Huangming

Chapter 169 Throwing Away the Spears and Taking Up the Armor, Laying Down the Leather to Make a Carriage

Inside the East Warm Pavilion.

Incense curls up.

Wei Zhongxian immediately replied, “Your Majesty’s three edicts on drought relief, the promotion of new grain, and the inspection of granaries are all beneficial to the country and the people, but they have been met with constant criticism from court officials. Some say that the claim of a severe drought is unfounded, while others criticize the new grain for violating ancestral rules, arguing that the coarse grain of the Western barbarians cannot compare to the precious products of our Celestial Empire. As for the policy of inspecting granaries, although the officials dare not openly call it a bad policy, they secretly worry that it may cause turmoil in the country.”

Zhu Youxiao shook his head slightly and asked, "Who is making these criticisms?"

Wei Zhongxian honestly replied, "Your Majesty, most of the criticism in the court comes from the Censorate and the Six Ministries. The Left Censor-in-Chief Gao Panlong has repeatedly said that the drought relief edict is wasteful of resources and manpower, arguing that celestial signs are warnings and that we should focus on virtuous governance rather than construction projects. The Minister of Personnel Zhou Jiamo has even criticized the new grain edict as 'using barbarians to disrupt Chinese society,' saying that coarse grain from the Western barbarians is not worthy of being served in the imperial palace. Many officials from the Six Ministries have also echoed this sentiment, though they dare not openly criticize the grain inspection policy, they subtly suggest that it may damage the foundation of the gentry."

These officials are truly unskilled in any household chores, yet they dare to utter such words.

They have enough to eat, but the common people are still hungry.

So what if the food from the Western region is rough?
Anything that can fill your stomach and feed you is a good thing!

Zhu Youxiao tapped his fingertips lightly on the imperial desk, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Keep a close eye on these people's every move."

He slowly rose, his bright yellow dragon robe gleaming coldly in the candlelight.

"I want to see what these court officials are really thinking."

Wei Zhongxian quickly bowed his head: "This servant understands. I will make sure they find out exactly how many times the water has been poured into the chamber pot in the mansion."

"Ha," the young emperor sneered, his hands behind his back as he gazed at the deep night outside the palace.

"Whether it's dividing and conquering, or sowing discord and creating division, we must find the Achilles' heel before striking. These reports are the direction in which I will exert my efforts."

Wei Zhongxian immediately nodded.

"The slaves obey."

Wei Zhongxian's eyes darted around, and a fawning smile spread across his sallow face: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. Although there were some dissenting voices regarding the previous three edicts, they were ultimately just the gossip of pedantic scholars. But what about Grand Secretary Li's matter of surveying the land in Beizhili?"

The old eunuch rubbed his withered fingers in his sleeve and said, "The officials of the Six Ministries have been smashing teacups behind the scenes, and even the nobles in the Beijing Garrison are keeping a close eye on things."

He paused meaningfully and said, "If we really start looking through these land registers, we're afraid we'll overturn the ancestral rice bowls of all the high-ranking officials in the court."

The previous three edicts did not affect the interests of too many people.

However, the land survey in northern Zhili threatened the interests of these people.

"Are there people gathering to discuss the matter and preparing to cause trouble?"

"Your Majesty, the imperial edict for land survey has not yet been issued, and those pedantic scholars only dare to gossip at private banquets."

His eyes darted around, and he lowered his voice, saying, "But my informants in the Six Ministries reported that the Censors of the Censorate have been meeting secretly lately—Gao Panlong even invited people from the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Personnel to dinner yesterday."

The old eunuch suddenly shuddered, as if recalling something terrifying: "What's most alarming are those nobles in the capital garrison. The steward of the Duke of Cheng's mansion has actually made two trips to Gao Panlong's residence these past few days!"

He stole glances at the emperor's face, his voice growing increasingly weak: "This servant fears that if this edict is truly issued, the entire court will stage a scene of officials kneeling before the palace gates in remonstrance, some even to the point of dying in despair."

"They dare?"

If Han Kuang's lesson wasn't enough, he wouldn't mind giving these officials more lessons.

"This servant is afraid."

"If soldiers come, we'll block them; if water comes, we'll dam it. If we shrink back from difficulties, I might as well hand over this dragon throne to those pedantic scholars!"

Wei Zhongxian hurriedly knelt down, his forehead pressed against the gold brick: "Your Majesty, please understand! This servant is worried. The people in the Censorate are always adept at stirring up public opinion. What if they secretly collude with the Six Ministries and incite the nobles of the Capital Garrison?"

Before he could finish speaking, the young emperor suddenly interrupted with a cold laugh: "I want to see whether their pens are stronger, or my sword is sharper!"

"I entrust the task of monitoring these people's actions to you. I trust that you will not disappoint me."

Wei Zhongxian patted his chest and said, "Your Majesty can rest assured that I will handle things perfectly."

"Do not make any major moves in the next few days. I do not wish for any major trouble during the imperial examination."

"My slave understands!"

Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes as he watched Wei Zhongxian's departing figure.

As emperor, he could issue edicts at will.

However.
Once an imperial edict is issued, someone must carry it out.

