Chapter 8

"I heard that you caused some trouble in front of the hall?" Imperial Consort Li brought up another matter.

Zhu Zhu Yijun was just about to use this matter to make a fuss so he could intervene in personnel, and since Imperial Consort Li brought it up actively, he naturally had no reason not to answer.

He waved his hand at the left and right, ordering: "You all go down."

Imperial Consort Li nodded, and the palace maids and eunuchs retreated in response.

Only then did he tell Imperial Consort Li about what happened in front of the hall.

In the end, he added: "Your son saw that Mother was angry with Gao Gong, so I felt indignant and wanted to ask him for an explanation, not knowing it would turn out like this."

Women, you know, as long as it's for them, doing something out of the ordinary will make them even more moved.

Imperial Consort Li glared at him: "What Gao Gong, call him Senior Grand Secretary!"

Although she was glaring at him, the smile on her face didn't fade in the slightest.

She continued the conversation: "According to your handling, this little eunuch was sowing discord between the upper and lower, and it wasn't Gao Gong being overbearing?"

There, with this address and this tone, Zhu Zhu Yijun immediately heard the emotional color Imperial Consort Li had toward Gao Gong.

He confirmed inwardly again that the day this mother of his added the title of Empress Dowager, it would be the day Gao Gong left the Grand Secretariat.

"Mother, even if there are other ways to say it, this Gao Gong definitely can't escape being overbearing and arrogant; otherwise, how could he make me unable to step down outside the hall."

This mother of his was also a "donkey that likes to be stroked the right way"; even if he decided to give Gao Gong a turn, leaving him a dignified retirement, he had to pay attention to the method.

Imperial Consort Li snorted lightly, clearly hitting her heart.

It wasn't a day's cold that froze three feet of ice; Gao Gong's overbearingness wasn't just this one thing, and her prejudice against him was already deep.

She reached out to tidy up Zhu Zhu Yijun's clothes and said casually: "Then you still gave Big Companion a hard time; the Director of the Ceremonial Secretariat is his godson."

This favor was too obvious, much stronger than Gao Gong.

Zhu Zhu Yijun followed the snake up the stick and went behind Imperial Consort Li to pound her shoulders: "Mother, it's not that I have to give Big Companion a hard time."

"First, that little eunuch, whether he was sowing discord or was too afraid of Gao Gong to tell the truth, was a person who disregarded the monarch and father."

"It is the duty of the human monarch to punish such a person who is on duty in the Zhao Wenhua Hall, and your son might have forgotten it."

"Furthermore, Gao Gong occupied the reason on the surface and wouldn't let go, so your son could only deal with it a little to avoid delaying the big event of presiding over the court and requesting to ascend."

Imperial Consort Li looked at her own child unexpectedly.

Her own son had truly changed his nature today, his speech was orderly and clear, which was truly intelligent, and no wonder many officials praised him for having the appearance of a monarch, which made her savor it for a long time.

She watched Zhu Zhu Yijun change so much in a short time, and felt it was incredible.

She also remembered the Eastern Palace in the morning... Could it be that the late Emperor was truly protecting him?

She suppressed the murmur in her heart and still couldn't help but praise him: "Well, it's considered comprehensive."

After saying this, she looked at her son curiously: "Then you asked Big Companion to choose someone else to fill the position, and you have both face and substance, why did you have to kick the ball to your mother here?"

Zhu Zhu Yijun paused his shoulder-pounding hand and didn't say a word for a while.

Imperial Consort Li was very sensitive and asked: "We are mother and son, is there anything I can't say?"

Zhu Zhu Yijun blushed: "Mother, it's not that I can't say it, it's just that it's a bit hard to speak for a moment."

Imperial Consort Li waved her hand, too lazy to speak.

Only then did Zhu Zhu Yijun say: "Mother, Big Companion already leads the Eastern Depot and concurrently manages the Inner Guards of the Imperial Horse Bureau; these are prominent positions in the inner court, and he is very busy."

"A few days ago, Mother promoted him to Director of the Ceremonial Secretariat, and all the key affairs of the inner court are in his hands; he is very busy."

"Just like after the court was dismissed, Big Companion went to handle the memorials and couldn't serve by my side. Your son has wanted to find him many times these past few days but couldn't."

"So, your son wants to take this opportunity to ask Mother to allocate another great eunuch to listen to orders by my side."

After saying this, he even flattered Imperial Consort Li by rubbing her shoulders and neck.

Slandering in front of the leader, who wouldn't know how to do it?

