Huangming

Chapter 134 The Pivot Star Changes, the Jade Bureau Selects Talents

The emperor's words were like knives, more piercing than the north wind in the twelfth lunar month.

Everyone fell silent, especially Zhu Chengzong, the son of the Duke of Cheng, who had just made a fool of himself. He was breathing rapidly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

As the eldest son of the Duke of Cheng, the title was rightfully his.

But if His Majesty were to truly strip him of his right of succession and allow his younger brother Zhu Jizu to inherit the title instead, Zhu Chengzong felt a chill run up his spine at the thought.

This title is his lifeblood; how could he allow others to touch it?

"Your Majesty, we will certainly study diligently and practice hard, and never fail to live up to Your Majesty's expectations!" Zhu Chengzong responded loudly, his voice revealing a hint of anxiety.

These noble sons who were sent to the palace were originally born with silver spoons in their mouths, the pride of heaven.

Thanks to the blessings of their ancestors, even if they idle away their days, they can still live a life of luxury.

But now that the emperor has put this tight rein on things, who would dare to slack off?
In an instant, everyone swore an oath:
"We, your humble servants, will certainly train diligently and will never let Your Majesty down!"

"We are descendants of military families, how could we be mere incompetent fools? We humbly request Your Majesty to review us again in a month!"

"A scholar should be viewed with new eyes after three days' absence, let alone after a month. If there is still no progress by then, I am willing to strip him of his right to inherit the title!"

Seeing the fearful expressions of these noble sons, Zhu Youxiao's lips curled into a slight smile.

If we don't teach you a lesson, you'll really think this title is indestructible.

The Ming Dynasty is now in turmoil. If you spoiled brats do not strive for progress, you will all be buried with it sooner or later!

"Then I will wait and see."

The emperor turned to Qi Jin and Tong Zhongkui and instructed them, "My two beloved ministers, these sons of nobles are now in your hands to be rigorously trained."

"Your subordinates obey the order!" The two generals immediately knelt down to receive the command.

Training these nobles was no easy task.

After all, these spoiled brats are not very capable, but they have big tempers.

However, since they have the emperor backing them up, if these people don't know what's good for them, they can still be taught a lesson.

Zhu Youxiao turned and glanced at the nobles kneeling in the snow, saying coldly, "You should learn some real skills from General Qi and General Tong. With your current mediocre abilities, do you even deserve to inherit titles? How can I dare to entrust you with important responsibilities?"

Having said that, the emperor returned to the palace.

As the imperial carriage approached the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youxiao suddenly asked, "Minister Yuan, do you know why I am training these sons of nobles?"

Yuan Keli, who had been silently accompanying them, pondered for a moment before cautiously replying, "Your Majesty is wise. These sons of nobles have long been out of practice and their martial arts skills have deteriorated. Even with short-term training, they are unlikely to be up to the task. After all, martial arts require years of hard work. Horsemanship, archery, spear fighting, hand-to-hand combat, and even military strategy cannot be mastered overnight. Moreover, this applies to generals."

At this point, Yuan Keli glanced at the emperor's expression, and seeing no displeasure, continued:

“A general must not only be skilled in archery and horsemanship, but also be proficient in military affairs such as the deployment of firearms, marching and setting up camp, and the allocation of supplies. Even if these sons of noble families have mastered martial arts, they are probably not capable of being of great use.”

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly after listening: "What you say is very true, my dear minister. I do not expect them all to become pillars of the state. If I can cultivate one or two promising talents, then I will have done my best. As for the others, as long as they do not indulge in wine and women and can safeguard the ancestral foundation, they will have lived up to my painstaking efforts."

The emperor had initially held some expectations for these descendants of military families, but was greatly disappointed upon seeing them today.

It seems that to cultivate talent, we must start with the sons of noble families who are seven or eight years old.

These people are not completely rotten yet, and their chances of reforming these spoiled brats are probably much greater.

