My father is Jiajing

The spring snow in the sixth year of the Longqing reign came later than in previous years.

A thin layer of snow covered the glazed tiles inside the Forbidden City, which gleamed with a cool luster in the morning light.

At Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the area outside the Qin Zheng Hall in the West Garden was already filled with civil and military officials dressed in court robes kneeling.

Today, at the grand court assembly, the emperor will announce a matter of great importance concerning the foundation of the nation.

Meng Chong, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, stood on the steps, whisk in hand, and proclaimed in a loud voice: "By imperial decree, today's court assembly will discuss the matter of establishing an heir apparent—"

A murmur arose among the officials.

Although the emperor has been on the throne for six years, the position of heir apparent has remained vacant. The sudden proposal to raise this issue now inevitably raises questions.

Grand Secretary Li Chunfang knelt in the front row, his knees soaked by snow water, but it was nothing compared to the chill in his heart.

As the Grand Secretary, he was unaware of this matter beforehand, which was clearly intentional on the part of the Emperor.

He glanced sideways and caught a glimpse of the upright back of the Second Grand Secretary, and felt even more uneasy—this cabinet minister, known for his strong personality, had recently become very close to the emperor.

"Summon all officials to the palace—"

As the officials were greeted with their greetings, they entered the hall one by one. Zhu Zaiji was already seated on the dragon throne, his piercing gaze sweeping over the officials.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects! Long live the Emperor!"

Amidst shouts of "Long live the Emperor!", Zhu Zaiji slightly raised his hand and said, "All of you, rise."

Once the officials had taken their positions, Zhu Zaiji got straight to the point and stopped beating around the bush.

He said directly, “I have been on the throne for six years, but the foundation of the nation has not been established, which is a real worry for the country. Now, my eldest son, Yi, is nearing adulthood, and is intelligent, virtuous and filial, and is capable of inheriting the throne. I have decided to establish him as the Crown Prince, my second son, Yijun, as the Prince of Fu, my third son, Yihan, as the Prince of Jing, and my fourth son, Yiliu, as the Prince of Lu.”

There was silence in the hall.

The emperor announced such a momentous event directly, leaving no room for discussion among his ministers.

Knowing that he had to express his opinion at this moment, Li Chunfang immediately stepped forward, knelt down, and said, "Your Majesty is wise! The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation. It would be a great blessing for the world to determine the heir apparent as soon as possible!"

Gao Gong followed suit and bowed: "Your subject seconds this proposal! The eldest son of the Emperor is of exceptional talent and virtue, and to be placed in the Eastern Palace is truly a blessing for the nation!"

With the two cabinet ministers taking the lead, all the officials knelt down to express their support.

Zhu Zaiji nodded in satisfaction, but then changed the subject: "There is another matter. I have observed that the cabinet's draft proposals have been delayed recently. The affairs of the state are becoming increasingly complex, and we need people who are ambitious and enterprising. Minister Li has long been familiar with the internal and external affairs of the central government, so he shall be transferred to the Grand Council to specialize in foreign military and political affairs. The position of Grand Secretary shall be taken over by Gao Gong."

The sudden clap of thunder made Li Chunfang dizzy.

He had no idea what the Military Affairs Bureau was!
They thought it was because Zhu Zaiji disliked him, even though he was much younger than Gao Gong.

Li Chunfang barely managed to steady himself, and with a bitter heart, he kowtowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhu Zaiji also saw Li Chunfang's bitterness and fear, but he didn't explain anything and continued:

"Zhang Juzheng is promoted to Second Grand Secretary, and Hai Rui is appointed to the Grand Secretariat and concurrently serves as the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate. Former Grand Secretaries Zhao Zhenji and Hu Zongxian are transferred to the Grand Council to assist in military affairs. In addition, the Grand Secretariat needs to appoint two more members. After the court session, you may discuss this privately and submit a memorial to me with suggestions."

A hint of surprise flashed in Gao Gong's eyes. The emperor's arrangement not only promoted him and Zhang Juzheng, but also introduced Hai Rui, the leader of the Qingliu faction, to check and balance them, and placed veteran officials such as Li Chunfang in the newly established Grand Council. It was a win-win situation.

