I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

The front hall of the Ministry of War.

After listening to the account of the fight by Yang Bing, the Earl of Zhangwu, and Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, as well as the attempts by Xu Wenbi, the Duke of Dingguo, and Zhang Rong, the Duke of Yingguo, the five Grand Secretaries immediately understood the whole story.

The reason for the fight between the two sides is very simple.

Wang Yi'e was ruthless with his words, and Yang Bing was equally ruthless with his hands. Both of them were quite angry, which caused a simple verbal argument to turn into a group shoving and pulling.

However, the root cause is...

The Five Military Commissions were gradually sidelined by the Ministry of War, which caused dissatisfaction among the former and arrogance among the latter.

If the issue of power distribution between the two government departments is not resolved, even minor frictions will escalate into large-scale conflicts.

"Cough! Cough!"

Zhang Juzheng coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention to him, and then slowly began to speak.

"This fight is extremely serious! I'm afraid that within half a day, all the officials in the capital will know about it, and within three days, all the people of the capital will know about it!"

"The common people will inevitably think that the civil and military officials in the court are already showing signs of antagonism and division. I will not elaborate on what the antagonism between the civil and military officials in the capital means. Whoever instigates the antagonism between the civil and military officials should be severely punished. In order to reduce the negative impact of this matter, I suggest that the two sides that instigated the incident each write a memorial of apology, each admitting their own crimes and not mentioning anything else."

Yin Zhengmao, Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue, and Shen Nian all nodded in agreement.

In short, Zhang Juzheng's approach was to punish both sides equally.

It is not advisable to delve into the details of this matter and determine who was more or less at fault, otherwise it will trigger more conflicts between civil and military officials, and public opinion will ferment, leading to discussions about the so-called civil-military conflict.

Although the military generals (meritorious officials) are now completely suppressed by civil officials, the former still have face to save. If they feel that their careers are hopeless and they can only be "stewards" of civil officials, they will most likely lie down and give up.

Shen Nian looked at Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

The latter immediately understood, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Five Grand Secretaries, I am willing to submit a memorial of confession, stating only my own crimes and nothing else."

Zhang Juzheng nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Yang Bing, the Earl of Zhangwu.

Yang Bing thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "I am also willing to submit a confession, only stating my own crimes and not mentioning anything else, but there is one condition: the list of Shenji Battalion soldiers selected by the Ministry of War cannot be drawn up by the Ministry of War; I must decide who goes and who doesn't."

“Impossible! Absolutely impossible! His Majesty decreed that ‘the Ministry of War shall be responsible for the preparation of the firearms battalion, and other departments shall cooperate.’ If you were to draft the plan, you would surely be biased. The Shenji Battalion is most skilled in improving and repairing soldiers, and they must be in the firearms battalion. This matter is not open to discussion!” Wang Yi’e stood up and said.

"Then let His Majesty first relieve me of my post as the governor of the capital's military administration, otherwise I will never release him!" Earl Zhangwu Yang Bing glared at Wang Yi'e.

“Lord Zhangwu, you must consider the bigger picture. For the sake of the Ministry of War, I, Wang Yi’e, have never been afraid of losing face. Is face really that important? If you agree to hand over the person, you can punch me a couple more times and kick me a couple more times!”

Zhangwu Earl Yang Bing snorted coldly.

"This isn't about saving face! It's about how you've taken away all the soldiers skilled in improving and repairing firearms. What will happen to the Shenji Battalion? Every time I need to repair firearms, I have to go to the Ministry of War to beg you."

"My face is worthless, but you can't let the 120,000 soldiers of the Beijing Garrison feel that I, Yang Bing, as the Governor-General of the Beijing Garrison, have no prestige!"

"Currently, the Five Military Commissions are still training the troops of the Beijing Garrison. Without our prestige, how can we train them? Do we have to wait for your orders, Wang Youtang, for every training session? Is the Ministry of War going to shit on the heads of the Five Military Commissions? Why don't you ask the Emperor to abolish the Five Military Commissions and let us meritorious officials retire? Otherwise, I can't stand being treated like this. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered. The Ministry of War is really going too far!"

"I...I didn't mean that, I...I just wanted to get things done!"

Just as Wang Yi'e was about to continue explaining, Wang Jia, a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat, walked to the hall entrance, looked at Zhang Juzheng, and said, "Your Excellency, the imperial physicians have arrived!"

