Chapter 54: The Emperor and His Ministers Meet, Deeply Concerned

Beijing, October 28th, early morning.

He went to the Huangji Gate and issued the Datong calendar for the first year of the Wanli reign.

When he had already offered sacrifices in the Taimiao, as the spirit tablet of Emperor Zhuang was still on the table, the emperor wore his usual clothes and made a sacrifice, inviting the holy spirit to the temple for sacrifices.

……

After Zhu Yijun offered sacrifices to the Taimiao, he did not return to the palace immediately.

Instead, he came to the Zhenwu Temple, which was built next to the Taimiao.

Accompanied by the Taichang Temple, Zhu Yijun offered sacrifices to the Zhenwu Emperor.

He then cordially received the three Taoist temple masters.

The three masters are not all from Zhenwu Temple.

They were Taoist leaders selected by Taoist temples such as Dongyue Emperor Temple, Duchenghuang Temple, and Sanqing Temple to accompany the emperor.

Although they all have extraordinary cultivation, they all look worried at this moment.

Seeing that the three of them were not very cooperative, Zhu Yijun could not help but frown: "Three high-ranking officials, please do not deceive me. I have already found out the truth."

"You are more than just the incense money."

"In the eight prefectures and two states of Northern Zhili, you all have lending businesses, and some Taoist temples have even been lent to Hebei!"

"Why won't you lend me some money? Can't I do business?"

Seeing the emperor's sullen face, the three Taoist leaders felt a little embarrassed.

One of the Taoist priests, Yuan Shen, smiled bitterly and said, "Your Majesty, although the three of us have been chosen to be the leaders, we are not as strict as Your Majesty in following your words."

"There are nearly a hundred temples of all sizes in the capital, and we can't control them all."

"Your Majesty... it is not a small amount after all."

Although they make excuses like this, everyone knows the reason.

The common people did not have to worry about not being able to repay the loan after borrowing high-interest loans. Even the worst loans could be taken over as tenants.

What if you, the emperor, come to borrow money and don't pay it back? You can't just start a White Lotus Sect or a Five Pecks of Rice Sect and use violence to collect the debt, right?

It would be fine if he asked for little, but he asked for so much right away, who could agree?

Zhu Yijun was not an unreasonable person.

He explained: "That's not the way it is. Three great meritorious men, the royal family exempted you from taxes on the fertile land, but it was because of you three."

"How come you can have a say when it's beneficial, but can't make the decision when it comes to helping your king and father solve a problem?"

Taoism has always been an extension of imperial power.

It can be said that Taoism is the most obedient among these religions.

The share of money that should be paid is generally in full.

Even when lending money to others, they are much more restrained than the bald men.

But naturally, he would also put a lot of money into his own pocket.

Zhu Yijun was short of money at this time, and had been hoping to get some goods from Feng Bao by confiscating his property.

In the previous life, he was able to make more than one million taels. He died early in this life, so I can give him a discount. Two hundred thousand taels shouldn't be too much, right?
As a result, Shuntian Prefecture was so greedy that it only reported 20,000 taels to deal with the matter.

It was only because he got so angry and was ready to send out the Embroidered Uniform Guard that the Cabinet was forced to pressure Shuntian Prefecture to pay up 40,000 taels.

Of course only cash.

As for the antiques, calligraphy and paintings? They look like they are from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, but they are actually from last week.

There is nothing we can do about it.

In history, Emperor Qianlong ordered Chen Huizu to search his property, but Chen Huizu pocketed three million for himself and only gave one million to the court.

Even more outrageous was Wei Zhongxian. Given his status and position, several thousand taels of silver were seized from his property. If you didn't know him, you would think he was an honest official.

Everyone knows what's going on, but it's difficult to put it into practice.

As a result, His Majesty the Emperor had to keep it in mind and prepare to settle the score later.

Since the money was not collected enough, he could only beg for money from others.

Well, today is the day to offer sacrifices to the Taimiao, so I plan to get some from the Taoists.

