Chapter 250: 169. Chapter 168: Reflect on Yourself, Final Judgment Sealed

169. Chapter 168: Reflect on Yourself, Final Judgment Sealed

After the metropolitan examination ends, the palace examination will determine rankings.

At the dynasty's founding, the emperor personally presided over the examination on the first day of the third month; later, it was generally held on the fifteenth.

Thus, on the fifth day of the third month, the Ministry of Rites submitted protocols for the reading of scrolls, the imperial proclamation of rankings, palace examination meals and wine, and the banquet for the scroll readers.

The Emperor approved all and issued an edict.

For the palace examination of the empire's tribute scholars, the Grand Secretaries Zhang Zhang Juzheng, Gao Yi, Lu Lu Diaoyang, Wang Wang Chonggu; the Ministers Wang Guoguang, Zhu Heng, Ma Ma Ziqiang, Zhang Han, Shi Mao; the Vice Ministers Shen Shen Shixing, Wen Chun; the Censor-in-Chief Ge Ge Shouli; the Director of the Wu Tongzheng Office Ni Ni Guangjian; the President of the Court of Judicial Review Chen Dong; the Head of the Hanlin Academy Wang Wang Xilie; and the Director of the National University Tao Tao Dalin were appointed as scroll readers.

On the seventh day of the third month, Qingming Festival, the court suspended proceedings for three days due to the death of Zhang Shi, a consort of the Shizong Emperor.

On the same day, Tao Tao Dalin, Director of the National University, petitioned for leave due to illness.

…

During Qingming, rain falls in drizzle; travelers on the road are heartbroken.

The Emperor left the palace once again.

This time, strangely, no one dared to advise or obstruct him.

Even Empress Li, though slightly displeased, silently permitted the Emperor's departure, given the Grand Secretariat's unified support.

Because Tao Tao Dalin, a former Eastern Palace tutor and graduate of the imperial lectures, was dying.

After ruling out contagious risk, court ministers viewed the Emperor's personal visit with approval.

Zhu Zhu Yijun waited while Xu Xu Wenbi arranged guards around the Tao residence, then stepped through the Tao family's gate, greeted by their stunned and fearful expressions.

As soon as he reached the bedroom door, a physician was brought forward by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Your Majesty, Director Tao has suffered from a cold for days with no improvement; now the cold poison has reached his heart—a critical emergency. He may not…"

The imperial physician described the illness and gently shook his head.

Zhu Zhu Yijun listened in silence.

Cold poison attacking the heart meant a condition like myocarditis—untreatable by medicine in this era.

He did not blame the physician, merely waited for him to finish, then motioned for him to step aside.

Zhang Hong, seeing the Emperor's intent to enter, spoke: "Your Majesty, your body is of priceless worth; a visit at the door suffices."

The door was not closed, but a screen blocked the view.

Since the physician declared Tao Tao Dalin beyond medical aid, he had surely only days left.

Even if not contagious, the scene carried ill omen—hence Zhang Hong's caution.

The accompanying civil officials remained silent, offering neither counsel nor objection.

Those accompanying the Emperor were Minister Ma Ma Ziqiang, Vice Minister Zhu Dasou, and other Ministry of Rites officials.

Zhu Zhu Yijun shook his head: "Director Tao was my imperial lecture tutor, my teacher, a man of upright qi—what evil spirit could linger in his room?"

Saying this, he stepped past the Embroidered Uniform Guard clearing the way and entered directly.

Inside the room.

Zhu Zhu Yijun was met by the sharp scent of herbal medicine.

Bottles and jars had been cleared from the table, but stains of decoctions remained everywhere.

His gaze shifted from the desk to the bed.

There lay Tao Tao Dalin, pale as death, one hand pressed to his chest, supported by family as he struggled to bow.

"Your Majesty."

"We pay homage to Your Majesty."

Tao Tao Dalin came from an official family; his household knew propriety well.

Especially his elder brother, the retired Right Censor-in-Chief and Provincial Governor of Guangxi, who had arranged the Emperor's unexpected visit with perfect order.

Seeing this, Zhu Zhu Yijun halted him: "With such grave illness, no formalities—help your teacher lie down."

It was only the word "teacher" that granted anyone the right to receive the Emperor's personal visit.

Then Zhu Zhu Yijun turned his face slightly toward Zhang Hong and nodded toward Tao Tao Dalin.

Zhang Hong immediately understood, stepped forward, and helped him onto the bed.

