Chapter 58

Zhao Junchen stood respectfully before Emperor Deqing, his expression calm.

After the initial turmoil of emotions, Zhao Junchen was now very calm.

For some reason, after the probing, and after gaining a slight understanding of Emperor Deqing's true thoughts about him, Zhao Junchen felt more at ease.

Fear stems from the unknown; now that he understood, he was less anxious.

Moreover, Zhao Junchen had long been prepared for how Emperor Deqing would view him.

On the other side, after this incident, Emperor Deqing looked down at Zhao Junchen from the imperial steps, stroking the thick stack of silver bills on the imperial desk, his expression extremely satisfied.

For such a favored minister, Emperor Deqing felt he should give some reward.

So, after a moment of contemplation, Emperor Deqing suddenly asked, "Junchen, I remember you are from Yangzhou, right?"

Zhao Junchen bowed his head and respectfully replied, "Your Majesty remembers clearly, I am from Yangzhou."

Emperor Deqing asked again, "Since the southern tour has been decided, you will accompany me next spring. When I tour the south, I will stay in Yangzhou for a few days. You can take the opportunity to return home in glory and see your hometown and its people. By the way, have you been in contact with your maternal family in recent years?"

Zhao Junchen was slightly taken aback, not understanding why Emperor Deqing was asking these questions, but he still shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, since I entered the court as an official, some people from my maternal family have come to try to establish a relationship with me, but..."

Seeing Zhao Junchen's hesitation, Emperor Deqing nodded understandingly and said, "You didn't pay attention to them, right? I understand. You are still resentful of how they expelled you and your mother from the clan, which ultimately led to your mother's death from overwork."

At this point, a shadow of sadness flashed across Emperor Deqing's face, and he sighed, "But this is a common practice among the people. Any family would do the same in such a situation. Ultimately, it can't be blamed on them. After this trip to Yangzhou, Junchen, you should reconcile with them. After all, they are the only relatives you have left in this world."

After a moment of silence, Zhao Junchen finally nodded and said, "Since Your Majesty says so, I will comply with your command."

Although Zhao Junchen had already been replaced by Li, the memories he inherited still influenced him to some extent, so he still did not particularly like his maternal relatives.

Seeing Zhao Junchen's reluctance, Emperor Deqing smiled and scolded, "You, don't be too stubborn. I am doing this for your own good. According to my knowledge, your maternal family in Yangzhou is a large clan with over a hundred members. As the saying goes, 'When one person becomes an official, even the chickens and dogs rise to heaven.' If you reconcile with them and elevate them, they can help you in the future."

After a pause, Emperor Deqing continued, "Here's what I propose: When we arrive in Yangzhou, you can select some intelligent and capable young scholars from your maternal family, with no limit on the number. You decide, and just let me know afterward. I will have them admitted to the Imperial Academy, so they can have a bright future. Additionally, I plan to hold a selection after the southern tour to fill the imperial harem. You can also select a suitable young woman from your maternal family, and I will grant her the rank of Noble Lady. What do you think?"

Hearing Emperor Deqing's words, Zhao Junchen was taken aback!

Regardless of Emperor Deqing's intentions, this was an enormous favor.

The Imperial Academy is the highest institution of learning in the Ming Dynasty, but it is not easy to enter. One must either pass the imperial examinations to become a "Juren" (a candidate for the imperial examinations), or donate a large sum of money to the government to become a "Lijian" (a candidate by donation), or pass the examination for "Xiucai" (a scholar) and receive a recommendation from the local educational authorities to become a "Gongjian" (a candidate by recommendation).

The last category is "Yinjian," where one becomes a candidate due to their father's official position. The candidate slots Emperor Deqing granted to Zhao Junchen's maternal family could fall into this category.

If it were just ordinary candidate slots, it would be fine, but Emperor Deqing's original words were "no limit, you decide," which was extremely rare. Candidate slots are highly sought after.

Once one becomes a candidate, the benefits are self-evident. One can skip the preliminary examination and directly obtain the status of a scholar, and even participate in the provincial examination. Moreover, if one receives a recommendation from the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, they can directly enter the government as a candidate!

