Chapter 6, The Turn of Events

"Um, you may go down first." Zhu Houzhong turned around, intending to change into his court attire

Peng Yue smiled heartily: "Of course I will stay here, as long as the master does not drive me away, I will live here forever, haha..." Seeing that Zi Ling was still concerned about this issue, Peng Yue felt an inexplicable joy in his heart

Peng Yue listened attentively: "I remember clearly." He then recounted what Zhu Houzong had just said, striving to repeat it word for word.

"No need for excessive courtesy." Huang Jin was quite polite, and although his rank was higher than Peng Yue's, he understood that Zhu Houzong despised eunuchs interfering in politics and abusing their power. Therefore, he was usually cautious and treated officials with great respect.

Ah... Ha. Peng Yue scratched his head awkwardly, unsure of what to say

"Did you remember everything I said?" Zhu Houzhong asked casually

Um... Zi Ling recovered from the earlier unrestrained joy, smoothing her slightly disheveled hair behind her ear: "The young master's soup is probably ready, I need to bring it to him."

"Pedestrian Si, Pedestrian Peng Yue." Xia Yan wrote it down solemnly while reciting it.

Zhu Houzong was aware of Zhang Cong's secret alliances, but his influence was ultimately not substantial. Therefore, he chose to turn a blind eye, as the affairs of the court required someone to help manage them. However, with Yang Yiqing's departure, who could guarantee that Zhang Cong would not take this opportunity to grow in power? This was absolutely intolerable. He must reselect the newly appointed officials in the court and vigorously promote them to suppress Zhang Cong's influence

Upon hearing this, even Ziling did not believe it: "You are clearly just talking nonsense; only a fool would believe what you say." Ziling pretended to be clever and glanced at Peng Yue: "Do you think I am foolish?"

Then let it be as you wish Zhu Houzhong seemed very pleased Of course, the happiest was still Peng Yue

The official raised his head to look at him, unable to suppress his suspicion: "I see that you are quite young yet have already entered officialdom. Although you have not yet entered the Hanlin Academy, your future prospects must surely be very promising."

"Hmm, Peng Yue, courtesy name Ziru, I will remember this." Xia Yan indeed committed this name to memory, as he sensed that this person would be of great use in the future

Zhu Houcong seemed to have something on his mind today. After issuing the decree, he stared at Peng Yue for a while and asked, "Has Yang Yiqing ever mentioned Zhang Cong to you in daily conversations?"

On the second day, Peng Yue was waiting outside the sleeping quarters of Zhu Houzong, when a eunuch approached him. This person was none other than Huang Jin.

"You have worked hard, esteemed sir. May I ask your honorable surname?" Peng Yue inquired with a hint of humility.

Seated indoors, Ziling was entangled in discussing the matter of the holy audience with Peng Yue, and Yang Jisi was also quite curious about it

However, it seemed that Ziling suddenly remembered something, and her face was filled with sorrow: "Brother Yun, where will you live in the future?" As she spoke, she lowered her head and began to fiddle with the hem of her clothes. She knew that Peng Yue had always been a scholar in this residence, and his status was rather awkward. Now that he had been promoted, he probably would not want to stay here.

"Brother Yun, I didn't expect that what you said to me that night was intentional." Ziling was clearly still caught up in the joy of Peng Yue's promotion.

Upon hearing this, Yang Jisi and Peng Yue could not help but burst into laughter

Oh, may I ask if you are the esteemed Huang Jin, Lord Huang?

"Very well, what you said is excellent!" Zhu Houzhong was clearly very pleased with Peng Yue's response: "Given your talents, it would indeed be a pity for you to remain in this position; it would be better to transfer you to serve in one of the Six Ministries."

After completing the registration, Peng Yue returned home with great excitement. He did not expect to meet Xia Yan under such a fortuitous circumstance. Moreover, it seemed that Xia Yan had a favorable impression of him. However, upon returning home, Peng Yue encountered Yang Yiqing, who was aimlessly strolling in the courtyard.