Although this is a long-term plan, given time, it may be possible to cultivate talents like Wei Qing and Huo Qubing.

If I had fierce generals like Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Li Jing, and Bai Qi under my command, what would the mere Jurchens be?

"The nation is facing difficulties, and talented people are hard to find."

Zhu Youxiao sighed softly, expressing his heartfelt feelings.

"If there were more talented people like Minister Yuan in the court, I would have far fewer worries."

Yuan Keli quickly bowed: "Your Majesty flatters me, my humble servant is of limited talent and learning."

After entering the East Warm Pavilion, Zhu Youxiao removed his cloak, sat down on the dragon throne, and said solemnly, "I am well aware of your talent, my dear minister."

Yuan Keli can be described as a military genius.

Not only was he well-versed in military strategy and tactics, but more importantly, he was not like Zhao Kuo, who only talked about war on paper.

He is someone who can put his theories into practice.

Historically, Liaodong was in ruins. Yuan Keli submitted seven suggestions to the emperor. The following year, due to the Ming army's repeated defeats in Liaodong, he was appointed to guard the dangerous frontier and to govern Dengzhou and Laizhou.

During his three years as governor of Dengzhou, Yuan Keli worked diligently to establish Dongjiang Town. He trained 50,000 elite naval troops by first learning land warfare techniques from Qi Jiguang's navy and built 4,000 warships.

He constructed a coastal defense system that was "spread out like a chessboard for hundreds of miles, with three pillars for transmitting signals," making Dengzhou and Laizhou strategic locations to contain the Later Jin.

He established military settlements to pacify the people, recruited refugees, and attracted merchants from all over the coast, creating a bustling scene of military settlements and warships. This made Nurhaci dare not look westward, making him a rare and capable minister in the late Ming Dynasty.

How could Zhu Youxiao not make good use of such a talented person?

Before Yuan Keli could respond, the Emperor said, "There are still many unresolved matters in the reorganization of the Beijing Garrison, especially the training of troops, which is of paramount importance. Recently, many court officials have submitted memorials requesting that I send a civil official to assist in military affairs. After much consideration, I feel that no one is more suitable than Minister Yuan for this task."

Reorganize the Beijing Garrison?

Yuan Keli's eyes lit up.

Although the emperor has been punishing civil officials, reorganizing the capital garrison, and launching the Huangming Daily these days, the scholar-official class's opinion of the emperor is getting worse and worse.

They all vehemently criticized the emperor for disrespecting ancestral rules and for his unruly temperament, calling him a tyrant and a fool.

But Yuan Keli thought differently.

With the nation in such dire straits, if we still adhere to ancestral customs, we will be doomed.

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

Your Majesty's diligence and dedication to governing the country make you a rare wise and sage ruler in the Ming Dynasty.

Those corrupt scholars were still not satisfied. If they had chosen an emperor they were happy with, the Ming Dynasty would probably have been finished!
However, although Yuan Keli was very interested in reorganizing the Beijing garrison, he dared not rashly agree to it.

"I am of limited talent and learning, and I fear I am not up to the task."

Yuan Keli refused outright.

Zhu Youxiao replied, "In terms of ability, there are only a handful of people in Beijing who surpass you. If even Minister Yuan cannot shoulder this heavy responsibility, then who can?"

Yuan Keli frowned slightly and told the emperor his concerns: "Your Majesty, please allow me to explain that the position of assistant in charge of military affairs in the capital is usually held by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. I am merely the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, and according to the ancestral system of the Ming Dynasty, I am not qualified to assume this important responsibility."

Zhu Youxiao knew that what Yuan Keli said was true. The affairs of the Beijing Garrison were usually handled by the Vice Minister of War, who was called the "Vice Minister in Charge of Military Affairs of the Beijing Garrison".

But this is just the usual practice.

"It seems that the Censors of the Censorate also have the authority to assist in the management of the Beijing Garrison, is that true?"

