I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 154 Hai Gong's Six Don'ts! What Kind of Official is Loved by the People?
June 15th, early morning.

Chongjiaofang.

The streets outside the Imperial College were crowded with people.

There were merchants, scholars, farmers, peddlers, old men with completely white hair and beards, children as young as six or seven who had not yet started school, and even some illiterate ruffians who often roamed the streets.

These people gathered here early in the morning, just to catch a glimpse of Hai Rui, just to call out: Hai Qingtian!
The current Ming Dynasty.

Few officials can garner unanimous praise from the public.

Only Hai Rui.

Even seven- or eight-year-old children in the countryside know that Hai Rui was someone who could speak up for the common people and dared to punish all corrupt officials.

Even in the eyes of some ordinary people.

A sign that the world is getting better is that the imperial court is giving important positions to officials like Hai Rui.

After a while.

Four hundred and eighty newly appointed scholars arrived at the Imperial College.

today.

They were the students listening to the lecture, while the students of the Imperial Academy were only allowed to stand aside and listen.

Although Hai Rui was a scholar who passed the imperial examination.

However, none of the scholars felt that Hai Rui was unworthy to teach them. On the contrary, they believed that it was a great fortune to have Hai Rui's guidance as they were about to embark on their official careers while observing government affairs in the yamen.

Another moment passed.

Wang Xijue, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, led a group of academic officials to the main gate to welcome the four Grand Secretaries, Hai Rui, and the officials who had come to listen to the lectures.

He anticipated that Hai Rui's lectures at the Imperial College would attract a large crowd of onlookers.

But I really didn't expect it to attract so many people.

The crowd was so dense that it almost blocked the road, and there were even people on the walls and trees on both sides of the street.

He ordered the clerks of the Imperial Academy to work with the soldiers of the North City Garrison to quickly clear the way, which created a wide passage in front of the Imperial Academy that was wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage to pass through.

At this time.

A student from the Imperial Academy quickly ran up to Wang Xijue.

"Your Excellency, the four Grand Secretaries have just entered the courtyard through the west gate and have been seated in the front hall!"

"Hmm? Why did you suddenly switch doors?" Wang Xijue chuckled as soon as he finished speaking, then murmured, "As expected of the Grand Secretary, he has foresight!"

The reason why the four Grand Secretaries did not use the main entrance.

This was because almost all the people outside the main gate of the Imperial College had come for Hai Rui.

If they had walked ahead of Hai Rui, there would likely have been no cheers, but if Hai Rui had arrived, the shouts of "Hai Qingtian" would have resounded through the sky.

The four cabinet ministers would never allow themselves to be in an awkward position.

at this time.

A loud voice suddenly came from an old locust tree not far away.

"Hai Qingtian is here!"

The one who shouted was a notorious rogue on Jixian Street in Chongjiaofang, who often bullied scholars who had not yet obtained official titles.

But when facing Hai Rui, his heart was filled with awe and admiration.

Immediately, the entrance to the Imperial College became lively.

The people excitedly shouted, "Hai Qingtian! Hai Bijia! Elder Hai! Lord Hai!"

The sound was so loud it was deafening, louder than the daily reading voices of the students at the Imperial Academy.

These shouts naturally reached the ears of Zhang Juzheng and his three companions.

The four Grand Secretaries all smiled helplessly.

Luckily, we went through the west gate.

Otherwise, if they stood in front of the Imperial College and heard the people calling for Hai Rui, they would not only be embarrassed, but would also become the subject of ridicule.

Although they held high positions, they also envied Hai Rui's reputation among the people.

He has this reputation.

Even if history books do not mention Hai Rui, he will be remembered for all time.

The people held Hai Rui in such high esteem and love.

It's not just because Hai Rui criticized the emperor in the past, but also because he has now brought down the Zhang and Wang families, who were officials and merchants in cahoots.

Hai Rui did too many things to uphold justice for the people.

When he served as an instructor in Nanping, Fujian, he reformed the school's academic style and advocated that literature should convey moral principles, which greatly enhanced the status of local county schools. He can be considered the most powerful instructor in the Ming Dynasty.

When he served as the magistrate of Chun'an County, he wore patched cloth robes, ate coarse rice, grew vegetables in the backyard of the county government office, reorganized the post stations, and refused his subordinates' invitations to go out of the city to greet or send off officials.

When he served as the governor of Yingtian, he suppressed land annexation, forced former Grand Secretary Xu Jie to return land to the people, and managed the floods of Taihu Lake.

Since entering officialdom, Hai Rui has never worn silk, never embezzled a single penny of public funds, and never paid a single penny of customary tax to his superiors.

……

Each and every one of these acts was a heroic deed in advocating for the people, and each and every one of these actions demonstrated the integrity and uprightness of an honest official.

His moral character was impeccable, and his political achievements were outstanding.

He can be considered the only one in the hearts of the people who would say, "Even if there are thousands of people, I will go."

That's why it's so popular.

Lean slightly.

Hai Rui's carriage appeared about two hundred paces from the gate of the Imperial College.

