[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-357":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Wanli, the Enlightened Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2322179,4542,"Chapter 357: Defeat and Loss of Ground: The Dispersion and Gathering of Earthly Bonds","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-357",357,"\u003Cp>Spring wind still fills Jianzhang Palace; once again I take up my brush before the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>See how my court poems win favor—wherever new verses appear, none can rival their fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan, bowing his head to avoid the Emperor’s gaze, chuckled bitterly and, in a daze, recalled this poem gifted to him by Li Panlong—he had once loved this poem dearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next year’s spring breeze will blow into Jianzhang Palace, just as I, idle at home, endured the long years under Gao Gong’s suppression during the Longqing era, only to rise again on the clouds under the Wanli reign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight years ago, I returned to office as a Super-Grade Minister holding the titles of Shaobao and Taibao of the Crown Prince, appointed to oversee all salt administration and military affairs in Shandong, managing salt tickets—who could deny that this was “winning special favor”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Yin Shidan himself could not help but harbor grand ambitions, wishing to climb another hundred feet on the bamboo pole and compose a new poem, unmatched in its brilliance, before the new Emperor’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, for some reason, affairs of the world always escape nothing more than the words “yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After nearly a decade of arduous nation-building, today, face-to-face with the Emperor once more, he shook his head with sighs of regret and uttered simply: “Let us part as friends.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Part as friends?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Parting” was indeed pleasant—back then, the Emperor had just ascended the throne, not yet firmly established, his authority still incomplete; to leverage my prestige to suppress the Two Huai regions, consolidate salt administration, and implement salt tickets, he truly did humble himself, sweep his mat, and welcome me with open arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But “parting” is different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, seated on the throne, unmoving, no longer holding my hand, his tone harsh, he listed one after another my failings, wearing an expression of wounded innocence—“You betrayed me”—so heartrending, even I felt pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is that truly so?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t make the Zhu family Emperor laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan nearly let mockery show plainly on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If backing multiple sides is intolerable to the Emperor, then among the court, how many besides Zhang Juzheng’s New Party core truly staked their lives on the new policies?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Chonggu’s entire family engaged in commerce, trading official positions—so wealthy they rivaled the state—and yet he still held command of the Five Military Directorates and managed the Nine Borders’ armies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deng Yizan, ordered to survey land in Henan, could not restrain his relatives from exploiting chaos, colluding with Hua Qizhi and Ye Zun to extort wealthy families—and yet he was reinstated to office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Wang Zhiyuan’s eldest son, Wang Xiangjin, followed He Xinyin in posting slanderous leaflets against the Emperor, why was it so lightly dismissed, and why was Wang Zhiyuan not forced into retirement?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Xu Jie led resistance against the new policies—and yet he still sits as a close minister to the Emperor, shamelessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why can even the lowliest dogs be tolerated, yet only I, Yin Shidan, am branded as indecisive and utterly unacceptable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan naturally knew the answer: the Emperor’s wings have grown strong, and now he seeks to reclaim control of salt administration and salt tickets—this is simply casting aside the bow once the birds are gone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could anyone accept this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could anyone be content?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thousand thoughts, boundless resentment—Yin Shidan stood motionless, silent, momentarily lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Li Changchun, Director of the Palace Library and Left Assistant Lecturer of the Right Spring Pavilion, and Yu Shenxing, both stared at their former tutor with concern, glancing simultaneously at the Emperor, stepping forward as if to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Three Bonds and Five Constants stand above; loyalty between sovereign and minister dwells in the heart—if their tutor truly uttered even a word of grievance, he might face death!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was tense; as Yin Shidan’s students, whether out of teacher-student affection or the Emperor’s own careful intent in assigning them to accompany him, it was time they intervened to ease the tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet perhaps due to their low rank, they misread the Emperor’s intentions—just as they opened their mouths, they met a sidelong glare from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That single glance froze them in place; their words were swallowed back into their throats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely this interruption that finally moved Yin Shidan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan lowered his head, lifted his robe hem, and slowly knelt, his voice soft but resolute: “Your Majesty, I do not accept this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he spoke, the room fell utterly silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do not accept”?