Chapter 161: The Armed Forces Follow the Right

After hearing the emperor's ferocious words, Xu Wenbi was stunned and forgot to reply for a moment.

After he came to his senses, he shuddered belatedly: "Your Majesty..."

Zhu Yijun blew on what he had just written and raised his hand to interrupt Xu Wenbi: "I have already written the sacrificial text to report to the suburban temples and the altar of the country, to apologize for my mistakes and blame myself."

"When the time comes, you can burn it together with our ancestors, and remember to mention that I wrote it myself, so as to convey my sincere and helpless wishes."

After that, he asked Jiang Keqian to hand the eulogy to Xu Wenbi.

Xu Wenbi was hesitant, not knowing whether to accept or not.

He lowered his head and said sadly, "Your Majesty, why are you like this?"

At first he thought the emperor was warning him not to covet the position of commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

He was about to defend himself by saying that he had never been attracted to the Imperial Guards.

Before I could even say anything, I realized that the emperor was serious and had even written a sacrificial text to apologize to his ancestors!

How can you set fire to your own house?

Zhu Yijun looked up at Xu Wenbi and said seriously, "Since I have asked you to take charge of the Jinyiwei, you should have submitted your letter of surrender before asking me questions."

"Tell me, is this true?"

Xu Wenbi's expression froze, and he silently restrained his exaggerated expression.

This was his first time meeting the emperor. He did not expect that the monarch would speak so directly, which was completely different from what was said in private.

Jiang Keqian, who was watching this scene, couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

He had been following the emperor since before he ascended the throne.

From the unique pretentious tone when he first summoned his subjects to his calm demeanor today.

The change is indeed obvious.

Xu Wenbi was silent for a while before he spoke with difficulty: "Your Majesty, I am an incompetent and mediocre person, and I am afraid it is difficult for me to lead the Jinyiwei."

The job of Jinyiwei is not to be coveted, even if it is offered to you, you would still find it too hot to handle.

Those who have done a good job in the past are bound to be hated by others, and death or the ruin of their families are common.

Those who have no sense of existence are often considered incompetent and disliked by the emperor.

Xu Wenbi's ancestors were founding fathers, which made him understand how rare it was to have rich and idle people, so he really didn't want to take over the job of Jinyiwei.

Zhu Yijun flexed his wrist, shook his head, and said casually: "Mr. Xu, when Duke Cheng was first appointed as one of the Three Dukes, and then took charge of the Jinyiwei, he could not refuse several times."

"It was not until last year that I allowed them to rest in peace and retire after their success."

"Now it's your turn to take over, how can I let you resign?"

It would be fine if civil officials could resign at will, but how could nobles have such right?

There are not many capable people among the nobles. Since you, Xu Wenbi, have some talent, why don't you come to take charge of the Jinyiwei and make a name for yourself? Should I let you stay in the Duke's Mansion and play with hawks and birds?
You can just quit if you want to. Are you dreaming?
Xu Wenbi was speechless after being blocked by the emperor, and suddenly wanted to twist off the heads of those people who had previously praised the emperor's benevolence.

How can this be called benevolence? He only sees tyranny!
It makes absolutely no sense!
But he was really puzzled as to why they came to him.

Xu Wenbi gave a bitter smile and said, "Your Majesty has appointed me to take over this position, which really makes me feel terrified."

How could a wealthy and idle man be appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Zhu Yijun shook his head: "Because I intend to support the nobles and let you live a decent life."

"Since the middle of the Jiajing reign, the imperial edict has abolished hereditary titles and only five dukes remain in the world."

"Let's not talk about the Duke of Wei in Nanjing and the Duke of Qian in Yunnan who committed crimes and offended me. The only ones in Beijing are Cheng, Ying, and Ding."

"Now that Duke Cheng has retired and Duke Ying is not long for death, if I don't let you take over the Jinyiwei, who else can I find? I don't have any childhood friends in the palace."

You can't say that you have performed well in history and are diligent in visiting graves, right?

However, the reason given by Zhu Yijun was indeed sincere.

After hearing this, Xu Wenbi had no choice but to accept his fate. Since the emperor had said so, there was really no reason to refuse.

He sighed secretly and bowed slowly: "I am willing to sacrifice my life for the country and for Your Majesty."

Zhu Yijun smiled and said, "I was restricted before and after I ascended the throne, and Zhu Xizhong had to sacrifice his life. The situation will get better and better in the future, so please don't make fun of me."

"It will put an end to your life."

Xu Wenbi is only in his forties this year, so it is understandable that he does not want to follow in Zhu Xizhong's footsteps.

