Chapter 299: Zhang Weixian Enters the Palace

Hearing this, Zhang Weixian smiled, reached out and set down his teacup, and said with a smile: "Exactly as expected."

"Father, do you think there's some scheme behind this?" Zhang Zhiji looked at Zhang Weixian and asked with slight hesitation.

Hearing his son's words, Zhang Weixian suddenly became interested. He smiled and asked: "Alright then, tell me what you think."

Having grown older, Zhang Weixian had instead become more willing to groom his son.

Hearing his father's words, Zhang Zhiji nodded and said: "The whole affair feels somewhat strange. Is Duke Cheng really that foolish? And I keep feeling there's something wrong with this matter. Do you suppose His Majesty forced him?"

"He doesn't seem to gain anything from doing this. Although His Majesty gave him rewards and made him Commissioner-in-Chief of the Capital Camps, everyone knows those things are empty honors now. Would he offend all the nobles and imperial kinsmen for such gains?"

Glancing at his son, Zhang Weixian nodded and said with feeling: "It's good that you can see this much. But from now on, you must never entertain such thoughts again. All such notions must rot away inside your belly."

"From today onward, you must only remember this: Duke Cheng did this on his own, willingly, with no coercion whatsoever. He is simply a man who seeks merit and reward, one who wishes to earn His Majesty's heavy favor."

"Rest assured, Father. Your son understands." Zhang Zhiji said hurriedly.

Then a conflicted expression appeared on his face, and he said with some helplessness in his tone: "What should we do then? These past two days, the number of visiting cards left at our door has increased considerably—all of them people coming to seek our backing. Our house is the first among the nobility. If we don't step forward, I fear none of these people will dare to take the lead. But if our house does step forward, I fear we'll offend His Majesty."

"What do you think of the current Emperor?" Zhang Weixian looked at his son and asked.

"Decisive in killing and judgment—not an easy master to serve." Zhang Zhiji said slowly: "Judging from the current Emperor's actions since ascending the throne, he would not spare old ministers out of sentiment, nor would he care about generations of imperial favor. One can see from the matter of the old Prince Fu that His Majesty does not hesitate when he strikes."

Zhang Weixian nodded, let out a soft sigh, and stood up, saying: "Never mind the current Emperor. After all these years, has the Great Ming dynasty dismissed few nobles and imperial kinsmen?"

"As I see it, the current Emperor intends to emulate both Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu. Whatever outsiders may say about Taizu and Chengzu, among the nobles and imperial kinsmen we have our own set of standards for judging them."

"First, regarding Emperor Taizu—Taizu valued generous rewards. As for the nobles and imperial kinsmen he had killed, just look at what they did and you'll understand. But at the same time, it also shows one thing: Emperor Taizu killed without blinking an eye—he was absolutely ruthless and black-hearted."

"As for Emperor Chengzu, he too was a lord of grand ambition and vision. Those who followed him in conquering the realm did meet with good ends. But in truth, the nobles and imperial kinsmen of Chengzu's era had long since learned to behave. They didn't dare act as arrogantly and domineeringly as those of Taizu's time, or they too would have been dealt with."

Zhang Zhiji suddenly understood. When his father said the current Emperor would emulate both Taizu and Chengzu rather than just one, it could only mean one thing: the current Emperor could be as ruthless and merciless as Taizu when striking, while also being able to grant ministers who served with dedication a good ending, just like Emperor Chengzu.

Seeing the look of comprehension on his son's face, Zhang Weixian smiled and said: "It's best that you understand."

"From the Emperor's ascension to now, has he ever treated harshly a single one of those who did things for him? And those who opposed him—where are they now?"

"What the nobles and imperial kinsmen rely upon is the imperial family's favor. If we lose that favor, what would be left to us?"

"If we held military power, His Majesty might still show some consideration. But it's been over two hundred years since the founding of the Great Ming—what do we still have in our hands?"

"By the Jiajing reign, we had already lost most of it. Back then it was Qi Jiguang doing the fighting, and all those capable of combat were recruited soldiers—the men under our command had long since become unreliable. If the imperial family hadn't still kept us in mind, we would probably have been finished long ago. The reason our Duke of Ying's mansion can maintain its current position—isn't it mainly because we did the right things at the right times?"

"Yes, Father's teachings are correct." Zhang Zhiji said hurriedly.

"Look at those civil officials. The civil officials in court today—which one of them is easy to deal with? Not a single one of them is easy to fight. Don't they understand the principle that when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold? If we all pay taxes, can they escape?"

