Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 111 The Jiajing Emperor personally visits! (7200)

How would I know that?

Zhang Jianxiu frowned deeply, looking quite puzzled.

The Zhang family originated from Jingzhou Guard in Huguang, and their ancestors were military personnel. How could they possibly have any understanding of southern dialects?

But Zhang Yunxiu said, "That accent sounds like it's from Songjiang Prefecture or Suzhou Prefecture."

"How could you know?" Zhang Jianxiu was taken aback.

Zhang Yunxiu explained with a slightly embarrassed expression, "Fourth Brother, you know that besides the Four Books and Five Classics, I'm a little bit proficient in everything else."

Zhang Jianxiu thought about it and it seemed to make some sense, so he continued to ask, "Is there a problem with that?"

“This is a very serious problem,” Zhang Yunxiu said with a solemn expression. “Dajue Temple is a temple that the royal family values ​​highly, and the monks who can enter here all have some kind of background.”

We just met the abbot; he is from the south, but his accent is from Fujian, which is completely different from that of the novice monk. They certainly cannot be from the same hometown.

Especially those few novices, who clearly knew nothing about Buddhism, yet they traveled all the way to the capital to become monks.

Most importantly, Dajue Temple was an imperial-approved temple, where the ordination certificates for monks required strict approval. How could the Ministry of Rites have approved it? Doesn't that raise suspicion?

Zhang Jianxiu thought of a reason and said, "It must be that high-ranking official from the Ministry of Rites who took care of the younger generation in the village and clan and sent this novice monk to Dajue Temple to make a living."

Zhang Yunxiu sneered, "Who would send a junior member of their clan to become a monk? That would mean the end of their lineage! Is this helping a junior member of the clan? Wouldn't people gossip about us behind our backs?"

"That's true."

Zhang Jianxiu frowned deeply.

Even with the help of officials from the Ministry of Rites, being assigned any menial job would be far better than entering the Great Awakening Temple.

For a moment, his pupils contracted, and he finally understood what Zhang Yunxiu meant.

"You mean, this novice monk's origins are suspicious, and he has connections with high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Rites, possibly related to the White Lotus Rebellion?"

But he answered his own question and immediately shook his head.

"Dajue Temple was built by imperial decree, so those people probably weren't that audacious."

Zhang Jianxiu preferred to disbelieve it, because if it were the truth, it would be too shocking.

This is right under the emperor's nose.

"Who says that just because something is called 'royal' it doesn't mean there's nothing fishy going on?"

Zhang Yunxiu said with a sneer.

"On the contrary, these people are cautious. Choosing other places would make it easier for the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot to investigate. Here at Dajue Temple, no one dares to come and investigate!"

In fact, there have been far too many outrageous things that happened in the history of the royal family.

Take the present dynasty for example. Historical records show that in the tenth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, the Wanli Emperor's younger sister, Princess Yongning, was choosing a husband. As a result, the eunuchs under her command accepted bribes and chose a wealthy but sickly man as her husband. In the end, until Princess Yongning passed away, he never had any relations with women.

It is truly astonishing that a royal princess would experience something like this.

Furthermore, according to the original historical timeline, two hundred years later, during the Qing Dynasty, there were even absurd incidents such as rebel armies storming the palace, the assassination of the Jiaqing Emperor outside the palace, and hundreds of guards and attendants remaining indifferent.

It can only be said that real history is even more absurd than fictional accounts.

"This"

After listening to Zhang Yunxiu's explanation, even Zhang Jianxiu, who often handled cases in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, frowned. His large body, as big as a small mountain, became uneasy in the carriage.

Forbidden City.

Wenyuan Pavilion.

"Shen Rumo! Are you still going to remain stubbornly ignorant?"

Zhang Siwei stood in front of the desk, staring intently at Shen Shixing, whose face looked somewhat haggard, and said with a pained expression.

But Shen Shixing completely ignored him and kept his head down dealing with the memorials.

These were all sent from the Zhang family. Recently, the cabinet's memorials and ordinary matters are handled by Zhang Siwei and Shen Shixing, while those requiring a decision are still sent to the Zhang family.

Zhang Juzheng would take a small piece of paper and write the proposed content on it, but such a proposal was not valid; a special ink slip format for the cabinet was required.