Tao Tao Dalin now suffered from palpitations and chest tightness, utterly drained, on the verge of fainting.

He had never expected the Emperor to come himself; as soon as he lay down, tears streamed down his face, his voice faint: "How could Your Majesty, in such grace, personally visit this lowly subject?"

Zhu Zhu Yijun watched Tao Tao Dalin now—stripped of the cleverness and cunning he once hid behind others during lectures and court debates.

This was the way of a dying man…

Tao Tao Dalin was only fifty-nine, healthy, with no chronic illness.

Yet a simple respiratory cold had turned to cold poison attacking the heart—he would become Zhu Zhu Yijun's first close acquaintance to die in this life.

The Emperor felt sorrow and offered words of encouragement—when circumstances allowed, Zhu Zhu Yijun was a deeply human emperor.

He spoke of swift recovery, timely medicine, brought lamb and wine as tonic, and poured out blessings like water.

Of course, all were empty words—all present knew heart poison was beyond cure.

Yet even so, both Tao Tao Dalin's family and the Ministry of Rites officials behind the Emperor were moved by this scene.

Tao Tao Dalin suddenly sat up, waved his family away.

Then he turned to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, last night I struggled to breathe; today I fainted twice. I know my condition best—I will not live."

Zhu Zhu Yijun's heart ached; he refused to respond.

Ma Ma Ziqiang, moved by pity, spoke: "Director Tao, do not lose heart—Heaven never closes all paths."

Tao Tao Dalin smiled faintly: "Minister of Rites, surely your office has already drafted my obituary?"

Ma Ma Ziqiang fell silent.

Tao Tao Dalin turned again to the Emperor: "Your Majesty, may I hear how my obituary is written?"

For commoners, death is like a lamp extinguished.

Most civil officials, before death, care deeply for their posthumous reputation.

While lying on his bed these past two days, Tao Tao Dalin's greatest fear was not his imminent death.

It was the dread that his name would vanish from history, weightless as a feather, forgotten by all soon after.

Conversely, if he earned a good reputation—even without a shrine or ancestral worship—his name might endure, perhaps even be revived in later tales.

Thus, the final judgment upon death mattered profoundly to civil officials.

Zhu Zhu Yijun waved his hand, ordering all attendants to wait outside.

The eunuchs left without hesitation; the Ministry of Rites officials hesitated briefly, then followed.

Only the Emperor and the minister remained.

Zhu Zhu Yijun sat beside the bed and spoke slowly: "Your obituary was written by my own hand. If used, the Ministry of Rites will not alter it."

He saw that a dying man, granted an audience with the Emperor, now had an overwhelming need to speak.

Zhu Zhu Yijun, gentle with the dying, spoke frankly to this old servant.

Tao Tao Dalin made no pretense of denying his fate: "Your Majesty, I wish to hear it."

Zhu Zhu Yijun paused, then recited: "Tao Tao Dalin, native of Kuaiji County, Shaoxing Prefecture, Zhejiang; Tong Jinshi of Emperor Jiajing 35; appointed compiler in the Hanlin Academy; promoted to Reader, Reader of the Nanjing Hanlin Academy, Director of the Hanlin Academy, Director of the National University, Junior Assistant to the Crown Prince…"

He paused: "A man of composure, reserved in speech and laughter, upright in conduct."

Tao Tao Dalin smiled crookedly: "It is kind of Your Majesty to find such praise for me."

He meant: no notable achievements, no outstanding ability—only personal integrity remained.

The evaluation left Tao Tao Dalin's expression complex.

Zhu Zhu Yijun shook his head seriously: "Teacher, whenever trouble arose, you always stepped back—was that not precisely the judgment you sought?"

Among imperial lecture tutors:

Chen Dong volunteered for the Nanzhili affair; Yu Youding was posted to Shandong to oversee salt administration; Chen Chen Jingbang lowered his status to supervise the military examinations.

Compared to them, Tao Tao Dalin showed far less initiative; whenever trouble came, he shielded his colleagues behind him—something Zhu Zhu Yijun had never missed.

Tao Tao Dalin, seizing the Emperor's pause, gasped for breath, his respiration ragged.

When the Emperor finished, he slowed his breathing and whispered: "Your Majesty is right—I have indeed failed your trust."

Zhu Zhu Yijun asked curiously: "Do you hold grievances against me?"

He asked purely out of curiosity.

He had ruled well enough, yet Tao Tao Dalin had never fully embraced him—he wondered what the man truly thought.

