I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

On the first day of the first month of the tenth year of the Wanli reign, at the fourth watch of the night.

Very cold.

Shen Nian, dressed in a scarlet official robe, with a six-colored sash around her waist, holding an ivory tablet, and wearing cloud-patterned shoes, arrived at the Huangji Gate.

The officials bowed to Shen Nian.

Shen Nian's position as a cabinet minister is now very secure, with no one to replace him.

Given his current age, it is possible that he could remain in the cabinet for another thirty years.

A moment later, civil and military officials entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony one after another and took their positions.

After the young Wanli Emperor arrived, all the officials knelt and shouted "Long live the Emperor!" The music began, and the New Year's Day court assembly officially started.

Since last year, the New Year's Day court assembly has become a personal stage for the young Wanli Emperor.

Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng no longer summarizes the past year or looks forward to the new year on his behalf.

Apart from the fixed pilgrimage procedures and the officials of the Office of Transmission reading out some lengthy policy decrees, the rest consisted of speeches by the young Wanli Emperor.

Of course, the content of the young Wanli Emperor's speech was polished by the five chief ministers of the cabinet.

What Shen Nian was most interested in was naturally the annual silver revenue of the Taicang Treasury in the ninth year of the Wanli reign.

The current young Emperor Wanli is increasingly exuding an aura of authority.

He recounted the achievements of last year's new policies, commended the efforts of various government departments, and only at the end did he reveal the amount of silver revenue that the Taicang Treasury had received last year.

"In the ninth year of the Wanli reign, the annual silver revenue of the Taicang Treasury was 4,512,068 taels!" (This figure is somewhat exaggerated based on historical records.)
After the young Wanli Emperor finished speaking, the officials on duty at the Court of State Ceremonial, standing in different positions below, repeated his words loudly, from near to far, so that all the officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony could hear them.

Swish!
Upon hearing this number, the officials couldn't help but gasp in surprise, then puffed out their chests with pride, thinking to themselves: I deserve some credit for this!

The five cabinet ministers all wore smiles.

This data is the most direct evidence that the Ming Dynasty is getting better and better.

Wang Xijue glanced smugly at Shen Shixing and Shen Nian; the bet the other day had won him two meals.

Shen Nian thought there would be an improvement.

Unexpectedly, the expenditure was more than 800,000 taels of silver higher than last year, which should be related to the opening up of maritime trade. However, this year's expenditure is also high.

Seeing the reactions of his officials, the young Wanli Emperor was quite pleased. After a moment's hesitation, he continued, "Based on the current trend, at most three years, the annual silver revenue of the Taicang Treasury will exceed six million taels, and the grain stored in the capital's warehouses will be enough to supply the officers and soldiers of the Beijing Garrison for ten years!"

Upon hearing this data, all the officials bowed and shouted in unison: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The sound resounded throughout the hall, deafeningly loud.

With money and grain, the imperial court would have the confidence to deal with more unexpected events.

……

Around noon, the New Year's Day court assembly ended, and the luncheon officially began.

The five cabinet ministers sat at one table, eating, drinking, chatting and laughing.

Even Zhang Juzheng stopped keeping a stern face and started talking about some interesting things that happened in the cabinet last year.

In contemporary society, humor (telling jokes) is very popular, and officials are also deeply influenced by it.

After a while.

After the young Wanli Emperor left his seat, the officials began to go around toasting each other.

A quarter of an hour later, the five Grand Secretaries and ministers left their seats one after another, and Zhang Juzheng and the other five Grand Secretaries went to the council hall on the second floor of the Cabinet Office.

On the first day of the new year, the five cabinet ministers are accustomed to returning to the Cabinet after attending the luncheon, having a cup of tea to sober up, and discussing their plans for the new year.

I'll go home to enjoy my annual leave as dusk approaches.

Just as the five were having a great time chatting, Wang Jia, a secretary in the Grand Secretariat on duty, strode over.

