prosperous age

Two days passed in the blink of an eye, and the memorial appointing Zhang Juzheng as Grand Tutor had completed all the procedures and was finally ready to be sent out.

When Wei Guangde arrived at the palace gate early in the morning in a sedan chair, he happened to run into the eunuch sent by the palace to deliver the imperial edict.

"Grand Secretary Wei."

When the eunuch delivering the imperial edict saw Wei Guangde enter the palace gate, he hurriedly stood up and bowed, and the eunuchs behind him who were holding the imperial edict also stood there.

But Wei Guangde had no idea what the bright yellow satin was for, so he quickly stepped aside to let them go first.

The eunuch delivering the imperial decree must have been arranged by Feng Bao. It's impossible for Wei Guangde to be familiar with all the eunuchs in the palace; they just looked familiar but he couldn't recall their names.

If you can't call out, then don't call out.

Make way for the eunuch who was delivering the imperial decree to go first.

Otherwise, Wei Guangde would have simply nodded and walked over.

As one walks along the palace road, the palace servants encountered along the way, upon seeing the official in his scarlet robe, would step aside on either side of the road and nod slightly in respect.

Among the palace servants, only the eunuchs serving the nobles had any airs when they came and went. In fact, these palace servants were just like ordinary people outside, belonging to the lowest rungs of society, barely making a living by selling their labor in the palace.

Perhaps they are even worse than those outsiders.

Because all industries in the Ming Dynasty have been very prosperous in recent years, those with skills have no worries about business.

Even if you don't have any skills, you can still earn enough money to live on by working.

The corvée labor that ordinary people feared most was now being compensated with silver. The government recruited unemployed people from nearby areas to do odd jobs, which actually brought some stability to the community.

They only need to follow their own habits, working at sunrise and resting at sunset, without having to worry about anything else.

However, matters concerning the imperial court are never so simple.

In fact, the duties of the cabinet are quite varied, and sometimes they are not as leisurely as those of ordinary people.

Just as Wei Guangde was about to enter the Huiji Gate and was about to reach the Cabinet, he heard hurried footsteps behind him.

In the palace, it's rare to see someone walk that fast; the head eunuch would reprimand them if he saw it.

Wei Guangde stopped, turned around and looked at the scene, his brows furrowing slightly.

He recognized the man; he was Liang Menglong, the Vice Minister of War, and it was clear he was heading to the Cabinet.

Perhaps it was seeing his back that made her quicken her pace and hurriedly chase after him.

"Grand Secretary Wei."

As he approached, Liang Menglong slowed his pace and bowed to him.

In fact, Liang Menglong was older than Wei Guangde, but his official rank was what it was.

Although Wei Guangde is forty years old, there are not many officials around him who are younger than him; most of them are old men with white beards.

Has any news come back from the grasslands?

Wei Guangde asked the question as soon as he opened his mouth.

"We received the message last night and it was delivered this morning."

Liang Menglong said calmly.

"Looks like good news, the ownership of Bansheng City has been decided?"

Wei Guangde asked with a smile.

"He will not be impolite and will marry Da Cheng Bi Ji, but Han Na Ji's son Hai Ge'er will lead his people to An Shi Fort, which is more than 100 li away from Ban Sheng City and about 200 li away from the Xuan Fu border wall, which is somewhere in between the two."

With them in control, communication between the imperial court and Bansheng City, as well as Guihua City, will be much safer.

Liang Menglong briefly recounted the events of the day, and then reached out to take out Zheng Luo's memorial from his sleeve.

"Let's go, let's go to the cabinet and take a break."

Wei Guangde smiled and reached out his hand, inviting Liang Menglong to walk with him.

Soon, Wei Guangde's hearty laughter could be heard from his duty room.

Wei Guangde had already read Zheng Luo's memorial and knew that his ideas were not much different from Zheng Luo's.

In any case, when Wei Guangde decided to have Da Cheng Bi Ji hand over the gift to him without being impolite, there was a lot of ridicule in the court.

There's no other reason than that he's too young and impolite; he's not even fully grown yet and he's already trying to get married.

Moreover, the generational order has been somewhat confused in some cases.

He was impolite because he was Altan Khan's youngest son, while Dacheng Biji was Altan Khan's granddaughter-in-law. Even if the Mongols didn't know what "etiquette" was, the difference in seniority and age was still there, and no one thought that Grand Secretary Wei's plan could succeed.

Well, now the news has come back that it was the Mongols' own choice, and the Ming Dynasty did nothing about it.

The imperial court really didn't do anything; it was all their own business. Zheng Luo was just involved in mediation.

"Lu Bu, please invite Grand Secretary Zhang and Grand Secretary Shen over here."

After laughing, Wei Guangde called out to the door.

Just as Wei Guangde was relaying the message to the other two cabinet ministers, the Ministry of War had already spread the news, and officials in various government offices in Beijing soon learned about it.

Although the details may be unclear, the general idea of ​​what happened is known.

"If someone is like a beast, they could do something like this."

