Chapter 542: Traitor and Hero

Chapter 542: Traitors and Heroes

"Teacher, what topic are we covering today?"

In a serene study at the pinnacle of the imperial palace, the young emperor, resembling a jade ornament, sat upright at a desk, his eyes fixed steadily on Zhang Fengyue, who occupied the seat below.

"Your Majesty, today we shall discuss the founder of our dynasty, Emperor Yizong."

As Zhang Fengyue spoke, the room conjured an image of a towering figure clad in dragon robes, alongside a map that starkly contrasted with the diminished territories of the present empire.

"During Emperor Yizong's tenure as prince, the realm faced unprecedented turmoil, beset by grave internal and external challenges. Internally, a faction led by a Wei eunuch allied with the court cliques of Qi, Chu, and Zhe, decisively vanquishing the old Donglin faction and seizing control of the court, clouding the sovereign's ears. Externally, barbarian tribes rose in strength, threatening the borders, with frontier garrisons stretched thin and the capital's outskirts overrun with fortifications."

"Following the Daobao reign, Emperor Yizong labored diligently, striving to revitalize the nation and fulfill the grand ambition of restoring the dynasty. To achieve this noble cause, his first act was to sever the Wei faction's influence, purging corruption and reestablishing proper governance."

"The inaugural year of his reign saw the completion of this endeavor. Subsequently, Emperor Yizong resigned from active duty, urging the court and populace to unite in earnest loyalty, thereby sweeping away the empire's accumulated decadence. He himself set a personal example, adhering steadfastly to court lectures and daily studies, even amid urgent military campaigns, never wavering in his pursuit of Confucian classics. Rising with the dawn, retiring late into the night, his industriousness inspired all to marvel and admire. The people hailed him as a paragon unseen since the Han and Tang dynasties."

The young emperor's brow furrowed as he listened, for these dry historical accounts held no interest to one who already knew them by heart. Moreover, Zhang Fengyue's persistent emphasis on "industriousness" made him uncomfortable.

"Teacher, I’ve already memorized all of this."

The boy smiled confidently. "Teacher, could you share tales not recorded in history books?"

Interrupting the lesson, Zhang Fengyue adjusted his faded spectacles, glancing up at the youth with a stern expression, as if to reprimand him. Yet seeing the boy's radiant smile and hopeful gaze, he relented with a sigh. "Then Your Majesty, what would you like to hear?"

"I’ve encountered mentions in some forums that Emperor Yizong was a master of vertical and horizontal strategies—is that true?"

The prince’s enthusiasm faltered as he instinctively covered his mouth, then relaxed upon noticing Zhang Fengyue's discretion. "I merely dabble in such forums occasionally, mostly adhering to the curriculum you’ve arranged."

Zhang Fengyue smiled softly. "By today's hierarchy, Emperor Yizong indeed qualifies as a vertical and horizontal strategist."

"Then how did Emperor Yizong dismantle the Wei faction?" the young emperor asked, gesturing eagerly. "Was it through righteous appeals to heroes and swift punitive strikes?"

"Not quite." Zhang Fengyue shook his head succinctly. "Emperor Yizong's strategy was to first ingratiate himself with the faction, then swiftly eliminate them."

This answer disappointed the young emperor, who viewed Yizong as a colossus unworthy of such subterfuge. To him, the dynasty's restorer must be a titan who would never stoop to deceit.

"Swift retribution is but the refuge of the vulgar, cloaking their lack of wit. Yizong never bowed to the faction."

Seeing Zhang's lecturing tone, the prince interjected, "Then how did he counter the barbarian threats?"

"That is the glory etched in history, rivaling the great Hongwu Emperor in achievement." Zhang's voice carried grudging admiration. "The Ming, long afflicted with decay, had ministers without bone and generals without might, unable to repel invaders. The frontier people suffered constant raids, living in fire and water. Yet at this precipice, Yizong, with heaven-bestowed talents, distilled from ancient texts the concept of 'sequences'—a notion never before conceived—and constructed a framework of the Three Teachings and Nine Schools across Twelve Sequences. This became the foundation for his 'Great Opening Strategy,' reshaping the empire's destiny."

"Guided by this strategy, the realm swiftly cultivated sequence-aligned officials, placing them in pivotal roles. Their extraordinary talents and abilities drove unprecedented reforms."

"Yizong merged military and civil governance, anchored the military foundation, governed the court with Confucian essence, stabilized hearts through Buddhist and Taoist faiths, overseered the realm and civilians via legal sequences, opened technical mysteries through literary sequences, and revitalized commerce via miscellaneous sequences. Through diligent governance, the empire's restoration surged incomparably."

Zhang paused, noting the prince's animated expression. "This time, Yizong, as you imagined, crushed the barbarians utterly, uprooting them entirely. Such a national cause surpasses the fleeting vengeance of a brute."

The prince nodded fervently, then blurted, "Teacher, in Yizong's era, did all sequences contribute to the restoration? Why is the Yin-Yang sequence absent from your account?"

"Do you know the common name for the Yin-Yang sequence?" Zhang sneered. "The Mouse of Slaughter—devouring heaven, country, and people, devouring time, fate, and destiny, greed incarnate, yet utterly useless. In my view, the Three Teachings and Nine Schools had no place for them."

