Chapter 97: Cangshan is like the sea, the setting sun is like blood

Sun Yizheng was directly taken to the Censorate.

Besides the person, there was also the evidence collected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot, who had been secretly watching Sun Yizheng for nearly a year.

Seeing this, Ge Shouli would naturally understand the Emperor's attitude.

Even, when Sun Yizheng entered the palace, the people ransacking his home were already on the way to his residence—this was the reason Li Jin dared to take money and not do the job.

But this was ultimately just Zhu Yijun making a fuss to kill a minor character he had long disliked.

The tricky part was still to come—this earth-shattering event in Huguang was only just beginning to show its clues.

Zhu Yijun chewed on the four words "Prince of Yueyang's Prefecture" and slowly sat back on the throne.

The Huguang matter involving the imperial clan did not exceed his expectations; in fact, this was already within his expectations.

To be able to commit such an act as burning an imperial envoy, one not only needed to be powerful and have the energy, but also had to be deeply rooted and entrenched in the locality.

Itinerant officials naturally did not meet this condition.

Just as Xu Jie had previously advised, itinerant officials stayed for as short as two months and as long as two years.

The term of office was too short, the local management was not long enough, the interests were not deeply entangled, and there was no reason to take risks.

As for the local tyrants and gentry, they were even less capable.

Just saying they could raise thousands of bandits was not something gentry could do.

Nor did they have the ability to know Zhang Chucheng's whereabouts like the back of their hand, letting the Yueyang Guard and the River Patrol Camp turn a blind eye.

These at most provided some accomplices, spending money where money needed to be spent, shielding where shielding was needed; in short, it was impossible for them to take the lead.

The only ones in Huguang who could meet the above conditions were the imperial clan.

As the "Central Land of the World," Huguang controlled Yong and led Yang, connected Yue and joined Yu, embraced the Jiang and Han rivers, and encompassed Hu and Xiang; naturally, there was no lack of Princes and Commandery Princes.

The number of vassal princes in Huguang accounted for 40% of the total number of vassal princes, ranking first among all provincial administration commissions, and was known as "Imperial Clan Chessboard."

With vast power, noble status, and roots in the land for decades or centuries.

Whether in terms of strength or motivation, the imperial clan was the number one suspect.

Of course, there was another important reason that almost made the imperial clan a certainty—that was stupidity!

Only if they were stupid enough would they dare to commit such a case; only if they were stupid enough would they still hold onto a fluke mentality after committing the crime.

How stupid was the imperial clan of this dynasty?

If most of the nobles of this dynasty were trash, then the imperial clan could basically be called stupid pigs.

Just take the cases he had seen since he ascended the throne.

Zhu Jingyu, the Fengguo Commander of the Jingjiang Prince's Prefecture in Guangxi, murdered his clan nephew and set fire to the hut to burn the corpse, the reason being just that his nephew took an extra look at his concubine.

Also in the Jingjiang Prince's Prefecture, Zhu Bang beat his grandmother to death because he was "violating the ban on casting," which meant privately casting copper coins, and was discovered by his grandmother, who scolded him and ordered him to stop, so he killed his grandmother.

Zhu Yijun was so shocked his jaw dropped.

At first, he thought it might be because the Jingjiang Prince's Prefecture was ten thousand miles away from the capital, and the messengers took years to go back and forth, the sky was high and the Emperor was far away, which was why they had such absurd behavior.

As a result, he later learned about the stupid things of these imperial clans one after another, and his hanging heart finally died.

In the Shandong Provincial Administration Commission, a Fuguojiang of the Lushan Prince's Prefecture murdered his clan uncle because of a quarrel.

A Fuguojiang of the Qingcheng Prince's Prefecture, in order to collect salary grain and ask for rewards, actually concealed his father's death and did not report it.

The most ridiculous thing was that the congratulatory memorial Zhu Yijun received from the Qingcheng Prince's Prefecture last year was written by him in his father's tone.

In addition, there was the Henan Provincial Administration Commission.

The Fuguojiang of the Yuwang Prince's Prefecture and the Fuguojiang of the Ruyang Prince's Prefecture, because they raised bandits and robbed merchants, even robbed official transport materials!

After the incident was exposed, the latter even intended to go to sea to accumulate strength for a comeback, but was caught by yamen runners when climbing the wall.

It could be seen that it was not a problem of the sky being high and the Emperor being far away, but simply low intelligence.

Only such a group of idiots would show intelligence that did not match their strength when they had corresponding strength.

If they really did something like burning an imperial envoy, it would be consistent with Zhu Yijun's understanding of this group of people.

As for whether it was really done by the imperial clan, that would have to be investigated carefully.

