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

Chapter 140 Qilin Transforms into a Flood Dragon! Is Father Intending to Let Zhang Siwei Go?
Guangning Gate, also known as Zhangyi Gate, was the only city gate in the Ming Dynasty capital that faced west.

Later, during the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed Guang'anmen.

Liangxiang is located in the southwest of the capital, and the most convenient passage into the capital is through Guangning Gate.

"Where did you come from?"

The city gate guard, dressed in blue cloth armor, glanced up at the carriage, then at the old man, and the four or five young men beside him.

The page boy stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to the guard, and said, "Sir, we have travel permits along the way from Huangzhou Prefecture in Huguang to Qizhou, as well as letters from local officials. Please make an exception for us."

The pageboy was already very familiar with the procedures for entering the city. The group was carrying a lot of medicinal herbs and a whole carriage full of books and notes. If a group of ruffians got on the carriage and ruined them, it would cause unnecessary losses.

So, while they were talking, the young apprentice subtly slipped a few pieces of silver from his sleeve.

The city gate guard was initially delighted and wanted to accept it, but when he saw the travel permit and the seals of many local officials, he almost wet himself in fear.

He stared wide-eyed at the old man and said.

"Is this gentleman Dr. Li from Qizhou?"

"People often say that the capital is the best place in the world, with 'eight streets and nine alleys, bustling with noise.' I lived in the capital for a year before and didn't feel anything. But today, coming all the way from Beizhili, I am filled with emotion."

Walking along Qipan Street in the capital, Li Shizhen stroked his beard, looking at the people coming and going, feeling an indescribable sense of comfort.

What's most comforting is that while some of these people are poor and dressed in rags, they are mostly clean, and they are also generally wearing masks.

For a physician like Li Shizhen, this place was simply the most pleasing to the eye.

"Sir, let's get in the carriage. It's still quite a distance to Xianyi Ward. I've heard that there's a plague raging in the capital, and even the White Lotus Sect causing trouble."

The young apprentice, standing nearby, couldn't help but express some concern.

"Where have we been on our journey, been there any place better at controlling the epidemic than the capital?"

Li Shizhen said dismissively.

"As for these White Lotus cult bandits, how can such petty villains be tolerated in the capital?"

“But,” the apprentice said somewhat nervously, “I’ve heard that Zhang Shiyuan colluded with the White Lotus Sect bandits to open that Renmin Medical Clinic. If you go to the clinic, sir, will you also get infected by the White Lotus Sect? That would be a huge problem.”

"Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened; believe only one side and you will be misled," Li Shizhen admonished sternly. "Don't listen to these unfounded rumors. We all use modern medicine; how could it have any cult-like connotations? It's probably just someone in the court deliberately spreading rumors. Let's go to the clinic and find out the truth!"

"Ai--"

The young apprentice sighed heavily. He used to be impressed by "modern medicine," but after hearing so many rumors along the way, he couldn't help but have his doubts.

Li Shizhen headed towards Xianyi Ward to observe the lives of the people along the way.

As we approached Xianyifang, the number of pedestrians on the road suddenly increased.

In the thirty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign, Li Shizhen served as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy in the capital for a year. Unable to endure the corrupt and scheming nature of the officialdom in the capital, he resigned and returned to his hometown after only one year.

Upon arriving in his hometown, he founded Dongbitang. Only then did he begin traveling throughout the country in order to compile a more accurate and detailed herbal medicine book.

Twenty years had passed, and he felt no change outside the capital. But once he entered Xianyi Ward, he felt as if the world had turned upside down.

Whether it was because of Renmin Medical Hall or the previous city lockdown, Xianyi Ward, which was originally chaotic, has become more prosperous and orderly compared to twenty years ago.

Unlike later dynasties, the streets and alleys of the Ming Dynasty often remained virtually unchanged over those twenty years, which was quite common.

That's why Li Shizhen found it all the more strange.

