[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-48":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Wanli, the Enlightened Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2321870,4542,"Chapter 48: Pardon and Reward Across the Realm, Clouds Bring Rain","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-48",48,"\u003Cp>June 19.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi, dressed in plain robes, stepped out of his home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, the Emperor performs the divination rite at Xuanzhimen, part of the funeral rites for the late Emperor; plain robes are naturally required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gao Yi stepped out of his gate, he looked up and saw Zhang Juzheng waiting beside the road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not immediately react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng walked up to him: “Prime Minister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi frowned at him: “What is this about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng made a gesture of invitation, signaling they should walk and talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is something I wish to discuss with you, Prime Minister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked together toward the Imperial City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi watched Zhang Juzheng warily: “If it is important, let us discuss it in the Grand Secretariat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng had caused him no small amount of trouble these past two days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had delayed the Ministry of Rites, unable to finalize the ceremonial protocol for bestowing honorific titles upon the Two Palaces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had also pushed to reinstate Xu Jie, hoping to use the former Grand Secretary to constrain him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the face of political enemies, even slight personal ties could no longer dominate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Juzheng did not respond to this; instead, he spoke on his own: “Previously, the Two Palaces issued edicts to demote Chief Censor Song Zhihan and Censor Zhang Shouyue, among others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They were to be exiled to harsh, cold lands, but I now have a different proposal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Zhihan was Gao Yi’s disciple; Zhang Shouyue was his pupil. Both had led the charge and become the first targets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Gao Yi now holds power, he cannot easily reverse his earlier orders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Gao Yi could not help but feel a flicker of surprise and curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He asked, expressionless: “Go on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to see what trick Zhang Juzheng was planning now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng nodded: “Daozhou is too extreme. I suggest exiling them to Songjiang Prefecture instead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi froze. Songjiang Prefecture? That was even more dreaded by officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why? Because it was Xu Jie’s territory!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether one could withstand him or not was beside the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tens of thousands of acres of prime farmland were in his hands—how could any official there collect taxes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Legal cases were hard to resolve, tax collection impossible; no achievements could be made, so anyone with ambition avoided such postings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gao Yi immediately sensed Zhang Juzheng’s hidden meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He probed: “You mean… to reopen the Xu Jie land-graft case?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xu Jie land-graft case, in plain terms, was to unearth Xu Jie’s tens of thousands of acres and thoroughly investigate their origins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui had been sent for this very purpose, but the matter had ultimately been dropped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi harbored deep grudges against Xu Jie; now, sending his disciples there served no purpose but to cause trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng openly admitted: “To conduct land surveys, we must begin with my teacher; otherwise, how can we win the people’s trust?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>but it was not truly his own idea—he was still his teacher’s disciple, and he did not wish to drive the man to ruin unless absolutely necessary; after all, when Hai Rui had come, Xu Jie had at least symbolically returned six thousand acres.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To strike at Xu Jie was the Emperor’s will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor said corruption always concentrates at the top; if Xu Jie is not punished, how can those below be convinced?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the top protects the middle, and the middle protects the bottom, everyone will resist—this is what truly harms the new policies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng could have argued the logic, but the Emperor had shown firm support for land surveys; he could not afford to ignore his will entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the matter had been directly tied to whether Gao Yi harbored treasonous ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he simply agreed—but negotiated the timing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He proposed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xu Jie repents before the first year of Wanli, there is still room for negotiation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he refuses to reform after the first year of Wanli, the law will show no mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, the two reached an understanding and prepared to take the first steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi listened, then fell into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no objection to this—indeed, he felt a quiet satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had spent much effort targeting Xu Jie; in Longqing Five, he had implicated Xu Jie through the Sun Kehong case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Juzheng had always shown leniency toward his teacher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he brought it up himself—was he trying to curry favor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi was uncertain, and cautiously asked: “My good student, why suddenly turn against your own teacher?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng had been waiting for this question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Gao Yi with deep meaning: “Our ideologies differ; no matter how we fight, it is for the sake of court stability.