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

Chapter 257 Has Your Majesty forgotten the past of Emperor Wuzong?
In fact, Emperor Wanli was not a completely incompetent person.

From the time he ascended the throne at a young age, he was a diligent and studious person. Although his talent was not outstanding, he was trained by a group of the most outstanding talents in the Ming Dynasty, so his level was not bad.

The real problem was the repression and control that had been exerted on Emperor Wanli all along, which gradually caused him to develop a rebellious mentality.

Living deep within the palace for a long time, spending time with palace maids and eunuchs or reading the classics, his temperament became very childlike.

In retrospect, Emperor Wanli's words today can be described as heartfelt and sincere.

With the feudal centralized system in this dynasty, it was virtually impossible for officials to plot a rebellion.

This makes Zhang Yunxiu's method of always considering the imperial family's interests all the more commendable.

Leaving aside distant examples, Gao Gong once acted arrogantly and disrespectfully, relying on his power. Zhang Juzheng's methods of wielding power over the years also made Emperor Wanli resentful.

But Zhang Yunxiu truly regarded the Wanli Emperor as a human being.

This was especially important to the Wanli Emperor.

After all, for an emperor who is all alone, the last thing he wants to see is his former friends turning against him.

Not to mention, Zhang Yunxiu is an extremely interesting person who often brings unexpected and novel gadgets.

After listening to Emperor Wanli's words, Zhang Yunxiu was somewhat surprised. He glanced at the emperor with considerable caution, and after confirming that the emperor's orientation was normal and that he had no history of misconduct.

Only then did he feel relieved, and he felt a pang of guilt for having deceived the innocent girl.

After all, he had always wanted to seize the throne from the dog emperor and carry the revolution through to the end.

To be fair, Emperor Wanli wasn't a bad person.

It's just that he's not suited for the position of emperor.

In terms of personality, he is loyal and righteous, but he is also like a child who has not grown up and is easily guided and misled.

In terms of ability, he was more like a modern-day otaku who liked anime, comics, and novels; he was somewhat lazy and greedy, but not particularly malicious.

Placing such a person in the position of Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was a grave mistake, not only a tragedy for the Ming Dynasty but also a personal tragedy for him.

Now, Zhang Yunxiu is determined to make up for this tragedy.

After finishing discussing the novel, Emperor Wanli returned to his desk in the Qianqing Palace. He felt a headache coming on when he saw the mountain of memorials. He picked out a memorial from Southern Zhili and said with some surprise.

"Shiyuan, you've sent all the actors from the Xishan Theater out?"

Since the establishment of the Xishan Theater, the terms "actor" and "performer" have been used less frequently, and the more respectful term "actor" has been used instead.

When this was mentioned, Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said.

"Your Majesty, the Xishan Theater has gradually flourished since its inception, but it is not enough to just stay in Beizhili. It needs to go out and see more of the world. Your humble servant is determined to establish a branch theater in Nanzhili. In the future, the north and south can exchange ideas and create a wonderful story."

The Wanli Emperor, however, was quite astute: "I'm afraid it's not that simple, is it? You also intend to use this to promote new policies and the textile bureau?"

"By the way," Zhang Yunxiu emphasized. "Artistic work and political work are inseparable. We must gain the people's approval of our policies and practices so that our decrees, which are popular with the people, can be disseminated."

Otherwise, the people will be easily swayed by biased opinions and believe the nonsense uttered by the gentry of Jiangnan, turning what was originally a benevolent policy into a wicked one!

He said meaningfully, "When implementing new policies in the past, wasn't it precisely in this way that Hai Ruxian faced numerous difficulties in reforming the gentry and powerful families in Jiangnan?"

The Wanli Emperor looked at the other party with a strange expression: "Is this your reason for slandering Hai Gangfeng?"

Clearly, the memorial he had just received was sent by Hai Rui, in which he made a minor complaint. The reason was that Zhang Yunxiu planned to stage a play in Jiangnan with Hai Rui as the main character, titled "Hai Rui Fights Against Evil Gentry," and to spread it throughout Jiangnan.

Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "Your Majesty, take a closer look at the contents of this letter. Is Hai Gangfeng merely grumbling and not really expressing any strong opposition?"

"Hmm?" Emperor Wanli paused for a moment, then turned and carefully read the memorial again.

However, it was discovered that, just as Zhang Yunxiu had said, Hai Rui was not too resistant. The letter mostly described the recent implementation of the "loan law" and "weaving machine" in Jiangnan, as well as accusing the Jiangnan gentry of being fierce and wicked.

As for this being written into a play, it's just mentioned briefly as a form of protest.

The Wanli Emperor looked somewhat awkward as he stroked his chin and said, "Actually, if Ruohai Gangfeng is unwilling, I can do it for him."

Emperor Wanli greatly enjoyed this kind of attention-seeking behavior.

Some time ago, he often went to Xishan incognito, simply because he could often hear ordinary people praising themselves in the fields.

Disguised and praising strangers to their faces, the thrill of such a thing is something that no amount of flattery from court officials could ever match.

Having been subjected to a repressive education since childhood, the Wanli Emperor desperately needed genuine recognition.

But Zhang Yunxiu's face stiffened, and he said speechlessly.

"Your Majesty, we have chosen Hai Gangfeng as our role model and established his lofty image in order to gain the support of the people."

Having a role model is like erecting a statue of a god, which can gain the trust of the people of Jiangnan.

With the implementation of this textile machine, silk fabrics will naturally be produced at an unstoppable pace. Combined with the production capacity of Xishan, the predicament of Jiangnan will surely be resolved!

He then reminded the Wanli Emperor.

“But if we take His Majesty as this example, it will not only be difficult to implement in Jiangnan, but the people will also feel that the emperor is far away and will naturally have less empathy.”

Most importantly, why does Your Majesty strive for such empty fame?
This role model must be flawless; only a moral exemplar like Hai Rui can uphold it.

If anyone else makes even the slightest mistake, and someone seizes upon it, their image collapses.

The Wanli Emperor looked a little embarrassed and chuckled as he spoke.

"I just mentioned it casually, nothing more."

In reality, what Emperor Wanli cared about most was money; anyone who tried to stop him from making money was his greatest enemy.

So he put his hands behind his back and said it very resolutely.

"The problems caused by the gentry in Jiangnan have been long-standing. Powerful families and gentry have occupied Jiangnan, rivaling the imperial court and exploiting the common people. This has aroused the wrath of both heaven and man."

Not to mention, as we plan to open up trade routes, implement new policies, and lift the maritime ban to trade with Western countries, the Jiangnan gentry is a persistent problem that must be eradicated!

Zhang Yunxiu nodded and said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. The gentry of Jiangnan are nothing but a group of short-sighted people. With the regulation of the futures market, there are probably already quite a few speculators transporting goods to Jiangnan. Jiangnan is a monolithic entity, but the Ming Dynasty is not."

When the futures market was mentioned, Emperor Wanli's eyes lit up for a moment, then dimmed again, and he shook his head helplessly.

"Your futures market is a real monster; I lost tens of thousands of taels of silver there myself."

Zhang Yunxiu's lips twitched as he reminded him.

"Your Majesty, this is royal property, and the Ministry of Revenue also has a stake in it. What are you doing?"

The Wanli Emperor scratched his head: "I was just... taking a break, relaxing occasionally."

Zhang Yunxiu was somewhat speechless, but still unexpectedly offered a reminder.

"Your Majesty, please pay close attention to the matter of Jingyang Palace."

He spoke very carefully, taking care not to offend the Wanli Emperor's fragile and sensitive heart.

But Emperor Wanli seemed unconcerned and rather irritated.

"How can even you say that? I understand. How can I not care about Jingyang Palace? I will go, I will go."

Seeing his perfunctory attitude, Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but add another sentence.

"Has Your Majesty forgotten the events of Emperor Wuzong's time?"

These words were incredibly damaging. Emperor Wanli was immediately jolted and, before he could even exchange a few words with Zhang Yunxiu, hastily spoke.

"I'm going to Jingyang Palace to check on things. The imperial heir absolutely cannot be allowed to have any problems!"

(End of this chapter)