After this in-depth discussion, Mu Chaobi largely understood Zhu Mo's deeper thoughts. He felt it was not far from the ways of the founding emperor, and at least their general direction was consistent. It couldn't be said that Zhu Mo was undermining the Great Ming dynasty. However, his current stance put Mu Chaobi in an awkward position. He could neither rely on Yan, nor fully align with Zhu. As for relying on Prince Yu, how could he have any say against the formidable Old Yan Song? It seemed he could learn from Zhang Juzheng after all – maintaining a distance from Zhu Mo, agreeing with the reforms while also holding reservations…
With this thought,
He made up his mind and said with a smile:
“Today, listening to Scholar Zhu's words, it truly feels like the clouds have parted and the fog has lifted… Old Fu, Old Yu, Old Liao, I believe it’s not wrong to say our dynasty was founded upon the principles of Yao and Shun. The founding emperor certainly acted in that manner… As for today, as Scholar Zhu has said, it’s naturally impossible to emulate the founding emperor. Whether the ways of Yao and Shun can revitalize the Great Ming, I think that also makes sense. What do you all think?”
Wang Cai immediately thought, "This is bad." If they agreed, his mission would be a failure. He wouldn't even need to report back to the Young Grand Secretary; he could just send a letter home.
Despite his displeasure, these men were all powerful figures, and he, a recluse, couldn't afford to offend them. He sighed, conceding, and said:
“Scholar Zhu, I am a recluse in the countryside. Stillness breeds movement, and I shouldn’t be here… Fortunately, I find solace in poetry and books. After troubling His Lordship and the others for a few days, I shall return to my farm! I won’t be going to see the Young Grand Secretary either; I’ll just send a letter…”
Mm-hmm,
Mu Chaobi smiled and said, “Zinan, you have the demeanor of a scholar. Feel free to stay at my humble abode for a few more days; there’s no rush to return!”
Wang Cai knew that Yan Shifan would surely hate him for this. In the past, he might have met with misfortune. For Mu Chaobi to say this was a gesture of protection. He immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Mu Chaobi, saying,
“Thank you, Your Lordship.”
Then, he bowed to Zhu Mo as well, saying,
“It is my great fortune to have met Scholar Zhu today.”
Zhu Mo replied:
“Brother Zinan is a man of refinement; you are too kind.”
Wang Cai knew it would be awkward to stay any longer, so he said again:
“Everyone, I still need to purchase some local specialties for friends. May I take my leave?”
Mu Chaobi smiled and said:
“Zinan, you and Old Liu should head down the mountain. We’ll just chat a bit longer… I will personally host a banquet tomorrow, and we can discuss further!”
At this time,
Liu Zhangkuan also walked over and, together with Wang Cai, Wang Daren, and a few other unrelated individuals, exited the mountain gate.
…
Once they were gone, the atmosphere immediately became more congenial.
Fu Yingfang thought for a moment and then continued from where Mu Chaobi had left off, saying:
“Scholar Zhu, I also have an idea. I wonder if it’s appropriate? Please enlighten me, Scholar Zhu.”
Oh,
Zhu Mo said gently, “Your Lordship, please speak.”
Fu Yingfang said:
“Uh, I believe Emperor Huizong was not entirely without merit. Although he was foolish at the time and shook the founding emperor’s grand strategy, in his heart, he was never malicious… I know this firsthand! Scholar Zhu, you may not know, but Huizong shaved his head to become a monk and was often melancholic and unhappy. However, his sorrow was not for his own honor or disgrace, but for the fact that Emperor Taizong had been too brutal, and the tragic fates of Huang Zicheng, Fang Xiaoru, and others… Therefore, if Scholar Zhu can find a solution that satisfies both sides, Emperor Huizong will surely be grateful in the afterlife…”
Zhu Mo was taken aback. He suddenly thought: Jianwen Emperor was indeed a significant issue. So many people used his banner. Without a formal conclusion, future troubles would arise. But to give a conclusion involved the royal family; what would Jiajing think? Yet, if he didn't provide an explanation, would they believe him?
Furthermore, listening to their various opinions, he suddenly felt that Jianwen Emperor’s decision to weaken the feudal lords might have had other reasons, which were now unclear. To say he was purely misled by people like Huang Zicheng would be too naive and simplistic. Such things rarely happened. But to say he intentionally overturned the founding emperor’s system might also not be entirely accurate… His thoughts became entangled, making it difficult to decide.
