Chapter 233: It May Be Necessary to Take a Step Back

Han Kuang and the other two glanced at Huang Kezuan, then nodded lightly, which counted as agreeing with his view.

Next, the four Grand Secretaries began further discussion on the matter, wanting to handle the whole affair more completely—at the very least, they had to guard against Wei Zhongxian's attacks and not let him ruin things.

For the four men present, with things having reached this point, the room for choice was already slim.

Just as Han Kuang had said, rather than butting heads with His Majesty, it was better to do things this way. As for certain drawbacks—no matter, those of their own circle could all avoid them.

In the Western Park, inside the pavilion.

It was a bit hot. Zhu Youxiao leaned expressionlessly against a marble pillar, feeling a trace of coolness while listening to Chen Hong read routine memorials to him.

Just as Chen Hong was about to continue reading, he lightly raised his hand, and Chen Hong stopped.

Zhu Youxiao gently opened his eyes, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

His guess had been right after all—these people had ultimately chosen to take this power into their own hands.

Actually, this was fairly easy to predict. Even if this power had many drawbacks, it was still power. The Grand Secretariat had no need to offend him over this matter—though that was only one side of it.

The other side was that they had no reason to turn their backs on power. Who would ever think they had too much power?

Of course, they also felt the drawbacks this power brought were not much of a problem. People always had such confidence.

Under normal circumstances, when one saw someone do something foolish, one's first reaction was:

If it were me, I definitely wouldn't do it that way.

So the Grand Secretariat making this decision now was hardly surprising at all.

But Zhu Youxiao was also very clear in his heart that he could not let them carry this matter through as they wished.

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Youxiao said calmly, "Let the courtiers deliberate on it."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong promptly acknowledged, set the memorial aside, and went out to relay the message.

Since His Majesty had given the order, there could not be the slightest delay. Most crucially, he had been involved in this matter from the very beginning up to now.

Judging from His Majesty's style of handling affairs, this matter was one His Majesty valued greatly. Under such circumstances, Chen Hong dared not let any slip-up occur on his own end.

Once the news spread, the court was in an uproar—countless people began discussing the matter.

But at this time, Zhu Youxiao had no mind to bother with them over it; he was listening to Feng Congwu give him a lecture.

Since the last incident, Feng Congwu entering the palace to lecture had become a regular practice for Zhu Youxiao.

Zhang Yu was attending at the side, with refreshments and tea set out on the tables around them.

Feng Congwu spoke eloquently from the lecturer's seat.

"What we discuss today is casting off the style of vanity and emptiness—one must be pragmatic."

Listening to Feng Congwu's words, Zhu Youxiao nodded lightly, his face full of smiles.

After Feng Congwu finished speaking, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile, "Have some tea—the weather is getting hot."

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty." Feng Congwu promptly bowed and said.

With that, he very earnestly picked up the tea and drank a cup. To be honest, having lectured for so long, he was indeed rather thirsty.

After Feng Congwu finished drinking, Zhu Youxiao then said, "Hearing what you just spoke of, Your Subject, I have an idea. In your view, should everything proceed from reality?

"Whether in scholarship or in officialdom, the most important thing is seeking truth from facts. One must never deceive or falsify reports, nor harbor a vain and frivolous heart."

Zhu Youxiao finished speaking with a smile, then raised his head to glance at Zhang Yu, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.

Although it was Feng Congwu who lectured him, Zhu Youxiao had basically confirmed during this period that it was this Zhang Yu who was compiling these ideas behind the scenes.

So that remark of Zhu Youxiao's was meant for Zhang Yu to hear, and he believed Zhang Yu could understand his meaning.

In fact, Zhang Yu did indeed understand.

Because previously he had propagated a saying of Zhu Youxiao's—that practice is the sole criterion for testing truth. Now this proposal of a pragmatic style of seeking truth from facts looked somewhat similar, and in reality the two were indeed complementary.

With this guiding ideology in place, one could use this pragmatic thinking to sweep away the ostentatious style in officialdom, making all officials handle affairs according to this ideology.

So Zhang Yu also understood what the Emperor wanted to do.

Feng Congwu had also roughly figured things out these past days, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty sees far and wide with profound learning; your servant is truly far inferior."

Zhu Youxiao looked at Feng Congwu and said with a light laugh, "It was still inspired by you, Your Subject. Today has been quite fruitful. Attendant—bestow upon Feng, Your Subject, a jade ruyi."

Chen Hong, standing beside Zhu Youxiao, promptly said, "This servant will go prepare it at once."

Feng Congwu quickly rose to his feet, bowed, and said, "Your servant thanks Your Majesty."

Nodding lightly, Zhu Youxiao said with a gentle expression, "These past days, you have lectured well, Your Subject. I am very satisfied."

