The world of film and television begins with the God of Medicine.

Chapter 1570 Power
Zhang Juzheng didn't even glance at the words on the memorial.

"Wang Yan, the Ming Dynasty belongs to His Majesty, not to you. Anyone with eyes can see the true intentions behind this memorial. Do you really intend to rebel?"

Wang Yan shook his head: "Old Zhang, you're judging others by your own petty standards. Let me ask you, does our Great Ming have laws? Are the things Chen Hong and Feng Bao did true? I didn't establish this law, nor did I change the relevant provisions; it was established by our Great Ming Emperor Taizu."

What do you mean, that anyone with eyes can see this clearly? Do we even need anyone with eyes to see this? Even ordinary people—no, calling them ordinary people is an exaggeration—even a three-year-old child understands: a life for a life, a debt for a debt. What, just because they are the Grand Eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial, the ones close to His Majesty, doesn't mean they can't be brought to justice? What's the point of the law then?

On the contrary, precisely because we are His Majesty's close associates, we should set an example and abide by the law. To knowingly break the law and harm the people—what is this? It is challenging the authority of the laws of our Great Ming Dynasty, challenging the majesty of our Great Ming Emperor! It is tarnishing His Majesty's and the imperial family's reputation. If this gets out, what will the people think of us officials? And what will they think of His Majesty?
Old Zhang, don't think of everything in such a sinister light. I'm just following the law. Old Hu is a perfect example of that. Back when I was a registrar in Chun'an, his second son came to visit him, passing through Chun'an. According to your customs, he should have been treated to wine and given money, but I certainly couldn't give him any. His second son wasn't happy, so I gave him a beating, and that satisfied him.”

Hu Zongxian nodded with a wry smile and said to Zhang Juzheng, "It is true. He even had someone escort my second son to the camp."

"Look at this," Wang Yan shrugged. "And there's that old bastard Xu Jie. You know him well, right? Didn't I get my hands on his second son too? It's just that Xu Jie's second son didn't cause any deaths. Otherwise, do you think I would dare to deal with him?"
For so many years, Grand Secretary Zhang has been advocating reform and change, for so many years he's been calling for the country and the people, and for so many years he's become incredibly learned. Why is he suddenly abandoning the law? Why is he no longer acting for the country and the people? Is he starting to spout nonsense and disregard the facts?

Zhang Juzheng breathed a sigh of relief: "This matter is of great importance, and we should consult His Majesty."

"Of course we need to consult His Majesty, but before that, you need to come up with an idea. Old Zhang, you are now the Grand Secretary. Since you know it's a big deal, you should make a statement. Whether to do it or not, you need to give a clear answer. Otherwise, if His Majesty asks and we have to argue in front of the Emperor, that would be too inappropriate."

Zhang Juzheng's cheeks were bulging out from clenching his teeth, showing just how furious he was. After all, at Zhang Juzheng's level, he usually kept a straight face.

This also shows how infuriating Wang Yan was...

Chen Yiqin, standing to the side, quickly chimed in, "Grand Secretary Wang, as his subjects, we must always consider His Majesty's thoughts. I think Grand Secretary Zhang is right; we should inform His Majesty first, and then we will follow His Majesty's instructions."

Hu Zongxian also spoke up: "What Grand Secretary Chen said makes sense. Since His Majesty's thoughts must be taken into account, have Chen Hong and Feng Bao considered His Majesty's actions? Now there are no witnesses and the aggrieved party is crying his heart out in the yamen. In Grand Secretary Chen's opinion, should this matter be handled or not?"

Both Wang Yan and Hu Zongxian were aggressive, acting as if they absolutely had to give an answer.

But neither Zhang Juzheng nor Chen Yiqin could give a direct answer; only Emperor Longqing could. Because whatever they said would be wrong: if they acted, where would that leave Emperor Longqing? If they didn't act, where would that leave the laws of the Ming Dynasty?

In particular, Wang Yan was adept at spreading rumors and inciting people. If another demonstration by students and officials were to occur, not only would Zhang Juzheng have to step down, but even Emperor Longqing would have to issue an edict of self-reproach.

Therefore, even if it meant losing face, Zhang Juzheng and Chen Yiqin could not speak.

So they both stormed off, without giving a definite answer...

That afternoon, Longqing sent someone to invite Wang Yan and Hu Zongxian to a meeting at Xiyuan.

Walking unhurriedly through the palace, Hu Zongxian said, "His Majesty is probably not very happy right now."

"I've been unhappy for a long time, and it's not just now." Wang Yan strolled around with his hands behind his back. "If the ruler commands the subject to die, the subject is disloyal for not dying; if the father commands the son to die, the son is unfilial for not dying. Which son of a bitch said that? I've done so much, I haven't harmed the world, and I haven't deceived the emperor. What have I done wrong? Why are you targeting me like this? Does His Majesty's displeasure make me happy?"

