I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 187 A Perfect Strategy! Shen Nian's Way of Being an Official: Useful

After Empress Dowager Li fainted.

Emperor Wanli immediately ordered two eunuchs to help him to a side hall to rest, and at the same time summoned the imperial physician to treat him.

Immediately, the young Wanli Emperor slowly sat down on the throne and fell into deep thought.

This result was unacceptable to him!

The officials all looked at Shen Nian, waiting for him to speak so that the matter would be completely resolved.

"If the three cabinet ministers have differing opinions, the decision shall be made by Attendant Lecturer Shen."

These words immediately put Shen Nian in the spotlight, making him the "culprit" who murdered Wu Qingbo.

Yin Zhengmao looked furious.

What was originally a matter for all the officials to share responsibility for has now fallen entirely on Shen Nian's shoulders.

The Earl of Wuqing will be executed.

Empress Dowager Li will hate Shen Nian to death, the young Wanli Emperor will distance himself from Shen Nian, and Feng Bao will even target Shen Nian in countless matters.

In Yin Zhengmao's mind, Shen Nian was the best candidate to succeed Zhang Juzheng in the future.

If his official career comes to an abrupt end because of this incident, it will not only be a loss for the court, but also a misfortune for all the people.

Lu Diaoyang and Ma Ziqiang looked dejected, regretting that they hadn't persuaded Yin Zhengmao.

If Yin Zhengmao had been persuaded and all three had advocated for leniency, the outcome of the matter would have been different.

this moment.

The only person in the hall who was in a good mood was Shen Yiguan.

As Shen Nian is his biggest rival in blocking his entry into the cabinet, his future career will be bleak, and he will become the beneficiary.

Shen Nian straightened his chest.

He hadn't expected Zhang Juzheng to value him so much, but he had already devised a way to resolve the situation without violating the law and satisfying everyone.

Shen Nian knelt inside the hall and bowed again.

"Your Majesty, since Grand Secretary Zhang has entrusted the decision-making power to me, I once again implore that the Earl of Wuqing be sentenced to death by hanging for the crime of 'embezzling a huge amount of public funds'!"

Shen Nian's voice was very loud.

The young Wanli Emperor's eyes reddened as he looked at Shen Nian and said in an icy tone, "Since Grand Lecturer Shen has made the decision, then you will be in charge of drafting the official documents. You are often in the Wenhua Hall, so just pick up my pen and approve them in red!"

These words were clearly spoken in anger.

Once Shen Nianzhen drafted this memorial, his official career was completely over.

Even if Zhang Juzheng returned to the capital, it might not be enough to save him.

Shen Nian paused for a moment and said, “Your Majesty, according to the laws of the Great Ming Dynasty, those sentenced to death, except for the ten most heinous crimes, should be executed in the autumn of the current year or the autumn of the following year! The Earl of Wuqing is old, so we can arrange a separate cell for him in the Imperial Prison and execute him next autumn!”

"Of course, if a general amnesty is granted during this period, the Earl of Wuqing's punishment may be reduced!"

Swish!
Upon hearing this, the young Wanli Emperor and all the officials raised their heads.

"amnesty?"

Everyone has forgotten about this situation!
The Jiajing Emperor reigned for forty-five years and granted amnesty to the empire seven times; the Longqing Emperor reigned for six years and also granted amnesty to the empire twice.

The emperor had grounds to grant amnesty to the people on occasions such as the emperor's ascension to the throne, the emperor's wedding, the establishment of an empress, the birth of a prince, the establishment of a crown prince, grand sacrifices, grand celebrations, and victories in battle.

And next year.

With the wedding date of the young Wanli Emperor already set and an empress to be established, this is the best time to grant a general amnesty.

this moment.

Yin Zhengmao, who had just been wearing a sour face, suddenly burst into laughter, muttering to himself, "You're such a clever little rascal!"

He was certain that Shen Nian had already thought of this.

Sentencing Wu Qingbo to death is in accordance with the laws of the Ming Dynasty and can also give an explanation to the border soldiers and the people of the world.

The general amnesty that spared the Earl of Wuqing from the death penalty was an established law of our ancestors, and no one could find fault with it.

