I was compiling the daily records during the Wanli reign

Chapter 99: A hundred flowers bloom, a hundred demons dance!
August 21st.

The Zhang Garden Banquet Case officially came to an end.

The main culprit, Chen Zhengyuan, the owner of Chen's Bookstore, was exiled to the border for framing the cabinet ministers of the time and using the official concubines in their names.

Students Feng Yong, Chen Zhi, and Chen Xinquan were stripped of their official titles, and their provincial examination results this year were invalid.

Xu Sanniang, the left music director of the Jiaofangsi, was also dismissed from her official position and demoted to a commoner. The singing girls from the Jiaofangsi who participated in the private banquet were also punished.

As for the candidates and students who participated in the banquet that day, they were all flogged fifty times.

When they become officials.

This matter will also be recorded in the role (i.e. the official resume) and sealed in the Ministry of Personnel and will never be erased.

Under the idea that "a sage king treasures virtue, not pearls and jade" that had been instilled in him by his daily lecturers for a long time, and as the budget for preparations for the emperor's wedding continued to be cut, the young Wanli was very disgusted with the officials' extravagant behavior.

He specifically instructed the Embroidered Uniform Guard to thoroughly investigate any officials in the capital who lived a luxurious life in private, and to severely punish any officials who were found to have violated the rules of etiquette.

at the same time.

The cabinet's deputy minister, Lu Diaoyang, returned to the cabinet and wrote a long letter to thank the court for clearing his name.

On the other hand, Zhang Siwei continued to carry out all his official duties as usual.

He had no idea that the young Wanli and Zhang Juzheng no longer had the same trust in him as before.

As for Shen Nian and Cao Wei.

The former was guilty of interfering with the Jinyiwei's interrogation, and the latter was guilty of making a false confession without the emperor's permission.

However, since the second confession in this case was sealed, it was difficult to make the two men’s crimes clear and punish them.

The young Wanli punished the two by making them copy the "Ming Dynasty Code, Criminal Code 7, Twelve Articles on Fraud and Falsehood" three times, and warned them not to engage in counterfeiting and fraudulent activities in the future.

Young Wanli was particularly proud of this punishment.

He even deliberately imitated Zhang Juzheng's tone and said to Shen Nian: "You should sit upright, keep your wrists relaxed, and your elbows slightly raised. Every time you write a word, you must think carefully about the reasoning behind it!"

This made Shen Nian feel a little helpless.

However, he still preferred the youthful nature that the young Wanli showed in private. Otherwise, if he was always suppressed and pretended to be mature, he would definitely have psychological problems.

……

end of August.

As the weather turns cooler, the capital becomes more and more lively.

Because of the "Hundred Schools of Thought" movement, a large number of scholars, literati, folk Confucian scholars, Taoist monks, doctors, fortune tellers, etc. gathered in the capital.

This made the teahouses, taverns, inns and hotels in the capital city crowded and noisy every day.

Even the old tea shop on Jixian Street on the east side of the Confucian Temple.

The price of tea soup (made with sorghum flour, brown sugar, sesame seeds and boiling water), which had been five cents a bowl for several years, was raised to eight cents a bowl.

Scholars with different schools of thought would give lectures in teahouses to spread their theories, or use folk tabloids as a tool to spread their academic positions through poetry and prose. Some would just roll up their sleeves and start speaking in an open space in an alley or on an overpass, regardless of the number of people around.

Among them, the most lively places are the Imperial College and the Confucian Temple in Chongjiaofang.

The scholars gathered together.

Those who shouted "Everyone is a gentleman" were basically followers of Wang Gen, a disciple of Wang Yangming and the founder of the Taizhou School.

They shouted Wang Gen's poem "Once spring comes, I am not free, I travel all over the world to strengthen the imperial state. One day, all things will be transformed into harmony between heaven and man, and the unicorn and phoenix will return in the autumn of Yao and Shun" to express the theory of "body-based" and the idea that "the daily life of the people is the Tao", as well as their yearning for the era of Yao and Shun.

Most of those who shouted "We cannot judge right and wrong based on what Confucius said" were followers of the great madman Li Zhi.

These people act very crazy.

Some even went so far as to go directly to brothels to preach their doctrines, and even wanted to recruit brothel girls as their disciples, in order to express their idea of ​​equality between men and women.

……

Others chanted "No father, no king, no patricide, no regicide," advocating for eliminating the gap between the rich and the poor and promoting equality and freedom.

This person is obviously a follower of He Xinyin.

Others called for governing the country with benevolence, vigorously promoted village covenants and lectures in local areas, and emphasized moral consciousness.

This is obviously Luo Rufang's disciple.

Others upheld Confucian orthodoxy, but emphasized the reform of the imperial examination system and the bureaucratic system, and opposed the dictatorship of powerful officials and the interference of eunuchs in politics.

