strictlysupreme Chapter 925: Roasting and Tormenting
Chapter 925: Roasting and Tormenting
Chapter 925: Roasting and Tormenting
In recent years, as the emperor's power has grown, few people dare to confront the emperor in court.
To some extent, it was just like the situation where Emperor Jiajing later played with his ministers. Because no one dared to do this, Hai Rui became famous by scolding the emperor.
The effect is just like what Yan Yishou is doing now.
The atmosphere in the Fengtian Hall became extremely tense.
Although the emperor had not said anything yet, all his ministers had already knelt down, including the emperor's eldest son Zai Yao who was standing next to him.
Zhu Houzhao was also dissatisfied. The court affairs and the national situation were all within his control. Although the rhythm had ups and downs, it was at least orderly.
So I really don't like someone interrupting me at this time.
In fact, from his original intention, he did not hate Yan Yishou, the Minister of Rites. He was so old and had worked hard for the country all his life. With the kindness between the monarch and his subject, if there were no major problems, he would definitely give this man a better ending.
He didn't want to be labeled as mean and ungrateful. It's not that he liked the reputation, but a reputation of being ungrateful would affect his subordinates' willingness to work for him.
This dilemma made him even more angry.
"Yan Yishou, you are the Minister of Rites, a third-rank official, wearing a scarlet peacock suit, and you have a noble status. Do you know what you are talking about?"
Gu Renyi's heart paused. Although the emperor's words were soft, they already carried a very tough tone. If he didn't seize the last chance, the consequences would be unpredictable.
So he immediately spoke up, "Your Majesty, Minister Yan has always been loyal and diligent in his official duties. Although this time he offended the emperor, it was inappropriate, but his heart is worth using. Please calm down, Your Majesty!"
Zhu Houzhao frowned and said, "I know he is loyal and diligent. How could I let someone who is not even loyal be appointed as a minister?"
"That's right, that's right." Gu Renyi laughed at himself and said, "I made a mistake."
This is actually acting.
The emperor, for the sake of his reputation, said some harsh words to Gu Renyi on the surface, but in reality it didn't matter.
Because the emperor said that Yan Yishou was loyal and diligent, an official with these two characteristics would never be punished too harshly.
In this situation, it means forgiving him.
"I think you were confused for a moment. I will fine you one month's salary. Go and calm down."
Everyone has his or her own play to perform. This is what a society based on human relationships is like to some extent. Normally, this kind of play is good enough for Yan Yishou himself.
He said what he had to say, and everyone else heard it.
The emperor didn't do anything to him.
What more?
But those true warriors will tear off this curtain and bring out everything that can be said and cannot be said, everything that can be put on the table and everything that cannot be put on the table.
"Your Majesty, I am old at heart, and I am not confused!"
Zhu Houzhao stopped and turned around.
Looking at Yan Yishou quietly, he heard him say: "The Analects of Confucius says: If you promote the upright and set aside the crooked, the people will be satisfied; if you promote the crooked and set aside the upright, the people will not be satisfied! The dynasty needs a person with bad morals who puts private interests above public interests. How can he be appointed as the prefect of Yangzhou? The emperor has been in power for 21 years, and the people of the world all regard the emperor as a benevolent monarch, but the emperor uses such a villain? How will the people view him?! How will future generations view him?!"
The sentence quoted by Yan Yishou means that if evil and crooked people are promoted and upright and selfless people are placed aside, the people will not obey the rule.
Used here, it can be said to be a rather harsh poke.
To put it more bluntly, it is to directly question the emperor's decision.
As the Minister of Rites, he certainly had no power to do so, but in the tradition of governing the country with virtue, citing the words of ancient sages made a difference.
Only a tyrant would completely ignore all of this!
"How dare you!" Zhu Houzhao inevitably got angry. He didn't want to make his own decisions and have others restrict him. "You always quote from the Analects, but does the Analects teach you to talk to the monarch like this?"
Yan Yishou remained calm and continued to argue, "The Analects of Confucius says that if the king makes a mistake, you should advise him!"
Zhu Houzhao was now considered a well-read man, and he immediately added, "What? You keep asking me to do something but I won't listen. Do you want to change my position?!"
"I dare not use my intention to resign as a means of achieving my goal. Your Majesty is a wise ruler of a prosperous era, with great achievements in literature and martial arts that will shine for thousands of years. Your Majesty's achievements will surely be recorded in the annals of history. I do not want to see your holy name tarnished by the likes of Wang Chaoxu! Please think twice, Your Majesty!"
"Enough!" Zhu Houzhao waved his hand, "I have never been a person who fears the pen of history. Of course, Zhengde had his faults in his life, but he also made great contributions! My descendants in the future, even if they are not ashamed of me, should at least show some respect to me! I will not forgive the crime committed by the dynasty. As for you? It is not wrong for a minister to advise the emperor, but the emperor does not have to accept everything, right?"
Yan Yishou's lips trembled slightly, as if a feeling of pain and disappointment surged in his heart.
Then he said quietly, "I know that Your Majesty is also a man of great learning. Have you ever heard that when the wise are respected and the capable are appointed, and when the talented are in power, all the people in the world will be happy and willing to serve in your court?"
Then he took off his official hat and said, "Today, I, an old minister, have been so bold and reckless that I have offended Your Majesty. I deserve the death penalty. Your Majesty, please punish me!"