Otherwise, it's just a piece of waste paper.

If the entire officialdom resists the emperor's edicts, then he will become a puppet emperor.

Zhu Youxiao would absolutely not allow such a thing to happen!

now.

Inside Zhou Jiamo's residence.

"Master! Something terrible has happened!"

The steward, his face ashen, knelt on the ground and cried out, "The two young masters have been arrested by the Imperial Guards and are now being held in the Northern Garrison Prison!"

Zhou Jiamo slammed the scroll in his hand onto the table with a "thud," his expression changing drastically: "The Embroidered Uniform Guard? Did they say what the crime is?"

The steward knelt on the ground, his voice trembling: "It is said...it is said that the two young masters made irresponsible remarks about the land survey at the restaurant the day before yesterday, and their statements were recorded by secret agents. The imperial warrant was just issued today!"

Zhou Jiamo abruptly stood up, his sleeve flipping over a teacup: "Insolence! It was just casual conversation at a banquet, why should I be imprisoned?!"

He paced back and forth for a moment, then stopped and sneered, "Well done, Wei Zhongxian! He's making an example of us! The imperial edict for land survey hasn't even been issued yet, and he's already targeting my Zhou family!"

But after thinking about it for a moment, he shook his head.

"No, it's definitely not just this charge. But did they both embezzle and accept bribes?"

Now, the manager stammered and couldn't say anything.

"Rebel!"

Zhou Jiamo's face twisted in pain as he realized that his two sons had truly gotten into trouble.

The reason he dared to meddle in the Ministry of Personnel was because he was innocent and the emperor could not find any fault with him.

After the court recommended Yuan Keli as Vice Minister of War, Zhou Jiamo began his career.

Or rather, they began to subtly oppose the emperor.

When the emperor wanted to promote or dismiss someone, he would deliberately delay, using "procedural compliance" as an excuse, for example:
"This person is still inexperienced and needs further evaluation."

"The Ministry of Personnel's Selection Department is reviewing the application. Please wait a moment, Your Majesty."

“According to ancestral rules, the appointment and removal of officials must be approved by the court; I dare not make decisions on my own.”

He will only resort to decrees to promote or dismiss someone when he is forced into a corner.

For example, when the emperor promoted those lowly soldiers, he directly returned the imperial edict on the grounds of promoting them beyond their rank, replying to the emperor: "This appointment does not conform to the 'Collected Statutes of the Great Ming'."

"Without the joint discussion of the Nine Ministers, it may invite public criticism."

This forced the emperor to issue an imperial edict.

it's good now.

He has been charged with negligence!
Zhou Jiamo felt that his tenure as Minister of Personnel was coming to an end.

"Sigh~ I'll resign tomorrow!"

If he does not resign, the emperor will not allow him to leave with dignity.

But now I feel somewhat unwilling to resign.

Just then, the gatekeeper rushed over with a message.

"Master, the scholar who sent off the examination papers a few days ago has come again today."

As the Minister of Personnel, Zhou Jiamo naturally attracted many candidates for the imperial examinations who sought his help.

But at this moment he was in a bad mood and had no interest in paying attention to the mere candidates for the imperial examinations.

Tell him that I am not receiving guests today.

The gatekeeper, having accepted the bribe from the man outside, continued, "That man said he has messages from the Left Censor-in-Chief and several other officials."

Zhou Jiamo was stunned.

His son was imprisoned by imperial decree, which caused a stir from all sides.
After thinking it over, he nodded and said, "Let him in."

Soon, the candidate entered. This man had slightly graying temples and was none other than Wen Zhenmeng.

Wen Zhenmeng used every possible means to ensure he passed the imperial examination.

The powerful and influential showed little interest in him, except for Gao Panlong, the Left Censor-in-Chief, who favored him and hinted that he would be able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors.

With the promise from the powerful figure, Wen Zhenmeng lost interest in the scientific expedition and instead became Gao Panlong's mouthpiece, willingly serving as his henchman.

The old scholar bowed to Zhou Jiamo and said, "Your Excellency, Grand Minister of Rites, I, Wen Zhenmeng, respectfully bow."

Zhou Jiamo's expression darkened as he asked, "What message did the Left Censor-in-Chief Gao Panlong send you with?"

Wen Zhenmeng bowed deeply, his expression grave, and said, "Grand Minister of Rites, please allow me to report that the Left Censor-in-Chief, Lord Gao, has specially instructed me to convey a message—that your son's matter is actually due to His Majesty's use of the imperial edict to threaten him with imprisonment, intending to force you to resign. However, the current situation in the court is extremely precarious. His Majesty has issued three edicts in succession regarding drought relief, new grain, and grain inventory, and is also preparing to conduct a land survey in Beizhili, which has already shaken the foundation of the nation. Lord Gao said that at this time, you should not only not resign, but should also retreat in order to advance."

He stepped forward half a step and lowered his voice: "If the Minister submits a memorial tomorrow requesting to resign, directly pointing out that the land survey is a violation of ancestral rules, the thirteen censors of the Censorate should immediately second the motion."

