Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2328 Fengshan (Twenty-Five) Half the credit lies with you!

"Are you, the civil servant group, trying to use me to overturn the aftermath of the Great Ceremony Debate?"

This was Zhu Yijun's pent-up dissatisfaction, but he also knew that the matter was not discovered until now because he was used to being a hands-off manager. So when Gao Youshi submitted the itinerary of tens of thousands of words, he just glanced at it and simply replied with a "yes" because of his complete trust in Gao Youshi.

  Since Gao Youshi was appointed as the prince's tutor at the beginning of the fifth year of the Longqing reign, he has never made a mistake in his work for nearly thirty years, just like Huo Guang, who was never criticized for decades by the side of Emperor Wu of Han. How could such a person, who is more precise and accurate than a Western clock and is now in his prime, make an unexpected mistake?

So in Zhu Yijun's opinion, either the civil service group has begun to unite again to coerce the emperor, or... or there is another hidden story. In short, Gao Youshi must be found as soon as possible to hear what he has to say.

"Since the time of my great grandfather Jiajing, the emperor has not offered sacrifices to Confucius in person. Do you know the reason?" Perhaps he wanted to deliberately reveal his attitude and set the tone for the subsequent conversation in advance, or perhaps he was worried that Gao Youshi really didn't know about the past, so he gave him a reminder first to help him back off... In short, Zhu Yijun looked very serious when he asked this question, as if to say, "See if you dare to try to please me."

However, to Zhu Yijun's disappointment, Gao Youshi nodded calmly and said, "I have written the Ming Dynasty Code, and the record of the Jiajing Dynasty is the most important part of the Wanli version of the Code. Therefore, I am very clear about the reasons why Emperor Shizong did not personally offer sacrifices to Confucius."

Zhu Yijun did not expect Gao Youshi to answer like this. He felt his blood rushing up, his eyes went dark, and his vision was dim and stars were flashing in the center. He finally concentrated and opened his eyes wide, and finally regained his normal vision. He tried his best but suppressed his voice and asked word by word: "If that's the case, why did you trick me to Qufu!"

Gao Youshi's face became solemn, and then he bowed his hands and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner: "The entire plan for the emperor's trip to the south has been detailed in my memorial for your majesty's judgment. Today's itinerary is also carried out in full accordance with your majesty's judgment. I wonder why your majesty accuses me of 'cheating'?"

"You!" Zhu Yijun was furious when he heard this, but he immediately thought that from a procedural point of view, what Gao Youshi said was indeed true, so he immediately turned to a sneer: "Okay, okay, okay, it was my fault for not examining it strictly enough!"

Gao Youshi's understanding of Zhu Yijun was beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Zhu Yijun's performance was exactly what Gao Youshi expected, so he continued to follow his plan, calmly and confidently, talking freely:

"Your Majesty, I have heard that 'water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it.' Since ancient times, the people's support has been related to the safety of the country. Although there were reforms during the Jiajing period, it was inevitable that it caused criticism from the scholars. Now, if Your Majesty can personally visit Qufu during the Fengshan ceremony and pay tribute to the most holy teacher Confucius as the Son of Heaven, this will not only demonstrate Your Majesty's respect for Confucianism and Taoism, but also show respect and trust for the scholars of the world."

  Zhu Yijun's eyes flashed with deep thought, as if he was considering the meaning of Gao Youshi's words. After all, they were classmates and old friends of thirty years. Zhu Yijun quickly understood that Gao Youshi's so-called "respect and trust for scholars all over the world" should actually be understood in reverse:

Because you, the emperor, respect Confucius, which means you respect the scholars of the world. Then, as a scholar, I have accepted your kindness, so it is naturally not easy to reject your face immediately. So... please don't criticize the Fengshan ceremony. It is more reasonable that the sedan chair should be carried by people.

