Chapter 43 Early Morning

  Zhong Jingwei waited outside the Meridian Gate, accompanied by An Guiyi, the adopted son of Wang Chengen, the commander of the Eastern Depot.

  An Guiyi was one of Wang Cheng'en's many adopted sons who were clever and good at observing people's words and expressions.

  He knew the weight of Zhong Xian in his adoptive father's and Emperor Chongzhen's heart, so he carefully served him on one side, providing Zhong Xian with some detailed reminders that the attendant officials had not mentioned.

  Zhong Jinwei had been in the Ming Dynasty for a long time and often interacted with eunuchs, so he was no longer surprised by these people who were between men and women. Moreover, because of his origins from a later era, he had egalitarian ideas that people at this time did not have, and his unintentionally revealed respectful attitude towards others made An Guiyi secretly grateful.

  It's not that An Guiyi had never encountered situations where he was respected, but those were usually people who needed something from him or were of lower status. As for the respect they showed him, he couldn't tell if it was genuine or not. Usually, he encountered more ridicule and prejudice towards his kind, so for several reasons, he explained things to Zhong Jinwei with extra care and detail.

  After hearing the sound of Zhong Jinwei's announcement, An Guiyi shut his mouth and let Zhong Jinwei follow the people from the Department of State Affairs to the Taihe Hall. Before leaving, he whispered: "Young master just follows the etiquette, don't mind those civil officials. Those civil officials are like dogs, barking at whoever they see, just to show their presence."

  Listening to An Guiyi's words that Wen Chen is a dog, Zhong Jinwei couldn't help but curl up the corner of his mouth and smile slightly: Hehe, I like it. From history, most Wen Chen are not even as good as dogs. Never seen such a dog that only knows how to store meat bones, when friends come, it barks wildly, when thieves enter, it hides aside, doesn't know how to protect its master.

  Zhong Jinwei followed the officials of the Ministry of Justice as they marched forward, seeing the tall and majestic Han generals standing motionless on both sides, wearing bright helmets and armor, exuding an extraordinary aura. Unlike some TV dramas where the Han generals are depicted as sloppy and disheveled, with their clothes and helmets askew, it's really embarrassing. Even when casting extras, one should pay attention to their image.

  However, these great generals are just decorations and are of no use in battle. Zhong Jingwei thought about this and couldn't help but sigh, our country has always been concerned with saving face since ancient times!

  After entering Taihe Hall, Zhong Jinwei did not lower his head and move forward, but instead walked while raising his head to observe the scene of the court meeting, unexpectedly surprising him again.

  The civil and military officials standing on both sides should be arranged in order of rank, with the civil officials to the east and the military officials to the west. But now, not only is the formation crooked, but some officials are also wearing casual clothes instead of court attire, and their belts are also multicolored. You can even hear some coughing sounds. Dizzy, what is that person doing, spitting phlegm? The nerve is too big, right? And still so calm. Is this the legendary feudal dynasty with strict hierarchy? Even in our imperial court, no one would dare to do such a thing at such an important meeting!

  Zhong Jinwei was speechless for a moment, and the environment around him told himself that he was now in the early court meeting of Chongzhen's second year.

  After arriving at the designated place, Zhong Jinwei put his hands together in front of his chest, slowly knelt down and touched the ground with both knees, then prostrated himself on the ground and knocked his head against the ground, performing a formal "five bows and three knocks" ceremony. To be honest, Zhong Jinwei felt quite awkward about it. But having come to someone else's territory, he had no choice but to follow this custom. And so, Zhong Jinwei's maiden visit ended like this.

  Just as Zhong Jinwei entered, everyone in the hall was sizing him up.

  Only saw Zhong Jinwei, of medium build, wearing a multicolored collar shirt, yet clean and tidy; he wore a square flat cap, with bright eyes; his demeanor was calm and composed, without the slightest sign of nervousness.

  Everyone's eyes were fixed on Zhong Jinwei with complex emotions. To say that he was just a commoner, no one would believe it: how could a commoner be so calm and composed in the face of so many high-ranking officials on his first day at court? But to say that Zhong Jinwei was a god incarnate, there was nothing special about him either!

