Di Ming

Chapter 402 Is Hai Rui worthy?

"You all must resign as well!" Wanli was furious. If he had anything in his hand, he would have smashed it directly.

"Are you trying to force your sovereign and father to back down?"

Wang Xijue knelt on the ground, holding his official hat, and said in a humble yet assertive manner:

"How dare we, your subjects, force the Emperor? It is only because Your Majesty does not trust us, and the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs has also slandered the Cabinet, that we are powerless to do anything and dare not occupy our positions without merit. We can only resign and beg Your Majesty to select another virtuous and capable person..."

Zhang Wei bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, I am old and beg Your Majesty to grant me permission to retire and return to my hometown..."

Shen Yiguan also said, "I am unworthy to hold such a high position, yet I cannot share the emperor's burdens. I am restless day and night and have no choice but to resign and yield the position to a more worthy person..."

"Very well..." Wanli pointed at the three cabinet ministers, too angry to speak. "I appointed you as regents, and this is how you repay me. I misjudged you."

Zhang Jing sneered, "There are plenty of people who want to be regents but can't get the position. Do you really think His Majesty can't do without you, or that the Ming Dynasty can't do without you?"

Even now, he is still stirring up trouble.

Wang Xijue said, "Both thunder and rain are the Emperor's grace, but we are incompetent and dare not delay the affairs of the state. We are ignorant and unworthy of our positions, which has led to the situation getting out of control and causing the Emperor and Father to be uneasy at home. It is all our fault. How can we have the face to stay in the cabinet and refuse to leave?"

Seeing that the three men were resolute and not only showed no sign of backing down, but also insisted on abandoning their responsibilities, Emperor Wanli was greatly troubled.

If you all resign, the Nine Ministers will definitely have to leave as well. And of the more than eight hundred civil officials outside who have threatened to resign, I'm afraid they will actually do so.

If the entire court is paralyzed, will the Zhu family's rule remain secure?
If we really rely on eunuchs to fill the vacancies, how can we appease the scholars of the whole country?

Thinking of his throne, Wanli's rationality prevailed. He pondered for a moment and said:
“The three gentlemen are highly respected and pillars of the nation, upon whom I rely heavily. In these turbulent times, how can the three gentlemen bear to abandon me? Please retract your offer of resignation. I absolutely will not allow it!”

Zhang Jing was somewhat disappointed to see the emperor change his attitude so quickly. He had genuinely hoped to replace the court officials with eunuchs. In his view, there was nothing wrong with it!

Wang Xijue bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty's kindness is as vast as heaven and as profound as earth, which I can never repay. I only hope that after I return to my hometown, Your Majesty will appoint virtuous and capable officials and govern diligently. I will be overjoyed to pay my respects from afar in Jiangnan..."

Emperor Wanli waved his hand impatiently, "Alright, I said you are not allowed to resign. This is an imperial edict. Do you want to disobey it? Don't mention resignation again."

It was only at this point that Wanli realized with utter helplessness that he hadn't thought the resignation of his ministers was a threat before, but once many people resigned at the same time, it really became a threat.

We really can't do without them!

Upon hearing this, Wang Xijue and the others felt a sense of relief. They certainly didn't want to resign right now; if they did, things would become even more uncontrollable.

Fortunately, His Majesty has not completely lost his mind; there is still hope.

"Your Majesty commands," Wang Xijue said, seizing the opportunity. "Since Your Majesty has given the order, we will linger here for the time being."

Shen Yiguan and Zhang Wei also wisely accepted their official positions and indicated that they would not resign for the time being.

The meaning is clear: if Your Majesty continues to act willfully, then we will truly have no choice but to retire and return to our hometowns.

Despite his growing annoyance, Wanli Emperor said, "Please offer the three gentlemen seats."

Immediately, the eunuchs brought out three small stools and offered them seats before the emperor. Although they were just small stools, it was still a rare privilege.

Once the three were seated, Wanli asked directly, "Given the current situation, how should the cabinet handle it? The one who tied the knot must untie it. This matter was caused by the outer court's indulgence and leniency, so of course it still needs to be resolved by the outer court. We can't let the palace get involved."

The emperor simply shifted the blame. His meaning was clear: he would absolutely not meet with the petitioning scholars.

