Chapter 207: Who Has the Right to Be Enshrined in the Confucian Temple

Everyone here serves as officials in the Imperial Household Department. No matter what their previous relations were like, now they are all colleagues, so naturally there will be many opportunities to interact in the future.

They would not go out of their way to curry favor with anyone, but neither would they deliberately offend anyone.

Yet Hu Fei's attitude was different—he was plainly courting offense. This left everyone thoroughly puzzled.

Naturally, no one would choose to press a warm face against a cold backside. Since Hu Fei had such an attitude, there was no point in saying anything more to him.

"In that case, we shall take our leave. We will call on you another day when there is time." With that, the crowd clasped their hands in salute and filed out one after another.

After everyone had left, the expression on Hu Fei's face slowly withdrew.

A short man with a wispy handlebar mustache came up behind Hu Fei and said with some concern, "Boss, isn't this a bit unwise? Offending so many people—life is going to be hard for us from now on."

Hu Fei glanced at the short man and asked in a flat tone, "How long have you been following me?"

"Sixteen years, Boss. I entered the household at fourteen and have been with you ever since." The short man said with a smile.

Though he did not know why his boss was asking this question, he was not worried that his boss would do anything to him.

"Yes, sixteen years." Hu Fei sighed with a smile, then his expression turned grave as he said, "For these sixteen years, we have been doing business. But you must remember—from today onward, we are no longer merchants. We are officials."

"Being an official is different from doing business. In business, the key is harmony begets wealth—best not to offend anyone, everyone working together in harmony to make money is what matters most. But being an official is different. Being an official isn't just about not offending people—you must not be afraid to offend them." Saying this, Hu Fei patted his servant on the shoulder and said with a smile, "You will understand soon enough."

After entering his own office, Hu Fei looked around, then sat down in his chair.

In truth, Hu Fei was still somewhat dazed. He had never imagined that he would one day become an official.

Originally Hu Fei had thought this life of his would amount to nothing, yet unexpectedly he had managed to sit in this very position—Supervisor of the Audit Bureau.

Thinking about it now, fate truly was strange and wonderful.

As for his own situation, Hu Fei understood it very clearly in his heart.

In the Imperial Household Department, he was bound to be a maverick presence, necessarily at odds with everyone here. If he blended in harmoniously with the people here, that would be his doom.

He was His Majesty's man, so he only needed to do his job well. Nothing else mattered.

Most crucially, His Majesty did not want him to grow too close to them either—otherwise, this assignment would never have fallen to him.

Seeing his servant walk in from outside, Hu Fei reached for a sheet of paper and said to him, "Hu Lao'er, notify everyone on this list. The day after tomorrow, at the Imperial Household Department office, I want to see them. As for what this is about, you may tell them plainly—the Imperial Household Department wishes to discuss the matter of imperial tribute supplies with them."

"In addition, go find some major merchants who are on good terms with us and have them come along as well. This is a list of items the palace needs that I have drawn up. Find merchants according to this list—no fakes or frauds mixed in. And if anyone tries to slip you silver, remember not to accept it."

Hu Lao'er was taken aback. He had not expected his boss to specifically warn him not to accept silver.

Because in the old days when they did business, many people had given him money as a reward in order to secure dealings with the boss. The boss had never said anything about these sums—they were more like a perk for him. But this time, the boss's warning was stern.

"We are handling affairs for the imperial family. One slip and it's our heads on the ground, our entire households executed. We need money, but not like this—understand?" As if afraid Hu Lao'er did not grasp it, Hu Fei spoke up once more to impress it upon him.

This time his tone was considerably harsher, clearly worried that Hu Lao'er might not take his words to heart.

"Boss, rest assured, I understand." Hu Lao'er quickly gave his assurance.

After Hu Lao'er left, Hu Fei continued busying himself.

For Hu Fei, the day after tomorrow was the decisive battle.

If he succeeded, his name would spread across the realm and his position would be instantly secured. If he failed, he would inevitably become a target for everyone's arrows, and his fate would not be pleasant.

So he could only devote himself wholeheartedly to doing things right—absolutely no mistakes allowed.

As for turning back or not doing it at all, Hu Fei had never entertained such thoughts. From the moment His Majesty had sought him out, his fate had been sealed. He had no power to decide for himself—all he could do was charge forward according to His Majesty's design.

He was like a pawn that had crossed the river—able only to advance, with no road of retreat.

The Forbidden City, Kunning Palace.

The moving was still underway. Zhu Youxiao found the Qianqing Palace too chaotic for his liking, so he had simply run over to Empress Zhang's place, spending every day eating, drinking, and amusing himself with her, with no intention of holding court.

As for the disputes in the court, Zhu Youxiao neither approved nor objected. Judging from the reports that came in each day, everything was proceeding according to plan.