How could Zhu Houzhao punish him at this time?
Moreover, this bad-tempered guy was ready to lose his life.
Just like Emperor Jiajing couldn't kill Hai Rui,
Even if Yan Yishou made him angry, he really couldn't kill him.
In fact, he was reluctant to kill an upright and righteous official.
"Your Majesty, calm down." You Zhi on the side saw that the emperor's clenched fist was trembling a little, and was afraid that something serious might happen.
"Father," Zai Yao also spoke up, "Minister Yan's frank criticism this time is truly selfless and selfless, sacrificing his life for the country. Father, please remember his heroic spirit and don't treat him with the same view. Father, you always teach me that governing a country is about employing people. How can you so easily kill such an upright person?"
Zhu Houzhao's chest rose and fell twice, and then he glanced at him, "Who said I want to kill him? You said he dared to speak out against me, and was worried about the country but forgot himself. Does that mean I am ruining the country? Since you can't bear to let him go, how about letting him go to your house and be a guest? I will be doing a good thing!"
Zai Yao was horrified and knelt down immediately, "My son has spoken out of turn, but I have absolutely no intention of winning over people. Please understand, Father!"
Jiang Yong and others who were kneeling below also frowned at this time.
It was extremely inappropriate for Prince Fu to suddenly say those words at this time.
The emperor has always had the power to decide whether to kill or not. Do you want me to say more?
Besides, Gu Renyi, Wang Tingxiang, Jin Gui and others have not spoken yet, so it is natural that they should be the first to ask for mercy.
As a prince, you have a sensitive status and should not easily express your views to the emperor and ministers.
Now this love is requested,
If the emperor does not kill him, then the eldest son's reputation for virtue will spread further and everyone will praise him.
If the emperor killed him, the whole court would remember Zhu Zaihe's words even more. Although it didn't have any effect, it would be more deeply rooted in people's hearts.
In other words, no matter what the emperor decides, this good man will be allowed to do the job.
Although this idea is clever, it is too obvious and a bit clumsy. It is not the emperor who is overly suspicious. Any other emperor who is not stupid would have thought too much.
This contradiction naturally exists between the emperor and the princes, so few princes really live a good life.
You are not even the crown prince yet.
Jiang Yong couldn't understand why and could only sigh slightly. Prince Fu was still not very smart. Because of his talent, he only thought of the clever idea of begging for mercy, but he didn't think it through.
Zhu Houzhao was displeased with two things in a row, and immediately lost interest. "I will adjourn the court today. If anyone else has anything to say, please submit a memorial."
After saying this, the emperor flicked his sleeves and left.
The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment, but the emperor rarely allowed such a situation to happen.
After this,
Zhang Cong, Wang Qiong, Gu Renyi, Wang Tingxiang and others stood up one after another.
As for Yan Yishou and Zai Yao, they felt a little embarrassed.
Wang Tingxiang was a good man and helped the two men up.
After leaving the palace and passing Fengtian Gate, Zhang Cong, who was walking in front, suddenly stopped, lowered his head and glanced sideways, and said: "The emperor has always put state affairs first. This time he left in anger, and it was still for this reason. He was fundamentally unwilling to easily relax the currency reform."
The situation is stronger than people, Gu Renyi immediately responded, "Don't worry, Mr. Prime Minister, no matter how many troubles there are, they will not be caused by currency reform."
Zhang Cong’s interpretation of the result of today’s court meeting was correct.
The emperor could not refute what Yan Yishou said, but he still insisted on his argument, simply to continue pushing forward the monetary reform.
So having no results is also an attitude.
As for Prince Fu...
Zhang Cong didn't even look at him. In his opinion, his position as crown prince was actually in danger.
Now that he has given the order and has the emperor's support, if anyone makes trouble again, he, as the prime minister, will have to take action against him. Otherwise, what's the use of him?
Watching Zhang Cong's gradually leaving back,
Gu Renyi frowned, and his worry gradually deepened.
The group gradually dispersed.
Jiang Yongze took the opportunity to look for a place to rest.
Zai Yao was in a dilemma now. He whispered, "Grand Tutor, what exactly did father's last words mean? Does he really want Minister Yan to be a guest in my house?!"
Jiang Yong remained patient.
You really have to be patient.
"Your Highness, since the Emperor has already become suspicious and has clearly stated that you and Yan Yishou are very close, how can you allow him to visit your residence at this time?"
Zai Yao said in confusion: "Isn't that what the emperor said? How can he speak nonsense?"
Jiang Yong didn't know how to explain.
"In any case, Your Highness, please do not associate with him."
In the palace,
Zhu Houzhao angrily kicked over the wooden box of ice cubes that was placed next to his desk.
You Zhi was trembling beside him.
After thinking it over, he issued an order, "You Zhi, go to the elder brother's house and convey my oral order, asking him to go out of the capital to inspect and supervise the progress of currency reform in various places. Go to Jiangnan first. Jiangnan is prosperous. If you are sure, then half of it will be completed."
Doesn't he want his own good reputation?
Let him make a choice between the emperor's will and his own good reputation, and roast him on the fire. This will not only reveal his determination, but also let him taste the emperor's wrath and what it means to be a son and a minister!
===
I apologize for not updating yesterday. I was having a "friendly exchange" with my wife last night, and the emotions were quite heated. It almost didn't go wrong, and I didn't even bother to ask for leave.
(End of this chapter)