My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 176 The Lingji Palace Conference Opens

Su Ze followed in the entourage, listening to the rousing music, and secretly observing the expressions of his colleagues around him.

Most officials looked shocked.

Su Ze was slightly disappointed. It would have been even better if bells and chimes had been added to the musical ensemble. Unfortunately, the cautious Duke of Dingguo said that bells and chimes were important instruments of ritual music and could not be used lightly. Moreover, folk musicians had never practiced with bells and chimes. Therefore, Su Ze could only bring out this folk music version of "Yellow River".

The orchestra, composed of pipa, erhu, drum, suona, and sheng, is no less impressive than a Western orchestra. In fact, the use of folk instruments makes the performance even more powerful, making the audience feel as if they are in the midst of the Yellow River's surging waves.

Su Ze copied the most exciting and climax section of "The Yellow River". Coupled with the outstanding performance of these folk musicians, the cabinet ministers were full of doubts. How come they had never heard such a magnificent piece of music before?
Amidst such solemn music, no one dared to speak. After listening to the music with a mixture of shock and confusion, they saw Zhu Yijun, dressed in a robe with five-clawed dragons, walk up to the emperor.

Zhu Yijun was followed by eight eunuchs, who together carried a huge silver bottle.

Zhu Yijun performed the grand ceremony of paying homage to the emperor, and then said:

"Father, this piece is called 'Yellow River,' composed by Hanlin Su for the Hundred Entertainments Festival."

The crowd could no longer contain themselves and all turned to look at Su Ze in the back row. Even the emperor was extremely surprised. Su Ze could compose music? And such magnificent Shao music at that?
Immediately afterwards, Zhu Yijun stepped aside, and the eunuch behind him placed the silver bottle on the ground, only then did everyone realize that the bottle was full of water.

"This is water that your son sent people to fetch from the Yellow River."

The eunuchs poured out the water from the silver bottle, and Zhu Yijun knelt on the ground and said:

"When the Yellow River flows clear, a prosperous age appears!"

"Your subject congratulates this prosperous age!"

Immediately, all the officials followed suit, along with the learned scholars in Lingji Palace, and shouted together:

"When the Yellow River flows clear, a prosperous age appears!"

The Longqing Emperor on his throne was so excited that his face turned red. Wasn't this the prosperous era he had been pursuing?

This Lingji Palace conference was excellent!

However, in the corner behind Emperor Longqing, Li Fang, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, glanced at the emperor with worry. Only when he saw the emperor gradually calm down and the flush on his face fade before he stood up did Li Fang breathe a sigh of relief.

Immediately afterwards, the officials present shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and the Longqing Emperor slowly stood up.

"The Crown Prince's filial piety is commendable; hereby he is bestowed with a precious jade tablet."

The jade tablet symbolizes character. When the emperor publicly bestows a jade tablet upon the crown prince, it signifies his approval of the prince.

The harmonious relationship between father and son and the secure position of heir apparent were great news for the dynasty, and the officials all offered their congratulations to the crown prince.

The emperor then said:
"The Hundred Plays Festival was well organized. I will allocate another sum of money from my private treasury to reward the participants of the Hundred Plays Festival."

Little Fatty Jun below had his eyes shining. Master Su's method was indeed good. His father was so happy that he made up for the money spent on the Hundred Plays Festival, so the remaining money could be saved.

Through organizing this Hundred Plays Festival, Zhu Yijun also realized the importance of money.

Even the emperor and the crown prince need money to get things done!

The rest of the people who helped the Crown Prince organize the Hundred Plays Festival all received rewards from the Emperor.

However, when it came to Su Ze, the emperor hesitated for a moment, but ultimately granted him the reward of having his son granted a fief.

The emperor originally intended to bestow an official title upon Su Ze, but since his current official rank was below the fifth grade, which was below the minimum rank for such a title, he could only grant an official position to his unborn child.

And so, without even knowing whether the child in his wife's belly was a boy or a girl, Su Ze earned the first blessing for the Su family's descendants.

All his colleagues looked at Su Ze with envy. Although being granted a government position through hereditary privilege could only lead to minor official posts, it was at least a safety net.

Studying is highly dependent on talent. If the children are not capable and there is no family fortune to support them, the family will decline after two or three generations.

The Ming Dynasty was much stricter in granting hereditary privileges than the Song Dynasty. Su Ze received his first such privilege at such a young age, which naturally made those officials who were struggling to find a way out for their children and grandchildren envious and jealous.

After the opening ceremony, the emperor set up a platform next to the Taoist temple in Lingji Palace, and all the officials sat on the platform with the emperor.

Lingji Palace emptied out a study room and placed futons inside, where virtuous scholars from all over the country took their seats.

Following the meeting rules of the previous Lingji Palace conference, the emperor drafted several topics. After the topics were finalized, the Grand Secretary Li Chunfang wrote them on a flag, which was then hung high on the flagpole in the center of the Lingji Palace Taoist temple.

