Ming Dynasty Detective 1546

Chapter 304 Arrangements for the Monarch's Offline Deployment

Haiyue entered the hall.

The Ming Dynasty emperors' lecture system, centered on lecturers at the Imperial Lectures and daily lecturers, served both academic and political functions.

The Imperial Lectures were the highest-level lectures held before the emperor during the Ming Dynasty. They began in the early years of the Zhengtong era and were held on the second day of each month (the second, twelfth, and twenty-second days).

The position of Grand Secretary was usually held concurrently by the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, who was in charge of all lectures. Zhang Juzheng later took on this role.

The position of Tongzhi Jingyan was concurrently held by the Second Grand Secretary or the Minister of the Six Ministries, who assisted in presiding over the event.

As for the daily lecturers, they were responsible for routine teaching.

They explained classical texts to the emperor daily or every other day, a format much more flexible than the Imperial Lectures, and were conducted by Hanlin Academy lecturers and readers.

Since becoming a Hanlin Academician, Haiyue has served as a daily lecturer and participated in imperial lectures.

However, this time entering the palace was somewhat different.

As soon as he entered, he felt a gaze pierce him. Without looking up, he followed etiquette and walked seven steps in front of the emperor: "Your subject Haiyue greets Your Majesty."

"No gift!"

Zhu Houcong's slightly hoarse voice drifted over: "Haiqing, it's been a while, you've gotten a bit thinner..."

Haiyue has a wife and children, a warm bed, and two sons. He eats well at home and has no reason to lose weight.

But since Old Deng had already said so, he couldn't very well disagree. So he said in a low voice, "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's mercy!"

Zhu Houcong sighed softly, as if he had a thousand words to say: "Let's preach!"

"Yes!"

Haiyue walked steadily toward the specially set-up lecture seat on the left side of the imperial desk, her clothes fluttering lightly.

It was neither rushed nor procrastinating.

Tea, water, and writing materials were prepared at the lecture hall in advance, waiting for him to sit down and begin his lecture.

As learned scholars who survived the rigorous imperial examinations, most of them could teach the emperor, but it was not an easy task to teach in a way that was both knowledgeable and appealing to the emperor.

Historically, when Emperor Jiajing moved to the Western Garden, the daily lectures naturally ceased. However, this old Taoist priest not only practiced Taoism but also enjoyed reading classics and historical books. If he did not understand something, he would write it on a piece of paper with a red brush and have an eunuch deliver it to the duty room in the Western Garden for the cabinet ministers to explain, and he would wait for a reply immediately.

One evening, a similar imperial edict arrived, but Yan Song, Xu Jie, and Lü Ben were all puzzled by it and were filled with anxiety. Yan Song secretly wrote down the question and had it passed through the crack in the palace gate and delivered by fast horse to his residence, so that his son Yan Shifan could answer it.

After Yan Shifan replied, he immediately reported it to the emperor, who was very pleased when he saw it.

Because that answer was not only skillful, but also very much in line with the Emperor's wishes.

The same reason.

No matter how thoroughly the Four Books and Five Classics were explained, or how many words of sages were used to guide education, it was all just empty talk to a political creature like Jiajing who had long seen through the methods of governing the country.

Therefore, Haiyue's lecture this time is a continuation of the previous lecture on the relationship between ruler and subject in the Spring and Autumn Annals.

Zhu Houcong listened quietly.

Ask a few questions every now and then.

as usual.

But in Haiyue's view, this emperor had indeed changed.

It became extremely frightening.

In the past, he cared about and pondered the affairs of the court, but today, no matter what he heard, his emotions remained completely flat during the questions and answers.

Even when Haiyue specifically mentioned the series of feedback following the acquisition of the Hetao region, Zhu Houcong showed indifference.

This is incredible, after all, conquering the Hetao region was a huge achievement for any dynasty.

But at this point, Zhu Houcong really didn't care much.

