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In the early summer of the forty-fourth year of the Jiajing reign, Beijing was shrouded in an atmosphere of impending storm.

Although Yan Shifan had been imprisoned and Yan Song had been dismissed from his post and placed in idleness, this father and son, who had dominated the court for twenty years, were still making a final struggle.

Inside the accounting office, candlelight blazed brightly.

Zhao Deming hurriedly brought a roll of account books to Su Ning, his expression grave: "My lord, the Ministry of Works' accounts that we just verified show that Yan Shifan is still operating in secret while in prison. He is using prison guards to pass on orders to his cronies to destroy land account books in Henan, Shandong, and other places. This is an attempt to cut off the very foundation of our Accounting Bureau!"

At the same time, Zhang Juzheng also sent someone to secretly report that although Yan Song had lost power, his protégé, Liu Pengfei, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, had been frequently contacting censors from various circuits recently, seemingly preparing a large-scale impeachment.

Suning knows that evil must be eradicated completely.

So he immediately ordered: "Chief Zhao, you personally lead a team to retrieve the key evidence from Henan and other places before the account books are destroyed. Be quick and discreet!"

"Yes! Sir."

That night, Suning did something that surprised everyone...

He secretly invited Wang Yongming, a core member of the Yan Party and the former Vice Minister of War who had been dismissed, to the Accounting Department.

“Minister Wang,” Su Ning dismissed his attendants and pushed an account book in front of him, “this is the evidence of your embezzlement in the Ministry of War over the years, enough to warrant execution. But if you are willing to testify that Yan Shifan coerced you into falsely reporting troop numbers and withholding military pay, I can plead with the Emperor to ensure the safety of your family.”

Faced with irrefutable evidence and Su Ning's combination of threats and inducements, Wang Yongming finally broke down and confessed in detail how Yan Shifan had instructed him to embezzle military funds and use them to bribe border generals.

This confession became the final straw that broke Yan Shifan's back.

Three days later, after receiving Wang Yongming's confession and the latest evidence from Henan and other places, the Jiajing Emperor was furious and immediately issued an edict: "Yan Shifan has deceived the emperor and perverted the law, and his crimes are heinous. He shall be executed immediately! Yan Song has allowed his son to commit violence. He shall be stripped of all his official positions and titles, and his family property shall be confiscated!"

However, on the very day Yan Shifan was taken to the West Market for execution, a frenzied counterattack began.

Led by Liu Pengfei, the remnants of Yan's faction gathered dozens of his students and former officials to jointly impeach Su Ning for "abusing his power, framing ministers, and associating with eunuchs."

The memorial fabricated ten major charges against him, each word a veiled attack on his conscience.

"Su Anbang used the pretext of investigation to eliminate dissidents!"

"The Accounting Bureau is above the Six Ministries; if this precedent is set, the nation will cease to exist!"

Even worse, some dug up old stories of how the canal gangsters helped Su Ning and falsely accused him of "colluding with gangsters and having ulterior motives."

In an instant, impeachment memorials poured into the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs like snowflakes, and the office of the Accounting Department was even vandalized by unidentified thugs throwing stones.

Zhao Deming and other veteran officials were deeply worried: "Sir, there is much discussion in the court and among the people, and even some among the upright officials are questioning whether our methods are too extreme. What... what should we do?"

Despite the overwhelming offensive, Suning remained remarkably calm.

He knew all too well that this was the inevitable growing pain of the transition between old and new powers.

With the covert maneuvering of Zhang Juzheng and Xu Jie, he chose to retreat in order to advance, submitting a memorial requesting to suspend all affairs of the Accounting Department and accept the court's investigation.

However, during the investigation, Su Ning instructed Zhao Deming and others to selectively release some of the evidence of Yan Dang's corruption over the years.

When those shocking figures quietly circulated in the capital—that a villa in the Yan family cost 300,000 taels of silver to build and that Yan Shifan spent 1,000 taels of silver on a single meal—the public's anger was ignited, and public opinion began to reverse.

Ultimately, with the tacit approval of the Jiajing Emperor and the strong protection of Xu Jie, the impeachment storm ended with Liu Pengfei and others being demoted for "falsely accusing ministers."

After this battle, Yan's faction's influence in the court was completely eliminated, and although Su Ning and his accounting bureau were badly damaged, they also established their authority in the court.

