Chapter 126: Humiliation with a Whip, Reborn

July twenty-four.

The morning court proceeded as usual.

The emperor is still in charge of government affairs today, and the chief minister Zhang Juzheng is leading the court discussions.

The second assistant Gao Yi and the other assistants Wang Chonggu remained the same.

The assistant Lü Tiaoyang and the Imperial Censor Zhao Canlu inspected the Ministry of Revenue to review the expenditure of money and grain that year and were absent from the court meeting.

The Minister of Rites Zhang Siwei has not attended court for several days. The people who came today from the Ministry of Rites were the Left Vice Minister Ma Ziqiang and the Right Vice Minister Zhu Dashou.

First, the Chief Censor Ge Shouli reported that Wang Rong, the former Chief Censor of Ji and Liao, had defeated the Japanese invaders and died without any crime; and Zhu Wan, the former Governor of Zhejiang, was honest and upright, but was slandered and poisoned, so he requested the two palaces to pardon him and show mercy.

The two palaces were moved after reading it and discussed it in the cabinet yesterday.

Today the court has decided that according to the custom, two altars should be offered for the deceased, and a tomb should be built for him; according to the custom, one altar should be offered for the deceased, and the tomb should be buried at half the cost.

There is also a title written by Shen Shixing, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Shen Zuo was promoted to the position of Right Councillor of Shanxi, and became Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and Governor of Datong to assist in military affairs.

Tian Ruyu, the former Right Councillor of Jiangxi, was appointed to Henan to guard Hebei Province.

Xiong Dunpu, the director of the Ministry of War's Chariot and Imperial Vehicle Department, was transferred to be the transport judge of Liangzhe.

The first two are fine, as they are promotions that can be traced, but the latter seems extremely abrupt.

Xiong Dunpu was this term's Shujishi, and was appointed as the director of the Ministry of War's Chariot and Imperial Guard Department just last month.

Less than a month later, the Ministry of Personnel wanted to demote him to Liangzhe - although both of them were sixth-rank officials, the transfer of Beijing officials to other places at the same level was an unspoken demotion.

One can't help but wonder what this person has done wrong.

In particular, the Minister of War Shi Maohua frowned in displeasure. Although he was only a small official, he was still a member of his Ministry of War after all.

The Ministry of Personnel wanted to demote an official without even informing him, but he brought it up in the court to make irresponsible remarks.

Not even a reason! ?

It is simply outrageous that Shen Shixing manipulated the selection of officials in the Ministry of War so unscrupulously!
Shi Maohua was about to speak and try to make his presence felt.

Then they saw Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Hong. The two Zhangs spoke one after another. The cabinet quickly drafted a bill, and the Imperial Household Department approved it on the spot on the grounds that the two palaces knew about it.

He had to swallow back what Minister Shi said.

Everyone was still pondering the deep meaning and connotation of it.

However, there were several earth-shattering pieces of news that hit the court.

Dozens of memorials were submitted by the Huguang Provincial Government, the Chu government, the Inspector-General Shu Ao, the Huguang Governor Liang Menglong and others to impeach Duke Cheng Zhu Xizhong.

The memorial stated that Zhu Xizhong abused his power and authority in Huguang, usurped the throne, and even dared to force the lord of Jing to burn himself to death, and killed the King of Min and several princes!
The crowd was in an uproar and everyone was talking about it!
Dali Temple Minister Chen Yisong was the first to be shocked and asked, "Didn't Zhu Xizhong go to investigate the Zhang Chucheng case? Why is he doing this in Huguang?"

It is hard to tell whether these words and tone are true or false.

After all, the memorial was kept by the emperor, but the ministers also had relatives and friends to send letters to.

It is difficult to discuss it openly to avoid suspicion, but in private, it has actually been discussed.

Nowadays, most of the court officials already have their positions and are just pretending.

Wang Zhigao, the Minister of Justice, said in a deep voice: "I heard that this man went to Huguang, not only did he not investigate the case properly, but he also led the Jinyiwei to plunder the countryside, acted tyrannically, and killed the people."

"Now it seems that I have underestimated him."

"To kill a prince without permission is rare in this country. It's so audacious!"

Zhu Dashou, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, watched the show expressionlessly, and even kindly offered a platform to the crowd: "What is the reason? He Tongzheng might as well explain it clearly."

