Chapter 67: Opening up the channels for speech, raising eyebrows and glaring
When the emperor was in the Western Garden, he felt that time passed very quickly for some unknown reason.

Before taking power, enjoy retirement life first.

In the morning, I went to the Wenhua Hall to discuss Confucian classics with the officials in charge.

After the meeting, he studied government affairs with several assistant ministers.

For lunch, he would either eat in Wenhua Hall with the other ministers, or return to the West Garden and have lunch with the two palaces.

In the afternoon, we learn horse riding and archery.

Interspersed with some homework, or practice writing.

After the evening, some memorials will be dealt with - most of them are handled by the cabinet and the two palaces, and only a few will be sent to the Wanshou Palace.

Mainly about the memorials from the Lianghuai area such as Wang Zongmu and Hai Rui.

And Gu Huan of the Beijing Camp would also bypass the Ministry of War and report directly to him.

In addition, there are some other matters concerning the new school, Zhu Heng's shipbuilding in the Ministry of Works, and the memorials sent by Zhang Chucheng in Huguang, etc.

There aren't many things to do and they can be done in half an hour.

After dinner, they would exercise around the West Garden, learning swimming, boxing, archery, etc.

After it gets completely dark, they will return to Wanshou Palace, wash up and go to bed.

The days passed like this.

Ever since Xiyuan became lively, more and more people wanted to see the emperor.

Upon learning that the inner court had been cleaned up and many palace servants had been dismissed, many nobles wanted to send their sons and maids into the palace.

Zhu Yijun naturally couldn't accept all of them. He had just cleaned up the mess, so how could he accept more people at random, especially those who were around him.

After final consideration, only a few people were left.

For example, the Duke Chengguo Mansion sent two illegitimate sons within the third degree of mourning as a token of their trust and sincerity, so there was naturally no reason for them to be sent back.

There was also Li Zaiting, the Minister of Personnel, who threw his own nephew into the palace. After being shocked, Zhu Yijun showed mercy and allowed the boy to work in the fields for a few more days, and reluctantly agreed to send him to the clean room as a meal substitute.

In addition, the two fathers-in-law of the emperor sent a few palace maids to the two empresses dowagers, and they were all accepted.

This is just a political signal. The other nobles are not qualified to send it.

It is worth mentioning that Zhu Yijun felt that the riding and archery venue was a bit far away outside Xuanzhi Gate, so he wanted to move it to the platform in front of Ziguang Pavilion, which resulted in countless oppositions.

When the emperor is giving lectures and archery, it should be done in the sight of all his ministers, otherwise it will easily cause a rift between the emperor and his ministers.

Zhu Yijun originally wanted to recall the style of Emperor Wuzong reviewing his personal soldiers here, but seeing that the opposition was too loud, he had no choice but to give up.

However, as the journey was a bit far, in order to arrange the imperial archery lessons more reasonably, Zhu Yijun had no choice but to select some outstanding students from the martial arts school of the Beijing Guards to serve as guards to travel between the Inner Palace and the Western Garden.

Jingwei Military Academy is an academy for nobles.

Most of the powerful nobles who had official positions looked down upon the martial arts of the imperial guards.

Therefore, most of the martial arts of the Beijing Guards are from fallen nobles and poor people who have suffered a lot, and the overall quality is relatively not that bad.

It's like finding gold in shit.

But this move also aroused dissatisfaction among court officials.

They believe that this is a way to advance by chance and is harmful rather than beneficial to the country.

Unfortunately, the emperor lived in the Western Garden, and these memorials could not reach his ears.

At this time, Li, the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, was in the court. He stepped forward and said that the eunuchs were isolated from the inside and outside, and were surrounded by nobles, which blinded the emperor's wisdom. This was not a long-term solution. He advised the emperor to be close to virtuous ministers and stay away from villains.

After hearing this, Zhu Yijun reluctantly followed the advice of this upright minister.

Then he issued another decree.

In order to prevent the eunuchs and nobles from isolating themselves from the outside world, eunuchs were no longer used to deliver messages. Instead, Hanlin scholars were appointed to guard the Wanshou Palace and communicate with the outer court.

Chen Jingbang, editor of the Hanlin Academy, and Shen Li, reviewer of the Hanlin Academy, also accompanied him.

At the same time, outstanding Jinshi candidates who passed the imperial examination in the fourth year of Longqing were promoted.

