[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-371":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},2322193,4542,"Chapter 371: Clashing Arrows, Holding the Middle","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-371",371,"\u003Cp>The bell for Mao hour had long faded; a thin layer of frost lay on the white marble steps outside Wenhua Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the morning court session ended, the emperor’s river project had become state policy; ministers of Wenhua Hall gradually dispersed, preparing to return to their offices and implement orders step by step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sun shone today; the air felt slightly chilly, and faint light spilled into the hall, casting uneven shadows behind the departing officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Heming still stood silently in the shadow within the hall, as if still dazed by this sudden turn of events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colleagues passing out of the hall brushed past him, their expressions varied—Song Liangzuo looked down his nose at Zhang Heming, while Hou Yuzhao did not hesitate to sneer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man clearly still could not fathom why his fellow provincials had suddenly abandoned him, bowing before the emperor’s tyranny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, expressing slight dissent—or even covert obstruction—had always been the norm for local gentry facing imperial decrees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang and others, even if they did not die to prove their integrity, should at least have resisted passively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they suddenly have knelt?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the blindness of the participant: whether Song Liangzuo or Hou Yuzhao, both saw clearly—Wang had no choice but to endure humiliation and submit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Liangzuo had once overseen the construction of the Nanyang New River, witnessing firsthand the rise and fall of the old and new waterways, and was most attuned to merchant trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, Xiayang, once a small fishing village before the Nanyang New River was dug, became a town immediately after Zhu Heng opened it during Longqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Large numbers of river administration offices gathered, wharves were built, merchants attracted, and five merchant guilds—Shanxi, Henan, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Xiazhen—emerged in succession, with over two hundred trading houses—especially Kangfu Tower and Huijing Gate, both dominating the riverbanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This clearly signaled the bright future along the Jia River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then what of Xuzhou, the opposite case?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A major canal town famed for its bustling traffic and thriving trade, would its commerce now wither away after the separation of the canal routes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The answer was unquestionable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would soon, as Shen Defu said, become deserted: after the Jia River opened, both military and civilian transport ceased passing through, merchants scattered, towns grew desolate, no longer resembling a metropolis at all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hou Yuzhao had personally inspected Xuzhou and the Jia River, gaining deeper insight into the political status of towns along the Yellow and Canal rivers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, when the Yellow River breached the Kuishan dike near Xuzhou, flooding the city, the court, due to empty coffers, had officials suggest delaying relief and merely repairing the dikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court, of course, rejected this proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a vital link in the canal system, the court would rather draw forty thousand taels of silver from military pay to spare no effort in aiding victims, fearing that the people along the banks would suffer injustice or that canal dredging would be half-hearted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But times change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Hou Yuzhao’s view, now that the Yellow and Canal rivers would separate, should the Yellow River flood Xuzhou again, would the court still expend such vast sums?—That was uncertain!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not merely the speculation of Wenhua Hall ministers: historically, in the fourth year of Tianqi, when the Yellow River breached Xuzhou again, the court swept away its former warmth and coldly issued a decree: “Transfer the prefectural seat to Mount Yunlong, and cease all discussion of river affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The separation of Canal and Yellow River was not merely an engineering project; it decisively determined Xuzhou’s commercial status as a canal hub and its political standing in the broader strategy of flood control and canal preservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with this massive change, Xuzhou was about to be reduced from a waterway special zone back to a small fishing village, its political and commercial status plummeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people could not help but ask: how had this come to pass?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the canal had simply been relocated for engineering reasons, that would have been one thing—but this occurred precisely during the investigation of Xuzhou’s official corruption case. Given the people’s habits, how could they not connect the two?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It must be that Xuzhou’s gentry and powerful elites had angered the central court and drawn its thunderous wrath!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, who would the suffering officials, commoners, and literati blame for this grievance?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers of Wenhua Hall had never heard of later cases, but the precedent of the Tang-era Huainan Military Governor Gao Bian, who clashed with the court and caused the commercial center to shift from Jianghuai to Liangzhe, driving up daily goods prices until locals secretly dug up Gao’s ancestral graves, was still fresh in memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely under these circumstances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the emperor did not pursue Wang with further punishment; instead, he once again displayed his benevolence, offering compensation by elevating the status of a major land transport artery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To grow rich, first build roads; once water routes changed, land routes became the lifeline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imagine: if Xuzhou’s gentry and local worthies did not wish to spend their final years exiled from their homeland, what choice did they have but to sacrifice their wealth to support the project?