But he still had to make it clear that he was not an evil king who would sacrifice a minister for every task he did.

Xu Wenbi quickly explained: "I dare not, I have absolutely no such intention."

Zhu Yijun waved his hand, not caring much: "You are a decent person, I don't have anything to tell you, after you gain power, you should first control your family."

"Go find Zhu Xixiao. I'll go through the process for you after you've finished your mission."

Xu Wenbi looked up at the emperor for a moment, and a thought suddenly popped into his mind.

I'm afraid the days when serving the emperor is like serving a tiger are about to begin.

Feeling nervous at heart, he tried his best to show a grateful look on his face and bowed respectfully.

Then he slowly retreated.

After Xu Wenbi left, Zhu Yijun leaned back in his chair and murmured, "You say, with overwhelming power delivered to their doorstep, why are they all so reluctant?"

At this time, there was only Jiang Keqian's guard in the hall, but he didn't understand whether the emperor was talking to him or talking to himself.

Jiang Keqian thought for a moment before speaking: "That's because they don't know how wise and powerful your majesty is."

Zhu Yijun looked at Jiang Keqian and said meaningfully, "If I take power and don't give you the title of Earl of Yutian, I'm afraid you won't say this, and you might even come and strangle me."

After all, Jiang Keqian had been guarding the emperor for a long time and was very familiar with the emperor's character.

After hearing the emperor's shocking words, he did not panic and apologize, but said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, there is no one around at this time. As a relative of the emperor, I dare to comfort Your Majesty with a word."

"Your Majesty is a little depressed after being affected today."

"In fact, this matter may not be someone secretly plotting against Your Majesty. Even if someone plots against Your Majesty, there are still people like me whose lives and fortunes depend on Your Majesty. It is precisely because we are the majority that they can only crawl in the darkness."

"Your Majesty just mentioned me. Your Majesty should know how coldly I was looked down upon after my rank was demoted, and how proud I was after becoming your Majesty's close minister."

"Whether your majesty restores my title or not, I have received all the grace from the emperor. How could I resent your majesty?"

"Your Majesty, although it is true that human hearts are unpredictable, they still have a pure heart."

The emperor was obviously suspicious today and his actions were different from usual.

Whether it was when he met Empress Dowager Chen and Consort Li in the daytime and asked the guards and eunuchs to stay outside the door, or when he met with Xu Wenbi in private tonight, even Zhang Hong was not in the palace.

All of these show that the emperor is not at peace at all.

Because of this, Jiang Keqian rarely brought up his relative status and said a few words of comfort.

Zhu Yijun leaned back and slowly sat up.

He looked at Jiang Keqian quietly, then suddenly shook his head and laughed: "He is indeed a relative of ours. My cousin is right in teaching him a lesson."

"I was in a bad mood today, but after hearing what you said, I feel much better."

When Jiang Keqian saw the emperor making fun of their seniority, he was obviously in a better mood.

He couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief: "Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness."

Zhu Yijun rubbed his hands on his face and asked curiously, "It seems that Jiang Qing has read a lot of books in the past two years, and his speech and conversation have improved a lot."

"I remember when Li Ming, the Earl of Deping, passed away, even Zhang Hong, a eunuch, knew to say that he died, but you just said he was dead, which made me laugh for a long time."

Jiang Keqian showed a trace of embarrassment and explained, "In the past, the places where I hung out were no place for studying. In the past two years, I have served His Majesty and my status has risen. I have to take a look at the ways of the world."

"Furthermore, I have been compiling and collecting zither scores over the past two years, and have interacted with many literati and scholars, so I have been influenced by them."

He was a relative of the emperor who was demoted because of committing crimes. Few people were willing to associate with him, not to mention that his conversation was not polite.

But if you still don't have any knowledge or skills after serving the emperor, then it would be a waste of God's will.

Zhu Yijun nodded with satisfaction: "Remember to leave the manuscript to the National History Museum after you finish compiling the music score."

Jiang Keqian readily agreed.

Then he suddenly suggested, "Your Majesty, I recently collected a lost ancient guqin piece. The tune is gentle and delicate, and it has the effect of calming the mind. Would your majesty like to listen to it?"

Zhu Yijun nodded happily: "Uncle, quickly fetch the zither and wash my ears."

After a while.

The melodious sound of piano came from Wanshou Palace, as smooth as silk and the endless music was refreshing.

……

The first month of the year passed quietly, and it was the first day of February.

Lecturer Shen Li was granted sick leave, given travel expenses and ordered to leave by express.

