Emperor Chongzhen was too extreme.

Chapter 12 Officials protect each other
In Wenyuan Pavilion.

Huang Lijie, Shi Fenglai, Zhang Ruitu, and Li Guopu, the four Grand Secretaries, were sitting together in the Cabinet Office, and each of them seemed to have a solemn expression on their face.

Four out of the four were members of the so-called eunuch faction.

But in reality, when the new emperor had just ascended the throne, they had already made plans to turn the tables and settle scores with Wei Zhongxian.

However, after realizing that the emperor seemed to have no intention of taking action against Wei Zhongxian, the group did not act immediately.

Huang Lijie, the Grand Secretary, put down the fragrant tea he had brought as tribute, cleared his throat, and said:

"His Majesty has just ascended the throne, yet he has not attended court for several days in a row. In recent days, there have been more and more memorials submitted to advise His Majesty."

Shi Fenglai echoed, "After ascending the throne, he seems to have shown great favor to the eunuchs. In just a few days, the atmosphere in the inner court has been reformed. But how can we govern our Great Ming Dynasty with just those people?"

Zhang Ruitu said, "Not only that, His Majesty also trusts many nobles and military men. I heard that after the first court assembly, His Majesty secretly summoned Duke Zhang Weixian of Yingguo to the palace late that night. I wonder what they discussed."

"None of us cabinet ministers have ever received this honor."

Li Guopu remained silent, instead sitting quietly and drinking his tea.

Upon hearing Zhang Weixian's name, Huang Liji stroked his gray beard: "What has Duke Zhang been doing these past few days?"

"He frequented brothels every day, getting completely drunk."

The group exchanged glances and remained silent.

They've all been around for decades, so they can easily tell that Zhang Weixian's actions are for one of two reasons.

One is that it's a deliberate act; on the surface, they're having fun, but in reality, they're plotting something big.

Secondly, some people, in a state of genuine disappointment, begin to indulge in complacency and give up.

Considering that the Emperor had been training the inner court for several days, it can be roughly determined that it was the former.

Silence fell over the cabinet office.

Finally, Huang Lijie broke the strange silence: "A few days ago, during the morning court session, the Emperor did not make any decisions on any matters. At the time, we were worried that the Emperor would neglect state affairs."

"It seems we were overthinking it. His Majesty is wise and powerful, and seems to have already made plans for all matters in the court. His actions are completely unlike those of a young emperor."

Li Guopu, who had been silent all along, spoke up at this moment.

The moment he opens his mouth, he's a master of sarcasm.

"What's wrong? Does it sound like Chief Minister Huang is worried about His Majesty's wisdom and might?"

Huang Liji snorted coldly: "Hmph! Li Guopu, you don't need to be sarcastic here. If you covet my position as Grand Secretary, I will beg to retire and return to my hometown tomorrow, and I will give you the position of Grand Secretary."

Shi Fenglai and Zhang Ruitu quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Alright, alright, the important thing is for us to think about how to advise the Emperor not to indulge in the company of the eunuchs in the inner court."

"Moreover, His Majesty seems quite interested in the reform of the Beijing Garrison that Duke Zhang mentioned at the court meeting a few days ago."

"The reform of the Beijing Garrison is beneficial to the country and the people. We should naturally share the Emperor's burdens and think more about how to make this a success."

This statement came out.

The four people in the duty room exchanged glances and silently raised their teacups.

They had already discerned from Zhang Weixian's late-night visit to the palace that the Emperor intended to reform the Beijing Garrison.

However, they do not yet know exactly from which aspect the Emperor will approach the matter.

He served as a subject and a Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty.

They would certainly give strong support to such reforms that benefit the country.

At least on the surface, it is necessary.

As for how they will handle this matter behind the scenes...
Are you kidding me? The reform of the Beijing Garrison involves the actual interests of the vast majority of officials in the court. How can it be changed so easily?
If the imperial power becomes even stronger, three-tenths of their power will be taken away.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the four Grand Secretaries often fight each other, even to the point of life and death.

But when it really comes down to it...

The group of officials is quite united.

This is what is known as mutual protection among officials.

Of course. This kind of thing can't be discussed openly, otherwise it would break the rules.

Drinking tea is a way to avoid talking.

Although the senior ministers did not know how the young emperor would play his next move, they had already come up with a plan in silence.

The easiest way to destroy a government order is to implement it tenfold.

For example, if the imperial court wanted to prohibit officials from holding banquets, it would make a big deal out of the fact that even the lowest-ranking officials would buy a pancake together to eat.

In this way, the court, the people, and everyone else will surely be filled with grief and indignation.

They also preserved their original interests while implementing the reform policies, and avoided being labeled as treacherous officials.

The dilemma was resolved on its own.

Think about this.

The senior officials couldn't help but recall the unpredictable imperial authority they had witnessed in the court a few days ago, and they were filled with surprise.

Having just ascended to the throne, he already possesses such shrewdness; it seems everyone misjudged this seemingly carefree prince back then.

Unfortunately, reform is not something that can be accomplished by one person alone.

the other side.

In the Department of Ceremonies.

Wei Zhongxian, dressed in a red robe, sat beside a sandalwood chair, with only two trusted eunuchs serving him.

He has been somewhat restless these past few days.

However, it wasn't because there had been a significant increase in memorials impeaching him and advising His Majesty to stay away from the inner court in the past few days.

Wei Zhongxian was closer to the Emperor, so he knew better than anyone that those memorials would probably have no effect on the Emperor.

Yesterday.

He also witnessed His Majesty personally taking to the battlefield and killing several armored criminals during a martial arts demonstration at Wansui Mountain.

The efficiency of his methods and the frightening force he displayed were unprecedented in Wei Zhongxian's life.

How could such an emperor easily compromise on a few memorials?
What he was really worried about was the Ningyuan victory that His Majesty had asked him about a few days ago.

Although His Majesty did not intend to blame me, how could I possibly know His Majesty's thoughts?

His Majesty said that he would be allowed to die peacefully in the Directorate of Ceremonial, but there was a condition that he must first perform his duties well.

Therefore, Wei Zhongxian has been trying to figure out the emperor's intentions these past few days, and figuring out how to better cater to the emperor's heart.

undoubtedly.

The best solution right now is to get money for His Majesty. Money will always be available, and that's an age-old truth.

But how to do it, where to do it, and how to win His Majesty's heart—that's a skill in itself.

Thinking of this, Wei Zhongxian couldn't help but feel jealous of Wang Chengen.

That damn piece of junk food.

He had neither the ability to check and balance the civil officials in the court, nor the ability to raise money for the emperor, and he was not even a tenth or a twelfth as good as him at guessing the emperor's intentions.

But just because he is a former member of the Prince Xin's mansion, his position is much more secure than mine.

of course.

Now, Eunuch Wei only dared to mutter a few words in his heart, and would never dare to let a third ear hear such words.

soon.

Wei Zhongxian then inquired about the great victory at Ningyuan from His Majesty, which led him to think about Liaodong and military affairs.
A face that was all too familiar appeared in his mind at that moment.

This man was none other than Cui Chengxiu, the Minister of War and the leader of the "Five Tigers" among his many adopted sons.

(End of this chapter)