My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 173 Did Wang Shizhen also write banned books?
Su Ze said, "The third realm is, 'I searched for him a thousand times in the crowd, but suddenly when I turned around, I found him where the lights were dim.'"

Upon hearing this, Wang Shizhen slammed his fist on the table and exclaimed in admiration.

Actually, Su Ze didn't intend to copy this, but he couldn't resist the fact that Wang Guowei's literary ideas and Wang Shizhen's theory of true feelings were so similar that Su Ze had no choice but to copy it.

It can only be said that sincerity is indeed the only way to create literature.

A pretentious article can never compare to a genuine expression of feelings.

When applied to the realm of literature, Xin Qiji's poem perfectly captures the profound mystery of literature returning to its true essence after stripping away all artifice.

Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue, who were present, thought about it carefully and also felt that Su Ze's three words were used very cleverly. Wang Xijue's gaze towards Su Ze also changed.

Of the three attributes of a scholar, literary fame is the one that relies most heavily on talent.

This can be seen from Zhao Ge Lao. Zhao Zhenji wrote a lot of poems and even published a collection of poems at his own expense, but no one cared about them and they couldn't be sold at all.

Wang Shizhen held a low-ranking official position, but his writing was exceptional.

Legend has it that someone memorized his collected works, disassembled and recombined them at banquets, and thus gained the title of a literary giant.

Of course, Su Ze wasn't really going to plagiarize. He used these three realms to get closer to Wang Shizhen before saying:
“Mr. Yanzhou, recently Altan Khan raised an army. I have submitted a memorial to His Majesty, requesting the court to send envoys to the grasslands to end the war. I wonder what you think?”

Wang Shizhen looked at Su Ze with suspicion. They were supposed to be discussing literature, so how did they end up talking about border affairs?
However, Wang Shizhen did not reject this topic. He had followed his father to various posts since childhood and was very knowledgeable about military affairs.

He was also a good friend of Qi Jiguang and often wrote letters to Qi Jiguang to discuss military matters.

Wang Shizhen said, "Although I have never been to Datong, the problems of the Nine Borders are actually only two: 'not daring to fight, and not being able to fight.'"

Shen Shixing and Wang Xijue exchanged a glance. Wasn't this obvious?
However, Wang Shizhen's next words made Su Ze realize that he had indeed investigated the situation in the Nine Border Regions.

Wang Shizhen said:
"We dare not fight. The imperial court dares not fight, and the border soldiers dare not fight either."

"The imperial court dares not fight, and the reason is simple: since the reign of Emperor Chengzu, the court has suffered more defeats than victories in its wars against the nine border regions, so the court naturally dares not mobilize its troops."

"But the border soldiers dare not fight because there is no merit in winning, but they will be punished in losing. This is the drawback of the garrison system."

Su Ze nodded in agreement. This was the problem with the garrison system: the positions in a garrison were hereditary, and very few people could break through the glass ceiling of this system.

Lacking opportunities for promotion, the Ming army gradually became an army that only performed tasks for money.

By the Wanli era, soldiers demanded rewards after every battle, refusing to fight if they weren't given money. They also demanded rewards after each battle, transforming them into the elite soldiers of the late Tang, Five Dynasties, and Ten Kingdoms period.

Wang Shizhen then said:

"But being unable to win is another major drawback of our dynasty. When faced with a difficult battle, they often plan for defeat before even setting out. The military commanders of the garrisons treat their troops as private property. When they go into battle, they want to protect their own troops. When the battle is going well, they swarm in, but when the battle becomes intense, they collapse at the first touch."

Su Ze nodded. Wang Shizhen had indeed seen him on the front lines, and what he said was an important reason for the collapse of the Ming army at the end of the Ming Dynasty.

The garrison commanders treated their troops as private property and were unwilling to fight bravely in battle.

These armies are experts at internal strife but inept at external warfare. They fight for easy battles and then think about looting afterward. When it comes to difficult battles, they run away faster than anyone else. If one of their armies collapses, the entire army collapses.

Su Ze asked:

"In your opinion, Mr. Yanzhou, what should be done?"

Wang Shizhen said, "In my opinion, promoting military examinations is a good idea. Of course, the best way is to reform the corrupt military system, but that's too difficult!"

The military examination was a system for selecting military officers outside of the garrison system.

In the early years of the dynasty, the examinations were held irregularly, but during the Jingtai era, they became a regular event, held every three years, and were divided into two levels: the provincial examination and the metropolitan examination.

For example, Yu Dayou was a military officer by profession. His family had only ever held the hereditary title of centurion, but after passing the military examination, he was granted the title of chiliarch, breaking through the limitations imposed by his family.

Su Ze secretly noted that he also wanted to reform the military system, but lacked an effective starting point.

The military reforms in Datong have yielded good results, but Datong's situation is unique; not every place has a vassal king to fight.

Wang Shizhen's idea is feasible; it starts with selecting talented individuals and choosing qualified military generals.

"Does Mr. Yanzhou also believe that war should not begin now?"

