Chapter 228: A Little More Sincerity, A Little Less Scheming

From His Majesty's words, Zhang Yu understood the Emperor's intent, and also learned just how forceful His Majesty truly was.

After all, no emperor before had ever dictated why scholars should study; everyone had their own views, and most started from their own personal motivations.

Why do I study?

What will I become after studying?

But the current Emperor was clearly not like that. His approach was: you tell me why you study. If you say you study for yourself, then you appear too low-minded; you should study for the rise of the Great Ming.

These were two different levels of thinking, so Zhang Yu also understood what His Majesty wanted him to do.

Although he hadn't yet thought as far as unifying ideology, Zhang Yu also knew that His Majesty did not want scholars to have too many wild thoughts — he wanted them to convert.

Of course, that was a Buddhist way of putting it, but that was roughly the meaning.

"Your Majesty is sagacious and wise." Zhang Yu hurriedly bowed and said, his face beaming with delight: "Your Majesty's words resolve the predicament that has plagued scholars of the Great Ming for generations. Such grand righteousness shakes past and present! Your minister is truly filled with admiration. Your Majesty's attainments in scholarship rival those of a great Confucian master."

Zhu Youxiao looked at Zhang Yu, feeling somewhat helpless inside.

The way Zhang Yu flattered him was truly a bit hard for Zhu Youxiao to get used to. Not because the flattery was too direct, but because Zhu Youxiao was not accustomed to being flattered — he preferred to address matters directly.

Perhaps because he was someone who had crossed over from a later era, Zhu Youxiao had long grown weary of this kind of false courtesy. Beneath such courteous faces were hidden hearts unknown to all.

So Zhu Youxiao would rather his ministers be a bit more sincere. To put it in the words of a later age: a little more sincerity, a little less scheming.

Looking at Zhang Yu's demeanor, Zhu Youxiao could not help but marvel. This Zhang Yu could actually deliver flattery with such sincerity — truly a rare skill.

Feng Congwu on the side was also looking at Zhang Yu with some helplessness, and he felt a pang of regret inside.

Originally, Feng Congwu had thought Zhang Yu was a man of learning — whether in knowledge or in scheming, he should be among the best; and what Feng Congwu himself lacked was precisely scheming, so he could cooperate with him. There was nothing wrong with that — they would scheme great matters together.

But now Feng Congwu felt that he might have misjudged him.

The reason was simple: this Zhang Yu displayed absolutely no moral integrity. Whatever His Majesty said, that was that, and he could say any kind of flattering words. This was clearly a fawning sycophant of a minister!

If it were only that, it might be tolerable, but this Zhang Yu was also a man of real ability.

Shameless, capable, and able to flatter the sovereign.

This was the very image of a favored minister. And he would very likely become a favored courtier, and even more likely become a powerful minister of the age!

Of course, that last point depended on whether he had the talent for it.

But Zhang Yu did have that talent — this was the very likeness of a powerful minister.

If he had to make an analogy, Feng Congwu felt that Zhang Yu was very much like Yan Song, and moreover had even more means than Yan Song.

Had he known Zhang Yu was like this, he wouldn't have come with him. The reason was also very simple: such ministers basically never came to a good end.

No matter what official rank they reached, nor how much they were favored by His Majesty, none of it mattered. When the day of reckoning truly came, these people would lose both reputation and standing, and probably couldn't even keep their lives.

Feng Congwu was deeply regretful. What was he doing getting tangled up with Zhang Yu now?

He was already so advanced in years. Though he still wanted to accomplish something in his heart, what he wanted more was to leave a good name in history.

If he got tangled up with Zhang Yu and his own reputation was ruined in the future, he would regret it endlessly!

But at this point, regret seemed a bit late. So Feng Congwu raised his head and looked at His Majesty, hoping that His Majesty would reject Zhang Yu, or rebuke him for such behavior.

But Feng Congwu was disappointed. Zhu Youxiao smiled, and smiled very happily, looking at Zhang Yu with appreciative eyes, as if he greatly enjoyed the flattery.

This turned Feng Congwu's heart completely upside down.

No! Please, don't think highly of Zhang Yu!