Such a favor is not to be taken lightly.

Additionally, allowing his maternal relatives to enter the palace is also a great favor, especially being granted the rank of Noble Lady upon entry, which shows the emperor's high regard.

...

Therefore, considering the benefits these favors could bring, Zhao Junchen hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, I haven't seen my maternal relatives for over ten years. I really don't know if they are good or bad..."

Before he could finish, Emperor Deqing waved his hand and said, "I am more confident than you, Junchen. You are exceptionally intelligent and your appearance is among the best in the court. The candidates and young women you select from your maternal family will surely not be inferior."

Seeing Emperor Deqing's firm attitude, Zhao Junchen had no choice but to agree and bowed to thank him, "I thank Your Majesty for your great favor."

"Enough, enough. I am also rewarding you for your competent work," Emperor Deqing waved his hand, his face full of smiles, but then he suddenly got to the point, "However, now that the bet between you and the Crown Prince is over, you have definitely won. I will promote you to Minister of Revenue tomorrow at the morning court. However, once you are promoted to Minister of Revenue, the positions of Deputy Ministers in the Ministry of Revenue will all be vacant, which is not appropriate."

At this point, Emperor Deqing looked contemplative.

When Emperor Deqing promoted Zhao Junchen to Deputy Minister of Revenue, he had intended to secretly help Zhao Junchen control the Ministry of Revenue. He not only appointed the upright but inflexible Li Chengru as Minister of Revenue but also left the other Deputy Minister position vacant for a long time.

This way, Zhao Junchen could easily control the Ministry of Revenue.

However, now that Zhao Junchen was promoted to Minister of Revenue and Li Chengru was reassigned, both Deputy Minister positions in the Ministry of Revenue were vacant, which was not appropriate.

After a moment of contemplation, Emperor Deqing finally said, "Here's what I propose: In the case of the autumn examination fraud in the three provinces, although I closed the case early for the sake of the bigger picture, I believe that the Deputy Minister of Rites, Zhan Shanchang, is not entirely innocent. I will appoint him as the Right Deputy Minister of Revenue tomorrow, and you will keep an eye on him to prevent any further trouble."

After a moment of thought, Emperor Deqing continued, "As for the Left Deputy Minister of Revenue... Ma Sen has been in the position of Right Deputy Minister of Personnel for many years and should be moved. He will take the position. However, this will leave a vacancy in the position of Deputy Minister of Personnel and another in the position of Deputy Minister of Rites. ... The Right Censor of the Censorate, Zhang Xuan, is familiar with the rites and is experienced. He can take the position of Deputy Minister of Rites. As for the Deputy Minister of Personnel... Yes, didn't you recommend the Governor of Lu'an, Liu Chang'an? I have reviewed his official record, and he is indeed a talent. He will take the position of Right Deputy Minister of Personnel."

At this point, Emperor Deqing looked at Zhao Junchen with trust and asked for his opinion, "What do you think, Junchen?"

Zhao Junchen bowed and said, "Your Majesty's consideration is thorough, and I have no objections."

Although he said this, Zhao Junchen's heart was not calm.

The Ministry of Revenue is Zhao Junchen's territory, but Ma Sen is a supporter of the Chief Minister Zhou Shangjing! The Ministry of Personnel is Zhou Shangjing's sphere of influence, and Liu Chang'an's backer is Zhao Junchen!

Moreover, due to Zhan Shanchang's allegiance, nearly half of the officials in the Ministry of Rites now follow Zhao Junchen. However, will this still be the case after Zhan Shanchang is transferred to the Ministry of Revenue?

The Right Censor of the Censorate, Zhang Xuan, is a supporter of the Grand Secretary Huang Yourong, who is notorious for his greed for power among the Grand Secretaries.

With Emperor Deqing mixing these elements, how will Zhao Junchen, Chief Minister Zhou Shangjing, and Grand Secretary Huang Yourong coexist amidst their conflicting interests?

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ps: One more update before midnight!

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