Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 707 Ghostly Tricks
Liao'an Guiwu was intent on sowing discord and wanted to see the Ming Dynasty in a state of chaos.

Unexpectedly, this struck a nerve with Zhu Houzhao, who immediately burst into laughter and declared in public, "My third brother is unparalleled in martial prowess. It's time to let you small countries have a good look at him."

Ask around, and you'll find out that Pei Yuan may have returned from Shandong.

Lu Yin, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who knew Pei Yuan's whereabouts best, could only reply, "A few days ago, Commander Pei returned to the capital to be questioned by the Empress Dowager's decree, so he should still be in the capital."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao was somewhat puzzled as to why Pei Yuan had not requested an audience.

But he didn't pay much attention to it and immediately said, "Have an official from the Ministry of Rites go to Zhihua Temple, find him and talk to him about etiquette for dealing with foreign tribes."

This time, the court officials paid homage and the foreign tribes paid tribute, which was jointly organized by the Ministry of Rites' Department of Ceremonies and the Department of Guests.

Liu Pang, the Chief of the Bureau of Receptions, had long known about the discord between Korea and Japan. He had been on tenterhooks, worried that he might do something impolite and be made the scapegoat.

Just as Liu Pang was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the North Korean envoy Cao Jishang and deputy envoy Li Yunjian finished their tirade and started showing off their food, the Japanese envoy Ryoan Keigo caused another mishap.

Fortunately, Liu Pang remembered Pei Yuan's words and understood that the differential treatment of Japan was the court's way of retaliating against the Japanese pirates who had invaded the border.

These kinds of major policy matters don't concern him much, and he remained quite calm and collected.

Unexpectedly, the old monk, full of wicked intentions, instigated a fight between Pei Yuan and Xu Tai.

However, if the mighty Ming Dynasty were to be provoked by a mere Japanese envoy and cause two military men to fight to the death, regardless of the outcome, it would likely become a laughing stock.

Then Ryoan Keigo might even be smug and spread the word about it when he returns to Japan.

Wouldn't this make the surrounding barbarians look down on the Ming Dynasty?

But Zhu Houzhao made a boastful statement in public, saying that Pei Yuan's martial prowess was unmatched in the world. Not to mention Xu Tai, other military officers also felt embarrassed.

Seeing Xu Tai's eagerness to try, he sneered repeatedly, seemingly intending to go with the flow.

Fearing that his younger brother Pei was unaware of the implications, Liu Pang volunteered before Jia Yong could, saying, "I, Liu Pang, the Director of the Bureau of State Ceremonies, am willing to go and summon Pei Yuan, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "Go quickly and come back quickly."

He then began to look at the local products offered by other foreign countries.

After leaving the palace, Liu Pang, having a mission to fulfill, asked the gatekeeper for a horse and hurriedly headed towards Zhihua Temple.

When Liu Pang arrived at Zhihua Temple, he inquired and learned that Pei Yuan was presiding over the ceremony that day, which made him overjoyed.

After the Imperial Guards at the gate announced his arrival, a trusted confidant of Pei Yuan came out to greet him and escorted him inside.

Upon seeing Liu Pang, Pei Yuan immediately asked with a smile, "At this hour, instead of presiding over the ceremony in the palace, you've come here to see me. Has something gone wrong?"

Liu Pang sighed, "What my brother says is correct."

Then he recounted how the Japanese envoy, Ryoan Keigo, had publicly instigated conflict, and how Zhu Houzhao had enthusiastically asked Pei Yuan to compete with Xu Tai.

Pei Yuan's expression turned sour after hearing this.

He then asked, "Among all the court officials, was there no one who tried to dissuade me?"

After saying that, he sneered to himself, "You want to see us martial artists make a fool of ourselves, right? And you also want to ruin me and Xu Tai."

Regardless of how crazy the emperor is going along with everyone else, and regardless of how silent the civil officials are.

But if we bring up old grievances after things have already happened...

But it will definitely turn out that Pei Yuan and Xu Tai are ignorant of the bigger picture, only knowing how to fight and be strong, and will be manipulated by the Japanese with their petty tricks.

Pei Yuan may not be much in the court, but if he could embarrass Zhu Houzhao by dismissing Xu Tai, who had just been appointed as the commander of the Daredevil Battalion, it would be tantamount to cutting off Zhu Houzhao's left and right arms.

The morale of Zhu Houzhao's four outer armies, which he had trained for so long, would collapse instantly.

Pei Yuan absolutely did not believe that those shrewd people couldn't see through An Guiwu's methods, but the fact that they were still scheming at this critical moment really disgusted Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan turned to Yun Buxian and asked, "Didn't Cai Rong infiltrate the Japanese delegation? Did he send back anything useful?"

Yun Buxian stayed in the capital to do some work, and many of the people who handled intelligence were handed over to him.

Yun Buxian thought for a moment and replied, "These days, the Japanese delegation has been selling the goods they brought privately, and they haven't caused much trouble."