Moreover, he has finally become the mother-in-law after years of hard work, and is no longer the perennial second-in-command.

"I'm waiting for the order!"

All the officials responded in unison.

After the court session, Li Chunfang walked alone on the long palace road. Snowflakes fell on his white beard, and no one held an umbrella for him.

His six years of diligent service as prime minister ended with an imperial edict.

"Your Excellency, please wait."

Li Chunfang turned around and saw Gao Gong quickly chasing after her, his face showing a complicated expression.

"Now, Minister Su is the prime minister."

Li Chunfang said bitterly, "I have already retired."

Gao Gong said solemnly, "Why must you do this, Lord Li? His Majesty's actions are truly out of consideration for an old minister. Although the Grand Council is not the cabinet, it is in charge of foreign military and political affairs, and its power and responsibilities are particularly heavy. At that time, I will need Lord Li's strong support."

Li Chunfang shook her head and smiled bitterly, "Suqing, there's no need to comfort me. Speaking of which, I've been in the position of Grand Secretary for five or six years now, it's time for me to move on, otherwise I'll be resented."

Hearing Li Chunfang's words, Gao Gong remained silent.

The higher you climb, the colder it gets; this is no exaggeration.

Although Li Chunfang's career as Grand Secretary was not as illustrious as that of Yan Song and Xu Jie before him, the years he served as Grand Secretary were all important periods in the early years of the Longqing reign.

Moreover, a lot of things happened, and these things involved a great many people and events.

Therefore, as the Grand Secretary, Li Chunfang would naturally be resented by some who did not benefit from the position, as well as by those who lost out.

After all, he's the Grand Secretary.
Now that he has status and power, he should bear the praise and criticism, as well as the pressure.

And that's reality!

Inside the Wenyuan Pavilion, the newly appointed Grand Secretary Gao Gong presided over the first cabinet meeting. Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui sat on either side of him, the atmosphere subtle and tense.

"The main reason I invited you two here today is to discuss three matters."

Gao Gong's style was different from Li Chunfang's, and the cabinet members had all been completely replaced. Apart from him and Zhang Juzheng, the original veterans had been sent to the still unknown Grand Council or retired.

Gao Gong said directly: "The first matter is the arrangement of the Crown Prince's investiture ceremony, the second matter is the issue of trade and smuggling on Yingzhou Island, and the third matter is the issue of the annual tribute to the Jingfan of Nanmingzhou."

Hai Rui frowned: "Prime Minister, I believe the most urgent tasks are to conduct a thorough land survey, implement the Single Whip Tax System, and clarify the problem of unequal taxation!"

A hint of displeasure flashed in Gao Gong's eyes. He disliked anyone contradicting him. "Gangfeng, you've just returned to the capital. You're probably unaware of the court's usual practices. The implementation of new laws must be gradual; it can't be accomplished overnight. Besides, you've been in Jiangnan for so long. You should be well aware of the complexities of this matter. Our cabinet must prioritize tasks and not try to handle everything. Otherwise, we won't be able to do anything well."

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng quickly and gently interjected, "What you both say makes sense. How about I propose a compromise: the matters mentioned by the Grand Secretary should be divided among the relevant government offices in the capital for specific handling, while at the same time, the provincial administration commissions should be ordered to begin pilot land surveys to stabilize the new laws?"

Hai Rui was about to argue when a young eunuch rushed in: "Three Grand Secretaries, the Emperor has summoned you!"

Inside the Hall of Diligent Governance, Zhu Zaiji was half-leaning on the couch. When the three men entered, he sat up straight and said calmly, "My three ministers, I have just received an urgent report that there is a rebellion on Yingzhou Island."

Gao Gong immediately said, "Your Majesty, I request that Qi Jin's troops be dispatched immediately as reinforcements!"

Zhu Zaiji chuckled and said, "Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. Qi Jin is on his way to investigate Dongzhou. It will take several months to issue an imperial edict to him. Moreover, it will delay important matters. Therefore, what I mean is that it is time to establish the Beiyang Fleet."

Upon hearing this, Gao Gong and the others immediately understood.

