I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 116 The Principle of Prioritizing the Overall Situation! Young Wanli Eavesdrops on Public Opinion (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

On the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month, in the capital.

The weather is getting colder and colder, and the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year is getting stronger.

However, the most discussed topic among the people in the city was not the New Year, but the cheating in the imperial examinations.

present.

More than 100 shops have been shut down for selling cheating tools for the imperial examinations. The owners and those who made the cheating tools have all been arrested, and more than ten officials from the capital have been imprisoned in the Northern Garrison.

But this matter certainly won't end there.

Many people were waiting for the court to announce how it would characterize Zhao Chengyan's actions, and for the court to give a response to the scholars in the capital who questioned the fairness of the imperial examination.

……

In the afternoon, only the young Wanli Emperor and Feng Bao were inside the Wenhua Hall.

The young Wanli Emperor handed a memorial to Feng Bao and said, "Your Excellency, please approve this memorial!"

"Yes." Feng Bao habitually took the memorial.

If the memorial contained a draft proposal from the cabinet, the young Wanli Emperor would have no objection; he only needed to copy it once.

If the memorial is presented directly to the palace without a draft, he can simply write down common phrases such as "Understood," "This department will discuss and submit it," or "As proposed." If he cannot make a decision, he can submit it to the cabinet for a draft.

Feng Bao opened the memorial, and after reading it, his expression changed drastically. He quickly walked to the foot of the imperial desk and knelt down.

"Your Majesty, this servant... is guilty! This servant deserves to die!" Feng Bao knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly.

This memorial.

It comes from Cao Wei, the commander of the Northern Garrison.

The content is: Sun Xiu, a eunuch serving in the Directorate of Ceremonial, is suspected of cheating in the imperial examinations and accepting bribes totaling more than 10,000 taels of silver.

When officials outside the court make mistakes, it is a slap in the face to the imperial court.

However, when a palace eunuch makes a mistake, it is the emperor who suffers a slap in the face.

Because all the power of the inner court eunuchs was dependent on the imperial power, once they left the palace, all their actions were for the emperor's benefit.

As the head eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Feng Bao naturally could not shirk his responsibility.

Emperor Wanli looked at Feng Bao and said, "Your Excellency, I will leave this matter to you. I do not want to hear of any eunuchs getting involved in the imperial examinations again. Whoever earns this kind of money by undermining the foundation of the Ming Dynasty is a rebel against me! A rebel against the Ming Dynasty!"

"I understand! I understand!" Feng Bao's forehead was covered in sweat, and his back was completely soaked.

The current Wanli Emperor is becoming increasingly charismatic.

Although he did not rule personally, this incident alone was enough to leave Feng Bao with nothing, and even cause him to be beheaded.

……

Near dusk.

Inside the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs in the northeast corner of the Forbidden City.

All the eunuchs knelt on the ground, and the one in the lead was Sun Xiu, a eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial.

He was an old eunuch nearing fifty, who had served in the palace since the Jiajing era.

Feng Bao leaned back on the soft couch.

With a simple gesture, a young eunuch handed him a cup of hot tea.

Within the palace walls, he was a servant; within the Directorate of Ceremonial, he was the supreme master.

"Eunuch Feng, save me, save me! Next time, I... I will definitely be more discreet and will never be discovered!" Sun Xiu said.

Feng Bao shook his head slightly and said, "There won't be a next time!"

"Later, you will go to the Northern Garrison Command to confess your crimes. Remember, only admit to accepting bribes, not to manipulating the imperial examinations. You have no right to manipulate the imperial examinations!"

"Also, bring those godson who work for you. After they confess their crimes, they should all commit suicide!"

"Suicide?" Sun Xiu was stunned for a moment, then said excitedly, "Eunuch Feng, I...I...I don't deserve to die! We used to be able to..."

"Shut up!"

Feng Bao suddenly stood up, picked up a teacup, and smashed it on the ground.

"boom!"

The shards of the teacup splattered onto Sun Xiu's face, scraping his left cheek until it bled, but he didn't dare utter a sound.

