Chapter 176 – Heresy

There was no grand assembly this day.

Shen Mengzhen was summoned to the palace early in the morning. In his heart, he already knew that this was due to the trouble he had caused yesterday. The look on Xu Chun’s face when he left yesterday surely meant that he was distressed, and it was inevitable that he would come to question Shen Mengzhen about it.

Indeed, Xie Yi’s tone was calm as he said, “I heard that Sir Shen has set a marriage? Indeed, it’s a matter of joy. Since you yourself are happy and fulfilled, you naturally wish for your student to also find happiness?”

When Shen Mengzhen heard this line of questioning, he knew that was indeed the case. He stepped forward and performed a grand salute, bowing down and saying, “It was my overstepping.”

Xie Yi slowly played with the jade ruyi in his hand. “In the past, Sir Shen was a man of poetry and wine, unrestrained and unbound by the conventions of society. Did you ever think that you would become like this—a rigid Confucian scholar?”

Shen Mengzhen lowered his head. “I am ashamed. I presumed upon His Majesty’s heart.”

Xie Yi said, “Regarding the imperial heir, I go to the Imperial Academy every ten days now, to look for a potential heir, but I won’t announce it too early to avoid ministers manipulating and betting on their favorites. However, I will secretly designate a crown prince. Before I reach my hundredth year, all the princes of the imperial family are possible candidates, which is why everyone should strive to excel. The secret edict can be changed at any time and is stored behind the plaque of ‘greatness and righteousness’. After I pass away, the princes, the regent princes, and the civil and military ministers will witness the removal of the secret edict and the enthronement of the emperor.”

Shen Mengzhen’s heart settled, and he bowed deeply. “Your Majesty is wise.”

Xie Yi said, “Xu Chun is younger than me, and I fear that I may pass away before him. Therefore, I want to give him power so that the new emperor can only rely on him. If the new emperor is unworthy or unvirtuous, Xu Chun can depose and replace him.”

Shen Mengzhen’s expression changed slightly, and Xie Yi said, “Do you think I’m an incompetent ruler?”

Shen Mengzhen didn’t dare to speak, and Xie Yi continued, “Inner sage, outer king—the sage cultivates virtue and applies it externally, resulting in the governance of a king. ‘No bias, no party, the royal way is broad and open.’ When the sage has emotions, the royal way becomes biased. You are Xu Chun’s teacher, so you naturally think of him sincerely. However, you are also a good minister, so you worry that my love for him will cause me to lose the royal way and disrupt the country.”

As Shen Mengzhen listened to Xie Yi’s tone that lacked any blame, his heart gradually calmed. “Your Majesty is wise. I assume you have a plan.”

Xie Yi looked at him and said, “Rise, Sir Shen. Today, I want to have a conversation with you, Sir Shen, and you don’t need to follow formalities.”

Shen Mengzhen watched Su Huaizhen lead him to sit below, and he raised his eyes to see that although Xie Yi was wearing his usual black and yellow robes today, his features still carried a touch of elegance. His movements were not as solemn and dignified as before but carried a hint of casualness.

When he looked more closely, he realized that there was no one else in the study except for Su Huaizhen, and sweat broke out on his back.

Xie Yi, however, said indifferently, “I have been a ruler since I was young. All the teachings I received were to instruct me on how to become a wise monarch, to be remembered throughout history, and to have my name immortalized in history.”

“But as I grew older and read history books thoroughly, I discovered that throughout the ages, there have not been many qualified emperors. Being entrusted by heaven and reigning for thousands of years is nothing but a lie. Every dynasty has had wise and foolish emperors. If the descendants of the imperial family are unworthy and encounter an incompetent ruler, the fall of the dynasty is as trivial as child’s play, absurd and laughable.”

“Of course, the doctrine of names naturally has an explanation for this: ‘The heaven does not favor anyone; it assists only those with virtue. The people’s hearts are fickle; only kindness is embraced by them.’ ‘Heaven gives birth to the people not for the sake of the ruler. Heaven establishes the ruler for the sake of the people.’”

Xie Yi spoke slowly, his tone surprisingly gentle, as if he were discussing Confucian classics with Shen Mengzhen.

