prosperous age

After everyone left the duty room, Wei Guangde lost his will to work and quietly sorted out his current official position.

Believe it or not, there were still a lot of filthy official positions: Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince, Grand Secretary of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Grand Master of the Palace, Senior Minister of Rites, and Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

The central government of the Ming Dynasty had three dukes and three ministers, namely the Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Protector, and the Junior Tutor, Junior Preceptor, and Junior Protector. Although these were honorary positions, they were highly respected.

In particular, the position of Grand Tutor seemed to have been held only by Li Shanchang, according to Wei Guangde's memory.

Many people in the Ming Dynasty were granted the title of Grand Tutor, but the vast majority of them were meritorious officials. Only Li Shanchang was granted this position as a civil official.

Of course, we should now add Zhang Juzheng.

Li Shanchang was someone who followed Emperor Taizu in conquering the country, but at this moment, Wei Guangde's mind was filled with the "Hu Weiyong case".

Even Li Shanchang, because of his involvement in this case, ultimately met a tragic end, being beheaded.

Turning his head slightly, Wei Guangde looked towards the inner palace. His gaze seemed to have penetrated the walls, reaching Cining Palace and Ciqing Palace.

He didn't know whether the two empress dowagers knew about these things, and he really didn't know whether this conferment of the title of Grand Tutor was a good thing or a bad thing.

Fortunately, his current official rank is not far behind Zhang Juzheng's. Although one is the chief minister and the other is the deputy chief minister, Zhang Juzheng's honorary rank and merit rank are both first-grade, while Wei Guangde is only second-grade.

He was able to wear the court robes of a first-rank official because of his status as Grand Tutor and Junior Tutor; the rank of Grand Secretary still had room for advancement.

In particular, if he is promoted to Grand Secretary, the Grand Secretary of the Jianji Hall will inevitably be promoted to the Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall.

Well, this is also the prestige of the Grand Secretary; it must be the most prestigious title.

The commotion inside the cabinet quickly reached outside the palace and into the Zhang residence.

Meanwhile, the news spread rapidly among the Six Ministries and Five Temples.

This is a Grand Tutor, the second civil official to hold the title of Grand Tutor in the Ming Dynasty.

Li Shanchang was granted the title of Grand Tutor in the third year of the Hongwu reign and was executed in the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign.

The most recent Grand Tutor was Zhu Xizhong, the former Duke of Cheng, who was appointed Grand Tutor in the 42nd year of the Jiajing reign.

Many people felt that Zhang Juzheng had received immense imperial favor, but a very small number of very sensitive officials privately worried about the future fate of this pillar of the country who had devoted his life to serving the country.

After achieving such glory, with no further titles to bestow, will the next step be to exhaust all resources and resources?
When Zhang Juzheng received the news, he was taking a walk in the garden with Zhang Sixiu's help. As he went out for a stroll, Zhang Juzheng felt much better.

When a person is lying in a hospital bed, their energy and spirit can never be fully restored.

For such patients, going out for walks and moving around can speed up their recovery.

"Master, this is great news!"

Just as they were getting tired from walking, a servant brought over stools for Zhang Juzheng to sit and rest, You Qi led Yao Kuang into the garden.

Upon seeing Zhang Juzheng face to face, he immediately said with delight.

"Hehe, what's the good news?"

Zhang Juzheng's beautiful beard had been carefully groomed again. Although it was not as bad as it was at the beginning of the year, it was completely renewed compared to its dry appearance a few days ago.

"News has come from the palace that the cabinet has drafted an edict appointing you as Grand Tutor. The edict has been sent to the Directorate of Ceremonial for approval and should be issued in the next couple of days."

You Qi hurriedly flattered him.

"Congratulations, sir!"

Yao Kuang, who was standing next to him, also hurriedly bowed and offered his congratulations.

Zhang Juzheng was slightly surprised to hear that the palace was going to appoint him as Grand Tutor, even though he had just recovered from a serious illness. Zhang Sixiu, who was next to him, chimed in, "Father, you've been promoted again. That's a good thing."

Look at the court now, who dares to speak ill of our Zhang family?

For the past two months, Zhang Juzheng has been bedridden, and there have been many rumors circulating outside his residence, none of them pleasant.

Even some officials who had previously been reinstated through the Zhang family made these sarcastic remarks behind the scenes.

This is because Zhang Juzheng was bedridden for two months, which inevitably made people wonder if he would have any chance of getting out.

Now things are much better. Father's health has just started to improve, and the palace has already bestowed honors upon him. It's clear that Father still has influence in the palace.

"Congratulations, sir! Congratulations, sir!"

Just then, the servants and maids who were serving him all knelt down to congratulate Zhang Juzheng.

"Uh, okay, okay, all the servants in the manor will receive two months' worth of bonuses."

Zhang Juzheng also came to his senses. Although a smile appeared on his face, a closer look revealed a hint of forced smile, as if he were putting on a brave face.

"Master Xie"

Upon hearing that a reward would be given, the surrounding servants all expressed their gratitude.

"Siyong, help me back to my room, and call all your brothers over."

