Zhang Juzheng, the Grand Secretary in the Reign of Emperor Wanli

Plot Synopsis

Zhang Juzheng, who came from a humble background, successively passed the provincial examinations to become a Xiucai (a scholar who passed the imperial examinations at the county level), a Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations at the provincial level), and a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). Eventually, he reached the position of Grand Secretary of the Cabinet and gradually became an outstanding prime minister in governing the country. He assisted the young emperor who ascended the throne in his childhood. He rectified the official management, swept away the decadent atmosphere, and toiled day and night, devoting himself wholeheartedly for several years to the tottering foundation of the Ming Dynasty. Zhang Juzheng was so busy with state affairs that he didn't even manage to go back home to attend the funeral when his old father passed away. And on June 20th, the tenth year of the Wanli reign, he exhausted his last ounce of energy. After his death, Empe