Zhu Yijun returned to the East Palace after having lunch at the Wenhua Palace.
This is always the arrangement after the lecture.
But it just so happens that taking a walk and then taking a nap after eating is healthier than eating directly and then resting.
But when he returned to Ciqing Palace, he saw that the palace attendants looked a little strange.
Zhu Yijun had a guess in his mind and called a palace maid: "What happened?"
The maid replied honestly: "Your Highness, Zhang Dajun was waiting for Your Highness, and he was taken away."
Zhu Yijun was startled: "Took Zhang Hong away? Whose person?"
The palace maid thought for a while and said, "They are from the Supervisor of Ceremonies, and the leader is Cao Xianyu, the eunuch Bingbi."
Eunuch Bingbi was the second-ranking eunuch under the eunuch Zhangyin, so he must have been instructed by Feng Bao.
Zhu Yijun nodded and did not ask any more questions. Other things were not something that the little palace maid could know.
In fact, you don’t need to ask to know that it’s nothing more than this little trick.
It seems that Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao had a falling out.
It was really resolute.
He had known for a long time that these two people were secretly communicating.
After all, he had opened his eyes and knew about the person who had lived for five hundred years. No matter how secretive this matter is now, it cannot be compared to being recorded in history.
I just didn't expect the response to be so quick.
He only showed some tricks with Zhang Juzheng in the morning, and started taking action at noon. Feng Bao's control over the court should not be underestimated.
"When Zhang Hong comes back, ask him to come directly to see me." Zhu Yijun dropped these words and walked inside.
Zhang Hong was assigned to him by Concubine Li Guifei. Even if Feng Bao wanted to suppress Zhang Hong's power, he would not touch Zhang Hong, so he was not too worried.
He had made a mistake himself, and now that he was being warned, he could only admit it.
Sooner or later it will come back.
At worst, the soldiers will come to cover up the water and earth. This situation will not disrupt his position.
…
When Zhu Yijun woke up, he saw Zhang Hong kneeling outside the door.
He sat up lazily and waved to Zhang Hong outside the door.
Zhang Hong quickly crawled over on his hands and knees: "Master."
Zhu Yijun rubbed his eyes and said casually: "You're back? You didn't suffer, did you?"
Zhang Hong immediately confessed: "This slave is guilty! I used to work as a servant in the needlework bureau, and Feng Bao caught me leaving some tail, which embarrassed my master."
Zhu Yijun hummed indifferently: "Get up."
The root of the problem is not Zhang Hong, it's that nothing matters.
Zhu Yijun didn't bother to ask more questions, let alone scold him. He didn't have the habit of venting his anger on others when he made mistakes.
An impersonal master is short-lived.
Zhang Hong continued to explain: "Several of my godsons were arrested and interrogated in Dongchang. Cao Xianyu asked me to be on call, but he didn't embarrass me."
Zhu Yijun didn't listen to him.
Suddenly something occurred to him and he interrupted Zhang Hong: "Do you have any dealings with Duke Cheng Guo's house?"
Zhang Hong was stunned and the topic jumped a bit. He didn't know what the crown prince meant.
He subconsciously replied: "We have had several official contacts, but we have no personal friendship."
Zhu Yijun nodded and asked: "How much do you know about Zhu Xizhong, Duke of Chengguo?"
The lineage of Cheng Guogong is the nobles who followed Zhu Di, the founder of the state, to fight for peace and gain the title. They are hereditary and will retire with the country.
Today, the sixth generation Duke Cheng is Zhu Xizhong.
He was deeply trusted by the royal family. During the Sejong Dynasty, he was granted the title of Grand Master. He was also familiar with military affairs and was in charge of various armies.
After the late emperor ascended the throne, his trust remained undiminished, and he even entrusted the royal guards to him.
It can be said that Zhu Xizhong, the Duke of Chengguo, is the most prominent military honor today regardless of his official title or power.
Naturally, when he asked about Duke Cheng Guo, he was not without purpose.
Nowadays, the civil servants have Gao Gong, Zhang Ju is on the side, and among the internal ministers, Feng Bao is occupying the position of Supervisor of Ceremonies.
Each of these people has their own plans and ideas, and the situation is complicated.
He cannot be led by other people's rhythms.
