31: Tongue, battle with the Confucians, explosive acting skills

Inside the majestic and solemn Fengtian Hall, the hundred officials stood in solemn silence, the atmosphere heavy.

This was an extremely important court drama in the chronicles of the great ming dynasty.

The Emperor Yongle, due to the urgent border war, wished to increase taxes, which led several core ministers of the Donglin Party, who always considered themselves “pure officials,” to jointly submit a memorial.

Their passionate and indignant memorial directly pointed out the Disadvantages of court administration, with its spearhead subtly aimed at Wei Zhongxian, the Grand Secretary of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was deeply trusted by the Emperor.

Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, was dressed in a deep purple python robe, wearing a black official's hat, holding an ivory hu tablet, and stood with his head bowed beneath the imperial steps.

There was no expression on his face; his eyes were fixed on his nose, and his nose on his heart, as if he were a lifeless sculpture.

But within those slightly narrowed eyes, a chilling glint occasionally flashed.

The ministers of the Donglin Party were all played by experienced veteran actors.

Each of them spoke with righteous indignation and profound emotion, portraying the image of “loyal ministers” who worried about the nation and its people, and dared to speak out, with remarkable depth.

“Your Majesty! While the border war is indeed important, the national treasury is empty and the people are suffering.

If we impose more exorbitant taxes, it may incite popular rebellion and shake the foundation of the nation!” an old, white-haired minister cried out, beating his chest and shedding tears.

“I second that!” another middle-aged official stepped forward and declared loudly, “In recent years, the eunuch faction has disrupted the court, embezzled taxes, and oppressed the people, causing widespread resentment!

If we do not severely punish the treacherous villains and rectify the administration, the Great Ming will be in peril!”

Although their accusations did not directly name anyone, everyone present understood that “eunuch faction” and “treacherous villains” referred to Wei Zhongxian.

Sun Hao and Zhang Yang stood among the ranks of officials, playing two inconspicuous minor officials.

They exchanged a gloating glance, waiting to see how Lin Da would respond to the verbal assault from these “righteous individuals.”

They did not believe that a newcomer could deliver any outstanding performance under the powerful aura of so many veteran actors.

Director Zheng Guofeng sat behind the monitor, his expression serious, his eyes fixed on Lin Da in the center of the scene.

He knew that this scene was a true test for Lin Da.

He not only had to face the collective “difficulty” from multiple veteran actors but also had to showcase the complexity and extraordinary qualities of the character Wei Zhongxian amidst the verbal sparring.

On the dragon throne, the Emperor Yongle, played by Chen Daoming, had an unreadable expression, showing neither joy nor anger.

He merely swept his profound eyes over Wei Zhongxian below the imperial steps.

Just as everyone's gaze was focused on Lin Da, waiting to see how he would defend himself or how he would be utterly refuted by these “loyal ministers,” Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, made an unexpected move.

He did not immediately retort, nor did he show the slightest hint of panic.

Instead, he slowly raised his head.

His face still held that unruffled expression, but a faint, almost imperceptible cold smile, tinged with a hint of mockery and disdain, curved at the corner of his mouth.

“Heh…”

A soft, almost inaudible sneer escaped his throat.

This cold laugh, like an invisible needle, instantly pierced the passionate and indignant atmosphere in the court.

The Donglin Party ministers, who were speaking with spittle flying, suddenly stopped, looking at Wei Zhongxian in astonishment.

“Eunuch Wei, you… what are you laughing at?” a young, impetuous censor couldn't help but demand sharply.

Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, then slowly lifted his eyelids, sweeping his murky yet incredibly sharp eyes over the so-called “pure officials” and “distinguished scholars” before him.

His voice was neither loud nor fast, yet it carried a chilling coldness and oppressive aura that made one's heart palpitate:

“This humble one is laughing… laughing at how truly… loyal the esteemed officials are.”

He deliberately emphasized the words “loyal are,” the sarcasm within them self-evident.

“Wei Zhongxian! How dare you speak so ambiguously here!” The old minister’s beard bristled with anger.

“We, who receive the emperor’s salary, serve the emperor’s affairs; all we say and do is for the sake of the Great Ming’s rivers and mountains!

Unlike some people who only know how to flatter superiors and oppress subordinates, seize power, and disrupt the court!”

“Oh?” Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, raised an eyebrow slightly, his cold smile deepening on his face, “For the sake of the rivers and mountains? How well-spoken!”

He suddenly took a step forward, his voice abruptly rising several octaves, like a clap of thunder from a clear sky, echoing through the solemn and dignified hall:

“Dare I ask, esteemed officials, when the border soldiers are fighting in bloody battles, lacking clothes and food, where are you, these so-called ‘pure officials’?”

“When the national treasury is empty and urgently needs funds, have you, these wealthy ‘distinguished scholars,’ ever donated a single cent?”

“When the Emperor labors tirelessly for state affairs, working from dawn to dusk, how much worry have you, these ‘loyal ministers’ who only talk idly, shared for the Emperor, and how many difficulties have you resolved?”

His series of questions, like a sudden storm, battered the Donglin Party ministers.

Every word was like a sharp knife, plunging fiercely into their hearts.

His gaze was no longer the downcast and forbearing one from before, but filled with a compelling aura and a sharp insight that saw through everything.

He seemed to have seen through the hypocrisy and selfishness beneath the grand and righteous facade of these “pure officials” and “distinguished scholars.”

Those veteran actors, facing Lin Da's sudden and powerful aura, were momentarily stunned; their prepared lines seemed to get stuck.

They never expected that this seemingly inconspicuous newcomer could erupt with such astonishing energy!

Behind the monitor, Director Zheng Guofeng's eyes shone frighteningly.

He subconsciously clenched his fists, his palms sweating slightly.

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

Lin Da's performance completely exceeded his expectations!

He not only perfectly displayed Wei Zhongxian's coldness, ruthlessness, and deep cunning, but also brought out a certain “power” belonging to this character!

The power of a formidable figure who dared to oppose the pure officials of the realm and challenge worldly rules!

Sun Hao and Zhang Yang were even more dumbfounded, feeling as if they had fallen into an ice cave.

Their so-called “background” and “resources,” which they were so proud of, seemed like a joke in the face of Lin Da’s overwhelming acting prowess!

Lin Da's performance continued.

He looked at the Donglin Party ministers, who were rendered speechless by his refutation, and the cold smile on his face gradually receded, replaced by a deeper, more complex emotion tinged with a hint of pity and disdain.

“Esteemed officials, empty talk harms the nation; practical action builds the nation.”

His voice returned to its previous calm, yet it carried an irrefutable power.

“Although this humble one is just a eunuch and does not understand the great principles of sages, I know that one must fulfill one's duties in one's position.

The Emperor trusts this humble one and has entrusted the affairs of the Directorate of Ceremonial to me, so I must share the Emperor's worries and do practical things for the Great Ming's rivers and mountains.”

“As for those false reputations and curses, this humble one… doesn't care!”

He spoke the last four words decisively and with resounding force!

At that moment, he was no longer the humble and cautious old eunuch, but a solitary formidable figure who dared to take responsibility, dared to bear infamy, and struggled forward in the vortex of power!

The entire Fengtian Hall was silent.

Everyone was completely shocked by Lin Da's performance!

“Cut!”

Director Zheng Guofeng's voice, tinged with an uncontrollable excitement, rang out in the silent hall.

“Perfect! Absolutely perfect!”