Prologue

The horizon was tinged with a pale white, and a round red sun slowly rose, its soft yet slightly dazzling light awakening Peng Yue, who lay on the deck. A new day had arrived

Do you think it's interesting that they are fighting over a worthless title?" Cheng Hao complained from the side

"Don't go!" Cheng Hao pulled Peng Yue back, "It must be your problem. Don't be fooled by your usual carefree and clever demeanor; when it comes to women, you become hesitant and indecisive, more so than a woman! Listen to me, hurry up and apologize to Xinyi!"

How would I know whether he is a political opportunist or simply disapproves of Yang Tinghe's methods? Ask Zhang Cong yourself!" Peng Yue said impatiently

However, Peng Yue also ignored Cheng Hao, merely picking up the history book on the table and mumbling softly, "Old Lu... Old Lu..."

Don't even think about it!" Peng Yue turned around and made a face at Cheng Hao, "Your final grades this semester are definitely going to be failing!"

"Why are you walking so fast..." Cheng Hao suddenly grabbed Peng Yue, "Look quickly, isn't that Xin Yi? Hey... why isn't she looking at you? Why is she running with her head down?"

After Yang Tinghe retired, although the old officials of the ceremonial council fought hard against it, their power had greatly diminished. Ultimately, following the "Zuo Shun Men" incident, the influence of the old ceremonial officials was completely crushed by Zhu Houzong, and Zhang Cong and others rose to power, being heavily favored by Zhu Houzong. The female professor let out a long sigh, finally finishing her lecture

"Forget it, I can't be bothered to deal with you..." Cheng Hao propped his chin on his hand and suddenly leaned his large face towards Peng Yue, "I can see that there's a mischievous smile in your eyes. Tell me, did you know in advance that Old Lu was going to take attendance in this class, which is why you came to class, and you didn't even tell me!"

"Nonsense, Zhu Houzong was previously a prince and had no influence in the capital. Naturally, when he first became emperor, he had no one to rely on. On the other hand, Yang Tinghe was a senior minister who had served through four reigns and had been the prime minister for so many years; most of the officials in the court were appointed by him. Do you think Zhu Houzong could possibly contend with him?" Peng Yue said with a smile.

Thus, Peng Yue and Cheng Hao directly ignored the female professor and whispered to each other as they discussed this great gift.

Many ministers, seeing that Yang Tinghe had made some concessions, gradually aligned themselves with Zhang Cong, supporting him. Among them were many prominent officials from the Jiajing period, such as Gui E, Fang Xianfu, Huang Zongming, and Huo Tao. The female professor turned away from the blackboard.

"One cannot speak in this manner..." Peng Yue adopted a serious demeanor, "The final paper is on 'Zhang Cong's New Policies', which will certainly involve a discussion about Zhang Cong himself. Zhang Cong rose to prominence due to the 'Great Rites Debate', so attending this class will be very beneficial for writing the final paper"

Zhu Houzhong naturally disagreed with this, but he found that his power was simply insufficient to confront Yang Tinghe... The female professor continued to speak at length, "At first, Zhu Houzhong advised Yang Tinghe with kind words, but Yang Tinghe remained indifferent. Later, he directly issued an edict, but it was returned by the Chief Minister Yang Tinghe using his power of rejection..."

It turns out that when there are many people, it is quite advantageous when a fight breaks out, haha..." Cheng Hao said with a smile

"Lower your voice..." Peng Yue glared fiercely at Cheng Hao, "Just now, Old Lu glanced over here again. This is a small class, with only a few dozen people, and Old Lu can recognize everyone..."

Isn't Yang Yiqing also an old minister? Why is he also opposing Yang Tinghe?" Cheng Hao asked in confusion from the side

Of course it is interesting; on the surface, this is a matter of titles, but in reality, it is a struggle for power. If Zhu Houzong compromises and yields in this matter, no one will listen to him in the future, and he will have to live forever in the shadow of Yang Tinghe. If Yang Tinghe yields, the authority he has built over the years will be lost, and it is likely that he will not be able to serve long as the Prime Minister of the cabinet... Peng Yue saw the female professor standing in front of the blackboard and began to explain to Cheng Hao. If Yang Tinghe yields, the authority he has built over the years will be lost, and it is likely that he will not be able to serve long as the Prime Minister of the cabinet... Peng Yue saw the female professor standing in front of the blackboard and began to explain to Cheng Hao.

"What is wrong with you?" Cheng Hao suddenly pulled his hand away from Peng Yue.