However, thinking thus,
He suddenly had an idea and said:
“I believe that how Emperor Jianwen should be posthumously titled, if I were to say it, would be inappropriate from the start… Why don’t we return to Hangzhou and consult with Grand Tutor Zhang? He is wise and decisive, and a leader of the Qingliu faction. He naturally does not oppose Huang Zicheng and Fang Xiaoru… What do you think?”
The few men exchanged glances. Mu Chaobi nodded and said:
“It seems this is the only way… Zhang Juzheng will surely be just! I think it’s feasible!”
As soon as he finished speaking,
He smiled again and said, “Zixuan, to my shame, I memorized the Grand Edict of Military Officials since childhood, but my actions have been quite contrary. Thinking back, I deeply regret it…”
He only spoke half of it and then stopped himself.
But this sentence was precisely what the others wanted to know most: What would Zhu Mo's reforms do to them? The Emperor was so powerful; if he truly decided to deal with them, who could withstand it?
Zhu Mo heard this and thought about the reforms of the Jiangnan Imperial Farms and porcelain. They were constantly constrained by these factors. The most troublesome aspect was that these people were involved in the smuggling of tribute, thus tying themselves to the Yan family and some court eunuchs. This time, he had originally intended to gauge their stance. It now seemed that dealing with them cleanly would be quite difficult.
However, if he didn’t clarify, they would continue to waver. He immediately said:
“Your Lordship, everyone, to be frank, my younger relative and I have recently discussed reforms. However, I deeply feel that the situation in Yunnan and Guizhou is very special. Well, let’s talk about land annexation. My brother Taiyue and I in Jiangnan found it extremely troublesome because the land occupied was vast, beyond imagination. Although the land occupied in Yunnan and Guizhou was not much, it was a deeper affliction… Why? Because here, from the bottom up, households successively annexed land, and layers of dependency were formed, making it very difficult to sever…”
Seeing that they were already considering it seriously, he changed the subject:
“Your Lordship, it’s not that I’m specifically here to make things difficult… You might ask why I’m doing all this, what’s the point? You might not know, but if things continue like this, in at most ten years, the illness will be incurable. As I said earlier, the Great Ming is different from all previous dynasties. After the fall of the empire, the difficulty of restoration lies in upholding the Great Way. This successive annexation of land, isn’t it precisely contrary to the Great Way? If this continues, the destiny will be exhausted, and the chaos of the world will likely surpass that of the late Yuan… I was originally a humble Taoist, but I became involved by chance. In fact, I can’t escape it either… Thinking about it, I might as well see it through! If I were to ask myself, I believe I’m doing a good deed… What do you all think?”
Although he didn't specify, he had already pointed to the land annexation, and his tone was extremely tactful. Mu Chaobi became even more uneasy and sighed:
“Zixuan, in your opinion, how should this kind of land annexation in Yunnan and Guizhou be handled if Zhang Taiyue were to do it?”
Heh heh,
Zhu Mo couldn't help but smile: When he spoke through Zhang Taiyue, things flowed much more smoothly… Since he spoke this way, his attitude became clear; he still supported the reforms, so he should start with Zhang Taiyue, explain his own issues to Jiajing, and Jiajing would naturally let him off the hook…
“Uh, if he were to do it, I believe the first thing would be to prohibit annexation… But because the land occupied in Yunnan and Guizhou is not extensive, the specific cadastral survey is not the major issue. However, it is difficult, difficult because no one starts. Where to begin? Li Zhi and I have discussed it several times, and we both feel helpless…”
Mu Chaobi laughed heartily and said:
“If that’s the case, then it’s simpler… Zixuan, I have a plan now… When we return to Kunming Prefecture, I will have them clear things up and tear up those annexation deeds. I won’t trouble anyone! Once cleared, I’ll bring the Yellow Registers to Hangzhou and ask Zhang Taiyue to send some personnel. Zhu Scholar, you might as well leave Li Zhi here as well. The three of us will work together to handle this matter in Yunnan and Guizhou. What do you say?”
Good!
Absolutely good!
Zhu Mo praised sincerely, “Your Lordship, you are truly a hero! I admire you greatly! With this, I believe His Majesty will be very pleased!”
Mu Chaobi sighed, “We are all in this together. I won’t hide anything from you, Zixuan. I have several other matters that trouble me day and night. If His Majesty truly blames me, it will be terrible. I wanted to find someone to intercede for me, but I could never find a suitable person… After this matter is resolved, the remaining troubles must also be settled.”
Zhu Mo naturally knew what he was referring to, but those were their own affairs, and others couldn't even know about them. He didn't want to mention Bai Yourong's confession. Anyway, they would deal with it when the time came. If he could explain himself clearly and pass Jiajing’s scrutiny, then there would be no problem.