My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 70 The Ultimate Conspiracy

Emerging from the palace, Ma Yu breathed a sigh of relief, finally having said everything he needed to say.

Although he ultimately passed the buck to Zhu Yuanzhang, this was the limit of what he could do.

Whether Zhu Yuanzhang listened or not, and what changes he made, were beyond his control.

Hopefully, it will have a good result.

But then again, even if it's worse, can it really be worse than the previous life?
The next step is to wait.

You can also catch several great shows along the way.

Thinking about this, he couldn't help but look forward to the clash between Zhu Yuanzhang and Confucianism.

As soon as they got home, before they could even sit down properly, Ma Ye came running over, offering them tea and water.

Ma Yu naturally knew that he wanted to find out what was discussed at Song Lian's house today.

It's inconvenient to tell him this, but I can't say nothing at all either.

After thinking for a moment, he said to him:
"My conversation with Mr. Song today was not very pleasant; we had some disagreements on certain issues."

Ma Ye was somewhat surprised: "Huh? This..."

Ma Yu said casually, "Everyone has different ideas, and it's normal to have disagreements."

"But you don't need to worry. Mr. Song is a gentleman and won't target you because of our disagreement."

"In the Great Hall, things will remain the same as before; don't take this to heart."

Seeing that he spoke so casually, Ma Ye's expression indeed relaxed considerably. After hesitating for a moment, he asked:
"So, who's right and who's wrong between Mr. Song and you?"

Ma Yu laughed and said, "Many questions have no answers, and right and wrong vary from person to person."

"It's like someone who likes sweet rice dumplings saying that sweet rice dumplings are the best."

"People who like savory rice dumplings say that savory rice dumplings are the best."

"Neither of them was wrong, but in the end, neither could convince the other."

Ma Ye was somewhat confused.

Savory and sweet rice dumplings are not the same thing. Why not just eat the one you like? Why compare them?
Ma Yu did not offer any further explanation, as the principle was still too profound for him.

I told him all this in the hope that he would be mentally prepared.

Although I don't think Song Lian would target Ma Ye because of some disagreements, we should still be prepared for the worst.

Just after Ma Ye left, Zhu Shuang came looking for him.

"You didn't enjoy your chat with Old Man Song?"

Ma Yu countered, "How do you know?"

Zhu Shuang leaned back in his chair, with one leg resting on the armrest.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he pulled out a handful of pine nuts and, while cracking them open, said:
"Many people are watching your every move."

“You went to Song Lian’s house this morning and came out in less than 15 minutes. You didn’t look too good either. I could tell that the meeting probably didn’t go well.”

"There are already rumors that you are ungrateful."

"Of course, this is mainly what scholars have been spreading."

Ma Yu frowned. He already knew that the scholars disliked him.

What puzzled him was something else:
"ungrateful?"

Zhu Shuang said, "Back then, many people impeached you in court, and he spoke up for you."

Ma Yu said, both amused and exasperated, "Is this considered a favor?"

Zhu Shuang shrugged and said, "When someone wants to find fault, it's wrong to step with your left foot first."

Ma Yu shook his head helplessly and said, "If that's the case, then Song Lian should also pay me the respects of a disciple."

After all, I explained another meaning of 'benevolence' to him, so I guess I can be considered his teacher in one word.

Zhu Shuang laughed and said, "It's no use talking to me. If you're so capable, go and talk to those scholars."

Ma Yu sneered, "They don't even deserve it. But I don't care if they smear me, since I haven't said anything good about them anyway."

Zhu Shuang raised an eyebrow and asked, "What did you do in the palace today?"

Ma Yu said leisurely, "It can't be said, it can't be said. You'll know when the time comes."

"In short, your dad is furious right now, and there's going to be a big show to watch soon."

Zhu Shuang suddenly found the pine nuts less appealing and pressed for an answer:

"Tell me quickly, what happened?"

Ma Yu looked at the cup in front of her: "Oh dear, I'm a little thirsty."

Zhu Shuang lifted the teapot with one hand and filled his teacup:

"Drink up, don't push your luck."

Ma Yu suppressed a laugh, pretended to take a few sips, and then said:
“I’ll tell your father that the Kong family is a thousand-year-old family that has watched dynasties rise and fall.”

"Before the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, your Zhu family ancestors knelt in front of the Confucius Mansion, and no one even gave them a second glance."

"After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, even if your Zhu family descendants kneel in front of the Confucius Mansion, people will still not even look at you properly."

"Hiss..." Zhu Shuang gasped, "My father actually let you leave the palace alive?"

Ma Yu shrugged and said, "My aunt and cousin were there, so he didn't dare to do it. He just flipped the table and left."

