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

Chapter 162 Zhang Juzheng visits to apologize?
Outside Donghua Gate.

Steward You Qi was anxiously waiting for Zhang Juzheng to finish his shift. At this moment, the sky was gradually darkening, and the imperial city was unusually deserted. If it got any later, the imperial city would probably have to close.

He paced back and forth in front of the sedan chair, occasionally glancing towards the palace.

After waiting for nearly half an hour, with the last rays of sunlight still lingering, a tall and imposing figure, dressed in a scarlet official robe, slowly walked out from inside the Donghua Gate.

From afar, You Qi noticed that Zhang Juzheng looked extremely tired.

He quickly stepped forward to help the other person up, and said in a low voice.

"Master, you should take care of your health. If you encounter any more trouble, the young master will scold you again."

Zhang Juzheng's expression froze, and he mechanically turned his head and said.

"You Qi, are you implying that I'm still afraid of Zhang Shiyuan?"

You Qi's expression froze for a moment, and he said rather awkwardly, "No, no, it's just that this young master is too fierce. If he locks the master in the clinic again, I won't be able to do anything about it either."

To be honest, he was even a little relieved, because no one could control Zhang Juzheng before.

Now that he has a son, Zhang Juzheng has become more cautious and has restrained his actions considerably.

It's unclear what method Zhang Shiyuan used; did he perhaps cast a spell on Zhang Juzheng?
Just as You Qi was lost in thought, he heard Zhang Juzheng snort coldly.

"That unfilial son! How could I possibly be coerced by him?"

However, after saying this, Zhang Juzheng still obediently sat in the sedan chair, leaning against it, and said with his eyes half-open.

"Let's get the sedan chair and go back to the manor. I'm getting a little tired."

"Dele~"

You Qi smiled and quickly ordered the sedan chair bearers to lift the sedan chair.

But before they had taken two steps, Zhang Juzheng's voice came from inside the sedan chair.

"I asked you to gather information from the streets the other day, have you made any progress?"

You Qi paused, sighed inwardly, but still answered.

"I do have some news."

"tell me the story."

Zhang Juzheng's hoarse voice came from inside the sedan chair.

You Qi looked a little nervous and tried to find the right words to say.

"It's nothing serious. Young Master's establishment of Xishan Workshop is a bit too grand, which inevitably attracts criticism from some people in the community. These petty remarks are hard to stop."

"Hmm? What exactly did they say?"

His little schemes clearly did not escape Zhang Juzheng's notice.

You Qi was momentarily speechless and stammered.

"It's nothing more than claims that the Xishan workshops are wantonly oppressing displaced people, the coal mines are wasting manpower and resources, and that the young master has gathered ten thousand people in Xishan for ulterior motives."

Fearing that Zhang Juzheng would be angry, he added a sentence.

"These are all unfounded rumors, not worth mentioning."

Zhang Juzheng's voice became low and stern: "Hmph! How can this be mere hearsay?"
Someone has already submitted a memorial to the Wenyuan Pavilion, yet you're still trying to cover for that brat. Tell the truth, what trouble has this rebellious son caused this time?

He must have been prepared before asking the question.

You Qi sighed heavily, took out a small newspaper from his pocket, and handed it into the sedan chair.

"I can't explain it clearly in a short time, so I humbly request that you take a look, sir."

There was a moment of silence in the sedan chair before the newspaper was handed over.

This newspaper, called "Jingcheng Xinbao," was clearly modeled after the format of "Wanli Xinbao," with almost identical layouts, though it was much smaller and more exquisite than "Wanli Xinbao."

Zhang Juzheng frowned deeply and said, "When did some newspapers start appearing in the capital again?"

Outside, You Qi replied respectfully, "Master, the young master's Wanli Xinbao has been making a lot of money in the past few months, which naturally makes merchants envious. In recent months, whether in the capital or in Beizhili and Nanzhili, there have been countless imitators of the newspaper."

However, these people only learned a little bit. The *Jingcheng Xinbao* was not only five copper coins more expensive than the *Wanli Xinbao*, but its content was also much inferior, so there was no need to worry.

"Don't underestimate them. The Wanli Xinbao is not to be underestimated either. Keep an eye on the newspapers on the market from now on."

Zhang Juzheng gave the instructions from inside the sedan chair.

Nowadays, the new policies are becoming increasingly inseparable from the Wanli Xinbao newspaper.

Compared to the past, when government orders relied heavily on force, the Wanli New Daily frequently used various vernacular novels to publish interpretations and information about the "Single Whip" law, allowing the people to more deeply and thoroughly understand the benefits of the new policy.

Prior to this, the capital and the provinces were undoubtedly disconnected, and relying solely on the official gazettes issued by the imperial court could not solve any problems.

Therefore, in a sense, the Wanli Xinbao, with its strong dissemination effect, became a link between the capital and the local areas.

Understanding Zhang Juzheng's emphasis on newspapers, You Qi quickly cupped his hands and said, "Sir, please rest assured, I will certainly keep an eye on things happening in the streets."

At this moment, silence returned to the sedan chair, and Zhang Juzheng seemed to be engrossed in reading the newspaper.

In fact, Zhang Juzheng was stunned the moment he glanced at the newspaper in the dim light outside the sedan chair.

Because the title above was—"The Zhang Family's纨绔 (spoiled brats) have once again disrupted moral order? The bloody crimes and profiteering at the Xishan Foundry are on full display!"

Upon seeing this glaring headline, his face grew even more somber.

Looking at the content of the article, it was not at all like what You Qi had said, that it was just a work of speculation.

On the contrary, some of the content is even "reasoned and well-founded".

First, he listed the estimated expenses for the construction of the Xishan workshop, which amounted to nearly 500,000 taels of silver.

