Chapter Thirty-Two: Unyielding Advance

The following day in the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Grand Academician of the Central Extreme Hall, Zhou Yanru, the Deputy Academician of the Hall of Establishing Extremes, He Fengsheng, the Grand Academician of the Hall of Literary Splendor, Zhang Sizhi, the Grand Academician of the Hall of Martial Brilliance, Xie Sheng, the Grand Academician of the Hall of Literary Source, Wei Zhaocheng, and the Grand Academician of the Eastern Hall, Chen Yan, all arrived in succession.

When matters of state were discussed, the Emperor would summon the relevant ministers, typically the heads of the Six Ministries, the Court, and the Four Temples. As for the Grand Academicians of the Cabinet, their original purpose was merely to serve as the Emperor’s secretarial advisors, assisting with memorials and offering counsel. Yet, as the dynasty developed, their authority vastly expanded, now almost rivaling that of the Prime Minister, earning them the title of Grand Counselors. The Grand Academician of the Central Extreme Hall was the principal, the Hall of Establishing Extremes the deputy; the others were ranked in order of precedence, each representing different spheres of influence in court, collectively known as the Counselors.

Generally, each Grand Academician had specific responsibilities; aside from the principal and deputy, the others were not required at every assembly. The presence of the entire Cabinet today signified the Emperor's exceptional attention to this matter.

Likewise, the Minister of War, Chen Xinjia, the Minister of Revenue, Fu Shuxun, and the Vice Minister of Revenue, Wang Zhengzhi, had all arrived early, their faces stern and resolute.

Compared to the serious expressions of his ministers, the Emperor Chongzhen, normally weighed down by worry, appeared unusually cheerful today, leafing through Wang Zhengzhi’s memorial with evident satisfaction.

Beside him lay another memorial, already read—submitted by Chen Xinjia.

This scene relaxed Chen Xinjia, who watched as Wang Zhengzhi smiled broadly while the Emperor examined his memorial.

Wang Zhengzhi's extraordinary effort had allowed the Ministry of Revenue to rapidly raise three hundred thousand taels of converted silver and ten thousand stones of grain. The Ministry of War, not to be outdone, quickly gathered one hundred thousand taels of converted silver and fifty thousand taels of actual silver. Although there remained a shortfall of fifty thousand taels, it was of little concern; military funds need not be allocated all at once, and further sums could be raised gradually. At worst, one less battalion would suffice. To secure four hundred thousand taels for military expenses was already a windfall for the Ministry of War, offering hope to mend the current fractured situation.

Chen Xinjia, in high spirits, watched Wang Zhengzhi’s satisfied grin as the Emperor perused his memorial, almost radiating triumph.

As expected, the Emperor spoke in praise: “Vice Minister Wang Zhengzhi of the Ministry of Revenue has shown diligence and dedication. His plan for raising funds for the capital’s garrison is excellent, superb!”

“Serving the nation faithfully is my duty!” Wang Zhengzhi replied, beaming with joy. He thought to himself: surely, it is time for the Minister of Revenue to be replaced! Fu Shuxun should step aside and let me take charge now!

At that moment, Fu Shuxun’s expression darkened, his face paling further.

As anticipated, Wei Zhaocheng interjected, “Your Majesty, in my opinion, the Ministry of Revenue should be entrusted to a single individual, so that its full strength may be harnessed to swiftly provide funds for the capital’s garrison.”

After Wei Zhaocheng spoke, Zhou Yanru squinted at him, then lowered his gaze, remaining silent.

The upheaval in the Ministry of Revenue had been swift and unexpected, catching Zhou Yanru off guard and leaving him unable to intervene.

Thus, Zhou Yanru fell silent.

The dominant party from Donglin kept quiet, while the other Cabinet Counselors, mere background figures in this drama, distanced themselves from the issue.

For a moment, Wei Zhaocheng’s words seemed to settle the matter.

Just as Wang Zhengzhi was inwardly rejoicing, the Emperor, still reading the memorial, turned his narrowed eyes toward Fu Shuxun.

Fu Shuxun stepped forward and declared, “Vice Minister Wang Zhengzhi has worked diligently, and his plan for the capital’s garrison funds is a great achievement. I petition Your Majesty to promote Wang Zhengzhi to Minister of Revenue and send him to Shanxi to oversee the provisioning of funds!”

“Promotion in name, demotion in reality?” These words flashed through everyone’s minds, but they soon shook their heads. Such tactics, unless backed by overwhelming force, are useless; though a deputy, Wang Zhengzhi was no pushover to be manipulated at will.

Indeed, Wang Zhengzhi raised his brows, stepped forward, and replied coldly with a smile, “Minister Fu seeks to have me promoted, and I am deeply honored, yet apprehensive. Since promotion is in order, it must be in recognition of my plan for the capital’s garrison funds. But if I leave the capital, who will shoulder this plan with you, Minister Fu?”

Wang Zhengzhi’s words were full of pride, bordering on arrogance.

The hall fell into a tense silence.

Though the others resented Wang Zhengzhi’s arrogance, they had to admit he had every reason to be confident.

Even the Emperor was somewhat impressed. To take responsibility, one must have the courage to draw one’s sword and fight for what is rightfully theirs.

Wang Zhengzhi’s words dominated the hall, his presence overwhelming, as if he were a storm threatening to engulf Fu Shuxun’s lone boat.

Suddenly, Fu Shuxun chuckled softly, carefree yet resolute, and replied, “The Ministry of Revenue must be under my guidance, so Your Majesty need not worry about the capital’s garrison funds. I pledge to raise six hundred thousand taels of converted silver for the capital’s garrison.”

His declaration stunned the assembly.

Everyone sensed the strangeness of today’s court; despite fifteen years of the Emperor’s relentless drive, never had the ministers fought so desperately.

When had court confrontations become matters of life and death?

Regardless, all present were astonished by Fu Shuxun’s audacity and determination.

Most shocked was Wang Zhengzhi, chilled to his soul, who immediately questioned, “Minister Fu! The capital’s needs are great, but do you intend to divert the salaries of all officials in the capital?”

That was the only way Wang Zhengzhi could imagine Fu Shuxun raising such a sum!

At this, the Cabinet Counselors looked on, uneasy and attentive.

Fu Shuxun answered calmly:

“No deduction from Henan’s military pay.”

“No diversion from the Yellow River works.”

“April’s capital salaries will be preserved.”

“Only grant me ten days, Your Majesty, to reform the Ministry of Revenue!” With that final, decisive statement, the hall was shaken.

Such determination made Zhou Yanru’s brow twitch, and he spoke gravely, “Minister Fu, do not jest before the Emperor. Perhaps you should reconsider.”

Fu Shuxun nodded slowly, stepped forward, and bowed deeply, “I am willing to sign a military pledge!”

Wang Zhengzhi turned pale, staring into the distance, as if thunder were about to strike.

“I... approve!” The Emperor set down Fu Shuxun’s memorial, his expression half-smiling, full of meaning.