I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 277 The Three Major Mistakes of the Young Wanli Emperor! Officials of the Ministry of Revenue Will Be Sleepless Tonight

About fifteen minutes after the morning court session ended.

Zhang Juzheng and Shen Nian received an imperial edict from the young Wanli Emperor and went to the Wenhua Hall.

Currently, in the eyes of the young Wanli Emperor, he can seek comfort from Feng Bao, but to solve his problems, he must seek help from Zhang Juzheng and Shen Nian.

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

Emperor Wanli only kept the eunuch Fang Ping to serve him, and sent all the other eunuchs away.

On the throne.

The young Wanli Emperor's eyes were red-rimmed, and he looked aggrieved.

"Grand Secretary, Minister Shen, those censors and officials have gone too far in bullying me. The inner court and the outer court have always kept to themselves. Chen Ti's plan is clearly taking advantage of my youth and trying to control me. Today, these officials dare to talk about supervising the dispatched eunuchs; tomorrow they will dare to supervise the entire inner court and monitor my every move. They don't want me to rule personally at all; they want me to always be a docile sheep, at their mercy!"

"I know that the Grand Secretary and Minister Shen are encouraging me to move towards ruling in my own right. I hope that you two can think of my feelings, refute them, and vent my anger!"

The young Wanli Emperor still spoke with a youthful spirit and was highly emotional.

Zhang Juzheng looked at the young Wanli Emperor and asked in return, "Since Your Majesty feels that the actions of the censors are deceiving the emperor and have the suspicion of monitoring and controlling Your Majesty, why did you not refute them during the regular court sessions?"

Zhang Juzheng's question startled the young Wanli Emperor. After thinking for a moment, he explained, "Because...because...they outnumber us and have the upper hand!"

"With so many people and so much power? The Embroidered Uniform Guard stands behind all the officials. With just a wave of his hand, His Majesty can punish those officials who disobey His Majesty with court beatings. In that case, who can bully His Majesty? Who will dare to oppose His Majesty?" Zhang Juzheng said solemnly, his voice high.

Only then did the young Wanli realize that Zhang Juzheng was not on his side at all.

"Prime Minister, is it...is it...that I did something wrong?" The young Wanli Emperor looked puzzled, and tears were about to well up in his eyes again.

Zhang Juzheng bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty made three mistakes during today's court session."

"Firstly, his demeanor was lacking."

"A ruler should remain calm and composed in the court and before his officials, no matter the circumstances. Today, Your Majesty has already shed tears and nearly lost control of your emotions at the mere remonstrance of the officials. If our dynasty were to face a major crisis, and the entire court were still in disarray while Your Majesty had already lost your composure, who would issue orders, who would stabilize the court, and who would resolve the crisis?"

Secondly, the response was flawed.

"If Your Majesty has any objections to the remonstrances of the officials, you should state your reasons and communicate with them. Only through communication can right and wrong be determined, rather than privately accusing the officials of their faults to us. In the future, when Your Majesty assumes personal rule, there will be many similar situations. Only by communicating openly and frankly can Your Majesty avoid misunderstandings between the ruler and his ministers."

Thirdly, there are flaws in thinking.

"A ruler must prioritize public affairs over private ones. Your Majesty's claim that the censors are unwilling to allow Your Majesty to rule personally and instead want to control Your Majesty is nothing but wishful thinking. The censors' remonstrances are their duty. The reason why Chief Censor Chen submitted the 'Policy on Evaluating and Supervising the Eunuchs in the Regions' is because, in recent years, these eunuchs, relying on Your Majesty's power, have committed too many acts that have disgusted local officials and the people. If the eunuchs in the regions have not violated any laws, Your Majesty can decisively reject the 'Policy on Evaluating and Supervising the Eunuchs in the Regions.' But at present, can Your Majesty come up with a suitable reason to refuse the Censorate's supervision of the eunuchs in the regions, or can you think of other strategies to quickly put the eunuchs in the regions back on track? If not, I believe Your Majesty should agree to this policy."

