My father is Jiajing

The summer of the 45th year of Jiajing was exceptionally cool, and a refreshing feeling was everywhere.

In such pleasant and sunny weather, Zhu Zaigui naturally made an appointment with King Jing Zhu Zaizhen and his family to go boating and outing in Miyun.

Now, under the leadership and planning of Pan Jixun, Miyun has begun to build dams to store water and create a super artificial lake that is no less than the Miyun Reservoir in later generations, which is used to regulate water use in agriculture, industry and life around the capital.

However, due to the huge scale of the project, even with the assistance of cement and steam equipment, only one or two percent of the construction has been completed. To completely build such a large artificial reservoir, it will take at least ten years or even longer with the current project progress and construction capabilities!
Therefore, Zhu Zaigui did not rush the construction period. After all, the production capacity and construction capabilities were there, and it was unrealistic for him to rush to complete the task.

It would be better to let the Beijing Special District handle this matter based on the actual situation and its actual ability to bear.

But even if only 10% or 20% of the construction is completed, a large enough water surface has been accumulated for boating and outings.

Therefore, Zhu Zaigui took advantage of the pleasant weather and went out to relax and have fun with King Jing and his family.

Zhu Zaigui and Zhu Zaizhen stood by the lake, looking at Concubine Chen and Princess Jing who were boating, as well as Zhu Yi and Zhu Yi Zhong, which they each brought with them.

Now, because Concubine Chen was promoted to the position of the legitimate wife, and because Zhu Yi lost his mother, the mother and son seemed to be closer, like real mother and son.

Therefore, Zhu Zaigui was very happy to see this situation, which could be regarded as a kind of compensation to Zhu Yi.

Zhu Zaigui asked, "Is it done?"

Zhu Zaizhen replied respectfully: "It's done."

Zhu Zaigui turned around and looked at Zhu Zaizhen, his eyes full of relief.

Zhu Zaigui added: "Brothers like you and I don't have to be like this, just be more natural."

But Zhu Zaizhen didn't think so, and as Zhu Zaigui's power as regent grew, Zhu Zaizhen's understanding of his position as younger brother became clearer and clearer.

He understood that if he wanted to maintain a long-lasting brotherly friendship with Zhu Zaigui, he must strictly abide by the code of conduct of a subject and not overstep the mark in the slightest.

And deep in his heart, he also longed for Zhu Zaigui to fulfill his promise of "Jingguo" in the future.

Since he was hiding, Zhu Zaizhen was naturally more cautious and unwilling to do anything that might displease Zhu Zaigui.

While Zhu Zaigui and Zhu Zaizhen were chatting, some people were feeling uneasy and frightened.

Xu Jie stood in front of the study window, looking at the beautiful scenery outside, but there was no warmth in his heart.

He had just received news that Xu An, the old servant he sent to Songjiang Prefecture to deliver a secret letter, had disappeared shortly after leaving the city.

"Master, we have sent people to search along the official road three times, but there is still no news of Butler Xu."

Xu Fu stood at the door of the study, speaking in a very low voice, for fear of being heard by outsiders.

Xu Jie's fingers tapped lightly on the rosewood table, the rhythm slow and heavy.

He is already 68 years old this year, with white hair and beard, but his eyes are still as sharp as an eagle. "What has the Jinyiwei done recently?"

"The Northern Pacification Office suddenly mobilized three teams of troops the night before, saying it was a routine exercise, but the direction they went was exactly the route that Butler Xu took."

Xu Fu's forehead was covered with beads of sweat. "Also, Prince Yu and Prince Jing went on a tour together yesterday."

Xu Jie closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Things were worse than he had imagined. Xu An was carrying an important secret letter he had written to his hometown in Songjiang, which detailed instructions on how to deal with the account books and goods related to overseas smuggling. If this letter fell into the hands of Prince Yu
"Prepare the sedan chair. I'm going to Prince Yu's Mansion."

Xu Jie suddenly opened his eyes and spoke in a low and firm voice.