"Though We have only recently ascended the throne and am extremely busy every day — reviewing routine memorials from morning until late at night before I can rest — even so, I have never set down my books, and dare not forget to study."

"Over all this time, I have gained some insights. As for your saying I rival a great Confucian master, I dare not accept that claim, but neither am I one who is unlearned and ignorant."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao smiled again, then turned to look at Feng Congwu and said: "You have taken on a fine student."

Feng Congwu was momentarily stunned — Zhang Yu was not his student at all!

He hastily said: "Reporting to Your Majesty, although your minister would also like to take Zhang Yu as a student, I never had the opportunity. Because I acted too late — Zhang Yu has already pledged himself as a student to Grand Secretary Han of the Grand Secretariat."

As he spoke, Feng Congwu's face showed a very regretful expression.

Seeing this, a cold smile curled at the corner of Zhu Youxiao's mouth.

Old fox, trying that trick on me?

Zhu Youxiao smiled and said: "Who says one can only pledge to a single teacher in this world? When seeking learning, one naturally takes the accomplished as teacher. Having a few more teachers is ultimately to one's benefit."

"Take me, for example. Every day I summon people to the palace to give lectures, and I rotate through different people. The teachers the late Emperor found for me were not just one or two either. Since you, my dear minister, have the intention to take on a student, I naturally cannot sit by and do nothing. Facilitating good deeds is something I delight in."

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Zhang Yu and asked: "Are you willing to pledge yourself as a student to Minister Feng?"

At this moment, Zhang Yu certainly did not dare refuse — this was proposed by the Emperor himself, and in front of Feng Congwu no less.

If he chose to refuse at this point, how would His Majesty see him, and how would Feng Congwu see him?

Zhang Yu hastily knelt to the ground and said: "Your student has long admired Mr. Feng's character and learning, and has always wanted to enter his tutelage. But your student felt too ashamed of his own inadequacy to speak of it."

"Today, to receive Your Majesty's guidance, your student is truly grateful beyond words." After saying this, Zhang Yu hastily turned and kowtowed to Feng Congwu, saying: "Your student greets his teacher."

Feng Congwu hastily helped Zhang Yu up and said with a smile: "Then from now on, you shall stay by your teacher's side."

Seeing this, Zhu Youxiao smiled even more happily. He casually pulled off a jade pendant and said: "To witness such a fine tale of mentorship today puts me in excellent spirits. This jade pendant is awarded to Zhang Yu — consider it a gift from me for your teacher-pledging ceremony."

"Your student thanks Your Majesty." Zhang Yu hastily prostrated himself and kowtowed, then raised both hands high above his head.

Chen Hong on the side had long since taken the jade pendant from Zhu Youxiao's hand. He walked quickly to Zhang Yu's side and placed the jade pendant into Zhang Yu's hands.

It was warm and cool to the touch. Upon receiving the pendant, Zhang Yu hastily prostrated himself and kowtowed to express his gratitude.

Zhu Youxiao nodded gently and said with a smile: "Pledging to a teacher is a major matter. After you return, prepare the formal teacher-pledging gifts. Remember to be thoughtful about it."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Your student understands." Zhang Yu hastily acknowledged.

At this moment, Zhang Yu also understood in his heart that His Majesty was having him pledge to Feng Congwu as his teacher. As for what His Majesty was thinking, that was beyond his knowing.

And the reminder that the teacher-pledging ceremony should be more elaborate was clearly a comparison between Feng Congwu and Han Kuang — a warning that he must not favor one over the other.

Feng Congwu on the side, though wearing a smile on his face, had a heart full of mixed emotions.

He knew that this time he could not escape. Now that Zhang Yu had pledged to his tutelage, he was his teacher.

Many things would now implicate him. Whatever they did from now on, he would have to go along with it. His Majesty was binding him together with them.

Thinking of this, Feng Congwu could only smile bitterly.

As for Zhang Yu standing to the side, he was equally helpless, knowing that this time he was probably going to be roasted over the fire.

He had first taken Han Kuang as his teacher, and now he had also pledged himself to Feng Congwu's tutelage. Originally this wasn't much of a problem—after all, Feng Congwu had students all over the world, and one more wouldn't make a difference.