Now that Zhang Hong is being targeted, no matter who is responsible, he has no reason to intervene, otherwise he will easily fall into the trap of some intentional people.
He must have his own plan!
As the saying goes, you beat the one you're talking about, and I'll beat the one who's mine. It's the same now, each develops its own.
He didn't believe that as a dignified heir, he could still be defeated as long as he held his ground.
Zhu Yijun has been doing this since he traveled through time.
Whether it is like Zhang Hong, using the ruler's laws to subdue his ministers, or like Gao Yi, using Confucian principles to always treat his ministers softly.
Everything we do and do is within this framework.
Now, he turned his attention to a force that was naturally attached to the emperor - Xungui.
Zhang Hong quietly raised his eyelids to look at the Crown Prince's face, and carefully replied: "Master, I have only seen Duke Cheng Guo a few times, so I don't dare to speak nonsense."
Zhu Yijun waved his hand: "Speak frankly."
Zhang Hong kowtowed quickly, thought about it, and replied: "Master, the late emperor once said in private that Duke Chengguo was alert and good at accepting people. I believe that the late emperor's holy words will definitely be correct."
Zhu Yijun nodded thoughtfully.
Being astute in nature means being cunning and calculating, and has the meaning of being a wise man.
Being good at making friends means having good relations with all circles.
Looks like an old fox.
He sat up and looked directly at Zhang Hong: "Is Zhu Xizhong dying?"
Although Zhu Xizhong was only in his fifties, in his impression, he died of illness not long after.
Zhang Hong's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed down to cover it up: "Master, I don't dare to speak nonsense."
"but……"
"Dong Cheng Guo was in charge of the military in his early years, and the root cause of his disease was found. In the past two years, the late emperor ordered the imperial physician to visit him many times, especially this year."
Zhu Yijun did not continue to ask further questions.
He called someone to help him change his clothes, but he began to think about it in his mind.
Although Zhu Xizhong is in the third position and controls the royal guards, he has great power. In fact, it is a fire cooking oil, and when the moon is full, it will suffer losses.
The nobles and nobles of all dynasties were forces that stood side by side with civil servants and eunuchs. You just finish singing and I will appear on the stage.
But that was not the case in the Ming Dynasty. They killed a group of people when they founded the country, and then followed Yingzong and sent another group in the Battle of Tumubao. This leg had long been broken.
Zhu Xizhong can be said to be an honorable person who was framed and sold by Emperor Sejong and the late emperor.
This kind of top card is most in danger.
Historically, after Zhu Xizhong died, he was granted the title of king, which was rare in the country.
But what happens next?
The following year, the title of the seventh Duke Chengguo was passed on to his son, who died that year.
Later, when the eighth generation title was passed on to his grandson, he met Yu Maoxue and other officials who wrote a letter to revoke the title of king posthumously conferred on Zhu Xizhong.
The public debate was fierce, and the emperor held on for a year, but finally took away Zhu Xizhong's title of king.
Not long after, the eighth-generation Duke Cheng committed suicide, and the lineage completely declined.
What is cooking oil with strong fire? This is cooking oil with strong fire!
Did Zhu Xizhong not expect it? Not necessarily!
Perhaps it was precisely because of his foresight that he was treading on thin ice, earning the late emperor's comment that he was astute and good at gathering people.
It's a pity that the top brand who was pushed out to sell shouts couldn't help himself.
This kind of person, the closer he is to death, the less he dares to die.
So, does Zhu Xizhong hope that his new king can take good care of Duke Cheng's lineage after his death?
In other words, how much support can Zhu Xizhong get from the new monarch’s political commitment?
After Zhu Yijun finished dressing, he dismissed the palace maid and walked around the room thinking.
Zhang Hong didn't dare to disturb him and waited quietly.
After a while, Zhu Yijun turned to look at Zhang Hong and said: "Zhang Daban, I remember that the person in charge of the guards of the East Palace is the younger brother of Duke Cheng Guo. What is his name?"
Zhang Hong answered respectfully: "Master, my elder brother is loyal and my younger brother is filial. This younger brother of Cheng Guogong is called Zhu Xixiao. He is the governor of the Imperial Guard. In August last year, he was appointed by the late emperor to take charge of the East Palace Guards."