Xu Fu was shocked: "Master, isn't this just walking into a trap? Prince Yu is obviously setting a trap."

"madness!"

Xu Jie interrupted sharply, "If Prince Yu really wanted to target my Xu family, the Imperial Guards would have surrounded the Xu Mansion by now. He is waiting for me to come to him."

Just as Xu Jie was about to change his clothes and go out, a servant came running in in a panic: "Master, someone is coming from the palace. Prince Yu is calling you to come into the palace to discuss matters immediately!"

Xu Jie's hands trembled slightly, then he regained his composure. He straightened his clothes and looked at himself in the mirror, making sure he still looked as majestic as the Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty.

"Prepare the sedan chair and enter the palace."

The red walls of the Forbidden City appear particularly solemn in Xu Jie's eyes today.

Xu Jie walked along the corridor leading to Wenhua Hall, thinking rapidly about various possibilities and countermeasures in his mind.

Prince Yu Zhu Zaigui, the prince who was about to inherit the throne, was even more unpredictable than his father, Emperor Jiajing. On the surface, he was gentle and courteous, but in fact, he was scheming and was particularly enthusiastic about opening up the sea for trade, which just happened to touch upon the fundamental interests of Xu Jie and the Jiangnan gentry group.

"Lord Xu is here!" The eunuch's shrill voice sounded outside the palace.

Xu Jie straightened his sleeves and stepped inside.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Zaigui, who was supposed to be in Miyun, had returned to the Hall at some point and was standing in front of a huge sea map, lost in thought.

"Your Highness, I, Xu Jie, greet you."

Xu Jie saluted respectfully.

"You don't have to be so polite, sir."

Zhu Zaigui turned around with a gentle smile on his face, "I called you here so urgently because I really have something I want to ask you."

Xu Jie's heart tightened, but he didn't show it on his face: "Your Majesty, your words are too kind. I will do my best to serve you."

Zhu Zaigui pointed to the sea chart and said, "Please look at this, sir. This is the route map of Zheng He's voyages during the Yongle period. Back then, our Ming fleet sailed as far as Arabia. How majestic it was. Unfortunately, in recent decades, the court has implemented a maritime ban, and no ship can go to sea. The livelihood of the people along the coast is difficult."

Xu Jie narrowed his eyes slightly, and he already understood Prince Yu's intention. This was to test his attitude towards opening the sea.

"Your Majesty, the maritime ban is an ancient system to prevent Japanese pirates from invading and silver from flowing out. Although there have been discussions about relaxing the ban in recent years, it is a serious matter and requires long-term consideration."

Zhu Zaigui chuckled and picked up a memorial from the table: "Lord, this is a memorial from Fujian Governor Tan Lun, saying that the people along the coast are suffering because of the maritime ban, and many people take risks to smuggle goods, and even collude with Japanese pirates. Instead of blocking, it is better to open the Maritime Customs Office and regulate trade. This can not only increase the treasury revenue, but also appease the people. It is a win-win situation."

"And this is the consensus I reached with all the officials at the court meeting some time ago. Have you forgotten it, Lord?"

Zhu Zaigui's words also forced Xu Jie into a corner.

At the same time, Zhu Zaigui also raised his hand and handed over Tan Lun's memorial.

Xu Jie hurriedly took the memorial respectfully, his fingers trembling slightly.

At the same time, Xu Jie also saw a letter without sealing wax placed in front of the huge sea chart in front of Zhu Zaigui - the familiar paper and handwriting were clearly a secret letter he wrote to his hometown in Songjiang!
"The elder looks unwell, but is he feeling unwell?"

Zhu Zaigui asked with concern, but a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

"I am fine, just..."

Xu Jie tried to remain calm, but his eyes unconsciously glanced at the letter, "I just think that what Governor Tan said does make sense, but I'm afraid there will be a lot of resistance in implementing it."

