Chapter 123: Restoring order and deposing the corrupt

After Wang Shizhen's strange talk, the scene fell silent for a moment.

Zhu Yijun walked in front and fell into silence, not knowing what to say.

If someone said this, he would immediately invite them to go rafting.

Once these threatening words come out, if you don’t fall into the lake, who will?

The problem is, when Wang Shizhen said this... Zhu Yijun was confused.

It is possible that Alliance Leader Wang really believed this!
Now, Wang Shizhen is no longer young.

When Wang Shizhen first entered officialdom, he was arrogant, relied on his talent, and frequently engaged in political activities.

Among the people, Wang Shizhen used his influence in the literary world to form an illegal association with Li Panlong.

A poetry society and literary alliance was established with the "Six Sons" as its core.

The Literary League had a strict hierarchy and order of precedence. Wang Shizhen also asked someone to paint a picture of the Six Sons, showing the six sons sitting among a bamboo forest.

Anyone who disobeys the orders of Wang Shizhen and Li Panlong will be demoted in the society at the very least, or expelled from the society at the worst.

Xie Zhen, one of the Six Sons, had been senior to the emperor and was aloof by nature. He often disobeyed Wang Shizhen. Once, after he refused to "write an answer to the Five Sons' Poems," Wang Shizhen immediately held a meeting to expel him from the throne.

Even if some people said that the five sons were not good enough, Wang Shizhen was determined not to change his mind.

Later, Wu Guolun, one of the Five Sons, was also downgraded in the society's ranking by Wang Shizhen because of the "Adang Bojun" incident.

Like that painting, "Six Sons Picture" was revised and altered, and now has several versions.

At the same time, Wang Shizhen successively created "The Later Five Sons", "The Expanded Five Sons" and "The Continuation of the Five Sons", further expanding the size of the Wenmeng group.

It is said that "he was of the highest talent, the most prominent position, and his reputation and spirit spread throughout the country. At that time, all the scholars, hermits, poets, monks, and scholars came to him."

On the other hand, Wang Shizhen held the power of literature and used his influence in the political arena.

Wang Shizhen believed that "there is nothing in the world but history" and was determined to write a history of the Ming Dynasty. If the leader of the literary world wanted to write history, even if it was unofficial history, its influence should not be underestimated.

In addition to the serious stuff such as the history of calligraphy, the history of imperial examinations, and the history of posthumous titles, the personal history of ministers is naturally indispensable.

Unofficial history is all subjective, and Wang Shizhen added a lot of personal opinions when he wrote history.

After he took up the pen, he would immediately write a short essay about any slight dissatisfaction in official circles.

Fellow members and allies, who understands?
For example, a later book called "Biographies of Prime Ministers since Jiajing" exposed Yan Song and discredited Zhang Juzheng. The outrageous rumor that Zhang Juzheng had a sedan chair carried by thirty-two people in later generations came from this book by Wang Shizhen.

At that time, the movement to overthrow Yan Song was in vogue, and Wang Shizhen started the attack without hesitation.

He frequently wrote articles that either directly insulted or indirectly slandered Yan Song and his son Yan Shifan.

The open works include "Yuan Jiangliuqin Shangangdang Lujiang Xiaolixing", and the secret works include the widely circulated "Jin Ping Mei" and "Ming Feng Ji".

Yan Song was furious.

But how could one get angry over such elegant matters among scholars?

In desperation, Yan Song accepted the beating with a smile and said that the criticism was right and he would learn from it.

This act of not fearing power earned Wang Shizhen a good reputation, and the young people regarded him as an idol.

The wise men of the world gathered together to join the army, which was like the sun at its peak.

Unfortunately, Yan Song, the old fox, has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.

It was similar to Zhang Siwei's current situation. Yan Song couldn't do anything to this leader of the literary world openly, so he killed his father in a blink of an eye. He then advised Emperor Shenzong to order his execution.

There is nothing much to say. Now that my father has passed away, I naturally have to retire and observe mourning.

Wang Shizhen "wept in grief for several days, then retired and returned home."

After this defeat and even the death of his father, he immediately lost his spirit.

After the mourning period was over, he humbled himself and begged for help from everyone, trying his best to redress his father's wrongdoing.

