Chapter 34: Stirring the Muddy Waters, Disrupting the Political Order

Lü Diaoyang stood in place, silent for a moment.

He did not know whether the Emperor had spoken on a sudden impulse or was deliberately testing him.

Seeing the Emperor look at him, he could only evade: “Censors report on hearsay; I am not a speech official, have not participated in formal court deliberations, and dare not offer unsolicited opinions.”

It was unavoidable—he planned to impeach Gao Gong.

Now that the Emperor had asked, any stance he took would be inappropriate.

Yet Zhu Yijun insisted he speak up.

He said firmly: “What need for formal deliberation? I merely ask for Lü Qing’s view.”

“Did you not just tell me this violates ancestral precedent?”

Lü Diaoyang, with no escape, gave a vague reply: “Censors impeach for cause; Feng Da’s dual roles do indeed violate ancestral precedent.”

“Yet… Meng Chong died suddenly; circumstances demand flexibility, and it may be acceptable.”

“Ultimately, it depends on His Majesty’s and the Empress Dowager’s will.”

Zhu Yijun laughed softly, offering the classic warmth and politeness—but no real opinion.

He quietly laid the bait: “Then what is your view on the Grand Secretary holding the Ministry of Personnel?”

Lü Diaoyang froze.

He had merely mentioned it in passing—yet the Emperor had actually taken notice.

But he was not so brazen as to directly slander behind someone’s back.

Uncertain of the Emperor’s stance, he could only probe cautiously.

He glanced at the Emperor now and then, speaking carefully: “The Grand Secretary is virtuous and esteemed, the people’s unanimous choice…”

Zhu Yijun interrupted him: “Lü Qing, though I am young, I know the way of ruler and minister. How can you bear to deceive me with empty words?”

Unfortunately, this approach worked well with Gao Yi, but it didn't mean all court officials were fooled by it.

Lü Diaoyang, a career bureaucrat, had far higher resistance to such tactics.

He collected himself, choosing his words: “Your Majesty, I am not merely placating you.”

“The Grand Secretary differs from Feng Bao.”

“His appointment as Minister of Personnel was dictated by the court’s needs at the time, decreed by the late Emperor—a temporary measure.”

“Since then, the Grand Secretary has repeatedly petitioned to relinquish the selection of officials, but the late Emperor, finding no suitable replacement, never granted it—not because the Grand Secretary clung to power.”

His words outwardly defended, yet subtly implied this too had been a necessary expedient.

If the new Emperor had a suitable candidate, the precedent of ancestral law could be invoked.

This was a probe.

Zhu Yijun understood—but circled around: “So it was… then, what was the reason for the earlier impeachment of the Grand Secretary?”

If the Grand Secretary had no desire to cling to power, why would anyone impeach him?

Lü Diaoyang explained calmly: “Your Majesty, it was merely the baseless words of Cao Daye, a censor of the Ministry of Revenue!”

Zhu Yijun gestured for him to elaborate.

Lü Diaoyang recalled: “On the Jiyou day of March this year, Cao Daye impeached the Grand Secretary on ten charges.”

“Accusing him of forming cliques for personal gain, embezzlement and dereliction of duty, suppressing free speech, and promoting only his own cronies.”

“Among them, he claimed the Grand Secretary ‘appoints or dismisses officials as he pleases,’ and demanded his removal from the Ministry of Personnel.”

Zhu Yijun asked curiously: “Truly baseless?”

Lü Diaoyang secretly glanced at the Emperor.

He had carefully selected a few of the ten charges—intentionally so.

At present, all censors had gathered under Gao Gong’s wing; his old disciples held key posts, and Feng Bao had just accused Gao Gong of forming a clique.

If the Emperor compared these charges to the current situation, he would naturally grow suspicious of Gao Gong.

If he already disliked Gao Gong, Lü Diaoyang could read it in his expression.

Only then could he consider pushing further to influence the Emperor.

Unfortunately, the Emperor’s face revealed not the slightest suspicion or aversion.