Zhu Yijun withdrew his scattered thoughts and looked at Zhang Siwei: "Minister Zhang, who is the current Huguang Regional Military Commissioner?"

Calling him Minister instead of Minister Zhang was just to distinguish him from Zhang Juzheng; well, there was no intention of looking down on Zhang Siwei.

Military affairs had always been controlled by the Jin Party; previously he asked Yang Bo, now he had to ask Zhang Siwei.

Zhang Siwei had the posture of watching a play and did not intend to participate in the discussion; being pointed out suddenly, he couldn't help but be stunned.

Fortunately, he lowered his head, and his expression was not obvious.

After all, he was a person who came from the Jinshi background and quickly adjusted his mood.

Zhang Siwei stepped out and saluted, answering: "Your Majesty, the current Huguang Regional Military Commissioner is Zhan En; in the second month of last year, he was promoted from the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission Assistant to Huguang Regional Military Commissioner."

And don't ask him why a Minister of Rites was so familiar with the Ministry of War's affairs; anyway, it wasn't him who took money last year to let Yang Bo promote people.

Zhu Yijun nodded, his tone light: "Minister Zhang is now signing Grand Secretariat affairs on behalf of Zhang Gelao Yang, so I will ask you directly; what does Zhan En's memorial say?"

Such a big thing happened, the local three provincial commissions, censors, provincial governors, and regional commanders all submitted memorials, stating the reasons.

Among them, the provincial governor and the censor were imperial envoys and could reach the heavens; the memorials were directly sent to the imperial presence by the Office of Transmission.

And the Regional Military Commission, as one of the three provincial commissions, had to go through the Grand Secretariat first.

Zhang Siwei had a draft long ago and answered fluently: "Your Majesty, Zhan En said that he has the crime of negligence in this matter and cannot shirk it even with ten thousand deaths; he only hopes to make up for his crimes with meritorious service."

Zhu Yijun pursued: "Then in his view, does the Yuezhou Guard have a problem!?"

Linxiang County was in the Yuezhou territory and was also where the Yuezhou Guard was located.

Bandits openly attacked the county office within the territory and killed the imperial envoy; either it was rotten to the core, or it was intentional.

What Zhu Yijun asked was naturally the latter.

Zhang Siwei recalled and said: "Your Majesty, Zhan En did not mention this matter."

Zhu Yijun looked straight at Zhang Siwei: "Then does Minister Zhang think this matter has anything to do with the Yuezhou Guard?"

Zhang Siwei hesitated.

He quietly looked at the Emperor's expression, and his brain spun rapidly.

Before the investigation started, who knew if the Yuezhou Guard was involved?

Answering either way wouldn't be wrong.

But the problem was not what the facts were, but what the Emperor's purpose was in asking this.

Zhang Siwei pondered for a long time and didn't figure out the Emperor's intention.

However, anyway, this matter had nothing to do with him, nor with the Jin people; even if it were investigated to the point of turning the world upside down, it wouldn't hinder the Jin merchants from doing business.

Spending energy on Huguang was better than staring at Xuan-Da every day, making people terrified.

Thinking of this, Zhang Siwei finally made a decision.

He cautiously replied: "Your Majesty, I think... it might."

"The incident happened in Linxiang County, which is in the Yuezhou Prefecture territory; if one says the Yuezhou Guard was completely unaware, I don't believe it."

"Of course, this is just my one-sided view and cannot be taken as truth; ultimately, an imperial envoy must be sent to investigate before a conclusion can be reached."

Zhu Yijun nodded.

Suddenly said: "Since that's the case... I want to pick a small battalion from the Capital Camp to exchange with the Yueyang Guard; what do you think?"

Zhang Siwei's eyelids jumped!

So the Emperor was waiting here!

A small battalion had three thousand people, and a guard also had three thousand people; no wonder he asked if the Yueyang Guard had a problem!

But, whether out of his own heart, or his in-laws, party members, or subordinates, he didn't want to see the Emperor intervene too much in military affairs.

Zhang Siwei immediately swept away his indifferent attitude and became alert.

He immediately advised: "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance; allow me to think it over carefully and return to the Grand Secretariat to discuss it with Minister Wang of the Ministry of War."

He couldn't be sure if the Emperor was worried about the Huguang situation or was simply taking advantage of the Huguang incident to act.

But no matter what, just out of natural vigilance, he couldn't easily agree.

Zhu Yijun, however, did not give an inch and pursued: "Minister Zhang, where do you think it is inappropriate?"

Zhang Siwei pondered his words for a long time.