"Five Grand Secretaries, urgent report from 600 li north!" Wang Jia held up the sealed urgent report in his hand.

All urgent reports from the border were received by the Office of Transmission.

If it is urgent, the Ministry of Justice shall register and verify the sealing condition and forward it immediately, without allowing the contents to be read.

Wang Jia's words made the hearts of the five cabinet ministers skip a beat.

The new policies have been effective so far, and none of the five people want war to break out. If war breaks out in the North, the money and food accumulated under the new policies will be quickly depleted.

Zhang Juzheng stood up, took the urgent report, and quickly opened it.

Yin Zhengmao, Shen Shixing, Shen Nian, and Wang Xijue all became nervous.

A few moments.

Zhang Juzheng let out a long sigh and said, "It's not a war, it's that the Prince of Shunyi has passed away!"

The Shunyi King, also known as Altan Khan, was the leader of the Tumed Right Wing of the Mongols, bestowed with a title by the Ming Dynasty. He was the Mongol leader who reached the Longqing Peace Treaty with the Ming Dynasty.

Say it.

Zhang Juzheng handed the urgent report to Yin Zhengmao and asked the four of them to circulate it among themselves.

The urgent report came from Zheng Luo, the governor-general of the three border regions, who was in charge of military affairs in Xuanfu, Datong, and Shanxi.

He said that Anda's queen, San Niangzi, and son, Huang Taiji, sent messengers to inform him of the death: Anda died on the 19th day of the 12th month of the 9th year of Wanli, at the age of 74.

at the same time.

The Third Lady presented nine white horses, a gilded sack, a bow, and fifteen arrows as tribute, signifying her continued loyalty to the Ming Dynasty.

The news of Anda's death was reported urgently because with his death, the various Mongol tribes in the north were very likely to fall into chaos, and the Tumed tribe might even change its attitude of peaceful coexistence with the Ming Dynasty and launch a war.

Not surprisingly.

After Anda died, his eldest son Huang Taiji succeeded him.

However, the fierce and extraordinary woman of the grasslands, San Niangzi (Huang Taiji's stepmother), had a higher prestige and greater ability in the Tumed tribe. Moreover, San Niangzi was more inclined than Huang Taiji to maintain peaceful relations with the Ming Dynasty and to be on good terms with it for generations.

This tribute, intended to demonstrate loyalty to the Ming Dynasty, was entirely in the name of Third Sister.

This shows that after Anda's death, his son Huang Taiji may have had other ideas.

If the Tumed tribe no longer values ​​peace, it may return to its old ways of plunder.

Other Mongol tribes, in order to plunder the wealth of the Ming Dynasty, may once again begin burning, killing, and looting, causing unrest in the northern border.

In addition, Zheng Luo also said: According to the Tumet tribe's custom of "levirate marriage", after Anda died, San Niangzi should marry his stepson Huang Taiji, but San Niangzi seemed unwilling.

Only if San Niangzi marries him will Huang Taiji have a chance to be recognized as the leader by all the people of the Tumet tribe.

In short: With Anda's death, the Tumed tribe's power has split, other tribes are out of control, and there is a possibility of war in the northern border. Zheng Luo reminded the court to prepare early.

After Shen Nian and the other three finished reading the urgent letter.

Zhang Juzheng began, “Currently, we are not afraid of war and we are certain to win if we do fight. However, we should avoid war if possible. The Mongol tribes wage war to plunder wealth, and even if we win a great victory, we will still be the losers! Therefore, we should do our best to help the Tumed tribe and prevent it from splitting apart!”

The other four nodded.

Compared to wars that leave corpses strewn across the battlefield, they prefer cultural warfare, trade warfare, resource warfare, and intelligence warfare.