Zheng Zongxue was appointed as the Secretary of the East Room of Wenhua Palace, and Deng Yizan was appointed as the Secretary of the Secretariat, in charge of clerical work in Wanshou Palace.

Zhu Yijun's earnest efforts to be close to civil officials and stay away from eunuchs were recognized by the court officials. A few days later, the court officials impeached Chen Jingbang, Shen Li and others for blocking memorials to the emperor and preventing court officials from seeing the emperor.

Afterwards, the cabinet also submitted a memorial to the emperor, requesting him to allow more people to express their opinions.

The next day, the emperor went to the Wenhua Hall to give a lecture and took out the imperial calligraphy in large characters one foot high. He bestowed the title of "Pillar of the State" on his assistant ministers Ju Zheng, "Teacher and Protector" on Yi, "Assistant Government" on Tiaoyang and "Great Virtue" on Bo.

He rebuked Chen Jingbang, Shen Li and others for isolating the ministers, and personally instructed the cabinet ministers that they could go directly to the Western Garden when they met the emperor without the need for an announcement.

The assistant ministers thanked you, and all the ministers said that Your Majesty is a king who accepts advice.

On the same night (the day of Wuxu), the moon was eclipsed at the full moon, but no clouds could be seen.

The next day, rumors spread that there had been strange star phenomena before, and now there was a lunar eclipse, which might be a sign of something.

Some people also took this opportunity to request that the death penalty of Hu Qi and others be pardoned in exchange for God's forgiveness.

Afterwards, Li, the chief official, was in the court and said:
Your Majesty's virtue is improving day by day, and your holy achievements are increasing day by day. Even King Cheng of Zhou could not reach your level. How could the ancestral temple, heaven and earth not love you?
Stellar anomalies and lunar eclipses are nothing but the manifestation of the operation of the universe. The way of heaven is constant and cannot be shaken by evil men, rumors or prophecies.

I hope that Your Majesty will take advantage of the peace and blessings and be more diligent. If Your Majesty's heart is set and your true thoughts are not divergent, the evil and treacherous will have no place to go. Then, how can we prevent disasters and changes?

……

Zhu Yijun took Li Zaiting's memorial and couldn't help but praise him: "What a great emperor who has made up his mind and has no doubts."

Li Zaiting sat opposite the emperor, his butt rubbing against a low stool, and said with a smile: "This is inspired by your majesty's words of virtue, 'Don't forget your true heart.'"

At this time, the two of them were sitting opposite each other in a side hall of the Wanshou Palace, drinking tea.

Of course, although they were sitting opposite each other, Li Du Jieshi Zhong's half-squatting and submissive appearance clearly showed that he was not very comfortable.

Seeing him like this, Zhu Yijun couldn't help but teasing him, "Now everyone in the outer court is saying that Li Qing now has the demeanor of Yan Song."

The emperor was just joking, but Li Zaiting took it to heart.

He stood up solemnly and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, I have something to say."

It was rare for Zhu Yijun to see Li Zaiting like this, so he sat up and motioned for him to speak.

Li Zaiting said with a very serious expression: "Your Majesty, Yan Song is a treacherous minister, but also a capable minister."

"A capable minister is only possible because of Yan Song's own extraordinary talents and wisdom."

"As for being a treacherous minister, it is not something that Yan Song can decide alone. It is something that the Emperor needs and Yan Song wants, and the two of them decide together."

"Emperor Shizong did not seek the people, so Yan Song acted treacherously. If Emperor Shizong had been true to his principles and had been consistent, Yan Song might have been a wise minister."

"The fundamental difference between Zhang Cong and Yan Song lies in Emperor Shizong. Your Majesty, please understand!"

Zhu Yijun could not help but look up and down this "reincarnation of Yan Song" who was secretly ridiculed by both inside and outside. He originally felt that he could use him conveniently and suppress him, so there was no problem with Yan Song.

But I didn't expect that this person came here with this kind of awareness.

Zhu Yijun kept a straight face and pretended to say, "How dare you disparage my grandfather in person!"

Li Zaiting apologized in court, but he said without any self-awareness: "Your Majesty, I am not disparaging the Temple of Heaven. It is just that comparing the Temple of Heaven with Your Majesty makes it clear who is superior and who is inferior, which makes it seem a little disrespectful."

"Now, Your Majesty, you have protected your life and gathered your thoughts, and you have received endless blessings. You have a pure virtue, and Your Majesty will shine brightly, and naturally the hidden light of the world temple will be revealed."