"Who says it isn't?"

"The Mongol Yuan dynasty ruled the Central Plains for many years, yet they haven't even learned the most basic sense of shame. Truly..."

The words coming from many officials were full of disdain for Mongolian customs, but little did they know that these were simply customs passed down by the Mongols for survival, as can be seen from the practice of levirate marriage, which even the Great Khan of Mongolia had to follow and inherit.

The Han people disapproved of it, but the Mongols considered it perfectly natural and as it should be.

Along with this news, there was another piece of news: the imperial eunuch had gone to the Zhang residence to deliver the imperial decree that Grand Secretary Zhang had been appointed Grand Tutor.

However, at this time, officials were more willing to discuss Mongolian marriage customs and paid little attention to the already widely circulated news of Zhang Juzheng's promotion.

Only the Ministry of Rites and a few officials felt it was inappropriate, since although Zhang Juzheng had fallen ill and suffered greatly, he was ultimately undeserving of the reward and should not be given one.

If you feel sorry for Zhang Juzheng's hard work, just reward him with some treasures. How can you promote someone like this? He's already been granted the highest three ranks. What will he do in the future?
However, this matter was spearheaded by nobles in the palace, and others, even cabinet ministers, could not speak up.

Whether it was Wei Guangde, Zhang Siwei, or Shen Shixing, if they were to oppose it at this time, they might be accused of being jealous of talent and unable to bear seeing the chief minister receive rewards for his hard work and achievements.

Meanwhile, the main gate of the Zhang residence was wide open, and the atmosphere was festive.

An eunuch had already informed the Zhang family ahead of time and received five silver ingots from Yao Kuang, which made the eunuch extremely happy.

Five taels of silver. He didn't even earn that much in a year's salary working in the palace.

Servants were cleaning and sweeping everywhere in the Zhang household, and incense burners and altars were prepared for receiving imperial decrees. Members of the Zhang family were also bathing and changing into brand-new court robes.

Only a few members of the Zhang family knew that after receiving the imperial decree, Zhang Juzheng was to go to the palace to express his gratitude, and then submit his resignation memorial.

Having risen to this position, Zhang Juzheng no longer dared to remain in the capital.

In his eyes, this might be some kind of hint from the palace.

In the cabinet, after seeing Liang Menglong off, Wei Guangde chatted briefly with Zhang Siwei and Shen Shixing before taking his leave to return to his office to handle memorials.

Of course, everyone wore a smile. Wei Guangde had already written a memorial, which everyone had read. After attaching Zheng Luo's memorial, he sent it to the Qianqing Palace.

This matter is ultimately not something that can be discussed openly; it would be improper for a cabinet minister to send it over.

Because the Ming Dynasty did not break ties with the Mongols this time, it maintained its influence in Mongolia and directly weakened the power that the Prince of Shunyi could control. This was a war without gunpowder, and the result was that the Ming Dynasty won.

Even in the minds of Zhang Siwei and Shen Shixing, a seed was planted that the Mongol Khan might be all bark and no bite, and that he did not have the strength to take action against the Ming Dynasty.

It's important to understand that for nomadic peoples to gain access to the Central Plains, they had to exert all their strength.

Currently, there is a clear division of opinion within Mongolia. As long as the Ming Dynasty firmly supports the Third Lady, it will be difficult for Mongolia to unify its thinking.

Without a unified mindset, it is impossible to exert one's full strength.

With the help of the treacherous Third Sister, the Ming Dynasty could now confidently refuse some of the demands made by the Prince of Shunyi, without having to struggle with indecision as before.

Just as Wei Guangde was engrossed in his mountain of documents, Lu Bu quietly appeared at the door of the duty room, then walked to Wei Guangde's desk and whispered, "Master."

"What's the matter?"

Wei Guangde was writing the draft bill, his brush never stopping, and asked without looking up.

"Grand Secretary Zhang has entered the palace with his four sons."

Lu Bu then spoke in a low voice.

"The imperial decree has been issued today, and it is right for Grand Secretary Zhang to go to the palace to express his gratitude."

In fact, these acts of expressing gratitude do not necessarily have to be done in person, especially for someone like Zhang Juzheng who has just recovered from a long illness.

All you need to do is write a letter of thanks and send your son to the palace.

Wei Guangde had already finished drafting the proposal, put down his pen, and sat there without moving.

The draft I just wrote needs to dry a little while before I can put it in the memorial, otherwise the characters will get smudged.

To smear a memorial to the throne is a mistake, no matter how small.

“He came in person, and he brought his four sons with him.”

Wei Guangde murmured at this moment.

"Yes, I heard from those who saw him that Grand Secretary Zhang seems to have recovered, but he is much thinner than before and may need some time to recuperate before he can fully recover."

Lu Bu thought Wei Guangde hadn't heard him clearly, so he quickly spoke again.

"Go and find out what he said when he went to the palace."

Wei Guangde could see that there was a hidden agenda behind this promotion in the palace, and Zhang Juzheng should have been able to as well.

