Chapter 213: Absolute Authority in Hand (Ten Thousand Words, Begging for Rewards!)

This was the key point they cared about; the rest they didn't pay much attention to.

Although the gentry bloc shared many common interests, their individual interests and demands were not the same.

Some were concerned that businesses bearing the imperial insignia would affect their own family's trade.

Others were not worried about this at all, because their families did not have that many businesses — what their schools held was mostly land. So this matter had little to do with them, and under such circumstances, they were not very concerned.

Some, however, felt that giving businesses the imperial insignia would make their trade flourish, and they were very supportive.

Thus, opinions split sharply.

But on one matter, everyone was indeed cautious — the point Sun Chengzong had raised: if the imperial insignia were given to these businesses, and they happened to do something bad, would it not damage the imperial family's reputation?

Everyone present cared deeply about this point. Even across the entire court, no one dared speak loudly about it, because this matter was rather sensitive.

But within the Grand Secretariat, since Sun Chengzong had raised it, it could not be sidestepped, so this matter had to be put on the agenda for discussion.

Xu Guangqi glanced at Sun Chengzong and said slowly, "I don't think it's such a big deal. These people were already presenting tribute goods to the imperial family, so that is simply a fact. Since it is a fact, there is naturally no problem. So I think we don't need to bother with this matter."

Xu Guangqi's attitude did not surprise them in the least.

Xu Guangqi had always insisted that ministers should refrain from meddling in the Emperor's affairs — let the Emperor make his own decisions. This would reduce unnecessary friction between ruler and minister and prevent them from drifting apart.

But this ran contrary to the prevailing view of the time, so Xu Guangqi faced considerable resistance.

At this point, Sun Chengzong spoke up again: "But what if these merchants pass off inferior goods as quality ones and cheat the people? You must understand, they operate under the imperial name. If they pass off shoddy goods, what gets harmed is Your Majesty's reputation. When it truly comes to that, even if those people are executed, it will be too late."

This was a very serious problem. The several men exchanged glances, and the same thought struck them all at once — they should not let His Majesty do this.

If this matter never happened, then naturally this problem would not exist either.

"So we should abolish this matter because of that?" Xu Guangqi said with some anger. "Can you not see the benefits of this? I refuse to believe you cannot see them — the benefits are obvious. Are we to turn a blind eye to the benefits just because of those problems? What is that called? That is stopping eating for fear of choking!"

"Since you worry they might cheat the people and commit fraud, why not think of a way to solve this problem? Instead of solving the problem, you think of not doing it at all — what is that? That is lazy governance!"

Xu Guangqi's gaze swept over everyone, and he said slowly, "In any case, I will not agree to stopping."

Sun Chengzong glanced at Xu Guangqi and leaned back imperceptibly.

He would not argue with Xu Guangqi over these things.

Ever since entering the Grand Secretariat, the two of them seemed to be on different wavelengths — clashing over everything.

But Sun Chengzong knew in his heart that he could not truly come into conflict with Xu Guangqi. If he squared off against Xu Guangqi now, he would certainly be the one to fall.

Although he was His Majesty's teacher, that was useless, because at this moment, his relationship with His Majesty was merely that of minister and sovereign — the master-disciple bond no longer existed.

What he needed to do was wait — wait for Xu Guangqi to make a mistake on his own.

His Majesty needed Xu Guangqi now, so he had to wait until Xu Guangqi disappointed His Majesty; otherwise, he had absolutely no hope.

Especially on matters concerning His Majesty — if he stood in opposition to Xu Guangqi, he had no chance of winning whatsoever.

Han Kuang glanced at Sun Chengzong and Xu Guangqi. He had originally expected a fierce clash between the two, but unexpectedly, Sun Chengzong simply stopped speaking.

Han Kuang felt a slight disappointment inwardly, though he also knew this was not the time to blame Sun Chengzong.

So he said with a smile, "Grand Secretary Xu makes a valid point. We have been appointed by His Majesty to manage the Grand Secretariat — of course we cannot stop eating for fear of choking. But since you all know the drawbacks and the benefits, we should think of a proper solution."

