My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 462 Even the guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes betrayed us.

For the next three days, Li Ji and Zhang Shu, two supervising secretaries of the Ministry of War, spent their time in the military office of the Fifth Secretariat, writing summaries of Li Rusong's memorial.

During this period, Su Ze came to the barracks on the first day and personally inquired about the well-being of Li Ji and Zhang Shu.

"These two capable officials are able to share the burdens of my five departments under the Secretariat and Chancellery. Chief Song, quickly go and brew the tea that the Cabinet bestowed upon you last time!"

Although Li Ji disliked Su Ze, he was still very happy to hear Su Ze treat him with such courtesy.

After all, Su Ze was known as the "Shadow Grand Secretary" in the outer court. He held the rank of fourth grade and was so polite to me, a seventh-grade military official. It was a great honor to be able to talk about it!
Su Ze then asked Song Xun:

"How do you describe the meals?"

Song Xun cupped his hands and said:

"Please have lunch with the two censors and our barracks."

Hearing this, Li Ji and Zhang Shu felt a warmth in their hearts.

In the Ming Dynasty, government offices would typically provide a lunch.

Government offices with the means could hire their own cooks, while those without would order meals from restaurants and eateries in the capital.

However, the Six Ministries were an unfunded department, so most of the censors brought their own meals.

The palace has strict fire prevention regulations. Open flames are not allowed except in the royal kitchen. When food gets cold, it can only be heated in a mud-covered charcoal brazier. In winter, the heating is often uneven, while in summer, there is a risk that the food brought from home will spoil.

The Six Ministries also envied the Five Offices under the Secretariat.

To show respect for the cabinet, the emperor specifically ordered that the cabinet could set up its own small kitchen.

The cabinet naturally included the five departments of the Secretariat and the Chancellery, so the five departments of the Secretariat and the Chancellery were also responsible for providing lunch.

Song Xun then asked, "I was just about to report to Inspector Su about dinner?"

Upon hearing the word "dinner," Zhang Shu's heart skipped a beat.

Does providing dinner mean I have to work overtime?

Su Ze waved his hand and said:
"The two officials have come specifically to help us, how can we possibly neglect them?"

"Have the State Ceremonial Office prepare the food and send it over! The money will come from our company's public funds!"

Although Li Ji wouldn't completely change his attitude towards Su Ze because of these small favors, he felt embarrassed to keep a straight face and said a few polite words to Su Ze since the other party was so polite.

For the next two days, Su Ze came to the barracks every morning and evening, never asking about the work progress, but instead chatting and showing concern for Li Ji and Zhang Shu.

This made Zhang Shu, the young official, feel embarrassed, and all his resentment towards the five departments of the Secretariat and the Chancellery for making them do work disappeared.

Although Li Ji still stubbornly insisted that Su Ze was "a villain who appears loyal," he would put on a smile and say a few polite words every time Su Ze came.

Three days later, with the help of Li Ji and Zhang Shu, a summary of Li Rusong's memorial was finally completed.

Li Ji and Zhang Shu not only summarized Li Rusong's memorial, but also extracted the unreasonable parts of his memorial and put forward their own suggestions for revision.

These were originally things that Li Ji planned to impeach separately after Li Rusong submitted his memorial.

But now, instead, they've become the ones helping Li Rusong revise his memorials.

Li Ji also felt that something was strange.
-
Three days later, a summary of Li Rusong's memorial was sent to the cabinet.

Song Xun took a deep breath, held a neatly bound stack of documents in both hands, stepped forward, and reported in a clear and steady voice:

"Your Excellencies, I, Song Xun, have completed the summary of the report submitted by Li Rusong, Chief of the Operations Department of the General Staff, concerning the military command system, reserve system, and other matters, as ordered by Your Excellency Zhao. I hereby present it for your review."

He respectfully placed the document on the table in front of Gao Gong. Although the document was thick, it was far larger than the "small mountain" that Li Rusong had presented before, and it had obviously been refined.

Gao Gong grunted in acknowledgment, but did not immediately look through the document. Instead, he turned to Zhao Zhenji and said, "Grand Secretary Zhao, this matter is under your supervision. Please take a look first."

Zhao Zhenji responded, picked up the top summary, and quickly began to read it.

His brows furrowed slightly at first, as if he were scrutinizing something, but soon a hint of surprise and admiration appeared on his face. He read faster and faster, his finger occasionally tracing key points on the pages.

Zhang Juzheng and Zhu Dashou were also drawn to Zhao Zhenji's reaction, their gazes falling on the summary. Gao Gong, seeing this, also picked up a copy and began to read it.

The only sound in the cabinet office was the rustling of papers turning.

A moment later, Zhao Zhenji put down the summary in his hand, his face beaming with undisguised joy.

"Chief Song, this summary is well-organized and clearly outlines the key points! It not only neatly organizes Li Rusong's complex report, but more importantly, it pinpoints the core issues and offers insightful suggestions!"

"In particular, the analysis is incisive regarding the ambiguity of some terms in the 'Operational Command Specifications,' the potential obstacles to grassroots implementation, and the hidden dangers of poor coordination between the 'Reserve Mobilization System' and local garrisons!"

