I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 293 The Little Wanli Emperor's Imperial Examination Digs a Trap! Shen Nian, the Last Grand Secretary, Takes Office (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

A solemn silence fell over the Imperial Gate.

this moment.

Officials who supported the appointment of Pan Sheng, Yu Youding, and Liang Menglong to the cabinet remained silent.

On the one hand, they were intimidated by Zhang Juzheng's aura, and on the other hand, Wang Xijue and Shen Nian's abilities were beyond question.

Especially Shen Nian.

Although he is young and not from a first or second rank in terms of seniority, and sometimes acts rashly, in terms of his contributions to the new policies, only Zhang Juzheng can currently surpass him.

"I second that!" Yin Zhengmao strode out and said loudly.

Yin Zhengmao envisioned that after Zhang Juzheng retired, he would serve for at most another year, until the opening of the sea was stable and Shen Nian's position as Grand Secretary was secure, before retiring and returning to his hometown.

He was very self-aware and believed that his next task was to protect Shen Nian so that she could focus on the new policies and not be affected by other trivial matters.

"I second that!" Shen Shixing echoed loudly.

Shen Shixing didn't want Shen Nian to join the cabinet too early because he felt he couldn't control Shen Nian.

But after hearing Zhang Juzheng's reasons, he felt that Shen Nian had the ability to bring the Ming Dynasty into a golden age sooner, and if he could not control Shen Nian, he could simply step down.

The three cabinet ministers simultaneously supported Wang Xijue and Shen Nian's entry into the cabinet.

If other officials still stand up to oppose without sufficient reason, they will be asking for a reprimand at the Imperial Gate.

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

……

Immediately, many officials stepped forward and bowed.

After the voices of agreement below ceased, the young Wanli Emperor straightened his body and announced loudly, "Then I will grant permission for Hanlin Academy Academician Wang Xijue and Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Shen Nian to enter the Wenyuan Pavilion and participate in state affairs! As the imperial examinations are a busy matter, the formal imperial decree will be issued on the first day of the third month!"

These words were a decisive statement.

"Your Majesty is wise!" Led by Zhang Juzheng, all the officials bowed and shouted in unison.

Emperor Wanli sighed softly, looking somewhat helpless.

At this moment, it doesn't matter to him who enters the cabinet, because no one can become an obedient subject as he wishes.

Then, the morning court session ended.

After the young Wanli Emperor left, the three Grand Secretaries walked together toward the Grand Secretariat.

Many officials watched Zhang Juzheng's retreating figure until he was far away before they moved on.

They used to criticize Zhang Juzheng for being autocratic and overshadowing the emperor, but today Zhang Juzheng stands in the center of the Huangji Gate, acting with complete disregard for the rules, demonstrating the word "autocracy" to the fullest extent, yet no one dares to utter a word.

……

An hour later.

Wang Xijue and Shen Nian, who were reviewing examination papers at the Imperial Examination Hall, learned that they would be joining the cabinet to participate in state affairs on the first day of next month.

Although he was admitted to the cabinet, he was not promoted in rank.

But this means that the two have become some of the most powerful people in the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty, and that many of their ideas could potentially change the Ming Dynasty.

Similarly, all their actions will be scrutinized under a magnifying glass by the censors.

Wang Xijue and Shen Nian smiled slightly, nodded to each other, and then continued reading the papers.

Entering the cabinet may seem like soaring to the clouds, but the higher you fly, the harder you fall; being a cabinet minister is a high-risk position.

……

February 15th, near dusk.

All three sessions of the imperial examination have concluded.

Because the palace examination was scheduled for March 25th, many candidates began to relax and enjoy themselves.

The capital city was especially bustling.

Under the guidance of chief examiner Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue, Shen Nian, Yu Youding and other examiners began to work. They had to finish grading the papers before the 22nd of this month and determine the candidates who would enter the palace examination.

……

The following night, the moonlight was as bright and clear as white jade.

After inspecting the examination papers, Shen Shixing returned to the tea room in the examination hall.

"Quick! Quick! Quick! Pour me a cup of tea, but not too hot!" Shen Shixing said to the clerk at the door.

