prosperous age

After Wei Guangde finished the pre-conclusion meeting of the cabinet, he asked Lu Bu to tidy up the room and then walked out himself.

Actually, for people like them, it doesn't matter whether they leave early or late; no censor will keep track of their get off work hours.

Today, Wei Guangde actually became quite interested. Thinking that the internal strife in Japan was likely to turn into a bloodbath, he couldn't help but feel extremely pleased.

Therefore, he also wanted to slaughter all the barbarians.

He left work early so he could go to the villa in the outer city and have some fun. He also wanted to ride those big foreign horses that Yu Dayou had given him.

However, as soon as he left the palace gate and walked to his sedan chair, before he could even get in, the attendant waiting beside him leaned over and whispered in his ear, "Master, the Zhang family has sent word that they would like to invite you to their residence for a chat after the court session."

"The Zhang residence?"

Wei Guangde raised an eyebrow and asked another question.

"It was at the Grand Secretary's residence. They said that Steward You from the Zhang family directly contacted Steward Zhang."

The servant whispered, "Because the court session is about to end, Steward Zhang didn't let us bring the message inside. He'll wait outside for you to come out and then tell you."

"understood."

Wei Guangde said something, but his feet remained rooted to the spot.

Although the person did not move, their mind was active.

He didn't know why Zhang Juzheng was looking for him at this time. Did his condition improve?

That's not right either. Since the condition has improved, the patient shouldn't continue to rest; they should get out of bed as soon as possible.

But if his condition worsens, will he still have the energy to see me?

Is it
In a flash, he seemed to guess something.

"Ugh"

Wei Guangde sighed, then bent down and climbed into the sedan chair. Once settled, he called out to the outside, "To the Zhang residence."

Those previous thoughts had vanished. After all, they were old acquaintances of twenty years, and now that the man was in critical condition, Wei Guangde couldn't possibly not go to see him.

At the shouts of the attendant, the four sedan chair bearers simultaneously lifted the sedan chair and quickly headed towards Xuanwu Gate.

More than half an hour later, in front of the Zhang residence.

At this moment, the central gate opened, and Zhang Juzheng's eldest son, Zhang Jingxiu, along with a group of brothers, once again welcomed Wei Guangde's arrival.

“You guys are all here, so your uncle has someone to look after you.”

Wei Guangde saw Zhang Juzheng's sons, as well as Zhang's stewards You Qi and Yao Kuang, and said with a smile.

"Uncle Wei is too kind. There are naturally people to serve Father."

Zhang Jingxiu, along with his brothers, performed the rites of a son and nephew to welcome Wei Guangde into the mansion.

Once inside, Wei Guangde's smile faded, and he asked in a low voice, "How is your father's health now?"

"It's still fluctuating, but I felt a bit better this afternoon, so I invited you here, Uncle, for a chat."

Zhang Jingxiu's face was still full of worry, but he still answered in a low voice.

"If there is a shortage of ginseng or deer antler, and they are not readily available on the market, just send someone to get them from me."

I have plenty of these supplements at home, so just take them.

Wei Guangde said to him.

"We brothers are eternally grateful for Uncle Wei's kindness."

Zhang Jingxiu hurriedly led several brothers to pay their respects, but Wei Guangde stopped them.

He had a strong grip; once he pulled Zhang Jingxiu, Zhang Jingxiu couldn't bend over.

“I’ve known your father for over twenty years. Didn’t he tell you that?”

At that time, I was still in the Hanlin Academy, and so was he. We entered the court around the same time, and often met and chatted at Yuzhi.

There was even a year when I spent more than a year with him in a side courtyard of the Prince's Mansion.

"I don't need your gratitude. Just prepare a lavish feast for me once your father recovers."

Wei Guangde smiled and said.

Soon, Zhang Jingxiu led Wei Guangde to an elegant courtyard in the backyard. Wei Guangde was familiar with the place, and when they entered the main house, he finally saw Zhang Juzheng, whom he hadn't seen for two months.

"Uncle, you look much better, congratulations!"

Wei Guangde noticed that although Zhang Juzheng was still thin, his spirit seemed to have returned today.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng leaned back in his chair and only managed a weak smile when he saw Wei Guangde enter.

Although her complexion was much better than last time, she still seemed to be on her deathbed, as if she might die at any moment, just like an old man on his deathbed.

"Shanshan Loan, please sit here."

Zhang Juzheng pointed to the side, and Wei Guangde went over. Zhang Jingxiu moved a stool over and placed it there. Only then did Wei Guangde sit down and ask about Zhang Juzheng's condition.

"I feel much better in spirits today, but I still feel unwell. I don't know if I can get through this."

Sitting next to Zhang Juzheng, you can smell a strong medicinal aroma; Zhang Juzheng has been relying on medicinal soup to stay alive during this period.

After exchanging a few words, Zhang Juzheng suddenly dismissed his attendants, not even allowing his own son to stay.

Wei Guangde knew that this was the main event, and that Zhang Juzheng had probably come to him for this very purpose.

Without making a sound, Wei Guangde sat quietly, listening to Zhang Juzheng speak.

