Su Yan worked through the night to draft a memorial to the throne, elaborating on the importance of “investigating things to attain knowledge” from the perspectives of livelihood, economy, and military affairs. He proposed establishing new academies, introducing new subjects, and compared the technological advancements of the Ming dynasty with those of Western nations.
To capture the attention of the emperor and the senior officials, he even hand-drew a rough world map, pointing out that Portugal had organized ocean-going fleets 50 years ago, establishing colonial bases on Africa’s west coast to engage in gold and slave trade. Three years ago, Portuguese fleets had rounded the Cape of Good Hope to discover India, thus opening a direct maritime route to the East. Meanwhile, Spanish fleets had sailed westward, discovering the Americas. He predicted that within 20 years, the two nations would complete humanity’s first circumnavigation of the globe.
In contrast, the Ming dynasty, through its tributary system, had once established a political order centered on the Ming court across East Asia, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and even Central Asia. This had indeed demonstrated the nation’s prominence both domestically and internationally. However, after Zheng He, there was no other Zheng He. The treasure fleets had gradually disappeared from the whale-filled waves of the East China Sea, and the tributary system began to disintegrate. The Ming dynasty’s focus on vassal relations and a policy of “kindness to distant peoples” and generous trade practices was now being replaced by the Western approach of military conquest, colonial rule, and monopolized trade.
Western nations, profiting immensely from their colonial expansion, were inevitably reshaping the global order, posing a significant threat to the Ming dynasty’s position as a leading power. Su Yan concluded his memorial with a forward-looking, cautionary statement:
“The European nations of Bordugele (Su Yan’s note: formerly translated as a name difficult to pronounce, now to be rendered as Portugal) and Xibaniya (to be rendered as Spain), though small in size and vastly inferior in national strength to our great Ming, possess the advantage of firearms and harbor relentless ambitions. Their fleets are eyeing the Southeast Seas, including our vassal states of Malacca, Sulu, and Kumalarang. A clash with our great Ming is inevitable.”
The next day, Emperor Jinglong summoned the five Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet to the Zhongji Hall and presented them with Su Yan’s lengthy, illustrated memorial.
After reading it, the officials exchanged glances, followed by a flurry of discussion.
Some questioned Su Yan’s youth and inexperience, doubting how he could know so much about the affairs of foreign nations. They suspected he was fabricating stories to create unnecessary alarm.
Others, proud of their status as subjects of the Celestial Empire, dismissed the need to emulate barbarian nations and learn trivialities like “the study of the principles of things”.
Some were moved but worried that introducing new fields of study would disrupt the civil examination system, leading to instability among the populace.
And then there were those who remained silent, lost in contemplation.
The emperor broke the silence: “Li Gelao, why do you not speak?”
First Grand Secretary Li Chengfeng lightly traced his fingers over Su Yan’s hand-drawn, rudimentary world map and posed a question: “Your Majesty, does the court still hold the Map of the Unified Great Ming, drawn during the reign of the Founding Emperor, based on The Comprehensive Map of Voice and Teaching by Yuan cartographer Li Zemin and the Globe produced by the Yuan Dynasty’s Astronomical Bureau director Zhalumatin?”
“Of course,” replied the emperor. “Such a detailed and invaluable map must remain within the palace.”
Maps, being tied to military secrets, had always been restricted to the court, forbidden from circulation among commoners. The Map of the Unified Great Ming, centered on Ming’s territory, extended north to the Mongolian Plateau, south to Java, east to Japan, and west to Europe and Africa. It listed hundreds of geographic names, including rivers, lakes, and seas, as well as descriptions of foreign lands, their distances from Ming, and their natural conditions. Its strategic importance was unparalleled.
Li Chengfeng asked, “Has Your Majesty shown this map to Su Yan?”
The emperor replied, “I have not.”
“Then I ask Your Majesty to bring out the map and present it to the ministers.”
The emperor ordered Lan Xi to retrieve the Map of the Unified Great Ming from its locked cabinet. Once unrolled on the table, Li Chengfeng placed Su Yan’s hand-drawn map beside it. “Gentlemen, compare the two maps. What do you see?”
The officials crowded around, studying the two maps alongside the emperor. They were astounded to find that, beyond the Ming Empire, the shapes of the oceans and lands aligned remarkably well. Su Yan’s map even provided more detailed annotations about foreign nations. Furthermore, it extended beyond the limits of the Map of the Unified Great Ming to include regions like the Grand Duchy of Moscow (noted as part of the former Golden Horde), the Americas, and Australia.
Pointing to the southeastern seas near Ming’s tributary states such as Java and Malacca, Li Chengfeng traced southward to northern Australia. “I recall that this region was mentioned in the naval charts of Admiral Zheng He. It was said that settlers from Malacca had sailed to this land, described as having dark-skinned inhabitants who occasionally mixed with lighter-skinned ‘Tang people.’”
Second Grand Secretary Yang Ting was stunned. “The naval charts from the late emperor’s time were thought to be lost. Could it be that Su Yan somehow obtained the original maps? That would explain the accuracy of his drawing.”
