Wanli Ming Emperor

Chapter 200: Praise and Rebellion

On November 21st of the seventh year of the Wanli reign, Empress Dowager Cisi Li's 34th birthday was approaching.

The Imperial Household Department issued an imperial decree, following the benevolent instruction of the Holy Mother, that on the 28th of this month, a three-day and night ritual ceremony be held at the Chaotian Palace to protect the country, pacify the people, avert disasters, and thank the benefactors; executions will be suspended, and slaughtering will be prohibited for three days.

In order to rush back to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday, the Emperor ended his nearly one-month tour on November 23 and returned to his loyal city of Beijing.

At the same time, discussions about the emperor's tour to support Du Tian became increasingly heated.

……

Dingxing County belongs to Baoding Prefecture in Northern Zhili.

This place is very close to the capital but far from power. In addition, there are many academies built here, such as Sixun, Chongzheng, Guangda and other academies. As a result, there are naturally many students and a strong academic atmosphere. Whenever there are big or small events, there will always be a group of students talking about current affairs and advising each other.

However, the love of giving critical comments is extremely easy to spread.

As is well known, academies are often outside the law. Any issues are handled internally and officials from the state government rarely get involved, so naturally there is no restriction.

Therefore, at some point, a unique culture of loving to give advice and criticism was formed in Dingxing County.

Just like Chongzheng Academy today.

A group of high-spirited young students were sitting in the corridor, warming their wine, reciting poems and composing essays.

As they drank to their heart's content, their faces flushed and the topic gradually deviated. They began to write passionate words and talk about the country's affairs.

"…If you are strict with yourself, you will achieve results; if you love the people, you will be involved in the way of governing."

"To be honest, I have never hoped that the emperor would stick to his principles as much as I do now. In fact, if the emperor unfortunately gives up halfway, I am afraid I will really have to throw myself into the river."

A student grabbed the freshly warmed wine, covered his sleeves and drank the wine in the cup.

In the afternoon, heavy snow fell outside the corridor.

Several students sat around the stove in the corridor, creating a good atmosphere for criticism and criticism.

A man at the same table swallowed the pig head in his mouth, shook his head and said, "It's right to be strict with yourself, but it's not necessary to be lenient with others. If the property of court officials can be made public, it will be a perfect merit."

The widespread corruption has led to completely different public opinions in official circles and among the public.

Even though the crackdown on corruption has been very effective since the first year of the Wanli reign, the people naturally have higher expectations.

Especially at this juncture of land measurement, when even the emperor was willing to clear out the imperial farms and measure the land from top to bottom, these students certainly hoped that all officials would follow suit and turn over the land of their tribes to examine it.

The man who was drinking poured himself another glass and said with a smile, "You can go to the capital to give your opinion. Who knows, it is your opinion that is being collected now."

A cold wind blew by.

Instead of feeling cold, they acted like crazy, opening their shirts a little and rolling up their sleeves.

A student sighed and said slowly, "It is unwise to act too hastily. You must discipline yourself first before you can discipline others."

"Let alone the officials, the palace has already been in an uproar just because of the emperor's self-discipline. It is still unclear whether the opinions collected can be implemented."

"Just take it slow. With this kind of heart, the situation will eventually get better."

It would be fine if it was just ordinary people, but the students were better informed and more considerate of the emperor.

Apart from anything else, as soon as the emperor expressed his opinion this time, he was hurriedly called back by the inner court on the pretext of the empress dowager's birthday.

Then news came that there was an uproar in the palace - at least in the eyes of the concubines, eunuchs, and female officials in the palace, the emperor's move was tantamount to taking the family's wealth to please outsiders.

In addition, the reaction in official circles was not as enthusiastic as that in the literati and the public, but rather somewhat ambiguous.

The pressure the emperor was facing at this time was obviously not small.

The opinion collection this time is said to be carried out before the first month of the lunar year, and a result must be reached. Before that, it is obviously not appropriate to touch the sensitive hearts of the officials.

