Chapter 6: Enlightened Ruler

  Zhu Yuqi chapter

  Zhu Youtang

  Forgiveness

  Zhu Youxiao finally ascended to the highest throne, from a fetus that was almost aborted, to a child in the Anle Hall, and an almost abolished crown prince. Before he was twenty years old, Zhu Youxiao had experienced all the hardships of life. He would not forget his wrongly deceased mother, Zhang Min who died for justice, Hua En who was upright and unyielding, and all those who paid a heavy price to let him live until now.

  Although he achieved ultimate victory, his mother would never see her son's glory again, and those who sacrificed themselves for him could not be repaid.

  Be a good emperor, starting from now, correct all the mistakes of my father, and let this empire flourish again in my hands! I want to make sure that all those who have passed away know that their sacrifices are valuable.

  Zhu Yuqiu is ready to take action, and the target is the five major sects. He had already determined that these people were unscrupulous trash.

  The first to be dealt with was the leader of the Xianpai sect, Li Zisheng. This brother still wanted to pretend to be a god and mix in, but Zhu Youjian didn't even bother to waste words on him. On the sixth day after taking office, he sent Li away for labor reform. As for the large number of disciples under Li's command, such as Fahwang, Guoshi, Chanshi, and Zhenren, Zhu Youjian neatly and efficiently dismissed them all with a single word: "Scram".

  The disciples of the Xianpai sect all lost their jobs and went home to farm, but the leader Li Xianren still managed to get a job - as a soldier. However, this brother's methods of struggle were too ruthless in his heyday, and he had enemies everywhere. He didn't even last a few days after joining the army before being beaten to death. And so, he finally achieved a perfect and glorious ascension.

  Then there was the Spring Faction leader Liang Fang, whom Zhu Youjian promptly arranged a new residence for - prison cell. This eunuch finally received his due punishment.

  The most tense person was Wan Xi, as the younger brother of Empress Wan and the successor to the throne, he was well aware that Zhu Yuqiu was not a kind-hearted person. Moreover, Empress Wan had killed his mother, an unforgivable crime that could not be resolved by simply admitting fault over a meal. He had made preparations for his death, hoping only that the Emperor would grant him a swift and painless end, rather than subjecting him to some prolonged torture like being cut into three thousand pieces.

  The development of things seemed to be in line with his expectations. Soon, the house was searched, the official was dismissed, and he himself was put in prison. But that last knife just didn't come, and Wan Xi's heart was uneasy. What surprised him even more was that after a period of time, he was actually released from prison!

  Wan Xi was at a loss and couldn't figure it out no matter how hard he tried. Could it be that the emperor liked to play cat and mouse?

  Zhu Youjian was very clear about who killed his own mother, and many ministers also petitioned one after another, demanding that the Wan family be executed to avenge their hatred. However, Zhu Youjian's reaction was beyond everyone's expectation.

  He withdrew the memorial demanding severe punishment and put an end to the matter with one sentence:

  "That's enough."

  Six-year-old Zhu Yuqiang hadn't yet clearly remembered his mother's appearance before he lost her forever.

  He lived a lonely life afterwards and was often framed by Empress Wan. To him, the name Empress Wan meant hatred.

  But when he was in power, faced with hatred, he chose forgiveness.

  He forgave those who had hurt him, not because he was weak, but because he understood many things that Consort Wan did not.

  Because of understanding, therefore compassion.

  He then recalled Huai En, who was still in Fengyang, and personally welcomed him back to the palace to resume his original position. Huai En did not dare accept such a great honor and was so frightened that he shook with fear and repeatedly declined, but Zhu Youjian insisted on doing so.

  Because he knew that this old eunuch in front of him had risked his life to protect himself fearlessly. This was the honor he deserved.

  There was also the former Empress Wu, who had once raised him. This proud lady had been empress for only a few months before being abandoned in the deep palace for many years, and now she was old and faded. Zhu Youzhen also invited her out to be treated as his own mother.

  Wu Fei, who had been abandoned for over twenty years, was so moved that she burst into tears. Perhaps her original motive wasn't that simple, but as far as Zhu Yuqiu was concerned, the kindness of being raised by her must be repaid, and other things didn't matter.

  Zhu Yuexu is such a person, an extraordinary person, he does not seek revenge, only repays kindness.

  He is more confident than Zhu Di, because he doesn't need to use violence to maintain his authority. He is wiser than Zhu Zhanji, because not only does he understand the suffering of the old farmers who till the land, but also the sorrow of his enemies. He is smarter than Zhu Houheng (sorry, this brother hasn't appeared yet, just making a guest appearance), because he doesn't need to resort to cunning, and can conquer people's hearts with kindness alone.

  Under his rule, the Great Ming Dynasty will usher in a glorious and prosperous era.

  The grudges have been cleared, but there is still one faction that has not been resolved, which is the mixed faction. This faction is particularly special because although Wan An and Liu Ji are negative and lazy, they also haven't done much bad things. Zhu Yuqiu temporarily hasn't dealt with this group of useless people, because even if he wants to let them go, he still needs to find a sufficient reason.

  If things go on like this, I'm afraid Wan An and others will not be able to retire with honor, at least they can take a pension and resign with dignity. However, the brothers who were mixed up did not live up to expectations. Although they tried their best to behave, they were still caught by Zhu Yuqiu and ended up being destroyed together.

  One day, Zhu Yuqiu was sorting through his old father's belongings when he accidentally discovered a delicate small drawer. Inside, there was an exquisitely packaged handwritten book that had been carefully hidden away. Zhu Yuqiu thought it might be some important instructions and solemnly prepared to take a look, but what he saw almost made him jump up in anger.

