Chapter 226: Han Kuang Asks Forgiveness

Han Kuang looked at Zhang Yu, and the expression on his face grew increasingly appreciative.

This young man was truly an excellent young man—if he could be won over as a trusted confidant, then his own future would be boundless.

But after thinking it over, Han Kuang smiled and shook his head.

It wasn't that he didn't want Zhang Yu; rather, he felt that such a young man would never be content to serve under another, and winning his sincere submission was impossible.

Still, that didn't matter much. He was now the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, and he could give Zhang Yu many things that no one else could.

Glancing at Zhang Yu, Han Kuang said with a smile: "Even if I agree, what means do you have to make His Majesty aware of it?"

This was also Han Kuang's test of Zhang Yu.

The court currently did not permit private lecturing. If one were to loudly propagate one's own doctrines, one would very likely become the target of universal condemnation—let alone when those doctrines were so far from the mainstream.

Zhang Yu, however, was unconcerned. With a faint smile on his face, he said: "As long as Your Excellency wishes to do it, it can naturally be done."

"But your student feels that the most urgent task is to perfect it—to further refine Mr. Feng's doctrines. Then Your Excellency can introduce Mr. Feng to His Majesty. There is precedent for this; it requires no great effort of thought."

Han Kuang slowly stroked his beard, then nodded and said: "Indeed, there is precedent."

The precedent the two of them spoke of naturally referred to Xu Guangqi.

Everyone in the court knew how Xu Guangqi had risen to prominence—it was because he had recommended Chen Kedao to His Majesty, and this had become the point on which all his attackers seized.

Recommending heretical doctrines to His Majesty in hopes of currying favor—how was this different from Wei Zhongxian offering his wicked arts to His Majesty?

Thus, in the eyes of many, Xu Guangqi's reputation was truly poor, and what he had done was not recognized by others. After this period of fermentation and development, Xu Guangqi's name had become even more tarnished.

What Zhang Yu was now asking Han Kuang to do was precisely the same thing.

After saying this, Zhang Yu looked at Han Kuang with a smile on his face.

Han Kuang did not show any anger; instead, he gave Zhang Yu a meaningful look.

Han Kuang could understand Zhang Yu's meaning—he was an old fox of officialdom himself. To put it plainly, this was asking him to submit a pledge of loyalty.

If he dared to recommend Feng Congwu before the Emperor, that would prove he was walking the same path as them. Once something happened to Feng Congwu and his group, he, as the recommender, would not escape unscathed either.

This was binding them together with himself. It was not a particularly clever tactic, but it was extremely effective.

Looking at the smiling Zhang Yu, Han Kuang smiled as well.

Han Kuang said directly: "Then when you are ready, let me know."

In this world, there was nothing to be gained without sticking one's neck out, so Han Kuang did not overthink it and agreed on the spot.

He could also see that this Zhang Yu was a little fox—if he did not agree to his terms, nothing else he said would matter.

Hearing Han Kuang's reply, Zhang Yu smiled and cupped his hands in salute, saying: "Your Excellency is a man of great righteousness, serving the nation and the people—truly a model for our generation."

Glancing at Zhang Yu, Han Kuang gave a noncommittal smile and said: "This matter I can promise you, but there is one thing I must make clear to you—shouldn't you think of a way to turn around my reputation?"

"You said it yourself—I am a man of great righteousness. But my current reputation works against me. The outside world does not understand me; their misunderstandings of me run deep, and their misconceptions are many. Do you have any ideas?"

This was not Han Kuang testing Zhang Yu. In fact, he genuinely wanted Zhang Yu to think of a way to salvage his reputation.

Reputation—you could say it was useless, but more often than not it was truly useful, and its effect was considerable. So Han Kuang did not want such a stain to follow him forever. He wanted a good reputation—at least one where not everyone gnashed their teeth at the mention of his name.

Zhang Yu looked at Han Kuang with understanding.

As for Han Kuang's thoughts, Zhang Yu could roughly grasp them in his heart.