I still need to protect myself, " Peng Yue thought to himself, and then said, " I also have some personal thoughts. Lord Zhang is usually honest and dedicated to public service, striving to combat corruption. As for his character, there is no need to elaborate. " This is indeed the truth; although Zhang Cong is overbearing, he is not corrupt, and his home is quite simple and modest.

Peng Yue's mind was also racing: "May I ask if you are Lord Xia Yan?"

It is now an inevitable trend for Zhang Cong to return, and he will undoubtedly entangle his followers to seek personal revenge against me. I can no longer remain in this court. However, you... sigh, when the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer. Yang Yiqing felt regret that the piece he had painstakingly placed in position had not yet had a chance to play its role before being rendered useless.

Greetings, Your Excellency. I am Peng Yue from the Department of Envoys. Peng Yue made a bow to the official who was busy copying documents at the desk.

"You are quite clever indeed," Zhu Houzhong thought to himself. "What is your relation to Yang Yiqing?"

Eunuch Huang served the Emperor with utmost dedication, while Eunuch Zhang Yong was already disliked by the Emperor. Since Zhang Yong's departure, it can be said that the Emperor has relied entirely on Eunuch Huang. Moreover, Eunuch Huang has accompanied the Emperor since childhood, and their bond is very strong, to the extent that the Emperor even addresses him as "Eunuch Huang." Who in the court does not know this? Yesterday, Peng Yue applied the same tactics he used on Xia Yan to Huang Jin.

2. When the Office of Envoys was first established during the Ming Dynasty, the number of personnel was extremely limited. In the thirteenth year of the Hongwu era, one envoy was appointed, along with one left and one right envoy. Moreover, the official rank was very low, with the envoy holding the ninth rank and the left and right envoys holding the subordinate ninth rank. Shortly thereafter, the envoy was changed to the chief envoy, and the left and right envoys were designated as the left and right deputy envoys, with a total of three hundred and forty-five envoys established. In the twenty-seventh year of Hongwu, the number of officials in the Office of Envoys was set at forty, with one chief envoy at the seventh rank, one left deputy envoy and one right deputy envoy at the seventh rank, and thirty-seven envoys at the eighth rank. After the reign of Emperor Shenzong during the Wanli period, there were basically no changes, and this structure continued until the end of the Ming Dynasty. From this, it can be seen that the Office of Envoys was indeed not a very important institution, and the position of envoy was particularly lowly. Therefore, it is not surprising that Yang Yiqing appointed Peng Yue as an envoy. That year, Xia Yan also ranked at the bottom of the top three in the imperial examination, which is why he became an envoy in the Office of Envoys.

So it turns out to be Enyin. The official felt somewhat disdainful, but then asked: "You were personally recommended by Lord Yang Yiqing"

After Peng Yue left, Zhu Houzong also fell into deep thought. Peng Yue's words could not help but provoke profound contemplation in him. Yang Yiqing would surely leave the court soon, but this move had both advantages and disadvantages. Although the reform measures would be free from constraints, the absence of the force to suppress Zhang Cong was absolutely unacceptable

In terms of eloquence, Zhu Houzhong has already summoned them in

"Thanks to Your Majesty's grace and the recommendation of Lord Yang Yiqing, I have attained this position. I am truly ashamed," Peng Yue humbly replied

Zhu Houcong initially advocated for appeasement regarding the Qingyang Mountain Rebellion, but suffered a significant defeat, which left him somewhat embarrassed: "It is entirely the merit of the two virtuous ministers."

Peng Yue also took the opportunity to observe this official. He noticed that the official had sparse eyebrows and bright eyes, a fair complexion, and a meticulously groomed beard. Although he was not young, he still exuded a handsome demeanor.

