However, Your Majesty's intention to split up the imperial court is not something that has just begun today. His Majesty's previous move to raise the status of the Tongzhengsi was already evident at that time; it is not surprising that such an operation is being carried out this time.
When the General Staff Office was established, everyone should have already considered this day. Your Majesty wanted a General Staff Office, so it couldn't just be a hollow office. Otherwise, why would Your Majesty go to so much trouble?
Therefore, there is no way to stop the reform of titles. In fact, things in the court are just like that, either the emperor's power overwhelms the ministers' power, or the ministers' power overwhelms the emperor's power.
Since the current Majesty ascended the throne, everything he has done has been to consolidate power.
The first thing His Majesty seized was military power. He asked Qi Jin to train a new army. He did not use the money from the court, but the money from the inner treasury, directly bypassing the cabinet and the six ministries.
At the same time, His Majesty also launched an anti-corruption campaign in the court, eliminating a large number of Donglin Party members. However, he did not eliminate all of them, but instead supported the three forces of Xu Guangqi, Han Yu, and Sun Chengzong, making it impossible for them to unite as one, thus weakening the power of the cabinet.
Your Majesty also supported the Tongzhengsi, stripping away some of the power of the Cabinet and the Six Ministries; he began to establish the Royal Academy, further reducing some of the power of the Ministry of Rites.
Under such circumstances, His Majesty's control over the court was already very strong. From Xu Guangqi's words, it can be seen that he would not confront His Majesty over this matter.
A court that is not united has no ability to resist at all.
What's more, in today's court, there are so many complicated things going on that it is difficult to reach a unified consensus.
The incident in Shandong this time shows that Your Majesty is very bold, because Your Majesty has confidence. The military exploits in suppressing the rebellion in the southwest have made everyone see the capabilities of the new army. With the support of the new army, Your Majesty has become even more unscrupulous in doing things.
There are many officials in the court who support His Majesty, and Xu Guangqi's family is an example.
Besides, even though Han Yu's slogans are loud and clear, when the situation really comes down to it, Han Yu may not change sides. If you believe Han Yu's words, you will definitely be betrayed by him.
If Han Yu disobeyed, the Censorate would impeach him. After all, the person in charge of the Censorate was Cui Chengxiu, who was Wei Zhongxian's subordinate.
With the support of the Censorate and His Majesty, it would be easy to replace Han Yu. Xu Guangqi would then take over.
So now no one in the court moves, like old turtles.
If he stood up to oppose this matter, Sun Chengzong believed that he would definitely be replaced by His Majesty.
All kinds of thoughts turned over and over in Sun Chengzong's mind.
After a moment's silence, Sun Chengzong said, "Since the General Staff Office is handling this matter, we don't need to worry about it. Let them do it."
No one expected Sun Chengzong to say such a thing.
A hint of disappointment flashed across Han Yu's eyes. They were a bunch of old foxes, none of them were easy to deal with.
Han Yu was also very clear in his mind that the current situation in the court was very obvious. His power as the chief minister of the cabinet had been greatly weakened. Now he was just like what people outside were saying: a clay sculpture of the cabinet minister.
"Since Lord Sun has said so, let's do it." Han Yu said.
The matter ends here.
The cabinet didn't come up with anything during this discussion, or rather, no one wanted to come up with anything, but that set the tone.
After several concessions, everyone probably realized that it was impossible for the cabinet to work together.
Even if Xu Guangqi and Sun Chengzong were colluding, Han Yu could still be linked to Sun Chengzong on any matter, but no one could unite the three forces. For example, Xu Guangqi was clearly opposed to the title reform this time.
Since no decision had been made, there was no point in continuing the discussion. The four of them went their separate ways.
After leaving the cabinet, Sun Chengzong walked outside.
Sun Chengzong breathed a sigh of relief and quickly arrived at the Ministry of Personnel. He wanted to see the Minister of Personnel, Zhou Jiamo.
As the Minister of War and a Grand Secretary who did not rank high in the cabinet, Sun Chengzong was able to gain a firm foothold in the court and make everyone dare not look down on him. A big reason for this was his relationship with Zhou Jiamo.
With the support of the Minister of Personnel and his own abilities, Sun Chengzong's position was very stable.
Seeing Sun Chengzong coming, Zhou Jiamo welcomed him in with a smile and quickly brought him tea.
After the two of them sat down as host and guest, Zhou Jiamo smiled and said, "Zhisheng looks like he has something on his mind. Is it something about the General Staff Office?"
In front of Zhou Jiamo, Sun Chengzong naturally had no need to hide anything. He nodded slightly, told Zhou Jiamo what had happened in the cabinet, and then waited quietly for him to express his opinion.
"This Han Yu has no good intentions!" Zhou Jiamo said with a smile, stroking his beard.
"I noticed that, too." Sun Chengzong nodded, sighed, and said, "That's why I didn't agree to Han Yu's request. I wanted to get things done, but he was trying to take my place. This made me afraid to do anything."
"This victory in Liaodong seems to have hit Han Yu's sore spot," Zhou Jiamo said with a smile.
"Everyone knows about the Liaodong situation. Although no one in the court has mentioned it recently, that doesn't mean they aren't paying attention. Your Majesty has invested so much energy and money in training a new army. What is the purpose? Isn't it to strengthen the army for battle?"
"Our emperor has a lot on his mind, and we can all see it, so there is a consensus in the court. His Majesty will definitely use military force against Liaodong, it's just a matter of time."
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