Chapter 120: Awaiting the Call, Proceeding Step by Step

After Yu Qian, the Beijing garrison system never had a long-standing fixed structure.

During the Tianshun, Chenghua, and Zhengde reigns, it underwent several transformations.

The current structure was established by the Emperor Jiajing Emperor in the twenty-ninth year of his reign.

The Beijing garrison is divided into three major camps: the Five Army Camp and the Divine Engine Camp, each overseen by one military general as Viceroy and one civil official as Assistant.

Though there is one Viceroy and one Assistant, their status is clearly unequal.

But as the saying goes, whoever holds control over personnel and finances calls the shots.

Since the Emperor Longqing era, any promotion or appointment of junior military officers—such as battalion heads, middle commanders, or company commanders—must first be reviewed by the Ministry of War before being submitted to the Emperor for approval.

As for mid-level officers—Deputy Commanders, Assistant Commanders, Mobile Corps Commanders, and Assistants—they are jointly nominated by the Beijing Garrison Viceroy and the Assistant in Military Affairs, then reported to the Emperor by the Ministry of War for final approval.

Military pay is even more straightforward: without passing the Ministry of War, not a single copper coin can be obtained.

Even when the Emperor wishes to distribute reward silver, the Ministry of War blocks it by citing the disparity in hardship and benefit between the frontier troops and the Beijing garrison.

Thus, the position of Vice Minister of War assisting in Military Affairs is, in truth, the real power broker of the Beijing garrison.

Originally, Zhu Zhu Yijun merely intended to use Zhao Zhao Kongzhao, the sickly official, as a placeholder to occupy the post and not interfere with Gu Gu Huan's maneuvering.

But now that circumstances have changed, he might as well compete for the position.

It would accelerate the preparation of the Beijing garrison.

The moment Li Li Zaiting spoke, those with intent immediately became alert.

Hu Ji frowned and said coldly: "Li Li Geshi, don't be too harsh on your colleagues—everyone suffers from illness at some point."

"Tan Lun also suffered from lung disease, yet the Emperor entrusted him with heavy responsibilities."

Li Li Zaiting did not argue with Hu Ji; he calmly returned to his place in the line.

It is an established precedent that censors who impeach must request their own retirement—no one is exempt.

Moreover, Zhao Zhao Kongzhao had long wished to retire, but he was retained because he was a candidate acceptable to both the Emperor and the Ministry of War.

Now, Li Li Zaiting's outburst and the ensuing quarrel are not meant to pressure Zhao Zhao Kongzhao, but to provoke debate among court officials so the Emperor may act as arbiter.

At this moment, the Emperor on the imperial dais finally spoke.

"Enough. I understand your intentions."

Zhu Zhu Yijun paused, then continued: "But the meritorious nobles have served the dynasty; reducing their punishment is ancestral law. Severe punishment would make the Two Palaces, our mothers, suffer."

"I shall discuss this matter further with my mother before deciding."

"As for Minister Zhao's illness preventing him from performing duties, he should rest well and recover—no talk of dismissal!"

To make a decision on the spot would still be premature.

After a day or two of fermentation and widespread discussion, Zhu Zhu Yijun would then step in as judge.

Leaking opinions in court deliberations, submitting memorials to argue, and the Emperor's final judgment—all are necessary steps, and the simplest path to exercising imperial authority.

Since the Emperor had called a recess, the ministers could not press further.

Only a few observant officials exchanged glances, silently preparing their next moves.

Court deliberations always come one after another.

Soon after, the court erupted again over the salt tax revenues brought back by Hai Rui.

The amount of silver each ministry could control directly affected its power, so no one would show restraint at such a moment.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices whined about poverty so badly that Zhu Zhu Yijun felt embarrassed—claiming they had begun selling off copper and iron scrap and leftover fermentation cakes just to maintain supplies.

Even Zhu Heng, the usually diligent and apolitical Minister of Works, turned red-faced and furious during the deliberation.

One moment he cited twenty-three water gates, the next he complained about constructing gates, offices, and barracks for the Zhaoling Guard stationed in Changping Prefecture.

Zhu Zhu Yijun could not intervene—Zhang Hong wept bitterly over the inner treasury's poverty, and everyone's plight was much the same.

