Chapter 48: Amnesty and Rewards for the World, Clouds and Rain Spreading

June 19th.

Gao Gong, dressed in plain clothes, pushed open the door and walked out of his home.

Today was the Emperor's divination at the Xuanzhi Gate, which was also part of the ritual for the late Emperor's burial, so plain clothes were naturally required.

Gao Gong had just stepped out of his house when he looked up and saw Zhang Juzheng standing by the road waiting for him.

He didn't react for a moment.

Zhang Juzheng had already walked up: "Senior Grand Secretary."

Gao Gong frowned as he looked at him: "What is this for?"

Zhang Juzheng made a gesture of invitation, signaling to talk while walking.

"There are some things I want to discuss with the Senior Grand Secretary."

The two walked together toward the Imperial City.

Gao Gong looked at Zhang Juzheng vigilantly: "If there is anything, why not discuss it in the cabinet."

Zhang Juzheng had not given him less trouble these past two days.

He was dragging the Ministry of Rites, not finalizing the ritual for conferring supreme titles on the two palaces for half a day.

He was also wanting to re-employ Xu Jie, wanting this former Senior Grand Secretary to check and balance him.

It could be said that in front of political rivals, a little friendship could no longer occupy a dominant position.

But Zhang Juzheng did not pick up on this, instead saying to himself: "Previously, the two palaces issued an edict to demote the Supervising Secretary Song Zhihan, the Hai Yushi Zhang Shouyue, and others."

"It was said they were to be demoted to cold and bitter places, but now I have some new ideas."

Song Zhihan was Gao Gong's disciple, and Zhang Shouyue was Gao Gong's student; the two had charged into battle previously and were the birds that got shot.

Now that Gao Gong was powerful, it was not easy to change orders in the morning and evening.

Hearing this, Gao Gong could not help but feel a trace of surprise and curiosity.

He asked expressionlessly: "Tell me."

He wanted to see what Zhang Juzheng was going to do with him again.

Zhang Juzheng nodded: "Daozhou is a bit too much; what if we demote them to Songjiang Prefecture?"

Gao Gong was stunned. Songjiang Prefecture? That was a place officials avoided like the plague.

Why? That was Xu Jie's territory!

Not to mention whether you could afford to offend them.

Just the fact that hundreds of thousands of acres of fertile land were in their hands—if you went to be the main official, how would you collect taxes?

Criminal cases were hard to judge, and taxes were hard to collect, so naturally, you couldn't achieve results; therefore, any official with some ambition didn't want to go there.

But Gao Gong immediately realized that Zhang Juzheng's words had a hidden meaning.

He probed: "You want to... restart the Xu Jie land donation case?"

The Xu Jie land donation case, to put it plainly, was to dig out those hundreds of thousands of acres of land of Xu Jie's and examine their origins properly.

Back then, Hai Rui went for this matter, but in the end, it was left unsettled.

Gao Gong had deep grievances with Xu Jie; now, throwing his students and disciples there, besides causing trouble, there was no second reason.

Zhang Juzheng openly admitted: "To measure the land, we must start with my teacher; otherwise, it will be hard to convince the people of the world."

That was how it was said.

But this was truly not his intention; after all, it was his own teacher, and unless it was a last resort, he didn't want to force him to death—after all, when Hai Rui went back then, Xu Jie had at least symbolically returned sixty thousand acres.

Taking Xu Jie as the target was the sage ruler's intention.

The Emperor only said that corruption was concentrated at the top, and if Xu Jie wasn't handled, how could those below be convinced?

If the top protected the middle, and the middle protected the bottom, then everyone resisting would be harmful to the new policies.

When it came to reasoning, Zhang Juzheng was not unable to quibble, but the problem was the Emperor showed an attitude of supporting the land measurement, and he couldn't give no face at all.

And it was also linked to whether Gao Gong had usurping intentions.

He simply agreed to this matter, only striving for time.

He said.

If they woke up before the first year of Wanli, everything could be discussed.

If they didn't restrain themselves or repent after the first year of Wanli, then the law would not be lenient.

Thus, the two reached a consensus, preparing to drop the pieces that needed to be dropped first.

Gao Gong listened and pondered for a moment.

He had no opinion on this matter, and was even somewhat pleasantly surprised.

He had spent no small amount of effort dealing with Xu Jie; in the fifth year of Longqing, he had implicated Xu Jie through the Sun Kehong case.

