Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2411: The Duke is not an assistant, but a regent (Part )

In the side hall of the Qianqing Palace, heavy curtains blocked the noise from the outside world. Only a few palace lanterns emitted a faint light. In the dim light and shadow, the figures of the three people were vague. The air was filled with a pungent smell of medicine, mixed with a heavy atmosphere of sadness, which made people feel suffocated. Gao Fusi, Zhao Zhigao and Zhou Yong sat around an ancient table, looking solemn, as if a heavy burden was pressing on their shoulders.

Gao Fusi coughed lightly, breaking the oppressive silence. He looked tired but dignified, and was the first to speak: "Two elders, the emperor has passed away, and the crown prince is still young. At this critical moment for the country, we, as important ministers of the cabinet, should take the world as our responsibility and discuss the matter of the will. This is a top priority that concerns the future direction of our Ming Dynasty, and there is no room for error."

Zhao Zhigao nodded slightly, his old face full of grief. He stroked his beard and said slowly: "What Yuanfu said is very true. Now that the great changes have just passed and the prince is young, we urgently need a stable team of advisers to support the country.

Looking around the whole court, only Yuan Fu's virtue is known all over the world and he has been working hard for the court for many years and has made outstanding contributions. Who else can be the chief minister of state if not you? In my opinion, it is right to follow the will of the late emperor - before the new emperor officially comes to power at the age of 20, Yuan Fu should be in charge of all military and political affairs of the court, so as to ensure the stability of the country and the people's loyalty. "

Gao Youshi heard this and immediately bowed and waved his hand, saying modestly, "Lord Zhao, please stop talking like that. I am only favored by the late emperor and am able to serve the court and fulfill my duties as a minister. This important task of overseeing the government is not only related to etiquette, but also to the foundation of the country. It is extraordinary and I dare not rashly agree to it.

In my opinion, there are many talented and capable people in the court. I hope that the two ministers will work with me to select a more suitable person to take on this task. I am willing to help you with all my efforts."

Zhou Yong stood up quickly and said anxiously: "Prince Fu, why are you so modest! If it weren't for you advocating financial reforms and increasing revenue and reducing expenditure over the years, how could the Ming Dynasty's treasury be so full? The military system reform is even more beneficial to the present and future generations. After this reform, our army is strong and powerful, and we have achieved the eternal achievements of 'pacifying the south and pacifying the north, pacifying the west and conquering the east'. Yuan Fu's contribution to our Ming Dynasty is like holding up the sky and the sea, and no one can replace it. You deserve the position of the chief minister of state!"

Gao Shishi looked sincere, frowned slightly, and responded earnestly: "Lord Zhou, I am ashamed to receive your and Lord Zhao's praise. In fact, the prosperity of the Wanli Restoration was all due to the late emperor's wisdom and bravery, his decisiveness, and his leadership of us ministers to work hard to govern the country. Shishi was just following the emperor's will and doing his little bit. How can I take all the credit for myself? This move may be criticized by the world, so I hope the two ministers will not mention it again."

Seeing Gao Youshi still refusing, Zhao Zhigao could not help but stand up and said in a firm and sincere tone: "Prime Minister, at this time when the country is in trouble and everyone is counting on you, is it the time to be humble? Now the court is in turmoil and people are in panic. They are looking forward to a backbone to stabilize the situation.

At this moment, if you don't step forward and take on the important task of the chief minister, who can calm this complicated situation? The prince is young, and even if he ascends the throne, he cannot actually manage the country's affairs. He still needs your careful teaching and full assistance; the court must rely on the power and wisdom of the Yuanfu. Yuanfu, please don't refuse anymore, this is for the country of the Ming Dynasty and for the people of the world!"

Gao Youshi pondered for a long time, took a long breath, and said slowly: "The two elders trust and favor me so much. If I refuse again, it will seem that I don't know the overall situation. But this responsibility is heavier than Mount Tai, and I can only devote myself to it until my death. I also hope that the two elders can give me more help, and we will work together to ensure the eternal stability of the Ming Dynasty." After that, Gao Youshi solemnly saluted to Zhao Zhigao and Zhou Yong.

Seeing that Gao Youshi finally agreed, Zhao Zhigao and Zhou Yong looked at each other, and both saw a look of relief in each other's eyes. The two of them hurriedly returned the greeting.

Then, the topic naturally turned to the handling of the Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin incident. Gao Youshi's eyes were stern, his face was serious, as if covered with a layer of frost, and he said in a deep voice: "Zheng Guotai, Li Wenjin and others harbored evil intentions and committed the crime of treason, causing unrest in the court and bringing disgrace to the emperor. Such evil deeds are intolerable to heaven!

