My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 467 Further Discussion on Abolishing Feudal Domains
After the first month of the lunar calendar, the security at the palace was finally relaxed, and the Imperial Guards could take turns resting.

Li Rusong entered the Operations Department of the General Staff Headquarters. He had been busy for a month and the operational regulations he had drafted were finally approved. However, the Operations Department was busy for a while, distributing these operational regulations to various grassroots units and garrisons. Only after all this was done did he finally have some free time.

The Emperor granted the War Department a holiday, and Li Rusong came today to return the official seal, as he had important matters to attend to next.

After the first month of the lunar calendar, Li Chengliang sent an elder from his clan to the capital to discuss Li Rusong's marriage with the Huo family.

The wedding preparations went very smoothly.

Huo Ji was highly respected in the Ministry of War. Although his chosen successor, Cao Bangfu, had already left office, the current Minister of War, Wang Chonggu, also had a close relationship with Huo Ji.

Huo Ji had deep roots in the Ministry of War, and Li Rusong's marriage to Huo Ji's granddaughter greatly benefited his career.

However, the Huo family's descendants were not up to par, and their marriage alliances with traditional officials' sons were no longer significant enough. Li Rusong was considered an "outlier" due to his background in the military academy, and the Huo family also saw the influence of Su Ze and Li Chengliang behind him.

Even if Li Rusong doesn't rise to a high position, the Huo family's current status can be preserved through his connections by marrying into the family.

After the Tang Dynasty, the aristocratic families in the Central Plains almost disappeared.

Studying and taking exams still rely too much on talent. If one generation fails to achieve succession, the family will immediately withdraw from central power, and there will be no chance to inherit the family business.

Huo Ji, a veteran official, naturally understood this principle.

However, he still hoped that the family would not decline too quickly, that the family line would be preserved, and that the family would be able to prosper again when a few more capable descendants emerged.

The two sides quickly completed the three steps of the six rites: betrothal, asking the name, and auspicious date selection. Next was the presentation of betrothal gifts. Once Li Chengliang brought the prepared betrothal gifts from Liaodong to the capital, they could set the wedding date.

The final step is "the wedding procession," which is essentially the welcoming of the bride.

Once the first three steps of the six rites are completed, it can be considered an engagement, and Li Rusong is already considered to be engaged.

After the marriage agreement was finalized, all the forces that wanted to recruit Li Rusong as their son-in-law withdrew.

Li Rusong knew that the wedding went so smoothly thanks to Dean Su.

This marriage was arranged by the master's wife, and the first meeting between the Huo and Li families was also held at Su Ze's residence.

The nobles who had been eyeing the area covetously had no choice but to give up when they saw Su Ze make a move.

Li Rusong was extremely grateful to Su Ze. If it weren't for Su Ze's intervention, his marriage would have offended many nobles, which would have definitely hindered his career.

Because Su Ze acted as matchmaker, these nobles had no choice but to give up.

It's perfectly normal for a teacher to act as a matchmaker for his disciple, and Su Ze's choice of marriage partner was impeccable, so these nobles had nothing to say.

The only problem is that after this marriage, Li Rusong will be firmly marked as a member of the "Su Party" and will never be able to break away from it.

But this meant nothing to Li Rusong, who was already a core member of the Su Party and could not possibly betray Su Ze.

After completing the formalities, Li Rusong was finally able to leave the Forbidden City. Just then, he heard someone calling his name.

Looking back, it turned out to be Mu Changyou from the Imperial Guard Battalion.

Li Rusong didn't like Mu Changyou very much.

This wasn't because Mu Changyou was a nobleman. Li Rusong also had many friends from noble families in the military academy, and he and Zhu Shitai from the Duke of Cheng's mansion were also close friends who appreciated each other.

However, Mu Changyou was unwilling to even study at the Military Academy, and whenever he had the chance, he would be transferred to the Imperial Guard. This kind of behavior was truly despicable to Li Rusong, who was a professionally trained scholar.

