Chapter 40: Zhu Zhanji Enters the Capital

Li Jinglong was still an honest and reliable man. Having said that, even if he were to become one of "Big Fatty Zhu's" men in the future, he would still have to show Xu Jingchang a great deal of respect, never daring to be the least bit negligent.

Although they were all members of the nobility and high-ranking families, there were still distinctions in status and rank.

"Xu Yi, look at us now. Does our family have the same aura it once had?" Xu Jingchang asked with a chuckle.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yi was lost in thought for a moment before replying, "The Duke said after eating the mooncake that ever since the passing of the Prince of Zhongshan, it was only when the family came into your hands, Young Master, that there were signs of a revival. He felt he had failed his ancestors."

As he spoke, Xu Yi retrieved a roster from his robes and handed it to Xu Jingchang.

"Young Master, this is what the Duke gave me. It lists the generals who have departed from the Xu residence over all these years. Some serve as commanders or vice-commanders at the border, while others oversee troops and suppress bandits in various provinces. Though their positions are not high, they might prove useful in the long run. That is why he gave this list to you, hoping you could make use of it."

Xu Jingchang paused, then took it in his hand. Without unfolding it, he gave a sentimental smile. "They say that great and powerful families have students and former subordinates spread across the world; I suppose this is what they mean. My uncle went to such great lengths, and most of it was likely for this..."

Xu Jingchang held the list in his hand, then glanced at the small stove nearby, upon which a teapot sat. He then tossed the roster into the fire.

Xu Yi was startled and wanted to say something, but swallowed his words.

The young master was now the master of the house; whatever he chose to do was naturally correct.

"The old Xu family has reached its end. Keeping these things is useless. From now on, whoever comes to our door will be dealt with according to the rules. No one is to talk to me about 'old favors'; I don't buy that."

Xu Yi paused, then nodded firmly. "This old servant understands."

Xu Jingchang took a deep breath. "I have to head to the Office of Transmission. There will likely be many people seeking me out for favors in the coming days. Remember: I will see none of them. If you cannot stop them, then leave the Xu family's gates."

After giving these instructions, Xu Jingchang went to the Office of Transmission.

In the past, the Office of Transmission was only responsible for the delivery of official documents and, at most, tracking the progress of engineering projects. While already prestigious, it still lacked a certain weight.

However, once the Yongle Emperor decided to take military action against Joseon, the entire situation at the Office of Transmission changed abruptly.

Standing within it, one could truly feel the pulse of the national command center.

"The four prefectures of Suzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou, and Zhenjiang are to transport 1.5 million shi of autumn grain to the capital. Of that, 500,000 shi are to be diverted to Liuhe Port for the use of Zheng He's naval fleet."

"Order Shandong to overcome all difficulties and conscript 100,000 laborers to transport supplies and armaments to support the expenses at the front lines."

"This is the preliminary list drafted by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War to reinforce officials of all levels in Liaodong, and to have them repair roads in advance."

"Also, the Ministry of Works is to oversee the construction of thirty warships, to be completed within three months."

...

In the main hall of the Office of Transmission, task after task—for the sake of the military campaign, from money and grain to laborers, road repairs, shipbuilding, and personnel adjustments—all fell upon the Office of Transmission.

The Office of Transmission issued orders to the outside world while simultaneously urging various regions to speed up their work.

Depending on the task, some required reports every five days, such as shipbuilding. Others required reports every three days, like the conscription of laborers. And for those requiring daily reports, it was the movement of troops in various regions.

These items were sent to the Office of Transmission, categorized, and posted in the main hall. Who was performing well and who was failing was clear at a glance.

For instance, the Songjiang Prefecture had only completed thirty percent of its grain allocation, while Suzhou had reached seventy percent. The Office of Transmission immediately issued an official document demanding an explanation... one had to provide a reasonable justification and catch up immediately. If the task remained unfinished, then, unfortunately, the next step would be an impeachment.

In normal times, one could deflect with bureaucratic excuses, and the six ministries would find ways to shield their own. Everything was negotiable.

But in wartime, once an order was issued, results had to be seen.

If you couldn't do it, get out. If you still couldn't do it, your head might be the one rolling out.

In just a few days, people felt the terrifying power of the Office of Transmission.

People had previously said they should guard against the Office of Transmission becoming a true "Chancellor's office." Now, it was clear it wasn't a matter of the future; the signs were already here.

Xu Jingchang utilized the powers conveyed to the Office of Transmission to their absolute limit.

The six ministries couldn't do it, and even the Cabinet couldn't manage it.

