Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

"The Donglin Party is finished!"

This was Han Kuang's first impression upon seeing the draft of the Associations Act.

Because in this draft, the Donglin Party is clearly the party being targeted—

Whether it was the number of branches not exceeding ten or the total number of members not exceeding two hundred, the Donglin Party exceeded these limits.

According to the draft, it must be proactively split up.

In particular, the Donglin Party is not registered with the imperial court.

According to the regulations of the imperial court, this is an illegal criminal organization.

Furthermore, because many officials joined, it could be treated as a faction.

Anyone who has not issued a statement to distance themselves from the party can be treated as a party member.

It can only be said that Cheng Jiming, who drafted the Societies Act, truly lived up to his reputation as a member of the Donglin Party, seizing the Donglin Party's Achilles' heel with his first move.

Hou Xun was furious after seeing the draft:

"Lord Han, what does Lord Cheng mean by this?"

"Is he trying to emulate Qian Qianyi and turn against the Donglin Party?"

He was furious, feeling that Cheng Jiming had betrayed Donglin.

Han Kuang had no choice but to defend Cheng Jiming, because he knew that if Cheng Jiming did this, the position of the next Grand Secretary would be secure.

He needs Cheng Keimy's help in the cabinet, not to push him to the opposite side.

He addressed Hou Xun and the others, saying:
"Scholar Cheng was not against the Donglin Party; his Confucian Society also revered Mr. Gu."

"Now we are acting in accordance with the Emperor's request to prevent people from forming cliques for personal gain and suppressing dissent."

Upon hearing this reason, Hou Xun was speechless.

Because forming factions is always a serious offense.

"A gentleman does not form factions," this is clearly written in the Analects.

Ouyang Xiu of the Former Song Dynasty wrote "On Factions," originally to defend the reformists, but ended up suffering a complete defeat in officialdom because he admitted to the existence of factions.

Hou Xun absolutely dared not acknowledge the Donglin Party; he said:
"We, the gentlemen of Donglin, gather together to lecture; how can that be considered forming a faction?"

"Does the court think we're part of a faction, just like it did when Wei was in power?"

Han Kuang glanced at him and said:

"Whether or not it constitutes a faction is for the court to decide."

“Frequent gatherings without reporting them, and standing on the same side, are seen by the court as a de facto faction.”

"The imperial court has now demanded that the Donglin Party register, otherwise all those who have had contact with them will be listed as suspects of the Donglin Party."

"You all need to prepare yourselves and get through this difficult time."

Hou Xun became even angrier upon hearing this and shouted:
"Isn't this just like the Party Persecution?"

"Does the Emperor intend to emulate Emperors Huan and Ling?"

Han Kuang's expression changed upon hearing this, and he hurriedly stopped him, saying:

"Be careful!"

"His Majesty has never prohibited the Donglin scholars from participating in politics; he has only required them to do so openly and in accordance with court etiquette."

"Do you intend to oppose the Societies Act and the restoration of traditional rites and music?"

With this serious accusation leveled against them, Hou Xun and the others dared not utter a word.

They knew the consequences of opposing the restoration of rites and music; even a true Confucian scholar like Huang Daozhou was sent away to other places by the emperor without hesitation.

It could even be said that the first taboo of the Chongzhen era was not joining the eunuch faction, but opposing the restoration of the rites and music.

After using this to subdue the crowd, Han Kuang then addressed them:
"Two years ago, after the provincial examination, Yang Tingshu and others lectured at Donglin Academy, and the Donglin Academy was officially established."

"The members of this society are all successors of the Donglin scholars."

"I have decided to join the Donglin Society from now on."

"Yang Tingshu, the person in charge of the society in Beijing, has been approved to join the society."

"You should all think about your options. Whether you join the Donglin Academy or establish your own academy like Cheng Gong, you are free to choose whether to stay or leave."

Picking up the teacup beside him was clearly a gesture of seeing the guest off.

Hou Xun and the others felt anxious upon hearing this, but they couldn't disregard etiquette.

They could only bow and take their leave. After leaving the Han residence, they gathered together to discuss the matter.
-
Hou Xun said resentfully:

"Duke Han and Duke Cheng feel that we are no longer important, so they intend to abandon us."

"What do you suggest we do now? Join the Donglin Society, or form our own society?"

Others also felt abandoned, Jiang Yunyi said:

"His Majesty strictly forbids the formation of factions and stipulates that members of the same faction should recuse themselves."

“We belong to the same faction as Lord Han, and instead of being of any help, we need to avoid him.”

"I'm afraid that Lord Han doesn't welcome us joining the Donglin Society right now. It would be more in line with his wishes to form another society."

These words revealed the reason why Han Kuang abandoned them.

With the emperor strictly forbidding the formation of factions, their ties with Han Kuang were under intense scrutiny. Not only were they unable to speak on Han Kuang's behalf in court, but they also had to be extremely careful to avoid being impeached for forming a faction.

