My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 326 Reappointing Cabinet Ministers
Compared to the crowds that used to line up in front of the Li residence year-round, the area became much quieter after news of Li Chunfang's resignation spread.

Su Ze presented his visiting card, and soon the steward of the Li family came out to welcome Su Ze into the mansion.

Li Chunfang was a strict ruler. His former advisor, Xu Wei, was dismissed because he couldn't stand the rules in Li Chunfang's household and chose to break his contract.

Even though rumors were circulating that Chief Minister Li was leaving the capital, the Li residence remained orderly and without any disorder.

Unlike Gao Gong, Li Chunfang and Gao Gong were not so close, so Li Chunfang met Su Ze in the side hall where guests were received.

Su Ze looked at this Minister Li. After "recuperating" for so long, Li Chunfang looked almost the same as when he first met her. She really knew how to maintain her health.

These days, living to seventy is considered a very long life.

"Greetings, Grand Secretary."

Su Ze bowed to Li Chunfang, who then had a servant bring tea and said:

"Zilin, you should know that I am about to return to my hometown."

A strange emotion welled up in Su Ze's heart.

Thinking back to those days, when I persuaded Li Chunfang to serialize "Journey to the West" in the "Yuefu Xinbao" newspaper, helping the newspaper increase its sales, the scene is still vivid in my mind.

But now Li Chunfang is about to leave the capital.

Seeing the genuine emotion on Su Ze's face, Li Chunfang felt much better.

This child truly has a sincere heart.

Li Chunfang turned to Su Ze and said:

"After forty years in officialdom, I've long since become indifferent to the ups and downs of life. Zilin, you still have a long road ahead of you."

"When you reach my age, it would be a great blessing in your life to be able to return to your hometown and enjoy the countryside."

Su Ze nodded.

Li Chunfang is right. It was not easy to retire safely from the position of Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, and to be able to enjoy a glorious old age was rare in the history of the Ming Dynasty.

Being the Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty was also a high-risk profession.

Among the chief ministers of the Jiajing reign, Yang Tinghe was dismissed from his post and reduced to commoner status due to the Great Rites Controversy, and was almost executed. His son, Yang Shen, was exiled to Yunnan.

Jiang Mian and Mao Ji were Yang Tinghe's successors, but they also resigned from their posts and returned to their hometowns, where they died in despair.

Zhang Cong was dismissed from his post as prime minister four times, and his career was marked by three rises and three falls.

Xia Yan was beheaded, Yan Song was stripped of his official rank and his property confiscated; he starved to death in his grave.

After Xu Jie was dismissed from office, his family's land was impeached and their property was seized.

The only one in the Jiajing reign who died peacefully was Fei Hong, who died in office.

Li Chunfang was a veteran official during the Jiajing era. Having witnessed the fate of so many of his predecessors, he felt fortunate to be able to return home with honor.

Li Chunfang looked at Su Ze. He had been an official for decades and studied Huang-Lao philosophy. He claimed to be able to see through people's hearts, but he just happened to meet Su Ze, this oddball.

No matter how hard Li Chunfang tried, he couldn't see through Su Ze's thoughts. He didn't even know whether Su Ze's memorials were good or bad for the Ming Dynasty.

At this moment, Li Chunfang truly felt that she was getting old.

Li Chunfang looked at Su Ze, wanting to say a few words of advice to the younger generation of officials, but didn't know how to put it into words.

In some ways, Su Ze is more mature and shrewd than I am, so how can I teach him?
After much deliberation, Li Chunfang could only offer Su Ze some advice.

"Zilin, you are too hasty in your governance, always wanting to seize every minute. In the future, without me in the cabinet, and with your impatient tutor, you'd better watch yourself."

Su Ze cupped his hands in agreement, admitting that he had indeed been impatient before, but now that the reforms in all aspects were basically completed, he should indeed be patient, just as Li Chunfang had said.

Being too hasty can also lead to mistakes, especially when you have a golden touch and always want to achieve everything in one fell swoop. You really need to restrain your impatience and proceed slowly, just like Li Chunfang said.

Li Chunfang then said:

"I am not at ease entrusting the newspaper to Luo Wanhua. The newspaper is also your hard work, so please bear with it."

Su Ze looked at Li Chunfang with a puzzled expression. He had thought that Li Chunfang admired Luo Wanhua, as he had often praised Luo Wanhua when he was the president.

Li Chunfang said:
"Luo Wanhua is an upright man and a promising talent for running a newspaper. However, he is too upright and easily breaks. Running a newspaper is a business that can easily breed resentment. I am afraid that he will cause trouble and embarrass the court."

Su Ze paused for a moment.

As Li Chunfang said, Luo Wanhua's personality did indeed become more introverted and withdrawn after he took over the newspaper.

Especially after establishing an editorial department and beginning in-depth reporting on social issues, Luo Wanhua seemed to become even more somber.

There's no way around it; with so much negative news, this is bound to happen.

