Huangming

Chapter 383 Elders Enter the Capital, the Will of Heaven and the Intentions of Ministers

The first year of the Tianqi reign.

November 3rd.

The cold wind at Tongzhou Wharf was still biting.

The porters at the dock, dressed in thin cotton-padded coats, breathed out white vapor as they carried grain. In the distance, the banners of the Grand Canal transport office fluttered in the wind, creating a busy yet somewhat desolate winter scene.

now.

An official ship is slowly approaching the designated berth at the dock.

As soon as the gangplank was set up, two people emerged from the cabin one after the other.

The old man walking in front was lean yet upright, his black sable fur coat accentuating his gaunt face, and his long, snow-white beard hanging down his chin, fluttering slightly in the wind.

"We've arrived..."

The old man sighed, his words seemingly containing a thousand unspoken thoughts.

This person was Ye Xianggao, who had served as the Grand Secretary.

At this moment, with the river breeze blowing along the canal, Ye Xianggao is examining himself:
In the eleventh year of the Wanli reign, at the young age of twenty-one, he passed the imperial examination with top honors and was selected to enter the Hanlin Academy as a probationary official, thus embarking on his official career.

Next.
He served successively as the Director of Studies at the Southern Academy and the Attendant to the Crown Prince, and was known for his extensive knowledge and steady conduct.

In the thirty-fifth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, he was appointed Minister of Rites and Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion, entering the cabinet to assist in governance. Later, due to the Wanli Emperor's neglect of governance and the intense factional struggles in the court, he single-handedly supported the cabinet for many years and was known as the "Solo Prime Minister" by his contemporaries.

In the 42nd year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, unable to reverse the political situation and impeached by censors, Ye Xianggao angrily requested to return to his hometown of Fuqing, Fujian.

After returning to his hometown, he did not become depressed. He developed Fulushan Mountain in Longtian Town and invited literary friends such as Cao Xuequan and Chen Hongji to climb the mountain and compose poems. He left behind many travelogues and lived a carefree life.

In the first year of the Taichang reign, when the new emperor Zhu Changluo ascended the throne, he remembered Zhu Changluo's achievements and issued an edict to appoint him as Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, and Junior Guardian.

When Zhu Youxiao ascended the throne, he was summoned by envoys several times before he finally agreed. Six years later, he returned to the capital and went north again.

Following behind Ye Xianggao was He Zongyan.

He was a few years older than Ye Xianggao, and his hair and beard were half white. He was not wearing a luxurious fur coat, but only a clean purple cotton coat with floral patterns and a square turban on his head, the corners of which were slightly curled up by the wind.

He was slightly plump, with a gentle face, but his eyes were exceptionally bright.

"Yes, after several years, the scenery of Tongzhou Wharf has changed."

Looking at the newly built grain warehouses and patrolling soldiers on the dock, He Zongyan sighed softly.

His career path was more turbulent than Ye Xianggao's.

Since entering officialdom, He Zongyan has always maintained his integrity and honesty. When serving as a local official, he managed affairs in an orderly manner. After entering the capital, he was able to prioritize the overall situation and repeatedly offered frank advice on malpractices such as mining taxes and border troubles, which earned him increasing prestige among court officials.

In December of the 47th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, the emperor ordered his court officials to recommend cabinet ministers. Most officials listed He Zongyan as their first choice, but Zhang Yandeng, a supervising secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, refused to sign his name, which prevented him from entering the cabinet.

Subsequently, censors Zuo Guangdou and Xue Fuzheng submitted memorials to express their grievances against He Zongyan, praising him as "upright and unpartisan, worthy of great responsibility."

However, Zhang Yandeng's accomplices Qi Shijiao and Xue Fengxiang successively submitted memorials to refute He Zongyan, accusing him of being "too rigid and inflexible."

At that time, the Qi Party, Chu Party, and Zhe Party were fiercely competing in the imperial court, and most officials who spoke out relied on their respective factions.

He Zongyan was unwilling to form cliques or engage in factionalism and always maintained neutrality. In the end, he could not stand firm in the vortex of factional struggles and had no choice but to resign and return to his hometown of Suizhou, Hubei. He stayed there for nearly three years.