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this how a senior minister responds to the Emperor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How dare he?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from Wei Chao and Jiang Keqian—veteran insiders privy to state secrets—everyone, even the guard at the door, Luo Sigong, cast a startled glance at Yin Shidan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They wondered: Is this man terminally ill, suffering too greatly? Or does he bear a blood feud with his nine clans?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun and Yu Shenxing stared at each other in shock, forgetting the Emperor’s earlier warning to remain silent, and forced themselves forward despite their fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stepped between the Emperor and their tutor, facing Yin Shidan, and roared: “Insolent!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun even rolled up his sleeves, raising his palm toward Yin Shidan, unsure what he intended to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you two cannot restrain your tongues, why not go downstairs, seize the gavel, and vent your grievances properly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s dry, sarcastic voice sounded behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun turned awkwardly, hiding his hand behind his back: “Minister Yin has committed an offense before the throne, daring to defy Your Majesty—I could not contain my righteous fury.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shenxing nodded vigorously beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both forced smiles, trying to soothe the Emperor’s anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun paid them no mind; his gaze passed over the onlookers and fixed directly on Yin Shidan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Yin Shidan had remained prostrate, utterly submissive, awaiting judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun showed neither anger nor false courtesy; he asked calmly: “What exactly do you not accept?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan remained on the ground but answered swiftly: “I have rendered meritorious service without fault, yet I am dismissed in a single day—I am deeply wronged.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun gave a soft “hmm”: “Thus I have already acknowledged your merits—your title will be elevated, your achievements recorded in the state annals; I merely withdrew my trust, hence I asked you to retire gracefully upon completing your work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan would not relent: “I never backed multiple sides—I lost Your Majesty’s trust without cause. I cannot accept this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun clicked his tongue and nodded: “Then let me rephrase: you have stood idly by.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan fell silent for a moment, then struggled to speak: “Land surveying was never within my official duties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun smiled faintly: “Trusting you was never my duty as Emperor; nor should salt tickets ever have been the salt administration’s responsibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor and minister exchanged words, the attendants’ eyes shifted back and forth between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene was truly strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expected outburst—Emperor enraged, Yin Shidan’s nine clans exterminated—never came. Instead, they were now openly debating the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, even more astonishing: between sovereign and minister, when is conversation ever so unadorned? Now, they spoke with startling candor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan made no effort to hide his grievance; the Emperor repeatedly expressed his loss of trust—it was as if a divorced couple, locked in bitter dispute over who was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Sigong, commander of the guards at the door, frowned deeply; Jiang Keqian, the Embroidered Uniform Guard commander behind Yin Shidan, looked thoughtful; Wei Chao, the Senior Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial beside the Emperor, wore an impassive face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shenxing and Li Changchun exchanged glances, finally realizing the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Revenue had long sought to regain control of salt administration and salt tickets, yet feared Yin Shidan’s impulsive actions might undermine their plans—so they had long been deliberating, holding back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, during the Southern Tour, the Emperor first met him in disguise, then confronted him directly—his goal was precisely to face Yin Shidan’s grievances head-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan clearly understood the Emperor’s intent at once!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Emperor intended to question him directly, Yin Shidan must vent his grievances, recount his wrongs—whether to argue right and wrong or to state conditions, this was a special, one-time opportunity, never to be repeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversely, if Yin Shidan had silently endured humiliation, pretending all was calm, he would have invited his own death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even though this grievance was permitted by imperial authority, under such circumstances, true emotion was hard to suppress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Eight years ago, when Your Majesty summoned me back to office and entrusted me with the task of reforming salt administration, did I not have Your Majesty’s trust then?