Chapter 10, Master and Apprentice

The reasons for the fall of the Ming Dynasty are numerous, but ultimately they can be summarized as natural disasters and human calamities, indicating that internal issues arose within the Ming Dynasty

In comparison, Zhang Cheng is somewhat inferior, but he is not to be underestimated either

Zhang Juzheng quickly bowed and said: "I, Zhang Juzheng, have come to pay my respects to Your Majesty"

Since the passing of Emperor Jiaqing, this was the first time Zhu Yijun resumed classes. When he arrived at the Qianqing Palace, Zhang Juzheng was already waiting there. Upon seeing Zhang Juzheng, Zhu Yijun smiled and said: "Master Zhang!"

Without conflict, there is no room for maneuvering; moreover, both parties supervise each other, making it even more difficult for Feng Bao to obtain money. If he were to succeed, the two Zhangs would undoubtedly take action, and I would not need to do anything, just watch the spectacle.

"Let's go!" Zhu Yijun said with a smile, casually handing the handkerchief in his hand to Zhang Cheng

Such painstaking effort is indeed a testament to one's dedication. Zhu Yijun sighed, acknowledging that Zhang Juzheng truly put in a lot of thought and effort

Your Majesty is thoughtful

Most of it is the history of emperors, or rather historical stories, after all, it is accompanied by illustrations

After Zhang Juzheng's death, it was Zhang Jing who moved to Feng Bao's side. He was treacherous and ruthless, employing cruel tactics, and was very capable of enduring.

The two individuals were moved once again and sat down anew. Zhang Juzheng also began to teach Zhu Yijun. Since Zhu Yijun was only ten years old, Zhang Juzheng did not lecture on texts such as the "Analects," but rather on the books he had compiled.

As for the three-person alliance, Zhu Yijun merely chuckled; after fighting for so many years, how could the three of them possibly unite

His body trembled slightly, and Zhang Juzheng felt a tightness in his throat as he reached out to support Wanli. In this era, the relationships between teacher and student, father and son, and the hierarchy of heaven, earth, sovereign, and kin were highly valued. Seeing Zhu Yijun in this state, it would be a lie for Zhang Juzheng to say he was not moved.

There is no pencil sketch, and moreover, this is an entire book. Zhu Yijun flipped through the textbook, raised his head to glance at Zhang Juzheng, and was momentarily lost in thought. Although many records have stated that Zhang Juzheng devoted himself wholeheartedly to Emperor Wanli, those were merely records; yet now, Zhu Yijun was truly seeing him.

Who were the people involved in the compilation of the History of Ming? They were all founding civil officials of the Qing Dynasty. Who were these individuals? Most of them were civil officials or gentry who surrendered to the Ming Dynasty. It is not surprising that, in order to demonstrate their loyalty, they would slander the virtuous officials of the Ming emperor.

Zhu Yijun had learned history in a rather general manner in his previous life, as he was not a history major. Now, listening to Zhang Juzheng speak on these topics, he found it very engaging, and it resonated with what he had learned in later years. From time to time, he raised some questions, leading to a fruitful exchange between teacher and student, and Zhang Juzheng spoke with great enthusiasm.

"Your Majesty, I am also prepared, as it has been carefully selected, which is why it took a little longer," Zhang Cheng said with a smile.

The tripartite power structure is not as effective as the struggle between two tigers, Zhang Jing is a wise man, he knows whom he should ally with

Zhu Yijun naturally did not believe in things. Arriving in this era, Zhu Yijun constantly reminded himself to see things for himself and not to fully trust historical records, otherwise he would eventually face disaster. At this moment, seeing this carefully crafted book, Zhu Yijun felt a deep sense of resonance within himself

Zhang Juzheng was slightly taken aback upon hearing Zhu Yijun's words. Looking at the bowing Emperor Wanli, his emotions suddenly became somewhat agitated

Among the eunuchs in the palace, the most powerful and capable one is undoubtedly Feng Bao, as his mother's trust will further enhance his power. The remaining two are Zhang Cheng, who is close to Zhu Yijun, and Zhang Jing.