Zhang Juzheng addressed Zhang Sixiu.

"it is good."

Zhang Sixiu hurriedly sent two servants to invite his elder brother and third brother over, while he helped Zhang Juzheng walk towards the bedroom.

When Zhang Jingxiu and Zhang Maoxiu arrived and entered the house, before they could even congratulate their father, they sensed that something was amiss in the atmosphere.

"Has any news of Grand Tutor Feng been relayed to Eunuch Feng?"

Zhang Juzheng leaned back in his reclining chair, with a blanket draped over his body. In fact, it was very hot at the time, and most people wouldn't need one.

However, Zhang Juzheng's health had not yet recovered, and he was worried that lying down directly would harm his body, so he still covered himself with a thin cotton quilt.

However, after Zhang Jingxiu entered the room, Zhang Juzheng couldn't wait to ask this question.

It all stemmed from the fact that Zhang Jingxiu was the eldest son, the one who would inherit the family business, and also the person responsible for the Zhang family's external communications during this period.

"Father, there's been no news from Eunuch Feng."

Zhang Jingxiu's smile vanished. Although he didn't understand what was going on, he sensed that something was amiss.

Logically, Feng Bao should have been the first to know the news, given his relationship with our family; he would definitely have contacted us immediately.

However, the Zhang family did not receive any message from Feng Bao.

In fact, Feng Bao initially thought, like most people, that the two empress dowagers valued Zhang Taiyue and therefore wanted to bestow upon him the title of Grand Tutor.

However, when he arrived at the Qianqing Palace and told Emperor Wanli what the Empress Dowager meant, the young emperor hesitated for a moment, which was unusual for him, before nodding.

When Feng Bao went to the Directorate of Ceremonial, he finally began to understand the situation.

Emperor Wanli probably didn't intend to appoint Zhang Juzheng as Grand Tutor at this time. After all, although Zhang Juzheng had made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty, he hadn't achieved anything in the past three months and had been recuperating at home.

Although the political situation is stable, this is not only due to the efforts of Wei Guangde and others, but also to the reforms of Zhang Juzheng in previous years. In particular, the abundance of the court's finances in the past year or so is largely due to Zhang Juzheng's contributions.

But let's not forget that Zhang Juzheng was also rewarded with numerous honors and titles in the past two years, which can be considered as a reward for his achievements.

Now that Zhang Juzheng has recovered from his illness and returned home, the court could have simply sent him some precious tonics as a gesture of goodwill; that would have been more practical. There was really no need to bestow upon him the title of Grand Tutor.

However, the Empress Dowager still decided to give him the title of Grand Tutor.

Thinking about this, Feng Bao dared not think any further.

Naturally, he wouldn't pass on any messages to the Zhang family, but instead followed the rules meticulously.

The note was sent to the Grand Secretariat for drafting the decree. The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs prepared to issue a red report to the Six Ministries, register it, and then send someone to deliver the decree.

"Father, could it be a misinformation?"

Zhang Maoxiu suddenly asked at this moment.

"Third brother, it shouldn't be like that."

This matter came from within the cabinet. If such news can be spread so easily…” Zhang Sixiu did not continue speaking. Although Zhang Juzheng had not been to the cabinet for more than two months, he had already arranged for people to keep an eye on the place.

It was highly confidential information. Perhaps the Zhang family wouldn't have known if Zhang Siwei hadn't secretly informed them, but information like drafting an imperial edict was certainly not wrong.

After all, imperial edicts are not secret edicts; they will eventually be made public.

"Father, is this imperial decree ill-intentioned?"

Zhang Jingxiu finally spoke up at this moment, asking in a low voice.

At this moment, only the three brothers and their elderly father were in the room.

The servants outside the bedroom were all driven into the courtyard, and the area around the bedroom was now empty.

"Having received this decree, I have no more titles to bestow, and this marks the end of my reign."

Zhang Juzheng, however, took it all in stride and spoke calmly.

All three knew what "nothing can be bestowed" meant; their father was now truly at the pinnacle of his position, and no one could possibly surpass him.

But if he continues to serve in the court and makes some more achievements, what then?

Only then did the three realize the profound meaning behind the decree, which had almost driven the Zhang family to the brink of destruction.

"Actually, when Shandai came to my residence a month ago, he mentioned to me that I should use my poor health as a reason to say that I was not suitable to continue serving as the chief minister and request to retire and return to my hometown."
Well, it seems he was right.

"My current position is too high; I stand out from the crowd, and the nobles in the palace are already uneasy about me."

Zhang Juzheng spoke in a low, hoarse voice.

He originally intended to continue working for the country for two more years after recovering from his illness. The reforms currently being implemented have been largely completed, and it looks like the season for them to bear fruit and reap the rewards.

He surveyed the land, and the taxes on the land that had been seized by powerful clans and nobles were collected, increasing the national treasury's revenue.

The implementation of the "Single Whip Law" and the simultaneous merging of land tax and poll tax into a single tax, greatly improved fiscal efficiency.

He implemented an "performance evaluation system," using quantitative assessments to force officials to work, and anyone who slacked off would be fired.

