Chapter 5: Fang Xiao Ru the Everlasting Loyal Minister

The imperial censor Gao Xiang splashed ink, citing ancient texts and references.

From the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the Ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, thousands of words have been scattered and filled with grief and anger. Gao Xiang said bluntly: “Women ought to stay at home and do embroidery, why should they degrade themselves to the court? We are all men of valor, and we will not disgrace the Four books and Five Classics^[1]The Four Books and Five Classics (Chinese: 四書五經; pinyin: Sìshū Wǔjīng) are the authoritative books of Confucianism, written in China before 300 … Continue reading even if we die !”

One after another, the memorials were sent directly to Wu Ying Hall.

It wasn’t just the imperial censors who voiced their opinions; officials from the six ministries were also unwilling to remain silent and wrote memorials to impeach.

Some people even aimed their accusations directly at Xu Huizu, the Duke of Wei, and labeled him as “meddling in the affairs of the Harem, without a sense of shame”.

Even the obscure astronomical bureau also made a fuss, saying, “unexpected celestial phenomena during the night observations.”

Zhu Yunwen sat in the Wuying hall, relishing the content of these memorials.

These officials were certainly not lacking in talent, Their words were eloquent, their rhetoric well-structured, and their language flowed smoothly, all while refraining from using vulgar language to insult others.

“Say, is a woman entering the Imperial Academy enough to frighten the entire court of civil officials? Are women so terrifying?”

Zhu Yunwen said to Ma Enhui, who was holding the child beside him.

Ma Enhui chuckled and said: “Your Majesty, I already expressed my concerns beforehand. You know it’s inappropriate, so why did you still proceed in this manner? It’s only natural that the officials oppose it.”

Zhu Yunwen beckoned, and said to the eunuch, Shuangxi, next to him: “Return these memorials to the ones who wrote them. You will ask them a few questions on my behalf.”

Shuangxi asked, “What question does your majesty want me to ask them?”

Zhu Yunwen chuckled and said, “Just ask them, is their mother literate? No, it should be, does your mother know how to read? Does your wife know how to read? Does your daughter know how to read? Are they willing to learn?”

Shuangxi opened his mouth and looked at Ma Enhui’s difficulty. Ma Enhui remained silent and lowered her head, so Shuangxi had no choice but to agree, prepared to leave with the memorials.

“wait.”

Zhu Yunwen stopped Shuang Xi and instructed: “Go with them to their homes. Let them ask their own mothers and wives, take notes, and give me a reply.”

Shuangxi agreed and quickly made the arrangements.

Ma Enhui suddenly laughed, looked at Zhu Yunwen, and said, “Your Majesty, this move of yours has a bit of spirit of a bandit.”

Zhu Yunwen laughed heartily.

Dealing with this group of stubborn people, reasoning with them directly wouldn’t work

“The Analects^[2]The Analects (Chinese: 論語; pinyin: Lúnyǔ; Old Chinese: [r]u[n] ŋ(r)aʔ; meaning “Selected Sayings”), also known as the Analects of … Continue reading” also states that a gentleman should prioritize the fundamentals, for it is from the establishment of the fundamentals that virtue arises. Filial piety and fraternal respect are the foundations of benevolence.

Since you scholars emphasize filial piety and fraternal respect, you cannot disregard the words of your own mothers, right?

Send them off to reflect on their intentions only then we can discuss the matter of Xu Miaojin.

“Report to the Emperor, Hanlin Lecturer Fang Xiaoru seeks an audience.”

The eunuch reported.

Zhu Yunwen agreed, and a thin man of about forty years old, wearing a ninth-grade green official robe with a round collar walked in.

This was none other than Fang Xiaoru who had his “ten generations^[3]TL’s note: In addition to his own execution, his blood relations and their spouses were killed, along with all of his students and peers as the 10th group.)” executed by Zhu Di! If … Continue reading was hailed by Zhu Yuanzhang as the “foremost founding civil official.”

According to reason, since Zhu Yuanzhang valued Fang Xiaoru and summoned him twice, his official career should have been prosperous. However, Zhu Yuanzhang chose not to employ Fang Xiaoru himself but instead passed him on to his son. After his son’s death, the position was again inherited by his grandson, who is the current Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen sighed heavily. If history were to unfold as it did, when Zhu Di invaded the capital, Fang Xiaoru would have met his demise along with more than eight hundred others. It is undeniable that he was a loyal minister, an eternal loyal minister at that! When faced with Zhu Di’s slaughter, his indomitable spirit and righteousness were unmatched by anyone.

His belief was encapsulated in the phrase “To sacrifice oneself for righteousness, rather than seeking to preserve one’s life at the expense of righteousness.” It was the belief of a scholar. He chose death over submission, death over serving two masters.

