[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-the-ming":3,"chapter-overthrowing-the-ming-overthrowing-the-ming-chapter-6":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Overthrowing the Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2289233,4476,"Chapter 6: This is a Heavenly Secret","overthrowing-the-ming-chapter-6",6,"\u003Cp>\"My introductory teacher is Song Xiance, my professional teacher is Li Qian. I am but a humble scholar, having yet to pass the provincial examination, so I have no formal chief examiner.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The implementation of the imperial examination system was initially a tool for imperial power to struggle against the aristocratic clans of the Sui and Tang dynasties. By the early Ming, it had become completely perfected and flourished. It was a scientific and fair system for selecting talent, but it simultaneously formed a massive network of teachers and students. The North-South Ranking Incident during the Hongwu era is sufficient to show the terrifying nature of this emerging force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, one often hears of \"poor, sour scholars,\" but rarely of \"poor, sour provincial graduates\" or \"metropolitan graduates.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To speak only of passing the metropolitan examination, one’s teachers would include: the introductory teacher (elementary studies), the instructional teacher (private school), the academy examination chief examiner (the child examination had three stages: county, prefecture, and academy, each with a chief examiner), the lecture teacher (instructor at the school), the provincial examination chief examiner, the lecturer (teacher at the Imperial Academy), and the metropolitan examination chief examiner, who is the Emperor himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This constituted a vast network of relationships in the Ming dynasty, stretching from officials to the gentry class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An official has many teachers, many disciples, and even more classmates; this is also the capital that the bureaucratic class uses to confront imperial power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Li You’s response was normal, Cao Er sat back down, though his gaze toward Li You still felt very wrong; yet, in the end, he still gave a slight nod toward Wu Zhuge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha, donkey, he really is a scholar!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zhuge narrowed his eyes slightly and said, \"Then tell me, why can't we join forces? As long as you can provide a logical reason, I will believe your nonsense!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You paused and said, \"The Great King has long held this precious land of Longmen, and this stronghold possesses the momentum of a 'reverse scale.' Why then act as a whip for others? Since ancient times, only those of equal strength can speak of cooperation; when strength is unequal, one is usually swallowed up. Better to be the mouth of a chicken than the tail of an ox!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What the hell is the use of saying all that?\" Wu Zhuge was not stupid; he naturally understood these principles, so he was not at all satisfied with Li You’s explanation. [Note]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You continued to feign indifference and said, \"This student does not wish to die, nor does he wish to see you heroes dig your own graves. Going to Pingli and Xing'an now means there will be no return. Pingli is dangerous and strategic, easy to defend but hard to attack, and the surrounding government troops are watching like tigers and wolves. Even if Zhang Xianzhong captures it, he will likely be a stray dog... Wandering rebels, wandering rebels—without the produce of farming externally, and without a place to hold internally, you are like locusts scurrying everywhere. You will not win the hearts of the people, and following them will never lead to great things!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Cao Er’s eyes lit up instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never lead to great things? Haha... great things?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these two words, Zhang Zhuanggen could not help but be amused, laughing loudly: \"We are a bunch of petty thieves occupying the mountains; what great things do we want to achieve? And what great things could we possibly achieve?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Third Master is mistaken. It is said that Yanzi, without a five-foot frame, was appointed Prime Minister of Qi; Kongming, without the strength to truss a chicken, was appointed military advisor of Shu Han... Therefore, are kings, nobles, generals, and ministers born with a special lineage? Those who achieve great things are judged by their hearts, not their tracks; if judged by tracks, the poor would have no capable people!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That Li Chuang was but a courier; Zhang Xianzhong was but a peddler. Today, which of them is not shaking the world with a single cry?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You noticed that Wu Zhuge’s originally disdainful expression had changed, so he immediately struck while the iron was hot: \"The Great Ming is destined to fall; this is a heaven-sent opportunity not seen in a hundred years!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once these words were spoken, not only did the sharp-mouthed Zhang Zhuanggen stop clamoring, but even the surrounding lackeys ceased their noise. The six men locked in the water prison with him also stared with wide eyes at Li You, who stood before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You felt proud; the current situation of the Great Ming was all based on the memories of Song Shenxian that this body possessed. Combining them with this multi-level marketing tactic, he felt it was quite effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that Li You himself did not know that most people were actually shocked by his final sentence, \"The Great Ming is destined to fall.\" After all, the Great Ming had held the land for two hundred years, its grace covering all living things, and they had been accustomed to it since they were born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, a scholar was already considered to have entered the gentry class. Logically, they should share the fate of the Great Ming court. How could a man of letters hope for the destruction of the Great Ming?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zhuge snorted coldly and said, \"There are plenty of rebel bands in the world; why did you just say you specifically wanted to join me here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a heavenly secret!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Motherfucker, what heavenly secret? Speak quickly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You frowned, hesitating and pacing, before suddenly flicking his sleeves and saying solemnly: \"Very well... then I will speak. Has the Great King recently felt an increase in thirst and appetite, and also skin itching?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zhuge stood up abruptly, eyes wide, and shrieked, \"How did you know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he was truly shocked and became impatient; he had recently been suffering from thirst, irritability, physical weakness, and frequent urination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because the Great King is currently shedding scales; you are a hidden dragon in the abyss!