I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 93: Scholars Crying at the Temple! The Family Empire Cannot Accept Liberalism

On the first day of August, the Huangji Sect held a court meeting.

All the officials gathered.

Behind the Empress Dowager Li, Shen Nian stood on the southeast side of the throne as the record officer.

The Minister of Personnel Zhang Han and the Minister of Revenue Yin Zhengmao respectively reported on the implementation of the "Plan for Peaceful People".

The Ministry of Personnel is responsible for readjusting the performance evaluation system, placing the people's well-being and people's livelihood at the top of the performance evaluation agenda.

The Ministry of Revenue was responsible for using Henan Prefecture as an inspection point to investigate the conflicts between officials' performance and people's livelihood and public opinion, and to list the areas where the people were dissatisfied.

After the two of them reported, young Wanli was very excited.

"To secure the country, we must first ensure the safety of the people. When the Ministry of Personnel examines officials, it must investigate whether they care for the people. Those who pay lip service to empty promises or embezzle money will be given a low grade in their performance evaluations. Those who embezzle, deceive the people, or associate with the powerful and treacherous will be dismissed impartially."

"The Ministry of Revenue's investigations must also strictly adhere to the principle of ensuring the safety of the people. For those poor households that are in arrears with their taxes, the reasons must be thoroughly investigated. If there are hidden reasons, exceptions may be made to grant mercy. Honest citizens must be ensured to benefit!"

"I obey!"

Zhang Han and Yin Zhengmao bowed at the same time. Since the young Wanli attached so much importance to this matter, they certainly could not slack off.

Many officials below were very happy to hear what the young Wanli said.

If these words came from Zhang Juzheng, they would be unhappy even if they thought they were correct, but it was very different when they came from the young Wanli.

This is what their ideal court should be like.

Zhang Juzheng could stand in front of the officials to report political affairs to the young Wanli and give advice, but he could not stand opposite them and give them orders on behalf of the imperial power.

The responsibilities of the ruler and his subjects cannot be overstepped.

After the young Wanli personally controlled and implemented the "Plan to Anmin", some officials even felt that the young Wanli was one step closer to ruling the country himself.

Some officials are obsessed with promotion.

Some even felt that the imperial power was on the rise while Zhang Juzheng's power was on the decline, and that they should follow Shen Nian's example and take sides in advance.

From a long-term perspective, standing by the emperor's side is more promising than standing by Zhang Juzheng's side.

……

After a while, Wang Xijue, the chief academic officer of the Imperial College, came out.

"Your Majesty, preparations for tomorrow's ceremony at the Confucian Temple have been completed. Your Majesty will personally offer the sacrifice. I humbly request to bring along a group of Japanese lecturers."

"Accurate!" Little Wanli shouted loudly.

The so-called Shidian Ceremony.

It is a large-scale ceremony in which the emperor inspects schools and offers sacrifices to ancient sages and teachers. It is usually performed by the emperor himself or by the current Yansheng Duke on his behalf.

The then Duke of Yansheng, Kong Shangxian, had been sent back home and could only come to Beijing once every three years.

The most suitable candidate is still the young Wanli.

Five days ago, the young Wanli knew about this matter and agreed to offer sacrifices in person, and had fasted for three days in advance.

This is a great gift to show respect to teachers.

Taking the Japanese lecturer along would further demonstrate the emperor's emphasis on education, so young Wanli would naturally not object.

In the queue of officials.

Shen Yikuan, editor of the Hanlin Academy and daily lecturer, couldn't help but puff out his chest with pride.

When he first entered officialdom.

I once felt a little ashamed because I was ranked 136th in the top three.

But the title of Daily Lecturer made him straighten his back completely, and he felt that it was not impossible for him to make a push for the position of Prime Minister!
When Shen Nian heard that she would go with the king to the Confucian Temple to perform the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the Buddha tomorrow, she couldn't help but curl her lips slightly.

He dislikes red tape.

This kind of ceremony would take at least half a day, and after it was over, he would have to give a speech to celebrate the ceremony, which was tedious and boring.

However, this ritual cannot be abolished.

Because it demonstrates the Ming Dynasty's trend of respecting Confucianism and Taoism, consolidates the official status of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, and also demonstrates the official ritual system of the unity of monarch and teacher.