Zhu Shuang looked Ma Yu up and down, then gave him a thumbs up and said:
"If we're talking about ruthlessness, you're the one."

“My father has long been dissatisfied with the Kong family, and he will definitely take it out on them this time.”

"If the Confucius family is in a passive position, scholars will feel even worse than if their ancestral graves were dug up."

Ma Yu said leisurely, "I also told your father that the Confucian school wants to be above the imperial power..."

Zhu Shuang's hand trembled, scattering some pine nuts, and he said incredulously:

"My dad believed it?"

Ma Yu smiled and said, "Because what I said is true."

fact?
Zhu Shuang was even more shocked: "Do you know how much turmoil this will cause? There will be rivers of blood."

Ma Yu suddenly stopped smiling and said seriously:
"Now you know how serious the problems your Zhu family is facing, right?"

Still find life boring and lacking in challenges?

Zhu Shuang took a deep breath and murmured, "I do like challenges, but this is just too challenging and too exciting."

Ma Yu asked, "Just tell me if you like it or not."

Zhu Shuang nodded heavily: "I like it so much, no, I'm going to the palace to find my father right now."

After saying that, he took off running, and Ma Yu couldn't stop him.

After he ran far away, Ma Yu couldn't help but wonder if he had gone too far with the hype.

Zhu Yuanzhang probably wouldn't let him get involved... right?
Fine, as long as he doesn't harm the people, let him do whatever he wants.

Zhu Shuang did not appear again until the next morning, but Chang Sheng and Wu Gao arrived as scheduled.

They also asked in confusion why Brother Zhu Er wasn't here today.

He brushed it off by saying he was going back to the palace to pay his respects to the Empress.

After finishing their classes as usual, the two went to a tea and snack shop.

Zhu Shuang still hadn't returned by noon, and Ma Yu couldn't help but worry. What was wrong?

When Ma Ye came home from school in the afternoon, he brought him a letter written by Song Lian.

The letter was quite thick, and it began with an apology for yesterday's lapse in composure.

Then came the rebuttal to Ma Yu's words.

Ma Yu glanced at it and put it down.

The wording is sincere, but the content is nothing but old news and there's nothing to see.

Moreover, this letter further confirmed Ma Yu's judgment.

Song Lian was the most steadfast supporter of Neo-Confucianism, so it seems we have no choice but to clash this time.

However, it must be said that Song Lian was indeed a very good person.

Anyone else would never have written this letter.

Moreover, he did not change his attitude towards Ma Ye because of this.

It's a pity that this was a struggle over ideological lines, and had nothing to do with personal character.

He later wrote a reply, apologizing for what happened yesterday.

However, he also insisted on his view that the current Confucian scholar group has problems.

However, he didn't mention the religious aspect of Confucianism, as doing so would be tantamount to suicide.

He simply said that modern Confucianism is too extreme and cannot tolerate dissenting opinions.

This does not conform to Confucius's original intention of "Among three people walking together, there must be one who can teach me".

This is a complete attempt to downplay a major issue.

Even so, this is still a very serious criticism for contemporary Confucianism.

However, Ma Yu was not worried. The more he said that, the less likely Song Lian would have any other thoughts.

Moreover, his statement is very much in line with his public persona.

After all, he wasn't a Confucian, so it's normal that he didn't like the current Confucian system.

Song Lian would only think that his prejudice against Confucianism could be persuaded with words.

Even if we can't persuade them, we can just go our separate ways from now on.

By the time the knife is about to strike him, it will be too late for him to react.

After finishing the letter, Ma Yu couldn't help but think to herself, "I'm so cunning."

They actually paralyzed and ambushed a 60-year-old man.

Unaware of the situation, Ma Ye was overjoyed after receiving the letter.

He was initially worried that his brother and Mr. Song might become enemies.

Today, Song Lian treated him the same as always, which put his mind at ease.

The fact that the two are still exchanging letters shows that the problem is not serious, and I can finally relax.

He skipped and hopped back to his little study with the letter in his hand.

Ma Yu shook her head and sighed, "Those were truly beautiful, youthful years."

Then he continued to worry, "Wouldn't Zhu Shuang have said something he shouldn't have and been beaten to death by Zhu Yuanzhang?"

Thinking about it, I suddenly feel a little reluctant to part with it.

Just as he was lost in thought, Zhu Shuang strode over with an air of indifference.

Two burly men dressed in embroidered light green robes and with swords hanging at their waists followed behind.

"Haha... Old Ma, I'm back."

Ma Yu breathed a sigh of relief, thankful he hadn't been beaten to death, but then said with great displeasure:

"Where did you learn that turtle-walking style?"