Feng Bao hadn't lost his temper like this in a long time!

"Are you all blind and deaf? Don't you know that the situation this year is very different from previous years? This year, the court attaches great importance to public opinion, and His Majesty is also working hard to win public support in order to assume personal rule. Because of this, His Majesty reprimanded me: Shaking the imperial examination is shaking the Ming Dynasty!"

"Only when you are dead can this matter end, can His Majesty's fairness and impartiality be demonstrated, and can those censors and scholars be silenced!"

Upon hearing this, Sun Xiu immediately deflated and lowered her head in dejection.

Feng Bao also received a share of the profits from this.

But he dared not report it, because the emperor would protect Feng Bao, Zhang Juzheng would protect Feng Bao, and even Empress Dowager Li would protect Feng Bao.

The only one who could save him was Feng Bao, who wanted him to commit suicide at that moment.

……

On the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, in the early morning, the usual morning court assembly was held.

Just started.

Chen Zan, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, strode out.

"Your Majesty, after days of thorough investigation, the Censorate has found more than 300 people in the capital who manufactured tools for cheating in the imperial examinations, 12 people who took the exams without proper registration, and a total of 75 officials and eunuchs suspected of accepting bribes in the examinations. All of them have been imprisoned. After joint investigation by the Censorate, the Ministry of Justice, and the Northern Garrison Command, the bribery and fraudulent examinations reported by student Zhao Chengyan were found to be true, but no one was found to have actually manipulated the imperial examinations."

"The secret passages to the examination hall, carrier pigeons, smuggling, impersonation, and so-called coded words for the copyists or examiners mentioned by the common scholars are purely fabrications by corrupt officials and eunuchs to swindle money. These schemes could not possibly succeed."

“Those twelve people who impersonated others to take the exam will definitely be discovered once they participate in the provincial examination.”

"Therefore, we define this examination fraud incident as an act of deception carried out by certain corrupt officials and eunuchs for personal gain, rather than manipulation of the examination. The current examination system is still effective in preventing favoritism and fraud, and can be considered fair and just."

"As for Zhao Chengyan's claim that the sons of the two Grand Secretaries have been pre-selected as top-ranking officials, that is utterly absurd. As for the saying that 'the list is full of people from Shanxi,' it is only because the two Grand Secretaries need to avoid suspicion. According to custom, Grand Secretary Zhang will become the chief examiner. Therefore, some people have fabricated rumors to incite the people to hate the court."

……

"Ok?"

After listening to Chen Zan's story, Shen Nian looked up in disbelief.

As expected of the Censorate, like the Cabinet, it prioritizes the overall situation and, for the sake of the court's image, directly characterized this case of cheating in the imperial examinations as: a case of officials and clerks abusing their positions to commit fraud.

Such a characterization carries entirely different implications.

Cheating and manipulating the imperial examinations meant that the imperial examination system was unfair, and that money could buy one a government position.

However, when officials use their positions to commit fraud, those who offered bribes become victims instead of beneficiaries.

in short.

The former refers to corrupt officials and eunuchs who take bribes to do favors and manipulate the imperial examinations, while the vast majority of people who participate in the examinations normally are treated unfairly.

The latter is: officials and eunuchs who accepted bribes did not perform their duties, and those who offered bribes became the victims, while the imperial examinations remained fair to most people.

The former is far more harmful than the latter, and the attempt to steer the tide toward the latter is clearly for the sake of stabilizing the imperial examination system.

Shen Nian thought about it carefully.

Suddenly, I realized that this explanation was quite reasonable, since the imperial examination for next year had not yet taken place, and the court could still take remedial measures.

Immediately, Zhang Juzheng stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, after deliberation by the cabinet, in order to prevent bribery from occurring in the capital and local prefectures, several new laws and regulations on the imperial examinations can be added, with stricter and more severe penalties!"

