Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 25 I am willing to be executed in order to preserve Your Majesty's virtue!

Rumors of Zhang Yunxiu?

The moment the young emperor uttered these words, the assembled officials in the hall erupted in uproar.

The imperial court has its own laws and regulations. Under normal circumstances, unless one has made significant contributions to the court, is an envoy from a foreign country, or is involved in a major case, one cannot even step into the threshold of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

What is Zhang Yunxiu?
Aside from having a powerful father, he didn't even have an official position. What qualifications did he have to appear in the main hall to present his case?

In the past, emperors may have acted irrationally and disregarded these laws.

Since Wanli ascended the throne, has he not been diligent and conscientious every single day? Has he not been law-abiding and disciplined every single day?
But now, are we setting a precedent?

Because of Zhang Yunxiu.

At this moment, many ministers already viewed Zhang Yunxiu as someone who was bewitching the emperor.

Furthermore, given that his father was Zhang Juzheng, Wei Yunzhen's previous impeachment seemed to have some merit in comparison.

Even after Feng Bao left, Emperor Wanli was still furious and stared at Wei Yunzhen as he spoke.

"Since you, Wei Maozhong, think that storybooks and newspapers are bad, and that I am neglecting my duties, then I will summon the instigators and the two of you will have a contest. Do you dare?"

Upon hearing that the emperor wanted to summon Zhang Yunxiu, Wei Yunzhen not only did not panic, but became even more determined in her decision.

He raised his head and said, "If Your Majesty wishes me to argue, then I will argue. As long as Your Majesty can come to your senses, I will have no regrets even if I die nine times."

"What a loyal minister!"

The Wanli Emperor gritted his teeth.

The court was already buzzing with discussion, and many ministers were getting restless and were even considering joining Wei Yunzhen's side, since they also "felt the same way".

How can an emperor neglect his duties? Not only does he ignore the advice of his ministers, but he also shouts and yells—it's simply outrageous!

At the front of the line, Shen Shixing watched with growing anxiety.

The development of events truly exceeded his original expectations.

He glanced at Zhang Juzheng, who was frowning deeply.

“This is the En family’s residence.”

After some thought, Zhang Juzheng finally said, "Let's wait a little longer."

He was also somewhat helpless, as his original plan had been disrupted.

Why is that kid Zhang Yunxiu everywhere?
Does he always manage to create some kind of "accident" for himself?
Before long, a young man dressed in a blue robe walked out of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Feng Bao led the way, while he walked behind with a swagger, showing no fear whatsoever.

He entered the main hall and respectfully bowed to the young emperor on the throne.

"Zhang Yunxiu, son of the Grand Secretary, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"No need to pay tribute."

When Wanli saw Zhang Yunxiu, his expression immediately softened.

It felt like my people had finally arrived.

He nodded and said, "Zhang Shiyuan, now in the court, some people are attacking you for bewitching the emperor and spreading heresy. What do you think?"

Zhang Yunxiu's facial muscles twitched; he felt very wronged, as he clearly hadn't offended or provoked anyone.

All I did was present the emperor with a storybook and mention the newspaper to him; how did that become bewitching the emperor?

He immediately cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, this is utter nonsense. One can understand principles by reading storybooks, and one can benefit the country and the people by running newspapers.”

I do not understand why the officials in the court are so fixated on this matter.

Does Your Majesty reading storybooks and me publishing newspapers infringe upon their right to profit?
Or is it that by constantly offering advice and remonstrance in the name of benevolence and morality, one can gain a reputation?

"it is good!"

Emperor Wanli was very excited.

Finally, someone is willing to stand by my side!

"Absurd!" Wei Yunzhen couldn't contain herself and immediately stood up to refute it.

He frowned, recalling a past event.

Five years ago, Zhang Juzheng sent his youngest son, Zhang Yunxiu, to the palace to study with him.

He thought that the emperor would have a companion and they could also encourage each other in their studies.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yunxiu, being naturally unconventional, turned Wenhua Hall into a playground for amusement and play.

They even took the young emperor around the West Garden to catch insects and play, almost falling into the Taiye Pond.

The emperor was pulled up by the eunuchs, still holding a golden koi carp in his arms and giggling.

This matter alarmed the entire court, and the officials jointly submitted a memorial impeaching the official.

Under pressure, Zhang Juzheng had no choice but to expel Zhang Yunxiu from the Forbidden City, and from then on, he never again found a study companion for the emperor.

Is Zhang Yunxiu going to resort to his old tricks again?
Wei Yunzhen was furious and blamed everything on Zhang Juzheng.

If Zhang Juzheng hadn't harbored malicious intentions, how could his son Zhang Yunxiu have dared to bewitch the emperor?
Zhang Juzheng was a monster who monopolized power!
Wei Yunzhen was determined to bring down Zhang Juzheng, this "fierce tiger." And Zhang Yunxiu was the first to be targeted!

He glared at Zhang Yunxiu and said.

"So you are Zhang Shiyuan? You have bewitched the emperor, spread heretical and misleading books, and published newspapers that corrupt the morals. You use obscene and lascivious songs to deceive the emperor's ears. Are you perhaps trying to emulate Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and commit the disastrous act of the Pear Garden? Do you know your crime?"

