Chapter Twenty-Seven: Audience with the Emperor (Part Two)

When only the Emperor and Yang Yaozong remained in the hall, the Emperor said, “Yang Yaozong, come closer.”
Yang Yaozong respectfully stepped forward.
The Emperor seemed to scrutinize Yang Yaozong for a moment, then said, “Yang Yaozong, what relation is Yang Shouzheng to you?”
Yang Yaozong thought to himself, “Here it comes. The Emperor’s first question is this, but he should already know my background. Still, he asks—perhaps to confirm something for himself. Who knows what he’ll do once I answer. I can only take things one step at a time.” He could not discern any emotion in the Emperor’s voice. Maintaining his posture and meeting the Emperor’s gaze, he replied, “Your Majesty, Yang Shouzheng is my father.”
The Emperor observed Yang Yaozong’s calm demeanor and steady tone, nodding with a hint of admiration in his eyes. His expression then grew stern, a latent threat flickering in his gaze, his voice sharp as he said, “Are you aware that your father is a criminal, condemned by my decree to exile in Shu, never to be recalled to office?”
Yang Yaozong’s heart pounded, but his face remained composed, his reply measured and unhurried, “I am aware, Your Majesty.”
The Emperor raised his voice slightly, pressing, “Do you know the reason your father was so severely punished by me?”
Yang Yaozong replied, “I do not, Your Majesty. My father never spoke of it to me.”
The Emperor saw no deceit in Yang Yaozong’s expression, nodded, and his fatigue returned as he sighed, “It seems Yang Qing did not blame me.”
“Yang Qing? Surely he means Yang Shouzheng. The Emperor still calls the disgraced Yang Shouzheng ‘Yang Qing’—there must be hidden truths in what happened years ago,” Yang Yaozong mused.
The Emperor continued, “Mist shrouds cold waters, the moon blankets the sands; at night I moor by the wine shops of Qinhuai. The singing girls are unaware of a nation’s sorrow, yet across the river they sing ‘Flowers of the Rear Court.’ Was this poem yours?”
Yang Yaozong replied, “It is indeed my composition, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor nodded, his eyes filled with appreciation. “It is rare to see such concern for the nation. Your temperament is much like your father’s. Yang Qing raised a fine son!”
He seemed to recall past events, his brows knit deeply, the scar at the center of his brow accentuating his solemnity. He spoke slowly, “When Yang Qing served as Minister of Personnel, he discovered that many regional officials were being transferred in unusual ways. Upon investigation, he found those moved were all from Shandong and the Jiang-Zhe region—areas that produced the most grain. Further inquiry revealed that these regions’ granaries suffered severe deficits!” At this, the Emperor’s eyes burned with anger, his breath heavier. After regaining composure, he continued, “Yang Qing did not act rashly against the officials, but continued his covert investigation. He uncovered that the mastermind behind these transfers was Prince Qinwang!”
Mention of Qinwang brought a look of hatred to the Emperor’s face, his gaze murderous, yet fixed on Yang Yaozong. Yang Yaozong understood that the Emperor’s wrath was not directed at him, yet the intensity made his scalp tingle. “Yang Qing knew the gravity of the matter, so he reported it to me. Qinwang is cunning and devious, speaks fair but harbors poison. For various reasons, I once saw him as my brother and could not bear to punish him. But later he committed acts that wounded me deeply! I… I…” At this, perhaps because the matter touched upon internal royal affairs, the Emperor did not elaborate. Though years had passed, his fists were clenched, veins bulging, the depth of his anger and hatred evident.
After a long silence, the Emperor spoke again, “I intended to use Yang Qing’s findings to punish Qinwang and his faction. Yet somehow word leaked. When Yang Qing joined with other ministers, holding solid evidence to impeach Qinwang, Qinwang was already prepared. He overturned all evidence Yang Qing had gathered. Then Qinwang pressured me to punish those ministers who impeached him. Yang Qing, to protect his fellow ministers, took all responsibility upon himself. Qinwang sought to destroy Yang Qing, but thanks to your father-in-law Nangong Zhan, and now Minister of Revenue Qin Zheng and Minister of War Zuo Qiutang, and other ministers, they stood firm. Qinwang could only agree to let me exile Yang Qing to Shu, promising never to recall him. Thus the matter ended!”
