Changing tack?
That sounds like it has some merit...
Li San pondered: It does make some sense. This Yangming Official School was their means of forcing the emperor's hand. By complying with them, and simultaneously changing its nature, using the name of Yangming School of Mind to push for reform, they would have no grounds to object. This might be feasible... But your Zhu Mo has already ruined his reputation, so how can he lead it? This makes this approach impossible...
He couldn't help but glance at the old Daoist.
At first, the old Daoist thought it had some sense, but upon deeper reflection, he felt it was unworkable. This was because it could very well lead to more serious opposition. As soon as Zhu Mo appeared, everyone would assume he represented the Legalist school, and if this opposition continued, the Great Ming would never know peace. Wouldn't that be even worse?
Moreover, seeing Zhu Mo's haggard appearance today, he had already decided not to let him get involved in further trouble. Enfeoffing him as a prince was no longer possible, but at least he could be made a Royal Daoist Master, allowing him to live a carefree life forever...
After a moment's thought,
The old Daoist sighed and said,
"Young Master Zhu, since you've opened your heart to us, we cannot keep secrets from you... Immortal Lan also said that since Young Master Zhu is a person of the Daoist school, he can wander the mortal world, but getting too deeply involved is very dangerous... We came today after hearing Immortal Lan say it was very dangerous... Young Master Zhu, there are countless imperial Daoist temples, you can go to any of them, and he is willing to speak to His Majesty about it. This is the talent for a carefree life in this world..."
Zhu Mo smiled.
While a carefree life was indeed good, it didn't mean that only imperial Daoist temples offered a carefree life, did it? Since he was already a Daoist, he could be carefree anywhere. The key was money. With money, one could be carefree. Why bother with any imperial Daoist temples? And now, he had money.
Of course,
The point wasn't here. The point was clearly: had the current situation truly reached a dead end? And whether it was a dead end actually depended on how the Emperor viewed Gao Gong. This whole turmoil's biggest winner was Old Gao, followed by the Yan family, and then the gentry of the realm. The ones who suffered the most were, first and foremost, Zhu Mo himself, then the common people, and finally the imperial family. This was exactly what they had discussed in the small courtyard—
The dead are always the emperor and the people; feudal officials are always the sole winners.
Could that Jiajing fellow truly swallow this insult? If he truly swallowed it, then he would be utterly disappointing!
Because,
On the surface, the emperor's eventual compromise with the officials and gentry would bring stability. The cost, of course, would be a little bit, such as sacrificing Zhu Mo, the biggest figure among the commoners, and the six rioters who had already been killed. Some financial losses would also be incurred, though not too severe.
But was that truly the case?
One must know,
The real price was the hearts of the people!
With the people's setback, the balance of the dynasty would be broken. The feudal officials would then completely run wild. Within ten years, the Great Ming would be at its end! What was this? This was a struggle between demonic paths; if one side took a step back, the other would advance ten steps! Hadn't Jiajing, an experienced driver, considered this?
Zhu Mo didn't believe it.
Because Jiajing was a person who likely wouldn't admit defeat. He might truly have had no other choice. Moreover, he wouldn't want to delay any longer, as it was best to end such chaos as quickly as possible...?
Thinking of this,
He felt that regardless of whether the old Daoist's words represented Immortal Lan, it was necessary to give a clear reply. He immediately said solemnly: httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"Old Daoist, Third Master Li, I, Zhu Mo, still say the same thing— I will not concede until the very last moment. I don't believe that Gao Gong is truly that formidable!"
This?
Alas...
The old Daoist and Li San exchanged a glance, and a thought flashed in their minds—
This child still has that same spirit...
Just as they were about to persuade him further, Zhu Mo continued:
"It's not that I'm ignorant of current affairs. I'm just a little Daoist, what am I worth? It's all the same wherever I go. Besides, I have money now, don't I still have that big salt field? Moreover, with public opinion like this, neither Gao Gong nor Yan Shifan would dare to kill me...
The only reason I want to persist until the end is one! Old Daoist, Third Master, have you ever thought about it? If I just leave like this, what will happen? These gentry dared to kill the rioters right under the Emperor's nose, then twisted the truth, and told a colossal lie. If they win this battle, won't they become even more lawless? If you retreat an inch, they will advance a foot!
In this way, the blame for the collapse of the realm will still fall on me, Zhu Mo! I will have caused all the people in the realm to fall into a state of hell!"
Hiss!
Hiss!
The old Daoist's forehead tightened again, buzzing in his ears.
Those words from that day in the courtyard reappeared—
Yes,
If I truly let Gao Gong become the Grand Secretariat, he certainly wouldn't be as gentle, amiable, frugal, and humble as he claims... The royal family's compromise with them would not earn them loyalty; that is certain... But there is truly no other way at the moment. Their momentum is growing, and if it's not resolved soon, something serious might happen...
For a moment,
The old Daoist couldn't make up his mind and let out a long sigh.
As for Li San,
He understood better than the old Daoist this time.
These words, to him, were too right!
Those gentry had been out of control all these years. What wouldn't they do at the local level? If Gao Gong were truly allowed to become the Grand Secretariat this time, it would be tantamount to the success of the imperial coercion. What then? Wouldn't it mean that oppressing the people was justified? That the royal family was powerless...
In this way, within a few years, the realm would be in a state of decline.
Yes, Gao Gong had indeed submitted evidence of the Yan family instigating the gentry and academies, evidence of bribing great scholars, and a memorial of grievances. He also said he would understand the imperial will, maintain balance, and that overthrowing the Yan family was still the top priority... But where did Gao Gong have the ability to do that? Could someone who climbed to this position through opportunism subdue all the Yan faction members in the realm? Don't forget, Old Yan Song was not yet dead!
Zhu Mo's words also made sense. With the people's support and the Emperor's heavenly might, dealing with the Yan faction was already so difficult. After the people were set back and the royal family compromised, what authority would they have to suppress them? Gao Gong spoke lightly, but at that time, wouldn't he just change with the wind and once again force his way in?
These Grand Secretariats, he had seen seven or eight in his life. Which one was good?
But Li San dared not speak these words, of course.
Thus,
The originally warm and sorrowful atmosphere instantly became heavy.
Seeing the old Daoist look even more haggard, Li San quickly said, "Daoist Master, shall we... shall we go back for now? We can come again another day?"
The old Daoist nodded, slowly stood up, looked at the snowy scenery in the courtyard for a while, and said leisurely,
"Zhu Mo, you are someone who sees things through..."
Zhu Mo was also filled with emotion, sighing, "Some things, one truly cannot help oneself... Two giant beasts fight in the wilderness; there is no room for retreat..."
Looking at his haggard yet resolute face, the old Daoist also felt a sense of comfort—
Even if Hou'er succeeded to the throne in the future, Mo'er could still support him. He wasn't the King of Yan after all, and should be like the eighth prince, a wise king...
The three chatted and laughed for a few moments and then parted ways.