I, Jiajing, successfully cultivated immortality

Chapter 764: There will be no hidden dangers of the demise of the government
As the only clan member in this exam, Zhu Shunxian's every move naturally attracted the attention of many people.

Among them, the British public Zhang Rong was naturally included.

Zhang Rong is very optimistic about this Zhu Shunxian, who has passed the children's examination and the provincial examination one after another on his own, and obtained the qualification to participate in the general examination.

After learning that Zhu Shunxian was a branch of Prince Hui's palace, Zhang Rong admired him even more.

Zhang Rong also had some understanding of the situation of the lower-level clans and nobles.

Before this, the situation among the millions of clans and nobles in the Ming Dynasty was that most of them were wealthy, while the other branches were poor.

Since Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang had expressly stipulated that the clan was not allowed to engage in other affairs, therefore, those side branches could only rely on the little salary and lumi distributed by the court to support the family.

Even more branch clans can only rely on loans to survive.

This situation has improved a lot since the emperor officially promulgated regulations to reduce clan expenses and allowed clan members and nobles to make their own livelihoods.

After all, the emperor did not cut all the clans simply and roughly, but divided the clan into major sects and side branches.

For large branches, half of their expenses will be cut. For side branches, one year's salary and lumi will be paid as appropriate, and they will be allowed to engage in their profession freely.

Zhang Rong knew very well that the emperor had always wanted to set an example to inspire the clans and nobles in the world.

As the only clan member in this examination, Zhu Shunxian has naturally fallen into the emperor's eyes, and his future future is immeasurable.

It is precisely because of this that Zhang Rong was eager to establish a good relationship with Zhu Shunxian and pave the way for the future.

Before that, Zhang Rong sent the butler to the hotel where Zhu Shunxian was staying.

"When the people arrive later, we have to build relationships and get closer to each other!"

Zhang Rong thought like this, picked up the teacup on the side and took a sip.

At this moment, a rush of footsteps was heard outside the door, and not long after, the housekeeper entered the room with extremely eager steps.

Seeing the butler arriving, Zhang Rong quickly stood up from his seat and subconsciously looked behind the butler.

But unexpectedly, there was no figure behind the butler as he expected.

Seeing this situation, Zhang Rong couldn't help but frowned, then looked in the direction of the housekeeper and asked, "What's going on? Where is the person I asked you to invite?"

The housekeeper naturally heard the displeasure in Zhang Rong's words. After thinking about it for a moment, he told the whole story: "Master... Master, I'll tell you the truth, this is what happened..."

After listening to the butler's description of the situation, Zhang Rong's expression became solemn.

Then, he looked away from the housekeeper and confirmed: "You mean, you saw with your own eyes that Zhu Shun was taken to the palace in a sedan chair?"

When the housekeeper heard Zhang Rong's words, he immediately lowered his head and responded without thinking: "Yes... yes, sir, this is what I saw with my own eyes!"

After learning the news from the housekeeper, Zhang Rong nodded. After pondering for a moment, he immediately ordered: "Okay, let's leave this matter here first. You can go down now!"

"Yes, sir!"

When the butler heard this, an expression of amnesty appeared on his face, he lowered his head and responded in a deep voice.

Looking at the butler's leaving figure, Zhang Rong's face was full of joy, and he sighed secretly: "Fortunately it was too late, otherwise, things would have been in trouble..."

……

At this time, Zhu Shunxian was unusually uneasy on the way to the Forbidden City in a sedan chair.

After all, not long ago, a father-in-law came to the hotel where he was staying, and he was invited onto the sedan without any explanation.

Although the father-in-law didn't say it clearly, Zhu Shunxian could roughly guess who wanted to see him.

After all, besides the emperor, who else has such a big battle?

The closer he got to the Forbidden City, the faster Zhu Shunxian's heart beat. Perhaps due to being too nervous, large beads of sweat rolled down Zhu Shunxian's forehead from time to time.

"Why is Your Majesty looking for me?"

"Also, what should I pay attention to when I see Your Majesty later? If you fail to behave properly, wouldn't it be possible..."

At this moment, a high-pitched voice was heard, bringing Zhu Shunxian back to reality: "We're here!"

When Zhu Shun first heard this, he breathed a sigh of relief. After calming down, he got down from the sedan chair.

After that, the previous eunuch came to Zhu Shunxian and said respectfully: "Come with us!"

Seeing this situation first, Zhu Shun quickly leaned down and saluted the eunuch: "Well, thank you, father-in-law!"

Taking this opportunity, the eunuch looked Zhu Shunxian up and down and said to himself: "Looking at his appearance, he is just an ordinary scholar. Why would the ancestor give the order personally? It's really strange."

