Chapter 801: Imprisoned and Taking Office
Compared to Emperor Yongle Zhu Di, who often flew into furious rage, the imperial prison under the Beizhenfu Department of the Jinyiwei had been much less crowded over the years. Yet, before the city gates closed that evening, two prison carts were delivered to the Beizhenfu Department’s dungeon. Fangling, who had already been informed, had been waiting there with his men since morning. After the handover and imprisonment, he watched the two men shackled and felt a surge of alarm.
The ones imprisoned out of resentment were none other than Dai Lun and Lin Changmao—those who had been favored by the emperor at the beginning of his reign and promoted to high positions. Both had served as tutors to Zhu Zhanji when he was still the crown prince. Zhang Ying and Chen Shan, who also served as tutors, entered the cabinet first but later left due to ineffectiveness. One of them was promoted to minister, while the other held a prestigious but less powerful position—still better than Dai Lun and Lin Changmao’s current situation.
Although Fangling was still the deputy commander of the Jinyiwei, with Wang Jie as the chief commander above him, his control over the Beizhenfu Department was enough to show that he was the most powerful figure within the Jinyiwei. At the start of his tenure, though he didn’t take drastic action against old abuses such as extortion in the prison, he did his best to address them, resulting in a significant reduction in such illegal activities.
Even knowing that his subordinates wouldn’t dare act recklessly, he still summoned Liu Baihu, a trusted subordinate in charge of the prison affairs, and instructed him sternly, “Although they are prisoners by imperial decree, ensure their needs are met promptly. After all, they were once close associates of the emperor during his time in the eastern palace.”
“Rest assured, sir. I’ll take care of it. We need to leave room for the future. Think of those two who were imprisoned here for nearly ten years—soon after being released, they became grand secretaries and entered the cabinet.”
Hearing him misinterpret his intentions, Fangling didn’t explain further and gave a few more instructions before leading his men on a routine inspection of the prison. When he saw that Dai Lun and Lin Changmao were placed next to Yu Qian, he paused.
Regardless of rank, the cells in this prison were all identical—small, pigeoncage-like spaces, with no room for two people at once. According to the old rules from the Hongwu era, prisoners in the imperial prison were not allowed to communicate or pass messages. After being imprisoned for several years, they often couldn’t even speak properly when released. During the Yongle era, however, since Zhu Di imprisoned people for as short as ten days or half a month or as long as ten or eight years, and after Ji Gang was executed and Yuan Fang took power, the rules became less strict. If prisoners in adjacent cells were acquaintances or colleagues, they could talk through the wooden bars and brick walls, and occasionally exchange written notes and articles—none of this was prohibited.
Therefore, upon seeing Yu Qian reading by the light in his small cell, he couldn’t help but think of the legendary figure Yang Pu from this imperial prison. Looking at Dai Lun and Lin Changmao resting with their eyes closed against the wall, and remembering that both had been dismissed from their positions, he said gently, “If Mr. Dai and Mr. Lin need any books, please instruct the jailer. As long as it’s not prohibited, everything will be taken care of.”
Dai Lun and Lin Changmao had previously advised Zhu Zhanji to read more and hunt less, which ultimately angered the emperor. Now imprisoned, both were filled with resentment. Hearing such kind words from a strange high-ranking Jinyiwei official outside, Dai Lun merely sneered, but Lin Changmao spoke up, “Thank you for your kindness, sir. We may die at any moment, but if we can live another day, we would like to read more. Could you prepare for us The Analects and Records of the Grand Historian?”
Fangling paid no attention to Dai Lun’s cold attitude. Hearing Lin Changmao’s reply, he gave orders to the jailer behind him. Since there were no other prisoners after Yu Qian’s cell, he turned back from there.
Yu Qian, who was nearby, couldn’t help but put down his book upon hearing the words “may die at any moment,” his eyes showing a hint of emotion. When he saw Fangling and the others passing by, he got up and went to the bars, suddenly asking, “May I ask if you are Mr. Lin Jingshi and Mr. Dai Wenshan, who once taught the emperor?”
Lin Changmao wasn’t aware that there was someone locked in the cell next to him. Hearing this, he stood up despite his heavy shackles. When he reached the bars, he couldn’t see who it was, but hearing a seemingly young voice, he asked, “I am Lin Jingshi. Your voice sounds very young. Why were you imprisoned?”
Realizing that the people next to him were indeed Dai Lun and Lin Changmao, Yu Qian was stunned. After hearing Lin Changmao’s question, he briefly mentioned his own situation. Immediately, Dai Lun’s passionate voice came from next door.