Zhang Juzheng pursed his lips and tilted his mustache, saying, "Let the imperial physicians apply medicine to the officials in the courtyard first. I feel that these two in the room are about to have another fight!"

Wang Jia quickly withdrew.

Wang Yi'e cupped his hands towards Zhang Juzheng and said, "This humble official is willing to submit a memorial to plead guilty and admit his faults. This humble official will not say anything more and will follow the orders of the five Grand Secretaries."

After saying that, Wang Yi'e stepped aside.

Marquis Zhangwu, Yang Bing, pursed his lips, clearly still hoping that the Ministry of War would agree to the preconditions he had proposed.

At this moment, Duke Zhang Rong of England looked at Shen Nian.

"Grand Secretary Shen, now that you concurrently serve as Minister of War, Wang Youtang also has to listen to you. Give us an explanation. If you say that Wang Youtang is right, we will leave without saying another word and will fully cooperate with the Ministry of War!"

Even the words of the British Duke Zhang Rong were tinged with emotion!
Duke Dingguo, Xu Wenbi, added: "Grand Secretary Shen, in my eyes you have always been reasonable. I hope you can handle this matter impartially!"

These two men made no secret of their bias towards Zhangwu Earl Yang Bing, intending to become his patron.

Shen Nian thought for a moment and said, "You two dukes and the Earl of Zhangwu, I believe that since the firearms battalion has been established, the best soldiers in the Shenji Battalion for repairing and improving firearms should be in the firearms battalion."

Hear this.

Marquis Zhangwu Yang Bing stood up, flicked his long sleeves, and said, "Let's do as the five Grand Secretaries say. I'll go write my resignation!"

After saying this, Earl Yang Bing of Zhangwu walked towards the door.

After exchanging a glance, Duke Zhang Rong of England and Duke Xu Wenbi of Dingguo turned and walked away with dark faces.

They were very disappointed in Shen Nian.

Once these three leave the Ministry of War, the conflict between the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions will likely become even more difficult to resolve.

Zhang Juzheng looked at Shen Nian, feeling that Shen Nian had not finished speaking.

“However, the Earl of Zhangwu is an expert in firearms. I suggest that the Earl of Zhangwu serve concurrently as the chief instructor of the firearms battalion, and Wang Youtang serve as the deputy chief instructor.”

Hear this.

Duke Zhang Rong of Yingguo, Duke Xu Wenbi of Dingguo, and Earl Yang Bing of Zhangwu all stopped and turned around.

"What does this mean? The Firearms Battalion belongs to the Ministry of War. How can Earl Zhangwu Yang Bing be in charge of the Firearms Battalion?" Duke Zhang Rong of Yingguo asked with a puzzled expression.

Shen Nian smiled slightly.

"I am merely the chief instructor, not the commander-in-chief. I am the one who commands the firearms battalion. My reason for this suggestion is twofold: firstly, the Earl of Zhangwu has indeed done some research on firearms; secondly, the firearms battalion has historically relied heavily on suggestions from the border troops for developing and improving weapons, which has been too inefficient. Furthermore, the Jingwu Academy trains military officers rather than soldiers, so it particularly needs the cooperation of the Shenji Battalion. The Earl of Zhangwu, as the commander-in-chief of the Shenji Battalion, cannot be ranked as Wang Youtang's deputy; therefore, he should be appointed as the chief instructor!"

Upon hearing this explanation, Duke Zhang Rong of Yingguo and Duke Xu Wenbi of Dingguo couldn't help but smile.

Even if Shen Nian's actions were more about reputation than substance, they at least provided a way out.

In the future, when the Shenji Battalion needs to repair firearms, they will no longer need to ask for help or be beholden to Wang Yi'e.

Wang Yi'e felt somewhat wronged upon hearing this, but since Shen Nian had said so, he could only accept it.

Just when everyone thought the matter would be resolved, Zhangwu Earl Yang Bing straightened his chest and looked at Shen Nian.

"Grand Secretary Shen is truly a man of exceptional strategy. If I don't take on this role as chief instructor, I'll be controlled by Wang Yi'e. If I do take on this role, I'll be controlled by you. And being controlled by you is still being controlled by the Ministry of War, isn't it? The Five Military Commissions cannot suffer this injustice because of me. I refuse!"