"The core of this strategy is to safeguard Your Majesty's reputation and ensure the stability of local affairs and public sentiment. It is a practical and effective strategy. I truly do not understand why Your Majesty would have the idea that the censors want to control you!"

……

"Your Majesty, the officials' opposition to you this time is not to obstruct your personal rule, but because your thinking is flawed and needs correction. This is a necessary stage for Your Majesty to go through on the path to personal rule. If all the officials in the court are like the eunuchs in the inner palace, only serving as Your Majesty's hands and eyes without using their brains, then the Ming Dynasty may be heading towards its end!"

“If Emperor Shizong had encountered this matter and disagreed with the officials, he would have debated it, and then, prioritizing the stability of the country, he would have agreed to their suggestions. Such an approach would not have diminished the emperor's authority; on the contrary, it would have been the act of a wise ruler.”

……

The young Wanli Emperor's face turned red and hot; he could not refute any of the "three mistakes" pointed out by Zhang Juzheng.

In conclusion: it's all because he, as emperor, was utterly incompetent at handling affairs!
He had thought that his tearful eyes would deter the officials from acting recklessly, but after hearing Zhang Juzheng's words, he realized that if an emperor shed tears in court, it would only make the officials think that the emperor was immature.

Only then did he realize that he was still far from being in power!
At this time, Shen Nian stood up.

"Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Zhang's words are pearls of wisdom, truly the art of rulership."

Shen Nian's words were meant to tell the young Wanli that the so-called "imperial arts" the latter had used over the past two years were nothing but petty tricks.

"Over the years, the official who has been attacked the most by censors is Grand Secretary Zhang. I have also been impeached frequently. But this is the duty of censors. When they offer advice, we should put aside our personal emotions and focus on whether it is reasonable. Humbly accepting advice is an essential virtue for a wise ruler."

"Just now, Your Majesty mentioned that the censors might one day oversee the Twenty-Four Offices of the Inner Court, and consequently, Your Majesty and the Imperial Treasury. I believe this is not impossible, but only if the expenditures of the Twenty-Four Offices of the Inner Court and the Imperial Treasury affect the administration of the court and the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty. If Your Majesty does not want to be found fault, you must nip any errors in the bud. When the discipline of the Inner Court surpasses that of the Outer Court, that is when the Inner Court will supervise the Outer Court. Your Majesty, imagine if the Inner Court is disciplined and without fault, recognized by all officials, and loved by the people. Then, if Your Majesty orders them to supervise the Outer Court, who would dare to raise any objections?"

……

In short, Shen Nian's words can be summarized as follows: Only when virtuous and wise people who win the hearts of the people uphold justice can the wronged be brought to justice, so that the superiors and inferiors can maintain harmony and the world can be well-governed.

……

The young Wanli Emperor thought for a moment and then stood up from his throne.

"Minister Shen, I have learned my lesson. I was too hasty and my thinking was too narrow. I still have a long way to go before I can rule in my own right!" the young Wanli said very seriously.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Juzheng was deeply moved.

"Your Majesty is still young. Some obstacles can only be overcome to help you grow. I believe that Your Majesty will be able to rule in your own right within three years!"

"Your Majesty's realization is a blessing for the country and the nation. This setback is a blessing, not a curse..." Shen Nian also spoke up.

For a time, the three of them, the emperor and his ministers, chatted happily and entered into a harmonious atmosphere of "a wise emperor and virtuous ministers".

……

That afternoon.

Chen Kai, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, was summoned to the Wenhua Hall. After a full hour of conversation with him, the young Wanli Emperor agreed to implement the "Policy on the Evaluation and Supervision of Eunuchs Sent to the Outside World".

After Chen Kai walked out of the Wenhua Hall, he moved with the speed of the wind, shouting as he went: "Your Majesty is divine!"