He kept writing letters to ministers such as Xu Jie and Yang Bo.

Later, when the previous emperor ascended the throne, Zhang Juzheng, who passed the same imperial examination, rose to a higher position. Wang Shizhen "was traveling in Dezhou when he heard that Zhang Juzheng had entered the cabinet."

Seeing an opportunity for a general amnesty, Wang Shizhen wrote a letter to Zhang Juzheng to establish a relationship with him.

A letter to Prime Minister Zhang of Jiangling begins with "The unworthy Shizhen has committed serious crimes and caused our ancestors to suffer great disaster." It is sincere and humble.

Later, Emperor Muzong rehabilitated his father.

No matter what Wang Shizhen thought in his heart, he had to express his gratitude profusely.

At the same time, other literary schools also began to compete.

The prosperous ministers pushed each other forward, and the close lords formed an alliance.

Wang Daokun gathered people from all over the country in Huizhou and founded Fenggan and Baiyu Society successively, hoping to "dominate a region and establish his own flag and drum."

At this time, Wang Shizhen, who once held the sole power of literature and excluded outflows, not only did not intervene, but even openly catered to Wang Daokun's aggression.

He wrote a letter to congratulate her, saying, "Since then, there has been no poetry in She. If there is any, it was Wang Sima Boyu who started it."

It can be seen that after all these changes, the edges and corners have been smoothed out.

Without the pursuit of a career in politics and also giving up on writing, he had no choice but to "turn to Buddhism in his later years and then turn to the pursuit of interest in Huangguan".

What's the point of a career in politics or literature? My father was killed by myself. I'd better just worship Buddha and practice Taoism.

Recite scriptures, practice Buddhism, and meditate every day.

Reflect on the wrong things you have done, talk less, and be kind to others.

His writing is also filled with repentance, and he was called the leader of the "confession trend" by scholars.

Now, the leader of the confession group has begun to confess on behalf of Emperor Sejong, and he may not be feeling the same pain - if Sejong had practiced Taoism earlier, his son would not have died. If I had practiced Taoism earlier, my father would not have died.

We have sympathy for each other.

The more Zhu Yijun thought about it, the more unsure he became. Was this person speaking on behalf of someone else to threaten him, or was he simply trying to promote Taoism?

After all, this leader of the literary world will become a disciple of Wang Xijue's daughter Tan Yangzi, who is in her twenties, in a few years.

Not only did he write articles to flatter him, he also helped Tan Yangzi ascend to heaven in broad daylight and invited hundreds of thousands of people to watch the ceremony.

At that time, Wang Shizhen cried and bowed, lying on the ground to absorb the remaining "spiritual energy" of Tan Yangzi.

Uh, Zhu Yijun suddenly thought of it.

After Wang Shizhen came to Xiyuan, his eyes lit up and his breathing became rhythmic. Could it be that he wanted to absorb the spiritual energy of Emperor Shizong?

Zhu Yijun glanced at Wang Shizhen suspiciously and continued to probe, "Then how did Wang Qing conclude that Shi Miao had already attained enlightenment and ascended to heaven?"

As soon as these words came out, Wang Shizhen immediately became excited.

He showed a hint of excitement: "Your Majesty is the proof!"

"I heard that once Your Majesty ascended the throne, it was as if He had been gifted by heaven, and his divinity flourished overnight."

"I suddenly developed the demeanor of Hong Jian, and then became proficient in the study of the classics."

"When he entered the Western Garden, he stayed at the Wanshou Palace, which is the temple of the world."

"Your Majesty is stained with the fruit of Taoism, and your mind is in harmony with Taoism. The nobles are in awe, the royal family is at your neck, and all the old ministers of the Emperor Shizong embrace you and bow down to you."

"If it weren't for the fact that Shi Miao had attained enlightenment and ascended to the 33rd heaven, where would he find shelter?"

Zhu Yijun was speechless for a moment.

In a sense, I really need to ask the Taoist master for the reason for my current situation.

Coupled with the show a few days ago, Alliance Leader Wang was intimidated.

Wang Shizhen has always worshipped Taoism, and now that he has encountered something beyond the boundaries of his cognition, he always has to have an explanation to convince himself.

