The next day, Zhu Ping’an’s victory report was delivered to the Western Garden, and almost at the same time, Zhao Wenhu’s memorial followed closely behind.
“Quickly, get moving, get moving, prepare the ingredients at once, call Zhang the imperial chef, Wang the imperial chef, Huang the imperial chef, Xia the imperial chef, and also Tian the kitchen maid, have them prepare their signature dishes, quickly, quickly.”
Eunuch Han from the imperial kitchen rushed into the kitchen like a gust of wind, clapping his hands repeatedly to direct everyone.
In an instant, the imperial kitchen was in chaos, the eunuchs and palace maids spinning like tops under Eunuch Han’s commands.
“Dad, what is today that makes it so grand?” a young eunuch asked curiously, holding a basin of soaked sea cucumbers.
“Today, His Majesty has a good appetite, so we must seize the opportunity to nourish him well.”
Eunuch Han was in high spirits from the good news, his face beaming with smiles as he spoke.
“Dad, how do you know His Majesty has a good appetite today? This morning, he only had half a bowl of porridge.”
The young eunuch asked with a puzzled expression.
“You are still too young. Just now, Lord Zhu’s memorial arrived at the Western Garden,” Eunuch Han revealed.
“Ah?” The young eunuch was stunned for a moment, not reacting immediately.
“Are you daft? During this period, Lord Zhu has sent victory report after victory report, and every time one arrives, His Majesty is overjoyed, and when His Majesty is overjoyed, his appetite naturally improves. It has been like this all along. Are your eyes, ears, and mind just for show? If you want to rise in the palace, you need to think more.”
Eunuch Han was in a good mood and took the chance to give the young eunuch a lesson, helping him avoid some detours in his career.
“Oh, yes, yes, I remember now. Lord Zhu’s memorials always put His Majesty in a good mood and improve his appetite. Thank you for your guidance, Dad.”
The young eunuch suddenly understood, like clouds parting to reveal the moon, and thanked his dad profusely for the instruction.
“Alright, get back to work. This is a rare opportunity, and our imperial kitchen must make the most of it.” Eunuch Han waved his hand.
Soon, several senior imperial chefs vied to take charge of the stoves, using high flames, fierce fires, gentle simmers, and low heats, each displaying their full skills, as one delicious dish after another, perfect in colour, aroma, and taste, emerged from the pots.
The imperial kitchen’s preparations were not in vain. While they were busily readying the imperial meal, a young usher arrived.
This was one of the young ushers who served directly before His Majesty.
“Eunuch Liu, you are here. Does this mean His Majesty is ready for the meal to be served?” Eunuch Han greeted the young usher and asked.
“Eunuch Han, you guessed right. The meal can be served in the time it takes to burn one incense stick. His Majesty said to prepare several more dishes. Grand Secretary Yan, Grand Secretary Xu, and Grand Secretary Li are discussing matters in the hall, and His Majesty wishes to dine with the three grand secretaries.”
The young usher smiled and replied.
“You can rest assured, everything is already prepared.”
Hearing His Majesty’s instruction to make several more dishes, Eunuch Han was as delighted as if he had won a great prize, his face full of joy as he spoke.
“You have all read Zhu Ping’an’s secret memorial and Zhao Wenhu’s memorial, have you not? The organised Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast have all been eradicated by Zhu Ping’an. The remaining pirate strongholds will only take time to eliminate,” Emperor Jiajing said slowly from the dragon throne, looking down at Yan Song, Xu Jie, and Li Ben.
“Zhu Ping’an’s reports are credible. When Zhu Ping’an reports a victory in eradicating coastal Japanese pirate strongholds, they are indeed eradicated. After each of his victory reports, captives and heads are always escorted to the capital.”
“Moreover, Zhao Wenhu’s memorial also confirms that Zhu Ping’an’s victory report is genuine. Zhao Wenhu’s supervision of the campaign in the south has been effective.”
“The young ones are quick on their feet. Zhu Ping’an has been the governor of Zhejiang for just over two months, and after Zhao Wenhu supervised the war once, Zhu Ping’an has struck repeatedly. The Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast are about to be completely eradicated. Unlike Zhang Jing, who has been the governor-general for eleven months, with Zhao Wenhu supervising the war no less than ten times, and still no action against the pirates has begun.”
Yan Song stood below, cupping his hands and bowing as he replied. While praising Zhu Ping’an, he took the opportunity to disparage Zhang Jing.
At the same time, he echoed Zhao Wenhu’s impeachment.
The position of governor-general held by Zhang Jing had been coveted by the Yan faction for too long. The Yan faction had considerable influence in the court and among the officials, but lacked weight in the military. With the northern barbarians and southern Japanese pirates posing daily threats, it was a time for military action. If they could seize this chance to gain a voice and influence in the military for the Yan faction, then the faction would be as solid as Mount Tai.
So, Zhang Jing deserved to die.
Wenhu had handled this matter beautifully. Once Zhang Jing was gone, they could consider having Wenhu succeed him.
Yes, Zhu Ping’an’s recent eradications of coastal strongholds were all merits of Wenhu’s supervision.
After all, in that memorial where Wenhu petitioned for the great victory in supervising the campaign in northern Zhejiang, Zhu Ping’an had signed his name at the end.
By signing his name, Zhu Ping’an had acknowledged Wenhu’s merit in supervising the campaign. Once such a precedent was set, everything else would follow naturally.
For example, today: Zhu Ping’an reported the victory in eradicating the Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast, and Wenhu followed up with a report claiming credit for supervising the campaign.
With these merits from supervising the campaigns, it would be natural for Wenhu to take over Zhang Jing’s position as governor-general in the future.
Of course, this would depend on His Majesty’s will. Perhaps an interim figure would be needed in between before Wenhu took over.
That was a matter for later, no rush, no rush.
After Yan Song finished speaking, he lowered his head, appearing as if his age and lack of energy left him weary, but in reality, he was simulating scenarios in his mind.
“Your Majesty, Zhu Ping’an has eradicated the coastal Japanese pirate strongholds, which is naturally a cause for celebration, but…”
Xu Jie spoke, then paused.
“But what? Speak plainly,” Emperor Jiajing glanced at Xu Jie from the dragon throne and said indifferently.
“But Zhu Ping’an, without seeking Your Majesty’s approval, actually took it upon himself to attempt to win over Wang Zhi’s pirate allies, and even joined forces with Mao Haifeng, a leader under Wang Zhi, to attack and eradicate the Japanese pirate strongholds along the Zhejiang coast. Although he has achieved successive victories, eradicated the coastal strongholds, and incidentally weakened Wang Zhi’s pirate forces, allowing the people of Zhejiang to suffer fewer pirate raids, Zhu Ping’an acted on his own initiative and was reckless and presumptuous.”
Xu Jie cupped his hands and spoke slowly.
At the end, Xu Jie bowed and said gravely, “I request that he be reprimanded and fined one year’s salary to serve as a warning to others.”
Zihou had attempted to surrender Wang Zhi without Your Majesty’s approval, which was a hidden risk, neither too small nor too large. It was better to take advantage of Zihou’s victory, offset the merit with the fault, impose a minor punishment, bring this risk into the open, punish it lightly, and turn the page, lest it cause trouble in the future.
Yan Song, who had been squinting nearby, opened his eyes and slightly turned his head to glance at Li Ben beside him.
Li Ben took over from Xu Jie, stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Zhu Ping’an’s unauthorised attempt to win over Wang Zhi was rash and reckless. Such practices must not be encouraged. As for the punishment, it would be best to discuss it further before deciding.”
