Huangming

Chapter 477 Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, power is in one's grasp.

Qian Qianyi's mansion is hidden in a narrow alley next to Xisi Archway. The copper rings on the vermilion gate are covered with a thin layer of dust, and the stone lions beside the gate have lost their former luster.

Since being dismissed last year, this once bustling mansion has gradually become deserted, and even the servants who sweep and clean it have lost some of their spirit.

In the study, the candlelight flickered slightly in the wind, illuminating Qian Qianyi's ashen face.

He wore a worn-out lake-blue silk robe with frayed cuffs, yet he still maintained the dignity of a scholar-official, his fingers clutching an unopened letter.

Sitting in the chair opposite him was Gu Bingqian, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. He was wrapped in a thick brocade robe and held a cup of Biluochun tea that had long since gone cold, but he didn't dare to drink it. He just kept rubbing the cup, his eyes full of unease.

"Did Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, and Xu Guangqi really not reply?"

Qian Qianyi's voice broke the silence, filled with barely suppressed anger, as he slammed the letter onto the table.

"Yang Lian was in charge of military supplies in Liaodong, Zuo Guangdou was in charge of land surveying in Shandong, and Xu Guangqi promoted sweet potatoes in Shaanxi."

The three of them are currently the most trusted members of the Donglin Party by His Majesty. If only they were willing to submit memorials to persuade him, why would His Majesty resort to such ruthless measures against Jiangnan?

Yang Lian dared to speak frankly in court, Zuo Guangdou was well-versed in civil administration, and Xu Guangqi was a highly trusted "Western Learning Minister" whom His Majesty relied on, even the promotion of sweet potatoes and corn required his opinion.

If these three are willing to join forces to exert pressure, the situation in Jiangnan might still be able to turn around.

Gu Bingqian shook his head with a wry smile.

"The person I sent just returned yesterday, saying that Yang Lian only asked me to deliver a message."

"The matter of Jiangnan is Your Majesty's decision, and I dare not presume to comment."

Zuo Guangdou was even more direct, not even letting him in through the door, only instructing his subordinates to say, "Everyone should perform their duties and not disturb the new policies."

Xu Guangqi was busy repairing irrigation canals in Shaanxi and returned the letter unopened.

"Humph!"

Qian Qianyi suddenly stood up, walked to the window, looked at the bare old locust tree outside the courtyard, and snorted coldly, his voice full of disappointment and disdain.

"True friendship is revealed in times of adversity, and a person's true character is revealed over time! These people have wasted their lives studying the classics, and now that His Majesty is powerful, they've all cowered and become 'obedient subjects'!"

He turned around abruptly, pointed at Gu Bingqian, and his tone became increasingly agitated.

“What is the state of the court now? Yuan Keli sits idly by in Jiangnan watching the people rebel, Gao Qiqian’s Embroidered Uniform Guard is arresting people everywhere, and His Majesty is determined to destroy the gentry base in Jiangnan.”

It was precisely because of their repeated retreats that His Majesty thought the Donglin Party was easy to bully, and thus dared to attack Jiangnan!

Gu Bingqian lowered his head after being told that.

"Brother Muzhai, it's not that they want to retreat... His Majesty really is capable of killing people."

"Can...can we really hold on?"

"We have to endure it, even if we can't!"

Qian Qianyi interrupted him, his tone filled with a desperate resolve.

"You think you'll be fine once you retire? Jiangnan is the foundation of our Donglin Party! The gentry support us, donate official positions to us, and give us money. Jiangnan's finances and salt taxes—which of them can function without them?"

He walked up to Gu Bingqian and lowered his voice.

"His Majesty's rectification of Jiangnan involved investigating the private fields and properties of the gentry and confiscating their family property."

But which of us officials hasn't received 'gifts' from the gentry of Jiangnan? Which of us hasn't owned land in Jiangnan?

If this investigation really goes on, do you think you or I will escape unscathed?

Gu Bingqian's face turned pale instantly, and his hand holding the teacup began to tremble.

"It's too late to back out now!"

Qian Qianyi's voice was somewhat hoarse, and he clenched his fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh.

We have to give it our all!

He walked to the table, spread out a sheet of Xuan paper, picked up a wolf-hair brush, and a glint of madness flashed in his eyes:
"The first step is to present the 'letter of blood from the people' from the gentry of Jiangnan to the emperor, saying that Yuan Keli 'sat idly by and watched the people riot' and 'indiscriminately killed innocent people,' and push all the blame onto him."

