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

Chapter 365 Zhang Shiyuan Promoted! Is the Ming Dynasty About to Change?

It has been half a year since the court last promoted Zhang Yunxiu.

In principle, officials in the imperial court should be evaluated every three years.

For ordinary officials to be promoted, they had to go through the "Beijing Inspection" and "Outer Inspection" processes, which took anywhere from three to six years. The promotion of officials in the Ming Dynasty was a process that required a lot of experience.

Zhang Yunxiu was clearly an exception. On the one hand, he had a good father, on the other hand, he had a good relationship with the Wanli Emperor, and most importantly, the achievements he made in just one year were almost equivalent to those of an ordinary person in a lifetime.

He established Xishan, resolved the crisis of displaced people, controlled and contained the plague, mined lotus root coal to provide a livelihood for the people, and used textile machines and the Green Seedling Law to give the people of Jiangnan a new lease on life. His many achievements can truly be described as immeasurable.

Anyone else would have deserved a generous reward, but Zhang Yunxiu is clearly different. He is too sharp and too young. If he is rewarded too heavily, the emperor will inevitably reach a point where there are no more titles to bestow.

Coupled with Zhang Juzheng's deliberate suppression, even though Zhang Yunxiu had made outstanding contributions, he had not made any progress in the past six months.

But what kind of reward will the emperor bestow today at the court assembly following the Lantern Festival?

"Daibatsu, then read the decree aloud."

Emperor Wanli sat on the dragon throne, his expression somewhat languid, like a tired little pig, yawning incessantly.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Feng Bao immediately stepped forward and began to read the decree aloud to the assembled officials.

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhang Yunxiu, the Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, is of a resolute and far-sighted nature, and is honest and capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities. In the ninth year of the Wanli reign, when the imperial treasury was somewhat depleted and the people were in dire need of food, he created a technique for extracting coal from lotus roots to benefit the people, established markets to facilitate trade, and later brought with him the machinery of the Imperial Textile Factory to aid the Jiangnan region, relieving the people from dire straits and saving them from suffering."

The imperial edict was lavish in its praise of Zhang Yunxiu, demonstrating the magnitude of his contributions.

More importantly, even with such high praise, no censor or official raised any objections. The only objections were that the words "resolute" and "steadfast" seemed somewhat inappropriate when applied to Zhang Yunxiu.

The officials present held their breath, their eyes fixed on the imperial edict in Feng Bao's hand. They were also curious about what kind of promotion and reward Emperor Wanli would give to Zhang Yunxiu.
But then Feng Bao raised his voice and said...

"In recognition of his unwavering loyalty, diligence, and outstanding achievements, he is hereby promoted to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a second-rank official, with a full salary. He is also granted a python robe, a jade belt, and an imperial edict authorizing him to oversee all affairs of the Guard, control the Northern and Southern Garrison Commands, and expedite the deployment of officers."

Upon hearing this, many court officials couldn't help but be surprised.

This is the nearly sixteen-year-old Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard! In the past, Zhang Yunxiu held the title of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but in reality, he did not have complete control over the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and there was still a nominal position above him.

But now it's completely different. After Zhang Yunxiu was granted the title of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, that was the highest official rank of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the true sense.

If one wanted to advance further, one would need to be the Left or Right Commander-in-Chief or the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies Commandery, a first-rank official position.

However, while most people were amazed, they were also impressed by Zhang Yunxiu's achievements at such a young age. They didn't find Zhang Yunxiu's promotion inappropriate; on the contrary, they felt it was only natural, since the Embroidered Uniform Guard was now Zhang Yunxiu's domain.

But just as Feng Bao finished speaking, and everyone thought it was over, the imperial edict was still not finished.

But then Feng Bao continued reciting.

"Zhang Yunxiu was reappointed as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Five Military Commands, to assist in military administration, to inspect the registers of coastal garrisons, to receive orders from the central government, and to command the navy. He was to perform his duties diligently and to maintain order in the military and political spheres."

Upon hearing this, the officials stared at each other, their eyes filled with shock, envy, and a sense of difference.

The Vice Commander of the Five Military Commissions, like the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, held a rank of second grade.

However, there is one difference: the Embroidered Uniform Guard has real power and can directly command the soldiers of the garrisons, while the Vice Commander of the Five Military Commissions is different.

The Five Military Commissions were nominally the highest military institution in the Ming Dynasty, but the Vice Commanders-in-Chief did not have the real power to mobilize troops; they only had the power to command troops.

The so-called command of troops simply means managing the daily military and political affairs of the garrisons, verifying military registers and households, and participating in the supervision of military equipment, etc.

Those who truly have the power to mobilize troops are nothing more than officials with real power such as "Minister of War", "Commander-in-Chief", and "Governor-General".