Yuan Keli nodded and said, "The Censor of the Censorate has the power to supervise the Beijing Garrison."

Assistant and supervisor are not the same thing.

Zhu Youxiao clearly knew the ins and outs of it.

He chuckled and said, "With Yuan Qing's talent, what harm would it do if I made an exception and granted him the title of Vice Minister of War?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Keli immediately knelt down and said:

"Your Majesty's favor towards me exceeds the bounds of propriety. When I was first appointed, I was merely the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, a mere fifth-rank official. Before I had even completed ten months and achieved any merit, Your Majesty promoted me to the fourth-rank Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud. Now, Your Majesty intends to further elevate me to the third-rank Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. I am terrified and beg Your Majesty to rescind this decree!"

To be honest, Yuan Keli was a little flustered.

He was actually quite puzzled as to why he had been given such an important position by the emperor.

He does indeed possess military talent, but how does His Majesty know that he has such talent, and would even believe that he has this ability?
Of course, Zhu Youxiao wouldn't tell me that I had traveled back in time.

The emperor remained calm and smiled as he said:
"I know of Yuan Qing's talent, and the whole world will know it too. You shall accept this appointment."

Yuan Keli bowed and said, “I am not afraid of rumors and gossip, but I am afraid that someone in the censorate will remonstrate and impeach me for being promoted beyond my station and violating the laws of our ancestors. Promoting me will only cause Your Majesty trouble. Moreover, the position of Vice Minister is second only to the Nine Ministers and should not be lightly granted without accumulated merit. I beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree.”

Zhu Youxiao chuckled and said, "During the reign of Emperor Shizong, Yang Bo was serving as the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud and was also directly appointed as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. There is a precedent from the previous dynasty, so it does not count as breaking the ancestral system and laws."

Fortunately, the previous dynasty produced a few rebellious emperors; otherwise, every action they took would be accused of violating ancestral laws.

This person is so annoyed.

Yuan Keli opened his mouth, about to refute, but the emperor did not give him the chance.

"If Yuan Qing dares to refuse again, then she is disobeying orders!"

What could Yuan Keli say when he saw the emperor's reproachful gaze?
He could only bow his head and accept the order, saying, "Your subject obeys!"

"That's right!"

A smile finally appeared on Zhu Youxiao's gloomy face.

He said to Yuan Keli, "If you, Yuan Qing, were to go and assist in the administration of the Beijing Garrison, would you have any suggestions regarding its affairs?"

The emperor's favor was as intense as the sun's rays, making him sweat profusely.

Deeply grateful for the emperor's favor, Yuan Keli knew that he could only repay the emperor with his life.

He pondered for a long time, thinking of a response.

Although Your Majesty has reorganized the capital garrison and reduced redundant troops, half of the remaining soldiers are still old, weak, or disabled, leaving the garrison depleted and its equipment outdated. In addition, the garrison is plagued by factionalism, deep-seated problems, and numerous other issues.

Yuan Keli knew that this could not be resolved quickly with drastic measures, so he bowed his head and said, "I have five plans to govern the Beijing Garrison!"

Zhu Youxiao's eyes lit up, and he said, "I am all ears!"

Yuan Keli slowly said: "Firstly, weed out the weak and replace them with new ones, streamlining the army and simplifying the administration:
Although the veterans of the Beijing garrison are no longer fit for battle, they have long served in the military and are familiar with camp affairs. Those well-versed in military discipline can be selected to serve as instructors to train new recruits; those who are weak or elderly can be assigned to positions in land reclamation or artisan work to supplement military supplies. Furthermore, Your Majesty is requested to issue an edict ordering the provincial garrisons to select brave and strong soldiers to fill the Beijing garrison, rotating them annually to ensure that combat effectiveness does not decline.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly.

Although he has already started a new venture.

Even though the Beijing garrison was downsized, it was still short of men.

