I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 103: The all-night debate in front of the Meridian Gate, Little Wanli sheds tears on the political stage

September 11th, the third day of the Hundred Schools of Thought.

Noon, in front of the Meridian Gate.

The onlookers had already crowded to Chengtian Gate outside Duanmen, and even the teahouses and taverns along Chang'an Avenue were filled with scholars.

Once new remarks are heard from the forum, scholars outside will also start a debate.

These days.

This was the time when the control of speech in the capital was the loosest. As long as no action was taken, everything could be discussed.

Even if the patrolling Jinyiwei heard some rebellious words, they would ignore them.

Recently, all the inns, restaurants, teahouses and other places in the capital have been raising their prices.

Among them, the biggest price increases were in paper and tabloids.

Many paper workshops and workshops that print books and tabloids have made a lot of money by printing the opinions of the Hundred Schools of Thought in the past two days and selling them to various places outside the capital.

Of course, the content they printed was basically based on the court's briefings. Anyone who wrote false information or spread rumors would be severely punished.

……

The political discussions of the previous two days could only be regarded as mutual understanding between those who came to the palace and the political officials. Today was the day of confrontation between the two sides.

Those who visited the palace were all in high spirits.

They all hoped to gain recognition from the imperial court with their own theories and political views, so that the ban on private academies would be lifted and speech would be freer.

The council officials also looked serious.

Next they will face layers of siege from those who came to the palace. Whether they can hold on to the official school and ensure that the new policy gets more support from people depends entirely on their performance on stage.

……

On the political platform.

After Shen Shixing finished his brief opening remarks.

Luo Rufang, the deputy inspector of Yunnan Province, a proponent of the theory of human nature, and an advocate of governing the country with "filial piety, brotherhood and kindness", was the first to step onto the political stage.

Although Luo Rufang was an official.

But he is keen on lecturing, and some people even say that most of his official affairs are decided by lectures.

Academies were the main places for lectures, and he was most opposed to banning private academies.

Zhang Juzheng once intended to appoint him as a daily lecturer, but after communicating with each other, they rarely reached a consensus, so he had to give up.

Luo Rufang stood in the middle of the council platform.

He first bowed from a distance in the direction of the little emperor at the Meridian Gate, and then slowly spoke.

"I am already over sixty years old. Since I entered the officialdom, I have observed that those who discuss laws and regulations are becoming more and more strict, those who design torture instruments are becoming more and more stringent, and those who conduct inspections and torture are becoming more and more severe. Whenever I see the blood and flesh on the steps of the hall or in the prison, I can't help but feel a pang of pain in my nose and a frown..."

"Now, if we first understand the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, we must believe in the goodness of human nature. If we believe in this goodness, the spirit of nature will be precious. If we value the spirit of nature, the body and life will be precious... Now that private academies have been closed down and students are prohibited from discussing politics, how can we persuade people to be good and how can we eliminate the stubbornness of the people..."

"If education is proper, what need is there for laws? A well-governed world must be based on moral governance. If everyone is educated, there will be no thieves or villains in the world!"

simply speaking--

He believed that the court's punishments were too harsh and that it should use education to persuade people to be good and reform criminals rather than using cruel punishments.

Luo Rufang's theory of human nature being good was supported by many ordinary people and young scholars.

Tang Xianzu is one of them.

The reason for this is that he is young and inexperienced, has a kind heart, and has never seen those extremely evil people.

After Luo Rufang finished speaking, Yan Qing, the Minister of Justice, strode onto the platform.

Yan Qing has been a criminal lawyer for over thirty years and has seen all kinds of prisoners. What he hates most is the talk of "educating people with virtue".

His flattering creed is: If moral education is useful, then what is the use of the "Great Ming Code"!
"Although moral education is good, its effects are slow and difficult. Everyone has their own temperament. To educate others with virtue, one must rely entirely on self-reflection."

"Our Great Ming has over ten million households. While morality has no standard, the law does have strict rules. Only by following the rules and holding people accountable, and by clearly rewarding and prudently punishing, can we maintain public order and good customs. Laws are the sharpest tool for maintaining national security, while morality and education are merely supplementary..."

……

After Yan Qing finished explaining the reasoning, he began to give examples.

Involving: treason, evil deeds, unfilial piety, injustice, theft, receiving stolen goods, hiding goods, robbery, kidnapping, etc.