However, his abilities did not match his position. Zhu Yunwen’s failure in the struggle against Zhu Di can be attributed to this mismatch. He bears a great responsibility for his “loyal advice.”

After granting a seat to Fang Xiaoru, Zhu Yunwen looked at him. Although Fang Xiaoru had a pale complexion, his eyes were bright and determined. Zhu Yunwen asked, “Mr. Fang, are you here for the matter of Chief Xu?”

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru smiled lightly and said, “The ‘Rites of Zhou^[4]The Rites of Zhou (Chinese: 周禮), originally known as “Officers of Zhou” (周官; Zhouguan) is a Chinese work on bureaucracy and organizational theory.’ have long mentioned the role of female officials. Although they serve within the inner court, considering Chief Xu’s position, it is only about selecting talents for Your Majesty. As long as Chief Xu conducts himself with integrity and adheres to proper etiquette, there should be no issue.”

“Oh?”

Zhu Yunwen was somewhat surprised.

He thought Fang Xiaoru was a rigid bookworm, but he didn’t expect him to know how to be flexible.

“This Subject came here not to speak about Chief Xu, but to discuss the governance through culture.” Fang Xiaoru said seriously.

“Go on.” Zhu Yunwen signaled.

Fang Xiaoru spoke confidently: “Having resided in a remote place for a long time and now being in the capital, I have received Your Majesty’s gracious favor and taken up the position of Hanlin attendant lecturer. I have witnessed Your Majesty’s emphasis on Confucianism and literary pursuits, with the intention of governance through culture. And in my opinion, if we are to pursue governance through culture, we should uphold the principles of ‘Courtesy’.”

“What do you mean Mr.Fang?” Zhu Yunwen frowned.

Fang Xiaoru spoke frankly, “Is Your Majesty summoning the King of Yan to the capital with the intention of reducing his power?”

Zhu Yunwen looked at Fang Xiaoru without saying anything.

Fang Xiaoru continued, “I earnestly implore Your Majesty not to do so. Although the King of Yan is the leader of the northern fiefs, he has committed no wrongs. If he is summoned to the capital and his power is forcefully reduced, it would be a breach of etiquette. Moreover, it has only been a little over a month since the passing of the founding emperor, and if Your Majesty were to take action against the King of Yan, it may chill the hearts of the people.”

Zhu Yunwen waved his hand and smiled, “Mr. Fang, you worry too much. I am summoning the King of Yan to the capital as a means to rectify past mistakes. Our dynasty upholds the principles of benevolence and filial piety. If the royal family cannot uphold these principles, how can we set an example for the people?”

“Is that so?”

“Indeed. To alleviate the concerns of the King of Yan, I have also issued orders to reduce the military by 100,000 troops, to demonstrate that we have no intention of reducing the vassal king’s power. At the same time, these troops will be used for civilian purposes, opening up new lands in the southern mountains. Isn’t that even better?”

“Your Majesty is wise and enlightened.”

Fang Xiaoru expressed his joy and prostrated himself.

After sending away Fang Xiaoru, Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng arrived.

Upon hearing the news of reducing the military by 100,000 troops, they became even more fearful and anxious, hastily submitting their petitions. However, Zhu Yunwen ignored their memorial, leaving it aside.

Seeing no response, the two of them sought an audience directly.

“Your Majesty, it is absolutely crucial not to reduce the military at this time…”

“Please reconsider your decree…”

The two of them pleaded back and forth, causing Zhu Yunwen to feel distressed.

In the end, there seemed to be no solution.

After praising Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng for their unwavering loyalty, Zhu Yunwen assured them that it would not affect the military’s combat capabilities. Even if there were reductions, troops could be relocated from the border regions to maintain stability. This reassured the two officials.

Once they left, Zhu Yunwen picked up a memorial written by the Right Vice Minister of Justice, Yuan Tai. In it, there was a sentence that criticized Xie Jin for coming to the capital before the mourning period for his mother had ended and when his father was ninety years old, stating that it was inappropriate.

This is an attack on Xie Jin who came to the capital to mourn.

It was because of this memorial by this old bro, Xie Jin, one of the three great talents of the Ming Dynasty and later the compiler of the “Yongle Encyclopedia^[5]The Yongle Encyclopedia (English: /jɒŋlə/) or Yongle Dadian (traditional Chinese: 永樂大典; simplified Chinese: 永乐大典; pinyin: Yǒnglè … Continue reading,” was sent to Gansu to suffer hardships.

A smile appeared at the corner of Zhu Yunwen’s mouth as he softly said, “Xie Jin, should I have you compile a “Jianwen Encyclopedia” for me? Hehe. Guards, summon Xie Jin to the palace.”

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