[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-359":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},2322181,4542,"Chapter 359","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-359",359,"\u003Cp>From the third to the fifth year of Wanli, during Zhang Zhan’s two-year tenure as Prefect of Xuzhou, he crushed seven gang leaders—Wang Hu, Liu Song, and others—each bearing murder charges, apprehended all 346 members of their “River Patrol Corps,” and either exiled them to military service or punished and disbanded them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He resolved over 120 accumulated civil suits, criminal cases, and disputes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He impeached fifteen officials of the Judicial Commission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, he was dismissed after being impeached by Li Shidi, then serving as Censor of Fengyang, but was reinstated as Director of River Management upon recommendation by Pan Jixun, Director-General of River Control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since assuming the post of Director of River Management, Zhang Zhan has visited over six Company Commander, impeached three river management clerks, dismissed several subordinate officials, and personally led laborers to rebuild the dikes between Peixian and Fengxian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond officialdom, Zhang Zhan’s reputation among commoners was equally divided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over these three years, whether levying labor for dike repairs or opening sluices to release floodwaters, he acted on his own authority—demanding conscription, ordering relocation, leaving no room for negotiation with either wealthy or poor households; people along the Sishui and Grand Canal both called him tyrannical and unreasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only in Peixian was his reputation somewhat better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was because Zhang Zhan received every visitor and investigated every case, even beyond his jurisdiction, insisting on his former status as Prefect to pressure County Magistrate Xiao Jiucheng into reopening wrongful convictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first and fifteenth of every month, Zhang Zhan led his river management clerks to teach children, assist the elderly, sweep streets, dig wells, and help with farmwork; occasionally, he intervened to mediate neighborhood disputes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over time, locals began saying that if wronged, it was better to seek justice at the River Management Office than at the county yamen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The advantage of having Embroidered Uniform Guard battalion and company offices spread across the Two Capitals and thirteen provinces became evident: within moments of Jiang Keqian’s departure, he returned with the information the Emperor needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group stood silently in the alley opposite Zhang Zhan’s residence, listening to Jiang Keqian’s report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first half was his official record; the second half, compiled from folk rumors—these two strands mirrored each other, subtly shaping Zhang Zhan’s image.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His most consistent trait from head to toe was his irritable temper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During his term as Prefect of Xuzhou, whenever displeased, he would point at his subordinates’ noses and shout, “If you can do it, do it; if you can’t, get out—I can put you up, and I can take you down.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While inspecting dikes, he routinely exposed his own office’s failures, constantly calling projects “garbage work” and “this tofu-dregs construction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He often publicly insulted colleagues before the people: “Don’t be fooled by these dog officials pretending to be honest—they’re full of deceit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was precisely because of his impatience that Zhang Zhan could disregard official tacit agreements and accomplish so many practical deeds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was also this same impatience that earned him hatred from above and below, ultimately leading to his misfortune.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One could only wonder: was it worth it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moved by this reflection, Sun Jigao frowned, gazing at the sparse crowds before Zhang’s residence: “Zhang Physician accomplished much, and even Jiang County Magistrate said some commoners still remember him fondly—why is his household so deserted?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the saying goes: only when the coffin is sealed can one’s true character be judged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, any good official should have had grieving commoners come to mourn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the group had stood in the alley for some time, and not a single mourner had appeared for the seventh-day memorial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was truly not the treatment befitting an official who had done real work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Zhan’s coffin was sent back to his hometown in Henan several days ago; after the mourning period passed, of course it’s quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker was Jiang Keqian; the group turned to him in confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grand funeral isn’t just about the burial banquet for miles around—it must also include a lavish mourning ceremony; otherwise, it’s seen as filial impiety—custom demands it, which is why people sigh: “Living well is easy; dying well is impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a fifth-rank Physician’s funeral, at least a hundred mourners should fill the gate, with wailing echoing for three li, lasting no less than ten or twelve days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Zhang Zhan’s seventh-day memorial was already hastily concluded, his coffin sent home—this defied all human custom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the group waiting for more, Jiang Keqian continued: “On the day Zhang Physician died, the people gathered at his residence, a thousand strong, their weeping shaking the heavens.