My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 628 Hong Chengchou promoted to Grand Secretary, Sun Chuanting enters the cabinet!

Although there are many official articles and exaggerations in them, the basic fact is that after the cataclysmic events at the end of Chongzhen's reign and the years of diligent governance under Zhu Cilang's regency, the great ship of the Ming Dynasty did indeed sail out of the most dangerous rapids and entered a relatively calm riverbed.

Zhu Cilang sat upright on his throne, quietly listening to the reports of victory and auspicious omens.

He remained calm, showing little joy at these "good news," only occasionally interjecting with questions about details at crucial moments, his tone steady and his wording precise.

This composure beyond his years instilled even more awe in the officials who were initially hesitant.

The new emperor was clearly not a mediocre ruler easily fooled by praise and flattery.

As the auspicious omens reporting session drew to a close, the atmosphere in the hall remained solemn, but everyone knew in their hearts that the real highlight was about to begin.

Sure enough, after another insignificant local congratulatory message was read aloud, the familiar figure at the very front of the civil servants' line moved.

Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan specially donned a full set of first-rank imperial robes adorned with crane insignia, wore a seven-beam crown, and held an ivory tablet. With slightly heavy but firm steps, he walked out of the ranks and arrived at the foot of the imperial steps.

He did not speak immediately, but first straightened his clothes, then held his tablet, bowed, and his voice, though aged, resounded clearly throughout the hall:

"Your subject, Xue Guoguan, has a memorial to present to Your Majesty."

"Minister Xue, please deliver this message."

Zhu Cilang's voice came from behind the tassels, but his emotions were unreadable.

Xue Guoguan took a deep breath and said loudly:

"I was fortunate to be selected by the late Emperor and rose through the ranks to become the Grand Secretary. I was also fortunate to be entrusted with important responsibilities by Your Majesty and served two dynasties. I have received the greatest honors and favors. However, I am now over sixty years old, my energy is declining, I am deaf and blind, and my legs are slow. I often feel that I am not up to the task of handling official documents."

In recent years, thanks to Your Majesty's divine might and wise judgment, and the concerted efforts of your colleagues, no major mistakes have occurred.

However, the position of Grand Secretary, which oversees all key affairs and concerns the foundation of the nation, cannot be held for long by anyone but a young, energetic, astute, and capable minister.

He paused, his tone becoming earnest, even tinged with a sob:

"Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and is eager to implement your grand plans and reform the old order. My old and frail body is no longer able to bear such a heavy burden. If my decline causes delays in government affairs and hinders Your Majesty's new policies, I would rather die ten thousand times than atone for it! Therefore, I submit this memorial with tears in my eyes, earnestly begging Your Majesty to have pity on my old age and grant me permission to retire and return to my hometown to live out my remaining years. Furthermore, I request that the important position of Grand Secretary be entrusted to a virtuous and capable person."

This is my sincere wish for the well-being of the nation and for Your Majesty's new policies; I humbly beseech Your Majesty's wise consideration!

Having said that, he raised the prepared petition for retirement, bowed deeply, and remained seated for a long time.

The hall was silent. The officials had different expressions, but most of them were not surprised.

Xue Guoguan's retirement was already an open secret; this was merely the completion of his final, public ceremony.

There was a moment of silence on the steps of the imperial palace.

Zhu Cilang spoke slowly, his tone carrying an appropriate mix of regret and pleading:

"Why must you do this, Grand Secretary Xue? You are a senior elder of the dynasty and a pillar of my state. Since I assumed the regency, you have played a crucial role in stabilizing the court and your contributions are immeasurable. Now that the country is newly settled and many things need to be done, it is precisely the time when we need capable people. How can I bear to see you leave so suddenly?"

This is a necessary effort to retain talent, a small-scale manifestation of personnel matters, and a gesture made for the world to see.

Otherwise, if someone has just resigned and you don't even try to persuade them to stay and just accept their resignation, that would be too inhumane.

