This question instantly gripped everyone's hearts. However, such matters were an absolute taboo in ancient times, and no one dared to speak freely, causing the atmosphere to fall silent again.
Zhu Mo wasn't worried about regicide itself, but rather felt the suddenness of the shift. Self-revolution, or an upgraded version of reform, was his greatest objective during his time in the Great Ming. The efforts of the past few years had yielded considerable progress, far better than anticipated. After all, someone like Zhang Juzheng possessed extraordinary comprehension, was a master administrator, and led many elites in their work. The results were undeniably good. Although the ideal goal was still distant, as long as Jiajing did not die and the Yan faction was eliminated, continuing this path would likely save the Great Ming from its eventual collapse...
After a few more years, once the foundations were solid, he planned to implement drastic structural adjustments, such as gradually phasing out feudalism, establishing various administrative bodies, and setting up universities. With twenty years or so to iron out all relationships, letting those who should exit do so and those who should rise do so, the Great Ming would enter modernity. At that time, even if the Westerners returned, it would only be for exchange, not colonization. The curse of the Great Ming's unsalvageability would naturally be broken.
But how could things be so unpredictable, with the sudden emergence of King Jing?
He carefully recalled the man he saw at Tianxiang Tower in Anlu and suddenly felt that person possessed a peculiar aura, with broad thoughts and exceptional bone structure, seemingly not of the Ming Dynasty. Could it be that this person was truly a genius? If so, his endeavors would face a formidable adversary.
So, what would he do?
What were his views on reform and innovation?
These questions swirled in Zhu Mo's mind, leaving him feeling lost. He considered that if this person truly intended to assassinate the emperor, it would be a very troublesome affair. Could he possibly raise an army from Jiangnan to fight him? Wouldn't that lead to division? The entire intricate game would essentially be ruined.
Upon this thought,
He believed Jiajing would not be so weak, and no matter how capable the impetuous King Jing was, he would likely not be a match for the seasoned veteran Jiajing?
"I believe His Majesty's Daoist arts are profound. Although King Jing is sharp and holds a temporary advantage, it is unlikely he can monopolize the court..."
"Indeed..."
"Who is His Majesty? King Jing likely cannot achieve it..."
"Yan Song was already showing signs of defeat. King Jing merely plucked the ripe fruit..."
As they spoke in a flurry, Jiajing's confidence was evident.
Zhang Juzheng had pondered many things on this journey. Now, with his thoughts clear and no outsiders present, recognizing Zhao Zhenji as a shrewd but not ill-intentioned individual, he spoke openly:
"That is indeed reasonable..."
"I believe King Jing will definitely not let the Yan family go... As for reform, I think it is merely a matter of feasibility, or perhaps he doesn't care at all? Everything will only be clear after the Yan family is eradicated..."
"Precisely, precisely."
Everyone chimed in with their agreement.
Zhang Juzheng added:
"The current domestic and foreign situations are smooth. In my opinion, King Jing, being so intelligent, should not fail to see this? As long as he follows the general trend, it will not matter..."
Zhao Zhenji clapped his hands and said:
"Right! As his subjects, what more can we say? We can only wait for King Jing to speak first..."
Zhu Mo, Lü Kun, Li Zhi, and He Xinyin exchanged glances.
The group suddenly realized—
The reform to save the Great Ming was a return to the great path of Yao and Shun, surpassing the achievements of the founding emperor, and this grand undertaking's goal was to advance even further. Judging by the ministers' words, if King Jing were to lead, everything would change its nature entirely. One could imagine King Jing understanding the great path? Wouldn't everything be scrapped by him then?
Upon thinking this,
A cloud of gloom descended. The group suddenly felt a significant difference between themselves and individuals like Zhang Juzheng and Zhao Zhenji. Once Zhu Mo was no longer at the helm, matters would inevitably head in another direction.