Tao Tao Dalin fell silent.

After a long while, he shook his head: "Your Majesty… is good."

Zhu Zhu Yijun watched Tao Tao Dalin, waiting for explanation.

Tao Tao Dalin, perhaps unafraid now in death's shadow, or already half-delirious, spoke slowly: "Your Majesty, my grandfather, Tao Tao Xie, served as Vice Minister of War."

"During the Wuzong reign, he was framed by Liu Jin, branded a traitor, imprisoned by imperial decree, flogged twice, and dismissed as a commoner."

"During the Shizong reign, he was restored to office, then suspected after the palace fire, and resigned voluntarily."

"My elder brother, Tao Dashun, served as Right Vice Censor-in-Chief and Provincial Governor of Guangxi, faithfully securing his region."

"During the reign of the late Emperor, he was slandered, accused of embezzlement, forced to repay state funds with his own fortune, yet still dismissed."

Tao Tao Dalin recounted his father and brother's fates in a low, weary murmur.

Finally, he sighed: "Your Majesty, I bear no ill will toward anyone—I am simply afraid."

The official path is treacherous.

The Grand Secretariat resents, the Emperor suspects, colleagues conspire—his father and brother escaped execution only by fortune.

Especially when he first passed the Tong Jinshi exam, young and naive, he nearly got dragged into Wu Shilai's case accusing Yan Song.

From then on, he walked as if on thin ice, careful and cautious.

He dared not form factions, nor dare to act, fearing he might one day be utterly destroyed.

Don't be fooled by how well the Emperor is doing now.

When Emperor Shizong first ascended the throne, didn't he restore his grandfather's honor, treating him with respect and speaking kindly?

Officials from prominent families have seen the hardships their ancestors endured.

That's why he was described as "calm, resolute, and taciturn"; he dared not take up any bait the Emperor threw his way, seeking only a peaceful retirement.

After hearing Tao Tao Dalin's words, Zhu Zhu Yijun did not know how to respond.

A minister should never speak such things before the Emperor—Tao Tao Dalin must be seeing his life flash before his eyes, his mind clouded.

Thinking to himself, Zhu Zhu Yijun made no further comment, only nodded: "I understand."

Harmonious ruler-minister relations are always difficult, especially when the minister is both capable and willing.

To unite these court officials as if drafting and mobilizing soldiers is simply impossible.

Isn't Tao Tao Dalin's mindset, in truth, shared by a portion of today's officials?

Thus, Zhu Zhu Yijun did not fly into a rage or rebuke him; he simply said he understood.

Tao Tao Dalin, in a daze, asked: "What posthumous title will Your Majesty grant me?"

Posthumous titles are chosen by the Ministry of Rites, but the Emperor himself writes the official notice of death—he will not let the title go unattended.

Zhu Zhu Yijun rose from the edge of the bed: "I haven't decided yet—I'm hesitating between Xu Wenbi, Wensi, and Wenmi."

Historically, Tao Tao Dalin's posthumous title was Wenxi.

The Ming Posthumous Title Compilation states: "Xī means cautious and fearful."

The Yizhou Shu's Explanations of Posthumous Titles says: "Xī means one who erred."

This is not a good title.

Zhu Zhu Yijun wished to preserve some dignity for his former Crown Prince's lecture master, so he personally selected three favorable titles.

Upon hearing the three titles the Emperor offered, Tao Tao Dalin's face flushed as if revived by a final surge of life.

Gripping the bedframe, he spoke with difficulty, voice hoarse: "Wenmi means to atone for past faults; Wensi means to regret them."

"Does Your Majesty resent me for holding office without doing my duty?"

During the Chenghua era, the Zhang Gelao Peng Hua, who conspired with his fellow townspeople Li Zizheng and Deng Chang'en, later repented his actions—and was granted the title Wensi.

Zhu Zhu Yijun shook his head seriously: "I do not blame you. If all court officials had your disposition, I would wake from dreams laughing."

As long as your integrity remains intact and you fulfill your duties, that is enough.

One cannot expect everyone to strive for progress and cluster around the Emperor.

After a moment's thought, he said slowly: "To suddenly awaken and change is the greatest virtue. I merely feel that since you took charge of the Imperial Academy, you have done better than ever before."

Though Tao Tao Dalin never took the initiative, his influence was subtle yet profound.

Since Zhu Zhu Yijun's ascension, he has certainly become far more diligent.

The flush on Tao Tao Dalin's face faded; he murmured: "No wonder it's grouped with Xu Wenbi."