Shen Shixing said, "After Anda's death, the Tumet tribe can only have one leader. Next, should we support the Third Lady, who holds military power and advocates for tribute and trade, and then have her raise a new obedient Shunyi King from among Anda's other sons, or should we negotiate terms with Huang Taiji again? It seems that we only have these two options at the moment!"

“No, there is another option, a better option!” Zhang Juzheng said.

All four men immediately looked at Zhang Juzheng.

"Persuade Third Sister to marry his stepson Huang Taiji, and let Third Sister assist Huang Taiji as she did Altan Khan. Third Sister's influence and ability in the Tumed tribe are greater than Huang Taiji's. However, she is not qualified to be enfeoffed as the Shunyi King, while Huang Taiji's power is also great. If the two split, the Tumed tribe's control over other tribes will be reduced. Even if a major war does not break out, the border town will probably never be peaceful again!"

During the Longqing Peace Treaty, Altan Khan was granted tribute, and the main figures in this agreement were Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng was very familiar with the customs of the Tumet tribe and with the Third Sister who had been assisting Altan Khan in opening border markets with the Ming Dynasty.

Although Shen Nian and the other three found it difficult to accept the Tumed tribe's custom of "levirate marriage," they believed that if San Niangzi could marry her stepson Huang Taiji, it would indeed be the quickest way to resolve the Tumed tribe's division and allow the Tumed tribe to continue many of the policies established during the Longqing Peace Treaty.

Yin Zhengmao thought for a moment and said, "What we can do right now is, firstly, for the court to mourn the death of Shunyi King Anda, and secondly, to temporarily refrain from bestowing the title of Shunyi King and see what the Tumet tribe's attitude is."

"Next, I suggest sending an official to represent the court and talk to either Third Sister or Huang Taiji. Even if we can't persuade them to marry, we can still convey our stance to them and make them understand the cost of starting a war!"

“I agree, but which official should we send?” Shen Shixing asked with a puzzled look, and began to carefully consider which official would be suitable for the Nine Borders.

The others also began to ponder.

Sending military commanders to such negotiations is clearly inappropriate.

Just then, Zhang Juzheng suddenly looked at Shen Nian.

"Ziheng, the Minister of War has the responsibility of inspecting the borders. Why don't you go there under the pretext of inspecting the military and political affairs of the northern border? We need to tighten our grip there!"

"what?"

Shen Nian was taken aback, never expecting that such a bizarre task as getting his stepmother and son to marry would fall on his shoulders.

"What? You don't want to go? If you don't go, then I'll have to go myself!" Upon hearing this, Yin Zhengmao quickly looked at Zhang Juzheng and chimed in, "You go? Your backside is too stiff to ride a horse, let alone a carriage. You can't go far. I suggest Ziheng go!"

"Agreed!" Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue said almost simultaneously.

The Minister of War has the power to appoint, dismiss, and recommend officials and generals in the nine border regions. As the Minister of War, Shen Nian also needs to have a better understanding of the border areas.

In addition, Shen Nian is at an age where he is full of energy and his mind is full of schemes, so it is particularly suitable for him to go to the border and give the Mongolian Tumed tribe a warning.

Shen Nian hesitated, partly because she hadn't expected to be mentioned, and partly because once she went on the trip, it would take at least three or four months, and at most six or seven months, and there was a high probability that something bad would happen in the middle of this year.

However, all four Grand Secretaries advised him to go, believing that his presence would bring stability to the northern border.

Unable to refuse, Shen Nian could only say, "I'll go!"

……

Shortly afterward, the five Grand Secretaries rushed to the Wenhua Hall to report to the young Wanli Emperor on the death of Altan Khan and how to maintain stability in the northern border.

Zhang Juzheng suggested that Shen Nian tour the northern border to put pressure on the Tumed tribe, and the young Wanli Emperor immediately agreed.

He trusted Shen Nian's abilities.

Of course, Shen Nian wouldn't be allowed to head to the border on the second day of the Lunar New Year.