Zhu Yijun clicked his tongue: "What a good name. How is their relationship?"
Zhang Hong thought for a while and replied: "Zhu Xixiao's mission is to use his brother's influence to get the official position. None of Cheng Guogong's own sons were ranked."
Zhu Yijun understood clearly that only his legitimate son could succeed in the title. The other sons would not be able to live a good life without the Yin Guan. The Yin Guan had not many opportunities.
From this, it seems that Duke Cheng Guo was indeed very kind to his younger brother.
He thought for a moment and raised two fingers: "Two things."
Zhang Hong quickly lowered his body and listened.
Zhu Yijun said slowly: "First, don't get entangled in the affairs of the Industrial Bureau, and cut off your tail to survive."
"You write a memorial to me, confessing your sins, and I will give it to my mother and concubine on your behalf."
"Wait for one day, and then find someone you can trust to impeach you about your work at the Bureau of Needlework."
Zhang Hong suddenly realized.
He was convinced and bowed down orally: "Master's holy heart is enlightened, and this slave is convinced."
His godson was taken away by Dongchang. His crime was not serious, but it was hard to say how much suffering he would suffer privately. He was just worried about this matter.
But once the impeachment is taken in a serious way, it is not something that Dongchang can specialize in. If you have more pairs of eyes watching, you will have to follow the rules.
In addition, he pleads guilty and accepts punishment, so the case can be closed without a trial.
The godsons could not be removed from their posts, but at least they were saved.
Once the limelight has passed, it will be a matter of course for things like this to happen again.
Zhu Yijun said a few more words of relief: "Don't worry, my mother-in-law has a soft personality. She never has the heart to hit her face too hard."
"You should tell me about your role as godson first, and let it go openly. I'll reward you with something secretly. I will take care of your hard work in the future."
The people below were beaten, so they couldn't turn a blind eye, otherwise people's hearts would be broken. Appropriate comfort and commitment were indispensable. Zhu Yijun cherished every bit of power he could control.
But having said that.
This is how he treats others and behaves according to his behavior before time travel.
The time he traveled through was still short, and he still only had a superficial feeling about his identity as a monarch.
Little did he know that even though Zhang Hong had some elements of clinging to him, under the consensus of thousands of years, the position of monarch was so unattainable in his eyes.
A simple comforting promise was something Zhang Hong never dared to dream of.
Zhang Hong's stomach was churning, his nose was sore, and he almost lost his composure.
At least he held it back, Zhang Hong lowered his head and said: "You are just a humble person, how dare you trouble the master."
Zhu Yijun didn't notice the emotional change of his confidant eunuch, and just treated him as a routine polite comment.
He continued: "The second thing."
Zhang Hong listened intently, but saw the crown prince suddenly paused.
Just when he was wondering.
Then Zhu Yijun changed the subject: "Zhang Daban, in the past, I was considered a naughty young gentleman with low talents, right?"
Zhang Hong hurriedly apologized: "Master..."
Zhu Yijun interrupted him and asked, "Yes or no?"
Zhang Hong knew that the crown prince kept a low profile and had hidden rifts in his mind, but at this time he asked questions knowingly, making him dare not answer for a while.
Silence is the best answer.
Zhu Yijun nodded with satisfaction: "You saw it well."
"I used to be ignorant of worldly affairs and had a naughty temperament. I focused solely on pleasure and had no interest in classics or political affairs. I even regarded Japanese lectures as poisonous snakes and feared officials like tigers and wolves."
Zhang Hong looked in shock: "Ah...?"
Zhu Yijun continued: "But before that, I saw Emperor Daxing in my dream. He gave me instructions and entrusted the world to wake me up."
"It is said that a prodigal son never returns with gold, so I am now working hard to change my past and live up to the expectations of Emperor Daxing."
Zhang Hong was even more confused. He didn't understand why the crown prince said this.
Zhu Yijun slowly calmed down his expression and said in a calm tone: "Follow what I just said, as a general direction, make up a few stories."
"It needs to be mixed with gods and ghosts, such as the late emperor's appearance, the awakening of the star in this palace, etc."
"There is a big difference in my behavior before and after. The worse it was before, the better. Let you make up your own lies and I will pardon you."