Walking on Xianyifang Street, one sees a bustling crowd of pedestrians, and the shops on both sides of the street are all in good order.

In particular, the smiles on the faces of these people were genuine, and their anticipation for life was palpable.

This puzzled Li Shizhen. Why was Xianyi Ward so different from other wards? Was it simply because it had an additional Renmin Medical Clinic?
Zhang Yunxiu opened a clinic and also managed the Xianyi Ward.
When Li Shizhen and his companions passed by an open space, they saw a group of children jumping and running around, holding paper kites in their hands, and chanting something.

"Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief when you go out, don't let foul air enter your throat; quickly clean up fruit peels and rotten vegetables, and avoid leaving dirty places."

Upon repeatedly hearing the phrase "bowls, chopsticks, and basins should be scalded with hot water; raw and cooked foods should be kept separate," Li Shizhen slapped his thigh and exclaimed.

"Wonderful, wonderful!"

"This folk song contains the principles of preventing and controlling plagues. It is not only effective against the big head plague, but also against diseases such as malaria and colic."

Li Shizhen couldn't help but exclaim, "The person who compiled this nursery rhyme must have been well-versed in medical principles and also possessed great talent."

As he was feeling sentimental, the young apprentice beside him stepped forward, grabbed a child, and began to question him.

At first, the child was a little scared, but when the medicine boy handed him a few coins, he smiled happily.

"Greetings, gentlemen! I, a humble student, offer my greetings and wish you continued success and good health!"

This child, who was seven or eight years old and dressed in rags, was still well-mannered and knowledgeable, which surprised Li Shizhen.

He couldn't help but ask, "Kid, where did you learn these words? Have you ever been to school?"

The child raised his large head and said, "In reply to you, sir, my family is poor and I have never attended school."

"Then where did you learn these words?"

The child answered fluently: "Sir, you don't know? The doctors in the clinic are all good people. They help treat illnesses. When I was in isolation and recuperating at the clinic, the doctors even taught me to read!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shizhen's eyes widened, and he took two steps forward to ask.

"You've had the plague before? Let this old man check your pulse."

The child felt that the old man was very kind, and obediently extended his hand, allowing the old man to take his pulse.

Li Shizhen had very strong hands, yet he could hold a child's small hand very gently. After only a moment, he exhaled and said.

"A pulse that is light and gentle when felt superficially, and strong and vigorous when felt deeply, with a regular rhythm, indicates that the body's vital energy is gradually recovering and the Qi and blood are being harmonized."

The child couldn't quite understand what Li Shizhen was saying, but he could still roughly tell that the other person was saying that he was in good health.

He immediately bowed and said, "Thank you, sir, for diagnosing my son."

"It doesn't have to be this way, it doesn't have to be this way."

As Li Shizhen grew to be in his fifties, his gaze toward children became increasingly kind and loving, and he grew happier with each look.

The young apprentice, curious, asked, "Was that song also taught at the medical clinic?"

The child nodded vigorously and said, "Of course! Chairman Zhang at the clinic is a very kind person; he doesn't charge us much for medical treatment."

He emphasized that it was not expensive.

Next, Li Shizhen, along with a group of apprentices, did not rush to investigate the Renmin Medical Clinic, but instead began to explore the surrounding area.

I asked several people in succession, and they all gave basically the same answer.

But the people's answers were ultimately not clear enough.

Finally, they found an old man who had clearly been to school for a few years. Seeing that Li Shizhen and the others had an extraordinary demeanor, he began to explain things to them.

"At first, everyone was afraid of Renmin Medical Clinic, but later they found that Chairman Zhang was a truly conscientious person."

The clinic doesn't cost much to see a doctor, and there's even financial assistance for those from impoverished families. A month ago, when the epidemic was raging, this clinic truly saved the lives of the people of Xianyi Ward. Everyone in Xianyi Ward is deeply grateful for Chairman Zhang's kindness.