Then, virtuous and learned scholars from all over the country can speak on this topic, and if a debate is needed, the emperor will designate the two sides to debate.

After everyone was seated, the emperor gave Li Chunfang a few instructions. Grand Secretary Li Chunfang went to the altar, and the Grand Eunuch Li Fang personally ground the inkstone. Feng Bao and Chen Honglai, who were holding the brush, opened the banner, and Li Chunfang wrote two characters.

Su Ze looked up and saw the two characters "Wang Hua" on the banner, and knew that the Longqing Emperor was still thinking about expanding the territory.

Of course, it is still difficult for outside officials to know the emperor's true thoughts based on just these two words. Only a handful of people, such as the four cabinet ministers, can understand this.

This highlights the importance of information. Sometimes, being in a high position doesn't mean you have superior abilities compared to everyone else; it simply means you have access to unequal information, creating a huge information gap compared to ordinary people.

True political masters, on the other hand, are able to sift through layers of fog to uncover the real information and reveal the truth of the matter.

The existence of the system gives Su Ze access to far more information than others, and he can even predict the emperor's attitude!

After the silk banner was raised, several Confucian scholars took the initiative to speak.

Sure enough, as soon as these Confucian scholars opened their mouths, Su Ze knew they had gone astray.

The topics discussed by these Confucian scholars were all about "virtuous governance," that is, practicing virtuous governance and achieving the result of benevolent rule through rites, music, and education.

As expected, Su Ze secretly observed the emperor's expression and knew that the emperor was not satisfied with the result.

However, Emperor Longqing still gave those few Confucian scholars a simple reward, which made the other virtuous and learned scholars even more excited and eager to speak.

However, the emperor was clearly tired of the clichés of these local Confucian scholars. After all, governing the country was a matter of national importance, so how could he expect these Confucian scholars, who had never even held an official position, to have any insights?
The emperor looked at the assembled officials and asked:
"If any of you ministers have any thoughts on 'royal influence,' you may also speak."

Those qualified to attend the Lingji Palace Assembly were mainly officials of the fifth rank or above in Beijing, censors from the Six Ministries and the Censorate, as well as officials from the Hanlin Academy and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

These people were the core of the Ming Dynasty's officialdom, and as expected, many officials began to stir with excitement after the emperor spoke.

Su Ze was already part of the Hanlin Academy's official ranks, so he no longer needed to show off at this time.

However, those colleagues who had been toiling away in the Hanlin Academy were racking their brains, trying to come up with some "brilliant ideas" to attract the attention of the emperor and the high-ranking officials. Su Ze looked at his friends; Luo Wanhua's expression was indifferent, clearly not intending to show off at this time.

Zhang Wei and Wang Jiaping were eager to make their move, but their views were similar to those of the Confucian scholars. If they couldn't offer any new ideas, it would be difficult to satisfy the emperor.

Just then, a young official said, "Your subject, Yu Shenxing of the Hanlin Academy, requests a memorial."

Su Ze saw a young official emerge from the Hanlin Academy procession; it was none other than his fellow graduate, Yu Shenxing.

Yu Shenxing was also a Grand Secretary during the Wanli reign in the original history.

Su Ze had also tried to recruit Yu Shenxing to the newspaper, but Yu Shenxing lived up to his name, becoming very low-key after passing the imperial examination. He never attended any of the gatherings that year and remained quietly studying in the Hanlin Academy.

Like Su Ze, Yu Shenxing also achieved high academic success at a young age, passing the imperial examination at the age of seventeen and now only twenty-four.

Emperor Longqing smiled whenever he saw the young Hanlin officials.

In the Ming Dynasty, child prodigies were considered auspicious omens, and those who passed the imperial examinations at a young age were regarded as a sign of the prosperity of the nation's cultural heritage.

Yu Shenxing straightened his hat and said:
"Your Majesty, the day before yesterday, the Kuwu people came to pay tribute, and the tribute envoy, Mu Wanghua, wept in the golden palace."

"In my opinion, the true meaning of 'When the Yellow River runs clear, a sage will appear' is to enable barbarian tribes to understand the way of the king upon hearing the music of Shao and to admire the attire of the king upon seeing Chinese characters!"

Upon hearing Yu Shenxing's words, many officials' expressions changed. Su Ze looked at his fellow graduate and then at the smile on Emperor Longqing's face, knowing that Yu Shenxing's statement had pleased the emperor.

There are indeed many intelligent people in this world.

No wonder he was one of those who would later enter the cabinet; Yu Shenxing's remarks hit the nail on the head regarding the emperor's true intentions.

As expected, the Longqing Emperor was very satisfied and rewarded Yu Shenxing with gold coins.

Now all the officials understood; this was the emperor's purpose in setting the questions.

Su Ze looked at the Longqing Emperor, who was actually quite adept at politics.

By posing the topic at the Lingji Palace conference and then praising Yu Shenxing, this constitutes a public political statement.