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Elderly locals and wandering knights went to the county yamen to petition, claiming Zhang Physician had been murdered by conspiracy, and demanded County Magistrate Xiao Jiucheng arrest the coachman and investigate the true culprit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>County Magistrate Xiao Jiucheng reacted swiftly, arriving at Zhang’s residence immediately upon hearing the news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the crowd swell, Xiao Jiucheng declared that the yamen had dispatched constables to pursue the coachman and would thoroughly investigate the case, but warned the people not to gather and cause unrest, for that would damage Zhang Physician’s posthumous reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Keqian paused, then added more delicately: “The reason? The court is currently cracking down hard on unrest following the Shandong peasant rebellion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, His Majesty is passing through the region; if he learns of a crowd gathering to riot, he will surely send imperial cavalry to suppress it—and may even blame Zhang Physician.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That night, Xiao Jiucheng led the people in burning paper money and lighting lanterns to express their grief, then made an agreement with Zhang’s family and the crowd: they would swiftly return Zhang Physician’s remains to his ancestral home.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A few days ago, the people lined the road for thirty li to see him off, then dispersed; now, only three branches of Zhang’s family remain to pack up belongings—hence the empty gate and idle horses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group’s expressions turned strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Emperor was far away, one should still observe the propriety of honoring superiors; using the Emperor to quell commoners’ mourning felt inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun clicked his tongue, equally speechless: “So it’s the Emperor’s moral failing—he cannot tolerate commoners mourning a capable official.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A decisive minister, a solitary traffic accident, a coachman carrying illicit wealth, an ambiguous county yamen—this déjà vu was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jigao stroked his beard, pondering, then gently advised: “It’s common for local prefectures to fear public gatherings; Xiao Jiucheng may have merely used threats as a tactic—there needn’t be any hidden conspiracy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhuangyuan still had integrity—he wouldn’t suspect any colleague without evidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun said nothing: “Let’s go in and see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s word was law; as soon as he spoke, he stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group fell silent and followed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An empty house has its advantages: Zhang’s residence had no gatekeeper; the group walked unimpeded over the foot-high threshold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the screen wall, traces of mourning lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reed mat pavilion in the courtyard remained standing, a broken cymbal discarded nearby; ashes of paper money piled in the corner, occasionally carrying a faint charred scent; the sliding doors of the side halls and main hall had been removed and not reinstalled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The funeral altar had once stood in the main hall, with two benches placed beneath the six-beam rafters, meant to hold the coffin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suspended beneath the beams was a white cotton banner inscribed with the words: “Your Presence Still Lingers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side hung a mourning couplet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jigao, ever the scholar, could not resist whispering aloud: “Pine’s stature defies snow’s chill; bamboo’s heart endures not for wind’s fall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, his expression thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Zhang Physician’s reputation, calling him “pine’s stature, bamboo’s heart” was apt—but “snow’s chill” and “wind’s fall” were both external calamities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a funeral eulogy, rhetorical devices and imagery are grave matters—not casually chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This verse clearly carried a tone of martyrdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the group examined the scene, the household noticed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A middle-aged man in coarse hemp, head wrapped in mourning cloth, stepped forward with a puzzled expression and bowed: “Honored guests arrive—Zhang Chi has failed to greet you properly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi was Zhang Zhan’s third son, left behind to pack belongings and sell the estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun moved to help him rise, then realized mid-gesture and instead clasped his hands: “I am a monk named Jinlun, passing through; I sensed heavy resentment rising from your home, a sign of unjust burial—hence I entered without permission.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi, as a scion of an official family, had insights beyond those of ordinary people; upon hearing “monk,” he froze, his face nearly screaming “absurd.