When Li Shizhen and others inquired about the White Lotus Sect.

The old man's face turned angry, and he spat out a breath.

"It's all those book-study-obsessed students causing trouble. They hire people from all over the place, paying them thirty coins a day, as long as they cause trouble outside this clinic."

How could we, the common people of the capital, look down on a clinic? After the clinic opened, Xianyifang became more and more lively. Wealthy families spent money there, and we ordinary people also benefited.

On ordinary days, small stalls, tea stalls, and taverns are all thriving. Even usually quiet silk shops and rice shops are bustling with activity. People who cannot engage in commerce find it much easier to make a living.

"Does anyone not know whether this clinic is good or not?"

After hearing this, the young apprentice and Li Shizhen looked at each other in bewilderment. Clearly, what the old man said was completely different from the rumors circulating outside.

Quite the opposite, even.

Seeing the two asking around, the old man seemed to have guessed what was going on and smiled as he gave them a reminder.

"I suppose you two gentlemen are here to seek medical advice and treatment? If you are going to a clinic, please remember to bring your travel permit, as clinics check identities."

Sensing the implication, Li Shizhen immediately inquired.

"Many people come here seeking medical treatment?"

"Numerous indeed!" the old man said proudly. "People from all over the country, from the capital and its surrounding prefectures and counties, to Beizhili and even Nanzhili, come here specifically to seek medical treatment."

The old man wasn't exaggerating; it's likely that Renmin Medical Clinic is the most powerful medical clinic in the entire Ming Dynasty.

That Chairman Zhang is the most skilled physician in the entire Ming Dynasty, far surpassing even the legendary physician Li Dongbi.

"You!"

Upon hearing the other party speak ill of his master, the medicine boy standing nearby immediately glared, looking extremely angry.

"Don't be rude!"

Li Shizhen quickly stopped his apprentice medicine boy.

The old man noticed something, but wasn't sure, so he tilted his head back and said something.

"If anyone is here to challenge us, they'd better give up. Even the imperial physicians of the Imperial Hospital have to address Chairman Zhang as 'Master,' let alone anyone else."

After saying this, the old man fled as fast as he could.

Li Shizhen was left standing there, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Renmin First Medical Clinic.

Today, Yuan Zongdao sits in the triage area. As Renmin Medical Hall gradually becomes famous, more and more patients come to see him. In order to avoid unnecessary waste of resources, Zhang Yunxiu implemented the "division of departments" in each medical hall.

As the name suggests, it is a system where people seeking medical advice first arrive at the triage area, where doctors determine which department they should go to.

This method was quite novel to the ancients.

Yuan Zongdao was also full of admiration for this, only a genius like Zhang Yunxiu could come up with such an efficient management method.

In recent days, Yuan Zongdao, who was originally regarded as a talented scholar at the Imperial Academy, has been completely impressed by the Renmin Medical Hall system and modern medicine.

Within the Imperial Academy, there were frequent movements to resist Zhang Yunxiu. To avoid unnecessary trouble and to dedicate more time to research, Yuan Zongdao even considered giving up his status as a student.

Fortunately, Yu Youding, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, saw that he was engrossed in the research of miraculous drugs such as allicin and believed that he was "for the country and the people". He granted the three of them temporary student status and allowed them to continue their studies at the Imperial Academy in the future, which was a special privilege.

Of course, the identities of Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Yunxiu also played a role during this period.

Yuan Zongdao and his two companions were also very ambitious, and they devoted themselves to the research and development of "garlic extract" and another miraculous drug, "penicillin," in the clinic.

The penicillin research team has now expanded to twenty or thirty people, all of whom are former imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy.

However, Yuan Zongdao, Liu Dongding, and Geng Zaichu, who have research experience, remain the leaders in this field.

Compared to the research on allicin, the development of penicillin is naturally much more difficult. The research team has made some progress, but it will still take some time before it can be put into actual use.

