Chapter 86: Appointing Talent According to Ability, Shandong Reborn

Zhu Yijun abandoned his earlier idea; although it would have been good to have Shen Shixing, from Nanzhili, initiate this matter—thereby naturally reducing resistance from Nanzhili—it lacked grandeur and majesty.

He openly admitted that the Open Middle Method was his own idea, and given its importance to state policy, it should be championed by the Emperor himself.

To slightly curb the rampant favoritism of local cliques, one must begin with the Emperor, making a nationwide declaration of unity.

In matters of grand strategy and overarching trends, one cannot always follow the current; at the right moment, one must lead the tide.

After six months on the throne, Zhu Yijun’s mindset had finally advanced further—he now understood his role as the core.

Though the ministers did not know what the Emperor was thinking.

Yet this display of majesty and clarity in laying out advantages and disadvantages moved them to applaud—Emperor Shizong’s method of making ministers take the blame, though clever, rarely won their genuine approval.

Rather, this young ruler, willing to shoulder the nation’s burdens, bore the bearing of a sage king.

Shen Shixing, watching this Emperor lay out advantages and disadvantages without hesitation, suddenly understood why this boy, merely eleven, had won the obedience of so many court officials.

He understood profit and loss, and his aura was naturally commanding!

To treat others with such candor—that is the demeanor of a true sovereign!

Shen Shixing, momentarily stunned, rose and knelt in the snow, performing a profound bow: “Your Majesty, I was adopted as a child; my adoptive father was a Prefect, and I grew up within the Prefect’s yamen.”

“I ate the yamen’s grain, and received the grace of the Great Ming.”

“I studied the classics and history, and now hold a central post—I understand fully what it means for north and south to be one.”

“Even if I harbor affection for kin and familiarity with fellow townsfolk, I would never let petty favors violate great righteousness!”

“Now, Your Majesty seeks to unify north and south—how could I, as a petty local, oppose such a vision?”

“As for the Open Middle Method, I am willing to serve Your Majesty as a humble attendant, mediating among the southern ministers!”

Of all the ministers, Shen Shixing was the first to feel the pressure from the Emperor’s words—he had to respond immediately.

Even if he had, in daily practice, shown favoritism toward those from Nanzhili in sentiment or promotion, he had always maintained limits.

At the very least, he could not contradict state policy, or he would be cutting himself off from the official world.

After Shen Shixing, Yang Bo spoke even more boldly, raising his voice in praise.

He rose at once and declared loudly: “Your Majesty, your talent is heaven-bestowed, your virtue innate!”

“This proposal, when enacted, aligns with Heaven; when carried out, follows the Dao! If the Open Middle Method is revived, Your Majesty’s holy virtue and divine merit shall be etched into the annals!”

Zhu Yijun had never seen Yang Bo flatter him so openly—compared to Li Zaiting, it was painfully forced.

Though he knew this reaction aligned with northern interests and was therefore natural, Zhu Yijun still felt a chill and hurriedly motioned for Yang Bo to sit.

Then, several Grand Secretaries and Wang Guoguang also voiced their support.

Yu Youding, though unsure why he had been summoned, still bowed along with the others.

Seeing the broad consensus forming, Zhu Yijun nodded in satisfaction.

Yet while the general direction was set, many details still needed discussion.

Lu Diaoyang cautiously reminded: “Your Majesty, though the Open Middle Method is indeed a matter of great righteousness.”

“Yet after its collapse, it was repeatedly revived—during Jiajing’s reign, Yang Yiqing; during Longqing’s, Wang Chonggu—yet none could revive it.”

“At that time, Pang Shangpeng oversaw the Nine Borders’ garrison farming and submitted twenty proposals on salt administration, determined to revive merchant garrisons—but ultimately submitted a regretful memorial stating: ‘Too much damage has been done over time; real results are now unattainable.’”

“If Your Majesty wishes to revive the Open Middle Method, careful deliberation will be essential.”

The credibility of salt certificates is broken; no amount of shouting below will help if merchants cannot obtain salt.

But if merchants cannot make profit, who cares whether it benefits the state or the people?

Thus, beyond central policy, implementation on the ground is crucial.

Zhu Yijun nodded and said sincerely: “This matter must be thoroughly discussed by the Grand Secretariat and the court. I have some suggestions—your lordships may consider them.”

With the Emperor speaking thus, the ministers had no reason not to listen.

Zhu Yijun raised his palm, sometimes grasping air, sometimes pointing: “I have reflected on past successes and failures, and gained some insights.”

