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

Chapter 268 Although Zhou was an old state, its mandate was renewed.

"On September 20th, Shaoxing Prefecture was attacked by fifty Japanese pirates at night, and dozens of households were robbed."

On September 23, Chongming County was plundered by Japanese pirates. The villagers fought bravely against them. Shen Yourong, the deputy commander of Jinshanwei, led a group of soldiers from the water fortress to rush to the rescue overnight.

"On September 28th, Japanese pirates again invaded Jiading and other places."

Inside the Wenyuan Pavilion, Zhang Juzheng recounted to Zhang Yunxiu the various incidents of Japanese pirate raids.

For a moment, Zhang Yunxiu's eyebrows twitched, and his eyes almost spit fire.

“These beasts,” he said through gritted teeth. “Since the thirty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign, the Japanese pirates on the Ming Dynasty’s coast have been weakened, and large-scale Japanese pirate raids on the borders have long been quelled. The local garrisons are well-prepared. Why is it that now, the Japanese pirates are becoming more active?”

How they were able to cross my coastal defenses and enter various prefectures and counties is a secret even a three-year-old could understand!

Starting in the thirty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign, the Ming Dynasty achieved continuous victories in its war against Japanese pirates.

With the resistance of generals such as Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, the Japanese pirates had become a minor force by the Longqing period. By the early Wanli period, although the pirates had not been completely eradicated, their power was far less than before.

Why did the Japanese pirates suddenly return and launch attacks on the Ming Dynasty's coastal borders?
Zhang Yunxiu had thought that although the Jiangnan gentry were profit-driven, they still had some moral bottom line. But now it seemed that they had gone to any lengths to oppose the new policies.

Zhang Juzheng, with his hands behind his back and a rather unpleasant expression, paced back and forth in the Wenyuan Pavilion before speaking to Zhang Yunxiu with some hesitation.

"The root of the troubles in Jiangnan lies in the new policies, and even more so in the Jiangnan Textile Bureau."

His expression was somewhat complicated.

"In my opinion, this law is similar to the 'Green Sprouts Law' and is somewhat too radical."

The saying goes, "When superiors and inferiors contend for profit, the nation is in danger." The new laws are already radical; if we rashly push forward with the "Green Sprouts Law," I fear I will stray from the original purpose and cause turmoil in the court.

Zhang Juzheng spoke tactfully, but he was also reminding Zhang Yunxiu of the dangers of implementing the "Green Sprouts Law".

As the prime minister of the dynasty, he sat at the center of power in the Ming Dynasty, in charge of this vast empire.

Zhang Juzheng's views on things could not be fixed; rather, he had to consider whether this vast empire could function in every situation.

Previously, Zhang Juzheng had heard from his young son about the Green Sprouts Law, which utilized the "Heavenly Craftsmanship Weaving Machine," and he was utterly astonished.

But times have changed. The backlash from the gentry and merchants is something that Zhang Juzheng can't help but worry about.

For the Ming Dynasty, stability in the Jiangnan region was of paramount importance.

Even if it means sacrificing the interests of some people in Jiangnan.

In the past, when Hai Rui forcefully reformed the Jiangnan region, he did this; when he encountered resistance in implementing his new policies, he did the same.

Zhang Yunxiu saw his father's concerns, which was also the reason for his visit today; otherwise, he really wouldn't have wanted to come to this cramped Wenyuan Pavilion.

"Father, do you know about 'Shaosheng Shaoshu'?"

"Emperor Zhezong of Song?" Zhang Juzheng frowned deeply, not expecting his youngest son to bring up this history.

The saying goes, "To understand change and keep the people from becoming weary."

Zhang Yunxiu also quoted a line from classical Chinese and looked up to say it.

"During the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song, Wang Anshi's reforms were implemented. Although they had drawbacks, they also replenished the vitality of the Song Dynasty. However, after Emperor Shenzong passed away, Empress Dowager Xuanren ruled from behind the curtain, and factional strife intensified, which led to the Yuanyou Reforms."

The old party not only abolished the new policies, but also spared no effort in attacking the new party.

Zhang Yunxiu's tone was quite regretful when he mentioned this.

