All Under Heaven

Susu, wait for me to grow up.

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Officials in the Qing Dynasty and even in modern times generally take up post in local government before being promoted to a higher position, so as to accumulate experience and facilitate a more fluid approach to moving up.

But the Ming Dynasty did not have such customs.

For example, Zhang Juzheng had never had a post outside of the capital. After he achieved jinshi, he’d been at the Hanlin Academy ever since, and then he entered the Prince of Yu Manor as an Academician Expositor-in-waiting1. The only time that he was not in the Capital and in post was during the prime of his youth when he was disillusioned with the imperial court. Using the pretext of convalescing, he travelled around the country for three years. Aside from that, he had no experience of being an official outside of the capital. But his career path was seen as venerable and was very desirable to others.

Another example would be Xu Jie. Although he had once worked in Yanping and Hangzhou, this was only because he had offended the Senior Grand Secretary, Zhang Cong2 back then and had been demoted there. Which meant that, if he had had a choice, he’d naturally have rather stayed in the capital. Aside from the standards of living, being under the eyes of the Emperor, made it much easier to be promoted. Naturally, posts in Songjiang, Jiangxi and Zhejiang were also lucrative posts that everyone wanted. But there were many monks and not enough gruel to go around3, if one did not have a powerful backer, it was impossible to get one of these posts.

Regarding Zhao Su, given that he was a jinshi of the first rank, and once the eldest prince’s teacher, and now currently, the Chancellor of the Directorate of Education – staying in the Capital was appropriate and no one would have said anything. The Emperor having also fostered a relationship with him previously naturally saw very highly of him, and would have expected him to continue working up in the capital until he became the Secretary4 of one of the Six Ministries before finally entering the Grand Secretariat.

But, not long after he was promoted to fourth-rank, the news was made public that the Emperor had changed the eldest prince’s teachers, followed by the news that Zhao Su had personally requested to be relocated outside the capital. The news came in close proximity so naturally people thought that there was a link and that Zhao Su was annoyed with the Emperor and was leaving in anger. Even Gao Gong came to his home personally to persuade him to stay.

“This student had already wanted to come see teacher before setting off but I seem to have inconvenienced you, teacher, to come and see me personally, I must apologise!” Zhao Su was wearing day robes, his black hair held up by a jade hair ornament, he personally came to the door to greet Gao Gong and cupped his hands together respectfully.

“Forget it, we can drop the formalities between us.” Gao Gong had originally hurried there angrily to say his peace but seeing Zhao Su’s respectful attitude, his mood calmed down a bit. “Let’s chat inside!”

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When the two of them had sat down inside, he finally said: “I want to ask you, why did you suddenly request the Emperor to place you in a post outside of the capital, and didn’t even discuss it with me beforehand?”

If I had told you beforehand, would I have been able to leave, Zhao Su sneered at himself whilst saying: “Teacher, please forgive me. It is my wish to travel and see the rest of the country. After achieving jinshi, I have been His Highness’ teacher the whole time and was unable to do as I wished. Now I have the opportunity, and I can also take the opportunity to broaden my horizons.”

In fact, this was all true, but the real reason that Zhao Su wanted to leave wasn’t because Zhang Juzheng and Li Chunfang had taken his job but because he wanted to avoid the storm that was brewing.

Xu Jie and Gao Gong were both people who possessed great wisdom and knowledge but even greater ambitions. They were both fighting to govern the nation, but because of their differing personalities, it was clear that their policies and governance did not match. They were just like a married couple who had incompatible personalities but tried to force themselves to stay together, spending all their time together, sooner or later, things would come to blows. Plus, the disagreements between the two of them were becoming more and more evident, it wouldn’t be long until things imploded, there could only be one and not the other.

To be honest, if Zhao Su had to choose, he would choose to stand with Gao Gong.

First of all, it was because they had a relationship of teacher and student; secondly, the former Emperor, Jiajing, had left the country in chaos. The border was constantly being attacked, there were frequent revolts all over the country, and there were divisions within the imperial court. For anyone that the civil officials did not like, they would band together and attack. Under these circumstances, if one was to use Xu Jie’s method of “going along slowly to avoid getting fatally injured” would not work at all, therefore Zhao Su preferred Gao Gong’s swift and decisive methods. At least, he would clear the area of brambles for future generations and open up a new road on which to advance along.

Even if he regarded Gao Gong highly, it did not mean that the latter would necessarily prevail in this political battle.

In order to get rid of Yan Song, Xu Jie silently endured, laying in wait for over two decades, being deeply subtle and unbelievably patient. He had a clear advantage over Gao Gong, and his students covered all levels of society, including quite a few imperial censors. If any of the latter were to submit a memorial to the Emperor, it was likely that Gao Gong would suffer a great defeat.

