Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

After leaving the palace, Yuan Keli visited Sun Chengzong's home to persuade him to accept the emperor's arrangement.

However, upon arriving at Sun Chengzong's residence, he encountered a somewhat unexpected person:
Wang Zhichen, Left Chief Justice.

Yuan Keli had heard about the dispute between the two. In the eyes of many, Sun Chengzong's replacement of Wang Zhichen as the Liaodong military commander had stolen his opportunity to make meritorious contributions.

No one expected that after Wang Zhichen came to the capital to serve as one of the Nine Ministers, he would actually visit Sun Chengzong's residence, which really surprised Yuan Keli.

When Wang Zhichen saw Yuan Keli, he immediately stepped forward to greet him.

Both were nominally among the Nine Ministers, but Yuan Keli, who held the title of Privy Councilor, was clearly not comparable to Wang Zhichen.

He knew that Yuan Keli must have something to discuss with Sun Chengzong, so after paying his respects, he quickly left on his own initiative.

Yuan Keli asked Sun Chengzong:

"Why is he here?"

"Is this a sign that they've already given up?"

Sun Chengzong said with a smile:

"What can I do if I'm not satisfied? Am I supposed to keep complaining?"

"Besides, even if he had remained the commander-in-chief in Liaodong, the generals there would not have been convinced of his abilities, and he would not have been able to achieve anything."

"Now that he is going to serve as the acting minister of the Nine Ministers in the imperial court, he needs the support of the meritorious officials in Liaodong so that he can officially take the position of the Nine Ministers during the reshuffle."

He explained Wang Zhichen's purpose in coming and also explained the reason for the reconciliation between the two.

The allure of the Nine Ministers is not something everyone can resist. Especially with the reform of the Supreme Court, there are opportunities to make meritorious contributions.

If Wang Zhichen wanted to elevate his viscountship to earldom, he had to firmly hold onto his position as Left Chief Justice and push forward the reform of the Supreme Court.

After the emperor decided to appoint the next prime minister in June, he had only a little over a month to prove himself.

This amount of time is clearly not enough; he might be replaced during the court hearing.

So after much thought, he visited Sun Chengzong as a meritorious official of Liaodong, hoping to gain Sun Chengzong's support.

As long as Sun Chengzong speaks up, those meritorious officials from Liaodong who hold the position of senior ministers will certainly support him to continue serving as the Left Chief Justice during the court recommendation process.

After learning all this, Yuan Keli understood even more why the emperor was so cautious in dealing with Sun Chengzong.

As a representative of the meritorious officials of Liaodong, Sun Chengzong's influence in the imperial court was truly not to be underestimated.

Especially since he was a former member of the Donglin Party, an old friend of his, and held a position in the Central Military Commission and a marquisate—

This is a candidate acceptable to civil officials, military generals, and nobles; the most suitable candidate for Grand Secretary.

However, precisely because of this, the emperor would never allow him to become the Grand Secretary. He suppressed him by invoking the rule that high-ranking nobles could not serve as ministers.

Sun Chengzong may gain real power and a high position in the future. However, the position of prime minister is out of his reach, as the emperor and his ministers will prevent him from breaking this rule.

Therefore, in Yuan Keli's view, Sun Chengzong's future role should be that of a communicator between the emperor and his ministers, just like how the emperor positioned him after he entered the capital.

Moreover, his noble status might allow him to take on the same tasks as Zhang Weixian. A communicator is needed between the emperor and the nobility.

Yuan Keli probed, unsure whether Sun Chengzong would be willing to do it:
"Brother Sun, have you agreed to Wang Zhichen's matter?"

"He is also a civilian military officer. As long as you speak up, the Privy Council will support you during the court recommendation."

He promised to use his influence in the Privy Council to promote Wang Zhichen.

Sun Chengzong stroked his beard, his brows furrowed in seriousness, and said to Yuan Keli:

"I originally wanted to support it, but what Brother Yuan said has made me hesitate."