Xue Guoguan maintained his bowed posture, his voice becoming even more resolute, even carrying a hint of "stubbornness":

"Your Majesty's grace moves this old minister to tears! However, my mind is made up, and this is no empty boast. Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, wise and powerful. Hong Hengjiu, Zhang Qiangu, Sun Baigu, and others are all capable ministers of our time, fully qualified to assist Your Majesty in achieving unparalleled feats. If this old minister remains here, I would be nothing but a piece of rotten wood, merely occupying a position and obstructing the path of the virtuous. I humbly beg Your Majesty to grant this old minister's request!"

He bowed deeply again, almost touching his forehead to the scepter.

Zhu Cilang remained silent for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. The sigh, amplified by the loudspeaker, resonated clearly throughout the hall, filled with a sense of helplessness and understanding.

"So be it... If the Grand Secretary insists on this, I... though reluctant, cannot let personal feelings override public duty, and I cannot bear to keep the Grand Secretary burdened with paperwork."

His tone shifted abruptly, becoming solemn and resonant, each word like gold, carrying a powerful weight:

"Xue Guoguan, listen to the decree!"

Xue Guoguan's body trembled, and he knelt down, lifting his robe:

"The minister is here."

"You have served two dynasties, diligently performed royal duties, stabilized the state, and assisted me in my meritorious service. Now, due to old age, you request retirement. Your words are sincere and earnest. I hereby grant your request and allow you to retire."

"Therefore, appoint Xue Guoguan as Grand Tutor to show respect!"

"By special decree, Xue Guoguan is granted the full salary of a first-rank official upon retirement, with his annual stipend of rice and silver remaining the same as in his current position, to allow him to live out his remaining years!"

"Furthermore, I hereby order the Cabinet to draft an edict, which I will personally review and approve, bestowing upon Xue Guoguan an imperial edict of commendation, detailing his merits, and promulgating it throughout the land to demonstrate his honor and to encourage future generations!"

The three imperial favors, like three thunderclaps, resounded once again in the Hall of Supreme Harmony! Although there had been rumors the day before, the emperor's public announcement at such a solemn court assembly carried a completely different significance and impact!

Grand Tutor, the highest rank among officials; to retire with full salary, a special honor of the dynasty; imperial edicts of commendation, leaving a lasting legacy!

These three combined are simply the highest honor a subject can receive upon retiring from office, enough to bring glory to his family and leave a lasting legacy!

"Your subject... Xue Guoguan... kowtows to thank Your Majesty... for Your boundless grace! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Xue Guoguan kowtowed to the ground, his voice choked with sobs, tears streaming down his face.

This excitement was half performance and half genuine emotion.

Having received such affirmation in front of the entire court, his life was already complete.

A low, suppressed gasp and gasps filled the hall.

Countless gazes were fixed on Xue Guoguan, who knelt in gratitude. Those gazes held envy, jealousy,感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of deep emotion), and even more so, profound contemplation—the new emperor treated his meritorious officials with such fervor! This was undoubtedly a powerful stimulant for all the officials, and a clear signal:

As long as one serves with utmost sincerity, His Majesty will never hesitate to reward them and will also ensure the posthumous honors of meritorious officials.

This is the best example to set.

After Xue Guoguan calmed down and returned to his post after expressing his gratitude, Zhu Cilang's voice rang out again, calmly steer the conversation to the next step that everyone was most concerned about:

"I am very pleased that Minister Xue has retired after accomplishing his mission. However, the cabinet cannot be without a leader for even a day. The position of Grand Secretary is of great importance. Minister Xue."

He looked at Xue Guoguan, who had just returned to the train and was still wiping away tears, and asked him.

"Now that you have left, who among the court officials is capable of taking on this responsibility and sharing my burdens?"

This question was raised naturally, respecting the opinion of the former chief minister while also demonstrating the emperor's non-autocratic "democratic" stance.

