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Time flies, and the once spirited governor of Yingtian is now a highly influential official in the court.

However, Su Ning, who was twenty-nine years old, had never married a wife, which became an anomaly in the Ming Dynasty's officialdom.

Over the years, matchmakers have practically worn down the threshold of the Su family mansion.

From the descendants of the meritorious officials who fought in the Jingnan Campaign to the daughters of upright officials who spoke out against injustice, and even the daughters of powerful families in Jiangnan, countless noble ladies have shown great favor to this young minister whose power is growing and who is deeply loved by the emperor.

However, Suning seemed to ignore these offers, consistently declining them on the grounds that they were "too busy with national affairs to care about their families."

Although he had not married a legal wife, the inner courtyard of the Su family was full of beauties.

There are talented women from Jiangnan who are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, understanding beauties from the north, and even a few overseas women with exotic charm.

Although these women were collectively referred to as "concubines" by outsiders, they lived a far more comfortable and carefree life in the Su family than the wives of ordinary families.

They each had their own strengths. Some assisted in managing Suning's huge business accounts, some were responsible for taking care of his daily life, and some were simply kept by his side because he appreciated their talent and appearance.

On this day, after listening to Su Ning explain the structure of the new loom in the study of the Su residence, Emperor Wanli finally could not suppress his curiosity.

The young emperor put down his teacup and asked with a mixture of amusement and curiosity:

"Mr. Su, I have heard that all the young ladies in the capital yearn to enter the Su family. You are now in the highest position of the court, yet you have yet to establish a principal wife. Do you truly intend to emulate the famous scholars of the Wei and Jin dynasties and become a refined man who remains unmarried for life?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ning calmly refilled the emperor's teacup, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Your Majesty is joking. It is not that I am indifferent to women, nor do I pursue any kind of elegance." He paused, his tone calm but firm, "I simply feel that if I cannot have my own choice when it comes to marriage, I would rather not have it at all."

"Oh?" Wanli raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the answer. "What do you mean?"

“Your Majesty, please consider,” Su Ning said frankly, “If I were to marry a powerful woman for political reasons, there would be no peace in the Su household. I would have to take care of her family, arrange things for her relatives, adhere to all the rules, and even taking a concubine would require me to consider the wife’s feelings. Every move would be intertwined with the interests of the court and the inner court. Just thinking about such constraints makes me feel suffocated.”

He gently swirled the teacup in his hand and continued, "As for mutual affection? In this world, women who can understand my heart and share my interests are probably rarer than phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. If I were to marry a woman I don't like and place her in the position of principal wife just for the sake of marriage, and we end up disliking each other, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?"

Emperor Wanli listened intently and couldn't help but ask, "Then, sir, aren't you afraid of what others will say about you now that you're like this?"

“Of course there are criticisms,” Su Ning said with a smile. “But I believe that what people seek in life is nothing more than pleasure. Since there is such a need, the women in my household who know me well and are obedient and charming are enough to satisfy it. They each do their part, and I can enjoy peace and quiet. Why bother to find an ancestor to worship and put shackles on myself?”

He concluded with an unwavering resolve: "In the end, for me, I would rather die than live without freedom. I would rather leave this position of principal wife vacant than accept it."

These shocking remarks left Emperor Wanli stunned for a long time.

He was taught the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues from childhood, and had never heard of such unorthodox "liberalism".
But looking at Su Ning's calm and composed expression, and thinking about his unconventional actions, the young emperor suddenly felt that perhaps this was precisely what made Mr. Su different from others.

"Sir is indeed...unconventional." This was the only comment Wanli could make in the end, but there was no blame in his tone; instead, there was a hint of envy that was barely perceptible.

Looking at the emperor's thoughtful expression, Su Ning knew that his "theory of freedom" had planted a different seed in the young monarch's heart.

As for those worldly criticisms?
He never took it to heart.

……

In the sixth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, the court, under Zhang Juzheng's iron-fisted control, operated like a sophisticated machine.