The second step is for you and me to contact officials from Jiangnan in the court, and tomorrow morning we will kneel and remonstrate at the Meridian Gate, requesting His Majesty to dismiss Yuan Keli and stop the land survey in Jiangnan.

Thirdly, if His Majesty does not agree, we will collectively submit a memorial requesting to retire.

I refuse to believe that His Majesty can hold on if most of the officials in the court resign!

"But... but what if His Majesty really forbids it?"

Gu Bingqian's voice trembled. Looking at the light in Qian Qianyi's eyes, he felt a chill creep up his spine.

"Your Majesty has no choice but to grant it!"

Qian Qianyi slammed his pen down.

"The affairs of the Ming Dynasty depend on us scholar-officials to manage them!"
Without us, who will manage civil affairs, finance and taxation, and control the imperial examinations?

He can't possibly let those military generals and eunuchs govern the country for him!

His tone was full of arrogance, as if he could already see His Majesty making concessions.

Officials knelt at the Meridian Gate, and petitions written in blood by the people were piled up in front of the emperor's desk. His Majesty would eventually compromise, just like the "Succession Crisis" during the Wanli era.

Looking at the almost insane determination in Qian Qianyi's eyes, Gu Bingqian finally sighed helplessly.

Now that things have come to this, despite his many hesitations, he has no choice but to wade into this mess.

"Fine, I'll go and try my luck with Elder Ye and the others."

He slowly rose, the hem of his brocade robe sweeping across the corner of the table, leaving behind a few tiny ink stains, much like the chaotic state of his mind at that moment.

As he stepped out of the Qian family mansion, the early winter wind rushed towards him, carrying the smell of coal smoke from the alley, which made him cough a few times.

The streets were deserted, with only soldiers patrolling at night carrying lanterns. The lanterns cast swaying shadows on the bluestone slabs, making the scene seem particularly desolate.

Gu Bingqian wrapped his brocade robe tighter, rubbed his hands which were numb with cold, and felt a mix of emotions.

Tonight's efforts may be in vain, but Qian Qianyi's words are like a thorn stuck in my heart:

"If this investigation really goes on, do you and I think we can escape unscathed?"

He went to Ye Xianggao's residence first.

Grand Secretary Ye's residence was located in a wide alley next to Nanxunfang. Its vermilion gate was much more imposing than that of the Qian residence, and a plaque with the inscription "Junior Tutor and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince" hung beside the gate, gleaming faintly in the moonlight.

Gu Bingqian handed over his visiting card and specifically instructed the gatekeeper: "Please inform him that Gu Bingqian of the Ministry of Rites has urgent business in Jiangnan and requests an audience."

The gatekeeper took the visiting card and went inside. Gu Bingqian waited under the porch, the cold wind seeping in through the hem of his robe, making his feet numb.

After about half an incense stick's time, the gatekeeper came out, his face full of apology:

"Lord Gu, I'm really sorry, but my master has already gone to bed. He said he has important matters to discuss tomorrow. Please come back another day."

"Are you asleep?"

Gu Bingqian was stunned and raised his hand to look at the sky.

It was just past 11 PM, still early before 11 PM, and news of the chaos in Jiangnan had already reached the capital. All the officials in the court were filled with anxiety. How could Ye Xianggao, as the Grand Secretary, possibly sleep?

His heart sank instantly. It wasn't that she "went to bed" at all; she clearly didn't want to see him and didn't want to get involved in the mess in Jiangnan!

Gu Bingqian suppressed his disappointment, nodded, and turned to leave.

Walking on the deserted street, he felt the cold wind was even stronger, and even his breath was chilly.

He didn't dare to linger and went to the residence of Liu Yiju, the Vice Premier of the Cabinet.

Grand Secretary Liu is known for his gentle nature; perhaps he would be willing to meet with him.

Soon, he arrived at Liu Yizhu's residence and presented his visiting card.

The gatekeeper of the Liu residence was quite accommodating; upon seeing that it was Gu Bingqian, he quickly led him into the inner courtyard.

The study was brightly lit by candlelight. Liu Yizhu was sitting at his desk. When he saw him enter, he put down his pen and pointed to the chair opposite him:

"Please sit down. Your visit so late at night must be about matters in Jiangnan?"

Gu Bingqian had barely sat down when he spoke urgently:
"Your Excellency! Jiangnan is in complete chaos right now. Yuan Keli is arresting people on a large scale, not even sparing the gentry. How can you sit idly by?"

If this continues, we'll lose all our foothold in Jiangnan!