"A few days ago, Chief Grand Secretary Han Kuang recommended you to me as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. Han Kuang told me that your learning is profound, and that you have spent these years teaching and nurturing students—one could say your pupils are everywhere."

"Originally I still had some hesitation, but after hearing your lectures these past days, I have found that Han Kuang did not deceive me."

Hearing Zhu Youxiao say this, both Feng Congwu and Zhang Yu turned solemn in expression, their hearts also stirring with extraordinary excitement.

This matter had been stirred up for so long—it seemed today there would finally be a result. The two could hardly help being delighted.

Wasn't all their effort over this long time for precisely this day?

Zhu Youxiao swept a glance over Feng Congwu and the other man; both their reactions fell into his eyes.

He said with a smile, "So the Imperial Academy will henceforth be entrusted to you, Your Subject. I will immediately have the Grand Secretariat draft the edict. Go back and prepare well for the examination—do not disappoint me."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Your servant understands." Feng Congwu promptly knelt to give thanks, speaking with an agitated tone: "Your servant will not let Your Majesty down."

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said with a smile, "Rise, and go out and do your work well."

"Then your servant takes his leave." Feng Congwu promptly bowed and said.

Afterwards, he led Zhang Yu out.

Watching the two men's retreating figures, Zhu Youxiao set the teacup in his hand on the table, and the expression on his face relaxed.

Leaning his body askew against the rocking chair, Zhu Youxiao let out a gentle sigh.

After all this time, his layout was finally about to be completed—he could finally settle down and do some things properly.

The news that Feng Congwu had become Chancellor of the Imperial Academy spread quickly, yet it did not stir much of a stir.

For one thing, because everyone's attention was not on this matter.

To be fair, at the very beginning, this matter had stirred up quite a stir, but now it no longer seemed sufficient. Because everyone had been drawn in by the secret memorial system that Wei Zhongxian had proposed.

In comparison, the secret memorial system was the real big deal.

Besides, the matter of the Imperial Academy's Chancellor had already been making noise for quite some time, and everyone had grown numb to it.

Not just in the present — even in the information-saturated later generations, this kind of maneuver was quite common.

When an incident erupts, you handle it with cold treatment; after a while, once the public's attention is no longer focused on it, you create something even bigger to cover it up.

This kind of tactic wasn't anything particularly clever, and Zhu Youxiao naturally understood it — yet it turned out the results were rather good.

As for the four Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat, they had actually guessed it long ago:

The candidate Sun Chengzong had recommended was sent away by His Majesty to serve as Governor of Denglai; of those remaining, only Han Kuang's candidate suited His Majesty's wishes.

Aside from that, there was Xu Guangqi's candidate, but no one thought his man could rise to the position. After all, Minister of Rites Shen Tingyun was of their faction, and His Majesty was unlikely to hand the Imperial Academy over to them as well.

Although Xu Guangqi and his people had been allowed to make preparations for the Imperial Academy in the early stages, they could never be given power once it was established — especially when there was competition.

If there were no competitors, His Majesty might use Xu Guangqi and his people; but once there was competition, His Majesty would not choose them. This was also a method of inserting sand into the mix.

It was precisely because they saw this point that Han Kuang, Huang Kezuan, and Sun Chengzong all made their moves.

Now that such a result had come about, the three of them — Han Kuang and the others — were not surprised.

Han Kuang's residence.

Glancing at Zhang Yu, Han Kuang's face was full of smiles, and he said with great satisfaction: "With this matter accomplished and Feng Congwu going to the Imperial Academy, we can be said to have gotten what we wished for."

"All thanks to my esteemed teacher's masterful planning." Zhang Yu hurriedly bowed and said, his attitude exceptionally humble.

Lifting his head to look at Zhang Yu, Han Kuang did not continue speaking.

Because Han Kuang knew that this matter was actually Zhang Yu's achievement — from beginning to end, it had been he who had orchestrated it.

Zhang Yu's words were merely giving him face. Of course, to some extent, they were also a reminder — a reminder not to burn the bridge after crossing the river.

On this topic, Han Kuang did not wish to say more, so he changed the subject: "Regarding this matter at court, what do you think? The secret memorial system is no small thing — if you have any thoughts, speak frankly."

Zhang Yu thought for a moment, then said in a low voice: "I fear things will be difficult to manage. The result my esteemed teacher hopes for may not come to pass."

"How do you know that?" Han Kuang looked at Zhang Yu and asked, his expression turning serious.

Though they had not had much contact, Han Kuang understood Zhang Yu fairly well. In this regard, Zhang Yu was extremely talented — his scheming was vigorous and precise, and these past few times had indeed proven his ability.

Since Zhang Yu dared to speak this way, he naturally had his grounds.

"The secret memorial system was proposed by Luo Sigong and his people. The Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard are bound to insist on having it, so they must have made extensive preparations."

