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

Chapter 156 I, Zhang Jiangling, am back!

Zhang Juzheng, a prime minister of unparalleled talent, spent thirty days confined to the Renmin Medical Clinic before finally awaiting his return home.

However, the process was filled with embarrassment and helplessness.

As he was about to be discharged, the attending physician, Luo Xian, solemnly instructed him repeatedly: "Master, this discharge is only a phase of recuperation, but the root of the disease has not yet been eradicated. In the future, Master must not avoid seeking medical treatment and must remember to come to Renmin Medical Clinic for follow-up visits."

"Inside the clinic, Dr. Li Shizhen is developing a surgical plan to cure hemorrhoids. Please be ready to go to the operating table at any time, Master."

"Master also gave instructions."

These words made Zhang Juzheng feel that he was not the powerful Grand Secretary, but a child who needed to be disciplined!

Such "humiliation" was tolerable; Zhang Juzheng had gradually become accustomed to it.

What he found even more difficult to accept was that he needed his youngest son, Zhang Yunxiu's, approval to be discharged from the hospital!
The Grand Secretary, who holds the reins of power and is second only to the emperor, still needs the approval of his fourteen-year-old son to go home!
Only after obtaining a discharge consent form signed by the youngest child can one step out of the inpatient department.

It is simply the opposite of Tiangang!

Even after searching through historical records, Zhang Juzheng had never seen anything so outrageous.

Faced with such a "treasonous" act, Zhang Juzheng was used to silently enduring it.

He thought of how he had endured humiliation and hardship when Yan Song, Xu Jie, Gao Gong, and others held power in the court many years ago.

This moment is just like that moment!
We can't just kill this rebellious son, can we?

Now, the future of his entire family, and even the fate of the entire Ming Dynasty, rests on the shoulders of this young man.
Having finally left the clinic, Zhang Juzheng lamented the cruel twist of fate, and finally sighed, accepting it with equanimity. What else could he do?

When Zhang Juzheng returned to the Zhang family mansion in a sedan chair, he did not find his two sons, Zhang Yunxiu and Zhang Jianxiu, but only saw his eldest son, Zhang Jingxiu, diligently handling all the household affairs.

His favorite thing was getting all sorts of arithmetic problems from Zhang Yunxiu, which he would take out and bury himself in calculating from time to time.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng shook his head repeatedly, turned around and left the mansion, rushing towards the Forbidden City in a great hurry.

It wasn't a summons from the emperor.

The Wanli Emperor now lives a very leisurely life. Without supervision, he has basically become a free-range "wild child".

Zhang Juzheng had no energy to control the emperor, but there was one thing he couldn't let go of.

Wenyuan Pavilion.

"Mr. Zhang Yuanfu!"

The clerk at the gate was startled when he saw Zhang Juzheng and immediately stood up to pay his respects.

Even though the other party wasn't wearing a scarlet official robe or a black gauze hat, the familiar air of authority on his body made the clerk recognize him at a glance.

"kindness."

Zhang Juzheng nodded slightly.

Is Grand Secretary Shen here?

The clerk quickly replied, "Yes, he's in his office processing documents!"

"I gonna go see."

Zhang Juzheng, with an air of non-negotiability, walked straight toward the duty room.

As the man left, the clerk couldn't help but glance at the man behind him. Seeing that he was as usual and walked with a brisk pace, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Good heavens! Mr. Yuanfu's intestinal problems are greatly improved. Does Renmin Medical Hall really have the medical skill to turn the rotten into the miraculous?"

From Xu Xuemo's suicide in prison to Zhang Siwei's dismissal from office.

Aside from the assistance of some civil officials, the Wenyuan Pavilion was almost entirely supported by Shen Shixing alone.

Emperor Wanli, however, was like a playboy who would start a relationship and then abandon it. He would occasionally have a sudden urge to attend to state affairs, but most of the time he would hide in the Qianqing Palace and ignore worldly matters.

Shen Shixing lacked Zhang Juzheng's decisiveness and Zhang Siwei's methods.