"Since Grand Secretary Xu raised this idea, why don't you handle it yourself? Write up a routine memorial for us to review, and if it is suitable, we will present it to His Majesty together. What do you think of handling it this way?"

Sun Chengzong glanced at Han Kuang, narrowing his eyes without saying a word.

Huang Kezuan on the side also wore an air of complete detachment.

He knew full well that this time Xu Guangqi had been set up — buried by the joint effort of Sun Chengzong and Han Kuang. Sun Chengzong dug the pit, Han Kuang shoveled the dirt; the two worked one after another in perfect coordination.

Xu Guangqi looked at the two men. How could he fail to see something so obvious? Besides, these two were not playing covert schemes — this was an utterly transparent open stratagem.

Since you agree, then you should produce a justification. That was also perfectly reasonable.

If he did not take up the challenge, then everything he had said before would have been in vain.

Xu Guangqi knew that the two of them were not doing this to harm him, but simply to make him do more work — more work that would offend people.

As the saying goes, a rope can cut through wood, and dripping water can pierce stone. Under such circumstances, his time in the Grand Secretariat might not last long.

Their clashes with him were never about any single issue — all they wanted was to drive him out of the Grand Secretariat.

But Xu Guangqi held nothing but contempt for them in his heart.

They sat in their positions in the Grand Secretariat without thinking of getting things done, spending their days on such trifles. He could not be bothered to discuss these matters with them.

So Xu Guangqi stood up and said, "Fine, then it is settled."

After saying this, Xu Guangqi turned and walked out.

Sun Chengzong and Han Kuang exchanged a glance. They had not expected Xu Guangqi to agree so readily and decisively.

This left them somewhat taken aback.

At this moment, Huang Kezuan beside them also stood up, let out a soft breath, and said in a seemingly joking tone, "This Grand Secretary Xu really is a man of action — swift and resolute in everything he does."

After saying this, Huang Kezuan also turned and left.

But it was precisely this remark that answered the question in Han Kuang's and Sun Chengzong's minds.

The reason Xu Guangqi agreed so readily was not merely out of rivalry with them — more than that, he genuinely wanted to get things done.

Xu Guangqi believed this matter was right, so he would do it, regardless of anything else. Whether or not he himself had raised the idea, Xu Guangqi would have done it anyway.

Upon realizing this, Sun Chengzong and Han Kuang felt somewhat embarrassed. They exchanged a look, neither saying a word, then stood up and went about their own business.

By the pond in the Western Park of the Forbidden City stood a lush, thriving camphor tree.

At this moment, beneath the tree, Zhu Youxiao lay reclined in a chair, holding a fishing rod in his hand, letting the float drift freely across the pond with the wind.

He squinted lazily, gazing contentedly at the sky, looking utterly lost in thought.

Beside him was a table laid out with tea and fruit, and on the other side sat Empress Zhang.

Empress Zhang was not as casual as Zhu Youxiao at this moment.

Though her posture was similar to Zhu Youxiao's, she sat with proper dignity and grace, her fishing rod hanging over the water's surface as she accompanied Zhu Youxiao in fishing.

Ever since coming to the Western Park, Zhu Youxiao's life had become even more leisurely.

Compared to his time in Qianqing Palace, he was far more relaxed overall, and so fishing had been added to Zhu Youxiao's daily agenda.

Sure enough, changing one's surroundings can change one's mood.

"Baozhu, how about we eat grilled fish today?" Zhu Youxiao glanced at Empress Zhang and asked with a smile.

Empress Zhang smiled sweetly and said, "Does Your Majesty want to use the fish we caught ourselves?"

After saying this, she looked at the fish bucket beside her, which was completely empty, and her smile was as bright as a flower.

Zhu Youxiao paid no attention to Empress Zhang's teasing. He simply waved his hand, sat up straight, put down his fishing rod, rubbed his hands together, and said, "It seems that if I don't show you my skills, you won't know what I'm capable of. Today, let me give you a proper demonstration!"

Watching Zhu Youxiao's manner, Empress Zhang smiled even more radiantly.

Zhu Youxiao waved toward Chen Hong, who was standing not far away, and said, "Come, come, let's make a bait nest."

"Your Majesty, what is 'making a bait nest'?" Chen Hong said with some hesitation.

