Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 131 Yan Shifan Rushes to Save Xu Jie (First Update)
What does "Jiajing" mean?

On her way back to the Imperial College from the Yinglue Society, Haiyue kept thinking about this question.

Lu Bing wasn't very cunning, or rather, he wasn't good at pretending in front of people he was close to.

Whether it was Lu Bing's own idea or the instigation of the emperor behind him, it was easy to tell at a glance.

For example, the earlier "Journey to the West" was clearly read by Zhu Houcong, who urged the writing of the later chapters.

For example, the suggestion just now regarding the expansion of the Yixin Society's personnel must have been the intention of that supreme ruler.

Haiyue found it quite strange.

The creation of the Yixin Society was a manifestation of his growing ambition after he realized that he lacked sufficient power and could not solve cases or catch criminals.

But precisely because he had ambition, he was very cautious from the beginning, strictly limiting the number of people involved and not promoting any ideas, taking things slowly and steadily.

In reality, unlike later generations who formed societies based on shared interests, the ancients, due to the harsh living conditions, liked to stick together regardless of social class. Even scholars, who already had a high social status, were united through various ties such as mentors, classmates, in-laws, and academies. Other folk societies and gangs were even more numerous and varied, so under normal circumstances, there was no need to be overly cautious.

But there was nothing they could do; the person sitting on the emperor's throne was someone who was extremely sensitive to power and had a great ability to control it.

Forming cliques under the noses of such people, even if it's just a tendency, requires extreme caution.

Fortunately, Haiyue has an unparalleled advantage.

He is good at discovering talent.

Regardless of whether they will fall into depravity in the future, at least in this aspect, many people, including Yan Shifan, are top-notch.

Therefore, his Yixin Society can actively limit the number of participants.

Other companies keep expanding in order to weed out the weak and select the rare talents from a large number of people. He only hires the most capable people and doesn't want the next level, like Zhao Wenhua!
Once the number of employees in a company decreases, it becomes less of a threat. Even a few dozen people banding together won't amount to much and won't be targeted.

But this isn't about targeting anyone. The Emperor sent Lu Bing to deliver a message to him: the Yixin Society needs to be expanded, and they should recruit more people. They shouldn't just have a handful of people, like it's a joke.

Haiyue didn't understand what kind of tactic this was.

'Could it be that he's become so engrossed in *Journey to the West* that he's actually looking for like-minded book lovers? But Jiajing isn't that kind of person…'

'Is this related to the Princess's Mansion case? Lu Bing has been extremely busy lately; the mastermind behind it all clearly hasn't been caught yet…'

'Fine, he's just relaying a message anyway, I'll just pretend I didn't understand!'

Unable to figure it out yet, Haiyue let it go.

The other party may act on a whim, but he cannot lose his composure and continue according to the original rhythm.

The Imperial Academy was closed today, so there were fewer classmates who came to greet her with smiles along the way. Haiyue had just had a few sparring matches with Yu Dayou and felt very relaxed. She was thinking that she should go back to her dormitory and study hard when she saw Yan Shifan walking hurriedly towards her.

Upon arriving, the junior chief priest immediately said anxiously, "Xu Zisheng is in trouble. He wrote a memorial directly opposing the dispatch of troops and may be punished!"

"Oh?"

Haiyue wasn't surprised: 'Has your impulsive, hot-blooded nature resurfaced?'

Under normal circumstances, Xu Jie would have been expelled from the capital two months ago and demoted to a post as a judge in exile. The fact that he is still working as an editor in the Hanlin Academy is actually due to the influence of the Annamese delegation's visit to the capital.

Unfortunately, after going around in circles, he still ended up back on the old path of speaking frankly and offending his superiors.

To be honest, if it were that old cunning bastard later on, who would care if he died? But for someone like Xu Jie, Haiyue would actually try her best to save him. She immediately asked, "What is the content of that memorial?"

Yan Shifan was prepared: "I copied the contents down!"

Haiyue took it and examined it closely.

"Your humble servant Xu Jie, compiler of the Hanlin Academy, respectfully submits this memorial: to advise against the southern expedition to Annam."

"I have heard that weapons are instruments of destruction for the state, and even sages use them only as a last resort. Now Your Majesty wishes to emulate the Yongle Emperor's actions and launch an army to attack Jiaozhi. Though I am foolish and dull, I am honored to receive Your Majesty's salary and dare not shirk my duty. Therefore, I humbly present four potential threats:"

"First, the weather is unfavorable, and malaria kills people... Second, the geographical advantages are lost, and the supply lines are difficult to maintain... Third, the people are not loyal, and their hearts are turned away... Fourth, the name and reality are inconsistent, and one only pursues empty achievements;"

"Emperor Taizu once warned against conquering the barbarian tribes, not to show weakness, but because he knew that taking their lands would be of no benefit. Now we should follow the example of Emperor Wen of Han granting Zhao Tuo a title and send envoys to bestow titles upon him, thus keeping their rulers in check. We should also strictly instruct the border troops to defend Zhennan Pass, and wait until the nation's strength is sufficient before discussing a southern expedition..."

Haiyue breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this: "Thank goodness, nothing taboo was broken, just stubbornness..."

Yan Shifan was already used to this strange phrase that appeared from time to time, and thought it was Qionghai dialect. He smiled wryly and said, "He is indeed stubborn. Even Grand Secretary Gui no longer opposes sending troops, so why does he rush in?"

Haiyue said, "Xu Zisheng's words are not without reason. There are indeed dangers in wanting to conquer Annam. However, when it comes to analyzing any war, there are ten advantages and ten disadvantages in any situation. In the end, we still have to look at the ever-changing situation on the front line."

