Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 181 The Eunuch Arrives! [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

"trivia?"

Huang Jin, Zhai Luan, Xu Zan, and Zhang Bi were all puzzled by Zhu Houcong's choice of words.

This situation is practically another "Great Rites Controversy," yet the Emperor so casually dismisses it as a "trivial matter."
Are we just being too naive?

Or perhaps, as the emperor grew older and after practicing Taoism for so many years, his state of mind became more and more Buddhist... No, no, no, it should be Huang-Lao (governing by non-action). How can practicing Taoism lead to a Buddhist state of mind?
That doesn't make sense either. If the Emperor were really that old-fashioned, why would he have had Yang Zui beaten to death last year?

Compared to this slightly inappropriate wording, Huang Jin was more concerned about Zhu Houcong's earlier statement, "Of all people to offend, they had to offend Yan Maoqing."

The Emperor has said similar things as "Why did you provoke him?" many times.

While there is some truth to this statement, few who dare to provoke Yan Maoqing can escape unscathed, including Huang Jin himself.

But what happened today is clearly very different from what happened before.

This is a "surging public opinion," another situation similar to the "Zuo Shunmen Case" that even the Emperor had to compromise on before. Can Yan Maoqing really handle it?
Anyway, Huang Jin remembers it very clearly.

Despite the fact that the Emperor ultimately emerged victorious from the "Great Rites Controversy" and forcefully suppressed dissenting voices in the court.

However, the emperor was actually forced to make many compromises, such as referring to his father as "Emperor Gongmu Xian" and his mother as "Empress Dowager Zhangsheng".

The term "Bensheng" (本生) actually only acknowledges the biological parents of the Jiajing Emperor. However, according to the patriarchal system, he still needed to refer to Emperor Xiaozong as "Huangkao" (皇考) and Empress Dowager Zhang as "Muhou" (母后). In fact, he was still adopted under Emperor Xiaozong's name, and the minor branch was merged into the major branch.

The reason why the "Zuoshunmen Case" later occurred is...

In fact, it was only after the Emperor made such a compromise that these court officials still refused to back down, and even went further and demanded more, which finally angered the Emperor, causing him to take real action against them...

Therefore, Huang Jin didn't have much confidence in Yan Maoqing this time either.

After all, if even the supreme imperial power cannot completely suppress something, how could Yan Maoqing's special privileges in the Western Depot possibly suppress it?

It should be noted that these court officials were by no means benevolent men or women.

Huang Jinyao recalled that during the Zhengtong era, a shocking "Meridian Gate Massacre" had occurred.

At that time, the Tumu Crisis had not been long before. The ministers, filled with indignation, rushed to the Meridian Gate to plead for the immediate execution of the entire family of Wang Zhen, the eunuch who had misled the country.

Ma Shun, the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, went to reprimand the officials on behalf of Emperor Jingtai and ordered them to leave. However, he was beaten to death by Wang Hong, a censor of the Ministry of Revenue, and a group of civil officials. This incident became a famous court brawl in the Ming Dynasty.

If this happened a hundred years ago, the current dynasty is no longer what it used to be.

Huang Jin still vividly remembers Zhang Cong's encounter with Gui'e more than ten years ago.

At that time, Zhu Houcong wanted to give the two important positions and summoned Zhang Cong and Gui E to the capital. After the two arrived in the capital, the court officials wanted to imitate the story of Ma Shun in the previous dynasty and beat them to death at Zuoshun Gate. They had already made a very detailed plan.

So much so that the two were too frightened to even leave the house, and finally hid in the home of Guo Xun, who was then the Marquis of Wuding, thus escaping this calamity...

Yan Maoqing's current predicament.

It was far more serious than the case of Zhang Cong and Gui E, and its intensity was comparable to the "Meridian Gate Massacre" of that time.

This is not a predicament that can be solved by being good at talking. I don't know where the Emperor's confidence in Yan Maoqing comes from.

I hope I don't end up like Ma Shun, beaten to death by a mob...

……

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

“Minister Yan, look at this…”

A group of subordinate officials gathered in Yan Maoqing's office, their faces full of worry.

Some of them were already over fifty years old, but they had never experienced anything like this before, let alone imagined that such a thing would happen, and had no idea how to deal with it.

In particular, the number of people on both sides is completely disproportionate.

