Chapter Thirty-Six: The Eastern Forest's Response

A few days later, a letter from a reader was published in the Ming Weekly. In it, the author fervently praised former Grand Commissioner of Canal Transport, Li Sancai, for his noble stand against the mine tax commissioners and his petition to the late emperor to abolish the mine tax for the sake of the people. The author also recalled attending a grand banquet at the Commissioner’s mansion: over three hundred guests, with delicacies such as monkey lips, bird’s nest, camel hump, bear paw, leopard fetus, and deer tendon in abundance. Shark fin was used merely for rinsing one’s mouth, skirt edge was left untouched, and the guests departed in high spirits. The author expressed hope that today’s officials would be as upright and speak fearlessly for the people, just as Commissioner Li had done.

Once the paper was released, the news office immediately received a flood of reader responses. Some doubted the authenticity of the banquet description, suspecting the letter’s author of veiled criticism or fabrication. Others questioned how Li Sancai could afford such extravagance. Wang Cheng’en, after careful selection, submitted the letters to Zhu Youxiao for review. Three were chosen: one challenged the accuracy of the banquet depiction, another was a firsthand account corroborated by written records, and the third demanded an explanation for Li Sancai’s wealth and urged the emperor to order an official investigation. In the next issue, these three letters were published, accompanied by an editorial note inviting public opinion.

The matter soon stirred heated debate in the papers, causing the censors to grow restless. Some impeached Li Sancai, others called for a thorough investigation to clear his name. Li Sancai submitted a memorial in his own defense—not denying the banquet, for too many knew of it—but asserting that all his wealth was earned honestly, and requesting the emperor send an envoy to verify his claims.

During the court session, Zhu Youxiao brought forth Li Sancai’s memorial for the ministers’ discussion. The Donglin faction remained silent, while members of other factions unanimously urged the emperor to dispatch an imperial envoy for investigation.

Zhu Youxiao said, “Commissioner Li has never liked imperial envoys; their conclusions may be biased. Therefore, we should send a senior minister. Yang Lian, Secretary of the Ministry of War and a righteous man who abhors evil, should go to Tongzhou to examine the matter. The palace official Li Zhen may assist him.”

This decree placed Yang Lian in a difficult position. Refusal was untenable, especially as he had just returned from sick leave; acceptance seemed a move by the emperor to incite infighting within the Donglin faction. Yet, upon the court, there was no room for hesitation, so he could only kneel and receive the order.

After court, as he stepped out of the palace, Zuo Guangdou approached him and said, “Tonight, we must trouble Wenru.” Yang Lian nodded without a word.

Before dusk, the leading figures of Donglin in the capital gathered at Yang Lian’s residence. Besides cabinet members Liu Yanyi and Han Kuang, there were Sun Chengzong, Zuo Guangdou, Liu Zongzhou, Zhou Jiemo, Zhao Nanxing, Gong Nai, and Huang Zunsu. After a casual dinner, all convened in Yang Lian’s study.

Han Kuang spoke first: “The emperor has sent Wenru to investigate Li Dao-fu; I believe everyone understands the implications. Time is short—those with opinions about the succession should speak quickly.” The night curfew began at the first watch (around 8:12 p.m.), with gates locked throughout the city. Although officials could open them, such a gathering might invite censure from the censors.

Liu Yanyi said, “Li Dao-fu was indeed lavish in those days, so suspicion is inevitable, but his wealth is above reproach. Wenru, do as you must—there’s nothing to worry about.”

Most others echoed this sentiment, unconcerned about the investigation, since Li Sancai himself had requested it; had he been unclean, he would hardly have done so. Gong Nai, a censor and Li Sancai’s relative by marriage, remained silent.

Zuo Guangdou did not share their peace of mind. He had convened this gathering, and seeing that others felt he was making a fuss, he explained, “Li Gong is unafraid of scrutiny, but my concern is that the emperor’s investigation, especially with Wenru involved, may reveal deeper motives. In my ignorance, I seek your guidance.”

Hearing this, the others felt much the same. The emperor had been on the throne for less than a year, yet the ministers were already struggling to discern his intentions. One day, he focused on drilling troops; another, on planting potatoes and sweet potatoes; then, he established a shrine for heroes; now, he launched a weekly paper… Why not simply be an emperor, nodding from the throne and letting us Donglin worthies handle affairs?

At mention of imperial intentions, all eyes turned to Imperial Tutor Sun Chengzong. Feeling the pressure, Sun spoke: “The emperor has promoted Xu Guangqi to Minister of Revenue, seemingly intent on reopening the mine tax. As for how this relates to the investigation of Li Gong, I cannot say.”

At this, everyone forgot the original purpose of the meeting and began condemning the emperor in unison. “The late emperor has been gone but a short while, and already he seeks to overturn his benevolent policies. Three years without altering a father’s ways—that is filial piety.” Han Kuang bluntly accused the emperor of unfilial conduct.

“He only cares about enriching the imperial treasury, blind to the hardships of the people. If this money were destined for the Ministry of Revenue, he would hardly be so eager. His avarice rivals his grandfather’s,” said Zuo Guangdou, who considered the emperor greedy and indifferent to the people’s suffering.

The room buzzed with criticism; even Gong Nai, who had previously been silent, joined in. Sun Chengzong, being Imperial Tutor, said nothing, which all understood. Yet Yang Lian’s continued silence struck everyone as odd.

Yang Lian, seeing their eyes upon him, sighed and said, “During the Wanli reign, the mine tax commissioners went too far. If the emperor wishes to restore the mine tax, in my view, it will be difficult. Still, the Ministry of Revenue’s coffers are indeed depleted…”

“That’s an understatement! Did Wenru not witness the arrogance of those palace officials? If the treasury is empty, increase taxes, raise the Liao tribute—nine-tenths of a tael, raise another nine-tenths, what’s the harm?” Zhao Nanxing exclaimed. He had personally witnessed the mine tax commissioners’ oppression and had battled them, so his feelings ran deep.

Yang Lian sighed again, thinking that if the emperor increased the tax by nine-tenths, those below might raise it by ninefold or more. Unwilling to argue with Zhao Nanxing, he remained silent.

Zhao Nanxing, ignoring him, continued: “Li Dao-fu’s case is of no consequence, but the reopening of the mine tax must be opposed by all of Donglin. We cannot let the disasters of the Wanli era repeat: how many families were ruined, how many wives separated, and when flames engulf the land, it will be too late.”

Everyone agreed. Liu Yanyi summarized: if the emperor truly intends to revive the mine tax, all Donglin members must oppose it, rallying other factions as well. Anyone who opposes it is a friend of Donglin; anyone who supports it is an enemy. As for the investigation of Li Sancai, Yang Lian need only act with impartiality, and he would write to Li Sancai to explain.