Seeing that the emperor seemed to have realized something, Gao Youshi immediately continued with more delicate words: "Your Majesty, Confucius' teachings have been passed down through the ages and are respected by scholars. If Your Majesty can personally visit his temple, it will not only help to clarify the origins, but also show the world your wisdom and broad-mindedness. This move will not only enable the current major events to be completed smoothly, but may even calm down past disputes, win the hearts of scholars, and stabilize the country."

Zhu Yijun finally calmed down, was silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke, with a hint of inquiry and hesitation in his tone: "I understand what Yuanfu means. But I also have some concerns. As the Son of Heaven, my every move is related to the state system. If I easily change the system established by my royal grandfather, it may undermine the dignity of the imperial power. In the future, I will eventually go to see my royal grandfather, how can I explain to him then?"

Gao Youshi smiled slightly. He knew that the emperor had been touched by his words and what he needed now was further guidance and comfort: "Your Majesty, I think that reforming this system will not only not damage your majesty, but will also show your courage to innovate and not stick to old rituals.

Moreover, Confucius once said: "A gentleman is all-embracing but not partial, while a villain is partial but not all-embracing." If Your Majesty can treat the scholars of the world with a heart as broad as the sky and the sea, then this is also the way of a gentleman, and why worry about not having Kunpeng come to congratulate you? "

Zhu Yijun's eyes flashed with hope, and he seemed to be satisfied with Gao Youshi's words, so he nodded slightly, but his tone was serious: "What Yuanfu said is very true, and I also have this idea. But I also said in advance: the grand ceremony discussed during the reign of Emperor Shizong is generally good, but there are some minor details that may need to be adjusted. If Yuanfu wants to take action this time, I don't want to see any actions that undermine the dignity of the imperial power."

Gao Youshi bowed slightly and said calmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I have made a careful plan to ensure that your Majesty's sacrifice to Confucius can not only reflect your Majesty's respect for the most holy teacher, but also maintain the majesty of the imperial power and convince the scholars of the world."

"Oh? Is there such a way to have the best of both worlds?" Zhu Yijun did not dare to be careless this time, and continued to ask: "Prime Minister, why don't you tell me in advance, so that I can be completely relieved."

"This is a serious matter, and it is reasonable for Your Majesty to have some concerns." Gao Youshi cleared his throat and said to Zhu Yijun in a gentler tone: "Your Majesty, I have heard that the ancient sage kings were able to humble themselves and follow others to show their virtue. That is why Confucius said: 'A gentleman is not an instrument.' It means that a gentleman should not be limited to one form, but should change according to circumstances to cope with all changes."

Zhu Yijun frowned slightly, as if thinking about the deeper meaning of Gao Youshi's words: "It is better for the Prime Minister to speak clearly."

Gao Fusi laughed and replied calmly, "Your Majesty, I think that if you can make some changes during this trip to Qufu, it may better reflect your majesty's benevolence and wisdom. For example, when offering sacrifices in front of the Confucius Temple, if your majesty can wear a blue shirt, a leather belt around the waist, and a square scarf on the head, not as the emperor, but as a scholar to worship the saint, this will not only show your majesty's humility, but also respect for Confucianism."

  Instead of wearing imperial robes or a crown, he wore the most ordinary clothes of an ordinary scholar to offer sacrifices to Confucius?

Zhu Yijun's eyes lit up. He felt that Gao Youshi's idea did make sense. After all, the emperor also had to study, and what he studied was also the teachings of Confucius! From this perspective, it was certainly correct to say that he was also a scholar, but he was just the most respected scholar in the world.

However, Zhu Yijun hesitated for a moment, as if he was still carefully weighing the pros and cons of Gao Youshi's proposal. After a long while, he asked in a thoughtful manner: "Prime Minister, your proposal is quite innovative, but after all, I am the emperor. If I don't wear the imperial robes and the crown at the Confucius Sacrifice Ceremony, but wear the clothes of ordinary scholars, will it be a loss of state dignity?"