"When I left Beijing, there weren't so many warehouses at this dock, and most of the grain ships were from Jiangnan."

Ye Xianggao withdrew his gaze, looked at He Zongyan, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"The increased number of soldiers patrolling now is likely due to His Majesty's efforts to regulate the canal transport."

He Zongyan nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes:
"After the new emperor ascended the throne, he implemented new policies, such as reorganizing the border troops, dredging the canal, and promoting sweet potatoes. Although there were some controversies, these were all pragmatic measures."

We've come back at a good time this time.

He paused, then recalled the factional strife of yesteryear, his tone becoming more wistful.

"I just wonder if the court is less turbulent now than it was a few years ago."

Upon hearing this, Ye Xianggao sighed softly:
"The ills of factional strife are not a recent phenomenon. However, His Majesty is young and promising. We only need to do our best to assist him and get less involved in factional disputes, and we can still accomplish some practical things."

"We are both already halfway to the grave. This time, we return to the capital not for wealth or honor, but only to do our part for the Ming Dynasty. That would be enough to live up to the late emperor's trust."

He Zongyan nodded emphatically.

"What Lord Ye said is absolutely right."

As they spoke, officials from the Grand Canal transport office, accompanied by their entourage, came forward and bowed respectfully from afar.
"This humble official, Li Mo, the Assistant Prefect of the Grand Canal in Tongzhou, respectfully welcomes the two Grand Secretaries! The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs has dispatched messengers to wait here. We respectfully request that the two gentlemen depart immediately for the Forbidden City to meet the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Ye Xianggao raised his hand and waved.

"There's no rush to meet the Emperor. It's already dark, and the city gates are probably about to close. Entering the city now would only cause more trouble."

"Why not stay overnight at Tongzhou Post Station and set off early tomorrow morning? This way, we can be well-rested before meeting the Emperor."

He is quite old and has had a long and tiring journey. Although he is still in good spirits, he needs to slow down.

Moreover, having been away from the capital for many years, he also wanted to take advantage of this evening to find out some recent developments in the court, so that he wouldn't be completely unaware of the details of the new policies when he met the emperor the next day.

Upon hearing this, Li Mo, the Assistant Prefect of the Grand Canal, immediately bowed and apologized, his face full of ingratiating smiles:

"It was my oversight that I failed to consider the fatigue of your journey, Your Excellencies! The post station has prepared superior rooms, and charcoal and hot water are ready. I will now escort you there."

He knew in his heart that these two people in front of him were important ministers who were about to rejoin the cabinet. He would be willing to serve them personally, let alone just stay at the post station for one night.

If the two senior officials were to casually mention in court that "the Tongzhou canal transport was handled properly," his career would advance to a higher level.

The two followed Li Mo to the main room of the post station. The courtyard was quiet and the main room was spacious and bright. The silver charcoal in the charcoal brazier was burning brightly, making the room warm and cozy.

As soon as they sat down, a courier brought them hot tea. Li Mo personally poured it for them, repeatedly saying "I'm being negligent" while keeping a close eye on their expressions, afraid of being the slightest bit inconsiderate.

"You two gentlemen have had a long journey. I have had the kitchen prepare some local Tongzhou food, all home-style dishes. Please try them."

Li Mo said with a smile, and as soon as he finished speaking, a waiter brought in food boxes and placed them on the table one by one:
A plate of glistening braised catfish, its body coated in a thick sauce, exuding a savory aroma; a dish of golden-brown sugar-coated sesame cakes, crispy on the outside and still steaming hot; and a small bowl of fermented bean curd, its color a bright red, from a well-known local brand in Tongzhou.

"These three are the three treasures of Tongzhou. The braised catfish uses fresh catfish from the canal, the sugar-coated sesame cake is made by the time-honored brand 'Da Shun Zhai', and the fermented bean curd is an appetizer."

As Li Mo introduced the situation, he observed the two men's reactions. Seeing that Ye Xianggao only glanced at him indifferently, he quickly added:

"If Your Excellency finds it unpalatable, I may have the kitchen prepare something else?"

