Chapter 187: 127. Chapter 126: The Reed Whip of Shame, Shedding the Old Skin and Reborn

127. Chapter 126: The Reed Whip of Shame, Shedding the Old Skin and Reborn

July 24.

The morning court proceeded as usual, unchanged.

The Emperor still did not attend to governance; Grand Secretary Zhang Zhang Juzheng led the court deliberations.

Deputy Grand Secretaries Gao Yi and Wang Wang Chonggu remained as before.

Deputy Grand Secretary Lu Lu Diaoyang and Censor Zhao Zhao Canlu, from the Ministry of Revenue, were inspecting that year's financial accounts and thus absent from the court session.

For several days, Minister of Rites Zhang Zhang Suiwei had not attended court; today, the left vice minister Ma Ma Ziqiang and right vice minister Zhu Dasou represented the Ministry of Rites.

First, Censor-in-Chief Ge Ge Shouli submitted a memorial: the former Viceroy of Ji and Liao, Wang Yu, had been executed without guilt despite his merits in defeating barbarians and pacifying pirates; the former Provincial Governor of Zhejiang, Zhu Wan, had been upright and incorruptible, yet poisoned by slander—please grant the Two Palaces mercy and favor.

After reading them, the Two Palaces were deeply moved; yesterday, the Grand Secretariat discussed them.

Today's court deliberation decided: Wang Yu shall be granted the standard rites at two altars and buried with a tomb; Zhu Wan shall be granted the standard rites at one altar, with burial expenses halved.

Also, Vice Minister of Personnel Shen Shen Shixing submitted a proposal.

Promote Right Assistant Commissioner of Shanxi, Shen Zuo, to Right Assistant Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, to serve as Provincial Governor of Datong and assist in military affairs.

Appoint former Right Assistant Commissioner of Jiangxi, Tian Ruyu, to oversee the Hebei Circuit in Henan.

Assistant Director of the Ministry of War's Vehicle and Cavalry Division, Xiong Xiong Dunpu, is transferred to become Director of the Two Zhe Transport Bureau.

The first two appointments were routine promotions, but the latter appeared startlingly abrupt.

Xiong Xiong Dunpu was a newly appointed Hanlin Junior Scholar; only last month he was assigned as Assistant Director in the Ministry of War's Vehicle and Cavalry Division.

Less than a month later, the Ministry of Personnel wants to demote him to Two Zhe—though both posts are sixth-rank, a lateral transfer from capital to provincial post is an unspoken demotion.

It naturally raised suspicion: what had this man done?

Especially since Minister of War Shi Mao frowned in displeasure; though merely an assistant director, he was still one of his own men.

The Ministry of Personnel wanted to demote an officer without even consulting him, then brought it before the court to debate openly.

And they didn't even give a reason!?

Shen Shen Shixing's brazen manipulation of military appointments was utterly outrageous!

Shi Mao was about to speak, seeking to assert himself.

But Zhang Zhang Juzheng and Zhang Hong spoke in succession; the Grand Secretariat swiftly drafted the edict, and the Directorate of Ceremonial immediately approved it in red, citing the Two Palaces' awareness.

It forced Minister Shi's words back down his throat.

The court still pondered the deeper meaning behind it.

Then came several earth-shattering announcements that struck the court like thunder.

Dozens of memorials from the Huguang Provincial Administration, the Chu Prince's Court, Censor Shu Ao, Provincial Governor Liang Liang Menglong, and others impeached Prince Chengguo Zhu Zhu Xizhong.

The memorials accused Zhu Zhu Xizhong of abusing power in Huguang, usurping imperial authority, forcing the Prince of Jing to burn himself alive, and murdering the Prince of Min and several Commandery Princes!

The court erupted in uproar, murmurs spreading everywhere!

Chief Justice Chen Chen Yisong exclaimed first: "Didn't Zhu Zhu Xizhong go to Huguang to investigate the Zhang Chucheng case? How could he be committing such atrocities there?"

The truth of his words and tone was hard to judge.

After all, the memorials had been retained by the Emperor, but ministers weren't without friends and allies sending private letters.

Publicly, they avoided discussion to preserve appearances, but privately, the debate had already begun.

Most court officials now held firm positions; they were merely putting on a show.

Minister of Justice Wang Wang Zhihao said solemnly: "I had heard that when he went to Huguang, he didn't properly investigate the case but instead led the Embroidered Uniform Guard to plunder villages and oppress the people."