This was clearly directed at Zhang Juzheng, who was a supporter of literary leader Wang Shizhen.

There are also Buddhist teachings on cause and effect, the reconciliation of Confucianism and Buddhism, Taoist teachings on light taxes and levies, giving the people rest, and the policy of inaction, etc.

……

Various theories flourished.

Some of these people have similar ideas and feel that they have met too late, so they can't wait to become sworn brothers on the street; some of them have conflicting doctrines and can start quarreling on the street.

Because the court tacitly allowed freedom of speech in the capital before the Hundred Schools of Thought Conference.

Therefore, the Five Cities Military Department and the Embroidered Uniform Guard mainly used persuasion, and only those who caused particularly serious fights would be sent to jail.

There are also many people who take advantage of the situation to gain fame and fortune.

But in the capital where many scholars gathered, if one wanted to fill in the gaps and become famous by making strange remarks, he would soon be defeated.

In addition, merchants in the capital, who have always enjoyed discussing political affairs, also participated.

They provided food, clothing, shelter and transportation for some supporting intellectuals, and printed their ideas and theories into collections or tabloids to spread among the people.

……

And this moment.

The busiest government office in the capital is the Hanlin Academy.

Zhang Juzheng ordered the Hanlin Academy to formulate the rules for the Hundred Schools of Thought and to screen the candidates for the Hundred Schools of Thought.

Ma Ziqiang, the Minister of Rites and Hanlin Academician, was in charge of this matter.

Shen Shixing, Wang Xijue, Wang Jiaping, Shen Yikuan, Shen Nian, and Zhao Yongxian have all given priority to this matter recently.

The court's councilors are easier to select, after all, they know everything about them and will be screened from the Hanlin Academy, the Imperial College, the Six Ministries and Six Departments, and the Censorate.

Shen Nian expected.

There is a high probability that Zhang Juzheng will personally take part in the political discussion. After all, many schools of thought are attacking the same issue: Jiangling is in power.

As for the candidates for civil consultation.

After discussion, everyone in the Hanlin Academy decided to let them choose for themselves first. If the number of people is too large, a second screening will be conducted.

……

August 24th, early morning.

After approval by the young Wanli and the cabinet, the Hanlin Academy issued a notice: "Rules for Those Who Visit the Imperial Palace to Discuss Politics."

This rule.

That is, the general rules for the Hundred Schools of Thought to discuss politics and the basis for selecting candidates for discussion.

The so-called "Yi Que" means rushing to the capital; "Yi Que" refers to the people who rush to the capital, here referring to the scholars who participate in the political discussions of the Hundred Schools of Thought.

The specific details are:
During this Hundred Schools of Thought, three hundred people holding various doctrines will be selected to attend the imperial court to discuss politics with officials selected by the court, namely the councilors, for a period of seven days.

On the first day, those who came to the palace expressed their opinions.

They told the court about their respective theories and political views, as well as their opinions on private academies and students' political opinions, so that the court would know.

On the second day, the councillors expressed their views.

It tells the official mainstream political views, the reasons for banning the establishment of private academies and prohibiting students from discussing politics, and responds to the statements made by those who visited the palace on the first day.

On the third, fourth and fifth days, the councilors exchanged views with those who came to the palace, explored the pros and cons of various theories and political views, and communicated freely and spoke their minds.

On the sixth and seventh days, the court selected several celebrities with great influence among the people based on the situation of the political discussions in the previous few days, and had them debate with the political officials on the new policies and discuss ways to help the country and enrich the country.

At last.

Based on the results of this political discussion, the court will decide whether to continue to ban private academies, whether to continue to prohibit students from participating in politics, or whether to lift the ban on some private academies whose ideas are not considered heretical.

at the same time.

Based on the results of this political discussion, the imperial court will compile a book of the various schools of thought, clearly explaining their pros and cons so that the world will know.

Some negative, escapist, and non-virtuous remarks will be banned by the court. If anyone makes such remarks again in the future, the court will be able to severely punish them according to the new rules and regulations.

Just as Shen Nian said.

The purpose of the Hundred Schools of Thought is not to argue about winning or losing, or to discuss right or wrong.

It is for the new policy and to reduce the resistance to change.

In order to let young people around the world see what the overall situation is, what the interests of the majority are, and what the purpose of the new policy is.

The number of people who will visit the palace is tentatively set at 300.

Civilian scholars would recommend like-minded speakers who believed in a certain doctrine, and then submit their proposals to the Hanlin Academy for review.

Also.

When the Hundred Schools of Thought discussed politics, in addition to the three hundred people attending the palace, there could also be one thousand listeners watching.

Although the Meridian Gate is a large place.

But once the number of people exceeds a thousand, you can basically hear no sound at the outermost edge, and you can't even see people.