Ye Xianggao waved his hand, his tone indifferent:

"No need for that, this is fine. Take the things to the inner room, and you may leave now. We'll call you if we need anything."

He had always disliked the empty formalities of official social interactions, and moreover, he wanted to have a private chat with He Zongyan at this moment and did not want any outsiders present.

"Yes Yes Yes!"

Li Mo quickly agreed, not daring to linger. But as he turned around, he seemed to suddenly remember something, quickly walked to the door, took a roll of newspaper from the courier, and then turned back, his face showing a hint of flattery.

"My two esteemed ministers, I almost forgot to bring you this. It's the freshly printed 'Huangming Daily,' look at today's headline—it's incredibly good news!"

"The Huangming Daily?"

Upon hearing these four words, Ye Xianggao's eyes lit up instantly, and he quickly reached out to take it.

During his time back in his hometown, he heard from passing merchants that a "royal newspaper" had been published in the capital, which published news about the court, military affairs and new policies, but he had never seen it with his own eyes.

He took the newspaper, which was printed in clear regular script, with the words "printed on the second day of the eleventh month of the first year of Tianqi" printed at the top.

"You can actually get the Huangming Daily at this post station?"

He Zongyan also came over, his gaze falling on the four bold characters "Great Victory in Liaodong" on the front page of the newspaper, his eyes full of surprise.

Li Mo explained with a smile: "In response to Grand Secretary He, the post station clerks now have an additional task, which is to deliver the 'Huangming Daily'."

His Majesty has decreed that wherever there are post stations, whether in prefectural cities, county towns, or border fortresses, the goods must be delivered on time.

However, in remote areas, the journey is long, and the newspaper might arrive a month or two late. Tongzhou, being closer to the capital, receives the day's newspaper every afternoon.

Ye Xianggao had already eagerly unfolded the newspaper, his eyes quickly scanning the headlines.

"The Ming army broke through Fushun and beheaded Nurhaci outside Hetu Ala."

The following section details the course of the Battle of Red River Valley, as well as the achievements of General Zhu Wanliang and Liaodong Military Commissioner Xiong Tingbi.

He grew increasingly excited as he read, his fingers trembling slightly: "Good! Good! That bandit chief Nurhaci has finally been executed! The troubles in Liaodong can finally be eased!"

He Zongyan also leaned over to take a closer look, a look of satisfaction on his face: "This great victory will surely boost the morale of the army. His Majesty's choice of Xiong Tingbi to govern Liaodong was indeed the right one."

When they resigned from their posts, the situation in Liaodong was already in a state of disarray.

Unexpectedly, His Majesty has brought the situation in Liaodong under control in just over a year since he ascended the throne.

Immersed in the joy of the good news, Li Mo tactfully bowed and took his leave.

"Please enjoy your meal, Your Excellencies. I will wait outside. Please feel free to give me any instructions."

After Li Mo left, Ye Xianggao placed the newspaper on the table, processing the impact of the Huangming Daily.

After a moment, his thoughts drifted elsewhere, filled with mixed emotions.

"Your Majesty's move is truly far-sighted. This 'Huangming Daily' can not only deliver military and political information in a timely manner, but also control the direction of public opinion."

Look at this; besides the good news, there are articles promoting sweet potatoes and regulating the canal transport system. Every word is building momentum for the new policies.

He Zongyan nodded, his gaze falling on the "New Policy Q&A" section in the corner of the newspaper, which answered the people's questions about the land survey in simple and easy-to-understand language.

"What's even better is that this newspaper can be sent to post stations in various places, so that officials and scholars traveling to and from the area can see it."

Over time, this will subtly influence their thinking and help them understand the benefits of the new policy.

This is far more effective than arguments in the imperial court.

His Majesty is adept at using public opinion; he had already learned this from his disciples.

But now, seeing the latest issue of the Huangming Daily, I feel it even more deeply.

Ye Xianggao sighed, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes:
"Unfortunately, the Imperial Daily is commissioned by His Majesty and managed by the Directorate of Ceremonial, so no one else can interfere."

