Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 106 A nation cannot be without a chief minister for even a day!

Outside the research center, Zhang Yunxiu was pointing at a group of imperial physicians and angrily cursing them.

It should be noted that names such as Gong Juzhong, Wang Yingyuan, and Luo Xian have already become legendary doctors in the hearts of the people of Beijing.

The Renmin Second, Third, and Fourth Medical Clinics, which they each managed, saved tens of thousands of lives during this plague relief effort.

Some ordinary people even built shrines for them to worship, and many high-ranking officials and nobles treated them with courtesy after receiving help from the research center.

These were all the most outstanding medical talents in the Ming Dynasty, yet Zhang Yunxiu scolded them as if they were his grandsons.

However, they were completely content with it, each one of them bowing their heads and showing no complaints whatsoever.

Even more shockingly, while Zhang Yunxiu was cursing, he was also taking notes, meticulously recording every word Zhang Yunxiu said, as if he wanted to treat it as gospel.

Even though Zhang Rong was already used to this scene, the corner of his mouth still twitched involuntarily.

After Zhang Yunxiu finished reprimanding the imperial physicians and dismissed them, Zhang Rong stepped forward and said with a smile.

"I truly admire my nephew Zhang's ability to recognize and appoint capable people."

His words came from the bottom of his heart.

Upon seeing this scene, Zhang Rong couldn't help but think that if Zhang Yunxiu were to train soldiers in the army, he would probably be quite skilled.

“My lord, this is the power of knowledge,” Zhang Yunxiu said without batting an eye.

Zhang Rong's expression stiffened, but she was already used to the other person's unreliable manner. She covered her mouth with her hand and coughed slightly before speaking.

"I have received some information, which is of great importance. Let's go to the government office to discuss it in detail."

After saying that, the two entered the research center and went straight to the study.

As soon as he sat down inside, Zhang Rong's expression turned serious. He reached into his robes, pulled out a package, pushed it in front of Zhang Yunxiu, and slowly began to speak.

“During this period, the capital has been in turmoil. Not only in the western suburbs where refugees gather, but also throughout the capital city, rumors and outrageous remarks are spreading everywhere.”

All indications suggest that White Lotus cult members may have been secretly stirring up trouble and deliberately instigating it.

Having heard my nephew's suspicions, I entrusted my servants to investigate secretly, and they have yielded some results.

Zhang Yunxiu nodded, pulled the package in front of him and said, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is also conducting research in the capital. However, the capital is a mixed bag, with spies everywhere. They act ostentatiously, so it may be difficult to uncover the truth. It would be better to send the servants from the Duke's mansion, which would be more discreet."

He had commissioned Zhang Rong to investigate beforehand. Most of the servants in the Duke of Ying's mansion had military experience, and their ability to investigate these matters was no less than that of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot, and they were even more capable of attracting attention.

Since the plague ravaged the capital, every event has seemed suspicious, especially the spread of rumors.

The Wanli Xinbao newspaper had a great influence in Beizhili, and with the implementation of various measures, the plague should have gradually subsided.

Not only did the rumors and resentment among the people inside and outside the capital intensify, even causing a lot of trouble.

Zhang Yunxiu would never believe it if he were beaten to death that no one was involved in stirring things up.

He reached out and opened the package, even feeling a little nervous, wondering what clues might be inside.

But when I opened it, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

Inside the package lay only a yellowed and tattered piece of paper, the writing on it resembling a travel permit.
The inscription reads, "Zhang Fu, Third Jia, West Wing, Wanquan County, Puzhou, Pingyang Prefecture, Shanxi Province, in the ninth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty."

The specific content is that Zhang Fu came to the capital to do business, and the Wanquan County government issued him a travel permit.

"What does the Duke mean by this?" Zhang Yunxiu frowned deeply.

Zhang Rong squinted and added, "This was obtained by my servants when they were chasing down that Wang Banxian, from one of his servants."

At first glance, it seems like nothing, but upon closer inspection, it's enough to send chills down your spine.

"My dear nephew, you should know that a large portion of the refugees who have arrived in the capital this time came from Pingyang Prefecture?"

Having a cheat code really makes a difference. Zhang Yunxiu's thinking is much sharper than that of ordinary people, and he immediately noticed that something was wrong.

“Since the beginning of the Wanli era, Puzhou has not suffered from the Yellow River floods for five years. According to the report from the prefect, the government is still doing well and the people are harmonious. Even if the plague is rampant, how could there suddenly be so many refugees?”

Zhang Rong's face revealed a murderous aura as he spoke.

"Ordinary refugees don't carry travel permits, and even that fortune teller Wang wouldn't carry one."

However, even wandering sorcerers need someone to go into the city to buy goods for them.

Especially during this city lockdown, without a travel permit, no one can enter the capital!
Such a coincidence, a large number of refugees suddenly appeared in Puzhou, and the fortune teller Wang also seemed to have come from Puzhou. The disappearance could not be as simple as a plague.

The secrets behind this are truly intriguing!

"May is auspicious, the day of Jian Renwu, the 20th day of Wuxu. Suitable activities include: offering sacrifices, praying for blessings, consecrating objects, traveling, and exorcising evil spirits. Unsuitable activities include: marriage, breaking ground, and purchasing property."

It is still not dawn.

Upon entering the Meridian Gate, a somber atmosphere filled the area outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony, where the assembled court officials all wore extremely serious expressions.

The Huangji Gate is the main gate in front of the three main halls. When court officials arrive for court, they usually tidy up their court robes and line up here first.