It’s similar to those wealthy people who prayed to gods and Buddhas in previous lives.

This is boring. I thought Alliance Leader Wang was so stubborn that he wanted to threaten him.

“Half god, half saint, and half immortal, a complete Confucian and a complete Taoist is a complete sage.” Zhu Yijun waved his hand and said casually.

A perfunctory remark ended Wang Shizhen's fantasy.

Turning to business, he said calmly, "I heard from the eunuch who announced the decree that it seems that Your Majesty has lost interest in officialdom?"

This statement implies accusation and is somewhat impolite.

There is a reason why he asked so directly - Wang Shizhen is really not honest in his actions.

As soon as he received the imperial edict of reinstatement, he wrote a poem saying "I am addicted to gardens because of my illness, and I am sentimental about my children because of my declining age."

He also wrote to someone, "I have no choice but to go on this journey. I am suffering from the loneliness on the road and I have no words to say to you."

It’s fine if you like the image of being aloof, but what does it mean that you are constantly urged by those in power and you have no reason to refuse?

And who would see it if it was published?

Although Zhu Yijun's question was impolite, it gave Wang Shizhen a chance to explain.

If at this point, you don't even have a basic attitude...

Forget about being an official, just be buried.

At worst, we can support Wang Daokun and replace him with another leader of the Literary League to work for him.

Wang Shizhen quickly apologized: "I am guilty!"

"I didn't know your Majesty's wisdom and intelligence, and I guessed that the Prime Minister summoned me for personal reasons, so I refused with an excuse!"

"That's why he said, 'It's hard to walk on the road without talking about the desolateness.'"

This was a euphemism for saying it, but it actually meant that the emperor had not yet taken power and Zhang Juzheng had driven Gao Gong away.

I thought that Zhang Juzheng summoned him back to Beijing in order to expand his power.

Wang Shizhen did not want to form a clique based on personal feelings and damage the dignity of Your Majesty, so he deliberately shirked his responsibility.

Anyway, no matter what, the intention is good.

When Zhu Yijun saw him like this, he also felt emotional.

All we can say is that after Wang Shizhen experienced the experience of redressing his father, he became a much more tactful person, and at least his stance when speaking became more firm.

I can probably believe about 60% of this.

Historically, Wang Shizhen and Zhang Juzheng fell out because Wang Shizhen was a scholar who respected rituals and the past. He believed that Zhang Juzheng was too powerful and bullied his master, which led to their falling out.

As to whether there is any maintenance of Yan Song's character of not fearing power mixed with political showmanship, it is unknown.

However, it is easy to deal with this attitude - only if you are not a political idiot can you let him do his job with peace of mind.

Moreover, at least he took the emperor seriously and was not too arrogant. Zhu Yijun reached out and helped him up, saying with a stern face: "The Prime Minister is my right-hand man and confidant. How can you believe in rumors!?"

To say this is to acknowledge Wang Shizhen's statement and his tactfulness.

Wang Shizhen confessed again: "I am not virtuous enough to have believed rumors and slandered the Prime Minister. I am extremely ashamed."

Zhu Yijun continued to rebuke: "I heard that Wang Qing was determined to write history. Haven't you heard of the words 'textual research' and 'truth-seeking'?"

"How can I let you lead Lantai if you are so frivolous and gullible?"

Wang Shizhen subconsciously wanted to cooperate with the emperor and continue to admit his mistakes.

When the words came to his lips, he suddenly froze.

Lantai! ?
The emperor asked him to lead Lantai! ?

Since the Han Dynasty, when archives and books were kept, the Lan Tai Ling Shi was appointed to compile history books. For a thousand years, Lan Tai has been the nickname for the office of historian.

It turned out that the emperor asked him to return to Beijing to compile history!

No wonder I saw the Secretary of the Central Secretariat recording the emperor’s daily notes the day before yesterday!
This...sudden surprise made Wang Shizhen a little overwhelmed.

My recognition of the emperor rose several levels.

Holy King!
For a moment, Wang Shizhen was filled with surprise, excitement, hesitation, and excitement, and his tongue was tied.

Zhu Yijun did not urge him and waited leisurely for Wang Shizhen's reply.

