Chapter 20

At the same time, inside the Ciqing Palace.

……

"What? You mean to say that powerful clans all over Huguang are currently opening private mines!?"

Zhu Yijun spoke in near astonishment.

Zhang Hong secretly broke into a cold sweat.

It had been difficult for him to catch a eunuch who had gone to Huguang to inspect taxes these past two days; after a thorough interrogation, he had rushed over early this morning to report to the Crown Prince.

However, the inside story was complex; he had been horrified upon hearing it for the first time yesterday, and now, seeing the Crown Prince's reaction, he was naturally even more cautious.

He answered honestly: "Your Highness, the eunuchs we sent from the palace can only see a glimpse of the whole; what they saw may not necessarily be the truth."

Zhu Yijun could not be bothered to listen to such comforting words.

He paced back and forth in the hall, pondering what Zhang Hong had just said.

The Administration Commission, which is the formal name for the provinces among the so-called two capitals and thirteen provinces.

Huguang is one of the thirteen provinces, possessing many iron and copper mines.

Now Zhang Hong was actually telling him that the various prefectures of Huguang not only dared to privately grant mines to major aristocratic clans, but even dared to openly split the profits fifty-fifty!?

How could they be so bold?

Mines! Those are the sources of ironware, armor, and currency!

What are they planning to do by privately opening mines!?

He muttered to himself: "What is the Grand Coordinator Wang Daokun doing?"

Seeing the Crown Prince merely muttering, Zhang Hong did not know whether he should respond for a moment; after thinking about it, he replied: "Your Highness, Grand Coordinator Wang only holds the concurrent post of Minister of War."

The implication was that although Wang Daokun's status was transcendent, he only had the power to mobilize troops and generals, and could not direct political affairs.

Zhu Yijun said coldly: "Then what about the Administration Commission? Are they unaware as well?"

The Administration Commission Yamen, commonly known as the Provincial Administration Yamen, is the key Yamen that manages the politics of a province, handling the flow of administration, proclamations, and governance.

Compared to the Grand Coordinator, the Administration Commission is the permanent Prefectural Yamen in charge of provincial governance.

He truly did not believe that the highest official in the province could be completely unaware.

Zhang Hong deliberated: "Your Highness, last year, the Left Administration Commissioner of Huguang, Sun Yizheng, was promoted to Governor of Shuntian Prefecture; the successor, Left Administration Commissioner Tang Bin, is not from Huguang."

"In February of this year, the Ministry of Personnel transferred He Bangqi from the Seal Verification Department to be the Right Assistant Administration Commissioner of Huguang, and in March, another Hai Yushi was transferred there."

The Administration Commissioner is the chief official of a province; the implication in his words was very clear: the previous Administration Commissioner, Sun Yizheng, was a Huguang native.

As for the Ministry of Personnel transferring people to the local level, there was naturally a story behind it.

But Zhang Hong did not say anything extra; through their interactions over the past few days, he had gradually realized just how naturally wise the person he served was.

Sure enough, Zhu Yijun's brows furrowed even tighter.

He understood Zhang Hong's meaning: after Tang Bin took over, the subordinates still looked to Sun Yizheng, who had left for the capital, as their backer; the new Administration Commissioner, Tang Bin, simply could not control the situation.

Perhaps the central government had discovered clues early on—whether Sun Yizheng was promoted or demoted was another matter.

Or perhaps it was simply that Tang Bin had reported this matter later.

In any case, the Ministry of Personnel and the Censorate subsequently sent people down, and even the palace sent people to inspect taxes.

It naturally wouldn't work not to send people down; this was not a problem that could be solved by a single imperial decree.

Wanting to rely on decrees to direct local areas while expecting political information to flow smoothly? That is not governing a country; that is a simulation game.

Never mind now, this matter is a major problem at any time.

When he was in office back then, whenever a huge incident occurred below, he had to cover himself with a quilt and handle it himself.

Even if he used strong wording to demand rectification, the subordinates would still just go through the motions.

Regardless of whether it was a major or minor matter, without pulling a few people from various departments to form a specialized team to go down, don't even think about uncovering the local situation.

With the current conditions of transportation and mail delivery, it is naturally even harder to deal with the Huguang region.

But after these people were sent down, the other two parties remained silent, and the people from the palace were simply driven back by such humiliating means.

I fear this water is unfathomably deep.

"Sun Yizheng……"

Zhu Yijun silently drew up another list, but felt somewhat helpless in his heart.

This is likely not just Sun Yizheng's problem alone; this is not a matter that a mere Governor of Shuntian Prefecture could cover up; the involvement must certainly go beyond him.

From backers in the central government to the Administration Commission, to local prefectures, and aristocratic clans, they have formed a dense web.

Now it is called a rotten region; in his previous life, he called this a collapse.

