Chapter 49: Dimmed Color, Planning and Strategy

Songjiang Prefecture!

These three words churned endlessly in Gao Gong's heart.

He suddenly understood why Zhang Juzheng had spoken to him about Xu Jie of Songjiang Prefecture as soon as he went out this morning.

He also suddenly understood what the last sentence "If you ignore the court situation and fight for power, wouldn't you have usurping intentions" was referring to.

It turned out... it was all prepared for this moment.

What a Zhang Juzheng.

It turned out that at that time, he was already in the posture of a winner, showing off and warning him in advance.

I'm afraid last night, he had already united with the Li clan, Feng Bao, Li Jin, and those people to control Empress Dowager Chen.

Today, he joined forces with the Emperor to coerce him with a middle edict.

Gao Gong held the edict, speechless for a long time.

He neither accepted the order and thanked him, nor said he would not follow the chaotic order.

At this moment, the scene was silent.

Everyone looked at Gao Gong.

Gao Gong looked at the edict in his hand and smiled self-deprecatingly.

Honor, ha, what a great honor.

Pillar of State, often conferred at the founding of the dynasty, but that was because the old system was followed and official ranks were not yet determined.

After that, it wasn't a good thing.

Back then, when Shizong wanted to confer the title of Pillar of State on Yan Song, Yan Song declined, saying "Honor should not be doubled, and it is not appropriate for a subject to be called so," which made Shizong "very happy and allowed his resignation."

It could be said that this set the tone for the Pillar of State; only the dead could receive it—dead in officialdom also counts.

Tracing back, the last one to be conferred the Pillar of State was Xia Yan; what happened to him goes without saying.

Not to mention being conferred a title.

How many civil officials in the Great Ming Dynasty were conferred titles?

Back then, Shizong conferred

Why? To a civil official, a noble title is like excrement; they find it disgusting even to step on.

Avoiding noble titles is the norm for civil officials!

As the saying goes, to advance steadily with the current and strive through one's own administrative talent is still the way of a renowned minister and high official.

But if one is overly eager for advancement, even if one receives a tally and is enfeoffed, while it is a rare encounter for a civil official, one's reputation will be damaged as a result, and in extreme cases, one cannot avoid being stripped of it. Since it concerns one's name and integrity, one cannot be anything but cautious.

In short, a noble title is a small matter, but losing one's integrity is a major one.

Taking a step back, even if Gao Gong could disregard his reputation, if he accepted this title, could he still remain in the position of Chief Zhang Gelao?

Accepting the title would mean cutting off his official career.

This whole set of rewards is meant to set him up and force him to admit defeat and resign himself.

But seeing through it is simple, while responding to it is difficult; this is practically an open conspiracy.

Can he, Gao Gong, decline it?

A simple reward could naturally be declined, but there is a sinister intention hidden within this imperial edict.

Aren't you, Gao Gong, always claiming to be acting for the sake of the world and the court?

Now that the matter has failed, not only have you not been held accountable, but you have also been given an opportunity to continue to die for the court and the world—will you follow it or not?

If you do not follow it, then no one will believe those high-sounding yet heartfelt reasons for your previous power struggles.

Since you weren't struggling for power for the sake of the court, what else could it be if not a heart of treason?

If the Chief Zhang Gelao commits treason, then heads will roll, and his followers and disciples will not be spared.

This is naked coercion.

In fact, after realizing he had lost, Gao Gong had made preparations.

At worst, death and the end of his path; at best, returning to his hometown by post-horse.

But Zhang Juzheng is now taking things even further.

He is not just targeting his life, but also using his posthumous reputation, his students and old associates, and the stability of the Great Ming court to coerce him.

Truly a ruthless heart.

Gao Gong gripped the edict, his knuckles turning white, and for a long while, he did not move.

Seeing the Chief Zhang Gelao motionless for so long, everyone held their breath.

It seemed that what he held in his hand was not just an edict, but the very breath of the court officials.

Almost everyone understood that if Gao Gong rejected this decree, it would be a fatal disaster.

And not just for Gao Gong himself.

Who knows how many others would be implicated.

The court officials were all hoping that Gao Gong would accept this edict, even his students and old associates were no exception—except for a stubborn temper like Gao Gong's, everyone else would only see this as a grace.

