A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

Zhang Heling, a noble with little scholarly merit, unexpectedly stepped forward during a court session to clarify matters for Emperor Hong Zhi, surprising officials. Despite his lack of qualifications, he presented a muddled argument about succession in the Ming Dynasty, omitting key historical facts. His speech drew criticism from officials, who hesitated to refute him publicly. Meanwhile, Shen Xi submitted a memorial questioning the legitimacy of the Jianwen era, stirring unease among the ministers. The memorial, sophisticated in its phrasing, posed a dilemma for the emperor, indicating a deep understanding of court politics. The identity of the memorial's author became a topic of speculation among the officials.

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