With the promise from sister Shanwei, Mu Chunle happily went to Yunnan to guard the garrison. He had never been so happy about a separation before. If he had not been concerned about the mourning period, he would probably have jumped off the horse with joy.
On his way back to Yunnan, Mu Chun deliberately slowed down his pace, memorized the poems written for him by his aides, and visited local celebrities and great scholars along the way to spread the news that Yunnan was eager to recruit talents and attached importance to culture and education. As long as one had real talent and knowledge, regardless of whether he had achieved fame or not, he could provide basic education in Yunnan and teach the locals how to read and write. He would be provided with food and accommodation, take care of their birth, old age, sickness and death, and settle his wife and children. If he trained a student, a scholar, or a juren, or passed the imperial examination, hehe, he would be guaranteed a life of wealth and glory!
Mu Chun used his eloquence to make straws look like gold bars, and he combed the way like a comb. He plundered and deceived many scholars who were looking for a future to follow him and his family to Yunnan with their children.
Muchun has been recruiting talents in a high-profile manner, and the team has expanded rapidly as if it were pregnant.
Since Muchun's relatives were all involved in the dispute over the throne, Emperor Hongwu sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard to follow and monitor them all the way. As a result, Mao Xiang's daily reports were about how Muchun had poached so many people from a certain place, how he had shined at a poetry meeting, what poems he had written that were highly praised, how he had tricked a certain celebrity into going to Yunnan, and so on.
After hearing this, Emperor Hongwu was finally relieved: Muchun had no objection to the throne, and after the massive housing project in Yunnan, he began to concentrate on cultural education.
Hu Shanwei was very pleased to hear what Mu Chun had done along the way. Mu Chun was really obedient and stayed away from the coming storm.
After performing a 49-day funeral ceremony for Consort Duanjing Guo and bidding her farewell, Hu Shanwei returned to the palace and planned to resign from Palace Lady Cao.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he returned to the palace, Hu Shanwei felt that the atmosphere was not right. The palace servants along the way had solemn expressions, some had red and swollen eyes, as if they had just cried, and some were covering their faces and crying.
Hu Shanwei thought: The emperor took action so quickly? This is not like his usual style. He would wait for all those who disobeyed the throne to come out and then take action to catch them all, like a shrewd hunter.
Hu Shanwei returned to the room and was about to change his clothes to meet Cao Shanggong. Haitang, with red eyes, was cutting white tissue paper - to be used as a disposable collar protector to keep the collar clean. This was a standard dress detail for the female officials in the palace.
Hu Shanwei asked: "What's going on? Why are you all so sad?"
Haitang choked up and said, "Mrs. Cao... is gone."
What
It was like a bolt from the blue. Hu Shanwei asked repeatedly, "Such a big thing happened. Why didn't you send someone to the tomb of Concubine Duan Jing to find me and report it? How could Cao Shanggong, who is so smart, offend the emperor without knowing it? Why did she do it? Who did it? The Jinyiwei or the Gongzhengsi—"
"She left," Haitang said, "she is not dead. This morning, Concubine Cao asked to leave the harem and return to her hometown to retire, citing her old age and lack of energy."
Hu Shanwei couldn't believe it. "Beg for her bones? Lady Cao is the youngest and the highest-ranking female official of the six bureaus and one department. She became a lady at the age of 37, while the other female officials of the Shang generation were promoted to the fifth rank when they were almost 40 years old. She begs for her bones and retires? Where does that put the other six female officials of the Shang generation?"
What would the other six ladies think of the youngest beggar's leaving? It was as if they were greedy for power and refused to leave their official positions.
However, when doing things, Cao Shanggong rarely considers what others think or how others step down. She doesn't care who she loves. This move is in line with her usual style.
Hu Shanwei changed his clothes and hurried to find Concubine Cao. At this time, seven big men from the six bureaus and one department were all holding a meeting together, all to persuade Concubine Cao.
Gongzhengsi Fan Gongzheng said sternly, "You can't leave. With Concubine Duanjing gone, the power in the harem has been without a leader, and the emperor hasn't chosen a new concubine. Now all the affairs of the harem are run by the six bureaus and one department. If you leave, not only will the harem concubines be leaderless, but even the six bureaus and one department will be without a leader. Wouldn't that be a mess?"
Cao Shang Gong said: "The emperor will soon select concubines to assist in the six palaces. There will be new imperial concubines and new Shang Gongs - because power is a good thing, and many people want it."
Cui Shangyi from the Shangyi Bureau said, "Do you have any difficulties? Tell us, and we can work together to find a solution. We have served the court together for more than 20 years. What storms have we not seen? If we work together, there is nothing we cannot overcome."
