Chapter 5: Wenhua Palace, Decline Again

"I wish Your Highness well." Gao Gong was at the head of both the civil and military classes.

"I am well." Zhu Yijun replied.

"Looking up at your majesty's face, we, the ministers, dare to make a report." Gao Gong said again.

"Report it." Zhu Yijun replied.

The cabinet, six ministries, nine officials, and censors bowed again.

"I hope that the light will continue to shine and will be in harmony with people's hearts for a long time."

"When we were the late emperor, Yao was benevolent and Shun was virtuous. He studied the six classics and handled all affairs, and he was always personally involved and never tired."

……

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, is extremely intelligent and has a kind and filial nature. You should send Zhen to be your house teacher. Gu is humble and modest."

……

"Your Highness, I sincerely wish that the sacred artifacts cannot be without a master, and the throne of heaven cannot be left vacant for long. I hope that Your Highness will allow the spirits of the nine temples to have a place to rest, and that the people of all directions will benefit endlessly."

Zhu Yijun had a blank expression on his face. In fact, he was already daydreaming and didn't hear anything at all.

To sum it up in his words, on the first day of June in the sixth year of Longqing, the second representative meeting of the election committee for the 13th new emperor of the Ming Dynasty was held in Wenhua Hall.

Representatives from all walks of life, led by Gao Gong, gave speeches quoting from classics and nominated Zhu Yijun to be the person in charge.

Zhu Yijun showed a bit of sadness after hearing this, and replied in a reciting tone: "You are all concerned about the country and your words are earnest. After hearing this, I am even more sad. How can I bear to take the throne so quickly? I will not grant your request."

This is hiding one's shortcomings. It's okay to be a little smart, but it's not good to appear too experienced. Reciting and reading in a memorized manner is most suitable for the character.

"Your Highness, please think twice!" Zhang Juzheng advised again.

"I've made up my mind!" Zhu Yijun said firmly.

"In this case, the country cannot be without a leader for a day. I still ask Your Highness to take over the government as the successor, put aside your grief and ascend the throne again." Gao Yi stepped out and responded.

"You can take charge of the government, and we can discuss the rest later!" Zhu Yijun gave in.

"We ask Your Highness to choose a day to move to the Qianqing Palace to take the main seat of the imperial city!" All the ministers bowed their heads.

"Okay! Let the Ministry of Rites discuss the date." Zhu Yijun agreed.

This was the process agreed upon by the Ministry of Rites. The emperor and his ministers only needed to memorize their lines, and the process went very smoothly.

Zhu Yijun had no intention of making big news at this time. The form of the ritual system was the content and also his foundation at this time. It could not be easily damaged before another foundation was established.

Every refusal has practical significance.

The last time he declined the throne at Huiji Gate, it was in full view of the public and in broad daylight, symbolizing the emperor's death and the appointment of a successor to the throne, and it carried the meaning of an announcement.

This time he declined the offer in the Wenhua Hall, the emperor sat in the side hall and all the officials bowed their heads. The procedure was used to confirm Zhu Yijun's authority and responsibilities in governing the country. At the same time, plans were made to move the dormitory to the Qianqing Palace. This can be said to be a clear distinction between the monarch and his ministers in the outer court, and between the upper and lower levels in the inner court.

By the next time, I can accept the advice and claim to be the only one who has nothing to do with it.

Zhu Yijun moved his stiff neck. He was still a child, and it was somewhat uncomfortable for him to sit still for a long time.

Fortunately, after a short conversation between the emperor and his ministers, the process was finally completed.

Afterwards, the military and civilian representatives who were there to make up the numbers, as well as officials whose ranks were not high enough, withdrew one after another, leaving only important officials such as the six ministries and nine ministers.

Zhu Yijun realized that it was time to start discussing matters.

It seems that there are many people who come to persuade the emperor to come, but of course not everyone is qualified to attend the meetings of the imperial center.

As the saying goes, hold small meetings for big things and hold big meetings for small things.

Zhu Yijun wanted to observe carefully, but two eunuchs brought a screen and placed it in front of the imperial desk, blocking the view from inside and outside, making it difficult for him to see clearly.

He shook his head helplessly. This is what is called listening to politics. You can listen but you can't interrupt.