What needs to be supplemented still needs to be supplemented.

Seeing the emperor's thoughtful expression, Yuan Keli continued, "Secondly, it is about reorganizing military equipment and innovating weaponry:"
The firearms of the Beijing garrison are mostly rusted and badly corroded, and their bows, crossbows, and armor are also in disrepair. An Ordnance Bureau should be established to oversee their manufacture, recruiting craftsmen from Fujian and Guangdong to come to Beijing to cast powerful weapons such as cannons, arquebuses, and rockets. Old weapons can be melted down and reforged, while inferior ones should be discarded to avoid delays in wartime.

Warfare is all about logistics, and logistics are naturally reflected in weapons and equipment.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "What Minister Yuan said is absolutely right!"

Having gained the emperor's approval, Yuan Keli spoke much louder.

Thirdly, it is necessary to break the deadlock and eliminate abuses, and to establish checks and balances:
The generals in the camp are mostly hereditary nobles, and they are interconnected. I request that we emulate the method of "separating soldiers and generals" used by Qi Jiguang: send the sons of the Five Military Commanders to the border towns for training, and promote talented individuals from humble backgrounds to command troops in the capital garrison; divide the three major camps into twelve outposts, each with a clerk to audit provisions and pay, with the Ministry of War and the Censorate jointly supervising, thus cutting off any avenues for embezzlement. Fourthly, we should use combat as training to revitalize morale:
The Beijing garrison has long been neglected in combat and has become arrogant and lazy. Its elite troops should be dispatched to assist in the defense of Ji and Liao, and to suppress the bandits in the capital region, with rewards based on the number of enemy heads taken. A monthly military competition should also be established, with the winners promoted and the losers dismissed, to motivate the soldiers to strive for improvement.

Fifthly, the government established military colonies to support the army and alleviate national expenses.
There is a great deal of uncultivated land in the capital region, which can be allocated to soldiers for cultivation. They will be exempt from taxes for three years, and half of the harvested grain and fodder will go to the military reserves, while the other half will go to the soldiers. This will both reduce the burden on the imperial court's food and military supplies and ensure the livelihood of veteran soldiers.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao clapped his hands and praised, "Minister Yuan's plan hits the nail on the head every step of the way! I hereby grant you full authority to oversee the implementation. If any obstruction is encountered, regardless of whether they are nobles or members of the imperial family, they shall be executed first with the imperial sword and reported later!"

Why waste such a talented person on a position like Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud?
Isn't this a waste of talent?
Why not promote talented individuals without breaking the rules, instead of adhering to ancestral regulations?
Zhu Youxiao was not that pedantic!
Upon hearing this, Yuan Keli was moved and bowed again to accept the order.

"The problems within the Beijing Garrison have been entrenched for decades. Since Your Majesty is determined to fight to the death, I will certainly repay you with my utmost loyalty!"

"Good good!"

Zhu Youxiao smiled and said, "Tomorrow I will order the Nine Ministers to recommend Yuan Qing in court, so that Yuan Qing will not be burdened with the reputation of being favored by the emperor."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Keli was shocked and terrified. He felt both touched and frightened.

What moved him was that the emperor truly regarded him as a confidant and cared about his feelings.

What he feared was that if he was promoted beyond his rank, the officials in charge of the censorate would already be impeaching him, and if he were promoted by the court, the resistance from the court officials would inevitably be even more intense.

If he fails to be recommended by the court, it's a small matter that he won't become the Vice Minister of War, but it's a big matter that His Majesty's imperial prestige will be damaged.

Therefore, Yuan Keli pleaded, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! What does it matter if I'm promoted by chance? As long as Your Majesty knows me, I don't care about any rumors or gossip outside! But if something goes wrong after the court recommendation..."

"What could possibly happen?"

Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes, his face radiating murderous intent.

"I'd like to see who dares to disobey my will."

He's killed enough people these days.