As soon as he finished speaking, a figure suddenly appeared from the dimly lit area not far away, carrying a tray with a teacup on it.

"Lord Shen, here's some freshly brewed pine needle tea, please have a taste."

Shen Shixing recognized the voice immediately. He turned around and exclaimed in surprise, "Eunuch Feng, what brings you here? You serve His Majesty, how could I trouble you to serve me tea!"

As they were talking, Shen Shixing carried the tray over.

Feng Bao looked towards the door and waved his hand.

Immediately, two young eunuchs appeared at the door and then closed the door to the tea room.

Only the two of them remained in the tea room.

Although Feng Bao did not wear official robes, when he went out of the palace to other government offices, he was basically carrying the imperial edicts or oral instructions of the young Wanli Emperor.

"Sit down!" Feng Bao said with a smile.

After the two were seated, Feng Bao said, "Grand Secretary Shen, I wonder if Grand Secretary Zhang's two sons will be able to pass the imperial examination?"

"The exam papers are still being sealed and graded. We'll know the results on the 23rd of this month." After saying this, Shen Shixing paused for a moment, then looked at Feng Bao.

"Eunuch Feng, this date is exactly when you approved it with your red ink, how could you not know it?"

Feng Bao looked at Shen Shixing and asked again.

"Grand Secretary Shen, I wonder if Grand Secretary Zhang's two sons will be able to pass the imperial examination?"

At this moment, Shen Shixing understood what Feng Bao wanted to express.

They want him to use his connections and get in through back channels!
As Zhang Juzheng was about to retire, the best way for the emperor to reward him was naturally to have his two sons pass the imperial examinations.

After passing the provincial examination, the candidates were not dismissed in the palace examination, and both of them were at least third-class Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examination).

Shen Shixing had some understanding of the abilities of Zhang Jingxiu, the eldest son of the Zhang family, and Zhang Maoxiu, the third son of the Zhang family, and felt that there was no problem with them. He immediately said, "They will definitely pass the imperial examination!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Bao smiled and then asked, "Which of the two has the talent to become the top scholar?"

"what?"

Shen Shixing frowned.

The two sons of the Zhang family have a high chance of passing the imperial examinations, but the chance of becoming the top scholar is very low. Feng Bao's words clearly indicate that he intends to promote one of them to the top scholar position.

After the palace examination, the rankings remained sealed. The top three in the first class were determined by the emperor, while the rankings of the second and third classes were entirely decided by the chief examiner, Shen Shixing.

However, when the scrolls were unpacked and copied, the emperor had the right to appoint the top three in the first class according to his own preferences.

“Eunuch Feng, to avoid suspicion, even if the Zhang family’s son comes in first place, he should be moved down one place. If he is officially appointed as the top scholar, it will likely attract criticism from the public…”

Feng Baoyang interrupted Shen Shixing's words by raising his hand in mid-air.

"Grand Secretary Shen, you only need to tell me, who has the talent to become the top scholar?"

Helpless, Shen Shixing thought for a moment and then said, "The third young master of the Zhang family is more talented than the eldest young master!"

Upon hearing this, Feng Bao stood up with satisfaction and then looked at Shen Shixing.

"Grand Secretary Shen, remember what you promised me earlier: our conversation today is between you and me, and must not be divulged! The tea is getting cold, drink it quickly!"

After saying that, Feng Bao opened the door and walked outside.

Shen Shixing clenched his fists, his face full of anger.

If the two sons of the Zhang family did not rank high enough to advance to the palace examination, he would have to resort to favoritism and bribery to ensure their advancement. Furthermore, during the palace examination, he would also have to help the young Wanli Emperor make the third son of the Zhang family the top scholar. This behavior crossed the line of his official conduct, but he had no choice but to do it.

Because this is the emperor's order.

Furthermore, when Feng Bao spoke with him, he never mentioned that it was the emperor's will, and what he said was certainly not an imperial edict.

This was done to ensure that the emperor had nothing to do with the matter.