An emperor who holds supreme power and habitually controls the fate of thousands of people will quickly lose, or never have, the ability to empathize with the masses.

Each imperial edict reflects the joys and sorrows of millions of Ming Dynasty citizens.

The moment you loosen your grip, countless mountains of history press down on the people of the world.
It is fundamentally unrealistic to expect an emperor to truly love his people.

The emperors loved only themselves and their reputation in history.

Perhaps another key factor is the legitimacy of the rule.

Li Shimin's civil and military achievements, Zhu Di's "Yongle Encyclopedia" and expeditions to the northern deserts, Jiajing's new policies...

Essentially, they all hoped to use their achievements in governing the country to prove the legitimacy of their rule and to prove that they should be the emperor.

Li Shimin undoubtedly succeeded, using his extraordinary achievements and historical status to wash away the bloodshed at Xuanwu Gate. In later historical records, everyone took pride in being like Emperor Taizong of Tang.

Zhu Di was actually a failure. Not to mention that he was no longer Emperor Taizong of Ming, but Emperor Chengzu of Ming, his expedition to the northern deserts did indeed make the Mongols flee in terror, and his military prowess was formidable. However, while he enjoyed the victory, he left behind many hidden dangers for the entire country.

As for the Jiajing Emperor, let's not even mention him.

Because he ascended the throne too early and lived a long life, he barely managed to hold on for more than a decade before growing weary.

It is now the twentieth year of the Jiajing reign.

The Jiajing Emperor in this life did not actually cultivate to the point of demonic possession, but he still entered this stage.

The rapid decline in his sense of accomplishment led to extreme inertia during his reign.

After finishing her lecture on the Spring and Autumn Annals, Hai Yue paused and began to complete the task required of a Hanlin scholar: "Your Majesty, you prioritize the well-being of the nation and govern from the throne. The Northwest is not yet at peace, and countless affairs await your attention. You should heed the hopes of your subjects, strengthen the administration, and take charge of the overall situation. Then the world will be fortunate, and all the people will be fortunate!"

Zhu Houcong knew this would happen, and without even raising his eyelids, he said directly, "I know."

Then he pulled out a well-worn scroll from beside him: "Mingwei, do you still remember this?"

Haiyue recognized it at a glance; it was her old handwritten copy of "Journey to the West." It was very worn from being read so many times.

"Over the years, I have read 'Journey to the West' countless times. Each time I read it, I find something new. Every time I close the book, I feel that every word is a gem and contains profound mysteries..."

"This book is insightful about the ways of the world and sees through people's hearts. It is not something that can be accomplished by youthful ambition. I once suspected that it was written by a recluse using your name..."

Zhu Houcong lightly tapped the book with his fingertips and said with emotion, "But now, looking back on the past, I am convinced that you are indeed the one who can tame the restless mind and firmly restrain the wandering thoughts!"

"Mingwei, you have a Buddha-nature!"

Jiajing initially had doubts about this man's lack of ambition and indifference to fame and fortune.

But looking back over the years, it's true that among all the officials and civil servants, there isn't another one like him.

Haiyue silently accepted the praise.

Judging from this, it seems like she's about to become a Buddhist...

But it doesn't matter at all.

Neglecting official duties and failing to perform one's duties is the cause; whether one follows up with Taoism or Buddhism is merely an extension of one's interests and hobbies.

There is no difference.

In fact, having never practiced Taoism, Zhu Houcong was at a loss in life at this moment, and was somewhat seeking guidance from his ministers who lived a tranquil life and possessed a deep Buddhist nature.

Of course, Jiajing could act on a whim, but if Haiyue were to point out a problem without any sense of propriety, then he himself would be the problem.

Therefore, the answer was quite direct: "Your Majesty, the journey to the West that I described was not about worshipping Buddhism, but about cultivating one's mind."

Zhu Houcong frowned slightly and murmured, "Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism are all about cultivating the mind..."

