My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 229 Debate Among the Ministers!

Seeing this display of force, even Duke Dingguo Xu Wenbi trembled slightly. He secretly glanced at Su Ze behind him before feeling a little relieved, and then greeted Huo Ji, the Minister of War.

The greetings were polite yet distant, and the remaining Ministry of War officials ignored Su Ze, with no one coming forward to greet him.

This time, when Su Ze set foot in the Ministry of War, the attitude of the entire Ministry of War was completely different from the previous times.

Indeed, reform is a lonely path.

The so-called reform is to break the original distribution of interests, which will inevitably touch the ruling faction.

The military supervisory commission touched upon the interests of the Ministry of War, so the Ministry of War naturally regarded Su Ze as an enemy.

This hostility will not change because of the personal relationship between the Ministry of War officials and Su Ze.

It is difficult for anyone to betray their own interests. While wielding power, one is also controlled by power itself. Huo Ji, as the Minister of War, must also fight for the interests of the Ministry of War.

Su Ze also confirmed that there was no room for luck in today's debate.

The group arrived at the Ministry of War Hall, and this time the arrangements were different from the last time.

The officials of the Ministry of War were seated at the head of the table, while the Duke of Dingguo and Su Ze were seated at the foot of the table, and there were only chairs and no tables.

Xu Wenbi's face was rather unpleasant. The Ministry of War's attitude showed that they were not hesitant to completely break off relations.

Su Ze was quite composed. After everyone was seated, Minister of War Huo Ji exchanged a few pleasantries and then announced the start of the debate.

This time, in order to avoid provoking the Ministry of War, the emperor didn't even bother to send any eunuchs from the inner court, since Duke Dingguo Xu Wenbi would report the truth anyway.

Xu Wenbi then read out the emperor's edict:
"After this debate in the Ministry of War, the Ministry of War and the Duke of Dingguo each submitted a memorial to discuss the matter of the Military Supervisor in detail."

This imperial edict was the starting gun of the battle. After Xu Wenbi finished reading it, Huo Ji, the Minister of War, cleared his throat and spoke first:
"His Majesty's edict, deliberating on the regulations for the Military Supervisory Bureau, concerns the very foundation of the nation, and the Ministry of War dares not neglect it. The most important matter is: how much funding will be allocated? The Ministry of Revenue is facing financial difficulties; last year, the expenses for the Dongsheng Guard and the reorganization of the Beijing Garrison were enormous. With the establishment of this 'Military Supervisory Bureau,' the construction, teachers, salaries, stipends for students, and the consumption of military equipment... each and every item will incur expenses exceeding tens of millions. Where will this funding come from? Will it again be diverted from the Ministry of War's border pay, or will it be expected to come from the imperial treasury?"

Xu Wenbi glanced at Su Ze beside him, and sure enough, Su Ze was right. The Ministry of War picked up the largest weapon as soon as he came up. Where did the money come from?

The officials of the Ministry of War also glanced at Xu Wenbi, knowing that this Duke of Dingguo was just a figurehead and that Su Ze was the one who had come to negotiate.

Su Ze stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:
"Minister Huo's concerns are absolutely correct. Cultivating the nation's pillars of society is far more complex than simply nurturing talent."

"His Majesty cherishes talent, understands the hardships of border officials, and considers military preparedness as the cornerstone of the nation. His Majesty personally appointed the Director of the Military Academy, and the students of the Military Academy are the Emperor's disciples. The regular expenses after the students enter the Military Academy are paid entirely by the imperial treasury, just like the stipend system for students of the Imperial Academy!"

After these words were spoken, the officials of the Ministry of War began to discuss among themselves. They had clearly not expected that the emperor would be so generous as to pay for the tuition fees of the students in the Imperial Academy.

But Huo Ji quickly seized on Su Ze's question again, and asked:
"What about the construction costs for the military supervisor?"

Su Ze said:

"The Military Academy and the Imperial Academy are both for selecting talents for the country, so this money should naturally come from the national treasury."

There was much discussion within the Ministry of War, clearly indicating dissatisfaction with the outcome.