After hearing what the emperor said, Yuan Shen Dao Ren looked even more embarrassed: "Your Majesty, we can figure it out, but the number Your Majesty has given is really too difficult."

He asked for one million taels right away. Could it be that there is a silver mine under the Taoist temple?
Zhu Yijun understood very well and followed suit: "Then what's the number, Master?"

In name it's always a loan, so it's okay to be thick-skinned.

Taoist Yuan Shen apologized and took the other two Taoist leaders to hide aside to discuss the matter.

Zhu Yijun waited patiently.

It wasn't long before the three Taoist leaders finished their discussion.

Taoist Yuan Shen said, "Your Majesty, after some calculations, we can raise 97,200 taels for the treasury. Although it is a little short, to show our sincere gratitude, the interest will be halved."

"Your Majesty, although our Dao Sect..."

Zhu Yijun interrupted him directly.

He pursued the enemy and said, "Mr. Gao is deceiving me..."

Before he could finish his words, Jiang Keqian came in from outside and whispered something to the emperor.

Zhu Yijun immediately changed his tone: "Okay, that's it! I will definitely remember the three of you for your loyalty to the emperor and your country!"

Just pay as much as you can for now. I have something to do now. We can talk in detail next time.

Anyway, domestic debt is not a debt, and there is nothing to discuss about the interest.

After he finished speaking, he hurriedly left several Taoist leaders and went straight out of the Zhenwu Hall.

Only then did he have time to ask Jiang Keqian: "Hai Rui came to Beijing? How come it was earlier than expected?"

Jiang Keqian said quickly, "Originally it was the day after tomorrow, but after Hai Qiandu Yushi arrived in Tianjin, he happened to meet Wen Shilang who was in Beijing."

"Then he entrusted his mother to Minister Wen and rode to the capital."

Zhu Yijun secretly sighed, it turned out that he really had a heart to serve his country.

To outsiders, Hai Rui is a very complicated person.

But in fact, he is a simpler person than Grohe.

He believed in the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues from the bottom of his heart, which included loving the people and, naturally, being loyal to the emperor.

It can be said that Hai Rui is one of the few people in the world who truly regards the emperor as his father.

When Emperor Taizong put Hai Rui in prison, he once claimed that he would kill him.

Even so, after Sejong's death, Hai Rui heard the news in prison and burst into tears, crying until he vomited and even fainted on the ground.

Such a pure person is a sharp sword of imperial power.

Of course, it depends on how you use it.

Zhu Yijun hesitated for a while, then said to Zhang Hong beside him: "Go, my dear companion, and welcome Hai Rui in person for me."

Zhang Hong responded and was about to go.

Zhu Yijun suddenly stopped him again: "Wait."

He turned around and went back to Zhenwu Hall.

The Taoist asked for a brush and ink and began to write in the hall.

A few big characters were written in one go.

After the ink dried up, he took it out and handed it to Zhang Hong: "Tell him that I am eagerly waiting for him and invite him to the palace to eat with me."

Zhang Hong took it carefully.

He didn't dare to look closely and retreated with his head bowed.

Zhu Yijun watched Zhang Hong leave and seemed to remember something.

He then instructed Li Jin who was standing beside him, "Ask the Shangshenjian to check what the lunch on King Sejong's last day was like, and make a meal based on that today."

Li Jin immediately guessed the emperor's intention, and a trace of surprise and awe flashed across his eyes.

Backed out carefully.

……

I don't know who released the news.

At this time, both sides of the streets inside the city gate were already full of people.

People were shoulder to shoulder, tiptoeing to look outside the city gate.

If the house has two floors, many people will stick their heads out to look outside.

The restaurants with better views were almost fully booked.

Just then, someone on the city wall shouted, "Here they come! Here they come!"

The crowd suddenly started shouting in groups of three or five.

"Hai Qingtian is here!"

"I saw it, I saw it!"

Suddenly, there was a bustling and noisy atmosphere.

A tall horse slowly crossed the moat and appeared in everyone's sight.

