Chapter 8: Lying Low, Accumulating Drops to Fill the Stream

“I hear you caused a bit of trouble in the palace hall?” Li Imperial Consort brought up another matter.

Zhu Yijun was about to use this incident as leverage to intervene in personnel matters; since Li Imperial Consort raised it herself, he had no reason not to respond.

He waved his hand to either side and ordered, “All of you, leave.”

Li Imperial Consort nodded, and the palace maids and eunuchs promptly withdrew.

Only then did he recount the events in the hall to Li Imperial Consort.

At the end, he added, “I saw Mother was displeased with Gao Gong, so I was indignant and wanted to demand an explanation from him—I never expected it to turn out this way.”

Women, after all, are more moved when you do something outlandish for their sake.

Li Imperial Consort glared at him: “What Gao Gong? Call him Yuanfu!”

Though she glared, the smile on her face did not fade at all.

She continued, “According to your handling, this young eunuch was sowing discord between superior and inferior—not that Gao Gong was arrogant?”

Ah, the term and tone—Zhu Yijun immediately sensed Li Imperial Consort’s emotional coloring toward Gao Gong.

He internally confirmed once more: the day this mother became Empress Dowager would be the day Gao Gong left the Grand Secretariat.

“Mother, even if there are other interpretations, Gao Gong certainly cannot escape the charge of arrogance and insolence—otherwise, how could he have made me unable to leave the palace hall with dignity?”

His mother was a soft-touch—even if she intended to give Gao Gong some room to save face and retire honorably, she still had to be careful with her methods.

Li Imperial Consort let out a light huff—clearly, he’d struck a nerve.

Ice three feet thick doesn’t form in a day; Gao Gong’s arrogance wasn’t just this one incident—her resentment toward him ran deep.

She reached out to smooth his robes and said casually, “But you also humiliated Daban—his adopted son is the Director of the Directorate of Eunuchs.”

The favor she showed him was too obvious—far greater than what she showed Gao Gong.

Zhu Yijun seized the opportunity, circling behind Li Imperial Consort to massage her shoulders: “Mother, I didn’t mean to humiliate Daban.”

“First, whether this young eunuch was sowing discord or too afraid of Gao Gong to speak truthfully, he committed the crime of deceiving the sovereign and disregarding ruler and father.”

“Someone like this serving in the Wenhua Hall’s confidential posts means the Directorate of Eunuchs shares some blame. Rewards and punishments are the sovereign’s duty—I dare not forget.”

“Moreover, on the surface, Gao Gong held the moral high ground and refused to let go. I could only take some action to avoid delaying the crucial matter of court attendance and counsel.”

Li Imperial Consort looked at her son with surprise.

Her son had truly changed—he spoke with clarity and logic, genuinely wise, no wonder the ministers praised him and saw the bearing of a sovereign.

Watching Zhu Yijun transform so dramatically in such a short time, she found it unbelievable.

She recalled the events in the Eastern Palace this morning… Could it truly be the protection of the late Emperor?

She suppressed her inner murmurs but couldn’t help praising: “Hmm, quite thoughtful.”

Then she asked curiously, “So just have Daban pick someone else to fill the position—both face and substance are covered. Why bring this kicking ball to your mother?”

Zhu Yijun paused his shoulder massage just long enough, then resumed silently.

Li Imperial Consort sensed it immediately and asked, “We’re mother and son, heart to heart—what can’t you say?”

Zhu Yijun blushed slightly: “Mother, it’s not that I can’t say it—I just find it hard to bring up right now.”

Li Imperial Consort waved her hand, uninterested in pressing further.

Zhu Yijun then said, “Mother, Daban already oversees the Eastern Depot and the Imperial Stable Guard—these are key positions within the inner court.”

“A few days ago, Mother promoted him to Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Eunuchs—he now holds all inner court secrets in one hand, and is extremely busy.”

“After court adjourns, Daban is occupied with memorials and cannot attend to me. For several days, I’ve tried repeatedly to find him but couldn’t.”

“So I wish to take this opportunity to ask Mother to assign me another senior eunuch to serve me directly.”

As he spoke, he affectionately rubbed her neck and shoulders.

Who doesn’t know how to whisper poison into a leader’s ear?

Feng Bao could use the Gao Gong threat theory and smear him as mischievous—he could do the same!

The Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Eunuchs is called the “Inner Chancellor”; the Deputy oversees the Eastern Depot—these two balance each other.

Li Imperial Consort, a palace woman, doesn’t understand these subtleties; letting Feng Bao hold both posts at once is dangerous—he must awaken her to this.

As for the effect, it depends on how much trust Li Imperial Consort places in Feng Bao—worst case, he’ll do it again.

As expected, after hearing this, Li Imperial Consort frowned slightly, lost in thought.

After a while, she replied absently, “So who do you want me to give you?”

Zhu Yijun lowered his head respectfully: “It’s entirely up to Mother’s discretion.”

He paused. “But today, I dreamed of the late Emperor, and my longing has grown stronger. Could Mother select someone from the old servants of the Yu Mansion to tell me more about the late Emperor’s past, to ease my grief?”

The Yu Mansion was the late Emperor’s residence before his ascension—the place where Zhu Yijun was born and raised.

He didn’t name anyone specifically—there was clearly a deeper reason.

There were many eunuchs in the palace, but with the two conditions—former servant of the Yu Mansion and senior eunuch—the pool shrank drastically.

Only five or six eunuchs in the Yu Mansion had senior eunuch status.

Chen Hong, Meng Chong—these senior eunuchs from the Yu Mansion became Chief Eunuchs of the Directorate of Eunuchs after the late Emperor’s ascension, and now both were despised by Li Imperial Consort.

Others who were deeply attached to the late Emperor voluntarily requested to oversee his mausoleum construction, spending the rest of their lives in his company.

Others, too aged, had retired to live out their days in peace.

Now, only two remained usable.

One was Chen Suan; the other was Zhang Hong.

But Zhu Yijun knew clearly: Li Imperial Consort would choose only the latter.

Why? Because the former currently served Empress Chen.

So he gave his leader a choice with no real alternative.

Limiting the options while preserving the leader’s authority—that’s true win-win.

Given his performance today, he believed Li Imperial Consort would grant this small request.

As for Zhang Hong himself:

He had served the former body during his childhood—Zhu Yijun remembered him as respectful and highly capable.

The late Emperor had praised him multiple times, calling him a loyal servant.

Even better—he refused to curry favor with Meng Chong or Feng Bao and had been suppressed repeatedly; the position of Director of Eunuchs was just right—enough to owe him a favor, and easy to control.

Li Imperial Consort didn’t think deeply—she merely nodded absentmindedly: “Hmm, I understand.”

It was a trivial matter; she was still pondering whether Feng Bao had amassed too much power, so she accepted this without a second thought.

Zhu Yijun, having achieved his goal, exhaled softly in relief.

Li Imperial Consort waved her hand: “Enough. Return to your palace and study your classics—the Grand Secretariat has added more burdens to you.”

Zhu Yijun bowed deeply: “Your servant remembers.”

As he rose, he casually added, “By the way, Mother, many matters were discussed in the hall today—how were they resolved? Could you guide me, explain them so I may learn?”

Li Imperial Consort replied irritably: “How could it be decided so quickly? The Empress must review them first, then I’ll take them up.”

Zhu Yijun asked in surprise: “But doesn’t the Empress never concern herself with these matters?”

Li Imperial Consort shook her head: “Though the Empress is lazy about handling them, she still sends them to me. Ritual propriety cannot be violated—she is the legitimate Empress.”

“Enough. I’ll explain them to you after I’ve reviewed them tomorrow. Now go back and study.”

Li Imperial Consort dismissed him again.

Zhu Yijun had no choice but to rise and leave.

…

There was supposed to be an archery lesson this afternoon, but due to the mourning period, it was temporarily canceled.

Zhu Yijun was displeased—how could he skip physical education?

Modern examinations of the Wanli Emperor’s remains revealed he suffered from leg ailments.

He felt no discomfort in his legs now—so the problem must have developed later.

Either he ate too much sugar, causing diabetic bone issues—after all, the former body’s rotten teeth proved his sweet tooth—or gout, not unfounded: the Wanli Emperor’s daily records often mentioned lumps on his legs.

He was now planning to eat less sugar, but he couldn’t skip physical education.

Since riding and archery were suspended, he exercised within the Ciqing Palace, then practiced the Five Animals Play—a routine he’d prepared for his retirement.

Only after breaking a light sweat did he stop, and had servants prepare his bath.