The imperial court now has the Eastern Ocean Fleet, the Southern Ocean Fleet, and the Western Ocean Fleet stationed in the Xuanwei Strait.

It is only natural to re-establish the Beiyang Fleet now.

After all, the emperor possesses the entire world; how can he only have the east, west, and south, but not the north?
Gao Gong immediately bowed again and said, "Your subject obeys the order. Your subject will immediately instruct the cabinet to draft a plan and order the Ministry of War to establish the Beiyang Fleet."

Zhu Zaiji nodded in satisfaction, and then chatted with Gao Gong and the others about the appointment of the crown prince and the future enfeoffment of princes.

These are the problems that this cabinet must face.

Meanwhile, in a side hall next to the Qin Zheng Hall in the West Garden, a new plaque reading "Military Affairs Office" was hung. Li Chunfang, Zhao Zhenji, and Hu Zongxian were familiarizing themselves with the environment of this new government office.

"It's called a lateral transfer, but it's actually a demotion in disguise."

Zhao Zhenji smiled wryly as he stroked the brand-new case. "From now on, all important military and national affairs will be handled by the Cabinet. Our Grand Council is nothing more than a gofer office."

Hu Zongxian shook his head in frustration, saying, "Meng Jing is mistaken. His Majesty has clearly stated that all foreign military and political affairs are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Grand Council. The South Seas, the South China Sea, the Western Regions, the Eastern Continent—aren't all of these of paramount importance?"

Li Chunfang did not participate in the discussion; he was carefully reading a roster of border garrisons that had just been transferred from the Ministry of War.

Just then, a young eunuch entered carrying a stack of memorials: "My lords, this is a report from the Xuanda border, delivered by the Emperor. Please have the Grand Council discuss and reply immediately."

Li Chunfang took the memorial and saw that the top one was marked with the word "Top Secret". The content was detailed intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard regarding the internal strife within the Yingzhou Island faction.

"It seems that our Military Affairs Office is not just for show."

Zhao Zhenji laughed and said, "In that case, I propose that we take advantage of the fact that the Japanese slaves on Yingzhou Island have not yet reacted, and move them all to the bitterly cold North Island for safekeeping."

Hu Zongxian added, "It also allows Qi Jiguang to act expediently."

Li Chunfang nodded: "Alright, I'll draft the memorial right away. However..."

Li Chunfang hesitated for a moment, "According to regulations, such military matters should first be approved by the Cabinet."

"Mr. Li is overthinking it."

Hu Zongxian said meaningfully, "Since His Majesty has established the Grand Council, he intends to break with convention. We can simply present our reports directly to him."

That afternoon, Zhu Zaiji met with three ministers of the Grand Council and approved their strategies on the spot.

What surprised Li Chunfang even more was that the emperor also granted the Grand Council a special power—"secret memorials to the emperor," allowing them to bypass the Office of Transmission and deliver confidential memorials directly to the emperor.

When Li Chunfang left the Hall of Diligent Governance, his feelings were quite different. He suddenly understood the emperor's deeper meaning—the Grand Secretariat and the Grand Council, one civil and one military, checked and balanced each other. And the emperor, sitting high above, controlled the overall situation.

"It seems that even our old bones can still serve the court."

He smiled at Zhao Zhenji and Hu Zongxian.

Just as Li Chunfang and others found their career direction and life goals, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Hai Rui were having a heated debate inside the Wenyuan Pavilion.

Clearly, the three of them still need a period of adjustment.

The addition of Hai Rui, in particular, made the adjustment process take even longer.

But there's nothing we can do; that's just the kind of person he is.

Zhu Zaiji also needed such a person to join the cabinet.

After all, Damingpu has expanded quite a bit over the years, and it has also generated a lot of problems.

It's time for someone to set things right and put a stop to the corrupt officials below.

"The merger of taxes and corvée labor, and the collection of silver based on the acreage, is certainly more convenient."

Gao Gong frowned and said, "But sudden changes may cause popular uprisings! This method was tested during the Jiajing era and caused riots."

Zhang Juzheng calmly replied, "Your Excellency's concerns are very valid. Therefore, I suggest that we first conduct a pilot program in Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces, and then gradually expand it once the results are significant."

