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

Chapter 309 The Zhang family's food is excellent! Has the rebellious son acted on his own again?
In the main hall of the Zhang family.

Xu Jie looked at the dazzling array of dishes and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.

Wang Shizhen and Wang Xijue sat on his left and right respectively. Both of them were starving, but neither dared to touch their chopsticks.

Seeing this, the Zhang family's chef immediately understood what was going on. He stepped forward, picked up his chopsticks, and tasted each dish.

Finally, he said with a smile.

"Gentlemen, please have your meal. The young master will be here shortly. Let me introduce you."

As they spoke, the chef explained each dish on the table in detail, each with its own process, demonstrating his ingenuity.

However, the three of them had no interest in listening to any of this. As soon as the chef finished tasting the dishes, they immediately began to eagerly devour them.

After all that commotion today, the three of them were completely hungry.

Especially for Xu Jie, although it was acting, it was still too much of a drain on an elderly man who was nearly eighty years old.

Fortunately, Xu Jie took good care of himself, and was nourished by various rare and precious tonics on a daily basis; otherwise, he might have easily died on the road.

There's a reason why Xu Jie lived to this age. Right now, he's enjoying a plate of fish and meat with gusto, and he's even eaten several bowls of rice.

"There's quite a story behind this sweet and sour fish."

After he finished eating in a whirlwind, he let out a heavy breath, and his complexion became much rosier.

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, they naturally didn't hold back in saying nice things, especially since they were at the Zhang family's residence.

Wang Shizhen smiled and said, "This sweet and sour fish originated from the 'Dongjing Menghualu' and is a dish from the Northern Song Dynasty. It is made by deep-frying the fish and then pouring sweet and sour sauce over it. Today's dish is rich but not greasy, and the sweet and sour taste is just right. It looks like it has been improved."

"What's most commendable is," he said, pointing with his chopsticks to the leafy greens on the table, "that it's so rare to be able to eat fresh vegetables in winter."

Even in the Jiangnan region, due to the increasingly cold weather in recent years, it has become very difficult to eat leafy green vegetables in winter.

The method of growing vegetables in a cellar with a stove does exist, but it is still a very rare technique.

Wang Xijue, however, was clearly resentful. He sneered and said, "I wonder how much of the people's hard-earned money he'll have to spend this time. He really knows how to scheme."

Xu Jie and Wang Shizhen remained silent and did not respond, but the cook on the side could not stand it any longer and spoke up to remind them.

"Gentlemen, all the vegetables in our manor were grown by our young master in the Western Hills, and he was paid full wages. It cannot be considered as exploiting the people."

"Humph."

Wang Xijue was quite indignant and wanted to continue speaking, but Xu Jie interrupted him at the right time.

How are the students at the Imperial Academy doing?

After eating and drinking his fill, Xu Jie's mind gradually cleared up, and he began to plan the next steps.

Wang Shizhen put down his chopsticks and said, "They've all been sent home. Some who didn't want to leave were invited to Zhang Shiyuan's residence and are currently locked in a side room."

He glanced at the cook standing guard to the side. The man appeared to be a cook, but in reality, he was there to monitor them. Therefore, Wang Shizhen added a comment.

"However, the Zhang family was kind; they provided everyone with food and let those who wanted to leave go home."

"There's no need to be so fierce."

After seeing Zhang Yunxiu, Xu Jie's thoughts seemed to have undergone a subtle change, and he sighed and said.

"Go there and deliver a message to me, persuade them to go back. The court will decide the matters of the court. The students should just focus on preparing for the spring examination."

“Master Xu.” Wang Shizhen was clearly hesitant.

"Go quickly."

Xu Jie's words sounded very resolute.

Left with no other choice, Wang Shizhen could only get up, cup his hands in greeting, and hurriedly leave, led by the Zhang family servants.

Xu Jie lowered his head and shoveled another mouthful of rice, which was quite unrefined, almost completely wiping out the fish, meat and vegetables in front of him.

"What Zhang Shiyuan said is true. The food at the Zhang family mansion is indeed extraordinary, and it is no less than that of restaurants outside."

It must be said that Zhang Yunxiu's expertise in "miscellaneous studies" is truly renowned.

"Master Xu."

Wang Xijue's face showed a hint of anger. He didn't understand why Xu Jie had become a different person after joining the Zhang family, and why he was praising Zhang Yunxiu so much.

