Chapter 595
The Prime Minister Feigning Illness!
After listening to Wang Chengen's account, Zhu Cilang was stunned for a moment, then his face showed a mixture of amusement, exasperation, and helplessness.
He truly hadn't expected that this old fellow, Xue Guoguan, would turn against him at such a crucial moment!
Yesterday at the East Palace, this old fellow clearly agreed readily. Although he looked reluctant, he had essentially tacitly agreed to cooperate. How could he have changed his mind overnight?
"This old fox!"
Zhu Cilang couldn't help but mutter a curse under his breath, his tone filled with annoyance.
Despite his anger, Zhu Cilang, like Emperor Chongzhen, was able to understand why Xue Guoguan did what he did once he calmed down.
He was, after all, someone who had studied the classics for over a decade, passed the imperial examination, and climbed step by step to the pinnacle of civil service positions, namely, Grand Secretary.
What he learned, believed in, and upheld throughout his life was the Confucian and Mencian doctrines, the very concept of "the orthodox tradition." To personally participate in, or even lead, the "persecution" of Confucius's descendants, even with irrefutable evidence and under the guise of "education," would have been an impact on his spiritual world no less than a collapse of faith.
His kneeling was not a kneeling to power, but a kneeling to the crumbling temple in his heart.
From this perspective, Xue Guoguan's defection precisely proves that deep down, he still adhered to certain bottom lines of traditional scholar-officials and was not entirely a sycophantic politician.
However, while this is understandable, it also illustrates a problem—Xue Guoguan's thinking has become too rigid, and he carries too many burdens, making him unsuitable to serve as the Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty, which is about to undergo dramatic changes.
For the future of the Ming Dynasty, and to promote more thorough reforms, what is needed are people with more courage, who can break with convention, and even dare to bear the infamy.
If he can't even take the blame for something as seemingly righteous as "educating the frontier," or if he takes it so difficult and painfully, how can we expect him to charge forward and give his full support in the more intense reforms to come?
Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang sighed silently, his sigh carrying a hint of regret for the old minister's aging, but more so a calm judgment based on reality.
He pondered for a moment and asked:
"Eunuch Wang, what was the situation with Grand Secretary Xue and the other cabinet ministers after court today? Were there any unusual movements?"
Wang Chengen had clearly done his homework before coming, and quickly replied:
"Your Highness, immediately after court today, Grand Secretary Xue submitted a memorial to the Office of Transmission, stating that his 'old ailment of palpitations had relapsed and he needed to rest for several days.' He then returned to his residence by sedan chair and has remained indoors ever since. Several other cabinet ministers also subsequently took leave. According to the report from my clerk at the palace gate, after leaving the palace, it seems... they all headed in the direction of Grand Secretary Xue's residence."
Zhu Cilang nodded; this was within his expectations.
Xue Guoguan needs time to digest and clean up the mess, while other cabinet members, especially those who share similar ideas with Xue Guoguan, will inevitably have to ask him about the situation and even discuss countermeasures.
He turned his gaze to Wang Chengen and asked:
"Did you bring that secret letter?"
"I brought it, I brought it, I always carry it with me."
As Wang Chengen spoke, he quickly took out a long, narrow envelope carefully wrapped in yellow silk from his bosom and presented it with both hands.
Zhu Cilang did not reach out to take it, but merely glanced at the yellow silk bundle, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and slowly said:
"In that case, I'll trouble you to make the trip again."
Wang Chengen immediately bowed:
"As Your Highness commands."
"Take this letter and go to Grand Secretary Xue's residence."
Zhu Cilang's tone was calm, yet it carried an undeniable power.
"When you see Grand Secretary Xue, give him this letter and tell him—"
He paused, then spoke clearly, word by word:
“As long as he is willing to handle the matter of ‘relocating the collateral branches of the Confucius family to educate Liaodong’ smoothly, then this secret letter can be treated as if it never existed. This is the last bit of dignity that I can preserve for him and for all scholars in the world.”
He looked at Wang Chengen and added:
"If you encounter other cabinet ministers when you go, do not hide anything. Let them hear the same words. This matter should not be a shady deal. Let them know that what I want is a result, a result that benefits the Ming Dynasty and the people of Liaodong. As for the process and means, I can make concessions and give them face, but the premise is that the matter must be accomplished."
Wang Chengen carefully noted down every word the Crown Prince said, especially the phrase "the last bit of dignity." He understood the Crown Prince's bottom line and tactics—it was a carrot and stick approach, an ultimatum, and also a way out. He bowed and replied:
"This servant understands and will convey Your Highness's words verbatim."