He Yongqing wiped the sweat from his forehead.

He took out another memorial with his big belly and said hesitantly, "According to the memorial of Wu Jinghe, the son-in-law of the emperor."

"The various palaces involved a large number of people, including assassinating the imperial envoy, stealing minerals, minting coins, communicating with the Miao and Yi people, and using witchcraft to bewitch the emperor. There are more than ten crimes involved."

"Among them, the Min Prefecture has gathered thousands of bandits and bribed Miao soldiers, intending to start a rebellion!"

"In order to suppress the situation in Huguang, he and Zhu Xizhong had no choice but to act at their convenience and conduct the trial and execution on the spot..."

He Yongqing was interrupted by the Minister of Justice Wang Zhigao when he was halfway through his words.

Wang Zhigao coldly scolded, "Nonsense!"

"When the Prince of Chu murdered the king and committed treason, thousands of soldiers defended the royal city. Why didn't Wu Jinghe try and execute them on the spot after he dealt with them?"

"At that time, he knew to send the person to the Three Judicial Departments for final approval, and then to report to the Imperial Ancestral Temple in September before he was executed by lingchi in the West Market."

"Now, Wu Jinghe dares to act arbitrarily with Zhu Xizhong, who is also committing treason. Kill them on the spot!"

"Is it possible that what Shi Miao said is useful to Wu Jinghe and Zhu Xizhong, but they don't take it seriously since Your Majesty is not in power yet?"

He Yongqing was a third-rank official, and not only was he interrupted while speaking, he was also scolded by Wang Zhigao like he was scolding his own son. It was really embarrassing.

I feel even more aggrieved.

He is just a messenger, why are you getting angry at him?
If you want to tear this and bite that, just impeach them by name. Why bother shooting at the target from afar here?

Dali Temple Minister Chen Yisong also echoed: "After all, he is a member of the royal family. Even if there is irrefutable evidence, how can we deal with him privately?"

"The situation in the world rests on your Majesty's shoulders. It is not yet Zhu Xizhong and Wu Jinghe's turn to say 'suppress the situation.'"

"No matter what, the Dali Temple will impeach Zhu Xizhong today!"

It is only normal that the three judicial officials are dissatisfied with the Ministry of Rites.

Even such a major matter as the execution of the prince was bypassed by the officials.

From now on, the emperor can just call on the Jinyiwei to take action every time. What else is there for the officials?
This hole opens up.

Killing a prince today is an expedient act, killing a vice minister tomorrow, and killing a chancellor the day after tomorrow, are they all expedient acts, right?

It would be better to confer the title of Nine Thousand Years Old on Zhu Xizhong and let him do as he pleases every day.

At the beginning, Nanzhili at least knew how to set up three judicial departments, and after conviction, the prisoners would be sent to the capital.

Why did he mess up when he arrived in Huguang? Did the little emperor go backwards as he grew older?
All we can say is that Wang Zhigao and Chen Yisong were openly scolding Zhu Xizhong and Wu Jinghe, but in fact they were still questioning the emperor.

Wang Zhigao was particularly dissatisfied with the emperor because of the previous disturbance in Nanzhili, which caused his own son to be exiled 2,000 miles according to the law.

What? At that time, our country’s laws were the most important, but now if it’s your turn, you have to protect them to the death?

Wang Zhigao once again echoed Chen Yisong: "I will report this to Your Majesty and request that Zhu Xizhong be summoned back to the capital to question him about the affairs of Huguang!"

"The Jinyiwei are so overbearing and domineering. It's totally unbecoming!"

The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works stood aside and watched the show as usual.

However, several censors spoke up and agreed, all believing that Zhu Xizhong had overstepped his authority and should be recalled and questioned.

It is only right that after finding out the reason, the person's title should be demoted and his salary should be fined.

He Yongqing knew that they were not targeting him, they were just venting their anger on him, and he didn't bother to care about their tone.

He endured the grievance and told the whole story: "In addition, Prince Consort Wu also made an impromptu decision and dealt with the various royal palaces."

"The properties of the various vassal states were taken back and handed over to the officials of the inner court, the Ministry of Rites and Imperial Clan Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Revenue, and the royal palace for division and management."

