prosperous age

Just as Wei Guangde finished speaking with Zhang Ke, Lu Bu hurriedly knocked on the door and came in with a memorial in hand.

"How can you be so rude? I was just talking to Lord Zhang."

Wei Guangde gave Lu Bu a disapproving look and scolded him.

However, after speaking, Wei Guangde also noticed that Lu Bu's complexion did not seem very good, and he forced a smile as he admitted his mistake and apologized.

"Alright, alright, what exactly happened?"

Wei Guangde waved his hand, smiled at Zhang Ke first, and then looked at Lu Bu and asked.

"Master, this is a memorial submitted by Minister Xu Xuemo. They sent it here."

As he said this, Lu Bu presented the memorial to Wei Guangde with both hands.

"Ministry of Rites, what major event has occurred?"

Although he said that, his hands were quick; he took it and immediately opened it to read.

However, with just one glance, Wei Guangde's expression became even more brilliant.

He didn't know whether to laugh or not. Although he had expected it, he never thought that the Minister of Rites would submit this memorial.

"ShanDai, what happened?"

Seeing Wei Guangde's change in expression, Zhang Ke asked curiously.

"Look at this, Minister Xu has personally stepped in to impeach his old superior."

Wei Guangde smiled bitterly, then lowered his voice and whispered, "Uncle Da's hope of using Pan Sheng to maintain the court situation is probably going to be dashed."

"Ok?"

Zhang Ke didn't react at first, but he still reached out and took the memorial handed to him by Wei Guangde and glanced at it.

The impeachment memorial submitted by Xu Xuemo impeached Pan Sheng, and the reasons given by Lei Shizhen and other censors for impeaching him were exactly the same: "forming cliques for personal gain," which was intended to destroy Pan Sheng.

Although everyone knows that political parties exist, no one would admit to forming one, as this was a major taboo in the imperial court. Both Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Di carried out large-scale purges for this reason, strictly prohibiting the court from colluding to form parties.

If the censors of the Censorate are like mad dogs, and you can only believe half of what they say, then Xu Xuemo's impeachment carries much more weight. Moreover, he had worked with Pan Sheng in the Ministry of Rites, so his impeachment was extremely damaging.

Moreover, as the Minister of Rites, a half-cabinet minister, his influence over the emperor was naturally not to be underestimated.

"They are..."

Zhang Ke only opened his mouth and said that one sentence, then didn't know how to continue.

"If Uncle Da had stayed in Beijing and waited until Pan Sheng arrived before leaving, perhaps they wouldn't have dared to act recklessly."

But his body couldn't take it anymore, so he had to rush back to Jiangling. That's when someone seized the opportunity to impeach him relentlessly before he even arrived.

Wei Guangde sighed.

"Should we try to protect him in this matter?"

Zhang Ke asked in a low voice.

"Do you have a past relationship with Lord Pan?"

Wei Guangde asked suspiciously.

"No, didn't you say that Zhang Jiangling recommended Lord Pan to join the cabinet in order to stabilize the situation?"

His previous reforms were too forceful, and he needed someone like Lord Pan, who had a huge influence in the academic world but was also gentle in his approach, to moderate them.

Moreover, Lord Pan seems to support and understand Zhang Jiangling's decision.

Zhang Ke answered in a low voice.

"Yes, Lord Pan did not oppose it at the time, including the ban on the academy. Although he had his opinions, he did not strongly oppose the policy."

This is perhaps why he was watching Lord Pan, and why he wanted him to maintain those reform measures, even if some were withdrawn, the basic framework would remain unchanged.

Wei Guangde chuckled, "But he didn't expect that others were also eyeing this position of Grand Secretary."

"If Pan Sheng is not allowed to join the cabinet, and there is a backlash from below, then the higher-ups will have to step in to maintain those measures."

Zhang Ke whispered a reminder.

Wei Guangde glanced at Zhang Ke, then smiled, clearly not taking him seriously.