This promotion of Yuan Keli, bypassing his rank, was not out of personal motives, but rather out of public interest.

Who would dare to use excuses like ancestral rules or lack of ability to fob him off?

Then he would show these ministers his iron fist!

In other matters, I'll just call you out a couple of times. But when it comes to matters of national survival, if you still dare to fight among yourselves and keep arguing, don't blame me for becoming a tyrant!

Yuan Keli prostrated himself on the ground, his voice trembling, and said, "Your Majesty, please reconsider! If the court recommendation goes awry, not only will I be disgraced and unable to stand, but I also fear that it will damage Your Majesty's prestige. I am willing to accept the honor of being promoted, but I would never dare to burden Your Majesty with my humble body!"

Zhu Youxiao stepped down the steps and personally helped Yuan Keli up, saying, "When I employ someone, I will never allow them to be hindered by others. I do not use those I doubt, and I do not doubt those I employ. If Minister Yuan is burdened with the reputation of being a favored official, how can he assist me in managing the Beijing Garrison?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Keli's eyes reddened, and tears almost streamed down her face.

"His Majesty."

"Minister Yuan, there's no need for further words. Your sincere service to me is the best way to repay me."

"Your Majesty, I will certainly reorganize the capital garrison!"

After the person in charge of the Beijing garrison was chosen, Zhu Youxiao quickly summoned Fang Congzhe, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

Zhu Youxiao deliberately declined the offer in court to test the weight of his words in the imperial court.

If he can't even promote someone beyond their rank, it proves that this court still needs further cleanup.

Zhu Youxiao was determined to control the court, regardless of the methods he used.

A moment later, Fang Congzhe arrived in a hurry.

"Your Majesty, I, Fang Congzhe, the Grand Secretary, respectfully wish Your Majesty a long and peaceful life!"

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said, "I am well, Grand Secretary, please be seated."

Fang Congzhe sat upright in the round-backed chair, and after he was seated, the emperor spoke.

"Your Excellency has worked hard on state affairs; thank you for your efforts."

When Fang Congzhe saw that the emperor was actually understanding of his hard work, he immediately realized that today's summons was not a good thing.

He quickly replied, "I am doing my duty and dare not complain of hardship. It is Your Majesty who is working hard day and night to review memorials."

Speaking of reviewing memorials, the number of memorials reviewed by Zhu Youxiao was actually much less than the previous month.

Previously, I had to review at least two or three hundred memorials a day, but now I only need to review a little over one hundred, which has significantly reduced my workload.

The reason was that he had the cabinet and the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs conduct a screening.

For less important matters, the Cabinet would draft the approval, which would then be submitted to the Directorate of Ceremonial for final approval.

Zhu Youxiao was not relinquishing power; he would send trusted eunuchs to the document room every day to review those memorials that had not been presented to the emperor, to see if their contents were truly unimportant.

Anyone found to have concealed or failed to report such information will be held accountable.

In other words, Zhu Youxiao set up a three-tiered error correction mechanism.

The first floor was the cabinet, the second floor was the directorate of ceremonial, and the third floor was the trusted eunuchs.

of course
This system is certainly not perfect.

After all, as long as it's done by people, there will always be loopholes to exploit.

But in the short term, it should be fine.

Once he gains further power, these less important memorials will be handed over to another group of people to handle.

An organization similar to the Grand Council.

However, this matter needs to be addressed gradually.

After all, dividing the cabinet's power must be done step by step.

Thinking of this, Zhu Youxiao looked at Fang Congzhe with even more amusement.

A puppet prime minister like Fang Congzhe should stay in the cabinet for a longer period of time.

If he were replaced by a capable prime minister, his life probably wouldn't be as easy as it is now.

Puppets have their advantages.

"I have seen your hard work, Grand Secretary. You need not refuse. In addition, I have good news to tell you."

good news?
Fang Congzhe stood up straight, quietly waiting for the emperor's good news.

