Chapter 11: The ant wears a basin and speaks shockingly

Daily lectures are different from imperial lectures. Imperial lectures focus on admonition and morality, while daily lectures focus on imparting knowledge and mainly on enlightenment.

Simply put, daily lectures are about how to pronounce words, how to break up sentences, and what the meaning is.

Specifically in terms of teaching, the lecturer would stand out and recite once, and Zhu Yijun would follow and recite ten times.

After ensuring that there are no problems with punctuation and pronunciation, translate it into plain language and explain it.

As for punctuation and interpretation, whose version should we use?
Naturally, each lecturer has his or her own version, and they take turns translating.

The so-called Six Classics explain me. The function of classics is to explain and prove one's own point of view. This is the truth.

This is also for the purpose of listening to both sides and gaining a comprehensive understanding.

Going deeper, what principles the article talks about and what ideas it expounds are the business of the emperor's imperial lectures, and should not be discussed in daily lectures.

The "Taijia" chapter is different from the Analects of Confucius. It only tells historical facts and there is not much controversy about its content. Apart from being sensitive, there is no other political risk.

Otherwise, Grohe would not have agreed to this matter.

Zhu Yijun was led by Gao Yi and began to learn word by word.

"When Taijia was established, he was not well-informed, so Yi Yin banished him to Tong. After three years, he returned to Bo."

……

"Misfortunes sent by heaven can be avoided. Misfortunes brought upon oneself cannot be avoided."

……

After reading it ten times, Zhu Yijun felt dry mouth and tongue.

The pronunciation is different from that before the time travel. The pronunciation at this time involves too much tongue rolling, especially when it comes to Mandarin and elegant language. Reciting is like rolling the tongue.

Now he finally understood why a good debater was called an eloquent person.

If you don't know the technique of tongue-twisting, it will be difficult for you to recite, let alone debate with others.

After teaching the recitation, Gao Yi stepped aside and the lecturers took turns to explain the translation.

All lecturers were drawn from various ministries, including Zhang Siwei, the Vice Minister of Rites, Yu Youding of the Ministry of Finance, Ma Ziqiang, the Vice Minister of Rites, etc., all of whom were erudite people throughout history.

"This gentleman is called..."

After a lecturer explained it, he was about to leave when Zhu Yijun suddenly stopped him.

Zhang Siwei paused and replied, "Your humble servant, I am the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and a Bachelor of the Hanlin Academy, Zhang Siwei."

Zhu Yijun was stunned.

Zhang Siwei of the Jin Party?
Isn’t this Wang Chonggu’s nephew?

It turns out that you are qualified to give a lecture on Japan.

But this was not the time to question Zhang Siwei, so he nodded and said, "Mr. Zhang, I have something I don't understand."

Zhang Siwei hesitated for a moment and replied, "Your Highness, please speak."

Zhu Yijun asked, "Mr. Zhang just said that if people with virtue are selected, the country will be stable, but if people with virtue are abandoned, the country will be in chaos."

"So what kind of person is considered a virtuous person?"

Zhang Siwei hesitated to speak, and finally said: "Your Highness, this is the interpretation of 'Virtue leads to order, while lack of virtue leads to chaos'. As for what is a virtuous person, the three ministers of our dynasty are all virtuous people."

"The late emperor left three ministers of great virtue to Your Highness. Our Ming Dynasty will surely enjoy long-term peace and stability!"

After saying this, he returned to the train without caring whether Zhu Yijun had anything else to say.

Zhu Yijun didn't bother with him.

It doesn’t matter how Zhang Siwei responds. His behavior is mainly to test Gao Yi.

He talked about Taijia's affairs every day. If Gao Yi simply wanted to advise him, seek fame and honesty, and gain political reputation, he should have taken up the conversation at this time.

But Gao Yi had a blank expression on his face, and it was obvious that he didn't have anything to say.

After another lecturer finished explaining the sutra, Zhu Yijun called him again: "Who is this gentleman?"

