Prince Yu pondered for a moment but found no clue. Seeing Zhao Zhenji silent, he said,
"Mengjing, what do you think?"
Zhao Zhenji cleared his throat and said,
"Your Highness, your humble subject believes that the Emperor's decree for regent rule still emphasizes reform... We can avoid mentioning Zhu Mo, but we must insist on reform."
Everyone looked at him.
Zhao Zhenji thought for a moment and said again,
"The decree states that the four seas are not yet impoverished, and the heavenly blessings are unending. It also says to give it three years, and everything will be renewed... Your humble subject believes that this does not negate reform; rather, it is meant to accelerate the pace... The Emperor seems to feel that reform is not fast enough, and with his advanced age, he is somewhat impatient.
Uh, your humble subject believes we cannot be inactive. The current reform is led by Zhang Juzheng, but it is hindered by various constraints and has stagnated. This period of regent rule is an opportunity to assist him, and also to make slight adjustments as the situation dictates, to comfort His Majesty's heart."
Excellent!
* * *
Several people applauded simultaneously.
Prince Yu said,
"Mengjing, this insight perfectly aligns with my thoughts... I propose this, Mengjing, you go down to Jiangnan to assist Zhang Juzheng, see where slight adjustments can be made, and then we can discuss it! What do Elder Xu, Teacher Li, and Zili think?"
Xu Jie said,
"This is excellent. Grand Tutor Zhang has done much in Jiangnan, but there are also things he has not done, and some that he has overdone. Perhaps there are also mistakes... these should all be rectified. Mengjing, when you go down, you must uphold Your Highness's wishes, respect Grand Tutor Zhang greatly, and work together!
Well, I also have a thought. Your Highness, Elder Yan might also send someone down. The situation may become complicated, so it is best to avoid conflict. Mengjing, you have a gentle personality, which is perfect for going there. Grand Tutor Zhang is quite decisive, so you can yield to him! As for Elder Yan's side, whoever he sends, just show respect! For any major or important matters, report back to Your Highness."
Zhao Zhenji replied, "I thank Your Excellency for your guidance and Your Highness for your promotion."
Prince Yu nodded and said slowly,
"Everything still depends on the court assembly... on what the Emperor truly intends?"
Li Chunfang, being experienced, felt a sense of unease about this unusual situation. Based on past lessons, it was possible the Emperor would again employ his imperial tactics. Fortunately, Prince Yu and everyone else remained calm and were not drawn in as before...
At this thought,
He could not help but remind,
"Your Highness, Shaohu, I have a feeling, I'm not sure if it's right or wrong, but I think it's better to speak out... Well, do you remember the assassination of Zhu Mo by the漕运兑户 last time? At that time, the Emperor's decree also asked us to 'devise a proper plan to reassure the people,' but later there were still imperial tactics..."
Hiss!
This statement immediately made everyone solemn.
Xu Jie had also considered this, but felt the possibility was slim. He said,
"Shilu, the Emperor is over sixty, has practiced asceticism for many years, and his diet and health regimen are different from ordinary people. Moreover, since ancient times, being an emperor is very taxing, so it is normal for the Emperor to think this way. Secondly, Elder Yan is no longer the same as before; he is wholeheartedly assisting Your Highness, the corrupt officials have been arrested, and several major court affairs have progressed. The situation is different now. I believe the Emperor will not have any other considerations..."
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm,
Li Chunfang stroked his beard and said, "What you say is reasonable..."
...
Three days later,
The first regent court assembly was held as scheduled. Jiajing had previously told Eunuch Feng Bao that he would not attend and let Prince Yu lead the officials in governing.
This was somewhat unexpected.
Prince Yu sat on the dragon throne, feeling a bit strange, but could not quite articulate why.
At this moment,
The ministers entered in an orderly fashion, lining up in two columns, and then performed the kowtow three times and bowed nine times. Yan Song, as the Grand Secretary, led the procession. Civil and military officials of the fourth rank and above also stood in the rear. The eunuch announced the start of the court assembly, and the atmosphere immediately became solemn. After nearly forty years, the first formal court assembly of the Great Ming Dynasty began.
However, Yan Song and Xu Jie both felt unaccustomed.
It should be known that
Since they became ministers, except for celebrations and important events, they had never attended a formal court assembly. Moreover, even during celebrations or important events, the dragon throne above was always empty. Now, with a regent Crown Prince seated there, these old men felt particularly strange.