He had just enjoyed the kowtow of all officials and the cheers of the emperor, but now he turned around and found that he was only qualified to attend the meeting but not to discuss matters. The gap was huge.

Feng Bao stood on the side of the screen, in a position that allowed communication between the inside and outside.

As the holder of the Imperial Household Department, he held a high position of power and authority, so naturally he was qualified to discuss matters in the court.

Zhu Yijun asked Feng Bao, "Oban, does Chang Chao have to be above the rank to attend the meeting?"

Feng Bao took two steps from the side of the screen and came closer: "Your Highness, there is no fixed number of officials who can attend the court. The cabinet is the leader. When there is something to discuss, the various ministries will come to discuss and handle it. The ministers and vice ministers can come directly. It is not determined by rank. When it comes to special matters, minor officials can occasionally attend the meeting."

Zhu Yijun understood and nodded.

He didn't know much about these things. If it weren't for the memory of his previous life, he would have thought that there were hundreds of people standing below and he was sitting on top shouting, telling them to report if there was anything to report and to dismiss if there was nothing to report.

Now it seems a bit like the way his team met in his previous life.

He looked at Feng Bao again. The eunuch looked respectful and did not show any resentment at all.

He suddenly grabbed Feng Bao's sleeve and said with a wronged look in his eyes, "Gao Gong is overbearing and domineering. I have no choice but to let you lose face. I am sorry for wronging you."

In politics, it’s not shameful to pretend to be young.

It is still necessary to appease Feng Bao. He should just fight with Gao Gong, but don't let himself get into trouble.

His predecessor was forced to kneel before the coffin and issued an edict of repentance, but it served as a warning to him.

Feng Bao can suffer a little, but Gao Gong should bear the hatred.

Feng Bao bowed his head deeply: "Your Highness, I am very sorry for this!"

There was a flash of sinisterness in his eyes.

Zhu Yijun whispered, "Don't worry, my dear friend. When I ascend the throne, I will definitely make Gao Gong suffer!"

After saying that, he waved his fist and snorted coldly.

Feng Bao raised his head, tears welling up in his eyes, "Your Highness..."

What an amazing crying scene! Zhu Yijun was deeply moved. If the handsome actors in his previous life were half as good as this, how could he not be able to watch the TV series?

The two men each had their own ulterior motives, and the meeting in the hall began in an orderly manner.

The Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Supreme Court looked at each other, and the former took out a memorial from his sleeve and stepped out, saying, "This is a case from Huguang."

"It is said that a eunuch who collected taxes on a mine tried to molest a woman and had his tongue bitten off. This case involves the inner court, so it is difficult for the Ministry of Justice to make a decision on its own."

He looked at the cabinet members, paused, and then looked at Feng Bao: "Senior cabinet members, Feng Dayong, the Ministry of Justice wants to hold a court trial? All parties should agree on a set of rules, and then we can submit a report to the palace."

Zhu Yijun almost coughed through the screen. Eunuch molesting women? What a joke? Did he hear it wrong?
He couldn't help but look at Feng Bao.

Feng Bao moved to the side of the screen and replied expressionlessly, "The Imperial Household Department has been informed of the specific case. The Ministry of Justice can handle it according to the law."

Gao Gong, who was standing below, also said immediately: "Deal with it according to the law and report the truth."

To deal with it according to the law means to treat the case as a eunuch molesting a woman. It is rare for the two to reach a consensus.

This made Zhu Yijun stunned. Didn’t the two of them think this was outrageous?

Mine tax eunuch...

Huguang area...

He suddenly reacted!
What kind of criminal case is this? This is clearly a case of burning the imperial envoy!

The eunuchs naturally did not go to collect taxes, but to inspect the taxes. To put it bluntly, they were imperial envoys in charge of checking the accounts of the central government.

But such an imperial inspector, a coward without balls, instead of checking the accounts properly when he arrived at the local place, he molested the women?

What a fool!

This is not a difficult case at all; it is a naked game between the local authorities and the central government. No wonder the Ministry of Justice did not dare to deal with it and brought it to the court for discussion.

Huguang reported the matter to the Ministry of Justice on the charge of eunuch molesting a woman. Didn't they know how ridiculous this was?

This is a show of confidence! Maybe it's even intentional!
It is simply outrageous to drive someone away for such a ridiculous reason.

