Di Ming

Chapter 254 "Master is back!"

Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Vice Minister of War?

Zhu Yin remained expressionless, having already anticipated this outcome. His adoptive father had previously stated that he would likely be appointed as a vice minister, and a noble title was out of the question.

After the early Ming Dynasty, three civil officials were granted titles for their military achievements: Wang Ji, Wang Yue, and Wang Yangming. These are the three kings who were granted titles in Ming history.

There are many civil officials who command troops, but why were only three of them granted titles?
Because it is rare to achieve merit that leads to a noble title. Yu Shaobao's merits were sufficient, but due to his noble character, he declined the title himself, which is an isolated case.

No one would not want to be granted a noble title, including civil officials. A noble title is hereditary, passed down through generations, and doesn't affect one's chances of passing the imperial examinations—what immense wealth and power that would be!
The claim that civil officials are unwilling to be granted titles is simply sour grapes.

Zhu Yin's military achievements in the Northwest surpassed those of Wang Ji in conquering Luchuan, Wang Yue in defeating the enemy beyond the Great Wall, and Wang Yangming in suppressing Prince Ning.

Zhu Yin absolutely deserves to be granted a noble title.

Shen Yiguan was more genuine in front of Zhu Yin, revealing no trace of his upright and honest persona and making no secret of his desire for fame and fortune. He said with a hint of shame:
"Upon hearing of your great victory in Hexi, I began to consider bestowing a title upon you. Although the Grand Secretary opposed it, there was still hope. However, the palace also did not approve, so the proposal was stillborn and came to nothing."

Zhu Yin, of course, knew perfectly well what was going on.

The phrase "the palace does not approve" contains only five characters, yet it carries a wealth of information.

The Emperor and Consort Zheng both disagreed. It's also possible the Empress Dowager disagreed.

"Having connections in court makes it easier to get an official position. You have already helped me a great deal, sir; I am content." Zhu Yin personally poured tea for his teacher, Shen, and said with a smile:
"Without you keeping an eye on the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, how could this battle have gone so smoothly? Being promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and Vice Minister of War is already a very good result. I have been an official for less than four years and I have already become Vice Minister of War. Although I have some military merits, I would not have been able to do so without your support and promotion."

Zhu Yin's words were indeed true. Without Shen Yiguan overseeing the cabinet, Zhu Yin's war would not have been fought so smoothly; provisions, pay, weapons, warhorses, and personnel transfers would all have become problems.

With Shen Yiguan around, these problems no longer exist.

Even if he didn't receive a noble title, Shen Yiguan still played a significant role in Zhu Yin's appointment as Right Vice Minister of War and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Otherwise, according to the Emperor and the Grand Secretary's wishes, he should have been promoted from Junior Tutor to Junior Preceptor of the Crown Prince, with the substantive position of Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices (a third-rank official) or Right Vice Minister of Works.

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works are nowhere near as powerful as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Zhu Yin was very satisfied with his position as Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

According to the Ming Dynasty's system, among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Rites held the highest status, while the Ministry of Personnel wielded the most power. The Ministry of War held a lower status than the Ministry of Rites, but wielded more power. Compared to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Works, it held both greater status and power.

The Right Vice Minister of War is the third-highest-ranking official in the Ministry of War, assisting the Minister and cooperating with the Left Vice Minister in managing the Ministry of War. He is also a senior official in the Ministry of War.

The Right Vice Minister was in charge of all major affairs of the Ministry of War, including strategic planning, appointment and removal of military officers, procurement of military equipment, military pay and provisions, allocation of warhorses, and postal station transportation.

This official position not only had an impact on the upcoming Imjin War, but also allowed the holder to be granted the title of Vice Minister of War and to lead troops into battle again, presiding over the Korean war in the name of Governor-General, Military Commissioner, and Manager.

This was actually Zhu Yin's ideal official position. He was able to obtain this position not only because of Shen Yiguan's efforts, but also because of his arrangements and maneuvering in the court.