It seemed the new Emperor held a favorable impression of Gao Gong.

This made direct confrontation even harder.

Lü Diaoyang nodded firmly: “The late Emperor personally endorsed it as baseless, declaring all accusations false!”

“For instance, he was accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands in gold—but as for the money’s whereabouts, the only explanation was theft by bandits.”

“He was accused of having all censors as his confidants; when the late Emperor asked him, ‘Aren’t you yourself a censor?’ he stammered and could not answer.”

“As for promoting cronies and disciples like Song Zhihan and Han Ji, the late Emperor called it groundless slander.”

“He even claimed Zhang Sihui’s attendant was appointed through bribery to oust Wang Xijue—but the late Emperor himself said Zhang Sihui was learned, and he had personally ordered his appointment.”

“Such examples prove these were baseless accusations.”

Zhu Yijun listened indifferently.

He could see Lü Diaoyang was deliberately planting suspicion.

After all, Song Zhihan and Han Ji were precisely the ones accused of forming a clique—any ordinary man might have doubted.

The truth behind these impeachments was mixed.

The claim of hundreds of thousands in gold? Not worth hearing.

But the claim that all censors were his confidants? That was now plainly true.

As for Zhang Sihui’s case—he knew Wang Xijue had refused to yield his post, and was thus exiled to Nanzhili.

But now was not the time to clarify these matters.

He understood what Lü Diaoyang wanted.

Lü Diaoyang likely sought to stir up chaos to protect Feng Bao.

But Zhu Yijun wanted a different outcome.

He suddenly remarked: “I thought my Daban was merely a eunuch, targeted by censors, hence the impeachment.”

“I never imagined the Grand Secretary had suffered the same injustice.”

“Now I understand what Zhang Gelao meant that day.”

Lü Diaoyang looked at the Emperor in confusion: “Zhang Gelao?”

Internally, he sighed.

What had Zhang Juzheng told the Emperor that he didn’t even bother to inform him?

Now he was left in the dark—helplessly passive.

Though probing the Emperor’s thoughts violated ministerial duty, for matters of great state, some flexibility was acceptable.

Why say nothing to him at all?

He suddenly recalled the day of the sixth day of the sixth month, when he advised Gao Yi to avoid overly obscure funeral texts that the Emperor couldn’t understand—only to earn a shake of the head and a smile from Zhang and Gao.

At the time he hadn’t understood; now, hearing how rapidly the Emperor had advanced in his daily lessons, he realized—whether or not one entered the Grand Secretariat, one’s understanding of the Emperor was worlds apart.

A chasm between heaven and earth.

Zhu Yijun did not prolong the mystery: “At that time, Zhang Gelao and I discussed the Examination System.”

“On the principle of matching authority with responsibility, he said: if a ruler cannot ensure his ministers’ authority corresponds to their duties, minor consequences are rampant corruption, major ones, chaos in governance.”

“He said: if Feng Bao were not indispensable, the dual roles of Grand Eunuch and Eastern Depot Director would pose grave risks.”

“I didn’t understand then; now, after hearing your words, Lü Minister, I grasp the meaning.”

“Both the Grand Secretary and my Daban have suffered such attacks—it is my fault.”

Lü Diaoyang’s breath slowed, fearing the Emperor would probe what “indispensable” truly meant.

Fortunately, the young Emperor still lacked deep suspicion.

He exhaled in relief.

Lü Diaoyang now believed Zhang Juzheng and the Emperor shared an understanding.

Or rather, the Emperor’s stance toward the new laws was clear.

Zhang Juzheng’s words were sound—if Feng Bao were not indispensable, Lü Diaoyang himself would never tolerate his dual roles.

But he was indispensable.

Supporting the new laws required the New Faction to hold decisive power.

This required the support of Empress Li and the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Zhu Yijun turned to Lü Diaoyang: “Lü Qing, after hearing your words, I agree—we should strip Feng Daban of his post as Eastern Depot Director!”

Lü Diaoyang’s heart leapt!

Disaster!