I sold my family property back then and used the money to find a job, thinking I could live a comfortable life. I didn't work hard to build a career. If I could just die whenever someone told me to, what was the point of all these years? I didn't spend much money, and I didn't even get to live a carefree life. I was constantly being attacked and killed.

Hai Rui said, "I've gained immortality in the historical records and in the hearts of the people, but what good is that? Besides, can the historical records really say good things about me? The people only remember the good things, not the bad. Only three generations who endured hardship will remember my kindness. A hundred years from now, who will even know who Wang Yan was? The historical records slander me, and those with ulterior motives spread rumors about me everywhere. What good reputation can I possibly have? What use is immortality then?"

Hu Zongxian had become accustomed to Wang Yan's disrespectful and outrageous remarks. He now understood Wang Yan's meaning and his predicament. After all, he himself was a cautionary tale, though at the time he genuinely lacked the power to say no.

Now Wang Yan has succeeded. He thought Wang Yan's power was inferior to Yan Song's, but when Wang Yan began to seize power and unleash his influence, he truly understood how terrifying Wang Yan was...

"I won't give you much advice, but I'll just say one thing: you still need to take care of your own safety..."

Without a doubt, Hu Zongxian is a very mature politician with a penetrating understanding of the essence of political struggle.

Political struggle is not a dinner party, nor is it a back-and-forth exchange of greetings. It's about relentless pursuit, ruthless elimination, and escalation...

In a battle where both sides are evenly matched, the best approach is to eliminate the other directly. Since the two sides are evenly matched, the cost of further fighting would be too high, making physical annihilation the optimal choice.

In a fight between two sides where one is strong and the other is weak, the weaker side would be killed before the fight even begins. There are so many laws and regulations; there's always one that can bring someone to justice.

For the weaker party, simply killing the opponent becomes the best option. Since they can't win anyway, killing the opponent can turn the tide of battle with minimal cost—a highly profitable strategy.

That's why Wang Yan kept getting attacked and killed. Even after so many people had been killed and so many powerful families and high-ranking officials had been implicated, people still kept trying to kill him.

What if it succeeds? Even if it fails, Wang Yan might not be able to find the mastermind. And even if he finds the mastermind, he might not necessarily die.

This idea is terrifying and incredibly tempting, after all, Wang Yan is the source of all evil...

In the current situation, the two sides appear to be evenly matched. Under such circumstances, the possibility of taking desperate measures cannot be ruled out.

Like Han Xin, he was tricked into the palace by Empress Lü and killed easily, simply, and swiftly...

From this perspective, Hu Zongxian's reminder is not without reason, and it is even a very likely scenario.

Wang Yan replied with a smile, "I hope that won't happen. Let's all stay peaceful and avoid conflict. Otherwise, we'll both suffer losses, which won't do them any good."

"A lose-lose situation?" Hu Zongxian's eyes widened, and the old man's voice rose considerably.

"With my extensive experience of being killed, do you think I didn't have any countermeasures? I've said it before, I will never surrender without a fight. There's no reason why someone would want to kill me and not let me fight back."

“If you really retaliate, you’ll be infamous in history books for a thousand years.” Wang Yan laughed: “Isn’t that going back to the point? I’m not good in history books to begin with. Chen Yiqin even compiles his own history. Do you think he can say anything good about me? Luckily, I’ve made a lot of money over the years and can afford to support people who write private histories. Although it inevitably has a bit of self-praise, even if people don’t believe me, they will definitely believe what I write about other people’s problems.”

"I'll also revise the history later and clear your name."

"Forget it, we're both greedy and lustful traitors, and part of the same clique. If you say I'm good, no one will believe you. Let's just do our own jobs well and live our lives well, that's enough. As for reputation and what happens after death, those are all fleeting..."

The two chatted idly as they arrived at Yuxi Palace. Zhang Juzheng and Chen Yiqin were already there, while Chen Hong and Feng Bao knelt on the ground. The scene was extremely solemn, and the only sound was their breathing.

Upon receiving the report, Wang Yan and Hu Zongxian entered and paid their respects to Emperor Longqing.

Longqing waved the memorial in his hand and asked, "I have read the memorial, and these two maids have admitted to the matter. Minister Wang, Minister Hu, what are your opinions?"

Wang Yan said, "I have already expressed my opinion to Grand Secretary Zhang in the Wenyuan Pavilion. A country has its laws, and a family has its rules. Your Majesty's family is the country, and the country is Your Majesty's family. Whether it is the laws of the Ming Dynasty or the rules of the Forbidden City, there is no reason to forgive what Eunuch Chen and Eunuch Feng have done. Your Majesty, I request that these two traitors who have ruined Your Majesty's reputation and damaged the dignity and fairness of the court be executed."

