Chapter 64: The Theory of Public Opinion

  As soon as Zhong Jiwei returned to the palace, Emperor Chongzhen asked: "Master Zhong, why are there two copies of this memorial? I remember saying that Master Zhong's memorials have no word limit."

  Chongzhen Emperor required other officials to control the number of words in their memorials, but made an exception for Zhong Wenwei because he only knew how to speak bluntly.

  Zhong Jinwei heard it was this matter, and he knew early on that he would eat first before handing it over: "Ah, this... I have a purpose."

  "Huh?" The Chongzhen Emperor was slightly puzzled upon hearing this.

  "Your Majesty, I think that the one article discussing the importance of currency finance should be kept within a limited scope. If it spreads out, we won't be able to swindle other countries for as long as possible."

  Here is the translation:

  "Speaking of this, Zhong Jinwei remembered that there were some omissions, so he continued to say: "Your Majesty, the earlier the court deals with this paper money matter, the better. However, the style and name of the paper money should be different from the previous Da Ming Bao Chao. Ah, it can refer to those paper money I brought with me. But those paper money may reveal my identity as a person from the future, so they cannot be seen by people who shouldn't know."

  Chongzhen Emperor nodded: "Master Zhong didn't say, I would have easily overlooked these key details. Master Zhong, is there anything else that needs to be supplemented?"

  Zhong Jinwei thought for a moment and said: "Your Majesty, now that you mention it, I really did forget two things."

  Hehe, I knew it, Master Zhong has a careless and sloppy habit.

  "Your Majesty, the first thing is about disaster relief. It's best to establish a set of regulations that can be promoted nationwide. Currently, there are many disaster-stricken areas domestically, and the national treasury is empty, requiring the participation of civil forces."

  Yes, southeast, northwest, no matter which direction there is a disaster, I really don't have the money to provide relief. If the people can make an effort, when the court recovers, it will certainly be expressed. Emperor Chongzhen sighed in his heart and said to Zhong Jinwei: "Master Zhong said that, but let the people replace the court's responsibility, I feel ashamed."

  "Your Majesty, the empty treasury is not a situation that has arisen since your ascension to the throne. As long as you do good deeds for the people from now on, there's a phrase that comes to mind - 'inner sage and outer king'. If you can achieve this, you will be the wise and enlightened ruler of the Great Ming dynasty, and the common people will be grateful and proud to be subjects of the Great Ming."

  "Inner sage and outer king, I will definitely do it." The Chongzhen Emperor showed a firm expression and said to Zhong Jinwei. Then he asked again: "Master Zhong, what's another thing?"

  "Public opinion guidance."

  The Chongzhen Emperor was aware of public opinion, but the Ming dynasty's control over public opinion was very small.

  For example, posting big-character posters even on the walls of the Forbidden City would not normally result in punishment, as long as the posters were not anonymous. Those who dared to speak out but not reveal their identities would also be severely punished during the Ming dynasty.

  For example, in the southeastern part of the Ming Dynasty, scholars gathered at the She Society, discussing all sorts of topics. Various ideas sprouted like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, and the imperial court generally did not interfere, even with views that threatened imperial power. At most, they would arrest the people involved and shut down a few academies, but there was no such thing as literary inquisition.

  For more than 270 years of the Ming Dynasty, few people were punished for their words. The famous Hai Rui scolded Jiajing, but nothing happened to him and he was even promoted.

  Zhong Jinwei deliberately mentioned the matter of public opinion guidance, which must have its intention. Emperor Chongzhen said: "Master Zhong, can you tell me in detail?"

  "Your Majesty, what I mean by 'public opinion guidance' is mainly referring to the need for guidance on the words and deeds of the people, as well as the social atmosphere. It would be best if there were specialized personnel or departments dedicated to this task."

  In ancient times, the chastity arches were also a kind of public opinion guidance, but this was basically initiated by local gentry or officials, with a relatively large degree of arbitrariness and not a very wide range of influence.

  In addition, the supervisory system of the Ming Dynasty was the most rigorous in Chinese history. The Supervisory Office, various departments of the Grand Coordinator, Provincial Governors, Eastern Depot, and Embroidered Uniform Guard, etc., all had supervisory responsibilities. However, they all shared a common problem: supervision mainly targeted officials and local leaders, without any supervision or guidance aimed at social customs.

