My Portable Ming Dynasty

Chapter 316 The Science and Technology Storm Caused by the Report

Luo Wanhua sighed and said, "Brother Zilin, I'm afraid that article won't be published."

Seeing the haggard-looking Luo Wanhua, Shen Yiguan asked in confusion:

"Brother Yifu, haven't you already written your report?"

Luo Wanhua sighed and said:
"The report has been written, but in the past few days, colleagues from the editorial department have been coming to me one after another, asking me not to publish the article for the time being."

Shen Yiguan asked in confusion:

"Why did they suddenly stop issuing them? Were those classmates obstructed by their superiors? How could a mere magistrate of Fangshan County have such power?"

It's worth noting that Luo Wanhua's editorial team boasted an impressive lineup, with three members being Hanlin scholars and the rest being Jinshi graduates who remained in the capital.

This lineup is enough to form a cabinet. Let alone a mere magistrate of Fangshan County, even a high-ranking official of the court would have to think twice before running into them.

Logically speaking, the magistrate of Fangshan County should not have had the power to prevent the Yuefu Xinbao from publishing articles.

Su Ze had already guessed the reason, and he sneered:

“A mere magistrate of Fangshan County would not have that kind of power, but it’s a different story when you add the Six Ministries and the Censorate.”

"The Six Ministries and the Censorate?"

Shen Yiguan realized what was happening and quickly asked:

"Did the Six Ministries and the Censorate believe that the Yuefu Xinbao had infringed upon their power of impeachment?"

Su Ze and Luo Wanhua nodded.

Luo Wanhua said helplessly:

"Several of my fellow students were summoned by their superiors and reminded not to publish articles indiscriminately. Apart from Brother Zhao and Brother Yu from the Hanlin Academy, who remained unmoved and insisted on publishing under their names, the other fellow students all considered resigning."

Luo Wanhua said:
"Actually, I'm not afraid, but if I delay the future of my classmates because of this, how can I be at ease?"

Shen Yiguan also showed a regretful expression and said:
“Brother Yifu is right. The power to impeach officials has always been the power of the censors and officials in charge of public opinion, and they naturally do not want it to be taken away by the newspapers.”

"It's a pity about your article."

Shen Yiguan had read Luo Wanhua's manuscript. The manuscript not only recorded in detail the many problems of the Fangshan Coal Mine, but also recorded the process of how everyone investigated.

In the same year, Yu Shenxing even disguised himself as a businessman buying mines and personally visited these mines, recording firsthand information.

But being stopped at the last minute is truly frustrating.

Su Ze looked at Luo Wanhua and asked:
"What are your thoughts, Brother Yifu?"

Luo Wanhua clenched his fist and said:

“Brother Zilin, if this report were written by me, I would publish it even at the cost of my life. But since it involves my fellow students, let’s forget about it. If it doesn’t work out, let’s find another topic.”

Su Ze shook his head and said, "Brother Yifu, if we can't publish this finished manuscript, can we just find another topic and publish it?"

Luo Wanhua remained silent, and Su Ze continued:
"There are so many injustices in this world, shouldn't we expose them one by one as we encounter them? Do we have to pick on the weak to uphold justice?"

Seeing Luo Wanhua blush, Shen Yiguan quickly tried to smooth things over, saying:

"Zilin, please stop talking. Brother Yifu is also concerned about the future of his fellow students."

Su Ze said:

"I just want to know what Brother Yifu is thinking."

Luo Wanhua thought for a moment and said:

"Send it! We still have to send it."

"I'll discuss it with a few of my classmates, delete their parts, rewrite the report, and in the end, it will only have my name on it!"

Su Ze shook his head and said:
"Brother Yifu, I think this is inappropriate."

"Since these superiors of the same age have all received the news and spoken with them privately, how could the people who exerted pressure not know what they were doing?"

"Do you think that by deleting their articles and leaving only your signature, these classmates won't be resented?"

"If they want revenge, do they expect the government to conduct a trial? Do they want to see evidence? It's just a pretext."

Luo Wanhua lowered his head in silence.

Seeing the atmosphere in the newspaper office turn cold, Shen Yiguan said:
"Brother Zilin, what's your opinion?"

Su Ze said decisively:
“Send it! I will write a letter if anything happens after Brother Yifu sends out his article.”

For some reason, upon hearing that Su Ze would submit a memorial, Luo Wanhua gained courage and said:

"Then I will consult a few of my classmates. If they are willing to sign their names, I will ask them to do so; if they are not, I will hide their names."
-
February 15th, the capital city, on the street.

"Breaking News! Breaking News! The Fangshan mine disaster has been covered up by the county government. The illegal mines have enslaved their workers, and their souls have been buried in these black mines!"

A group of newsboys were selling newspapers along the street when they were stopped by an official in a blue robe.

"stop!"

