There are many pure people in temples, but not many noble people.
Many people confuse "Qingliu" and "Junzi", but in fact they are completely different. There are indeed a few gentlemen among Qingliu, but not all Qingliu are gentlemen, and not all gentlemen are Qingliu.
As the saying goes, "Gentlemen belong to a group of people but do not belong to a party." But how many of those Qingliu officials have not formed a party?
From this point alone, we can see that the nature of Qingliu and Junzi are different.
Moreover, there is not much difference in essence between Qingliu and corrupt officials. They both pursue fame and fortune. It is just that Qingliu cares more about "fame" and corrupt officials care more about "profit".
A true gentleman only values "morality" and "justice"!
At the same time, gentlemen are always constrained by too many rules and regulations, and often encounter unscrupulous villains to suppress them, so their status in the temple is naturally not high.
After all, officialdom is a place full of calculations, where interests outweigh morality, and is not suitable for a gentleman to live.
But the role of gentlemen cannot be ignored. They are the conscience, bottom line, and credibility of the officialdom, and they are indispensable.
For these gentlemen, Zhu Hejian, Zhao Junchen, and Emperor Deqing used different methods of control.
Zhu Hejian "played into his favour", that is, he pretended to be the same kind as the gentlemen, lowered their guard, and won their recognition and support;
Zhao Junchen's "combination of interests" means integrating the ambitions of gentlemen into one of his own plans, so that the gentlemen will willingly contribute to his plans;
However, Emperor Deqing used "moral kidnapping", that is, he used the word "morality" that gentlemen care about most to coerce them to do things for him.
Among these three methods, Zhao Junchen's method seems to be the most clever, but in terms of actual results, it is Emperor Deqing's method that is the most effective and does not have to pay any price.
*
The Zhang Bodao mentioned by Emperor Deqing at this time was the biological brother of Zhang Bochong, the Minister of Punishment, but he was not a member of the "Zhou Party" and had always been neutral and impartial.
Like Yang Xun, Zhang Bodao is also a great Confucian and a gentleman. At present, he has also resigned from his official position and is idle at home.
Moreover, the reason for Zhang Bodao's resignation is even more "admirable".
In short, when Zhang Bodao was the governor of Zhejiang Province, a "parricide case" occurred in Zhejiang.
At that time, in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, there was a drunkard with a violent temper. Every time he was drunk, he would abuse his wife and children. Once, he was about to beat his wife and children to death. His son finally couldn't bear it anymore and fought back.
He accidentally beat the drunk man to death.
Initially, because the drunkard had a very bad reputation in Jiaxing, but his son was a scholar with excellent reputation, after the Jiaxing government heard the case, they believed that the drunkard’s son’s counterattack was just to protect himself and his mother.
It was excusable, so I just took away his fame and exiled him for three hundred miles.
However, after Zhang Bodao heard about this incident, he was greatly stimulated. He could not recognize the verdict of the Jiaxing government at all. He believed that the drunkard's son had committed a crime of rebellion and must be punished with a higher penalty and severe punishment!
According to Zhang Bodao, as a son, if he is abused by his father, he should give him kind words. If he cannot be persuaded, he should swallow his anger. If he cannot bear it, he should run away, but he should not fight back in any case.
In the end, under Zhang Bodao's strong advocacy, the drunkard's son was sentenced to death, and the drunkard's wife was also beaten with a cane.
But when things got to this point, Zhang Bodao still refused to let go.
First of all, Zhang Bodao forced Jiaxing Prefecture to demolish half of the city wall in order to show that the local people had no face to see others;
Later, Zhang Bodao impeached the prefect of Jiaxing, believing that the prefect of Jiaxing was incompetent and incompetent, which caused the moral corruption of the place;
Finally, Zhang Bodao took the initiative to resign and plead guilty. He believed that as the governor of Zhejiang, he was in charge of education and academic affairs in Zhejiang. As a result, a scholar committed patricide under his rule, so he himself was guilty of serious dereliction of duty and negligence.
Because of this incident, Zhang Bodao won many praises from all Confucian parties and soon became famous all over the world.
According to the standards of this era, Zhang Bodao's approach can be described as "the unity of knowledge and action". He is strict with others and himself, and can also be called a "gentleman".
But through this incident, we can also see that the conflict of ideas between Zhang Bodao and Yang Xun can be said to be worlds apart.
Therefore, when Yang Xun heard that Emperor Deqing was going to appoint Zhang Bodao as Minister of Dali Temple, he was immediately shocked, reacted fiercely, and couldn't help but refute on the spot.