“Lord Zhangwu, are you trying to turn the world upside down? Is there a problem with being controlled by the cabinet ministers? Do you even want to suppress Grand Secretary Shen?” Duke Dingguo Xu Wenbi glared at him and said.

“Being controlled by the Grand Secretary is fine, but not by the Grand Secretary who also serves as Minister of War!” said the Earl of Zhangwu.

The bottom line for the Earl of Zhangwu was that the Ministry of War could not be allowed to dominate the Five Military Commissions.

Yin Zhengmao's face had darkened.

The other party was a meritorious official, extremely distinguished. If an ordinary civil official dared to speak like that, he would have kicked him long ago. Zhang Juzheng looked at Shen Nian. He only intervened because Shen Nian couldn't solve the problems in the Ministry of War.

Shen Nian looked at Zhangwu Bo and said unhurriedly, "It's understandable that Zhangwu Bo has such concerns. What if I said that the firearms battalion would be separated from the Ministry of War in two years at most?"

"Separation? Where to?" Zhangwu asked in confusion.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng was taken aback for a moment, then stroked his beard, and his originally serious square face softened.

The others also looked at Shen Nian with suspicion.

“Jingwu Academy!” Shen Nian uttered four words.

"Currently, the Firearms Battalion's role is to develop more lethal firearms. In the next two years, during its initial establishment, the battalion will need the support of the Ministry of War to organize research and development talent and gradually improve. Once the framework is complete and full-scale research begins, it will be extremely expensive. Relying on the Ministry of Revenue to allocate funds to the Ministry of War will likely be insufficient. However, if the Firearms Battalion were to be incorporated into the Martial Arts Academy, its nature would be completely different. Furthermore, the students of the Martial Arts Academy can develop more aggressive tactics based on the new firearms, making the two sides highly compatible. I believe His Majesty will not refuse!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.

Currently, there is only one place where the young Wanli Emperor dares to invest money, even money from the imperial treasury: the Jingwu Academy.

Once the firearms battalion is formed, it will have a chance to grow stronger and have a brighter future if it is incorporated into the Jingwu Academy.

At this moment, Zhangwu Bo couldn't help but laugh.

The position of chief instructor of the Ministry of War's firearms battalion might not be a desirable one, but the position of chief instructor of the Jingwu Academy's firearms battalion was definitely a desirable one, because the latter was deeply tied to the young Wanli Emperor and had a promising future.

If meritorious officials could hold a minor official position within the organization, it would greatly enhance their overall status.

This is a coveted position that even meritorious officials would fight tooth and nail for!
After Zhang Rong, the Duke of England, became the deputy chief instructor of the Jingwu Academy, he immediately became the backbone of all the meritorious officials.

This demonstrates the immense influence of Jingwu Academy.

Zhangwu Earl Yang Bing smiled awkwardly and cupped his hands towards Shen Nian, saying, "Grand Secretary Shen, just now... just now I was impetuous. It is... my honor... my honor to be under Grand Secretary Shen's control."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Zhang Juzheng looked at Shen Nian and nodded in satisfaction.

Shen Nian always planned ahead in his work, which greatly pleased Zhang Juzheng.

This matter was resolved in a way that made everyone happy.

The strategy of using civil officials to control military forces should not be shaken at present.

However, we cannot put too much pressure on the military generals. When it comes to actual combat, we still need them to lead the troops into battle.

Now, thanks to the firearms battalion, the relationship between the Five Military Commissions and the Ministry of War will become closer, and there will be more cooperation between civil and military officials.

This is undoubtedly a good thing.

Immediately, Earl of Zhangwu Yang Bing cupped his hands and said, "Five Grand Secretaries, I am also willing to submit a memorial of confession, stating only my own crimes and nothing else!"

Zhang Juzheng nodded in satisfaction.

“Then let’s do it this way! The positions of Chief Instructor and Deputy Chief Instructor of the Firearms Battalion will be applied for by the Cabinet.” Zhang Juzheng paused for a moment and said, “Zhangwu Earl and Wang Youtang, you will be working together in the Beijing Garrison. You won’t be cursing and fighting each other anymore, will you?”