Among them were those who murdered their grandparents and parents, those who killed and injured people with their carriages and horses, those who beat their teachers to death, those who privately minted copper coins and trafficked in human beings, and other extremely evil people.

And how many people have been caned, exiled, and sentenced to death by the court since the first year of the Wanli period to the present.

All these data make one's hair stand on end.

Many scholars could never have imagined that so many bloody tragedies would occur in the Ming Dynasty!
"Mr. Jinxi (Luo Rufang), can crimes like these be moralized? Can we close our eyes and reflect on our hearts? Can we teach and educate people?"

Although Luo Rufang also has examples in hand.

But most of the cases he handled were small ones, and after he talked about them, they did not resonate with many people.

"Mr. Jinxi, I admire your talent for persuading people to be good, but when it comes to being an official and judging criminal cases, you are clearly unqualified."

"You once, out of sympathy for an old woman, arbitrarily released her imprisoned husband. You also secretly donated bows and crossbows from the treasury to the people. Is this a good deed, or a bad deed that violates the law? If you teach students to judge good and evil based on their own hearts, what is the point of the Great Ming Code?"

Yan Qing had already thoroughly investigated Luo Rufang's official duties in advance.

Although he was praised by the people for his kindness, he was also punished by the court for failing to distinguish between public and private affairs.

Yan Qing was very excited. He took out a copy of the Great Ming Code from his bosom, held it high, and said aloud: "This is the most important tool for stabilizing the country. Morality and enlightenment can only serve as a supplement!"

After saying this, he looked at Luo Rufang with a serious expression.

Yan Qing has a murderous aura about him because he has served as a criminal official for a long time.

Especially when he raised the "Great Ming Code", it was like raising a wake-up call in the office, as if he was going to convict the prisoner in the court.

He did not use his power to oppress others.

But this momentum made Luo Rufang feel a little guilty.

Shen Shixing, who was standing by, quickly walked to the center of the meeting platform and announced loudly, "You two have finished expressing your views on theory and politics. You may leave the stage."

Shen Shixing knew it.

If the two continue to debate, they will surely repeat themselves or use individual cases to support their arguments, which will be of no use.

Next, let the people of the world discuss it publicly.

After Luo Rufang stepped down.

The next people to walk onto the podium were Guan Zhidao, Master Yunqi of Buddhism, and Lu Xixing of Taoism.

Guan Zhidao advocated the combination of Confucianism and Buddhism.

The latter two both talked about the role of Buddhism and Taoism in political affairs and criticized the ban on private colleges as a harsh and one-size-fits-all policy.

In this regard.

The three Hanlin officials Wang Jiaping, Shen Yikuan and Zhao Yongxian stood up one after another.

All three affirmed the positive influence of Buddhism and Taoism on the government and people's lives, but also criticized some negative and escapist ideas.

The debate between them was relatively harmonious.

Buddhism advocates non-contention, Taoism advocates inaction. After the three people put forward their own views, they retreated.

……

Near dusk.

Wang Xi, a great scholar of the School of Mind and the head of the Taizhou School, stepped onto the political stage.

present.

The School of Mind has replaced the School of Politeness to become a popular school of thought with a very large audience.

The appearance of Wang Xi suddenly made the audience in the parliamentary chamber quiet.

Wang Xi's academic and political views are almost known to everyone in the world.

This time, he stood on the stage and mainly talked about three points.

First, the way of a sage is no different from the daily life of ordinary people. The court should base its governance on the people and emphasize equality and love.

Second, we hope that the current government can follow the example of Yao and Shun, care about the people, and reduce punishments.

Third, private academies are places for education. Banning them is an act that will fool the people and harm the country, and the ban should be lifted.

After Wang Xi finished speaking.

Ma Ziqiang, the Minister of Rites and Hanlin scholar, stepped onto the platform for the meeting.

Wang Xi represents the perspective of the common people.

Ma Ziqiang, from the perspective of the imperial court, first affirmed the importance of caring for the common people, and then said that only when the government is in order can the people be harmonious.

He put the stability of the court and the scholar-official class first, and emphasized the principles of heaven, court order, and moral etiquette norms.

Due to the difference in perspective, an argument immediately arose.

Soon, it evolved into a debate between Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind.

Those who advocated rationalism, quoted the words of sages, advocated the supremacy of natural law, the pursuit of knowledge through investigation of things, self-discipline and restoration of propriety, and the moral standards of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness, and emphasized the importance of law and rationality.