Emperor Deqing's smile remained unchanged and he said slowly: "I also know that you and Zhang Bodao have different ideas. For you, the great scholars of the world, once there is a conflict of ideas, you will inevitably be incompatible and treat each other as enemies.
Kou, but I also have my own considerations...
I believe that the next Minister of Dali Temple must not only be neutral and fair, but also be capable and dare to take on responsibilities. It is best to have both ability and political integrity to convince the public!
And after thinking about it, I found that only you and Zhang Bodao fully meet these conditions... In this way, if you are unwilling to resume your official position, then I can only choose Zhang Bodao."
Yang Xun understood that Emperor Deqing's statement was just to force him to make a choice, so he couldn't help but fall into silence again.
After a moment, Yang Xun suddenly raised his head and asked: "Your Majesty, do you have any understanding of the changes in my views in recent years?"
Emperor Deqing nodded directly, and like Zhao Junchen, he directly summarized Yang Xun's general philosophy and said: "I have also read a few of your articles, so naturally I understand the changes in your philosophy. Some people think that you
These views are biased towards Legalism, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with Legalism’s ideas!
Whether it is formulating detailed and comprehensive laws to regulate the behavior of the people, or making the court and government equally subject to the laws of the court, it is thought-provoking!
Naturally, the art of controlling the people should be stricter, and the court and government should not ignore the law and discipline. They must be in awe. Only in this way can our country, the Ming Dynasty, be stable forever!
Therefore, you don’t have to worry at all, if you become the Minister of Dali Temple, I will definitely support you with all my strength!"
After hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Yang Xun's expression became more complicated.
Emperor Deqing was undoubtedly extremely intelligent, so he could easily summarize Yang Xun's ideas.
However, Emperor Deqing was also unable to understand Yang Xun's true thoughts, so he still regarded Yang Xun's various ideas as Legalist ideas that strengthened the emperor's centralization of power.
In other words, in Emperor Deqing's mind, the imperial court was the imperial court and the emperor was the emperor. The two were not the same. The emperor's status should be higher than that of the imperial court.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing believed that the court should be bound by laws and disciplines, but he himself did not need to be bound.
In this way, after Emperor Deqing read Yang Xun's article, he naturally only noticed those concepts that were conducive to his stable rule, but completely ignored those concepts that would restrict his power.
I have also read Yang Xun's article, but because Emperor Deqing and Zhao Junchen had different perspectives, they came to completely different conclusions.
Emperor Deqing fully agreed with Yang Xun's ideas, and Zhao Junchen argued fiercely with Yang Xun yesterday, but in comparison, Yang Xun believed that Zhao Junchen was more like his confidant, and Emperor Deqing's approval,
It will only make Yang Xun feel powerless.
Thinking of this, Yang Xun sighed secretly in his heart.
But in the end, Yang Xun succumbed to Emperor Deqing's methods and lowered his head and said: "In that case, I am willing to return to the temple and serve your Majesty again!"
Seeing Yang Xun surrendering, Emperor Deqing's eyes flashed with satisfaction, but on the surface, he looked eager for talents and overjoyed. He laughed and said: "In this case, it is best! Wait until tomorrow morning.
I will announce Yang Daru’s appointment to all the officials, and I believe that several ministers in the court will not object...
By the way, speaking of the court elders... I heard that you went to see Zhao Junchen yesterday? Why did you go to see Zhao Junchen? I don't remember that you two had any friendship before. "
Yang Xun still had a magnanimous attitude and answered directly: "I believe that Zhao Gechen is an extremely rare capable minister in the imperial court in the past hundred years. I have always admired Zhao Gechen for his various achievements, but his character... is really hard to describe in a word.
!
It is precisely for this reason that I want to meet and talk with Zhao Gechen, observe his character up close, and test his attitude towards the court's laws and regulations. If he still has awe of the court's laws and disciplines, it will naturally be a blessing to the court.
.”
Yang Xun was a true gentleman, so Emperor Deqing did not doubt Yang Xun's statement, but thought that Yang Xun's idea was too naive.
Therefore, Emperor Deqing shook his head and laughed, and said: "You want Zhao Junchen to care about court laws and regulations? I couldn't figure it out for a while, Yang Daru, whether you think highly of Zhao Junchen or underestimate Zhao Junchen...
…”
Having said this, Emperor Deqing changed the topic again and did not ask Yang Xun what he thought of Zhao Junchen.
In the view of Emperor Deqing, the conclusion was obvious - in Zhao Junchen's concept, there must be no place for court laws and regulations.
*
Next, Emperor Deqing chatted some more with Yang Xun, gave Yang Xun several palace treasures, and then let Yang Xun leave.
