The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 322 The Way to Seize Power
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and is naturally on the winning side. The key to the political struggle lies in Your Majesty making your stance clear."

"Who can benefit everyone? People have different relationships, both close and distant; this is human nature."

"Among the vast number of officials in the Ming Dynasty, there must be some who were frustrated and unsuccessful, some who were suppressed because of Li Mingda's prominence, and some whose careers were not successful because they did not belong to the Xinxue Party."

"These people are constantly thinking: if it weren't for Li Mingda, would they have been able to reach such heights and see so far? If it weren't for Li Mingda, would they have been able to fully utilize their talents?"

“Once His Majesty subtly expresses his stance, these people will immediately swarm in.”

"This servant believes that once Your Majesty assumes full power, the first thing to do should be to issue an edict similar to a 'Decree for Seeking Talented Individuals'."

Choose the hidden gems from the wilderness!

After he finished speaking, the emperor and Empress Dowager Sun were dumbfounded. Zhu Qizhen asked in bewilderment, "Mr. Wang, is there really a bright pearl in the wilderness that has been obscured by the power of the prime minister?"

Wang Zhen did not answer directly, but replied in a low voice: "Your Majesty has studied the history of the Song Dynasty. During the reigns of Emperor Renzong and Emperor Shenzong, who was right and who was wrong in the factional struggles? Wang Anshi, Sima Guang, Su Shi, Fan Zhongyan, Han Qi, who among them was not a gem?"

If Li Xianmu were here now, he would also admire Wang Zhen's wit and cunning. He had experienced the most painful defeat, almost losing everything, even his life.

No one knows what Wang Zhen has been thinking or reflecting on these past few years, but when he returned, he was already wearing armor and sharpening his weapons; he was no longer the vulnerable man he once was.

Although he still doesn't understand governance, civil affairs, or military matters, his fighting skills, such as understanding people's hearts and colluding to frame others, are already highly refined.

Li Xianmu!
I have returned from hell, burning with rage!

Zhu Qizhen already trusted Wang Zhen, and now, influenced by Wang Zhen's highly deceptive words, he almost immediately wanted to do as Wang Zhen said and make Li Xianmu a powerful minister.

Fortunately, Empress Dowager Sun did not blindly trust Wang Zhen. She sensed something was amiss and stared intently at Wang Zhen, asking, "Even if the facts are truly as you say, the Ming Dynasty has been running smoothly since Li Xianmu took office during the Yongle era, and the people have praised him as a capable minister who governs the country well."

The emperors of successive dynasties trusted him because of his loyalty and diligence, and also because he truly made the Ming Dynasty prosperous. Are the ministers you mentioned who were unable to gain prominence or whose careers were damaged because of Li Xianmu the same ministers who were exiled for corruption or demoted for failing to meet performance standards?

If we give them important positions, won't that lead the Ming Dynasty into decline?

Upon hearing Empress Dowager Sun's words, Wang Zhen found it difficult to maintain his smile and inwardly grumbled.

"Your Majesty, throughout history, seizing power has always inevitably caused some negative consequences, as long as..."

"No!" Empress Dowager Sun rejected Wang Zhen's words without hesitation. She turned to look at Zhu Qizhen and said in a deep voice, "Emperor, you must remember that this country was passed down to you by your father. You must govern it well and make it prosperous, not decadent. Otherwise, do not come to see us after your death."

How could Wang Zhen possibly understand?

Although Empress Dowager Sun had many shortcomings, such as a lack of foresight and vision, and an untimely lust for power, she had one advantage, which was why Emperor Xuanzong Zhu Zhanji and Empress Dowager Zhang could entrust the country and the young emperor to her with peace of mind.

That is--

She and Zhu Zhanji were truly in love.

In Empress Dowager Sun's eyes, the empire that Zhu Zhanji left her was the most important thing. Only by protecting this empire could she face Zhu Zhanji after her death.

Wang Zhen did not understand this point, and thus he was bound to run into trouble with Empress Dowager Sun.

Zhu Qizhen was somewhat confused. He could neither seize back power nor not seize it. What should he do?
Empress Dowager Sun was also somewhat confused at this moment. She naturally had some reservations about Li Xianmu, and she naturally hoped that Li Xianmu was indeed a loyal and devoted minister.

But this is no longer the era of the pre-Qin and Han dynasties.

With a group of brilliant figures like Sima Yi, Liu Yu, Xiao Pusa, and Zhao Kuangyin who trampled morality and shame underfoot, and with the founding emperor killing meritorious officials, how could she not be afraid?

The previous emperors and empress dowagers were able to control Li Xianmu, so their trust in him was beyond question. But what about her?

Empress Dowager Sun was very self-aware. If Li Xianmu continued to develop in this way, she would not be able to control him at all, let alone a teenager emperor.

Therefore, seizing power is imperative!
The key is how to seize power without causing significant losses.

