Ming Dynasty: I risked my life to teach the prince, the emperor begged me not to die

Chapter 567 Late Night Conversation
The summer evening breeze was barely noticeable and the weather was still very hot. Emperor Hongzhi pushed Chen Ce and walked slowly in the courtyard.

If the officials of the Ming Dynasty saw the emperor personally pushing the cart for his minister Chen Ce, they would probably be shocked.

"Something happened on the Japanese island."

Emperor Hongzhi simply informed Chen Ce about what happened on the Japanese islands. This was within Chen Ce's expectations. Ever since the Ming Dynasty conquered the Japanese islands, it had been neglecting the management of the islands.

As the power of the feudal lords in Japan increased, Chen Ce would find it strange if these things did not happen.

However, these were not a big deal. The reason why Zhu Houzhao was angry was that he had never encountered such a thing. Emperor Hongzhi was much calmer.

"Fei Hong has done a good job." Chen Ce said to Emperor Hongzhi, "He is more than capable of helping the crown prince govern the country."

Emperor Hongzhi nodded in agreement and said to Chen Ce, "The Japanese islands are still too far away from the Ming Dynasty. Even if we can send a group of officials there and send censors from the Censorate to inspect at any time, it will still increase the power of the officials and cause harm to the people."

Chen Ce said: "This matter is difficult to solve completely. In the thousands of years of Chinese dynasties, which dynasty did not have corrupt officials? The increase in power is bound to breed corruption. As long as they don't do it so obviously and don't treat the people like cattle and horses, it will be fine."

"By monitoring local officials every year, we can quickly maintain a superficial calm."

After a moment of silence, Chen Ce suggested to Emperor Hongzhi: "If there is any way to develop the islands in eastern Zhejiang, it would be best to do so and relocate some people there. They can be used as a stepping stone for the Ming Dynasty to expand eastward, and can also be used for military defense near the coast."

Emperor Hongzhi hummed and said, "That's a good idea."

Chen Ce said: "As for the Japanese islands, after the authority of those vassal kings is taken back, they should no longer be given any power. They should be kept in their fiefdoms little by little, and the court should not pay them salaries. In the future, their salaries can be directly given to them according to the economic profits of the local government."

Emperor Hongzhi hesitated for a moment and said, "I'm afraid this will make them unhappy."

Chen Ce smiled and said, "What if I'm dissatisfied? Does the emperor still care so much?"

Emperor Hongzhi was awakened by this blow. Yes, he didn't need to care so much at all. He was dying anyway, so he should help Zhu Houzhao solve some troubles while he could still do so.

As for whether he would be criticized or not, he didn't need to care so much.

"I let Liu Jin enter the Imperial Household Department." Emperor Hongzhi said to Chen Ce.

At the beginning of this year, Emperor Hongzhi talked to Chen Ce about making a comprehensive adjustment to the officials of the Ming Dynasty. Now that Li Dongyang has withdrawn from the cabinet, Emperor Hongzhi has basically completed the adjustment of civil servants.

The most difficult position to adjust among all the civil servants is undoubtedly the prime minister of the cabinet. However, with Chen Ce's reminder, Li Dongyang, the biggest uncertain factor, has also withdrawn from the cabinet.

Of course, Fei Hong cannot be immediately transferred to the position of Prime Minister of the Cabinet, after all, Xie Qian’s qualifications are there, but this is only a matter of time.

After the civil servants were adjusted, Emperor Hongzhi began to adjust the Imperial Household Department.

That's why he placed Liu Jin into the Imperial Household Department in order to train Liu Jin, and the purpose was of course to consolidate Zhu Houzhao's imperial power.

When he and Chen Ce passed away in the future, there would be no one to protect Zhu Houzhao from the wind and rain, and many things that were inconvenient for him as the emperor could be handed over to Liu Jin.

Chen Ce smiled and said, "It seems that the emperor has made all the arrangements... But it's not a solution to keep doing this. Sooner or later, he will find out about your body."

"One day of delay is one day of delay."

Just as Chen Ce was talking privately with Emperor Hongzhi, Zhu Houzhao came over from a distance and said, "Father, little brother, what are you talking about? Why are you talking about it until now? Aren't you going to eat?"

Chen Ce said, "I am discussing the matter of the Japanese island with the emperor."

Zhu Houzhao said indignantly: "These bastards! If they were not members of the royal family of the Ming Dynasty, I would have slaughtered them like dogs!" Chen Ce and Emperor Hongzhi were both speechless. This was in line with Zhu Houzhao's youthful vigor. However, with Fei Hong there, there was no need to worry.

Emperor Hongzhi still reminded Zhu Houzhao: "You, you, listen to your teacher more in the future, okay?"

"knew."

Zhu Houzhao took the wheelchair of Emperor Hongzhi and pushed Chen Ce to continue walking in the garden. He asked Chen Ce, "Little brother, how are you doing recently?"

"I have been very busy lately, dealing with many memorials, many of which I cannot handle clearly. If you could be in the palace, I wouldn't have to worry."

"Otherwise you can move to the palace."

Chen Ce: “…”

"Isn't Mr. Fei in the cabinet? If you don't understand, you can ask him."

Zhu Houzhao said: "Forget it, let's just ask Father... Well, Father, when will you come over to take over? I'm too tired recently, I need to take a break!"

Emperor Hongzhi said, "Didn't I let Liu Jin enter the Imperial Household Department? Liu Jin can also help you review memorials in the future."

Zhu Houzhao grumbled, "How come you have arranged everything so well, as if you were arranging your funeral affairs, so that you can have some free time, and you leave me to do many things... Father, you were not like this before!"

"Why are you so lazy lately?"

Chen Ce glanced at Emperor Hongzhi and said to Zhu Houzhao with a smile, "Your Majesty, why don't you allow him to enjoy himself? He has been in power for seventeen years. It's time for him to take a break and recuperate."

"Besides, the Ming Dynasty will be given to you sooner or later. Now let's see your ability to govern. In the future, the emperor... and me will be at ease."

After Chen Ce finished speaking, without giving Zhu Houzhao time to react, he immediately changed the subject and asked Zhu Houzhao: "By the way, when will your child be born?"

"Don't be so caught up in government affairs that you forget your business. My son will become sworn brothers with your son in the future!"

Zhu Houzhao chuckled and said, "Okay! Don't worry, little brother, I will work hard!"

Chen Ce hummed and said, "Then it's settled."

"Also, spend more time with the emperor. Hasn't he been free lately?"

Zhu Houzhao scratched his head and said, "Father, you should spend more time with mother. Recently, mother has been suspecting that you have someone else outside."

"Liu Jin just came to tell me that my two uncles are squatting outside the mansion now."

Emperor Hongzhi asked in confusion, "Why are these two guys sneaking around outside Chun Jian's house?"

Zhu Houzhao said: "Isn't this simple? Squat down and let your father see whether you are going to have fun with that woman."

Emperor Hongzhi snorted and said, "How outrageous!"

"These two bastards, they dared to monitor my whereabouts, they are so bold, aren't they?"

(End of this chapter)