The Rise of Xu Jie and the Shifting Sands of Power

The mid-16th century Ming Dynasty was a period of intense political maneuvering, where alliances were fragile and power dynamics shifted like desert sands. At the center of this intricate web stood Xu Jie, a seasoned statesman whose calculated moves shaped the careers of rising stars like Zhang Juzheng. Following the execution of the notorious Yan Shifan and the resignation of ailing Grand Secretary Yuan Wei, Xu Jie seized the opportunity to reshape the Grand Secretariat. His appointments of the incorruptible Yan Na and the mild-mannered Li Chunfang were strategic—balancing competence with controllability.

When Emperor Jiajing questioned the need for additional appointments, Xu Jie’s humble deflection—“How could I manage state affairs alone?”—masked a deeper agenda. His proposal to appoint Zhang Juzheng as Chancellor of the Hanlin Academy, though ostensibly a ceremonial role, was a masterstroke. This position elevated Zhang’s prestige while keeping him close, ensuring his eventual ascent to the Grand Secretariat.

The Mentorship of Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng’s Political Education

Zhang Juzheng, though young, was no naive protégé. He recognized Xu Jie’s maneuvers for what they were: a careful grooming process. While nominally confined to academic duties, Zhang became Xu’s trusted advisor, gradually transitioning from behind-the-scenes strategist to a visible political actor. Their closed-door discussions in Xu’s duty office were anything but scholarly—they were war rooms where the fate of the empire was debated.

The introduction of Gao Gong into the Grand Secretariat, however, introduced a volatile element. A favorite tutor of the future Emperor Longqing, Gao Gong carried an air of entitlement. His suspicion of Xu Jie’s motives—interpreting his promotion as flattery rather than merit—revealed a dangerous arrogance. When Zhang attempted to mediate, Gao’s pointed question—“What do you and Xu Jie discuss all day?”—laid bare the tensions simmering beneath the surface.

The Death of an Emperor and the Birth of a Political Crisis

The winter of 1566 marked a turning point. Emperor Jiajing, lost in Daoist fantasies of immortality, lay dying amidst hallucinations of celestial ascension. As the emperor’s health failed, Xu Jie and Zhang Juzheng prepared for the inevitable. Their most audacious act? Drafting a “posthumous edict” in Jiajing’s name—a document that would dismantle his unpopular policies.

The edict was revolutionary: it halted wasteful Daoist rituals, exiled corrupt court priests, and—most significantly—rehabilitated victims of Jiajing’s infamous “Great Rites” and “Great Prison” cases. The public response was euphoric; Xu Jie’s reputation soared. Yet, in the shadows, Gao Gong seethed. Convinced Xu had orchestrated an earlier impeachment attempt against him, Gao vowed revenge.

The Gathering Storm: A New Reign and New Rivalries

With the accession of Emperor Longqing in early 1567, Zhang Juzheng’s star rose rapidly. Promoted to Vice Minister of Rites and then to the Grand Secretariat, he became its youngest member at just 43. But his triumph was overshadowed by Gao Gong’s smoldering resentment. Xu Jie, now at the height of his influence, underestimated the threat—a miscalculation that would have dire consequences.

The cold winds blowing through the Grand Secretariat were more than seasonal; they heralded a coming storm. Gao Gong, biding his time, waited for his moment to strike. Meanwhile, Zhang Juzheng, though grateful to Xu Jie, failed to recognize the peril lurking in his colleague’s glare. The stage was set for a brutal power struggle—one that would redefine the Ming political landscape.

Legacy and Lessons from the Ming Power Plays

The Xu Jie-Zhang Juzheng partnership offers a timeless study in political strategy and mentorship. Xu’s ability to navigate court intrigues while nurturing talent ensured reforms outlived Jiajing’s disastrous reign. Yet, his oversight of Gao Gong’s vendetta proved costly, illustrating the peril of dismissing personal grudges in high-stakes politics.

For Zhang Juzheng, these years were formative. The lessons learned—balancing loyalty with ambition, recognizing hidden enemies—would shape his later dominance as Grand Secretary. Modern readers might see parallels in corporate or governmental leadership: the importance of coalition-building, the risks of succession planning, and the explosive potential of unchecked rivalries.

In the end, this chapter of Ming history reminds us that power is never static. It is a game of chess, where every move—and every overlooked threat—can alter the board irrevocably.