"If Your Majesty persists in this and promotes virtue, you will surely achieve unprecedented great achievements."

Zhu Yijun glanced at Li Zaiting. It takes talent to be a treacherous minister. Even the one who gave advice felt so comfortable.

It is obvious that Li Zaiting was making suggestions in various ways. Whether it was the "the holy mind is determined, and the true thoughts are not different" in the memorial, or the "be consistent" and "give up halfway" now, they were all advising him not to follow the example of Sejong and retreat halfway.

Zhu Yijun sighed.

The emperor wanted to work hard to govern the country. Once this golden sign was put out, although there were treacherous ministers who set fire and strangled him, there were also loyal and virtuous ministers who flocked to him.

Who says there are no loyal ministers in the Ming Dynasty? As long as the emperor is decent, these loyal ministers will really gather around the emperor. It just depends on whether they will be discovered and used.

Zhu Yijun waved his hand, motioning Li Zaiting to sit down.

He sighed and said, "I have heard these words, but I cannot ignore the rumors that you are similar to Yan Song. If your reputation is ruined, my reputation will also be at risk."

This is a situation where everyone suffers if one suffers.

If his confidants were the six thieves, Zhu Yijun would naturally be a tyrant.

Zhu Yijun continued, "I have asked the Jinyiwei to go among the people to catch the rumors. Li Qing should not just spit on his face. If any court official says so again, just impeach him. I will make the decision for you."

Li Zaiting bowed and slowly sat down.

He poured a cup of tea for the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty is so kind, I will save it."

The two of them casually talked about the affairs of the court.

Then Li Zaiting finally got down to business and asked, "Your Majesty, what about the memorial from Earl Ding'an? Your Majesty rejected the cabinet's proposal. Do you have any other rules?"

After hearing this, Zhu Yijun took a sip of tea.

Ding'an Earl Gao Gong arrived in Songjiang Prefecture in September with his family.

A person like Gao Gong would naturally not be idle once he arrived at the place.

As soon as he arrived, he asked Songjiang Prefecture for the 10,000 acres of fertile land that the emperor had rewarded him.

The imperial edicts were all empty promises. The mansion promised to Gao Gong had to be built immediately, and the 10,000 acres of fertile land had naturally to be cultivated immediately.

But unfortunately, all the good farmland in Songjiang Prefecture had been reclaimed. The prefect personally took Gao Gong to visit several places, but Gao Gong rejected them all on the grounds that they were "not fertile and not good farmland."

The government office was still in turmoil, so Gao Gong simply moved into the government office on the grounds that he had nowhere else to stay, causing unrest in the entire government office.

After a few more days, Gao Gong openly questioned the government office and demanded the good farmland.

The government office looked embarrassed, so Gao Gong asked him whether he was planning a rebellion by not obeying the imperial edict.

The government office had no choice but to ask Xu Jie for help.

Mr. Xu was a kind man who knew how to settle things peacefully. He allocated 20,000 acres of fertile land overnight and wanted to donate it to the government office so that the Earl of Ding'an could settle down.

However, Gao Gong did not know what was good for him. He said that this was the people's hard-earned money and he could not afford it, so he refused it on the spot.

The prefect was caught between two sides, unable to afford to offend anyone, and finally could not handle it, so he had no choice but to retire. Song Zhihan, who was waiting for a vacancy, immediately took out the appointment documents signed by the cabinet and the Ministry of Personnel, and sat in the position of prefect seamlessly.

Then came the three big things that the new official did upon taking office. In order to resolve An Bo's doubts, the prefect Song Zhihan decided to reorganize the land in Songjiang Prefecture.

At the same time, the enthusiastic villagers, seeing that Gao Gong was shameless, immediately changed into the clothes of ordinary people, cursed Gao Gong day and night, blocked the roads, and intimidated the women.

At the same time, Zhang Huan and other censors in Nanzhili submitted memorials to impeach Gao Gong, Song Zhihan and others, claiming that this pair of teacher and student colluded to harm the people and oppress the gentry.

Also arriving was Gao Gong's memorial, stating that Xu Jie had occupied most of the good farmland in Songjiang Prefecture, and that Songjiang Prefecture was in a desperate situation and could not deliver on the imperial edict of ten thousand acres of good farmland.

At the same time, it is said that Xu Jie relied on fertile land to oppress the people, and openly shouted, "Those with daughters plant watered land, those with good wives plant good land, those with bad wives plant bad land, and those without women reclaim wasteland!"