In reality, those below, whose interests had been harmed, would certainly have launched a counterattack after Zhang Juzheng left the court.

However, if Zhang Juzheng could control them, why should we assume that Wei Guangde couldn't?

Moreover, Wei Guangde could also help them make a fortune.

Wei Guangde believed he had plenty of ways to deal with these people, and there was no need to fight them to the death.

The exchange of benefits and the reform measures are the foundation of the court and must not be shaken.

But why not compensate them with other benefits?

As a seasoned politician, Zhang Juzheng was well aware that the key to governance lay in “a balance of tension and relaxation.”

In order to ensure the smooth progress of the reform, he had to take strong measures such as cracking down on officials who opposed the reform and banning and destroying academies throughout the country.

However, these methods will inevitably create various conflicts, so after his death, there must be a mild-mannered successor to ease these conflicts, only in this way can the reforms continue.

Pan Sheng was the person Zhang Juzheng chose to reconcile the conflicts.

The fundamental reason why Pan Sheng left the court was that Zhang Juzheng was unwilling to let him join the cabinet at that time.

Now, Zhang Juzheng's recommendation of him before his death should be able to dispel Pan Sheng's resentment.

Wei Guangde and his fellow villagers had analyzed these things together back then.

"If Pan Sheng goes to Beijing, he might stir up this mess even more."

The fact that Zhang Siwei and Feng Bao's groups were vying for the power he left behind had already caused chaos.

Wei Guangde expressed his opinion with a smile, also not wanting Pan Sheng to come to Beijing.

The recent Ministers of Rites in the imperial court have all been rather stubborn and difficult to deal with.

Therefore, it has been some time since the Minister of Rites has been appointed to the cabinet.

"If they are still a single force, united as one, I really have no idea how they can get through this."

But not anymore, haha. Actually, I'm also worried that if he comes, he'll win over those wavering people.

The current fragmentation is for the best. Since those favored by Zhang Jiangling cannot come to the capital, his disciples and followers can each find their own patrons, which doesn't count as switching allegiances.

Upon hearing Wei Guangde's words, Zhang Ke immediately thought of Zhang Xueyan and others.

Some people have already submitted their applications, but many more have not yet made a clear statement. Perhaps they are waiting for Pan Sheng, recommended by Zhang Juzheng, to arrive in Beijing so that they can join his ranks.

"If they succeed, Pan Sheng will fall from power, and the next person to fall will be Wang Guoguang of the Ministry of Personnel."

Wei Guangde then pointed out another name, who should be the one waiting for Pan Sheng.

"So how do you plan to draft the vote?"

Zhang Ke waved the memorial in his hand and asked.

"Don't draft a proposal, send it directly to His Majesty and let him decide."

Wei Guangde laughed.

Normally, the cabinet would not draft memorials impeaching cabinet ministers to avoid suspicion of impropriety. However, although Pan Sheng was recommended to enter the cabinet, he did not go through all the procedures and was now simply recalled by the emperor.

"Let them fight, we don't need to interfere."

Wei Guangde spoke up about his plans, and Zhang Ke simply nodded slightly without replying.

If the impeachments by Lei Shizhen and others were just an appetizer, when it was reported that Xu Xuemo, the Minister of Rites, also impeached Pan Sheng for "forming a faction," Wang Guoguang, the Minister of Personnel, reportedly rushed into the main hall of the Ministry of Rites and had a fierce argument with Xu Xuemo in the duty room.

The once powerful "Zhang faction" has almost completely collapsed, with only Wang Guoguang remaining to maintain appearances.

Even the Ministry of Rites opposed Zhang Juzheng's recommendation. The next morning, Wei Guangde heard that seven or eight people, including Zhang Dingsi, Wang Jiguang, Sun Wei, Niu Weibing, and Wei Yunzhen, a censor of the Censorate, had once again submitted a memorial impeaching Pan Sheng.

