I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 105: Good Job! Trouble! Two Historians from North Korea
In front of the Meridian Gate.

Everyone was shocked by Shen Nian's "Treatise on National Diseases".

Each school of thought has its own way of doing things, which seems to be for the benefit of the world, but in fact it is like adding fuel to the fire, going in the opposite direction.

Not only will it fail to govern the world, but it will also lead to decline and chaos, and harm the people.

The people of the world and the imperial court share the same destiny.

Only by saving the imperial court can we save the times and the world, and only by saving the people from danger can we truly bring prosperity to the world.

The way to save the court is the current new policy.

Anyone who understands the price paid for changing dynasties, anyone who is aware of the persecution suffered by the people during war, and anyone who knows how long it takes to restore peace in troubled times will not choose to destroy and then rebuild.

But it should be used to cure the disease of the Ming Dynasty.

"The Ming Dynasty is ill. It's not just the Ming Dynasty of the imperial court that is ill, but the Ming Dynasty of all the people of the Ming Dynasty that is ill."

This is the essence of "On National Diseases".

this moment.

All the council officials and scholars were suddenly enlightened and understood the real purpose of the Hundred Schools of Thought.

If the court's new policies to save the world can be compared to a surging river.

Hundreds of folk theories, whether big lakes, deep pools, streams, or secluded creeks, all occupy one corner.

The past.

The court's strategy was to block and fill up these lakes, ponds and streams to prevent them from obstructing the flow of the great rivers and irrigating the world.

now.

The imperial court hoped that all forces that hindered the new policies would be transformed into forces to implement them.

Those who can participate in the discussion of politics are all knowledgeable and intelligent people.

After hearing what Shen Nian said, it was impossible for them not to understand that even though the imperial court had many flaws, it was still the backbone of the people of the world.

Supporting the imperial court, curing its ills, and implementing new policies are the true ways to govern the world.

The people of the world support the court.

In fact, they are supporting their own backers and pursuing a stable and prosperous life.

This is what it means to consider the interests of all the people in the world, this is what it means to put the overall situation first, and this is the mind and ambition that a scholar should have.

this moment.

A bright smile appeared on Zhang Juzheng's face.

He felt that the burden on his shoulders was suddenly much lighter, and he was very glad that he had followed Shen Nian's advice and held this Hundred Schools of Thought Conference.

After today, the number of people opposing the imperial court will drop sharply.

Ma Ziqiang, Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue, Wang Jiaping and other daily lecturers looked at Shen Nian. Their eyes were no longer intimidating as before, but rather: I am far inferior to Ziheng.

On the contrary, Shen Yikuan raised the corner of his mouth and thought to himself: If I had not proposed the Hundred Schools of Thought, how could Shen Nian have proposed the Hundred Schools of Thought on Politics? If I am not the first to make the contribution, I should be the second.

……

On the political platform.

He Xinyin and Li Zhi both lowered their heads. They have always cared about the world, but not the court.

Today, Shen Nian's "On the National Disease" made them suddenly realize that when it comes to saving the world, the imperial court is always the most powerful force.

Now, the imperial court is implementing new policies and is determined to restore the prosperous times, but they are creating chaos with their narrow-minded views.

He Xinyin looked at Shen Nian, took two steps forward, and then suddenly bowed to Shen Nian and said, "Yes... I am narrow-minded!"

After saying that, He Xinyin turned around and walked off the stage.

Li Zhi paused and murmured, "I hope it's not a double-faced thing, otherwise, I will continue to curse the court."

Li Zhi also walked down from the council platform.

Immediately, Hai Rui and Shen Nian also walked down.

When the presiding official Shen Shixing saw that no one else was going up to the platform, he strode to the center of the platform.

"Everyone, saving the world and strengthening the country is the responsibility of the court, and even more so, the responsibility of the people of the world. Our Great Ming Dynasty will surely flourish! The next two days will be a time to offer advice and suggestions to the court. I hope that everyone will spare no effort and offer wise advice on governing the country, so that our Great Ming Dynasty, like a towering tree, will flourish and prosper forever!"

Shen Shixing bowed deeply to the audience, announcing the official end of today's meeting.

……

Half an hour later, Wenhua Hall.

Little Wanli looked at Shen Nian's "On National Diseases" with his hands shaking.

He was very excited and murmured, "I really want Shen Bianxiu to join the cabinet!"

“Cough… cough… cough… cough… cough… cough…” Feng Bao on the side started coughing rapidly.