Time ticked away.

Gao Gong still stood on the spot, without a word.

Zhu Yijun, however, watched Gao Gong with great patience.

Would Gao Gong accept it?

If not ten out of ten, there was a ninety-nine percent chance he would.

The only exception would be if Gao Gong disregarded the late Emperor's kindness, his own posthumous reputation, the fate of his students and old associates, and the lives of his children.

Oh right, and even the stability of the court.

Only then would Gao Gong reject this decree and generously go to his death.

But Zhu Yijun did not believe that in these few short days, Gao Gong's character would undergo a earth-shattering change; after all, the essence of a person is still their social attributes.

Since a single imperial decree could drive him home in history, then it would be no different now.

Just as he was thinking this, Gao Gong finally moved.

He bowed slowly: "This edict has not yet been drafted for approval."

"The rewards and promotions of others can be drafted later, but the rewards for me and Zhang Gelao Zhang can hardly be left to the hands of others."

"Your Majesty might as well go to the Cabinet with me; let me draft the approval before I receive the decree in person."

The officials looked at each other, not understanding what this was about.

Was this a last-ditch resistance, or simply a reluctance to let go?

On the contrary, the person involved understood.

Zhu Yijun watched Gao Gong with a complex expression.

Gao Gong's words were based on the premise that he was about to step down.

Once Gao Gong stepped down from his position and Zhang Juzheng became the Chief Zhang Gelao, how could he draft the approval for his own reward? It would be improper.

The same logic applied to Gao Gong's noble title.

Therefore, the drafts for others could be left for Zhang Juzheng to handle later.

But these two edicts had to complete the full procedure.

In other words, Gao Gong had agreed to retire.

He had bowed his head after all.

However, he wanted to use this final opportunity to request one last audience.

After Zhu Yijun figured this out, he nodded slowly: "Your words are those of a steady and prudent minister; it should be so."

In fact, the situation was already settled; no matter what Gao Gong chose, it would be the same.

As long as the court officials received their rewards, allowing Gao Gong's faction to clearly see that the two palaces and the majority of the court officials stood together, Gao Gong's downfall was destined, whether he accepted the decree or not.

But Zhu Yijun still granted him this favor.

Because he had intended to summon Gao Gong for one last audience anyway.

Now, it was a coincidence.

Just then, Zhang Juzheng suddenly stepped out and said: "Since that is the case, I shall also go to the Cabinet."

Zhu Yijun glanced at this fellow.

Was he worried that Gao Gong would reach some tacit understanding with him that would be unfavorable to him?

He remained noncommittal, waiting for Gao Gong to block him.

Unexpectedly, Gao Gong only raised his head, glanced at Zhang Juzheng, and said sullenly: "Let's go, Chief Zhang Gelao Zhang."

Having said that, he gripped the edict and headed toward the Cabinet on his own.

Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng stepped forward to lead the Emperor, following closely behind.

Zhu Yijun, helpless, could only let him follow.

The court officials watched the three of them leave with unreadable expressions.

On the way, the palace attendants, female officials, and secretaries followed at a distance, not daring to approach.

Gao Gong said to Zhang Juzheng again: "I have something to report to His Majesty in private."

Zhang Juzheng complied readily, bowed, and slowed his pace, keeping a distance from the two.

Zhu Yijun watched Gao Gong curiously, waiting to see what he wanted to say.

Was he going to complain about why he was being treated this way?

Or was he going to pledge his loyalty and beg for mercy, making a final attempt?

Once Zhang Juzheng was far away, Gao Gong turned his head to look at the Emperor.

After deliberating for a long time, he slowly opened his mouth: "I had intended to make you a peaceful sovereign and a happy Emperor, but it seems I was being overly sentimental."

"You would rather invite a wolf into the house just to drive me away; I have underestimated you."

"Remember what I am about to say; it doesn't matter if you don't understand it now, just keep it in your heart."

He ignored the Emperor's somewhat surprised and bewildered expression.

He continued: "I know Zhang Juzheng has now bewitched your mother, making you listen to him in everything you do, and you, fearing me, have used him to force my retirement."

"You may feel satisfied now, but in the future, you will inevitably be suppressed by this villain and regret your actions today."