Feng Bao could play the "Gao Gong threat theory" and smear him as naughty, so he could naturally follow suit!

The first-in-command of the Ceremonial Secretariat is called the "Inner Prime Minister," and the second-in-command leads the Eastern Depot; the two check and balance each other.

Imperial Consort Li was a woman in the deep palace and didn't understand the tricks; letting Feng Bao shoulder two positions alone now, he naturally had a reason to remind Imperial Consort Li.

As for the effect, it depended on Imperial Consort Li's trust in Feng Bao; he could just come a few more times.

Sure enough, hearing this, Imperial Consort Li frowned and thought deeply.

After a while, she answered absent-mindedly: "So who do you want to ask for?"

Zhu Zhu Yijun lowered his head and said respectfully: "It's all up to Mother to decide."

He paused: "However, your son dreamed of the late Emperor today, and my longing is growing; can Mother choose someone from the old people of the Prince Yu's mansion, so they can tell me more about the late Emperor's past, to relieve my grief."

The Prince Yu's mansion was the residence of the late Emperor before he ascended the throne, and it was also the place where Zhu Zhu Yijun was born and raised.

He didn't name anyone, which naturally had its own tricks.

There weren't many eunuchs in the palace, but if you added the restrictions of the Prince Yu's mansion and being a great eunuch, there weren't many.

The great eunuchs from the Prince Yu's mansion, such as Chen Hong and Meng Chong, had successively served as Directors of the Ceremonial Secretariat after the late Emperor ascended the throne, and were now disliked by Imperial Consort Li.

There were also those who had deep feelings for the late Emperor and had requested to build a tomb for him, and could only accompany the late Emperor for the rest of their lives.

Removing those who were old and retired.

Now there were only two people who could be used.

One was named Chen Chen Suan, and one was named Zhang Hong.

But Zhu Zhu Yijun knew clearly in his heart that Imperial Consort Li could only choose the latter.

Why? Because the former was serving Empress Chen.

Therefore, he gave the leader a multiple-choice question with no choice.

Choosing within a limited range, and giving the leader the power to decide, this was called a win-win.

With his performance today, he believed Imperial Consort Li would still agree to this small request.

As for Zhang Hong himself.

This person had served his predecessor for a period of time when he was young, and in his memory, he was respectful and quite capable.

The late Emperor had rewarded him several times and praised him as a loyal and good slave.

What was even better was that this person was unwilling to follow Meng Chong and Feng Bao and had been repeatedly suppressed; the position of Director of the eunuchs was neither big nor small, and it was a favor, and it was convenient for him to handle, which was just right.

Imperial Consort Li didn't think carefully, just nodded as if she were wandering: "Well, I know about this."

It was an insignificant matter, and she was still pondering whether Feng Bao was holding too much power, so she agreed without caring at all.

Zhu Zhu Yijun saw that the goal was achieved and breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.

Imperial Consort Li waved her hand: "Alright, go back to your palace and study the classics well; the Grand Secretariat has added a burden to you."

Zhu Zhu Yijun bowed and responded: "Your son will keep it in mind."

After saying this, he turned to leave.

……

In the afternoon, there was originally archery to learn, but because of the mourning period, this was also temporarily canceled.

Zhu Zhu Yijun was a bit unhappy; how could he not have physical education?

The remains of the Emperor Wanli Emperor discovered in the modern era had leg diseases.

Now he didn't feel any discomfort in his legs, so it must have been caused later.

Either it was diabetes caused by eating too many sweets, which led to bone problems—after all, his predecessor's mouth full of cavities showed how much he loved sugar; or it was gout, which wasn't entirely groundless, as the Emperor Wanli Emperor always said in his daily records that he had several lumps on his legs.

He was prepared to eat less sugar now, but this physical education class couldn't be missed.

Since riding and archery were stopped, he simply exercised in Ciqing Palace and played a simple set of Five Animal Exercises—this was something he had prepared for his retirement in his previous life.

He stopped only after sweating a little, and let people serve him for a bath.

He was bathing at this time because after dinner, he still needed to go to Qianqing Palace to kneel before the spirit of the late Emperor.

Although it was just going through the motions and he could leave after a while, bathing was an unavoidable process, all of which were things that couldn't be missed during the mourning period.

It was still early, so it was just right to review his studies.

After he started his daily lectures, he only studied two subjects: "The Great Learning" and "The Book of Documents."

Because his predecessor's aptitude was average, he only learned to punctuate and recite them, but his handwriting was quite decent.