“The Open Middle Method cannot be revived, fundamentally, because salt merchants cannot obtain salt.”

“If merchants cannot profit, central policy is but a floating weed without roots.”

“The precondition for merchants to obtain salt is that each Transport Bureau has salt and is willing to exchange it with small salt traders.”

Under today’s system of merchant guilds holding exclusive contracts, it would be strange if small salt traders could obtain salt at all.

Zhang Juzheng knew the Emperor was again targeting the Transport Bureaus’ salt sales model.

He immediately responded: “Your Majesty, several major salt merchants of the guilds have already been stripped of their wealth by Imperial Censor Hai Rui—perfect timing to act.”

News from Nan and Bei Zhili normally took twenty days to travel; urgent messages took fifteen. To go faster meant exhausting several horses.

Affairs in the Two Huai regions were handled as urgent—fifteen days ago, on December 8, Hai Rui had already confiscated the property of Shen Chuanyin and the other salt merchants.

Zhu Yijun nodded and let the matter drop.

How exactly to reform it depends on how far Hai Rui has gone—he could only wait and see.

He continued: “Meanwhile, to maintain the validity of salt certificates, their issuance must not be excessive, or they will become worthless paper.”

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“Therefore, the authority to issue salt certificates should be centralized from the six Transport Bureaus into a single office.”

“One source makes coordination and oversight by the center easier.”

Such a financial instrument cannot have issuance rights left in the provinces.

Gao Yi pondered this, found it sound, and silently praised it.

He asked: “So Your Majesty intends to establish a Salt Tax Office to oversee this?”

Zhu Yijun nodded: “The quota and production of salt certificates shall be managed in the capital region; the Salt Tax Office shall coordinate, while salt transportation and certificate distribution shall be handled by a separate office.”

“The powers of the six Transport Bureaus and seven Superintendencies may be partially reclaimed.”

Zhang Juzheng, leading all civil officials, was now the one to respond.

He glanced at the other Grand Secretaries.

Yang Bo fully supported; Gao Yi deemed it feasible; Lu Diaoyang feared it might be too aggressive but did not oppose.

Zhang Juzheng, now certain, spoke without hesitation: “Your Majesty embraces the whole realm; we are humbled and in awe.”

“The Grand Secretariat understands Your Majesty’s intent and will discuss this matter with the court ministers tomorrow.”

“Yet… the specific structure, official ranks, and responsibilities of the new office cannot be settled in a day.”

The broad direction is set, but the details must be hammered out in court deliberation.

This matter involves north and south, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Grand Canal, and salt taxation—it will take time to negotiate; it will not flow smoothly just because the Emperor speaks.

For the Grand Secretariat to implement this, it will require immense effort.

The year-end is near, and affairs are busy.

The Ministry of Revenue must reconcile accounts; the Ministry of Personnel must conduct evaluations; moreover, autumn grain has not yet reached the capital, while Xuan-Da and Ningxia are already starving.

With so many tasks, progress will inevitably be slow.

Since this will take considerable time, Zhang Juzheng naturally needed to warn the Emperor in advance.

Otherwise, the Emperor might again feel the Grand Secretariat was not loyal, and angrily declare he would conquer the realm once more—last time’s incident was hard to forget.

Zhu Yijun understood why the old man spoke thus, and nodded gently in agreement: “Naturally.”

“The affairs in the Two Huai have not yet been resolved—we are merely preparing the center now, to avoid being overwhelmed by the mess left behind.”

“Let it be done by spring.”

“That way, salt merchants can align with the summer grain harvest.”

Zhang Juzheng, relieved the Emperor was not pressing for immediate results, exhaled in relief.

Yet with the new office mentioned, everyone now understood why the Emperor had summoned Yu Youding, a mere Director of the Bureau of Manuscripts.

This was pre-determined.

Yu Youding was a top imperial examination graduate and Hanlin compiler—his background surpassed even today’s Grand Secretaries; Zhang Juzheng himself was only a second-rank Hanlin scholar.

He also had experience as a Lecturer and Court Reader; a third-rank post outside the capital was certainly within reach.

But… the Director of a Transport Bureau was already a third-rank official.

If the new office were to oversee six Transport Bureaus and seven Superintendencies, it would need at least the stature of the Grand Canal Office—starting at second-rank.

Yu Youding was not yet qualified.

Thinking of this, Lu Diaoyang reminded: “The head of this Salt Administration Office must be at least second-rank. Does Your Majesty have a candidate?”