This was even more pronounced during the Wanli era. All officials understood that while the title of "Vice Commander of the Five Military Commissions" seemed impressive, it was merely a position of "reward for meritorious service."

Since the founding of the nation, most of these titles were used to settle meritorious generals or to grant honorary titles to important officials in the court, and they were no different from some of the assistant commanders and vice commanders in the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

But even so, if an ordinary person could think like that, is Zhang Yunxiu an ordinary person?
Those who pay close attention will notice the word "naval force" in the imperial edicts promoting and appointing officials.

This is even more intriguing, as the imperial edict clearly states that Zhang Yunxiu, as the Vice Commander-in-Chief, is in charge of the navy.

The Ming Dynasty's navy was basically organized into coastal guards and scattered along the coast of Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi.

Zhang Yunxiu, a "playboy" who spends all his time in the capital, is actually going to be appointed as the Vice Admiral of the Navy? Now that he has the title of Vice Admiral, wouldn't it be natural for him to also be appointed as a General or Governor in the future?
Most importantly, Zhang Yunxiu has the monster that is Xishan. Anyone with eyes can see that after the collapse of the Jiangnan gentry, Xishan has seized countless benefits and interests. Xishan's money shops, trading companies and stores will probably be spread throughout Jiangnan after the spring. How much influence will Zhang Yunxiu have then?

Just as his ministers had expected, Emperor Wanli granted Zhang Yunxiu more trust and rewards, but the power he unleashed exceeded their expectations.

Some even felt that from now on, the title of the commander-in-chief of the Five Armies Commandery might no longer be a nominal position.

For a moment, many people turned their attention to Zhang Juzheng, who was standing at the front of the line. This Grand Secretary already held great power, and now he was even more powerful. It was likely that no one in the world would dare to say no to him.

In the queue, Xu Guo couldn't help but secretly glance at the Wanli Emperor behind the curtain. He narrowed his eyes and sighed heavily.

He also noticed a detail: on such an important day, the Wanli Emperor was bestowing a reward upon Zhang Yunxiu, but the latter was staying at home on sick leave.
If it were any other official, even if they were on their deathbed, they would have to get up to receive the imperial decree and express their gratitude.

At the very least, the announcement would have to be made after Zhang Yunxiu went to court, or the decree would be sent directly to the Zhang family residence.

However, the emperor chose to announce the result directly in Zhang Yunxiu's absence, which seemed absurd, but to discerning people, it was full of profound meaning.

Firstly, Zhang Yunxiu's absence reduced the conflict, and secondly, it was a signal from the emperor that even if Zhang Yunxiu did not attend court, he would still be appointed as the Vice Commander-in-Chief, so the opposition from others was meaningless.

Secondly, just like Liu Yongning's poem, it was a signal sent by the imperial court to the outside world.

That is, the national policy of opening up the seas and promoting trade was something that both Emperor Wanli and Zhang Juzheng considered imperative! There was almost no room for negotiation.

In comparison, whether these "old guard" members are willing to admit it or not, the giant ship of the Ming Dynasty will forge ahead without hesitation, and everything ahead will be something they have never seen before. The new era represents the demise of the old era, and also represents opportunities for more people.

Xu Guo let out a long breath, his eyes filled with a sense of melancholy.

It seems that no matter whether they were Huizhou merchants or other merchants, they could not hold onto the goods they had stockpiled, the land they had purchased, or the piles of silver in their cellars.

The gentry and merchants of the Ming Dynasty could no longer lie down and wait for silver to grow in the ground, living a life of ease for generations!
The officials in the court appeared somewhat dejected, but the more they looked like this, the more Emperor Wanli felt he had done the right thing. He sat up slightly and spoke to Yu Youding, the Minister of Rites.

"Minister Yu, how is the matter of studying abroad in foreign lands progressing?"

The matters that can be discussed in court are basically those that have already been agreed upon or have reached a conclusion, so there is not much effort required; one can simply read from the prepared text.

Yu Youding's face was still wrapped in gauze, and he was barely recognizable as a human. If it weren't for the fact that the morning court session was particularly important, it would have been extremely disrespectful for him to appear before the emperor in this state.

Yu Youding stepped forward two steps and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, since the vassal states entered the capital, they have seen the prosperity of our capital and admired the flourishing of the Ming Dynasty's culture and learning. They have no objection to sending envoys to our Ming Dynasty to study."

The Ministry of Rites has already drafted regulations, and from now on, all matters concerning the dispatch of envoys will be managed in accordance with the usual practices for "foreign guests," and the dispatch of envoys to study will be managed in accordance with the practices for official students and students of the Imperial Academy.
Scholars entered the Xishan Peiwen Academy to study and learn etiquette at the Imperial College, and studied astronomy, calendar systems, feng shui, and geography at Xishan.
For impoverished countries like Ryukyu and Korea, the system of sending students to Ryukyu during the Hongwu era could be used as a reference, providing them with rations, clothing, and other rewards. Other countries should continue to pay tribute as usual and pay their dues.