Yu Youding was very respectful: "I am the Xima of the Sijing Bureau and the editor of the Hanlin Academy, Yu Youding."

Zhu Yijun was stunned again.

It turns out that people who can read daily lectures are not simple people.

He knew this Yu Youding. He was the top scholar in the imperial examination ten years ago, in the 41st year of the Jiajing reign. He was the so-called Mr. Yu of 41.

In the same year, Wang Xijue, the second place in the imperial examination, and Shen Shixing, the first place in the imperial examination, all three of them entered the cabinet one after another. This was the only case in which the top scorers in the Ming Dynasty served as cabinet ministers for more than 200 years. It became a good story at the time.

Zhu Yijun calmed down and said, "Tanhua Yu, I have something I don't understand."

Yu Youding was also in a dilemma, so he said with a stiff upper lip: "Your Highness, please speak."

Zhu Yijun nodded and said, "Yi Yin said that Taijia was 'unjust' as a king, so he was expelled."

"Yu Tanhua, what is the injustice of the emperor? What did Taijia do? If I am unjust, will the prime minister also expel me?"

Yu Youding almost felt dizzy. It was difficult for the Crown Prince to recite in the past, so why was he still thinking about it today?
He can answer this question, but he cannot answer it.

He could only answer vaguely: "Your Highness, I am a humble person, so I will try to answer your question."

"An unjust ruler betrays Heaven above and oppresses the people below. This is the abandonment of the Way."

"But Your Highness is a benevolent and filial person, with the people in his heart. There are many upright people in the court, and there is a sign of great prosperity. How could such an unexpected thing happen again?"

Zhu Yijun couldn't help but look at Gao Yi for advice.

Gao Yi was calm and composed at first, as if it had nothing to do with him, but when he met this gaze, he had to answer.

He stood up and thought for a moment before answering, "Your Highness, there are many lectures every day and time is limited. You might as well memorize them first and then listen to the scholars' analysis of the classics when the lecture begins."

Forget about the daily lectures, the imperial lectures would require at least Gao Gong or Zhang Juzheng to be present, and by then Gao Yi would not want to do this job.

Zhu Yijun said "oh" and nodded in agreement.

Yu Youding wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and returned to the train.

The next few lecturers came out one after another to give their lectures, and the content of their lectures was similar. Zhu Yijun really did not ask any more questions.

He pretended to listen attentively, but in his mind he was thinking about Gao Yi's reaction when he mentioned Gao Gong, and once again ruled out the possibility that it was Gao Gong who instructed him to warn him.

Then only Zhang Juzheng is left!

He tried to guess Zhang Juzheng's thoughts and attitude.

Zhu Yijun knew that Zhang Juzheng could not be called a politician, but rather an outstanding politician, and his every move must serve his political ideas.

So, what was Zhang Juzheng’s political philosophy?
It is to support the country, revive the nation, and make the Ming Dynasty great again.

Even though this child prodigy, who passed the imperial examination at the age of fifteen and became a Jinshi at the age of twenty-three, was extremely shrewd and reserved, he never hid his political ideas.

In the 28th year of the Jiajing reign, Zhang Juzheng, who had just entered the officialdom, made clear his intentions and wrote a memorial entitled "On Current Affairs" which went directly to the emperor's ears.

He listed what he believed to be the most pressing problems of the Ming Dynasty, involving royal family and aristocrats, official selection, officialdom, local armaments and financial crisis.

Unfortunately, this memorial was too highbrow for the political situation at that time.

Emperor Jiajing was absorbed in seeking immortality and had little interest in governing the country. The cabinet struggle was fierce and he had no time to take care of other things.

In addition, since his influence was insignificant, it was no surprise that this memorial fell on deaf ears.

From then on, he kept silent. Apart from writing congratulatory letters to Emperor Jiajing, he never commented on the current situation in his memorials. Even when he was depressed, he would at most sigh in his articles that "land tax is uneven, the poor are unemployed, and the people suffer from annexation."

Did he give up? Of course not. He is a man who is different from others in his heart, but wants to blend in with others and act according to the situation.