Plus, Gao Gong was obstinate and self-opinionated by nature, he did not listen to others and once he had decided on something, nothing could hold him back. Zhao Su had tried to overtly and covertly persuade him a few times, asking him to temporarily cease fire, and not fight with Xu Jie for the time being, but Gao Gong did not listen one bit, and after a while, Zhao Su knew that it was pointless, and decided on getting out of dodge instead.

The Ming dynasty was not lacking in intelligent individuals, especially during the reign of Longqing, it was basically the assembly of true heroes. Without Jiajing and Yan Song, came the arrival of Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, the imperial court had never been so lively. It was just a shame that these intelligent individuals had never worked together, even Zhang Juzheng and Xu Jie who had a close teacher-student relationship still did not necessarily have unanimous political views.

Everyone put all their efforts on plotting against others and guarding themselves against others plotting against them, governing the country began second fiddle, which was certainly a worrisome issue.

People in modern times often used “the great resurgence of Longqing” in order to describe the reign of Emperor Longqing, but Zhao Su believed that things could have been done a lot better if Xu Jie, Gao Gong and all the other civil officials in the Ming government would unite and work together. There was no need to mention whether Li Zicheng5 would succeed or not, perhaps even the ever-expanding West could not have surpassed them.

Zhao Su had given this much thought before saying what he had said. He originally had wanted to persuade Gao Gong to be more patient and lie in wait, but decided to hold back his words.

But Gao Gong had clearly misunderstood what he meant and sneered: “Even if you didn’t say it out loud, I already know. If it wasn’t Xu Huating6’s idea, given how highly His Majesty looks upon you, could his two students take your job? Pffff, that Xu Huating, it’s fine if he’s trying to edge me out of the Grand Secretariat, but he’s even going after you!”

Zhao Su urged: “As they say, endure it momentarily and all is quiet; take a step back and open up the sky7. Teacher, the days are long8, we don’t need to compare the day’s length with them9.”

Gao Gong waved his hand: “I understand your good intentions but Xu Jie and I don’t see eye to eye in politics, our conversations are disagreeable, we are not compatible, so things will definitely come to blows sooner or later. But I just hadn’t expected that he hasn’t even made a move against me yet and he’s already going after you. He wants to chop off my right-hand, he is indeed skilled at scheming, but don’t worry, as soon as there’s an opportunity, I will definitely go to the Emperor and request for your return!”

He spoke through gritted teeth towards the end.

Zhao Su was a little moved by Gao Gong’s protectiveness of him, but in addition to being touched, he also felt helpless.

At this point, he knew that there was no point in urging him any further. Even if he continued, Gao Gong would not change his mind. If Gao Gong was able to be patient, then it wouldn’t be Gao Gong. But it was his fiery nature that gave this country a chance to shine once more.

“Teacher, no matter what, I hope that you will think about protecting yourself first. The imperial court is dangerous and ruthless, and no less a battlefield. When Teacher Dai died, I have since considered you and Teacher Chen as my teachers, please be careful10!”

Gao Gong and Chen Yiqin were Zhao Su’s zuoshi so addressing them this way was not incorrect.

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Gao Gong was also feeling a little touched by his words, and had long lost the fiery anger that he felt when he arrived, he sighed and said: “Going out to see the world is also good. However, it’s not the same as being in the capital. Under the feet of the Emperor, everyone works meticulously out of fear of the consequences. But if you offend anyone out there, a cornered dog will jump over the wall11, and might go as far as getting you killed.”

After he spoke, he laughed to himself: “Look at me, I originally wanted you to warn you to be careful but I’ve ended up scaring you.”

Zhao Su also laughed: “I will bring Zizhong with me, he can fight ten people by himself, ordinary bandits are nothing against him.”

The two of them put imperial court matters aside, and talked about some everyday matters. When Gao Gong was not angry, he was actually quite witty, otherwise he would not have become the teacher that the current Emperor respected the most.

Zhao Su, on seeing the other’s good mood, made him think about the attacks and degradation that Gao Gong would suffer in the future, until the latter was forced to retire from the imperial court, becoming more and more wretched. But this was the way of the world. Zhao Su could change his own fate, but his hands were bound in determining other people’s fate, this was because personality determines one’s destiny. He was incapable of changing Gao Gong’s nature, even if he was able to persuade him this time, he wouldn’t be able to everytime. But Zhao Su was still determined to try, since he had a good relationship with Gao Gong. And this way, not only could it resolve the internal strife in the imperial court but he also hoped to be able to help and offer his own ideas.

Not long after that day, Zhao Su’s assignment finally arrived, his new post was to become the Prefectural Magistrate of Shandong, Laizhou Prefecture.

The place had been carefully selected.