Mu Changyou came to the capital with a family mission. He made many connections with powerful figures in the capital, which made him seem very snobbish.

Mu Changyou quickly caught up, a warm smile plastered on his face.

Li Rusong is now a favorite of the emperor, and naturally, he is also someone Mu Changyou wants to befriend.

He wasn't wearing the Imperial Guard's uniform today, but rather a set of casual clothes, suggesting he had just returned from outside the Forbidden City.

Mu Changyou actually returned from the Public Security Bureau, where he served as the chief administrator, responsible for the city's management.

Although most of the time, Mu Changyou's position as the head of the Public Security Bureau was merely nominal, the actual administration of the capital's urban management was handled by the deputy head, Li Defu.

However, Li Defu would occasionally encounter problems that he couldn't handle, and Mu Changyou would have to go to the Public Security Bureau every few days to deal with these issues.

Mu Changyou cupped his hands and said, "Congratulations, Brother Li! I heard that Minister Huo's household has already accepted the betrothal gifts. This marriage was personally arranged by Prosecutor Su!"

"With such a good match, it's no wonder that Brother Li rejected our Duke of Qian's mansion back then."

Li Rusong remembered that Mu Changyou had also wanted to marry him, so he naturally wouldn't offend the Duke of Qian's mansion and quickly exchanged a few pleasantries with Mu Changyou.

Mu Changyou then said:

"I regret that I interrupted my studies at the Martial Arts Academy. Otherwise, with Dean Su as my teacher, I could have settled my life's important matters. I would have been all alone in the capital."

Li Rusong said:
"Brother Mu, it seems you have no intention of forming a marriage alliance. There are countless families in the capital who want to form a marriage alliance with the Duke of Qian's family."

Mu Changyou said:
“Brother Li, my job these days involves fire prevention, clearing illegal constructions, and mediating disputes involving nobles occupying roads. I feel like I’m walking on thin ice every day.”

"Brother Li, could you put in a good word for me with Dean Su and ask him to let me go from my post in the Public Security Bureau?"

This is Mu Changyou's true purpose.

To others, the position of police chief is a prestigious one.

Being in charge of fire prevention and illegal construction in the capital, as well as market management and road traffic, was definitely a lucrative job.

But for Mu Changyou, this was a pit of fire.

Every time Li Dequan encountered illegal construction by nobles and high-ranking officials, he would drag Mu Changyou into it. The Duke of Qian's mansion did many things that offended people.

Moreover, the duties of the Public Security Bureau are such that doing a good job brings no credit, but if something goes wrong, you have to take the blame.

Throughout the winter, Mu Changyou lived in fear, dreaming several times of a great fire breaking out in the capital, being questioned by the emperor and the cabinet, and implicating the Duke of Qian's mansion.

Fortunately, the winter for heating has passed, and no major fires have occurred in the capital this year. As a result, the cabinet only gave the Public Security Bureau a few perfunctory praises.

However, his position as the head of the Public Security Bureau was arranged by Yang Sizhong, the Minister of Personnel.

Mu Changyou was well-informed and knew that Su Ze was also involved in this arrangement.

These two men are the second sons of Mu Changyou, the Duke of Qian's family, and they must not be offended.

Mu Changyou had always been close to Li Rusong, hoping that through Li Rusong, Su Ze's favorite disciple, he could put in a good word for Su Ze and prevent him from continuing as the head of the Public Security Bureau.

Li Rusong also frowned.

The personnel arrangements made by the imperial court were not something he, as a military officer, could interfere with.

Dean Su's arrangement naturally had its own profound meaning, not to mention that Mu Changyou's position was personally appointed by Yang Sizhong, the Minister of Personnel.

This Minister of Personnel's methods of employing people were so profound and subtle that Li Rusong, who frequently corresponded with his father Li Chengliang, knew this even better.

All those selected by Minister Yang are talented individuals!

There must have been a deeper purpose in appointing Mu Changyou as the head of the Public Security Bureau.