Xue Guoguan was prepared, and stepped forward again, bowing as he said:

"Your Majesty, the Grand Secretary must be of high moral character and prestige, experienced in governing the country, knowledgeable in both political and military affairs, and able to mediate between different factions. In my view of the officials in the court, only Grand Secretary Hong Chengchou is the most suitable."

He paused, then listed his reasons:

"Lord Hong was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) during the Wanli era. He served as a regional governor, commanded troops to suppress bandits, and was a veteran of many battles, possessing a deep understanding of military affairs. Later, he entered the central government to assist in the management of ministries, and was familiar with civil administration and finances. He is diligent and capable, and makes clear decisions in all matters. He has a good reputation both in and out of the court. Moreover, he is in his prime and is perfectly suited to assist Your Majesty in creating a new era."

In my humble opinion, Lord Hong is truly the only suitable candidate to succeed as Grand Secretary. I humbly beseech Your Majesty's wise decision.

These words clearly explained Hong Chengchou's qualifications, abilities, and advantages, especially pointing out that he was "young and vigorous" and "familiar with military affairs," which was exactly what Zhu Cilang wanted and also met the current implicit expectations of the court and the public for "pioneering and enterprising".

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang turned his gaze to Hong Chengchou, a middle-aged minister in the civil official ranks who was tall, thin, and had a calm look in his eyes.

Hong Chengchou lowered his eyes slightly, his posture respectful, but his tense body and slightly flickering eyes betrayed his inner turmoil. "Minister Hong is indeed a capable minister, and I know this well."

Zhu Cilang spoke slowly, his tone thoughtful.

"What do you all think of Minister Xue's recommendation?"

The hall was silent for a moment, then several voices rang out almost simultaneously.

"Your Majesty, I agree with Lord Xue's words. Lord Hongheng is loyal to the country, has outstanding talent and strategy, and is capable of both military and civil administration. He is truly an excellent choice for the position of chief minister."

Following this, Grand Secretaries Jiang Dejing and Fan Jingwen also stepped forward to express their agreement.

The three of them were veteran officials left over from the Chongzhen era. They had served in the same court as Hong Chengchou for many years, were familiar with his abilities, and had a secure position, so they had no need to interfere in this matter.

More importantly, they all understood that this was probably the person the new emperor had always favored.

"We second that proposal!"

"Lord Hong is capable of undertaking this great task!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Following the statements of several cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials, other officials, whether genuinely supportive, opportunistic, or intimidated by the new emperor's power, all voiced their support.

For a time, the imperial court was filled with voices recommending Hong Chengchou.

A few senior and conservative officials moved their lips, wanting to say something like, "The chief minister must possess both virtue and prestige, and Hong is slightly less senior." But looking at the emperor, who remained unmoved on the throne, and then at Hong Chengchou, who stood silently with his head bowed but exuded an imposing aura, they ultimately dared not provoke him at this moment.

Zhu Cilang took it all in and understood. The time had come.

"In that case, it is what everyone wants."

Zhu Cilang no longer hesitated and issued the decree in a clear voice:

"Hereby, Hong Chengchou, Grand Secretary of the Jin Dynasty, shall be appointed as the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, in charge of all state affairs, and to assist me in my duties."

"Your subject, Hong Chengchou, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Hong Chengchou strode forward and knelt down beneath the steps. His voice trembled slightly with excitement, but he remained calm and composed.

He kowtowed deeply, and when he raised his head, his eyes were filled with determination and gratitude.

"Your Majesty's grace has entrusted me with this important task. I will do my utmost to assist Your Majesty and create a prosperous era for the Tianwu Emperor, so as to repay even a fraction of Your Majesty's kindness and favor!"

"Flat body."

Zhu Cilang offered a slight gesture of support, and after Hong Chengchou expressed his gratitude and returned to his post, he continued speaking without pausing:

"Furthermore, Sun Chuanting, the Governor-General of the Three Border Regions and Vice Minister of War, has been a local governor who has strengthened the military and pacified the Northwest, making great contributions to the country. He is hereby granted the titles of Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent and Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, and shall enter the cabinet to participate in state affairs, while still concurrently in charge of military affairs in the Northwest."

