The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 123 Differentiation

When the emperor relented, everyone was overjoyed, except for Yan Song, whose face was still full of pain. He took out a memorial from his sleeve with trembling hands.

"As the Grand Secretary, it is my duty to maintain order in the court and protect the people. Now, the prices of food and firewood in the market are soaring, houses are dilapidated, refugees are freezing and starving, and chaos is gradually emerging. This is all due to my poor governance and failure to fulfill my duty as a subject."

Yan Song kowtowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I would never dare to attribute the disaster to the celestial phenomena, nor would I dare to diminish the merit of Your Majesty's prayers. All the faults lie with me. I beg Your Majesty to punish me, to dismiss me from exile, to appease Heaven's heart, and to bring peace to the people."

Good heavens, Grand Secretary Yan is still putting in the effort!

Zhu Zaizhen silently cheered him on.

This effectively protected the two things that Jiajing cared about most.

First of all, the fasting ceremony is correct, and the snow is auspicious snow.

Secondly, the fault lies entirely with the ministers, not with Heaven, and certainly not with the emperor.

With such a prime minister standing in front, the disaster relief efforts can be established.

When Jiajing looked at Yan Song, who was bowing his head and pleading guilty below the steps, his expression softened. He was unwilling to admit that the heavy snow was an omen, and Yan Song's words gave him a way out.

So he slowly nodded: "You can reflect on your own actions, without shirking responsibility or avoiding trouble, which shows that you still have a sense of public duty. With the disaster looming, the matter of punishment will be put aside for now. Since you are in charge of the disaster relief work, you should do your best to supervise and make up for your mistakes."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your leniency!" Yan Song bowed again and stood up, his back still slightly bent, his face still showing shame, and his demeanor becoming even more respectful.

Anyone who saw it would feel that this old prime minister was genuinely worried about the disaster victims and working hard for the country.

"Get up, everyone."

After everyone stood up, Jiajing showed no intention of offering them seats. Instead, he looked down at the entire hall filled with people in crimson robes and instructed, "I will not listen to complaints. If you have any troubles or difficulties, go to the Grand Secretariat or to Grand Secretary Yan."

Serving as an official and receiving a salary is one's duty in times of trouble. I have observed a month-long fast and offered prayers, sincerely revering Heaven, praying only for peace throughout the land and prosperity for all people.

If you are incapable of quelling the disaster, do not blame me for punishing you mercilessly.

These words were resolute and cold. Complain of poverty? Don't bother. Complain of difficulties? Figure it out yourself. Can't do it? Then don't blame the knife for falling.

I don't care about the reasons, I don't listen to grievances, I don't ask about the process, I only want a satisfactory result.

But Yan Song, having served the emperor for many years, was already prepared: "Your Majesty, I will obey your decree and exert all my strength to oversee the matter, even unto death."

At this moment, Ouyang Bijin suddenly spoke up: "Now the disaster is too severe to be reversed. There is one matter that I must truthfully report to the emperor."

Jiajing raised his eyes: "Speak."

Ouyang Bijin spoke in a calm and steady voice: "The most difficult thing now is not that the government has no solution, but that government orders are difficult to implement. Shuntian Prefecture and the Five City Military Commands can deal with the unruly people in the city, but they cannot suppress the noble families. The officials of the Six Ministries can manage civil affairs and dispatch, but they cannot appease the people's anxiety."

The powerful families in the capital, who received hereditary stipends from the imperial court and possessed vast mansions and granaries, remained closed to the snow for days on end, feasting and standing idly by, with not a single person contributing grain or salary to help the displaced people.

Foreign officials, being of limited rank, had no authority to supervise or reprimand the nobility. Even if they were repeatedly informed, the officials would only pay lip service and turn a deaf ear.

Furthermore, the common people had been suffering from the severe cold and high food prices for days, and their hearts were filled with fear. They believed that the government was shirking its responsibilities and failing to do anything.

"We, your humble servants, have been running around day and night overseeing the work, but ultimately it is only our duty as subjects that we can do so. It is difficult to reassure the people and the nation. If this continues, I fear that a complete solution will not be possible."