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stared, mouth agape, up and down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His polite facade vanished; he sneered: “Which noble’s son are you? Too young to behave properly—come to my Zhang household to mock? Do you think I won’t shave your head right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though a fake monk, his attire and aura were unmistakably noble—not the look of a street conman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi assumed he was some aristocratic playboy—why else would he be followed by a group of burly men?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was in mourning and unwilling to provoke these uninvited guests; he snapped a warning and called for servants to drive them off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun stood motionless, sighing with mysterious gravity: “If you seek me through form or sound, how can you see the Tathagata?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fake monk’s theatrical act was matched by Jiang Keqian stepping forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter, face stern, drew a monastic license from his sleeve and held it down to Zhang Chi: “Master Jinlun is a reincarnated sage, born a Buddha-child, who has pierced the illusion of the flesh, abandoned the false rite of tonsure, and cannot be judged by appearances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reincarnated sage? Born Buddha-child?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The solemn demeanor stunned Zhang Chi; he unconsciously took the license.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t looked—then he looked, and his blood ran cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The license clearly stated: “Great Protector of the Nation, Bao’an Temple, Keeper of the Secret Teachings, Master of the Western Altar, Great Monk Jinlun, Granted the Title of Dharma King, Bestowed with Python Robe, Brocade Chan Robe, Dharma King’s Crown, Palanquin, and Retinue,” bearing the imperial and Ministry of Rites seals!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi grew more bewildered, alternately examining the license and staring at the monk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Protector of the Nation, Bao’an Temple, was an imperial monastery, established in the first year of Zhengde by the Tibetan Buddhist master Xingji Bandan; though it declined after Jiajing’s ascension, it remained a fallen giant—both imperial dowagers still burned incense there annually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The title “Dharma King” was extraordinary: the court bestowed titles on Tibetan monks in ascending order—Lama, Chan Master, Great National Master, Western Buddha Son—only then came Dharma King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the dynasty’s founding, only three Dharma Kings had ever been granted in the entire frontier!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Tibetan monks within the empire had no limit on numbers, their rank was inferior—but still counted as high Tantric masters!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he were truly a living Buddha, his age made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi turned the license over and over in his hands, his gaze toward Zhu Yijun slowly turning reverent…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jigao, watching the entire scene, silently spat inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ministry of Rites had clearly gone corrupt, colluding with the Eastern and Western Depots, speculating on imperial whims, leading the Emperor to indulge in disguise and playacting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this continued, the Emperor might revive his ancestors’ old craft—pretending to be a beggar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun was unaware of Sun Jigao’s inner scorn; he met Zhang Chi’s gaze and softly chanted: “Not cultivated, not gradual, not bright or dark—originally Buddha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke only from the Diamond Sutra or the Platform Sutra—far beyond any street conman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi’s doubts vanished; he prostrated himself fully: “Devotee Zhang Chi humbly begs the Living Buddha to chant sutras and mantras to liberate my father!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lay flat, hands raised above his head with the license, showing full reverence to the Buddha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded gently and helped him rise: “I do not chant sutras or mantras to liberate the dead—I merely remove karmic bonds; the deceased will naturally attain rebirth.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have heard Zhang Physician was murdered by treacherous men?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t ask which karmic bonds caused Zhang Zhan’s unjust death and prevented his liberation—just speak them all out; the Great Monk holds final authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhang family were all blunt; Zhang Zhan was no exception, nor was Zhang Chi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once convinced of the monk’s identity, Zhang Chi spoke without reserve: “Alas, according to current investigations, my father was almost certainly murdered by some heartless colleagues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“On the day he traveled, the River Management Office claimed no carriages were available and rented one from a private merchant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But disaster struck: the carriage had not been inspected or sealed, and the driver was a known criminal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the carriage overturned, my father and his attendants scattered to flee—but the coachman did not rein in the horses; he drove straight at my father, trampling him repeatedly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mentioning the circumstances of that day, Zhang Chi grew increasingly choked with sobs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, standing beside him, feigned reciting incantations to unravel the karmic ties: “The Guanhe Yamen ’s karmic burden is