Chapter 40

As early as the reign of the Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming Dynasty had abolished the system of prime ministers, concentrating power in the hands of the emperor. Later, the cabinet was established, which was originally intended to be a secretarial body to provide advice and draft edicts for the emperor, without any decision-making power.

However, during the reign of the Ming Xuangzong, due to the early death of the Xuangzong and the young age of the succeeding Yingzong, the Ming Dynasty began to be governed jointly by the cabinet ministers known as the "Three Yangs" and the Empress Dowager. The power of the cabinet thus began to expand.

It was not until the reign of the Ming Zong that Zhang Juzheng emerged, whose authority was the greatest among all the ministers of the Ming Dynasty. After Zhang Juzheng, the cabinet also gained the power to rival the emperor.

If a minister could enter the cabinet, he would be called a "cabinet minister" or "cabinet elder," usually three to five people, with the titles of "Chief Minister" and "Deputy Minister," each with different levels of power.

By today, the so-called "Chief Minister of the Cabinet," though without the title of prime minister, has in fact taken on the role of a prime minister, with such great power that it commands attention.

Zhou Shangjing has been in the cabinet for nearly thirty years and has served as the Chief Minister of the Cabinet for nearly ten years. His career has been stable and unshakable, a feat that even Zhang Juzheng could not achieve. After years of operation, Zhou Shangjing's power, though not as great as Zhang Juzheng's, is not far off. However, due to his low profile and caution, he does not have the same grand reputation as Zhang Juzheng.

Therefore, for Zhou Shangjing's invitation, Zhao Junchen naturally would not refuse.

"It is an honor for Junchen to be invited by the Chief Minister."

Facing Zhou Shangjing, Zhao Junchen showed respect and courtesy.

Upon hearing the conversation between Zhou Shangjing and Zhao Junchen, the surrounding court ministers tactfully took their leave.

After the surroundings were left with only Zhao Junchen and Zhou Shangjing, Zhou Shangjing looked at Zhao Junchen with a hint of surprise and said with a smile, "Junchen, you have matured a lot after being away from the capital for two months."

In the past, Zhao Junchen, relying on the emperor's favor, was not as courteous to Zhou Shangjing as he is now.

Zhao Junchen nodded and sighed, "This trip to Lu'an Prefecture has broadened my horizons and made me realize my former shallowness, for which I apologize to the Chief Minister."

As he spoke, Zhao Junchen bowed to Zhou Shangjing and said, "The former Zhao Junchen was ignorant and shallow, often offending the Chief Minister. I apologize here and ask the Chief Minister to be lenient, considering my youth in the past."

Zhao Junchen did not want to offend Zhou Shangjing, a powerful minister, so he was quite humble.

In response to Zhao Junchen's apology, Zhou Shangjing was even more surprised and quickly supported Zhao Junchen, saying, "Junchen, you are overthinking it. Who hasn't been young and impulsive? If I had achieved what you have at your age, I would have been even more arrogant. Besides, you haven't really offended me, so how can I blame you?"

After a few more polite exchanges, as the hour of Mao approached and the Wu Gate was about to open, Zhou Shangjing finally revealed his purpose.

"I heard that His Majesty summoned you yesterday?"

Zhao Junchen nodded and said, "Yes, His Majesty summoned me to discuss the southern tour."

Even if Zhao Junchen did not say it, Zhou Shangjing could still find out, so Zhao Junchen decided to be honest.

After coughing a few times, Zhou Shangjing asked, "So, have you found a way to solve the funding for the southern tour?"

As he spoke, he coughed a few more times.

Zhou Shangjing was already over seventy, a rare age in this era. His body was frail, and the cold and dew outside the Wu Gate were a torment to him. Despite this, Zhou Shangjing persisted, which earned Zhao Junchen's respect.

Therefore, when Zhou Shangjing coughed, Zhao Junchen did not rush to answer but walked to Zhou Shangjing's side, gently patting his back to help him regain his breath, and then said, "Yes, it's just a matter of three to fifty thousand taels of silver, not a difficult problem to solve."

Seeing Zhao Junchen's actions, Zhou Shangjing's eyes showed satisfaction, and he sighed, "Junchen's financial skills are indeed unparalleled."

After a slight hesitation, Zhou Shangjing continued, "However, I am against the southern tour. With these three to fifty thousand taels of silver, river works, border defense, and reserves are more meaningful than the southern tour. What do you think, Junchen?"

Zhao Junchen smiled and said, "That is something for His Majesty and the Chief Minister to consider. I am just responsible for preparing the funds for the court. As for how they are used, I have no say."

Seeing Zhao Junchen's response, Zhou Shangjing's eyes narrowed, and he slowly said, "Currently, the cabinet has one Chief Minister, one Deputy Minister, and two other ministers, totaling four people. According to court precedent, adding another minister is also possible."

Zhao Junchen seemed to realize something and looked at Zhou Shangjing in disbelief.

Zhou Shangjing smiled and nodded, as if confirming Zhao Junchen's guess, and continued, "If Junchen can find a way to stop the southern tour, I can guarantee that within three years, you will enter the cabinet!"

Hearing this, Zhao Junchen was even more surprised.

Entering the cabinet is the greatest temptation for court officials. Although Zhao Junchen's current position is not low and he has the emperor's favor, becoming a cabinet elder is still a distant dream, lacking the necessary experience, reputation, and connections. Without these, he does not even have the qualifications to be considered.

Only by entering the cabinet and becoming a cabinet elder does one have the authority to formulate and influence national policies, representing the power of the ministers and having the power to rival the emperor. In fact, the leaders of the major political forces in the court are the cabinet elders. Although Zhao Junchen has some power now, as long as he has not entered the cabinet, he is still a minor figure. Even if he wants to gather a faction, his limited influence only allows him to engage in small-scale activities.

Entering the cabinet is a great temptation for Zhao Junchen. If he relies solely on the support of Emperor Deqing and his own efforts, it might take ten years to have the qualifications to enter the cabinet. By then, it is uncertain whether Emperor Deqing will still be on the throne.

However, with Zhou Shangjing's support, everything would be different.

But compared to the temptation of entering the cabinet, Zhao Junchen was more curious about why Zhou Shangjing would rather help him enter the cabinet than allow Emperor Deqing to go on the southern tour.

After all, with Zhao Junchen's favor from the emperor, once he enters the cabinet, it would be a significant loss of power for Zhou Shangjing!

For a powerful minister like Zhou Shangjing, the loss of power is often the most unacceptable thing.

Could it be that something major has happened in the Jiangnan region that he is unaware of?

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PS: There were some issues at home, which delayed the time and affected my mood. There are only two chapters today, I apologize! There will be three chapters tomorrow.

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