He ordered the eunuch to move the desk to a sunny place, facing the sunlight, and turned to a copy of "The

He stopped only after breaking a sweat, then had someone attend to his bath.

He was bathing now because after dinner, he still needed to go to the Qianqing Palace to kneel in mourning for the late Emperor.

Although it was just going through the motions and he could leave after a while, bathing was an unavoidable part of the process; these were all things that could not be omitted during the mourning period.

It was still early, so it was a good time to review his studies.

Since he began his daily lectures, he had only studied two subjects: "The Great Learning" and "The Book of Documents."

Because his predecessor's aptitude was average, he could only read the texts and recite them from memory; conversely, his handwriting was actually quite decent.

He ordered the eunuchs to move the desk to a sunny spot, and facing the sunlight, he leisurely opened a copy of "The Great Learning"—hmm, brand new; he really was a poor student.

He shook his head and began to recite.

Zhu Zhu Yijun was not repulsed by these Four Books and Five Classics; after all, this was the learning of the sages.

If he didn't familiarize himself with them well, how could he borrow the shell to launch his own agenda?

It was time for this old Confucian bottle to be filled with his new wine.

……

"Godfather, my seat as the Director of the Ceremonial Guard isn't even warm yet!"

A eunuch knelt at Feng Bao's feet, fawningly offering tea while complaining.

Eunuchs entering the palace always needed to rely on some high-ranking eunuch; those who gained favor could acknowledge a godfather.

With a long line of adopted sons, the high-ranking eunuch would eventually be called the "Old Ancestor."

"Shut up!" Feng Bao suddenly changed his expression and kicked him away. "Say one more word, and you can forget about going to the Weaving Bureau!"

The adopted son before him was naturally the Director of the Ceremonial Guard who had been removed from his post today due to pressure from the Crown Prince and the Cabinet.

He was in a foul mood and had no interest in listening to anyone's clamor.

The adopted son was terrified and scrambled out as fast as he could.

Just then, another eunuch ran in from outside, and the two brushed past each other.

The young eunuch who had just entered knelt before Feng Bao: "Old Ancestor!"

"After lunch, the Crown Prince went to the Noble Imperial Consort's place."

"Afterward, the Noble Imperial Consort asked the attendants about the eunuchs from the Yu Prince's former residence!"

Feng Bao's expression changed.

His predecessor as Seal-Holding Eunuch, Meng Chong, was a eunuch from the Yu Prince's former residence!

Could it be that Gao Gong had truly incited the Crown Prince to attempt to bring Meng Chong back to power?

He had had this thought this morning when he suffered a setback before the Zhao Wenhua Hall, and now it seemed to confirm his suspicions.

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

He seemed to think of something, his expression suddenly turning ferocious, and he turned and said: "Go, call Feng Lin here."

Feng Lin was the most capable among his adopted sons.

He was too busy managing the Ceremonial Guard to handle everything, so the Eastern Depot was managed by this adopted son.

Before long, a eunuch with a somewhat feminine appearance walked in.

"Godfather, you were looking for me?"

As he spoke, he bowed to Feng Bao's side and supported Feng Bao's arm.

Feng Bao suddenly grabbed his hand and said coldly: "What is Meng Chong doing today? Has anyone been in contact with him?"

He was afraid that Meng Chong, like a centipede, would not die easily, so he had long since arranged for people to watch him.

Feng Lin reported Meng Chong's every move in detail, not even omitting how long he spent in the latrine.

He added: "As for whether he has been in contact with anyone... Godfather, that old wretch Meng Chong has had people visiting him these past few days; some were palace officials handling handovers, and others were delivering messages from the Cabinet, and we couldn't stop them."

Feng Bao's eyes grew even more malicious, and he muttered: "Good, he really is a thief who won't die; the Cabinet is Gao Gong's people, right!?"

Meng Chong's position as Seal-Holding Eunuch was recommended to the late Emperor by Gao Gong, and the two had always been close.

Feng Lin lowered his head: "It must be the Chief Grand Secretary."

His godfather could call Gao Gong by his name, but he dared not.

Feng Bao leaned on him and sat back on the couch, remaining silent for a while.

A quarter of an hour passed, and only the sound of their breathing filled the room.

Finally, Feng Bao suddenly chuckled, his expression unreadable: "Let Meng Chong fall into the water."

His tone was light, yet it carried a chilling coldness.

The struggles among eunuchs were several times more naked than those in the Outer Court.