"The old party pursued a policy of compromise, ceding all the already recovered Anjiang, Jialu, Futu, and Mizhi to the Western Xia people in order to achieve temporary stability!"
Later, Emperor Zhezong assumed personal rule, changed the era name to Shaosheng, promoted the idea of ​​continuing the previous dynasty, restarted the new policies, and reversed the previous decline.

As they chatted, Zhang Yunxiu started telling his father about history.

Zhang Juzheng was naturally very familiar with this history of Wang Anshi's reforms. He frowned and looked at the other party, asking in return.

"What do you mean? Do you think I am Sima Junshi?"

He shook his head.

"The either-or view is too naive. Wang Anshi's reforms had some benefits, but also some drawbacks. The Yuanyou Reform was bad because it completely rejected the new policies. However, after the Yuanyou Reform, the Song Dynasty also had a chance to recuperate and rebuild."

Emperor Zhezong of Song's "Shaosheng Shaoshu" (绍圣绍述) may appear to be a restoration of order.

However, the court's policies were constantly changing, the factional strife intensified, and the implementation of new policies was inflexible. The court was tough on foreign powers but lacked any policy of appeasement, and it engaged in large-scale military campaigns, which wasted resources and manpower, and sowed the seeds of the Northern Song Dynasty's demise.

Do you understand? "

If we're talking about economics or science, Zhang Juzheng really couldn't compare to his youngest son.

However, when it comes to history and reform, this prime minister has a wealth of knowledge to share.

However, Zhang Yunxiu did not respond, but instead asked a question in return.

"Does Father also acknowledge the harm of factional strife and the dangers of constantly changing government policies?"

Zhang Juzheng was stunned by what he heard. Normally, the other party should have quoted classical texts to talk about the achievements of "Shaosheng Shaoshu" and lamented the untimely death of Emperor Zhezong of Song. Otherwise, Emperor Huizong of Song, a foolish ruler, would not have ruined the Song Dynasty.

However, this rebellious son directly asked himself the same question.

He said this with considerable dissatisfaction.

"This is one of the reasons for the fall of the Song Dynasty. Other reasons include redundant officials, redundant soldiers, redundant expenses, and a tendency to seek only temporary peace and security."

But before Zhang Juzheng could finish speaking, Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and interrupted him.

"That's right. The Song Dynasty perished because of its indecisiveness, its constant factional strife, and its ever-changing policies."

Zhang Juzheng glared, but he was much more lenient with his youngest son now, and nodded in agreement.

"That's true, but with each new emperor comes a new set of officials, and changes in policies are really hard to resolve, as are the troubles of factional strife."

From Emperor Shenzong's reforms to Empress Dowager Gao's support for the Yuan You reforms, and then to Emperor Zhezong's Shao Sheng reforms, the Song Dynasty was constantly tormented by the changing power dynamics, ultimately ending under Emperor Huizong.

Apart from Emperor Huizong, who brought about the downfall of his dynasty, all the emperors and ministers of the past, such as Emperor Shenzong and Emperor Zhezong, as well as Wang Anshi and Sima Guang, all wanted to improve the Song Dynasty, but in the end, things did not go as planned.

"No."

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and said.

"It's not some intractable problem!"

He seemed very confident.

"Why do I tell Father about this history? It is so that Father will not hesitate and will eradicate the disaster in Jiangnan from its roots."

Serious and intractable diseases should not be left untreated; if they are, then treatment must be swift, accurate, and decisive!

If Father does not completely eradicate this group of entrenched pests, how can the new policies be implemented?

If the new policies are overthrown, it will be another Wang Anshi reform, bringing even greater disaster to the people of the Ming Dynasty!

Zhang Juzheng shook his head: "Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish."

But Zhang Yunxiu raised his voice and said, "Being merciful to the enemy is being cruel to oneself. Bloodshed and sacrifice are inevitable in the struggle, but if we forget the big picture because of a little bloodshed and sacrifice, then we are indecisive and will ultimately fail."

Zhang Juzheng retorted, quite unconvinced, "How could I disregard the overall situation? It is precisely because I care about the overall situation that I have this concern!"

Zhang Yunxiu raised his voice again, now standing at eye level with his father, and questioned him with wide eyes.

"What bigger picture is Father concerned about—the bigger picture for the gentry and nobles, or the bigger picture for the common people?"