Zhu Zhu Yijun nodded: "Xu Wenbi means to choose the good and follow it. Compared to before, you have already performed your duties excellently since my ascension."

"If you find the first two titles unsuitable, then let it be Xu Wenbi."

Good or bad posthumous titles must be judged by precedent.

Since Tao Tao Dalin objects to Peng Hua having tainted Wensi, then choose Xu Wenbi—it has never been used in our dynasty.

As for "choosing the good and following it"… it refers not only to your duties, but also to me, Zhu Zhu Yijun.

This is special favor granted to a Crown Prince's lecture master.

"Let the Emperor decide. You do better than I, even better…" Tao Tao Dalin's voice grew fainter. "Your talent is top-tier, your statecraft top-tier, your character top-tier, even your scholarship is top-tier."

Tao Tao Dalin slowly closed his eyes, his voice barely a whisper: "When you were in the Eastern Palace, your talent was ordinary—I taught you with quiet disdain. Who knew you matured so early, learning to conceal your abilities even then?"

"You concealed yourself then, but you still conceal yourself now. Since I took charge of the Imperial Academy, I've often met Li Zhi—you can't fool me… you've likely already accumulated the foundation of a Master."

"I wanted to see how you would handle Wang Ji and the others in three days… but alas… alas…"

He stopped mid-sentence.

Tao Tao Dalin's body suddenly went limp, slumping off the bed, about to fall to the floor.

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Zhu Zhu Yijun moved swiftly, catching him in his arms.

He placed a hand on Tao Tao Dalin's nose, then sighed, gently laid him back on the bed, pulled the quilt over him, and turned to leave.

Zhu Zhu Yijun opened the door; the crowd hurried forward.

He shook his head: "Tao Qing has passed."

Zhu Zhu Yijun spoke lightly, yet his heart was touched.

Especially when an elderly companion like this departs—it always leaves a heavy ache.

But that was all.

Tao Tao Dalin's family burst into tears upon hearing the news.

The ministers, seeing this, all sighed in regret.

Zhu Zhu Yijun's thoughts swirled; he turned to Ma Ma Ziqiang: "Tao Qing served faithfully in teaching and enlightening the realm—his merit and toil are complete."

"Grant one son the status of Imperial Academy student; bestow silk, cloth, and grain; permit a special funeral; posthumously appoint him Minister of Rites; posthumous title… Xu Wenbi."

As soon as the Emperor finished speaking, Ma Ma Ziqiang was startled: "Xu Wenbi?"

"Choosing the good and following it" is a good title—at least better than the Wenxi the Ministry had internally discussed.

He hesitated: "Your Majesty, should we not first let the Ministry of Rites deliberate…"

The wording of the death notice is trivial; outsiders pay little attention.

But the posthumous title is different.

It will be inscribed on the tombstone, passed down for ten thousand generations.

How can the Emperor decide alone on a matter that contradicts the Ministry's opinion?

It has always been the civil officials who propose posthumous titles for the Emperor—how can it now be reversed, with the Emperor assigning titles to ministers?

Even if Ma Ma Ziqiang didn't care, the Ministry of Rites has more than just him.

Zhu Zhu Yijun nodded: "Then, Ma Qing, deliberate until you arrive at the result I desire. Do not delay me in commissioning Tao Qing's portrait and stele."

Ma Ma Ziqiang froze, opened his mouth, but had nothing to say.

Is the Ministry of Rites my private estate? Do I handle these matters every day?

Nearby, the Left Vice Minister of Rites, Zhu Zhu Dashou, seized on the Emperor's latter words and asked instinctively: "Portrait and stele?"

He had no objection to the chosen title.

Tao Tao Dalin was his in-law; he had always wished Tao Tao Dalin a good title, and the Emperor's words pleased him.

Zhu Zhu Yijun showed a trace of sorrow: "I have treated my ministers with sincerity, and Tao Qing, though not renowned, has received such honor. Now, as the revival remains incomplete, his sudden passing grieves me deeply."

"The imperial treasury still has some idle funds; let us build a pavilion, hang his portrait, cast a stele, so I may remember him."

"Buying a horse's bones with a thousand gold"—this timing of Tao Tao Dalin's death was perfectly opportune.

His merits were not outstanding, making him ideal for a symbolic gesture; later, when positions fill up, such a chance may never come again.

Upon hearing this, the ministers of the Ministry of Rites were stunned, exchanging glances.

