I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

On the tenth day of the seventh month, the Ministry of Revenue allocated 300,000 taels of silver to the inner court for the selection of imperial concubines.

at the same time.

The selection teams assembled by the eunuch Zhang Cheng gradually left the capital. The selection process would then be handled entirely by eunuchs and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with no interference from the cabinet or the Ministry of Rites.

The five cabinet ministers made compromises on this matter not out of fear of the young Wanli Emperor's power.

Rather, the issue of the royal heir is crucial to the foundation of the nation.

Even if it costs too much money, and even if the selection of officials by eunuchs will have many negative consequences, the officials cannot say that it is not worthwhile, otherwise they will be disloyal.

……

July 15th.

The recruitment process for the Jingwu Academy has entered its second phase, with local garrisons sending information on recommended soldiers to the capital.

Shen Nian handed over the review authority to the two veteran students of the Jingwu Academy who remained at the hospital.

The training will also adopt the "mentoring" method. After two years of teaching new students, these veteran trainees will be sent out as military officers. After one year, if they pass the assessment, they will be officially awarded the title of "Elite Martial Guard".

This time, because officials throughout the country knew the value of the Jingwu Academy, there were quite a few unqualified people and those who falsely claimed their places among the soldiers selected by the local authorities.

After the senior students of the Jingwu Academy discovered the problem, Shen Nian ordered them to compare their performance records with the military records kept by the Ministry of War. Anyone found to be inaccurate was immediately removed from the list.

Then, Shen Nian compiled a list of the military officers in charge of these soldiers and submitted it to the higher authorities.

At the instruction of the young Wanli Emperor, Shen Nian issued a document in the name of the Ministry of War, reprimanding a group of people who had made recommendations in violation of regulations. He stated that if the soldiers recommended to the capital were not up to par, the military officers in charge would be held accountable, ranging from demotion to dismissal.

Meanwhile, Shen Nianling ordered that the soldiers recommended to go to the capital must arrive in the capital before the first day of the tenth month, and the total number must not exceed one thousand. After that, the Jingwu Academy will select nearly five hundred people to be the second batch of Jingwu Academy students.

at this time.

Zhang Rong, the deputy head instructor of Jingwu Academy and a British citizen, has fallen ill; it was sudden and very serious.

Bedridden and having difficulty swallowing.

Emperor Wanli ordered his eunuch Fang Ping to visit him with imperial physicians and generous gifts. After examining him, the two physicians said that his pupils were gradually dilating and that his life force was about to run out.

To put it bluntly: He doesn't have many days left to live!
Upon learning of this outcome, the five cabinet ministers and a host of meritorious officials went to visit Zhang Rong, the Duke of Yingguo, at his residence.

Duke Zhang Rong of Yingguo is 67 years old this year. He is a descendant of Zhang Yu, a famous general in the Jingnan Campaign. He inherited the title after coming of age and has lived a life of luxury since birth, never experiencing hardship.

In recent years, the Duke of England, as the head of the meritorious officials, has represented the emperor in offering sacrifices to Heaven on many occasions. His abilities are average, but he has a good temper and can be considered a kind-hearted person.

An official said that he fell ill due to overwork caused by numerous sacrificial rites and affairs at the Jingwu Academy over the past two years.

When Shen Nian went to visit him, he was in tears, holding Shen Nian's hand and asking about the recruitment situation of Jingwu Academy, but his mind was already somewhat confused.

……

On July 29th, at midnight, Duke Zhang Rong of England passed away at home at the age of 67.

Upon hearing this news, Shen Nian couldn't help but feel heartbroken and shed tears.

Emperor Wanli first issued an edict ordering his eldest son, Zhang Yuangong, to inherit the title, and then sent Feng Bao to offer condolences.

Zhang Juzheng and the other five cabinet ministers also went to the Duke of Ying's residence to offer their condolences.

Among the meritorious officials, Duke Dingguo Xu Wenbi wept bitterly in front of the mourning hall of Duke Yingguo Zhang Rong, crying for more than a quarter of an hour before being persuaded to leave by the officials.