After Yang Xun left the imperial study, Emperor Deqing finally turned his attention to the seventh prince Zhu Hejian.
Seeing that Zhu Hejian had regained his composure and patience and was not anxious due to the long wait, Emperor Deqing nodded with satisfaction.
Then, Emperor Deqing picked out a few memorials from his hand and asked the eunuch Zhang De to pass them to Zhu Hejian for review, and said slowly: "These memorials are the latest news from Huguang... The prince is here
There was a big commotion in Huguang, and even the Prince of Xiangyang was arrested by him!
To be honest, I don’t like the prince’s approach. It’s too reckless and nonsense. It can be said to have endless troubles! But it was also very effective, allowing him to master a large amount of evidence of the vassal’s crimes... When things have developed to this point, he and
This conflict between the vassals can be considered won!
In this way, even if I and the officials no longer like his recklessness and dictatorship, we cannot depose him on the pretext of vassal matters. Many people may still think that he is courageous and responsible! At the same time, you are in the government and opposition parties.
The image in my mind has become one of irresponsibility and inaction... From your point of view, under such circumstances, what will be the attitude of the officials?"
Zhu Hejian already had the answer in his mind. He hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell the truth and said: "Under such circumstances, the officials will inevitably be more inclined to their sons and ministers, and will also become more and more alienated from the third brother of the prince!
After all, the officials don’t like the dictatorial emperor of the Sacred Heart, they just hope that the emperor will let go and delegate power so that they can do things unscrupulously.”
Emperor Deqing nodded again in approval and said slowly: "This is exactly the truth, this is the human heart!... You can understand this, but the prince always cannot see this clearly, and he does not know how to advance, retreat, and make choices, so
Only then will I make up my mind to abolish the establishment."
After a pause, Emperor Deqing continued: "However, as the saying goes, too much is too little. If your image is too weak, it is also bad. It will only make the ministers forget their dignity and get carried away. They all take pride in admonishing their superiors!
As your father, I naturally understand that you have a gap in your heart, and you have always been very independent. But if the world thinks that you are a weak character, and all the officials are possessed by Wei Zheng, then you
It will be difficult to have a tough attitude from now on!
Ha! There were many clans in the Tang Dynasty, the imperial power was not strong, and Li Shimin was not in the right position, so there was a story that "Tang Taizong was afraid of Wei Zheng". Officials are always happy to talk about Tang Taizong's rule of thumb. I hope all emperors
Everyone can imitate Tang Taizong, but I don’t know that in my eyes, Tang Taizong’s behavior is a joke! I don’t think that Tang Taizong was willing to stay in a high position and follow advice freely!”
After ridiculing Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Deqing's expression became gloomy and he said: "I thought about it for a moment. In recent times, the public opinions related to you and the ulterior motives of the imperial court newspaper are very likely.
Ninth, this is the secret work of that old guy Zhou Shangjing. I have been fighting openly and secretly with him for decades, and I am very familiar with his methods!
Next, I will immediately summon Zhou Shangjing and give him a stern warning. I will also arrange for factory guards to keep an eye on the matter. I believe that public opinion will soon ease, and the imperial court will not dare to continue to cause trouble...
However, after all, it was a hindsight and a waste of time. The image Zhou Shangjing created for you has now gradually become deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so if you want to secure your position in the future, you must do something and try to change the world's impression!"
Zhu Hejian asked cautiously: "Father, do you mean..."
Emperor Deqing has always been good at seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages, and taking advantage of them.
Over the years, if something good happened to him, Emperor Deqing would definitely take all the credit on himself; if something bad happened, Emperor Deqing would definitely put all the blame on his ministers.
Therefore, in just a moment, Emperor Deqing had already found a strategy for Zhu Hejian to achieve success without losing any money!
Emperor Deqing smiled and said: "Tomorrow, I will pass the decree and send you to Nanjing to worship your ancestors."
Hearing Emperor Deqing's words, Zhu Hejian was immediately shocked and said quickly: "Father, are you talking about the Nanjing Sixth Division? But this matter..."
However, before Zhu Hejian could finish speaking, Emperor Deqing waved his hand and interrupted, saying: "I remember a month ago, when Zhou Shangjing met and talked with Cheng Yuandao, he expressed his opinion that you lacked responsibility and courage, so I hope
You go to Nanjing to assist the Crown Prince and Grand Master Wang Baoren in handling the matter of the imperial court taking over power from the Six Ministries of Nanjing! The various changes that occurred during this period should be Zhou Shangjing's means of coercion.
You quickly informed me about this matter, but after much thought at the time, I thought that the Nanjing Six Ministries matter was of great importance and the situation was complicated, and it was not suitable for you to wade into troubled waters, so I did not agree.