Hai Rui is now fifty-eight years old.

He was exhausted from the long journey and looked tired.

The graying temples and the wrinkled face reveal the countless hardships he has endured.

He arrived outside the city gate, dismounted and led the horse, looking at the capital city right in front of him with a complicated expression.

Everything that happened at that time reappeared before my eyes.

He sent his wife, children and elderly mother away and died to advise King Sejong, hoping that he would regain power and eliminate the accumulated evils.

He was jailed with a courageous attitude and faced death bravely, but it was heard that Emperor Shizong regarded him as Bigan and said that he did not want to be King Zhou.

Later, when he heard that King Sejong had passed away, he was heartbroken, as if he had lost his father.

Later, it was Emperor Muzong who reinstated him.

Every single thing was repeated one by one, like a cursory review of a scene.

After being abandoned by Emperor Muzong and retiring to Hainan, he never thought that he would have a chance to be reinstated.

The capital city only appears in dreams.

But I didn't expect to come here again.

The towering city walls are the center of the Ming Dynasty!
Thinking of the handwritten letter from the new emperor that was sent along with the imperial edict of restoration in early August, he became excited again.

He pulled the reins, strode into the capital!

Following Hai Rui into the city.

The crowd soon became noisy.

"Hai Qingtian!"

"Finally I see you again!"

"Hai Qingtian has entered the capital!"

The crowd pressed forward.

If the Five Cities Military Department had not arranged people to watch over it early on, it would have been impossible to get through.

Hai Rui raised his head and looked at the people around him with a complicated expression.

In order to avoid trouble, he never revealed his identity along the way.

But once he arrived in northern Zhili, people lined the streets to greet him wherever he went.

It would be a lie to say that it was not troublesome, but the sense of satisfaction was enough to make him cry.

He had no choice but to respond with a bow.

Just at this moment, the sound of horse hooves came from afar.

Zhang Hong led his men on horseback.

Seeing that there were too many people crowded around, he had no choice but to dismount and squeeze through the crowd.

They shouted loudly: "Hai Jiandu Yushi! Zhang Hong, the seal holder of the Imperial Household Department, is here to welcome you in person on behalf of Your Majesty!" With one shout after another, they finally pushed through the crowd and came in front of Hai Rui.

Hai Rui was about to salute.

Zhang Hong helped him up and said, "Hai Qiandu Yushi, this is not a verbal order, but His Majesty's concern for you."

Hai Rui pursed his lips but still insisted on saluting.

He bowed in the direction of the imperial city.

Then he stood up and said, "I respectfully listen to your majesty's instructions."

Zhang Hong looked at the stubborn Hai Rui and couldn't help but admire him for a moment.

He slowly said, "His Majesty said that you are tired from the journey and don't need to rush to the office. You can rest for a few days and settle down first."

The Ministry of Personnel has date limits for officials to take office.

For someone like Hai Rui who has extremely high demands on himself, the first thing he does when he arrives at a place is to go to the government office to take up his post.

The emperor then gave special instructions.

Hai Rui suddenly felt uncomfortable with this meticulous concern.

I was at a loss for what to do for a moment and thanked him in a panic.

"Your Majesty also said that since you have no place to stay after entering the capital, you can stay at the Wuqing Earl's mansion for a few days. Your Majesty has already informed Wuqing Earl."

Hai Rui declined repeatedly: "I have my own place to go, so I won't bother the emperor's father-in-law."

Zhang Hong didn't insist either.

He just signaled the young eunuch behind him to bring up a piece of Yuanshu paper.

"Hainan Censor-in-Chief, this is the handwritten letter from His Majesty, personally presented to you, inviting you to join us for the meal."

Hai Rui was stunned.

He took it immediately with some anticipation and nervousness.

Gently unfold.

There were only a few large characters written on it. The handwriting was immature, but quite lively.

That is: Wherever the Tao is, even if there are tens of millions of people, they will go there.

Hai Rui suddenly stopped moving and stood there quietly.

A long time passed.