"Now it seems we underestimated him."

"To kill imperial princes outright—this is unprecedented in our dynasty, truly audacious!"

Right Vice Minister of Rites Zhu Dasou watched silently, even kindly prompting the others: "What was the reason? Why don't you clarify, Chief Secretary He?"

He He Yongqing wiped sweat from his brow.

He, with his large belly, pulled out another memorial and stammered: "According to the memorial submitted by Imperial Son-in-Law Wu Wu Jinghe…"

"Numerous princely courts are implicated: assassinating imperial envoys, stealing mineral deposits, counterfeiting currency, colluding with barbarian tribes, practicing witchcraft against His Majesty—over a dozen charges in total."

"The Prince of Min's court alone has gathered over a thousand bandits, bribed Miao soldiers, and plotted rebellion!"

"To suppress the unrest in Huguang, Wu Wu Jinghe and Zhu Zhu Xizhong had no choice but to act on the spot, conduct immediate trials, and execute sentences…"

As He He Yongqing spoke, Minister of Justice Wang Wang Zhihao interrupted him.

Wang Wang Zhihao coldly rebuked: "Nonsense!"

"When the Prince of Chu murdered his father and rebelled, with thousands of troops holding the princely city, why didn't you execute them on the spot after handling the matter?"

"Back then, you still knew to send them to the Three Judicial Offices for formal judgment, await the Emperor's vermilion approval, announce it at the Imperial Ancestral Temple in September, and then execute them by slow slicing at the West Market."

"Now, with the same charge of rebellion, you dare to act alone with Zhu Zhu Xizhong—kill them on the spot!"

"Does His Majesty's word mean nothing to you, Wu Wu Jinghe and Zhu Zhu Xizhong? Do you disregard the young Emperor who hasn't yet assumed personal rule!?"

He He Yongqing, a senior third-rank official, was not only interrupted but scolded like a child—deeply humiliated.

He felt profound injustice.

He was merely delivering memorials—why berate him?

If you want to tear each other apart, just name your targets directly—why beat around the bush here?

Chief Justice Chen Chen Yisong also agreed: "They are imperial clan members—even with ironclad evidence, how can they be executed without due process?"

"The entire realm's stability rests on the Emperor's shoulders; the phrase 'suppress unrest' does not belong to Zhu Zhu Xizhong or Wu Wu Jinghe."

"Regardless, today the Grand Court of Justice must impeach Zhu Zhu Xizhong!"

The resentment of the Three Judicial Offices and the Ministry of Rites was entirely understandable.

Even the execution of a prince had bypassed all official channels.

Next time, why not just have the Embroidered Uniform Guard handle every case? What need is there for the judicial offices?

Once this precedent is opened:

Today, killing a prince is "necessary expediency"; tomorrow, killing a Vice Minister; the day after, killing a Minister—will all be "necessary expediency"?

Just grant Zhu Zhu Xizhong the title of "Nine Thousand Years" and let him handle everything by "expedience."

In the Southern Directly Governed Region, they at least formed the Three Judicial Offices, convicted the guilty, and transported them to the capital.

Why is Huguang being treated like lawless chaos? Has the young Emperor regressed so far?

In truth, Wang Wang Zhihao and Chen Chen Yisong were not merely condemning Zhu Zhu Xizhong and Wu Wu Jinghe—they were questioning the Emperor himself.

Especially Wang Wang Zhihao: his son had been exiled two thousand li under the law during the Southern Directly Governed Region scandal—he harbored deep resentment toward the Emperor.

Back then, you demanded we uphold the law; now that it's your man, you demand he be protected?

Wang Wang Zhihao again echoed Chen Chen Yisong: "I will immediately petition His Majesty to recall Zhu Zhu Xizhong to the capital and interrogate him over Huguang affairs!"

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard's lawlessness is utterly disgraceful!"

The Ministry of War and Ministry of Public Works remained silent spectators.

A few censors spoke in support, agreeing Zhu Zhu Xizhong had overstepped and should be recalled for interrogation.

He should be stripped of his title and fined after the reasons are clarified.

He He Yongqing understood he was not the target—merely a scapegoat—and no longer cared about their tone.

Suppressing his grievance, he finished recounting the full account: "Moreover, Imperial Son-in-Law Wu Wu Jinghe made emergency decisions regarding the princely courts."

"He seized the princely estates and entrusted them to the Inner Court, the Ministry of Rites' Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, the Ministry of Revenue, and the princely household officials for joint administration."