"Never mind that, let me handle it." Zhu Youxiao's playful spirit was roused, and he began busying himself.

Seeing Chen Hong still standing to the side, Zhu Youxiao asked, "Is there something on your mind?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Grand Secretaries at the Grand Secretariat seem to have gotten into an argument." Chen Hong said with some hesitation.

Glancing at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao let out a curious "Oh" and asked, "Do you know what it's about?"

"I heard it's about the matter of the Imperial Household Department cooperating with merchants. Grand Secretary Sun at the Grand Secretariat seems to think this would damage the royal family's dignity—if those merchants commit crimes, it would harm the royal family's reputation." Chen Hong said cautiously.

"But Grand Secretary Xu feels that since those people might commit crimes, we should find a way to keep them from committing crimes, not stop eating for fear of choking. If we always stop eating for fear of choking, that would be lazy governance." Chen Hong said carefully once again: "So Grand Secretary Han and Grand Secretary Sun had Grand Secretary Xu write the routine memorial."

Zhu Youxiao glanced at Chen Hong and waved his hand to dismiss him, seemingly having no reaction to these matters.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao truly had no reaction.

That someone would oppose it was within his expectations; the infighting among the few at the Grand Secretariat was also within his predictions.

Xu Guangqi was going to offend people again over this matter. But so what? What problem was there with Xu Guangqi offending people?

He still needed to use Xu Guangqi, and moreover needed to give him heavy responsibility—no one could change that, especially after this matter.

For Zhu Youxiao, a minister like Xu Guangqi was rare and hard to come by.

Soon Zhu Youxiao finished his preparations and came directly before Empress Zhang, saying with a smile, "This time, let me show you what I can do."

With that, he began fishing once again.

Whether it was the bait nest Zhu Youxiao had just made taking effect, or the fish hearing Zhu Youxiao's call, in any case they all quickly swam over.

Before long, Zhu Youxiao caught a fish—and it looked quite sizable.

He took the fish off the hook and put it into the bucket, then waved toward Chen Hong not far away.

When Chen Hong reached his side, Zhu Youxiao said, "Send this fish to Xu Guangqi's residence. Let him nourish his body—he shouldn't be working himself to the bone day in and day out."

Chen Hong knew that His Majesty had kept the earlier words in his heart—otherwise he wouldn't be granting Xu Guangqi a reward, and especially not one with such special significance.

This was the first fish His Majesty had caught today.

Just moments ago, His Majesty had said he wanted to eat grilled fish with the Empress, yet now he was giving the first fish he caught to Xu Guangqi. One could see the meaning behind this and how highly he regarded Xu Guangqi.

Chen Hong hastily bowed and said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. This servant knows what to do."

After Chen Hong left, Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Empress Zhang. Seeing her smiling sweetly at him, Zhu Youxiao also smiled gently and said, "I'll catch you a big one in a moment."

Upon hearing this, Empress Zhang shook her head.

"Your Majesty cherishes his ministers—truly a wise ruler. How could your consort have any complaints over a fish?" Empress Zhang said with a smile: "Your consort is happy for Your Majesty."

Zhu Youxiao smiled and pulled Empress Zhang into his arms, saying loudly, "That won't do—today we must eat grilled fish."

Watching Zhu Youxiao's earnest yet somewhat comical expression, Empress Zhang laughed and collapsed into his arms.

At Xu Guangqi's residence.

Ever since returning from the duty room at the Grand Secretariat, Xu Guangqi's expression had not been pleasant.

Although he had been set up today, that truly wasn't the reason he was angry—after all, this was something he needed to do anyway.

What angered him was the attitude of those few at the Grand Secretariat—they were simply unworthy of being ministers. But all he could do was be angry; he couldn't very well kick them all out.

So Xu Guangqi went to the study and began writing the routine memorial. Official business still had to be handled—this couldn't be delayed, and getting angry at those people wasn't worth it.

But soon the old servant entered the study, came to Xu Guangqi's side, and reported: "Master, someone has come from the palace, saying they bear Your Majesty's decree."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi put down the brush in his hand, stood up, and walked outside.

In fact, the entire Xu household was no stranger to such matters, because people frequently came from the palace—His Majesty often bestowed rewards, and this was basically how it always went.

