Chapter 36: Persuading and half-hearted

Lu Diaoyang stood there, speechless for a moment.

He didn't know whether the emperor had a sudden inspiration or was testing him intentionally.

Seeing the emperor looking at him, he could only evade the question by saying, "The censor has heard something, but I am not a censor. I dare not comment on anything that has not been discussed in detail by the court."

There was no other way around it, as he was going to impeach Gao Gong later.

Now that the emperor has asked, no matter how he expresses himself, it will be inappropriate.

However, Zhu Yijun insisted that he speak up.

He said very insistently: "There is no need to discuss it in detail. I just want to ask Mr. Lu's opinion."

"Didn't you just tell me that this was against our ancestral rules?"

Lü Diaoyang had no choice but to be ambiguous when he saw that he could not escape. "The censors impeached him for a reason. Feng Dayong's job is indeed not in accordance with the ancestral system."

"However...Meng Chong died suddenly, so it is not a bad idea to deal with it temporarily."

"Ultimately, it all depends on the wishes of His Majesty and the Queen Mother."

Zhu Yijun laughed and shook his head, showing classic enthusiasm and politeness, but without any opinion.

He quietly put out the bait and said, "What do you think of what Mr. Lu just said, that the Prime Minister also holds the position of the Ministry of Personnel?"

Lu Diaoyang was stunned.

He just mentioned it casually just now, but the emperor actually heard it.

But he was not so single as to gossip behind people's backs.

Unsure of the emperor's attitude, he had to test it carefully.

He looked at the emperor from time to time and said cautiously: "The Prime Minister is highly respected and is the choice of the people..."

Zhu Yijun interrupted him: "Mr. Lu, although I am young, I also know the relationship between the ruler and the subject. How can you bear to answer me with false words?"

Unfortunately, just because this approach works for someone like Gao Yi, it doesn’t mean that all court officials will buy into it.

Lu Diaoyang was born into a family of law-abiding officials, so his magic resistance is quite high.

He sorted out his thoughts and said, "Your Majesty, this is not a vain response."

"Yuan Fu is different from Feng Bao."

"The appointment of Minister of Personnel was a necessity of the government at that time and was decided by the late emperor as a temporary measure."

"After that, Yuanfu petitioned many times to be dismissed from the post of selection official, but the late emperor refused because there was no one else to replace him. It was not that Yuanfu was reluctant to leave."

His words were full of defense, but he was actually hinting that this was indeed a temporary measure at the time and it was something he had to do.

If the new emperor feels that there is a suitable candidate to take over, then the ancestral system can also be used as an excuse.

This is the temptation.

Zhu Yijun understood what he said, but he beat around the bush: "I see... Then what did Mr. Lu say just now, that the Prime Minister was impeached, why was that?"

If Gao Gong had no intention of being attached to the emperor, how could he have been impeached?
Lu Diaoyang explained calmly, "Your Majesty, it was Cao Daye, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, who was just speaking nonsense!"

Zhu Yijun signaled him to explain in detail with his eyes.

Lü Diaoyang recalled, "On the 10th day of the third month of this year, Cao Daye impeached Yuan Fu for ten crimes."

"They say the prime minister is a clique, corrupt, obstructs speech, and appoints people based on personal connections."

"It said that the Yuanfu 'promoted, demoted, dismissed, or retained officials as he pleased' and wanted to impeach the Yuanfu from his position as the Minister of Personnel."

Zhu Yijun asked curiously, "Is this really nonsense?"

Lu Diaoyang secretly glanced at the emperor.

He carefully selected a few of the ten charges, which was naturally intentional.

At present, all the censors gathered under Gao Gong's door, and his old friends and students all held important positions. It just so happened that Feng Bao said that Gao Gong was forming a clique at this time.

If the emperor compared these charges with the current situation, he would have become suspicious of Gao Gong.

If he had any dislike for Gao Gong, he would be able to see it from his expression.

Only then can we consider whether to further influence the emperor.

Unfortunately, there was no sign of suspicion or disgust on the emperor's face.

I'm afraid the new emperor has a good impression of Gao Gong.

Now it is even more difficult for him to target directly.

Lu Diaoyang nodded affirmatively: "It was the late emperor who personally approved the nonsense, saying that it was all untrue!"

"For example, it is said that the Prime Minister embezzled hundreds of thousands of gold, but as for the whereabouts of the silver, it can only be said that it was stolen by bandits."

"He also said that all the officials of the Ministry of Personnel were the confidants of the prime minister. The late emperor asked him, 'Aren't you a censor?' He hesitated and was unable to speak."