Then, to explain Zhang Yunxiu's various methods of "bewitching people," the most crucial one was the public distribution of "erotic pictures." Such a deviant act was clearly unacceptable to the traditional literati!

Finally, it was mentioned that the Xishan Coal Mine had long-standing hidden dangers, such as difficulties in mining or incompatibility with feng shui.

Of course, this article also contains elements of unfounded speculation and exaggeration, even going so far as to claim that the opening of the Xishan workshop might affect the dragon vein of the Ming Dynasty.

“Such an article could not have been written by a failed scholar.”

Zhang Juzheng asserted. The Ming Dynasty's publishing industry flourished, and the main force behind writing was naturally the literate scholars and students without official positions.

But Zhang Juzheng had a keen eye and could tell at a glance that although there was an attempt to conceal something in the article, the writer must have at least the knowledge of a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations).

"You Qi, how did you get the newspaper?"

Zhang Juzheng added another sentence, implying that he wanted to investigate.

Compared to the petty squabbles of ordinary tabloids, this kind of newspaper is far more alarming.

You Qi looked very conflicted, and he sighed.

"My lord, it's not that I don't want to investigate, but the origin of this newspaper is unknown. Even if I asked the clerks of Shuntian Prefecture, it would be difficult to find its source."

However, one thing is clear: this newspaper was not produced in the capital, but was transported from various parts of Beizhili to the capital by sea.

The intention behind it is clear.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng's expression became even more serious, and he snorted coldly.

"It's that same old trick again!"

He then fell into deep thought, seemingly glancing at the newspaper again, before giving his instructions.

"Send a visiting card and arrange a visit to the Duke of England's residence tomorrow."

British government.

When Grand Secretary Zhang came to visit, Duke Zhang Rong of England felt as if he had seen a savior.

In the main hall of the Duke's mansion, the Duke, who was usually decisive and efficient, looked rather aggrieved.

"Hey~"

Zhang Rong sighed heavily and looked at Zhang Juzheng with a complicated expression.

"I think I've been very busy with court affairs lately, and I don't want to bother the Grand Secretary. It would be truly shameful if the Grand Secretary were to come and visit me!"

He had a good relationship with Zhang Juzheng in court politics, and Zhang Rong had previously been a strong supporter of the new policies.

Originally, the position of Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet was merely to draft imperial edicts and polish official documents for the emperor. Later, it gradually became a substitute for the position of "Prime Minister".

Before the Jiajing era, the Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet were basically equal to each other. However, during the Wanli era, under Zhang Juzheng, the emperor made it clear that the other Grand Secretaries were to assist the Grand Secretary in handling affairs.

With the Grand Secretaries having a distinction of rank, the Grand Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet was naturally no different from the Prime Minister.

Therefore, even Zhang Rong, the Duke of England, treated the Grand Secretary of the court with great courtesy.

Zhang Juzheng looked guilty. He coughed twice, slowly put down the teacup in his hand, and forced a smile as he spoke.

"Duke, there's no need to feel guilty. It's my Zhang family who should apologize to you."

My health is frail, and if it weren't for the Duke's care these past few days, I don't know how things would have turned out.

And young man, it's all thanks to the Duke's presence that the plague in the capital was resolved satisfactorily.

"No, no, I wouldn't dare." Zhang Rong was somewhat frightened and waved his hands repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare to take care of Zhang Shiyuan. If he could spare my whole family, I would already be burning incense in gratitude."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng's face froze instantly. He felt even more ashamed, and his face burned red.

That Zhang Shiyuan! Just how much trouble has he caused me!

Zhang Juzheng coughed twice and spoke gently.

"Regarding your son's matter, Zhang Shiyuan was truly acting recklessly. I'll teach him a lesson later and ensure your son returns home as soon as possible."

Only Zhang Yunxiu would be capable of such an absurd act as to abduct someone's child to become a "crosstalk performer."

"Don't!"

Zhang Rong immediately intervened to stop him.

He said this with a rather strange expression on his face.

“That kid Zhang Yuanhao is good for nothing. It’s better to let him hang out in the crosstalk club than to let him spend his days in brothels and ruin his health.”

Zhang Rong's previous anger was simply due to his inability to accept the situation at that moment.

But after figuring out the reasoning behind it, I just let it be.

Zhang Juzheng was somewhat surprised, but still nodded and said.

"Since the Duke says so, then I will instruct Shiyuan to take good care of your son."

Zhang Rong sighed and said, "When it comes to governing people and educating children, I am far inferior to your son."

Zhang Juzheng thought the other party was being sarcastic, so he smiled apologetically and said...

"Duke, I am truly sorry."

Zhang Rong changed the subject and said with a solemn expression.

"These are not major issues. Whether it is this old man or the Duke of Cheng's mansion, everyone knows about Zhang Yuanfu's difficulties."

Zhang Shiyuan was fearless in the imperial court. His youthful arrogance and occasional absurdities were understandable.

Besides, it's not a bad thing that the two boys received a lesson.

But"

Zhang Juzheng sighed, almost wanting to bury his head in the crack of the table, and said with his hands clasped in a gesture of respect.

"It's still my fault; I didn't discipline him enough in the past."

"It's no longer a matter of discipline."

Zhang Rong's expression grew increasingly serious as he offered a reminder.

"Your Excellency must keep an eye on your son and make sure he doesn't do anything that is out of line!"
If I inadvertently cause trouble in the future, it will be a misfortune rather than a blessing!

　Note 1: The position of Grand Secretary was established during the Wanli reign; see Wang Shizhen's "Biographies of Grand Secretaries Since the Jiajing Reign".

　　
　
(End of this chapter)