So if nothing unexpected happened, this should be another reward.

Walking outside and seeing Chen Hong, Xu Guangqi hastily cupped his hands and said, "Eunuch Chen."

Chen Hong naturally did not dare to be negligent. He hastily bowed and said, "This servant pays respects to Grand Secretary Xu."

Among the several Grand Secretaries at the Grand Secretariat, the one Chen Hong valued most was this Xu Guangqi, Grand Secretary Xu—because he knew how highly his master regarded this Grand Secretary Xu.

The others weren't as important to His Majesty, so Chen Hong had always been very courteous to Xu Guangqi.

"May I ask what matter requires Eunuch Chen to make a personal trip?" Xu Guangqi asked with a smile.

"His Majesty has a reward to bestow." Chen Hong said with a smile.

After saying this, Chen Hong waved behind him.

Two young eunuchs standing not far away came over carrying a bucket between them, from which came the splashing sound of water.

Xu Guangqi was momentarily stunned—what kind of reward was this?

Without much suspense, Chen Hong said directly: "Today His Majesty and the Empress were fishing at the Western Park, and they discussed grilling whatever fish they caught to eat. Unexpectedly, when a fish was actually caught, His Majesty thought of Grand Secretary Xu."

"This is the first fish His Majesty caught today. So His Majesty had this servant deliver it to Grand Secretary Xu. His Majesty also said that Grand Secretary Xu toils for the nation day and night, eating poorly and sleeping poorly, and feared his health might collapse—so he must nourish himself well. This fish is for Grand Secretary Xu to make soup with, to properly replenish his strength."

As Chen Hong spoke, he watched Xu Guangqi with a smile on his face.

At this moment, Xu Guangqi was truly moved inside, and the grievances he had suffered at the Grand Secretariat vanished.

This was His Majesty's regard for him. He only needed to work for His Majesty—those other people weren't actually important.

With these thoughts, Xu Guangqi hastily knelt and said with gratitude: "Your servant Xu Guangqi thanks Your Majesty for the reward."

In truth, a reward like this hardly required such a grand gesture of gratitude from Xu Guangqi, but he did it anyway.

Because if he didn't do this, it wouldn't be enough to express his gratitude.

This wasn't about a fish — this was His Majesty making his stance clear. With His Majesty's support, he could hold his head high, without any fear.

Chen Hong hadn't expected Xu Guangqi to offer such a grand salute. He quickly stepped aside, moved to his side, reached out to help him up, and said with a smile: "Grand Secretary Xu's sincerity here, I will convey to His Majesty."

Xu Guangqi said nothing, personally took the bucket, carried it over to the eaves, and set it down.

When Xu Guangqi turned back around, Chen Hong was looking at him with a full-faced smile. He directly clasped his hands and said: "The goods have been delivered, and His Majesty's words have been conveyed. With that, I shall take my leave."

Xu Guangqi quickly said: "I'll see Eunuch Chen out."

By the time Chen Hong returned to the Western Park, Zhu Youxiao had already started a fire there.

The charcoal fire was burning vigorously. Marinated fish had already been set out beside it, and Zhu Youxiao was just about to place the fish over the charcoal to roast.

Empress Zhang beside him was watching Zhu Youxiao with the excitement of a little girl, her eyes filled entirely with admiration.

Seeing His Majesty and the Empress like this, Chen Hong didn't dare come over to disturb them. He simply stood at a distance, watching quietly.

Or rather, everyone around was watching quietly — this made it all the more evident how deeply His Majesty doted on the Empress.

Inside the palace, all was peaceful and serene; outside the palace, however, there was nothing but turmoil and strife.

The matter of adding the royal insignia to merchant houses had stirred up no small waves, and with a routine memorial from Xu Guangqi, the matter was once again pushed to the forefront of the storm.

Because Xu Guangqi had requested that the court establish a new government office — and the scope of this office's management was very simple: it would be dedicated exclusively to dealing with merchants who swindled and cheated.

After receiving the reward of a fish from Zhu Youxiao, Xu Guangqi had truly thrown himself into this with a vengeance this time.