Zhu Zaigui chuckled, walked slowly to the window with his hands behind his back, and continued with his back to Xu Jie, "Yes, there is resistance. The biggest resistance probably comes from those powerful gentry who make profits from smuggling. They use the maritime ban policy to monopolize trade, enrich themselves, and even collude with Japanese pirates to harm the people along the coast."

Then Zhu Zaigui suddenly turned around, stared at Xu Jie with a sharp gaze, and said in a chilling voice, "Lord, what crime do you think this gentleman should be punished for?"

Xu Jie felt dizzy and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

Prince Yu's words were full of hidden meanings, clearly hinting that he had obtained evidence that the Xu family was involved in smuggling.

When Xu Jie thought of the mountains of smuggled silk and porcelain in his hometown of Songjiang, as well as the secret transactions with Western merchants,
If these were discovered, the Xu family's century-old foundation would be destroyed. "Your Majesty."

Xu Jie's voice was hoarse. "I think that the law is nothing more than human feelings. If it is a first offense, maybe we can give him some leniency and let him reform."

Zhu Zaigui was almost amused by Xu Jie.

Zhu Zai laughed and said, "You are indeed kindhearted! I think so too. Instead of starting a war, why not give him a chance?"

Zhu Zaigui then walked up to Xu Jie and lowered his voice, as if whispering from a god, as if saying something that had nothing to do with him, "As long as these people are willing to cooperate with the court's policy of reopening the Maritime Customs, the past can be forgiven."

Xu Jie finally understood Prince Yu's true intention.

This was not a confession but a deal - exchanging the Xu family's political support for forgiveness of past wrongdoings.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Xu Jie took a deep breath and knelt down decisively. The situation was stronger than the person!
Xu Jie, who was kneeling on the ground, continued: "I will do my best to make this happen."

Zhu Zaigui looked at Xu Jie who was already kneeling, nodded with satisfaction, and personally helped Xu Jie up: "With the help of the elder, why worry about not being able to accomplish great things?"

"correct,"

Zhu Zaigui pointed at the letter again, seemingly unintentionally. "This was 'picked up' by a Dongchang soldier under Chen Hong on the road. He said it belonged to the Xu residence, so I kept it for you. I don't know what's written in it. You should take it back quickly, in case it's an emergency in the residence. What if you delay it?"

Xu Jie was shocked and realized that this was Prince Yu's warning and assurance - the evidence was in his hands, but as long as Xu Jie cooperated, he could put it aside for now and talk about it later.

Xu Jie quickly knelt on the ground again and kowtowed heavily. He felt extremely frustrated and uncomfortable. He said in a trembling voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!"

Zhu Zaigui turned around, waved his hand, without even looking at Xu Jie, and let him leave.

When we left Wenhua Hall, the wind suddenly started to blow, and it seemed to be blowing from the south.

Sitting in the sedan chair, Xu Jie felt more tired and old than ever before.

He knew that he had just made a choice on the political scale - in order to preserve the Xu family, he had to give up his insistence on the maritime ban policy and instead support Prince Yu's plan to open the sea.

Otherwise, the Xu family would be doomed to fall, and his fate would be even worse than that of Yan Song and Yan Shifan.

So Xu Jie had no choice.

Even though he knew that this was a temporary solution and could only save him temporarily, he was willing to do it.

Otherwise, the consequences are unimaginable.
As soon as the sedan chair returned to Xu's house, Xu Jie ordered someone to deliver an express letter, asking his sons to come to Beijing urgently.

The reason for doing so was, firstly, to show loyalty to Zhu Zaigui, and secondly, to prepare for the worst-case scenario for the future of the Xu family.

A few days later, Xu Jie's son finally arrived in the capital from Songjiang after a tireless and crazy journey.

Xu Fan, who had just seen his father, looked at Xu Jie in disbelief.

"Dad, are we just going to give in like this?"

Xu Fan obviously still did not see the situation clearly and thought that the Xu family's influence in Jiangnan was still a huge and indestructible important foundation.

