I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 11 Speaking before the Emperor! On the Art of Speaking

End of March.

Shen Nian lives a busy and fulfilling life.

Ever since he was nominated by the young Emperor Wanli at the imperial lecture, he has become the focus of attention of many officials.

He went to the inner study hall to give lectures.

All the officials and clerks who were not on duty went to listen.

Some went there to learn, some to find out his mistakes, and some just wanted to get to know him.

This seriously affected the studies of the young eunuchs in the inner study hall.

Finally, the Imperial Household Department dispatched eunuchs to stand guard and control the entry and exit of officials, which eased the situation a little.

Rao is so.

The news of Shen Nian's lectures was still spread by some people.

Except for the speech.

Shen Nian's unique body movements and expressions were also spread.

There are praises and criticisms.

Most of the critics said that Shen Nian's teaching damaged the dignity of teachers, and some even reported that Shen Nian's teaching attitude was improper and should be changed.

After Zhang Juzheng read this memorial, he directly replied: "Shen Nian's lectures are indeed beneficial to your Majesty's studies. All officials should learn from them."

As soon as this reply comes out.

The court was filled with voices praising Shen Nian.

Zhang Juzheng strongly supported Shen Nian.

On the one hand, it is because Shen Nian’s teaching is indeed unique.

On the other hand, it is because Shen Nian's lectures are purely lectures, and he never discusses current affairs. Unlike some great scholars, he does not carry personal opinions and shouts empty words about "serving the country, saving the world, and clarifying the world."

Zhang Juzheng had apparently trained Shen Nian as a lecturer for the imperial lectures.

Gradually.

Some private school teachers in the capital also began to imitate Shen Nian.

Although it is far from reaching Shen Nian's level, it has brought a bit more vitality to the schools and private academies in the entire capital.

This also earned Shen Nian some fame in the capital.

……

Under the personal care of Ma Ziqiang.

Shen Nian's work focus gradually shifted from reviewing historical records to compiling daily records.

The reason why compiling the daily records is a great job.

This is because in addition to being able to appoint people to the emperor's side, one can also have access to a large number of memorials.

Shen Nian could see some memorials from regular court meetings, interviews between the emperor and his ministers, and cabinet meetings.

This will undoubtedly quickly expand Shen Nian's horizons and make him more and more aware of the affairs of the Ming Dynasty.

In terms of official career, he can be said to have embarked on a ladder that soars to the sky.

Xu Jie, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng all came this way.

……

On the first day of April, the weather gradually warms up.

Near noon.

In the review room.

Shen Nian was preparing his speech when he suddenly felt dizzy and then dark.

He thought he was overworking and had eye problems.

But after rubbing his eyes hard and opening them wide, he found that everything in front of him was still dark, as if it was night.

at this time.

He heard Liu Chuxian shouting, "The sun has been eclipsed by the heavenly dog! The sun has been eclipsed by the heavenly dog!"

Lean slightly.

The surroundings gradually became brighter, and the room became bright again.

Shen Nian looked outside and murmured in his heart, "There's a sudden solar eclipse. I'm afraid His Majesty will have to go to the Taimiao to offer sacrifices!"

present.

A solar eclipse was considered a warning from heaven to the emperor, a sign that his good governance was failing.

The emperor had to offer sacrifices to his ancestors and pray to God. In minor cases, he had to fast to punish himself, and in serious cases, he had to write an edict of repentance.

This is customary.

As long as it was within the territory of the Ming Dynasty, any disasters such as drought, floods, earthquakes, and plagues were considered the emperor's fault.

Just as Shen Nian expected.

Soon, the young Emperor Wanli and a group of high-ranking officials dressed in red robes went to the Taimiao.

……

April 4th.

Talk about the day.

Shen Nian was on duty to write the daily records.

The daily lectures were held in a side hall of the Wenhua Hall and were much smaller than the imperial lectures.

More than ten people attended today's lecture, with lecturers including Ma Ziqiang, Chen Jingbang, Ding Shimei, and Xu Guo.

Shen Nian stood aside, recording the Lord's words and actions.

Today, the young Emperor Wanli was in a very bad condition.

Because he said that lecturers should seek innovation and change during the imperial lectures, Zhang Juzheng directly increased his workload.

As a minister, Zhang Juzheng could not beat or scold the young Emperor Wanli.

