Without money, what is the point of being a traitor?

Chapter 722 0721 A Necessary Dilemma
Pei Yuan could understand Zhu Houzhao's questions.

One person who can speak is far more powerful than hundreds or thousands who cannot.

Before bringing up this topic, Pei Yuan had already made up his mind, so he slowly said, "Your Majesty, although these people are useless, they can bring back useful people."

Zhu Houzhao's political sensitivity was immediately triggered. He stared at Pei Yuan and asked with a very serious expression, "What do you mean?!"

Pei Yuan turned around and looked left and right, as if to confirm once again whether there were any other people in the hall.

Zhu Houzhao was also affected by Pei Yuan's actions and felt a little nervous. He quickly scanned the hall and said, "I have already dismissed everyone."

Pei Yuan then hinted, "Speaking of reforms, after Liu Jin's reforms failed, he did leave behind some loyal and devoted officials. Even if Your Majesty doesn't use them, just keeping them in reserve will still make people wary."

Zhu Houzhao suddenly realized what Pei Yuan wanted to say. He quickly went through the question in his mind and soon came to an answer: "You mean... Jiao Fang."

As soon as Pei Yuan finished speaking, Zhu Houzhao immediately thought of the two major remnants of Liu Jin's reforms.

One was Jiao Fang, a former Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and the other was Wang Chang, a former Minister of War.

One of them was the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and the other was a powerful minister among the Seven Ministers.

Jiao Fang fought against Wan An, Peng Hua, Ma Wensheng, Liu Jian, and Xie Qian. She never backed down in any of these battles, and she even fought them all with great skill and flair.

As for Wang Chang, Zhu Houzhao originally had no impression of him at all; he was just an ordinary person.

However, in this timeline, Wang Chang, having boarded Pei Yuan's pirate ship and with the wavering Lu Wan taking the blame, did not squander his family fortune to wash away his identity as a member of the eunuch faction.

Furthermore, Wang Chang actively sought a transfer to Shandong, adopting an attitude of wanting a safe landing, and under the general circumstances, no one deliberately made things difficult for him.

It wasn't until later, when the suppression of the rebellion in Bazhou had come to a conclusion, that the upright officials in the court decided to seize the opportunity and use the defector Lu Wan to wipe out the remaining corrupt officials in the court.

At this critical moment, in order to protect him, Pei Yuan launched a major discussion on merits, which directly led to the downfall of Minister of War He Jian, the rise of Minister of Rites Wang Hua, the opportunity for Vice Minister of War Li Hao to launch an attack, and Zhu Houzhao's successful breakout.

Therefore, Wang Chang in the current timeline is not only still active, but also benefits from the stereotype of "loyalty to the reform" that Pei Yuan has repeatedly instilled in Zhu Houzhao. In Zhu Houzhao's mind, Wang Chang has been promoted to a cinnabar mark that guards his beliefs from back then.

Now that Wang Chang is in place, he can stir up trouble in Shandong at any time. What Pei Yuan is talking about is naturally the former Grand Secretary Jiao Fang.

What about Jiao Fang?

Can you come back?
Zhu Houzhao looked at Pei Yuan and said, "I understand what you mean, but it's difficult."

Pei Yuan smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I don't think it's difficult."

Zhu Houzhao shook his head. "Are you suggesting that we can rely on those who profited from the Single Whip Law and the appreciation of the paper money to create momentum, reverse the prevailing sentiment among scholars, and clear obstacles for Jiao Fang's resurgence?"

"I can say with certainty that there is some hope, but the possibility is slim."

"Those profit-making groups may seem large, but they are actually a disorganized mess. We put in a lot of effort to bring these guys together, but others can easily dismantle them with just a little effort. They are completely useless."

Pei Yuan was surprised that Xiao A Zhao was quite perceptive, but he hadn't originally planned to use such a clumsy method.

So he said, “Your Majesty’s judgment is the same. Many things seem simple in thought, but are difficult in practice.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he changed the subject, "But if that's the case, why don't we play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses, and just do the simple part?"

Zhu Houzhao was once again confused by Pei Yuan's words. "What do you mean?"

Pei Yuan gave an example for Zhu Houzhao: "Back then, the late emperor only threatened to reopen the Western Depot and sent someone to Nanjing to inquire about Wang Zhi's health, which made many important officials uneasy and even threatened to retire."

"Why did Your Majesty, who previously had both the Western Depot and the Inner Depot, not achieve the desired results?"

When Zhu Houzhao was asked about his worries, he said earnestly, "Pei Qing, please tell me, what is the reason for this?"

Pei Yuan replied, "Because as long as something isn't done, it only exists in the other party's concerns. The matter may fail, or it may succeed. Success and failure both place equal expectations and pressure on the other party."