The imperial court needs to prepare a guard team and accompanying personnel for Shen Nian, determine the inspection route, and also needs Shen Nian to rest first.

Finally, after discussion among the emperor and his ministers, on the tenth day of the first lunar month, Shen Nian, the Minister of War and Grand Secretary, was given the additional title of Censor-in-Chief and ordered to inspect the northern border.

……

The next day.

Emperor Wanli (the young emperor) issued an edict to bestow seven altars with royal honors and to reward the Tumed tribe with twelve layers of colored satin and one hundred bolts of cloth as a sign of preferential treatment.

At the same time, he ordered Zheng Luo, the governor of the three border regions, to send a special envoy to offer condolences.

From the second to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Nian spent time with her family until the sixth day of the Lunar New Year when she began to prepare for leaving Beijing.

Actually, he didn't need to prepare much; it was just some personal clothing, books, and the like.

Guards, carriages, and entourages are all part of the equipment used by cabinet ministers when they travel.

This northern tour.

Shen Nian's captain of guards is Qi Hu, a commander of the Imperial Guard who once escorted Shen Nian to Nanjing.

The two were very familiar with each other.

In addition to the guards, there were three clerks and five servants.

Originally, two chefs were to be assigned, but Shen Nian refused. Shen Nian can eat all kinds of local food and doesn't care whether it's rough or not, but he hates eating the same kind of exquisite food.

at the same time.

The branches of Yaodong Trading Company within the territory of Xuanfu Town, Shanxi Town, and Datong Town will all become sites for Shen Nian to gather intelligence.

They traded on the border, were most familiar with the terrain, and even knew many Mongolians. They could be used by Shen Nian, and they were absolutely willing to help Shen Nian, the former young master.

……

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, Qi Hu, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, submitted his proposed route for the northern inspection to Shen Nian.

Starting from the capital, passing through Juyong Pass, first entering Xuanfu Town, then heading west to Datong Town, and then to Shanxi Town, while inspecting and consulting on governance, he contacted the Third Sister or Huang Taiji of the Tumed tribe to meet at a certain official market along the Great Wall.

As for other border towns, they are too far from where Shen Nian met with the Tumet tribe leader, so Shen Nian could not possibly go there to inspect them, such as Jizhou and Liaodong.

According to the current schedule, the entire trip will take at least three months, and it will probably be at least May before we return to the capital.

……

On the ninth day of the first lunar month, the day before Shen Nian was to depart, in the afternoon.

Qi Hu came to the Shen residence again to report.

"Grand Secretary Shen, Grand Secretary Zhang has added another civil official to your ranks. He hopes you can train him well, and discipline him as needed!"

"Should we hit him if he deserves it, and scold him if he deserves it? Is that really what Grand Secretary Zhang said?"

As soon as Shen Nian finished speaking, Qi Hu smiled and said, "It's the eldest son of the Zhang family!"

"Zhang Jingxiu, who is currently observing the government affairs at the Ministry of Rites?"

"Yes!" Qi Hu nodded.

“He can stay! He can stay!” Shen Nian said with a smile.

Zhang Juzheng's eldest son, Zhang Jingxiu, was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the eighth year of the Wanli reign. He was only two years younger than Shen Nian and had not yet been granted an official position, but was observing politics in the Ministry of Rites.

Zhang Juzheng appointed Zhang Jingxiu as Shen Nian's clerk, partly to give his son some experience, and partly so that Zhang Jingxiu, by following Shen Nian, could represent Zhang Juzheng to some extent.

Zhang Juzheng held immense prestige in the Nine Garrisons, but Shen Nian did not. Zhang Juzheng's actions were likely intended to have his son help Shen Nian establish his authority.

In addition, Zhang Jingxiu was refined in demeanor, had a scholarly air, and was good-tempered.

He was close in age to Shen Nian, and unlike the others, he was not afraid of Shen Nian. With him by her side, Shen Nian never had to worry about having no one to talk to or keep her company on the road.