……

The next day, early in the morning.

The young Wanli then wore sacrificial robes and rode out of the palace in a ceremonial sedan chair.

Officials from the Imperial College, officials from the Taichang Temple, and a group of daily lecturers dressed in official uniforms arrived in front of the Confucian Temple in Chongjiaofang in advance and waited.

In a few days, it will be the time for the provincial examination, which is held every three years.

Shen Nian could hear the reading sounds of the students of the Imperial College standing in front of the Confucian Temple.

Ever since being called trash by Shen Nian, the students have become much more obedient.

On both sides of the Confucian Temple, outside the area sealed off by officers and soldiers, there were many scholars and literati standing.

Most of these people who gathered around to watch the emperor offer sacrifices to the ancient sages and teachers wanted to share in the blessings, hoping to pass the imperial examination this year and become a Jinshi at the beginning of next year.

Of course, there were also some people who came simply to join in the fun and just wanted to see the royal procession.

Not long after.

When the young Wanli arrived, all the scholars and literati knelt down to pay their respects.

Immediately.

Young Wanli brought a number of daily lecturers into the Confucian Temple and, under the guidance of officials from the Taichang Temple, began the main sacrificial process.

First, the gods were welcomed, with musicians playing cymbals and music, and Wang Xijue reading the prayer.

Then comes the first offering (facing Confucius), the second offering (towards the Four Companions: Yan Hui, Zeng Shen, Zisi, and Mencius), and the final offering (to the Twelve Philosophers: Confucius’ disciples, Zhu Xi, etc.).

Finally, the food is removed and the gods are sent off.

Young Wanli personally burned the prayer text and the offering silk, implying that the sacrificial ritual had been passed on to the gods.

Just when Shen Nian thought the sacrifice was about to end, he suddenly heard a cry.

The crying became louder and louder.

They were all male voices. Judging from the volume, there were no fewer than thirty people, and the source of the sound was just outside the west wall.

this moment.

Two words popped up in Shen Nian's mind: crying in the temple.

Crying in the temple is an act in which scholars would cry in front of the Confucian temple to appeal to the government when they have been wronged.

More common among gentry in Jiangnan.

Since most of those who cried out had achievements, this kind of appeal was recognized by the government.

But this was the first time she cried in front of the emperor.

Little Wanli looked in the direction of the crying with a puzzled look on his face, then gave a look to Jinyiwei's deputy commander Cao Wei, who immediately ran outside.

Little Wanli also knew why the scholar cried in the temple.

Outside the wall, there were loud cries and occasional arguments.

It was just too noisy and I couldn't hear clearly what the debate was about.

Young Wanli watched the prayer and memorial silk in front of him slowly burn to ashes, waiting for Cao Wei's reply.

Soon, Cao Wei ran over quickly.

"Your Majesty, over fifty scholars have gathered outside the west wall of the Confucian Temple. They are kneeling and weeping, requesting the court to allow private academies to be established and to allow students to have a say in government."

Hearing this, some officials couldn't help but look at Zhang Juzheng.

Last May, Zhang Juzheng submitted a memorial entitled "A Memorial on Instructing Educational Administration to Revitalize Talents", which contained a total of 18 articles.

The two most important ones are that private academies are not allowed to be established and students are not allowed to comment on politics.

Cao Wei continued, "The second son of Zhang Gelao was also outside the wall. He heard these scholars weeping in the temple and angrily accused them of neglecting their studies. He even started a debate with them."

Zhang Juzheng's second son, named Zhang Sixiu, will take part in the provincial examination this month. He will most likely pass the examination and then take part in the metropolitan examination early next year.

Little Wanli looked at Cao Wei and asked, "Bring in the leader of the temple weeping and the second son of the Zhang family."

"Yes!" Cao Wei bowed.

Then Feng Bao brought the throne for the young Wanli, and the latter sat down.

……

After a while.

Three scholars in cloth shirts followed Cao Wei and walked in quickly.

Shen Nian looked up and found that he knew all three people in front of him.

A man named Shen Maoxue, a juren, a disciple of Wang Yangming, a famous scholar at the time, and the most popular candidate for the top spot in next year's imperial examination.

