[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-i-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties":3,"chapter-i-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties-i-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties-chapter-82":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","I Really Am Not Neglecting My Duties",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2363351,4622,"Chapter 82: Chapter Eighty-Two: Border Troops Hold Shields to Defend, Capital Troops Wield Spears to Attack","i-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties-chapter-82",82,"\u003Cp>I am truly not neglecting my duties. Volume Eighty-Two: Border Troops Hold Shields to Defend, Capital Troops Wield Spears to Attack. Qi Jiguang is not being reckless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the contradictions in the three frontier regions are far more complex and volatile; compared to the newly reformed Capital Troops, which have cleared out old debts and relocated their main camp to Nanhaizi while selecting elite troops, his task of training troops in the three frontier regions was vastly more difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Qi Jiguang still refused to manipulate behind the scenes and insisted on following the list, Zhu Yijun no longer pressed him and smiled: “We’ll meet again anyway. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to speak up. If authority isn’t exercised, how can rewards and punishments have any effect?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the future, when you submit memorials, you need not go through the Ministry of War—when you meet me in person, hand them directly to me. According to ancestral precedent, the twenty-seven court ministers in the court deliberations should include the Commander of the Capital Troops in the Wenhua Hall meetings. But given your heavy military duties, come whenever you have time, and come whenever you can. I’ve already informed the Grand Secretary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bypassing the Ministry of War to allow generals’ memorials to flow normally, permitting military commanders to skip court deliberations due to busy campaigns—this is the support Zhu Yijun gives Qi Jiguang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant thanks Your Majesty for this great grace.” Qi Jiguang fell silent for a long time; the Emperor’s favor toward him was truly excessive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two supports the Emperor granted were not mere special treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tan Lun went to the Chao Ri Altar to attend the Spring Equinox sacrifice; his request for leave was denied by the Ministry of Personnel. Shortly before, he was impeached for coughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, whether Qi Jiguang attends court deliberations is no longer under the Ministry of Personnel’s jurisdiction—the Capital Troops answer directly to the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can we win over Li Rusong?” Zhu Yijun said something not immediately clear, but Qi Jiguang understood perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jin Faction holds the northwest, Li Chengliang the northeast. Though Li Chengliang at this time still lacks the typical characteristics of a regional warlord—he has not yet seized the authority to wage war and make rites—he already shows suspicion of fostering enemies to strengthen himself. In Longqing Fifth Year, tribute markets with the Haixi and Jianzhou Jurchens were established alongside those in Xuanfu and Datong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengliang already possesses the foundational traits of a regional warlord and is very likely to foster enemies to strengthen himself, relax defenses, and collude with the enemy, becoming a true regional warlord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Rusong is Li Chengliang’s eldest son, raised since childhood on military texts, brave and skilled in battle. If Li Rusong could be turned into a loyal, patriotic minister—more precisely, if their relationship could be sown with discord—the process of Liaodong’s transformation into a regional warlord would be greatly slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Li Rusong is Li Chengliang’s heir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the heir and Li Chengliang clash over strategy, Li Chengliang’s transformation into a regional warlord in Liaodong will certainly not proceed smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang fell silent for a long time before bowing deeply: “Your Majesty, whether Li Chengliang, Ma Fang, Li Rusong, or Ma Gui—they are all Your Majesty’s subjects. Whether they wish it or not, this is not, and should not be, something they can decide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the role of the Capital Troops. This is the meaning of rites, music, and warfare originating from the Son of Heaven: to punish disloyal subjects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the ten-year-old sovereign trusts him so completely, entrusting him with such a vital mission as the Capital Troops, Qi Jiguang will not let His Majesty down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang has been disappointed too many times, but he has never let expectations go unfulfilled: he eradicated the Japanese pirates completely; he repelled the northern barbarians, not allowing a single enemy to cross the pass; he punishes disloyal subjects, leaving not a single traitor alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is Qi Jiguang’s promise!