But once Feng Congwu began to receive the Emperor's favor starting today, things would immediately change. He had gained the trust of the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, and at the same time the trust of a favored minister like Feng Congwu—so what did that make him?

One had to know that Zhang Yu wasn't even a jinshi yet, so this was indeed placing him over the fire to roast.

However, Zhang Yu also understood that this was His Majesty rapping him on the knuckles.

It seemed that his frantic scrambling about had made His Majesty feel he was too clever by half. But there was no helping it—if he hadn't scrambled about like that, this matter never would have succeeded.

Having gained so many benefits earlier, this punishment was something he deserved to bear.

Seeing the harmonious master-disciple appearance of Feng Congwu and the other, Zhu Youxiao seemed greatly satisfied, and even his smile carried considerable grace. He said, "Actually, what the two of you have been discussing, I find very interesting."

"How about this—from now on, you shall enter the palace once every three days." Zhu Youxiao looked at Feng Congwu as he spoke.

He then said to Zhang Yu, "You shall enter the palace together with Minister Feng, attending at his side."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Your student understands." Zhang Yu hurriedly nodded.

Damn it—this was yet another time he was being placed over the fire to roast. His Majesty truly intended not to let him have an easy time.

To receive the favor of two great figures and also be able to see His Majesty every day—this was fundamentally a matter that could cost a man his life.

But this wasn't over yet. Zhu Youxiao thought for a moment and said, "In that case, your position as Chief of the Seal Office is no longer convenient. How about this—you shall become the Right Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission. That way, entering the palace will be much more convenient as well."

"Your minister thanks Your Majesty." Feng Congwu hurriedly knelt and said.

This position was far better than his original post as Chief of the Seal Office. Although the Office of Transmission had declined severely in recent years, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse—it wasn't something a mere Chief of the Seal Office could compare with.

The Office of Transmission handled the issuance of imperial decrees, the communication of conditions from below, the verification of official documents and credentials, and the reporting of memorials from officials and commoners throughout the realm concerning remonstrance, petitions, appeals, military intelligence, and natural disasters.

In terms of establishment, there was one Transmission Chief, of the third rank (responsible for receiving internal and external memorials and presenting them to the throne with commentary).

There was one Left Transmission Commissioner and one Right Transmission Commissioner each, of the fourth rank (responsible for receiving internal and external memorials and sealed petitions from officials and commoners).

In other words, at this very moment, Feng Congwu had risen from a fifth-rank Chief of the Seal Office to the fourth-rank Right Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission.

Whether in terms of rank, status, or power, this was an extremely high-quality leap—something ordinary people wouldn't even dare to dream of.

But Feng Congwu and Zhang Yu were somewhat hesitant, because both of them knew very well in their hearts that what they were doing wasn't for the sake of official position, and certainly not for the position of Right Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission.

This official post wasn't worth that much. Although it was far stronger than Chief of the Seal Office—indeed, there was hardly any comparison—in recent years, due to the continuous expansion of the Grand Secretariat, the Office of Transmission had nearly become a shell of its former self. Under such circumstances, this position truly wasn't that important.

If there were no further demands, then it would naturally be the best position, since one could have very ready access to His Majesty.

But what they were seeking was the Chancellorship of the Imperial Academy—that was an entirely different matter.

The rank of the Imperial Academy's Chancellor might not be particularly high, but the substantive power it commanded was very, very great. Moreover, at a critical moment like this, whoever could grasp hold of the Imperial Academy would be able to command sufficient say in matters.

They had schemed for such a long time—wasn't all their calculating ultimately for the sake of the Imperial Academy?

So under these circumstances, Zhang Yu and Feng Congwu both felt some hesitation in their hearts.

But this hesitation didn't last long. The two of them silently accepted the matter in their hearts, because this was His Majesty's command—there was no way to change it.

So Feng Congwu stepped forward, knelt directly on the ground, and kowtowed, saying, "Your minister Feng Congwu thanks Your Majesty."

The hearts of Feng Congwu and the other were filled with mixed joy and worry.

In fact, for a long time the two of them had wanted to draw their relationship closer, but they had never taken action. This time, their wish had been fulfilled—and moreover, under His Majesty's witness, which made it very significant.