Was Xu Jie truly someone who "had no choice but to bow his head when under someone's roof"?
Xu Jie scoffed and shook his head, saying, "Yuan Yu, you're overthinking things. Things have come to this point, yet you're still thinking of acting impulsively."

There's no need to resort to violence. Everything in the world is about self-interest. If both sides can live peacefully, why would they need to fight each other?
not to mention."

He hesitated for a moment, then changed the subject and spoke in a low voice.

“Zhang Shiyuan is quite capable, so it’s no wonder you’ve fallen for his tricks.”

"First, we used both kindness and force to divide and weaken the troublemakers. Then, we defeated them one by one, using swift and decisive measures against the stubborn and coercion and enticement against the wavering ones. Finally, we resolved the incident peacefully and minimized its impact. How many of the high-ranking officials in the court could do this?"

It's all because Zhang Juzheng had a good son.

Xu Jie thought to himself with these feelings.

Xu Jie had sensed a sharp edge emanating from Zhang Yunxiu from the brief glimpse he had made at the Zhang family's gate.

He is not a reckless person; he can also assess the situation.

Judging from the tactics and aura displayed by the opposing side, and with Zhang Juzheng backing them up, their defeat was truly not unjustified.

Years of ups and downs in officialdom have given Xu Jie insight into the ways of the world and people's hearts; a little thought is all it takes to understand.

Their only way out right now is to seek negotiations, or even cooperation, with the other party.

As for a head-on confrontation? Once we arrive in the capital and at the Zhang family residence, what's the point of talking about a confrontation?
Today's events have allowed Xu Jie to create momentum for himself out of thin air and gain an extra card in his hand. He has already done everything in his power. To covet anything else would be a path to death.

Xu Jie's words carried a hint of resentment and relief, while Wang Xijue was filled with resentment but had nowhere to vent it.

Zhang Yunxiu, who was outside the door, saw all of this. He led Wang Shizhen, whose expression was strange, and bowed to Xu Jie.

"I thank you for your praise, Master Xu."

His arrival immediately changed the atmosphere in the hall. Xu Jie kept his lips tightly closed, his eyes filled with scrutiny.

Zhang Yunxiu, however, acted very casually. He sat down in the main seat with an air of nonchalance, not at all like a teenager.

He took a sip of the rice wine on the table and couldn't help but sigh.

"People say that country folk are ignorant and do not read the books of sages, but today it seems that these scholars are not entirely reasonable either. They are easily incited and do not care about the facts."

A hint of mockery appeared on Zhang Yunxiu's lips.

"Speaking of which, I am also a student of the Imperial Academy."

Xu Jie narrowed his eyes: "Justice resides in the hearts of the people. If the people have no grievances, how can anyone stir up trouble?"

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and shook his head, saying, "If you have firewood in your heart, it will naturally ignite when there is wind and fire, but the direction of the wind is very important."

The two of them were exchanging barbs, while Wang Xijue and Wang Shizhen, sitting to the side, seemed almost invisible in comparison.

Xu Jie found the young man sharp-tongued and, unwilling to argue with him further, stroked his beard and said...

"Why haven't I seen your father? Has Shiyuan made any decisions regarding the affairs of the court?"

"My father is very busy with important matters, so it will probably be a while before he arrives."

Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile.

"I, as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, have no say in matters of the imperial court, but I can investigate illegal activities thoroughly. The turmoil in Jiangnan must not be simple."

Xu Jie refused to back down and glared at him.

“Jiangnan is already in a state of utter devastation. If another conflict breaks out, it will not only harm the people, but the court will also be unable to bear such losses.”

The centuries-long cultivation of the gentry in Jiangnan was their reliance, and the court needed them if it wanted to keep Jiangnan from becoming chaotic.

Xu Jie said directly, "I have also worked in the Wenyuan Pavilion and know the difficulty of handling the affairs of the world. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; it cannot be rushed. If strong ingredients are used and the foundation of the world is shaken, it will definitely be a loss that outweighs the gain."

The idea that the imperial court and the scholar-officials share the world is not just empty talk.

"Shiyuan, your idea of ​​allowing the common people to take more and the gentry to take less is a fundamental principle for the country and its people. However, the gentry can withdraw, but they cannot simply disappear. The court must provide them with a way to survive."

His words came from the bottom of his heart, especially since he was discussing national affairs with Zhang Yunxiu as an equal.

In truth, following the usual practice, Xu Jie's demands were not excessive. The court could implement new policies, but it should also give the gentry a chance to breathe.