"He also fixed the princely stipends at set amounts."

"And lifted trade restrictions on the princely houses…"

He He Yongqing summarized briefly and passed the memorial for review: "Details are listed at the end of the memorial."

At these words, many faces turned pale.

"Wu Wu Jinghe is utterly audacious!"

"He dares to command the Six Ministries and the Inner Court—who does he think he is?"

Accusations of treasonous intent piled up.

A prince's death was merely dinner-table gossip; everyone laughed it off.

But if someone dared to lift the princely trade ban, they would fly into genuine rage—was this not stealing their livelihood!?

What did business depend on?

Was it not connections and patronage, not skill or entrepreneurial ability?

Officials and gentry—when bullying common merchants and peasants, they were invincible.

Now if the Inner Court and Ministry of Revenue, backed by princely houses, enter commerce, what happens when we meet them in business? Will we have to compete fairly?

That's unacceptable!

Right Vice Minister of Public Works Liu Guangji, who was due to retire next month and return home to enjoy his official-gentry privileges, now had to speak up: "Grand Secretary, Your Excellencies, colleagues."

"The imperial clan are the bloodline of the founding Emperor; princely restrictions are ancestral law."

"Now Zhu Zhu Xizhong and Wu Wu Jinghe are lawless!"

"Without the Three Judicial Offices' review, without the Emperor's vermilion approval, without petitioning the Imperial Ancestral Temple, they have executed imperial princes; forced princely deaths; falsely accused princely houses; seized princely estates; damaged the Emperor's familial bonds; and even brazenly commanded the Inner Court and Six Ministries to destroy ancestral law."

"If His Majesty does not recall them, the imperial clan will not be pacified! If the Three Judicial Offices do not interrogate them, the law will not be clarified! If the Grand Secretariat does not correct this chaos, public order will be lost!"

Upon hearing this, Chief Justice Chen Chen Yisong, Minister of Justice Wang Wang Zhihao, and Chief Censor of the Lì Kē Liu Liu Buxi all echoed in agreement.

All turned to the three Grand Secretaries at the head of the court—but all three sat impassively, saying nothing.

Then Minister of Revenue Wang Guoguang interjected calmly: "Vice Minister Liu, don't exaggerate."

"Let's take this one step at a time."

"Perhaps you were ill at home and unaware, but the designation of guilty princely houses and seizure of their estates was already decided in a prior court deliberation—don't so readily accuse them of harming imperial kinship."

"And opening the imperial clan to commerce? That has nothing to do with ancestral law. The During Hongwu Emperor never established such an ancestral law."

"Why didn't you, Minister Liu, say at the time that this would help His Majesty demonstrate imperial kinship?"

"This move not only relieves the central government of tax burdens, but also provides a path forward for the vast majority of the imperial clan, and even avoids touching upon what none of you dare voice aloud—the fear of imperial clan rebellion."

"I have never heard that merely engaging in commerce, without holding office or stockpiling arms, could incite rebellion."

"In short, my Ministry of Revenue finds it excellent."

After these words, many secretly spat in Wang Guoguang's direction.

This matter is a joint venture between the Inner Treasury and the Ministry of Revenue—money flows into your coffers, so of course you think it excellent!

When the time comes, you'll skim a bit from it, and that'll be more than enough for your expenses.

What about us colleagues whose businesses have been robbed?!

At this moment, Vice Minister of Rites Zhu Zhu Dashou also spoke without expression: "The Ministry of Rites also finds it excellent."

Your posterior determines your thinking.

The Imperial Clan Court falls under the Ministry of Rites; merely auditing imperial clan property alone is a huge sum.

It's hard not to support a chance to share in the spoils.

Matters concerning the imperial clans naturally grant the Ministry of Rites the greatest authority.

Attitude is crucial; otherwise, it wouldn't have been blocked by Zhang Zhang Siwei before.

Now that Vice Minister of Rites Zhu Zhu Dashou has spoken, everyone's faces immediately darkened.

Minister of War Shi Mao and Right Censor-in-Chief Hu Ji turned to look at Left Vice Minister of Rites Ma Ma Ziqiang.

What? Don't you see that this Vice Minister of Rites is infringing on our Jin Faction's interests?

Others might be different, but we Shanxi people truly engage in commerce!

Even if Zhang Zhang Siwei is retiring, you're still the Left Vice Minister—can't you suppress Zhu Zhu Dashou? Who really runs the Ministry of Rites?

