Chapter 345: Recommendations

Wen Tiren felt a surge of joy at these words.

Over the past few years, the Emperor's temperament had undergone a tremendous transformation—from extreme harshness toward his ministers to the present leniency and benevolence. In just a few years, the difference was like heaven and earth. He had also repeatedly bestowed favors and rewards upon the families of his close ministers, and these actions warmed the hearts of the senior officials considerably.

Since the Emperor said he wanted him to have expectations for his descendants, it certainly wasn't a matter of mere favor-granting. Of his three sons, only his second son, Wen Kan, held the juren degree, and he was currently a seventh-rank Secretariat Drafter. Could it be that the Emperor intended to promote him?

While Wen Tiren was speculating inwardly, Yang Sichang arrived at the Grand Secretariat first, followed closely by the two Vice Ministers of the Ministry of War and Chen Qiyu, who came one after another.

After everyone was seated, Zhu Youjian briefly summarized Hong Chengchou's memorial, and Yang Sichang and the others all fell into thought.

"Your Majesty, I believe that what Hong Hengjiu reported regarding unusual movements within Jinzhou city is likely not a major matter, for his memorial contains the words 'it is suspected'! Judging from this, perhaps what happened in Jinzhou was not something he witnessed personally, but merely heard of as unusual, and only out of caution did he urgently report to the court. As for what actually occurred, I estimate that the relevant memorial will arrive no later than tomorrow!"

Yang Sichang was the first to finish his deliberations, and after bowing, he presented his memorial.

"I concur with the Minister of War's words. Hong Hengjiu has always been known for acting with prudence. He must have received a report and then hurried to Jinzhou to investigate the matter, yet his memorial does not mention advancing troops, nor does it request the court to send personnel to assist. Therefore, the number of government troops involved in the so-called internal conflict should not be large. Moreover, the Jianzhou army has now withdrawn northward and poses no threat to Jinzhou. Those stationed in the city are not court troops either—even if an internal conflict did occur, it has nothing to do with the court! I rather think that if this matter is true, once we learn the details, why shouldn't the court make some use of it?"

Chen Qiyu truly lived up to his reputation as a capable minister of long-standing esteem. His inference and conclusion regarding this matter were even more direct: he first praised Hong Chengchou for acting prudently, but in reality he was implying that Hong was too timid—if even a man like him didn't lead a large force to suppress the situation, it meant the matter was not serious.

Moreover, even if there truly was an internal conflict, it would certainly be between the military clans of western Liaoning. Let them fight then! If one could learn the cause and take advantage of the situation to maneuver, perhaps there would be even greater gains to be had.

Chen Qiyu's words made Zhu Youjian nod repeatedly: "Minister Chen's and Minister Yang's judgments are reasonable and sound. Given the current situation, there should be no possibility of upheaval or disorder in western Liaoning. Minister Hong is also a capable minister—he will surely handle any minor situation properly. Besides, there are still tens of thousands of elite troops stationed beyond the pass to hold the line, so this matter should be of no concern. For now, we need only wait for the latest report from beyond the pass, and then we shall know the full details. After that, you ministers shall each express your views and make corresponding judgments based on the circumstances!"

Everyone present nodded in agreement. After this brief analysis, the urgent military intelligence from beyond the pass now seemed to be nothing more than a false alarm.

Zhu Youjian had originally intended to let everyone return to their residences to rest, but thinking that since they were all present, he might as well continue discussing other details concerning next year's great battle, striving to leave nothing to chance.

"Minister Yang, where have the Qin army and the Sichuan army respectively reached? Are their weapons, military pay and provisions, and encampment locations all properly prepared?"

Zhu Youjian looked at Yang Sichang as he posed the question.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the vanguard of the Qin army, approximately eight thousand men, arrived at Changping today. After they set up camp and rest, they can reach the outskirts of the capital by wei hour tomorrow. The Ministry of War has already sent personnel to supervise and guide them. The barracks of the Capital Camps and their daily maintenance are handled by dedicated staff, so they can move in immediately upon arrival. The Sichuan army, ten thousand men, arrived at Dezhou Prefecture in Shandong three days ago. Calculating at sixty li per day, they should reach the capital in another ten days. The Ministry of War has already sent word to Governor-General Qin, instructing him to separate from the main army early and hasten to the capital for an audience with Your Majesty. All military supplies for both armies have been fully prepared—please rest assured, Your Majesty!"

Yang Sichang had emerged from the dejection of the past few days, his bearing and demeanor restored to their former state, and he had become even more stringent in his demands regarding ministry affairs.

"Excellent! Minister Yang has always been diligent and conscientious in his work, knowing the affairs of his ministry like the back of his hand. Such conduct truly sets an example for all ministers! In selecting and employing talent, I place particular emphasis on a pragmatic style. I truly detest those who habitually look down from on high and boast emptily. Those who only know how to compose verses about wind and moon, ignorant of the people's suffering, will never have any possibility of promotion! All you ministers present are capable and accomplished officials whose words are always reasoned and whose deeds always bear fruit. I am well aware of your usual labors. Needless to say, in this life, people seek nothing more than fame and profit—but to anyone who contributes to the Great Ming, I will not begrudge promotion and reward. I hope you will all remember my words and not disappoint my expectations!"

