The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 104 May I ask, Scholar, do you still remember Lady Li?

Most of the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet also held positions in the Hanlin Academy, and Huang Huai was no exception. He came from the Wenyuan Pavilion and entered the Hanlin Academy to serve.

As soon as he entered the Hanlin Academy, an official stepped forward to report on the day's events in the academy. Then another person came out and said that Li Xianmu had entered the Hanlin Academy today, and Hanlin Academician Jie Jin had invited Huang Huai to come over for a discussion.

Upon hearing that Li Xianmu had already returned to the capital, Huang Huai raised an eyebrow and hurriedly followed the minor official.

Inside the Hanlin Academy, Li Xianmu and Xie Jin sat facing each other. Xie Jin's face was weathered and etched with a hint of melancholy.

Li Xianmu knew why Xie Jin acted this way.

Because Xie Jin had gradually lost the emperor's favor, among the seven people who entered the Wenyuan Pavilion together at the beginning of the Yongle reign, he and Hu Guang attacked each other at the end of last year, and were subsequently kicked out of the Wenyuan Pavilion. Their positions as Hanlin Academicians were also demoted by half a rank to Hanlin Lecturers.

If he hadn't been responsible for writing the national history and commissioned to compile the Grand Compendium, he would probably have been kicked out of the capital and demoted to a local post long ago.

Li Xianmu couldn't help but recall his father's evaluation of Xie Jin: "He has great talent but lacks understanding of political maneuvering." Now it seemed that this assessment was indeed accurate.

"His Majesty bestowed a title upon you, which shows how much he values ​​you. I am now merely a minor member of the Hanlin Academy, and I can no longer offer you any support."

"If a person can do one or two things that can be shared with others, it is already a blessing. National history and grand ceremonies are both major events that are destined to be recorded in history. It is enough for Uncle to complete these two things. Some things, if pursued too much, will only bring disaster."

As Li Xianmu, whose face still retained a touch of youthful innocence, spoke eloquently, Xie Jin had the strange feeling that Li Qi was sitting across from him. Li Qi had said the same thing to him back then, and even in the final stage of Li Qi's life, he was still advising him to retire gracefully and not to stay by the emperor's side forever, but to focus on writing national history.

Xie Jin knew that Li Qi thought he was not good at power struggles and that being by the emperor's side all the time would inevitably lead to trouble. At the time, he was riding high, but he never expected the change in the emperor's heart. Now, Li Qi had been right all along.

"Now that I know, I will no longer seek such illustrious things."

Xie Jin sighed deeply, then said angrily, "However, my current predicament is inextricably linked to that scoundrel Hu Guang. I recently heard that he has another chance to enter the cabinet, which is truly infuriating."

"It is a good thing to recognize their true colors as soon as possible. Such people are like poisonous snakes. If you don't realize it, they may kick you when you're down. Then it will be too late to regret it."

There were many rumors circulating in the capital about Hu Guang and Xie Jin.

It should be noted that these two men were from the same hometown. Wang Gen was from Ji'an, Jiangxi. After the Yongle reign was established, in terms of literary talent, apart from juniors like Li Xianmu and Li Qi, who was a great talent beyond the three realms and five elements, Xie Jin and Hu Guang were the best. Wang Gen was slightly inferior. Xie Jin was a great talent who was already famous in the Hongwu reign, and Hu Guang was the top scholar in the second year of the Jianwen reign.

The two were originally good friends. After Zhu Di captured Yingtian, they went to join him and even agreed to become in-laws through their children's marriage.

Li Qi knew Hu Guang's character, so he never intended to associate with him.

Hu Guang was a two-faced man. No matter how well he pretended in ordinary times, he immediately revealed his true nature when it came to important matters. After realizing that Xie Jin had already offended the emperor, he was very worried that the future disaster that befell the Xie family would implicate him. He chose to break off the engagement almost without hesitation, which made the Xie family lose face. This led to the two attacking each other, and in the end, they were both punished by Zhu Di.

However, Xie Jin shook his head and said, "Although my argument with him was partly due to his shameless annulment of the engagement, such a private matter would not warrant me arguing with him in front of His Majesty. The root cause is that we have already diverged in our paths. Even within the cabinet, I am one of the few who will leave the cabinet sooner or later. Didn't your senior brother Wang Jingzhi tell you that his situation in the cabinet is not easy?"

Li Xianmu was an exceptionally intelligent man.

As soon as Xie Jin mentioned it, he immediately guessed something, after all, Xie Jin and Wang Gen were now both leading figures of the School of Mind!
If our paths are different, how can they be different?

His brows furrowed almost instantly, and a fierce look appeared between his brows. What kind of bastard was Hu Guang, daring to be an obstacle to the Way of Mind?

Before Li Xianmu could ask any further questions, the two of them simultaneously heard hurried footsteps approaching. Looking up, they saw Huang Huai.

Li Xianmu was still thinking about what Xie Jin had just said. Upon seeing Huang Huai, he couldn't help but feel a bit smug and said loudly, "Scholar, it's been three years. How have you been?"