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who manipulate public opinion are themselves swept along by it; those who believe themselves indispensable are themselves strangled at the throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang had already tasted the bitter fruit, yet Zhang Heming remained utterly oblivious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Wenhua Hall, the ministers had mostly dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng walked last; as he passed Zhang Heming, seeing his pitiable and hateful expression, he could not help but stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He studied him for a long moment, then could not help shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng had no intention of imitating the emperor’s pat on the shoulder; he merely drew his hands into his sleeves and whispered: “His Majesty once said something well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Personal interest and the public good have always coexisted; when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the cold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Be cautious. Be cautious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng did not care whether Zhang Heming understood; after speaking, he stepped out of Wenhua Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside Wenhua Hall, leaden clouds hung low, almost within reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Secretary, please wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhang Juzheng stepped out of Wenhua Hall and pulled on his great cloak, a voice called out to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fastened his collar and turned his head to find Hai Rui hurrying toward him from the path, clearly waiting specifically for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was just about to seek out Gangfeng; let’s walk and talk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng stood tall and slender, his iconic long beard neatly combed, glossy and black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stroked his beard, he paused to wait; when Hai Rui drew near, he gestured with his hand, and the two stepped onto the path together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winter snows had fallen many times; the trees within the Forbidden City stood bare, cold and desolate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked side by side along the path, occasionally returning greetings to passing officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hai Gangfeng, matters are numerous; let us dispense with idle talk. According to the Ministry of Works’ preliminary schedule, the Xuzhou water-side granary, the Zhonghe River Office, [57] Zhongrui Pavilion, and other offices must relocate to the Jia River banks after the New Year. Will the Censorate be ready in time?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The offices such as Zhongrui Pavilion will gradually relocate to the banks of the Jia River after the New Year—will the Censorate still have time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui had been lying in wait by the path, clearly intending to speak—but Zhang Juzheng preempted him, launching straight into the topic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was clearly Zhang Juzheng deliberately asserting his superior authority; Hai Rui, though esteemed and favored by the emperor, compelled even the Grand Secretary to remain cautious in speech and action, subtly restraining him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether Hai Rui sensed Zhang Juzheng’s dominance, no one knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply took up the thread naturally, sighing: “The corruption case involves too many people; it cannot be rushed, especially with public trials—this will likely drag on for a long time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the River Office or the Ministry of Revenue’s branch, since they must relocate to the Jia River and start anew, they naturally needed to build a fresh team of upright, capable officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the emperor’s words, they must unearth “upward-leaning scholars” who had maintained integrity amid Xuzhou’s mire, to lead by example and demonstrate a new spirit in the Jia River project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This required the Censorate to weed out the corrupt and promote the virtuous—sending the wicked to the execution ground, and summoning the good to the Jia River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this was slow, meticulous work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To finish before the New Year? Clearly a mistake of excessive rigidity!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with objective reality, Zhang Juzheng did not demand results; he compromised: “Very well. Then, please, Hai Gangfeng, assign more personnel to Chen Wude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As many upright officials as you can identify before the New Year—let Zhang Guoxi take them all to the Jia River; the rest can be sorted out gradually.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That will also satisfy His Majesty—say we left good officials behind for Xuzhou’s people to restore their vitality.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This tone of direct command, without consultation, was both strategic decisiveness and arrogant authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reactions varied by person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Hai Rui’s face showed no trace of courtesy, his tone was compliant: “After the Censorate’s departmental meeting, I will order the Henan Circuit Censor and the Court of Judicial Review to exchange case details and dispatch personnel to Xuzhou as soon as possible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice floated lightly, revealing no emotion, dissolving instantly into the howling cold wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng turned slightly toward Hai Rui, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since ascending to the rank of Nine Ministers, Hai Rui had shed his former cold rigidity, now showing unexpected restraint and courtesy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he unconsciously observed him further,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng noticed Hai Rui had grown even more gaunt and austere: his cheekbones high, knuckles prominent, his wide crimson robe hanging loosely on his thin frame, appearing hollow in the biting wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet his eyes, unlike his temperament, had not dimmed with age; they remained as hard as iron, gleaming with cold light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng studied Hai Rui; Hai Rui remained unaware, gazing straight ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked in silence along the imperial path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snowflakes began drifting from the sky, innocently landing on rooftops, some fortunate enough to settle on their shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some time, Zhang Juzheng looked at Hai Rui and sighed with deep feeling: “State affairs are arduous. You have held the Censorate for only a few months—you’ve grown noticeably thinner.