I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

The tea room in the side hall of the Dezhou government office.

The eunuch Wen Si's miserable scream instantly drew Xiao Wenguang, the prefect of Dezhou, and Wang Hu, the judge, into the tea room.

When the two men saw that Wen Si had a dagger stuck in his chest and was already lifeless, while Yao Bin was sitting calmly drinking tea in a round chair to the side, they were dumbfounded!

"Yao Bin, are you insane? You...you actually dared to kill the imperial envoy for the talent selection?"

Yao Bin said calmly, "This morning when I came to the yamen, I wrote down the reasons for killing the eunuch and gave it to an old friend. I estimate that it will spread throughout Dezhou City by noon. Now, you have no choice but to report to your superiors, right?"

"You are courting death!"

Xiao Wenguang was furious. After calming down, he looked at Judge Wang Hu and said, "First, lock him up in the state prison and order him to write down the cause and effect of the murder. Then I will report this matter to the province. You go and tell the constables accompanying Eunuch Wen to report to the higher-ups."

"Yes!" Wang Hu replied.

Immediately, Yao Bin followed Judge Wang Hu outside with a relaxed expression.

Xiao Wenguang's legs trembled, and he slumped into a chair, muttering, "This...this...is...it's going to cause a huge upheaval, it's going to cause a huge upheaval!"

Yao Bin's actions today can be described as having stirred up a hornet's nest.

Unlike Yin Zhengmao and Shen Nian, who killed officials without authorization in the past, Yao Bin killed the imperial envoy for the imperial selection this time.

This move is a challenge to imperial power and a slap in the face to the emperor.

According to the Ming Dynasty Code, anyone convicted of murdering an imperial envoy could be sentenced to death by a thousand cuts, with their property confiscated and their family members exiled or sent to the army.

Even if it was out of self-defense or to resist the tyranny of the eunuchs, he could not escape death.

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, there has never been a case of a civil official killing a eunuch who was acting on imperial orders.

Yao Bin dared to do this.

On the one hand, he had divorced his wife two years ago, his parents had died early, and he had no children. He was all alone and not afraid of death.

On the other hand, he wanted to use this move to make a big fuss about the "eunuch selection" and let the world see the ugly behavior of these eunuchs.

He believes—

He was upholding imperial power, protecting the people, and fulfilling the responsibilities of a scholar-official.

Yao Bin felt extremely proud at that moment.

On the matter of selecting eunuchs, the cabinet compromised, the six ministries compromised, but Yao Bin did not compromise.

In his eyes, the selection of imperial concubines by eunuchs was no different from the abduction of women from the common people.

Also.

Another major reason that prompted him to do this was that he valued being remembered in history more than his own life.

Back then, he impeached Shen Nian in order to gain fame.

Now that he has angrily killed the eunuch Wen Si, sacrificing his life to maintain his reputation, he feels that he will be famous for posterity and that future generations will definitely mention his name when talking about "upright officials".

……

Near noon.

An article titled "The Harm of Eunuch Selection of Talents" quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys of Dezhou City after being interpreted and discussed by some scholars.

Yao Bin stated that the practice of eunuchs selecting concubines had three harmful effects.

First, it tramples on ancestral rules and etiquette, damaging the image of the royal family.

Historically, the selection of imperial concubines in the Ming Dynasty was always presided over by the Ministry of Rites, with preliminary selections in local areas and final selections in the inner court. Now, the selection is being carried out directly by eunuchs, which undermines the selection system, diminishes the authority of the rites and laws, and sets a terrible precedent.

Secondly, it could lead to eunuchs seizing power and potentially cause political chaos caused by the eunuch faction.

As the emperor's private servants, eunuchs were ignorant of etiquette and law. They gained power through the selection of imperial concubines, and once they colluded with local officials, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Third, it disrupts local livelihoods and triggers popular uprisings and unrest.