"At the same time, the salary of each prefecture and city will be fixed."

"And lift the ban on commerce in each feudal domain..."

He Yongqing cut to the chase and circulated the memorial to his colleagues: "The specific matters are listed at the end of the memorial."

As soon as these words were spoken, countless people turned pale.

"Wu Jinghe is so outrageous!"

"He even ordered the six ministries and the inner court to take orders. If you don't know him, you might think he is someone else."

Heart-piercing words are mentioned one after another.

The death of a prince is just a topic of conversation after dinner, and everyone just laughs it off.

But if someone wants to lift the ban on business for the royal family, then everyone will be really angry - isn't this just trying to steal our food?!
What is the basis for doing business?
If it's not about background and connections, then is it still about so-called skilled craftsmen and business skills?
It is natural that officials and gentry can always bully ordinary businessmen and common people.

You, the inner court and the Ministry of Revenue, have brought the major royal palaces out to do business. When they meet in business, do they have to rely on their own abilities?
How can that work!
Liu Guangji, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, was going to retire next month and return to his hometown to enjoy the life of an official. But at this moment, he had to stand up and say, "Prime Minister, Cabinet Elders, and all my colleagues."

"The royal family is the bloodline of Taizu, and the vassal prohibitions are the laws established by our ancestors."

"Zhu Xizhong and Wu Jinghe are now lawless!"

"Without the review of the three judicial officials, without the approval of Your Majesty, and without reporting to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he arbitrarily killed the emperor's grandson and the prince; forced the death of the princes, arbitrarily punished the various vassal states, and took over the clan property, damaging the relationship between Your Majesty and the royal family; he even boasted shamelessly, ordered the inner court and the six ministries to privately destroy the laws of our ancestors."

"If Your Majesty does not recall these two people, there will be no peace for the royal family! If the three judicial officials do not question them, there will be no clear national law! If the cabinet does not put things right, there will be no way to set things right!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Dali Temple Minister Chen Yisong, Ministry of Justice Minister Wang Zhigao, and Personnel Department Chief Censor Liu Bushi all echoed these words.

Everyone looked at the three cabinet ministers at the head of the class, only to find that they were all calm and silent.

At this time, the Minister of Finance Wang Guoguang intervened and said calmly: "Minister Liu, please stop exaggerating."

"Let's do it one by one."

"Minister Liu may not know that he was sick at home before, but the court has already decided on the matter of demarcating the guilty vassal and confiscating the vassal's property. Minister Liu, please don't talk about damaging the royal family's friendship."

"As for lifting the ban on royal family business, it has nothing to do with any ancestral law. There was no such ancestral law during the reign of Emperor Taizu."

"Why didn't Minister Liu say at this time that this move would help demonstrate the royal family's friendship for Your Majesty?"

"This move not only saved the central government from tax burdens, but also provided a path for advancement for the vast majority of the royal family. Even the things that you all find difficult to talk about, fearing that the royal family would cause chaos, were not touched upon."

"I cannot be an official, nor do I have to keep weapons. I have never heard of anyone causing chaos simply by doing business."

"All in all, I think it's great."

After these words were spoken, many people spat at Wang Guoguang in their hearts.

This was done jointly by the Imperial Treasury and the Ministry of Revenue. Of course you think it's great that the money went into your coffers!
By then, you can just take a little from it and it will be enough for you to spend.

Then what should we do about our colleagues whose business has been taken away?

At this time, Zhu Dashou, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, said calmly, "The Ministry of Rites also thinks it is very good."

The ass decides the head.

The Zongrenfu was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites, and just counting the clan property was a huge sum.

It's hard not to support something that can give you a piece of the pie.

When it comes to matters concerning the royal family and vassal states, the Ministry of Rites naturally has the greatest say.

Attitude is of vital importance, otherwise he would not have been stuck by Zhang Siwei and unable to move.

Now that the Right Vice Minister of Rites Zhu Dashou had expressed his opinion, everyone's faces immediately turned ugly.

Shi Maohua, the Minister of War, and Huo Ji, the Right Censor-in-Chief, looked at Ma Ziqiang, the Left Vice Minister of Rites. No, can't you see that the Right Vice Minister of Rites is infringing on the interests of our Jin Party?

