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

Chapter 297 Be patient! Let's see how I arrange things!

When this matter was mentioned, a hint of regret flashed across Xu Jie's face, and he shook his head slightly.

"This calming and tranquilizing pill is exceptionally effective. Its earliest origin can even be traced back to the time of Emperor Chengzu. Unfortunately, the current emperor has been misled by Zhang Shiyuan and promoted so-called modern medicine, thus discarding this century-old remedy as if it were worthless."

When I heard this, I was deeply saddened. I went to great lengths to find the prescription and had my family's pharmacy prepare a large quantity.

At this point, Xu Jie let out another hearty laugh, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.

"But to my surprise, after taking this pill, I slept more and more soundly every night, and my complexion looked better when I looked in the mirror in the morning."

That Zhang Shiyuan has truly brought ruin to the country—but it's all for the best; since the emperor doesn't use him, it's perfect for us to enjoy. If you two need anything, just say the word, and I'll send someone to deliver some to your residence right away.”

Wang Shizhen quickly cupped his hands, his face full of earnestness: "If it really has such miraculous effects, then Zhang Shiyuan is simply comparable to a demonic poison, truly a scourge to the court. To be honest, Master Xu, I have also been having trouble sleeping lately, and I hope that Master Xu will bestow upon me the medicine."

"It's alright, it's alright." Xu Jie laughed even more heartily, and was about to continue speaking when he heard a "bang".

Wang Xijue slammed his hand on the table, splashing half the water out of the teacup. His eyes widened in anger, and his voice was filled with barely suppressed rage.

"Lord Xu, with the situation so critical, how can you still have the leisure to discuss the prescription? We have already investigated thoroughly and found that the textile bureau, under the guise of going to sea to eliminate Japanese pirates, is actually using the imperial navy's ships to conduct maritime trade. Such audacity is outrageous. Does Lord Xu not feel anything at all?"

Wang Shizhen sighed and patted Wang Xijue's arm, saying, "Brother Yuanyu, please calm down. This matter is of great importance and requires careful consideration."

"Stop saying those things!" Wang Xijue said, glaring at him.

"Enough!" Xu Jie suddenly interrupted, looking up at the other person. "So what if you knew he was breaking the law? You dared to expose this?"
Was Wang Yuanyu truly thinking of securing a better future for his descendants, or was he acting impulsively, determined to perish together with Zhang Shiyuan?

Upon hearing this, the tea room fell silent instantly.

Originally, Wang Xijue and Wang Shizhen had some ideas, but after Xu Jie's suggestion, they immediately fell silent.

Both of them realized that they were now in a dilemma.

The good news is that Zhang Yunxiu has finally been exposed for his illegal and disorderly conduct.

The bad news is that Wang Xijue, Wang Shizhen, Xu Jie, and a group of Jiangnan gentry all did it, and their private dealings of profiting from maritime trade never stopped.

Bringing this kind of thing out into the open is tantamount to publicly exposing one's underwear.

"How can I not be anxious?" Wang Xijue sighed helplessly. "Zhang Shiyuan has been planning this for a long time. We sought cooperation with the Japanese, but were flatly rejected. And those Portuguese seem to follow Zhang Shiyuan's lead. If this continues, ordinary people and merchants will all flock to the Jiangnan Textile Bureau for short-term gains."

The plan will be ruined at the last minute!

The Jiangnan gentry invested too much money and resources in this "war," thinking it would be like history, with the gentry giving up some benefits to appease the people and give the court an explanation, and that would be how it was all done.

Who knew that Zhang Shiyuan would act contrary to common sense, resorting to all sorts of tricks.

Wang Xijue, who was already furious about his eldest son Wang Heng, was now completely unable to control his emotions.

"Calm down~ calm down~"

Xu Jie shook his head and even picked up the teapot to pour Wang Xijue a cup of tea.

“A wise person cultivates their character and temperament. Yuan Yu, how can you accomplish anything with such impatience?”

"Master Xu!"

Wang Xijue couldn't understand why Xu Jie was so calm and composed. The man was about to dig up his ancestral graves, yet he still had the leisure to drink tea and talk about refined matters.
He stomped his feet repeatedly as he spoke.

"This matter must not be delayed any longer. Once Zhang Shiyuan gains power, we will surely be deserted by everyone!"

The Jiangnan gentry are a collection of interests. When they are in a dominant position, they can sit down and enjoy themselves. But if they are in a downward spiral, who knows how many more Chang Tingyus will appear and stand on the opposite side of them.

Ultimately, the reason is that Wang Xijue and his group were not fighting against any particular person, but against the will of the emperor and the cabinet in the imperial court, which was something they could not afford to lose even once.

Just as Wang Xijue was getting anxious and frustrated, Wang Shizhen, who was standing beside him, finally offered a hint, saying, "Brother Yuanyu, you still don't quite understand."

After saying this, he leisurely brought a cup of tea to his lips and took a sip, looking just as confident as Xu Jie.

Wang Xijue was completely bewildered. He turned to look at Xu Jie and asked in confusion.