  After Zhong Xingwei finished his ceremony, the Hanlin scholar on the left side of Emperor Chongzhen's throne read out the previously determined imperial edict. The only difference from before was that the edict added that due to Zhong Xingwei's extensive knowledge and experience as a lecturer, he would serve as an advisor to the emperor.

  Zhong Jinwei thanked again and was about to leave when someone jumped out.

  Only to see the newcomer wearing a green robe, holding a huai wood ruler, saying: "Wait!"

  Then he turned to Emperor Chongzhen and said: "Your Majesty, I have heard that the Duke of Zhongxing is knowledgeable and broad-minded. I am itching to learn from him."

  Most of the civil and military officials on both sides were originally dissatisfied with Zhong Jinwei, who jumped to their heads in one step. Now they see Yu Shi Gaojie jumping out to make things difficult for him, and they can't help but follow suit.

  Chongzhen Emperor knew at a glance that they wanted to make Zhong Xian difficult, and he knew that Zhong Xian was not good at speaking, fearing that these people would really succeed, and intentionally refused. However, the ministers who supported this request were so numerous that he hesitated for a moment, thinking about how to refuse most tactfully.

  At this time, Gongjie on the other side did not wait for Emperor Chongzhen to answer and fired first: "Zhongxing Bo has a broad vision, I have a question, may I ask: Birds know the joy of mountains and forests, but do not know human joy; people know the joy of following the governor on a tour, but do not know the joy of the governor's pleasure. Those who can share his joy while drunk and describe it in writing when sober are the governor. Who is this governor?"

  After finishing, Gao Jie was somewhat complacent. As an overseas returnee who had become a naturalized citizen, he had good luck and saved the emperor, now daring to claim that his knowledge was vast. I'll casually take out some texts from previous dynasties to test you; if you answer one question correctly, I'll give you another one. Let's see if you can avoid embarrassment! By then, let's see if this Zhongxing Bo still has the nerve to serve as the emperor's lecturer.

  Zhong Jinwei was taken aback, having just graduated from university and not having to take any more exams that required him to memorize texts, he came here only to find someone still trying to test him with this stuff, isn't this just a clear attempt to bully me?!

  Zhong Jinwei was furious, because he knew that even if Confucius were to come back to life and be asked in this way, he would also be asked to death.

  He turned to Gao Jie and said loudly, "Sir, do you like to nitpick? You look like a senior official, but you are so shallow. If you think you know Chinese literature well, even the people standing here know this stuff, and you still have the nerve to show off. Do you know what 'pig' means? Do you know what 'youarethefatpig' means? Do you know that the earth is round? Do you know where America, Europe, and Australia are? Do you know that there are fish as big as this palace in the ocean? Do you know what is most beneficial to the court and the people right now? You're just a pedantic scholar who likes to nitpick. Standing here, you really don't deserve the salary given by His Majesty. If I were you, I would not humiliate myself like this!"

  Zhong Jinwei said, and then stretched out his middle finger to gesture, huh, just a habit, anyway the people here don't know what it means!

  His triumphant expression slowly sank, then turned iron-green, and finally pale. Wanting to refute him, Zhong Jinwei loudly asked again, leaving no opportunity. Moreover, Zhong Jinwei's questions were all unknown to himself, making it impossible to refute. The more he thought about it, the more depressed he became, wanting to vomit blood in frustration, but unable to do so, he simply stood there stupidly.

  Zhong Jinwei finished speaking in one breath, knowing that he couldn't give these people on the imperial court a chance to catch their breath. He didn't say much about himself, but just among these people, anyone's IQ was probably not something he could easily deal with. For now, they were just stunned by him. So, he quickly spoke to Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, I don't want to engage in a war of words with such pedantic scholars. I will go back and prepare some reports for Your Majesty's review."

  Chongzhen Emperor burst out laughing in his heart and hastily said: "Alright, alright, Master Zhong go ahead with your work."

  Zhong Jingwei no longer paid attention to the civil and military officials on both sides, and strode out of the hall.

