After a brief chat with the court officials, Zhu Xiong Ying appeared to be a qualified crown prince, showing concern for their opinions on various matters. The officials, in turn, knew that the current crown prince was not a refined and benevolent ruler; rather, he was quite pragmatic and opportunistic, much like the current emperor.
Whether such an evaluation is good or bad is hard to say, and it requires judgment based on one's own perspective.
Holding a list, Zhu Xiong Ying strolled leisurely towards the Qianqing Palace. He needed to discuss some matters with Old Zhu. The main issue was Zhu Xiong Ying's personnel, primarily concerning a smooth transition and Zhu Xiong Ying's future.
Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying approach, Old Zhu asked with a smile, "I heard you lost your temper in court again?"
“They’re all those pedantic scholars. I don’t like their ways.” Zhu Xiong Ying sat down casually and said to Old Zhu, “Grandpa, I think I should move some people around. It’s time for my people to take over.”
Old Zhu was silent for a moment, then said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "So you're already thinking of usurping the throne? Taking over all our people?"
If an ordinary prince or grandson of the emperor heard such words, they would probably be terrified. But Zhu Xiong Ying really didn't care, mainly because he didn't have that intention, and also because he knew that the old Zhu was just joking.
Zhu Xiong Ying stopped joking and said seriously, "Grandfather, it's time to prepare the Third Grand Tutor of my Grandson."
Old Zhu also became serious and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "We've thought this through. Three masters and three young masters are enough. We've thought about it for a long time, and we still have to do this."
Old Zhu had indeed considered this matter for a long time, and now he stopped keeping it a secret; he had indeed thought about it for a very long time.
“Grand Tutor Feng Sheng is the one who makes the Grand Tutor. We’re not the type to hold grudges,” Old Zhu said to Zhu Xiong Ying. “This man is quite capable and has enough experience. We’re thinking of making him Grand Tutor. Fu Youde and Lan Yu will be Grand Tutor and Grand Protector, respectively.”
Old Zhu then continued, "Let's appoint Zhan Hui, the Minister of Personnel, as Junior Tutor; Guo Ying, the Marquis of Wuding, as Junior Preceptor; and Geng Bingwen, the Marquis of Changxing, as Junior Guardian. These are all honorary titles, but let's give them some respect."
Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly, then said, "Grandfather, are these all nobles? As for the civil officials, there's only Zhan Hui?"
Old Zhu didn't mind and said with a smile, "The officials in the Eastern Palace of our Great Ming are just honorary titles, such as concurrent, additional, and bestowed titles. I think we shouldn't elevate the officials in the Eastern Palace too much in the future, as our Great Ming doesn't need that! The officials in the Eastern Palace that we give are originally appointed by meritorious ministers, and you can change them to ministers of the Six Ministries later."
The status of officials in the Eastern Palace no longer seemed to be that important or unique in the Ming Dynasty, and they were easily replaceable.
Zhu Xiong Ying immediately understood. What Old Zhu meant was that the position of the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty was secure, and there was no need to leave a group of ministers in the Eastern Palace. It was precisely because of this tradition of the Eastern Palace official system in previous dynasties that some officials were appointed to the Eastern Palace, which could be considered a reward and honor for the officials.
Since Old Zhu had made his point so clear, Zhu Xiong Ying didn't take it to heart. The officials of the Eastern Palace were merely honorary titles in the Ming Dynasty; there was no need to think that these officials were particularly important. The Eastern Palace's position was already very secure in the Ming Dynasty.
This can be considered a signal. After the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, and then Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang's succession, the rule of primogeniture in the Ming Dynasty was established, and everyone knew not to dream of becoming a prince's retainer.
The grandfather and grandson were quite in sync. The matter of the officials serving the Crown Prince was a clear signal that many discerning people would see. To survive in the imperial court, one naturally needed to be clever.
Old Zhu looked at Zhu Xiong Ying and continued, "Of the Six Ministries, you've always favored the Ministry of Works. Now, in our opinion, Ru Chang is qualified enough. Why don't we appoint him as the Minister of Works?"
“Grandfather, Ru Chang cannot be given the position of Minister of Works,” Zhu Xiong Ying said immediately. “My companion is very talented, and I plan to send him to the Ministry of Personnel. As for the Minister of Works, I think Yan Zhenzhi is a good choice; I find him easy to use.”
Old Zhu nodded. Normally, among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Works held the lowest position, while the Ministry of Personnel held the highest. Now, two of Zhu Xiong Ying's trusted confidants were about to take up their posts, which spoke volumes about their status.
Old Zhu continued, "Then let's leave it at that. Zhan Hui is doing well in the Ministry of Personnel, so let Ru Chang be appointed as Vice Minister first. As for the Ministry of Rites, let's keep Ren Hengtai for now. Do you have anyone in the Ministry of Revenue you'd like to promote?"
“Zhuo Jing,” Zhu Xiong Ying immediately spoke, without hesitation, “This man is quite talented. He also made a name for himself in the Embroidered Uniform Guard incident and was transferred to the Ministry of Revenue as Vice Minister.”
Old Zhu was quite satisfied with this arrangement, and then continued, "This is not appropriate. In the future, Zhuo Jing will be appointed as the Minister of War for you. This man is not only good at reading and writing, but also has a broad vision. We have too many nobles, and someone needs to keep them in check. He will first be appointed as the Vice Minister of War, and you will promote him after you ascend the throne. As for the Ministry of Revenue, Yu Xin will be appointed."
Zhu Xiong Ying also knew Yu Xin, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the 21st year of the Hongwu reign. He was imposing in appearance and dignified in bearing. Most importantly, his official career was smooth, and he was promoted one after another by Zhu. When Zhu asked him questions, Yu Xin answered them all without reservation, as well as the data on the population and land tax of the country, and the terrain and its advantages and disadvantages. He relied on data to speak for himself.
Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying nod, Old Zhu continued, "As for the Ministry of Justice, Yang Jing will continue in his post. He is fair and impartial in sentencing, and he is also good at understanding the emperor's wishes. It would be good for him to serve as Minister of Justice, as he can clearly distinguish between truth and falsehood. We use severe punishments, but he does not like to be too strict with the penal code. If you use it well, you can gain a reputation for leniency."
If Yang Jing, young and energetic, is used well, Zhu Xiong Ying may not need to worry about the Ministry of Justice for the next twenty or thirty years. In fact, among them, only Zhan Hui is a veteran official over sixty years old; the others are all around forty.
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