Episode 35
The large plaque of "Liu Biju" inscribed by Yan Song still hangs high on the lintel of a pickle shop, and the gold letters shine brightly in the sun.However, in stark contrast to this conspicuous plaque, is the desolation of the front door.Pedestrians took detours one after another, seeming to avoid having anything to do with the plaque.Behind this, there is a secret decree from Emperor Jiajing: Do not take off this plaque. He wants to see how the people in the world talk about him.
At the other end of the street, a carriage carrying Hai Rui, the new head of the Household Department, was slowly approaching.Hai Rui, an official known for his integrity, although the years have left traces on his face, his eyes are still sharp and lively.When his keen eyes caught the plaque of “六比ju”, he had already made up his mind.
Not long ago, Yan Shifan and other dignitaries were executed, but the plaque inscribed by Yan Song still hangs here. This is undoubtedly a hot potato.Faced with this situation, Hai Rui decided to inscribe the new "Six Must Ju" true meanings: The place of origin must be authentic, the season must be suitable, the melons and vegetables must be fresh, the sweet sauce must be mellow, the container must be clean, and the water spring must be fragrant.“ He explained that this is the real meaning of changing ”六心尊“ to ”六必尊%, which is intended to rectify people's hearts and calm down nonsense.
After Emperor Jiajing heard about it, although he asked King Yu to copy Hai Rui's inscription and carve a new plaque and send it to Liu Biju, Hai Rui's voice of justice had already spread throughout the capital.
Hai Rui, an incorruptible official from Nanping, Fujian, to Chun'an, Zhejiang, and magistrate of Xingguo, Jiangxi, spent his whole life fighting for justice and fairness.Even as the political landscape in the capital changed dramatically, he still stuck to his beliefs.Although he had no money when he received the official notice of being transferred to Beijing and could not even afford to rent a decent house, he did not flinch.Fortunately, his friend Wang Yongji, who served in the Beijing Metropolitan Procuratorate, secretly supported him and found him a simple courtyard house.