"Wouldn't it be better if we allowed private individuals or scholars to establish newspapers? This would not only promote academic exchange but also allow the court to hear more voices from the people."

He Zongyan shook his head; he had reservations about this.

"His Majesty is probably also concerned about this. If privately run newspapers are left unsupervised, there will inevitably be those who spread rumors, stir up trouble, and incite public sentiment, which will be detrimental to the stability of the court."

In the current situation, with the imperial court in charge, at least the direction of public opinion can be guaranteed to remain on track.

Ye Xianggao was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "What you said makes sense. Now that the factional strife has just subsided, if we allow the newspapers to discuss politics again, it will likely cause new disturbances. Your Majesty's move is a prudent one."

While enjoying a simple meal, the two continued to read the "Huangming Daily," discussing everything from the victory report in Liaodong to the tax policies in Jiangnan, from the promotion of sweet potatoes to the reorganization of the border troops. The more they talked, the more excited they became.

Although they had been away from the capital for many years, they had always been concerned about the rise and fall of the Ming Dynasty. Now, seeing the new policies taking effect and the great victory in Liaodong, the worries that had been building up in their hearts gradually dissipated.

These people are always complaining to him, saying that His Majesty is no good in this way or that way.

In Ye Xianggao's opinion, isn't His Majesty doing quite well?
now.

Outside Tongzhou Post Station.

A middle-aged man dressed in the robes of an imperial censor was seen walking briskly towards them.

He had a square face and a sharp look between his brows, typical of an imperial censor. Behind him was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe.

The two walked straight to the main hall of the post station, where the middle-aged man in the imperial censor's robe raised his hand to stop the post station official who was about to step forward to ask questions.

"May I ask the post station clerk, are Grand Secretaries Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan resting at the post station?"

The post station official, seeing the xiezhi embroidered on his chest, knew he was an imperial censor from the Censorate and quickly bowed to reply:

"Your Excellency, the two Grand Secretaries are resting in the main room in the backyard and have just finished their dinner."

"Please trouble the postman to convey my message that Li Yingsheng, the Censor of the Censorate, requests an audience."

As soon as Li Yingsheng finished speaking, the middle-aged man in brocade robes behind him quickly stepped forward and added, "Also... Qian Qianyi, who has been dismissed and is awaiting reassignment, is requesting an audience with the two Grand Secretaries."

Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in the post station official's eyes.

He had long heard that Qian Qianyi had been dismissed from his post due to his involvement in a corruption case related to the Grand Canal. Although he was now without official position, he was still active around the capital. He figured that he had come here specifically to curry favor with the two veteran ministers, Ye and He, who were about to enter the cabinet.

The courier dared not say more and quickly replied, "Please wait a moment, gentlemen, I will go and inform them right away."

Before long, the courier hurriedly returned and bowed to the two men, saying, "My lords, the Grand Secretary requests that you come upstairs."

Li Yingsheng and Qian Qianyi exchanged a glance, their eyes lighting up.

The fact that they were summoned so quickly shows that the two senior officials did not turn them away.

The two men straightened their robes and quickly went up to the second floor. They pushed open the door to the main room and saw Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan sitting by the charcoal brazier, each holding half a scroll of the "Huangming Daily".

"Student Li Yingsheng (Qian Qianyi) pays his respects to the two Grand Secretaries!"

The two men immediately bowed respectfully, their actions humbled, their tone clearly conveying a desire to curry favor.

Qian Qianyi, in particular, bent over at almost a 90-degree angle, while secretly observing the expressions of Ye and He.

Ye Xianggao raised his hand and waved it, his tone indifferent: "No need for formalities, please sit down. You've come all night to Tongzhou Post Station, surely not just for a simple visit. Speak frankly if you have something to say."

Having spent a long time in the imperial court, he was used to this kind of "late-night audience" tactic and had long seen through the two men's intentions.

Li Yingsheng and Qian Qianyi thanked him for the seats and sat down on a wooden stool to the side.

Before he could even sit down properly, Li Yingsheng spoke first.

"The two Grand Secretaries have lived in the countryside for a long time and may not know the current chaos in the court."