However, Su Ze didn't want them to be satisfied. Huo Ji immediately brought up the financial issue in order to delay the establishment of the Military Supervisory Commission.

Now that the emperor has agreed to provide funding, this issue is no longer an issue.

As for the construction cost, it seems huge, but in reality, the Military Academy can use the Imperial College's school buildings for now. After some renovations, it can be used as a temporary solution. Compared to the tuition fees that have to be paid every year, this amount of money is negligible and can be used to get the Military Academy up and running.

Moreover, Su Ze had another way to raise funds, which he planned to write down separately in his memorial.

The expressions of the Ministry of War officials also turned serious. Huo Ji's eyes flickered slightly; he too sensed the emperor's determination, and Huo Ji had to consider which side to take.

Xu Wenbi looked at Su Ze with excitement. The Ministry of War officials, who had been so aggressive just moments before, lost half their momentum after Su Ze's attack. Sure enough, clinging to Su Ze's coattails was the right thing to do!
Huo Ji remained silent, but Cao Bangfu, the Vice Minister of War, spoke up and asked:
"Since we speak of 'cultivating talent,' how should we cultivate it? Military strategy and tactics are vast and profound; what kind of virtuous and talented people should we hire as teachers? How should we evaluate the courses and teaching materials? If we appoint ignorant and uneducated people as instructors, it is a small matter if they mislead the children, but if they instill some fallacies and heresies that are disrespectful to the emperor and father and contrary to ancestral teachings, wouldn't that bring disaster to the capital region?"

I won again!
Xu Wenbi's admiration for Su Ze deepened even more; the Ministry of War had indeed made an issue of "educational affairs" a target!
Su Ze said calmly:
“Minister Cao’s concerns are very valid. The responsibility of nurturing talent and cultivating virtue is no small matter. The curriculum outline of the Military Academy, the compilation of teaching materials, and the recruitment of teachers and scholars must be carefully planned.”

"Such troublesome and painstaking tasks are beyond the capacity of a mere 'instructor' to handle, nor are they the forte of a Duke. In my humble opinion, these minor matters of education should be led by learned scholars and military experts selected by the Ministry of War, who, together with officials from the Five Military Commissions and the Military Department of the Hanlin Academy, should carefully draft a plan and submit it to His Majesty for His Majesty's approval."

The Ministry of War officials were somewhat surprised, but Su Ze did not dwell on the matter of drafting the academic affairs plan. After all, Su Ze's official position in the Military Academy was "Dean of Academic Affairs".

Cao Bangfu was very familiar with Su Ze. When he saw Su Ze "take a step back", he frowned, which meant that Su Ze had a backup plan.

As expected, Su Ze said again:

"However, there is one matter I request that Minister Huo and Vice Minister Cao understand: A teacher's duty is to impart knowledge, teach skills, and resolve doubts. Those like Zhao Kuo, who only talk about war on paper, are by no means what His Majesty desires. Therefore, the instructors we hire, whether from the Ministry of War, the Military Governor's Office, or veteran generals, must not only be well-versed in classical texts, but also have firsthand experience in military affairs, be knowledgeable in practical battles, be able to train troops, and be skilled in issuing commands. The courses they teach must also include real-world drills and field exercises. This standard is the foundation of the Military Academy's education, and I earnestly hope that you gentlemen will be extremely cautious about it. Regardless of who writes the teaching materials, the final approval must be made by His Majesty himself."

really!

Cao Bangfu knew that Su Ze always used a strategy of retreating to advance.

While relinquishing the right to compile teaching materials, the emperor retained the power to select instructors.

This is indeed Su Ze's style.

Regardless of the teaching materials, the people who had the most contact with the students of the Martial Arts Academy were inevitably the instructors of the academy.

Su Ze's requirement that only those with practical combat experience be qualified to serve as instructors, in order to avoid theoretical discussions, left the Ministry of War with no choice but to agree.

Cao Bangfu was speechless for a moment.

The Ministry of War took on the most arduous task of compiling teaching materials, but Su Ze firmly grasped the core power of "selecting and appointing instructors." The Ministry of War only gained the benefit in name, but had no suitable reason to object.

The Minister of War and the Vice Minister of War both suffered defeats at Su Ze's hands, further lowering the morale of the Ministry of War.