Zhu Yijun, seeing their expressions, knew exactly what they were thinking.

He smiled: “Of course I do. Let me propose a candidate for your consideration.”

“How about recalling former Wuying Palace Grand Secretary, Shaobao Yin Shidan?”

Their expressions changed.

Jinshi of the twenty-sixth year of Jiajing, Hanlin scholar, also a former tutor to the late Emperor before his accession.

After the late Emperor ascended, he entered the Grand Secretariat just after Zhang Juzheng and Gao Gong.

He had clashed with Gao Gong in the Grand Secretariat.

After a struggle, Yin Shidan lost to Gao Gong and resigned.

Now the Emperor wished to recall him?

Zhang Juzheng, hearing the hint, immediately understood: “Your Majesty intends to locate the Salt Administration Office in the Shandong Provincial Administration Commission!?”

As a former Grand Secretary, Yin Shidan could never re-enter the center.

Gao Gong had been able to return because of his deep bond with the previous Emperor.

Yin Shidan had no special connection with this young Emperor.

Now, the Emperor wishes to recall him for a provincial post—there can be no other reason than to leverage his political influence.

And where was Yin Shidan’s political influence? He was from Shandong—and now lived in retirement in Jinan Prefecture.

In other words, it is Xu Jie of the Shandong Provincial Administration Commission.

Six transport commissions, among which Fujian and Shandong have no Salt Inspection Censors.

Shandong borders the Two Huai regions and lies along the same line of the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal; both are overseen by the Salt Inspection Censor of the Two Huai, representing the central authority in administering virtue and policy.

In practice, the Two Huai have taken over Shandong’s salt administration.

Now the Two Huai’s salt revenues have grown too powerful; His Majesty clearly intends to reverse the hierarchy—not only to separate Shandong into its own jurisdiction, but also to carve away the Two Huai’s authority!

When Zhang Juzheng asked this, everyone suddenly understood.

This is about using Yin Shidan’s influence to suppress the Two Huai’s salt administration in Shandong!

Wang Guoguang couldn’t help but glance at the Emperor several times.

What a shrewd move.

The Emperor replied calmly: “Yin Shaobao is virtuous and respected, well-versed in state affairs—isn’t he perfectly suited?”

Zhang Juzheng did not answer immediately.

He merely pondered: “Your Majesty’s intent is clear to me. I will raise this matter jointly in tomorrow’s court deliberation.”

That meant he still needed to carefully deliberate further.

Yin Shidan’s background is far from insignificant.

He served in the late Emperor’s princely residence, was a Grand Secretary, and holds the rank of Shaobao.

Moreover, he is highly renowned in literary circles, his scholarly prestige far surpassing that of Zhang and Gao.

If such a man were truly stationed in Shandong to suppress the Two Huai’s salt administration, remarkable results would be inevitable.

But… his seniority is too high; even if assigned to a local post, caution is unavoidable.

Zhu Yijun, unconcerned the Grand Secretariat would reject it, added: “For the deputy post, let Yu Youding take it—he and Yin Shaobao are teacher and student, perfectly aligned.”

Everyone turned to look at Yu Youding.

Several Daily Lecturers had already been appointed, yet he was left out—this was all for Yin Shidan.

By timing, the Emperor must have had this plan in mind months ago.

Truly, one move follows another seamlessly.

Yu Youding suppressed his inner excitement and immediately rose to thank the Emperor: “I am but an ordinary talent, suddenly elevated to such a high post—I fear I cannot shoulder such responsibility. I can only repay Your Majesty’s trust by devoting my life to the state.”

Zhu Yijun helped him rise.

He gave him earnest instructions: to carefully organize the salt administration records, study deeply, remain humble and cautious, and integrate his knowledge with practical governance upon arrival.

After finishing official matters, the day was still early, so the Emperor personally grilled skewers and distributed them to the ministers.

Unfortunately, the seasonings were too bland; success depended entirely on the natural flavor of the ingredients.

Fortunately, beef and mutton were plentiful; even with just a sprinkle of salt, the grilled meat was still delicious.

During this time, Zhu Yijun began casual conversation.

“The Spring Festival and Lantern Festival are approaching. I followed the Grand Secretary’s advice and canceled the lantern displays, but both inside and outside the palace feel the festive spirit is lacking, and there is much complaint.”

“I just had a sudden idea: why not set up two or three makeshift stages in the city, invite performers and entertainers, and revive the festive atmosphere? It won’t cost much—what do you all think?”

