The next morning,
Zhu Mo meticulously followed a strict procedure: first submitting it to the Tongzhengsi, which then reported to the Grand Secretariat. Gao Gong reviewed it first, then passed it to Xu Jie. After Xu Jie’s review, it went to Yan Shifan and Yan Song.
He was certain that Yan Song would agree. Of the officials involved, Zhao Zhenji was Xu Jie’s disciple, and Yin Zhengmao was Gao Gong’s disciple; both could be reinstated at any time. As for Zhang Siwei, Ma Ziqiang, Xu Xuemo, Pan Sheng, and Gui Youguang, they had either not yet passed the Jinshi examination or were still minor officials, posing no threat to the Yan family.
Moreover, the Yan family had recently suffered a severe blow and was temporarily unable to retaliate. Besides, hadn't the Qingliu faction yet to move against the Yan family's allies? For instance, wasn't Zheng Bichang still serving as governor? And wasn't the Xian Tong Ji case being investigated? There had been no announcement of halting the investigation.
With these considerations, Yan Song indeed agreed. By noon, someone from the Tongzhengsi replied: the Grand Secretariat had already drafted the proposal. The outcome was largely as anticipated—
Zhao Zhenji was granted special permission to take office despite being in mourning, appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue; Yin Zhengmao was appointed as Surveillance Commissioner of Jiangnan; Xu Ying as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice in Nanjing; Zhang Siwei as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel in Nanjing; Ma Ziqiang as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing; Xu Xuemo as Prefect of Hangzhou; Pan Sheng as Surveillance Commissioner of Jiangxi; and Gui Youguang was specially promoted to Compiler of the Hanlin Academy.
What surprised Zhu Mo was that his own name was not mentioned, yet the imperial decree added a title for him: Grand Scholar of the Left Spring Palace.
Upon investigation, this position was of the fifth rank and fell under the jurisdiction of the Zhan Shi Fu. However, the official posts within the Zhan Shi Fu were actually a pathway for promotions for Hanlin Academy personnel. It seemed to pose no problem.
He mused that it was likely Xu Jie who proposed it in the final draft, naturally as a small gesture of reciprocity. This official post, compared to his previous unofficial position as a scholar-in-residence, actually skipped the rank of Hanlin Compiler. It should also indicate the preliminary recognition of him by the Qingliu faction.
This arrangement of personnel, while appearing to be proposed by the Qingliu faction on the surface—after all, wasn't Zhu Mo personally recommended by Xu Jie?—actually, at this point, the more significant officials in the court had a general understanding.
Zhu Mo’s actions must have had the Emperor’s approval. As for why the Emperor praised Zhu Mo’s strategies, besides the volume of Qingci poetry, there must have been other factors that no one knew.
Some believed that Zhu Mo, being a Daoist, was recommended to the Emperor by the Azure Immortal from Chaotian Temple. Others thought it might have been a vassal prince, as he was surnamed Zhu. Or perhaps a high-ranking official from the Embroidered Uniform Guard mentioned it to Lu Fang, who then advised the Emperor, such as Zhang Er or Lu Bing, as the Embroidered Uniform Guard also followed his lead. Such speculations abounded.
As for Zhu Mo’s intentions and the significant deeds he planned to undertake, even the prominent figures like Xu Jie, Gao Gong, Yan Song, and Li Chunfang were unclear. They could only proceed step by step, as this Emperor always played his cards unpredictably. But since Zhu Mo had already accomplished significant things and the Emperor had not disapproved, they could only follow along, provided they proceeded cautiously.
Zhu Mo himself felt that the memorial on "Governing the Court," submitted by the old Daoist through the Azure Immortal to the Emperor, might have played a role.
Otherwise, how could someone as cautious as Xu Jie have stepped forward to recommend him? And why did the imperial decree consistently commend him for his actions, with no objections from the Grand Secretariat officials? And why was the Yan Song father-son faction so wary? It was evident that Jiajing, at least, agreed with some aspects, particularly cracking down on officials and strengthening imperial power, especially with the impending handover.
Of course, it was also possible that Jiajing was genuinely moved by his ideas. He likely wanted to see Zhu Mo act first. If successful, it would facilitate a smooth handover to Prince Yu and achieve everlasting glory. If he failed, Zhu Mo, an unknown figure, would serve as a scapegoat to appease public opinion.
After all, Jiajing did not know him, nor did they have any connection. As for the Azure Immortal, who knew what that was? One couldn't possibly claim that these significant events were orchestrated by the Azure Immortal and Zhu Mo.
After much deliberation,
Zhu Mo felt that it all aligned with Emperor Jiajing’s style: everything was shrouded in mystery, a haze of uncertainty, as if all events were caused by others and he had no involvement. If anything went wrong, he would simply wave his sleeves and disavow all responsibility.
However,
Regardless,
Power
was now in his hands.
The first step had also been taken.
Xu Jie, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, the three giants, and the Qingliu gentry across the land had finally begun to respond to his reforms. This was a good thing, far better than achieving nothing. If the Emperor were to go back on his word and suppress him, he would have to be vigilant and escape in advance.
Of course, there was another concern:
When the swift birds are gone, the good bows are put away;
When the hares are dead, the hounds are roasted.
If he succeeded, he would have to retreat wisely at the peak of his success.
If he didn't leave, would he wait for Jiajing to grant him a royal title?
...
That night, in the Yan residence,
Amidst the tranquility, an undercurrent of unease flowed.
