Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 276 The New Head of the Hundred Officials
"Young Master..."

"Even you are leaving me?"

As dusk settled, the candlelight flickered gently on the candlesticks in the Qianqing Palace.

A figure by the window, stretched long and lonely.

Zhu Houcong held the memorial in his hand, his eyes dark and unfathomable.

Sometimes sharp as a knife, sometimes ethereal as mist.

He had a different feeling towards Zhang Cong.

The winter of the first year of the Jiajing reign was exceptionally cold.

The newly enthroned young emperor waited outside Empress Dowager Zhang's palace, snowflakes falling all over his shoulders.

Yes, he had knelt, bowed, and pleaded with others.

Empress Dowager Zhang was aggressive in the inner court, while Yang Tinghe led the officials in the outer court, forcing Emperor Xiaozong to recognize him as his father.

The dark mass of court officials knelt on the ground, creating a terrifying sense of oppression.

At only fourteen years old, Zhu Houcong was precocious, opinionated, and strong-willed, possessing a certain level of political acumen.

But the throne, after all, is bestowed from heaven.

Since he was not the crown prince who ascended the throne, he did not have the old guard from the Eastern Palace by his side, nor was he a prince like Zhu Di. He fought his way through the years with swords and spears, and it was impossible for him to have a group of civil and military officials who supported him.

The throne came too easily, and with it came the malice of the officials in the court.

That group wants to divide the imperial power!

"Don't worry, Your Majesty!"

Just as he was isolated and shivering with cold, a middle-aged scholar with a thin face, holding a scroll of "Memorial on the Great Rites" in his hands, transformed into a garment warmer than any cloak and draped it over his shoulders.

That was the first time Zhang Cong appeared in his life.

They risked being demoted or even killed.

She publicly supports her biological father.

"Young Master!"

A rare hint of tenderness flashed in Zhu Houcong's eyes.

The loyal minister who once defended him against the entire court and drafted a treaty on etiquette all night long now has graying temples.

He slowly returned to his desk and picked up the memorial again.

"Your Majesty's wisdom and insight are evident, knowing that I am old and frail, with failing eyesight and trembling hands. Whenever I hold cabinet meetings until late at night, I am overcome with palpitations."

"I am old and unfit for the position of Grand Secretary. I humbly beg Your Majesty to have mercy on my aging body and grant me permission to return to my hometown to rest in peace..."

The handwriting on the memorial was neat and dignified, yet it exuded a sense of weariness.

It was no secret that Zhang Cong was in poor health.

More importantly, after Gui'e fell seriously ill and returned to her hometown, Fang Xianfu, a key figure in the Daliyi Group, also had the idea of ​​retiring from officialdom and returning to his hometown.

Fang Xianfu was already quite old, and his temperament was rather mild. When he first submitted a memorial supporting Jiajing's respect for his father, he was very cautious and almost withdrew it.

His later rise to power was also due to the fact that Zhang Cong, Gui E, Huo Tao, and others were too headstrong and made enemies everywhere, so he needed someone who could ease the tensions between the various parties.

Fang Xianfu was an expert at mediating disputes, and he was well-suited to be the mediator between conflicting parties.

However, since the successive failures of the land survey and the Single Whip Law, Zhang Cong has been relentless in his efforts to reform the bureaucracy, offending more and more officials. In addition, Yan Song entered the cabinet and quickly became the second-in-command. He also united a group of court officials led by Mao Bowen, the Minister of War, and they became rivals.

Fang Xianfu was also exhausted, and seeing Gui'e die from overwork, he began to consider retiring.

With his retreat, Zhang Cong found himself even more isolated and vulnerable.

Historically, Zhang Cong repeatedly petitioned to return to his hometown to retire, but Jiajing Emperor refused, instead personally preparing medicine for him.

Because the new policies still needed Zhang Cong to preside over them, and only Zhang Cong possessed the prestige and ability to remain unshaken amidst the iron-fisted struggles within the ruling class.