The Emperor sighed deeply, guilt in his eyes as he looked upon Yang Yaozong. “It was I who wronged Yang Qing, wronged your father! Yet Yang Qing never bore me a grudge, I…” The Emperor’s voice faltered with emotion.
Yang Yaozong was shaken and moved by what he heard. He had not expected that the father of the body he now inhabited had been so upright and responsible, so loyal to the Emperor. Yang Yaozong could not help but admire Yang Shouzheng, and lament his tragic fate. His face bore sorrow, his eyes reddening.
The Emperor, seeing Yang Yaozong’s expression, looked upon him with pity. “From the moment you entered Nangong Mansion, I knew. I investigated you then, found no outstanding talents, and learned your health was poor and your manner dull. Nangong Zhan brought you in as a son-in-law to protect you, fearing I might harm you. That Nangong Zhan!” The Emperor shook his head, helpless, and added, “You and Qingyi were betrothed since childhood, arranged by your parents. If I had known you possessed such talent, I would never have allowed you to marry into Nangong Mansion, but would have let you marry Qingyi directly. Nangong Zhan, in trying to protect you, deprived me of a good minister!”
Now Yang Yaozong understood Nangong Zhan’s intentions. Nangong Zhan had risked protecting the son of a disgraced minister, not just to honor a marriage contract, but for the sake of his friend Yang Shouzheng. Yang Yaozong felt more respect for the father-in-law he had never met.
The Emperor continued, “I hear you are cultivating new plants. The thing called ‘tomato’ that Jingsheng brought yesterday was your harvest, was it not? I tasted one—it was excellent. But though you are a son-in-law, do not devote yourself solely to such pursuits. If you have the ability, you should help Nangong Zhan and Qingyi, for you are the son-in-law of Nangong Mansion.” The Emperor, both appreciative and a little annoyed by Yang Yaozong’s leisurely attitude, admonished him.
Yang Yaozong took the opportunity to explain the benefits of cultivating potatoes and sweet potatoes, and his plans to promote their widespread planting.
The Emperor listened as Yang Yaozong described how potatoes and sweet potatoes could serve as staple foods, with high yields, easy cultivation, and little pest or disease. If promoted widely, they could greatly increase the nation’s food reserves and improve the people’s lives. The Emperor’s fatigue was replaced by astonishment and excitement; he straightened, spirit revived. “So Yang Yaozong’s efforts serve the people of Great Zhou—I misjudged him!” He looked upon Yang Yaozong with growing admiration, recognizing his extraordinary talent and ability. Yet, thinking of Yang Yaozong’s son-in-law status, unable to employ him, he grew angry at Nangong Zhan, cursing him inwardly for depriving him of a fine minister.
Seeing the Emperor’s improved mood and benevolent demeanor, Yang Yaozong grew bolder and said, “I have an idea, Your Majesty, that may help you supervise the national granaries, military supplies, local taxation, and soldiers’ stipends.” Yang Yaozong spoke calmly, though these issues were vital to the fate of Great Zhou.
The Emperor observed Yang Yaozong’s clear eyes and resolute expression, unable to hide his excitement, his voice rising, “Quickly, tell me your idea!”
Yang Yaozong replied, “Currently, Great Zhou relies on the Inspectorate and the Ministry of Personnel for oversight. But if there is corruption in the Inspectorate, it fails in its function. My suggestion is that Your Majesty establish a Secret Inspectorate. Only Your Majesty and its administrators know who serves there. Its members have no power to punish, only to collect evidence and investigate covertly, dressed as civilians unless carrying out imperial orders, in which case they must wear masks and never reveal their faces. Imperial orders require Your Majesty’s or the administrator’s approval, and tasks must be carried out by at least three people together, ensuring mutual oversight. Personnel are not fixed, tasks assigned regularly by the administrator, to prevent internal bribery. The Secret Inspectorate need not be large, but must be composed of competent individuals, with generous salaries to prevent bribery. Of course, Your Majesty should confirm their findings, not accept them blindly. Their rank should not be too high—third or fourth rank at most. For investigations involving high-ranking officials, Your Majesty must personally supervise. Do not grant the Secret Inspectorate excessive authority, else the court will be plagued by fear and hesitation. The Emperor is its supreme leader, and for the first years, perhaps a decade, it will greatly benefit Great Zhou, though problems may arise over time. As long as Your Majesty refrains from granting too much power, reforms and management remain within your control.”