"Master Xu, Brother Yuanmei, what is the meaning of this?"

"Knowing when to stop leads to stability; stability leads to tranquility; tranquility leads to peace; peace leads to contemplation; contemplation leads to attainment."

Xu Jie casually quoted a line from "The Great Learning," then looked up at Wang Xijue and said...

"Yuan Yu, you have so much talent, yet you've forgotten the principles in the classics?"

At this moment, Wang Xijue finally understood what Xu Jie meant, and he stared wide-eyed in shock as he spoke.

"Does Master Xu still have a backup plan?"

"Humph."

Speaking of this, Xu Jie snorted coldly.

"If I don't make some arrangements, do you think I'll just let you all be played like fools by Zhang Shiyuan?"

"This..." Wang Xijue's face showed a hint of embarrassment, but also a hint of joy. "Could you please explain what the arrangements are, so that we can feel a little more at ease?"

Xu Jie leaned back in his armchair, looking somewhat tired, and sighed deeply.

"Yingtian Prefecture was a secondary capital, commonly known as Nanjing. Nanjing originally had its own prefecture, which was in charge of civil affairs, justice, taxation, and public security within the prefecture."

However, since the time of Emperor Taizu, in order to govern the various places in Jiangnan, the position of governor has been established many times. At first, it was a temporary position, but later it became a permanent position.

The governor's office was established, but the position of the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture was practically meaningless.

Wang Shizhen was overjoyed and quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"I have forgotten that there is a righteous and incorruptible man named Sun Shuxiao in Yingtian Prefecture!"

The then Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture was Sun Piyang, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the thirty-fifth year of the Jiajing reign. He had previously served as the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Nanjing Metropolitan Censorate. Although he was not from Jiangnan, he had always disapproved of Zhang Juzheng's behavior.

If he hadn't repeatedly clashed with others, how could someone with his qualifications have come to Nanjing?

However, a casual transfer order issued by Zhang Juzheng a few years ago has sown the seeds of future problems.

Sun Piyang has a reputation for integrity, and there is absolutely no reason to replace him while he is serving in Nanjing.

Zhang Juzheng was not all-powerful. He had already drawn criticism by arranging for Yin Zhengmao and Hai Rui. Could he possibly replace everyone in Yingtian?

This contradicts the performance evaluation system he himself established.

Wang Xijue's eyes also lit up, and he widened them, saying, "Did Master Xu persuade Sun Shuxiao?"

“That doesn’t make sense,” Xu Jie said, shaking his head repeatedly. “But he is a man who hates evil as if it were his enemy. Seeing that Zhang Shiyuan is heretical and bewitching the emperor, and has turned Jiangnan upside down, how can he sit idly by? I had some dealings with him before, and a little advice from him can naturally be the way for us to break the deadlock!”

Wang Shizhen smiled and said, "Yingtian is the throat of Jiangnan, and it is also the throat of the Textile Bureau and Xishan Money Exchange. Yin Yangshi and Hai Gangfeng cannot bypass it if they want to do their thing."

This is a method of using someone else to do the dirty work!

“Your Excellency! This matter still requires careful consideration. If this article is published in the ‘Gyeonggi Daily,’ Your Excellency will become the target of public criticism, and Jiangnan will be thrown into turmoil once again.”

In the prefectural government office of Yingtian, the assistant prefect of Yingtian prefecture earnestly advised him, fearing that Sun Piyang would cause a major incident.

Sun Piyang, the then prefect of Yingtian, raised his eyebrows. He had a square face but appeared somewhat rugged. He spoke in a stern voice.

"Brother Daosong, if you still consider me, Sun Piyang, a friend, then please don't mention this matter again. My mind is made up, and I will make sure the world knows the truth and the reason behind it!"

Li Daosong, the Assistant Magistrate of Yingtian Prefecture, was a fellow townsman of Sun Piyang. The two looked after each other in the Jiangnan region. Naturally, Li Daosong was afraid that the other party would cause trouble, so he kept persuading him.

"It was because of that letter. Who sent it? Was it Wang Yuanyu and Wang Yuanmei, who resigned from their official posts and returned home, or was it Grand Secretary Xu, who was hiding in Jiangnan?"

Li Daosong's lips trembled slightly.

"This is a dispute between them and the imperial court. Why is Your Excellency involved? Aren't you afraid of being used by others?"

Sun Piyang straightened his back, looking resolute, and looked at his friend.

"The contents of the letter involve a lot of information, and I cannot tell you about it, otherwise it would only get you into trouble."

Brother Daosong, all you need to know is that the Jiangnan region is in such a state of decay because those petty scoundrels in the capital have been inciting His Majesty to engage in commerce, and now they are going even further astray.”

Sun Piyang stopped abruptly at this point, and with a flick of his long sleeves, said...

"No need for further words, I will immediately send this letter to the capital by fast horse. At that time, there will be knowledgeable people who will take care of the rest for me."

In time, people will be able to distinguish right from wrong!
As for me, Sun Piyang, I am all alone. Let Zhang Jiangling use whatever methods he has.