immense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi gradually regained his composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He unclenched his fists, forcibly wiping the hatred from his face, and praised: “Master, your divine insight is unmatched—even the investigating constables privately reached the same conclusion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet the county office lacks authority to investigate the Guanhe Yamen ; County Magistrate Xiao could only submit a report to Xuzhou, requesting the Prefect to send a formal letter to the Xuzhou Hong Branch of the Department of Waterworks for coordinated inquiry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The canal region was divided into four segments, each overseen by a Director of Waterworks; the Director of Zhonghe was stationed at Luliang, managing the waterways from Xuzhou to Huaiyin and the two rapids of Xuzhou and Luliang, later also assuming jurisdiction over the Jia River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Zhonghe Department of Waterworks further established the Xuzhou Hong Branch and the Luliang Hong Branch—the former being the direct superior of the Guanhe Yamen  in Peixian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, observing their expressions, answered first: “The karmic ties remain unresolved—no doubt the coordinated inquiry yielded nothing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi nodded slowly and replied: “Yes. Three days ago, the prefectural office forwarded a formal letter from the Xuzhou Hong Branch of the Department of Waterworks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Li Minqing of the Zhonghe Department of Waterworks replied to the county office, stating that relevant authorities had issued regulations strictly enforcing inspection and maintenance protocols for official vehicles, enhancing patrols and repairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In plain terms, the relevant offices had taken appropriate measures to strengthen oversight of safety certification and maintenance for official vehicles, better ensuring public safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhang Zhan’s case, it was merely an ordinary traffic accident—no need to escalate it, lest it damage the harmonious relations among government offices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun exchanged glances with his close ministers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All were seasoned court insiders—they could taste the deceit clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fifth-rank Director’s death was dismissed with a mere county office forced to conduct a superficial investigation; now, with the prefectural office and Department of Waterworks using such language, how could any further inquiry possibly proceed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jigao stroked his chin in sudden realization: “No wonder Guizhou hurriedly returned Director Zhang’s coffin to his hometown three days ago.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone would feel utterly despondent, eager to end it all quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Zhang Chi lowered his head in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Zhu Yijun silently sighed—perhaps it wasn’t despair, but rather an attempt to settle loose ends before confronting the wall head-on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not press further on the matter, shifting direction: “Has Director Zhang offended any mortal enemies in recent years? Please tell me, good layperson—I shall erase these karmic ties for him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a ruthless strike could not have come from a random adversary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, though the logic was sound, this simple question caused Zhang Chi to display a look of distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated, then replied awkwardly: “My father served in office for many years—he offended countless colleagues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi thought for a moment, then added: “My lord has just compiled my father’s draft memorials, biographical records, poetry collections, and writings… perhaps the Holy Monk may discern his karmic entanglements from them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please follow me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for a response, he gestured for them to proceed, heading toward the back courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun followed willingly, stepping forward. In the courtyard stood several chests, and the group saw female relatives and servants moving belongings in and out of the side rooms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi dismissed the servants and pushed open the study door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These chests contain my father’s lifelong records of official duties—administration, waterworks, disaster preparedness, moral education, and more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The study had clearly been the first to be tidied; Zhang Chi pointed to several chests inside: “These are my father’s personal notes, jottings, and reflections—few in number, just one chest altogether.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Scholars never feared their manuscripts being seen—they feared only being ignored—so Zhang Chi displayed them openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun casually picked up a scroll and began reading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I near the age of knowing my limits, my fate has been fraught with hardship. In youth, I burned oil to extend daylight; in maturity, I upheld integrity in service. Yet the higher my rank, the steeper the Dao; the greater my office, the more weary my heart. Three years of lunar cycles, nine autumns passed—I faced chaotic tangles by day, abysses of confusion by night. My soul hung by a thread; my body, like dried wood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One glance held Zhu Yijun’s gaze captive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ink and brushwork bore years of age, yet the strokes pierced through the paper—he could almost see Zhang Zhan’s stumbling grief as he penned each word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ming bureaucracy had reduced a loyal official to such despair!