In Xu Guangqi's own words, this office could be managed by the Ministry of Revenue, and would be specifically responsible for dealing with merchants who swindled and cheated.

In this routine memorial, Xu Guangqi also explained why this office needed to be established.

Because many merchants who swindled and cheated didn't do it in their own hometowns. In their own villages, they were good people; but once they left their villages and went out into the world, they engaged in all sorts of swindling and cheating. At the same time, because these were cross-province crimes, they were very difficult to investigate.

Therefore, an office like this needed to be established at court — once a merchant committed swindling or cheating, this office would be used to investigate.

The moment this proposal came out, it immediately stirred up an enormous uproar.

The news of why this proposal had been made spread quickly — it was because some people opposed the Imperial Household Department's royal merchant house operations.

They believed that once those merchants committed crimes and violated the law, it would damage His Majesty's pure reputation. Under such circumstances, this kind of cooperation with merchants should not exist at all.

But Xu Guangqi didn't see it that way. He believed this was throwing away food for fear of choking, so he submitted this routine memorial, hoping the court would establish such an office to supervise merchants; once anyone committed crimes and violated the law, they would all be arrested and severely punished.

Since it was meant to regulate merchants, it was impossible for the office to only keep an eye on the Imperial Household Department — so Xu Guangqi directly expanded the scope of the matter, expanding it to cover all merchants.

That was why this routine memorial stirred up such an enormous uproar — because it encompassed every single merchant in the Great Ming.

The Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat all had grim expressions, especially Sun Chengzong and his group.

They had originally thought this matter would make Xu Guangqi suffer a loss. They never expected he would be so bold — he directly cooked up this whole affair, and even wanted to place this office under the Ministry of Revenue.

One had to know that Xu Guangqi was the Minister of Revenue — this was blatantly expanding the Ministry of Revenue's power.

Once this matter was accomplished, it would mean the Ministry of Revenue had gained another office — and one that managed all merchants at that.

How much power this office would have — anyone who had ever mixed in officialdom knew perfectly well. Under such circumstances, who would be willing to let Xu Guangqi do this?

One had to understand that there was only so much power in officialdom. If you took away a portion, others would lose a portion — this absolutely could not be allowed.

Of course, there were also those who supported the proposal for the new office — namely, the people of Xu Guangqi's own faction; at the same time, there were also those who wanted to be promoted within the Ministry of Revenue, who wanted more power.

For a time, the court was thrown into chaotic, endless arguments that never seemed to stop.

Countless routine memorials were sent to the palace like this, placed directly before Zhu Youxiao.

When they couldn't argue their way to a conclusion, they would naturally think of letting Zhu Youxiao, as the Emperor, make the decision.

Zhu Youxiao quite enjoyed this role of arbiter.

However, what Xu Guangqi had done this time did shock Zhu Youxiao somewhat.

He hadn't expected Xu Guangqi to propose such an idea. Honestly speaking, it was rather ahead of its time — Zhu Youxiao actually thought it was a good idea.

Of course, this office couldn't be used to manage the Imperial Household Department — but that didn't mean it wouldn't manage the Imperial Household Department either.

Although the Imperial Household Department was Zhu Youxiao's own office, he truly didn't dare claim to trust them completely. One had to know that the corruption of the Qing dynasty's Imperial Household Department in later ages was notorious.

Absolute power leads to absolute corruption. Without oversight, it definitely wouldn't work.

Although he had established a supervisory system within the Imperial Household Department, in the end it still wasn't comprehensive enough — supervising oneself was very prone to problems.

So Zhu Youxiao felt that Xu Guangqi's was a good idea — an idea that killed two birds with one stone.

Under such circumstances, the Imperial Household Department would be supervised by this office, and at the same time, this office could also regulate other merchants. This was a very good idea indeed.

Once this office was established, a merchant management law could be enacted, bringing all merchants under its umbrella. That way, the court would find it much more convenient to get things done.

But for now, the debate outside was fierce, and Zhu Youxiao wasn't prepared to step forward just yet — he wanted to see how far the two sides would fight.

However, Zhu Youxiao guessed that Xu Guangqi would probably suffer a loss, after all, he was alone and weak. Although he was a Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat and also the Minister of Revenue, he had only been in his position for too short a time. There were many things he couldn't do anything about — the people who supported him hadn't been promoted yet, so he would take a hit.