He said with a difficult expression: "Your Majesty, regarding the rotation, it has existed before. Since the Hongxi reign, border defense has been strict, and the Capital Camp would be transferred to the border; even the troops accompanying the imperial carriage were no exception."

"After the Xuande reign, to supplement troops, the Capital Camp also often conscripted soldiers from local guards to rotate to the capital to train in the camp."

"But, at that time, it was because the drawbacks were hard to stop that it was abolished by edict."

In terms of learning and wisdom, Zhang Siwei was not bad either.

Stories of the dynasty and institutional evolution were also at his fingertips.

Zhu Yijun was calm and curious: "What drawbacks?"

Zhang Siwei said respectfully: "Your Majesty, the rotation between the Capital Camp and the local level often leads to soldiers and generals not knowing each other, making scheduling difficult."

"In the third year of Xuande, Xue Lu also memorialized this matter, saying that after the rotation, 'setting up camps and formations inevitably leads to unevenness'."

"At the same time, the Capital Camp soldiers, once they go to the local level, their hearts are still in the capital, often lazy and dragging their feet, not listening to orders."

"During the Zhengtong reign, it even delayed border defense because of this."

Reasons could always be found; after all, no matter what policy, there were inappropriate aspects, and magnifying them in any direction was also a skill.

Stories of the dynasty were even less lacking.

The other three Grand Secretaries, having been informed by the Emperor in advance, did not speak up and just watched quietly with different expressions.

Zhu Yijun shook his head: "It's not a large-scale rotation; a small battalion is only three thousand people, not as serious as you say."