Then he pursed his lips and took a deep breath.

He nodded expressionlessly: "Zhang Dayong, lead the way."

After Hai Rui said this, he said nothing more.

He just bowed and returned the greeting to the people around him.

Following Zhang Hong silently.

Why was he in such a hurry to come to the capital?

Of course, he is not just interested in a mere official position.

He is already fifty-eight years old, his wife and children are all dead, and he has no extra money. Why would he covet an official position?
The reason he came here so eagerly was because the emperor had actually written him a letter, inviting him sincerely!

He only said, "It is difficult to eliminate the accumulated problems, and I hope Haiqing can help."

Just a few words almost brought tears to his eyes.

Not only was Hai Rui valued by the emperor, but the current emperor actually intended to eliminate the accumulated malpractices!

He served three dynasties.

I saw with my own eyes how Emperor Sejong changed from a diligent and hardworking emperor to a man who sought immortality and did not care about the world.

There were rumors at that time.

It is said that he worked hard to govern the country, but he could not move forward at all, so much so that palace maids strangled him and set fire to the palace.

Although Hai Rui did not completely believe it, he was extremely sorry that a wise ruler had died, leaving only the shell of a Taoist ruler.

Now that the new emperor has told him personally that it will be difficult to eliminate the accumulated problems, how can he just sit back and watch?
If he had not been carrying his old mother and had to walk slowly, he would have already spread his wings and flown to Northern Zhili!
Now that he has just entered the capital, the emperor is where the Tao is.

This was clearly an expression of gratitude to him, how could it not make him feel impressed?
He has been tossing and turning almost every night these days.

I wondered what kind of difficulty the emperor must have encountered if he was looking forward to it so eagerly.

If he encounters repeated obstacles, will he give up on himself like Sejong did?
The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became, and the more scared he became.

This holy monarch must not be isolated and helpless again and let the fate of Emperor Sejong repeat itself!
While thinking about this, Hai Rui entered the imperial city.

Zhang Hong led him all the way to Wenhua Hall.

Zhang Hong said softly, "Your Majesty is in the inner room. We will send you here."

Hai Rui raised his head and glanced at the Wenhua Palace, feeling filled with emotion.

He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and walked in slowly.

As soon as I entered the door, I heard a childish voice.

"Hai Qing! You kept me waiting!"

I saw a figure dressed in a dark black robe approaching quickly.

He grabbed Hai Rui's hand and pulled him inside.

He didn't care about Hai Rui's stunned expression.

He said to himself, "Hai Qing, I have read your memorial on public security since I was a child, and I have kept you in my heart. Today, I finally have the chance to meet you."

Hai Rui finally reacted and tried to break free from the salute.

Zhu Yijun held him tightly and said comfortingly, "Today we are meeting in private. You don't need to perform formalities, so as not to waste the time of our mutual understanding."

Hai Rui was dragged and couldn't kneel down, and he didn't really follow the advice.

Instead, he bowed and saluted to show the difference between the monarch and his subjects.

He advised: "Your Majesty is a great emperor, please do not lose your status as a minister."

Although he was extremely happy with this kind of courtesy.

But my ministers’ emotions are of little concern, while Your Majesty’s status is of great importance.

Zhu Yijun suddenly turned and looked at Hai Rui.

It’s settled.

With a complicated look, he said: "Hai Qing, this courtesy is not only given to you by me, but also by my royal father and royal grandfather."

Hai Rui was stunned.

Given by Sejong and Mujong?
What does it mean?
He was about to ask a question.

Zhu Yijun interrupted him, brought Hai Rui to the table, and gestured for Hai Rui to sit down.

He pointed at the dishes on the table and said with some nostalgia: "This is what my great grandfather used on the day he passed away."

He raised his hand to hold down Hai Rui who was about to stand up again, and continued, "I heard that you were so distraught upon hearing of Emperor Shizong's death that you vomited out all the food."

"This meal is shared by you and me, and also by my royal grandfather."