After a brief discussion, the group also felt a sense of dim prospects. Zhang Juzheng had informed the court that he was returning home due to mourning, so he had to visit his hometown first, and departed the next day. Zhao Zhenji and Tan Lun dared not act rashly, remaining compliant with everything. Zhu Mo, who had been silent for a long time, found it impossible to act and could only wander aimlessly day after day.
...
The Capital.
Yuxi Palace.
The atmosphere was naturally exceptionally desolate, with a hint of wretchedness within the desolation.
King Jing had been back for over a month, yet he had not entered the palace even once! Upon inquiring with the Directorate of Ceremonial, they stated that King Jing himself had said he would only enter the palace to oversee state affairs once the Jianji Hall was fully renovated. For over a month, he had remained at Zhihua Temple, firmly controlling the capital and the court under the name of the Capital Metropolitan Governor's Office.
The matter Jiajing most worried about had indeed occurred—
The king not seeing the king, father and son turning against each other...
King Jing's prolonged absence from the palace indicated his distrust of him, the emperor. He wished to monopolize power and act unilaterally. If not careful, he might even attempt regicide?
Thinking of this, Jiajing repeatedly instructed Lü Fang to manage the palace staff and the Eastern Depot, to avoid provoking King Jing, and ideally, to say nothing at all. Everything should wait until King Jing entered the palace. For this reason, he did not wish to inquire further. Even when Lü Fang brought it up, he immediately interrupted him. For at this moment was extremely delicate; any slight misstep could trigger a father-son estrangement... If King Jing knew the Eastern Depot was watching him, reconciliation would become even more difficult.
However, at this moment, Jiajing could no longer contain himself—
Did King Jing seem to have strong opinions?
If that were truly the case, wouldn't he overthrow the reforms?
Then the revival of the Great Ming would be over.
One must know,
Over the past two years, he had increasingly believed Zhu Mo's words to be correct. It was the only way to save the Great Ming, and perhaps the only path to survival for his Zhu family. Once the reforms were completely overturned, the Great Ming would undoubtedly descend into chaos, and the entire realm might even fall.
Forty years of experience had taught him that all the accumulated strength of China since ancient times had been played out repeatedly, and there was no longer any support. The founding of the Great Ming was indeed a great path, tracing back to Yao and Shun, but if it failed, it would be the most thorough failure... Zhu Mo was right; the founding emperor had returned to the starting point of China, because the Song Dynasty had fallen, and what re-emerged was a "destroyer of kingdoms"... To restore kingdoms and continue the lineage, there was no turning back. If the Great Ming failed, it would be the total failure of the Chinese people...
Upon thinking this,
He let out a long sigh, feeling he still had to take a gamble...
"Lü Fang, what has King Jing been doing lately?"
Lü Fang was very nervous and said anxiously:
"Your Majesty, he is not just investigating a few people; he is investigating hundreds, even thousands! Your Majesty, I reported this previously, and Your Majesty did not listen... That King Jing, King Jing tortures Yan Shifan all day! The people from the Eastern Depot say that Yan Shifan, in the Imperial Guard prison, has been tortured beyond human recognition...
Not only that, but he has also arrested all the Yan family, old and young, leaving only Yan Song... In that grand residence, only an old maidservant attends him... Everyone who has seen it says it is a ghost realm. Your Majesty, this cannot continue... If it continues like this, wouldn't the people of the world? Wouldn't they become alienated?"
Although Lü Fang also detested the Yan family, such torture went against all reason. What would the people of the world think upon hearing this? Wouldn't they consider the imperial family to be tyrannical?
One must know,
Since the founding emperor established a system of severe punishments to govern the nation, people had always harbored criticisms. Furthermore, Emperor Yongle's volatile temper, his humiliation and torture of many scholars, and the tragic circumstances were all contrary to human sentiment, and it had always remained a hidden ailment. If King Jing continued like this, it would be difficult to rectify.
Jiajing let out a faint sigh and murmured:
"Does he, and Yan Shifan, truly have such deep enmity?"