The court was in an uproar. Many civil officials believed that his family background, particularly his father Zhan Tongguan who had risen to the position of Minister of Personnel, made him a distinguished and capable official, a true worthy minister, and this was the 'conscience' of the civil officials.
After Li Shanchang, Yang Xian, Wang Haiyang, Liu Ji, and others left the court, the Ming Dynasty lacked true literary leaders. Now, if even Zhan Hui loses his chance to establish himself in the court, the power of the Ming Dynasty's civil service will inevitably suffer a greater blow, and the conscience of the Ming literary world will be lost.
Zhu Xiong Ying was very unhappy. He could also sense that Old Zhu had actually lost patience, which was practically Zhan Hui's way of committing suicide.
Upon arriving at the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Xiong Ying saw his father-in-law, Lian Zi Ning. "Father-in-law..."
Lian Zining immediately knelt down, somewhat apprehensive, "Your Highness, I dare not accept such praise."
Well, Zhu Xiong Ying didn't intend to force him. In such a feudal dynasty, it was quite normal for Lian Zi Ning to be so apprehensive. Even if he were the father of a concubine, or even if he were the principal wife, once he became the Crown Princess or Empress, his status would change, and the distinction between ruler and subject would be very clear.
"The position of Minister of Rites should indeed be reconsidered," Zhu Xiong Ying said to Lian Zi Ning bluntly. "That position is very special. A few years ago, my grandfather was unwilling to select the Minister of Personnel. You probably understand what my grandfather meant."
Lian Zining nodded, extremely respectful, "Your subject understands."
That's just how workaholic Zhu Yuanzhang was, especially after he abolished the power of the prime minister. He often didn't even want to appoint ministers for the Six Ministries. It was common in the Hongwu reign for the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites to have concurrently held the positions of other officials without ministers.
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't hide anything and continued, "Both Minister Zhan and his son are ministers, in charge of the selection, evaluation, and awarding of titles and honors for civil officials throughout the country. This was originally an expedient measure, which was barely usable at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. However, now that the regulations have been established, it is probably inappropriate for the father and son to jointly manage the selection and evaluation of civil officials."
Lian Zining suddenly understood. This must be the root cause of the impeachment of the current Minister of Personnel. The emperor is suspicious, and the Crown Prince is also wary. This is to completely expel Zhan Hui from the court.
Seeing that Lian Zining remained silent, Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "I hope my father-in-law will speak to him and submit a memorial requesting his retirement. Returning to Wuyuan to live a peaceful life, educate the younger generation, and establish a school would be a good thing."
Zhu Xiong Ying has arranged Zhan Hui's retirement life in a very humane and considerate way.
Lian Zining was taken aback for a moment, then became somewhat pleased. "Your subject obeys the decree!"
Being an official during the Hongwu reign was no easy task, especially for high-ranking officials and nobles. It was virtually impossible for them to leave the court unscathed, and Emperor Zhu would never allow such a thing to happen.
In Zhu's view, once you choose to be an official, you must be conscientious and diligent. There are only two possibilities for leaving the court: either you die in office or you are eliminated.
Wanting to retire or live a life of luxury was impossible. Taking Zhu's salary was essentially equivalent to signing a contract of servitude; it was a lifelong commitment.
Actually, Zhan Hui is doing quite well now; at least he has the opportunity to retire in comfort. He's only sixty years old, and he can go home to enjoy his old age and be with his grandchildren—a rare privilege in the Hongwu era. If he can retire for a few years, it will be a way to secure a better future for his descendants.
After Lian Zining left, Zhu Xiong Ying summoned Song Zhong and said, "Have someone send a letter to the Minister of Personnel. This Minister is quite honest and can be considered a good official. However, he has been busy with official duties all these years and has neglected to discipline his children. Is that the reason?"
Song Zhong quickly said, "Zhan Hui and his son are morally corrupt, act recklessly, and often make wild and irresponsible remarks..."
"There's no need to tell me these things. It's enough that the Minister understands." Zhu Xiong Ying waved her hand and said, "After you've finished these things, go to the Duke of Wei's residence and have him keep an eye on the political climate. It's time for him to speak up."
That's how clean and direct Zhu Xiong Ying was; he was determined to sweep away those who tried to obstruct his plans. If they continued to be stubborn and greedy for power, things would likely not be so lenient.
The opportunity has been presented; now it's up to Zhan Hui to choose, to see if he knows what's good for him, and to see if he knows when to advance and when to retreat.
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