In recent days, Zhu Yijun has been visiting his mother and Empress Chen every day, having breakfast there, and he has never missed the morning and evening rituals.

Although the "History of Ming" records that Zhang Juzheng was a powerful minister and Wanli was an incompetent ruler, Zhu Yijun did not believe this. After all, the grand Qing dynasty spent sixty years compiling the "History of Ming," and the content is heavily influenced by bias, making many accounts regarding the emperors unreliable

As an adult man, the word "rebellion" is very distant from Zhu Yijun

In this era, everything is done with a brush, and even painting figures is time-consuming and labor-intensive

At this moment, Zhang Cheng also intended to set a trap for San Dezi, or rather, for Feng Bao. Zhu Yijun was indeed pleased to see such a situation. This time, Zhu Yijun planned to seek out individuals from both Zhang Cheng and Feng Bao's sides, while he did not intend to involve Zhang Jing.

In the later period of the Ming Dynasty, it indeed reached a precarious state. A natural disaster leading to the fall of a nation is also part of the cyclical process of feudal dynasties. Historically, most dynasties have met their demise in this manner

Unlike the textbooks that Zhu Yijun had in mind, this is not a book filled with classical Chinese texts, but rather a picture book, indeed, a picture book. It consists entirely of hand-drawn illustrations, accompanied by explanatory text. It is evident that the authors of this educational material have put in a great deal of effort.

Feng Bao is wary of the two Zhangs stabbing him in the back, and how can the two Zhangs not be concerned about Feng Bao taking underhanded actions against them? The foundation of cooperation is trust, and if the three of them can be trusted by others, then there must be something amiss

When Zhang Jing is aware of his own inadequacies, he decisively allies with Zhang Cheng, and the two of them confront Feng. This is precisely what Zhu Yijun desires. In front of San Dezi, Zhu Yijun praises Zhang Cheng, believing that these words will reach Feng Bao in the next moment

"Your Majesty, what is the matter?" Zhang Juzheng noticed that Zhu Yijun was lost in thought, and could not help but frown.

After all, students enjoy listening, which in turn raises the teacher's enthusiasm for lecturing, creating a sense of nurturing talented individuals. Moreover, this person is the emperor. Zhu Yijun instructed the eunuchs to come in and refill the tea, as Zhang Juzheng had already spoken until his mouth was dry.

Zhang Cheng, are the people you were supposed to prepare ready?" Zhu Yijun looked at Zhang Cheng and said with a smile, "You need to select the people quickly, as I will need them soon. Sandzi has done a great job on his end, and the candidates are all prepared.

If it were the original Wanli, one might feel uncomfortable, but the current Zhu Yijun truly enjoys it. He rises early to exercise and does not have the habit of being lazy in bed. Although his mother dotes on her son, Zhu Yijun must also strive to not disappoint her.

Zhu Yijun looked at Zhang Juzheng, stood up, and bowed to him, saying: "Master Zhang, I have been moved by this book. You have devoted yourself to me, and I will rely on you even more in the future."

After having dinner with his mother, Zhu Yijun returned to the Qianqing Palace. Since his ascension to the throne, Zhu Yijun has been residing here.

The two individuals did not say much and directly prepared to start the class; however, the textbook caught Zhu Yijun's attention

Certainly, it is not uncommon for a new dynasty to alter history; Li Shimin did not hesitate to tarnish the reputation of the Sui Dynasty.

If we were to consider the level of incompetence of the emperors as recorded in the "Ming History," the Ming Dynasty would have long since fallen.

Fight!

Zhu Yijun was taken aback for a moment, then nodded in satisfaction: "Being meticulous is a good thing!"

Not portraying the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty as foolish, nor depicting the Ming as a dynasty whose fate has run its course, how can they find their place? Of course, it is the Ming Dynasty whose fate has run its course, while the Qing Dynasty is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people.