Under the moonlight, Su Ning stood in the courtyard of the Accounting Department and said to Zhao Deming and the others, "You have all seen the danger we faced today. The way of auditing is not only to check the accounts, but also to understand how to assess the situation. The abacus in our hands must not only calculate money and grain, but also people's hearts."

"Yes! Sir."

……

By the spring of the forty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign, the reputation of the Accounting Bureau had spread throughout the court and the country.

After completely overthrowing Yan's faction, Su Ning did not stop, but every step he took afterward was more cautious and precise.

That day, Zhang Juzheng quietly visited the Office of Accounting and presented a list to Su Ning: "Anbang, this is Grand Secretary Xu's intention. Liu Shouyi, the Right Vice Minister of War, Zhao Wenhua, the Director of the Ministry of Works, and others, while outwardly distancing themselves from the Yan faction, are secretly colluding and have repeatedly obstructed the new policies in court. As for this Ma Shun..."

Zhang Juzheng tapped the end of the list lightly with his finger. "He took advantage of being the son of the emperor's wet nurse to embezzle huge sums of money while supervising the construction of the palace in Nanjing. The emperor was already dissatisfied but was only reluctant to do so because of their relationship."

Suning immediately understood.

Xu Jie intended to use the Accounting Bureau as a swift tool to eliminate political enemies while also currying favor with the Jiajing Emperor, dealing with the "fat sheep" that the emperor had long disliked.

Over the next three months, the movements of the Accounting Office became the focus of attention for both the government and the public.

Under Su Ning's command, veteran officials like Zhao Deming demonstrated superb auditing skills:
As for Liu Shouyi, they started by examining the military equipment ledgers of the Ministry of War's Armory Department and discovered that he had written off obsolete military equipment under the guise of "damage," but in reality, he resold it to the border and made tens of thousands of taels of silver in profit.

What's even more ingenious is that these transactions were mostly handled by his brother-in-law and had nothing to do with Xu Jie's faction.

As for Zhao Wenhua, they set their sights on the water conservancy projects under his supervision.

By comparing the Ministry of Works' accounts with the records of local prefectures, it was discovered that they had falsely reported the number of river works and embezzled funds.

All the evidence cleverly avoided mentioning several Ministry of Works officials who had close ties with Xu Jie.

As for Ma Shun, Su Ning personally made arrangements for him.

He sent people to Nanjing to investigate and found that Ma Shun, under the guise of building a temporary palace for the emperor, not only inflated the prices of building materials but also subcontracted the project to his relatives by marriage, thus exploiting them at every level.

The evidence was conclusive, and every single one of the charges pointed to the very things that Emperor Jiajing hated most: "deceiving the emperor" and "disloyalty."

However, when Zhao Deming excitedly presented another piece of evidence regarding the corruption of Li Chunfang, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue...

Although this person was somewhat corrupt, he had always been on good terms with Xu Jie. Su Ning merely glanced at the file before suppressing it.

"The evidence for Minister Li's case is not yet sufficient, so it will be put on hold for now."

Zhao Deming was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized: "This humble official understands."

Within a few months, Liu Shouyi and Zhao Wenhua were both dismissed from their posts, and Ma Shun was even taken directly from Nanjing to Beijing.

The court and the public were shaken, and no one dared to challenge the authority of the Accounting Bureau.

However, some observant people discovered that the officials who were investigated were either Xu Jie's political enemies or "fat sheep" that the emperor had long wanted to get rid of, while the officials who were truly close to Xu Jie, even if they were somewhat corrupt, always managed to get away with it.

Late that night, Xu Jie personally poured tea for Su Ning in the cabinet office: "You've worked hard lately to stabilize the country. Your efforts in eradicating corruption and rectifying the court are of great merit to the nation!"

He smiled meaningfully, "I heard that Vice Minister Li came to my residence the other day to express his gratitude, saying that he thanked my nephew for his keen insight in clearing his name?"

Su Ning calmly raised his glass: "Your Excellency is too kind. The work of the Accounting Department is merely to share His Majesty's burdens and to rid the court of a scourge. As for Vice Minister Li... I was simply doing my duty."

Xu Jie nodded in satisfaction and said no more.

Stepping out of the duty room, the bright moon in the night sky was obscured by thin clouds, appearing and disappearing intermittently.

Su Ning knew he was walking a dangerous tightrope...