Those who advocate the study of the heart say that the heart is reason, advocate the pursuit of conscience, integrate moral practice into daily life, and advocate that everyone can be a gentleman, everyone can be Yao and Shun, and everyone can be a sage.

……

As night fell, torches were lit and the debate became increasingly heated.

Those who advocate reason say: reason comes before qi, and all things are subject to one reason; those who advocate mind say: mind is reason, and there is nothing outside the mind.

Those who advocate reason say that everything has its own reason, that is, boats can only travel on water and cars can only travel on land; those who advocate mind say that all things are one, and the benevolent regard heaven, earth and all things as one.

Those who advocate rationalism say that rites and ethics are paramount, that is, starving to death is a small matter, but losing one's chastity is a big matter; those who advocate the mind immediately say that rites and ethics suppress human nature and advocate the liberation of individuality.

……

There is much to say about the psychological debate.

Not long after.

Two cabinet ministers, Lu Diaoyang and Zhang Siwei, also took to the podium to debate.

Some young scholars among the visitors also stood on the platform to refute.

for a long time.

Among the people, the School of Mind has actually been suppressing the School of Principle, because since the Zhengde period, the court's various actions have made scholars all over the world feel disappointed and dissatisfied.

Scholars have so much to say!
After both sides discussed their respective theories and political views, they gradually focused on various practical issues.

For example: official schools suppress human nature and need reform, the imperial examination system makes it difficult to recruit talented people and needs reform, local officials are too corrupt and need reform, and the people are taxed too highly, forcing them to become refugees and rebel against the people and need reform.

Gradually, the moon set in the west and it was late at night.

The debate was still heated, and everyone was getting a little excited. Both sides went from attacking each other's theories and political views to discussing how to solve these problems.

Soon, it was midnight.

Shen Shixing saw that everyone was arguing fiercely, and a group of people were eager to try and think about going to the forum, so he wanted to stop them.

Then Zhang Juzheng shook his head at him.

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng remembered Shen Nian's words.

"If this Hundred Schools of Thought debate becomes a debate for the benefit of the nation, not just for personal fame and gain, then it will be a success."

This is the current situation.

Although most of those who visited the palace were not speaking for the imperial court, they were speaking for the people of the world.

At this moment, everyone is in a good state and it is time to listen to public opinion.

Followed by.

Some people began to criticize the imperial examination system, some began to criticize the Ministry of Works for its dereliction of duty, and some called for the swift removal of eunuchs from government...

It became more and more intense, and everyone felt like they were injected with chicken blood.

And at this moment, inside the Wenhua Hall.

Empress Dowager Li, young Wanli, and Feng Bao were constantly receiving reports of political discussions outside and were equally excited.

Today, they heard various theories and political views, and heard various real voices.

This is not a bad thing for the court.

What's more, the young Wanli had not yet taken power, and the scholars and literati who criticized and ridiculed the government were all directed at Zhang Juzheng.

The only thing that made Feng Bao unhappy was that many people had called for the abolition of eunuchs' meddling in politics.

But he was confident that the current inner court still needed him, and the rules approved by the eunuchs could not be changed.

……

Before we knew it, the sky began to brighten as the sky began to turn pale in the distance.

As Wang Xi collapsed on the platform due to exhaustion from speaking, everyone realized that it was dawn.

Fortunately, Wang Xi was not seriously injured. After a while, he walked off the stage on his own.

At this time.

Seeing that no one else came up to the stage, Shen Shixing immediately put the note that Zhang Juzheng had just handed him into his sleeve and strode onto the platform.

"Everyone, I didn't expect that we could debate until dawn. I believe that everyone has benefited a lot from this night. The three elders just discussed and ordered me to tell you that the court will seriously consider the strategies proposed by everyone that are beneficial to the Ming Dynasty and incorporate them into the new policies." Hearing this, the scholars were very excited.

This shows that their suggestions are useful and that the court will make some compromises.

In the eyes of some young scholars.

Most officials in the current court only know how to "seek wealth and fame, buy land and marry concubines", but after today's debate, their impression has changed greatly.

Shen Shixing glanced around, paused, and continued, "For the next two days, please keep your debates focused on your respective theories and the opinions of private academies and students on politics. On the sixth and seventh days, we will debate the New Policies and discuss ways to save the country and the times."

"Also, today's political meeting lasted until dawn. I suggest that the afternoon meeting be postponed for an hour to allow everyone to rest more!"

"No need!" a visitor shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Need not!"