Although Your Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition, and has accomplished great things by implementing new policies and recovering Liaodong, you have acted too hastily.

The promotion of sweet potatoes disregarded local realities, the rectification of the border troops was overly harsh, and there were repeated violations of ancestral rules, such as taking Mongolian women into the palace, restarting the Western Depot and the Inner Palace Depot.

Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe was a mere figurehead, failing to advise His Majesty and instead pandering to him, which led to widespread criticism in the court.

Now that the two Grand Secretaries have arrived in the capital, it is the perfect time for Fang Congzhe to step down and hand over the reins to the two of them, to cleanse the bureaucracy and rectify the emperor's mind!

Upon hearing this, Qian Qianyi immediately nodded in agreement.

“What Imperial Censor Li said is absolutely right! Although the new policies have their merits, they must be implemented gradually and not be rushed.”

Although the Liaodong victory was inspiring, the long-term war had cost the national treasury a fortune.

His Majesty is still young, and he may not listen to the advice of his ministers. However, the two Grand Secretaries are veterans of three reigns and are highly respected. His Majesty will surely take your words seriously!

"I urge you two Grand Secretaries to prioritize the well-being of the Ming Dynasty and take action to rectify the current chaos!" He said, while secretly observing Ye Xianggao's reaction.

Ye Xianggao once served as the Grand Secretary and had deep roots in the court. If one could attach oneself to this "big tree," not only could one be reinstated, but one might even be promoted further.

However, Ye Xianggao did not respond, but slowly put down the "Huangming Daily" in his hand and fell silent.

He Zongyan, who was standing to the side, did not speak either.

The atmosphere inside the room instantly became somewhat stagnant.

Li Yingsheng and Qian Qianyi exchanged a glance, both somewhat unable to fathom the thoughts of the two veteran officials, and could only sit there awkwardly, waiting for a response.

At this moment, Ye Xianggao's heart was filled with complex emotions.

He had just returned to Tongzhou and had not yet set foot in the capital when someone came to his door, claiming to "rectify the emperor's mind" and "clean up the bureaucracy," but in reality, they wanted to use his reputation to bring down Fang Congzhe and start a new factional struggle.

This scene is strikingly similar to the chaotic factional strife he witnessed when he left Beijing!
Although Li Yingsheng was known for his "outspokenness and courage to speak out," he secretly maintained close ties with literary societies such as the Yunjian Jishe, Xiangshan Tongshe, and Zhexi Wenshe.

Qian Qianyi was a seasoned player in factional struggles, having been embroiled in the disputes between the Qi, Chu, and Zhe factions in his early years. Now, after being dismissed from his post, he was even more eager to find a patron.

Their claims of "advising His Majesty" and "rectifying official conduct" are nothing more than pretexts for bringing down political enemies.

If he agrees now, he will be drawn back into the vortex of factional strife.

After a long while, Ye Xianggao slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over Li Yingsheng and Qian Qianyi, his tone carrying a hint of distance.

"Your Majesty has his reasons for implementing the new policies; Grand Secretary Fang's presiding over the cabinet is also a sign of Your Majesty's trust."

"We have just returned to the capital, have not yet met the Emperor, and do not understand the full picture of the court. How can we presume to discuss state affairs or lightly suggest dismissing the Grand Secretary?"

"As for advising Your Majesty, I will do my duty as a subject to offer my advice after I meet with you tomorrow and find that there are indeed any inappropriate points."

But don't mention those words you spoke today again. It's getting late; you should all go home early.

Ye Xianggao's intention to get rid of him was already quite clear.

The smiles on their faces froze instantly. They opened their mouths, but couldn't utter a word in rebuttal. They could only awkwardly get up and take their leave.

"It was my presumption that disturbed the two esteemed elders' rest. I shall take my leave now."

Although the two were unwilling, they dared not anger Ye Xianggao and had no choice but to leave first.

Watching Li Yingsheng and Qian Qianyi hurriedly leave, He Zongyan withdrew his gaze and said with a sense of realization, "It seems that the undercurrent of this factional strife has never truly subsided."