"How dare you, Wang Yan! When did it become your place to decide what matters to the Emperor?" A young man ran out and shouted angrily at Wang Yan.

This is the seventeen-year-old Wanli Emperor, already grown into a young man.

"Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince." Wang Yan bowed politely to the young Wanli Emperor, then asked, "From what Your Highness says, do you intend to pardon these two traitors? Grand Secretary Zhang, you are the Crown Prince's tutor, and you were the one who taught His Highness from his infancy. Why don't you explain to His Highness what is right and wrong?"

“How dare you, Wang Yan, insult His Highness the Crown Prince! Your Majesty, this servant begs that Wang Yan be punished!” Chen Hong cried out, seemingly aggrieved on behalf of Emperor Longqing and the young Wanli Emperor. “Your Majesty, Wang Yan has formed cliques for personal gain, suppressed dissent, and seized power arbitrarily. His crimes are truly heinous, Your Majesty…”

Wang Yan stood steadily, his hands tucked into his sleeves, dressed in a scarlet robe.

Standing beside Wang Yan, watching the commotion, Hu Zongxian then noticed that Wang Yan's back was straight. He thought back for a moment, and realized that Wang Yan was usually this upright and dignified…

To say that Wang Yan never bowed would be incredibly impressive. Putting aside everything else, he kowtowed constantly while Jiajing was alive. And even after Longqing ascended the throne, he still kowtowed quite often…

Seeing that Wang Yan didn't even bother to pay attention to Chen Hong, Hu Zongxian cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this Eunuch Chen is far too unruly. He dares to roar in front of the Emperor while we are discussing the crime. He is truly lawless. Your Majesty, it is time to establish some rules in the palace."

"Do you need to meddle in palace affairs?" the young Wanli Emperor still clamored. "Why don't we just make you emperor then?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yan and the others would have to kneel down and kowtow.

So everyone knelt down, but didn't kowtow...

Wang Yan said, "Your Highness's words are truly inappropriate. We are not here to force the emperor to abdicate, but to eliminate traitors, uphold the law, and restore order to the world for the sake of the royal family, the Ming Dynasty, and the people, and to maintain the dignity of the court. If even those in the palace do not abide by the law and the rules, how can the law be used to govern the people? Rely on the army to suppress them? Can it suppress them for a while, or for a lifetime?"
If it were truly effective, why did our Great Ming Dynasty decline more than a decade ago? It was the constant breaking of rules and oppression of the people that gradually led our Great Ming Dynasty into an irrecoverable state.

Your Highness, do you think I have been able to reach this point? It is because I have risked my life to uphold the rules of my Great Ming Dynasty, ensuring that everyone returns to their proper place and drawing an insurmountable line for everyone of every status and class. For more than a decade, I have been attacked and killed more than sixty times, only to achieve the Great Ming Dynasty we have today.

"Does Your Highness think that what these two eunuchs did was a trivial matter, that I am making things difficult for Your Majesty, or that I am trying to seize power? That greatly underestimates me. Let alone them, even if my own son committed an evil deed, I, as his father, would personally take up my sword and behead them! The dignity and fairness of the Ming Dynasty will never be desecrated!"

The young Wanli Emperor was speechless, and so was the Longqing Emperor. Wang Yan had laid everything out on the table, explaining the greater good of the nation and the people clearly, as if he were truly devoted to the public good.

“That’s not necessary…” the young Wanli stammered in rebuttal.

"All right!"

Longqing waved his hand, "I remember that a fine of copper could be used to absolve someone of their crime, right?"

What he meant was that Wang Yan's past methods of dealing with wealthy individuals when reopening old cases, even those involving murder, allowed them to save their lives at a considerable cost.

He took a step back and asked Wang Yan if it was alright.

"Of course, then let's follow the rules of Shuntian Prefecture. A fine of ten thousand taels of silver and three months of labor reform, what does Your Majesty think?"

"can."

Chen Hong panicked: "Your Majesty, no! Wang Yan will definitely take action on his own and will absolutely not let this servant live!"

Wang Yan glanced at him: "Your mind is too dirty. You don't need to act here. Go ask around, who among those who paid the money didn't leave unscathed?"

"If there's nothing else, just cancel the payment." Longqing waved wearily.

Wang Yan stood up and looked at the young Wanli Emperor: "Your Highness, you must still focus on your studies. You must not believe everything others say. Grand Secretary Zhang is not a good person; he says one thing and does another. Your Highness must learn to discern the truth."

"Wang Yan!" Zhang Juzheng couldn't hold back any longer.

"Look at you, you won't let me say it. Old Zhang, let me ask you, what is a gentleman?"

"Is this ever going to end?" Longqing finally said, clearly annoyed.

So everyone bowed and took their leave...

I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the kind readers who have given me generous support through tips, monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, and those who have been reading quietly!