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for warfare, Qi Jiguang considers himself somewhat capable. Over the years of campaigning, not a single Japanese pirates  or northern barbarian who opposed him has ever given him a bad review.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor has pledged with his imperial authority; Qi Jiguang will uphold it with the duty of a subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your words are sound, General Qi,” Zhu Yijun smiled brightly. Qi Jiguang is refined and amiable, yet unintentionally, his words radiate overwhelming authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The key is that Qi Jiguang’s authority rests on his battlefield achievements—solid, well-founded, and naturally earned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun engaged in a thorough discussion with Qi Jiguang on the list of talents for the Capital Troops, assigning each person’s duties. Qi Jiguang responded fluently, making detailed and specific arrangements for everyone’s strengths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun said solemnly: “General Qi, I find it strange. In the twelfth year of Zhengde, when the Martial Emperor personally led the campaign against the Tatars, why were only sixteen enemy heads taken, yet afterward, the northern barbarians dared not penetrate deeply for years?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the fourteenth year of Zhengtong, the Oirats invaded southward; Esen captured the Yingzong Emperor during Mid-Autumn, entered the pass in October, and attacked the capital region. When the northern barbarians were strong, they struck like fire—yet after only sixteen men were killed, they ceased their southern raids? Strange!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the Ming won a great victory at the Battle of Yingzhou, why were only sixteen heads taken?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Battle reports lie, but the front line does not. In the twelfth year of Zhengde, the Ming Martial Emperor personally led troops; the Ming took only sixteen enemy heads, yet the northern barbarians dared not raid for over a decade—is this an insult to Ming, or to the northern barbarians?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Genghis Khan would shake his head. Even Esen would rise from his grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Esen was killed by his subordinate Alar Zhixuan; he didn’t even have a grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sixteen heads are genuine,” Qi Jiguang said earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waited until Qi Jiguang finished speaking. Since Qi Jiguang affirmed the sixteen heads, was there some hidden meaning?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang paused, then continued: “Genghis Khan issued the Great Yassa, a code followed by the northern barbarians—the Tatars, Uriankhai, and Oirats—a compilation of customary law, summarizing northern barbarian customs, such as the most common practice of levirate marriage, where a widow marries another male in her deceased husband’s family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Great Yassa stipulates: on the battlefield, only by retrieving a comrade’s corpse can one inherit his wife and property.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, the Yuan dynasty’s founding emperor did not follow the Great Yassa, which is why he fought Arigh Böke for the throne. Kublai won, and he abandoned the Great Yassa even more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Yuan was a barbarian dynasty, it should have had no border threats—but the Yuan lasted a hundred years, while Han aristocrats constantly launched expeditions into the steppe to reduce their population.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun understood what Qi Jiguang meant by the Great Yassa: in plain terms, it was Genghis Khan’s Great Code.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang continued: “Barbarians often drag their comrades’ corpses away with lassos, so they can inherit property.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At the Battle of Yingzhou, the Little Prince led fifty thousand southward. The Martial Emperor was inspecting the frontier and was caught unprepared; border troops gathered around fifty thousand, but fewer than thirty thousand actually fought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The battle was extremely perilous; the imperial carriage nearly fell. The Tatar forces broke through to the very front of the Martial Emperor’s command, and the Emperor himself killed a Tatar officer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“War is perilous. Clearly, the Battle of Yingzhou was not fully under Ming control—it was neither a complete annihilation nor an ambush, but a mutual encounter battle with inadequate preparations on both sides.