He raised his head to look at Han Kuang and said slowly: "Your Excellency, the people of this world are mostly ignorant. Those with independent judgment are few; most merely echo what others say. As for the slanderous words the outside world directs at Your Excellency, you need not take them to heart."

"As for the matter Your Excellency speaks of, achieving it is not actually difficult. First, one must understand why Your Excellency's reputation is poor. The reason is simple: those outside all believe that what Your Excellency did was wrong, and so they think Your Excellency is not a good person. Because those who do bad things are certainly not good people—this is a truth even a child understands."

Han Kuang looked at Zhang Yu, nodded thoughtfully, and said with a wry smile: "Then can you turn good things into bad? Or can you turn bad things into good?"

"What is good? What is bad?" Zhang Yu said with confidence: "Most people in this world cannot distinguish good from bad. And is good or bad fixed? It only depends on where you stand when you look at it."

"Those Donglin members who were removed—were they truly wronged? What were the charges against them? Were they fabricated out of thin air? Was there a single one of them who had not embezzled or taken bribes? Was there a single one who had not knowingly broken the law? Was there a single one who had not betrayed the great righteousness of the scholar class?"

"Under such circumstances, was there any problem with punishing them for their crimes? Of course not." Zhang Yu said with a smile: "But why do some people think doing so was wrong?"

"The reason is also simple—because what they themselves do is the same as what those people did. They are merely afraid that one day they too will be punished for it. There is no other reason."

"So Your Excellency need not think too much about it. To turn around your reputation, you only need to work from this angle. Have people continuously proclaim the crimes of those men, continuously explain the reasons they were removed from office."

"As the saying goes, public opinion can melt metal, and accumulated slander can destroy a man. Say something enough times and it naturally becomes true. Those people spoke lies, yet they said them as convincingly as if they were true. We speak the truth, so naturally we must also say it as convincingly as if it were true."

"If anyone else speaks up for those men, then say they are colluding with them, that there is corruption between them—perhaps they took money from those men. If they took no money, why would they speak well of those corrupt officials?"

Han Kuang looked at Zhang Yu, and it was hard to tell what expression was on his face.

Was this not repaying someone in their own coin?

The people of the Donglin Faction were the most skilled at pinning labels on others—yet this time, labels had been pinned on them by Zhang Yu.

Zhang Yu did not look at Han Kuang but continued: "This is only the first step—it is for turning around Your Excellency's image among the scholar class."

"This method will certainly work. Many people simply have no face-saving way out right now, forcing them to stand on the opposite side of Your Excellency. As long as Your Excellency gives them a step down, no matter whether that step is easy or hard to walk, they will take it themselves."

"The reason is also simple—these people are not walking down the step Your Excellency gives them; they are walking toward their own future. Many can see clearly that if they continue to persist, they have no future, so they will certainly yield."

"As long as you give them a reason, they will definitely yield. There are not that many iron spines in this world."

Listening to Zhang Yu's words, Han Kuang felt a chill in his heart for reasons he could not explain. This young man calculated the human heart too keenly.

"By that time, Your Excellency will be seen as upright and impartial, selfless and just. Of course, this is only the reputation among the common folk and the scholar class. On the court itself, other measures must be taken, so Your Excellency must appear even more fair and incorruptible."

"Your servant believes Your Excellency should submit a memorial to His Majesty. The content is simple: recommend Chen Kedao for entry into the Imperial Academy, promote him exceptionally to the rank of Erudite of the Imperial Academy, and at the same time request that His Majesty reward Grand Secretary Xu for his merit in recommending talent."

"Actually, Your Excellency should not appear in person for this matter. Have someone else step forward instead—better yet, find several people and have them make a bigger commotion. In this way, they can draw in Grand Secretary Xu's people, getting all of them to submit memorials and push this matter through."

"When this matter reaches His Majesty, His Majesty should agree. As long as His Majesty agrees, then a precedent will have been set, and when Your Excellency acts afterward, there will not be so much opposition."

"As for Grand Secretary Xu—say that he recommended talent for the nation. Say it again and again, no matter how others refute it, keep saying it. At the same time, Your Excellency can take this opportunity to also recommend Feng Congwu."

