Di Ming

Chapter 126 Shen Yiguan

Mo Shao and others were quite surprised to hear that Hai Rui was to be promoted to Beijing, but Zhu Yin thought it was only natural.

Zhu Yin was finally able to conclude that the secret decree Tian Yi had received earlier was for the purpose of making money!

Emperor Wanli wanted to use the Jesuit incident he had discovered to implicate the powerful gentry of Southern Zhili and make a fortune.

Therefore, he secretly ordered Tian Yi to conduct a large-scale search of Tian's home. Because such a search would be unseemly, he had to issue a secret order.

Furthermore, fearing that Hai Rui's impartial enforcement of the law would hinder Tian Yi from making money for him, they simply transferred Hai Rui away from his position as the Nanjing Censor-in-Chief, removing a major obstacle.

Of course, another purpose was to use Hai Rui as a tool to purge the court officials he disliked through the once-every-six-years capital inspection.

Third, giving Hai Rui a high position could also demonstrate his wisdom and selflessness, and salvage his image.

Kill three birds with one stone.

As an emperor, how could the Ming Dynasty possibly prosper if he was so selfish and self-serving, and his actions were driven by personal interests?
He has no talent for being an emperor.

Because the emperor is selfless. The greatest public good of the world is the greatest private good of the emperor.

Unfortunately, he never understood this principle until his death.

This man lacked the virtues of an emperor, yet he ruled the country for nearly half a century; such was the fate of the nation.

Since his guess was correct, once Hai Rui left, his uncle-in-law could start a major case and confiscate property for the emperor at will.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yin suddenly had an idea.

Could we use this opportunity to wipe out the Wang family?

Originally, Zhu Yin was already thinking about how to deal with the Wang family.

He considered using the name of "Green-Headed Monk" to turn the tables on them and have the "bandits" destroy the dynasty.

However, its feasibility is too low, making it a last resort.

The hundreds of "bandits" on Baohua Mountain had only been training for a few days and were basically new recruits with no fighting ability whatsoever.

The Wang Family Compound is located deep in the countryside. Even if bandits came down from the mountain, they would have to pass through the village and alleys, making it difficult for them to attack without anyone noticing.

The Wang Family Compound, with its high walls and deep moats, was essentially a fortified stronghold of a large landowner, heavily fortified and populated, making it very difficult to conquer.

Wang Chaoque's younger brother, Wang Zhubu, was in charge of security in the suburbs and along the river in Jiangning. He led three patrol stations by land and water, commanding over a thousand local militia. One of these patrol stations was stationed in the town, only a few miles from the Wang family's residence.

Even if Zhu Yin's men on Baohua Mountain weren't bandits, and even if they were truly fierce bandits, attacking Wangjiawu Fortress from the mountain would most likely be suicide.

Therefore, Zhu Yin rejected the method of military conquest and prepared to collect evidence and intelligence on the crimes of the Wang brothers. He planned to first dismiss the Wang brothers from their posts and remove them from the military power of the patrol office, and then use Gong Ji to kill the main members of the Wang family.

But now, Zhu Yin has a better plan: to frame the Wang family and use them as a tool to kill someone!
If the Wang family colluded with the Jesuits and participated in the plan to bomb the Confucius Temple, they would be doomed.

Of course, whether or not to use this tactic depends on whether Wang Chaojue is courting death.

Just as Zhu Yin was thinking this, he heard the person in the next private room say again:

"Hai Qingtian is leaving Nanjing after all. Sigh, without him in charge, the people of Nanzhi are really uneasy."

Another person said, "Who says otherwise? Some people are already preparing to send Hai Qingtian away on their own initiative. The peace charms inside and outside the city are about to be used up again."

Upon hearing this, Mo Shao and the others felt their drunkenness subside somewhat.

Shang Yang sighed and put down his wine cup. "Hai Rui was a man of unyielding integrity, daring to offer advice and take on responsibilities. He was a man of great integrity, with the spirit of Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty. It's a pity... a pity that our dynasty lacks the spirit of Zhenguan."

Why look around so much? He reminded him, "Brother Zhouming, be careful what you say. If someone with ulterior motives overhears you, it could cause trouble."