As reforms such as the land survey and the Single Whip Law entered their more complex phases, the Ministry of Works, which controlled all public works, construction, mining, and metallurgy, became increasingly important.

The vacancy of the Minister of Works, who was old and seeking retirement, immediately became the focus of attention in the court and among the public.

After several secret discussions in the Wenhua Hall, the imperial decree was finally issued: Su Ning was granted the title of Minister of Works, concurrently serving as Vice Minister of Works, and in charge of all affairs of the ministry.

This appointment was both reasonable and subtly scheming.

It is reasonable that, among all the civil and military officials, no one could surpass Su Ning in terms of profound understanding and practical achievements in engineering construction, mining and metallurgical innovation, and machinery manufacturing.

Although he was not in office, he had already deeply intervened in and actually influenced the industrial policies of the Ming Dynasty through a series of achievements such as the "Daming Supermarket" system, the Huainan Coal Mine, and the Dangtu Ironworks.

His appointment to head the Ministry of Works was well-deserved, and even the most discerning censors could hardly raise any objections to his "professional competence."

However, the secret lies in the word "professional".

The appointment was made at the behest of Zhang Juzheng and was also approved by the Wanli Emperor.

However, Zhang Juzheng's brilliance lay in the fact that he only gave Su Ning the position of "Minister," but did not, as was customary, grant him the qualification to "enter the cabinet and participate in state affairs."

This means that Suning is firmly confined to the category of "technocrats".

He could mobilize resources to mine, build water conservancy projects, and improve machinery, providing stronger material support for reforms. However, he could not enter the true decision-making core of the empire—the cabinet—to participate in the highest-level personnel appointments, policy formulation, and strategic direction decisions.

It is a delicate balance and suppression.

Zhang Juzheng needed Su Ning's talent and his unconventional spirit to inject stronger practical momentum into his reforms, especially in terms of increasing revenue and strengthening the foundation of the nation.

However, he also knew that Suning was a man of deep thoughts and unconventional ways, and that he held the all-pervasive dark network of "Daming Supermarket," which was showing signs of becoming too powerful to be controlled.

If he were to enter the cabinet and obtain the title of prime minister, his channels of direct communication with the inner court, censors, and even the emperor would be much smoother, and his influence would be immeasurable. He might even interfere with or deviate from the reform path set by Zhang Juzheng.

Therefore, placing Suning in the extremely important yet relatively "professional" position of Minister of Works is like putting a rein on a tiger, using its power while preventing it from being devoured.

When the imperial decree reached the Su residence, the staff members offered their congratulations, seeing it as clear evidence that the lord had taken another step forward.

Only Su Ning, upon receiving the imperial edict, had a knowing smile flash across his eyes.

He saw clearly.

Zhang Juzheng's move was intended to confine him within the framework of "capable ministers and efficient officials," binding his hands and feet with heavy practical tasks while cutting off his path to core power.

"The Grand Secretary has certainly made a good plan." Su Ning dismissed his attendants and said calmly to his confidant Zhou Zhengjie, "He made me the chief craftsman of the Ming Dynasty, but forbade me from entering the study to discuss matters."

Zhou Zhengjie looked worried: "Anbang, since that's the case, why not..."

“No, this location is perfect.” Su Ning interrupted him, her gaze fixed on the Ministry of Works, her tone laced with amusement and confidence. “Zhang Jiangling thinks the Ministry of Works is merely a place of execution, but he doesn’t realize that true power often lies hidden in steel, machinery, and energy. Since he has given me the legitimate power to mobilize materials from all over the country, how can I possibly betray his ‘kind intentions’?”

Not joining the cabinet might suit his wishes just the way it is.

Only when he is out of the spotlight can he more calmly lay the true foundation for this empire in his own way.

Zhang Juzheng was guarding against powerful ministers, while Su Ning wanted to be a founder.

These two things are not even on the same level.

……

In the spring of the tenth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, a seemingly insignificant illness became the final straw that broke the back of the empire's chief minister.

Zhang Juzheng had suffered from severe hemorrhoids and fistulas due to years of working at his desk reviewing memorials.