He understood the principles, but cultivating the mind was truly difficult. He then asked, "Is there a good solution?"

Haiyue slowly replied with eight words: "My heart is bright, what more is there to say?"

These are Wang Yangming's last words, which contain both a summary of his own moral character and a reflection on his life's experiences, leaving a lasting impression.

"call……"

Zhu Houcong had long since lost interest in whether Yangming's philosophy of mind was banned, and was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this answer.

He hoped to find a theory that could free him from psychological shackles, rather than the Confucian old clichés of self-cultivation, family management, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world.

Even if Wang Yangming's philosophy of mind made some breakthroughs, it still did not meet the requirements.

Haiyue, however, would not say anything more.

Zhu Houcong's true intention was to abandon the country and its people, and no longer care about their lives.

Only utterly treacherous officials and sycophants could cater to such ideas.

He spent eight years cultivating his reputation in the Hanlin Academy, precisely so that he could utter words like "My heart is bright, what more is there to say?" at the right moment.

Even if you know the other party won't listen.

You have to say it yourself.

Zhu Houcong did not get the answer he wanted, but looking at the person before him who did not indulge him, he was ultimately different from other ministers. A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes: "I remember... your wife has not yet received an imperial decree?"

Hai Yue's heart skipped a beat, but she feigned surprise. Her Adam's apple bobbed as she uttered a difficult word: "Yes..."

Zhu Yuying is now a sixth-rank Anren, appointed by imperial decree, not by imperial edict.

Zhu Yuying's comings and goings in and out of the palace were commonplace. Outsiders probably wouldn't have guessed that she had been the Empress Dowager's goddaughter for so many years without even receiving an official title.

Empress Dowager Jiang was well aware of this, but tacitly refrained from offering any rewards or honors.

Zhu Houcong was well aware that this was the perfect time to say it: "When my mother was alive, she loved her most. Whenever she mentioned her, she would always lament her ill-fated life and the fact that she was never granted an official title. She was afraid that because she was young and lacked virtue, she would attract criticism..."

When Empress Dowager Jiang was mentioned, Zhu Houcong finally revealed his true feelings and slowly said, "Now that the Empress Dowager has passed away, I should fulfill her compassionate heart—this phoenix coronet and wedding gown must be made up for!"

"minister……"

Hai Yue's expression changed immediately. She had just started to speak when Zhu Houcong raised his hand to stop her: "The wife of a Hanlin Academician should have been a Lady of the Right long ago. Today, the royal family has bestowed upon your wife the title of Second-Rank Lady. This is because I miss the Empress Dowager. You cannot refuse!"

It's all about filial piety, which is the perfect excuse.

The implication of "a second-rank lady" is far too strong.

If the lady is a second-rank imperial consort, then what rank must her husband be?

What level of court official does the rank of second-grade official correspond to?
Haiyue's face showed shock and fear.

An unusual sense of peace washed over me.

This is the setup after the monarch goes offline.

And elevate yourself to a position of paramount importance!
"It's settled then!"

Zhu Houcong, however, thought he was stunned. He raised the corners of his mouth slightly and continued, "Grand Secretary Yan sent you to request an imperial decree from me, is that right?"

Haiyue remained silent for a moment, then replied again, "Yes."

The fact that Yan Song's words were spoken in front of the Jinshui Bridge reached his ears first shows that although he lived deep in the palace and did not see his ministers, he still had a strong control over the outer court.

Therefore, at this moment, Zhu Houcong appeared full of confidence, as if everything was under control: "Draft an imperial edict!"

"The Empress Dowager's passing has broken my heart; my mind is in turmoil and my spirit is in chaos."

"I am currently overwhelmed with grief and unable to personally attend to state affairs. All important military and national matters shall be discussed and decided by the cabinet and other officials."

"You must prioritize the well-being of the nation and not fail my trust."

(End of this chapter)