"As for the claim that the Prime Minister cultivated his cronies and promoted his followers, including his students Song Zhihan and Han Ji, the late emperor bluntly said that he was making random inferences."

"It is also said that Zhang Siwei's attendant officer bribed the prime minister to squeeze out Wang Xijue. The late emperor himself said that Zhang Siwei was well-educated and it was his instruction."

"All these things show that it is false."

Zhu Yijun listened casually.

He could see that Lu Diaoyang was deliberately trying to be pretentious.

After all, Song Zhihan, Han Ji and others were said to be forming a clique. If they were ordinary people, they would inevitably be suspicious.

These impeachments are true and false.

Don't even bother listening to this nonsense about hundreds of thousands of gold.

But the fact that all the censors are trusted officials... is very obvious now.

As for the matter of Zhang Siwei, he knew that Wang Xijue was sent to Nanzhili because he was not convinced about this matter and refused to make room for Zhang Siwei.

But this is not the time to discern these things.

He knew what Lu Diaoyang was thinking.

What Lu Diaoyang probably wanted was to muddy the waters and save Feng Bao.

But this was not the ending Zhu Yijun wanted.

He suddenly sighed: "I thought my great companion was a eunuch, and was hostile to the censors, so there was this impeachment."

"I didn't expect that even the Prime Minister had suffered this injustice."

"I suddenly understand what Elder Zhang meant by what he said that day."

Lü Diaoyang looked at the emperor in confusion: "Lord Zhang?"

But he sighed in his heart.

What did Zhang Juzheng say to the emperor without even informing him?

Now I feel unsure and passive.

Although spying on the emperor's ears is against the code of conduct for an official, it is better to make some adjustments in case of major emergencies.

How could I not say a word about myself?

Inexplicably, he recalled the day on June 6 when he advised Gao Yi to ascend the throne. He advised Gao Yi not to write a sacrificial text that was too obscure so that the emperor would not be unable to understand it, but this made Zhang and Gao shake their heads and laugh.

I didn't understand it at first, but now that I hear the emperor's progress is advancing by leaps and bounds, I realize that the degree of understanding of the emperor is really different with or without entering the cabinet.

One step is a chasm.

Zhu Yijun did not keep the secret and continued to make up stories to deceive Lu Diaoyang, saying: "At that time, Zhang Gelao and I discussed the performance evaluation method."

"On the issue of power and responsibility being in harmony, it was once said that if a ruler cannot make his subjects' power and responsibility in harmony, at best corruption will become rampant, and at worst the government will be in chaos."

"The elder said that if Feng Bao was not indispensable, it would be a huge hidden danger for him to hold the seal and the factory supervisor at the same time."

"I didn't understand it at the time, but now after listening to Minister Lu's words, I finally understand the truth."

"It is my fault that both Prime Minister and Otomo have been attacked in this way."

Lu Diaoyang's breathing slowed down, fearing that the emperor would delve into what Feng Bao meant by being indispensable.

Fortunately, the emperor was young and not very suspicious.

This made him breathe a sigh of relief.

Lu Diaoyang now believes that Zhang Juzheng and the emperor have reached a consensus on this matter.

In other words, the emperor's attitude towards the new law was already very clear.

What Zhang Juzheng said made sense. If Feng Bao was not needed, Lu Diaoyang would not have sat idly by and watched him hold the dual positions of seal holder and commander-in-chief of the East Factory.

But it is indispensable.

Supporting the new law necessarily requires the new party to be in power.

This could not have been possible without the support of Empress Dowager Li and the Imperial Household Department.

Zhu Yijun turned sideways and looked at Lu Diaoyang: "Mr. Lu, I just listened to your advice and I also think that Feng Daban should be dismissed from his position as the supervisor of the East Factory!"

Lu Diaoyang's heart skipped a beat!
bad thing!

Even though the young emperor doesn't care about things, if he really spreads this word, Feng Bao might not be able to save the East Factory, let alone the Imperial Household Department.

Now he wished he could go back to the court immediately, throw out the memorial impeaching Gao Gong, and tie Gao Gong and Feng Bao together to the rope of maintaining the stability of the court!
Don’t wait until Lord Zhang comes back from inspecting the mausoleum to find that Gao Gong is still the Prime Minister and Feng Bao has been driven away!

He quickly advised, "Your Majesty, be careful! For a position of internal and external confidentiality, you may wish to consult the Regent."

I'm just saying, you're young, don't mess around.

This was exactly the reaction Zhu Yijun wanted.