Hai Rui, however, bluntly stated: "I believe this should be implemented nationwide immediately! Unequal taxation and corvée labor have long been a problem for the people. Every day of delay means another day of suffering for the people!"

Gao Gong slammed his fist on the table and stood up angrily, saying, "Hai Gangfeng! Governing a country is not child's play! If hasty reforms lead to unrest, who will be held responsible?"

"I am willing to stake my life on this!"

Hai Rui remained unyielding and insisted on his own opinion: "The Single Whip Law benefits the country and the people; the sooner it is implemented, the sooner the benefits will be!"

Seeing the debate escalating, Zhang Juzheng quickly mediated: "Gentlemen, please calm down. How about this: we will first conduct a pilot program in these two provinces, and at the same time order all provinces to begin surveying and measuring land, in preparation for a full-scale implementation. We can then decide on the next step based on the situation after autumn?"

Gao Gong was persuaded by Zhang Juzheng to stop, and he also felt that he should not have slammed the table with Hai Rui, as it was really unbecoming of the Grand Secretary.

Gao Gong: "Very well, let's do as Taiyue says. But we must add one condition: in all pilot areas, we must send officers to oversee the work, and if anything changes, we must immediately halt the operation!"

Zhang Juzheng bowed with his hands clasped, saying, "Your Excellency is wise and insightful."

In reality, Zhang Juzheng was utterly exhausted; this time, being regent was no easy task.

Although Hai Rui was not satisfied, he knew that this was the best result he could achieve at the moment.

In the back garden of the Eastern Palace, Zhu Yi was reading in the pavilion.

A spring breeze blew by, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers. Suddenly, a small pebble hit the stone table in front of him with a "plop".

"Second brother!" Zhu Yi knew who it was without even looking up. "You skipped class again?"

Zhu Yijun jumped out from behind the artificial hill with a grin: "All that classical Chinese stuff is giving me a headache. Big brother, I've got something good to show you!"

He took out an exquisite wooden model from his pocket. It was a warship. Although the workmanship was rough, its shape was exactly the flagship of the Nanyang Fleet, the "Jiajing" giant ship.

"You made this yourself?"

Zhu Yi asked in surprise.

"Ok!"

Zhu Yijun nodded proudly, "I secretly observed the warships anchored in Tianjin, and when I came back, I tried to make this. Brother, look, this is where you can fire cannons, and this is the command platform."

Zhu Yi smiled as he looked at his younger brother's beaming face: "Second brother is indeed clever. However, you still need to study the classics. Father said that both rulers and generals must be wise. Moreover, you may one day become like Uncle Jing, the ruler of an overseas vassal state. When you govern the land and its people, you will need to be strategic in winning hearts and minds."

Zhu Yijun pursed his lips: "I can't be the emperor, so what's the point of reading so many books? Besides, I don't want to go overseas. I just want to lead troops into battle and expand the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

"nonsense!"

Zhu Yi quickly covered his younger brother's mouth, "You must never say such things!"

Zhu Yijun shook off his elder brother's hand and said defiantly, "That's how it is! My elder brother is the Crown Prince and will be the Emperor in the future; I am the Prince of Fu, so of course I should be the Grand General!"

Zhu Yi looked at his younger brother's innocent expression and his heart softened: "Alright, alright, second brother will be a great general in the future. But now, you have to go back to class, otherwise Mr. Xu will complain to Father again."

“Then come with me, brother!” Zhu Yijun tugged at his brother’s sleeve. “With you here, the teacher won’t dare to be too strict.”

Zhu Yi shook his head helplessly and closed the book: "Let's go. But you have to promise me that you will memorize the 'Wei Zheng' chapter of the Analects today."

"make a deal!"

The two brothers' hand-in-hand walk towards the study was seen by Zhu Zaiji from the distant attic. A relieved smile appeared on his face.

It seems that the decision to appoint the crown prince this time was the right one. After all, it is already the sixth year of the Longqing reign. Although Zhu Zaiji feels that he is doing well in all aspects, there is no guarantee that fate won't play a cruel joke on him.

Therefore, it's best to finalize the crown prince's position first, to avoid any unforeseen circumstances that could lead to chaos.

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