But Feng Congwu wasn't all that happy either. The reason was simple: today he had seen another side of Zhang Yu, and that made him very uneasy inside.

He was bound so tightly to Zhang Yu that if anything went wrong with him, he himself would probably be in serious trouble. When that time came, he would certainly be implicated—perhaps even unable to eat what he had taken and forced to carry it away with him.

But His Majesty had ordered the two of them to be bound together, and one couldn't disobey. In Feng Congwu's heart, one could say that worry outweighed joy.

Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "Alright, get up. Just do your work well from now on."

Today Zhu Youxiao didn't intend to talk with them too much—he only needed to establish one main theme. There would be plenty of time for discussion later, since he had already arranged for Feng Congwu to enter the palace once every three days, with Zhang Yu accompanying him.

As for why he wanted the two of them to enter the palace together, the reason was also very simple. Zhu Youxiao wanted to instill his own ideas into their thinking—this was also why he valued Feng Congwu and Zhang Yu.

Whether it was Xu Guangqi or Huang Kezuan, neither of them possessed this quality.

Xu Guangqi followed the School of Mind—useful in some places, but inadequate in others.

As for Huang Kezuan, although he was currently advocating for Xunzi, it was more political opportunism, and it didn't suit his intentions either—manipulating him was also very inconvenient.

But with Feng Congwu and Zhang Yu, Zhu Youxiao had no such concerns. Their thinking could be shaped and painted however he pleased.

This had always been something Zhu Youxiao wanted to do.

Now that they had come, naturally he would let them do it.

"It's getting late today. You may withdraw." Zhu Youxiao looked at the two men and said with a smile.

"Your minister takes his leave."

"Your student takes his leave." Feng Congwu and the other hurriedly said.

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand.

After Feng Congwu and the other had left, Zhu Youxiao stood up, gently stretched his body, and a smile appeared on his face.

He was in quite a good mood today, so he turned and went to find Empress Zhang.

The news that His Majesty had received Feng Congwu naturally couldn't be concealed, and it quickly spread throughout the officialdom of the capital.

Feng Congwu's direct promotion from Chief of the Seal Office to Right Transmission Commissioner of the Office of Transmission naturally became a hot topic of discussion for everyone.

In officialdom, every official hat, large or small, was watched by all—any single one was fought over tooth and nail.

Although the Right Transmission Commissioner wasn't a very high position, and the Office of Transmission's standing wasn't very high either, making it seem rather unremarkable, this position represented one's entry into the central hub of power—and that made its significance entirely different.

If one were later sent out to the provinces, it would correspond to a very high position as well.

The most critical point was that His Majesty had Feng Congwu enter the palace to give lectures—this left many people utterly baffled.

Although His Majesty had always had people enter the palace to give lectures, how could he have chosen Feng Congwu?

So more information was dug up and spread throughout the capital.

Accompanying Feng Congwu into the palace was Zhang Yu, and at the same time, Zhang Yu had taken Feng Congwu as his teacher under His Majesty's witness. This caused many people to smell something in the air.

Lately, this Zhang Yu has built up quite a reputation in the capital's official circles.

A mere juren, he first became a disciple of Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang not long ago, and now he's also taken Feng Congwu as his teacher. If you say there's no collusion behind all this, no one would believe it.

And so the general outline emerged—the whole affair was the doing of Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang.

In an instant, many felt a chill in their hearts. The Grand Secretaries in the court basically began repositioning themselves again, and what followed was bound to be a chaotic free-for-all.

As Feng Congwu's position spread, this point became even more firmly confirmed by everyone.

At Xu Guangqi's residence.

Xu Guangqi, Shen Tingyun, and Li Zhizao were all present, each wearing a look of helplessness.

Things had turned somewhat unfavorable for them, because everyone had begun launching attacks against them.

Li Zhizao and Shen Tingyun exchanged a glance.

Shen Tingyun said with a grim face: "The court is going to become even more difficult from now on."

Xu Guangqi on the side picked up: "There's nothing to be done about it. Though His Majesty is ambitious at heart, who can truly make sense of court affairs? All we can do is take things one step at a time."

Li Zhizao nodded and said: "That's all we can do."