Since I am the first minister of state, I have no choice but to take the lead in investigating and punishing the perpetrators. I will investigate this matter thoroughly and give the people of the world a fair explanation." After saying this, he clenched his fists tightly, as if he wanted to convey his anger and determination to the two ministers present.

Zhao Zhigao nodded solemnly, his eyes full of indignation: "What the Prime Minister is doing is exactly what I want. These two people are extremely evil, and if they are not severely punished, it will not be enough to appease the public anger, and if they are not severely punished, it will not be enough to uphold the law! But... I heard that Lord Shen is also involved, so this matter still needs to be decided by the Prime Minister." He frowned slightly, his eyes revealing worry and doubt.

He and Shen Yiguan were originally from the School of Mind, but since Zhao Zhigao was manipulated and subdued by Gao Guoshi, his prestige in the School of Mind has plummeted, and everyone has gathered under Shen Yiguan. Originally, Zhao Zhigao did not take it seriously, thinking that his health was getting worse day by day, and he might have to return home to beg for bones one day, so why should he argue with Shen Yiguan? It would be better to be quiet and have a peaceful old age.

Who knew that Shen Yikuan would not give up? He was first criticized twice by Gao Youshi during the emperor's trip south. After returning to Beijing, he seemed to be more low-key, but was inexplicably involved in the incident of Zheng Guotai and Li Wenjin... Now that the incident has subsided, Gao Youshi will definitely take advantage of the situation to pursue it. If he does not take the initiative to draw a clear line with Shen Yikuan at this time, it is hard to guarantee that it will not affect himself.

Zhao Zhigao really didn't have much ambition, especially after Gao Youshi showed such strong control. However, although he planned to resign soon, he also wanted to make a name for himself before that - if he resigned after completing this matter, he would be resigning from his post and his reputation as a noble person would be established, which would make his life worthwhile.

Gao Youshi's eyes flashed with a trace of pain, and he said in a cold tone: "Shen Yikuan is an important official of the court and is deeply favored by the emperor, but he did such a treasonous thing, which is really heartbreaking. In my opinion, we should dismiss him from his post and investigate him in the name of the late emperor's will. After his crimes are found out, he will be punished according to the law. What do you two ministers think?" He looked at Zhao Zhigao and Zhou Yong with a sharp gaze, waiting for their response.

Zhao Zhigao did not even dare to hesitate, and hurriedly said: "What the Prime Minister said is very true, this crime is no different from others, even if his students and former officials are all over the world, I'm sure no one would dare to petition for mercy!"

Zhou Yong did not hesitate at all and responded, "What the Prime Minister said is very true. Shen Yikuan has betrayed his emperor and country and failed to live up to the emperor's grace. He must be severely punished to rectify the government and demonstrate the majesty of the laws of the Ming Dynasty!" He raised his chin slightly, with a firm look in his eyes.

After confirming the status of the "Guardian Cabinet" and cracking down on political opponents, it is time to talk about some real "business".

For example, when describing the "Wanli Restoration" and the many years of assistance of Gao Youshi, the chief minister of state, in the will, Zhao Zhigao showed admiration on his face and said in a respectful tone: "Yuanfu, the financial and military reforms you led are the cornerstones of the "Wanli Restoration" of our dynasty. Without your foresight and courageous implementation, how could our Ming Dynasty be so prosperous today?

Not to mention your great military exploits of 'pacifying the south and pacifying the north, pacifying the west and conquering the east', which together with the late emperor have created a story of wise rulers and famous ministers that will be passed down through the ages. This should be highlighted in the will so that future generations will remember this glorious history."

Gao Youshi waved his hands hurriedly, looking quite uneasy: "Lord Zhao, this is absolutely not possible. The 'Wanli Restoration' was the result of the wise leadership of the late emperor and the concerted efforts of the civil and military officials in the court. Youshi was just fulfilling his duties and doing his best to assist. How dare I take all the credit? If these achievements are overly attributed to me, I am afraid that future generations will criticize me. I hope Lord Zhao will retract this proposal." He lowered his head slightly, his eyes revealing sincerity and humility.

Zhou Yong said anxiously: "Yuanfu, you are too modest! Your achievements are obvious to all, and the people of the Ming Dynasty are all grateful to you. If your achievements are not publicized in the edict, how can we inspire future officials to serve the country? This is not only an affirmation of you, but also to set an example and inspire future generations. Yuanfu, please don't refuse anymore!" He took a step forward and spoke earnestly, as if he wanted to force his ideas into Gao Youshi's mind.

Gao Youshi still refused, but Zhao Zhigao and Zhou Yong continued to persuade him again and again.

