Civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty had long been at odds. Seeing the friction between Deputy General Li and Fang Yuegong escalating, Emperor Chongzhen quickly interjected: "Enough, stop arguing. You are both doing this for the Imperial Court and for the people; there is no need to try and get the better of each other in words."
"I find merit in the Deputy General's proposal. A fifty-mile radius is likely sufficient; a hundred-mile radius is indeed too extensive."
"As for Minister Fang's concerns about potential civil unrest... that is not a major issue. Issue silver to all relocating civilians, with the amount to be determined by the Ministry of Revenue. Do not make it too little, but do not make it too much either."
Chapter 55