The emperor's statement would naturally make the intentions of the officials understand the emperor's thoughts, and in the future, some officials would act in accordance with the emperor's wishes.

The bureaucratic group is not a whole, but rather a collection of individuals with their own agendas.

Su Ze thought of the Jiajing Emperor, who cleverly divided the civil service by exploiting the disagreements among officials, ultimately winning the Great Rites Controversy.

This was undoubtedly a much more sophisticated approach than that of Wanli and Chongzhen, who fought head-on against the entire civil service.

Su Ze glanced at the chubby little Jun beside the throne and saw that the guy had no interest in the Lingji Palace Assembly and seemed to be daydreaming. He couldn't help but sigh slightly, thinking that political talent was indeed not hereditary.

However, the emperor only hinted at it; once the direction of the policy was conveyed, that was enough, and the shift in court policy needed to be done gradually.

The morning's opening ceremony has now concluded, and the emperor will no longer be able to attend every day.

According to the agenda, a Grand Secretary was sent to preside over the meeting each day, while the Emperor would refresh the list periodically.

The daily agenda was determined by the attending cabinet members.

Su Ze looked at the four Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet. Just as the Emperor had just demonstrated, setting the agenda was a very important power. Should he visit the Grand Secretaries tonight?
However, Su Ze had a better way to guide the discussion. Today was the last day, so there was only one last simulation opportunity left, which should be used.

Su Ze now has several issues to raise, but which one should he bring up at the Lingji Palace conference?
With the "New Yuefu Gazette" in his hands and the system at his fingertips, now is the perfect opportunity to stir things up.

Just like what the emperor just did, by raising the issue and guiding its direction, a certain degree of consensus can be formed, allowing the memorial to be passed with less prestige.

Salt administration? Horse administration?
Or perhaps it's the military system or the tax system?
Unfortunately, the Lingji Palace Conference only lasted five days. After much thought, Su Ze decided that some of the reforms were too ambitious and that he should start with the easier ones.

Back at the history museum, Su Ze pulled out a pre-written memorial from the desk and stuffed it into the "Portable Ming Dynasty Imperial Court" folder.
-
Department of General Affairs.

Li Yiyuan finally received the emperor's imperial edict approving his appointment and was successfully transferred to the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. The position of Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review was temporarily filled by Yang Sizhong, who was Li Yiyuan's deputy.

Li Yiyuan was overjoyed to finally be transferred, while Yang Sizhong, who succeeded him, handed over the official seal to Li Yiyuan with a worried expression.

After the handover was completed, Li Yiyuan looked at his former subordinate and said in a relaxed tone:

"Brother Xiaofu, the important task of the Office of Transmission is entrusted to you. There is also discussion in the court that you should be appointed as the Commissioner of Transmission."

Upon hearing this, Yang Sizhong instinctively said:
“Lord Li, please don’t say such things. I submitted my resignation a few days ago, but you stopped me. Now you’re leaving on your own.”

Yang Sizhong looked resentful. He and Li Yiyuan were from the same department, and the Office of Transmission was not a department with fierce infighting. The two cooperated quite well and had a good personal relationship.

However, he kept the news that Li Yiyuan might be transferred to the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice a secret until the emperor's decree was issued, at which point everyone learned that Li Yiyuan had run away.

Yang Sizhong looked at Li Yiyuan and said, "You advised me not to resign, but you ran away first." Yang Sizhong, who took over the Office of Transmission, was naturally full of resentment.

Li Yiyuan quickly comforted his friend from the same age, saying:
"Hyōfu, although the position of Tōngchōshō is arduous, it is also an extremely important position as a Privy Councilor."

"The court favors you. If you can be promoted to the highest position, you will be able to make a difference in the future."

Yang Sizhong was a seasoned veteran in officialdom, and he didn't fall for Li Yiyuan's empty promises at all.

Just as Li Yiyuan was explaining the advantages of the position of Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review, an official came in to report:

"Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review, Hanlin Scholar Su has arrived!"

Upon hearing that Su Ze had arrived, Li Yiyuan instinctively trembled.

But then he relaxed, thinking, "I am now the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice! No longer the Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review!"

Li Yiyuan patted his successor on the shoulder and said with a smile:

"His Majesty and the Grand Secretaries attach great importance to Su Zilin's memorial. Brother Xiaofu, you should personally deliver it to the Grand Secretariat."

Seeing Li Yiyuan's face, Yang Sizhong strongly suspected that the reason this guy wouldn't let him resign was because he was afraid that no one would take over the Office of Transmission!
Yang Sizhong stamped his foot and had no choice but to bring his subordinates into the courtyard to personally receive Su Ze's memorial.

Su Ze also knew Yang Sizhong. The Vice Commissioner of the Court of Judicial Review did not look too good. After leaving his memorial, Su Ze took his leave.

Yang Sizhong picked up Su Ze's memorial, his heart pounding. He had just taken over the Office of General Affairs, and Su Ze had already given him such a "gift".
(End of this chapter)