Chapter 0008: The Official Zhang Youde

Zhu Youjian sat comfortably on the throne, observing a group of hunched elderly men below him. Regardless of the dynasty, seniority and hierarchy were always emphasized. Those who could enter the court were at least in their forties, while those in their fifties and sixties formed the mainstream, and there were even more than ten individuals in their seventies

Emperor Chongzhen was aware that Wang Cheng'en was dissatisfied, and he was too lazy to explain further. He then turned to other memorials, noting that secret reports actually outnumbered the public ones. The flood of reports containing confidential information was overwhelming. These memorials not only consumed a significant portion of the emperor's time but also greatly reduced his efficiency in handling affairs

Zhu Youjian murmured, "Let him continue to feign illness, surround Wei Zhongxian and the residences of the guests! No entry or exit is allowed! Neither imprisonment nor execution! Prevent them from contacting the outside world. His position remains unchanged, and let his adopted sons succeed him! The position of the chief eunuch will be handed over to Cao Huachun, and the Eastern Depot to Xu Xianchun! This way, both of his adopted sons will have a way out. By the way, after today's court session, have these two come to the study."

Wang Cheng'en could not help but laugh, "Your Majesty, this move of yours is truly brilliant! It is indeed remarkable!"

Zhu Youjian threw the scabbard to Wang Cheng'en, saying, "If you flatter me in such a disgusting manner again, it will also be a crime of deceiving the emperor"

Soon, seven or eight officials stood up, saying, "I, a humble minister, second Zhang Youde's motion, and request that Your Majesty investigate Lu Xiangsheng!"

Why is it said that there is only one forty-first? Take, for instance, the two hundred thousand stones of relief grain prepared for the three borders. Historical records clearly document this event, yet the actual amount of relief grain that reached the disaster victims was less than five thousand stones. Where did the grain go? It was siphoned off by layers of officials, and by the time it reached the common people, it amounted to only one forty-first. Therefore, it can be said that if Zhu Youjian merely sits on the throne managing this realm, he is governing only one forty-first of the world. Although the Han people are a hundred times more numerous than the Manchus, the actual Han strength that Zhu Youjian could mobilize is only about two and a half times. Not to mention that this two and a half times still has to contend with internal strife. Moreover, in practical terms, this two and a half times of Han people are not as capable in warfare as the nomadic tribes on the grasslands.

With Zhu Youjian's words, the atmosphere below instantly erupted as if a pot had exploded! First, not to mention the emperor's commanding presence today, even his thunderous methods are enough to shock people! The power of the censors, has it not been a day or two? For over 200 years, from the time of the Hongwu Emperor until now, this is the first emperor to treat the censors in such a manner! Even someone as powerful as Wei Zhongxian could only appease the censors and divide them. For over 200 years, from the time of the Hongwu Emperor until now, this is the first emperor to treat the censors in such a manner! Even someone as powerful as Wei Zhongxian could only appease the censors and divide them

After speaking, with a loud bang, he was killed upon colliding with the pillar in the grand hall

From outer space to the inner womb! I have to handle it all by myself, am I busy enough to manage this?

Your Majesty, I have a matter to report. After a brief silence, an official stepped forward.

Kebaba propped up her body, gripping her ample bosom tightly with both hands, and shouted "ah ah ah" in the bed. Yet in her heart, she was calling out, "Your Majesty! Harder!"

Wei Zhongxian turned his head, gritting his teeth as he picked up a cane. "What’s the matter? Are you infatuated with the emperor? Don’t dream! He didn’t grow up on your milk! He won’t be involved with you!" As he spoke, he thrust the cane into the bedding, moving it around.

Convey the imperial edict to all officials, detailing the complete account of Wei Zhongxian's donation! It must be thorough, specific, and truthful! Additionally, include a note that a beggar under the bridge contributed one tael of silver to supplement Wei Zhongxian's donation! The beggar's name should be placed before that of Wei Zhongxian! Let the names of both individuals be passed down through the ages!

Wang Cheng'en, after hearing the Emperor's explanation, did not feel completely convinced, yet it could be considered a reasonable explanation; at least the Emperor was not acting out of mere sentimentality, as he had his own thoughts on the matter. In the future, when he explains to the officials, he will also have a rationale to present. In fact, Wang Cheng'en's responsibilities were akin to those of a modern-day Prime Minister; many matters that the ministers dared not bring directly to the Emperor were resolved through Wang Cheng'en. This is why Emperor Chongzhen took the time to explain things to him.

Wang Cheng'en suddenly recalled something, "Your Majesty, the seven hundred thousand taels of silver from Wei Zhongxian have arrived, but it is short by one tael, totaling six hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine taels of silver."

Wang Cheng'en had a dry cough, which startled him into quickly restraining the torrent of flattery that was about to pour forth. "Your Majesty, it is time for the court session to begin"

Zhang Youde let out a loud cry: "Your Majesty! The country has loyal subjects who do not forget their nation! A family has filial sons who do not let their family perish! My words represent the words of the officials of the realm! If Your Majesty treats the officials of the realm this way, I can only die to express my resolve!"