Though the young Emperor took no active role, if this remark spread, Feng Bao might lose not only the Eastern Depot but even the Directorate of Ceremonial.

He now wished to rush back to court and throw his impeachment of Gao Gong into the debate—binding Gao Gong and Feng Bao together on the rope of court stability!

He couldn’t let Zhang Gelao return from the imperial tomb to find Gao Gong still as Grand Secretary while Feng Bao was expelled!

He hurriedly pleaded: “Your Majesty, be cautious! These are vital inner and outer posts—consult the Regent’s opinion first.”

He might as well have said: You’re too young, don’t act rashly.

Zhu Yijun wanted exactly this reaction.

He maintained his agreeable demeanor: “Lü Qing, you worry too much. I ascended the throne as a child, ignorant of state affairs—I naturally defer to my mother.”

“Yet your submissions are reasonable; I believe my mother will accept the wise counsel of your senior ministers.”

“I will only urge her to decide swiftly, to prevent court turmoil.”

Lu Diaoyang took a deep breath to keep from fainting.

He was still waiting for tomorrow’s court deliberation to strike at Feng Bao.

This move by the Emperor clearly meant to force Empress Li to decide today.

Had the New Party not intervened, Empress Li might indeed have yielded under pressure.

Lu Diaoyang halted his steps: “Your Majesty has already understood—speak directly to the Empress Dowager. Your humble servant need not go.”

He must return to the court deliberation! Immediately impeach Gao Gong! Otherwise, it will be too late!

Only by stirring up chaos can Feng Bao retain his position at the Eastern Depot.

If Feng Bao were truly stripped of his post… Lu Diaoyang’s heart turned bitter at the thought of Feng Bao possibly blaming him.

Yet just as he was about to step aside—

Zhu Yijun seized his wrist. Today, he would not let Lu Diaoyang return under any circumstances.

He smiled warmly: “Lu Qing, no need for formality with Your Majesty. I have matters to consult you on—let us walk and talk.”

As he held Lu Diaoyang’s wrist, he added: “It’s not just Feng Bao—Grand Secretary Gao Gong’s post in the Ministry of Personnel must also be stripped!”

“Since you’ve spoken up, would you be so kind as to lend Your Majesty a ladder?”

Lu Diaoyang froze, his step halted, his mind pulled back.

He blurted out in shock: “Your Majesty wants me to impeach the Grand Secretary!?”

This… wasn’t it exactly what he wanted!?

The young Emperor, ignorant of state affairs, naively sought to strip both inner and outer ministers at once—how absurd.

If the ancestral system were shaken by altering the status of both ministers, then the ancestral system itself would be flawed.

Instead, it would ensure both men landed safely.

Zhu Yijun looked Lu Diaoyang straight in the eye: “Lu Qing, I am not hostile toward the Grand Secretary or Big Companion—I am acting for their good.”

“I failed to assign them duties commensurate with their authority, forcing them to shoulder burdens they never should have—this is my fault.”

“Merely because my late father’s Empress compelled them to hold dual posts, they now endure baseless slander—how can I bear it?”

“Now that upright officials fill the court, we must follow the ancestral laws: clearly demarcate roles, let each fulfill their duty, to preserve their reputations.”

“Big Companion is a eunuch, so it’s tolerable—but the Grand Secretary was my late father’s teacher, revered and virtuous, having served tirelessly for years, nearing retirement. We must consider his legacy.”

He lured Lu Diaoyang step by step into the trap.

The New Party was already planning to betray and impeach—no need for him to persuade.

The key is: will you, Lu Diaoyang, form a tacit understanding with me this time?

If you agree, I’ll have you first join me in stripping Feng Bao’s post, then pause before impeaching Gao Gong—will you dare disobey?

If you refuse… I just consulted you, you said no, yet you go to my mother and blab—then I’ll shout ‘traitor’ in the Qianqing Palace.

In plain terms: silence me, or let me dictate what you say.

Lu Diaoyang did not know the Emperor’s thoughts.