Ye Xiang raised the teacup, which had already cooled slightly, but did not drink it. He slowly spoke:
"It's not just that things haven't calmed down; the situation is probably more complicated than we thought."

"Li Yingsheng and Qian Qianyi are just the first to test the waters. In the next few days, my students, former subordinates, and old comrades who once served me will probably come to me and urge me to overthrow Fang Congzhe and take back control of the cabinet."

Upon hearing this, He Zongyan frowned slightly: "Does Lord Ye mean that they will use your reputation to rebuild their faction?"

"Mostly so."

Ye Xianggao sighed softly, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"Party strife is something you can never escape just because you want to. The higher you stand, the more people will rely on you, and they will use your name to fight for power and profit. Even if you do nothing, you will be drawn into the center of the vortex."

"Back then, I was forced to resign because I refused to form factions. Now that I'm back, I'm afraid I'll have to face the same old problem again."

Upon hearing this, He Zongyan felt a slight unease, but could only shake his head.

Silent all night.

The next day, before dawn, as soon as the rooster at Tongzhou Post Station crowed for the first time, Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan got up.

The courier had already prepared hot water and court robes. After the two finished washing up, they changed into their brand-new official robes.

Afterwards, they boarded a carriage and headed towards the capital.

At the beginning of the hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the carriage arrived outside the Meridian Gate.

As soon as Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan stepped off the carriage, a eunuch quickly came to greet them.

"You two Grand Secretaries have had a long journey! His Majesty, out of consideration for your high moral character and prestige, has specially instructed me to wait here and grant you two a sedan chair in the palace."

"Riding in a sedan chair in the palace?"

Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan exchanged a glance, both showing a hint of surprise in their eyes.

It should be noted that riding in a sedan chair in the palace has always been an extremely high honor bestowed by the emperor upon his cabinet ministers. Only the chief or deputy chief ministers, who were deeply trusted and held great power, could receive this treatment.

They had just returned to the capital and had not yet met the Emperor when His Majesty bestowed this favor upon them, which shows how much he valued them.

"I would like to thank Your Majesty for your kindness!"

The two quickly bowed and paid their respects, gaining a deeper understanding of the young emperor.

He knew how to implement new policies and reorganize the border troops, and he also knew how to use both kindness and severity to win over veteran officials. His thinking was even more comprehensive than that of Emperor Shenzong.

Before long, two simply decorated sedan chairs for four people were carried over.

Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan boarded their sedan chairs separately, and the sedan chair bearers walked steadily along the palace road.

Ye Xianggao lifted a corner of the sedan curtain and could see the palaces of the Forbidden City standing quietly in the morning light. Among the red walls and yellow tiles, palace maids and eunuchs occasionally hurried by, all walking slowly and not daring to make a sound.

"The palace is even more dilapidated than when we left the capital."

Ye Xianggao looked at the mottled palace walls by the roadside. The colorful paintings on the bricks and tiles had long since faded, and even the pillars next to the Hall of Supreme Harmony had tiny cracks. He couldn't help but sigh softly.

He Zongyan also looked through the sedan curtain, his eyes filled with a sense of satisfaction:

"This shows that His Majesty is truly a restorer of the dynasty and does not enjoy comforts. Just think, when Emperor Shenzong was in power, even when the border was in dire need of help, he still used the imperial treasury to build palaces and gardens."

Emperor Shizong was even more obsessed with Taoist practice, spending huge sums of money to build Taoist temples.

Unlike His Majesty now, who has even temporarily shelved the renovation of the Forbidden City, presumably he is using the money wisely.

"Yes."

Ye Xianggao nodded, his sense of identification with Zhu Youxiao deepening even further.

"For so many years, our Great Ming Dynasty has not had a monarch who is not fond of luxury and cares deeply for the country."

As they were talking, the sedan chair arrived at the arrow pavilion inside the Donghua Gate.

The two alighted from the sedan chair and, guided by eunuchs, slowly walked up the white marble steps toward the Qianqing Palace.

Soon, the two entered the Qianqing Palace, passed through the spacious main hall, and arrived outside the East Warm Pavilion.

