Chapter 139 Since I am suffering from many diseases and my hair is gray, I will retire.

On the second day's morning court session, all the civil and military officials entered the Fengtian Hall in high spirits. After greeting each other, they began to prepare for today's court session.

When the imperial edict arrived last night, they felt relieved and could finally have a good night's sleep.

Moreover, the morning court time was postponed and accompanied by a detailed schedule, which did not delay their work at all.

This relieved the ministers of the burden of attending the morning court.

"My dear ministers, did you have a good rest last night?"

Zhu Biao, who was sitting on the dragon throne, looked at this group of lively ministers and smiled.

"Reporting to His Royal Highness, I haven't slept so soundly in a long time."

The Minister of Revenue, Qie Si, smiled heartily and bowed.

"As I get older, if I don't sleep well, I won't have much energy for the whole day."

The Minister of Justice Shang Hao also bowed and smiled.

Although he did not blame Zhu Yuanzhang openly, his tone probably showed that he still had some resentment towards Zhu Yuanzhang.

But it's normal to think about it. After attending the morning court for nine years, it would be strange if there was no resentment.

But if Zhu Yuanzhang were here, they naturally wouldn't dare to laugh so heartily.

After all, if Old Zhu gets unhappy, heads will fall one after another and blood will surge everywhere.

But the person in front of him is Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

As long as they don't commit crimes or bend the law for personal gain, they, as a group of court officials, will live a comfortable life according to the new system of the court.

"The court changed the system for you, so you must also be worthy of the court."

"I hope that the time of the morning court session will be changed, and the national strength of our Ming Dynasty will flourish."

Zhu Biao also chuckled, and then said very seriously: "To put it bluntly, the court is thinking about you, and you also have to think about the court, understand?"

"Please rest assured, Your Highness, we are loyal to our country and will never do anything to disobey you."

Of course, the ministers understood what Zhu Biao meant, and they bowed immediately.

"Ah."

Zhu Biao nodded in satisfaction, then waved his hand and said, "If you have a document, please submit it today. If you don't, please leave the court."

"I have this memorial."

As soon as Zhu Biao finished speaking, the Imperial Censor Chen Ning stepped forward, then looked at Zhu Biao and bowed, saying, "This old minister impeaches Yihui Earl Liu Jizu for forced buying and selling, bullying the people, and committing lawlessness."

When these words were spoken, no one in the court expressed surprise. After all, those who should understand understood. Who among those present was not an old fox?
All the evidence of Yihuibo Liu Jizu and his son's crimes have been made public, and the impeachment memorial submitted by the Censorate today is just an attempt to step on their heels.

After all, the fact that Zhu Yuanzhang handed Liu Jizu's case over to the Censorate already made the problem clear.

"Regarding the case of Yihuibo Liu Jizu, as Your Majesty wishes, the Imperial Censorate will make the conviction and the execution will be carried out according to Your Majesty's wishes."

"In the early years of the Hongwu reign, Your Majesty, remembering his kindness, conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Yihui. He is also the only Marquis of En in the Ming Dynasty."

"But Liu Jizu did not appreciate the court's kindness, and he exploited the people and the people. This is something the court cannot tolerate."

"Even if there is a favor, it cannot make up for his numerous faults. If his crime is difficult to prove, the Censorate can report it and continue to reduce his title and confiscate his property to deter these thieves with ulterior motives."

"Because the court's kindness is never coercion, but a grace from heaven. If this kindness is exhausted, they will be sorry for the court and His Majesty."

A cold look flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes.

The meaning is very clear, that is, Zhu Yuanzhang's meaning is Zhu Yuanzhang's meaning, not Zhu Biao's meaning.

Since they have been treated so cruelly, there is no need to show mercy. We should also let them understand the strictness of the laws of the Ming Dynasty, and even princes and nobles cannot challenge them.

"Old minister understands."

Chen Ning naturally understood Zhu Biao's hidden meaning, so he quickly bowed.

If the crime is unforgivable, there will be no En Hou in the Ming Dynasty, only a traitor who has committed a heinous crime.

So should he die or not?
It is the people of Fengyang who should convict Liu Jizu.

"Your Highness, I have something to report to you."

The Imperial Censor Tu Jie took another step forward, looked at the Crown Prince Zhu Biao and said, "I want to impeach the Left Prime Minister of the Secretariat, Wang Guangyang, for being lazy and inactive."

"According to the investigation and evidence collected by our Censorate, the Left Prime Minister Wang Guangyang never sorted out government affairs. Even half a month ago, except for the morning court, he had not been to the Secretariat."

After saying this, Tu Jie looked coldly at Wang Guangyang, the Left Prime Minister of the Secretariat, with a barely perceptible sarcasm flashing in his eyes.

Yihuibo Liu Jizu is just an appetizer, while Wang Guangyang is the main course of today's morning court, so they must not be confused.

Hearing this, Wang Guangyang broke out in a cold sweat and his face turned three shades paler, but this was also a helpless move.