His grief was partly due to his good relationship with the British duke Zhang Rong.

The other half is: After the death of Duke Zhang Rong of Yingguo, a series of tasks involving performing sacrificial rites on behalf of the ruler would fall on his shoulders. This task seemed glorious, but in reality, it was extremely mentally taxing.

He was crying because he himself might die young due to being too busy.

After the death of Duke Zhang Rong of England, Earl Zhangwu Yang Bing was promoted to deputy chief instructor of Jingwu Academy.

This is a regulation that has never been written down.

If it weren't for a meritorious official serving as the deputy chief instructor at the Jingwu Academy, the group of meritorious officials from the Five Armies Commandery would have caused an uproar.

……

In the blink of an eye, it was August.

Some officials lamented the impermanence of life after the sudden death of Duke Zhang Rong of England from a serious illness, and no longer wanted to work so hard for performance evaluations; others had already forgotten about Duke Zhang Rong and were still striving to climb the ranks.

Everything is normal in the capital.

Shen Nian devoted most of her energy to the Ministry of War and the Jingwu Academy.

At this moment, he is unmatched in theoretical knowledge.

On the surface, Zhang Juzheng kept his distance from Shen Nian, maintaining a lukewarm relationship.

In fact, perhaps sensing that he was about to retire, he had Shen Nian read copies of his letters exchanged with officials such as border generals, local governors, and provincial governors. These letters covered various aspects, including border management, canal transport, salt and iron, laws, management of the imperial clan, and the imperial examination system.

These were all experiences that Zhang Juzheng had gained over many years in office, and they were very valuable. Shen Nian benefited greatly from them, gaining a deeper understanding of the operational system of the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty, as well as how to become a competent chief minister.

……

August 28th, afternoon.

Shandong Provincial Administration Commission, Jinan Prefecture, Dezhou (a decentralized prefecture with the same regulations as a county).

The rear hall of the prefectural government office.

A very heated argument is taking place.

"Marriage is the freedom of the people of Dezhou. What right does he have to prohibit girls aged fourteen to sixteen in Dezhou from getting married! As the people's parents and officials, we absolutely cannot tolerate such a deceitful act. We must report this to the provincial government, and then have the provincial government report to the imperial court. If this matter continues to be handled so recklessly, the entire Shandong will be filled with resentment and a state of moral decay!"

A slender man, nearly forty years old, dressed in the robes of a sixth-rank official, spoke with immense anger.

This man is Yao Bin, the Assistant Magistrate of Dezhou, a sixth-rank official who is currently in charge of Dezhou's grain and salary, water conservancy, and police affairs. He was formerly a Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel and a disciple of Hai Rui.

“Prefect Yao, Eunuch Wen did not say that marriage was prohibited for girls aged fourteen to sixteen in Dezhou. He only said that marriage would be postponed until the selection of concubines in Dezhou is over, and then it would return to normal! In addition, the imperial court has decreed that the local authorities are not allowed to interfere in the selection of the nine concubines. We just need to follow orders. What do you want to say in your memorial? This selection of concubines will not disturb the officials or the people. It is entirely up to the eunuchs. We have no right to interfere!” said another man of medium build, about forty years old, wearing the official robes of a seventh-rank official.

This man is Wang Hu, a judge in Dezhou, a seventh-rank official in charge of Dezhou's public security, criminal cases, and judicial affairs.

"Hmph!" Yao Bin snorted coldly.

"Neither disturbing the officials nor the people? Judge Wang, you're pretending to be confused when you know the truth!"

"Wherever this Eunuch Wen goes, which local gentry or wealthy merchant doesn't offer him tribute? Isn't it said that the imperial court provides funds for his food, clothing, and lodging? Why is the prefectural government paying for it? Furthermore, there are women who, though unmarried, already have good matches, yet he forces them to participate in the selection process. Isn't this ruining someone's marriage? If His Majesty knew, he would surely grant their wish. If we don't report him for his rampant behavior in the countryside, the people of Dezhou will surely curse us!"

