In a Ming dynasty court that operated mainly through ceremonial protocol, dynastic law and written communication how did the emperor and his officials communicate when there was a difference of opinion? The emperor was the ruler; if his absolute rule or power was not accordant with the law, how did the literati understand their role and determine which facet was paramount in a given situation? This paper examines the inherent tensions in the polygonal relationship of the emperor, grand secretary, ministers, judges, supervisors, local officials and intellectuals, as well as the political maneuvers that occurred during the legal case of Li Cai (1529-1607) in the Wanli period (1573-1620). In the case of Li, cooperation and struggle between the Shenzong emperor and literati, as well as among the literati themselves resulted in strained relations. By focusing on the opinions and actions of the literati, this paper shows how the literati expressed their collective will.