Episode 29
When Emperor Jiajing burned Hai Rui's express delivery without opening it, the profound meaning behind this action was immediately keenly captured by Yan Song and Xu Jie, two important officials in the court.This was not only a battle over the content of the express delivery, but also a battle involving the distribution of power in the court and differences in political opinions.
Yan Song, as a senior powerful official in the DPRK, immediately took counterattack measures and petitioned Qi Dazhu, who was a traitor to the Japanese, to be arrested and severely punished.This move was not only a direct blow to Hai Rui and others, but also a strategy of turning from defense to offense, trying to divert Emperor Jiajing's attention through this incident and at the same time stabilize his position.Although Emperor Jiajing hated Yan Song's actions, he finally reluctantly agreed to Yan Song's request due to various considerations.
At the same time, Emperor Jiajing ordered Xu Jie to go to Prince Yu's Mansion to discuss with Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng and others on the disposal of Zheng Michang, He Maocai and others, and to commend meritorious officers such as Hu Zongxian and Qi Jiguang.This series of measures shows Emperor Jiajing's thoughtfulness in maintaining the stability and balance of power in the court.In addition, he also ordered Gao Hanwen to be reinstated as a civil servant and return to the Hanlin Academy. This was not only a recognition of Gao Hanwen's personal talents, but also an appeasement to the forces behind him.
However, the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau's production of 500,000 pieces of silk this year was affected. Yan Song took the opportunity to petition Yan Maoqing to pay the salt tax for a southern tour of the Huaihe River, in order to collect money for the country.This proposal not only reflects Yan Song's proficiency in financial affairs, but also reflects his desire to control the economic lifeline of the imperial court.
Yan Song's petition also included the arrest of Qi Dazhu, who was released by Hai Rui. This move was aimed at further attacking Hai Rui and others who were investigating the case in Zhejiang.King Yu, Xu Jie, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng and others were all filled with indignation about this, believing that this was Yan Song's blatant provocation against the court's justice.
During this period, Huang Jin went to the imperial prison on the order of Lu Fang to release Gao Hanwen and Yun Niang.Yun Niang insisted on returning to Hangzhou, and Huang Jin gave her an ultimatum from the Supervisor of Ceremonies as an amulet, along with a banknote from Lu Fang.Before leaving, Gao Hanwen confessed his mistakes to Yun Niang, gave her some music scores and clothes, and asked her to forward several letters to Hai Rui and Wang Yongji.This plot not only shows Gao Hanwen's deep affection for Yun Niang, but also reveals the complex interpersonal relationships within the imperial court.
After Chen Hong learned of this, he slandered Huang Jin for letting Yun Niang go privately, intending to exonerate Yang Jinshui, and the two fought.