A man named Tang Xianzu, a juren, had met Shen Nian once. He was also a disciple of Wang Xue and had been taught by Luo Rufang, a major figure of the Taizhou School.

The other was Zhang Juzheng's second son, the 24-year-old Zhang Sixiu. When the three of them saw the young Wanli on the throne, they quickly knelt and saluted.

"Students Shen Maoxue, Tang Xianzu, and Zhang Sixiu pay their respects to Your Majesty!"

"Stand up and answer!" said little Wanli.

Immediately, all three of them stood up.

Little Wanli asked, "Why are you crying in the temple? Someone come out and tell me in detail."

Shen Maoxue immediately stood up.

He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, since the implementation of the policy of strict education last year, all private academies across the country, regardless of whether they are pure or corrupt, good or bad, have been eliminated, leaving many scholars with no place to stay."

"Students believe that all academies, whether public or private, are places for education. While provincial and county schools have limited places, admission is difficult for those without the power and influence. Private academies offer education to all, making them the best place for poor scholars to pursue their studies. They should not be abolished."

"Also, it has been a practice since ancient times for students to comment on politics. It is truly a patriotic act. If there are those who make inappropriate remarks, they can be punished, but not completely banned. Therefore, today, I have not hesitated to disturb Your Majesty and cry before the Sage and Your Majesty. I only want to seek justice for the scholars of the world and let Your Majesty know the public opinion."

"This document is jointly signed by fifty-three scholars and students. We all implore the court to restore private academies and allow students to comment on politics." Shen Maoxue took out a document and presented it with both hands.

Feng Bao quickly took it over.

The young Wanli looked at Zhang Sixiu again and asked, "Zhang Sixiu, how do you refute it?"

"Your Majesty, I believe that many of the students in private academies are false and hypocritical, criticizing current politics. Most of them are inclined towards Buddhism and Taoism, or even chivalry. They use shocking words to show off their uniqueness, pretending to be elegant and seeking fame and fortune. This is not enough to maintain the moral integrity of learning throughout the country."

"As for students commenting on politics, I think it's completely absurd. There are censors for discussions in the imperial court. How can we allow a group of students of varying character, who should be focusing on their studies, to speak nonsense?"

After listening to this, young Wanli nodded slightly and looked at Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng looked towards the Forbidden City.

This matter involves the new policy, so it naturally cannot be easily answered in the Confucian Temple.

Little Wanli immediately understood and said, "I am aware of this matter. After I have carefully considered it, I will give you an explanation. Please leave!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Maoxue and Tang Xianzu were both very happy.

Since the emperor has made a promise, he will definitely give an explanation to their questions.

……

After the three men left, Little Wanli said, "Fifty-three scholars weeping in the temple has a profound impact. This matter must be addressed. We will hold a public discussion later. All daily lecturers must participate."

"I obey your command!" The officials all bowed.

Regarding the creation and destruction of private academies and whether students should have a say in politics, the daily lecturers have the most say because they understand the current academic style best.

……

After a while.

Young Wanli returned to the palace in a carriage, followed closely by all the officials.

Zhang Juzheng's second son Zhang Sixiu got into his carriage at some point.

"Dad, I didn't embarrass you, did I?"

"Snapped!"

Zhang Juzheng slapped him in the face.

"Are you a student? Were you just talking about politics? After the provincial examination, you will be confined to your home for three months!"

"Get out!" Zhang Juzheng shouted.

Immediately, Zhang Sixiu had to get off the carriage.

Zhang Juzheng was quite strict in educating his son, and it was common for him to be confined to his home and made to kneel as punishment.

……

In the Forbidden City, inside the Wenhua Hall.

The three cabinet ministers, Ma Ziqiang, Wang Xijue, Shen Shixing, Chen Jingbang, He Luowen, Shen Yikuan, Shen Nian and others gathered in the hall.

After everyone had read the document signed by fifty-three students, young Wanli looked at Zhang Juzheng.

"Prince, how should this matter be resolved?"

The Eighteen Articles on Disciplined Education were proposed by Zhang Juzheng and were closely related to the New Deal. Naturally, the young Wanli had to ask Zhang Juzheng for his opinion first.