"Today, the Emperor inquired about the reinstatement of Zhang Cong, and I... obstructed it," Yang Yiqing sighed, "In truth, I know the Emperor is testing me, yet I still... sigh." There seemed to be a hint of regret in his tone. "Since the day Zhang Cong retired, I have observed that nearly half of the court officials have impeached him, and seeing the Emperor's calm demeanor, I realized he intends to reinstate him." Yang Yiqing said softly, "Zirui, do you know why?"

"I am not sure what you are referring to?" Peng Yue asked cautiously

Moreover, Lord Zhang is ambitious and enthusiastic about the major reforms of the new policies. Your Majesty is determined to make progress, and it is indispensable to have capable ministers like Lord Zhang. " Peng Yue changed his tone: "Although many people often criticize Lord Zhang for his authoritarianism and arrogance, I believe that the reason why ministers serve is due to the wisdom and authority of the sovereign. Everyone should understand that the Emperor is paramount, and the matters handled are for the common people, for the state, and for Your Majesty. Therefore, Your Majesty only needs to pay a little attention to this and should not heed the slander of petty individuals or harbor doubts about Lord Zhang. " Peng Yue thought to himself that he should not be dismissed because of Yang Yiqing. He had already made it very clear: first, he recognized Zhang Cong's talent; second, he was not part of Yang Yiqing's faction, but rather Your Majesty's loyal minister, completely impartial; finally, do not forget that Zhang Cong's authoritarianism and arrogance are not words of mine, but of others.

Of course, it has been mentioned, and it is often brought up. Peng Yue suddenly became alert, quickly thinking about how to respond to this question. "Lord Yang often tells me that Lord Zhang Cong is a crucial minister of the state, who has devoted himself to the Emperor since the matter of the court discussions began, achieving great merits. The mutual correction of the departments and the reform of the Hanlin Academy are surely supported by Lord Zhang for the Emperor. The Emperor is exceptionally talented and ambitious, and Lord Zhang's contributions cannot be overlooked. However..." Peng Yue deliberately paused, "However, the petty officials in the court only speak of the discord between Lord Zhang and Lord Yang. Lord Yang is always thinking about how to collaborate with Lord Zhang to serve the Emperor diligently and to strategize for the grand reform. Yet, he fears that treacherous individuals will sow discord between Lord Yang and Lord Zhang, which is why he harbors some resentment towards Lord Zhang, fearing that there are petty officials who will speak ill of him to Lord Zhang." After finishing his answer, Peng Yue let out a long sigh, knowing that if he only spoke of Lord Yang's praise for Zhang Cong, the Emperor would surely not believe it. At the very least, the obstruction of Zhang Cong's return to court by Yang Yiqing yesterday was indefensible. However, if the blame were placed on the rumors among officials, it would be reasonable and seamless.

Haha... no need, I will come over myself. Poetry... how could I not come to congratulate on the joy of Zhirui?" Yang Jisi said as he walked in.

"Our family surname is Huang, there is no need for Lord Peng to be so formal." Huang Jin was quite satisfied with this person's attitude, and in his heart, he was certain that this was a "considerate" individual. He thought that there would likely be opportunities for promotion to a higher position in the future, and his attitude became polite as well, promptly returning the courtesy.

Since it was personally recommended by Lord Yang Yiqing, it is unlikely that he is a good-for-nothing scion. The official thought to himself, and upon seeing Peng Yue's humble demeanor, polite and eloquent words, he also developed a certain fondness for him

I suspect that the Emperor permitted Zhang Cong to retire out of doubt regarding Zhang Cong's factional ties, intending to take the opportunity to suppress his influence. However, the impeachment of Zhang Cong by the ministers alleviated the Emperor's concerns. As Peng Yue spoke, he could not help but admire the wisdom of the young Emperor Zhu Houzhong

After Peng Yue conveyed the instructions, he went to the Ministry of Personnel to report. As a minor official who entered through an unconventional channel, he still needed to register and file the necessary documentation himself

On the second day, Peng Yue had been waiting outside Zhu Houzong's sleeping quarters early in the morning. Once Zhu Houzong had finished his morning routine, Peng Yue quietly entered the room.