  According to records, this book is rich in pictures and text, with vivid language and strong practicality. Of course, the only drawback is that it is a restricted book on physiological hygiene knowledge.

  Zhu Yuexu was much more upright than his father, and he felt a strong aversion to this kind of thing. The fact that such a book had become his old man's legacy was really humiliating for him, so he started investigating the origin of the book.

  It so happens that the author of this manuscript is very high-profile, and even if he does something bad, he wants to leave his name behind. On the back cover of this masterpiece, he left his own name - Chen Anjin.

  That's it, Zhu Yuqiu immediately summoned Huai En to meet him, handed over this yellow book and a large pile of impeachment documents against Wan An, and only expressed one meaning: let him get out!

  Wai-yin found Wan An and first handed over his masterpiece to him, and conveyed Zhu Yuqian's book review: "Is this what a minister should do?"

  Wan An was so frightened that his whole body trembled, and he knelt on the ground, repeatedly saying: "I am guilty! I repent!" Then he performed his signature move, knocking his head against the ground with a crisp and loud sound that echoed through the heavens.

  Huai En originally thought that Wan would be so ashamed that he would resign, but after waiting for half a day, apart from the two sentences "I am guilty, I repent", Wan didn't mention this matter at all.

  There was no other way, so he had to resort to his second move. He took out the memorials from the ministers scolding Wan An and read them aloud in front of him, one by one. This way, even someone with a thick skin would not be able to withstand it.

  But he didn't expect Wan Zhongmen's face to be made of rubber, with bulletproof function, which made him truly experience the highest state of shamelessness. Wan Zhongmen listened to these memorials while kowtowing, and the heavenly music spread inside and out, but he never mentioned retiring and going home.

  He was so angry that he could hardly contain himself, looking at this living treasure on the ground. He finally couldn't bear it anymore, stepped forward and tore off Wan An's token (palace pass), giving him his final warning: scram.

  This gang leader finally couldn't mix it up anymore, so he packed his bags and quit. With his departure, the disciples of the gang, such as Yin Zhi, also opened up a path, and the gang's momentum was gone.

  In the end, only Liu Ji was left. This Liu Ji was indeed a man of great reputation. Seeing that the situation was not good, he immediately changed his attitude and began to criticize the government. He even spoke frankly to Zhu Youjian, who wanted to appoint his brother-in-law as an official. Liu Ji deliberately found fault with this, saying that they should first appoint the relatives of the empress dowager, and could not be partial.

  Liu Ji thought he could continue to muddle along like this, but he really underestimated Zhu Youjian. This emperor had grown up in struggle since childhood and had seen everything. He had long been investigating Liu Ji's words and deeds, knowing the true nature of this cotton brother, but not bothering with him. However, now that he was taking the initiative to stir up trouble, there would be no mercy.

  He sent a eunuch to Liu Ji's home and bluntly told him: You'd better retire early, otherwise you'll be in trouble.

  Liu Mianhua was no longer pretending, he ran faster than Wan Zhangmen and immediately rolled up his bedding to return home.

  The five major factions were finally annihilated, and the trash was driven away. Zhu Yuqiu could finally show off his skills. He summoned two key figures to Beijing, preparing to create a prosperous era of his own.

  One is called Wang Xu and the other is called Ma Wensheng.

  Let's talk about Wang Xu, at that time he was an idol-like figure like Lei Feng. During the Chenghua period, officials from various factions sat in their offices drinking tea and chatting every day, but only this brother did his own thing, working diligently. As the saying goes: "Two capitals, twelve departments, only one Wang Xu." This shows how high his prestige was.

  Moreover, this person has a special talent - daring to scold people. Whether it's royal relatives or high-ranking officials, as long as they've done something bad and been targeted by him, they can't escape, and he'll send up several memorials in one day, scolding them until they correct their mistakes.

  Moreover, this person would offer many opinions every time he attended court, and others couldn't get a word in edgewise. Later on, everyone got into the habit of not speaking during court sessions, instead watching him until he finished talking before opening their mouths. For several days, it was unclear whether this old fellow had contracted laryngitis, as he didn't speak during court sessions. As a result, a miracle appeared: the entire imperial court fell silent, with everyone staring at Wang Xian, raising a common question:

  "Master Wang, why aren't you saying anything?"

  Zhu Qizhen was fed up with Wang's non-stop talking, which made him unable to live in peace. He wanted Wang to retire, but the latter was very dedicated and continued from the beginning of Chenghua (1465) to the twelfth year of Chenghua (1476). Zhu Qizhen couldn't take it anymore and sent Wang on a business trip to Yunnan, later dispatching him to Nanjing as Minister of War, but even so, he didn't stop.

  King Wang never forgets state affairs, although he is far away, he insists on writing memorials every day, sometimes several in one day. As soon as he sees these memorials, the image of that garrulous old man will immediately appear before Zhu Jianshen's eyes.

  Thus, Wang continued to write until the 22nd year of Chenghua (1486), when he was over 70 years old. His habit didn't change a bit, and Zhu Zhen always received his greetings in time.

  At that time, there was no compulsory retirement system. Under unbearable circumstances, Zhu Xian had to resort to a sinister move. Coincidentally, Ma Xiang, the Minister of War in Nanjing, submitted his resignation. Zhu Xian approved it as usual but added an unbelievable sentence:

  "Let Wang Xie retire too, he's also old."

  When they heard this sentence, everyone was stunned. Ma Xian retired and Guan Wang forgave what? But Zhu Jiande also had a belly full of bitter water with nowhere to pour:

  "I'm a lazy person who doesn't like to work, but I really can't stand nagging, and I have no choice but to resort to this, all because of Old Man Wang's coercion!"