What’s even more outrageous is that in the face of such provocation, the central government actually backed down without hesitation!

How deep is the water in Huguang’s mining courses?

It was a pity that he could not interrupt freely in the court, and was even worse than Feng Bao.

He could only intervene after the Ministry of Justice made a report and the Cabinet drafted its opinions and reported them to the two palaces.

The matter just passed by so lightly, seemingly insignificant. The Minister of Justice and the Supreme Court looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief. Then Zhang Juzheng took over the next topic.

"A few days ago, I petitioned the Empress and Imperial Noble Consort to ask the Crown Prince to attend court on the third, sixth, and ninth days of each month so as not to delay his studies. The rest of the time, he can continue his lectures as usual. I also petitioned to organize his schoolwork and add more classics to it. Both palaces agreed."

"Let all ministries and the Imperial Household Department know this."

After saying this, he stopped talking.

Zhu Yijun couldn't see clearly, so he kept leaning forward and looking at Zhang Juzheng through the screen.

His daily lectures now only take place in the morning and consist of recitations of the Four Books and Five Classics. They are indeed not too onerous, equivalent to half-day classes in modern times, and only one Chinese language class.

But judging from Zhang Juzheng's intention, he was going to be given more burdens.

Great, he is really a good teacher. Are you worried that his studies are not enough and he has too much free time to focus on government affairs?

He had more or less expected this, and he had considered this aspect when he pestered Gao Yi in front of the palace just now. After all, he knew that Zhang Juzheng was a notoriously harsh imperial tutor in history.

Grohe is different. He is a nice guy with little presence. Now he has to pull Grohe out and put him in the middle. It is necessary to give him some time to breathe.

The most important reason is that, compared with Gao Gong and Feng Bao, he does not dare to play against Zhang Juzheng, who is known for his extraordinary wisdom.

What Zhang Juzheng said did not cause any waves among the ministers.

The Ming Dynasty was not like the Han and Northern Song Dynasties. The major Confucian classics factions were keen on competing for the right to speak among the literati, but had little interest in the competition for the emperor's right to education.

Is the emperor's academic workload important? None of my business.

Gao Yi saw that the matter was revealed and followed suit.

"Wang Chonggu, the Right Censor-in-Chief and Minister of War, has been sent to be the Military Governor of Xuanda. I have a memorial to present. Please discuss it together."

Zhu Yijun asked Feng Bao in confusion from behind the screen: "Big Companion, are these three people or just one? If it's just one person, how can he hold so many important positions?"

He was confused by the long list of official titles.

Ask questions when you have them. This is a good habit and the meaning of listening to government affairs.

Feng Bao lowered his head and said, "Your Highness, this is the official system of our dynasty. The latter governor is a dispatched official, only temporary, meaning he is in charge of the military affairs of Xuanfu and Datong. He is in a high position and has great power, so he can only be appointed temporarily."

Zhu Yijun nodded, meaning that in order to prevent it from becoming too powerful, the position could be abolished at any time.

Feng Bao continued, "The former is an official position, not a real one, but is used to clarify status and treatment. The Right Censor-in-Chief recommends that Governor Wang has the power to report rumors and events directly to the emperor, and the Minister of War recommends that Governor Wang has the power to mobilize troops."

Zhu Yijun understood what he meant.

But having said that, Wang Chonggu is truly a provincial governor.

Gao Yi continued, "Governor Wang said that the Tatars learned of the death of the previous emperor and have been wandering around the border, making extortion attempts many times. I'm afraid there will be trouble. Please ask the central government to make a decision."

"At the same time, he requested the allocation of silver to repair the autumn defenses in case of any emergency."

As soon as Gao Yi finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment.

Chief Censor Ge Shouli was surprised and said, "Isn't this a mature and prudent statement? It should be approved naturally. Why do we need to bring it to the regular court for discussion?"

Gao Gong suddenly turned his head and looked at the Minister of War Yang Bo: "Minister Yang, do you think so too? Is this the result of your Ministry of War's discussion?"

Ge Shouli was suddenly startled, and realizing that the atmosphere was not right, he immediately shut up.

Yang Bo was called by Gao Gong and remained silent for a moment.

He said in a hoarse voice: "I really don't know about this matter. Let me go back and discuss it, and then submit it to the cabinet."

Gao Gong snorted coldly, looking displeased.