Having said that, the eunuch did not dare to be indifferent to Zhu Shunxian in front of him, because as the person closest to the emperor, Lu Fang's words often represented the emperor's wishes.

"In other words, does His Majesty want to see this clan member?"

Thinking of this, I saw a warm smile on the eunuch's face, waved his hand, and then said: "It doesn't matter, this is just our family's duty!"

After the eunuch finished speaking, he motioned for Zhu Shun to follow him first. Then, the eunuch took out a voucher from his arms. After showing it to the Forbidden Army for inspection, they were let into the Forbidden City.

Along the way, while guiding Zhu Shunxian, the eunuch also explained some matters that need to be paid attention to when meeting the emperor from time to time, which benefited Zhu Shunxian a lot.

When passing a corner, the eunuch stopped, turned around, and told Zhu Shunxian: "Wait here for a moment, someone will come to meet you soon!"

When Zhu Shun first heard this, he immediately lowered his head and respectfully said, "Thank you so much, father-in-law for your advice!"

The two didn't wait too long. Not long after, they saw an old eunuch walking towards them, his steps slow.

When the eunuch who was responsible for guiding Zhu Shunxian saw this, he quickly came to the old eunuch and whispered a few words in a low voice.

After that, the old eunuch's eyes softened when he looked at Zhu Shunxian.

Immediately, he glanced at Zhu Shunxian and said: "Come with our family, and I will take you to meet His Majesty!"

"Yes, father-in-law!"

After Zhu Shunxian responded, he followed the old eunuch's pace and walked slowly through the Forbidden City.

Along the way, when the eunuchs and maids saw the old eunuch next to Zhu Shunxian, they would subconsciously put down their work and bow to him.

But the old eunuch turned a blind eye to this and just led the way.

After passing through countless corridors and turning many corners, Zhu Shunxian, led by the old eunuch, finally arrived not far from the Qianqing Palace.

While Zhu Shunxian was still marveling at the majestic, solemn and magnificent palaces around him, he heard the old eunuch's voice: "Ahead is the Qianqing Palace where His Majesty is!"

Zhu Shun first heard the old eunuch's words, and a look of gratitude appeared on his face. Just when he was about to say something, he saw not far away, the eunuch who was responsible for teaching etiquette came up to him.

Seeing this, the old eunuch just glanced at the visitor and gave instructions.

"You are responsible for teaching him etiquette until he learns it!"

"Yes, father-in-law!"

The eunuch who was responsible for teaching etiquette did not dare to show any slightness when he heard this. He immediately lowered his head and responded respectfully.

The old eunuch heard this and made no comment. He just nodded and walked away.

After the old eunuch could no longer be seen, the eunuch who was responsible for teaching etiquette withdrew his gaze.

Immediately, after looking Zhu Shunxian up and down, he sighed helplessly and said: "Listen carefully, when I meet His Majesty later, you will answer whatever His Majesty asks. , don’t answer randomly, and don’t break the rules, you know?”

When Zhu Shun heard this first, his face was full of gratitude. He leaned down and said respectfully: "Thank you, father-in-law, for your advice!"

"In addition, you have to pay more attention to etiquette..."

Under the careful guidance of this eunuch who was responsible for teaching etiquette, Zhu Shunxian also had a general understanding of the process of meeting the emperor and what needed to be paid attention to.

……

Forbidden City, Qianqing Palace.

At this time, Jiajing was sitting on the dragon chair, listening to the report from Lu Fang.

"Your Majesty, after the examination, Zhu Shunxian did not go around looking for people to mark the papers like other candidates."

"But stay in the library and live in seclusion."

After learning the news from Lu Fang, a look of relief flashed across Jiajing's face, he nodded, and then said: "Well, not bad, it seems he understands his position very well!"

When Jiajing said this, as if he suddenly remembered something, he looked in the direction of Lu Fang and asked, "By the way, has anyone arrived yet?"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, she immediately looked stern and responded without thinking: "Your Majesty, I have invited you here according to your instructions, and I am waiting outside now!"

When Jiajing heard this, he waved his hand quite casually, and then ordered: "Since the people have arrived, let's call them in!"

"As you command, Your Majesty!"

Not long after that, a high-pitched voice was heard: "Xuan Zhushun comes to see you first!"

After the words fell, Zhu Shunxian, who had been waiting outside the Qianqing Palace for a long time, immediately calmed down and climbed up the steps of the Qianqing Palace.

As soon as he entered the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Shunxian followed the etiquette taught by the eunuch earlier and knelt down on the ground with a plop, saying in a deep voice: "I bow to your majesty, long live my emperor!" Upon hearing this, Jiajing said, After looking Zhu Shunxian up and down, he waved his hand and then ordered: "Well, get up!"