Once the imperial concubines arrived in the provinces, they accepted bribes, extorted money from wealthy households, forcibly conscripted women, and even prohibited marriages in order to complete their missions, which could easily lead to local uprisings.

After explaining the harm and citing several examples of harm to the people, Yao Bin said that he was a lowly official with little influence and was not a censor. If he were to submit a memorial to the emperor directly, it would be difficult for the memorial to reach the capital. For the sake of the people, the image of the imperial family, and the stability of the Ming Dynasty, he had no choice but to kill the eunuch and make a big fuss about the matter so that the people of Dezhou could hear his voice in the capital.

In those days, a low-ranking official who dared to remonstrate with the emperor without fear of death was considered a hero in the eyes of the people.

The article quickly spread.

Some people in Texas who had no daughters of marriageable age were unaware of the eunuchs' selection of imperial concubines.

For ordinary people, the royal selection process was a disaster in itself.

Many people speculate that the emperor was displeased because too many eligible women in the common people were hastily married during the last imperial selection, so he resorted to this method of having eunuchs privately select women.

at the same time.

In Dezhou, some people who had been oppressed by eunuchs, and whose daughters had even been taken away by them, spoke out and accused the eunuchs of forcibly abducting women.

In addition, Yao Bin was a disciple of Hai Rui, and Hai Rui was seen as a walking embodiment of justice in the hearts of the people.

Therefore, the people deeply believed Yao Bin's words.

For a time, many young scholars surrounded the Dezhou government office, demanding an explanation and wanting to see Yao Bin.

Xiao Wenguang, the prefect of Dezhou, stayed in the back office and did not come out.

Judge Wang Hu had no choice but to step forward and tell the onlookers that this matter was a private conflict between Yao Bin and the eunuch Wen Si, who was in charge of the imperial selection, and had nothing to do with Dezhou. He also said that the selection of eunuchs was a decision made by the imperial court and that the local authorities had no right to interfere. He added that they had already reported the matter to the higher authorities and that the prefectural government would post a notice to inform the people after the imperial court gave its decision.

……

At this moment, in the back hall of the Dezhou Prefecture government office.

Xiao Wenguang was reading Yao Bin's "The Harm of Eunuch Selection of Talents," and after reading that the author did not mention his incompetence as the prefect of Dezhou, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Yao Bin is doomed. I hope this matter won't implicate me. I truly know nothing and am simply following orders!"

Xiao Wenguang looked helpless, never expecting Yao Bin to cause such a huge mess.

He just hoped this wouldn't affect him.

He paced back and forth, pondered for a while, and then decided not to conceal anything, not to hold back any opinions, and to compile this article, along with Yao Bin's confession of killing the eunuch, the reaction of the people of Dezhou, and the actions of the eunuchs in Dezhou, into a document and submit it to the province.

How to handle this matter is not something that he, a mere fifth-rank prefect, can decide.

……

September 5th, afternoon.

Shandong, Jinan Prefecture, front hall of the governor's office.

After reading through a series of documents submitted by Dezhou detailing Yao Bin's killing of the eunuch, Shandong Governor Zhao Xian frowned deeply.

"Alas! This Yao Bin has not learned Hai Gangfeng's wisdom, but he has learned his stubbornness. Isn't this a slap in the face to the imperial court? How should His Majesty resolve this matter? He deserves to die, having gained a reputation as an upright official, but how should we handle this matter so that we are not punished by the court and are not condemned by the people?"

Shandong Governor Zhao Xian looked helpless.

In officialdom, all officials dislike those who dare to remonstrate with the emperor without regard for their own lives or the overall situation.

"Enough! This is not something I can handle. I should report it to the court as soon as possible!" Zhao Xian murmured.

In the past, when the provincial government processed official documents from prefectures and counties, even if there was no solution, it would list suggested directions before submitting them to the imperial court.

But this time Zhao Xian didn't write a single word.

Because of this, he felt he was not qualified to offer advice.

Once this matter becomes public, many officials, common people, and especially young scholars will support Yao Bin.

