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

Chapter 266 The Four Gentlemen of Donglin! A Secret Report from Cining Palace?

"Four scholars have arrived at the academy?"

Inside the Xishan Thousand Household Office, Zhang Yunxiu was quite surprised to learn of this news from his third brother.

He frowned deeply, read through the handwritten biographies of the four people, and especially focused his gaze on the name Gu Xiancheng, taking a deep breath.

It seems we've attracted someone extraordinary.
Isn't this Gu Shushi, the founder of Donglin Academy, the founder of the Donglin School, and the backbone of the Donglin Party who later became famous in the imperial court?
However, at present, Mr. Donglin is still young and has not yet made a name for himself.

Aside from frequently writing articles about current affairs and political gains and losses, he was practically a nobody in Beijing, with no voice whatsoever.

If one had to categorize him, he was nothing more than a capable minor official in the Ministry of Revenue.

Zhang Yunxiu often bossed Zhang Xueyan around, even though he was the Minister of Revenue. He certainly didn't treat Zhang Xueyan, a mere clerk in the Ministry of Revenue, with the same disrespect.

Seeing his younger brother's tightly furrowed brows, the third brother, Zhang Maoxiu, standing to the side, felt rather unsure of himself.

These days, aside from his duties at the Hanlin Academy, he spends his time teaching and educating students at the Xishan Peiwen Academy.

Although he now manages Xishan Peiwen Academy very well, it was not entirely voluntary at the beginning.

You could even say they were tricked into coming here.

Whatever the harmless Zhang Yunxiu said, his father instructed him to come to Xishan for a discussion.

As a result, he was immediately taken to Xishan Academy and handed over the education of hundreds of children in Xishan.

Zhang Maoxiu initially wanted to refuse, but upon seeing the eager eyes of the students from Xishan, he couldn't bring himself to leave.

Compared to his elder brother Zhang Jingxiu, he was less pedantic, but he was still a well-read Confucian scholar.

However, as the number of students in Xishan increased, the original number of teachers was no longer sufficient.

That's why Xishan Academy recruits teachers to fill vacancies.

For days, Xishan Academy has been met with a cold reception, with only these four people coming. Zhang Maoxiu even thought of keeping a few of them.

He was afraid that Zhang Yunxiu would disagree, so he quickly reminded him.

"Shiyuan, there is some prejudice against us outside, and it was not easy to find these four people."

Among these four people were court officials and scholars preparing for the imperial examinations. Two of them were successful candidates in the highest level of the imperial examinations, while the other two, although not yet holding official positions, were still successful candidates in the provincial level of the imperial examinations.

He would certainly be more than capable of teaching students in Xishan.

It's unclear where Zhang Yunxiu got the connections, but he somehow managed to get the Wanli Emperor to hold the title of Dean of Peiwen Academy.

Therefore, the requirements for recruiting teachers had to be raised accordingly. After all, what kind of person would it be to recruit an ordinary scholar or student when the emperor was in charge?

Which scholar or graduate with status would be willing to go against the literati and "abandon the light and embrace darkness" in Xishan?
“Most importantly,” Zhang Maoxiu glanced at his younger brother with a strange expression, “these people are quite fond of the new learning, claiming to be your lackeys, Shiyuan, and willing to follow you to the death.”

His words were not an exaggeration at all; they were Gao Panlong's exact words from the four of them.

"To follow them to the death?"

Zhang Yunxiu also showed a strange expression.

Is my "new learning" some kind of cult that can make even the core figures of the Donglin School follow me to the death?
In the meantime, wouldn't my "new learning" replace the historical "Donglin School"?
“Of course,” Zhang Maoxiu sighed. “The others are alright, but Wang Chenyu is a real problem. The Wang family is a powerful clan in Jiangnan, and they’re sworn enemies with us.”

This eldest son of Wang Yuanyu has brazenly joined our Xishan. If word gets out, it will surely cause trouble. I think it might be…”

After thinking it over, he decided to let Wang Heng, Wang Xijue's eldest son, go back to study first, which would save him a lot of trouble.

As for Gu Xiancheng, Zhao Nanxing, and Gao Panlong, the academy clearly still needs them.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yunxiu shook his head firmly.

"inappropriate."

He got excited and smiled at his older brother.

"Wang Chenyu is wholeheartedly devoted to his studies. How can we discourage his pure and sincere heart? Not only should we not expel him, but we should also nurture him greatly and make him the backbone of our Xishan Academy!"

"Shi Yuan!"

Zhang Maoxiu was startled, knowing that this kid was going to cause trouble again, and waved his hands repeatedly.

"Absolutely not! If we bring him to Xishan, it will definitely cause trouble. I imagine Wang Yuanyu will be determined to fight us to the death."

He could already imagine what would happen if Wang Xijue found out that his precious son, Wang Heng, had not only failed to study the classics properly, but had instead joined the school of his "arch-enemy" Zhang Yunxiu.