Even a seventh-rank imperial inspector could bring two or three students from the Imperial Academy when he went on an inspection tour. It was not considered excessive for Shen Nian, who was the Minister of War and concurrently the Censor-in-Chief, to bring a second-class Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) who was observing the administration.

……

On the tenth day of the first lunar month, at dawn, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

After bidding farewell to her family, Shen Nian boarded a carriage and headed to the departure and assembly point: Chongwen Gate.

When Shen Nian arrived at Chongwenmen, the motorcade was already waiting.

The four Grand Secretaries—Zhang Juzheng, Yin Zhengmao, Shen Shixing, and Wang Xijue—all came to see Shen Nian off.

Shen Nian's trip was crucial to the stability of the northern border of the Ming Dynasty, so the four of them attached great importance to it.

Even the young Wanli Emperor sent the eunuch Fang Ping to deliver the gifts, and thoughtfully prepared hot porridge and steamed buns for Shen Nian as breakfast.

After accepting the breakfast and expressing her gratitude, Shen Nian stood with Zhang Juzheng and the other three.

"Ziheng, be careful. Don't put yourself in danger. You are more important than anything else!"

"Ziheng, I've left two books in your car. Read them when you have some free time, and come back soon!"

"Ziheng, we've relied on you this time. We'll celebrate your victory when you return!"

……

Within the cabinet, Shen Nian was the most popular and the most favored.

Finally, Zhang Juzheng spoke up: "Ziheng, I have higher expectations for you. I hope for a pleasant surprise!"

Shen Nian always manages to bring surprises when she gets things done.

“No problem, sir!” Shen Nian readily agreed, then looked at Zhang Juzheng and said, “Teacher, you must take care of your health and not overwork yourself!”

Shen Nian spoke these words with a serious expression, because he feared this might be the last time he would see Zhang Juzheng.

"Don't worry!" Zhang Juzheng patted Shen Nian on the shoulder.

A moment later, just as Shen Nian was preparing to leave.

He turned to Zhang Jingxiu, who was about to get into the car, and said, "Siwen, you should also say goodbye to your father and remind him to take care of his health and not overwork himself!"

Zhang Jingxiu had already bid farewell to Zhang Juzheng at home, but since Shen Nian had said so, he dared not disobey.

In terms of age, Shen Nian was only two years older than him; in terms of seniority, Shen Nian was Zhang Juzheng's student, and he was Zhang Juzheng's son.

However, Zhang Jingxiu dared not address Shen Nian as an equal at all.

Zhang Juzheng warned him last night that no matter how good their relationship was, Zhang Jingxiu must address Shen Nian as Grand Secretary Shen or Minister Shen in any setting, and absolutely must not address him as Brother Ziheng.

Unless Zhang Jingxiu can also serve as a minister of the third rank or above or enter the cabinet, he is not qualified to associate with Shen Nian.

This time, Zhang Jingxiu came with Shen Nian to learn, and naturally he obeyed Shen Nian's orders without the slightest disobedience.

He walked quickly to Zhang Juzheng, said a few words of concern, and then returned to Shen Nian's side.

Immediately afterwards, Shen Nian boarded the carriage, and the northern inspection team headed out of the city, gradually disappearing into the distance.

"Cough...cough..."

Under the cold wind, Zhang Juzheng, looking at the convoy, couldn't help but cough a few times, then stroked his long beard and muttered to himself.

"If the northern border is secure, the nation is secure; if the nation is secure, a prosperous era can be expected. Once Ziheng returns and gradually gains the ability to control the generals of the nine border regions, I will retire and return power to Your Majesty. My health... my health simply cannot withstand it... cough cough... cough cough..."

Zhang Juzheng was well aware of his physical condition.

After falling ill last summer, his energy plummeted, and he relied entirely on medicinal soups to stay afloat. He absolutely cannot continue handling political affairs at such a high intensity! (End of Chapter)