However, Zhang Cong was really old. One day, while on duty in the court, he even fainted and remained unconscious for more than a day. Seeing that his condition was so serious, Jiajing finally allowed him to go home to recuperate.

Zhang Cong's illness is not yet that serious, and Zhu Houcong is equally reluctant to let him go.

But at least in the reform efforts of the Jiajing reign, Zhang Cong was no longer the only candidate.

Therefore, even the memorial to the throne ends with a statement:

"However, the new policies are not yet complete, like rowing against the current. I observe that Yan Song, the Minister of Personnel, has a broad vision and a sincere heart for the country. He is able to weigh the pros and cons of all the new policies and strive for practical results."

"If Your Majesty were to assume the position of Prime Minister—"

"Firstly, it aims to quell court intrigues by appealing to the hopes of a virtuous and upright official."

Secondly, we will continue innovation through pragmatic measures;

"Thirdly, it is to cultivate talented successors for Your Majesty."

"Your humble servant is like a candle in the wind, and I only wish to retire to the banks of the Oujiang River, where I will gaze northwards at the palace every night. As I write this memorial, tears stream down my face. I humbly beg Your Majesty's judgment."

……

"The Grand Tutor truly devoted himself to the new policies, even unto death!"

The conflict between Zhang Cong and Yan Song is common knowledge.

This was something Zhu Houcong was happy to see.

Even if he trusted Zhang Cong completely, he would still feel uneasy when he saw the other man wielding great power, controlling the court, and suppressing the officials.

Therefore, there must be someone to check and balance things.

Xia Yan was originally chosen.

But Yan Song's later emergence was an unexpected surprise.

Because if Zhang Cong could implement new policies and reforms, Yan Song could also do the same, but with a more measured and moderate approach.

In this campaign to conquer Annam and Jiaozhi, Yan Song's methods regarding the disagreement over collecting taxes and provisions in Jiangnan became even more sophisticated, ensuring that the Ming army had ample supplies and reinforcements.

After this battle, Yan Song's prestige in the court was no less than that of Zhang Cong, who had previously advocated for a swift victory, and the conflict between the two sides intensified completely. It is said that during this period, many officials and advisors from the Great Rites Controversy tried to impeach Yan Song and his cronies, but Zhang Cong suppressed them all.

Zhu Houcong observed the situation calmly, initially thinking that Zhang Cong was preparing to launch a surprise attack and teach his opponent a lesson. However, he was surprised to receive a request to retire and a recommendation.

"Can Yan Song really take over the position of Junior Tutor and maintain order in the court for me?"

At this moment, Zhu Houcong tightened his fingertips slightly, creating a crease on the edge of the memorial. His eyes flashed with a complex expression, but his imperial reply was one of rejection.

Just like the three refusals, even if Jiajing was willing to let Zhang Cong retire and rest, the etiquette of refusing three times was still necessary, as it was a matter of respect for a chief minister.

During this process, Zhu Houcong also needed to carefully consider the transition between the old and new ruling teams.

"Huang Jin".

"The servant is here."

"Summon Yan Song to the palace!"

it's raining outside.

Night has fallen again.

But Yan Song still arrived very quickly.

The winter rain pattered against the glazed tiles. The second-ranking official's boots stepped over the still-wet gold bricks in front of the Qianqing Palace. Under the candlelight, he bowed and entered the hall.

"Your humble servant Yan Song pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

Zhu Houcong did not tell him to get up immediately, but instead looked at the man with a scrutinizing expression.

In his mind, Yang Tinghe and Yang Yiqing were not the true chief ministers; Zhang Cong had always been the head of all officials, second only to the emperor.

It needs to be changed now.

Zhu Houcong was used to having his ministers check and balance him, but at this moment, he felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Could Yan Song really have done a good job?

The air inside the palace was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and the ticking of the water clock, but it could not conceal the emperor's sharp gaze.

Yan Song wore a worn-out official robe, and his gray hair was neatly pressed under his black gauze hat, not a single strand showing.

