I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 223 Relocation! Relocation! Relocation! Listening to the will of the Emperor is worse than listening to the will of Heaven.
In the afternoon, the Cabinet was on duty.

Zhang Juzheng, Yin Zhengmao, Shen Shixing, Li Youzi, and Shen Nian sat together, discussing the recent controversy surrounding river management in the imperial court.

Li Youzi spoke first: "I think Governor Pan's explanation is correct. Natural disasters are beyond human control. The ancestral mausoleum is located in the lower reaches of the Huai River. No one can guarantee that the ancestral mausoleum will not be flooded. As no accidents have occurred so far, how can we throw the baby out with the bathwater and change the river management policy!"

“But if it floods, it will be a huge problem. The ancestral tombs represent the fate of the nation. Who can bear this responsibility?” Shen Shixing said.

Yin Zhengmao frowned slightly and gently stroked his gray beard.

"The joint memorial submitted by the prefect of Sizhou and the local gentry and worthies, seemingly for the ancestral mausoleum, is actually for Sizhou. The construction of the Gaojia Weir has raised the water level of Hongze Lake, which has indeed increased the risk of flooding in Sizhou City. However, for the ancestral mausoleum, we can build high walls and drainage channels next to it, as well as plant reeds to prevent flooding. Unless there is a major flood, the ancestral mausoleum will be safe, but Sizhou City will suffer."

"In order to ensure smooth water transport and to protect the people in other areas along the three rivers from floods, we have no choice but to sacrifice Sizhou. If there are floods in the future, we will allocate disaster relief funds in a more timely manner!"

Yin Zhengmao's words made Zhang Juzheng, Shen Shixing, and Li Youzi all nod in agreement.

This is the feasible approach at present.

Zhang Juzheng noticed that Shen Nian shook his head slightly after listening, and couldn't help but ask, "Ziheng, what do you think?"

The three Grand Secretaries summoned Shen Nian to discuss this matter because the Anlan Conference was actually Shen Nian's idea, and Pan Jixun's election as Governor-General of the River Transport was almost entirely due to Shen Nian.

Shen Nian paused for a moment, then sighed softly.

If he hadn't known the magnitude of the future floods and the fate of the Ming Ancestral Mausoleum, he would have agreed with Yin Zhengmao's idea.

However, knowing that the Ming ancestral tombs would be submerged in water for three hundred years, and knowing that tens of thousands of people in Sizhou had been displaced by floods, he had no choice but to reveal his true thoughts.

“I think that what Grand Secretary Yin said is not a long-term solution. Since there is a risk of flooding in Sizhou, we should address the risk in advance. I suggest that we relocate the ancestral tombs, relocate the people of Sizhou, and leave the old site of Sizhou as a flood storage area.”

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng and the other three were quite surprised.

They considered the worst-case scenario as adjusting the river management policy or even replacing the river transport governor, but they never thought of moving the ancestral tombs or the people of Sizhou.

Both of these are extremely troublesome matters.

First, the people of Sizhou were relocated.

Sizhou has two subordinate counties, Xuyi and Tianchang. If all the people were to be relocated, it would be an undertaking that would involve moving nearly 100,000 people.

In the early Ming Dynasty, the imperial court also implemented immigration policies to ensure a balance between farmland and population.

For example, people without land in Luzhou and Zezhou in Shanxi Province migrated to various prefectures in Hebei, Shandong and Henan provinces.

At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang offered various generous conditions, such as not paying grain tax for three years and not paying taxes for doing business. However, the people were "attached to their homeland" and unwilling to leave. In the end, Zhu Yuanzhang directly mobilized 100,000 soldiers to forcibly relocate the people.

The rule at the time was that one person could stay in a family of four, two people in a family of six, three people in a family of eight, and so on.

They even tied the people up with ropes and managed them like exiles before sending them to their new homes.

The number of people relocated today may not be as large as in the early Ming Dynasty, but moving every single household would inevitably be met with strong resistance from the people.

As for relocating the Ming ancestral tombs, that would be even more difficult.

There is a saying: A dragon's lair should not be disturbed lightly.

Throughout history, few emperors have moved their mausoleums to a new location.