But suddenly he recalled: not long ago, Zhang Juzheng had told him to proceed gradually, avoid extremism—the palace rumors said Empress Li intended to let Gao Gong retire with dignity.

Until now, Feng Bao’s reports had always claimed Empress Li deeply hated Gao Gong and would dismiss him the moment she assumed regency.

But recently, the shift had been inexplicable—Lu Diaoyang could only attribute it to women’s fickleness.

Now he finally had the answer.

The new Emperor so deeply appreciated Gao Gong’s merits; mother and son were of one heart—Empress Li naturally did not wish to make things ugly and sow resentment in her son’s heart.

Coupled with this, he now confirmed: the Emperor truly acted for Gao Gong’s good by ordering him to impeach and remove Gao Gong from the Ministry of Personnel.

Yet.

Legacy…

To have a sovereign consider a minister’s historical reputation so deeply—Lu Diaoyang could not help but feel moved.

Zhang Cong and Emperor Shizong had already been a model of harmonious ruler-minister relations.

When Zhang Cong fell ill, Emperor Shizong personally prepared his medicine; after retirement, Shizong repeatedly sent Embroidered Uniform Guard officers to visit him, inquiring after his health, guarding against retaliation, and even issued several edicts summoning Zhang Cong back to court to bolster his standing.

Even so, Zhang Cong still bore countless black burdens for Shizong.

Shizong never once considered Zhang Cong’s historical reputation.

Yet this new Emperor—could he truly be this benevolent?

Gao Gong merely benefited from his late emperor’s favor—and received such generous treatment.

He dared not imagine what glory Gao Yi would enjoy in the future.

To say he wasn’t envious was false—Lu Diaoyang felt a sharp pang of bitterness.

But now, at this point, he finally understood the Emperor’s stance and intentions.

He also confirmed: the Emperor’s order to impeach Gao Gong was neither a child’s prank nor a test of cunning.

Lu Diaoyang’s reply now carried a tone of genuine submission: “Your Majesty’s benevolence and sage virtue are the fortune of your ministers.”

“Your Majesty’s intention—I dare not refuse.”

“Your humble servant will impeach the Grand Secretary before the Empress Dowager shortly, fulfilling Your Majesty’s bond of ruler-minister harmony!”

Naturally, he would go with the flow.

He was going to do this anyway—now he could do it under the young Emperor’s banner.

Though bypassing the Grand Secretariat to impeach was irregular, given the target was the Grand Secretary, it was justifiable to avoid suspicion.

Zhu Yijun, seeing Lu Diaoyang finally trapped, finally exhaled in relief.

He grinned: “Lu Qing, don’t rush!”

Now this matter is no longer just the New Party’s tacit understanding—it’s your understanding with me.

And the timing? That’s my decision alone!

Refusing outright and refusing then reneging carry vastly different burdens.

Seeing Lu Diaoyang’s puzzled look—

He added gently: “There is no precedent for impeaching both inner and outer ministers simultaneously—it would destabilize the realm. We’ll wait until Feng Bao’s post is stripped.”

“You’ll accompany me to see my mother merely to explain the established precedents of the realm.”

“As for impeaching the Grand Secretary—we’ll act only after Feng Bao’s matter is settled.”

Lu Diaoyang’s eyelid twitched.

He began to realize—he might have been tricked.

Lu Diaoyang’s expression grew anxious: “Your Majesty, I—”

Zhu Yijun’s face suddenly turned cold.

He raised a hand to cut him off: “Lu Qing, I know you are Minister of Rites, devoted to ritual, your actions aligned with your beliefs.”

“I have heard your advice and intend to strip the redundant posts of Big Companion and the Grand Secretary.”

“Must you rush now and plunge the court into chaos?”

Lu Diaoyang’s bowing body froze rigid.

What do you mean, “I heard your advice”?

Now he was not only trapped—he was being handed a black mark.

Worse, he had just agreed to the Emperor face to face.

Could he now deny it and give the young Emperor the impression of deceiving his sovereign?