The opposing force numbered over three hundred, including several officials of the fourth rank or higher, so we had to be very careful in dealing with them.

The number of people was already greater than during the "Zuo Shunmen Case," because this time it wasn't targeting the emperor, so there were naturally fewer people who hesitated and all dared to come and join in the fun.

The Imperial Household Department had only about forty people in total. Apart from about twenty officials, there were also twenty minor clerks who didn't even have official ranks.

Furthermore, only Yan Maoqing, a third-rank official serving as the Crown Prince's Chamberlain, and two fourth-rank officials serving as Junior Chamberlains were able to speak with the group of people outside. The remaining officials probably didn't even have the right to speak.

In such a situation, if a conflict were to occur, the Imperial Household Department would certainly not gain any advantage.

Moreover, everyone knows about the "Meridian Gate Massacre" that once occurred.

At the time, Ma Shun was the deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and led a group of armed Embroidered Uniform Guards. Yet, he was beaten to death by a group of civil officials, and none of them were punished afterward. He died in vain.

If the people from the Imperial Household Department were to go out now, who knows what might happen?

The only thing to be thankful for now.

Fortunately, the junior official in the Imperial Household Department reacted relatively quickly. Seeing that the situation was not good, he hurriedly bolted the gate; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"Don't panic. Their actions are just for the Emperor's benefit. This matter will soon reach the Emperor's ears, and he will deal with it accordingly. What does it have to do with us?"

Yan Maoqing simply smiled calmly and said with composure,

"Furthermore, weapons are not allowed in the palace. With just their scepters, as long as we don't open the gate, they will never be able to break in."

Yan Maoqing naturally knew about the "Meridian Gate Massacre".

The civil officials beat Ma Shun to death, starting with their official tablets, and then swarmed him, punching and kicking him.

The reason they were able to succeed was that after the Tumu Crisis, Ma Shun, a confidant promoted by Wang Zhen, the eunuch who sent Emperor Yingzong to study in the Oirat Mongols, had completely lost the support of the people, and even the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) who accompanied him would not help him.

Otherwise, if the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to draw their swords and face a group of civil officials with only ceremonial tablets, just ten of them could easily wipe them out and even make them beat their superiors to death in court.
“But Minister Yan…”

Crown Prince Xianma Lü Maocai said weakly,
"I have heard that His Majesty is currently in the Wenhua Hall, which is only two walls away from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, and is discussing the funeral arrangements for Empress Dowager Zhang with three Grand Secretaries."

"Wouldn't that be even better? The Emperor will soon send someone to order them to leave."

Yan Maoqing was still smiling.
"If they remain obstinate, you can refer to the Zuoshunmen case that happened more than ten years ago. Just wait for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to come and arrest them."

"Think about it carefully. They came to the Ministry of the Imperial Household Department to cause trouble because of the Western Depot's... regency privileges. Is this a slap in our face? It's a slap in the Emperor's backside!"

"Even if we can tolerate it, the Emperor cannot."

"Just wait patiently. The Emperor will handle it himself. It's not our turn to intervene."

That's what he thought a few days ago, after all, this privilege was granted by Zhu Houcong inexplicably, not something he asked for.

The reason these court officials came to cause trouble was simply to force Zhu Houcong to revoke his privileges and stop hanging such a terrifying sword over their heads.

Therefore, Zhu Houcong was naturally the first to be affected by this first wave.

What does this have to do with him and the Court of Imperial Sacrifices?
The reason these court officials chose the Court of Imperial Sacrifices was simply because Zhu Houcong was discussing matters with three cabinet ministers in the Wenhua Hall that day, and they were sure they could hear it.

In truth, they've really learned their lesson.

Coming to the Imperial Household Department to bang on the gate and wail is indeed better than going to the Zuoshun Gate to bang on the gate and cry. At least it's not openly aimed at Zhu Houcong, which can largely prevent a repeat of the "Zuoshun Gate Case"... Wait a minute!

Think of this.

Yan Maoqing suddenly realized a problem.

Zhu Houcong wouldn't think the same way and then take the opportunity to become a hands-off manager, ignoring the matter, would he?

Based on his understanding of Zhu Houcong, especially given Zhu Houcong's tendency to forcefully impose the Western Depot's privileges on him and put him on the hot seat... this possibility is not nonexistent, and is quite high!

what is this?
The two sides are at war, but the battlefield is in my own Imperial Household Department?!

shame!