Suddenly.

Only then did young Wanli realize that Empress Dowager Li was still sitting behind him.

Empress Dowager Li taught him many times that as a king, his words must be kept and he must not speak nonsense.

He should be punished for saying such nonsense.

Little Wanli became nervous.

He didn't want to be punished to copy two more long characters near dusk.

Empress Dowager Li stood up and walked out from behind.

"Your Majesty, Editor Shen is indeed a man of extraordinary talent. Today's discussion of the nation's ills is truly the words of a wise man. Your Majesty must study it carefully and learn more!"

"Your Majesty, your Majesty is right." Little Wanli stood up and bowed.

Immediately, Empress Dowager Li left, and young Wanli also breathed a sigh of relief.

……

Early the next morning.

The front page headlines of the capital's tabloids were all about Shen Nian's "On the National Disease."

This theory aroused heated discussion among scholars.

Once upon a time, many people subconsciously believed that as long as they did not enter the officialdom, the rise and fall of the court and even the change of dynasties had nothing to do with them.

Because the change of dynasties is an iron law of history, the people remain the people, and the lower class remains the lower class.

But Shen Nian's words made them realize that if the imperial court perished, it would be replaced by the Mongols in the north or the Japanese pirates at sea.

Maybe they don't even have the qualifications to sit in a teahouse or tavern and discuss politics.

Maybe they will become inferior people, maybe they will be forced to wear strange clothes and have strange hairstyles, maybe their children will become slaves...

This article "On the National Disease" gave countless people a reason to support the Ming Dynasty court.

……

In the afternoon of that day, the discussion of political affairs continued.

But at this moment, He Xinyin, Li Zhi and Wang Shizhen were no longer among those who went to the palace.

The first two people are most likely to have a collapse of faith.

As for the latter, he not only offended Zhang Juzheng, but also forced the emperor to cry. He felt that his official career was over, so he returned home to write history.

The remaining visitors were very excited.

Discussions on the imperial examinations, land annexation, land taxes and commercial taxes, corrupt local officials, the mistakes of powerful officials, military farms on the border, and the privileges of the gentry...

Everything is negotiable.

Although many strategies cannot be achieved overnight, the court's attitude is very sincere. As long as it is for the purpose of governing the world, the court will certainly introduce new policies in the future.

……

September 15th, at dusk.

The presiding official Shen Shixing announced the official end of the seven-day Hundred Schools of Thought Conference.

The imperial court will formulate new policies for education as quickly as possible, allowing private academies that comply with the new regulations to continue operating and allowing students to speak freely about politics on the premise of following certain rules.

The scholars were all delighted.

Because of this Hundred Schools of Thought.

Only then did they truly understand the court, understand the court's difficulties, and understand that there were still many officials in the court who wanted to do practical things and were actually doing practical things.

Officials such as Zhang Juzheng were also very happy. They had never expected that this political discussion would achieve such good results.

It turns out that the best way to fight against different political views is not to eliminate them, but to turn enemies into friends.

This will make the new policy smoother.

Of course, if there are policies in the new policy that are harmful to the people.

Officials who only talk but do not act, and whose words and deeds are inconsistent, will be severely criticized by scholars all over the world.

The most unhappy group of people after the Hundred Schools of Thought.

They should be those high-ranking officials who rely on their privileges to annex land, rely on their official power to embezzle the people's money, and act against the people of the world in everything they do.

After this incident, they will surely restrain themselves, and the imperial court will certainly find an appropriate opportunity to take action against them.

……

That evening, Shen Nian received the news.

In order to quickly introduce new policies on education, the regular court session will be cancelled tomorrow.

at the same time.

Many scholars and students never left the capital. They wanted to see how the imperial court would deal with the issue of private academies and students' political opinions after the Hundred Schools of Thought.

……

September 16th, five o'clock in the morning.

Aji drove the carriage and brought Shen Nian to the official residence of the Censorate.

Hai Rui will leave Beijing this morning to inspect Shanxi.

After a while.

Hai Rui's back appeared at the door, and Yao Bin, the Imperial Censor of the Ministry of Personnel, was also there. He would accompany Hai Rui on an inspection tour of Shanxi.

In addition, there were several Jinyiwei accompanying him.

In addition to protecting Hai Rui and Yao Bin, they will also take care of their food, clothing and daily life.