"Unlike Chen Kedao, Lord Feng already holds official rank—he is currently a fifth-rank Chief of the Seal Office. So as long as Your Excellency recommends him, there is a strong chance Lord Feng will sit in the position of Chancellor of the Imperial Academy."

"As long as we can get the Imperial Academy into our hands, the rest will be much easier to handle. By that time, we can tell the students of the Imperial Academy what kind of man Your Excellency is."

"Once a few cohorts of students graduate from the Imperial Academy, Your Excellency's name will inevitably rise swiftly through officialdom. The peach and plum trees say nothing, yet a path forms beneath them—Your Excellency will surely have disciples across the realm."

Han Kuang looked at Zhang Yu, sighing inwardly in admiration. This young man was truly remarkable—time and again he had revised Han Kuang's opinion of him.

Zhang Yu's plan was actually very simple: first elevate Xu Guangqi, let Xu Guangqi take the brunt of any trouble, while simultaneously saying Xu Guangqi recommended talent for the nation. This served, first, to exonerate himself by claiming he was merely following suit, and second, to check and balance Xu Guangqi.

Recommending Chen Kedao to His Majesty would display his own selflessness, and at the same time win His Majesty's favor. Then, at the right moment, he could recommend Feng Congwu to His Majesty, letting Feng Congwu take up the post of Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. That way, the Imperial Academy would be firmly in the hands of their group.

Once they had control of the Academy, then training those students would be entirely up to them. They could freely teach Feng Congwu's doctrines, and in time those students would all become followers of that school of thought. By then, they would certainly be singing their praises.

Although on the surface it seemed to be resolving his own crisis and looking out for his own interests, in reality it was still promoting Feng Congwu and his school of thought. One could say it killed several birds with one stone.

Truly remarkable scheming! Working both sides among the common folk and at court, with ruthless methods, righteousness and wickedness intertwined.

Han Kuang admitted that he was tempted.

After Zhang Yu finished speaking, he bowed respectfully to Han Kuang and said with a smile: "This student has finished speaking. I have spoken rashly and presumptuously before the Grand Secretary; I beg the Grand Secretary not to take offense. As for my words, please treat them all as drunken nonsense."

"You do have considerable insight." Han Kuang nodded and said, his tone carrying approval. "Younger men like you, so outstanding, are rare indeed. Truly hard to come by, hard to come by!"

"This old man has suddenly developed a fondness for talent today. I wonder if you would be willing to become my disciple?"

This was taking Zhang Yu on as an apprentice, a way of deepening the mutual interests between them.

Zhang Yu knew that if he did not agree, Han Kuang would likely harbor resentment toward him.

He gritted his teeth, stepped forward, and said: "This student considers himself lacking in learning and shallow in knowledge, and would not dare to raise such a matter. Since the Grand Secretary has already spoken, this student naturally obeys. I will return and prepare gifts, then come to your residence to formally pay respects as your disciple."

Han Kuang wore a beaming expression, as if he were genuinely delighted to have gained such a fine disciple.

But both men knew full well in their hearts that this was nothing more than a union of interests, binding each other together—not any genuine sincerity.

Still, such a union of interests was rather fragile, but having it was better than not having it at all.

The two exchanged smiles, appearing quite close and amicable.

Since matters had been settled, Zhang Yu took his leave from Han Kuang's residence.

When Zhang Yu returned to the inn, the two Song brothers were still waiting for him. "How did it go?"

Zhang Yu took a sip of tea and recounted the matter to the two of them.

Song Yingsheng looked at Zhang Yu and said in a low voice: "Only now, at this very moment, do I truly know you."

"Is that so bad?" Zhang Yu said with a smile. "This is our opportunity. From today onward, everything will be completely different."

Saying this, a look of longing appeared on Zhang Yu's face.

Clearly, Zhang Yu was very, very pleased with and confident in everything he had done.

The two Song brothers exchanged a glance, smiled bitterly, and shook their heads. Neither of them said anything more.

In the Western Park.

Zhu Youxiao was not fishing today, but was flying a kite with Empress Zhang.

The two of them held onto a huge kite, running and laughing together.