Therefore, each time, Shen Shixing had to copy it onto the official draft slip, and then neatly paste it onto the memorial according to the old rules before finally sending it to the Directorate of Ceremonial and the Qianqing Palace.

Clearly, if it weren't for Shen Shixing's help, Zhang Siwei would have easily obtained the power to draft cabinet proposals.

But Shen Shixing was stubborn and unyielding. Zhang Siwei tried to reason with him and appeal to his emotions, but he still couldn't persuade this stubborn mule.

Seeing that the other party still seemed indifferent, Zhang Siwei sighed, sat down to the side, and spoke in a slightly softer tone.

“Zhang Jiangling’s former prominence is long gone, so why should you continue to cheer for him?”

Shen Shixing frowned slightly, and finally spoke slowly.

"Since I achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination and entered the Hanlin Academy as a compiler, I have been taught and promoted by the imperial family for more than ten years, and finally entered the Wenyuan Pavilion, becoming a Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion."

He looked intently at the other person.

“The Emperor has shown me great kindness and support. The Wanli Emperor’s reforms are beneficial to the country and its people. The plague relief plan has also saved countless lives.”

"I truly do not understand why this practice should be abolished."

Zhang Siwei angrily said, "You have been misled by Zhang Jiangling and his son Zhang Shiyuan!"

Shen Shixing was no longer as weak as before. He questioned in a firm tone: "Is Mr. Ziwei blind or deaf? Can't he see the suffering of the common people under heaven? Can't he see that this new policy and the plague plan are the only way to save the people?"
"For the sake of your power, are you willing to completely abandon the people?"

Zhang Siwei slammed his hand on the desk: "How the people of the world are treated is not for you to decide!"

His beard trembled as he pointed out the window and spoke loudly.

"If the people of the world were saved, why would scholars in both Northern and Southern Zhili rebel, and why would the gentry be filled with resentment? You are the ones who are going against the tide!"

Shen Shixing retorted meaningfully.

"Does Mr. Ziwei not know the situation here? It is not I, Shen Shixing, who should turn back to the right path, but you, Zhang Ziwei!"

You have been blinded by power and have completely forgotten the proper etiquette between ruler and subject, and even your former ambition to serve the people of the world!

Mr. Ziwei! Where has that Confucian scholar, who once aspired to serve the people, gone?

Shen Shixing's words struck Zhang Siwei's heart like a heavy hammer.

He retreated and shook his head repeatedly, and finally even pointed at Shen Shixing and said.

"Traitors! You are all traitors! That Zhang Jiangling manipulates power, has held the position of Grand Secretary for a long time, and is greedy for power!"
Zhang Shiyuan is a treacherous and absurd person who deceives his superiors and subordinates, while you, Shen Rumo, are an opportunist and a great traitor in the world!

Why do you only talk about me?

Shen Shixing lost patience with arguing with this person. Others might not have noticed, but he knew perfectly well what was going on.

In the past, Zhang Siwei and I both held Zhang Juzheng in high esteem, and we were even able to enter the cabinet thanks to Zhang Juzheng's recommendation.

However, this situation changed completely after the incident of seizing the affection in the sixth year of the Wanli reign.

At that time, Zhang Juzheng returned to his hometown to bury his father, and Zhang Siwei took over the cabinet.

There were even rumors that Zhang Siwei would become the next Grand Secretary. One can imagine how much his burning ambition would swell when he received this incredible "fortune" after years of navigating the ups and downs of officialdom.

But all these hopes were ultimately shattered by the emperor's attempt to force the prime minister to stay in prison.

From then on, Zhang Siwei outwardly flattered Zhang Juzheng, but inwardly he had already harbored resentment.

Shen Shixing subtly pulled a document from the table, stood up, and looked at Zhang Siwei, saying...

"Grand Secretary Zhang, we are holding another court meeting today. His Majesty and the officials of the court will reach a conclusion on all these matters. Let's not waste our breath here."

After saying this, Shen Shixing bowed slightly and left through the door.

"you!"

Zhang Siwei was furious. Pointing at Shen Shixing's retreating figure, he angrily shouted, "Shen Rumo! Just wait until you and Zhang Jiangling are both utterly disgraced!"

The weather in the Forbidden City is nice today. As we approach the beginning of summer in late April, temperatures in and around the capital are finally warming up.

However, the atmosphere inside and outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony was somber and even a bit chilly.

