Heh,
Zhang Yu couldn't help but sneer inwardly. You, Zhang Juzheng, push this and that, but you don't want to do anything! What's the point of all this talk? Can't the wealthy households handle the smaller ones? Can't the elderly gentry contend with the common folk?
He immediately let out a cold snort and said,
"Brother Taiyue, Meng Jing and I are merely assisting. The grand strategy for reform in Jiangnan, and when it will return to the path of the sages, rests on your shoulders! I have presented my strategy. Whether you implement it is up to you!"
This?
Zhang Juzheng was immediately choked, and after a pause, he said,
"Brother Wei Shi, it's not that I'm not doing anything! What I'm saying is the truth. Everything relies on preparation; without it, it will fail! If you want me to act without understanding the situation or laying the groundwork, I truly cannot do it!"
You!
Zhang Yu chuckled and, instead of getting angry, smiled and said,
"Zhang Juzheng, the Crown Prince is overseeing the regency and reforms. I came down to Jiangnan to assist you. It's been nearly a month now, and you keep postponing. You have no sincerity. Now that I've proposed a strategy, you're finding fault with everything... Heh, I find it strange. Is Jiangnan some private territory of yours, Zhang Juzheng?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng immediately became furious and shouted,
"Zhang Yu! I am a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and you show no courtly respect! I shall request the Crown Prince to replace you immediately!"
Ha!
Hahaha!
Zhang Yu retorted defiantly,
"Do you really think of yourself as someone important? Let me tell you, Zhang Juzheng, even if you report me to the Emperor, it will be the same! Either you implement this strategy, or you wait and see!"
Seeing his outrageous behavior, Zhang Juzheng was somewhat taken aback. He considered that he was a Grand Secretary, ranked fourth, a top official among all the bureaucrats in the land. Today, to be so vehemently challenged by a second-rank official was utterly inexplicable. Just as he was about to reprimand Zhang Yu according to court regulations, a thought suddenly struck him, and his heart trembled—
Why were they so hasty and careless in their actions?
Could there be a major scheme at play?
He knew that Zhang Juzheng was exceptionally astute. Recalling Zhang Yu's proposed strategy, he suddenly understood a bit: They intended to completely ruin things... to make the situation a complete mess, then frame Prince Yu and Chen Yiqin, and perhaps even force a abdication?
Upon this realization,
He suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, knowing that he had fallen into a dangerous situation. If he didn't extricate himself, he would never be able to clear his name, even if he jumped into the Yellow River. The best way to extricate himself was to have a massive argument with Zhang Yu today, making it known to everyone. Then, no one could blame him...
He decided to act immediately and loudly ordered,
"Guards! Zhang Yu is disrespectful of superior authority. Escort him out!"
With a "huala,"
Four bailiffs rushed forward. Without a word, two grabbed his arms and two his legs, carrying Zhang Yu out of the hall. As they reached the main entrance, one bailiff shouted,
"Zhang Yu, Assistant of the Jiangnan State-Operated Bank, has shown disrespect for superior authority. After strict admonishment by Lord Zhang, he has been escorted out of the hall!"
With a "pa,"
Zhang Yu was thrown into the air and landed on his backside, drawing a great deal of laughter from the passersby. Zhang Yu's face turned a deep shade of purple. He struggled to get up, pointed at the yamen, and cursed loudly,
"Zhang Juzheng! May you die a terrible death!"
"Zhang Juzheng! You remember this!"
"What are you looking at! You common rabble!"
Hahahaha,
The onlookers, seeing him still acting up in such a pathetic state, found it extremely comical and burst into another round of laughter. Zhang Yu felt immensely humiliated, snorted, and hurried away.
Zhao Zhenji stared blankly as Zhang Yu departed, shook his head, and sighed. Turning back into the hall, Zhang Juzheng said,
"Taiyue, why did you lose your composure like this today?"
Zhang Juzheng snorted, trying to cover up,
"This fellow is arrogant because he has backing. He shouted at a Grand Secretary, completely disregarding the dignity of the Cabinet. How could I not enforce the law? Meng Jing, you witnessed this day's events. It's not that I'm unwilling to implement the reforms; it's simply that this person has gone too far..."
Zhao Zhenji had not expected things to escalate to this point. Considering the difficulty ahead for the reforms, he sighed, "You, alas..."
Zhang Juzheng thought to himself: By falling out with Zhang Yu, I can now extricate myself. You all do as you please. It has nothing to do with me anymore...