"inverse."

Zhang Juzheng glared and puffed out his beard, but his voice gradually weakened.

He didn't say it aloud, but he instantly understood his son's reasoning. He claimed to be reforming for the benefit of all people, but subconsciously he still regarded the scholar-officials as ordinary citizens. In the end, he was still standing on the side of the scholar-officials.

However, when it comes to dynastic changes, ordinary people are the real majority, and the group that would truly rise up and completely overthrow the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Yunxiu, however, was very certain, and squinted at his father as he spoke.

"I'll say it again: if we want the sea to open smoothly, if we want the new policies to be implemented, and if we want our Great Ming to be revitalized, we have no choice but to fight this battle in Jiangnan!"

This battle is not only to crush the spirit of the Jiangnan gentry, but also to show the people of the world the determination of my father and I to reform!
If we don't show our spirit and instead shrink back, will we always back down and yield when we encounter trouble in implementing any policies in the future?

"Then why doesn't Father retire and return to his hometown? I can then live the life of a wealthy playboy. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"you!"

The last sentence really angered Zhang Juzheng.

It seems like this kid can't speak without contradicting me a couple of times these days?
Now, Emperor Wanli and Zhang Yunxiu are practically inseparable, the two are in cahoots, and even he, the Grand Secretary, can't do anything about it.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yunxiu has both money and manpower, so it's really hard to stop him from doing whatever he wants.

Does this Grand Secretary intend to openly oppose the Emperor and his youngest son?

That would truly be a tragedy for loved ones and a delight for enemies!
Zhang Juzheng was ultimately a pragmatic man. Compared to Zhang Yunxiu, he was simply older, more dull-witted, and more stubborn, and his thinking was completely different from Zhang Yunxiu's.

After considering it over, he did not get angry. Instead, he shook his head and reminded him, "Acting rashly is not a good strategy. In my opinion, the disturbance caused by the Japanese pirates is relatively minor. The most important thing is the change in market prices in Jiangnan!"

Zhang Juzheng emphasized, "Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea are the foundation of people's lives. If the court cannot guarantee prices, unrest will surely break out in Jiangnan. How can you then resolve this predicament?"

Everyone in the court knew that Jiangnan was an indispensable part of the Ming Dynasty. From grain, cotton, and silk production to taxes, any one of these aspects was vital to the court's survival.

The reason why the Jiangnan gentry were so fearless was that they were certain that the imperial court would compromise.

While indulging the gentry of Jiangnan has led to the suffering of the common people, it has also resulted in hardship for them

If this continues, many people will not only be exploited, but will truly be unable to survive.

Ultimately, the problem lies in the fact that the imperial court's control over Jiangnan is not deep enough, as there are too many officials in the court who come from Jiangnan.

However, Zhang Yunxiu did not feel anxious about this. Instead, he smiled and looked at his father.

"Father, have you recently gained any insights into 'The Wealth of Nations' and 'Principles of Economics'?"

"Thoughts and insights?"

“An invisible hand,” Zhang Yunxiu reminded him. “Father once discussed economics with me, and the question was, since there is an invisible hand in the market that can regulate the balance of the economy and stabilize prices according to supply and demand.”

Why then, even in areas suffering from famine, do the people still suffer exploitation?

Zhang Juzheng recalled, "You once said that the reason why market regulation of supply and demand is useless is mainly due to the lack of information flow and the inconvenience of transportation."

"That's right!" Zhang Yunxiu said with a slight smile. "So, Father, have you forgotten what I told you before about the role of the futures market?"

Zhang Juzheng, still clinging to traditional thinking, only combined the two ideas after Zhang Yunxiu's reminder, and raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Is your futures market merely for providing information and regulating price balance?"

But he answered his own question, then shook his head and said...

"Prices in both the capital and Jiangnan have been soaring lately, yet your futures market seems to have had no effect whatsoever; on the contrary, it has only fueled this trend!"

Zhang Yunxiu, with his hands behind his back, lectured Zhang Juzheng like a preacher.

"Father is still too impatient. Let the bullet fly for a while."

The youngest son always liked to use strange metaphors, which Zhang Juzheng was already used to. He shook his head and said.