His rampant behavior has reached such an extent that the public is outraged and we must demand an imperial judgment.

In addition, the number of acres of land with seals in Songjiang Prefecture was also attached. Among them, Xu Jie of Songjiang Prefecture occupied 278,431 acres of land.

Two days ago, the cabinet proposed to send an imperial censor to investigate and to order Xu Jie to return to the countryside, but the emperor rejected the proposal.

Li Zaiting came here for this matter.

When this matter was mentioned, Zhu Yijun could not help but sigh: "Ah, Ding'an Bo has such a good temper, but he could be so angry. I don't know how much he has been angry."

Li Zaiting also echoed: "Xu Jie is a senior official after all, how can he oppress the people like this?"

"I heard that before Xu Jie retired, his family members had been bullying the common people. The common people thought he was unaware and hoped that he would return home."

"When Xu Jie retired, villagers lined the streets to greet him and told him about their grievances."

"I cannot imagine how desperate these people will be after seeing Xu Jie's true face."

The two looked at each other and sighed again.

Zhu Yijun then talked about why he rejected the cabinet's proposal: "The cabinet said that they would send an imperial censor to investigate and that Xu Jie should directly give 10,000 acres to An Bo. I don't think that's a good idea."

Li Zaiting pricked up his ears and listened attentively.

Zhu Yijun pondered for a moment and said, "First of all, since the land was donated by the people, the tax is too high after all."

"If I give the land to Ding'an Earl for nothing, the people will have neither land nor support. I don't think that's good."

"Moreover, you want Master Xu to return to the countryside without any reason. I will not accept your request without any justification."

Li Zaiting's expression changed and he had some guesses.

They refused to accept the land even if it was returned directly. This seems to mean that they want to convict Xu Jie.

He couldn't help but ask, "What does your majesty mean?"

Zhu Yijun thought for a moment and said, "First, let Songjiang Prefecture sort out the taxes and all the miscellaneous taxes. Remember, only Songjiang Prefecture, don't touch other places."

Li Zaiting nodded. He naturally understood the interests involved.

"Secondly, it's not a good idea to directly ask for Master Xu's land. Let's buy it back and ask the Ministry of Revenue to pay a few hundred taels so that Master Xu won't be wronged."

"As for the tenants on the good farmland, let Earl Ding'an take good care of them."

Gao Gong's title was not hereditary, let alone these fertile fields, so he naturally knew what to do.

It was a tacit understanding between the two of them to keep Gao Gong's adopted son in the Imperial College.

Li Zaiting replied, "I will convey this to Yuanfu later."

Zhu Yijun continued, "It would be inappropriate to send an imperial censor to deal with the dispute between the two."

"Two former prime ministers, both orphans and earls, I'm afraid the censors can't suppress them."

Li Zaiting hesitated and asked, "Your Majesty, do you want Hai Rui to do this?"

I'm afraid I'm not able to be in both places at once.

Zhu Yijun shook his head: "How can we overuse it like this?"

He looked at Li Zaiting and suddenly smiled and said, "I have asked Zhu Xixiao and Chen Mingyan to lead the Northern Pacification Division. It will take six or seven days to reach Songjiang Prefecture."

Li Zaiting's eyelids twitched.

We are almost at Songjiang Prefecture. Didn’t we set out a month ago?
The memorial has just arrived, I am too lazy to even act now!
Moreover, even Zhu Xixiao was sent, which was a bit too much of a fuss.

Zhu Yijun found his expression amusing and explained, "I went with Hai Rui, and we went our separate ways when we reached Lianghuai."

Li Zaiting calculated the time. Hai Rui left on November 5th, and now it was November 29th, so it would only take four or five days.

Thinking about it, he sighed: "It's still too far away. I don't know how some people will react."

……

Zhu Xixiao was standing on the deck looking at the scenery.

In the setting sun, the water surface reflects rippling waves, as if it is covered with a layer of golden clouds.

Perhaps because we were getting closer to the ferry, there were more and more people on both sides of the river.

Occasionally, fishermen can be heard singing in the evening, and their melodious songs drift in the wind.

Zhu Xixiao's thoughts rose and fell with the waves. This was his fourth trip to the south of the Yangtze River, and he had different feelings every time.

Suddenly, a voice was heard behind him: "Mr. Zhu."

Zhu Xixiao turned around and saw Hai Rui saluting him, and he also returned the salute.

"The boat will stop at Qinghe Qingkou Ferry later. Shaobao and I will part ways here."