"Go, and return quickly."
Zhu Cilang waved his hand.
"The slaves retire."
Wang Chengen said no more, carefully put away the secret letter, bowed again, then turned and hurriedly left the East Palace.
Watching Wang Chengen's figure disappear outside the palace gate, Zhu Cilang stretched and couldn't help but yawn.
The drowsiness that had been roused him in the early morning washed over him again. He rubbed his slightly sore eyes, then turned to go back to his bedchamber for another nap.
This matter is not insignificant, as it involves the reputation of the descendants of the sage and the civil service; but it is not actually that big either.
The evidence against the Kong family was irrefutable, and their weaknesses were firmly in our hands. Relocating their collateral branches to educate Liaodong was a well-intentioned but overtly beneficial strategy for the country. The struggles of Xue Guoguan and others were more about ideological and face-saving obstacles.
Now, he offered his final condition—to "forget" the trespassing letter in exchange for their cooperation in relocating Confucius' residence. This was already a huge concession and compromise. If Xue Guoguan and the others still didn't understand, then he shouldn't blame him for resorting to even more drastic measures.
In any case, the initiative was always in his hands. This little disturbance wasn't worth him expending too much energy or disturbing his peaceful sleep.
Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang walked back to his bedchamber with light steps. Under Zheng Xiaomei's questioning gaze, he took off his outer robe, crawled back into the still warm quilt, hugged the beauty, mumbled "It's nothing, go to sleep," and then closed his eyes again.
Soon after, the sound of even breathing resumed.
Meanwhile, in the front courtyard reception room of the residence of Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan.
Unlike the tranquility of the Eastern Palace in the early morning, the atmosphere at the Xue residence was so heavy that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.
After the court session, the news that Xue Guoguan claimed to be ill and returned to his residence, refusing to see any guests, spread like wildfire among the officials.
Those with keen senses, especially the high-ranking officials who had personally witnessed the dramatic turn of events in the court today, immediately realized that this matter was far from simple.
Thus, in less than half an hour, the Xue residence's not particularly spacious living room had gathered no fewer than a dozen high-ranking officials of the imperial court. All four members of the Grand Secretariat were present, as were three of the six ministers—the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Personnel, and the Minister of Works. The other three were perhaps still observing.
In addition, there was the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, as well as several Vice Ministers and officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices who were highly respected among the Qingliu faction.
It can be said that most of the core figures of the "pure stream" faction in the Ming Dynasty court, which leaned towards the traditional civil service system, were gathered here at this moment.
The atmosphere in the living room was oppressive.
The fragrant tea served by the servants had long since gone cold, but no one had the heart to drink it.
Whether sitting or standing, everyone's faces were filled with anxiety, confusion, and an eagerness to know the truth.
They spoke in hushed tones, and without exception, their topics revolved around the sudden impeachment at the morning court session and Xue Guoguan's earth-shattering kneeling.
"Grand Secretary Fan, you and the Grand Secretary are both in the Grand Secretariat. Do you know the contents of the letter His Majesty held today that caused the Grand Secretary to lose his composure like this?"
Someone couldn't help but ask Fan Jingwen another question.
Fan Jingwen frowned, shook his head, and sighed:
"I was unaware of it either. When the Grand Secretary finished his duties yesterday, he acted as usual and did not mention such an important matter as today's court meeting. As for that letter... I am seeing it for the first time today as well."
"That's strange. The Grand Secretary must know the inside story, otherwise he would never..."
"The key question is, what is the purpose of the Prime Minister's refusal to see anyone at this moment? Is he truly unwell, or..."
The words were left unsaid, but everyone understood the meaning.
Just then, the door leading from the living room to the backyard was gently pushed open, and the Xue family's steward walked out with a troubled expression. He bowed deeply to the assembled high-ranking officials, his tone full of apology:
"My lords, I am truly sorry. My Prime Minister... uh, my master said that his heart palpitations are acting up today, and he is dizzy and unable to receive guests. Please forgive him and come another day. When my master is feeling better, he will certainly prepare wine to apologize."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the living room.
Fan Jingwen, who was always straightforward, was the first to lose his temper. He stood up abruptly, and his voice rose a few decibels:
"What kind of talk is this?! Such a shocking event has occurred in the court today, concerning the descendants of the sage and the dignity of the court! As the Grand Secretary and a role model for all civil officials, how can the Prime Minister shut himself away from guests and disregard the affairs of the court because of his own minor illness!"