The Jinyiwei represent the imperial power. If anyone in Shanxi dares to harm them, the Jinyiwei will definitely overturn the sky in Shanxi.

"Ebi!" Shen Nian said respectfully.

Hai Rui smiled and said, "Ziheng, your theory of national disease is still lingering in my ears. I keep thinking about it, and the more I think about it, the more I find it makes sense!"

"Me... me too! Editor Shen is indeed a true scholar-official!" Yao Bin also said.

Shen Nian smiled and shook his head, saying, "This is all for the sake of the Ming Dynasty. We still have a long way to go."

"Yao Geishi, this is a long journey, you must take good care of Hai Lao. Hai Lao is old, you must not let him get tired!"

"Don't worry, I'm here!" Yao Bin said, patting his chest.

"I'm in high spirits and absolutely fine! But you, being in the capital, must be careful not to be framed by some treacherous people!" Hai Rui reminded.

"Junior understands!" Shen Nian nodded seriously.

Today, he is an unworthy person.

Little Wanli, Zhang Juzheng, Ma Ziqiang and others may all be thinking of training Shen Nian, allowing him to be promoted quickly, have greater power, and take on greater responsibilities.

But there was definitely a group of people who were eager to see Shen Nian get into trouble, be punished, demoted, or even exiled. Just as the three of them were chatting, a luxurious carriage drove up from a distance.

Then, Zhang Siwei walked down from above.

The three of them were a little surprised by Zhang Siwei's arrival.

"Lord Zhang!" The three of them bowed to the cabinet minister Zhang Siwei at the same time.

In the absence of Zhang Juzheng, officials would call Zhang Siwei "Zhang Ge Lao" or "Feng Pan Gong" when they saw him.

Zhang Siwei nodded, looked at Hai Rui and said, "I heard that Hai Qianyuan left the capital this morning, so I came here specially to see him off!"

"Thank you, Lord Zhang!" Hai Rui bowed slightly.

Zhang Siwei took out a letter from his bosom and said, "This is my own handwritten letter. If you meet any of my family members or my fellow students, show this letter and they will definitely cooperate with you."

"The Haiqian Court is free to investigate. If any of my family members have committed a crime, there is no need to hesitate!"

At this moment, the Jinyiwei was right next to him.

Every word and action here will reach the ears of little Wanli.

Zhang Siwei was trying to show off his righteousness, even to the point of sacrificing his own relatives for the sake of justice. In fact, he should have already arranged many things in private.

After hearing this, Hai Rui didn't immediately take the letter. Instead, he bowed and said, "Rest assured, Lord Zhang. With His Majesty's instructions, 'Investigate thoroughly and show no leniency,' I will investigate thoroughly and deal with this matter with utmost rigor!"

"When I was inspecting Shanxi, I only needed the Great Ming Code, nothing else." Hai Rui stood up.

These words choked Zhang Siwei.

He didn't expect that Hai Rui would not give him any face at all.

He looked at Yao Bin, the Censor of the Ministry of Personnel, who turned his face away.

As the official who impeached Zhang Siwei, it was even more impossible for him to accept Zhang Siwei's private message.

Zhang Siwei looked depressed.

If he kept this letter in his pocket again, others would know about it and might think that he was writing a letter asking Hai Rui to show mercy when he inspected Shanxi.

Just when Zhang Siwei was feeling embarrassed, he suddenly saw the Jinyiwei standing beside him.

Swish!
He stuffed the letter into the body of a Jinyiwei, who quickly took it in his hand.

"Goodbye!" Zhang Siwei said, and left quickly.

The Jinyiwei was a little confused.

I didn't know whether I should give this letter to Hai Rui or turn around and hand it over to the palace.

Shen Nian smiled and said, "Mr. Hai, you should keep this letter. It might come in handy in Shanxi!"

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui said no more and turned to Shen Nian, "Ziheng, I'm leaving now. I look forward to meeting you next time!"

"Okay, next time I'll treat Mr. Hai to a good meal. Mr. Hai, please don't postpone it again!" Shen Nian said. Yesterday, Shen Nian wanted to hold a banquet to see Hai Rui off, but was politely declined.

Hai Rui immediately smiled and said confidently, "Alright! I'll eat your food, and I'll feel at ease!"

present.

Being able to host a meal for Hai Rui is more difficult than hosting a meal for the three great cabinet ministers.

After a while.

Shen Nian looked at the carriage going away and murmured, "I hope everything goes well. Shanxi is too important to the Ming Dynasty!"