"Moreover, this matter has a cause; you just heard it—Yuezhou Prefecture, Yueyang Prince's Prefecture, Yueyang Guard..." 【100】 "With local collusion reaching the point of killing an imperial envoy, if I don't replace the Yueyang Guard first, how can you let me feel at ease sending people there?" 【101】 "I remember that during the Zhengtong reign, when Deng Maoqi of Fujian rebelled, it was also by transferring the Capital Camp to suppress it, right?" 【102】 Stories of the dynasty naturally were not only found by Zhang Siwei. 【103】 Zhang Siwei hesitated, then changed direction and advised: "Your Majesty, I implore you to allow me to return to the Grand Secretariat to discuss it with Minister Wang of the Ministry of War and then report in detail." 【104】 After saying this, he looked at the Emperor with sincere eyes and advised wholeheartedly: "Your Majesty, when Emperor Yingzong went on a personal expedition, it was due to haste, 'the order was issued and he left in two days'; now that it involves military affairs, I dare not speak lightly, so please allow me to think carefully." 【105】 Zhu Yijun's hand movements paused; obviously, his heart was not calm, after all, even the story of Emperor Yingzong was brought out. 【106】 After a long while, Zhu Yijun waved his hand: "Minister, go to the Ministry of War now; after discussing the result, let Minister Wang come to the West Garden to see me." 【107】 The people who followed Hai Rui to Nanzhili were only eight hundred camp guards, and they used Gu Huan's private soldiers to build the frame; he only informed the Grand Secretariat and bypassed the Ministry of War directly. 【108】 But now, wanting to transfer a small battalion of three thousand people, he could no longer bypass the Ministry of War. 【109】 Zhang Siwei let out a breath and hurriedly bowed to leave. 【110】 Zhu Yijun instructed Lu Diaoyang: "Minister Lu, you also go to the Ministry of War together." 【111】 Zhang Siwei's self-interest was too heavy; he had to be driven away. 【112】 Lu Diaoyang also stepped out, saluted, and left. 【113】 Zhu Yijun reached out to support them and watched the two leave. 【114】 He turned to look at the Hanlin and secretaries in the hall: "You all go down first too." 【115】 Shen Li and others put down their work, saluted, and retreated silently. 【116】 When everyone in the hall was gone, Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi looked at each other and were about to leave. 【117】 Zhu Yijun stood up, walked to the Zhang Gelao and Second Zhang Gelao, held the hands of the two, and said softly: "Two teachers." 【118】 The two were startled in unison. 【119】 They hurriedly returned the salute: "Your Majesty." 【120】 Zhu Yijun shook his head: "There is nothing difficult for you to help with; don't be nervous." 【121】 He always played the emotional card to drive the two Grand Secretaries to do difficult things; now it had become a conditioned reflex. 【122】 Zhu Yijun sighed and continued: "It's just that I suddenly have some feelings." 【123】 "I have once again realized how difficult it is to innovate, and I finally understand why there are so many people who give up halfway in the world." 【124】 Zhang Juzheng didn't know what he associated it with, but his expression suddenly changed. 【125】 He hurriedly advised: "Your Majesty's wisdom is unmoving; how can you be easily shaken by this matter!" 【126】 The sentence was fast and urgent, almost tangling his tongue. 【127】 Gao Yi was a beat slow, also realizing the Emperor's state of mind was not good. 【128】 He grabbed the Emperor's hand: "Your Majesty, Zhang Chucheng was a Jinshi I personally picked when I was Minister of Rites, and he was even my student in the Hanlin Academy." 【129】 "Once this matter came out, I was also heartbroken and couldn't sleep all night." 【130】 "It is precisely because of this that we must clear away these vermin and return the Great Ming Dynasty to a bright and clear world!" 【131】 Zhu Yijun hurriedly shook his head and comforted: "It's not that I want to retreat in the face of difficulties, it's just that my mood is bitter, and I can't help but feel sentimental." 【132】. Co 【133】 "I have ascended the throne for barely a year, but the difficulties I have encountered are countless." 【134】 "Since the Earl of Ding'an left the court, people have constantly belittled me; one says that driving away the assistant ministers is unfilial, and another says that the Earl of Ding'an was enfeoffed without merit, just a treacherous official and a muddled emperor happening to meet." 【135】 "After the Examination Law began to be tested, officials left one after another, wanting to damage the reputation of this law; there were also those with ulterior motives who set strict examination goals, blamed subordinates, and hoped to stir up dissatisfaction among officials, linking up to cry at the gate." 【136】 "Later, seeing that the treasury was empty, I wanted to send imperial envoys to inspect the two Huai regions, and my opinion differed from the Grand Secretariat—this doesn't need to be stated, but just as there was a sign, someone burned my mother's bedroom; after it was done, there were constant memorials from officials, forming a wave of public opinion, attempting to make me stop." 【137】 "When Hai Rui arrived in the two Huai regions and Xu Jie made a mess, I persuaded all the imperial clans, nobles, and high officials one by one; I don't know how many people were excited to offer silver during the day and cursed secretly at night; the assassin Wang Dachen who broke into the palace during the first month, I still don't know who sent him; I was worried about the overall situation and didn't let the Eastern Depot make it public." 【138】 "Subsequently, the Japanese pirates in the southeast have not stopped, and the border troubles in Ji-Liao have risen again. The Tumeng Khan is watching covetously, but I only see the Capital Camp as weak and unbearable; I want to rectify it, but the resistance is heavy, the nobles are unconvinced, the Ministry of War is obstructing, and they are still arguing about the position of assisting the Capital Camp." 【139】 "I thought that with the salt money from the two Huai regions, it was time to rectify, but unexpectedly, such a crazy case of burning an imperial envoy happened again; my imperial clan relatives actually didn't care about me at all and slapped me in the face nakedly!" 【140】 "Now I want a small battalion of soldiers, and I still have to look at the faces of Zhang Siwei and Wang Chonggu." 【141】 "In the future, I still have to open maritime transport, change the tax system, measure the fields, and stop border affairs... I don't know how many more people will oppose me!" 【142】 "The difficulties in between are like climbing mountains and crossing rivers, mountains upon mountains, the road is blocked and long." 【143】 "What Supreme Ruler, what words become law—I find it ridiculous myself." 【144】 "This Emperor of mine, it's bitter!" 【145】 Zhu Yijun said to the end, held the hands of the two Grand Secretaries, and said earnestly: "Fortunately, there are two teachers who do not abandon me, holding hands and supporting me..." 【146】 "Student, I am deeply grateful!" 【147】 After saying that, he performed the student's etiquette and bowed directly. 【148】 The two Grand Secretaries hurriedly wanted to help the Emperor up, but did not step aside. 