  Wang He didn't say anything and neatly packed up his things and returned home. This year he was 71 years old.

  Zhu Jian Shen is a person who likes to take things easy, and the two words he fears most in this world are "trouble". Wang Hu is naturally not to his taste, but Zhu Yu Qiu is different from his father, he is very clear about Wang Hu's value.

  In the first year of the Hongzhi era (1488), the 73-year-old Wang Xian was reappointed as the chief minister of the six boards - Minister of Personnel. This old fellow probably often participated in physical exercise, although he was advanced in years, but full of energy, and started evaluating officials just a few days after taking office, making people inside and outside the court anxious. But this is not all, soon after, he made a move against the emperor.

  Wang Xian suggested that the time for morning court was too short and many things could not be said (in line with his character), in order to speak freely, he advised the emperor to sacrifice the noon break and hold a noon court.

  This matter was placed on Zhu Jianshen's body, which is simply a bolt from the blue, an impossible thing, but Zhu Youqiang agreed.

  That is Ming Jun's demeanor.

  Wang He became the Minister of Personnel, and began to deal with those lazy officials. At the same time, another powerful department, the Ministry of War, also welcomed their new superior - Ma Wensheng.

  It's ironic that Ma Wensheng can still be considered Wang Zhi's benefactor. He has a very old qualification and became the Minister of War in the 11th year of Chenghua. Since then, he has been guarding the border in Liaodong. At that time, Wang Zhi's subordinates often caused trouble and provoked international disputes in Liaodong, but every time they made trouble, they would pat their buttocks and leave, and it was Ma Wensheng who helped him clean up the mess. In the end, Wang Zhi took credit for it.

  As time went on, Wang Zhi also felt embarrassed and found Ma Wensheng to express his intention to share some of his military achievements with him. However, Ma Wensheng just smiled, shook his head, held Wang Zhi's hand, and said emotionally: "General, this is not necessary, but I hope you will inform me in advance next time before making any achievements, so that I can make preparations early."

  Wang Zhi was extremely humiliated, harboring resentment in his heart. He found an opportunity to deal with Ma Wensheng, demoting him from office. It wasn't until Wang Zhi's death that Ma Wensheng returned to Liaodong and resumed guarding the border.

  Zhu Youjian was a wise man, he understood Ma Wensheng's ability, so he summoned him to the capital to serve as the Minister of War, this newly appointed Defense Minister was only ten years younger than the Minister of Personnel Wang Huai, also an old man.

  However, his methods were even more severe than Wang Huai's. As soon as he took office, he dismissed more than 30 corrupt military officers, causing the Ministry of War to be in an uproar and turmoil for a time.

  This time Wen Sheng had stirred up a hornet's nest. The people in the Ministry of War were all rough men, and they didn't come for nothing. Some of them would be laid off that day and return home to fetch their bows and arrows, lying in wait at his doorstep, ready to shoot him with an arrow when he returned home at night.

  Ma Wensheng was also a clever person, and he learned about the news from his informants, so he hid himself. However, these people were not willing to give up, and they even wrote anonymous letters slandering him, shooting them into Chang'an Gate with arrows. This time, even Zhu Yuqian got angry, and he immediately ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to solve the case within a limited time, and also assigned bodyguards to Ma Wensheng, and the matter was finally settled.

  These two old men in their sixties and seventies, although their hair has turned white, are still full of energy. They have a long official career, and when they passed the imperial examination, some officials were still wearing open-crotch pants. In terms of seniority, when meeting them, one must respectfully address them as "seniors". Moreover, these two men have experienced great storms and are skilled in politics. Even Wang Zhi was unable to cope with them back then, let alone the petty tricks of these young whippersnappers?

  Thus, the two old predecessors went on stage and made a fierce effort, and soon they swept away the garbage of the Chenghua era, and the great situation of the prosperous world was settled in one move.

  When the old cadres showed their mighty power, new forces were also quietly sprouting in this prosperous world.

  In the second year of the Hongzhi era (1489), scholar Qiu Jun undertook a special task - compiling the "Veritable Records of the Xianzong Emperor". This was an old custom, where every time an emperor passed away, his son had to organize the historical records from his father's reign and compile them into veritable records. These records were first-hand materials with strong authenticity and extremely high historical value. The Ming dynasty veritable records we see today originated in this way. However, due to the book being over a million words long and extremely dull, it was not widely circulated.

  This is a very important but also very tedious task, and Qiu Jin, who happens to be the vice president, has a bad habit - laziness. He is quite arrogant and does not want to do basic work such as querying data, so he assigns this task to a newcomer in the editing department who has just entered the Hanlin Academy. The newcomer is very honest and happily accepts the task.

  After a while, Qiu Jun thought about it and felt that something was off: if this wasn't done well, it could be a matter of losing one's head.

  He hastily ran to find someone, and only then did he learn that this new Hanlin was not daring to be careless at all, and had already completed the manuscript. Qiu Jun cried and laughed, holding the draft ready for revision.

  But he took a closer look and was shocked!

  He didn't even change a single word in this article!

  Always self-assured Qiu Jin was surprisingly unable to pick out any flaws in this perfect manuscript, and he asked in amazement:

  "Is this written by yourself?"

  After getting a positive answer, he took a closer look at this newcomer, sighed, and patted his shoulder saying:

  "Work hard, kid, and you'll definitely make something of yourself someday."

  The Hanlin nodded uncomfortably, at this time he did not understand the weight of these words.

