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The glazed tiles of the Forbidden City gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the twilight.

Su Ning slowly walked out of the Wenhua Hall, a lingering doubt between his brows.

During the court discussion just now, when Emperor Wanli mentioned the late Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng, his seemingly calm tone revealed a chilling undertone that sent shivers down the spines of all the high-ranking officials present.

The young emperor's hatred for Mr. Zhang had long surpassed the ordinary discord between ruler and subject; it was more like a volcano that had been dormant for many years and was about to erupt.

That intense, gnashing hatred almost solidified into a tangible form...

Otherwise, how can we explain the cruel imperial edict in history that ordered Zhang Juzheng's coffin to be opened, his corpse mutilated, and his bones crushed and scattered to the winds?

“Every effect has a cause…” Su Ning stood with his hands behind his back by the Jinshui Bridge, muttering to himself.

Having served as an official in Zhejiang and Zhili for many years, he had heard of the power struggles in the court, but the deepest secret between Zhang Juzheng and Wanli was like a fog shrouding the depths of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, difficult for outsiders to fathom.

That cannot be simply summarized by the four words "powerful ministers deceiving their ruler".

Suning tried to search for clues in his memory.

As the emperor's tutor, Zhang Juzheng was extremely strict in disciplining Wanli: if he slacked off in his studies, he would reprimand him harshly; if his words or actions deviated from the proper conduct of a monarch, he would cite classical texts and give lengthy admonitions; he even confiscated all of Wanli's favorite calligraphy and precious objects on the grounds that "playing with things leads to the loss of ambition."

These things may have become the seeds of resentment.

But is this enough to give rise to such extreme hatred that leads to the destruction of evidence?

Is it really true, as unofficial historical accounts suggest, that Zhang Juzheng and Wanli Emperor's mother had a close relationship?

However, unofficial history is unofficial history, and the more sensational it is, the more marketable it becomes. Nowadays, some people even say that both Kangxi and Qianlong had Han Chinese ancestry.

Su Ning shook her head slightly.

I have a keen sense that there must be even more unbearable and private stories buried deep within this palace.

Perhaps it was some kind of long-term mental suppression that trampled the emperor's dignity into the dust; or perhaps it was some interference involving palace secrets that touched the emperor's most sensitive sore spot.

However, those who knew these core secrets either fell into obscurity with Zhang Juzheng's downfall or remained silent about them.

The old eunuchs in the palace were extremely tight-lipped, and eunuchs like Feng Bao had long since lost power.

As for those upright officials who dared to criticize Zhang Juzheng, they were happy to attack his "lust for power," but they might not know the most private and twisted entanglement between that special teacher and student.

"Who should I ask?" Su Ning's gaze swept over the palace walls standing solemnly in the twilight.

For the first time, I realized that even in the heart of this vast imperial power, there were truths that were impossible to uncover.

This is not only a historical gap, but also a dangerous forbidden zone.

Touching it rashly might just lead to trouble.

A night breeze began to rise, carrying the dry chill characteristic of the North.

Su Ning adjusted his official robes, temporarily suppressing his inquisitive mind.

But he knew that if he didn't figure out the root of this grudge, he would never be able to truly understand the young emperor on the throne, nor would he be able to find the safest foothold in the coming, more intense political storm.

……

The moon hung high in the sky, and all was silent.

The lights in the backyard of the Su residence had long been extinguished, and the man was embracing his Yangzhou concubine, chatting intimately. Only the lanterns of the night patrolling servants swayed under the eaves.

Suddenly, a rapid knocking broke the silence, and a eunuch's shrill voice rang out from outside: "His Majesty has arrived—"

Startled awake from the concubine's warm bedding, Su Ning hurriedly put on her everyday clothes, slipped on her shoes, and rushed to the flower hall.

The Wanli Emperor stood alone in the hall, dressed only in a black casual robe, with an unnatural red glint in his eyes, and an aura of suppressed restlessness emanating from him.