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They scorned imperial law, formed cliques; virtuous men were cast out, trapped like fish in dried pools. Nets dense as tangled threads; hidden dangers piled like dry firewood. Alas? I alone wade through mire, striving to turn back the tide—yet fail. My pure robe remains unstained by filth; my lonely heart faces only cold moonlight…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway through, Zhu Yijun could no longer bear to read further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quietly closed the manuscript.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Zhang Chi promptly explained: “This was written by my father three years ago, when he was dismissed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“At that time, he wept daily at home, blaming himself for betraying the Emperor and the people, for losing the battle, even attempting suicide repeatedly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Had it not been for Viceroy Pan’s grace in restoring him, he would have drowned himself in the Sishui River then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Yijun’s heart grew heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi assumed the monk’s compassion was natural, and did not find it strange—he merely gestured toward the final few chests, changing the subject: “These contain my father’s draft memorials.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Some memorials were submitted hastily, lacking original drafts—these were rewritten from memory, close enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The enemies my father made in his official career are likely all here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun clasped his hands together, about to speak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When suddenly, a commotion erupted outside the courtyard, interrupting them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I just told you, nephew, don’t be formal—today, uninvited guests come to your home and cause trouble, yet you didn’t even notify the county office?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice thick with official jargon came from the front courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The brazen, disrespectful manner of shouting in another’s home clearly indicated a man of ill intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi recognized the voice instantly; he offered Zhu Yijun an apologetic smile: “It’s County Magistrate Xiao—he’ll be here soon. Holy Monk, please continue reading—I’ll return shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he hurried toward the front courtyard to greet him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the study, the group exchanged frowning glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>County Magistrate Xiao Jiucheng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He arrived far too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, someone from the county office had been watching Zhang’s residence—upon hearing strangers arrive, he immediately grew restless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such close surveillance—there must be something amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Sun Jigao, who had earlier defended Xiao Jiucheng, now stared suspiciously toward the courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet regardless of outsiders’ thoughts, when Zhang Chi and Xiao Jiucheng appeared together in the courtyard, the atmosphere was surprisingly cordial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi and Xiao Jiucheng clasped arms—elderly, gentle; younger, respectful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle misunderstands—there are no uninvited guests. I learned a high monk was passing through and personally invited him here to chant sutras and guide my father’s soul.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For reasons unknown, Zhang Chi did not mention the name of Dahuaguo Bao’an Temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guide the soul? The county office already summoned every monk and Daoist in the city to chant for the late Prefect for days—why guide him again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng was a Jinshi of the thirty-second year of Jiajing, ranked 228th in the third division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was no accident that such a Jinshi ended up as County Magistrate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In March of Longqing’s first year, Censor Li Tinglong of Sichuan impeached Xiao Jiucheng for corruption and incompetence; he was demoted from Sichuan’s Assistant Commissioner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In July of Longqing’s fourth year, Censor Wu Congxian of Zhejiang and Jiangsu impeached him again for corruption during his tenure as Deputy Director of the Salt Transport; he was demoted again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Wanli’s second year, Xiao Jiucheng served as Right Assessor of the Dalisi , but was demoted again after prisoners escaped due to his corruption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three consecutive demotions—this Jinshi was reduced to Peixian, where even the junior Zhang Zhan could scold him like a son—yet under Zhang Zhan’s strict discipline, Xiao Jiucheng finally stopped embezzling, and even developed a modest bond with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng gripped Zhang Chi’s arm, lowering his voice: “Nephew, quickly send them away! If you keep summoning monks to chant and Daoists to summon spirits, others will surely think the Zhang family harbors unresolvable grievances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was over fifty, his body swollen like a gourd, his belly round and sagging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His failed self-discipline went hand-in-hand with slovenly posture; as locals said, his eyes were perpetually glazed as if drunk, his mouth mumbling as if about to fall asleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet now, for once, he opened his slitted eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi forced a smile, answering calmly: “When my father lived, I could not help him. Now he is dead, can I not show filial piety by doing what I can?