Emperor Shizong and the court ministers obstructed and delayed Yangming's appointment to official duties after he completed his mourning period in April of 1524 (the third year of Jiajing's reign). At that time, the Great Rites ControversyGreat Rites Controversy was in full swing within the court, and the ministers were particularly wary that Yangming's return to the court might “stir up trouble.” Emperor Shizong, who had long viewed Yangming's heartmind learning as “heterodox and heretical,” had established a comprehensive “Prohibition on Learning,” doing his utmost to prevent Yangming from resuming his post.