It is necessary to demonstrate the sharpness of the accounting bureau while also understanding the political choices; it is necessary to combat corruption while avoiding becoming a tool for factional struggles.

This "Imperial Sword," bestowed by the emperor himself, can be a powerful tool for governing the country if used properly, but if used improperly, it can backfire and harm the ruler.

But at least for now, he has allowed the Accounting Department to firmly establish itself in this turbulent court.

As for the truly monstrous crocodiles hidden beneath the surface, the time for reckoning has not yet come.

……

In early summer, the pomegranate flowers in the Forbidden City are in full bloom.

An unexpected arranged marriage swept through the capital city even before the summer heat arrived.

That afternoon, Xu Jie made an exception and invited Su Ning to his residence to appreciate paintings.

The Grand Secretary's private residence was not luxurious, only adorned with walls full of books and several potted orchids. When a painting of auspicious cranes by Emperor Huizong of Song was unfurled, Xu Jie seemingly casually remarked:

"Anbang, do you know that my youngest granddaughter, Minglan, turned 18 last year but is still unmarried?"

Su Ning paused slightly in the hand holding the scroll.

He had naturally heard of this sixth young lady of the Xu family, who was not only outstanding in appearance, but also well-versed in poetry and literature, and was Xu Jie's most beloved granddaughter.

Xu Jie continued to slowly unfold the painting, but his gaze fell on Su Ning's face: "It's quite a coincidence. The other day, Minglan was reading the 'Accounting Records of the Jiajing Emperor' and was quite impressed with the new policies on canal transport. She even asked about the compiler's age."

He gently stroked the crane in the painting: "My granddaughter has very high standards. So many princes and noblemen in the capital have sought her hand in marriage, but she hasn't taken a single one of them seriously."

At this point, the true intentions have been revealed.

Su Ning put down the scroll and bowed deeply: "I am deeply grateful for Your Excellency's favor, but I come from a humble background, and I'm afraid..."

“Hey,” Xu Jie raised his hand to interrupt, “Anbang, don’t underestimate yourself. You are now a Hanlin Academy reader personally appointed by the Emperor, and the head of the Accounting Department. What’s even more rare is that you have the talent to govern the world. I have been in the court for decades and have seen too many talented young people. Someone like you, my nephew, who is both sharp and strategic, is truly a rare find.”

He ordered his men to put away the painting and personally poured Su Ning a cup of tea: "It's quite a coincidence. That day, when the Emperor was at the Wenyuan Pavilion, he saw you presenting the regulations of the Accounting Bureau and even asked about your family affairs. Hearing that you were not yet married, the Emperor said, 'It's time to settle down.'"

The implication in those words sent a jolt through Su Ning.

With the emperor's attention and the prime minister's favor, this marriage was no longer just a simple alliance.

Sure enough, three days later, when Emperor Jiajing summoned Su Ning to the West Garden, he also brought up the matter: "I have met Grand Secretary Xu's granddaughter. She is well-educated and reasonable, and is worthy of you, the top scholar."

The emperor lightly tapped the altar with his fingers, "Now that you've started a family, you can focus on serving the court."

"Your Majesty, I thank you."

Meanwhile, in the backyard of the Xu residence, Xu Minglan was practicing calligraphy by the window.

The maid whispered, "Miss, that Lord Su presented new auditing regulations at the Wenyuan Pavilion today. I heard that even Eunuch Lü from the Directorate of Ceremonial praised them highly."

Xu Minglan continued writing, only giving a faint reply, though her ears turned slightly red.

She recalled the image of the official in the green robe calmly dealing with the Yan Party's questions at last year's poetry gathering; she recalled the powerful annotations in his compiled "Accounting Records".

This marriage caused quite a stir in the capital.

Xu Jie's protégés and old friends offered their congratulations, but secretly they were all speculating: what changes would this marriage between the Grand Secretary and the head of the Accounting Department bring to the court?
On the wedding day, the Xu family mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers.

Zhang Juzheng, acting as matchmaker, personally officiated at the wedding of the two.

On their wedding night, Su Ning gently lifted the bride's veil and saw a pair of clear, bright eyes.

“I have read your book, ‘On the Grand Canal,’” Xu Minglan said softly. “The idea of ​​‘changing the Grand Canal to the sea’ is refreshing.”

Su Ning paused for a moment, then smiled: "Does Madam think this plan is feasible?"