  It turned out that Qiu Jun, although a lazy person, had a unique vision. This young man who wrote the draft was Yang Tinghe, who later went through three dynasties unscathed, dominated the world, dared to bully Liu Jin, and didn't even put the emperor in his eyes.

  Brilliant Era

  The days of shocking and precarious life under his father's rule, Zhu Yuqiu will never forget. He did not want to imitate his weak father, nor would he allow those dark scenes to reappear. To establish his own prosperous era, he paid with all his heart.

  This gentleman has not rested since the moment he ascended to the throne, is a laborious life without discount, in order to achieve the ideal of prosperous times, he devoted himself to it, every day from morning till night continuously reviewing memorials, and also continuously holding meetings, early in the morning when the sky was just bright, he got up to hold a morning meeting (morning court), at noon during lunchtime held an afternoon meeting (afternoon court), besides this, he had to listen to various lectures by ministers every day (daily lecture), and from time to time gathered a group of people to hold large-scale forums ( imperial symposium).

  His job is really meaningless, except for doing things, it's just doing things, exhausted to the point of being half dead, and from time to time being scolded by officials, no one guarantees his labor rights, everything is yours, if you don't do it, who will?

  Zhu Yu's efforts were not in vain, he indeed created an era of his own.

  This is a brilliant era, the great Ming Empire has been continuously emitting dazzling brilliance on the track of history, with strong national strength, peace and prosperity, and flourishing talents.

  With the support of Wang He and Ma Wensheng, three people successively entered the cabinet, whose names were Liu Jian, Li Dongyang and Xie Qian.

  These three men were not ordinary, and it was they who supported the political situation of the Great Ming Dynasty, ultimately achieving Zhu Yuyue's ideal. These three people can be called able ministers of governance, they have extraordinary abilities, and with this ability, they established their own merits in this era of great change, interestingly, the abilities of these three people are not the same, and this difference in ability also ultimately determined their vastly different outcomes.

  Liu Jian, a Henan native, entered the cabinet in the first year of the Hongzhi era. He was the most senior and had the worst temper. This man was an impatient person who easily got anxious and irritable, but he had a unique ability - to judge. As the number one figure in the cabinet, he had extremely strong judgment skills, could predict the direction of events, and make responses in advance. It was this ability that helped him become the top minister during the Hongzhi era.

  Li Dongyang, a native of Hunan Province, entered the cabinet in the eighth year of the Hongzhi Emperor. He was the second most important figure among the three chief officials of the Hongzhi court and also the most formidable one.

  His personality is the opposite of Liu Jian, he is a slow and steady person, who is never in a hurry, even if the sky falls, he will just cover himself with a quilt. He also has his own unique ability - to plan, this person is very good at strategy, everything must be considered three times before making a decision, thinking is very rigorous, most of the decisions made by the cabinet come from his planning.

  Xie Qian, a native of Yuyao, Zhejiang Province, entered the cabinet in the 8th year of the Hongzhi era (1495). Among the three cabinet ministers, he was ranked last. Although this gentleman had the lowest seniority, his academic credentials were the highest. He was the first-place winner of the imperial examination in the 11th year of the Chenghua era (1475). Not only did he read a lot of books, but he also excelled at speaking and debating, which gave him an ability that differed from the other two people in the cabinet - eloquence.

  Kan, also known as Kan Dashi, alias Hu You, Mr. Xie Qian concurrently serves as the spokesperson of the Imperial Cabinet. He is well-read in poetry and literature, has a good eloquence, often talks nonsense, and confuses people. As long as he opens his mouth, even the officials who rely on speaking and scolding to make a living will voluntarily retreat and yield to him.

  At that time, there was a very apt evaluation of this unique trio within and outside the imperial court: Li Gongmou, Liu Gongduan, Xie Gongyouyan.

  These three men worked together, playing to their respective strengths, and the cabinet they formed was extremely efficient, reliable in handling affairs. Their status in Ming history is second only to that of the "Three Yangs" cabinet. If Zhu Yousong had not ascended to the throne and employed these three able ministers, following the methods of Zhu Qizhen, the history of the Great Ming dynasty would probably have ended after more than a hundred years.

  Of course, Li Dongyang, Liu Jian and Xie Qian were able to make great achievements in politics, governance and oratory skills, bringing peace to the country, all thanks to Zhu's good leadership. More than a decade later, Zhu retired to report his work to his ancestor Zhu Yuanzhang. Not long after that, the three of them would face a life-or-death decision, and the outcome of this decision would ultimately give their abilities a report card:

  Boasting is not enough, making a decision is not sufficient, strategy is the real key.

  This is also an era of flourishing literature and art, where the thousands-year-old Chinese culture shines with even more dazzling brilliance.

  It is said that Li Dongyang must surpass Liu Jian and Xie Qian, not only because his strategy is superior to others. Mr. Li is not only the leader of the political arena but also the leader of the literary world. His calligraphy and poetry collections are very famous. It is said that when he was still alive, his handwritten signature paintings could be sold in antique shops for a high price.

  Due to his great reputation, he was always followed by a large group of fans and admirers whenever he went out, which often forced him to flee. These followers even imitated his poetic style to form a fixed school, which is the famous Chaling School in literary history (Li Dongyang was from Chaling).

  At the same time, an article by a person with a name very similar to Li Dongyang was also widely circulated in the capital, and many supporters emerged. The man's name was Li Mengyang.

  It should be noted that this Li Mengyang is not a trash figure like Jin Yong or Gu Long, in fact, when it comes to the influence on the literary world and fame, Li Dongyang still has to call him a senior.

