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In the spring of the second year of the Taichang reign, a political reform known to later historians as the "Taichang Reform" slowly began in the Wenhua Hall of the Forbidden City under the leadership of Grand Secretary Su Ning.

At the court assembly, the ten-year-old Emperor Taichang, Zhu Changluo, sat on the wide dragon throne like a delicate marionette, his figure appearing even thinner against the backdrop of the elaborate dragon robe.

His gaze was somewhat blank, occasionally stealing glances at the towering figure beside the throne.

Holding the jade tablet, Su Ning's voice was steady and powerful, clearly resounding throughout the hall: "His Majesty's decree, in order to adapt to the current global trends, eliminate old malpractices, strengthen the country and enrich the people, hereby decrees the following reforms to the court system..."

His words were less like reading an imperial edict and more like promulgating a new fundamental law of the nation.

All the officials in the court, regardless of their inner thoughts, held their breath and dared not miss a single word.

It clearly states that "the Cabinet is the highest administrative organ," overseeing all national affairs.

A "Cabinet Meeting" was established, chaired by the Grand Secretary, with the participation of ministers and important meritorious officials. All major national policies and guidelines were derived from this meeting.

The emperor no longer held court every day, but instead held symbolic "imperial audiences" on the first and fifteenth of each month, and "attended the affairs of state but did not make decisions."

The original six departments were further refined and professionally divided:

The Ministry of Revenue was divided into: the Ministry of Finance (responsible for the budget and the national treasury), the General Administration of Taxation (responsible for various taxes), the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce (responsible for agriculture, land reclamation, industry and commerce), and the General Administration of Grain Transport and Maritime Transport.

The Ministry of War was split into: the Ministry of National Defense (responsible for defense policy and selection of military officers), the General Staff (responsible for operational plans and troop deployment), the General Logistics Department (responsible for food and supplies and equipment), and the Naval Headquarters (independent of the Army, managing the fleet and coastal defense).

The Ministry of Justice was separate from the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate. The Ministry of Justice was only responsible for investigating and arresting criminals and maintaining public order, and it established criminal bureaus and prisons in various prefectures and counties. The Court of Judicial Review was responsible for judicial administration and the compilation of legal codes, and at the same time exercised the highest judicial power. It established branches of the Court of Judicial Review in various prefectures and counties to handle cases. The Censorate was responsible for review and supervision.

The Ministry of Industry's functions were greatly expanded, and it established subordinate departments such as the Railway Bureau, the Post and Telecommunications Bureau, the Mining Bureau, and the Machinery Manufacturing Bureau.

The Ministry of Personnel was renamed the Civil Service Appointment and Performance Evaluation Institute, which established a strict civil service examination (similar to the civil service examination) and promotion system.

The Ministry of Rites was retained, but its functions were reduced, mainly managing education (with a sub-ministerial department), sacrifices, and diplomatic etiquette.

The Privy Council was established as the highest military decision-making body, with Grand Secretary Su Ning serving as its chief privy councilor.

It has a "Marshal's Office" as its highest military executive body.

The emperor was still nominally the supreme commander of the army, but to mobilize troops, one had to possess both the Privy Council's troop mobilization warrant and the seal of the Grand Secretary (or Minister of Defense). The emperor's jade seal was merely a procedural stamp.

The Ming army was reorganized into the Ming National Defense Army, no longer a private army of a single family or clan, and generals were not allowed to keep private soldiers or retainers.

The object of the National Defense Army's oath of allegiance has quietly shifted from the emperor himself to "the Constitution and the State of the Great Ming Empire".

The "Great Ming Consultative Council" was established. Initially, its members were nominated by various provinces, including gentry, representatives of industry and commerce, and some retired officials. Although they did not have the final decision-making power, they had the right to review, make suggestions, and question the budget, laws and regulations.

At the first meeting of the Consultative Council, Su Ning clearly stated: "This is an important channel for broadening the channels of communication, pooling wisdom, and ensuring that the opinions of the people are expressed to the higher authorities."

This is seen as the prototype of future parliamentary politics.

In the imperial court, although several senior officials looked grief-stricken and stammered, as if they wanted to say that this was "tampering with ancestral rules and committing treason," all their objections were swallowed back when they saw the invisible pressure of Su Ning's calm gaze sweeping over them, and the National Defense Army in their new uniforms that could be vaguely seen outside the hall.

