I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 204 Either die from military service or from poverty! The Wrath of the Young Wanli Emperor

afternoon.

Shen Nian, dressed in a moon-white long robe, arrived at the Imperial College in Chongjiaofang by carriage.

He didn't go through the main gate, but went straight to the north side gate.

Because all the students' dormitories at the Imperial College were located in this position.

As she stepped off the carriage, about ten steps from the door, a middle-aged gatekeeper jogged over to greet her. From his excited yet slightly panicked expression, it was clear that he recognized Shen Nian.

"Shen...Shen...Scholar, why are you coming through this door?" the doorman said, bowing respectfully.

Normally.

Shen Nian always entered the Imperial Academy through the main gate. After being informed, he was led inside by a supervisor of at least the eighth rank.

Ever since he made his "useless" statement at the Imperial College, he has held a unique position there. Students who are not good at their studies would hang their heads or even avoid him.

Shen Nian remained expressionless and got straight to the point.

"Have the artisans who have recently come to the capital been assigned to the cells at the Imperial College? Let me take a look."

The doorman was taken aback at first, then he remembered.

"Yes...yes...there are about a hundred people, and they've all been assigned to the servants' quarters!"

Upon hearing the words "the servants' courtyard," Shen Nian frowned and said in a deep voice, "Lead the way!"

The dormitories of the Imperial College were all named after the "Zhai" (斋).

For example, Zhengyizhai, Chongzhizhai, Guangyezhai, etc., had more than a thousand examination rooms, each of which could accommodate four people.

At present, the examination cells are definitely not full.

The servants' courtyard was where the gatekeepers, cooks, cleaners, and other servants lived.

If the craftsmen lived in the servants' quarters, Shen Nian could tolerate it and not say anything.

After all, the low social status of artisans was a reality.

However, Shen Nian found it difficult to accept living in a small, unassuming courtyard.

These artisans are guests invited by the Anlan Conference. Their travel arrangements, from local areas to the capital, are fully covered, demonstrating the importance the court attaches to their work.

Such hospitality is truly bullying.

……

After a while.

Led by the doorman, Shen Nian arrived at the servants' courtyard.

The servants' courtyard had about ten rooms, and the front yard was piled with cleaning tools, kitchen clutter, and a flatbed cart frame, among other miscellaneous items.

The backyard is larger than the front yard.

In the middle was a patch of hard ground, and behind it were a wooden shed piled with hay and two outhouses.

now.

More than a hundred craftsmen gathered in front of the wooden shed, each with a straw mat, sitting or standing, chatting and laughing.

Even the residents in front of the outhouse had smiles on their faces.

Behind the wooden shed were various tools they had invented.

Shen Nian looked around.

The craftsmen were mostly over fifty years old, wearing simple cloth shirts that had faded from washing, with dark and yellowish complexions, and large, calloused hands.

He looks like someone who does manual labor all year round, and is one of the poorest and most miserable people at the bottom of society.

Thanks to the court's emphasis on this matter and its repeated prohibitions against anyone impersonating a craftsman to gain recognition, there were almost no imposters among the craftsmen who came to the capital.

now.

These artisans did not feel wronged or bullied because of their accommodations; on the contrary, they were excited to have come to the capital without spending any money.

Without the Anlan Conference

Many people never have the opportunity to go to Beijing in their lifetime, and many even live their entire lives within a radius of fifty miles, centered around their homes.

These people are poor.

It wasn't that they didn't work hard, but because they were registered as artisans and belonged to the government, they couldn't freely leave their registration and move around.

An official once said—

"The laborers who worked on the river transport were called 'official laborers,' but in reality they were 'official slaves.' They toiled all year round but never got a full meal. They either died from the labor or from poverty."

River workers and canal workers are typical representatives of heavy manual laborers among artisans.

Their only income came from wages and food allowances, but most of it was embezzled by officials.

When problems arise in river transport, they are often the first to be held accountable. Some river transport workers have sold their children, demolished their houses to pay government compensation, or even been driven to the point of jumping into the river with their entire families.