“Good, good! Things that those grand secretaries dare not say, you dare to speak out against without hesitation. The Censorate has a brave young man like you—Gu Duxian truly manages the Censorate well! When we were brought into the city today, we heard that several censors in the Censorate jointly submitted a petition. The emperor ordered a debate at Wumen Gate to eliminate eunuch factions, dismiss treacherous officials, and restore proper order—these three points are truly compelling. In comparison, as court officials, Jingshi and I merely advised the emperor to read more and hunt less; we’re far behind you!”
Yu Qian pressed for more details, but Dai Lun and Lin Changmao had only heard a few words when they entered the city in the evening and were not clear about the specifics, so naturally they could not answer his questions. As for how the three of them had been taken back to the capital by the Jinyiwei, they merely sighed deeply without offering further explanations. After all, although Yu Qian had angered the emperor, censors at most faced demotion and rarely severe punishment for their words; but the two of them were different—these were old grudges dating back to when the emperor was still the crown prince, with no chance of leniency.
At the third watch of the next day, Zhang Yue, who had barely slept through the night, got up early. The weather was already hot, and after a restless night, he felt sticky and uncomfortable, so he had someone fetch well water to wash himself with. After changing into dry robes and having breakfast, he was pondering the news sent by Zhang Bu the previous night and planning whom he needed to meet that day when someone rushed in to report.
It was Gao Quan’s daughter-in-law, saying that officials from the Ministry of Personnel had come, stating that various personnel matters for the six ministries had been decided during the morning court session, and he was asked to go to the Ministry of Personnel immediately to handle the procedures for taking up his post. Having received this message, he quickly finished his breakfast, put on his official robes, and rushed to the Ministry of Personnel.
The Ministry of Personnel was located east of Daming Gate, sandwiched between the Imperial Clan Office and the Ministry of Revenue. Since Emperor Hongwu Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the position of prime minister and elevated the six ministries, this place had become the most important in the entire empire—no matter one’s rank, they had to go through the Ministry of Personnel. The current Minister of Personnel, Jian Yi, had served as vice minister there since the Jianwen era, nearly thirty years ago. It could be said that both the Ministry of Personnel in Nanjing and the one in the capital were deeply influenced by the Jian family from top to bottom.
Jian Yi had served under five emperors and had already been appointed as a court secretary during the Hongwu era. Compared to trusted inner court officials like Yang Shiqi, his qualifications were unmatched. Yet, despite holding high positions for many years, he remained kind and generous. When he saw Zhang Yue bowing in greeting in the hall, he personally helped him up and then gave detailed instructions as they handled various matters. Whenever Zhang Yue had questions, he patiently answered them without any impatience. Finally, when Zhang Yue took his leave, he personally saw him out of the hall.
“Among the six ministries, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of War are the most important. You have worked in the Armory Department and the Geography Department, so you are an experienced figure in the Ministry of War. You also have extensive experience outside, and thus are well-accustomed to its affairs. However, since Minister Zhang is now advanced in age, he inevitably bears much of the workload. I ask you to work together with Vice Minister Feng with full dedication. Initially, everyone suggested that another minister should also oversee the Ministry of War, but the emperor declined, so we did not insist. You should be aware of this.”
“Thank you, Minister Jian, for your reminder.”
Previously, only instructions regarding ministry affairs had been given, but these reminders were truly valuable. Zhang Yue quickly bowed deeply in gratitude. After leaving the official gate, he couldn’t help but look back and found Jian Yi still standing on the steps with his hands behind his back. He hadn’t noticed it up close earlier, but from a distance, he saw that the elderly minister appeared hunched and aged, hardly seeming just one year older than Yang Shiqi.
His assumption of office followed routine procedures. As an experienced figure in the Ministry of War, although there were many new faces, most of the officials in the middle and lower ranks were acquaintances. Though there was more formality between them, it made things easier to handle. He first met Minister Zhang Ben, followed by his subordinates coming forward to pay their respects. After completing all the formalities, documents from the Grand Secretariat arrived, asking about military matters in southwestern Yunnan. Since Zhang Yue had just returned from Yunnan, Zhang Ben sent him there.
Zhang Yue had only been back for three days and hadn’t even had time to visit Yang Shiqi or the Shen brothers. It was also his first time meeting Yang Rong outside of court meetings. Before meeting this grand secretary in charge of military strategy in a small courtyard outside the Grand Secretariat’s main building, he took the time while in the carriage to read the urgent military reports from Mu Sheng, the Duke of Qian in Yunnan. This gave him some understanding of the chaotic situation there. So, after meeting Yang Rong, he naturally brought up the idea of replacing tribal rule with centralized administration, adding another sentence:
“The Si family in Luchuan has already extended their influence to Burma. If not controlled soon, it will eventually cause serious problems in the southwest.”
