Wan Lei did not want the Ming Dynasty to cede territory, but instead asked the Ming Dynasty emperor to step down as soon as he opened his mouth. This was with ulterior motives. Because the Ming Dynasty was now the world, and the most stubborn conservatives were the royal family. As long as the Ming Dynasty royal family was defeated, Jiangnan would not
There will be recalcitrant forces. As long as the foreign policy is appropriate, peaceful reunification is possible.
In order to get the Ming emperor to step down, Wan Lei offered two conditions for the normalization of diplomatic relations with the Ming Dynasty. One was that Emperor Jianwen abdicated. This would not only allow normal diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, but also exempt nearly 8 million in war compensation. If
If Emperor Jianwen refused to retreat, then he was a national traitor, and he was also a national traitor who cost the Ming Dynasty eight million more.
Of course, the first clause was very beneficial to the Ming Dynasty, but it was very harsh to Emperor Jianwen, which was almost impossible to agree to. For this reason, Wan Lei put forward a lower level condition, which was to ask the Ming Dynasty to
In the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, Emperor Jianwen would keep his position unchanged, but would have to give up most of his imperial power, so that the Ming Dynasty could have normal diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. However, war reparations could not be exempted and could only be deferred.
There are two conditions, one is harsh and the other is relatively mild. Emperor Jianwen may be forgiven for not choosing the first one, but if he doesn't choose the two conditions, those in the Ming court who are dissatisfied with the status quo, want change, and want more power
The officials would definitely be even more dissatisfied. If the emperor and his ministers were alienated from each other, Emperor Jianwen would really become a lonely man.
As expected by Wan Lei, after this resolution was passed back to Jinling by Fang Xiaoru, the Ming court was in an uproar. Emperor Jianwen, who was about to be ousted, was naturally furious, but among the ministers below, except for a few relatives of the emperor,
, most people think these two conditions are acceptable.
In addition, Wan Lei was also secretly adding fuel to the flames. Not only did he have people write a proposal and distribute it everywhere in the south of the Yangtze River, he also sent people to secretly contact the central officials of the Ming Dynasty and the feudal history of each province to advocate constitutional reform to them.
benefits.
In this way, in just half a month, the public opinion among Jiangnan officials, soldiers, merchants and people changed drastically. Almost unanimously, they demanded the implementation of constitutional government. Most of the officials and people even asked for the emperor to abdicate. After all, once the emperor abdicated,
The Ming Dynasty will be relieved of the burden of eight million, and will not have to bear the heavy clan expenses in the future, which is beneficial to the people.
For a time, public opinion was fierce. Emperor Jianwen was like a small boat in a violent storm. He was so lonely and helpless and could be swallowed up by the rolling torrent at any time. Emperor Jianwen also realized that this was Wan Lei's trick, but
There was nothing he could do. After all, the Ming Dynasty was under his rule.
His rule was already riddled with holes, and the officials and people were disappointed with him. Wan Lei just took the opportunity to add some fuel to the fire, making the officials and people's anger even higher. That's all. If the royal family does not agree to the establishment of a constitution, I am afraid the people's disappointment will change.
If it becomes desperate, I'm afraid it will be difficult to deal with it.
On May 20th, Emperor Jianwen, who was sitting on pins and needles, could no longer sit still and summoned the emperor's relatives and distinguished ministers to hold an internal palace meeting to discuss the establishment of a constitution. At the meeting, most of the emperor's relatives and distinguished ministers opposed the constitution because
Their power was originally dependent on the imperial power. Once the constitution was established and the imperial power was limited, their power would also plummet.
"Everyone, most of the subjects advocate the establishment of a constitutional power to strengthen the country, and some radicals advocate the abolition of the monarchy. If the court does not comply with public opinion, it will lead to great disasters." said Rujun, the official secretary. He is the head of the civil service, so naturally he is the leader.
He firmly supports the establishment of the constitution, because after the establishment of the constitution, he is likely to be elected as the real supporter of power in the Ming Dynasty.