Su Ning's heart tightened, knowing full well that the only thing that could make the emperor travel here incognito in the dead of night was that inner demon that lingered in his mind and could not be shaken off.

"Your Majesty's arrival late at night, Your Majesty..." Su Ning was about to bow when Wanli raised his hand to interrupt him.

“Mr. Su,” the young emperor’s voice was hoarse, with a stubborn ruthlessness, “After much thought, I have concluded that the matter of Zhang Juzheng must not be left unresolved! He took advantage of my youth to seize control of the court. If I do not punish him severely, how can I establish my authority over the world?”

Looking at the emperor before her, who was burning with resentment, Su Ning felt a throbbing pain in her head.

He took a deep breath, invited Wanli to sit down, personally poured him a cup of calming tea, and said slowly:

"Your Majesty, if I may be so bold as to ask, since the founding of our Great Ming Dynasty, which emperor killed the most officials without causing turmoil throughout the land?"

Emperor Wanli was taken aback, and subconsciously replied, "Naturally, it is Emperor Taizu Gao."

“Exactly.” Su Ning’s gaze was calm, but his voice carried immense power. “How could the founding emperor do this? It was because he killed corrupt officials, people with proven bad deeds and irrefutable evidence. He held morality in his hands and stood firm on the law, so although the people of the world were afraid, no one dared to speak out against injustice.”

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming heavy: "But since the founding emperor, which of the successive emperors would dare to do such a thing? It's not that they didn't want to, but that they couldn't! Because the two words 'morality' weigh more than a thousand pounds. Does Your Majesty still remember Yu Qian, the Junior Protector?"

Upon hearing the name "Yu Qian," Wanli's eyes trembled slightly. Perhaps even the great war god of the Ming Dynasty would regret it.

"Yu Shaobao protected the capital and upheld the nation, a truly monumental achievement! Yet his unjust death remains an unhealed wound in the hearts of scholars throughout the land." Su Ning's voice was filled with deep sorrow. "Your Majesty, Zhang Juzheng may have abused his power, and may have violated Your Majesty's personal morality, but during his ten years of regency, the national treasury was full, and border troubles were somewhat quelled. He indeed made great contributions to the country! If Your Majesty were to take cruel measures against him after his death simply because of personal grudges, what would the people of the land think? And how would the historian's pen, as firm as iron, record it?"

Then, staring intently into Wanli's eyes, he said, "Your Majesty, this action has not only harmed Zhang Juzheng's lifeless body, but also the national dignity of the Ming Dynasty, Your Majesty's holy name, and the determination of future generations of ministers to serve Your Majesty to the death!"

Wanli suddenly stood up, his chest heaving, and turned to Su Ning with a sharp, piercing gaze, filled with the suspicion unique to an emperor: "Mr. Su, you are so vehemently defending Zhang Juzheng, don't you have any ulterior motives at all?"

The flower hall fell silent instantly, with only the crackling of the candlelight.

Upon hearing this, Su Ning was first stunned, then an extremely complex expression appeared on her face...

There was astonishment, helplessness, and bewilderment, which ultimately turned into a long, bitter laugh.

However, he did not shy away from the question. Instead, he met the emperor's scrutinizing gaze and said with a rare, almost cruel, frankness: "Since Your Majesty has inquired, your subject... dares not deceive you."

He slowly knelt down, his voice low yet clear: "I do have selfish motives in protecting Zhang Juzheng's posthumous reputation. For I am also a scholar and an official of the Ming Dynasty. Today Your Majesty can grind Mr. Zhang to dust because of old grudges, will Your Majesty do the same to me... or even to other ministers who dare to take on responsibilities, because of new grudges in the future?"

He raised his head, his eyes filled with the deepest fear and sorrow of a scholar: "If that is truly the case, I... fear I will be disheartened and filled with dread. At that time, would I still dare to act as I do now, disregarding gains and losses, ignoring criticism, to promote new policies for Your Majesty and for the Ming Dynasty, to confront those deeply entrenched problems? I fear I will become... the more I do, the more mistakes I make; the less I do, the fewer mistakes I make; it's better to do nothing and make no mistakes. Your Majesty, this... is my selfish concern."