Duke Zhang Weixian of England stood with his eyes closed, like an old monk in deep meditation, only his slightly trembling fingers betraying the turbulent emotions within him.

"Fellow colleagues," Su Ning surveyed the room, his voice carrying an undeniable resolve, "this is not for personal gain, but for the foundation of the Ming Dynasty's eternal prosperity. The world's trends are vast and unstoppable; those who follow them prosper, and those who oppose them perish! Sticking to old ways will only lead to national ruin and extinction! Today's reforms are precisely to transform our Ming Dynasty and ensure it stands forever at the pinnacle of the world!"

……

Even after the reform, the Forbidden City remained the same, magnificent and resplendent, with numerous guards standing guard.

But its core, the Qianqing Palace, seemed to have suddenly fallen silent, even taking on a hint of gloom.

The life of Emperor Taichang, Zhu Changluo, was strictly regulated.

His daily schedule was arranged by the "Royal Affairs Bureau," which was directly under the Cabinet: in the morning, he would study classics, history, mathematics, and even some basic knowledge of natural philosophy with the designated Hanlin scholars; in the afternoon, he would practice riding and archery, or read some selected, unimportant copies of memorials; and in the evening, he had to go to bed at the prescribed time.

He no longer needed to worry about complicated state affairs, because those memorials never even reached his desk.

Documents processed by the cabinet only need to be periodically summarized and sent to the Emperor, which is called "so that His Majesty may know".

His use of the seal also became a pure ritual...

The official from the Royal Household Bureau prepares the documents that need to be stamped, and he only needs to affix the royal seal in the designated place, without even asking a question about the reason.

On one occasion, he mustered his courage, pointed to a document about establishing new prefectures and counties in Liaodong, and asked the official in charge of affixing the seal: "This place was originally a hunting ground for various Jurchen tribes. Will establishing a county to manage it provoke border conflicts?"

The official was taken aback at first, then replied respectfully but distantly, "Your Majesty, this is a decision made by the Cabinet and the Privy Council after detailed deliberation, aimed at consolidating the borders and developing resources. Specific military and political affairs are handled by the relevant departments, and Your Majesty need not worry about them."

Emperor Taichang remained silent. At that moment, he clearly felt the insurmountable chasm between himself and the true power of this empire.

He was like a precious exhibit in the Forbidden City, carefully cared for and closely guarded, his only duty being to "exist" and, at necessary celebrations, to wear the dragon robe, receive the worship of the people, and prove that the country still belonged to the "Zhu" family.

The real center of power had long since shifted to the Grand Secretary's residence and the newly built "Cabinet Building" and "Privy Council Building" connected to it.

There, the lights were bright, telegrams were being sent incessantly, and officials in new uniforms or Western-style clothing hurried about, processing massive amounts of information from colonies, naval bases, and industrial zones around the world.

Suning knew that reforming the political structure alone was not enough; a completely new system that could sustain and strengthen itself was necessary.

The government vigorously promoted "new learning" and built "official schools" throughout the country. In addition to traditional classics, the curriculum also emphasized mathematics, physics, geography, history (especially world history and modern history) and "civic knowledge".

The textbooks were compiled by the "Ministry of Education" under the Cabinet, and their core ideas emphasized "national prosperity", "national rejuvenation", "constitutional spirit" and the "meritorious service of Grand Secretary Su Ning in supporting the country".

Subtly, a generation of young intellectuals, deeply loyal to the new regime and Su Ning himself, is growing up.

A massive system of state-owned capital was established.

The behemoths such as the "Daming Royal Shipping Corporation", the "Daming Iron and Steel Consortium", and the "Nanyang Resources Development Company" controlled the economic lifeline of the country.

Their profits are partly used to fill the national treasury to support new policies and expansion, and partly used to flow into the hands of interest groups led by Suning through complex equity structures.

The business class was deeply intertwined with the new political system; their fortunes were intertwined, and their losses were intertwined.

Newspapers with official backing, such as the *Jingbao* and the *Daming Gongbao*, began to be published, conveying imperial decrees, publicizing national achievements, and guiding public opinion.

Any public questioning of the restructuring and Suning's status would disappear from these media outlets and be denounced as "stubborn and conservative" or "malicious."

……

The grand New Year's Day assembly in the tenth year of the Taichang reign was unprecedented in scale.

