is filled with martial arts schools, security agencies, theaters, teahouses, and various street performers. I’ve recently made the acquaintance of a Duwei named He from the Jinhaiwei city defense camp. He’s a proud man, with an imposing bearing. I had preconceived notions, assuming him to be unruly and arrogant and that he would use his power to bully others. But I intentionally sought to befriend him for the sake of smooth anti-smuggling operations at sea. Unexpectedly, after a few days, I found him to be straightforward in speech, righteous in character, and meticulous in his work. In the city, he helps the poor and the distressed, acting with a tenacity that refuses to bend. He has truly impressed me, and I feel some remorse for my initial misjudgment, which did him a disservice.”

“I’ve set up a copper chest, but no one has posted a petition revealing illegal activities by the Office of Maritime Trade. It seems that although there are many merchants in Jinhaiwei, few are locals, and they don’t wish to offend the powerful and the local officials for small profits. Some have recommended themselves, and others have offered strategies. I’ve collated them all and sent them together for you, Ninth Brother. Your ability to discern talent is exceptional; please guide me on who might be useful. There were also merchants who recommended their daughters as concubines for me. I burned those petitions. Don’t be jealous, Ninth Brother. Even if I were old and ugly, they would still offer their daughters.”

“I’ve audited the accounts of the Office of Maritime Trade once. The books balance, thanks to a skilled accountant. However, in the inventory records, there is a medicinal herb called poppy, also known as Opium Poppy and Opium, that has been imported into our dynasty disguised as drugs and tobacco. This substance is addictive and was banned in previous dynasties. I’ve seen the poppy fields in Nanyang, where the flowers bloom luxuriantly, like clouds of vibrant colors. I wanted to bring seeds back to grow for you, Ninth Brother, but Cousin warned me against touching it. He said that it’s extremely difficult to quit once you start consuming it. If any sailor at sea starts taking it, they become addicted and must continue taking it during voyages, unable to break free from the addiction.”

“The Sheng family forbids its members and sailors from touching this substance, and also prohibits bringing such goods or seeds back to the country. Cousin told me that this crop is easy to cultivate and brings in huge profits, so farmers would stop growing food, which would be detrimental to the country. In the Nanyang countries where this plant is grown, efforts are made to control its cultivation, but the more restrictions there are, the more people cultivate it, even on good land. Famine looms when good land is used for this, and even if money is earned, there won’t be enough food to eat.”

“Although it provides quick relief from illness, it kills like a sword, akin to drinking poison to quench thirst or driving away wolves with tigers. We should deeply beware of it. I heard from Brother He that some soldiers mix this herb with tobacco to smoke, leading to addiction as a form of pain relief. Without it, they become tearful, weak and emaciated, and unable to train. Therefore, he strictly prohibits soldiers from smoking opium. However, it now seems to be spreading out of control, and opium dens have started opening in Jinhaiwei, where opium is smoked through pipes. It could soon spread throughout the Central Plains.”

“Moreover, the production cost of this substance is low, yet it’s sold at a high price, equivalent to gold, draining silver and gold from our dynasty to overseas, causing significant losses. I suggest that you order the court to ban this substance.”

“I also have personal motives. Checking the cargo flow records of the Office of Maritime Trade, I found that taxes on this substance were previously very high, indicating substantial profits. Three years ago, it was still frequently brought in, but in the past three years, only scattered individuals have brought it in. Yet, there is a lot of it available in the market in Jinhaiwei. I suspect that someone in Jinhaiwei is smuggling this substance. If the court bans it, I’ll have a stronger mandate, allowing me greater freedom to patrol the seas.”

“Additionally, the official residence is currently under renovation, and the space is indeed a bit small. I plan to build some cellars. While strolling through the streets, I didn’t find anything particularly delicious for you, Ninth Brother, except for the plump crabs and scaleless silver fish, which are fresh and not at all fishy. I’ve had some delivered to you by the guards for you to taste.”

“My health is fine, so don’t worry about me, Ninth Brother. I also think of you often. Don’t overthink things, Ninth Brother. Just make sure to get plenty of rest and food.”

“It feels like years since we last saw each other, even though it’s only been a few days. My heart is in sync with yours, Ninth Brother, our hearts close-knit. I assume you miss me just as much.”

Xie Yi slowly folded the letter back, flipping through the pages behind it, which turned out to be a stack of resumes. Su Huaibai smiled and said, “The silver fish and crabs that were delivered have been carefully prepared by the imperial kitchen. It was quite an effort for them to send them over with water tanks, ensuring that every single one was alive and fresh. They must be very fresh.”

Xie Yi said, “I see a thick stack here, I thought he had written so many letters, but it turns out to be just one page, with the rest being submissions.” The entire letter was filled with trivial matters, and half a page was dedicated to “Brother He.”

Xie Yi asked, “Which guard delivered the letter? Bring him in for questioning.”

Su Huaibai hurriedly replied, “It’s Qi Luan, the deputy commander of Fengxiangwei. I’ll summon him right away.”