……

September 20th.

After officials worked through the night for several days, they finally introduced a new policy on studying: "Seventy-two Articles on Studying."

This regulation.

There are detailed regulations on private lectures among the people and student political participation, and also include explanations on whether to affirm or prohibit some folk theories.

For example: private lectures were forbidden from promoting the doctrine of self-government without the imperial court; wandering scholars seeking fame and fortune were forbidden from fabricating rumors and empty talk; ridiculing officials was forbidden, as was seeking promotion and seeking favors; students were advised to prioritize their studies and to speak out about politics, but not to speak recklessly; students who slandered the imperial court would be reprimanded and severely punished, and those who caused a negative impact would have their academic achievements revoked...

The "Seventy-two Articles on Discipline in Studying" are both lenient and strict.

Song gave many scholars the opportunity to speak out and enabled many private academies to teach and educate again and give lectures.

The remarks of people like Yan Zai, He Xinyin, and Li Zhi will be further suppressed by the court, and many scholars and lunatics who seek fame and reputation will no longer be able to gain fame and fortune by satirizing the government through lectures.

After reading the "Seventy-two Articles on Learning", most of the scholars in the capital were very excited and shouted: "The emperor is wise."

Such concessions from the imperial court were beyond their expectations. Most people still wanted to enter officialdom and achieve great things.

at the same time.

The lists of successful candidates in the provincial examinations this year have been posted one after another. Many new candidates are very excited and have begun preparing for the metropolitan examinations next spring.

……

September 22nd, near noon.

Shen Nian saw a piece of news in a tabloid: He Xinyin became a monk.

After reading the "Seventy-two Articles on Discipline in Learning", He Xinyin realized that his idea of ​​"using the opinions of friends to enable the people to govern themselves" would no longer work. In addition, his relationship with the head of the government office in his hometown was very bad, so it was hopeless for him to teach. He immediately shaved his head and became a monk at Pu'an Temple in the west of the city.

Of course, he is not a real monk yet.

Only after studying Buddhist scriptures, passing Buddhist examinations, and obtaining a certificate of ordination can one be considered a true monk.

This is not difficult for him.

As for Li Zhi, he was much more optimistic than He Xinyin.

His resignation was not approved, but he had agreed to accept the appointment of the Ministry of Personnel to serve as the prefect of Yao'an, Yunnan.

Shen Nian was still somewhat surprised by their choices.

Li Zhi was more unorthodox than He Xinyin, but Li Zhi still chose to stay in officialdom, while He Xinyin suddenly became free of desires and let go of his obsession.

He Xinyin's becoming a monk was a good thing for the imperial court.

He could be said to have proved with his actions that what Hai Rui and Shen Nian said was right, and the ideas he insisted on were only suitable for a few people.

……

In the blink of an eye, it was October.

The weather was getting cooler, leaves were falling, and everything in the capital was going on as usual.

Shen Nian became famous because of his "On National Diseases", and many people even said privately that Shen Nian might be able to enter the cabinet before he turned 40.

Shen Nian still adheres to the habit of not attending any banquets with strangers.

All day long, apart from compiling history, writing daily notes, preparing daily lectures, and reading memorials, she stayed at home to take care of the children.

The days are fulfilling, busy and happy.

……

October 3rd, afternoon, Hanlin Academy, Editing Hall.

Shen Nian sat at the desk.

While drinking strong tea and yawning, he wrote the doctrine for the daily lecture.

last night.

His son Xiao Yanche cried until three o'clock in the morning, so Shen Nian didn't sleep well.

at this time.

A clerk beside Hanlin scholar Ma Ziqiang came to him and said that Ma Ziqiang asked Shen Nian to come over.

Shen Nian quickly washed her face and went to Ma Ziqiang's room.

Ma Ziqiang waved his hand towards the clerk and said, "Go out and close the door behind you."

Shen Nian was stunned.

I don't know why Ma Ziqiang closed the door during the day. In the past, Ma Ziqiang never closed the door when he called Shen Nian to discuss matters.

"Ziheng, I'm going to give you a good job!" Ma Ziqiang said with a smile.

Shen Nian bowed and said, "Master, please give me your orders. I will complete the task to the best of my ability. If I cannot do it, I know my own limitations and will never force myself to take this good job."

He closed the door first, then called out with a smile: Ziheng.

This made Shen Nian feel that it was definitely not an easy job, so he followed Ma Ziqiang's words and left himself a way out. If he couldn't get it done, he would politely decline.