Representatives from the local provinces, the Nanyang Pacification Commissioner's Office, the Japanese Provincial Administration Commissioner's Office, and even the New World's "Xinning Prefecture" and "Anyuan City" gathered in the Forbidden City to perform the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony to Emperor Taichang, who sat on the throne, and Su Ning, who stood beside the throne.

Emperor Taichang, seated on the dragon throne, had a calm expression, even a slight smile befitting etiquette. He skillfully delivered the congratulatory speech prepared by the Royal Affairs Bureau, praising his officials and encouraging those who came.

His movements were precise, his tone appropriate, and he perfectly played the role of "national symbol".

Meanwhile, Suning received even more enthusiastic and substantial respect from officials and envoys.

Although he still referred to himself as "your subject," everyone understood that he was the true helmsman of this vast empire spanning two oceans.

After the court assembly, Emperor Taichang returned to the inner palace surrounded by eunuchs.

Walking alone on the long palace path, his figure appeared particularly lonely against the backdrop of the majestic palace.

Occasionally, I would look up at the sky, which was divided into squares by the palace walls. Deep in my eyes, there was a trace of loneliness that was deeply hidden, and perhaps, a trace of relief that was not easily noticed.
At least, he no longer had to suffer like his grandfather, the Wanli Emperor, who spent sleepless nights wrestling with powerful ministers in a mentally exhausting power struggle.

On the top floor of the Cabinet Building, Su Ning stood in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the capital city that was rapidly modernizing.

In the distance, the factory chimneys still stand tall, and the train station whistles can be faintly heard.

Emperor Taichang's confidant reported from the side: "Grand Secretary, the plan for establishing the 'Australian Exploration and Colonization Company' has been drafted; the engineering team believes that the plan to excavate the Isthmus of Suez to Europe is technically feasible, but extremely costly; furthermore, some members of the Consultative Council have proposed that it be clarified that 'the succession to the throne' must also be 'reviewed and filed' by the Consultative Council..."

Su Ning nodded slightly, his gaze turning to the more distant West, the stage where European powers clashed.

"This world is still very vast," he said softly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger, only a calm acceptance of control. "The road ahead for the Ming Dynasty is still long."

The golden tiles of the Forbidden City still gleam in the sunlight, but it is no longer the sole heart of this empire.

A new giant, with the Prime Minister at its core, the cabinet as its brain, the new army as its fist, and global colonies and industry as its lifeblood, has already stood tall in the East, preparing for the next round of expansion and conquest.

Imperial power became nothing more than an ancient and magnificent badge on the chest of this giant.

……

Emperor Taichang, Zhu Changluo, sat on the dragon throne for more than ten years, growing from a timid boy into a young monarch who appeared docile but was increasingly tormented inside. Although he was taught from childhood to be obedient and obedient, the Zhu family blood flowing in his veins, and the secret whispers he occasionally overheard in the deep palace about the cause of his father, Emperor Wanli's, death, gnawed at his heart like venomous snakes.

He is no longer the child who can be easily frightened.

He began to try, cautiously extending his reach within the narrow boundaries set for him by Suning.

After a cabinet meeting, Emperor Taichang kept the Grand Secretary behind and tried to discuss the matter by saying, "Mr. Su, I recently read the Veritable Records of the previous dynasty and saw that during the reigns of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu, the emperor often personally reviewed border reports and even gave decisive commands. Although I am not very talented, I would also like to know more about military affairs. I wonder if it would be possible to send a copy of the General Staff's briefing to the Qianqing Palace?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ning raised her eyes, her gaze calm and unwavering, as if she had already seen through all his thoughts.

He bowed slightly, his tone still respectful, yet with an undeniable firmness: "Your Majesty's concern for the affairs of the state is truly a blessing for all the people. However, weapons are the instruments of destruction of the nation, involving many secrets. Your Majesty is of noble birth and should not be burdened with such trivial matters. If there is any urgent military intelligence, this old minister will summarize and report it to you immediately, and would never dare to deceive Your Majesty."

Emperor Taichang's throat bobbed, as if he wanted to say something more, but Su Ning's next words cut him off: "Furthermore, Your Majesty should prioritize recuperating your health and ensuring the continuation of the imperial line. The future of the nation depends on the prosperity of Your Majesty's offspring. This is fundamental, and I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."