But Zhu Youxiao didn't mind either. Such arguments couldn't possibly change the outcome. In fact, as long as there were people who supported him, as long as there were people willing to work for him, then he, as the Emperor, would have the final say.

Under such circumstances, he possessed absolute authority and could decide anything.

This was Zhu Youxiao's current state — there were people throughout the court willing to work for him, so he could decide many things.

This was also the reason Zhu Youxiao had cleaned up the Donglin Faction after taking the throne; and it was also the reason Zhu Youxiao had left so many factions in the court.

Because only this way could the Emperor balance all sides, and then have them do the things he, as the Emperor, wanted done — rather than letting the ministers do the things they wanted to do. This point was absolutely crucial for an emperor.

Whether it was Xu Guangqi or anyone else, if they were allowed to grasp all the power, they would plan and act according to their own ideas. This principle applied universally to anyone.

Zhu Youxiao would not place his hopes on other people — he only needed to make the decisions himself.

However, the office Xu Guangqi had proposed did give Zhu Youxiao some ideas — he just didn't know who would be suitable to run it, or what kind of structure would be most appropriate.

According to Xu Guangqi's suggestion, this office was more like the city management bureau or the commerce and industry bureau of later generations.

If an office like this were established with only those two functions, Zhu Youxiao would not be satisfied.

Because the Great Ming's problems were very clear — it wasn't anything like land annexation. Perhaps that was also a major problem, but the most critical problem facing the Great Ming was taxation.

If the court had no money, it could do nothing at all.

On the contrary, the common people held vast amounts of capital, and they would use that capital to pressure the government. This was nothing new — whether in the era of the Great Ming or in later generations.

Only when the court has money can it do what it wants to do, can it go solve other problems.

So if such an office were established without the function of tax collection, it really would be a pity.

But it has to be done step by step. If he went down to collect taxes right now, he reckoned it would stir up trouble.

Just like the mining taxes the Wanli Emperor had imposed back in the day—they directly led to strife between the Wanli Emperor and his ministers. On the surface it looked like it was over this or that, but in reality it was all over money.

Zhu Youxiao did not want to make that same mistake.

If you don't act, fine—but when you do act, it must strike like thunder with the force of ten thousand jun.

Glancing at Chen Hong standing beside him, Zhu Youxiao thought for a moment and said: "In a moment, go to the Grand Secretariat and convey my decree. Say that there is much discussion both inside and outside the court right now—some say the Imperial Household Department did right, some say it did wrong. Let the hundred officials deliberate and submit more routine memorials. Have the Grand Secretariat make it clear that I am good at accepting opinions; as long as what they say has merit, I will certainly act on it. So let them speak boldly, without any misgivings."

Chen Hong hurriedly replied with deference: "Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will go at once."

After Chen Hong walked out, a smile slowly spread across Zhu Youxiao's face.

Those words he had just spoken—or rather, his purpose in doing this—had one purpose, and only one: to polish his own reputation.

As for what those people wanted to do, or the opinions they put forward, Zhu Youxiao would not adopt any of them at all, because they were utterly meaningless.

Even if they did have some meaning, Zhu Youxiao still would not let them do it.

Though public opinion outside was in an uproar, the Imperial Household Department carried on as usual, with no sign of stopping at all.

The Imperial Household Department, Duty Room of the Leading Grand Minister.

Zhang Guoji sat in his chair, his expression very ugly.

He had been in a bad mood these past days. He had originally thought that after arriving at the Imperial Household Department he would spread his wings and make great strides, enjoying both public service and private gain.

But who would have thought that after arriving at the Imperial Household Department, things would turn out completely different from what he had imagined. Now the talk about him outside was growing louder and louder, and his reputation was getting worse and worse.

Especially after the matter of the Imperial Household Department cooperating with merchants came out, Zhang Guoji's reputation could be said to have plummeted. As for the reason, it was simple—word outside was that this was all his doing.

At this moment, Zhang Guoji could no longer take it. Although he was the nominal Leading Grand Minister of the Imperial Household Department, the matter was not his doing—in fact, he had not even participated at all.