"The Ministry of Justice has completed the trial of your son Fang Shihong's case. The prostitute was not beaten to death by him, but died accidentally from falling off his horse. I have restored his official position, Grand Secretary, you can rest assured."

Fang Congzhe was overjoyed upon hearing this.

Heaven knows how much he had worried about his son. Now, upon hearing that his son was innocent, he quickly rose, knelt down, and sincerely expressed his gratitude, saying, "This old minister thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

You know your own son best.

His son was an uneducated and good-for-nothing, a notorious playboy in the capital. He beat a government prostitute to death while patronizing prostitutes. There must have been others instigating it, but the deed was definitely done.

His son is unclean.

The emperor's special order for the Ministry of Justice to close the case and pardon him was clearly a favor bestowed upon him.

"You are my Grand Secretary, how can your prestige be affected because of your son's affairs?"

Uh~
Fang Congzhe's expression was strange.

That makes sense, but what prestige does Fang Congzhe still have?
He took the blame for so many things for the emperor and approved so many decrees that other officials opposed.

Although officials from the Donglin Party and the Qi-Chu-Zhe Party dared not criticize him directly in court, they privately ridiculed him for holding a position without doing any work, only knowing how to follow the emperor's wishes, and having no integrity as a minister.

What kind of prestige does he have left?
But Fang Congzhe quickly figured it out.

In any case, his son was safely delivered, and the emperor's promises were being fulfilled one by one.

He would be willing to continue taking the blame.

"My lord, thank you for your kindness!"

Seeing that the time was right, Zhu Youxiao spoke directly: "With the Duke of Yingguo not in the capital, the affairs of the Beijing Garrison are being managed by few people. I intend to appoint someone to assist in managing the military administration of the Beijing Garrison!"

The smile on Fang Congzhe's face gradually disappeared.

I knew it
A summons from His Majesty is never a good thing.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "I wonder who Your Majesty prefers to assist in managing the capital garrison?"

Instead of directly answering Fang Congzhe's question, Zhu Youxiao asked, "Who does the Grand Secretary think is capable of undertaking this important task?"

Unable to fathom the emperor's thoughts, Fang Congzhe could only offer the safest answer: "The positions of Minister of War and Vice Ministers of War are suitable."

"Yuan Keli, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud, I think he is quite capable. Is he a suitable candidate to assist in the administration of the capital garrison?"

Fang Congzhe frowned and said, "There is no precedent for the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud to assist in the administration of the capital's military affairs."

Seeing that Fang Congzhe had taken the bait, Zhu Youxiao said, "What if I directly promote him to Vice Minister of War?"

"what?"

Fang Congzhe was taken aback for a moment, then stole a glance at the emperor's expression. Seeing that he didn't seem to be joking, he immediately reminded him, "Promoting someone beyond one's rank might cause some criticism among the officials."

Zhu Youxiao said meaningfully, "These are turbulent times, and extraordinary measures are needed for extraordinary times. Yuan Keli is exceptionally talented, and I will definitely promote him. Tomorrow, I will order the Nine Ministers to recommend him in court. I want a satisfactory result."

Despite the cold winter months, Fang Congzhe's forehead was covered in a fine sheen of sweat.

The Emperor's kindness is impossible to repay!

No wonder His Majesty specifically told him today that his son's case, which had been pending for several years, was now closed.

It turned out that he was to be the one to charge into battle.

This is not a good job.

However.
Can he say no?
Would he dare to refuse?
Fang Congzhe's chest heaved, and after a moment, he gritted his teeth and made his statement.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, this old minister will certainly handle this matter and bring about a result that satisfies Your Majesty."

It’s his mother’s fault!

With His Majesty backing me up, Fang Congzhe can call a deer a horse, let alone a mere promotion beyond his rank.

Anyway.

Your Majesty's kindness!
I'll pay with my life!

(End of this chapter)