These words, seemingly full of concern, actually ruthlessly severed Emperor Taichang's tiny tentacles reaching for military power and clearly reminded him...

Your most important task is to be a qualified "stud," to produce an heir for the Zhu family and for this system that needs symbolic imperial power.

Emperor Taichang clenched his fist tightly in his sleeve, his nails digging deep into his flesh, but he managed a gentle smile on his face: "What you say is absolutely right, sir. It was my oversight."

There were several similar attempts, such as trying to interfere in the appointment of officials or inquire about the fiscal budget, but each time, Suning easily defused them with various skillful and experienced reasons.

He seemed to have crashed into an invisible yet indestructible wall, a wall called "established system" and "the authority of the chief minister".

He sadly discovered that even sitting on the dragon throne, his will could not penetrate the layers of veils and reach the empire's executive level.

I feel like a caged beast in a golden cage, possessing the title of emperor but without the power of one.

In his oppressive and distressed state, Emperor Taichang turned some of his energy to the harem.

Over the years, he had several princes.

The birth of the eldest prince caused a stir in the court and among the people, and some hidden royalists seemed to see a glimmer of hope for the future.

However, this slight ripple was quickly quelled by the Grand Secretary Su Ning, who, on behalf of the court, bestowed generous rewards and subsequently announced measures to strengthen the education of the princes, with the Bureau of Imperial Household Affairs taking full responsibility.

……

It was the twelfth year of the Taichang reign, on a night when the autumn air was thick with the scent of autumn.

The Forbidden City was once again enveloped by urgent bell tolls and suppressed sobs.

The Qianqing Palace was brightly lit, and the imperial physicians knelt on the floor once again, but the emperor on the dragon bed was now the Taichang Emperor Zhu Changluo, who was only in his thirties.

His face was bluish-purple, his eyes were wide open, and there was a little white foam at the corner of his mouth, strikingly similar to the state of his father, the Wanli Emperor, when he died more than ten years ago.

"Your Majesty... His Majesty has passed away!" The voice of the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs was filled with uncontrollable fear; the recurrence of history sent chills down his spine.

Grand Secretary Su Ning entered the palace immediately. He carefully examined the body of Emperor Taichang. His face was filled with grief, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's.

Soon, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard presented the results of his investigation: a trace amount of a strange plant toxin from Southeast Asia was found in the calming tea His Majesty drank in the evening. The toxin had a slow onset, but once it took effect, it was irreversible.

All the clues vaguely point to a concubine in the palace who is out of favor, and it is rumored that her family has connections with overseas merchant caravans.

Under severe torture, the concubine "confessed" to committing this treasonous act out of resentment towards the emperor's neglect, and then "committed suicide" in prison.

Undercurrents were stirring and whispers were circulating throughout the government and among the public.

Countless people recalled that winter of the 28th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, and Zhu Changxun, who was executed for patricide.

The British Duke Zhang Weixian and others knew perfectly well that this was clearly Su Ning's doing again!
Emperor Taichang's recent "restlessness" has clearly crossed the line for this powerful minister.

However, with "conclusive" evidence and "perfect" procedures, who can and dares to stand up and question it?
Su Ning stabilized the situation with swift and decisive measures, and on the grounds that "a country cannot be without a ruler for a day," he supported Zhu Youxiao, the six-year-old eldest son of Emperor Taichang, to succeed to the throne and changed the era name to Tianqi.

The young Tianqi Emperor Zhu Youxiao ascended the throne in a situation exactly like, or even more so than, that of his father, the Taichang Emperor.

As the "regent chief minister," Su Ning oversaw all government affairs, making the young emperor merely a figurehead.

However, unlike his restraint and vigilance towards his father and grandfather, Su Ning showed a peculiar attitude towards the young Tianqi Emperor that was almost "indulgent".

Zhu Youxiao showed an amazing passion and talent for woodworking from a young age.

He had little interest in the dry classics, histories, philosophical works, and imperial studies, but he loved axes, chisels, planes, and saws.

He could spend an entire day in the workshop in the Imperial Garden, immersing himself in studying mortise and tenon structures, carving patterns on wood, and even attempting to create ingenious automated machines (such as the wooden puppets recorded in later generations).

In the past, such behavior of "indulging in frivolous pursuits" and "neglecting one's proper duties" would certainly have been met with strong remonstrance from strict imperial tutors and censors.

Surprisingly, instead of stopping it, Prime Minister Su Ning showed great "support" and "appreciation".