In his spare time from his research, Yuan Zongdao would sit in the triage area to learn about the patients' conditions, which also helped him solidify his medical skills.

As their great mentor Zhang Yunxiu said, "Nothing can be done behind closed doors; one must conduct in-depth field research."

Yuan Zongdao deeply agreed and put it into practice as well.

"Sir, this is a case of spleen and stomach weakness and impaired digestion. Take this sign to the gastroenterology department in the southeast corner."

"Young man, this is a case of kidney yin deficiency. With insufficient kidney yin, the marrow is not nourished, and the yin deficiency cannot control the yang, leading to internal heat."

A quick glance at this person's attire suggests they are either wealthy or of high status.

Yuan Zongdao remembered his master's instructions and smiled as he spoke.

"The clinic is launching a special session for urology experts to diagnose and treat kidney deficiency. If you register now, you will have the opportunity to receive treatment from renowned doctors such as Luo Xian and Yang Jishi. They will also give you a special gift: Ziwei Yanzong Pill, a miraculous medicine for treating kidney deficiency developed by Master Zhang Shiyuan."

"How could we possibly find these renowned figures?"

The young master's eyes widened immediately, filled with anticipation.

There have always been rumors in the capital that Renmin Medical Clinic uses evil magic, but while people say this, they are quite honest in their hearts.

The number of people seeking medical treatment and medicine from these three individuals is countless.

In the young master's opinion, if he could get help from these three people, his kidney deficiency might really have a chance to be cured!

As for that "Ziwei Yanzong Pill"?
This "Ziwei" sounds so familiar, like the courtesy name of a high-ranking official in the imperial court.

I can't worry about anything else now! Treating my kidney deficiency is the most important thing!
The young man, his face full of anticipation, said, "Please, sir, register me immediately!"

At this moment, Yuan Zongdao showed a very troubled expression.

“However, it’s not easy for us to hold this special diagnostic session. Gentlemen, you’ve taken time out of your busy schedules to come, so the amount you’ll receive is not small. It will definitely cost several hundred taels of silver.” “Several hundred taels of silver?” The young master’s face was full of determination as he waved his hand and said. “Don’t even mention a few hundred taels. If it can cure my kidney deficiency, a thousand taels of silver is no problem.”

After giving the other person a brief introduction, Yuan Zongdao felt very comfortable sensing the person's high level of anticipation.

Then, a special yellow card was handed to the other party.

The young man bowed repeatedly in thanks, saying, "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"

Watching the young master's cheerful figure disappear into the distance, Yuan Zongdao felt no guilt whatsoever for having wronged him.

After all, he knew in his heart that a large part of the money he swindled from these people was used to subsidize ordinary people.

Composing himself, Yuan Zongdao exhaled and spoke to the clerk beside him.

"Next!"

A short while later, an elderly man with white hair and beard slowly walked in.

Upon seeing the other person's demeanor, Yuan Zongdao immediately realized that this person was no ordinary individual.

However, the old man's travel-worn appearance, the smell of dust on his body, the dry mud at his feet, and his somewhat worn clothes all indicated that he must have come from afar.

After the other party sat down in front of him, Yuan Zongdao smiled and said.

"Sir, are you feeling unwell?"

Li Shizhen glanced at the other person and realized that he was not an acquaintance from the Imperial Medical Academy. He couldn't help but feel relieved. A smile appeared on his face as he squeezed all his wrinkles together and sighed.

"I hope this young gentleman knows that the old man suffers from various chronic ailments. His stomach often churns and he suffers from excruciating pain, and he coughs frequently, keeping him awake all night."

Li Shizhen made an extremely painful face and even gestured on his body.

"And my legs are also in unbearable pain; it's especially excruciating when it rains."

"Oh, right! The old man's rear end is also a bit uncomfortable, perhaps it's dysentery?"