"Even with your textile workshop and the Heavenly Craftsmanship Spinning Machine, this method can certainly increase production, but the Jiangnan gentry collude with merchants from all over the country and refuse to buy your cotton and silk. What can you do about it?"

He sighed, looking rather helpless.

"I know you care about the common people and despise those upright officials and gentry, but governing a country is never that simple. When compromise is necessary, it must be done. This has always been the case."

These words were truly Zhang Juzheng's heartfelt reflections.

"Although Zhou was an old state, its mandate was ever new."

Suddenly, Zhang Yunxiu quoted a line from the Book of Songs.

"What kind of trick are you up to now?" Zhang Juzheng immediately sensed something was wrong, scrutinizing his young son with a hint of wariness.

Zhang Yunxiu sighed, "Can't Father understand such a simple truth? There are many other gentry families in the world, not just the Jiangnan gentry, and not just the Shanxi merchants. There are plenty of other channels to sell our products."

If all else fails, we'll sell our goods overseas. Can the hands of those Jiangnan gentry really reach beyond the ocean?

On the bluestone road outside the Yingtian Governor's Office, in the autumn rain, there were about a hundred students, holding Zhu Xi's annotated Four Books and Five Classics, all wearing square headscarves, crowding the gate of the Yingtian Governor's Office.

Hai Rui and Yin Zhengmao's group were looking for carriages and horses to go to Songjiang, Suzhou and other places to investigate, but they did not expect to encounter this group of troublemakers at the gate of the Yingtian Prefecture government office.

This time, the students not only gathered together, waving their petitions, but also dragged hundreds of ordinary people into the fray.

These people were all villagers, some with disheveled hair and tattered clothes.

They didn't know what had gotten into them, but whenever the students in front said a few words, the villagers would wave their fists and shout loudly.

The rioting students and commoners blocked the entire street in front of the Yingtian Prefecture government office. Shops and restaurants along the street, fearing being affected, all closed their doors.

For a time, the area outside the Yingtian Prefecture government office looked as if rebels had stormed into the city.

"The Single Whip Law oppresses ordinary people!"

Suddenly, a student shouted loudly at the gate of the governor's mansion.

"The Jiangnan Textile Bureau exploits the people, the Zhang family father and son abuse their power for personal gain, and the Yingtian Governor Yin Yangshi aids and abets these two wicked men!"

Before he finished speaking, a chorus of responses erupted from the crowd.

Immediately, some commoners covered their faces and wept, saying, "The Single Whip Law has forced us ordinary people to pay several times more in land taxes for no reason. And the officials in the government offices all want to make money off us. If this continues, I will have to sell my children."

A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

Sobbing erupted from the crowd. Many who had lost their land or were displaced by floods attributed everything to the inhumanity of the government and the machinations of treacherous officials in the court.

The common people didn't know why; all they knew was that by following these scholars, they could at least get a meal.

Suddenly, an elderly man in a scholar's cap stepped onto the stone steps and stood on a high place. He looked down at the huge crowd below and shouted loudly.

"Fellow villagers! The oppressive government of the imperial court is more ferocious than a tiger. The governor of Yingtian, Yin Yangshi, has always been known for his corruption. He only got the position of governor of Yingtian by currying favor with the Zhang family father and son."

In recent days, this wicked villain has exhausted all his corrupt practices, reselling the imperial relief grain and allowing the Jiangnan Textile Bureau to swindle villagers out of their land. The harm he has caused is simply too numerous to recount.

"Fellow villagers!" The old man in the scholar's cap said, clutching his chest with a pained expression. "The oppressive government of the court is more ferocious than a tiger. Today, we will raise our voices and fight against the governor's office, hoping to reach the ears of the emperor and have the wise men of the court and society stand up for us!"

Otherwise, one day we might not even have rice porridge to drink!

As soon as these words were spoken, a group of people immediately responded, some of them even holding tools such as hoes.

The constables outside the governor's office panicked and shouted.

"Are you all planning a rebellion?"

But this still couldn't stop the commotion, nor could it stop the enraged crowd from retreating.

At this moment, Hai Rui was the first to walk out of the governor's office. Ignoring the obstruction of the clerks around him, he went straight to the crowd and roared angrily with a livid face.

"This is utterly absurd! This is the governor's office! What grievances are you all shouting?!"

(End of this chapter)