"Your humble servant dares not!" Wang Yi'e first bowed to Zhang Juzheng, and then to the Earl of Zhangwu, saying, "Earl of Zhangwu, I spoke rashly. The main fault for this conflict lies with me, and I apologize to you!"

"Where? Where? It was my bad temper that led to the first attack and the injury. I feel very guilty. You were right that the Shenji Battalion was always firing blanks. The quality of our firearms is indeed poor and needs improvement. I will visit you after I leave office today to formally apologize!"

"No need for apologies, come to my place and we'll have a couple more drinks!"

……

Just as the two were apologizing to each other, Feng Bao entered with several junior eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Zhang Juzheng and others all stood up.

Feng Bao entered the front hall, looked around, and then said, "His Majesty heard that a brawl had broken out between officials from the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions, and specially sent me to investigate. Five Grand Secretaries, what was the reason for this brawl?"

Zhang Juzheng smiled and said, "Eunuch Feng, there was no major conflict. It was just a quarrel over the establishment of the firearms battalion. Then the two sides pushed and shoved each other. Both Zhangwu Earl and Wang Youtang have admitted their guilt and will submit a memorial to His Majesty to apologize later."

Feng Bao walked up to Zhangwu Earl and Wang Yi'e, looked them up and down, and then looked up and down at Duke of Yingguo Zhang Rong and Duke of Dingguo Xu Wenbi.

“Those brats spread the word that the Earl of Zhangwu beat Wang Youtang so badly he couldn’t even stand up, and that the Duke of Yingguo and the Duke of Dingguo, who tried to break up the fight, were also pushed to the ground by officials from the Ministry of War and were covered in injuries. It seems that it’s all just a rumor. I’ll definitely deal with them when I get back. I’m glad you’re all alright, I’m glad you’re all alright!” Feng Baochang breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhangwu Earl Yang Bing wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

These rumors, which circulated when the Duke of England and the Duke of Dingguo tried to mediate the renewed conflict, were indeed true.

Wang Yi'e was punched to the ground, and the two dukes who tried to break up the fight were pushed so hard that their feet barely touched the ground. It was only because everyone knew their limits and the Imperial Guards intervened that the situation did not escalate further.

“Eunuch Feng, the conflict has been resolved. I was too rash. I have reconciled with Wang Youtang!” said Zhangwu Earl.

After saying that, Zhangwubo put his arm around Wang Yi'e's shoulder. Wang Yi'e smiled and said, "We're not talking about people, we have a good relationship!"

Feng Bao nodded.

"That's good. I'll get back to you right away. As for the details, we'll have to wait for your reports!"

After saying this, Feng Bao left the Ministry of War with the eunuchs.

Immediately afterwards, the five cabinet ministers also came out of the front hall.

Zhang Juzheng looked at the officials in the courtyard and said loudly, "Get your composure. Today's conflict has been completely resolved. Tell everyone that it was just a quarrel and shoving. Anyone who dares to say that there was a group fight or that it damaged the relationship between civil and military officials will not be let off lightly by this Grand Secretary!"

"Subordinate to obey!"

Yin Zhengmao added, "Keep smiling when you go out, don't let people think you've just finished a battle."

"Subordinate to obey!"

Yin Zhengmao knew very well that there was definitely a group of officials and clerks outside the Ministry of War who wanted to see him make a fool of himself. Some of these clerks would sell what they saw and heard to tabloids for a large sum of money.

A short while later, the officials of the Five Military Commands went out first.

Subsequently.

The five cabinet ministers, the Duke of Yingguo, the Duke of Dingguo, and the Earl of Zhangwu walked out together, chatting and laughing.

Being in officialdom requires constant testing of one's acting skills.

Wang Yi'e, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, ordered two junior officials from the Ministry of War to cover the bruises on his face and then went out with a smile to see everyone off.

In front of the Ministry of War.

After the five cabinet ministers left, the officials and clerks who had been watching the spectacle quickly retreated to a great distance.

Then they saw from afar that the group was chatting and laughing. Zhang Wubo and Wang Yi'e, the main figures in the fight, were even whispering in each other's ears, and it didn't look like they were fighting at all.

"This...this...this...it doesn't seem like there was any fighting! I thought some of them were going to be carried out. I was expecting a good show, but it ended so abruptly!" one of the spectators complained. (End of Chapter)