Never forget national humiliation; this is intolerable!
Moreover, if that were the case, it would disrupt Yan Maoqing's plans.

He has only just obtained a suitable estate from Huang Jin, and the renovations are not yet complete. He has officially begun to seek fame and fortune under imperial decree.

In this situation, if he were to get involved in the struggle with the court officials, he would inevitably have to take the blame for Zhu Houcong and be subjected to overwhelming condemnation in the court and among the people. In that case, his plan would be dead before it even began.

So it is.

For the next three days, he ordered the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, especially those in the Hall of State Affairs, to remain inactive until he completed his plan, after which they could legitimately exercise their privileges.

As long as this step of the plan can be successfully implemented.

In the future, when the Court of Imperial Sacrifices goes out to handle affairs, it will not necessarily be to fabricate charges, eliminate dissidents, or persecute loyal officials. Instead, it can also be to follow the will of the people, eliminate harm for the people, and punish the wicked and promote evil...

"..."

Although he was already worried, Yan Maoqing still held onto a last glimmer of hope for Zhu Houcong.

They pinned their hopes on Zhu Houcong, at least he was still a human being.

Therefore, he decided to wait a little longer, giving Zhu Houcong at least half an hour to react, in order to determine Zhu Houcong's attitude towards the matter.

He also used this time to make some arrangements in advance, preparing for both possibilities, so as not to be caught off guard later...

Half an hour later, "Big Fool Zhu, you're not human! You have no heart!"

Yan Maoqing finally understood that he was a complete idiot, which was why he had held onto a sliver of hope for Zhu Houcong half an hour ago, fantasizing that Zhu Houcong would step in to resolve the matter.

Future generations of netizens no longer need to argue about this!
I, Yan Maoqing, can tell you with absolute certainty:
The Ming Dynasty perished because of the foolish Zhu Yuanzhang!
The great ship of the Ming Dynasty started leaking from the moment Zhu Yuanzhang became the fool!

Despicable, shameless, vile, inhuman!
I want to instruct my descendants to take these words as my epitaph and engrave them on the inside of my coffin lid, so that future generations of archaeologists can find clues!

Since that's the case... we have no choice but to abandon our illusions and prepare for battle...

……

After a while.

Peeking through the crack in the door, one could see that although a small group of people were still wailing and lamenting, their strength and volume had diminished considerably.

Most people sat in silence outside the door to express their protest.

After all, the sun was blazing overhead, and even though it was already autumn, no one could escape the scorching heat. And people are not machines; such pounding on the door and weeping would naturally consume a lot of their energy.

at this time.

"Squeak!"

The latch inside the gate of the Chamberlain's residence was quickly removed, and then the gate was swiftly opened.

Suddenly, several people rushed out and, before the court officials outside could react, grabbed several officials who were pounding on the door and wailing and dragged them inside.

"???"

The courtiers outside were stunned for several seconds before they reacted and immediately stood up, ready to rush forward to rescue them.

But then there was a loud "bang".

The gates of the Imperial Household Department were already firmly closed, and the sound of bolts being bolted could be heard from inside.

"How dare you arrest people so arbitrarily?!"

"Release them immediately, or we will never let the Court of Imperial Sacrifices be our sworn enemy!"

"Where is the law?! Where is justice?!"

"With treacherous officials in power, do you dare to come out and confront us face to face..."

The court officials instantly surged towards the gate of the Imperial Household Department, pounding on the door and shouting angrily.

Some of them have been officials for many years and have experienced a lot.

But this was the first time in my life I had ever seen someone in officialdom, especially when dealing with such public affairs, so utterly shameless!

at the same time.

Yan Maoqing, however, slowly climbed up the wall of the Imperial Household Department using a makeshift ladder.

"?"

Upon noticing a person suddenly climbing up the wall, the eyes of all the court officials were instantly drawn to it, and their angry shouts abruptly ceased.

Then my attention was drawn to a trumpet-shaped object he was holding.

This is?

Just as they were wondering what was going on, they saw Yan Maoqing grin, put the megaphone over his mouth, and loudly ask:
"Have you all missed a meal? You don't even have the energy to mourn, let alone curse. What kind of upright and outspoken ministers are you?"

"???!!!"