But Zhang Juzheng often showed mercy to his teacher.

Now he had actually taken the initiative to bring this up; could it be that he was preparing to show favor to him?

Gao Gong was not sure, so he probed: "Why is this good student of yours suddenly being disrespectful to your own teacher?"

Zhang Juzheng was waiting for this question.

He looked at Gao Gong meaningfully, reminding him: "Our philosophies are different, but no matter how we fight, it is for the sake of the court situation."

"If even the court situation is ignored, wouldn't I be fighting for power single-mindedly, with usurping intentions?"

This was enough to stop at the point.

When Gao Gong faced a choice, he would eventually realize it.

He could only help him to this extent.

If Gao Gong ignored even the big picture and was viewed by the Emperor as having usurping intentions, he would be helpless.

Having said this, Zhang Juzheng took a step ahead of him and took his leave.

Only Gao Gong remained in place, puzzled and deep in thought.

He thought for a long time but couldn't figure out what Zhang Juzheng was doing.

He could only attribute it to seeing him gain power and wanting to show favor to him.

Before the court deliberation today, the hundred officials had to gather at the Xuanzhi Gate.

Of course, it wasn't for the general to inspect, but for the late Emperor's divination and the Emperor's amnesty and rewards.

The Xuanzhi Gate was in the south of the Forbidden City, located between the Meridian Gate and the Huangji Hall, and was the must-pass place for court officials.

Since Emperor Renzong had listened to government affairs here, it became a precedent for a new Emperor to preside over affairs here upon ascending the throne.

At this time, the sky was just beginning to brighten, and the Emperor had not yet arrived.

Civil and military officials were all dressed in plain clothes, with hemp cloth covering their heads, arranged in two classes, already waiting.

Monks and Daoists gathered together, chanting to themselves.

Gao Gong was at the head of the class, scanning the circle, but furrowed his brows.

Today seemed... not quite the same...

The Duke of Chen, Zhu Xizhong, was actually standing in the position of the Hai Yushi of Rites!

Wasn't this person's health deteriorating, making him unable to fulfill his duties?

Is this because he sees he is about to die and wants to move around one last time?

And that old fellow Gu Huan, why did he show up? Gao Gong stared fixedly at Gu Huan.

This old fellow had previously fought with the Ministry of War for the Emperor's control of the Beijing Garrison, and it was not easy to get him sent home to enjoy his old age; why did he show his face today?

Back then, Zhao Zhenji drove this person away, releasing words saying, "Huan only knows how to retreat and guard himself to preserve his noble name and avoid suspicion."

Now that he, Gao Gong, was powerful, Gu Huan dared to be ignorant of advancement and retreat.

How dare he underestimate him like this?

Just as he was annoyed, a funeral melody sounded.

Gao Gong withdrew his mind and looked up, only to see the Emperor dressed in mourning clothes, surrounded by a pile of inner officials, female officials, and Secretariat drafters, walking slowly closer.

What made him suspicious was that Feng Bao was not serving by his side.

Although the Directorate of Ceremonial was temporarily suppressed by him, he did not believe Feng Bao would give up struggling.

At the very least, he would not give up the power to attend the court.

Gao Gong's eyebrows fought each other.

Several layers of suspicion piled together, suddenly giving him a bad premonition.

As the Emperor approached, the hundred officials did not perform the kneeling rite, but performed the rite of consolation one by one.

Zhu Yijun received the rites, said two words of scene-setting, and encouraged the group of officials.

He asked the priests sternly: "Gentlemen, is it appropriate to build the tomb of my late Imperial Father at Dayu Mountain?"

The priest bowed: "This land senses the heavens above and responds to the earth's veins below; it can prosper the country."

Zhu Yijun nodded: "Good!"

He turned his head to look at Weng Rudan: "Then follow the cabinet's proposal, start construction on the Jiaxu day, and order the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, Weng Rudan, to supervise the tomb construction."

Weng Rudan hurriedly accepted the order.

Gao Gong watched this scene quietly; there was nothing wrong with the content, as these were all reported by the cabinet, and now the Emperor nodding and announcing them was also reasonable.

But for some reason, his unease grew stronger and stronger.

He stared fixedly at the Emperor, thinking about where the disharmony he felt today lay.

He only saw the Emperor call out to Lu Diaoyang again: "Lu Qing."

