Volume One: The Inspector and the Candidate Chapter Forty-Five: Boldly Presenting Counsel Before the Sovereign

Zhou Bo was a great founding hero of the Han dynasty, and after Liu Bang’s death, he was a pivotal force in quelling the tumult of the Lü clan. Emperor Wen of Han ascended the throne only with the support of Zhou Bo, Chen Ping, and other eminent ministers from the early Han. Before that, they had already deposed Liu Hong, the young emperor chosen by the Lü clan.

As for Huo Guang, his reputation in history is even greater. His achievements and influence surpassed even those of Zhou Bo and the early Han ministers; he stands as the quintessential model of a powerful regent. Singlehandedly, he deposed the newly enthroned Liu He and then selected the more prudent Liu Xun, who became Emperor Xuan of Han.

Powerful ministers in court, princely clans entering the imperial succession—this situation is strikingly similar to the circumstances facing the current Emperor Jiajing, and it is only natural that unease should stir in his heart.

Huang Ming’s next words caught his attention even more: “What do you mean by that?”

Already prepared, Huang Ming replied at once, “First, times have changed. Today is the Ming dynasty, not the Han of a thousand years ago, ruled by warlords. Second, Your Majesty possesses innate brilliance; you are not the sort to be threatened by ordinary ministers.” After a brief pause, he continued: “Third, Your Majesty is surrounded by loyal people; how could you ever be bullied by any minister of power?”

The only thing he did not mention was that today’s powerful minister, Yang Tinghe, would not dare to attempt the deeds of those ancient times.

“Huang Jin, your son is speaking in circles to say you are a loyal subject,” Jiajing said suddenly with a smile.

It was clear he was in high spirits, evidently approving of Huang Ming’s argument.

Huang Jin joined in the jest, replying, “Though I dare not call myself a minister, my loyalty to my lord is unwavering!”

“Yes, I believe that as well.”

Jiajing’s smile faded abruptly. “But the current state of the court still leaves me feeling powerless, constantly checked and hindered by others.”

“That is what I dared not say before,” Huang Ming admitted, knowing he had been summoned to speak frankly. “Though today’s great ministers are not another Huo Guang or Zhou Bo, there are still those bold enough to use all manner of means to force Your Majesty to act entirely according to their preferences.

“For example, the recent calls for harsh punishment of the palace eunuchs—at its core, this is directed at Your Majesty.”

Jiajing’s gaze flickered. “Go on.”

“They seek to drive away those closest to Your Majesty, thus elevating their own authority. Should Your Majesty yield out of concern—even if only banishing the eunuchs left by Emperor Wuzong from the capital—the ministers’ power would increase greatly, while Your Majesty’s prestige would be severely diminished.

“It is not because I am the son of a eunuch that I speak for them; it is simply fact. The balance between Your Majesty’s prestige and the ministers’ power is often decided in these small advances and retreats.”

Jiajing fell silent in contemplation, while Huang Jin anxiously worried over his son’s boldness. This boy truly dared to speak plainly—was he not afraid to touch upon the emperor’s most sensitive matters?

After a long pause, Jiajing spoke slowly: “So, in your view, what I must do now is protect those within the palace?”

Huang Ming did not answer directly, but his silence served as assent.

“Yet even as sovereign, there are many matters that cannot be decided by a single word. You said it yourself: the court is filled with powerful ministers, though they may not compare to Huo Guang or Zhou Bo, their influence cannot be ignored. It is difficult for me as well.”

This time, Jiajing truly seemed to be speaking with candor, making Huang Jin’s heart race in trepidation.

Huang Ming sensed it too, and wondered quietly—is it because of his own background, or because their ages are similar, or perhaps the emperor’s difficult circumstances have left him so pressured that he finally found someone to confide in?

“Matters of state are beyond a commoner like me to comment upon too much.

“But I do have one humble suggestion for Your Majesty: no matter how great a minister’s power, he remains a subject and can never overstep the ruler... Your Majesty is now sovereign of the realm; as long as you wish to employ someone, none can truly oppose you.”

His words brought a laugh from Jiajing: “You make it sound easy. But what if I am subject to the criticism of the world? What if my reputation suffers as a result?”

You, who have spent thirty years secluded in the Western Gardens, rarely seeing any courtier, are you truly so concerned about others’ opinions? If that were the case, you wouldn’t be called ‘the emperor with a clean household.’

Of course, Huang Ming kept such thoughts to himself and only replied, “As long as Your Majesty’s decisions are correct and bring peace and prosperity to the people, who would dare criticize you?

“And in my opinion, today’s so-called powerful ministers are merely leaders of a group of officials who seem to control discourse. Is their power truly so great?

“If it were, I would not have been able to leave Master Yang speechless in today’s lecture.”

Jiajing was stunned, naturally detecting some deeper meaning in his words. “Anything else?”

“In fact, Your Majesty, have you considered that dividing and balancing is the proper way to govern ministers?

Huang Ming abandoned caution and spoke earnestly: “Ordinarily, factional struggles are disastrous for the state and people, and in the end, both sides are of the same cloth—not wise. Why not try another approach?

“For example, in recent years, all the court officials, from top to bottom, internal and external, have come through the imperial examination system. But is this truly beneficial to the nation?

“Actually, since the founding of the Ming, our ancestor set at least three ways for commoners to become officials: first, the imperial examinations; second, military merit; and third, selection to study at the Imperial Academy!”

This last point was the crucial one.

It made Jiajing’s eyes light up, and he gazed deeply at Huang Ming. “Is it because you are now a student of the Imperial Academy that you say this?”

“That is one reason—I admit I have my own interests. But on the other hand, I have always believed that nothing in the world should come from a single source, or else all the benefits will be monopolized.

“Now, in the court, there are signs of this already. To break up the unity of the examination officials, fresh strength must be drawn from elsewhere.

“Moreover, since this system was established by the founding emperor, there must be sound reasoning behind it. Later generations abolished it, perhaps out of selfishness rather than public spirit.”

“Well said!” Jiajing slapped the table, quite excited. “Your suggestion truly clears the clouds before my eyes. Though the time is not yet ripe, in the future, I will certainly try it and bring forth a force in court that should have existed all along!”

He then studied Huang Ming appreciatively, making the young man’s heart tremble—might the emperor want him to follow his father’s path, to serve at his side...

Fortunately, Jiajing merely smiled: “Too bad you lack proper credentials and are too young; otherwise, I would break the rules to promote you to the cabinet, so you could advise me at all times!”