Wang Xijue only sat on half of his bottom, leaning forward as he said, "Of course, there's no need for the palace to intervene. How can we indulge them like this? As long as His Majesty issues an imperial edict, the scholars and court officials will know that His Majesty's will is clear, and the problem will be easily solved. After all, they are all loyal ministers and filial sons who are devoted to the country. How can they let their sovereign be put in a difficult position?"

Wanli pondered the Grand Secretary's words, inwardly sneering with dissatisfaction, "Does Mr. Wang think that by resigning together, petitioning, and demonstrating, making it known throughout the land, they are still loyal ministers and filial sons devoted to the country?"

Zhang Wei said, “Your Majesty is wise beyond measure. If so many people are not loyal ministers and filial sons, then are they treacherous ministers and villains? If there were so many treacherous ministers and villains, what would become of the country? Would the bright and clear world still exist? Where would Your Majesty be placed? Therefore, they must be loyal ministers and filial sons, and could not possibly be treacherous ministers and villains.”

Emperor Wanli was speechless.

Shen Yiguan continued, “Your Majesty is well-versed in history and must remember the disaster of the partisan purge during the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty. At that time, scholars from all over the country petitioned in Luoyang, but were falsely accused of being rebels, and thousands of them were arrested and suffered.

Shen Yiguan stopped there. He was always good at speaking in a veiled way, but his meaning was always clear.

The Han dynasty had the "Party Prohibition" because Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling were both incompetent rulers.

Your Majesty, whether the petitioners are traitors or rebels depends on whether you are Emperor Huan or Emperor Ling.

If you were a foolish ruler like Emperor Huan or Emperor Ling, then the scholars at the Meridian Gate would be treacherous officials and villains.

If you are not, then they are loyal ministers and filial sons.

The choice is yours.

Emperor Wanli suppressed his anger and patiently asked, "Then, gentlemen, how should this matter be handled?"

Wang Xijue was waiting for this very question, and immediately replied:

"The scholars went to the capital to petition, strike and kowtow to the emperor, and the court officials resigned from their posts, all because they thought His Majesty was being misled by treacherous officials. This was of course a misunderstanding. But they were also wholeheartedly devoted to the country, and their spirit was commendable. They were just ignorant."

"His Majesty certainly has no treacherous officials by his side, but the scholars are by no means a rebellious party either. As long as His Majesty issues an edict to comfort and reward them, bestows a posthumous title upon Hai Rui to seal his legacy, and then gives him a grand funeral, the court and the public will surely be grateful for the Holy Emperor's wisdom and benevolence..."

Emperor Wanli couldn't help but angrily say, "They gathered a crowd to cause trouble, and I have already shown leniency by not arresting and prosecuting them. How dare you ask me to issue an edict to appease and reward them?"

Wang Xijue argued forcefully and without backing down:
"Your Majesty, over a hundred scholars have died or been injured in the petition. Seven more have died in Shandong! Rumors are circulating that the palace has instigated thieves to intercept the petitioning procession, causing extremely negative consequences and damaging Your Majesty's reputation. If Your Majesty does not issue an edict to comfort and reward them, the deceased will not rest in peace, and the scholars will not be able to quell their resentment. Your Majesty's heart is broad and encompasses the universe; this old minister humbly begs Your Majesty to heed the will of the people..."

Zhang Wei went on to say, "Your Majesty, Hai Rui and the scholars have submitted five remonstrances, which Your Majesty should be aware of. If Your Majesty does not agree to these five remonstrances, they will already harbor resentment. Moreover, their petition was unsuccessful, many people died or were injured, and they were even labeled as traitors?"

"Since they've been labeled traitors, according to the laws of the dynasty, they should be severely punished. Killing is the easiest thing; it's just a matter of a few thousand heads. But what happens after that? Can that silence the public's discontent?"

"Your Majesty, it's not an edict of self-reproach, it's just an order to comfort and reward them, affirming that their actions were loyal and not treacherous. That shouldn't be difficult, should it?"

Emperor Wanli was very frustrated and said angrily, "If I don't issue an edict to appease and reward them, are they going to rebel?"

Shen Yiguan bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. They are all loyal and righteous men whose blood runs hot. Even if you kill them all, they will only offer their necks for execution and will never rebel. But... but..."

Wanli sneered, "But what? Mr. Shen, speak plainly, there's no need to beat around the bush!" Shen Yiguan continued, "I'm afraid that from now on, misunderstandings will be hard to dispel, the court and the public will be silent and trembling, scholars will be disheartened and insecure, and there may not be many people taking the provincial examination next August."