That's true. Xun Gui doesn't have much power anymore, but he's also not someone to mess with. After all, his ancestors were either founders of the country or those who fought in the Jingnan Campaign. Their positions were hereditary and passed down through generations, and they had too many relatives and friends.

Someone else is still putting in the effort! Zhu Zaizhen was quite surprised.

Ouyang Bijin's words made his meaning very clear, and everyone present couldn't help but look at Prince Jing. Zhu Zaizhen faced the gazes of the crowd without any hesitation, but calmly met them.

Upon seeing this, Jiajing's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

"Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty to appoint a prince to assist in the disaster relief efforts!"

Yan Song was initially surprised because Ouyang Bijin had not consulted him beforehand, but now he realized that it seemed to be a good idea.

Although King Jing was not mentioned directly, there were only a few possible outcomes, none of which were unacceptable to him.

If His Majesty refuses, then disaster relief will proceed as normal; if His Majesty orders Prince Jing, then relief will be provided in a very short time.

If it's just Prince Yu, then the disaster relief efforts won't be able to proceed. If both princes are involved, then there must be a division of labor, which will ultimately showcase Prince Jing's brilliance. Based on his understanding of the Emperor, it's likely that both princes are involved.

Jiajing pondered for a moment, and as soon as he heard it, he wanted to reject it, but after thinking about it carefully, he felt it was feasible, not because of the reasons given by Ouyang Bijin.

Rather, it was because if Prince Yu and Prince Jing were sent, then the Qingliu faction and the Yan faction would have to compete, and the disaster relief would no longer be just a matter of disaster relief.

Yan's faction, in order to support Prince Jing, will certainly mobilize its connections, resources, and local forces to fully cooperate.

Those who are loyal to Prince Yu will change their previous wait-and-see attitude and work hard to raise funds and suppress public opinion.

With these two forces working together, even the most difficult disasters should be able to be quickly contained.

By then, the snowstorm will have stopped, the people will be able to live in peace, and the criticisms in the court and the public about the auspicious snow turning into a disaster will naturally disappear, leaving only the emperor's skillful management and boundless grace.

Moreover, he also wanted to see how the various nobles in the capital would react to his decree, and how much wealth they actually possessed.

Normally they hide things, but this auspicious snow will reveal how much impurity there is.

"Grand Secretary Yan, immediately draft an edict and send it to all government offices, instructing all nobles and hereditary military officials in the capital that when the court is in trouble and the people are suffering, all those who receive the court's salary and the nation's favor have the responsibility to provide relief. Anyone who conceals grain reserves or refuses to donate will be punished for disobeying the imperial edict."

Having made up his mind, Jiajing slowly spoke: "I will appoint Prince Yu and Prince Jing to jointly manage the disaster relief affairs in the capital region."

Xu Jie breathed a sigh of relief; he had been worried that only Prince Jing would be leaving the palace on official business.

The ministers then exclaimed in unison that the Emperor was wise, and Zhu Zaizhen knelt down to receive the decree.

Immediately afterwards, Yan Song led the rest of the group back to discuss the matter, leaving only Zhu Zaizhen in the hall to go to the cabinet with Prince Yu for his duties later.

Jiajing carefully observed his expression and suddenly asked, "Why aren't you saying anything?"

Zhu Zaizhen's expression was serious, without any joking or laughing: "Reporting to Father Emperor, this matter is of great importance. Your subject is pondering how to do things in a way that will live up to Father Emperor's expectations."

"So what came to your mind?"

"Your Majesty, I think disaster relief is not difficult at all." Zhu Zaizhen touched the square seal he had just received: "It's nothing more than money and grain. If the Ministry of Revenue can't squeeze out the funds, then we can only ask for some or borrow some from each household."

"You think I'll just give it to you if you want it?" Jiajing's words carried a hint of sarcasm. The imperial decree was not to confiscate property, and the court was not a bandit gang. It could not break the rules and shake people's hearts by forcibly seizing and extorting.

Zhu Zaizhen nodded: "If there's an imperial decree, they'll definitely give something, but I guess it'll just be a token gesture, and they'll complain about being poor."

When this kid gets serious, he's actually quite decent. He doesn't rush headlong into things, nor does he act like a mere decoration and ignore everything. He also has a fairly clear understanding of things.

