Chapter 26

The matter of the Examination and Assessment Law was discussed for an entire morning at the regular court.

Finally, a plan was reached.

The memorial submitted by the Cabinet only suggested whether, on the existing basis, officials with good assessment results could be given some rewards.

As for the pilot project, the final decision was to implement it in Shuntian Prefecture, Nanzhili, and the Fujian Provincial Administration Commission.

All parties were not very satisfied, but they all reluctantly agreed; this could be considered the result of the game between all parties.

When the memorial was reported to Imperial Consort Li, there were two more changes.

Imperial Consort Li had Feng Bao return the memorial to the Cabinet for reconsideration, with two points noted.

One was that the 100,000 taels the Ministry of Revenue owed the Inner Court did not need to be repaid after the summer; it could be used as rewards for the Examination and Assessment Law, to be distributed by people sent from the Inner Court.

The other was to include the Needlework Bureau in the scope of the assessment, with Zhang Hong in charge of this task.

The former had no errors, but Feng Bao's attitude toward the latter was very intense, insisting on excluding Zhang Hong.

Imperial Consort Li was easily swayed.

Whose advice she listened to depended only on who was the last to speak.

In the end, this task was still taken by Feng Bao's godson.

By the time Zhu Zhu Yijun heard the news and rushed to Imperial Consort Li's sleeping quarters, Feng Bao was just walking out of the hall.

"This servant pays respects to Your Highness." Feng Bao bowed first.

Zhu Zhu Yijun saw the eunuch behind Feng Bao holding a stack of memorials and knew he was late.

He sighed inwardly; after all, they were master and servant for many years, not something that could be explained in a few words.

He suddenly wondered if, in history, the Li clan wasn't going to move into the Qianqing Palace to accompany him in his studies.

After his current operation, would they still move?

If they were to move into the Qianqing Palace, he would guard Imperial Consort Li every day to offer advice; he didn't believe this kind of thing could happen again.

This thought flashed through his mind, and he appeared gentle: "Big Companion, please rise quickly."

"You have been working hard serving me and my mother."

Feng Bao smiled flatteringly: "Your Highness, you are shaming this servant. If the Empress and Your Highness can use this lowly body of mine, this servant is too happy to be tired."

"Your Highness, the Empress has ordered this servant to handle some matters. I will go first and come to the Qianqing Palace later to accompany Your Highness in reading and practicing calligraphy."

These great eunuchs all had some education—one couldn't become a great eunuch without some knowledge; one had to be diligent.

Feng Bao was even more of a leader among eunuchs, quite well-versed in scriptures, and his calligraphy was not bad either.

Usually, when Zhu Zhu Yijun reviewed his lessons and practiced calligraphy in the afternoon, Feng Bao would come to serve for a while.

Recently, Zhu Zhu Yijun had intentionally revealed his intelligence and didn't give Feng Bao any chance to lecture or correct him, but Feng Bao still insisted on coming to serve.

Zhu Zhu Yijun nodded gently: "Big Companion, go ahead."

Feng Bao bowed again and walked out with his waist bent, his posture very low.

Just as they passed each other, they both restrained their smiles, their expressions different.

Zhu Zhu Yijun stood where he was, turning his head slightly, watching Feng Bao's shadow gradually move away.

He stood for a while.

Only then did Zhu Zhu Yijun take a step, his expression slightly cold as he walked toward Imperial Consort Li's sleeping quarters.

He had used the Li clan and Gao Yi to exert influence, and just after the general outline of the Examination and Assessment Law was set, it had changed after only one turn.

Not only were there more pilot locations, but Zhang Hong's fruit had also been picked by Feng Bao.

He was indeed a capable person who climbed to a high position on his own; he was no puppet on a string.

. C〇

Never mind, the general outline was correct, which could be considered achieving his goal.

Eat as much as your stomach can hold.

With this thought, he arrived outside the hall.

Zhu Zhu Yijun skillfully put on a smile again and walked in: "Mother, your child has come to pay respects."