"Oh dear, this old man is truly suffering! Not only does he have these symptoms, but his performance in bed is also extremely poor; every time he tries to find a suitable partner, it ends up being a failure."

"Also, the old man has had a persistent high fever for the past few days. Young sir, please take a look and see if he has contracted the plague. If so, you must save his life!"

Yuan Zongdao, who had been smiling, gradually lost his smile.

After leaving the court, Zhang Yunxiu, feeling refreshed, originally wanted to go back to the clinic for a check-up.

But halfway there he learned that Zhang Juzheng, that old scoundrel, had secretly run away and even went to the Wenyuan Pavilion. He was now waiting for him in the study in the backyard of the Zhang family!
Upon hearing this news, Zhang Yunxiu was furious. He had always been called a rebellious son.

Now he feels that Zhang Juzheng, his father, can also be called a "rebellious father"!

He rode his horse straight back to the Zhang family mansion, looking furious, and headed towards the study in the backyard.

He kicked open the door to the study and saw Zhang Juzheng sitting upright at his desk, dressed in an official robe.

The old man was still reviewing his memorial.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Yunxiu was furious and questioned him.

"Uncle Zhang! Who told you to leave the hospital on your own? Didn't I say you weren't allowed to step out of the clinic without my permission, or I'd rebel?"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Juzheng came up to him with a fawning expression, not even angry that Zhang Yunxiu addressed him by his given name.

Zhang Juzheng smiled warmly and said, "Shiyuan, your efforts in the court to thwart treacherous officials, protect the righteous path of medicine, and safeguard the foundation of the new policies can be described as turning the tide."

Such achievements not only protect the well-being of all people under heaven but also ensure the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty. Truly, their merits benefit the present and future generations! I hope you will continue your efforts and work together with your father to revitalize Daye!

But Zhang Yunxiu didn't seem to appreciate it at all; he crossed his arms and said...

"Stop with the nonsense. If you don't go back to the clinic for treatment, I'll rebel against him."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Juzheng quickly covered the rest of his words with his hand.

"It's alright~ It's alright~"

Zhang Juzheng smiled confidently.

"I know my own body very well. The medical skills at Renmin Medical Hall are superb, and I have been cured this time."

Zhang Yunxiu looked the other person up and down and said in an annoyed tone.

"Who is the doctor practicing medicine here, you or me? In this field of traditional Chinese medicine, even you, Uncle Zhang, have to listen to me!"

Zhang Juzheng's carefully maintained image as a kind father was instantly shattered by Zhang Yunxiu, who glared at him with a huff.

"inverse."

He hadn't even uttered the word "unfilial son" yet.

Even with his excellent self-control and the recuperation at the medical clinic, the Prime Minister was able to suppress his anger once again.

Zhang Juzheng forced himself to put on a flattering expression and said with a smile.

"Why go through all this? Everything can still be discussed. Come, come, let your father show you around."

As he spoke, he pulled his young son to the desk and handed him a draft memorial.

Zhang Juzheng then gave a very emotional explanation.

"Shiyuan, it was my fault before that I blamed you without clarifying whether it was right or wrong. Now I have realized that Renmin Medical Hall is beneficial to the country and the people, and is of great benefit to the revival of our Ming Dynasty!"
As your father, I know it's not easy for you to run the clinic, and you often have to search for money. I understand that this clinic benefits the country and its people, so I certainly can't let you bear the burden alone."

He exhaled a breath of stale air and handed the memorial to Zhang Yunxiu, saying...

"This memorial from your father is a petition to His Majesty to allocate some funds to your clinic for various expenses, so you won't have to search for money everywhere, right?"

Zhang Yunxiu was stunned for a moment. He looked down at the memorial in his hand. The official script on it was neat and tidy, even more exquisite and upright than those printed in later generations.

However, after glancing at the contents of the memorial, Zhang Yunxiu was quite moved.

He wanted to accept it, but couldn't bear to lie to his father, so he told him the truth.