The man who just spoke could not help but sigh: "There is no need to say words of comfort. I understand it very well. It is precisely because I understand it that I am worried that the emperor may not be able to make public the assets of court officials."

The resistance to the emperor disclosing his property may not be too great, after all, it is his own flesh that is being cut.

The inner court's accounts are all public, so there is absolutely no reason to put them in someone else's name.

In addition, there are countless eyes watching, and the officials check the accounts on time every year, so it is a little difficult to make it public, but it is not difficult to clear the accounts.

If it were made public to the court officials, it would become a private account.

What is hidden in secret, what is fraudulently sent to someone else's name, who is watching? Who will check?

We can't let the inner court and the outer court investigate each other, right? How many eunuchs are there in the inner court and how many officials are there in the outer court?

The Kedao official or the Ministry of Personnel? Isn't that a hero investigating a hero, a good man investigating a good man?
In the end, I'm afraid it will just be what the officials say, just for show.

At this time, a student who had been silent just now suddenly spoke up: "There is no need to be so pessimistic. The newspapers have been talking about the new split policy every year. It is better to take one step at a time than to stand still. I have always believed that this is reasonable. It is better to do something than to do nothing."

"Furthermore, even if the emperor's actions are just for show, they are still a great good deed and will go down in history."

This guy is obviously a good student. He looks to be in his early twenties, but his hair is quite grey.

Upon hearing this, several students who were traveling with him looked towards him.

The man considered his words for a moment, then slowly said, "Since the founding of the country, this is the first time that an emperor has been willing to tie his own hands and feet to serve the public world."

"Once this matter is established, it will be able to establish the legal system. Even if the benefits do not extend to this generation, it will still be a law passed down by our ancestors and will benefit future generations."

After hearing this, several people fell into deep thought.

The emperor did this in order to measure the land and was willing to clear out the imperial farms to give an explanation to the people of the world.

It also means leading by example from top to bottom.

In this way, the family-run empire gave way to the public empire, and it was foreseeable that it would be used to restrain the officials in the future...

Regardless of its utility, how can it be meaningless?

After a while.

Someone sighed and said with emotion: "I only hope that the emperor will remain loyal and unwavering."

After a moment's silence, they nodded one after another.

Just as they were about to say something else, they saw several figures appear in their sight.

Several people looked up and saw that it was the dean of the academy walking in front, with two teachers on his left and right, welcoming a guest dressed in bright red flying fish silk and a cloak who walked out from the backyard.

The students immediately stopped talking and stood up to greet him.

"Chief of the mountain."

"Master."

Admonition usually takes place among peers. If elders are present, everyone will shut up unanimously.

This guest in particular looked unusual—he was wearing bright red flying fish silk, which was bestowed by the palace. He was either a local governor or an important official in the central government.

The dean smiled back at the students.

He then extended his hand and introduced the guest next to him: "This is Longjiang Gong Shen Li, who is famous for his uprightness and integrity. Come and greet him."

The students suddenly realized.

No wonder his outfit is so intimidating, it turns out he is one of the emperor’s teachers.

"Mr. Longjiang."

"I have heard of Lord Longjiang's name for a long time."

Several students looked at the important official in front of them with curiosity and bowed and complimented him.

Shen Li returned the gifts to the students meticulously.

Then he bowed to the dean and said, "I have to go to Beijing to take up my post, so I won't bother you any more. Please stay, Mr. Zichun."

Of course, I won't stay.

When Confucian scholars see someone off, it is never customary for them to stay in the courtyard.

After another round of greetings, the teachers and students escorted Shen Li all the way to the outside of the academy. Finally, the dean personally helped Shen Li onto the carriage, and both sides waved goodbye.

The wind and snow are getting stronger.

The carriage moved slowly and gradually disappeared in the white snow.

……

In the carriage, stepson Shen Jian respectfully handed the thick blanket to his father.

He said about the next itinerary: "Sir, we will reach Zhuozhou at night. We will rest at Zhuozhou Posthouse for one night, and we will reach the capital around noon tomorrow."