Upon entering the hall, he saw that Imperial Consort Li was not dealing with official business but was doing needlework.

Seeing her son had come, Imperial Consort Li hurriedly greeted him: "Just in time, come, come, let me see how much you've grown."

Zhu Zhu Yijun didn't understand the situation before he was pulled over by the palace maids and measured.

Only after it was finished did he remember that this was what Imperial Consort Li had promised him—to make him a new padded jacket.

Zhu Zhu Yijun said helplessly: "Mother, winter is still far away."

Imperial Consort Li glared at him: "You don't understand needlework, why are you talking so much? It will be too late to make the jacket when winter comes. I'll make it now and just make the size a bit larger."

Zhu Zhu Yijun pursed his lips and didn't continue to argue.

Imperial Consort Li did her needlework while saying casually: "I heard that this morning at the daily lecture, you said you wanted the teachers to assess your learning with me?"

Zhu Zhu Yijun nodded and joked half-jokingly: "That was because you suspected I wasn't studying hard last time. Now I'll let you assess me on time."

To make interpersonal relationships seem close, one must make some intimate jokes.

Being respectful and serious all the time will never make one close to a leader.

Imperial Consort Li knew her son was teasing and glared at him: "You have no manners."

Zhu Zhu Yijun leaned over cheekily: "Mother, your child has studied hard, so naturally I want you and the teachers to see the results. Otherwise, wouldn't it be like wearing fine clothes in the dark?"

He acted as if he wanted to show off in front of others, never mentioning supporting the Examination and Assessment Law.

If some things are said too much, the traces of manipulation become too obvious.

Imperial Consort Li said: "That's true. It's a good thing you have confidence in your studies. I approve."

"However, the teachers can do the assessing; I don't understand these Four Books and Five Classics."

Zhu Zhu Yijun explained: "It's just reciting and explaining. You can just assess me with the book."

"Besides, there is also the Empress."

This matter had to involve the two palaces; otherwise, the standard would not be high enough, and the publicity would not be effective.

If it were only the lecturers, some would always feel that the lecturers, as subjects, were covering up faults and muddling through.

Moreover, having the two palaces assess him and watch his learning progress in person—isn't that a kind of subtle strategy?

It doesn't matter if Imperial Consort Li doesn't understand much; at least Empress Chen is a qualified examiner, which is conducive to promoting his reputation for being studious.

Although that was the case, Imperial Consort Li's expression suddenly turned cold after hearing this.

She turned her face away and said crossly: "Then go ask your Empress. I don't have the knowledge; I'll just be there to make up the numbers."

After saying this, she used the excuse of rushing to finish her needlework and had no time to pay attention, telling Zhu Zhu Yijun to return to the Qianqing Palace to review his lessons.

Facing Imperial Consort Li's sudden change of expression, Zhu Zhu Yijun was stunned.

By the time he reacted, he had already been invited out by the palace maids and was standing outside the hall, confused.

It wasn't until he paced and pondered for a long time on the road that Zhu Zhu Yijun realized—his mother seemed to have some grudge against Empress Chen.

He then remembered that on the day he first transmigrated, when he mentioned having the two palaces supervise his studies, Imperial Consort Li had an noncommittal attitude.

Since then, every time Empress Chen was mentioned, she was somewhat indifferent.

Zhu Zhu Yijun's expression was strange. Had he encountered some old grudge from the harem?

The more he thought about it, the more it felt right.

The Empress was driven to another palace, while the concubine was honored because of her son and acted as the mother of the harem; it would be strange if there were no grudges between the two.

Zhu Zhu Yijun was secretly annoyed. He blamed his previous life for having too good a personal style and being completely insensitive to harem matters, which was why he was so slow to realize.

Sure enough, there is no end to learning.

It was a pity he was driven out too quickly; he hadn't had time to offer advice on the Examination and Assessment Law for the Needlework Bureau.