After this news spread, all the censors and officials knew how to take advantage of the situation and submitted memorials praising the young Wanli Emperor's wisdom and intelligence.

The only ones who probably felt uncomfortable were the eunuchs in the inner court.

In the past, being sent to a post outside the capital was a coveted and lucrative position for eunuchs. Some eunuchs would even spend all their family wealth to compete for a single posting.

The reason they acted so recklessly was because they wielded great power and were lucrative.

Now that this policy has been introduced, sending eunuchs to other posts has become a high-risk job; whoever tries to take it will be in trouble.

……

The rear hall of the Directorate of Ceremonial.

After reading the "Evaluation and Supervision Policy for Eunuchs Sent Out to Foreign Regions," Feng Bao felt no anger, only helplessness.

Since he became the regent eunuch, the power of the eunuchs in the inner court has grown, and they have become increasingly audacious. Some have even openly solicited bribes and bullied local officials.

He suppressed many scandals.

The fact that the court had now placed a shackle on the eunuchs sent to the capital was something he had expected. Feng Bao knew that all the power in the inner court came from the emperor.

Now, the young Wanli Emperor has conceived the idea of ​​reforming the eunuchs in the inner court, and all he has to do is cooperate.

Feng Bao turned to the two eunuchs serving nearby and said, "Pass down the word: from now on, whether you are an inner court eunuch or an outlying eunuch, you must learn to be humble and obedient. You must complete His Majesty's duties, but you must not offend officials or commoners of the outer court. You must not ask for money indiscriminately, or rely on imperial power to show off your power. Anyone who disobeys, even if His Majesty spares his life, I will kill him!"

Since eunuchs are only half men, they have only two great interests: power and money. Therefore, Feng Bao emphasized these two points.

"Yes, Godfather!" the two young eunuchs said in unison, bowing their hands.

For a long time to come, the eunuchs had to work with their backs bent and heads bowed.

……

at the same time.

Emperor Wanli officially announced that the instructors and students of Jingwu Academy would only wear the same winter clothes as the soldiers of the Beijing Garrison this year, and that he would no longer inspect the students of Jingwu Academy at the end of the year.

He did not conduct the inspection because, in such a short time, the students of the Jingwu Academy were not yet capable of bringing enough surprises to the military officers and generals of the world.

Emperor Wanli was no longer willing to engage in such self-serving pursuits.

……

The next few days.

Whether in daily discussions or in handling draft proposals, the young Wanli Emperor was extremely serious.

He understands.

If he wants to rule personally and ensure that his officials do not oppose him, the best way is for him to have the ability to govern the country.

……

On October 23rd, near midnight, the Ministry of Revenue was brightly lit.

Tonight, all the officials and clerks in the Ministry of Revenue are busy.

Minister of Revenue Yin Zhengmao, Vice Minister of the Left Liu Sijie, and Vice Minister of the Right Shen Nian were all seated in the front hall.

Now, with only two months and a few days left until the deadline of "completing the national land survey within two years," the Ministry of Revenue will tonight calculate whether the task can be completed on schedule based on the land survey progress reports from local areas.

The task of completing the nationwide land survey within two years was a pledge made by Zhang Juzheng, and also by the Ministry of Revenue, which was in charge of the nationwide land survey.

If completed on schedule, countless people will be rewarded, and the atmosphere of new policy reforms will be greatly encouraged, setting the stage for the upcoming Single Whip Law.

And the next day, countless people will be punished.

In Zhang Juzheng's eyes, this was a task that had to be completed on schedule.

Before long, it was midnight (0:00).

Yin Zhengmao, Liu Sijie, and Shen Nian had already drunk three pots of tea and gone to the toilet several times, but they still hadn't received the calculation results.

The impatient Yin Zhengmao went to the physician's office and the chief clerk's office twice, but none of the physicians and clerks could give him a definite time for the results.