"good."

The Wanli Emperor nodded slightly, showing particular satisfaction with the "payment of tribute" and "tuition fees".

During the Hongwu era, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang not only bestowed generous rewards upon the vassal states, but also treated the students he sent abroad with great kindness. Not only were their tuition and fees waived, but they were also provided with food, lodging, and clothing, making them even better off than ordinary students of the Imperial Academy.

However, Emperor Wanli did not see any logic in this.

Foreign envoys come to the Ming Dynasty to study in order to obtain the "true scriptures." What kind of master in the world teaches a disciple and then gives the disciple money?
Apart from a few vassal states that had maintained friendly relations for generations, all other vassal states had to pay tribute and fees.

In the eyes of the Wanli Emperor, this could become a precedent. In the future, when the vassal states handed over precious local products, the Ming Dynasty would teach them knowledge and technology. If anyone refused, their path to education would be cut off. This was the long-term solution!
Just like Annam, although it was once incorporated into the territory of the Ming Dynasty, it showed no intention of submitting.

Emperor Wanli, Zhang Juzheng, and Zhang Yunxiu reached a consensus that Annam would only send envoys to study if it paid sufficient grain annually.

Now the roles have reversed. It is no longer the case that the Ming Dynasty begs vassal states to pay tribute, nor that the Ming Dynasty offers benefits in order to gain the title of "Celestial Empire".

Instead, these are the people who are begging to come to the Ming Dynasty to obtain the "true scriptures" and the knowledge to change the fate of the nation!
Emperor Wanli glanced at Yu Youding with approval and waved his hand, saying...

“Bring the brocade slab here. That damned villain almost broke one of my most trusted advisors.”

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great grace!"

Yu Youding, wrapped in a white cloth, had tears welling up in his eyes, looking almost moved to tears.

Being beaten up wasn't entirely without its benefits; at least the Wanli Emperor became more friendly towards him.

In the imperial court, many nobles and officials looked away, seemingly a little guilty.

The Wanli Emperor nodded slightly and spoke softly.

"Minister Yu has worked hard and made great contributions. In the future, the Ministry of Rites will need your continued attention."

"Your subject would dare not fail to do his utmost."

The Wanli Emperor continued.

"There is one thing we must not forget: the exile of these convicted officials from Jiangnan to various vassal states to spread Confucianism should be put on the agenda as soon as possible. Let them go with the mission."

This matter is of great importance, and Minister Yu must handle it carefully.

Upon hearing this, Yu Youding stiffened instantly, and a bad premonition arose in his heart.

Renmin Medical Clinic.

Yang Jishi has been very busy lately. Since the Lantern Festival started, the clinic has been almost working day and night.

He and Li Shizhen worked day and night in reverse, and the doctors in the clinic hardly had any chance to rest either.

The Lantern Festival was indeed grand. The grandeur of the Ming Dynasty, with its envoys from all over the world paying tribute, coupled with the prosperity of the capital, not only captivated the people of the capital, but also attracted many outsiders who came to join in the fun, as well as foreigners and vassals from various foreign countries, who were all so happy that they forgot to go home.

The joy of the moment turned to sorrow. With lights everywhere in the capital, some accidents were inevitable. In recent days, countless people in the capital have been burned, scalded, or injured by explosions. Even some members of vassal state delegations have been affected.

For example, the Annamese envoy Nguyen Van Trung had just been hospitalized for injuries a few days ago, and now he has been hospitalized again. If it weren't for the charred black marks on his body, Yang Jishi would have really thought that he was just trying to freeload at the clinic.

Yang Jishi looked at Ruan Wenzhong being carried in on a stretcher, forced a warm smile on his face, and bent down to speak with concern.

"Ambassador Ruan, what happened this time? How did you get so badly injured? Oh dear, I'm afraid the internal organs are damaged. We need to prepare for surgery as soon as possible."

Despite his face being streaked with tears and snot, Ruan Wenzhong was surprisingly scathing when he started cursing.

"Damn bald monk! Utterly barbaric! How dare you attack this old man!"

"There must be some misunderstanding here," Yang Jishi said softly.

But Ruan Wenzhong was unmoved: "I will sue His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty for the outrageous behavior of the Tibetan envoys!"

Yang Jishi couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. The Tibetans and Annamese had argued countless times, and it seemed like they were locked in a life-or-death struggle.

But why is the fighting so fierce today? Could it be related to the court meeting during the day?

(End of this chapter)