【149】 Zhang Juzheng's expression was moved, but he still did not lose his teacher's dignity and warned: "Your Majesty." 【150】 "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have been frugal and cut down on redundancy; the palace's financial use has been greatly reduced, and I don't know how many people in the Ministry of Revenue are praising Your Majesty." 【151】 "As for the daily lectures, Your Majesty personally examined them, setting an example for the hundred officials, and even personally ordered the inner treasury to pay for the hundred officials' performance subsidies; can the slander of those who are unqualified compare to the praise of those who are qualified?" 【152】 "Regarding the salt administration in the two Huai regions, although I previously thought it should not be moved lightly, after Your Majesty insisted, the Grand Secretariat also fully assisted; as for the subsequent backlash, wasn't it within the expectations of Your Majesty and us?" 【153】 "As for the selfishness of the ministers, it is the ethics of heaven and earth, and it naturally exists; Your Majesty does not need to be too concerned; although Wang Chonggu has selfishness, he is also a minister who can take charge of one side; although Xu Jie has selfishness, he is also far-sighted and can make plans for Your Majesty; even I have selfishness, didn't Your Majesty tolerate me?" 【154】 The earnest teachings were heartfelt. 【155】 Gao Yi on the side also directly took over the conversation and said sincerely: "Your Majesty, the affairs of the world have always been you in me, and me in you." 【156】 "Opposing today, supporting tomorrow; helping with this matter, obstructing with that matter; Yang Bo supports the Open-Middle Law, but doesn't let outsiders intervene in the Ministry of War—isn't this the truth?" 【157】 "And Your Majesty's position is precisely to reconcile yin and yang, comb the universe, and let these people be used by Your Majesty; why be discouraged?" 【158】 "We can do our best for innovation and make plans for the Great Ming world precisely because we are convinced by Your Majesty's virtue." 【159】 "If there were no Your Majesty, how much use could my meager ability have?" 【160】 "Therefore, it is not Your Majesty who thanks us, but we who should thank Your Majesty." 【161】 After saying that, the two Grand Secretaries bowed to the Emperor again with the minister's etiquette. 【162】 The monarch and ministers bowed to each other, speechless. 【163】 After a long time, Zhu Yijun spoke again, his expression already turned solemn: "The two teachers and I are monarch and minister, but in reality, we are teacher and student." 【164】 "I will naturally keep the teachers' lessons in mind." 【165】 "With the two teachers and me of one mind, then I will not be afraid of offending people and bearing a bad name." 【166】 Speaking of this, he nodded heavily: "I intend to take this opportunity to scrape the bone to heal the poison and reform the imperial clan again!" 【167】... 【168】 Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi, who were willing to be set up, walked out of Chengguang Hall together. 【169】 The two looked at each other. 【170】 Gao Yi spoke first: "Yuanfu, since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has been benevolent to the people and sincere to his ministers; it is truly rare." 【171】 Zhang Juzheng shook his head and did not take the conversation. 【172】 He understood that Gao Yi was making up for the Emperor, saying that the Emperor treated his ministers with sincerity and was not just emotional bribery—in fact, Zhang Juzheng did not care too much. 【173】 No matter what, the Emperor's words were all true. 【174】 Since ascending the throne, the difficulties and obstacles encountered were more than in the six years of the late Emperor. 【175】 If it were an emperor with a weak will, he would have been disheartened by now, sitting peacefully by Taiye Pool, fishing for thirty years. 【176】 Now that he still has the mood to emotionally bribe the Grand Secretaries, hoping to help start improving the imperial clan—isn't this a good thing? 【177】 Care? He was too happy to care! 【178】 Moreover, being able to say these words and make this gesture, there was always three parts of sincerity; otherwise, why didn't he see Lu Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei left here to act? 【179】 Therefore, he ignored the words in Gao Yi's words and instead talked about business: "Zhu Yingyan is just a mere Assistant Regional Commander, not even ranking in the Huguang imperial clan; I fear he is just a face pushed out." 【180】 Gao Yi saw Zhang Juzheng didn't take the conversation, so he couldn't make up for it too much, and nodded in agreement: "Let's go to the Ministry of War; if we don't put pressure on Wang Chonggu, I fear he won't give us people." 【181】 If the Capital Camp doesn't give people, what if the imperial envoy dies again? 【182】 Furthermore, Zhang Chucheng was asked for by the Emperor; if this matter is not handled properly, let alone the Emperor, even Gao Yi's heart can't pass this hurdle! 【183】 Without the Capital Camp sitting in town, how can he kill people and sacrifice his students!? 【184】 Thinking of this. 【185】 As if it were a hallucination, the Taiye Pool beside him was dyed red with blood. 【186】 Zhang Juzheng looked at Gao Yi, who was stunned, shook his head, and took the lead. 【187】 Gao Yi came back to his senses and hurriedly followed. 【188】 Just at this moment. 【189】 "Left Minister, Right Minister, stay!" 【190】 A voice came from behind the two. 【191】 The two turned their heads in unison and saw the secretary of the Wan Shougong, Zheng Zongxue, hurrying over. 【192】 Meeting the gazes of the two Grand Secretaries, Zheng Zongxue said respectfully: "Left Minister, Right Minister." 【193】 "His Majesty said that previously, when sacrificing to heaven in the southern suburbs, he occasionally got a poem, seemingly written by a certain ancestor of the past dynasties, and today he happens to give it to the two Grand Secretaries to encourage each other." 【194】 After saying that, he handed over a short note with both hands. 【195】 Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi were both stunned. 【196】 A certain ancestor inscribed a poem at the southern suburb altar!? Why didn't they find it before? 【197】 The two looked suspiciously at this secretary in his twenties, muttering in their hearts whether this person was too young and changed the Emperor's words himself. 【198】 Zhang Juzheng reached out and took the note. 【199】 Gao Yi leaned over, curious and cast his gaze. 【200】 He saw the Emperor's handwriting on the note; although the brushwork was not thick, it was elegant and upright, and every stroke showed seriousness and solemnity. 【201】 A poem on it, with a unique style and rhythm, directly made the two fascinated, motionless. 【202】 The poem says: 【203】 The west wind is fierce, the wild geese call in the long sky in the frosty morning moon. 【204】 Frosty morning moon, the sound of horse hooves is broken, the sound of trumpets is choked. 【205】 The majestic pass is like iron, 【206】 Now I take a step to cross from the beginning. 【207】 From the beginning, 【208】 Cangshan is like the sea, 【209】 The setting sun is like blood. 【210】 The two looked up at the sky in unison; at this time, the setting sun was like molten gold, like fire burning the clouds. 【211】 Half of the sky was like burning through, dark red like blood. ===== CHAPTER 98 =====