Immediately afterwards, the Ministry of War began to nitpick.

An official stood up and said:

"What Su Hanlin said is that the most taboo thing for the Military Academy is to talk about war on paper, but what the Military Academy learns is ultimately just theoretical knowledge."

Su Ze immediately said:

"This is also what I wanted to say. The Military Academy is different from the Imperial Academy. Military preparations are ultimately for actual combat. The worst thing is to talk about war on paper. It is also the most important thing to adapt to local conditions and cultivate talents who can be used on the battlefield." "I envision setting up 'Infantry Department,' 'Cavalry Department,' and 'Artillery Department' in the Military Academy, and teaching them according to actual combat, while also supplementing them with military training."

The official pressed further:
How to conduct military training under the supervision of the armed forces?

Su Ze said:

"The military academy should be just like a military camp. The instructors are the superiors of the students. After entering the military academy, you must abide by military discipline and accept military-style management, just like soldiers."

"In addition to studying military strategy, physical training should also be carried out. When appropriate, simulated military training or actual combat exercises can be conducted in the Beijing garrison."

Su Ze briefly explained the methods of military training and live-fire exercises again, and this time the Ministry of War officials fell silent.

Su Ze's plan was very comprehensive, taking all aspects into consideration. If this method of training were followed, even if outstanding generals were not produced, at least qualified officers would be produced.

Then another official stood up to ask questions, from the school system to specific rules and regulations, and Su Ze quickly gave answers, which further discouraged the Ministry of War.

Su Ze smiled inwardly. The military academy system was basically used in all the countries before he transmigrated, so it was naturally very complete. Not to mention the civil officials in the Ministry of War, when he wrote a letter to Qi Jiguang to discuss it, Qi Jiguang was also greatly impressed and praised Su Ze for having the talent of Sun Tzu.

The morale of the Ministry of War was declining, and at this moment, Wang Mu'en, the Vice Director of the Military Selection Department, stood up.

The Director of the Military Selection Division of the Ministry of War, also known as the "Military Selection Director," was one of the most powerful directors among the Six Ministries, just like the Director of the Civil Selection Division of the Ministry of Personnel.

Hereditary appointments were within the authority of the Military Selection Division.

Therefore, Wang Mu'en can be said to be the official in the entire Ministry of War who was most opposed to the Military Supervisory Commission.

He said hurriedly:

"What Hanlin Su said above concerns whether students who have completed their studies can serve in the military, where they can serve, and how effective they can be. Ultimately, the Ministry of War must select and appoint them! If what they have learned is not what they are good at, and what they are good at is not what they are good at, wouldn't that be a waste of national funds? Moreover, the hereditary positions of centurion, chiliarch, and commander are related to the perpetuity of hereditary succession. The ironclad law of the Great Ming Code stipulates that all these positions must be verified by the Ministry of War. Is the Military Supervisor trying to exercise the power of selection on their behalf?!"

This question was pointed, and the atmosphere became even more tense.

Xu Wenbi looked at Su Ze nervously. Although the Ministry of War's concentrated fire was not aimed at him, Xu Wenbi's palms were sweating. If Su Ze hadn't been there, he would have already given up and run away.

Su Ze said confidently:
“What Wang Xuanlang said is absolutely right! I, Su, have no intention of going against the ‘Collected Statutes of the Great Ming’!”

"The appointment of military officers by the Military Academy is by no means an attempt to overstep the ancestral system of selection. Hereditary military positions are a matter of fundamental importance to the nation, and Military Academy graduates must apply to the Ministry of War for verification of succession in accordance with the 'Collected Statutes.' This is only a matter of course!"

"but!"

The atmosphere in the hall almost froze at the sound of that single word, "but." Xu Wenbi tugged at his collar, trying to get a little more air in.

"However, the Ministry of War grants a 'position,' a 'position' of a centurion. The salary and land ownership of such a position are governed by regulations. His Majesty's intention in establishing the Military Supervisory Commission is to train truly capable officers for the Ming Dynasty! Therefore, what the Military Supervisory Commission examines is 'ability'! It is the 'real talent' in leading troops, training troops, fighting in battle, and strategizing!"