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan suddenly raised his head; his loose, crumbling teeth, worn from years of grinding, now clacked faintly as he clenched them; his wide, bloodshot eyes locked directly onto the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Zhang Juzheng or Gao Yi, he did not rise to power through favor from the Crown Prince’s old retinue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once employed for his talent, now dismissed for lack of trust—is it because he is old and worn out, or because the Emperor has grown increasingly suspicious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone present could see the staggering sorrow in Yin Shidan’s expression; many felt a pang of sympathy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Zhu Yijun, who came here seeking political exchange, could not help but feel a flicker of pity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun pondered long, then slowly rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked to where Yin Shidan knelt: “Since you have voiced your grievance so fully, let me tell you of my own difficulties.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is not that I have used your talents and let the Ministry of Revenue reap the rewards, nor that I have grown cold and ungrateful from sitting too long on the throne.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended both hands and gently helped Yin Shidan to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is simply that neither of us is free.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he guided Yin Shidan to a chair, he raised one hand, pointing at Yin, then at himself: “You are not free; neither am I. Thus, we, sovereign and minister, must part ways.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan had rushed to court without wearing knee pads; after kneeling so long, his legs were numb and aching. As the Emperor helped him, he collapsed into the chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the Emperor’s words, he opened his mouth to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waved him off, continuing on his own: “Take the shallow waters of Jining, for example.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Gao and Lu Ying granted you the gift of teaching; Wu Yue was your fellow provincial in court; Guo Chaobin is your in-law; Wen Tingzan served you as a disciple… countless others.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Within this tiny salt administration, every branch, distant relative, son-in-law, and illegitimate child of Jining’s great families fills the halls—these people would even cram village dogs into the salt office to guard the gate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How can you, mingled with such vermin, remain a pure minister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wen family, descended from General Wen Shi’an, saw their third-generation heir promoted to Commander of Jinan Guard in Chenghua 10; their fourth-generation heir demoted to Deputy Commander of Jining Guard; since then, the position has been hereditary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Gao, Lu Ying, Wu Yue, and Guo Chaobin were four Ministers since the Jiajing and Longqing eras, erecting the four tallest pillars of Jining’s aristocratic lineage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were also the unnamed but ever-present Jining Prefect, acting as magistrate of Qufu County, Kong Hongfu, and the Zuo officials of the Yan and Meng clans, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Central figures, though nominally posted, held immense local prestige; Jining’s minor clerks had long rotated among these powerful clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were common gossip known even to children on the streets—people loved passing on rhymes about the powerful: “Small county, four Ministers,” “One cloud, two flowers,” “Eighteen families turned over”—this had always been the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, when Yin Shidan swiftly established the salt administration in Jining, he could not have done so without the aid of these powerful families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was only Jining; the number of relatives and fellow provincials across Shandong was countless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the way of officialdom has always prized mutual benefit, seamless integration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Yin Shidan’s control over the salt administration could not be matched by any outsider appointed from above—so much so that Zhu Yijun dared not act harshly, and had to plead with him gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, this was precisely the root of Yin Shidan’s idleness and divided loyalties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: what makes one succeed also makes one fail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lose the support of these clans, and Yin Shidan’s influence would collapse instantly—he could no longer be a local lord, only a loyal minister—but his descendants were unworthy, utterly incapable of advancing in officialdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world, one is never truly free—this is the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Emperor spoke slowly, Yin Shidan’s lips, once trembling with the urge to reply, began to shake uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Chao promptly brought in tea and pastries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not press further on Yin Shidan’s helplessness, but merely touched on the point: “You are constrained by kinship and native ties; I, too, am bound by the weight of state affairs—naturally, I am even less free.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I was young, I read through the dynastic histories; whenever I saw emperors mistreat meritorious ministers, I felt deep contempt, vowing silently that I would never become a graceless ruler.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, Zhu Yijun suddenly gave a self-deprecating smile: “But now I understand—when founding a realm in hardship, there is no energy left to treat meritorious ministers kindly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those in the room exchanged glances, occasionally meeting each other’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, struck by a thought, turned to look behind him at the two Hanlin Academy scholars, Li and Yu, and asked casually: “You two, who compile histories and write books, are well-read and erudite—do you know why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both thought of the Tang and Han dynasties, recalled their own dynasty’s founding emperor, glanced at the emperor, then at Yin Shidan, and felt sudden alarm and uncertainty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the emperor, as sharp as a fox, had asked directly—they could not resort to their usual empty evasions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shenxing thought for a moment, raised his head, and replied: “Your Majesty, I believe it is because their merit has shaken the throne, making succession inconvenient.