Wang Jiaping was added as the Zuo Yude of Zuo Chunfang and Hanlin Editor, and was assigned to the Wenhua Palace.

He ordered Grand Secretary Gao Yi and Minister of Rites Ma Ziqiang to serve as examiners for the joint examination; he ordered Zuo Chunfang Zuo Zhongyun Fan Yingqi and You Chunfang You Zanshan Xu Guo to serve as examiners for the military examination.

On that day, the emperor and the two palaces conveyed instructions to the cabinet and the Ministry of Rites.

There is Li, who has a gentle and kind nature, is respectful and cautious, and was born in a beautiful and elegant manner. She served the emperor in his residence and rang her pendant without violating the etiquette. She was already well-known in Yanwan. She was given the title of Selected Attendant, granted an imperial decree, and moved to the Wanshou Palace.

The officials of the Ministry of Personnel and the Imperial Censorate sometimes made remonstrances on matters that were not in conformity with the ancestral system.

Within half a day, the emperor rejected it with his imperial edict, saying "I like it".

He also ordered the Ministry of Public Administration not to accept such memorials anymore.

On the same day, the Minister of Rites Ma Ziqiang, the Vice Minister of Personnel Wen Chun, the Minister of the Supreme Court Chen Dong and others petitioned the emperor to select a concubine for him.

Stay in the middle but not send out.

During the first watch of the night, there was a fire in the Qianqing Palace. Grand Secretaries Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi were on duty in the Cabinet at night.

The next day, all officials came to visit and express their condolences.

The Ministry of Rites reviewed the disaster that occurred in the three palaces in April of the 36th year of the Jiajing reign and requested that the aftermath be dealt with.

The emperor summoned officials from the Ministry of Rites and others to Huiji Gate.

The Imperial Household Department's Supervisor Zhang Hong and others conveyed the imperial edict, reported it to the suburban temples and the state, apologized for the mistakes and blamed themselves, and chose an auspicious day to send Duke Xu Wenbi, Marquis Guo Dacheng, Princess Consort Xu Congcheng, and Earl Wang Xueligong to take over the order of offering sacrifices to the gods. They issued a document for the trip, which would begin on the second day of February, and ordered all civil and military officials to reflect on themselves for seven days.

……

The third day of February.

A quarrel broke out in Chengguang Hall - rather than a quarrel, it was more like one side blaming the other and the other side accepting it calmly.

Zhu Yijun was supposed to sit behind the imperial desk and condescend to his subjects, but he stepped down halfway down the steps and stood in a position that was neither too high nor too low. Zhang Juzheng stood in the hall, with a respectful attitude, but his face was not good.

With a stiff tone, he replied to the emperor: "Your Majesty, since you are the Lord of Heaven, why do you have to act secretly? If you act secretly, why do you have to tell me again?"

Zhu Yijun accepted all the criticism from the Prime Minister and even performed half a disciple's ceremony to show that he was accepting the training.

"What you have taught me, sir, is that this is indeed a sneaky act."

"But I still told you, sir. Of course, it's because on June 18th of the sixth year of Longqing, I promised you that the monarch and his subjects would be honest with each other and work together to achieve prosperity."

"How can I break my promise just because I did something bad?"

Zhang Juzheng was still angry about the emperor burning down the Qianqing Palace.

Hearing this, he could not help but sneer at her: "You must keep your word and do what you say. You are such a mean person!"

"Only benevolence? Only righteousness? Only conscience?"

"Your Majesty, why don't you keep it a secret from me? That would be kind to me and better than leaving me in despair."

You must keep your word when you speak and achieve results when you do things. This attitude is just the behavior of a stubborn and mean person.

Rather than emphasizing superficial words and deeds, it is more important to consider the deeper moral cultivation of benevolence, righteousness, and conscience.

Zhang Juzheng was using the Analects to make fun of the emperor, and it was obvious that he was extremely dissatisfied with the emperor's actions - it was precisely because the emperor said to be honest and frank that he was arguing with the emperor in this way.

Zhu Yijun sighed.

Logically speaking, he shouldn't have told Zhang Juzheng.

But as he said, political mutual trust is a rare thing and should not be easily destroyed.

At the same time, based on his understanding of Zhang Juzheng, he was not afraid to let Zhang Juzheng know.

But what followed was naturally inevitable criticism and admonition.

At this point, Zhang Juzheng stopped retorting, and Zhu Yijun finally had a chance to explain the reason: "Sir, I am not acting this way because I am attached to the scenery of the Western Garden."

"I really had no choice but to do this for the whole story."