"My humble opinion is that the students of the Military Academy should complete two years of study, with both academic and examination results administered concurrently. Their final examination rankings should be determined through public discussion among the teachers, supervisors, and head instructors. This ranking is not for official appointments! Rather, it is for..."

"Determine their 'assignment' after succeeding to their hereditary title—that is, where they will actually be assigned, what troops they will command, and what responsibilities they will bear!"

"For example, among those holding the position of centurion, the one with the best performance can request to go to the strategic points of the nine border regions, or serve as a model soldier in the Beijing Garrison, and will have the opportunity to participate in the training of the new firearms battalion; the middle-ranking ones will be assigned to important positions in various guards; and the last-ranking ones will remain in their original guards and inherit their ancestral positions."

"Those who rank high in performance evaluations will be given priority for positions with the potential for promotion and the ability to make contributions; those who rank low will fill vacancies. In this way, the succession of positions by sons of noble families is in accordance with the law; and their abilities will be reflected by the 'substantive positions' they hold."

"This is what is meant by 'each in their proper place, each fulfilling their abilities'! Success comes from diligence, and future depends on talent. This can both encourage students of the Military Academy to study hard and ensure that the talents produced are all suited for their duties and live up to the country's expectations! This is the true purpose of running the Military Academy."

What do you gentlemen think?

A deathly silence fell over the hall. The Ministry of War officials looked extremely grim, yet they were unable to immediately refute them.

The Ministry of War retained its traditional power (face) in hereditary rank certification, but the real power (or opportunity) of officers—their actual assignments and opportunities for merit—was usurped by the performance ranking system within the Military Supervisory Commission. This effectively emptied the Ministry of War of its control over the actual future of officers.

Huo Ji's face was ashen, clearly weighing the weight of the proposal.

Wang Mu'en, the Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department, had the worst expression.

This debate is not about rhetoric; both sides are arguing for a solution.

Su Ze can propose a solution; if he cannot come up with a better one, the emperor will definitely support Su Ze.

Wang Mu'en even regretted asking Su Ze the question. If she had known this would happen, she would have preferred not to ask at all and to keep the question ambiguous.

Clearly, Su Ze had anticipated the Ministry of War's moves and had devised solutions, but the Ministry of War had no better rebuttal to Su Ze's opinions.

We can't just follow the example of the censors and use the phrase "ancestral law" to suppress Su Ze, can we?

Even so, how could one possibly out-argue a Hanlin scholar in a debate on classical texts?

Huo Ji remained silent for a long time, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over Su Ze's calm face and Xu Wenbi's tense face.

Huo Ji also understood that continuing the debate would only lead to a more crushing defeat.

He needed time to find fault with Su Ze's various plans, so Huo Ji said:

"Scholar Su's insightful remarks have truly enlightened us. However, this matter is of great importance, involving ancestral laws and national regulations, and cannot be decided in a single sentence. The Ministry of War must, must, conduct a thorough study. For now, let's leave it at that."

"According to His Majesty's decree, let us discuss this further and then submit our own memorials to His Majesty for his decision."

Now Xu Wenbi was completely convinced by Su Ze!

The imperial edict given to him by the Longqing Emperor was originally intended to provide a safety net for Xu Wenbi and Su Ze, but in reality it meant, "If you really can't win, I'll support you."

Xu Wenbi did not expect that this would become a fig leaf for the Ministry of War. Huo Ji proposed to submit a report to the Emperor for a decision after the meeting, which was tantamount to admitting that the debate had failed.

Unable to refute Su Ze on both the moral high ground and the details of implementation, the Ministry of War had no choice but to stop the debate and discuss countermeasures.

Xu Wenbi made up his mind that he must stand with Su Ze on matters concerning the Martial Arts Bureau, and he would do whatever Su Ze said in the Martial Arts Bureau from now on!
After leaving the Ministry of War, Su Ze said to Xu Wenbi:
"Duke Dingguo, I will draft Tang Bian's memorial."

Xu Wenbi hurriedly said:
"Please write whatever you like, Hanlin Su. I only need to sign my name!"

(End of this chapter)