The teacher and student openly discussed fame, fortune, and official rank in the Wenyuan Pavilion. The topic was extremely utilitarian and vulgar. Where was the spirit of a loyal minister who was devoted to the country and indifferent to fame and fortune?

Given Shen Yiguan's status as a Grand Secretary, and in such a prestigious and noble place as the Wenyuan Pavilion, he shouldn't be discussing these matters. Even if no one else overheard, it was still beneath his dignity.

However, neither the teacher nor the student felt anything was amiss.

Shen Yiguan was very satisfied with Zhu Yin's attitude. He slowly sipped his tea, took off his crystal teacup, rubbed his eyes, and said:
“Young Tiger, you are only fifteen years old and have only been in office for four years. Next, you will be the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and the Vice Minister of War. In the more than two hundred years of the dynasty, the number of civil officials who have been promoted faster than you can be counted on one hand. This may not necessarily be a good thing.”

"You're too young. How will you get promoted in the future? The road to officialdom is long and smooth. Don't worry about the ups and downs of a short time. The so-called cultivation of prestige is actually about being able to keep your composure and endure loneliness. If you can't toughen your mind, you'll never achieve great things."

"Even if your career is fraught with setbacks and difficulties in the future, you must persevere, never waver in your resolve, and remain steadfast in your beliefs, as firm as a rock. Do not become disheartened or give up on yourself because of temporary setbacks or injustices."

“Child Tiger, people say you have the spirit of the Wei and Jin dynasties. Then I hope that in this officialdom, you can truly have the magnanimity of the Wei and Jin scholars.”

He foresaw that his favorite student would be demoted in the future, so he taught Zhu Yin in advance to prepare him.

Shen Yiguan knew that the Emperor would definitely find an excuse to demote Zhihu in the future.

The reason is simple: the young tiger is too young. How can His Majesty, with his temperament and magnanimity, remain unmoved by a young subject holding a high position?

Suppression is inevitable; it's only a matter of time.

Zhu Yin said, "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I will remember your teachings. Please rest assured, sir. I am only fifteen years old and I am already the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince. I have achieved great things at a young age. What more could I ask for? I will just take this official post and do it casually. Even if I cannot enter the Grand Secretariat in the future, I can still be ranked among the Nine Ministers."

Shen Yiguan stroked his beard and laughed, "You are the only fifteen-year-old Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince in history."

Although the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince is merely an honorary title, it is still a first-rank official position.

Zhu Yin became the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, which not only greatly increased his seniority but also improved his treatment. He was entitled to the salary, clothing, carriages, and etiquette of the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince.

Of course, if Zhu Yin wanted to keep a low profile, he could choose not to enjoy these privileges and simply accept the treatment of a vice minister.

More importantly, if the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince achieves merit, he will be qualified to be promoted to Junior Tutor, Junior Preceptor, or Junior Guardian. Once the Three Grand Tutors are in his grasp, the Three Dukes will be within reach.

But Zhu Yin also knew that the titles of Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and Vice Minister of War were obtained in exchange for titles that should have been granted to him.

For others, a hereditary title was far more advantageous than the positions of Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince or Vice Minister of War. But for Zhu Yin, it was a different story.

He was an ambitious young man determined to seize power and usurp the throne, so why would he care about the title bestowed by Emperor Wanli?
You can ban me or not, it's up to you.

It's good to seal it off, but don't seal it off if you don't want to.

Zhu Yin took out a scroll of documents from his sleeve, which listed the names of the generals who had accompanied him on this expedition to the Northwest.

As the head coach, Zhu Yin naturally had to commend their achievements. This list was first shown to Shen Yiguan so that Shen Yiguan would be aware of it.

Shen Yiguan took a look and frowned, saying, "Why are there so many? There must be four or five hundred people here. Are you going to recommend them all? The court isn't expanding the army, so where are we going to find so many military positions?"

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "These are all people who have made contributions in the Northwest. Many of them are required to be appointed by the court. For example, this Zhao Shuaijiao was originally a military officer. This time, he led only a sentry and killed more than a hundred enemies. Shouldn't he be appointed as a garrison officer?"