Gao Youshi smiled slightly. He knew that the emperor had been moved by his words. Now he just needed to persuade him further and deepen his existing thoughts: "Your Majesty, Confucius once said: 'Rituals should be frugal rather than extravagant; funerals should be sad rather than easy.' Your Majesty's move embodies the Confucian virtues of frugality and humility. Therefore, wearing a blue shirt to offer sacrifices to Confucius not only does not lose the dignity of the state, but also shows your Majesty's sincerity in being close to the people and respecting Confucianism. If this move is spread, scholars all over the world will surely admire your Majesty's broad mind and magnanimity."

Zhu Yijun's eyes immediately flashed with excitement, and he was obviously sincerely pleased with Gao Youshi's words. He immediately said: "What Yuanfu said is very true... It's true! In this case, I will follow your words and go to Qufu in person as a scholar to worship the Sage. I think this move can not only correct the source, but also show my benevolence. It is really the finishing touch of this trip!"

Gao Youshi felt relieved, knowing that his proposal had been accepted by the emperor, who even accepted it in full with great excitement. This meant that he had become the first person since Jiajing to successfully win back a city for the literati and civil officials from the emperor - and it was a big city, a huge city!

At this moment, Gao Youshi finally put on his most sincere appearance when the emperor summoned him today, bowed his hands and refused to stand up, and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise! I will start preparing immediately and ensure that everything is arranged properly to show your majesty's virtue."

Zhu Yijun nodded, with a smile on his face: "Okay, I will do as you say. This matter is of great importance, you must act with caution and not make any mistakes." Gao Youshi bowed respectfully: "I will obey your order and will not let your majesty down."

  Normally, Gao Guoshi should have left at this time, but as soon as he opened his mouth to ask for leave, Zhu Yijun quickly stopped him. Gao Guoshi's heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself: Hey, hey, you won't go back on your word in front of me, will you? You are wearing a dragon robe now, and you have to keep your word!

Fortunately, the problem was not that serious. Zhu Yijun simply said, "I brought enough ceremonial equipment with me this time, but they are all for ceremonial and daily use, and I'm afraid they don't include the likes of blue shirts... Now that Qufu is within sight, I'm afraid it's too late to make temporary changes, right?"

At this point, he looked Gao Youshi up and down, shook his head and said, "You are too tall, and much thinner than me. Even if I want to borrow your clothes, they won't fit me."

Gao Youshi laughed and said, "Your Majesty, you are joking. These matters should be handled by me in advance. How can I let Your Majesty worry about them?"

"Oh?" Zhu Yijun was half surprised and half happy, and asked: "You mean..."

Gao Youshi smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "Before leaving Beijing, I had already prepared several sets of blue shirts and square scarves for Your Majesty. I have brought them here today and they are now outside the Imperial Chariot Gate, ready for Your Majesty to choose from."

Zhu Yijun was overjoyed and praised: "Great, great, great, Rixin always does things so flawlessly, I am very satisfied! In that case, bring it in quickly, it's getting late."

Soon, several sets of simple and solemn blue shirts, leather belts and square scarves were brought in. Zhu Yijun didn't care too much, he glanced at them casually, touched the materials, and then chose the one that he liked the most, and then tried on this special outfit in the inner room of the imperial carriage.

The maids and eunuchs standing around held their breath and dared not make any sound, for fear of disturbing the emperor. At the same time, they would occasionally glance at the prime minister next to them, who was asked not to avoid the emperor when he was changing clothes, with envy and fear in their eyes.

The soft light in the imperial carriage shines through the window lattice onto Zhu Yijun, adding a touch of elegance to him. Gao Youshi stood on one side, with just the right amount of expectation and respect in his eyes. He knew that this was not just a simple change of clothes, but also a profound tribute to Confucian culture by the Ming Emperor under his advice, norms and even discipline.

The emperor of the Ming Dynasty did have unlimited power, but the "literati-civil servant" system still had a huge ability to discipline the emperor's behavior! After Jiajing, Gao Youshi was the first to publicly prove this.