They are a typical microcosm of the lowest-level people in the Ming Dynasty.

soon.

The craftsmen noticed Shen Nian, who was dressed in a clean long robe and had an extraordinary demeanor, and then they all stood up.

They know.

It must be an official who is much higher in rank than their county magistrate or assistant magistrate.

this moment.

Shen Nian's disciples puffed out their chests and shouted, "Scholar Shen, a lecturer in the Hanlin Academy, has come to visit you! Why don't you kneel down and pay your respects!"

Upon hearing this, the craftsmen all knelt down.

They had no idea that the position of Attendant Scholar was a common official post, but before leaving home, they were instructed by local officials to kowtow to any officials they encountered in the capital.

"No need...no need...kneel...everyone...everyone...get up quickly!" Shen Nian said as she helped the craftsman closest to her.

Seeing that the craftsmen in front of her were all wearing straw sandals, Shen Nian couldn't help but ask, "Didn't the Ministry of Works issue shoes to you? Why aren't you wearing them?"

"Your Excellency, we...we plan to wear it on a formal occasion, otherwise...otherwise it will get dirty!" A middle-aged man said to Shen Nian, his voice trembling slightly.

He is probably the most articulate among these craftsmen.

The others just bowed their heads and didn't dare to look at Shen Nian at all.

immediately.

Shen Nian walked towards the greenhouse, looked at the artifacts they had invented, and stopped in front of a tool resembling an iron comb.

"What is this? What is its purpose?"

A craftsman with gray hair came out and said, "Sir, this is a rake for scraping mud from the riverbed. Tie it to the windlass of the big boat, and then... then... turn it, and the river water will wash away the mud and sand!"

The craftsman had limited communication skills, so he spoke while gesturing with his hands.

Shen Nian listened, seemingly understanding but not quite. After he finished speaking, she smiled and said, "Not bad, not bad!"

Upon hearing this praise, the craftsman couldn't help but smile, but he dared not laugh out loud in front of Shen Nian, so he shyly retreated to the back of the crowd.

At this moment, Shen Nian's mind was racing.

He originally thought that setting up an exhibition on Qipan Street would allow artisans to showcase their inventions and popularize them among the people of the capital.

Little did I know I had oversimplified things!

These artisans had very limited communication skills, making it difficult for them to explain the principles and uses of these inventions.

They need an interpreter to assist them.

A moment later, Shen Nian left the servants' courtyard with the middle-aged doorman.

After being discharged from the hospital.

Shen Nian asked, "Who arranged their accommodation?"

"It is...it is Chief Clerk Liu (rank 6) of the Water Conservancy Department of the Ministry of Works and Chef Xu (rankless) of the Imperial Academy."

Shen Nian nodded slightly.

Such a matter could not possibly be personally overseen by Wang Xijue, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and Li Youzi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.

They may only know that these artisans lived in the cells of the Imperial Academy, but they did not know that they lived in such a simple environment.

Shen Nian could not tolerate these simple yet skilled craftsmen living in such an environment.

now.

If he were to seek out Wang Xijue, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and Li Youzi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, he could easily resolve this matter.

But Shen Nian doesn't intend to solve it that way.

This solution, at most, once again demonstrated Shen Nian's idea of ​​"valuing craftsmen (people)", which earned Shen Nian a good reputation, but it could not improve the status of these craftsmen, nor could it make the officials and people of the capital pay attention to them.

He's planning to make a big fuss about this!
If only the young Wanli Emperor could come here, talk to these people, see their inventions for river management, and see the environment they live in now.

Given the current Wanli Emperor's "benevolent and kind nature, and hatred of evil," he would inevitably feel sympathy for them and improve their treatment, causing officials and common people in the capital to pay more attention to these craftsmen.

this moment.

A new idea came to Shen Nian's mind.

Currently, science and technology are declining, and artisans are working too hard and are living in a lowly position.

He's prepared to try his best.