Liu Yijun sighed, picked up the hot tea on the table and pushed it towards him, his voice full of exhaustion:

"How could I not know? But we both know His Majesty's methods."

Who can stop him from doing what he's set out to do?

He paused, his gaze falling on the moonlight outside the window, his voice lowering.

"When His Majesty first ascended the throne, he had just taken control of the Imperial Horse Administration and dared to issue an imperial edict to confront the ministers. He had more than a dozen officials who impeached the new policies beaten to death in court."

Even a high-ranking cabinet minister like Han Kuang was exiled to Qiongzhou without hesitation, without the slightest leniency.

Gu Bingqian tightened his grip on the teacup.

How could he forget these things?

When Han Kuang was exiled, all the officials in the court petitioned for his life, but His Majesty only said, "Disrespecting the Holy Emperor is a crime deserving of exile," and forced Han Kuang to leave the capital in shackles.

"Besides, hasn't His Majesty accomplished quite a bit in the past two years?"

Liu Yijing continued, his tone tinged with complexity.

"Internally, he controlled the Beijing Garrison and trained the new army, keeping a tight grip on military power."

They pacified Liaodong and destroyed the Jurchens, and even the Chahar tribe dared not easily invade their borders.

The land survey in Beizhili extended imperial power down to the county level.

If an emperor like this wants to take action against Jiangnan, how can we resist?
Should we rely on memorials to the throne, or on kneeling in remonstrance?

"But how many officials are involved in Jiangnan!"

Gu Bingqian stood up in a hurry.

"From the prefectures and counties to the capital, how many people own land and businesses in Jiangnan? If we really investigate, I'm afraid half the court will have to be mobilized!"

Liu Yiju shook his head, his eyes full of helplessness:
"Tomorrow I will go to the palace to see His Majesty and ask him to be lenient towards the ordinary officials in Jiangnan and not to cast the net too wide."

If His Majesty does not agree…

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his voice softened.

"I had no choice but to submit a petition requesting to retire."

Gu Bingqian was stunned.

He originally thought that Liu Yizhu would join forces with the Grand Secretaries to advise him as before, but he did not expect that he would also be prepared to "retire".

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but found his throat tight and he couldn't utter a single word.

After a long while, he slumped down, picked up his teacup and took a sip of hot tea, but found the tea colder than the cold wind.

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

Gu Bingqian stood up, bowed, and spoke with a tone full of disappointment.

"Then I'll take my leave first."

After leaving the Liu residence, Gu Bingqian, clinging to his last glimmer of hope, went to Zhu Guozuo's residence.

The gatekeeper replied, "The master has caught a cold and is unable to receive guests."

When they went to Sun Ruyou's residence, they weren't even allowed to enter. When they went to Li Ruhua's residence, the steward only said, "The master is on duty in the cabinet."

A full moon hung in the sky, its gentle light spilling onto the street, casting long shadows.

Gu Bingqian walked alone on the deserted street, his steps heavy as if filled with lead.

He suddenly stopped, looked at the full moon in the sky, and let out a long sigh.

The last shred of hope in my heart was finally shattered.

He suddenly figured it out.

His Majesty's handling of Jiangnan was indeed harsh, but in the eyes of Grand Secretaries Ye Xianggao and Liu Yizhu, His Majesty was not being unreasonable.

What Your Majesty wants is to reclaim the financial power of Jiangnan and truly bring back the taxes that have been intercepted by the gentry to the court.

It meant bringing those industries monopolized by the gentry under the control of the government.

This is a good thing for the Ming Dynasty.

If it were an absurd emperor like Zhengde or Wanli, these Grand Secretaries would have risked their lives to stop them.

But His Majesty, having reigned for two years, is as diligent in governing as the founding emperor, and everything he does is aimed at consolidating the foundation of the Ming Dynasty:

Pacifying Liaodong was for border stability, clearing land was for the people to have food, and reorganizing border towns was for the restoration of military prestige...

When such an emperor wanted to reform the Jiangnan region, the Grand Secretaries felt that his methods were too harsh, but they also understood that it was "beneficial to the country," so they were unwilling to stop him, nor did they dare to.

Gu Bingqian pulled his brocade robe tighter, and a cold wind sneaked into his collar, making him shiver.

Perhaps Qian Qianyi's plan was flawed from the very beginning.

They wanted to force His Majesty to back down by having "a petition written in blood by ten thousand people" and "collective resignation from office," but they forgot that His Majesty was no longer the emperor who needed to rely on scholar-officials to govern the country.

