I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 535: Enjoying with the People
Zhang Juzheng forced himself to stand up and salute.

"I resign!"

Zhu Yijun looked at Zhang Juzheng and said kindly, "Master Zhang, go talk to them first. We will watch the cavalry show and the dragon boat race together later."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhang Juzheng walked out of the door and saw Hai Rui. They looked at each other, their eyes intertwined in the air. They casually clasped their hands, without saying a word, and passed each other.

Hai Rui was brought in by Qi Yan, and after the ceremony, Zhu Yijun personally helped him up.

"Mr. Hai, I'm going to drive you out of the capital again."

Hai Rui laughed heartily, "I wish I could. I am really bored in the capital."

"Haha, I heard that Duke Hai even took part in the entrance examinations for Xishan College and the Imperial College, and he wanted to be the invigilator himself.

There are so many complaints.”

Hai Rui replied with a serious face: "The emperor once said something good: knowledge changes destiny. If you are admitted to Xishan College and the Imperial Academy, no matter how poor your family is before, your future destiny will be changed.

How many children from poor families have studied hard for more than ten years, and when the moment of changing their destiny comes, what they need most is not encouragement, but fairness.

I, an old minister, have done my best to maintain fairness and keep the light in their hearts from being extinguished. Just as the emperor said, the thousands of lights of the people will gather into a brilliant red sun, which will surely make the Ming Dynasty infinitely bright. "

Zhu Yijun nodded solemnly: "Mr. Hai is the beacon of our Ming Dynasty. With you here, I and the people of the world can see the road ahead clearly."

"Your Majesty is too kind. I am deeply honored. Your Majesty is the beacon of the Ming Dynasty. With you here, the people of the world can see the future path clearly."

"Haha, I am honored to receive a compliment from Lord Hai.

Lord Hai, if I were to say, they should be the ones who are in awe and fear in front of you."

Hai Rui laughed heartily, raised his head complacently, and shook it from side to side involuntarily.

"Mr. Hai, this Dragon Boat Festival, Nanyuan amusement park, for the people to enjoy together, was all sponsored by donations from merchants, and did not cost the national treasury or the people's money."

"I heard that Yang Gong, the Supervisor of the Imperial Household, and Pan Shaoyin, the Shaoyin of Shuntian Prefecture, are very capable. They said that they sold a lot of advertisements and the money they earned was enough to hold this amusement park."

For Hai Rui, as long as he didn't take money from the national treasury, it was a good thing, because the money and grain in the national treasury were the people's hard-earned money and should be used for the right purposes.

As for the money sponsored by merchants, it will ultimately be the sheep that pay for it, and Hai Rui hasn't thought that deeply about it.

No matter how smart a person is, if he has shackles in his thinking, he will always be confused and unable to see things until they are revealed.

“I think this method is feasible and it is the right way to share happiness with the people.

There was also Pan Shaoyin, who was a man who was brave and capable of doing things. For this carnival, he added a lot of public carriages and sent cars to bring the elderly, weak and widowed people from the orphanage and orphanage to Nanyuan for free, and specially accompanied them for the carnival.

Although it’s a small thing, it’s a great act of kindness! ”

Zhu Yijun was also very pleased. "Fengwu has worked hard on this matter. The decision for this recreational party was made hastily. It was decided just after the national mourning ended. In less than a month, Fengwu has managed to do it well without delaying other matters in Shuntian Prefecture. It is rare.

It is even more rare that such a lively event can satisfy Lord Hai! "

Hai Rui knew that Zhu Yijun was referring to the high cost of such a large entertainment party, but he did not complain about the waste of money and manpower.

He laughed loudly, "Your Majesty is right. Pan Shaoyin did a great job on this matter. It shows his ability to the fullest."

Hai Rui couldn't help but sigh that the emperor really knew how to select and employ people.