“It’s one thing to mobilize the support of the meritorious officials in Liaodong, but the meritorious officials in Liaodong need to make their voices heard in the imperial court.”

"But things get a bit complicated when it comes to the Privy Council."

“I am worried that someone will impeach me for forming cliques and engaging in favoritism.”

Yuan Keli laughed heartily, quite pleased with Sun Chengzong's caution.

The fact that Sun Chengzong handled the matter so cautiously shows that he was not arrogant and still had respect for the imperial court.

Only such a person can shoulder heavy responsibilities; there's no need to worry about him causing trouble.

He said to Sun Chengzong:

"This matter does not constitute forming a faction."

"It is only natural for the Ministry of War and the Privy Council to support ministers from the garrison."

"Do you know why Wang Zhichen was given such an important position? It's because he came from Tongguan Guard."

"His Majesty has always regarded the hereditary officials of the garrison as his own family, and our support for him during the court recommendation is exactly what His Majesty wants."

Relieve Sun Chengzong's worries and explain the reasons to him.

Sun Chengzong was puzzled as to why Wang Zhichen had suddenly become the Left Chief Justice, and thought that the emperor had chosen a meritorious official from Liaodong with a low rank to be given an important position.

Now, after hearing Yuan Keli's explanation, I understand there's another reason.

Then, considering that Yuan Keli also came from a family of officials, he finally understood why the emperor had always trusted Yuan Keli and elevated him to such a high position.

It seems that when faced with internal and external troubles, the emperor trusts hereditary officials more. He also intends to leave a few hereditary officials in the interior when he goes out to establish his own fiefdom.
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With this thought in mind, Sun Chengzong decided to support Wang Zhichen during the court recommendation process. Then he heard Yuan Keli say:
"You also know what happened at today's court meeting."

"The Emperor summoned me to the palace because he was dissatisfied with some people."

"It's a pity you were granted a noble title, otherwise you would surely have been able to take up the position of Grand Secretary upon your return to the capital this time."

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengzong laughed heartily:

"Brother Yuan, you're just trying to bluff me!"

"Of the cabinet ministers who distinguished themselves in battle, which one has risen to the position of Grand Secretary?"

"Besides, it's not like I haven't served as an official in the imperial court before; I know what they're thinking."

"It was acceptable for a general to become a prime minister in the previous dynasty, but it is absolutely unacceptable in this dynasty."

Sun Chengzong understood the thoughts of the civil officials very well, knowing that they would definitely not allow him to become the Grand Secretary.

Moreover, the emperor wouldn't use it; the current power to appoint the chief minister rests with the emperor.

Moreover, Han Kuang's circumstances in recent years have made him less eager for the position of Grand Secretary. He said to Yuan Keli:
"Being the chief minister now is not easy. He has to take responsibility for the emperor and be caught in the middle by several parties."

"I would be content with being granted a marquisate and enjoying wealth and honor for generations; I have no desire for the position of Grand Secretary."

"I think Cheng Jiming is more suitable to be the chief minister."

"If Your Majesty really wants to make a replacement, Scholar Cheng is the most suitable in terms of ability."

Yuan Keli shared this view, believing that Cheng Jiming was the most suitable.

He was kind and generous, and enjoyed great prestige among his ministers.

Moreover, he could always find appropriate words to persuade the emperor when conflicts arose between him and his ministers.

Such a person is best suited for coordinating the relationship between the ruler and his ministers, and is a good candidate for chief minister.

Unfortunately, he is still a junior Grand Secretary and it is impossible for him to rise to the position of Grand Secretary overnight.

Yuan Keli could only sigh:
"What a pity about Cheng Jiming!"

"He is a disciple of Ye Wenzhong, and he has some of Ye's methods."

"If he were in charge of maintaining order in the court, the relationship between the emperor and his ministers would certainly be more harmonious."

"It's a pity that he has too little experience and is not young. I don't know if he will be able to become the Grand Secretary in the future."

Sun Chengzong shook his head, also expressing his skepticism:
"Although Cheng Jiming established the Northern Confucian Academy, he was ultimately from the Donglin Academy."