"You! Are you still on guard against me?"

Ma Ziqiang sat up straight and looked serious.

"The day before yesterday, Choi Gaeguk, the Minister of State of Joseon, arrived as an envoy on behalf of King Yi Sun of Joseon. After meeting with Your Majesty, he made a request, hoping that his two accompanying sons, Choi Yunhyuk and Choi Yunjun, could witness the daily history-writing process at the Hanlin Academy. He even mentioned you specifically, hoping that his two sons could learn from you."

"His two sons are both inspecting at the Chunchugwan in Joseon, and King Yi Sun of Joseon also mentioned it in his letter, so Your Majesty has agreed to allow these two to stay with you at the Hanlin Academy for seven days."

Shen Nian also has some understanding of North Korea.

The Minister of the Kingdom of Korea was equivalent to the Vice Minister of the Six Ministries of the Ming Dynasty, and was of the second rank.

The Arts and Culture Museum (Chungchugwan) of the Joseon Dynasty was equivalent to the History Museum of the Hanlin Academy. The Inspector of the Arts and Culture Museum was a sixth-rank official, and his duties were almost the same as those of the editors and reviewers of the Hanlin Academy of the Ming Dynasty. They also compiled the Veritable Records of the King.

Although Choi Yun-hyuk and Choi Yun-jun are from the sixth rank.

But Korea was, after all, a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, a tiny country. Their sixth rank was at most on par with a county magistrate in the Ming Dynasty.

"Master Ma, this is a good job. Please be considerate of me!"

"My son sleeps during the day and makes noises at night. Last night he was still up all night. I really don't have the time to take care of two Koreans. You...you can't think that I'm the pride of our Hanlin Academy and use me as a tool. Scholar Shen has been quite free lately. He has a good temper and is patient. He is a better representative of our Hanlin Academy!"

"Please, Master Ma, understand my humble position and report to Your Majesty that I am truly incapable of fulfilling this responsibility!"

With the door closed, he had no scruples when talking to Ma Ziqiang, and he also had the confidence and qualifications to contradict his superiors.

Shen Nian refused.

On the one hand, he is indeed a little tired recently, and on the other hand, he does not like the current North Koreans very much.

Ma Ziqiang stood up.

"Ziheng, it's not that I'm using you as my own strength, but you're the only one who can do this!"

"If we really want to teach them how to compile history, Shen Shixing, Wang Jiaping, Shen Yikuan, Zhao Yongxian and others are all suitable. I don't want them to learn our daily history-compilation methods, so I came to discuss this with you." Ma Ziqiang said in a low voice.

"Why?" Shen Nian asked.

"Humph! The North Koreans are just a bunch of ungrateful wolves who can never be fed."

"Their Chengzhengyuan was modeled after the Northern Song Dynasty's system. After they became the imperial consorts of the Yuan Dynasty, they adopted the Mongolian system. Now their official system is modeled after our Ming Dynasty's. They want to strengthen the royal power by learning from our Ming Dynasty's imperial system."

"They learned it, after all, they were a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty. But when they wrote their history, they distorted it, refusing to admit that they learned from us and claiming that it was their own ancient system."

"If they were to learn all of our Hanlin Academy's methods of compiling history, I'm afraid it would become their old ways again!"

"I'm thinking of having you take these two people to the Hanlin Academy for seven days. They should feel that you haven't done anything rude, but they haven't learned anything. It would be best if they could thank Your Majesty for giving them this opportunity to learn before they leave."

"I feel that you are the only one in the Hanlin Academy who can do something like this."

Suddenly, Shen Nian understood why Ma Ziqiang wanted to close the store.

It turns out he wanted to do something bad.

This job is not easy, but Shen Nian is interested in it. He also doesn't like the shameless behavior of North Korea.

"Master Ma, if this is the case, I think it's a good job. Although I haven't figured out how to deal with it yet, I'm willing to try!" Shen Nian said with a smile.

"Good, good, good!" Ma Ziqiang said three good words in a row.

What he likes most is subordinates like Shen Nian, who are confident in completing any task and can even complete tasks that are difficult for their superiors to complete.

Because of Shen Nian.

The emperor and the three cabinet ministers were much more friendly to Ma Ziqiang than before, and the treatment of the Hanlin Academy was getting higher and higher, far better than that of other government offices, and other government offices did not dare to have any complaints.

(End of this chapter)