More than ten memorials have already been submitted opposing Pan Sheng's entry into the cabinet, and the trend is intensifying. "Master, Zhang Jing and Zhang Siwei are currently watching a play at Guanghe Tower, in a private box."

In the study of the Wei residence, Zhang Ji quietly reported the news he had just received.

"Zhang Jing."

Wei Guangde was slightly surprised, not expecting that Zhang Siwei had already selected people for the inner court in such a short time.

During his several audiences with the emperor, Wei Guangde noticed the sharp-mouthed, monkey-faced eunuch beside the Wanli Emperor, who was said to serve the emperor very well and was highly favored.

As for Feng Bao, his authority in front of Emperor Wanli was perhaps more due to the prestige he had cultivated since childhood, after all, he had always shouldered the heavy responsibility of caring for and educating the princes.

Feng Bao no longer serves the emperor; he spends most of his time handling tasks assigned by the Directorate of Ceremonial and other nobles in the palace.

"This matter is actually quite troublesome."

Wei Guangde didn't think that he was just a lowly eunuch who couldn't cause any trouble.

Too many eunuchs have stirred up trouble, first Wang Zhen, then Wei Zhongxian.

The eunuchs of the Ming Dynasty were no pushovers; sometimes they were truly capable of deceiving the emperor and manipulating imperial power.

Zhang Siwei's choice of this partner in the palace was truly excellent.

Eunuchs are greedy, and Zhang Siwei's family just happened to have plenty of such things, so they hit it off immediately.

"Just keep an eye on them, don't worry about anything else."

Wei Guangde gave the order.

"But sir, what if Zhang Siwei joins forces with Zhang Jing to harm you?"

If a second-ranking official were to collude with the eunuchs around the emperor, his own chief minister might be in serious trouble.

Zhang Ji was no longer the poor boy from Bengshan Fort who couldn't get into school. Over the years in the capital, he had become accustomed to the rise and fall of officials.

If officials behave this way, what about their servants?

If Zhang Ji wants to live well, then his master has to live well too.

Therefore, Wei Guangde is not worried about the collusion between Zhang Siwei and Zhang Jing, but Zhang Ji is.

"Their target is Feng Bao."

Wei Guangde glanced at Zhang Ji and explained to him with a smile, "Although Zhang Jing cannot replace Feng Bao, he can take this opportunity to rise to power."

Only by securing Zhang Jing's position can Zhang Siwei even try to take over the chair I'm sitting on.

"Hehe, that eunuch Zhang is overthinking it. Eunuch Feng has served the emperor for twenty years, and he didn't do it for nothing. He can't be brought down so easily."

Zhang Ji laughed.

"hehe."

Wei Guangde just smiled and didn't explain further.

Feng Bao will most likely be brought down by Zhang Jing, but Wei Guangde doesn't know how.

It's probably because they took advantage of the young emperor's dissatisfaction with Feng Bao. In those years, Feng Bao was too strict in his work, and he would complain to Empress Dowager Li at the drop of a hat, causing Emperor Wanli to be reprimanded several times.

The young emperor's dissatisfaction with Feng Bao probably exceeded his dislike for Zhang Juzheng.

"Have someone prepare hot water; the master wishes to take a bath."

Wei Guangde instructed Zhang Ji, "Tomorrow I'll be on official business and will have to deal with a pile of impeachment memorials. They're not annoyed by them, but I am."

"Master, does Lord Pan, who is on his way to the capital, know about these things in the capital?"

After saying this, Zhang Ji immediately went out to make arrangements, but Wei Guangde also began to ponder the matter.

Pan Sheng should be heading to Beijing by official boat now; it would be difficult for him to receive news while on the Grand Canal.

However, once he disembarks at Zhangjiawan Wharf, he should know what's happening in the capital.

What would he choose?

Wei Guangde thought about it, but still couldn't be sure.

He entered the cabinet so easily, so it's hard to understand the mentality of someone who wants to enter the cabinet and waits for more than ten years to do so.