Li Chengfeng nodded and said, “If Su Shaoqing obtains the authentic writings of the Three-Treasures Eunuch Zheng He and seeks out Western missionaries to inquire about their countries, his predictions regarding the fleets of Portugal and Spain eyeing our vassal states may indeed hold weight.”
“From this perspective, the young man is quite farsighted, and promoting the study of ‘investigating things’ may not be unfeasible,” the emperor remarked.
However, Vice Chancellor Jiao Yang adamantly opposed the idea. He argued fervently, “The laws and traditions established by our ancestors cannot be lightly abolished or altered. To recklessly tamper with ancestral principles—how will Your Majesty face your forebears in the future?”
This statement came across as aggressive and lacked the proper respect of a court minister. Emperor Jinglong’s gaze sharpened, and just as he was about to respond, Vice Chancellor Xie Shiyan—known for his knack for diplomacy—interjected, “We are merely discussing the establishment of an academy, Jiao Gelao. Bringing up ancestral traditions seems overly exaggerated. If you believe it unwise to alter the imperial examination system, we could simply establish the academy first and evaluate its outcomes gradually. But to speak so disrespectfully to His Majesty—how is that appropriate?”
Jiao Yang could only lower himself to the floor, apologizing repeatedly. The emperor, with a cold tone, replied, “In matters of governance, differences of opinion are to be expected, and I will not hold this against you. However, whether I can face our ancestors after my passing is not something you alone can decide—or are you suggesting that you intend to accompany me to the afterlife to explain it to them in person?”
This veiled warning left Jiao Yang drenched in cold sweat. He knelt repeatedly, pleading for forgiveness, exclaiming, “May Your Majesty live forever; this guilty minister deserves death!”
The emperor waited until Jiao Yang’s forehead was swollen from his kowtows before finally pardoning him.
With this, no other ministers dared to oppose the idea. Li Chengfeng, who had initially supported the proposal, began drafting a plan with the emperor. It was decided that a new Heavenly Works Academy would be established under the Ministry of Rites to recruit talents skilled in scientific investigation.
As for the details of establishing the academy, they would take time to finalize. First, a principal officer needed to be chosen.
Li Chengfeng recommended Su Yan but expressed concern that Su Yan was too young and inexperienced, suggesting he serve as an assistant while the Minister of Rites took the lead.
The emperor, however, had a different idea.
“Developing penicillin and promoting the study of scientific investigation are closely related, both initially proposed to me by Yu Wang. Therefore, I intend to entrust this matter to him. As for Su Yan, his role as a Shaoqing in Dali Temple is already demanding—handling major criminal cases across the country leaves him no time to assist with the academy.”
“Yu Wang?” The cabinet ministers exchanged surprised glances.
The emperor, noticing their skepticism, showed a trace of displeasure. “What? Do you think my brother is incapable of managing the mere task of establishing an academy?”
The ministers quickly denied this, though internally, they thought: If he’s in charge of recruiting talented scholars from across the country, especially the young and handsome ones, wouldn’t that be like sending lambs into a tiger’s den?
Li Chengfeng, having had a disciple entangled with the scandalous prince, chose not to speak in his defense.
Xie Shiyan, nicknamed “The Mediator Gelao,” once again smoothed things over. “Yu Wang is vigorous, intelligent, and accomplished in both civil and military matters. He is certainly capable of taking on this responsibility.” However, he carefully avoided mentioning Yu Wang’s character, likely unwilling to compromise his own integrity by uttering an obvious falsehood.
To salvage the royal family’s reputation, the emperor added, “Yu Wang has sworn to me that he will reform himself. For the past two to three months, he has conducted himself properly and refrained from his past misdeeds. I believe he is truly repentant. As the saying goes, ‘A prodigal son’s return is worth more than gold.’ I hope my ministers will also see him in a new light.”
Li Chengfeng was uneasy upon hearing the Emperor’s decision and proposed a compromise: “Since Su Yan is the one who made the proposal and has a thorough understanding of the principles of empirical studies and the global landscape, he should assist Yu Wang, but only in an advisory capacity. He need not take on an official role to avoid being overstretched.”
The Emperor, however, felt even more uneasy. Yet, he couldn’t openly say, I don’t want Su Yan involved because I’m worried he’ll be harassed by Yu Wang. Since Li Chengfeng was a pillar of the state and his reasoning was sound, the Emperor reluctantly approved.
With the Emperor’s assurance and Li Chengfeng’s careful consideration, the other Grand Secretaries had no choice but to agree.
Xie Shiyan even thought to himself: It’s said that Yu Wang has feelings for Su Shaoqing and has willingly given up his indulgent lifestyle for him. After that case in the Eastern Gardens, he hasn’t been seen fraternizing with officials for two or three months—truly a rarity. Assigning him to oversee the academy means, at worst, he’ll only bother Su Yan, and it puts his abilities to good use. His Majesty and Chief Minister Li really are thoughtful in their decisions.
And so, the matter was settled.
Li Chengfeng requested Su Yan’s memorial and the world map from the emperor, saying he wanted to keep them in the Cabinet for further study with the grand secretaries. His tone carried evident praise, even using the term “thousand-li steed” to express his admiration for Su Yan’s abilities and potential.