"After Han Kuang, the chief minister will definitely be someone without a Donglin background; it's impossible to use someone from Donglin again."

"Judging from Brother Yuan's expression, the Emperor doesn't seem to intend to replace the Grand Secretary right now?"

His words contained some doubt, but more so, confidence. If the Grand Secretary were truly to be replaced, Yuan Keli wouldn't be so calm and composed.

Sure enough, Yuan Keli nodded and said:
"No one else is suitable, so His Majesty has decided to continue to appoint Han Kuang as Grand Secretary."

"However, there is still a need for someone to coordinate between the emperor and his ministers. This is what I have been doing in the court these past few years."

"If conflicts arise in the court in the future, you and I, together with the chief minister, will persuade the emperor and his ministers."

Sun Chengzong was surprised, because this was no less important than the position of the Grand Secretary.

Yuan Keli's immense power stemmed largely from his role as a representative of the court officials in negotiating the distribution of power with the emperor a few years prior.

If I could attain such a position, even without becoming the Grand Secretary, I would still wield considerable influence in the court.

He looked at Yuan Keli and said:
"Brother Yuan, is this your own idea, or the Emperor's?"

“I don’t have your influence in the court, and I’m not up to the task.”

Yuan Keli shook his head and advised:
"Brother Sun is too modest!"

"In fact, you are the only one in the court who can take on this responsibility."

"You have the title of regent minister and the status of marquis. Whether you are a civil or military official or a noble, they can all accept you."

"If I pass away in the future, you will surely be the one to maintain order in the court!"

Yuan Keli spoke these words with a firm and resolute tone, as if entrusting them with a responsibility.

His health has been deteriorating over the past year or two, and it's unclear when he might pass away.

It would be fine if Zhu Xieyuan were to take over as Grand Chancellor, but the task of coordinating the relationship between the emperor and his ministers must be handled by Sun Chengzong.

He said to Sun Chengzong:

"His Majesty's restoration of rites and music is well-intentioned."

"But Brother Sun should know what happened to the last Jianwen Emperor who reformed the system."

"With the fighting strength of the imperial army, I am not worried about local uprisings."

"I'm afraid that if the conflict in the imperial court gets serious, someone will cause trouble."

"Therefore, I hope that Brother Sun can coordinate the relationship between the ruler and his subjects, and even if the conflict becomes serious, no one should be allowed to cause trouble."

His words were heartfelt and candid, expressing his concerns.

Sun Chengzong asked with some doubt:

"is it so serious?"

"Although there are conflicts in the court now, it won't get to that point."

"Hasn't the Emperor and Chief Minister Han been enduring this all along?"

They believed that the current emperor and his chief minister Han Kuang were exemplary in their mutual tolerance for the sake of the country.

As long as this situation is maintained, major chaos is unlikely.

But Yuan Keli shook his head and said:
"Han Kuang can maintain the status quo, but he is unlikely to make any major decisions."

"The Emperor is currently satisfied with his ability to maintain the status quo, but when it comes to a more thorough overhaul of the rites and music system, he will no longer employ him."

"Putting aside other things, Brother Sun should know how many problems there are with the Emperor's constant demand for the creation of the Yellow Registers."

Sun Chengzong frowned, somewhat understanding why Yuan Keli was so worried.

Everyone understands the importance the current emperor attaches to the creation of the Yellow Registers. This project was planned five years ago, and this year we'll see the results.

However, the centuries-old problems of the Yellow Register cannot be reversed in just a few years.

If we investigate further in the future, problems will definitely come up.

The emperor could tolerate Han Kuang's shoddy work in trivial matters, but he certainly wouldn't tolerate it in important ones.

The new system will inevitably be forcefully implemented in the future, and there will certainly be major disputes in the court at that time.

While he was pondering, he heard Yuan Keli say again:
"Emperor Taizu abolished the position of Chancellor and directly dealt with the ministers."

"There is no longer any room for compromise in the relationship between the ruler and his subjects."

