The rise of the poor

The following day, Zhu Pingan sent a report of victory to the West Garden, and almost simultaneously, Zhao Wenhua's memorial to the throne also arrived.

"Hurry, get moving! Get the ingredients ready! Call Chef Zhang, Chef Wang, Chef Huang, Chef Xia, and Chef Tian over! Have them cook their signature dishes! Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

Han, the eunuch of the imperial kitchen, rushed into the kitchen like a gust of wind, clapping his hands and greeting everyone.

In an instant, the imperial kitchen was in chaos, with eunuchs and palace maids spinning around like tops, being directed by Eunuch Han.

"Godfather, what day is it today? Why are we making such a big deal out of it?" A little eunuch asked curiously, carrying a basin of soaked sea cucumbers.

"Today, His Majesty has a good appetite, so we must seize the opportunity to give him a good nourishing meal."

Eunuch Han was in high spirits when he heard about this happy event, and said with a smile on his face.

"How did Godfather know His Majesty had a good appetite today? This morning, His Majesty only ate half a bowl of porridge."

The young eunuch asked, looking puzzled.

"You're still too young. Just now, Lord Zhu's memorial was delivered to the West Garden," Eunuch Han revealed.

"Huh?" The little eunuch was stunned for a moment and didn't react immediately.

"Are you stupid? Lord Zhu has been reporting one victory after another lately. Every time a victory is reported, His Majesty is overjoyed. When His Majesty is overjoyed, his appetite naturally improves. It's been like this all this time. Are your eyes, your ears, and your heart just for show?! If you want to climb the ranks in the palace, you need to think more carefully."

In a good mood, Eunuch Han took the opportunity to teach the young eunuch a lesson, so that he could avoid some of the pitfalls that students often take.

"Oh, yes, yes, I remember now. Lord Zhu's memorials always make His Majesty happy and have a good appetite. Thank you for your advice, Godfather."

The young eunuch suddenly understood, as if the clouds had parted to reveal the moon, and repeatedly thanked his godfather for his teachings.

"Alright, get back to work. This is a rare opportunity, and our imperial kitchen must seize it." Eunuch Han waved his hand.

Soon, several experienced imperial chefs vied to get to the stove, using every conceivable technique – high heat, fierce heat, simmering heat, low heat – and so on – until one delicious dish after another, bursting with color, aroma, and flavor, was born in the pot.
The imperial kitchen's preparations were not in vain; while they were busily preparing the imperial meal, a young eunuch arrived.

This is a eunuch serving the Emperor.

"Eunuch Liu, you've arrived. Is His Majesty about to order a meal?" Eunuch Han greeted the young eunuch as he approached.

"Eunuch Han, you guessed right. The meal can be served in one incense stick's time. His Majesty said to prepare more dishes. Grand Secretary Yan, Grand Secretary Xu, and Grand Secretary Li will have a question-and-answer session in front of the hall. His Majesty will invite the three Grand Secretaries to dine with him."

The young eunuch chuckled in response.

"Don't worry, it's all ready."

When Eunuch Han heard the Emperor order more dishes to be prepared, he was overjoyed, as if he had won the lottery, and said with a happy expression.

"You've all read Zhu Ping'an's secret memorial and Zhao Wenhua's memorial, haven't you? Zhu Ping'an has eliminated all the large-scale Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast. It's only a matter of time before the remaining pirate strongholds are eliminated as well," Emperor Jiajing said slowly, sitting on his dragon throne and looking down at Yan Song, Xu Jie, and Li Ben.

"Zhu Ping'an's report is still credible. Zhu Ping'an reported that the Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast had been eliminated. They must have been eliminated. Every time Zhu Ping'an reported a victory, there would always be prisoners and heads escorted to the capital."

"In addition, Zhao Wenhua's memorial also confirmed that Zhu Pingan's report of victory was true, and that Zhao Wenhua's trip to the south of the Yangtze River to supervise the war was effective."

"Young people are quick and efficient. Zhu Ping'an has only been the governor of Zhejiang for two months, and Zhao Wenhua has supervised the battle once. Zhu Ping'an has already taken action repeatedly, and all the Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast are about to be wiped out. Unlike Zhang Jing, who has been the governor for eleven months and Zhao Wenhua has supervised the battle no less than ten times, he still hasn't started to suppress the Japanese pirates."

Yan Song stood below, bowing respectfully in response, praising Zhu Ping'an while taking the opportunity to belittle Zhang Jing.

This also echoes the impeachment of Zhao Wenhua.

The Yan faction has been eyeing Zhang Jing's position as governor for a long time. The Yan faction has considerable influence in the court and among the people, but it lacks influence in the military. With the northern barbarians and southern Japanese pirates becoming increasingly dangerous, it is the time to wage war. If the Yan faction can seize this opportunity to gain a voice and influence in the military, then the Yan faction will be as secure as Mount Tai.

Therefore, Zhang Jing deserves to die.

Wen Hua handled this matter brilliantly. After Zhang Jing dies, we can consider letting Wen Hua take over Zhang Jing's position.

Yes, Zhu Ping'an's recent elimination of coastal strongholds was all thanks to Wen Hua's supervision.

After all, Zhu Ping'an had signed his name on the memorial to the emperor regarding the great victory in northern Zhejiang.

Zhu Pingan's signature acknowledges Wen Hua's role as the supervisor. Once this precedent is set, the rest will follow naturally.

For example, today, Zhu Ping'an reported his victory in eliminating the Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast, and Wen Hua immediately reported his achievements as the commander-in-chief.

With these achievements as military commanders, it would be only natural for Wen Hua to take over the position of governor left by Zhang Jing.

Of course, this depends on the Emperor's wishes. Perhaps someone will need to step in temporarily before Wen Hua takes over.

That's a story for later, no rush, no rush.
After Yan Song finished speaking, he lowered his head, seemingly due to his advanced age and lack of energy, but in reality, he was deducing the situation in his mind.
"Your Majesty, Zhu Ping'an has eliminated the coastal strongholds of the Japanese pirates, which is naturally cause for celebration, but..."

Xu Jie paused for a moment as he spoke.

"But what? Speak plainly if you have something to say." Emperor Jiajing on the dragon throne glanced at Xu Jie and said indifferently.

"However, without reporting to the Emperor for approval, Zhu Ping'an actually attempted to recruit Wang Zhi and his Japanese pirate gang. He even joined forces with Mao Haifeng, a leader under Wang Zhi, to eliminate the Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast. Although he won several victories, eliminated the coastal Japanese pirate strongholds, and incidentally weakened the strength of Wang Zhi and his Japanese pirate gang, reducing the suffering of the people of Zhejiang from Japanese pirate attacks, Zhu Ping'an acted recklessly and arbitrarily."

Xu Jie cupped his hands and spoke slowly.

Finally, Xu Jie bowed and said in a deep voice, "I request that he be reprimanded and his salary deducted for one year, as a warning to others."

Zihou attempted to persuade Wang Zhi to surrender without the Emperor's approval. This is a hidden danger, not insignificant, but quite significant. It would be better to take advantage of Zihou's victory to offset his mistake with a minor punishment, bringing this hidden danger to the forefront and turning the page to avoid future trouble.

Yan Song, who had been squinting, opened his eyes, turned his head slightly, and glanced at Li Ben beside him.

Li Ben took over Xu Jie's words, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Zhu Ping'an's unauthorized recruitment of Wang Zhi was rash and reckless. This trend must not be encouraged. As for the punishment, it would be best to discuss it further before deciding." (End of Chapter)