Finally, Gao Youshi looked embarrassed and remained silent for a long time, as if he was struggling fiercely in his heart. Finally, he sighed helplessly and said, "The two elders insisted so much because they were considering the long-term interests of the Ming Dynasty. I can only obey your orders. I only hope that people in the future can understand that what I did was for the Ming Dynasty and the welfare of the people, not for personal fame and gain." He lowered his head slightly, looking extremely helpless.

At this point, a consensus was reached on the preliminary secret discussion about the content of the edict. The three of them knew the actual significance of the edict, but they wanted to package everything under a high-sounding name - in the name of the late emperor.

In the side hall of the Qianqing Palace, the candlelight was still swaying, and the light and shadows were swaying on the faces of the three people. The atmosphere was still solemn. After the discussion on the key contents of the edict was over, the topic turned to the arrangements for the emperor's funeral, and the first thing to be considered was the burial of Concubine Zheng.

Zhao Zhigao frowned slightly, picked up the teacup but did not drink it, and slowly spoke: "Regarding the matter of Concubine Zheng, since the Queen Mother has already made her position clear, believing that Concubine Zheng has committed such a treasonous act, causing unrest in the capital and almost endangering the country, there is no reason for her to be buried in the main chamber of Dingling Mausoleum. Then in my opinion, the Queen Mother's order cannot be violated, so it is better to do it according to the Queen Mother's order, so as to maintain the rules of the royal family and calm the discussion in the court."

Zhou Yong shook his head slightly and raised an objection: "Although what Lord Zhao said makes sense, the Empress is the one who was buried with the late Emperor in Dingling Mausoleum, and she is the one who is directly involved. And now the Empress has also issued an imperial decree, suggesting to the Prime Minister that the coffin of Concubine Zheng be buried in the right hole of the main chamber, but without an inscription on the tombstone and a spirit tablet. Logically speaking, the Empress's feelings cannot be ignored, and I think we should follow the Empress's imperial decree." After all, Zhao Zhigao is an old "establishment faction" and subconsciously believes that "the Empress Dowager is greater than the Empress", so he thinks he should listen to the Empress Dowager. But Zhou Yong saw another point - the relationship between the Empress and the Prime Minister.

Yuan Fu has always been the Queen's greatest helper in the outer court, and can even be said to be her backer. Therefore, now that the late Emperor has passed away and the Crown Prince is about to ascend the throne, the Queen would rather suppress her dissatisfaction and create a less difficult situation for Yuan Fu, so that the subsequent major events can proceed smoothly.

In this case, how could he not put the Empress's decree at the top of his list of considerations? You know, the Empress trusted the Prime Minister so much, and once again confirmed the support for the Prime Minister in the "last emperor's will" for the Prime Minister to take charge of the government, and was even willing to state in the will that the harem would not be involved in government affairs... Wouldn't the Prime Minister return the favor?

Ever since Zhou Yong was pulled into the cabinet by Gao Youshi, his only purpose as a cabinet minister has been just one: I say whatever the prime minister thinks, even if the prime minister calls a horse a deer... bullshit, that's a horse, there is no deer!

Gao Fusi listened to the argument between the two, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said: "My two elders, in my opinion, the wills of the two palaces are not in conflict. The Queen Mother is very righteous and is based on the overall situation of maintaining the rules of the royal family and stabilizing the court; the Queen is concerned about the wishes of the late emperor, and also takes into account the difficulties of our ministers.

In this case, we might as well follow the Queen Mother's instructions in terms of etiquette, downplay the funeral of Concubine Zheng, and declare to the outside world that we follow the ancestral system and do not give Concubine Zheng special treatment, in order to appease the hearts of the court officials. In actual operation, we will follow the Queen's order and bury Concubine Zheng in the main tomb chamber of Dingling Mausoleum, but without setting up an inscription or spirit tablet, and without enjoying incense, so that she can only exist in the form of "accompanying" the late emperor.

This way, it would not violate the Queen Mother's intention to maintain the dignity of the royal family, and it would also respect the late Emperor's wishes and the Queen's wishes to a certain extent. What do you two ministers think?"

Zhao Zhigao and Zhou Yong's eyes lit up when they heard this. They looked at each other and nodded slightly. Zhao Zhigao said, "Prime Minister's plan is very good. This will balance all parties and avoid any more disturbances in the court due to this matter."

Zhou Yong also echoed, "Indeed, I think the Queen Mother and the Empress will be able to accept this arrangement."