In the north, Tan Lun, Wang Chonggu, Huo Ji, and Wei Xueceng were used for civil affairs, and Qi Jiguang, Ma Fang, Li Chengliang, Xiao Wenkui, and Malu and Magui, father and son, were used for military affairs. In just a few years, the Nine Frontiers were no longer isolated borders. What great military achievements have been made since the founding of the Ming Dynasty!
In terms of political affairs, Zhang Juzheng, Wang Yi'e, Wang Guoguang, Pang Shangpeng and Pan Yinglong were all outstanding talents of their time. When it came to doing things, they were beyond the reach of not only famous scholars such as Wang Shizhen, but even famous officials of the Jiajing period such as Gao Gong.

In addition to these people, there are also Cao Bangfu, Wu Dui, Zheng Jing, Liu Tao, Lu Tong, Yu Dayou and many other capable ministers and generals. They are like shining stars, illuminating the Ming Dynasty!
It is because of these people that Hai Rui feels that the Ming Dynasty will undergo earth-shaking changes in the next twenty years, and he believes that the Ming Dynasty will get better.

Zhu Yijun looked at the door and started talking about business.

"Mr. Hai, one of the main reasons why I asked you to govern Jiangsu this time is the death of Cai Guoxi, the right councilor of the Jiangsu Provincial Government."

Hai Rui put away his smile and said solemnly, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Cai Guoxi hanged himself."

Zhu Yijun pulled out a copy from his sleeve and handed it to Hai Rui: "This is the will of Cai Guoxi, who asked the military commander to pass it on. Lord Hai, you can take a look at it."

"Ask the military envoy to forward it? Has the administration in Jiangsu become so bad?" Hai Rui's face became more solemn. He took the copy and lowered his head to read it.

After reading it, Hai Rui's face was so gloomy that it seemed like water was about to drip out of it.

Xu Jie!

The emperor sent him to Jiangsu to investigate the suicide case of Cai Guoxi, vigorously rectify the local situation in Jiangsu and re-establish the prestige of the central government. Judging from Cai Guoxi's will, he had been forced by the Jiangsu officialdom and "non-violent non-cooperation" before, and he relied on Gao Gong's support in the central government and his own resilience to move forward with difficulty.

Later, Gao Gong fell from power and died suddenly on the road. Cai Guoxi knew that his official career was ruined and was taken advantage of by the Jiangsu officials. He simply committed suicide to show his determination and dragged the Jiangsu officials to death with him.

However, rectifying the Jiangsu officialdom would inevitably involve Xu Jie.

To be honest, Hai Rui had a very bad impression of Xu Jie, especially during his last incognito visit to the southeast, when he learned too many crimes and evil deeds committed by the Xu family in the southeast.

Last time, Hai Rui wanted to overthrow the Xu family, even if it meant death together, he had to kill Xu Jie.

It was just that Yang Jinshui had conveyed Zhu Yijun's secret letter, and given the situation at the time, Xu Jie could not be touched for the time being.

In this world, Hai Rui only listened to the advice of Zhu Yijun.

He said that he would not touch Xu Jie for the time being, so Hai Rui swallowed his anger for the time being. He forced the Xu family to give up 300,000 acres of fertile land and deposed the eldest son of the head of the family before he gave up.

This time I went to Jiangsu, it was a different story.

"Your Majesty, what should I do if I find out about the former Prime Minister Xu Shaohu?" Hai Rui asked straight to the point.

"As a former prime minister, Yan Shaoxi lived in Fenyi, Jiangxi, relying on the 3,000 mu of charity land of the ancestral temple to support his old age, enjoying the company of his grandchildren and living out his days in peace."

Hai Rui understood, nodded and said, "I have seen all the events of three generations, and I have watched several great-grandchildren. Your Majesty, I understand."

"Mr. Hai, please also check the Southern Examination in the first year of Longqing." Zhu Yijun reminded again.

"Nanwei?"

Nanwei refers to the provincial examination in Nanzhili, and Beiwei refers to the provincial examination in Shuntian Prefecture.

Because Nanzhili included the current Yingtian Prefecture, Anhui and Jiangsu, where there were rich cultural heritage and many outstanding people, the provincial examination in Nanzhili was known as the best provincial examination in the country and attracted attention from all over the country.