The Ming Dynasty today has capable military generals, officials who can implement new policies, and abundant harvests of sweet potatoes and corn. Your Majesty is not afraid of them resigning.

"That's it, that's all."

Gu Bingqian muttered to himself and turned to walk home.

Under the moonlight, his shadow fell alone on the ground, much like the predicament of the Donglin Party in Jiangnan at this moment.

Isolated and helpless, there was no way to reverse the situation.

The next day.

It's broad daylight.

After attending the morning court session, Zhu Youxiao returned to the Qianqing Palace to handle state affairs.

He had barely sat down, having just finished approving the military pay documents for Liaodong, when a palace attendant entered carrying an ivory waist token:
"Your Majesty, Vice Minister Liu of the Cabinet has submitted a memorial requesting an audience with Your Majesty."

"Let him in."

Zhu Youxiao put down his vermilion brush.

He had anticipated Liu Yizhu's arrival. The secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard last night had already detailed Gu Bingqian's late-night visit to Liu's residence, and even the general content of their conversation had been recorded by his undercover agents.

"Yes!"

The eunuch left, and not long after, footsteps were heard.

Footsteps approached from afar. Liu Yiju was dressed in a scarlet official robe, his hair and beard were slightly white, and although he walked with his back straight, he could not hide the fatigue between his brows.

He stepped into the warm pavilion, then immediately knelt down, his voice steady yet slightly hoarse:

"Your subject, Liu Yijing, Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion and Vice Premier of the Cabinet, respectfully wishes Your Majesty a long and peaceful life!"

"I am at peace."

Zhu Youxiao pointed to the rosewood chair next to the desk.

"Rise, please take a seat. Your Excellency must have important business to discuss with me at this hour?"

Liu Yijuan slowly stood up and took a deep breath.

That breath seemed to have been held in all night, carrying an indescribable heaviness.

"Your Majesty, I have come here to request to retire."

Upon hearing this, the air in the warm pavilion instantly became still.

Zhu Youxiao's smile remained unchanged, his fingers lightly tapping the table, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger:
"Why? The Grand Secretary has served in the cabinet for three years, managing civil affairs and coordinating the grain transport. He has done everything with utmost care and is truly my trusted advisor."

"Now that the nine border regions need reorganization and the south of the Yangtze River needs pacification, we are in dire need of capable people. Why would you suddenly ask to retire?"

Liu Yiju lowered his head and spoke in a softer voice:
"I am over sixty years old and my health is failing. Lately, I often feel that I am not strong enough to do things."

Last month, while handling matters related to the canal transport, I mistakenly approved a document due to exhaustion.

During the meeting the day before yesterday, I forgot to check the amount of disaster relief grain with the Ministry of Revenue.

Your Majesty is so diligent in governing, and with Grand Secretary Ye in charge of the overall situation, the cabinet does not need an old man like me.

The position of Second Premier should be filled by a younger, more energetic minister, so as not to fail His Majesty's trust.

These words sounded sincere, but they were all just excuses.

Ye Xianggao is much older than you.

They couldn't even come up with a better excuse.

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Youxiao's eyes as he asked, "That shouldn't be the whole reason, right?"

"After the establishment of the Grand Council, the power of the cabinet to hold the seal and draft proposals was somewhat reduced compared to before."

I often issue imperial edicts, bypassing the cabinet to directly assign tasks. Do the Grand Secretaries feel like they've become 'idle' in their positions?
Furthermore, Grand Secretary Fang has always obeyed my orders. Even if you have different opinions during cabinet discussions, it is difficult to change the final decision.

"You feel that staying in the pavilion is no longer interesting, right?"

Liu Yijuan's body stiffened abruptly, and beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.

His Majesty could even see through this hidden grievance in his heart!
After the establishment of the Grand Council, the power of the cabinet was indeed divided, and the former glory of "drafting the decisions on all matters under heaven" was no more.

As the Grand Secretary, Fang Congzhe only cared about the Emperor's mood in everything. As the Vice Premier, he gradually became a "megaphone" and had little room for rebuttal.

He had never spoken of these thoughts to anyone, yet His Majesty saw right through them.

Before Liu Yijing could defend himself, Zhu Youxiao's voice rang out again, seemingly casual, yet every word pierced the heart:

"Last night, Gu Bingqian went to see you?"

"minister……"

Liu Yiju suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with shock.

