Chapter 229: Forging the Navy

Looking at the young man before him, Han Kuang's face betrayed no expression, but his heart was far from calm.

He knew that the question Zhang Yu had asked was actually just giving him face, making him feel that he was the protagonist of this matter.

But from beginning to end, everything had been within Zhang Yu's plan.

Though his face remained impassive, Han Kuang could not help but have thoughts stirring in his heart.

Still, seeing Zhang Yu being so tactful did somewhat ease Han Kuang's mind, so he asked, "What do you think?"

Zhang Yu had originally assumed Han Kuang would make the decision himself; he never expected the man to turn the question back on him directly.

This gave Zhang Yu a start, and he could not help but raise his head to look at Han Kuang.

He wanted to see clearly whether Han Kuang's words were genuine or merely feigned. But a wily old fox like him could certainly maintain an impassive facade, so Zhang Yu could discern nothing at all.

After a brief moment of deliberation, Zhang Yu said, "I think we can begin to act. Now that Mr. Feng has become the Right Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission, it's clear His Majesty trusts him, and our strategy has been proceeding very smoothly. The next step is to help him secure the position of Chancellor of the Imperial Academy — that is the crucial step. As long as we accomplish this step, the remaining matters will be simple for us."

After saying this, Zhang Yu took a step back, raised his head to look at Han Kuang, and waited for his reply.

In truth, Zhang Yu's heart was tense; he did not know whether Han Kuang would agree to this request of his.

Because no matter how one looked at it, if Feng Congwu became Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, it was Zhang Yu himself who would benefit more.

For Han Kuang, there might well be misgivings in his heart. Originally there would have been none, after all, none of these people held higher office than Han Kuang, and they still needed to rely on him.

But ever since they had gone to see His Majesty, the results had been too good. Whether it was Feng Congwu or himself, both had caught His Majesty's eye, and this could very likely make Han Kuang feel a sense of crisis.

Han Kuang might very well be dissatisfied. If so, whether Han Kuang would still stick to the original plan was uncertain.

Han Kuang might think of arranging for his own people, but his people might not necessarily gain His Majesty's approval. If that happened, things would become difficult to handle.

Zhang Yu also had another thought in his heart — perhaps this was His Majesty's intention, to keep the relationship between himself and Han Kuang from being too close.

Because only in this way would these people be unable to truly form a single faction. Then, whichever side His Majesty favored more would be the one more likely to rise, and both sides would need to rely on His Majesty.

After thinking through all this, Zhang Yu's face showed no expression, but his heart had already formed its conclusions.

The current Emperor was indeed deeply calculating, and most crucially, a master of the art of power — one could say he wielded political manipulation without leaving a trace.

On the surface, he was fulfilling the aspirations of both himself and Feng Congwu, while also binding Feng Congwu and himself together. But in reality, he was working on Han Kuang's side, likely intending to leave a counterbalance there as well.

If that were the case, His Majesty would certainly promote Feng Congwu next. In fact, once this matter was reported up, His Majesty would likely approve, and Feng Congwu's official rank would rise as well. Only in this way could he counterbalance Han Kuang.

Han Kuang gave Zhang Yu a deep, lingering look.

The benefits of this plan to Han Kuang were no longer so great, but he also knew he could not stop now.

The matter had already been brought before His Majesty; if they suddenly halted, it would be more loss than gain. Even if a falling-out were to come, it would not be now.

Han Kuang stroked his beard and nodded, saying, "You're right. Now is indeed the best time, and it's also urgent — the Imperial Academy examinations are about to begin. We must push Feng Congwu up before the Academy's examinations. This matter, I will arrange."

Zhang Yu quickly bowed and said, "Then I'll trouble you with this, Teacher."

Han Kuang nodded and said with a smile, "A new cook has come to my household. I hear he's from your northwest region and can make your hometown dishes. Stay for dinner tonight."

Zhang Yu hurriedly smiled and said, "Then your student will impose on you, Teacher."

Han Kuang and Zhang Yu exchanged a glance and laughed at the same time.

At present, both sides were in the honeymoon period of their cooperation; neither wanted to stir up trouble or create discord at this time, so the relationship could still continue.

At the Western Park, within a pavilion by the lake.

Zhu Youxiao sat in a rocking chair, gently swaying his body, occasionally opening his eyes to glance at the setting sun in the distance. The expression on his face was one of leisurely ease.

Beside him was a table, upon which sat a stack of routine memorials.

Come to think of it, it had been a while since he had last reviewed memorials like this. Zhu Youxiao had originally assumed that after becoming Emperor, he would be busy every day with matters of state.