The most difficult issue of where to bury Concubine Zheng was already decided. At this time, Yu Shenxing, the Minister of Rites, was ordered to come to discuss the matter. Yu Shenxing stepped into the side hall and saw the three elders. He stepped forward with a sad face and saluted: "Greetings to the Prime Minister and the two elders. I heard that you summoned me and came here. I wonder if you want to discuss the affairs of the late emperor?"

Gao Fushi said solemnly: "Mr. Gushan, now that the emperor has passed away, it is urgent to organize the funeral ceremony for the late emperor. This matter concerns the dignity of the royal family and the hearts of the people. We cannot afford to be careless. We need to discuss it carefully."

Yu Shenxing's expression froze, and he nodded in response, "What the Prime Minister said is absolutely right. This matter is of great importance, and it is also my duty. I will do my best."

Gao Youshi continued, "First of all, the obituary must be announced to the world as soon as possible. The writing must be rigorous and solemn, accurately conveying the news that the late emperor passed away due to illness, and at the same time expressing the grief of our subjects."

Yu Shenxing heard Gao Youshi's emphasis on "died of illness" and quickly took out his notebook and charcoal pencil, wrote it down, and said, "Don't worry, Prime Minister, I will ask the Ministry of Rites to prepare an obituary immediately and submit it to you for review."

Zhao Zhigao added, "The determination of the mourning period is also crucial. We must strictly follow the ancestral system and not make any mistakes." Yu Shenxing responded, "Yes, I remember the ancestral system and should hold it with a grand ceremony. The arrangement of the mourning period will surely satisfy all parties."

Zhou Yong reminded, "The coffining ceremony must be solemn and dignified. The coffin, shroud and other funeral supplies must be carefully prepared to show the majesty of the royal family." Yu Shenxing also nodded, "Don't worry, Lord Zhou. Before I came here, I have arranged for someone to be in charge of this matter. The coffins I have chosen are all made of high-quality materials, and the shroud is also prepared according to the regulations to ensure that it meets the royal standards."

Gao Youshi also reminded: "During the period of mourning, the etiquette and standards for condolences must be clear. The royal family members, civil and military officials who come to pay their respects must follow the corresponding etiquette and must not be confused. In addition, the Prince of Shunyi will soon arrive in Beijing, so we must not be careless and must consider it properly."

Yu Shenxing took careful notes and said, "What the Prime Minister reminded me of is correct. I have taken note of it and will make sure it is properly arranged."

Then, everyone started discussing the preparations for the funeral. Gao Guoshi said, "Although Dingling has been built a long time ago, we still need to inform them to prepare quickly. The funeral route needs to be planned in advance, which should both show the royal style and ensure safety and smoothness."

Yu Shenxing thought for a moment and said, "Prince, the Ministry of Rites will do its best to arrange and guarantee the etiquette, but we need to arrange soldiers to maintain order along the way to ensure the smooth passage of the funeral procession. This requires the decision of the Prime Minister to deploy troops and the coordination and confirmation of Lord Zhou."

Gao Fusi nodded and said, "I will make my own arrangements for this matter. The Ministry of Rites does not need to worry."

Zhao Zhigao nodded after they finished speaking and said, "That's great. The composition of the funeral procession also needs to be carefully considered. There must be clear regulations on who goes in front and who goes in the back... And the Ministry of Rites needs to pay attention. Someone may have been involved in the recent turmoil. There may be vacancies in the next few days. The Ministry of Rites needs to make adjustments in advance to avoid any confusion at the last minute."

Yu Shenxing's heart was moved, but he was a neutral party after all, and he didn't want to ask more questions, so he just replied: "Yes, I will strictly arrange the order of the funeral procession according to the rank and status. Even if there are adjustments, they can be replaced in order."

Zhou Yong added, "There is also the sacrificial ceremony, which is an important part of the funeral and must not be neglected." Yu Shenxing was very patient and nodded, "Don't worry, Lord Zhou, I and my colleagues in the Ministry of Rites will carefully prepare the offerings and sacrificial texts required for the sacrificial ceremony and strictly follow the etiquette norms. However, the Ministry of Rites does not have these expenditure items in its budget this year, so please..."

"The Ministry of Revenue will allocate funds, so Lord Gushan doesn't have to worry too much." Gao Youshi concluded, "Lord Gushan, you will be fully responsible for this matter. If you have any questions, you can come to the cabinet to discuss with us at any time. This is the top priority of our Ming Dynasty at the moment, and we must complete it successfully."

Yu Shenxing bowed respectfully and said, "I will obey your orders and live up to your expectations."

After Yu Shenxing left, the side hall became quiet for a while, but the three of them knew that there were still many matters to be dealt with. The emperor's funeral ceremony was only the first step, and subsequent matters such as the prince's enthronement were even more important and could not afford any mistakes.
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