In the 43rd year of the Jiajing reign, Zhang Juzheng gambled his political career, betting that the late emperor would succeed to the throne. Recommended by his teacher Xu Jie, he entered the Prince Yu's palace as a lecturer and reader.

Of course he won the bet and the rewards were great. It was with this qualification that Zhang Juzheng entered the cabinet in one fell swoop!

After the new emperor ascended the throne, that is, in the second year of Longqing, he finally submitted the second declaration in his political career - "Chen Liushi Memorial".

This time, he was speaking as a cabinet minister, and his voice was as loud as a bell.

The first sentence clearly states that the Ming Dynasty is about to end, which is the so-called "the situation under heaven is so bad that it is difficult to reverse it." Then he further delves into the current ills and explains the necessity of reforming the old and establishing the new.

However, the previous emperor, Longqing, also did not take it seriously. He just replied, "I know," and there was no follow-up.

So, what would be Zhang Juzheng’s mentality after two failures?
Zhu Yijun tapped the table with his knuckles as he stared at the article "Taijia" in a daze.

Did he finally give up his hope of having wise ministers and enlightened rulers and want to be like Yi Yin?

Is he thinking, since the emperor can't save the Ming Dynasty, I can do it myself?

Historically, when Zhang Juzheng said later, "I am not a prime minister, but a regent", was it his satisfaction with the achievements of the new policy, or a helpless sigh for taking this step?

Even when Zhang Juzheng submitted a petition to retire, he said "I will return the government to you". It is obvious that he knew that the power was in his hands, and he must have known that he would not end well by doing so.

So, he wanted to be the executive vice emperor even though he knew it was impossible?

So, was this "Taijia" a veiled negotiation with me? Did he see that I was trying to seize power?
Or is it a political declaration of reform, to show one's determination to those who want to get close to it?

Zhu Yijun just felt that such a smart person was really a headache.

This Ming Dynasty prodigy had already made his mind shaken and panic before he even appeared on the field to fight.

"Your Highness, please stop here today."

Gao Yi brought Zhu Yijun back to his senses.

Zhu Yijun then realized that the lecture had ended, and he quickly returned the greeting: "Thank you for your hard work, gentlemen."

Gao Yi said respectfully: "Please review your lessons well after returning to the palace. I will review your memorization tomorrow."

This is the homework.

After giving some instructions, Gao Yi took his leave as if escaping and left the east wing hall.

Zhu Yijun looked at Gao Yi's back and shook his head secretly. This cabinet minister always thought he could stay out of it. Even if all parties were forcing him to do something, he still had a lucky hope.

It's simply whimsical.

How could a person holding such an honorable position as a regent, a cabinet minister, or the prince's guardian remain uninvolved and stay out of the current affairs?

He Zhu Yijun was fighting for it, Gao Gong was fighting for it, Zhang Juzheng was fighting for it, even eunuchs like Feng Bao and Zhang Hong were fighting for it. You, Gao Yi, are in a high position, why don't you fight for it?
Gao Yi just couldn't understand this point, which was why he was unable to retire after Gao Gong was expelled and died of worry at home.

The lecturers retreated one after another.

Seeing that the hall was empty, Zhu Yijun looked at the eunuch next to him and asked, "Has the court meeting been adjourned?"

When Zhang Juzheng said yesterday that he would analyze political affairs for him, he still had some contempt in his heart.

But when Taijia heard this, he immediately became nervous and became extremely alert.

At this time, I couldn't help but ask.

The eunuch replied, "Your Highness, today's court meeting has been adjourned."

Zhu Yijun nodded and asked, "Where is Lord Zhang?"

Another eunuch stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, Lord Zhang is already waiting in the east wing."

Zhu Yijun stood up and said, "Go and invite Lord Zhang to the warm room."

There are three rooms in the east wing of Wenhua Hall. The seat for lectures in the East Palace is set in the room on the north side of the east wing. The adjacent warm room is the resting room for the Crown Prince and also the place where he usually summons his ministers.