When the third son of the Zhang family became the top scholar in the imperial examination, and scholars across the land questioned his success, they could only accuse him, the chief examiner, of deliberately doing so to curry favor with Zhang Juzheng.

To serve the emperor, one must be able to take the blame.

Shen Shixing could imagine that if Yin Zhengmao, Wang Xijue, or Shen Nian received such an arrangement, they would be so angry that they would throw their tea in Feng Bao's face, but Shen Shixing dared not.

He pursued harmony above all else: harmony in the court, harmony between the emperor and his ministers, and harmony among all people.

Shen Shixing, who had been thirsty for a long time, picked up his teacup, but when he remembered that it was Feng Bao who had brought him the tea, he angrily threw it away.

"Someone come here and pour the tea!" Shen Shixing shouted in a slightly hoarse voice.

After shouting, he added, "Also, prepare a basin of bathwater; this old man wants to take a bath!"

"I am... filthy... filthy!" Shen Shixing murmured.

……

And this moment.

The young Wanli Emperor was humming a tune in the Qianqing Palace, feeling extremely content.

It was Zhang Juzheng's idea that his two sons passed the imperial examinations and one of them became the top scholar.

He did this partly to express his gratitude to Zhang Juzheng for his contributions to the government and his dedicated assistance to him over the years.

On the other hand, the young Wanli Emperor also had his own selfish motives.

He was worried that Zhang Juzheng would return to the court after retiring, so he set a trap for Zhang Juzheng.

If in the future there are signs in the court that "Zhang Juzheng should be invited back to court to take charge of the overall situation".

The young Wanli Emperor then ordered people to spread the news that "Zhang Juzheng's three sons all passed the imperial examination, which was actually manipulated by Zhang Juzheng using his power as Grand Secretary." This incriminating evidence was enough to severely damage Zhang Juzheng's reputation and prevent him from returning to the court.

at this time.

A eunuch hurried to the young Wanli Emperor's side and whispered, "Your Majesty, it's time to rest. The Empress has been waiting for a long time!"

"understood!"

Emperor Wanli pursed his lips slightly and muttered: "The books say that sexual pleasure is the greatest joy in life, but my concubines are all like stones, without a trace of interest, and they can't learn anything!"
Because Empress Dowager Li was eager to have a grandson, she ordered Empress Wang to arrange a schedule so that the young Wanli Emperor would visit which concubine each night. He was not allowed to skip the visit, and even if he did, he was not allowed to remain silent.

This put immense pressure on the young Wanli Emperor.

Especially after discovering that the feeling was very different from what was described in the book hidden in the bedside compartment, going to bed every night felt like going to court.

……

February 18th, early morning.

The day for performing the gong (plowing ceremony).

The young Wanli Emperor led his court officials to the Temple of Agriculture, located in the southern suburbs of the capital.

Compared to the elaborate rituals of visiting the mausoleum, the ritual of plowing the fields was much simpler.

At this moment, the Temple of Agriculture has prepared a fertile field, and in front of the field, ritual objects, farming tools, seeds and other items are all ready.

The young Wanli Emperor led his civil and military officials to first offer sacrifices to the God of Agriculture at the Altar of the God of Agriculture, and then changed into ceremonial robes for farming.

Then, guided by the master of ceremonies, the young Wanli Emperor, holding a plow in one hand and a whip in the other, symbolically pushed the plow three times in the field, while musicians from the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) sang "The Thirty-Six Grain Songs" not far away.

This is the emperor's three rounds of offerings.

After the three rounds of ceremonies, the young Wanli Emperor's practical task was completed.

Next, Zhang Juzheng, Yin Zhengmao, Zhang Rong, and others performed five pushes on the side of Xiao Wanli's arable land, while the ministers of the Nine Ministers performed nine pushes.

Afterwards, the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture held the grain seeds and began sowing.

After these ceremonies were completed, the Gengji ceremony was basically over. Next, all the officials paid homage, and the young Wanli Emperor bestowed rewards upon them.

The maintenance of this land will be handled by a specialized farmer.

After harvesting the grain, they would store it in warehouses and then use it for large-scale ritual activities such as worshipping heaven and earth and ancestral temples.