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The battle progressed through stalemate—probe—engagement—large-scale battle—Tatar Kheshig elite charge—retreat. It lasted several days. The Little Prince’s troops suffered heavy casualties, but all bodies were dragged away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our Ming system counts heads only after the battle, during battlefield cleanup. So only sixteen heads taken is not surprising.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is not an isolated case. In the thirty-fifth year of Jiajing, five thousand barbarians attacked Shaanxi’s Huanqing garrisons; they were defeated by Commander Yuan Zheng, who took one hundred and forty-two heads and captured nine thousand and two horses. Could the barbarians possibly have ridden sixty-four horses each?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the leap ninth month of Zhengde Fourth Year, the Little Prince attacked Yanxi, besieging Commander Wu Jiang at Longzhou City. Wu Jiang took sixteen heads and captured six hundred and eighty horses; nearly all the fallen barbarians had their bodies dragged away by lassos.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Martial Emperor led thirty thousand troops; taking only sixteen heads proves how perilous the battle was. From my experience repelling enemies, the situation at the end was still under enemy control, but their losses were catastrophic. With Ming reinforcements approaching, the Little Prince feared being trapped, so he withdrew—and thereafter dared not invade again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using his military experience, Qi Jiguang reconstructed part of the actual situation at the Battle of Yingzhou: it was far more perilous than recorded, because the enemy could retrieve their fallen comrades’ bodies. The Ming Martial Emperor faced an extremely dire situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thus, the world has long misunderstood.” Zhu Yijun now understood the peril of the Battle of Yingzhou. This misunderstanding wasn’t just posthumous—after the Martial Emperor returned to court, rumors spread that he had lost the battle and lied about winning, plunging him into deep depression and causing him to suspend court for over ten days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“General Qi, why did you kill over two thousand when you destroyed Dong Huazi?” Zhu Yijun asked, puzzled. Others’ victories yielded few heads—why did Qi Jiguang’s single battle produce over two thousand?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang smiled: “I fought an ambush. That’s why the head count was so high.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eliminating over two thousand of Dong Huazi’s men wasn’t just at Beigukou—it required ambushes set at four locations. Intelligence gathering—ambush—feigning weakness—luring the enemy deep—encirclement—three-sided siege with one gap open—pursuit: Qi Jiguang meant he held complete battlefield initiative, hence such results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>War progresses differently; outcomes naturally differ.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang’s strategy for repelling enemies is to eliminate them entirely—to stop the barbarians from wreaking havoc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This approach seems exceptionally reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, barbarians have three or four horses each; elite cavalry may have seven horses apiece—that’s their greatest advantage: mobility. Today at Beigukou, tomorrow at Xifengkou. I am ashamed I failed to kill Dong Huazi—he will surely return,” Qi Jiguang said with deep feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lamented only capturing Dong Huazi’s nephew, Buha Chu, but not Dong Huazi himself—his mission remained incomplete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next time, for sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty learning martial arts is excellent,” Qi Jiguang said something strange. Since Hai Rui returned to court and exposed the fact that the Shizong Emperor’s eight sons were reduced to one, this remark no longer seemed odd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang couldn’t say it outright, but those who understand, understand: the Emperor must guard against drowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the Ming Martial Emperor assumed direct command of the army, he drowned—twice. Whether it was accident or sabotage, no one knows the truth anymore. But as the Emperor’s primary offensive spear, Qi Jiguang must remind him to protect himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone is behind a thin veil, speaking cryptic words no one dares to voice outright—whoever doesn’t understand is the one embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun smiled: “General Qi, I can swim! I began learning after summer arrived. I’m no ‘White Stripe of the Waves,’ but I can manage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swimming is too important for this neglectful young Emperor not to prepare for!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ming Martial Emperor drowned twice; the Tianqi Emperor also drowned. As a neglectful young Emperor, one must know how to swim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Ming Emperors dissolve easily in water. Many say it’s the curse of Zhu Yuanzhang sinking the Little Ming King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could one swim in long robes and short coats?