Zhang Guoji did not even know what the whole affair was about, though he did know that whatever the Audit Bureau was doing must be something major.

Once this matter was accomplished, how much profit would there be in it?

Not to mention embezzlement—just the tribute those merchants paid every year, how much money would that be?

Of course, it wasn't about the money. What I'm saying is, this matter itself wasn't done by me—I didn't even participate. So why should it all be blamed on me?

Zhang Guoji felt wronged.

At that moment, a man walked in from outside.

The newcomer was somewhat thin, around thirty-something years of age. Unlike the others here, who all wore official robes, this man wore a set of scholar's garments, looking more like a schoolteacher than someone who mixed in officialdom.

Seeing this man, Zhang Guoji raised his head and forced a smile as he said: "The master has come?"

This man, whom Zhang Guoji called "master," was named Qin Bing. His identity was also very simple—he was Zhang Guoji's adviser, the one who devised strategies for him.

Hearing Zhang Guoji greet him, Qin Bing smiled and cupped his hands in salute, saying: "Greetings, Your Excellency."

"Enough, between you and me there's no need for such formality." The displeasure on Zhang Guoji's face vanished in an instant, replaced by a somewhat warm smile as he spoke.

This was a way for a superior to show closeness to his subordinates, and Zhang Guoji felt he used it quite well.

Under such closeness, his subordinates would surely devote themselves wholeheartedly to assisting him.

This was not his own conjecture, but a principle he had derived from combining theory with practice. Take this Qin Bing before him, for instance—this was a talent he had recruited by treating worthies with courtesy and giving respect.

After Qin Bing sat down, Zhang Guoji finally said: "Master, what do you say we should do now?"

Without answering Zhang Guoji's question, Qin Bing merely smiled and said: "Your student just returned from outside and heard a bit of news. I think Your Excellency will find it quite interesting."

Hearing Qin Bing's words, Zhang Guoji's face indeed showed an expression of interest.

This was not because he was playing along, but because every time this Master Qin spoke like this, it meant he was certain of something.

Zhang Guoji had experienced this several times already, so he was also quite confident.

"Now His Majesty has issued a decree, letting the court officials deliberate on whether our Imperial Household Department should be doing this matter." Qin Bing said with a smile: "Your student feels this is an opportunity."

"What do you mean by that?" Zhang Guoji said with a frown.

He did not think this was any opportunity at all; he only felt that the whole court was now watching this matter, and one misstep would spell trouble.

Wading in at this time was not a wise choice. Whether the matter succeeded or failed, it was not a good option.

"Master, what do you mean by those words?" Zhang Guoji looked at Qin Bing and asked again.

"It means our opportunity has come," Qin Bing repeated his earlier words, but this time he added an explanation: "Now all the officials at court are watching this matter, so Your Excellency needs to get it done as quickly as possible."

Zhang Guoji said hesitantly: "This matter was not handled by me in the first place. Why should I make it succeed? Even if it succeeds, wouldn't the credit go to that Hu Fei? I think we should sabotage this matter—then that Hu Fei will surely be in deep trouble."

"Once this Hu Fei is in deep trouble, I'll take the matter over, and then when I get it done, both the credit and the profit will all come to me."

Qin Bing glanced at Zhang Guoji, his expression not changing in the slightest, but inwardly he was deeply exasperated.

This Imperial Father-in-Law was truly stupid beyond belief—even at a time like this, he was still dreaming such beautiful dreams.

But he showed not the slightest impatience, and instead continued to explain: "If the matter is not accomplished, the palace will certainly be displeased."

Zhang Guoji nodded.

He knew this point as well, because that Hu Fei had been brought in by the palace, so this matter was most likely the palace's intention. If it really was botched, then that Hu Fei would certainly be in for misfortune.

So Zhang Guoji said excitedly: "Precisely because of this, we must push Hu Fei out front, we must sabotage the matter."

Qin Bing could barely hold himself together, and said: "Your Excellency, the matter is far from that simple. This affair was proposed by our Imperial Household Department—people up and down are all pointing at the Imperial Household Department. Even if Your Excellency pushes Hu Fei out, so what? Those people will still hound the Imperial Household Department relentlessly."