He knelt upright, his whole being like a rock polished by time, calm and reserved.

Zhu Houcong narrowed his eyes slightly.

Yan Song and Zhang Cong were of similar age, both nearing sixty, but the man before them was remarkably vigorous.

"Rise, Yan Qing."

As the emperor spoke, Yan Song slowly rose to his feet.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

His movements were neither hurried nor slow, and the hem of his official robe remained perfectly in place.

When he raised his head, his eyes were bright, without the murky look often seen in veteran officials, nor the sharpness usually seen in new nobles. Instead, they exuded a reassuring peace, and his voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just like his demeanor in the court over the years.

Zhu Houcong stroked the memorial on the table requesting retirement and suddenly understood why Zhang Cong had recommended this person to take over.

Yan Song did indeed possess a rare quality.

Like a pebble that has been washed by a torrent, yet its edges have become rounded.

It is not dazzling or eye-catching, yet it can make the restless water flow unconsciously follow its own trajectory.

With such qualities, one is capable of undertaking great responsibilities!
Even so, Zhu Houcong still wanted to try: "Does Minister Yan know that Junior Tutor Zhang has submitted a memorial to me?"

This was common knowledge, but the next sentence sent a chill down Yan Song's spine: "What Grand Tutor Zhang means is that you are no longer suitable to be the Second Grand Tutor!"

Yan Song's expression changed, and he immediately bowed down again: "Your Majesty, I beg you to see the truth. Although Zhang Gong and I have different political views, we are both loyal to the country. These words are definitely not Zhang Gong's original intention, but rather instigated by traitors!"

"Is it?"

Zhu Houcong smiled faintly: "I also think that there are some points worth discussing in what Grand Tutor Zhang said..."

Yan Song's mind raced. He knew that Zhang Cong's health was failing, and the newly powerful figures in the Great Rites Controversy were suffering repeated defeats under his increasingly powerful faction. Begging for retirement was actually a dignified way out.

However, it's hard to guarantee that Zhang Cong didn't harbor resentment and might also resign along with him.

But as his mind drifted back to his interactions with Zhang Cong, especially his words in recent days, Yan Song considered another possibility.

Therefore, he removed his official hat, his gray hair fluttering in the breeze: "If Your Majesty has any doubts about Lord Zhang because of me, I am willing to return to my farm immediately, without any resentment!"

"Oh?"

Zhu Houcong narrowed his eyes, his tone suddenly softening: "Get up! I am very satisfied with the draft of the Performance Evaluation Law, and Zhang Gong obviously agrees with it as well. After he leaves, I will recommend you to be the Grand Secretary!"

Yan Song felt a sense of certainty, but outwardly remained frozen in place until Huang Jin presented his official hat to him again. Only then did he snap out of his daze, tears welling up in his eyes: "I am ashamed! I am ashamed! Your Majesty's wisdom is boundless, and Eunuch Zhang is loyal to the country. Yet I had doubts..."

"Well!"

What Zhu Houcong liked to see most was the dramatic ups and downs, the anxious and uncertain expressions on his ministers' faces.

This means they have a deep understanding of whom they must be loyal to in order to maintain their hard-won position.

Yan Song's every move indeed pleased him.

"That's it!"

"Let the young master rest!"

When the emperor finally granted the request to retire on the fourth memorial, he finally agreed.

Since the first year of the Jiajing reign, when Zhang Cong submitted his memorial on the "Great Rites Controversy," a nearly four-year-long struggle for titles and ranks has begun. Since then, there have been new policies and reforms to rectify long-standing practices, to strictly govern officials and to leniently govern the people. Thirteen years have passed since then.

He was finally able to lay down this heavy burden and return to his hometown to retire.

At the same time, Yan Song, the second-ranking Grand Secretary, was promoted to Junior Tutor and concurrently Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Minister of Rites, and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Diligent Governance, and became the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

A new political landscape has emerged during the Jiajing reign!

(End of this chapter)