Cao Shang Gong said: "I don't have any hardship. I'm just tired. I'm the busiest Shang Gong in the six bureaus and one department. I have to take care of everything. I'm 47 years old this year. Recently, I always feel that I can't do it. My energy is not as good as before. I resign now and can still walk out upright. There must be zero mistakes in the palace. If there is a mistake, I will be carried out horizontally."
Song Shanggong of the Shanggong Bureau has always been the biggest vassal of Cao Shanggong: "What should I do if you leave? I can't do it without a backbone."
Lady Cao said simply: "It's none of my business."
Wang Shangfu of the Shangfu Bureau, Xu Shangshi of the Shangshi Bureau, and Zhao Shangqin of the Shangqin Bureau all had the same idea: "You are a dozen years younger than me. If you want to die, will we have to eat dirt in our coffins? If you think it's too hard to be a Shanggong, you can go to the other six bureaus and do a less busy job."
Cao Shang Gong was ready to argue with the female officials. She would not turn back no matter what others said. "Since you are going to retire, you should retire quickly. If you stay in the palace and work in any of the six bureaus or one department, you will only cause trouble for the new Shang Gong and be a nuisance. I will go out of the palace to grow flowers, walk birds, feed cats, and enjoy myself for a few years. I haven't had the feeling of sleeping until I wake up naturally for a long time. I am very eager just thinking about it."
When Fan Gong was about to persuade her again, Cao Shang Gong waved her hand and said, "I have made up my mind, and the emperor has already agreed. Once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. He asked me to call you to a meeting to discuss the selection of the next Shang Gong. Instead of wasting your time trying to persuade me to change my mind, you should think about who is the most suitable to succeed me as the new Shang Gong. This person will lead the ladies-in-waiting in the six palaces in the future, so you must choose carefully."
After Lady Cao said this, all the female officials fell silent.
The emperor has agreed, who dares to interfere
In terms of seniority and prestige, Fan Gongzheng was the most outstanding among the six big men present. Therefore, although no one spoke, everyone was paying attention to Fan Gongzheng's expression out of the corner of their eyes.
After a long while, Fan Gongzheng said, "Don't look at me anymore. The position of Shang Gong needs someone like Cao Shang Gong who is smart and can handle things on her own. I know I can't take this position. I decided to stay in the Gongzheng Division and work steadily until I can't do it anymore. You can choose someone else who is more capable."
Song Shanggong raised his hand and said, "Me too, I will not compete for the position of Shang Gong."
Female officials: No one will choose you!
Cao Shanggong's sparkling eyes swept over the six female officials and then fell on Cui Shangyi.
Cui Shangyi is still a beauty. She is three years younger than Cao Shanggong. She is 42 years old this year and has no white hair. Except for the slightly loose skin at the corners of her eyes, she does not look old. Some people would believe that she is in her early thirties. She is like a rose that has bloomed to the extreme. She came into this world beautifully. She has been delicate and stunning. Even if she is about to wither, she is still beautiful unscrupulously and without any restraint.
In terms of seniority and prestige, it must be Fan Gongzheng who supervises the Sixth Bureau.
However, the Shangyi Bureau is the busiest and most favored of the six bureaus except for the Shanggong Bureau. Whenever palace maids leave the palace, or outsiders want to enter the palace, or ladies of honor enter the palace to pay homage, they must obtain the approval of the Shangyi Bureau, and the routes and palace maids who are to be guided must be planned. Matters related to the access control of the harem must be managed by female officials trusted by the emperor.
Cui Shangyi has been in charge of the Shangyi Bureau for fifteen years, which shows how much Emperor Hongwu trusted her.
Therefore, Cui Shangyi is undoubtedly the most competitive candidate for the Shang Gong position. As long as Cui Shangyi wants to fight for it, the position of Shang Gong will probably belong to her without any suspense.
For some reason today, the meticulous Fan Gongzheng felt that Cui Shangyi was a little strange. The corners of her eyes seemed to be cut by a knife and opened. Her eyes were as clear as autumn water and her eyebrows were slightly raised. It was the mourning period for the crown prince and she could not put on makeup. Therefore, Fan Gongzheng could clearly see a circle of dark blue under Cui Shangyi's eyes. She must have not slept well last night.
Fan Gongzheng is in charge of the criminal law in the harem, handling daily disputes in the palace and conducting investigations. Although he basically relies on severe torture such as beating and scolding, over time, he has become more sensitive than ordinary people.
Choi Sang-yi is a little weird today...
As Fan Gong was thinking, Cao Shang Gong raised her chin towards Cui Shang Yi and said, "You say something."
Cui Shangyi coughed lightly and said, "I want to say three things. First, I will not compete for the position of Shang Gong. Second, from now on, I will resign from the position of Shang Yi Bureau."
Boom!