This candid, almost naked confession was like removing all defenses, laying bare the subject's deepest anxieties and fears before the monarch.

Wanli was stunned. He looked at Su Ning kneeling before him, at this usually wise and decisive minister, and at the undisguised fear in his eyes. He was filled with anger and did not know where to vent it.

Inside the flower hall, only the emperor's anger and the ministers' silent resolve echoed for a long time in the night.

……

Wanli stood motionless in the center of the flower hall, the candlelight casting his young shadow long and short.

Su Ning's candid words, which pierced to the core, were like a bucket of ice water, temporarily extinguishing the flames of revenge burning in his heart, but plunging him into deeper confusion.

He slowly sat back in his chair, his fingers unconsciously stroking the warm teacup, and remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he raised his head, the obsession in his eyes fading slightly, replaced by a bewildered look seeking understanding: "Mr. Su, then... how do you view Zhang Juzheng's actions over the past ten years? Putting aside my personal grudges with him, let's just talk about his impact on the dynasty."

Seeing that Wanli's emotions had calmed down somewhat, Su Ning felt a little more at ease. After a brief moment of contemplation, he gave his assessment without hesitation, his voice clear and certain: "Your Majesty, in my opinion, Zhang Jiangling's ten years in power turned the tide. His performance evaluation system revitalized officialdom, the land survey clarified the family's assets, and especially the Single Whip Law..."

He emphasized his words slightly, “Collecting the cumbersome corvée labor and taxes in silver simplifies the process, reduces the opportunities for officials to embezzle, truly alleviates the burden on ordinary people, and increases the national treasury’s revenue. This method has precisely identified the crux of the deep-seated problems of our Great Ming Dynasty. I dare to assert that this alone is enough to extend the life of the Great Ming Dynasty by another hundred years!”

"To extend one's life by a hundred years..." Wanli repeated the phrase in a low voice, his eyes flickering.

This assessment is undeniably high, but precisely because it came from Suning, it forces him to consider it carefully.

He suddenly raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Su Ning, a mixture of probing and anticipation in his eyes:

"Then... what if I decide to implement the 'equalization of land tax and poll tax' policy that you mentioned? If this policy succeeds, could it be comparable to the Single Whip Law?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ning immediately straightened his expression and solemnly shook his head: "Your Majesty, you are mistaken. The policy of 'integrating land tax into poll tax' was not first proposed by me, Su Ning. It was Grand Secretary Gui E of the Jiajing reign who clearly submitted a memorial to the throne in the ninth year of Jiajing's reign. I merely picked up on his ideas, and based on the wisdom of my predecessors, I made some additions and improvements in light of the current situation. I dare not claim credit for what is rightfully mine."

His humility and meticulousness touched Emperor Wanli slightly.

But then Su Ning's tone shifted, becoming incredibly firm and powerful. He even leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing: "However, Your Majesty! If you truly have this resolve, you should implement these three national policies simultaneously—thoroughly implement the 'land tax reform,' ensuring that taxes truly fall on the land, with the wealthy bearing a greater share; vigorously promote 'equal taxation for gentry,' breaking the privileges of official exemptions and ensuring fair taxation; and continue to 'sweep away the thorns' of border troubles like the Jianzhou Jurchens, eliminating future threats forever!"

He spoke slowly and deliberately, his voice echoing in the silent flower hall late at night, carrying the sound of metal and stone: "If Your Majesty can withstand the pressure and implement these three policies to the end, I dare to guarantee with my life that it will not only extend your life by a hundred years, but will be enough to cleanse the deep-seated problems, create a new situation for the Ming Dynasty, and extend the dynasty's life by another three hundred years!"

“Three hundred years!” Wanli was shocked by this number. He stood up abruptly and paced rapidly in the hall.

The blueprint drawn by Su Ning clashed violently with his inner ambition to become a great ruler.