There is no water route to enter Beijing from Henan, but only by land from Daming Prefecture to Northern Zhili, passing through Shunde Prefecture, Zhending Prefecture, and Baoding Prefecture.

It is already more winding than the water route, and there is more snow on the road.

Therefore, Shen Li seemed a little leisurely on his trip to Beijing to take up his post.

Shen Li took off his cloak and put it aside, then took the blanket and put it on his legs.

Shen Jian took the cloak, brushed off the snowflakes on it, put it on his lap and folded it in half: "Sir, the public response to your Majesty's public disclosure of the royal property was extremely enthusiastic, and even the old farmers in the fields supported it. It is truly a blessing from heaven."

This was of course what Shen Jian had seen and heard in Dingxing County - his father went to the academy alone to visit friends, and he did not do nothing, he at least took a tour of the county and took in all the local customs.

As he spoke, a look of amazement could not help but flash across Shen Jian's face.

The emperor was not without reputation in the past.

The rectification of the royal family and the Confucian debates won the emperor considerable reputation.

But, that was only among the scholars in the court.

The people don’t care about your debates or salt policies. Most of them don’t even bother to care what the emperor does.

In fact, if the reign title had not been changed, one probably wouldn't have known that the people in charge had changed.

This time it was different.

The emperor's statement of clearing out the imperial farms and publicizing the imperial property even attracted support from woodcutters and old farmers.

They even spontaneously sang the saying "Wanli Wanli, all the people are encouraged".

Although it was just encouragement and not direct praise, it still formed a sharp contrast with Emperor Shizong's "Jiajing Jiajing, every household is clean."

If this is not virtue like Heaven, then what else is virtue like Heaven?

Hearing this, Shen Li recalled what he had heard in the academy and couldn't help but smile with relief: "The people who understand right from wrong are the majority. Emperor Shizong built a lot of buildings and exploited the people; the current emperor is strict with himself and lives in harmony with the people. Naturally, the people will sing different nursery rhymes."

Since the reigns of Jiajing and Longqing, the emperors have been tyrants who have been interested in amassing wealth. The current emperor is willing to take a step back for the first time in history. For the people, this is enough to make them feel grateful - the people of the Ming Dynasty have always had such low demands.

Shen Jian smiled along with his father.

Then he seemed to have thought of something and said hesitantly, "However, rumors have it that the public disclosure of property may not be limited to the royal property."

This is also the reason why the emperor now took the initiative to tie his own hands and feet, but his attitude in the court was ambiguous.

The fire is burning too strongly. It would be no fun if it burns yourself.

Shen Li turned to look at his son and replied word by word in a serious tone: "If your majesty and the cabinet have this idea, I am upright and have no reason to disagree."

"If you are afraid of 'someday', then you might as well not take the examination this year. You don't have to be an official."

There are still two months until the third imperial examination of the Wanli period, which is also the subject that Shen Jian will take this year.

Facing his father's rebuke, Shen Jian quickly explained: "Sir, that's not what I meant."

"I am just worried that if the private property of hundreds of officials is involved, the resistance will be too great, leading to political unrest."

"Your Excellency has just been revived for Your Majesty, and I am even more afraid that it will affect Your Excellency."

Shen Li's face looked better now.

If you start worrying about your wealth right after taking the examination, it would be better not to take it at all.

Fortunately, it didn't grow crooked.

He looked at his son, shook his head slowly, and said earnestly: "I am already involved in the re-emergence of the farmland inspection as the assistant censor this time. How can you say that I am involved?"

Is the focus of property disclosure the property? Of course not, the focus is on the latter, property!
Don’t underestimate gold, silver, jewelry, and rare cloth. They sound priceless and make you rich enough to rival a country. They are just floating wealth.

What is the foundation of the world? It is land!
The prosperity of the country depends on the land, and the chaos of the country also depends on the land. The so-called publicity, the key is to fall on the confirmation of the ownership of the land - even floating wealth can be hidden in the cellar, no one can see it, but the land cannot be hidden, and it will eventually be found out.