Through river management, skilled artisans were respected by scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and their status was even incorporated into the general population.

Once they can hold their heads high and act with confidence, and participate in the imperial examinations, some talented river management workers will surely be able to create more tools for river control.

In Shen Nian's eyes.

They are far superior to the group of grassroots officials in the Ministry of Works who only know how to talk theory and follow instructions blindly, and who have no creativity whatsoever.

……

Later.

After instructing the middle-aged gatekeeper not to report his visit to the Imperial Academy to anyone, Shen Nian left in his carriage.

The middle-aged doorman didn't know why Shen Nian had such a dark expression, but he dared not disobey Shen Nian's orders in the slightest.

The middle-aged doorman found it perfectly normal for these craftsmen to live in such simple conditions.

Just as a sparrow should build its nest in a tree branch, it could never live in the royal garden of the West Garden where the peacock resides.

……

Less than half an hour later.

Shen Nian arrived at the Wenhua Hall and reported to the young Wanli Emperor about the more than one hundred craftsmen living in the open space behind the Imperial College. She also earnestly requested the young Wanli Emperor to visit the Imperial College incognito.

"Your Majesty, you have never seen these river workers or the tools they invented for river management. This is a great opportunity to observe the people's conditions and to gain a better understanding of river management. I implore you to go and listen to the stories along the Grand Canal!"

Young Wanli was very curious and especially loved listening to stories. He immediately looked at Feng Bao and said, "Master, prepare clothes and a carriage!"

Feng Bao could easily see that Shen Nian's actions were intended to get the young Wanli Emperor to support the artisans, provide them with a new place to live, and earn the respect of civil and military officials and the people of the capital.

"Your Majesty, you are of noble birth. A simple verbal order from you could order the Ministry of Works or the Imperial Academy to handle the matter of changing your residence. Isn't it a bit... a bit... "

Feng Bao hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

He felt that the young Wanli Emperor, as the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, should not condescend to visit a group of lowly artisans.

after all.

Among the civil and military officials of the court, anyone who could receive a personal visit from the young Wanli Emperor was considered to have their ancestors' graves emitting auspicious smoke—an immense honor. "I am going to inspect the people's conditions. This matter concerns the river transport and is of great importance. I must go and understand the situation!" the young Wanli Emperor declared resolutely.

Feng Bao dared not persuade him any further and immediately went to make preparations.

Before the young Wanli Emperor got married, Feng Bao could still claim that he had gone to report to Empress Dowager Li and listen to her advice.

However, since Empress Dowager Li had returned power to the emperor, which was not a matter for the inner court, the young Wanli Emperor did not need to consult Empress Dowager Li.

Feng Bao's preparations were very efficient.

Not long after.

The young Wanli Emperor, Feng Bao, and Shen Nian then boarded a carriage and left the Forbidden City.

The person driving the carriage was Shi Qing, a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who had just been promoted last month.

In addition to plainclothes Imperial Guards guarding the carriages, there were also Imperial Guards protecting the route from the Forbidden City to the Imperial College.

In addition, more than ten members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard have already gone to the Imperial College.

Several Imperial Guards will hide in the servants' courtyard, acting as craftsmen, in order to protect the young Wanli Emperor's safety.

……

Near dusk.

Xiao Wanli, Shen Nian, Feng Bao, and Shi Qing appeared at the north side gate.

now.

The middle-aged doorman stood trembling in front of the door, his face covered in beads of sweat.

Because a plainclothes Imperial Guard was standing inside the gate.

The Imperial Guard told him that there was important official business to be carried out, and that he should just stand there and cooperate. They were not to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the area, nor were they to leave.

In the eyes of the middle-aged doorman.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards are like the Black and White Impermanence, bringing death. If you encounter them, a single wrong word could cost you your life.

Therefore, he was so frightened that he trembled all over.

at this time.

The middle-aged doorman looked up and saw four people walking past in the distance.

He fixed his eyes.

He knew two of the four people.

One is Shen Nian, and the other is Feng Bao.