"Just watch, these few people have colluded to coerce Empress Dowager Chen, and they will inevitably be inseparable and act as one in the future."

He pointed calmly at Zhang Juzheng behind him.

"Remember, Zhang Juzheng is trustworthy in political affairs, but he is not reliable."

"I have figured it out these past few days; he did not hesitate to collude with Feng Bao and gain the trust of the Li clan just to monopolize power and carry out his set of new policies."

Having said this, he sighed.

"It is too hasty; his methods are a potent poison."

"I understand Zhang Cong's 'Single Whip Law' better than he does, and it absolutely cannot be implemented throughout the world; otherwise, it will only drain the marrow from the common people and lead to the rapid collapse of the world."

"You will inevitably be sidelined by this villain in the future, but you can always outlive him. Remember, once you take personal control, you must immediately abolish the Single Whip Law."

"Opening the seas is the correct path."

"By utilizing the prosperity of Nanzhili and the surrounding provinces to trade with the outside world and absorb silver into the Imperial Treasury, only then can you restart the Single Whip Law."

"I have already done half the work of opening the seas; you must keep the Shipping Commissioner's office in your own hands."

"But this matter cannot be rushed, otherwise there will be another case of spontaneous destruction of records."

"And those useless people in the Jin faction—Zhang Juzheng cannot handle them, and they will inevitably become a major threat in the future."

"When you are in power, if the situation becomes uncontrollable, you can have someone kill Zhang Siwei's father first to force him into mourning, and once you control the Embroidered Uniform Guard, kill him directly. Do not fear public opinion."

"Wang Chonggu can enter the Cabinet, but he cannot hold military power; you can use him to stabilize the Jin faction."

"Do not lightly start a war with the Mongols; with the current national strength, the central government will not be able to withstand two more major wars."

"It is better to wait until maritime trade has shown results, and then gradually weaken them through the Ministry of War."

"And those imperial clansmen of yours—they cannot be rewarded lavishly anymore. Once you take personal control, find a reason to kill a batch of them and take back the land."

Gao Gong rambled on the whole way.

From Yunnan in the south to the mountain ranges of the south, and even the Western Tartars and Eastern Barbarians, he covered them all.

Zhu Yijun watched Gao Gong with a strange expression.

He suddenly realized that Gao Gong had never looked at him properly.

Even today, when he was so obvious, he still attributed everything to Zhang Juzheng.

He only thought that he was a child acting on impulse.

He probably even thought that he had been sidelined by the trinity, just like in history.

Zhu Yijun subconsciously glanced at Zhang Juzheng behind him.

Seeing the Emperor look at him, Zhang Juzheng also bowed slightly to acknowledge him.

Gao Gong happened to see this scene and snorted coldly: "This person has great ambitions but little talent, and his actions are extreme; he will inevitably be a great threat to the world."

"Your stepmother, the Empress Dowager, should be under guard, but that cannot stop the Emperor. You can visit her more often; it might have miraculous effects."

"Since Ge Shouli has not been dismissed, you can seek his help if you have any issues. Remember, never write anything like a 'Decree of Self-Reproach'."

"Also, the military nobles after the Yingzong Emperor are all wild dogs; they are not to be trusted. They will surround whoever has food."

"People like Zhu Xizhong will inevitably lean toward Zhang Juzheng; they might even be able to get him a posthumous noble title, humph."

Zhu Yijun listened quietly to his rambling.

He did not know if it was because a dying man's words are good, or if it was an expression of his lingering affection for the late Emperor.

Gao Gong's words were full of heartfelt advice.

Zhu Yijun listened in silence.

After a long while, Gao Gong finished speaking.

He looked at the distracted Emperor, frowned, and asked in a deep voice: "Did you remember!?"

His expulsion was imminent, and he had requested this audience as a final opportunity; if the Emperor hadn't listened to a word, it would truly be a waste.

Gao Gong understood that his recent actions must have made the Emperor resentful, and he was also determined to expel him.

But he didn't care; once the young Emperor was sidelined by Zhang Juzheng, he would regret what happened today.

He said these heartfelt words not only out of regard for the late Emperor's kindness.

