The Tumultuous Political Landscape of the Ming Dynasty

The year 1570 was a time of intense political maneuvering in the Ming Dynasty, as powerful officials vied for dominance in the imperial court. At the center of these struggles was Gao Gong, a shrewd and ambitious statesman who had risen through the ranks to become one of the most influential figures in the government. His primary adversaries included Zhao Zhenji, with whom he engaged in fierce political battles, and Xu Jie, a former Grand Secretary who still wielded considerable influence despite having retired from office.

Gao Gong’s attention was divided between two major concerns: the ongoing conflict with Zhao Zhenji and the delicate negotiations with Altan Khan (俺答汗), a Mongol leader seeking formal recognition and trade relations with the Ming. Yet, even amid these pressing matters, Gao Gong remained fixated on undermining Xu Jie, whom he viewed as a lingering threat to his authority.

The Fallout of Hai Rui’s Governance

Hai Rui, the famously incorruptible official, had recently left his post as the Grand Coordinator of Yingtian (应天巡抚), leaving behind a legacy of strict governance that had unsettled many wealthy landowners. His successor, Zhu Daqi, found himself caught in the crossfire of court politics. Gao Gong, eager to exploit any opportunity to weaken Xu Jie, wrote to Zhu Daqi, subtly suggesting that while Hai Rui’s methods had been excessive, his crackdown on corrupt elites—many of whom were Xu Jie’s allies—had been justified.

Zhu Daqi, however, was politically astute and unwilling to be drawn into Gao Gong’s vendetta. He feigned ignorance of the implied directive, choosing instead to maintain a neutral stance. Meanwhile, Zhang Juzheng, another high-ranking official and a former protégé of Xu Jie, also wrote to Zhu Daqi, advising a more moderate approach to governance. His letter hinted at concerns that Zhu might follow Hai Rui’s harsh tactics, potentially provoking unrest.

Gao Gong’s Relentless Pursuit of Xu Jie

Unable to directly attack Xu Jie, Gao Gong sought alternative strategies to discredit him. He ordered his subordinates to closely monitor anyone traveling from Songjiang (松江府), Xu Jie’s hometown, to the capital, hoping to uncover incriminating evidence. His trusted agent, Han Ji, took charge of this operation, employing ruthless methods to extract confessions.

In early 1571, Han Ji apprehended a man named Sun Wu, whom he tortured into admitting ties to Xu Jie’s faction. Though the evidence was flimsy, Gao Gong saw an opportunity to implicate Li Chunfang, the sitting Grand Secretary, by linking him to Sun Wu’s associates. When confronted, Li Chunfang, weary of court intrigues, chose to resign rather than engage in further conflict. His departure allowed Gao Gong to ascend to the position of Grand Secretary, consolidating his power.

The Persecution of the Xu Family

With Li Chunfang gone, Gao Gong intensified his campaign against Xu Jie. He persuaded Emperor Longqing (朱载垕) to authorize a secret investigation into Xu’s family, targeting their business operations in the capital under the pretext of uncovering seditious activities.

Gao Gong’s next move was to appoint Cai Guoxi, a former protégé of Xu Jie who harbored a personal grudge against the family, to oversee judicial proceedings in Songjiang. Cai, eager for revenge, encouraged Xu Jie’s enemies to file lawsuits against the family, leading to a flood of accusations. Under mounting pressure, Xu Jie’s sons were convicted of various crimes and sentenced to exile or demotion.

Zhang Juzheng’s Dilemma

Throughout these events, Zhang Juzheng found himself in a precarious position. Though he privately sympathized with Xu Jie, he dared not openly oppose Gao Gong. His letters to Cai Guoxi urged restraint, but his influence was limited. Ultimately, Zhang’s intervention came too late to prevent the downfall of Xu Jie’s family.

Legacy and Historical Reflections

The political struggles of 1570-1571 reveal the ruthless nature of Ming court politics, where personal vendettas often dictated policy. Gao Gong’s relentless pursuit of Xu Jie demonstrated the dangers of unchecked power, while Zhang Juzheng’s cautious maneuvering foreshadowed his own eventual rise to dominance.

Xu Jie’s fate serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of retirement in an era where political enemies never truly faded from the scene. Meanwhile, the broader implications of these conflicts—such as the neglect of pressing issues like the Mongol threat—highlight how factionalism could undermine governance.

Today, this episode remains a vivid example of the intricate and often brutal dynamics of imperial Chinese politics, where loyalty, revenge, and survival were inextricably linked.