Lu Diaoyang responded sternly: "Your subject is here."

Zhu Yijun ordered: "The three of us, mother and son, intend for the Ministry of Rites to gather and discuss the late Imperial Father's posthumous title; there is an edict."

With a shout of "There is an edict," Zhang Hong emerged from the crowd, unfolding the imperial edict, preparing to announce it.

These were all established procedures, and the hundred officials listened quietly; only Gao Gong was absent-minded, his brows furrowed even tighter.

The court officials did not feel anything was wrong, only occasionally looking at the gradually rising sun, enduring the slowly heating body temperature, just hoping to end this process early.

Zhang Hong held the edict in his hands, unfolding it and chanting: "I have heard that since ancient times, sage emperors and wise kings have established great achievements in their time, and they must enjoy great names in later generations. The succeeding monarchs all gather public opinion, spread brilliant glory, examine the rites, and confer honorary titles, so as to manifest their parents and honor filial piety."

"You, Ministry of Rites, gather the civil and military officials to discuss the posthumous title, choose a day, and respectfully present the book and seal, to spread the late Imperial Father's glory to the infinite. Respect this! Thus, the edict."

Once the edict was read, Lu Diaoyang was about to step forward to accept the order.

Gao Gong suddenly stepped out of the ranks and walked up.

He said: "Your subject obeys the edict! The cabinet will definitely work with the Ministry of Rites to finalize the late Emperor's posthumous title as soon as possible."

Zhang Hong was at a loss and turned to look at the Emperor.

Zhu Yijun nodded gently.

Only then did Gao Gong receive the edict.

He observed everyone's reactions but did not find anything wrong.

This probing, everyone's expressions and actions, were the same as usual; it seemed it was just his own suspicion.

Gao Gong felt slightly relieved.

He saw Li Jin step forward again and read another edict: "Before dawn on the tenth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of Longqing, those who have committed crimes, except for those with capital crimes, extreme evil, and true circumstances, and those who have lost opportunities in border areas, and fierce thugs... are not pardoned; if they have committed theft or escaped military service three times, anonymous documents that have not yet harmed people, or planned murder and injury without death... all are exempted from death and sent to border guards for permanent military service."

"The Ministry of Revenue's procurement of gold, pearls, precious stones, emeralds, cat's eyes, and other items, as well as the Jiangxi porcelain fired according to the style bestowed in the fifth year of Longqing, upon the arrival of the edict, except for those already purchased, collected, and fired, which shall be transported according to the number, all unfinished ones shall be stopped."

This was a general amnesty for the world.

Those who should have their sentences reduced had them reduced, and those who should have their taxes reduced had them reduced.

It was discussed by the cabinet and the six ministries; Gao Gong listened and found no discrepancies, feeling slightly more at ease, so he stepped forward to accept the order.

After the divination and general amnesty, it was time for rewards.

At this time, the sun had already risen, and the hundred officials were wearing mourning clothes, inevitably feeling a bit hot.

Gao Gong also couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead.

He saw Zhang Hong take out another edict.

He shouted: "There is the Right Assistant Regional Commander of the Central Military Governor's Office, Li Wei, who is conferred the title of Earl of Wuqing due to his status as an imperial relative, bestowed with three generations of posthumous titles, a salary of one thousand shi, and bestowed with a shoulder-carried sedan chair."

"... Confer the title of Princess Yanqing on the late Emperor's sixth daughter, and posthumously confer the title of Noble Consort on her biological mother, Noble Lady Wang."

"... Bestow the title of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard on Gu Chengguang, the nephew of the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Gu Huan."

Gao Gong's eyelids jumped!

Wrong!

Up to here, it was in accordance with ritual—nothing more than conferring titles on imperial relatives and nobles, and bestowing grace on those who should be bestowed.

But, why was the name of this old fellow Gu Huan mixed in?

How did he not remember the Ministry of Personnel reporting this fellow's nephew?

Gao Gong looked up at Gu Huan, and he suddenly had an epiphany!

He said why he felt things were wrong today!

It turned out that these wild dogs, the nobles, were out looking for food again!

Just as he had figured it out and before he could act, Zhang Hong shouted out another reward.

"Promote the Junior Guardian, Junior Tutor, and Minister of War, Yang Bo, to Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, added with the title of Junior Preceptor, and enter the cabinet to handle affairs starting today!"