Before Zhu Shuang could speak, a burly man behind him shouted:

"How dare you be so disrespectful to the Second Prince!"

Ma Yu paused for a moment, then fell silent.

Zhu Shuang was also stunned for a moment, then flew into a rage and slapped him across the face:

"You bastard, look carefully, this is my cousin. From now on, when you see him, treat him the same as when you see me, understand?" The burly man said in a trembling voice, "Yes, Your Majesty, I know I was wrong."

Zhu Shuang snorted coldly and said, "Why don't you apologize to my cousin?"

The burly man quickly said, "This humble servant is unworthy to have met you, sir. Please forgive me."

Ma Yu then smiled and said, "You are also loyal to your master, what crime have you committed?"

The burly man quickly apologized again.

However, Ma Yu saw a hint of smugness on his face and suddenly realized what was going on.

This person did it on purpose, trying to demonstrate their loyalty.

What does it matter if you get slapped or scolded?

As long as those in power understand their loyalty, it's all worthwhile.

This is quite a character.

He couldn't help but ask, somewhat out of curiosity, "What's your name?"

The burly man respectfully replied, "This humble servant is Mao Xiang."

Who? Mao Xiang?

Ma Yu didn't think much of it at first, but when he heard the person's name, he was shocked.

Holy crap, could it be the legendary first commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who single-handedly handled the Hu Weiyong case?
Has he already joined the Embroidered Uniform Guard?
and many more.

He suddenly realized the real problem: what if Mao Xiang joined the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

What does it mean that he followed behind Zhu Shuang?
A thought involuntarily surfaced in my mind.

No... I don't think so.

Ma Yu groaned inwardly.

He didn't care about anything else at the moment, pulled Zhu Shuang to the study, and ordered no one else to come near.

"Did your father give you permission to get involved with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Zhu Shuang asked in surprise, "How did you know?"

He originally wanted to shock Ma Yu with this matter, but he didn't expect that it would be guessed.

"I guessed." Ma Yu took a deep breath and said:

"What's your father thinking? Has he gone mad?"

Zhu Shuang said unhappily, "What do you mean? Are you looking down on me?"

Ma Yu quickly shook her head and said, "No, no, it's just that you're so young."

Zhu Shuang said smugly, "Ambition knows no age. Gan Luo became prime minister at the age of twelve, and I am fourteen this year. What's wrong with me managing the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Ma Yu took a deep breath: "My aunt didn't say anything?"

Zhu Shuang suddenly said seriously, "You know how big of a mess you've made this time, you have to be extra careful."

“At times like these, outsiders are never as trustworthy as our own people, so I’m the only one left to step up.”

"My mother had no choice but to agree."

"And her agreement is also related to you."

Ma Yu suddenly realized a possibility and said in even greater shock:

"Your father dares to let me interfere with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Zhu Shuang said unhappily, "We are family, why wouldn't we dare?"

"So you don't consider us family, huh? You ungrateful wretch."

Ma Yu retorted angrily, "You're the ingrate! No matter how close we are, we're still surnamed Ma, and we're related by marriage. How can we be the same?"

Zhu Shuang scoffed, "Half of the people around me are my father's spies. It's not like they can do anything."

"Besides, I'm in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard; you're just helping me out."

"Don't overthink it, just work like a slave for me from now on."

Ma Yu was furious: "You're the one who's a cow or a horse... no, you're a pig, your dad's a pig, your whole family are pigs."

Zhu Shuang wasn't angry. He found a chair, sat down, and said:
"Let's get down to business. The next step is to find out about the situation of Confucianism. Where do you think we should start?"

Ma Yu took a deep breath to calm herself, her mind racing, and quickly finished organizing her thoughts.

Given Zhu Yuanzhang's personality, it's quite normal for him to choose to trust his relatives at crucial moments.

It was definitely inconvenient for Zhu Biao to directly intervene in this matter, and Zhu Gang and the others were too young.

Only Zhu Shuang could be of any use.

Although he is still young, his abilities are not bad.

Letting him get involved in the Embroidered Uniform Guard now is actually a form of training.

It may be two or three years before we take action against Confucianism; that will be enough time for him to mature.

But this incident had a huge impact on Zhu Shuang personally.

He will become the knife that cuts down on Confucianism, and his reputation will certainly not be good in the future.

Thinking of this, he asked seriously:
Do you know what the consequences will be if you take on this task?

Zhu Shuang replied nonchalantly, "Do you think I would care about those things?"

Ma Yu thought about it and realized it was true.

This guy dares to act like an animal, so why is he afraid of being scolded?

He stopped trying to persuade him and instead asked, "Is your father planning to take action against the Kong family?"

Zhu Shuang nodded and said, "It won't work this year; we'll have to wait until next year."