"This allows our methods to maximize their deterrent effect."

"But once the Western Depot and the Inner Depot appeared, the court officials were no longer facing concerns, but rather the reality that they had to solve."

"Reality is cruel."

"They are not worth sacrificing for their concerns, but they have to sacrifice to face reality."

"At that time, our deterrence will become concrete."

"It becomes something that can be measured in weight and observed in length."

"Perhaps they can even instantly decide who should be sacrificed."

Zhu Houzhao pondered Pei Yuan's words. "So you mean to create a loose power structure by having those officials who have benefited from it, making the court officials worry that these people might become our allies. Then, by using Jiao Fang's possible reinstatement as evidence of the threat posed by this power structure, we can obtain the concessions we want?"

Pei Yuan quickly replied, "Your Majesty is wise."

Zhu Houzhao pondered for a while longer and felt that there might actually be a chance.

Those who wear shoes are afraid of those who go barefoot.

Those few who benefit don't need to risk getting involved.

Zhu Houzhao then asked, "What are the specific measures? You just said that I can't just recall Jiao Fang directly, that would be a direct confrontation."

Pei Yuan coughed lightly and replied, "I will recommend my father-in-law, Jiao Huangzhong, to do some work, without avoiding relatives."

After saying that, he added an explanation: "Jiao Huangzhong is Jiao Fang's son and also the father of my concubine."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao gave Pei Yuan a strange look.

Then, as if realizing something, he couldn't help but sigh and say, "Has the Jiao family really fallen to such a state?"

Pei Yuan: "?"

Upon learning that Jiao Huangzhong was Jiao Fang's son, Zhu Houzhao recalled some things mentioned in the memorials and asked, "I've heard that Jiao Huangzhong's character is not very good. If we were to reinstate him, I'm afraid it would be difficult to arrange things."

Pei Yuan had also considered this and immediately replied, "He was originally a Hanlin official, so he can simply be given a sinecure in the Hanlin Academy and left to his own devices. In this way, His Majesty's attitude will be clear, and those who want to attack the new laws will surely stop."

"Besides, let's not rush to propose reforms. Let's stick to the original plan and proceed in two steps."

"Your Majesty can use the pretext of border troubles to forcibly purchase military supplies from Shandong with paper money. This will surely cause opposition in the court, and the censors will also submit memorials to criticize it vehemently."

"Then His Majesty can make concessions and allow the people of Shandong to offset their taxes with paper money. If the plan is well-thought-out, the upright censors might even be overjoyed, thinking they have won a battle."

"But little did they know... everything had fallen into His Majesty's control." Zhu Houzhao clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "Good, very good!"

Then, Zhu Houzhao's mind became more flexible, and he said with a smile, "I have already thought of a good place for Jiao Huangzhong."

Pei Yuan was delighted to hear this; it was naturally best that Zhu Houzhao would listen to his opinions.

Firstly, he could successfully complete the test that Jiao Fang had given him and gain control of the Jiao Party in the future; secondly, he could use this matter to win Yan'er's favor.

Pei Yuan couldn't help but ask, "I wonder what kind of place Your Majesty intends to arrange?"

Zhu Houzhao, however, chuckled mischievously and kept everyone in suspense, saying, "You'll find out when the time comes."

Pei Yuan cursed inwardly, but there was nothing he could do.

Zhu Houzhao was in a very good mood, so he asked, "Minister Pei, this time you thwarted the Japanese's arrogance and came up with such a good idea for me. How should I reward you? Why don't you go to the Northern Garrison Command and work with Qian Ning?"

Pei Yuan was startled when he heard Zhu Houzhao's words.

With his current position, one could say that he is "outside the three realms and outside the five elements".

His responsibility for religious affairs not only allowed him to avoid the infighting at court and gave him a high degree of flexibility and autonomy, but also allowed him to indirectly control a large amount of human and material resources through his official authority.

The most interesting thing is that his direct supervisor is not only far away in Nanjing, but also has no intention of recalling him.

But what would happen if I went to the Northern Garrison Command?

Even if he becomes second only to Qian Ning, the Commander-in-Chief, what difference is there between him and someone without any position or power as long as there is a Qian Ning above him?
In this way, the Liansheng Temple hall he had painstakingly built in Shandong, the five military garrisons, his control over the manpower and financial resources of temples in the capital, and even his direct intervention in the legal authority of the Luo sect, would all be instantly stripped away.

Let alone becoming the second-in-command of the Northern Garrison, even if Pei Yuan were given the position of Left Commander-in-Chief, he would be at a huge loss.

Pei Yuan hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

Seeing Pei Yuan's nervousness, Zhu Houzhao asked suspiciously, "Isn't it okay to promote you?"