"I don't know if I can get through this hurdle of 'good loans,' and I often feel mentally disoriented while lying in bed."

However, this also gave me more time to think about the national policies of the Ming Dynasty.

Although the strategies you previously proposed for preferential treatment in Shihlin were not bad, they simply couldn't satisfy the needs of those people.

Even if you grant them a certain number of land parcels exempted from taxation, the idea that all scholars should be exempted from taxation has already taken root in people's hearts.

This strategy, while seemingly leaving them a way out, will not only fail to make them grateful, but will also breed resentment.
Furthermore, since I took office as prime minister, I first implemented the performance evaluation system in an effort to improve the efficiency of officials, and then established the Single Whip Law.
Land was surveyed and the poll tax was incorporated into the land tax.
"But it was all for the sake of the imperial court, and they weren't asked to contribute a single extra penny."

At this time, Zhang Juzheng's speech sometimes seemed logical, but at other times it was completely illogical, and the topic often changed constantly.

If Wei Guangde hadn't been with Zhang Juzheng for the past ten years and been very familiar with the context of his policies, he might not have been able to fully understand what Zhang was saying.

By this time, Wei Guangde had realized that Zhang Juzheng was also beginning to worry about what would happen after his death.

He wasn't worried about the person on the throne, but rather about the officials below, because the gentry who had lost out on the land survey would unite against the Zhang family.

Finally, Zhang Juzheng seemed to regain some of his reputation for integrity and got down to business.

"I don't know if my body can pull through. I just hope that if something happens, you can protect your nephews and nieces. I would be eternally grateful."

After speaking, Zhang Juzheng stared at Wei Guangde, his eyes never leaving him for a moment.

"Uncle, I understand what you're thinking."

In fact, at this point, retiring while one is still ahead is a wise way to protect oneself.

Wei Guangde had considered this on his way here. The best way to save the Zhang family right now was for Zhang Juzheng to retire.

The imperial court actually treated officials differently depending on whether they retired or died in office.

Generally speaking, once an official retires, even if there are any issues, unless there is deep-seated hatred, they will not continue to pressure him.

However, if he dies in office, he will inevitably be branded as someone who covets power.

At this time, Zhang Juzheng's voluntary request to retire would at least not harm his reputation.

"Retire? Is that the way to protect Siwen and the others?"

Siwen was Zhang Jingxiu's courtesy name. At this point, even the proud Zhang Juzheng had to consider his family members more. "They should all withdraw from the court. I'm confident I can keep them in check."

Wait ten years, then try to make a comeback.

Wei Guangde lowered his voice.

People like Zhang Jingxiu, whose official rank was not high, would keep people in the court and make them constantly think about the government.

In Wei Guangde's view, their highest position was no more than the head of one of the six ministries, so of course they couldn't get in anyone's way.

The land survey and the re-compilation of the Yellow Register had a huge impact on the interests of the local gentry, causing many of them to pay significantly more taxes each year.

Although these were taxes that were already due and there was no additional taxation, the amount of silver paid out was still higher, which was Zhang Juzheng's responsibility.

Seeing Zhang Jingxiu and Zhang Maoxiu inevitably brings to mind Zhang Juzheng.

After a few years, people get used to these things and gradually forget about them.

With a little maneuvering from Wei Guangde, it wouldn't be difficult to get the Zhang family members back into officialdom.

However, as long as one doesn't become an official in the capital, there won't be much of a problem.

Staying in the capital would inevitably attract unwanted attention.

"Let me think about it some more. Ten years, perhaps that really is too long a life."

Zhang Juzheng said somewhat dejectedly.

To be honest, he had thought about returning power to the emperor, but he never thought he would retire so soon, even after serving as chief minister for ten years.

Zhang Juzheng's final remark sounded somewhat jarring to Wei Guangde.

Wei Guangde guessed that Zhang Juzheng was probably thinking about Gao Gong, whom he had ousted, at this time. Indeed, Gao Gong had been dead for several years.

When Wei Guangde came out of the Zhang residence, his face was very blank.

As he sat back in the sedan chair, he was still pondering Zhang Juzheng's remark.

"Are all the regents destined to live long?"

Inside the swaying sedan chair, Wei Guangde's eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light.

He finally understood why Zhang Juzheng was so emotional.

Indeed, the so-called regents were simply ministers appointed when the emperor was young and unable to handle state affairs, and needed someone to assist him.

The ministers who assist the emperor can easily seize power in the process, thus threatening the imperial authority.

Why did the Longqing Emperor suddenly issue an edict ordering him to return to the capital? Was it because the court was already managed by Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng?
Of course not, it was because the Longqing Emperor was also on guard against Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng.

By that time, Gao Gong had become too powerful to control, and Zhang Juzheng alone was probably not enough to restrain him.

Therefore, he was urgently summoned back to the capital, hoping to combine his efforts with Zhang Juzheng's to limit Gao Gong.

Finally, the Empress Dowager issued an edict to expel Gao Gong, which was probably also in the will of the Longqing Emperor. However, the Empress Dowager initiated it ahead of time because of the actions of Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao.