I wonder how furious this former Vice Minister of Rites will be; he'll probably want to tear Zhang Yunxiu apart alive.

"Third Brother, however, is ignorant of the ways of the world."

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head with great certainty.

"This Wang Xijue is from Jiangnan in Suzhou Prefecture. He has always considered himself a member of the Qingliu faction and opposes the new policies."

Since the incident of seizing power during the mourning period in the fifth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, he resigned from his official post and returned to his hometown, making him an irreconcilable enemy of us.

He stared intently at his third brother as he spoke.

"Since that's the case, what do we have to worry about? Wang Chenyu can come if he wants, and leave if he doesn't. His feet are his own."

If Xishan refuses to accept Wang Chenyu out of fear of Wang Xijue's retaliation, wouldn't that make it seem like Xishan is afraid of them?

Zhang Yunxiu emphasized his words.

"To pursue the truth relentlessly and not be disturbed by external things—this is the fundamental principle upon which our Xishan Academy is founded!"

However, Zhang Maoxiu did not understand this matter.

This is not in accordance with Confucian principles!

He looked hesitant.

Is this feasible?

Even a top scholar like Zhang Yunxiu seemed like a younger brother in front of him.

"Just listen to me." Zhang Yunxiu was used to making decisions in front of his brothers, and he said in an unquestionable manner.

Zhang Juzheng's "strict father" style of education not only turned the Wanli Emperor into a conflicted and "abnormal" man, but also turned his children into timid and pedantic scholars.

Just like his third brother, Zhang Maoxiu.

In the twelfth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, the emperor ordered the confiscation of Zhang Juzheng's property. Zhang Juzheng's eldest brother, Zhang Jingxiu, could not withstand the torture and hanged himself, while his second brother, Zhang Sixiu, was exiled to the frontier.

Zhang Maoxiu showed no intention of trying to save or resist, and angrily turned and threw himself into the well.

After that, he became depressed and spent his days holding his father Zhang Juzheng's letters and writings, weeping uncontrollably every day.

It can be said that all of Zhang Juzheng's adopted sons were of good character, and some were even quite fierce.

However, in terms of ability and means, they have almost none.

With Zhang Yunxiu around, he naturally has to make clear arrangements for his older brothers.

"But..." Zhang Maoxiu still wanted to resist a little, but he didn't know what to say, so he could only nod helplessly. "Alright!"

Zhang Yunxiu patted his third brother on the shoulder. "Third brother, you don't need to worry about this. Just focus on your studies and help me make Peiwen Academy great and successful."

"If we cultivate a few top scholars in the future, we can show those 'pure' types outside what the scientific way is all about."

"The top scholar?" Zhang Maoxiu was surprised by his younger brother's tone, but still nodded and said, "Your foolish brother will certainly do his best."

Third Brother Zhang Maoxiu was, after all, a top scholar in the imperial examination. Although he benefited to some extent from his father Zhang Juzheng's influence, he still had some ability.

Whether it's the arrangements at the academy or studying chemistry in my spare time, I handle everything with ease.

After leaving Xishan, Zhang Yunxiu rushed to Renmin Medical Clinic without stopping.

Jingyang Palace has been a top priority lately, keeping even him, the "founder of modern medicine," extremely busy.

Just as he was about to head to the study, he saw Liu Wan'er, who had been waiting for a long time and looked nervous.

Seeing her in such a hurry to pee, Zhang Yunxiu shook his head helplessly.

What problems are there today?

Speaking of which, Princess Yongning can be considered to be exceptionally intelligent. She was able to understand some rather profound medical theories and raised the corresponding questions the next day, which she then had brought to her by the palace maid Liu Wan'er.

After several days, Zhang Yunxiu had already gotten used to it.

Unexpectedly, Liu Wan'er, acting mysteriously, insisted on pulling Zhang Yunxiu to a secluded place before carefully taking out a small sachet.

"His Highness instructed me to give this to you, sir."

As if the sachet was burning hot, Liu Wan'er quickly stuffed it into Zhang Yunxiu's hand.

"Scented sachets again?" Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but chuckle. This Princess Yongning seemed to have a particular fondness for scented sachets.

It was clear from Liu Wan'er's expression that she quickly understood what was going on.

I touched the inside of the sachet and felt a piece of paper inside.

He frowned deeply, carefully unwrapped the sachet, and prepared to take out the note.

Upon seeing Zhang Yunxiu take out the note, Liu Wan'er looked nervous and quickly bowed.

"The sachet has been delivered, so I will take my leave now. Please forgive me, sir."

Before Zhang Yunxiu could even speak, she had already run away in a flash, as if some evil spirit was hidden inside the sachet.

"This guy's notoriously timid."

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and shook his head, unfolding the note in his hand and taking a closer look.