“Your Majesty, Hai Rui and the scholars were indeed rash, making such a reckless move without considering Your Majesty’s difficulties. But at their core, they are still deeply devoted to serving the country and the emperor. If Your Majesty truly turns a blind eye, how can it not chill people’s hearts? Once the hearts of the people are cold, it will be difficult to warm them again. This old minister implores Your Majesty to think twice before acting.”

Emperor Wanli's face was grim. After pondering for a long time, he finally said, "Very well, I agree to issue an edict to appease them and reward them for their unwavering loyalty, but they are not allowed to repeat their old tricks, otherwise they will be punished as traitors!"

"The cabinet should draft a decree to appease the dead, but the tone should be stern. The Ministry of Rites should also be instructed to collect the body."

Shen Yiguan said, "We also need to allocate 50,000 taels of silver for funeral, compensation, and medical expenses. The Ministry of Revenue can allocate the silver, but it would be best if His Majesty allocated it from the imperial treasury; it would sound better that way..."

"What?!" Wanli's tone rose again. "They caused a disturbance and resulted in death and injury. It's already lenient to not punish them. And you want to allocate silver for lavish funerals, compensation, and medical treatment? No, no!"

Zhang Wei smiled wryly, "Your Majesty, these tens of thousands of taels of silver are not only related to the face of the court and Your Majesty, but also to the proper handling of this matter, so we absolutely cannot skimp on them. Perhaps Your Majesty could bestow another favor, from the imperial treasury..."

Wanli couldn't help but glare at them, "You all only remember my meager private treasury! You're asking me for money no matter what! Just use the Ministry of Revenue's accounts, but in the name of the private treasury."

What? The three elders looked at each other, completely bewildered.

The Ministry of Revenue provides the funds, the Ministry of Revenue closes the books, and then it's used externally under the guise of the Imperial Treasury? His Majesty doesn't spend a single penny, yet still wants this face—he's getting all the benefits!

How could an emperor be so cunning and opportunistic in such matters?
Wang Xijue sighed inwardly and could only nod, saying, "As you command."

Shen Yiguan, with a sly smile, said, "Your Majesty is wise. The Ministry of Revenue is allocating silver in the name of the imperial treasury, which can be considered a favor from Your Majesty. It can be said to be killing two birds with one stone."

Zhang Wei remained silent, his face cold.

Wanli said, "Alright, I agree to issue an edict to appease them and to pay for a lavish funeral. They should calm down now, right? Let those who should go back to their hometowns go back to their hometowns, those who should go to school go back to school, and those who should go back to their offices go back to their offices. They must leave the Meridian Gate before Shenshi (3-5 PM). Otherwise, what awaits them will no longer be my benevolent edict, but the Beijing Garrison."

Wang Xijue said with a wry smile, "Your Majesty is wise. However, there is one more matter that cannot be ignored. That is, the affairs after Hai Rui's death must be handled properly, as the whole world is watching."

"Hmph." Wanli snorted coldly and said irritably, "I have already agreed to a grand funeral. What more do you want? He was a first-rank Junior Tutor, so he should be buried according to the standards for a first-rank official. I am not pursuing his crimes, which is already out of respect for him as a veteran official of three reigns. What more do you want? Do you expect me to write an eulogy myself? Absolutely not."

A eulogy is a formal mourning text written by a superior to an inferior, or by a person of high status to a person of low status. When the emperor paid tribute to a deceased high-ranking official or feudal lord, he could personally write a eulogy to mourn him, which was a great honor.

How could Emperor Wanli possibly write a eulogy for Hai Rui?

The three Grand Secretaries were speechless. They weren't actually asking the Emperor to write an eulogy for Hai Rui, because the Emperor would certainly disagree. But wasn't this a perfect opportunity to win over the people? The Emperor, however, didn't want to do it.

Wang Xijue said, "It's the same if the eulogy is submitted by the Hanlin Academy and issued in the name of the Grand Secretariat. Your Majesty doesn't need to write it yourself."

Wanli was still dissatisfied, "Why use the name of the Grand Secretariat? Isn't this too high a standard? Can't we just use the name of the Ministry of Rites to issue the eulogy?"

