Zhu Mo felt that the ecology of this place had become chaotic, similar to the situation in Xuanda. If Xuanda was just a step away from gaining control, this place had already passed that critical juncture. The key figure in this was naturally Mu Chaobi, and behind this entire development was the influence of the Yan family. However, ultimately, Yan Song was not entirely wicked. If asked about his inner thoughts, he too might have desired peace and stability. But such are the ways of the world; his son, his faction, and his countless supporters across the land were the true beneficiaries.
Having met Yan Song a few times, Zhu Mo felt that the man was not unreasonable. On the contrary, he was a wise man, possessing immense intellect, arguably one of the sharpest minds of the era. He would naturally understand the consequences of all this. Yet, Zhu Mo firmly believed that even if Yan Song himself wished to instigate change, it would be exceedingly difficult. In the grand scheme of things, he was merely a passerby in history.
This was a latent energy hidden within history, irresistible to anyone, only to be guided by the flow of events. At certain critical junctures and moments, only small actions could be taken to steer it towards its potential direction. This was the essence of the Yellow Emperor's Dao.
Zhu Mo, having diligently studied Laozi's five thousand words in the Taoist temple since childhood, and with over a year of experience, increasingly understood the insignificance of human effort. An individual could not accomplish anything on their own; the power to achieve something resided within the matter itself. The same applied to defeating someone; it was the evolutionary force of things that propelled everything forward, and people could only play a minuscule role within it.
If an individual wished to quell the current chaos, they would first need to find a fulcrum, such as military strength. Relying on this stable fulcrum, they could then address a few key nodes, such as Mu Chaobi. The force to change the chaos actually resided within the chaos itself. For example, one-third of the fertile land, if released and returned to its rightful owners, would alter this stagnant and oppressive ecosystem. Furthermore, there was the matter of hereditary titles. If a simple rule could be declared, such as the privileges brought by the hereditary tenure of local officials, then no one would compete for them. This embodied the principle of "When desirable goods are not prized, people will not steal or covet."
Along the way,
Zhu Mo had made thorough plans—
His first priority upon arriving at Kunming Prefecture was to secure You Jijing; the second, equally important, was to subdue Mu Chaobi. If these two tasks were accomplished, he would have a stable foothold. If not, his only recourse would be to flee the city immediately.
After much deliberation,
He could only think of one person:
Wang Daren!
If Zhu Mo represented the overt influence of the Jiajing Emperor, then Wang Daren represented a more private and discreet sphere of influence. The latter was more direct, more unquestionable, and carried a greater sense of mystery. If this influence could be harnessed, combined with the might of the arquebusiers, it would likely be enough to subdue Mu Chaobi.
As for Mang Yinglong, he could also be pressured into submission through the leverage of influence. Because Yu Dayou's fleet was expected to arrive in Malacca within these two months. At that time, a letter of state, coupled with a display of superior ships and cannons, would instill fear in the Portuguese. They would then pressure Soza and Meiluo, making things much easier.
However, to make Wang Daren useful, it would require considerable thought. After all, this man was an alchemist close to the Jiajing Emperor and had been recommended by the Yan family, which made matters considerably more complicated. If, instead, he were to join forces with Mu Chaobi against Zhu Mo, the situation could be considered the worst-case scenario.
After repeated contemplation of this journey, Zhu Mo still had no clear solution even upon reaching Kunming Prefecture. Fortunately, Zhu Mo had weathered many storms and knew that many opportunities arose naturally during the course of progress.
It was now noon.
Before entering the city,
Li Zhi had already led six personal guards ahead to announce his arrival.
At this moment, the Governor You Jijing, Commander-in-Chief Mu Chaobi, Provincial Administration Commissioner Lin Shu, Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Liu Ying, and several officials from the Governor's yamen had all arrived. The party passed through the Jinma Biji Archway and proceeded to the Governor's yamen.
Zhu Mo observed that the assembled commoners all had gaunt faces, and the larger local gentry accompanying them wore a peculiar expression of self-mockery. Governor You Jijing was meticulous, his deference tinged with a palpable sense of vigilance. Mu Chaobi appeared exceedingly warm, but without any sincerity. Provincial Administration Commissioner Lin Shu was a thin, scholarly man, appearing indifferent to worldly affairs.
This was Zhu Mo's first time traveling so far south, but he found the climate cool with a hint of chill. Compared to his trip to Xuanda, the dangers here were no less. Not to mention anything else, You Jijing's cautious reserve was highly telling, and Mu Chaobi's feigned warmth, in contrast, both suggested that Zhu Mo was an unwelcome guest.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries,
You Jijing bowed and said:
"Grand Secretary Zhu's arrival is truly timely. Recently, military dispatches have arrived from Mubang and Lujiang, reporting that Hanba and Xian Gui have rebelled. I, Your humble servant, holding the post of Governor, am unworthy and of low virtue, causing the border prefectures to become restless. I am truly ashamed before the court. Now that Grand Secretary Zhu is here to oversee the situation, my anxious heart can finally be somewhat at ease."
He spoke with great sincerity, seemingly believing it was his fault. Furthermore, after just a few polite words, he immediately addressed official matters, clearly intending to inform Mu Chaobi and others that Zhu Mo was not aligned with him.
Zhu Mo smiled calmly and said:
"Lord You need not blame yourself. Those chieftains have been fickle for a long time. Your diligence in serving the king is well-known to all."
Mu Chaobi followed suit and said:
"Indeed, we, your colleagues, have witnessed this over the past few years. Lord You attends to every detail, which is a blessing for the province of Yunnan. Rather, it is we colleagues who have been negligent in our duties."
"Quite so, quite so."
"Why should Lord You be so humble?"
"The fault lies entirely with us."
"Lord You's diligence is recognized throughout the realm."
"..."
Several junior officials, such as the vice-commanders and assessors, chimed in with their agreement. Although everyone took blame, it was all said in a light, perfunctory manner, serving only to emphasize their profound respect for You Jijing.
Zhu Mo sighed inwardly: These men had all surrounded You Jijing. Among his subordinates and assessors, where could any useful individuals be found?
However, he smiled outwardly and said:
"Everyone, everyone has misunderstood... I have primarily come to see. Have you all heard? I was pursuing the Portuguese man Soza from Zhoushan to prevent him from colluding with Mang Yinglong. Unexpectedly, I still set out late. As soon as I arrived, Mang Yinglong had already made his move. If we are to speak of mistakes, it is I, the imperial envoy, who has truly delayed the nation due to hesitation."
"Haha,"
"Where, oh where?"
"Grand Secretary Zhu, please do not say such things."
"Now that Grand Secretary Zhu has arrived, we will surely follow your lead."
"Grand Secretary Zhu sees opportunity before it arises!"
"..."
This volley of flattering remarks further convinced Zhu Mo that these individuals were already an unshakeable bloc.
He then smiled calmly and casually inquired:
"Lord Mu, I arrived today with the garrison troops of Wusa Guard. Have I missed any important military or national affairs?"
Mu Chaobi paused slightly and respectfully replied:
"Grand Secretary Zhu, troop deployments in Yunnan and Guizhou have always been convened by the Governor. I, as merely a Commander-in-Chief, am subject to the Governor's command according to imperial regulations."