"For candidates who cheat, their academic titles will be revoked immediately, and they will be banned from taking the exam for life; for examiners who accept bribes, they will be dismissed from their posts, demoted to commoners, and never be employed again. For those who take the exam for others or leak exam questions, they will be exiled to the frontier, and their relatives will be implicated; for merchants who help candidates cheat, they can be punished tenfold..."

"To reduce the occurrence of impersonation and cross-regional examinations, a joint guarantee and joint liability system can be adopted. Candidates need to be jointly guaranteed by five scholars from the same hometown. If there is any cheating, all of them will be held accountable and their academic qualifications will be revoked!"

"As for selling official documents and paying grain, as long as the title of Juren is not granted, I believe it can be temporarily retained, because the court needs such income to guarantee the needs of the army, disasters, famines and other emergencies!"

……

Zhang Juzheng's words suddenly reminded the officials of the harsh punishments inflicted during the founding of the dynasty. However, the imperial examination system was the foundation of the nation, so such strictness was not surprising.

Zhang Juzheng continued, "Your Majesty, regarding the rumors circulating among the people that my son and Grand Secretary Lü's son have already been pre-selected as top-ranking officials, after discussing with Grand Secretary Lü, we have decided that there is no need to force our two sons to avoid suspicion and withdraw from the examination. They can participate in the provincial examination as normal next spring. Afterwards, the court can conduct a re-examination and then announce it to the world to verify their talents!"

Little Wanli nodded.

He approved of all the measures proposed by Zhang Juzheng, and these measures were so effective that the scholars and literati who questioned them could not find fault with them.

"Then... how should Zhao Chengyan's actions be punished?" asked the young Wanli Emperor.

Zhang Juzheng replied, "A person's crimes are forgiven upon death. Since he is dead and has no relatives or friends, the court will not take any action against him. The court will not consider his actions as remonstrance, but it will also not treat them as rumors. It will not suppress or promote them, but will let the people judge them."

"Okay!" Little Wanli nodded in approval.

This action can be considered a compromise by the court to the will of the people.

"Then let's handle this matter as it is. Do any of you have any objections?" The young Wanli looked down.

"We have no objection!" the officials below said in unison.

Given Shen Nian's temperament, if she really investigated thoroughly, she could definitely trace it back to Feng Bao, and even Zhang Siwei.

But this will undoubtedly affect the imperial examination in March next year.

For the sake of the stability of the court, this outcome is actually the best, and the people should be able to accept it.

……

At that moment, Shen Nian felt that she should stand up and speak out.

He strode out and said loudly, "Your Majesty, in previous years the chief examiner and co-examiners were appointed a month in advance, and then they would enter the examination hall to set the questions, which made it impossible for bribe-givers to bribe the chief examiner and co-examiners."

"This year, because both Grand Secretaries need to avoid suspicion, everyone knows that the chief examiner for next year's imperial examination will be Grand Secretary Zhang, which is why the rumors have spread. Perhaps we should change this precedent and not select the chief examiner from among the Grand Secretaries this year. This way, scholars throughout the land can see the importance the court places on their words!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Siwei frowned slightly, thinking to himself: Why are you everywhere?

He thought this to himself, but he couldn't bring himself to reprimand Shen Nian.

Because the imperial examination was closely related to the Ministry of Rites and the Hanlin Academy, Shen Nian was very likely to become a co-examiner or examiner, and he had a duty to speak out on this matter.

Zhang Siwei strode out, his chest puffed out.

"Your Majesty, I believe that a person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear. I can withstand the test. As the chief examiner, I will certainly be fair and impartial, leaving no room for criticism!"

The imperial examinations were held every three years.

The chief examiner could gain a large number of disciples who would become Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

This is a great job.

Zhang Juzheng and Lü Diaoyang were both chief examiners. Zhang Siwei had just entered the cabinet last year, and it was finally his turn. He really didn't want to give up.

He also wanted to use his position as chief examiner to consolidate his status as a cabinet minister!
Little Wanli looked at Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that what Compiler Shen said makes sense. It is indeed feasible to make an exception for this year's imperial examination!"

A happy smile appeared on the face of the young Wanli Emperor.