This illness came on suddenly and violently, causing him unbearable pain that made him restless and unable to even continue his lectures in the palace.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Wanli specially dispatched Zhao Yu, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, to the Zhang residence to provide medical treatment.

Zhao Yu, a renowned surgeon, seeing the Grand Secretary's suffering, proposed removing the hemorrhoids with a scalpel and needle, stating bluntly, "This is a chronic disease that cannot be cured without surgery." Zhang Juzheng, a man known for his courage, initiative, and reformist spirit, surprisingly agreed to this bold treatment plan despite his own illness.

However, this strike became a fatal mistake.

During the surgery, Zhao Yu tried his best, but was unable to completely stop the bleeding from the wound.

After the surgery, Zhang Juzheng suffered a severe loss of energy, and continuous blood loss led to his pale complexion and lethargy.

Despite his illness, he wrote in a memorial to the emperor: "Since last winter, I have been weak and overworked, which has damaged my qi and blood and triggered my chronic gastrointestinal disease."

To alleviate his discomfort, he took many cold and cooling medicines, but this only severely damaged his spleen and stomach, resulting in "reduced appetite and weakness in his limbs."

By this time, Zhang Juzheng was a sophisticated machine that had been running for far too long.

Over the past decade, he has been walking on thin ice in implementing reforms. The land survey offended nobles, the rectification of officials angered bureaucrats, and the "Single Whip Law" made countless local forces resentful.

The open and covert attacks within the court never ceased, and to maintain the operation of this vast empire, he had to review mountains of official documents every day, often working until late at night.

Long-term extreme fatigue and mental stress had already taken a toll on his body.

His stomach pains occurred frequently, and his excessive liver fire made him increasingly irritable.

This failed surgery was like chiseling the last hole in an already riddled dam.

Even on his sickbed, Zhang Juzheng still mustered his strength to handle government affairs.

But his colleagues had already noticed something was wrong; this once decisive and efficient prime minister now seemed to have difficulty even holding a pen.

In a letter to his students, he wrote: "My illness is actually due to hemorrhoids, which I have never shown to anyone, but now I have no choice... and it has become a chronic disease."

In early June, his condition deteriorated rapidly.

The continuous blood loss and infection, coupled with the pre-existing symptoms of spleen and stomach weakness and excessive liver fire, all erupted at once.

This powerful minister, who ruled the Ming Dynasty for ten years, passed away on his sickbed.

The news sent shockwaves through the entire court.

Some wept bitterly, as if they had lost their parents; others secretly rejoiced and were eager to try their luck.

Upon hearing the news, Su Ning, who was far away at the Ministry of Works, stood by the window for a long time.

He recalled the chief minister who was both his teacher and his enemy, his vow to "dedicate himself to the world with a sincere heart and not seek personal gain," and his complex attitude of both valuing and guarding against him.

“Grand Secretary,” Su Ning murmured to himself, “you extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by ten years, but did you ever imagine that you would be defeated by a seemingly minor hemorrhoid surgery?”

The irony of history is perhaps the greatest...

The fate of an empire sometimes hinges on such trivial details.

Zhang Juzheng's era thus came to an abrupt end in an unexpected surgical procedure.

……

In the summer of the tenth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, with the sudden death of Zhang Juzheng, the iron-fisted power of the prime minister that had shrouded the Ming Dynasty for nearly a decade finally came to an end.

Inside the imperial court, undercurrents suddenly surged.

Emperor Wanli, without much hesitation, promoted Zhang Siwei, the second-ranking official, to Grand Secretary, in accordance with seniority and precedent.

However, what is even more noteworthy is another appointment...

Su Ning, Minister of Works, was granted the title of Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion and officially joined the cabinet to participate in state affairs.

This decree was like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, creating ripples all around.

Although Zhang Siwei was the Grand Secretary, everyone knew that this cautious and prudent old minister during Zhang Juzheng's era could not compare with Su Ning, who was sharp-tongued and deeply rooted, in terms of prestige, methods, or imperial favor.