The three judicial officials also looked excited.

What they insisted on was not sentencing Wu Qingbo to death, but that the imperial court should not overstep the law in dealing with Wu Qingbo.

If Wu Qingbo could be spared the death penalty in this way, none of the three of them would object.

Shen Yiguan gritted his teeth and muttered to himself: He killed Wu Qingbo first, and then saved Wu Qingbo. He destroyed himself first, and then saved himself. He is a monster!
At this moment, the young Wanli Emperor also realized what was happening.

Shen Nian's sudden turn of events was quite unexpected.

But upon closer reflection, this is the only correct way to resolve the situation and leave everyone speechless.

and.

The young Wanli Emperor would not be branded as someone who favored his maternal relatives because of this incident.

Killing multiple birds with one stone, a win-win situation for everyone.

"Shen Qing... Shen Qing... Shen Qing..." Little Wanli was so excited that he didn't know what to say. When he was happy, he loved to call Shen Nian "Shen Qing".

"Shen Qing, get up quickly! All of you, get up too!"

Immediately, the officials who had been kneeling on the ground until their legs ached all stood up.

After Shen Nian stood up, she bowed deeply.

"Your Majesty, I say this not to be clever or to show off my intelligence, but because the law of the land must supersede personal feelings. Your Majesty's wedding next year will bring an opportunity for a general amnesty, which is the good fortune of the Marquis of Wuqing. I hope that this time the Marquis of Wuqing can realize his mistakes and correct them, and return to a normal life as soon as possible!"

A general amnesty does not mean that Wu Qingbo will be released from prison immediately.

Instead, they reduced his sentence.

As for how to reduce it, we'll have to see how the Wuqing Marquis's mansion performs next.

If he can bestow kindness upon the poor, he will gain a good reputation.

The young Wanli Emperor released him, allowing him to enjoy his later years in peace. The people would not object, and the officials would turn a blind eye.

If Wu Qingbo's family continues to embezzle public funds and refuses to change their ways despite repeated warnings, it won't be so easy for Wu Qingbo to get out of prison.

If Wu Qingbo wants to get out of prison, he must give away a large portion of his wealth, even if he doesn't give it all away, in order to win public praise.

This is the embodiment of the value maximization that Shen Nian recognizes.

this moment.

The officials all wore smiles.

The young Wanli Emperor stood up, suddenly bowed to Shen Nian in a teacher-student salute, and said, "Minister Shen, I have learned much!"

Immediately, the young Wanli Emperor looked at Lü Diaoyang, the second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

Lü Diaoyang immediately understood.

"Your Majesty, this document was drafted by the Cabinet. This time, Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager upheld the law and did not show favoritism. This is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. The people of the world and the soldiers on the border will surely be even more loyal to the court!"

What Lü Diaoyang said was what he said after the Wenhua Hall opened.

Sentencing the Earl of Wuqing to death was naturally intended to first demonstrate the righteousness of Empress Dowager Li and the young Wanli Emperor, earning the admiration of the people and the fear of the imperial relatives.

As for the matter of "general amnesty," everyone is naturally keeping quiet about it.

After Lü Diaoyang set the tone, the closed-door meeting was considered over.

The young Wanli Emperor hurriedly ran to the side hall.

If he did not quickly inform Empress Dowager Li of this "turning point," she might very well become despondent.

at the same time.

The three Grand Secretaries, the three chief judicial officials, Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue, Qi Jiguang, Cao Wei, Shen Nian and others also walked out of the Wenhua Hall.

Everyone loved the ending.

Despite it being the dead of winter, everyone's backs were soaked with sweat.

Qi Jiguang looked at Shen Nian with admiration in his eyes. He could finally give his soldiers a satisfactory explanation.

At that moment, he desperately wanted to return to the border.

The Mongols outside the Great Wall are as docile as hibernating hedgehogs, while the imperial court is full of swords and spears, piercing the heart.

……

It was the second day of the twelfth lunar month, around noon.

The imperial court announced the execution of the Earl of Wuqing, with the silk merchant Shao Fang to be punished in the same manner. The entire court was shocked!