"Need not!"

"Need not!"

These two words first came out of the mouth of the person who visited the palace.

Then it was heard from the mouths of a group of spectators, and finally the scholars at the back also shouted: No need!
Shen Shixing looked at Zhang Juzheng helplessly.

Zhang Juzheng smiled and nodded. When it comes to "working all night long", he is no less capable than anyone else.

Shen Shixing said loudly: "Everything remains the same, the meeting will begin at noon!"

After hearing this, cheers broke out from the audience, and even some elderly scholars in their sixties smiled.

not far away.

Zhou Hai, a captain of the Jinyiwei who was in charge of patrolling public security, murmured, "Interesting, quite interesting."

He had thought that the discussion would become more intense as time went on, and that there might even be insults or fights on the platform.

After all, in the past, scholars in the capital debated.

Some people would take out a raw egg from their pockets and smash it on the other person's face during an argument; some people would roll up their sleeves and hug the other person's neck to wrestle; even worse, some would rush forward with a chair or other handy objects.

But this time, he suddenly felt that after a night of debate, both sides seemed to have a sense of mutual appreciation.

No one spoke in anger, they were all discussing the matter for the sake of the world.

At this time, he looked again at Shen Nian who was yawning not far away.

If the Hundred Schools of Thought can really get more scholars to support the new policy, Shen Nian will definitely be rewarded handsomely.

Afterwards, everyone dispersed.

Shen Nian no longer planned to go home. He was going to take a short rest in the Hanlin Academy before going to the palace to meet the emperor.

At that moment, Wang Shizhen, He Xinyin, and Li Zhi had not spoken yet. Shen Nian was worried that what he was most worried about might happen, so he went to remind the young Wanli in advance.

……

soon.

There was still more than a quarter of an hour before noon when everyone in front of the Meridian Gate arrived.

Everyone was very excited.

It seems that today's debate will continue all night long.

Soon, the political discussion began.

Those who went to the imperial court focused their discussions on how to improve their theories so that the court could lift the ban on private academies and allow students to discuss politics.

At this moment, the court's attitude was: the ban on private academies could be lifted, and students could be allowed to comment on politics, but there must be standards.

For example: it is necessary to follow some of the concepts and standards of official learning, and it is necessary to avoid or abandon some escapist, anti-moral, and anti-legal remarks.

The two sides went from arguing with each other to discussing.

……

It's almost dusk.

Wang Shizhen, the literary leader who had been silent all this time, stood up and walked onto the platform.

"I believe that moral education is not as important as the rule of law, and that everyone being a gentleman is not as important as everyone abiding by the law. Blindly admiring the governance of the ancient times and criticizing the current government for its complacency is not the way to govern the world!"

He is indeed a literary master.

In one sentence, he refuted all the theories and political views of Luo Rufang and Wang Xi.

Wang Shizhen paused, then continued, "I believe that the current closure of private academies and the prohibition of students from discussing politics is not primarily due to the private academics themselves, but rather to the powerful officials in power!"

When they heard the words "powerful ministers in power", everyone on the platform almost stood still.

Everyone could hear that he was referring to the Prime Minister of the time, Zhang Juzheng.

"I once fought against Yan Song and his son to save my father, and my career was full of ups and downs. I know that in order to achieve political harmony and public peace, new policies should be governed by laws, not by the authority of one person!"

"Powerful officials abuse their power, cultivate their own factions, and manipulate public opinion. Appointments and dismissals are based on personal connections, not merit. Those who don't flatter their allies are at best ostracized, at worst dismissed and sent home. With such behavior, how dare he allow the people of the world to discuss learning and politics?"

Wang Shizhen blamed himself for losing his official position because he did not curry favor with Zhang Juzheng.

Hear this.

Shen Shixing wanted to step forward to stop him, but Wang Shizhen's words involved attacking the official's personal morality and had no basis.

However, the moment he looked at Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng shook his head at him, signaling him not to stop him.

Wang Shizhen continued, "I believe that if the court prioritizes the rule of law and the administration of officials, and upholds the integrity of scholars, then it will not be afraid of what the world says. The country's policies will be implemented in all directions, and the country will naturally prosper..."

Wang Shizhen's words.

To put it bluntly: The powerful minister Zhang Juzheng is actually a pest to the country. If we get rid of him, respect the imperial power, implement the rule of law and the rule of officials, then the world can prosper and the country can prosper.