The carriages of Hanlin officials such as Shen Shixing, Wang Jiaping, and Shen Nian followed behind.

Hai Rui giving lectures.

As literary attendants to the young Wanli Emperor, they naturally had to come and listen, and would then report back to him.

at this time.

Upon hearing the shouts of the people, Hai Rui stopped the carriage and stepped out.

"Hai Qingtian! Hai Qingtian! Hai Qingtian!"

"Mr. Hai, you must take care of your health. With you here, we have a strong support, and we are not afraid of those corrupt officials!"

"Elder Hai, thank you so much for eliminating the cancerous growth of the Zhang and Wang clans. My family's business is finally going to start to improve!"

"Old Hai, do you still remember me? When you came to Beijing to work at the Ministry of Revenue during the Jiajing era, you even ate some of my family's pickled vegetables!"

……

The people shouted excitedly.

If it weren't for the soldiers blocking the road on both sides, some civilians would probably have rushed out to give Hai Rui a big hug.

This is the will of the people!
This is the voice of the people!

The common people are not easily fooled; they know perfectly well who treats them well and who treats them badly.

Hai Rui's eyes were red.

He always felt that he was no longer suited for the current officialdom, and none of the officials in the court wanted him to return to the capital to serve as an official.

But the people's enthusiastic shouts made Hai Rui feel that he could still do something for the people.

Hai Rui bowed and clasped his hands in thanks to the shouting crowd, then strode into the Imperial College.

Officials such as Shen Shixing, Wang Jiaping, and Shen Nian followed closely behind, all of whom greatly admired Hai Rui's prestige among the people.

An official who is so beloved by the people has lived a truly fulfilling life.

The people considered Hai Rui their strongest support, and in fact, the people were also Hai Rui's strongest support.

Based on Hai Rui's current reputation and prestige among the people.

Anyone who dares to harm Hai Rui may have their ancestral graves dug up by angry villagers.

……

A moment later, in the front courtyard of the Imperial College.

Four hundred and eighty newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) stood in the middle, including the three first-class Jinshi who had already been granted official positions, and twenty-eight Shujishi (probationary officials).

The students of the Imperial Academy stood behind the successful candidates.

The four Grand Secretaries sat on either side of the front, while Hai Rui stood on a wooden platform in the middle. Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue, Shen Nian, Wang Jiaping, Shen Yiguan, and others stood behind the four Grand Secretaries.

Knowing that Hai Rui was old, Wang Xijue had prepared a chair for him, but Hai Rui refused to sit, so he had no choice but to comply.

Hai Rui looked around, his eyes reddening.

He paused for a moment and said, "I never imagined that one day I would be able to teach the newly appointed scholars of the imperial examination, nor did I ever imagine that I would be employed by the court after the age of sixty, and even become an imperial censor to inspect the country..."

"I am of dull intelligence. It took me most of my life to pass the imperial examination and become a Juren. As an official, I am not a good one. I only know what I can and cannot do."

"I know that the official robes I wear are not tools for promotion and wealth, but tools upon which the people under my jurisdiction entrust their lives; I know that those who forget the people will surely be abandoned by the principles of Heaven. I know that only by not seeking fancy clothes, not seeking fine food, and not seeking luxurious housing can one speak of being an official..."

……

Hai Rui recounted his official career to the group of scholars and tribute students, and spoke of his original aspirations as an official.

A gentle breeze ruffled his gray hair, causing him to tremble slightly.

But his back remained as straight as a pine tree.

He is very humble.

He described himself as merely a qualified official who had a clear conscience.

However, the "qualified" that Hai Rui spoke of is something that some officials find difficult to achieve even after a lifetime of hard work.

The courtyard in front of the Imperial College was very quiet, and only Hai Rui's voice could be heard.

Even the four Grand Secretaries listened attentively to Hai Rui's speech, and his words would influence their future methods of assisting in governance.

About half an hour later.

Hai Rui looked around and said with a smile, "Finally, let me offer you all a few words!"

"In my opinion, an official should pass on his integrity to his family, uphold righteousness in court, care for the common people, and prioritize the nation."

"Do not covet wealth, do not flatter superiors and bully inferiors, do not engage in speculation and rashness, do not write pedantic and frivolous articles, do not join the party of petty people, and do not make enemies of the common people."

"These six prohibitions are the guiding principles for me as an official, especially the last one, which I would like to share with you all."

After Hai Rui finished speaking, he bowed deeply downwards.

The scholars and students below all stood up straight, straightened their clothes and looked solemn, and then bowed to Hai Rui in unison, saying, "Thank you for your teachings, Lord Hai!"

And this moment.

At the outermost perimeter of the Imperial College's front hall, a clerk quickly recorded Hai Rui's words and relayed them outside the door.

The people outside the gate were also eager to know what Hai Rui would say.

Hai Rui's six prohibitions will surely serve as a wake-up call for every official and will spread throughout the Ming Dynasty.

Just as everyone was pondering Hai Rui's last words.

Zhang Jing, the imperial eunuch who had been waiting outside, came in with the imperial edict from the young Wanli Emperor.