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun shook his head repeatedly: “Is the throne such a fragile thing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun quickly tugged Yu Shenxing’s sleeve, stepped forward, and countered: “I disagree. It is because human hearts change constantly—today they serve with merit, tomorrow they commit crimes; this is beyond the sovereign’s control.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was pure flattery. Zhu Yijun smiled, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have some insights of my own.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not dwell on it; under the gaze of all, he walked to the window, hands behind his back: “Eight years ago, when the state was in decline and reform was imminent, I ascended the throne as a child; the people and soldiers viewed me as a child, court factions fought bitterly, my authority was weak, and though I wished to act, I could not.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that time, when appointing officials, there was no question of trust or distrust—it was simply no choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though Yang Bo colluded for personal gain, I chose him because his influence was deep and his faction harmonious; though Wang Chonggu sold offices, I chose him because he commanded the greatest prestige in the military; though Zhang Han was mediocre, he was recommended by the former chief minister—I had no choice but to use him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan leaned forward, listening; he knew the setup was nearly complete, and now it was his turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I recalled you, I thought you merely a vain scholar, writing poems and essays that boasted of ‘the emperor’s favored poet wielding a colorful brush’ or flaunting his credentials as ‘a scholar debating classics in Jin Hua Hall.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially—you took pride in being called a ‘poet-minister’ or a ‘favored minister’—hardly gave me the impression of a man who could get things done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But at that time, I intended to restructure the salt taxes of the Two Huai regions, using the north to control the south—only a man of great prestige in Shandong could accomplish this. Aside from you, I had no other choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, Yu Youding served as Yin Shidan’s deputy, and Wang Xilie followed closely as Provincial Governor of Shandong, partly to cover for Yin Shidan in case he proved incompetent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor stood with his back to them, speaking cold words without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Shenxing and Li Changchun exchanged a furtive glance, both feeling a shared chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could have foreseen the wind shifting so swiftly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the reign of the Jiajing Emperor, poet-ministers produced nothing but green-charm chancellors—yet this emperor, this virtuous grandson, rejects ancestral ways and favors competent administrators?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan remained unmoved; official posturing was merely for flattery. After establishing the Salt Administration, his ability to act spoke for itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed and picked up the emperor’s words: “As emperors grow older and their authority swells, they no longer have no choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded, then shook his head: “That is a condition, not an inevitability. Ultimately, it is the evolution of circumstances and the implementation of state policy that repeatedly bring about a great winnowing—state forces bind even past emperors, rendering them helpless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When fortune favors, heaven and earth unite in strength; when fortune departs, even heroes are not free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During arduous founding, fortune is ever-changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Xin was a soaring eagle and forest tiger on campaign, yet when peace came, utterly unaware of the new situation, he was instantly a dragon stranded in shallow waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Shanlong was an elder statesman of our dynasty, with outstanding merit—but he defied state policy, stirred factional strife, and spoke constantly of ‘you’ and ‘me’—his death was deserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how great a minister’s merit, he must adapt to state policy, endure wave after wave of winnowing. If he cannot keep pace, he is demoted—or worse, dies. Yet too many cannot—or will not—keep pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the execution of Shi Guangzu, the Marquis of Huairou, in a county courthouse, to Zhang Han’s forced retirement from the Ministry of Justice—this is precisely it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Yin Shidan today…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the new policies were first drafted, there was no room to demand loyalty. Now that the policies have reached this stage, such high-ranking ministers and super-grade officials can no longer be allowed to retain dissenting opinions or hedge their bets. This is the evolution of circumstances, the shift of fortune—even though Zhu Yijun is young, he must guard against these old ministers concealing their resentment and striking back later; better to act early than late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This southern tour is, in essence, a broader version of the southern sacrifice to Heaven—officially called the Anti-Softening Movement, but in truth, still about taking sides for state policy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first super-grade official along the southern tour route, adjacent to Zhili, who stood aloof from land surveying, wavering between state policy and native ties—Yin Shidan—is naturally the first target.