"Oh." The prince seemed to grasp partially, yet puzzled by the sequence's menace and the teacher's disdain.

Wisely, he didn't press further, shifting the topic: "Teacher, in my Jiaqing reign, do similar internal and external crises exist?"

"Yes." Zhang's reply was direct.

The prince paled, urgently inquiring about the dangers.

"Sequences."

"Sequences were the foundation of the dynasty's restoration. Why are they now a threat?" The prince stared blankly.

"Centuries ago, Yizong relied on the Three Teachings and Nine Schools to avert calamity. Now, they’ve become corrupt flesh and pus on the empire’s body, endangering it more than any tribe or rebel faction."

"I don’t understand."

"Sequences categorize people into hierarchies, creating a wall between the chosen and the common. Over time, chaos ensues."

"But weren’t people divided before sequences emerged?"

"They were, yet differently. Royal kin, clans, merchants, and warriors—each group held dominance or subordination, leading to dynastic upheavals. Sequences, however, erect barriers far sturdier than bloodlines. Before sequences, unknown men became ministers and generals, as our Hongwu Emperor did. Post-sequences, the divide hardens into 'human and non-human.' This is the internal peril."

"Worse, sequences now monopolize resources, even coining the term 'basic stake.' What belongs to You, the Emperor, now belongs to this or that sequence. This rivals treason. Common people toil as slaves, hoping for offspring blessed with superior sequences—a hope as hollow as despair."

The prince shuddered. "Then what must I do?"

Rising abruptly, he approached Zhang, bowing the salutation for a Confucian disciple. "Please instruct me."

"Your Majesty need not kneel." Zhang lifted him gently, settling him beside him. "There are two paths: all people are sequences, or none are. The latter is simpler, yet both erase the barriers and injustice of sequences."

The prince's voice trembled. "Which is easier?"

"Merge and unify the sequences, abolish the Three Teachings' divisions, and dissolve all rites. No one can enter sequences then, ending them entirely. Alter the gene-based fate into two, letting heaven and earth hold destiny, hearts hold fortune. Yizong once saved the people through sequences; now, you can restore justice. Do this, and you’ll stand eternal with Yizong in history."

Zhang bowed deeply. "This is my lifelong wish."

"Teacher, which sequence must remain to dismantle them all?"

The prince’s eyes blazed.

"Your Majesty, as emperor, you alone decide. No one else may."

He replied without hesitation, "Only those with the nobility to act and a heart for country, ruler, and heaven can fulfill this task. Besides you, I know no one fit."

"Your Majesty." The prince's face darkened, using the royal "Your Majesty," yet guilt crept into his tone. "Ever since ascending the throne, I’ve heard slanders against you in reality and dreams. After the new policies, someone whispered you’re the true traitor— plotting to exile the Buddhist and Taoist sects, letting Confucianism dominate, and climaxing with your ascension rites."

"He uses our dynasty as fuel to forge a saint fit for the Imperial Academy."

The prince’s cheeks flushed. "Frankly, these slanders made me doubt you. But today, I finally grasped your patriotism, while those slanderers, hiding behind shadows, are the true traitors."

To receive those words from His Majesty, the old minister would already feel wholly satisfied.

Zhang Fengyue bent his waist and back again and again, his white hair hanging down to level with his back.

Thus the new policy must be enacted, the barriers must be shattered, and it must be you, Master, who does it with your own hands.

The young emperor stood before Zhang Fengyue, a faint unease flickering across his tender face: “I do not trust the others.”

The old minister replied, “I fear I might betray the trust you place in me.”

Master, come with me.

The young emperor shook his head, then suddenly grasped Zhang Fengyue’s sleeve, leading him to the window and pointing to the stars glittering in the night sky.

In truth, I often ponder one thing: as emperor of this realm, why do I still have these so‑called Daoist ancestral artifacts above my head? Are celestial beings more revered than mortal rulers? Or do they simply not see me as an emperor at all?

Your Majesty does not like them.

The young emperor paused each word: “I detest them!”

Since Your Majesty dislikes them, I will let them fall.

Zhang Fengyue, in return, grasped the young emperor’s hand and pointed with his left hand toward some spot on the ground.

The young emperor looked in the direction of his finger, and saw the eaves of Wen Yuan Pavilion, lying at the palace’s foot, suddenly extend several dozen feet from both east and west corners, curving downward at the ends into a drawn bow and arrow, while white light gathered at the roof, as if cannons were charging.

With a gentle tap of Zhang Fengyue’s finger, a thick column of light rose, heading straight toward a star that flickered continuously.

No thunderous explosion rang in his ears, yet a deafening roar suddenly erupted in his heart.

Soon after, a blinding white light surged across the sky, and the still night awoke abruptly, as if daylight had returned!

Shoot down the stars from the heavens, and the mortal world will be clear skies.

The young emperor solemnly said, “Master, the future of the empire rests in your hands.”

Within Wen Yuan Pavilion.

Gao Sheng’s silhouette appeared here, turning to survey the surrounding officials, both great and small, who were trembling with unease.

What is there to be so nervous about?

Gao Sheng sneered coldly: “Tell Bai Yujing that today the chief minister is giving His Majesty a lesson in ‘shooting arts’, so we are using their ancestral artifacts as targets for practice. If anyone has objections, let them come to me themselves!”