“You’re afraid of losing your positions, but I, Yao Bin, am not. I’m going to report this to the provincial authorities and to the censors!”

Bang!
A middle-aged man in the fifth-rank official robes, who had remained silent until now, slammed his hand heavily on the table. "Enough! Prefect Yao, can't you see that this selection of eunuchs is entirely decided by the inner court? The cabinet and the six ministries are not involved, and the local prefectures are only responsible for cooperating!"

"The eunuchs represent His Majesty. If you go to report this, are you reporting that His Majesty's actions are wrong, disrupting the local area, and persecuting the people?"

"I know this Eunuch Wen is domineering and taking advantage of the situation to make money, but he will only be in Dezhou for two months at most. Let's just put up with it!"

The middle-aged man who spoke was Xiao Wenguang, the prefect of Dezhou, a fifth-rank official who was in charge of all affairs in the prefecture.

"Endure? You can endure it, but I can't. I must report him to the higher-ups!" Yao Bin said, his eyes wide.

Xiao Wenguang, the prefect of Dezhou, stood up.

"How dare you! Didn't you see the imperial edict that Eunuch Wen presented when he came to Dezhou?"

"Local authorities must not interfere with this selection of eunuchs; they should simply cooperate fully. As the assistant prefect of a prefecture, you have no right to speak of imperial affairs, much less the right to report to higher authorities beyond your own prefecture; doing so would be overstepping your bounds!"

"Yao Bin, just focus on being a good magistrate of Dezhou! Don't think that just because you've followed the Imperial Censorate for a few years, you can change the world. You're not an official in the Censorate right now, these things aren't your business. Your meddling will only harm us and all the officials in Dezhou!"

"Is this not my business? It is His Majesty who will be remembered for the evil deeds of the eunuchs. If we, as his subjects, dare not speak out, we will be disloyal!"

"Don't spout such nonsense! Do you think the provincial governor and the censor Liu in charge of Dezhou are unaware of the current situation regarding the selection of eunuchs? They dare not speak out because criticizing this matter is tantamount to criticizing His Majesty. Your report will not leave Shandong!"

“If one letter can’t get out of Shandong, I’ll write ten! If ten letters can’t get out of Shandong, I’ll write a hundred!” Yao Bin said, his eyes wide.

"You...you...you're just a stubborn mule!"

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Wenguang, the prefect of Dezhou, said, "Since you are determined to hit a brick wall, then I will tell Eunuch Wen your idea and let him handle this matter. If Eunuch Wen summons you, you should argue with him. If you can't reach an agreement, you can impeach him if you want, but don't drag Dezhou into it!"

Xiao Wenguang was not an incompetent official; he was simply preoccupied with his own small territory in Dezhou.

He believed that the eunuch selection of officials had nothing to do with Dezhou. Even if there was a conflict, it was between Yao Bin and the eunuchs, not Dezhou. In addition, he knew that Yao Bin had extensive connections in the capital and might be able to let some high-ranking officials know about this matter through private messages. Therefore, he came up with this plan to shift the conflict to Yao Bin and the eunuchs, while they remained uninvolved.

“Okay!” Yao Bin said, and strode outside.

What he was dissatisfied with was that the selection of officials by eunuchs, while most of the local officials in Shandong were like Xiao Wenguang, lacking a broad vision, but always able to maintain an average or above-average performance rating.

……

As dusk approached, Yao Bin received the news.

The eunuch Wen Si, who is in charge of the Dezhou talent selection, will meet with him at the prefectural government office tomorrow morning.

Wen Si, around thirty years old, was a seventh-rank official in charge of the rice and salt warehouse in the Imperial Household Department. Because of his good relationship with Zhang Cheng and his eloquence, he was given the coveted job of being sent to the imperial concubine selection.

Yao Bin sat at the table, pondering how to reprimand Wen Si the next day.

He was certain that Wen Si's actions were not approved by His Majesty, and that the six ministries of the cabinet could not possibly have known about them.