Hu Weiyong controlled the Secretariat and eliminated dissidents on a large scale. If Wang Guangyang had not protected himself, how could he be alive today?

Therefore, ever since Hu Weiyong stripped Wang Guangyang of his power, Wang Guangyang has stopped handling government affairs.

Anyway, with Hu Weiyong's people around, the court's decrees can be implemented unimpeded, so there is no need for Wang Guangyang.

But he didn't expect that after being so cautious, Hu Weiyong still wanted to torture him to death?
Thinking of this, Wang Guangyang clenched his fists again. He was just cautious and good at protecting himself, but he was not a fool.

Because the evidence was conclusive and he underestimated Hu Weiyong's ruthlessness, he suffered this misfortune, so Wang Guangyang had no way to break the situation.

But his crime was not punishable by death. After all, Wang Guangyang was a meritorious official in Huaixi. If he was just lazy and negligent in his administration, he should have been demoted from the court.

Wang Guangyang, who had figured it out, felt relieved.

After all, he no longer had the desire to climb up the social ladder, and he had no attachment to power. Although his title was only that of earl, it was enough for him.

It would be better to use this incident to escape from the court and leave a good ending.

Don't be like Liu Bowen, who was extremely intelligent throughout his life, but was just a stepping stone for Hu Weiyong.

"Your Highness, I am old and ill, with a head full of gray hair. I am really overwhelmed."

Wang Guangyang, who had figured it out, immediately looked at Zhu Biao and kowtowed:

Instead of explaining too much, it is better to admit it openly, but Wang Guangyang must fill this pit well.

"After all, with Prime Minister Hu in charge of the Secretariat, the affairs of the Secretariat will not be neglected, and the old ministers can work less."

"But I cannot escape the blame for my negligence and inaction. I beg Your Highness to punish me."

After a pause, Wang Guangyang looked at Zhu Biao and confessed his guilt sincerely.

But after these words fell, Hu Weiyong's expression changed slightly, and he even cursed in his heart.

Wang Guangyang had to dig a hole for him, and it was a hole that could not be refuted.

Although Wang Guangyang was lazy and negligent in his administration, the Secretariat still functioned effectively.

Wouldn't that be telling Zhu Biao that Wang Guangyang's power had long been hollowed out, so he could only be lazy and inactive, and do nothing.

Otherwise, what awaits Wang Guangyang is death.

But Wang Guangyang didn't want to die, so facing the unpredictable situation, he could only pretend to be deaf and dumb in order to live out his life.

"The old prime minister is old too, how can I blame him?"

"This is not the old prime minister's fault. It is because the court has no young talents to use. This is why the old prime minister, who is suffering from a myriad of illnesses, has to continue to serve the country and cannot enjoy his old age in peace."

"In this case, I will grant you a favor on behalf of His Majesty and let you retire now. The court will allow you to enjoy your remaining years in peace and recuperate." Seeing this, Zhu Biao still had a gentle smile on his face. He then looked at Wang Guangyang and waved his hand gently.

As soon as these words were spoken, all the ministers turned their eyes to Wang Guangyang, with strange looks in their eyes.

Being ill and having gray hair, the implication is that he is unable to handle government affairs and wants to take a leisurely job.

But no one expected Zhu Biao to be so cruel. When the salary reform was imminent, he kicked Wang Guangyang out of the court and forced him to retire and become a commoner. Wasn't this equivalent to cutting off Wang Guangyang's livelihood?
why?
Because only officials receive salaries, and after retiring, the salaries of ministers are halved and they no longer have any power.

Considering the big hole that Wang Guangyang has dug for Hu Weiyong today, if he doesn't even have any power, within a year at most, Wang Guangyang's fate will be almost the same as Liu Bowen's, and both will inevitably die.

"Your Highness, I can hold on for another two years."

Wang Guangyang's eyes were indeed anxious, and he spoke quickly.

He could leave the imperial court, but he could not be without power. Otherwise, he would be like a fish on the chopping board, at the mercy of others. Hu Weiyong would never let Wang Guangyang go.

So you must not retire, you must not retire
"The old prime minister is suffering from a myriad of illnesses and has a head full of white hair. I am deeply distressed."

"You should go back to your hometown and recuperate."

Zhu Gang raised his head and looked at Wang Guangyang, speaking softly with concern.

Wang Guangyang is fat and energetic. How can he look sick at all?
Although it is true that he has a head full of white hair, it is obvious that he will not have any problem living another ten years. So since Wang Guangyang said that he is unable to do it and the court does not need such a minister, then let him go.

"Prince Jin is right. We cannot let the court delay the old prime minister's recovery."

Zhu Biao also nodded with a smile, then waved his hand.

That means the meaning has been made up. You, Wang Guangyang, should stop refutation except to thank God for his grace.

Lest even this last bit of dignity disappear without a trace.

"This old minister thanks His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his great kindness."

Wang Guangyang sighed inwardly and kowtowed.