Shen Mengzhen’s face was pale, and he dared not speak, but he already vaguely knew what the emperor wanted to tell him. At that moment, he wished he could faint and didn’t want to hear any heretical words. He had never thought that although he had lived his life unconstrained by rituals, when he truly encountered such a shocking and outrageous emperor, he would be so terrified.

Xie Yi laughed. “Following this reasoning, it is only logical that Mr. Nanlei, the great scholar of Zhejiang East, proposed that ‘the people are the masters and the ruler is the guest. Whatever the ruler spends his entire life managing is for the sake of the people.’”

Shen Mengzhen fell to his knees with a thud, swallowed, and felt an unbearable dryness in his throat.

Xie Yi looked at him and said, “The previous dynasty lasted for two hundred and seventy-six years, passing through sixteen emperors. Our dynasty emerged during the chaos of the previous dynasty, driving out the Tartars and pacifying the world. We chose the name ‘Mu’ for our kingdom, first because the founder was titled the Prince of Mu, and secondly, because it implies deep benevolence and abundant grace, nurturing the world like water nourishes everything.”

“To date, our dynasty has lasted nearly two hundred years, which can be considered long-lived. The prosperity and decline of our dynasty depend on the wisdom or folly of the emperor, whether he follows the will of the people and obeys the mandate of heaven.”

“In this case, choosing a virtuous heir is in accordance with the will of heaven. However, throughout history, only the eldest son has succeeded the throne, regardless of his worthiness. The stable government and longevity of the dynasty have relied on wise rulers and capable ministers. Yet, this wise ruler seems to be determined by luck, as if appointed by heaven.”

Xie Yi chuckled mockingly, almost self-deprecating. “Counting back, our vast China has seen the rise and fall of dynasties for five thousand years. During times of prosperity and revival, capable ministers have been plentiful, but wise rulers have been rare.”

Shen Mengzhen softly said, “Your Majesty is wise. Now that you choose your successor based on merit and have capable ministers serving you, that is excellent.”

However, Xie Yi smiled faintly. “When I first ascended the throne, I was just a child emperor, unable to distinguish between wisdom and foolishness. Who could say that I was a wise and virtuous ruler? Even now, it’s still too soon to draw conclusions. After all, I have already had a favorite, and I love him deeply.”

“The world is not solely the world of my Xie family. All the capable ministers are loyal to the state and the people, not to the Xie family’s emperor.”

Shen Mengzhen’s vision went dark, and his heart, which had just calmed, tightened again. Xie Yi stood up and extended his finger to gently spin the globe on the table. The blue glass sphere rolled, and the sunlight reflected off it, shimmering like the vast ocean.

“I have been determined to expand our naval affairs, consolidate our maritime borders, and secure our seas, Sir Shen, do you know the reason for this? Our future enemies will come from the sea. What do you know about the political systems of foreign countries?”

Shen Mengzhen braced himself. “The cabinet is currently collecting information on the political systems of various countries and studying their military and political affairs.”

Xie Yi gazed at him intently. “According to my knowledge, some Western political systems lack a king. ‘Nourishing one person with the whole world,’ the three bonds and five constant virtues… Do you think that someday, someone in our country might propose… ‘the theory of no ruler’?”

Shen Mengzhen quickly knelt down and shouted, “Your Majesty! Please reconsider! Even without a king, power remains in the hands of a few! Whether it’s the church, parliament, or the cabinet holding power, they are different forms of the same structure, without any real difference! During the 15th year of Chenghua in the previous dynasty, the 20th year of Jiajing, and the 30th year of Wanli, the court functioned smoothly despite the emperor’s absence, which was due to the cabinet’s efforts. The Three Dukes and Nine Ministers of Qin, the Three Departments and Six Ministries of Tang, and the Two Palaces and Three Councils of Song… How can you say that our dynasty’s system, supported by thousands of years of wise men, is inferior to the political systems of Western countries?”

“A wise ruler governs with ease, ruling without action. Your Majesty, please do not regard the small barbaric countries overseas as the orthodox. Remember, our dynasty spans a vast territory, and without centralized rule, we cannot suppress the nine regions and four seas. Since Zhou’s emperors ruled as masters of the world, governing with ease, it has remained unchanged for a thousand years, indicating its inherent superiority.”