If you want to become a listener, you need to actively sign up, and the Hanlin Academy will screen you based on your different academic opinions.

These one thousand people can only listen but not speak, but they can tell their ideas to those who come to the palace and let them convey them.

As for other people who want to watch, they can only stand outside the fence.

There are some more details in the regulations.

For example: When discussing politics, everyone must express their opinions clearly within a quarter of an hour.

The reason for this setting.

This is because most of the people who come to the palace are people who give lectures all year round. If they are given more time to speak, some of them can talk for a long time in one breath and still feel unsatisfied.

For example: The seven days of the Hundred Schools of Thought all started at noon and lasted until sunset.

The reason for this setting.

This was because court clerks were required to write down the content of discussions, either by copying or printing them, so that everyone could understand the previous day's discussions, quickly understand each other's views, and ensure the smooth progress of the Hundred Schools of Thought. Furthermore, it was forbidden to expose or attack personal moral flaws; nitpicking, speculation, and other such behaviors were prohibited. Officials would immediately stop anyone who engaged in such behavior.

……

Near noon.

Less than half a day after the "Rules for Those Who Visit the Imperial Palace to Discuss Politics" was posted, a large group of scholars surrounded the Hanlin Academy.

"Why is there such a selection process? If I don't have like-minded people and support, can I not become a Yique?"

"Since this is a political discussion among hundreds of schools of thought, everyone should be able to speak freely, rather than categorizing people into different levels at the outset of the discussion!"

"Some celebrities are just empty names, they can only deceive young people. They are not qualified to represent me!"

"I have a plan in my mind for governing the country and saving the world. I can talk about it for a whole day and a whole night. What can I accomplish in six days?"

"I disagree. What can be accomplished in just six days? The salt and iron debate in the Western Han Dynasty lasted over five months. The Ehu Lake meeting between Zhu Xi and Lu Jiuyuan in the Southern Song Dynasty lasted three days. We're debating national affairs; it'll take at least a month!"

……

These scholars are not rule-abiding people.

When they saw that the court's rules were different from what they had imagined, and that they might only be able to be bystanders, they began to refute.

……

Not long after.

Shen Shixing, Wang Jiaping, Shen Yikuan and Shen Nian arrived at the gate of the Hanlin Academy under the protection of a group of Jinyiwei.

The Jinyiwei were specially appointed by the young Wanli.

Folk scholars, when they get excited about debate, love to fight.

Although it won't kill anyone.

But if you really punch an official in the face and disfigure him, the one who will be disgraced is the people of the court.

Therefore, during this Hundred Schools of Thought Conference, the imperial court paid great attention to the safety of officials.

You can spit on your face, but you must never punch your face.

"Everyone, please be quiet and listen to me. I am Shen Shixing, a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy!" Shen Shixing said in a hoarse voice.

Unfortunately, the scholars around pretended not to hear and continued to make noise.

In their eyes.

Only if Hanlin scholar Ma Ziqiang comes out to explain will it be credible.

Shen Shixing shouted a few more times, but the scholars continued to make a fuss, and someone shouted, "Let Master Ma come out!"

now.

Ma Ziqiang was in the cabinet duty room reporting on the candidates for the councilors, and it would probably be dusk when he returned.

Seeing that Shen Shixing was speaking so gently, Shen Yiguan immediately strode out and shouted at the top of his lungs, "What are you doing in front of the government office? Calm down and listen to Master Shen's explanation!"

Shen Yiguan's words had just fallen.

Then a scholar in a long gown glanced at Shen Yiguan's official robe and rolled his eyes and said, "You are just a small seventh-rank official, what are you shouting about? Do you have the power to make the decision?"

Shen Yikuan was so angry that his face turned blue. He never expected that a man in white would dare to make fun of him for his low rank.

"This...this...what kind of scholar is this? He has the air of a chivalrous man!"

Shen Yi Guan turned to look at Shen Nian and said, "Zi Heng, it was you who proposed the Hundred Schools of Thought. Now that so many crazy people have appeared, how should we deal with them?"

Shen Nian looked around.

He thought some scholars would be rude and arrogant, but he didn't expect them to go to such an extent of ignoring court officials.

After thinking about it carefully, he felt relieved.

The ideas of some scholars were inherently anti-imperial.

Now that the court allows everyone to speak freely, they naturally act with impunity.

this moment.

He felt that Zhang Juzheng's ban on the establishment of private academies was very reasonable, otherwise these crazy students would not have come up with such outrageous theories!

Not far away, Shen Shixing shouted until his throat was hoarse.

He tried to talk to everyone and answer their questions.

But when the scholars saw that Shen Shixing was very elegant and amiable, they became even more arrogant and clamored for Hanlin scholar Ma Ziqiang to reply to them.

Shen Nian frowned.