"If there aren't enough actual military positions, then just register them on the list. We can't let the soldiers' morale plummet. I heard that Zu Chengxun suffered a major defeat in Korea and barely escaped with his life. To protect Korea, the court will inevitably send another large army. If we need to use troops again, won't we still have to rely on them?"

Shen Yiguan pondered for a moment, "At most, only one-third will be officially appointed; the rest will be nominal appointments. You will soon be the Vice Minister of War. You can draft a memorial yourself, and once Grand Marshal Shi Xing approves it, you can submit a formal document to the Grand Secretariat. If all goes well, the court will approve your recommendation."

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."

Although the selection and appointment of military officers was originally the responsibility of the Ministry of War, it still required the approval of the cabinet and the emperor.

Shen Yiguan suddenly asked, "In your letter to me, you mentioned the matter of Zhu Shuaixin, the heir of Prince Qing. If this person gains influence in the Western Regions and invades Hexi, then someone in the court will surely impeach you for not eradicating evil completely."

“I know,” Zhu Yin frowned. “But Zhu Shuaixin had been planning to escape for a long time; he was very well prepared. He ran away before I even arrived in Liangzhou, and it’s difficult to catch him.”

"Besides, without an imperial edict, I would not dare to lead my troops into the Western Regions."

Shen Yiguan said, "Then let's hope that Zhu Shuaixin is killed by the Hu people of the Western Regions and doesn't cause any trouble. Otherwise, the matter in the Northwest is not over yet."

Zhu Yin sighed, "Sir, the court rejected the proposal to establish prefectures and counties in Gansu and to recover the Western Sea. The soldiers can't understand it, and everyone has grievances."

Shen Yiguan shook his head and said, "You're the one with the most complaints, aren't you? When you recovered Hetao, some people in the court opposed it. If your gold and silver hadn't been delivered to the palace in time, the emperor might not have allowed it. Now that you've recovered Hetao, the Mongol tribes are shaken. If you were to recover Xihai as well, the Tartars would unite and make things difficult for the court."

"As for restoring the prefectures and counties in Gansu, it sounds simple, but it is extremely difficult to do! The huge Gansu town has more than two million people. It was originally under the jurisdiction of the garrison and is a border area. If it is suddenly changed to a prefecture and county, how will those hereditary military officers be arranged? Will you, Zhu Zhihu, support them? Without power, they can only rebel."

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "I'm afraid there are still a lot of military pay, grain, and trade commissions that pass through every year. Many people are living on a lucrative diet, so the restoration of prefectures and counties will be greatly affected."

Shen Yiguan glared at him. "So what? Is this something you can worry about? I'm powerless to help! If we touch their interests, do you think they'll let it go?" "Child Tiger, what does it mean to be an official? Being an official means managing what you can manage and what you should manage. The officialdom doesn't tolerate hot-blooded meddlesome people. Remember, it's always better to mind your own business. When you can truly grasp the essence of being dutiful and inactive, you'll have mastered it."

Zhu Yin said, "Your admonition is correct, and I have remembered it. It is better to avoid trouble. Now that you are working day and night on the matter of Korea, please take good care of yourself."

Shen Yiguan said, "As for the matter of Korea... the court has already sent Shen Weijing to negotiate with the Japanese pirates in accordance with the Grand Marshal's wishes, hoping that the Japanese pirates will withdraw their troops."

Zhu Yin sneered, "The Japanese pirates will not retreat. Toyotomi Hideyoshi originally intended to invade the Ming Dynasty, and Korea was just a stepping stone."

Shen Yiguan nodded: "The court already knows that the Japanese pirates are trying to invade the Ming Dynasty, so of course we have to make two preparations. On the one hand, we are gathering a large army in Liaodong, and on the other hand, we are continuing to negotiate with the Japanese pirates. We should delay as much as possible. The most important thing right now is to use delaying tactics."

