Xu Jie

Xu Jie courtesy name Zisheng (子昇), was a Chinese politician of the Ming dynasty. He was demolished by the emperor who took the suggestion from Zhang Cong and later came back into the capital by the help of Xia Yan, the successor of Zhang Cong. Xu Jie spent over 20 years in the Grand Secretariat and held the position of Chief Grand Secretary about 6 years. One of the most well-known political conflicts during his time was his opposition to the former Senior Grand Secretary, Yan Song. Xu Jie eventually took over the cabinet by the 42nd year Jia Jing Emperor was in reign. In the later period of his political life, Xu Jie tried to improve the efficiency of the Ming cabinet, and in doing so, he provided patronage to many politicians who would become influential in Ming politics.