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The death of Zhang Juzheng, who once held great power in the government, was known to everyone in Beijing, from the imperial court to the back alleys. Zhang Juzheng was the topic of conversation for the entire city.

Chinese people often say that the final judgment can only be made after the coffin is closed, but many times, even after the coffin is closed, it may not be possible to make a final judgment, let alone a person as controversial as Zhang Juzheng.

Out of respect for the imperial teacher, Wanli stopped attending court for three days and went to the teacher's house to pay his respects in person.

The emperor had set an example, and all the civil and military officials in the court, whether allies or political enemies, came to pay their respects in person.

Min Xi and Yun Ji were naturally no exception. Compared with others, Min Xi's grief over Zhang Juzheng's death was more sincere.

Zhang Juzheng, a famous minister of his time, suffered endless doubts, criticisms and slanders during his lifetime. Everyone said that he was arbitrary and played tricks. However, few people knew that when the Ming Dynasty was about to end, he saved the country from collapse, went upstream in the rolling river of history, walked alone, and devoted himself to the Ming Dynasty.

People are often blinded by a single leaf and fail to see the big picture. Min Xi was a latecomer and saw things more clearly. Even though Zhang Juzheng had shortcomings, no one is perfect and his outstanding achievements are indelible.

When Min Xi went to Zhang's house to pay his respects, he was stopped by a servant of the Zhang family: "Sir Min, my wife wants to see you."

Min Xi quickly stood up and said, "Then thank you for leading the way." He was a little confused. What did Mrs. Gao want to talk to him about?

When the funeral was held at home, Mrs. Gao, as the widow, was not in the backyard, but in a side hall in the front yard, where she often had to accept condolences from guests.

When Min Xi saw Madam Gao, he bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Madam! Madam, please accept my condolences! I just met Lord Zhang a few days ago and talked to him so much. I didn't expect that he would pass away so soon. It's really hard to accept."

Mrs. Gao looked haggard, with red and swollen eyelids, and it was obvious that she had cried a lot in the past two days. After hearing what Min Xi said, her throat couldn't help but swell again. She tried her best to hold back her tears: "Yes, he told me that evening that it was a blessing for our Ming Dynasty to have a young talent like Lord Min in the court. Who knew that he would leave so soon." At this point, she was already choked with sobs.

Min Xi had no choice but to sit by the side and accompany him. Thinking of Zhang Juzheng's voice, appearance and smile at that time, his eyes became a little sore: "Madam, please accept my condolences! Zhang Ge Lao is the best official I have ever seen. He has worked for the welfare of the court and the people. His achievements will be remembered forever by the world."

Madam Gao choked up for a long time before she managed to control her emotions: "Before the master left, he instructed that after he left, he wanted to leave one or two of his things for Lord Min as a souvenir, if Lord Min doesn't mind."

Min Xi quickly stood up and said, "It is my humble honor!" How could he possibly dislike such a thing?

Mrs. Gao wiped away her tears with her handkerchief and said, "Then let Zhang Fu take you to the master's study to have a look. If you like anything, pick one or two."

"Thank you, Madam!" Min Xi walked a few steps and then stopped. "Madam, I have something to say but I don't know whether I should say it or not."

Madam Gao looked at Min Xi with tearful eyes: "Master Min, please feel free to speak."

Min Xi said: "The elder made too many enemies during his lifetime. Now that he is gone, those enemies may not be able to restrain themselves. Madam should order her family to be cautious in their words and deeds, be frugal and low-key, and try not to be caught by others and ruin the elder's reputation during his lifetime."

Madam Gao looked at Min Xi in astonishment, her lips trembling a little: "Your Majesty will probably not agree for my master's sake!"

Min Xi lowered his voice and said, "It is hard to predict the emperor's intentions. However, Zhang Gelao's contributions to the court are obvious to all. I believe everyone will not sit idly by."

Madam Gao sobbed and said, "Thank you very much, Master Min, for your concern for us!"

Min Xi followed his servant Zhang Fu to Zhang Juzheng's study, which was full of books, calligraphy and paintings, and the four treasures of the study. Min Xi looked through the books on the desk, including Zhang Juzheng's own manuscripts and books he read in his spare time.

Min Xi saw an inkstone that was almost worn out. He thought that the inkstone must have been used for many years to be used so well. "Is this the inkstone used by the elder?"

"Yes, this is the last inkstone used by the master at home. It was used for seven or eight years." Zhang Fu introduced.

Min Xi said, "Can I have this inkstone?"

Zhang Fu nodded: "Of course. Madam said, just take whatever you need."

Min Xi also felt that Mrs. Gao was too generous. You know, there are many calligraphy and paintings by celebrities from the previous dynasties, as well as many rare books in this study. But he was not greedy. He asked for an inkstone that Zhang Juzheng used, and took a manuscript of Zhang Juzheng from the table: "I have admired Mr. Zhang for a long time. Now that he has passed away, I want to keep some of his things as a remembrance. Please tell Mrs. Gao."

Zhang Fu nodded: "I will report the truth to Madam."

After coming out of the study, they went to the front hall and found Yun Ji waiting for them. They said goodbye to the host and greeted the colleagues who came to pay their respects before turning around and leaving. On the day of the funeral, they would come back to see Zhang Juzheng off for the last time.

After getting on the carriage, Yun Ji asked, "What did you say to Madam Gao?"

"I didn't say anything, I just expressed my condolences to her. She asked me to take two things of Lord Zhang as souvenirs." Min Xi showed Yun Ji the inkstone and manuscript.

The inkstone is a Duan inkstone, and the decorative patterns are extremely elegant and simple, probably from the hand of a famous artist.

The manuscript was written by Zhang Juzheng. It is a political commentary on the foreign ethnic groups surrounding the Ming Dynasty. It is not a rigorous policy paper. It contains words and pictures, as well as many smudges and circles. It should be just his draft. Such a manuscript is extremely precious.

After reading the manuscript, Yun Ji said, "Until the last moment of his life, Lord Zhang was still planning for the country. He truly devoted himself to his work and would not stop until his death!"

Min Xi nodded: "Isn't it? There are so many people coming to pay their respects today, and the Zhang Mansion is so lively, but I can see a sense of decline. I am worried that this is their last liveliness."

Yun Ji raised his eyes and looked at Min Xi: "Are you worried that those things will still happen?"

"Lord Pan has not yet been officially appointed as the Prime Minister. I think His Majesty is still considering it. The court will be held tomorrow, and we will see everyone's attitude in the court." Zhang Juzheng's property was confiscated a few days after his death, and he was almost crushed to ashes, so Min Xi would never believe that this matter would go away peacefully.