The incident of the Grand Ceremony was due to the death of Ming Emperor Wuzong, Zhu Houzhao, who left no heirs and did not issue a will designating a successor to the throne. At the suggestion of the Chief Minister Yang Tinghe, Wuzong's younger brother Zhu Houxiong entered the capital as a prince to inherit the throne. However, under the insistence of Yang Tinghe and other high-ranking officials, Zhu Houxiong had to acknowledge Emperor Xiaozong as his father and refer to his biological father, Prince Xingxian, as "Imperial Uncle" and his biological mother as "Imperial Aunt"... The female professor began to speak eloquently on the subject.

"Oh dear, just leave it alone!" Peng Yue shook off Cheng Hao's hand and ran off into the distance, "The professor from the Archaeology Department told me to go on a field investigation with him this afternoon, so I need to go back and get ready!"

Oh, don't ask anymore!" Peng Yue said as he was about to move forward

"Alright, you understand..." Peng Yue nudged Cheng Hao with his elbow, "Just now, Old Lu glared at you again..."

Peng Yue, you said that Zhang Cong, who was just a minor official at that time, dared to confront the Chief Minister Yang Tinghe. What do you think his motivation was? Surely, he must have wanted to engage in political speculation, right? After all, those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose. He wouldn't feel sorry for losing such a minor position, but if he won, his future would be bright... Cheng Hao spoke while daydreaming, as if he were Zhang Cong himself. After all, those who have nothing to lose are not afraid of those who have something to lose. He wouldn't feel sorry for losing such a minor position, but if he won, his future would be bright... Cheng Hao spoke while daydreaming, as if he were Zhang Cong himself.

"You say that Zhang Cong is quite a despicable person. Yang Yiqing made great efforts to support him and even ensured his appointment as a cabinet minister. In the end, however, Zhang Cong framed Yang Yiqing, driving him to his death. It is truly detestable..." Cheng Hao said while packing his bag, addressing Peng Yue.

You say that Yang Tinghe is quite cunning, appointing Zhu Houzong, a young prince who has not yet reached adulthood, to be the emperor. It is clear that he intends to control him and treat him as a puppet

"Then why didn't he just dismiss Yang Tinghe from his position?" Cheng Hao's tone indeed carried a hint of confusion

That Zhang Cong could heartlessly frame his former benefactor is also ... ... " Cheng Hao followed behind Peng Yue, walking slowly, " The struggles in the court, the factional infighting, these matters are truly difficult to articulate ... ... "

Hey... you are such a bastard! Cheng Hao laughed and scolded from behind

"Cheng Hao, how did you come over to attend class?" Peng Yue playfully tilted his head back, wearing a teasing expression, "So, have you given up gaming and decided to focus on your studies?"

"Just you wait! By the way, help me say a few good words to that professor, so he gives me a high score at the end of the term!" Cheng Hao shouted from behind.

"Brother, how many days has it been since you last attended class?" Peng Yue sighed helplessly, "Yang Yiqing is also a veteran, having served as the Grand Coordinator of the Three Borders, Minister of Revenue, and Minister of Personnel, and was additionally conferred the title of Prince's Guardian. Why does he have to rely on Yang Tinghe? Moreover, the two of them probably have their own conflicts, as the only time Yang Yiqing entered the cabinet was when Yang Tinghe resigned due to mourning..."

Later, Zhang Cong received the support of an important figure: Yang Yiqing. With Yang Yiqing's support, Zhang Cong and his group gained the upper hand in their struggle, ultimately leading to Yang Tinghe's retirement... The female professor, although she saw Cheng Hao and Peng Yue speaking quietly, was too lazy to intervene

"Go to hell..." Peng Yue said with a smile, "My grades are all based on true talent and real learning..."

It is estimated that Zhang Cong had an unsuccessful career in the first half of his life, being trampled upon for most of it, which might have led to some psychological issues. Who knows? In any case, I believe that Zhang Cong is a person of relatively high moral integrity..." Peng Yue said, turning to look at Cheng Hao.

"Do you think I want to be here?" Cheng Hao suddenly threw his backpack onto the seat next to Peng Yue, expressing some impatience as he gestured towards the gray-haired female professor at the podium, "If it weren't for Old Lu calling the roll, I wouldn't want to come at all. This class is so boring!"

At the moment when Zhu Houzong was at a loss, a scholar named Zhang Cong submitted a memorial to him, requesting that Zhu Houzong honor his birth and establish a temple for the father of Ming Shizong, King Xingxian, in the capital, thus opening the curtain on the Grand Ritual Controversy... The female professor glanced at Peng Yue and Cheng Hao as she spoke.

Why didn't you tell me earlier

Cheng Hao looked up and saw the female professor approaching him with a stern expression. Startled, he hurriedly grabbed the brand new history book from the table, not caring that he had knocked it over in the process

"What a load of nonsense!" Cheng Hao slid into his seat, bumping into Peng Yue in front of him. "Do you know that our final paper is on 'Zhang Cong's New Policies'? Teacher Lu is currently discussing 'The Great Rites Debate.' At that time, Zhang Cong had just arrived in the capital and had not yet gained power. Do you think attending this class is useful or not?"