  Li Mengyang, a native of Gansu Province, was then serving as the Langzhong of the Ministry of Revenue. In modern terms, he could be considered a literary circle's angry youth. He topped the provincial examination in Shaanxi Province and was skilled in writing eight-legged essays, but he strongly disliked the literary style of the Ming Dynasty. He believed that many articles at that time were rubbish and useless.

  His remarks have caused dissatisfaction among many people: Who are you? How dare you say that others are not good enough!

  Li Mengyang, however, showed extreme humility at this time. He said: You guys are right, I'm not good enough either, and you can't convince me, but I know there are a few tough guys out there, and you won't be able to convince them no matter what.

  Then he listed out those people's names, I'm telling you, it's really unbelievable.

  Who?

  Li Si of Qin Dynasty, Sima Xiangru and Jia Yi of Han Dynasty, Li Bai, Du Fu and Bai Juyi of Tang Dynasty.

  Do you dare to call their bluff?

  The time for Li Mengyang to reveal his true intentions and literary views had finally arrived - writing must be like Qin and Han, poetry must be like prosperous Tang.

  His meaning is very clear. I am dissatisfied with the current style, but also admit that I am not qualified to oppose it because of my own shallowness. However, these fierce people are qualified, so let's just learn from them together.

  This is a milestone event in the history of Chinese literature - the Revival Movement, after experiencing the boldness of Tang poetry, the grandeur of Song lyrics, and the freshness of Yuan drama, Ming dynasty poetry and prose returned to the starting point once again.

  His advocacy gained support from many people, including six men of great fame, and later generations referred to them together with Li Mengyang as the "Seven Talented Scholars", also known as the "Earlier Seven Masters".

  When Li Dongyang and Li Mengyang were each leading the literary world, a young man from Wu County, Jiangsu was packing his bags to head to Beijing for the imperial examination, seeking fame and fortune. Although he did not succeed, his reputation surpassed that of all his contemporaries, and his name became the pride of the Ming Dynasty, renowned for centuries and revered for generations.

  His name is Tang Yin, and his style name is Bohu.

  There is a kind of peculiar person in this world, who seems to be able to learn extensively and master the ancient and modern knowledge without having to hang upside down from a beam or bore a hole in the wall to borrow light, Tang Yin was such a person.

  Tang Yin was a genius, and from an early age, people around him described him that way. He was indeed very intelligent, had a high understanding of books, and seemed to do everything without having to put in too much effort. The praise of others made him believe it himself, so he stopped going to school, spent his days drinking and having fun, and didn't even care about taking the imperial examination to become an official.

  At the critical moment when this genius was about to be wasted, his friend Zhu Yishan came to visit him, acknowledging his talent, but also telling him that without ten years of hard study, he would never make a name for himself.

  Zhu Yishan is a very special person. Although he himself is unassuming and doesn't seek fame, he sincerely hopes that his friend Tang Bohu can achieve great things.

  Tang Bohu followed his advice, refused the guests who came to visit him, closed the door and studied hard, finally understanding the way of learning.

  In the 11th year of the Hongzhi era (1498), Nanjing's Jiangning Prefecture held the imperial examination, and 18-year-old Tang Bohu was preparing to take part in it. Before the exam, he gathered his three closest friends for a meal, and at this banquet, with confidence in his heart, he made a boastful statement:

  Nowadays, there is no one who can rival me, Tang Yin!

  This is an unreservedly arrogant remark, but his three friends did not raise any objections because they knew that the person in front of them had the qualifications to say so.

  The three friends who attended the banquet with Tang Yin were Zhu Zhishan, Wen Zhengming and Xu Zhenqing. The four of them were collectively known as "Wu Zhong Si Caizi" (Four Talented Men of Wu) or Jiangnan Four Great Talents.

  It turned out that Tang Yin was not bragging, and in this rural test, Tang Yin scored first place and became the champion of Ying Tianfu. Perhaps his article was written too well, and at that time, the chief examiner Liang Chu specially kept the paper and gave it to another person to read. But he would not have thought that this move would lay a heavy suspicion for later events.

  The person who looked at the scroll was Cheng Minzheng. He, like Tang Yin, was a child prodigy when he was young and later became Li Xian's son-in-law, rising to prominence through his connections. After looking at the scroll, he also greatly admired it and firmly remembered the name of Tang Yin in his heart.

  Not long after, they will meet in the capital because in the second year, Tang Yin is about to face the chief examiner, Cheng Minzheng.

  In the twelfth year of the Hongzhi era (1499), Tang Yin was preparing to go to Beijing for the imperial examination. At that time, he was already famous throughout the land, and everyone thought that a brilliant future awaited this young man.

  Tang Yin also made no secret of his pride, his goal was no longer to pass a small imperial examination, he would challenge the highest honor of scholars since ancient times - three consecutive championships!

  He has become a Jieyuan, with his talent, Huiyuan and Zhuangyuan are not far away. If everything goes smoothly, he will be another legend after Shang Yang!

  With full confidence, Tang Yin set foot on his journey to the capital, where he would gain honor of his own.

  But Brother Tang Yin, fate can be cruel at times.

  On his way to Beijing for the imperial examination, Tang Yin met a man who would influence him for the rest of his life - Xu Jing.

  Xu Jing, a native of Jiangyin, was a fellow provincial graduate of Tang Yin. He met Tang Yin on the way to take the imperial examination and was deeply impressed by him. At that time, Tang Yin was already an idol-like figure, and Xu Jing expressed his willingness to pay for all of Tang Yin's expenses on the road, just to be able to travel with his idol.

  Who wouldn't want to eat and live for free? Tang Yin agreed.