Under these circumstances, it's no wonder that Han Kuang joined the Donglin Society organized by Yang Tingshu and other students, rather than forming a society with these core members of the Donglin Party.

Hou Xun and the others thought it over and realized that this was indeed the case. Their relationship with Han Kuang as allies was no longer one of reliance; on the contrary, they needed to avoid suspicion.

In this situation, some people have already made up their minds, Hou Xun said:

"It's a pity my master isn't here, otherwise we could form another society now."

"What are your thoughts? Do you want to join the Donglin Society, or form your own society?"

I plan to discuss with my teacher, Zheng Sanjun, about forming a party organization.

Given Zheng Sanjun's reputation among the younger generation of Donglin, this matter would be a piece of cake.

Moreover, he was Hong Chengchou's mentor, and was able to establish connections with the Jinjiang Party led by Yang Jingchen—

After Han Kuang abandoned them first, Hou Xun no longer strictly stood on the side of the Donglin Party. He believed that it was also possible to communicate with the remnants of the eunuch faction.

Jiang Yunyi then said:
“I am from Changzhou, and Donglin Academy is located in Changzhou, so naturally I will join Donglin Academy.”

"In the future, our various academic societies will remain allies, supporting each other in the court."

The plan is to form a pan-Donglin Alliance with the Donglin Academy as its core.

They can argue with each other in normal times to avoid being accused of forming cliques, but on important matters, they can stand together.

This proposal has appealed to many people.

This can be considered a good way to avoid impeachment for forming a faction, and you can also enjoy preferential treatment.

At this time, they were still very united.

I wonder if things will still be this harmonious when people compete for positions in the future.

Of course, some people were disheartened and unwilling to get involved in the factional struggle anymore. Fang Zhenru said:

"In the past, we were of one mind to fight against the traitor Wei."

"Now that Wei has been brought to justice, the so-called Donglin Party is no longer a valid topic."

"From today onwards, you need not notify Fang of any meetings of your society."

"Let us part ways here; a gentleman's friendship is as light as water."

He bid farewell to Hou Xun and the others and left the gang.

Inspired by him, several others also left, intending to issue a statement declaring that they had no connection with the Donglin Party.

Jiang Yunyi opened her mouth, wanting to dissuade him but not knowing how.

Hou Xun said with a cold smile:
“He’s favored by the Emperor, so of course he doesn’t need friends.” “If you don’t have his opportunities, then don’t try to emulate him.”

This indicates that Fang Zhenru was valued by the emperor, so he didn't care about his allies.

Those who lack this opportunity need the support of their own party.

This silenced the other interested people, and they didn't leave.

Soon, someone exchanged pleasantries with Jiang Yunyi and expressed their intention to join the Donglin Society.

Some people also spoke with Hou Xun, asking him when his and his teacher's academy would be established.

There were even a few like-minded individuals who planned to form their own group and operate independently in the imperial court.

However, without ministers involved, the society has no influence.

After all, according to the current emperor's proposed method of court recommendation, officials of the Censorate and the Imperial Academy must be recommended by at least one minister.

Therefore, various groups were quickly formed in the imperial court, with the ministers at the core.

The alliances and counter-alliances among them were dazzling, no longer clearly divided into the Donglin Party, the remnants of the eunuch party, and the neutral faction as before.

This was actually Zhu Youjian's intention; he knew that no matter what, the ministers in the court could always gather a group of people.

It's better to expose them openly than to let them collude in private.

His ideal political ecosystem was one where various small parties formed a ruling alliance to control the government.

Ideally, whoever he supports will become the core of the ruling coalition.

Just like Han Kuang now, who, with his support, became the leader of the Pan-Donglin Alliance.

This power and position obtained through the emperor will dissipate as the emperor's favor fades.

When Han Kuang does not meet his expectations, he will be replaced by someone else.
-
Han Kuang naturally understood this, but he didn't care.

Because he had already decided that he would do whatever the emperor said.

What I need to do next is to carry out the emperor's orders and receive the title of earl upon retirement.

After Hou Xun and the others left, he said to Jiang Yunyi, who had returned:
How many officials are willing to join the Donglin Society?

What kind of positions are they?

Jiang Yunyi said respectfully:
"About forty people remained at the Donglin Academy, most of whom were mid- to low-ranking officials."

"Those who are related to the ministers mostly form their own societies."

Han Kuang looked at the list and said with satisfaction:

"Forty-odd people are enough; any more than that would easily arouse taboo."

"Moreover, Yang Tingshu has recruited many scholars who can be promoted to serve as secretaries in the Imperial Secretariat."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunyi exclaimed in surprise:
"so……"

"Wouldn't that be too explicit?"

"His Majesty is doing his utmost to suppress factional strife, how could Lord Han... how could he..."