After half an hour of bickering, they finally reached an agreement.

The Six Ministries each took what they needed; the Grand Secretariat divided the silver; the Emperor sat silently in the background.

The court deliberation completely exhausted the leftover silver from the previous allocation, returning every bit to the treasuries.

Everyone's faces wore the look of having suffered a great loss, yet internally they were delighted—after all, this was extra silver, and more would surely follow, helping to expand their ministries' authority.

With moods lifted, subsequent deliberations proceeded more smoothly.

They swiftly passed through matters: the Provincial Governor of Yunnan, Zou Zou Yinglong's nominations; the son of Vice Censor-in-Chief Ruan Wenzhong entering the Imperial Academy; and the ancestral worship of former Minister of Rites Zhang Mao at the Zhengxue Shrine.

Even regarding the earthquake relief and tax exemptions in Xuzhou Prefecture, Sichuan, the Ministry of Revenue offered silver without hesitation.

Only near noon did the day's court deliberation conclude.

The Emperor's figure vanished from the dais ahead of schedule.

The ministers gradually departed.

In groups of three or five, they discussed among themselves.

Xu Jie cast a few extra glances at Wang Wang Chonggu, who had been led to a side hall for a private audience, then slowly rose to his feet.

As soon as he stood, he felt an arm supporting him.

He did not need to turn around—he knew who it was.

Xu Jie said coolly: "No need for such gestures in court—we've served together before."

Zhang Zhang Juzheng shook his head: "Back then, both you and I were in the Grand Secretariat—we had to avoid suspicion."

"Now that you are retired, there is no issue."

The title of "Advisor" carries no real power—less than even a Secretarial Clerk—and thus avoids any suspicion of factionalism.

After all, he is a seventy-year-old veteran; offering a little support as a courtesy draws no criticism.

Xu Jie said nothing in response.

His expression turned sly: "Why wasn't the restoration of Yuan Yuan Shizu's ancestral rites discussed today?"

When Xu Jie entered the city yesterday, he heard the Emperor had been sacrificing to past emperors, then asked why Yuan Yuan Shizu was absent—ending with a distant ritual offering.

This naturally sparked debate within the Ministry of Rites and the Court of Sacrifices.

He had assumed this was preparation for restoring Yuan Yuan Shizu's rites, yet today no one mentioned it—leaving Xu Jie puzzled.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng supported Xu Jie out of the hall and explained: "Yesterday someone guessed the Emperor's intent and submitted a memorial claiming our dynasty inherits the Yuan's legitimacy and should restore Yuan Yuan Shizu's rites."

"The Emperor retained the memorial without action and punished the submitter with one month's copper fine for probing the imperial mind."

"Thus, court officials are uncertain of the Emperor's intentions and dare not act rashly."

The two men exited the Zhao Wenhua Hall and walked slowly.

Xu Jie asked bluntly: "What do you think the Emperor intends?"

Zhang Zhang Juzheng fell silent for a moment, then whispered: "The Emperor said we must consider the simple sentiments of frontier soldiers and the common people, and instructed the Ministry of Rites to deliberate further."

After saying this, he fell silent.

Xu Jie pondered.

After walking a distance, Xu Jie pulled away from Zhang Zhang Juzheng's arm: "Return to the Grand Secretariat for your duties—I shall go to Donghua Sect."

The Emperor's granted residence lies outside Donghua Sect, not on the way to the Grand Secretariat.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng obediently stood still, watching his teacher depart.

Xu Jie walked toward Donghua Sect without looking back, hands behind his back, moving slowly.

Yet his mind returned to the Emperor's instructions before the court deliberation.

…

Half a day earlier.

Xu Jie walked with the Emperor toward the court deliberation.

"Minister Xu, I have commissioned a primer on arithmetic—have you heard of it?" the Emperor casually asked.

Xu Jie nodded, then shook his head: "I know of its existence, but have not read it."

The Emperor explained: "I have ordered officials from the Ministry of Revenue, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Eastern Depot to study it, but it is still insufficient."

"The spring imperial examinations are approaching; many students will arrive in the capital to prepare. I wish you, upon reaching the Academy, to recruit some juren who have no hope of passing the Tong Jinshi exam to study arithmetic."

