Chapter 48: Zhou Jiamou

  Zhou Jiayou was one of the few practical men in the Donglin Party. He had served as the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief and Governor of Yunnan, and later promoted to the position of Right Minister of War while still serving as Governor of Yunnan. During this period, he impeached Guo Gongmu Changzuo for occupying over 8,000 mu of civilian land, and later supervised military affairs in Guangdong and Guangxi while also serving as Governor of Guangdong. He strengthened border defenses to prevent the invasion of Vietnamese soldiers. He oversaw the repair of dikes destroyed by floods in Nanhai, Shanshui, Gaoyao and other counties.

  Because of his long-term service in the local government, Zhou Jiamou deeply understood the suffering of the people. The Ming dynasty was heavily indebted and difficult to recover, so after becoming the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, he did not promote his own people as imagined by the Donglin Party. Instead, he recognized people for their virtues, rectified the official system, and was one of the few practical factions within the Donglin Party. His ability was second only to Zuo Guangdou, and even surpassed Yang Lian.

  Looking at the expressionless face of Emperor Tianqi, the ministers below did not know what idea this emperor was thinking of, and no one spoke. Several eager Zhejiang-Chu party ministers were about to stand up, but they were all signaled by Fang Congzhe not to do so.

  This veteran official, who has experienced countless ups and downs in his career, found it difficult to see through the 16-year-old emperor. Although the emperor was only 16 years old, he had a calm and terrifying temperament. Before ascending to the throne, he was decisive and ruthless, able to take lives with his own hands, which was quite extraordinary.

  It was thought that after the emperor ascended to the throne, there would be some major moves, but unexpectedly, he was very calm and composed. This made Fang Congzhe even more convinced of the emperor's extraordinariness. Since Emperor Tianqi had sent Li Ruhua back home, he must have his own ideas. At this time, it's better to observe for a while.

  There was another thing that made Fang Congzhe feel a bit strange, which was the East Factory and the Brocade Guard. The two originally quiet yamens were now unusually busy. Although no news had been leaked out, and it was not clear what these people were doing, Fang Congzhe believed they must be related to this Tianqi Emperor.

  At this time, the Qianqing Palace was very quiet. All the ministers did not speak, and Chen Qi, who was kneeling on the ground, also had a cold sweat on his forehead. At this time, everyone's attention was focused on Emperor Tianqi, wondering what this emperor was thinking.

  Looking at the ministers below, Emperor Tianqi smiled slightly, which was rare in the history of the Ming Dynasty. He let out a soft sigh and said slowly: "Since none of you have any opinions, this matter is settled! There's nothing else to discuss, dismiss the court!" After finishing speaking, he stepped out of the grand hall calmly.

  After the Emperor of Heaven left the Grand Temple, there was first a moment of silence, followed by a burst of noise. Some complained, some congratulated, and opinions varied.

  When everyone was in a mess, the appearance of one person made the great hall quiet again. This person was Chen Hong. Chen Hong also ignored these ministers and walked straight to Zhou Jiamou's side, smiling: "First of all, congratulations to Lord Zhou, His Majesty has an edict, asking Lord Zhou to enter the palace."

  Zhou Jiamou was somewhat dazed at this time, and he didn't expect that he would become the Minister of the Ministry of Justice like this. He only came back to his senses after hearing Chen Hong's words, and followed behind Chen Hong towards the back.

  At this time, Emperor Tianqi was waiting in the imperial study of the Qianqing Palace. Seeing Zhou Jiamou enter, Emperor Tianqi smiled faintly and said: "Zhou Ai Qing, no need to bow! Please sit down." After Zhou Jiamou sat down, Emperor Tianqi slowly said: "Zhou Ai Qing is a scholar-official, isn't he?"

  Zhou Jiamou was nervous in his heart, originally thinking that the Tianqi Emperor would talk about his own promotion, but unexpectedly he started chatting with him about family affairs, and he didn't dare to be slow, so he quickly said: "Your Majesty, I am a jinshi of the fifth year of Longqing."

  "Hmm, you have been a veteran of four dynasties, I suppose you are aware of the events that have transpired over the years. Emperor Shenzong favored Concubine Zheng and liked Prince Fu, while my father and I were not particularly well-liked. Over the years, I haven't had a decent teacher, let alone read the classics. My predecessor passed away early, and I hastily ascended to the throne, deeply feeling my own lack of knowledge!" Tianqi Emperor said slowly, his tone tinged with melancholy, as he glanced at Zhou Jiamo.

  Zhou Jiamou was already at a loss, and he naturally knew these things. Emperor Tianqi hated not only Emperor Taichang but also his son, and would have been better off without them. That way, he could pass the throne to Fu Wang, the son of Zheng Guifei. The days of this father-son pair were predictable. They didn't even have the lowest living guarantee, let alone education. Only when they were about to die did Emperor Taichang become the crown prince and Emperor Tianqi the imperial grandson. Teachers were found for them, but it was already too late. Emperor Taichang was 39 years old, and Emperor Tianqi was 16 years old. This was also the main reason for the foolishness of these two emperors. At this time, when Emperor Tianqi brought up this matter, Zhou Jiamou really didn't know what to say.

  Fortunately, Tianqi Emperor did not ask him anything. After a slight pause, Tianqi Emperor continued: "I have been studying for so many days and have gained some insights, but I also have many doubts. I don't know if Prime Minister Zhou can enlighten me?"

  Looking at the face of Emperor Tianqi, Zhou Jiamou became even more bewildered. What did this emperor want to say? Although he was a scholar from a humble background, his learning was not renowned. Why had such an important matter been brought before him? Without time to think further, he could only force himself to say: "Your humble servant will speak without reserve and report everything in full."

  "Good, very good." Upon hearing Zhou Jiamou's words, the Tianqi Emperor was overjoyed and slowly stood up from behind the dragon-shaped throne, walked to Zhou Jiamou's side and patted his shoulder.

  Zhou Jiamou was suddenly favored, and it was rare for an emperor and a minister to make such intimate moves in the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Tianqi smiled and said faintly, "I saw a passage a few days ago, but I forgot more than half of it. I don't know if you've heard of it, my dear?"

  "Please instruct us, Your Majesty."

  "It's like this, I only remember one sentence, which is: 'Reading the books of saints and sages, what is it all about?' I don't know if you've ever heard of it?" Seeing Zhou Jiamou's expression, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I slowly threw out my question.

  After hearing this question, Zhou Jiamou's heart sank, and although he had some enlightenment, he seemed to have not grasped it yet, and could only say slowly: "This sentence is a famous quote from Wen Tianxiang of the Southern Song Dynasty, which he left behind before his death."

  "Do you know what this whole passage means?" Tianqi Emperor threw out the subsequent question as Zhou Jiamou was evasive.

  "I recall, the text says: Confucius said 'to accomplish benevolence', Mencius said 'to obtain righteousness'. Only when righteousness is exhausted, then benevolence is attained. When reading the books of sages and worthies, what is it that we learn? From now on, I hope to have no regrets!" At this time, Zhou Jiamou had already guessed what the Tianqi Emperor was going to say, and in his heart he thought that this emperor was much more mature than his age would suggest, but not as simple as he appeared. Those ministers who wanted to deceive him would surely end up in a terrible situation. But from another perspective, such an emperor might be a good one, perhaps a blessing for the country, the people, and all citizens.

  Chapter One Today