"Promote the Right Hai Yushi-in-Chief and Minister of War, added with the title of Grand Coordinator of Xuan-Da Military Affairs, Wang Chonggu, to Minister of War, added with the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent!"

Gao Gong changed color upon hearing this!

He could no longer care about thinking and had to interrupt this strange reward!

He stepped out of the ranks abruptly and stopped Zhang Hong: "Treacherous eunuch! How dare you fake an edict!"

The Senior Grand Secretary was furious and even shouted "fake an edict"; the hundred officials were shocked.

What happened again?

Tao Dalin in the crowd quietly lowered his body, revealing a swaying, heat-stricken state.

Yu Youding looked at Shen Shixing and received a nod, immediately feeling relieved.

More people shifted their gaze between Gao Gong and Zhang Hong.

Zhang Hong was stopped, but only turned his head to look, without any extra expression, as if he wasn't the one being shouted at.

It was Zhang Juzheng who came forward to block Gao Gong: "Senior Grand Secretary, pay attention to decorum, don't bite randomly."

As soon as he came forward, Gao Gong immediately reacted.

Sure enough, it was Zhang Juzheng making things difficult for him again!

What was it this time?

Using the Emperor's middle edict to win over nobles and wavering court officials?

What a Zhang Juzheng.

He said he wanted to prioritize the court situation when he went out, and now he had torn his face to this extent!

Truly treating him like a monkey!

Gao Gong sneered: "My Ministry of Personnel and the cabinet have never requested these two edicts!"

"This treacherous eunuch publicly faked an edict; his crime is unforgivable!"

He firmly grasped the point of "faking an edict" and refused to mention the middle edict, in order to facilitate breaking them one by one.

At the same time, he stirred things up so it would reach Chen Hong's ears, letting the two palaces come forward to recognize this as a fake edict, leaving a hook.

But, things naturally would not go as he expected.

Zhang Hong finally explained: "Senior Grand Secretary, you have wronged this servant; this servant is following His Majesty's imperial edict and the two palaces' edicts; where does the faking of an edict come from?"

"As for whether the Senior Grand Secretary requested it or not, that is not this servant's business."

Gao Gong was shocked!

The Emperor and the two palaces' edicts!?

How is that possible!

He subconsciously wanted to scold: "Treacherous eunuch..."

As soon as he spoke, he suddenly realized something.

His neck was a bit stiff as he moved toward Zhang Juzheng, and then looked at the Emperor.

The moment he saw the expressions of the two, his heart sank to the bottom.

Chen Hong had only gone to his mansion last night to convey Empress Dowager Chen's meaning; it was impossible for things to change today without any warning.

It could only be...

His incredulous gaze swept over Zhang Juzheng, the Emperor, and even crossed the layers of halls to look at Empress Dowager Li, Feng Bao, and others who were not present.

These people actually dared to coerce the reigning Empress Dowager!?

How did they dare!?

He was in shock when Zhang Hong suddenly urged him, looking at Yang Bo: "Minister Yang, it is time to accept the edict."

Gao Gong also subconsciously turned his head to look at Yang Bo.

Seeing that hesitant Minister of War, he suddenly realized that he was already standing on the edge of a cliff!

No, he couldn't let Yang Bo choose; this old thing was a wall-grass, with no big picture in his eyes at all.

He signaled the Left Supervising Secretary Tu Menggui with his eyes to block this edict.

And interrupted Zhang Hong again, wanting to regain the initiative: "Even so, without the cabinet's ticket-drafting, it is a middle edict, a chaotic order!"

Left Supervising Secretary Tu Menggui got the hint and immediately stepped out, about to act.

He was clearly going to cooperate and make a fuss about the procedure, block these two edicts, and ruin today's rewards.

But, just as Tu Menggui was about to speak.

Suddenly, the Duke of Chen, Zhu Xizhong, stepped out.

He pounded his ceremonial staff on the ground three times!

With a sudden sound, like a low shout and more like a roar: "Senior Grand Secretary Gao Gong! How dare you lose decorum before the sovereign!"

Zhu Xizhong was like a sick tiger, suddenly changing color, and the surrounding Golden-Clad Guards pounded their ceremonial staffs on the ground in unison!

Bang!

Bang!

This sudden display of power startled all the court officials!

How many years had it been! It had been a long time since they heard a Hai Yushi of Rites publicly scold a court official! Let alone the reigning Senior Grand Secretary!