This is how some reforms were carried out in the past, and even the Wanli New Deal before Zhang Yunxiu rose to power involved compromises from various parties.

However, in Zhang Yunxiu's view, now is not the time to compromise. Just like drawing a bow and nocking an arrow, the arrow is already on the string and must be released. If he gives in now, it will inevitably cause a backlash.

Don't be fooled by Xu Jie's seemingly gentle demeanor and his frequent, pitiful tears; in the blink of an eye, he is a tiger capable of devouring people.

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and said, "In the past, Wang Anshi had 'three things not to be feared': first, changes in the heavens are not to be feared; second, ancestral laws are not to be followed; and third, people's opinions are not to be heeded."

I think Xu Gong understands the deeper meaning better than I do.

There is no single, permanent solution in this world; change is an inevitable trend.

The court is now at a critical juncture, and we must not be soft-hearted any longer.

You are all only concerned with your immediate personal gain, completely forgetting about long-term safety and security.

As he spoke, he raised his voice, questioning, "If the Ming Dynasty falls, do you gentlemen still intend to change course and become traitors?!"

"Wang Jiepu?"

Xu Jie was startled, not expecting the other party to bring up Wang Anshi as an argument.

The term "traitor" is equally chilling, especially coming from Zhang Yunxiu, the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Zhang Shiyuan! You've gone too far!"

Wang Xijue was enraged by these words and slammed his fist on the table.

He had anticipated that today's meeting would be difficult to reach a consensus, but he did not expect to be questioned in this way.

"Shiyuan." Xu Jie frowned, his tone becoming more serious. "Don't exaggerate. The foundation of our Great Ming Dynasty is still intact. When have we ever faced a 'critical moment of survival'?"
We are both subjects of the Ming Dynasty, and our loyalty is beyond question. How could we be considered traitors?

Don't mention that again.

Zhang Yunxiu secretly found it laughable.

When a frog is being slowly boiled in water, doesn't it feel like it has everything under control and remain completely unaware of the danger to its life? It only realizes its mistake when death is imminent.

Historically, the attitude of the Jiangnan gentry towards the Manchu Qing dynasty was ambiguous.

They always thought that a change of dynasty was just a change of masters, whether it was the Zhu family or the Aisin Gioro family, and that the gentry could still enjoy their wealth and status.

Their minds are filled with nostalgia for the Yuan Dynasty's lenient treatment of the scholar-official class.

Unexpectedly, the Eight Banners officials' swords were first wielded against Jiangnan.

The Yangzhou Massacre, the Jiading Massacre, and the bloody massacres in Suzhou, Songjiang, Jiaxing, and other places were physical destructions.

The subsequent forced shaving of heads and changing of clothing represented the destruction of the ancient culture.

Even their long-awaited "light taxes and levies" ultimately turned into the harsh policy of continuing the three taxes of the late Ming Dynasty, plus additional exorbitant levies and miscellaneous taxes.

Under the rule of the Manchu Qing Dynasty for more than two hundred years, the nascent bourgeoisie in Jiangnan withered away completely, the people became numb and indifferent, and the literacy rate plummeted to its lowest point.

The gentry of Jiangnan, who only sought to protect themselves, ultimately met a tragic end, suffering the consequences of their own downfall.

It's utterly ridiculous.

At this moment, the argument between the two sides at the dinner table became increasingly heated.

Xu Jie vaguely sensed that Zhang Yunxiu's proposal was by no means a spur-of-the-moment idea, but was clearly supported by a complete set of theories, and even revealed a completely new way out.

But he refused to admit it.

Asking someone to cut off their own flesh to nourish others in exchange for the vitality of the whole is inherently a difficult thing to do.

The two men each held their own version of events, making it difficult to reach a conclusion. Xu Jie finally shook his head: "Shiyuan, you are still too young. Let's discuss this matter further once your father arrives."

“Right is right, wrong is wrong, what does age have to do with it?” Zhang Yunxiu disagreed, but then thought about it again.

A smile appeared on his face.

"Such arguments are baseless, and whether they are beneficial to the world is neither for you nor me to decide."

Why not hold a lecture and gather people from the capital and Beizhili, not just scholars, but people from all walks of life?

We will clarify the reasons behind this and leave it to the world to judge.

Scholars participated together, sitting down to discuss the principles, and debating until the truth was revealed.

Zhang Yunxiu narrowed his eyes.