  Xu Jing is not a well-known person, he is not a talented son, but a rich son, his family has a lot of money.

  They didn't separate their finances and lived a carefree life all the way to the capital.

  After entering the capital, the two of them started their busy lives. The period from their entry into the capital to the opening of the exam was a blank, and it was from here that things began to become obscure and confusing.

  Tang Yin was destined to be a star wherever he went, and under the gaze of the crowd, he entered the examination hall with a relaxed smile. Along with him, Xu Jing also left the examination hall with full confidence.

  From the day he finished the exam, Tang Yin began to prepare for the final imperial examination, because one of the questions on the exam made him believe that it was a certainty that he would pass as a jinshi, and only the ranking might be different.

  Not long after, a shocking news came, Tang Yin failed the exam!

  Before Tang Yin could react from his astonishment, the bailiff holding handcuffs arrived in front of him and put him in a large prison as if he were a criminal.

  The dream of topping the imperial examination had yet to fade when he was suddenly awakened by a club and became a prisoner, no matter how hard he racked his brains, he couldn't understand what was happening.

  Tang Yin did not know that this time he was not the only one who was unlucky, his fellow prisoners also included Xu Jing and Cheng Minzheng. Their crime of entering prison was conspiracy to cheat.

  Tang Yin's life tragedy started from here, and the culprit was that question on the exam paper.

  In that year's exam, the examiner set a question that was very puzzling. It is said that almost all candidates could not find the origin of the question, and some even handed in a blank paper. Only two papers wrote out perfect answers.

  Chief examiner Cheng Minzheng immediately stated that he would select the top scholar from among these two candidates.

  The authors of these two scrolls are Tang Bohu and Xu Jing.

  Actually, things had gotten to this point and didn't seem to be a problem. If you answered correctly, it showed that you were capable, and no one could say anything about it. But the trouble was with Tang Bohu's mouth.

  After the exam, this gentleman attended a banquet and probably got drunk. He was flattered by others' praise and his old habit of speaking recklessly recurred. At that time, everyone was guessing who would win the top prize. Tang Bohu, full of vigor and spirit, uttered a sentence:

  "Gentlemen, stop arguing, I must be this year's champion!"

  Tang Yin, your good luck ends here.

  Everyone heard this sentence, many people did not care about it, but more people remembered it in their hearts.

  This is a sentence that made Tang Yin regret for the rest of his life, because it appeared at the wrong time and in the wrong place. First of all, this was not Wu County, and the person he was talking to was not his friends Zhu Zhishan or Wen Zhengming, but rather his opponent and enemy.

  What's more important is that when Tang Yin said this sentence, the score sheet of this exam had not been issued yet.

  It is necessary to explain that the examinees at that time were very concerned about the ranking of the examination, and because the admission rate of Jinshi was too low, even if they were talented and famous all over the world, they would never dare say that they must be admitted, let alone rank first.

  You, Tang Yin, have talent and learning, but you're also too self-confident!

  So when Tang Yin was still fluttering his eyebrows and showing off at the banquet, countless silent people had already formed a consensus: there was an unspeakable secret in this person's self-confidence.

  Accusing the examiner of being unfair has always been a specialty of scholars, and soon someone reported this situation to the government. The chief examiners did not dare to be slow, and immediately reported it to Li Dongyang. Li Dongyang was indeed experienced and had already estimated the severity of the matter at that time, and immediately reported it to the Emperor.

  Zhu Yu immediately ordered an investigation into the examination papers, and it was indeed true that Tang Yin was the only choice for this year's champion. The person who chose Tang Yin was Cheng Minzheng.

  The situation is getting serious, and the grades have not been released yet, how did Tang Yin predict it in advance?

  At that time, special functions did not seem to be the answer to this question.

  At this time, the matter had spread throughout the city, and the officials who were always poking their heads out also jumped out in a timely manner. The politically sensitive give-thing Zhonghua pointed his spear directly at Cheng Minzheng, believing that he had sold the test questions in advance, which is why Tang Bohu and Xu Jing were able to answer the high school exam questions correctly.

  This case was really too severe, originally Li Dongyang still wanted to pull his brother one way, let Xu Jing and Tang Bohu go home for three years before taking the exam again, and suppress this matter. But in this way, things became a political conspiracy and a dark examination room, so they had no choice but to handle it officially and bring these three gentlemen in all at once.

  After trial, the judgment of this case is as follows:

  The Ministry of Rites Right Servant Minister Cheng Minzheng: Although there is no solid evidence to prove that they colluded in cheating, it is true that his servant sold the exam questions to Xu Jing. The offense of dereliction of duty is established. Conclusion: Ordered to retire.

  Jiangyin scholar Xu Jing: Purchased exam questions and verified, cheating behavior established. Conclusion: Demoted to a minor official, not allowed to hold office.

  Wu County scholar Tang Yin: …… Conclusion: Demoted to a minor official, not allowed to hold office.

  Of course, these are internal conclusions, and except for the punishment results, specific circumstances have not been made public.

  That's right, and I missed one more:

  Falsely accusing others of crimes: speaking without basis. Verdict: demotion.

  The truth of the matter

  The situation is roughly like this: Xu Jing bought the exam questions, Cheng Minzheng's servant sold the exam questions, Cheng Minzheng took the leadership responsibility, and based on the principle of "everyone has a share in the black pot", Tang Yin was implicated.

  This is a very famous historical event, the case is very complicated, various historical materials have records, and there are many different opinions, it's hard to distinguish between true and false. However, if we analyze the details of the case objectively, stripping away layer by layer, step by step, we will find that this case is actually more complicated than imagined!