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when Zhu Yijun isn’t meeting ministers, he wears short tunic and trousers—cotton or linen—lightweight, practical, and above all, not water-soluble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began learning swimming in May, and has trained for four months: basic floating, dog paddle, backstroke, diving, breaststroke. Other techniques? Even the Commander can’t teach them. Few know of the Emperor’s swimming: Commander Zhu Xixiao knows, the twenty sparring partners know, the two Empress Dowagers know, and several palace eunuchs know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun has trained in martial arts for over half a year; his breath is longer, his stance solid, his leg strength powerful—his breaststroke is swift. In water, he’s a nimble little fat boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more one avoids water, the more one fears it. When Zhu Yijun first entered the water, Empress Dowager Li was displeased and furious—but as the young Emperor improved rapidly, she could only let it be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“General Qi, how should we destroy the barbarians?” Zhu Yijun followed Qi Jiguang all the way to the pearl curtains of the two Empress Dowagers before finally asking his most pressing question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After bowing to the two Empress Dowagers, Qi Jiguang heard the Emperor’s question and knew this was not empty flattery or loyalty oaths—it was a request for strategic advice on the empire’s military affairs, as the empire’s great general.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This audience might determine the Ming’s military direction for the next ten or twenty years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only by revitalizing the Capital Troops,” Qi Jiguang began with a summary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To destroy the barbarians, to avenge past humiliations, to pacify the borders, to prevent local forces from growing stronger—there is only one way: revitalize the Capital Troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li fell silent for a moment: “Can we not rely on border troops?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We cannot,” Qi Jiguang said firmly. “If the Grand Secretary were speaking, he would say rites, music, and warfare must originate from the Son of Heaven, for if they originate from regional lords, the realm grows unstable. The Grand Secretary has said much already; I will not add more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I say border troops cannot be relied upon because their function is only defense and counterattack—not offense. There is no shield so impregnable that nothing can pierce it. The Great Wall is breached everywhere; today it’s Huyukou, tomorrow Dongshengwei—constant harassment leaves our Ming exhausted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Border troops are originally from the garrison system, trained for farming and warfare—their strength lies in holding shields and defending.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the past, Emperor Taizu established the nationwide military colony system to restore livelihoods; the troops who wielded spears and advanced were the Huaixi troops, the homeland troops. All eight northern expeditions in Hongwu’s reign were led by these homeland troops.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Emperor Chengzu established the Capital Troops to conduct offensive campaigns; his three northern expeditions achieved great victories, causing the northern barbarians to flee thousands of miles in terror.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the fourteenth year of Zhengtong, Emperor Jingdi led the coastal defense and drill troops to block the enemy outside the city; the Oirats suffered heavy losses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Capital Troops select elite troops; their function is offense—their strength lies in wielding spears and campaigning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang has told the young Emperor many times: the border garrison system must not be abandoned—it is the root of the military. Let border troops farm and train daily; if they can draw bows, shoot arrows, and hold city walls and passes, that is sufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To demand they campaign beyond the frontier is beyond their capability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Jiajing Twenty-Nine, the Ming and Oirats fought for fifteen to sixteen years. Ming victories were minor; defeats were total routs. This isn’t because the enemy was so strong—the border troops are underfed; they’d rather turn their arrows against the petty officers who oppress them. Holding the walls is already hard enough; we cannot ask more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is also the difficulty of oversight: the Capital Troops are beside the Emperor, under everyone’s eyes; border troops are hard to monitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even the Capital Troops’ spears are dull, why should local forces fear the court?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun sighed: “Equipment—those with one skill or one art must be employed according to their abilities; one must not demand perfection.