Dealing with Sun Yizheng, there are still ten or a hundred more; it is of no help.

If one wants to clarify the administration, one cannot be stretched thin; one must start from the top-level design. The corruption of the Great Ming Dynasty is truly too severe—if mines are opened privately like this, in a few years, there will be people privately hoarding weapons and armor everywhere.

But, whether it is the selection of officials or the elimination of deep-seated ills, it requires the cooperation of the Ministry of Personnel.

Zhu Yijun pressed his brows in contemplation and sighed.

The Ministry of Personnel is in Gao Gong's hands; even if he were willing to conspire with Gao Gong on this matter, Gao Gong would not let him get involved.

This matter still has to fall on Gao Yi.

Once he ascends the throne, he must make Gao Gong retire; at that time, he can let Zhang Juzheng serve as Chief Minister and Gao Yi manage the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel.

His efforts to win over Gao Yi these days have been quite effective; give him some more time, and he will be able to hide behind the scenes and exert influence on him.

There is also the Examination Method, which has been causing a huge stir recently and is clearly Zhang Juzheng's proposal; it might not be a turning point.

It is just that from his perspective, it is still too crude, simply a potent medicine for tigers and wolves.

Should he intervene? How should he intervene?

If he can use this to intervene in personnel matters and also show Zhang Juzheng his attitude of supporting the new policies, it is not impossible.

It is just that he still needs to be careful about his methods.

"Your Highness, it is time to go to the Wenhua Hall; today is the day for the hundred officials to urge you to ascend the throne." Zhang Hong called out to him softly.

Zhu Yijun came to his senses.

He looked up at the sky and nodded.

Just as he stepped out of the hall, Jiang Keqian came up to meet him and followed behind.

This was the back door opened by Zhu Xizhong, which naturally allowed Jiang Keqian to serve as a guard by the Crown Prince's side at any time.

Even after he moves to the Qianqing Palace later, these people will still serve by his side.

Jiang Keqian's talent is not outstanding, but he also has his strengths.

He is taciturn, decisive, and has been attentive in his work these past few days, and the tasks entrusted to him have had no lapses.

Zhu Yijun glanced at him and couldn't help but praise: "You handled things well."

Yesterday afternoon, when he went to the two palaces to pay his respects, Imperial Consort Li kept praising him for growing up and being sensible, which made her gratified.

It seems he has gained quite a bit of face in front of the noblewomen.

Coupled with his intentional display of intelligence, kindness, and pure filial piety during the daily lectures, he won much praise from the lecturers, and even Gao Yi couldn't help but praise him a few times.

This caused some court officials with deep scholar-official sentiments to gradually look at him with respect, and they privately sighed that he had the appearance of a wise monarch.

With efforts both inside and outside, he has already gained quite a bit of prestige in the public opinion arena.

Although it looks like it has no practical effect, the magnitude of the invisible influence can only be understood without being spoken.

After fermenting for a few more days, the effect will be even more obvious.

At that time, he will no longer be that Crown Prince with a stubborn and unbearable character; he will be able to successfully sever himself from the Zhu Yijun of the past.

He will no longer be the Zhu Yijun whom Feng Bao can trip up, whom Imperial Consort Li can force to write a self-reproach edict, and whom Gao Gong can disparage at will.

Even if he were to overturn the table, there would be a few more defenders of the faith who would sacrifice their lives for him.

Ritual and system are power; prestige is influence.

No rush, take it slow; he still has time.

Next, he must continue to exert influence on Imperial Consort Li, while simultaneously winning over Gao Yi and slowly infiltrating personnel appointments.

There is much that can be done.

Jiang Keqian did not know about these twists and turns; he just firmly held onto the thigh: "Sharing the worries of the monarch is my duty; this humble official dares not claim credit."

Zhu Yijun asked: "Have my few pillars of support among the officials made any moves recently?"

Seeing that he is only four days away from ascending the throne, the actions of these people should be becoming more frequent.

It is best to gain insight in advance; otherwise, if it is too late to intervene and he is inexplicably hit with a head-on blow, that would be bad.

Jiang Keqian lowered his head: "I was just about to report this matter to Your Highness."

"Zhang Gelao Gao almost never leaves his house, and has no visitors. Yesterday, he did go out to look for a few calligraphy and painting shops; it seems he was mounting the calligraphy scrolls Your Highness sent."

Gao Yi truly has the temperament of a toad; he only jumps when poked.

Having reached the position of a Zhang Gelao in the Cabinet, he is too lazy to move at all if no one pokes him.

Jiang Keqian continued: "Zhang Gelao Zhang has been frequently associating privately with Minister Lu Diaoyang and Granary Viceroy Wang Shihe recently."

Zhu Yijun walked in front, keeping his mind focused on listening carefully.