Shen Tingyun's Imperial Academy had already begun accepting enrollments; the establishment of the Imperial Household Department was also going smoothly.

Over at the Hundred Crafts Institute, Xu Guangqi was keeping an eye on things. Ever since the Armory Bureau had been handed over to the Hundred Crafts Institute, its development had been rapid, so there was no need for him to worry too much.

As for the training of the Roaring Tiger Battalion, Qi Jin was busy with that, so there was nothing to worry about there either.

The Ministry of Revenue had also begun trial plantings—Xu Guangqi had collected quite a few seeds.

In the original course of history, the crop Xu Guangqi had promoted with all his might was the sweet potato. But this time, with the support of the Ministry of Revenue and Zhu Youxiao, Xu Guangqi had grown much bolder, obtaining many different kinds of seeds for trial planting. Once they succeeded, large-scale promotion could begin.

Zhu Youxiao did not interfere too much in this, though he did share some of the farming experience he had brought from the later generations with Xu Guangqi.

What might be an extremely simple matter in later ages was entirely different in this era—absolutely, incredibly difficult to break through. It counted as high-tech knowledge.

As for what the final results would be, that would have to wait until autumn this year.

Zhu Youxiao placed great importance on this matter. In this age, grain was the most important thing of all.

With the disasters and calamities of the late Ming being so numerous, if grain supplies could not be guaranteed, survival would be difficult. Grain absolutely had to be the top priority.

With everything he had arranged proceeding smoothly and in order, Zhu Youxiao was naturally in a good mood.

As for the matters the ministers cared about, Zhu Youxiao did not much care—they had nothing to do with him.

You lot can raise whatever ruckus you like—I'll just pretend I didn't hear it. If I do hear it, then I lose.

"Your Majesty, word has just come from the Imperial Household Department." Chen Hong approached his master's side and said respectfully.

Glancing at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao nodded and said in a composed tone, "Then let's hear it."

So Chen Hong recounted everything Hu Fei had done at the Imperial Household Department to his master.

After finishing, Chen Hong bowed and stood to one side, awaiting his master's instructions.

After thinking it over briefly, Zhu Youxiao said flatly, "Make preparations. The day after tomorrow, we'll go as well."

Chen Hong had originally expected His Majesty to comment on how Hu Fei had performed, but to his surprise, His Majesty did not mention him at all—instead saying he would go too.

Though Chen Hong felt His Majesty should not go, there was nothing he could do to stop it. So he said, "Rest assured, Your Majesty. This servant will make preparations at once."

After Chen Hong left, Zhu Youxiao walked back to Empress Zhang's side.

At this moment, Empress Zhang was standing before the main hall looking at a weeping crabapple tree. Seeing Zhu Youxiao approach, she asked with a smile, "Isn't it pretty?"

As she said this, Empress Zhang leaned into Zhu Youxiao's embrace, tilting her head against his body, her face full of smiles.

Zhu Youxiao wrapped his arm around Empress Zhang's waist and said with a gentle smile, "In my eyes, I can no longer tell whether this flower is pretty or not. Because in my eyes, there is only you, Baozhu."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Empress Zhang coyly swayed her body and called out softly: "Your Majesty!"

This soft voice stirred Zhu Youxiao's heart somewhat, but he quickly calmed himself and said with a smile: "Once we reach the Western Park, I'll build a garden — plant crops in the middle, grow flowers around the edges. Then I'll keep two dogs and raise some fish, and we can try cooking them ourselves."

"Then we'll be like an ordinary married couple, the husband tilling and the wife weaving. Well, forget the weaving — let's do something else instead. We can build a waterwheel, and let the Empress see what I'm capable of."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Empress Zhang leaned against his chest, her eyes filled with longing as she said: "Husband tilling and wife weaving, the joys of country life — as long as Your Majesty is willing, I would gladly spend my whole life with Your Majesty living this way."

Zhu Youxiao smiled and nodded, saying to Empress Zhang: "How about we keep a cat?"

This truly was the life Zhu Youxiao had imagined, because that kind of environment would make him feel relaxed.

In fact, the moment Zhu Youxiao sat inside the great hall, what occupied his mind was scheming — the state, the people — and that kept his nerves stretched taut.

In such a state, a person operates in a condition of high concentration and excitement. But once they step out of that state, the whole person becomes especially listless.

No one can remain in that kind of living state forever — sooner or later they would collapse. So Zhu Youxiao had imagined another kind of life: an idyllic pastoral one.

In his previous life he had never lived that way, nor in this one. In his previous life he lacked the means, but in this life he had them.

"I want to keep birds." Empress Zhang thought for a moment, then said playfully: "Preferably bigger ones."

At this point, Empress Zhang grew excited, tilting her head to look at Zhu Youxiao as she said: "Sometimes I dream that I've turned into a bird, flying back and forth in the sky."