He still looked like he was willing to follow advice: "Mr. Lu, you are worrying too much. I am young and don't know much about government affairs. Naturally, I have to listen to my mother."

"But the reasons for your memorials are reasonable. I think that the Queen Mother will most likely accept the advice of your experienced ministers."

"I will only advise mother to make a decision early to prevent unrest in the court."

Lu Diaoyang took a deep breath to prevent himself from fainting.

He was still waiting for tomorrow's court meeting to help Feng Bao again.

The emperor's move was obviously intended to make Empress Dowager Li make a decision today.

If the New Party had not intervened, Empress Dowager Li might have been forced to compromise under pressure.

Lu Diaoyang stood still and stopped moving forward: "Since Your Majesty has understood, you can just talk to the Queen Mother. I don't need to go."

He must go back to the court to discuss the matter! Impeach Gao Gong immediately! Otherwise it will be too late!

Only by muddying the waters can Feng Bao keep his position in the East Factory.

If Feng Bao was really demoted... Lu Diaoyang felt bitter when he thought that Feng Bao might vent his anger on him.

Unexpectedly, he was about to move away.

Zhu Yijun grabbed his wrist and said, "No matter what, I will not let Lu Diaoyang go back today. He smiled and said, "Mr. Lu, you don't have to be polite to me. I still have something to ask you. Let's talk while we walk."

While holding Lü Diaoyang's wrist, he added: "It's not just Feng Bao, the position of Yuan Fu in the Ministry of Personnel should also be abolished!"

"Since you have made such a suggestion, how about you, reluctantly, build a ladder for me?"

Lu Diaoyang was startled, and the steps he had taken were pulled back, and even his mind was seduced back.

He said with undisguised surprise: "Your Majesty wants me to impeach the Prime Minister!?"

Isn't this... exactly what he wanted! ?
It was really ridiculous that the young emperor, who was ignorant of state affairs, took it for granted that he would strip both the ministers of state and the prime minister at the same time.

If the ancestral system shakes the status of the internal and external ministers at the same time, then there is something wrong with the ancestral system.

Instead, it will only allow both of them to land safely.

Zhu Yijun looked at Lu Diaoyang calmly and said, "Mr. Lu, I am not offending Yuan Fu and Da Ban. On the contrary, I am doing it for their own good."

"I didn't let the great companion and the prime minister have equal power and responsibility, and was forced to shoulder the burden. It's my fault."

"Just because my father and mother ordered me to take on two positions, I have to endure these groundless slanders. How can I bear it?"

"Now that the court is full of officials, we should follow the laws of our ancestors, clearly distinguish between the two, and each perform their duties, so as to preserve our good reputation."

"It's OK if Otomo is a eunuch, but Yuanfu is my father's teacher, he is highly respected and has devoted himself to the country for many years. He is almost at the age of retirement, so we also need to consider Yuanfu's reputation in history."

He lured Lu Diaoyang into the trap step by step.

The New Party was going to backstab and impeach in the first place, so there was no need for him to persuade them.

The key point is, do you, Lu Diaoyang, want to reach a tacit understanding with me regarding this impeachment?
If you are willing, then I will ask you to work with me to demote Feng Bao from his post first, and then wait a while before impeaching Gao Gong. Do you dare to disobey my orders?
If you don't want to... I discussed it with you and you didn't agree, and if you say something nonsense again when I go to my mother, I will shout you a traitor in the Qianqing Palace.

To put it bluntly, it means shutting him up. Either he doesn't say anything, or he just says whatever I tell him to say.

Lu Diaoyang didn't know what the emperor was thinking.

It was just that he suddenly remembered why Zhang Juzheng told him some time ago that it was better to transition slowly and not to be too radical - the letter from the palace said that Empress Dowager Li was going to let Gao Gong retire with dignity.

All along, the news Feng Bao had given was that Empress Dowager Li hated Gao Gong deeply and would depose him once she became regent.

But she behaved out of character a few days ago, which left Lu Diaoyang confused. He could only attribute it to women's fickleness.

Now he finally had the answer.

The new emperor was so grateful for Gao Gong's contribution, and the mother and son were connected by heart. It was normal that Concubine Li did not want to make things too embarrassing and make her son feel resentful.

Based on this incident, he was also certain that the emperor really wanted Gao Gong's good, so he asked him to impeach him and remove Gao Gong from his position in the Ministry of Personnel.

but.

The historical reputation...

Lu Diaoyang was really impressed that the king would consider his ministers to this extent.

Zhang Cong and Emperor Shizong were considered to be a harmonious relationship between monarch and subject.