It’s okay for others, but we people from Jin are real businessmen!

Even if Zhang Siwei wants to retire, at least you are still the left minister. Can't you suppress Zhu Dashou? Who has the final say in the Ministry of Rites?
You can't just remain indifferent just because your family, Ma Ziqiang, sells salt and the business doesn't affect you, right?

Huo Ji couldn't help but turn his head and reminded Ma Ziqiang: "Minister Ma also thinks it's a good idea?"

Ma Ziqiang seemed to be distracted and did not hear it.

Shi Maohua said anxiously: "Ma Gong, please say something."

Ma Ziqiang finally came back to his senses. He uttered an "ah", looked up and around, and said perfunctorily: "Minister Wang and the assistant ministers spoke very well."

"The so-called ancestral law is actually nonsense."

"As long as the Imperial Clan Office keeps a close watch on the business affairs of the Imperial Clan, there shouldn't be any hindrance."

This look, these words.

Shi Maohua stared at Ma Ziqiang in a daze, feeling that he was extremely familiar.

He immediately realized that Ma Ziqiang looked exactly the same as when he first took over as Minister of War!
How could he not understand what was going on with Ma Ziqiang?

The business of colleagues is important, but now that Zhang Siwei is gone, the position of Minister of Rites is obviously more attractive!
The Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Revenue took the lead in this matter and have corresponding business counterparts. Now that they have reached a consensus, there is little room for outsiders to refute.

as predicted.

at this time.

The Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng, who was in charge today, finally took action.

He turned sideways and glanced at his colleagues.

He slowly said, "Since the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites have no objection to the ban on royal family business, then go back and submit a memorial."

We certainly cannot use Wu Jinghe's memorial directly, as it is against the rules.

At best, his proposal was just a suggestion. To elevate it to the level of the central will, it would have to go through the six ministries, the cabinet, and the Imperial Household Department.

Wang Guoguang and Ma Ziqiang returned the gift with a ribbon and returned to the train.

Everyone was helpless.

Why don’t the emperor and the Ministry of Revenue understand that the things run by the inner court and the central government must not make money!

Hasn't it been like this throughout history, whether it is mining or maritime trade?

Wherever the imperial merchants extend their hands, business will be sluggish!
Can things change now with those stupid royal family members?

It’s a pity that the emperor and the cabinet are so corrupt that they have no idea what it means to govern the country and benefit the people.

Well, I can only think of a solution in private.

Fortunately, after 200 years of history, our country has accumulated a lot of experience in these matters.

Everyone was exchanging glances, each with their own thoughts.

At this time.

Zhang Juzheng spoke again: "As for Zhu Xizhong's matter..."

"Local impeachments may not be based on true information, and each may contain twists and turns. We cannot judge a crime based solely on local impeachments."

"This matter involves the royal family and the imperial envoy, so it is not appropriate to disclose it."

"Then summon Zhu Xizhong back to the capital and let him explain the whole story in court. Your Majesty will make the final decision!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the censors who had been eager to try immediately stopped.

They are still waiting for the prime minister to protect them before they can "speak up for justice."

It was really beyond their expectation that Zhu Xizhong would be given up so quickly.

It’s a pity that the opportunity to gain fame is gone.

Wang Zhigao felt a little relieved. The emperor had advised him to put national laws first and to exile his son if he deserved it. At worst he could have another one.

Now it’s time for the emperor to experience the feeling of punishing his confidants and putting the law of the country first.

Dali Temple Minister Chen Yisong was also slightly satisfied that he had maintained the dignity of the Three Judicial Departments.

Just when everyone had different thoughts.

On the side of the imperial steps of Wenhua Palace, Zhang Hong, the seal holder of Silijian, came back and no one knew what he was doing in the side hall just now.

Zhang Hong walked straight to the imperial steps and bowed to the empty throne of the emperor.

Then he stood up and faced the court officials.

Zhang Hong looked compassionate and said slowly: "I have no right to interrupt your discussion, but..."

"We just received news that Duke Cheng was attacked by evil bandits from Min Prefecture while investigating a case in Huguang. His ear marrow was injured and he has been hurt for several days. The injury is serious and difficult to treat."

"He passed away half a month ago!"

……

Zhu Yijun raised his eyes and looked in the direction of Wenhua Hall.