It was also because, seeing his official career cut short and his ambitions having no further chance to be realized, he was giving the Emperor some instructions in the hope of setting things right in the future—treating a dead horse as a living one.

Zhu Yijun suddenly stopped.

He looked at Gao Gong and said softly: "Count of Ding'an, I have remembered."

"However... Count of Ding'an has misunderstood Zhang Gelao Zhang."

Zhu Yijun turned around, faced Zhang Juzheng in the distance, and nodded slightly.

Then he raised his hand, signaling Zhang Juzheng and his attendants to wait for a moment.

The crowd stopped as expected, obeying the order.

Gao Gong was stunned, unable to react for a moment.

Zhu Yijun continued from his previous words, smiling: "This noble title of Count of Ding'an was chosen by me personally."

Gao Gong subconsciously made a sound of confusion in his nasal cavity.

Then he suddenly realized something, and his expression changed slightly.

He stared fixedly at the Emperor, waiting for what would follow.

Zhu Yijun patiently explained to the stunned Gao Gong: "The edict for the Count of Ding'an was dictated by me, drafted by the secretaries, and after I killed Feng Bao to take the imperial seal, I obtained the Empress Dowager's consent last night in the Ciqing Palace, which is why it reached the Count of Ding'an's hands today."

He reached out and took the edict from the dumbfounded Gao Gong's hands.

While pointing at the content of the edict, he said seriously: "Look, Count of Ding'an, this part about opening maritime trade is my praise for your opening of the seas."

"This part about strengthening border defenses is my recognition of your tribute system with Altan Khan."

"Comparing you to Fan Wenzheng in the future is also out of my admiration."

"Every single item is my realization after spending the night reading through your memorials of many years; it is my heartfelt gratitude to you, Count of Ding'an."

Gao Gong was soul-less.

It wasn't until the Emperor returned the edict to his hands that he came back to his senses.

He finally understood.

He stared blankly at the Emperor: "It was... you."

He had always thought the Emperor was young and inexperienced, and had never looked at him properly.

Even when he was being pressured by the Emperor and Zhang Juzheng just now, he only felt that Zhang Juzheng was in the lead.

But now, the Emperor's sudden words caught him off guard!

Zhu Yijun nodded generously.

He gestured with his palm, signaling Gao Gong to continue walking.

He said patiently: "Seeing your sincerity just now, and your such frankness, I have nothing to be pretentious about; naturally, I should speak the truth, so you don't have to worry your heart for me anymore."

"This title of Grand Tutor and Pillar of the State was also conferred by me; the highest honors of the three dukes were just to make you retire so that the position of Chief Zhang Gelao could be vacated."

"As for conferring the title of Count, I have thought about it for a long time."

To make Gao Gong move his butt, the titles of Grand Tutor and Pillar of the State were actually enough.

As for conferring the title of Count, it was naturally for other purposes.

Gao Gong walked forward with his eyes completely out of focus.

Muttering to himself: "I thought the game had been broken by Zhang Shuda, and that His Majesty was just bewitched or coerced..."

"I never imagined that I had underestimated the heroes of the world."

Zhu Yijun shook his head: "At the moment, it can't be counted as a hero."

Hearing this, Gao Gong suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile.

He had never taken the Emperor seriously.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have said, "How can a ten-year-old Emperor govern the world?"

Afterward, he had focused entirely on Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao as his opponents, and his gaze had never turned toward the Emperor.

But now it seemed that he had been defeated precisely by this link!

His heartfelt advice just now had unexpectedly become a joke.

If he had been defeated by Zhang Juzheng, he would be half-convinced.

But to be defeated by a ten-year-old child, that was truly his own incompetence.

He suddenly realized what Yang Tinghe felt when facing the Shizong Emperor.

Gao Gong suddenly acted as if he were insane, laughing foolishly: "A good sage-king, truly a good sage-king; this is what is meant by 'those who are good at fighting have no glorious achievements'."

"It is only right that I, Gao Gong, have brought this humiliation upon myself; a mediocre man talks too much."

"Since that is the case, then I have nothing more to say; I will retire shortly."

Having said that, he alternated between self-deprecation and bitter laughter, looking completely devastated.

Zhu Yijun glanced at him, somewhat worried that he had been hit too hard.