“Unfortunately, the Duke of Qian is not a capable general.”
Although he had received generous gifts from Mu Sheng and often spoke well of him, Yang Rong really couldn’t praise the duke’s military skills. Thus, he couldn’t help but express his opinion, only to regret it afterward. Seeing that Zhang Yue seemed unaffected and remained seated properly, he reminded himself that the young man before him was no longer the inexperienced newcomer of old but a capable official who had gained recognition and was now entrusted with important duties. He shouldn’t treat him as a junior.
“Since you have just returned from there and now hold the position of Deputy Minister of War, you will take charge of military affairs in Luchuan first. All military reports must be reviewed by you before being submitted to the Cabinet, so there’s no need to trouble Minister Zhang. Additionally, pay close attention to the matter of withdrawing troops from Jiaozhi—after all, there are often tricks involved in reporting achievements. With someone who knows the ins and outs overseeing things, it’s less likely that you’ll be deceived. Also…”
Yang Rong was not like Jian Yi. Although he didn’t regard Zhang Yue as a direct subordinate, he still spoke in an unmistakably authoritative tone when assigning tasks. Zhang Yue had long known this was his personality, and since Yang Rong’s assignments were always based on official duties, he had no objections. As he stood up, Yang Rong suddenly added something more.
“It’s better to let Minister Zhang handle matters related to the Military Selection Bureau. Though you are a legitimate Jinshi graduate, your family background is military in origin. Moreover, there are many kinship ties among the nobles. If someone comes to ask for favors, can you, as a junior, turn everyone away? That’s why I said nothing when you were appointed Deputy Minister of War, but Ministers Xia and Wu, as well as Yishan, raised objections. Yet the Emperor believes you have expertise in military affairs, so don’t disappoint his expectations.”
The first part was the truth, and Zhang Yue felt relieved upon hearing it, with no sense of resentment. The latter part was more subtle. Although Yang Rong didn’t explicitly praise him, he named those who had opposed him at the time. Hearing this, Zhang Yue had his own calculations, but he kept a calm expression. After thanking him, he left the palace.
During the Hongwu and Yongle eras, people were appointed regardless of convention—whomever impressed the Emperor after being recommended could even become a provincial governor. Thus, some said Zhang Yue suffered because of his young age. But by the Hongxi and Xuande eras, qualifications became more important in appointments. Although Zhang Yue had numerous achievements and a renowned reputation, most of his most significant promotions were through special appointments. This time, however, it was based on seniority, and those who objected were only concerned with which department he would be assigned to, not whether he qualified.
Though he often entered the palace, this time, as he walked out through the Meridian Gate, the officials and eunuchs he encountered either stepped aside or bowed to him with much greater respect than before. Under such collective attention, Zhang Yue couldn’t think calmly along the way. It wasn’t until he left the Right Gate of Chang’an and entered East Chang’an Street that he finally felt relieved.
If one is in a distant place, it is only natural for subordinates to foot the bill for a banquet to show respect when a new official takes office. However, Liu Guan, the former Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, was convicted on charges including holding extravagant banquets with his subordinates. As a result, when the heads of the six ministries took office again, there were no more overly ostentatious exchanges of favors. For Zhang Yue’s inauguration, the cost of the meal was covered collectively by officials at all levels.
It was the same that evening. Although Minister Zhang Ben did not show up, he sent the money through his servants. The rest, including Vice Minister Feng, all pitched in and reserved six tables at Ducang Tower, a place Zhang Yue often frequented. According to Zhang Yue’s usual habits, the clerks and servants would not be left out, but given the turbulent situation in the Censorate, he was not afraid of further accusations; instead, he feared that the intensifying pressure from the Censorate might anger the emperor. So he made it clear in advance that he would not accept invitations from lower-ranking officials.
The Ministry of War usually dealt with rough military officials, so its staff maintained a high degree of restraint as civil officials. But after drinking, those who were not familiar with Zhang Yue showed signs of drunkenness and left under various pretexts. Those who knew him well naturally dropped their pretenses. After a meal filled with laughter and joy, as night curfew approached, the group dispersed. When Zhang Yue got into his carriage, he also pulled over Wan Shijie, who looked extremely happy.
“Old Wan, did you take care of the matter I asked you about when I left the capital—helping the eldest son of Grand Secretary Yang?”