The court meeting was convened as scheduled.

In fact, the emperor's willingness to hold a court discussion was quite unexpected for the court officials.

After all, in the eyes of many ministers, this young emperor was already absurd beyond belief.

He neglected state affairs, refused to listen to advice, favored treacherous officials, spent his days indulging in the harem, and indulged in excessive drinking and eating. In addition, he was also irresponsible, spending his days indulging in novels and painting in the harem.

It's simply too numerous to list.

It can be said that, in the eyes of many ministers, this emperor had almost completely embodied all five poisons of Buddhism: greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and doubt.

He was practically the epitome of a tyrant!
Shouldn't the ministers do their utmost to "admonish" such an emperor and persuade him to turn back from the wrong path?
Only in this way can the proper conduct of a subject be demonstrated!

Therefore, the court discussion had just begun, and before Emperor Wanli had even spoken, someone immediately stepped forward to speak.

"Your Majesty, I, Yang Keli, the Supervising Censor of Yunnan Circuit, request that Your Majesty issue an edict of self-reproach to stabilize the nation!"

Yang Keli had sunken cheeks and a pair of triangular eyes. He glanced almost imperceptibly at the Wanli Emperor above, observing the other's reaction.

Surprisingly, the emperor's former tyrannical expression had completely disappeared.

Yang Keli was somewhat surprised, but still full of confidence, and reported using the prepared script.

"Since March, disasters have frequently occurred in various places. First, there was a major epidemic in the capital, Beizhili, and Shanxi. Recently, there has been flooding in Suzhou, Songjiang, Huaihe, Fenghuang, Xuzhou, and Suqian in Nanzhili. The people of the country are suffering unspeakably, and scholars in various places are full of complaints."

"Your Majesty is wise and virtuous, yet you have been misled by powerful and treacherous officials. I plead with you, my blood boiling, that Your Majesty execute the powerful minister Zhang Jiangling and eliminate the treacherous minister Zhang Shiyuan to appease public anger!"

"If Your Majesty does not heed our loyal advice, we will kneel and die in this Golden Palace!"

As Yang Keli spoke, the courtiers, as if prepared, stepped out of the ranks one by one and knelt before the emperor to offer their advice.

"Your Majesty, please heed my advice!"

Shen Shixing stood behind Zhang Siwei, and seeing that the other man had also stepped forward and continued to pressure the Wanli Emperor to abdicate, his expression became increasingly solemn.

If these people's wishes are truly granted, and the emperor issues this edict of self-reproach, the plague prevention and control work that has been done with utmost care over the past few months will be completely ruined!

All the measures taken during this period will become evidence of the emperor's foolish decisions!
Shouldn't Zhang Juzheng and his son Zhang Yunxiu bear responsibility for "misleading" the emperor?
Shen Shixing knew that the emperor was weak-willed, and if he really couldn't withstand the public opinion, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Thinking about his previous conversation with Zhang Yunxiu, he gritted his teeth, about to step forward and refute her.

But just then, they heard a voice from above.

"I am already aware of what you have said, so why repeat it again? The disaster situation in various places is urgent. The most important thing in this court meeting is to offer practical suggestions and not to put forward any more empty and unfounded arguments!"

The emperor's majestic voice rang out, dignified yet tinged with coldness, revealing no trace of emotion.

Shen Shixing's eyes widened suddenly, and he looked at the Wanli Emperor as if he were a monster.

Many of the senior officials standing below shuddered, and some were even startled.

This sales pitch seems somewhat familiar?
They broke out in a cold sweat, looked up sharply, and saw that the plump Wanli Emperor was still on the throne, and then they breathed a sigh of relief.

Is this still Emperor Wanli? I almost thought it was Emperor Jiajing revisiting the Hall of Supreme Harmony!
Yang Keli was also somewhat surprised, but the purpose of today's court meeting had already been determined, and there was absolutely no reason to give up now.

He raised his ivory tablet high again, about to speak, but was interrupted by the words of the Wanli Emperor.

"Yang Ziyu, stop with your high-sounding words. You keep saying that the people are filled with resentment, but have you submitted any reports? If it's just based on words, I will punish you for disrupting the order of the court!"

Caught off guard, Yang Keli suddenly didn't know how to answer. He quietly looked up to observe the emperor, and unexpectedly met the emperor's sharp eyes.