Li Daosong was so anxious that he kept stamping his feet.

"Foolish! Foolish! Sun Shuxiao, do you really think you've done everything right? Zhang Shiyuan is corrupt and has committed heretical acts, but how clean are the gentry of Jiangnan? Haven't you seen enough of that over the years, Shuxiao?"

Sun Piyang's face twitched slightly as he said, "The gentry of Jiangnan also do good deeds and provide relief. There is no clear evidence of their evil deeds, but I have the evidence of Shi Yuan's evil deeds in my hands, so I naturally have to speak out!"

Uncle Li Daosong still wanted to persuade him.

But Sun Piyang interrupted him directly, saying, "My mind is made up. I will bear all the consequences myself. If Brother Daosong still considers me a friend, then please help me keep this matter confidential for the time being."

"When the letter reaches the capital, if Brother Daosong wishes to denounce me to advance his career, I, Sun Piyang, will have no complaints whatsoever; I will even applaud it!"

After saying this, Sun Piyang turned and left without looking back.

Li Daosong was so anxious that he paced back and forth, but he was at a loss.

Xinming Bookstore.

Editorial Department of Wanli Xinbao

After reviewing today's manuscripts and arranging the layout, editor-in-chief Zhang Sixiu finally had the leisure to sit down, brew himself a pot of tea, and then read some letters from friends.

Zhang Sixiu was not a competitive person, nor did he have as many thoughts as his younger brother Zhang Yunxiu. He was a person who was devoted to literature and the Way.

His favorite subjects to study are poetry and opera.

In the Dingchou year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, the examiners initially ranked Zhang Sixiu as the second-ranked candidate in the second class. However, after Emperor Wanli opened the papers and saw the list, he promoted Zhang Sixiu to the second-ranked candidate in the first class.

This incident illustrates the favor Emperor Wanli once bestowed upon Zhang Juzheng, but it also put Zhang Sixiu in the eye of the storm.

In the opinions of scholars, Zhang Sixiu was regarded as an incompetent person who relied on his father's influence and was not even able to stay in the Hanlin Academy.

Fortunately, his younger brother Zhang Jianxiu knew his second brother quite well and arranged for him to work in the newspaper's editorial department.

These days, Zhang Sixiu spends his days in the editorial department, looking at manuscripts on various topics such as astronomy, geography, medicine, divination, and classical Chinese poetry, which he finds quite enjoyable.

Especially regarding the art of storytelling and opera, if it weren't for his father Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Sixiu would have wanted to find a job at the Xishan Theater.

At this moment, he had already picked up the letter from his friend Tang Xianzu, which contained Tang Xianzu's new work "The Purple Flute", and sent it to Zhang Sixiu for his appreciation.

Speaking of Tang Xianzu, he had a close friendship with Zhang Sixiu. The two participated in the imperial examination in the same year, and Zhang Sixiu came in second place, but his friend failed to pass the examination for various reasons.

As Zhang Sixiu examined the "Record of the Purple Flute" closely, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"Brother Yi Reng is exceptionally talented, but not in the Four Books and Five Classics. His talents lie in opera, poetry, astronomy, and geography. In all the world, only Shi Yuan's Western Mountain is the best place for him to settle down."

Zhang Sixiu intended to introduce Tang Xianzu to Xishan. Given Zhang Yunxiu's intention to bring all the world's eccentric geniuses under his command, he probably wouldn't refuse.

The only problem is that Tang Xianzu was a stubborn man. Given Xishan's reputation, would he really lower himself to seek refuge with Xishan and "climb the social ladder"?

The choice between seeking a good reputation among scholars and pursuing one's own ideals and ambitions is a difficult one.

Just as Zhang Sixiu was struggling with his dilemma, a commotion suddenly broke out outside, and a young man rushed into the editorial office of the Wanli Xinbao newspaper.

Who else but Zhang Yunxiu could have broken into the editorial office despite the presence of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at his thin, refined second brother, then looked at the clerks, editors, and other staff around him, and said in a deep voice.

"You may all leave now."

Zhang Yunxiu held a very high position in the newspaper. After receiving the instructions, the editors and clerks quickly got up and left, leaving only the two brothers in the editorial office.

Zhang Sixiu found it strange: "Why isn't Shiyuan going to West Mountain today? Why would he have the leisure to come here?"

During this time, Zhang Yunxiu was either researching his greenhouse in Xishan, promoting modern hospitals at the clinic, or tinkering with some new and interesting things at the Mechanical Engineering Institute, and then going to the palace to study them with Emperor Wanli.

My younger brother's life was so simple and unpretentious. He even had time to write vernacular novels and remotely control the situation in Jiangnan.

Zhang Yunxiu's face was unusually serious today, and he spoke very earnestly to Zhang Sixiu.

"Second brother, we can no longer tolerate this. Someone actually tried to take advantage of us, so we will show no mercy and give them a great defeat."

Zhang Sixiu's smile froze instantly, and he stammered.

"What?"

(End of this chapter)