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan’s expression was dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, he faced directly the emperor’s inner thoughts—not whether they were true or false, but the attitude itself was utterly disorienting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the emperor’s reasoning left no room for maneuver, completely severing Yin Shidan’s hopes—so much so that the sorrow on his face faded slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost instinctively, Yin Shidan murmured in rebuttal: “The Dao walks alone; few court ministers can forever follow closely behind Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun turned to look at Yin Shidan and shook his head seriously: “Ministers in your position of critical importance are few.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, your words are too self-centered. Even within this small room, there are those who surpass you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun gestured toward Yu and Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if few can keep pace forever, there will always be some who do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan glanced at Yu Shenxing and Li Changchun: “How long have they been in court? How much do they know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun fell silent—classic student-suppressing education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor said nothing; Yin Shidan said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stared at each other in silence for a long while, until Yin Shidan broke it again: “I dare to beg Your Majesty for one final favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waved his hand gently: “I know what you wish to beg for—these very ties are what bind you and render you immobile.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the emperor’s assessment, Yin Shidan’s heart churned with mixed emotions; his voice carried a trace of weariness: “I cannot emulate Zhang Juzheng’s iron will, indifferent to posthumous reputation, nor can I cultivate Xu Jie’s ruthless cunning to sever ties for survival.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not conceal anything, nodding frankly: “Yin Gao’s case of inciting civil unrest, along with the Hanlin Academy’s Five Classics Doctorate scholars Kong Chenghou, Meng Yanpu, and Yan Sishen, has been sent to the Nanjing Judicial Office.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan thought: as expected. He opened his mouth to say something more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the words died on his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, the breath he had held finally released; all his resentment, all his grievances, condensed into one humble plea: “I am guilty beyond pardon, yet blessed by Your Majesty’s heavenly grace, allowing me to retire blamelessly—I accept this with full heart!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Blameless” meant innocent—that was Yin Shidan’s condition for acceptance, his final plea—for himself, and for Yin Gao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His posture was undeniably humble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zhu Yijun felt even more moved—how else to explain it? When a hint of danger was revealed, relationships rushed forward to plead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention Yin Shidan pleading for Yin Gao, or the Kong and Meng families, descendants of sages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Yan Sishen, a mere fallen family, drew countless petitioners: the eldest son’s in-law, Gong Yiyang, magistrate of Yinzhou; the second son’s in-law, Kong Hongfu, magistrate of Qufu County, acting for Jining Prefecture; the third son’s in-law, Guo Caiding, vice-prefect of Yangxin Prefecture; the eldest daughter’s in-law, Liu Buxi, vice-minister of the Imperial Horse Bureau; his classmates, Jia Sanjin, censor of the Five Armies Command’s Military Affairs Office; Liu Guanhai, vice-minister of the Ministry of Rites… too many to count.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun was lost in thought for a moment before returning to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not immediately grant Yin Shidan’s request, but raised a new topic: “Regarding land survey and household registration, Jiangnan’s situation is most treacherous—like an iceberg hidden beneath the sea; the skilled warrior achieves no glory. But Shandong is most intense—multiple civil uprisings have erupted, daring to lead the realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I sat in the inner palace, I was especially puzzled by this difference. Now, seeing you, I realize everything has its trace—it is only natural.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor’s topic began far afield; Yin Shidan frowned, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Throughout history, Jiangnan has changed the most—whether forgetting ancestral teachings or innovating anew, according to Grand Secretaries Shen and Wang, Jiangnan is closest to the imperial examinations, yet furthest from the sages’ classics.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Three Bonds and Five Constants are shelved; personal gain and pleasure come first; official rank is treated as a worn-out shoe; they readily resign and return to the fields, obsessed with cultivating scholarly prestige and forming factions for personal gain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But from what I have seen in person, Shandong Province is precisely the opposite.