Li Chunfang said:
"If the Yuefu Xinbao is ever banned in the future, don't say that I was its first president."

Su Ze nodded repeatedly.

Li Chunfang continued:
"Before leaving the capital, I have a few things to entrust to Zilin."

Su Ze said seriously:

"Please speak, Prime Minister Li. I, Su, will do my utmost to fulfill your request."

Li Chunfang shook her head and said:

"You don't need to exert yourself; it's just a few household chores."

Su Ze made a gesture of listening attentively.

Li Chunfang said:
"First of all, there is this house of mine, which was bestowed upon me by the late Emperor. I have petitioned His Majesty several times to take it back, but His Majesty has refused."

“The sons in my family are unworthy and have failed to pass the imperial examinations to become officials. Although my son has been granted an official position through hereditary privilege, he lacks the talent to be an official. He has also come back to my hometown with me this time. This house will only be a waste of money, so I am asking Zilin to help me deal with it.”

Su Ze never expected that Li Chunfang would entrust the management of the mansion to him.

Su Ze said:

"After Prime Minister Li leaves the capital, I will help him sell this house and then have someone send the silver dollars to his hometown."

Li Chunfang shook her head and said:
"I'm about to return to my hometown, why would I care about these money and material possessions?"

That's right. Back then, Li Chunfang refused to accept the royalties for "Journey to the West" and eventually established the "Huayang Award".

By the way, the Huayang Award.

Su Ze probed:
"The Grand Secretary means the Huayang Award?"

Li Chunfang nodded, revealing an expression that suggested she was a promising student.

Su Ze hadn't expected Li Chunfang to be so indifferent to money. He thought for a moment and said:

"Prime Minister, I suggest that we not sell this house."

"Why?"

Su Ze said:

"For a long time to come, housing prices in Beijing will continue to rise. Selling now will definitely result in a loss in the future."

"Moreover, the Huayang Award is awarded every year, so it needs to find some stable ways to make a living. Therefore, I suggest renting it out." "With the rent from Grand Secretary Li's mansion, the annual income would be quite substantial, which would be enough to cover the award ceremony."

Li Chunfang nodded in satisfaction and said:

"I am not good at financial matters, so it was indeed appropriate to leave this matter to Su Zilin."

Su Ze said sincerely:
"Prime Minister Li, as long as I am alive, the Huayang Award will continue to be awarded. Even after I pass away, the Huayang Award will continue to be awarded for five hundred years!"

"Five hundred years? Zilin is joking. The world changes drastically in a hundred years. Who knows how history will evaluate you and me in five hundred years, let alone the Huayang Award."

Su Ze, however, firmly stated:

"Your Excellency, I am not speaking recklessly, nor am I making a wish lightly."

Seeing Su Ze's expression and recalling his incredible actions since becoming an official, Li Chunfang actually believed him to some extent.

He was in a better mood and nodded, saying:
"Since Zilin is so confident, then I am even more at ease."

Li Chunfang continued:
"There is one more thing, which I am asking on behalf of an old friend."
-
When Su Ze came out of Li Chunfang's house, he was somewhat dazed.

Although Li Chunfang's second request was not named, Su Ze knew that it was on behalf of Li Fang, the Grand Master of Ceremonial.

Li Fang also wanted to leave the palace to retire, but eunuchs were the emperor's servants, and Li Fang needed the emperor's permission to leave the palace to retire.

Seeing that Li Chunfang was about to resign and return to his hometown, Li Fang also sent a letter from the palace, asking Li Chunfang to help him leave the palace.

Li Chunfang knew this matter was sensitive, so she thought of Su Ze.

Su Ze thought of the old eunuch Li Fang, who had been kind to him and helped him a few times, so he decided to try his best to repay the favor.

If all else fails, we can use the system to help, but how do we submit the petition?
Su Ze then thought of another problem: with both the Grand Secretary and the Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs in vacancy, it seemed that the Ming Dynasty would remain in turmoil for some time.

Li Chunfang told her this news so that she could be prepared.

There were only a few candidates for the position of Grand Secretary and Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial, and Su Ze knew them all.

However, this left the cabinet with only three regents and one chief minister, reducing its size.

The situation was even more tense for the Directorate of Ceremonial, as only two chief eunuchs remained.

This quantity is far too small.

During the Zhengde era, the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs had a total of eight people, including the Grand Secretary and the Chief Secretary.

The two were barely able to maintain normal administrative functions, so it was certain that the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs would need to appoint a new scribe.

Su Ze pondered whether he would be affected by this political upheaval.

Should we submit another memorial to appoint additional cabinet ministers?
Furthermore, if we help Li Fang leave the palace to retire, could Li Fang recommend a successor for the Directorate of Ceremonial?
Zhang Cheng, the eunuch of the Dengzhou-Laizhou Maritime Trade Office, had a close relationship with Su Ze.

The Denglai Maritime Trade Office was the second most important northern port after Yuegang, and it was also the garrison of the Ming Dynasty's navy.

The Dengzhou-Laizhou Maritime Trade Office was also responsible for minting coins and was the most important port in the north.