"They cannot possibly allow our teacher to take this power into the Grand Secretariat. Once they get wind of this, they will likely launch a frenzied attack on the several Grand Secretaries."

"As for the reason — it will certainly be that the Grand Secretaries are seizing power. Though this reason is hardly novel, it is effective." Having said this, Zhang Yu turned to look at Han Kuang and said no more.

Han Kuang's expression also turned serious. He had already had a vague premonition, and now hearing Zhang Yu say this, he was basically certain of his guess.

Though the current His Majesty had not been on the throne long, he had already displayed certain traits.

For instance, he did not like anyone holding too much power, he liked checks and balances, and he liked using all sorts of different people — so it was impossible that he would allow any single person to truly grasp too much power in their hands.

Perhaps His Majesty had not originally cared much, but with Wei Zhongxian and his lot urging him on from the side, he would certainly come to care.

"Then what do you think the final result will be?" Han Kuang turned to Zhang Yu and asked.

"His Majesty does not want to give this power to the Grand Secretariat, and I fear he does not want to give it to the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard either. Otherwise, it would not have come to this point where the ministers are being asked to deliberate."

Zhang Yu said with a confident smile on his face: "So the most likely final result is to take the middle path — giving it to neither the Grand Secretariat nor the Eastern Depot."

"Could it be given to the Censorate?" Han Kuang raised his head to look at Zhang Yu and said directly: "The Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate is Yu Maoheng, and Cui Chengxiu of the Eastern Depot is also in there — indeed, it would be quite fitting."

Zhang Yu smiled and said: "It could also be placed in the Ministry of Justice."

"The Ministry of Justice?" Han Kuang asked in disbelief: "Why do you think it would be placed in the Ministry of Justice?"

"Because among the four Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat, Grand Secretary Huang is the weakest. If this power were given to the Ministry of Justice, that ministry would inevitably grow greatly in strength, and at the same time Grand Secretary Huang's standing would rise."

"Additionally, investigating cases would also require the Ministry of Justice to handle them — perhaps this will become His Majesty's choice."

Han Kuang nodded gently — he actually found Zhang Yu's reasoning sound.

"Tomorrow morning, we'll see what they have to say." Han Kuang sighed and said: "Do you think it's more fitting to place it in the Censorate or in the Ministry of Justice?"

"This is something my esteemed teacher need not ask this student."

Zhang Yu said with a smile: "Naturally, the Censorate is the most fitting. In the Censorate, it will not affect the Grand Secretariat. If it truly went to the Ministry of Justice, I fear the impact on the Grand Secretariat would be rather significant."

"Insightful." Han Kuang smiled and said: "Alright, you may return now — it's getting late."

"Then this student takes his leave." Zhang Yu smiled, bowed, and withdrew.

After Zhang Yu left, Han Kuang's expression did not change much.

This matter was not without gain for Han Kuang — at least he had secured the Imperial Academy. Sometimes one must not be too greedy.

The next morning, in the duty room of the Grand Secretariat.

The four Grand Secretaries gathered together again. The expressions on their faces were relatively relaxed, yet carried a hint of gravity — they all looked somewhat conflicted.

They drank tea and ate pastries as they began their conversation.

Han Kuang looked at the routine memorial in his hand, then passed it to the others, saying: "His Majesty has asked the assembled ministers to deliberate. Now the entire court is abuzz with discussion. These past days, quite a few memorials impeaching us have come in, saying we are manipulating governance and seizing power, trying to gather authority into our own hands. You should all understand what this means."

The others naturally understood as well, so Sun Chengzong said in a low voice: "I suspect Wei Zhongxian is agitating behind the scenes."

Huang Kezuan said with a smile: "There's no need to say that. Besides him, who else would be so eager to stand up and oppose us? It seems we have indeed struck his vital spot this time."

The others nodded — on this point, they were in agreement.

After all, Wei Zhongxian had stirred up this affair to monopolize power for himself; now someone had snatched the fruit from his hands. This was probably even more infuriating to him than being opposed outright, so his jumping out was hardly surprising.

Xu Guangqi's gaze swept over the others, and he said slowly: "Many people are now following the tide to attack us. If this continues, I fear we will be in a difficult position."

But as he said this, Xu Guangqi's emotions were somewhat complicated.

The reason was very simple — in the past, he had been led by the nose more than a few times. Now the wheel of fortune had turned; the mountain doesn't move but the water does — it was now the other three's turn to be led by the nose.

Though Xu Guangqi knew he should not gloat, since he was himself a member of the Grand Secretariat, what was this irrepressible excitement in his heart?

The other three did not look at Xu Guangqi — they were not in the mood.

"If things go on like this, I'm afraid we'll have to take a step back." Han Kuang said with a grim face.

He truly did not want to say those words.

For one, they had indeed suffered losses to their interests.

For another, this matter had not exceeded Zhang Yu's expectations.