It was like a bolt from the blue. The female officials were in disbelief. Cao Shang Gong was leaving, so why was Cui Shang Yi leaving too
Only Lady Cao remained calm. Lady Fan was observing their expressions, her eyes rolling over Lady Cao and Lady Cui's faces. Suddenly, she understood!
I see!
Cui Shangyi raised her hand and said, "Everyone, please be quiet and listen to the last thing I have to say."
Cui Shangyi looked around and said, "The third thing is that I had already served in the emperor's bed last night and will soon be appointed as a concubine in the harem."
Snap!
Suddenly there was a series of loud thunder and lightning, and everyone seemed to be struck by lightning, and they froze in their chairs, unable to move.
Fan Gongzheng guessed correctly and winked at Cao Shanggong: Did you know this a long time ago? You didn't leave earlier or later, but now, it's obviously...
Facing Fan Gongzheng's questioning eyes, Cao Shang Gong pretended to be blind and didn't see it.
Song Shanggong pointed at Cui Shangyi: "You you you..."
After saying "you" for a long time, I just couldn't say the truth: Are you out of your mind? What's so good about being a concubine in the harem? Look at the rows of concubines falling down, one more miserable than the other, how can it be as comfortable as being a Shangyi!
Last night was the seventh night of Imperial Concubine Duan Jing’s funeral… It’s a good thing you were able to sleep.
"Alright." Cui Shangyi stood up and took off the black hat on her head. "Being with you colleagues for more than 20 years may be the happiest and most relaxing time of my life. I know the road ahead will be difficult and dangerous, but since I have decided to take this path, I have no regrets. In the long years in the palace, I hope you can give me more guidance."
After saying this, Cui Shangyi put down her black hat, left the table, and embarked on another journey in her life.
Cui Shangyi's three moves were so powerful that it took everyone a long time to come back to their senses. They almost forgot that the theme of today was to select a Shang Gong.
How to choose
The two most capable ones did not dare to accept the title, and the other was dragged onto the dragon bed by the emperor and became a concubine.
Song Shanggong pleaded pitifully with Cao Shanggong, "Why don't you hold on for a while longer? The palace is going to be in chaos."
Hearing this, Fan Gongzheng shook his head: Tsk tsk, how did you become a Shang Gong? There was no sign of respect at all, it was obviously a long-planned play. Cui Shangyi slept with the emperor last night, and today Cao Shang Gong asked to resign from the position of Shang Gong, and the emperor immediately agreed. It was clearly—
"Mrs. Cao!" A voice came from outside the door. The voice was very familiar. It was Hu Shanwei.
Hu Shanwei happened to meet Cui Shangyi, who had taken off her official hat. Cui Shangyi was one level higher than him, so Hu Shanwei quickly stepped aside, made way, and saluted, "Cui Shangyi."
Cui Shangyi smiled at her and nodded, "Cao Shanggong is inside, go find her."
After Cui Shangyi walked out the door, Hu Shanwei turned around and went into the house. She saw six female officials, including Cao Shanggong, were in the study. Three were sitting on the left, headed by Fan Gongzheng, and three were sitting on the right, headed by Cao Shanggong. When the six female officials saw her come in, they first exchanged glances with each other, and then twelve eyes looked at Hu Shanwei who had just entered the room.
The honorable seat in the middle is vacant and waiting for someone to take it.
When Hu Shanwei saw this situation, although he didn't know what had just happened, the instincts he had developed from twelve years of palace life were still quite useful. Something was wrong!
Hu Shanwei stepped back and bowed to the six female officials. "I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting. I will withdraw now."
"Now that you're here, don't leave." Lady Cao stood up and closed the door tightly, then said, "Just now we were discussing who will take over the position of Lady Shang Gong after I leave. After some discussion, we have reached a consensus to nominate you to be the Lady Shang Gong and lead all the female officials in the harem."
Hu Shanwei was confused, "Who?"
Fan Gongzheng and others said in unison: "You."
Hu Shanwei waved his hands repeatedly, "Impossible, I came to see Lady Cao today just to-"
Before Hu Shanwei could say the words of resignation, Cao Shanggong covered her mouth and whispered to her: "This is the emperor's decision. If you don't want to die, shut up."
Hu Shanwei didn't want to die. She and Mu Chun had just agreed that after the mourning period was over, Mu Chun would give up his title and marry her. From then on, they would stay away from the disputes in the court and the public and become a pair of fairy lovers.
When people die, there is nothing left. We cannot let our wishes go unfulfilled or our wishes go in vain.
Hu Shanwei was pushed to the main seat in the middle by Cao Shanggong. Cao Shanggong and Fan Gongzheng, one on each side, pressed her shoulders together and forced her to sit on the main seat. It was quite similar to the feeling of Zhao Kuangyin being forced to wear the yellow robe.