"Report His Majesty's decree!" Zhang Jing announced loudly.

Suddenly.

Everyone inside the Imperial College knelt down to listen to the imperial edict.

Zhang Jing looked at Hai Rui and said loudly, "Hai Qing is upright and honest, and his conduct is spotless. He has now tested the powerful and influential in Shanxi and made meritorious contributions to the inspection. He is truly the sword of heaven for the Ming Dynasty. I hereby bestow upon him a piece of calligraphy so that the whole world may know and all officials may emulate his actions in protecting the country and its people!"

"Wow!"

Two eunuchs unfurled the scroll, revealing the four characters "Great Ming Divine Sword" to everyone.

These four words carry more weight than "pillar of the nation".

"Your subject Hai Rui thanks Your Majesty for bestowing this calligraphy!" Hai Rui knelt on the ground and kowtowed in gratitude.

At this time.

Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard slowly and said, "The Great Ming Divine Sword, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Maritime Affairs Bureau, truly deserves the title!"

Lü Diaoyang, Yin Zhengmao, and Ma Ziqiang all nodded.

The statements of these three individuals are enough to show that the atmosphere in the imperial court has changed.

In the past, the imperial court had never recommended Hai Rui, nor had any official felt that they should learn from him.

But the imperial court is now making it clear to everyone: if you want to be a good official, you must learn from Hai Rui.

this moment.

Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue exchanged a glance, and then looked at Shen Nian almost simultaneously.

Both of them knew it.

It was Shen Nian who earnestly requested the young Wanli Emperor to bestow a name upon Hai Rui, it was Shen Nian who requested Hai Rui to lecture at the Imperial Academy, and it was Shen Nian who invited the four Grand Secretaries to sit in on the lectures.

Now, the young Wanli Emperor bestowed the title, and the timing was just right.

It was clearly Shen Nian's deliberate arrangement.

In the past, Hai Rui was an outlier in the imperial court, and even a monster in the eyes of some officials.

Now, thanks to Shen Nian's series of actions, Hai Rui has become a role model for all officials to learn from.

This, in turn, changed the atmosphere in officialdom.

The two felt that Shen Nian was far too clever.

Shen Nian's intelligence and uprightness were all for the sake of the Ming Dynasty.

This earned their deep respect.

At this moment, the two of them no longer regarded Shen Nian as a junior.

The two even felt that perhaps one day, Shen Nian would become their superior.

After bestowing the name upon him, Hai Rui's lectures came to an end.

The four Grand Secretaries and Hai Rui went to the back hall to talk, and the scholars and students also dispersed.

soon.

Hai Rui's "Six Don'ts of Hai Gong" and the four characters "Great Ming Divine Sword" bestowed by the young Wanli Emperor were then spread.

The "Six Don'ts of Hai Gong" can serve as a motto for all officials in the world.

The four words "Great Ming Divine Sword" were enough to keep countless corrupt officials who had wronged the court and the people awake at night for a long time to come.

Once the censors have been trained by Hai Rui, countless corrupt officials will be exposed.

Their good days are over.

……

June 17th, early morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

In front of the Censorate's official residence, a row of carriages were neatly parked.

Hai Rui is preparing to leave Beijing.

He disliked troubling others and always preferred to leave quietly, but after reporting to the court, he still informed Shen Nian and Yao Bin.

This time, the imperial court arranged a team of Imperial Guards, two physicians, and two servants for Hai Rui to ensure his safety and well-being.

Shen Nian and Yao Bin arrived at the official residence early to see Hai Rui off.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the three of them...

Shen Nian said, "Elder Hai, His Majesty specifically ordered me to convey a message: as long as you are on your inspection tour, you will be able to make all the censors in the country wary. You don't need to exert yourself as much as you did when you were inspecting Shanxi. If you ruin your health, it will be a loss for the entire Ming Dynasty!"

In fact, Hai Rui understood.

This assignment has no location or time limit; in reality, it's a semi-retirement assignment.

What the imperial court needed from him was to keep inspecting the roads.

Even if he enjoys the scenery and food along the way, no one will impeach him, which will motivate the censors throughout the land to work harder in inspecting the local areas.

But given Hai Rui's personality, it was impossible for him to be idle.

"I understand!" Hai Rui patted Shen Nian on the shoulder, then punched Yao Bin in the chest before getting into the carriage.

Shen Nian and Yao Bin watched the carriage disappear into the distance before heading towards the government office.

I don't know when I'll see Hai Rui again.

When the officials in the capital learned that Hai Rui had left the city, they almost all breathed a sigh of relief.

Because Hai Rui was in Beijing, some officials did not dare to hold private banquets for several days, and some officials had already chosen an auspicious day to marry concubines, but chose to postpone it because Hai Rui returned to Beijing.

This is the destructive power of Hai Rui; the Great Sword of the Ming Dynasty truly lives up to its name.

Next, some censors who abused their power, extorted money and bribes in local areas, and outwardly complied but inwardly defied orders are likely to be in trouble!
(End of this chapter)