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we disregard court stability entirely, am I not merely seeking power, harboring treasonous intent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was enough to imply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gao Yi faced his choice, he would realize it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng could only help this far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Gao Yi ignored the greater good and was seen by the Emperor as treasonous, Zhang Juzheng could do nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having spoken, Zhang Juzheng stepped ahead and took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Gao Yi remained, standing in place, puzzled in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pondered long but could not fathom Zhang Juzheng’s motives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could only conclude: Zhang Juzheng, seeing him in power, sought to flatter him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before today’s court deliberation, all officials must assemble at Xuanzhimen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, not for a general’s inspection, but for the late Emperor’s divination rite and the Emperor’s edict of pardon and reward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuanzhimen lies south of the Forbidden City, between Wumen and Huangjidian, a mandatory passage for court officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Renzong once held court here, it became precedent for the new Emperor to conduct affairs here upon accession.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky was just beginning to lighten; the Emperor had not yet arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Civil and military officials, all dressed in plain robes with hemp head coverings, stood in two lines, already waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Monks and Daoist priests clustered together, murmuring prayers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi stood at the head of the line, scanning the crowd, then frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today seemed… different…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Zhu Xizhong stood in the position of the Ceremonial Supervisor!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wasn’t his health deteriorating, making him unfit for duty?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he, sensing death near, making one final show of presence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And why was Gu Huan, that old fool, here too? Gao Yi stared fixedly at Gu Huan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This old fool had previously clashed with the Ministry of War over control of the Capital Garrison, and had barely been forced to retire to his estate for quiet years—why was he showing his face today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhao Zhenji drove him away, he had declared: “Huan knows only to retreat and preserve his honor, avoiding suspicion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Gao Yi held power, Gu Huan dared to act without regard for propriety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How dare he so underestimate him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he seethed, a dirge sounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi snapped back to attention, looked up—and saw the Emperor, clad in mourning robes, surrounded by eunuchs, palace ladies, and Secretaries, slowly approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What puzzled him: Feng Bao was not by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Directorate of Ceremonial had been temporarily suppressed, he did not believe Feng Bao would abandon his struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, he would not relinquish his right to attend court sessions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi’s brows knotted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Layer upon layer of suspicion piled up, giving him a sudden sense of dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor drew near, the officials did not kneel in obeisance, but instead performed the ritual of condolence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun received their condolences, spoke a few formal words of encouragement,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then turned solemnly to the Master of Sacrifices: “Gentlemen, is Dàyù Mountain suitable for the construction of my late father’s mausoleum?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Master bowed: “This land responds to heaven above and earth below—it shall prosper the state.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded: “Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Weng Ruda: “Then, as the Grand Secretariat has proposed, construction shall begin on Jiǎxū. Appoint Weng Ruda, Right Vice Minister of Works, as Superintendent of the Mausoleum Project.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weng Ruda immediately accepted the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi watched silently. The content was correct—all had been submitted by the Grand Secretariat; the Emperor’s approval was proper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, inexplicably, his unease grew stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared fixedly at the Emperor, searching for the source of today’s dissonance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the Emperor called: “Lu Diaoyang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Diaoyang answered solemnly: “Your servant is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun ordered: “My mother and I have decided; the Ministry of Rites shall convene to deliberate on the posthumous title for His Late Majesty, by imperial decree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the words “by imperial decree,” Zhang Hong stepped forward from the crowd, unfurling the imperial edict, ready to proclaim it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were all prearranged procedures; the officials listened in silence, except Gao Arong, who was distracted, his frown deepening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court officials felt nothing amiss; they merely glanced occasionally at the rising sun, enduring the growing heat, eager to finish this ritual soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong held the edict aloft and recited: “I, the Emperor, hold that since ancient times, sage emperors and enlightened kings, having established glorious deeds in their time, must surely earn exalted names in posterity. Thus, succeeding sovereigns gather public opinion, spread their radiant glory, examine the canonical rites, and bestow honorable titles, to honor their fathers and exalt filial piety.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You, the Ministry of Rites, shall convene civil and military ministers to determine the posthumous title, select an auspicious day, and solemnly present the imperial scroll and seal, to proclaim the boundless virtue of His Late Majesty. So be it. This is our decree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Lu Diaoyang stepped forward to receive the edict, Gao Arong suddenly stepped out of line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said: “Your servant obeys the decree! The Grand Secretariat shall jointly with the Ministry of Rites promptly determine the posthumous title of the late Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong was at a loss; he turned to look at the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Gao Arong receive the edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He observed the reactions of the officials, but found nothing amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trial—every gesture, every expression—was exactly as usual; it seemed only his own suspicions had misled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong slightly relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Li Jin stepped forward and read another edict: “All offenses committed by officials, soldiers, and commoners before dawn on the tenth day of the sixth month of the sixth year of Longqing are hereby pardoned, except for capital crimes of extreme wickedness, desertion from frontier garrisons due to military failure, and violent ruffians…; for thieves caught thrice, anonymous letters not causing harm, attempted murder without death… all shall be spared execution and exiled to frontier garrisons for life.