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be strange if he hadn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Hai Rui’s reinstatement in Longqing sixth year, he had never paused: after finishing the Two Huai investigation, he was summoned to Huguang; after resolving Sichuan’s affairs, he was immediately thrust into the central grinding mill—no exaggeration to say he was treated like a beast of burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From public affairs to private matters, the Grand Secretary’s address shifted subtly from the formal courtesy title to the personal courtesy name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui saw it clearly; he offered a rare smile: “Even cutting flesh to feed an eagle is praised as the Buddha’s merit. Can I not burn this frail body for the state’s sake? Is that not the greatest merit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had clearly sensed Zhang Juzheng’s implied meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, Zhang Juzheng had been slightly aggressive, while he himself had repeatedly yielded in posture—perhaps prompting the Grand Secretary’s reflection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhang Juzheng spoke of “arduous state affairs,” he not only acknowledged Hai Rui’s toil, but also implied the central situation was too complex for reckless men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arduous, arduous—if the edges of Gangfeng are ground down, will the world regret it? Unclear. But Zhang Juzheng certainly would.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui’s reply was even simpler.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Straightness serves the state; yielding serves the state. When His Majesty appoints me as imperial envoy to the provinces, I charge ahead; when His Majesty raises me to Grand Censor, I must endure for the state’s sake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the edges will be worn down—grinding and polishing is also a form of arduousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng’s hand paused on his beard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he said nothing further, only gave a slight nod—so small, almost invisible from a distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng seemed to finally recall: “I nearly forgot—you sought me out regarding the Xuzhou case and its broader implications?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor’s style has always been this way: after a targeted strike, another larger reform begins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Salt policy, imperial clans, the Xuzhou corruption case—all the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui paused, then spoke slowly: “Grand Secretary, your insight is piercing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These past days, the ministries and courts have reached consensus on most memorials forwarded from the imperial court; yet Xiao Liangyou’s memorial has been debated six or seven times, and as of this morning, the Grand Censors and thirteen Circuit Censors remain deeply divided.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My point is that the Censorate should temporarily refrain from affixing its seal; let us wait until tomorrow’s morning court to discuss it openly and hear our colleagues’ opinions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng blinked in surprise, casting a startled glance at Hai Rui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Matters within the departments have always been settled by consensus before being brought to the morning court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such deep internal divisions, should we leave it to court deliberation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Isn’t that inviting wolves into the house, letting outsiders meddle in power-sharing? In the old days, such moves would have drawn accusations of being a corrupt faction!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng frowned, recalled for a moment, then confirmed: “Xiao Liangyou—was it he who proposed extending the Jingcha inspection to the provinces, with the Censorate annually selecting inspectors from the Two Capitals and Thirteen Provinces?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui shook his head: “That was Luo Zun’s proposal; the department shares a similar view.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Zun’s proposal was primarily a reflection on how local prefectural and county offices had become isolated from imperial memorials, forming their own closed systems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the first year of Wanli, the Emperor has frequently sent envoys to inspect the provinces—from the Two Huai to Huguang—sending them swiftly and recalling them just as fast; the results have indeed been good, and now it is being formalized: selecting several provinces each year for inspection, called ‘routine inspection.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the entire Censorate has enthusiastically supported this, not divided at all, contrary to what Hai Rui suggested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui paused, organized his words, then explained briefly: “It concerns the appointment of eunuch supervisors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Before Jiajing, dozens of imperial envoys were routinely dispatched to supervise, often clashing with local officials; after Jiajing, one or two were selected and entrusted with great authority, yet their effectiveness depended entirely on personal integrity—both approaches are unacceptable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Liangyou proposed retaining the Discipline Inspection Office, stationing it within local government offices, establishing fixed halls, assigning official posts, and recruiting clerks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng listened closely, his mind racing with thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Discipline Inspection Office was an internal institution of the Censorate, only recently established before the Emperor’s southern tour, primarily to distinguish itself clearly from the moralistic literati. (Chapter 245)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Censorial officials reported rumors; the Discipline Inspection Office verified and investigated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, it was a department with enforcement authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An internal Censorate body with enforcement power, setting up halls within the offices of the Six Ministries—anyone could see what immense political capital this represented. How could the Censorate possibly be divided over this!