[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-59":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},2321881,4542,"Chapter 59: Thunderclap Sounds, Fists Clenched","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-59",59,"\u003Cp>“The spiritual belongs to the sages; the material belongs to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This statement was destined to be inscribed in the annals with great emphasis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this day, Emperor Zhu Yijun, during the court deliberation, declared a division of governance with the sages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expansion of the spiritual realm—whether by Confucius or Wang Yangming—was left to their own exploration; but the workings of nature, the emperor plainly stated, held mysteries only verifiable proof could resolve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He further decreed that, with Daoist donations, the Inner Court leading, the Ministry of Rites assisting, and the Ministry of Works providing labor, a college be established solely for philosophical inquiry—such as the causal relationship between verifiable proof and enlightenment, the standards of verifiable proof, and methods to attain it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the first headmaster was provisionally appointed as Ma Ziqiang, Vice Minister of Rites; the left and right deputy headmasters were provisionally appointed as Li Youzi, Left Assistant Chief of the Dalisi , and Tao Dalin, President of the Imperial Academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Heng, the Minister of Works, whose hair had thinned, pledged that the college would be completed within one month, as a gift for the new era’s inauguration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>November 1st.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winter Solstice was ten days away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weather had grown steadily colder; last night’s light rain made this morning’s wind especially biting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the time of the late emperor, officials would begin arriving late—or not at all—during this season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But two months ago, the Examination of Achievements Law descended like a mountain, forcing everyone to rise from their warm beds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They muttered curses under their breath at Zhang Juzheng, then dressed and entered the palace for duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first and fifteenth of each month were traditionally days for grand court assemblies to meet the emperor, but both the Two Palaces and the Grand Secretariat believed the new emperor’s studies were heavy and his political training essential, and thus agreed to postpone grand assemblies until after the era change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the grand assembly was suspended, smaller meetings would naturally proceed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Court deliberations continued as usual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s participants, as if prearranged, found their gaze drawn to a single figure the moment they entered the Wenhua Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why could they see this figure at once? Because the ministers, as if avoiding him, had all stepped half a body’s length away, leaving a small empty space around him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man ostracized by the ministers was, of course, Hai Rui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After settling his elderly mother yesterday, Hai Rui reported to the Censorate this morning, and was then brought to the court deliberation by Ge Shouli.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s deliberation was urgent and packed; after a brief formal exchange between ministers and emperor, they moved to business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First came the memorial from Wang Zongmu, Viceroy of Grain Transport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Revenue Wang Guoguang stepped forward and said: “The Grain Transport Office has submitted a memorial; the Ministry of Revenue cannot decide alone—let us deliberate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Viceroy Wang Zongmu proposes: relief for distant regions. The grain transport routes of Yongzhou, Hengzhou, and Changsha in Huguang, and Ganzhou in Jiangxi are extremely long and perilous; it is proposed that 104,783 shi and 8 dou of grain tax annually be converted to silver payments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The five prefectures of Suzhou, Songjiang, and Changzhou in Zhili, and Jiaxing and Huzhou in Zhejiang produce excessive grain; it is proposed that 100,000 shi annually be redistributed among them according to the volume of white grain, converted to silver. For Henan and Shandong, the garrisons without single ships or assigned quotas shall rotate rest periods, as a sign of special favor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, the grain tax of the four inland prefectures was to be converted to silver payments, eliminating physical grain delivery; the shortfall would be compensated by the five prefectures of the Two Huai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he finished, ministers exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Physical grain was physical grain—at most, one could only overfill the measure and claim minor losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if converted to silver, the people would have to exchange it again, and the profit margins would be vastly different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shifting the silver quota of the Two Huai into physical grain meant surrendering those profits—this was clearly an assault on the Two Huai’s interests!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this Wang Zongmu’s initiative—or the emperor’s?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Hai Rui’s return to the capital, rumors of targeting the Two Huai had been frequent; today, upon entering court, they saw Hai Rui standing there, and now this memorial—how suspiciously convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some discussion, Vice Minister of Justice Bi Qiang stepped forward: “I have served in the provinces, with experience in Huguang and Nanzhili, and have some familiarity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This matter is utterly unfeasible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bi Qiang was a jinshi of the 23rd year of Jiajing, and had served as Vice Director of Education in Zhejiang’s Censorate, Right Assistant Commissioner in Guangxi’s Administration, Censor, Left Commissioner of Zhejiang’s Administration, and Left Commissioner of Huguang’s Administration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He later served as Prefect of Nanjing’s Yingtian Prefecture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His claim of provincial experience carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wang Zongmu says these five prefectures produce too much grain—that shows he doesn’t understand local affairs. These prefectures may produce much, but their consumption is immense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beyond their own needs, they supply the government for brewing, overseas trade, and more—the actual surplus grain is negligible!