Wang Shizhen nodded and said:
“North of Datong lies Hengdai, a place that has been suitable for cavalry warfare since ancient times.”

"The Anda cavalry are familiar with the terrain and come and go in a flash, but our army is burdened by supplies and cannot penetrate deep into the territory."

Shen Shixing asked:
"What if we attack Bansheng directly?"

Wang Shizhen shook his head and said:
“Altan built a city, but it is different from our cities in the Central Plains. The people who farm in Bansheng are all Han Chinese who fled north. If a large army really comes, Altan will not hesitate to abandon the city.”

"Moreover, during this season, Anda can escape to the north of Yinshan, making it even more impossible to fight him."

Seeing that Wang Shizhen was so knowledgeable about military affairs, Su Ze felt even more at ease.

Diplomacy is a continuation of politics and military affairs. Diplomats who do not understand military matters will be intimidated by the military threats of their adversaries.

Only diplomats with a full understanding of military affairs can distinguish between a real military threat and mere bluster or military blackmail.

Of course, the official imperial edict had not yet been issued, and Su Ze could not tell Wang Shizhen at this time that he had recommended him to be an envoy to the grasslands. He couldn't very well say that the system had already approved it, could he?

The meal was enjoyed by both host and guests. As the wine flowed freely, Su Ze asked:
"I've heard that Mr. Yanzhou was acquainted with the legendary physician Li Shizhen. I wonder where Dr. Li is now?"

Li Shizhen and Wang Shizhen had a close relationship. Before the Compendium of Materia Medica was completed, it was kept in Wang Shizhen's library.

Wang Shizhen assumed that someone in Su Ze's family was ill, so he said:
“Mr. Dongbi must have gone somewhere to search for herbs again. If Mr. Su has any urgent needs, I can write a letter to invite Physician Li to the capital.”

As expected, Wang Shizhen and Li Shizhen had a very good relationship, Su Ze quickly said:
"Mr. Yanzhou, you misunderstand. I wanted to commission a manuscript from Dr. Li."

"Commissioned work?"

Su Ze said:

"Mr. Su's parents died early, and he has witnessed many tragedies of people dying due to lack of medicine."

“There are few renowned doctors in this world, so we would like to ask Doctor Li to write down some prescriptions for common diseases and publish them in the Yuefu Xinbao so that ordinary people can also use some medicine when they are sick.”

Wang Shizhen said approvingly:

“Mr. Dongbi will certainly not refuse Mr. Su’s kindness. I will write a letter and ask Mr. Dongbi to write some prescriptions for common diseases. Please also choose some herbs that the common people can afford. If it can really save people, it will be a meritorious deed for Mr. Su.”

Su Ze quickly expressed his gratitude, and then said to Wang Shizhen, "Could Mr. Yanzhou also help write a few articles for the Yuefu Xinbao?"

Wang Shizhen readily agreed, and the four of them drank all the wine they had bought before Su Ze returned home.

However, the question that Su Ze was most curious about today still remained unanswered: was Jin Ping Mei actually written by Wang Shizhen?
However, since a banned book like "Jin Ping Mei" couldn't be commissioned directly from Wang Shizhen like "Journey to the West," it was impossible to publish it in "Yuefu Xinbao"!
It seems I can only inquire after I've become more familiar with Wang Shizhen.
-
On May 22, the emperor suddenly issued an edict approving Su Ze's memorial requesting that an envoy be sent to Altan Khan.

The cabinet acted swiftly, appointing Wang Shizhen as the chief envoy to the steppes to negotiate peace.

This series of actions caught the outer court completely off guard. Even when Wang Shizhen received the appointment, he could only smile bitterly. It turned out that Su Ze had such intentions when he inquired about the grassland military affairs that day.

Of course, Wang Shizhen was not opposed to this new job.

Wang Shizhen had originally guessed that his reinstated position would be that of a provincial inspector or councilor. Unfortunately, Wang Shizhen was not a probationary official; his career ceiling was obvious, and becoming a provincial governor was the pinnacle of his career.

However, this time the court appointed him as the Director of the Bureau of Receptions. Although this position was only a fifth-rank official, it was still a position in the capital.

Moreover, if one were to undertake such an important mission and return successfully, they would certainly be promoted.

That would make it possible to break through the glass ceiling in one's career and be promoted to Vice Minister of Rites.

No official could resist such a temptation, especially Wang Shizhen, who had once assisted his father in handling military affairs and himself harbored ambitions of becoming a high-ranking official.

Shen Yiguan was also included in the delegation's list and was exceptionally appointed as the delegation's deputy envoy.

This time, Anda came with great force, so the mission set off from the capital two days after the imperial decree was issued.

Su Ze and his friends saw Shen Yiguan off in the suburbs of Beijing. When they met Wang Shizhen, the chief envoy of the mission, Su Ze felt a little awkward.

After all, it was he who orchestrated the scheme to send Wang Shizhen to the grasslands.

However, Wang Shizhen did not seem angry. After Su Ze and Shen Yiguan said goodbye, he invited him to his carriage.

"So, Su Lang was testing me that day."