He intended to first intimidate the other party with the imperial decrees. If the other party was afraid and dared not violate the regulations again, he would not appeal. If the other party did not listen, he would first submit a report to the province. If the province suppressed his report, he would send a private letter to Shen Nian, a cabinet minister.

He believed that Shen Nian, knowing about this, would definitely uphold justice for him.

……

Late at night, in Yao Bin's private residence, in his bedroom.

Yao Bin suddenly sat up in bed, his forehead covered in sweat.

He had a nightmare in which he was rebuking Wen Si when the latter stabbed him in the stomach.

"Could he... kill me?" Yao Bin murmured, the possibility of this happening was not low.

At present, Yao Bin has no like-minded colleagues in Dezhou.

Yao Bin got up, turned on the lamp, and walked to the table.

He pondered again the words of Xiao Wenguang, the prefect of Dezhou.

"The cabinet cannot be unaware of the harm caused by eunuchs selecting concubines, but even they have compromised. If I were to submit a memorial impeaching the eunuchs for their numerous flaws in selecting concubines, it would indeed be questioning His Majesty. And His Majesty, who is about to assume personal rule, dislikes being questioned. I'm afraid... I'm afraid... even if my memorial reaches the capital, it will be suppressed. After all, Wen Si has done some things very discreetly, and said some things very vaguely. I have no concrete evidence..."

Yao Bin suddenly had a thought of compromise, but when the image of Hai Rui appeared in his mind, he immediately shook his head violently.

“My mentor said, ‘Silence brings peace.’ A good official must be ready to go even if there are thousands of enemies! I absolutely cannot disgrace my mentor’s reputation!” Yao Bin said, clenching his fist.

At this moment, Yao Bin suddenly remembered something Shen Nian had said to him once when they were drinking: "Some things that can't be solved are easier to solve if you make a big fuss about them!"
Suddenly, Yao Bin had a new idea.

……

The following morning, Yao Bin arrived at the back hall of the Dezhou government office.

Prefect Xiao Wenguang said expressionlessly, "Eunuch Wen is in the tea room in the side hall. You can talk to him in detail. This matter has nothing to do with Dezhou!"

After saying that, Xiao Wenguang left.

He obeyed the imperial decree for selecting candidates and did not want to be involved in the matter.

In the tea room.

The eunuch Wen Si, who was in charge of selecting candidates, was sitting at the tea table, slowly drinking tea.

Even eunuchs outside the palace, without official rank, were considered imperial envoys as long as they performed official duties.

The current Wen Si is the imperial envoy for the imperial selection of officials. Whenever it comes to matters related to the selection of officials, even the governor of a province has to do things according to his wishes.

Yao Bin glanced at Wen Si, but did not bow in greeting. Instead, he sat down directly opposite him and said bluntly, "Eunuch Wen, you should already know my thoughts. Do you intend to make improvements, or do you want me to impeach you?"

Upon hearing this, Wen Si revealed a faint smile.

"As expected of Magistrate Yao, he is a disciple of Elder Hai. He is upright and fearless. I admire him greatly!"

"Prefect Yao, do you want to return to the capital to continue as a censor? I know you're unhappy in Dezhou, and you can't stand these mediocre officials who only care about performance evaluations and can't get promoted even when they're sixty!"

"If you promise not to mention this matter and hand it over to my friend, I guarantee you will be able to return to the capital within two years. What do you say?"

Besides being in charge of the imperial selection, Wen Si also had the task of cultivating relationships with officials. He wanted to turn some officials who understood the big picture and were pragmatic into Zhang Cheng's people, or more accurately, the emperor's "own people".

He knew that Yao Bin was more inclined to become a science and technology official.

Yao Bin smiled slightly, stood up, walked to Wen Si, and said, "Eunuch Wen, please come closer, I'll tell you my choice."

Just as Wen Si was listening intently, Yao Bin suddenly pulled a dagger from his sleeve.

Swish!
A flash of white light, and the dagger pierced precisely into the heart of the eunuch Wen Si.

This was Yao Bin's strategy to escalate the problem. (End of Chapter)