The exhilaration of settling old scores and the allure of creating unparalleled achievements were fiercely battling within him.

night, deeper.

But on this night, something was quietly changing in the young emperor's heart.

……

Emperor Wanli was so inspired by the grand vision described by Su Ning that he felt his blood boil and he could almost see himself surpassing his ancestors and becoming a sage ruler who would restore the dynasty.

He turned abruptly, his eyes gleaming with a youthful impulsiveness and an unquestionable authority, and blurted out:

"Very well! Since you possess such courage and insight, I will issue an edict tomorrow to dismiss Zhang Siwei and appoint you as Grand Secretary! With you in charge of the cabinet, what is there to worry about in achieving our great cause!"

These words were powerful and resounding; if an ordinary official had heard them, he would probably have been so moved that he would have prostrated himself in gratitude.

However, Su Ning was only slightly taken aback, and then a complicated and indescribable expression appeared on his face.

He did not kneel, but instead slowly shook his head, his eyes carrying a hint of worldly wisdom and sorrow.

“Your Majesty,” his voice was as calm as a deep pool, “I… thank Your Majesty for your trust. But I cannot accept the position of Grand Secretary.”

"Why?" Wanli was taken aback. He couldn't understand why anyone would refuse the honor of being the head of all officials. "Is the gentleman worried about his lack of qualifications? Or does he have other concerns?"

Su Ning raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the emperor before him, looking into the deeper mists of history:

“Your Majesty, we both understand some of the truth. But understanding is one thing, whether we can accomplish it and persevere to the end is another.” He said in a heavy tone, “Back then, when Zhang Jiangling implemented the Single Whip Law, how many people’s interests were affected? No matter how powerful he was, in the end he was only known as a ‘lone minister’ and was almost cremated after his death.”

He took a step forward, his voice lower, yet each word struck Wanli's heart like a hammer:
"Even the Single Whip Law was like this! Does Your Majesty know what 'integrating the poll tax into the land tax' and 'ensuring that gentry pay taxes as a whole' means? It means making enemies of all scholars, gentry, and powerful figures in the land! They will lose the privilege of exemption from corvée labor and taxes that they have regarded as a privilege for thousands of years! This is to uproot them and cut off their source of wealth!"

A resolute glint flashed in Su Ning's eyes, even carrying a hint of martyrdom:

"Your Majesty, I am not afraid of death, and I am willing to dedicate myself to the Ming Dynasty and the prosperous era Your Majesty has envisioned, even unto death. If necessary, I am willing to be the first to crash into the icy wall of the old system!"

At this point, he suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing, fixed directly on the young emperor, and asked the most crucial and cruel question:
"But Your Majesty! I am willing to die, but what about you? Do you have the resolve to stand up against the majority when all the civil and military officials kneel and weep in opposition before the Qianqing Palace? Do you have the courage to remain steadfast in your original intention when scholars across the land condemn you and historians imply 'tyranny' in their writings? Do you have the audacity to steadfastly support this national policy until it takes root and flourishes, even in the face of immense pressure and potential turmoil?"

He spoke each word slowly and deliberately, his voice carrying a tearing force:

"My death might cause a temporary stir. But without Your Majesty's iron will as a backing, my death will be meaningless, and the new policies will inevitably collapse with my death. At that time, I will not only die without a burial place, but will also become a laughing stock for all time!"

This series of questions was like ice water poured on Wanli's burning heart.

He opened his mouth, but the impulse born of hot-blooded passion began to quickly subside in the face of realistic and cruel political considerations.

Looking into Su Ning's eyes, which seemed to see through everything, Wanli realized for the first time with such clarity that the so-called imperial power was so... heavy and powerless when faced with the collective opposition of the entire ruling class.

Inside the flower hall, only the restless flickering of the candlelight remained.

What should have been a harmonious appointment between the ruler and his ministers ultimately turned into a brutal interrogation of resolve, costs, and political realities.

...(End of chapter)