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Ministry of Revenue shall cease all purchases of gold, pearls, jewels, emeralds, cat’s-eye stones, and the firing of Jiangxi porcelain according to the Longqing fifth year imperial patterns; upon receipt of this decree, only those already purchased or fired shall be shipped as recorded; all unfinished orders shall be halted immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a general amnesty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sentences were reduced; taxes were lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grand Secretariat and the Six Ministries had jointly deliberated; upon hearing it, Gao Arong found no discrepancies, and felt slightly reassured, stepping forward to receive the edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the divination and the amnesty came the bestowals of favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun had now risen high; the officials, clad in mourning, could not help but feel the growing heat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong could not stop himself from wiping sweat from his brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Zhang Hong produced another edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He proclaimed: “The Assistant Regional Commander of the Central Military Command, Li Wei, for being an imperial relative, is elevated to the rank of Marquis of Wuqing, granted posthumous honors for three generations, an annual stipend of one thousand shi, and the privilege of riding in a palanquin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…The sixth daughter of the late Emperor is hereby enfeoffed as Princess Yanqing; her birth mother, Lady Wang, is posthumously elevated to Imperial Consort.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The nephew of Grand Tutor Gu Huan, Gu Chengguang, is granted the post of Assistant Regional Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard by imperial favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong’s eyelid twitched!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wrong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was, of course, in accordance with ritual—merely enfeoffing imperial relatives and noble families as appropriate, granting hereditary favors as customary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But why was the name of that old fool Gu Huan included?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he recall any petition from the Ministry of Personnel naming this man’s nephew?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong looked up at Gu Huan—and suddenly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was why he had felt something off today!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These noble dogs were back, sniffing for scraps!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he grasped this, before he could act, Zhang Hong announced another bestowal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Promote Minister of War Yang Bo, already Junior Protector and Junior Tutor, to Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, and add the title Junior Grand Tutor; effective immediately, he shall enter the Grand Secretariat to conduct affairs!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Promote Wang Chonggu, Right Censor-in-Chief and Minister of War, also appointed Grand Coordinator of the Xuan-Da military theater, to Minister of War, and add the title Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Gao Arong’s face darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He no longer cared for deliberation—he must interrupt this suspicious bestowal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward sharply and shouted: “Corrupt eunuch! How dare you forge the imperial decree!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chief Grand Secretary’s furious outburst, accusing a eunuch of forgery, startled every official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had happened now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the crowd, Tao Dalin subtly lowered his posture, feigning a swaying, heat-stricken state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Youding glanced at Shen Shixing, received only a nod, and immediately relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most others shifted their gaze back and forth between Gao Arong and Zhang Hong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong, halted, merely turned his head once—no further reaction—as if the shout had not been directed at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhang Juzheng stepped forward to block Gao Arong: “Chief Grand Secretary, observe propriety. Do not lash out recklessly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his appearance, Gao Arong immediately realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, it was Zhang Juzheng opposing him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was this trick now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using the Emperor’s mid-decree to win over the nobles and wavering ministers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clever, Zhang Juzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just yesterday he claimed the state’s stability mattered most—now he had torn the mask off so completely!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was treating Gao Arong like a clown!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong sneered: “Neither my Ministry of Personnel nor the Grand Secretariat ever submitted these two memorials!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This corrupt eunuch dares forge the imperial decree—his crime deserves death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clung tightly to the charge of forgery, refusing to mention the mid-decree, to facilitate breaking them apart one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also intended to escalate the matter, so it would reach Chen Hong’s ears, forcing the Two Palaces to intervene and label it a forgery, leaving a hook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But things would not unfold as he wished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong finally spoke: “Chief Grand Secretary, you wrong me. I act under the Emperor’s decree and the edicts of the Two Palaces—how can this be forgery?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whether you submitted petitions or not is not my concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong froze in shock!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor and the Two Palaces’ edicts!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could this be!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instinctively opened his mouth to curse: “Corrupt eunuch—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as soon as he spoke, he realized something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His neck stiffened as he turned toward Zhang Juzheng, then toward the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he saw their expressions, his heart plunged to the bottom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Hong had only visited his mansion last night, conveying Empress Chen’s wishes—impossible for her to reverse course today without warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could only be…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His incredulous gaze swept over Zhang Juzheng, the Emperor, and beyond the Cengcengdiange , to Li Shi, Feng Bao, and others not present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How dare these men intimidate the reigning Empress Dowager!