"The emperor must be somewhat dissatisfied. I wonder what Lord Pan will choose."

Wei Guangde shook his head slightly.

The emperor's attitude toward impeachment memorials during this period reveals his stance: he ignored them all and did not express any opinion.

A few years ago, when Liu Tai and others impeached Zhang Juzheng, Emperor Wanli clearly sided with the Grand Secretary.

They were not only flogged, but also dismissed from their posts and sent back to their hometowns.

In just a few years, everything seems to have changed.

Wei Guangde continued to go to the cabinet every day to carry out his duties, and also sent people to inquire about the situation at Zhangjiawan Wharf and when Pan Sheng would come ashore.

A few days later, news came that Pan Sheng had arrived in Tongzhou.

However, he did not go to the capital, but instead stayed at the post station.

Two days later, Pan Sheng's resignation memorial appeared before him.

"He's definitely not stupid; he can wring out the murky water."

After reading the memorial, Wei Guangde immediately summoned Lu Bu and ordered him to send it to the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs.

Pan Sheng did not submit a memorial refuting the impeachment, but instead directly resigned on the grounds that he was too old and unable to share the burden of the country.

In fact, even if an impeached official like Pan Sheng went to the capital and the emperor issued an edict ordering him to enter the cabinet to perform his duties, he couldn't go. He had to wait until the impeachment memorial was thoroughly investigated before he could start work.

If an official in office is impeached, he must immediately put down his work, go home and stay away from visitors, and wait for the court's investigation. This is called avoiding suspicion.

Pan Sheng's memorial was processed quickly in the Qianqing Palace. Perhaps Feng Bao did not want Pan Sheng to come to the capital, as he hoped to win over more members of Zhang's faction through Wang Zhuan.

Moreover, he recently sent Wang Zhuan to try to win over Wang Guoguang. Now that Zhang Juzheng is no longer in the capital, Wang Guoguang's position as Minister of Personnel is precarious and looks like he is about to fall.

As for what he was talking about, Wei Guangde could guess without even thinking that it was about the self-examination and self-correction atmosphere he had started in the Six Ministries, which was actually just waiting for the Six Ministries to submit memorials admitting their mistakes and shortcomings.

Once the mistake is reported to his superiors, Wei Guangde will definitely begin to make personnel adjustments.

That's actually quite true; that's exactly what Wei Guangde was planning.

Anyone with real power in the Six Ministries is now looking for a backer, trying to take advantage of the chaos in this incident.

After all, it seems that only the three cabinet ministers can make the final decision on this matter.

That evening at Guanghe Tower, while actors were singing on stage, Zhang Jing handed Zhang Siwei a note in a private room on the second floor and whispered, "Please trouble Prime Minister Zhang to arrange for an imperial censor to impeach Feng Bao on this matter."

Zhang Siwei took it and glanced at it. The handwriting was a bit messy, and he didn't know who wrote it, but he understood the matter.

"What was His Majesty's attitude after he learned about Princess Yongning's matter?"

After all, it was a task to arrange for someone to impeach Feng Bao. Without absolute certainty, no one in the top censorate would dare to take on this job.

"His Majesty is furious, but he doesn't know how to vent his anger."

Zhang Jing answered in a low voice.

Having served Emperor Wanli for a long time, he naturally had a keen understanding of the emperor's moods.

Despite Emperor Wanli's silence and regret over the matter concerning the eldest princess, he had long harbored deep resentment towards Feng Bao.

The key issue was that Emperor Wanli couldn't bring himself to deal with it, because he didn't know what his mother, Empress Dowager Li, thought.

Just as he was about to punish Feng Bao, his mother came out to stop him.

"Alright, even if we fail to impeach Feng Bao, we will certainly leave a good impression on His Majesty."

Zhang Jing simply whispered something, and Zhang Siwei nodded knowingly; they had a reason to convince those mad dogs. (End of Chapter)