  At this time, Gao Jie had just barely caught his breath and was thinking of a way to regain some dignity, but unexpectedly Zhong Jinwei walked away. This was like holding one's breath, preparing to lift a heavy weight, only to have the air suddenly escape from below, causing the weight to press back down on oneself. At that moment, he felt an unbearable tightness in his chest, but didn't spit blood, and directly fainted onto the ground.

  Wen Tianren shook his head in front of him. At such an old age, he still had a narrow mind, and it was really self-inflicted suffering.

  The hall was in an uproar as people rushed about, some carrying and others dragging, clearing out Gao Jie.

  Taking advantage of the commotion below, Emperor Chongzhen gave a hint with his eyes to Han Zhen, the chief assistant of the Grand Secretariat who was standing in front.

  Han Yan knew it was his turn to go on stage, so he coughed lightly and said: "Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present."

  "Please speak, sir."

  "I am already sixty-seven years old, my body is weak and my eyes are dim. Recently I often fall asleep during the day, my spirit is not vigorous. I can no longer share worries with Your Majesty. This is my letter of resignation, hoping to be allowed to retire and return home to enjoy my remaining years."

  As soon as Han Yu, the Prime Minister's assistant, announced his retirement and return to his hometown, everyone immediately focused their attention on him, no longer paying attention to Zhong Jinwei's gossip or discussing Gao Jie's misfortune.

  The Chongzhen Emperor took the memorial and pretended to read it, then said with concern: "Can the Grand Minister go back and rest for a few days, and come on duty again after recovering from his illness?"

  "I know I am old and weak, unable to handle affairs anymore. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission."

  Chongzhen Emperor then stopped being polite and said directly: "If you, the old minister, leave, the inner court will be short of one assisting minister. Do you have someone in mind to recommend?"

  His Majesty has made himself do this thankless job, and the words that come out of his mouth will not be hated by those who have deliberately concealed them. However, it was already decided yesterday that for the sake of one's own family, there is only cooperation with Emperor Chongzhen.

  "Your Majesty, I think the Minister of Rites, Wen Ti-ren, is a man of integrity and self-discipline, with quick wit and boldness, who dares to take on great responsibilities."

  The great hall suddenly buzzed with noise, and when did this Han Zhong mix with Wen Ti Ren? Just a few days ago, he was hinting that Wen Ti Ren was a stinky and hard stone in the toilet, wanting to squeeze him out, how did it change in the blink of an eye.

  The Chongzhen Emperor thought of cutting the knot quickly and hastily said, "Wen Gong also has the merit of saving the emperor, I have not rewarded him yet. Now the chief assistant recommends his entry into the cabinet, do any of you ministers have any objections?"

  The official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, who was also a student of Han Yu, had communicated with his own students beforehand to ensure a smooth escape. Now, he quickly spoke out: "What the Chief Minister said is absolutely right, I concur."

  All the officials were caught off guard and immediately began to communicate with each other in a flurry, and soon a buzzing sound arose from below.

  Chongzhen Emperor had to raise his voice: "If anyone thinks they are more honest and self-disciplined than Wen Tiren, please stand up. I will consider choosing one of the two to enter the cabinet."

  At this, everyone shut their mouths. Wen Ti-ren's bitter life was well-known to all, but no one followed his example; that would be asking for trouble. A high-ranking official like him didn't live as comfortably as a businessman.

  The Chongzhen Emperor saw that no one came out to oppose him at the moment, so he hurriedly said: "Minister of Rites Wen Tiren stepped forward."

  "I am present."

  "Are you willing to join the cabinet and share my worries?"

  "I await your orders."

  "Very well, I appoint you as a scholar of Dongge University, to assist me in handling affairs."

  Then he hastily announced the dispersal of the court and left.

  Zhong Jinwei Xie En came out again, suddenly disappeared without knowing where to go, now became the Marquis of Zhongxing, his body also recovered greatly, can no longer live in the original side hall, but there is no house in Beijing, not to mention the current price of houses in Beijing, even if it's cheap, it seems that one can't afford to buy it oneself, because oneself doesn't have a single copper coin, the little renminbi brought along, others are afraid won't recognize it. This period of time living in the palace for free is still okay, now......, could it be, could it be that a hero will die for lack of a single coin?