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they dare!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reeled in shock, Zhang Hong suddenly urged: “Minister Yang, it is time to receive the edict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong instinctively turned to look at Yang Bo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the hesitant Minister of War, he suddenly realized—he stood on the edge of a cliff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No—he could not let Yang Bo decide. That old man was a weathervane, with no sense of the greater picture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He signaled Zuogeshizhong Tu Menggui to block the edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He interrupted Zhang Hong again, trying to regain control: “Even so, without the Grand Secretariat’s draft proposal, even a mid-decree is an unlawful order!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zuogeshizhong Tu Menggui, receiving the signal, stepped forward immediately to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly intending to exploit procedural loopholes to block these two edicts and sabotage today’s bestowals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just as Tu Menggui opened his mouth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, Prince Zhu Xizhong stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slammed his ceremonial staff three times onto the ground!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavy thud—more like a growl than a shout: “Chief Grand Secretary Gao Arong! How dare you violate decorum before the Throne!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xizhong, like a sick tiger suddenly enraged, glared—and the Embroidered Uniform Guard guards simultaneously slammed their staffs to the ground!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden display of authority startled every court official!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How many years had passed since the Inspector of Ceremonies had publicly rebuked a minister—let alone the Chief Grand Secretary!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All instinctively turned to Zhu Xizhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once feeble nobleman now stared with wide, piercing eyes—his gaze bore the icy ferocity of a battlefield veteran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Arong was stunned, yet refused to yield, roaring: “Shut up! What right have you to speak here!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was not afraid—but Tu Menggui glanced around and saw the Embroidered Uniform Guard guards fixed on him, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards advancing to escort him away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s hesitation, he shrank his neck and obediently allowed himself to be led off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as tensions reached their peak, the Emperor’s voice suddenly cut through, dispelling all the tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun soothed gently: “The summer heat is deepening; it’s best to grant pardons and rewards early, so our ministers may find some relief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled, squinting at Yang Bo: “Yang Qing, this was rushed—it is indeed an imperial edict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You may refuse to accept it; after all, it was our oversight as mother and son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Bo was now drenched in sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly understood what “a hundred battles in a single day” meant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How long had he been on the throne!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, Yang Bo, was being herded like a duck by all sides!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could understand Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng—but what was the Emperor up to today?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acted as if he had the full backing of the Two Palaces and had unleashed the nobles like a hound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine, go after Gao Gong—why come after me, Yang Bo?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now into the Grand Secretariat? He was about to retire!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he wrestled with these thoughts, he suddenly felt a jab from behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Bo turned and saw Zhang Siwei winking at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he realize—they were reserving a seat for this brat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Bo cautiously lifted his head and found everyone watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor wore a pleasant smile, seemingly indifferent to his choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong’s face was ashen, radiating unease at losing control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng gave a slight nod, signaling how he should decide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden clarity struck him—he realized the Emperor and Zhang Juzheng had reached an agreement!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor, the Vice Grand Secretary, the Two Palaces, the nobles… this wasn’t seeking his help—it was merely giving him an opportunity!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Yang Bo finally responded: “The Emperor’s grace is boundless; I humbly accept!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he spoke, he exhaled deeply, dared not meet Gao Gong’s gaze, and buried his head like an ostrich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This acceptance of the edict seemed to shatter Gao Gong’s invincibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Court officials suddenly understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially those uninvolved, who quietly stepped away from Gao Gong’s disciples and old associates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong unfurled another edict: “Promote Minister of Rites, Lu Diaoyang, to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, and appoint him as Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall; effective from the date of this decree, he shall join the Grand Secretariat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Promote Left Vice Minister of Personnel, Zhang Siwei, to Minister of Rites, and appoint him as Deputy Chief Compiler of the Shizong Veritable Records.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both accepted the edict without hesitation and bowed in thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong watched Zhang Siwei with cold eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He now understood perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it was an imperial edict, it was still a reward—who, except the staunchest loyalists, could refuse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, this only exposed Gao Gong’s weakness; even his staunchest allies, upon seeing this, might no longer be loyal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Minister of Works, Zhu Heng, is promoted to Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brilliant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zhu Heng was included.