However, after Lü Diaoyang submitted his memorial praising Empress Dowager Li and the young Wanli Emperor for their selflessness, other officials followed suit, also praising the young Wanli Emperor and Empress Dowager Li.

This is the best time to strengthen imperial power, maintain rule, and win over the hearts of the people.

Immediately afterwards, Wu Qingbo was imprisoned.

The imperial prison was placed under the direct jurisdiction of the young Wanli Emperor.

He would naturally not allow his maternal grandfather to suffer any injustice. Apart from being restricted in his movements, Wu Qingbo's life was not too bad.

Next.

When he will be released from prison depends on how many good deeds the Marquis of Wuqing can do for the people.

……

It was near dusk inside the Cining Palace.

Empress Dowager Li sat in the superior position, Emperor Wanli sat to her left, and Feng Bao stood below.

"Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Cao Wei has arranged accommodations for the Earl of Wuqing at the Zhenfu Division. It's not much different from his residence in the mansion, except that he can't move around freely!"

"Furthermore, I have informed the eldest son of the Li family that he must do good deeds and accumulate a good reputation. In this way, perhaps the Marquis of Wuqing will be able to regain his freedom next March!"

The eldest son of the Li family mentioned by Feng Bao is Li Wenquan, the eldest son of the Earl of Wuqing.

The imperial court only punished the Earl of Wuqing, but did not strip the other members of the Li family of their titles.

Empress Dowager Li nodded slightly.

Emperor Wanli smiled and said, "Mother, although Shen Shijiang gave us a fright this time, his actions were correct. The court needs officials like him!"

Shen Nian not only saved the young Wanli Emperor and Empress Dowager Li from being infamous, but also won widespread praise from the common people.

This pleased the young Wanli Emperor greatly.

Empress Dowager Li paused for a moment and said, "This time, he did not do anything wrong. However, Your Majesty must remain vigilant against him. He is acting more and more like Grand Secretary Zhang, and even more domineering. Grand Secretary Zhang held power because Your Majesty was too young to rule personally. However, after Your Majesty assumes personal rule, the court must never have such a powerful minister!"

"You must not tell anyone what I have to say!" Empress Dowager Li added.

"Your son understands!" Young Wanli bowed.

Empress Dowager Li had repeatedly instilled in him the idea of ​​absolute imperial power, and had even said things like, "All officials are Zhu family slaves, and all the property in the world is Zhu family private property."

These words are completely different from the "the world belongs to all, and the people are of utmost importance" statement made by the Japanese lecturers.

The young Wanli Emperor absorbed everything into his brain.

However, he is still somewhat confused at the moment, and will most likely only fully understand his meaning after he takes power.

……

On the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year gradually intensifies.

Li Wenquan, the eldest son of the Marquis of Wuqing, began to sell his property, selling all the shops and residences belonging to the Marquis of Wuqing in the capital. He first used the proceeds to cover the 150,000 taels of silver shortfall, and then the whole family went to the city gates to deliver cotton-padded clothes, winter food, and firewood to the poor.

The common people did not know that they were trying to reduce the sentence of Wu Qingbo; they all thought that they were trying to atone for their sins and that they had a change of heart.

Empress Dowager Li also began to focus her energy on the wedding of the young Wanli Emperor.

……

On that day, Qi Jiguang left the capital.

As a military officer, he could not have too much interaction with civil officials. After bidding farewell to the young Wanli Emperor, he left the capital.

This time, he remembered the name "Shen Nian" perfectly.

If it weren't for Shen Nian's insistence and his strategies, the border soldiers would never have received such treatment.

Shen Nian has been kind to the border soldiers and to Qi Jiguang, and he will repay them when the opportunity arises.

……

The seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, in the afternoon.

Inside the Hanlin Academy, Shen Nian was busy processing official documents.

While Hanlin officials may seem to do mostly copying and writing, if they can memorize all these documents and ponder them repeatedly, their ability to handle political affairs will surpass at least 90% of the officials in the capital.

After this incident, Shen Nian was not alienated by the young Wanli Emperor, nor did Empress Dowager Li or Feng Bao find fault with him.

Shen Nian knew that her current reliance depended entirely on two words: usefulness.

