After thinking it over, Zhu Qiyu said, "I think they both have a point. Placing the authority and responsibility for military farmland and soldiers' pay under the unified control of the Ministry of War would indeed hinder the management and development of military colonies. But corruption in the army is grave—drawing pay for nonexistent soldiers, seizing military farmland. If this goes on, how could our Ming Dynasty still recruit elite troops and fine generals?"
Pan Yun said, "Corruption has never been a matter of civil or military office. It is judged by official governance. If official governance is pure, both civil and military officials will be honest; if it is muddled, regardless of civil or military rank, even upright officials will be nowhere to be seen in the court."
Zhu Qiyu seemed deep in thought. "The National Preceptor means that to address military corruption, we need only rectify official governance?"
Pan Yun said, "Because the army is corrupt, you would hand the Five Military Commissions' authority and responsibility over military farmland to the Ministry of War. If the Ministry of War becomes corrupt afterward, to whom would you hand over that authority and responsibility?"
Zhu Qiyu's gaze shifted slightly.
Pan Yun said earnestly, "It would be better to improve supervisory responsibility. In local regions, the people are the foundation; in the army, the soldiers are the foundation. I want to grasp the root of the matter. If a policy is carried out to let soldiers feel secure, grow strong, and fulfill their duty of defending their homes and country, then it is a good policy."
Zhu Qiyu's heart stirred.
Corruption in the army was indeed severe, but the Five Military Commissions represented the Ming Dynasty army's standing and interests at court. If the authority and responsibility for military farmland and