Whether Zhu Xiong Ying was truly determined to step down was something he wouldn't speculate on. He only needed to know that he needed to consider a smooth transition and succession, and all he needed to do was make all the necessary preparations.
Looking at the Crown Prince standing before the throne, many civil and military officials had mixed feelings. Some were excited and secretly pleased, some felt hopeful about the future, and of course, some were resentful or indifferent. It's normal for all these emotions to coexist.
Many civil and military officials also felt that the 'wise ruler' in their hearts, the former crown prince, did not sit on the dragon throne, but this imperial grandson actually pulled off a 'latecomer surpassing the former'.
This only makes one sigh at the unpredictability of life. Who could have imagined that the Crown Prince, who was so adept at handling state affairs, would die young from illness? And who could have imagined that the Imperial Grandson would be rightfully ascending the throne and becoming emperor?
His Majesty the Emperor's health is poor, a fact many have now received. His Majesty the Emperor is old, a fact many are aware of; they could more or less guess some things, but no one expected these things to happen so soon.
After the morning court session, the officials went to their respective departments to handle their official duties. Being an official in the Ming Dynasty was not easy, especially during the Hongwu reign, which was a very challenging task.
Although salaries had increased slightly in recent years, many officials felt it was only enough to make ends meet and that they couldn't get rich off their salaries. Moreover, serving as an official during the Hongwu reign meant there was a high chance of encountering the emperor's harsh criticism, or even losing one's head, which was quite normal.
Hopefully, things will improve somewhat if a new emperor ascends the throne.
However, this possibility is not particularly high. The Crown Prince seems to be more benevolent than the current emperor, but this is only relative. Many people also believe that the current Crown Prince will be the next Hongwu Emperor.
Zhu Xiong Ying's actions after the court session may have confirmed the suspicions of some civil and military officials that he was definitely not an easy successor to the Ming Dynasty.
Song Zhong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, appeared in the Wenhua Hall. Although Emperor Zhu had burned the Embroidered Uniform Guard's instruments of torture and weakened their power a few years ago, this did not mean that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had been completely abolished. The Embroidered Uniform Guard was simply not as high-profile and domineering as before.
Song Zhong handed over the memorial and said respectfully, "Your Highness, there is indeed some discussion both inside and outside the court. Furthermore..."
Zhu Xiong Ying remained noncommittal, saying with a hint of sarcasm, "Oh? Those people don't think I'm plotting treason by imprisoning His Majesty, do they?"
Song Zhong, not daring to answer, simply lowered his head, but such discussions were indeed taking place. Although there had been previous instances of the current emperor 'suddenly falling ill,' this time, for some unknown reason, news suddenly spread that the Crown Prince was preparing for his enthronement ceremony.
Unable to see His Majesty the Emperor and left only with vague guesses, it was understandable that the civil and military officials in the court would have wild speculations. Coupled with Zhu Xiong Ying's actions and the power he held, it seemed that he really did have the intention of rebelling and forcing the emperor to abdicate.
Zhu Xiong Ying casually flipped through the memorials, which were mostly about the words and actions of civil and military officials, including the activities of the princes who had established their own residences in Yingtian Prefecture. These people were also a group that Zhu Xiong Ying was currently quite concerned about.
Suddenly, Zhu Xiong Ying snorted coldly and said irritably, "It seems that my junior tutor has really become lawless just because he has become the Grand Chancellor and the Heavenly Official!"
The Minister of Personnel, Zhan Hui, was Zhu Xiong Ying's former Minister of Personnel, and Zhu Xiong Ying had even protected Zhan Hui. But now, things have turned out badly; Zhan Hui privately said some unpleasant things to his children in his residence. It seems it's time for Zhan Hui to retire and enjoy his old age; this could be considered a peaceful parting.
The position of Minister of Personnel is no simple matter. It is responsible for the information of officials and the power of personnel appointment and dismissal, which affects the careers of many officials. Due to its importance, it is the head of the six ministries.
Since even the Minister of Personnel cannot be of one mind with Zhu Xiong Ying, Zhu Xiong Ying is bound to replace the head of the Six Ministries. It seems that the only option is to replace him with one of Zhu Xiong Ying's trusted subordinates, such as Ru Chang, the Left Vice Minister of Personnel, who should be promoted to the official position.
Originally, Zhu Xiong Ying had intended to give Zhan Hui some face, but it seems he needs to find a reason to remove him from his position as Minister of Personnel.
In fact, Zhan Hui was quite talented, quick-witted, decisive, and capable. However, he was also somewhat petty. Those who offended him, whether civil or military officials, often found themselves in a difficult situation.
Such an important position was one that Zhu Xiong Ying needed to reserve for his trusted confidants. Although Zhan Hui was talented and capable, Zhu Xiong Ying sometimes didn't need someone with ulterior motives to occupy such an important position as Minister of Personnel.
Moreover, the Ming Dynasty court is now full of talented people. Zhan Hui is indeed capable, but that doesn't mean that the Ministry of Personnel of the Ming Dynasty cannot function without Zhan Hui.
Some things didn't need Zhu Xiong Ying to explain clearly; Song Zhong immediately knew he needed to find incriminating evidence against Zhan Hui. Since the Crown Prince disliked Zhan Hui, then Zhan Hui should be removed from office. This was also to gain another opportunity to prove himself and for the resurgence of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Zhu Xiong Ying wasn't exactly overwhelmed; she had been mentally prepared for such a situation and wasn't panicked.
Zhu Xiong Ying was well aware that this wouldn't be the first time such a thing had happened, nor would it be the last. Dealing with these matters properly was the most important thing to him.
It seemed necessary to remove Zhan Hui as a warning, and also to give some people in the court a taste of their own medicine. Zhu Xiong Ying did not want to go on a killing spree, nor did he intend to carry out a purge in the court, staging a drama of "a new emperor, a new court"; he felt it was unnecessary.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