Land measurement and property rights confirmation are two sides of the same coin. How could Shen Li, the Censor-in-Chief, stay out of the land measurement?
Shen Jian reacted belatedly and his expression became uncertain.

He hesitated to speak: "Sir..."

Shen Li waved his hand and interrupted him: "The examination is coming soon, you should focus more on your studies. If you fail this time, you will have to take mathematics as a hurdle in the next exam, which will add to the difficulties."

He had originally changed the subject abruptly. Seeing that his son wanted to continue talking, Shen Li simply picked up the newspaper in the carriage and turned his head away: "Well, this matter must be discussed at least until the first month of the lunar year. There is no final conclusion yet, so why rush? Let's talk about it when we get to the capital."

After saying this, he leaned against the wall of the carriage, with his back to Shen Jian, and pretended to read the newspaper.

After a while.

Shen Jian behind him also stopped moving.

Only then did Shen Li relax and turn to look at the newspaper in his hand.

Ever since Sima Zhi broke Shen Li's state of turning a deaf ear to the outside world, he has been reading every issue of newspapers from various publishing houses.

Yuan Hongyu's "Gewu Daily" is the slowest to update and is the most obscure.

After Yuan Hongyu discussed Taoism with the emperor, he secluded himself for three years. Now he combined epistemology with practice and created a new theory of "investigating things and seeking knowledge", which he called "post-Neo-Confucianism".

Every time Shen Li read it, he felt enlightened.

Just like an article last month, which analyzed "the connection between things, whether they are isolated and single or universally coexisting" in epistemology, Shen Li was amazed.

Qian Dehong and Xue Yingqi, who founded the Donglin Journal, passed away in recent years, and the newspaper was handed over to Gu Xiancheng.

Perhaps it is because of the years of being tempered by mundane affairs in Sichuan, the Donglin Journal has now moved from the abstract to the concrete, and has gradually begun to talk about the sufferings of the people, the family, the country and the world.

In particular, an article last year, when explaining the so-called isomorphism between family and country, derived the so-called "development of things is a spiral upward" view, which amazed people at the time.

The Nanzhili Daily, supervised by Li Chunfang, was established relatively late, but because it was endorsed by the News Office, it could be said to be the most explicit newspaper, covering everything from political affairs to dirty jokes.

Last month, Li Chunfang was given a potted plant by Sun Piyang, the new governor of Yingtian, in retaliation for making fun of him.

For this reason, Li Chunfang, a relative of the emperor, was often ridiculed by people of his time.

All in all, apart from its shortcoming of liking to play some vulgar jokes about regional discrimination among the prefectures in Nanzhili, Nanzhili Daily is most humorous and interesting - well, from a certain perspective, these vulgar jokes may not necessarily be unintentional shortcomings.

Of course, if we talk about Shen Li’s favorite publication, it would definitely be the Sun Moon Morning Post, also commonly known as the Xinbao.

It is both interesting and serious, with both good writing style and good content. It covers all aspects including classics, current affairs, anecdotes, miscellaneous talks, practice, etc. It is undoubtedly the most popular newspaper.

It is also the newspaper in Shen Li’s hand now.

Only when reading the new newspaper could Shen Li feel that although the Ming Dynasty was now in ruins, it also had new buds and was sprouting vitality.

For example, after the emperor visited Shuntian Prefecture, he gave instructions on a series of bad policies, which was the hope for the new policy.

The optimization of iron-making technology by the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works run by the Huguang royal family was a source of life for the royal family's business.

The first trial of the large ocean-going ship built by Longjiang Shipyard is a sign of hope for ocean shipping.

Also, a mathematics subject will be added to the imperial examination in the 11th year of Wanli. Well... this is hard to agree with.

Shen Li couldn't help but shook his head, not knowing what was good about mathematics.

Whatever you don't like to see, you will see it.