Especially for a eunuch who had lost power, dying in some corner was perfectly normal.

Feng Lin was startled and prostrated himself: "I will go handle it immediately."

Just as the two were talking, the door was suddenly knocked again.

The young eunuch who had received permission entered and reported: "Old Ancestor, the Noble Imperial Consort has selected Zhang Hong to take the position of Director of the Ceremonial Guard."

Feng Bao was startled and muttered: "Zhang Hong?"

Feng Lin hesitated: "Godfather, should I still go ahead with that matter?"

Feng Bao waved his hand: "Go ahead, it will save me from worrying all day."

The latter understood and immediately left the room.

The young eunuch still had something to report, so he quickly climbed up and leaned into Feng Bao's ear: "Old Ancestor, there is one more thing; that person in the Outer Court sent a message."

"He said the Chief Grand Secretary is going to impeach you and is currently writing the memorial; he told you to be well-prepared and drag it out for a few days, and the situation will become clear."

Feng Bao's expression was shocked: "Gao Gong is writing a memorial to impeach me!?"

He subconsciously repeated it again.

That Gao Gong! He hadn't even made a move yet, and this person was already preparing to plot against him!

This was no small matter; his position as Seal-Holding Eunuch was temporarily granted by the Li Imperial Consort, not personally appointed by the late Emperor. It wouldn't be questioned as long as it involved the Li Imperial Consort, but if someone were to be serious about it, it would be troublesome.

Only the Li Imperial Consort could suppress this matter.

However, it was currently the time before the new Emperor had ascended the throne, and he was afraid that the Li Imperial Consort would use him as a scapegoat to avoid complications.

Feng Bao's thoughts raced.

At the moment, there was no way to strike Gao Gong down in one blow.

Only after the new Emperor ascended the throne and the Li Imperial Consort stood on firm ground regarding ritual law could Gao Gong be dismissed.

This was also the reason he hadn't made a move yet—he was still waiting for the right time to present that question, "How can a ten-year-old Son of Heaven govern the world?", to the Li Imperial Consort!

And the so-called dragging it out for a few days until the situation became clear meant waiting for the new Emperor to ascend the throne.

As for how to drag it out for a few days... Feng Bao immediately had an idea.

He understood the crux of the matter and couldn't help but say hatefully: "Gao Gong, I will definitely make you pay!"

He turned and ordered the young eunuch: "Go, send a reply, say that I must be told the moment Gao Gong submits his memorial, and I will find a way."

Since Gao Gong wanted to submit a memorial to the two palaces to impeach him, he would definitely not go through the Huiji Gate to the Ceremonial Guard, but would find another way; in this light, killing Meng Chong was the right move.

Furthermore, he had to know the timing of Gao Gong's memorial, which required cooperation from the Outer Court; otherwise, if he lost the initiative and shook the Li Imperial Consort's position, it would be bad.

The young eunuch retreated: "I will go deliver the message immediately."

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

……

Zhu Zhu Yijun had just finished dinner and was preparing to go to the Qianqing Palace when a eunuch came in to report.

"Your Highness, the Noble Imperial Consort has sent someone to say that she has selected Zhang Hong to serve by your side, and he will come to the Ciqing Palace to pay his respects early tomorrow morning."

Sure enough, just as he expected, they had finally chosen Zhang Hong.

Zhu Zhu Yijun nodded.

He pondered for a moment and ordered the eunuch: "Don't wait until tomorrow morning; I am going to the Qianqing Palace to kneel in mourning now, tell him to come to the late Emperor's spirit hall immediately to see me."

Time and tide wait for no man; he had no eyes and ears of his own now and was unable to move a step, so he couldn't wait even a moment.

Furthermore, seeing this high-ranking eunuch from the former residence before the late Emperor's spirit hall would have its own considerations.

Note 1: On the 23rd, Ding Chou, Grand Secretary Shen Shen Yiguan submitted: "The document official Lu Shou orally conveyed the Imperial Edict: 'I have developed a few hot boils on my legs and cannot walk. I shall send an official to deliver the edict here.' I respectfully drafted the response, awaiting the Imperial decision. At this time of summer heat, the humid weather is stifling, and the Imperial body is of utmost importance; the recuperation should be thorough. I was shocked to hear the message and am deeply distressed. I humbly submit my concern and inquire after your health. I only wish for the harmony of your temperament and the arrival of auspicious blessings, receiving Heaven's grace; the people and ministers are filled with longing. I respectfully submit this memorial." — "Emperor Wanli Diary of Activities and Repose"