Jiajing became quite interested: "So, what are you planning to do?"

Zhu Zaizhen spoke eloquently: "First, we will divide them into three classes, including the prominent families and wealthy merchants in Beijing."

Those who have been loyal and virtuous for generations, whose families have a clean and upright tradition, and who have a history of making charitable donations, will surely take the initiative to donate grain and firewood and show compassion for the common people if we simply inform the Emperor of his will and give them some guidance. This is a commendable act that should be recognized and rewarded to demonstrate the Emperor's grace.

For families that are moderate and complacent, neither achieving anything significant nor making any major mistakes, appropriate pressure should be applied, but excessive demands should be avoided. They should be encouraged to donate within their means and fulfill their duties as subjects. This way, money and provisions can be raised while maintaining harmony in the court.

As for those who possess immense wealth, hoard goods and engage in speculation, rely on their family's privileges to disregard the imperial court and the people's hardships, they will surely hoard grain and firewood to sell at high prices. Their property should be confiscated according to the law and used for disaster relief.

Jiajing nodded: "That's right, but these methods can only be used against ordinary families. The descendants of the founding heroes and those who made contributions to the Jingnan Campaign, the dukes and marquises, it's not like they've committed a serious crime like treason, do you really dare to confiscate their property?"

Zhu Zaizhen cupped his hands in greeting: "I dare not presume. That is why I have not yet decided, but since Father has entrusted me with this task, I will certainly accomplish it to relieve your worries!"

Emperor Jiajing was pleased with these words, as he liked people who could help him solve problems without shirking responsibility.

But on the surface, he simply said, "Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; the worst thing is to be impatient and extreme. Disaster relief is the priority, but we cannot disregard everything else for the sake of disaster relief."

When dealing with meritorious officials, punish the wicked without exterminating the masses, establish authority without indiscriminate killing, deter corruption and selfishness, and consider the overall situation.

"Your subject will humbly follow your father's teachings."

A moment later, Prince Yu also arrived in a hurry.

After exchanging greetings, Jiajing asked him, "What are your plans for disaster relief?"

Prince Yu paused for a moment: "Your subject is willing to donate all his savings, and then, as Your Majesty instructed, discuss disaster relief matters with the ministers, properly resettle the disaster victims, and live up to Your Majesty's trust."

Jiajing looked quietly at Prince Yu standing below the steps, a hint of helplessness quietly spreading in his eyes.

Disaster relief is not something that can be accomplished by one person donating money. Thousands of refugees need massive amounts of money, food, firewood, charcoal, and shelter.

Moreover, they also have to deal with deeply entrenched corrupt officials and the turbulent public opinion in the government and the countryside. There are obstacles everywhere. What use is a so-called benevolent heart?

"You may go."

"promise."

The two were wrapped up tightly again in the hall. Huang Jin had also arranged a warm sedan chair with a vermilion bamboo frame, a helmet-shaped dome, a gilded vase on top, and gold and red ribbons hanging from the four corners. The eaves were covered with a thick layer of oiled silk to protect them from rain and snow.

The sedan chair was tightly sealed on all four sides, with double-layered thick brocade curtains hanging down. The outer layer was made of scarlet brocade with cloud and python patterns, and the inner layer was lined with fine mink fur. The layers were fastened and sealed tightly, preventing even a bit of cold wind from getting in.

After the two princes took their seats, the procession immediately headed towards the duty room. Prince Yu was both nervous and excited, as it was his first time handling such a matter.

Zhu Zaizhen took the initiative to ask, "I heard Gao Gong has returned. How is your relationship with him, Brother Wang?"

This was a completely irrelevant question, but Prince Yu still replied, "It's alright. Mr. Gao does have a bit of a temper, but he's a good person and respectful."

Zhu Zaizhen said with satisfaction, "That's good. Gao Gong is truly talented. Brother Wang, get along well with him."

Brother, you need to be a bit stronger, or I might be in danger.

Seeing Zhu Zaizhen like this, Prince Yu was also somewhat moved. Everyone said that Prince Jing must not be able to stand to see him doing well, but he knew himself that it was not like that.

Actually, if you think about it, if Zaizhen had become emperor, he probably would have lived a very good life.