According to the convention, the Wuchen Imperial Examination was to be held in the second year of Longqing's reign, so Nanzhili held a provincial examination in the first year of Longqing's reign and admitted many talented people. They went to Beijing with great enthusiasm to take part in the imperial examination, but many of the top candidates who were highly expected by everyone failed.

This incident caused a great uproar, and many scholars in Jiangnan secretly discussed that the emperor instructed the chief examiner of the Wuchen year to suppress the candidates from Jiangnan and promote new learning, which led to this result.

These scholars not only discussed the incident extensively, but also secretly compiled books and printed and distributed them privately, and even wrote plays and performed plays to mock the incident.

However, the Propaganda Bureau and the Nanjing Branch responded appropriately. They joined hands with the Nanjing Branch of the Jinyiwei Zhenfu Division to confiscate a batch of privately printed books, close down more than a dozen opera troupes, and arrest a group of people. Only then did they suppress this trend.

But the rumor had been circulating among the people, and Hai Rui had also heard about it.

Now the emperor asked me to investigate the Southern Examination in the first year of Longqing. Is there any connection? "Mr. Hai, Cai Guoxi mentioned in his will that he received a report saying that there was a mystery in the Southern Examination in the first year of Longqing. But he had no control over the Southern Examination, so he could only investigate secretly and found some clues.

When the capital investigated Wang Lin and others this time, they followed the clues and found that they had colluded with each other and committed corruption for personal gain during the Southern Examination in the first year of Longqing.

Hai Rui's face turned grim.

It was an open secret that these scholars formed cliques for personal gain, abused their power for personal gain and cheated in the imperial examinations to ensure that their own people passed the examinations. This was especially rampant during the academy and provincial examinations.

Cheating in the exam!

This hit the nail on the head for Hai Rui, who came from a poor family and had a hard time taking scientific examinations!

Well, if I don’t investigate you bastards thoroughly, I, Hai Rui, will take your surname!
However, Hai Rui also noticed the emperor's little thoughts.

You "spread rumors and caused trouble" in the second year of Longqing's imperial examination and slapped me in the face. Now I want to take off your pants. You said that you were full of knowledge, but it was the evil people who made you fail in the imperial examination.

Now I will directly investigate the provincial examination in the first year of Longqing. If I find out that there are a few of you who passed the examination by cheating for personal gain, I will slap you in the face!
What a wealth of knowledge!
What a talent that is not appreciated!
The juren all passed the exam by cheating. They are not upright at all, and yet they have the nerve to talk nonsense here.

He is indeed the good grandson of Emperor Sejong. He holds a grudge and is very patient, waiting for a good opportunity before taking action.

After chatting for a while, Qi Yan reported outside the door: "Your Majesty, the auspicious time is approaching. Pan Shaoyin reports to you, please ask Your Majesty to issue an edict."

"How long will it take?"

"Your Majesty, the auspicious time is still half an hour away."

"Pass the order to Pan Yinglong to start on time."

"According to the order!"

Hai Rui stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I'm leaving now."

Now everyone had to take their seats, and Hai Rui prepared to return to his viewing seat in the Censorate.

"Mr. Hai, please stay and watch with me."

Hai Rui thought for a moment and said, "I obey your order."

It is a great honor to be able to watch it with the emperor.

Hai Rui was not a saint, and he had some desires in his heart, but he was able to control most of his desires.

The eunuchs and clerks of Shuntian Prefecture came forward one after another and invited everyone to take their seats.

Zhu Yijun's seat was located in a position with the best view.

Sitting at the bottom were princes and dukes of the imperial clan, relatives of the emperor and nobles, four counselors, the left and right councilors of the cabinet, the five military commanders, the six ministers, the chief ministers of various temples, the envoy of the Xuanhuiyuan, as well as envoys from Korea, Siam, Champa and other countries to the Ming Dynasty.

Hai Rui was placed next to the Left Councillor Tan Lun.

If someone else had exceeded the rules like this, people would have criticized him a long time ago, but when they saw it was Hai Rui, no one dared to say anything.

The seats in the adjacent area were separated by a wooden wall. The central figures were Empress Dowager Chen, Empress Xue, and Imperial Concubine Song. The rest of the concubines, as well as princes, dukes' wives, relatives of the emperor, nobles, and wives of civil and military officials, surrounded Chen and Xue like stars surrounding the moon.