When he turned around, he saw Zhou Hai, a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with a sullen face not far away.

If the court had not had the rule of "freedom of speech before the discussion of politics by all schools of thought" and that scholars could not be beaten at that moment, Zhou Hai would have ordered people to go up with chestnut sticks.

In his eyes, these people are just being arrogant and deserve a beating!

Shen Nian thought about it, walked quickly to Zhou Hai, and whispered a few words to him.

Zhou Hai was stunned.

"It's possible, but I need to report it to my superiors. It will be back in about a quarter of an hour. Is that okay?"

Shen Nian nodded.

immediately.

Shen Nian said to Shen Shixing, whose throat was already hoarse, "Master Shen, let's go inside and rest first. I can calm them down in a quarter of an hour!"

Immediately, the four of them returned to the door.

The scholars thought that Shen Nian and the other three were looking for Hanlin scholar Ma Ziqiang, and they couldn't help but feel overjoyed.

The noise became more intense, and their intention was to use this method of venting to force the court to revise the "Rules for Those Who Come to the Palace to Discuss Politics" so that all of them could participate in the discussion of politics.

A quarter of an hour later.

Zhou Hai handed a long object wrapped in gray cloth to Shen Nian, and Shen Shixing, Wang Jiaping and Shen Yikuan all gathered around.

Swish!
Shen Nian lifted the gray cloth.

"Fire...fire...fire gun?" Shen Shixing exclaimed.

At present, the Ming army has a special firearms team, and some Jinyiwei in the capital are also equipped with firearms.

Most of the scholars outside the door had heard of this thing. They knew that it could penetrate chain mail within a hundred steps and cause death. It was far more powerful than a bow and arrow.

This thing, just taking it out, can scare some people to the point of their legs going weak.

"Ziheng, what are you going to do? Using a musket will not only hurt people, but may also kill them!" Shen Shixing said nervously.

Shen Nian smiled and said, "I'll just scare them!"

Immediately, Shen Nian asked Zhou Hai to quickly teach him how to use the musket.

Facing these scholars, the muskets in the hands of the Jinyiwei were not as powerful as those in Shen Nian's hands.

Because the scholars all knew that the strategy of "a hundred schools of thought discussing politics" was proposed by Shen Nian. If after this incident, the public opinion overshadowed the official theory of the court, the people would definitely be in chaos.

By then, Shen Nian will definitely be severely punished.

In order to ensure the smooth progress of the Hundred Schools of Thought, Shen Nian really dared to take action.

Lean slightly.

Shen Shixing, Wang Jiaping, Shen Yikuan, and Shen Nian went out again.

Shen Nian walked down and raised the musket high.

"boom!"

There was a loud noise, like thunder.

The area in front of the Hanlin Academy immediately became quiet.

"That...that...that's a musket!" someone whispered.

The name of the fire gun can make these scholars tremble with fear.

Some scholars claim that they are not afraid of death.

In fact, he was not afraid of dying after being recorded in history under the admiring gaze of countless people.

They were afraid of being killed instantly by muskets, just like wild rabbits being killed by hunters.

Shen Nian looked around and said loudly, "I am Shen Nian, the Imperial Academy Editor. I want to see who dares to make trouble again!"

"The 'Rules for Those Who Visit the Imperial Palace to Discuss Politics' were drafted by the Hanlin Academy, reviewed by the Cabinet, and approved by the Emperor. They cannot be changed, not even a single word!"

"You simply feel that you cannot become a righteous person, but you also feel that you have the strategy to govern the country."

"I'll teach you a method. See that white wall not far away? I'll have someone hang a rope on it later. If you have confidence in yourselves, hang your political proposals there!"

"I will review each one of them. I will never let a pearl be covered in dust, nor will I let a rat become an imperial disciple!"

"Remember to sign your name and hometown when you write, so that everyone in the world can see how capable you are!"

"I must reiterate that the policy of discussion is a new strategy concerning national affairs and people's livelihood, not a critique of current politics. Our dynasty has 110 censors and 52 secretaries. What you can criticize, they can naturally think of as well."

"If you are just judging without any good advice, just shut up and listen to what others are saying!"

"I would like to advise those who want to gain fame and attention through this political discussion, but whose words are empty of substance, that you will not succeed!"

……

After Shen Nian finished speaking, the scholars all fell silent.

Shen Nian touched upon their sore spot. If they really had talent and political ideas, they would not have been overlooked.

They just don't want to be listeners.

"Let's go!" Shen Nian said loudly.

After Shen Nian, who was a sixth-rank official, raised his musket, he displayed a deterrent power that surpassed that of a third-rank official.

Suddenly, all the scholars dispersed.

Shen Yi Guan looked at the musket in Shen Nian's hand and murmured, "Why can't I think of this idea?"

(End of this chapter)