Zhu Yijun was not in a hurry to ask, "Big friend, what's the matter?"

Feng Bao smiled and said, "Your Highness, I am an incompetent servant. I don't understand the important affairs of the country, and I dare not talk nonsense."

Zhu Yijun withdrew his inquiring gaze and sneered in his heart, this old guy is not giving face now and pretending to be stupid, you will cry later.

He collected his thoughts and pondered quietly.

Just now, he felt like the Chief Censor that this was a statement of statecraft and there was nothing wrong with it. But looking at Gao Gong's reaction, it was obvious that there was something fishy going on.

What's wrong with that?

and many more!

He almost forgot that this is the Ming Dynasty, not the information age!

How many days had it been since the previous emperor passed away? Five days!

How did the Tatars know so quickly? And how did they blackmail us so many times? The memorial has even been submitted to the emperor!

What Tatar extortion? I'm afraid it's the extortion of the central government by the Governor of Xuanda!
Suddenly, a word came to my mind: to use the enemy to protect myself.

No wonder, no wonder all the civil and military officials in the court were hesitant, no wonder Gao Gong suddenly turned against him.

So, what does this have to do with the Minister of War Yang Bo?
Wang Chonggu, Yang Bo... Zhu Yijun pondered these two names in his heart.

He looked at Feng Bao and asked, "Daban, where is Wang Chonggu's hometown?"

A flash of surprise passed through Feng Bao's eyes, but quickly disappeared.

He answered softly, "Puzhou, Shanxi."

"Where is Yang Bo, the Minister of War?"

Feng Bao's expression did not change this time, and he replied, "Puzhou, Shanxi."

Zhu Yijun understood instantly.

Jin Party!

It’s you!

He didn't have a deep impression of these people's names, but when he mentioned the Jin Party, he immediately remembered them. They were really familiar to him.

The backstage behind Shanxi merchants’ sweeping success across the country.

Xuanda’s almost separatist reliance.

The party that supports the Qing Dynasty.

It was the first day of court viewing and it was a great gift.

No, it's more than that.

Zhu Yijun suddenly reacted.

It seems that today, all of them are greeting gifts.

The tax resistance in Huguang was a display of muscle by the local tyrants and a test and warning to the central financial power.

The extortion by the Jin Party was a threat and mockery to the central military authority as the Xuanda Army was keeping the enemy at bay for its own benefit.

Even Zhang Juzheng's increase in his coursework was a form of control and restriction by the cabinet.

Is this his first lesson in observing the court?
Who teaches him?
But he couldn't have an attack yet.

It would have been fine if his predecessor didn't have this ability, but now that it's his turn, even if he has a lot of ideas, he can only take it step by step.

Why? He doesn't dare!
Being the emperor of the Ming Dynasty was a high-risk job.

Imperial physician Liu Wentai cured two emperors, Xianzong and Xiaozong, and returned home in glory.

Wuzong and Xizong fell into the water while rowing their boats at the same time. After long-term treatment, they failed to recover and eventually passed away.

Emperor Jiajing was nearly strangled to death by a palace maid. During his southern tour, the palace caught fire three times. If Lu Bing had not carried the people out, they would have been roasted to death.

Who can guarantee that there is no trick?

As for whether it is his conspiracy theory?
After the death of Emperor Guangxu, the history books had complete medical records and it was confirmed that he died of illness. However, in modern times, when the coffin was opened and the autopsy was performed, arsenic residues were found on his hair, which proved that he had been poisoned to death!

Of course, when doing research, one should presume innocence, but now that he is in the middle of a situation, he can only believe it and be cautious.

So how should he take on today's lesson?
Note 1: Xuanfu requested to exempt Henan's spring and autumn troops from defending Xuanfu for three years, but still deduct more than taels per year, and this town will be used for repair work. ——"Records of Emperor Shenzong of Ming Dynasty"

Note 2: During the Longqing reign, the eunuchs only inspected the mines but did not collect taxes. It was not until the th year of the Wanli reign that the mines tax was collected, which also triggered the Huguang mine tax case that shocked the court and the public at that time.

Note 3: (Eunuchs) are in charge of military supervision, procurement, grain tax, mining, etc., and those who are not permanent are too numerous to list. - "Da Ming Hui Dian"

(End of this chapter)