The result was a full treasury, paid border troops, and a lighter burden on the people. In other words, he almost revitalized a half-dead empire.

But now, perhaps he has done too much, and the nobles in the palace are starting to have some concerns, and they are really planning to discard him after he has served his purpose.

"Father, how could Your Majesty do this?"

"Shut up."

Zhang Maozheng was about to complain when Zhang Jingxiu stopped him.

Zhang Juzheng looked at his three sons at once, but his gaze finally settled on Zhang Jingxiu.

"The boss is right. Both thunder and rain are the emperor's grace. Let's not mention those words again."

Zhang Juzheng said wearily, then changed the subject and continued, "I called you here today because I am preparing to go to the palace to express my gratitude after receiving the imperial decree, and at the same time submit my resignation."

When I get old, I want to go back to my hometown while I'm still alive, so that I can return to my roots.

As for you, I hope that you will also ask the palace for a favor and return to Jiangling with me, where you can wait three to five years before seeking a comeback.”

When they heard their father calling them to leave, all three lowered their heads and remained silent.

"The reason I called you three is because you are all Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations), unlike Yunxiu who was appointed to an official position through a special favor."

Zhang Juzheng continued.

He had four sons and one daughter. His eldest son, Zhang Jingxiu, and his third son, Zhang Maoxiu, were both Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) in the eighth year of the Wanli reign. In particular, Zhang Maoxiu was the Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the imperial examinations) in the eighth year of the Wanli reign.

Of course, his status as the top scholar was largely due to the court officials deliberately elevating him out of respect for him.

Emperor Wanli was truly impressed by Zhang Juzheng, so he directly awarded him the title of Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the imperial examination).

At this time, he was the subject of much private discussion, but the fact that the second son, Zhang Sixiu, became a Jinshi in the fifth year of the Wanli reign was probably due to his genuine achievement in the imperial examination.

Of course, the three sons of the Zhang family were also knowledgeable, but the imperial examinations were not something that could be passed simply because one had the ability.

Many exceptionally talented individuals ultimately failed the provincial and metropolitan examinations.

These three could be considered promising students, but the fourth child in the family was not so good. Although he was also well-read and educated, he was ultimately playful and did not take the imperial examination. Instead, like Yan Shifan, he became the Assistant Director of the Imperial Household Department through his father's merits and favors.

Zhang Juzheng certainly didn't value the official position obtained in this way, but it was still his own child after all.

This time, he planned to make sure the Zhang family was completely wiped out.

The fourth son's position was easily obtained with a word from him, but his three sons had all earned their positions through hard work in the imperial examinations. Letting them go would inevitably cause resentment, so he summoned them to explain the situation clearly.

"Father, if we leave, will we really be able to escape those people?"

Zhang Sixiu asked hesitantly.

Zhang Juzheng's reform measures offended too many vested interest groups.

The civil service, local tycoons, nobles, and powerful officials—almost everyone cursed him in their hearts.

They just didn't dare to say it, because the emperor, the young prince, was backing them up.

This leaves a loose end: while you're alive, others will tolerate you; but once you fall, all the hatred will be directed at you.

The Zhang family may not be unaware of these things, but since Zhang Juzheng was still alive at the time, there was naturally no need to worry.

"If we keep a low profile when we get back, we might be able to avoid this situation."

"With Shuanglin and Shandai in the capital, they should be able to lend us a hand and prevent these people from causing trouble."

Zhang Juzheng was actually somewhat lacking in confidence. He had once boldly declared, "What do I care about the flood after I die?" But when the time came, he still had some worries in his heart.

“Father, Grand Secretary Wei might be able to help protect you, but it might not be of much use to Eunuch Feng.”

Zhang Sixiu suddenly said.

Wei Guangde and Zhang Juzheng held differing political views at different times, making them the kind of figures who could stand together and move freely, while Feng Baoke was different.

"When that time comes, it will depend on His Majesty's wishes."

Zhang Juzheng shook his head and said, "We can't control what happens to Shuanglin, but Shandai made a promise to me back then."

At most, you might suffer some pain, but it definitely won't be too serious.

Unless His Majesty is determined to deal with it, no one can stop him.

In the major case involving the Yan family, Grand Secretary Xu ultimately only executed Yan Shifan but did not punish Yan Song, which was actually because the late emperor did not have the intention to do so.

Otherwise, even if Yan Song had ten heads, it wouldn't be enough to behead him.

However, after the death of the previous emperor, during the reign of the Longqing Emperor, it was no longer possible to find any trace of Yan Song.

"That's because Wei Guangde hid the people, preventing Grand Secretary Xu from finding them."

At this point, Zhang Juzheng realized he had spoken out of turn and immediately shut up.

"Father, is Yan Song still alive?"

Zhang Jingxiu suddenly asked.

"It's gone. It was gone in the fourth year of the Longqing reign. Let's not mention this matter again."

Zhang Juzheng began.

“I am willing to return to my hometown with my father. I will write my resignation memorial now.”

Zhang Jingxiu spoke. (End of Chapter)