Empress Zhang's laughter rang out like silver bells, carrying far into the distance.

Chen Hong knew that disturbing the Emperor and Empress at this moment would be a very unwise move, but he still steeled himself and quietly walked toward His Majesty.

Zhu Youxiao glanced at the approaching Chen Hong and said to Empress Zhang: "I'm a bit tired from playing. Let's rest for a while and have some tea and refreshments."

Empress Zhang smiled and nodded. She too knew that Zhu Youxiao had matters to attend to.

The two handed the kite to a eunuch standing nearby and walked together into the pavilion beside them.

Warm tea had long been prepared there, and several kinds of pastries were laid out on the table nearby.

After sitting down, Zhu Youxiao poured a cup of tea for Empress Zhang, then picked up his own teacup and drained it. He was indeed rather thirsty.

Looking at the approaching Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao asked: "Is there something?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, there is news of the Song brothers." Chen Hong said hurriedly.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said with a smile: "Then let's hear it. What have these two brothers done?"

"Your Majesty, these past few days they have been very close with Grand Secretary Han, and they also went to visit Feng Congwu, the Chief of the Seal Office. Your servant has just received word that Zhang Yu, the one accompanying the Song brothers, seems to be about to become Grand Secretary Han's disciple." Chen Hong said, bowing.

Upon hearing this news, Zhu Youxiao's brow furrowed.

How did those few end up mixed together?

But this matter would soon come to light on its own; there was no need to continue investigating. If he kept digging, it would arouse suspicion.

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said: "That's enough then. No need to bother with them."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong quickly acknowledged and retreated to stand at the other side.

Zhu Youxiao then continued flying kites with Empress Zhang. The two played and frolicked until the sun set, then went to have dinner together, and retired to bed together.

The next day, the news spread—the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat was taking on a disciple.

This was itself a novel matter, so everyone began to pay attention to this Zhang Yu. They all wanted to know just what virtues and abilities this Zhang Yu possessed to earn the favor of the Chief Grand Secretary.

One should know that in the position of Chief Grand Secretary, everything one did required great caution. Especially matters like taking on disciples—many times one had to be extremely careful, and sometimes one could not take disciples at all.

Yet Han Kuang had taken a disciple, and had done so quite conspicuously. There was something in this that invited deeper contemplation.

However, for the time being, no one managed to obtain much useful information.

But there was one person who knew what was going on, and that person was Feng Congwu. He had not expected Han Kuang to move so quickly.

That Zhang Yu truly had ability—not only had he persuaded Han Kuang in such a short time, but he had also made Han Kuang take him as a disciple, and with such a grand show of it.

This was clearly not an ordinary taking of a disciple, nor even a simple acceptance of a student, but rather treating him like a successor.

Feng Congwu could not figure this out either—just how had that Zhang Yu managed it?

But while he was hesitating, Zhang Yu came calling at his door.

Feng Congwu realized that today Zhang Yu would give him an explanation.

When he saw Zhang Yu, Feng Congwu found that he had not changed at all.

Originally Feng Congwu had thought that, having become the student of the Chief Grand Secretary, Zhang Yu would have changed somewhat, or become a bit arrogant and overbearing.

But Zhang Yu had not. He still looked the same as before, bowing to Feng Congwu with a smile and saying: "Greetings, Mr. Feng."

Zhang Yu did not place himself high, nor did he place Feng Congwu low, appearing entirely calm and at ease.

But Feng Congwu still noticed something—compared to their previous meetings, this Zhang Yu seemed far more composed.

He said with a smile: "Seeing you so radiant with joy, it seems you bring good news."

"Indeed, this is good news." Zhang Yu sat down, nodded, and said, "We have already discussed it with Grand Secretary Han—oh no, now I should call him my teacher. My teacher will recommend Mr. Feng before His Majesty, seeking for Mr. Feng the position of Sacrificial Wine of the Imperial Academy."

"Once Mr. Feng sits in that position, he can naturally promote our Guanzhong lineage. At that time, Mr. Feng will be able to display the ambitions in his heart."