He smiled and said,
"Brother Meng Jing, I will personally report to the court... According to court practice, after I go to the capital, all matters here will be decided by you and Zhang Yu... Do as you wish..."
Having said that,
He entered the hall, took up his brush, and wrote a resignation letter. Then, he unbuckled the bronze seal from his waist and respectfully placed it on the table. He then said gently,
"Brother Meng Jing, you and I are close friends... My decision to leave is made. You must also be extremely cautious in Jiangnan..."
Zhao Zhenji did not expect him to be so loyal and said with shame,
"Brother Taiyue, it is good for you to leave. The world will judge your merits and demerits!"
Mm-hmm,
Zhang Juzheng patted his shoulder, then seemed to hesitate, before turning to leave. Ma Ziqiang and Zhang Siwei also wrote their resignation letters, placed them on the table, bowed respectfully to Zhao Zhenji, and then departed.
...
That evening,
At Zhang Juzheng's residence,
All his disciples and friends were present. Everyone knew that such a situation would create quite a stir in the Great Ming dynasty. Their mentor had always been known for his fiery temperament, and while they hadn't always felt it, they understood it today. They were somewhat perplexed by his actions but filled with admiration. After all, in the Great Ming dynasty, Zhang Juzheng was the only one who dared to have Yan Song's confidante escorted out and thrown into the street.
However,
There would be consequences for this incident. Zhang Juzheng might be removed from his position as Grand Secretary, and naturally, everyone following him would also face repercussions. But these people understood Zhang Juzheng well and knew that he would never act impulsively. Today's action must have a deeper meaning, and they did not ask, but simply sat and chatted as usual.
Zhang Juzheng ordered his luggage and books to be packed, then strolled out and said to everyone,
"Gentlemen, I plan to leave Hangzhou tomorrow..."
Xu Xuemo said,
"Esteemed Master, we have always known you to be far-sighted. How could this sort of incident occur?"
Yes, yes,
Everyone looked at him with confusion.
Zhang Juzheng knew that these people had followed him for nearly two years and had accomplished many things, believing they were on the verge of promotion, only to end up in such a predicament. Naturally, they were confused. If he didn't clarify, they would all become disheartened...
He immediately sat down, pondered for a moment, and sighed,
"Gentlemen, I had no choice..."
He paused and continued,
"Those of you who are not at the Cirenci will continue your posts... Those at the State Bank who have been heavily involved in the reforms over the past two years should write their resignation letters. Whether Zhao Zhenji and Zhang Yu approve them is another matter... As for me, my journey back to the capital should be without major incident..."
He paced a couple of steps, hesitating on how to explain. Xu Xuemo then said,
"Esteemed Master, does your action have some deeper meaning? What should we do now? Should we still carry on with the great cause of reform? Esteemed Master, please enlighten us!"
Upon these words, everyone immediately fell silent, all staring at Zhang Juzheng.
Zhang Juzheng nodded and slowly said,
"Some things in life are unpredictable; fortune and misfortune can change in an instant... However, some things can be predicted: time and circumstances... The strategy presented by Zhang Yu today is no longer a strategy... Its malicious intent is chilling!
To protect the great cause of reform from being implicated, I have adopted this subordinate tactic... Of course, some things I am merely preventing before they happen. Whether they will come to pass or not remains to be seen. But since Zhang Yu has acted so outrageously, the matter is no longer trivial, and I can only yield for now...
Gentlemen, moving forward, whatever they do and how they do it, do not get involved. If you cannot refuse, then muddle through. If you cannot muddle through, then simply postpone... In short, write your resignation letters. Whether they are approved is their loss!
There are some things I cannot fully explain. If you ponder carefully, you should already understand the current situation of the Great Ming dynasty. Everyone should be aware of it in their hearts... When I return to the capital, if anyone causes trouble for you, try to bear with it as much as possible. If you cannot bear it, hide. If you cannot hide, we will deal with it then... I can only say this much..."
Oh...
Most of them understood only vaguely, but they deeply felt the seriousness of the situation. Several people were already contemplating retreating, thinking that since things were so serious, it would be best to feign illness and go home to see.
Xu Xuemo pondered for a moment, then blurted out,
"Esteemed Master, are you saying that Jiangnan may face extraordinary changes?"
Wow!
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Zhang Juzheng nodded, gazing into the dark night sky, and said with resignation,
"This dark cloud that is gathering, I fear, will bring forth a storm of blood and chaos..."