Pei Yuan knew this brat's temper; if he didn't get a reasonable explanation, he might just move to a different spot to see what was going on.

Pei Yuan quickly replied, "I have two unavoidable circumstances, and I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Zhu Houzhao crossed his hands and said, "Then tell me about it."

Pei Yuan's mind raced as he said, "The first unavoidable reason is that if the name is not correct, the words will not be proper."

"Although I taught those Japanese envoys a lesson yesterday, I was not careful and killed too many people. This has made those distant countries wary and fearful, and they feel a sense of dread when their rabbits die."

"Whether this matter is a merit or a demerit, the gentlemen have not yet reached a conclusion. If His Majesty rewards me today, the Japanese envoy will report this matter after returning home, thus antagonizing our Great Ming and intensifying our harassment of the coastal areas. If the people suffer because of me, the gentlemen will surely hold me accountable. I may receive a high reward today, but I fear that I may not have a good ending in the future."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao slowly lowered his hand that had been raised.

His expression also became somewhat embarrassed.

This is because everything Pei Yuan said was true.

Pei Yuan continued, "Furthermore, how can I reveal my plans and contributions today? As the sage said, 'If a ruler is not discreet, he will lose his ministers; if a minister is not discreet, he will lose his life; if matters are not kept secret, they will lead to disaster.' Now that the great undertaking is not yet accomplished, it is precisely the time when both ruler and minister need to be patient. If we wait until the day is accomplished, Your Majesty will grant me a high rank, bestow upon me the title of duke or marquis, and allow me to enter the court without bowing..."

"Ahem, Your Majesty, Your Majesty, of course you would not refuse at that time."

"Therefore, I believe that if I am rewarded without cause, it will only invite criticism from the court because of this undeserved reward."

Zhu Houzhao felt that it seemed to make some sense.

Then Pei Yuan added, "Your Majesty, I have a second reason I have no choice."

Zhu Houzhao said "Oh" and continued to listen to Pei Yuan's explanation.

“When Your Majesty last time wanted to reward me, I repeatedly said that I am a man of deep affection and I love Commander Han of our Zhenxie Thousand-Household Garrison. Therefore, I shamelessly asked Your Majesty to grant me a marriage for my own selfish reasons.”

"However, although my actions have won me the heart of my beloved, but..."

Pei Yuan wore a bitter smile, the sincerity of which was unclear. "Therefore, if I only care about my own career, I'm afraid I will inevitably hurt Commander Han's feelings."

"This..." Zhu Houzhao didn't know how to respond.

Pei Yuangan's lack of morality was also evident in his own poor conduct.

Pei Yuan concluded, "In short, what I mean is that I am just a loyal subject. As long as Your Majesty trusts and supports me, what difference does it make what rank I hold? Being in this position makes it easier for me to serve Your Majesty without any obstacles from others."

Zhu Houzhao thought about it and realized that it did seem to be true.

So he said, "How about this, I will issue an edict to the Nanjing Embroidered Uniform Guard, from now on the Zhenxie Thousand-Household Office will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the Nanjing Embroidered Uniform Guard, and you will be directly responsible to me for any matters."

After saying that, he said to Pei Yuan, "From now on, you must come to the palace to see me often. Don't go back to the capital and pretend that nothing happened."

Pei Yuan quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I know I was wrong."

Zhu Houzhao nodded and said, "As for your reward, I will think about it some more, and I will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Pei Yuan quickly replied, "I dare not. Loyalty to the emperor and love for one's country are simply the duties of a subject."

The two had been plotting for so long that it was already getting dark outside.

Yin Sheng asked from outside the palace, "Your Majesty, the Qianqing Gate will be closed soon. Should we let Commander Pei leave the palace first and come to see you tomorrow?"

Zhu Houzhao hesitated for a moment upon hearing this.

After he ascended the throne, his first ambitious task was to reform the old corrupt practices, and to this end, he even put Liu Jin in charge of implementing reforms.

As a result, not long after the new policy was introduced, the interest group that Liu Jin had originally won over began to collapse, and its members turned against him.

With the failure of the new policies, those who had aligned themselves with Zhu Houzhao were labeled as members of the eunuch faction, and Zhu Houzhao was stripped of his voice in court affairs.

At this moment, Zhu Houzhao had just received Pei Yuan's plans, which, compared with the previous failed reform, made him feel that he had gained a lot.

He thought for a moment and said calmly, "Since it's getting late, there's no need to rush out of the palace. I still have many things I haven't figured out yet, and I want to have a late-night talk with Minister Pei."

As he spoke, Zhu Houzhao said half-jokingly, "Tonight, just like last time, Minister Pei can stay at the Hongde Hall next door for the time being. That way, I won't have to rush to call Minister Pei over in the middle of the night anymore."

(End of this chapter)