"With the local collusion having reached the point of murdering an imperial envoy, if we don't replace the Yuezhou Garrison first, how can you expect Me to feel at ease sending anyone else?"

"I recall that during the Zhengtong reign, when Deng Maoqi rebelled in Fujian, troops were also drawn from the Capital Battalions to suppress it, were they not?"

Precedents from the dynasty were naturally not something only Zhang Siwei could find.

Zhang Siwei paused, then immediately shifted his approach, advising: "Your Majesty, I implore you to allow me to return to the Cabinet to discuss this with Minister Wang of the Ministry of War before reporting back in detail."

After saying this, he looked at the Emperor with sincere eyes and earnestly advised: "Your Majesty, when Emperor Yingzong led the expedition in person, it was a failure born of haste—'the order was given and the march began within two days.' Now that it involves military affairs, I dare not speak lightly; please allow me to consider it carefully."

Zhu Yijun's hand movements paused; clearly, he was not calm inside, for after all, even the story of Emperor Yingzong had been brought up.

After a long while, Zhu Yijun waved his hand: "You may go to the Ministry of War now; once a result is reached, just have Minister Wang come to the West Garden to see Me."

When Hai Rui originally went to Nanzhili, the eight hundred guards he took were built on the framework of Gu Huan's private soldiers and retainers; he had only notified the Cabinet and bypassed the Ministry of War entirely.

But now, wanting to mobilize a small battalion of three thousand men, it was impossible to bypass the Ministry of War again.

Zhang Siwei let out a breath and hurriedly bowed to take his leave.

Zhu Yijun instructed Lu Diaoyang: "Minister Lu, you should also go to the Ministry of War together with him."

Zhang Siwei's self-interest was too heavy; he had to be hurried along.

Lu Diaoyang also stepped out of the ranks, bowed, and took his leave.

Zhu Yijun reached out a hand in a gesture of support, watching the two depart.

He turned again to look at the Hanlin scholars and Secretariat Drafters in the hall: "You all may withdraw first as well."

Shen Li and the others set down their work, bowed, and silently withdrew.

When the hall was empty, Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi exchanged a glance, preparing to take their leave.

Zhu Yijun stood up, walked to the Senior Zhang Gelao and the Junior Zhang Gelao, took the hands of both ministers, and said softly: "My two teachers."

The two were both startled.

They hurriedly returned the salute: "Your Majesty."

Zhu Yijun shook his head: "There is nothing difficult I need your help with, no need to be nervous."

He played the emotional card every time to drive the two ministers to do difficult things; by now, it had become a conditioned reflex.

Zhu Yijun sighed and continued: "It is just that I am suddenly feeling a bit sentimental."

"I have once again realized how difficult it is to innovate, and I finally understand why there are so many who give up halfway."

Zhang Juzheng did not know what he had associated this with, but his expression suddenly changed.

He hurriedly advised: "Your Majesty's supreme wisdom is unshakeable; how could you be easily swayed by this matter!"

The sentence was spoken so fast and urgently that his tongue nearly tied itself in knots.

Gao Yi was a beat slower, but he also realized the Emperor's state of mind was not good.

He reached out to hold the Emperor's hand: "Your Majesty, Zhang Chucheng was a jinshi I personally selected when I was Minister of Rites, and he is even more so my student from the Hanlin Academy."

"When this matter broke, I was also heartbroken and could not sleep all night."

"It is precisely because of this that we must sweep away these vermin and return a clear and bright world to the Great Ming!"