“Your Majesty is wise, and the people’s hearts are united. Do not rashly disrupt the unified governance, undermining the foundation, or chaos will surely arise, wasting national strength and people’s resources. Please reconsider, Your Majesty!”

Xie Yi observed Shen Mengzhen, whose voice trembled, his face pale, and cold sweat poured down his face. Xie Yi smiled faintly. “I’ve said it before—today, we’re just having a heart-to-heart talk between us. Rise. We’re not quite at that point yet. Perhaps someday, someone will blast open our gates with cannonballs. If we encounter another incompetent ruler, corrupt officials, factional disputes, and civilian unrest… Which dynasty hasn’t fallen in such a manner? We must take this as a warning and not remain stagnant, arrogantly assuming our superiority.”

Shen Mengzhen whispered, “Your Majesty is wise.” His voice was still trembling from fright.

Xie Yi smiled contentedly. “When Sir Shen was young, you defied conventions. I believe you can understand my thoughts and feelings. Thus, you should also understand that I have no one else to confide in about these matters. Speaking with you today has been refreshing.”

No, I can’t understand… Why are you harming me, Your Majesty? Shen Mengzhen’s face was greenish-white, and he reluctantly bowed. “I am frightened, honored by Your Majesty’s trust.”

Xie Yi said, “In that case, you should also understand my intentions towards Xu Chun. I believe that under the guidance of Sir Shen and me, Xu Chun can become a virtuous prince who cares about the state and the people. By governing the country and pacifying the world, governing the hearts of the people, and correcting the atmosphere, the world will be vast and just. Isn’t this a clear and bright era of prosperity?”

Shen Mengzhen’s voice was hoarse. “Has Your Majesty discussed this intention with Xu Chun?”

Xie Yi focused his gaze on him. “It’s not the right time. He’s young, lacks depth, and is simple in nature, not adept at pretense. If I told him these things, and he revealed a word or two of this meaning in the future, as a high-ranking and powerful official, he would inevitably be criticized for having rebellious intentions.”

“This theory of no ruler, I can say it, but you ministers cannot.”

Shen Mengzhen was almost spitting blood from Xie Yi’s piercing words. You know this is the speech of a rebel!

An emperor rebelling against the imperial way! Such defiance, what kind of shocking and outrageous act is this?

Xie Yi looked at Shen Mengzhen’s frustrated expression and felt a sense of satisfaction. With a smile, he said, “Now, only you understand My heart. My affection lies with you. From now on, I hope Sir Shen will teach Xu Chun more.”

Shen Mengzhen said, “Perhaps he has some doubts and feels anxious. Why doesn’t Your Majesty gradually explain your future plans to him?”

Xie Yi replied, “He understands the ways of the world, but he has his own stubbornness. You can call him obsessed or pure. I haven’t been without hesitation. He returned from Minzhou to the capital, kneeling at the palace gates, insisting on coming before me to make me clarify things for him. I am ten years older than him, so I could not be seen as inferior to him. Since he could persevere, I decided to accompany him.”

“If one day he feels tired and wants to give up, marry, and have children, I’ll let him.”

“However, based on my current observations, this child acts based on his innate courage and a natural sharpness, step by step, as if he’s blessed.”

“I didn’t tell him these things, but he could spontaneously find a path from the Maritime Administration Bureau based on my intentions to open sea routes. He independently raised funds, borrowed money, and ordered ironclad ships, joined forces with Jinhaiwei to crack down on smuggling, banned opium, traded porcelain from the official kilns with the West, and used military supplies to pay debts. Each move was practical and decisive, precisely addressing critical points, enriching the state treasury, preventing potential dangers, and alleviating My worries. How could I not adore him?”

“Luck seems to favor him. I originally thought that he would need at least ten years to establish his career, which wouldn’t be a problem—I have patience. Coincidentally, the war in the East started, and he could seize the opportunity to achieve success. This battle was a great victory for our dynasty, and Fang Zijing and Nong Siji’s contributions were significant. Can you guess how these two came to be here? They were all brought back by Xu Chun’s accidental trip to the South Seas, the talents I sought.”