Where was there any cowardice or fear? The emperor's majesty emanated from him, almost causing Yang Keli to lose his composure.

He spoke haltingly.

"Your Majesty does not know what report you require. The situation described earlier is already reflected in the official memorials submitted to the court."

"According to you, I should go and see for myself?"

The Wanli Emperor's tone grew increasingly stern. He frowned deeply, slammed his hand on the imperial desk, and shouted angrily.

"How dare you! Yang Ziyu slanders the emperor and disrupts the court. He claims to be loyal and says that the people are suffering terribly, but he can't even explain where the suffering lies."

"For such words, what crime should you be charged with? The crime of utter disrespect? Or the crime of deceiving the emperor?"

"His Majesty!"

Yang Keli was terrified. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down, but he couldn't utter a single word. He never expected that the emperor, who used to be "easy to bully," would suddenly become such a different person.

He usually talks big and acts high-spirited behind the scenes, but when it comes to real trouble, he lacks courage. When the emperor puts his weight on him, he is so frightened that he prostrates himself on the ground like a shrimp with its bones removed, not daring to utter a word.

Emperor Wanli stared intently at the man's reaction. His face was ashen, revealing no emotion, yet he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

He suddenly became so dignified. Could it be that today, he is truly possessed by the spirit of Emperor Jiajing?

It wasn't that he possessed her; rather, he came prepared.

This "shifting the blame" tactic was Zhang Yunxiu's idea. According to Zhang Yunxiu, the key was to "catch someone and beat them up!"
In preparation for today's court assembly, he spent the entire day yesterday rehearsing meticulously, not only going over the "lines" with Zhang Yunxiu, but also pulling the eunuch Zhang Cheng aside to simulate a scene of court debate.

On several occasions, Zhang Banban was forced to use the rhetoric of the Qingliu faction to curse the emperor, only to be beaten black and blue by the enraged Wanli Emperor.

However, Zhang Banban's sacrifice was highly effective.

Judging from Yang Keli's reaction, it is clear that with just a few glances and a few words, Emperor Wanli regained the initiative!

After these words, the ministers in the hall looked at each other in bewilderment.

Their eyes were filled with doubt. How could the emperor have changed overnight?
When did the puppet emperor finally get it?

Emperor Wanli had no intention of letting the other party off the hook, and said angrily.

"Imperial Censor Yang! Why are you silent? Are you feeling guilty?"

"Your humble servant..."

Yang Keli was completely stunned by these questions, and he stammered as he spoke.

He was filled with unease. After all, the emperor would not easily kill high-ranking officials, but killing a censor would be a piece of cake.

Don't you see Wei Yunzhen? He's been beaten half to death. Although he's able to return to his hometown, Zhang Yunxiu deliberately spread the word, and he's been branded a "traitor" by the world. He's living a life worse than death!

The more nervous he became, the less he could speak. He stammered and stuttered, no longer able to eloquently debate. Under the emperor's aggressive questioning, he repeatedly prostrated himself and kowtowed.

"Please allow me to think about it again."

The Wanli Emperor was waiting for him to back down, but he showed no mercy and coldly said with a flick of his sleeve.

"This man was audacious and reckless; Feng Banban dragged him out of the Meridian Gate."

Just as Feng Bao was about to step forward, before he could finish speaking, a man suddenly stood up and loudly addressed the emperor.

"Your Majesty! Imperial Censor Yang's words were inappropriate, but his crime does not warrant this punishment."

The devastation caused by the great epidemic in the capital is evident to all. Countless families have been torn apart, wives and children separated. Now, in southern Zhili, there is also torrential rain and flooding, and many people have been displaced.

Students wept at the temple, scholars lamented, and countless impeachment memorials reached the palace—why is Your Majesty unmoved?!

The Wanli Emperor's expression suddenly froze. He stared intently at the person who stepped forward to speak. Who else could it be but Xu Xuemo, the Minister of Rites?
The memory of Zhang Yunxiu mentioning that the Ministry of Rites might be entangled with the White Lotus Rebellion flashed through his mind, and he was instantly filled with rage.

But remembering Zhang Yunxiu's words, he immediately suppressed his anger and sneered.

"What? Does Minister Xu have more to say?"

　There will be another chapter at 8 o'clock.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)