Huang Huai immediately spotted the dazzling Li Xianmu. Compared to his still immature appearance three years ago, Li Xianmu was now tall and slender, dressed in official robes, and had basically shed his childishness, looking like an adult.

His brows were full of youthful vigor, and the three years of mourning had not diminished him in the slightest; his divine light was naturally contained in his pupils.

Upon hearing Li Xianmu's words, Huang Huai knew that Li Xianmu wouldn't come to the temple without a reason, and that having Xie Jin invite him over was not just for a simple reunion.

This is exactly the truth. After all, he is the son who is most like Li Qi. Every word and action of his is full of profound meaning. Even though he is a young man, he is a mature young man who became the top scholar at the age of twelve. How can he be underestimated?
"Young Master Lao, you still seem to be in good health these past few years."

Huang Huai gave a wry smile and pointed, "Would you mind if I shared a pot of tea with you?"

"please."

Xie Jin and Li Xianmu exchanged a glance. Li Xianmu's words just now were a test. Huang Huai did not turn away politely, but was willing to sit down and talk, which was a good attitude in itself. Therefore, the two men's eyes softened a little.

"Little boy..."

“Yesterday I went to the palace to meet the Emperor, and His Majesty bestowed upon me a calligraphy style, which has not yet been announced to the public.”

Huang Huai's expression shifted slightly, and he even involuntarily straightened his back a little. "May I ask your question?"

"It is the two words 'enlightened and insightful'."

"It has profound meaning, is grand yet manifest, and is clear and simple, which resonates with the emperor."

With a touch of emotion, Huang Huai slowly sipped his tea, and the sorrow between his brows dissipated somewhat.

"May I ask, sir, do you still remember the Li family of yesteryear?"

This question is not just about the Li family, after all, Li Qi has only been dead for three years, so how can the word "past" be used!

Huang Huai knew this question was asking him if he remembered what Li Qi had said before his death, and whether those words still held true.

And what this statement reflects is—

It seems that this third son of Li Zhongwen is not satisfied with the current situation and is unwilling to quietly compile history and cultivate his reputation in the Hanlin Academy. He wants to stir up a storm!
He truly deserves to be called the most outstanding son of Li Zhongwen. The father and son are exactly alike, both with a personality that will not rest until they make a splash.

However, it was during the Hongwu era, and apart from the emperor, there was no place in the world at peace. The six ministries and nine ministers and ordinary people could change positions overnight, which is why Li Zhongwen was able to maneuver so skillfully.

Now that the political situation is stable and the dynasty has gotten back on track, with layers of pressure and the overall situation in the country and the capital, how can there be room for such people?
Despite these disheartening thoughts, Huang Huai did not hesitate at all. His eyes were bright, and he said each word firmly and resolutely, "Of course I will never forget it for a single day. Lord Li Zhongwen has done us in Zhejiang a great favor. Since I made a promise back then, I will not change my mind even if I die nine times!"

Listening to Huang Huai's words.

Li Xianmu seemed to hear his father's voice echoing in his ears again—"Huang Huai is a truly trustworthy and sincere gentleman; you can recruit him as your ally in the future." Most of the people his father chose were of noble character; even if they had some flaws, they were all worthy of being called good men in terms of keeping their promises.

"Lord Jie'an is truly a gentleman, and Xianmu has the utmost respect for him!"

"Mingda, don't flatter me. You and the gentry invited me here today, and made such a big fuss beforehand. Is there something important you need to discuss?"

Li Xianmu solemnly said, "I have already said this. I wonder if Lord Jie'an still remembers what my late father said on his deathbed. I have heard that there have been voices of injustice in Zhejiang in the past three years?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Huai's expression changed immediately, filled with both anger and helplessness. "It seems that Mingda already knows. I suppose Li Zhongwen must have foreseen this situation back then. I failed to truly control the situation in Zhejiang."

Seeing the dejection in Huang Huai's voice, Li Xianmu's expression became even more stern.

Huang Huai sighed, “Back then, Lord Li Zhongwen made peace with Zhejiang and obtained an imperial edict to spare Zhejiang from disaster. However, in just three years, people’s hearts have already scattered. There are already many unruly people in Zhejiang, and old habits have resurfaced.”

"What kind of old habits have resurfaced? Is it possible that they are yearning for the past again?"

Li Xianmu's voice carried a hint of questioning and coldness, as if the three-foot-long sword above Huang Huai's head would be swung down heavily as soon as Huang Huai answered yes.

"Of course not!"

Huang Huai interrupted Li Xianmu before he could finish speaking, and only after he finished did he realize that his voice was too loud. "Mingda, what you said is a bit serious. The incident with the former Yuan dynasty almost wiped out Zhejiang. Now, the place that the world values ​​most is Zhejiang. If you don't believe me, you can go to the big families in Zhejiang and investigate. Every family has given countless instructions to all their descendants."