He is holding a court discussion on Huguang's memorial today, and the Wenhua Hall must be in full swing at this moment.

But Zhu Yijun was not worried.

He was still confident in Zhang Juzheng's work.

The clouds rolled and unrolled outside the window, and Zhu Yijun took a while to look away.

He looked at Zhang Siwei who was kneeling on the ground again.

Zhang Shangshu, who was "loyal to the emperor and patriotic", went to the palace to bid farewell to the emperor before retiring.

Zhu Yijun naturally had no reason to refuse.

When they met at this moment, Minister Zhang was sincere and the emperor was courteous.

A scene of harmony between the monarch and his subjects.

Zhang Siwei was still lying on the ground, pleading earnestly: "…the evils have reached their limit, and the decadent trend must be reversed."

"In this holy era, with this wise ruler, I originally wanted to assist the holy ruler, to bring order out of chaos, and to establish a good government."

"It's a pity that my father was punished by the Constitution and was eventually executed."

"I am not able to fully display my abilities. This is God's will, and I have no choice but to accept it."

"The hopes of the people of this country have been wasted, and I feel ashamed and regretful."

"I will leave if I want to."

"I hope that the holy emperor will be vigilant and vigilant, and the two or three ministers will work together to make plans and return to the lower level, so that the law and justice can be implemented and the heaven and earth will be in harmony."

"The longevity of the country will last forever!"

"Winter will turn into spring, night will turn into day, and the whole world will turn back to the Way. It all depends on your Majesty alone!"

"I bow my head again and again with all my heart."

After saying that, Zhang Siwei kowtowed three more times.

Bang bang sound.

Zhu Yijun looked at Zhang Siwei, who was kneeling on the ground and was very polite, and couldn't help but sigh at the character of this traitor.

Listen to what this is saying.

First he stated his ideals, then he felt pain over his father's violation of the law, and further he expressed his regret over retirement and the sadness of his unfulfilled ideals.

Finally, he changed the subject - I'm leaving if I want to, I just hope that the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty will last as long as the phoenix, and that Your Majesty will lay a grand blueprint to make the country's destiny last forever.

Such emotions and such literary talent, who could remain unmoved?
What a good and pure minister.

He almost couldn't help but make a promise after listening to it - as long as Zhang Siwei didn't overturn the verdict by then, he would wait until the mourning period was over and then reinstate him.

Unfortunately, he had opened his third eye and really understood what kind of person Zhang Siwei was.

All I can say is that the ups and downs in life are the watershed.

After Wang Shizhen's father died, he was sent back home to mourn. He looked like he had lost his edge and was in a state of decadence.

And at first glance, Zhang Siwei in front of him also seemed to be submissive and had lost his will.

But if you compare it carefully, you can feel its restrained aura, like a polished blade.

No wonder he was able to become the Prime Minister in history, suppress Shen Shixing for several years, kill Zhang Juzheng and overthrow the New Deal.

This character and tenacity are really beyond words.

Zhu Yijun sighed: "It's my father's business, I also regret it."

"Don't worry, Mr. Zhang. I have already sent someone to reprimand Tan Lun."

"I will also take advantage of the birthday celebration to redress your father's good name."

"Please get up quickly."

Zhang Siwei hurriedly thanked him: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

There was no trace of resentment on his face.

Even when he mentioned the loss of his father, he acted as if his father was dead and now only the king was in his heart.

Zhu Yijun watched Zhang Siwei's expression and movements quietly.

After Zhang Siwei thanked him and stood up.

Zhu Yijun once again said with emotion: "You are not only the hope of the people in the country."

"To me, he is also a sweet dish of traditional learning and a good counselor of Meng Lai."

"But now you are not able to make full use of it...

Zhu Yijun paused, slowed down his tone, and looked at Zhang Siwei curiously: "Is this caused by heaven or man?"

He stared at Zhang Siwei's reaction.

Siwei, to me, you are the master of Confucian classics, and the virtuous and wise minister I have always dreamed of.

So, if you ultimately failed to fully develop your talents, was it God's will or was it human factors?

Zhang Siwei was shocked.

I just felt like I was possessed by Ji Chang, facing the final test of Jie and Zhou!

(End of this chapter)