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone accepted these rewards, anyone who later claimed imperial edicts violated protocol would be opposing everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tactic was truly vicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More rewards followed—among Hanlin scholars, vice ministers, the Minister of Justice, and the president of the National Academy, most received something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Left Censor-in-Chief Ge Shouli, promoted to Grand Master of the Crown Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this announcement, all were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now even the blind could see this move targeted Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either remove him from office, or use force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ge Shouli was clearly Gao Gong’s right-hand man—how could he receive a reward too!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shocked even Gao Gong’s own faction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong did not look at the anxious Ge Shouli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he realized the Empress Dowager Chen had already been neutralized, he had nearly given up hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His earlier attempt to have the Censorate reject the edict had been an instinctive struggle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw the Gold Guard and Embroidered Uniform Guard watching closely, when he saw the Emperor’s edicts being accepted one after another—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the tide had turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand, telling Ge Shouli to stop arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he closed his eyes and waited for judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Change Gao Yi from Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion to Grand Secretary of the Jianji Palace, and promote him to Grand Master of the Crown Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Change Zhang Juzheng from Grand Secretary of the Jianji Palace to Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Palace, and promote him to Left Pillar of State!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong sat quietly with eyes closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jianji Palace Grand Secretary was Vice Grand Secretary; Zhongji Palace Grand Secretary was Chief Grand Secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong had held the Zhongji Palace position—yet now another was appointed to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a fool could guess what came next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No courtesy left—clearly, they meant to remove him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, not quite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they meant to remove him, they wouldn’t have raised Ge Shouli like a monument to soothe his followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such caution… perhaps… they meant to kill him, Gao Gong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was imperial power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without restraint, even a Chief Grand Secretary like him was powerless before a single sheet of paper—was this what Zhang Juzheng wanted?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Empress Dowager Chen was gone, overnight he faced death—how tragic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Zhang Hong unfurled the final edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong suddenly opened his eyes, straightened his back, and waited for judgment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong, what did he fear in death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, he met the Emperor’s gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong began reading solemnly: “The Grand Tutor and Grand Master of the Crown Prince, Minister of Personnel, Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Palace, Gao Gong...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor rose to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snatched the edict from Zhang Hong’s hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring all protocol, he crumpled the document, stepped toward Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke slowly, each word deliberate: “Chief Grand Secretary, listen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong sneered, proud: “I’m listening!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded and read aloud: “Gao is resolute in rectifying the age, gifted in governance, bold and capable, loyal and dutiful. He aided the Shizong Emperor to bring peace, protected the late Emperor in his youth, and guided the young sovereign with unwavering devotion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At a time of national crisis, he planned for the empire’s ten-thousand-year stability: he opened maritime routes, fortified borders, pacified the southern frontier, subdued the Lingbiao region, subdued the western barbarians, forcing them to kneel and submit as vassals; he crushed the eastern barbarians, repeatedly causing them to lay down arms and surrender.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Gao Gong’s proud expression froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What… what was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court officials were equally stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not at all what they expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ge Shouli’s eyes flickered with hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor continued: “His benefits rival Wei Jiang’s deep concern for pacifying the Huaxia; his strategy matches Zhongyan’s mastery of border defense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I, recalling the past and contemplating the present, have conspired with the Two Palaces...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong’s expression shifted from pride to stubborn defiance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glared fiercely at Zhu Yijun, as if trying to read the edict from his pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun met his gaze without flinching, each word deliberate: “Therefore, I appoint Gao Gong as Grand Tutor! And add Left Pillar of State!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And grant Gao Gong a warrant of nobility, enfeoffing him as: ‘Faithful Minister Who Upholds the Mandate and Promotes the State...’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong clenched his lips shut, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun suddenly closed the edict, seized Gao Gong’s hand, and slowly placed the scroll into his palm: “Enfeoff him as Marquis of Ding’an!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Annual stipend: twelve hundred shi; grant ten thousand mu of fertile land, one mansion, in Songjiang Prefecture!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grant him two reprieves from death; posthumously honor three generations—title ends with him, not hereditary!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun lowered his voice, slowly releasing the scroll.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paid no heed to Gao Gong’s reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without looking back, he turned and walked back to the imperial throne: \"This is my decree.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The timing was wrong; it was supposed to be half past three. Annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4246,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9832fe2cf25da142634a64d52bef0d04db8c22bf771e2263ebd5c66cc98e073b","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-49","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-47",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]