With red candles flickering, the newlyweds in their bridal chamber were discussing the new policies for canal transport.

Outside the window, Xu Jie listened to the faint sounds of conversation, stroking his beard and smiling.

He knew that this marriage was not only a good match for his granddaughter, but also a solid guarantee for the future of the Xu family.

For this rising star, the Xu family's protégés and former associates will become his strongest support on his future path.

The moonlight, as clear as water, spilled onto the eaves of the Xu residence.

That night, the fates of the two families became intertwined, and the political landscape of the Ming Dynasty was quietly changing because of this marriage.

……

The winter of the 45th year of the Jiajing reign was exceptionally cold in Beijing.

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, just after the Little New Year, a heavy snowfall turned the Forbidden City into a pristine white.

Inside the Wanshou Palace in the West Garden, the smoke of sandalwood was thicker than ever before, yet it still couldn't mask the faint smell of medicine.

Emperor Jiajing, Zhu Houcong, lay on his dragon bed, his withered hand tightly clutching a piece of yellow silk—the edict he had barely managed to write the day before.

"Your Majesty..." Lu Fang, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, knelt before the bed, tears streaming down his face.

Emperor Jiajing slightly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the cabinet ministers, empresses, and princes kneeling on the ground.

His gaze lingered on Prince Yu, Zhu Zaiji, for a moment before slowly shifting away.

"I... am going." The emperor's voice was so weak it was almost inaudible. "Thirty years... I have been cultivating Taoism in this Western Garden for thirty years..."

He suddenly started coughing violently, and Lü Fang rushed over to pat his back.

Once his breathing had calmed down, the Jiajing Emperor's gaze suddenly cleared:

"By imperial decree: Prince Yu, Zaiji, is naturally benevolent and filial, and is fit to inherit the throne..."

Before he could finish his words, he started coughing violently again.

Xu Jie hurriedly kowtowed: "Your Majesty, we will obey your decree!"

The Jiajing Emperor raised his hand with difficulty and pointed to a sandalwood box next to his dragon bed.

Lü Fang understood and quickly opened it. Inside was a warm and lustrous Tianhuang stone seal, the emperor's most beloved private seal.

"Give...give to Yijun..." The Jiajing Emperor's gaze fell on his grandson kneeling behind Prince Yu, "...tell him...that his grandfather...could not..."

The words stopped abruptly.

At 3:45 PM on the 14th day of the 12th month of the 45th year of the Jiajing reign, Zhu Houcong, the eleventh emperor of the Ming Dynasty, passed away at the age of sixty.

He ruled the empire for forty-five years, spending the first half of his life working diligently and the second half in seclusion in the Western Garden, becoming a familiar stranger.

As the death knell tolled, Suning was in the accounting department checking the last batch of annual accounts.

The bells rang incessantly, and his pen paused, a drop of ink spreading across the ledger.

“My lord…” Zhao Deming pushed open the door and entered, his voice choked with sobs, “The Emperor… has passed away.”

Su Ning slowly got up and walked to the window.

The heavy snow continued to fall, shrouding the entire capital in a solemn white.

He recalled the emperor who summoned him in the alchemy room, the emperor who bestowed upon him a qilin robe and permitted him to establish the Bureau of Accounting, the emperor who seemed obsessed with Taoist cultivation but had a keen understanding of the political situation.

"Pass down the order," Su Ning said softly, "The Bureau of Auditing shall cease all auditing activities immediately and observe mourning for the Emperor."

Meanwhile, the Prince Yu's residence was entirely white.

Zhu Zaiji knelt before the coffin, clutching tightly in his hand the Tianhuang stone seal that his father had bestowed upon his grandson as a last gift.

Three-year-old Zhu Yijun, dressed in mourning clothes, timidly tugged at his father's sleeve.
"Father, has Grandfather gone to heaven to become a god?"

Zhu Zaiji embraced his son, tears silently streaming down his face.

Three days later, the new emperor ascended the throne and established the reign title as Longqing.

The snow on the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City had not yet melted, and it gleamed coldly in the winter sun.

Xu Jie stood outside the Wenhua Hall, watching the new emperor receive the congratulations of the officials, and said softly to Su Ning beside him, "An era has come to an end."

Su Ning gazed at the alluring dragon throne in the hall, remaining silent.

...(End of chapter)