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words were firm, backed by real provincial experience, and carried great persuasive power; ministers nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zaiting, Chief Censor of the Like , suddenly asked: “Are you from Nanzhili, Vice Minister Bi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, Bi Qiang’s face flushed red; he turned and demanded: “What do you mean, Censor Li?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zaiting lowered his head, as if he had said nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Guoguang stepped in: “Enough. Let us discuss the matter on its merits.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Daoming, Censor of the  Gongke , also stepped forward: “We should avoid setting a precedent here; otherwise, it may deepen the north-south divide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke sparingly, but the implication was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, behind the screen, curiously examined this man’s dossier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Daoming, from Yuyao, Zhejiang, was a jinshi of the second year of Longqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This transfer of tax burden was clearly a trial balloon—to gauge how loud Nanzhili’s voice was in court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To target the Two Huai inevitably meant offending Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What is meant by “two capitals”? Simply put: two sets of central administrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Nanzhili held higher administrative status, its fiscal dominance accounted for over half of the empire’s tax revenue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from military power, it was no different from a second court—like a northeastern region that could simply put on an extra coat when it turned cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without disloyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its power was simply too vast, making Beizhili hesitate to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, to move against the Two Huai, he had to adopt the posture of suppressing rebellion just to let Hai Rui step out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A colossal entity resting beside his bed—Zhu Yijun could not fathom how previous emperors had slept soundly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court deliberation continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides these two, four more ministers stepped forward to criticize Wang Zongmu’s memorial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unsurprisingly, the proposal was rejected and returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the atmosphere had been set—there was more to come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Works Zhu Heng stepped forward: “Viceroy Wang Zongmu’s memorial: maritime transport has arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to return to his place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun pressed his hand to his forehead—were technocrats this hard to communicate with?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Helplessly, he called out from behind the screen: “Minister Zhu, please clarify.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Heng realized his mistake and quickly added: “Wang Zongmu states maritime transport has been abandoned for over 160 years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When Wang Zongmu served as Left Commissioner of Shandong, due to the Jiao River proposal, he thoroughly researched historical precedents and submitted twelve advantages of maritime transport to the Grand Secretariat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He declared maritime transport is imperative!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the court rejected it, the late emperor happened to learn of it and planned to test maritime transport this year, observing its results.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since becoming Viceroy of Grain Transport, Wang Zongmu personally tested six ships crossing the sea; they have recently arrived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He proposes that the Ministry of Works adopt both maritime and river transport simultaneously—this would bring boundless benefit to the state for millennia.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Heng finished speaking and calmly returned to his place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the court erupted like a boiling pot; ministers whispered among themselves until the protocol officer shouted, silencing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was coastal maritime transport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In plain terms: using sea routes to fulfill inland freight needs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the southeast, by sea to Zhejiang, through the Two Huai, or even to Shandong, arriving at Tianjin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Called maritime transport, but in reality, it was direct competition with river transport!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A naked assault on livelihoods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zongmu’s “Twelve Advantages of Maritime Transport” had already detailed this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had read it—what was the reaction?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Wang Zongmu’s own words: “Upon hearing it, all were startled and doubtful,” with opposition ringing loud and clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many stirred with intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One stepped forward first: Jia Daiwen, Chief Censor of the  Huke , said: “I have heard of this matter; the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue has submitted a memorial on it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Daiwen was a jinshi of the second year of Longqing, having served as Censor in the Ministries of Personnel and Works, promoted to Chief Censor of the Ministry of Revenue in August.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not from Nanzhili, his two sons had married granddaughters of Li Chunfang, former Grand Secretary of Zhongjidian and a Nanzhili native, and the daughter of Cao Bangfu, Nanjing’s Minister of Revenue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His own daughter had also married into Nanzhili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Daiwen was, in effect, Nanzhili’s spokesperson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He produced a memorial and handed it around, then spoke: “Censor Zhang Huan of the Nanjing Ministry of Revenue has submitted a rebuttal to Viceroy Wang’s memorial.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Viceroy Wang Zongmu reports that 120,000 shi of grain, departing from Huai’an, arrived at Tianjin and the final port, with not a single grain lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But rumors in the streets claim eight ships, each carrying 3,200 shi of grain, were lost in a storm—vanished without trace!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is said Wang Zongmu anticipated such losses and dispatched men with 30,000 taels of silver to purchase replacement grain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a crime against heaven!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another wave of uproar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, the screen before the imperial dais was pulled aside; ministers were unfazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor looked at Jia Daiwen with disappointment: “Rumors in the streets?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is said?