It is obvious that although Crown Prince Zhu Biao appears to be very gentle on the surface, his methods are clear. He must leave the court. From today onwards, the Secretariat will no longer have a left prime minister like Wang Guangyang.

"I am very sad that the Left Prime Minister knows about this, but I have no choice. After all, my health is the most important thing."

"So is there anyone else who can take on the position of Left Prime Minister of the Secretariat?"

"To share the country's worries?"

Seeing that Wang Guangyang had already expressed his gratitude, Zhu Biao raised his head again.

However, no one in the court, whether civil or military, stepped out, and all were still watching each other.

"Prime Minister Hu, do you have a candidate in mind?"

Zhu Biao looked at the silent civil and military officials, then turned to look at Hu Weiyong and asked softly.

"As the Right Prime Minister, how can I recommend anyone? Your Highness should make the decision."

Hu Weiyong shook his head slightly.

"The public-spirited are selfless, and the selfless are fearless. Prime Minister Hu, please speak candidly. I will never blame you, and I will not think too much about it."

Zhu Biao waved his hand.

"In this case, I recommend Li Jin, the Minister of the Secretariat, to be promoted to the position of Left Prime Minister."

After Hu Weiyong pondered for a moment, he spoke softly.

"it is good."

"I also admire Li Jin, so let him be promoted to the position of Left Prime Minister to help the country."

Zhu Biao nodded gently, then looked at Li Jin and said with a smile: "Li Jin, are you willing?"

"Your Highness, I am young and I am afraid I cannot take on such an important task."

Li Jin took a step forward, looked at Zhu Biao and bowed.

"Youth and vitality can bring vitality. Otherwise, if the Secretariat is full of old age, how can the court be renewed?"

Zhu Biao still waved his hand.

"Wei Chen is willing."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely set an example and perform my duties conscientiously."

Li Jin thought about it, then bowed and kowtowed, no longer refusing.

"Ah."

"Assist Prime Minister Hu well and do a good job for the court."

A gleam of light flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes, and he nodded slightly.

"Your Highness, please rest assured."

Li Jin kowtowed again.

Just this scene made Hu Weiyong a little confused. What did this mean?
He just recommended someone at random, even though he was his confidant, but did Zhu Biao agree so easily?
There must be something strange about this!
But Hu Weiyong really couldn't tell what was strange about it. But this was also a good thing. After all, he believed that Li Jin would never betray him.

"Oh, right, Prime Minister Hu is going to Zhejiang to implement the tax-sharing system, where officials and gentry will pay taxes together. However, I am afraid that Prime Minister Hu cannot handle the situation in Zhejiang alone."

"So, Duke Cao, you should accompany Prime Minister Hu to stabilize the situation and implement the tax-sharing system as soon as possible so that officials and gentry can pay taxes together."

A thoughtful look appeared in Zhu Biao's eyes again, and he looked at Duke Cao Li Wenzhong and gave instructions.

"Your Highness, Duke Cao is in charge of both the Grand Commandery and the Imperial College. His responsibilities are heavy and cannot be taken lightly."

Hu Weiyong took a step forward and shook his head.

"Prime Minister Hu, don't worry. From today on, the Grand Military Governor's Office will be changed to the Five Military Governor's Office. Someone will take charge of the important tasks. As for the Imperial College, I will take over temporarily."

Without waiting for Zhu Biao to speak, Zhu Gang took a step forward and looked at Hu Weiyong and said.

"Five Military Commandery?"

There was a flash of doubt in the eyes of all the ministers.

"The Grand Military Governor's Office was changed to the Five Military Governor's Offices of the Center, Left, Right, Front, and Rear."

"Each of the five military governorates manages a part of the army, and is specifically responsible for military registration and military administration, that is, the organization, management and administrative affairs of the army, but has no direct command authority."

"The command of military operations during wartime will be carried out by generals directly appointed by Your Majesty."

Zhu Gang said without even thinking.

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone could understand what Zhu Gang meant, which was to divide power and strengthen imperial power, thereby playing a role of checks and balances.

After all, if the Grand Marshal's Office continues like this for a long time, power will inevitably be over-concentrated, which will also pose a threat to the imperial power. Therefore, even if power differentiation is not done today, it will happen in the future.

What's more, the Five Military Commissions and the Ministry of War cooperated and checked each other. The Ministry of War was responsible for military policy formulation and personnel appointments and dismissals, while the Five Military Commissions managed specific military affairs. This setup avoided a single department from having too much military control.

"The minister obeys the order."

As a member of Zhu Gang's family, Li Wenzhong certainly understood what Zhu Gang meant. It was not because he did not trust him, Li Wenzhong, but for the sake of checks and balances during power transitions in future generations.

Today, Fengyang is exceptionally lively. Even though the weather is cold and snowing heavily, people are walking out of their homes and looking towards the city gate.

There was a hint of hatred in their eyes, more or less.

(End of this chapter)