Just because your family deals in salt and your own business isn't harmed, you're going to sit idle?

Hu Ji couldn't help turning his head and reminding Ma Ma Ziqiang: "Do you, Minister Ma, also find it excellent?"

Ma Ma Ziqiang seemed distracted and hadn't heard.

Shi Mao urged urgently: "Minister Ma, speak up!"

Only then did Ma Ma Ziqiang snap back to awareness. He uttered an "Ah," looked around blankly, and replied vaguely: "Minister Wang and Minister Zhu have spoken well."

"The notion of ancestral law is sheer nonsense."

"As long as the Imperial Clan Court maintains tight control, imperial clan commerce should pose no obstacle."

That demeanor. Those words.

Shi Mao stared at Ma Ma Ziqiang, feeling an eerie familiarity.

He instantly realized—Ma Ma Ziqiang's posture was identical to his own when he first assumed the post of Minister of War!

He understood perfectly what Ma Ma Ziqiang was up to.

Colleagues' businesses mattered, but with Zhang Zhang Siwei gone, the position of Minister of Rites was far more alluring!

With the Ministry of Rites and Ministry of Revenue leading this matter, and their portfolios aligned, once consensus is reached, outsiders will have little room to oppose.

As expected.

At this moment.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng, the Chief Grand Secretary leading today's session, finally moved.

He turned his body, his gaze sweeping over his colleagues.

Slowly he spoke: "Regarding the ban on imperial clan commerce—if the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites have no objections, then return and submit memorials."

Obviously, we cannot directly use Wu Wu Jinghe's memorial—it violates protocol.

His is merely a proposal; to elevate it to central authority, it must pass through the Six Ministries, the Grand Secretariat, and the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Wang Guoguang and Ma Ma Ziqiang bowed with their ceremonial tablets and returned to their ranks.

Everyone was helpless.

Why don't His Majesty and the Ministry of Revenue understand? Things operated by the Inner Court and the Central Government are inherently unprofitable!

Hasn't mining and maritime trade always been this way?

Wherever the Imperial Merchant's hand reaches, commerce withers!

Can we now change this by bringing along that herd of idiot imperial clan members?

Alas, His Majesty and the Grand Secretariat are scheming like flies—utterly ignorant of what it means to govern for the people's welfare.

Very well. We'll have to think of other ways privately.

Fortunately, after two centuries of the dynasty, experience with such matters is well-established.

The ministers exchanged glances, each lost in thought.

At this moment.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng spoke again: "As for Zhu Zhu Xizhong's matter..."

"Local accusations may not reflect truth; the full complexity cannot be judged solely on local denunciations."

"Given the involvement of the imperial clan, an imperial envoy should not publicly debate guilt."

"Then summon Zhu Zhu Xizhong back to the capital to explain before the throne, and let His Majesty decide."

Upon hearing this, the censors who had been eager to speak immediately fell silent.

They had been waiting for the Chief Grand Secretary to shield Zhu Zhu Xizhong, so they could then "righteously speak out."

To abandon Zhu Zhu Xizhong so quickly was beyond their expectations.

Alas, the chance to build reputation was lost.

Wang Wang Zhigao felt somewhat relieved—he remembered how His Majesty had urged him to prioritize state law: if his son deserved exile, let him be exiled; he could always have another child.

Now let His Majesty taste the feeling of punishing a trusted minister and upholding state law.

Grand Judge Chen Chen Yisong also felt slightly satisfied, for upholding the dignity of the Three Judicial Offices.

Just as everyone's thoughts diverged.

At the side of the Zhao Wenhua Hall's dais, Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial Zhang Hong returned—no one knew what he had been doing in the side hall.

Zhang Hong walked straight onto the dais and bowed toward the Emperor's empty seat.

Then he rose, facing the court ministers.

Zhang Hong's expression was sorrowful as he slowly spoke: "I have no right to interfere in your deliberations, but..."

"I have just received word: the Duke of Cheng, while investigating a case in Huguang, was attacked by villains from the Min Prefecture, sustaining severe injury to his ear marrow. His condition has not improved for days and is now untreatable."

"He passed away half a month ago!"

Zhu Zhu Yijun looked toward the direction of Zhao Wenhua Hall.

Today he had ordered the memorial from Huguang to be discussed in court—Zhao Wenhua Hall must now be in full uproar.

But Zhu Zhu Yijun was not concerned.