Soon, the Yongle Emperor realized that instead of waiting in the palace for various reports, the best way to know the progress of war preparations was to sit in the main hall of the Office of Transmission, see the progress of every item, and directly issue decrees to hold those responsible for any serious issues.

Furthermore, to facilitate the discussion of government affairs, the Yongle Emperor summoned several Cabinet scholars to supervise work directly at the Office of Transmission.

"Your Majesty, it's not that I don't welcome you, but the Office of Transmission now has so many more affairs and staff. Don't you think you should give me more manpower and increase the budget so that I can better serve you?"

The Yongle Emperor looked at Xu Jingchang, thought for a long time, and asked, "Very well. How many people do you need, and do you have a plan?"

"I do, Your Majesty. Look, the Ministry of Revenue has thirteen divisions, each with a director, an assistant director, and secretaries... responsible for overseeing the finances of both capitals. I am now overseeing the six ministries, monitoring local affairs, military and civilian matters, and handling foreign relations... the burden is no less than that of the Ministry of Revenue. Do you think I should at least be on par with the Ministry of Revenue's structure?"

The Yongle Emperor thought seriously for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "If I provide you with these subordinates, you would truly be the Chancellor of the Great Ming, wouldn't you?"

Xu Jingchang chuckled. "If Your Majesty is unwilling, just consider that I never said it. But if there are any oversights, I hope Your Majesty will be lenient."

"Hahaha!" The Yongle Emperor laughed heartily. "You rascal, you are full of tricks. But I have an arrangement: I will have the Cabinet scholars take turns coming to the Office of Transmission. When they are out, they will serve as consultants to the Office of Transmission; when they are in, they will be Cabinet scholars. This way, both internal and external affairs are balanced, you get your staff, and I stay informed about the state of the court. It is the best of both worlds."

Xu Jingchang rolled his eyes. The "best of both worlds"? Hardly!

It was clearly that you, Old Fourth Zhu, were also coveting the power of the Office of Transmission, which is why you sent those pedantic scholars from the Cabinet over.

It seems that the distance between turning the Office of Transmission into a real Chancellor's office is still considerable.

Perhaps, under the reign of the Yongle Emperor, it was simply impossible.

There is no other way; I must trust in the wisdom of my descendants...

Big Fatty Zhu, when are you coming to the capital?

I miss you!

Zhu Gaochi, however, had no time to head to the capital; he had to remain in Beiping to oversee the mobilization of troops and the punishment of the rebellious King of Joseon. But he had already sent his wife, Lady Zhang, along with his eldest son, Zhu Zhanji, to set off first for Yingtian.

"Your Highness, you still have to coordinate grain and logistics, and matters are complex. Wouldn't it be better to wait until you are finished so we can all go to Yingtian together?"

"Big Fatty Zhu" shook his head repeatedly. "I want that too, but don't you know? The second brother has long harbored a desire to seize the throne. He was enfeoffed as the Prince of Han, and I have yet to be named the Crown Prince. If the Empress Dowager hadn't arrived in the capital in time, the situation would have been beyond repair. And there's the third brother; he captured Tie Xuan and has entered the capital as well. With those two there, who knows what's happening? I fear there will be trouble."

Lady Zhang said with a bitter face, "I am but a woman. Even if something happens, I cannot help. Won't it be a wasted effort?"

"Oh, it's not like that. Listen to me. The Empress Dowager has already let me in on the secret: the only one who can help me now is my cousin, Xu Jingchang. Back then, he used to ride on my back, making me act as his horse. All these years later, it's only right that he helps me. At worst, I'll owe him a massive favor. You take our son over there and let the boy get close to his cousin. His cousin is now the Minister of Transmission, holding great power. Let him treat him like his own father; the two of us will rely on him."

Lady Zhang rolled her eyes. "I must say, you're a grown man, and all you know how to do is use your own son to curry favor everywhere. It was like that with the Emperor and Empress, and now with Minister Xu, it's the same. Aren't you ashamed?"

"What shame is there in that! Don't you understand the bond between generations? The common people say the eldest grandson and the youngest son are the apple of a parent's eye. I, the eldest, am not favored, and you, the eldest daughter-in-law, are always being scolded. Now that Father has taken the throne, our family is in the most precarious position."

Lady Zhang thought for a moment and nodded. "I understand. Does Your Highness have any other instructions?"

Zhu Gaochi thought seriously for a moment. "Only one thing: as a wife, you must learn to hide the truth from both sides. Be extremely careful!"