This edition of the Xin Bao happened to publish a mathematics article, which took up a large amount of space.

The title is very eye-catching - "On the Criticism of Mathematics since the Millennium and Its Future Development Direction".

Even though I don't like it, the imperial examination will be added soon.

Shen Li could only hold his nose and concentrate on reading the first edition of mathematics, which he usually skipped - in case his son failed the exam this year and needed these things in three years.

In addition to the eye-catching title of this article, there is also a commendation press release next to it.

The emperor recognized the author of this article and promoted him from a student to a scholar of Liangjiang. He also granted him a house, a monthly salary, and the right to report on state affairs.

He even personally gave the author Liu Sanpao a courtesy name, which read "Dunkai".

Shen Li curled his lips in dissatisfaction. What an honor this was, it was too much.

In fact, high-ranking court officials all knew a little bit about mathematics.

Even if you don't want to take this course in the provincial school or the Imperial Academy, it will become a compulsory course after you have been selected as a Shujishi.

Even Sima Zhi's ancestor Sima Guang, who was as old-fashioned as he was, was also proficient in mathematics.

Why should the emperor favor her so much?

Shen Li let his thoughts wander for a while before starting to read the main text.

The article begins with a brief description of the development of mathematics.

For example, the need for counting and calendar, and the beginning of the need for measurement such as rules, squares, standards, and ropes.

It developed into one of the six arts of a gentleman.

Since the creation of works such as the Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, a tool system has been formed, which can be called mathematics.

With the prosperity of commerce in the early Song Dynasty, Yang Hui, Qin Jiushao, Zhu Shijie and others opened schools to teach students, formed associations, wrote books, and once brought mathematics to the peak of its development.

Finally, there has been an avalanche-like collapse since this dynasty.

Shen Li read this sentence several times with emphasis and shook his head. The emperor was still the same as always. He had no qualms about such remarks that exposed his own past.

Everyone knows their own business. After the Early Song Dynasty, within just a hundred years, even the great mathematicians of our dynasty could hardly understand the works of Zhu Shijie, Qin Jiushao and other Song Dynasty people.

It's not wrong to say that it was an avalanche-like collapse.

But it would not look good after it was published - the progress of the Ming Dynasty compared with the previous Song Dynasty should be comprehensive. Even if it is just counting such heterodox backwardness, it is not acceptable. Even if it is true, it should not be spread everywhere.

Shen Li was not the only one who thought this way, but it was the consensus of most court officials.

Therefore, it is impossible to publish these words without the emperor's authorization.

Shen Li suddenly missed the emperor a little. He hadn't seen him for seven years. He might be taller than him now.

He shook his head, getting rid of the unnecessary thoughts.

In summary, after introducing the mathematical context.

Liu Dunkai raised three major criticisms.

The first is to explore the household registration system of this dynasty.

It is believed that classifying the people who specialize in mathematics as Yin-Yang has strangled the mathematical community, turning mathematics back into an inbreeding family-run industry, and greatly curbing the development of mathematics.

Second, criticism was raised on mathematical carriers.

Due to the limitations of the times, for thousands of years, words have been recorded on bamboo slips. Due to the limited length, the words have to be simplified, which to a large extent makes the mathematical expression less precise.

Various "Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art" and "Zhoubi Mathematical Art" required people to annotate them again and again, which required a lot of repetitive work.

Nowadays, paper is cheap and exquisite, and there is enough space. Is there any need to save space?
Why do we stick to the old shorthand expressions instead of striving for precision?

Third, he expressed strong opposition to the separation of mathematics and Confucianism.

The metaphysical is called Tao, and the practical is called Qi. There are still too few Confucian elements in mathematics.

After deeply understanding the epistemology proposed by the emperor, Liu suddenly realized that any tool has its own Tao - any doctrine should be inseparable from Confucianism.

Why has mathematics been fragmented and scattered for a time?

It’s because of the lack of Confucian guidance!