Han Shang said, “What’s there to be afraid of? Brother Zhouming is right. We scholars dare not even discuss national affairs or criticize current politics. How can we expect ordinary people to stand up for us? Only by daring to be the first in the world can we not have wasted our time studying the classics.”

"The current Ming Dynasty cannot afford to employ someone like Hai Gangfeng. Just you wait and see, if Hai Rui goes to Beijing, it may be like the wind howling and the Yi River cold, a hero departing never to return."

Shang Yang said with a dejected air, "Since the reign of Emperor Shizong, Yan Song and his son have abused their power and dictated the government. The court is in a state of chaos and corruption, the country is on the verge of collapse, and the people are suffering greatly."

"Beset by internal and external troubles, the national treasury is empty. The ruler is incompetent above, and the officials are corrupt below; this is why the government is in disarray."

"Over the years, a few generals and ministers have emerged to save the times, but they either faced posthumous purging, committed suicide with grievances, or were dismissed from office and stripped of their salaries. None of them had a good ending."

He gazed at the north in a drunken stupor, thinking, "Looking back at everything since the Emperor's personal campaign, when Hai Gangfeng's lifespan is exhausted and the court officials are in a state of disarray, only Heaven knows where this empire will go."

Zhu Yin nodded to himself as he listened. Shang Yang, nearing fifty and having weathered many storms, indeed possessed remarkable insight.

He had already given up on any illusions about Wanli; he was very prescient.

Unable to refute, he could only say insincerely, "Now that the Holy Emperor is on the throne, the world is at peace, and the seas are calm and the rivers are tranquil. This is the grandeur of the Ming Dynasty. You gentlemen are too pessimistic."

“Pessimistic?” Shang Yang shook his head. “Does it really mean that we need seventy-two rebel kings and thirty-six bands of rebels before we can be considered to be beset by internal and external troubles?”

"The Shang dynasty experienced nine generations of chaos, yet its reign lasted for six hundred years. The Tang dynasty had nine emperors who moved frequently, yet its power extended across vast distances. Why is this?"

He clapped his hands and said, "It's all because of the word 'martial spirit'! Our dynasty is sorely lacking in martial prowess. The lessons of the Song Dynasty show that a weak military leads to national ruin. Before them were the Jurchens, and after them were the Mongols. Now, in the north, both the Mongols and the Jurchens remain. Is there no historical precedent for this?"

"During my ten years in the anti-Japanese shogunate, I knew that with the military strength of our dynasty, the world was already fraught with crises. Unfortunately, the court was complacent and indolent, and did not heed the warnings of danger in this prosperous era."

"Given the current situation, if another major war breaks out, even if the court manages to quell the external threats, it will inevitably suffer heavy losses and be severely weakened."

Zhu Yin gave Shang Yang a deep look, and his opinion of this 48-year-old student of the Imperial Academy improved even more.

This Shang Zhouming, he didn't waste those ten years in Hu Zongxian's staff. He's truly a talent!

Suddenly Mo Shao said, “I don’t understand these important military and national affairs, but I think the problem with the dynasty is that it exclusively respects Confucianism and emphasizes the eight-legged essay while ignoring the learning of other schools of thought. Since ancient times, there has never been a case of long-term stability achieved by emphasizing Confucianism.”

"The eight-legged essay system, even if one passes the imperial examination, does not teach agriculture, mathematics, or general affairs. One's strengths lie only in court discussions and writing. Government affairs are controlled by clerks and staff, who abuse their power and no one can stop them. If this continues, the administration will inevitably deteriorate greatly."

"How many capable officials like Hai Rui, who can personally handle matters of criminal justice, finance, public security, and supervision, and who are not deceived by petty clerks, can be found in the imperial examinations? If the whole country is like this, how can the country be governed?"

Shang Yang laughed loudly, "We are also Confucian scholars, but to be fair, the court's selection of officials based solely on the Four Books and Five Classics is truly outrageous. I am not just complaining because I failed the imperial examinations; it is indeed a corrupt policy."

Just then, a man walked up from the corner, arms crossed, and said in a sarcastic tone, "What did you just say? You've got some nerve. Come with me."