"Does Lord Xu dare to accept the challenge?"

Xu Jie's gaze met Zhang Yunxiu's sharp research, and for a moment the room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Wang Xijue's angry expression was written all over his face, and for a moment he was silent.

The worry on Wang Shizhen's face turned into shock.

"A lecture?" Xu Jie's temples were thinning with gray, and his eyes grew even more profound. "Shiyuan is so confident in his own knowledge and eloquence?"

In his view, Zhang Yunxiu didn't need to do anything unnecessary; the aristocratic families had indeed lost the Jiangnan contest.

If the court led by Zhang Juzheng had simply loosened its grip and given them a buffer period and a way out to follow the old ways, Xu Jie would have been willing to lower his head and support Zhang Juzheng's new policies.

But this is all predicated on Zhang Juzheng's new policies, not Zhang Yunxiu's methods.

However, Zhang Yunxiu was extremely adamant and refused to budge at all, and now he even wanted to use a 'lecture' to argue against it.

Then the outcome is uncertain.

When Xu Jie wins and his fame soars again, the stakes will be much higher.

Xu Jie was naturally happy to see this happen, as he was afraid the other party might change their mind.

"where?"

Zhang Yunxiu said, "Since there are many people watching and it is freezing cold, the Xishan Theater would be the best choice."

Xu Jie stared intently: "Is there any witness?"

"Master Xu can also invite people to participate. With everyone watching, how could there be any problems?"

"when?"

"I don't want to take advantage of you. Master Xu, please recuperate and wait until you're fully recovered. How about in ten days?"

"Very well! Then I will accept your offer!"

Xu Jie slammed his hand on the table, his eyes seemingly spitting fire.

When Xu Jie and his two companions were about to leave the Zhang family, they could sense that something was off about the atmosphere in the courtyard.

As I strolled to the gatehouse, I saw a gatekeeper standing respectfully to the side.

My gaze shifted to an official dressed in a scarlet robe and wearing a black gauze hat, sitting upright on a bench.

Upon seeing Xu Jie and his entourage emerge, the official rose hastily and respectfully bowed.

"Student Zhang Juzheng pays his respects to Lord Xu."

Xu Jie raised his sleepy eyes, his gaze unusually deep. He stood there for a long time before finally speaking.

"It has been many years since I last saw you, Uncle Da. You have grown quite old. I suppose you have been working hard for the country."

Zhang Juzheng respectfully replied, "I have been entrusted by the late Emperor and have received Your Majesty's great favor. I dare not be negligent in the slightest."

Xu Jie scrutinized the other person: "You've raised a fine son."

Zhang Juzheng bowed again: "My son is unruly; I have made you laugh at me, Master Xu."

Xu Jie's eyes grew increasingly puzzled: "His meaning is your meaning?"

Zhang Juzheng glanced at his young son from afar, his lips twitching slightly, before turning his head and saying with great certainty.

"Shiyuan is highly regarded by His Majesty, and his words and deeds should set an example for all officials. There may be shortcomings in how he entertained Master Xu, but he made arrangements for me."

"it is good."

Xu Jie said in a deep voice.

"Then let's meet again in ten days."

After saying this, he quickly left the Zhang family alone, as if there were some ghosts or monsters inside.

When Wang Xijue and Wang Shizhen left, their expressions were quite different, and neither dared to look at Zhang Juzheng even once.

Only Zhang Juzheng was left standing there, bewildered in the wind.

What does "ten days later" mean?
Inside the lobby.

"You unfilial son! How could you act on your own!"

Zhang Juzheng was so furious that his whole body was trembling.

He had already planned how to deal with the disturbance caused by the students of the Imperial Academy and how to deal with the Jiangnan gentry led by Xu Jie.

He even prepared his memorials to the emperor and his statements to the officials.

As a result, Zhang Yunxiu, through a series of maneuvers, put together some kind of "lecture".
Xu Jie was worried about where to find leverage to negotiate with the court.

Isn't this like handing someone a knife?

Logically speaking, Zhang Yunxiu has always been a meticulous person, so why would he do such a stupid thing?

Zhang Yunxiu, however, acted as if he had nothing to lose and spread his hands, saying, "If Father thinks it's inappropriate, he can bring Xu Jie back. Anyway, he's in the capital, so it's just a matter of Father's word to decide what to do."

"you!"

Zhang Juzheng's expression was uncertain, but he still lowered his voice and spoke.

"Are you sure?"

(End of this chapter)