There is a lack of integration in research and governance, a lack of continuity within the system, and a lack of transcendence in cognition!
In a nutshell, we have not risen from the level of fancy and ingenious tools to the universal truth that applies to all things, we have not used them enough in practice, and we have not gone deep enough in exploring cause and effect.

Shen Li looked quite relieved.

Today's Taoism has even innovated to the point of mathematics.

After the discussion in the second year of Wanli, Confucianism was truly reborn.

I have to say that as a man of letters, I feel very satisfied when I see these outsiders elevating Confucianism to such a high level.

He then looked down.

Subsequently, based on the above criticisms, Liu Kaidun proposed an initiative for those studying mathematics - to strive for the standardization and accuracy of mathematical terms; at the same time, guided by Confucianism, to work harder on practice and exploration of cause and effect.

Specifically, it is, first, to explore cause and effect, mainly through logical reasoning and deduction, to summarize mathematical laws, and to construct a continuous and systematic model of the original relationship between numbers.

Secondly, through practical comparison, we abandon the limitations of thinking brought by bamboo slips and introduce graphics as a supplement to logical deduction, combining pure rationality with practical rationality, which can be said to be a combination of numbers and shapes.

Below are some examples of deduction and the application of the combination of numbers and shapes.

This is a very good basic question. The good thing is that it makes the originally obscure topic easy to understand.

Shen Li carefully scanned every number and symbol, and then...

Then the breathing gradually becomes even.

Then my eyelids started to twitch.

Soon, the newspaper fell from his hand to the ground.

Mr. Longjiang fell into a deep sleep.

……

The time to fall asleep always passes quietly.

I do not know how long it has been.

Shen Li felt that the carriage seemed to stop suddenly, and there was a commotion outside the carriage.

Affected by these, he opened his hazy eyes in confusion.

Shen Li looked around the carriage, but did not see his son.

The noise outside the car gradually became quieter, and Shen Li gradually woke up.

He propped himself up, opened the car curtain, and looked out.

Not far away was the post station. On the lanterns with flickering candlelight were the words "Zhuozhou Post Station" written on them.

Of course, the carriage did not stop at Zhuolu Posthouse.

A circle of torches stood between the carriage and the post station.

Oh... setting up a checkpoint, but the torches are a bit dazzling, Shen Li thought.

Hmm? Interrogation? Torch?
Shen Li was startled and suddenly woke up!

Looking closely, I saw that a group of soldiers had blocked the road ahead and were checking pedestrians!

He looked at the group of soldiers with a serious expression. Judging from their attire, they seemed to be the Jinyiwei and the Beijing Camp Red Helmet Guard.

Meanwhile, his own son was negotiating with the soldiers who were blocking the checkpoint outside the post station.

The Red Helmets have all been sent out...

Shen Li frowned, realizing that things were not simple.

He was about to ask the servant driving the car to call the person back for questioning, but he saw that his son seemed to have finished the negotiation and turned back with a serious look in his eyes.

The group of soldiers, led by a Jinyiwei who was wearing a Feiyu uniform, clasped his fists towards Shen Li from a distance, obviously knowing his identity.

Shen Li did not return the greeting. He cautiously withdrew his gaze and looked at his son.

Before Shen Jian came close, Shen Li was already impatient.

He quickly asked, "What's going on? Why is there a midnight search in Shuntian Prefecture? Even the Royal Guards and the Red Helmets were sent out?"

Zhuozhou belongs to Shuntian Prefecture, which is only a hundred miles away from the capital. It is an important place in the capital and there will never be any inspections without reason, let alone the dispatch of the Jinyiwei and the Beijing Camp. It is obvious that something has happened now!
Shen Jian looked a little ugly.

He looked around subconsciously, and then approached Shen Li.

Under Shen Li's concerned gaze, Shen Jian lowered his voice and said in a deep voice: "Sir, it is said that Shi Maohua, the Minister of War, planned a rebellion, but he fled after the plan was exposed. Now all the guards are searching for him."

(End of this chapter)