Zhu Yijun came to the warm room and sat down in front of the desk. He rubbed his face and refreshed his spirit which had been somewhat exhausted by the daily lectures.

At the same time, he was thinking about what attitude he should adopt towards this unavoidable figure in the Ming Dynasty.

Is Zhang Juzheng trustworthy?

The issue is complex.

For the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Juzheng was naturally trustworthy.

But what about him?
Zhang Juzheng certainly had the ambition to save the country, but did he want to entrust himself to Zhang Juzheng?

He, Zhang Juzheng, wanted to remove all obstacles and implement reforms.

Didn't Zhu Yijun also want to seize power and implement his new policies?
In this kind of situation, either the east wind prevails over the west wind, or the west wind prevails over the east wind.

……

The young eunuch came to the east wing and walked to Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting and drinking tea. He said, "Lord, your highness has finished his lecture. Please go to the warm room."

Zhang Juzheng put down the tea bowl in his hand and stood up: "Please lead the way, eunuch."

His words were polite, not at all like a cabinet minister talking to a young eunuch.

The young eunuch was flattered and hurriedly led the way.

Zhang Juzheng had a square face, delicate features, and a long, flowing beard, giving him the appearance of an official.

The two of them walked quickly and soon arrived in front of the warm room.

The eunuch at the door came forward and said, "Lord, His Highness wants you to go in directly without having to report."

Zhang Juzheng nodded and walked straight in.

The toilet was not very big, so he turned around and found himself in the middle of the room.

He glanced at the Crown Prince sitting at the table without leaving a trace and bowed down: "Your humble servant greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Yijun quickly stood up and walked out from the desk, pretending to help him up: "Your Excellency is an important minister of the country. I am young and immature, and I am ashamed to accept such a great gift. Please stand up quickly."

Zhang Juzheng dodged slightly and said, "Your Highness is the heir of the royal family and the ruler of the world. How can I refuse the humble courtesy?"

Zhu Yijun accepted the gift and helped the man up: "I am so overwhelmed by the sudden disaster in the nine provinces. I have to rely on the advice of the elders."

Zhang Juzheng stood up, bowed and said, "Your Highness, if you have any questions, I will explain them to you clearly. I hope Your Highness will be wise and proficient in state affairs over time."

Zhu Yijun knew that the time had come.

Without revealing his expression, he said, "What do you have to teach me today, Lord?"

Zhang Juzheng replied sternly: "Your Highness, the Ming Dynasty is about to fall!"

Zhu Yijun: "Ah...ah!?"
-
Note 1: The emperor was in Xuanzhi Gate to attend to affairs, and the Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng and others proposed the daily lecture ceremony. Note: The emperor lectured on "The Great Learning" and "The Book of History" in the Eastern Palace. Now it is appropriate to continue the lectures, first reading "The Great Learning" ten times, then reading "The Book of History" ten times. The lecturers will come in and lecture, and after the lectures, they will leave. ——"The Veritable Records of Emperor Shenzong of Ming Dynasty"

Note 2: Regarding the pronunciation of Ming Dynasty Mandarin, someone has a video. If you are interested, you can go and watch it. It is very interesting.

Note 3: "Habits that have accumulated over time have led to corruption, which has gradually led to a state of decadence and decay, and which has become so serious that it is difficult to reverse." - "Chen Liu Shi Shu"

Note 4: Jiangling took the responsibility of governing the country. When guests flattered him, he would say, "I am not a prime minister, but a regent." It is not wrong to call Jiangling a regent, but there have only been two people in history who have been so, Ji Dan and Xin Mang. How can there be three now? In the spring of Gengchen, because his brother Ju Qian died, he decided to return home. However, the letter did not say "I beg for retirement", but "I bow my head and return to the government", which made him look like a king. - "Wanli Yehuo Pian·Volume ·Cabinet"

Note 5: "The land tax was uneven, the poor were unemployed, and the people suffered from annexation." - "Jingzhou Prefecture Title Record"

(End of this chapter)