Wang Zhen's method will definitely work.

However, even though she was a woman in the inner palace who knew nothing about politics, she could tell that this would inevitably lead to fierce infighting and internal strife between at least two factions in the court, which would be very detrimental to the court.

It harms both oneself and others, and should not be used unless absolutely necessary.

When Empress Dowager Sun stated her request, Wang Zhen cursed inwardly, but his face showed a distressed expression. This wasn't an act; he genuinely felt his life was miserable.

The Empress Dowager wants it all, wants it all, and wants it all—isn't this just playing with people?

That was Li Xianmu, the Grand Secretary who single-handedly carried the weight of the two capitals and nineteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty!
It's already quite an achievement that I've found a way to deal with him, and now you want an even better one? Are you kidding me?
He didn't dare to directly refuse and say that he had no way, after all, this was his only way to turn things around, and Li Xianmu was the only obstacle on his path to power.

He is determined to bring him down.

After pondering for a moment, he slowly said, "Your Majesty, heroes are as numerous as carp crossing a river. The Ming Dynasty can turn around even without anyone. In the court, there are naturally important ministers whose relationship with the Grand Secretary is not very harmonious. Among the four regents appointed by the late Emperor, wasn't Yang Shiqi one of them?"
How many heroes and outstanding individuals were there among the ministers and vice ministers of the nineteen ministries, and among the governors and provincial treasurers of the nineteen provinces?
Even if all else fails, every year a large number of scholars will emerge from the imperial examinations, and these people are of good character and can be used by Your Majesty.

The rapid development of Li Xianmu's school of thought in recent years is largely due to his control over the imperial examinations. This servant believes that, starting with the next autumn and spring imperial examinations, Your Majesty should appoint trusted ministers as examiners. This will surely ensure the selection of scholars who stand on Your Majesty's side.

Wang Zhen was quite upset when he said these words. Taking this path would have some impact on his power, but it would also be a way to eradicate corruption.

The chief examiner of the imperial examination had a huge influence; he could even determine the fate of a candidate.

If one could control the imperial examinations and set questions about the relationship between the emperor and his ministers, one could naturally select a group of people and make the scholars involuntarily choose sides between the emperor and Li Xianmu.

Although Wang Zhen was upset, Empress Dowager Sun smiled. This idea struck a chord with her. "Let's do it this way. We can't make too much of a fuss. We can't let the court fall into chaos of factional strife right away. Li Zhongwen once said something about restraining the intensity."

As the Grand Secretary once said, the imperial court is the hub for handling the affairs of the nineteen provinces, not a place where people argue all day and do nothing. It is enough that we express our attitude.

Wang Zhen knew this was the only way, but how could he damage Li Xianmu's prestige and seize power quickly by attacking Li Xianmu?

He was quite unwilling.

Suddenly, a thought popped into his mind, making him tremble with excitement. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, this servant just thought of something very important that would greatly benefit Your Majesty."

Zhu Qizhen asked in surprise, "What is it? Please speak, sir."

"Luchuan!"

Wang Zhen excitedly uttered a word, leaving Zhu Qizhen and Empress Dowager Sun somewhat bewildered. This word was naturally familiar to them: a Tusi kingdom in the southwest region of the Ming Dynasty that sometimes surrendered and sometimes rebelled. Just two years ago, it had fought a war with the Ming Dynasty, in which the Ming Dynasty suffered considerable losses.

"Since ancient times, military achievements have been the only way for monarchs to gain prestige. Emperors Taizu and Taizong both had military achievements that made them famous throughout the land. As a result, their ministers bowed down, and they made decisions unilaterally, with no one daring to speak out."

The late emperor held absolute power and even personally led expeditions, which intimidated the northern barbarians. As a result, among all the ministers in the court, only those who dared to speak out were spared.

"If Your Majesty could also achieve such military merit and establish merit, wouldn't the current predicament be easily resolved?"

These words stirred Zhu Qizhen's heart and made his blood rush to his head. He said with great emotion, "What you say is true. Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong both made great contributions to the founding of the country. Emperor Renzong defended Beiping with 10,000 men, but 500,000 men could not break through. The late emperor followed Emperor Taizong on several northern expeditions. I am the direct descendant of all the late emperors and the Son of Heaven of the Great Ming. How can I be inferior to others?"
"Of course, I should follow my ancestors and emperors, wielding a three-foot sword, achieving unparalleled feats, and then commanding the respect of the entire dynasty, with all people bowing before me!"

As he spoke, he couldn't help but burst into laughter, as if he could already see himself looking majestic and awe-inspiring.

"What nonsense!"

Before he could even chuckle, Empress Dowager Sun interrupted him, angrily shouting at Wang Zhen, "You eunuch, how dare you incite the emperor to personally lead an expedition? War is a matter of life and death, a path to survival or destruction. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. The emperor's body is of utmost importance; what if something unexpected happens to him?"