Those Zhang Juzheng associates with are all members of the New Party; for the time being, there is no sign of any moves.

"As for the Chief Zhang Gelao, there are quite a few officials coming and going, including Hai Yushi Han Ji, Song Zhihan……"

Zhu Yijun waved his hand to interrupt him: "No need to mention the students; get to the point."

Jiang Keqian hurriedly said: "Yes, Your Highness."

"There is also Vice Minister of Personnel Zhang Siwei, and Minister of War Yang Bo has also secretly visited."

"The son of Liangguang Viceroy Yin Zhengmao also visited yesterday."

"There are also some people of unknown identity; this official sent people to follow one or two of them, and they should be servants from Nanzhili delivering messages."

"In addition, Hai Yushi Ge Shouli, Zhang Shouzhi of the Ministry of Revenue, and other Nine Ministers also have servants delivering messages."

Zhu Yijun's expression was solemn.

A few days ago, Gao Gong blatantly rejected Imperial Consort Li's decree, and he had already become vigilant.

Even if Gao Gong's methods were a bit poor, there was no reason he couldn't see that once Imperial Consort Li became Empress Dowager, he, Gao Gong, would not have a good outcome.

Yet he was clearly unafraid; this had to make him suspicious.

Now that he is frequently associating with court officials, what exactly does he want to do?

"Can you know what they are talking about?" Zhu Yijun said slowly.

Jiang Keqian paused, somewhat embarrassed.

He said cautiously: "Your Highness, the Chief Zhang Gelao's household is also quite simple, with few servants."

This meant he couldn't plant anyone.

Another honest official.

Zhu Yijun's expression was strange; why did he feel like he was the villain dealing with an honest official?

Jiang Keqian suddenly said again: "Your Highness, there is news from Zhang Siwei's side."

Zhu Yijun looked at him.

Jiang Keqian continued: "The Chief Zhang Gelao seems to have promised to let Wang Chonggu enter the Cabinet in exchange for them handing over the military and political power of Xuanda."

Hmm?

Zhu Yijun's brows furrowed, his heart even more surprised.

Since when could Gao Gong decide on Cabinet seats?

Gao Gong is so arbitrary to this extent; is he really not afraid of being liquidated?

And how does he plan to fulfill it? Does he really think that the two palaces will acknowledge the promise he made?

He slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air: "You continue to keep watch."

Thinking too much is of no use; today is the sixth, and in four days, he will ascend the throne; he wants to see what methods these people will use.

……

Wenhua Hall, side hall.

"Zhang Gelao."

"Zhang Gelao Gao."

Gao Yi arrived a bit late, and many officials outside the hall greeted him one after another.

"Teacher."

Gao Yi turned his head and saw his own student Wang Dingjue, as well as his elder brother, that Wang Xijue who came from the top three of the imperial examination.

He said irritably: "What teacher? I've said it so many times; use official titles when on duty."

Although he reprimanded him, Gao Yi remembered that Crown Prince who always called him Mr. when on duty, and his expression was quite complex.

Wang Dingjue hurriedly admitted his mistake.

Wang Xijue also said: "Zhang Gelao, the Chief Zhang Gelao and Zhang Gelao Zhang have both arrived and are waiting for you."

Gao Yi nodded, apologized, and went to the front of the ranks.

Seeing him walk away, Wang Dingjue sighed: "Brother, look at Teacher's temperament; it's much more likable than the Chief Zhang Gelao and Zhang Gelao Zhang, right?"

Just now, when the two of them saluted Gao Gong, they didn't even get a straight look.

Zhang Juzheng responded in a lukewarm manner, but he clearly looked like his mind was wandering.

Wang Xijue shook his head: "If you have this idea, you will never be able to do practical things."

Having entered the Cabinet, how could one be a "goody-two-shoes"?

Promoting new laws, if your temperament isn't tough, just wait to be fooled.

Gao Yi's temperament is not suitable for the Cabinet; instead, it is suitable for returning to the Ministry of Rites.

He was not in the mood to lecture his younger brother; he just waited quietly for that Crown Prince.

Since arriving in the capital, the rumors about this person have never stopped; he was very eager to see what kind of quality this person had.

If he is a coward who was hyped up, Wang Xijue will have to record it well in his own notes.

He only hopes that he truly has thirty percent of the quality in the rumors.

Just at this moment, a eunuch entered the side hall and said a few words to Gao Gong.

Gao Gong coughed lightly, and the hundred officials hurriedly moved, each walking to their own rank.

Wang Xijue knew that this meant the Crown Prince had already entered the hall and was waiting for the hundred officials to pay their respects; he hurriedly pulled his brother to stand back in rank.

He hadn't been able to participate in the previous two urgings to ascend the throne; today was the first time he saw it.