After the eunuch guarding outside the pavilion quietly announced their arrival, he led the two inside.

at this time.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion, the underground heating system was burning brightly.

Emperor Zhu Youxiao of the Ming Dynasty, dressed in a bright yellow robe, was sitting at his desk reviewing memorials when he saw the two men enter. He put down his vermilion brush, his gaze falling on them with a gentle smile.

Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan quickly straightened their robes, knelt on both knees, and spoke in respectful and steady voices:
"Your subject Ye Xianggao (He Zongyan, Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion), respectfully wishes Your Majesty a long and peaceful life!"

"Rise, please take a seat."

The voice coming from the throne was young yet composed, without the frivolity of a youth.

It was none other than Zhu Youxiao, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan quickly got up and sat down on the low stools under the throne, following the direction indicated by the eunuch, but they couldn't help but secretly look up.

Zhu Youxiao was dressed in a bright yellow casual robe with a five-clawed dragon embroidered on the fabric. Although he was not wearing court robes, his imperial demeanor was still undeniable.

His sword-like eyebrows slanted upwards to his temples, and his eyes were as bright as stars. When he sat upright on the throne, he seemed to be surrounded by an aura of "imposing authority without anger," and his appearance was somewhat similar to that of the founding emperor.

picture!
It’s so similar!

The two were secretly amazed: Such demeanor truly befits a wise ruler; perhaps there is real hope for the revival of the Ming Dynasty.

While they were sizing up Zhu Youxiao, Zhu Youxiao was also carefully observing these two old ministers.

Although Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan are old, they are in good spirits and should be able to work for a few more years.

Zhu Youxiao did try to stop these two from entering the capital.

In the current court, although Fang Congzhe is the Grand Secretary, he is gradually finding it difficult to control the cabinet. Liu Yizhu and Zhu Guozuo adhere to the old system and are very resistant to the new policies.

Shi Jikai still needs to be observed; Li Ruhua and Sun Ruyou support the new policies, but due to their lack of experience, they are unlikely to win over the public.

Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan are both veteran officials of three reigns with outstanding prestige. Their return is likely to disrupt the existing power structure and cause turmoil in the newly stabilized court.

Beyond the concerns, there is more anticipation.

Zhu Youxiao knew that implementing new policies, reorganizing the border troops, and controlling the tax administration in Jiangnan all required the assistance of capable cabinet ministers.

Fang Congzhe's "moderation" was no longer sufficient to meet the needs of advancing the new policies. He urgently needed people who could implement his ideas, dare to do things, and take responsibility.

Ye Xianggao has served as the sole head of the cabinet for many years and has the ability to coordinate the overall situation; He Zongyan is honest and pragmatic and is good at handling specific government affairs. These two are just right to fill the current cabinet's shortcomings.

It all depends on whether these two people are willing to work for him.

"You two gentlemen have had a long and arduous journey. Thank you for your hard work."

Zhu Youxiao's tone softened somewhat, and he gestured to Wei Chao, who was standing to the side.

"Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up first."

Wei Chao hurriedly stepped forward with a gilded tea tray and handed two steaming cups of tea to Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan respectively.

The teacup is made of blue and white porcelain from the official kiln. The tea soup is light amber in color and has a faint fragrance of Longjing tea.

"Your Majesty, we thank you for your compassion!"

The two stood up again to express their gratitude, accepting the teacups with both hands, their hearts warmed.

His Majesty
They really paid the most attention to detail.

No wonder he managed to subdue his court officials so well in just over a year after ascending the throne.

After the two sat down again.

Zhu Youxiao's gaze fell on Ye Xianggao, his face adorned with a very friendly smile.

"Mr. Fei Xu, I have long heard of you. You once devoted yourself to assisting Emperor Shenzong and teaching my late father. You were a veteran of three reigns and a pillar of our Great Ming Dynasty."

"The affairs of state are now numerous and complex, and I am still young. Many matters require your dedicated assistance and guidance."

The words "Mr. Fei Xu" instantly unlocked the floodgates of Ye Xianggao's memory.

That was when Emperor Taichang, Zhu Changluo, was the crown prince. He served as the Left Vice-Minister of the Left Spring Palace and concurrently as a tutor, guiding the crown prince in his studies every day.