  In fact, this so-called imperial examination cheating case has been going on for hundreds of years, not only has it not been clarified, but it has become more and more confusing, becoming an unsolved mystery.

  Where is the complexity of this case? Let me demonstrate: Currently, we are looking for three answers: 1. Did Xu Jing buy exam questions to cheat? 2. Was Tang Yin involved in cheating? 3. Did Cheng Minzheng know about it?

  To find the answer, we must go back to the starting point of the case. The origin of this case is that difficult question that stumped all the geniuses. Unfortunately, I haven't seen that question either, but it doesn't matter. Someone like me who can't even recite the Three Character Classic properly would probably still end up with a blank sheet even if I knew the question in advance.

  But we can know a key point from it: this is a super difficult problem, and there are only a few people in the world who can do it.

  Can Xu Jing and Tang Yin do it?

  Just considering the strength of these two gentlemen can lead to the following conclusion:

  Tang Yin is more likely to be done, Xu Jing is less likely to be done.

  Tang Yin is a nationally renowned talented scholar, with excellent academic performance, and is recognized as an outstanding student. It's just like winning the Olympic gold medal in high school, getting into Peking University or Tsinghua University is only a matter of time. As for Xu Jing, although he is a local landlord, he passed the imperial examination and became a jinshi, but on a national scale, he is just an unknown minor figure. It's unrealistic to expect his brain to suddenly open up and his IQ to explode.

  So the answer to the first question is that Xu Jing was very likely to have actually bought the exam questions.

  The second question is one that many people believe isn't a problem - with Tang Yin's abilities, does he still need to cheat?

  I also think so, but after analysis, it is found that the specific situation is not so simple.

  A year ago, Nanjing examiner Liang Chu handed Tang Yin's paper to Cheng Minzheng. The reason for mentioning this matter earlier is that this seemingly insignificant detail may contain a special meaning - hidden rules.

  And this tacit rule has a specific name - "convention of apprentices".

  In the Ming Dynasty, if you want to evaluate the most enviable official position, the answer is not Shangshu or Shilang, but Kaoguan. Today's examiners mainly work in classrooms, patrolling and monitoring exams, and then taking some examination fees and leaving. However, at that time, it was a highly sought-after position.

  The reason is simple: all candidates selected by this examiner will become his students.

  The official network of the Ming Dynasty roughly consisted of two types of relationships, one was classmates (same year), and the other was teacher-student (disciple). The official situation changed unpredictably, with a rapid rate of new and old replacement. Today you are still at the deputy ministerial level, who knows if tomorrow you will be reporting to Yan Wang. To thrive for a long time, one must maintain good relationships.

  If you don't do well, it doesn't matter, as long as you get to the examiner, pick a few talented people, and by the end of the exam, you'll be their mentor. These brothers who passed the exam will come to your house to pay respects, chat about the weather for a bit, and finally reveal their true intentions: From now on, we're yours, take care of us!

  You should also be polite and say a few words, such as "same boat, same fate", "eating from the same pot of rice", "wearing the same pair of pants" and so on. Then show your attitude: From now on, I'll take care of you, don't worry.

  There is a fashionable word to describe this scene - win-win.

  New officials have an unstable foundation, first need to get a clear understanding of the situation, find a reliable backer and then climb up, old officials also need to establish their own network of relationships, grab a few new people, in case something happens there's still hope, if all else fails can also pull a few scapegoats together. It is necessary to know that in official circles, raising sons cannot prevent old age, wanting to live and retire peacefully can only rely on disciples.

  This is what is called the "door-to-door system", and this system sometimes has a special case - agreed disciples.

  This is a relatively rare phenomenon, because before the imperial examination, there may be a genius who shakes the whole country, and everyone thinks that this person will definitely make a great career in the future. In such cases, some examiners would secretly contact the examinee, reveal the questions to him, and agree to become mentor and protégé, so no matter who checked his paper in the future, it would not affect the relationship already established beforehand.

  It's a high-risk deal, so the examiners don't dare to take this risk easily. Only when the truly expected person appears can this transaction be possible.

  Let's look at the key issue: Is there such a relationship between Tang Yin and Cheng Minzheng?

  This is a question with no answer, but there are still some clues to follow.

  Firstly, Cheng Minzheng had already selected the winner in these two volumes, while Tang Yin claimed to be the winner outside. A more crucial point is that all the volumes were sealed at that time! In other words, according to the rules, even Cheng Minzheng himself would not know who he had chosen as the winner.

  So this question can only point to two possibilities: one, Tang Yin made up the question and thought others couldn't do it, so he boasted and unexpectedly got it right; two, Cheng Minzheng met with Tang Yin beforehand and gave him the exam questions.

  This is a multiple-choice question, everyone makes their own decision.

  Note: Don't ask me, although I made this question, but I don't have a standard answer.

  No matter how complicated it was, this case finally came to an end. The two unlucky devils and one lucky guy in the case went their separate ways from then on.

  Unfortunately, Cheng Minzheng and Tang Yin were both demoted. One was a good official of the third rank who was forced to retire with a pension; the other was a brilliant talent who could pass the imperial examination with his eyes closed, but received a penalty that made him unsuitable for office.

  And that lucky guy was Xu Jing. Although this brother also got a penalty, he was indeed a lucky person. Comrades need to know that today's high school exam cheating is the most serious result of being caught, and the score will be cancelled, and they will go home to wait for the exam. But in the Ming Dynasty, this matter was much more severe. The punishment for cheating was generally exile, and if the circumstances were severe, he might even be beheaded.