Su Ze quickly said he wouldn't dare, but Wang Shizhen said:

"I only accepted this task because of Su Lang. In that case, is there anything you have to teach me?"

Su Ze said he dared not again, and this time Wang Shizhen pretended to be a little angry and said:
"Don't you even have this much camaraderie as fellow townsmen?"

Having said that, Su Ze could only say:

“Mr. Yanzhou, things can change in an instant, there’s no fixed plan.”

"but."

"But what?"

Su Ze said in a low voice:

“When Mr. Yanzhou arrives at Bansheng, you should pay attention to one person.”

"one person?"

"Third Sister".

"She's just a woman, why does Su Zilin value her so much?"

Su Ze said:

“Mr. Yanzhou, this Third Lady is no ordinary woman. She is the ‘Zhongjin Khatun’ of Anda Khan, that is, the Khan’s concubine, and is deeply loved by Anda Khan.”

"Moreover, this Third Lady is intelligent and skilled in calligraphy, and her riding and archery skills are no less than those of men. She also cares about the Han people who fled north. It was thanks to this Third Lady that Anda Khan was able to win the hearts of the Han people in Bansheng City. And the title of Third Lady was also given by the Han people of the grasslands."

Wang Shizhen stroked his beard and said, "Can this Third Sister influence Anda Khan?"

Su Ze nodded and said:

"Of course, the women of the grasslands are different from those of the Central Plains. They have the duty to assist the Khan. Moreover, Third Sister is young, and she may become the Khan's concubine after Anda Khan dies."

Now Wang Shizhen understood.

There is a tradition of levirate marriage on the grasslands. Given San Niangzi's age and beauty, even after Anda Khan's death, she could be "inherited" by the new Anda Khan and continue to be his Zhongjin Hatun.

Moreover, the Mongols have a tradition of empress dowagers ruling as regents, so this Third Lady might really have a strong influence over the Anda tribe, just as Suze said.

Wang Shizhen remembered this, and that's why he let Su Ze go.

Just as Su Ze was about to leave, Wang Shizhen pulled a book out of the car and said:

"Everything at home has been arranged for this trip to the grasslands, but the only thing I'm worried about is this book."

"This is a rare book that I have in my collection. It is harmful to ordinary people to read, but it contains profound meaning. I am entrusting this book to you."

Upon seeing the book title, Su Ze exclaimed, "It really is you!"

Wang Shizhen forced Su Ze off the carriage and led the delegation northward.

Su Ze returned home with the book, but Zhao Lingxian noticed her husband's suspicious behavior and asked curiously, "Didn't you go to see a friend off? Why did you come back home?"

Holding the pornographic book in his hand, Su Ze avoided his wife's gaze and said:
“Mr. Yanzhou gave me a book, and I was afraid of losing it, so I took it home first.”

After saying this, Su Ze immediately realized he had misspoke.

Zhao Lingxian was also a fan of Wang Shizhen. When she heard that the book was a gift from Wang Shizhen, Zhao Lingxian's eyes lit up immediately.

"My lord, may I take a look at this book?"

Seeing his wife's expectant eyes, Su Ze could only put down the book and hurriedly leave home.

Zhao Lingxian opened the book and found the writing vivid and interesting from the beginning. Moreover, unlike the supernatural and fantastical novels on the market, this book was about everyday family matters, which made Zhao Lingxian like it even more.

But as she read, Zhao Lingxian's face turned completely red, and she quickly closed the book. What was written in this book?!

But the book was exceptionally well-written. Zhao Lingxian blushed and picked up the book again. After carefully reading a chapter, she covered her face in embarrassment.

My husband brought this book back. Does he want it with me?
-
Su Ze, who was in the history museum, was equally embarrassed. He knew what his wife would think after reading the book, so he dawdled until noon. Then Zhang Hong, the eunuch from the Eastern Palace, came to the history museum again.

Needless to say, it must be related to the Hundred Entertainments Festival.

The news that the Crown Prince was going to organize a grand performance to show his filial piety to the Emperor had already spread throughout the capital.

The Crown Prince's Palace did indeed send people to search for opera troupes skilled in performing arts to perform in the capital.

And the funds for Xiao Pangjun's Hundred Plays Festival were also raised through Li Wenquan's efforts.

In the history before Su Ze's time travel, insurance first appeared in the shipping industry, which can be said to be one of the essential needs of maritime trade.

The earliest insurance in history was actually a mutual aid-based fundraising insurance, and the premium calculation was not that complicated.

Li Wenquan was highly respected in Laizhou Port, and everyone knew of his status as the emperor's brother-in-law, so ship owners took out insurance in droves.

After raising enough money, Li Wenquan personally escorted the silver dollars back to the capital before the Hundred Plays Festival.

Today, Su Ze arrived at the Minglun Hall of the East Palace and saw Li Wenquan standing next to Xiao Pangjun, as well as a middle-aged man with a noble air.

Upon seeing Su Ze, Little Fatty Jun opened his mouth and said:

"Master Su, please help me!"

(End of this chapter)