Everyone subconsciously looked toward Zhu Xizhong.

Only to see this noble, who usually looked like a sick cat, suddenly open his eyes wide, staring at him fixedly, his eyes revealing the stern aura of having experienced the battlefield.

Gao Gong was also startled, but he did not show weakness, suddenly roaring: "Shut up! What place is this for you to speak!"

He was naturally not afraid, but Tu Menggui looked left and right at the Golden-Clad Guards staring at him, as well as the Embroidered Uniform Guards who came forward to invite him to leave.

After thinking for a moment, he shrank his neck and was obediently invited away.

"Alright."

Just as things were intense, the Emperor's jade voice suddenly inserted itself into the scene, dissolving the tense atmosphere.

Zhu Yijun comforted gently: "Now that the dog days of summer are deepening, it is right to finish the amnesty and rewards early so that all the ministers can hide in the cool."

He smiled and narrowed his eyes, looking at Yang Bo: "Minister Yang, things were rushed, this is indeed a middle edict."

"Minister Yang can also choose not to accept it; after all, it is the negligence of the three of us, mother and son."

Yang Bo was already sweating profusely at this time.

He suddenly realized what it meant to fight a hundred battles in a day.

How long had he ascended the throne!

He, Yang Bo, was like a duck, being chased by several parties!

Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng he could understand, but what was going on with the Emperor today?

He was clearly in a state of having gained the support of the two palaces and releasing the dog of the nobles.

That was fine, go deal with Gao Gong, why look for him, Yang Bo?

And enter the cabinet? He was a person about to retire!

He was fighting heaven and man in his mind when he suddenly felt someone poke him from behind.

Yang Bo turned his head and saw Zhang Siwei winking.

Only then did he react; it turned out he was occupying a pit for this kid!

Yang Bo quietly raised his head and found everyone looking at him.

The Emperor was smiling, seemingly not caring how he chose.

Gao Gong's face was livid, revealing an unease of losing control.

Zhang Juzheng nodded slightly, signaling how he should choose.

He had a flash of inspiration and suddenly realized that the Emperor and Zhang Juzheng had reached a consensus!

The Emperor, the Secondary Grand Secretary, the two palaces, the nobles... this was not seeking his help at all, but simply giving him a chance!

Thinking of this, Yang Bo finally reacted: "Heaven's grace is vast, your subject accepts it with shame!"

After saying this, he let out a long breath, not daring to look at Gao Gong's eyes, burying his head and acting like an ostrich.

This acceptance of the edict seemed to break Gao Gong's golden body.

The court officials suddenly realized.

Especially those who were not involved, they quietly stood far away from Gao Gong's students and followers.

After Zhang Hong sent out the edict, he unfolded another one: "Promote the Minister of Rites, Lu Diaoyang, to Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, and enter the cabinet to handle affairs starting from the day of the edict!"

"Promote the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Zhang Siwei, to Minister of Rites, Vice Chief Compiler of the Veritable Records of Shizong!"

The two accepted the edict and thanked him without hesitation.

Gao Gong looked at Zhang Siwei coldly.

He understood everything now.

A middle edict is a middle edict, but after all, it was a reward; besides the die-hards, who could refuse?

Moreover, this made Gao Gong's weakness even more apparent; I'm afraid the die-hards who saw this scene were no longer die-hards.

"... Minister of Works Zhu Heng, added with the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent!"

Gao Gong suddenly couldn't help but laugh.

Brilliant.

Even Zhu Heng had a share.

When everyone had accepted the rewards, if anyone said the middle edict was not in accordance with the regulations, they would truly be an enemy of everyone.

This method was truly insidious.

It was another round of rewards, from various Hanlin, Vice Ministers, to the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, etc., most of whom had rewards.

"Left Hai Yushi-in-Chief Ge Shouli, added with the title of Junior Preceptor of the Heir Apparent!"

When this reward came out, everyone exclaimed.

Now anyone with eyes could see that this move was aimed at Gao Gong.

Either dismiss him, or directly use force.

But Ge Shouli was clearly Gao Gong's right-hand man, and now he had actually received a reward!?

This made even Gao Gong's party members suspicious.

Gao Gong did not look at the anxious Ge Shouli.

When he discovered that Empress Dowager Chen had been solved by these people, he almost held no hope.