After receiving Jiajing's permission, Zhu Shunxian slowly stood up from the ground.

From the moment he entered the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Shunxian felt an inexplicable pressure shrouding himself.

When Zhu Shunxian noticed that the emperor's gaze fell on him, his mind went blank, his whole body trembled, and beads of sweat kept appearing on his forehead.

"It's exactly what I expected, dressed like a scholar!"

Jiajing thought so, and then looked away from Zhu Shunxian.

Perhaps seeing Zhu Shunxian's embarrassment, Jiajing waved to the eunuch on the side and said: "Come here, give me a seat!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

As soon as Jiajing finished speaking, a eunuch came forward, prepared a seat for Zhu Shunxian, and covered it with soft cushions.

Although Zhu Shunxian was almost nervous enough to speak at this time, he still did not forget the earlier instructions of the eunuch who was responsible for teaching etiquette.

He mustered up his courage, raised his hands in the direction of Jiajing, and said respectfully: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

After that, I saw Zhu Shunxian sitting down on the chair, sitting upright and not daring to move.

Jiajing took in Zhu Shunxian's performance and shook his head in a subtle way.

Then, a warm smile appeared on his face, and he said slowly: "Don't be too nervous. I called you here today just because I want to chat with you!"

When Jiajing said this, he paused for a moment and then added: "After all, you are the only member of the clan to take this exam!"

When Zhu Shun first heard Jiajing's words, a look of panic appeared on his face, and he responded respectfully: "Your Majesty is so complimentary. The reason why I am able to achieve what I am today is just because of His Majesty's glory."

"If Your Majesty hadn't allowed the clan and nobles to choose their own professions, no matter how knowledgeable and talented I am, I still wouldn't be qualified to take part in this exam, let alone meet Your Majesty like I am now!"

"It is said that there is a bole in the world, and then there is a thousand-mile horse. To me, your Majesty, you are my bole!"

When Zhu Shunxian said this, his face was so sincere that no one could see the lie.

When Lu Fang, who was waiting next to Jiajing, heard this, he couldn't help but look sideways, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and said silently to himself: "Well, it seems that Zhu Shunxian, a descendant of the clan, knows his position very well!"

In Lu Fang's view, Zhu Shunxian was taking this opportunity to express his feelings to the emperor and to get closer to him.

What Zhu Shunxian wanted to express was very simple: "Your Majesty, Wei Chen is what he is today, thanks to your support. It is because you allow the lower-level clan members and nobles to choose their own careers. Wei Chen is very grateful for your kindness!"

Sure enough, after Zhu Shunxian finished speaking, Jiajing looked at him with a little more emotion.

Then, Jiajing was seen gently stroking the dragon head carved on the dragon chair with his hand, and asked: "I heard that Aiqing is a branch of Prince Hui's palace?"

Zhu Shun first heard Jiajing's words and described the specific situation to Jiajing in a leisurely manner: "Yes, Your Majesty, Wei Chen was born in a branch of Prince Hui's palace."

"Your Majesty, to be honest, before this, Wei Chen's family could only rely on the salary and lumi distributed by the court!"

"Usually when receiving lumi, Prince Hui's Mansion collects all the money and food in advance and then distributes it to the subordinate branches. However, there are inevitably embezzlement and difficulties in this process. Therefore, whenever my father goes to the main house to receive the stipend, silver and lu After rice, I always lose my temper when I get home."

"Since Your Majesty allowed the clan members and nobles to seek their own jobs, my father rented a piece of land near the outskirts of the city and became a farmer, while my mother used her weaving skills to start weaving. Although life was still tight, It’s much better than being angry.”

"Wei Chen knows that the reason why Your Majesty allows the clan and nobles to choose their own careers is to enable them to be self-reliant..."

Jiajing did not continue to listen to the rest of the words. He just squinted his eyes with an inexplicable look on his face.

……

In Jiajing's view, this Zhu Shunxian was a smart man, very wise, and knew what role he should play.

And before he could say anything, he took the initiative to find a reason for himself.

Zhu Shunxian expressed both inside and outside his words that he was able to be where he is today only because of the emperor's favor.

Moreover, allowing the clan members and nobles to choose their own careers was given as a high-sounding reason that they wanted the clan members and nobles to be self-reliant.

Of course Jiajing knew that if he drastically reduced the clan's expenses and used the knife on the clan and nobles, he would cause complaints.

Jiajing is naturally clear about the possible complaints of those clans and nobles whose interests have been harmed.

But Jiajing didn't care, because he was the emperor with the power of life and death, and the father of millions of people in the Ming Dynasty!

So what if those people have complaints? At present, Jiajing has firmly grasped the right to speak through newspapers covering the two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty.