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One cannot demand complete mastery. To achieve extraordinary statecraft, one must not scheme for personal safety. A ruler who finds such a person must entrust him with great responsibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Grand Secretary speaks of the gentleman not being a mere tool. This applies to appointing people—and to state affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Border troops are classic examples of specialized tools—possessing one skill, not to be over-demanded. The Capital Troops are the elite among elites, seeking extraordinary achievements, unconstrained by narrow specialization.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li fell silent for a long time before saying: “General Qi speaks wisely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Empress Dowager Li actually didn’t care about border troops—or how to destroy the barbarians. She only wanted to see Qi Jiguang sever ties with local forces, cleanse himself of his Zhang and Zhe Faction ties, become a staunch Imperial Faction member, a weapon in the Emperor’s hand—not a weapon for ministers to threaten imperial authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for national peace, that is the Emperor’s duty. Her duty is only to protect the young Emperor’s power of reward and punishment before he assumes personal rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you mean the best defense is offense?” Zhu Yijun thought, then brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty is wise,” Qi Jiguang bowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offense is more cost-effective than defense—but the offensive function must be borne by the Capital Troops, and the Capital Troops must be personally managed by the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun spoke at length with Qi Jiguang; this time, he did not invite Qi Jiguang to dine in the palace—last time was after a victory, when such a banquet was a reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A new routine was added to Zhu Yijun’s daily life: inspecting troops at the Northern Tucheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before this matter was finalized, it drew fierce criticism from the censorial officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main concern was whether it was too hasty for a ten-year-old emperor to inspect troops daily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ge Shouli charged forward, furious at the Grand Secretary: “Zhang Juzheng, you have violated the duties of a minister! The Great Ming has not yet fallen, our censorial officials have not all perished—we will never allow you, Zhang Juzheng, to make His Majesty work so hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The state has nurtured scholars for two hundred years; today is the day to uphold righteousness and die with honor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng always felt he had picked up a stone only to drop it on his own foot. Had he known, he would have switched the order: first recall Zhang Swei to court, then recall Wang Chonggu to Xuanfu. That way, Zhang Juzheng could continue pressing the Jin Faction, while Zhang Swei and Ge Shouli clashed—saving him from Ge Shouli’s daily nitpicking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most crucially, the other Chief Censor of the Censorate, Hai Rui, who had returned from Hainan, also disapproved of the emperor’s daily visits to the capital garrison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ten-year-old sovereign rises at dawn to hear state affairs and study, attends lectures in the morning, practices martial arts in the afternoon, then proceeds to the capital garrison; upon returning to the palace, he must visit the Baoqi Office, and after that, still stamp and review memorials. Though some of these tasks are self-imposed burdens, distractions from his true duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to make the emperor endure such hardship, to constrain him so severely—surely the emperor is not made of iron. As his tutor, can you not show care for your own disciple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What if such relentless busyness stirs rebellion in the young emperor? While Zhang Juzheng lives, the emperor fears him—but when Zhang Juzheng is gone, what if the emperor follows Emperor Xuanzong’s example and neglects governance? Who will bear responsibility?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with Hai Rui’s words, Zhang Juzheng truly had no way to speak his pain—especially that line: “the young emperor fears Zhang Juzheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giving lectures to the young emperor is absolutely not a pleasant task! Does the young emperor truly fear Zhang Juzheng?! Who spread this rumor? Truly, they have lost their conscience!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng himself felt no fear from the young emperor, yet the court’s murmurs persisted. He reluctantly revised his proposal: the emperor shall visit the capital garrison every five days, changing “inspection and drill” to “inspection only,” reducing frequency from daily to every fifth day—to soothe military morale and boost prestige. This is only temporary; when the emperor assumes personal rule, he shall decide freely by his own will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ge Shouli finally let out a triumphant breath!