But today, in order to change the world's impression, I think you should go there. After arriving in Nanjing, you assisted the Crown Prince and Grand Master Wang Baoren to clean up the Six Ministries of Nanjing. The imperial court's plan to take over power from the Six Ministries of Nanjing has been laid out for more than half a year.
, the chance of success is very high, it is your chance to show your courage and means.
However, just in case, when you went to Nanjing, it was nominally just to worship your ancestors. On the surface, the prince and grand master Wang Baoren was still in charge of everything, and you were not involved...
After all the dust has settled, if the imperial court successfully takes over power from the Six Ministries of Nanjing, Wang Baoren has always been smart and astute. When he asks the imperial court for merit, he will definitely list you as the first one. I will also publicly say that I will arrange for you to go to Nanjing to worship your ancestors.
Just to secretly assist Wang Baoren in doing things. When that time comes, you will naturally prove your courage and means;
But if the imperial court's plan to take back power fails, then all the responsibilities will be borne by Wang Baoren alone. In name, you are just going to Nanjing to worship your ancestors, so naturally this matter has nothing to do with you."
Hearing what Emperor Deqing said, Zhu Hejian was stunned for a moment, and then he had to admit that Emperor Deqing's plan was a sound strategy.
Ever since Zhou Shangjing proposed that Zhu Hejian go to Nanjing to assist Wang Baoren in handling the central government's resumption of power a month ago, Zhu Hejian has been hesitant, fearing that he would fall into Zhou Shangjing's trap. Emperor Deqing also had the same attitude and did not want Zhu Hejian to go to Nanjing.
Muddy water.
Therefore, this matter has been delayed, and Zhu Hejian has never given Zhou Shangjing a clear answer.
Today, Zhu Hejian also knows the situation of public opinion and court reports. Zhou Shangjing must be forcing him to make a decision, but he still doesn't want to go to Nanjing to wade into troubled waters, so he meets Emperor Deqing. Originally, he just hopes that Emperor Deqing can
Make the decision for yourself and personally warn Zhou Shangjing not to do anything secretly.
Who would have thought that Emperor Deqing would have thought of such a foolproof plan, which could be said to have brought the art of seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages to the extreme, so Zhu Hejian was naturally moved.
In Zhu Hejian's heart, he never had much respect for Emperor Deqing. He always thought that Emperor Deqing had too many scruples and acted weakly. Emperor Deqing had just ridiculed Tang Taizong's rule of thumb, which was a joke.
In fact, in Zhu Hejian's mind, Emperor Deqing also had a similar image.
But this time, after hearing Emperor Deqing's proposal, Zhu Hejian felt a rare sense of admiration. He only felt that Emperor Deqing still had something worth learning from.
After Zhu Hejian was moved, he also understood that he could not be too hypocritical in front of Emperor Deqing, otherwise he would only arouse Emperor Deqing's displeasure, and quickly expressed his position: "In this case, of course I am willing to go to Nanjing to assist
Grand Master Wang... However, although this approach is foolproof, it still feels a little unfair to Grand Master Wang."
Emperor Deqing didn't care at all and waved his hand: "He is the prince and grand master, so he should consider you wholeheartedly! What's more, even if he gives most of the credit to you, I will not treat him badly and will still abide by it.
He was promised to join the cabinet to assist the government, so why would he be dissatisfied?"
In the view of Emperor Deqing, it was not only appropriate for ministers to sacrifice for the emperor, but also an honor.
*
In this way, on the morning of the next day, two major events happened one after another.
First, the great scholar Yang Xun returned to the temple and once again served as the Minister of Dali Temple, while the current Minister of Dali Temple Fang Shiwen was promoted to the governor of Shandong.
Second, Emperor Deqing sent an order to the seventh prince Zhu Hejian to go to Nanjing to worship his ancestors on his behalf, and he was about to leave immediately.
Regarding these two matters, the vast majority of court officials did not raise any objections.
After all, Yang Xun's reputation and qualifications are enough to take on the important task of Dali Temple Minister. As long as he is willing to return to officialdom, no one can compete with him;
The seventh prince Zhu Hejian went to Nanjing to worship his ancestors on behalf of Emperor Deqing. Although it was somewhat unfair, after all, the crown prince should be responsible for this kind of thing. However, the prince Zhu Heyu is not in the capital at the moment, and his status is already in jeopardy.
, the seventh prince Zhu Hejian is recognized as the next crown prince, so no one will come forward to oppose and cause trouble.
However, Zhao Junchen has some different opinions on these two matters.