Letting the Supervising Secretary block it was already a subconscious struggle.

When he saw the Golden-Clad Guards and Embroidered Uniform Guards eyeing them covetously, when he saw the Emperor's middle edicts being accepted one after another.

He understood that the situation was lost.

Gao Gong sighed.

He waved his hand, telling Ge Shouli not to entangle anymore.

Then he closed his eyes and waited for the verdict.

"Change the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, Gao Yi, to Grand Secretary of the Jianji Hall, added with the title of Junior Preceptor of the Heir Apparent!"

"Change the Grand Secretary of the Jianji Hall, Zhang Juzheng, to Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall, added with the title of Left Pillar of State!"

Gao Gong closed his eyes and listened quietly.

The Grand Secretary of the Jianji Hall was the Secondary Grand Secretary, and the Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall was the Senior Grand Secretary.

Gao Gong was in the position of Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall, but now another one was conferred.

Even with his toes, he knew what would happen next.

Not even leaving this bit of face, it seemed they were going to dismiss him.

No, that's not right.

If they wanted to dismiss him, they didn't need to set up Ge Shouli like a memorial arch to appease his followers.

Being so cautious, I'm afraid... they wanted to kill him, Gao Gong!

He shook his head self-deprecatingly.

This was imperial power.

Without restrictions, he, a dignified Senior Grand Secretary, faced a thin piece of paper and had no power to fight back; is this what you, Zhang Juzheng, wanted?

Now that he had no Empress Dowager Chen to stand for him, overnight, he was in danger of his life; it was truly sad and lamentable.

Just then, Zhang Hong unfolded the final edict.

Gao Gong also suddenly opened his eyes, head held high, chest out, waiting for the verdict!

He, Gao Gong, what did he fear in death!

Just then, he happened to meet the Emperor's eyes.

Zhang Hong was chanting word by word: "There is the Junior Preceptor and Junior Preceptor of the Heir Apparent, Minister of Personnel, Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Hall, Gao Gong..."

Before he finished reading.

Only to see the Emperor stand up long.

He snatched the edict, not caring about etiquette at all, squeezed the edict in his hand, and walked close to Gao Gong.

He said word by word: "Senior Grand Secretary, listen!"

Gao Gong sneered and said proudly: "I'm listening!"

Zhu Yijun nodded and recited personally: "Gong has a sharp will to rectify the times, great talent to assist in management, is generous and capable, public-spirited and responsible; he assisted the Shizong and brought peace, protected the late Emperor in his infancy, and assisted the young Emperor with a sincere heart."

"During the troubled times of the country, he first made plans for the ten thousand years of the state, opened sea trade, strengthened border defenses, pacified Yunnan, pacified the south, subdued the Western Tatars, and made them bow their heads to become vassals; his power lashed the Eastern barbarians, causing them to throw down their weapons and surrender."

Hearing this, Gao Gong's proud expression stalled.

This... what is this about?

The hundred officials were also stunned.

It seemed to be different from the development they imagined.

Hope also ignited in Ge Shouli's eyes.

Only to hear the Emperor continue: "I think of the past and the present, and plan with the two palaces..."

Gao Gong's expression had changed from pride to stubbornness.

He stared fixedly at Zhu Yijun's eyes, as if wanting to see the edict clearly through his pupils.

Zhu Yijun did not dodge, word by word: "Specially, promote Gao Gong to, Grand Preceptor! Added with the title of Pillar of State!"

"And, bestow the edict on Gong, confer the title of Loyal Minister of the Heavenly Protector, Guardian of the State, Sincere and Powerful..."

The group of officials clamored.

Gao Gong pursed his lips tightly, saying nothing.

Zhu Yijun suddenly closed the edict, grabbed Gao Gong's hand, slowly handed the edict to him: "Confer, Earl of Ding'an!"

"Salary of one thousand two hundred shi, bestowed with ten thousand acres of fertile land, a mansion, in, Songjiang Prefecture!"

"Exempted from two deaths, and posthumously conferred on three generations, but the title is not inherited!"

Zhu Yijun lowered his voice and slowly released the edict.

He didn't care how Gao Gong reacted.

Without looking back, he turned and walked back to the throne: "Respect this."

——

The timing was wrong; it was supposed to be at 3:30, annoying.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 49 =====

The timing was wrong; it was supposed to be at 3:30. Annoying.

(End of chapter)