Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 34 Diligent Governance Hall

"Huang Ban, did you hear what Master Tao said? Send someone to summon Yan Maoqing."

Instead of asking Tao Zhongwen which questions he should ask, the Jiajing Emperor turned to Huang Jin, who was not far away and was dusting off a ritual implement with a whisk.

"The slaves obey the order."

Huang Jin stopped what he was doing, bowed, and retreated.

He knew in his heart that since the fire at the imperial palace during the Southern Tour two years ago, the Jiajing Emperor had become increasingly suspicious, and even treated him, a servant who had been studying with him in the Prince's mansion since childhood, with some reservations.

The Jiajing Emperor ordered him to go and issue the decree first, precisely because he didn't want him to hear the issues that Tao Zhongwen was about to raise.

To prevent him from revealing the details of the issue, and to allow Yan Maoqing to prepare accordingly.

This was not only a matter of reservation towards him, but also a serious lack of trust in Duke Guo Xun.

After all, the Duan Chaoyong incident had just happened a few days ago, and the matter was still not understood. Now, Guo Xun immediately presented a strange book written by Yan Maoqing. How could the Jiajing Emperor be easily convinced?

As for Yan Maoqing...

Huang Jin was genuinely a bit confused.

Human beings may have desires in this world, which are nothing more than fame, fortune, power, and lust. It is only natural for people to pursue progress.

But Yan Maoqing is far too eager to advance his career!

Not only did he write such an answer sheet in the palace examination, but now he has immediately ingratiated himself with the Duke of Yi and produced such a strange book. This inevitably gives people the feeling that he is trying too hard.

Most of the time, going too far only makes people disgusted.

Given Huang Jin's understanding of the Jiajing Emperor, it's likely he wouldn't like such a person.

Besides.

Huang Jin was secretly worried for Yan Maoqing, but it was a worry without any personal emotion.

It wasn't just because Tao Zhongwen got involved in the matter.

This was also because among the people Huang Jin feared, the Jiajing Emperor ranked first, and Tao Zhongwen ranked second.

Others may not know Tao Zhongwen, but Huang Jin could not possibly be without suspicion.

Although the old Taoist priest usually presented himself as aloof and detached from worldly affairs in front of Emperor Jiajing, Huang Jin suspected that this was just a facade and that he was actually very treacherous and vicious.

Leaving aside other matters for now.

Since he entered the palace, one after another, the emperor's favored Taoist priests were "unintentionally" implicated and punished, while this old Taoist priest not only always managed to stay out of trouble, but also often spoke up to save them as a kind-hearted person. His performance quickly earned him a good reputation among the other Taoist priests, which was enough to make Huang Jin wary.

In Huang Jin's view, such a person must be either extremely loyal or extremely treacherous!
Huang Jin, however, was more inclined to believe that Huang Jin was the greater villain.

Previously, Duan Chao had encouraged the emperor to retreat to the inner palace to cultivate his spiritual practice, entrusting state affairs to the five-year-old crown prince and regents.

The Emperor had also asked Tao Zhongwen for his opinion, and Tao Zhongwen clearly only needed a few words to influence the Emperor's mind without harming himself, but he did not explicitly express his opposition.

This alone was enough for Huang Jin to harbor a secret hatred for Tao Zhongwen and to believe that Tao Zhongwen was a treacherous and evil person.

After all, it's easy to abdicate and hand over the throne to a more capable person, but it's not so easy to sit back on the dragon throne. Which loyal minister in the world could sit idly by and do nothing?

Unfortunately, Emperor Jiajing was currently blinded by his own interests, and Huang Jin lacked concrete evidence, which was why he dared not speak out in front of Emperor Jiajing, lest his advice backfire and bring trouble upon himself...

As the saying goes, serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; who isn't someone who knows how to protect themselves wisely?
……

"Finally, we're going to see the Jiajing Emperor alive..."

When the palace attendant came to summon him, Yan Maoqing had already mentally prepared himself. Although meeting the Jiajing Emperor was not his ultimate goal, he felt that being able to see him once before retiring and returning to his hometown would make the trip worthwhile.

The blame lies with the Jiajing Emperor for being so mysterious beforehand.

Not only did he hide behind a gauze curtain during the announcement of the winners, but he was also only allowed to enter the palace to present his memorial during the subsequent ceremony of expressing gratitude.

As a result, Yan Maoqing, who ranked 25th in the third class, was so close to him twice, but still didn't get the chance to see his true face.

However, there shouldn't be any surprises this time.

After all, this time it was a private audience, and it wasn't in the palace, but in the West Garden, the private place where Emperor Jiajing practiced his Taoist practice. How could Emperor Jiajing not show up?

With these thoughts in mind, Yan Maoqing boarded the official sedan chair sent by the Jiajing Emperor to escort him.

The car swayed and rocked for about half an hour.

"Yan Jishi, we've arrived."

The voice of the attendant came from outside. Yan Maoqing lifted the curtain and stepped down from the official sedan chair. He looked around at the large expanse of shimmering lake in the distance and was filled with emotion.

This place was later renamed "Zhongnanhai".

Regardless of its name or whether it is in this era or in later generations, this place is undoubtedly the political center of the entire Celestial Empire, and this is the first time in Yan Maoqing's life that he has had the honor of stepping into it.

It was a strange feeling. He had thought he had mentally prepared himself and would be able to handle it calmly.

But at this moment, he couldn't control his heart racing, and felt a slight tightness in his chest, as if an invisible weight had suddenly pressed down on his shoulder...

"Tch, I'm not going to be a weightlifting champion, that's just Yan Shifan's persona."

Yan Maoqing quickly pinched his palm, and the feeling of tightness in his chest finally eased slightly.

"Yan Jishi, please come with me."

Just then, a sissy voice came from the steps of the palace not far away.

Yan Maoqing recognized this man. Although he had not seen the Jiajing Emperor during the imperial procession and the ceremony of expressing gratitude, he had seen this closest eunuch of the Jiajing Emperor on several occasions.
"Greetings, Eunuch Huang."

"No need for formalities. His Majesty and Master Tao are waiting for you inside the hall. Please come with us quickly."

Although Huang Jin did not know what the problem was that Tao Zhongwen had given to the Jiajing Emperor, he still secretly revealed this crucial information to Yan Maoqing in advance, out of personal selfishness.

"Tao Zhongwen..."

Yan Maoqing was unaware that Huang Jin had deliberately revealed this detail, but upon hearing the name, his heart still pounded with anxiety.

If Tao Zhongwen were also present, there's a good chance that some unexpected problems might arise during this audience with the emperor.

However, there is a saying: "One who has no desires is invincible."

Yan Maoqing's visit this time wasn't to gain the favor of the Jiajing Emperor, so upon reflection, there's nothing to worry about, and there's no need to pay too much attention to this person.

Even if Tao Zhongwen dared to be aggressive, he wouldn't mind retorting. Afterwards, Tao Zhongwen would probably find an opportunity to speak well of him to the Jiajing Emperor, thus becoming a great help in achieving his ultimate goal.

With these thoughts in mind, Yan Maoqing followed behind Huang Jin.

Before entering the hall, he didn't forget to look up at the plaque hanging above the palace gate.

—The Hall of Diligent Governance!

These three words are so damn glaring!
I really don't understand how Emperor Jiajing could peacefully cultivate in this place. Wasn't he afraid that his Daoist heart would become unstable and he would suffer from demonic possession?

(End of this chapter)