Go and inform them that Fan Jingwen said that if we don't see the Prime Minister today and find out the reason, we won't leave! We'll just sit here in the living room and wait!
"Yes! The Prime Minister must give an explanation!"
"This matter is of utmost importance; how can we let it pass so casually?"
"Please have the steward report again that we must see the Prime Minister today!"
The other ministers present echoed his sentiments, their attitudes resolute. They were all seething with anger and filled with unease.
Xue Guoguan's unusual behavior and the emperor's mysterious letter hung like a dark cloud over everyone's minds. They couldn't eat or sleep until they found out the truth.
Seeing the scene before him, the steward knew these gentlemen were truly enraged, and understood that today's matter was no small thing, far beyond what a mere servant like himself could handle. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow and quickly bowed, saying:
"Yes, yes, sirs, please calm down. I will go and report again right away!"
Having said that, he disregarded etiquette and hurriedly ran to the backyard.
In the living room, everyone quieted down for a moment, but the atmosphere became even more tense. All eyes were fixed on the closed door, waiting for the final result.
The only sounds in the air were heavy breathing and the occasional crackling of charcoal fire in the copper basin.
Among the crowd, only Hong Chengchou remained silent throughout, sitting alone in a chair in the corner of the living room, eyes downcast, seemingly lost in meditation.
But his slightly trembling eyelashes and his hands gripping the teacup tightly, his knuckles turning white, betrayed the fact that he was far from calm inside.
He knew the contents of the letter, why Xue Guoguan was obstructing it, and that the Crown Prince must already be planning his next move.
His presence here is more of a gesture, an explanation to his "colleagues," than a genuine expectation of hearing anything from Xue Guoguan.
Just as Fan Jingwen and others were putting pressure on the housekeeper, and the atmosphere in the living room was tense and on the verge of exploding, someone finally noticed Hong Chengchou, who had been silent in the corner but whose expression was unusually calm.
Someone took a few steps closer and tentatively asked:
"Grand Secretary Hong, why have you remained so calm and composed throughout this whole affair? Could it be... that you already knew the truth behind the case that occurred in court today?"
His words were like pouring a ladle of cold water into a pot of boiling oil.
In an instant, all the anxious and searching gazes in the living room, like countless spotlights, focused on Hong Chengchou.
The expressions on everyone's faces instantly became subtle and complex.
In fact, which of these high-ranking officials present wasn't a shrewd strategist who had navigated the treacherous waters of officialdom for decades? Some things didn't need to be said explicitly; they already understood perfectly well. Since the great victory in Liaodong and the submission of Korea, Hong Chengchou had not only achieved numerous military exploits but also served as the governor-general of Jiliao as a civil official, enjoying the emperor's deep trust and having an extraordinary relationship with the crown prince.
Now that Xue Guoguan is old and frail and has made up his mind to leave, who else but Hong Chengchou could take the throne as the next Grand Secretary of the Ming Dynasty?
Now that he is about to take charge of the central government and become the new leader of the civil service, he must have been aware of this earth-shattering case that has shaken the court and the public and points directly to the descendants of Confucius. He may even have been deeply involved in it!
Having figured this out, how could the crowd hold back any longer? As if they had found a new breakthrough, they immediately surrounded Hong Chengchou. A barrage of questions rained down upon him like a dense downpour:
"Grand Secretary Hong! You are both in the Grand Secretariat and are deeply favored by the Emperor, so you must know about this matter! Please tell me, what exactly was written in that letter? Why did His Majesty and the Grand Secretary react that way?"
"Yes, Grand Secretary Hong! This matter concerns the reputation of Confucius and the cultural tradition of the world; it is of utmost importance! If you know anything about it, you must not hide it from us!"
"Lord Hong, please reveal a little bit, so that we can have some idea and not be like headless flies!"
Facing the onslaught and piercing gazes of the crowd, Hong Chengchou remained remarkably composed. His face maintained its placid calm, even carrying a perfectly balanced hint of helplessness and confusion. He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone sincere yet impeccably tactful:
"Gentlemen, fellow colleagues, please don't do this. I am ashamed to admit that I know very little about this matter. Your Excellency's actions today have truly surprised me. The matter is of great importance and extremely secretive. I'm afraid only Your Excellency himself can explain the details to you."
At this moment, Hong Chengchou made up his mind that, no matter what, he would extricate himself completely from this mess. (End of Chapter)