"The sage said that the king, the king, the minister, the father, the son, the son, the king and his ministers are the first in human relations. If the ministers offend the gentleman and the son offends the father, human relations will be completely ruined. How can the world not be in chaos? This must not be done." Geng Bingwen said angrily, he
They were the in-laws of Emperor Jianwen, so they naturally did not want the emperor to abdicate.
"The distinction between monarch and ministers is based on their status. Today, the subjects are not seeking to dethrone the monarch, but are willing to ask the monarch to establish a constitution. The Holy Spirit will return the political power to the people. The people will also regard the Holy Spirit as their king and father, treat him with generous courtesy, and protect the continuity of the clan. This is perfect.
It is a good deed to protect the country and the family, please ask the Holy Spirit to give a clear judgment." Wuzhongdao, Minister of the Ministry of Industry.
"Nowadays, public opinion is rising, and the people are eager for governance. I would like to ask the Holy One to make a clear decision." Dozens of first- and second-rank civil servants also agreed.
Seeing that many of his close ministers were on the side of the constitutionalists, Emperor Jianwen's expression became even worse. He glanced at the ministers below, and when he saw Huang Zicheng standing aside without saying a word, he asked, "What does Huang Aiqing think?"
"I think it is good to establish a constitution, but we should not act too hastily." Huang Zicheng whispered, and secretly winked at Emperor Jianwen.
"Ai Qing also thinks it is good to establish a constitution?" Emperor Jianwen was even more disappointed. However, when he saw Huang Zicheng winking secretly at him, he knew there was something in Huang Zicheng's words, so he ordered: "This is the end of today's discussion. Everyone, please step aside for the time being. Huang Aiqing will stay here."
Down."
Seeing that Huang Zicheng was left alone by Emperor Jianwen, all the civil servants gave Huang Zicheng a sidelong look, because Huang Zicheng was not on good terms with them, and being left alone at this time must have another agenda. However, the emperor had given an order, and they could not stay any longer.
, had to retreat.
After all the ministers had left, Emperor Jianwen said: "Now that the ministers are trying to protect their power and force me to abdicate, does Huang Aiqing have any good ideas?"
"Your Majesty, the country is in ruins, and we must vigorously reform to satisfy the people's desire for governance. I believe that the Holy Majesty should issue an edict as soon as possible to establish a constitution in order to quell the resentment of the officials and the people." Huang Zicheng said.
"If I am allowed to establish a constitution, where will the people put me? If I lose my country and the country, how can I see the heroes of the clan? How can I see my ancestors under the nine springs?" Emperor Jianwen was greatly disappointed. He thought Huang Zicheng could give him
He came up with a good idea so that he could retain the imperial power, but he didn't expect that Teacher Huang was also a constitutionalist.
"Your Majesty, the establishment of a constitution is an important act of the country and cannot be accomplished overnight. Your Majesty has promised to establish the constitution first and use time to strive for self-improvement." Huang Zicheng said.
"First promise to establish a constitution, and then use it to improve yourself?" Emperor Jianwen glanced at Huang Zicheng and immediately understood that Teacher Huang's good idea was to delay the war.
"The Holy One first approved the establishment of the constitution, and then set a time limit for the establishment of the constitution. Within this time limit, the Holy One can work hard to strengthen the country and strengthen the army. The subjects will naturally obey the rule and be submissive, and they will definitely eliminate their disobedient and unruly intentions."
"My love for you is a good plan, but if you promise to establish a constitution, if you don't do it in the future, wouldn't it be a breach of trust in the world?" Emperor Jianwen still asked with some worry.
Seeing that the emperor's master was still hesitant at this time, Huang Zicheng frowned and said seriously: "Besides this, I have no other plan. If we are not allowed to establish a constitution and pacify the subjects, or fear that the world will be in chaos, it is time
I’m afraid it’s too late to regret it.”
Emperor Jianwen looked at Huang Zicheng, then looked up at the tall golden palace for a while, and finally gritted his teeth and said: "Okay, I will play it accurately and use the trick of loving you."