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The ancestral land of Confucianism—until this dynasty, much of the ancient spirit remains; scholars still aspire to wear purple robes, and worry for the realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan heard this, unmoved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After years in office, he knew the emperor’s flattery was not sincere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan’s mind was in turmoil; his mouth, on instinct, replied dryly: “Your Majesty overpraises. Across all provinces, customs may differ, but human hearts are the same—Shandong scholars are no exception to factional self-interest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A standard humble remark: I acknowledge the virtue, but I also possess the vice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unexpectedly, the emperor nodded deeply in agreement: “That is precisely what I meant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jiangnan scholars, beyond imperial reach, resist land surveying with righteous defiance, united as one—adding merely thirty thousand hectares to satisfy me. But Shandong scholars, wanting to resist land surveying yet fearing damage to their careers, are caught in hesitation and contradiction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Especially you—who value human ties above all: within the province, every official is either a student, a former subordinate, or a relative by marriage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deep roots, tangled branches, self-contradiction becomes catastrophic. Only your careful restraint has prevented more than a few civil uprisings.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broad contradictions appear calm; direct contradictions ignite at a spark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time of the uprisings, Shandong had surveyed over two hundred thousand hectares—far more than several Jiangnans. Had it followed Jiangnan’s example, ignoring the emperor and central authority, they would have submitted that number long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Shandong scholars are undergoing a moral transformation, in the midst of the most chaotic intellectual currents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the broader official landscape, some wish to preserve their family wealth; others wish to advance in office—those who sacrifice everything for promotion have never been few.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Personally, everyone wants to please the state policy yet fears losing their own interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, some wish to act, some wish to sabotage, some wish to act yet fear harming themselves—balanced forces, self-contradictory, yet erupting most directly and swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan’s wavering and hedging is the perfect microcosm of Shandong’s official and scholarly circles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker meant it; the listener understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan understood—and recognized himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he had no reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun: “They say discord among children stems from parental immorality.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yin Qing, look: the children of Shandong have quarreled over land surveying, inciting civil unrest and undermining each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Must this old man, me, keep compromising for you? Must I gloss over the crimes of inciting unrest and resisting surveying, allowing Shandong’s children to continue like you—confused between right and wrong, torn between heaven and earth?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words struck Yin Shidan’s ears, sending a chill through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the emperor finally revealed his true intent!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless Yin Shidan takes a side on land surveying and sets an example, he must be punished through the Yanzhou civil unrest case to correct hearts!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he truly did this, what was the point of his earlier aloofness!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I… I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His mind in chaos, Yin Shidan stammered for a long while, unable to form a coherent sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun’s disappointment was plain: “You claimed great injustice just now—but ask yourself: by tolerating Yin Gao’s obstruction of state policy, have you been loyal to me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If earlier the emperor forced a meritorious minister to retire without guilt, and Yin Shidan freely vented his resentment, the emperor willingly bore it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Yin Shidan pleaded for Yin Gao, his momentum immediately collapsed, and the Emperor seized the opportunity to assume the posture of a sovereign father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with this interrogation, Yin Shidan had no reply and bowed in hurried submission: “Your servant failed to educate his son; I am guilty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matter of leading the land survey was difficult to handle; Yin Shidan preferred to share his son’s guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At most, it was a failure in parenting—accusations of indulgence were clearly the Emperor’s slip of the tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, upon hearing this, sighed deeply: “This sovereign father of mine is truly the one who failed to educate his son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved his hand: “Enough, enough. Is this not also Yin Qing’s helplessness?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The helpless Yin Shidan could never dare to undermine his kin and fellow townsfolk; the Emperor expressed deep understanding, and thus would not force him to offend them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan could not tell whether the Emperor had deliberately waited here or had truly lost patience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, he could only steel himself and respond: “Your servant shames Your Majesty!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded shamelessly: “Indeed, Yin Qing ought to feel guilty toward me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the Emperor did not overly torment the elderly minister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor then changed tone: “Do not speak of shame to me in private.