Zhu Yijun responded earnestly and explained patiently.

Then he told Zhang Juzheng the whole story about cinnabar from beginning to end.

Finally, he added: "The poison of cinnabar and mercury was passed down orally by my grandfather and me. It is definitely correct."

After saying this, Zhang Juzheng finally regained some composure.

However, his dissatisfaction with the emperor turned into lowering his head and frowning in thought.

After a long while, Zhang Juzheng raised his head and asked the emperor for some details.

The two talked again, and Zhang Juzheng finally understood why the emperor acted this way.

Previously, he came to Chengguang Hall to comfort the emperor about the fire in Qianqing Palace. Unexpectedly, the emperor said that it was his instigation that caused this incident, which made Zhang Juzheng shocked.

I thought the emperor did this just for the sake of the scenery of the Western Garden.

Now that I understand it, looking back on this matter, it is finally within the scope of human understanding.

However, Zhang Juzheng still had some reservations: "Even so, why don't you discuss this with me, Your Majesty?"

"If Your Majesty wants to conduct a thorough investigation, will we stop Him?"

Although there were reasons for this, Zhang Juzheng still felt uncomfortable with it.

The reason why those who scheme can only play tricks is because they have no power.

But the emperor holds the greatest power in the world, so why should he resort to conspiracy and end up in a disadvantageous position?

Isn't this a loss of dignity?

Zhu Yijun walked down the steps slowly, shook his head and said, "It is precisely because I do not want to carry out conspiracy that I have to resort to this last resort. Otherwise, I will replace the Wenhua Palace and the six ministries with cinnabar and see who makes any unusual moves."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng felt an inexplicable chill in his heart and didn't know how to react for a moment.

Isn't this the way King Sejong made elixirs and gave medicines to his subjects?
What exactly did the emperor's great grandfather pass down orally?
Zhu Yijun explained: "If I inform the outside court to discuss it together, I will be known as suspicious, but I am afraid that someone will flatter me and use this as an excuse to stir up a big case."

"The road that has lasted for a hundred years is over, and it is over. This is my magnanimity."

"But it would be fine if it only involved me. This time, my concubine and my mother almost suffered..."

"Sir, I am still frightened!"

Zhang Juzheng was silent for a long while, and finally heaved a sigh and said in relief: "I have served in the reigns of Jiajing, Longqing and Wanli, and there have been no less than ten fires in the palaces."

"In my humble opinion, it may not be done intentionally by someone with ulterior motives."

Take the fire in the 36th year of Jiajing as an example.

The three main halls were burned down at the same time, and it was because of this incident that the outer court was forced to borrow the Wenhua Hall of the Prince's Council of Ministers.

After that, the three main halls were rebuilt, and no one knew whether they would be moved back after they were completed. Wasn’t cinnabar also used to paint the walls at that time?

Zhang Juzheng glanced at the emperor with some concern.

Don't let this scare you into becoming a frightened bird, or else it will turn out badly.

Zhu Yijun nodded: "I know, it's just that a son of a rich family cannot sit in the hall."

"Since I have encountered it, I would rather believe it. Please take responsibility for the lives of my orphans and widows, sir."

Having said that, Zhang Juzheng couldn't take a scolding attitude anymore.

He had no choice but to bow to the emperor in response.

After a heart-to-heart talk, the two finally resolved their grudges and let the matter go.

After pacifying the Prime Minister, Zhu Yijun smiled and said casually, "When the teacher heard about this, he scolded the student."

"Then I chose Li Baiyang as my concubine without consulting the court. Why didn't you mention it?"

Zhang Juzheng glanced at the emperor and said, "The Empress is the mother of the world. She is a state matter first, and then a family matter. That is the room for discussion outside the court. The selection of concubines is your Majesty's family matter. The two palaces can decide on it."

At this point, Zhang Juzheng's tone suddenly became extremely complicated: "I have watched Your Majesty grow up since I came to Prince Yu's Mansion, and I can see that it is time for Your Majesty to open a harem."

"This is a sign of growing up. I am only happy for Your Majesty, but I don't feel any dissatisfaction at all."

To be presumptuous, when the emperor was in Prince Yu's Palace, Zhang Juzheng and Chen Yiqin taught the three or four-year-old Zhu Yijun, and spent much more time with the emperor than did Emperor Muzong.

After the emperor began his imperial lectures, Zhang Juzheng spent more time teaching personally than taking care of his own children.

Apart from being on duty in the government office, most of his time throughout the day was spent teaching the emperor.

Even when he returned home, he was writing textbooks for the emperor.