"Are you a spy for the Embroidered Uniform Guard?" Shang Yang sneered, setting down his wine cup. "You're everywhere. How annoying. Get out!"

The Imperial Guard agent was taken aback and asked, "What did you say?"

Shang Yang roared, "I told you to get lost! What are the Embroidered Uniform Guard spies? Get lost!"

After saying that, he picked up a wine glass and smashed it over someone's head.

"Ouch!" The man dodged awkwardly, "You dare throw me like that!"

Han Shang laughed and said, "So what if I slap you? You've brought this upon yourself. We're discussing current affairs, what right do you, a dog like you, have to interrupt? Get out."

The Imperial Guard stood there, unsure whether to leave or stay, looking extremely awkward.

Why slam the table and yell, "I told you to get out! Didn't you hear me?! Who are you to be subordinate to that centurion? Who's the commander of the thousand? Do you still want to work here? Huh?"

The Imperial Guard spy was stunned for a moment, then gave an awkward smile, shrank back, and without saying a word, quickly slipped away in a sorry state.

This was the second time Zhu Yin had witnessed a Jinyiwei spy suffer a setback; the scenarios were quite similar, so he simply smiled, unsurprised.

What are the Embroidered Uniform Guards nowadays? They're utterly useless. Incompetent not only externally, but equally incompetent internally.

How incompetent were the secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard at this time? Even if they heard slanderous remarks about the court, they dared not intervene or report them, adopting an attitude of "it's better to do less trouble than more trouble."

Scholars are people they can't afford to offend. Wealthy merchants are people they can't afford to offend either.

They didn't even dare to provoke the powerful common people.

In Zhu Yin's view, the secret agents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard at this time were a vulnerable group.

Because court officials frequently requested the emperor to abolish the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they would cause trouble for the Embroidered Uniform Guard every now and then.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was in an awkward position where it could be dismissed or abolished at any time. Its internal organization and management had also become disorganized and chaotic.

As a result, even the officials of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were looked down upon by the lower-ranking clerks of the Six Ministries. The captains of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were even more arrogant and domineering towards the officials, and were even reduced to the lackeys of the officials and gentry.

Many lower-ranking officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard took up other jobs to make a living.

Shang Yang shook his head and said, "These lackeys and spies are pitiful now. Many of them don't even get paid. Their grandmothers don't care about them, and their uncles don't love them. They can only make a living by extorting a few dollars with their skin."

Although he was just a poor student at the Imperial Academy, it would be very easy for him to bring trouble to a Jinyiwei captain.

As long as a student of the Imperial Academy writes a letter of protest, even the superior officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard could be implicated.

Han Shang picked up the conversation, saying, "Hai Rui is leaving, we should go see him off. With his departure, Nanjing will never have another Hai Gangfeng."

Shang Yang laughed and said, "There will be so many people that we won't have a chance to deliver them."

Zhu Yin knew that he should go and see Old Man Hai.

Otherwise, I'm really afraid we won't see each other again.

He decided to go to the Censorate's residence after the banquet.

.........

The Imperial College was located in the northern part of the city, and the Censorate, situated by Xuanwu Lake, was also in the northern part of the city, very close to each other.

After leaving the restaurant, Zhu Yin bid farewell to his four classmates and arrived at the Censorate's official residence a quarter of an hour later.

This was his third time entering the Censorate.

When Ning Qingchen arrived at Hai Rui's residence, they found a large group of officials outside, whispering among themselves.

Suddenly, an official emerged from the residence; it was Wang Yongji.

He cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd and said, “Gentlemen, I thank you all for coming, but I have said that I am old and frail and my spirit is weary. I dare not delay your business. Please go back.”

They actually refused to see me!

Even so, no one was angry. They were used to Hai Bijia's unapproachable nature.

I'm not expecting to be received today; it's just a formality.

After Wang Yongji said that, everyone immediately took the opportunity to disperse.

Zhu Yin carried Ning Qingchen forward, handed the child to Lan Cha, and bowed, saying, "Does Mr. Wang remember this child?"

Wang Yongji immediately smiled: "Zhihu, it's you! You've come at the perfect time. Hai Gong was just talking about you today, saying that he wouldn't be able to see you again before he left. Who knew you'd come so soon! Come in!"