Zhang Cheng was also clever and quick-witted. He presented lanterns to the Dengzhou-Laizhou Maritime Trade Office several times during the Lantern Festival, and thus gained the emperor's favor.

If Zhang Cheng could be added to the Directorate of Ceremonial, then I could also have "one of my own" in the Directorate of Ceremonial.
Su Ze prepared to write a letter to Zhang Cheng to tell him the news.

That's how politics is; sometimes, if you know something a little earlier than others, you can gain more.

This is also why officials gathered in the capital; by the time news reached the provinces, it was too late.

Besides, what would I gain if I were to add more cabinet ministers?
Su Ze thought about it again. Among the candidates, Wang Shizhen and Li Yiyuan had a good relationship with him, and Yin Shidan was his former superior, so their relationship was so-so.

The cabinet is still too far removed from their own lives, but once these people are promoted to the cabinet, it will create vacancies in the Six Ministries and the Nine Ministers' Offices.

Maybe I can get a promotion in the future?

Su Ze now understood why chaos is said to be a stepping stone to progress.

In the past, when Li Chunfang was in power, the political situation was as calm as stagnant water, and everyone could only obediently do their jobs.

Now that the court is about to undergo changes, it's naturally a time when both powerful and unscrupulous figures will rise up.

Su Ze sighed, even though he possessed the system, he couldn't change this situation.

The good news is that, thanks to his intervention, both Li Chunfang and Li Fang, one inside and one outside the family, will be able to die peacefully.
-
On March 19, Grand Secretary Li Chunfang once again submitted a letter requesting to resign.

In this memorial, Li Chunfang detailed his years of hard study, his success in the imperial examinations, his service as an official in other places, and his feelings of being unable to return to his hometown to serve his parents now that he is nearly seventy years old.

As expected of a literary giant of his time, Su Ze felt that Li Chunfang's memorial was sincere and heartfelt after reading it.

Having submitted such a memorial, Emperor Longqing, however reluctant, had no choice but to allow Li Chunfang to return to his hometown.

The emperor also treated this veteran minister with the utmost courtesy.

Li Chunfang enjoyed all the privileges, including being granted official titles and privileges to her wife and children.

The emperor then issued an order granting Li Chunfang and his family permission to use the post stations to return to their hometown.

He then ordered the officials in charge of escorting him with ceremonial guards to protect him on his way home.

The relevant authorities were ordered to provide him with "eight servants" every year and "six bushels of grain" every month.

This treatment surpassed that of the former Grand Secretary Xu Jie, demonstrating the emperor's favor towards Li Chunfang.

Moreover, unlike in the original timeline, Li Chunfang was not impeached by censors and forced to resign. Therefore, the officials also gave Li Chunfang extremely high praise, believing that he was not greedy for power and position, and was benevolent, filial and kind.

Returning home with this evaluation, Li Chunfang's reputation in historical records wouldn't be too bad. Moreover, he did accomplish a great deal during his tenure, so he would definitely be ranked among the famous prime ministers of the Ming Dynasty.

Of course, there are also rumors that Li Chunfang was a mere figurehead, frequently taking sick leave and slacking off when he served as Grand Secretary, thus winning honors without lifting a finger.

However, while a person's fate depends on their own efforts, the course of history must also be taken into account. Whether Li Chunfang won by default or was truly capable, the Ming Dynasty achieved a series of victories during his rule, and he certainly deserved this honor.

In the newspaper office, Luo Wanhua looked at Su Ze and asked:
"Brother Zilin, aren't you going to see off Chief Minister Li?"

Su Ze said, "I have already seen off Chief Minister Li. There are so many important officials here today. Squeezing over would just mean a distant glimpse, which is meaningless."

Luo Wanhua thought about it and agreed; he had also visited Li Chunfang alone the day before.

Li Chunfang talked to him about running a newspaper, and before leaving, she gave him a pile of books, telling him to read Huang Lao's books in his spare time.

Although Luo Wanhua did not know what Li Chunfang meant, he was an avid reader and Li Chunfang was a renowned scholar, so his collection of books was naturally extremely valuable.

Luo Wanhua accepted Li Chunfang's gift and listened to Li Chunfang's words. He did not go to the crowd to see him off today, but he felt a little sad at the moment, so he came to chat with Su Ze.

Seeing Su Ze writing furiously, Luo Wanhua asked:

"Brother Zilin, are you going to submit a memorial?"

Su Ze nodded and said:

“A report came from Yingtian that the mausoleum of Emperor Taizu needs repair, so I petitioned the court to send a supervising eunuch to Nanjing to oversee the repair of the mausoleum of Emperor Taizu.”

Luo Wanhua nodded. He knew that Su Ze and Yingtian Governor Hai Rui had been corresponding frequently, and he guessed that this was at Hai Rui's request.

Luo Wanhua then asked, "Brother Zilin, what do you think of the recent appointment of new cabinet ministers?"

(End of this chapter)