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jia Qing, I had previously wondered about this: when two memorials contradict each other, which should I take as primary?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Viceroy Wang Qing states that 120,000 shi of grain arrived undamaged, meaning there are 120,000 shi of grain on the ships as ‘conclusive proof.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Given Zhong Zhang Qing claims that 3,200 shi were nearly entirely lost, yet this is merely ‘rumor’ and ‘they say.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What am I to believe?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Dawen’s expression changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly explained: “Your Majesty, censors have the right to report on hearsay!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun shook his head: “Jia Qing, I have never forbidden censors from submitting memorials. But since these are local matters beyond my reach, can you not show some consideration for your sovereign and investigate the ‘conclusive proof’ before submitting your memorials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps these words reminded someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zaiting suddenly stepped forward: “Indeed, Jia Given Official, how is it that Wang Viceroy’s and Zhang Given Official’s memorials arrived simultaneously, yet Zhang Given Official could still refute Wang Viceroy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it precognition? Or eavesdropping on memorials? Or perhaps someone unclean lurks in Wang Viceroy’s entourage?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are our provincial governors so utterly exposed?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun cast an appreciative glance at Li Zaiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Publicly, it was enough—but privately, he must reward him somehow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coastal maritime transport is not without precedent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though storms and reef collisions carry extreme risk, we cannot abandon the endeavor because of danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gao Gong held power, he had long sought to open the seas and simultaneously advance coastal maritime transport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This led to Wang Zongmu’s “Twelve Advantages of Maritime Transport,” and Gao Gong personally petitioned the late emperor to authorize Wang Zongmu’s trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Zhu Yijun has inherited Gao Gong’s political resources, he naturally inherited this matter as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuing to test maritime transport is both a necessity of the age and preparation for reforming the canal transport system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Hai Rui reorganizes the Huai and Yangtze canal transport, chaos is inevitable; at that time, maritime transport can serve as a temporary backup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So we are not forced into submission by the excuse of “the greater good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Li Zaiting’s support, Jia Dawen prepared to rebut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng suddenly stepped forward and took the floor: “I recall this matter well. When the late emperor issued the edict to trial it, did he not order the Ministry of Works to accompany the mission?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Heng was suddenly called upon and looked startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking for a long while, he said: “Two assistant directors accompanied the entire journey, but no reports of capsizing were heard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated: “Yet I believe that even if capsizing occurred, we should still continue exploring maritime transport…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers glanced at this technocrat—he still didn’t understand what the debate was about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t a technical issue—it’s a political one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we use maritime transport, what becomes of canal transport?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This concerns the livelihood of a million canal workers; it cannot be decided by mere feasibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Zongmu is truly ungrateful—a proper Canal Viceroy, yet digging at his own foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Suiwei of the Ministry of Rites stepped forward to mediate: “Currently implementing maritime transport is like attempting rice cultivation in the north—initially, we should conduct small-scale trials, observe whether it adapts to local climate, then gradually expand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the same logic, long-term and short-term strategies for river and maritime transport must be flexibly adjusted according to actual conditions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun gave Zhang Suiwei a long, penetrating look.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He praised: “Your words are mature and prudent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet inwardly he remained wary: among today’s regional factions, the Shanxi faction is the strongest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the southern Zhili regional faction cannot be ignored either—later factions like the Zhe Party and Donglin Party both split from this broader southern Zhili faction, revealing their immense power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the broad southern Zhili faction now merges with the Shanxi faction, matters will become very troublesome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun turned to Wang Guoguang: “Wang Qing, what does the Ministry of Revenue say?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Guoguang had prepared his answer and paused before replying: “When censors previously proposed honoring maritime transport’s achievements, we pointed out that, in the long term, reliance on river routes is fundamental, while maritime transport is a temporary measure for urgent situations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We believe that, given the unpredictable risks of maritime transport, we should first become familiar with this route as a contingency.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Therefore, the Ministry of Revenue proposes that, in the first year, we moderately increase trials of maritime transport.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded but gave no public stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned gently to Zhang Juzheng: “Yuanfu, what does the Grand Secretariat think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng glanced at the emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he spoke: “The memorials from southern Zhili censors are mere hearsay, difficult to pursue deeply; yet for officials who dare to act, we should treat them leniently to observe their future conduct.