"Besides, if you are a lower-level person, even if you are illiterate, you can understand it and enjoy hearing it."
"It also needs to be catchy. It's best to have a ballad attached, or an interesting sentence, such as 'Have you ever seen the Four Books and Five Classics written in the middle of the night?'
Zhu Yijun glanced at Zhang Hong, who was deep in thought, and asked, "Did you remember it?"
Zhang Hong quickly said: "Write it down."
Zhu Yijun leaned into Zhang Hong's ear and whispered: "Go to Duke Cheng Guo's brother in person and ask him to tell the story you made up to Duke Cheng."
Zhang Hong was shocked: "Master, please clarify."
Zhu Yijun took off a jade pendant from his waist, which was given to him by the late emperor when he was crowned, and was worn by Duke Cheng Guo himself during the crowning ceremony.
He handed it to Zhang Hong and said: "Give me a message for Duke Cheng, saying that Duke Cheng is the liver and gallbladder of the royal family, and the royal guards are the eyes and ears of the emperor."
"Can the Duke of the State bear the heart of my wife, whose liver and gallbladder are broken, and who is deaf and blind?"
There are no unnecessary words, this is enough.
Since Zhu Xizhong is an old fox, he will understand what he means.
What is the fastest way to gain power?
Of course it’s political achievements!
You can win the trust of Mr. Li at the top, and win the hearts of the people at the bottom.
But now that I have nothing in my hands and nothing to do, how can I achieve political achievements?
Then make a card out of nothing!
As the saying goes, public opinion makes a fortune. Whether you have political achievements or not is not important. What matters is that others think you have them.
And that's what he wants to do now.
What is the basis of pro-government? It is wisdom and the ability to govern.
Can’t express it? Then make up a story!
As long as both inside and outside the imperial city, people were praising him as the new king, he had awakened and cultivated his virtues.
As long as Mr. Li's ears were open, he kept hearing gossips about the wives praising the new king.
As long as the scholars and court officials were curious about whether the new king was as legendary and his laws were as true as the legend, they wanted to find out.
This is not achievement, what else is achievement?
And this naturally required Jin Yiwei all over the government and the public to spread his fables orally in restaurants in the market.
Therefore, the commander of the Jinyi Guards, Chengguo Gong Zhu Xizhong, was a figure he could not avoid.
This was his test of Zhu Xizhong, forcing him to hand over his name. Duke Cheng's lineage enjoys the honor of the dynasty, so don't even think about running away when it's time to show your loyalty.
The favor of the royal family has already been marked with a secret price.
Achieving this level was just a side note, and no specific authority was involved. Unexpectedly, the reaction from all parties was too fierce, and it also allowed Zhu Xizhong to make things easy first and then make things difficult - investment can be increased slowly, at least in his heart there is no threshold.
Zhu Yijun was not worried that Zhu Xizhong would sell him out. No matter how stupid Duke Cheng Guo was, he would never do such a thing.
Unlike civil servants, nobles and nobles have always been dependent on the royal family.
Even if a civil servant is dismissed from office, he is still a famous person. When he returns home to give lectures, he can form a Donglin Party to influence the government.
Not to mention a scholar like Wang Shizhen, who became a giant after becoming an official.
But honors and nobility are different. You can't do scientific research without knowing your background. The six ministries, nine ministers, and frontier officials are all out of reach of real power.
Relying on the emperor's favor and rewards, one can have some dignity.
Away from the imperial platform, he is just a wild dog, anyone can kick him.
There are a lot of stupid people, but there is no need to be picky about loyalty.
In the Ming Dynasty, there was no nobleman who stabbed the royal family in the back.
Even if Zhu Xizhong is as timid as a mouse, he is afraid of getting involved in this whirlpool, so at most he can only stand by and watch.
As for whether he will support himself or not, it depends on whether his vision is accurate.
——
Note 1: (August of the fifth year of Longqing), Zhu Xixiao, the governor of the Jinyi Guards, was ordered to be the guard of the East Palace of the Prime Minister. The commander of the Jinyi Guards was the same as Zhi Yu Yin, the commander of the department was the same as Zhi Yang Junqing, and the same was in charge of the guards. - "Records of Mu Zong of the Ming Dynasty"
Chapter completed!