Wang Yongji treated the child Zhu Yin with far more enthusiasm than he treated those high-ranking officials.

Zhu Yin smiled and asked, "Uncle Wang, how is Lord Hai?"

The way they addressed each other immediately became much more intimate.

Wang Yongji nodded, "Okay."

Zhu Yin entered the familiar Hai Rui's official residence and saw Hai Rui's concubine, Qiu, packing her luggage with two old servants.

"Greetings, Aunt Qiu." Zhu Yin bowed.

Madam Qiu recognized him and said with a smile, "It's Zhu Yin! Where's your little Caiwei?"

Zhu Yin said, "She went to visit relatives in another city."

Qiu led Zhu Yin to Hai Rui's study. Before Zhu Yin even entered, they heard someone inside say:
"Brother Gangfeng is going to the capital to oversee the imperial examination; I'm sure he'll employ some ruthless methods. I have a few words from the bottom of my heart, but Brother Gangfeng is too kind and generous..."

The voice was clear and gentle, inspiring trust in the listener.

Then came Hai Rui's somber, aged voice:
“Jianwu, you don’t need to say anything more, I already know everything. His Majesty and the court know me. Since they have appointed me to oversee the capital inspection, I will only have four words: fairness and strictness.”

"I am over seventy years old. This may be the last major thing I do for the court. I have long since disregarded my posthumous reputation and my honor during my lifetime. I have no more concerns about it."

The man sighed, his voice slightly bitter, “The world cannot be without Brother Gangfeng. Now that you have gained the Emperor’s trust, why not proceed slowly and wait for the opportune moment?”

"If we act swiftly and decisively, we can certainly cleanse the court and restore order, but ultimately someone has to do the work, and no one is perfect. Brother Gangfeng, aren't you afraid of becoming the target of public criticism, or that no one will do the work?"

Hai Rui's tone was chilling: "No one is doing their job? There's never a shortage of officials in the world. Those officials who should be dismissed, even if we keep them in office, would they do a good job? They'd probably be more of a hindrance than a help."

As soon as Hai Rui finished speaking, a third voice rang out. This voice was very refined, with a Suzhou accent, but also rather old:
“Jianwu’s words make sense. But how can we persuade Brother Gangfeng? We are both doing this for the sake of the court, so let’s be gentlemen who agree to disagree.”

Zhu Yin then realized that there were three important people in the study.

Besides Old Man Hai, there were two other elderly people.

Qiu said from outside the door, "Master, Zhu Yin has arrived."

"Oh?" Hai Rui's voice rang out, tinged with surprise. "Let him in quickly."

When Zhu Yin entered the study, the first thing he saw was Old Man Hai, with his white hair and beard. He was wearing a brown jacket and sitting in a round-backed chair. He looked energetic and in good health, completely unlike his previous sickly appearance.

To his left sat an elderly man in his fifties, with thick eyebrows, deep eyes, and wearing a white Taoist robe. He looked like a Taoist priest and had an air of carefree wandering.

To Hai Rui’s right sat a sixty-year-old man in a plain satin jacket, with a slender and elegant figure, like a hermit in the forest, yet with a refined and scholarly air.

Hai Rui, who was usually stern and unsmiling, immediately broke into a smile upon seeing Zhu Yin.

Zhu Yin stepped forward and knelt down, saying, "Your son greets his father."

Hai Rui chuckled and said, "Get up, get up. Zhihu, you've come at the perfect time."

He pointed to the refined old man on his right and said, "This is Old Man Wang Shizhen."

He then pointed to the old man in the Taoist robe on the left, "This is Old Man Shen Yiguan. You should pay your respects to him."

Wang Shizhen and Shen Yiguan?
Zhu Yin was taken aback.

He knew these were two important figures, but he never expected them to be Wang Shizhen and Shen Yiguan!
Especially Shen Yiguan, who was the very person Qi Jiguang, the godfather, wanted to become his disciple.

P.S.: I'm not feeling well today, so that's all I can write for now. Thank you for your support, fellow readers. Goodnight.

(End of this chapter)