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Moreover, maritime transport involves many people—laborers from several provinces, lasting months, crossing three provinces, including hundreds of officials, magistrates, garrison commanders, and sailors. If a shipwreck occurred, it would be impossible for only censors to raise the issue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The thirty thousand taels of silver came from the Huai treasury, with accounts to verify; hired ships and laborers have clear records. Your Majesty, let the Ministry of Revenue cooperate with the Censorate to investigate through touring censors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for maritime transport itself, I believe Minister Wang’s view is a statesman’s argument—the Grand Secretariat endorses it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded: “Then draft your proposal and submit it to the Directorate of Palace Affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a few quick words, they settled the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Dawen’s face darkened—this emperor was far harder to deceive than the late emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was bad enough, but now the Grand Secretary aids the tyrant—truly, the state is falling apart!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned to his place and subtly glanced at Zhang Suiwei, receiving only a shake of the head in reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pah! Took the bribe and gave token effort—you Shanxi faction will soon taste this flavor yourself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After venting inwardly, he could only exchange glances with several colleagues, signaling they must plan carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Dawen had assumed the matter ended here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had repeatedly targeted the Huai region—enough is enough; surely nothing more would follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Grand Secretary Gao Yi stepped forward: “The Grand Secretariat has received several impeachment memorials, with witnesses and physical evidence—proposing a joint trial by the Three Judicial Departments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He produced several memorials for the ministers to circulate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then fixed his gaze on the Minister of Justice Wang Zhigao, the Censor-in-Chief Ge Shouli, and the Chief Justice of the Court of Review Chen Yisong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said: “Concerning Wang Ruyan, Director of Salt Transport for the Huai region.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Twelve charges: embezzlement, corruption, collusion with salt merchants, withholding tax revenues.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The accused has been imprisoned in the Canal Transport Office; witnesses and evidence are held by the Eastern Depot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The three of you—who should lead this case?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Dawen, Zhang Daoming, Bi Qiang, and nearly ten others all simultaneously turned to Hai Rui, their faces turning pale!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minister of Justice Wang Zhigao shook his head: “Huai region is beyond our reach; our department has too many cases—we won’t send anyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let the Nanjing Ministry of Justice assist the Censorate’s touring censors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cases involving officials are typically led by the Censorate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Authorizing Nanjing’s Ministry of Justice is reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Chief Justice Chen Yisong could speak, Zhang Juzheng interrupted: “Several Chief Justices of Nanjing’s Court of Review have retired and remain unfilled—it would be inappropriate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deputy Chief Justice Chen Dong stepped forward confidently: “Deputy Chief Justice Chen Dong volunteers to lead this case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor smiled approvingly: “Chen Qing, you are truly the right man—then it is you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if performing a play, each had his lines—in the blink of an eye, the matter was settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers instantly understood what had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earlier whispers had hinted at reforming Huai salt administration—they assumed they had time to prepare. Who knew the Grand Secretariat had quietly arrested a Director of Salt Transport?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was premeditated!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the man had already been captured, waiting only for Hai Rui’s arrival in the capital; the moment Hai Rui entered the court session, they immediately brought this case forward to test him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes passed over Ge Shouli and locked onto Hai Rui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ge Shouli also turned to Hai Rui and nodded: “Supervising salt taxation in the Huai region and overseeing river transport falls under the jurisdiction of Assistant Censor-in-Chief Hai Rui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hai Rui stepped forward, facing the emperor with stern resolve: “It is my duty—I will see this case through!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One more chapter coming later (needs revision).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note 1: Canal Viceroy Wang Zongmu’s “Four Proposals for Canal Transport”: First, relieve distant regions. Canal transport is longest and most perilous in Huguang’s Yongzhou, Hengzhou, Changsha, and Jiangxi’s Ganzhou prefectures; propose annually converting 104,783 shi 8 dou of grain into silver. In Zhili’s Suzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou, and Zhejiang’s Jiaxing, Huzhou prefectures, grain quotas are excessive; propose annually allocating 100,000 shi of conversion based on the amount of white grain. For Henan and Shandong, assign rotating rest periods to guard units without single ships or assigned routes, as a sign of favor…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note 2: Grand Coordinator of Canal Transport, Wang Zongmu, reported: Maritime transport arrived. “Maritime transport has been suspended for over 160 years. When I served as Left Provincial Administration Commissioner of Shandong, I studied the historical evolution of the Jiao River proposal and outlined twelve advantages of maritime transport. At first, officials were startled and skeptical. Later, censors proposed it, provincial governors trialed it—all confirmed my claims. The results proved correct, so I submitted them to the throne, and now this year’s full transport is approved. I have since assumed command of the Canal Transport Office and organized its execution. Now, six fleets arrived unharmed. The people of the realm now believe maritime transport is feasible. Combining it with river transport offers the state endless benefit for millennia.” Report received.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note 3: Former Nanjing Ministry of Revenue Censor Zhang Huan accused Canal Viceroy Wang Zongmu: In June, Wang urgently reported that 120,000 shi of grain transported by sea departed Huai’an and arrived in Tianjin at the bay, with not a single grain lost. Yet rumors spread that eight ships carrying 3,200 shi of grain had been lost to storm, vanished without trace. Wang had anticipated this and sent 30,000 taels of silver to purchase replacement grain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above three notes—From the Veritable Records of the Shenzong Emperor: the first from July of Longqing Sixth Year, the latter two from October.\u003C\u002Fp>",3459,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","65408ddee6380f65558c4c1b958064a17c12df9a0fc3b606614da4ca9a498ad0","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-60","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-58",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]