Wen Tiren and the others all bowed and voiced their remembrance. Zhu Youjian then instructed that court deliberations would be held at Zhaoren Hall the next day, after which he rose and returned to the palace with Wang Cheng'en.

The next day, after the chen hour had passed, Zhaoren Hall was already filled to capacity. The Grand Secretariat and the heads of the Six Ministries were gathered together, awaiting the Emperor's arrival.

The season had reached the day of the Beginning of Winter. Several braziers burning silver charcoal had been lit in every corner of the hall, making the not-so-spacious Zhaoren Hall as warm as spring.

Sun Chuanting, who held the title of Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, and Chen Qiyu were also seated among those present, while Wang Dehua, the seal-holding eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, and others stood to the right side of the imperial throne.

Following the crisp crack of a signal whip, the members of the Directorate of Ceremonial all knelt to the ground, while the civil officials in the hall rose and gathered in the center. A moment later, Zhu Youjian entered through the rear door, accompanied by Wang Cheng'en and Luo Yangxing.

"Your ministers (slaves) pay respects to Your Majesty!"

After Zhu Youjian was seated upon the dragon throne, the senior officials led by Wen Tiren bowed with clasped hands in salute, while Wang Dehua and the others performed the full ceremonial kowtow.

"Rise, all of you!"

After paying their respects, everyone took their seats. Wang Dehua and the others rose and continued standing a few paces to the right of Zhu Youjian, while Wang Cheng'en stood behind him on the left. Luo Yangxing, dressed in a bright red official robe, stood to the side below the steps of the imperial throne.

"By His Majesty's decree, today's assembly of ministers is convened to discuss the following: first, candidates for the principal and assistant officials of the four prefectures of Jiangnan; second, the expansion of the Grand Secretariat's offices; third, the establishment of new government offices and the selection of their principal officials; fourth, the liberalization of the tea trade! Afterward, any minister with something to memorialize may present it! By imperial order!"

Wang Cheng'en stepped out from behind Zhu Youjian and advanced one pace forward, announcing the day's agenda in a shrill, loud voice. He then retreated a few steps and continued standing hunched beside Zhu Youjian.

Li Erxi, having rendered merit in the matter of the Prince of Zhou's audience, was promoted shortly after returning to the palace to the rank of sixth-grade Attendant and was sent to the Imperial Estate Affairs Bureau to learn management experience under Liu Chao. After requesting instructions from Zhu Youjian, Wang Cheng'en handed over the post of Director of the Eastern Depot to Lu Jiude, formerly a junior director-eunuch of the Directorate of the Imperial Horses, while he himself continued to serve Zhu Youjian in his capacity as brush-holder of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

After Wang Cheng'en announced the imperial decree, all the ministers, including Wen Tiren, felt somewhat bewildered. Minister of Revenue Hou Xun also found it rather sudden.

For this fourth item was a major matter with far-reaching implications. Lifting the tea prohibition meant the Ministry of Revenue would lose another source of tax revenue, and equally, it meant losing a power. What was to become of the Ministry of Revenue's Tea Tax Bureau?

The Emperor's conduct in recent years was utterly different from before. He frequently acted on whims, constantly tossing out wild and imaginative ideas, which made some senior officials accustomed to following established rules very uncomfortable.

Apart from the first item, which had been discussed a few days earlier and on which the senior officials each had their own plans, what was this business with the other three items?

"The criminal officials involved in the civil unrest in the four prefectures of Jiangnan have all been executed. Their vacant positions cannot remain unfilled for too long, lest the public affairs of those jurisdictions be delayed. Previously, I issued a decree asking you ministers to make recommendations—do any of you have candidates to recommend to me?"

Zhu Youjian paid no heed to the private thoughts of the assembled ministers and directly steered the day's agenda onto the proper track.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have a candidate I wish to recommend!"

Fan Jingwen, the newly appointed Grand Secretary and Minister of Works, was the first to rise and step forward to speak.

"Oh? Whom does Minister Fan wish to recommend? What achievements does this person have that the assembly should hear of? Pray present your memorial!"

Zhu Youjian asked with a smile.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the person I wish to recommend is Wang Wenhui, Bureau Director of the Waterways Bureau of the Ministry of Works. I have prepared a routine memorial for Your Majesty's perusal, listing his achievements over more than ten years of service in the Ministry of Works. I humbly request that Your Majesty examine it!"

Having prepared in advance, Fan Jingwen produced the memorial from his bosom and raised it high above his head with both hands. Wang Cheng'en descended the imperial steps, received it, turned around, and presented it with both hands to Zhu Youjian.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I too have a candidate to recommend! My routine memorial is prepared, and I humbly present it for Your Majesty's perusal!"

Just as Zhu Youjian was flipping through Fan Jingwen's memorial, Hou Xun, also a newly appointed Grand Secretary, stepped forward, holding another memorial in his hands.