At this point, he sighed quietly: "Hai Qing, before my royal grandfather passed away, he told my royal father... Hai Rui was right to scold me, he was wrong."

After he finished speaking, Hai Rui did not bow down as expected.

Zhu Yijun was a little uneasy, so he turned his head quietly and glanced at Hai Rui.

At this moment, Hai Rui was choked with anger and unable to speak.

His eyes were half open and half closed, and he looked as if he was about to fall!

At this moment, Hai Rui's heart was in turmoil and he could hardly control himself.

Even though she knew that this would be impolite in front of the king, she couldn't stop her emotions from boiling over.

Emperor Sejong...

The emperor whom he once placed high hopes on, hoping that he would come to his senses and eliminate the accumulated evils.

He spoke out against his superiors and insulted Fei Yuan Zhenjun, saying, "The world has been unjust to Your Majesty for a long time."

No wonder Hai Rui was compared to Bi Gan and he said he did not want to be King Zhou.

My father, you really know you are wrong.

Thinking of this, his eyes almost went dark and he was about to fall down.

When Zhu Yijun saw that he was staggering, he quickly called for someone to support him.

Two young eunuchs walked over quickly and were about to help the man.

Hai Rui pushed the young eunuch away, stood up and bowed down.

Kowtow and bow.

Four times in a row.

He performed the solemn ceremony of three bows and four kowtows.

"I have no father and no king. I have abandoned my country and my family. I am guilty!"

When I looked up again, my face was already covered in tears.

Zhu Yijun quickly supported him and said, "Hai Qing, don't say that. My royal grandfather said that you are an honest and good official."

"You are not guilty!"

Hai Ruijian could not refuse.

He choked up and said, "I disregarded the holy body of the world temple, submitted a petition for public security, acted as a warning, and insulted the emperor and father!"

"I received the order from the late emperor to demand the return of Tian Xujie, but I provoked a popular uprising. I have failed the emperor's expectations!"

"I am a sinner and I dare not accept the courtesy of Your Majesty!"

Out of his sincere heart, he submitted his advice and suggestions, and people all over the world applauded him.

However, only Hai Rui himself felt pain in his heart - he was indeed insulting his emperor and father.

Not to mention, he was prepared to die, but Sejong didn't kill him, which made him owe Sejong a favor.

Later, Muzong used him and let Xu Jie return to the countryside, but it aroused a popular uprising and ended in a mess. This was a debt owed to Muzong.

At this time, he was treated with courtesy by the new emperor and heard what Sejong was thinking.

All the pain and embarrassment surged up again.

Zhu Yijun helped Hai Rui up.

He sighed and said, "You don't have to blame yourself. My grandfather and father didn't bear any grudges."

"Before his grandfather passed away, he told his father that he would neither pardon Hai Rui nor convict him."

"It is to keep you for the Emperor's use."

"As for Xu Jie's return to farming, I agree with your retirement..."

He faced Dayu Mountain and said softly, "My father once said that he lacked the talent and virtue to protect you."

"If I let you continue to do what you do, it will only harm the loyal ministers."

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui burst into tears: "Your Majesty...Your Majesty..."

Then she lost her manners in front of the king and burst into tears!
Zhu Yijun looked at Hai Rui quietly, waiting for him to calm down, and did not disturb him again.

Finally, after a long while.

Hai Rui gradually calmed down and was about to apologize for his misconduct.

Zhu Yijun quickly interrupted him and finally talked about the main point of today without leaving any trace.

He asked earnestly, "Hai Qing, the two previous emperors have let you down, are you still willing to lend a helping hand to me?"

Hai Rui was like a drowning man, grabbing the river bank.

The determination on his face was unprecedented.

He said loudly: "Since I am the emperor's father, I am willing to sacrifice my life for your majesty, even if it means death!"

Zhu Yijun was moved and held Hai Rui's hands.

With tears in his eyes, he said: "If you are a loyal minister, I will never let you down again!"

"Then I will entrust you with the task of sorting out the Lianghuai salt administration."

(End of this chapter)