Wang Shizhen's reaction was naturally within his expectations.

This is a position tailor-made for Wang Shizhen.

This guy had no ability to govern the local area. Historically, in the third year of Wanli, Zhang Juzheng appointed him as the governor of Yunyang, and he was impeached several times in one year.

Either "he was too blunt and too straightforward, lost the support of powerful officials, and was criticized again", or "he disturbed the people and disrupted production."

It can be seen that this kind of meat trumpet has to be kept in the palace and just criticize current affairs.

Besides, Wang Shizhen would certainly be very satisfied with this.

The person originally had his "aspirations set on becoming a scholar".

Historically, when Wang Shizhen was reinstated, Zhang Juzheng promoted him to the position of Censor of Huguang, which was the position of Du Sini who was being escorted to Beijing.

Wang Shizhen was not satisfied with the position. Not only did he refuse to take up the position, he also submitted a petition to resign.

Zhang Juzheng wrote a letter to persuade them: "As your country is so desolate and barren, how fortunate you are to hear the sound of peace and see the treasures of Huanwei?"

For such a remote and simple place, it is such a blessing to be able to hear such heavenly sounds as yours and see such treasures as yours.

Just like coaxing a child, Wang Shizhen finally moved reluctantly.

After that, I wrote again and again, saying, "Mr. Zhang, I really can't do this anymore. Please let me return to Beijing to take up a position. I want to do clerical work."

Now that Zhu Yijun has opened his third eye, he can turn his hobby into a job in one step. What else can he say?
Sure enough, Wang Shizhen hesitated for a moment.

Finally, he slowly kowtowed and bowed to the end: "I have heard that your majesty taught me about etiquette and music, and taught me in person. I feel like I am receiving a father's love and I will remember it in my heart."

"I have received the grace of Your Majesty, and your kindness and generosity, just like a long drought before a rain, which moistens my whole body!"

This bow finally came with sincerity.

Zhu Yijun was listening calmly at first, but after hearing these words, he almost stumbled.

He glanced at Wang Shizhen, who was nearly 50 years old, and didn't know how he said "I am grateful for my father's love".

I can only say that he is worthy of being the leader of the literary world and his speaking skills are impeccable.

But that’s not all.

How could Wang Shizhen be convinced by just being a historian?
Zhu Yijun helped Wang Shizhen up again: "Since we are talking about father and son..."

"My Lord, I keep you in Lantai not only because I like your talent, but also because of your father's contribution."

Wang Shizhen was just standing up and bending down, and was startled when he heard this.

Unable to grasp the emperor's pulse, he asked cautiously: "My father...?"

Zhu Yijun sighed.

He said meaningfully: "Recently, there have been some disputes in the court."

"Yesterday, the Chief Censor of the Metropolitan Censorate, Ge Shouli, submitted a memorial."

"say……"

"Wang Rong, the former Imperial Censor of Ji and Liao, defeated the enemy and pacified the Japanese, and his achievements are worthy of mention. He happened to lead the enemy to invade, and secretly offended the traitors, and he was eventually killed. It was not his fault."

"Zhu Wan, the former governor of Zhejiang, was upright and honest. However, he was framed because he strictly prohibited communication with foreigners. He was then appointed as an inspector and supervised the troops. He was eventually slandered and investigated. On the day he drank the poison, his family had no food left. His wife has been living with others since then and cannot support herself."

"If we do not make special arrangements for the relief, it will not encourage loyalty and boost the morale of the people. Please follow the rules to offer sacrifices at two altars for the 傑合 and build a grave for the burial; follow the rules to offer sacrifices at one altar for the 萬合 and reduce the grave by half."

"Afterwards, I looked through the resumes of the two ministers. Their loyalty to the country moved me to tears!"

"Since Wang Qing is the descendant of the loyal and righteous Wang Rong, how can I not show some leniency to him?"

Naturally, Zhu Yijun asked Ge Shouli to submit this memorial.

Wang Rong had made outstanding contributions, but he was forced to commit suicide because of occasional defeats during sudden enemy invasions and the unfortunate consequences of touching upon the interests of powerful officials. This was not his fault.