Giving Zhang Yu a deep look, Feng Congwu's smile grew even wider.

He had not expected Zhang Yu to scheme for this position on his behalf. How crucial this position was, he knew very well in his heart. At the same time, he understood one thing—this meant locking horns with Xu Guangqi, the Second Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat.

Because from the very beginning, this matter had been managed by the Ministry of Rites, and Minister of Rites Shen Tingyun was a man of the same camp as Xu Guangqi. They regarded the Imperial Academy as their own forbidden preserve. Now for these people to barge in and stick their noses in—this was a recipe for making enemies.

Most crucially, Han Kuang had actually agreed. This Zhang Yu's methods were truly beyond what he had imagined.

"Are you confident?" Feng Congwu looked at Zhang Yu, asking with a trace of worry on his face.

Zhang Yu nodded and said with a smile, "I won't say I have full certainty, but sixty or seventy percent is there. Sir, you should spend the coming period studying the Guanzhong School well. When the time comes, His Majesty will surely summon you."

Feng Congwu nodded.

This Zhang Yu spoke with such confidence, so he truly should give it a try.

After everything was arranged, Zhang Yu returned home.

As the saying goes, do one's best and leave the rest to heaven. What remained was no longer something he could scheme over; he only needed to go back and wait for the result.

In the coming period, what they needed to do was try their best to find ways to pass the examinations into the Imperial Academy. As long as they could enter the Imperial Academy, then the entire Imperial Academy would be theirs to command.

With Feng Congwu shielding them from above, they could do many things.

At the Western Park.

Zhu Youxiao hesitated slightly as he set down the teacup in his hand. He turned his head to glance at Chen Hong and asked expressionlessly, "You say Han Kuang seeks an audience?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is Grand Secretary Han." Chen Hong said hurriedly.

Zhu Youxiao slowly set down his teacup, a faint, inscrutable smile appearing on his face. Then he said, "Now this is getting interesting."

One had to know that ever since the last clash with the Donglin Faction, although Han Kuang had been promoted to Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, his relationship with Zhu Youxiao could hardly be called close.

After all, everyone knew that Zhu Youxiao trusted Xu Guangqi and favored Xu Guangqi in appointments as well. Han Kuang was merely a transitional figure; keeping him was only for the sake of stabilizing the court situation.

Thus, the sovereign and his minister were not close, and Han Kuang had never done anything like requesting a private audience.

In other words, this was the first time.

Originally, Zhu Youxiao had assumed that Han Kuang would never do such a thing—this counted as an unspoken understanding between sovereign and minister. When the timing was about right, he would grant Han Kuang an honor and let him leave with dignity. For Han Kuang, that would have been the best ending.

But as it appeared now, Han Kuang did not think that way. This unspoken understanding between sovereign and minister had been broken.

However, Han Kuang had been an official for so many years, so naturally he had his own thoughts; he was certainly not a reckless man. Since he had come today, he must have confidence in his heart.

This instead aroused Zhu Youxiao's curiosity. He turned to Chen Hong and said, "Let him in."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong respectfully acknowledged, then turned and walked out.

Before long, Han Kuang walked in from outside.

Upon seeing Zhu Youxiao, Han Kuang hurriedly performed the ritual of obeisance. "Your subject Han Kuang, paying respects to Your Majesty."

"Rise." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, and at the same time said to Chen Hong standing at his side, "Offer him a seat."

After Han Kuang sat down, Zhu Youxiao asked with a gentle expression, "My dear minister, what business brings you here today?"

Facing Han Kuang, Zhu Youxiao naturally had no intention of beating around the bush, nor was there any need to. He asked the question directly.

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Han Kuang was startled.

He had not expected His Majesty to be so direct, but he quickly recovered his wits and said, "In reply to Your Majesty, your subject has come today to beg forgiveness for his crimes."

Looking at Han Kuang with an amused expression, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "What crime has my dear minister committed?"

"Your subject has failed in the propriety due from a minister." Han Kuang continued, "Your subject has taken on a student, and the commotion it caused was somewhat excessive—truly improper. Your subject has erred in propriety and begs Your Majesty to punish him accordingly."