But he could make Empress Dowager Li do so.

Empress Dowager Li had great respect for Zhang Juzheng, who had a rather tough personality. She often scolded the young Wanli, who could not raise his head and whose eyes were filled with tears.

Plus there was a solar eclipse.

Little Wanli fasted and prayed, and was a little tired from the tossing and turning.

Seeing that young Wanli was not in a good mood, Ma Ziqiang raised his voice.

He also imitated Shen Nian and added some body movements and expressions.

But he was not as relaxed as Shen Nian.

Today's little Wanli is like a puppet.

If asked to write down notes, then write down notes; if asked to read aloud, then read aloud.

After more than an hour, the lecture ended.

Ma Ziqiang and the others were sweating profusely from their speeches, and the young Wanli was not motivated at all.

Just as Ma Ziqiang and others were about to kneel down and take their leave.

The young Emperor Wanli suddenly spoke up, "My Lords, at the beginning of the month, the sun was eclipsed by the celestial dog, an ominous sign. I have offered sacrifices to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and observed abstinence, but the Prime Minister (Zhang Juzheng) still feels that I am not sincere enough. What do you think I should do next to satisfy my mother and the Prime Minister?"

Little Wanli said this with some anger.

According to Shen Nian's understanding of the psychology of young people like him.

At that moment, he longed to be understood and praised, and wanted Ma Ziqiang and other daily lecturers to comfort him.

However, if we say that his heart was sincere enough and he had done enough, he was actually going against Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Juzheng.

Ma Ziqiang rolled his eyes and said with a folded hand, "Your Majesty, the sudden solar eclipse is indeed a warning from heaven. As a ruler, you should take it seriously. The sages said... the ancestral teachings said... the late emperor said... Your Majesty should..."

Ma Ziqiang's repetitive quotations from classics were a unique way to talk in the court.

He mentioned sages, ancestors, and previous emperors, as well as the principles of being a monarch, but he did not say what the young Emperor Wanli should do to be sincere.

Said a lot, but it’s the same as saying nothing.

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

"I second the proposal!"

……

Other daily lecturers also came forward to second the motion.

Each of them is an old fox, best at playing Tai Chi and smoothing things over.

Little Wanli curled his lips and suddenly saw Shen Nian.

"Shen Jianchao, what do you think I should do?"

Shen Nian was stunned. He didn't expect that the young Wanli would call on him.

This is a life-threatening question.

If he answered in accordance with the wishes of the young Wanli, he would be going against Zhang Juzheng.

And if Shen Nian also bowed and replied "I second the motion", the young Wanli might be so angry that he would flip the table, and his impression of Shen Nian would instantly become very bad.

Shen Nian quickly stepped out of the group, slowed down, and said, "Your Majesty, I think what Elder Zhang said makes sense. Sincerity is key. If Your Majesty feels that what you have done is still inadequate, you can write an inscription to reflect on yourself as a token of your sincerity."

Although Shen Nian did not agree with the young Wanli, he also proposed a solution to the problem.

Little Wanli thought about it.

"I understand. Let's stop here for today's lecture!"

Afterwards, the ministers withdrew.

……

A moment later, in front of the Hanlin Academy.

Ma Ziqiang looked at Shen Nian and said with a smile: "Ziheng, your answer today is correct."

"Remember, His Majesty doesn't need a minister who can entertain him and please him, but a minister who can guide him to become a wise and virtuous ruler!"

"I understand!" Shen Nian bowed heavily.

If Shen Nian answered incorrectly today and spoke for the young Wanli, he might lose this good job of recording the daily records tomorrow.

Speech before the king.

A single word can make you rise to the top, but a single word can also end your career.

……

In the afternoon, Shen Nian heard the news.

To show his sincerity and pray for God's forgiveness, the young emperor ordered people to carve twelve ivory plaques with inscriptions.

Twelve sayings were inscribed on it: "Be cautious of the will of Heaven, appoint virtuous and capable people, be close to virtuous ministers, stay away from flatterers, clearly reward and punish, be cautious in going out and coming in, be careful in daily life, be frugal in eating and drinking, be mindful, be respectful, accept honest advice, and be frugal in spending."

These twelve sentences were all what Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Juzheng loved to hear.

Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Juzheng were overjoyed when they learned about it, and both praised the little emperor for being sensible.

(End of this chapter)