Zhang Juzheng strode forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am not against enlightenment or the students' opinions on politics. Rather, the current academic atmosphere is unrealistic. Extreme opinions are emanating from private academies. The minor ones conceal ugliness and are pedantic and empty talk, while the major ones oppose the principles of morality and shake the court. I have no choice but not to close down private academies and prohibit students from speaking out on politics. Even so, it is still difficult to change the people's disregard for imperial authority and their heresy!"

As soon as Zhang Juzheng finished speaking, Lu Diaoyang stood up.

"Your Majesty, the Eighteen Articles on Education were all implemented as part of the new policy. They were a last resort. However, even if all academies were closed, it would be difficult to silence the scholars. I believe that they are not strict enough!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

……

Ma Ziqiang, Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue and others stood up almost at the same time to express their support.

If one is unaware of the current chaos in private academies, one would certainly think that Zhang Juzheng was trying to silence the world's scholars.

However, if one knows the current chaos in private academies and considers it from the perspective of the imperial court, one will definitely think that Zhang Juzheng's move was not only not excessive but also kind enough.

Since Wang Yangming's philosophy of mind became popular.

There are many folk sects, most of which are based on academies, and there is no shortage of attacks on each other.

At present, the Taizhou School has the greatest influence.

Representative figures who are still alive include: He Xinyin, Luo Rufang, Li Zhi, etc.

These people all have one common characteristic, that is: they despise imperial power, severely criticize Confucius, severely criticize the Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism's emphasis on preserving the laws of nature and eliminating human desires, and tend to prefer a free society without a court.

For example: He Xinyin.

This disciple of Wang Yangming resisted taxes, overthrew Yan Song, was arrested by the government for lecturing everywhere, and had to use multiple pseudonyms.

He opposed the Three Bonds and Five Constant Virtues and the feudal hierarchy, believing that everyone is equal and everyone can become a saint.

For example: Li Zhi.

He believed that morality could not be talked about in vain, advocated equality between men and women, and praised free activities such as widows remarrying. He often went in and out of widows' bedrooms and openly took prostitutes to bathe with him in broad daylight.

……

The founders of these folk academies did not teach Confucianism or how to serve the court. Instead, they talked about some unorthodox theories that were popular among the lower-class literati. They also ridiculed the government all day long, causing countless young people to go against the court.

Can the court not ban them?
As a person who has experienced it, Shen Nian is more supportive of these more avant-garde and freedom-loving theories.

And I believe that the ideal world in the future should be like this.

Everyone is equal, there is no feudal hierarchy, no one thinks it is shameful for a widow to remarry, and no one thinks Confucius is always right...

This is an inevitable trend of social development.

Everyone should not live under rigid dogma, nor should they completely suppress their own personality, but should pursue freedom and personal liberation.

but--

The current Ming Dynasty was a family-run empire with imperial power being supreme.

If these remarks were allowed to continue, the Ming Dynasty would collapse immediately, and the people at the bottom would suffer.

The so-called freedom and individuality must be based on a perfect social order and on the fact that everyone's basic living needs can be guaranteed.

But not now.

Shen Nian understands those literati who are unconventional and pursue individuality, but they absolutely cannot become the mainstream of the current Ming Dynasty.

Because they cannot protect the lower-class people, because most of them claim to have liberal doctrines, but at heart they are still villains who pursue fame and fortune.

Currently.

The imperial system of hereditary rule is still the greatest ceremonial weapon for ordinary people because it is bound by laws, rituals, and morals.

This system is definitely not the best.

But it must not be overturned until a better system comes out.

Zhang Siwei took a step forward and said loudly, "Your Majesty, you can choose not to ban private academies and you can choose not to ban students from participating in politics, but you must adjust the current atmosphere among scholars."

"I believe that the fault of this trend lies with the followers of Wang's school. Heretics like He Xinyin, Luo Rufang, and Li Zhi must be severely punished in order to put an end to these evil tendencies that defy the imperial court!"

Shen Nian frowned slightly when he heard this.

Zhang Siwei wanted to imprison or kill the leaders of these academies.

Even Zhang Juzheng didn't dare to do such a thing.

These people are the spiritual leaders of scholars all over the world, and their disciples are spread all over the world.

If they were arrested or killed, there would be thousands of scholars in the world cursing the court, including many grassroots officials.

This move will not only fail to improve the world's social customs, but will instead dig its own grave.

(End of this chapter)