"But I don't have wings, so I'm afraid I'll never fly in this lifetime."

Gently taking Empress Zhang's hand, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile: "Who can say for sure about such things? Perhaps one day it will come true, and then I'll take you flying with me."

Lifting her head to look at her sovereign, Empress Zhang said softly: "As long as I can be with Your Majesty, I'll be happy no matter what."

While the two were being lovey-dovey, a conversation was taking place over at the Grand Secretariat.

The four Grand Secretaries all wore grave expressions — clearly what they were discussing today was no simple matter, or else their faces would not be so solemn.

"Now let's all speak up — what should we do?" The first to speak was Han Kuang, who had convened this discussion.

The reason was simple: within the Grand Secretariat, he was the Chief Grand Secretary, holding the highest position, so it was fitting that he preside over this meeting.

But after Han Kuang finished speaking, no one said anything. Clearly everyone felt this matter was extremely thorny.

Though they all remained silent, they all knew this matter could not simply be let go.

If silence could solve problems, then no one would ever need to speak.

But that was not the case — no problem could be solved by silence alone. Everyone could only search for other ways.

"I truly don't understand — why are we sitting here?" Xu Guangqi said slowly.

Yet from Xu Guangqi's words just now, the others could all hear the displeasure within — even a hint of complaint.

The reason had been stated: Xu Guangqi felt this meeting should not have been called, because there was simply no need for it.

At this point, Sun Chengzong took over the conversation. He glanced at Xu Guangqi and said slowly: "But since things have reached this point, we must do something. Besides, this isn't just about this one matter — more situations like this are bound to arise in the future, so we should arrive at a unified position."

Xu Guangqi also glanced at Sun Chengzong but said nothing further, evidently conceding to his point.

Seeing that everyone remained silent, Xu Guangqi spoke again: "Then let me share my thoughts first. You should all know what I think — no matter where Your Majesty chooses to reside, that is Your Majesty's private affair, and it has nothing to do with us."

"The court officials are concerning themselves far too much with Your Majesty's inner palace affairs. This sort of thing should be strictly prohibited. Should officials be allowed to pry so much into Your Majesty's household — today they care about where Your Majesty lives, and tomorrow will they care about where Your Majesty sleeps?"

"With all that time and energy, they'd be better off doing their own jobs properly. Are today's officials really so idle?" Xu Guangqi's words were blunt, without the slightest courtesy.

No one present said anything in response, nor did they show any particular reaction — clearly they were long accustomed to Xu Guangqi speaking this way, or had long known his stance on the matter.

After Xu Guangqi finished, Han Kuang nodded and said: "We have taken note of Grand Secretary Xu's views."

Then Han Kuang's gaze fell upon Sun Chengzong and Huang Kezuan, and he asked unhurriedly: "You two should also speak up! None of us can dodge this matter — in the end we must produce a position, for things like this will come up many more times."

Huang Kezuan glanced at Sun Chengzong and Xu Guangqi, nodded, and said with a mild smile: "I think Grand Secretary Xu makes a good point."

After saying this, Huang Kezuan fell silent, leaning back and waiting for the others to speak.

Sun Chengzong cast a discreet glance at Huang Kezuan.

Han Kuang's gaze also settled on Huang Kezuan.

Clearly neither of them had expected Huang Kezuan to take such a stance. All along, within the Grand Secretariat, Huang Kezuan had kept a low profile — he would even steer clear of certain matters in the Secretariat.

That Huang Kezuan would take such a clear-cut position this time was rather curious.

But now was not the time to dwell on that question, because it was also their turn to state their positions.

Sun Chengzong glanced at the two men and said in a deep voice: "The court officials are all abuzz with talk about this matter; some are even accusing the Grand Secretariat of inaction. So the Grand Secretariat must ultimately take a stance — what should be done about this?"

"Since Grand Secretary Xu and Grand Secretary Huang have spoken as they have, I understand your meaning. But there is one point I must make clear: if we truly meddle less in Your Majesty's inner palace affairs, what happens when something major occurs? Remember, matters of Your Majesty's inner palace will inevitably implicate the outer court."

"That naturally must be handled." Xu Guangqi said with a grave expression.

Sun Chengzong nodded and said: "Then I have no objections. But how this is to be communicated to the hundred officials in writing, you must also think through carefully. I'm afraid that after we do this, our reputations will not fare well."

The current Grand Secretaries had one advantage: their reputations were already none too good.

Han Kuang's reputation had originally been decent, but because of the last Donglin Faction case, it had become very poor — many people even regarded Han Kuang as a mortal enemy.

Under such circumstances, speaking of reputation was already highly inappropriate.

Sun Chengzong, teacher of the current Emperor, had originally enjoyed a fine reputation as well. But the same previous Donglin affair had left him thoroughly disgraced.