When Zhang Cong fell ill, Emperor Shenzong personally prepared medicine for him. After he retired, Emperor Shenzong sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard to visit him many times to ask about his well-being and prevent anyone from retaliating. He also issued edicts several times to summon Zhang Cong to Beijing to resume his post to strengthen his reputation.

Even so, Zhang Cong still took a lot of blame for Emperor Shenzong.

Sejong never considered this person's reputation in history.

On the contrary, is it possible that the new emperor is so kind and benevolent?

Gao Gong was only benefiting from the favor of the previous emperor, and yet he was treated so well.

He didn't even dare to imagine what kind of glory Gao Yi would have in the future.

It would be a lie to say that he was not envious. Lu Diaoyang really felt very uncomfortable.

However, having said this, he finally understood the emperor's position and thoughts.

It also confirmed that the emperor's decision to ask him to impeach Gao Gong was neither a childish amusement nor a malicious test.

This time, Lü Diaoyang replied with a tone of admiration: "Your Majesty is kind and virtuous. It is a blessing for us ministers."

"How dare I refuse your Majesty's kindness?"

"I will impeach the Prime Minister in front of the Queen Mother later, and complete the friendship between the monarch and his subjects for Your Majesty!"

Naturally, he wanted to go with the flow.

This was going to be done anyway, and now it can be done even better under the banner of the little emperor.

Although it is not in accordance with etiquette to impeach without the cabinet, he is the chief minister after all, so it is understandable to avoid suspicion.

Zhu Yijun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Lu Diaoyang was finally lifted up by him.

He couldn't help but grin: "Don't worry, Lu Qing!"

Well, now this matter is not a tacit understanding within your new party, but a tacit understanding between you and me.

Of course, I have the final say on time!
The psychological burden of not agreeing and regretting after agreeing is completely different.

Seeing Lu Diaoyang looking at him with doubt.

He then explained considerately: "How can we impeach both the internal and external ministers at the same time? This will easily cause unrest in the country. Naturally, we should wait until Feng Daban is dismissed before doing so."

"Come with me to see the Queen Mother, and I will just explain the established rules of the dynasty."

"As for impeaching the Prime Minister, we will do it after the matter of Feng Daban is settled."

Lu Diaoyang's eyelids twitched.

I began to react and wondered if I had been tricked.

Lu Diaoyang began to panic: "Your Majesty, I..."

Zhu Yijun's face suddenly turned cold.

He raised his hand to interrupt Lu Diaoyang: "Mr. Lu, I know you are the Minister of Rites. You have the rules of etiquette in your heart and you want to be united in your knowledge and actions."

"I have listened to your advice and am going to remove the redundant positions of Otomo and Prime Minister."

"Does Lord Lu have to rush into this and cause unrest in the government?"

Lu Diaoyang's body froze as he was kneeling down.

What do you mean by listening to my advice!

Now, not only is the person being framed, but he is also being blamed.

The terrible thing is that he just agreed to the emperor's request in person.

Should I turn around and deny my promise, leaving the young emperor with the impression that I am deceiving him?
That's fine, at worst I'll just have to sacrifice my life.

The issue is……

The emperor seemed to highly support the new law and had an inexplicable tacit understanding with Zhang Juzheng.

What if he messes this up and makes the emperor hostile to the new law?
An emperor who opposed the new laws?

However, he did not dare to watch Feng Bao being demoted.

This is not a question of whether it is cost-effective or not.

It can't really be said that it was a loss for Feng Bao to exchange his East Factory for Gao Gong's position in the Ministry of Personnel.

The problem is, this is just a generous gesture!
What would Feng Bao think then? Would he vent his anger on Lü Diaoyang or even the New Deal?

He had no good feelings towards eunuchs and even thought that the emperor's considerations were correct.

If it were an ordinary time, he would agree, but now... the overall situation is more important.

Feng Bao’s matter was small, but the new law was related to the overall situation. He was afraid that the new law would be ruined!

Now, we are in a dilemma and are in a difficult situation!

Zhu Yijun turned on the X-ray vision and understood Lu Diaoyang's concerns.

Continue to increase efforts to free Lu Diaoyang.

He said inconspicuously: "I know that Yuan Fu is highly respected. Even if it is for his own good, he must be unhappy if Lu Qing impeaches him."

"But... I will never forget what Lord Lu did. If Lord Lu asks me for anything in the future, I will treat it just like I supported Lord Zhang and the Performance Evaluation Law."

Don’t worry about Feng Bao, look at me.