But after actually doing this for such a long time, Zhu Youxiao discovered that it was not at all like that.

The so-called matters of state were, for the most part, handled by the Grand Secretariat and the court ministers. Wherever there was a famine, funds and grain would be dispatched for relief; wherever there was unrest or rebellion, troops would be sent to suppress it.

As Emperor, he did not need to worry about these so-called major matters, because all of them followed established rules and procedures. As long as one acted according to those rules, no major problems would generally arise.

Instead, far more time had to be spent on the personnel affairs of court officials — the jostling and scheming was what consumed the most time and energy, and in daily life, more attention was paid to the various impeachments and attacks among officials.

Today you impeach me, tomorrow I impeach you. These all looked like simple matters on the surface, but the reasons hidden beneath were anything but simple.

What was revealed was only the tip of the iceberg; what lay hidden beneath the water was the truly massive bulk.

Tossing the memorial in his hand onto the table, Zhu Youxiao said with an unchanged expression, "The Ministry of Rites wants to appoint a Chancellor for the Imperial Academy. Shen Tingyun has recommended a man named Wang Zheng. What does the Grand Secretariat think?"

"Apart from Grand Secretary Xu, all the others disagree." Chen Hong stood to the side and said respectfully.

Upon hearing this answer, Zhu Youxiao gently nodded.

He had already anticipated this answer. Regarding this Wang Zheng, the biggest obstacle was that he was not a jinshi. So such an appointment gave people ample reason to oppose it.

In fact, there were many reasons for the opposition, but the most important point was that everyone did not want him to take the position, because he was a man of Xu Guangqi and Shen Tingyun.

However, regarding this Wang Zheng, Zhu Youxiao had discovered some interesting things. This man was also a disciple of the School of Mind, but unlike the others, he was a thoroughgoing Catholic.

Wang Zheng was different from Xu Guangqi. Xu Guangqi was fond of mathematics and astronomical calendars, and among Western learning, he valued firearms most; but this Wang Zheng was different — what he pursued was physics.

In his early years, Wang Zheng loved ancient instruments and machinery. Before he entered official service, he had developed water-powered, wind-powered, and load-bearing machinery, writing the *New Illustrated Treatise on Various Instruments*, and later co-compiled the *Illustrated Treatise on Marvelous Machines of the Far West* with the Swiss missionary Johannes Terrentius.

Wang Zheng was currently at the Hundred Crafts Institute, and as one of its great masters, Zhu Youxiao knew this man very well.

Zhu Youxiao had also read Wang Zheng's works, and it could be said that this man's attainments in physics were extremely profound.

To have such a man serve as Chancellor — and Chancellor of the Imperial Academy at that — Zhu Youxiao did not think well of it.

But Zhu Youxiao also understood why Xu Guangqi and the others were recommending this Wang Zheng — they simply wanted him to spread their ideas.

Yet Zhu Youxiao truly did not think Wang Zheng was suited to be Chancellor, though he did hold him in high regard.

For Zhu Youxiao, he knew very well what such a practical physicist meant to the Great Ming Dynasty.

This Wang Zheng's significance was far greater than those officials at court, so Zhu Youxiao would certainly put this man to important use — but not by making him Chancellor.

If he let Wang Zheng become Chancellor, the man would inevitably be pushed to the forefront of the storm.

The Imperial Academy of the Great Ming was not primarily for cultivating scientific researchers, but rather for training bureaucrats, while also spreading certain ideas that he wanted spread.

Having Wang Zheng do this job would truly be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Zhu Youxiao set the memorial aside. This matter, he would not approve.

"Are there any other recommendations?" Zhu Youxiao looked at Chen Hong and asked once more.

"Yes, Your Majesty, there are." Chen Hong hurriedly bowed and said, "Several Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat have all submitted routine memorials, each recommending a candidate. Among them, Grand Secretary Huang recommended Zhao Bingzhong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites."

Upon hearing the name Zhao Bingzhong, Zhu Youxiao laughed to himself.

Why was he not at all surprised?

This Zhao Bingzhong was a staunch supporter of the Legalist school, always advocating the laws of the founding Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, insisting on strictness—and even stricter treatment of officials.

Huang Kezuan and Zhao Bingzhong coming together really was a natural progression.

Zhu Youxiao nodded, then turned to look at Chen Hong and asked, "Who did Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang recommend?"

This was something Zhu Youxiao was rather curious about.

"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Han recommended Feng Congwu, Right Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission." Chen Hong hurriedly bowed and said.