Even if he lost his position, that would be bearable.

But the problem is…

The Emperor seems to greatly admire the New Policies and shares an unspoken bond with Zhang Juzheng.

What if he recklessly muddles things and turns the Emperor against the New Policies?

An Emperor hostile to the New Policies?

Yet he dared not let Feng Bao be stripped outright.

This isn’t about cost or benefit.

Feng Bao’s Eastern Depot trading for Gao Gong’s Ministry of Personnel isn’t even a bad deal.

The issue is: this is sacrificing Feng Bao’s interests!

How will Feng Bao react? Will he blame Lu Diaoyang—or even the New Policies?

He had no fondness for eunuchs; he even agreed with the Emperor’s reasoning.

In ordinary times, he would have agreed—but now… the greater good demands restraint.

Feng Bao’s fate is minor; the New Policies concern the realm’s fate—he feared they’d be ruined!

Now he was truly caught between a rock and a hard place—trapped on both sides.

Zhu Yijun, with his insight, understood Lu Diaoyang’s fears.

He pressed further, offering Lu Diaoyang an escape.

He spoke casually: “I know the Grand Secretary is revered—so even if I ask you to impeach him for his own good, you must feel bitter.”

“But I will never forget what you’ve done. Whatever you request in the future, I will support you as I supported Grand Secretary Zhang and the Examination System.”

Forget Feng Bao—look at me.

Zhang Juzheng’s endorsed, supporter of the New Policies, benevolent and sage.

Besides, Feng Bao might only resent you for incompetence—that’s only a possibility.

Perhaps Feng Bao, protected by the Empress Dowager and holding the Eastern Depot firmly, doesn’t care at all?

But if you refuse, clinging to your own schemes, how will the Emperor—who just opened his heart to you—feel? How can I ever support the New Policies again?

Moreover, weakening both Gao Gong and Feng Bao at once—could that possibly not serve the interests of the New Party?

Lu Diaoyang found it grating—he would not forget what Lu Qing had done.

He had already been hesitating; now he was even more uncertain.

He now had no choice but to weigh Feng Bao’s and the Emperor’s attitudes.

After careful thought, he suddenly realized—it might not be impossible after all.

The Emperor’s support, of course, carried immense weight…

As for Feng Bao, Lu Diaoyang had not kicked him when he was down; everyone with eyes knew it was Gao Gong’s men who had impeached him.

Though he had not offered timely aid, he could only say the situation had arisen suddenly—Feng Bao might not truly blame him.

Moreover, if he made amends later, he might still soothe Feng Bao.

The crucial point was, if he broke the unspoken understanding just now and stirred up the mire, he would surely offend the Emperor… and worse—he wouldn’t be allowed to leave!

At this thought, Lu Diaoyang finally realized—he was trapped on a tiger’s back, and had already missed the chance to aid Feng Bao.

He nodded weakly: “By the Emperor’s command, how could a minister dare refuse? This is all for the sake of the Grand Secretary’s posthumous reputation—how could I possibly object?”

Zhu Yijun finally relaxed—he had finally pinned down Lu Diaoyang and no longer feared he would say foolish things before Empress Li.

If Lu Diaoyang played coy and insisted on having Feng Bao stand by him, then later he would have to let Zhu Xizhong accompany him alone.

Fortunately, if he came to his senses now, everyone’s face would be spared.

He quickly seized Lu Diaoyang’s arm with warmth.

He declared earnestly: “Lu Qing is truly a pillar of the state; future governance of the realm will rely on you, Lu Qing.”

“Not only the Grand Secretary—if we truly restore the Great Ming’s glory, why could I not rebuild the Lingyan Pavilion and honor all of you with posthumous glory?”

Zhu Yijun walked ahead, holding Lu Diaoyang’s arm, almost dragging him along.

Yet as soon as he spoke, he clearly felt the old minister’s steps grow lighter.

Lu Diaoyang even turned and gripped his hand tightly, squeezing his arm.

Hmph—people are always driven by events.