Ma Ma Ziqiang looked at the Emperor—was he truly planning to rebuild the Lingyan Pavilion?

No!

Even so, what merit does Tao Tao Dalin have? He is not even as loyal or diligent as I, Ma Ma Ziqiang!

Zhu Zhu Yijun patted Ma Ma Ziqiang's shoulder, expressionless: "Let's go. Return to the palace."

Ma Ma Ziqiang scratched his head, dazed, silently following.

…

March 10th.

It was past the third watch; the sky was dark.

Xue Xue Yingqi withdrew his hand from beneath the eaves, satisfied—he nodded. After Qingming, two days of rain had passed, and today it had truly stopped; the Directorate of Astronomy was finally reliable.

He returned to the tea room and sighed to Gu Assistant County Magistrate, who knelt and poured tea: "The Emperor treats his ministers with sincerity. Tao Tao Dalin, obscure in reputation, has received such honor."

"When you serve in office, you must fully assist the Emperor."

Gu Assistant County Magistrate bowed respectfully: "Understood, Master."

Seeing his disciple remain composed after passing the provincial exam, Xue Xue Yingqi nodded approvingly.

Then, as if remembering something, he sighed: "I pushed you too hard, making you come to the capital this year."

"Otherwise, with your talent, three more years of refinement would have secured you a place among the top three."

Gu Assistant County Magistrate's rank in the metropolitan exam was low: 324th.

Had this year's exam not been the first under the Emperor's reign and had he not expanded admissions by a hundred candidates, he would have failed.

That's why Xue Xue Yingqi said he had pushed too soon.

Gu Assistant County Magistrate pushed the tea toward his master and said earnestly: "Master, why say that? Since expansion was granted, there was no reason not to try."

"Though my rank in the metropolitan exam is low, whether I reach the second rank depends on the palace exam."

"Even if I become a Tong Jinshi of the third rank, I am only twenty-five—I still have a chance to be selected as a Hanlin junior scholar."

He spoke without hesitation, clearly not regretting his decision to take the exam this year.

Seeing his disciple's composure, Xue Xue Yingqi grew even more satisfied.

He sighed: "I hope so."

This time, although you were refuted by Li Zhi, you at least accumulated prestige and secured a place among the literati.

With this accumulated prestige, if you are selected as a Shujishi, your future career path will be much smoother.

Prestige is too precious.

Don't be fooled by Gu Assistant County Magistrate's current setbacks.

As long as you cultivate prestige, it's all worth it.

At the mention of Li Zhi, Gu Assistant County Magistrate's face finally showed some reaction.

He looked at Xue Xue Yingqi with concern: "Master, do you truly have confidence for today's Wang Wang Shizhen literary gathering?"

Today is the tenth, the day Wang Wang Shizhen invited them; Gu Assistant County Magistrate worried for his master.

These past days, he was utterly defeated by Li Zhi.

But he is merely a junior; losing is not shameful—it actually helps him accumulate prestige.

His master, Xue Xue Yingqi, is different.

If he were publicly defeated, he would merely become a stepping stone for Li Zhi.

Especially since Xue Xue Yingqi is already seventy-five this year; his thoughts move slowly—how can he compete in quick-wittedness?

Xue Xue Yingqi took a sip of tea, then answered casually: "I'll teach you one final lesson."

"Learning is not only for yourself—it is meant to be spoken to the world."

"Your learning may be eclectic, may advance, may be refined."

"But never doubt that you are inferior to others."

"If you do not believe in yourself, why should the world believe in you?"

With that, Xue Xue Yingqi glanced at his disciple and saw Gu Assistant County Magistrate frowning, lost in thought.

Xue Xue Yingqi continued: "The stage was built by you and me—and Li Zhi. Even if our prestige is low, it should be shared between us and Li Zhi."

"Now Wang Wang Shizhen comes to interfere—why? Whether he acts on his own ambition or has ulterior motives, we cannot let him take our stage."

"As for who wins the debate, who claims orthodoxy… your ancestral master will be present to lend weight."

Gu Assistant County Magistrate seemed to understand, nodding thoughtfully.

The two chatted a while longer.

Xue Xue Yingqi judged the time was near, and said: "It's almost Mao hour—let's go."

Gu Assistant County Magistrate rose quickly: "I'll prepare the sedan."

Xue Xue Yingqi grunted, walked under the eaves, and stood with his hands behind his back waiting.

He looked up at the sky—dawn's first light glimmered, a streak of radiance slicing through the morning.