John Nelson
April 16, 2007
Worthy Emperor Wanli, Son of the Most High: Today it is my aim to influence you to name Changluo your successor and heir. “The Master said, ‘The gentleman can influence those who are above him,’” (4.24). I believe that in this Grand Secretariat and in my private life I humbly consider myself a gentleman. Having achieved this status in my character I now call attention to what Confucius said about gentleman. “The Master said, ‘A gentleman is ashamed to let his words outrun his deeds,’” (14.29). I would be remiss to not take a stand now and relate to you my counsel on this serious subject. I am willing to take any punishment you decide to levy, just as long as I can say what needs to be said.
“The Master said, ‘So long as the ruler loves ritual, the people will be easy to handle,’” (14.44) Well, Emperor Wanli, the people are not easy to handle. There is corruption in all levels of the bureaucracy and some of our own people have become pirates. Worthy Emperor, you cannot even handle those you have direct contact with, namely the swindling eunuchs whose authority goes unchecked (The Glory and Fall of the Ming Dynasty, Albert Chan 155). All of this corruption must be coming from somewhere. “The Master said, ‘He who will not worry about what is far off will find something worse than worry close at hand,’” (15.11) For so long, you have put the decision to name Changluo your successor off, and now you must make a decision. You are now thinking about elevating Lady Zheng to imperial consort, when the honor should go to Lady Wang, the mother of your first-born. Consider our history before you make a terrible mistake.
The An Shi Rebellion was a terrible time in our past. Over 36 million of our people died during this rebellion. An Lushan, the commander had control over the whole north of China, and decided to attack the city to capitalize on their decadence. He was in league with Yang Guifei, Emperor Xuanzhong’s imperial consort. Her corruption led to the death of so many people (Encyclopedia Brittanica 139). Consider also Lady Li in the Han Dynasty. She secured high-ranking positions for her brothers from the Emperor. The brothers turned out to be criminals and were justly executed (). So you see, Emperor Wanli, the influence of women can easily lead to destruction.
You were the first-born to your father and were rightly named his successor, because it is one of the most standard practices to honor the elder son. So how could you possibly be thinking about turning your back on your first-born son Changluo? It is not too late to amend all of this. Perhaps you can change this dangerous path that the Middle Kingdom. “The Master said, ‘If you have made a mistake, do not be afraid of admitting the fact and amending your ways,’” (9.24). Emperor, I plead with you to first admit that you were mistaken to ever think about elevating Lady Zheng to imperial consort. Next, you need to amend your ways by naming Lady Wang imperial consort and naming Changluo your successor and heir. If anyone is advising you differently, they are either ignorant or corrupt and should be fired. Do with me what you wish, but do the right thing and name Changluo your successor. Thank you.
April 16, 2007
Worthy Emperor Wanli, Son of the Most High: Today it is my aim to influence you to name Changluo your successor and heir. “The Master said, ‘The gentleman can influence those who are above him,’” (4.24). I believe that in this Grand Secretariat and in my private life I humbly consider myself a gentleman. Having achieved this status in my character I now call attention to what Confucius said about gentleman. “The Master said, ‘A gentleman is ashamed to let his words outrun his deeds,’” (14.29). I would be remiss to not take a stand now and relate to you my counsel on this serious subject. I am willing to take any punishment you decide to levy, just as long as I can say what needs to be said.
“The Master said, ‘So long as the ruler loves ritual, the people will be easy to handle,’” (14.44) Well, Emperor Wanli, the people are not easy to handle. There is corruption in all levels of the bureaucracy and some of our own people have become pirates. Worthy Emperor, you cannot even handle those you have direct contact with, namely the swindling eunuchs whose authority goes unchecked (The Glory and Fall of the Ming Dynasty, Albert Chan 155). All of this corruption must be coming from somewhere. “The Master said, ‘He who will not worry about what is far off will find something worse than worry close at hand,’” (15.11) For so long, you have put the decision to name Changluo your successor off, and now you must make a decision. You are now thinking about elevating Lady Zheng to imperial consort, when the honor should go to Lady Wang, the mother of your first-born. Consider our history before you make a terrible mistake.
The An Shi Rebellion was a terrible time in our past. Over 36 million of our people died during this rebellion. An Lushan, the commander had control over the whole north of China, and decided to attack the city to capitalize on their decadence. He was in league with Yang Guifei, Emperor Xuanzhong’s imperial consort. Her corruption led to the death of so many people (Encyclopedia Brittanica 139). Consider also Lady Li in the Han Dynasty. She secured high-ranking positions for her brothers from the Emperor. The brothers turned out to be criminals and were justly executed (). So you see, Emperor Wanli, the influence of women can easily lead to destruction.
You were the first-born to your father and were rightly named his successor, because it is one of the most standard practices to honor the elder son. So how could you possibly be thinking about turning your back on your first-born son Changluo? It is not too late to amend all of this. Perhaps you can change this dangerous path that the Middle Kingdom. “The Master said, ‘If you have made a mistake, do not be afraid of admitting the fact and amending your ways,’” (9.24). Emperor, I plead with you to first admit that you were mistaken to ever think about elevating Lady Zheng to imperial consort. Next, you need to amend your ways by naming Lady Wang imperial consort and naming Changluo your successor and heir. If anyone is advising you differently, they are either ignorant or corrupt and should be fired. Do with me what you wish, but do the right thing and name Changluo your successor. Thank you.
posted by John Nelson | 8:00 AM
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