The Emperor rose and paced before the dragon couch, pondering Yang Yaozong’s words. Suddenly he stopped, eyes blazing, and fixed Yang Yaozong with his gaze. “Establishing a Secret Inspectorate is not difficult, but the high salaries you propose are a considerable expense. With war on the frontier, every coin is spent—where will extra funds come from to support this?”

Yang Yaozong replied, “Silver is indeed essential. The Inspectorate’s expenses should be drawn from Your Majesty’s private treasury. That way, through the flow of funds, Your Majesty can monitor its activities. As for replenishing the treasury, Your Majesty can verify and register all official and gentry lands. Then, decree that apart from registered private lands, all newly reclaimed or built land belongs to the state. Encourage the people to cultivate land, allowing them to farm first and pay rent after the harvest. Thus, the people gain their own fields, and the state profits. This method is ideal for promoting potatoes and sweet potatoes. If people wish to plant them, permit them to do so alongside their preferred crops, and reduce their rent to encourage trial planting. Once widespread cultivation is achieved, adjust accordingly. With six hundred thousand troops stationed at Yanmen Pass, and the war’s duration unknown, a rotation system could let soldiers cultivate land, reducing the burden of military rations. If they first try planting potatoes and sweet potatoes, it will further promote these crops. Land nationalization will affect some interests, but benefits the people—the foundation of the state. Improving most people’s welfare strengthens the nation. This is a long reform, needing five to ten years to show results.”
Yang Yaozong hesitated, brow furrowed, then met the Emperor’s burning gaze and said, “I have something to say, Your Majesty, but I beg your pardon in advance.”
The Emperor, already astonished by Yang Yaozong’s proposals, laughed, “Speak freely; I pardon you.”
Yang Yaozong paused, then said, “There is a saying among the people: ‘Three years as an honest magistrate, ten thousand taels of silver.’” Seeing the Emperor was not offended, he continued, “This money mostly comes from underreporting grain and the manipulation of surcharges. With open oversight by the Inspectorate and covert supervision by the Secret Inspectorate, Your Majesty can set maximum surcharges to curb false reporting, and manage surcharges by allocating them to the public treasury. This will quickly fill the state coffers, and Your Majesty’s private treasury as well.”
Yang Yaozong had intended to suggest lifting the maritime ban and opening sea trade, but he had already proposed much that would astonish the Emperor. The issue of maritime trade differed in nature, so he held back, knowing some matters required patience and timing.
The Emperor’s brows knit tightly, his expression severe as he stared at Yang Yaozong. “Secret Inspectorate, land nationalization, new crop promotion, surcharges to the public treasury,” he said slowly and firmly. After a moment, he continued, “Yang Yaozong, I entrust you with the establishment and management of the Secret Inspectorate. Are you willing to undertake this task? Since you proposed it, let you oversee it—your only superior is me!”
Yang Yaozong feigned shock and protested, “Your Majesty, how can this be? I am but a son-in-law of the Nangong Mansion.”
Yang Yaozong had anticipated that, once he suggested this, the Emperor would likely give him the task. Yet his current status remained an obstacle, though the Emperor’s desire to employ him meant leaving the matter for the Emperor to solve.
The Emperor responded sternly, “I ask only if you are willing; the rest is not your concern!”
After a moment’s contemplation, Yang Yaozong knelt respectfully and declared, “Yang Yaozong is willing to serve Your Majesty, even at the cost of life and limb!” His words were resolute and unwavering.