This is different from the trust that the previous emperor Longqing had in his imperial tutor Gao Gong, and it is also different from Zhu Yijun's previous trust in his own Gao Youshi. Both of these are just the emperor bestowing trust and authority on his subjects, rather than the subjects in turn influencing the emperor's will... or even reversing the emperor's will.

Influence, left and right, twisting, these are completely different concepts, and the difference in intensity is immeasurable.

With Chen Ju's personal help, Zhu Yijun slowly put on the blue shirt. This blue shirt was different from the dragon robe he wore everyday. It was not gorgeous with golden dragon embroidery, nor did it have complicated patterns. It only had simple lines and deep sea blue, which made him look more relaxed. He gently tied the leather belt. The texture of the belt was simple and tough, as if it could bear the weight of the world.

Afterwards, Chen Ju presented the red sandalwood gold-painted plate with the kerchief in both hands, and Zhu Yijun took the kerchief from it and put it on his head properly. The four corners of the kerchief hung down smoothly, complementing the blue shirt, making the slightly fat and plump emperor look dignified and extraordinary. But at this moment, he no longer looked like a high and mighty emperor, but an ordinary scholar, or even a scholar who was full of respect for the great sage.

Gao Youshi was moved when he saw this. He took a step forward and said softly, "Your Majesty, this outfit is truly a model for scholars all over the world."

Zhu Yijun examined himself in front of the bronze mirror. Although he was dressed simply, his aura of majesty was even more prominent. He smiled and said to Gao Youshi, "Rixin, I am also a scholar! It is my honor to be able to dress up like this and worship the Holy Saint today. If this move can convince the scholars of the world, I... have no other wishes."

Gao Fusi bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. This move will surely be remembered for centuries and praised by future generations."

Zhu Yijun nodded, turned and walked out of the car, came to the observation deck on the second floor of the imperial carriage, ready to see with his own eyes the scenery of Qufu as it got closer.

The royal carriage is naturally different from other people's carriages. Even though Gao Youshi's carriage is specially made, it is ultimately just a little more spacious than an ordinary carriage, and the interior decoration is more luxurious.

The imperial carriage was different. It could almost be seen as a miniature palace, with two floors high, supported by sixteen large wheels made of steel and wood, and pulled by sixteen Ujumchin white horses. The upper floor was where the emperor and two or three of his attendants sat, while the lower floor was where the attendants and some of the utensils were.

Zhu Yijun walked out of the second floor of the imperial carriage and waved to Gao Fusi behind him to go out. Gao Fusi stood half a step behind Zhu Yijun and was looking at the scenery on both sides of the official road. Suddenly, he saw Zhu Yijun pointing around and said with deep emotion: "Rixin, do you see? I own this vast country! But in the past, it was not easy for me to leave the Forbidden City even once. The farthest I went was to Wanshou Mountain to pay homage to my ancestors."

Gao Fusi hesitated for a moment and replied, "A gentleman can do everything, but there are things he won't do."

Zhu Yijun was stunned, as if he felt that Gao Youshi's answer was irrelevant, but he didn't care. He just shook his head and pointed around again, saying, "It's not the same now. I can see this vast country whenever I want! Rixin, what do you think of my country?"

Gao Fusi said calmly: "This is beyond the ability of a minister to comment on. Your Majesty, please appreciate it alone."

  Zhu Yijun was slightly startled, then burst into laughter. He suddenly reached out and pulled Gao Youshi to his side. He pointed around for the third time and said, "I am where I am today. Three points of the credit go to me, two points to my ministers, and the remaining half to you. Come, don't refuse, come and see!"
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Thanks to book friends "云覆月雨", "书友20240205142802631", "忍坏", "大地侯", "o尚书令", "书友20190829080256446", and "adamyjl" for their monthly ticket support, thank you!

PS: My uncle has been laid to rest. I was too tired to move today, but I woke up unexpectedly after sleeping for less than three hours. I decided to write one chapter before going to sleep...