After the ranks had rested, some court officials couldn't help but turn their gaze to the front. The position that had been before Zhang Siwei was still empty. Having not seen Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng for over a month, some officials had almost forgotten what the Grand Secretary looked like.

"Today His Majesty has unprecedentedly agreed to hold a court assembly, yet the Grand Secretary has not yet attended. The plague is still raging in Beizhili, and the scholars in Nanzhili are also causing trouble. Given this situation, where is our Great Ming Dynasty headed?"

An elderly official in the queue couldn't help but sigh.

These words left many people with bitter expressions, and some couldn't help but start to have doubts.

Zhang Juzheng had been ill for so long, but the details of his illness remained unknown to the public.

If one were to say that his illness was terminal, the memorial was still sent to the Zhang family's residence.

If he has already recovered, then why is he still hiding at home and not seen by anyone?
Rumors circulated that Zhang Juzheng was bedridden and even on his deathbed, and that his sons had drafted all the memorials to the throne on his behalf.

Over time, even the officials who had previously been loyal to Zhang Juzheng began to have their own ideas.

It would be extremely difficult to say that Zhang Juzheng lost power in the court. After all, he was a veteran of three reigns with deeply entrenched power. Even those with ulterior motives could only hint at it indirectly in the past.

But if Zhang Juzheng were truly terminally ill and on his deathbed, would there still be a place for the "Zhang faction" in the court?

Zhang Juzheng's sons are all relatively inexperienced and lack the necessary courage. Does the "Zhang faction" really have to rely on that young boy Zhang Shiyuan?
Many other court officials, however, were indignant.

Since the Jiajing reign, there has been no saying that the court cannot be without a ruler for a day; the only thing that cannot be done for a day is that the court cannot be without a chief minister, a cabinet, or a directorate of ceremonial!
If Zhang Juzheng is incompetent, what's the point of him occupying the position of Grand Secretary?

"His Majesty is holding court—"

After completing the procedures for entering the palace, the ministers finally entered the Hall of Supreme Harmony one after another after hearing Feng Bao's sharp voice.

On his throne, Emperor Wanli looked sleepy. He glanced at the empty seats in front of the procession and felt another headache coming on.

He used to despise Zhang Juzheng, feeling that it was the Grand Secretary Zhang who made him hesitant and unable to realize his grand ambitions.

He even believed some rumors that Zhang Juzheng wielded too much power and harbored treacherous intentions.

But when Zhang Juzheng became less proactive in handling state affairs, and then when he resigned due to illness, Emperor Wanli truly experienced what it meant to be a ruler.

Dealing with these cunning and shrewd ministers is no easy task.

However, today the Wanli Emperor refused to believe in superstition and wanted to try again.

Unable to discern the emperor's thoughts, many court officials wept with joy upon seeing him finally attend court.

The emperor finally held court, and it seemed that there was hope for the Ming Dynasty!
But after Feng Bao finished reading the memorial, before the court officials could speak, Emperor Wanli spoke first.

"Since the beginning of this month, I have frequently received memorials, all of which report that in the southern Zhili region, students have gathered to cause trouble, unruly people have assaulted officials, and even worse, some have dared to make irresponsible remarks about the government and privately engrave slanderous books."

Since I ascended the throne at a young age, I have been diligent and conscientious day and night, fearing only that I would fail to live up to the legacy entrusted to me by my ancestors! However, these scholars, who are not well-versed in the classics, instead emulate the wandering knights, using the guise of advocating for the people to enrich themselves!

How can such "student bandits" be tolerated?

After saying this, Emperor Wanli was slightly out of breath, and a hint of smugness appeared on his face.

This text was compiled by him yesterday, taking some time out of his schedule, and he believed it would convince the people in the court.

Emperor Wanli took a deep breath and said, "These local parasites are contrary to the sacred way. Gentlemen, please devise a plan to deal with them properly!"

His gaze swept across the assembled officials below, then settled on Shen Shixing, before glancing at several other ministers in the hall.

There will naturally be opponents, but as long as someone follows my lead and adds a sentence or two, it will be fine.

I will use my might to deter the villains, and then the overall situation will be settled!
As long as these troublesome students can be dealt with, I will have absolute power in the future, and no one will dare to disobey me!
Emperor Wanli was determined that if any official dared to speak disrespectfully, he would immediately drag them out of the Meridian Gate and beat them with sticks!

Even if it means killing or maiming a few, we wouldn't hesitate.

He wanted to display the same charisma as his grandfather, Emperor Shizong, and silence these audacious court officials!

However, things did not go as smoothly as Emperor Wanli had imagined.

Inside the main hall, the ministers looked at each other, their expressions a mixture of surprise and bewilderment, with many whispering amongst themselves.

Seeing this, Emperor Wanli couldn't help but feel a little smug. He put his hands behind his back and scrutinized his ministers, his gaze continuing to fall on Shen Shixing and the others.

Speak quickly!

What are you all waiting for! Don't you want to be promoted and ennobled?
Emperor Wanli stood on the platform for a long time, but no one came forward to speak.

He tried to maintain his upright posture, but he could barely keep up the intimidating stance he had learned from Zhang Yunxiu.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Emperor Wanli coughed twice and said...

"Do none of you have any objections? I suppose so."

Before he could finish speaking, a man dressed in a bright red court robe with a golden pheasant embroidered on his badge stepped out of the ranks and respectfully bowed to the emperor.

"Your Majesty, I have a suggestion to offer!"

(End of this chapter)