Forget it; it was a desperate attempt anyway. After all, Feng Bao had already taken the memorial to the Cabinet; the chance of making Imperial Consort Li change her mind was not high.

Let Feng Bao take this task if he wants. When the time comes, if he finds mistakes, he will have to make use of them.

If he dares to disobey in public but comply in private, it would be a good thing; this would consume Imperial Consort Li's trust.

Instead of worrying about this, he should think about how to simply topple Feng Bao.

Thinking of this, he turned his head and signaled to Jiang Jiang Keqian not far away.

Jiang Jiang Keqian got the signal and trotted over: "Your Highness, what are your orders?"

Zhu Zhu Yijun asked: "Has the Chief Minister made any moves recently?"

A monarch without power has no foundation to dismiss the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial with a single word. To topple Feng Bao, he can only wait until he has momentum, and then push the boat with the current.

This matter still depends on Gao Gong.

Why haven't the two of them started fighting yet?

Without seeing some blood, how can he reap the benefits?

This Gao Gong, since he is at odds with Feng Bao, can he really endure not taking action?

Jiang Jiang Keqian hesitated: "The Chief Minister is as usual; even his communication with court officials these past two days is not as frequent as before."

Zhu Zhu Yijun was helpless. He couldn't urge Gao Gong to work, could he?

He could only nod: "Keep watching."

After saying this, he looked at Jiang Jiang Keqian again. Seeing that he had heavy dark circles under his eyes these past few days, he couldn't help but comfort him: "Just get things done; don't be too impatient. Pay attention to rest."

Jiang Jiang Keqian's bowed body clearly paused. He only heard him reply in a somewhat muffled voice: "This humble official understands."

Zhu Zhu Yijun waved his hand, signaling Jiang Jiang Keqian to step back.

But his heart was still thinking about Gao Gong.

What exactly does the Chief Minister want to do?

"What exactly does the Li clan want to do?" Gao Gong wondered.

Just now, Feng Bao brought the meaning of the two palaces, and the several cabinet ministers could not hide their surprise.

Imperial Consort Li not only generously promised that the 100,000 taels the Ministry of Revenue owed the Inner Treasury would be kept as rewards for the Examination and Assessment Law.

She also intended to let the Inner Court pilot the Examination and Assessment Law.

The sun really must have risen from the west.

Gao Yi was very appreciative and smiled: "I didn't expect Imperial Consort Li to have such breadth of mind; it is truly clean and efficient."

The Inner Treasury had always been taking money from the Taicang Treasury; this was the first time Gao Yi had seen money coming back.

Sure enough!

His idea was correct. As long as the new monarch is taught well, internal and external affairs can be reconciled, and they can cooperate in governing.

After the new monarch takes personal control... the Great Ming might be reborn from the ashes.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng's expression was complex: "In that case, let's redraft the vote; let's finalize the Examination and Assessment Law first, and discuss the details slowly."

When he first heard that the Inner Treasury would pay, he didn't think much of it; after all, the rulers of the Great Ming were accustomed to buying people's hearts.

If the Ministry of Revenue paid, it could form a system, but if the Inner Treasury paid, it might disappear at any time.

That early-wise sage monarch might just be cutting flesh temporarily to buy people's hearts.

But after the court deliberation ended this morning, Zhang Zhang Juzheng heard that Zhu Zhu Yijun had taken the initiative to seek assessment and let the lecturers and the two palaces supervise his studies.

He immediately tasted the meaning; this was an intentional move to support the Examination and Assessment Law.

This distant support could not help but give Zhang Zhang Juzheng a special feeling.

Now hearing that Imperial Consort Li was going to implement the Examination and Assessment Law in the Needlework Bureau, he felt even more bewildered.

How much of this new monarch is cunning, and how much is like-minded with him?

Gao Gong didn't think too much and nodded: "I will redraft the vote now."

Immediately, he picked up his pen and buried his head in writing.

Taking advantage of this gap, Gao Gong used his mind for two things: "By the way, there is one more thing I forgot to say."