"Yet they still support taxing the manor estates. Do you know why? The reason is simple—whether in the Grand Secretariat or among the Six Ministries at court, they are all His Majesty's people. Even if someone wanted to oppose it, they would be removed immediately."

"Although His Majesty now spends his days in the Western Park, everything at court is decided by a single word from His Majesty. Where are those who were shouting just days ago? All gone!"

"Then Father, do you mean we should do the same?" Zhang Zhiji said hesitantly.

"Enough. There's something I need to tell you, and you must remember it well: our house is the Duke of Ying, first among the Great Ming's nobility. On the surface, it seems there's no higher to rise and no greater reward to receive—but holding onto this position of ours is the hardest thing of all. If we don't step forward this time, do you believe your old father will be stripped of his position before long?"

"If it truly comes to that, our house would merely hold an empty title. Besides, this isn't a major matter this time—just some manor land taxes. How much could we possibly have to hand over? At most we spend a bit less each year. It's hardly a big deal."

"You must remember: at critical moments, even one's life can be given up to preserve the family." After saying this, Zhang Weixian reached out and patted his son's shoulder, saying: "Make preparations. I'm going to the palace."

"Father, are you going to see His Majesty about the manor land tax?" Zhang Zhiji said hesitantly.

"Matters like this are better done sooner than later. Among those nobles you're worried about, those who can see clearly will see clearly; those who can't are blinded by greed. After this affair, I fear not many of them will remain."

"Since we must submit eventually, we might as well go early and earn some merit. Perhaps this time, your old father can even bring back a reward for you."

After saying this, Zhang Weixian patted his son's shoulder, turned around, and walked out.

Watching his father leave, Zhang Zhiji stood in place, pondering his words.

In the Western Park.

The weather here was quite pleasant today. Zhu Youxiao hadn't hidden himself indoors but had brought Consort Yuan along for a leisurely stroll outside.

After several days of getting along, Consort Yuan's attitude toward Zhu Youxiao had changed considerably. Though there was still some fear, she now seemed more intimate and familiar.

The two walked outside together, basking in the sun, the atmosphere harmonious and congenial.

At this moment, Chen Hong approached from outside and came before Zhu Youxiao, saying: "Your Majesty, the Duke of Ying requests an audience."

"He came rather early." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

Reaching out to pat Consort Yuan's hand, Zhu Youxiao said: "You go back first. Once I finish with these matters, I'll come to your quarters."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Consort Yuan said in a gentle tone: "But Your Majesty shouldn't stay outside too long either. Though the weather is fine today, winter has already set in. If you catch a chill, that would be bad."

"Rest assured, my consort. I'll be done soon." Zhu Youxiao said with a smile.

After Consort Yuan had left, Zhu Youxiao said to Chen Hong: "Let's go! Time to meet our Duke of Ying."

After saying this, Zhu Youxiao took the lead and walked forward.

As for the Duke of Ying Zhang Weixian's arrival, Zhu Youxiao could roughly guess the purpose.

The reason was simple—it was about the manor land tax. As for whether Zhang Weixian had come to oppose or support it, there was no need to even think about it. He had certainly come to support it; if he were opposing it, he wouldn't have come at all.

An old minister like the Duke of Ying had served several emperors and weathered several major cases. He knew where things stood and would never represent the opposition in stepping forward—he wouldn't do anything that foolish. So since he had come here now, it could only be to show his support.

When he saw the Duke of Ying, Zhu Youxiao directly waved his hand and said with a smile: "Alright, no need to kneel. It's freezing cold, and you're old in the bones. No need to risk hurting yourself."

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty." Zhang Weixian said hurriedly.

After Zhang Weixian had stood up, Zhu Youxiao said to Chen Hong: "Bring a chair for the Duke of Ying."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Chen Hong hurriedly fetched a chair himself and delivered it before the Duke of Ying.

Zhang Weixian quickly said: "Much obliged to you, eunuch."

After saying this, Zhang Weixian sat down gently, his expression very calm.

He said with a smile: "Your Majesty, your servant has entered the palace today because there are some matters I wish to discuss with Your Majesty."

"Is that so? Then let's hear it." Zhu Youxiao also said with a smile, a look of anticipation in his eyes.

"Your servant recently heard a piece of news outside: Duke Cheng hopes the court will levy the manor land tax. Your servant heard that Your Majesty is unwilling, so I've come to the palace today to speak with Your Majesty about it." Zhang Weixian said.