He regarded Zhang Juzheng as the biggest cancer of the Ming Dynasty.

Shen Nian was not surprised by what Wang Shizhen said.

This person was a traditional Confucian scholar-official who obeyed the imperial power, had a sense of saving the world, and did not oppose the new policies.

But he opposed the abuse of power and believed that the current Ming Dynasty was controlled by Zhang Juzheng and had therefore gone astray.

If the power of powerful ministers was removed and the administration of officials and the rule of law were implemented, the Ming Dynasty could still achieve prosperity.

He was merely opposed to Zhang Juzheng, believing that if Zhang Juzheng was removed from office, private academies and students' opinions on politics could naturally be restored.

In fact, there were quite a few officials in the Ming Dynasty who thought like him.

this moment.

All the council officials looked at Zhang Juzheng. Since Wang Shizhen spoke so frankly, the best policy for Zhang Juzheng was to respond positively.

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard lightly, slowly stood up, and then walked up to the council platform, opposite Wang Shizhen.

He glanced at Wang Shizhen, then looked around.

"Since I began assisting the government, I have always prioritized the interests of my country and the nation. All my decrees have been aimed at eliminating long-standing problems and revitalizing the nation, without a single selfish thought."

"As the chief minister of state, and Your Majesty being so young, I shall do my utmost to promote the affairs of state, and live up to Your Majesty's grace and the people."

"The Kaocheng Law was intended to rectify official administration, clean up the bureaucracy, and improve efficiency. Closing academies and prohibiting students from participating in politics was due to the disunity and constant rumors that made the new policies difficult to implement."

"As for nepotism, heaven and earth can bear witness. I select officials with impartiality, seeking the wise for the country..."

On the second day of the Hundred Schools of Thought Conference, Zhang Juzheng was not afraid of Wang Shizhen's accusations at all as the officials described the fruitful results of the new policies.

Wang Shizhen smiled coldly.

"Lord Zhang, do you really think you have done nothing wrong when it comes to state affairs?"

"I am impartial and will not let down Your Majesty or the people!" Zhang Juzheng said seriously.

Wang Shizhen looked down.

"In the fifth year of the Longqing reign, you privately wrote to Wang Chonggu, the Grand Commander-in-Chief, and Fang Fengshi, the Governor of Datong, requesting that the envoys who had been appointed to confer the title upon Altan Khan be replaced. In the second year of the Wanli reign, you privately wrote to Qi Jiguang, who was stationed at Jimen, and Pan Jixun, who was in charge of river management. The content of the letters is unknown, but it must have been official business. In the third year of the Wanli reign, you privately wrote to Zhang Mengli, the Governor of Shuntian, regarding the regulations on post stations, claiming that those who violated them were serious and that they should hand over a few typical cases in exchange for their services..."

"So, using private correspondence to handle official business, affecting the transfer of local officials and interfering with border military operations, does this comply with the laws of the Ming Dynasty? Is this considered arbitrary and dictatorial?"

"When Lord Zhang was in power, all matters were reported to him in writing. He treated the court documents as nothing and Your Majesty's imperial power as nothing. Does this count as rebellion? Does this count as violating etiquette and usurping power?" Wang Shizhen emphasized his tone.

Shen Nian frowned slightly. The thing he was most worried about had happened.

He thought Wang Shizhen would attack Zhang Juzheng, but he didn't expect the other party's angle to be so tricky.

Using private letters to handle official business is indeed a violation of the laws of the Ming Dynasty, and can be considered as an act of rebellion and usurpation.

Wang Shizhen cited so many examples, which shows that he had already conducted an investigation.

Now that this matter has been brought up through the Hundred Schools of Thought, it has embarrassed Zhang Juzheng and left him unable to refute it.

Hear this.

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard and said directly, "It is true."

"Since I joined the cabinet, I have repeatedly communicated government affairs to local officials via private letters. However, this was a helpless move, as some official documents passed through many people, taking a long time and easily leaking secrets. Therefore, I used private letters to convey them. I should bear the responsibility for this crime. Tomorrow I will submit a confession and be convicted according to the laws of the Ming Dynasty!"

"I have admitted this crime and will give you an explanation later. However, this matter has nothing to do with the private academy or the students' political discussions. You can make your own judgments and continue with the political discussions!"

No one expected that Zhang Juzheng would take responsibility for his own sins so decisively.

If these crimes were true, Zhang Juzheng would certainly have to retire early.