"This summary not only does not diminish the essence of the original memorial, but also makes its structure clearer and its advantages and disadvantages more apparent!"

Zhang Juzheng also finished reading his section, slowly nodded, and looked at Song Xun with a meaningful gaze:
"Excellent! This summary is well-chosen and insightful. The military command has done an excellent job this time. It is truly remarkable that they were able to extract such essential information from such a complex military matter in just three days, and that they were able to hit the nail on the head."

Gao Gong nodded and praised Song Xun.

After the military office organized the documents, the contents of Li Rusong's memorial became clear at a glance.

By comparing the summary, the contents of Li Rusong's memorial can be found quickly.

What's even more valuable is that it can analyze each unreasonable point and offer suggestions for improvement.

Li Rusong was, after all, a newly graduated military officer, and his memorial contained many idealistic elements.

This summary offers pragmatic suggestions for revising those overly idealistic clauses; such suggestions could not have been made without a deep understanding of grassroots military affairs.

Gao Gong had reviewed Song Xun's resume. Could Song Xun really have that ability?

Or did Su Ze secretly lend a hand?
That's not right. Although Su Ze served as the Dean of Military Studies, he never held a junior military post and never even left the capital.

However, this abstract passed the test, Gao Gong said:
"This summary is indeed excellent! It not only summarizes the key points but also corrects them. The Military Affairs Department has made a great contribution this time and deserves commendation. Make a copy of this summary immediately and present it to His Majesty along with Li Rusong's original memorial for review! His Majesty is eager to learn more about the details of the military reform, and this summary is a very useful tool."

Li Rusong's memorial to the Emperor was delayed for a day at the Office of Transmission and for three days at the Grand Secretariat. The Longqing Emperor had been eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Song Xun then stepped forward and said:

"Reporting to the Grand Secretary and other ministers, although this summary was compiled and transcribed by the Military Affairs Department, the key points and corrections were made largely thanks to the efforts of Li Ji and Zhang Shu, two censors from the Six Ministries."

"As early as when the memorial was sent to the Office of Transmission, the two censors had already reviewed Li Rusong's original memorial page by page, added detailed annotations, and their insights were outstanding and incisive."

"The military commander dares not take credit for himself, and hereby explains this to the esteemed elders."

Upon hearing this, the elders were somewhat surprised, and then revealed expressions of realization and amusement.

It turned out that Li Ji had helped.

This is no surprise.

Gao Gong remembered Li Ji's resume. This senior censor from the Ministry of War had indeed served in many grassroots positions and had been dispatched by the Qing army to patrol the borders multiple times. He had a thorough understanding of grassroots military affairs, which was why he could offer such insightful and mature suggestions for revision. However, weren't the Six Ministries on bad terms with the Five Offices of the Secretariat and Chancellery?

Song Xun's ability to command the six supervising secretaries to do his work is quite remarkable.

Gao Gong looked at Zhao Zhenji. With such a military commander, Zhao Zhenji was like a tiger with wings.

Zhao Zhenji stroked his beard and smiled, "So that's how it is! When I first read the summary, I found it to be sharp and incisive, quite in line with the style of Li Jishi. Chief Clerk Song is open-minded and does not shy away from recommending talented people, which is excellent! This suggestion is very appropriate!"

Gao Gong said:

"What Chief Song said makes sense. Li, the Attendant-in-Ordinary, is well-versed in military affairs and courageous in taking on responsibilities. He has indeed made great contributions this time."

"This abstract will list the names of Li Ji and Zhang Shu first."
-
The summary, along with the essence of Li Rusong's original memorial, was presented to the Emperor, who carefully reviewed it. The clear and concise structure and the incisive corrections brought a satisfied expression to his face.

Emperor Longqing suddenly thought of the events of the previous emperor's reign.

In the year of the Gengxu Incident, Anda attacked the capital, and was only a few dozen miles away from the city gates.

At that time, the emperor summoned his ministers to discuss military strategy. The ministers all agreed, but Zhao Zhenji stepped forward and volunteered to go out of the city to reorganize the capital garrison to resist the enemy.

The Longqing Emperor still remembered that many important officials had proposed leaving the capital, and there were even suggestions to move the capital to Nanjing.

His own father, the emperor, reigned for more than thirty years. Although he had the merit of pacifying the southeast, he had exhausted the country's resources to achieve victory.

In just six years, he pacified Anda in the north, quelled the rebellion of the three chieftains in the south, and made Korea and Japan submit to him. The Jurchens in the northeast fled in panic into the Changbai Mountains.

Furthermore, his father's combination of authority and power inevitably led to deception by his subjects, and he couldn't even control the capital's garrison.

But what about yourself?

The deployment of troops nationwide was delivered to the Emperor's desk on time. The new army of the Beijing Garrison was as attentive as an extension of his own arm. While Li Rusong was proposing strategies for reorganizing the army, the Cabinet and the five departments of the Secretariat and Chancellery had already summarized the key points and put forward suggestions for revision.

What does it mean for a sage emperor to rule by doing nothing?!
In terms of military achievements alone, I far surpass my father, who reigned for more than thirty years!