As I said before, everything now revolves around pacifying the world.

The Northern Expeditionary Army has now captured most of Shanxi and Shaanxi, and the north is basically pacified.

Only a few places in the south are still putting up a stubborn resistance.

By the middle of next year at the latest, the north and south will be basically pacified, leaving only Liaodong, Hexi Corridor, Yunnan, Sichuan and other places.

We can take our time and conquer the land one piece at a time.

In other words, we won't be able to take action against Confucianism until at least the second half of next year.

Having learned about this timeframe, Ma Yu already had an idea in mind.

"Do you remember me telling you that Confucianism has always been targeting mathematics?"

Zhu Shuang nodded and said, "I remember, what's wrong?"

Ma Yu asked, "Have you ever thought about why they are targeting mathematics?"

Zhu Shuang scratched his head: "Could there be some other conspiracy?"

Ma Yu sighed and said, "Foolish! Mathematics is for training accountants, and accountants are in charge of the country's finances and taxes."

"Without accountants, the entire financial and tax system would become a mess."

"At that time, the country's financial situation will be entirely up to them."

Zhu Shuang had studied under him for more than half a year, so he naturally knew what the consequences would be without the accountant.

But he still couldn't believe it: "If only one or two people did this, it would still be possible."

"How did so many people manage to coordinate against mathematics at the same time without any leaks?"

Ma Yu shook her head and said helplessly, "Let me give you an example."

“Now I really hate someone, so I just find some excuse to get the guys in the shop to isolate him.”

"Do you think the guys in the shop might do that?"

Zhu Shuang said confidently, "Yes, even if you don't make up a reason, everyone will do it."

Ma Yu continued, "Now I've come up with a seemingly plausible reason."

"Have the brothers spread this reason and get more people involved to isolate that person."

Zhu Shuang suddenly realized and said, "I understand. It's a small group of people who want to target the official in charge of the budget, so they spread rumors to incite more people to target him together."

Ma Yu said, "Yes, and they are very clever; they started with the Imperial College."

“The Confucian scholars at the Imperial Academy are all young and easily misled.”

"As the country's highest educational institution, what happens here can serve as a bellwether for the local area."

"The Confucian scholars of the Imperial Academy targeted mathematics and attempted to expel it from the academy."

"Although the local Confucian scholars did not know exactly what had happened, they also joined in the unrest."

"This has ultimately led to the current situation."

Zhu Shuang nodded slightly, but he still had some doubts.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Ma Yu, but rather that he couldn't believe someone could orchestrate such a grand scheme.

Ma Yu naturally understood this as well; he would have had doubts in his place as well.

In fact, he didn't know why the Confucian school in his previous life targeted mathematics, but he knew what happened afterward.

That's where his advantage lies.

That's also why he dares to spread conspiracy theories.

With just a little guidance, the conspiracy theory can be made to seem real.

Thinking of this, he said, "Whether my guess is true or false, there is a very simple way to find out with a single test."

Zhu Shuang's eyes lit up, and he asked, "What method?"

Ma Yu said, "I suspect that someone has already tampered with the finances and taxes."

"Let the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate along this line. If they can uncover nationwide financial and tax issues, then my speculation will be correct."

"If we can't find the problem, then I guess I'm just being too sensitive."

Zhu Shuang nodded and said, "This is simple."

At this point, he suddenly said, "I understand what you mean."

"If your suspicions are true, and there is a group stealing national taxes, we will first gather evidence of their crimes."

“If my father touches the Confucian family, the Confucian scholars will definitely retaliate.”

"That will be a perfect excuse to send them all away, right?"

Ma Yu smiled and said, "Smart."
-
Inside the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma quickly learned of Ma Yu's plan.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened. He hadn't expected that the Confucian scholars' targeting of mathematics could be such a grand scheme.

He also had some doubts, saying that the speculation was baseless and had a strong element of mudslinging.

But now the problem is that, after Ma Yu's reminder, he realized something.

Once mathematics was expelled from the Imperial Academy, the country would have no institution to train accounting officials.

The fiscal and tax system will then fall into chaos.

He was well aware of the serious consequences of a chaotic fiscal and tax system.

Therefore, regardless of whether Ma Yu's conspiracy theory is true or false, the actions of Confucianism have indeed harmed the long-term stability of the country.

Moreover, although he had doubts about Ma Yu's words, he only had doubts and did not think it was impossible.

If it's true... considering the Confucian scholars' attempt to supersede imperial power, how can he not be enraged?

At this moment, Empress Ma said:
"Do you remember how Yu'er's elders found the ritual artifacts of the Yin and Shang dynasties?"

(End of this chapter)