Zhang Wei said, “Your Majesty, although the Ministry of Rites has the duty to issue eulogies, it is inappropriate to do so for Hai Rui. Hai Rui was a first-rank Junior Tutor and before his retirement, he was a second-rank Left Censor-in-Chief. Of course, it would be more appropriate to issue the eulogy in the name of the Grand Secretariat. In fact, it would be best to issue it in the name of Your Majesty.”

Emperor Wanli already harbored resentment towards Hai Rui at this time, and was also very jealous of the honor of the entire city weeping when Hai Rui died. He did not want to give Hai Rui the honor of "the emperor writing an eulogy in mourning".

After thinking for a moment, Wanli said:
"Let's issue the eulogy in the name of the Cabinet. Tell the Hanlin Academy that the eulogy for Hai Rui should not be overly praising. Hai Rui is a hypocrite, too eager for fame and reputation, and he tries too hard to win over the loyal and honest. His reputation is far from being commensurate with his actual abilities. Such hypocritical behavior should not be encouraged. Although we should respect the dead, the eulogy should still be truthful and accurate. We cannot praise and embellish someone just because they are dead."

Upon hearing this, the three of them couldn't help but feel a deep sense of powerlessness.

I really can't carry it anymore, I'm so tired.

Zhang Wei, being the most straightforward person, said directly and neither too softly nor too harshly:
"Your Majesty says Hai Gangfeng is hypocritical, but even if he is truly hypocritical, Zhu Xi said, 'If a person is hypocritical for a long time, his heart gradually becomes genuine, and although he has not attained the truth, he is close to it.' Xunzi also said, 'Human nature is evil, and what is good is feigned.' Wang Yangming of our dynasty also said, 'If one is deceitful for a long time, one's heart gradually forgets the falsehood, and habit becomes second nature.' Even if Hai Rui is hypocritical, how can he be completely dismissed? I implore Your Majesty to be cautious."

Lord Wang Xi was too lazy to argue with the emperor about the eulogy anymore; he was more concerned about Hai Rui's posthumous title.

In fact, Wang Xijue and Hai Rui had no relationship; they were once political enemies and disliked each other.

But at this point, he had to uphold Hai Rui's posthumous honors, because this was no longer Hai Rui's business.

“Your Majesty, since the Cabinet is going to issue an eulogy, a posthumous title is inevitable.” Wang Xijue took out a document. “These are several posthumous titles proposed by the Ministry of Rites. Please review and select one.”

According to the rules, after the death of a high-ranking official of the second rank or above, the Ministry of Rites could not directly determine his posthumous title, but would propose several titles and submit them to the emperor for selection and final approval.

For ministers of Hai Rui's caliber, the Ministry of Rites only had the power to propose posthumous titles; the final decision rested with the emperor.

When Emperor Wanli saw this, he was furious.

The four posthumous titles proposed by the Ministry of Rites were far too different from what he had in mind!

The list on the Ministry of Rites read: "Wenzhen, Wenxiang, Zhongsu, Zhongjie".

All four of these posthumous titles are honorific titles!

Wen Zhen was a title bestowed upon Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty, Yang Shiqi and Xu Jie of the present Dynasty. Does Hai Rui deserve it?

Wenxiang is also a posthumous title, which Gao Gong of this dynasty received. Does Hai Rui deserve it?
"Zhongsu" is a posthumous title used by both civil and military officials, and that is the posthumous title of Yu Qian. Does Hai Rui deserve it?
Even this title of "loyal and upright" is a high honor. Hai Rui doesn't deserve it!

Emperor Wanli was so angry with Hai Rui that he didn't even want to give him a posthumous title, let alone a flat one.

"The Ministry of Rites is acting out of self-interest; what are they thinking?" Wanli's expression changed drastically as he pointed at the Ministry of Rites' proposal. "These four posthumous titles are no child's play!"

Zhang Jing suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the Directorate of Ceremonial also gave Hai Rui a posthumous title."

Wanli said, "Tell me."

Zhang Jing laughed and said, "The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs gave Hai Rui two single posthumous titles: Miao and La."

Emperor Wanli nodded and smiled, "Although it is a single posthumous title, it is quite appropriate."

The three cabinet ministers said in unison, "Your Majesty, these two single-character derogatory posthumous titles are absolutely inappropriate!"

...

P.S.: I'm constantly feeling dizzy and having heart palpitations; it might be due to insufficient blood supply to my heart. I'm about to reach...

(End of this chapter)