  Things ended here, and Cheng Minzheng was hit by this black pot, and he died soon after returning home. After a sigh, Tang Yin was disheartened and wandered around the brothel, starting his prodigal career.

  Xu Jing was so resentful that he burned the Four Books and Five Classics as soon as he returned home, warning his descendants that "all pursuits are inferior, only reading is superior" was nonsense, and it's better to learn something useful.

  His family education achieved good results, eighty-eight years later, his son's grandson was born and named Xu Zhenzhi. This man did not like to read books, but liked to travel, also known as Xu Xiakke.

  In the end, the Ming dynasty lost two bureaucrats but gained a debauched genius and a geographer, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

  Here is the translation:

  Speaking of which, I almost forgot to mention another person, that snitching servant Zhong Yufen. He also left his name in history. Later, someone wrote a play based on legend, widely spread and known as "Three Laughs", also called "Tang Bohu Points Autumn Fragrance". Because this brother interfered too much back then, the playwright created the classic character of Hua Taishi to mock him, not only giving him a few foolish sons but also arranging for Tang Bohu to elope with his most beautiful maid, which can be considered as revenge for Brother Bohu.

  The literary storm finally subsided, but Tang Bohu, who had already brought misfortune to his family, would not have thought that his bad luck was only just beginning, and even greater troubles were waiting for him on the road ahead.

  The Only Omission

  Zhu Yuqiu is a very down-to-earth person.

  He has been through hardships since he was young, and it's not easy for him to survive. After being established as the crown prince, he experienced several setbacks and almost got deposed. It's really a blessing from heaven that he can make it to the day of his ascension to the throne, amen.

  This young man has experienced too much hardship, so he abhors darkness and evil. He works day and night without regard for his body, expelling useless monks and Taoist priests, keeping away treacherous people, employing virtuous ministers, and dedicating everything to the great Ming Empire.

  But the excessive workload also thoroughly ruined his body, and at the age of twenty he was already half bald, with a very old face, looking like an uncle sweeping the street, not even comparable to Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng who were several years older than him. Ma Wensheng lived to be eighty-five, while Wang Shu set a record, living until he was ninety-three before dying. It is said that on the day of his death, he still ate several bowls of rice, belched a few times after finishing eating, and then died naturally.

  Zhu Yuqiu didn't have such good fortune. In his thirties, he was already seriously ill and on the verge of death, yet he still worked desperately hard as before. His body naturally grew weaker and weaker, but he didn't care at all.

  Behind this peaceful and prosperous era of song and dance, he seemed to have foreseen the impending danger. To meet the arrival of that day, sufficient preparations must be made.

  At this time, Wang Xu had already retired and returned home. The position of the Minister of Personnel had changed several times and was now vacant. Zhu Yuqian wanted Ma Wensheng to take over, but the Ministry of War couldn't do without this old man either. One person can't be split into two uses, so Ma Wensheng reluctantly took office. He recommended a man named Liu Daxia to replace him in his position.

  Ma Wensheng's vision was accurate, Liu Daxia was a very competent Minister of National Defense, under his leadership, the borders of the Great Ming Empire became unbreakable.

  But in fact, the greatest contribution of this Minister of National Defense was not to improve the defense of the border, but to recommend a very key person.

  In the 15th year of the Hongzhi era (1502), the Ministry of War reported that due to lax management, there was a shortage of horses in the military, and the combat effectiveness of the border defense army's cavalry had been greatly reduced, urgently needing management.

  This is a big deal. Zhu Yuqiu immediately found Liu Daxia and asked him to make a decision. Liu Daxia thought for a moment and replied to Zhu Yuqiu:

  "I recommend one person, if this person is in charge, within three years, results will definitely be seen."

  "Who?"

  Yang Yiqing.

  Zhu Yuqiu quickly found the object in his mind, because this was indeed a very distinctive person.

  The Left Vice Director of the Court of Judicature and Revision, Yang Yiqing, a nearly fifty-year-old old man, rarely smiled or spoke, always wore a stern expression on his face, and was quite ugly.

  Anyway, it's about managing horses, and not being sent on a mission, so it must be him!

  Yang Yiqing, who had been a civil official for over twenty years, left the capital and came to Shaanxi (a place of horse breeding), where he would undergo new tempering in the cold wind, waiting for the arrival of trials.

  At this time, the three-person cabinet was able to plan and decide well. Ma Wensheng presided over the Ministry of Officials, Liu Dashia managed the Ministry of War, and everything seemed to be invincible. The prosperous era of Hongzhi finally reached its peak. However, Zhu Yuyue's body could no longer hold on.

  In May 1505, the moment of farewell finally arrived.

  At the age of thirty-six, Zhu Youjian had reached the end of his life. In this final moment, facing Liu Jian, Li Dongyang and Xie Qian who were kneeling on the ground crying, he looked back on his almost flawless life and finally realized that there was only one thing missing in his life:

  "At this point, I have nothing more to say, but there is one thing that makes me uneasy."

  "The prince is very clever, but he's still young and likes to play, I hope you gentlemen will advise him to read more books and become a wise person."

  The ministers responded to his concerns:

  "I swear not to bring shame on this mission!"

  Looking at these three capable ministers, Zhu Youjian smiled and closed his eyes, leaving this world forever.

  He has never enjoyed any blessings in this life, but suffered many grievances, endured countless malicious injuries, yet chose selfless forgiveness. He rarely experienced the emperor's honor, but took on the emperor's full responsibility.

  Zhu Yuqiang, who emerged from darkness and evil, is a bright and upright person.

  So I gave him an evaluation that neither his ancestors nor his descendants could get:

  Zhu Youjian was a good emperor and a good person.