Gao Yi and Zhang Zhang Juzheng looked over.

Gao Gong didn't even lift his head: "Regarding the matter of the mausoleum, I have discussed it with the Ministry of Works. It will be at Tanyu Ridge in Tianshou Mountain. We will discuss it at court tomorrow; I'll give you a heads-up in advance."

The two nodded. This matter was reasonable; Tianshou Mountain was the place selected long ago, and Tanyu Ridge was also surveyed by Buddhist and Daoist priests and the Ministry of Works. The two had also heard of it these past few days.

Gao Gong continued: "Gao Yi's health is not as robust as Zhang Juzheng's. The weather is hot and dry, and it's easy to get worn out. Zhang Juzheng should go."

Gao Yi wanted to argue, but then thought that he was indeed at this age; rather than being stubborn, he should preserve his useful body.

He could only cast an apologetic look at Zhang Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng paused and smiled: "That is naturally as it should be."

"Who is going along?"

While replying casually, Zhang Zhang Juzheng could not stop rubbing his knuckles.

Logically speaking, Gao Yi was indeed advanced in age and inconvenient to inspect the mausoleum; it should be him, Zhang Zhang Juzheng, who stepped forward.

But... Gao Gong shouldn't have explained.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng understood Gao Gong; he never disdained to explain such self-evident matters.

According to Gao Gong's temperament, he should have just pointed it out casually.

Seeing him act so consoling, he felt something was wrong.

Gao Gong didn't realize that a simple habit of his had revealed his flaws, and he was still unaware: "According to the old quota of the seventh year of Emperor Jiajing, Minister of Revenue Zhang Zhang Shouzhi, Vice Minister of Rites Zhu Zhu Dashou, and Vice Minister of Works Zhao Jin have already been decided."

"As for the rest, we will discuss it at tomorrow's court deliberation after adding a censor and a supervising secretary."

"As for the people from the Inner Court, let them decide for themselves."

Zhang Zhang Juzheng's thoughts turned a hundred times, but he nodded calmly: "I will set off after the ascension ceremony."

At this moment, Gao Gong had just finished drafting the vote.

He called over an official on duty and ordered him to send it to the Directorate of Ceremonial.

"Alright, let's wait until the two palaces approve the Examination and Assessment Law tomorrow before discussing it in detail at the Ministry of Personnel."

The Examination and Assessment Law currently only discusses the general direction—whether to do it and how to do it.

But to implement it specifically, a detailed plan needs to be discussed, which not only requires reviewing past assessments but also consolidating various files from Shuntian Prefecture, Nanzhili, and the Fujian Provincial Administration Commission.

By the time the various departments of the Ministry of Personnel come up with detailed rules and then coordinate with the various ministries and the Six Offices, this process will take at least two or three months.

But Zhang Zhang Juzheng had already set his mind at ease. By now, the various parties had reached a balance, and that was enough.

Even if Gao Gong retires after this, his students, old subordinates, and even the other parties will still accept the results of this matter.

There is no need to wait for him to reconcile the various parties again, wasting time. This round at least saves half a year of work.

On the contrary, Gao Gong's reaction just now made Zhang Zhang Juzheng quite suspicious.

He had some guesses in his heart, but he wasn't sure.

Zhang Zhang Juzheng thought to himself about Gao Gong's plans, bowed, and returned to his office.

Seeing that there was nothing else, Gao Yi followed closely behind.

Just as Gao Yi was about to step over the threshold, he heard Gao Gong's voice behind him.

"Gao Yi, wait a moment."

Gao Yi turned around in confusion.

Gao Gong slowly stood up from behind the desk.

He walked to Gao Yi, looked him up and down, and sighed: "Gao Yi, you have quite a lot of white hair too."

Gao Yi just took it as reminiscing and shook his head: "Time spares no one."

Gao Gong looked at his old friend, reached out and pinched Gao Yi's arm, and sighed: "Gao Yi, after His Highness ascends the throne, you should also take leave and rest for a few days."