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When I tour Nanzhili, Zhejiang, and finally reach Jiangxi, I will hold a meeting on Wugong Mountain to review the merits and faults of the land survey across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Huguang, Henan, and Shandong provinces—including the Minzhou civilian unrest case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan grew even more embarrassed and struggled to speak: “What should this humble minister do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun gazed at Yin Shidan with a distant look: “Then, Yin Qing, when the time comes, come before me to submit your resignation, and also set the tone for the Wugong Mountain meeting—let it be…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A self-criticism!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Shidan departed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was escorted away after bowing and proclaiming the Emperor’s grace boundless, supported by Yu Shenxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun recalled the retreating, stooped figure of Yin Shidan, feeling that this three-dynasty veteran, a top-ranking official, had grown hunched the moment he crossed the threshold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He etched this scene firmly into his memory as a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby, Jiang Keqian remained puzzled: “Didn’t the Ministry of Rites previously say the meeting was set for Mount Lu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun curled his lip but gave no answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Chao of the Directorate of Ceremonial kindly replied: “Lately, His Majesty has received heavenly warnings; night observations show instability in the Yi and Zhen constellations. He fears that holding the meeting there would invite heavenly retribution, so he chose Wugong Mountain—its fervent incense offerings to suppress the ominous celestial signs with human authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun heard this and thought it strange: the Emperor had begun to believe in the resonance between Heaven and humanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor clearly did not wish to dwell on the matter; he turned to Luo Sigong and ordered: “Commander Luo, quickly gather the palace guards and arrange the defense. Today we must first return to the imperial lodging to make an appearance, then inspect the scenery along the Xu Prefecture route.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once I change into my military attire, we depart immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when disguised as a commoner, there are rules: traveling, meeting guests, and journeying each demand different attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Sigong acted without hesitation, bowed, and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun, seeing the Emperor’s decisive action, quickly reminded: “Your Majesty, Scholar Yu is escorting Viceroy Yin back to his office; he may be delayed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun spread his arms as Wei Chao and Jiang Keqian dressed him, never blinking: “We won’t wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Li Changchun was taken aback by the Emperor’s reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun suddenly recalled Yin Shidan’s earlier words: “How many years have they been in court? What do they truly know?” There was still much to learn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Li Changchun and shook his head with a wry smile: “Do you think I brought you two here specifically to sit and listen all this time for no reason? Why did I mention you two just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Changchun paused, then seemed to grasp something, opening his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long moment, he finally understood and bowed in apology: “Your servant is dull and slow to comprehend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun had no objection to allowing the new Hanlin Academy recruits to learn: “Yu Qing is transferred from the Hanlin Academy to the Salt Administration as Director of Salt Affairs; Li Qing is transferred to the Ministry of Revenue as Director of the Shandong Revenue Bureau, assisting in managing the ticket system.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were students of Yin Shidan; Yu Shenxing himself was from Shandong, naturally reducing resistance within the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This arrangement was acceptable to both Zhu Yijun and Yin Shidan; no disagreement meant no need to voice it openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This conversation today was filled with unspoken understandings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Take, for instance, Zhu Yijun’s opening remark—“hesitant and indecisive”—if spoken publicly, Yin Shidan would have been left with no choice but suicide, and the salt administration reforms would have had to start over entirely; the fact that it was said in private was itself part of the tacit agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After countless rounds of negotiation, they had finally fulfilled their long-ago promise of “a good beginning and a good end.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outsiders like Li Changchun and Yu Shenxing sensed none of the undercurrents; they likely believed the Emperor’s word was law and Yin Shidan bowed his head in submission—smoothly, effortlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant will never betray Your Majesty’s great trust!” Li Changchun, though not fully understanding it, immediately knelt to receive the decree, resolved to learn through trial and error later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun had already donned his military armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rhinoceros-hide breastplate with bronze beast clasps, adding threefold martial vigor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yin Shaobao’s example stands before you, Li Qing—do not do anything that will grieve me,” Zhu Yijun patted Li Changchun’s shoulder. “Let’s go—to Xu Prefecture.”\u003C\u002Fp>",5391,"2026-06-20T16:31:35.124Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0b2538b044ae841060c404ae5ae5d028688485c04c88f208de11f423b5ed2473","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-358","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-356",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]