In the sixth year of Longqing's reign, when Zhu Yijun had just left home to study, Gao Gong was impeached by Cao Daye. As one of the supervisors of the prince's studies, Gao Gong was rarely seen in the daily lectures.

Why? Wasn't it because it was Zhang Juzheng who was concerned about the emperor's studies?
The effort put into it is truly beyond the knowledge of outsiders.

This was also the reason why he was so anxious when he heard that the emperor had done something bad.

With this mentality, when he heard that the emperor had chosen a concubine, he felt an inexplicable sense of relief and satisfaction, as if he had drunk a glass of good wine, with a mixture of feelings and a strong aftertaste.

As for dissatisfaction? When Li Chunfang wanted to send his granddaughter to the palace, it was Zhang Juzheng who persuaded the emperor to accept her.

As long as the emperor knows how to exercise restraint, everything will be fine.

Thinking of this, Zhang Juzheng suddenly felt a little uncomfortable again.

The external daily records need to be reviewed by the cabinet, and they can look at them if they want to, but the internal daily records are not something they can read casually.

We should find an opportunity to tactfully advise the emperor to exercise restraint, so that he will not be influenced by the temperament left by the previous emperor.

Zhu Yijun had no idea what strange thing Zhang Juzheng was thinking about.

He just smiled and let it go: "I will go with you to the noon court ceremony at the Imperial Gate later. I have something else to discuss with you."

Qi Jiguang has come back, so there is no need for me to be too enthusiastic. Instead, I should calmly arrange the important matters.

Zhang Juzheng looked towards the emperor.

Zhu Yijun pondered for a moment and said, "Sir, since the court has decided to use military force against the Duoyan Guards this year, Qi Jiguang is also waiting outside the Huangji Gate."

"Can we take this opportunity to...reinstate the officials who have been in mourning for more than 100 days and assign them to relevant tasks?"

Zhang Juzheng was startled, and immediately followed the emperor's train of thought: "No one can avoid the war?"

Zhu Yijun nodded and confirmed: "There is no escape from the golden sword."

When the mourning period came, officials had to retire and observe mourning for their parents. This was why Zhang Siwei returned to Shanxi.

But there are no exceptions.

For example, the emperor seizes love.

When Ma Ziqiang's mother passed away, he should have returned home to observe mourning. However, the emperor said that the country needed him and he should stay. So he tried to decline in every way, and only went home to observe mourning for 21 days before hurried back to Beijing.

But stealing someone's love is ultimately a special case, and the impact is not very good.

It is easier to become a moral loophole for the ministers - if the emperor takes your love, you will not observe filial piety? Haven't you read the petition? In the end, it is still unfilial.

So, just because no one is causing trouble for Ma Ziqiang doesn’t mean that he can take it lightly when someone else’s love is taken away from him.

Especially for some officials who have offended many people, seizing someone's love often causes a huge uproar.

But it doesn’t matter, there are special cases that are recognized within the Confucian moral values: do not avoid war and obey the law in the military.

In the Spring and Autumn Period, officials would join the army to fight during the mourning period.

This is obviously not in accordance with Zhou rituals.

Then Zixia asked Confucius, "During the three-year mourning period, there is no need to mourn for the death of the deceased, and there is no need to avoid the use of weapons and armor. Is this a ritual? Or was there a person in charge of this?"
After the 100-day memorial service, the state cannot refuse a call for conscription for war. Is this in accordance with Zhou rituals? Or is it simply a stopgap measure?
Confucius then said, “In the past, Duke Boqin of Lu did it for a purpose.”

There are precedents. For the sake of national affairs, compromises can be made. As long as it is not for personal gain such as personal future or official career, it is not considered a violation of etiquette.

This is what the Book of Rites says, and it is certainly very convincing: "There is an ancient precept that one should not shy away from the battle of armor and weapons, and one should respond to the call and follow the troops."

At this time, the mourning period does not need to be three years. It can be resumed after a hundred days of mourning.

This is called "no fear of war and no retreat from the army, and the military follows power."

Zhu Yijun looked at Zhang Juzheng and said bluntly: "I installed a warm house in your hometown last year, but your father unfortunately fell ill this year."

"Even though I sent an imperial physician to visit him, I still can't help but worry."

“Although it is said that a gentleman does not take away another’s relatives, you should not take away their relatives either.”

"But we always have to prepare for a rainy day."

He looked at Zhang Juzheng and said seriously, "Sir, you don't want me to lose you as my arm and bring the new policy to an abrupt end, do you?"

(End of this chapter)