During the Ming Dynasty, there were a total of 150 prefectures, and they were divided into four categories. The prefectures who offered more than two hundred thousand in taxes12 were deemed ‘Upper Prefectures’13, those who offered less than two hundred thousand in taxes were called ‘Middle Prefectures’ and those that offered less than hundred thousand were called ‘Lower Prefectures’. There were some even smaller taxed areas which were called ‘Land Prefectures’. Therefore, even though they were all prefectures, there was a large difference between them.

If one was unlucky and was sent to a barren and remote prefecture, during the three years of service, not only would it be difficult to gain any merits, it was very possible that one might encounter a natural disaster leading to a terrible harvest, which could provoke an uprising from the farmers and one might even lose one’s life for it. The population and affluence of Shandong, Laizhou was incomparable to Suzhou and Hangzhou, in the South, but it was not terrible as it was still considered a ‘Middle Prefecture’, so the Emperor had been thoughtful in assigning the post to Zhao Su.

Zhao Su was originally a fourth-rank official, Chancellor of the Directorate of Education. Now his post outside of the capital was also a fourth-rank position and governing over a prefecture, having this kind of authority in his hands, this could also be considered a promotion but the people of the capital did not think this way.

First of all, during the Ming Dynasty, the officials in the capital were considered elites, if they were not forced to, they would not willingly leave the capital. Secondly, it was unknown when he’d be able to come back to the capital from this superficial ‘promotion’, perhaps he’d never be able to come back. Other people were craning their necks desperate to be promoted to the capital, but he actively requested for a post outside, there were many idiots every year, and this year there were more than usual. The imperial court had never been lacking in people who saw the wind and set the helm14. The eldest prince was still young and willful and would forget him quickly. Everyone believed that in a short while, the name ‘Zhao Su’ would gradually be forgotten until it was never thought of again.

In short, nine out of ten people believed that Zhao Su was stupid, even his friends, Chen Zhu, Shen Shixing and the others were also having trouble understanding his decision.

No matter what, the dust had settled, just as everyone believed that Zhao Su was beating his chest and stomping his feet in regret, he was actually comfortably lazing around and sleeping at home, waiting for the day until he was due to depart.

The fourth month of the lunar calendar, first year in the reign of Longqing, when the capital’s greenery had began to flourish once more, Zhao Su and the others set off unhurriedly, leaving through Chongwen Gate.

It was just that last time it was Yuan Shu, but this time he had become the person who was saying goodbye to everyone.

Even the words before departing were exactly the same.

“Accompany the gentlemen a thousand miles, but we’ll still have to say goodbye in the end15, why don’t you turn back now.” He turned around reining in the horse and then cupped his hands together.

Behind him were He Zizhong and Zhao Ji who were leaving the capital with him. Whilst Gao Gong, Chen Yiqin, Zhao Nuan, Chen Zhu, Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue and the others had come to send him off.

In front of everyone, Gao Gong straightened up his face, he didn’t have the warmth that he carried that day they spoke: “When you are out there, you must work hard for the fortune of the people, otherwise, do not tell anyone that you are a student of Gao Suqing!”

Zhao Su smiled and said: “Yes, this student will carry out teacher’s guidance and live up to teacher’s expectations.”

Chen Yiqin was genial and not as serious as Gao Gong: “Shaoyong, although we were unable to become family, however, lao-fu has never seen you as an outsider. The road to Laizhou is long and arduous so take care. Since you have such a positive outlook and resolution, as well as a bold personality, you will definitely achieve great things!”

Zhao Su: “Teacher is exaggerating, this student does not dare to assume and only hopes to display unending loyalty and responsibility to live up to the expectations of His Majesty and you both, my two teachers.”

Chen Zhu, Shen Shixing and the others advanced forward and imparted a few garrulous parting words, including giving instructions to Zhao Ji, and asking Zhao Su to write to them often. Amongst them, Shen Shixing was the most soft-hearted that he almost cried, making Zhao Su have to comfort him back instead.

Zhao Nuan did not come along, he also brought his wife, Maiden Yu. She was the one who had been previously banished when her family had offended Yan Song, after the new Emperor was enthroned, there was a general pardon leading to her release. Zhao Nuan who had never forgotten his beloved all these years, and now she had already become Zhao fu-ren. The two of them had just returned from visiting his wife’s family, newlyweds – they looked blissfully happy. Gao and Chen Yiqin were the only ones who were surrounded by a band of young people.

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Love will find a way16, one of them had painfully waited for many years with undying loyalty whilst the other had gone through unspeakable torment but held on to her morals, even Zhao Su was happy for them.

Maiden Yu was brimming with smiles as she listened to Zhao Nuan finish speaking to Zhao Su, she then took a cloth wrapped bag from the hands of her maidservant and passed it to Zhao Su: “Your journey is long, I don’t have much to offer, there are a few summer robes in there, I was afraid that when you arrive there, it will be summer and you won’t have the appropriate clothing to change into. Brother-in-law17, please kindly accept them.”

