Many countries and dynasties in both East and West had different cabinet systems. Such a powerful central organization, composed of elites, undoubtedly dealt a blow to the original imperial authority.
Although the Sun Moon Empire's newly established cabinet bore the same name, it was neither equivalent to the cabinets of the Ming and Qing dynasties nor entirely like those of Britain and France. Instead, it had forged an entirely new cabinet system with distinctive Sun Moon characteristics.
Jing Hongchen, Hall Master of Illustrious Virtue Hall, served as Cabinet Grand Secretary. The other members were also powerful individuals who had either been recommended or personally appointed by the new emperor.
The new emperor placed immense trust in the cabinet and delegated sweeping powers to it, giving it full authority over all affairs of state.
The court resounded with opposition, and one of the greatest sources of resistance was the old princes.
Even the stipends and expenses of Royal Family members now required cabinet approval. Although nothing unusual had happened yet, this was hardly a good omen. They would never agree to it.
For the time being, the new emperor was no longer in a hurry to act against these imperial relatives. Once the political situation gradually stabilized, he announced that he would enter seclusion to focus on cultivation, leaving all affairs entirely to the cabinet.
Now Cabinet Grand Secretary Jing Hongchen truly held power that overshadowed both court and country. Although opposition remained fierce, no one could genuinely shake his position, beneath one man and above ten thousand.
Moreover, after gathering power into his own hands, Jing Hongchen displayed diligence and a determination to govern well. He did not seize the opportunity to favor his own faction and attack his rivals. At least when it came to governing the country, he