Seeing his long beard fluttering in the wind, Zhu Changluo smiled and called him "Mr. Flying Beard".

Although the Crown Prince at that time was trembling with fear due to Emperor Shenzong's neglect, he always remained kind-hearted and respected him greatly.

Now that the Crown Prince is the deceased Emperor Taichang, his son still remembers the title he used to have. Ye Xianggao was immediately overwhelmed with emotion, and his eyes instantly welled up with tears.

He suddenly stood up, bowed deeply to Zhu Youxiao, his voice choked with emotion.

"Your Majesty still remembers my old title, I am deeply grateful! Although I am old, I am still able to serve. As long as Your Majesty needs me, I will do my utmost to serve you and the Ming Dynasty, and I will never betray the trust of Your Majesty and the late Emperor!"

Seeing his excited expression, Zhu Youxiao's eyes flashed with emotion, and he nodded gently:

"I am deeply gratified by your sincerity, sir."

He turned to look at He Zongyan, his tone equally gentle.

"Lord He was also a pillar of the nation. When he served in local government, he was honest and upright in his administration and won the hearts of the people. In the court, he was able to prioritize the overall situation and speak frankly and offer advice."

Now that the new policies are being implemented, the tax administration in Jiangnan and the defense of Liaodong require careful planning. I urge Lord He to pay close attention and, together with Mr. Ye, assist me in revitalizing the Ming Dynasty!

He Zongyan quickly stood up and bowed.

"Your subject will do everything in his power!"

The atmosphere inside the warm pavilion became even more harmonious thanks to these heartfelt words.

Enough with the pleasantries, it's time to get down to business.

Zhu Youxiao picked up a memorial from the table and gently placed it in front of him.

"You two Grand Secretaries have just returned to the capital, and perhaps you are still unclear about the current political situation. I have summoned you here today not only to express my condolences, but also to hear your opinions on several important matters concerning the Ming Dynasty."

"What are your views on the new policy?"

Zhu Youxiao's voice was not loud, but it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly breaking the atmosphere that had just eased in the East Warm Pavilion.

Ye Xianggao and He Zongyan straightened their backs almost simultaneously, their posture unconsciously becoming upright, and their hands on their knees quietly clenched.

They all knew in their hearts that this was by no means a simple "inquiry," but a direct test of their stance by the emperor.

The new policies were the core priorities of the emperor since his ascension to the throne.

From promoting sweet potatoes, surveying land, rectifying the princes, and reorganizing the border troops, to the intention to strictly investigate tax policies in Jiangnan, every measure seems to be "breaking ancestral rules and changing old regulations".

In the imperial court, supporters of the new policies praised them as "pragmatic and revitalizing the nation," while opponents criticized them as "impatient and rash." In order to implement the new policies, the emperor did not hesitate to withstand the pressure of impeachment by censors and resistance from civil officials. His resolute attitude was evident to all.

At this moment, when the emperor asked "What do you think?", he was actually asking:
Are you on my side and supporting the implementation of the new policies?
Or will they side with the old officials and criticize the new policies?

If the answer is not to one's liking, today's favors such as "riding in a sedan chair in the palace" and "being given tea by the emperor" will probably all become fleeting memories, and one may even be marginalized as soon as one returns to the capital.

However, if they blindly flatter and fail to discern the truth, like Fang Congzhe, they would be going against their original intention as veteran ministers to "rectify the emperor's mind and govern the country pragmatically."

Besides
Fang Congzhe's "moderate and pandering" approach had long since caused him to lose control of the situation and his subordinates.

The emperor needs a capable minister who can both implement new policies and oversee the overall situation.

This is why the emperor summoned them back to the capital.

How to answer?
Ye Xianggao frowned deeply.

the other side.

He Zongyan swallowed hard, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

On their first meeting, His Majesty presented him with a difficult problem.

but.
These problems are ultimately unavoidable.

He Zongyan pondered for a long time, then suddenly a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and he stood up to reply!

ps:
A super long chapter of 8600 words!
Please subscribe!!!
(End of this chapter)