"The so-called resurgence of old habits is nothing more than the fact that Li Zhongwen's original vision of reconciliation between the North and the South has gradually dissipated in eastern Zhejiang. My own disciples and close associates are still relatively unaffected by my influence, but those who were not so willing to do so have gradually begun to show other signs since Li Zhongwen's passing. It has happened in such a short time. They are truly a bunch of ungrateful people."

It's harder to touch someone's interests than to touch their soul. To Southerners, bridging the North and South means using the South's wealth to subsidize the North. Their overly prosperous economy has left them with nothing but money in their eyes. They don't realize that without the North blocking the nomads, what would the South use to live a life of peace and prosperity?

Huang Huai's tone was clearly indignant.

"If there weren't so many ungrateful people in this world, how could we appreciate the value of those who keep their promises and repay kindness?"

To Huang Huai's surprise, Li Xianmu wasn't particularly angry. He could even calmly utter these words that seemed to offer some excuse. But the next moment, he realized he was wrong. Li Xianmu's voice suddenly turned fierce. Despite being a naive person, he suddenly sounded like a mountain collapsing and a sharp blade being drawn, its cold light gleaming!

"The Li family has always kept their promises and is willing to go through fire and water for them. But the Li family is not a fool. How can we let them have their way if we dare to break their promises?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Huai felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that his earlier guess was indeed correct. This young master of the Li family was really going to stir up trouble again!
“Mingda, I am more than twenty years older than you and have received great kindness from your father, so I have something to say to you. Whether it is helpful or not, it is all from the bottom of my heart.”

"Please speak, Master Jie'an."

Li Xianmu didn't mind listening to what Huang Huai had to say, after all, it was well-intentioned, and one shouldn't always try to control others by force.

Seeing that Li Xianmu was willing to listen, Huang Huai's face flashed with joy. After a moment's thought, he said, "Mingda, I already know what you are thinking."

Your willingness to carry on your father's legacy and serve the Ming Dynasty is truly commendable; you are a loyal and filial son, and I cannot find any fault with you.

But too much rigidity leads to breakage!

Even though Li Zhongwen was alive, he had a period of seclusion similar to that during the Jianwen era. If he had been determined to move forward, he probably wouldn't have achieved the unparalleled status among the ministers during the Yongle era.

The situation is vastly different now compared to the Hongwu era. Although His Majesty favors you, it is likely mostly due to the maternal affection between the princess and your father, as well as some of the remaining favor from your father.

The situation in Jiangnan has changed drastically. You are too young and your reputation is far inferior to that of Li Zhongwen. However, you are carrying the momentum of being the successor of the School of Mind. You already have powerful enemies in both the court and the public who are against you. If you insist on imitating the stories of your predecessors and make more enemies, it is not only difficult to achieve anything, but you may even harm yourself.

You are exceptionally talented, having become the top scholar at the age of twelve, and then observing three years of mourning for your father, where you built a hut to live in. Such a profound background is unprecedented among your peers.

Why not first cultivate your reputation in the Hanlin Academy? With your talent, you might even be able to become the deputy of Li Zhongwen in the scholarly world and stand out in your time!

Once we have built up sufficient momentum and wielded immense power, how could we possibly fail to achieve our grand ambitions?

Huang Huai's words were truly wise and insightful, and even Xie Jin couldn't help but nod in agreement; it was a dignified and righteous path.

After all, Li Xianmu was just too young. He was the top scholar at the age of twelve and a Hanlin compiler at the age of fifteen. Even if he spent ten years cultivating his reputation, he would only be twenty-five years old!
At twenty-five, most people hadn't even passed the imperial examination yet. He had already cultivated his reputation for ten years. When he turned thirty, and then unified the political legacies of Wang Gen, Xie Jin, and others, he would probably have five parts of the prestige of Li Zhongwen!

When that time comes, the momentum will be overwhelming. Why be so hesitant now, or risk ruining your political career with the slightest mistake?
"Master Jie'an's earnest teachings are truly sincere words, which I understand very well."

Li Xianmu stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the dawn light, which gradually moved towards midday, becoming increasingly intense and awe-inspiring.

“My father once left behind a poem called Man Jiang Hong, which he said was written by a sage. Today, I, Xianmu, would like to borrow this poem to present to you both.”

Xie Jin and Huang Huai both sat up straight. Li Qi’s poem “Linjiang Xian” had spread throughout the world and had the style of the ancients. What kind of poems were the ones that he admired now?

Li Xianmu stood by the window with his hands behind his back, his mind churning.

The poem says—

"In this tiny universe, a few flies bump into the wall."

A buzzing sound, a few shrill cries, a few sobs.

Ants climbing a locust tree boast of a great nation; how easy is it for a mayfly to shake a tree?

A west wind blows, leaves fall in Chang'an, arrows fly and whistle.

So many things, always urgent;
The world turns, and time presses on.

ten thousand years is too long, fight for now.

The seas are churning with furious clouds and waters; the five continents are shaking with thunder and lightning.

We must eradicate all harmful pests; we will be invincible!

(End of this chapter)