The imperial tomb of Emperor Taizu of Jin, Wanyan Aguda, was moved three times. Ultimately, the Jin Dynasty perished, and many people believed that the relocation of the tomb destroyed the dragon vein, thus affecting the fate of the nation.

Moving the Ming ancestral tombs would be taboo and against ancestral rules, and it would be impossible for the young Wanli Emperor and the court officials to agree to it.

Shen Nian continued, "I advocate relocating the ancestral tombs and the people of Sizhou for three reasons."

"Firstly, this is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the issues of river management, protecting the people, and safeguarding our ancestors."

“If we want the Yellow River to be calm, we must repair the Gaojia Weir. If this leads to flooding of the ancestral tombs, it will be as if the royal ancestors are trapped. Your Majesty and all the civil and military officials will be guilty. Furthermore, it is not benevolent to sacrifice the safety of the people of Sizhou for the sake of smooth water transport. Therefore, we must move it!”

Secondly, it saves money, effort, and trouble.

“Every year, the maintenance of the ancestral mausoleum and the distribution of food relief to disaster-stricken people in the lower reaches of the Huai River involve huge sums of money, which strain the finances and consume a lot of manpower, leaving local officials with no time to do other things. This move can solve the problem once and for all. It may cost a lot of money to relocate the mausoleum and the people of Sizhou now, but overall, it is definitely worthwhile.”

"Thirdly, for the sake of the new policies, and for the smooth implementation of the new policies in the future."

Upon hearing the third point, Zhang Juzheng, Yin Zhengmao, and the other two all looked puzzled, wondering how this matter was related to the new policies.

Shen Nian said earnestly, "If the ancestral mausoleum is flooded, it will inevitably cause discussion in the court and among the people. Some people like to talk about the interaction between heaven and man, or accuse His Majesty of being unfilial, or criticize the court for being too powerful and the emperor too weak. They will make a big fuss about this. If we move the mausoleum directly, such things will not happen, and the new policies will be much smoother."

Shen Nian gave these three reasons after careful consideration, specifically to the three cabinet ministers.

The third point, in particular, would definitely shake Zhang Juzheng's resolve.

After listening, Zhang Juzheng slowly stroked his long beard, which reached his abdomen, and began to think seriously.

After a moment, he shook his head at Shen Nian.

“Ziheng, this method may have a thousand good points, but moving the ancestral tombs is a major taboo. His Majesty will not agree, the Empress Dowager will not agree, and the civil and military officials will certainly not agree.”

"Three Grand Secretaries, do not consider whether others agree, nor how difficult it is. Just judge from your own hearts whether relocating the people of Qianling and Sizhou is worthwhile and whether it is a move that benefits the country and its people."

When Shen Nian asked this question, Zhang Juzheng and the other two fell silent.

As Shen Nian said, if there were no Ming Ancestral Mausoleum in the lower reaches of the Huai River, they would most likely agree.

After all, hundreds of thousands of taels of silver have already been spent on river management, and the current river management strategy is considered by everyone to be the most correct.

To manage the river, the people of Sizhou can be relocated.

But when it comes to the Ming Ancestral Mausoleum, things change.

Zhang Juzheng thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Ziheng, it still won't work. We can't do something so taboo, something that would bring divine retribution!"

"Your Excellency, if the ancestral mausoleum had remained intact, it would be a sin for us to move it, and we might offend the will of Heaven. However, the ancestral mausoleum is currently at risk of sinking into the water and becoming part of Hongze Lake, so we have no choice but to move it!"

Shen Nian stood up and suddenly bowed to the four people with a serious expression.

"Gentlemen, I have never believed in destiny, but only in human will to overcome fate. Since ancient times, many people have talked about the interaction between heaven and man, but most of them are just excuses. Almost all those who spread this are doing it for their own benefit. As long as we are willing to do it, we can succeed. It's just a matter of finding a sacred divine will as an excuse!"

Shen Nian almost blurted out that she didn't believe in the "divine right of kings".

If these words were spoken in court, even if the young Wanli Emperor favored Shen Nian, he would at least demote him by three ranks.

If Lü Diaoyang and Ma Ziqiang were still here, Shen Nian wouldn't dare to speak, but facing these three elders now, Shen Nian dares to speak.

Zhang Juzheng once used celestial calamities such as solar eclipses and droughts to admonish the young Wanli Emperor, and used ancestral systems to suppress him.