Zhu Youjian took a bottle of watermelon juice from the eunuch's hands. He has now developed a taste for enjoyment; without beverages, he has people extract juice from various fruits! Among them, his favorites are watermelon juice and rock candy pear, which, although costly, are far more delicious and nutritious than modern junk food. Originally, Zhu Youjian's standard for a meal was thirty taels of silver! Now, he has changed it to one hundred taels of silver per meal, which is enough for an ordinary family to eat for three years! It is not that Zhu Youjian has become extravagant, but rather that he has come to understand something: after two lifetimes of hard work and suffering, what has he gained? A broken country and a ruined family! Living in poverty and despair! It is time to change his way of life! Saving money is also a sign of incompetence; a true man should think about how to earn money, rather than how to save it

Zhu Youjian removed the imperial sword from his person and placed it beside the throne. "First of all, he is not a cavalry guard; he is my Imperial Forest Army general, officially designated as the commander of the First Guard Division! He is a division commander! Secondly, I hope that the main topic of today's political discussion will be to pacify the three borders, to prevent Huang Taiji from invading and plundering, and to send someone to quell the military mutiny at Shanhaiguan."

What? Wang Cheng'en heard the emperor scold someone and guessed it must have been an insult, but he did not quite understand it. He thought to himself, if you are not angry, how could you break the brush?

A hushed commotion arose among the ministers, while the recently reported official seemed as if he had been publicly slapped by the Emperor, unable to maintain his dignity. "Your Majesty! There are treacherous officials in the state! I shall risk my life to offer my candid advice! I am loyal to the country! I would die without regret! Your Majesty!"

By the way, what was Wei Zhongxian's reaction? What was the reaction of his associates? Emperor Chongzhen himself took a clean towel from a eunuch and wiped his face

Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, this flattery reminds one of a famous anti-Japanese film

Can two and a half Han people defeat one Manchu? Zhu Youjian was not confident, but he was not too anxious. The current Zhu Youjian had come to terms with things; after all, he could certainly live for another seventeen years. It was unlikely that he would live a second life that was worse than the first one

The completely naked Ke Baba lay curled up in the quilt, saying, "Alright, alright, you've been scolding all day, aren't you tired?" Thinking of the handsome face of Emperor Chongzhen, he couldn't help but blush along with the *illustration*.

Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, executed a side flip, rotating 1800 degrees, and forcefully thrust the imperial sword into a large tree

On that day, the powerful Grand Eunuch Wei suffered a mild stroke; of course, with his thick skin, it was impossible for him to be angered to death over such a trivial matter

Especially in terms of food and clothing! Even in food and clothing, one cannot surpass those corrupt officials, hereditary princes. A person who is an emperor himself, why should he suffer more than these parasites?

He fell ill, and he had no new tricks up his sleeve either. Wang Cheng'en smiled faintly

Zhu Youjian clapped his hands and said, "Absolutely splendid! You all should learn from them; otherwise, you might as well crash and die!"

Another official witnessed the previous official being reprimanded by the emperor and immediately stood up, saying, "I, a humble minister, second the impeachment of Zhang Youde!"

Wang Cheng'en believed that the emperor was in a fit of rage and advised, "Your Majesty, why not simply have the Imperial Guard capture and kill that old man! If not, then at least have him arrested, or send him away to Fengyang to guard the imperial tombs!"

The three chancellors exchanged glances, and none dared to speak! They were all taken aback by the sudden turn of events today, even Cheng Jiming, who had served in power for four dynasties, had never witnessed such a scene!

While moving about, he shouted in a hoarse voice, "Zhu Youjian! As long as you do not kill me, I will see how this unfolds! Do you have the authority? Even in death, I will drag your Zhu family dynasty down with me! I will make you understand that a eunuch can also hold power in the court! A eunuch can also dominate everything!"

I, a humble minister, hereby impeach the trusted Ma Yingwei and Lu Xiangsheng. This individual is arrogant and overbearing, with a long list of misdeeds! The Imperial Guard absolutely cannot be entrusted to such a person. I have already enumerated forty charges against him! I implore Your Majesty to render a just verdict!" As the official spoke, he shook his head vigorously. Had it not been for Zhu Youjian's earlier decree that future discussions of state affairs would be conducted in vernacular, it is likely that he could have spoken for two or three hours.

Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, was immediately infuriated! This old man is playing at a high level! He is trying to tell me that he is willing to use silver to atone for his sins! Yet he is also informing me that he is not afraid of me! He wants me to stop playing tricks on him! Otherwise, it would be a case of mutual destruction! If not, he would rather die than allow me to smoothly complete the transfer of power! Moreover, given the pressing military situation and the internal and external troubles at hand! "Old beggar! I, the Emperor, am not angry!" Moreover, given the pressing military situation and the internal and external troubles at hand! "Old beggar! I, the Emperor, am not angry!"