“Heaven blesses him; he seems to be given to Me by heaven, our souls in harmony. His unintentional actions often coincide with My intentions. Although his achievements aren’t yet prominent, I deliberately hide and cover them, giving him more time to accumulate strength before breaking out, to avoid arousing jealousy too early.”

Shen Mengzhen’s expression finally relaxed. “With Your Majesty’s support and care, and by allowing him freedom, he can walk steadily step by step.”

Xie Yi said, “You only think that I’m helping him, but you haven’t seen how much he has assisted Me.”

After a series of gentle words of comfort, Xie Yi even bestowed a pair of precious potted landscapes, a set of ruby hair ornaments, and two rolls of red satin to Shen Mengzhen. “This is to celebrate your marriage and wish you to bear a noble child soon.”

Shen Mengzhen helplessly thanked him for his kindness and returned home. He understood that the Emperor had genuinely frightened him but did so mischievously, seeking revenge for Xu Chun. But he could only continue to mend things for the Emperor and Xu Chun, striving for the “clear and bright era of prosperity” that the Emperor desired. He was truly pulled onto this boat of heresy by the Emperor. The Emperor had spoken of the crown prince and Xu Chun’s future, but he still felt that the Emperor had unspoken intentions. The Emperor ascended the throne in his youth, and his ambitions had never been easily altered—the idea of no ruler, how could he dare to think of it? As a ruler, he actually dared to think of it!

Shen Mengzhen left the palace with a blank expression.

Having resolved one matter, Xie Yi returned to the inner palace with a smile. He saw Xu Chun waking up from a hangover, rubbing his temples with a bitter expression as he drank the sobering herbal soup. He asked Su Huaizhen, “I heard that after a hangover, drinking a little bit of alcohol the next day can alleviate the discomfort. It’s called a reviving drink, right?”

Su Huaizhen said, “My lord, where did you hear such nonsense? From now on, you should drink less. Rest quietly and drink some light soup and porridge to nourish your stomach.”

Xu Chun said, “My head feels like it’s splitting… Ninth Brother knows he’s going to scold me…” As soon as he finished speaking, there was no response beside him. Instead, a pair of warm hands pressed against his temples and slowly massaged them. “I usually don’t treat you harshly, do I? Why are you so worried?”

Xu Chun reached out to hold Xie Yi’s fingers, his ears burning hot. “Ninth Brother, next time I won’t dare to drink excessively.”

Xie Yi said, “I didn’t blame you.”

Xu Chun muttered softly, “Ninth Brother is probably waiting until later to settle accounts with me. How could you not blame me?”

Xie Yi said, “Well, I was a bit angry last night because you disregarded your health. Later, you served Me very well, working hard…” Suddenly, he stopped talking. It turned out that Xu Chun had pinched his hand. Knowing that he was shy, Xie Yi couldn’t help but laugh. “No one is around.”

Xu Chun turned to look and indeed saw that the eunuchs had already left the room clean. He turned to look at Xie Yi, blushing. Last night, feeling guilt, he had been particularly enthusiastic. Although it was partly due to the influence of alcohol, many indescribable scenes still flashed back in his mind, making him wish he could burrow into the ground. He certainly didn’t want to hear Xie Yi mention it!

At that moment, however, Xie Yi had just praised Xu Chun’s remarkable intelligence in front of Shen Mengzhen. He still cherished him dearly and knew that Xu Chun’s excessive drinking was mostly due to hearing the rumors that he had deliberately spread about his inability to perform. Feeling guilt but being unwilling to let go, Xu Chun could only indulge in his passion through alcohol.

However, Xie Yi knew that Xu Chun wouldn’t give up. Despite the reprimands from his teachers and opposition from friends and relatives, he wouldn’t abandon his pursuit. He was young and reckless, full of passion, persistent, and pure. Xie Yi slowly rubbed his temples, felt a sense of melancholy.

In the end, there are those who persist undeterred, willing to defy the world’s greatest taboo, unafraid of the judgment of history, unafraid of the condemnation of thousands, so firmly staying by My side.”