Several household retainers sensed the gravity of the situation and felt great surprise, but more so, immense helplessness.
The Yan family, having been struck by Zhu Mo, had indeed lost their footing in recent months. Since the Young Grand Secretary, they had been making erratic moves, fundamentally underestimating their opponent. Furthermore, Zhu Mo was too young; who could have predicted his ruthlessness?
Yan Shifan held a cup of wine, gazing absently out the window. Gao Hanwen, Luo Longwen, Zhang Jing, Zhao Wenhua, Yan Maoqing—all sat with heads bowed, silent. The elder Yan Song reclined on a couch, dozing.
After an unknown period,
Yan Shifan turned, drained his wine in one gulp, and muttered to himself:
“An eighty-year-old mother giving birth to an infant… Now it’s over, we Yan family are truly disgraced. You few who wish to change allegiances, hurry up. If you’re late, you might not even get the scraps.”
In the morning, he had initially disagreed with his father but couldn't prevail. Now, after enduring the entire day, he finally couldn't resist speaking sarcastically.
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately lowered their heads further. Among those present, Luo Longwen and Yan Maoqing were the core members and naturally felt compelled to respond.
Luo Longwen cleared his throat and said:
“Young Grand Secretary, although the situation is unfavorable, it is far from this point… Zhu Mo, Xu, Gao, and Zhang have indeed accomplished many significant things. The Emperor is pleased, and it is not unreasonable for him to recommend a few individuals. Moreover, Zhao Zhenji is returning to office after mourning, Yin Zhengmao is a confidant of Gao Gong, and Xu Ying is Xu Jie’s son. What can we say? Those younger ones are also talented individuals; we cannot block their paths. Besides, they only seek official positions, all in Nanjing…
In my opinion, these few are not as important. The key figures are Pan Sheng, Gui Youguang, and Xu Xuemo, all from Jiangnan, as well as Zhang Siwei and Ma Ziqiang, who represent the influential clans of the realm. Young Grand Secretary, Grand Secretary, your subordinate believes that the gentry have already become estranged. We are ultimately a step behind… Alas, what the Young Grand Secretary criticized earlier is accurate; we have all become complacent in recent years. Not only were we slow to seize opportunities, but we also rarely visited the provinces and are unaware of the thoughts of the gentry at the local level…”
Having spoken,
He deeply felt the seriousness of the situation and bowed deeply to Yan Song and Yan Shifan, acknowledging his fault. His words were indeed heartfelt, and everyone felt a shared sentiment, sighing and shaking their heads.
“Indeed, indeed, Luo Longwen understands the prevailing trend…”
The elder Yan Song, who had seemed drowsy, had actually been exceedingly clear-minded. Seeing that his subordinates had now come to their senses, he felt a measure of comfort and finally regained his composure, having fully grasped the situation.
Despite all calculations, he never expected that at over eighty years old, with the Emperor nearing sixty, he would encounter such a peculiar reform.
Yes, his Yan family was destined to confront the Zhu family sooner or later. He was aware of this and had a general idea of the outcome. Defeat would mean execution and confiscation of property; victory would establish them as a powerful ruling clan, similar to the Taiyuan Hegemony of Gao Huan in the Northern Dynasties, potentially controlling the Great Ming for several generations.
The vast majority of scholars and officials would not oppose his Yan family. On the day of confrontation, any incident could cause the majority of officials to stand with them. He estimated that at least two-thirds of the scholars and officials across the land would switch sides. The blame would be borne by the Zhu family, and the scholars would lead the condemnation, making the disparity in strength crystal clear. Everyone would understand their position.
Even some within the Zhu family’s Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Directorate of Ceremonial would side with them. For instance, Zhang Er and Lu Bing of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the eunuchs Huang Jin and Chen Hong, had already become wealthy families. As for Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong, and Xu Jie, as long as they were not executed, they would be grateful.
The Emperor was indeed formidable, but no matter how formidable, he could only manage all the officials in the land. Therefore, he had once believed that the situation was already set, and the greatest winner would be the powerful minister, the only difference being whether his surname was Yan or Zhang.
But now, the Emperor was reforming? And he used a member of the royal family, Zhu Mo!
After more than twenty years of knowing this Emperor, he could no longer discern his intentions. These blows were like cutting bone and flesh, and within a few months, the Yan family, established for twenty years, was rendered defenseless.
After much thought, Yan Song genuinely regretted not confronting the Emperor sooner, allowing the Emperor and the Zhu family to gain the upper hand. He himself was truly old, and his son was corrupt and foolish, leading to the Qingliu faction also seizing an advantage.
Fortunately,
They also feared the Yan family and had not yet taken action against key figures, only recommending a few third and fourth-rank officials: Zhao Zhenji, Yin Zhengmao, and Xu Ying. Even if not now, they would eventually be given positions. As for those younger ones like Xu Xuemo and Pan Sheng, they were not yet prominent. The rise of Zhang Siwei and Ma Ziqiang indicated that some influential gentry and clans had also understood the situation and made a bold speculative move. Even if the speculation failed, it would at most result in dismissal, without crippling them.
Although all this was very unfavorable, as Luo Longwen had said, it was far from the final stage. Zhu Mo and the Qingliu faction had only just emerged, and compared to the deeply rooted Yan family, they were insignificant.
The Yan family still had opportunities; they still possessed influence. As long as they responded appropriately, the realm would remain firmly in Yan Song’s hands.