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard, asking calmly: “When establishing these halls—will they be subordinate to the local office heads, or to the Censorate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui inwardly praised his sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded frankly: “The Censorate has been deadlocked precisely over this; every censor insists the Censorate must retain full control, arguing that if we are subject to others, how can we possibly supervise?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only an independent third party can avoid collusion; the goal is absolute impartiality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This argument has merit—divergent interests are the very premise of supervision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But matters are always dialectical; truth is never one-sided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind one principle may lie another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng openly sneered at Hai Rui: “The Censorate wants to be county magistrate; the Six Ministries won’t settle for being county heads.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How did county magistrates come to be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the old Song dynasty, the Zhao family ruled half the realm; regional warlords surrendered at the sight of their banners. To show leniency, the Zhao family allowed the warlords to appoint their own county magistrates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After showing leniency, they naturally moved to reclaim power—so the Zhao family appointed ‘acting magistrates of such-and-such county’ to supervise local affairs, ready to file secret denunciations at the slightest provocation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone knows what happened afterward: even the title of ‘county magistrate’ vanished, while ‘acting magistrate’ governed counties for centuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similar patterns abound: circuit inspectors, provincial governors, viceroys—all followed the same path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking power from the provinces is one thing—but why apply this tactic to the departments themselves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Independent oversight is certainly necessary, but the form it takes matters more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faced with the Chief Cabinet Minister’s sarcasm, Hai Rui fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He broke off a short branch from a tree beside the path, brushed off the snow, and spoke with particular weariness: “Precisely because of this, the Censorate has never reached a conclusion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t because his colleagues are blinded by greed—it’s simply that people speak according to where they sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Xiao Liangyou, an outsider, has offered the token, how could the Censorate refuse to accept it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng, seeing Hai Rui’s reaction, suddenly realized: “Gangfeng, just now you said every censor insists the Censorate must retain control—where is the division?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has His Majesty given any instructions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had assumed the Censorate was split into two factions, with Hai Rui unable to reconcile them, hence seeking the Grand Secretariat’s help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he saw clearly: the Censorate was overwhelmingly united—only Hai Rui, as the chief official, refused to fight for institutional power, instead focusing solely on easing the Emperor’s burdens, standing alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s why it’s been deadlocked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui sighed, reached into his sleeve, and pulled out a memorial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng’s expression confirmed his suspicion as he reached out to take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Chief Cabinet Minister read the memorial, Hai Rui explained: “His Majesty has marked Xiao Liangyou’s memorial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His Majesty said, supervision is not about dividing power, but a vital part of his new policies—self-purification.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Only a supervisory mechanism embedded within the administrative system can prevent it from becoming a second center of power.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng immediately spotted the vermilion annotations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rarely was it the Office of Eunuch Secretaries who red-penned the edict—this was the Emperor’s own handwriting, signaling his intent to intervene before departmental deliberations, court discussions, or draft approvals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the Emperor wished the Discipline Inspection Office to retain some independence, as a force sustaining reform and purifying the state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet at the same time, he did not wish it to become a truly independent bureau, overseeing the Censorate’s regional branches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui, deeply favored by the Emperor, understood his intent, and thus felt compelled, from his position among the Nine Ministers, to steer the Censorate’s deliberations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the same time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s words were deliberately vague: What did ‘embedded’ mean? How exactly? What counted as ‘within the system’? How much independence was acceptable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because it was ambiguous, there remained room for the Censorate to debate—and to remain deadlocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng pondered the Emperor’s annotations, lost in deep thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he closed Xiao Liangyou’s memorial and nodded to Hai Rui: “I understand His Majesty’s intent. Let us discuss it at tomorrow’s morning court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui breathed a sigh of relief: “What do you think is the best course, Chief Minister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, colleagues had gradually moved away; palace eunuchs and maidservants hurriedly stepped aside in deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind grew stronger, whipping fine snowflakes against the steps on either side of the path, producing a faint rustling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast path held only these two men, the highest in the realm, walking slowly—its openness laid bare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng couldn’t help but stroke his beard again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He blew a stray hair from his fingers into the air, whispering softly: “The gentleman follows the mean path—I agree with His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dual leadership is best!