"Those who entered Korea earlier have already been defeated and returned home. According to Zu Chengxun, the number of Japanese pirates who invaded Korea is no less than 100,000. If the court does not send tens of thousands of elite troops, it will be extremely difficult to protect Korea."

Shen Yiguan frowned as he spoke. Resisting the Japanese pirates and defending the dynasty was the court's top priority, a matter of great complexity. But the most difficult part was reaching a consensus.

If Korea were to fall, it would be more than just a matter of the Celestial Empire losing face. If the Japanese pirates occupied Korea, it would become a major threat to the Ming Dynasty, just like the Mongols.

We have no choice but to fight.

Zhu Yin shook his head and said, "Sir, the saying goes, 'If the enemy can go, so can we.' Why does the court think about protecting Korea instead of counterattacking Japan and destroying its state?"

"Counterattack Japan and destroy its state?" Shen Yiguan laughed. "Young Tiger, your idea is not only militaristic but also a pipe dream. The Japanese pirates are far away across the ocean, isolated overseas. How can we possibly conquer them?"

"What were the results of the two Mongol Yuan expeditions against the Japanese pirates? To destroy their state, at least 100,000 troops would have been needed. Not to mention how much money and food it would have cost, the imperial court didn't even have enough ships to transport troops and supplies."

Zhu Yin chuckled, “What you say is quite right, sir. But it is rumored that there are already hundreds of thousands of Japanese pirates in Korea. The Japanese pirates and Korea are separated by a vast ocean, so how could they send hundreds of thousands of troops to Korea?”

"They can come, but the Ming Dynasty cannot go? Is it possible that tiny Japan has more ships and supplies than the Ming Dynasty? Alas, I really don't understand."

Shen Yiguan was taken aback for a moment, then fell silent.

Zhihu is right.

The court never considered launching a counterattack against Japan to destroy its nation. From Korea's plea for help two months ago to sending representatives for negotiations now, the court's only consideration has been how to preserve Korea.

I never even dared to think about a cross-sea expedition, let alone do it.

From the imperial court's perspective, mobilizing hundreds of thousands of troops to launch a counterattack against Japan across the sea was simply impossible. Even if it were possible, there was no need for it.

But why were the Japanese pirates able to do it, and dared to do it?
Thinking about this, Shen Yiguan also felt very uncomfortable.

But he finally understood Zhu Yin's intentions.

"Chih-hu, you don't intend to take charge of Korean military affairs, do you? You just returned from the Northwest. You're a civil official, why are you so concerned about military achievements?"

Shen Yiguan looked at Zhu Yin very seriously.

Zhu Yin smiled wryly and said, "Sir, it's because I understand the Japanese pirates better than the ministers in the court. The Japanese pirates are definitely a major threat to China! I'm still young and full of youthful passion, and I always want to do something practical for the country."

"I don't care about being granted a title; I only want to enhance the prestige of our Great Ming Dynasty, eliminate this scourge for the country, and plan for the long term."

Shen Yiguan paced back and forth, shaking his head and saying, "Difficult! Difficult! Difficult! Japan is a country that the Taizu Emperor personally designated as not to be conquered; this is an ancestral instruction. The ships are relatively easy to solve; at worst, we can requisition civilian ships. The imperial court can also mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops, and we can also find ways to provide funds and provisions. However, passing a resolution for a cross-sea expedition is extremely difficult."

"Destroying the Japanese would be extremely costly, but what benefits would it bring? If we fail, who can bear such losses? Who would dare to take responsibility? What would the foreign vassals think of the Ming Dynasty? They would think that the Celestial Empire is narrow-minded and militaristic. Zhihu, it's good that you have this idea, but it's just a thought."

Zhu Yin also failed to dissuade Shen Yiguan from his obsession. He knew very well that this was not just Shen Yiguan's idea, but the idea of ​​the vast majority of civil officials.

Proposing a transoceanic expedition was, of course, Zhu Yin's strategy. His real goal was, as a second choice, to become the commander-in-chief of the Korean resistance against the Japanese invaders and lead the Imjin War.