As long as Zhang Juzheng remained the Grand Secretary, and as long as he acted in accordance with the law and reason, no one wanted to provoke him.

at this time.

Shen Shixing quickly arrived at Shen Nian's public housing.

"Ziheng, come with me to the cabinet immediately! Grand Secretary Yin is about to fight with Grand Secretary Lü and Grand Secretary Ma!"

"Huh? These three are over two hundred years old combined, why are they fighting?"

Shen Shixing sighed and explained the reason for the conflict among the three Grand Secretaries.

It was still because of the matter of the Marquis of Wuqing.

Yin Zhengmao believes that Lü Diaoyang and Ma Ziqiang, as cabinet ministers, dare not speak out or take responsibility, and are in fact opportunists.

Lu Diaoyang and Ma Ziqiang claimed that they were acting in the best interests of the country. They argued that if people were as reckless as Yin Zhengmao, who would readily resort to violence, the cabinet would be empty of personnel, and no one would be able to manage the government.

Both sides gave their own version of events, had a big argument, and then ignored each other.

The three of them were just giving each other the cold shoulder, and there was no indication that they were about to fight, as Shen Shixing had just said.

If a fight were to break out, Lü Diaoyang and Ma Ziqiang would be no match for Yin Zhengmao. However, Yin Zhengmao would not dare to make a move, as one punch from him could potentially force the sickly Lü Diaoyang to retire due to injury.

Shen Shixing tried to persuade him, but Yin Zhengmao grabbed an inkstone and chased him out.

Left with no other choice, he had to ask Shen Nian for help.

When these three old men got into a fight, there were very few people in the imperial court who could mediate.

Shen Nian thought for a moment and, instead of rushing to the cabinet, poured Shen Shixing a cup of tea.

"Scholar Shen, there's no need to rush. Answer me one question first: Will the cold war among the three Grand Secretaries affect cabinet affairs?"

Shen Shixing was taken aback at first, then said with great certainty, "No way!"

As cabinet ministers, they kept their public and private matters very separate. Even if they didn't speak to each other, they would have their clerks deliver the information properly.

Yin Zhengmao and the other two were all quite responsible in their handling of court affairs.

"That's fine! As long as it doesn't affect court affairs, it's acceptable. Grand Secretary Yin clashes with Grand Secretary Lü and Grand Secretary Ma; they're completely different kinds of people. Even without Grand Secretary Zhang in court, it's already quite good that they can maintain their political affairs despite their discord!"

"Then... then we'll just let the three Grand Secretaries continue this cold war? It won't affect their handling of state affairs, but... but it will affect my mood for handling state affairs!"

"That's easy! Scholar Shen, go to the Cabinet a few more times and show your hard work in handling official business. Then, find a way to ridicule them and make them think: once they make room for you, you will be able to join the Cabinet!"

Currently, if another person were to be added to the cabinet, Shen Shih-hsing would be the most likely candidate.

It is impossible for the cabinet to add any more veteran officials like Chen Zan, Liu Yingjie, and Wang Guoguang.

They can't do it.

"Huh? Ziheng, isn't this ridiculous?"

Shen Nian smiled and shook her head.

"These three old gentlemen, though not greedy for the position of Grand Secretary, are extremely concerned about their reputation. They can accept a normal retirement, but they cannot accept being pushed out of office. If you climb up the ranks, they will reconcile quickly!"

"Okay, I'll give it a try!" Shen Shixing said after a moment's hesitation.

……

After Shen Shixing used the tactics provided by Shen Nian, the three cabinet ministers reconciled in less than five days, and their relationship returned to normal.

Although they disliked each other, they couldn't live without each other right now.

Furthermore, what they feared most was not being squeezed out by Shen Shixing, but rather that, in Zhang Juzheng's absence, if Shen Shixing squeezed one of them out, things might turn out even worse.

Based on Shen Shixing's personality.

After joining the cabinet, his approach to handling matters was far more conservative than that of Lü Diaoyang and Ma Ziqiang.

Encountering something like the Earl of Wuqing.

Lu and Ma might be opportunists who prioritize the overall situation, while Shen Shixing is definitely a taciturn and silent person.

(End of this chapter)