Wei Guangde arrived too late, and the two empress dowagers, following the final instructions of the Longqing Emperor, launched the campaign to dismiss Gao Gong ahead of schedule.

Emperor Longqing must have been well aware of his teacher's character, so he seemed to trust him, but in reality, he did not completely trust him.

Li Chunfang and Chen Yiqin were both mere paperhangers and could not bring about fundamental changes to the Ming Dynasty court, so he was forced to reinstate Gao Gong.

However, Gao Gong needed to be checked and balanced, as he was too stubborn, which led to his confrontation with Zhang Juzheng.

As for Feng Bao, rumors circulate that Wei Guangde is also uncertain.

However, Feng Bao was truly the first eunuch to appoint a regent from within the inner court.

Throughout history, many eunuchs have seized power, but there has never been a case of one becoming a regent minister.

After all, Zhu Yuanzhang had set up an iron plaque stating that eunuchs were not allowed to interfere in political affairs.

"Return power to the people; power must be returned to the people."

Wei Guangde feels young now and doesn't want to retire prematurely.

For Wei Guangde, letting the emperor make the decisions and fully wield power was undoubtedly the best way to protect himself.

Of course, he must carry out his plan, which he has been working on for many years, otherwise it would be a pity to have all his efforts wasted.

With this thought in mind, Wei Guangde suddenly felt much more relaxed.

"I really am greedy for power."

Wei Guangde sighed inwardly, realizing how much effort he had put into becoming the Grand Secretary, a position second only to the Emperor.

As for those whose achievements overshadow their superiors, that doesn't matter; as long as they are handled properly, they are not a threat.

For example, in the Eastern Expedition against Japan, as long as the responsibility was shifted to the Wanli Emperor, if they won, the emperor would be honored and his prestige would soar; if they lost, he would take part of the blame. In any case, the credit was distributed to the emperor, the Ministry of War, and the general in charge of the troops, and he would get credit for his strategic planning.

At this moment, Wei Guangde, sitting in the sedan chair, and the Grand Secretary, lying on the bed, were thinking about the same thing: planning their own future.

On the grassland, countless bonfires had been lit, and a large group of people were singing and dancing together.

Huang Taiji's entourage arrived at Bansheng City at noon. Zheng Luo, along with Lady Zhongshun, Chelik, and Qia Taiji, welcomed his arrival.

Huang Taiji neither camped with Lady Zhongshun nor went to Chelik to agree, but instead set up camp in the northwest of Bansheng City, which is considered the middle of the two sides in the war.

Ma Gui had considered this position before, but considering that he would be surrounded by the Mongols on three sides, he ultimately did not choose it.

Huang Taiji, of course, had no such concerns; on the contrary, he felt safer here.

Outside the royal tent, a row of low tables were set up, with two people sitting behind each table.

In the middle, naturally, are the positions of Prince Shunyi and Lady Zhongshun. To the left are Zheng Luo and Ma Gui, and to the right are Chelik and Qiataiji. Only then do the others appear.

The bonfires all around illuminated the place, and many people were already dancing joyfully around them.

Zheng Luo would occasionally raise his glass to Huang Taiji from afar, then drink it all in one gulp.

Few officials in the Ming Dynasty did not drink alcohol, not only because the alcohol content was low in that era, but also because they had already mastered the art of eating, drinking, and gambling during the imperial examinations.

While Zheng Luo chatted with Huang Taiji from time to time, his eyes were fixed on a table not far away.

That was the representative sent by Banshengcheng to welcome the Prince of Shunyi; it was Ali Ge.

Da Cheng Bi Ji is considered Huang Tai Ji's daughter-in-law, so naturally she doesn't need to come out to greet the Great Khan; she only needs to send a representative.

After failing to contact Ali during the day, Qi Cheng, whom Zheng Luo sent, naturally saw the welcoming banquet tonight as an opportunity.

Yes, early in the morning, Ali Ge, as the representative of Bansheng City, went out of the city to welcome the Shunyi King. He was with Lady Zhongshun and Chelike, and Qi Cheng communicated with him.

As the banquet progressed, people came and went frequently. Those with a low alcohol tolerance had already returned to their tents to rest, while those with a high tolerance for alcohol were looking for a place to relieve themselves.

After Ali got up, greeted his friends, and went out, Qi Cheng also got up from beside the low table and hurriedly followed him out, pretending to be in a hurry.

Finally, as the banquet went on into the night, the feast came to an end.

Huang Taiji and his men said, "That's all for today. Come to my camp tomorrow afternoon and we'll have a good talk about what happened in Bansheng City."

Any misunderstandings can be cleared up later. Also, compensation for wounded and injured soldiers will be resolved at that time.

Right here, in my royal tent.

"Governor Zheng, I am very grateful for the court's concern, and I welcome Governor Zheng to visit me then."

"The court was shocked by the misfortune of the Taiji, and even more shocked by the conflict that followed."

"The purpose of sending me here is to help Prince Shunyi appease his troops. I will certainly attend on time tomorrow."

Zheng Luo agreed with a broad smile. (End of Chapter)