Certified by Zhang Juzheng, supporting the new law, and being benevolent, righteous and virtuous.

Besides, Feng Bao might at most resent you for your incompetence, but that's just a possibility.

Maybe Feng Bao thought that he had the Empress Dowager's protection and that the Eastern Depot was in control, so he didn't take it seriously at all?

But if you don't obey and are bent on muddying the waters, how will I, who just opened my heart to you, think? How can I support the new law in the future?

Furthermore, wouldn’t it be in the interests of the New Party to weaken Gao Gong and Feng Bao at the same time?

Lu Diaoyang just found it irritating - he would never forget what Lu Qing had done.

He was already hesitant, and now he was even more indecisive.

Now he had to weigh the attitudes of Feng Bao and the emperor.

After thinking about it carefully, I suddenly realized that it might be possible.

The emperor's support is of great importance...

As for Feng Bao, Lu Diaoyang did not add insult to injury. Anyone with a discerning eye knew that it was Gao Gong's people who impeached him.

Although he did not provide timely assistance, it could only be said that the incident happened suddenly, and Feng Bao could not really blame him.

Besides, if we could make some remedial measures at that time, it might be possible to appease Feng Bao.

The important thing is, if he disregards the tacit understanding just now and stirs up troubled waters, he will definitely offend the emperor... and he won't be allowed to leave!
Thinking of this, Lu Diaoyang finally realized that he was in a difficult situation and had missed the opportunity to help Feng Bao.

He nodded weakly: "Your Majesty has ordered me to do this. How dare I disobey? This is also for the sake of Yuan Fu's reputation after his death. How can I make it difficult?"

Zhu Yijun finally relaxed. He had finally subdued Lu Diaoyang and no longer had to worry about him talking nonsense in front of Empress Dowager Li.

If Lu Diaoyang wanted to practice Tai Chi with him and insisted on having Feng Bao support him, then Zhu Xixiao would have to accompany him alone.

Fortunately, if you can figure it out, both of you will look better.

He quickly and warmly grabbed Lu Diaoyang's arm.

He said enthusiastically: "Lv Qing is indeed a loyal minister. In the future, I will have to rely on Lu Qing to govern the country."

"More than a prime minister, if the Ming Dynasty can really prosper again, I may be able to build a Lingyan Pavilion again to complete the reputation of all the ministers after their death!"

Zhu Yijun walked in front, holding Lu Diaoyang's arm, almost dragging him along.

As soon as these words were spoken, it was clear that the old minister behind him stepped a lot faster.

She even grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly on his arm.

Tsk, people are always busy with things.

　Note 1: Cao Daye, the Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue, discussed the ten great disloyalties of Grand Secretary Gao Gong... Since Gao Gong was reinstated, he has been seeking revenge. In the past, twenty or thirty people, such as Cen Yongbin, who spoke out against Gao Gong's crimes, were demoted, and all the good people in the court were wiped out. The third disloyalty... Since Gao Gong took charge of the Ministry of Personnel, those he promoted without prior notice were all his relatives, fellow villagers, students, and old friends. For example, Deputy Envoy Cao Jin, whose sons and daughters were relatives, had no talent, but he was promoted to the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Secretary Han Ji, his beloved student, was promoted to the position of Right Tongzheng not long after he started his career. Others he promoted whoever he liked were too numerous to mention. The fourth disloyalty... The officials of the Ministry of Personnel are the eyes and ears of Your Majesty, and the ministers dare not commit evil because of this. Gao Gong wanted to block the way for people to speak out and let them do whatever they wanted. Therefore, whenever he selected officials of the Ministry of Personnel, he would first warn them in the Ministry not to speak out about the ministers' mistakes. This is the fifth disloyalty. Nowadays, most of the officials in the Ministry of Personnel are loyal to Gong. Whenever Your Majesty has the slightest intention to employ him, they will submit a memorial to the emperor. As for Gong’s crimes, they are all kept secret. Therefore, everyone knows Gong, but does not know Your Majesty. This is the sixth disloyalty of forming a party. In the past, Yan Song was only the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, and he never held the power of the Ministry of Personnel. Now Gong has been in charge of the Ministry of Personnel for a long time and is unwilling to resign. Therefore, he has the power to appoint and dismiss officials, and he can promote, demote, and retain officials as he pleases. He does not care about the criticism of the governors outside the court, and he does not care about the public opinion in the court. Therefore, his power is greater than Song; and he recruits bad people and excludes good people, which is even worse than Song. This is the seventh disloyalty of his monopolization of power. The following is omitted...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)