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You would naturally not say that he had contracted 'wasting-thirst disease,' which is diabetes in later generations, so he continued to bluff using the memories of divination he had from Song Shenxian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Motherfucker, speak clearly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zhuge’s face was somewhat flushed; at this moment, he was truly stunned by Li You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Humans receive essence from water and vital energy from fire to become human. Only when essence combines does spirit arise, and only when spirit arises is the form complete. Thus, we know that what is complete on the outside—the body and appearance—is all cause and effect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look at the Great King here: your voice is as resonant as a dragon's decree, your cheekbones reach your temples, your ears press against your head, your mouth corners point toward the 'Heavenly Granary,' and your ear rims match the 'Sea of Water.' Sitting like a stone nail, rising like floating clouds—your form and spirit are naturally marvelous, and your storehouses are naturally abundant. This is the appearance of extreme nobility!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is based on the ancients' 'physiognomy by steps,' and your face, Great King, has upturned eye corners and is peeling; you must be a python reincarnated, hibernating here in this Nilinba to establish a stronghold. And this 'Nilin' (Reverse Scale)—does it not perfectly correspond to a 'hidden dragon in the abyss'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words were so supernatural, flattering, and mysterious that everyone fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zhuge was completely taken in by the bluff at this moment, suddenly remembering 'Grand Eunuch Song' from the spring of this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some thoughts he dared not even entertain, but once they took root, he became instantly addicted. His mind was even a bit dazed, as if he saw himself wearing the yellow robe, showing off his power and prestige.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Zhuge was happy in his heart and habitually pinched Dayun'er’s round buttocks hard. Dayun'er frowned slightly, but her eyes were fixed on Li You. Under her heavy breathing, her chest rose and fell; she stared at the talented and elegant Li You below the stage with slightly parted lips and eyes full of brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Motherfucker, well said! Come, come, Scholar, walk closer... then stay in the stronghold and plan things out with me properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li You walked to the base of the earthen stage and noticed Dayun'er staring at him. He boldly swept his gaze across her chest, then raised his eyebrows, looking exactly like a modern-day flirtatious wink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This explosive manner made Dayun'er’s body tremble slightly, and her face instantly flushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the people on and off the stage all had their own thoughts, and they were indeed swayed by Li You’s stirring words, so no one noticed this scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what if Zhang Xianzhong really breaks through Pingli Pass?\" Zhang Zhuanggen pressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If Pingli is broken, the one who should be worried is not us, but Prince Rui!\" Li You said with a light, breezy smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the 29th year of the Wanli era, the Shenzong Emperor Zhu Yijun enfeoffed his fifth son, Zhu Changhao, as Prince Rui, establishing his fief in Hanzhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to rumors, the construction of the Prince Rui mansion took 26 years to complete. The magnificent and luxurious mansion occupied nearly one-fourth to one-third of the Hanzhong prefecture city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shenzong demanded that the local authorities provide Prince Rui with 3 million mu of land, but after the Shaanxi local authorities scraped together everything they could, they only managed to collect a little over 100,000 mu, including 4,152 mu in Hanzhong and 150,000 mu in Chang'an.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In addition to the annual stipend, the Prince Rui mansion also reached its greedy hands into the salt tax; the three prefectures of Xi'an, Fengxiang, and Hanzhong all had to pay the mansion 'salt-provision' and 'fuel-food' silver. [Note]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Zhu Changhao was naturally the biological uncle of the Chongzhen Emperor. Under the style of the Zhu Ming imperial family, which favored their own kin but not the people of the world,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>whether it was a high-ranking local official or a governor of several provinces, the crime of 'endangering the fief' was a charge no one could bear—not even Yang Sichang, who was in the height of imperial favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words made everyone suddenly realize: even if Zhang Xianzhong broke through Pingli, he would definitely be chased and beaten frantically all the way. Where would he have the time to come and retaliate against their small Longmen Stronghold?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was immersed in Li You’s eloquence; the only one who had been watching Li You’s endless stream of words with cold eyes was Cao Er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Note]: The word \"diao\" (penis) was already in use during the Ming dynasty; its usage and meaning are the same as today. In \"The Story of the Awakening of the Marriage,\" a classmate asked in the previous chapter who Zhou Longgao was; Zhou Longgao, nickname Zhou Dadian (Big-Dick Zhou).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Note]: This account appears in \"Northern Records of the Ming Season\" by Ji Liuqi of the Qing dynasty, \"History of Ming: Biography of Prince Rui Zhu Changhao,\" and \"Collection of Chinese Local Chronicles: Shaanxi Prefecture and County Chronicles, Vol. 50, Republic of China Hannan Continued County Chronicles.\" However, it contradicts some early Qing unofficial histories, such as \"Records of Becoming Benevolent\" by Qu Dajun, and folk records that express love for Prince Rui, claiming his death was marked by a demonstration of heavenly thunder, eventually evolving into him ascending to become a Buddha. This seems to contradict official historical records. Furthermore, the writings of the arithmetician Ji Liuqi are sometimes truly too outrageous... perhaps open to debate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ming dynasty took two years to compile the History of Yuan, while the Qing dynasty took ninety years to compile the History of Ming, and those in charge were mostly scholars of the Donglin-Fushe factions who had defected from the Ming. Combined with the fact that the 143 feudal princes of the late Ming were almost all cookie-cutter templates of \"wine sacks and rice bags,\" this also seems worthy of debate.\u003C\u002Fp>",2022,"2026-06-20T03:32:06.992Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","118e6600cfa9294afc0e881380d051379c1409f0596372ffd0f61c386f4f3533","overthrowing-the-ming-chapter-7","overthrowing-the-ming-chapter-5",71,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-the-ming-cover.jpg"]