Zhu Yijun hurriedly shook his head, comforting them: "It is not that I wish to retreat in the face of difficulty, but my heart is bitter, and I cannot help but feel moved."

. Co

"I have been on the throne for barely a year, yet the dangers I have encountered are beyond counting."

"Ever since the Earl of Ding'an left the court, there have been constant slanders against Me; some say that driving away the regents is unfilial, while others say that the Earl of Ding'an was granted a title without merit, and that it was merely a treacherous minister and a muddled emperor happening to meet at the right time."

"After the Examination Law began its trial, officials left one after another, hanging up their seals, hoping to damage the reputation of this law; there were also those with ill intentions who set harsh examination targets and blamed their subordinates, hoping to stir up dissatisfaction among officials and collude to cry at the palace gates."

"Later, seeing the lack of funds, I was determined to send an imperial envoy to inspect the two Huai regions; that I had a disagreement with the Cabinet goes without saying, but just as there was a hint of it, someone burned down my Empress Dowager's sleeping palace. After that was done, there were constant memorials from censors forming a tide of public opinion, attempting to make Me stop."

"By the time Hai Rui reached the two Huai and Xu Jie caused trouble, I had persuaded every member of the imperial clan, the nobility, and the high officials; I do not know how many of them were excited to offer silver by day and cursed in secret by night. The assassin Wang Dachen who broke into the palace during the first lunar month—I still do not know who sent him. I was worried about the big picture and did not even let the Eastern Depot make it public."

"Subsequently, the Japanese pirates in the southeast have not ceased, and the border troubles in Jizhou and Liaodong have risen again. The Tumad Khan is watching like a tiger, yet I only see the Capital Battalions as weak and useless. I wanted to reorganize them, but the obstacles are heavy; the nobility is unconvinced, the Ministry of War is obstructing, and to this day, they are still fighting over the position of Assistant to the Capital Battalions."

"I thought that with the salt funds from the two Huai, it was the right time to reorganize, but unexpectedly, a heinous case like burning the imperial envoy occurred. My own imperial relatives did not care about Me at all and slapped Me in the face!"

"Now, when I want a small battalion of soldiers, I still have to look at the faces of Zhang Siwei and Wang Chonggu."

"In the future, there will be opening maritime trade, reforming the tax system, measuring fields, and calming the borders... I do not know how many more people will oppose Me!"

"The difficulties in between are like crossing mountains and rivers; the mountains are heavy, the waters are winding, and the road is long and obstructed."

"What 'Supreme Ruler,' what 'words become law'—I find it laughable Myself."

"Being an emperor like Me is bitter!"

Zhu Yijun said at the end, holding the hands of the two Cabinet ministers, and earnestly said: "Fortunately, I have the two teachers who have not abandoned Me, supporting Me hand in hand..."

"Your student is deeply grateful!"

After speaking, he performed the rites of a student and bowed directly.

The two ministers hurriedly tried to help the Emperor up, but did not step aside to avoid it.

Zhang Juzheng's expression was moved, but he still did not lose the dignity of a teacher as he warned: "Your Majesty."

"Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have been frugal, personally cutting down on waste, and the expenses in the palace have been greatly reduced. I do not know how many people in the Ministry of Revenue are praising Your Majesty."

"As for the daily lectures, Your Majesty has personally examined them, setting an example for all officials, and even ordered the inner treasury to pay out silver to subsidize the performance of all officials. Can the slander of the unqualified compare to the praise of the qualified?"

"Regarding the salt administration of the two Huai, although I previously thought it should not be moved lightly, after Your Majesty insisted, the Cabinet also assisted with all its strength. As for the subsequent backlash, was it not within the expectations of Your Majesty and us?"

"As for the selfishness of the ministers, it is the ethics of heaven and earth, and it naturally exists. Your Majesty does not need to take it to heart. Although Wang Chonggu has selfishness, he is also a minister who can take charge; although Xu Jie has selfishness, he is also far-sighted and can devise strategies for Your Majesty; even I have selfishness—does Your Majesty not tolerate me?"

The earnest teachings were heartfelt and sincere.

Gao Yi, who was on the side, also took over the conversation and said sincerely: "Your Majesty, the affairs of the world have always been intertwined."

"Today they oppose, tomorrow they support; they help with all their might in this matter, but obstruct in another. Yang Bo supports the Opening of the Salt Law, but does not let outsiders interfere with the Ministry of War—is this not the same principle?"

"And Your Majesty's position is precisely to harmonize yin and yang, to sort out the universe, and to let these people be used by Your Majesty. Why be discouraged?"

"That we can do our best for innovation and devise strategies for the Great Ming is precisely because we are convinced by Your Majesty's virtue."