He had to comfort him: "I did not mean to humiliate you, Count of Ding'an; I had originally intended to kill you."

For Gao Gong, a scholar can be killed but not humiliated; his statement was naturally a comfort.

Gao Gong's expression suddenly changed, and he was fearlessly stern: "Gao Gong fears not death; Your Majesty can kill me now!"

Zhu Yijun stopped abruptly.

He just watched Gao Gong quietly, without a word.

It wasn't until Gao Gong felt a bit numb that Zhu Yijun slowly opened his mouth: "If it weren't for my late father's instructions to ensure you a good end, why do you think I would keep you? And why would you be conferred a noble title?"

"Do you really think that when I dismissed you, I needed to give away a noble title?"

Gao Gong was stunned.

The words on the tip of his tongue turned around, but he didn't say them.

Finally, he just turned his head away and ignored the Emperor.

Zhu Yijun continued: "At the beginning, my late father highly recommended you, saying that you were broad-minded and detailed, profound and far-reaching, and that your great achievements in governance made you a renowned minister of the state."

"He specifically instructed my mother and me that you could be trusted and used."

"At that time, my mother had prejudices against you and remained silent."

"Seeing this, my late father finally revealed his heartfelt words, saying only that when he was the Prince of Yu, you had the merit of protecting him, and after he ascended the throne, you had the merit of assisting in governance; even if you were not used, you must be treated well."

Zhu Yijun looked at Gao Gong's averted face and said softly: "My late father truly treated you like a second father."

"Gao Gong, are you truly without a clear conscience?"

Gao Gong's face turned red, and Zhu Yijun waited quietly for Gao Gong's reaction after saying this.

The two looked at each other in silence.

For a moment, there was no speech.

Gao Gong suddenly regained his calm and sighed: "This old minister truly underestimated Your Majesty."

"If Your Majesty wanted me to deal with Xu Jie, you could have just said so; why use these words to manipulate me?"

These words were a mix of truth and falsehood; he could naturally rebuke the Emperor for speaking nonsense.

But the things mentioned in the words were accurate.

He and the late Emperor were indeed like father and son.

As long as he couldn't get past this hurdle in his heart, no matter how he refuted it, it would be meaningless.

With this insight into the human heart, he suddenly felt that his defeat was not unjust.

Zhu Yijun shook his head: "Letting Xu Jie return to his fields was just a matter of convenience."

Gao Gong was stunned.

He didn't react: "A matter of convenience?"

Zhu Yijun turned to look at Gao Gong: "If it were just for Xu Jie, I wouldn't have gone to such great lengths."

Although Gao Gong had already stepped down, his years of habit were still there, and upon hearing this, he began to think.

After a long while.

He suddenly realized something and exclaimed: "Your Majesty wants to move against Nanzhili!?"

Zhu Yijun was somewhat surprised at Gao Gong's intelligence, thinking of the reason after only a moment.

He appreciated it: "It's just one of the historical tasks of the Great Ming Dynasty; it's a long-term process, so one must make the first move."

Gao Gong didn't grasp the meaning, but suddenly felt an attitude even more uncomfortable than humiliation—the Emperor was actually looking down on him and appreciating him!?

It was a matter of being willing to lose, but now that it had fallen on the young Emperor, who was showing a victor's posture toward him, it was truly uncomfortable everywhere.

Gao Gong turned his head unnaturally: "What does Your Majesty want?"

The Emperor bringing up the late Emperor to manipulate him must not be without reason.

Zhu Yijun turned his head to look at Gao Gong: "The Viceroy of Grain Transport and concurrently in charge of military affairs, Wang Zongmu, and the Lianghuai Salt Transport Commissioner, Wang Ruyan."

Gao Gong looked deeply at the Emperor.

He nodded and then shook his head: "I can give the people to Your Majesty, but it's useless; the salt administration in Lianghuai is too deep, and it's not something a Viceroy of Grain Transport and a Transport Commissioner can handle."

Zhu Yijun suddenly smiled: "Therefore, before you retire, Count of Ding'an, you need to make a statement to me and recommend Hai Rui."

"The official position will be Assistant Censor-in-Chief, supervising the Lianghuai salt taxes and concurrently managing the river works."

(End of chapter)