I curse the entire family and ancestors of Zhu Youjian for eighteen generations! Wei Zhongxian had two dogskin plasters stuck on either side of his forehead, cursing loudly at the mirror in front of him! His old eyes were highly bulging, looking somewhat frightening!

Emperor Chongzhen understood that this was a conceptual gap and was unsure how to explain it, yet he attempted to clarify, "Let jealousy be jealousy; the law should have been revised long ago. Collective punishment is unscientific and violates the spirit of the law; it will eventually be abolished! When a husband is convicted, his wife and family should indeed be questioned, but what do underage children understand? They are innocent! Moreover, not implicating future generations allows those who may commit offenses in the future a chance for redemption! When a husband is convicted, his wife and family should indeed be questioned, but what do underage children understand? They are innocent! Moreover, not implicating future generations allows those who may commit offenses in the future a chance for redemption! It should not lead to desperate actions or reckless gambles!"

After finishing the watermelon, Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, laughed first.

Wang Cheng'en responded with a sound, although he did not quite understand why the Emperor, at this moment, still wanted to place the already largely useless Wei Zhongxian and Ke Baba under house arrest, especially that Ke Baba! Could it be that the Emperor has truly taken a liking to a woman nearing forty? Or to such a lowly woman!

Zhu Youjian said plainly, "Speak."

In the depths of winter, Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, consumed two ice watermelons to suppress his anger. Otherwise, he feared he would lose control and order the execution of Wei Zhongxian. Wei Zhongxian could easily produce seven hundred thousand taels of silver, so he certainly would not be bothered by an additional one or two taels. This was partly to demonstrate his power to the officials and partly to show his allies that he was still formidable, saying, "Look, I am still impressive! The Emperor has no way to deal with me!"

Zhu Youjian spat out a watermelon seed. In this cold winter, being able to eat watermelon is nothing in modern times, but in ancient times, it was something that at least the wealthy landowning class could enjoy! And the royal family was the largest landowner of this era

Zhu Youjian secretly thought, all of these should be the work of a high court in later generations! Damn it, everything is left for the emperor to handle; no matter how diligent the emperor is, he cannot manage it all! If someone could effectively govern a feudal empire as large as China, in modern times, managing the entire Earth would be no problem!

Wang Cheng'en exclaimed loudly, "If there is a document, present it early; if there is no document, withdraw from court!"

"Good!" Wang exclaimed, clapping his hands excitedly, "Your Majesty, this sword technique is truly as agile as a dragon! It flows like clouds and water!"

With eyes closed, one truly knows how to enjoy

Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, became more composed and smiled, saying, "I truly do not understand how individuals of your caliber could enter the court! What is it that you do not comprehend about my words? I have already stated the direction of today's political discussions. Furthermore, an immediate investigation into Lu Xiangsheng is required. What are you? Am I your household servant? Without an investigation, there is no right to speak! Is it permissible to arbitrarily convict ministers simply because there are many of you? This is factional interference in governance! What are you? Am I your household servant? Without an investigation, there is no right to speak! Is it permissible to arbitrarily convict ministers simply because there are many of you? This is factional interference in governance! It disrupts the order of the court!"

The atmosphere during today's morning court was particularly tense The grand hall was eerily silent

Even though Zhu Youjian was usually composed, he found it somewhat intolerable after a period of not encountering such a manner of speaking. "You are being outrageous! Regarding Lu Xiangsheng's matter, there is no evidence. Even if there are issues, it is for me to adjudicate! The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of War are to investigate; if there has been no investigation, how can you directly label someone as a traitor? This is slander against a minister! The duty of the censors is to speak based on evidence, not to slander at will! From now on, we will impose strict penalties for the crime of slander!" The duty of the censors is to speak based on evidence, not to slander at will! From now on, we will impose strict penalties for the crime of slander!

This is the court of the Ming Dynasty, where a seventeen-year-old boy leads a group of elders, commanding the entire realm. Perhaps it is not the entire realm; in reality, only one-fourth of this realm is in the hands of Zhu Youjian

But he must swallow his anger at this moment! He knows that Wei Zhongxian is deliberately provoking him! Angering him! Testing the Emperor's thoughts in this way! This tactic appears childish, yet it is extremely insidious! If the Emperor were to fall out with him over a few taels of silver, it would make him seem narrow-minded, and he would not be able to justify punishing him! If the Emperor says nothing, it will lead others to secretly mock him for lacking political acumen, as if he is not a match for the old Wei!

Originally, when the incident of the nobleman being killed in a collision occurred, everyone was so shocked that they were left speechless. Who would have thought that the emperor would immediately provide such a comment? What a tyrant!

The ministers were taken aback for the first time by Zhu Youjian's manner of speaking. The three regents had already witnessed it before, so they were somewhat accustomed to it. However, the other officials felt the pressure of the emperor's imposing presence. This presence is an invisible force; in the past, Zhu Youjian, despite his diligence in governance, had never possessed the aura he has now. This is the calmness that has been cultivated over a century of political experience