"I am not joking, haha..." Cheng Hao laughed and said, "Just kidding, don't take it seriously. Who doesn't know that you, Peng Yue, are the most loyal and a good person, haha..."

Many years ago, it was the same. At that time, Peng Yue had just arrived in this world and was still somewhat unaccustomed to the atmosphere here, the sunlight here, and everything here. ... At that time, his memories were still merely lingering on the last history lesson of his life ...

Moreover, Yang Tinghe is doing such a thing, not allowing Zhu Houzong to acknowledge him as his biological father, which is clearly a demonstration of power towards the new emperor, thereby establishing his own authority

"Alright, alright, you are so glib, I can't argue with you..." Cheng Hao casually tossed the thick history textbook onto the desk and said, "You are the only one who can talk, no one can outtalk you. You managed to charm Old Lu so much that he gave you over 90 points last semester, and then there’s that old professor from the archaeology department, and our ideological and political education teacher..."

"You are right..." Peng Yue unconsciously quickened his pace, "but I haven't really looked into the history of the late Jiajing period, and I don't know much about it. I haven't had much time recently..."

Ah? Cheng Hao exclaimed in surprise, "Why is that?"

"It's no wonder you didn't attend the class..." Peng Yue raised his eyes to glance at the female professor, who was still quite far from him, and then lowered his head to explain to Cheng Hao: "The ministers in the court are all under the influence of Yang Tinghe. With Yang Tinghe gone, what can those ministers do? They are all like grasshoppers tied together on the same string. Moreover, if Yang Tinghe is dismissed, who will manage the court affairs for you? At that time, Zhu Houzong was still quite young; how could he understand how to cultivate his own power?"

"We... have broken up..." Peng Yue stood firm, staring at Cheng Hao, speaking each word deliberately.

I just saw it too..." Peng Yue murmured softly

Alright, classmates, what we are going to discuss in this lesson is the Grand Ritual Debate during the Jiajing period... The sound of Old Lu's high heels striking the floor gradually faded away

"Mind your own business, hurry up!" Peng Yue forcefully pulled Cheng Hao to run in the opposite direction

"You still refuse to admit that you didn't attend class..." Peng Yue shook his head helplessly, "Ever since Zhang Cong entered the cabinet, he and Yang Yiqing have had many conflicts. Of course, there are many things we are unaware of during this period, and historical records do not document them. Who knows who is right and who is wrong!"

"You don't understand anything; it's not simply a matter of having more or fewer people..." Peng Yue confidently remarked, "Previously, Zhu Houzong's concern was the lack of support for himself. For instance, if Yang Tinghe were to retire, who would help him manage the mess of the court? However, now he has found a force that can replace Yang Tinghe, because if Yang Tinghe leaves, even those old ministers under Yang Tinghe would be dismissed, he wouldn't have to worry anymore, as he has these new ministers of rites to assist him in reopening the court."

"Do you have any conscience, you brat?" Peng Yue stared wide-eyed at Cheng Hao, "Look at my eyes, they are filled with innocence and kindness, where is there any malicious smile? Besides, when have I ever let you down? You skip class every day, and which time have I not signed you in?"

"Why do you think Yang Tinghe is so impressive, even Zhu Houzong cannot compete with him?" Cheng Hao asked as he tugged at Peng Yue's sleeve.

"It's nothing..." Cheng Hao said while glancing at the female professor, "Please explain this question to me in detail..."

Later, under the continuous submission of memorials by Zhang Cong to provide theoretical support for Zhu Houzong, and most importantly, due to the persistent pressure from Zhu Houzong's biological mother and Zhu Houzong himself on Yang Tinghe, Yang Tinghe ultimately decided to bestow the title of "Emperor Xingxian" upon Zhu Houzong's biological father and the title of "Empress Dowager Xingxian" upon Zhu Houzong's biological mother. However, at the same time, Zhang Cong was demoted to the position of head of the Ministry of Justice in Nanjing... The female professor spoke at the podium while writing down some key terms on the blackboard... The female professor spoke at the podium while writing down some key terms on the blackboard.

"Indeed, your reasoning is quite good. It is likely that he has developed a psychological shadow..." Cheng Hao said with a smile as he caught up with Peng Yue. "I believe Zhu Houzong also had a psychological shadow due to the Great Rites Debate, which was forced upon him by Yang Tinghe. Therefore, he has always been very wary of the powerful ministers. During his reign as emperor, he frequently changed the chief minister of the cabinet. Was it not a matter of distrust? Is there a shadow?"

This class is quite engaging..." Peng Yue lazily leaned back against the chair, comfortably stretching his muscles, "This lesson is about the 'Great Rites Controversy' during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, such an interesting topic!