Not only that, Jiajing also vigorously supported the clan and noble forces by holding special examinations.

And taking this opportunity, the clans and nobles headed by Duke Chengguo, Duke Yingying and Duke Ding were gradually sent to the court.

While using their hands to check and balance civil servants, they can also maximize the differentiation and disintegration of the power within the clan and noble groups.

In short, it's just fighting against each other.

The clan and noble forces headed by Duke Chengguo, Duke Yingying and Duke Ding had received such favor from the emperor, so they would naturally reciprocate the favor and unequivocally support the emperor's decision.

"Let everyone suffer a little longer. When the clan and nobles return to the court and restore their past glory, everyone's life will be better!"

And with the clans and nobles headed by Duke Cheng, Duke Ying, and Duke Ding to share the pressure for Jiajing, Jiajing naturally does not need to worry too much.

What's more, it only takes one generation to survive, and after this generation passes away, not many people will mention these things anymore.

Coincidentally, what Jiajing does not lack right now is time.

He can even sit back and watch the ebb and flow of the tide, witnessing with his own eyes the implementation of reform measures one by one, and there will be no hidden danger of the collapse of the government.

Time passed by slowly. I don’t know how long it had passed, but Jiajing came back to his senses and looked in the direction of Zhu Shunxian. At this time, Jiajing looked at Zhu Shunxian with a hint of appreciation.

If Zhu Shunxian was a scholar who only knew how to read dead books, then Jiajing would put him in a position where he was harmless to humans and animals and use him as a mascot.

Because in officialdom, naive people don't live long.

There is an old saying that goes well, corrupt officials want to be raped, honest officials are even more likely to be raped!

After that, Jiajing suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in his heart, looked in the direction of Zhu Shunxian, and said slowly: "Well, I am very pleased that you can pass the children's examination, the provincial examination, and obtain the status of Juren." !”

"Prove that my clan in the Ming Dynasty is not just a bunch of dandy boys who hang out in casinos and brothels all day long."

When Jiajing said this, he glanced at Zhu Shunxian and then continued: "So, I hope you can remember your identity. Do you understand?"

When Zhu Shun first heard Jiajing's words, his pupils suddenly shrank, and his face was full of shock that could not be concealed.

Immediately, he lowered his head and responded respectfully: "Thank you for your advice, Your Majesty. I will always remember my identity!"

Jiajing made no comment, just nodded and gave instructions.

"Okay, I still have things to deal with next, so let's get here first today!"

"As ordered, Your Majesty, I will retire now!"

Zhu Shun heard Jiajing's words first and immediately stood up from his seat, leaned down and bowed to Jiajing.

After that, Zhu Shunxian did not stay in the Qianqing Palace for too long, but left directly.

……

Looking at Zhu Shunxian's leaving figure, Jiajing looked away, turned around and looked at Lu Fang, raised his eyebrows, and asked: "Lv Fang, in your opinion, I should arrange for Zhu Shunxian to be there." In what position?"

When Lu Fang heard Jiajing's words, after hesitating for a long time, she lowered her head and carefully responded: "Your Majesty, I don't know!"

Jiajing took in the expression on Lu Fang's face, and after pondering for a moment, he immediately said, "Lu Fang, what do you think of the Inspectorate?"

When Jiajing finished speaking, Lu Fang's face was full of shock that could not be concealed, because he immediately thought of sending Zhu Shunxian to serve in the Inspectorate.

However, due to various concerns, he did not express his thoughts.

"Could it be said that Your Majesty can see through people's hearts?"

At this time, there was such a doubt lingering in Lu Fang's heart.

"No, it won't be. This should be just a coincidence. Your Majesty should have already made the corresponding decision in his heart!"

"Yes, that's right, it must be like this. Sending Zhu Shunxian, a descendant of the clan, to the Inspectorate for training can minimize the chance that he will be assimilated by those civil servants!"

When Lu Fang thought of this, her face was filled with determination.

After that, Lu Fang suppressed all the chaotic thoughts in her heart, raised her head, looked in the direction of Jiajing, and said respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise, I also feel that Zhu Shunxian, a descendant of the clan, should be sent to the Inspectorate. It couldn’t be a better time to serve!”

When Jiajing heard Lu Fang's words, he responded inaudibly. Then, he picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip, and said to himself: "Next, let's see what rank Zhu Shunxian can get in the exam. !”

On the other side, after walking out of the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Shunxian's face was full of excitement that could not be concealed.

Zhu Shunxian felt a surge in his heart when he recalled what the emperor had said to him before.

At this time, Zhu Shunxian's face was full of determination. He subconsciously clenched his fists and said silently to himself: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will remember my identity as a descendant of my clan!"

(End of this chapter)