"Only when it was the right person that An Keigo occasionally exchanged poems and essays with some famous people and discussed scholarship."

"Among them, the one who was closest to him was Wang Shouren, who was appointed as the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel."

Pei Yuan responded with an "Oh," showing little surprise.

In the historical process of Wang Yangming's philosophy spreading to Japan, Ryoan Keigo played an important role.

As for why Wang Shouren became close to Ryoan Keigo, there's no point in guessing.

Scholars, after all, like to show off.

Who wouldn't want to have success both inside and outside the walls?

Thinking of Wang Shouren, Pei Yuan casually remarked, "Hmm, it's about time. We can use this as an excuse to send Wang Shouren out to a post."

After saying that, I realized I had said a bit too much.

In the past, in order to establish some connection with Wang Shouren, he often boasted in public that he and Wang Shouren were sworn brothers who burned yellow paper money together.

Pei Yuan glanced at everyone in the hall without showing any emotion.

Seeing that Cen Meng, Yun Buxian, Xiao Tong, Lu Yong and others had all looked away, Pei Yuan quickly added, "The greater good of the nation is at stake, and I, as a commander, have no choice but to do this."

As he spoke, a hint of melancholy appeared on his face.

of course.

What forced Brother Wang to leave the capital was definitely not his interactions with Liao'an Guiwu, but rather Pei Yuan's imminent arrangement for Wang Qiong to be appointed Minister of Revenue in the capital.

Without Wang Shouren's mediation, the alliance between Wang Qiong and Wang Hua would not have come so naturally.

Liu Pang said helplessly, "His Majesty has summoned you, so hurry up and go."

Pei Yuan immediately sent someone to fetch his official robe.

Xiao Tong hurriedly took out Pei Yuan's flying fish robe.

He added, "Today is the day to pay homage to the Emperor; it would be more respectable to wear the flying fish robe."

Pei Yuan rebuked, "There are countless high-ranking officials and nobles in the court now. Don't cause trouble. Just bring me my fifth-rank official robe."

Xiao Tong hurriedly went to retrieve Pei Yuan's fifth-rank official robe with the bear-patterned insignia.

This time, due to an urgent summons from the emperor, Pei Yuan rode a horse, and Yun Buxian, Xiao Tong, and others were also able to ride along.

The group quickly rode their horses towards the Forbidden City.

Upon arriving at the palace gate, Liu Pang informed the crowd that His Majesty had summoned Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan already possessed an ivory waist token, so he easily entered the palace and followed Liu Pang to the outside of the Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Houzhao was enjoying a banquet with his ministers and envoys from the four barbarian tribes. Upon hearing that Pei Yuan was requesting an audience, he was overjoyed and said to everyone, "My third brother has arrived. Let's see him display his divine power."

Liao'an Guiwu smiled smugly upon hearing this, and exchanged a glance with the deputy envoy Guangyao.

Even the two North Korean envoys, who were quietly showing off their food, revealed mocking smiles.

Xu Tai's expression darkened slightly, and he felt extremely displeased.

Zhu Houzhao shouted, "Summon them in quickly!"

Pei Yuan strode into the hall, first scanning the room with a sharp gaze before bowing and saying, "Your subject, Pei Yuan, commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Those who were caught in Pei Yuan's gaze felt a subtle sense of displeasure at being offended.

That man is extremely rude.

Even Ryoan Keigo, who had been claiming he wanted to see a true hero, couldn't help but narrow his eyes.

What a magnificent and muscular man, so monstrous!

Zhu Houzhao laughed heartily and said, "Get up quickly."

After saying that, he asked, "Has Liu Pang told you? I summoned you here today because I hope you and Xu Tai will have a good match, so as to promote the power of our Great Ming and let them know the bravery of our Great Ming warriors."

After saying that, he shouted, "Xu Tai!"

Xu Tai was at the table, and he had been observing Pei Yuan ever since Pei Yuan came in.

He and Pei Yuan failed to fight last time, and this time, after looking at him from all angles, he felt that this person was no match for him.

I don't know why His Majesty holds him in such high regard.

Xu Tai was naturally unaware that Pei Yuan, relying on his repeated "poverty only strengthened his resolve," had beaten Jiang Bin as easily as beating a dog, leaving a very deep impression on Zhu Houzhao.

I heard that the Emperor had summoned me.

Xu Tai pushed himself up from the table and leaped up, saying, "Your subject Xu Tai is here."

Zhu Houzhao said excitedly, "Go and have a match with Pei Yuan."

Xu Tai replied without fear, "Yes, sir."

He was about to stride forward to fight Pei Yuan.

Pei Yuan waved his hand at him and said calmly, "No rush."

Xu Tai was surprised by Pei Yuan's reaction. After a slight hesitation, he turned his gaze to Zhu Houzhao.

But then Pei Yuan behind him asked loudly, "Your Majesty, I have a question for you."

Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "Speak."

Pei Yuan asked in a loud voice, "The Japanese envoy, Ryoan Keigo, instigated infighting among Ming military officers in court with just a few words, making the Ming Dynasty a laughing stock among the barbarians and despised by the world."

"Has Your Majesty considered this matter?"

Zhu Houzhao was stunned upon hearing this, his smile froze, and then his face flushed red. "You..."

Pei Yuan uttered these words.

The civil and military officials of the court were in an uproar.

Previously, no one had brought this matter to light, and Zhu Houzhao was willful and reckless, not caring much about the opinions of the surrounding barbarians, so the matter remained unresolved.

Unexpectedly, Pei Yuan's arrival immediately exposed the truth, allowing Zhu Houzhao to calm down from his excitement.

Zhu Houzhao was an extremely intelligent man. Before, he had only acted willfully because he was the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. When he realized that such behavior would be regarded as a joke by the surrounding foreign countries, he felt extremely embarrassed.

He immediately retorted angrily, "Nonsense! I was trying to demonstrate the power of the Ming Dynasty, not as despicable as you make it out to be!"

Seeing this, Naraan Keigo was even more delighted, feeling that his methods were unparalleled.

He feigned indignation and said, "This old monk has long heard of Commander Pei's reputation as a hero, which is why I was so eager to meet him. I never expected that Commander Pei would be so ungrateful and even judge a gentleman by the standards of a petty person."

"Only today did this old monk realize that the Celestial Empire has allowed such an unworthy person to falsely claim to be a hero."

Pei Yuan stepped forward and looked at An Guiwu, saying, "What kind of gentleman are you? You're nothing but a wild dog that leads beasts to devour people."

Liao'an Guiwu stared in astonishment upon hearing this. "This old monk has always believed that the Great Ming Dynasty is a superior nation, a land of propriety and etiquette. Why are you so rude as to dare to insult me?"

Pei Yuan sneered, "The officials and nobles of the court are naturally polite, gentle, courteous and frugal. I am a military man, so it is only right that I be impolite."

"If we're talking about rudeness, who can compare to the rudeness of your Japanese delegation?"

Pei Yuan pressed on, "In the fourth year of the Jingtai reign, your Japanese envoys came to pay tribute and actually beat the staff of the inn to death. Did this happen?"

"In the fourth year of the Chenghua reign, did Madajiro, a member of the Japanese trade mission, kill many Ming Dynasty citizens while drunk and wielding a knife?"

"In the ninth year of the Hongzhi reign, Minamoto no Yoshitaka sent envoys to pay tribute. When they reached Jining, members of the delegation again committed murder with knives. Did this incident actually happen?"

"You are so rude, what kind of treatment do you expect from me, the commander?"

Upon hearing Pei Yuan's words, many ministers who were initially furious at his disturbance at the Fengtian Hall also became solemn and developed a sense of disgust towards the Japanese delegation.

Zhu Houzhao's impression of these Japanese people, who spoke so eloquently, was immediately lowered.

Pei Yuan turned to Zhu Houzhao and said, "Your Majesty, I have something else to say."

Zhu Houzhao frowned, somewhat embarrassed and annoyed, "You!"

However, he and Pei Yuan were quite close, and given his position in the imperial court, he needed to demonstrate some magnanimity. So, he could only reluctantly say, "Speak!"

Pei Yuan said solemnly, "These underhanded tricks are not difficult to see through. The reason they are effective is simply by taking advantage of others' power. If Your Majesty can be good at accepting advice and has the courage to admit your mistakes, then how can these methods be effective?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao was about to curse Pei Yuan inwardly for daring to betray him.

Suddenly, I sensed something else.

He has the courage to admit his mistakes, but no one is advising him, so how can he accept advice?
Pei Yuan's ingenious move of shifting stars and changing positions put the entire court of officials in a precarious position.

A tactic sowing discrepancy that even a mere commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard could see through—how could others not know it? Why allow the emperor, the Son of Heaven, to fall into someone else's trap?
Some things are as thin as a sheet of paper; they can be torn apart with the slightest touch.

Zhu Houzhao, with his keen mind, delivered a crushing blow to the officials present on the spot.

He said displeasedly, "Am I the kind of ruler who cannot accept advice? I have always been happy to hear criticism, correcting my mistakes if I have them, and striving to improve if I don't. Now that you have given your advice, how about I adopt it in public?"

As soon as Zhu Houzhao said this, the high-ranking officials present almost berated Pei Yuan mercilessly.

Zhu Houzhao said that he was a monarch who could accept advice, and he even accepted advice on the spot. Wouldn't that make everyone pay attention to another thing? If there is a monarch who can accept advice, then are there ministers who can remonstrate?
Why, with all the officials present, did they allow a foreign monk with silver tongue to sow discord?
Many people had a slight sweat on their foreheads, as if they heard someone whispering among themselves.

villain!

Mediocre!

(End of this chapter)