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's face sank. He said directly: "You must not take this matter seriously. That was merely Duke Cheng's drunken rambling!"

"I have already sent him rewards, commending his heart of devotion to country and sovereign. The tax exemption on manor estates is a rule established by our ancestors—how could it be changed so easily?"

"I understand the patriotic hearts of you all—that's enough. How could we actually put it into practice?"

Seeing Zhu Youxiao's expression turn serious, Zhang Weixian's countenance also grew solemn. He said directly: "Your Majesty, I cannot agree with those words. We nobles and imperial relatives can be said to have received the Great Ming's grace for generations—all these years we have enjoyed wealth and honor. Let me speak from the bottom of my heart: only if the Great Ming grows better and better will we grow better and better."

"Now the court's finances are insufficient, so we who serve as ministers naturally ought to make some gesture. Sending money directly into the palace would be improper—it would damage Your Majesty's reputation. But as for taxes on our manor lands, we haven't paid them for over two hundred years now. To put it plainly, that's been enough. Even if our ancestors rendered the greatest merits, at this point, it truly has been enough."

"Besides, this is merely paying taxes on manor lands—which noble or imperial relative in court lacks these few grains of rice? If any household lacks this grain, let them come and speak to me."

After hearing this, Zhu Youxiao still shook his head and said in a firm tone: "This is not good. Since ancient times, a sovereign does not contend for profit with his people—how could I contend for profit with the nobles and imperial relatives?"

"Your Majesty, this is not contending for profit—rather, it is gathering hearts together. Now most of the nobles and military relatives at court have degenerated; the younger generations are mostly good-for-nothing, spending their days carousing in the pleasure quarters. Few remain who can mount a horse and render service on the battlefield for the nation."

"Many people know this clearly in their own hearts, yet everyone still harbors the desire to serve the nation. Duke of Cheng's proposal was well made. Though we can no longer fight on horseback, we still remain loyal to the sovereign and serve the nation—only in a different way. This is the sincere intent of your ministers. If Your Majesty refuses even this, I fear it will chill your ministers' hearts!"

"Gathering hearts and the rise and fall of the nation—there have always been principles to this. I am a rough man and don't understand such doctrines, but I do know that hearts beget hearts, and four ounces can be exchanged for half a catty. When your ministers harbor the will to be loyal to the sovereign and serve the nation, Your Majesty cannot refuse to accept it!"

After saying this, Zhang Weixian rose to his feet and knelt directly on the ground, saying: "Your Majesty, I do this for the sake of the Great Ming's rivers and mountains. I beg Your Majesty to think deeply on it!"

Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhu Youxiao looked at Zhang Weixian kneeling on the ground, feeling quite moved in his heart.

An old smooth operator is an old smooth operator!

Look at this attitude, look at this bearing, and listen to this rhetoric.

Old ginger is spicier—there's no arguing with that.

Rising from the dragon throne, Zhu Youxiao hurriedly descended the steps, went straight to Zhang Weixian, and reached out to help him up, saying: "What is my beloved minister doing? Get up, get up!"

After helping Zhang Weixian to his feet, Zhu Youxiao turned to Chen Hong and said: "The Duke of Ying is advanced in years. From now on, when he enters the palace, let him ride in a carriage, and he need not perform the full ceremonial obeisance when meeting me."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will remember." Chen Hong hastily acknowledged.

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty." Zhang Weixian's face immediately showed excitement, and in a rather ashamed tone he also expressed his gratitude for the favor.

Zhu Youxiao knitted his brows, looking at Zhang Weixian with some hesitation as he said: "What my beloved minister says has merit, but this matter is of great importance after all. I still need to consider it carefully and hear what others have to say. My beloved minister may withdraw for now."

The words that needed to be said had been said, and the loyalty that needed to be expressed had been expressed. Zhang Weixian naturally knew it was time for him to leave.

So he bowed respectfully and said: "Then your servant takes his leave."

At the same time, Zhang Weixian understood Zhu Youxiao's subtext—he planned to return and rally some people to come forward in support.

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, watching Zhang Weixian's departing back. After a moment's thought, he said: "The time is about right. Go tell Wei Zhongxian that the Censorate side can start moving now. Don't make it too big for now—just let a little word out."

"Yes, Your Majesty. This servant will relay the message at once." Chen Hong gave a start, hastily acknowledged, bowed as he backed out, then quickly ran out of the Western Park with rapid steps.