"Ascend the hall!"

Following a chant, the bells, drums, and ritual music of the rear hall slowly began to sound.

Wang Xijue followed closely behind and turned from the side hall into the main hall.

He saw the Embroidered Uniform Guards in Qilin robes and Feiyu robes on both sides of the hall, standing tall and fierce, looking on like tigers.

Two ritual inspectors stood below the imperial steps, expressionless, inspecting the officials.

Wang Xijue quietly raised his eyes and looked at his own row, front and back.

Slap! Slap! Slap!

Amidst the ritual music, three whips sounded.

Wang Xijue looked up and saw that eunuch, the Seal-Holding Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, waving the whip and chanting something.

His rank was in the back, and he could no longer hear what was being said.

Wang Xijue only saw the figure of that child dressed in mourning clothes sitting upright on the imperial desk.

The officials held their tablets and bowed down.

The Ministry of Rites had informed them of the procedure in advance, so Wang Xijue naturally knew what to do; he followed and bowed, his mouth vaguely perfunctory: "Respectfully welcome His Highness the Crown Prince to court."

"Ask after His Highness's health."

The two ritual inspectors had already stood up and were walking back and forth among the ranks.

A pair of eyes were like hawks inspecting the hundred officials.

At this time, even leaving a single drop of sweat was a crime of great disrespect, punishable by dismissal.

"I am well."

Wang Xijue only heard a slightly immature, yet steady and calm voice.

It sounded quite steady, but unfortunately, he couldn't see clearly.

If he didn't know the consequences, he would have loved to step on the ritual inspector and look at the imperial desk.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The sound of bells and ritual music rang out again.

Wang Xijue only realized that in the time it took him to be stunned, Gao Gong had already stepped out to respond and urge him to ascend the throne.

He saw the high official in the scarlet robe raise the tablet in his hand first.

Wang Xijue hurriedly followed his colleagues, a beat slow, and followed: "Prostrate to hope that Heaven blesses the people below, creating a monarch to bring peace to the four seas; the father has the world, passing it to the son to rule for ten thousand years, especially with the songs and court visits of all returning, and the ancestral temples and altars of the state having a master."

……

"Although still in mourning, I have not forgotten the pain of grief; yet the myriad tasks are urgent, and I should think of the heavy trust of the difficult; we officials are therefore terrified, knocking on the gate, wishing to finally ascend to the throne, to comfort the hearts of the masses."

As the text of the urging moved down, the voices of the hundred officials gradually became uniform.

Behind the hall, the yellow bells rang, and the ritual music was melodious.

Inside the hall, the mountain-shaking shouts were like thunder in the ears.

Wang Xijue had originally brought a spectator's mentality, but at this moment, he couldn't help but have his brain become a mess, following the crowd's excitement.

The gradually vague words were slowly shouted out in a loud voice.

……

"Prostrate to hope that Your Highness will always cherish the words of the desk, early receive the favor of the throne, clarify the imperial path and restore the imperial model, shine the holy virtue like the sun and moon, continue the phoenix calendar and establish the great plan, and extend the state's destiny for as long as heaven and earth."

When he finished reading the last sentence, Wang Xijue's back was almost soaked, but he still knelt on the ground, not daring to move.

Wang Xijue secretly raised his eyes and glanced.

Just at this moment, he saw that Crown Prince slowly stand up from in front of the imperial desk.

He pushed aside the support of the great eunuch Feng Bao.

The Crown Prince seemed to be looking down at the civil and military officials inside and outside the hall.

He answered loudly: "You officials have presented your words and requests, again and again, and I have fully understood your loyal sincerity."

"The position of Heaven is of great importance, and it is truly difficult to leave it vacant for long; furthermore, with the last will on my body, I dare not stubbornly decline."

The Crown Prince paused, and the atmosphere in the hall became even more solemn.

The military and civil officials waited quietly for the Crown Prince's reply; there was no movement in the hall, and one could hear a needle drop.

Wang Xijue's heart also stopped moving with this sentence, and it rose to his throat.

He inexplicably looked forward to the Crown Prince's next words.

Wang Xijue moved his waist and back uncomfortably, wanting to dispel this emotion, but subconsciously held his breath, waiting for the Prince's virtuous words.

Fortunately, the person above finally spoke again.

The Crown Prince slowly spat out a few words, his articulation clear and heavy: "I, reluctantly comply with the request."

It was as if witnessing the final stroke of a painting, as if the object falling from the air had finally landed, and the deep breath he had taken could finally be exhaled.

This sentence satisfied everyone's expectations.

Wang Xijue didn't need to follow the rhythm of the crowd; almost subconsciously, he performed the three-bow grand ceremony.

He shouted loudly: "The Holy Dynasty has a continuation; the Great Ming is most fortunate!"