Wang Shizhen could not help but be overjoyed and immediately said, "I am not forcing Zhang Gelao to retire, but the power of the country cannot be monopolized. If Zhang Gelao returns the power to Your Majesty and to the officials, then our great Ming Dynasty can achieve a prosperous era."

now.

Lu Diaoyang, Zhang Siwei, and officials from the six ministries and six departments all had gloomy expressions, and they wished they could strangle Wang Shizhen to death.

If Zhang Juzheng really retired for this reason.

No one dares to implement the follow-up strategy of this Hundred Schools of Thought, and even the new policy will die.

They only saw the power Zhang Juzheng possessed, but failed to see the responsibility Zhang Juzheng shouldered.

Once Zhang Juzheng left the court, there was no one who could take charge of the Ming Dynasty.

However, this crime of "overstepping one's authority" had almost been confirmed by Wang Shizhen, and there was no room for anyone to argue.

Just as Zhang Juzheng was about to step down, a loud voice rang out from behind the Meridian Gate.

"The Holy Lord has arrived!"

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Suddenly, everyone inside and outside the Meridian Gate knelt down and saluted.

After hearing Wang Shizhen's criticism of Zhang Juzheng's autocracy, the young Wanli moved to the back of the Meridian Gate.

In the morning, it was Shen Nian who told him that someone might use the Hundred Schools of Thought to criticize Zhang Juzheng, and the only one who could support Zhang Juzheng in such an occasion was the young Wanli.

Little Wanli strode to the center of the Meridian Gate and then walked onto the council platform.

"Let's all get flat!"

Everyone slowly stood up, and Zhang Juzheng and Wang Shizhen on the council platform also stood up.

Young Wanli looked at Zhang Juzheng, then turned to look at Wang Shizhen.

"I instructed the Prime Minister to handle official business through private correspondence. Do you want to punish me?"

"Writing private letters to the Prime Minister is not unique to the Prime Minister. Past Prime Ministers such as Li Chunfang, Xu Jie, and Gao Gong all wrote private letters to the Prime Minister. This is a common practice within the Cabinet, and it is also permitted by me. What's wrong with writing private letters for the public good?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Shizhen quickly knelt down. Even if he had a thousand guts, he would not dare to refute the emperor.

Little Wanli looked down.

"Today, taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the Hundred Schools of Thought, I would like to address the real motives of those who claim that the Prime Minister's monopoly of power is detrimental to the country. The achievements of the new policies were announced two days ago. Didn't everyone hear about it?"

"I'm already a three-year-old, not a child. Can't I tell whether the Prime Minister is helping the country or harming it? I don't think the Prime Minister is sidelining me or despising the imperial power. I don't think the Prime Minister is nepotism. What do you think?"

"In my heart, the Prime Minister is the leader of all officials. I know everything he does. The current court cannot do without the Prime Minister, the current cabinet cannot do without the Prime Minister, and I cannot do without the Prime Minister even more!"

"Leave the internal fighting behind and focus on the new policies! If I depose the Prime Minister, who will be the Chief Minister? Wang Shizhen, can you handle it? Can you carry the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty on your shoulders and achieve the same results as the Prime Minister?"

"I understand Yuanfu's hard work better than anyone else, and I know what he is doing better than anyone else. If anyone dares to slander Yuanfu again, I will not forgive him!"

At this moment, little Wanli's eyes were red and tears were visible on his cheeks.

He felt bad for Zhang Juzheng and was speaking up for him.

In the heart of little Wanli.

No matter how strict or harsh Zhang Juzheng was, he was still his support, his mentor, and like a family member. He would not allow others to slander him, and he would not allow the court to lose this pillar.

Since the young Wanli has said so, who can still have objections? Who dares to have objections?

Wang Shizhen buried his head in the ground, wishing he could crawl into it.

He actually made the emperor of the time cry, which was a serious crime.

He had thought of countless reasons to refute Zhang Juzheng, but he never expected that the emperor would stand up and support Zhang Juzheng.

At this moment, it was dark.

The young Wanli softened his tone and said, "Let's end the meeting here today. I have ordered the Taichang Temple to prepare a dinner for all the officials and visitors. Everyone, take a break and we will continue tomorrow!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" everyone shouted.

this moment.

Many scholars who had never met the young Wanli suddenly discovered that the current emperor was not the weak monarch they had imagined who "always followed the words of the prime minister", but that he already had the majesty of an emperor.

(End of this chapter)