  "For example, this time, the behavior of those brothels is actually a very good example." Zhong Jinwei liked to use analogies when speaking.

  Chongzhen Emperor heard this and said: "What? Let the imperial court learn from a brothel?"

  Zhong Jinwei knew that Emperor Chongzhen might be displeased with this, so he quickly continued to explain: "Your Majesty, why do I say this? Because the reason is simple. The publicity effect of brothels is very good, and many people know about their donation activities. On the other hand, government notices are posted in fixed locations. If ordinary people don't go out, they won't know about them. Even if they do go out and see the notice, it's hard for them to empathize with the refugees' situation and feel compelled to donate. The effect of government notices is far inferior to that of brothels, which attract people's attention with drums and gongs and achieve their goals."

  "Master Zhong, you say the imperial court is no better than a brothel?" Chongzhen Emperor couldn't quite accept this.

  "Your Majesty, I am just discussing the matter at hand. However, regarding what I just said, due to differences in implementation methods, the effects are different, and the distinctions have become clear."

  "What should I do then?"

  "The imperial court should take the initiative, make propaganda, and let as many people as possible know the purpose of the imperial court in the shortest possible time."

  The imperial court also had such propaganda, which was during major events, through layers of transmission, to the level of li and zhang, for door-to-door transmission. However, if this is done frequently, it would be impeached by the censor as disturbing the people.

  The Chongzhen Emperor expressed his concerns.

  Zhong Jinwei thought for a moment and said, "That's a good idea. Let's set up a propaganda team to perform at fixed venues, such as singing songs or performing plays to convey the message in a more vivid and engaging way that people will love to watch and understand better than just using posters."

  "Is it necessary for the imperial court to spend such energy and resources on this matter?" Chongzhen Emperor was somewhat perplexed.

  "Your Majesty, the hardships of Liaodong are probably unimaginable to the people of Jiangnan, a land of plenty. If we were to convey the hardships of Liaodong through songs and plays, stirring up sympathy among the people of Jiangnan, would it not make it easier for them to accept the imperial court's taxation and disaster relief?" asked Zhong Jiwei.

  Looking at Emperor Chongzhen who did not speak, he asked again: "Your Majesty, is there a newspaper now? Ah, it's that Imperial Gazette."

  "Yes." The Chongzhen Emperor nodded slightly.

  "This gazette is also useful, it can put some good people and good things on it to spread them all over the world. However, the gazette is for scholars to read, ordinary people want to know the content still have to rely on scholars to tell them. If scholars misinterpret the meaning, ordinary people will also be misled, while qu (a type of poem) and opera can be directly understood by ordinary people."

  "Your Majesty still remembers the power of the common people I mentioned before, in this way, the power of the common people can be used by Your Majesty and will not be isolated from Your Majesty and the common people by those who read books and hold official positions."

  After listening to Zhong Wen's words, Emperor Chongzhen thought there was some reason in them, but he didn't take it very seriously. Based on his consistent trust in Zhong Wen, he said: "Alright, let's do it according to Master Zhong's plan. I'll have Wen Qing follow up on this matter later."

  Zhong Jinwei didn't even realize he was hungry, having wasted so much saliva, and Emperor Chongzhen wasn't really paying attention. Now that Emperor Chongzhen had agreed, he wanted to take his leave and go eat.

  At this time, Wang Chengen reported to Emperor Chongzhen: "Your Majesty, the message from the Eastern Depot is that the Minister of War and Grand Secretary of the Imperial Academy Sun Chengzong's efforts to purge the weak and retain the strong in the military are not going smoothly."

  Chongzhen Emperor heard this and became somewhat anxious: "Why is it so?"

  "It is said that all the generals are resisting. The details are still unknown."

  "Hurry and summon Sun Shifu to come and pay his respects." Chongzhen Emperor said hastily.

  "Yes, Your Majesty." Wang Chengen replied with a bow, then prepared to withdraw and make arrangements for this matter.

  Chongzhen Emperor was anxious and worried in his heart, and he glanced at the corner of his eye to see Zhong Jinwei preparing to leave the palace. A flash of inspiration struck him, and he hastily said to Wang Chengen: "Wait."

  Then he turned to Zhong Jingwei: "Master Zhong, I have something to say to you, wait a moment."