Only through diligence can one make up for shortcomings, and he single-handedly shouldered the burden of state affairs day and night.

Even a memorial requesting the selection of officials to join the cabinet and assist in its work disappeared without a trace.

In recent days, Shen Shixing has been extremely busy, and his hair has turned much whiter. Even so, he is still unable to handle the affairs of the court perfectly.

Everyone says that the Grand Secretary, who appears to be assisting the monarch under the title of Grand Secretary, is in fact no different from the prime ministers of previous dynasties.

People like Zhang Siwei coveted this position and went to great lengths to obtain it.

However, Shen Shixing felt that this position was not one that anyone could hold.

I didn't feel anything when I was the second-in-command, but after taking the position of acting prime minister, I felt uneasy in this position.

The position of Grand Secretary is not one that everyone can hold.

Today, Shen Shixing was frowning with worry as he dealt with the dispute over the "land survey" in Southern Zhili.

"Yin Yangshi was a bit too hasty in his actions, but he was still a capable official. He was ordered to go to Southern Zhili to thoroughly investigate the matters of 'land surveying,' and the court should have given him its full support. However, the reports from officials of all ranks in Southern Zhili should also be investigated. Is there any suspicion that Yin Yangshi abused his power for personal gain?"

As Han Feizi said, "The law should be made clear, but the methods should not be made public. If you always consider the advantages and disadvantages of both sides and always think of a compromise, you will certainly not succeed."

A leisurely voice came from outside the door.

"The En family!"

Shen Shixing looked up abruptly and saw Zhang Juzheng standing behind the door. His face lit up with surprise and delight, and he hurriedly went forward to greet him.

"Are you feeling much better now? While you were at Renmin Medical Clinic."

"not busy."

Zhang Juzheng waved his hand, seemingly unwilling to discuss the matter inside the clinic, and said in a deep voice.

"It is most important to deal with the affairs of the imperial court first."

With Zhang Juzheng's words, Shen Shixing felt as if he had found a pillar of support. He temporarily assumed the position of Grand Secretary. He was always cautious and prudent, but at this moment, he straightened his back.

He quickly bowed in response.

“Students understand!”

After saying that, the two buried themselves in reading the mountain of memorials on their desks.

With Zhang Juzheng by his side, like a pillar of strength, the pressure on Shen Shixing was greatly reduced.

In the past, those decisions that were difficult to make were now made with gritted teeth.

Is it because Shen Shixing is incompetent?
In fact, the most important point is that compared to Zhang Juzheng's influence in the court, Shen Shixing was still quite inexperienced.

Even with Emperor Wanli's imperial edicts, how many of those high-ranking officials and ministers of the Six Ministries would actually take his draft edicts seriously?

In comparison, Zhang Juzheng had been deeply rooted in the court for decades, with his disciples and former officials all over the country. Even after being attacked by Zhang Siwei and others, his influence remained undiminished.

Furthermore, thanks to Zhang Yunxiu's efforts to turn the tide, Zhang Juzheng's prestige was at its zenith.

Shen Shixing couldn't help but sigh and said, "The Ming Dynasty still can't do without the Enfu family, and these new policies still can't do without the Enfu family either. Now that the court has been established and the Enfu family is in good health, this is a great opportunity to implement the new policies and make great strides!"

Zhang Juzheng, however, looked solemn and shook his head as he spoke.

"It's not that simple. I used to think about swift and decisive measures, but now it seems that the various forces in the Ming Dynasty are deeply entrenched and far more complex than we thought."
One wrong move and everything is lost!

He narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly thinking of certain figures.

Upon hearing this, Shen Shixing also fell silent.

If he is not in his position, he will not seek his government.

During his time as acting prime minister, he navigated various parties and only then did he realize the difficulties involved.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Shixing comforted her, saying, "Your Excellency need not worry. In the past, this predicament was like a stagnant pool. Even with immense strength, it would be difficult to shake it in the slightest. It was beyond human power to achieve."

Now, with the dramatic changes in circumstances, your son's medical clinic is benefiting the common people, and this Shanxi workshop is innovating and reforming; they are bound to break the deadlock.