Yan Song could not help but let out a wry smile. Looking up, he saw Xu Jie also shaking his head. They exchanged a knowing glance and could not help but chuckle wryly—
Yes,
This Jiajing Emperor was too peculiar; there had never been such a situation in any dynasty. For over twenty years, state affairs had almost always been decided in the Yuxi Palace. The atmosphere there was a blend of solemnity and ease, which was actually conducive to discussion. But at this moment, such a by-the-book court assembly made it difficult to speak.
Yan Song, as the Grand Secretary, stepped forward and said,
"Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, your humble subject, in accordance with His Majesty's decree for regent rule, has drafted several policy proposals for the regent, which I respectfully present to Your Royal Highness."
After speaking, he suddenly felt rather awkward. Discussing matters in the Yuxi Palace was so direct; one could simply speak their mind. But now, it felt like being on a stage, as if the words were light and airy, lacking weight.
Prince Yu rarely attended the Yuxi Palace assemblies. For over twenty years, he had only presided over some celebrations. Reading historical records, he knew that this was how an emperor conducted affairs, and he did not feel uneasy. He said gently,
"Grand Secretary Yan, you have worked hard. Please present them."
Cough, cough,
Yan Song searched for the right feeling, then began to read:
"Your humble subject believes that the first act of the regent Crown Prince should be to honor the former teacher. Cough, cough, in recent years, the world has been filled with numerous events, such as the Tatars, Japanese pirates, reforms, and pacification of Burma; these major events have converged, all of which are unprecedented in history... His Majesty has governed with a hidden hand and profound strategy, always as if walking on level ground, turning danger into safety... The hearts and minds of the people have also been greatly tested. At this time of great stability, to solidify the people's hearts, the Crown Prince should lead the officials in honoring the former teacher, to bring peace to the hearts of the realm and to repay the blessings of Heaven."
* * *
A stir went through the assembled officials.
Prince Yu finally understood: so, the Yan family had this move in mind... The ceremony at Qufu last time was indeed met with enthusiastic support from officials and commoners. Now that the Emperor wished for a renewal, this move was naturally feasible, and it was also customary for Crown Princes to perform this ceremony upon their accession.
He immediately nodded and said,
"Respected Minister Yan, your proposal is most fitting."
Xu Jie was about to offer a reminder, but it was too late. He stared at Prince Yu on the dragon throne with his mouth agape, completely at a loss. He could not help but curse "What kind of court assembly is this?" But then he thought, isn't this perfectly normal? Aren't court assemblies like this in every dynasty? Thinking this, he shook his head and muttered to himself, "What is all this? What am I thinking?"
He considered it inappropriate because he worried that Yan Song's move was a trap. Although they had considered Yan Song's possible actions at Prince Yu's mansion a few days ago, they had not expected him to launch such an attack right at the beginning. After all, the Emperor had not abdicated; he was not yet a retired emperor, only temporarily letting the Crown Prince act as regent. This Emperor had always been indifferent to Confucius. The so-called renewal of atmosphere would not be a return to Confucianism, but a considered compromise. Prince Yu had so hastily agreed, and his golden pronouncements could not be easily retracted. If he was wrong, there would be no turning back...
But in this situation, how could he speak?
Even hinting was impossible.
Prince Yu also saw Xu Jie's anxious expression, but with fifty to sixty officials present, how could he ask? Moreover, Yan Song was the Grand Secretary, so how could he interrupt when he was presenting a matter?
* * *
Everyone sighed inwardly, feeling that the atmosphere in the Yuxi Palace was more comfortable. Such a formal court assembly was truly too awkward!
Yan Song also looked surprised. After a pause, he continued,
"Your humble subject believes that reform remains a major affair of state. After the Crown Prince assumes regent rule, reform should still be the primary task of governance... Uh, your humble subject believes that Grand Councilor Zhang Juzheng, holding the title of Minister of War and presiding over reforms in Jiangnan, was a temporary arrangement. Now, suitable candidates can be selected, and institutions can be established to rationalize authority and ensure proper titles and substance... Uh, your humble subject believes that Dali Temple Secretary Zhang Yu, who is familiar with the Six Codes and proficient in governmental affairs, and is well-versed in matters of titles and substance, can go to Jiangnan to assist in reforms. Other candidates can also be recommended."
Hiss!
Xu Jie secretly thought: So it's Zhang Yu...
He glanced at Li Chunfang beside him. Neither of them showed surprise, only feeling that this person's influence was not great enough, suggesting that the Yan family was not too enthusiastic about reform, merely going through the motions.
Prince Yu instinctively wanted to ask Xu Jie, but in an instant, he remembered: he was on the dragon throne! How could he ask a minister?
* * *
He also sighed inwardly, suddenly feeling how inconvenient it was to sit on the dragon throne!