Therefore, it is not enough to just rehabilitate the person, he must also be buried and offered sacrifices - of course, Zhu Wan was also included in this, taking advantage of Wang Shizhen's help.

This was naturally not a difficult task for the emperor.

But for Wang Shizhen, it was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Historically, this person achieved this step in the 15th year of Wanli after many twists and turns.

However, the background is different. This was a gift from someone to Wang Shizhen, who "was not afraid of power and exposed Zhang Juzheng's true face", after the court liquidated Zhang Juzheng.

Now that the emperor has made these remarks himself, the legitimacy of restoring order is unparalleled.

Wang Shizhen was immediately stunned.

His father, Wang Rong, was executed by Emperor Shizong.

In the first year of the Longqing reign, he took advantage of the opportunity of a general amnesty to rehabilitate his father.

However, he was only pardoned of the crime. As long as he was punished by being thrown into the public square, he would die without a burial place.

It is extremely difficult to achieve the step of "building a grave and burying the body".

The emperor actually fed it to him like this! ?

Wang Shizhen was stunned and silent.

After a long while, he regained his senses and sighed, "Your Majesty, I have done nothing, but I am so favored by Your Majesty. I am really terrified."

"Your Majesty, please send me."

There is no such thing as a free lunch.

When he rehabilitated his father, what he sacrificed was his integrity and what he paid for was his reputation in the literary world.

Now the emperor has re-established the Lanting for him and is also throwing out the bargaining chip of "building a tomb and burying" his father.

What step does he need to take?

Zhu Yijun looked at Wang Shizhen with admiration.

He trusts talented, grateful, sensitive and smart people to do things.

Even though Wang Shizhen was in her fifties, she still deserved the description "her graceful demeanor and gentle elegance overflowing from her brows".

When she was waiting for the emperor to speak, she was also radiant. No wonder Xu Zhongxing and Zong Chen praised him as "a man raised by a god, but unfortunately not a girl."

Zhu Yijun waved his hand.

Zhang Hong was prepared. He walked forward with a jar in his hand, bent over.

Wang Shizhen looked at it curiously.

Zhu Yijun was not in a hurry to get to the point, but asked leisurely, "Do you know the saying 'rotten grass turns into fireflies'?"

Wang Shizhen was puzzled.

Not knowing the emperor's intention, he could only say in a conventional way: "The Book of Rites says that in the last month of summer...rotten grass turns into fireflies."

"It means that every summer, rotten grass and bamboo roots will turn into fireflies."

The Book of Rites, a classic by Confucius, is one of the Three Rites of Confucianism and one of the Five Classics.

It can be said to be the unchanging foundation for all eternity.

Even if the world is wrong, it cannot be said that Confucian classics are wrong. At most, they can be reinterpreted to suit the times.

Of course, there is little dispute about the lunar calendar.

After all, these are just some habits of birds and animals, such as fish on the ice, otters offering fish as sacrifices, and wild geese arriving.

The same goes for the sentence "rotten grass turns into fireflies."

Zhu Yijun nodded, seeming very satisfied with Alliance Leader Wang's knowledge.

He took the jar from Zhang Hong and said lightly, "Wang Qing, can the words of the saint be wrong?"

Wang Shizhen was shocked and suddenly lost his composure!
He suddenly had a very bad premonition!

The feeling of impending disaster came over me!

What on earth was the emperor going to assign to him?!

Wang Shizhen opened his mouth several times to speak, but found it difficult to speak due to his fear.

After calming down a little, Wang Shizhen said in a hoarse voice: "Your Majesty, please explain clearly."

Zhu Yijun nodded and handed the jar to Wang Shizhen.

Wang Shizhen followed the emperor's gaze towards the jar and saw some light yellow spots in the jar, but he had no idea what they were.

He was watching intently when the emperor's words suddenly came into his ears.

"My Lord, these are the eggs of fireflies, the result of mating between adult fireflies."

This sound was like a raging storm.

Wang Shizhen's hands softened and the bottle fell out of his hands.

Luo Sigong, who was standing by, was quick to catch it.

Zhu Yijun didn't care. He looked at Wang Shizhen with a gentle expression and said, "Mr. Wang, can you write an article about this?"

(End of this chapter)