For emperors, the divine right of kings was merely a way to prove their legitimacy; for ministers, it was also a way to restrain the emperor's power.

Whether something is real or illusory, true or false, it all depends on how it is used.

Upon hearing this, Shen Shixing looked at Shen Nian in disbelief and said, "Ziheng, be careful with your words. Don't follow Wang Anshi's 'three fearless' approach!"

Wang Anshi's three fears were: ancestral laws were not to be followed blindly, changes in the heavens were not to be feared, and public opinion was not to be feared.

Such proposals would be intolerable to scholar-officials even today. Shen Nian continued, "Relocating the ancestral tombs and the people of Sizhou would be a permanent solution, eliminating such worries in the future; if we don't relocate, obstacles to river management will remain, and Sizhou may suffer from floods every year. I have always believed that human will can overcome nature. If we do this for the sake of the people and for the safety of the Yellow River, how could Heaven punish us? Isn't the new policy about doing what was impossible in the past? I think we should be bolder!"

At this time.

Yin Zhengmao suddenly spoke up: "I think what Ziheng said is very correct. The flood is real, but the taboo is unfounded. Moving the ancestral tombs to a better auspicious place will surely bless the Ming Dynasty to be even more prosperous!"

Zhang Juzheng hesitated for a moment, then looked at Shen Nian: "I'd like to hear the specifics of how to do it."

Since Shen Nian can say this, he must have already thought about how to carry it out.

"Next, Grand Secretary Zhang and I will persuade His Majesty, while Grand Secretary Yin, Grand Secretary Lü, and Minister Li will go to find Yang Hongliang, the Director of the Imperial Observatory, and ask him to prepare a justification for moving the mausoleum. Then, we will find another auspicious site for His Majesty's ancestors. Once we persuade His Majesty, he will be able to persuade the two Empress Dowagers. With His Majesty's agreement, the two Empress Dowagers' agreement, and the Imperial Observatory's suggestion to move the mausoleum, who would dare to object?" Shen Nian said confidently.

"Of course, the key to this matter lies in whether the Imperial Observatory can fabricate an irrefutable divine will," Shen Nian added.

Shen Shixing slightly pursed his lips.

“Ziheng, the current Director of the Imperial Observatory, Yang Hongliang, is not competent. Last time, his prediction of the solar eclipse was off by half a day (more than a quarter of an hour is considered a mistake). He is truly mediocre. However, this kind of official position is hereditary, and no one else can do it. We cannot entrust such an important matter to him!”

Yin Zhengmao grinned.

"Ru Mo, are you confused! Zi Heng asked us to find him, not to hear his opinion on whether the mausoleum can be moved, but to make him find a reason for moving the mausoleum without affecting the imperial dragon aura. If he really can't find one, we'll make one up!"

"Huh? This works too?" Shen Shixing looked surprised, and Li Youzi, who was standing next to him, also didn't expect it to be possible to do this.

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard and smiled slightly.

This is not the first time the cabinet has done something like this. As Shen Nian said, some divine will is actually human words, and some warnings from heaven are all fabricated by people.

This world is just a giant makeshift operation; many things that seem real are actually fake.

……

Half an hour later.

The five men split into two groups, heading to the Wenhua Hall and the Imperial Observatory respectively.

When Zhang Juzheng and Shen Nian reported to the young Wanli Emperor, there was not a single falsehood in their statement.

The young Wanli Emperor disliked being deceived and preferred the feeling that his ministers treated him like one of their own.

Not long after.

Zhang Juzheng and Shen Nian then reported all the details of the discussions that afternoon to the young Wanli Emperor in front of him and Feng Bao.

The two suggested that Emperor Wanli first send the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to inspect the ancestral tombs, and then, based on the local conditions and celestial phenomena, report whether or not to move the ancestral tombs. Only after receiving a positive reply should they look for a place to relocate the tombs.

After hearing this, the young Wanli Emperor looked troubled, biting his lip with his upper teeth.

After pondering for a moment, he said, "I have never considered moving the ancestral tombs. Is it possible to move only the people of Sizhou without moving the ancestral tombs?"

After speaking, the young Wanli Emperor shook his head to himself.