Now, Shen Shixing is convinced of Zhang Yunxiu's abilities.

Renmin Medical Clinic has truly benefited the people of Beijing.

There's also the "chart method," and all sorts of strange inventions, which, while often seeming unorthodox, always bring some different benefits.

"As Sun Tzu's Art of War says, war is based on deception. Young Master Shi Yuan takes an unconventional approach and acts without adhering to conventional principles. Who knows, this may bring about many unexpected changes."

"Hmph!" Zhang Juzheng snorted coldly. "Unexpected changes? He has indeed given me many surprises, and almost made me angry to death."

"Uh—" Shen Shixing opened his mouth wide, the words stuck in his throat, unable to come up or go down.

It seems that the En family harbors a deep-seated resentment towards this youngest son.

Upon hearing the mention of Zhang Yunxiu, Zhang Juzheng put down the memorial, leaned back in the armchair in the duty room, and couldn't help but frown and ask.

"Has this kid gotten into any trouble lately?"

"this."

Shen Shixing looked hesitant.

Upon seeing the other party's expression, Zhang Juzheng's heart skipped a beat.

The heart is not good.

This unfilial son has truly given me no peace of mind!

Shen Shixing quickly explained.

“There’s no need for you to be angry, Your Excellency. It’s nothing serious. I’m sure your son mentioned it to you. He’s been busy in the Western Hills lately, building workshops and settling displaced people.”

"He didn't cause any trouble?" Zhang Juzheng squinted his eyes to examine him.

Shen Shixing's expression was slightly embarrassed.

"Absolutely not! How could Magistrate Zhang possibly cause trouble? Everyone in the Xishan workshop, from the displaced people to the common folk, praises his achievements."

The En family probably doesn't know that your son has also ingeniously created the genre of 'crosstalk', which is similar to storytelling and a variety of performances. It brings joy to the people and calms their hearts, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone!

Those were nearly 20,000 displaced young men; your son's actions have resolved a major threat to the court."

The use of Xishan workshops to solve the refugee crisis was clearly something Zhang Yunxiu had discussed with Zhang Juzheng long ago.

However, Zhang Juzheng still seemed uneasy.

He asked again, emphasizing his words.

"So you really didn't cause any trouble? Shen Rumo, you don't need to be afraid. With me here, that kid won't dare to do anything to you. Just tell the truth."

Ru Mo's act of concealing the truth for him was not helping him, but rather harming him.

"This"

Having said that, Shen Shixing had no choice but to sigh and cautiously bring it up.

"If I had to name a few incidents, there are indeed some. A while ago, I met with the Duke of England."

Shen Shixing then recounted in detail to Zhang Juzheng how he encountered the Duke of England, Zhang Rong, and how the latter confided his grievances to him.

The key point is that Zhang Yunxiu, in order to perform this "crosstalk," bewitched two sons of noble families: Zhu Yinghuai from the Duke of Chengguo's mansion and Zhang Yuanhao from the Duke of Yingguo's mansion, making them "actors," which caused quite a stir in the capital.

Zhang Juzheng frowned and recalled, "Zhu Yinghuai? Is that the one who went to the clinic for treatment earlier? And Zhang Yuanhao, is that the arrogant, dissolute playboy who used to sleep with several women a day in the capital?"

"Exactly."

Zhang Juzheng pondered for a moment and said, "Then this rebellious son has actually done a good thing."

He was not angry about the matter.

In fact, Zhang Juzheng's thoughts were the same as most people in the capital, and some even supported Zhang Yunxiu's "bewitching" of the two men.

Are the sons of noble families engaged in "lowly professions"?
While nobles like Zhang Rong might care, others might see it as a good thing.

Rather than letting these two run rampant in the capital, it would be better to let them learn some nonsense about crosstalk, at least that would put them in a stable position.

However, Shen Shixing frowned deeply and said with a bitter face.

"This is a good thing, but there have been some problems with 'crosstalk'."

Zhang Juzheng shuddered, his eyes blazing, and he lowered his voice to speak.

"What outrageous words did that unfilial son add to his crosstalk performance?"