Su Ning's entry into the cabinet signifies the beginning of a new era and foreshadows a new round of reshuffling and power struggles in the political arena.

After ten years of strict control by "Mr. Zhang," the young Wanli Emperor's desire to rule personally, intertwined with his long-suppressed rebellious psychology, quickly transformed into an impulse to settle scores with Zhang Juzheng after his death.

Those officials who had been suppressed by Zhang Juzheng and the disgraced nobles, like sharks smelling blood, submitted memorials one after another, impeaching Zhang Juzheng for "abusing power and indulging in anger," "deceiving the emperor and poisoning the people," and even demanding that "his official rank be stripped and his family property confiscated."

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Wanli flipped through these memorials, his face bearing a complex expression that mixed elation and resentment.

He looked at Su Ning, who had just joined the cabinet, and said with an undeniable determination, "Mr. Su, Zhang Juzheng was arrogant and domineering in the past, taking advantage of my youth. Many of his servants also committed illegal acts. Now, it is time to thoroughly settle accounts with him!"

The hall fell silent for a moment. Zhang Siwei and the others lowered their heads and remained silent, observing the situation.

They all thought that Suning, who had been suppressed by Zhang Juzheng, would surely take the opportunity to add fuel to the fire.

However, Su Ning unexpectedly stepped forward, bowed, and said in a steady and clear voice: "Your Majesty, I believe that this matter... still needs to be handled with caution."

Wanli frowned, clearly surprised: "Oh? What makes you say that, sir? Are you perhaps still thinking of our past relationship?"

"It is not out of consideration for past relationships, but for the sake of Your Majesty's reputation and the stability of the court." Su Ning raised his head, his gaze frank. "The Grand Secretary has been in power for ten years, and there have been times when he was autocratic. However, his implementation of performance evaluation, land survey, and the Single Whip Law have indeed made great contributions to the country, which is evident to all. Now that he has passed away, if Your Majesty were to suddenly carry out severe punishment, posthumously stripping and humiliating him, I fear it would chill the hearts of the officials and ministers, and I also fear that future historians would judge me as... mean and ungrateful."

He paused, and seeing Wanli's thoughtful expression, continued earnestly, "Furthermore, excessive purges will inevitably implicate many people, causing further turmoil in the court, which will be detrimental to the implementation of the new policies and the stability of the borders. I believe that it would be better to bury the Grand Secretary with proper rites to preserve his posthumous reputation. As for his servants who break the law and his students who embezzle, they can be investigated and punished according to the law to set an example. In this way, Your Majesty's benevolence can be demonstrated, and the effect of rectifying officialdom can be achieved, which is a win-win solution."

Su Ning's words were reasonable and well-founded. He acknowledged Zhang Juzheng's problems, pointed out the dangers of excessive purges, and guided Wanli's "personal venting" towards the legitimate cause of "rectifying officialdom."

He did not want to protect everything Zhang Juzheng had, but rather to prevent a political storm that could cause the court to spiral out of control and damage the emperor's reputation.

Emperor Wanli remained silent.

He recalled the days and nights Zhang Juzheng taught him to read and govern, and also the suffocating strictness of that time.

Finally, he waved his hand, his tone softening slightly: "What you say makes sense. This matter... I will consider it further."

A purge that was about to sweep through the government and the public was temporarily halted by Suning's persuasion.

The way Zhang Siwei and the others looked at Su Ning became more meaningful.

They realized that this newly appointed cabinet colleague was far more insightful and broad-minded than a simple factionalist.

Suning remained calm.

He prevented Wanli from purging Zhang Juzheng, both out of practical considerations to maintain stability and because he knew that a mature ruler should not be swayed by personal emotions.

What Suning wanted to guide Wanli towards was a more rational path to imperial rule that was also more in line with long-term interests.

He himself will seek the best opportunity to implement his grand plan within this new power structure.

He knew he would become a powerful minister in the Ming Dynasty, and he didn't want to be purged after his death, so he felt he had to protect Zhang Juzheng.

...(End of chapter)