His conversation with Gu Bingqian took place in the study, with the doors and windows tightly closed and even his personal servants waiting in the outer room. How could His Majesty have known?
A chill ran down my spine, and my palms instantly became covered in cold sweat.

"Your Majesty, please allow me to report. Gu Bingqian did indeed visit last night, and all he spoke of were matters of Jiangnan, every word of which was for the sake of the country..."

Which country?

Zhu Youxiao suddenly interrupted him, his tone turning cold.

"Is it the 'Jiangnan Kingdom' of the gentry, or my 'Great Ming Kingdom'?"

Liu Yizhuo slammed his head against the blue bricks with a "thud," his forehead touching the ground, his voice trembling:

"Your subject dares not! Everything I have said and done is for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, and I have absolutely no selfish motives!"

"For the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Youxiao sneered, picked up the secret report from Jiangnan on the table, and threw it in front of Liu Yizhu.

"Then tell me, who instigated the peasant uprising in Jiangnan?"

Was it Yuan Keli, whom I sent, or Zhou Qiyuan, the governor of Yingtian, or those gentry hiding in the academy, inciting weavers to smash the disaster relief office?

Liu Yiju looked at the words "Zhou Qiyuan colluded with cloth merchants and instigated the rioters" on the secret report, opened his mouth, wanting to say a few words to defend the gentry of Jiangnan, saying that "the popular uprising also had reasons related to the government's oppressive policies", but was stopped by Zhu Youxiao's gaze.

"I know what you want to say."

Zhu Youxiao's tone softened somewhat.

"You think my methods of governing Jiangnan are too harsh, that a popular uprising would kill many people, and you want me to back down, right?"

"But you've forgotten that those gentry monopolize 70% of the land in Jiangnan, withhold half of the taxes, and even dare to smuggle raw silk from the textile bureau to the Western barbarians. They earn money from the Ming Dynasty while cultivating their own power."

They treat Jiangnan as their private property and my people as tenants. Why don't you call that 'cruel' then?

Liu Yiju lay on the ground, not daring to raise his head.

"Even if you're going to beg for your life, you have to finish what you've done."

Zhu Youxiao's voice suddenly softened, as if he were both admonishing and trying to persuade her to stay.

"The chaos in Jiangnan hasn't been quelled yet, and the military pay for the nine border regions hasn't been approved. I've been reviewing memorials until late at night every day without complaining of being tired, and you're already thinking about retiring?"

He pointed to the chair on the table and said, "Get up, sit down and rest for a while, have a cup of hot tea. I forbid this."

"If you truly feel you are not up to the task, once Jiangnan is pacified and the nine border regions are reorganized, I will allow you to return to your hometown to retire, and I will bestow upon you the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, allowing you to return in glory."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yijuan slowly raised her head, her eyes slightly red.

His Majesty is not allowing him to resign, but he is also giving him a way out.

It revealed his thoughts without exposing his connection with Gu Bingqian, and also granted him dignity in the future.

He pushed himself up, staggered a moment before regaining his balance, and his voice was full of exhaustion:
"I... obey your order."

"Go back and take good care of the affairs of the pavilion."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, picked up his vermilion pen again, and looked back at the memorial.

"You should also try to persuade Grand Secretary Ye."

"I know what I'm doing regarding matters in Jiangnan, and I won't involve too many people. Don't worry about it."

"My minister obeys."

Liu Yiju bowed and turned to leave the warm pavilion.

As he reached the door, he glanced back and saw Zhu Youxiao bowing his head to review memorials.

He sighed softly. The grievances he felt about the "power of the cabinet" and his entanglements with the "gentry of Jiangnan" were ultimately no match for His Majesty's political maneuvering.

This Ming Dynasty ultimately belongs to His Majesty. All these cabinet ministers can do is to wholeheartedly assist him.

After Liu Yizhu left, Zhu Youxiao's thoughts were in turmoil.

Qian Qianyi, Gu Bingqian.
These people are dancing more and more enthusiastically.

Do they want tens of thousands of people to sign a petition in blood and collectively resign from their posts?

Let's see just how capable they are!
Just as Zhu Youxiao was thinking about how to deal with these people, Wei Chao came to report.

"Your Majesty, Gu Bingqian, the Vice Minister of Rites, has submitted a petition requesting an audience with you. He is already waiting in the office of the Nine Ministers."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao narrowed his eyes, a fleeting murderous glint in his eyes.

Is Gu Bingqian here to challenge me?

He chuckled and said, "Let Gu Bingqian in. I want to see what tricks he has up his sleeve!"

(End of this chapter)