Yan Shifan, who had now shifted from a fence-sitter to a proponent of war, nodded repeatedly: "Mingwei is right. So, what should we do now?" Haiyue asked, "Where is Zhao Jingren?"

Zhao Jingren is Zhao Shichun, a compiler in the Hanlin Academy who was five years younger than Xu Jie. He was one of the eight great talents of the Jiajing era in history. He was also attracted by "Journey to the West" and the two of them became the first members of the Yixin Society.

Regarding Annam, Zhao Shichun and Xu Jie held opposite views. They believed that Annam was in chaos due to the assassination of the emperor by a traitor, and that an envoy had come to the Ming Dynasty seeking help from their suzerain. If they did not send troops to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it would be even more unrealistic to recover Jiaozhi later. Therefore, Zhao Shichun advocated for war.

However, business is business and personal matters are personal matters. Given their relationship, this person is the one who can be of the most help.

As expected, Yan Shifan said, "Zhao Jingren was the first to tell me about this. Now that Xu Zisheng has been summoned to the court by Grand Secretary Zhang for a reprimand, Zhao Jingren is also trying to find a way to save him!"

'Will the scene of being summoned to the inner chambers for a reprimand repeat itself?'

Haiyue smiled bitterly. It was a remnant of the Song Dynasty's practice of officials criticizing the Grand Secretary. Whether it was out of genuine feeling or for the sake of fame and integrity, it was a fast track to promotion. But the Grand Secretary Zhang Cong was different. In terms of both his own abilities and the extent of the emperor's favor, he was second to none among the ministers. It was not a wise move for Xu Jie to oppose such a person, but his unwavering belief in his own principles was indeed worthy of respect.

"Let's go to the Hanlin Academy first!"

With this thought in mind, Haiyue immediately set off.

As students of the Imperial Academy, they could not move freely in other parts of the capital, but entering the Hanlin Academy was no problem. Previously, the guards had let them in with just a letter from Assistant Instructor Cui. Now, Haiyue was allowed to pass directly just because of her face, which many people had already remembered.

"Mingwei! East Tower!"

Upon seeing the two arrive, Zhao Shichun went to greet them, his eyes filled with emotion.

Compared to his friendship with Xu Jie, who worked together in the Hanlin Academy and shared a room, these two were actually not very related.

As for the Yixin Society, it was just a study group formed on a whim. However, it was precisely in times of trouble that true friendship was revealed, and the members of the Yixin Society were the first to rush to help each other!

Haiyue asked, "Jingren, what's the situation now?"

Zhao Shichun's face darkened: "When I approached the court office, I heard Grand Secretary Zhang reprimanding me. Zisheng was still arguing, which only made Grand Secretary Zhang angrier..."

Yan Shifan asked curiously, "What exactly are they fighting over?"

Zhao Shichun said in a low voice, "Grand Secretary Zhang said he was a traitor... Zisheng said he never attached himself to anyone, so how could he be a traitor... that's what he said!"

Yan Shifan gasped, inwardly regretting his actions: 'This man was too impulsive! This is terrible! He's seriously offended Grand Secretary Zhang! Alas! I shouldn't have come!'

Haiyue was also somewhat helpless.

Zhang Cong was not only the Grand Secretary but also in charge of the Hanlin Academy. In theory, Xu Jie was his direct subordinate, but now Xu Jie was bypassing him and speaking directly to him, and even expressing clear opposition. This was akin to undermining him, which explains why Zhang Cong was so angry, as he knew that Xu Jie could be used against him by those with ulterior motives.

In light of this, Haiyue asked, "Has Zisheng made up his mind?"

Zhao Shichun understood what he meant; he was asking Xu Jie if he was willing to back down. He shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Before he gave his advice yesterday, he told me that the consequences were unpredictable, but he would never regret it!"

Haiyue then asked, "Before submitting the memorial, did he visit any other officials who opposed sending troops?"

Zhao Shichun shook his head again: "No, Zisheng's opinion is just that, and besides, the officials who opposed it before have stopped insisting on it recently."

Haiyue frowned.

Yan Shifan's eyes darted around: "How about we have all the officials in the same court jointly petition for leniency?"

The Hanlin Academy is, after all, a place for cultivating talent. The young officials here are regarded as potential prime ministers. If they jointly petition for leniency, even Zhang Cong would have to consider the impact.

But Zhao Shichun looked embarrassed: "I'm afraid this... won't work..."

Clearly, Xu Jie spent his days in the Hanlin Academy criticizing current affairs and denouncing injustices, so his colleagues didn't necessarily like him much; they were lucky if they didn't kick him when he was down.

The three of them looked at each other and sighed in unison.

If you're unwilling to back down, have no one above you to protect you, and your colleagues are unwilling to plead for you, what can you do?
Just wait to be demoted and banished from the capital!
Yan Shifan was already pondering whether he should prepare a farewell poem...

This is not merely a literary pursuit; it is also to ensure that the literati remember that such an upright and incorruptible official was demoted, so that they can find an opportunity to rescue him in the future. Otherwise, if he is demoted quietly and completely forgotten by everyone, he will rot away in a poor, remote place for the rest of his life.

Haiyue knew that with Xu Jie's abilities, it was impossible for him to remain unable to recover forever. However, when he returned, his temperament had undergone a complete transformation. His former sharpness had turned into almost limitless forbearance, which was a pity.

Just as he was feeling sentimental, a clerk hurried in, came to Zhao Shichun's side, whispered a few words in his ear, and Zhao Shichun's face immediately lit up with joy: "Zisheng is out!"

Yan Shifan laughed and said, "Oh? Grand Secretary Zhang is so magnanimous?"

Zhao Shichun was overjoyed: "No! It's His Majesty's decree!"

(End of this chapter)