Chapter 46: The Leader of the Eastern Palace Faction

The meow of Frost Brow echoed from deep within the Wuyi Hall. The mischievous cat seemed to have happily feasted on some dried fish, its calls full of joy.

Zhu Zaiyu’s expression brightened noticeably. Bowing, he began, “Your Majesty, I am aware that recently in court, the trial of the sea reclamation in Laizhou Prefecture has sparked fierce debate. Various factions are attacking each other, all seemingly eager to claim the position overseeing this project.”

In truth, he himself was somewhat uncertain. The main issue was gauging the old Taoist priest’s attitude towards him.

The Jiajing Emperor smiled faintly. “So you wish to have Gao Gong and Yang Jisheng oversee the sea reclamation in Laizhou?”

Zhu Zaiyu nodded without reservation.

Jiajing gave a thoughtful hum, his gaze shifting. “Gao Gong is now a Reader at the Hanlin Academy. If appointed to an external post, he could directly hold a position in the Censorate. It wouldn’t be out of place to grant him the title of Assistant Censor. As for Yang Jisheng…”

Huang Jin immediately interjected, “Master, Yang Jisheng was just promoted this year from the Nanjing Ministry of Personnel.”

Huang Jin actually kept closer track of personnel movements inside and outside the court than even the emperor.

Jiajing nodded. “You intend for him to take charge of the Shandong Denglai Military Preparedness Circuit and concurrently the Shandong Maritime Circuit?”

Many times, Zhu Zaiyu found himself admiring the old Taoist priest’s political acumen and skill. He only mentioned Zhu Heng, Gao Gong, and Yang Jisheng, yet the emperor clearly knew what posts he envisioned for each.

He understood that Zhu Zaiyu favored Zhu Heng as governor of the southeastern provinces, Gao Gong to oversee the sea reclamation in Laizhou Prefecture, and most importantly, that Yang Jisheng was to be appointed to the Denglai Military Preparedness Circuit, which also covered the Shandong Maritime Circuit.

The Denglai Military Preparedness Circuit’s primary responsibilities were managing the military and civil affairs of Laizhou and Dengzhou prefectures, supervising the garrisons, overseeing their finances and agricultural colonies.

Since the twelfth year of the Hongzhi era, this post also included authority over the Shandong Maritime Circuit and the Dengzhou sub-circuit.

By appointing Yang Jisheng here, he would control the troops of Laizhou and Dengzhou, manage Shandong’s coastal regions, and supervise local governance in Dengzhou.

This arrangement would coordinate perfectly with Gao Gong’s efforts in the sea reclamation project.

Zhu Zaiyu answered candidly, “Your Majesty is wise. I indeed have this plan. Gao Gong, leaving the Hanlin Academy to become Assistant Censor, will lead the sea reclamation in Laizhou. Given his character, he would never tolerate interference from others, nor allow the southeastern provinces to meddle. With Yang Jisheng managing the military affairs of Laizhou and Dengzhou, and overseeing the local administration, Gao Gong will have no worries in Shandong.”

Jiajing’s eyes showed approval at his son’s firm reply.

It was no great feat to consider Zhu Heng, with his experience governing in Fujian, for the southeastern provincial governor. Nor was it remarkable to entrust a close official like Gao Gong with the sea reclamation.

But the decision to use Yang Jisheng as head of the Denglai Military Preparedness Circuit demonstrated genuine insight into court politics and a deep understanding of the relationship between the central government and localities.

Jiajing nodded appreciatively. “If so, the Military Preparedness Circuit of Qingzhou must relinquish its authority over Laizhou sub-circuit, transferring it to the Denglai Military Preparedness Circuit. Only then can Yang Jisheng fully exercise his powers in Laizhou and Dengzhou, coordinating seamlessly with Gao Gong.”

Zhu Zaiyu remained silent, secretly sympathizing with the current Qingzhou Military Preparedness chief, who was likely about to lose control over Laizhou’s sub-circuit.

Jiajing then said, “But since the Crown Prince has already recommended candidates for the sea reclamation in Laizhou and the Denglai Military Preparedness post, why have the magistrates of Laizhou and Dengzhou not made any recommendations?”

Zhu Zaiyu promptly replied, “Nothing is ever perfect; no preparation can be considered sufficient. Instead of striving for perfection, it is better to leave an obvious flaw on the surface. This way, we can test the magistrates of the two prefectures and their county magistrates, to see whether they secretly collude with the southeast or remain loyal to Your Majesty.”

That was his official answer.

Yet in his heart, Zhu Zaiyu doubted. If he had more capable people at hand, would he truly leave the positions of magistrate in Laizhou and Dengzhou to outsiders?

“Meow!”

A sudden meow sounded.