Because the behavior of those eunuchs was so appalling, it had long aroused public outrage.

While ordering these documents to be presented to the capital, Zhao Xian also instructed the eunuchs in Shandong to immediately suspend the selection process and await the court's decision on Yao Bin's killing of the eunuch.

The people of Shandong are generally strong-willed. Some scholars are just as capable as martial artists in terms of physical strength.

If any eunuch were to defy the law again, he would likely be beaten by a mob, or even cause a civil unrest.

……

at the same time.

The news of Yao Bin killing the eunuchs who were selecting concubines spread like wildfire throughout Dezhou.

The people were filled with resentment, all complaining about the ruthless practices of the local officials who selected eunuchs.

Some of the eunuchs who were selected for the imperial concubine selection hid in government offices and dared not go out at all.

This trend is about to sweep across the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty, inciting even more anger among the people. It is likely that the imperial court will have no choice but to stop the imperial selection process or change the selection method.

Amidst the discussions among the people, Liu Yingchang, the Shandong Imperial Censor in charge of inspecting Dezhou, quickly learned the ins and outs of the matter.

When he inspects local areas, he can directly report to the imperial court.

So he compiled the public opinion and quickly sent it to the capital.

……

It was the seventh day of the ninth lunar month, around noon.

Inside the Wenhua Hall.

The young Wanli Emperor was the first to receive a document from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which was accompanied by the eunuch Wen Si.

The document not only details the ins and outs of Yao Bin's killing of Wen Si, but also includes Yao Bin's "The Harm of Eunuch Selection of Talents".

After reading it, the young Wanli Emperor was furious.

"He...he's talking nonsense! I allowed the eunuchs to select nine concubines so as not to affect the local areas, to improve efficiency, to avoid wasting people's money and resources, and to reduce the burden on the local areas. How did he see it as trampling on ancestral rites and laws? The cabinet and the Ministry of Rites have no objections. How can a mere deputy prefect be talking nonsense!"

What Emperor Wanli cared about most was Yao Bin's criticism of him for "trampling on ancestral rites and laws." This charge was too serious, and even he couldn't withstand it.

Swish!
The young Wanli Emperor threw the document on the ground, panting heavily with anger, then looked at Feng Bao, who was on duty nearby, and said, "Master, take a look!"

"Yes!"

Feng Bao quickly picked up the document and began to read it carefully.

When he saw the words "eunuch party," his lips twitched, and then he let out a long sigh.

This was the first time he had heard the term "eunuch faction," a term that carried a strong oppressive weight on the eunuchs of the inner court.

Feng Bao was very fortunate.

I'm glad I wasn't in charge of this matter, otherwise I might have been the one getting scolded.

Zhang Cheng had been suppressed for too long and thought that he had the support of the royal family, which was why he dared to be so blatant. But he never expected to run into someone who didn't care about his life.

This matter must be resolved quickly.

Otherwise, if the news spreads throughout the country, the negative impact will only grow, and at that point, Zhang Cheng and his associates will definitely be severely punished to appease the people.

After reading the document, Feng Bao neatly arranged it and placed it in a corner of the imperial desk.

"Your Majesty, this Yao Bin is spouting nonsense. He dared to kill a eunuch who was ordered to leave the palace just to gain fame. He should be executed. However... however... the people are outraged. It's possible that the eunuchs who were ordered to leave the palace were not careful enough. They should also be punished to quell this unrest!"

Feng Bao would not forget to criticize his rival Zhang Cheng.

Little Wanli frowned.

"You reckless officials! You unruly commoners! I have only married nine concubines, yet they have provoked such immense malice from me. Are they even my subjects? Do they know how to share my burdens?"

Feng Bao bowed, licked his lips, and said, "Your Majesty, this matter has escalated so much that the cabinet should come up with a solution first!"

Upon hearing this, the young Wanli Emperor became even angrier.

