The imperial edict, once issued, sent the entire capital into a frenzy.
The common people harbored no particular hatred towards Dong, Guo, and Yuan, except for Dong Fen, who was known for his lust and cunning. No one had ever been able to deal with him. Hearing that the "Fox Dong" was to be executed in public, everyone cheered. The most astonishing aspect for the populace, however, was the sheer number of people involved. The simultaneous dismissal of nearly two hundred officials was an event unseen in a century. Whispers filled the streets and alleyways, suggesting that the revival of the Great Ming might not be mere empty talk.
As Zhu Mo walked towards Wang Gong Factory that day, he overheard numerous discussions. He could already sense a refreshing change in the atmosphere, a nascent feeling that, though not yet fully formed, was beginning to emerge.
"They say Scholar Zhu handled the case! It's truly miraculous!"
"Yes, this Zhu Mo is indeed remarkable. He survived that!"
"Rumor has it he has nine lives and a heart with seven openings. The sorcerers say he's an immortal from Jade Spring Mountain, who cultivated for eighteen years in the Taoist path before descending to the world..."
"Nonsense! I don't believe it. I've seen him; he's a handsome young man!"
"This man is too capable to have captured the Fox Dong! Tsk, tsk... I think this Great Ming is still worth paying attention to..."
"Let's wait and see! They say he's going to the Jiangnan region again to stir up reform, what might happen then..."
"Good that it stirs things up! We're just afraid it won't! The people of Jiangnan are blessed; we, however, must wait!"
"Even that 'Ghost's Reproach' didn't cause trouble this time. That's strange, isn't it..."
"Heh heh, he and his son have been hiding in the background. This is called sacrificing a pawn to save the king!"
"I really want to see that 'Ghost's Reproach' executed in public!"
"Hush!"
"..."
These discussions among the common people, which in the past had only concerned others, now saw themselves as protagonists. Zhu Mo, walking along, was filled with a multitude of emotions.
The populace, throughout history, had been suppressed. When a few individuals emerged, they were deified. The underlying reason was simply the scarcity of such people. After all, few had ever succeeded in battling feudal bureaucracy. While they might win for a time, they would inevitably be overturned.
Therefore, the people had never been optimistic about individuals like Zhu Mo. Though they sympathized deeply, they dared not believe that a just and orderly governance was possible.
However, from this, one could derive a principle:
To act for the people, the first requirement is to be strong, stronger than the villains!
This is the paramount principle of good and just governance!
Only strength can instill confidence in the people.
...
Upon arriving at Wang Gong Factory,
Zhao Shizhen had already produced seven hundred. Zhu Mo, impatient, quickly summoned Zheng Qin. Using his authority as imperial envoy, and in the name of Wang Guoguang, Vice Minister of War, he ordered the selection of another thousand men from the capital garrisons. After ten days of training, they were to march south to Hangzhou on their own, bringing as many gunpowder charges and projectiles as possible.
Zhu Mo himself, however, could not wait and planned to set sail south the very next day.
Before leaving,
He further instructed Zhao Shizhen, "Chang Ji, expedite the production of the remaining three thousand. Stockpile more gunpowder charges and projectiles. Within three months at most, I may need them... Also, we must hasten the research and development of cannons. I wish to achieve all at once; the people of the Great Ming can no longer wait..."
Zhao Shizhen felt ashamed for not having completed his mission yet and, thinking of Zhu Mo's work for the good of all people, his voice choked up. "Scholar Zhu, rest assured. I will achieve it even if it costs me my life!"
"Mm-hmm,"
Zhu Mo patted his shoulder and gave Zheng Qin a few more instructions. After returning home to pack, he set off the following morning with Lü Kun and Li Zhi.
This time, as he traveled through the streets in his sedan chair, the scene was entirely different.
The streets were already crowded with people. However, upon seeing the insignia of the Grand Scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion, they spontaneously moved to the sides, clearing a long path.
Zhu Mo found it peculiar. He parted the curtain and saw a perfectly straight avenue lined with citizens, all of whom were silent. Apart from the unaware hawkers still calling out their wares, the people in the front rows spoke not a word. Everyone gazed at Zhu Mo's entourage, their faces displaying a peculiar joy and trust.
"This...?"
Zhu Mo suddenly understood and couldn't help but smile faintly, then lowered the curtain.
"The people now consider me one of their own..."
This thought crossed his mind, and simultaneously, he felt a profound sense of grounding.
The people were not discussing because they already knew that Zhu Mo's actions were for their benefit. Since it was their own affair, there was naturally no need for discussion. If anything, they would discuss others.
Their spontaneous act of clearing the path was, for most, an act of innate respect. And even those who were dissatisfied with Zhu Mo now regarded him with awe.
This quiet and orderly atmosphere was highly auspicious for this journey.
Because,
The Yan family faction and those in the capital dissatisfied with the reform would be deeply intimidated by this scene. The spontaneous actions of the populace would exert an unprecedented and immense invisible pressure on them.
...
The boat journey was swift. Within ten days, they arrived in Hangzhou.
Stepping onto Hangzhou soil once more, Zhu Mo felt as though an eternity had passed.
At the river mouth, over ten people were waiting. Leading them was Zhang Juzheng, followed by four or five others. Apart from Shen Shixing, he did not recognize the rest, likely Zhang Siwei, Gui Youguang, and others.
Having weathered adversity,
When Zhu Mo and Zhang Juzheng met again, a feeling of mutual admiration arose between them.
Reflecting on their journey, both had endured immense pressure. Especially during the recent scholarly case and the slave rebellion, they had been pushed to the brink of survival. Fortunately, both possessed an indomitable will. Seizing a fleeting opportunity, they had decisively made bold moves, thus turning the tide of reform from crisis to safety. In this matter, anyone else would likely have suffered a complete defeat. This was a confluence of human effort and heavenly will.
Zhu Mo laughed heartily and strode forward, saying, "Brother Taiyue, these esteemed gentlemen are all extraordinary. Why haven't you introduced them to me?"
Hahaha,
Everyone burst into laughter.
Zhang Juzheng thought, "This young man, his actions are extraordinary, and his misfortunes are equally so. His peculiar discussions have entangled the entire Great Ming dynasty. Although he has now emerged, the opposing forces have been formed, and there are still countless perils ahead. Though we walk together now, who knows what the future holds..."
As he thought this, he also smiled and said, "Grand Scholar Zhu, the two by your side are truly gifted. You must introduce them to everyone as well..."
Hahaha,
After a round of greetings, Lü Kun and Li Zhi, having long heard of Gui Youguang's reputation, met him with the deference of disciples. Unexpectedly, Gui Youguang, worthy of being a great master of Jiangnan with students all over the realm, had heard of the two. Moved by his appreciation for talent, he said to everyone:
"Grand Scholar Zhu, how did you find these two outstanding talents? Ladies and gentlemen, you may not know, but this Lü Shujian, though young, already has significant works circulating. He is a disciple of Hengqu's learning and stands unique, earning widespread acclaim in the Confucian school... And this Li Zhuowu is even more remarkable. His several major historical critiques have broken new ground, truly a rare talent..."
Oh?
At this point, everyone turned their attention to them.
Zhu Mo suddenly realized: Why aren't Zhang Han and Liu Yingjie here?
Then, he chuckled to himself:
Strictly speaking, they are my people, and it would be inconvenient for them to appear now. It is best for Zhang Juzheng to receive people, otherwise, if the two sides are too close, it will ultimately lead to awkwardness.
He sighed inwardly: The "pure faction" and I will ultimately not be able to walk together.