……

On the morning of February 23, the list of successful candidates for the metropolitan examination was released.

Both Zhang Jingxiu and Zhang Maoxiu are on the list, with Zhang Maoxiu ranking very high.

After seeing the complete list, Shen Shixing couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

When he copied this list, he did not make any changes. The two sons of the Zhang family were indeed capable of passing the imperial examination.

Zhang Juzheng was very pleased when he learned of the list of admitted students.

All three sons were successful candidates in the imperial examinations, which pleased everyone, and he knew that his two sons were capable of doing so.

……

Early morning, the first day of the third lunar month.

Emperor Wanli issued an edict appointing Wang Xijue, a Hanlin Academician and Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, as a concurrent Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion to participate in state affairs; and appointing Shen Nian, Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue and Lecturer of the Hanlin Academy, as a concurrent Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion to participate in state affairs.

Immediately afterwards, Wang Xijue and Shen Nian produced a prepared letter of resignation, humbly declining the offer due to their "shallow qualifications and insufficient abilities".

After the two declined, the young Wanli Emperor produced an encouraging imperial edict, stating that the court relied on him and that the matter should not be delayed.

Thus, Shen Nian and Wang Xijue each declined twice, and Emperor Wanli issued two imperial edicts of encouragement. After three days, the two finally accepted the appointment.

Then, Wang Xijue and the young Wanli Emperor needed to go to the Wenhua Hall to express their gratitude and have a conversation with the young Wanli Emperor.

This audience was a private conversation, and the specific content did not even need to be recorded in the daily records.

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

After Wang Xijue left the hall, Shen Nian quickly went inside.

"Your subject Shen Nian pays respects to Your Majesty!" Shen Nian bowed deeply.

The young Wanli Emperor smiled broadly and said to the eunuch beside him, "Quickly, give Minister Shen a seat! Quickly, give Minister Shen a seat!"

Now, the young Wanli Emperor, having witnessed the performances of the court officials at court on numerous occasions, has also become adept at the art of acting.

He was so enthusiastic towards Shen Nian.

This is because Shen Nian is the one who understands him best among all the cabinet ministers. Although he may not always go along with him, Shen Nian is the one who is best at handling problems for him.

With Shen Nian around, the young Wanli Emperor felt that everything in the court could be resolved.

The only concern was preventing Shen Nian from becoming too powerful and becoming the next Zhang Juzheng.

The two then started chatting idly.

From their initial meeting in the Inner Study Hall to their leisurely stroll and chat outside the Wenhua Hall, and then to Shen Nian's repeated resolution of crises for the court, their conversations were quite pleasant.

At noon that day, the young Wanli Emperor ordered the Ministry of Rites to host a banquet, which was attended by all officials of the third rank in Beijing.

This banquet was a formality for high-ranking officials from various ministries and departments in the capital to change their address.

After they were seated, when the officials spoke again, Scholar Shen had to become Grand Secretary Shen, and Scholar Wang had to become Grand Secretary Wang.

Tomorrow, Wang Xijue and Shen Nian will move to the Cabinet Office, but their offices in the Hanlin Academy, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Revenue will remain, and they can return to handle affairs at any time.

To alleviate the burden on Wang Xijue and Shen Nian, Yu Youding will take charge of the Hanlin Academy as a Hanlin Academician Reader, while Shen Nian's workload in compiling history, supervising the daily records, and serving as a lecturer will be greatly reduced, with everything focused on handling cabinet affairs.

As for what Wang Xijue and Shen Nian will be responsible for after joining the cabinet, that will be entirely up to Zhang Juzheng's arrangements.

The Grand Secretary presides over cabinet affairs and has the power to oversee the court and draft proposals. Someone like Shen Nian, a "junior Grand Secretary," can only listen to the arrangements of the Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng, the Second Grand Secretary Yin Zhengmao, and the other Grand Secretaries Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue when he enters the cabinet.

At this moment, the thirty-one-year-old Grand Secretary Shen felt that his official career had just begun.

(End of this chapter)