Li Rusong quickly said:
“Brother Mu, the selection of the head of the Public Security Bureau is a major policy of the court. How can a mere commander like me make any comments?”

Mu Changyou sighed; he had been out of his mind to discuss this with Li Rusong. Mu Changyou could only say:
"Brother Li, I don't mean to put you in a difficult position, I just hope you can introduce me to Prosecutor Su."

"Although I cannot fully represent my elder brother, I can still speak on behalf of the Duke of Qian's mansion on many matters."

After saying this, Mu Changyou bowed and left.

Li Rusong was still somewhat dazed after Mu Changyou left.

What does Mu Changyou mean?
Is Mu Changyou going to represent the Duke of Qian's Mansion in seeking refuge with Dean Su?
Li Rusong recalled an organization called the "Su Party," and it seemed that his father was also in it. Now, the Duke of Qian's mansion also wanted to join the Su Party.

If it were just Mu Changyou alone, Li Rusong definitely wouldn't pass on his message.

However, Li Rusong could not leave the Duke of Qian's mansion, one of the top five meritorious officials and a mansion that had guarded Yunnan for generations, without conveying a message.

He sighed. He should have left sooner if he had known this would happen. He wondered if he would have caused trouble for Dean Su.
-
Su Ze was originally planning to leave the office and go home, but he was summoned to the cabinet before the end of the workday.

All four cabinet ministers were present. Gao Gong looked at Su Ze and said:
"We just came out of the palace. Something happened in Lanzhou."

Su Ze was stunned for a moment before he remembered that Prince Su had passed away recently, and the imperial court had sent envoys to offer condolences and to confer the title of a new Prince Su.

Su Ze was puzzled at the time. He remembered that in the original timeline, this Prince Su died in the sixteenth year of the Wanli reign. How could he have died prematurely?

Gao Gong continued:

"Prosecutor Su, do you know about the past of Prince Su of the previous dynasty?"

Su Ze thought for a moment, then said:
"Is it about when Grand Secretary Yin was the Minister of Rites and the old Prince Su succeeded him? But I don't know the details."

Gao Gong nodded and began to explain this old story to Su Ze.

“At the end of the reign of the late emperor, Prince Su Huai, who was stationed in Lanzhou, passed away without sons or brothers. According to the regulations on the vassal states, the vassal state of Su Huai should be abolished.”

"The mother of King Suhuai submitted a memorial requesting that Zhu Jingui, the Assistant General of the State, who was also King Suhuai's cousin, succeed to the throne."

"At that time, the Minister of Rites was the retired Grand Secretary Yin. The Ministry of Rites argued that 'Zhu Jingui is the uncle of Prince Suhuai and should not inherit the lineage,' which was against the law, and requested the court to abolish the Prince Su.

"The late emperor later granted him the right to succeed to the throne on the grounds that 'the Su Fan is located in a remote border region, and without a king, there is no way to govern it.'"

Gao Gong sighed:
“At that time, Grand Secretary Yin argued that ‘the Prince Su’s residence is in Lanzhou, which is not on the frontier but in the interior,’ but the late emperor did not allow it.”

"Grand Secretary Yin requested again that Zhu Jin be demoted and granted the title of Prince of the County, but the late emperor still refused."

Su Ze nodded; he too had recalled this old incident.

The issue of princes in the Ming Dynasty has always been a concern for civil officials.

Gao Gong said:

"After the Xingrensi arrived in Lanzhou, rumors spread throughout the city that Zhu Shenyao, the posthumous son of Prince Su Zhu Jingui, was not his biological son, but a child adopted from outside the family by Prince Su's lineage in order to inherit the title of prince."

It's this kind of thing again?
Su Ze was also a bit troubled; the succession of princes in the Ming Dynasty always caused this kind of mess.

That's how it is with the Chu royal family, and now King Su is causing this kind of trouble again.

But thinking about it, it makes sense.