Upon hearing this, the court officials felt a tightness in their chests and glared angrily.

How can this person speak so vulgarly? His words alone are enough to make one's blood boil.

In his anger, someone gritted his teeth and questioned:
"Who are you, and how dare you be so arrogant and rude?"

"I will not change my name or surname, I am Yan Maoqing."

Yan Maoqing smiled and said frankly,

"You criticize me because you don't understand me yet. Once you understand me well enough..."

"What good is understanding you?"

During Yan Maoqing's deliberate pause, some people even cooperated by asking follow-up questions.

"...All you want to do is hit me."

Yan Maoqing gave the man an approving look and nodded with a smile.

"Hit him!"

Someone immediately became enraged and forcefully threw the scepter in their hand.

Immediately, the court officials followed suit, angrily throwing their ceremonial tablets into the air.

Unfortunately, Yan Maoqing was prepared. With a simple "Bush dodge," he easily dodged the attack, then shrank behind the wall to avoid all the tablets.

Wait a moment.

The courtiers who hadn't had a chance to throw their tablets earlier were now poised to strike, just waiting for Yan Maoqing to show his face.

But Yan Maoqing remained silent, and finally someone couldn't help but curse again:
"Yan Maoqing, if you have the guts, come out here!"

"Hehehe, of course you've got guts. I love how you all look at me with disdain but can't do anything about it."

Yan Maoqing's voice came from another direction. It turned out that Yan Maoqing had ordered someone to move the ladder and popped his head out in a different place.

"Death!"

Another wave of scepter attacks came, which Yan Maoqing skillfully dodged by ducking his head. The scepters fell into the courtyard of the Imperial Household Department.

These tablets were collected one by one by the officials and clerks of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

During the Ming Dynasty, officials did not have their names engraved on their official tablets, but they would have brief information such as their official title, rank, or grade engraved on the back. This information was enough to identify an official.

"Traitor!"

"Let go!"

After two more waves of this, most of the court officials' tablets had come into the possession of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.

"You need not worry about releasing them. I will interrogate these people carefully and prepare them slowly."

When Yan Maoqing reappeared, his expression had inexplicably turned gloomy, as if he were a completely different person. Even his tone carried a hint of coldness.
"You should all take care of yourselves first."

"The Court of Imperial Sacrifices concurrently oversees state affairs and has the power to supervise criminal cases. It can execute first and report later, a privilege granted by the Emperor!"

"According to the Great Ming Code, you have assaulted the Emperor's eunuch, and though neither he nor the emperor has been injured or killed, you shall be punished with one hundred strokes of the cane!"

“Anyone who assaults an official within the palace shall be punished with one hundred strokes of the cane, regardless of whether there is any injury.”

"Based on this calculation, each of you should receive two hundred strokes of the cane."

"Although I do not know your names, the inscriptions on your tablets confirm your identities. This is irrefutable evidence."

"I sincerely hope that you are all tough bones who can withstand two hundred strokes of the cane and not die."

"Therefore you must surround the Palace of the Imperial Household until the palace is closed and you have no choice but to disperse. In this way, you may still have a chance to leave your wills."

"Because once I am able to move, I will immediately order the Imperial Guards to come and arrest you, and supervise your execution overnight!"

"You dare!"

Before the words were even finished, an elderly man with white hair and beard glared angrily, pointed a trembling finger at Yan Maoqing, and shouted loudly,
"You are so perverse and tyrannical, harming court officials. Aren't you afraid of incurring public wrath and leaving behind a legacy of infamy?"

"Hehehehe."

Upon hearing this, Yan Maoqing burst into laughter, shaking his head and saying,

“I haven’t offended any of you, and although I’ve had this privilege for several days, I haven’t abused it even once.”

"Even though I haven't stopped thinking about how to get the Emperor to retract his order, I still incur your hatred, your insults, and your siege of the government office, don't I?"

"Hey, why should I tell you all this? You're just a bunch of yes-men who echo what others say. I don't want to listen, and I don't understand anyway."

"Since things are going to be this way either way, I have nothing to worry about."

"At least without you, my ears should be able to have some peace and quiet while I'm still alive, and my colleagues in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices won't have to suffer this humiliation anymore."

“You wanted a chief eunuch of the Western Depot, and now you’ve got him. You should be happy.”

(End of this chapter)