The newsboy stopped in his tracks as soon as he saw the man's official robes.

How many newspapers do you have?

"Reporting to you, sir, I still have more than ten reports in my report basket."

"I'll buy them all!"

When a big customer arrived, the newsboy quickly handed him the newspapers from the newspaper basket. The official threw down his money bag, grabbed the newspapers, and left.

But the newsboy soon regretted it.

He sold all the newspapers ahead of time and returned to the almshouse early. Soon after, his companions returned and said that this issue of "Yuefu Xinbao" sold very well, and many people were willing to pay twice the price to buy it.

The newsboys who sold the last newspapers made twice as much money as before!
Just as the newsboy was filled with regret, the official in green robes returned to the Censorate with the newspaper.

Back in his official residence, Ma Ji, the Fujian Censor, held up a newspaper and shouted:

"Gentlemen! The Yuefu Xinbao still published that article!"

The censors present rushed forward and snatched the newspaper from Ma Ji's hands. After everyone had finished reading, Ma Ji said indignantly:

"Impeachment is the duty of us censors and officials. The Yuefu Xinbao published an article that falsely accused an official of the court. If we do not stand up, won't the newspaper replace the Censorate in the future?"

After Ma Ji finished speaking, the entire government office erupted in excitement.

"Submit a petition!"

"Impose Luo Wanhua in a memorial!"

"Everyone who signs this article should be impeached!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting lively, Ma Ji, carrying a newspaper, went to the adjacent detached public housing.

This is the official residence of Shao Xueyi, a senior censor of Fujian Province.

The Censors of the Censorate did not have many ranks; the most senior censor was the official in charge of the seal. In other words, Shao Xueyi was the leader of all the censors in Fujian Province.

"Lord Shao, my colleagues are all in high spirits; the people's hearts are with us!" Shao Xueyi said, putting down his newspaper as Ma Ji entered.

“Well done! Gentlemen, please write your memorials first. We will go to see the Grand Censor. This time, the thirteen censors jointly submitted a memorial. Let’s see how his newspapers respond!”

Upon hearing the joint petition from the thirteen supervising censors, Ma Ji was filled with excitement.

The last time thirteen censors from different circuits were dispatched together was during the Great Rites Controversy in the Jiajing reign.

Ma Ji felt as if he were witnessing history. This memorial from the Censorate would surely be recorded in history, and he himself was the driving force of history!
This feeling almost made Ma Ji float away.

However, Shao Xueyi was not as optimistic as Ma Ji. He said:
“Luo Wanhua is nothing special, but Su Ze works at the newspaper office and spends all his time with Luo Wanhua.”

Ma Ji trembled slightly upon hearing Su Ze's name.

In the Censorate, who hadn't heard of Su Ze's formidable reputation?
If Ma Ji were to face Su Ze alone, he naturally wouldn't dare, but this time it was a joint effort of thirteen factions, so he naturally had the confidence.

Surely we can't all be less capable than Su Ze, can we?

Even the Grand Secretaries of the current dynasty, faced with such a fierce offensive, had to remain behind closed doors and await further instructions.

Shao Xueyi still said:

"Pay close attention to the movements of the Yuefu Xinbao these days, and have someone keep an eye on things at the newspaper office as well."

"Let the officials listed in the newspapers keep an eye on things, and then submit separate impeachment reports!"

Ma Ji immediately replied, "Understood!"

After giving his instructions, Shao Xueyi, carrying the newspaper, went to the offices of senior censors in other circuits. Then, the representatives of the thirteen circuits of the Censorate arrived in a grand procession in front of the office of Wang Ting, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.
-
"Grand Censor, they're coming in!"

Faced with the reminder from his advisors, Wang Ting covered his head in fear.

Wang Ting's advisor also had the surname Wang and was named Wang Engui. He was a relative of Wang Ting and had been serving as his advisor since Wang Ting entered officialdom.

Seeing his master's useless appearance, Wang Engui could only sigh inwardly.

The Left Censor-in-Chief is such a prestigious position; everyone in the capital addresses him as Grand Censor.

During the Han Dynasty, the Grand Censor was the Imperial Censor, who was the third most powerful person in the court, second only to the Chancellor.

The title of Grand Censor in the Ming Dynasty was just a compliment; anyone who actually sat in it would know the chair was uncomfortable.

Although the censors of the Censorate were of low rank, they had independent powers to handle cases. Even the Grand Censor could not interfere with their memorials. Otherwise, if they were accused of "blocking the channels of communication," even the Left Censor-in-Chief would not be able to withstand it.

In terms of influence over ordinary censors, the Left Censor-in-Chief was even less influential than the senior censors of various circuits.

It should be noted that senior censors have served in the Censorate for many years and have been able to remain in power through numerous political upheavals. They all possess an exceptional sense of the political situation.

As for the Left Censor-in-Chief, no one knows when he left.

