Zhu Yunying was clearly a rather autocratic emperor, and when he made decisions, it was difficult for most people to persuade him otherwise. Moreover, Zhu Yunying was well aware that his policies could not satisfy everyone, and some of his actions would infringe upon the interests of certain individuals, thus leading to resistance from some.

None of this was a major problem. Zhu Yunying was well aware that even if some people wanted to resist, he could suppress them using various means. Zhu Yunying was confident in this; as emperor, he possessed sufficient skill and ability.

Looking at the civil and military officials, Zhu Yunying said, "In the past, the retired emperor followed the Song Dynasty system and set up the Huagai Hall, Wuying Hall, Wenyuan Pavilion and Dongge Pavilion as Grand Secretaries. Among them, Shao Zhi, Minister of Rites, Wu Bozong, Reviewer, Song Ne, Academician of the Hanlin Academy, and Wu Chen, Compiler, were the Grand Secretaries of the four pavilions. I have decided to re-select the Grand Secretaries of the four pavilions."

In fact, everyone understands that the Grand Secretary is basically a nominal title nowadays. Although it is meant to serve as an advisor to the emperor, these people are indeed just honorary figures and have no real presence in the court.

At this moment, Ru Chang stepped forward. He still had the duties and responsibilities of being the Minister of Personnel. "Your Majesty, the four Grand Secretaries have not committed any wrongdoing. If they are directly selected, it may be difficult to convince the public."

Zhu Yunying glanced at Ru Chang and said calmly, "Oh? So, my court is filled with wise men and diligent officials, each one an irreplaceable pillar of the nation?"

Ru Chang was speechless at Zhu Yunying's words. It was clear that Zhu Yunying had a reason for saying that, and it was also a sarcastic remark directed at Ru Chang.

While it's true that many official positions in the imperial court are already filled, this absolutely does not mean that if Zhu Yunying were to re-select the Four Grand Secretaries, there would inevitably be no suitable positions for the current Four Grand Secretaries.

Ru Chang could only remain silent at this point, because he knew that Zhu Yunying had a valid point in saying so.

The Four Grand Secretaries, now equivalent to the fifth rank, were not even qualified to attend the morning court session. Officials of this rank were considered the backbone of the Ming Dynasty's officialdom, and there was no shortage of officials of this rank, whether in the capital or in the provinces.

Little Zhu seemed hesitant to speak, as if he had thought of something. However, the boy seemed to remember Zhu Yunying's instructions, so even though he had some things he wanted to say, he still held back. He knew that it was better not to say what shouldn't be said.

However, Zhu Yunying clearly saw the little Zhu's appearance. In fact, many civil and military officials also noticed it. If an ordinary official had done this, the censor might have recorded it. But it was naturally acceptable for the crown prince to do so.

Zhu Yunying looked at the little Zhu and asked, "Crown Prince, do you seem to have something to report?"

Little Zhu immediately stepped forward, showing no stage fright. "Your Majesty, in addition to the Grand Secretaries of the Hall of Literary Glory, the Hall of Martial Valor, the Wenyuan Pavilion, and the Dongge Pavilion, there is also the Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory."

Zhu Yunying smiled and nodded, then slowly said, "Indeed, there are still Grand Secretaries of the Wenhua Hall. However, the responsibility of the Grand Secretaries of the Wenhua Hall is to tutor the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince is the foundation of the country, and the Grand Secretaries of the Wenhua Hall should be senior scholars and learned men. Among the four Grand Secretaries this time, the Grand Secretaries of the Wenhua Hall are not included."

Now everyone seemed to understand. The Four Grand Secretaries were very important, but not necessarily that important. It seemed His Majesty didn't intend to do much more, merely appointing a few Grand Secretaries.

However, Zhu Yunying clearly did not stop there, and continued, "There are many national affairs to attend to, and many political matters cannot be delayed. The four Grand Secretaries should not have their own officials or dictate the authority of other departments. The four Grand Secretaries should attend to the Emperor and be available for consultation."

As soon as Zhu Yunying finished speaking, many people were stunned and realized that these four Grand Secretaries were no ordinary people.

Without any government office or affiliation, they seem rootless and adrift, lacking a sense of belonging. However, on the other hand, the four college students had no superiors, no authority over other government offices, and no officials to govern them.

Ru Chang frowned slightly. He felt that he should fulfill his duties in his position, and even if His Majesty was displeased, he could not pretend to be deaf and dumb at this time. He had to do something now, otherwise history might very well portray him as a treacherous minister.

At this moment, Ru Chang stepped forward again and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this move is inappropriate. His Majesty the Retired Emperor's previous abolition of the Secretariat and the establishment of the Four Grand Secretaries all suggest a possible restoration of the Secretariat."

This was quite a development. After Zhu Yunying revealed some arrangements for the Four Grand Secretaries, many people began to whisper among themselves. This was because what Zhu Yunying or Ru Chang said made perfect sense and was something they needed to be concerned about.

If what His Majesty said earlier is true, the Grand Secretaries of the Hall of Literary Brilliance should not be underestimated. Although they are only fifth-rank officials, any other official in the court is of a higher rank than a Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Brilliance.

However, for many people, what they care about isn't necessarily the rank. For example, look at the military merits; many nobles have incredibly high ranks.

In fact, during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, officials were awarded titles and honors based on their merits. The ranks of nobility were first-grade, marquises were second-grade, and earls were third-grade. There are still no ranks above this, but many first-grade officials are only nominally in power and have no real authority.

This was especially true for relatives of the emperor, with the Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant being a first-rank official. And for members of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family, even those demoted to the rank of General of the State were still first-rank officials.

Before abdicating, Emperor Zhu issued an edict: When generals of princely residences meet with their sons-in-law, ceremonial guests, dukes, or marquises, the general should be on the left and the son-in-law on the right, and both should bow. When meeting civil or military officials of the first to third rank, the general should be in the center, and the officials should bow to the general in return. When meeting officials of the fourth rank or below, the officials should bow, and the general should remain seated to receive the bow.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!