He bathed now because after dinner, he had to go to the Qianqing Palace to kneel in mourning for the late Emperor.

Though it was merely a formality—he’d only stay a short while—bathing was still required; these rituals were indispensable during mourning.

The day was still early—perfect for studying.

After his formal lessons began, he had studied only the “Great Learning” and the “Book of Documents.”

Due to the former body’s mediocre talent, he could only read with pauses and recite mechanically—but his calligraphy was surprisingly decent.

He ordered the eunuchs to move the desk to a sunlit spot, opened the “Great Learning” with calmness—yes, brand new. Clearly, a slacker.

He shook his head and began reciting.

Zhu Yijun had no aversion to the Four Books and Five Classics—after all, these were the teachings of the sages.

How could he properly “borrow the shell” without mastering them?

This old Confucian bottle was ready to hold his new wine.

…

“Dry Father, I haven’t even warmed the seat of the Director of Eunuchs yet!”

A eunuch knelt before Feng Bao, offering tea with flattery as he complained.

Eunuchs entering the palace always needed to attach themselves to a senior eunuch; those favored could adopt him as a “dry father.”

Dry sons adopting dry sons, in endless chains—this was how senior eunuchs came to be called “Old Ancestor.”

“Shut up!” Feng Bao suddenly turned furious and kicked him away. “Say another word, and you won’t go to the Weaving Bureau at all!”

This adopted son before him was naturally the Provincial Military Commander who had been stripped of his post today under pressure from the Crown Prince and the Grand Secretariat.

He was in a foul mood and had no patience for noise here.

The adopted son startled and scrambled out, crawling and rolling in haste.

At that moment, another eunuch sprinted in from outside, passing by the two.

The newly arrived young eunuch immediately knelt before Feng Bao: “Old Ancestor!”

“After the Crown Prince’s noon meal, he went to see the Noble Imperial Consort.”

“Then the Noble Imperial Consort began asking her attendants about the eunuchs from the Prince of Yu’s former residence!”

Feng Bao’s expression changed.

His predecessor, the Chief Eunuch Meng Chong, had been an eunuch from the Prince of Yu’s former residence!

Could it be that Gao Gong had bewitched the Crown Prince, trying to bring Meng Chong back to power?

He had entertained this thought earlier today when he suffered humiliation before the Wenhua Hall; now it seemed to confirm his suspicion.

Feng Bao paced back and forth in the room, frowning deeply.

He seemed to have thought of something; his face suddenly twisted into a menacing look, and he turned and said: “Go, bring Feng Lin here.”

Feng Lin was his most capable adopted son.

As he was too occupied managing the Office of Eunuch Supervision, he had entrusted the Eastern Depot to this adopted son.

Soon, a eunuch with a soft, effeminate face entered.

“Adopted Father, you called for me?”

As he spoke, he bowed low beside Feng Bao and supported his arm.

Feng Bao suddenly grabbed his hand and said coldly: “What has Meng Chong been doing today? Has anyone been communicating with him?”

He feared Meng Chong, though fallen, might still stir like a hundred-legged worm refusing to die, and had long arranged watchers to monitor him.

Feng Lin reported every detail of Meng Chong’s movements that day, even how long he spent on the latrine.

He added: “As for communication with others… Adopted Father, that old bastard Meng Chong has had visitors every day these past few days—some palace maids coming to hand over duties, others delivering messages to the Grand Secretariat. We couldn’t stop them.”

Feng Bao’s gaze grew darker; he muttered: “So it’s true—he hasn’t given up. The Grand Secretariat is Gao Gong’s faction, isn’t it?!”

Meng Chong’s position as Chief Eunuch had been recommended to the late Emperor by Gao Gong; their ties had always been close.

Feng Lin lowered his head: “It must be the Senior Grand Secretary.”

His own adopted father could speak Gao Gong’s name directly, but he dared not.

Feng Bao, still supported by the eunuch, sat back on the couch and fell silent.

A quarter hour passed; only the sound of their breathing filled the room.

Finally, Feng Bao let out a soft laugh, his expression unreadable: “Let Meng Chong fall into the water.”

His tone was light, yet icy.

Eunuch rivalries were far more brutal than those in the outer court.

Especially for a fallen eunuch—dying in some dark corner was perfectly normal.

Feng Lin froze, then prostrated himself fully: “Your servant will act at once.”