When he saw Feng Bao and Shen Nian standing behind the young man in brocade robes in the middle, he instantly realized who this person was.

"Pfft!"

The middle-aged doorman knelt directly on the ground, his forehead touching the ground, and covered his ears.

The emperor's incognito visit was a way to avoid being known. Kneeling on the ground, neither looking, shouting, nor listening, was the safest method.

At this time.

The Imperial Guards inside opened the gate, and the four members of the young Wanli Emperor's entourage quickly walked inside.

Just as the four of them were about to reach the backyard of the servants' quarters, they heard a scolding voice coming from inside.

"Remember this: no one is allowed to leave this courtyard before I give the order. If your superiors cannot find you, you will be executed. Don't go looking for trouble!"

"Furthermore, the two outhouses will be cleaned in turns, and you must not make noise after dark. The capital is not the small rural place where you live. If it weren't for the court's consideration, you wouldn't be qualified to live in the Imperial Academy at all, and you wouldn't even have the opportunity to live in the outhouses of the Imperial Academy. Do you all understand?"

"I understand!"

"Alright, here's the food. One bowl of rice porridge, two steamed buns, and a dish of pickled vegetables for each person. No taking more than your share, or I'll send you to the imperial prison and chop off your hands!"

……

Hear this.

The faces of Xiao Wanli, Feng Bao, Shen Nian, and Shi Qing all darkened.

That's absolutely inhuman!

The Ministry of Works has set a standard for the meals of these artisans, which is entirely based on the standard of civil officials in the capital. Although it is not a feast, it is definitely enough to fill their stomachs.

In addition, not only were these people made to sleep in the courtyard, but they were also made to clean the latrines.

How can these people be truly loyal to the court if they are treated like this!

The young Wanli Emperor was even more temperamental than Shen Nian.

He strode towards the backyard, and Shen Nian and the others quickly followed.

In the middle of the backyard.

Several cooks were serving the food, and a middle-aged man stood with his arms crossed, looking arrogant.

The young Wanli strode up to him and kicked him in the buttocks.

boom!
The middle-aged man fell to the ground, clutching his buttocks. He turned his head, ready to curse, but then he saw that the young Wanli was dressed in unusual clothes and was momentarily stunned.

Then, he suddenly saw Shen Nian.

Of the four, he only knew Shen Nian.

Just as he was guessing who the young man was, the young Wanli asked in a cold voice, "Who are you, and what position do you hold in the Imperial Academy?"

Upon seeing that the young Wanli Emperor spoke with such authority, the middle-aged man immediately got up from the ground, cupped his hands, and said, "I am... Xu An, the head chef of the Imperial Academy."

The head chef of the Imperial Academy was in charge of the Academy's logistics and had no official rank.

In the present Ming Dynasty, the lower the social class, the more important their household registration status is, and the more severe the bullying becomes.

The young Wanli Emperor paused for a moment and looked at Shi Qing.

Shi Qing immediately understood and ordered a plainclothes imperial guard behind him to carry him out like a chick.

Subsequently.

The young Wanli Emperor looked at the living conditions of the artisans, at the cracked, hard steamed buns, the thin, watery rice porridge, and the almost bluish-black pickled vegetables, and his face turned ashen.

Emperor Wanli paused for a moment, then looked at Feng Bao, who immediately leaned closer to listen.

"Bring over the food prepared by the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Doctors, and Academic Directors of the Imperial Academy, and make those people eat it. They must eat it!"

Feng Bao immediately strode outside.

Shen Nian then said loudly, "Everyone, our young master felt that the food you had tonight was not very good, so he has prepared other meals for you. From now on, we will eat something better. Those who have received their food, please put it down, and someone will clean it up!"

The artisans were overjoyed, thinking that the young Wanli Emperor was the son of a high-ranking official and that they should prepare better food for him.

Immediately.

The dozen or so craftsmen who had already received their steamed buns quickly put them into bamboo baskets.