He trusted Zhang Zhang Juzheng's competence.

Outside the window, clouds drifted and gathered. Zhu Zhu Yijun gazed for a long while before withdrawing his gaze.

He turned again to Zhang Zhang Siwei, kneeling on the ground.

"Loyal and patriotic" Minister Zhang had come to the palace specifically to bid farewell before his retirement.

Zhu Zhu Yijun naturally had no reason to refuse.

Now they met—Minister Zhang's emotion was sincere; the Emperor showed humility and respect.

A picture of harmonious sovereign and minister.

Zhang Zhang Siwei still knelt, pleading earnestly: "... The abuses have reached their extreme; the corrupt customs must be reversed."

"In this holy age, under this enlightened sovereign, I wished to assist Your Majesty in restoring order, bringing civilization out of chaos."

"Alas, my father fell under the law and was publicly executed."

"I could not fully realize my potential—this is Heaven's will; I must accept it."

"The hopes of the people are now dashed; I am ashamed in heart, filled with regret."

"I depart, and that is all."

"I humbly implore: May Your Sacred Majesty, vigilant and diligent above, and the Grand Secretaries and Ministers below, united in reverence, establish law and governance that aligns with Heaven and Earth."

"May the phoenix's reign endure, securing the dynasty's fate for eternity!"

"Winter gives way to spring; night yields to day; the realm's heart turns toward the Dao—all rests in Your Majesty alone!"

"With all my devotion, I bow again and again."

Saying this, Zhang Zhang Siwei bowed three deep, resounding kowtows.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Zhu Zhu Yijun watched the humble, respectful Zhang Zhang Siwei kneeling before him, and couldn't help but reflect on this traitor's character.

Listen to the words he spoke.

First, he laid out his ideals; then, his anguish over his father's violation of state law; next, his sorrow over retirement and the collapse of his ambitions.

Finally, he shifted tone—I leave, but I pray that the Ming dynasty's prosperity endures like the phoenix, with Your Majesty laying the grand blueprint, extending the state's fate across heaven and earth.

What emotion. What eloquence. Who could remain unmoved?

What a pure minister.

He himself nearly felt compelled to promise—if Zhang Zhang Siwei never seeks to overturn his case, he would be reappointed after his mourning period.

But he had opened his heavenly eyes—he knew Zhang Zhang Siwei's true nature.

Only through life's great rises and falls can one truly find the dividing line.

Wang Wang Shizhen lost his father and was sent home to observe mourning, appearing utterly drained of his former vigor, his spirit broken.

And Zhang Zhang Suiwei, at first glance, also bowed his head in submission, his will seemingly shattered.

But upon closer inspection, one senses the inner brilliance restrained within him—like a blade meticulously polished.

No wonder he rose in history to become Chief Grand Secretary, suppressed Shen Shen Shixing for years, desecrated Zhang Zhang Juzheng's corpse, and dismantled the New Policies.

His character and resilience are truly unmatched.

Zhu Zhu Yijun sighed: "I too deeply regret the fate of your father."

"Zhang Qing, rest assured—I have already dispatched orders to Tan Lun."

"I shall, during the Wan Shou Festival, bestow grace upon your father and clear his name."

"Rise at once."

Zhang Zhang Suiwei hurriedly bowed in thanks: "Thank Your Majesty."

Not a trace of resentment showed on his face.

Even when speaking of his father's death, he appeared as though his sole devotion now lay with the Emperor alone.

Zhu Zhu Yijun watched Zhang Zhang Suiwei's expressions and movements in silence.

After Zhang Zhang Suiwei rose from his bow and thanked him,

Zhu Zhu Yijun sighed again: "You are not only the hope of all the people under heaven."

"To me, you are the Gan Pan of old learning, the virtuous minister I have long dreamed of."

"Yet now you are unable to fully realize your potential…"

Zhu Zhu Yijun paused, softened his tone, and regarded Zhang Zhang Suiwei with curiosity: "Is this the will of Heaven, or the work of men?"

He fixed his gaze on Zhang Zhang Suiwei's reaction.

Zhang Suiwei, to me, you are the master of Confucian classics, and the virtuous minister I have long yearned for.

So, why have you ultimately failed to fully realize your talents—is it Heaven's design, or human interference?

Zhang Zhang Suiwei was struck with sudden alarm.

He felt as though King Wen of Zhou had taken possession of his body, facing the final trial of Jie and Zhou.