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If these censorial officials have nothing better to do, let them go to the Baoqi Office, take a volume of agricultural text home, and try planting sweet potatoes. I don’t mind the hardship—why should they mind mine? Do I even know if I’m tired?” Zhu Yijun stamped his seal on Zhang Juzheng’s memorial, “Petition for His Majesty to Inspect the Capital Garrison at Northern Tucheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not feel tired—he treated it as weight loss. Yet the Yulun  storm, stirred by Ge Shouli and backed by Hai Rui, forced Zhang Juzheng to concede.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong carefully filed the emperor’s sealed memorial, then, upon being asked, paused and whispered: “Ge Shouli still retains some measure of deference. Your Majesty is born noble, but at ten years old, the soldiers may naturally look down on you. If someone stirs up further gossip, General Qi may be forced to return to Jizhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded repeatedly: “Yes, Zhang Hong, you speak wisely. No wonder the Grand Secretary had to yield—changing ‘inspection and drill’ to ‘inspection only,’ reducing frequency. Some matters are not General Qi’s intent, but if any mischief arises, he will face extra trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Success is hard, destruction is easy. At the Wuying Pavilion in Northern Tucheng, I observed the inspection methods used by the Regional Commander, Deputy Commander, Assistant Commanders, and other officers of the capital garrison—I have temporarily adopted them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ge Shouli has made quite the splash!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a compromise: after all, the emperor is still a child. A ten-year-old sovereign appearing daily at the garrison—soldiers see him and think: “This little thing? My fist is bigger than his head. If he can be emperor, why not me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In times of a young ruler and uncertain state, stability comes first. Thus, “inspection” instead of “inspection and drill,” every five days instead of daily—this is a compromise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at least he can now leave the palace and the city to breathe fresh air, no longer confined within the information cocoon built by the officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flood that overturns the boat is the people’s tears; until it surges wildly, the ruler never knows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least Zhu Yijun now knows when the Great Ming will collapse—and why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Director of the Honglu Temple reported: On the twenty-fifth day of the eighth month, Oda Nobunaga expelled Ashikaga Yoshiaki; the Muromachi Shogunate has perished entirely.” Zhu Yijun noticed a memorial from Honglu Temple Director Sun Lang, reporting an event from Japan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oda Nobunaga, the daimyo of Owari, supported Ashikaga Yoshiaki, the Muromachi Shogun, successfully marched to Kyoto, became a powerful force there, and after seizing control, proposed the strategy of “Buwu”—military unification of the realm. He gradually eliminated regional warlords, ending the century-long chaos of the Ōnin War.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the first year of Wanli, Oda Nobunaga, having gained sufficient prestige, exiled Ashikaga Yoshiaki.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Muromachi Shogunate had been enfeoffed as King of Japan by Emperor Chengzu of the Great Ming. Two centuries passed, and now the Muromachi Shogunate has finally crumbled into insignificance—a mere grain of sand in the river of history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Sun Lang submitted this memorial not to petition the emperor to enfeoff Oda Nobunaga as King of Japan, to establish a new shogunate, nor to reissue the kan’ei credentials for Japan to resume tribute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, using Oda Nobunaga as an example, he urged His Majesty to be wary of Zhang Juzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oda Nobunaga supported Ashikaga Yoshiaki, successfully marched to Kyoto, implemented “Buwu,” eliminated regional warlords, and ultimately exiled Ashikaga Yoshiaki.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng, though ostensibly upholding the emperor’s authority, expelled Gao Gong, seized absolute power, proposed the strategy of enriching the state and strengthening the military, and crushed the Jin Faction. When he accumulates enough power, will he not exiled His Majesty?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense! The Grand Secretary is ridiculous—does he only know how to paste blank floating tickets? Scold him! Rebuke him! He has such talent—why endure in silence?” Zhu Yijun pointed at the memorial, furious, to Zhang Hong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When confronting the Jin Faction, Zhang Juzheng was fierce and decisive—but when faced with memorials accusing him, he only pastes blank floating tickets: no statement, no defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong pondered a moment and said: “The Grand Secretary is probably employing the tactic of ‘luring the enemy into a trap.’ It is the duty of court officials to submit memorials. When they come to believe the Grand Secretary is no threat, that is when he is most vulnerable—just like Wang Chonggu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong often accompanied the emperor and knew his master did not fear Zhang Juzheng—but who in court did not fear him? Wang Chonggu had been crushed, unable to fight back, forced to beg. Yang Bo was expelled from the capital. The Jin Faction now had only the blunt Ge Shouli left, running about in court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Luring the enemy into a trap” had become an effective tactic in political struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No,” Zhu Yijun thought, then grasped the truth: “The Grand Secretary is simply too busy to bother with them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So many memorials denounce Zhang Juzheng daily—if he replied to each one, what else would the Grand Secretary of the Great Ming have time for? These blank floating tickets were probably not even pasted by Zhang Juzheng himself, but by the Deputy Grand Secretary, Lu Diaoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the current court situation, as long as Zhang Juzheng’s power does not threaten the throne, Empress Dowager Li will not issue an edict to dismiss him. After all, among the three Grand Secretaries, only one remains: his tutor, Zhang Juzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty is wise,” Zhang Hong realized. The emperor understood Zhang Juzheng better than anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These fools are not worth his attention. If Zhang Juzheng even deigns to reply, he has already lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun drew two crosses on the memorial, thereby approving it. All memorials must be replied to; even this cross was a response—a lower-tier reply than “I have read it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, sunlight bright, the young emperor appeared as usual in the Wenhua Hall, watching ministers quarrel—no, more accurately, attending court hearings. He was still studying, while court officials daily bickered, compromised with each other in conflict, keeping the affairs of the Great Ming running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s court deliberation focused on Xu Jie’s land restitution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ge Shouli held up a memorial: “Chen Tang, Censor of the Nanjing Huguang Circuit, accuses Nanjing’s Right Vice Minister of Rites, Dong Chuance, of accepting bribes totaling 93,200 taels—evidence is clear and undeniable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate was Ge Shouli. The memorial accusing Dong Chuance came from Nanjing censor Chen Tang, who accused Dong of accepting bribes from Xu Jie, the wealthiest gentry of Songjiang Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since the emperor ordered Hai Rui’s return to court, Xu Jie had immediately begun scrambling, bribing connections—even if Hai Rui returned to Nanjing as Provincial Governor, he could not touch Xu Jie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The 93,200 taels in bribes were led by Dong Chuance; roughly nine officials in Nanjing were implicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The censor Chen Tang, who accused Dong Chuance, was Zhang Juzheng’s man—he had also participated in the earlier accusations against Wang Chonggu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui, upon hearing Ge Shouli mention this, spoke: “The eunuch Zhang Cheng and the Maritime Defense Deputy Prefect Luo Gongchen seized only 240,000 taels from one large merchant ship. Yet Xu Jie, in a single bribe, paid nearly 100,000 taels. Is he that rich?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to Zhang Juzheng, the Grand Secretary of the Great Ming, to see what stance he would take toward Xu Jie, his former student.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xu Faction in court now consisted of only Zhang Juzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Select a capable official to investigate thoroughly in Songjiang Prefecture and compel Xu Jie to return the land,” Zhang Juzheng said, scanning the court. “Xu Jie’s land encroachment is fact; his illegal operation of textile shops and his household servants’ abuses are fact. Since land must be returned, General Yu is already in the capital—let him go to oversee the restitution and simultaneously reorganize Songjiang’s military defenses to prevent Japanese pirates  from advancing on vital regions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentlemen, any recommendations for the official?