Zhu Xixiao was stunned: "Doesn't the Imperial Censor Hai go directly to Huai'an?"

Huaiyin Ferry of Huai'an Prefecture is just ahead.

The Governor's Office of the Grand Canal was located in Huai'an. Governor Wang Zongmu and the criminal Wang Ruyan, who Hai Rui wanted to prosecute, were also in the Governor's Office.

Hai Rui shook his head: "I'm afraid there are already quite a few people waiting for me in Huai'an. It would be better to take this section of the journey by land to avoid being seen."

Zhu Xixiao frowned, doubtful, and asked, "Is Hai Yushi going to abandon this battalion of elite soldiers and the Jinyiwei?"

Going on a secret visit is just what is said in story books. If you really do that, it would be too frivolous.

Hai Rui understood and explained with a smile: "Of course not. This battalion will stay on the boat, and the Jinyiwei will follow me ashore and go to the Governor's Office together."

Zhu Xixiao felt relieved and cupped his hands: "Then, Censor Hai, be careful on your journey."

He also had to go to Songjiang Prefecture, so naturally he would not follow Hai Rui to Huai'an.

Hai Rui returned the greeting and turned back to the cabin.

He instructed Luo Sigong who was following behind him, "Go to the Governor's Office of the Grand Canal later and inform Wang Zongmu in advance."

This is a notification so that Wang Zongmu can have some idea of ​​what is going on.

Luo Sigong is young, but he likes to have a stern face.

Hearing this, he retorted: "Hai Yushi, His Majesty asked me to follow you only."

Hai Rui had no choice but to ask Gu Chengguang to pick a reliable Jinyiwei.

The boat sailed for another half an hour, and suddenly it felt like shaking, and everyone immediately knew that they had reached the shore.

Hai Rui looked at Jiao Ze and said, "Deputy General Jiao, you take the boat to Huai'an Ferry and report directly to the Canal Transport Office. I will lead the Jinyiwei to go ahead."

Jiao Ze accepted the order.

Hai Rui looked at Luo Sigong and Chen Yinzhao beside him, then he told Gu Chengguang, "Let's go."

Soon, pulled by the trackers, the big ship docked steadily at the ferry.

Hai Rui led the group off the boat.

Qingkou Ferry is five miles east of Qinghe County, on the bank of the Huai River. Due to the raging Huai River, there are not many people at this ferry, and the supplies that can be supplied are also limited.

Large ships generally do not stop here, but go directly to Huai'an Ferry ahead.

At this time, there were very few pedestrians passing by, most of whom were locals. When they saw an official ship approaching the shore, they hurriedly avoided it for fear of getting into trouble.

After Hai Rui got out of the dock, he took a look around and saw the muddy land. There were some halls, rooms, storehouses and cabinets around it, with all the necessary facilities.

He had no intention of staying here, so he asked the Jinyiwei to bring the horses and prepared to go straight to the Canal Transport Office.

Just at this moment, someone suddenly stopped in front of him and bowed, "Excuse me, are you the Imperial Censor Hai?"

As soon as Hai Rui looked over, Luo Sigong rushed over without saying a word and pinned the man to the ground.

The crowd was panicked, not knowing what was happening, and fled in panic.

Gu Chengguang felt as if he was facing a formidable enemy, and the Jinyiwei behind him tacitly formed a circle and surrounded everyone in the middle.

Hai Rui waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be nervous.

He frowned and looked at the uninvited guest: "Who are you?"

The man who came was middle-aged, with a mustache, and he looked a little shrewd.

Even though he was pressed to the ground, he remained respectful and said gently, "Don't be nervous, Censor Hai. My master wants to see you."

Hai Rui nodded and ignored him.

He ordered Luo Sigong: "Throw it into the water."

Luo Sigong immediately grabbed the man's belt, lifted him up, and was about to throw him into the river.

The man finally panicked: "Hai Yushi! Seriously! My master wants to see you! He's waiting at the restaurant ahead!"

Without even turning his head, Hai Rui said, "I am hiding from you flies who hide their heads and show their tails! I am going to the Canal Transport Office now. If you want to see me, you can find me here!"

With a splash, the river water splashed everywhere and the man with a moustache climbed to the shore in a panic.

I swam back with great difficulty.

He grabbed the bank with both hands and stuck his head out.

Hai Rui and the Embroidered Uniform Guards disappeared into the distance.

The slightly cracked window in the distance was slammed shut in annoyance.

(End of this chapter)