Suning specially recruited the most skilled carpenters and craftsmen from all over the country to enter the palace, ostensibly to "serve" the emperor, but in reality to teach him.

He also allocated funds from the imperial treasury to expand the workshops for the young emperor and to collect rare and exotic woods from all over the world.

On one occasion, Suning visited the Imperial Garden workshop to "see" Emperor Tianqi.

The young emperor was lying on an unfinished carved wooden bed, intently polishing the corners of the bed. His little face was covered with wood shavings, and his eyes sparkled with genuine joy.

The eunuchs and palace maids serving them all lowered their heads and dared not utter a sound.

"Your Majesty has excellent craftsmanship," Su Ning said with a smile, breaking the tranquility of the workshop.

Zhu Youxiao was startled. He looked up and saw that it was Su Ning. He quickly put down his tools, stood up somewhat helplessly, and had a look of fear on his face.

Although he was young, he knew that this "Mr. Su" was the most powerful person inside and outside the palace.

Su Ning stepped forward, carefully examined the wooden bed, and exclaimed, "The mortise and tenon joints fit together perfectly, and the carving is exquisite and delicate. Only someone who has been immersed in this art for many years could make such a piece. Your Majesty is truly a genius and a master craftsman."

Hearing the praise, especially from this "Mr. Su," Zhu Youxiao's eyes lit up, his timidity lessened slightly, and he couldn't help but whisper, "I...I think we could add a mechanism here so that the bed curtains can open and close automatically..."

"Oh? Your Majesty has already delved deeply into the study of mechanisms?" Su Ning revealed a rather interested expression. "This idea is brilliant! If you need the assistance of craftsmen, or any materials, Your Majesty can simply instruct the Imperial Household Department to handle it. It is a good thing that Your Majesty has a hobby and can devote yourself to its study."

This encouragement completely relaxed Emperor Tianqi, and he even began to talk at length about his various carpentry ideas.

After leaving the Imperial Garden, the confidant asked Su Ning in a low voice, puzzled, "My lord, His Majesty's indulgence in craftsmanship is hardly the mark of a ruler. If this continues, won't the people of the world gossip about it?"

A deep smile appeared on Su Ning's lips as he glanced in the direction of the Qianqing Palace and said calmly, "Only when one has a passion can one find peace of mind. His Majesty is so engrossed in the subtle art of woodworking that he has no time to concern himself with the grand affairs of the court. Is this not... a blessing for the nation?"

The confidant suddenly realized what was happening and said no more.

Thus, a peculiar scene unfolded at the heart of power in the Ming Empire: on one side, Grand Secretary Su Ning, in the Cabinet Building and the Privy Council, strategized and handled military and political affairs from around the world, propelling the empire forward; on the other side, deep within the palace, Emperor Tianqi, Zhu Youxiao, in his carpentry workshop, single-mindedly planed wood, immersed in his ingenious ideas, indifferent to the outside world.

Suning not only didn't stop him, but instead created the best conditions for him to fully develop his "hobby".

Because an emperor who is obsessed with carpentry is far easier to control and much safer than an emperor who is always thinking about ruling personally and seizing power.

……

The Lantern Festival in the first year of the Tianqi reign.

The Forbidden City was brightly decorated, presenting a scene of great prosperity.

Accompanied by Su Ning and his officials, Emperor Tianqi ascended the city wall and shared the joy with the people.

The people shouted "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices shook the heavens.

The young Emperor Tianqi was captivated by the grand spectacle and gazed around with curiosity.

Su Ning stood half a step behind him, calmly accepting the gaze of the masses, as if he were the true center of the empire.

Back in the palace, Emperor Tianqi excitedly pulled aside his close eunuch attendant and gestured as he described his idea of ​​creating a giant, self-rotating carousel...

Meanwhile, in a secret chamber of the Wenhua Hall, Su Ning, facing a huge world map, discussed with Admiral Zheng Ming the next step in establishing permanent supply points in the depths of the Indian Ocean and even on the east coast of Africa.

Amidst the scent of wood chips and the roar of machinery, imperial power quietly completed yet another silent handover and fading away.

The Tianqi Emperor will find his lifelong "ideal" and solace in his world of woodworking, while the power of the Ming Empire will become increasingly secure in Su Ning's hands and extend towards a wider world.

...(End of chapter)