His smile gradually faded, and the muscles at the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

Zhang Yunxiu could not help but be surprised, for this was a record of the conversation between Empress Dowager Li and her father-in-law Li Wei in the Cining Palace!

The characters are small and the ink is not dark, but they are still delicate and elegant, clearly written by Princess Yongning, Zhu Yaoying.

Such palace secrets are not uncommon. In the court, which person with power doesn't have two or three informants in the Forbidden City?

But the fact that the eyeliner belongs to a princess of the current dynasty is still too strange.

Zhang Yunxiu's expression was strange. He thought of Princess Yongning, Zhu Yaoying, who hid somewhere in Cining Palace to eavesdrop on her mother and grandfather's conversation, wrote it down, and gave it to a complete stranger. It was really a bit...
"Her Highness the Princess is such a filial son!"

He couldn't help but sigh.

Then we turned our attention back to the content of the conversation.

The content wasn't exactly top secret; it was simply that the Emperor's father-in-law, Li Wei, was openly and secretly discussing with Empress Dowager Li how to deal with her.

When the Wanli Emperor ascended the throne, Zhang Siwei, then Vice Minister of Rites, proposed to confer the title of Marquis of Wuqing on Li Wei, but Zhang Juzheng suppressed the proposal.

Furthermore, the implementation of the performance evaluation system a few years ago also resulted in "heavy losses" for Huangzhuang, where Li Wei worked.

Last year, Li Wei embezzled nearly 150,000 taels of silver in the procurement of military supplies and was punished by Zhang Juzheng.

It can be said that among the nobles, the one who had the deepest grudge against Zhang Juzheng was none other than the emperor's father-in-law, Li Wei.

Not to mention, Wei's ancestral home is Yicheng, Shanxi, and he has a close relationship with Shanxi merchants.

It seems that Li Wei had also contributed money to get the Prince of Lu to oppose him earlier.

However, upon witnessing their conversation at the Cining Palace today, he noticed something different.

Despite being the emperor's father-in-law, Li Wei was far too polite to his daughter in private.

Although the Ming Dynasty had a system of etiquette, once a woman married into the palace and was named a concubine or empress, she was no longer considered a subject of the emperor and her family.

However, as is customary, honorifics are only used in public settings.

The fact that they used honorifics in private makes it hard not to wonder if there was some kind of rift between them.

This can be seen from the conversation.

"I believe that the Western Hills have recently produced a plethora of strange and ingenious crafts, which have already created a chaotic and corrupt atmosphere throughout the capital."

If we continue to implement the Jiangnan Textile Bureau system, I think our Great Ming will gradually lose the hearts of the people.”

Empress Dowager Li responded, "I have already mentioned this matter to the Emperor, so let's not discuss it further."

Li Wei appeared somewhat anxious: "Empress Dowager! This oppressive government is more ferocious than a tiger! The Zhang family father and son have bewitched His Majesty, using the methods of Xishan to plunder the people's wealth, causing unbearable suffering to the people of the capital. Countless people have been ruined as a result. If this continues..."

This Li Wei was just a military man, but somehow he learned some literary skills, and his speech even had a touch of pedantry.

However, it was still clear that while he appeared extremely respectful, his tone already carried a hint of command.

Empress Dowager Li paid little attention to that and asked directly, "What are the plans of the Shanxi merchants?"

Immediately afterwards, Li Wei revealed the entire scheme of the Shanxi merchants and the Jiangnan gentry.

Actually, there's nothing surprising about it; it's just their usual "three tricks".

One side used the "ancestral system" as a pretext to attack the new policies, labeling the new policies along with Xishan as "oppressive policies," and exaggerating the suffering of the people everywhere.

Secondly, they attacked the officials implementing the new policies. Although Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Shiyuan held high positions and wielded great power, there were always corrupt officials among them. By finding one or two and making a big fuss about it, they could prevent the new policies from being implemented.

Third, by using methods such as hoarding and speculation, strikes to resist taxes, and inciting people to strike, the new policy faced difficulties at the local level.

In order to maintain stability in Jiangnan, the imperial court will inevitably compromise if things continue like this.

Actually, this method wasn't exactly a secret; Zhang Yunxiu could have guessed it even if he had to.

Throughout history, the gentry and upright officials have always used the same few tricks to fight against the imperial court. They didn't need to put in much effort; after three such moves, the court would usually have to give in.

Li Wei arrived with the entrustment of the Jiangnan gentry and Shanxi merchants, hoping to pressure Empress Dowager Li to persuade the emperor to relent and implement some "benevolent policies."

Empress Dowager Li said things like, "The Cining Palace must not interfere in politics," "This is the Emperor's business," and "Let's see, nothing serious will happen."

Finally, he said to Li Wei, "Go and see Prince Lu. As his maternal grandfather, it's been a while since you've seen him."

(End of this chapter)