This achievement is comparable even to that of Emperor Chengzu!
The emperor was in a great mood, which Feng Bao, the Grand Master of Ceremonial, noticed at a glance.

"Your Majesty, shall we approve the cabinet's proposal?"

The Longqing Emperor picked up a vermilion brush and wrote the character "准" (approved).

Then he circled the names of Li Rusong, Li Ji, Zhang Shu, Song Xun, and several officials from the military office.

Feng Bao immediately understood the emperor's meaning and asked:
"Does His Majesty intend to bestow rewards upon these individuals?"

Emperor Longqing nodded, and Feng Bao immediately took the list and began to draft the rewards.
-
The next day.

The news that Li Rusong's memorial was approved, and that Li Jizhang and the officials of the Secretariat and the Ministry of War received rewards from the emperor, quickly spread to the Six Ministries.

When Yan Yonghe heard the news, he was holding a teacup. He couldn't help but burst out laughing, spilling a few drops of tea.

So, even you, Li Ji, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, are a traitor?
Just then, Li Ji and Zhang Shu stepped into the Sixth Department Corridor.

Li Ji originally didn't want to come today.

First, I worked overtime continuously, reviewing memorials for four whole days, which was extremely mentally and physically exhausting.

Secondly, knowing that the cabinet had placed him first in the signature list, alongside the Secretariat and the Ministry of War, Li Ji didn't know how to face his colleagues in the Six Ministries.

The problem is that Li Ji has never taken a day off since taking office in the Sixth Section. Even when he was sick, he insisted on going to work.

Asking for leave now would be too obvious and would only make me seem guilty.

Li Ji finally understood Yan Yonghe's brilliance. If it were Yan Yonghe, he would have already taken leave and stayed home in bed.

As expected, after Li Ji and Zhang Shu entered the Sixth Department, their colleagues looked at them with complicated expressions.

Just then, officials from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices arrived at the Sixth Ministry and read out the imperial edict of commendation from the emperor.

When the messenger proclaimed the imperial edict, he read:

"Li Ji and Zhang Shu were responsible for remonstrating and advising, but they did not abandon public justice because of their differing opinions. They devoted an entire day to the Office of Transmission, refuting each point page by page, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages, and fulfilling their duty as officials to fill in the gaps and make up for deficiencies."

At this point, Li Ji already regretted not asking for leave today.

Then the pedestrian read aloud:
"Song Xun, the chief of the military affairs office, was humble and open-minded. He drew on the wisdom of the six departments and integrated the practical experience of the General Staff. He simplified the complexities and compiled an outline, which demonstrated the spirit of unity and hard work within the inner court."

"The General Staff humbly accepted advice, the five departments of the Secretariat and the Chancellery fulfilled their key responsibilities, and the six ministries also abandoned their prejudices and assisted in national affairs, so that the reform of the military system could be perfected."

Zhang Shu couldn't hold back any longer.

Does this mean that I, along with the General Staff and the five departments of the Secretariat, jointly completed this military command reform?
The messenger then read out the commendations for the two men, awarding them ten gold coins, recognizing their outstanding merits, and granting them a six-month stipend.

After the messenger carrying the imperial edict left, Li Ji turned to his colleagues, his usually quick-witted mouth now stammering. He began to speak:

"Gentlemen, let me explain."

At this moment, Yan Yonghe walked over and said to Li Ji:

"A few days ago, Li, the Censor, said that someone was a lackey of the Fifth Secretariat of the Chancellery?"

Li Ji's face turned bright red. He hadn't expected Yan Yonghe to be so vengeful. He had only said something casually that day, but Yan Yonghe had remembered it and only now was he making a fuss.

When Yan Yonghe said this, all the officials present burst into laughter.

Zhang Shu, who was too shy to speak, wished he could disappear into a hole.

Li Ji, his face flushed, said:
"Our most important duty as the Six Supervising Secretaries is to ensure that things are done properly. Now, the military reform has been completed under our supervision, and this is for the sake of justice!"

After saying all that, Li Ji regretted it.

Isn't this what Yan Yong said back then, in rebuttal to himself?

Yan Yonghe smiled, but this time he did not press his advantage. Instead, he cupped his hands and said:
"Li, the Censor, is truly righteous!"

At this point, the remaining officials could no longer hold back and burst into laughter.

Li Ji blushed, but eventually returned to his seat.

While the ridicule from my colleagues was certainly despicable, the gains this time were just too good to pass up!
The emperor issued a special decree to commend him. Although the rewards were generous, the most important thing was that they left the emperor and the cabinet with the impression that he was proficient in military affairs.

For officials in the science and technology field, reputation is paramount. Once they have cultivated enough prestige, their promotions will be as rapid as a rocket.

With the military reforms of the Ming Dynasty imminent, the court needed to balance the civil and military affairs. As a civil official who had passed the imperial examinations and was knowledgeable in military matters, he naturally had a bright future.

That's why only Yan Yonghe, the most senior official, openly mocked him, while the other officials at most just laughed along.

But now he can't shake off the label of being a lackey of the Soviet Party.

(End of this chapter)