The seats next to them were for the Cabinet, Six Ministries, various temples, the Military Government, the Five Military Governor's Office, the Censorate, the Dali Temple, and the Xuanhuiyuan. They were arranged one district at a time, and the civil and military officials, dressed in casual clothes, had taken their seats early.

When the auspicious day arrived, hundreds of horns and trumpets sounded, and the audience of tens of thousands of people fell into silence.

The royal band of Taichang Temple plays music, dragon and phoenix bring auspiciousness!

As soon as the music stopped, officials, common people, soldiers and civilians, young and old, male or female, all stood up, surrounded Zhu Yijun, raised their hands high, and then bowed.

The voice came like a tidal wave: "Long live the emperor!"

Three cheers of "Long live the emperor", drums sounded, and the cheers slowly subsided.

Zhu Yijun said: "Begin!"

The eunuchs standing in various places chanted loudly, "The emperor has issued an order! Let's celebrate together with the people. Let's begin!"

One after another, the loud voices spread throughout Nanyuan.

The eunuch's voice was still echoing, the sound of horns and war drums rang out, and teams of cavalry in distinctive armor ran into the open space east of Nanhai Zi in a line.

The performance of the Cavalry Opera begins.

The performance of the Cavalry Opera is similar to the entertainment program before the World Cup or the Super Bowl. It is said to be a legacy of the Yuan Dynasty. Taizu and Chengzu thought it could enhance the power of the Ming Dynasty, so they preserved it and it has been passed down to the present day.

Five hundred cavalrymen from the Yongwei Camp were divided into five teams. They wore armor of five colors and held flags of five colors and galloped in.

Older audiences will find that this year's cavalry performances, in addition to their skilled riding skills, have a different aura, are murderous and intimidating.

The difference between the cavalry who have been on the battlefield and seen blood and the cavalry who stay at home every day practicing their riding skills can be seen at a glance.

Five teams of cavalry rode side by side, crossed each other, and sometimes galloped back and forth and shot arrows in the open space. Their arrows all landed on the targets, causing thunderous cheers!
After the performance, the five hundred cavalrymen lined up in front of the main auditorium and shouted in unison: "Long live the emperor! Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

Qi Yan stepped out and said loudly: "The emperor has ordered.

I now listen to the music of Kai and cite the example of Chu Yong. I think of the generals and soldiers who fought for the country without caring about their own lives. The old territory of Han and Tang has returned to the king. Only the emperor remembers the merits, how can I love to reward.

Reward the meritorious soldiers! Honor the heroes and make them famous forever! "

Five hundred cavalrymen raised their arms and shouted: "Long live, long live, long live!"

The officials and civilians around were also inspired and shouted "Long live the emperor!" in unison.

After the cavalry performance, the exciting dragon boat racing competition begins.

A total of twelve dragon boat teams competed for the championship on the two-mile-long waterway in Nanhaizi.

These twelve dragon boat teams were carefully selected from the 26th Army, the 22nd Provincial Government, the two capitals of the north and south, and the Marine Corps battalions of the Navy.

With such strong strength, it is unknown who will win.

The twelve dragon boat teams have been in position at the starting point. The referee team is calling out the names one by one, counting the number of people, and checking the dragon boats to prevent cheating.

The chief magistrate Pan Yinglong and the deputy magistrate, Lang Nangong Ye, secretary of the Advisory Bureau Secretariat, stood together and talked, taking in the overall situation.

Nangong Ye, who had been working in the writing room of the Supervisory Office, could not help but praise Pan Yinglong: "Brother Fengwu is a great talent. You have become famous throughout the country at this Dragon Boat Festival. The emperor and the four ministers praised you. Your renovation of the old city in the south city and other municipal affairs are really amazing.

Brother Fengwu, don't do too well, or your successor will despair."

Pan Yinglong raised his eyebrows and looked at Nangong Ye meaningfully. Just as he was about to speak, an acquaintance approached, "Mr. Feng Wu."

Pan Yinglong turned around and his face changed.

(End of this chapter)