Having been by his master's side for so long, Chen Hong was naturally no political novice—this matter was clearly fraught with something unusual.

The several Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat were contending with one another.

Zhu Youxiao nodded again. Why was he still not at all surprised?

He continued in a flat tone, "What about Grand Secretary Sun Chengzong of the Grand Secretariat?"

"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Sun recommended Yuan Keli." Chen Hong said respectfully.

Yuan Keli?

Upon hearing this name, Zhu Youxiao sat up straight.

This was truly a familiar name, and Zhu Youxiao likewise knew this man's abilities. It seemed it was time to give him a move.

Yuan Keli had served through the four reigns of Wanli, Taichang, Tianqi, and Chongzhen, earning the title of "Elder Statesman of Four Reigns" and the honor of "Five Generations of Imperial Grace."

Glancing at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao said directly, "Immediately convey my decree to the Grand Secretariat: promote Yuan Keli to Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Left Chief Censor of the Censorate, and Governor of Denglai."

A man like this should not remain in the capital—he should go to Denglai to serve as Governor at once.

Zhu Youxiao knew exactly what Yuan Keli was capable of. Sending him to Denglai as Governor was far more useful than keeping him in the capital.

The most critical point was that once Yuan Keli arrived in Denglai, he could build a naval force there.

With a navy, not only could grain be transported, but attacks could also be launched against the Jianzhou barbarians by sea. Whether transporting troops or supplies, it would be far more convenient, faster, and cheaper than going by land.

So Zhu Youxiao felt that sending Yuan Keli to Denglai was more fitting.

After a brief moment of deliberation, Zhu Youxiao spoke again, "Have him come to the palace before he leaves the capital. Understood?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, this servant understands." Chen Hong quickly acknowledged.

"Alright, go then." Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, then leaned back in his chair, slowly closed his eyes, and continued rocking the chair.

Yuan Keli, Governor of Denglai—this was a capable man.

The most critical point was that he wasn't sending Yuan Keli to Denglai only for the sake of Liaodong. Yuan Keli's role in Denglai would be enormous.

He could have Yuan Keli establish a naval base there, laying the foundational groundwork for building a navy in the future. So Zhu Youxiao felt this was a worthwhile move—after all, Yuan Keli had nothing particularly important to do in the capital anyway.

As for the Imperial Academy, it was better not to let Yuan Keli get involved in that anymore—it would do him no good.

Over at the Grand Secretariat, the atmosphere was somewhat strange.

The originally peaceful and stable atmosphere had been shattered over the past few days, with a very odd tension pervading among the Grand Secretaries.

It wasn't quite that they had turned on each other in open conflict, but neither was it that they were all harmony and goodwill.

When Chen Hong walked in, this strange atmosphere was broken—the four men all looked at Chen Hong with some tension.

Because every time Chen Hong walked into the Grand Secretariat's duty room, it meant His Majesty had an imperial decree to convey.

And the decrees His Majesty conveyed were always major matters—things that could reshape the political landscape.

This time, His Majesty sending Chen Hong over was certainly not a social visit, so all four men's gazes fell upon Chen Hong.

Chen Hong smiled and clasped his hands toward the four Grand Secretaries, saying, "This servant greets the Grand Secretaries."

Han Kuang and the other three hurriedly returned the courtesy, saying politely, "What business does Eunuch Chen have today?"

"His Majesty has issued a decree." Chen Hong turned to look at Sun Chengzong and said, "His Majesty instructs the Grand Secretariat to draft an edict: promote Yuan Keli, Vice Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud, to Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, Left Chief Censor of the Censorate, and Governor of Denglai."

Han Kuang and the other three were all baffled by this decree—why had Yuan Keli suddenly been promoted?

Everyone's gaze fell upon Sun Chengzong.

It was no secret that Sun Chengzong had recommended Yuan Keli to be the Director of the Imperial Academy—everyone knew about it. Now it appeared that this candidate had been rejected by His Majesty.

But Yuan Keli had turned misfortune into fortune, being promoted directly to Governor. This left people scratching their heads.

Even Sun Chengzong himself was somewhat bewildered.

Still, this was ultimately a good thing, so Sun Chengzong quickly said, "Your servant accepts the decree."

Although the other three had doubts in their hearts, they dared not step forward to object at this moment.

Because it was clear there was something behind this matter. Rashly speaking out in opposition before understanding what lay behind it would not be a wise move.

Chen Hong nodded and said with a smile, "Grand Secretary Sun, His Majesty has instructed that before Yuan Keli departs for Denglai, he is to come to the palace—His Majesty wishes to see him."