In the present Ming Dynasty, the emperor still cannot make decisions and must listen to the cabinet.

Emperor Wanli paused for a moment and said, "Given such a terrible incident, the memorials from the Shandong governor and the censor inspecting Shandong should arrive soon. Once they arrive, we can submit these documents to the cabinet!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Feng Bao bowed deeply.

……

At dusk that day.

The memorials from Zhao Xian, the governor of Shandong, and Liu Yingchang, the imperial censor inspecting Shandong, also arrived in the capital.

……

As night fell, the cabinet office was brightly lit.

Inside the conference hall on the second floor.

Zhang Juzheng, Yin Zhengmao, and the other four Grand Secretaries read through all the documents related to Yao Bin's killing of the eunuch who was ordered to do so.

"Ugh!"

The five of them sighed almost simultaneously; the matter was quite troublesome.

Shen Shixing spoke first: "This Yao Bin is too reckless! He actually dared to kill a eunuch who was ordered to do so. If he wanted to let us know about the evil deeds of those eunuchs, he could have written a private letter or asked someone to go to the capital to inform us. Whether it's Hai Lao or Zi Heng, he could have found them!"

"If we had written a letter to inform them, would this matter have escalated to this extent? Is it possible to resolve it completely?" Yin Zhengmao suddenly asked.

Shen Shixing was taken aback.

"Grand Secretary Yin, you...you...do you think he did the right thing?"

Yin Zhengmao shook his head.

"He was indeed reckless and stubborn, and some even thought he was crazy for the sake of making a name for himself in history! But we have to admit that he exposed the drawbacks of the eunuchs sent to serve His Majesty. We had actually anticipated these drawbacks when His Majesty proposed that the eunuchs select candidates for the imperial concubine selection. We just didn't expect Yao Bin to risk his life to expose these drawbacks!"

"Cough cough!"

At this moment, Zhang Juzheng coughed and said, "It's useless to discuss right and wrong in this matter. What we need to think about now is how to resolve this matter in a way that satisfies His Majesty and leaves the people with no complaints! His Majesty's selection of nine concubines must not be stopped, and His Majesty's order for eunuchs to select concubines cannot be defined as an act of trampling on ancestral rules and etiquette!"

Wang Xijue slightly pursed his lips.

“It’s difficult! If we approve of His Majesty, the eunuch selection of officials cannot be stopped, and Yao Bin must be killed. But if Yao Bin is killed, the eunuchs will still preside over the selection of officials. How can the people not curse the court?”

Immediately, all five of them fell silent.

Yin Zhengmao thought for a moment and said, "Is it possible to spare Yao Bin's life?"

“Absolutely impossible!” Zhang Juzheng, Shen Shixing, and Wang Xijue said almost simultaneously.

Yao Bin has committed a capital crime. Perhaps he can be spared the death penalty by slow slicing, but it must be a capital crime. Otherwise, the "Great Ming Code" would be nothing but decoration, and the face of the imperial family would be nothing but decoration!

Seeing that Shen Nian did not speak, Yin Zhengmao immediately looked at Shen Nian.

Shen Nian spread his hands and said, "I also think it's absolutely impossible."

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the five of them still had no idea what to do.

Zhang Juzheng stood up and said, "It's getting late, everyone go home and rest. We'll discuss this again tomorrow!"

Immediately, the five men left the Cabinet office one after another.

After leaving the Forbidden City, Shen Nian thought for a moment, then ordered Aji to buy some wine and food, and then headed towards Hai Rui's residence.

Just now, Shen Nian hadn't spoken, actually thinking about whether Yao Bin's behavior was right or wrong, and whether scholars should be encouraged to do the same in the future.

Only after understanding these things could Shen Nian come up with a solution.

As Yao Bin's teacher, Hai Rui must have known Yao Bin better than anyone else.

Shen Nian wanted to consult Hai Rui on how to define Yao Bin's behavior and what the right thing to do next would be. (End of Chapter)