Chapter Twenty-One: Preparing the Newspaper

This greatly piqued Zhu Youxiao’s curiosity. He pondered the matter based on the few words he’d heard, but could make no sense of it. Thus he instructed Wei Zhongxian to have the Eastern Depot investigate Li Sancai’s sources of income thoroughly. He also ordered close surveillance on Yang Lian and other Donglin Party members, ideally infiltrating their homes to gather information and get to the bottom of this matter.

For now, that was all that could be done. Zhu Youxiao’s mind turned to another issue: how to boost morale. When Shenyang fell, Yuan Yingtai’s memorial suggested that He Shixian might have defected to the enemy, prompting the officials to clamor for his punishment and that of his family. But later, Luo Yangxing’s report clearly stated that he had witnessed He Shixian die in battle, and that there had been no defection. The detailed reports confirmed He Shixian’s death. If he had listened to his ministers and punished the He family, the blow to the army’s morale would have been devastating.

Then there were Qin Bangping and Chen Ce, both commanders from other regions who fought with exceptional ferocity, far surpassing the local Liao-dong officers like Zhu Wanliang. Zhu Youxiao believed that rewarding merit and punishing faults was what soldiers most hoped for from the court, as it was the key to raising morale. Furthermore, the heroic deeds of valiant soldiers should be made known throughout the land, and the shameful faces of those who defected or cowered before the enemy exposed. Thus, the people would know whom to revere and whom to despise. However, the imperial gazette currently had a very limited audience. Clearly, a newspaper was needed; this would be an unparalleled strategy for controlling public opinion.

The Emperor summoned Xu Guangqi to inquire about the current state of printing technology. According to Xu, printing was still dominated by woodblock printing, as it produced clearer and more aesthetically pleasing results than movable type, and allowed for multi-colored printing through overprinting. Movable type—whether tin, wood, or copper—was expensive, produced fewer copies, and often suffered from unclear characters or missing types.

Zhu Youxiao recalled that in later generations lead movable type was used, and asked whether it could be adopted. Xu Guangqi replied that he had indeed heard of it—apparently it was used by some in the Changzhou area, but he was not certain of the details.

The Emperor issued an edict: In the battles of Liaodong and Liaoshen, generals such as He Shixian, You Shigong, Chen Ce, Qin Bangping, and Zhou Dunji had perished for the country, their loyal souls enduring forever. Therefore, a Shrine of Martyrs would be established in Liaodong to honor all loyal officials and soldiers who had fallen there throughout the wars. The officials differed in their opinions; some agreed, but others opposed. Zhou Jiamei, Minister of Personnel and a Donglin Party member, argued that distinguishing the dead who had fought for the nation from those who had defected to save themselves would be difficult. It would increase the number of officials in the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of War, and errors would bring ridicule upon the court.

Yang Lian and Zuo Guangdou shared this view. Zhu Youxiao thought to himself that they simply did not wish to see the status of military men rise. He smiled and said, “If those who fall for the country cannot receive proper respect and recognition, if their spirits cannot be honored with sacrifices, who would be willing to die for the nation? Let the Ministry of Rites choose an auspicious location for the Shrine of Martyrs. Along the shrine’s approach, erect a path lined with the names and birthplaces of generals who defected, as well as the names of their fathers, so all may know from whom such traitors sprang. As for those who cowered before the enemy, they shall be given one chance to redeem themselves through merit; repeat offenders shall be listed with the traitors, though their fathers’ names will be omitted.”

“As for the matter of investigation—even if mistakes are made, it is better than having no rites at all.”

Fang Congzhe supported the Emperor’s view. “The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites may be burdened, but loyal officials and martyrs have defended the Great Ming and Your Majesty with their very lives. Which is the heavier debt? Clearly, the succession understands this. We cannot let the martyrs bleed on the battlefield, then have their families shed tears at home.” This was a phrase Zhu Youxiao had discussed with him beforehand, and he found it apt, even if a bit blunt.

At that, Yang Lian and his fellows held their tongues. Yang, having recently been mocked over the matter of Lady Li being made Consort Kang, was again rebuffed as soon as he spoke; he feigned illness and requested leave, which the Emperor immediately granted, leaving the Donglin Party members with nothing more to say.

The Emperor issued another edict: The Ministry of Rites shall establish a press office, with Bao Ying’ao, Director of Sacrificial Rites, as chief editor. All skilled printers in the realm are to be summoned to prepare the Great Ming Weekly, so that all under heaven may know and discuss the affairs of the empire.

This decree sparked lively debate among the officials. Most were in favor, and it was easy to see why: only the literati could read newspapers, giving them another channel to exert pressure on the Emperor and to express their views. Censors in particular, skilled at manipulating public opinion, welcomed this new platform. They could not yet imagine that, in time, the newspaper would render their profession nearly obsolete—but that is another story.

Bao Ying’ao, a native of Southern Zhili, currently served as Director of Sacrificial Rites in the Ministry of Rites. According to Xu Guangqi, he was upright, honest, and a capable official, most importantly, a practical man. No sooner did the imperial edict arrive than he entered the palace to seek audience.

“Your Majesty has entrusted me with the Great Ming Weekly, but I am limited in knowledge and do not understand what a ‘weekly’ is or how to run one. I beg Your Majesty’s instruction.”

“It is no surprise that you are unfamiliar, Lord Bao. At present, the imperial gazette informs only the officials of court affairs. I wish to establish a weekly that will be distributed throughout the country, allowing all under heaven to know and discuss the matters of the court. The number of copies will depend on printing capabilities and subscriptions.”

“The weekly shall have four sections: the imperial edicts, current affairs, military news, and political commentary. At first, it may be printed by woodblock, distributed free to all ministries, prefectures, and county offices. Others must pay to receive it.”

“The word ‘weekly’ refers to its regular publication at set intervals. Depending on the printing process, at present it may be issued once every half month or ten days; in time, perhaps every five days or even daily.”

“Your Majesty, I understand the sections on edicts, current affairs, and military news, but what is meant by political commentary? Forgive my ignorance.”

“Political commentary refers to opinions other than those of the court—others’ views on imperial edicts, policies, and military affairs.”

“Your Majesty, your words are law, your will is heaven’s mandate. If others dare criticize the imperial edicts, it could be considered treasonous, deserving universal condemnation.”

Zhu Youxiao smiled faintly. He loved the wicked charms of this feudal world—for now, he was the emperor. “Lord Bao, commentary can also be in support of the edicts. Besides, the weekly is published by the court itself—how could it possibly contain slander against the throne?”

“For the first issue, recruit staff and prepare a sample to present to me. I wish to be personally involved and will approve the final draft before printing. Draft regulations for distribution to government offices and sales among the people. As for funding, all expenses will be covered by the imperial treasury.”

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty. There is no sovereign greater than you.” Upon hearing that the costs would be paid from the imperial treasury, Bao Ying’ao was overjoyed. All knew the Ministry of Revenue was in dire straits, and this Great Ming Weekly would clearly be expensive. With the Emperor willing to pay from his own funds, Bao Ying’ao could not help but praise the Son of Heaven.