Just as they were speaking, the door suddenly knocked again.

The young eunuch, granted permission, rushed in and reported: “Old Ancestor, the Noble Imperial Consort has selected Zhang Hong to take over the position of Provincial Military Commander of the Office of Eunuch Supervision. He will come to Ciqing Palace tomorrow morning to pay his respects.”

Feng Bao froze, murmuring: “Zhang Hong?”

Feng Lin hesitated: “Adopted Father, should I still carry out the plan?”

Feng Bao waved his hand: “Go ahead. Better to eliminate him than keep me in constant dread.”

The other understood and immediately left.

But the young eunuch still had more to report; he scrambled up again and leaned close to Feng Bao’s ear: “Old Ancestor, one more thing—the outer court has sent word.”

“The Senior Grand Secretary is drafting an impeachment memorial against you. He urges you to be on guard and delay matters for a few days—the situation will become clear then.”

Feng Bao’s expression jolted: “Gao Gong is drafting a memorial to impeach me?!”

He repeated it involuntarily.

That bastard Gao Gong! He hadn’t even moved yet, and this man was already preparing to strike him down!

This was no small matter. His position as Chief Eunuch had been temporarily appointed by Lady Li, not personally conferred by the late Emperor. It only held because Lady Li protected him—if anyone pressed the issue, it would become troublesome.

Only Lady Li could suppress this.

But now, with the new Emperor not yet enthroned, he feared Lady Li might sacrifice him to avoid complications.

Feng Bao’s mind raced.

He couldn’t crush Gao Gong outright right now.

Only after the new Emperor’s enthronement, when Lady Li had solidified her legal standing, could he remove Gao Gong.

That was why he had held back all this time—he was still waiting for the right moment to tell Lady Li that line: “How can a ten-year-old Son of Heaven govern the realm?”

And “delay a few days until the situation becomes clear” meant waiting for the new Emperor’s enthronement.

As for how to delay those few days… Feng Bao immediately had an idea.

Realizing the implications, he hissed: “Gao Gong, I will make you pay!”

He turned to the young eunuch: “Go, send word back: tell him that the moment Gao Gong submits his memorial, inform me—I’ll find a way.”

Since Gao Gong intended to submit his memorial to both palaces to impeach him, he wouldn’t go through the Huimen Gate to the Office of Eunuch Supervision—he’d take another route. In that case, killing Meng Chong was the right move.

Moreover, he needed to know precisely when Gao Gong would submit his memorial—and that required cooperation from the outer court. Otherwise, if he lost the initiative and shook Lady Li’s confidence, it would be disastrous.

The young eunuch withdrew: “Your servant will deliver the message at once.”

Only Feng Bao remained in the hall, his expression shifting between shadow and light.

…

Zhu Yijun had just finished his evening meal and was preparing to go to Qianqing Palace when an eunuch entered to report.

“Your Highness, the Noble Consort has sent word: she has selected Zhang Hong to serve you. He will come to Ciqing Palace tomorrow morning to pay his respects.”

As expected, in the end, they chose Zhang Hong.

Zhu Yijun nodded.

After a moment’s thought, he instructed the eunuch: “Don’t wait until tomorrow morning. I’m going to Qianqing Palace now to pay respects before the late Emperor’s spirit. Have him come immediately to the late Emperor’s memorial hall to meet me.”

Time waits for no one. He had no eyes of his own and could not afford even a moment’s delay.

Moreover, meeting this former eunuch of the Prince of Yu’s residence before the late Emperor’s spirit carried its own significance.

Note 1: On the 23rd day of the Dingchou month, Grand Secretary Shen Yiguan submitted a memorial: “The scribe Lu Shou orally conveyed the imperial decree: ‘Several hot boils have appeared on the legs; I cannot walk. I have dispatched an envoy to come here with the decree.’ I humbly draft this for submission and await Your Majesty’s decision. Now, in the height of summer, the heat is oppressive and stifling; the Emperor’s health is of utmost importance and requires careful care. I was startled to hear this rumor and am deeply troubled. I humbly submit my sincere devotion, reporting on the Emperor’s well-being. May Your Majesty regulate your emotions, invite auspicious fortune, receive Heaven’s great blessings, and ensure the prosperity of the people and the loyalty of your ministers. I respectfully submit this memorial.” —《Wanli Qiju Zhu》