After Zhang Siwei orchestrated the "Zhang Garden Banquet Case," neither the young Wanli Emperor nor Zhang Juzheng wanted Zhang Siwei to continue serving as the chief examiner.

This person is capable of anything for the sake of his career advancement.

"Then so be it! The chief examiner for next year's spring imperial examination will not be chosen from among the cabinet ministers. I will decide after the New Year!" the young Wanli Emperor said decisively.

Zhang Siwei was very frustrated, but there was nothing he could do, so he had no choice but to retreat to the queue.

……

Early the next morning.

The imperial court posted notices at the Shuntian Prefecture government office, the examination hall, the Confucian temple, and in front of the city gates, announcing all the solutions to the "student Zhao Chengyan's accusation of cheating in the imperial examinations".

First, this matter should be classified as a case of officials and clerks abusing their positions to commit fraud.

Secondly, several new penalty regulations regarding cheating in the imperial examinations were announced.

Then, he answered each of the questions raised by Zhao Chengyan.

……

It has the right attitude and the right rules.

Even when the chief examiner was appointed out of turn, and the chief and deputy chief ministers agreed to conduct a re-examination of his son, they agreed.

It can be said to be full of sincerity.

What pleased the scholars and intellectuals most was the court's characterization of Zhao Chengyan's series of actions.

The crime is forgiven upon death, and scholars are permitted to mourn spontaneously.

This humane decision-making greatly increased the scholars' goodwill towards the imperial court.

……

Near dusk, inside the Wenhua Hall.

The young Wanli Emperor sat on his throne, flipping through a thick document, a smile occasionally appearing on his face.

This document was a collection of evaluations of the court's handling of the matter, gathered by several members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard from teahouses and taverns in the countryside.

This move was taught to young Wanli by Shen Nian.

Shen Nian told Xiao Wanli.

If you want to hear the truth and the opinions of the people, order the Imperial Guards to collect their conversations in teahouses and taverns throughout the streets and alleys.

Shen Nian came up with this plan.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard could directly submit information to the young Wanli Emperor, and neither Feng Bao nor the cabinet could see it.

Also.

Shen Nian wanted the young Wanli Emperor to constantly listen to public opinion. As long as he cared about public opinion, his rule would not be bad, and he would not even slack off.

The young Wanli Emperor found it difficult to leave the palace.

This method also became a way for him to understand the common people.

He ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to not only record all kinds of voices related to court politics, but also to record their casual conversations about romance and nature.

Emperor Wanli's requirement was that not a single word could be omitted, and sometimes the speaker's facial expressions had to be added.

This undoubtedly enriched the young Wanli Emperor's life and broadened his horizons considerably.

today.

The people had a very good opinion of the imperial court, especially regarding the court's handling of Zhao Chengyan.

Some people say that the emperor gradually developed his own opinions and cared about the people, which led to this outcome.

This made the young Wanli Emperor very happy and he was quite pleased with himself.

At the same time, he was glad that he had listened to Shen Nian's words.

If it weren't for Shen Nian's advice, this matter might have greatly diminished the court's credibility among scholars.

Emperor Wanli made a decision in his heart: in the future, he must consult Shen Nian more often on matters he was unsure about.

at the same time.

Emperor Wanli also heard some unpleasant rumors about the Directorate of Ceremonial, which made him more wary of Feng Bao.

……

Before we knew it, it was the 27th day of the twelfth lunar month.

It has been more than two months since Hai Rui inspected Shanxi.

He submitted three memorials in total: one was a memorial on his arrival, one was a memorial on the people's conditions in Shanxi, and one was a memorial on the military situation in Shanxi. None of them mentioned the collusion between officials and merchants in Shanxi.

If this matter is not reported for a long time, it is highly likely that once it is reported, it will be a major event that will alarm the court and the public.

Shen Nian looked forward to it, hoping that Hai Rui could eradicate a series of malignant tumors in the northern border of the Ming Dynasty, and that the future of the Ming Dynasty would be completely different because of Hai Rui and him.

(End of this chapter)