Ming Dynasty Whirlpool

The novel reveals the systematic corruption of border towns, water transportation, and assessment systems in the Ming Dynasty, as well as the erosion of the "clear system" by "hidden rules". Jiajing used "checks and balances" to control the political situation, which not only punished corruption but also maintained stability, reflecting the operational logic of imperial power in the Ming Dynasty. Wu Zonglian was reduced from "investigator" to "chess piece", and Zhu Xizhong was changed from "executor" to "archiver". The powerlessness and adaptation of individuals in the power structure.