Xu Jie immediately understood the reason and asked: "Does His Majesty intend to recruit officials skilled in arithmetic for land surveying?"

At that moment, the Emperor turned to look at Xu Jie, as if thinking the old man's mind still worked swiftly.

He replied: "Yes, that is one intention."

"But there is another layer."

"I wish to recruit students genuinely interested in arithmetic, to pursue breakthroughs."

The Emperor paused, then added: "They will be forbidden from taking the imperial examinations again and will not be granted official or clerical status."

"In short, I wish to create a new category—not official, not clerical—but scholarly."

"I set this standard: if a scholar attains the pinnacle of mastery, matching the level of Zu Wenyuan, he may be granted a noble title!"

Xu Jie frowned, even more curious about the Emperor's intent.

He was even offering titles!?

Though Zu Wenyuan and Wang Shangbin were exceedingly rare, granting titles seemed excessive.

Preparing for land surveying did not require such extremes.

Was this the current Emperor's peculiar hobby?

The previous emperor loved producing heirs; the Emperor Jiajing emperor sought immortality; this one's passion is even more unusual.

…

As he recalled these thoughts, he arrived unconsciously at Donghua Sect.

But he did not head straight to the residence the Emperor had promised.

Instead, he told the eunuch guiding him to take him to the new academy.

Xu Jie's current interests are twofold: one, discerning the Emperor's thoughts and intentions; two, observing how far the Emperor can carry out his governance.

At present, the Emperor has entrusted all major affairs to the Grand Secretariat, retaining control only over the Capital Troops and the New Academy.

Xu Jie naturally had great interest in seeing what exactly they were up to.

Not long after, he was led by a eunuch to the academy's gate.

Upon closer inspection, the characters "Seek Truth" and "Pursue the Dao" on the screen wall left Xu Jie puzzled.

People came and went frequently; the place already had a certain momentum.

Xu Jie asked the eunuch beside him: "Where do the students at this academy come from?"

Zhang Cheng stepped forward promptly and replied respectfully: "Primarily imperial clans and noble families, along with officials and Embroidered Uniform Guard members coming for further study."

Originally, Eastern Depot eunuchs also attended classes together, but the nobles and officials found it shameful and refused to share the same hall.

Eventually, they had to invite the teachers to instruct at the Inner Book Hall.

Xu Jie nodded silently; he immediately understood the latter was preparing for land surveying.

But why were the former wasting grain here?

He asked outright.

Zhang Cheng patiently explained: "His Majesty said that anyone who masters arithmetic may remain at the academy and receive imperial rations."

"Those who achieve mastery or innovate new methods shall not be denied titles and rewards."

Once this was announced, especially many collateral branches of noble families flocked to it.

Xu Jie smiled inwardly at this.

They weren't here for imperial rations—they'd all calculated that the Emperor would soon make a grand gesture to attract talent, and the old foxes were rushing to send their collateral branches as pawns.

He strode boldly through the gate and ordered: "Bring me a copy of Arithmetic Primer I, and summon Cheng Cheng Dawei."

…

Cheng Cheng Dawei was organizing manuscript drafts when he heard the new headmaster had summoned him; he immediately set down his work and followed the eunuch out the door.

The academy was small; they arrived quickly.

As Cheng Cheng Dawei reached the doorway, he heard an angry voice from inside.

"Didn't you just say this was the plus sign!?"

"Master Xu, you've misread it—come closer, this is the multiplication sign."

The latter's voice was full of helplessness.

Cheng Cheng Dawei instantly understood what had happened; he stood at the door and did not enter immediately.

Instead, he turned to the eunuch Zhang Cheng and apologized: "Your Excellency, please wait a moment—I'll send someone for a pair of àidài."

Àidài meant eyeglasses; people used different terms.

Carbon ink on stone slabs saved money and effort, but was unfriendly to those with poor eyesight.

Later, the Emperor showed mercy, allocating silver to purchase some eyeglasses for elderly students to borrow.

Zhang Cheng stopped him: "No need—I'll go get them. Master Cheng, you should go meet Master Xu first."

Cheng Cheng Dawei bowed in thanks.