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The eunuch Zhang Cheng handled the merchant ship seizure with skill—he should be sent to Songjiang to supervise.” Feng Bao nominated Zhang Cheng, the eunuch of the Qingqian Palace and Zhang Hong’s adopted son. His other adopted son, Zhang Jin, had served in Yuegang without merit or fault—so he could not be nominated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Cheng’s mission to Songjiang was small: overseeing Xu Jie’s land restitution. The real goal was secretly establishing the Songjiang Maritime Trade Office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Yu Dayou, who had come to court, did not know why he was summoned. He returned to participate as vice-president in the military talent assessment of the capital garrison, yet the imperial decree was vague: he was ordered to lead sweet potato seedlings for cultivation—but where? He did not know. Even when Yu Dayou visited Hai Rui for clarification, Hai Rui remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao nominated his enemy. Zhang Juzheng looked at Feng Bao: was this eunuch preparing to surrender in the struggle for the position of “Old Ancestor”? Feng Bao knew full well what Hai Rui’s land restitution truly aimed for—yet he still recommended Zhang Cheng, a matter of utmost secrecy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Feng Bao’s expression remained calm. Zhang Cheng and Zhang Jin were both eunuchs; within the palace, they could tear each other apart—it mattered little. But outside, the palace must stand united. This was the lesson the emperor had taught him before the assassination attempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To fight publicly before the outer court is to disgrace oneself. He was still the “Old Ancestor”—if he fought now, he would be the one most humiliated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter Zhang Cheng’s future achievements, he must remember this day’s recommendation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Personnel Zhang Han pondered, then spoke: “The Right Vice Minister of War, Wang Daoqin, is best suited to oversee the land restitution.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoqin had a grudge against Xu Jie. Precisely, when Hu Zongxian died in prison, Wang Daoqin, then Provincial Governor of Fujian, submitted a memorial accusing Xu Jie, defending his fellow townsman Hu Zongxian, composing poems to mourn him, writing letters to clear his name—angering Xu Jie, who eventually had him dismissed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What does General Qi think?” Zhang Juzheng turned to Qi Jiguang. This was Qi Jiguang’s first time attending a Wenhua Hall court deliberation—he must be asked his opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang fell silent for a moment, then said: “I should not speak on this matter. Wang Daoqin is my comrade. When I recruited Yiwu soldiers in Zhejiang, it was Wang Daoqin who oversaw it. I should recuse myself—but since the Grand Secretary asks, I support Zhang Han’s proposal: send Right Vice Minister of War Wang Daoqin to Songjiang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qi Jiguang had formed the Zhe Army in Zhejiang; at the time, Wang Daoqin was County Magistrate of Yiwu, helping Qi recruit soldiers. When Hu Zongxian, the overall commander against the pirates, dispatched Assistant Regional Commander Qi Jiguang to suppress piracy, it was Wang Daoqin who, through their shared hometown ties, recommended Qi to Hu Zongxian. The result: the pirates were swiftly quelled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Any objections?” Zhang Juzheng, regarding Xu Jie’s land restitution, neither accused, implicated, nor promoted anyone—he remained detached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng’s detachment was itself a permissive stance. A single word from him could halt this entire matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Zhang Juzheng’s impartial demeanor meant Xu Jie was likely doomed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Rites Wan Shihé ventured: “Sending Wang Daoqin—will it lead to a chain reaction, ensnaring innocent virtuous men? Excessive severity may wound the hearts of the gentry, harming the state.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui’s face turned stern: “Minister Wan, your words are inappropriate. Speak with caution. Do you suggest that when Wang Vice Minister goes to Songjiang, he must wrongfully execute Xu Jie?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Chief Censor speaks wisely—I overthought it,” Wan Shihé said. Upon hearing Hai Rui mention “wrongfully execute Xu Jie,” he immediately fell silent. These court officials were so sharp—each needed only one sentence to silence him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun looked at Hai Rui. This Great Ming’s divine sword was indeed razor-sharp. Hai Rui, by merely invoking past grievances, instantly silenced Wan Shihé.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoqin’s memorial accused Xu Jie by name, calling him Qin Gui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This touched upon three mysteries surrounding Hu Zongxian’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Qi Jiguang’s ambitions now fully supported, and Hai Rui’s single sentence silencing Wan Shihé, the pursuit of Xu Jie’s land restitution was inevitable. To be continued… *SLAM!* Please vote for monthly tickets, AOOOOGH!!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>",5429,"2026-06-21T07:55:54.218Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","e28ee13d04a7a7c4e0e8917f4aa469906bbb94c7941ea224d4f73a4f9d51c1f7","i-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties-chapter-83","i-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties-chapter-81",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fi-really-am-not-neglecting-my-duties-cover.jpg"]