Chapter 3, the Red-faced Man and the Young Pretty Boy

Various beauties, various tonics or stimulants, all of them were procured by them. Several emperors met their demise in this manner; even his own father died on a woman's belly. The subsequent Emperor Taichang passed away just one month into his reign

As for Zhang Juzheng himself, it was truly extravagant to the extreme; when he went out, he was carried in a sedan chair lifted by thirty-two men.

These two individuals were once part of their father's household, having shared hardships with him in the past, but now they can no longer share in the wealth and prosperity.

Zhu Yijun trusted Zhang Juzheng, knowing that he had ideals, wished to reform, and sought to leave a mark in history. Otherwise, he would not have spent a vast fortune to bribe Feng Bao, hoping that he would not cause trouble. With this in mind, Zhu Yijun looked at Feng Bao, who truly was a scourge.

Emperor Wanli's dissatisfaction with Zhang Juzheng also stemmed from this, especially considering that Zhang Juzheng was lenient towards himself but strict with others. In dealing with his own student—Emperor Wanli—he imposed strict discipline.

Zhu Yijun smiled; he certainly understood why his mother disliked Chen Hong and others. The reason was quite simple: these individuals were currying favor with his father. This included the current head of the Grand Council, the eunuch Meng Chong, as well as Chen Hong and Teng Xiang, who had gone to great lengths to flatter his father.

Early the next morning, Zhu Yijun woke up very early. After washing up under the service of Feng Bao, he glanced at another slender eunuch beside him and said with a smile, "Chen Hong, is there any important matter today"

Zhang Juzheng was more insidious than Gao Gong and more adept at manipulation. Although he claimed to be reforming, Zhang Juzheng was equally authoritarian and overbearing; otherwise, he would not have uttered the phrase "I am not a prime minister, but a controller," nor would it have been spoken of for so many years

In the court, the three regents, led by the Chief Minister Gao Gong, constitute a formidable force. The second force is led by the Deputy Minister of the Cabinet, Zhang Juzheng. It can be said that both sides have already made their intentions clear and are prepared for a major confrontation at any moment

Zhu Yijun did not intend to restrict or oppose Zhang Juzheng, nor did he consider halting Zhang Juzheng's reforms to take over himself. Firstly, this was unrealistic; no one would engage in frivolous behavior with a ten-year-old emperor.

However, Zhu Yijun does not care about these matters; he knows that he cannot help Chen Hong and the others in this situation, and it is crucial that there is no need to do so. Let them be doomed.

One should not neglect the merits due to the faults, nor should one overlook the faults because of the merits. In any case, Zhu Yijun believes that Zhang Juzheng's reforms are commendable, and it would be better to implement them thoroughly by directly introducing the land tax per mu.

The man in the middle is approximately fifty years old, tall in stature, with a ruddy complexion and a neatly groomed long beard, some of which is white. Zhu Yijun could tell at a glance that this person is the later known red-faced man.

Zhang Juzheng's achievements are indeed notable, and this is something Zhu Yijun naturally acknowledges. As someone from later generations, Zhu Yijun understands that one must view people and matters from both sides. Merits are merits, and faults are faults; they should not be conflated.

"Jun'er, wait a moment, several cabinet ministers are coming, so do not speak recklessly," Li instructed Zhu Yijun.

Regardless of whether it is excessive, the sheer luxury of this would surely disturb the balance in the heart of Emperor Wanli. As a teacher, failing to set an example and establish a role model for students, it is no wonder that Emperor Wanli developed a strong sense of rebellion.

Standing to the left side of the high arch, half a body position away, is Zhang Juzheng. Zhu Yijun curiously observes this renowned Grand Secretary of the later generations

He repeatedly proposed to Wanli the principles of "frugality and love for the people" and "to preserve the foundation of the nation," not only forbidding the emperor from enjoying luxurious food, clothing, and housing (prohibiting the renovation of the Ciqing and Cining Palaces as well as the Wuying Hall), but even halting the expenses for fireworks and lanterns in the palace during festivals

After finishing his grooming, Zhu Yijun led a large entourage to Kun Ning Palace, first paying his respects to Empress Chen, and then hurried to greet his mother, staying there to have breakfast with her

Impatient in temperament and prone to anger, yet decisive and bold in action. Often speaks without thinking when upset, easily letting slip unfiltered words. Does not conceal emotions, but a man with a flushed face is usually loyal and worth befriending

Emperor Jiajing lived for over sixty years while consuming chemical elixirs daily. The reason is simple: he did not indulge in women and refrained from taking the medicines provided by the eunuchs. These were even more dubious than the elixirs concocted by Taoist priests, which illustrates the nature of what these eunuchs were peddling.

Your Highness, the Crown Prince, the Cabinet will come to discuss matters regarding your ascension to the throne

The court's strife is bound to extend into the imperial palace, and Chen Hong is a eunuch supported by Gao Gong, while beside Chen Hong is Meng Chong, who can be considered his staunch ally

After all, within the residence of the old lord, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng were also familiar with these eunuchs. Now that the young crown prince is about to ascend the throne, the Li family will undoubtedly be in charge, making the role of the eunuchs quite evident

Not long after waiting, a few individuals have already been brought in, three royal advisors.

It has been proven that Gao Gong indeed possesses such a character. Many people view Gao Gong as authoritarian and overbearing. Compared to Zhang Juzheng, Gao Gong is perhaps a minor figure in comparison.

My father passed away at a young age, and my mother became a widow at twenty-eight. Moreover, while my father was alive, he was presented with various beauties by them, and it would be strange if my mother had any fondness for them. It is true that she wished to eliminate them, and the facts prove that my mother indeed acted on this.

Zhu Yijun has always believed that the short lifespan of the Ming emperors is directly related to these eunuchs

However, it must be said that Zhang Juzheng is much more handsome than Gao Gong, with a tall stature and fair skin. Thinking of this, Zhu Yijun turned to look at his mother, as historical anecdotes suggest that these two had an affair

Rest assured, I will absolutely not abolish your new law, and I will promote it and carry it out diligently

Feng Bao's faction naturally has a considerable number of personnel, and the key point is that Feng Bao holds a very high position. Since his father ascended the throne, Feng Bao has been in charge of the Horse Monitoring Bureau and has also overseen the Eastern Depot. It is quite challenging for Zhu Yijun to take the Eastern Depot away from Feng Bao.

If Zhang Juzheng had implemented the policy of taxing land based on the number of households, it is likely that his reforms would not have progressed. Zhu Yijun smiled happily, secretly thinking: "It doesn't matter, you go ahead first, and when you die, I will continue the work."

Stretching lazily, Zhu Yijun said lightly: "Then let us prepare to listen!"

The reason is quite simple, the Night Conqueror of Ten Maidens, indulging excessively in stimulants, not to mention the physically weak emperor, even a robust man from later generations would not be able to withstand it

The sedan chair contains a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen, and is attended by a page and maidservants. When tired from work, one can also walk to the window to enjoy the scenery outside the sedan chair. During meals, there are a hundred dishes for each meal, yet it still feels "lacking in a place to settle down"

Secondly, Zhu Yijun is also unable to achieve this, after all, the current court is not under his control

Zhu Yijun nodded, casting a smiling glance at Feng Bao. The court was in a state of tension, and the situation within the imperial palace was not much better.

Glancing at his mother, Zhu Yijun smiled, his innocent little face nodding slightly as he said with a smile, "Mother, do not worry, I know what to do"

Zhu Yijun glanced at Chen Hong upon seeing his mother, and his eyes clearly showed displeasure