The lineage of Prince Su is not only related to the Prince Su's mansion, but also to the entire branch of Prince Su who was enfeoffed in Lanzhou.

Once the title of Prince Su is removed from the Prince Su's residence, the treatment of the entire Prince Su lineage in Lanzhou will be affected.

Moreover, everyone in the Prince Su's mansion was counting on the new Prince Su to continue the family's wealth and prosperity.

However, the lineage of Prince Su did indeed have a tumultuous history.

The previous King Su died without an heir or any brothers, and his uncle succeeded him, which violated the rules of propriety.

The current Prince Su died suddenly, leaving behind a posthumous child whose parentage is in doubt.

After explaining the background, Gao Gong began to speak:
"In my opinion, we should first ascertain the authenticity of the posthumous child of Prince Su. The succession of Prince Su's lineage should be handled with caution and should not be easily abolished."

Zhang Juzheng nodded and said:

"Seconded."

Su Ze looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression.

It should be noted that Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were both leaders of the abolitionist faction within the cabinet.

Zhang Juzheng, in particular, had a very strong inclination to abolish the feudal system due to financial considerations. In the previous instances where the succession of feudal princes was problematic, Zhang Juzheng was the one who strongly advocated for the abolition of the feudal system.

The lineage of Prince Su is now facing problems with succession in the previous generation and now it's causing issues in the next generation as well. He's always involved in every crackdown on prostitution.

Compared to the Jiajing Emperor, the Longqing Emperor did not have as much psychological burden.

The Jiajing Emperor himself was a member of a collateral branch who ascended the throne.

Therefore, he always had to consider the thoughts of the imperial clan and could not arbitrarily abolish the feudal domains.

However, the Longqing Emperor did not have this problem. His succession to the throne was legitimate, and he was able to hold his position securely without worrying about these issues.

Therefore, the Longqing reign abolished the feudal system several times, accomplishing what the previous dynasties had failed to do.

With such a good opportunity right in front of them, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng both said they should be cautious.
At this moment, Zhao Zhenji said:
"The situation in Huozhe is unstable. Lanzhou is on the front line of the Western Regions defense. The Suwang Mansion of successive generations has also contributed to the defense of Lanzhou. The Suwang lineage has a high reputation in Lanzhou."

Su Ze understood now.

Although Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were both members of the abolitionist faction, they still hoped that the new Prince Su could safely inherit the throne for the sake of stability in the northwest frontier.

The Fire element is growing increasingly powerful, threatening the northwestern border defenses of the Ming Dynasty. If Prince Su were to inherit the throne and cause trouble, it would threaten the overall situation of the court.

That's why Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were willing to grit their teeth and let the lineage of Prince Su continue to exist.

The elders all looked at Su Ze, clearly wanting to hear his advice.

Su Ze thought for a moment and said:
"Gentlemen, the succession of Prince Su is a matter for the Ministry of Rites, while the defense of the Northwest frontier is a matter for military and political affairs. They should be handled separately."

"The succession to the throne requires careful consideration. The General Staff also has contingency plans to deal with the Firemen's unusual movements. We can ask the General Staff to mobilize according to the plan first to prevent the Firemen from taking advantage of the chaos to harass the border!"

Upon hearing Su Ze's words, Zhao Zhenji nodded repeatedly and said:

“Su Jianzheng is right about that. The Kremlin has been on high alert for a long time, and the mobilization plan to deal with the Firemen has also been prepared long ago.”

Su Ze said:

"Even if the lineage of Prince Su succeeds smoothly, the Fire People may still take advantage of the chaos to launch an attack. We should still mobilize according to the contingency plan first."

"As for the succession of Prince Su, we should follow the old precedent and send an envoy to Lanzhou to investigate Prince Su."

Now Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng nodded in agreement, and Gao Gong said:
"Then let's follow the old precedent and send an envoy to investigate Su."

"As for the fire, I request Your Majesty to mobilize the Northwest in accordance with the General Staff's plan."

(End of this chapter)