Chapter 132 – Sharpness

After Li Meiyai paid his respects to Xie Yi, Xie Yi indeed pointed at the memorial he had submitted earlier that day and asked him several questions about certain laws, and pointed out areas that needed improvement, instructing him to revise it upon his return.

Li Meiyai noticed that Xie Yi seemed in good spirits, so he cautiously pulled out the petition from his sleeve. “Your Majesty, today, while Your Majesty was entering the palace, I saw commoners blocking the carriage to hand over a petition. It was a joint petition by sea merchants accusing Xu Chun, the director of the Tianhai Customs Office, of coercing merchants and extorting bribes. Prince Xu has always been favored by the Emperor. After much deliberation, although it is my duty to investigate and impeach, I dare not accommodate the prosperity of the Duke of Jing’s household. However, Prince Xu is still young, and there may be misunderstandings. Please dispatch someone to thoroughly investigate the matter, whether it is appropriate, I humbly beg for the Emperor’s wise judgment.”

Xie Yi was taken aback, turning to look at Su Huan. Su Huan quickly ran down to receive the petition and presented it to the emperor.

Xie Yi unfolded it, skimming through the lines. His gaze landed on the last page with the signatures, seals, and thumbprints of the petitioners. There were about ten names, including domestic sea merchants as well as those from Silla, Japan, Tanzhou, Qinsi, Xiangyuan, and other South China Sea and Western Ocean traders. He let out a cold laugh. “These sea merchants who signed the petition must all have opium in their cargo manifests. They didn’t go to the Jingzhao Prefecture or the Grand Court of Justice, but found you so accurately. They are targeting you because you have previously impeached the Duke of Jing, and there must be insiders who are familiar with the political situation guiding them. The fat rats can’t help but stir; this is a good thing!”

Li Meiyai felt reassured. “Your Majesty is wise.” Indeed, he had guessed correctly—this was about the opium ban and smuggling investigations!

Xie Yi pondered for a moment. “Stabilize them first. Have them give separate statements. He Zhiqiu is experienced in this area, have him conduct the interrogations. Say that the Duke of Jing’s household is powerful, and arrange for them to stay in a separate residence. Then, try to find out who is behind them.”

“You aren’t adept at this, so He Zhiqiu will lead the investigation, and you will assist him. Su Huan, take a team of guards to help them. Find a residence for Li Meiyai, and monitor who contacts them. Since there are foreign merchants involved, inform the Honglu Temple to send interpreters to assist He Zhiqiu in the questioning.”

Su Huan bowed in acknowledgment. Li Meiyai also knelt to receive the imperial decree and express his gratitude before leaving.

Xie Yi glanced at the petition again and instructed Su Huan, “This touches on their interests. Look at these outrageous accusations—receiving bribes, harming the people, coercing merchants, and extorting money. If it weren’t for My protection, just looking at these joint signatures would make one think that he was abusing his authority upon taking office, extorting money from merchants and accumulating wealth, provoking public outrage. If he had no support, he would have long been schemed against.”

Su Huan chuckled. “Your Majesty, I believe Little Duke is so bold precisely because he has Your support. Who dares to declare that they wouldn’t accept a single coin or attend a single banquet upon assuming office? Who dares to forcefully suppress the import of opium? Who has the confidence to defy vested interests and not fear being targeted? This sharpness and audacity of Little Duke’s are half due to his youthful vigor and courage, and half due to Your indulgence.”

The corner of Xie Yi’s lips curved slightly. “There are many ministers whom I trust, but they only care about their own family’s interests. Those who think of the country and its people are few, and among them, most are already thinking of their escape routes—thinking of decline during prosperity, of stepping down as they step up, always planning for their own retreat. None of them charge forward with such reckless courage like him.”

Su Huan smiled with narrowed eyes. “Little Duke is eager to establish his accomplishments and stand by Your Majesty’s side.”

Xie Yi stood up, looking toward the Imperial Garden. The rich autumn scenery had waned from its peak, and frost had fallen several times, making the weather chilly. He instructed Su Huan, “Although we’ve sent medicine before, remind him that illnesses are common during the transition between autumn and winter. That ship should be arriving soon, and he surely can’t resist going out to sea. Instruct Chunxi to discipline those servants well. Add clothes and hats, warm the bedding, and prevent him from getting sick. Be cautious with drinking water, and avoid eating outside food. He has obstructed others’ sources of income, and pirates kill without mercy. We cannot afford to be careless.”

Su Huan suggested, “We might as well issue a strict order, absolutely forbidding Little Duke from going to sea. That way, we can ensure his safety.”

Xie Yi sighed wistfully. “He has a heart for his country, and he is full of passion. He will definitely go. I cannot confine him either. Genuine achievements must be personally fought for. I may not be able to protect him forever. All I can do is hope that when he takes risks, he remembers that I am still waiting for him.”