Episode 18
In the Jingshe of Yuxi Palace, Emperor Jiajing summoned Yan Song. This move itself revealed an unusual atmosphere.Yan Song, as the chief minister of the cabinet at the time, had overwhelming power, but at this time he was facing unprecedented challenges.Emperor Jiajing handed Yan Song a wooden box containing account books. These account books were key evidence in Shen Yishi's case.Shen Yishi, a little-known figure, was involved in a series of corruption cases that shocked both the government and the public.
In the face of overwhelming evidence, Yan Song had to bow his head.He knew that his political career had reached a critical juncture, so he stated that everyone involved in Shen Yishi's account books should be dealt with immediately, and the property embezzled should also be strictly recovered.This statement was not only a submission to Emperor Jiajing, but also a repositioning of his own political stance.
Emperor Jiajing expressed satisfaction with Yan Song's response and immediately adjusted the cabinet members. This move was undoubtedly a major weakening of Yan Song's power.At the same time, he assigned Xu Jie's student Zhao Zhenji as governor of Zhejiang, responsible for arresting Zheng Michang, He Maocai and others, and recovering Shen Yishi's embezzled property.
As a famous doctor, Li Shizhen formed a deep friendship with Hai Rui and his wife.He diagnosed the pulse of Hai Rui and his wife and won the favor of Hai Mu.Hai Rui, an official known for his integrity, was also facing tremendous pressure at this time.The mulberry seedlings had just sprouted, which was the most critical moment for raw silk production, but Zheng Michang and He Maocai, who were furious, sent people to various counties to urge the collection of raw silk.Hai Rui was fully aware of the irrationality of this policy and immediately seized the official document urging the raw silk to be paid.