He suddenly stopped speaking, and presented the secret letter from his sleeve with both hands, saying, "This is Gao Gong's own handwriting. Please take a look, Minister."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiamo's eyes flashed with a cold light. His withered fingers slowly caressed the celadon teacup. He didn't take the secret letter, but instead let out a cold laugh and said:

"Gao Panlong has certainly played his cards right! He made me the one to stick my neck out, while he hides in the Censorate and reaps the benefits?"

He slammed his teacup down on the table, spilling a few drops of tea: "Your Majesty is making an example of my Zhou family! If it really comes to the point where all the officials resign, do you think Wei Zhongxian's Embroidered Uniform Guard is just for show? At that time, the prison will probably hold more than just my two good-for-nothing sons."

Land surveying is a good policy.

He didn't own much land in Beizhili, so what if it was surveyed?
On the contrary, Gao Panlong, who was quite wealthy, was now about to lose his life.

That's a brilliant plan.

Wen Zhenmeng leaned slightly forward, his voice extremely low: "Grand Minister of Rites, please be wise. The Left Censor-in-Chief has secretly met with the Six Ministries' officials and the Six Departments' chief ministers. If you are the first to submit a memorial tomorrow requesting to resign, directly pointing out that the land survey is a violation of ancestral rules and that the promotion of new grain is a threat to the foundation of the nation, then the joint memorials from the thirteen censors will surely flood the Office of Transmission, the Six Departments' officials will collectively claim illness, and the candidates for the metropolitan examination will collectively boycott the exam. At that time, the court will be empty, public opinion will boil over, and even His Majesty will have no choice but to comply."

"presumptuous!"

Zhou Jiamo suddenly sprang up, slamming his withered hand heavily on the rosewood table, making the teacups clink.

The old man's eyes were wide open, and his beard trembled:
"Are you all trying to force me to abdicate?!"

Zhou Jiamo's gaze was like a knife, piercing Wen Zhenmeng's face before he suddenly let out a short, cold laugh:

"hehe."

"Gao Panlong has always considered himself a man of integrity, yet now he wants to drag me into this political chaos? Go back and tell your master that even if my Zhou family is guilty, it is the Emperor who will punish us, and it is not the Censorate's place to interfere."

Wen Zhenmeng's forehead was beaded with sweat, and he hurried half a step forward: "Grand Minister of State Affairs, please be wise! His Majesty has recently been promoting military officers without regard to precedent and suppressing literary officials. If we allow him to continue implementing such harsh policies as land surveys..."

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice suddenly became deep and painful as he said, "Today, it is the imprisonment of the young master Zhou, but tomorrow it will be the foundation upon which we scholars stand in the court! Lord Gao's actions are truly a plea for the sake of all scholars under heaven!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Jiamo's lips curled into a mocking sneer: "What a fine way to speak up for the scholars of the world!"

His withered fingers rubbed the secret notes on the table, then suddenly crumpled them into a ball.

"It's just that some people want to use this old man of mine to pull chestnuts out of the fire for them."

The room fell into a deathly silence, with only the dripping of the water clock.

After a long silence, the old minister suddenly stood up, his wide sleeves billowing out a gust of cold wind: "See the guest out!"

With his back to Wen Zhenmeng, he spoke in a cold and hard voice, "Tomorrow I will submit a memorial to resign—but it is only because my son has failed to be properly taught, and has nothing to do with the affairs of the court."

Upon reaching the screen, Zhou Jiamo suddenly stopped, turned his head and glanced sideways, saying, "Go back and tell Gao Panlong to think carefully about who is causing chaos in the court!"

The last four words were pronounced with extreme force, as if swords were clashing.

"The Grand Minister of Rites is considering the well-being of the nation!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhenmeng's expression froze. He was about to offer further advice when he saw Zhou Jiamo's withered fingers slam heavily on the table, producing a dull thud.

A sharp glint flashed in the old minister's cloudy eyes: "Wensheng, hold on! You are nothing but a candidate on his way to the imperial examinations, why bother getting involved in the murky waters of the court?"

"The current emperor cannot be intimidated by a few civil officials resigning. If Gao Panlong insists on doing so, I'm afraid the prison will soon be filled with the corpses of more upright officials. You haven't even become an official yet, so don't ruin your own path to success."

I would rather die than my fellow Daoist.

Zhou Jiamo has been immersed in officialdom for many years; how could he be swayed by a few words?
As for you, Gao Panlong, who want to die, don't drag me into it!

Seeing Zhou Jiamo's resolute attitude, Wen Zhenmeng could only bow deeply and say, "Grand Minister of Rites, you may wish to read this letter first before making a decision."

He took two steps back, then suddenly stopped, his voice abruptly lowering: "I have one last word to tell you, Master Gao: the ups and downs of officialdom are always like rowing against the current. If you take a step back today, you will be crushed to pieces tomorrow."

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and strode out, his blue cloth robe fluttering in the breeze, disappearing into the night in the blink of an eye.

After Wen Zhenmeng left, Zhou Jiamo slowly unfolded the crumpled secret letter with his withered fingers.

After reading only a few lines, he suddenly gasped, his pale face instantly losing all color.

"What a brilliant move by Gao Panlong!"

Do you really want me to die?!
(End of this chapter)