Thinking back to his conversation with Zhang Juzheng at his sickbed, he realized that although he had taken it to heart, he hadn't made up his mind. He probably still couldn't let go of it.

It is unknown whether he still adhered to this decree after receiving it.

Lu Bu went out to gather information, and Wei Guangde had no interest in reviewing memorials, so he just sat there in a daze.

Meanwhile, in the Cining Palace, Empress Dowager Chen and Empress Dowager Li were seated, while Emperor Wanli could only stand to one side.

At this moment, Empress Dowager Li was persuading Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng.

“Minister Yuan, I see that you have recovered from your illness. Why don’t you rest for a while and recuperate? There’s no need for you to retire and return to your hometown.”

"Yes, Master Zhang, you should rest at the mansion for a while longer. Master Wei is still overseeing the affairs of the cabinet."

Come back when you've fully recovered.

At this time, Emperor Wanli did not yet have any prejudice against Zhang Juzheng and still respected him as his teacher. Naturally, he was genuinely reluctant to let him go.

Besides, he was used to Zhang Juzheng overseeing his affairs in the court, which made him feel at ease when doing things.

Although Wei Guangde handled government affairs without any problems during this period, he still felt at ease knowing that Zhang Juzheng was still around.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, although my illness has improved somewhat, the imperial physicians have said that I can no longer exert myself, which means I can no longer serve the court."

This illness was so severe that I almost didn't make it back home. That's why this old minister dares to ask the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty for mercy, to allow me to return to my hometown in glory.

Since returning to the capital in the thirty-sixth year of the Jiajing reign, I only returned to my hometown a few years ago to bury my father.

Now that everything in the court is on track, there is no need for this old minister to worry about it anymore.

Your subject has served three emperors and has been fortunate to receive the blessings of the late emperor.

Zhang Juzheng had only been bowing as he spoke, but at this point he finally couldn't help but kneel down.

"Now that Your Majesty has assumed personal rule, I have already seen that Your Majesty possesses the qualities of a wise ruler. With the Holy Emperor above and the ministers assisting you below, the Ming Dynasty is assured of prosperity."

Zhang Juzheng placed the object there and spoke softly.

He truly dared not hold this position any longer. The emperor had assumed personal rule, and power should have been returned to him in the eighth year of the Wanli reign.

However, because the court was carrying out reforms, and with Empress Dowager Li's tacit approval, things remained the same.

During the three months that he was ill, Zhang Juzheng knew that the cabinet would draft minor matters on its own and send them to the Directorate of Ceremonial, while major matters had to be reported to the Qianqing Palace. In fact, he had already returned power to the palace.

If he comes back this time, what should we do?
He actually had no choice, which is perhaps why the Empress Dowager wanted to appoint him as Grand Tutor.

If he were to retire gracefully at this point, the palace would remember his good deeds, and even if officials outside the palace had their own ideas, the palace would not agree.

"Your Majesty, please keep this memorial from the Grand Secretary for now."

Empress Dowager Chen finally spoke to Emperor Wanli, then looked at Zhang Juzheng who was kneeling on the ground, and gestured for the chief eunuch beside her to help him up before continuing, "Prime Minister, your resignation is temporarily suspended. Go back and think it over carefully."

The Emperor has only recently assumed personal rule, and we certainly need you to be present in court. Even if you can't go to the Grand Secretariat every day, as long as you're still here, we can rest assured about matters in the outer court.

Zhang Juzheng finally nodded and left Cining Palace with the help of eunuchs.

However, Zhang Juzheng understood that the palace had already given its approval for the so-called "temporary suspension." It was just that for someone in his position to retire, without having committed any wrongdoing and been ordered to retire, it was generally necessary to submit three memorials before the palace would approve them.

This also saves face for the entire emperor and his officials.

However, on the last two occasions, he did not need to come in person; he could simply submit a memorial.

The reason for my visit this time is actually because of the honor of being granted the title of Grand Tutor; this is an immense favor.

After leaving Cining Palace, Zhang Juzheng was helped by his sons to walk out of the palace.

However, when they reached Huiji Gate, Zhang Juzheng suddenly stopped, pointed in the direction of the Cabinet, and said, "I need to go to the Cabinet; there are some things that need to be arranged."

Within the cabinet, he needed to relocate some people and also needed to communicate with Wei Guangde.

"I know, get out."

At this moment, Wei Guangde was on duty in his room. He had already heard the news coming from Cining Palace and waved for Lu Bu to leave.

Wei Guangde didn't know if Zhang Juzheng's voluntary resignation could change history. As long as he didn't go back to work in the cabinet and expressed his firm intention to leave, the palace would at least save face for him.

Regardless of the circumstances, it was Zhang Juzheng who held up the sky for them during those turbulent times.

"master."

But soon, Lu Bu ran back to the duty room.

Before he could even ask a question, Lu Bu had already spoken up: "Prime Minister, Prime Minister Zhang has arrived at the Cabinet." (End of Chapter)