Frost Brow, who had been absent for some time, suddenly appeared from nowhere, leapt gracefully onto Jiajing’s leg, then rubbed its furry face against the emperor’s hand.

Jiajing, who had been contemplating for some time, immediately smiled upon seeing Frost Brow return. Clearing his throat, he caught the attention of Zhu Zaiyu and Huang Jin.

Then he looked at Huang Jin.

“Draft the edict: approve the Crown Prince’s recommendations.”

“Zhu Heng is promoted to Right Vice Censor and dispatched to inspect Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, concurrently overseeing maritime military affairs. He shall hold supreme military and civil authority in the two provinces; all offices of the Three Departments shall obey his orders.”

“Gao Gong is promoted to Left Assistant Censor of the Censorate and assigned to lead the sea reclamation in Laizhou Prefecture. The Three Departments in Shandong shall obey and assist, and the prefectures of Laizhou and Dengzhou shall comply fully. The central departments shall cooperate as needed; memorials shall be submitted directly to the throne.”

“Yang Jisheng is promoted to Right Assistant Censor and appointed Deputy Director of the Shandong Surveillance Commission, overseeing the Denglai Military Preparedness Circuit, the Shandong Maritime Circuit, and the Denglai sub-circuit.”

Jiajing agreed to the entire proposal without adding or deleting a single word, much to Zhu Zaiyu’s surprise.

Just as Zhu Zaiyu was about to praise the old Taoist priest as a good father, Jiajing smiled meaningfully.

“Dispatch orders summoning Zhu Heng, Gao Gong, and Yang Jisheng to the Wenhua Hall to hear the Crown Prince announce their commissions.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zaiyu’s face fell.

Jiajing’s smile deepened, his eyes twinkling as he gestured teasingly, “Go to Wenhua Hall at once. And if you dare to tease Frost Brow with dried fish again, you’ll be punished by copying the entire Zuo Zhuan!”

Zhu Zaiyu, who had been wondering why the old Taoist priest made him announce the edict, suddenly tensed up.

He looked up and saw the playful yet warning gleam in Jiajing’s eyes.

Zuo Zhuan! That was nearly two hundred thousand characters!

All for a cat!

Is he more beloved as a son or as a cat?!

Yet there was nothing he could do. Heaven only knew how the old Taoist priest found out he'd secretly fed Frost Brow dried fish.

With the prepared edict in hand, Zhu Zaiyu fled the Longevity Palace under Jiajing’s watchful gaze.

Returning to the Wenhua Hall, he immediately urged Feng Bao to bring tea and gulped down several large sips before muttering bitterly, “So stingy!”

Feng Bao looked on, utterly puzzled.

Just a trip to the Longevity Palace had rattled the Crown Prince so much?

Meanwhile, Zhu Zaiyu was already flipping through the Zuo Zhuan, weighing the pros and cons of copying the entire text versus sneaking treats to the cat.

He was already practicing calligraphy daily, so copying the Zuo Zhuan wouldn’t be much of a punishment.

And bringing Frost Brow back was a skill of his own.

Soon, he had made up his mind: this was worth it.

Back at the Longevity Palace, the Jiajing Emperor, rarely so tender, cradled Frost Brow as he stepped out of the palace. With Huang Jin attending, he strolled by the Taiye Pool.

His palm gently stroked the cat as he looked toward the Eastern Palace, a smile playing on his lips.

“Tell me, why do you think I had that rascal announce the edict?”

Huang Jin looked up toward the Eastern Palace, then shook his head. “Master commands heaven and earth, governs yin and yang. I cannot guess.”

Jiajing chuckled, his smile broadening.

“Out there, the rumor is that the Crown Prince’s excursions for study and court observation mean that Zhang Zhi and Zhang Juzheng have become partisans of the Eastern Palace.”

Hearing this, Huang Jin’s heart tightened. He glanced worriedly at the emperor, wanting to advise him, but dared not speak rashly.

Then, Jiajing snorted coldly. “That’s a dangerous whisper. Are they trying to fill my ears with thoughts of the Crown Prince usurping the throne?”

The sun was high, the air hot, waves rippling over the lake, yet Huang Jin felt a chill all around.

Jiajing’s brows darkened, his tone frosty. “Are they trying to drive a wedge between me and the Crown Prince, or plotting to harm this father and son of the heavenly dynasty?”

Huang Jin could never have imagined that what was once whispered in the previous reign would be twisted into such a meaning in the emperor’s ears.

Yet Jiajing continued coldly, “Since they claim my Ming Dynasty now has an Eastern Palace faction, and the Crown Prince is recruiting secret officials under the guise of study and court observation…”

He let out a derisive laugh.

This emperor, who had ruled for nearly thirty years, spoke with amusement and scorn.

“Then I shall become the head of this Eastern Palace faction!”

“I want to see who dares not be a follower of the Eastern Palace in the future!”