As for the long-distance expedition across the sea, that's the goal for the next stage.

In the Imjin War, Li Rusong would lead his army into Korea a few months later. During this period, the Ming Dynasty did not send any civil officials to command the troops because it was a war in a foreign country, and the court was not worried about military generals rebelling.

In the second phase, Yang Hao, Xing Jie, and others were appointed as civil officials to lead the campaign.

Shen Yiguan continued, "You have achieved a great victory in the Northwest and can be considered a civil official who is proficient in military affairs. It is not impossible for you to go to Korea and take risks. I can give it a try, but I am not very confident. His Majesty and the Grand Secretary would hardly agree."

"However, you've just returned to Beijing, let's talk about it again in a few months. It won't be possible to send troops until at least the end of the year or the beginning of next year."

"Aren't you getting married in September? Don't worry about the affairs of Korea for now. If you're allowed to go at the end of the year, then go. If you're not allowed to go, don't argue anymore."

Zhu Yin nodded and said, "I will listen to you, sir."

He certainly works behind the scenes as well. He doesn't rely solely on Shen Yiguan.

Anyway, there are still a few months to go, no rush.

The teacher and student chatted for a while longer before Zhu Yin took his leave of the Wenyuan Pavilion, thus concluding his term of office in the cabinet.

Zhu Yin left the Meridian Gate, got into a carriage, and went directly back to Caomao Hutong in Dashiyongfang.

Soon, they arrived at the mansion that occupied the entire Straw Hat Alley.

The mansion was magnificent and opulent, with four strings of lanterns hanging under the eaves, all bearing the character "朱" (zhu, meaning red). The plaque above prominently displayed the words "状元第" (Zhuangyuan Di, meaning the residence of the top scholar).

Beside it stands a flagpole bearing the inscription of a top scholar, and a blue stone archway. Even the hitching posts and mounting stones on the street in front of the entrance are arranged in two long rows.

On a nearby archway, a red paper was pasted with eight characters written on it. The ink was still wet, and it was Ning Caiwei's handwriting: "My humble abode will not receive guests today."

As soon as Zhu Yin's carriage arrived at his door, a servant immediately turned and ran inside, shouting, "Master is back! Master is back!"

The myna bird in the cage mimicked the call, saying, "Master is back!"

Immediately, the 999-shot firecrackers hanging at the door started to crackle and pop.

"Clap clap clap clap—"

Amidst the sound of firecrackers, the gatekeepers stepped forward, bowed, and joyfully announced:
"Welcome back, sir! You must be tired from your journey!"

Then someone lifted the curtain of the carriage, revealing a refined and noble young official inside.

At the same time, a red copper brazier that had been prepared beforehand was placed under the carriage.

"Please step over the brazier, sir, for good fortune and peace!"

As soon as Zhu Yin stepped off the carriage, two maids came forward, took out water-dipped willow branches from the vases in their arms, and sprinkled them on him like Guanyin sprinkling dew.

Zhu Yin was an approachable young master of the household. He cooperated by stepping over the bronze brazier, and Ding Hongying, Kangxi, and others followed suit.

Just as Zhu Yin was about to ascend the steps surrounded by the crowd, he heard a silvery laugh and a tidal wave of footsteps coming from the tall vermilion gate.

Zhu Yin's smile had just blossomed when a stunningly beautiful young woman, dressed in a lotus-patterned jacket and with her hair in a bun, came out to greet him with a large group of well-dressed people.

"I've been talking about it all this time, and I've been waiting so long for them to come back!"

P.S.: I'm not feeling well today, so that's all for now. The little tiger won't be going to fight in Korea anytime soon; it'll be at least another month. The next month or so will mainly focus on the dramatic elements, including court intrigue, officialdom, covert battles, secular culture, and daily life. For readers who don't enjoy this kind of content, please subscribe to an auto-subscribe service to keep the book running. Thank you!

(End of this chapter)