"How can you so blatantly use personal information? Is that what you mean?" Han Kuang said with a smile.

Then, without a care, he said:

"What the Emperor cares about is the faction of officials in the court forming cliques for personal gain; he doesn't care about these clerks who are only graduates of the imperial examination system."

“As the Grand Secretary, I need people to get things done. I can promote someone to be a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat and assign him to the Planning and Development Commission.”

"Remember, as long as you don't form cliques or engage in factionalism and exclusion, it's fine."

"The Emperor doesn't care about officials forming factions; what he wants to suppress is factionalism."

It pointed out the emperor's thoughts and drew a red line.

This red line is party strife; one cannot form groups to pursue personal gain, or even prioritize political stance over the actual situation.

Besides, officials can fight each other however they want; if they are all harmonious, the emperor will be uneasy.

Jiang Yunyi then understood that forming factions and forming societies were different, and that the emperor wanted to limit the power struggles in officialdom to a certain extent.

Will this achieve the desired effect? ​​Jiang Yunyi felt it was necessary to observe further.
-
Zhu Youjian was quite satisfied with the current situation.

After the downfall of the eunuch faction, the powerful Donglin Party remained a major concern for him.

For this reason, he did not hesitate to make it explicit that no more than two ministers should come from the Donglin faction.

This forced Qian Qianyi and other Donglin Party members who were capable of becoming high-ranking officials to withdraw from the Donglin Party.

Now, this restriction is working again.

After Qian Qianyi established his own school, and Cheng Jiming founded another academy, the Donglin Party, an organization that spanned two capitals and thirteen provinces and had members in various places, finally collapsed.

In addition to the Donglin Academy led by Han Kuang and the Beiru Academy led by Cheng Jiming, the Xilin Academy led by Li Banghua and the Nanlin Academy led by Zheng Sanjun were established one after another.

There was also Liu Zongzhou, who, with the help of his disciples, established the Jishan Academy.

These people were all labeled as members of the Donglin Party under the oppression of the eunuch faction.

The eunuch faction is now history, and the Donglin Party, under the emperor's oppressive policies, has finally split.

This can be seen as another victory for Zhu Youjian after he overthrew the eunuch faction, and he was very satisfied with it.

When he convened a meeting with the top brass of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he said to the people in the Bureau of Official Intelligence:

"Your contributions to the split in the Donglin Party are commendable, and those who have made contributions should be rewarded accordingly."

"After the Donglin faction splits, the political parties in the court will become even more chaotic."

"Your secret society should send more people to spy out and find out the relationships between the ministers."

"If any ministers are in the same social group, you must inform the censor of the Ministry of Personnel to make arrangements for their avoidance."

This is why Li Banghua and others formed their own society; anyone who wanted to become a high-ranking official no longer wanted to be associated with the Donglin Party.

Even if some people see it as self-deception, they still have to form a society to show that they are severing ties with the Donglin Party.

Zheng Shiyi, who is in charge of the intelligence center, said:
"Your Majesty, while the Donglin Party members appear to be forming separate societies, many of them still maintain contact in private."

"What should we do about this? Should we treat it as a matter of fact-based factionalism?"

Zhu Youjian shook his head and gave the order:

"Private interactions cannot be prohibited, as long as they are recorded."

"Remember, the main task is to record the interactions between ministers, draw a map of these interactions, and see who has the closest relationship with whom."

"If there are people with close ties who frequently share the same stance, it's not too late to arrange for impeachment or the formation of a faction."

"We must grasp this middle line well, and focus on cracking down on forming cliques and eliminating dissent."

He never expected to wipe out the Donglin Party all at once; that was impossible.

The fact that the Donglin Party is now splitting apart is already a sign that the Donglin Party members are wary.

The next step is to widen the rifts between the various clubs, making it impossible for them to be as close as before.

In the past, Ruan Dacheng would defect to the eunuch faction due to the internal struggles within the Donglin Party. Zhu Youjian believed that the various Donglin factions would inevitably fight each other and become increasingly estranged.

He could also accelerate this process, promoting the Donglin Party's transformation from a formal split to a de facto disintegration:
"Most of the Donglin societies that were split off were not at full capacity."

“You can get their friends who encourage them to join the club and help these new clubs gain prestige.”

"Their stance is the same as these societies, unlike other societies that split off from Donglin."

“In the future, the differences between the various Donglin societies will certainly become greater and greater, and they will be unable to become one.”

This instruction made Zheng Shiyi realize what he needed to do next.

Then he heard the emperor ask:

"Have the person who instigated Mr. Liu to impeach Cheng Xueshi been found?"

Who is stirring up trouble in the shadows?

Zheng Shiyi hesitated for a moment, then uttered a name that surprised Zhu Youjian, yet was also somewhat understandable:
Qian Qianyi. (End of Chapter)