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such odd phrasing clearly came from the Emperor’s influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the meaning was instantly clear; Hai Rui pondered for a moment, and a sudden insight struck him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to speak—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When several figures approached swiftly from the direction of the Hall of Supreme Harmony; two lagged behind the others, clearly coming for them. They fell silent, exchanged a glance, and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Chief Minister, Censor-in-Chief, your humble servant, by the Empress Dowager’s command, brings you white gold, brocade, warm wine, and sweet delicacies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man drew near—it was Zhang Hong, Head of the Office of Eunuch Secretaries, accompanied by Li Chengming, leading a group of junior eunuchs, distributing wine and food to civil officials and imperial relatives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such gifts were matters of personal favor; Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui immediately bowed in thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong hurried to support them: “The Empress Dowager says the weather is bitterly cold; she urges you all to take care of your health—no need for formal bows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the Emperor away, those left behind were, bluntly speaking, a widow and her orphan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two courts’ trust and reliance on the ministers were beyond reproach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong gestured to his retinue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a young eunuch bearing a jade tray stepped forward, Zhang Hong smiled and whispered to the two ministers: “This is the fragrant meat slaughtered by His Majesty in Peixian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He specifically saved four legs: the two hind legs went to the Duke of Du and the Duke of Dingguo; the two front legs are for you, Chief Minister, and you, Censor-in-Chief.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though burdened with state affairs, the Emperor still remembered to send gifts home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress received Jiangnan rouge; the two courts received Buddhist artifacts blessed at Xinghua Temple; nobles, imperial relatives, civil and military officials—all received gifts regularly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng was unmoved by such gestures, easily suppressing a smile, and bowed respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui, however, was genuinely startled; he turned southward and bowed with solemn precision: “His Majesty’s grace is overwhelming; I am unworthy to receive it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong’s expression remained warm and smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After they finished their bows, he asked the real question: “Do you have any messages for His Majesty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Official matters, of course, were transmitted via imperial courier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong was asking whether they had private words to send.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng and Hai Rui exchanged glances—either they hadn’t decided, or they found it inappropriate to speak openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former cleared his throat, changing the subject curiously: “The New Year is near—will the inner court still be dispatched to Nan Zhili?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a month remains before the New Year; a round trip to Nan Zhili won’t allow you to return in time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, before leaving, the Emperor had already arranged everything for next year—what could possibly be so urgent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Hong shook his head, saying nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming, who had remained silent beside him, now stepped forward and took over: “It’s not the inner court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s me and the Prince of Zheng’s heir—we have matters to report directly to His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng lowered his head, studying Li Chengming’s legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Traveling outside during the New Year was no good habit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s status excused him—but how had Empress Li tolerated her nephew’s antics without breaking his legs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui was also curious, but he was unfamiliar with imperial relatives and wouldn’t press the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then politely said: “I have no message to send; please convey my greetings to His Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to officials who endlessly wrote memorials about rain, good weather, or asking if the Emperor was hungry—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui’s nature meant he had nothing to say outside official business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming turned to Zhang Juzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter fell silent for a long while, then took a deep breath: \"There is indeed a matter too delicate to commit to official documents; the young marquis must not let it reach outside ears.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gestured for Li Chengming to lean in close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Grand Secretary behave this way, all present exchanged uneasy glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Chengming grew even more uneasy; he hesitated, glancing at Zhang Hong, then at Zhang Juzheng, before slowly moving to stand before the latter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ask His Majesty for me—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng leaned close to Li Chengming’s ear, his expression grave, each word deliberate: \"What sin did Xiaomiao commit, to suffer such humiliation from His Majesty!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",4057,"2026-06-20T16:31:35.124Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fbff441d97a28b421c6c5bf78b61141a6028c471581613c9723465a7551d37f4","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-372","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-370",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]