He added: “The palace opera troupe and eunuchs may also join in the merriment.”

For the New Year, avoiding lantern displays to save expenses is unavoidable, and enduring criticism is acceptable.

But these low-cost, festive gatherings should be made enjoyable, to share joy with the people.

Simply erecting a stage as the organizer would cost little; after consideration, the Grand Secretariat agreed.

The ministers then casually suggested other ideas.

The Emperor and several Grand Secretaries would each write a calligraphy piece to serve as prizes, and so on.

Feeling the current political atmosphere with the Grand Secretariat, Zhu Yijun’s lips curled into a faint smile.

Just then, the topic turned to the New Year’s amnesty.

Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi jointly reported: “Your Majesty, Wang Zhihao of the Ministry of Justice has submitted a memorial stating that the Three Judicial Offices have concluded the case of Prince Mu Chaobi of Qian.”

“The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review believe he deserves death.”

“The Censorate believes he should merely be imprisoned in Nanjing.”

“Their opinions differ; they request Your Majesty’s final judgment.”

Although the Emperor has delegated governance to the Grand Secretariat,

cases involving noble families cannot be decided solely by them—they must consult the inner court.

Previously, they consulted the Two Palaces, but since His Majesty is present today, it is the perfect moment to ask him.

Zhu Yijun listened, chewed his lamb, then asked: “Imprisoned!?”

“This man raped his mother, insulted his sister-in-law, seized his brother’s land and property, harbored fugitives, secretly murdered his own son, and used military seals to send spies into the capital to probe the central government’s stance—how can such a man not be executed!?”

No wonder today’s nobles are mostly useless.

Since his accession, the Two Palaces have repeatedly shattered his expectations in handling noble cases.

Prince Guan Yan of Anqiu, for committing adultery, murdered his sister-in-law and set fire to her home to silence her.

Prince Qin Hong of Lushan, over a verbal dispute, murdered Prince Mu Yi of Wu on the street.

And now, the case of Mu Chaobi, mentioned by the two ministers, is even more bizarre!

He had no right to inherit the title, yet seized it by murdering his nephew.

After ascending, he raped his mother, insulted his sister-in-law, seized his brother’s land and property; when impeached by censors, he used frontier military seals to send scouts into the capital to probe the central government’s attitude.

After the scandal broke, the central government stripped him of his title and passed it to his son; enraged, he murdered his own son!

What use is keeping such a waste alive?

Zhang Juzheng weighed his words: “Chaobi has been wicked for years, murdered his own son, and killed innocents without cause. In terms of crime and guilt, execution is not unjust.”

“But… his ancestors for three generations rendered great service to the state, and there is no clear evidence of treason—perhaps he should be shown slight clemency.”

“My suggestion is to temporarily imprison him in Nanjing.”

Gao Yi also agreed: “Your Majesty, the Three Judicial Offices’ verdict of death is reasonable, but the New Year’s amnesty is only seven days away.”

“Unless he is executed within these few days.”

“I believe extraordinary measures should not become routine.”

Zhu Yijun sighed helplessly.

He truly wanted to execute this man, but since the Grand Secretariat spoke thus, he could not repeatedly strain his rapport with them over such a matter.

He merely waved his hand: “Ask my mother the Empress Dowager—I am not skilled in handling such affairs.”

After some further casual discussion, the hour grew late.

The ministers rose to take their leave.

Zhu Yijun made as if to see them off, but the ministers hurriedly declined his courtesy.

He had no choice but to have Zhang Hong escort the ministers back.

Zhang Hong stepped forward to guide them, while the ministers faced the Emperor to bid farewell.

Zhu Yijun was bidding farewell to the ministers.

Suddenly, the Palace Scribe Zheng Zongxue approached with a red-marked memorial.

Red-marked means urgent.

Zhu Yijun’s heart skipped a beat.

His expression remained calm; he merely shook his head slightly, signaling Zheng Zongxue not to speak out.

The ministers, facing away from Zheng Zongxue, saw nothing.

Once the ministers turned to leave, Zheng Zongxue had quietly hidden the memorial behind his back.

After the ministers departed, Zheng Zongxue handed the memorial to the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, an urgent memorial from Nan Zhili, five hundred li express.”

Some readers asked me to stockpile drafts, but I can only write so much per day—during this critical growth phase, I can’t afford to post less, or readers will abandon the story. I really can’t stockpile, I swear QAQ