Just then, Yin Zhengmao couldn't sit still any longer.

Seeing him stand up, Liu Sijie quickly said, "Grand Secretary Yin, don't rush. Your appearance in front of them will only make them nervous and affect their efficiency. Once the results are out, they will report immediately."

"Understood, understood, I won't leave the hall, I'll just walk around inside!" Yin Zhengmao said.

……

In the blink of an eye, it was the beginning of the 11th hour (01:00).

Just as Shen Nian got up and paced back and forth anxiously, Sun Kun, a senior official in the Ministry of Revenue, walked over quickly with a document in his hand.

Seeing his serious expression, Shen Nian felt a sudden sense of unease.

Yin Zhengmao strode forward, took the document, and began to read it carefully. Liu Sijie and Shen Nian also quickly joined him.

Not long after.

Yin Zhengmao, Liu Sijie, and Shen Nian all frowned, their faces turning gloomy.

According to estimates, by January 1st of next year, 56 out of 42 prefectures (counties) in the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty will be unable to complete the land survey task. Among these 56 counties, 20 are likely to be unable to complete the task, while the remaining 36 counties, even at the current pace or even if the pace is accelerated, will still be unable to complete the task.

This calculation also takes into account the assistance provided by prefectural and county officials to county and township officials, as well as the assistance provided by completed counties to counties that have not yet completed their tasks.

Each prefecture, county, and township has its own tasks, and their capacity to provide assistance is very limited.

The present Ming Dynasty has a total of 200 prefectures (including directly governed prefectures and subordinate prefectures) and 1158 counties (subordinate to prefectures, directly governed prefectures, or subordinate prefectures).

The main reasons why these counties failed to complete the land survey task were, on the one hand, natural disasters caused land boundaries to become blurred and data to change; on the other hand, some farmers fled due to unequal taxation, resulting in land abandonment and requiring continuous modification and adjustment of the survey data.

Of course, there were also reasons such as "obstruction by landlords and gentry, concealment of land properties, and inefficiency of officials".

Yin Zhengmao said helplessly, "These counties that failed to complete the land survey task are scattered across various prefectures and counties, making it difficult for the Ministry of Revenue to handle them all at once. It seems that this task cannot be completed!"

“Even if the local prefectures and counties complete the land survey in the last few days of the twelfth lunar month and then report to the Ministry of Revenue, it will probably be after the New Year. How wonderful it would be if we could announce the number of land surveyed to the world before the New Year! During the New Year, we can call ourselves the number one government agency among the six ministries in front of the officials of the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Personnel, and they would definitely not dare to refute us!” Liu Sijie said with a regretful expression.

"Sigh! There's nothing we can do, the Ministry of Revenue has already done its best!" Yin Zhengmao comforted him.

In the past two years, the hardest working person has been Liu Sijie, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. In order to complete the land survey within two years, he has practically lived and worked at the Ministry of Revenue.

After he finishes this task, he will most likely retire.

Seeing that Yin Zhengmao and Liu Sijie had suddenly lost their passion, Shen Nian straightened her chest and said, "Gentlemen, there are still more than two months left. Anything is possible. It may not be possible to proceed under normal circumstances, but that doesn't mean there aren't other ways. Let's think about it some more."

“Yes, let’s think of other ways!” Liu Sijie raised her head.

Yin Zhengmao paused for a moment, then looked at Sun Kun, a senior official in the Ministry of Revenue, and said, "Senior Sun, immediately summon all the senior officials, assistant senior officials, and principal officials of the various departments of the government, as well as the supervisors, ambassadors, clerks, clerks, and inspectors of the various treasuries, to the council hall for a meeting!"

"Yes!"

Once it is deduced that the nationwide land survey task cannot be completed on schedule, all officials and clerks in the Ministry of Revenue will lose their sleepiness.

Since no one was sleepy, they gathered together to discuss how to complete the field surveying task in a different way.

(End of this chapter)