Wei Yunzhen remained undaunted, convinced that he was upholding justice and fairness, even though the other side had the support of the emperor and Zhang Juzheng.

But in the eyes of all the officials and in the hearts of the scholars of the world, Wei Yunzhen was naturally right!
Even if one dies, one's name will be recorded in history, so what is there to fear?

At this moment, not only Wei Yunzhen, but also many other officials in the censorate and the imperial court felt disgust and anger towards Zhang Yunxiu.

Even though some of them had been promoted by Zhang Juzheng, they couldn't help but have doubts.

Isn't this youngest son in the capital a bit too absurd?
Yang Sizhi had been holding a grudge since being punished last time. Seeing that he was now on the moral high ground, he immediately pointed at Zhang Yunxiu and said the same thing.

"How dare you, Zhang Shiyuan! Do you know what crime it is to bewitch the emperor?"
According to the "Great Ming Code", bewitching the emperor is called the crime of being a traitorous party member, and should be punished with the extreme punishment of beheading and confiscation of property!

You are still young; confess your crimes and submit to the law immediately! Don't tarnish your father's lifelong reputation!

Filled with resentment, Yang Sizhi pulled out the "Great Ming Code" in an attempt to scare away Zhang Yunxiu, this greenhorn.

He was certain that the other party's talent was irrefutable.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yunxiu turned his head and glanced at him, then sneered.

"Your Excellency Yang is quite arrogant. You call this a traitorous faction? I also want to accuse you of slandering the emperor, which is a serious crime of disrespect. According to the Ming Dynasty Code, you should be beheaded or strangled without pardon!"

Do you all disregard Heaven, Earth, the Ruler, Parents, and Teachers? What kind of books have you been reading?!

"Zhang Shiyuan, you..." Yang Sizhi was suddenly speechless. He never expected that a young man who had not even achieved any official rank would be so sharp-tongued.

If it were a young person, they would surely lose their courage after being frightened by him, right?

Zhang Yunxiu's rebuke was like stirring up a hornet's nest, and the censors and officials all jumped out to speak out.

Regardless of whether there is any enmity or not, we must show this arrogant brat the power of the censors.

"Outrageous! Zhang Shiyuan, the son of the Grand Secretary, is a scoundrel who frequents brothels and theaters!"

"Your Majesty! Zhang Shiyuan is stealing the heart of a wise and benevolent ruler! Your Majesty must not associate with him any longer!"

"The rites and music have collapsed! Do you intend to set up a stage in this Hall of Supreme Harmony and then start performing a play?"

The censors' attacks were undeniably powerful, but no matter what they said, Zhang Yunxiu stood firmly in place, not even glancing at them.

He even had time to wink at his father, Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting in front of him.

Zhang Juzheng's eyebrows twitched, and he turned his head away, feeling a headache coming on.

What exactly did I give birth to?
When the officials were tired of talking.

Zhang Yunxiu remained defiant, almost causing the seasoned critics to lose their temper.

He just ignored us?

Yang Sizhi, panting heavily, pointed angrily at him and said, "Zhang Shiyuan, have you nothing to say, Your Majesty?"

Zhang Yunxiu ignored him and instead looked at Wei Yunzhen beside him.

"Mr. Wei just said that I, Zhang Yunxiu, am spreading heresies and misleading the emperor. Have you ever gone to the streets to find out the truth? Have you ever read my newspaper?"

Wei Yunzhen found it somewhat amusing; Yang Wei had already used the same excuse once before, so it naturally had no effect on him.

He scoffed and said, "You child's sophistry! A gentleman does not go under a leaning roof. Why would I go to a filthy place like the marketplace? I've already read your newspaper; it's utterly worthless!"

The imperial court has its own official gazettes circulated throughout the land; why should government orders need to be relayed by merchants from the common people?

Wei Yunzhen emphasized the term "merchant" very much, because since the Ming Dynasty, the traditional social order of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants had always been an unchanging rule.

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at the other person, then focused his attention on the phrase "a filthy, desolate place," and frowned deeply.

Emperor Wanli, who witnessed the entire process, was initially very pleased to see Zhang Yunxiu's unstoppable advance.

It is clear that the officials were extremely agitated; how could Zhang Yunxiu alone withstand the clamor of the masses?
How could he possibly argue with a learned scholar?
Emperor Wanli couldn't help but feel a little anxious and regretful for having Zhang Yunxiu appointed.

Isn't he just making things worse? He's completely defenseless.

Anxious, the Wanli Emperor rebuked him himself: "You audacious Wei Maozhong, are you still so stubbornly unrepentant?"

But once she did, Wei Yunzhen immediately got excited.

With an air of unyielding resolve, he prostrated himself and spoke loudly.

"If Your Majesty thinks I am wrong, then I am wrong."

Your subject is willing to submit to execution in order to preserve Your Majesty's virtue!

We only pray that Your Majesty will repent and turn back from the wrong path!

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(End of this chapter)