Peng Yue raised his eyes to look at Zhu Houzong again, only to find him with his eyes closed, seemingly lost in deep thought

"Adults need not worry, I will find a way... to protect myself." Peng Yue felt that this sounded somewhat awkward

"Your Majesty, Lord Yang is my father's cousin." Peng Yue anticipated that Zhu Houzong would ask this question and had already privately agreed with Yang Yiqing.

Is the Emperor very fat, with a fierce appearance, and does he speak with great authority? Facing this series of questions that could hardly be called questions from Ziling, Peng Yue was at a loss for how to respond. With no one else in the room, the three began to joke with one another.

"Zirui, it seems that I have done something today that I should not have done," Yang Yiqing said, his expression somewhat melancholic

I express my gratitude to Your Majesty, but the promotion has come too swiftly, and I fear it may invite criticism. I would prefer to remain in this position for a while longer to gain more experience. I am also thinking: I would like to make better use of this position.

Work hard; when I entered the officialdom, I held the same position as you. However, I have now been promoted to the position of Langzhong in the Ministry of Personnel, which offers opportunities to meet the Emperor. You must seize this chance. I see that you have a refined appearance and articulate speech; as long as you win the Emperor's favor, there will surely be opportunities for promotion. Haha. Seeing that this person held the same position as I did back then, and with Yang Yiqing's recommendation, I had a good initial impression of him, so I couldn't help but say a few more words.

I am known by the courtesy name Ziru. Peng Yue took the opportunity to provide a more detailed introduction

"Our family does not possess such importance; Lord Peng has overstated it." Yet, in my heart, it felt as if a jar of honey had been overturned, overwhelmingly sweet.

I have met the father-in-law." Peng Yue was the first to bow.

Peng Yue was so anxious that cold sweat broke out on his body: "Your Majesty, what Lord Yang usually says has a significant impact on me. I believe that if there are no petty individuals instigating discord between Lord Yang and Lord Zhang, they will surely work together for the greater good. The turmoil at Qingyang Mountain was a result of the strong stance jointly advocated by Lord Zhang and Lord Yang, and it is only due to Your Majesty's wisdom and your ability to accept good counsel that we have achieved success"

The emperor's robe trailed long behind him, and the hall was filled with gold, dazzling to the point of being blinding... Peng Yue was fabricating stories; in fact, he himself was so nervous at the time that he did not really see what it looked like.

"Lord Peng even knows our family name, we are truly honored." Huang Jin thought to himself, as a mere eighth-rank official, having just entered the palace and already being aware of his name, he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy.

Ah, I have long heard of your esteemed name. I have had the privilege of reading your writings, which are sharp and incisive, truly exceptional works.

Xia Yan was somewhat pleased to see that he knew his name: "Exactly!"

"That's wonderful!" Ziling could hardly contain her excitement and actually jumped up, even though she understood in her heart that this was not a long-term solution; ultimately, they would have to part ways.

Haha... at such a young age, you are quite knowledgeable. Xia Yan indeed harbors lingering feelings about having only ranked among the top three in his earlier years

Indeed, I am truly ashamed to have received such kindness from Lord Yang without being cast aside. " Peng Yue once again performed a gesture of respect

"Peng Yue, what is your opinion of Zhang Cong?" Zhu Houzong asked again

Peng Yue lowered his head, took small steps backward, and gently closed the door as he came out. "Ha..." Peng Yue let out a long sigh, "I didn't expect to feel a bit nervous after all."

Note 1. In the eighth year of the Jiajing era, Xia Yan indeed held a position in the Ministry of Personnel, but he was not the Minister of Personnel; his actual official rank was lower. This has been created for the sake of the narrative, and I hope the readers will understand.