The six female officials stood up and bowed to Hu Shanwei: "Congratulations to Hu Shang Gong, congratulations to Hu Shang Gong!"
On the first day of September in the 25th year of Hongwu, three explosive news came out in the palace:
Cao Shang Gong of the Shang Gong Bureau resigned and left the palace.
Cui Shangyi, the head of the Shangyi Bureau, resigned and was succeeded by Shen Qionglian, the master of ceremonies, who was called Shen Shangyi. Cui Shangyi, who had just resigned, was immediately canonized as Shufei by Emperor Hongwu, and took charge of the power of the harem and moved into the Yanx Palace, which had been vacant for twelve years.
At the "advanced age" of 42, Concubine Cui Shu became the new favorite in the harem and enjoyed great glory. She was the oldest favorite concubine in history.
The Director of the Shanggong Bureau said that Hu Shanwei was promoted to Shanggong, and was called Hu Shanggong. At the "young age" of 32, she became the youngest Shanggong in history.
The harem of the Hongwu Dynasty thus entered the "post-Hongwu" era.
At night, Hu Shanwei waited outside the imperial study until late at night, when Emperor Hongwu finished reviewing all the memorials and then summoned her in to talk.
As soon as Hu Shanwei entered the room, he knelt on the ground and said, "I beg the emperor to take back his order. I am a humble minister with no virtue and ability, and I am not worthy of being a Shang Gong."
Emperor Hongwu was having a midnight snack, which was just a simple white rice porridge with a few side dishes. He took a few bites and then put down his chopsticks. As he was old, he had to pay attention to his health and could not be hungry, nor eat too much.
Emperor Hongwu rinsed his mouth and said lightly: "It's because of Muchun, you want to go to Yunnan to find Xiaochun."
How did the emperor know
Hu Shanwei was shocked when he heard this. He used up all his strength to not panic and said, "Your Highness, please don't believe those rumors. The Duke of Qian and I are innocent."
This was no lie. Mu Chun and Hu Shanwei expressed their feelings but kept their feelings within the bounds of propriety. Although they loved each other, they did not do anything excessive.
Emperor Hongwu said, "You don't have to deny it in a hurry. Empress Xiaoci has long been aware of your affair with Mu Chun. Mu Chun always refused to get married. I felt something was wrong, so I ordered Mao Xiang to secretly monitor Mu Chun. As a result, I found out that you and Mu Chun were having an affair. Because you two were polite, I didn't expose it. Empress Xiaoci left a will before her death, asking me to help you two get together to make up for my mistake of matching you two up. I will definitely do what I promised Empress Xiaoci, but I have conditions."
Every word of Emperor Hongwu made Hu Shanwei feel a chill down his spine, yet also felt extremely warmed. It turned out that Empress Xiaoci had known about it for a long time!
No wonder she asked me to quit the harem before she died, and not to avenge her and find out who was behind it. It turns out this was her intention.
Emperor Hongwu said: "Now the harem is without a master, the crown prince of the East Palace is also unstable, and I don't trust the concubines of the six palaces in the east and west, the princes outside, and the princes of the five palaces in the east and west of the Qianqing Palace. I suspect they have ulterior motives, so I need someone I can trust to help me through the difficulties."
After experiencing the "betrayal" of Concubine Da Ding, Concubine Guo, Prince Yiwen and others, Emperor Hongwu was paranoid and no longer trusted any of the concubines in the harem. However, he had to have someone to take care of all the big and small matters in the harem for him so that he could sleep peacefully. Otherwise, if a fire broke out in the backyard, who knew what more terrible things would happen.
"Consort Cui Shu was my Shangyi before. She was loyal to me and was my eyes and ears and confidant. I gave her a title and made her Consort Shu. Only then can she legitimately take charge of the harem. It is not enough to have only Consort Cui Shu in the harem. Six bureaus and one department must cooperate to execute."
Emperor Hongwu said: "The position of Shang Gong requires loyalty and ability. You must have your own judgment, not blindly follow others, and find ways to get things done. I don't need a vassal. You are very opinionated and have a strong character. Although you have contradicted me many times, your loyalty to the Ming Dynasty is impeccable. Even Shang Gong Cao and Concubine Cui Shufei said that you are the best candidate. I can only rest assured if you and Concubine Cui Shufei work together and sit in the harem."
"Next, for the safety of the crown prince's position, the court will have a major purge, many people will die, and many important figures will be eliminated. My requirement is that no matter how bloody the previous dynasty was, the harem must remain stable. There must be no chaos or trouble. As long as you do this, I will help you and Mu Chun in the future."
The author has something to say: Emperor Hongwu’s bold move.
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№14 Netizen: Jiang Ailanjiu Comment: "Hu Shanwei" Score: 2 Published: 2019-03-14 00:18:17 Reviewed chapter: 142
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