Zhao Su said proudly: “Look at my wife, the most virtuous and warm under the heavens, who could compare…..”

He was unable to finish as Zhao fu-ren gave him a deathly stare that made him immediately not dare to utter another word. Zhao Su laughed: “You’ve finally found someone who can take care of you. Sister-in-law18, please look after him and don’t let that idiot get into trouble!”

Maiden Yu shot a glance at Zhao Nuan and then pursed her lips and smiled: “Brother-in-law can rest assured, I am here.”

一一 After saying his goodbyes, it was time for him to set off. Zhao Su looked over at everyone once more, his hand was feeling a little empty, and his mind wandered to that person who must have been stuck in the palace studying and unable to come out. He said goodbye to everyone and then got back on his horse ready to head off.

Suddenly he heard a voice call him from afar: “Su, Suuu————!”

Zhao Su turned around stunned and saw Zhu Yijun arriving on horseback with Feng Bao on the same horse. The latter was probably afraid that he was inexperienced and might fall, behind them were a few others, including Zhang Juzheng.

“Susu!” Zhu Yijun shouted out loudly, and in a blink of an eye he had already arrived, “wait, wait!”

He barely waited for the horse to stop and had already jumped down, giving Feng Bao an awful fright as he quickly reined in the horse.

Zhu Yijun ran over to Zhao Su as soon as he was on the ground: “Why didn’t you wait for me?”

Zhao Su hadn’t noticed that he had a giant smile on his face upon seeing this child: “Aren’t you studying, how did you come out?”

Zhu Yijun pouted a little: “I asked teacher Zhang and Feng da-ban to accompany me out, and father always agreed in the end.”

Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao who were behind them looked at each other and forced a smile. Zhao Su imagined that he had caused quite a stir in order to be allowed to leave the palace, using every trick in the book.

“Your status is elevated, you are part of the heavenly family, you mustn’t act like this again.” Zhao Su said this but he was not using a scolding tone and in fact had a warmth that even he didn’t expect.

“I know.” Zhu Yijun threw his arms around his waist, his head buried in his embrace. A muffled voice was heard that only the two of them could hear. “Susu, wait for me to grow up, I will definitely find a way to bring you back.”

He was silent for a moment and then Zhu Yijun couldn’t wait any longer for his response and was about to lift his head to look at him when he heard Zhao Su reply: “Okay, I’ll wait for you.”

Zhu Yijun was overjoyed by his words, but also depressed by their parting. It was just that unfortunately a ten-year-old child could not express so much joy, anger and sadness, so he put all his emotions into this embrace and put all his strength into a promise that might be realised until many years later.

Seeing him this way, Zhao Su was a little reluctant to part: “I will write to you often, if Your Highness wishes, you can also write to me.”

Zhu Yijun’s eyes sparkled.

Zhang Juzheng advanced forwards: “Shaoyong, have a safe journey!”

Zhao Su nodded: “Thank you Taiyue-xiong19 for coming to send me off. His Highness and I have spent much time together, now that we are parting, it is hard to uphold one’s manners, I hope you won’t mock me, Taiyue-xiong.”

“Of course not, His Highness has grown deeply attached to you, like a son looking up to his father, I am actually quite envious.”

” Zhao Su smiled and said: “From now on, I will entrust him to you.”

“Shaoyong exaggerates…… that’s right, how come I don’t see your wife here?”

Zhao Su: “She is still at home back in Changle, when I have settled in Laizhou, I will bring her over.”

Zhang Juzheng acknowledged with an ‘oh’ and had nothing else to say.

Since the animosity arose between Gao Gong and Xu Jie, when Zhao Su and Zhang Juzheng saw each other, although, on the surface it seemed as cordial as before, but in the end, it had actually gradually grown more estranged. When they saw each other, neither of them knew what to say. If Zhang Juzheng hadn’t accompanied Zhu Yijun here, perhaps the former would not have come at all. Currently, Gao Gong was already displeased at the sight of him and he had already retreated back a few steps and went to speak to Chen Yiqin instead.

Having spent some more time exchanging parting words with them, it was getting late in the afternoon, Zhao Ji and the others came over to remind him that it was time to depart.

Zhao Su got back on his horse and cupped his hands together towards everyone but did not say another one, a thousand words have been said in this last greeting.

He raised his whip, and gently squeezed his legs against his horse to make it advance and without looking back, he quickly disappeared in the flying dust.

Zhu Yijun stared blankly at his fading figure, biting his lip, he was unable to hold back any longer, and he let his tears fall.
 

[End of Arc 2]

Author Note:

Note that I did not find out whether Laizhou was a Middle Prefecture or an Upper Prefecture, I believe it is the former.

Translator Note:

Wooow – two arcs down and two to go. I can’t believe that I have been translating this for six months…. I wonder if I can get the rest done in the next six (´ ∀ ` *)