"But I don't lack money!"

Zhang Juzheng's face stiffened instantly, but he still forced a smile and said.

“How can we not lack money? You’re just being stubborn again, child. Do you know about your clinic? It treats the common people every day.”

But Zhang Yunxiu immediately interrupted, saying, "Father, don't you know? Our Renmin Medical Clinic is already quite well-off. We offer various VIP services and sell medicines."

He smiled knowingly and said, "The officials in the court have put in a lot of effort to increase the clinic's revenue!"

"you!"

Zhang Juzheng's beard trembled slightly as he stared wide-eyed at his youngest son.

"Didn't you keep saying in court today that the clinic has no money?"

Zhang Yunxiu looked at his father as if he were an idiot and said...

"Warfare is based on deception! If I don't say this, how can the officials in the court be sure to support us? These officials are all like donkeys; they need a good beating!"
Of course, what I said is also true. Subsequent investments in penicillin research, surgical techniques, and other related technologies all require money.
In terms of budget, there's still a deficit!

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng was momentarily stunned; he had almost been deceived once again by his young son's innocent appearance.

This boy, at the age of fourteen, has the innocent appearance of a ten-year-old child, yet possesses the shrewd wisdom of a fifty or sixty-year-old.

It is really.
Zhang Juzheng's expression grew increasingly solemn, and he couldn't help but ask.

"How much silver has your clinic made this month?"

Zhang Yunxiu thought for a moment and said, "It wasn't much to begin with, but the officials in the court were just too enthusiastic! I refused, but they insisted on giving me silver! A thousand taels here, several hundred taels there."
Father should know that there are more than 1,416 officials of all ranks in the capital. This is only the number of those who are officially employed and hold the rank of seventh grade or above. If we include the other clerks and other staff, there are more than three or four thousand people.

"Nowadays, my Renmin Medical Clinic is the only one of its kind. As long as half of the officials are willing to spend money..."

In fact, people in ancient times did not value economic awareness. Given the size of Renmin Medical Hall, which occupied the entire medical business in the capital, there was no reason for it to lose money!
Therefore, Huizhou merchants, as well as some officials with business acumen, spared no effort in investing money as shares!

"Tell me exactly how much silver you've earned," Zhang Juzheng said, feeling his anger rising.

Zhang Yunxiu answered conservatively, "It's only an income of four or five hundred thousand taels of silver, but I've spent almost all of it. I still have over ten thousand taels left, and there will be some income later, so maintaining the operation of the clinic is not a problem."

Thinking of this, Zhang Yunxiu felt that he was short of money again. Adhering to the principle of "if you don't take it, you're a fool," he smiled shamelessly.

"I take back what I just said. My clinic is short of money! How can a few hundred thousand taels be enough? If we want to help the common people, the two hundred thousand taels that Father wrote in his memorial are not enough. Please ask the Ministry of Revenue to allocate five hundred thousand taels!"

boom!
Zhang Juzheng felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck the back of his head, and his back went numb all the way to his feet.

A mere four or five hundred thousand taels of silver?
Have you spent almost all of it?
This unfilial son even wanted another 500,000 taels of silver.
It should be noted that although the imperial court had an annual revenue of twenty to thirty million taels of silver last year, this was not a surplus, and the silver stored in the imperial granary was only four million taels of silver!
This kid wants to take 500,000 taels of silver in one go!
Of course, these are not the most important things.

What Zhang Juzheng was most concerned about was how this young man was able to obtain such a large sum of money through his medical clinic.

If they were to involve the court officials, and truly intend to rebel...
Zhang Juzheng felt a fire burning in his heart, and even his breath was hot. He stared wide-eyed and spoke rapidly.

"How were you able to earn so much money?"

You should know that Zhang Juzheng risked his life to "make money" and implemented new policies, causing many former friends and students to turn against each other.
Every step of the new policy's implementation was practically achieved through blood and sweat!
Zhang Juzheng almost lost his life because of this.