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this response, Xiao Jiucheng nearly stamped his foot in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke urgently, bitterly: “I’m the one who fears trouble—not you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you keep this up, not only will you and your brothers be ruined—I’ll be dragged down with you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Chi’s heart stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then asked: “Has something else happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng gritted his teeth, a mix of sorrow and grim satisfaction: “It’s because you mentioned you wanted to publish your father’s collected writings before leaving—those scholars from the Literary Alliance heard the story and admired him greatly, then rallied their peers to pressure the Department of Waterworks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wherever you go, there’s always the voice of the literati—Nanzhili could never lack it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng lowered his voice further: “I don’t know how the Literary Alliance and the Department of Waterworks quarreled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But this morning, the Department of Waterworks sent over a deposition: the coachman was caught, and he directly accused Cao, the Chief Clerk of Goutou Lock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Chenghua’s twentieth year, the Guan Zha Chief Clerk posts were established—one stationed at Goutou Lock in Peixian, the other at Jining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Zhang Zhan’s death, the Guanhe Yamen  in Peixian has been temporarily managed by this Chief Clerk Cao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi’s expression brightened; he seized Xiao Jiucheng’s wrist: “Then why aren’t you arresting him at once!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng shook him off, nearly in tears: “Oh, nephew, spare me! How could such a coincidence be real?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Clerk Cao is surely waiting to commit suicide to avoid punishment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This stench of scandal—I’m just a lowly County Magistrate—how can I touch it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve already reported it to the prefectural office—I’m just waiting to hand this mess over. Don’t make things harder for me, please?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fifth-rank Director was killed without warning; a sixth-rank Chief Clerk was discarded without thought—what was a seventh-rank County Magistrate worth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his stagnant career, Xiao Jiucheng had long blamed bad fortune, now turning entirely to superstition, trusting only omens, resolved to preserve himself at all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, upon hearing strangers arrive at the Zhang residence, he abandoned all dignity and rushed over to eliminate the threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If any more unrelated figures appeared, stirring up trouble, those powerful men might think he, Xiao Jiucheng, was behind it all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhang Chi fell silent, defeated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng was indeed slippery and fearful, yet he had shared some old ties with the Zhang family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now even this uncle-figure wished to withdraw—how truly lamentable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi sighed: “How would I dare trouble my uncle? The venerable monk is in the study reviewing memorials and petitions, seeking to untangle the karmic threads for my father and guide his soul to transcendence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words meant the constables were free to drive them away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng exhaled in relief, gripping Zhang Chi’s arm and leading him toward the back courtyard: “Young nephew, heed my advice—stop seeing outside visitors, pack your things, and return to Henan at once!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each had his own thoughts; neither spoke again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet when the two reached the study, they found no unexpected guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a female relative was tidying the scattered books.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My husband spoke at length with your uncle. After the holy monk finished reviewing the memorials, he departed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman was none other than Zhang Chi’s wife; she bowed to Xiao Jiucheng after speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng scanned the room, silently regretting—he had hoped to kill a chicken to warn the monkeys, to teach Zhang Chi a lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi sighed inwardly too: he had deliberately avoided mentioning the renown of Dahu Guo Bao’an Temple, and had even provoked Xiao Jiucheng, hoping to use the latter’s rudeness to stir the Dharma King into intervening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their intentions were similar in spirit, yet they were not on the same level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng had no idea he was on the first level; he pressed on: “Did that demon monk swindle money? Say anything heretical?