"If there were no Your Majesty, how much use could my meager abilities have?"

"Therefore, it is not Your Majesty who should thank us, but we who should be grateful to Your Majesty."

After speaking, the two ministers performed the rites of ministers to the Emperor again and bowed respectfully.

The monarch and his ministers bowed to each other, speechless and choked with emotion.

After a long time, Zhu Yijun spoke again, his expression having turned solemn: "The two teachers and I are monarch and minister, but in reality, we are teacher and student."

"Your student will naturally keep your teachings in mind."

"With the two teachers of one mind with Me, I will not be afraid of offending people or bearing a bad name."

Speaking to this point, he nodded heavily: "I intend to take this opportunity to scrape the bone to heal the poison and reform the imperial clan once more!"

Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi, who were willingly caught in the trap, walked out of the Chengguang Hall together.

The two looked at each other.

Gao Yi spoke first: "Senior Zhang Gelao, since Your Majesty ascended the throne, he has been benevolent to the people and sincere to his ministers; it is truly rare."

Zhang Juzheng shook his head and did not answer.

He understood that Gao Yi was making excuses for the Emperor, saying that the Emperor treated his ministers with sincerity and that it was not a simple emotional bribe—actually, Zhang Juzheng did not care too much.

In any case, every word the Emperor said was true.

Since ascending the throne, the difficulties and dangers encountered were more than those of the late Emperor's six years.

Any emperor with a weak will would have been disheartened by now, content to squat by the Taiye Pool and fish for thirty years.

Now that he still has the mood to emotionally bribe the Cabinet ministers, hoping to help start reforming the imperial clan—is this not a good thing?

Care? He was too happy to be happy!

Moreover, to be able to say these words and make this gesture, there was at least thirty percent sincerity; otherwise, why didn't he see Lu Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei left here to act?

Therefore, he ignored the words in Gao Yi's words and instead talked about business: "Zhu Yingyan is merely a Defender-General of the State; he doesn't even rank in the Huguang imperial clan, and I'm afraid he's just a front pushed out."

Seeing that Zhang Juzheng did not answer, Gao Yi found it difficult to make too many excuses, so he nodded in agreement: "Let's go to the Ministry of War; if we don't put pressure on Wang Chonggu, I'm afraid he won't give us the men."

If the Capital Battalions don't give men, what if the imperial envoy dies after going down?

Furthermore, Zhang Chucheng was asked for by the Emperor; if this matter is not handled properly, let alone the Emperor, even Gao Yi himself would not be able to get past this in his heart!

Without the Capital Battalions to sit in town, how can we kill people until heads roll, and how can we pay tribute to his own student!?

Thinking of this.

As if it were a hallucination, the Taiye Pool beside him was stained red with blood.

Zhang Juzheng glanced at Gao Yi, who was stunned, shook his head, and took the first step.

Gao Yi came back to his senses and hurriedly followed.

Just at this moment.

"Senior Zhang Gelao, Junior Zhang Gelao, please stay!"

A voice came from behind the two.

The two turned their heads together and saw Zheng Zongxue, a Secretariat Drafter in the Wan Shougong, hurrying over.

Meeting the gazes of the two Cabinet ministers, Zheng Zongxue said respectfully: "Senior Zhang Gelao, Junior Zhang Gelao."

"His Majesty said that while offering sacrifices to heaven in the southern suburbs, he occasionally obtained a poem, which seems to have been written by a certain Taizu of the past dynasties; today, it happens to be a gift to the two Grand Secretaries for mutual encouragement."

After speaking, he handed over a short note with both hands.

Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi were both stunned.

A certain Taizu wrote a poem on the altar in the southern suburbs!? Why hadn't they noticed it before?

The two looked suspiciously at this twenty-something Secretariat Drafter, muttering in their hearts whether it was because he was too young and had changed the Emperor's words himself.

Zhang Juzheng reached out and took the note.

Gao Yi leaned over, looking with curiosity.

He saw the Emperor's handwriting on the note; although the brushwork was not thick, it was elegant and upright, and every stroke revealed seriousness and solemnity.

The poem on it had a peculiar style and rhythm, but it directly fascinated the two, making them motionless.

The poem says:

The west wind is fierce, wild geese cry in the vast sky in the frosty morning moon.

Frosty morning moon, the sound of horse hooves is fragmented, the sound of trumpets is choked.

The majestic pass is like iron,

Now we take a step to cross from the beginning.

Cross from the beginning,

The blue mountains are like the sea,

The setting sun is like blood.

The two looked up at the sky at the same time; at this moment, the setting sun was like molten gold, burning the clouds like fire.

Half of the sky seemed to be burned through, dark red like blood.