"It's not exactly treasonous," Shen Shixing said, looking utterly helpless.

He then briefly described some of the most vulgar parts of the crosstalk performance.

Finally, he also revealed that Zhang Yunxiu had distributed erotic pictures to refugees in Xishan.

"absurd!"

At first, things were alright; Zhang Juzheng only grumbled and cursed a few times.

But upon hearing that Zhang Yunxiu had actually distributed erotic pictures, he immediately slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"You worthless wretch! Is this the kind of wicked and wicked son you are?!"

Shen Shixing glanced at the angry Enfu and thought that although the other party was angry, he did not show the fear he had shown earlier.

Little did he know that Zhang Juzheng was not worried about Zhang Yunxiu posting erotic pictures in Xishan, but rather that the boy was plotting a rebellion in Xishan.

"This unfilial son is becoming increasingly lawless."

Zhang Juzheng was still cursing when he looked at Shen Shixing and said...

"Among scholars, this boy must be thoroughly vilified, right?"

“No, not at all,” Shen Shixing said with a strange expression. “I suppose the fates of Xu Shuming and Zhang Ziwei on those two previous occasions have left the entire capital trembling with fear.”

Those who served the "anti-Zhang faction" diligently, such as Yang Sizhi and Yang Keli, were severely punished with twenty strokes of the cane and their entire families were exiled to the frontier. The other censors were either dismissed or demoted.

Not to mention Xu Xuemo's suicide in prison and Zhang Siwei's descent into madness.

The "anti-Zhang faction" has suffered heavy losses, with many members killed or injured, and is no longer a significant force.

Throughout the capital, officials were opportunistic, with some even fawning over the "notorious" Zhang Yunxiu in hopes of gaining promotions and wealth.

Countless self-proclaimed upright officials dared not openly criticize the Yan family anymore, but could only sigh in private, deeply lamenting the recurrence of the Yan family's situation during the Jiajing era.

"A tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind; a mound that rises above the bank will be eroded by the current."

Zhang Juzheng, with his hands behind his back, looked meaningfully in one direction of the palace, then frowned deeply and said...

"Shiyuan, that brat, is quite capable, but he's always childish and not mature enough."

I will visit the Duke of England another day to apologize.

I will also talk to him and make sure he gets back on track.

Shen Shixing looked up at the other person, a hint of doubt creeping into his eyes.

Can the En family really set things right for Zhang Yunxiu? What if he gets so angry he hurts himself again?

After thinking for a moment, he turned and reminded him, "A month ago, the Imperial Uncle Li submitted a memorial requesting His Majesty to bring beautiful young women into the palace. Recently, His Majesty has already selected a few, and they will probably enter the palace to serve His Majesty in a few days."

Zhang Juzheng slowly exhaled and said, "The foundation of the nation is the most important matter for the court, and it cannot be taken lightly. The Ministry of Rites should conduct a thorough investigation, and Ru Mo should also take charge of the affairs of the Ministry of Rites."

“Exactly.” Shen Shixing nodded.

Since Xu Xuemo's downfall, this Grand Secretary has not only had to handle cabinet affairs but also Ministry of Rites affairs, which has left him quite exhausted.

"You've suffered," Zhang Juzheng said, patting the other man's shoulder in comfort.

"Although I am unwell, I will still take care of some affairs of the cabinet in the future. After a while, I will appoint two more Grand Secretaries from among the court officials to the cabinet to relieve the current predicament of the Wenyuan Pavilion."

"What hardship is there in sharing the nation's burdens?"

Shen Shixing cupped his hands in greeting, his eyes slightly sore.

He's an honest man with a mild temperament; he's only in this precarious position because he's forced into it by circumstances.

Now that Zhang Juzheng has returned, he feels that the burden on his shoulders has been lightened considerably.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Shixing couldn't help but mention it.

"Over at Cining Palace"

Zhang Juzheng understood what the other party was talking about and said helplessly.

"Act according to your virtue and do what you are capable of."

"In the imperial court, how can everything go as planned? Let's take it one step at a time."

(End of this chapter)