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madame Zhang glanced at her husband, then replied gently: “The master’s cultivation is profound; he asked for no money, only took a few memorials, saying he needed to find a place to perform rites to resolve my father’s karmic debts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng felt a sudden chill, frowning: “Memorials? What memorials? Why take memorials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Madame Zhang answered smoothly, revealing everything: “All were memorials my father submitted this year to the Water Department: ‘Memorial on Reducing Canal Workers and Soldiers,’ ‘Memorial on the Empty Granaries of Yongfu and Guangyun,’ ‘Memorial on Corruption in Nineteen Dams—Feiyun Bridge, Jingshan, Chacheng, Lijian, et cetera,’ ‘Memorial on the Deficiencies and Neglect in River and Canal Systems…’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng stared, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His teeth began chattering; he trembled as he pointed at Zhang Chi: “The Water Department clearly withheld these memorials—where did you get them?! How dare you show them to others? Don’t you fear cutting off the Zhang family’s ancestral line?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Chi remained calm: “I transcribed them from memory—close enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forgive me, Uncle, but the monk who just left is the Dharma King of Dahu Guo Bao’an Temple, deeply trusted by both Empress Dowagers. I urge you to abandon any hope of retrieving them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, besides the recent literary alliance and today’s Dharma King, I’ve roughly counted—over a dozen memorials have already been sent out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as a visitor paying condolences held sufficient rank, he gladly transcribed another copy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Zhang Chi stepped forward, grasped Xiao Jiucheng’s arm, and pleaded earnestly: “Uncle, this matter is growing too large to bury. My father’s injustice will eventually come to light. You must swiftly arrest and pursue the case against Clerk Cao!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Jiucheng seized Zhang Chi’s collar, ready to unleash his fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could open his mouth, his eyes rolled back—he fainted on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A luxurious carriage, escorted by a host of soldiers, slowly departed along the official road of Peixian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, the emperor and his ministers swayed with the motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun rubbed his temples, then tossed the memorials onto Sun Jigao’s lap: “Have the Ministry and Tongzheng Office received these memorials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jigao had served as a scribe in the Hanlin Academy for five or six years; his competence was well established.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced once at the cover names and shook his head vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, confirmed, laughed bitterly with rage: “The Water Department dares to block memorials? I’d like to see how many heads Li Minqing has!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Office of River Management fell under the Ministry of Works; memorials typically passed through the Water Division, the Director of Water Affairs, then the Ministry’s Water Department, before reaching the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the Son of Heaven’s ears were deaf, the Water Department’s Division Director, Li Minqing, was certainly implicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Jigao quietly picked up the memorials and warned: “It’s likely not just the Division’s fault.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could a mere Water Department Director have the authority to block the Son of Heaven’s hearing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had Zhang Zhan been even slightly alert, he would have bypassed the Water Department entirely and submitted his memorials through a Censor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But speaking of Censor Li Shidi…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhang Zhan served as Prefect of Xuzhou, he was forced into retirement after being impeached by Censor Li Shidi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Minqing himself was reportedly promoted by former Provincial Governor Sun Piyang, who had once served alongside Li Shidi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Sun Jigao thought, the more chilling it became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Xuzhou—from river engineering, to water granaries, to canal locks, to censors—corruption must have been everywhere, like an earthquake collapsing the entire structure!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, these were only analogies; now, it was truly the livelihood of a million canal workers at stake!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun drew a deep breath, forcing himself to calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After long deliberation, he finally gave orders: “Let the Censorate and Court Officials investigate Zhang Zhan’s case—do not say it’s my order.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Inform the Xuzhou Prefectural Office: I will inspect the Yongfu and Guangyun granaries the day after tomorrow. Have them prepare for my arrival.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tell River Viceroy Pan Jixun and Grand Coordinator Hu Zhili—not to wait in Huai’an. They must come immediately to my temporary court in Xuzhou!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also summon Henan Provincial Governor Deng Yizan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, Zhu Yijun’s fury still burned; he slammed his fist against the carriage window: “If I can’t control the Yellow River, I’ll control you!”\u003C\u002Fp>",5062,"2026-06-20T16:31:35.124Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","9720f439d31d5ad2e7ad5377be482842853840e846544502fa57e6ce108da4a0","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-360","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-358",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]