"This was not a big problem in the early days of the dynasty, as the Taizu and Chengzu emperors had enough authority to suppress the ministers."

"The problem began to emerge during the reigns of Emperors Renzong and Xuanzong. Emperor Yingzong was dissatisfied with the court officials, so he heavily relied on the eunuch Wang Zhen."

When asked about the reasons why the emperor heavily relied on eunuchs, Yuan Keli paused for a moment before continuing:
"By the Chenghua era, Emperor Xianzong had become incredibly shrewd, effectively sidelining the Six Ministries of the Grand Secretariat. They were known as the Three Grand Secretaries on paper and the Six Ministers on clay. The relationship between the emperor and his ministers had become somewhat strained."

"Then Emperor Xiaozong heavily relied on court officials and granted them the power of being recommended as Grand Secretaries. The power of the officials greatly increased, and after Emperor Wuzong ascended the throne, he immediately heavily relied on eunuchs such as Liu Jin."

"However, he didn't gain much power in the end. It was Emperor Jiajing who took back power by using the court flogging."

"Later, Emperor Shizong became obsessed with Taoism, Emperor Muzong indulged in sensual pleasures, and Emperor Shenzong ascended the throne at a young age. The power of ministers was newly established and flourished, and ministers like Zhang Juzheng emerged who could be called regents."

"Under the rules set by Zhang Juzheng and others, Emperor Shenzong had little real power throughout his life, and later he even lived in seclusion in the deep palace and neglected his duties."

"Then came Emperor Xizong, who, along with Emperor Guangzong, heavily relied on the Donglin Party for a period of time, but the situation in the country deteriorated further. This led to the eunuch Wei Zhongxian being given important positions and forcibly suppressing the officials."

"The current emperor's methods are even more similar to Emperor Shizong's. If the ministers keep pressuring him, how much patience does the emperor have left?"

Sun Chengzong was startled, realizing that beneath the seemingly stable political situation lay a great crisis.

The current emperor is a wise and virtuous ruler, a fact universally acknowledged by his ministers.

Sun Chengzong, who pacified Liaodong in five years, readily agreed with this. He knew best the extent of his credit; the greatest credit for pacifying Liaodong actually went to the emperor, and he was merely an executor of orders on the front lines.

Such a wise and capable ruler would not allow his ministers to usurp his power.

However, due to the habits of the Wanli era, the court officials continued to wear down the emperor's patience and gradually pressure him.

When the emperor loses his patience, a conflict is inevitable. At that point, either corporal punishment or the use of eunuchs will ensue.

Yuan Keli's concerns are indeed valid.

"Without Brother Yuan keeping things in check, the court might have already fallen into chaos."

"But he can handle it. Could I do it too?"

We mustn't let this bring disaster upon our descendants!

Thinking of this, Sun Chengzong hesitated and was unwilling to get involved in the mess.

For him, who already held a hereditary title, it was only right to remain a nobleman, observe the changing times, and enjoy wealth and honor for generations.

Instead of interfering in court affairs and incurring the displeasure of the emperor and his ministers.

The lesson of Marquis Guo Xun of Wuding dying in prison serves as a warning to all nobles.

However, he was immediately rebuked by Yuan Keli for revealing this attitude:
"Brother Sun, I'm telling you this because I trust you!"

"Now that you've become a marquis, have you lost the courage to ride alone to the border?"

"If that's the case, I will advise the Emperor to rescind your appointment."

"You can go to your fiefdom and enjoy wealth and honor as a marquis."

Upon hearing these words, Sun Chengzong felt ashamed.

When all the court officials regarded Liaodong as a dangerous place, he bravely went to the border, which led to his current achievements in pacifying Liaodong and being granted the title of marquis.

Unexpectedly, they are now afraid and lack confidence in stabilizing the court.

What was there to be afraid of? His hereditary marquisate in the Ming Dynasty was his source of confidence.

Since the beginning of the dynasty, no marquis has ever lost his title for such a reason.

As long as he doesn't incur widespread public wrath, his life will not be in danger. (End of Chapter)