Vice Chancellors Jiao Yang and Wang Qianhe, however, were not as impressed. In private, they complained to each other: Su Yan is a young upstart who doesn’t know his limits. Li Chengfeng is only praising him because he’s Zhuo Qi’s student, which makes him Li’s “grand-disciple” by lineage. The old man’s just protecting his own.
Yu Wang, on the other hand, was a bit surprised to hear about his new assignment.
It wasn’t surprising that the emperor had handed him this troublesome task, but he hadn’t expected even the usually disdainful grand secretaries to agree.
Pondering the subtle shifts in political tides, he concluded that Su Yan was the key to this development.
….I, as a prince, have no experience running an academy, nor do I fully grasp the theories of education. Naturally, I’ll have to consult Su Shaoqing regularly. Raising a cup of wine in mock gratitude toward the Forbidden City, Yu Wang chuckled softly, “Thank you, dear royal brother.”
***
Su Yan had stayed up all night drafting his long memorial and, with his modest 80-point art class skills, managed to draw a rough world map. It felt like cramming for an exam, but by the next day, he was still full of energy and appeared radiant as he reported for his morning duties.
As usual, Wu Ming drove him to the Dali Temple and assisted him out of the carriage at the gate.
Sensing someone watching from behind, Wu Ming turned his sharp gaze toward the source and caught sight of a brightly colored robe peeking from behind a corner. Remaining composed, he escorted Su Yan into the building and then drove the carriage back the way they came.
Passing the corner, Wu Ming swiftly moved, grabbing the hidden figure and pinning their hands behind their back, forcing them against the wall. In a low voice, he demanded, “Who are you?”
“Ow, it hurts! Spare me, good sir, have mercy…” The person pleaded in a coquettish tone.
The affected voice sent a shiver down Wu Ming’s spine. He immediately released them, stepping back to maintain a safe distance.
The figure turned, rubbing their wrist with a pitiful expression. Sure enough, it was Xiyan.
Wu Ming’s voice turned icy. “To escape the Military Command’s pursuit, you must have some skills.”
Xiyan’s face darkened with indignation. “How could I escape? I’m not fast enough! This time, I’ve suffered greatly because of you!”
“I see you’re unharmed, with fresh clothes to wear. How exactly have you suffered?” Wu Ming remained unmoved.
Xiyan began to sob dramatically. “I was caught by the Marquis’s household servants. Marquis Fengan thought I looked like your ‘Lord Su’ and locked me in the firewood shed, saying he’d keep me to use in some future scheme. His servants, seeing my natural beauty and charming face…”
Wu Ming rolled his eyes and stepped back again, visibly repulsed.
“…all tried to take advantage of me! I was so furious and miserable that I had no choice but to find a way to escape.”
“How did you manage to escape from a heavily guarded estate?” Wu Ming asked, skeptical.
Xiyan hesitated, shame flickering across their face. But under Wu Ming’s piercing gaze, they finally admitted, “I… I slept with the steward of the back garden twice. I begged and pestered him until he agreed to let me out of the woodshed for some air. Then, I knocked him out with a brick, took his clothes and pass token, and slipped out through the back gate.”
Wu Ming stared at him in disbelief, his voice biting. “You didn’t want to be taken advantage of, so you… slept with him? Do you even understand priorities?”
Xiyan was dumbfounded. “…”
His face flushed with indignation, and he stomped his foot in frustration. “At least I managed to escape! I don’t have to put up with that old beast’s abuse anymore. Once, when he was drunk, he mistook me for that person and whipped me severely. My body still hurts!”
“Congratulations on your escape. Good luck to you,” Wu Ming said flatly, turning to leave.
“Wait!” Xiyan called after him. “You want to kill that old beast, don’t you? I can give you information to help you!”
Wu Ming froze mid-step, hatred and fury flaring in his chest. He gritted his teeth and asked, “What information?”
Xiyan stepped closer and whispered, “In two days, the old beast is going to Lingguang Temple in the western city to request a ritual from the monk Master Jiyao for his late mother’s soul.”
Wu Ming turned, his eyes sharp as blades, scrutinizing Xiyan’s words for any hint of deceit.
Under the weight of his gaze, Xiyan’s face went pale, and they stared at him, dumbstruck.
After a moment of tense silence, Wu Ming finally spoke. “If you’re lying to me, I’ll make sure your head rolls when I return from Lingguang Temple.”
Xiyan’s face flushed again, this time with fear, and they began to cry. “You’re so cruel! You’ve already gotten me into so much trouble, and now you’re threatening to kill me? You heartless brute! Scoundrel! B*stard! You have no conscience at all!”
Wu Ming’s temples throbbed as he fought the urge to draw his sword. He leapt onto his carriage and sped away without looking back.
Alone, Xiyan wiped their tears, muttering pitifully, “Everyone bullies me, a poor, delicate beauty…”
After a pause, he glanced at Dali Temple’s grand crimson gates and murmured, “That man just now—he was ‘Lord Su’? How could I possibly resemble him? Those fools must be blind… I’m far more charming than he is.”