Soon, Qi Luan came in and paid his respects to the emperor, somewhat awkward. Having been in Fengxiangwei for so long, this was the first time he met the emperor alone to report.

Xie Yi didn’t pay attention to his expression, only asking about the journey to Jinhaiwei. Qi Luan’s response was somewhat disorganized, only dryly recounting the daily schedule. Xie Yi then asked him, “That Duwei He from the city defense camp, how did the Prince meet and befriend him? I see that he’s merely a ninth-rank military official. According to protocol, he shouldn’t have access to the Prince.”

Qi Luan replied, “Our office’s rear residence was originally occupied by the city defense camp…” Qi Luan recounted the incident that day, and Xie Yi frowned slightly. “Such a powerful figure, have you investigated his background? Is the Prince close to him now?”

Qi Luan replied, “We have investigated. The He family is indeed a prominent clan in Jinhaiwei. He Shiduo himself runs several martial arts schools. Due to his connections with many martial arts experts and his righteousness, he has many martial arts instructors under him. Thus, he was elected as the Duwei of the city defense office, responsible for daily patrols, security, and law enforcement. He is very capable in handling affairs, but within official circles, everyone thinks that he is unruly and doesn’t follow orders well.”

“The Prince greets him and chats casually whenever he goes to the office or practices in the backyard. The Prince probably wants to know about the situation in Jinhaiwei. Now that our guards interact more with the city defense camp, we’ve quickly learned about the situation in the area and the local influential families and merchants.”

“He enjoys martial arts, so he has competed with Lord Dinghai and Chunxi. He wields a good saber and can match Chunxi evenly, but because both sides are somewhat accommodating, it’s hard to tell who is superior.”

Xie Yi said, “People around such individuals are too diverse, so you must be careful and vigilant in protecting him. The Prince’s safety comes first. Do not let your guard down and also advise the Prince to avoid places where all sorts of people mix. His status is precious, and we cannot be careless.”

Qi Luan agreed, somewhat confused. “Every day, the Prince only inspects cargo at the Office of Maritime Trade port and talks to various merchants and maritime traders. The port is indeed a place where all sorts of people mix, but it’s also part of his duties. It’s probably impossible to dissuade the Prince.”

Xie Yi remained silent for a moment. “Let him be, but ensure his protection.”

After dismissing Qi Luan, Xie Yi ordered someone to summon Li Meiyao.

When Li Meiyao entered, he was energetic. Recently, his memorials were frequently praised and acknowledged by the emperor in court sessions. Every official he criticized fell. Since the case involving Prince Yu’s private sale of iron mines, the emperor’s trust and favor toward him had increased day by day. He felt as if he walked with the wind at his back.

He paid his respects upon entering and saw that the emperor was holding a piece of Yutang paper in his hand, seemingly deep in thought. Upon seeing him enter, the emperor spoke kindly, “Rise. Recently, the case involving Prince Yu has come to a conclusion, and Marquis Wuying will return to the capital soon. Leave the remaining matters to him. There’s something I want you to handle. It’s a thorny issue, and only someone as upright as you can manage it.”

Li Meiyao said, “Your Majesty, I will not disappoint your trust!”

Xie Yi said, “I’ve heard that addictive substances like poppies, opium poppy, and opium have been introduced into the Central Plains from overseas. They are already being sold in the market, and even opium dens have emerged, providing opium for people to smoke. Moreover, I’ve heard that some prefectures and counties have people cultivating this substance to increase tax revenue. This substance can lead to addiction, weaken the body, and sap one’s spirit, causing great harm. I intend to ban it completely.”

Li Meiyao’s face was filled with excitement. “I’ve also heard about it and was planning to submit a memorial to the court. This substance is highly harmful and cannot be allowed to spread across the land! We must ban its cultivation, transportation, and sale!”

Xie Yi said, “I agree. However, previous attempts to ban it in earlier dynasties failed repeatedly due to vested interests. No one but someone as principled as you can take charge.”

Li Meiyao said, “I’m not afraid of offending the entire world. I will overcome all difficulties and follow Your Majesty’s command.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly, but then seemed to recall something. “I remember that you accused Hou Wu’an of forming a clique and seeking private gains. But recently, I’ve heard that Hou Wu’an has been visiting Duke Jingguo frequently.”

Upon hearing Duke Jingguo, Li Meiyao thought of the Duke’s son Xu Chun. He felt guilty about Xu Chun and couldn’t help but defend Duke Jingguo. “Duke Jingguo is an ordinary man. Hou Wu’an’s association with him is actually intended to form a marriage alliance, without any ulterior motives.”

Xie Yi said, “Duke Jingguo has been interacting with many marquises and important ministers recently. Despite not being out of mourning, he has been acting ostentatiously. His behavior is improper and suggests the formation of a clique. As a censor, you are responsible for investigating officials and reporting any misconduct. How can you sit idly by?”

Li Meiyao… Sweat broke out on his forehead as he hastily knelt down. “It’s my fault. I will thoroughly investigate any improper behavior on his part.”

Xie Yi nodded. “That’s the right thing to do.”