Xu Guangqi needed no elaboration — because of his connection to Chen Kedao, he was already regarded as a thoroughgoing treacherous minister, without a shred of doubt.

As for Huang Kezuan, his reputation was that of a mediocre and incompetent official. A man of considerable talent originally, yet now he had earned such a verdict.

Sun Chengzong's words were the truth — if the four of them did this, their reputations would only grow worse.

Looking at the others, Xu Guangqi spoke as if he had made up his mind: "Let me submit the memorial!"

At this, Xu Guangqi laughed at himself: "After all, my reputation is what it is — it can't get much better, and it can't get much worse."

"Can't get much better, can't get much worse" was a lie. "Can't get much better" was true, but "can't get much worse" was false.

The reason was simple: once this matter came out, Xu Guangqi's reputation would certainly deteriorate further — the cap of a traitor would surely be placed back on his head, or rather, raised a few more inches higher.

None of the men spoke, but they all knew they could not let Xu Guangqi bear this alone.

Xu Guangqi's reputation was indeed poor, and his stance on this matter had been the most resolute.

But there was one thing they all knew: the Emperor held Xu Guangqi in high regard. If they let Xu Guangqi take the brunt alone, what would they become in the Emperor's eyes?

"Let's submit it jointly then!" Sun Chengzong said in a deep voice: "Since this is the result of our deliberations, let it be a joint memorial."

As he spoke, Sun Chengzong turned to look at Han Kuang and said gravely, "If it's acceptable, I could draft it myself. Once His Majesty approves, we can circulate it to all the officials."

"I should be the one to write it!" Han Kuang pressed his hand downward and said expressionlessly, "I am the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat. I am the most suitable person to handle this matter, so there's no need for you all to wrangle over it. After I finish writing it, I'll show it to you, and then you can add your signatures."

It wasn't that Han Kuang truly insisted on writing it himself, nor that he didn't trust them—rather, he had to write it himself.

To outsiders, this appeared to be a very strange move. It might even look like they were trying to curry favor with His Majesty.

But in His Majesty's eyes, this was a question of whether one had the courage to take responsibility.

If you had no intention of bearing the blame for the Emperor, then you had no business holding your office.

Han Kuang was the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat. At a time like this, he had to be the one to step forward first.

If someone else took the lead in writing it, then where would that leave him? Han Kuang would never allow such a thing to happen.

Seeing Han Kuang's resolute attitude, the others said no more and simply nodded, accepting his position.

"Then let's call it a day here." Han Kuang stood up first and added, "Go back to your own duties. Once I've finished writing it, I'll show it to you."

Just as the four were about to disperse, a man suddenly walked in from outside. Seeing all four Grand Secretaries present, he bowed and said, "Gentlemen, word has just come from the palace—His Majesty summons you."

The four were taken aback, then hurriedly asked, "Do you know who else has been summoned?"

"In answer to your question, sir, this subordinate does not know. The messenger from the palace did not mention it. He only said that His Majesty wishes to summon the four gentlemen." The man bowed hastily, keeping his head lowered in a most respectful manner.

The four did not press further. Since nothing had been said, asking would be futile—they might as well go and see.

And so the four walked out together, pondering to themselves what His Majesty wanted to see them about, hoping it wasn't regarding the matter they had just discussed.

The Forbidden City. Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youxiao sat expressionlessly on the dragon throne, waiting for the others to arrive.

In fact, besides the four Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat, Zhu Youxiao had also summoned another person—Shen Tingyun, the Minister of the Ministry of Rites.

Once everyone had assembled, Zhu Youxiao slowly began to speak: "I have called you all here today because there is a matter on which I wish to hear your opinions."

"Yesterday I received a secret report that students in the capital had come to blows with one another. Such a matter ordinarily need not be reported, for at worst their fighting could be considered a disgrace to the scholarly profession."

"But the reason they fought is rather interesting. Of the two sides in the fight, one was a student named Song Yingxing; the other was a man named Wei Dazhong, a student of Gao Panlong."

"Before coming to blows, they also engaged in debate. Among them, the one called Wei Dazhong put forward a proposition—that only the learning of the sages enshrined in the Confucian Temple may be taught. I find this matter quite intriguing, so I wished to ask for your opinions."

"After reading the content of their dispute, I actually found that they made a certain amount of sense. The learning of the world is like the sands of the Yellow River—what my Great Ming's scholars ought to read is indeed something that requires careful deliberation."

"Some days ago I forbade private lecturing and the indiscriminate establishment of academies. Now I feel that regulating lectures would be more appropriate. So I wished to consult with you all to see whether this matter can be done."

"If it can be done, then let us discuss and determine who may remain in the Confucian Temple, who may enter the Confucian Temple, and who should be moved out of the Confucian Temple."