If the people of Sizhou were moved but the ancestral tombs were not, and the tombs were flooded, it would make Emperor Wanli appear even more unfilial, knowing to save the people but letting his own ancestors soak in the water.

Seeing that the young Wanli Emperor was hesitant, Shen Nian said, "Your Majesty, if this matter succeeds, there will be no more obstacles to river management, and it will also let the people of the world see the court's determination to manage the river. In the future, the Yellow River will be peaceful and the canal transport will be smooth. Our ancestors in heaven will surely bless Your Majesty. The dragon energy leakage mentioned by some sorcerers is just an excuse for the losers. Wise rulers throughout history have never been afraid of such things!"

Shen Nian's words struck a chord with young Wanli.

The young Wanli Emperor looked up at Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng straightened his chest and said, "Moving the mausoleum is to avoid floods, to ensure smooth river transport, and to bring peace and prosperity to the country. If our ancestors are watching from heaven, they will not only not blame Your Majesty, but will surely bless you!"

These words undoubtedly reassured the young Wanli Emperor.

“Very well, then we shall do as the Grand Secretary and Minister Shen have said. After the Imperial Observatory issues its decree, I will persuade the two Empress Dowagers!” the young Wanli Emperor said very seriously.

The two empress dowagers believed in cause and effect.

They might not believe Zhang Juzheng and Shen Nian's reasons for moving the mausoleum, but if the Imperial Astronomical Bureau concluded that moving the mausoleum was a blessing, they would not object.

Shen Nian left the Wenhua Hall, feeling very happy.

The matter went much more smoothly than he had imagined.

Zhang Juzheng was not a person who rigidly adhered to the old ways and believed in destiny. Although he seemed to advocate following ancestral rules, his true beliefs were not much different from those of Wang Anshi. He was just good at pretending.

……

Meanwhile, inside the Imperial Observatory.

Yin Zhengmao, Shen Shixing, and Li Youzi sat silently in a tea room, their faces grim.

Yang Hongliang, the Director of the Imperial Observatory, smiled broadly, unsure how to entertain the three.

The Imperial Observatory was a quiet government office with little interaction with other government offices.

Officials rarely come here.

Now, with two cabinet ministers and a Minister of Works sitting here with dark faces, Yang Hongliang felt a little intimidated.

The three seemed to be there to cause trouble.

After taking a couple of sips of tea, Yin Zhengmao said, "Yang Jianzheng, summon the Imperial Astronomical Bureau official in charge of surveying the feng shui of the imperial mausoleum and who can determine auspicious burial sites."

"This humble official is most skilled in selecting sites for imperial tombs!" Yang Hongliang said, cupping his hands in greeting.

In the past, because the Imperial Observatory was the protector of the deification of imperial power, the officials inside were very arrogant.

However, because they miscalculated the solar and lunar eclipses twice in the past two years, many officials were dissatisfied with them, and they became more polite in their dealings with others.

Yin Zhengmao glanced at Yang Hongliang and continued, "Recently, there has been much discussion in the court and among the public about the possibility that the ancestral mausoleum may be submerged due to flood control measures. The cabinet intends to report to His Majesty and order the Imperial Observatory to investigate whether the ancestral mausoleum is at risk of being submerged, whether relocating the mausoleum is feasible, and whether a more suitable auspicious site for the ancestral mausoleum can be found."

"Qianling?"

Yang Hongliang was greatly surprised, as according to his knowledge, any relocation of a mausoleum should not be encouraged.

Shen Shixing spoke up: "Yang Jianzheng, think this through carefully. If you continue to explain that the will of Heaven is wrong, then the court may have no choice but to replace your entire Yang family. Right now, the Emperor's will is very important!"

Shen Shixing deliberately emphasized the last few words, and the meaning was very clear: it is better to listen to the will of the emperor than to listen to the will of heaven.

"I understand, I understand! Once His Majesty's decree is issued, I will do my utmost to fulfill this task and ensure His Majesty's satisfaction!" Yang Hongliang said.

He emphasized the word "satisfied" very much to show that he would follow the will of the gods and interpret divine will.

His next challenge lies in how to cite classical texts and make his point coherent.

Yin Zhengmao, Shen Shixing, and Li Youzi couldn't help but smile at each other; the success of the event had exceeded their expectations.

Some things may seem difficult, but they are actually not complicated.

(End of this chapter)