At Huang Kezuan's residence.

Huang Kezuan set down his teacup, glanced at his son beside him, and said with a grave expression: "The court is about to become turbulent once again."

"Father, then what do you plan to do next?" Huang Yongji looked at Huang Kezuan with some worry, speaking with a hint of hesitation.

"Better to stay still than to move. I've already been conspicuous enough over the past while—from now on, I only need to lie low and bide my time. It's also a good opportunity to straighten out the Ministry of Justice. Things in this world are easy to say, but hard to do."

"Most of the time, you still have to see things through. Talking alone is useless—time reveals a person's true heart." Huang Kezuan picked up his teacup and took a sip, speaking as though he wasn't the least bit anxious.

In fact, Huang Kezuan truly wasn't all that worried. No matter how others advocated for Xunzi or what ideas they had, the impact on him wouldn't be that great.

Because Huang Kezuan was the first to raise the slogan of demoting Mencius and elevating Xunzi; moreover, in terms of position, he was Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Under such circumstances, it was basically impossible for anyone to shake Huang Kezuan's standing.

At Grand Secretary Sun Chengzong's residence.

Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Zhou Jiamo looked at Sun Chengzong with a relaxed expression and said slowly: "You don't need to worry. There's no need for us to get involved in this matter."

Sun Chengzong raised his eyes to look at Zhou Jiamo and said with some hesitation: "But the court has only just been quiet for this long, and now it's about to descend into chaos. Everything had already returned to the right track—why stir things up again?"

"Don't you know why they're stirring things up?" Zhou Jiamo smiled and asked back with a calm expression.

Sun Chengzong furrowed his brows, looked at the tea leaves rising and sinking in his cup, and let out a helpless sigh.

In truth, how could he not know?

The ministers were all contending, and the primary reason was that His Majesty wanted them to contend. As the saying goes, what those above favor, those below will imitate.

Whatever His Majesty wanted his ministers to do, the ministers would rack their brains to do it.

Thinking of his young student, Sun Chengzong also felt somewhat helpless, and could only shake his head with a bitter smile.

Why hadn't he noticed it back then? Now that he'd noticed, it was already too late, and he could no longer say anything about it.

"You don't need to worry too much." Zhou Jiamo looked at Sun Chengzong and said in a light tone: "These people won't be able to stir up any waves."

Sun Chengzong glanced at Zhou Jiamo—he understood what Zhou Jiamo meant by those words.

Judging by what His Majesty had done since ascending the throne, this young Emperor was not someone without a plan in mind. Since he dared to let them make a fuss, then naturally he had his own ideas—he wouldn't allow things to develop to the point of being beyond control.

"Besides, in the court, it's always been calm on the surface while undercurrents surge beneath—when has that ever changed?" Zhou Jiamo said with a hint of mockery.

"It's just that this time the matter has been brought out into the open. Nothing to make a big deal of." With that, Zhou Jiamo waved his hand dismissively and continued: "For us, it's better to stay still than to move. Just do our own jobs well."

"No need to worry about the rest—let them fight and make noise. The court needs people to stabilize the situation. The more they stir things up, the more secure we become."

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengzong nodded—this was something he agreed with.

His Majesty had always kept a backup plan in reserve for matters. In the past, it had been Han Kuang; now that Han Kuang had fallen, he himself naturally became the best candidate.

Once they stirred things up too far and His Majesty needed someone to clean up the mess, that would be the time when he and Zhou Jiamo took the reins.

So for now, for himself, it was better to stay still than to move.

At Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang's residence.

Looking at his student Zhang Yu standing before him, Han Kuang set down the book in his hand, his expression somewhat complicated.

He had anticipated that Zhang Yu would distinguish himself before His Majesty, but he hadn't expected things to come so quickly.

Originally Zhang Yu had merely been an appendage, but now he'd somehow managed to turn it into a situation where he was the central figure.

Whether it was himself or Feng Congwu, both felt as though they were revolving around Zhang Yu. This made Han Kuang find it somewhat absurd.

But at this point, he could only continue down this path—an arrow once loosed cannot return.

Zhang Yu naturally knew how Han Kuang felt, so he said with a respectful demeanor: "Teacher, what should we do next?"