Could Zhang Juzheng not know that officials of all ranks and nobles in the capital had money in their hands?
But digging it out would be extremely difficult.

Finally, the only option left was to target the gentry and powerful families outside the capital.

The gentry and powerful are already putting up fierce resistance; if you were to directly turn your sword against these nobles and ministers, wouldn't the world descend into chaos?

Zhang Juzheng didn't want to, but he simply couldn't. However, he never expected that Zhang Yunxiu would accomplish it so easily.
This undoubtedly amplified Zhang Juzheng's sense of crisis, who feared the other party's "treason."

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said, "Father, don't worry about that. I have a brilliant plan. This is just the beginning. My ambition is to swindle all the family fortunes of the officials in the court! After earning a few million taels of silver, my grand plan will be just around the corner!"

"No!"

Zhang Juzheng's pupils contracted, his sense of crisis growing stronger, and a nameless anger rose within him. He subconsciously said...

"Making money is fine, and your methods are all ingenious, but you must never go astray."

He wasn't worried that his youngest son would offend these court officials; he was worried that if his son went mad and had these officials to rely on, he might actually commit a rebellious act.

For a moment, Zhang Juzheng looked at Zhang Yunxiu and saw nothing but the image of a traitor in his eyes.

But he just couldn't bring himself to betray his own family for the greater good!

So much so that the more Zhang Yunxiu demonstrates his abilities, the more frightened Zhang Juzheng becomes!
He let out a breath and gave a heartfelt piece of advice.

"Shiyuan, loyalty to the emperor and love for one's country are the duties of a subject! This is absolutely unacceptable!"

Zhang Yunxiu squinted as he spoke.

"Father keeps telling me to be loyal to the emperor and love my country, but he has forgotten the agreement we made."

It was another plea to go back to the clinic.

In truth, Zhang Juzheng understood that his youngest son was acting in his best interests, but after repeated attempts, he still couldn't help but angrily say, "I'll go back! I'll go back, is that not enough?! You unfilial son, are you trying to drive me to my death?"

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at his furious father and suddenly felt that this was much more endearing than before.

Zhang Juzheng let out a heavy sigh and continued speaking.

"But before that, I still want to talk to you about matters of the court. Although you have succeeded this time, you were still a bit rash."

Are you about to spill the beans to me?
Zhang Yunxiu raised an eyebrow, immediately becoming interested.

After sitting down at his desk, Zhang Juzheng poured himself a cup of hot tea. Only after drinking the hot tea did he manage to calm down.

He looked at Zhang Yunxiu with a complicated expression and spoke with piercing eyes.

"Your humiliation of the upright officials in court this time, though swift and decisive, has unknowingly made countless enemies. This situation may seem glorious, but it is actually fraught with danger, and you only succeeded because of a bit of luck."

He gently tapped the teacup.

"The worst thing in court politics is to be greedy for merit and act rashly. If you take too big a step, you will lose your foundation if you make a careless mistake."

Therefore, matters of the court should be handled more slowly but surely.

The key to being a good official lies in maintaining stability. As long as one acts uprightly and stands firm, one can remain as secure as Mount Tai even amidst storms.

Hearing his father's lecture, Zhang Yunxiu was naturally somewhat unconvinced.

Speaking of the word "stability," he had a question he had to ask his cheap father.

"I have a question."

He paused, and his gaze toward Zhang Juzheng was very profound.

"I heard that Father intends to let Zhang Ziwei go?"

　Note 1: The number of officials in the capital of the Ming Dynasty mentioned by Zhang Yunxiu comes from Volume 51 of the "Continued Examination of Documents of the Imperial Court": "There were a total of 24,683 officials in the Ming Dynasty, including 1,416 in the capital, 558 in Nanjing, and 22,709 outside the capital."

　　Thank you Aloof丶 for the 100 Qidian Coins reward!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)