In addition, because the work of the Censorate is very important, its daily assessments are subject to higher-level management.

After Su Ze's reform of the assessment system, the daily assessment of the Censorate was transferred to the Six Ministries, and the appointment of censors required the emperor's personal approval, with the power of recommendation also resting with the Grand Secretariat and the Ministry of Personnel.

Therefore, Wang Ting, as the Left Censor-in-Chief, had neither the power to conduct assessments nor the power to appoint personnel. Even the funds for supervising censors to handle cases were managed by senior censors from various circuits.

The Ming Dynasty probably designed it this way because the Grand Censor of the previous dynasty was too powerful, and it was to prevent the emergence of a powerful minister who could control the entire Censorate.

“Cizhi (Wang Engui’s courtesy name), I told you I wanted to resign as soon as possible, and now trouble has arisen again!”

Looking at his master's useless appearance, Wang Engui couldn't help but complain inwardly.

Since Wang Ting took office, I have drafted dozens of resignation letters for him.

Whenever something happens, Wang Ting is ready to resign, but once the storm has passed, he can't bear to resign.

You yourself were reluctant to resign, but now that you've encountered problems, you're blaming others.

However, Wang Engui had served Wang Ting for half his life and had his own way of getting along with him, so he quickly said:
“Master, I was wrong, but it is not right for you to be hiding in the government office and refusing to meet with the thirteen censors.”

But Wang Ting said with a mournful face:

"They want to impeach the newspaper 'Yuefu Xinbao,' how dare I get involved in this matter?"

"The newspaper was founded by Su Zilin, and the chief editor was Li Gekui. Although the current chief editor is Luo Wanhua, Su Ze is still spending a lot of time at the newspaper!"

"The Censorate's impeachment of the *Yuefu Xinbao* is practically an attempt to slap Su Zilin in the face."

"Throughout this court, who has ever gotten away with offending Su Zilin?"

"Within our Censorate alone, more than a dozen officials have been demoted as a result!"

"Now they want to drag this old man into writing a petition, aren't they trying to ruin my reputation in my later years?"

Wang Engui sighed; he understood this principle as well.

Actually, there had been rumors for some time, and Wang Engui even advised Wang Ting to follow the example of Chief Minister Li and take sick leave at home to avoid this storm.

However, Wang Ting was attached to his official position and refused to feign illness and stay at home, always hoping that the matter could be left unresolved.

The retirement benefits of officials in the Ming Dynasty were related to the length of time they served as senior officials.

Wang Ting has only served as a Grand Minister for less than two years. If he were to resign and return to his hometown now, the court would at most issue a conferment of an imperial edict as a token of respect and provide him with travel expenses for his return home, which would be considered a great favor.

If one can stay in office for a few more years before retiring, one can receive an official title, be granted a posthumous name, and have an extra son to benefit from the family fortune.

Therefore, when the king was in office, he did not seek merit, but only to avoid mistakes.

Wang Ting originally thought that as long as the Yuefu Xinbao did not publish the article, the Censorate would not take action.

But Wang Ting never expected that the editorial department of the Yuefu Xinbao would be so tough!

Not only was the article published in full, but the list of all those who participated in the investigation was also included.

This is tantamount to declaring war on the Six Ministries and the Censorate.

Things have come to this point, and it's no longer within Wang Ting's control.

As expected, the soldiers outside the gate were no match for the thirteen senior imperial censors, and the gate to the royal court's residence was breached.

Wang Ting was like a frightened bird, showing absolutely no authority as the Grand Censor when facing the thirteen senior censors who were full of menacing presence.

He had no choice but to obediently take out the official seal of the Censorate and stamp it on the memorial submitted to the newspaper office.

Even the thirteen senior censors looked down on this Grand Censorate. After obtaining the seal of the Censorate, they went to the Office of Transmission again.

"It's all over! I have no choice but to resign this time!"

Wang Ting shouted, but this time Wang Engui was prepared and directly pulled out a pre-written resignation letter.

Wang Ting took the resignation letter, looked at it for a while, and then said:
"Should we wait until we submit the memorial and see the court's reaction before making a decision?"

Wang Enci knew his master so well that he immediately said:
"What the Master said is absolutely right. We should wait and see how the court moves before making any further decisions."
-
On February 17th, the Six Ministries and the Censorate were still submitting petitions, while the newspapers were clearly struggling to keep up.

Even Zhao Zhigao and Yu Shenxing, who were both serving in the Hanlin Academy that year, encountered tremendous pressure.

The Six Ministries and the Censorate launched an impeachment against Luo Wanhua, accusing him of usurping the power of the censors to impeach officials and openly violating the laws of the ancestors.

Of course, this time Ke Dao remained restrained; all the memorials he submitted attacked the newspaper and did not involve Su Ze.

But at this very moment, Su Ze submitted a memorial!
(End of this chapter)