Zhu Qizhen immediately deflated, like a frostbitten eggplant. Faced with his mother's tyranny, he naturally dared not resist. He could only scratch his head and remain silent, but the unyielding look in his eyes clearly showed that he had not listened.

Wang Zhen explained with an awkward smile, "Your Majesty has misunderstood. How could this servant dare to encourage His Majesty to personally lead the expedition?"

"Your Majesty is the commander-in-chief; you only need to sit in the central command. The generals will naturally serve you in battle. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty never personally led troops, but the achievements of General Huo Qubing and General Wei Qing were enough to establish his prestige."

Empress Dowager Sun's expression softened slightly as she pondered that if she didn't personally go to the battlefield, then what Wang Zhen said was indeed correct. If the emperor could achieve great deeds, he would naturally gain prestige. Political prestige is not easy to obtain, while military victory or defeat is the most obvious. It was indeed a good idea.

Wang Zhen, observing the Empress Dowager's expression, saw that she was interested and immediately knew that there was a chance. He said, "Your Majesty, the rebellion in the Kingdom of Luchuan has been going on for two or three years. The Grand Secretary has been focusing most of his energy on the northwest and northeast, and has only ordered the Duke of Mu and others to slowly quell the rebellion in the southwest."

Now, several years later, the rebellion in the Kingdom of Luchuan has not been quelled, and there are people in the court and among the nobles who are dissatisfied with it.

If Your Majesty can lead the campaign to quell the rebellion, it will greatly enhance your prestige. The Kingdom of Luchuan is just a small place; if it weren't for its advantageous location, it would have been pacified long ago.

But as long as our Great Ming Dynasty mobilizes the entire nation, it will surely succeed. This is a divine favor bestowed upon Your Majesty. If Your Majesty does not accept it, wouldn't you be guilty of the consequences?

……

Grand Master's Mansion.

The mansion still has the pavilions, terraces, rockeries, and fish ponds of the past. A torrential rain a few days ago has scattered the lotus leaves and duckweed, and now the pond is full of withered lotus and fallen flowers, giving it a rather desolate feel.

Li Xianmu sat in the pavilion by the pond, drinking a cup of slightly bitter herbal tea, lost in thought.

By this time, some time had passed since he petitioned the emperor to assume personal rule. After the emperor offered sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he officially assumed personal rule. Because of this, his reputation among the people improved, and now people regard him as equal to Zhuge Liang.

It is said that he assisted the young ruler, did not covet power, and had great merits and virtues.

The Empress Dowager and the Emperor bestowed upon him great honors. Li Shanchang was fully restored to his status as a founding hero and was granted the honor of being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, which meant that Li Shanchang would receive the veneration of posterity from future generations.

If Zhu Yuanzhang knew about this, he probably wouldn't know what expression to make.

Li Qi was also granted a further title.

What is most touching is that the emperor even promoted Li Xianmu to the rank of Grand Tutor, bringing him to the pinnacle of his position as a subject.

It's important to understand that the Grand Tutor position for civil officials is completely different from that for military officials. Because military officials have super-rank titles, their official positions lack real value.

The highest rank for a civil official, the first rank, was quite formidable.

In the history of the Ming Dynasty, only three civil officials were granted the title of Grand Tutor during their lifetime.

To date, only two civil officials in the Ming Dynasty have been granted the title of Grand Tutor during their lifetime: Li Xianmu's grandfather, Li Shanchang, and he himself!

Li Shanchang was the Duke of Han, and his Grand Tutor was more often regarded as a meritorious official.

Li Xianmu was truly the foremost civil official Grand Tutor, a distinction that cannot be compared to others.

To be promoted to Grand Tutor in life and posthumously honored as Wenzheng was the lifelong pursuit of civil officials in the Ming Dynasty. Li Xianmu has now achieved half of that goal, and with his current achievements and reputation, he is very likely to be posthumously honored as Wenzheng.

Li Xianmu himself didn't value these empty titles much; he could bestow them and then take them away, only tangible things mattered.

He had been waiting for the emperor, or rather the empress dowager, or Wang Zhen, to make a move, wanting to see how they would seize power back.

Li Xianmu had naturally considered the methods Wang Zhen had mentioned. He would be very disappointed if the emperor were to seize power violently.

The emperor's final choice surprised Li Xianmu, leaving him somewhat speechless.

He attempted to establish his prestige by making contributions to the Luchuan affair.

This is the noble and righteous path.

From the perspective of a loyal minister, Li Xianmu was somewhat gratified that the emperor had chosen this path, as it proved that the emperor had at least not gone too far astray.

only……

Even Li Xianmu was unwilling to get deeply involved in that wretched place, Luchuan. For a newly appointed emperor to choose such a difficult problem right from the start...

War is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a matter of life and death, and therefore it is imperative to examine it carefully!

(End of this chapter)