Emperor Wanli noticed that a craftsman seemed to have soiled the skin of a steamed bun. He quickly peeled off a layer of the skin, stuffed it into his mouth, and then put the clean bun back into the basket.

Feng Bao was very efficient.

Before long, fresh food was served to these people.

There was rice and steamed buns, two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes. The meat dishes included boiled pork slices and stir-fried chicken pieces, while the vegetable dishes included stir-fried cabbage and radish stew with tofu.

There was also steamed egg custard and a platter of pickled vegetables.

Once the bowls and chopsticks are all prepared.

The young Wanli Emperor picked up his bowl and chopsticks and said to the craftsmen, "Come on, let's all eat together!"

Immediately, the artisans lined up to get their meals.

……

And this moment.

When the Imperial Academy's doctors, academic directors, academic registrars, assistant supervisors, and clerks arrived at their private kitchen, they were all dumbfounded when they saw the salted vegetables, steamed buns, and rice soup laid out on the table.

immediately.

Several Imperial Guards brandished their Imperial Guard tokens and said, "By order of His Majesty, you must finish all the food on the table, or you will be punished with sixty strokes of the cane!"

Just as the officials were stunned, Wang Xijue, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, entered, accompanied by two members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

All the officials looked at Wang Xijue.

Wang Xijue said with a dark face, "Why are you looking at me? Hurry up and eat. After you finish eating, we'll all go to the servants' courtyard and kneel down!"

Just now, Feng Bao met with Wang Xijue and told him everything that had happened.

Wang Xijue was completely bewildered. He only knew that some craftsmen had been assigned to the Imperial Academy, but he did not know that these people had been placed in the courtyard and that they had been mistreated and treated as lowly people and prisoners.

Wang Xijue was heartbroken.

Although he was unaware of it, since the incident occurred at the Imperial College, he had an inescapable responsibility.

……

Less than a quarter of an hour.

Wang Xijue and other officials then finished all the food on the table and went to the front yard of the servants' quarters, where they knelt on the ground.

After a while.

Li Youzi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, along with Liu Li, the Chief of the Water Conservancy Bureau of the Ministry of Works, and several officials responsible for arranging food and lodging for the craftsmen, also came to the front yard of the servants' quarters and knelt on the ground.

Among them, Liu Li, the chief clerk of the Water Conservancy Department of the Ministry of Works, had red and swollen cheeks.

It was Li Youzi, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, who had just slapped it.

Like Wang Xijue, Li Youzi was also unaware of the details of this matter.

He only learned the details when the Embroidered Uniform Guard came to him. Liu Li, the chief clerk of the Water Conservancy Department of the Ministry of Works, explained that this move was to save money for the Ministry of Works.

These words immediately enraged Li Youzi, who raised her hand and slapped her twice across the face.

……

At this moment, in the backyard of the servants' quarters.

Emperor Wanli, Shen Nian, and the artisans had dinner together.

First, we exchanged ideas about the artisans' new inventions, and then we chatted about everyday life, the strange and wonderful things they had seen on the Grand Canal, the Yellow River, and the Huai River.

Everyone had a great time chatting.

The artisans kept thanking the imperial court for giving them this opportunity to come to the capital, and felt that having such a place to live and white steamed buns to eat was already a great blessing.

The young Wanli Emperor wore a smile on his face, but he couldn't feel happy at all.

If the policies of the imperial court for the people were implemented without any discount, then the rebellions against the people in the Ming Dynasty could be reduced by at least 90%, and the implementation of some policies would be very smooth.

Today is a profound lesson for the young Wanli Emperor.

He will remember it for the rest of his life.

Just then, the three Grand Secretaries, including Guo Chaobin, the Minister of Works, also arrived at the Imperial Academy.

They understood the reason for the incident and instructed Wang Xijue to quickly prepare a clean cell.

At nightfall.

Emperor Wanli moved from the servants' quarters to the front hall of the Imperial College, intending to hear how the officials would explain themselves and what they would do next.

(End of this chapter)