"What they want is not one person from the Imperial Household Department, but the entire Imperial Household Department. If Hu Fei cannot accomplish this matter now, then when Your Excellency takes it over, they will use the same reasons to stop Your Excellency from accomplishing it as well. Then how will Your Excellency answer to His Majesty?"

"So sabotaging this matter is the worst strategy—we must never do that. Your Excellency must not kick a man when he's down; on the contrary, you must offer timely help and get this matter done, so that His Majesty will be pleased."

"Your student has also heard one more thing—that His Majesty has sent a decree to the Grand Secretariat, letting the ministers discuss whether this matter can continue. This is Your Excellency's real opportunity. Your Excellency can go find Hu Fei and have him yield leadership of this matter; otherwise, Your Excellency will not support him."

"As long as Hu Fei is willing to yield leadership, Your Excellency can go into the palace to see Her Majesty the Empress. At that point, the entire matter will be Your Excellency's achievement, and Your Excellency will have all of it in hand."

"In this way, Your Excellency's reputation within the Imperial Household Department will surely soar instantly. You will have proven your administrative ability to the Emperor, while also winning over Hu Fei to follow you, and grasped the Audit Bureau in your own hands—this is a matter that reaps multiple rewards at once."

"That is why I say this is a good opportunity. As long as Your Excellency seizes it, then everything will be easy to handle. From now on, the Imperial Household Department will be Your Excellency's. Being able to escape the current situation—why wouldn't you do it?"

Listening to Qin Bing's words, Zhang Guoji's eyes grew brighter and brighter. After a long moment, he slowly nodded and said: "What the master says makes sense, and your planning is also very thorough. Indeed, that is how it is."

Hearing Zhang Guoji say this, Qin Ling's face showed no smug expression—he still wore that same calm, carefree demeanor.

"But I still have one question." Zhang Guoji spoke again: "If that's the case, wouldn't those opposing ministers think ill of me? Wouldn't my reputation become even worse?"

"Your Excellency, the officialdom has always been full of deceit and intrigue—today he supports you, tomorrow you support him. What does it matter if those people don't support you? As long as His Majesty supports you, that's enough."

"Besides, not everyone outside opposes you—there are also those who approve. Take Grand Secretary Xu Guangqi of the Grand Secretariat, for instance—he very much approves. So there are still people who support you, Your Excellency."

"To survive in officialdom, it's impossible not to offend one side or the other. Because those who offend no one are fence-sitters, and fence-sitters never come to a good end. Your Excellency is well-versed in historical allusions—surely you understand this principle?"

Zhang Guoji pondered for a moment, then nodded and said: "What you say makes sense, sir. In that case, I'll go find Hu Fei right away and have him agree."

Having said this, Zhang Guoji hesitated again, and with a darkened face asked: "What if he refuses?"

"Your Excellency need not worry—that Hu Fei wouldn't dare refuse." Qin Bing said with a smile: "Ever since he entered the Imperial Household Department, Hu Fei has been quite ostentatious and has offended quite a few people. Think about it—last time he arrested so many merchants. If he were to leave this post now, what good end do you think awaits him?"

"He wouldn't dare take such a risk. It's nothing more than obeying Your Excellency's orders—what reason would he have to refuse? Besides, Your Excellency is himself the leading minister of the Imperial Household Department—he is your subordinate. Isn't it only natural for him to listen to you? This doesn't diminish his standing in the least, so he will certainly agree."

"But the court hasn't yet said this matter is off the table?" Zhang Guoji asked once more.

"Your Excellency, in this matter, anyone can afford to drag their feet—except Hu Fei. He has already reached an agreement with those outside merchants. But if the court now goes back on its word, how can he explain himself to those merchants?"

"Those merchants wouldn't dare agree to him at this time either. As long as the situation remains unstable, the merchants won't commit—otherwise they might end up losing both people and money. The one who least wants this matter to keep being debated is none other than Hu Fei."

"Now Your Excellency is going to give him this opportunity—it's his last lifeline. He will certainly agree, so rest assured and go."

Qin Bing's face carried a smile, with an air of confidence, and his tone held a hint of ease, as if everything was already firmly within his grasp.