He gave instructions on where to find the items, then suppressed his nervousness and pushed open the door.

Xu Jie, seeing someone enter, snapped: "You're Cheng Rusi?"

Cheng Cheng Dawei took a deep breath and bowed: "Servant Cheng Cheng Dawei greets the Headmaster."

Xu Jie waved for him to rise and asked sternly: "Chinese arithmetic has always been passed down in one lineage—how did you come up with all these chaotic symbols? Are you deliberately making things difficult?"

He pointed at the "+-×÷" symbols and the crooked, uneven numbers, his face filled with displeasure.

Xu Jie, though not an expert in arithmetic, understood some of it.

Arithmetic itself had simplified forms, including various symbols and numerals.

But now even the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division had been replaced with unfamiliar symbols, leaving people confused—he naturally had objections.

Cheng Cheng Dawei smiled bitterly: "Headmaster, you misunderstand—this was the Emperor's idea."

He wearily explained to his new superior the Emperor's reasoning: that the symbols were more convenient and clear, the numerals simpler and more legible.

He even named the foreign ancient texts from which these symbols had been drawn.

Upon hearing it was the Emperor's wish, Xu Jie, though still dissatisfied, swallowed his resentment.

He muttered: "Annotate this book thoroughly and return it to me."

Since he already understood some of it, he didn't need to attend classes—only needed to match the symbols and numerals.

Cheng Cheng Dawei bowed and replied: "Yes."

Xu Jie moved past this matter and asked about the academy's current official structure.

Cheng Cheng Dawei replied cautiously: "Headmaster, the academy currently has no official structure."

"Initially, His Majesty proposed granting official clerk status to disciples who remained at the academy after graduation."

"But the Ministries of Personnel, Revenue, and Rites all objected, so it never happened."

Xu Jie immediately understood the hidden maneuvering.

Even if it was only clerk status, it was still a path to promotion—how could the Six Ministries allow the Emperor to hold it in his hands?

No wonder the Emperor had ordered him to design a new official system for the academy, with salaries drawn from the Imperial Treasury.

He pondered: "What are the current standards for remaining at the academy?"

Cheng Cheng Dawei replied quickly: "Complete Arithmetic Primer I—mastering addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—and apply them proficiently to accounting and land measurement."

Xu Jie glanced at Cheng Cheng Dawei.

The clerks in the Ministry of Revenue's Audit Bureau were at this level—and you call this Arithmetic Primer I? Who are you mocking?

Must one reach the level of the Astronomical Bureau's experts, who calculate celestial movements, to complete Primer I?

Or must one be like Wang Wensu, capable of positional notation and root extraction, to be considered accomplished?

Had he not known this was likely the Emperor's naming, he would have flown into a rage on the spot.

He suppressed his irritation and pressed further: "How many remain at the academy?"

Cheng Cheng Dawei shook his head: "Officials complete their studies and return to their departments."

"But some noble families, after graduation, choose to stay at the academy."

In the Emperor's words, these people, untroubled by food or clothing and somewhat interested, are the ones who remain.

Xu Jie grunted and fell into thought.

Just then, Zhang Cheng entered with the eyeglasses: "Master Xu."

He respectfully offered them.

Xu Jie glanced over, took them casually.

He put them on, picked up the arithmetic book again, and said: "Eunuch Zhang, what is the academy's salary budget?"

Zhang Cheng replied smoothly: "Master Xu, the academy's authorized strength is one hundred and twenty, with a total salary budget of ten thousand taels."

"But currently only twenty-nine are registered; the Imperial Treasury disburses only for those on the rolls."

"Additional expenses—printing books, repairing buildings, renting housing, meals—total seventeen thousand four hundred taels annually. When needed, funds are disbursed after prior application and approval."

Xu Jie waved his hand: "Give me the entire year's allocation at once!"

"His Majesty entrusted the academy to me to get things done—each time requiring approval wastes time and risks undermining His Majesty's plans!"

He turned to Cheng Cheng Dawei and declared matter-of-factly: "All those who graduated from the ministries and the Embroidered Uniform Guard must remain at the academy to teach for six months before leaving!"

"If the Six Ministries or the Duke of Cheng have objections, let them come to me!"

(End of Chapter)