He said angrily, "Dad, our Xu family has a complex relationship with the Jiangnan gentry. If we support opening the sea, we will become the target of public criticism!"

Xu Jie looked at his son coldly: "Kneel down!"

Xu Fan knelt on the ground in indignation.

Xu Jie continued with a cold face: "Look at what you have done. Don't you have enough wealth and land of the Xu family to squander in several lifetimes?"

"Look at you now. How can you still look like a disciple of a saint? Prince Yu has already obtained evidence of your smuggling! Xu An's life or death is uncertain now. The secret letter I wrote to you is in Prince Yu's hands! What else do you want your father to do?"

Xu Fan, who was kneeling on the ground, was obviously dazzled by wealth and interests, as well as his father's position as the leader of the literati and the prime minister of the dynasty.

I thought that the current Xu family was an omnipotent behemoth that no one could contend with!

Xu Fan said unwillingly: "We can unite with other noble families to resist. Even the emperor would be wary of the power of the gentry in Jiangnan, let alone Prince Yu who has not yet ascended the throne?"

"Confused!"

Xu Jie slammed the table and stood up, raising his hand and slapping Xu Fan hard in the face.

"Have you forgotten the fate of Yan Song and his son? Your Majesty is old and has not been involved in politics for a long time. Prince Yu will soon take the throne. If you resist now, you will destroy yourself!"

There was dead silence in the study, with only the crisp sound of slap echoing.

Xu Jie looked around at Xu Fan and his other sons. Are these second-generation rich kids who are not only afraid of what it is really his offspring?

Yan Shifan was not so cruel back then. He was not so desperate as to value money over his life!
At this moment, Xu Jie's heart was filled with fear, unwillingness and confusion.

He knew he had to convince these idiots to accept reality.

Xu Jie took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and lowered his voice, "Listen, Prince Yu has given us a way out. Supporting the opening of the sea may seem to harm some immediate interests, but in the long run, it may not be a bad thing."

"What does dad mean?"

The second son Xu Kun asked cautiously.

Xu Jie's eyes gleamed with a gleam of light: "After the reopening of the Maritime Customs, trade will be standardized and the profits from smuggling will indeed decrease. But with our Xu family's foundation in Songjiang, we can become the court's designated trader and monopolize legal channels. Moreover, Prince Yu needs our support and will definitely compensate us in other ways."

The clansmen looked at each other in bewilderment, and gradually understood Xu Jie's far-sightedness. This was not a simple surrender, but a political re-alignment and reorganization of interests.

But could this just be Xu Jie's wishful thinking?

Only God knows.

But now we must make these deceiving things stop, otherwise the Xu family’s roots will be cut off!

"What should we do now?"

Xu Fan finally softened.

Xu Jie pondered for a moment: "First, you rush back to Songjiang overnight and destroy all the account books and evidence related to smuggling; second, write letters to the Jiangnan families in my name, euphemistically expressing support for limited opening of the sea; finally."

Xu Jie took another deep breath and said, "Prepare a detailed memorial to the emperor, elaborating on the specific plan for reopening the Maritime Customs Office, and highlighting its role in increasing national treasury revenue and strengthening coastal defense."

After listening to Xu Jie's words, Xu Kun asked in surprise: "Father, are you going to personally promote this matter?"

Xu Jie smiled bitterly, "This is the 'step' given to us by Prince Yu, and it is also the only way to survive. Either we actively cooperate and save our family, or we resist to the end and perish together with us."

After arranging these things, Xu Jie also made his sons disappear from his sight.

He now truly understood the hardships and sufferings that Yan Song experienced in his later years.

Having a group of sons who don’t know what life and death are and what fear is is truly a great disaster in life!
Xu Jie sat weakly on the armchair in the study. He thought about his decades of ups and downs in officialdom, from a small Hanlin editor to the prime minister, every step was like walking on thin ice.

Now, he is once again standing at the crossroads of fate, and is being carried by his sons. The pain and resentment he feels can naturally be imagined.

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