This imperial decree surprised some people even more than the earlier appointment of Hong Chengchou as Grand Secretary.

Sun Chuanting was a well-known capable minister and official, and a key military minister promoted and relied upon by Zhu Cilang. He made great contributions in suppressing bandits and stabilizing the Northwest.

However, he had spent many years away from home and was not a "Beijing official" in the traditional sense. Moreover, he was upright and honest, which set him apart from many officials who came from the civil service system in the court.

The emperor's direct promotion of him to the cabinet was undoubtedly a crucial move to insert a military pawn into the highest decision-making level.

Sun Chuanting reacted swiftly, immediately stepping forward, lifting his robe, and kneeling down. His voice was loud and clear, carrying the decisiveness characteristic of a soldier:

"Your subject, Sun Chuanting, receives the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude! Your Majesty's trust in me is deeply appreciated! I will certainly perform my duties diligently, devote myself to military affairs, and advise on important matters, so as not to fail Your Majesty's high expectations!"

"it is good."

Zhu Cilang nodded, his tone softening.

"Bai Gu, you have worked hard. After you join the cabinet, you will still need to pay more attention to the military affairs in the Northwest. The training of the Beijing Garrison and the organization of the new army will also require your joint consultation with the Ministry of War and the Five Military Commissions."

"The minister obeys the order!"

With this, the core leadership of the Tianwu New Dynasty—the cabinet—has been basically reorganized.

Grand Secretary: Hong Chengchou.

Grand Secretaries: Zhang Zhifa, Jiang Dejing, Fan Jingwen, and Sun Chuanting.

The five cabinet ministers stood at the very front of the civil officials' procession, facing the imperial steps and the entire court of civil and military officials.

Zhu Cilang's strategic considerations are clearly evident:

Hong Chengchou's appointment as Grand Secretary marked a juncture of smooth transition and pioneering spirit. He possessed sufficient qualifications, outstanding achievements, and comprehensive abilities.

Using him would both appease some of the veteran officials left over from the Chongzhen era and ensure that his will was effectively implemented in the cabinet. In particular, Hong Chengchou's understanding and support were crucial in matters of foreign strategy and military expansion.

Sun Chuanting's entry into the cabinet is a key move to strengthen military influence, balance civil and military power, and prepare for the future.

Sun Chuanting was a pure pragmatist with a military background, possessed in-depth knowledge of the army, and was extremely loyal to Zhu Cilang.

His appointment to the cabinet ensures that military issues are not disregarded or distorted by the civil service at the highest decision-making level, thereby improving the efficiency and professionalism of military decision-making.

At the same time, this was also a reward for Sun Chuanting's contributions, and more importantly, it was an organizational preparation for possible large-scale military operations in the future.

With him in the cabinet, Zhu Cilang had the most direct spokesperson and executor in military affairs.

The retention of Zhang Zhifa, Jiang Dejing, and Fan Jingwen, three veteran officials from the Chongzhen era, served as a ballast to maintain stability and continuity.

These three individuals each had their own characteristics. More importantly, during the later years of Zhu Cilang's regency, they had already been integrated and won over, becoming "old acquaintances of the Crown Prince" and thus not obstacles to reform.

Retaining them can maintain the continuity of government operations to the greatest extent, avoid turmoil caused by a large-scale reshuffle of the top leadership, and also use their experience and connections to stabilize the morale of the court.

This is clearly a well-thought-out power arrangement aimed at "seeking progress while maintaining stability".

The core power, without a doubt, remains firmly in the hands of the young Emperor Tianwu, who sits atop the steps.

The morning assembly was now drawing to a close.

The officials shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and respectfully saw the Emperor off as he returned to the palace.

Stepping out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the sun shone brightly, but many officials remained unsettled for a long time.

Doubts were dissipating, minds were stirring, and a new order and expectation were quietly taking root under the reign title of "Tianwu." (End of Chapter)